BEPPO. [Slowly and with awe drawing it from its scabbard.] Look,--there is blood on it! Scene 2 [A room in the palace at Lagoverde. Bianca and her two little daughters discovered at the rise of the curtain, she in a big chair, they at her feet.] BIA. And so the fairy laid a spell on her: Henceforth she should be ugly as a toad. But the good fairy, seeing this was done, And having in no wise power to alter this, Made all toads beautiful. LITTLE ROSE-RED. They are not beautiful Now, mother! LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. That was in another country!-- What country, mother? [Bianca, lost in thought, does not answer.] LITTLE ROSE-RED. Where is father, mother?-- I have not seen him in so many days! BIA. Father is gone away. LITTLE ROSE-RED. Will he come back? BIA. Nay. He will not come back. But we shall go Where he is. LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Soon? BIA. God grant it may be soon! Now---shall we play a game? [Enter Octavia.] OCT. Bianca. BIA. Ay. OCT. It is a folly to remain indoors Like this. You should be out in the sunshine. BIA. Nay. I have no business with the sunshine. OCT. Ah, My daughter, say not so!--The children, then,-- They have much need of it, and they have need Of you, at the same time. Take them without. BIA. I do not wish to be in the sunshine. LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Mother, Come out of doors! OCT. You see, now! BIA. Do you run out, dears, And play at ball. Mother will join you later. LITTLE ROSE-RED. Where is my ball? BIA. Nay, do you not remember? We put it in the ear of the stone griffin, Because he hears too much. LITTLE ROSE-RED. Ay, so we did! LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Come on, Rose-Red! [Exeunt children.] OCT. It is a curious thing This friend of yours you rate so monstrous high Has not come nigh you in your sore affliction! BIA. I beg you not to speak of that again, Mother. 'Tis the third time today you have said that, Or hinted at it. And I answer always, "There is some reason for it," as I should answer Though you cried daily till the day of doom, "It is a curious thing!" There is some reason, There is some good reason why she does not come. OCT. Oh, ay, I doubt it not! But there are reasons And reasons! BIA. And what am I to learn from that? OCT. 'Tis scarce by reason of too much love for you She leaves you friendless in your greatest need. BIA. I cannot say. 'Tis one thing or another. You have no words can turn me to believe She has forgotten me, or loves me less. 'Tis a big thing, to leave me thus alone,-- And there is some big reason. OCT. Ay. Oh, ay. 'Tis possible she grieves for Mario's death No less than you, BIA. [Simply] Ay, it is possible. I mind she told me on my marriage-day She was as happy as I. OCT. 'Tis a curious thing, When he was here she came to see you often, But now that he is gone comes not at all.