FLORUS [aside]. Ah! 'tis now impossible
Without speaking to get back here.
Some excuse I'll try to offer:--
I am...

LYSANDER. You here, sir?

FLORUS. Your pardon.
I ask leave, sir, to speak with you
On a most important matter.

JUSTINA [aside]. Oh! take pity on me, fortune,
For these trials are too many.

LYSANDER. Well, sir, speak.

FLORUS [aside, at the door]. Florus in Justina's house
Leaves and enters like a master!--
These are not unfounded jealousies,
These are real and substantial.

LYSANDER. You grow pale, you change your colour.

FLORUS. Do not wonder, be not startled,
For I came to give a warning,
To your life of utmost value,
Of an enemy that you have,
Who your swift destruction planneth.
What I've said is quite sufficient.

LYSANDER [aside]. Florus, doubtless, must have gathered
Somehow that I am a Christian,
And thus comes in kindliest manner
Of my danger to apprise me.--
[Aloud.
Speak, hide nothing in this matter.

* * * * *

SCENE XIV.

LIVIA enters.--

JUSTINA, LYSANDER, and FLORUS; LELIUS at the door of the room.

LIVIA. Sir, the Governor, who is waiting
At the door of the house, commanded
Me to call you to his presence.

FLORUS. Best I wait for his departure:--
[Aside.
(Meantime my excuse I'll think of.)
So 'tis well that you despatch him.

LYSANDER. I appreciate your politeness.
Here I will return instanter.
[Exeunt LYSANDER and LIVIA.

* * * * *

SCENE XV.

JUSTINA and FLORUS; LELIUS at the door.

FLORUS. Are you then that virtuous maiden,
Who, the very breeze that flatters
With its soft and sweet caresses,
You would call rude, bold, unmannered?
How then is it you surrendered
Even the very keys of the casket
Of your honour?

JUSTINA. Hold, hold, Florus,
Do not dare to throw a shadow
On that honour which the sun
After the most strict examen
Has proved bright and pure.

FLORUS. Too late
Comes this idle boast. It happens
That I know to whom you have given
Free access...

JUSTINA. You dare this scandal?--

FLORUS. By a balcony...

JUSTINA.