rats,
The very visage of a man in love.
Is it not so?

GUI. I do not know, Giovanni.
I know I have a passion in my stomach
So bitter I can taste it on my tongue.
She hates me. And her hatred draws me to her
As the moon draws the tide.

GIO. You are like a cat--
There never was a woman yet that feared you
And shunned you, but you leapt upon her shoulder!
Well, I'll be off. The prettiest girl in Fiori,--
Unless it be Her Highness, waits for me
By a fountain. All day long she sells blue plums,
And in the evening what she has left of them
She gives to me! You should love simply, Guido,
As I do. [Exit Giovanni.]

[Guido sits on the bench and drops his head in hand.
Enter Francesca.]

FRA. [Softly.] Guido! Guido!

GUI. Who calls me?

FRA. Guido!

GUI. Francesca! Why do you follow me here?
You know I do not wish to see you!

FRA. Do not be angry.
'Tis half a week since you have spoken to me,
And over a week since you have so much as laid
Your hand upon my arm! And do you think,
Loving you as I do, I can do without you,
Forever, Guido, and make no sign at all?
I know you said you did not wish to see me
Ever again,--but it was only a quarrel--
And we have quarreled before!

GUI. It was not a quarrel.
I am tired of you, Francesca. You are too soft.
You weep too much.

FRA. I do not weep the less
For having known you.

GUI. So;--it will save you tears, then
To know me less.

FRA. Oh, Guido, how your face
Is changed,--I cannot think those are the eyes
That looked into my eyes a month ago!
What's come between us?

GUI. Nothing has come between us.
It is the simple snapping of a string
Too often played upon.

FRA. Ah!--but I know
Who snapped it! It will do you little good
To look at her,--she'll never look at you!

GUI. Be silent a moment!--Unless you would be silent
Longer!

FRA. Indeed! I shall speak out my mind!
You go beyond yourself! There is proportion
Even in a nature like my own, that's twisted
From too much clinging to a crooked tree!
And this is sure: if you no longer love me,
You shall no longer strike me!

MARIO. [Off stage.] Beatrice!
Wait for me! Wait!

BEA. [Off stage.] Not I! Who does not run?
As fast as I run, shall be left behind me!

GUI. They are coming here! I do not wish to see them!

FRA. Oh, Guido! [She follows him off. Exeunt Guido