Love is the wish to live in the light of a sun which
the lover trembles to approach. Do not deck out your egotism in the
lustre of genuine love. A married woman, Laura de Nova, said to
Petrarch, "You are mine, without hope--live on without love." But when
Italy crowned the poet she crowned also his sublime love, and
centuries to come shall echo with admiration to the names of Laura and
Petrarch.
Fregose
There are very many poets whom I dislike, but the man you mention is
the object of my abomination. To the end of the world women will throw
him in the face of those lovers whom they wish to keep without taking.
Faustine
You are called general, but you are nothing but a soldier.
Fregose
Indeed, and how then shall I imitate this cursed Petrarch?
Faustine
If you say you love me, you will ward off from a man of genius--(Don
Fregose starts)--yes, there are such--the martyrdom which his
inferiors are preparing for him. Show yourself great, assist him! I
know it will give you pain, but assist him; then I shall believe you
love me, and you will become more illustrious, in my sight at least,
by this act of generosity than by your capture of Mantua.
Fregose
Here, in your presence, I feel capable of anything, but you cannot
dream of the tempest which will fall upon my head, if I obey your
word.
Faustine
Ah! you shrink from obeying me!
Fregose
Protect him, admire him, if you like; but do not love him!
Faustine
The ship given him by the king has been held back; you can restore it
to him, in a moment.
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