SCENE TWENTIETH
Faustine and Fregose.
Fregose
What is this? I thought to find Fontanares here, happy in the
possession of the ship you gained for him.
Faustine
You have given it to him then, and I suppose hate him no longer. I
thought the sacrifice would be above your strength, and wished to know
if hate were stronger than obedience.
Fregose
Ah! senora--
Faustine
Could you take it back again?
Fregose
Whether obedient or disobedient, I cannot displease you. Good heavens!
Take back the ship! Why, it is crowded with artisans who are its
masters.
Faustine
You never know what I want, and what I do not want.
Fregose
His death?
Faustine
No, but his disgrace.
Fregose
And in that I shall avenge myself for a whole month of anguish.
Faustine
Take care to keep your hands off what is my prey. And first of all,
Don Fregose, take back your pictures from my gallery. (Don Fregose
shows astonishment). It is my will.
Fregose
You refuse then to be marchioness of--
Faustine
They shall be burned upon the public square or sold, and the price
given to the poor.
Fregose
Tell me, what is your reason for this?
Faustine
I thirst for honor and you have ruined mine.
Fregose
Accept my name and all will be well.
Faustine
Leave me, I pray you.
Fregose
The more power you have, the more you abuse it. (Exit.)
SCENE TWENTY-FIRST
Faustine (alone)
So, so! I am nothing then but the viceroy's mistress! He might as well
have said as much! But with the aid of Avaloros and Sarpi I intend to
have a pretty revenge--one worthy of old Venice.
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