Upon your honour; are you not acquainted
With any person whom this picture's like?
Sal. I'm not indeed.
Cal. 'Tis an ideal then?
Sal. I know no person who resembles it.
Cal. (rising up.) I'm satisfied—and now the work is mine.
Sal. It is.
Cal. Now, swear that you will never claim
This picture as your work.
Sal. Here is my hand—
I'll never claim that picture as my work.
Cal. Then take your gold; and take my thanks besides.
Sal. (bowing him out.) Farewell—farewell—most noble of directors!—
(Exit Calmari.)
Scene VIII.—Salvator. Ravienna, (who has overheard Calmari's last words, and comes forward in astonishment.)
Rav. What have you done, Salvator?
Sal. Sold your picture.
Rav. To this Calmari?
Sal. You were pleased to place it
At my disposal, as you may remember,
And now the part you have to play is this—
To-morrow, when the notes are given in
Bearing the names of the competitors,
Write upon yours "Picture of Danae,"
And sign your name within. Calmari here
Will do the same—claiming your work as his.
When both are open'd, then you must stand forth,
And in plain terms, before the whole assembly,
Denounce the liar, as he well deserves.
Rav. But he is Laura's guardian, and this trick
Will make him my worst enemy for life.
No, let him take my work, and take my fame,
And give me Laura!
Sal. That will never do—
I will not hear of it. You must be known—
Florence must know the treasure she possesses.
Ten Lauras—ay! a hundred—you may find
Before you paint another piece like that.
Art is of higher worth than love, my friend!—(Exeunt.)
Second Act
Antechamber of the Hall of the Painting Academy. In the middle is a large curtain screening the body of the Hall. In the foreground on the right, is a door leading into the house of the Director. In the walls are two niches, each of which is covered by a curtain: above the niche on the right is inscribed the name of Cimabue, above that on the left the name of Leonardo da Vinci.
Scene I.—Laura. Ravienna, (in the attire of the ancient painter Cimabue, but without the beard.)
Lau.(to Ravienna, who is kneeling before her.) Rise, dear Bernardo; do you doubt me still?
Rav. I am bound down by chains I cannot break.
Lau. So speaks my guardian, when he lies for hours
Prostrate and whining at my feet. Pray, rise!
Rav. (rising.) Laura! how happy am I in your love! I never knew life's blessedness till now—
Fair days are ours, and brighter are to come,
