Who would be likest the impostor then?—
You or Calmari? Friend, look to your Laura;
I fear she's lost, unless the Fates assist you!
Rav. I must be gone, though I should lose my life!
Sal. Stay where you are; to move were. perfect madness.
'Twould ruin all if you were caught just now.
(Noise at the door of the Director's house.)
Some one is coming.
Rav. Laura! oh, my Laura!
Let me away!
Sal. (pushing him back into the niche.) Keep still, or all is lost.
Scene VI.—Ravienna (in the niche.) Salvator. Calmari enters
Sal. (to Calmari.) Your brows are itching for the laurel—eh?
Cal. Dear Rosa! I am steep'd in happiness—
This very day—
Sal. You shall not soon forget it,
That is most certain.
Cal. I shall not, indeed—
It is a most momentous day for me.
If all goes well, this day shall see me crown'd
At once with love and honour.
Sal. Have a care—
They say that "easy won is easy lost;"
Your honour and your ward—both are but young.
Cal. Leave me alone to manage her, my friend.
I'll keep a sharp look-out when we are wed;
She shall be safely screen'd from all men's eyes;
I'll watch each thought that crosses her by day,
I'll watch each dream that visits her by night,
I'll watch each tone that hovers on her lips,
And thus close up the avenues of danger.
When once she is my wife, adieu to music,
Dancing, and books—those roses where snakes nestle—
These in my house shall be forbidden things.
No friend, no confidant shall gain her ear,
And she shall never stir a step without me.
Methinks that thus 'twill be impossible
For her to play me false.
Sal. (casting a glance towards Ravienna.) Ay! ay! old friend,
You are the man to keep gallants at bay;
But your young wife—what will she say to this?
Cal. I care not what she says—she cost me dear,
And such a precious purchase must be lodged
Safe under lock and key..
Sal, (perceiving a sealed note in Calmari's hand.) What have you there?
Cal. The note.
Sal. What note?
Cal. (with a cunning look.) The note which certifies
That I am the painter of a certain picture.
This little token, like a magic spell,
Shall bear me into Laura's bridal chamber,
And into glory's temple.
Sal. Should it not
Have been given in ere now?
Cal. Far better not.
Look ye, Salvator! a wise man should be
Forearm'd 'gainst all contingencies. Suppose
Your picture should not gain the highest prize,
(I grant the case is scarcely possible,
But let it be supposed.)—In that case, then,
Our bargain's cancell'd; you get back your picture,
