SCENE II
CONSTANCE. Our Lord the Emperor approaches. He looks strangely grave and sad. What can it mean?
CONSTANTINE. Constance, my child, come nearer. I wish to speak to you.
CONSTANCE. I am here, my lord. Command me.
CONSTANTINE. I am in great distress of mind. My heart is heavy.
CONSTANCE. As you came in I saw that you were sad, and without knowing the reason I was troubled.
CONSTANTINE. It is on your account.
CONSTANCE. On my account?
CONSTANTINE. Yes.
CONSTANCE. You frighten me. What is it, my lord?
CONSTANTINE. The fear of grieving you ties my tongue.
CONSTANCE. You will grieve me more by keeping silence.
CONSTANTINE. Gallicanus, my General, whose victories have won him the first place among the princes of my realm—Gallicanus, whose sword is necessary for the defence of the Empire—Gallicanus———
CONSTANCE. What of him?
CONSTANTINE. He wants to make you his wife.
CONSTANCE. Me?
