35.
Çome
Theü maiest waits.
Duke
Since all remain quiet.)
Give room!
This occurs)
And you,Bestrice,forgive me,
That I asked so much for the little I would give.
Take it not as a too low estimate, not as avarice,
see that I am too poor for you!
Beatrice
ly Prince
General movement as Beatrice begins to speak
It was not too little, but it was not of the right kind!
Duke
Vehemently,with renewed hope
Then tell me what you would'st have! I may possess it!
Beatrice
certainly you possess it. For that alone I wish
That to-morrow morning I shall not be called
A harlot!
Dule
Whom a Prince has embraced,
Wero she but a Trol.s sport before
Is so no longer! And thinkest thou,any one
would dare to insult you so?
Leatrice
And should they not voice it
They would whisper it.
Duke
Why should it.werry you?
Beatrice
And though
You might erueify them, 'twould be the truth,
That you bought me—but at a high price!
Therefore, Sire,koep everything, they are nothing to me,
But take me as your wife!
(Movement of astronishment on all sides.)
Duko
As Duchess?
He turns to his courtiers.
What think you of the child?