SERVANT. The dancing-girl, and with her the musicians Your grace was pleased to order, wait without. ARCHBISHOP. Bid them come in. Now shall your eyes behold In what angelic yet voluptuous shape The Devil came to tempt Saint Anthony. (Enter PRECIOSA, with a mantle thrown over her head. She advances slowly, in a modest, half-timid attitude.) CARDINAI. (aside). O, what a fair and ministering angel Was lost to heaven when this sweet woman fell! PRECIOSA (kneeling before the ARCHBISHOP). I have obeyed the order of your grace. If I intrude upon your better hours, I proffer this excuse, and here beseech ARCHBISHOP. May God bless thee, And lead thee to a better life. Arise. CARDINAL (aside). Her acts are modest, and her words discreet! I did not look for this! Come hither, child. PRECIOSA. Thus I am called. CARDINAL. That is a Gipsy name. Who is thy father? |