Methought I saw a face with eyes of flame Look at us through the doorway. Guido Guido Nay, ’twas nothing: The passing shadow of the man on guard. [The Duchess still stands looking at the window.] Duchess ’Twas nothing, sweet. Duchess Duchess Ay! what can harm us now, Who are in Love’s hand? I do not think I’d care Though the vile world should with its lackey Slander Trample and tread upon my life; why should I? They say the common field-flowers of the field Have sweeter scent when they are trodden on Than when they bloom alone, and that some herbs Which have no perfume, on being bruiséd die With all Arabia round them; so it is With the young lives this dull world seeks to crush, It does but bring the sweetness out of them, And makes them lovelier often. And besides, While we have love we have the best of life: Is it not so? Guido Guido Dear, shall we play or sing? I think that I could sing now. Duchess Duchess Do not speak, For there are times when all existences Seem narrowed to one single ecstasy, And Passion sets a seal upon the lips. Guido Guido Oh, with mine own lips let me break that seal! You love me, Beatrice?
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