SceneIV

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Scene

IV

Constantine

Gallicanus!

Gallicanus

What did he say?

The Lords

Forward, forward. He is asking for you.

Gallicanus

Now the good gods help me!

Constantine

Gallicanus, set out for the war with an easy mind. On your return you shall receive the reward you covet.

Gallicanus

This is not a jest?

Constantine

How can you ask?

Gallicanus

I should be happy indeed if I could know one thing.

Constantine

What may that be?

Gallicanus

Her answer.

Constantine

My daughter’s answer?

Gallicanus

Yes. What did she say?

Constantine

It is unreasonable to expect a young maid to answer in so many words. Events will prove that she consents.

Gallicanus

If I could be assured of that, I should trouble little about the manner of her answer.

Constantine

You want proof?

Gallicanus

I hunger for it.

Constantine

Then listen. She has given orders that her Almoners, John and Paul, shall stay with you until the day of your nuptials.

Gallicanus

And her reason?

Constantine

That by constant intercourse with them you may learn to know how she lives⁠—her habits and her tastes.

Gallicanus

An excellent plan, and one that pleases me beyond measure.

Constantine

She would like you in return to allow your two young daughters to live with her for the same period. She thinks she can learn from them how to please you.

Gallicanus

Oh, joy, joy! All things are falling out as I wished.

Constantine

Send for your daughters without delay.

Gallicanus

Are my soldiers still there? Come, fellows, hasten! Run to my daughters and bring them to their sovereign’s presence.