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.