GUIDO
(_Still half engrossed by the contents of his pack. The man loves jewels
equally for their value and their beauty._) Oh, the nobles complain of
him, but we merchants have no quarrel with Eglamore. He buys too lavishly.

GRACIOSA
Do you think only of buying and selling, Guido?

GUIDO
It is a pursuit not limited to us who frankly live by sale and purchase.
Count Eglamore, for example, knows that men may be bought as readily as
merchandise. It is one reason why he is so hated--by the unbought.

GRACIOSA
(_Irritated by the title._) Count Eglamore, indeed! I ask in my prayers
every night that some honest gentleman may contrive to cut the throat of
this abominable creature.

GUIDO
(_His hand going to his throat._) You pray too much, madonna. Even very
pious people ought to be reasonable.

GRACIOSA
(_Rising from the bench._) Have I not reason to hate the man who killed
my kinsman?

GUIDO
(_Rising from his gems._) The Marquis of Cibo conspired, or so the court
judged--