Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 050.djvu/351

1841.] Step then, my good sir, into this, side-chamber,

And there remain while I give audience

To one whom 'tis as well you should not meet.

Now go.

. (who stands lost in a trance of delight.) Shall I survive this night!

Now go ( retires into the side chamber.)

No prize for you, if this fair Danäe

Comes into competition; and it shall.

Artists of Florence!—it shall far outshine

Your misty daubs, and lessen your conceit.—(Gazing on the picture of Danäe.)

'Tis wonderful! this surgeon beats us all.

But let me think how I may best promote

His love affair with Laura. The old man

Is keen and selfish.— 'twill be difficult.

Yet, if I have a head to plan a scheme,

His twenty thousand crowns shall gain him little.

I have it now—he shall be made to buy

Bernardo's picture, taking it for mine;

And, when he is once fairly in the net,

We will unmask the traitor. Here he comes.

Now, let us see how my design will work.

Here is the money.—short of thirty crowns—

Which I will pay you soon. ( closes the door— looks alarmed.) Why shut the door?

. Methinks this business needs not witnesses.

You're right, Salvator; I commend your caution,

(showing him 'S painting.) Here is the picture.

(petrified with astonishment.) In the name of God!

Whence came this picture? Who and what is this?

. 'Tis what I lately painted.

But these lips—

These eyes—these arms! This is the devil's own work

What moves you so?

Oh Laura!—Danäe

Methinks the picture does not please you, sir.

This magic piece! 'tis worth a million crowns,

Ay, a round million.

Then you'll grant, for once

I have not charged too highly for my picture.

You are a connoisseur.

(eagerly.) 'Tis mine, remember,

For twenty thousand crowns.

Ay, minus thirty.

Ah me! how fair and languishing she looks

Up to the golden shower above her head.

. The piece, I see, is something to your taste.

Eh, signor! you desire a handsome wife,

And I'm mistaken if you'd love her less

Should she come to you in a shower of gold.

Oh, Laura!—Danäe! Unless I knew

No eye had ever seen her, I should say

This picture was the portrait of my·ward.

But I must take a seat. (He sits down exhausted in the arm chair.)

Now tell me, Rosa,.