A few days more, thou knowest, my Alessandra,

Will make thee mine. Oh, I am very happy!

ALESSANDRA.

Methinks thou hast a singular way of

showing

Thy happiness!—what ails thee, cousin of mine?

Why didst thou sigh so deeply?

CASTIGLIONE.

Did I sigh?

I was not conscious of it. It is a fashion,

A silly-a most silly fashion I have

When I am very happy. Did I sigh?

[Sighing.

Thou didst. Thou art not well. Thou

ALESSANDRA.

hast indulged

Too much of late, and I am vexed to see it.

Late hours and wine, Castiglione,—these

Will ruin thee! thou art already altered—

Thy looks are haggard-nothing so wears away

The constitution as late hours and wine.

CASTIGLIONE [musing]. Nothing, fair cousin, nothing

-not even deep sorrow

Wears it away like evil hours and wine.

I will amend.

ALESSANDRA.

Do it! I would have thee drop

Thy riotous company, too-fellows low born

Ill suit the like with old Di Broglio's heir

And Alessandra's husband.

CASTIGLIONE.

I will drop them.