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.
ALESSANDRA
Thou wilt- thou must. Attend thou also more
To thy dress and equippage- they are over plain
For thy lofty rank and fashion- much depends
Upon appearances.
CASTIGLIONE
I'll see to it.
ALESSANDRA
Then see to it!- pay more attention, sir,
To a becoming carriage- much thou wantest
In dignity.
CASTIGLIONE
Much, much, oh! much I want
In proper dignity.
ALESSANDRA (haughtily)
Thou mockest me, sir.
CASTIGLIONE (abstractedly)
Sweet, gentle Lalage!
ALESSANDRA
Heard I aright?
speak to him- he speaks of Lalage!
Sir Count! (places her hand on his shoulder) what art thou dreaming?
(aside) He's not well!
What ails thee, sir?
CASTIGLIONE (starting)
Cousin! fair cousin!- madam!
I crave thy pardon- indeed I am not well-
Your hand from off my shoulder, if you please.
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