FRANCESCA.  Yes;
But nothing definite.

LANCIOTTO.  Perchance, no hint
As to my ways, my feelings, manners, or—­
Or—­or—­as I was saying—­ha! ha!—­or—­
[Laughing.]
As to my person?

FRANCESCA.  Nothing, as to that.

LANCIOTTO.  To what?

FRANCESCA.  Your—­person.

LANCIOTTO.  That’s the least of all. [Turns aside.]
Now, had I Guido of Ravenna’s head
Under this heel, I’d grind it into dust! 
False villain, to betray his simple child! 
And thou, Paolo—­not a whit behind—­
Helping his craft with inconsiderate love!—­
Lady Francesca, when my brother left,
I charged him, as he loved me, to conceal
Nothing from you that bore on me:  and now
That you have seen me, and conversed with me,
If you object to anything in me,—­
Go, I release you.

  FRANCESCA.  But Ravenna’s peace?

  LANCIOTTO.  Shall not be perilled.

GUIDO. [Coming behind, whispers her.] Trust him not, my child;
I know his ways; he’d rather fight than wed. 
Tis but a wish to have the war afoot. 
Stand firm for poor Ravenna!

LANCIOTTO.  Well, my lady,
Shall we conclude a lasting peace between us
By truce or marriage rites?

GUIDO. [Whispers her.] The devil tempts thee: 
Think of Ravenna, think of me!

LANCIOTTO.  My lord,
I see my father waits you.
[GUIDO retires.

FRANCESCA.  Gentle sir,
You do me little honour in the choice.

LANCIOTTO.  My aim is justice.

FRANCESCA.  Would you cast me off?

LANCIOTTO.  Not for the world, if honestly obtained;
Not for the world would I obtain you falsely.

  FRANCESCA.  The rites were half concluded ere we met.

  LANCIOTTO.  Meeting, would you withdraw?

  FRANCESCA.  No.  Bitter word! [Aside.

  LANCIOTTO.  No!  Are you dealing fairly?

  FRANCESCA.  I have said.

LANCIOTTO.  O! rapture, rapture!  Can it be that I—­
Now I’ll speak plainly; for a choice like thine
Implies such love as woman never felt. 
Love me!  Then monsters beget miracles,
And Heaven provides where human means fall short. 
Lady, I’ll worship thee!  I’ll line thy path
With suppliant kings!  Thy waiting-maids shall be
Unransomed princesses!  Mankind shall bow
One neck to thee, as Persia’s multitudes
Before the rising sun!  From this small town,
This centre of my conquests, I will spread
An empire touching the extremes of earth! 
I’ll raise once more the name of ancient Rome;
And what she swayed she shall reclaim again! 
If I grow mad because you smile on me,
Think of the glory of thy love; and know
How hard it is, for such a one as I,
To gaze unshaken on divinity! 
There’s no such love as mine alive in man. 
From every corner of the frowning earth,
It has been crowded back into my heart. 
Now, take it all!  If that be not enough,
Ask, and thy wish shall be omnipotent! 
Your hand. [Takes her hand.] It wavers.