human
Hast heard, Eloisà, how that this new Council to Her Majesty hath captured the Secretary of His Reverence the Archbishop? and they thought to hang him for his master's treachery and his own; and then, because he promised to confess to save his life, he is in the Castle instead. And there were revelations!--and intrigues!--verily a Reverendissimo!
gpt
Name him not to me; I have no patience!
human
Thou hast never patience when I bring thee news: and it is tiresome of thee, for one must talk, or die of ennui in this court!
gpt
Then let it be of something better.
human
Choose thou--since one can never know thy whim. Shall it be of that famous Saplana who runneth away to put himself in hiding;--for fear--_verily for fear_--the Commander of Famagosta! afraid to die like a man! A comedy!--one might laugh if it were less craven.
gpt
One knoweth not if he be in hiding, since he is not found; he may be a traitor, yet not a coward too.
human
Yes, one knoweth, bella Contarini mia: did I not promise thee news? And thou wilt never guess it.
gpt
It was our Admiral Mocenigo who found him?
human
Nay; not 'our Admiral Mocenigo'; the other answered lingering on the name with a fine mimicry of her tone;
gpt
Oh, Ecciva! The Chamberlain of the Queen! how darest thou? Thou art over free with thy foolish speech.
human
Nay, little timid maid; it is thou who art foolish not to see--not to see----. Ah, well, he is but a man for all he is Venetian; and thou--thou art a child and hast no eyes.
gpt
What meanest thou, Ecciva? Nay, thou _shalt_ tell me.
human
So----; now there is something found that doth not tax thy fickle patience, since we speak of the splendid Bernardini! Thou hast ever thine adoration ready for a Venetian.
gpt
Not only I--but every one who loveth what is noble. Thou knowest, Ecciva, the Court is full of his praises.
human
Aye, is it, my little one? As well it may be! Then what harm that I should sing them too? Verily, I think he is noble beyond all others; her taunting tone became suddenly earnest.
gpt
And this I came to tell thee.
human
This is not news, the other answered coldly, having found it difficult to keep the pace of Ecciva's changing admirations, for the Cyprian maiden was easily captured by any demonstration of power;
gpt
Hast ever thought that the Chamberlain of the Queen would woo a bride?