human
There is surely some great error, she said;
gpt
Thou wilt revise thy decision: I would gladly see thee wear thy Father's honors. Thou hast the gift of statesmanship.
human
So may it fit me the better for the Cyprian post,
gpt
Thou wilt verily give up this Embassy to France to go with the Caterina to her new land! There is some reason of which thou sayest naught--else were it hard to comprehend thy choice. We are but two, Aluisi; may not thy mother hold thy confidence?
human
It is not that the little cousin hath touched thy heart? she questioned half seriously--
gpt
Nay, nay, he answered frankly--
human
It is not one of her fair maids of honor who go with her to her court of Cyprus?
gpt
Nay, Madre carissima; thou art still before all others with thy wayward son.
human
Yet my wish for thee--of France--thou dost pass by,
gpt
It is but for duty to the Casa Cornaro,--in which thou wouldst be last to see me fail, dear Lady of Venice!
human
Tell me,
gpt
Mother, when thy name and mine shall have been forgotten, _one_ name of the Casa Cornaro shall stand out never to be lost--since Fortune doth weave it into history. For honor to our house, we will not fail our Caterina.
human
And thou?
gpt
As thou wouldst have me--thou, my Mother--than whom among the Cornari are none found prouder--I have sworn as solemnly as any knight may take his vow,--were it even in Crusade--to spend myself in service of the little Queen, my cousin--as in that far land there may be need.