OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 
31 
 
 
 
 
SCENE III.  The steps of St. Mark’s Church (as in Scene I).  
A number of passers-by and loungers. 
 
Enter LUCREZIA and ZELINA, meeting. 
 
LUCREZIA.  And so we meet again.  Where have you been this 
while ? 
ZELINA.  Your smile’s so sweet it is no wonder you beguile. 
Oh !  I know well where you have been, false friend ! 
LUCREZIA. 
 
False friend ? 
How shall I spell it ? 
ZELINA. 
How you will.  Beware the end ! 
LUCREZIA.  I am sorry.  Say what wrong I’ve done you. 
ZELINA. 
 
You don’t know ? 
Who stole away my Sandro ? 
LUCREZIA. 
Yours !  Three years ago. 
Is it a crime ?  Go take your mirror ;  you will see 
The work of time—blame him instead of blaming me ! 
ZELINA.  Cat ! 
LUCREZIA. 
You wear badly.  Paint conceals the sallow 
skin. 
What hides how sadly falls the flesh was fair within ? 
ZELINA.  So you’re the vogue to-day ?  Oh, we have heard of 
that, 
But that same rogue will turn your plumpness into fat. 
LUCREZIA.  You scurril thing ! 
ZELINA. 
 Cat’s eyes, cow’s belly, and bear’s feet ! 
If these can bring success—— 
LUCREZIA. 
 
Be off, and walk the street !