I swore to be true! I swore to be true!"

[He picks up from the grass a white scarf which Beatrice was
wearing, and which slipped from her shoulders unnoticed as she
went out.]

FID. My mistress!

[He thrusts the scarf under his cloak and continues his song,
just as Guido enters from another direction.]

FID. "And what was I doing when the sun stood above?
What did I do? What did I do?--"

GUI. By my sacred word, Fidelio, I do not like your song.

FID. Faith, and small wonder!--It is a song that sets the evil eye
To staring in upon itself.

GUI. [Stopping in his walk.] What mean you by that, my throaty friend?

FID. I mean to say
That, taking it all in all and by and large,
You do not care for music.

GUI. I do not care
For yours, but it is possible Apollo
Had a better tenor. I never heard him sing.

FID. Nay, and how could you?--He died when you were born!