Rose-Red?

BEA. Maybe. And if you do not do them,
Maybe. Come--I will race you to the bridge!

MAR. [Catching her hand,] Nay, not so fast!--Have you no wish to be
Beside me, ever, that you are forever running
Ahead?

BEA. Indeed, if you would have the truth
It has come into my mind more times than once
It would be sweet to be beside you often.

MAR. Rose-Red!

BEA. Come--I will race you to the bridge!

[Exeunt Beatrice and Mario.]



Scene 2

[Court-yard of the palace at Fiori. Entire court assembled.
A band of strolling players, with a little stage
on wheels, are doing a Harlequinade pantomime to amuse
the young King Mario, the guest of honor. Beatrice sits
beside him. In this scene the two people who are oblivious
to the pantomime are Guido and Octavia. Guido is
apparently brooding over something. From time to time