Pray thee but say what hungers in thy heart,
And whither thou wouldst hurl the strenuous life
That works within thee.

CAESAR

Whither? Am not I
Hinge of the gate that opens heaven--that bids
God open when my sire thrusts in the key -
Cardinal? Canst thou dream I had rather be
Duke?

Enter FRANCESCO

FRANCESCO

Wilt thou take mine office, Caesar mine?
I heard thy laugh deride it. Mother, whence
Comes that sweet gift of grace from dawn to dawn
That daily shows thee sweeter?

CAESAR

Knowest thou none
Lovelier?

VANNOZZA

My Caesar finds me not so fair.
Thou art over fond, Francesco.