JEFFERSON. Her virtue!

MARIA. Why you are virtuous, yet cannot avoid
This passion for the loveliest of women:
Nor may she be insensible to you.
No youth more wins our sex's admiration.
Among the rest, the beauteous, gentle Lucia,
In secret languishes: it is too plain:
Though ev'ry art be practis'd to conceal it.

JEFFERSON. Forbear this now. None prize her virtues more:
Nor am I to her outward charms insensible.
But when the heart is to one object wedded,
No lure can win it thence.------You flatter me?

MARIA. I don't.--You under-prize yourself.--View this.--

JEFFERSON. View what? [Eagerly]

MARIA. It is a locket with her precious hair,
Which she has sent by me. Refuse it not.

JEFFERSON. Refuse it!--O! whilst life exists I'll wear it,
Close to that heart which is for ever hers.
I am all ecstacy, delicious woman! [He kisses it.]

MARIA. [Aside.] A lucky hit, and works as I could wish.

JEFFERSON. Gratefully thank her for the precious token.