Elisabetta monologue (Act 2) — The cup; and The falcon

I knew it would come to this. She has beggared him. I always knew it would come to this! (_Goes up to table as if to resume darning, and looks out of window._) Why, as I live, there is Monna Giovanna coming down the hill from the castle. Stops and stares at our cottage. Ay, ay! stare at it: it’s all you have left us. Shame upon you! _She_ beautiful! sleek as a miller’s mouse! Meal enough, meat enough, well fed; but beautiful—bah! Nay, see, why she turns down the path through our little vineyard, and I sneezed three times this morning. Coming to visit my lord, for the first time in her life too! Why, bless the saints! I’ll be bound to confess her love to him at last. I forgive her, I forgive her! I knew it would come to this—I always knew it must come to this! (_Going up to door during latter part of speech and opens it._) Come in, Madonna, come in. (_Retires to front of table and curtseys as the LADY GIOVANNA enters, then moves chair towards the hearth._) Nay, let me place this chair for your ladyship.