Then, what need Is there for us to beat about the bush?
I know what you desire of me.
JULIA.
What rudeness! If you already know it, why not tell me?
VALDESSO.
Because I rather wait for you to ask it With your own lips.
JULIA.
Do me the kindness, then, To speak without reserve; and with all frankness, If you divine the truth, will I confess it.
VALDESSO.
I am content.
JULIA.
Then speak.
VALDESSO.
You would be free From the vexatious thoughts that come and go Through your imagination, and would have me Point out some royal road and lady-like Which you may walk in, and not wound your feet; You would attain to the divine perfection, And yet not turn your back upon the world; You would possess humility within, But not reveal it in your outward actions; You would have patience, but without the rude Occasions that require its exercise; You would despise the world, but in such fashion The world should not despise you in return; Would clothe the soul with all the Christian graces, Yet not despoil the body of its gauds; Would feed the soul with spiritual food, Yet not deprive the body of its feasts; Would seem angelic in the sight of God, Yet not too saint-like in the eyes of men; In short, would lead a holy Christian life In such a way that even your nearest friend Would not detect therein one circumstance To show a change from what it was before.
Have I divined your secret?
JULIA.
You have drawn The portrait of my inner self as truly As the most skilful painter ever painted A human face.
VALDESSO.
This warrants me in saying You think you can win heaven by compromise, And not by verdict.
JULIA You have often told me That a bad compromise was better even Than a good verdict.
VALDESSO.
Yes, in suits at law; Not in religion.

With the human soul There is no compromise.

By faith alone Can man be justified.
JULIA.
Hush, dear Valdesso; That is a heresy.

Do not, I pray you, Proclaim it from the house-top, but preserve it As something precious, hidden in your heart, As I, who half believe and tremble at it.
VALDESSO.
I must proclaim the truth.
JULIA.
Enthusiast! Why must you?
You imperil both yourself And friends by your imprudence.

Pray, be patient.
You have occasion now to show that virtue Which you lay stress upon.