Bas. (stands for a moment rivetted to the spot, then holds up both his hands in an extacy.)
It is herself! it is her blessed self!
O! what a fool am I that had no power
To follow her, and urge th'advantage on.
Be gone unmanly fears! I must be bold.
[Exit after her.
A Dance of Masks.
Enter Duke and Gauriecio, unmasked.
Duke. This revelry, methinks, goes gaily on.
The hour is late, and yet your friend returns not.
Gaur. He will return ere long—nay, there he comes.
Enter Gentleman.
Duke. Does all go well? (going close up to him.)
Gent.All as your grace could wish.
For now the poison works, and the stung soldiers
Rage o'er their cups, and with fire-kindled eyes
Swear vengeance on the chief who would betray them.
That Frederick too, the discontented man
Of whom your highness was so lately told,
Swallows the bait, and does his part most bravely.
Gauriecio counsel'd well to keep him blind,
Nor with a bribe attempt him. On my soul!
He is so fiery he had spurn'd us else,
And ruin'd all the plot.
Duke. Speak softly, friend—I'll hear it all in private.
A gay and careless face we now assume.
