Roselo. Methinks that voice holds a most familiar sound.
Whence come you, sir?
Anselmo. Verona is my home, but in Ferrara now
I seek a friend.
Roselo. 'Tis he! Anselmo, mine own fast friend.
Anselmo, At thou Roselo? nay.
Roselo. Alas! in truth I'm he.
Anselmo. Good fortune smiles on me to find
Roselo opportunely here.
Roselo. What news dost bring? What stirs
Within Verona's walls?
Anselmo. News of complexion startling and most strange
This moving world ere knew!
Roselo. How—the Lady Julia weds? is dead?
Anselmo. No.
Roselo. What strange events can happen then for me,
If Lady Julia still unwedded be?
Anselmo. From first to last the history thou shalt hear.
And, in the telling, neither pain nor woe;
But step by step shall know the cause
That brings me here.
Roselo. Give thy news voice, and as we go
I'll listen. Come, let us to the inn.
Anselmo. Listen!
Roselo. Breathless, agape, I wait thy wondrous words.
Anselmo. Antonio to his daughter did propose
This marriage with the Count; but neither
His commands, the gentler sway of friends,
Nor word of kinsmen could persuade her aught
To sigh the magic “Yes."
Her father, using high authority and sway,
Perforce she yields, and, the betrothal fix'd,
