Page:Dramas 2.pdf/105

With hasty march approaches, as I guess
Three thousand strong.

(Alarm rings again, and enter Rovani, Gonzalos and others, from different sides).

COUNTESS.

Heaven be our trust!—Hearest thou this, Rovani?

ROVANI.

I've heard the larum bell and strange confusion.

COUNTESS.

Tortona with his hostile force approaches——

(To Pietro.) Tell it thyself; saidst thou three thousand strong?

PIETRO.

Yes, Madam, so I did compute his numbers;

And with him, too, one of those horrid engines
So lately known, which from its roaring mouth
Sends horrible destruction.—
Not two leagues off I met him in array
Skirting the forest; and through dell and stream,
Fast as my feet could bear me, I have run
To give you notice.

COUNTESS.

Heaven aid the weak! I fear our slender force

Will be as nothing 'gainst such fearful odds.
What thinkest thou, Rovani? for on thee
Our fate depends.