ROVANI.
I will defend you. In your service bold,
Each of your men will ten men's strength possess.
Withdraw then, I entreat you, to your tower,
And these good folks dismiss.
(Pointing to the Mendicants that still remain.)
[Exeunt Countess and all the Mendicants except the Hermit, who retires to a corner of the Stage.
GONZALOS (advancing to Rovani on the front).
I warn'd thee well of this; but let that pass:
Only be wiser now. There is a leader
Of bold condotieri, not far distant,
Send to him instantly: there may be time.
ROVANI.
'Gainst greater odds; and I could swear that coward
Has number'd, in his fright, Tortona's soldiers
Threefold beyond the truth. Go to thy duty:
Muster the men within, while I, meantime,
From place to place all needful orders give.
[Exeunt Gonzalos and Rovani severally, while many people cross the Stage in hurry and confusion, Rovani calling to them sometimes on one side, sometimes on another, as he goes off.
