FRANCESCA.
You say your lady slept not here, last night,
But at Cesena?
MALATESTA.
Or the devil's in 't.
I saw her safe bestowed there; I can trust
My own eyes,—or still better, my own bolts.
BERTUCCIO (amazed and aside).
Is this old man, too, of Manfredi's council,
To cheat his wife?
MALATESTA.
I little thought to bring her back so soon,
But on your summons, I have straight recalled her.
BERTUCCIO (breaking in eagerly).
And she is here; hold him to that, Madonna!
MALATESTA.
Malapert dog!
FRANCESCA.
Pardon his licensed tongue.
I fain would see the lady.
MALATESTA (bowing).
You shall see her;
I have not far to fetch her. [Exit L.
BERTUCCIO (furiously).
'T is a lie,—
A cursed lie, to hide his own foul shame!
Believe him not!
FRANCESCA.
But if he bring the lady?