THE FOOL'S REVENGE.
5
BERTUCCIO.
Yes, running your husband's changes
Against the moon's. Manfredi has it hollow.
It comes out ten new loves 'gainst five new moons!
FRANCESCA.
Where do I stand?
BERTUCCIO.
First among the ten; your moon was a whole honey one.
Excluding that, it's nine loves to four moons.
FRANCESCA.
You pity me, Bertuccio?
BERTUCCIO.
Not a whit.
I pity sparrows, but not sparrow-hawks.
FRANCESCA.
I read your riddle. I am strong enough
To right my own wrongs! So I am, while here.
BERTUCCIO.
Then stay!
FRANCESCA.
My father, at Bologna, looks for me.
BERTUCCIO.
Then go!
FRANCESCA.
And leave him here—with her—both free,
And not a friend that I can trust to watch
And give me due report how things go 'twixt them?
Had I one friend—