14
THE FOOL'S REVENGE.
MANFREDI.
No. Who was queen of the feast to-night,
In your skilled judgment, Messer Gian Maria?
ORDELAFFI.
I ought to say your duchess, fair Francesca;
But if another tongue had asked the question—
MANFREDI.
Speak out thy honest judgment!
ORDELAFFI.
Not a lady
In all Faenza's worthy to compare
With proud Ginevra. Malatesta!
TORELLI.
I think I know a fairer—but no matter!
MANFREDI.
I hold with Ordelaffi. I have mounted
Ginevra's colours in my cap and heart;
But she's too proud, or fearful of old Guido,
To smile upon my suit. 'T is the first time
I've found so coy a dame.
ASCOLTI.
Trust one who knows them:
The coyest are not always chastest.
MANFREDI.
How say you, if I spared her shame of yielding
By a night escalade?
