She'll be better in my castle at Cesena;
The walls are five feet thick, and from the platform
There's a rare view. She'll need no exercise.
MANFREDI (aside).
The jailer! [Aloud.] But what says the lady's will?
MALATESTA.
I never ask that, and so escape all risk
Of finding it run counter to my own.
MANFREDI.
Faenza will have great miss of you both.
MALATESTA.
Oh, fear not; I'll return. Your wine 's too good
To be left lightly. I'll be back to-morrow,
Before the gates are shut. Meanwhile, accept
This leave-taking by proxy from my wife.
MANFREDI.
Not so; I must exchange farewell with her
To-morrow.
MALATESTA.
We shall start an hour ere dawn;
You'll scarce be stirring.
MANFREDI (aside).
Plague upon the churl!
He meets me at all points. [Aloud.] At least, I hope
This absence of your wife will not be long;
My duchess cannot spare her. [Aside.] Saints forgive me!
