ASCOLTI.
Before the stroke of midnight.
ORDELAFFI.
'T was my plan
To gather one by one to the place of action;
Lest, going in a troop, we might awake
Suspicion, and put Guido on his guard.
BERTUCCIO.
A wise precaution, although it was yours.
I wronged you, gentlemen; I thought you shrunk
Even from sin, when there was danger in 't.
It seems there are deeds black enough to make
Even Torelli brave, Ascolti prompt,
And Ordelaffi witty. But the place?
MANFREDI.
Beside San Stefano.
BERTUCCIO.
The hour of meeting?
MANFREDI.
Half an hour after vespers. There await us.
And now good rest, my lords; the night wanes fast
My duchess will be weary.
ALL (going).
Sir, good-night!
BERTUCCIO.
Sleep well, Torelli. Dream of charging home
In the van of some fierce fight.
