56
THE FOOL'S REVENGE.
To meet us. Sirrah fool, be it thy post
To hold the ladder while we mount; and see
Thou play'st us no jade's trick, or 'ware the whip!
BERTUCCIO.
Fear not, magnanimous gossip! do your work
With as good will as I do mine. The Countess
Sleeps in the chamber of the balcony
Which rounds the angle of the southern front;
I came but now by the palace,—all was quiet.
MANFREDI.
Set on, then, cautiously,—use not your swords,
Unless on strong compulsion; blood tells tales,
And I want no more feuds upon my hands. [Exeunt, R.
SCENE III.
Exterior of the palace of Malatesta, with street. The flat exhibits the corner of two streets. The palace of Malatesta is on a set piece, L. U. E. A window on the first floor, with a balcony, practicable.—Night. Enter Fiordelisa and Dell' Aquila, followed by Torelli at a distance. Through the scene between Fiordelisa, Dell' Aquila, and Malatesta, Torelli watches and listens behind a projecting piece of masonry.
DELL' AQUILA.
Be of good cheer,—this is the house; I'll knock,
And summon forth the Count. [Knocks.
FIORDELISA.
Oh, sir! what thanks
Can e'er repay this kindness?