58
THE FOOL'S REVENGE.
MALATESTA.
Who is it would have speech of Malatesta?
DELL' AQUILA.
You know me, Count?
MALATESTA.
Dell' Aquila, well met!
But your companion? [Aside.] Ha! a petticoat!
So ho, my poet!
DELL' AQUILA.
Pardon, if I pray
This lady's name may rest a secret, Count;
She is in grievous danger,—one from which
Your house can shelter her. She owes already
Your countess much, for good help given at need.
So craves to increase the debt.
MALATESTA.
My house is hers,
But she should know my countess is not here.
FIORDELISA.
Not here!
MALATESTA.
But if she dare trust my grey hairs
She shall have shelter.
DELL' AQUILA.
Nay, she cannot choose.
MALATESTA.
I'll give her my wife's chamber, if she will;
Her woman to attend her.
