SCENE II.
Outside of the Hall of Justice.
Enter from the Hall, Bireno, Lucio, and Sanguino;
the former stamps with his foot, two attendants
enter with banners, on one of which is inscribed:
“Bireno accuses the Princess of Incontinence.”
On the other:
“Every Senator is summoned to the Trial.”
Bireno, pointing to the banners with malignant
satisfaction, instructs his suborned evidence to be
ready for the trial—they bow assent—he appears to
meditate, beckons them to him, and gives them
orders to lead to him his chosen band, they exeunt
for that purpose.—Abbot and a Senator enter from
the hall of justice—he dispatches the Abbot to give
the Princess notice, and the Senator with banner
bearers to Senators, &c.—Sanguino and Lucio re-enter
with Troops—he bribes them to assist him,
and directs them, on a summons given, to rush
into the hall of justice; but hearing strains of music
without, commands them, for the moment, cautiously
to retire, which they do on each side of the
hall of justice, he, Lucio, and Sanguino entering it.
—Bertram enters, timidly, followed by Paladore
and Gabriello—perceives Bireno enter the hall—
all start on perusing the banners—Paladore resolutely
draws his sword, and appears ready to rush into the
hall—a trumpet's sound without, alarms Gabriello,
&c. and they draw Paladore aside, Bertram still
continuing on the watch—Senators enter the hall
—
Gabriello returns to Bertram, with tablets, telling
him immediately to haste for Ricardo's promised assistance.
Exeunt.