University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

An Anti-Chamber in the Palace.
Duke, Duchess, Prince of Andria, and Officers.
PRINCE ANDRIA.
You know your duties, gentlemen;—be careful!
Watch all that come to-night, but keep yourselves,
With those who serve you, in the halls below;
And while these traitors pass, guard well the stairs.

OFFICERS.
We will obey your highness.

PRINCE ANDRIA.
So far, good night.
[Exeunt Officers.
Now where are those in masks?—what ho! Filippo—
Good saints! it is almost the time—lights, lights—
Let the guests enter when the rooms are ready;
And bid the chamberlains attend his Grace.

DUKE.
I hear the trumpets—some are here already.

PRINCE ANDRIA.
When shall we see Arezzi?

DUKE.
Will he come?

DUCHESS.
He had our message yesterday, and then
Seemed much perplexed: to-day, I sent another,
And still he answered savingly awry—
If he could come, he would. My message now
Commands his presence in your highness' name,
And instantly.—O! here he is who bore it.

DUKE.
What answer does the Count Arezzi send us?

SERVANT.
He bade me tell your highness to expect him—
Said if he come alone, he will be here,
And that it is his duty.

PRINCE ANDRIA.
This becomes him.

DUKE.
A fair reply indeed.

PRINCE ANDRIA.
Her highness' ladies—
What pages wait? make haste!
[Enter Filippo, with Persons masked.
Bravely Filippo!
These are well furnished, and, I hope, all armed.—
Take off your masks—you have not much to learn,
So, good my friends, be perfect. You must watch,
As loose spectators midst our guests to-night,
For nine or ten—perhaps more—with scarfs and vizars—
Observe them well, and by the signs I give you:
Their scarfs are crimson silk—their vizars gilt—
Walk near them where they go—if they divide,
Sever your numbers too—let two tend one;
And when I bid, lay hold.—Now go your ways—
And good Filippo keep your eyes among them.

DUKE.
Well, is the music ready?

PRINCE ANDRIA.
Send these gentlemen.

[Exeunt.