University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

PALACE AT NAPLES. Andrea and Giovanna.
Andrea.
What say you now, Giovanna! shall we go
And conquer France? Heigho? I am sadly idle;
My mighty mind wants full activity.

Giovanna.
Andrea! be contented; stay at home;
Conquer? you've conquer'd me.

Andrea.
Ah rebel queen!
I doubt it: we have had war first, however,
And parleys, and all that.

Giovanna.
You might have more
Before you conquer the strong cities there.

Andrea.
England, they tell me, hath as much of France
As France hath. Some imagine that Provenza
Is half-and-half French land. How this may be
I can not tell; I am no theologian.
Giovanna . . in your ear . . I have a mind
To ride to Paris, and salute the king,
And pull him by the beard, and make him fight.

Giovanna.
Know that French beards have stiffer hairs than German,
And crackle into flame at the first touch.

Andrea.
'Sblood! like black cats! But only in the dark?

Giovanna.
By night or day, in city or in field.

Andrea.
I never knew it: let the Devil lug them
For me then! they are fitter for his fist.
Sure, of all idle days the marriage-day
Is idlest: even the common people run
About the streets, not knowing what to do,
As if they came from wedding too, poor souls!
This fancy set me upon conquering France.

Giovanna.
And one hour only after we are united?