University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

STRENI, OFFICERS.
OFFICER.
My Lord, I come
On an unpleasing duty, to demand
On the state's part, one whom may justice find
Without a flaw, a guest of this fair roof—
Count CLAUDIO.

STRENI.
Sir, he was here, but is gone;
And may all plagues go with him. Sir, he's vanished.
He disappeared, as fiends do, suddenly.
By this he shakes all hell with laughing at
Our fruitless search.

OFFICER.
My Lord, you cannot mean
To hide him from the state. Th' attempt were vain,
Might turn suspicion into certainty.
Where'er he be, if I may judge, my Lord,
'Twere wise he fhould surrender.

STRENI.
Sir, this house
[Rings.]
Is open to you; find him if you can.
These walls shall screen no traitor. If he's here
I'm much deceived.

OFFICER.
I doubt not, good my Lord,
Your well known honour. But the state's command
Must punctually be followed; and I hope
My Lord will pardon to our present office
What rigid form exacts.

STRENI.
You're welcome, Sir.
Who's there?—LORENZO, shew these Gentlemen
That if there lurks a traitor here; this house
Is sick till it disgorge him.

OFFICER.
After what
You have declared, my Lord, our search becomes
A fruitless office, a mere ceremony;
Which you'll excuse.

STRENI.
O Sir, most heartily.