 | Two ways of dying for a husband. I. Dying to keep him, or Tortesa the usurer. II. Dying to lose him, or Bianca Visconti |  |
SCENE II.
[An ante-room, with a feast seen beyond. Enter Sforza and Rossano.]ROSSANO.
I've a new culverin
Invented here by the Duke's armorer;
Will you walk forth?
180
Most willingly. Within there!
My helmet!
[Enter Bianca.]
BIANCA.
Is there fresh alarm, my Lord?
You would not go abroad?
[She takes the helmet from the page as he brings it in.]
SFORZA.
A little way, sweet,
To look at some new arms.
BIANCA.
To-morrow, surely,
Will do as well. Here are some loving verses
Writ on your marriage!
ROSSANO.
I've the gonfalon
Your father gave me at the siege of Parma.
The rags wave yet!
SFORZA.
I'd rather see a thread on't
Than feast a hundred years!
BIANCA.
My Lord, wil't please you
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You did not taste, grown on Vesuvius;
Pray you come in!
ROSSANO.
I've, in my tent, the sword
Your father pluck'd from a retreating soldier
To head the fight at Pisa. 'Tis well hack'd!
SFORZA.
I'll come, Rossano!
(To Bianca.)
Nay, sweet! by your leave
(Takes his helmet.)
We'll go abroad a little! You shall see us
Betimes at supper. Keep the revels toward!
We'll taste your wine anon. Come, brave Rossano!
[They go out. Bianca looks after them thoughtfully a few moments, and then walks back slowly to the banquetting room.]
| Two ways of dying for a husband. I. Dying to keep him, or Tortesa the usurer. II. Dying to lose him, or Bianca Visconti | |