 | 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.
[A road outside the walls of Milan. Enter Sarpellione and Brunorio, flying from the city, and met by Pasquali.]PASQUALI.
What news, sirs?
(As they attempt to pass him without answer, he steps before Sarpellione.)
Stay, Count, I'd a word with you.
230
Stand off, and let me pass!
PASQUALI.
Nay, with your leave,
One single word!
SARPELLIONE.
Brunorio! hasten forward,
And loose my bridle! I'll be there o' th' instant!
(Brunorio hastens on.)
What would you say?
PASQUALI.
My Lord! I hear the bell
Tolling in Milan, that is never heard
But at some dread alarm.
SARPELLIONE,
(pressing to go on.)
Is that all?
PASQUALI.
Stay!
I met a flying peasant here just now,
Who mutter'd of some murder, and flew on!
SARPELLIONE.
Slave! let me pass!
(Draws, and Pasquali confronts him with his sword.)
231
My Lord! you once essayed
To tempt me to a murder. Something tells me
That this hot haste has guilt upon its heels,
And you shall stay till I know more of it.
Down with your point!
SARPELLIONE.
Villain! respect my office!
PASQUALI.
No “villain,” and no murderer! In Milan
They've soldiers' law, and if your skirts are bloody,
You'll get small honor for your coat, Ambassador!
Bear back, I say!
(They fight, and Sarpellione falls, disarmed, on his knee.)
SARPELLIONE.
In mercy, spare my life!
PASQUALI.
Up, coward! You shall go before to Milan,
And meet the news! If you are innocent,
I'll ne'er believe a secret prompting more.
If not, I've done the state a worthy service.
On, on, I say!
(Drives Sarpellione out before him at the point of his sword.)
| Two ways of dying for a husband. I. Dying to keep him, or Tortesa the usurer. II. Dying to lose him, or Bianca Visconti | |