University of Virginia Library

SCEN. I.

Enter at one dore, Castilio and Forobosco, with halberts: foure Pages with torches: Luceo bare: Piero, Maria and Alberto, talking: Alberto drawes out his dagger, Maria her knife, ayming to menace the Duke. Then Galeatzo betwixt two Senators, reading a paper to them: at which, they all make semblance of loathing Piero, and knit their fists at him; two Ladies and Nutriche: all these goe softly ouer the Stage, whilst at the other doore enters the ghost of Andrugio, who passeth by them, tossing his torch about his heade in triumph. All forsake the Stage, sauing Andrugio, who speaking, begins the Acte.
And.
Venit dies, tempúsque, quo reddat suis
Animam squallentem sceleribus.
The fist of strenuous vengeance is clutcht,
And sterne Vindicta towreth vp aloft,
That she may fal with a more waightie paise,
And crush liues sap from out Pieros vaines.
Now gins the leprous cores of vlcered sins
Wheale to a heade: now is his fate growne mellow,
Instant to fall into the rotten iawes
Of chap-falne death. Now downe lookes prouidēce,
T'attend the last act of my sons reuenge.
Be gratious, Obseruation, to our sceane:
For now the plot vnites his scattred limbes
Close in contracted bands. The Florence Prince
(Drawne by firme notice of the Dukes black deeds)
Is made a partner in conspiracie.
The States of Venice are so swolne in hate
Against the Duke, for his accursed deeds
(Of which they are confirm'd by some odde letters
Found in dead Strotzos studie, which had past
Betwixt Piero and the murdring slaue)
That they can scarce retaine from bursting foorth
In plaine reuolt. O, now tryumphes my ghost;
Exclaiming, heauen's iust; for I shall see,
The scourge of murder and impietie.

Exit.