University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Outside of the Hall of Justice.

Enter from the Hall, Bireno, Lucio, and Sanguino; the former stamps with his foot, two attendants enter with banners, on one of which is inscribed:

On the other:

Bireno, pointing to the banners with malignant satisfaction, instructs his suborned evidence to be ready for the trial—they bow assent—he appears to meditate, beckons them to him, and gives them orders to lead to him his chosen band, they exeunt for that purpose.—Abbot and a Senator enter from the hall of justice—he dispatches the Abbot to give the Princess notice, and the Senator with banner bearers to Senators, &c.—Sanguino and Lucio re-enter with Troops—he bribes them to assist him, and directs them, on a summons given, to rush into the hall of justice; but hearing strains of music without, commands them, for the moment, cautiously to retire, which they do on each side of the hall of justice, he, Lucio, and Sanguino entering it. —Bertram enters, timidly, followed by Paladore and Gabriello—perceives Bireno enter the hall— all start on perusing the banners—Paladore resolutely draws his sword, and appears ready to rush into the hall—a trumpet's sound without, alarms Gabriello, &c. and they draw Paladore aside, Bertram still

continuing on the watch—Senators enter the hall —Gabriello returns to Bertram, with tablets, telling him immediately to haste for Ricardo's promised assistance.

Exeunt.