GIANETTINO (stepping up to FIESKO.) Count, you remember an unpleasant circumstance, that lately passed between us. FIESKO. I beg, my Prince, that we may both forget it. Men always act according to their knowledge of each other. And surely it's my fault, if my Friend Doria has not better known me. GIANETTINO. At all events, I never shall reflect upon it, without most cordially lamenting my injustice FIESKO. Nor I-without most cordially forgiving it. (JULIA returns differently attired.) GIANETTINO. It just occurs to me, Count, that you are going to cruize against the Turks. FIESKO. The anchors will be weighed this evening; and indeed I'm under some uneasiness on this account, from which I must entreat your kindness to relieve me. GIANETTINO. With the greatest pleasure. What is it I can do for you? Command my total influence, I beg. FIESKO. The departure of the Galleys will cause a considerable stir about the Harbour, and my Palace, which might be perhaps misconstrued by the Duke, your Uncle GIANETTINO. Oh give it not a thought!-Leave that to me. I will explain the business. Weigh anchor when you please; I wish you much success on the occasion. FIESKO (bowing.) I'm infinitely obliged to you. SCENE X. THE FORMER.-Enter a GERMAN OF THE BODY GUARD. What now? GIANETTINO. GERMAN. As I passed by the St. Thomas Gate, I observed a crowd of Soldiers hastening to the harbour, and the galleys of the Count Lavagna getting ready for sea. GIANETTINO. Is that all? You'll not report it further. GERMAN. Very well, Sir. There's a number of suspicious people too, swarming out of the Capuchin's Cloister, and making” directly for the Market-place. To judge by their appearance and their gait, they must be Soldiers ! GIANETTINO (angrily aside.) The zeal of this old Fool, will certainly betray me. (Apart to LOMELLIN.) These are the Troops from Milan ! GERMAN. Is it your Grace's order to arrest them? GIANETTINO. (Aloud to LOMELLIN.) Lomellin do you see after it. (To the GERMAN.) Well, you may go. (To LOMELLIN.) For God's sake, tell that blockhead to be silent. (Exit LOMELLIN with the GERMAN.) FIESKO. (Who has been gallanting with JULIA during this conversation, and now and then thrown a stolen look at GIANETTINO.) Our Friend has met with something to annoy him. May I enquire the cause? GIANETTINO. No wonder. This eternal plague of question and enquiry!-(Exit hastily.) FIESKO. We too must think of our departure. The Players will be waiting. May I offer you my arm, Signora ? JULIA. One moment till I put my cloak on. I hope, Count, that it's not a Tragedy, I always dream of them. FIESKO (sarcastically.) A perfect Comedy, I can assure you. die with laughing.-(He hands her out.) "Twill make you The Curtain falls. END OF THE THIRD ACT. ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE I. Night-Time.-CASTLE-COURT AT FIESKO'S. (People are lighting the Lamps and bringing in Arms of every description.-The Apartments on one side of the Palace are illuminated.) Enter BOURGONINO with SOLDIERS. BOURGONINO. Halt! Four Sentries at the portal! Two, at each door that leads into the palace.-(SENTRIES take post.)-Whoever wishes it, will be admitted! But not a soul permitted to depart! If violence be used-Immediate death! (Exit with the remainder into the Castle.-SENTRIES walk steadily up and down their Posts.-A total Silence.) |