Part 14 (2/2)

ATTENDANT.

My Lord, the Lady Hermione visits you to-day.

DUKE.

My pages--are they summoned?

ATTENDANT.

Fabian waits below, in the great hall, just equipped for the chase.

DUKE.

Let him attend. [_Exit ATTENDANT._ The tongue of that gay damsel in mine ear Yet rings. I like her wit well, she doth sport These humours n.o.bly. Words from her charmed lips Do gather sweetness, and the sharpest taunt Falls from her harmless, veil'd in the soft tones Of her most delicate voice. And yet her presence I would not seek; a lurking mystery Hangs, or my thought deceives me, fathomless, Inscrutable, and dazzling as the veil That quells th' intruder's gaze. I watch'd her eye In secret yesternight, amid the feast; The soul that sate there laugh'd not, but her face With radiant smiles was sprinkled, dimpling o'er Like the soft waves on summer seas, with such Smooth, gentle undulation. Yet her eye Ne'er rose nor fell, but fix'd as some stern rock Amid that smiling wave. I like not this-- There's witchery in that glance.

_Enter FABIAN._

Bring here my tablets, boy:--how goes the news?

FABIAN.

Your grace, perchance, hath heard two gentle strangers The abode inquiring of Hermione.

Beneath Ridolfi's terrace, yesternight, Unto her ear they gave, with pipe and lute, Sweet signal of their presence.

DUKE.

Where?--the terrace!-- I'll have them seiz'd. Ho!--guards!

_Enter Guard._

FABIAN.

Oh, stay!--why thus, my lord!-- The men purpose no mischief, hither bent On some love errand; they in this can plot None other hurt.

DUKE.

Love! sayest thou?--Whom seek they?--

FABIAN.

Hermione, my lord, and she----

DUKE.

Admits their coming?--Seize them, guards!-- Why this delay?

GUARD.

My lord, we know not where Your message hath its reference.

DUKE.

Where lurk the caitiffs, boy?

FABIAN.

Alas! alas! some frenzy masters you: One moment wait, one precious moment, ere Upon the spotless robe of your fair justice Fall this abhorred stain. Pause, I beseech you, [_The DUKE motions the Guards to withdraw._ 'Tis for yourself I plead! [_Kneels._

DUKE.

Up, boy!--what ails thee? Knowest thou, Fabian, Of these intruders?--Speak!

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