Part 23 (2/2)

SCENE II.

_Enter d.u.c.h.eSS and HERMIONE._

HERMIONE.

Laura hath not yet Put off her sorrow.--Still doth fancy cherish The darling form of yon misguided youth Your lord encounter'd on the terrace.-- With long entreaty I have learnt his name; And, as my yet unquestion'd word befits, 'Tis but a cast-off suitor of mine own!

d.u.c.h.eSS.

I fear me this adventure still broods mischief.

The Duke somehow had strange intelligence Of danger threatened to Hermione.-- On that same night he watch'd, and foil'd the ruffian, But he forebore to afflict him farther.

HERMIONE.

Strange-- This brief-told tale--

_Enter DUKE._

Welcome--thrice welcome now.

By what good chance, my lord, sought you the terrace Few nights agone?--Some stray intelligence, The d.u.c.h.ess tells, crept to your ear of danger To me denounced!

DUKE.

Some secret whisper met me of the matter.

Know you this billet?

HERMIONE.

Forsooth its fair outside Small import gives of such unworthy deed.-- I know not, save at once you dare commit Its contents to my ken.

DUKE.

Well spoken, lady.-- What read you?

HERMIONE.

Carlos!--(_Reads._) Some strange mistake rests here. As my good word Earns your belief--till now, I ne'er beheld This love-lorn billet.

DUKE.

Ah, woman, pleasant still, But full of subtlety;--perverse, untoward-- Thy ways mark'd deep by unabash'd deceit: Well thou mayst laugh at thine imposture.

HERMIONE.

The riddle solves:--this billet by mistake Hath found its way to yon same helpless virgin.

Laura hath dropp'd it--some officious friend Unto your eye the unoffending page Hath straight convey'd.

DUKE.

Thou answerest plausibly;-- I would believe thy honied tongue.

HERMIONE.

I did repulse him, sore amazed At his approach.--He threaten'd with his hate, Which I do love more than his unprized favour!

DUKE.

I well remember thy reproof.

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