Part 100 (1/2)

SENTINELS AT THE GATE (calling out). Who goes there?

SCENE IV.

The former, four of the a.s.sERATO family.

a.s.sERATO (entering). A friend of FIESCO.

ZIBO. They are the four a.s.serati.

ZENTURIONE. Good evening, friends!

a.s.sERATO. We are going to the play.

ZIBO. A pleasant journey to you!

a.s.sERATO. Are you not going also?

ZENTURIONE. Walk on. We'll just take a breath of air first.

a.s.sERATO. 'Twill soon begin. Come. (Going.)

SENTINEL. Back!

a.s.sERATO. What can this mean?

ZENTURIONE (laughing). To keep you from the palace.

a.s.sERATO. Here's some mistake----

ZIBO. That's plain enough. (Music is heard in the right wing.)

a.s.sERATO. Do you hear the symphony? The comedy is going to begin.

ZENTURIONE. I think it has begun, and we are acting our parts as fools.

ZIBO. I'm not over warm--I'll return home.

a.s.sERATO. Arms here, too?

ZIBO. Poh! Mere play-house articles.

ZENTURIONE. Shall we stand waiting, like ghosts upon the banks of Acheron? Come, let us to a tavern! (All six go towards the gate.)

SENTINELS (calling loudly). Back! Back!

ZENTURIONE. Death and the devil! We are caught.

ZIBO. My sword shall open a pa.s.sage!