GUIDO starts back in
horror, but at a gesture from COUNT MORANZONE, kneels and kisses
it.]
We will see
That you are furnished with such equipage
As doth befit your honour and our state.
GUIDO
I thank your Grace most heartily.
DUKE
Tell me again
What is your name?
GUIDO
Guido Ferranti, sir.
DUKE
And you are Mantuan? Look to your wives, my lords,
When such a gallant comes to Padua.
Thou dost well to laugh, Count Bardi; I have noted
How merry is that husband by whose hearth
Sits an uncomely wife.
MAFFIO
May it please your Grace,
The wives of Padua are above suspicion.
DUKE
What, are they so ill-favoured! Let us go,
This Cardinal detains our pious Duchess;
His sermon and his beard want cutting both:
Will you come with us, sir, and hear a text
From holy Jerome?
MORANZONE
[bowing]
My liege, there are some matters -
DUKE
[interrupting]
Thou need'st make no excuse for missing mass.
Come, gentlemen.
[Exit with his suite into Cathedral.]
GUIDO
[after a pause]
So the Duke sold my father;
I kissed his hand.
MORANZONE
Thou shalt do that many times.
GUIDO
Must it be so?
MORANZONE
Ay! thou hast sworn an oath.
GUIDO
That oath shall make me marble.
MORANZONE
Farewell, boy,
Thou wilt not see me till the time is ripe.
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