]
DUKE
Madam, you keep us waiting;
You keep my dogs waiting.
DUCHESS
I will not ride to-day.
DUKE
How now, what's this?
DUCHESS
My Lord, I cannot go.
DUKE
What, pale face, do you dare to stand against me?
Why, I could set you on a sorry jade
And lead you through the town, till the low rabble
You feed toss up their hats and mock at you.
DUCHESS
Have you no word of kindness ever for me?
DUKE
I hold you in the hollow of my hand
And have no need on you to waste kind words.
DUCHESS
Well, I will go.
DUKE
[slapping his boot with his whip]
No, I have changed my mind,
You will stay here, and like a faithful wife
Watch from the window for our coming back.
Were it not dreadful if some accident
By chance should happen to your loving Lord?
Come, gentlemen, my hounds begin to chafe,
And I chafe too, having a patient wife.
Where is young Guido?
MAFFIO
My liege, I have not seen him
For a full hour past.
DUKE
It matters not,
I dare say I shall see him soon enough.
Well, Madam, you will sit at home and spin.
I do protest, sirs, the domestic virtues
Are often very beautiful in others.
[Exit DUKE with his Court.]
DUCHESS
The stars have fought against me, that is all,
And thus to-night when my Lord lieth asleep,
Will I fall upon my dagger, and so cease.
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