FIRST SOLDIER
I do not think that stout Hugh, as you call him, will do the
business for him after all. This Guido is of gentle birth, and so
by the law can drink poison first, if it so be his pleasure.
THIRD SOLDIER
And if he does not drink it?
FIRST SOLDIER
Why, then, they will kill him.
[Knocking comes at the door.]
FIRST SOLDIER
See who that is.
[Third Soldier goes over and looks through the wicket.]
THIRD SOLDIER
It is a woman, sir.
FIRST SOLDIER
Is she pretty?
THIRD SOLDIER
I can't tell. She is masked, lieutenant.
FIRST SOLDIER
It is only very ugly or very beautiful women who ever hide their
faces. Let her in.
[Soldier opens the door, and the DUCHESS masked and cloaked
enters.]
DUCHESS
[to Third Soldier]
Are you the officer on guard?
FIRST SOLDIER
[coming forward]
I am, madam.
DUCHESS
I must see the prisoner alone.
FIRST SOLDIER
I am afraid that is impossible. [The DUCHESS hands him a ring, he
looks at and returns it to her with a bow and makes a sign to the
Soldiers.] Stand without there. [Exeunt the Soldiers.]
DUCHESS
Officer, your men are somewhat rough.
FIRST SOLDIER
They mean no harm.
DUCHESS
I shall be going back in a few minutes. As I pass through the
corridor do not let them try and lift my mask.
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