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1st noble.

He shall not perish by the assassin's hand.

2nd noble.

So that he perish, little matters how.

ARREZI.

The tumult would be fearful.

1st noble.

Even now

The people gather fiercely in the streets.

2nd noble.

Let them not see him, they will soon forget.

ARREZI.

Hark to the shouts!

1st noble.

I have a useful knave, who, give him gold,

Stabs and forgets; I'll send him to the prison.

2nd noble.

The noise approaches, look ye to your swords.

1st noble.

Delay is fatal—let Castruccio die!

(While he is speaking the doors are burst open,
and Castruccio enters, armed and attended.

CASTRUCCIO.

Not yet, nor by your hand! Thanks, gentlemen,

For an indifferent lodging. I have learnt
That prisons, tenanted with thoughts of death,
Is not a punishment to order lightly;
Therefore, ye shall not fill my vacant place.

2nd noble.

The game is yours—I, for one, ask not mercy!