Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/17

CASTRUCCIO.

And, therefore, worthier to have unask'd.

Ye do mistake me, signors: all my thoughts
To ye are grateful ones. But for your rash
And ill-advised attempt, I had not known
How true the love on which my power is built—
How strong the cause the people trust with me!

Re-enter Count Gonsalvi

GONSALVI.

I must demand some escort: for the streets

Are fill'd with people, and unwillingly
Would I shed blood. What! Castrucani here?

CASTRUCCIO.

Ready to give the Count Gonsalvi audience,

And ask, what are the terms he brings from Florence?

GONSALVI.

With these, the representatives of Lucca,

I have arranged our treaty.

CASTRUCCIO.

On what terms?

GONSALVI.

That ye submit yourselves, and pledge your faith

True vassals unto Florence: and each year
Remit your tribute—twenty thousand florins!

CASTRUCCIO.

Tribute and homage! can they sink so low,

Men who have met ye bravely in the field?
Now hear me, Count Gonsalvi: Lucca rather
Would see her walls dismantled, than consent
To yield such base submission!