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ARREZI.

I do not know the times in which I live.

So much of change lies heavy on each hour!
Castruccio comes to-night—now greet him fair.

LEONI.

What! when he comes a suitor to my cousin?

ARREZI.

Such an alliance will secure us all.

LEONI.

I tell you, count, that it shall never be;

Think upon what you owe your ancient line:
Its feuds are bonds its honour must hold dear.
We hate the Castrucani!

ARREZI.

I have small cause, if you knew all, to love them.

LEONI.

And yet you yield and tamper with Castruccio.

ARREZI.

And once again, I say, what can we do?

LEONI (Aside).

He wavers—ancient hatred is too strong

For the new bond of interest and of fear,
But yet I dare not trust him with the scheme
That rises dark and vague upon my mind.
I must think more. (Aloud.)—Again, I say, resist!
But wisely, calmly; never should the sword
Flash till it strikes.

ARREZI.

I'll tell you truly, kinsman,

I like not this alliance: it is forced

VOL. IIC