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LEONI.

We are degraded by the Castrucani;

Our order has not left one privilege
Beyond the meanest citizen.

2nd noble.

He talks, too, of dismissing our retainers.

LEONI.

'Tis the old fable of the lion's claws,

But we must re-assert our ancient rule;
Assert it now or never, for I know
The emperor's envoys are upon their way
To own the Castrucani Lord of Lucca,
But they must find us masters!

1st noble.

Your entrance at the banquet is our signal?

LEONI.

Yes, and I ask one favour; let my dagger

Be that which strikes Castruccio!

ALL.

Agreed!

LEONI.

Our time is precious; to your care, Count Ludolph,

I will commend my uncle: he is old,
And weak, and fearful—see he falter not.
You, Count Rinaldo, have our followers arm'd,
And meet me secret in the cypress-grove;
I'll wait there, coming from the Florentines.
Our forces and their band must join at once;
This fix'd, we'll seek the banquet-room together.
My welcome to Castruccio is my dagger!