Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/54

Learns what it owes the future.
The sage, the hero, leave their great example
Heroic guides upon a glorious path;
They are the lights by which we shape our course,
Only by looking up can we see Heav'n.

1st noble.

You're eloquent, my lord!

ARREZI (Aside).

I'll try to save him, and must see Leoni.

(Aloud.) Our guests await your pleasure.

CASTRUCCIO.

I pray their pardon: but who is yon knight

Clad in white armour?

ARREZI.

Our house's chiefest honour; when the Moors

Made him a prisoner, on his plighted word,
So high they held the Count Vitelli's name,
They let him seek his native land to raise
The ransom which they set. He found his lands
Impoverish'd like the state, and could not raise
The heavy sum required. In vain 'twas urged
Small faith was needed with the Infidel;
But he return'd, taking his chains again,
And died a captive.

CASTRUCCIO.

And, in the presence of this noble knight,

Who looks in visible scorn upon ye now,
Your ancestor, Arrezi, have you plann'd
To violate all hospitable rites!

ARREZI.

Count Castruccio!