Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/62

2nd noble.

Live for revenge—a better hour may come.

LEONI.

Revenge is all too distant; I will save

Or perish!

2nd noble.

I tell you all is known; what can avail

A single arm?

LEONI.

Tis to that single arm that I must trust.

There yet remains one sole—one desperate chance—
The risk is mine. (Drawing his dagger.) This blade has stood, ere now,
My certain friend. (Sheathing it.)—I'll trust to it again.

2nd noble.

Castruccio's guards are gather'd round his palace;

And, if some cunning tale could win your entrance,
You'd perish, ev'n as you struck the blow.
A hundred swords would straight avenge his death.

LEONI.

I'd brave them all, Rinaldo, in such cause;

But mine's a far more subtle stratagem.

2nd noble.

Your stratagems have not avail'd us much.

LEONI.

The chances of the game have turn'd against us,

And I will pay the forfeit with my head,
Unless I turn them yet again.

2nd noble.

There's something in your courage raises mine;

I'll follow you.