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Redden for ever with a parent's blood!
Nature, thy ties are sacred, and I yield.
Haste with my signet; love, your father lives,
And you shall be his hostage.

CLARICHA.

Let my haste thank you. Oh! my noble lord,

Long years of happiness reward this pardon![Exit

Tumult without. Cesario and others rush in.

CESARIO.

My lord, some treachery has been at work.

Through the west gate the Florentines have won
Their secret entrance, and the Count Gonsalvi
Raises his war-cry in our streets.

CASTRUCCIO.

'Tis well;

Long have I sought to meet him face to face,
And now a single blow may end the war.

Scene III.—The Market-place. Citizens, &c. Sound
of tumult, and a bell tolling in the distance.

1st citizen.

They fly before Castruccio; but a band,

With Count Gonsalvi, keep the western gate.

2nd citizen.

They will not keep it long; the Florentines

Know our Castruccio.

1st citizen.

Did the prisoner pass

While I was gone?