Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/103

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THE FOOL'S REVENGE.
81

FRANCESCA.

You say your lady slept not here, last night,
But at Cesena?


MALATESTA.

Or the devil's in 't.
I saw her safe bestowed there; I can trust
My own eyes,—or still better, my own bolts.


BERTUCCIO (amazed and aside).

Is this old man, too, of Manfredi's council,
To cheat his wife?


MALATESTA.

I little thought to bring her back so soon,
But on your summons, I have straight recalled her.


BERTUCCIO (breaking in eagerly).

And she is here; hold him to that, Madonna!


MALATESTA.

Malapert dog!


FRANCESCA.

Pardon his licensed tongue.
I fain would see the lady.


MALATESTA (bowing).

You shall see her;
I have not far to fetch her. [Exit L.


BERTUCCIO (furiously).

'T is a lie,—
A cursed lie, to hide his own foul shame!
Believe him not!


FRANCESCA.

But if he bring the lady?