FRANCESCA.
Your child?
BERTUCCIO.
From death, if not wrong worse than death,
You still may save her. Have the doors burst open.
You can command here—next the Duke; if not,
At least [aside to her] forbear the poison!
FRANCESCA (aside to him).
'T is too late.
The wine was here!
BERTUCCIO.
Then this alone remains.
[He rushes up to the door and shouts.
Come forth, my lords! The Duke's life—all your lives
Hang by a thread! Come forth—all! For your lives!
[Torelli, Ascolti, and Ordelaffi appear at the door.
Your wine is poisoned!
TORELLI.
Ha! Who did the deed?
BERTUCCIO.
I! Drink not—for your lives!
[They are rushing upon him, drawing their swords.
FRANCESCA.
He lies! 'T was I!
[A shriek is heard within.
BERTUCCIO.
My child! my child!
TORELLI (who has turned back at the sound, flinging the door wide open).
Look to the Duke, my lords!