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!
FRANCESCA.
He lies! 'T was I!
BERTUCCIO.
My child! my child!
TORELLI (who has turned back at the sound, flinging the door wide open).
Look to the Duke, my lords!
