DELL' AQUILA.
Pardon, sweet saint, if I profane thy shrine.
I watched Bertuccio forth; he passed me close,
I feared he would have seen me. I have sworn
Not to betray their foul design to him.
And to warn her, this means alone is left me.
Hark! 't is her gracious step, she comes this way.
FIORDELISA.
Comfort of the afflicted, comfort him!
Turn his revengeful purpose to submission,
And grant that I may grow to take the place
My mother has left empty in his heart!
He's gone! And I had not the heart to speak
Of the young gentleman who follows me.
He asked if any spoke to me; I told
The truth,—he never spoke to me.
[Turning round and seeing Dell' Aquila.
[In great terror.] Who's there?
Brigitta! help!
DELL' AQUILA.
Silence! but have no fear.
I am not here to harm you, do not tremble.
I would die, lady, rather than offend you.
FIORDELISA.
Oh, sir, how came you here?
DELL' AQUILA.
I knew no other way
But by the balcony. Desperate occasions
Dispense with ceremony. My respect
Is absolute. Fear not: I am not here
