That sends this apt occasion? Galeotto,
I warned thee in the springtime of our loves,
This hand could kill as easy as caress;
You laughed, and took it in your ampler palm,
And said that death were pleasant from such white
And taper fingers. Try it now!
[She pours some of the contents of the phial into the flagons of wine.
'T is done!
[Re-enter Bertuccio, L., hastily.
BERTUCCIO.
Hide, here, Madonna: here their lordships come!
I met them on the way, so brave and merry!
My gossip Galeotto bids them here,
To feast with him and her!
FRANCESCA (aside).
Their doom is sealed!
BERTUCCIO.
It is your due; you that go out bat-fowling
Lack wine o' mornings to keep up your hearts.
ORDELAFFI.
Why, thou wert there, knave; yet try thou to enter
Into the presence, and they'll whip thee back;
His Highness wants no fool to-day!