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Ne'er led the foremost, still himself the first. I grudge the yielding to the Florentines That now must follow.

Better submission to the distant power Than that within our gates; the citizens, Stirr'd by Castruccio, talk of their rights: Time was, a creditor, grown troublesome, Might hang, a useful warning, at our door; But Castrucani has so changed the state, That not a knave who walks the market-place But holds his life as precious as our own. Why Lucca is as quiet as a bower.

We have had stirring times outside our walls, Victory on victory o'er the Florentines.

And this has dazzled ye: ye have not mark'd How stronger, hour by hour, has grown his sway. Among ourselves, if it were left to him, We should not have a single privilege Beyond the meanest citizen.

Enter the as if from a journey, speaking to his Page as he enters. See all your charges safe: then follow me, Bringing the casket where my cousin's name Is work'd in pearls.

Welcome again to Lucca, Count Leoni. (All gather round him.)