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And, therefore, worthier to have unask'd. Ye do mistake me, signors: all my thoughts To ye are grateful ones. But for your rash And ill-advised attempt, I had not known How true the love on which my power is built— How strong the cause the people trust with me!

I must demand some escort: for the streets Are fill'd with people, and unwillingly Would I shed blood. What! Castrucani here?

Ready to give the Count Gonsalvi audience, And ask, what are the terms he brings from Florence?

With these, the representatives of Lucca, I have arranged our treaty.

On what terms?

That ye submit yourselves, and pledge your faith True vassals unto Florence: and each year Remit your tribute—twenty thousand florins!

Tribute and homage! can they sink so low, Men who have met ye bravely in the field? Now hear me, Count Gonsalvi: Lucca rather Would see her walls dismantled, than consent To yield such base submission!