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I had forgotten what I meant to say— You and Bianca must be brave to-night. I bade my pages carry to your chamber Some toys and gauds I trust will please your fancy.

You are too kind.

Nay, I am only glad To give so slight a pleasure.[Exit.

It is in vain—I cannot fix my thoughts On aught but him. Amino, no, Castruccio! How have I pray'd for years that we might meet— We meet, and only meet to part for ever. I know not what I look upon—all things Repeat his likeness—I can hear his voice, Or is it but the beating of my heart? The Count Leoni here? Let me escape, I could not bear his idle gallantry.—(Looks round.) This column will conceal me.

It is too desperate!

So are our fortunes! We are the ladders of Castruccio's greatness, Used, then flung down.

Nay, we must rise with him.