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Defeat and danger wait upon delay. Castruccio will be here to-night, unarm'd, His surest friends beside him; they will fall, None to avenge. Our friends are all prepared; A secret band of Florentines now lie In ambush by the city's western gate, Whose keeper I have gain'd. I haste to seek them Bearing the orders of the Count Gonsalvi, Who'll meet them at the gate and lead them on. Castruccio slain—the people overawed, Henceforth our triumph is secure.

It will be bought too dearly.

Danger will only heighten our success.

'Tis not the danger, 'tis the treachery.

I've heard the treachery of the Castrucani Gave you three years of prison in your youth.

Do not recall that bitter time again.

I must recall its memory—let it cry For vengeance at our hands. I will away; Short time is mine to reach the Florentines, And yet return to grace the festival: My entrance at the banquet is the signal!

Castruccio may miss you from the halls Whose heir should be the first to bid him welcome!