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Be still, thou coward hand! thou shalt not tremble. (She writes.) 'Tis done—these few brief words suffice To warn Castruccio of the coming danger. (She folds the letter.) Holy Madonna, have it in thy care ! (She attempts to throw it out, the wind blows it back again.) 'Tis too light—'twill never reach the street; (She looks anxiously round.) It should be heavy—heavy as my heart! Oh, nothing!—nothing, if I had but here One of those daggers soon to drink his blood! (Suddenly recollecting, she puts her hand to her throat.) 'Tis here, the chain I have from childhood worn! My only relic of the unknown past. But let it go—it will weigh down the scroll— (She makes up the packet.) Now heav'n speed it that it reach Castruccio ! (She flings it from the window.) It falls—I see it lying in the street. Now all depends on who may find it first. Star of his glorious hour, send thou some friend! Let but a noble pass, and he is lost! A common citizen draws near the spot; He sees the packet—takes it—reads the name, And hurries to the Castrucani palace. I know yon street leads straight unto its gates; Oh God, I thank thee! (Sinks exhausted by the window ; the scene closes.)