Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/62

Rh

Live for revenge—a better hour may come.

Revenge is all too distant; I will save Or perish!

I tell you all is known; what can avail A single arm?

Tis to that single arm that I must trust. There yet remains one sole—one desperate chance— The risk is mine. (Drawing his dagger.) This blade has stood, ere now, My certain friend. (Sheathing it.)—I'll trust to it again.

Castruccio's guards are gather'd round his palace; And, if some cunning tale could win your entrance, You'd perish, ev'n as you struck the blow. A hundred swords would straight avenge his death.

I'd brave them all, Rinaldo, in such cause; But mine's a far more subtle stratagem.

Your stratagems have not avail'd us much.

The chances of the game have turn'd against us, And I will pay the forfeit with my head, Unless I turn them yet again.

There's something in your courage raises mine; I'll follow you.