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Dark as it was, I knew his stately form! He cross'd the street, and out of ambush sprung The secret enemy. I saw him fling His cloak upon the ground—out flash'd his blade— But the dark night was lit with glittering steel, And twenty swords were drawn to meet but one. I heard the clash, then a fierce struggle—oaths— And he was hurried past: the moon shone out, And there lay on the ground a broken sword, But red with blood.

Here comes his young and trusted officer, The Count Cesario; he will tell us more.

What of Castruccio's fate—what of our chief?

The treachery of the nobles has prevail'd. Castruccio lies within the city prison, Thither convey'd by Ludolph's foreign band; A thousand dangers circle him around, The secret dagger, and the open scaffold.

Well, now we have no friend!

He was your friend; the meanest citizen Found, in the shadow of Castruccio's name, His best security.

He never wrung from us our hard-earn'd gains.