Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/100

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I!—why I'm free o' the palace; every place

Except the council chamber, and in that

I sit by proxy!

'T is the Duke's strict order

You enter not this room.

Back! or the grooms

Shall score thy hunch to motley.

How now, sirrah!

Call you this marshalling?

I am right served!

I forgot that fools in silks should take precedence

Of fools in motley! Lead the way, my lords!

Look! here comes Malatesta.

Ha!—but stay,

To hear me gird at him! You call me bitter;

Now you shall see how merciful I've been.

Waste not your ears on him; the Duke awaits us

Beside his beauty,—metal more attractive

Than this cursed word-catcher.

Ay, ay! let's in.

[Exeunt and. goes hastily to R. entrance. Enter.