Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/32

14

No. Who was queen of the feast to-night,

In your skilled judgment, Messer Gian Maria?

I ought to say your duchess, fair Francesca;

But if another tongue had asked the question—

Speak out thy honest judgment!

Not a lady

In all Faenza's worthy to compare

With proud Ginevra. Malatesta!

I think I know a fairer—but no matter!

I hold with Ordelaffi. I have mounted

Ginevra's colours in my cap and heart;

But she's too proud, or fearful of old Guido,

To smile upon my suit. 'T is the first time

I've found so coy a dame.

Trust one who knows them:

The coyest are not always chastest.

How say you, if I spared her shame of yielding

By a night escalade?