Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/33

Rh

Carry her off?

A Malatesta! Were it an enemy's town—

Hear him! How modestly he talks! Why, man,

Since when shrank'st thou from climbing balconies,

And forcing doors without an invitation?

Oh, citizens, I grant you; but a noble's!

One of ourselves!

Remember, Malatesta

Is cousin to the old lord of Cesena.

The affair might breed a feud, and so let in

The sly Venetian.

Be advised, my lord;

If you must breathe your new-fledged liberty,

Try safer game! Old Malatesta's horns

Might prove too sharp for pastime!

Out, you faint hearts!

Do you fall off? Then, by St. Francis' bones,

I and Bertuccio will adventure it.

Bertuccio! My jewel to his hump,

'T was he put this mad frolic in your head!

And if it were? At least he'll stand by me.

Perchance his wits may be worth all your brawn.