Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/35

Rh She'll be better in my castle at Cesena;

The walls are five feet thick, and from the platform

There's a rare view. She'll need no exercise.

The jailer! [Aloud.] But what says the lady's will?

I never ask that, and so escape all risk

Of finding it run counter to my own.

Faenza will have great miss of you both.

Oh, fear not; I'll return. Your wine 's too good

To be left lightly. I'll be back to-morrow,

Before the gates are shut. Meanwhile, accept

This leave-taking by proxy from my wife.

Not so; I must exchange farewell with her

To-morrow.

We shall start an hour ere dawn;

You'll scarce be stirring.

Plague upon the churl!

He meets me at all points. [Aloud.] At least, I hope

This absence of your wife will not be long;

My duchess cannot spare her. [Aside.] Saints forgive me!