Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/46

28

Before the stroke of midnight.

'T was my plan

To gather one by one to the place of action;

Lest, going in a troop, we might awake

Suspicion, and put Guido on his guard.

A wise precaution, although it was yours.

I wronged you, gentlemen; I thought you shrunk

Even from sin, when there was danger in 't.

It seems there are deeds black enough to make

Even Torelli brave, Ascolti prompt,

And Ordelaffi witty. But the place?

Beside San Stefano.

The hour of meeting?

Half an hour after vespers. There await us.

And now good rest, my lords; the night wanes fast

My duchess will be weary.

Sir, good-night!

Sleep well, Torelli. Dream of charging home

In the van of some fierce fight.