Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/77

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Hist, Bertuccio!

Here, gossip Galeotto,—you are punctual;

Ascolti too; grave Signor Florentine,

We'll show you how the gallants of Faenza

Treat greybeards who aspire to handsome wives.

Remember your beard 's grizzled—and beware—

I will stand warned. You have the ladders here?

The lackeys wait in charge of them hard by.

But where 's Torelli? we shall want his help.

Pshaw! our three swords are plenty.

Cry you mercy!

'T is not Torelli's sword we want.

What then?

His marvellous quick scent of danger, man.

Stick to his skirts, I'll answer for 't you're safe.

Perhaps he smelt some risk of buffets here,

And so has ta'en him home to bed.

Away

Towards Malatesta's house! 't was there he promised