ACT II. SCENE I.

_The same. A Room in the Palace._

_Enter_ ROBERTO, FULGENTIO, _and_ ASTUTIO.

_Rob._ Embark'd to-night, do you say?

_Ful._ I saw him aboard, sir.

_Rob._ And without taking of his leave?

_Ast._ 'Twas strange!

_Rob._ Are we grown so contemptible?

_Ful._ 'Tis far From me, sir, to add fuel to your anger, That, in your ill opinion of him, burns Too hot already; else, I should affirm It was a gross neglect.

_Rob._ A wilful scorn Of duty and allegiance; you give it Too fair a name: but we shall think on 't. Can you Guess what the numbers were, that follow'd him In his desperate action?

_Ful._ More than you think, sir. All ill-affected spirits in Palermo, Or to your government or person, with The turbulent swordmen, such whose poverty forced them To wish a change, are gone along with him; Creatures devoted to his undertakings, In right or wrong: and, to express their zeal And readiness to serve him, ere they went, Profanely took the sacrament on their knees, To live and die with him.

_Rob._ O most impious! Their loyalty to us forgot?

_Ful._ I fear so.

_Ast._ Unthankful as they are!

_Ful._ Yet this deserves not One troubled thought in you, sir; with your pardon, I hold that their remove from hence makes more For your security than danger.

_Rob._ True; And, as I'll fashion it, they shall feel it too. Astutio, you shall presently be despatch'd With letters, writ and sign'd with our own hand, To the duchess of Sienna, in excuse Of our part in these forces sent against her. You must, beside, from us take some instructions, To be imparted, as you judge them useful, To the general Gonzaga. Instantly Prepare you for your journey.

_Ast._ With the wings Of loyalty and duty. [_Exit._

_Ful._ I am bold To put your majesty in mind----

_Rob._ Of my promise, And aids, to further you in your amorous project To the fair and rich Camiola? there's my ring; Whatever you shall say that I entreat, Or can command by power, I will make good.

_Ful._ Ever your majesty's creature.

_Rob._ Venus prove Propitious to you! [_Exit._

_Ful._ All sorts to my wishes: Bertoldo was my hindrance; he removed, I now will court her in the conqueror's style; "Come, see, and overcome."--Boy!

_Enter Page._

_Page._ Sir; your pleasure?

_Ful._ Haste to Camiola; bid her prepare An entertainment suitable to a fortune She could not hope for. Tell her, I vouchsafe To honour her with a visit.

_Page._ 'Tis a favour Will make her proud.

_Ful._ I know it.

_Page._ I am gone, sir. [_Exit._

_Ful._ Entreaties fit not me; a man in grace May challenge awe and privilege, by his place. [_Exit._