Part 5 (1/2)

[to him]

Dost thou mark his words?

GUIDO

Oh, be thou sure I do.

DUKE

And be not over-scrupulous; clean hands With nothing in them make a sorry show.

If you would have the lion's share of life You must wear the fox's skin. Oh, it will fit you; It is a coat which fitteth every man.

GUIDO

Your Grace, I shall remember.

DUKE

That is well, boy, well.

I would not have about me shallow fools, Who with mean scruples weigh the gold of life, And faltering, paltering, end by failure; failure, The only crime which I have not committed: I would have MEN about me. As for conscience, Conscience is but the name which cowardice Fleeing from battle scrawls upon its s.h.i.+eld.

You understand me, boy?

GUIDO

I do, your Grace, And will in all things carry out the creed Which you have taught me.

MAFFIO

I never heard your Grace So much in the vein for preaching; let the Cardinal Look to his laurels, sir.

DUKE

The Cardinal!

Men follow my creed, and they gabble his.

I do not think much of the Cardinal; Although he is a holy churchman, and I quite admit his dulness. Well, sir, from now We count you of our household [He holds out his hand for GUIDO to kiss. GUIDO starts back in horror, but at a gesture from COUNT MORANZONE, kneels and kisses it.]

We will see That you are furnished with such equipage As doth befit your honour and our state.

GUIDO

I thank your Grace most heartily.

DUKE

Tell me again What is your name?

GUIDO

Guido Ferranti, sir.

DUKE