Part 8 (1/2)

GUIDO

[rushes to the window]

The d.u.c.h.ess has gone forth into the square, And stands between the people and the guard, And will not let them shoot.

DUKE

The devil take her!

GUIDO

[still at the window]

And followed by a dozen of the citizens Has come into the Palace.

DUKE

[starting up]

By Saint James, Our d.u.c.h.ess waxes bold!

BARDI

Here comes the d.u.c.h.ess.

DUKE

Shut that door there; this morning air is cold.

[They close the door on the corridor.]

[Enter the d.u.c.h.ess followed by a crowd of meanly dressed Citizens.]

d.u.c.h.eSS

[flinging herself upon her knees]

I do beseech your Grace to give us audience.

DUKE

What are these grievances?

d.u.c.h.eSS

Alas, my Lord, Such common things as neither you nor I, Nor any of these n.o.ble gentlemen, Have ever need at all to think about; They say the bread, the very bread they eat, Is made of sorry chaff.

FIRST CITIZEN

Ay! so it is, Nothing but chaff.

DUKE

And very good food too, I give it to my horses.

d.u.c.h.eSS