nlooked-for aid! [_Aside._

MALATESTA. What force have they?

LANCIOTTO. It matters not,--nor yet the time, place, cause,
Of their rebellion. I would throttle it,
Were it a riot, or a drunken brawl!

MALATESTA. Nay, son, your bride--

LANCIOTTO. My bride will pardon me;
Bless me, perhaps, as I am going forth;--
Thank me, perhaps, if I should ne'er return. [_Aside._]
A soldier's duty has no bridals in it.

PAOLO. Lanciotto, this is folly. Let me take
Your usual place of honour.

LANCIOTTO. [_Laughing._] Ha! ha! ha!
What! thou, a tilt-yard soldier, lead my troops!
My wife will ask it shortly. Not a word
Of opposition from the new-made bride?
Nay, she looks happier. O! accursed day,
That I was mated to an empty heart! [_Aside._

MALATESTA. But, son--

LANCIOTTO. Well, father?

PEPE. Uncle, let him go.
He'll find it cooler on a battle-field
Than in his--

LANCIOTTO. Hark! the fool speaks oracles.
You, soldiers, who are used to follow me,
And front our charges, emulous to bear
The shock of battle on your forward arms,--
Why stand ye in amazement? Do your swords
Stick to their scabbards with inglorious rust?
Or has repose so weakened your big hearts,
That you can dream with trumpets at your ears?
Out with your steel! It shames me to behold
Such tardy welcome to my war-worn blade! [_Draws._]
[_The_ KNIGHTS _and_ SOLDIERS _draw._]
Ho! draw our forces out! Strike camp, sound drums,
And set us on our marches! As I live,
I pity the next foeman who relies
On me for mercy! Farewell! to you all--
To all alike--a soldier's short farewell! [_Going._]

[PAOLO _stands before him._]

Out of my way, thou juggler! [_Exit._

PAOLO. He is gone!

ACT V.

SCENE I. _The Same. The Garden of the Castle. Enter_ PEPE, _singing._

PEPE. 'Tis jolly to walk in the shady greenwood
With a damsel by your side;
'Tis jolly to walk from the chapel-door,
With the hand of your pretty bride;
'Tis jolly to rest your weary head,
When life runs low and hope is fled,
On the heart where you confide:
'Tis jolly, j