ause to scrutinize the wood;
So you may enter boldly. We will use
The heart to-day's repulse has given to them,
For our advantage. Do you understand?

CAPTAIN. Clearly, my lord.

LANCIOTTO. If they discover you,
Before you gain your point, wheel, and retreat
Upon my rear. If your attack should fail
To strike them with a panic, and they turn
In too great numbers on your small command,
Scatter your soldiers through the wood:
Let each seek safety for himself.

CAPTAIN. I see.

LANCIOTTO. Have Pluto shod; he cast a shoe to-day:
Let it be done at once. My helmet, too,
Is worn about the lacing; look to that.
Where is my armourer?

CAPTAIN. At his forge.

LANCIOTTO. Your charge
Must be at sunrise--just at sunrise, sir--
Neither before nor after. You must march
At moonset, then, to gain the point ere dawn.
That is enough.

CAPTAIN. Good-even! [_Going._

LANCIOTTO. Stay, stay, stay!
My sword-hilt feels uneasy in my grasp; [_Gives his sword._]
Have it repaired; and grind the point. Strike hard!
I'll teach these Ghibelins a lesson. [_Loud laughter within._]
Ha!
What is that clamour?

_Enter hastily_ PEPE, _tattered and travel-stained._

PEPE. News from Rimini! [_Falls exhausted._

LANCIOTTO. Is that you, Pepe? Captain, a good-night!
[_Exit CAPTAIN._]
I never saw you in such straits before.
Wit without words!

PEPE. That's better than--O!--O!-- [_Panting._]
Words without wit.

LANCIOTTO. [_Laughing._] You'll die a jester, Pepe.

PEPE. If so, I'll leave the needy all my wit.
You, you shall have it, cousin.--O! O! O! [_Panting._]
Those devils in the hills, the Ghibelins,
Ran me almost to death. My lord--ha! ha! [_Laughing._]
It all comes back to me--O! Lord 'a mercy!--
The garden, and the lady, and the Count!
Not to forget the poetry--ho! ho! [_Laughing._]
O! cousin Lanciotto, such a wife,
And such a brother! Hear me, ere I burst!

LANCIOTTO. You're pleasant, Pepe!

PEPE. Am I?--Ho! ho! ho! [_Laughing._]
You ought to be; your wife's a----

LANCIOTTO. What?

PEPE.