By Jupiter, I shall go mad, I think!
[_Walks about._

CAPTAIN. Something disturbs him. Do you mark the spot
Of purple on his brow? [_Apart to a SOLDIER._

SOLDIER. Then blood must flow.

LANCIOTTO. Boy, boy! [_Enter a_ PAGE.] My cloak and riding staff. Quick, quick!
How you all lag! [_Exit_ PAGE.] I ride to Rimini.
Skirmish to-morrow. Wait till my return--
I shall be back at sundown. You shall see
What slaughter is then!

CAPTAIN. Ho! turn out a guard!--

LANCIOTTO. I wish no guard; I ride alone.
[_Re-enter PAGE, with a cloak and staff._]
[_Taking them._] Well done!
Thou art a pretty boy.--And now my horse!

_Enter a_ SOLDIER.

SOLDIER. Pluto is saddled--

LANCIOTTO. 'Tis a damned black lie!

SOLDIER. Indeed, my lord--

LANCIOTTO. O! comrade, pardon me:
I talk at random. What, Paolo too,--
boy whom I have trotted on my knee!
Poh! I abuse myself by such a thought.
Francesca may not love me, may love him--
Indeed she ought; but when an angel comes
To play the wanton on this filthy earth,
Then I'll believe her guilty. Look you, sir!
Am I quite calm?

CAPTAIN. Quite calm, my lord.

LANCIOTTO. You see
No trace of passion on my face?--No sign
Of ugly humours, doubts, or fears, or aught
That may disfigure God's intelligence?
I have a grievous charge against you, sir,
That may involve your life; and if you doubt
The candour of my judgment, choose your time:
Shall I arraign you now?

CAPTAIN. Now, if you please.
I'll trust my cause to you and innocence
At any time. I am not conscious--

LANCIOTTO. Pshaw!
I try myself, not you. And I am calm--
That is your verdict--and dispassionate?

CAPTAIN. So far as I can judge.

LANCIOTTO. 'Tis well, 'tis well!
Then I will ride to Rimini. Good-night! [_Exit._

_The others look after him amazedly, and exeunt._

SCENE III.

_Rimini. The Garden of the Castle. Enter_ PAOLO _and_ FRANCESCA.

FRANCESCA. Thou hast resolved?

PAOLO. I've sworn it.

FRANCESCA. Ah, you men
Can talk of love and duty in a breath;
Love while you like, fo