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The Duchess of Padua

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

And you are Mantuan?  Look to your wives, my lords,
When such a gallant comes to Padua.
Thou dost well to laugh, Count Bardi; I have noted
How merry is that husband by whose hearth
Sits an uncomely wife.

Maffio

May it please your Grace,
The wives of Padua are above suspicion.

Duke

What, are they so ill-favoured!  Let us go,
This Cardinal detains our pious Duchess;
His sermon and his beard want cutting both:
Will you come with us, sir, and hear a text
From holy Jerome?

Moranzone [bowing]

My liege, there are some matters —

Duke [interrupting]

Thou need’st make no excuse for missing mass.
Come, gentlemen.

[Exit with his suite into Cathedral.]

Guido [after a pause]

So the Duke sold my father;
I kissed his hand.

Moranzone

Thou shalt do that many times.

Guido

Must it be so?

Moranzone

Ay! thou hast sworn an oath.

Guido

That oath shall make me marble.

Moranzone

Farewell, boy,
Thou wilt not see me till the time is ripe.

Guido

I pray thou comest quickly.

Moranzone