“It was not he—my lord—it was not he,” cried Lucrezia.
“Ah! duchess—duchess—how shouldst thou know?”
“He! he was elsewhere when it was done. ’Twas some of his companions dared——”
“No—no—that is not true.”
“Thou hearest, duchess. Now tell me, captain, and sincerely—art thou not he who dared to do this act.”
“I’m not much used to hesitate, therefore I say I am the man.”
Slowly he turned to the miserable duchess. “Thou dost mark his words” (how lowly the duke spoke!) “Thou dost mark his words, and I gave thee my sacred promise.”
“Alfonzo, Alfonzo, I would speak with thee alone.”
“Oh! surely. A moment, captain, but a moment. Well! duchess mine, we are alone. What wouldst thou ask?”
“The life of this poor youth.”