ACT IV. SCENE I.
The Siennese. A Camp before the Walls of Sienna.
Enter Gonzaga and Pierio.
Gonz. You have seized upon the citadel, and disarm'd
All that could make resistance?
Pier. Hunger had
Done that, before we came; nor was the soldier
Compell'd to seek for prey: the famish'd wretches,
In hope of mercy, as a sacrifice offer'd
All that was worth the taking.
Gonz. Where is the duke of Urbin?
Pier. Under guard,
As you directed.
Gonz. See the soldiers set
In rank and file, and, as the duchess passes,
Bid them vail their ensigns.
Loud music. Enter Roderigo, Jacomo, and Aurelia under a Canopy. Astutio presents her with letters.
Aurel. But for these aids from Sicily sent against us,
To blast our spring of conquest in the bud;
I cannot find, my lord ambassador,
How we should entertain 't but as a wrong,
With purpose to detain us from our own,
Howe'er the king endeavours, in his letters,
To mitigate the affront.
Ast. Your grace hereafter
May hear from me such strong assurances
Of his unlimited desires to serve you,
As will, I hope, drown in forgetfulness
The memory of what's past.
Aurel. We shall take time
To search the depth of 't further, and proceed
As our council shall direct us.
Gonz. We present you
With the keys of the city; all lets are removed,
Your way is smooth and easy; at your feet
Your proudest enemy falls.
Aurel. We thank your valours:
A victory without blood is twice achieved,
And the disposure of it, to us tender'd,
The greatest honour. Worthy captains, thanks!
My love extends itself to all.
Gonz. Make way there.
[A Guard drawn up; Aurelia passes through them. Loud music. [Exeunt.