“Madam, I am Your Sovereign,” said Duke Deodonato; and his eyes were on the damsel.
“If you were an Archangel—!” cried the damsel.
“Our House is not wont to be scorned of ladies,” said Deodonato. “Am I crooked, or baseborn, or a fool?”
“This day in your Duchy women are slaves, and men their masters by your will,” said she.
“It is the order of nature,” said Deodonato.
“It is not my pleasure,” said the damsel.
Then Deodonato laid his hand on his silver bell, for he was very angry.
“Fusbius waits without,” said he.
“I will wed him and kill him,” cried Dulcissima.
Deodonato gazed on her.