Hæmon: The duke is fixed.
Fulvia: No matter: 'gainst the swell
And power of this peril you must lean.
Hæmon: I——?
Fulvia: Yes.
Hæmon: You have a plan?
Fulvia: One that is sure. (Steps are heard.)
But through those curtains, quick. For more seek out
The Captain of the guard. The duke comes hither.
(Hæmon goes through the curtains.
Charles enters, worn, dishevelled, and followed by Cecco. He sees Fulvia and pauses.
Fulvia: I come to plead.
Charles: (turning away): Ah! Nature should have pled
With her your mother, 'gainst conception.