KING PIETRO.
Excellently spoken! (Turning to the Crown Prince.) Do you remember, my son, to what frightful expedients Bernardo Ruccellai wanted to force me when I forbade the citizens to extend the carnival a week? The pretty boy spoke as if he had been there.
(After these words the audience gives vent to short, but energetic, applause.)
PRINCE FILIPO.
The actors are exceptionally good. Let us hear them further, my honored father.
KING PIETRO.
I am most keen to learn what rejoinder my able spokesman will meet up there.
THE KING.
My life!——Take that!——The people's uproar frights
Me not! Before they suffer by my fault,
Why let them in their madness slaughter me!
In time to come, ensanguined with my blood,
They will become a dread unto themselves,
And, worshipful, return to Reason's shrine.
My death will serve its purpose thousand fold!
As payment for your spiteful plan of war,
I here dismiss you as my chancellor.
Be happy you have 'scaped the headsman's axe!
KING PIETRO.