THE DUKE "Shall not" is a delightfully quaint expression. I only regret that you are not likely ever to use it to me again.
GUIDO
I know this means my ruin.
THE DUKE Indeed, I must venture to remind you, Count Eglamore, that I am still a ruling prince—
GUIDO
That is nothing to me.
THE DUKE And that, where you are master of very admirable sentiments, I happen to be master of all Tuscany.
GUIDO At court you are the master. At your court in Florence I have seen many mothers raise the veil from their daughters' faces because you were passing. But here upon this hill-top I can see only the woman I love and the man who has insulted her.
THE DUKE
So all the world is changed, and Pandarus is transformed into Hector!
Your words are very sonorous words, dear Eglamore, but by what deeds
do you propose to back them?
GUIDO
By killing you, your highness.
THE DUKE But in what manner? By stifling me with virtuous rhetoric? Hah, it is rather awkward for you—is it not—that our sumptuary laws forbid you merchants to carry swords?
GUIDO (Draws his dagger.) I think this knife will serve me, highness, to make earth a cleaner place.