GUIDO That is the law, madonna. But what he said is true. I am useless to him, a rebellious lackey to be punished. Whether I have his life or no, I am a lost man.
GRACIOSA
A moment since you were Count Eglamore, whom all our nobles feared—
GUIDO
Now there is not a beggar in the kingdom who would change lots with me.
But at least I shall first kill this kingdom's lord.
He picks up his dagger.
GRACIOSA You are a friendless and hunted man, in peril of a dreadful death. But even so, you are not penniless. These jewels here are of great value—
GUIDO laughs, and hangs the pearls about her neck.
GUIDO
Do you keep them, then.
GRACIOSA There is a world outside this kingdom. You have only to make your way through the forest to be out of Tuscany.
GUIDO (Coolly reflective.) Perhaps I might escape, going north to Bologna, and then to Venice, which is at war with the Duke—
GRACIOSA
I can tell you the path to Bologna.