Scene—Venice and the Neighbourhood.
[33] There is no list of characters in old eds.
[34] Dilke (Old English Plays, 1814, vol. ii.) wrongly describes Lucio as Andrugio’s page.
INDUCTION.[35]
Enter Galeatzo, Piero, Alberto, Antonio, Forobosco, Balurdo, Matzagente, and Feliche, with parts in their hands; having cloaks cast over their apparel.
Gal. Come, sirs, come! the music will sound straight for entrance. Are ye ready, are ye perfect?
Pier. Faith! we can say our parts; but we are ignorant in what mould we must cast our actors.
Alb. Whom do you personate?
Pier. Piero, Duke of Venice.
Alb. O! ho! then thus frame your exterior shape
To haughty form of elate majesty,
As if you held the palsy-shaking head
Of reeling chance under your fortune’s belt 10
In strictest vassalage: grow big in thought,
As swoln with glory of successful arms.