duke.
Where lurk the caitiffs, boy?
fabian.
Alas! alas! some frenzy masters you:
One moment wait, one precious moment, ere
Upon the spotless robe of your fair justice
Fall this abhorred stain. Pause, I beseech you,
[The Duke motions the Guards to withdraw.
'Tis for yourself I plead! [Kneels.
duke.
Up, boy!—what ails thee? Knowest thou, Fabian,
Of these intruders?—Speak!
fabian.
I know them not.
duke.
Then why such ready zeal in their good service?
fabian.
My lord, the zeal I now profess
Seeks but your own. To strangers, courtesy,—
And faith reciprocal, demands protection.
This need I tell to Andrea!
Whose name with purest honour coupled, grew
Into its likeness, till the very words
Had but one sense. Need I to Andrea
Interpret honour's laws? its high-born chivalry,
In whose once noble breast her temple rose
Unsullied, unapproach'd by aught of earth,
To which defilement clung. Think but on this—
One moment on the past now gaze—'tis bright!
Oh let not one dark cloud, gathering but yet
Upon the whirlwind of this turbulent passion,
Obscure yon sunny glade, where stilly winds
'Mid verdant hills, calm waters, glittering plains,
The beamy path of an unclouded life,—
At one fell sweep, let not this merciless blast
O'erwhelm its wonted pride!
Enter Duchess.
beatrice.
Your presence, Andrea, I crave
To greet our visitors.
duke.
Not now, Beatrice,—
I cannot come. Where sayest thou?—
beatrice.
My lord! you are disturb'd!
What!—Fabian, and in tears!—Why this reproof?
The boy is gentle, and ill brooks harsh words;
You were not wont to chide him thus!