The Duke was wild enough to undertake almost anything, and so with the help of Rigoletto he was ready to undertake that. Hence, he made desperate love to the Countess all the evening, while the Count became more and more angry, and followed the pair continually about.
Even the courtiers were a good deal disgusted with the Duke's conduct, and they especially hated Rigoletto, who they thought was the real author of most of the Duke's misconduct.
"I don't know what we are coming to," Marullo exclaimed.
|
Yes, and 'tis here but as elsewhere! 'Tis gambling and feasting, duelling and dancing; And love-making always, wherever he goes. To-day he's for pastime, besieging the countess, While we watch the husband and laugh at his woes! |
This condition of things exactly suited the malevolent dwarf, however.
After the Count had followed the Duke and Countess about the palace half the night, the Duke came into the room in a rage.
"What am I to do with this Count? I'd like to fight him and kill him. He torments me to death. If you don't think out a way to rid me of him while I am making love to the Countess, I'll get some other fellow to make life gay for me, Rigoletto," he cried to the dwarf.
"Well, have I not told you—run off with her."
"Oh, yes, that's easy enough to say."
"It's easy enough to do. Try it to-night!"