"Why did Madama turn you away, sir?"
Angioletto, for the first time, was confused. He hung his head.
"I hope your Grace will not insist upon an answer," he replied in a troubled voice.
Borso looked keenly at him for a time. "No, I think I will not," said he. "Are you the lad who sang me the Caccia col falcone?"
"The same, my lord Duke."
"I thought so. Now, sir, to come back to this performance of yours, which I suppose is not the first by any means—eh?"
"It appears to be the last, my lord," said Angioletto ruefully.
"I think it is the last," replied the Duke; "for I hope you understand that I can have you clapped into gaol for it."
"Pardon, Magnificence—he can do more. He can have me hanged for it."
"I don't agree with you," said Borso. "If my name were Ferdinand of Arragon, or Sforza, or della Rovere, yes; but being Borso d'Este, no."