Could he read my letter? Did he appear to be reading it? [She walks swiftly up and down] Maybe he cannot read.
Piccolo
He did not receive the letter from me, your Grace.
Duchess
How do you mean?
Piccolo
I think it was he who was standing with Messire Phedro, who took it from me to give it to him.
Duchess
You tasselled ass, why did you let him have it?
Piccolo [trying to save himself]