While we got horses ready,—turned deaf ear

To all entreaty they would even alight;

Counted the minutes and resumed their course."

Would they indeed escape, arrive at Rome,

Leave no least loop-hole to let murder through,

But foil him of his captured infamy,

Prize of guilt proved and perfect? So it seemed:

Till, oh the happy chance, at last stage, Rome

But two short hours off, Castelnuovo reached,

The guardian angel gave reluctant place,