The Man. Citizeness, I wish you a most agreeable promenade!
They pass on.
Who is this marvellous-looking warrior leaning upon a two-edged sword, with a death's head upon his cap, another upon his badge, and a third upon his breast? Is he not the famous Bianchetti, a condottiere employed by the people, as the condottieri once were by the kings and nobles?
The Baptized. Yes, it is Bianchetti; he has been with us for the last eight or ten days.
The Man (to Bianchetti). What is General Bianchetti considering with so much attention?
Bianchetti. Look through this opening in the woods, citizen, and you will see a castle upon a hill: with my glass I can see the walls, ramparts, bastions, etc.
The Man. It will be hard to take, will it not?
Bianchetti. Kings and devils! it can be surrounded by subterranean passages, undermined, and....
The Baptized (winking at Bianchetti). Citizen general....
The Man (in a whisper to the Baptized). Look under my cloak how the cock of my pistol is raised!