Fiesco; or, the Genoese Conspiracy: A Tragedy

The former, four of the ASSERATO family.

Asserato. (entering) A friend of FIESCO.

Zibo. They are the four Asserati.

Zenturione. Good evening, friends!

Asserato. We are going to the play.

Zibo. A pleasant journey to you!

Asserato. Are you not going also?

Zenturione. Walk on. We'll just take a breath of air first.

Asserato. 'Twill soon begin. Come. (Going.)

Sentinel. Back!

Asserato. What can this mean?

Zenturione. (laughing) To keep you from the palace.

Asserato. Here's some mistake----

Zibo. That's plain enough. (Music is heard in the right wing.)

Asserato. Do you hear the symphony? The comedy is going to begin.

Zenturione. I think it has begun, and we are acting our parts as fools.

Zibo. I'm not over warm--I'll return home.

Asserato. Arms here, too?

Zibo. Poh! Mere play-house articles.

Zenturione. Shall we stand waiting, like ghosts upon the banks of Acheron? Come, let us to a tavern! (All six go towards the gate.)

Sentinels. (calling loudly) Back! Back!

Zenturione. Death and the devil! We are caught.

Zibo. My sword shall open a passage!

Asserato. Put it up! The count's a man of honor.

Zibo. We are sold! betrayed! The comedy was a bait, and we're caught in a trap.

Asserato. Heaven forbid! And yet I tremble for the event.