For I knew how to protect this child,
against everyone, even were she not betrothed.
Dule
Locks at him. Pause. Then:)
who art thou?
Francesco
Francesco Nardi is my name.
In your Highness service since this morning.
Duke
Who conscripted you?
Francesseo
I am a volunteer.
Duke
In what trop?
Francesco
That of Count Fantuzzi.
Dule
To Guidotti)
have not the other volunteers joined
Themselves to Valori?
Guidotti
So is it.
Francesco
My Prince,
I begged to be allowed,to go with the Count.
Duke
The bedding must be hastened, if you are the groom's best man.
To Vittorino)
And you—who are you?
Vittorino
My name is Vittorino Monaldi, your Highness, and this
Maidena is my bride.
Duke
I know.
Vittorino
And my whole happiness.
Duke
With a Si:el, gesture of Gegust)
Did it not sound as if he begged off or her?
His whole happiness. take it and God be with you!
52.