_Count._ Ah, what sharp stings are in her mildest words! Rinaldo, you did never lack advice so much, As letting her pass so: had I spoke with her, 20 I could have well diverted her intents, Which thus she hath prevented.
_Stew._ Pardon me, madam: If I had given you this at over-night, She might have been o'erta'en; and yet she writes, Pursuit would be but vain.
_Count._ What angel shall 25 Bless this unworthy husband? he cannot thrive, Unless her prayers, whom heaven delights to hear And loves to grant, reprieve him from the wrath Of greatest justice. Write, write, Rinaldo, To this unworthy husband of his wife; 30 Let every word weigh heavy of her worth That he does weigh too light: my greatest grief, Though little he do feel it, set down sharply. Dispatch the most convenient messenger: When haply he shall hear that she is gone, 35 He will return; and hope I may that she, Hearing so much, will speed her foot again. Led hither by pure love: which of them both Is dearest to me, I have no skill in sense To make distinction: provide this messenger: 40 My heart is heavy and mine age is weak; Grief would have tears, and sorrow bids me speak. [_Exeunt._
[4] Stew. [Reads] Collier. Letter Ff. Ste. Capell.
_peace, whilst_] F3 F4. _peace. Whilst_ F1 F2.
[19] _Rinaldo_] _Rynaldo_ F1 F3 F4. _Rynardo_ F2.
[29] _Write, write_] F1 F3 F4. _Write and write_ F2. _Write, oh, write_ Hanmer.
[33] _he do_] _do he_ Rowe (ed. 2). _does he_ Hanmer.
_skill in sense_] _skill or sense_ Collier (Collier MS.).
SCENE V. _Florence. Without the walls. A tucket afar off._
_Enter an old_ Widow _of Florence_, DIANA, VIOLENTA, and MARIANA, _with other_ Citizens.
_Wid._ Nay, come; for if they do approach the city, we shall lose all the sight.
_Dia._ They say the French count has done most honourable service.
_Wid._ It is reported that he has taken their greatest 5 commander; and that with his own hand he slew the Duke's brother. [_Tucket._] We have lost our labour; they are gone a contrary way: hark! you may know by their trumpets.
_Mar._ Come, let's return again, and suffice ourselves with the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this French 10 earl: the honour of a maid is her name; and no legacy is so rich as honesty.