GUIDO. [_Aside._] This is too much! If she would rail a while At me and fortune, it could be endured. [_Shouts, music, etc., within._
FRANCESCA. Ha! there's the van just breaking through the wood! Music! that's well; a welcome forerunner. Now, Ritta--here--come talk to me. Alas! How my heart trembles! What a world to me Lies 'neath the glitter of yon cavalcade! Is that the Count?
RITTA. O! but this lying chokes! [_Aside._] Ay, that's Count Somebody, from Rimini.
FRANCESCA. I knew it was. Is that not glorious?
FRANCESCA. To see a cavalier Sit on his steed with such familiar grace.
RITTA. To see a man astraddle on a horse! It don't seem much to me.
FRANCESCA. Fie! stupid girl! But mark the minstrels thronging round the Count! Ah! that is more than gallant horsemanship. The soul that feeds itself on poesy, Is of a quality more fine and rare Than Heaven allows the ruder multitude. I tell you, Ritta, when you see a man Beloved by poets, made the theme of song, And chaunted down to ages, as a gift Fit for the rich embalmment of their verse, There's more about him than the patron's gold. If that's the gentleman my father chose, He must have picked him out from all the world. The Count alights. Why, what a noble grace Runs through his slightest action! Are you sad? You, too, my father? Have I given you cause? I am content. If Lanciotto's mind Bear any impress of his fair outside, We shall not quarrel ere our marriage-day. Can I say more? My blushes speak for me: Interpret them as modesty's excuse For the short-comings of a maiden's speech.
GUIDO. [_Aside._] 'Sdeath! my plot has failed, By overworking its design. Come, come; Get to your places. See, the Count draws nigh.
GUIDO _and_ FRANCESCA _seat themselves upon the dais, surrounded by_ RITTA, LADIES, ATTENDANTS, GUARDS, _etc. Music, shouts, ringing of bells, etc. Enter_ MEN-AT-ARMS, _with banners, etc.;_ PAGES _bearing costly presents on cushions; then_ PAOLO, _surrounded by_ NOBLEMEN, KNIGHTS, MINSTRELS, _etc., and followed by other_ MEN-AT-ARMS. _They range themselves opposite the dais._
GUIDO. Ravenna welcomes you, my lord, and I Add my best greeting to the general voice. This peaceful show of arms from Rimini Is a new pleasure, stranger to our sense Than if the East blew zephyrs, or the balm Of Summer loaded rough December's gales, And turned his snows to roses.