Lucetta (helpless, wringing her hands). Madam!

Regent. I need your strength, and must I steady you? Lucetta, years ago you disarrayed me Upon my bridal night. I would you'd whisper The rogueries your tongue invented then. I have few moments, girl ... I'd have them wanton. Make jest this mantle hides the maid I was. I'll have no priest, no doctor—Fetch Tonino! I must present his son— [Lucetta runs out. All's acted quick: Bride-bed, conception, birth--and death! But he Shall sum it in one moment death not takes ... What noise of trumpets!... Is the wound not covered?

[She wraps herself carefully in her mantle as the courtiers pour in. The child Tonino runs to her and stands by her side. Lucio, Cesario, all the Court, group themselves round her as the Duke enters. He rushes in eagerly; but she sets her teeth on her anguish, and receives him with a low reverence.

Welcome my lord!

Duke. Ottilia!

Regent. Good my lord, Welcome! This day is bright restores you to Your loyal Duchy.

Duke (impatient). Wife! Ottilia!

Regent (she lifts a hand to keep him at distance). There must be forms, my lord—some forms! Cesario, Render the Duke his sceptre. As bar to socket, When the gate closes on a town secure, So locks this rod back to his manly clutch— Cry all, 'Long live the Duke!'

All. Long live the Duke!

Duke. Wife, make an end with forms!

Lucio (to Cesario). And so say I! A man would think my sister had no blood In her body.

Cesario (watching the Regent). Peace, man: something there's amiss.

Regent. Yet here is he that sceptre shall inherit. Lucetta, lead his first-born to the Duke. His first-born!—Nay but look on him how straight Of limb, how set and shoulder-square, tho' slender! He'll sit a horse, in time, and toss a lance Even with his father.

Duke. There's my blessing, boy! But stand aside. Look in my face, Ottilia— Hearken me, all! One thing these seven years My life hath lacked, which wanting, all your cannon, Your banners, vivas, bells that rock the roofs, Throng'd windows, craning faces—all—all—all Were phantasms, were noise.—

Lucio (exclaims). Why look, here's blood! Here, 

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