Was it so indeed? Then by my father’s spotless memory, And by the shameful manner of his death, And by the base betrayal by his friend, For these at least remain, by these I swear I will not lay my hand upon his life Until you bid me, then—God help his soul, For he shall die as never dog died yet. And now, the sign, what is it? Moranzone Moranzone This dagger, boy; It was your father’s. Guido Guido Oh, let me look at it! I do remember now my reputed uncle, That good old husbandman I left at home, Told me a cloak wrapped round me when a babe Bare too such yellow leopards wrought in gold; I like them best in steel, as they are here, They suit my purpose better. Tell me, sir, Have you no message from my father to me? Moranzone Moranzone Poor boy, you never saw that noble father, For when by his false friend he had been sold, Alone of all his gentlemen I escaped To bear the news to Parma to the Duchess. Guido Guido Speak to me of my mother. Moranzone Moranzone When thy mother Heard my black news, she fell into a swoon, And, being with untimely travail seized— Bare thee into the world before thy time, And then her soul went heavenward, to wait Thy father, at the gates of Paradise. Guido Guido A mother dead, a father sold and bartered! I seem to stand on some beleaguered wall, And messenger comes after messenger With a new tale of terror; give me breath, Mine ears are tired.
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