Duchess What state reasons are there For breaking holy promises to a state? Duke Duke There are wild boars at Pisa in a forest Close to the city: when I promised Pisa Unto your noble and most trusting father, I had forgotten there was hunting there. At Genoa they say, Indeed I doubt them not, that the red mullet Runs larger in the harbour of that town Than anywhere in Italy. [Turning to one of the Court.] You, my lord, Whose gluttonous appetite is your only god, Could satisfy our Duchess on that point. Duchess Duchess And Orvieto? Duke [yawning] Duke I cannot now recall Why I did not surrender Orvieto According to the word of my contract. Maybe it was because I did not choose. [Goes over to the Duchess.] Duchess Why look you, Madam, you are here alone; ’Tis many a dusty league to your grey France, And even there your father barely keeps A hundred ragged squires for his Court. What hope have you, I say? Which of these lords And noble gentlemen of Padua Stands by your side. Duchess Duchess There is not one. [Guido starts, but restrains himself.]
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