GIU. I must hasten
To put fresh sheets on. [To Gilda.] Look you,--listen well
If he should talk, and tell me afterwards. [Exit.]

EUG. Here comes Horatio! The boats are in.

[Some children rush down to the water-side.]

A good day, husband?

HOR. Ay, a heavy day.
What think you of that?--A big one, eh?--Came in
With a school of little fish,--too greedy that time!
What happens here?--The air is full of breathing!

[The men come up from the boats with children clinging to them.
Beppo and Adelina return from another direction with the milk.]

LEO. [Somewhat proudly.] Cesco will tell you.

CES. In a word 'tis this: Today the Queen of Fiori,
Returning from the hunt, is set upon
By brigands; where at the King of Lagoverde,
Being hunting in that quarter and hearing cries,
Comes up to give his aid; in rendering which
He gives his life as well, and at this moment,
On other men's legs, goes heavily home to supper.
The Queen of Fiori, wounded, and in a swoon
Only less deep than death itself, comes this way.

CROWD. Ay, here they come! [Enter Anselmo.]

ANS. Make way, make way, good people--
Fall back a little--leave a clear space--give air!

[Enter Laura and Francesca, Luigi, several gentlemen, several
attendants, four of them bearing a litter on which lies Beatrice, in
a scarlet cloak, her hair flowing. Luigi is with Laura, who clings
to him. If possible to arrange, several of the party may lead on
their horses and lead them off across the stage. The litter is set
down stage in full sight of the audience. Beppo comes down stage
near it, as does also, from another direction, Gilda. Giuliana
returns.]

ANS. Who has a bed that we may lay her on?
She cannot leave this place tonight.

GIU. This way, sir.

[The attendants pick up the litter and go off, the crowd following.]

GIL. [Stealing back.] Hist, Beppo!

BEPPO. Ay?

GIL. Heard you not something fall,
When they picked her up again?

BEPPO. Ay, that I did.

GIL. What was it, think you? [They search.] Nay, 'twas nearer here.

BEPPO. I have it.--'Tis her sword!

GIL. The Queen's? Ay,--truly.
How beautiful!

BEPPO. [Slowly and with awe drawing it from its scabbard.]
Look,--there is blood on it!

Scene 2

[A room in the palace at Lagoverde. Bianca and her two little
daughters discovered at