Instantly, instantly. Where is it? (_Turns to the portrait_) On the ground! That was too bad. (_Takes it up_) But look! And yet I will look at thee no more now. Why should I plunge the arrow deeper into the wound? (_Lays it on the table_). I have suffered and sighed long enough--longer than I ought, but done nothing, and my listless inactivity had nearly ruined all.--And may not all yet be lost? May not Marinelli fail? Why should I rely on him alone?--It occurs to me that at this hour (_looks at his watch_) at this very hour, the pious girl daily attends mass at the church of the Dominicans. How, if I attempted to address her there? But to-day--the day of her marriage--her heart will be occupied with other things than mass. Yet, who knows?--'tis but a step--(_rings, and whilst he hastily arranges the papers on the table_)-- _Enter_ Servant. My carriage!--Have none of the council arrived? SERVANT. Camillo Rota waits without. PRINCE. Admit him. (_Exit_ Servant). But he must not attempt to detain me long. Not now--another time, I will attend to his scrupulous investigations----There was a petition of one Emilia Bruneschi--here it is--but, good Bruneschi, if your intercessor---- Scene VIII. _Enter_ Camillo Rota. Come, Rota, come. There lie the papers which I have opened this morning--not very consoling--you will see what is to be done. Take them with you. CAMILLO. I will attend to them. PRINCE. Here is a petition from one Emilia Galot--I mean Bruneschi. I have already signed my consent to it--but yet the request is no trifle. You may defer the execution of it--or not--as you please. CAMILLO. Not as I please, your Highness. PRINCE. What more is there--anything to sign? CAMILLO. Sentence of death for your Highness's signature. PRINCE. With all my heart!--Where is it? Quick! CAMILLO (_starts and gazes at the_ Prince). I said a death--warrant. PRINCE. I understood you plain enough. It might have been done by this. I am in haste. CAMILLO (_looking at his papers_). I really believe I have not brought it. I beg your Highness's forgiveness. It can be deferred till to-morrow. PRINCE. Be it so. Just collect these papers together. I must away. The rest to-morrow, Rota. CAMILLO (_shaking his head, as he collects the papers_).