[_Exeunt the Soldiers_.] DUCHESS Officer, your men are somewhat rough. FIRST SOLDIER They mean no harm. DUCHESS I shall be going back in a few minutes. As I pass through the corridor do not let them try and lift my mask. FIRST SOLDIER You need not be afraid, madam. DUCHESS I have a particular reason for wishing my face not to be seen. FIRST SOLDIER Madam, with this ring you can go in and out as you please; it is the Duchess’s own ring. DUCHESS Leave us. [_The Soldier turns to go out_.] A moment, sir. For what hour is . . . FIRST SOLDIER At twelve o’clock, madam, we have orders to lead him out; but I dare say he won’t wait for us; he’s more like to take a drink out of that poison yonder. Men are afraid of the headsman. DUCHESS Is that poison? FIRST SOLDIER Ay, madam, and very sure poison too. DUCHESS You may go, sir. FIRST SOLDIER By Saint James, a pretty hand! I wonder who she is. Some woman who loved him, perhaps. [_Exit_.] DUCHESS [_taking her mark off_] At last! He can escape now in this cloak and vizard, We are of a height almost: they will not know him; As for myself what matter? So that he does not curse me as he goes, I care but little: I wonder will he curse me. He has the right. It is eleven now; They will not come till twelve. [_Goes over to the table_.] So this is poison. Is it not strange that in this liquor here There lies the key to all philosophies? [_Takes the cup up_.] It smells of poppies. I remember well That, when I was a child in Sicily, I took the scarlet poppies from the corn, And made a little wreath, and my grave uncle, Don John of Naples, laughed: I did not know That they had power to stay the springs of life, To make the pulse cease beating, and to chill The blood in its own vessels, till men come And with a hook hale the poor body out, And throw it in a ditch: the body, ay,— What of the soul? that goes to heaven or hell. Where will mine go? [_Takes the torch from the wall_, _and goes over to the bed_.] How peacefully here he sleeps, Like a young schoolboy tired out with play: I would that I could sleep so peacefully, But I have dreams. [_Bending over him_.] Poor boy: what if I kissed him? No, no, my lips would burn him like a fire. He has had enough of Love. Still that white neck Will ’scape the headsman: I have seen to that: He will get hence from Padua to-night, And that is well. You are very wise, Lord Justices, And yet you are not half so wise as I am, And that is well. O God! how I have loved you, And what a bloody flower did Love bear!