Pirro, _and afterwards_ Angelo.
PIRRO.
All inquisitive visitors. How I have been questioned! Who comes here?
(_Enter_ Angelo, _in a short mantle, with which he conceals his face_.)
ANGELO.
Pirro! Pirro!
PIRRO.
An acquaintance, it seems. (Angelo _throws back the mantle_). Heavens!
Angelo. You!
ANGELO.
Yes, Angelo, as you perceive. I have been wandering long enough round
the house, in order to speak to you. One word with you----
PIRRO.
And dare you again appear in public? Don't you know that, in
consequence of your last murder, you are declared an outlaw, a price
has been put upon your head?
ANGELO.
You don't intend to claim it, I presume?
PIRRO.
What do you want? I implore you not to involve me in misfortune.
ANGELO.
In this way, you mean? (_Showing a purse_). Take it; it belongs to you.
PIRRO.
To me?
ANGELO.
Have you forgotten? The German gentleman, your last master----
PIRRO.
Hush!
ANGELO.
----Whom you led into our clutches on the road to Pisa----
PIRRO.
If any one should overhear us!
ANGELO.
----Had the kindness, you know, to bequeath us a valuable ring. Do you
not remember? It was so valuable that we could not immediately convert
it into money without suspicion. At length, however, I succeeded. I
received a hundred pistoles for it, and this is your share. Take it.
PIRRO.
No, no! You may keep it.
ANGELO.
Well, with all my heart! If you don't care at what price you put your
head in the market.
PIRRO.
Give it me, then (_takes it_). And now, what do you want? for I suppose
you did not come in search of me merely for that purpose.
ANGELO.
It seems to you not very credible. Rascal! what do you think of us?
That we are capable of withholding any man's earnings? That may be the
way with honest people; but we don't follow their fashions. Farewell!
(_Affects to be going, but turns at the door_). One question I must
ask. Old Galotti has just come hurriedly into town quite alone. What
does he want?
PIRRO.
Nothing, merely a ride. His daughter is to be married this evening, at
his country house, whence he has come to Count Appiani. He awaits the
moment with impatience.
ANGELO.
Then he will return soon?
PIRRO.
So soon, that if you remain any longer he will discover you. But you
surely have no thoughts of attacking him. Take care. He is a man----
ANGELO.
Don't I know him? Have I not served under him in the army; but
nevertheless if one could only get much from him! At what time do the
young people follow him?
PIRRO.
Towards noon.
ANGELO.
With many attendants?
PIRRO.
A single carriage will contain the party--the mother, the daughter, and
the count. A few friends from Sabionetta attend as witnesses.
ANGELO.
And the servants?
PIRRO.
Only two besides myself. I shall ride before.
ANGELO.
Good. Another question. Is the carriage Galotti's or the Count's?
PIRRO.
The Count's.
ANGELO.
That is unlucky. There is another outrider, besides a courageous
driver. However----
PIRRO.
I am amazed. What do you intend? The few ornaments which the bride has
will scarcely reward your trouble.
ANGELO.
Then the bride herself shall be the reward.
PIRRO.
And you mean that I should be your accomplice in this crime?
ANGELO.
You ride before! Then ride, ride, and take no trouble about the matter.
PIRRO.
Never!
ANGELO.
What?--I believe the fellow means to play the conscientious--you
rascal! I think you know me. If you utter a syllable--if every
circumstance be not as you have described it----
PIRRO.
But, Angelo, for Heaven's sake----
ANGELO.
Do what you cannot avoid. (_Exit_.)
PIRRO.
Ha! let the devil hold thee by a single hair, and thou art his for
ever! Wretch that I am!