Valt. Time presses, let the body be remov'd.
Ros. What sayst thou?
Valt.Shall we not remove him hence?
Ros. He has forbid it, and has charg'd me well
To leave his grave unknown; for that the church
All sacred rights to the self-slain denies.
He would not give offence.
1st Sol. What! shall our gen'ral, like a very wretch,
Be laid unhonour'd in the common ground?
No last salute to bid his soul farewell?
No warlike honours paid? it shall not be.
2d Sol. Laid thus? no, by the blessed light of heav'n!
In the most holy spot in Mantua's walls,
He shall be laid; in face of day be laid;
And tho' black priests should curse us in the teeth,
We will fire o'er him whilst our hands have power
To grasp a musket.
Several soldiers. Let those who dare forbid it.
Ros. My brave companions, be it as you will.
(Spreading out his arms as if he would embrace the soldiers.—They prepare to remove the body.)
Valt. Nay, stop a while, we will not move it now,
For see a mournful visitor appears,
And must not be denied.
Enter Victoria and Isabella.
Vict. I thought to find him here, where has he fled?
