Enter BALDAZZAR

BALDAZZAR. That, knowing no cause of quarrel or of feud Between the Earl Politian and himself, He doth decline your cartel.

POLITIAN. What didst thou say? What answer was it you brought me, good Baldazzar? With what excessive fragrance the zephyr comes Laden from yonder bowers!—a fairer day, Or one more worthy Italy, methinks No mortal eyes have seen!—what said the Count?

BALDAZZAR. That he, Castiglione, not being aware Of any feud existing, or any cause Of quarrel between your lordship and himself, Cannot accept the challenge.

POLITIAN. It is most true— All this is very true. When saw you, Sir, When saw you now, Baldazzar, in the frigid Ungenial Britain which we left so lately, A heaven so calm as this—so utterly free From the evil taint of clouds?—and he did say?

BALDAZZAR. No more, my Lord, than I have told you, Sir The Count Castiglione will not fight, Having no cause for quarrel.

POLITIAN. Now this is true— All very true. Thou art my friend, Baldazzar, And I have not forgotten it—thou’lt do me A piece of service; wilt thou go back and say Unto this man, that I, the Earl of Leicester, Hold him a villain?—thus much, I pr’ythee, say Unto the Count—it is exceeding just He should have cause for quarrel.

BALDAZZAR. My lord!—my friend!——

POLITIAN [aside]. ’Tis he—he comes himself! [aloud] thou reasonest well. I know what thou wouldst say—not send the message— Well!—I will think of it—I will not send it. Now pr’ythee, leave me—hither doth come a person With whom affairs of a most private nature I would adjust.

BALDAZZAR. I go—to-morrow we meet, Do we not?—at the Vatican.

POLITIAN. At the Vatican. [Exit BALDAZZAR.