Book 2 / Act 1 — SCENE IL
Reading edition
GIANETTINO DORIA, masked, in a green cloak, and the MOOR, enter in conversation.
GIANETTINO. Thou hast understood me!
MOOR. Well——
GIANETTINO. The white mask——
MOOR. Well——
GIANETTINO. I say, the white mask——
MOOR. Well—well—well——
GIANETTINO. Dost thou mark me? Thou canst only fail here! (pointing to his heart).
MOOR. Give yourself no concern.
GIANETTINO. And be sure to strike home——
MOOR. He shall have enough.
GIANETTINO (maliciously). That the poor count may not have long to suffer.
MOOR. With your leave, sir, a word—at what weight do you estimate his head?
GIANETTINO. What weight? A hundred sequins——
MOOR (blowing through his fingers). Poh! Light as a feather!
GIANETTINO. What art thou muttering?
MOOR. I was saying—it is light work.
GIANETTINO. That is thy concern. He is the very loadstone of sedition. Mark me, sirrah! let thy blow be sure.
MOOR. But, sir,—I must fly to Venice immediately after the deed.
GIANETTINO. Then take my thanks beforehand. (He throws him a bank-note.) In three days at farthest he must be cold.
[Exit.
MOOR (picking up the note). Well, this really is what I call credit to trust—the simple word of such a rogue as I am!
[Exit.