As the curtain rises, a crowd of town and country folk is being herded to the back of the terrace by the Ducal Guard, under Cesario.

Within the Chapel, to the sound of an organ, boys' voices are chanting the service of the Mass. Cesario, Gamba the Fool, Guards, Populace.

[The sacring bell rings within the Chapel. Cesario.

Long live the Duke! Cesario.

Go to: you are a soldier! Cesario.

"Bird of the South, my Rondinello" Flat-Flat! Cesario (calling up to watchman on the Chapel roof).

Captain, no sail! Cesario.

Nor' west, and north a point! Cesario.

[He strides towards the door of the Chapel; but pauses at the sound of chanting within, and comes back to Cesario.

Cesario (musing).

Release! Cesario.

For what? Cesario.

Oh, this is infamous! Cesario.

infamous! Cesario.

What news? Cesario.

[Exit Cesario.

Cesario Has tracked his footprint on her garden plots.

It grows and swells to a roar as enter hurriedly courtiers, guards, and others: Cesario; Lucetta with mirror.

O my lady! Cesario.

Lucio, Cesario, all the Court, group themselves round her as the Duke enters.

Cesario, Render the Duke his sceptre.

Where is she? Cesario.

Where lies the body? Cesario.

On the stage are left only Cesario, standing by the balustrade; and Gamba, who has seated himself with his viol and touches it, as still the voice sings below Addio, Addio!

Cesario steps forward and stands over him, touching his shoulder gently.