Stradella's heart beat fast and faintly, and his fingers trembled when they touched the strings and made the first minor chord.
Stradella wins the hand of Leonora, the fair ward of the wealthy Venetian merchant, Bassi, who is also in love with her.
For one instant Stradella's eyes met the young girl's and she returned their glance.
He then crossed the Po, and concentrated as many troops as he could spare at Stradella.
Ortensia was still standing by her chair when Stradella left his seat and came towards her, holding his lute in one hand.
