YOUNG DUCHESS
Dear friend! Diego! Diego! Our Orpheus, come forth!
CROWD
Diego! Diego!
POET(to thePOPE'S LEGATE)
He is a real artist, and scorns to spoil the play's impression by truckling to this foolish habit of applause.
MARCHIONESS
Still, a mere singer, a page——when his betters call——. But see! the Duke has left our midst.
CARDINAL
He has gone to bring back Diego in triumph, doubtless.
VENETIAN AMBASSADOR
And, I note, his venerable mother has also left us. I doubt whether this play has not offended her strict widow's austerity.
YOUNG DUCHESS
But where is Diego, meanwhile?
The Chorus and orchestra continue the dirge forARIADNE. AGENTLEMAN-IN-WAITINGelbows through the crowd to theCARDINAL.
GENTLEMAN(whispering)
Most Eminent, a word——
CARDINAL(whispering)
The Duke has had a return of his malady?
GENTLEMAN(whispering)
No, most Eminent. But Diego is nowhere to be found. And they have brought up behind the stage the body of a woman in Ariadne's weeds.
CARDINAL(whispering)
Ah, is that all? Discretion, pray. I knew it. But 'tis a most distressing accident. Discretion above all.
The Chorus suddenly breaks off. For on to the stage comes theDUKE.He is dripping, and bears in his arms the dead body, drowned, ofDIEGO,in the garb ofARIADNE.A shout from the crowd.
YOUNG DUCHESS
(with a cry, clutching thePOET'Sarm)
Diego!
DUKE
(stooping over the body, which he has laid upon the stage, and speaking very low)
Magdalen!
(The curtain is hastily closed.)
THE END