ACT · IV

On the hills above Monreale, as before. Enter PALICIO and MARGARET.MARGARET.How fresh the morning air is. See how the mistMelts in the sun, and while we look is gone,Leisurely gathered on his sloping beams.And guarded by her angel towers the citySleeps like an island in the solemn gray:’Tis beauteous.—PALICIO.I love the city: it holds the stir.To-night I shall be there, and to do somethingWorthy of thee.Mar.Whate’er thou dost, Giovanni,I could not love thee more.1750Pal.Beneath yon roofsThere’s many a heart that quicker beats and leapsTo hear my name.Mar.Thinkest thou still of them?They love thee not.Pal.Not?Mar.Nay; the thousandth partOf my love dealt among them were enoughTo make each man a hero. Now they are braveOnly to cheer thee on: and I that love thee,And love but thee, shall lose thee.Pal.Have better faith,All will be well.Mar.Pray heaven it be.Pal.O, Margaret,Speak not so sadly: I would have thee brave1760To cheer me on as they. Last night I dreamedThat thou hadst turned against me.Mar.What, Giovanni?Pal.Thou didst deride me.Mar.I deride thy dream.Pal.I thought I failed, and lost thy love.Mar.O, faithless,That could not lose my love. If thou succeedOr fail, ’tis one. But tell me, giv’st thou heedTo visions? Are they not a fickle fabric,Distorted fancies of the spirit, intrudingBy night in memory’s darkened cell? Or holdst thouThey come from heaven?Pal.Ay. Talk not of them now.Let me not think of it.—1770Mar.See here the flowersI have plucked. Know’st thou, Giovanni, why they grow?Pal.How meanest thou?Mar.Why in one place one flowerWill grow, and not another.Pal.Canst thou tell?Mar.The spirits of good men, allowed to wanderAfter their death about the mortal sitesWhere once they dwelt, there where they love to restShed virtue on the soil, as doth a rayOf sunlight: but the immortal qualitiesBy which their races differ, as they once1780Differed in blood alive, with various powerFavour the various vegetable germsWith kindred specialty. This herb, I think,Grows where the Greek hath been. Its beauty showsA subtle and full knowledge, and betraysA genius of contrivance. Seest thou howThe fading emerald and azure blentOn the white petals are immeshed aboutWith delicate sprigs of green? ’Tis therefore calledLove-in-a-mist.Pal.Who is this thistle here?Mar.O, he, with plumèd crest, springing all armed1791In steely lustre, and erect as Mars,That is the Roman.Pal.Find the Saracen.Mar.This hot gladiolus, with waving swordsAnd crying colour.Pal.And this marigold?Mar.That is the Norman: nay, his furious bloodBlazes the secret. ’Tis said where’er he roamedThis flower is common; but ’tis in those climesWhere he wrought best it wears the strongest hue,And so with us ’tis bravest.Pal.And that’s thy countryman!Dost thou know Greek?1800Mar.My father ever spoke it;And Manuel made me study in it, becauseTheir learning was the best.Pal.And yet their booksWere little thought of till great Frederick’s time,—The infidel.Mar.Was he an infidel?Pal.He loved their heathen books and mocked the Pope:And brought into his court a Scottish wizard,Who trafficked with the devil.—See, Margaret;Their courts are all alike. Here is the letterFat Blasco writes me. He betrays his master1810For those few coins thou gav’st me in thy bag.[Mar. takes letter.Gold goeth in at any gate but heaven’s.Ay, ’tis his writing, tho’ it be not signed.It tells how Hugo would escape by ship,And how to intercept him.Enter hastily a Brigand.BRIGAND.Captain, a word.Pal.Speak, Roger.Brig.’Tis for thee, captain, alone.Pal.I am alone, this lady is as I.What is’t?Brig.Thou biddest?Pal.Speak, man, by heav’n!Brig.Our menAre all betrayed. They were in dark of night1819Closely surrounded at their several trystsBy Hugo’s soldiers; bound, and taken to prison.Pal.O, Christ! my dream.Mar.(aside).Now, well done, Livio!Done like a man.Pal.Thou say’st all taken?Brig.All.Mar.(aside). I fear joy will betray me.Pal.It cannot beThey are all betrayed.Brig.As many as had assembledAt the ten trysts were taken.Pal.Who hath done it?(To Mar.) Take courage, dearest.Mar.Ay, ay.Pal.Nay, thou’rt pale.Mar.I thought that I should faint. (To Pal. aside.)O, fly, Giovanni!Fly now with me! thou see’st this game is lost.Pal.Be still awhile. (To Brigand.) And where wert thou?Brig.In the city,From house to house.Pal.What say they there?1830Brig.This taleI heard. ’Tis told that ’mongst our men was oneOf Benedettu’s band, who, being engirt,Stabbed himself to the heart. Some cried thereonThat he was the betrayer. There are othersWho dare the thought I would not breathe if thouCouldst think I thought it.Pal.Hold! I know, I see.All hath been like to build it. Who is with thee?Brig.Three, and the boy Federigo.Pal.Go to the hut:There I will join you.[Exit Brigand.Margaret, fare thee wellNow for some time. This most untoward treason1841Demands my care. Lucia is not far.Mar.What wilt thou do?Pal.Whatever may be done:Trust me.Mar.O, while thou’rt safe, Giovanni, fly.I claim thy promise. Remember it: thou wilt seeIf I deride thee. We will make this illOur perfect good.Pal.It cannot be. It cannot.Mar.What wilt thou do?Pal.I know not. Thou remain.I will go see these men, and send thee word.Farewell.[Exit.Mar.O, I had betrayed myself but that my fear1851Took other pretext. Ah! well done, well done!The ruffians caught—Giovanni safe, and mine;Giovanni mine. Ah, Messer Squarcialupu,And all your gang. Lucia, ho, Lucia![Calling.Yet will I have them treated well. Ay, now,Manuel must know. No drop of their base bloodShall stain my hand. Lucia!Enter Lucia.LUCIA.Here I am.Mar.The men are caught, Lucia; all goes well.There’s none to steal Giovanni from me now.1860We go to Rome. But first I must see Manuel.Lu.I pray he take all kindly.Mar.I fear him not.Giovanni promised, should this venture fail,To sail to Rome.Lu.And I? shall I to Rome?Mar.See, see! who is it, that gallops down the hill?Why, ’tis Giovanni!Lu.Where, my lady, where?Mar.See’st thou not by the firs?Lu.I hear the hoofs,But cannot see the rider.Mar.There he goes:Now on the road.Lu.I see him.Mar.Look, Lucia;That is his horse.Lu.Maybe a messenger1870He mounts for speed. He rides to Monreale.Mar.Now we shall see. Nay, nay: he turns to the left.He’s for Palermo: and ’tis he, ’tis he,Giovanni.Enter the Brigand with a letter.Brig.A letter for the lady, from the captain.[Gives and stands aside.Mar.Give’t me. I faint. Lucia, take it, read it.Look! Read it me. I cannot see. The letters dance.Lu.(reading).Margaret, there’s but one course. My men suspect me.Of those who held this secret, I aloneWas absent. Manuel’s shelter, my escape,Thy presence here, all point alike at me.1880I could not say farewell! When thou hast thisI am gone. I ride to join my men in prison.Mar.Ah! ah! I knew it, I knew it! what have I done?[Sinks down.Lu.Mistress, my dearest mistress!ACT · IVSCENE · 1The hall in Manuel’s house: it is hung with black. PHILIP and LIVIO; the latter dressed in black, at a desk.PHILIP.Arguenot with me, Livio: Manuel’s deathLies at my door. This last catastropheFollowed on his disgrace, which I was mainTo bring about.LIVIO.But since his guilt was clear,Your deed was honourable.Ph.I am not sure.1890I was too hasty. How can I quit myselfIn the ill I have done thy sister?Liv.Her fever, duke,Cannot be laid to you.Ph.’Twas the three shocksFollowing so fast. Manuel’s disgrace, and thenMy suit urged out of time, and last his death:’Twill be no wonder if her mind give way.Liv.Please heaven it pass. I never thought she loved himSo well.Ph.Nor I, be sure. Where is that Blasco?Liv.He went to gather what the sailors knowOf Manuel’s end.Ph.No hope but that he’s drowned.1900I go now to the palace. Should I meetWith Blasco, it may be I shall detain him.[Going.Liv.Ah!Ph.He has lied to me.Liv.If there be better tidingsOf Constance, send them hither.Ph.Indeed I will.Is there no news of Margaret?Liv.Not a word.[Exit Philip.She knows I am here, no doubt: but when she hearsOf Manuel’s death she must return.—I thinkThat when her brother lived to do his worst,My suit had fairer chance.Enter Blasco.Well, count, what news?BLASCO.Excellent.—Manuel was drowned, drowned like a dog.1910I have seen the captain of the ship that ’scaped.He tells that, putting forth at night, they keptTheir course till dawn, when in a fog they draveOn the French fleet, some two-and-twenty sail.Of our five vessels three were taken: one,His own, escaped, and the other—that’s the oneOn which sailed Manuel—by a tall ship,Which flew the admiral’s pennon, was run down,And sunk in sight.Liv.The news will please my father,As it doth thee. For me ’tis ruin: my hope1920I might please Margaret working for her brotherIs gone. Now will she hate me more than ever.Bl.You never could have won her while he lived.Liv.Well, take these papers. There are here the ordersFor the execution of PalicioTo-morrow, in the public square, at noon.See them in proper hands. They need a seal.Bl.’Twill be a pleasure. ’Twas the kindest freak,This self-surrender.Liv.He was strangely dashed,Looking for Manuel, to find me here.Bl.He’ll find that friend no more.1930Liv.Take them and go.And for the present, count, avoid the duke:He is angry with thee.[Exit Blasco.I shall not leave this houseTill I be sure Margaret means not to come.The unkindest tempers are broke down by grief:And since she cannot blame me, she may findComfort in my compassion,—ay, and thank meFor some consideration.—She will seeI have put on black, and set the house in mourning,Have ordered mass, have had his room shut up ...1940Is there now nothing more? Why, who is this?Enter Margaret, throwing off a veil.MARGARET.Livio! thou here! Where is my brother?Liv.Oh!Margaret!Mar.Where is my brother? I am comeTo speak with him. Where is he?Liv.Hast thou heard nothing?Mar.Heard what? Where is he?Liv.O, if thou knowest not ..Mar.What is it? speak. Why is the house in black?What means it? say.Liv.Nay, let it not be meTo tell thee.Mar.Thinkest thou my fancy’s horrorIs gentler than thy bluntest tale? Speak quickly.Liv.’Twas on his own confession of connivance1950In John Palicio’s shelter and escape,My father put him from his place, and sent himTo answer to this charge before the king.He sailed two nights ago. The ship ...Mar.Go on, sir!Liv.Our ships fell in with the enemy, and allBut two were captured, one on which he sailed,And one which brought the news.Mar.And Manuel’s ship?Liv.’Tis said the ship on which he sailed was sunk.Mar.(falling on a chair). Sunk, say you, and he?...Liv.My sister at the tidings straight fell ill,1960And her mind wanders. Bear a braver heart.Mar.O, fatal day. ’Tis I, ’tis I have done it.—And did none see him?Liv.Margaret, dearest Margaret,Take courage. I have shared thy sorrow, Margaret:Cannot I comfort thee? O, sweetest Margaret,Thou dost not know my love.Mar.(standing, and showing the dagger). Away! away!Liv.Nay, wherefore treat me thus?Mar.Is this an hourTo force thy love upon me?Liv.Margaret,Hast thou no pity?Mar.Think if I have pityTo spend on thee.Liv.If thou wouldst slay me, Margaret,Thou need’st no dagger.1970Mar.Sir, stand back, I say:And first tell plainly what thou knowest. One shipOf three escaped?Liv.The hindmost ’twas, that fled ...Mar.And brought the tidings?Liv.Ay.Mar.And was none savedOut of the ship which sunk?Liv.I know not.Mar.Know’st not?There’s hope, thank God. And thou!—Why, if in thy heartLurked the least feeling, ’twould have shewn this side,Not leapt to the worst ... Come, sir, I’ll keep this sorrow:’Tis not with thee I’d share my fear for Manuel ...Nor any other; tho’ my need compels me,If thou’rt the man sits in his place.1980Liv.I am.Mar.He would have aided me.Liv.But I will aid theeMore than a brother. Thou canst ask no favourI will not grant.Mar.Sir, I shall ask no favour:Nor aught but what it is thy part to grant,Unless it be promise of secrecy.Liv.O, but one secret with thee! there’s no jewelIn all the world I would esteem as that.Mar.Where’s Giovanni Palicio, sir?Liv.Palicio!Mar.Ay, he’s my kinsman.Liv.He is in the palace dungeon,Awaiting death.1990Mar.He’s my near kinsman, Livio,And must not die: and, being condemned to die,I, as his kinswoman, desire a passTo visit him in prison when I choose.[Livio writes.My purpose with him is to extort a pledgeThat he will leave the country, on which conditionI look for his release.Liv.Here is the order.And use it as thou wilt.Mar.(taking).I thank you for it.Liv.If ’tis so near thee he go quit, what meansBetter than mine to work it?Mar.I have means.Liv.With whom?Mar.I have the means.2000Liv.Believe it not.There’s none could win this favour of my father.Hath not his cry beenDeath to Hugo?He’s more than rebel. There’s a private hateWhich makes his sentence grateful.Mar.I have means.Liv.’Twere easier wouldst thou trust me. See, ’tis doneWithout more words. Margaret, I’ll risk this thingFor thee. Palicio shall escape to Spain,To Naples, where thou wilt, if thou ...Mar.If what?Liv.Margaret, accept my love.Mar.O, Livio,2010I am too sad to be angry with thee now.But know if ever thou wouldst merit loveBy generosity, thou must not begA bargain. ’Do this and I’ll love thee,’ ay,That may be said, but not ’I’ll do this thingIf thou wilt love me’: and thou, Livio,A chief justiciary!Re-enter Blasco.Liv.Hush, I pray thee!Bl.The lady Margaret! We are very happyIn this return.Mar.(aside to Blasco). What hadst thou of Palicio?Bl.Ha! Sayst thou?...Mar.(aside).Meet me at the palace, count.2020I have thy letter. (To Liv.) I see there is no place hereIn my house for me. I have still a hope, and in itShall fortify my comfort ... If aught is heardI shall be with thy sister. Thou and BlascoMay serve me if ye will.[Exit.Liv.What said she to you?Bl.Art not thou too accustomed to her wit?I bring ill news. Thy sister still is worse,And calls for thee, and Rosso thinks ’tis wellThat thou shouldst go.Liv.Bide thou here in my place ...Bl.Nay, I must go with thee.[Exeunt.SCENE · 2A public place. MANUEL disguised as a friar meeting ROSSO.MANUEL.’Tis doctor Rosso.ROSSO.2030At your service, father.Man.May I speak with thee?Ros.With pleasure.Man.Stand we aside.Hast thou forgotten me?Ros.Nay, for I thinkI have never seen thee ... or I ask thy pardon.Man.Now thou shouldst know me well.Ros.Thy voice I thinkI do remember.Man.(discovering). Do you know me now?Ros.Manuel! Thank God!Man.Is it a good disguise?Ros.Metamorphosis ... if indeed ’tis thou,In such a husk. Then thou’rt nót drowned!Man.Indeed,There was a time when I had some fear to be;But how came you to know it?2040Ros.Of the shipsOne returned home with news that thine was sunk.Was not that true?Man.Ay, ay,Ros.How didst thou ’scape?Man.I took my only chance, leapt overboardAnd swam to the enemy. By heavenly fortuneThe ship that ran us down was Raymond’s, heWho served so long with us. I had left my foesTo find old friends: and when the fight was o’er,I told him in what hapless case I stood,And promising to hold myself no less2050His prisoner, and surrender to his masterAt Naples if need were, I bade him land meBy night at Cefaledi; there arrived,By the good sailor friars I was cladIn the disguise you see, and came in speedTo look to matters here.Ros.There is great need.Man.Ay, my affairs with Constance?Ros.I grieve to tellConstance is lying ill.Man.She is in your hands?Ros.Ay.Man.Doth she doubt of me?Ros.At your committalA fever must have seized her. Then your death,2060Which should have been concealed, was urged upon her,In countenance of duke Philip’s suit ...Man.How? Philip!Ros.Did you not guess?Man.Is’t possible?Ros.At thatHer mind gave way: ’tis question of her life.Man.I bring the medicine to work her cure.Is’t not enough?Ros.I trust so.Man.And I think it.How blind I have been! I trusted Philip, and heWas playing against me. Time will right me, Rosso,In this as in the other. Patience. And whatOf your affairs ...Ros.How mine?Man.Your love affairs.Ros.My love affairs?Man.Ay,—Margaret.2070Ros.Margaret?Man.Can I be wrong? Her head was turned the dayShe brought you to Palicio.Ros.O, Manuel,This makes it sure.Man.Yes, and I’m glad of it.Ros.Nay, nay: pray hear me. On the very dayPalicio left your house, she went, ’twas said,To Monreale: there she hath not been seen.Was’t to Palicio?Man.Now, please God, thou’rt wrong.Say, where is he?Ros.Stranger than all, he has madeSurrender of himself to Livio,2080Our new justiciary, and awaits his deathIn Hugo’s dungeon.Man.How! And Margaret?Ros.She hath now this morn returned, full of distractionAs well might be, but firm beyond her wont.She is in the palace, where she nurses ConstanceWith the cool skill of one that hath his stakeVentured elsewhere ...Mar.Good God! Now if thou’rt right,Rosso, this matter needs me more than the other.Thank heaven I am here. Constance is in thy hands:Thou hast her cure. Yet use it with discretion,2090Knowing my hazard. I shall visit at onceThe archbishop; he will stand my friend, and give meCommission in the habit of a priestTo see Palicio. Nay, there’s not a momentTo lose. Thou mayst contrive that Constance tooShould send for me; maybe I thus might see her.Farewell. I go, yet must I take a name;Let it be Thomas, father Thomas. To-nightCan I rest at thy house?Ros.I pray you will.Man.An hour hence couldst thou meet me there?Ros.I will.God speed you.Man.O, Rosso, Rosso, I fear thou’rt right ...[Exit.2101Ros.Ay, ay. I’m right. Alas for Manuel.’Tis almost pity he is escaped from death.I would tell Constance, but her throbbing brainHath no interpreter, and in her earAll words are meaningless, or mean alikeSomething insane, which in her eager dreamingSteals the world’s place. I have no power to tell.[Exit.SCENE · 3Room in the Palace. HUGO and PHILIP meeting.HUGO.No cheer. Thy questioning looks may not be answer’dWith any brightness, duke: and yet take heart.2110The fever of our climate is in the onsetOft overmasked as this. ’Twill clear and pass.’Twere quite incredible she should so sickenOf mere affection. The compacted bodyHath its machinery for health and action,Its appetites for food and rest, too firmTo be unfixed by fancy. Like a riverOur life flows on, whose surface storms may vex,But never move the current from its bed.PHILIP.I heartily repent my part in this.I wronged poor Manuel.2120Hu.Now thou wrong’st me.Him being dead thou canst not wrong. ’Tis plainThe objection falls. If once there was a motiveThat might have stayed thee ...Ph.Nay, upbraid me not.Hu.How, I upbraid thee?Ph.That I pressed my suit.Hu.Rather for slackness in it.Ph.If she recover’Tis all I pray for.Hu.Not so. This will pass.’Twill be forgotten. All will be forgotten.Look but on Margaret, doth her brother’s deathCraze her?Ph.Indeed, I think she is nigh distracted;2130And if she bear up better there’s a reason:She hath a comforter. Nay, I may tell youI saw your doctor here take her aside,And when he spoke, her face of woe lit up.She loves him. ’Twas a match that Manuel wished.Hu.Nay, nay! what! Rosso, the apothecary!Enter Livio and Blasco.Ah, Livio; Constance calls thy name, ’tis hopedThat she may know thee.LIVIO.Is she better, sire?Hu.Nay: but she asked for thee, and Rosso saidThou shouldst be sent for. Come within.Ph.May IFar as the door?Hu.Ay, come.BLASCO(aside to Liv.).2140Tell Margaret,Who hath some matter for me, that I am here.[Exeunt Hugo and Livio.Ph.Count, thou hast lied to me. If that sufficeTo raise thy temper, meet me when thou wilt:If not, and Constance die, I’ll use thee worse.[Exit.Bl.Ay, ay. No doubt there may be danger for meEven from that quarter: but I have a foeThat threats me more. How came she by the letter?Only Palicio and his messengerCould know ’twas mine.Enter Margaret.MARGARET.’Tis business with thee, count:Therefore few words. I have thy treasonous letterAnd other proofs, which I shall bring against theeUnless thou do my bidding.2152Bl.What is that,My lady Peremptory? speak thy will.Mar.Attend. Palicio is condemned to dieAt noon to-morrow. I require that thouContrive that he escape, ay, and go clearThree hours before that time.Bl.Impossible.Mar.’Tis not so, count. For Livio had promised meThe very thing; but since his price exceedsWhat I need pay to thee ...2160Bl.My price, how mean you?Mar.I will give back thy letter to thy hands,And promise secrecy in every matterI had against thee.Bl.Give me now the letter,And I will do it.Mar.Nay. Thou’lt do it first.Bl.Then say that if at nine to-morrow mornI have a friendly guard—Mar.Keep to that hour:’Twill do. I shall be there to see it done.I’ll bring the letter with me. I can provideHis further safety. If thou fail, the enquiry,2170Which I can set on foot, delays his death,Till I find other means.Bl.But still I see notMy own security.Mar.Thou hast my promise:And thy security is only this,To keep to thine. I go. Remember, nine.[Exit.Bl.Wheu! wheu! Who hath the secret now? Indeed,I see this dainty lady hath a loverWe little dreamed of. Therefore was he housedWith Manuel. O, Giovann Palicio:Thus Livio’s rival. And thou blab of meTo mistress Margaret, dost thou? well, well, well!2181I’ll see thee die for that. Die now thou must.I have, sir, but to tell this tale in the earOf the chief justiciary, and I am saved.Re-enter Livio.Livio, thou hast a rival.Liv.I know.Bl.Thou knowest?Liv.My father saith Margaret will marry Rosso.Bl.Rosso! Rosso be hanged! ’Tis John Palicio.Liv.Palicio!Bl.Yes, Palicio.Liv.Nay.Bl.I’ll tell thee.Hark.—Was he not concealed in Manuel’s house?Liv.Well?Bl.And escaping from his house by night,The next day where was Margaret?Liv.Ah!2190Bl.And then’Twas she betrayed the rebels.Liv.Eh!Bl.We tracedThe little book to her servant.Liv.That’s against it.Bl.Nay: it explains why all the names were there,Only not his.Liv.But then ... nay, why should heSurrender?Bl.That’s but madness any way.But now she comes demanding his deliverance.Liv.Ay, she doth. O, the villain! he shall die.Bl.He shall; but hark, I have promised MargaretTo set Palicio free at nine to-morrow.2200Say that we go together. Margaret comesTo see her lover freed. Her we will takeAnd keep confined until his execution;Which for our purpose may be hurried on.Or if ...Liv.Stay; why this promise? In the courseOf justice he must die.Bl.Not so. My promiseTo set him free was made for two good reasons.First hearing thou hadst offered her the like:Next for the knowledge that on my refusalShe could find other means. Beside all which2210She bargains to restore me certain lettersI sent her years ago, which I confessI am now ashamed of: (aside.)—Any lie will serveTo smooth this idiot.—These she brings with her,And I can take them from her. My object gainedI hand her o’er to thee. For all her scornsRepay her as thou wilt.Liv.I fear her.Bl.Nay,I can secure thee. Come.[Exeunt.SCENE · 4

On the hills above Monreale, as before. Enter PALICIO and MARGARET.

MARGARET.

How fresh the morning air is. See how the mistMelts in the sun, and while we look is gone,Leisurely gathered on his sloping beams.And guarded by her angel towers the citySleeps like an island in the solemn gray:’Tis beauteous.—

How fresh the morning air is. See how the mist

Melts in the sun, and while we look is gone,

Leisurely gathered on his sloping beams.

And guarded by her angel towers the city

Sleeps like an island in the solemn gray:

’Tis beauteous.—

PALICIO.

I love the city: it holds the stir.To-night I shall be there, and to do somethingWorthy of thee.

I love the city: it holds the stir.

To-night I shall be there, and to do something

Worthy of thee.

Mar.Whate’er thou dost, Giovanni,I could not love thee more.

Mar.Whate’er thou dost, Giovanni,

I could not love thee more.

1750Pal.Beneath yon roofsThere’s many a heart that quicker beats and leapsTo hear my name.

Pal.Beneath yon roofs

There’s many a heart that quicker beats and leaps

To hear my name.

Mar.Thinkest thou still of them?They love thee not.

Mar.Thinkest thou still of them?

They love thee not.

Pal.Not?

Mar.Nay; the thousandth partOf my love dealt among them were enoughTo make each man a hero. Now they are braveOnly to cheer thee on: and I that love thee,And love but thee, shall lose thee.

Mar.Nay; the thousandth part

Of my love dealt among them were enough

To make each man a hero. Now they are brave

Only to cheer thee on: and I that love thee,

And love but thee, shall lose thee.

Pal.Have better faith,All will be well.

Pal.Have better faith,

All will be well.

Mar.Pray heaven it be.

Pal.O, Margaret,Speak not so sadly: I would have thee brave1760To cheer me on as they. Last night I dreamedThat thou hadst turned against me.

Pal.O, Margaret,

Speak not so sadly: I would have thee brave

To cheer me on as they. Last night I dreamed

That thou hadst turned against me.

Mar.What, Giovanni?

Pal.Thou didst deride me.

Mar.I deride thy dream.

Pal.I thought I failed, and lost thy love.

Mar.O, faithless,That could not lose my love. If thou succeedOr fail, ’tis one. But tell me, giv’st thou heedTo visions? Are they not a fickle fabric,Distorted fancies of the spirit, intrudingBy night in memory’s darkened cell? Or holdst thouThey come from heaven?

Mar.O, faithless,

That could not lose my love. If thou succeed

Or fail, ’tis one. But tell me, giv’st thou heed

To visions? Are they not a fickle fabric,

Distorted fancies of the spirit, intruding

By night in memory’s darkened cell? Or holdst thou

They come from heaven?

Pal.Ay. Talk not of them now.Let me not think of it.—

Pal.Ay. Talk not of them now.

Let me not think of it.—

1770Mar.See here the flowersI have plucked. Know’st thou, Giovanni, why they grow?

Mar.See here the flowers

I have plucked. Know’st thou, Giovanni, why they grow?

Pal.How meanest thou?

Mar.Why in one place one flowerWill grow, and not another.

Mar.Why in one place one flower

Will grow, and not another.

Pal.Canst thou tell?

Mar.The spirits of good men, allowed to wanderAfter their death about the mortal sitesWhere once they dwelt, there where they love to restShed virtue on the soil, as doth a rayOf sunlight: but the immortal qualitiesBy which their races differ, as they once1780Differed in blood alive, with various powerFavour the various vegetable germsWith kindred specialty. This herb, I think,Grows where the Greek hath been. Its beauty showsA subtle and full knowledge, and betraysA genius of contrivance. Seest thou howThe fading emerald and azure blentOn the white petals are immeshed aboutWith delicate sprigs of green? ’Tis therefore calledLove-in-a-mist.

Mar.The spirits of good men, allowed to wander

After their death about the mortal sites

Where once they dwelt, there where they love to rest

Shed virtue on the soil, as doth a ray

Of sunlight: but the immortal qualities

By which their races differ, as they once

Differed in blood alive, with various power

Favour the various vegetable germs

With kindred specialty. This herb, I think,

Grows where the Greek hath been. Its beauty shows

A subtle and full knowledge, and betrays

A genius of contrivance. Seest thou how

The fading emerald and azure blent

On the white petals are immeshed about

With delicate sprigs of green? ’Tis therefore called

Love-in-a-mist.

Pal.Who is this thistle here?

Mar.O, he, with plumèd crest, springing all armed1791In steely lustre, and erect as Mars,That is the Roman.

Mar.O, he, with plumèd crest, springing all armed

In steely lustre, and erect as Mars,

That is the Roman.

Pal.Find the Saracen.

Mar.This hot gladiolus, with waving swordsAnd crying colour.

Mar.This hot gladiolus, with waving swords

And crying colour.

Pal.And this marigold?

Mar.That is the Norman: nay, his furious bloodBlazes the secret. ’Tis said where’er he roamedThis flower is common; but ’tis in those climesWhere he wrought best it wears the strongest hue,And so with us ’tis bravest.

Mar.That is the Norman: nay, his furious blood

Blazes the secret. ’Tis said where’er he roamed

This flower is common; but ’tis in those climes

Where he wrought best it wears the strongest hue,

And so with us ’tis bravest.

Pal.And that’s thy countryman!Dost thou know Greek?

Pal.And that’s thy countryman!

Dost thou know Greek?

1800Mar.My father ever spoke it;And Manuel made me study in it, becauseTheir learning was the best.

Mar.My father ever spoke it;

And Manuel made me study in it, because

Their learning was the best.

Pal.And yet their booksWere little thought of till great Frederick’s time,—The infidel.

Pal.And yet their books

Were little thought of till great Frederick’s time,—

The infidel.

Mar.Was he an infidel?

Pal.He loved their heathen books and mocked the Pope:And brought into his court a Scottish wizard,Who trafficked with the devil.—See, Margaret;Their courts are all alike. Here is the letterFat Blasco writes me. He betrays his master1810For those few coins thou gav’st me in thy bag.

Pal.He loved their heathen books and mocked the Pope:

And brought into his court a Scottish wizard,

Who trafficked with the devil.—See, Margaret;

Their courts are all alike. Here is the letter

Fat Blasco writes me. He betrays his master

For those few coins thou gav’st me in thy bag.

[Mar. takes letter.

Gold goeth in at any gate but heaven’s.Ay, ’tis his writing, tho’ it be not signed.It tells how Hugo would escape by ship,And how to intercept him.

Gold goeth in at any gate but heaven’s.

Ay, ’tis his writing, tho’ it be not signed.

It tells how Hugo would escape by ship,

And how to intercept him.

Enter hastily a Brigand.

BRIGAND.

Captain, a word.

Pal.Speak, Roger.

Brig.’Tis for thee, captain, alone.

Pal.I am alone, this lady is as I.What is’t?

Pal.I am alone, this lady is as I.

What is’t?

Brig.Thou biddest?

Pal.Speak, man, by heav’n!

Brig.Our menAre all betrayed. They were in dark of night1819Closely surrounded at their several trystsBy Hugo’s soldiers; bound, and taken to prison.

Brig.Our men

Are all betrayed. They were in dark of night

Closely surrounded at their several trysts

By Hugo’s soldiers; bound, and taken to prison.

Pal.O, Christ! my dream.

Mar.(aside).Now, well done, Livio!Done like a man.

Mar.(aside).Now, well done, Livio!

Done like a man.

Pal.Thou say’st all taken?

Brig.All.

Mar.(aside). I fear joy will betray me.

Pal.It cannot beThey are all betrayed.

Pal.It cannot be

They are all betrayed.

Brig.As many as had assembledAt the ten trysts were taken.

Brig.As many as had assembled

At the ten trysts were taken.

Pal.Who hath done it?(To Mar.) Take courage, dearest.

Pal.Who hath done it?

(To Mar.) Take courage, dearest.

Mar.Ay, ay.

Pal.Nay, thou’rt pale.

Mar.I thought that I should faint. (To Pal. aside.)O, fly, Giovanni!Fly now with me! thou see’st this game is lost.

Mar.I thought that I should faint. (To Pal. aside.)

O, fly, Giovanni!

Fly now with me! thou see’st this game is lost.

Pal.Be still awhile. (To Brigand.) And where wert thou?

Brig.In the city,From house to house.

Brig.In the city,

From house to house.

Pal.What say they there?

1830Brig.This taleI heard. ’Tis told that ’mongst our men was oneOf Benedettu’s band, who, being engirt,Stabbed himself to the heart. Some cried thereonThat he was the betrayer. There are othersWho dare the thought I would not breathe if thouCouldst think I thought it.

Brig.This tale

I heard. ’Tis told that ’mongst our men was one

Of Benedettu’s band, who, being engirt,

Stabbed himself to the heart. Some cried thereon

That he was the betrayer. There are others

Who dare the thought I would not breathe if thou

Couldst think I thought it.

Pal.Hold! I know, I see.All hath been like to build it. Who is with thee?

Pal.Hold! I know, I see.

All hath been like to build it. Who is with thee?

Brig.Three, and the boy Federigo.

Pal.Go to the hut:There I will join you.[Exit Brigand.Margaret, fare thee wellNow for some time. This most untoward treason1841Demands my care. Lucia is not far.

Pal.Go to the hut:

There I will join you.[Exit Brigand.

Margaret, fare thee well

Now for some time. This most untoward treason

Demands my care. Lucia is not far.

Mar.What wilt thou do?

Pal.Whatever may be done:Trust me.

Pal.Whatever may be done:

Trust me.

Mar.O, while thou’rt safe, Giovanni, fly.I claim thy promise. Remember it: thou wilt seeIf I deride thee. We will make this illOur perfect good.

Mar.O, while thou’rt safe, Giovanni, fly.

I claim thy promise. Remember it: thou wilt see

If I deride thee. We will make this ill

Our perfect good.

Pal.It cannot be. It cannot.

Mar.What wilt thou do?

Pal.I know not. Thou remain.I will go see these men, and send thee word.Farewell.[Exit.

Pal.I know not. Thou remain.

I will go see these men, and send thee word.

Farewell.[Exit.

Mar.O, I had betrayed myself but that my fear1851Took other pretext. Ah! well done, well done!The ruffians caught—Giovanni safe, and mine;Giovanni mine. Ah, Messer Squarcialupu,And all your gang. Lucia, ho, Lucia![Calling.Yet will I have them treated well. Ay, now,Manuel must know. No drop of their base bloodShall stain my hand. Lucia!

Mar.O, I had betrayed myself but that my fear

Took other pretext. Ah! well done, well done!

The ruffians caught—Giovanni safe, and mine;

Giovanni mine. Ah, Messer Squarcialupu,

And all your gang. Lucia, ho, Lucia![Calling.

Yet will I have them treated well. Ay, now,

Manuel must know. No drop of their base blood

Shall stain my hand. Lucia!

Enter Lucia.

LUCIA.

Here I am.

Mar.The men are caught, Lucia; all goes well.There’s none to steal Giovanni from me now.1860We go to Rome. But first I must see Manuel.

Mar.The men are caught, Lucia; all goes well.

There’s none to steal Giovanni from me now.

We go to Rome. But first I must see Manuel.

Lu.I pray he take all kindly.

Mar.I fear him not.Giovanni promised, should this venture fail,To sail to Rome.

Mar.I fear him not.

Giovanni promised, should this venture fail,

To sail to Rome.

Lu.And I? shall I to Rome?

Mar.See, see! who is it, that gallops down the hill?Why, ’tis Giovanni!

Mar.See, see! who is it, that gallops down the hill?

Why, ’tis Giovanni!

Lu.Where, my lady, where?

Mar.See’st thou not by the firs?

Lu.I hear the hoofs,But cannot see the rider.

Lu.I hear the hoofs,

But cannot see the rider.

Mar.There he goes:Now on the road.

Mar.There he goes:

Now on the road.

Lu.I see him.

Mar.Look, Lucia;That is his horse.

Mar.Look, Lucia;

That is his horse.

Lu.Maybe a messenger1870He mounts for speed. He rides to Monreale.

Lu.Maybe a messenger

He mounts for speed. He rides to Monreale.

Mar.Now we shall see. Nay, nay: he turns to the left.He’s for Palermo: and ’tis he, ’tis he,Giovanni.

Mar.Now we shall see. Nay, nay: he turns to the left.

He’s for Palermo: and ’tis he, ’tis he,

Giovanni.

Enter the Brigand with a letter.

Brig.A letter for the lady, from the captain.

[Gives and stands aside.

Mar.Give’t me. I faint. Lucia, take it, read it.Look! Read it me. I cannot see. The letters dance.

Mar.Give’t me. I faint. Lucia, take it, read it.

Look! Read it me. I cannot see. The letters dance.

Lu.(reading).

Margaret, there’s but one course. My men suspect me.Of those who held this secret, I aloneWas absent. Manuel’s shelter, my escape,Thy presence here, all point alike at me.1880I could not say farewell! When thou hast thisI am gone. I ride to join my men in prison.

Margaret, there’s but one course. My men suspect me.

Of those who held this secret, I alone

Was absent. Manuel’s shelter, my escape,

Thy presence here, all point alike at me.1880

I could not say farewell! When thou hast this

I am gone. I ride to join my men in prison.

Mar.Ah! ah! I knew it, I knew it! what have I done?[Sinks down.

Lu.Mistress, my dearest mistress!

The hall in Manuel’s house: it is hung with black. PHILIP and LIVIO; the latter dressed in black, at a desk.PHILIP.Arguenot with me, Livio: Manuel’s deathLies at my door. This last catastropheFollowed on his disgrace, which I was mainTo bring about.LIVIO.But since his guilt was clear,Your deed was honourable.Ph.I am not sure.1890I was too hasty. How can I quit myselfIn the ill I have done thy sister?Liv.Her fever, duke,Cannot be laid to you.Ph.’Twas the three shocksFollowing so fast. Manuel’s disgrace, and thenMy suit urged out of time, and last his death:’Twill be no wonder if her mind give way.Liv.Please heaven it pass. I never thought she loved himSo well.Ph.Nor I, be sure. Where is that Blasco?Liv.He went to gather what the sailors knowOf Manuel’s end.Ph.No hope but that he’s drowned.1900I go now to the palace. Should I meetWith Blasco, it may be I shall detain him.[Going.Liv.Ah!Ph.He has lied to me.Liv.If there be better tidingsOf Constance, send them hither.Ph.Indeed I will.Is there no news of Margaret?Liv.Not a word.[Exit Philip.She knows I am here, no doubt: but when she hearsOf Manuel’s death she must return.—I thinkThat when her brother lived to do his worst,My suit had fairer chance.Enter Blasco.Well, count, what news?BLASCO.Excellent.—Manuel was drowned, drowned like a dog.1910I have seen the captain of the ship that ’scaped.He tells that, putting forth at night, they keptTheir course till dawn, when in a fog they draveOn the French fleet, some two-and-twenty sail.Of our five vessels three were taken: one,His own, escaped, and the other—that’s the oneOn which sailed Manuel—by a tall ship,Which flew the admiral’s pennon, was run down,And sunk in sight.Liv.The news will please my father,As it doth thee. For me ’tis ruin: my hope1920I might please Margaret working for her brotherIs gone. Now will she hate me more than ever.Bl.You never could have won her while he lived.Liv.Well, take these papers. There are here the ordersFor the execution of PalicioTo-morrow, in the public square, at noon.See them in proper hands. They need a seal.Bl.’Twill be a pleasure. ’Twas the kindest freak,This self-surrender.Liv.He was strangely dashed,Looking for Manuel, to find me here.Bl.He’ll find that friend no more.1930Liv.Take them and go.And for the present, count, avoid the duke:He is angry with thee.[Exit Blasco.I shall not leave this houseTill I be sure Margaret means not to come.The unkindest tempers are broke down by grief:And since she cannot blame me, she may findComfort in my compassion,—ay, and thank meFor some consideration.—She will seeI have put on black, and set the house in mourning,Have ordered mass, have had his room shut up ...1940Is there now nothing more? Why, who is this?Enter Margaret, throwing off a veil.MARGARET.Livio! thou here! Where is my brother?Liv.Oh!Margaret!Mar.Where is my brother? I am comeTo speak with him. Where is he?Liv.Hast thou heard nothing?Mar.Heard what? Where is he?Liv.O, if thou knowest not ..Mar.What is it? speak. Why is the house in black?What means it? say.Liv.Nay, let it not be meTo tell thee.Mar.Thinkest thou my fancy’s horrorIs gentler than thy bluntest tale? Speak quickly.Liv.’Twas on his own confession of connivance1950In John Palicio’s shelter and escape,My father put him from his place, and sent himTo answer to this charge before the king.He sailed two nights ago. The ship ...Mar.Go on, sir!Liv.Our ships fell in with the enemy, and allBut two were captured, one on which he sailed,And one which brought the news.Mar.And Manuel’s ship?Liv.’Tis said the ship on which he sailed was sunk.Mar.(falling on a chair). Sunk, say you, and he?...Liv.My sister at the tidings straight fell ill,1960And her mind wanders. Bear a braver heart.Mar.O, fatal day. ’Tis I, ’tis I have done it.—And did none see him?Liv.Margaret, dearest Margaret,Take courage. I have shared thy sorrow, Margaret:Cannot I comfort thee? O, sweetest Margaret,Thou dost not know my love.Mar.(standing, and showing the dagger). Away! away!Liv.Nay, wherefore treat me thus?Mar.Is this an hourTo force thy love upon me?Liv.Margaret,Hast thou no pity?Mar.Think if I have pityTo spend on thee.Liv.If thou wouldst slay me, Margaret,Thou need’st no dagger.1970Mar.Sir, stand back, I say:And first tell plainly what thou knowest. One shipOf three escaped?Liv.The hindmost ’twas, that fled ...Mar.And brought the tidings?Liv.Ay.Mar.And was none savedOut of the ship which sunk?Liv.I know not.Mar.Know’st not?There’s hope, thank God. And thou!—Why, if in thy heartLurked the least feeling, ’twould have shewn this side,Not leapt to the worst ... Come, sir, I’ll keep this sorrow:’Tis not with thee I’d share my fear for Manuel ...Nor any other; tho’ my need compels me,If thou’rt the man sits in his place.1980Liv.I am.Mar.He would have aided me.Liv.But I will aid theeMore than a brother. Thou canst ask no favourI will not grant.Mar.Sir, I shall ask no favour:Nor aught but what it is thy part to grant,Unless it be promise of secrecy.Liv.O, but one secret with thee! there’s no jewelIn all the world I would esteem as that.Mar.Where’s Giovanni Palicio, sir?Liv.Palicio!Mar.Ay, he’s my kinsman.Liv.He is in the palace dungeon,Awaiting death.1990Mar.He’s my near kinsman, Livio,And must not die: and, being condemned to die,I, as his kinswoman, desire a passTo visit him in prison when I choose.[Livio writes.My purpose with him is to extort a pledgeThat he will leave the country, on which conditionI look for his release.Liv.Here is the order.And use it as thou wilt.Mar.(taking).I thank you for it.Liv.If ’tis so near thee he go quit, what meansBetter than mine to work it?Mar.I have means.Liv.With whom?Mar.I have the means.2000Liv.Believe it not.There’s none could win this favour of my father.Hath not his cry beenDeath to Hugo?He’s more than rebel. There’s a private hateWhich makes his sentence grateful.Mar.I have means.Liv.’Twere easier wouldst thou trust me. See, ’tis doneWithout more words. Margaret, I’ll risk this thingFor thee. Palicio shall escape to Spain,To Naples, where thou wilt, if thou ...Mar.If what?Liv.Margaret, accept my love.Mar.O, Livio,2010I am too sad to be angry with thee now.But know if ever thou wouldst merit loveBy generosity, thou must not begA bargain. ’Do this and I’ll love thee,’ ay,That may be said, but not ’I’ll do this thingIf thou wilt love me’: and thou, Livio,A chief justiciary!Re-enter Blasco.Liv.Hush, I pray thee!Bl.The lady Margaret! We are very happyIn this return.Mar.(aside to Blasco). What hadst thou of Palicio?Bl.Ha! Sayst thou?...Mar.(aside).Meet me at the palace, count.2020I have thy letter. (To Liv.) I see there is no place hereIn my house for me. I have still a hope, and in itShall fortify my comfort ... If aught is heardI shall be with thy sister. Thou and BlascoMay serve me if ye will.[Exit.Liv.What said she to you?Bl.Art not thou too accustomed to her wit?I bring ill news. Thy sister still is worse,And calls for thee, and Rosso thinks ’tis wellThat thou shouldst go.Liv.Bide thou here in my place ...Bl.Nay, I must go with thee.[Exeunt.

The hall in Manuel’s house: it is hung with black. PHILIP and LIVIO; the latter dressed in black, at a desk.

PHILIP.

Arguenot with me, Livio: Manuel’s deathLies at my door. This last catastropheFollowed on his disgrace, which I was mainTo bring about.

Arguenot with me, Livio: Manuel’s death

Lies at my door. This last catastrophe

Followed on his disgrace, which I was main

To bring about.

LIVIO.

But since his guilt was clear,Your deed was honourable.

But since his guilt was clear,

Your deed was honourable.

Ph.I am not sure.1890I was too hasty. How can I quit myselfIn the ill I have done thy sister?

Ph.I am not sure.

I was too hasty. How can I quit myself

In the ill I have done thy sister?

Liv.Her fever, duke,Cannot be laid to you.

Liv.Her fever, duke,

Cannot be laid to you.

Ph.’Twas the three shocksFollowing so fast. Manuel’s disgrace, and thenMy suit urged out of time, and last his death:’Twill be no wonder if her mind give way.

Ph.’Twas the three shocks

Following so fast. Manuel’s disgrace, and then

My suit urged out of time, and last his death:

’Twill be no wonder if her mind give way.

Liv.Please heaven it pass. I never thought she loved himSo well.

Liv.Please heaven it pass. I never thought she loved him

So well.

Ph.Nor I, be sure. Where is that Blasco?

Liv.He went to gather what the sailors knowOf Manuel’s end.

Liv.He went to gather what the sailors know

Of Manuel’s end.

Ph.No hope but that he’s drowned.1900I go now to the palace. Should I meetWith Blasco, it may be I shall detain him.[Going.

Ph.No hope but that he’s drowned.

I go now to the palace. Should I meet

With Blasco, it may be I shall detain him.[Going.

Liv.Ah!

Ph.He has lied to me.

Liv.If there be better tidingsOf Constance, send them hither.

Liv.If there be better tidings

Of Constance, send them hither.

Ph.Indeed I will.Is there no news of Margaret?

Ph.Indeed I will.

Is there no news of Margaret?

Liv.Not a word.[Exit Philip.She knows I am here, no doubt: but when she hearsOf Manuel’s death she must return.—I thinkThat when her brother lived to do his worst,My suit had fairer chance.

Liv.Not a word.[Exit Philip.

She knows I am here, no doubt: but when she hears

Of Manuel’s death she must return.—I think

That when her brother lived to do his worst,

My suit had fairer chance.

Enter Blasco.

Well, count, what news?

BLASCO.

Excellent.—Manuel was drowned, drowned like a dog.1910I have seen the captain of the ship that ’scaped.He tells that, putting forth at night, they keptTheir course till dawn, when in a fog they draveOn the French fleet, some two-and-twenty sail.Of our five vessels three were taken: one,His own, escaped, and the other—that’s the oneOn which sailed Manuel—by a tall ship,Which flew the admiral’s pennon, was run down,And sunk in sight.

Excellent.—Manuel was drowned, drowned like a dog.

I have seen the captain of the ship that ’scaped.

He tells that, putting forth at night, they kept

Their course till dawn, when in a fog they drave

On the French fleet, some two-and-twenty sail.

Of our five vessels three were taken: one,

His own, escaped, and the other—that’s the one

On which sailed Manuel—by a tall ship,

Which flew the admiral’s pennon, was run down,

And sunk in sight.

Liv.The news will please my father,As it doth thee. For me ’tis ruin: my hope1920I might please Margaret working for her brotherIs gone. Now will she hate me more than ever.

Liv.The news will please my father,

As it doth thee. For me ’tis ruin: my hope

I might please Margaret working for her brother

Is gone. Now will she hate me more than ever.

Bl.You never could have won her while he lived.

Liv.Well, take these papers. There are here the ordersFor the execution of PalicioTo-morrow, in the public square, at noon.See them in proper hands. They need a seal.

Liv.Well, take these papers. There are here the orders

For the execution of Palicio

To-morrow, in the public square, at noon.

See them in proper hands. They need a seal.

Bl.’Twill be a pleasure. ’Twas the kindest freak,This self-surrender.

Bl.’Twill be a pleasure. ’Twas the kindest freak,

This self-surrender.

Liv.He was strangely dashed,Looking for Manuel, to find me here.

Liv.He was strangely dashed,

Looking for Manuel, to find me here.

Bl.He’ll find that friend no more.

1930Liv.Take them and go.And for the present, count, avoid the duke:He is angry with thee.[Exit Blasco.

Liv.Take them and go.

And for the present, count, avoid the duke:

He is angry with thee.[Exit Blasco.

I shall not leave this houseTill I be sure Margaret means not to come.The unkindest tempers are broke down by grief:And since she cannot blame me, she may findComfort in my compassion,—ay, and thank meFor some consideration.—She will seeI have put on black, and set the house in mourning,Have ordered mass, have had his room shut up ...1940Is there now nothing more? Why, who is this?

I shall not leave this house

Till I be sure Margaret means not to come.

The unkindest tempers are broke down by grief:

And since she cannot blame me, she may find

Comfort in my compassion,—ay, and thank me

For some consideration.—She will see

I have put on black, and set the house in mourning,

Have ordered mass, have had his room shut up ...

Is there now nothing more? Why, who is this?

Enter Margaret, throwing off a veil.

MARGARET.

Livio! thou here! Where is my brother?

Liv.Oh!Margaret!

Liv.Oh!

Margaret!

Mar.Where is my brother? I am comeTo speak with him. Where is he?

Mar.Where is my brother? I am come

To speak with him. Where is he?

Liv.Hast thou heard nothing?

Mar.Heard what? Where is he?

Liv.O, if thou knowest not ..

Mar.What is it? speak. Why is the house in black?What means it? say.

Mar.What is it? speak. Why is the house in black?

What means it? say.

Liv.Nay, let it not be meTo tell thee.

Liv.Nay, let it not be me

To tell thee.

Mar.Thinkest thou my fancy’s horrorIs gentler than thy bluntest tale? Speak quickly.

Mar.Thinkest thou my fancy’s horror

Is gentler than thy bluntest tale? Speak quickly.

Liv.’Twas on his own confession of connivance1950In John Palicio’s shelter and escape,My father put him from his place, and sent himTo answer to this charge before the king.He sailed two nights ago. The ship ...

Liv.’Twas on his own confession of connivance

In John Palicio’s shelter and escape,

My father put him from his place, and sent him

To answer to this charge before the king.

He sailed two nights ago. The ship ...

Mar.Go on, sir!

Liv.Our ships fell in with the enemy, and allBut two were captured, one on which he sailed,And one which brought the news.

Liv.Our ships fell in with the enemy, and all

But two were captured, one on which he sailed,

And one which brought the news.

Mar.And Manuel’s ship?

Liv.’Tis said the ship on which he sailed was sunk.

Mar.(falling on a chair). Sunk, say you, and he?...

Liv.My sister at the tidings straight fell ill,1960And her mind wanders. Bear a braver heart.

Liv.My sister at the tidings straight fell ill,

And her mind wanders. Bear a braver heart.

Mar.O, fatal day. ’Tis I, ’tis I have done it.—And did none see him?

Mar.O, fatal day. ’Tis I, ’tis I have done it.—

And did none see him?

Liv.Margaret, dearest Margaret,Take courage. I have shared thy sorrow, Margaret:Cannot I comfort thee? O, sweetest Margaret,Thou dost not know my love.

Liv.Margaret, dearest Margaret,

Take courage. I have shared thy sorrow, Margaret:

Cannot I comfort thee? O, sweetest Margaret,

Thou dost not know my love.

Mar.(standing, and showing the dagger). Away! away!

Liv.Nay, wherefore treat me thus?

Mar.Is this an hourTo force thy love upon me?

Mar.Is this an hour

To force thy love upon me?

Liv.Margaret,Hast thou no pity?

Liv.Margaret,

Hast thou no pity?

Mar.Think if I have pityTo spend on thee.

Mar.Think if I have pity

To spend on thee.

Liv.If thou wouldst slay me, Margaret,Thou need’st no dagger.

Liv.If thou wouldst slay me, Margaret,

Thou need’st no dagger.

1970Mar.Sir, stand back, I say:And first tell plainly what thou knowest. One shipOf three escaped?

Mar.Sir, stand back, I say:

And first tell plainly what thou knowest. One ship

Of three escaped?

Liv.The hindmost ’twas, that fled ...

Mar.And brought the tidings?

Liv.Ay.

Mar.And was none savedOut of the ship which sunk?

Mar.And was none saved

Out of the ship which sunk?

Liv.I know not.

Mar.Know’st not?There’s hope, thank God. And thou!—Why, if in thy heartLurked the least feeling, ’twould have shewn this side,Not leapt to the worst ... Come, sir, I’ll keep this sorrow:’Tis not with thee I’d share my fear for Manuel ...Nor any other; tho’ my need compels me,If thou’rt the man sits in his place.

Mar.Know’st not?

There’s hope, thank God. And thou!—Why, if in thy heart

Lurked the least feeling, ’twould have shewn this side,

Not leapt to the worst ... Come, sir, I’ll keep this sorrow:

’Tis not with thee I’d share my fear for Manuel ...

Nor any other; tho’ my need compels me,

If thou’rt the man sits in his place.

1980Liv.I am.

Liv.I am.

Mar.He would have aided me.

Liv.But I will aid theeMore than a brother. Thou canst ask no favourI will not grant.

Liv.But I will aid thee

More than a brother. Thou canst ask no favour

I will not grant.

Mar.Sir, I shall ask no favour:Nor aught but what it is thy part to grant,Unless it be promise of secrecy.

Mar.Sir, I shall ask no favour:

Nor aught but what it is thy part to grant,

Unless it be promise of secrecy.

Liv.O, but one secret with thee! there’s no jewelIn all the world I would esteem as that.

Liv.O, but one secret with thee! there’s no jewel

In all the world I would esteem as that.

Mar.Where’s Giovanni Palicio, sir?

Liv.Palicio!

Mar.Ay, he’s my kinsman.

Liv.He is in the palace dungeon,Awaiting death.

Liv.He is in the palace dungeon,

Awaiting death.

1990Mar.He’s my near kinsman, Livio,And must not die: and, being condemned to die,I, as his kinswoman, desire a passTo visit him in prison when I choose.[Livio writes.My purpose with him is to extort a pledgeThat he will leave the country, on which conditionI look for his release.

Mar.He’s my near kinsman, Livio,

And must not die: and, being condemned to die,

I, as his kinswoman, desire a pass

To visit him in prison when I choose.[Livio writes.

My purpose with him is to extort a pledge

That he will leave the country, on which condition

I look for his release.

Liv.Here is the order.And use it as thou wilt.

Liv.Here is the order.

And use it as thou wilt.

Mar.(taking).I thank you for it.

Liv.If ’tis so near thee he go quit, what meansBetter than mine to work it?

Liv.If ’tis so near thee he go quit, what means

Better than mine to work it?

Mar.I have means.

Liv.With whom?

Mar.I have the means.

2000Liv.Believe it not.There’s none could win this favour of my father.Hath not his cry beenDeath to Hugo?He’s more than rebel. There’s a private hateWhich makes his sentence grateful.

Liv.Believe it not.

There’s none could win this favour of my father.

Hath not his cry beenDeath to Hugo?

He’s more than rebel. There’s a private hate

Which makes his sentence grateful.

Mar.I have means.

Liv.’Twere easier wouldst thou trust me. See, ’tis doneWithout more words. Margaret, I’ll risk this thingFor thee. Palicio shall escape to Spain,To Naples, where thou wilt, if thou ...

Liv.’Twere easier wouldst thou trust me. See, ’tis done

Without more words. Margaret, I’ll risk this thing

For thee. Palicio shall escape to Spain,

To Naples, where thou wilt, if thou ...

Mar.If what?

Liv.Margaret, accept my love.

Mar.O, Livio,2010I am too sad to be angry with thee now.But know if ever thou wouldst merit loveBy generosity, thou must not begA bargain. ’Do this and I’ll love thee,’ ay,That may be said, but not ’I’ll do this thingIf thou wilt love me’: and thou, Livio,A chief justiciary!

Mar.O, Livio,

I am too sad to be angry with thee now.

But know if ever thou wouldst merit love

By generosity, thou must not beg

A bargain. ’Do this and I’ll love thee,’ ay,

That may be said, but not ’I’ll do this thing

If thou wilt love me’: and thou, Livio,

A chief justiciary!

Re-enter Blasco.

Liv.Hush, I pray thee!

Bl.The lady Margaret! We are very happyIn this return.

Bl.The lady Margaret! We are very happy

In this return.

Mar.(aside to Blasco). What hadst thou of Palicio?

Bl.Ha! Sayst thou?...

Mar.(aside).Meet me at the palace, count.2020I have thy letter. (To Liv.) I see there is no place hereIn my house for me. I have still a hope, and in itShall fortify my comfort ... If aught is heardI shall be with thy sister. Thou and BlascoMay serve me if ye will.[Exit.

Mar.(aside).Meet me at the palace, count.

I have thy letter. (To Liv.) I see there is no place here

In my house for me. I have still a hope, and in it

Shall fortify my comfort ... If aught is heard

I shall be with thy sister. Thou and Blasco

May serve me if ye will.[Exit.

Liv.What said she to you?

Bl.Art not thou too accustomed to her wit?I bring ill news. Thy sister still is worse,And calls for thee, and Rosso thinks ’tis wellThat thou shouldst go.

Bl.Art not thou too accustomed to her wit?

I bring ill news. Thy sister still is worse,

And calls for thee, and Rosso thinks ’tis well

That thou shouldst go.

Liv.Bide thou here in my place ...

Bl.Nay, I must go with thee.[Exeunt.

A public place. MANUEL disguised as a friar meeting ROSSO.MANUEL.’Tis doctor Rosso.ROSSO.2030At your service, father.Man.May I speak with thee?Ros.With pleasure.Man.Stand we aside.Hast thou forgotten me?Ros.Nay, for I thinkI have never seen thee ... or I ask thy pardon.Man.Now thou shouldst know me well.Ros.Thy voice I thinkI do remember.Man.(discovering). Do you know me now?Ros.Manuel! Thank God!Man.Is it a good disguise?Ros.Metamorphosis ... if indeed ’tis thou,In such a husk. Then thou’rt nót drowned!Man.Indeed,There was a time when I had some fear to be;But how came you to know it?2040Ros.Of the shipsOne returned home with news that thine was sunk.Was not that true?Man.Ay, ay,Ros.How didst thou ’scape?Man.I took my only chance, leapt overboardAnd swam to the enemy. By heavenly fortuneThe ship that ran us down was Raymond’s, heWho served so long with us. I had left my foesTo find old friends: and when the fight was o’er,I told him in what hapless case I stood,And promising to hold myself no less2050His prisoner, and surrender to his masterAt Naples if need were, I bade him land meBy night at Cefaledi; there arrived,By the good sailor friars I was cladIn the disguise you see, and came in speedTo look to matters here.Ros.There is great need.Man.Ay, my affairs with Constance?Ros.I grieve to tellConstance is lying ill.Man.She is in your hands?Ros.Ay.Man.Doth she doubt of me?Ros.At your committalA fever must have seized her. Then your death,2060Which should have been concealed, was urged upon her,In countenance of duke Philip’s suit ...Man.How? Philip!Ros.Did you not guess?Man.Is’t possible?Ros.At thatHer mind gave way: ’tis question of her life.Man.I bring the medicine to work her cure.Is’t not enough?Ros.I trust so.Man.And I think it.How blind I have been! I trusted Philip, and heWas playing against me. Time will right me, Rosso,In this as in the other. Patience. And whatOf your affairs ...Ros.How mine?Man.Your love affairs.Ros.My love affairs?Man.Ay,—Margaret.2070Ros.Margaret?Man.Can I be wrong? Her head was turned the dayShe brought you to Palicio.Ros.O, Manuel,This makes it sure.Man.Yes, and I’m glad of it.Ros.Nay, nay: pray hear me. On the very dayPalicio left your house, she went, ’twas said,To Monreale: there she hath not been seen.Was’t to Palicio?Man.Now, please God, thou’rt wrong.Say, where is he?Ros.Stranger than all, he has madeSurrender of himself to Livio,2080Our new justiciary, and awaits his deathIn Hugo’s dungeon.Man.How! And Margaret?Ros.She hath now this morn returned, full of distractionAs well might be, but firm beyond her wont.She is in the palace, where she nurses ConstanceWith the cool skill of one that hath his stakeVentured elsewhere ...Mar.Good God! Now if thou’rt right,Rosso, this matter needs me more than the other.Thank heaven I am here. Constance is in thy hands:Thou hast her cure. Yet use it with discretion,2090Knowing my hazard. I shall visit at onceThe archbishop; he will stand my friend, and give meCommission in the habit of a priestTo see Palicio. Nay, there’s not a momentTo lose. Thou mayst contrive that Constance tooShould send for me; maybe I thus might see her.Farewell. I go, yet must I take a name;Let it be Thomas, father Thomas. To-nightCan I rest at thy house?Ros.I pray you will.Man.An hour hence couldst thou meet me there?Ros.I will.God speed you.Man.O, Rosso, Rosso, I fear thou’rt right ...[Exit.2101Ros.Ay, ay. I’m right. Alas for Manuel.’Tis almost pity he is escaped from death.I would tell Constance, but her throbbing brainHath no interpreter, and in her earAll words are meaningless, or mean alikeSomething insane, which in her eager dreamingSteals the world’s place. I have no power to tell.[Exit.

A public place. MANUEL disguised as a friar meeting ROSSO.

MANUEL.

’Tis doctor Rosso.

ROSSO.

2030At your service, father.

At your service, father.

Man.May I speak with thee?

Ros.With pleasure.

Man.Stand we aside.Hast thou forgotten me?

Man.Stand we aside.

Hast thou forgotten me?

Ros.Nay, for I thinkI have never seen thee ... or I ask thy pardon.

Ros.Nay, for I think

I have never seen thee ... or I ask thy pardon.

Man.Now thou shouldst know me well.

Ros.Thy voice I thinkI do remember.

Ros.Thy voice I think

I do remember.

Man.(discovering). Do you know me now?

Ros.Manuel! Thank God!

Man.Is it a good disguise?

Ros.Metamorphosis ... if indeed ’tis thou,In such a husk. Then thou’rt nót drowned!

Ros.Metamorphosis ... if indeed ’tis thou,

In such a husk. Then thou’rt nót drowned!

Man.Indeed,There was a time when I had some fear to be;But how came you to know it?

Man.Indeed,

There was a time when I had some fear to be;

But how came you to know it?

2040Ros.Of the shipsOne returned home with news that thine was sunk.Was not that true?

Ros.Of the ships

One returned home with news that thine was sunk.

Was not that true?

Man.Ay, ay,

Ros.How didst thou ’scape?

Man.I took my only chance, leapt overboardAnd swam to the enemy. By heavenly fortuneThe ship that ran us down was Raymond’s, heWho served so long with us. I had left my foesTo find old friends: and when the fight was o’er,I told him in what hapless case I stood,And promising to hold myself no less2050His prisoner, and surrender to his masterAt Naples if need were, I bade him land meBy night at Cefaledi; there arrived,By the good sailor friars I was cladIn the disguise you see, and came in speedTo look to matters here.

Man.I took my only chance, leapt overboard

And swam to the enemy. By heavenly fortune

The ship that ran us down was Raymond’s, he

Who served so long with us. I had left my foes

To find old friends: and when the fight was o’er,

I told him in what hapless case I stood,

And promising to hold myself no less

His prisoner, and surrender to his master

At Naples if need were, I bade him land me

By night at Cefaledi; there arrived,

By the good sailor friars I was clad

In the disguise you see, and came in speed

To look to matters here.

Ros.There is great need.

Man.Ay, my affairs with Constance?

Ros.I grieve to tellConstance is lying ill.

Ros.I grieve to tell

Constance is lying ill.

Man.She is in your hands?

Ros.Ay.

Man.Doth she doubt of me?

Ros.At your committalA fever must have seized her. Then your death,2060Which should have been concealed, was urged upon her,In countenance of duke Philip’s suit ...

Ros.At your committal

A fever must have seized her. Then your death,

Which should have been concealed, was urged upon her,

In countenance of duke Philip’s suit ...

Man.How? Philip!

Ros.Did you not guess?

Man.Is’t possible?

Ros.At thatHer mind gave way: ’tis question of her life.

Ros.At that

Her mind gave way: ’tis question of her life.

Man.I bring the medicine to work her cure.Is’t not enough?

Man.I bring the medicine to work her cure.

Is’t not enough?

Ros.I trust so.

Man.And I think it.How blind I have been! I trusted Philip, and heWas playing against me. Time will right me, Rosso,In this as in the other. Patience. And whatOf your affairs ...

Man.And I think it.

How blind I have been! I trusted Philip, and he

Was playing against me. Time will right me, Rosso,

In this as in the other. Patience. And what

Of your affairs ...

Ros.How mine?

Man.Your love affairs.

Ros.My love affairs?

Man.Ay,—Margaret.

2070Ros.Margaret?

Ros.Margaret?

Man.Can I be wrong? Her head was turned the dayShe brought you to Palicio.

Man.Can I be wrong? Her head was turned the day

She brought you to Palicio.

Ros.O, Manuel,This makes it sure.

Ros.O, Manuel,

This makes it sure.

Man.Yes, and I’m glad of it.

Ros.Nay, nay: pray hear me. On the very dayPalicio left your house, she went, ’twas said,To Monreale: there she hath not been seen.Was’t to Palicio?

Ros.Nay, nay: pray hear me. On the very day

Palicio left your house, she went, ’twas said,

To Monreale: there she hath not been seen.

Was’t to Palicio?

Man.Now, please God, thou’rt wrong.Say, where is he?

Man.Now, please God, thou’rt wrong.

Say, where is he?

Ros.Stranger than all, he has madeSurrender of himself to Livio,2080Our new justiciary, and awaits his deathIn Hugo’s dungeon.

Ros.Stranger than all, he has made

Surrender of himself to Livio,

Our new justiciary, and awaits his death

In Hugo’s dungeon.

Man.How! And Margaret?

Ros.She hath now this morn returned, full of distractionAs well might be, but firm beyond her wont.She is in the palace, where she nurses ConstanceWith the cool skill of one that hath his stakeVentured elsewhere ...

Ros.She hath now this morn returned, full of distraction

As well might be, but firm beyond her wont.

She is in the palace, where she nurses Constance

With the cool skill of one that hath his stake

Ventured elsewhere ...

Mar.Good God! Now if thou’rt right,Rosso, this matter needs me more than the other.Thank heaven I am here. Constance is in thy hands:Thou hast her cure. Yet use it with discretion,2090Knowing my hazard. I shall visit at onceThe archbishop; he will stand my friend, and give meCommission in the habit of a priestTo see Palicio. Nay, there’s not a momentTo lose. Thou mayst contrive that Constance tooShould send for me; maybe I thus might see her.Farewell. I go, yet must I take a name;Let it be Thomas, father Thomas. To-nightCan I rest at thy house?

Mar.Good God! Now if thou’rt right,

Rosso, this matter needs me more than the other.

Thank heaven I am here. Constance is in thy hands:

Thou hast her cure. Yet use it with discretion,

Knowing my hazard. I shall visit at once

The archbishop; he will stand my friend, and give me

Commission in the habit of a priest

To see Palicio. Nay, there’s not a moment

To lose. Thou mayst contrive that Constance too

Should send for me; maybe I thus might see her.

Farewell. I go, yet must I take a name;

Let it be Thomas, father Thomas. To-night

Can I rest at thy house?

Ros.I pray you will.

Man.An hour hence couldst thou meet me there?

Ros.I will.God speed you.

Ros.I will.

God speed you.

Man.O, Rosso, Rosso, I fear thou’rt right ...

[Exit.

2101Ros.Ay, ay. I’m right. Alas for Manuel.’Tis almost pity he is escaped from death.I would tell Constance, but her throbbing brainHath no interpreter, and in her earAll words are meaningless, or mean alikeSomething insane, which in her eager dreamingSteals the world’s place. I have no power to tell.

Ros.Ay, ay. I’m right. Alas for Manuel.

’Tis almost pity he is escaped from death.

I would tell Constance, but her throbbing brain

Hath no interpreter, and in her ear

All words are meaningless, or mean alike

Something insane, which in her eager dreaming

Steals the world’s place. I have no power to tell.

[Exit.

Room in the Palace. HUGO and PHILIP meeting.HUGO.No cheer. Thy questioning looks may not be answer’dWith any brightness, duke: and yet take heart.2110The fever of our climate is in the onsetOft overmasked as this. ’Twill clear and pass.’Twere quite incredible she should so sickenOf mere affection. The compacted bodyHath its machinery for health and action,Its appetites for food and rest, too firmTo be unfixed by fancy. Like a riverOur life flows on, whose surface storms may vex,But never move the current from its bed.PHILIP.I heartily repent my part in this.I wronged poor Manuel.2120Hu.Now thou wrong’st me.Him being dead thou canst not wrong. ’Tis plainThe objection falls. If once there was a motiveThat might have stayed thee ...Ph.Nay, upbraid me not.Hu.How, I upbraid thee?Ph.That I pressed my suit.Hu.Rather for slackness in it.Ph.If she recover’Tis all I pray for.Hu.Not so. This will pass.’Twill be forgotten. All will be forgotten.Look but on Margaret, doth her brother’s deathCraze her?Ph.Indeed, I think she is nigh distracted;2130And if she bear up better there’s a reason:She hath a comforter. Nay, I may tell youI saw your doctor here take her aside,And when he spoke, her face of woe lit up.She loves him. ’Twas a match that Manuel wished.Hu.Nay, nay! what! Rosso, the apothecary!Enter Livio and Blasco.Ah, Livio; Constance calls thy name, ’tis hopedThat she may know thee.LIVIO.Is she better, sire?Hu.Nay: but she asked for thee, and Rosso saidThou shouldst be sent for. Come within.Ph.May IFar as the door?Hu.Ay, come.BLASCO(aside to Liv.).2140Tell Margaret,Who hath some matter for me, that I am here.[Exeunt Hugo and Livio.Ph.Count, thou hast lied to me. If that sufficeTo raise thy temper, meet me when thou wilt:If not, and Constance die, I’ll use thee worse.[Exit.Bl.Ay, ay. No doubt there may be danger for meEven from that quarter: but I have a foeThat threats me more. How came she by the letter?Only Palicio and his messengerCould know ’twas mine.Enter Margaret.MARGARET.’Tis business with thee, count:Therefore few words. I have thy treasonous letterAnd other proofs, which I shall bring against theeUnless thou do my bidding.2152Bl.What is that,My lady Peremptory? speak thy will.Mar.Attend. Palicio is condemned to dieAt noon to-morrow. I require that thouContrive that he escape, ay, and go clearThree hours before that time.Bl.Impossible.Mar.’Tis not so, count. For Livio had promised meThe very thing; but since his price exceedsWhat I need pay to thee ...2160Bl.My price, how mean you?Mar.I will give back thy letter to thy hands,And promise secrecy in every matterI had against thee.Bl.Give me now the letter,And I will do it.Mar.Nay. Thou’lt do it first.Bl.Then say that if at nine to-morrow mornI have a friendly guard—Mar.Keep to that hour:’Twill do. I shall be there to see it done.I’ll bring the letter with me. I can provideHis further safety. If thou fail, the enquiry,2170Which I can set on foot, delays his death,Till I find other means.Bl.But still I see notMy own security.Mar.Thou hast my promise:And thy security is only this,To keep to thine. I go. Remember, nine.[Exit.Bl.Wheu! wheu! Who hath the secret now? Indeed,I see this dainty lady hath a loverWe little dreamed of. Therefore was he housedWith Manuel. O, Giovann Palicio:Thus Livio’s rival. And thou blab of meTo mistress Margaret, dost thou? well, well, well!2181I’ll see thee die for that. Die now thou must.I have, sir, but to tell this tale in the earOf the chief justiciary, and I am saved.Re-enter Livio.Livio, thou hast a rival.Liv.I know.Bl.Thou knowest?Liv.My father saith Margaret will marry Rosso.Bl.Rosso! Rosso be hanged! ’Tis John Palicio.Liv.Palicio!Bl.Yes, Palicio.Liv.Nay.Bl.I’ll tell thee.Hark.—Was he not concealed in Manuel’s house?Liv.Well?Bl.And escaping from his house by night,The next day where was Margaret?Liv.Ah!2190Bl.And then’Twas she betrayed the rebels.Liv.Eh!Bl.We tracedThe little book to her servant.Liv.That’s against it.Bl.Nay: it explains why all the names were there,Only not his.Liv.But then ... nay, why should heSurrender?Bl.That’s but madness any way.But now she comes demanding his deliverance.Liv.Ay, she doth. O, the villain! he shall die.Bl.He shall; but hark, I have promised MargaretTo set Palicio free at nine to-morrow.2200Say that we go together. Margaret comesTo see her lover freed. Her we will takeAnd keep confined until his execution;Which for our purpose may be hurried on.Or if ...Liv.Stay; why this promise? In the courseOf justice he must die.Bl.Not so. My promiseTo set him free was made for two good reasons.First hearing thou hadst offered her the like:Next for the knowledge that on my refusalShe could find other means. Beside all which2210She bargains to restore me certain lettersI sent her years ago, which I confessI am now ashamed of: (aside.)—Any lie will serveTo smooth this idiot.—These she brings with her,And I can take them from her. My object gainedI hand her o’er to thee. For all her scornsRepay her as thou wilt.Liv.I fear her.Bl.Nay,I can secure thee. Come.[Exeunt.

Room in the Palace. HUGO and PHILIP meeting.

HUGO.

No cheer. Thy questioning looks may not be answer’dWith any brightness, duke: and yet take heart.2110The fever of our climate is in the onsetOft overmasked as this. ’Twill clear and pass.’Twere quite incredible she should so sickenOf mere affection. The compacted bodyHath its machinery for health and action,Its appetites for food and rest, too firmTo be unfixed by fancy. Like a riverOur life flows on, whose surface storms may vex,But never move the current from its bed.

No cheer. Thy questioning looks may not be answer’d

With any brightness, duke: and yet take heart.

The fever of our climate is in the onset

Oft overmasked as this. ’Twill clear and pass.

’Twere quite incredible she should so sicken

Of mere affection. The compacted body

Hath its machinery for health and action,

Its appetites for food and rest, too firm

To be unfixed by fancy. Like a river

Our life flows on, whose surface storms may vex,

But never move the current from its bed.

PHILIP.

I heartily repent my part in this.I wronged poor Manuel.

I heartily repent my part in this.

I wronged poor Manuel.

2120Hu.Now thou wrong’st me.Him being dead thou canst not wrong. ’Tis plainThe objection falls. If once there was a motiveThat might have stayed thee ...

Hu.Now thou wrong’st me.

Him being dead thou canst not wrong. ’Tis plain

The objection falls. If once there was a motive

That might have stayed thee ...

Ph.Nay, upbraid me not.

Hu.How, I upbraid thee?

Ph.That I pressed my suit.

Hu.Rather for slackness in it.

Ph.If she recover’Tis all I pray for.

Ph.If she recover

’Tis all I pray for.

Hu.Not so. This will pass.’Twill be forgotten. All will be forgotten.Look but on Margaret, doth her brother’s deathCraze her?

Hu.Not so. This will pass.

’Twill be forgotten. All will be forgotten.

Look but on Margaret, doth her brother’s death

Craze her?

Ph.Indeed, I think she is nigh distracted;2130And if she bear up better there’s a reason:She hath a comforter. Nay, I may tell youI saw your doctor here take her aside,And when he spoke, her face of woe lit up.She loves him. ’Twas a match that Manuel wished.

Ph.Indeed, I think she is nigh distracted;

And if she bear up better there’s a reason:

She hath a comforter. Nay, I may tell you

I saw your doctor here take her aside,

And when he spoke, her face of woe lit up.

She loves him. ’Twas a match that Manuel wished.

Hu.Nay, nay! what! Rosso, the apothecary!

Enter Livio and Blasco.

Ah, Livio; Constance calls thy name, ’tis hopedThat she may know thee.

Ah, Livio; Constance calls thy name, ’tis hoped

That she may know thee.

LIVIO.

Is she better, sire?

Hu.Nay: but she asked for thee, and Rosso saidThou shouldst be sent for. Come within.

Hu.Nay: but she asked for thee, and Rosso said

Thou shouldst be sent for. Come within.

Ph.May IFar as the door?

Ph.May I

Far as the door?

Hu.Ay, come.

BLASCO(aside to Liv.).

2140Tell Margaret,Who hath some matter for me, that I am here.

Tell Margaret,

Who hath some matter for me, that I am here.

[Exeunt Hugo and Livio.

Ph.Count, thou hast lied to me. If that sufficeTo raise thy temper, meet me when thou wilt:If not, and Constance die, I’ll use thee worse.[Exit.

Ph.Count, thou hast lied to me. If that suffice

To raise thy temper, meet me when thou wilt:

If not, and Constance die, I’ll use thee worse.[Exit.

Bl.Ay, ay. No doubt there may be danger for meEven from that quarter: but I have a foeThat threats me more. How came she by the letter?Only Palicio and his messengerCould know ’twas mine.

Bl.Ay, ay. No doubt there may be danger for me

Even from that quarter: but I have a foe

That threats me more. How came she by the letter?

Only Palicio and his messenger

Could know ’twas mine.

Enter Margaret.

MARGARET.

’Tis business with thee, count:Therefore few words. I have thy treasonous letterAnd other proofs, which I shall bring against theeUnless thou do my bidding.

’Tis business with thee, count:

Therefore few words. I have thy treasonous letter

And other proofs, which I shall bring against thee

Unless thou do my bidding.

2152Bl.What is that,My lady Peremptory? speak thy will.

Bl.What is that,

My lady Peremptory? speak thy will.

Mar.Attend. Palicio is condemned to dieAt noon to-morrow. I require that thouContrive that he escape, ay, and go clearThree hours before that time.

Mar.Attend. Palicio is condemned to die

At noon to-morrow. I require that thou

Contrive that he escape, ay, and go clear

Three hours before that time.

Bl.Impossible.

Mar.’Tis not so, count. For Livio had promised meThe very thing; but since his price exceedsWhat I need pay to thee ...

Mar.’Tis not so, count. For Livio had promised me

The very thing; but since his price exceeds

What I need pay to thee ...

2160Bl.My price, how mean you?

Bl.My price, how mean you?

Mar.I will give back thy letter to thy hands,And promise secrecy in every matterI had against thee.

Mar.I will give back thy letter to thy hands,

And promise secrecy in every matter

I had against thee.

Bl.Give me now the letter,And I will do it.

Bl.Give me now the letter,

And I will do it.

Mar.Nay. Thou’lt do it first.

Bl.Then say that if at nine to-morrow mornI have a friendly guard—

Bl.Then say that if at nine to-morrow morn

I have a friendly guard—

Mar.Keep to that hour:’Twill do. I shall be there to see it done.I’ll bring the letter with me. I can provideHis further safety. If thou fail, the enquiry,2170Which I can set on foot, delays his death,Till I find other means.

Mar.Keep to that hour:

’Twill do. I shall be there to see it done.

I’ll bring the letter with me. I can provide

His further safety. If thou fail, the enquiry,

Which I can set on foot, delays his death,

Till I find other means.

Bl.But still I see notMy own security.

Bl.But still I see not

My own security.

Mar.Thou hast my promise:And thy security is only this,To keep to thine. I go. Remember, nine.[Exit.

Mar.Thou hast my promise:

And thy security is only this,

To keep to thine. I go. Remember, nine.[Exit.

Bl.Wheu! wheu! Who hath the secret now? Indeed,I see this dainty lady hath a loverWe little dreamed of. Therefore was he housedWith Manuel. O, Giovann Palicio:Thus Livio’s rival. And thou blab of meTo mistress Margaret, dost thou? well, well, well!2181I’ll see thee die for that. Die now thou must.I have, sir, but to tell this tale in the earOf the chief justiciary, and I am saved.

Bl.Wheu! wheu! Who hath the secret now? Indeed,

I see this dainty lady hath a lover

We little dreamed of. Therefore was he housed

With Manuel. O, Giovann Palicio:

Thus Livio’s rival. And thou blab of me

To mistress Margaret, dost thou? well, well, well!

I’ll see thee die for that. Die now thou must.

I have, sir, but to tell this tale in the ear

Of the chief justiciary, and I am saved.

Re-enter Livio.

Livio, thou hast a rival.

Liv.I know.

Bl.Thou knowest?

Liv.My father saith Margaret will marry Rosso.

Bl.Rosso! Rosso be hanged! ’Tis John Palicio.

Liv.Palicio!

Bl.Yes, Palicio.

Liv.Nay.

Bl.I’ll tell thee.Hark.—Was he not concealed in Manuel’s house?

Bl.I’ll tell thee.

Hark.—Was he not concealed in Manuel’s house?

Liv.Well?

Bl.And escaping from his house by night,The next day where was Margaret?

Bl.And escaping from his house by night,

The next day where was Margaret?

Liv.Ah!

2190Bl.And then’Twas she betrayed the rebels.

Bl.And then

’Twas she betrayed the rebels.

Liv.Eh!

Bl.We tracedThe little book to her servant.

Bl.We traced

The little book to her servant.

Liv.That’s against it.

Bl.Nay: it explains why all the names were there,Only not his.

Bl.Nay: it explains why all the names were there,

Only not his.

Liv.But then ... nay, why should heSurrender?

Liv.But then ... nay, why should he

Surrender?

Bl.That’s but madness any way.But now she comes demanding his deliverance.

Bl.That’s but madness any way.

But now she comes demanding his deliverance.

Liv.Ay, she doth. O, the villain! he shall die.

Bl.He shall; but hark, I have promised MargaretTo set Palicio free at nine to-morrow.2200Say that we go together. Margaret comesTo see her lover freed. Her we will takeAnd keep confined until his execution;Which for our purpose may be hurried on.Or if ...

Bl.He shall; but hark, I have promised Margaret

To set Palicio free at nine to-morrow.

Say that we go together. Margaret comes

To see her lover freed. Her we will take

And keep confined until his execution;

Which for our purpose may be hurried on.

Or if ...

Liv.Stay; why this promise? In the courseOf justice he must die.

Liv.Stay; why this promise? In the course

Of justice he must die.

Bl.Not so. My promiseTo set him free was made for two good reasons.First hearing thou hadst offered her the like:Next for the knowledge that on my refusalShe could find other means. Beside all which2210She bargains to restore me certain lettersI sent her years ago, which I confessI am now ashamed of: (aside.)—Any lie will serveTo smooth this idiot.—These she brings with her,And I can take them from her. My object gainedI hand her o’er to thee. For all her scornsRepay her as thou wilt.

Bl.Not so. My promise

To set him free was made for two good reasons.

First hearing thou hadst offered her the like:

Next for the knowledge that on my refusal

She could find other means. Beside all which

She bargains to restore me certain letters

I sent her years ago, which I confess

I am now ashamed of: (aside.)—Any lie will serve

To smooth this idiot.—These she brings with her,

And I can take them from her. My object gained

I hand her o’er to thee. For all her scorns

Repay her as thou wilt.

Liv.I fear her.

Bl.Nay,I can secure thee. Come.[Exeunt.

Bl.Nay,

I can secure thee. Come.[Exeunt.

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