Book- THE DEATH OF UGOLINO. 9* iR"^ THE JLC^ DEATH OF UGOLINO. A TRAGEDY. BY GEORGE WILLIAM FEATHERSTONHAUGH, ESQ. 1^\ JfhilatJel^Jhta: PUBLISHED BY CAREY AND LEA. 1830. ^M ^ ■s^JK Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit : Be it remembered, that on the seventh day of May, in the fifty-fourth year of the independence of the United States of America, A.D. 1830, Carey and Lea, of the said district, have deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words fol- lowing, to wit: " The Death of Ugolino. A Tragedy. By George William Fea- therstonhaugh, Esq." In conformity to the act of the congress of the United States, enti- tled, " an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned ;" and also to the act, en- titled, "an act supplementary to an act, entitled, ' an act for the en- couragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the benetits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical and other prints." D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. K'NH >01 Philadelphia: Printed by James Kay, Jun. &. Co. Library Street. TO SIR HENRY FETHERSTONHAUGII, BART. ETC. ETC. ETC. OF UP.PARK, SUSSEX, ENGLAND. Could I dare to anticipate a favourable reception for this Tragedy, I should indeed be proud of dedicating it to you. I do so now with the less reluctance ; conscious, that although, in your refined taste, I submit myself to a judg- ment about which I cannot but be anxious, yet that I may securely look to find in you an indulgent critic. Whatever may be the decision, upon — I believe — this first attempt to raise a name, not altogether unknown in the English annals, into literary notice ; 1 feel assured that you will receive this dedication as a proof of the unfeigned personal attachment of, My dear Sir Harry, your faithful G. W. FEATHERSTONHAUGH. HISTORICAL NOTICE. •The Pisans conquered Sardinia from the Moors, and divided its provinces amongst their chiefs, the Gherardesca, Sardi, Caietani, Sismondi, Visconti, fcc. These families adopted the local names of their Sardinian districts. In 1206, pope Inno- cent III. acquired great influence in Sardinia ; gave the heiress of Gallura in marriage to one of his relations, and demanded of the Pisans to renounce the government of the island. The Visconti resisted the papal usurpation with firmness, and made war on those who consented to hold of the pope. Subsequently, Ubaldo, one of the most powerful of the Visconti, was gained over. He consented to hold of the pope, on receiving the hand of Adelaide, heiress of Gallura ; and abjured his allegiance to Pisa. This defection occasioned great divisions. The parti- zans of the empire rallied under the Gherardesca, rivals to the Visconti ; and the two factions, under the names of Conti and Visconti, made war upon each other. Thus the imperial or Ghibelline party at Pisa was called Conti, and the papal or Guelph party, Visconti. About 1274, count Ugolino, chief of the Gherardesca, whose horrible death has for ever stained the annals of Pisa, married his sister to Giovanni di Gallura, a turbulent Sardinian chief of the Guelph party. The Ghibel- lines, who prevailed in Pisa at this time, began to look upon Ugolino, who was ambitious, with suspicion. They exiled Gallura ; who, with the assistance of the Guelphs of Flo- rence, made war upon Pisa. Ugolino himself was arrested in 1275, and exiled. He then openly joined the Guelph party, and defeated the Ghibellines ; upon which he was HISTORICAL NOTICE. recalled from his exile. At this period, Ruggieri de Ubal- dini, an inflexible man, and a firm Ghibelline, was made archbishop of Pisa. In 1 284, war then existing between Genoa and Pisa, a great naval combat was fought between them off the small island of Meloria, near the territory of Pisa. The Pisans were signally routed. Five thousand Pisans were killed, and eleven thousand made prisoners. This calamitous event carried desolation into every Pisan family. The chronicles of the time speak of the public and private distress as most intense. The resources of the Pisans were ruined, and their spirit almost entirely broken. The Guelph repubhcs in the vicinity now conspired to utterly annihilate this free Ghibelline state. The Genoese also determined to keep in perpetual imprisonment the Pisans who had fallen into their power, and who composed the most gallant part of the Pisan population. The people now determined to place count Ugolino at the head of their republic, with unlimited powers for the defence and government of the country. To forward his ambitious views, he ceded many im- portant territories to the neighbouring states ; and fearing lest the prisoners in Genoa should oppose his rule, he found means to evade their proposed ransom. By his rigour, he at length became odious to both parties ; he exiled the principal Ghibellines, and pulled down the palaces of those connected with them. He at length declared himself lord of Pisa. His nephew, Nino di Gallura, now the most prominent chief of the Guelph party, detached himself from the interests of his uncle, and drew near to Gualandi and Sismondi, chiefs of the Ghibellines. To counteract this defection, Ugolino connected himself with Ruggieri, the archbishop, the head of the Ghibellines ; recalled the exiled Ghibellines, Gualandi, Sismondi, Lanfranchi, &c. The count being thus strengthened, his nephew, Nino di Gallura, and his party, withdrew from the city. The city being thus purged of his opponents in the Guelph faction, he refused to admit the archbishop into the administration of the government, and a rancorous hatred grew up between them. In a fit of passion he slew a nephew of the archbishop ; and foreseeing an open rupture with the Ghibellines, he took measures to recall the Guelphs. Upon which the alarm was given ; the Ghibellines attacked Ugolino, who, after some resistance, shut himself up HISTORICAL NOTICE. with his four sons and a few partizans, in the palace of the people. The palace was set on fire, and they were made pri- soners. After keeping them in the Gualandi tower for some months, the archbishop caused the gate to be barred up, and the key to be thrown into the Arno, He and his children were mercilessly starved to death : a punishment far beyond the tyranny of the man, and which has drawn out as much pity for Ugolino and his sons, as it has produced detestation for the infamous archbishop. This Tragedy, the scene of which is in Pisa in Italy, is founded upon the historical facts thus briefly adverted to, and from which the author has only in one instance deviated. Nino and Ansel- muccio are said, in some of the old chronicles, to have been the count's grandsons. Italian scholars will perceive how much the author is indebted to Dante. Many years ago, the author translated the whole of the Divina Commedia into blank verse, upon a suggestion in the Edinburgh Review. He was pre- paring it for the press, when the able and faithful transla- tion of Mr Carey appeared. The work was then laid by, with other rejectamenta. Amongst some papers unexpectedly pre- served from a painful catastrophe, a selection of translated pass- ages from Dante's great poem was found. The terrible images with which the thirty-third canto of the Inferno is pregnant, led the author gradually into the idea of raising a tragedy out of the ruins of his translation, in the which he might preserve some favourite passages, the only memorial to the author of his former labours. They will be easily recognized by those who are familiar with the Divina Commedia. Having made this ac- knowledgement, he will be extremely flattered if every passage in this tragedy which may have the good fortune to please, should be attributed to the same source. The author was aware that in the construction of a tragedy fitted for representation, dramatic action required that every part should be preparatory and be auxiliary to the tragic interest to be excited by the horrible deaths of Ugolino and his children. In the progress of the work he found this a difficult task. The story is old, and too familiar to leave any field open for suspense as to the fate of the principal personage. The tragic interest therefore rested in the manner of their deaths, and it was to this HISTORICAL NOTICE. point, which could only be brought forward towards the de- nouement, that the author's mind was principally directed. " Pero quel che non puoi aveie inteso, Cioe, come la morte mia fu cruda, Udirai." These are the pathetic words of Ugolino in the thirty third canto, when he is about to relate to Dante and Virgil what no one could know — "how bitter was his death." But neither could these sad scenes be renewed through a whole drama, without weakening — in the author's opinion — the effect intend- ed to be produced. The Buffo part therefore, for which he holds himself entirely responsible, was thrown in ; somewhat with a view to soften the character of a work raised upon so dreadful a catastrophe, and because the author believes those who are conversant with the Tuscan manners of that period, will find nothing extravagant in Buffalmacco or Pippo, or in any thing they say. The game of Moro,* which Pippo was playing with Tonetto, under Orgagna's Picture of the Day of Judgment, in the public cemetery, when he hears of the death of his father, is well known to those who are conversant with Italian manners. Those who are not will probably not under- stand Buffalmacco and Pippo. Liston and Keeley would make any body understand them. It would be as tedious a task to make some people comprehend what these two unrivalled per- formers are capable of doing, as what Buffalmacco was capable of saying. If the author should be accused of vulgarity, he begs with deference to say, that Italian nature has always abounded in subjects for Teniers, as well as for Raphael ; and that he who immortalized Juliet, painted Mrs Tearsheet. The author believes that this tragedy, as lie now commits it to the press, will be pronounced by many fitter for the closet than the stage — and perhaps by some, not fit for either. Indeed he dares only to anticipate one admissible motive for its publi- cation, namely, that it will gratify his friends and himself. * This game is played with the fingers. The hands being shut, the an- tagonist players throw the fingers open in a quick manner ; calling out, with vehement gesticulation, a particular number : thus, if each party throws out four fingers, or one five and the other three, he who has called out ' eight' wins the game. DRAMATIS PERSONiE. r Former Lord of Pisa. Kept inPri- CouNT Ugolino, < son with his children by the Arch- i. bishop Riiggieri. Gaddo, TT *- his Sons. Uguccione . ' > his younger Sons. Anselmuccio, 3 -y o RuGGiERi, Archbishop and Governor of Pisa. GuiDO Di MoNTEPELTRO, « Celebrated Chief. GuALANDi, ^ Adherents of the Archbishop, and Mem- Lanfranchi, J bers of the Council. MONZANO, ^ Bartoli, > Members of the Council. Anselmo, ) SiSMONDI, "% Pandolfini, > Ambassadors to Genoa. RiCOVERANZA, J Aldobrandi, a Noble Pisan, Prisoner to the Genoese. Lambruschini, Captain of the Guard. Pontani, the Bargello. BuFPALMAcco, a Celebrated Jester. Pippo, a Hunchback. Madonna Paula, ■) TVT ri f two Pisan Matrons. Madonna uiannotta, J Citizens, Women, Sbirri, Soldiers of the Guard, fyc B {% THE DEATH OF UGOLINO ACT I.~SCENE I. Public Square. Enter Anselmo and Bartoli. ANSELMO. Good Signer Bartoli, the morning air Brings you out early, sir ; for by the sun The council hour is still far off, nor aught Of councillors, or preparation, yet Have I, who by the mass have walked an hour About the square, at the Archbishop's seen. BARTOLI. Honest Anselmo, this same matin air That breathes so sweet — grateful it is to me As unto thee, old soldier, who hast drank V the open fields, amidst unsettled camps, More of the purer streams of life, than we. Poor fearful citizens, in crowded streets Are wont. Hence come your fresher spirits, hence The frank and fearless tempers, and the thoughts That lack the seeming earnest which oft clothes The specious utterings of us men of the world. 12 DEATH OF UGOLINO. But, as tliou art honest, it were not well To use with thee a dubious speech in aught. And though the morning air doth breathe of peace, And health, and universal gladness springs From nature's face, and all fair living things Seem to make holiday with her ; yet I, Signor Anselmo, by my troth came forth Not to enjoy this bounteous goodly scene, But to commune within myself ; and hold A sober converse with some serious thoughts. That oft times importune at conscience' door, When I at this same council board assist. ANSELMO. Xd be called honest is not ill, and then To be found honest is not ill, but well. Well hast thou spoken. Count, in truth most like Unto a city noble. By the mass, You do begin this goodly day right well. And speak me fair, not in a dubious speech. You call me honest. Eh! Have you been pleased To think me knave enough to wish to wear A cloak upon my name ? Honest Anselmo Is not my name. My name 's Anselmo, sir. Pray call those good pains taking people so, Who wish the credulous world to think them such. You are early out man-catching! You talk Like an archbishop, or a councillor. When at the reverend councilboard we sit. *' Sweet sir, the plan you have conceived is fit And just, and suited to the state and times." Marry and then. " But yet I shall propose One which I've here conceived, and I must think The public good requires that it" San Ranieri, \^Loud. Had I command in Pisa, I'd root out DEATH OF UGOLINO. 13 BARTOLI. Nay, prithee, Captain, hush, we are observed! ANSELMO. Observed! Ay, there it is again — observed! Let him who doth observe, observe this well, \_IIis hand to his sword. Which doth observe small manners with a spy. Signer, your lime twigs are too weak for me. Yet 'tis worth remembering — When two rogues meet, Tis well that one turns out an honest man. \^Exit. Enter Monzano. BARTOLI. Good morning, friend Monzano, would thou'dst been A little earlier i' the square : for here I met Anselmo, and in good earnest Set me on to sound him for our purpose. I spoke him fair, said he was honest too, And was about to open our grave thought, When with sarcastic grin he turned my words Abruptly back upon me ; then brought up The late rejection of his favourite plan At the council board ; got in a choleric rage. And brusqued away e'en as we saw thee come. MONZANO. I did perceive him somewhat moved, and feared Lest thou perchance had'st broke our purpose, and That he'd a mind to mar it. Glad I am To find all right. Anselmo's humour's blunt And quick, and, like his sword, flies out at times Without a second bidding, at his friends. But there's no malice in his angry moods. 14 DEATH OF UGOLINO. And his hot temper spends itself at once. Oft have I observed him at the council, On our late urgencies of state, which spring Alas! too frequent. Would it were not so! Anselmo's counsel has been ever wise, Touching our honour and our safety too. And, but he 's somewhat bolder than the times. Staking too much, as soldiers wont, at once — Somewhat too open too to speak his mind ; I know no man in Pisa I would trust, Before Anselmo, blunt although he be. BARTOLI. Noble Monzano, I have ever thought Anselmo true and loyal. Times like these. To men who love their country, urge the more That honest faults to us should be obscured, • • To let the noble qualities shine forth. Our country needs their aid now most of all. He turns this way. Let's greet him as true friends. And throw ojBf all reserve. Enter Anselmo. MONZANO. Give ye good morn. Noble Anselmo. ANSELMO. Signor Monzano, I am yours ; and, Signor, to you again. Pve walked to the other end of the square. Because the Signor said we were observed. For fain I'd see who t'was observed me here. By all the DEATH OF UGOLINO. IS BARTOLI. Captain Anselmo ; but anon You parted from me not so graciously. [Anselmo shows impatience. Nay, I entreat you, hear. What time have 1 Not shown myself your friend, what time betrayed My country or my friends, that you should turn Tlie courteous phrases of a loyal heart To mockery, and judge me what I scorn ; An empty promiser, a flattering tongue, That would begin the day with treachery. And dupe the man I honour ? Sir, you know How high you've ever stood in my esteem. This honourable Signer and myself Have matters of deep import to the state On hand, yet such as may not well be known To all in Pisa: for it is too true, That all are neither honourable nor firm Nor true nor love their country, as I fear. And, for we value your known worth, I sought. On meeting you this morn here i' the square. To put the opportunity to use — Imparting to ye our most serious thought, And gravest purpose ; which will bear the ken Of honourable men, and such you are. All. men. Signer, are not alike well skilled In war, and brave i' the field. But Pisa still Has honourable men at home, who fain Would risk what 's left of liberty and wealth. And life itself, to save our native land From foreign and domestic foes.' Such men. This honourable Signor and myself Dare call ourselves. ANSELMO. Signor, it is most true 16 DEATH OF UGOLINO. That conscience is good company, and she Assures you now. Armed with integrity, We are boldly frank. Where the heart prompts the tongue. It doth, like to a master key, unlock Our breasts, to let in honest confidence. And so it is that ye have opened mine, With your most fair and undissembled speech, Which likes me well. And for your purpose, sirs, To help our state by honourable means, That must be mine — and I dare offer ye, For that and for yourselves, true hand and sword : l^Shake hands. Entreating you at times to overlook The wayward temper of an unbred man. Unskilled in courtesies and gentle arts.<* MONZANO. Captain, we're bound t'ye ; and let the bond That ties our mutual faith, from this same hour. Be confidence most unreserved. ANSELMO. Truly That were a blessed bond, that would tie up Into one heart and mind, three loyal friends. And, gentle sirs, most heartily I'm yours. Since my return from camps, and when it pleased Ye all to call me to your council board — 'T has been, sirs, a fool's paradise to me. To serve my country, I have ever thought With true intent of counsel and of deeds. And have not spared to speak my mind where'er , The occasion called, trusting it was the end And meaning of my office. In like guise In the fair shew and speech I did believe Of the rest o' the council, taking them all DEATH OF UGOLINO. 17 As true and loyal men, who love the land. Which as we all profess, and more, to keep It well in honour and in safety too — I've sometimes marvelled, that amidst this care For the state's weal, which seems to govern all ; That when an honest plan 's proposed, and fit By common voice of all to serve the state — It's ever in the execution marred. Wherefore it is I know not. Yet I see Our country's cause grow every day the worse, And none to mend it, as it doth appear. Sometimes I've thought that all were not sincere. Yet knew not whom the thought might justly reach. Thus a concealed distrust clouds o'er the mind ; Marring the intent of every honest thought. And locking up our cold and sullen breasts. Which fair and shining mirrors well miglit be Of brother's love, faith, and the state's honour. Shuts out that generous confidence, which wins The noble objects, sirs, at which ye aim. Now, since ye have chosen me for your poor friend. Let us not pause — unveil your purposed thought — And let us haste to sanctify this bond Of honourable friendship, by some deed Of fair advantage to our native land. MONZANO. Noble Anselmo, well have ye expressed A patriot soldier's mind, and well portrayed What many feel, yet few have cared to speak. For touching the sincesity of some. As ye have said — prudence sometimes requires That doubts grow ripe into realities, Ay, and have friends, to back 'em too, if they Perchance observe the heads themselves of the state. 18 DEATH OF UGOLINO. ANSELMO. Gentles, please ye, no parables to me — But out with it at once. Is't Gualandi, Or Lanfranchi, — or whom else o' the council? BARTOLI. What think ye of the Archbishop Ruggieri ? ANSELMO. Your doubts are high ones, sir, and by the mass. The Archbishop Ruggieri is a man, Clothed with the nobleness of mind, as well As holiness, which suit his present state ; And, as I think, hath borne him ever well P the people's favour ; never having changed With all the shiftings of the varying wind. That blows the rest about ; but kept him firm. Being a true Ghibelline, and most opposed To the head o' the Guelphs, the pope himself. Who is the head and source o' the church's power. To whom he might the rather look for state. Were he ambitious, as ye seem to doubt. And thus I've ever thought of him; else, sirs. This arm had ne'er bestirred itself that day. When Ugolino, that false tyrant lord. We shook from his usurped signiory. And gave our native land again to breathe The air of freedom. Signors, well ye know What part the Archbishop played on that stern day. BARTOLI. Ay, sir, and we were Ghibellines in that turn Of Ruggieri's state, and were his friends : And, for we thought his purpose was to serve The people's liberty, by rooting out The Count's acknowledged tyranny, we lent Ourselves unto the crafty thought that rose DEATH OF UGOLINO. 19 In the Archbishop's fertile mind ; which was To sow some discord 'mongst the powerful Guelphs. Thus of the Judge Gallura having gained The ear, and being by him incited on To seize the signiory by his uncle held : He, the Archbishop, when the Guelphs were rent In twain ; and Ugolino, and the Judge His nephew, having risen with their friends. To oppose each other, openly at arms ; Did join the Count, and with him, all the rest Of the Ghibelline strength, and thus expelled The Judge Gallura and his numerous friends. And having thus sent off the flower of the Guelphs, A sudden insurrection, moved by him. Anon breaks out of the people. Loud cries Of tyranny and freedom — Ugolino, And the Archbishop — in the streets are heard. Thus craftily the Ghibellines being roused. Attack the Count, who being surprised, yet doth Breast him most valiantly against them all. And with some scattering friends, and their bold swords, Win a fair passage to the palace straight. Whence he's at length unkennelled, but by fire ; Cast prisoner with his sons in shameful bonds Into Gualandi's Tower, where still they lie. Thus by his priestly art the Archbishop reached His present state. ANSELMO. I do confess his craft Did serve the occasion well, and but for that The tyrant Count had still been master here. Yet craft doth not wear well, and may not e'er Become a holy person — least of all A mitred head. Yet I confess 'tis true. If I were wanting me some subtle turn. 30 DEATH OF UGOLINQ Some triple fine spun thought, to overreach Mine enemy ; it were a grievous wrong To do myself, did I not find a priest To hatch it for me. BARTOLI. Nor hath it worn, sir, Well with us. This general discontent Amongst the common class, and these your doubts. Are fruits, that now are dropping from the tree. Transplanted not too honestly by us To our fair soil — which spreading out its boughs, Loaded with all the honours of the state. Draws to itself all that is rich beneath. And monarchs it o'er an exhausted land. 'Tis true we have a council — but what then — When has the council ever acted here ? The council are the Archbishop and his friends. We are nought! They alone in Pisa act. Then, sir, the contributions, taxes, all The rich resources of the state, drawn forth By no unskilful hands, i' the people's name. And for their urgent welfare as we're told. Why what becomes of them ? The Archbishop, sir, And his true friends are the people, and 'tis just They keep them all. Yet 'tis in freedom's name, And to sustain its holy cause, 'tis said That it must e'en be so. What! is freedom Then not liberty — liberty to speak And act, within the reverence of the laws ? And where is liberty, if honest men Must here in Pisa huddle up, to talk In corners of their tyrant lords ? But no, Freedom is but a name — In them alone. All that is worthy of the public care Is found, and we the people are but tools, DEATH OF UGOLINO. 21 To shape the power and riches of the state Unto their liking. Above all should this, Captain Anselmo, touch your soldier's breast ; The base, unworthy, wretched fate of those Who on that day, above all other days Pregnant with misery to our native land, Fought with ye at Meloria. Sir, four years Have passed, since there the Pisan power was shook ; And to this day, ten thousand of the best Of our brave citizens, with the purest blood That Pisa boasts, have unredeemed lain I' the dungeons of our foes the Genoese. This cries aloud for shame, and seals our name For ever in the annals of the world. And wherefore this reproach ? It was once charged. That Ugolino sought to keep them there. Lest they 'twixt him and his ambitious views Might stand i' the track. Yet I remember well, It was Ruggieri and his friends charged this. And well they might be fathers to the thought. Who since have nursed it up so well, that though The Count himself hath lain eight months in chains. Still do our matrons mourn their absent lords. ANSELMO. Nay, sirs, but this were much to charge him with ; It never rains suspicions but it pours. Now in this of the enlargement of our friends, The Archbishop hath seemed ever prompt : and well Ye wot, that when I moved the council board To give up Castro, Pisa's pride and strength In our Sardinia, to the Genoese, To ransom them ; he did enforce my words With fair and cogent arguments, by which The council did resolve the affair at once. And sent ambassadors to the Genoese ; Of which great charge now Pisa waits the event. 22 DEATH OF UGOLINO. BARTOLI. 'Twill wait in vain. Your plan was favoured, sir, To gain him credit with the people here, 'Mongst fathers, brothers, children, wives ; and then A chance to mar it, having the conduct Of the treaty in his hands. Nay, start not. Captain, I speak no parables to ye. We have, and under the Archbishop's hand. Letters o' the very date the council sat. To some o' the signiory of Genoa, Raising grave doubts upon the matter there. And boldly charging us of the council here, With secret plans t' o'erreach the Genoese ; And once the enlargement of our friends procured, To cheat them of the promised ransom, sir. These letters by a noble Genoese Were to Count Guido Montefeltro sent. And reached us but last night, by a special friend Of Montefeltro's. Read — assure yourself. [Shows a Letter. ANSELMO [reads']. Why this, fair sirs, is treason, as I live, 'Gainst honour, and 'gainst all that's good in man. I said I'd been in a fool's paradise, Feeling that all was not quite right, and still Yet seeing not wherein 'twas wrong. Why, sirs, Thfs must be met forthwith. We tread on mines That may explode, and blow us in the air. What have ye purposed ? How would ye reward This priestly perfidy ? MONZANO. The hour's arrived Of the council. Yonder Lanfranchi comes. DEATH OF UGOLINO. 23 With other councillors. Distrust might grow, Did they observe how earnestly we're moved. Soon as the council's raised, we'll shape this thing Unto some form. Let's put on ease, and move To the palace straight. ANSELMO. 'Tis hard, I swear, to move Straight, sirs, in such a crooked world as this. [^Exeunt. SCENE II. t/2 Chamber in the Palace. Enter the Archbishop. ARCHBISHOP. If then the reasons secretly I've urged, To those of the signiory of Genoa, Should fail me : and their rank pride to lord it In our Sardinian castles, well may move That haughty state. Besides the expensive task, To feed and furnish, and without time fixed. Ten thousand captives, has already caused Some public discontent. Why if they fail, Others more trusty must be found ; and best It would have been, had they been urged at first. Fair words and promises make men look round — Gold makes them stop. Tis gold makes men deal quick- The glass that makes them see their interest best — And gold in Genoa must do this for me. It were a goodly policy in truth, To bring ten thousand Guelphs back to their home. 24 DEATH OF UGOLINO. To take the rule of the state, and turn me out Of mine. It were a better game 1 ween, To make our Guelphs at home give up their gold To keep their friends abroad, where they best are. I marvel that Gualandi hath not been, To tell how Ugolino hath received The offered boon of liberty for gold. His treasures are untouched : but ere he thinks To see the comfortable face of day. They must be ransacked. Ay, and then indeed, Perhaps they may not purchase it for him — He is an apostate, and mine enemy. Eflter (jITALANDI. ARCHBISHOP. Signor Gualandi, I have looked for ye. GUALANDI. I thought to have seen ye, sir, at least an hour Before the council met ; but unawares A matter of some interest has engaged The time ; fitting, haply as it may be found, Your reverend ear. ARCHBISHOP. What novelty is this ? GUALANDI. At my accustomed hour to sally forth, Pontani, Bargello o' the Lucchese gate. Came in some haste ; and, being somewhat chafed. Reported, that two hours before the dawn, He, being with his sbirri on the watch. Going the rounds of the eastern rampart. Perceived, creeping along the wall, a man. DEATH OF' UCxOLINO. 2S Who, challenged, leaped sudden on the rampart, And began to fly : but, as it would seem. Being entangled in his cloak, he fell. Whereat the guard came up, and went to lay Their hands on him ; but with a voice and port That did not well companion his attire. He bade them all stand off; then sprang to the wall. Which shouldering him, he in defiance drew. Refusing to surrender ; and the guard Thinking to urge him gently, having odds In their favour, go to seize him. But he, I pray you, thinking too much gentleness Would spoil the game, knocks the Bargello down, With four men more, as they entreated him — And fled into the city ; where 'till now. We've sought in vain to find him. Being late, I left them seeking, and to the palace came. ARCHBISHOP. It is some brawler, on some vile amour. GUALANDI. Lovers, my lord, on their return from brawls. Are not much apt to scale and leap such walls As ours. And least at the return of day. When they might issue free and unobserved. • ARCHBISHOP. Why that is true : they who scale walls, and then At such an hour, perilling too their lives With such a resolute shew, fain must have Grave reasons to avoid being seen or known. Sir, the Bargello must repair his fault, And straight unkennel him. It may well be Some spy, or secret traitor, practising To overturn the state. We have those here, D 26 DEATH OF UGOLINO. Signer Gualandi, ay, and near us too. Too cold to love us ; and where love is not, Doubt springs, and fear ; and they soon turn to hate. You said his voice and port, an I mistake not. Betokened something noble ? GUALANDI. Not, my Lord, So far; but were, as the Bargello said. Of a determined, haughty spirit ; and 111 suiting to the peasant's dress he wore. ARCHBISHOP. Then there 's disguise to boot. I pray you, sir, Hasten to have this matter brought to a head. It grows upon my mind. He must be found, This bold nocturnal, who thus braves our walls And guards. Let them be vigilant, and bring Him to the palace. We've means in Pisa To bend such haughty spirits. Torture shall. If gentleness may not, reveal his purpose. One moment, ere you go. What said your charge Last night — Ugolino — did you sound him } GUALANDI. My lord, l^did ; but like a sullen rock Deep in the changing ocean rooted down, He doth deride the flattering calms of time, More than the turbulent lashings of the storm. I spoke him gently, did entreat him fair, Repeated o'er again your proffered boon. Yet not a word did he vouchsafe me speak. And save but when I spoke of liberty, A look. Yet then he turned, and gathering up All of contempt that in his face could beam. He flung it in that look. Thus I left him. DEATH OF UGOLINO. 27 ARCHBISHOP. There must a way be found to move him, and It shall be found. This night, Gualandi, I Will accompany ye unto the tower. 1 had not wished to cross him in my life Again. I love him not, nor wish to see His face. But he shall bend, proud as he is, And shall give up that which I want. Else- — else — I'll see if he is proof against Sir, go, And hasten back before the council's up. [Gualandi exit. This may be well, for aught I know, some spy. Ricoveranza writes me that our chiefs, With whom I've acted in the Ghibelline cause, Deem that the reins in Montefeltro's hands Were better than in mine. I were a fool To let them cheat me thus. If they trust not One tried so oft as I have been — why then. Neither will I trust them. The best of them Shall keep without these walls — unless indeed They put themselves within my grasp, and then I'll put them in such walls as suit those bold Enough to be mine enemies. All — all Are enemies to me — Guelphs — Ghibcllines — Who seek to balk me of my deep revenge. The murderous arm that left me childless — ay, And all in Pisa that beheld the act. Yet spake not of the deed as it deserved — And left me all alone to avenge it — All are mine enemies. I am alone I' the world, and live but for the vengeance I'll gather them unto before I die. He shall give up his treasures, ere I strike The last and greatest blow — then shall my soul Know comfort — not 'till then. [Exit. 28 DEATH OF UGOLINO. ACT IL— SCENE I. Council Chamber in the Palace. Enter Archbishop and the Council. ARCHBISHOP. Right noble gentlemen, it were to me, Who most unworthily do occupy The highest place in Pisa's signiory, A task most grateful, and most cherished too ; As well it would become a patriot prince. Clothed wath some sacred offices by heaven ; To fill your ears with welcome news, and touch Your generous hearts ; news that would vibrate too Through every breast in Pisa's fair domain. Well, noble sirs, should our own heart respond Unto the general impulse. Sweet it were. To publish through broad Pisa's lands, that fate And our fierce neighbours had relented. Yes, Would it were mine to comfort all the hearts. That much too long have shared the cruel bonds Which keep ten thousand of our best in chains In Genoa. Too long this widowed state Hath drawn forth Pisa's tears. Too many wives, Too many daughters, brothers, fathers, sons, Have known this sad bereavement. We, who fill The place of common father to the state, Feel most of all ; now at our council board Once more assembled, and remembering well, DEATH OF UCtOLINO. 29 How we are called on by the general voice For hope and consolation. Hard it falls On us, fair sirs, to say we have no hope, No consolation, to impart. For since Our noble and much honoured councillors, Sismondi and the rest, in embassy Went hence, unto the doge's state — to move The freedom of our captive brethren. By giving Castro to the Genoese — A sacrifice — indeed — would make our sires Start in their graves : and yet, what sacrifice Could be toa great for Pisa's general peace ? And so I deemed it when I moved the affair, As well 5'e may remember, sirs ANSELMO. I trust 'Twill have some pardon to remind your grace, That I it was who first said, Castro sold — To bring ten thousand Pisan freemen home — Would be well sold. archb:^hop. It were small courtesy In you, sir, thus to interrupt my speech Methinks 'twould move, as I have said before, Our valiant ancestors now in their graves, That Castro, that great prize, once from the Moors Wrested by their high deeds, should now again. And by a Pisan soldier, rendered be To Pisa's enemies. ANSELMO. Most noble sir, I pray you not to think a" soldier's words Wanting in every reverence to your grace. 30 DEATH OF UGOLINO. That I did move the matter is most true, And stand responsible for it to all. Let them take Castro, so we get our friends — And let them keep it if they can — But I Have some light fancies that, ere many moons, Pisa will cast her eyes again that way — And our fair swords may win it back again. I meant no more than this, most reverend sir. ARCHBISHOP. Sir, it is well. You have a reverend speech — But 'tis the council board, and not the mass That doth engage us now. And so, fair sirs, To take up somewhat my thus cleft discourse — Although the time is more than fully ripe. We have no word from our ambassadors. Hence 'tis we cherish thoughts from day to day. Nay, and from hour to hour ; to have our hopes Or fears confirmed. This general suspense Weighs upon all, and better far 'twill be To know the worst but once, than have our lives Made daily wretched by it. • BARTOLI. True, my lord, Your grace says well in that. The citizens Will feel as if the worst were known, to learn What now your grace hath deigned to say: the worst May fall upon them twice, I grieve to think. ARCHBISHOP. What is your meaning, sir ? MONZANO. ■ Most noble sir, A rumour hath possessed the general ear. DEATH OF UGOLINO. 31 Of letters from Count Ricoveranza, Your grace's noble relative and one Of the state's ambassadors, having reached Your grace's hands, written in Genoa. And hence the anxious and the feverish thoughts That fill each Pisan breast. And this I ween The noble Bartoli's fair speech imports. [Jirchbishop and Gualandi interchange looks. GUALANDI. This is some idle tale, my lord, the times Are father to. The public mind is hot, And hatches maggots, like the sun, from nought : He that would hunt them all must rise betimes. ANSELMO. Faith, sir, you are right : and men would need long days. And longer lives to boot. Yet, were it true That public fancies, and those said maggots Are bred in the same way; then I must fain Imagine rumours have some substance too — That is, until I know the glorious sun Is made of maggots. When he shines on nought ; If maggots come of it, they are his own. GUALANDI. You are pleasant, noble sir. When I did say The sun did hatch from nought — nought that appears, I meant, nought obvious to our wonted sense Of proper causes. My philosophy. Mayhap, is not so deep, fair sir, as yours ; Yet I have lived to know how small a thing May make a mountain bring to bed a mouse, Or a cloud become a man i' the moon. 32 DEATH OF UGOLINO. ANSELMO. Nay, pray you spare me, sir — 'twere best, we think, How to allay this public feeling ; since Our duty and our love bind us alike Unto our citizens. This must be broke, And kindly, to them. Long it cannot be Ere every thing 's resolved. LANFRANCHI. Upon my life, With reverence to your grace's ear, I say The noble captain is not wrong. In truth This public rumour may have substance well. Your grace has been advised that an unknown. Last night, was found, scaling the eastern wall, And that he fled, and keeps in hiding still. ARCHBISHOP. Ay, 'twas Gualandi did apprize us, sirs. You thought this gallant wore some strange disguise. Was it not so ? GUALANDI. My Lord, my own poor thoughts Indeed were those which the Bargello had. This roisterer, it seems, Pontani says. On being summoned q-uietly to stand. Struck the Bargello down. His hand being in, He lent it to four others of the guard. And knocked them down to keep him company. Then showed them heels as active as his arms. And there the matter rests. Some brawling youth. No doubt. The honour of his light o' love Has value in his eyes perhaps. 'Tis like Enough, the rumour of this fray has reached The town — And so we have a man i' the moon. DEATH OF UGOLINO, , 33 ANSELMO. Faith if they have such men i' the moon, sir, It is a mettled race it holds, I would We had an army of them. Genoa Should feel we held her light of love enough. By saint Ranieri, patron saint of Pisa, Knock down five men — and then outrun the rest! I've seen bold knights move from the tented field, Display their strength, and rush upon the foe — And sometimes haply fly the yielded plain. And in your land, Aretines, I've seen Both horse and footmen march in proud array. There too gay tournaments I've oft beheld, Where many a sturdy lance I ween was broke — Whilst trumpets, drums and cymbals clanged around, Drowning the dulcet flute, and martial fife. But such a feat as this I ne'er have seen! If we go on at this rate, we shall have Saint George and dragon back again to boot. Has the Bargello found him not ? i' faith I'd like to see this gallant. Metal, sir. Is in him — of the right soldier breed, sir. GUALANDI. 'Tis the Bargello's business- — if he loves His bones, he will revenge them if he can. Though I opine the legs that gallant bore Have carried him beyond Pontani's aim. ARCHBISHOP. 'Twas but a brawl : 'twill teach him vigilance, And merits not our care. We must devise Some natural way to ease the public mind. Until some tidings come from Genoa. E 34 DEATH OF UGOLINO. 'Till that takes place, the best of us, I wot, Will have but little peace. Enter an Officer. OFFICER. May it please your grace, As I but looked just now towards the marine, From the great window in the western hall ; All Pisa's population, I may say I saw, moving this way — waving their hats And hands, rending the air with shouts renewed. And, if my ears deceive me not, the name That most their tongues were loud and pregnant with. Was Aldobrandi — 'Viv' Aldobrandi.' ARCHBISHOP [starting from his chair]. 'Aldobrandi! nay, sir. it cannot be. Moving this way ! How far are they from hence ? 'T may be some mutiny. The feverish mob Is never safe. The captain of the guard — What ho ! Let every man be under arms, And guard the palace court — let no one in Until our pleasure is expressed. And, sir, Bring us some further news without delay. [Exit Officer. Now, gentlemen, I pray ye keep your seats ; If there is danger, we must move like men — If not, 'twere meet that we be found composed. Conscious authority is ever true Unto itself, a goodly countenance Is a strong host to enemies and friends. ANSELMO. Sir, it is a gallant disposition You show forth — and if mutiny 's at hand. You may command my sword. DEATH OF UGOLINO. 35 ARCHBISHOP. Thanks, noble sir, We give you noble thanks ; nor do we deem The danger great — not less the prudence though. From the marine, he said that they approached, And 'tis not there 'twould gather to a head — But rather in the rank and noisy streets Of Pisa. It doth fret me now — what ho ! Enter Second Officer. Is that same officer returned, we sent Anon? SECOND OFFICER. My Lord, the captain of the guard Crosses in breathless haste the palace court, And bends his steps this way. ARCHBISHOP. Straight bring him in. Enter Captain of the Guard. LAMBRUSCHINI. It is my duty to inform your grace The ambassadors from Genoa are arrived. ' With them the Marquis Aldobrandi comes. The populace are beating at the gates. To be admitted — but your orders were That no one should come in. ANSELMO. Now God be thanked ! Ever most our friend, when most we want one. 36 DEATH OF UGOLINO. BARTOLI AND MONZANO. Amen, with all our hearts aiid souls, to that, ARCHBISHOP. We shall find time to thank him, sirs, as meet It were, with all solemnity and form. ANSELMO, True, reverend sir. I've nought but soldier's thanks To give. Poor as they are, I give them all. ARCHBISHOP [to the Captain of the guar d\ Tell the ambassadors, we have resolved To do them fitting honour in this case. And since the occasion is most solemn too. We with our council have appointed now To give a public meeting in the square. To such dear honoured friends : that all may know How much we cherish them and Pisa too. Two hours from hence, we shall expect, fair sirs. To see you at the signiory, and thence In fitting state, we'll seek our noble friends. \Exeunt Anselmo, Monzano, Bartoli. [ To Lanfranchi. ] Hasten, and bid Ricoveranza here, And let him come unseen. Our relative Tis true he is — but we are acting now Beneath the public eye, and it behoves Us to be circumspect, [Exit Lanfranchi. ] Now Gualandi, Did I not say Anselmo loved us not? He must be watched. He is a snake i' the grass, Or they will make him one : but that's a thought Will keep. What can this Aldobrandi mean? What scheme is this they've hatched to bring him here ? DEATH OF UGOLINO. 37 I'm on the rack till Ricoveranza comes. S' death, that the fool Pontani cannot find That insolent intruder — 'tis some plot. The more I think upon it, more it grows Upon my mind. We 've enemies, sir, here, And haughty ones. The people are incensed, And harassed too. The fickle mob is prone, In such a feverish mood, to seek for change. We must be stirring. Haste, Gualandi, haste — Thou art a pillar of the state, to thee We look for aid and counsel — haste and touch The public pulse ; bring me some news, and — stay — ■ Command the captain of the guard he use All due precaution, and dispose his force So skilfully as not to hurt the public eye. But yet well placed to stay the public arm. And let the sbirri mix among the crowd, And mark the malcontents, and aid the guard If needful were. Oh what an anxious thing It is, my friend, to play the magistrate In this free state — where every one is free. Except the slave that watches o'er the rest. [Exii Gualandi. A slave indeed he is who watches thus! But with these vigils I may rivet still Chains upon these who make me thus their slave. [Exit. 38 DEATH OF UGOLINO. SCENE II. Court of the Palace. Enter Monzano, Baetoli, Anselmo. MONZANO. Why, Captain, how you chafed his reverend grace — He loves not contradictions. ANSELMO. Nor do I — That is my humour. But his grace loves not The man that contradicts him. Did you mark The haughty unforgiving air he wore. When he reminded us it was no mass We were engaged in. Now, God save our souls, I thought that priests loved to be reverend thought. And to be called so too. Yet where ambition comes, Or woman's favour — worldly pride — with some Such trifling mortal weaknesses as these — • 'Priest me no priests,' they cry, 'but make fair room, Or by the malison we '11 carve it out, With pater nosters of some other stamp!' They 're priests until they 've got us by the nose. And then they put humility on us. Why, sirs, six inches of cold steel might serve To show a man a quicker way to heaven, Than all the priestly blessings from such hands. Talking of steel — I've had my day, 'tis true. And so has this companion by my side ; But now we may betake ourselves to rest, Since nameless paladins are found abroad. DEATH OF UGOLINO. 39 To knock me down five ruffians at a time. His grace seemed but indifterent — ^'tis true, These knockings down ill suit the holy cloth, There's not much mystery in blows. 'Tis gests, And dubious words betray the dubious thought ; And this his grace knows well. 'Twould please me well To see this gallant. Blows, like these, are wont To fall on high occasions — not for love Of fighting — least of all in times like ours. MONZANO. The Archbishop showed deep policy in this. Having his councillors to blind — for we Rather do sanction his prepared behests Than aid with our advice. 'Tis known to me. From an unerring source, his reverend grace Holds this Pontani upon life or death, To find the ofiender out — many a spring Is secretly at work. BARTOLI. I fear to think That this concerns us more than we 're aware. Count Guide's messenger — could it be him } It might well be. He was to leave the town Before the dawn — Should he be ta'en. Ay, then. Indeed our matters draw on to a head. The missives that 1 gave him, — all conspires To show we stand upon a mine. My friends. Since the Archbishop counsels not with us, Let us with him. He gave us sage advice — ^ If there is danger, we must move like men.' Discretion in our heads — and — in our swords True metal. We are not alone to meet This storm. But the time flies quick — ere long, We at the signiory must meet again — 40 DEATH OF UGOLINO. And when this solemn ceremony ends, I shall request your private ear. Till then Give you good den. [Exeunt Bartoli and Monzano. ANSELMO. This is the courtier's life, that oft in camps I've heard men speak of — all delight and ease — The love of ladies— gallant tournaments — A prince's smiles — fair gentlemen with caps And hearts too, as they say, in courteous hands, A perfect paradise — Ay, true, for fools — And such a dreaming stupid fool was I, To come into these courts, where perfidy And plots and specious ways and lying looks Are the true courtier's arms. My curse on them. Well have I loved my native land, and oft I've toiled and fought and bled and had small fare To comfort me for wounds and aching bones^ — Yet it did comfort me to think, that I, Poor as I was, was helping to build up The honour and the common safety, which At home I thought the anxious care of all. But now I find these patriotic chiefs Forget the stewardship — the steward 'tis They think for. What is a prince in power. Who casts a selfish eye upon his trust. Better than him he punishes with death, For plundering his too credulous lord's estate ? He is not better, he is worse. Low minds Lack of those noble virtues • breeding gives To men who are nobly bred. High breeding else Is but an idle term. And if his grace Should prove an arrant traitor in his charge, As much I fear : if by his wily arts He hath so practised with the Genoese, That my brave countrymen, who fought with me, DEATH OF UGOLINO. 41 Must rot in dungeons, 'till their rusty chains Shall snap for shame — The priest had better shrive, The prince that he 's so near to, his last shrift. \_Exii, and putting his hand on his sword. SCENE III. Public Square. Archbishop and the Council seated. The Ambassadors and the Marquis Aldobrandi approach. The Stage filled with the Populace. Mothers, Wives, <.