Class Book. ,A46U5 " Gopyrigta^J?- COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. LUCREZIA BORGIA A DRAMA B}> SIDNEY S. SALZBURG Publishers DORRANCE Philaaelphia Copyright 1922 Dorrance & Company Inc PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ©CI.A683264 SEP -9 I922 DEDICATED TO MY WIFE DRAMATIS PERSONS Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara Pietro Bembo Ercole Strozzi Court Jester Huntsmen and Servants Citizens of Ferrara Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara Angela Borgia, cousin Barbara Torelli, wife of Ercole Strozzi LUCREZIA BORGIA ACT I Scene 1. Ferrara, Italy. 1508 A. D. Outskirts of Ferrara. Woods. Whistling, bugle calls and hallooing are heard in the distance. Enter huntsmen. Chief Huntsman Heigh, ho ! Heigh, ho ! What a chill ! The air, shot through with the warming rays of the sun, is sucking all the dew off the fields. Only in the forest upon the network of twigs and branches, glisten stray beads of moisture, wait- ing to disappear with the progress of day. The ground, sallow and soaked, is hardening beneath the hoofs of our steeds, and the sky is melting its leaden cast in the face of the sun. First Huntsman We courted day with the dawn, and have tra- versed the width of the forest for sport to ap- pease the Duke's indisposition. [5] Second Huntsman These past days the Duke has galloped at a faster pace, his steed more impatient than ever, and more ferociously the Duke attacks his prey. His spear strikes unerringly and the boar lies helpless even before his approach. Third Huntsman Indeed ! This early morn would have been my last were not the Duke behind me. My javelin was cast and still the boar pressed close, his eyes, stricken with pain, glowering upon me, and I felt the nausea of approaching death, when, lightning-struck, the huge beast collapsed at my side. The Duke's spear had pierced between his eyes ! Chief Huntsman It is true the Duke has acted strangely these past days, though our sire was always valiant and stout of heart. He has called us each day of all seven to his service, and though it is our duty to obey, his custom was never to hunt more than thrice a week. First Huntsman Often he droops his arms when alone, relaxes [6] into pensive reverie, and rides on at the guid- ance of his steed. Second Huntsman And how he suddenly starts, awakened, and spurs on madly, the horse exulting in its own steel muscles, displaying its pranks. Third Huntsman Ho, ho ! Ho, ho ! here comes our gallant fool — the jester ! All Huntsmen Ho! Ho! the fool! Court Jester Ho ho yourselves, wise owls. You stink of the foul stenching woods. Chief Huntsman It being our profession to be of the woods we know not our own odor, but none of us being fools we know that you are one — and a poor one. Third Huntsman And he reeks even worse! The perfume he poured upon himself, in haste to meet the Duke 's [7] unprecedented summons his consort to be, has not yet evaporated. Ha, ha, ha, a fine sight you, dolled to perfection and dragged through the mire of the woods. Court Jester At least perfect in my art, but you? Your knees trembled and you sagged to the ground with fear when that boar pressed close. A fine huntsman, you! All Huntsmen Hey, hey! Court Jester Your life was of little worth then. The beast's blood rebaptized you. And now, you are a good Christian once more ! Second Huntsman Hey, hey ! fool, you speak sacrilegiously. Court Jester What! of the boar or of this braggart? All Huntsmen Hey, hey, hey ! Let us rub his face in the mud. [8] [They seize him and lift him above their heads when the Duke enters.] Duke Hold, hold there, you fools ! what play is this ? Court Jester [Lifted high] It is an insult to the lighter side of your majesty, master! First Huntsman You are heavy enough, fool. [They relinquish their hold.] Third Huntsman This fool spoke sacrilegiously, sire. Duke How so? Third Huntsman The boar you slew, thus indebting me more than ever before, was a source of ridicule to him. He said its blood spilled, rebaptized me, to make a good Christian of me once more ! [9] Duke Ha, ha, ha! Gentlemen, he has already sinned against his own goddess of wit. Why inflict more torture on him! Court Jester In penitence whereof I make a wry face. Chief Huntsman Most becoming! Duke Gentlemen ! You may go, we shall call this a day. I will follow soon and join you at the venison. [Exit huntsmen. Seats himself, his hands sup- porting his head.] Why has this thought pur- sued me, fool, now and never before? There must be truth in it. The days are longer, never well spent. The nights are sleepless. I seek refuge and find none. The more I cower from it, the greater its proportions. I seek to obliterate it and it comes back. I recall moments of the past and scoff at my present suspicions, and still they rise, more justifiable. I see innocence here and innocence there, and yet my mind perceives du- plicity. This shadow that has crossed my mind has left me restless. There is that which has [IO] taken me out of the routine of my life — has made me think different from all other days. Fool! What is happiness? Court Jester Happiness? Happiness is a moment of forget- fulness. Duke What then would be unhappiness? Court Jester Ah ! that is a moment of realization. Duke So I thought! I am unhappy, fool, although I have not realized anything. . . .yet. Court Jester You are looking for it then ; you will surely find it. Duke You do not know anything? — about Ercole Strozzi? Court Jester The poet you mean? Nothing, except that he has dedicated all his poems to the Duchess, [ii] which is strange, all people of Ferrara holding up his love for his own beautiful wife, Barbara, as exemplary. It is rumored though, that his ambition is to be cardinal, and thus perhaps he thought to gain his end. The peasants are in sympathy with this, he being such a worthy citi- zen. — But he is unworthy of your steel, master, and does not deserve a moment's thought. — The sun is rising steadily in the heavens and we have not yet broken our fast today. We may miss the feed. Duke Aye, the Duchess has asked this favor, to grant Ercole Strozzi the red hat — Fool! Your only care is your hungry pit, thus swelling you the wronger way. Court Jester And yours the court and its jealousies, thus thimiing you — Duke [Rises] Fool! Court Jester [Smacking lips] Now we go — [12] Duke [Sits again] But, there is something. I cannot understand her — there is a change. Court Jester Damn those poets ! They live on song and love, and get aches of the heart, but I — I must have red meat and enjoy real aches of the pit. Duke They win their ladies so, fool ! But I, what do I gain, but provocation! Court Jester Something gained ! Duke Fool! [Shoves him to far end, and then walks out. The Court Jester folloivs, singing:'] The boar is dead, Long live the Duke ! The Duke sees red, Beware ! — Now I'll be fed ! Curtain [13] Scene 2. Lucrezia's private room. Lucrezia The skies of Rome are darkling over fair Fer- rara, and my mind perceives its inclinations. The past brings up its dregs! Plague upon you! I fled, methought, to a convent of marriage where one would learn a woman's happiness; and thus several years I did content myself. And now, the pallor of desire creeps over my cheeks and with it the flush of connivance, that which I learned well amongst my own. But Cesar, noble brother slain of late, never knew this mirrored self, nor the Pope, my father, ever succumbed to it, ex- cept to his own poison. Only Gandia — he was of gentle blood and because of that was he a vic- tim of his own brother's plottings — and mine! But the past is dead and it cannot spit out its secrets — only the present must not gargle out its own. Already have I contrived to well hide his name, him, upon whom I could pour all my affec- tions, oh, my very self. Upon his friend has fallen the Duke's eyes with suspicion, — so my servant, spying, has informed me. That is well. I can love in secret, and if need be, work in it too ! [Enter Duke'] Alfonso ! [14] Duke Aye, it is I. Lucrezia This past while have I not seen you but rarely. In early morn you hunt, and at noon you dine with your men, in the eve — I know not what is passing so between us that you keep so distant — and now that you are here — you would greet me otherwise — Duke [Kisses her] Aye, if it were not that you have become the very core of myself, my proudest possession — I would be different. Luckezia And why speak so! Duke I know not. But it is you, I fear, who is at fault. Every mood of yours reflects itself upon me. Yes, Lucrezia, you have been different of late. Lucrezia A pretty state it is. You say it is I, I say it is you. Now who is right? [15] Duke I cannot be wrong. Have we not been happy these past years! Have I not always been at your call? Have I not fulfilled your every whim? Lucrezia And how cannot you be wrong? Duke Because I am of Ferrara, Lucrezia, and you are of Rome. These years I thought you learned our customs, perceived the happiness amongst our peasantry, our people, our court. I rejoiced in that you flung away your environment, that which I had feared before marriage and of which I had spoken to my father, but my father thought different. A woman, he said, sprouts according to the soil she is on, it is easy to transplant her. Lucrezia Sire, your words bear a sting. If, as you say, I know not your simplicity, then you know not Roman glory, Roman luxury. The coffers of your state were quadrupled in our marriage — that, perhaps, you know. Of its splendour, you know nothing. [16] Duke Nor of its wicked life. Naught of its papacy, of brother slaying brother, of sister — Luckezia You hesitate! Why not speak out and give full way to your blast 1 Transplant ! I am no slen- der reed blowing with the wind. Duke What I fear! Not you were transplanted but Roman ways. Lucrezia And why all this venom? Duke Because you have some gallant behind my back. Luceezia Indeed! Who, pray! Duke Some fool poet who does not fear my sword, but— LUCREZIA Perhaps you mean — Pietro B'embof [17] Duke No! Pietro? He is one of the faithful of my court. I mean him for whom you petitioned to grant the red hat. Lucrezia Ercole Strozzi ! Duke Yes, him, who dedicates his ditties to you, and you, who in return, wish to elevate him. Lucrezia Interesting ! Duke You sit there calmly, undisturbed, and glibly say — interesting. You do not deny it. You — I — I — I shall show you who is master here — I — I — [Exit Duke.] Lucrezia This much done. It is firm in his mind. [Enter Angela.] Cousin ! Angela Regards I bear and even more. He waits im- patient to see you. [18] LlJCREZlA Poor lover ! that our bliss be denied even one moment of time, and this because of the Duke. Angela He asks if he cannot be with you this eve. LlJCREZlA This eve? Ercole and his wife are to visit us. Let him come. Does not Time cheat itself in one sweet moment? Angela This then ends my message with your reply, and with it I wash my hands of the affair. Lucrezia Cousin, what is this? Angela Nay, Lucrezia, I will not bear the face of this any longer. Lucrezia And you promised to be of help? [19] Angela I did. But I did not promise to be accomplice to intrigue. Luceezia What insubordination ! Angela Nay, mistress, insubordination if 'I had not learned of the Duke's false suspicions upon an innocent man. It was my desire to aid my cousin in her own desire in love. That was all I prom- ised, so I swear by the Holy Virgin. Luceezia And by the Holy Virgin you swore that Pietro would be my lover. No one else in this court have I, but you of the blood of Borgia. Now your help I need more than ever. I am already steeped in this to gain my love — you cannot draw back any more than I. Angela This is not Rome, Lucrezia! One word to the Duke and you and Pietro Bembo are undone. Luceezia You threaten me ! [20] Angela Nay, forbid the thought. Only this, that were I in Rome now I could do naught else but obey, despite my own reckonings. Here the bonds of blood are severed. Ltjcrezia A traitor to the name of Borgia! Angela Aye, one who at last can find refuge from its stain. Think twice before you proceed with your plans, Lucrezia, for without them I know you cannot be. Ferrara has been kind to you, its poets have sung your beauty. Your husband has been considerate. Years of happiness passed and methought you had forgot Rome. But, 'tis not to be. Dead embers are rekindled. Now one other who has sung your praise is the ob- ject of the Duke's misdirected anger, and you have not appeased him nor tried to these many days. I recall well how in Rome this was the beginning of much bloodshed — to breed misun- derstanding. Recall well Gandia's death — that noble youth, whose name I cherish to this very day. How you dallied with Cesar and though [21] you loved Gandia more — you lost him in cruel murder. Remember Rome ! Lucrezia What fury has turned this girl? You preach? then you will not help ! [Exit Lucrezia.] Angela She is furious now, but what of the fury in my heart dwelling there these many years ? Gandia ! — daily worship I have at your image and waft sweet incense of revenge to keep life in me fanned with a purpose. You live, Gandia, live in me, and this purpose has more promise than its budding. She loves madly and only now is my opportunity — Lucrezia Borgia needs little more than momentum, she gathers vehement force with time. I have helped, now I am free — I have done mine, for her, for myself, and for Gandia ! Curtain [22] ACT II Scene 1. Eeception room. Court Jester I may have nibbled more of the truth than healthy; besides, that meat will surely indigest me. The Duke goes about with a frown and all things seem upset — even my pit. Even she, she most adorable in that she wrung my adoration, is not as sweet of disposition — fair Angela. [Enter Angela.] Ah, most beloved creature that ever walked upon two feet, I admit that I am no poet, but more than a poet's love I bear for you. Angela Knave ! You compare me then with all bipeds — fine love you make of me. Court Jester Let me be your knave — only too — a kiss. [An- gela smacks him.] Angela You fool. Your conceit is even greater than your knavery. [23] Court Jester And my desire for you as much responsive to your exceeding beauty. What a sad lot is a fool's. He is sport for all but receives none from any. Angela You want me to sport with you, then! Court Jester Yes ! Do I not conceal behind my mask of mirth? You have no mask, I know you dislike me, but I, having one, you can never guess how I love you. Angela Quite true, though my dislike for you is not as great as you say your love is for me. But how then shall I gauge your love for me, if yours be so well concealed? Court Jester Angela ! If a fool be ever serious, then I am most serious now. Ask of me aught and I shall give it. Angela I promise then, if you grant me a favor at any moment I ask it, I shall make sport of you. [24] Court Jester Agreed. Sport with me as I would with you. [Enter Duke.'] Angela Nay— Duke Ha, ha, ha. The world is a- whirling like a merry whirligig and I see two fools where there is only one. Court Jester Sire, I am already doubly blessed. Angela Remember — [Exit Angela.] Duke So soon gone. These lasses, do they fear me, fool? Court Jester They may not fear you, but, a-hm! Sire, you are to receive guest any moment — and you are rocking. Duke Ha, ha, ha. Do not fear, fool, I shall sober up at the proper moment. What I quaffed will give [25] me courage of a different sort — courage these fool poets have. I shall show them, — her — Lu- crezia ! Court Jester Was it not the wise king, Solomon, who said that wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler? Duke True ! Only this mockery shall fall upon others. Ha, ha, ha. [Enter Ercole.] Ercole Strozzi! [Exit Court Jester.] Ercole I, sire, upon your invitation. Duke Welcome. Where is your wife, Barbara? Ercole Biding a few moments with the Duchess. Duke She will be here then? Ercole Shortly. [26] Duke The Duchess has spoken of your desire for the red hat. Ercole Your most faithful servant. Duke It would be a most appropriate gift to the poet who sung my wife's beauty to all the people of Ferrara — and to her own husband. Ercole Sire! I seek no remuneration but your own favor. Duke Indeed ! Strange coincidence to ask the Duchess for this gift. It would appear then your poetry was truly spontaneous. Ercole Without ulterior motive indeed, Sire. Sung with sincere appreciation of our beloved queen, as such in both court and beauty. Duke What secret springs unwound such praise, then? [27] Ercole That which lends color to life, sir, Art — the im- mortal love of Beauty. Duke Immortal, eh? Art! It cannot, surely, be so sanctimonious as to claim itself entirely disin- terested in its object of worship. Ercole Indeed, not, sir. It is its very inspiration. Only the fabric is woven of the fine thread of imagina- tion. Duke Quite true, quite true, then. It would appear then that for the adoration you bestow upon the Duchess — your inspiration, and which has entirely possessed your imagination — I am to grant you the red hat? Ercole I refute that, sire. Duke And I — we shall see. [Enter Lucrezia and Bar- bara.'] [28] LlJCREZIA Pietro Bembo has not come yet? Ercole He will be here shortly. I saw him a few mo- ments before I left with my wife for the Palace — he was to come with us — only he was detained on the street. Lucrezia What has detained him — to forfeit even a little of our time ! Ercole An errand of mercy, madame. His heart is big. Barbaea What two lovers these are, Duchess. They have only praise for each other. Often am I jealous of Ercole, and of Pietro, the adulation they bear each other. Often they will sit till early dawn prodding loose some fossilized themes — often exchange their own. One will write a line and sing to the other, the other will do the same, then they will embrace. What glorious friend- ship this, into which I am uninitiate. What se- crets they carry to each other in a word, a syl- lable, a look. It rivals very love, and methinks exceeds it. [29] Duke Indeed, exemplary. [Enter Pietro.] Here he is now, most faithful of my court. Pietro Forgive this delay. I suffer most thereby. Duke Let us delay no longer! To my gardens then, which rival Rome's very best. There is beauty in all its splendour. [The Duke takes Barbara's arm, exit one direction; Pietro takes Lucrezia's arm, exit another.] Ercole There goes my wife with the Duke, my friend with the Duchess. And I am left to explore alone the beauty of his gardens. From the Duke's speech it seems I am not destined for the red hat. His words were very unsavory — does he suspect me of courting his wife! I would not be surprised. This would prove bad for me — and more for Pietro. Friendship is its own vir- tue and I can do naught to clear up this tangle. Curtain [30] Scene 2. In the gardens. Discovered Pietro and Lucrezia. Pietro Love! Two long days — more aged than hoary time — that I did not see yon. Those days, me- thinks, were more painful in their birth than the pains of childbirth. Slowly the gray dawn crept upon me and more slowly I relinquished all sweet images of you, absorbed in the disillusioning light of day. On came day in its endless hours, bitter with memory of vacant moments of the night; and so on again, doubly, till now, once more, I have in you both the joy of day and the glory of night. Lucrezia love, what would I do for want of you? Think not I sleep and perhaps dream of sweet moments that were, but more real, wakeful I lie and stretch my hands out — beyond — [They em- brace.] Pietro Oft I dare think this should not be ! The Duke suspects naught — Lucrezia Naught, Pietro! [31] PlETRO 'Tis behind his back; I would rather love you openly — affront him if need be — LUCREZIA Wait! I know your impulse — you think it un- worthy — I, too, think so, our love is too great to be hidden long — but leave that moment to me, Pietro. Pietro What can come of this, what ! I love in the end- less nights — then I think upon the Duke — our love cannot cease ! What when the Duke knows, it could not last then? Lucrezia Nay! But such love as ours will bring its own solution. It is worthy of it. If we cannot shape it, it will itself. Lucrezia I would not shape it, Lucrezia! That is schem ing, and that would be unworthy of you, sweet angel. [32] LUCREZIA Then leave the thought — do not beckon it. Rather enjoy the moment and leave all else — to the winds. Pietro How comforting your words. What solace in your touch. What joy in the message of your eyes. I nestle close to your bosom and I know that its heart-beats are for me only. Lucrezia Oh, lover ! Would that your head reclined upon it in other fashion and sucked all poison from my blood. Pietro Poison! You with those limpid eyes. Lucrezia I cannot say — but you are noble, Pietro. Your very breath is fragrant with the sweetness of your being. And I — I am foul with suspicions through love of you. Pietro What's this? [33] LlJCREZIA I fear your friend, Ercole ! Pietro Ercole ! LlJCREZIA Yes, Ercole. Excepting Angela, who can be trusted, he is the only one who knows of our love. The Duke — Pietro Ercole! he who would not tread upon a worm. Pray, Lucrezia, admit you are wrong. Lucrezia Nay, I cannot. Ercole has asked me to plead with the Duke to grant him the red hat. I did. The Duke has no doubt refused him — this will anger him greatly. Pietro Why should the Duke have refused him? Lucrezia Because of Ercole 's poems, — sung in my praise. [34] PlETRO Even so, Ercole could not be feared for any cause. LUCREZIA For any cause, perhaps, but one. Pietro And what is that! Lucrezia His wife, Barbara. PlETRO I do not understand. Lucrezia You know his exceeding love for his wife. The Duke has been attentive to her of late. More than your friendship is involved there. If he ex- pose our affair he will distract the Duke from his wife. [Silence.] And the moment has not yet come. PlETRO Then I must speak to Ercole, even now. It may be only a woman's suspicions, but I respect a noblewoman 's intuition. [35] LUCKEZIA To-morrow then — the way shall be prepared for you — come — come early — to my room. I shall await you. [They embrace. Exit Pietro.] Now the way is paved. Noble youth! It is all for you, sweet youth. I do this for you only — I must hide all from you — must plot against your friend, against the Duke, against you, to have you by my side undisturbed. Now he will go to Ercole — they will quarrel — Ercole will tell him the Duke suspects his own self and Pietro will not believe. I have anticipated him. Pietro through honor would otherwise have told the Duke the truth. Thus must I deceive my own lover, for his and my happiness. Thus will he be kept in ignorance — and his faith, faith that I must keep sacred, will not be shaken in me — and in his faith I can wait, wait for an oppor- tunity — and proceed to my goal — our union. [Exit Lucrezia. Enter Ercole.'] Ercole This spot alone excels any I have seen — every- thing but — this long have I wandered and not even crossed Barbara's path! To the Duchess can I leave good choice for seclusion with her lover, but the Duke — where are they! I shall [36] have to tell Pietro of this ridiculous situation — but no, I may thus interfere with his plans. [En- ter Pietro.] Pietro Ercole ! Ercole Pietro ! Pietro I have sought you in the hall — everywhere. Were you alone? Ercole What else? The Duke cares little for a hus- band 's prerogative. Pietro Perhaps more so for his own, eh? Ercole Indeed, you should be wary — the Duke is in a temper. Pietro So? [37] Ercole Only he does not suspect yon — as yet. Pietro My blade is still trusty. Ercole What! Pietro Nay, do not think my mind is turned because of love — but I do mean that — any in my way, ex- cept the Duke, I will not tolerate. Ercole And who can thus be interested? Pietro I know not — Ercole Poor lover ! You have your worries in attain- ing your goddess, but look at me, poor devil, I already have mine — and yet — Pietro And yet what? [38] Ercole The Duke is attentive to her. Barbara, as you know, is not very loving to the Duke in mind and I am sure she can be no other in action. Pietro Then you should be content. Ercole Nay, the Duke — he may make trouble. He is very suspicious. It may be his way of counter- ing Lucrezia's amour — Pietro But why Barbara! Ercole Ah — yes, yes— I— I — why? That is right, why? Pietro You are hiding from your friend something I do not know. You do not desire to make me sus- picious ? Ercole You, Pietro? What pray could you suspect! [39] PlETRO It is hard to say of one who is more wedded to me than my own years. Ercole Pietro! What is this casting its shadow over our friendship? Pietro It appears, no child's play — one of the few to disrupt it — woman. Ercole Why speak so strangely! You love Lucrezia, I love Barbara, how do we conflict? Pietro Then why do you not explain yourself. You say Barbara is the Duke's counter to his wife's affection for me — I ask why — you do not an- swer — Ercole I must answer? Pietro If our friendship be still common. [40] Ercole Then it is because the Duke suspects me — he is thus revenging himself upon me in courting Barbara — and avenging Lucrezia. Pietro This does sound logical. [Aside.] Lucrezia must be wrong — Ercole Even more — he rejects my petition for cardinal — what other reason? Pietro Forgive, dear friend — lovers ' matters should not enter between men. Ercole Indeed not. What say you, Pietro — a little fenc- ing tonight after we leave — Pietro Agreed! Remember when we first gripped swords ? Only once was I at your mercy — Ercole That is a compliment, dear friend, to have even succeeded once — such swordsman is rare. [41] PlETRO But then I bow my head to your singing — Ercole Nay you are younger — your lines show great promise — [Enter Barbara in haste,] Ercole What is? Barbara Nay — nay, do not ask — Ercole, dear — only let us hence — away from this vile place — hurry — hurry — Ercole What is wrong, dear? What has happened! Pietro I will leave — Barbara Nay, stay Pietro — and learn a Duke's honor. We walked in the garden — talked of things of the moment — I remarked of his marvelous gar- dens — 'tis terrible — Ercole Speak out — [42] Barbara Thus we whiled our time — till lie spoke of you — of your request for the red hat — of his hesi- tancy in granting — oh — Ercole Dear, dear, speak on! Barbara Then he finally blurted out his shameful words — that I favor him personally to win you the red hat. Oh [weeps]. Pietro By the Holy Virgin ! Ercole I shall find him and — slay him ! Pietro Nay, nay, here let me hold you Ercole — a mo- ment — a moment — do you not see — do you not see your wife — she needs your attention — we must escort her — she is pale — nay, listen — I come here tomorrow, early, to see the Duchess — wait — I — wait till tomorrow Ercole — I shall [43] help you — only the Duchess — she must know — I will arrange [Ercole relaxes] perhaps a duel — Ercole Dear, dear, Barbara, — come let us hasten — to- morrow — tomorrow! [Exit all. Enter Duke.] Duke Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh — my sides — she fled like a bird — how shall I say — these poets — I haven't learned their rhymes yet — but their art — ha, ha, ha, ha — a little crude maybe — but there was no mistaking — now — ha, ha, ha — Ercole cannot mistake it — nor Lucrezia — and he, no doubt, the poor fool, will come for fight — and who in Ferrara excels the Duke in swordsmanship — or even Rome — Rome — Rome! Ha, ha, ha, ha! [Enter Court Jester.] Here you are then, eh — what a lass she was, fool — what a lass ! Court Jester "What a lass! One cannot pass, The husband, alas, Becomes an ass! [44] Duke Ha, ha, ha, — now I have my poetry. Court Jester An ass a poet would be, He brayed from morn to night, To sing his poetry He brayed with all his might. Duke Ha, ha, ha, ha — Court Jester A poet an ass would be — P referred he this sad life — And sung his poetry The while he lost his wife. Duke Ha, ha, ha, ha ! Curtain [45] ACT III Scene 1. Street in Ferrara. Discovered citi- zens of Ferrara. First Citizen Many springs have passed, sweet with the breath of new blooming flowers; but none like this, to awaken our court from its peaceful state. Second Citizen Nay, you would think, to new added peace it would awaken them — to new joy of calm. Third Citizen Instead! to distraction! First Citizen 'Tis puzzling, and hard to learn the truth. Second Citizen Indeed ! Be it the Duke whose restlessness is the cause of this in all its ugly rumors — or, mayhap our queen? [46] First Citizen I know it cannot be the Duchess. How her hand in this, when 'twas the Duke who did the in- sult! Third Citizen But what of this rumor! That the Duchess has some lover — some say Ercole Strozzi — some say some other youth of the court? Second Citizen Even so, why the Duke's behavior toward Strozzi 's beloved wife? Nay, this is disconcert- ing, and I am glad that it makes only gossip for us. Third Citizen pjut, do you not know, the Duke suspects Ercole Strozzi in courting his wife, that is why. First Citizen I do not believe a bit of this. Our Duchess! She who has done more for our city, our poor, than any one? She is the very angel of heaven — have you not seen her — how accuse her! [47] Second Citizen Indeed! I cannot see its truth. It must be the Duke — they say he was half drunk when he in- sulted Barbara last eve. Third Citizen Yes — and this morn will see the outcome of it all. Ercole will no doubt exchange swords. First Citizen He will make a good aim for the Duke's sword. Poor, noble man. Third Citizen Quite true. And were it not for Pietro Bembo, Ercole would have been a dead man last night. Second Citizen There is the swordsman! Pietro Bembo! The only equal to the Duke. First Citizen Indeed ! but fate has not chosen him to face the Duke! [Enter two hooded men; they remain in the rear.] Who are they? Third Citizen A suspicious looking pair. [48] Second Citizen Do you think them Ferrarese ? First Citizen It is hard to judge. But we must go — our daily duties call us and thankful are we to have them ! [Exit citizens.] First Man It is here then we must watch ! Second Man From our orders — yes. First Man Sh — Back ! Here comes one of the court — I be- lieve Angela Borgia. [Enter Angela.] Angela What strange men, cowering there behind me. And yet their forms are not so strange. Me- thinks I know them. They are up to mischief, perhaps. I'll pretend leaving and haunt this very spot. [Angela goes out, but returns hid- ing.] First Man [They speak in whispers] She has gone! [49] Second Man Do you think she recognized us ? First Man We are well disguised. Would that he were coming this way soon and we were through with this dirty business. Second Man Sh! Here comes some one now. Let us hide. It may be he. [Enter Ercole Strozzi.] Ercole Here am I now — but a few moments from the Palace — and no one to hold me back — no — not Barbara nor Pietro. He has gone to the Duchess — he will arrange things for me — my honor has not fallen so low — I will show him — this Duke — this puppet — this fool — [He is about to leave when the two men fall upon him and stab him in the back. Angela is seen hastening from the scene. The two men disappear. An alarm rises as citizens gather about and recognize the dead body of Ercole Strozzi.'] Curtain [50] Scene 2. Lucrezia's private room. Luckezia Now it will be done and fate needs little more prompting. My husband in his folly has aided me more than all — I need not now fan suspicion between these two friends, so dangerous a thing in truth. I must promote it — the blame will fall upon the Duke — and then — Pietro 's sword for revenge ! Pietro, Pietro ! Again I have an- ticipated you to wring out our mutual joy, to possess each other, as only lovers should. I am already tingling with the fulfillment of my desires — I cannot wait — my heart — ah, how it loves, loves you — you only — and, how it disdains all that holds me from you. It must triumph in both, love and disdain. My nocturnal plottings will bring my lover to me in the night — as mine — mine in all his being — none to dictate other- wise. None to stand in my way! None! My designs — they are as inevitable as fate — have I not mothered them ? They cannot renounce me ! Nothing can bend them — they must triumph! [Enter Pietro.] Lover! [They embrace.] Pietro It is ill that the morn that should feed me with [51] kisses only, should be blighted with other se- rious matters. Ltjcrezia You mean the Duke 's folly ? PlETRO Folly of him, but more serious to the others. I could barely hold Ercole back from going at once to the Duke. I knew it would have been his death. Now I left him, more impatient than ever — he promised to remain till I return, having sought your advice. Ltjcrezia You detained him, Pietro? Pietro Yes. My honor is in this too, love. Last eve, having listened to your forebodings, I went to Ercole and felt my way to its truth — and there was none. We are friends as ever. The proof of which lies in the Duke's behavior — he did sus- pect Ercole and thus insulted Barbara in his drunken humor. Ltjcrezia I regret having uttered such words. Nothing can [52] cast a blemish on such character as Ercole 's. My love for you, Pietro, blinded me for the moment. Pietro And now, I cannot have Ercole suffer for this — my affair. The moment has come, Lucrezia, and we must decide what to do. Lucrezia Indeed! What can we do. If you speak the truth — know, the Duke can impose death upon you — or else banish you — either way — Pietro I might insult him — or else take Ercole 's griev- ance upon myself to avenge — Lucrezia It is not for the Duke to fight you unless there be good ground, he will use his authority. Pietro But I cannot leave Ercole — Lucrezia And leave me ? [53] PlETRO Nay love, 'twould be a task to miss your eyes and your fascinating, supple ways, but — I could not love you if I had no honor, and friendship feeds upon that! Lucrezia You are my noble lover — [Enter servant.'] Servant Ercole Strozzi has been found slain nearby, stabbed. Pietro Ercole slain! [Exit Pietro in haste.] Lucrezia For a moment, I feared my plans were gone to naught — but now, faithful servant, you say it is done. Servant Stabbed in the back, till dead ! Lucrezia Was there any one nigh? [54] Servant For a while, merchants were passing to the market, then Angela Borgia passed us, but was soon gone. Then came Ercole Strozzi, proceed- ing to the Duke in a rage, then — Lucrezia Here is your reward. [Exit servant.] It is done, then. The rest will care for itself. I am free now, free ! Free of plotting and care, of fear and hope — only this — this last act and I am through —his sword is here— left in haste— now I can- not fear — he will prick him of certain — it is done ! Now I can be — myself. [ Enter Angela. ] My servant has just informed me Strozzi is slain almost before the Palace doors. Angela Yes, cousin, slain. Lucrezia It does not even startle you! Once, methought, you were a sweet-tempered girl, now blood can- not phase you? Angela Am I not a Borgia! Have I not been reared [55] well — in Rome? Does this startle you, cousin, the true Borgia. Years ago, in Rome, 'twas but daily food for your spirit, why this wonder? Lucrezia What ghosts do you bring up of the past, you — you ! What do you do here ! What bearing has your speech? What do you mean, you remnant of forgotten days? Wliy plague me with days that are long cut off? Angela Such fury of a sudden ! Why this spurt of con- science — does it reflect something of fear? What fear have you, Duchess of Ferrara? Lucrezia Out, you. Away from me, dreamer of forgotten love, my own brother. You carry with you, in you, the poison of the past. Away, I say. Angela But, pray, what has all this to do with Ercole's death? You want me startled, frightened, timid? Ha, ha, ha, where Lucrezia Borgia is, there wonder ceases. [Exit Angela.] [56] LUCREZIA What is this? Does she suspect — perhaps know? She passed the spot — [Rings for servant.] I must know the truth at once — no delay — does she know — or does she only suspect. [Enter servant.] You say Angela Borgia passed the spot — speak the truth only — it is important — tell me all. Servant I know no more. A few moments before she passed — carrying some victuals for the cook — she hesitated, then disappeared. Lucrezia Where did she go? Servant I know not. We looked down the street — she was gone, no doubt into the Palace. [Exit serv- ant.] Lucrezia She suspects then. What has come over me — only a while ago — I was free — and now — fear possessed me. — Do you fear this girl? She knows nothing. This much must be done — I must hurry all to completion, ere she bestir herself to learn too much. [Enter Pietro.] Pietro! [57] PlETRO Ercole is dead ! LlTCREZIA Dead! PlETRO My Lucrezia! Ercole is dead! Murdered in the streets ! Slain ! Stabbed in the back, pierced through his very heart ! My friend — slain ! Lucrezia Pietro ! PlETRO What solace can I find — even though I be with you? Time, that brought this day, un- heralded, with grief upon my head, you have signaled me out of Ferrara to be stricken with sorrow. With stealth, Lucrezia, came this morn unapprised. Too honorable was he to linger home to await my return — chivalrous always, he courted death on the streets. But who was there to fear this man whose sword ne'er pierced be- cause its wielder could not shed blood? This man who weaned me from all things mundane and opened the very portals of heaven so that I glimpse beauty? Oh, oh, my lifelong friend is not only gone but slain, slain in the streets. [58] Whose heart could be so cruel, whose senses so disproportioned as to not perceive the nobility of this man! Him — who harmed no one, devoted to the muse, rejoicing in his love, him — slain! Lucrezia Love ! the dead breathe back upon the living the injustice done them — it is for the noble to right it! PlETRO Now, love, you speak, well worthy of your sta- tion. Time ! you are but a cycle, a wheel rotat- ing upon the axis of justice — it shall rotate back upon the heads of the guilty — and wreak upon them their doom. Litcrezia Often we must grasp it by the forelock — Pietro Who did this foul deed—? LUCKEZIA You say he was slain before the Palace. I did not think my husband a coward. [59] PlETRO Yon mean — Lucrezia Dispatched even before — Pietro Lucrezia, the Dnke — Lucrezia Who else bore grndge to this beloved citizen? Have yon not just said he thought him my lover — did he not insult Barbara — Pietro 'Tis your husband, then? Lucrezia Aye, but too foul to remain so. Pietro Here I vow then, by my sword, by the sanctity of my friendship, by my love for you, by all that is sacred, that the sun that saw Ercole's death shall see Ercole avenged. Curtain [60] ACT IV Scene 1. Court-room. Angela 'Tis not for naught then, these many years have crept upon me. Already have I found balm in the fear of her eyes — a thing that could not be in Rome — but, 'tis not enough ! She must learn my pangs in her own. Fate has been too kind to her, too helpful with her plans, too bending to her will — I will undo it! Mere exposal is not all? That would be sweet compared to my agonies — Grandia must be avenged in Borgia fashion. She is enwrapped in her lover, her plans are all for him — he is her weakness, noth- ing else would daunt her. I have it! It needs but little thinking — no one is the equal to the Duke in swordsmanship — he should die by his sword. [Enter Court Jester.] Court Jester Only you, sweet maid, may have use for me now. Angela What is! [61] Court Jester The Palace is draped in dreariness and every- body is sick in heart. I am out of place, no one to console me, to — Angela Poor fool! Even yon cannot relieve the situa- tion. Court Jester But I am happy once more in your presence, Angela. Angela [Pats him on cheek.] Listen, fool, recall my promise — not too hasty now, my kisses must be earned. Court Jester I will earn them, then. Angela Tell me, do you know aught of Ereole's death? Court Jester It is most difficult to understand who slew him. But, one thing I know, and that I think, no one else knows in the Court. [62] Angela And what is that! Court Jester The true lover of the Duchess was not this dead man but — Pietro Bembo! Angela You know more than I could credit you for. You are right. But how know you this? Court Jester Ha, ha ! There are no two spots where I am not at the same moment. Often I was about to dis- illusion the Duke, and many opportunities I had in those cursed hunting trips — but, I was not being paid for tell-tales. Angela You are even wiser than your vocation. But the time has come when the Duke must be told. Court Jester Is this what you ask of me 1 Angela Yes. [63] Court Jester Then I shall not kiss Angela once. Angela What! You fear telling the truth? Court Jester But I shall kiss her many times. Angela Now! Your first opportunity — but mark my words — see that the Duke's anger is not lodged in his authority, but more furious, seek justice by the sword. Court Jester I understand ! And now one thing I ask and the bargain is struck! Angela What? Court Jester I must have a deposit on your promise. Angela Ha, ha, you fool ! [Kisses him; exit.] [6 4 ] Court Jester It is no mean task. [Enter Duke.] Duke Fool ! you seem to pop up at direst moments. Court Jester Therein lies my wisdom. Were you, lord, al- ready happy, I would be useless. Duke I seek not to be humored now. Too many omi- nous things have crossed my path and a shadow has fallen over the Palace with the death of Er- cole Strozzi. Fools sometimes trip upon wise things, Jester, and it is always for the wise to ask and the fool to answer- — then tell me, have you heard or do you know anything in this murder? Court Jester First allow me to correct you — it is no more ac- cidental for the fool to be wise than the wise foolish. Secondly, if the wise are to ask and the foolish to answer, then the fools wise must be, for they can ask more than the wise can an- swer — [65] Duke And just the fool you are — all else you speak of — my question you do not answer. Court Jester Each in turn. Were I to know the murderer I would need no wisdom, and since I am an igno- rant fool, I can only suspect. Duke Let me have your suspicion, then. Court Jester Or, I should not say suspicion, I can only leave that to you, I should say what I know — Pietro Bembo is your wife's wooer, and not as you sus- pected, Ercole Strozzi. Duke Pietro Bembo ! What a fool I was ! — It is so ! — What an ass I made of myself to be so tricked, so deceived. This woman — what is she, what is her game — this murder — her mind has woven all this — the Boman ways in a peaceful state — I am duped — Ferrara is duped by a Spanish trick- [66] ster. — But Ferrara with one slash of the sword can cut all this open — this gallant — this wife — [Exit Duke.] Court Jester I have earned it — Be it the cause I know not, 'Twill stir the seething pot To overboiling; When the broth becomes too hot Then will all this rot Be rid of its soiling. [Exit Court Jester. Enter Lucrezia.] Lucrezia I have conquered all-devouring time, for it speeds at my behest to my goal. I have harnessed its wings and its scythe shall clip the length of his life. His hours, withered at a stroke, shall add one sweet moment to mine. My lover's sword is poisoned at the point and it needs but prick to kill. [Enter Duke.] Duke So you are here. I was sure to find you in pri- vacy with your gallant. [67] LUCREZIA What now? Duke Give me not your innocent look that has caused many to sing you an angel. Rather open your bosom and stand defiant and cry — thus have I favored another— thus have I duped all— thus has a man died — Lucrezia Ercole 's death is your doing. None other would take his life by stealth when he was coming to avenge your insult to his wife. Duke Shameless woman. Shameless liar. I can pick harlots in the beaten paths and they would ac- cord me more honor, not to my station, but as man — than you have — this foul accusation — I shall see to it and to you — [Enter Pietro un- perceived.] — but first I shall find your gallant — Pietro Bembo — him, to whom you have proved harlot — even worse than your own mother in her days — then — [Pietro steps out.] [68] PlETKO Not far have you to go to have your bloody hands cleansed in your own blood. Why a hus- band, a murderer, demand virtue unto himself I know not — but now you will get what you de- serve — [They draw swords.] Duke To prove your accusation is beneath my dignity — you will court Mephisto in hell with your jin- gles. [They fight.] Lucrezia So far have I coaxed fate, to these very blades — it cannot deny me — I can do no more. Ah! PlETRO Duke Only a scratch! [They fight on for a few mo- ments, the Duke in pain suddenly drops his guard and Pietro runs him through.] You have me! I am dying — 'tis ill your faithlessness to the Duke was not repaid — nor Ereole's death avenged 1 — but — [Dies.] [69] PlETRO What! What's this! Ercole's death not avenged ! Lucrezia Nay, dear lover, he lied — come, we are free — Pietro The parting words of life never lie — [Enter Angela.] Angela Jesu ! the Duke is dead ! Pietro Aye — I have slain him — Angela To avenge Ercole, eh! Ha, ha, ha! Pietro Angela ! Angela You have slain an innocent man ! Lucrezia Away, away — [70] PlETRO Maria! Nay — stay — I must know the truth — I am already steeped in blood — I am vowed to re- venge — even now, two ! Angela Indeed, two! I was coming from the market place to the Palace when two hooded men ap- peared to act strangely — I recognized them. I returned and spied on them. Before I could read their thoughts from their actions Ercole Strozzi, who was passing, was slain ! Pietro And who were these men? Angela Hirelings of — Lucrezia Angela Borgia — of my own blood — Angela Bor- gia— Pietro Whose hirelings? Angela Hirelings of Lucrezia Borgia. [Exit Angela.] [71] PlETRO What's this! Christus! LUCREZIA Can you not see, it is all for yon, Pietro, all for yon, we are free — Pietro You have slain Ercole — here lies your husband — and here you are, treacherous, athrob — and I — murderer that I am — LUCREZIA Our love, Pietro ! Pietro Love ! Dare you love — such love you mean — Lucrezia Pietro ! Pietro And what of my oath — you have it in your breath — the blood of Ercole, the Duke — the honor of my oath! Lucrezia Forget all this, lover — we can — [72] PlETRO Profane thought ! Think you I can look at you without summoning Ercole's face — what love can it be you desire now if not exultation in your own debauchery. Can you kiss my lips without feeling their sting — burning with vengeance. Off my arm — it is under oath — Jesu! Shall I slay you, Lucrezia — ? Lucrezia You love me yet. Pietro — PlETRO Away — how feel your heaving bosom when be- hind it lies a treacherous heart — and yet — Christus — I cannot pierce it — I know it in all its loveliness — I cannot fleck its snow-white beauty that once gave me ecstasy, with blood. Lucrezia Here, then, let me have your thrust — far sweeter your sword where once your head reclined — Pietro Nay, nay, I shall not slay you, I — [73] LUCEEZIA You are still my — PlETRO Nay, why slay you — ha, ha, ha — with one stroke I can revenge all — why slay you, who know not sweet sincerity, that which makes full the cup of life, and therefore cannot fear nor cherish death. Only when its sting shall smite you as I have been smitten — then will you de- sire death at your lover's hands — but your lover shall not be there to give such joy [stabs him- self] then shall you feel the sting of your own vile nature, then shall you long for death. — It is fulfilled. Ercole lives again. He drinks from the dregs of your agony — far sweeter than your death. [Dies.] Lucrezia Madonna mia! [Faints.] Curtain [74] mSSmSLSE. CONGRESS 018 395 148 8