UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY, IRVINE THE BAGLIONI THE BAGLIONI A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS HENRY LANE ENO NEW YORK MOFFAT, YARD fcf COMPANY 1905 Copyright, 1905, by MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY Published September 1905 The Plimpton Press Norwood Mass. U.S.A. CHARACTERS GRIFONE or GRIFONETTO BAGLIONI FILIPPO BAGLIONI, a bastard, uncle of Grifonetto MARCANTONIO BAGLIONI, a relative of Grifonetto CARLO BARCIGLIA BAGLIONI, a relative of Grifonetto JERONIMO DELLA PENNA, a relative of Grifonetto ASTORRE BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's cousin GUIDO BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's cousin SIMONETTO BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's cousin MARAGLIA, Marcantonio's squire PIETRO VANUCCI, called \\ Perugino RAFFAELLO SANTI DEMETRIUS, an Alexandrine philosopher ATALANTA BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's mother ZENOBIA SFORZA, Grifonetto's wife LAVINIA COLONNA, A storre's wife ZENOBIA'S MAID A SOLDIER A SERVANT A MAN-AT-ARMS Students, citizens, nobles, ladies, peasants, bravt, revellers, guards, etc., etc. THE BAGLIONI ACT I T THE BAGLIONI ACT I HE Piazza at Perugia in the year I$OO A.D. In the background the Palazzo Communale pre sents its corner to the front of the stage, thus leav ing, in perspective, the left facade to border upon a street ending in the square, and the right facade facing upon the square itself. Upon this side, from the large entrance in the centre of the building, projects a platform, raised upon open arches after the manner of a loggia, and from either end of which descends a flight of steps to the pavement. To the right, also in perspective, the wall and door way of the Duomo of San Lorenzo. In the centre background the Great Fountain. As the curtain rises, the Cathedral bells chime the hour, while a troop of late revellers with lanterns and torches pass across the stage and disappear in the street which skirts the Palazzo Communale, leaving the square empty and silent in the starlit darkness which precedes a midsummer dawn. hi THE BAGLIONI Enter ZENOBIA and MARCANTONIO. Both cloaked and hooded. MARCANTONIO Once more our long sweet night has come to end. Would I could fix the inevitable stars, And stay the morning's coming; hush the dawn To sleep again beneath the hills. ZENOBIA And I Would stretch the pitying veil of darkness o'er The world forever, could it always hide A rush of burning hours like these last Whose perfume still enwraps me lovingly. Yet would to God I'd never set my eyes Upon thee, Marcantonio ! Never then Would I have known this maddened stolen joy; But never would I feel the agony Of vain implacable remorse. My cloak About me, close; the morning chills me. See, That cold-eyed star, it spies upon us here! Were those not steps ? Hark! No! I must be gone. Remember, Grifonetto comes to-day. MARCANTONIO Zenobia! If I only could forget! But when again ? [2] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA No more. This is the last! MARCANTONIO You mean that I shall never kiss your eyes To sleep again ZENOBIA No! MARCANTONIO Never feel your lips ZENOBIA No! MARCANTONIO Never hold you in my arms ? ZENOBIA No, no! This is the very last. The last! Hear me! I love my Grifonetto. When he comes The sun of happiness will glance upon His helm; and when I look into his eyes I shall forget thee, Marcantonio; then Will all these nights but seem as evil birds Obscuring with their sombre flight the light THE BAGLIONI Of my real love. Yet do I love you too, Antonio. How, I know not; but I do. Perhaps my soul is double good and bad And all my evil self cries out aloud For your hot kisses. Take me in your arms Again. I must go now. The very stones And battlements reproach me. Ah! my love, The memory of to-night will linger on To crimson with its radiant afterglow All dark and lonely days. MARCANTONIO This cannot be! You cry out love and yet would leave me now In this same breath. I too have loved him much, Your Grifonetto, yet I stake my life, His friendship, hopes of greatness, all my past, And all my future on one moment's hold Of our affection. ZENOBIA Yes, I know, I know! But it is too hard to live twice like this, To snatch and give two real affections, And cheat the Fates by sucking two lives dry. It kills me. MARCANTONIO Once again. Come once again. [4] THE BAGLIONI I swear I'll not ask more, one more farewell And then oblivion. You'll promise this ? Then, when Astorre's wedding feast is done, I'll sell my sword to Florence. ZENOBIA Yes, go now And I will promise. MARCANTONIO Swear to me you'll come. That once at least the light of my life's love Shall flame again before the darkness shuts Me out forever! [Sound of approaching guard.] ZENOBIA Yes! Here comes the guard. [Exit ZENOBIA quickly.] [MARCANTONIO draws into shadow as guard passes by] MARCANTONIO Good! She is safe. They've gone the other way. Here then's the end. It seems impossible That these same stars shall look but once again Upon our loves, that these same sheltering walls Shall echo never more our whisperings. Ah, silent square! How many treacheries [51 THE BAGLIONI Have you not overheard; what secret vows Of guilty lovers whose impassioned steps Have pressed hot on your frozen cheeks; what tears Have fallen on unsympathetic stones; How often has the criminal been dragged Across your sunny face to judgment seat! Yet never has your cold and sightless gaze Proved more discretion to the eager stars, Nor e'er your dumbness been a better friend. [Exit MARCANIONIO.] By this time morning has begun, and the stage is gradually growing lighter. Enter and exeunt a peasant boy driving his sheep to market, playing on his flute; peasants with their produce, also citizens with garlands and decorated hangings, banners bearing the Red Griffin of Perugia, etc., etc. Enter more citizens who greet each other. FIRST CITIZEN 'Tis a glorious day for Astorre to lead home his SECOND CITIZEN Aye, and men say that Lavinia Colonna is as fair as this new morning. FIRST CITIZEN So well may she be, and still be no ill mate for our Astorre. [6] THE BAGLIONI THIRD CITIZEN Our Astorre, forsooth! Would he were the devil's! Never have I seen such a brood as these Baglioni. And now they must needs bring home another woman for fresh tyrant spawn! FIRST CITIZEN Hush, man! The dungeon yawns for thy seditious carcass. SECOND CITIZEN Come! To work! The whole town's to be adorned. Garlands waving over the streets, banners from the towers, and these hangings from the bal conies. Perugia must not be ashamed to-day. She needs her bravest show, for there be foreigners a-plenty, Siennese and Florentines. SECOND CITIZEN Aye, and Colonna and Orsini from Rome! THIRD CITIZEN When did not our foolish folk love best of all a sight and a procession ? As if the saints did not keep us all busy, without spending good hours truckling to the nobles. FIRST CITIZEN A plague on thee! Cannot thy sour face relax once in a month ? til THE BAGLIONI SECOND CITIZEN Yet 'tis true, alas, that ever since the Oddi were banished, the city has been ground down more day by day. THIRD CITIZEN Aye, and the pranks of that young scapegrace, Grifonetto. [Shepherd, who has reentered, plays a lively air on his flute] Stop thy foolish piping, or I'll stop up thy throat. [Advances threateningly to shepherd, who dances away piping merrily. Crowd laughs] FIRST CITIZEN Come, come! My grandparents once told me long ago that you were young yourself before the nobles rose to power. [Citizens laugh again] THIRD CITIZEN Laugh on, but when one of these fine blades runs off with thy daughter, or robs thy hard-earned gains, with a prick of the rapier in thy fat sides, the laugh will be the other way. SECOND CITIZEN But Grifonetto is far too fond of his beautiful wife to look at anybody's daughter. I saw them, 'twas but yesterday, in the palace gardens. Grifo- [8] THE BAGLIONI netto was so fair he looked like another Ganymede - and Zenobia was not a whit less lovely. Indeed they appeared like two angels of Paradise walking in the sun. FOURTH CITIZEN As for me, I care not for the rest, but I love this young Grifone. You mind how he fought, when the Oddi rushed the gates single-handed against a multitude. And he is gentle with it all, and learned. Every stranger who visits Perugia asks first of all to meet Grifonetto. [Exit 30 CITIZEN muttering angrily.] FIRST CITIZEN And yet our friend has much of right in what he says. These handsome Baglioni, God knows, are a most rapacious breed. SECOND CITIZEN Hark! Are those not horns? [Hunting-horns without.] FIRST CITIZEN Aye, 'tis Grifonetto returning. I marvel that the Lady Zenobia is not awake betimes to meet her master; they say that they're a loving couple, and THE BAGLIONI Grifonetto, for all his pranks, is after all a fair and noble lord. [Again bunting-horns without. It is now broad daylight.] Enter FILIPPO, CARLO, and JERONIMO in riding costume. CARLO It seems we are the first. JERONIMO Ask these good men. CARLO (to Citizens) Have any seen my lord Grifone here ? FIRST CITIZEN We have just come upon the square. No one Was here before. JERONIMO Then have we outrun him. CARLO Already can I feel the ring of crowns Within my purse. JERONIMO At least he pays his debts. [10] THE BAGLIONI FILIPPO (who has been standing apart abstractedly watching the citizens depart, all of whom have now left the stage). Aye, he will pay. But will he play ? CARLO What's that? FILIPPO Your little minds are full of little crowns. But if you will give over children's things I'll give you men and states to gamble with. JERONIMO What's in the wind ? CARLO There's something new at last ? FILIPPO Just this. If we can drag Grifone in With him we can succeed. Drive out the rest Ail the Baglioni, seize their stored-up wealth, And we can sway the town as Triumvirs, Like leaders of old time. But we must find A wedge to set these men against themselves. We must have Grifonetto in our hands. Once ours well! Leave him to his fate and me, We three, the tyrants of Perugia then, What can we not accomplish at the last! THE BAGLIONI No more the hangers-on of noble kin, But lords of right, our coffers full of gold, Backed by the aid of countless men at arms! CARLO Why not persuade him ? You've a ready tongue. FILIPPO Yet I have wasted more good rhetoric And brilliant argument upon that youth He greeted every word with mockery, And then refused point blank to listen more. JERONIMO (sarcastically) Yes, try your eloquence again. CARLO Well then ? FILIPPO But I have something better than mere wit. I have a hold to twist him to our way In spite of all his pride and loyalty. CARLO Out with it. FILIPPO Two short summer days ago I crossed this square before the earliest dawn In haste to join you on the hunt. You both, [12] THE BAGLIONI With Grifonetto (you remember well), Had gone already when the night was young. Not heeding much my steps I well-nigh ran Upon a woman muffled to the eyes. She sped into the arcade yonder. CARLO And- JERONIMO You sped on after her as usual. FILIPPO I did not. She had screamed. CARLO O noble knight! FILIPPO I knew her voice. It was Zenobia! JERONIMO Ah! CARLO Now by the gods; then it is really true! JERONIMO So that is why our Marcantonio here Cared nothing for the hunt, was tired of boars, And spears, and horses, weary of the horns Whose very braying bruised his gentle ears. But never would Grifone credit it. THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Believe it ? No! But not a word of this Must flutter out. We know that it is so; That is sufficient. Time will do the rest. Slow poison of suspicion gently poured Into unwilling ears, increasing hints, Sly innuendoes, then, the day being ripe And fortune favouring, the clinching proofs And he is ours. But look you well, my friends, That your own parts are not too overdone. [Hunting-horns without.] CARLO There sound his horns. FILIPPO Remember, not too fast! [More horns.] Enter GRIFONETTO (with riding whip) GRIFONETTO Lost! lost! My hundred golden crowns are gone To feed you vultures. Yet how I did ride! The sparks from off our hoofs did shame the stars. The dawn's swift shafts scarce crept upon my pace, And when the morning caught me up at last I fled before my shadow like the wind. You see, I cast no shadow. It still rides Alone, fast following outside the gates. [Hi THE BAGLIONI CARLO And yet we've won! GRIFONETTO In truth I felt ashamed At your poor empty purses, so I went Three times about the walls for exercise And then you all slipped in. JERONIMO Gods! Can he boast ? GRIFONETTO No, 'tis the very truth! But here's your gold! [Tosses purse.] Two days have gone and my Zenobia still Awaits her lover. [Others exchange glances.] FILIPPO Nay, first politics. Then love. We've serious matter for you here. GRIFONETTO Not these same foolish plans I've heard before ? FILIPPO They're neither foolish, nor have you well heard. ['Si THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Then I'll not listen to such villainy FILIPPO Tut, Grifonetto! Save those mighty thoughts For some more fitting time. We plan revolt, Not treachery. Too long have many kings Ruled over this one state. Too many lords From one great clan have trampled on the rights Of our poor citizens and drenched these streets With bloody brawls and family quarrelling. JERONIMO For we, in truth, desire that light of peace Which has so long forgot to shine upon Our strife-bedarkened city. CARLO Hearken, cousin! Long have we thought of this. Keep down your haste, And when Filippo here has done, why then Release your steeds of wrath. But well I know When you have heard the whole, their fiery heads Will need no holding rein. FILIPPO May I proceed ? [16] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Proceed! I will reserve my mind. CARLO Good so. FILIPPO In brief the plan is this. To rid the town Of many warring masters, and to place In lieu of them one ruler paramount. The citizens, as you well know, esteem Thy kin a pestilential brood. With joy And acclamations they will welcome here A wise and kindly lord, who would protect The state from strife within and foes without. Once seize all the Baglioni, except thou And Carlo here, swift banish them beyond The confines of dependent states, and then, The wolves all gone, a single Griffin Lord Would rule with haughty crest and iron claws. The state would prosper fast. See how our friend, Fair Florence, blossomed when the Medici Sat on her ducal throne. So would we bloom And flower o'er the land of Italy, Till Rome herself should tremble on her hills, And Peter's chair should wait on Umbria. [17] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Well spoken, good Filippo! True, your plot Walks masquerading in a brave disguise, Crowned with the gentle wreath of peace, and clad In glowing garments of prosperity. But still it seems I see a rebel's heart Beneath this fine array. But tell me more. Who shall the Griffin be to sit so high Above the crowd ? Who is this Emperor ? This little Caesar of the hills ? FILIPPO Yourself! JERONIMO Thou art the man! CARLO A crown lies at your feet ! GRIFONETTO Ah ! Now I know that you are traitors all. So! You would tempt me with a pretty crown? As if I were a babe and thou the nurse, Filippo, saying: "Come and see the shine Of dancing sunlight. Stretch thy hands and grasp The glittering thing." So yearned I for the moon When I was scarcely weaned. [18] THE BAGLIONI FILIPPO Fine biting words! But it is not the show alone of pomp, The empty symbol of a power unreal We offer here to you. Away with crowns, Or even laurel leaves! Remain a knight, A simple man at arms; no foolish terms. Plain Grifonetto for the mighty lord Of our new Umbrian state; but at his name Each neighbouring duke, count, prince aye, every one, Shall rock upon his tawdry little throne. GRIFONETTO Words, words, Filippo, traitorous lies each one. The stars show no such future state. Besides, Here's one Baglioni has his honour left. Go spread your crowns and gleaming villainies Before some better purchaser. Your price Is not quite high enough. Have you not yet Something still more alluring in your wares ? Pontifical tiaras, diadems, Dictatorships, or else the emperor's throne ? My faith is still for sale a slight advance And there you have me fast. [19] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO It pleases you To jest. CARLO Reserve thy wit for other times More fitting. This is solemn as the Mass. GRIFONETTO Aye, by the Mass it is; and by the Mass And every holy thing you can profane By thinking on, I'll speak you solemn words. Had I but known that these companions here My kinsman, Carlo; and Jeronimo, Filippo, uncle by the blood In truth If I had ever dreamt that they were false, I would have slain them all this very night, Before they could pollute my city's streets With their black-hearted shadows. Treachery! That thing which grows like a foul thunder-cloud To burst at last in bloody rain! That thing Which fires men's minds with madness; stifles love And honour; turns us into human beasts. Go! leave me, lest I make you pay a price In bitter coin for tempting me. Away! Off with your crowns to other marts. Away! And if I catch a sound of this again, Though lightest whisper on the morning air, [20] THE BAGLIONI Not all our friendship in the past will save Your bodies from the headsman, or your souls From hell! FILIPPO [Sarcastically.] Your words shall be obeyed, my lord. Bow slaves! [The three men bow mockingly] FILIPPO, CARLO, and JERONIMO (together) Farewell, my righteous lord, we'll try Again! JERONIMO Leave him. He's dangerous. CARLO Mind thee, Good cousin, treachery lurks nearer home. Look for it there this thunder-cloud blood rain. JERONIMO My friend, learn well that ill word treachery, It sometimes is domesticated here. We three are bachelors. It never rains! GRIFONETTO Bah! You are jealous of my happiness. [21] THE BAGLIONI CARLO Who would not be JERONIMO With such a wife as yours! FILIPPO The whole wide city of Perugia teems With envy of Zenobia's husband. CARLO Ah! GRIFONETTO (sarcastically) The courtier, not the conspirator, Speaks now. It more becomes you. FILIPPO So men say. GRIFONETTO And yet for once the courtier speaks truth. Where lives another like Zenobia ? Who else is fairer than the morningtide When dawn speeds lightfoot on the summer hills ? CARLO (cynically) And who is so unworthy as yourself Of all this blessedness ? GRIFONETTO Indeed who is ? [22] THE BAGLIONI I love my life, which, after all is said, Lasts but a moment long! We love red wine; Eh, Carlo? And the dice, and others' wives! And when night comes, a forage and a song. But then I love Zenobia so much more. FILIPPO And we three love Perugia better yet Than all our mistresses. GRIFONETTO I love her too. Ah, my Perugia! What unpitying fates Hunt fast and hard. Thou art so strong, so fair, Yet ever hangs the blackened veil of strife Between thee and the peaceful sun. Each year This wretched square runs with thy children's blood, The daylight shines on deadly brawls, the stars' Thin beam falls on the murderer's blade. And now You tell me I can win for thee the prize Of peace and freedom, under iron rule Firm wielded by this master hand. You're wrong. The means are everything, the end is naught. Nor ever yet has foul play wrought fair deed. Peace bought of treachery is worse than war. Go visions; for, like all this rolling world, [23] THE BAGLIONI You are but dreams. Beyond stands out the law Immutable. God help my keeping it! [GRIFONETTO turns and walks slowly to the fountain rail, on which he leans absorbed in thought.] CARLO (yawning) Let's off. Here come the students. [Enter students with PERUGINO and RAFFAELLO.] JERONIMO Away then. Grifone's solemn as a morning owl. FILIPPO I never saw him so sedate. (To PERUGINO) Greet ings! [Exeunt FILIPPO, CARLO, and JERON IMO, exchanging salutes with PERU GINO and students as they pass.] RAFFAELLO Who is that thoughtful knight ? PERUGINO Know'st thou him not ? [24] THE BAGLIONI 'Tis Grifonetto, noblest of our young Perugians. GRIFONETTO (turning suddenly, awakening from his reverie) Who calls out my name so loud ? It is Maestro Vanucci, by my soul! And these his faithful band of neophytes. How go the frescoes, master ? Does your brush Still lightly sketch things secular, or does It spread abroad the immortal pictured fame Of our old town in work for Holy Church Sweet saints and meritorious martyrdoms ? PERUGINO Nay, Grifonetto, I am still upon The paintings of the Cambio; but helped much By my young friends here. GRIFONETTO Who is this young man In scarlet cap the one with golden hair ? PERUGINO He's my best pupil Raffaello. GRIFONETTO Ah! I've heard of him. THE BAGLIONI PERUGINO Thou'lt hear of him again, And still again. The years will not be long \As PERUGINO converses, other students enter Palazzo Communale.] When Italy will ring with him. Mark well: Of all the youths my skill has ever taught He is the ablest. Such fidelity! Such eye for colour! Such sweet grace of line! In future times 'twill be the proudest boast Of old Vanucci that this gifted youth Learned from his hand. RAFFAELLO I pray you not so much! My shame will overcome me. GRIFONETTO A truce, man! Such vast embarrassment of praise would turn The head of many a dainty courtier. But why should learned lips converse of me ? [Turning and laying his hand on PERU- GINO'S shoulder] What said my master, there, of all the arts ? Ah! I can hear him: " See that youthful knight, [26] THE BAGLIONI 'Tis Grifonetto, wild young cub, who roams The byways after dark; a ready smile For every pretty wench, a ready blade To prod the burgher's fattening ribs, an eye Too keen for quarrels, too fond taste for wine. A knee that bends to no man, and not much To God. A falcon of his fiery brood! Beware of him when once the sun has based His order-loving beams behind the hills, And faint light-minded torches cast their rays To lead home nobles, revellers, and thieves! He's a Baglioni, trust him not indeed! Draw back and let the condottierri pass! Draw back and give the robber lords good room! The roisterers care no more for your young flesh Than eagles mind the hare. No! not a breath. A jostle and the swords are out. A word, And one more corpse blocks up the narrow lane! The merry revellers stream on their way, While you lie there till dogs or watchmen come To carry off your limbs to sepulture. Then have a care, whene'er with torch and plume The mad Baglioni walk beneath the stars, Seek out the friendly shade till they have gone! Is not this true, friend Raffaello, say ? Was it not thus good Perugino spoke ? [27] THE BAGLIONI RAFFAELLO Not so, my lord; he said not thus indeed, But to the contrary. That you were brave And fair, most knightly of the nobles here In his Perugia. GRIFONETTO Best of painters all, I crave your pardon. These are heaping coals Upon a foolish head. Yet you are wrong. Astorre's fairer, Simonetto's heart Is twice as brave, and Marcantonio's soul Is fuller far of chivalry than mine. PERUGINO Nay, Grifonetto, I meant what I said. Brave are the great Baglioni, every one, But you are kindlier than them all. GRIFONETTO Hush, friend, Lest I grow angry. Yet, whate'er of grace Or charity there may be in my heart I owe not to myself. No honour here Is due for any ornament of mind, But to Zenobia, fairest of the saints, Whose life is decorated with all gifts [28] THE BAGLIONI Of virtue and of beauty; whose sweet soul Has so perchance shed down its light upon My poor unworthy love, that I have caught Some echo of its radiance. For her Pour out your generosity of praise, My Perugino; her from whom even now I have delayed my coming far too long! PERUGINO We, also, should be well upon our way. Farewell! My greeting to your noble wife Zenobia. RAFFAELLO And may I as well, my lord, Dare also send a greeting ? [PERUGINO and RAFFAELLO start up steps of Palazzo Communale.] It shall be given. GRIFONETTO That thou may'st. Enter SERVANT in the livery of the BAGLIONI. Who's this of my house ? [29] THE BAGLIONI SERVANT My lord Grifone, messengers do scour The town and scan the gates to search for you, Sent by my lady. GRIFONETTO What! She is not ill? SERVANT Not so, my lord, but anxious for the sight Of your return, for which she has now watched Since earliest dawn. GRIFONETTO Do thou return to her And say I ride upon a storm of haste. [Tosses gold piece to SERVANT.] Here's guerdon for thy luck in rinding me. [Exit SERVANT.] See, good Vanucci! Does the world hold aught So true and kind as my Zenobia ? Nay, stay me not. The swift breath of the morn Blows not half fast enough to waft me there, Were I a pinioned hawk, instead of this Poor sluggish leaden-footed creature man. [Exit GRIFONETTO.] [30] THE BAGLIONI PERUGINO (who, with RAFFAELLO, has reached the platform at head of palace steps.") Now mark thee, Raffaello, he is doomed. The gods love Grifonetto far too well! [Exeunt (by door into Palazzo Com- munale) PERUGINO and RAFFAELLO leaving the stage empty] Bells chime the morning hour. CURTAIN. [31] THE BAGLIONI ACT II ACT II THE great reception Hall in Atalanta s palace, upon the evening of the same day. Stone walls hung with tapestries; heavy wooden ceiling with painted beams; tall bronze candelabra; large table; chairs covered with velvet and embroidery. Doors to the right thrown open. Large windows with curtains drawn in the rear. A murmur of voices is heard. ASTORRE, GUIDO, GRIFONETTO, Si- MONETTO, FlLIPPO, CARLO, JfiRONIMO, ATA LANTA, LAVINIA, and ZENOBIA are conversing together in groups, or surrounding attentively DEMETRIUS, who in a long fur-brimmed robe is seated in the centre of the stage. The whole com pany are in elaborate indoor dress; the men un armed. Enter MARC ANTONIO. MARCANTONIO Am I too late again ? Is that the one The wise man from the Isles of Greece who's said [351 THE BAGLIONI To know his Plato, Aristotle, all Our new philosophy as well, indeed, As condottierri know their swords ? ATALANTA 'Tis true, And you shall hear the words which, fair and wise, Flow in his speech with limpid streams that clothe The subtlest thought in beauty, yet hide naught Of the intent. LAVINIA And he can decorate Some solemn theme with such a wealth of grace That, like the temples in his native land, All men will marvel at its outward show, While deep and holy things are held within. CARLO By all the gods, what wisdom from fair lips! Must nature in this newest age of ours, Strew every lavish favour on our wives And mothers ? Beauty and devotion cling To them already. Must our learning too Be snatched away from us ? ATALANTA Not while we have [36] THE BAGLIONI So great a champion as our new sage. Come! [To Marcantonio.] Thy bow to wisdom first! MARCANTONIO We welcome you, Demetrius. Now that the kindly star Of learning rises ever higher here, And sheds abroad a widening beam Of gentle light upon our land, we greet With joy all scholars; be they strange Or long well known. But most of all we hail One who can claim for birthplace that great land Of Greece, the foster-mother of our minds. DEMETRIUS There speaks the voice of learning, the kind bond Which joins, as in a single kin, all those Who know the fellowship of intellect. Oft has the wandering scholar heard its words Of welcome, but not ever since the time Far gone when melancholy Sappho sang Her odes to listening maids, and greetings fell From her soft lips upon the visitors To rocky Lesbian shores not since those days Has hospitality borne fairer form, Or wisdom graced more beauty with her crown. [37) THE BAGLIONI CARLO (to JERONIMO) In sooth, old age has not forgot his wit! LAVINIA Great master, if your deep philosophy Can teach such winsome speech, I marvel much That these young warriors do not give up All their pursuits, and study to be wise. DEMETRIUS Fair damsel, when the hair is white, and when The rusty sword has long hung on the wall, Then Wisdom comes with her eternal youth To quicken sluggish heart-beats. But the path Leads up a weary mountainside of years. Ah ! once there was a time I would have scorned To rest when so much beauty stood close by, For even in our Greece the marble forms Which teach us of the ancient days do not Contain the only loveliness. ZENOBIA Tell us, I beg, about your native isles. THE BAGLIONI Of learning, for at last we, too, would find The way. DEMETRIUS The road to wisdom, gentle friends, Leads first through doors of sorrow, like to those Twin ivory gates which lead to sleep and death, Sung by that greatest bard Virgilius. But know, when I was young, the Infidel Had ravished all our land. (E'en yet, I hear, He bids a bold defiance to the fleets Of lordly Venice.) So we were all poor And terror-stricken. Scarce dared venture we From out our mountain fastnesses. And yet My father was a worthy man of note, Much learned and wise. Oft would he tell to me Tales of our ancient brilliancy, when Greece Was torchlight for the world. This was at night, Beneath the steepled pines, or by the fire In winter time. By day I roamed the hills To guard the sheep from wolves and Saracens. Now, one deep noontide, when I slept, my sheep About me grazing in the sun, a pipe, Sweet shrilling on the hillside, wakened me. And there before me stood a stately maid, As beautiful as dawn. In silence, first, She gazed at me, and then the winged words Flew from her lips. "Awake, Demetrius! [391 THE BAGLIONI A second time Greece calls a listening world. Her gods are not all dead, nor all forgot Her poets and philosophers. Learn thou Of them, and carry far and wide the fire Of their wise burning words." Once more the plaint Of unseen reeds pierced the still mountain air, And she was gone. Then did I know, in truth, Athena lived again; and from that time My life has been one long obedience To her divine request. ATALANTA A noble task! DEMETRIUS (rising) And now I bid you all farewell, for soon Comes heavy-lidded sleep to men of years. LAVINIA Then let us be your escort while we may! \A servant has entered bearing an embossed and gilded leathern case which DEMETRIUS opens, disclosing a large crystal goblet with elaborately chased ivory base and holder.] DEMETRIUS One moment! I had near forgot the gift To our fair bride. It is an humble one. Nor gold nor precious stones have I amassed [40] THE BAGLIONI In my life's wanderings only some few And meagre treasures of the mind. But this Was given me by a Moorish sorcerer Whom I befriended when he fled from Spain. 'Tis said whoever drinks from it upon The stroke of midnight sees the secret acts Of enemies, the treacheries of friends, The true complexion of a lover's heart. LAVINIA (receiving the goblet and placing It upon the table, where the guests admire if) A hundred thanks. Upon the stroke of twelve I'll quench my thirst and prove Astorre's mind. MARCANTONIO A work of supererogation. SlMONETTO 'Twould need no magic to assay such love. [Exeunt DEMETRIUS and guests laugh ing and talking, escorted by attendants with torches to light the dark outer passages, leaving FILIPPO, who is examining the goblet, and CARLO, who lags behind the rest. (ZENOBIA and MARCANTONIO pass out last of the retiring throng, lingering a scarcely perceptible moment at the threshold.}] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO To-night! ZENOBIA To-night! [Exeunt MARCANTONIO and ZENOBIA] FILIPPO (half to himself) Suppose the midnight bells should ring upon Our Grifonetto drinking in this cup, They'd sound a bitter symphony to him. CARLO What's that? FILIPPO (setting down goblet) Stay, here's another wedding gift. [CARLO returns as FILIPPO picks from the table a sealed packet] CARLO But this is sealed! FIFIPPO (breaking packet) So are the gates of heaven. [Extracting a small ivory plaque] Vanucci! by the fates! Our painter's soul Has quite forgot for once his golden pence. CARLO Perhaps he sees a future customer. [42] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Perhaps. It is a pretty bauble. See! [Showing it to CARLO.] The two poor guilty lovers and the book, Fresh slipped from our immortal Dante's verse, Clasped in each other's arms. CARLO 'Tis charming. FILIPPO Strange! How like Zenobia's headdress. CARLO True. Indeed He must have copied it she wore the same To-night. FILIPPO (thinking) And Marcantonio, what wore he ? CARLO I know not; what of that ? FILIPPO (eagerly) Think, think! Was nothing recognizable about His doublet, cloak, hose, anything ? CARLO You're mad! [43] THE BAGLIONI *. FlLIPPO Yes, if you like, but think his doublet ? CARLO No Quite usual. Fiuppo His cloak ? CARLO The same. FILIPPO His hose ? CARLO His hose ? I have it; they were striped across In red and white like this. FILIPPO I mind it now. Astorre twitted him about the mode. CARLO And Marcantonio said they came last week From Paris, where they were the fashion now FILIPPO And no one else had worn such yet. CARLO TT . Those were His very words. [44] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Quick ! Where's a pen, a knife ? Quick, anything! CARLO Here, take my knife! FlLIPPO (taking up the painted ivory and marking it) Scratch lines. So. Prick my arm. A little blood to mark The colouring. Rub it well in more good! Now have we Dante's criminals in love Stamped with the very guise of our two friends Zenobia and her Marcantonio. CARLO What are you driving for ? FlLIPPO Wait, you shall see! Now give the goblet and your knife again. A little paring and the disk will fit. [Paring Ivory plaque until it fits the goblet, into the bottom of which he inserts it.] The wine-flask now. Fill up the crystal cup. [Handing the filled goblet to CARLO.] Gaze in before you drink. What do you see ? [45] THE BAGLIONI CARLO (taking cup and looking in, astonished) Deep down within the amber wine they float, Zenobia and Marcantonio Clasped swaying in each other's arms! FILIPPO Ha! Ha! The gods play in our hands to-night. CARLO The Devil! FILIPPO 'Tis all the same. God made the Devil CARLO And The Devil made Filippo finished work Of art. [Noise of returning guests.] FILIPPO True! Here they come. Set down the cup There, in the selfsame spot. Toss me those dice. We've stolen a moment more to gamble in. \As company enters FILIPPO and CARLO are discovered tossing [46] THE BAGLIONI ATALANTA Inveterate gamblers! Has the mind's bright gold No charms for your poor souls ? CARLO He's beaten me Until the only gold I have is such Mind ducats, mental crowns, imaginings. FILIPPO (to GRIFONETTO) How beautiful Zenobia is to-night! Her headdress so becomes her. GRIFONETTO Does it not ? It is an ancient one, long handed down; Some say a Sforza wore it in the days When Dante languished in Ravenna. CARLO (to MARCANTONIO) Ah! How brave our warrior grows in French array. Trans-Alpine fashions, fancy striped hose! MARCANTONIO I know you're jealous, of my finery. CARLO (to GRIFONETTO) Look at this coxcomb. How his limbs are built [47l THE BAGLIONI In sections like the columns on the front Of the Palazzo. MARCANTONIO Yet they look at least As if they would support a man, whilst yours, Good cousin Carlo, they were bought, methinks, A bargain from some hungry Jew! [Some of the young men have strolled to the table and are drinking.] ASTORRE (to SlMONETTO) Your health. GUIDO (to GRIFONETTO) A health to the new bride. CARLO (to GRIFONETTO who has picked up the crystal goblet") Stop, cousin, stop! GRIFONETTO Why stop ? CARLO I would not drain that crystal cup For all the wealth of Venice. GUIDO Tell us why. [48] THE BAGLIONI CARLO Why ? See you not the goblet is all carved With mysteries, crissed-crossed with pentagrams, And matters astrological ? GRIFONETTO (holding it up to light) But what of that ? CARLO (mysteriously 1 ) It is a magic cup. Gaze in it and you see the future. GUIDO Well! CARLO The gods show nothing good or beautiful To those who pry into their secret thoughts. FILIPPO Perchance thou art afraid to rend the veil ? GRIFONETTO Fear is a word was lost when I was born. Can I not fight the future as the past ? CARLO (approaching GRIFONETTO and chanting in a low voice) "With swords you fight, The Pope with bulls, But I fight with my tongue." [49] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO What riddle's that ? CARLO Why, we three conquerors Should then be friends, thyself, the Pope and I! GRIFONETTO Is that all ? CARLO Nay, then, gaze within the cup. (Chanting.') A lady and a gentleman Upon a starlit square; And there's a third; if I were he I would that I were there! GRIFONETTO (lifting goblet) To fair Lavinia! May she be loved And happy as Zenobia and myself. CARLO (aside) Now shall he see his fate. [GRIFONETTO drinks, gazing into the cup with increasing interest, then anger and alarm] GRIFONETTO What folly's this ? [He dashes cup to the ground into a thousand pieces.] [50] THE BAGLIONI CARLO What's that ? Has the snake bitten ? GRIFONETTO Nay, the gods Are now avenged. The crystal was too pure; It irked me with its perfect symmetry. FILIPPO Notice him not. He is a man of pranks. CARLO The lights are burning low. FILIPPO Farewell ! CARLO Come on. Impatient Marcantonio waits for us, And taps upon the gaming-board. Farewell! [Exeunt CARLO and FILIPPO laughing.] During the preceding conversation the servants have been extinguishing the lights and all of the guests have departed. GRIFONETTO remains moodily gazing at the broken crystal. Enter ZENOBIA,W/>O hesitates, then approaches GRI FONETTO, who is standing with his back to the door through which she has entered. THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO (to himself) Bah! juggling fool's tricks; yet, and yet, and yet! ZENOBIA My lord! What mood is this that clasps your brow With melancholy diadem ? GRIFONETTO (still half to himself) What mood ? A humour of sick mockery. A dream Which strides my spirit with its shrivelled limbs! ZENOBIA My lord! I never saw you in this vein. Surely you once were wont to open up The secret springs of grief and pour your woes Into a willing ear. I pray you tell The reason of this sorrow. GRIFONETTO Can you not By any means guess the complexion oft ? [Seizing her shoulders.] Look in my face. Is there no deep-set fire Within my pupils that reflects a flame Of your own mind ? Is there no creasing down Of brows that indicate a shrinking heart ? [52] THE BAGLIONI Is there no reading of those signs which mark The soul struck cold ? ZENOBIA I see as much indeed, Therefore I turned me back to comfort you. GRIFONETTO Aye. Comfort me thou shalt. See where the glass Lies shattered on the stone. Gather a piece And read the sign in it. ZENOBIA What can you mean ? Your words are riddles, your looks foreign gleams Which hint at nameless things. GRIFONETTO Nameless they are, And nameless shalt thou be if they be true. [Picking up a glass fragment and gazing into itJ\ We'll read together, come. This fragment here Shines just as brightly as the perfect globe; Reflects as straight, is smooth and jewelled as much, Yet it is worthless and the edges cut. ZENOBIA I know not what insinuation's here, [53] THE BAGLIONI My lord; but if it has some touch with me, Or if there's aught that's sharp or broken off In my affection, then I'd rather give My willing throat to this new cutting edge And turn to ruby this false diamond Made true by my red blood true as my love For thee, true as my life is worthless quite Without thy trust in me. GRIFONETTO Nay, not so fast. The glass is but the frame. Look in its soul. [Holding up the glass so that the light shines through //.] Are there no stains to mar its purity ? No lustful colours in the heart of it ? See! There's an amethyst, a rainbow gleam, Red, blue, a harlequin of tints. ZENOBIA But look! [Taking fragment.] These manifold dyes lie not within the glass Save where the flickering light shines through. Now hold The crystal here, in the deep shade. Where then Are fled the hues ? Put out the mimic sun, [54] THE BAGLIONI The rainbow melts into the darkening night Which greets the gaze, pale and immaculate. So frowns the world, suspect, in painted dress Seen with distorted eyes of jealousy. GRIFONETTO Thus would I fain believe. ZENOBIA Why not believe ? I know not what suspicion has crept in Unheralded between our faith and love, Nor what unholy visions you have seen In that poor shattered cup; but this I know, That never have I in a vagrant glance Or by a flying word given cause for this. Who's the informant ? Carlo, soaked in wine ? Jeronimo, the gambler ? Filippo ? No one can lie like our Filippo. Ah! Can you not see these men are treachery Incarnate plotting, always plotting more And still more ? Art thou then the gentle dove For their thin nets ? I smell in this the hand That saps the state and slyly poisons love! For you I would kneel in the dust to beg Forgiveness for an uncommitted sin. But that these swashing revellers Cowards! [55] THE BAGLIONI Let them accuse me here before my face. Here I await them; and thou, sword in hand, To mete out justice death to me in guilt, But, being innocent, death to the three. So should their accusations stand the test And falsely drown in their own punishment. I am a Baglioni as your wife, But Sforza runs the red blood in my veins, And here Zenobia Sforza cries aloud For justice and extenuation. GRIFONETTO Can flashing temper, or the resonance Of words, or mute appeal of loveliness, Heal up the canker ? Or can all thy grace Unite again these shattered glittering things Into original perfection ? ZENOBIA No! But can the infusion of those subtle souls, A gambler, drunkard, and a liar, rock The edifice of our affection down And crumble it to fragments slight as those [Crunching the broken pieces with her foot.] O'erthrow it as the storm blows down the leaves, By one small instilled drop of jealousy ? [56] THE BAGLIONI Who then destroyed the smoothness of our lives ? Filippo, was it ? GRIFONETTO Nay, it was not he. ZENOBIA Then Carlo ? GRIFONETTO Carlo? No! ZENOBIA Jeronimo ? GRIFONETTO Nor yet Jeronimo. ZENOBIA Who then? Ah, God! Is this a lightsome charge to found on air, A little thing to fling at wifely fame Adultery is it adultery ? If not, 'tis nothing! GRIFONETTO Shall I charge it, then ? ZENOBIA Aye, charge it, if thou canst, with all the proofs. Or, if there are no proofs, why then suspect Me on the slightest talk of slanderers! [57] THE BAGLIONI What do men say, then ? (Listening.) Hark ! these whisperings Upon the night. 'Tis rumour, thousand-tongued, That leaps along like fire from ear to ear! Come, listen to it well. Does one word breathe Of faithlessness ? Or even if within The abyss of your secret mind there be But one small spark of reason to light the torch Of jealousy, then kill me and be done! GRIFONETTO Would God the torch were quenched. Ah, tell me more, Persuade me more. Convince me that the vision I saw just now within that foolish globe Was but a picture of my high-wrought thoughts, Like them a falsest fantasy! Weigh down The scales. I am attorney for my love Against my vigilance. ZENOBIA Then let me plead, I ask but justice. Shall I stand condemned Upon a hint from those who seek to use You as a tool for their conspiracies; Upon the witchery of a tired brain That weaves sham visions ? Shall you match these trifles [58] THE BAGLIONI Against the love of years ? The tenderness Which lingers on your slightest word, which wraps You, even when you feel it least, with care And constant sympathy ? Shall you let slip My tried affection, like a worn-out cloak, Upon the slurs of a bystander? Ah! Have you forgot so soon the time when Love Lit all our nights and days with flaring torch, And Life marched garlanded with song ? GRIFONETTO Forgot ? Can angels soon forget their paradise ? ZENOBIA The gates are open, who can keep you out ? Say that to-night has never been. Say once That these suspicions were but mockeries, Dreams, nothing. GRIFONETTO I believe! They're nothing else. 'Tis nothing, nothing but a mania, Frenzy, a tissue of delirious lies Enslaving my poor wits a crystal vision Deep conjured from the gloom. See, see, I cast l59l THE BAGLIONI Them off, these black-veiled dreams, and wake again Into the day of confidence. [He goes to curtain and pulls it open, letting in a band of moonlight.] Shine, stars! Blow, scented breezes! Look how the red moon Drifts down the deep-eyed night. Nay, not the moon, It is the golden-throned sun who flaunts His heavenly blazonry upon the dark! ZENOBIA Yes! Yes! The miracle of the midnight dawn That only you and I can see. My lord, How could you doubt me ? GRIFONETTO Now my doubts have gone; Gone like the sea-gulls north upon the Spring. ZENOBIA But when the Winter comes again ? GRIFONETTO Nay, they have gone forever. Naught shall come To separate us now. ZENOBIA You are so sure ? [60] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Aye, till that day when heavy-fingered Death Shall lay his grizzly hand upon our hearts. Let him alone become our severer! [ZENOBIA shivers.] You shiver, and your hands are cold! ZENOBIA Nothing! The wind is rising. Come. Who's there ? [Enter FILIPPO softly.] FILIPPO Naught more alarming than Filippo. Ah! What a most model pair! These long years wed And still the honeymoon! GRIFONETTO Good uncle, go! Forget that you were here! FILIPPO Would that I might! But I have business of much moment. GRIFONETTO Bah! ZENOBIA Cabals, intrigues! Are days not long enough But that the pure nights must be venomed too ? [61] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Forgive me; but the balance-wheel of Fate Swings on my errand! ZENOBIA (cynically) Give it then a twist For me! I'll leave you, gentlemen. Farewell! GRIFONETTO (kissing her hand) Farewell, I'll not be long! FILIPPO I pray, forgive! [Exit ZENOBIA.] GRIFONETTO (sternly) What now ? Is't not enough by ill-timed lies To poison my mind against the innocent, To plot a breach between my wife and me ? Thou hast the look of lean and hungry wolves. Go prowl about alone and leave a space For honest men to breathe in! What is it ? FILIPPO Not much. A pair of horns upon thy cap. That's all! GRIFONETTO (seizing him). Thou liest. Prove it, or, by the Mass, I'll murder thee! I have enough of this! [62! THE BAGLIONI Insinuations, innuendoes, hints! From Carlo first and now from thee. Prove it! Prove it, I say, before the lightning strikes! FILIPPO Then listen, fool! And take your fingers off! Zenobia has now gone to wait for you ? GRIFONETTO Thou saw'st her go. FILIPPO Aye, so did I, in truth. But I saw more than that. GRIFONETTO Indeed! what then? FILIPPO I caught a questioning glance that showed her thought. I'd stake my life that she has gone to warn Her Marcantonio. GRIFONETTO Done! The pledge is made. Now shall you give the proofs or else your life! FILIPPO Behind the arras here there is a door [63! THE BAGLIONI Pushed by a secret spring. The stairs descend Into that hall beneath, as you well know. If she has gone to Marcantonio's room She must cross by the hall. No other way Is possible. Does she know of the door ? GRIFONETTO No; nor I till to-night. FILIPPO Then open it. GRIFONETTO Why not ? You will see nothing but a hall, An empty hall; your own foul fantasies, Perchance, also, the dream of your own doom, Which surely I shall wreak upon your head When this last trick has failed and I have proved Zenobia's innocence. Think well, I say, Before you let me open it. Think well, For were you sure of your own evil fate As I am that Zenobia lingers safe In her own chamber, you would leap away Before a ringer touched the spring as though Ten thousand serpents hid within its coil. While you have time, then, save yourself. FILIPPO Open! [6 4 ] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO It were a pity for so good a man To die unshriven. FILIPPO Go, open the door. I swear I speak Heaven's truth, or Hell's, but still It is the truth. Or if I now have lied, There's no harm done except to me. If not, here's God's own chance to fathom her Yourself, concealed behind the curtain there. GRIFONETTO I go. But mark, your life shall be the price When this insinuation is proved false! [GRIFONETTO pulls aside arras, touches a spring, and opens secret door on a crack under the direction of FILIPPO, who then stands close behind him. They wait in silence for a moment, when GRIFONETTO starts violently and is on the point of rushing through the door. But FILIPPO covers GRI- FONETTO'S mouth with his hand and drags him back.] GRIFONETTO 'Tis she! Ah, God! If only I were armed, [65] THE BAGLIONI The day had never dawned for them again Nor shall it yet. See if the way is clear, Filippo. Quick; that I may reach my sword And kill before my soul breaks with its rage! Zenobia Marcantonio's paramour! I would have sworn by Christ upon His cross, Filippo, that there never was a wife More pure! Zenobia Sforza! Why; her name Itself has come to be a synonym For virtue. All of Umbria rings forth The praise of this fair flower of faithfulness ! And now the crystal mirror of her mind Is cracked in fragments, all reflecting back My love in rainbow infamies. Now, now, I know that Hell is here in Italy! Come! Let me slake my thirsty wrath in blood, The only drink that quenches treachery! [Seizes FILIPPO'S hand and starts towards the door. FILIPPO holds him back.] FILIPPO Nay, you are mad! Black rage has sullied up The clear streams of your thought. Wait! Never yet Has deed done in the heat of wrath struck home Like cold, malignant vengeance. [66] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Thy hands off! Or else I brain thee with my fists. FILIPPO Madman! What would you do ? To slay Zenobia first, Then Marcantonio, only to be slain Yourself within an hour ? The bravi make Short work of fools. GRIFONETTO I care not, let me off! The pillars of my universe have gone. I would drain to the dregs my brimming cup Of vengeance, and then die. FILIPPO Drain it thou shalt! And such a mighty beaker full of wrath As never since the days of ancient Rome Has hung unpoured above the fated heads Of unsuspecting victims! GRIFONETTO What mean you ? Is not my itching sword-blade long enough ? FILIPPO It is; but listen, while I unfold my plan. [67] THE BAGLIONI To your brief stroke it is as thunderclap To music. GRIFONETTO Marcantonio will have gone! FILIPPO Nay, let him go. It matters naught. The net Is woven if you but consent has caught Them fast already. GRIFONETTO Anything, by Heaven, For vengeance! So fling honour to the winds! Affection, chivalry, blood-kinship, pride, Humanity. Strangle them all, still-born Abortions! Away Life, and call grim Hate To wrap me in her horrid arms. Your plan! FILIPPO Cool thyself, Grifonetto. Let thy hate Freeze up this frenzy with her icy wit, And listen to me with intelligence. GRIFONETTO Proceed, I wait! FILIPPO This, then's, the plan. You know [681 THE BAGLIONI How all of the Baglioni are at hand, Assembled for the celebration feasts Of our Astorre's marriage. You know well How brave they are, and how they scorn at night To guard themselves with waiting men-at-arms, As other nobles do, preferring much To trust to their own skill and mighty name. Thus holding strength and valorous repute A substitute for prudence and the pikes Of hirelings. GRIFONETTO Aye, we are brave cursed brood Of lustful wolves ! But what of that ? FILIPPO Their pride Shall be their ruin! In the night, we four, Carlo, Jeronimo, yourself and I, Armed to the teeth and followed by our men, Like stealthy lions penetrate the dens Of these same wolves, and, when the sun shines forth Again, your vengeance has been done. A king Of beasts inhabits where the ravening wolves Snarled yesterday. One ruler stands alone To guide the city's new-born destinies, And once again Perugia shall be free! For me, ambition; freedom for the town; [69] THE BAGLIONI For thee, the bloodiest vengeance in the world! A trinity of deeds! GRIFONETTO (bitterly) I could admire Thy sophistry, Filippo, were my heart Not bursting with the strain of losing all I held most intimate. But, false or not, Thy words are oil upon my wounds. Who says That Grifonetto has turned traitor too ? And yet 'tis true, as there's a hell for thee, Filippo. Grifonetto, cynosure Of all the looks in wide-eyed Umbria! FILIPPO Not traitor. Liberator! Tyrants' scourge! GRIFONETTO Nay, decorate the name as you may wish, The deed remains identical. But more! FILIPPO The signal for the rush shall be the fall Of a great stone within the inner court Of Guide's palace. Each one, with our braves, Shall then speed to our several tasks of love. The rest is easy. GRIFONETTO Would my heavy heart [70] THE BAGLIONI Could shatter on the stone and expiate This guilt and grief for all! No other sign Would then be needed for this treachery. FILIPPO Till then, no word, no look, to give a clue To your intention. For the nonce you are Comedian in the great tragedy. Smile, jest, feign all outrageous merriment, And eat your heart in silence till the time When vengeance, striding with o'ertaking steps, Shall strike in one fell blow our enemies. GRIFONETTO So be it. Doomed are the Baglioni, all! Replete with lust and feasting they dance down Toward the grave! Leave me, Filippo. Go! I hate the truth and thee! [GRIFONETTO sinks into a chair.] FILIPPO I go at once. [Exit FILIPPO.] GRIFONETTO (rising suddenly) Now has the current of this infamy Swept from my soul all vestige of restraint THE BAGLIONI And borne me helpless on its tossing waves Of passion. Grifonetto is not here, But some new hell-born fury, bellowing His curses to an unknown self. Here stands A stranger in this once familiar form, Whose poisoned blood now throbs its maddened rush Of hate incarnate through my veins. Hail then, Mysterious Avenger! Steel the nerves; Grip firm the heart; instil the iron force Of thy great purpose through each limb. Turn out All pity, honour, love, and bid them go A-shrieking through the streets until they find A domicile in foolish souls still graced With some humanity. Come, Vengeance, come! And fold me in thy sable wings. Enwrap My soul with bloody kisses, so I walk Upon my errand shod with destiny; Swift and inevitable as the wind, And cruel as the Fates. Come, Vengeance, come! Thou art my only mistress, my desire Flames up to thee. With every breath I crave Thy fierce embrace! Knit thy ferocity Into my soul, until I live revenge Sleep, wake, dream, plot a limitless revenge; And stride at last to that night consummate, [72] THE BAGLIONI Incarnate Vengeance, brandishing aloft The sword of Death himself, the Infinite Avenger! [Long pause.] Ah, Zenobia! [GRIFONETTO sinks, sobbing violently, into the chair, covering his face with bis hands.] CURTAIN. [73l THE BAGLIONI ACT III ACT III THE anteroom of MARC ANTONIO'S apartment in ATALANTA'S palace: one week later. An open casement at the rear discloses the neighbouring roofs and towers in the moonlight. To the left are a fireplace and a door leading to the stair way. To the right another door leads to the sleeping chamber. A single torch gives the only light except that furnished by a heavy candela brum upon a table in the centre of the room, at which are seated MARC ANTONIO, CARLO, Si- MONETTO, and FILIPPO. The table is littered with cards, dice, decanters, and half emptied goblets. SlMONETTO Thou playest for high stakes! MARCANTONIO They're none too high For me to risk upon a card or die. [77] THE BAGLIONI CARLO Take heed then, Marcantonio, for God's dice MARCANTONIO For that, most of men's dice are loaded too, So what's the odds ? SIMONETTO By Bacchus! There it goes - My last gold crown. Some honest citizen Must bleed his money-bags to recompense Poor Simonetto for this night. CARLO Alas! My purse is empty as my head is full. More of your sack to drown my poverty! MARCANTONIO Come, leave the game, you revellers, since chance For once smiles sparingly upon the young. SIMONETTO Aye, let's off! Friend Filippo here is wise And cautious. Let him battle out until The candles pale in sunshine; I'm for bed! [781 THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO I'll play with Marcantonio every night, Alone till Doomsday if he likes. MARCANTONIO Too long. Filippo, I'd play high and short. FILIPPO To work! MARCANTONIO I double! FILIPPO And again! MARCANTONIO Four times as much! FILIPPO And every crown that I can beg or steal Within the year! CARLO Filippo, by the gods, Such play is madness! SIMONETTO This is merry sport; Say naught, my Carlo. [791 THE BAGLIONI MARC ANTONIO All my lands! FILIPPO By Heaven! I have none. But I have my honour still. Here goes it, represented by this crown. Once win it, thou canst sell me as a slave! MARCANTONIO Thy honour ? Pah ! It is not worth the crown Which symbolizes it. FILIPPO The honour, then, Of the most beautiful of womankind ! MARCANTONIO An empty boast! CARLO Come, drag him off to bed; This is too much! SIMONETTO Come out, Filippo, out The wine dances too hot in your thin veins! [Seizes FILIPPO.] [80] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Unhand me. I speak truth. MARCANTONIO Whose honour, then, Hast thou in hand ? FILIPPO Whose do you think, my friend ? Nay, you should know! MARCANTONIO Away! He's drunk! CARLO r~ 1 oo true. MARCANTONIO Then take him off. I would not play with fools Or drunken men. [CARLO and SIMONETTO seize him.] FILIPPO Aye, carry me away! For all that I shall win my stakes, for mark You well, my Marcantonio, they're as high As life, unsatisfied as death, and hard To pay up as to obviate the tomb! [Exeunt CARLO and SIMONETTO drag ging FILIPPO. Sounds of expostu lations, laughter, and footsteps die away down stairway which leads to MARCANTONIO'S anteroom door.] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO I like not that Filippo, nor his wit [Slowly blowing out candles.] *Tis much too bitter for my taste. Besides, I was a fool to wager with him so. He's naught but a poor bastard with his boasts Of woman's fame. [Going to bedroom door and listening] Maraglia! Sleepest thou ? He sleeps. So are the humble recompensed. Sleep in his stronghold unassailable But mocks at me. There broods the fortunate And gentle rest of young insouciance; While every passion in the universe Seems to have chosen my veins for battle-ground. Love, anger, longing, fear; and now that last, The worst of all Suspicion! Some one knocks! [Sound of light knocking. He goes to the door and opens it] Who's there ? Zenobia! This is madness. Enter ZENOBIA. ZENOBIA Hush! Not so loud with my name! [82] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO Where is he, then ? Your husband Grifonetto ? ZENOBIA I left him Asleep. I poured into his drinking-cup A quieting draught which Carlo brought me once From a physician in Sienna. Nay! Be not alarmed. I shook him ere I went. Naught else but thunder could disturb him now. MARCANTONIO Pray then that storms will keep away! ZENOBIA And pray As well no other storms of human wrath May grow, and, gendered in suspicion, break Upon our heads. MARCANTONIO He still suspects ? ZENOBIA God knows! But ever since that night when he let fall Down at my feet the shivering globe, my soul Has trembled like the breaking crystal cup. [83] THE BAGLIONI Ah, Marcantonio! My whole life is like A dancer's on the frailest single cord Stretched taut across the grave! MARCANTONIO Thou'rt overwrought! Come, sit here where the gentle blowing air Will smooth thy brow with its invisible And cooling touch. Look forth. The city sleeps Within the night so silently; as though The stars, all wearied with the watching o'er Men's immemorial destinies, had poured Their heavenly sleeping-draught upon the earth, To quiet human deeds and rest awhile! ZENOBIA Tell me more, more, Antonio, for thy voice Falls soothing on the throbbing sounds that ring Forever in my tired brain alarms And infamies. For when I am away From thee, and Grifonetto looks so hard With those sad eyes of his, my heart grows still. They seem to mock and question me his eyes. Sometimes he gazes at me suddenly, And then looks swift away. I catch a gleam Sometimes of subtle anger fluttering Like summer lightning, in his scrutiny. [8 4 ] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO It is impossible that he should know! ZENOBIA Yet ever since that day, a week gone by, An indefinable suspicion grows Upon me. MARCANTONIO But you've lulled his jealousy, Nor have I seen you till to-night. What then Can he have seen ? ZENOBIA And yet - 'Tis like the mist Down on the plains. It comes all unperceived, And suddenly it wraps one shivering Within its icy arms. Nor can I drive Away the haunting thought that over us There hang invisible grim threatenings. To-night I've come to warn you. Flee, now, now, Antonio, for your sake and mine! I beg! Yes, promise that you'll go before the dawn. MARCANTONIO I promise. ZENOBIA God be praised! MARCANTONIO Then there are left [85] THE BAGLIONI But these so few sweet passing hours of love To pinnacle our happiness upon ? ZENOBIA Yes; let us drink them to the very last, These moments; let me feel once more the fire Of thy dear lips, before the insatiable Swift future overwhelms us both. The last! I am afraid to-night. Ah, Cruelty! Why is the world so fierce to lovers ? MARCANTONIO Nay, Why blame the world which toils thus endlessly ? ZENOBIA What then ? Is there a God ? MARCANTONIO Look forth and see! When once the sleeping city wakes, each roof Will hide what shame, what want, what infamies, What agonies of death, crimes, sickness, woes ZENOBIA Where is he, then, the God of all this sin And misery ? MARCANTONIO I know not. Yet indeed [86] THE BAGLIONI If ever he shines out beyond the veil, It must be in the beauty of a night Like this. ZENOBIA At least that love and beauty! Hark, The bells! [They stand silently a moment, then continue speaking, while distant bells chime the midnight hour] MARCANTONIO Another day is born. ZENOBIA So fast, Like moments down the everlasting night Flutter our little lives! no more than gleams Of feeling on the void of time! and called Zenobia, Marcantonio. MARCANTONIO Who can know How close the hour may be at hand when they Shall be but memories! [The noise is heard of a heavy stone which falls crashing in the court without, followed by a long-drawn and shrill whistle] [87] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA Ah, God! What's that? MARC ANTONIO Stones crashing in the night ? No wind could move Such masonry. The whistle afterwards! ZENOBIA What if it were a signal! MARCANTONIO It may be! Quick, quick, back to your room! [Going to door with torch] The way is clear! If Grifonetto should have gone, then fly To Atalanta's chamber. Quick! [They kiss.] ZENOBIA The last! [Exit ZENOBIA.] MARCANTONIO What can this be ? It seems some hidden plan Too intricate e'en for Grifone's touch. Yet he's so subtle. The Baglioni's blood Meanders not for nothing in his veins! [During this speech there is an increas ing noise of tramping without, and a growing sound of voices.] [88] THE BAGLIONI What if it were a deeply cunning plan To wreak a double vengeance, after all ? One more straw that Filippo's boast to-night; Filippo has let slip the door, whose key His hand before had turned so carefully! By Heaven, I see it now! It stretches out Clear as the moonlight there! To work, thou fool! Zenobia's warned. Now quick that I may scotch This budding flower of vengeance on the stalk, Before its poisonous petals fall upon The victims ! [More noise of tramping.} Hark! There's tramping. 'Tis too late. It is a signal. Ho! Awake, awake, [Going to door and pounding violently] Maraglia! Quick! There's treachery afoot To-night! Quick, arm yourself! What's that again ? Enter MARAGLIA. They're in the palace! Barricade the door The only chance! [They hastily improvise a barricade with heavy centre table, chairs, beds, etc. Many steps come rushing up the stairs, and those without assail the door violently] Ah, here they come! MARAGLIA A , , ,, My lord! [89] THE BAGLIONI The door will not hold long. Quick on the roofs While I stand off the rush ! MARCANTONIO Come with me too! MARAGLIA Nay, this will give you time! If possible, I'll follow you; if not, I die content! MARCANTONIO May God at last requite your bravery! [He embraces MARAGLIA hurriedly and escapes out of the open window to neighbouring roof. The door finally breaks down. GRIFONETTO, FILIPPO, and following bravi with swords and torches rush in, overwhelming and killing MARAGLIA, who at first had held them at bay with his pike.] FILIPPO The dog's dead, where's the master ? GRIFONETTO Search the room! [Bravi and FILIPPO search both rooms, ramming all suspected places with their swords.] [90] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Where is he ? 'Tis incredible he should Have fled! GRIFONETTO Suspicion must have crossed his mind; The door was barricaded! FILIPPO Prod the squire, And promise him compassion if he tells. [Bravi, with their pikes, prod MARAG- LIA who Joes not move.] Useless! His mongrel breath has flown. GRIFONETTO (who has looked out of window") Too late! FILIPPO Too late! [Goes to window .] GRIFONETTO See! From the ledge there it is but an ell - A leap that any man could take. He's gone Upon the neighbouring house-tops. Quick, scour wide The city, block the gates, search garrets, roofs, Bins, chimneys, everywhere! A thousand crowns To him who brings me Marcantonio's head! Enter a SOLDIER in haste. THE BAGLIONI SOLDIER My lord! GRIFONETTO Here's news of him already! FILIPPO Good! SOLDIER My lord, your mother Atalanta's fled. GRIFONETTO Fled ? SOLDIER And Zenobia. GRIFONETTO There, thou liest! FILIPPO Ah! GRIFONETTO (to Bravi) Kill this foul liar! SOLDIER By the Sacred Blood, I speak the truth : The house is full of men Thy followers. There's not a room in all The palace where they could be hid. And more, A peasant from the western gate reports Them riding out a moment since, their steeds Fast foaming, like the wind, into the dark! [92] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Kill him! FILIPPO (to soldier) Flee for your life! [Exit soldier.] GRIFONETTO So they are gone! Gone, laughing in this desolate black night! Zenobia and her Marcantonio gone! The wife and paramour! In vain, in vain The slaughter of the others. All in vain The treachery, the careful plots, the days Of treasured misery! Cursed be the night That hides them in its gloomy veil! Cursed stars That light their path! Cursed fathers that begot, Mothers that bore them! Cursed the breasts that nursed Their infancy, and cursed be great God Upon His highest throne for making them! Now is that fate unbearable fulfilled Which from its earliest hours has brooded o'er Our luckless race. Now have its greedy claws Snatched from my burning hands their vengeance! Now Triumphant bare licentiousness has won, To flaunt in crimson robes of victory! Then laugh, high God ; laugh, men and devils all ; Laugh, Grifonetto, for the curse has fallen! CURTAIN. (93) THE BAGLIONI ACT IV A ACT IV ROOM in ATALANTA'S castle at Landona, upon the evening of the next day. There are chairs, tables, a lectern, and in the corner a shrine, containing a triptych of the descent from the cross, before which burn two candles. In the rear a large window opens upon a balcony over whose parapet can be seen the distant hills in the moon light. As the curtain rises, ATALANTA is kneel ing in front of the shrine. ZENOBIA stands by the window gazing across the countryside upon the road which leads to Perugia. ZENOBIA Sleep on the mountain tops, sleep, nothing else! Sleep in the wind that sweeps the empty path, And sleep upon the cold and pallid moon. ATALANTA (praying] Kind Mary, mother of our Lord, have pity! ZENOBIA So quietly extend the gentle fields; [97] THE BAGLIONI The star-strewn heaven stoops to meet the hills. But there, beyond them, lies the city, blood Upon its stones, death in the fearful air, And terror trembling on her sable wings, Blown even here upon this very breeze Which carries all the sweets of summer's bloom Across the drowsy pastures! What will't bring The morning, what to-night ? Who knows ? Enter MARCANTONIO armed. ZENOBIA (turning to meet him) The news ? MARCANTONIO Nothing! No one has come since yesterday. The town is held by the conspirators. ZENOBIA Does Grifonetto know of our escape ? MARCANTONIO He must. But hardly can he guess so soon That I have sought the selfsame sheltering walls Which guard you. ZENOBIA Where is Simonetto gone ? [98] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO He rides the country like a hawk for aid, Until to-morrow. ZENOBIA Have the bravi come ? MARCANTONIO More than I'd hoped. ZENOBIA We can hold out then ? MARCANTONIO Yes; In case of need. Yet we are short of men At best; nor may we spare an idle hand, From guarding the defences. Can you watch, Here from the window, where the road descends Across the valley from Perugia ? If There's sight of armed advancement, summon us. ZENOBIA I will keep watch. MARCANTONIO Then I'll away. [Exit MARCANTONIO.] ATALANTA (praying) Jesu! [99] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA (shading her eyes with her hands and again gazing out eagerly") Ah, yes! Now in the moonlight, now in shade, I see him galloping. ATALANTA (rising from her knees and going to the window) What can it be ? What other horrors drift upon the clouds Of this black night ? Guido, Lavinia, Astorre on his wedding night, all, slain, And Grifonetto is their murderer! ZENOBIA I must again have been deceived, such is The wrought and strained attention of the soul That every wind-blown cypress in the shade, Each light cast by the false and fickle moon, Grows on the view a score of men at arms On blackest chargers, or the glittering spears Of mailed cavalcades. ATALANTA (gazing out) My eyes are dull, I can see nothing but the bending trees, The pale fields, and those soft familiar hills That once, in happier times, were so much loved. [100] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA See! There, the brightness glances on his steel; There, darkness from the foliage hides his flight. ATALANTA Pray heaven it be a vision only that. Or shall the unnatural son of this sad heart, Imagining exploits more hideous still, Lead here his traitor's crew to crown misdeeds By dabbling with their sullied hands in crimes Unspeakable ZENOBIA I know not yet too far Across the distant hills it rides so fast Whether it be a nameless terror, bred From all this poured out blood, or living friend Sent on to warn us of some fresh assault. ATALANTA If ever growing larger on the view, No hoof-beats yet attain the listening ear, Then it is but a rider of the night. ZENOBIA No sound! ATALANTA Did ever woman wish before [101] THE BAGLIONI To greet a spirit, even out of hell, Rather than her own son ? ZENOBIA Hark; do you hear ? ATALANTA (listening) 'Tis but the waterfall in the ravine. ZENOBIA The rhythm is too irregular now fast, Now slow again. A ATALANTA When evil deeds of death Pollute the earth, then ride these fiends abroad; The gentle hosts of heaven relax their watch, And angels, shrinking from the sight of blood, Withdraw betimes their kindly vigilance, Leaving the spirits from the deep nay, all The form and horrid manner of damned things To run their unmolested way. ZENOBIA To-night Should bristle with such awful bands; to-night, If ever, should they ride at liberty; For never has a fouler treachery Cried out to patient Heaven. It sounds again! [Pointing] The ring of stones upon the Roman bridge! [102] THE BAGLIONI ATALANTA Alas, it is no spirit! ZENOBIA See! he comes. ATALANTA Yes, there along the bank. ZENOBIA He rides like mist Before the west wind. [Hoof-beats grow nearer.] ATALANTA I will pray again. God shall be weary with a woman's tears. [ATALANTA returns to kneel before the shrine. Sound of furious riding grows rapidly nearer and ceases, followed by a hail to the castle, answer ing shouts, etc., as ZENOBIA speaks] ZENOBIA His steed is thundering now up to the gate, All foam-flecked. Now he stumbles. How his breath Roars through his nostrils! He is ridden hard; [103] THE BAGLIONI They must have been sore pressed. He has leapt down. The door has opened. He has entered. Ah! Reenter MARCANTONIO. MARCANTONIO Another day I should have been his match ! ZENOBIA Who is't ? MARCANTONIO (grimly) A friendly spear fled from the town To warn us. . ATALANTA It has come! MARCANTONIO The castle's strong. We can hold out till help arrives. My men, With Simonetto, rouse the countryside, To-morrow I could storm the city's gates. The messenger reports the town enraged By Grifonetto's treachery. Each hour He is deserted by a hundred men Who'd join our followers ZENOBIA (who has returned to the window) Come to the window, The road lies in the moonlight to the hills. [104] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO (following ZENOBIA) What's that ? [ATALANTA returns also to the window.] ZENOBIA The trees bend in the rising wind And toss their branches so, one scarce may tell Where shadows end and moving men begin. MARCANTONIO Those are no shadows! ATALANTA No! There gleams a spear. MARCANTONIO And there a helmet flashes in the light. ZENOBIA Hoof-beats can scarce be heard before the bridge. MARCANTONIO Yet 'tis a troop upon the furthest hill. Now that we're warned in time, the moments hang. I must at once attend the armament. [Exit MARCANTONIO.] ZENOBIA So little while ago, when he drew near [105] THE BAGLIONI My cheeks burned with the thought. Then through my veins My heart-beats danced in tune, as if to run Upon the clatter of his charger's hoofs. And now gray fear has clutched me by the throat While every deadened pulse weeps out "He comes!" ATALANTA Has ever woman been so cursed by fate! To bar her child's homecoming with grim walls; To welcome him with armed and level steel; To dread his face as though it were the plague This is the last, and bitterest event That crushes me. ZENOBIA Now I can see him! ATALANTA Where ? ZENOBIA (pointing) There! On the blackest charger far in front Of all the rest; his head bowed low in thought As though the sight of death sat heavily Upon him. ATALANTA No! It cannot be. Nature Could not bear such a dream and mockery [106] THE BAGLIONI That he should murder in cold blood his wife And mother! Earth would yawn and swallow up Such infamy. ZENOBIA If Marcantonio fails, Then is at last our hour drawn close at hand. [During this time the sound of numerous approaching horses has grown con tinually louder, until the troop is beard to stop without the gate.] ATALANTA (taking ZENOBIA by the hand and leading her to the shrine) Here by the blessed crucifix we kneel! And if the castle fall, he shall confront Together both his mother and his God. [Hails and trumpets heard without, then GRIFONETTO'S voice. ZENOBIA and ATALANTA listen, afraid to ap proach the windowJ] GRIFONETTO (without) Hold! Throw not from the walls. I come in peace! Answering voice from the castle A traitor's ruse! GRIFONETTO I swear by all the saints! [107] THE BAGLIONI A voice from the castle What would you have of us ? We are in force. GRIFONETTO I would speak with my mother. Bear to her The message that I crave an audience. A voice from the castle The lady Atalanta's last commands Were to confer with no one from without. GRIFONETTO Carry my summons. You have naught to fear. A voice from the castle There's no great harm in parley. Another voice from GRIFONETTO'S troop There may be A time when it will stand you in good stead. [Shouts, etc.] ZENOBIA (to ATALANTA) Nay! Listen not. It is some treachery [More shouts, etc.] Knocking Enter MAN-AT-ARMS. ATALANTA (to him) I hear the lord Grifone's voice. Return And say that we would know what elements fioSl THE BAGLIONI Of warlike plans have now occasioned him To seek his mother's castle in the night With following men-at-arms. MAN-AT-ARMS. I go my lady. [Exit MAN-AT-ARMS.] ZENOBIA Alas! What can be gained by useless words? Unless he means to storm the battlements, Let him begone! GRIFONETTO (without) Tell Atalanta first Her son stands by her walls, as once he stood Beside her knee, to beg forgiveness, and To crave at least the sacred privilege Of saying what the direful purpose was Which drove him on to deeds so desperate; That she may know the pitiless urgency Lashing a soul to fury for its wrongs, And pardon him. ATALANTA Must I then hear him ? ZENOBIA No! [109] fHE BAGLIONI ATALANTA I must attend. He is my son. ZENOBIA No! No! He will invent some tale of fancied wrongs To pour into your over willing ear. He is no more a son. The sacred ties Of motherhood no longer bind you now. He will lie softly, as he slid his knife Into old Guide's throat, glide from the truth To true resounding falsehood, as he slipped Astorre from his sleep into the sleep Of death. Ah, hear him not! ATALANTA He is my son! (To MAN-AT-ARMS, who has reentered.) Go tell the lord Grifone I will hear. But he must speak from where he stands without. I will attend him from the balcony. [Exit MAN-AT-ARMS.] ZENOBIA (to herself) It is too late! ATALANTA (from the balcony) Is this my son this man Who rides with bloody arms upon the night, [no] THE BAGLIONI Craving across embattlemented walls A truce, as if two warring legions Had met upon the field ? GRIFONETTO Not even your son, A lonely suppliant, a penitent, In desperation driven to blood, for which He would atone. Nor wish for power, nor gain, Nor love of strife, but treachery at home, Gave me a swift avenging arm. Hear then ZENOBIA (crying'] No! No! Let him not speak. GRIFONETTO (who has heard her cry) Zenobia! ZENOBIA (burying her face in her hands) Ah! GRIFONETTO Let her take heed, that she at last may know What engines of inexorable war She has let loose, how she has drawn aside The bloody curtains of that horrid time, And what it was that drove me headlong on To satisfy a righteous vengeance. [in] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA Hear him no more! He is turned mad with blood, Seeking to justify himself. Leave him To breathe his maledictions in the dark, Alone with his own guilty thoughts. GRIFONETTO Hear then What lust and faithlessness in those we love May spur men on to do. Zenobia is \Loud murmur ings from the castle walls.] ZENOBIA (almost whispering) Ah God! Let him not speak. Lies, lies, all lies! No one can tell what horrors he will forge To vindicate his own unrighteousness. GRIFONETTO When you have learnt what hides within your walls [More angry murmunngs.] ATALANTA (sternly) This is not matter for the public ear. Return alone in honest light of day, So only shall you justify yourself. [112] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO Who knows what each new hour will now bring forth ? To-morrow I may be besieged. I beg That you, my mother, you at least will hear. ATALANTA There was a time, alas, when every word Of sorrow would have found an answering tear; But that was when I still possessed a son. Now, he is dead, my son. ZENOBIA (clutching ATALANTA'S dress) He needs your help, Not your forgiveness. He is playing spy To see how you will stand with him in war. The ground is slippery in Perugia. ATALANTA No- I'll hear no longer. ZENOBIA No! GRIFONETTO Then, if I go, Without a word, you will forgive ? ATALANTA Never! [nil THE BAGLIONI The blood of your own family cries out, In shame! Guido, Astorre, all are dead And not that only, you have slain my son. All that I love is gone. My son is dead. You bear his name unworthily no more. Go while the dark compassionately hides Your infamy! Begone before God's day Reveals to men's astounded eyes the sight Of horrors hideous and unspeakable. Not even a mother's curse shall follow you; For you no longer are my son. My ban, Alone as any stranger's, shall pursue This murderer, unfolding its dread wings Above his head. There shall it hover on That he may not forget he had mother once, Who, when no more a mother, sent him forth Beneath the fearful burden of her curse! GRIFONETTO (bitterly) Some day, when you know all, you will repent. (To his men loudly.') Ho there! To-night Death rides upon the wind! To horse! Fiends walk. The murderer's abroad. Follow his helm. Away, I say! Hell yawns. God's gone to some more serviceable world! My mother's buried; but my wife shall live In peace, her widowhood unsullied o'er ["4.1 THE BAGLIONI By any breath of slander. I'm a corpse Myself. A spirit riding at your head. Away ! Away ! \As GRIFONETTO'S voice dies away in the distance with the retreating clatter of horses' hoofs, ATALANTA reenters, holding her hands over her ears, from the balcony, and comes feebly towards ZENOBIA, who has remained in hor ror-stricken silence.] ATALANTA You spoke the truth. God help him, he is mad! Aid me, Zenobia, to my chamber, Ah! (tottering) I cannot stand. [ZENOBIA helps ATALANTA to her cham ber. As she reaches the door, MARC- ANTONIO enters] (To MARCANTONIO in a broken voice.) If you have aught to say, Speak to Zenobia; I have gone to mourn My son who has now died! [Exit ATALANTA.] MARCANTONIO (to ZENOBIA who stands in bitter ab sorption by the window) We're safe, he's gone! THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA Alas! What have I done! MARCANTONIO To-morrow night I shall have gathered force enough to storm The town. Death has him by the ear, he's mad! ZENOBIA Alas! MARCANTONIO Why should you weep ? Within a week You will be safe again. Mine, mine at last! [He attempts to take ZENOBIA in his arms, but she repels him.] ZENOBIA It is not he who is the murderer; 'Tis you and I, Antonio, you and I Who, cherishing our guilty loves, have now Compelled a delicate and noble soul To inexorable ruin. MARCANTONIO 'Twas those three, Filippo, Carlo, and Jeronimo, Who lured him with abominable schemes To plot a swift destruction to the state. rri6] THE BAGLIONI 'Twas lust of power, glittering renown, All to be gathered in a single night. Those were the baits that over tempted him. ZENOBIA I know he was ambitious, but no heart Beat truer than did his, no one of all The nobles of Perugia held more high The poised shaft of honour, nor kept watch Upon each breath which might deflect its course. You heard him. He is mad but mad with wrath That starved him with a pent-up jealousy Until it burst all bounds, and glutted him With passion, made him then drunk with revenge. He never would have listened else to plots Of slaughter not unless his even mind Had been o'erset by brooding on his wrong. MARCANTONIO Is this Zenobia ? ZENOBIA I know not. Despair Has held me in its grip too long. MARCANTONIO (holding out bis arms) Come then Where terror shall be kept away forever. ["71 THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA If Grifonetto had once told his tale, I should have been cast out upon the night, Beneath that curse of Atalanta's which Now rests upon his undeserving head Where it will weigh like iron. MARCANTONIO (grimly) He merits it. ZENOBIA 'Tis you and I. 'Tis we who merit it. For when he heard me cry out he refrained Refused to give the truth to all those ears To make my name a by-word in the town, To hear men say, "So that was why my lord Grifone sought revenge." Rather than that, He rode out in the night, his soul bent down To breaking under his own mother's curse, Sped away half a madman, seeking death Sleep, anything to bring forgetfulness; As I would now! MARCANTONIO (gently) Why not sleep ? But the sleep Of love, not that of death. Have you forgot Already all the weeks gone by ? The days [118] " THE BAGLIONI When we sat gazing at the hills, content To let the quiet hours instilled with joy Pass, like the purple shadows from the clouds, In silence ? All the nights so beautiful The very stars of heaven in wonder bent Their gentle eyes to earth ? The game is ours, Life calls you, high estate, and love! ZENOBIA Alas! Not life, or love, or sovereignty can aid Me now, nor for one hour can I forget. MARCANTONIO What then would you, since he has gone forever ? ZENOBIA (half to herself) What would I do ? (Hurriedly aloud.} I would that you should go, Antonio, for my love for you is dead. Seek not to breathe in it again a life That will not come. I know not what grim Heaven Has yet in store for me, the convent walls Perhaps, a lifelong penitence. But this, At least, I know can never be this love Nurtured in madness, and baptized with the blood. Go then, before my heart breaks in my breast. THE BAGLIONI MARC ANTON 10 To-morrow when I am Perugia's lord You may think differently. ZENOBIA (weariedly) To-morrow then Shall solve its own embarrassments. To-night Leave me to fling my misery alone Before the kindly court of Heaven, since there, Perchance, some saint, who when upon this earth Sinned wretchedly as I have done, may hear And pity me. MARCANTONIO I cannot understand. ZENOBIA Who understands ? I only know the change, Know only that I feel and see, now, now, When 'tis too late! MARCANTONIO Fear has unnerved your heart. Infectious terror, and the hideous sight Of so much blood has maddened all of us. [120] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA Yes, leave me now. It is too much. MARCANTONIO (kissing her hand gently) I go! [Exit MARCANTONIO.] [ZENOBIA goes to the window and leans weanedly against the curtain. After a moment of silence during which is heard the challenge and answer of the watch tramping without, she starts suddenly.] ZENOBIA He can be saved. It shall not be too late! [She crosses the room rapidly, opens the door quietly, and whispers MONA! MONA! In a moment her maid enters] MAID My lady calls ? ZENOBIA (extracting purse from her girdle, and speak ing hurriedly in a low voice) Take thou this purse. Go now As quickly as thou mayest to Cassio. To-night he is the captain of the watch. THE BAGLIONI Say that I send this gold, that there'll be more And still more, if to-morrow by the dawn He shall have two swift horses saddled well For thee and me, and five good men-at-arms To attend us. Not a word of this abroad. The lord Antonio will have gone to array His followers. Be thou prepared when first The earliest dawn shines on the eastern hills. I shall be here at hand, awaiting thee. [Exit MAID.] [For a moment ZENOBIA stands in thought, then goes slowly to the shrine, before which she kneels in silent prayer.] CURTAIN. [122] THE BAGLIONI ACT V T ACT V HE piazza as in Act I. // is late afternoon of the next day. As the act proceeds, the sun sets, colouring the sky behind the housetops. The ris ing curtain reveals small groups of citizens dis cussing with horror and eagerness the events of the preceding night. FIRST CITIZEN This is a sad ending for the wedding feasts. SECOND CITIZEN A bloody one indeed! FIRST CITIZEN Aye, was ever a city so drenched in gore! THIRD CITIZEN Mark ye, we'll pay for this. First nobles' blood, (would there were more of it!) then the innocent townsfolks'. THE BAGLIONI FOURTH CITIZEN But this is the most horrible! Never in all my years of witnessing these feuds have I torn down, as just now, the festive banners to wipe up the streets. THIRD CITIZEN 'Tis the greatest pity, say I, that any of the brood are left to greet the sunlight. FIRST CITIZEN 'Twas a foul deed, but I would that Grifonetto had won his stroke. We should then, at least, have had but a single tyrant to reckon with. THIRD CITIZEN One or many 'tis the same. Blood and oppression ! SECOND CITIZEN I knew that fiery comet which shone last month was not for nothing. FIRST CITIZEN And the rainbow ring about the moon a week ago! FOURTH CITIZEN And the light before the Virgin at the corner of my house. It went out upon the calmest night I ever remember. [126] THE BAGLIONI THIRD CITIZEN Why did you not interpret these great auguries and make a timely visit out of danger ? SECOND CITIZEN Scoff not; here come the priests. THIRD CITIZEN Aye, here they come, to pray when all is over! [Enter procession with eucharist, pre ceded by acolyte ringing bell, priests murmuring prayers, etc., and exit by door of Duomo. Crowd of citi zens kneel and doff caps as procession passes.] FOURTH CITIZEN God knows this town has need of intercession for her sins! FIRST CITIZEN Amen, indeed! The stench of all this slaughter must appall the very saints themselves! THIRD CITIZEN The saints must be well used to it, forsooth. Paint them another gonfalon for blood money.' [127] THE BAGLIONI SECOND CITIZEN Out upon him for a heretic! [Citizens murmur angrily.] THIRD CITIZEN Here's another; ask him for his opinions! Enter PERUGINO, walking sadly, with his bead bowed in thought. FIRST CITIZEN Greetings, Master Vanucci. PERUGINO (starting from his reverie) This is horrible! Guido, Lavinia, all, slain in a night; and Astorre in the arms of his young bride! Such stupendous treachery! SECOND CITIZEN Old Guido, they say, died with the words, "Now my time is come," turning back his face that he might be spared the sight of his own massacre! FIRST CITIZEN And Astorre crying, "Unhappy Astorre, dying like a poltroon!" PERUGINO (half to himself) Where then are all the loving, gentle saints With whose serene embodiment my brain THE BAGLIONI Has striven so often ? Now forever more Their faces must be turned away in pain. The chattering priests new banners for the church, More altar-pieces, candles, sorrow, prayers! As if the magic hand of Art herself, Nay, though her brush were dipped in human tears, And painted in our hearts' blood, could wipe out The burning stain of such great infamy! Enter RAFFAELLO Ah, Raffaello! I feared in this night Of riot and treachery some harm had come To thee. RAFFAELLO Nay, master, all the students kept Close to their quarters when they heard the cries, The tramp of armed men, and caught the flare Of torches gleaming in the streets below. PERUGINO But men say Marcantonio made escape To some poor scholar's chamber ? RAFFAELLO It is true, To 'Sandros' from Orvietto, where he stayed Until the darkness just before the dawn, [129] THE BAGLIONI When, clad in a rough student's gown, he fled The city gates. PERUGINO And all the rest were slain ? RAFFAELLO No, some escaped, but few. PERUGINO Those are enough, With Marcantonio, to return and wreak Swift retribution on the murderers. The castles of the countryside are full Of armed retainers loyal to the death To Marcantonio. Simonetto too, Has he escaped as well ? RAFFAELLO He too is safe. PERUGINO Then is Grifone's cause most doubtful still. RAFFAELLO (excitedly) Perhaps. But from my chamber I can see The great Baglioni palaces. Last night, Being wakeful, I leaned on my casement sill To watch the moonlight far down on the plain. [130] THE BAGLIONI A ray broke from the passing clouds. It seemed A shaft from heaven, it was so beautiful. And as I looked, I pictured angels there, The Holy Mother, and a gathered host Of saints adoring so I gazed for long; When suddenly a crash split the still air, Tearing my reverie. Then muffled shouts Behind the palace walls, lights glinting out From palace windows! All the night I watched Until the dawn, when, thrown down on the streets, I saw the naked corpses of the slain. Ah ! They were like the gods of ancient Greece, Those poor stripped bodies, heroes of old time, Or murdered patriots of mighty Rome. Unsepultured they lay there on the stones While we stood gazing, silent, wondering, Upon such proud and splendid forms, naked, Cast forth upon the roadway, yet all clad In beauty and the majesty of death! FIRST CITIZEN (elbowing his way through the crowd who have been listening to RAFFAELLO) Here come the three conspirators! FOURTH CITIZEN Then let's be off. No good will arise if we're found talking here. THE BAGLIONI THIRD CITIZEN Aye, we'll be wanted soon enough for penance, but never for peace. SECOND CITIZEN Disperse, friends, till we see who be the next lords of the town. [Exeunt citizens slowly, in small groups, talking together excitedly^ RAFFAELLO Too much prudence. I would stay and scorn them. PERUGINO No! Too much youth! Know, Raffaello, that Art's province is to feel, observe, express, But not to act. [Exit PERUGINO and RAFFAELLO.] Enter GRIFONETTO and FILIPPO. FILIPPO The plan has failed. GRIFONETTO (with gray voice] I know! Did'st see, Filippo, how those here just now Fled from our slow approach ? 'Twas horror! FILIPPO Fah! A group of gossiping traders. THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO As you like! I say their speech was low and ominous, Their looks mute curses. FILIPPO Come! Pluck up thy heart; Has Grifonetto turned a coward ? GRIFONETTO Nay, Were it but yesterday I would have pricked That lie between your teeth. To-day am I Undone. I have enough of blood. FILIPPO Mark me. There'll be much more, and that your own and mine, If you do not arouse yourself at last To put the flying leagues between your foes And you. Think you they'll not return, the wolves, To suck their vengeance from us all ? GRIFONETTO May be! FILIPPO My soul ! Was ever such a man ? Awake, Grifone, wake! The hounds are on your track! THE BAGLIONI Soon will their baying ring loud in your ears. To horse, before it is too late! GRIFONETTO 'Tis over! The play is done. Is great God never tired Of seeing the self-same tragedy ? FILIPPO (taking hold of him) Hark thee, My Grifonetto. This last play's not done. The first stroke fails, 'tis true, or half succeeds At most. What then ? The stroke's half made, at least, Now for the rest of it. First, from the town; So that when the Baglioni come to find Revenge, their quarry's given them the slip. Next, gather from the countryside our men, All we can find; pose as the city's friends, Deliverers from the tyrants' toils; and then Back from the plains to storm the town again. The burghers will be friendly; gates will swing Back from their hinges, open wide to those Who'll guard the city's ancient freedom. Then The fugitives as conquerors shall return. There's the play's ending. Take it! It is thine! [i34] THE BAGLIONI GRIFONETTO What a smooth tongue! Thou should'st have been a judge, Filippo, or a barrister to plead For criminals, as thou art doing now. But this is not a case for words. Black deeds, And blacker retribution faces us. Ah, God! What vast atonement can wipe out That dark stain of my mother's parting curse ? You know how she did curse me, Filippo ? [Shaking his head sorrowfully] In vain I've sought her at Landona, now This very day again. Naught but dark curses, Great curses on my head and on her womb That bore me. Curses for my treason, then More for the massacre. Let death come now. I wait! FILIPPO Nay, but succeed yet, after all. She will remove her curse then for the crown Of victory, as many a mother's done Before. GRIFONETTO No victories can blot a curse Like this from off my brow. 'Tis registered [i35l THE BAGLIONI In heaven by Azrael. His wings alone Can brush aside the stain. FILIPPO You are stark mad, Grifone, irresponsible, and full Of rhapsodies of dying! See, the sun Deflects not his bright rays away from us; Food nourishes; wine flows forth for our thirst; Our shadows are not bloody. GRIFONETTO Such as thou, Filippo, see not shadows of the soul. How could'st thou ? On this very spot thou first Tempted my honour. Then I scorned thee, then I threw back thy insinuating words Into thy traitor's face. FILIPPO Say what you will, But did I turn Zenobia false ? Who cried So loud for vengeance then ? GRIFONETTO Now do I know Too late that vengeance is for God. FILIPPO Too late ? [136] THE BAGLIONI 'Tis not too late. I beg you chase away These lurid, night-born fancies, brooding thoughts Which haunt thy weary brain. Off to the plains! Feel once again thy steed rush under thee; Once more the bravi shouting close behind; The cool air of the marshes fanning thee! Then will swift action drive aside these mists Of melancholy. GRIFONETTO (solemnly) When the stars are cold, Filippo, and when night has changed each shape Familiar so that all the world is strange - When best-known faces show through leering masks, And oft-trod stones ring foreign echoes back To one's own unacquainted steps; when blood Drips from one's very thoughts to hang a veil Of gore before the straining vision, And God's own blessed sun drifts flaming red Behind the hills who then art thou to speak So light of brushing gruesome fancies by ? I say if thou coulds't feel the load of guilt That staggers on thy back, and see thyself As real a crime-drenched hunchback crouching there! FILIPPO The man is mad. Come, Grifonetto, see, [i37] THE BAGLIONI I do beseech you turn away these thoughts. Weigh out the matter thus : on one side death, Inevitable, and what then is gained ? Upon the other all that unknown chance Which makes life rich in possibilities. The chance to win yet in this game of war, The chance to still remorse with noble acts, To buy redemption for the past with love Of this your suffering city, and the chance To so heap up good deeds that they shall shame At last the very niched saints themselves. Throw this great opportunity away, Then you are lost, and after damned as well. Fly these foul fancies, live, and you have yet To cheat the Fates and save your soul. Nay, more : 'Twere flying in the face of Heaven itself To thus cast off your own redemption! GRIFONETTO No. I care not to live. I would not skulk From town to town in timid banishment, A cursed soul, a cuckold, murderer, Laughed at, despised, and pointed at in shame. I will not live. For there are times indeed When to breathe in the air and gaze upon The light is the most damned crime of all. THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Then die you must. Who is this running here ? Enter CARLO in baste. CARLO The watchman at the towers sees the flash Of weapons moving up the hill. They come! FILIPPO Where is Jeronimo ? CARLO He's here. Enter JERONIMO, hastily buckling on his sword. FILIPPO To horse! We're just in time. Soon 'twill be dark. We're safe. JERONIMO Off with us! FILIPPO And this mad fool here! CARLO What's that ? FILIPPO He would atone, stay, die, God knows what all! THE BAGLIONI JERONIMO Then let him stay. CARLO My life's not dice for fools To juggle with. FILIPPO Haste, Grifonetto! v^ARLO FILIPPO Come; steeds wait at the hill's foot. All is planned! Come! GRIFONETTO Cowards! Traitors! Go save precious skins For vultures to feed on another time. FILIPPO The man is raving! CARLO He'd but hinder us. GRIFONETTO Go, go! My blood, not yours! It would pollute The sacrifice! Christ pity him! JERONIMO Away! [140] THE BAGLIONI FlLIPPO Off with him, then, by force, for he is mad; I love him yet and would not leave him die. -r, , CARLO I hen haste. [CARLO, FILIPPO, and JERONIMO at tempt to seize GRIFONETTO and force him away with them, but GRIFO NETTO casts them off after a brief struggle, then lays his hand on his GRIFONETTO What, do you love me so, good cousins, That you would join me on that unknown road Which starts here at our feet, but whose dim end No man may ever see ? You would not, then ? Still is the journey easy. No thought given To gold or arms, for no one need have fear Of robbers by the way. And though in truth I never yet saw one who has returned, Men say the path lies smooth and gentlest dreams Beguile the traveller. FILIPPO Poor soul! CARLO Off, off! THE BAGLIONI While we delay to hear this madman prate The minutes rush along. JERONIMO We'll be too late. FILIPPO Farewell, Grifone! You have chosen your part. Whether 'tis best I know not after all! [Exeunt JERONIMO, CARLO, and FILIPPO, leaving GRIFONETTO alone, wrapped in thought] GRIFONETTO Gone to the night of hell which nurtured them! [Pause. Sound of retreating hurried steps. Trumpets in extreme distance. GRIFONETTO turns and stretches out his arms in supplication] Ah, my Zenobia! Was there ever time Indeed when thy soft arms enfolded me ? When I awaked to thy caress, when love Lit all my nights and days ? Or was it then A passing fantasy, an empty wraith Of my poor doting brain ? Zenobia! Is there no smile for me, thy lover here ? No greetings for such care ineffable ? THE BAGLIONI No touch of thy dear hand, no look, no word ? Zenobia! It is I who call thee, I, Thy lover, Grifonetto! [Trumpets sound in distance. GRIFO NETTO lets his outstretched arms fall helplessly to his side and bows his head. Trumpets sound again a little nearer. More trumpets, nearer] 'Tis the Baglioni! Marcantonio! All! There sound the brazen throats of Death! They come! [Passing hand over his brow as if to wipe out a stain.] Ah, God! If I could tear this mother's curse Once from my brow. It presses there like iron! Then would I die as fits my chivalry, Fall fighting to the last, defying still My conquerors! Nay, by the Mass, I'll fight For fighting's sake, since all my honour's gone! [Draws sword] Fight for the lust of blood, fight for a sport, Fight for a moment's life till life is done! [More trumpets, much nearer. He con ceals himself behind a column of the loggia as MARCANTONIO in full armour enters attended by bravi] [H3] THE BAGLIONI MARCANTONIO They have fled! (Calling.) Filippo! Guido! Carlo! Art thou here Grifonetto ? GRIFONETTO (stepping from behind column) I am here, Come to atone at last For all thy sins and mine! MARCANTONIO (gazing at him and shaking his head) Go with God's peace; I will not slay thee, nor yet plunge my hand In mine own blood, as thou hast done in thine. GRIFONETTO Long since I should have gone, but that I waited here To see at last if you were still a man. Ah, yes! I know I am a traitor; but You are the thief who tore my living heart From out my breast. A murderer am I, But an adulterer art thou; my hands Are soaked in blood, yours in dishonour stained; Heaven knows alone who is the guiltier. Then, if you are a man, I say, stand forth And bid your hirelings keep their claws away. But, if you are a coward, as I think, ["44] THE BAGLIONI Then reap the flaming harvest of the spark That you have sown. I have only one sword. I am alone. MARCANTONIO , No man has ever lived To call me coward for a second time! GRIFONETTO Then bid your braves despatch me, and my corpse Shall shout it from its stiff and clenched teeth, And my dead lips shall break through nature's laws To babble it upon the midnight winds! For if they kill me, all the time which runs Cannot wipe out your craven's name; no more Than aught but great oblivion can blot Away my crimes. My honour you have soiled, And started down its fated path that ball Of treachery and blood which still rolls on. Balked of a greater vengeance, it is left To catch you on the threshold of your wish. Had I fled, you'd have stood upon the right. Now choose. The cap of cowardice, or fight! MARCANTONIO I would not lose the pleasant praise of time, Nor the sweet joy of speeding on her way Your misspent soul for twenty tyrannies, [i45l ' Nor leave to hirelings that most pleasing task Of carving your hot heart out from its casque To bring a present to Zenobia, who, Even now fast following with joy upon The skirts of our returning victories, Waits safe within her mother's palace walls! GRIFONETTO Your lips have spoken that name for the last time! [They fight. GRIFONETTO, beside him self with rage and despair, beats down MARCANTONIO'S guard, and pierces him through the neck between the corslet and helmet. During the lulls in the fighting, the chant of priests is heard from the Cathedral. As MARC- ANTONIO jails, bells ring furiously in distant towers. More trumpets are heard, and SiMONETTO rushes in with the main troop of bravi. As SIMO- NETTO and troop halt a moment in astonishment, ZENOBIA enters, cloaked and hooded as in Act I. from door of Palazzo Publico upon the raised stair way landing, from which she gazes down and perceives GRIFONETTO, alone, surrounded by armed men.] [146] THE BAGLIONI ZENOBIA (with a cry) Grifonetto ! [GRIFONETTO looks up and sees ZENO BIA over the heads of his surrounding enemies.] GRIFONETTO Too late! Vengeance is done. There is naught left but death! (Looking at bis sword.) And 'tis dishonoured now, even my sword, Stained with the blood of my own race, and treachery. Go! No more lives shall fall beneath thy strokes. Enough have died! [Flings his sword into the fountain] SIMON ETTO (to bravi) There stands the traitor! Kill! [Bravi surround GRIFONETTO and hew him down. The deed is done, how ever, in such a way as to conceal GRIFONETTO from the audience while he is being killed, although ZENOBIA from the elevation of the stairway can see him over the heads of the bravi who encircle him. While SlMO- NETTO'S followers are thus over- THE BAGLIONI whelming their victim, ZENOBIA rushes down the steps of the Palazzo Communale, reaching the square as the bravi draw aside, revealing the dead body of GRIFONETTO.] ZENOBIA Ah, Grifonetto! [She sinks on her knees by him, as in the great silence following the clash of weapons, the tinkle of the bell at the elevation of the Host within the Cathedral is heard J] SIMONETTO (solemnly to bravi] Spoil not his body. All your work is done! [Distant chant of priests. During latter part of scene, growing moonlight has partly -flooded and lighted the stage. The moon, however, is hidden behind the mass of the Cathedral] CURTAIN. [148] UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 000 569 479 9