Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE REGENT; A DRAMA IN ONE ACT, by ARTHUR THOMAS QUILLER-COUCH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Way there! Give room! The regent comes from mass Last Line: Touching his shoulder gently. Alternate Author Name(s): Q; Quiller-couch, A. T. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers | ||||||||
SCENE.A terraced courtyard before the Ducal Palace. Porch and entrance of Chapel, R. A semicircular balcony, L., with balustrade and marble seats, and an opening whence a flight of steps leads down to the city. The city lies out of sight below the terrace; from which, between cypresses and statuary, is seen a straight stretch of a canal; beyond the canal are sand-hills and the line of the open sea. Mountains, L., dip down to the sea and form a curve of the coast. As the curtain rises, a crowd of town and country folk is being herded to the back of the terrace by the Ducal Guard, under Cesario. Within the Chapel, to the sound of an organ, boys' voices are chanting the service of the Mass. Cesario, Gamba the Fool, Guards, Populace. Cesario. Way there! Give room! The Regent comes from Mass. Guards, butt them on the toesway there! give room! Prick me that laggard's legimportunate fools! Guards. Room for the Regent! Room! [The sacring bell rings within the Chapel. Cesario. Hark there, the bell! [A pause. Men of the crowd take off their caps. Could ye not leave, this day of all the year, Your silly suits, petitions, quarrels, pleas? Could ye not leave, this once in seven years, Our Lady to come holy-quiet from Mass, Lean on the wall, and loose her cage-bird heart, To lift and breast and dance upon the breeze Draws home her lord the Duke? Crowd. Long live the Duke! Cesario. The devil, then! Why darken his approach? Gamba (from the bench where he has been mending his viol). Because, Captain, 'tis a property knaves and fools have in commonto stand in their own light, as 'tis of soldiers to talk bad logic. That knave, nowhe with the red nose and the black eyethe Duke's colours, loyal man!you clap an iron on his leg, and ask him why he is not down in the city, hanging them out of window! But there!you are a soldier! Cesario. And you a Fool, and on your own showing stand in your own light. Gamba. Nay, neither in my own light, nor as a Fool. So should myself stand between the sun and my shadow; whereas I am not myselfthese seven years have I been but the shadow of a Fool. Yet, to keep my hand in, must I practise this nonsense for which I draw my pay, and so purge my sick soul with surfeit even in Confessional. Pah! (To his viol) But come, old limmerfrayed loyaltywe must tune up for the Duke! (Strikes his viol and sings.) 'Bird of the South, my Rondinello' FlatFlat! Cesario (calling up to watchman on the Chapel roof). Ho, there! What news? A Voice. Captain, no sail! Cesario. Where sits The wind? Voice. Nor' west, and north a point! Cesario. Perchance They have down'd sail and creep around the flats. Gamba (tuning his viol). Flats, flats! the straight horizon, and the life These seven years laid by rule! The curst canal Drawn level through the drawn-out level sand And thistle-tufts that stink as soon as pluck'd! Give me the hot crag and the dancing heat, Give me the Abruzzi, and the cushioned thyme Brooks at my feet, high glittering snows above. What were thy music, viol, without a ridge? [Noise of commotion in the city below. Cesario. Watchman, what news? A Voice. Sir, on the sea no sail! One of the Crowd. But through the town below a horseman spurs I think, Count Lucio! YesCount Lucio! He nears, draws rein, dismounts! Cesario. Sure, he brings news. Gamba. I think he brings word the Duke is sick; his loyal folk have drunk so much of his health. [A murmur has been growing in the town below. It breaks into cheers as Count Lucio comes springing up to the terrace. Enter Lucio. Lucio. News! Where's the Regent? Eh? is Mass not said? Cesario, news! I rode across the dunes; A pilotNestoreyou know the man Came panting. Sixteen sail beyond the point! That's not a galley lost! Crowd. Long live the Duke! Lucio. Hark to the tocsin! I have carried fire Wildfire! Why, where's my sister? I've a mind [He strides towards the door of the Chapel; but pauses at the sound of chanting within, and comes back to Cesario. Man, are you mute? I say the town's aflame Below! But here, up here, you stand and stare Like prisoners loosed to daylight. Rub your eyes, Believe! Cesario (musing). It has been long. Lucio. As tapestry Pricked out by women's needles; point-device As saints in fitted haloes. Yet they stab, Those needles. Oh, the devil take their tongues! Cesario. Why, what's the matter? Lucio. P'st! another lie Against the Countess Fulvia; and the train Laid to my sister's ear. Cesario, My sister is a saintand yet she married: Therefore should understand...Would saints, like cobblers, Stick but to business in this naughty world! Ah, well! the Duke comes home. Cesario. And what of that? Lucio. Release! Cesario. Release? Lucio (mocking a chant within the Chapel). From priests and petticoats Deliver us, Good Lord! Gamba (strikes a chord on viol). AMEN! Cesario. Count Lucio, These seven years agone, when the Duke sailed, You were a childa pretty, forward boy; And I a young lieutenant of the Guard, Burning to serve abroad. But that day, rather, I clenched my nails over an inward wound: For that a something manlier than my years Look, bearing, what-notby the Duke not miss'd, Condemned me to promotion: I must bide At home, command the Guard! 'Tis an old hurt, But scalded on my memory...Wellthey sailed! And from the terrace here, sick with self-pity, Wrapped in my wrong, forgetful of devoir, I watch'd them through a mistturned with a sob Uptore my rooted sight There, there she stood; Her hand press'd to her girdle, where the babe Stirred in her body while she gazedshe gazed But slowly back controlled her eyes, met mine; Sowith how wan, how small, how brave a smile! Reached me her hands to kiss... O royal hands! What burdens since they have borne let Adria tell. But hear me swear by them, Count Lucio Who slights our Regent throws his glove to me. Lucio. Why, soothly, she's my sister! Cesario.'But the Court Is dull? No masques, few banquetingsand prayers Be long, and youth for pastime leaps the gate?' Yet if the money husbanded on feasts Have fed our soldiery against the Turk, Year after year, and still the State not starved; Was't not well done? And if, responsible To God, and lonely, she has leaned on God Too heavily for our patience, was't not wise? And well, though weary? Lucio. I tell you, she's my sister! Cesario. Well, an you will, bridle on that. Lord Lucio, You named the Countess Fulvia. To my sorrow, Two hours ago I called on her and laid her Under arrest. Lucio. The devil! For what? Cesario. For that A lady, whose lord keeps summer in the hills To nurse a gouty foot, should penalize His dutiful return by shutting doors And hanging out a ladder made of rope, Or prove its safety by rehearsing it Upon a heavier man. Lucio. I'll go to her. Oh, this is infamous! Cesario. Nay, be advised: No hardship irks the lady, save to sit At home and feed her sparrows; nor no worse Annoy than from her balcony to spy (Should the eye rove) a Switzer of the Guard At post between her raspberry-canes, to watch And fright the thrushes from forbidden fruit. Lucio. Infamous! infamous! Cesario. Enough, my lord: The Regent! [Doors of the Chapel open. The organ sounds, with voices of choir chanting the recessional. The Court enters from Mass, attending the Regent Ottilia and her son Tonino. She wears a crown and heavy dalmatic. Her brother Lucio, controlling himself, kisses her hand and conducts her to the marble bench, which serves for her Chair of State. She bows, receiving the homage of the crowd; but, after seating herself, appears for a few moments unconscious of her surroundings. Then, as her rosary slips from her fingers and falls heavily at her feet, she speaks. Regent. So slips the chain linking this world with Heaven, And drops me back to earth: so slips the chain That hangs my spirit to the Redeemer's cross Above pollution in the pure swept air Whereunder frets this hive: so slips the chain (She starts up)God! the dear sound! Was that his anchor dropped? Speak to the watchman, one! Call to the watch! What news? Cesario. Aloft! What news? Voice above. No sail as yet! Regent. Ah, pardon, sirs! My ears are strung to-day, And play false airs invented by the wind. Methought a hawse-pipe rattled... Gamba (chants to his viol). Shepherds, see Lo! What a mariner love hath made me! Regent. What chants the Fool? Gamba. Madonna, 'tis a trifle Made by a silly poet on wives that stand All night at windows listening the surf Now he comes! Will be come? Alas! no, no! Lucio. Peace, Lively! Madam, there is newsbrave news! I'm from the watch-house. There the pilots tell Of sixteen sail to the southward! Sixteen sail, And nearing fast! Regent. Praise God! dear Lucio! [She has seated herself again. She takes Lucio's hand and speaks, petting it. What? Glowing with my happiness? That's like you. But for yourself the hour, too, holds release. Lucio (between sullenness and shame, with a glance at Cesario). 'Release?' Regent. You will forgive? I have great need To be forgiven. Sadly I have been slack In guardianship, and by so much betrayed My promise to our mother's passing soul. Myself in cares immersed, I left the child Among his toysand turn to find you man But yet so much a boy that boyhood can (Wistfully) Laugh in your honest eyes? Forgive me, Lucio! Tell me, whate'er have slackened, there has slipped No knot of love. To-morrow we'll make sport, Be playmates and invent new games, and old Wreath flowers for crowns [He drags his hand away. She gazes at him wistfully, and turns to the Captain of the Guard. Cesario, What are the suits? Cesario. They are but three to-day, Madonna. First, a scoundrel here in irons For having struck the Guard. Regent (eyeing the culprit). His name, I think, Is Donatello Crocco. Hey? you improve, Good man. The last time 'twas your wife you basted. At this rate, in another year or two You'll bang the Turk. Do you confess the assault? Prisoner. I do. Regent. Upon a promise we dismiss you. Your tavern, as it comes into our mind, Is the 'Three Cups.' So many, and no more, You'll drink to-dayhave we your word? Three cups, And each a Viva for the Duke's return. Prisoner. Your Highness, I'll not take it at the price Of my good manners. I'm a gallant man: And who in Adria calls 'Three cheers for the Duke!' But adds a fourth for the Duchess? Lady, nay; Grant me that fourth, or back I go to the cells! [The Regent laughs and nods to the Guard to release him. Regent. What next? An Old Woman (very rapidly). Your Highness will not know meZia Agnese, Giovannucci's wife that was; And feed a two-three cows, as a widow may, On the marshes where the grass is salt and sweet, As your Highness knowsand always true to pail Until this Nicolo Nicolo. Lies! lies, your Highness! Old Woman.having a quarrel, puts the evil eye On Serafina. She's my best of cows, In stall with calf but ten days weaned. Nicolo. Lies! lies! Old Woman. I would your Highness saw her! When that thief Hangs upon Lazarus' bosom, he'll be bidding A ducat for each drop of milk he's cost me, To cool his tongue. Regent. Ayay, the cow is sick, I think; and mind me, being country-bred, Of a cure for such: which is, to buy a comb And comb the sufferer's tail at feeding-time. If Zia Agnese do but this, she'll counter The Evil Eye, and maybe with her own Detect who thieves her Serafina's hay. Old Woman. God bless your Highness! Nicolo. God bless your Highness! Regent (taking up a fresh suit). Why, what's here? 'Costanza, Wife of Giuseppe Boni, citeth him And sueth to live separate, for neglect And divers beatings, as to wit' H'm, h'm 'Likewise to keep the child Geronimo, Begotten of his body.' You defend The suit, Giuseppe? A Young Peasant (shrugs his shoulders). As the woman will! I'll not deny I beat her. Regent. But neglect! How came you to neglect her? Look on her The handsome, frowsy slut, that, by appearance, Hath never washed her body since she wed. A beating we might pass. But how neglect To take her by the neck unto the pump And hold her till her wet and furious face Were once again worth kissing? Wellwellwell! Neglect is proven. She shall have deserts: (To a Clerk) Butwrite, 'Defendant keeps his lawful child.' Young Peasant. My lady Wife. Nay, my lady Regent. Eh? What's this? Wife. The poor bambino! Nay, 'twas not the suit! How should Giuseppe, being a fool, a man Young Peasant. Aye, aye: that's sense. I love him: still, you see Regent. An if my judgment suit you not, go home, The pair! (As they are going she calls the woman back.) Costanza! hath your husband erred With other woman? Young Peasant. Never! Wife. I'll not charge him With that. Regent. But, yes, you may. This man hath held Another woman to his breast. Wife. Her name! That I may tear her eyes! Regent. Her name's Costanza. The same Costanza that, with body washed, With ribbon in her hair, light in her eyes, Arrayed a cottage to allure his heart. Go home, poor fools, and find her!... Heigh! No others? [Heaves a sigh. Captain, dismiss the Guard. The watch, aloft Set him elsewhere. We would not be o'erlooked. You only, Lucioyou, Lucettastay; You for a while, Cesario. [Exeunt Courtiers, Guard, Crowd, etc. Heigh! that's over The last Court of the Regent; and the books, Accounts of stewardship, my seven years all, Closed here for audit. Nay, there's one thing more Brother, erewhile I spoke you sisterly. You turned away, and still you bite your lip: Signs that may short my preface. It concerns The Countess Fulvia. Lucio. Ha! Regent. Go, bring her, Captain. [Exit Cesario. List to me, Lucio: listen, brother dear, First playmatechild, tending whose innocence Myself learned motherhood. Shall I deny Youth to be loved and follow after love? There is a love breaks like a morning beam On the husht novice kneeling by his arms; And worse there is, whose kisses strangle love, Whose feet take hold of hell. My Lucio, Follow not that! Lucio. Why, whowho hath maligned The Countess? Regent. Not maligned. Lucetta, here Lucio. Lucetta! Curse Lucetta and her tongue! Am I a child, to be nagged by waiting-maids? Regent. No, but a man, and shall weigh evidence. Lucio. But I'll not hear it! If her viper tongue Can kill, why kill it must. But send me a man, And I will smite his mouthay, slit his tongue That dares defame the Countess! Regent. Stay: she comes. [Enter the Countess Fulvia, Cesario attending. Madam, the reason wherefore you are summoned No doubt you guess, from a rude earlier call Our Captain paid you. Certain practices, Which you may force me name, are charged upon you On testimony you may force me call And may with freedom question. Fulvia. I'll not question: No, nor I will not answer. Lucio. Then I'll answer! For me, for all, she is innocent! Regent. For you? We'll hope it: but 'for all''s more wide an oath Than you can swear, sir. I'll not bandy you Words nor debate. Myself the ladder saw; Lucetta, here, the ladder and the man. What man she will not say. Cesario Has tracked his footprint on her garden plots. Must we say more? Fulvia. No need. Her fingering mind Is a close cupboard turning all things rancid. Lucio. Yea, for such wry-necks all the world's a lawn To peek and peer and pounce a sinful worm; The fatter, the more luscious. Regent. Lucio, This woman nought gainsays. Fulvia (fiercely). As why should I? I'll question not, nor answer. 'Neath your brow My sentence hunches, crawls, like cat to spring. Pah! there's no prude will match your virtuous wife! You'd banish me? Regent. I do. Cesario, See to it the City gate shuts not to-night, And she this side. Fulvia (laughs recklessly). To-night? To-night's your own. Most modest woman! Duchess, there's a well By the road, some seven miles beyond the town. There, 'neath the stars, I'll dip a hand and drink To the good Duke's disport. But have a care! That cup's not yet to lip. Regent. Captain, remove her. Lucio, remain. [Exit the Countess Fulvia, Cesario following. Lucio. I'll not remainWhen ice Sits judge of fire, what justice shall be done? Sister, there be your booksperuse them. There The sea-linebide you so with back to it. While the cold inward heat of cruelty Warms what was once your heart, now crusted o'er With duty and slimed with poisonous drip of tongues. God help the Duke, if what he left he'd find! [Exit Lucio. Regent. Is't so, I wonder? Go, Lucetta, fetch My glass, if haply I may tell. [Exit Lucetta. Is't so? And have these years enforced, encrusted me To something monstrous, neither woman nor man? My lord, my lord! too heavy was the load You laid! Yet I'll not blame you: for myself Ruled the straight path, the long account correct As in these books, my ledgers... [While she turns the pages, Gamba the Fool creeps in and hoists himself on the balustrade. He tries his viol, and sings. SONG: Gamba. Bird of the South, my Rondinello Regent. Hey? That Song! Gamba. Hie to me, fly to me, steel-blue mate! Under my breast-knot flutters thy fellow; Here can I rest not, and thou so late. Home, to me, home! 'Love, love, I come!' Dear one, I wait! Quanno nacesti tu, nacqui pur io: La lundananza tua, 'l desiderio mio! You know the song, madonna? Regent. Ay, fool. Sit Here at my feet, sing on. Gamba (sings). Tell of my love, my Rondinello, Under whose wing my heart hath lain, What land delays him, dear nest-fellow? Daulian woodland, Libyan plain. 'Wait, my love, wait!' Ah, desolate! Ah, love, the pain! Addio, addio! ed un' altra volt' addio! La lundananza tua, 'l desiderio mio! (Pause). A foolish rustic thing the shepherd wives In our Abruzzi croon, by winter fires, Of their husbands in the plains. Regent. Gamba! Gamba. Madonna? Regent. I'd make thee my confessor. Mindest thou, By Villalago, where from Sanno's lake The stream, our Tasso, hurls it down the glen? One noon, with Lucioever in those days With Lucioon a rock within the spray, I wove a ferny garland, while the boy Roamed, but returned in triumph, having trapped A bee in a bell-flowerheld it to my ear, Laughing, dissembling that he feared to loose The hairy theif. So laughed weand were still, As deep in Vallescura wound a horn, And up the pathway 'neath the dappling bough Came ridingflecked with sunshine, man and horse, My lord, my lover; and that song, that song Upon his lips.... Voice of Watchman. Sail ho! a sail! a sail! [Murmur of populace below. It grows and swells to a roar as enter hurriedly courtiers, guards, and others: Cesario; Lucetta with mirror. Lucetta. My lady! O my lady! Cesario. See, they near! Galley on galleylook, there, by the point! Regent. O, could my heart keep tally with the surge That here comes crowding! Lucetta. Joy, my lady! Joy! All. Joy! Joy, my lady! [They press flowers on her. A pause, while they watch. On the canal the galleys come into sight. They near: and as the oars rise and fall, the rowers' chorus is borne from the distance. It is the Rondinello song. Chorus in distance. La lundananza tua, 'l desiderio mio! Regent. Thanks, my good, good friends! And deem it not discourteous if alone I'd tune my heart to bliss. My glass, Lucetta! [Takes mirror. Some thoughts there aresome thoughts Courtiers. God save you, madam! [They go out, leaving the Regent alone. Regent (she loosens the clasp of her robe). Some thoughtssome thoughts Fall from me, envious robe! Rest there, my crownthou more than leaden ache! Ah! God! What a mountain drops! I floatI am lifted Like thistledown on nothing. Back, my crown Weight me to earth! Nay, nay, thy rim shall bite No more upon this forehead...Where's my glass? O mirror, mirror, hath it bit so deep? My love is coming, hark! O, say not grey, Sweet mirror! Tell, what time to cure it now? And he so near, so near! How shall I meet him? Why how but as the river leaps to sea, Steel to its magnet, child to mother's arms? [She catches up flowers from the baskets left by the courtiers, and decks herself wildly. Flowers for my hair, flowers at the breast! Sweet flowers, He'll crush you 'gainst his corslet. He has arms Like bands of iron for clasping, has my love. He'll hurt, he'll hurt...But oh, sweet flowers, to lie And feel you helpless while he grips and bruises Your weak protesting breasts! You'll die in bliss, Panting your fragrance out. Wh'st! Hush, poor fool! I have unlearned love's very alphabet. Men like us coy, demure...Then I'll coquet And play Madam Disdainbut not to-day. To-morrow I'll be shrewish, shy, perverse, Exacting, coldall April in my moods: We'll walk the forest, and I'll slip from him, Hide me like Dryad' mid the oaks, and mark His hot dark face pursuing; or I'll couch In covert green, and hold my breath to hear His blundering foot go by; then up I'll leap, And runand he'll run after. O this lightness! I'll draw him like a fairy, dance and double Yet not so fast but he shall overtake At length, and catch me panting. O, I charge you, I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, Wake not my love beneath the forest bough Where we lie dreaming! [Fanfare of trumpets in the distance. Trumpets, hark! and drums! They have landed! From the quay they march! Flowers! flowers! They are near...I see him!...Carlo! lord and love! He lookswavesO 'tis he! O foolish heart! I had feared he'd ta'en a wound. What is't they shout? Eh? 'Victory!'yes, yes. He's browner, thinner; And the dear eyes, how gaunt!...Yes, 'Victory!' 'Victory!'...lord, and love!... [The shouts of acclamation are heard now close under the terrace. Spears and banners are seen trooping past. Beside herself, she throws flowers to them, laughing, weeping the while. Then, running to the Chapel door, she throws herself before the image of the Virgin that crowns its archway. O Mary, Mother! Thou, in whose breast all women's thoughts have moved, All woman's passions heaved. Lo! I adore! Sweet Mother, hold my hands, rejoice with me: My bridegroom cometh! [During this invocation the Countess Fulvia has crept in, a stiletto in her hand. She leans over the Regent, drags her backward by the hair, and stabs her twice in the breast. Fulvia. Then with that!and that! Go meet him! Regent (turns, looks up, and falls on her face). Oh! I am slain! Fulvia. And I am worse! But there's my red flower, on your wifely breast. Wife, meet your lord and show it! [She passes down the steps as Lucetta runs in. Lucetta. Madam! Madam! The Duke is at the gateMadam! Christ! she is murdered! Murder! Murder! Regent. Fie, Lucetta! peace! What word to greet the Duke For his home-coming! Lift me...Quick, my robe My Crown! Call no one. O, but hasten! Lucetta (helpless, wringing her hands). Madam! Regent. I need your strength, and must I steady you? Lucetta, years ago you disarrayed me Upon my bridal night. I would you'd whisper The rogueries your tongue invented then. I have few moments, girl...I'd have them wanton. Make jest this mantle hides the maid I was. I'll have no priest, no doctorFetch Tonino! I must present his son [Lucetta runs out. All's acted quick: Bride-bed, conception, birthand death! But he Shall sum it in one moment death not takes... What noise of trumpets!...Is the wound not covered? [She wraps herself carefully in her mantle as the courtiers pour in. The child Tonino runs to her and stands by her side. Lucio, Cesario, all the Court, group themselves round her as the Duke enters. He rushes in eagerly; but she sets her teeth on her anguish, and receives him with a low reverence. Welcome my lord! Duke. Ottilia! Regent. Good my lord, Welcome! This day is bright restores you to Your loyal Duchy. Duke (impatient). Wife! Ottilia! Regent (she lifts a hand to keep him at distance). There must be forms, my lordsome forms! Cesario, Render the Duke his sceptre. As bar to socket, When the gate closes on a town secure, So locks this rod back to his manly clutch Cry all, 'Long live the Duke!' All. Long live the Duke! Duke. Wife, make an end with forms! Lucio (to Cesario). And so say I! A man would think my sister had no blood In her body. Cesario (watching the Regent). Peace, man: something there's amiss. Regent. Yet here is he that sceptre shall inherit. Lucetta, lead his first-born to the Duke. His first-born!Nay but look on him how straight Of limb, how set and shoulder-square, tho' slender! He'll sit a horse, in time, and toss a lance Even with his father. Duke. There's my blessing, boy! But stand aside. Look in my face, Ottilia Hearken me, all! One thing these seven years My life hath lacked, which wanting, all your cannon, Your banners, vivas, bells that rock the roofs, Throng'd windows, craning facesallallall Were phantasms, were noise. Lucio (exclaims). Why look, here's blood! Here, on the boy's hand! Regent. Ay! a scratch, no worse, Here, when I pinned my robe. Duke (continuing). Nay, friends, this moment My Duchy her dear hand restores to me To me's a dream. More buoyant would I tread Dumb street, deserted square, climb ruin'd wall, Where in a heap beneath a broken flag Lay Adria So that amid the ruins stood my love And stretched her hands so faintlystretched her hands So faintly. See! She's mine! She lifts them Regent (totters and falls into his arms with a tired, happy laugh, which ends in a cry as his arms enfold her). Ah! [She faints. Duke (after a moment, releasing her a little). What's here?...Ottilia! Lucetta. My mistress swoons! A Courtier. 'Tis happiness Duke. Fetch water! Lucio. Nay this blood Came of no scratch! Lucetta. Loosen her bodice Duke. Blood? Why blood? Where's blood? (Stares as the mantle is unclasped and falls open). Ah, my God! Lucetta. Murder! murder! The Countess Fulvia Cesario. Speak! Lucetta. Therewhile she knelt Stabbed her, and fled. Cesario. Which way? [Lucetta points to the stairs. He dashes off in pursuit. Duke. All-seeing God! Where were thine eyes, or else thy justice? Dead? O, never dead! Lucio. Ay, Duke, push God aside, As I push thee. I have the better right: I killed herI! O never pass, sweet soul, Till thou hast drunk a shudder of this wretch, Thy brother, playmate, murderer! Duke. Wine! bring wine Regent (as the wine is brought and revives her). Flower, he will crush theebut the bliss, the bliss! I swim in bliss. What...Lucio? Where's my lord? Dear, bring him: he was here awhile and held me. Say he must hold, or the light air will lift And bear me quite away. [Re-enter Cesario. In one hand he carries his sword, in the other a dagger. Lucio. Cesario! What! Is that devil escaped? To thinkto think I drank her kisses!What? Where is she? Cesario. Dead. I raised the cry: the people pointed after; Ran with me, ravening. Just this side the bridge She heard our howl and turneddrew back the dagger Red with our lady's blood, then drove it home Clean... Regent. God pardon her! I would what blood of mine clung to the blade Might mix with hers and sweeten it for mercy. Lucio. Will you forgive her? Then forgive not me! Regent. Dear Lucio!You'll not pluck away your hand This time? Hush! Where's Cesario?... Friend, farewell. Where lies the body? Cesario. Sooth, madonna, I flung it To the river's will, to roll it down to sea Or cast on muddy bar, for dogs to gnaw. Regent. The river? Ah! How strong the river rolls! Hold me, my lord Duke. Love, love, I hold you! Regent.Ay! The child, tooYou will hold the child?... This roar Deafens but will not drown us. [Within the Chapel the choir is chanting. Gamba goes and closes the door on the sound: then creeps to the foot of the couch. The dying woman gently motions aside the cross a priest is holding to her, and looks up at her husband. [Below the terrace a voice is heard singing the Rondinello song. Look! beyond Be waters where no galley moves with oar, So wide, so waveless,and, between the woods, MeadowsO land me there!... Hark, my lord's voice Singing in Vallescura! Soft, my love, I am so tiredso tired! Love, let me play! [Dies. [The Courtiers lift the body in silence and bear it to the Chapel, the Duke and his train following. The doors close on them. On the stage are left only Cesario, standing by the balustrade; and Gamba, who has seated himself with his viol and touches it, as still the voice sings below Addio, Addio! ed un'altra volt'addio! La lundananza tua, 'I desiderio mio! [On the last note a string of the viol cracks, and with a cry the Fool flings himself on the empty couch. Cesario steps forward and stands over him, touching his shoulder gently. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BOTHWELL: PART 4 by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN IN PHARAOH'S TOMB by HAYDEN CARRUTH JUSTICE LISTENS AT THE GATES OF BEAUTY by AIME CESAIRE FOR THE INVESTITURE by CECIL DAY LEWIS ELEGY ASKING THAT IT BE THE LAST; FOR INGRID ERHARDT, 1951-1971 by NORMAN DUBIE MY SISTER, THE QUEEN by EDWARD FIELD L,ENVOI: IN OUR TIME by ERNEST HEMINGWAY VASHTI by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SAGE COUNSEL by ARTHUR THOMAS QUILLER-COUCH |
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