University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

An Apartment in the Donato Palace.
Camilla and Laura.
Camilla.
Laura, hast thou seen Cosmo?

Laura.
Not to day.

Cam.
Sure he'll not cheat us of his early smiles,
His gay good-morrow, that best joy of home
When dear friends meet in morning cheerfulness.

Lau.
And such a cheerfulness! and such a smile!
None are like his.

Cam.
None! Hast thou never seen
The heaven of kindness that in Foscari's eyes
Shines under those dark brows? And I'm the sister
Of that dear Cosmo, the selected bride
Of that still dearer Foscari! Oh, cousin
I am the blessedest creature that e'er trod
This laughing earth! There is but only one
Can hope to be so happy;—thou, perchance
When Cosmo—
Enter Cosmo.
We were speaking of thee.

Cos.
Well,
I trust fair maids. My gentle lady Laura,
Say yes to that.

Cam.
Feed not man's vanity;
Let not thy blushes answer.

Cos.
Sister mine,
'Tis thou art clothed in blushes. Why the dawn
Opening her ardent eyes, and shaking wide
Her golden locks on the Adriatic wave,
The bright Aurora, she is sad and pale
And spiritless compared to thee. Hast thou
Been Psyche's errand? Or hath some fair vision
Lapt thee in loveliness?

Cam.
I think I dreamt
Of heaven; for I was in a place where care
And fear and sorrow came not, self-sustained
On wings such as the limner's cunning lends
To the Seraphim, and singing like a bird
From the deep gladness of a merry heart
The whole night long. And when the morning came
And I awakened in this work-day world,
The spell was on me still; and still is on
The buoyancy, the joy, the certain hope
Of happiness. Brother, are there no news
Of Foscari?

Cos.
None certain. Yet is there
A balmyness of hope; and stirring rumours
Come pattering round us, with a pleasant sound,
Like the large drops before a summer shower.
They talk of Foscari and victory—

Cam.
There hath then been a battle. Is he safe?

Cos.
As safe as I myself.

Cam.
Fy! what a fool
Am I to tremble so! And art thou sure?

Cos.
There is no certainty, but such a hope
As is her forerunner. Hath not my father
Heard of this victory?

Lau.
He hath been long
Gone to the palace, and wished you to follow.

Cos.
Gladly. I have a good man's gratitude
To pay to the good Doge. I must away
Or I shall miss the Senate.

Cam.
Thou wilt send
The tidings, Cosmo?

Cos.
Surely.

Cam.
Quickly?

Cos.
Yes.

Cam.
Good tidings, Cosmo.

Cos.
Yes. My pretty cousin
Hast thou no charge to give?

Lau.
Why bring this tale,
This happy tale thyself.

Cam.
Aye come thyself
Dear Cosmo, and farewell.
[Exit Cosmo.
Now Laura mine
Let us to the high balcony. I need
Fresh air and sun and sparkling sights and sounds
To help sustain this happiness, this hope,
Which weighs almost like fear. My dearest, come.

[Exeunt.