University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

An ante-room in the house of Aurora. Enter Garcio, beckoning the page, who presently enters by the opposite side.
Gar.
Come hither, little friend, who didst before
Serve me so willingly. Wilt thou from me
Bear to Sir Ermingard a friendly message;
And say his old companion—

Page.
Nay, I dare not.
The holy legate and the pope besides
Might not disturb him now; for dame Terentia
Hath so decreed. He is in her apartment,
And yonder is the door.

[Pointing off the stage.
Gar.
From which e'en now
I saw thee turn?

Page.
I listen'd not for harm.

Gar.
Do I accuse thee, boy? Is he alone?
Or is thy lady with him?

Page.
That I know not.
Do folks groan heaviest when they are alone?

Gar.
Full oft they do; for then without restraint
They utter what they feel.

Page.
Then, by my beard, I think he be alone!
For as I slipp'd on tiptoe to the door,
I heard him groan so deeply!

Gar.
Thou heardst him groan?

Page.
Ay; deeply.
I thought when he return'd, we should be merry:
So starting up at the good tidings, quickly,
All darkling as I was, I donn'd my clothes:
But, by my beard! I'd go to bed again,
Did I not long most curiously to know
What will betide.

Gar.
Speak softly, boy; thou, and thy beard to boot,
Will badly fare if Ulrick should o'erhear thee.
I know his angry voice: he is at hand.

Page.
Where shall I go?—He will not tarry here:
He will but pass to the adjoining hall.
In this dark nook I'll hide me from his sight,
Lest he should chide me.

[Retires behind the pillar.
Gar.
Is there room for me?
He'll greet me too with little courtesy,
If I remain to front him.

[Retires behind the pillar also.
Enter Ulrick and Bastiani, speaking as they anter.
Ul.
And still thou sayst, forbear!

Bast.
Pass on, my lord.

Ul.
No, by the holy rood! I'll keep in sight
Of that accursed door which gave him entrance.
An hour's sand well hath run, which undisturb'd
They have in converse or endearments spent.
And yet I must forbear!

Bast.
They have not told the truth who told you so;
It is not yet so long.

Ul.
It is! it is!
I have within these walls, who for my service
More faithfully have watch'd than Bastiani—
Ay, or Terentia either.

Bast.
Wrong us not.
Since Ermingard returns by holy vows
So bound, that as a rival to your love,
You may, with honest thoughts of her you love,
No more consider him; all jealousy
Within your noble breast should be extinct.
Then think not to disturb these few short moments
Of unavailing sorrow; that were cruel.

Ul.
Thou pitiest others well; I am tormented,
And no one pities me.—That cursed beacon!
I said in vain this night should be the last:
It was a night too much: the sea had now
Roll'd o'er his lifeless corse; I, been at peace.

Bast.
For mercy, good my lord! curb such fell thoughts:
They bear no kindred to your better nature.

Ul.
My better nature! Mock me not with words;
Who loves like me, no nature hath but one,
And that so keen—Would the engulfing waves
Had fifty fathom deep entombed him!

Bast.
Speak not so loud: pass on; we are within
The observation of a prying household.
Pass on, and presently I'll bring you notice
Of what you would. I pray you, stop not here!

[Exeunt Ul. and Bast., while Gar. and page come from their concealment.
Page.
He would have chid me shrewdly.

Gar.
He is, indeed, an angry, ruthless man,
And Bastiani no slight task will have
To keep his wrath from mischief. To the legate
I'll hie me straight, and ask his better counsel:
So far thee well, sweet child.

Page.
Nay, take me with you; I'm afraid to stay.
I can my prayers and Ave-Maria say,
The legate will not chide me.

Gar.
Nay, stay behind; thou art secure, poor elf!
I'll soon return again.

[Exeunt.