 | The Count Arezzi |  |
SCENE I.
Public Walk.Arezzi and Savelli.
SAVELLI.
We shall unriddle mysteries, and absolve
Whether in this young world, new fortune meet us,
Or we must take the old.
AREZZI.
But tell me how?
SAVELLI.
By asking something warmly, suing, urging,
Making one point the pivot of your will,
Still begging more, entreating.
AREZZI.
By mine honor
I would not for the crown.
SAVELLI.
The crown! the coxcomb!
It is not for the crown—well—let it be,
This honor seems engaged to do no good;
It will not serve its friends.
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What wouldst thou have?
SAVELLI.
That which I do not covet. I tell thee, Count,
I must be abbot—crowns with us are mitres,
And one stands void: yet, for myself, I care
No more than thou for thine. We love our brethren,
And would do kindly to the kind—they wish it,
For them I wish it too. The poor lack bread,
The naked shelter! we shall see, beside,
Whether we judge this guardian by our spleen,
What are our hopes hereafter. I shall be
A rule to take the measure of his thoughts;
If he refuse, look wisely toward thy fortunes,
If not, he loves thee still.
AREZZI.
I need not try him.
SAVELLI.
Well, well—then others will. I am not left
So naked by my friends, that such a prayer
Will be refused me twice.
AREZZI.
Have patience, father.
SAVELLI.
Patience!—well patience—if I lack such here,
It is because the first of twenty wishes—
Not blown by forced suggestion whence they came,
But prompt, though false, that sometime something good,
By some kind chance might rise to prove your love—
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And cite your honor for its halt—your honor!
AREZZI.
I would not ask it for myself.
SAVELLI.
Nor shall you
Do more for me: this were to profit both—
But let us now forget it; when I try
Your love again, the folly will be double,
Till then, adieu!
AREZZI.
Nay, prithee father—come—
I will do any thing you wish.
SAVELLI.
Then hear me.
[Exeunt.
| The Count Arezzi | |