University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

CONSUL'S HOUSE. Paolucci. Consul. Erminia.
Paolucci.
Consul! how fare you?

Consul.
Not amiss.

Paolucci.
But wounded?

Consul.
There was more blood than wound, they say who saw it.

Erminia.
My father, sir, slept well all night.

Paolucci.
All night
An angel watched him; he must needs sleep well.

Consul.
I drove away that little fly in vain,
It flutter'd round the fruit whose skin was broken.

Erminia.
Sweet father! talk not so; nor much at all.

Paolucci.
Consul! I have not many days of life,
As you may see; and old men are in want
Of many little things which those in power
Can give: and 'twere amiss to hold them back
Because unclaim'd before.

Consul.
I well remember,
Though then a child, how all this city praised
Your wisdowm, zeal, and probity, when consul.
Ancona then was flourishing; but never
Were those compensated who served their country,
Except by serving her; 'twas thought enough;
We think so still. Beside, the treasury
Is emptied, that it may procure us food
And troops. Be sure the very first that eats
The strangers' corn (if any reach our port)
Shall be no other than yourself: your age
And virtue merit from us this distinction.

Paolucci.
Sir Consul! I want more than that.

Consul.
Receive it
And welcome from the father and the man,
Not from the consul. Now would you yourself
Act differently (I ask) on this occasion?

Paolucci.
More kindly, no; but differently, yes.

Consul.
What would you from me?

Paolucci.
High distinction, consul!

Consul.
I will propose it, as I justly may,
And do regret it has been so deferred.

Paolucci.
May I speak plainly what ambition prompts?

Consul.
I hear all claims.

Paolucci.
Those sacks hold heavy sums.

Consul.
Avarice was never yet imputed to you.

Paolucci.
'Tis said you can not move them from the town.

Consul.
Difficult, dangerous, doubtful, such attempt.
The young Stamura loves bold enterprises,
And may succeed where others would despair:
But, such the lack of all that life requires
Even for a day, I dare not send one loaf
Aboard his bark. Hunger would urge the many
To rush and seize it.

Paolucci.
They would not seize me.
One loaf there is at home: that boy shall share it.

Erminia.
He would not, though he pined.

Consul.
A youth so abstinent
I never knew.

Paolucci.
But when we are afloat . .

Consul.
We shall not be:
We think not of escape.

Paolucci.
No: God forbid!
We will meet safety in the path of honour.

Consul.
Why say afloat then?

Paolucci.
Only he and I.
This is the guerdon I demand, the crown
Of my grey hairs.

Erminia.
Alas! what aid could either
Afford the other? O sir! do not go!
You are too old; he much too rash . . Dear father!
If you have power, if you have love, forbid it!

Paolucci.
It was advised that younger ones should go:
Some were too daring, some were too despondent:
I am between these two extremes.

Consul.

Paolucci.
But think
Again!

Paolucci.
I have no time for many thoughts,
And I have chosen out of them the best.

Erminia.
He never will return! he goes to die!
I knew he would!

Consul.
His days have been prolonged
Beyond the days of man: and there goes with him
One who sees every danger but his own.

SCENE V.

SEASIDE. NIGHT. Paolucci, Stamura.
Paolucci.
I feel the spray upon my face already.
Is the wind fair?

Stamura.
'Tis fiercely fair.

Paolucci.
The weather
Can not be foul then.

Stamura
(lifting him aboard).
Sit down here. Don't tremble.

Paolucci.
Then tell the breeze to wax a trifle warmer,
And lay thy hand upon those hissing waves.
She grates the gravel . . We are off at last.