University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

NIGHT: THE MOLE OF ANCONA. Consul. Senator.
Senator.
Sir Consul, you have heard (no doubt) that fires
Have been seen northward all along the sky,
And angels with their flaming swords have sprung
From hill to hill. With your own eyes behold
No mortal power advancing. Host so numerous
No king or emperor or soldan led.

Consul.
A host, a mighty host, is there indeed?

Senator.
It covers the whole range of Falcognara.

Consul.
Methinks some fainter lights flit scatter'dly
Along the coast, more southward.

Senator.
The archbishop
Hath seen the sign, and leads away his troops.

Consul.
We are too weak to follow. Can then aid
Have come so soon? 'Tis but the second night
Since we besought it.

Senator.
In one hour, one moment,
Such aid can come, and has come. Think not, Consul,
That force so mighty and so sudden springs
From earth. And what Italian dares confront
The German?

Consul.
What Italian! All, sir; all.