University of Virginia Library

Scene II.

—A small Chamber looking to the Street.
Enter Claricha, hastily.
CLARICHA.
All egress is forbidden from the palace,
They will not let me forth, and he must die!
I must behold him murder'd in my sight!
Can I not watch, when first he comes, and speak
At once my words of warning in his ear?
Too late, the armed traitors will be nigh:
Can I not save him? I, who would lay down
My life to save him? Pitying heaven, look down
And aid me in this hopeless misery.
(After a pause.)
These windows look upon the street—a scroll
Might save him yet—it is a desperate chance!
Still, if it reach his hand, he were in safety.
(She approaches the table, and writes.)
Be still, thou coward hand! thou shalt not tremble.
(She writes.)
'Tis done—these few brief words suffice
To warn Castruccio of the coming danger.
(She folds the letter.)
Holy Madonna, have it in thy care!
(She attempts to throw it out, the wind blows it back again.)
'Tis too light—'twill never reach the street;
(She looks anxiously round.)
It should be heavy—heavy as my heart!
Oh, nothing!—nothing, if I had but here
One of those daggers soon to drink his blood!
(Suddenly recollecting, she puts her hand to her throat.)
'Tis here, the chain I have from childhood worn!
My only relic of the unknown past.
But let it go—it will weigh down the scroll—
(She makes up the packet.
Now heav'n speed it that it reach Castruccio!
(She flings it from the window.)
It falls—I see it lying in the street.
Now all depends on who may find it first.
Star of his glorious hour, send thou some friend!
Let but a noble pass, and he is lost!
A common citizen draws near the spot;
He sees the packet—takes it—reads the name,
And hurries to the Castrucani palace.
I know yon street leads straight unto its gates;
Oh God, I thank thee!

(Sinks exhausted by the window; the scene closes.)