Savonarola A Tragedy: By Alfred Austin |
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 | Savonarola |  |
SCENE VII.
[The sound of singing is heard, and a Procession, following the Statue of the Madonna dell' Impruneta enters (left), and passes round the stage. When it has done so, enter (right) Marcuccio Salviati; behind him, Compagnacci and Arrabbiati, laughing, and shrugging their shoulders scornfully.]SALVIATI.
Joyous news!
A messenger on horseback passed but now
Through Porta San Frediano, spurring on
Unto the Signory. His tidings are,
Ships from Marseilles, despatched by the French King,
Bearing relief for Leghorn, have been borne
Straight into port, despite the enemy,
By a Libeccio wind, which timely rose,
And Leghorn, crammed with victuals, is secure
Against all hazards.
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Who will argue now
Savonarola cannot prophesy?
SECOND PIAGNONE.
And who will say he does not help the State?
FIRST ARRABBIATO.
You have not got back Pisa.
FIRST PIAGNONE.
But we will.
SECOND ARRABBIATO.
From whom? From Charles or Maximilian?
The Pisans flung the statue of the King
Into the river when the Emperor came.
SALVIATI.
Whither his statue likewise will be thrown,
Save he go homewards. Frà Girolamo
Hath prophesied this would-be King of Rome
Will quick recross the Alps.
FIRST ARRABBIATO.
What if he do?
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Reset the foot of Florence, or compel
Its population, as of old, to kiss
The quarters of ‘Marzocco!’
SECOND ARRABBIATO.
That's the point.
We're for the League, if it will give us back
The fortresses and Pisa.
CROWD.
Down with the League!
And long live Savonarola!
[The Procession forms afresh, and exit (left), followed by the Compagnacci and Arrabbiati, scoffing. Enter (right) Candida and Letizia.]
LETIZIA.
Shall we unto the Convent?
CANDIDA.
No! 'twere wise
To seek a worldlier counsellor; one of late
I have too much avoided.
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Shall I guess
Your lay auxiliary?
CANDIDA.
You surmise his name.
LETIZIA.
He will grant more than ever you can ask;
For love, in giving, is a prodigal.
CANDIDA.
'Tis not for love that I would have him give,
Robbing his virtue, granting it reward.
He for unhiring mercy's sake must spare
Lorenzo Tornabuoni. It may be
That we have saved Bettuccio's soul this day.
A body is in peril; let us save
That also. Then,—well, we will weep and pray.
[Exeunt (left).]
| Savonarola | |