University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Antonia and Carravagio.
ANTONIA.
My worthy friend, why falls this shower of sorrow?
What we, afflictions and mischances deem,
Are but the movements of that viewless chain,
On which, dependant from the throne of Heaven,
Hang all inferior and created things.
Nought from the vassalage of fate is free,
But Virtue: she alone exemption boasts,
And in her own allodian grandeur firm,
Denies the claims that Chance and Time pretend.
What! though this fabric crumble into dust,
And with the sentenc'd globe return again
Into the elements, and all to nothing;
That which is I, shall purified ascend,
And with the general vanishing of things,
Behold its dross and blemish pass away.
But come, 'tis fit we should proceed to trial.
Good signor, call the household to attend,
And such esteemed and venerated neighbours,
As by their testimony, may avouch
The high result of what shall come to pass.

CARRAVAGIO.
It is then meet the culprit should attend.

ANTONIA.
Undoubtedly. How! think you otherwise?

CARRAVAGIO.
No, gracious lady; but I feared, the sight
Might wake afresh the anguish of your mind.

ANTONIA.
Good, worthy, Carravagio, that is past;
The struggle done and vanquish'd Shame laid low.
Who is there fashioned in corporeal form,
That I may not with steady eye survey?
Yea not the taunt of my own true-lov'd lord
In giving credence to the menial's tale,
Would disconcert my all-collected mind.

CARRAVAGIO.
Is it your pleasure that the count should come?

ANTONIA.
No, spare me that—I could not bear his grief,
Nor part from him without a painful pang.—
I pray you, friend, be speedy in this task;
For idle time is like a giant's robe,
It loads, perplexes, and exhausts the strength.