University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Filippa, Sancia Terlizzi, Del Balzo.
Sancia Terlizzi.
Gentle and gracious and compassionate,
Companion and not queen to those about her,
Giovanna delegates her fullest powers
To stern Del Balzo; and already force
Enters the palace gates.

Filippa.
Let them be closed
Against all force. Send for the seneschal.

Sancio Terlizzi.
Acciajoli has departed for Aversa,
There to make inquest.

Filippa.
Who dares strike the door?

Del Balzo
(entering).
The laws.

Filippa.
Count Ugo! is the queen extinct?

Del Balzo.
The prince is. Therefore lead with due respect
These ladies, and the rest, away.

[To an Officer.
Filippa.
What means
This violence?

Del Balzo
(to the Officer).
Let none, I pray, be used. [To Filippa.

Behold the queen's commission! In that chamber
Where close examinations must ensue,
In clear untroubled order let your words
Leave us no future violence to be fear'd.

Filippa
(returning the paper).
The queen hath acted as she always acts,
Discreetly; bravely; it becomes her race
And station: what becomes a faithful subject
Let us do now.

[The Queen enters.
Sancia Terlizzi.
Turn: lo, the queen herself!

Del Balzo.
Lady! there is one chamber in the realm,
And only one, and that but for one day,
You may not enter.

Giovanna.
Which is that, Del Balzo?

Del Balzo.
Where the judge sits against the criminal.

Giovanna.
Criminal! none are here.

Del Balzo.
If all my wishes
Avail'd me, there were none.

Giovanna.
Sure, sure, the palace
Is sacred.

Del Balzo.
Sacred deeds make every place
Sacred, unholy ones make all unholy.

Giovanna.
But these are our best friends.

Filippa.
My royal mistress!
The name of friendship and the name of justice
Should stand apart. Permit me to retire . . [To Del Balzo.

Whither, sir, you must dictate.

Del Balzo.
Lead them on. [The Queen throws her arms round Filippa who gently removes them and goes.

Lady! would you protect the culpable?

Giovanna.
Ugo del Balzo! would you wrong the queen?

Del Balzo.
I recognise the lofty race of Robert,
And my arm strengthens and my heart dilates.

Giovanna.
Perform your duty, sir, and all your duty;
Win praise, win glory . . mine can be but tears.

[Goes.