University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

—The Catacombs under the Western Suburb of Palermo.—Aretina alone.
Aretina.
He loves my singing, but he loves not me.
How should he? knowing me so vilely link'd
With this Spadone. To have fallen was sad,
But for the love of such a knave as this
To fall, was falling doubly;—not as Eve
Lured by the fruit, but by the Serpent's self.
Yet is the Serpent not so very wise,
To think that, having fallen, I am his
For ever, and must evermore misdeem
His venom to be nectar. No, could I pierce
The plot that now he hatches—sure I am
There's perfidy design'd—the last were this
That I should see of these detested caves,
Or of this wretch and his barbarities.

Enter Spadone.
Spadone.

According to thy wont—blear-eyed, I see.
What has sprung the leak now?

Aretina.

Were I to tell you I should find no pity; so
I may keep my counsel.

Spadone.

Pity! As great a pity to see a woman weep
as to see a goose go barefoot. 'Tis their nature. But,
hark you, my girl; if gold can make you merry, you
shall not maunder long. When I come back from
Rhodes ....

Aretina.

Yes. Shall you bring much gold with you?

Spadone.

Treasure upon treasure! heap upon heap!
Here, in this very cave, you shall see it; and what
is more, you shall have it in your keeping. For when
I shall have seen it safe with you, it will be needful I
should make away for Calabria and whistle off a month
or two till I shall see how things be taken.

Aretina.

But whence will this treasure come?

Spadone.

When the Maddelena shall be seen in the
offing, hie thee hither. Wait not till she comes into port,
for that may chance to be a tedious time; and if they
should tell you that we have gone to the bottom, heed
not that; for you shall find me here notwithstanding.

Aretina.

But tell me, whence is the treasure?

Spadone.

For the gold, it comes out of the bowels of
the earth. The diamonds were digged up in the further
Ind. Touching the pearls, thou shalt ask of an oyster;
and in respect of the jewels, a toad could tell thee
somewhat. Hark! I hear the Mate bellowing for me through
the caverns like a calf that has lost its dam. Fare you
well!

Aretina.
Here then we meet when you return. Farewell.
[Exit Spadone.
And for the gold you boast of, whence it comes
You know not better than I know myself.
It is Silisco's gold. Whither it goes,
You know not better—nor so well. In trust
For him I'll take it. Falsehood to the false
Is woman's truth, and fair fidelity.