University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

[An ante-chamber of the palace. Brunorio leaning sullenly on his sword by the door. Enter Sarpellione.]
SARPELLIONE.
What's this?—the brave Brunorio turned lackey?

BRUNORIO.
Nay, Count! I wait my turn.

SARPELLIONE.
If a civilian
May have a judgment of a soldier's duty,
You're out of place, sir! This is not the camp!
You're not on guard here! There's a difference
Twixt patience at your post, and kicking heels
In my Lord's antechamber!

BRUNORIO.
By the saints
My own thought, noble Count! As you came in
I brooded on't.

SARPELLIONE,
(aside.)
(This blockhead may be turn'd
To a shrewd use now! I have mark'd his brows
Blackening upon Rossano, who usurps
His confidence with Sforza. Could I seize
The lightning in this jealous thunder-cloud—
I'll see the depth on't.) Sforza knows you're here?

BRUNORIO.
I had a message by a varlet page,
Who bid me wait here.

SARPELLIONE.
By a page? Sacristie!
Fair treatment for a soldier! Say, Brunorio!
What was't I heard of the Pope's standard-bearer
Clove to the wrist?

BRUNORIO.
Heard you of that, my Lord?
You see the weapon, here!

SARPELLIONE.
Was't thine, i' faith?
I thought promotion had been won with service!
Was't thou, indeed? I heard the King Alfonso
Say 'twas the best blow and the bravest follow'd
He'd known in his time. How it came to his ears
I know not—but he made the court ring with it!

BRUNORIO.
The King?

SARPELLIONE.
How long since wast thou made lieutenant?

BRUNORIO.
Five years come March.

SARPELLIONE.
Jove! how this peasant's son
Treads merit in the dust! Sforza keeps back
His betters, brave Brunorio!
(Rossano passes out.)
Ay—there!
That man cuts off your sunshine, or I know
Nothing of courts. I, that have no part in it,
Have mark'd how you are slighted for Rossano.
Forgive my touching on't—'Tis my respect
For a brave soldier makes me speak so freely.
But were I of your counsel—

BRUNORIO.
Noble Count,
My heart speaks thro' your lips. Since this Rossano
Has had my Lord's ear, I've been thrust aside
Like a disgrac'd hound.

SARPELLIONE.
Frankly, brave Brunorio!
And between us,—I've heard you lightly mentioned
By this ungrateful Sforza!

BRUNORIO.
How, my Lord?

SARPELLIONE.
I would not tell you but to serve you in it—
He told Rossano, there, that you had strength,
And struck a sharp blow—and so did an axe!
But for your brains—and then he tossed his head—
You've seen the scorn upon his lip?

BRUNORIO.
Curse on him!
I've a sharp blow left yet—and brain enough
To find a time to strike it! Did you say
Alfonso had spoke well of me, my Lord?

SARPELLIONE.
So well, that, on my own authority—
If you'd take service with a better master—
You're Captain from this hour.

BRUNORIO.
My Lord! So promptly
I take your offer, that your commendations
Will find no swifter bearer than myself
To King Alfonso.

SARPELLIONE.
Stay—I'm not just now
On the best terms with Sforza, and you'll see
With half a glance, that while he's here in Milan
His best sword could not leave him for Alfonso,
But it would throw suspicion upon me,
And touch my credit here. I'll write your warrant,
Which you shall keep, and use it when you please.
But for the present shut your bosom up,
And bear your wrongs. Sforza awaits you now—
Go in. I'll see you as you pass again.
[Exit Brunurio.
He's a fit tool! This o'er-ambitious Sforza
Must not be Duke—and if I fret this cur
Till he will tear his master, why, 'twill save
A worthier hand the trouble on't.
[Exit Sarpellione.