 | Donna Diana |  |
SCENE I.
State Apartments in the Ducal Palace. An Inner Room open.Enter Perin, who looks around cautiously, sees Don Cæsar outside, dressed for the masque, and beckons to him.
Don C.
[Entering.]
Well, friend, what tidings have you?
Perin.
Rare ones, rare ones!
My system answers to perfection.
Don C.
Well?
21
Her little brain's already turned: she's bent
To make you mad with love. In fine, her mind
Is firmly set to drive you out of yours.
Don C.
What would she gain by that?
Perin.
Gain! the delight
Of bringing you distracted to her feet,
And thus requiting your disdain with hers.
Now is't not sport, 'tis on my help she builds?
But she must be at hand. Prepare yourself
To meet her blandishments, and for heaven's sake
Remember all are feigned; so spoil her witchcraft.
Be cold; if need be, rude.
Don C.
Will the scheme answer?
Perin.
Will fish take bait? 'Twill tame her. Quickly then
She'll bow before her conqueror, for love
That springs from vanquished pride has few gradations,
But goes crescendo. If at ten o'clock
She but pretends to love, and you respond not,
Eleven will see her love in earnest; twelve,
If you keep firm, beholds her almost crazed
With torment and with longing; and at one
She's on her knees: you've but to order bride-cake.
I do not jest: these are true tactics, prince.
Don C.
O 'tis a fierce ordeal. She all softness,
Can I be stern? [Perin makes a sigh of impatience.]
Don't fear, I'll not relapse.
Perin.
'Tis bravely said. [Then confidentially and emphatically.]
Now for reward, I'll tell you
A scheme of hers. 'Tis at this masque the custom
That every lady takes a knight by lot.
Each fair one has a ribbon of some colour
Which she conceals; each knight a colour names,
And she who has it to that knight belongs
For all the masque. He's free—nay, more, he's bound
To woo her favour by all flattering arts.
No less is looked for. On her side, the beauty
Must show like courtesy, and grant her knight
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She with her counsins has contrived it so
That you—whatever colour you may choose—
Fall to her share. Well, see you not in that
The chance she gives you? [Looking off.]
Hist, she comes!
Don C.
[Aside, disturbed.]
She comes!
Perin.
Sport round the light, prince; mind you fly not in it.
[Hurries into inner room.
Don C.
I tremble still. I cannot meet her yet.
[Follows Perin into inner room.
Enter at side Donna Diana, Donna Laura, Donna Fenisa, and Floretta, according to their rank, in rich ball dresses. Don Cæsar and Perin, in the saloon at back, are visible at intervals to audience.
Donna D.
[With pleasant liveliness to her cousins.]
So shall it be; let there be no mistake:
Choose whom you please, but leave to me Don Cæsar.
'Tis easily arranged: I've all the colours.
Donna F.
And so have I.
Donna L.
And I.
Flo.
I, too, have all.
Donna D.
[Complacently to herself.]
Presumptuous fool! thou shalt not now escape!
A thousand meshes will I weave around thee.
Donna F.
[Apart to Laura.]
I take Don Gaston's colour.
Donna L.
You are welcome.
We will divide the spoil, as sisters should.
I choose Don Luis.
Flo.
[Who has overheard them, merrily.]
I don't envy you.
My part's allotted. Perin, thou art caught,
At least for once.
Donna D.
[Who has seated herself, observing Perin.]
Perin!
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[Quickly and dutifully approaching her.]
What would your highness?
[They converse apart.
Donna D.
[Smiling.]
Have you yet seen the man?
Perin.
I have, and tried
To sound him.
Donna D.
Well; think you he can resist?
Perin.
Yes; as the oak the zephyr. If he fall,
He must be undermined.
Donna D.
He shall be so.
The victory ours, count on five thousand ducats.
Perin.
Five thousand ducats! I'll do more than man
With such a hope. He's tottering already.
Donna D.
Once prostrate, I will pay his scorn with scorn.
Don C.
[Who has overheard her, aside.]
Ah cruel one! Nay, then, I cast off fear
And turn to action.
[Advances some steps.
Perin.
[To Donna Diana.]
See, see, the foe! I'll fall upon his rear.
[He draws himself somewhat back, giving Don Cæsar a sign to come nearer.
Donna D.
[To her cousins.]
Be on your guard.—To the saloon, Floretta.
See that all's rightly ordered.
Flo.
Yes, your highness.
[She passes close by Perin, and makes him a pleasant courtesy, to which he replies by a surly grimace. She then goes into saloon at back.
Don C.
[Coming forward to Donna Diana with a grave bow.]
I am first, it seems,
In this night's duties.
Donna D.
[With slight raillery, but amiably.]
You are most exact;
Surprisingly for one who shrinks from love.
Don C.
Where the heart's free, we're stricter in respect.
Donna D.
[With increased amiability.]
Trust me, I don't mistake your courtesy;
But still you have my thanks.
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I don't deserve them.
I'm punctual by habit.
Donna D.
[Coaxingly.]
Must I think, then,
You'd no wish to oblige me?
Don C.
[Off his guard, and with involuntary feeling.]
Who could see you,
And not feel that?
Perin.
[Apart to Don Cæsar.]
A thousand times too warm.
[Apart to Diana.]
He's melting fast. [Apart again to Don Cæsar.]
Ice, ice, I say.
Donna D.
[Apart to Perin.]
What did you whisper to him?
Perin.
Only that graciousness like yours deserved
A fit return.
Donna D.
[Apart to him.]
Quite right. [Aloud, and very confidingly to Don Cæsar.]
I owe you, prince,
Some reparation for harsh words to-day.
At first I thought you rude; but now I see,
Like me, you're frank by nature. It is strange
How much our views and feelings are alike!
I've shunned men hitherto; but you, methinks,
Might almost reconcile me to your sex.
[Donna Fenisa signs to Donna Laura, who smiles and lays her finger on her lips.
Don C.
Princess, beware!
Donna D.
[Surprised.]
Beware!
Don C.
Of the first impulse
To look on me too kindly. Who can tell
Where it might lead you?
Donna D.
Where?
Don C.
I know not. Still,
Great ends have small beginnings: the rill spreads
Into the river, the neglected spark
Into a fire; and so your kindness
Might grow (mind, I say might)—might grow to love.
Donna D.
[Archly.]
What if it should?
Don C.
You would repent of it.
25
[In a bland tone.]
Are you quite sure of that?
Don C.
It must be so,
Since I should still remain indifferent.
Donna D.
[Mortified.]
You're candid, sir; most candid.
Don C.
Very like.
I never studied falsehood.
Perin.
[Laughing aside.]
Then you had
The gift from nature. Apart to Don Cæsar.]
Bravo, prince! that told.
Donna L.
[Apart to Fenisa.]
Heavens! what a man!
Donna F.
[Apart to Laura.]
Delicious! I could eat him.
Donna D.
[Apart to Perin.]
Perin, what can I do? The creature's iron.
Perin.
Get up the furnace to white heat, and melt him.
Donna D.
[Resuming her former pleasant manner.]
Don Cæsar, modesty is scarce your fault.
'Tis usual for men to feign some deference
When they contend with ladies.
Don C.
How, your highness?
Contend! Did I not utter your own doctrine,
That love is childish, wisdom's direst foe;
The source of man's injustice, woman's bondage,
Of flattery, folly, strife, deceit, revenge?
These were your very words. I could not mend them.
[Bows.
Perin.
[Aside.]
Excellent! He's a prodigy.
[Fenisa and Laura signify their astonishment by gestures to each other.
Donna D.
[Suppressing her vexation.]
As to love,
We may have gone too far, prince.
Don C.
I'm so cold
By nature that I never go too far.
Perhaps your highness may.
[Significantly.
Donna D.
I! [Aside.]
Insolent!
Though it cost life, I'll have thee at my feet.
[Music heard in saloon at back.
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[Who re-enters hastily.]
All is prepared, your highness, and the princes
Even now approach.
Donna D.
[Still heated, apart to her cousins.]
Look to the colours; mind
That you mistake not.
Donna L.
We'll take heed.
Donna F.
[Attempting to restrain her laughter.]
O, surely.
Donna D.
[Sharply.]
Why do you simper, child? It misbecomes you.
Perin.
[Apart to Don Cæsar.]
Prince, I congratulate you.
Don C.
[Apart to him.]
O my friend,
My tortures but commence.
Perin.
[Apart to him.]
Think of the prize;
Let that sustain you.
Enter Don Luis and Don Gaston in splendid ball dresses. They are led in by the Master of the Ceremonies. Several Court Servants and Musicians follow, whom the Master of the Ceremonies shows to their places.
Don L.
[Bowing profoundly to Donna Diana.]
Princess, 'twixt hope and fear I hither come
To take my part: may Fortune smile on me.
Don G.
[Bowing to Diana.]
No fear have I: she smiles on the stout heart.
Donna D.
[With pleasant composure.]
You know what duties and what privileges
This masque accords to you. The dame you win
Expects your court, and tenders you her favour,
Each of you has a lover's privilege
For this night only. Come, demand your colours!
Don L.
[Advancing to centre.]
Fortune is queen of this solemnity:
I therefore choose her favourite colour—green.
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[Who with some confusion selects and displays a green ribbon.]
Here, then, is green: I am with you, Don Luis.
Don L.
[Aside.]
'Sdeath, I have missed the prize! [Rising and approaching Donna Laura.]
I can't complain,
Gaining so fair a partner.
[He kneels to Donna Laura, who attaches the green ribbon to his dress. Flourish of trumpets. The Master of the Ceremonies conducts them to Donna Diana, who gives each of them a mask. They retire and sit.]
Don G.
[Advancing to centre.]
Fortune's self
Is slave to Love. I ask Love's colour—red.
Donna F.
[Nervously selecting and displaying a red ribbon.]
Prince, I have red; you fall then to my share.
Don G.
[Aside.]
Confusion, I have lost my aim!
[Aloud.]
Believe me most proud and happy.
[Approaching Donna Fenisa.]
Lady, Chance thus fulfils Love's dear behests:
She gives me you.
[He kneels to her: same business as before in the case of Luis and Laura.
Flo.
Now, Perin, 'tis your turn.
Perin.
Mine! Are you mad?
Flo.
[To Diana.]
May it please your highness, Perin
Won't draw his colour.
Donna D.
Perin, none are free
From this night's duties. You must e'en comply.
Perin.
I play the lover! The mere thought is wormwood.
Must I indeed? Is there no help for it?
[Donna Diana expresses dissent.
Well, since I hate love as I hate the fiend,
If I must choose at all, give me the colour
Of the fiend's livery—black.
Flo.
[Selecting and displaying a black ribbon with comical confusion.]
O, here is black.
28
Come, take your love-knot.
[He kneels with feigned disgust as she approaches him and fastens the black ribbon on his dress. Flourish of trumpets.
Perin.
[Aside.]
Captivating witch!
She little knows my heart: I still must hide it.
[Floretta gives him his hat. He speaks aloud gruffly.]
What next?
Flo.
I'm waiting for you.
Perin.
O, come on!
[They go to Donna Diana, who gives them their masks. They then place themselves near Don Luis and Don Gaston.
Don C.
[Rising and going to centre.]
'Twas fit that they whose hearts are slaves to love,
Should choose before me. I select the colour
Of equanimity and freedom—white.
Donna D.
That's strange. White is the absence of all colour,
And, thinking none would take it, I reserved
White for myself; but you have foiled me, prince!
[Rising with dignity.]
Here's white; you must content yourself with me.
Don C.
[Aside.]
Now then, hold fast, my heart.
[Diana approaches him; all rise; Don Cæsar kneels to her; she fastens the white ribbon on his dress. Triple flourish of trumpets. She then gives him a mask, taking one herself. Subdued music is now heard; and at intervals, from inner room, through which guests are seen occasionally to pass and repass. All carry masks; the men have colours. Don Cæsar, with visible emotion, leaves Diana's side as the other princes and her cousins approach her.
Donna D.
The couples now retire to the saloon.
The guests assemble, and the sport begins.
Let Love reign free, and Fortune favour all!
[Don Gaston and Don Luis retire with their ladies
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Donna D.
[Aside.]
Now, then, to test his strength! [Aloud].
Your arm, Don Cæsar.
You fail in your attentions. Does it cost
So vast an effort to make love to me?
Remember, 'tis required by the occasion.
[Don Cæsar, visibly suppressing his emotion, approaches her. She takes his arm.
A man of wit should better play his part.
[She turns from him.
Don C.
O princess!
Donna D.
What's the matter? [She lays her right hand on his arm.]
Silent still?
Nay, this indifference offends me. What!
Can you not feign your part? Have you no talent,
Even as an actor?
Don C.
Words are easy, lady,
When love is feigned. 'Tis the reality
That keeps me dumb.
Donna D.
[In a very gentle tone.]
What must I think of this?
You love me, then?
[She draws his hand to her.
Don C.
[With the utmost emotion, not daring to look up.]
Why ask? What power but Love's
Could make me tremble thus?
Donna D.
[With agreeable surprise, still retaining his hand.]
Do you not jest?
Is this the truth?
Don C.
Truth from my very soul.
Donna D.
[Firmly, but with sympathy.]
You said but now
You were incapable of love.
Don C.
I spoke
Before this fatal shaft struck home.
30
[With a winning smile.]
What shaft?
Don C.
The touch of thy fair hand, that thrills my heart
Even to its core. Princess!—Diana!—hear me!
Donna D.
[Aside.]
I triumph, then. [Turning to him pleasantly.]
Prince, you deceive yourself.
Love you, indeed?
Don C.
[Loosing all self-control.]
You look on me, and doubt!
How can words paint the longing that enchains
My senses, saps my peace, and threats my reason.
'Twas your severity first roused my passion,
Yet strengthened me to hide it; but your sweetness
Has all subdued me. As when snows fall thick
Upon some mountain ridge, and there congealed,
Assume the shape of towers and battlements,
That glitter in the sun and look defiance,
Yet 'neath the breath of summer thaw to floods—
So melts the frozen mantle of my pride
Before thy smiles, and shows the bare, bare heart
Which owns thee, needs thee, seeks thy quickening life,
Or yields its own. Pronounce; I'm at thy feet!
[He throws himself at her feet, and kisses her hand impetuously.
Donna D.
[Thrusting him off, and tearing herself away.]
Back, back, presumptuous man! What, art thou he
Who could not feel love, nor endure it?
Who, safe thyself, must needs warn me of peril?
Peril from thee, who some day might submit
To marry for convenience! Hence! In me
Insulted Woman triumphs over Man!
Don C.
[Aside.]
Fond heart, thou hast betrayed me! Calmness, calmness!
Donna D.
[Sternly and proudly.]
You had due warning, yet you dared to wage
This conflict with me; shallow fop, with me!
Don C.
[With feigned astonishment.]
Stay; does your highness jest, or is this serious?
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I do not jest with you, poor love-sick dupe!
Don C.
Dupe! love-sick! Then 'tis serious. What, you thought
I was in love in earnest? [Rises.]
Ha! ha! ha!
[He bursts into seemingly irrepressible and repeated laughter.
O female vanity! So great a mind,
And yet so soon beguiled! In love! No, princess;
I cannot change so easily. In love!
Had it been possible, I'd rather died
Than owned such weakness. What! a few soft words,
A suppliant posture—common arts like these
Thus to delude you! Surely you forget
These duties were imposed by the occasion.
Donna D.
[Thoroughly confused.]
How now! What's this?
Don C.
You bade me to dissemble,
And I obeyed.
Donna D.
You but dissembled? [Aside.]
No,
Impossible.
Don C.
Congratulate me, princess;
You said I had no talent as an actor.
Donna D.
All, then, was feigned—the trembling voice, the words,
The shaft that struck you home!
Don C.
All feigned, believe me.
Surely your penetration should have guessed it.
Donna D.
[Absently.]
What say you? [Aside.]
Not to see it! Was I blind?
[Aloud.]
Well, prince?
Don C.
[Looking at her sharply.]
I scarcely understand your highness.
Donna D.
[Aside.]
I must compose myself! [Rallying herself with a great effort, and addressing him gaily.]
Your highness, I confess,
Played your part well. But, pardon me, I half
Suspected you were acting all the time.
32
[With assumed frankness.]
I thought you did. So, to encourage me,
You acted too. Your scorn was well put on,
So was your triumph; look, tone, gesture perfect!
Talk not of me; your acting was sublime.
Donna D.
[Aside.]
More mockery! Patience! [Aloud.]
No prince, you're the master,
And, as dissembling seems your gift, continue
The harmless folly; feign to love me still.
[Puts on her mask.
I own I like your wit and polished bearing,
And your pretence of passion charms me more
Than others' truth. [Taking his arm, and playfully trying to lead him off.]
Come, come, resume the attack.
Don C.
Excuse me, princess.
Donna D.
Why, what risk is there
In this mere sport?
Don C.
The greatest risk—the risk
That you may love me.
Donna D.
[With playful tenderness.]
And would that misfortune
Be unsupportable?
Don C.
[Sternly.]
I know of none
I so much dread. I think the danger serious.
Have you not praised my wit and bearing, owned
That my pretence of passion charms you more
Than others' earnest? Are these sentiments
So far from love?
Donna D.
[With a burst of rage.]
Yes, sir, as far apart
As is your insolence from modesty;
To guard myself from chance of further insult,
I give you leave of absence.
[Takes off her mask.
Don C.
[Aside, uneasily.]
She's at bay.
I've gone too far. [Aloud.]
Still, are you not expected
To join the ball? Your absence may offend.
Donna D.
[Still incensed.]
Mine is the fault, be mine the blame. Withdraw.
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[Concealing his embarrassment.]
And am I then released from all my duties?
Donna D.
When I pronounce you free, you are so. Leave me.
Don C.
[After a pause, with suppressed anxiety.]
Accept my thanks, then, for this gracious favour,
For such I deem it. Heaven be with your highness.
[Goes out.
Donna D.
[Violently excited.]
Do I dream? Can it be possible? Scorned, laughed at,
Defeated by a man! No, not defeated.
There must be some way to subdue him, else
My sex is shamed in me!
Enter Perin, hastily from inner room.
Perin.
May it please your highness
To join the masque? Your absence is remarked.
Donna D.
[Sinking into a chair.]
O Perin, I'm unwell.
Perin.
[Sympathetically.]
Unwell! Good heaven!
[Aside.]
Oh this is glorious! [Aloud, looking round.]
But where's Don Cæsar?
Gone for the doctor, is he?
Donna D.
Silence, Perin.
I'm very ill.
Perin.
Indeed! you look so, madam.
[Runs to table for a phial.
Do try a little hartshorn.
[Offers phial.
Donna D.
Hartshorn! Folly!
What good can hartshorn do?
Perin.
I'm quite alarmed.
What is it ails your highness? Speak!
Donna D.
[In a weak voice.]
A tightness
About my heart. I suffer such oppression.
Perin.
[Feigning great anxiety, and bustling.]
Tightness about your heart! Oppression! O!
Time's precious here. I'll to the doctor straight.
[Pretends to be going.
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Stay; would you drive me mad? 'Tis outraged pride
Alone that moves me thus. Don Cæsar yet
Is unsubdued.
Perin.
[Aside.]
O, it works rarely. [Aloud.]
Wondrous!
Are you still bent to humble him?
Donna D.
I am,
I'd give my Principality to see him
In earnest at my feet, and bid him, then,
Despairing die there.
Perin.
Very right he should.
Donna D.
Listen to me. I'm told this man of flint
Has one weak point—he's sensible to music.
[Perin claps his hands.
Now I shall need your help. 'Tis daylight still.
Hold him awhile in talk while I go forth
Into the private park where you shall bring him.
Perin.
I understand.
Donna D.
There will I take my lute.
I do not play amiss.
Perin.
Amiss your highness!
To ravishment.
Donna D.
Say he can hear me there
In secret—mind, in secret.
Perin.
[Affecting delight.]
Good!
Donna D.
Because
None are allowed to break on my seclusion.
Perin.
That will more tempt him.
Donna D.
[Who advances a few steps aside, Perin listening.]
Meantime, I'll put on
My choicest dress and give these slighted charms
All aids that fair attire supplies to beauty.
Perin.
Well planned indeed!
Donna D.
[Smiling.]
You overheard me then?
Perin.
A witching dress, some dress to make him giddy
And take away his breath! And, then the lute!
His eye and ear assailed at once! He's done for.
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Enough; I go. The dearest bliss I crave
Is to behold him in the dust—my slave!
[Goes out.
Perin.
A rare device! If I were not at hand
To warn him, the poor Prince were lost indeed.
O woman! what a brain hast thou for mischief!
[Goes out.
| Donna Diana | |