University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

—A Cell in the Monastery of St. Paul. Table and lamp, with skull and crucifix.
Enter Hildebrand.
Hil.
Portentous changes wrestle in the air!
I see, methinks, a mighty shadow fall,
While solid pillars lift a solid throne,
Which in fixed radiance stands. Strong deeds awake,
And clamouring throng the portals of the hour.
Weak-minded Alexander thou must die!
I placed thee on a tower, and thou didst offer
A king the pass-key to our wall of strength;
Therefore 't is good thou diest. Plead not, my soul!
The wheels of destiny pass o'er his corse.
There 's much to do. The time for me is ripe:
It was not wise till now that I should take
The sphere which long hath rolled before my grasp,
Swimming and heaving in the etherial space;
But, with contentious and eruptive fires,
Threatening precipitate sovereignty. Who 's there?
Enter Damianus.
(Aside).
He has been listening at the door—dull fool!
(Aloud).
There 's much to do.

Dami.
I feel it in the air
With every respiration.

Hil.
Why comest here
At such an hour?

Dami.
Lord Abbot, I would ask
What should be done, touching Pope Alexander?

Hil.
Nothing. He 's very safe.

Dami.
Safe in the dark cell where your orders thrust him.

Hil.
I know it.

Dami.
But what next, for he is old,
And needeth comfort in imprisonment.

Hil.
Do nothing. Leave him.

Dami.
His cell is very damp, and cold dews trickle
Down his grey head and beard, as bowed he sits,
Counting his beads. Beseech you, good lord abbot,
Change his sad dwelling!

Hil.
Let him take his shroud,
And finish it i'the antechamber!

Dami.
But, my lord,
How—how shall we answer this?

Hil.
Answer it!
Who shall presume to gall and question us?
Who make us constantly responsible—
Who 'd force us answer, but this Alexander—
Therefore death's scythe shall give him sweeping thanks.

Dami.
And for his service and his burial—

Hil.
Let him have Night and Silence! A century hence,
When a few dust-filled bones perchance are found,
'T will shew that somebody died there. For the rest,
I know my ‘answer,’ let those ask who may:
Mention his name no more, for he has passed!

Dami.
My lord, good night:—a deep good night, I pray!

[Exeunt, at opposite sides.