University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

—Front of the Vatican. Castle of St. Angelo in the distance. Sunrise.
Enter Centius.
Cen.
I've seen the sun rise now these thirty years,
And scarcely missed a morning. Ye blest saints!
Low in the grave I'd lay my satisfied head
Could I behold the popular cause advance
With steps as regular and full of light.
On one side Hildebrand seeks to destroy
All liberty of conscience: with like zeal
Our nobles grasp at every rood of earth;
And knowing the rich vein of labour's ore,
Would turn their fellow creatures into coin.
Hence, they hate Hildebrand, who'd act their part,
And wield, besides, high sacerdotal power;
But whether in return, he most doth hate,
Or fear, or scorn, soon must events give proof.
Enter Guido, slowly.
Gravely you read the earth, and seem with each step
To turn a fresh page!

Gui.
Each far worse than the last—
But the same subject.

Cen.
It must be a dark one;
Yet with some fascination?

Gui.
It is a dark one.
Last night I went forth for a lonely walk,
And paused in front o'the monastery of St. Paul.
I know not why, nor what had led me thither:
I stood among the dark-mossed uncouth trees,
Which rose against the cold and breathless sky
Like sculptured gods of Babylon's early youth;
And thought that one a rugged outline bore,
Like unto Hildebrand—so dense and still.
Sometimes at mass—sometimes alone in the cloisters—
Sometimes i'the street—he stands just in that way.

Cen.
But what of this?—why do you look so pale,
And gaze around? what is 't that moves you thus?

Gui.
Sudden presentiments that forestall wisdom
With most unreasonable fact.

Cen.
My lord!
Sure this is weakness—but your tale 's not done?

Gui.
It is not.

Cen.
Nay, proceed.

Gui.
Wild and abrupt
The wind rose, like a dragon lashing about,
And o'er the northern wall, ere I could turn,
A vulture 'gainst the high blast beat its way
With clanging power, and passing o'er my head
Sent forth a cry that pierced into my soul—
Enter Fabio hastily.
What wouldst thou say?

Fab.
Pope Alexander 's dead!

Gui.
See there! see there! I felt it would be so

Cen.
How dead—how died he? Answer us at once

Fab.
Nay, sir, I do not know.

Gui.
He hath been murdered!
In St. Paul's monastery he was held close,
Pending the recent council, and therein
He hath been foully dealt with!

Fab.
Foully indeed.

Cen.
(aside).
What follows this?—I will away to learn.

[Exit.
Enter three Cardinals, followed by several Abbots and Monks, in alarm.
Gui.
Now, now!

1st Car.
Oh, my lord Guido!

Gui.
Is the news true?

1st Car.
We come but now from viewing
His pale remains within the monastery.

Gui.
Where, then, is Hildebrand?

1st Car.
He 's gone; and no one
Knows whither.

Gui.
Gone!—fled?

1st Car.
He must be found anon.

Fab.
Saw ye no blood upon the reverend form?

Gui.
There 's not a moment to waste! Lords, Cardinals,
And all you heads and dignitaries of the church,
Full synod let us straight convoke, to search
The hideous truth out; retribution hurl
Upon the soul of guilt; and fix with whom
The future power be vested.

[Music outside, as of a distant march.
Fab.
What 's that?

Gui.
It sounds like a march!

1st Car.
Without delay,
Let 's to full conclave at St. John Lateran.

[March approaching.
Enter Centius and Tancredi, followed by several Monks.
Gui.
What is 't, my lords?

Cen.
You will know soon enough,

Gui.
Speak, brothers!

1st Monk.
Soldiers, at St. John Lateran,
Have taken up their post, and guard the gates!

[March advances.
Enter, slowly, an Officer, at the head of troops. They march across, and exit. Enter the Countess Matilda and Cardinal Brazute, between two Officers, heading troops, which range themselves in front of the Vatican.
Gui.
Daughter of Tuscany!—illustrious lady!
What wouldst thou do?

Mat.
Secure the Vatican,
Even as now St. John's gates have been guarded.

Gui.
Secure!

Mat.
Would ye know more, my lords?
Those troops which have passed on, proceed to occupy
The Castle of St. Angelo on the rock.

Gui.
Oh, wherefore this?

Mat.
Because the Pontiff 's dead.

Gui.
We know it, madam, and have convoked a synod;
But why these troops?

Mat.
To Alexander's seat
There must be a successor.

1st Car.
We shall choose one.

Mat.
You 're spared that trouble; the successor 's chosen.

Gui.
Chosen!

[Distant march. Troops are seen to mount guard at the Castle of St. Angelo on the rock.
Voices.
Vivat sanctus Pater Gregorius Septimus!

[Applause and loud murmurs.
Braz.
Vivat!

Enter Hildebrand.
Hil.
Peace! Let tumultuous tongues be mute:
I do submit me to the elective voice.

[Shouts.
Cen.
(to Gui.)
He may submit his neck unto the block
As suddenly, ere long.

Gui.
(aside).
I am all air!

[Exeunt.