University of Virginia Library

Scene I.

—Naples. Royal Closet in Castel-Novo.
Philippa and Terlizi discovered.
Philippa.
'Tis a strange humor! Go, Terlizi! set
Sancha to watch—

Terlizi.
I will.

Philippa.
In good time, look,
The Duke Durazzo comes.

[Exit Terlizi.
Enter Duke of Durazzo.
Duke.
How is the Queen?

Philippa.
Prince, from the stupor that long mantled her,
She has aroused, and is again herself—

Duke.
'Tis well—

Philippa.
Not well—she is again herself,
But 'tis another self.

Duke.
Explain your riddle—

Philippa.
She will, forsooth, make sure against suspicion,
Henceforth, by trusting none. No hand but hers
Shall sway the realm.

Duke.
Sure, she suspects not you?

Philippa.
I know not; but enquiry full is making,
And heaven grant it may unmask the traitor.

Duke.
Who makes it?

Philippa.
Hugh del Balzo. To his zeal
The Queen has trusted all.

Duke.
Zeal without knowledge.

Philippa.
Nor will she meddle with it, so she vows,
In process or in sequel; seeing that
Louis of Hungary, her husband's brother,
Impeaches her of guilt, and threatens war,
Nay, makes it;—and, for insult, it would seem,
Refers decision of the suit between them
Unto Rome's Tribune, to Rienzi—he,
Of all the Powers that be, to arbitrate,
Whether the Queen of Naples slew her lord!
Therefore she keeps, retired, impartial state,
And Hugh del Balzo holds the inquisition.

Duke.
What proofs has he?

Re-enter Terlizi.
Philippa.
Roberto one, and one
Geronimo. The Monks had fled from Naples,
With the Hungarians, but were overtaken—
These make two famous witnesses!

Duke.
Enough! No time to lose.

Philippa.
What now?

Duke.
I am as one,
Who, rushing on a bull's horns unawares,
Is gored ere 'tis perceived. I must from Naples!
Though guiltless as yourself, yet must I fly!
Well know I Hugh del Balzo, He's a man
Who sees the form of things, but ne'er the substance—
Therefore, an instant farewell!

[Exit.
Terlizi.
This is strange—

Philippa.
'Tis very strange—yet I divine the secret.
But where's Salvator?

Terlizi.
He is resolved on leaving
Us and the Court together, but desires
To have a previous audience of the Queen.

Philippa.
Come with me, then. First, in the Library,
Some letters I would dictate; then will seek him.

[Exeunt.