9s ' \^o\ NfiW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JANUAM 1, 1902 ;^as VICTORIA THEATEE.— Pkaxcesca da Hili- I I^•I. a play by Ge'otge H. Baker. n«wsj JlalfTtosta. I^nl jof ItlmiHl . . . .'„' . S ] ."HSiiW pl , 'JjHueiotto. a deformed soldlev. '...■/,.-.>, .Mr. SkluiieF Piiolo -'.i^',..". ; Alibiiii^Uanelcft IVpc, Maliitesta's jester. ..:,.,....,.. WIlMiMs Glildo de Pojenta ..•:.■.■;:..•. .'.'.K. 30 Oardlniil ;.',.. If rederlc Vitf tReajaSBito Ueiie in«t6in«f';N«^ll Uieentlo ;Waltou B. lyUe a'prellS .' . .■ Waltei' hem* (Captain .'. F. Van Rensselier ,Mes9etieer ; ;..'.... ,'. ..^obn-Boylitu Officer ; . . , Edward IjIBoS Tflddeo, a page ..; , iMiiU Glojf Franeusca, Guldu's dau^glrter. . .".Mf(rcia Van pre^t^L* HittU .GSftrude Nttmaft - Bridesmaids and - Alalda Qf . Houot' — Mlsaes liarl'^* /Padden, ■Wilson. PhlUlps, Kalbltz, Butler. Lowls, Pruyn and ChurcUlll. , ■ . . t Mr. George H. Bokfel-'s romantic dtama, pFratijOesca da Rimini," revived last night 'by Mr. Otis Stlriner at the Victoria I'ho- jatre, wasreceived with universal kindness , and staccato enthusiasm by a'lai-ge and in- telllgent audience. There was considerable and very hearty ajiplause at the fill ov every curtain, but it had its reconcentrado I limits. Possibly the boundaries were set by the • older playgoers, who . r'eihembered the late Lawrence Barretfs original production I of the"pla^. " , . • , • . ' ' '' i The present productdonr though scholarly ^ careful artd well Intentlohedi falls short of the brlgirial -in important details'. -It Suffers, for example, > in overemphasis onfthe obvious and- lack of stress upon the. more delicate shades; Lancibtto's deformlfy and his con- sciousness of that deformity are; thrust so latgely' into evidence by Mr. Otis Skinner thati the' nobler qualities which redeem his physical defects fall into the background. The malignity t)t Pepe the jester as rep- resented by Mr. Norris is feminine In Itsi virulonce, and lacks: tlie robust and mascu- line Qualities which jllr. Loiils James liifused into the part. It'ls petulant rather than sar- donic. I , None the less, both parts have their metits. Francesca herself, as played by Miss Van Dresser, Is pretty and winsome, and in the love scenes is sufficiently faacihdtlng, but she lacks pathos and tragic Interislty In the scenes that should be most moving. Mr. Boucloault, as Paolo,' comparts himself j in manly and chivalrlo fashion, and falls only ! in his efforts after the higher reaches of pas- |slon. The minor parts are presented with a fair I amount of i intelligence. The stage setting 1 is excellent, the costumes and the scenerj: ' ! historically correct, and the entire prodiic-' I I tion shows careful study. I Lacking in what? The inspiration that i [fuses study and scholarship Into a"perfect( [whole. . L _^ \. — • CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022455293 Cornell University Library PS 1105.F8 1901 Francesca da Rimini :a tragedy in fve a 3 1924 022 455 293 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI A TRAGEDY Francesca, i tuoi martiri A lagrimar mi fanno tristo e pio. — Dante. $h 'uh FRANCESCA DA RIMINI A TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS GEORGE H. BOKER Chicago Thb Dramatic Publishing Company 1901 DRAMATIS PERSONAE. McVicker's Theatre, Chicago, Nov. 6, 1882. MALATESTA. ..Lorrf of Rimini. . .Mr. B. G. Rogers. ' GUIDO DA 'POUEHTA. .Lord of Ravenna..Mt. F. C. Mosley. LANCIOTTO Malatesta's son. .. Mr. Lawrence , ; Barrett PAOLO His brother Mr. Otis Skinner. PEPE Malatesta's }ester..Mr. Louis James. CARDINAL Friend to Guido. .Mr. Charles Rolfe. RENE A troubadour .Mr. Percy Winter. FRANCESCA • Miss Marie DA RIMINI . Guido' s daughter Wainwright. RITTA Her maid Miss Rosie Batchelder. Lords, Ladies, Knights, Priests, Soldiers, Pages, At- tendants, etc. Grand Opera House, Chicago, Aug. 26, 1901. MALATEST A... Loj-d of Rimini.. .Mr. W. J. Constantine GUIDO DA POLENTA. .Lord of Ravenna...M. E. A. Eberle. LAHCIOTTO.... Malatesta's son... Mr. Otis Skinner. PAOLO His' brother Mr. Aubrey ' .f Boucicault. . PEPE Malatesta's jester. .Mr. William Norris CARDINAL Friend to Guido.. Mr. Frederick von Rensselar. RENE A troubadour Mr. Fletcher r. , Norton. FRANCESCA Miss Marcia Van DA RIMINI. Guido's daughter Dresser. RITTA Miss Gertrude Her maid Norman. Lords, Ladies, Knights, Priests, Soldiers, Pages, At- tendants, etc. Scene : Rimini, Ravenna, and the neigborhood. Time : About 1300 A. D. FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. ACT I. SCENE I. Rimini. The Garden of the Palace, Paolo and a number of nohlemen are discovered, seated un- der an arbor, surrounded by Bene, and other Trouba- dours, attendants, &c. Paolo. I PEiTHEEj Eene, charm our ears again With the same song you sang me yesterday. Here are fresh listeners. Rene. Eeally, my good lord, My voice is out of joint. A grievous cold — [Gouglis.] Paolo. A very grievous, but convenient cold. Which always racks you when you would not sing. Bene. 0, no, my lord ! Besides, I hoped to hear My ditty warbled into fairer ears. By your own lips ; to better purpose, too. [The Nohlemen all laugh.] First Nobleman. Eene has hit it. Music runs to waste In ears like ours. Second Nobleman. Nay, nay; ehaunt on, sweet Count. 6 FEANCESCA DA RIMINI. Paolo. [Coughing.'] Alack! you hear, I've caught poor Eene's cough. First N. That would not be, if we wore petti- coats. [The others laugh.] Paolo. 0,fie! First N. So runs the scandal to our ears. Second N. Confirmed by all our other senses, Count. First N. Witnessed by many a doleful sigh, poured out By many a breaking heart in Eimini. Second N. Poor girls ! First N. {Mimicking a lady.] Sweet Count! sweet Count Paolo ! ! Plant early violets upon my grave ! Thus go a thousand voices to one tune. [The others laugh.] Paolo. 'Ods mercy ! gentlemen, you do me wrong. First N. And by how many hundred, more or less? Paolo. Ah ! rogues, you'd shift your sins upon my shoulders. Second N. You'd bear them stoutly. First N. It were vain to give Drops to god Neptune. You're the sea of love That swallows all things. FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 7 Second N. We the little fish That meanly scull about within your depths. Paolo. Go on, go on! Talk yourselves fairly out. [Pepb laughs without.'] But, hark ! here comes the fool ! Fit company For this most noble company of wits ! [Enter Pepe^ laughing violently.] Why do you laugh ? Pepe. I'm laughing at the world. ■ It has laughed long enough at me ; and so I'll turn the tables. Ho ! ho ! ho ! I've heard A better joke of Uncle Malatesta's Than any I e'er uttered. [Laughing.] All. Tell it, fool. Pepe. Why, do you know — upon my life, the best And most original idea on earth : A joke to put in practice, too. By Jove ! I'll bet my wit 'gainst the stupidity Of the best gentlemen among you all, You cannot guess it. All. Tell us, tell us, fool. Pepe. Guess it, guess it, fools. Paolo. Come, disclose, disclose! Pepe. He has a match afoot. — All. A match ! Pepe. A marriage. All. Who?— who? 8 FRANCESCA DA KIMINI. Pepe. A marriage in his family. All. But, who? Pepe. Ah ! there's the point. All. Paolo? Pepe. No. First N. The others are well wived. Shall we turn Turks ? Pepe. Why, there's the summit of his joke, good sirs. By all the sacred symbols of my art — By cap and bauble, by my tinkling bell — He means to marry Lanciotto ! [Laughs violently.] All. [Laughing.] Ho ! — Paolo. Peace! peace! What tongue dare echo yon fool's laugh? Nay, never raise your hands in wonderment; I'll strike the dearest friend among ye all Beneath my feet, as if he were a slave. Who dares insult my brother with a laugh ! Pepe. By Jove ! ye're sad enough. Here's mirth's quick cure ! Pretty Paolo has a heavy fist, I warn you, sirs. Ho ! ho ! I trapped them all ; [Laughing.] Now I'll go mar old Malatesta's message. [Aside.] [Exit.] FRANCKSCA DA BIMINI. 9 Paolo. Shame on ye, sirs ! I have mistaken you. I thought I harbored better friends. Poor fops, Who've slept in down and satin all your years. Within the circle Laneiotto charmed Eound Eimini with his most potent sword ! — Fellows whose brows would melt beneath a casque, Whose hands would fray to grasp a brand's rough hilt. Who ne'er launched more than braggart threats at foes ! — Girlish companions of luxurious girls ! — Danglers round troubadours and wine - cups ! — Men Whose best parts are their clothes ! bundles of silk. Scented like summer ! rag-men, nothing more ! — Creatures as generous as monkeys — brave As hunted hares — courteous as grinning apes — Grateful as serpents — useful as lap-dogs — [^During this, the Noblemen, &c., steal off.'] Ha! I am alone at last ! So let me be. Till Laneiotto fill the vacant room Of these mean knaves, whose friendship is but breath, [Exit.] 10 FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. SCENE II. The Same. A Hall in the Castle. Enter Malatesta and Lanciotto. Malatesta. Guido, ay, Guido of Eavenna, son — Down on his knees, as full of abject prayers For peace and mercy as a penitent. Lanciotto. His old trick, father. While his wearied arm Is raised in seeming prayer, it only rests. Anon, he'll deal you such a staggering blow. With its recovered strength, as shall convert You, and not him, into a penitent. Mai. No, no; your last bout levelled him. He reeled. Into Eavenna, from the battle-field. Like a stripped drunkard, and there headlong feU— A mass of squalid misery, a thing To draw the jeering urchins. I have this From faithful spies. There's not a hope remains To break the shock of his great overthrow. I pity Guido. Lan. 'Sdeath! go comfort him! I pity those who fought, and bled, and died. Before the armies of this Ghibelin. PEANCESCA DA RIMINI. H I pity those who halted home with wounds Dealt by his hand. I pity widowed eyes That he set running; maiden hearts that turn, Sick with despair, from ranks thinned down by him; Mothers that shriek, as the last stragglers fling Their feverish bodies by the fountain-side. Dumb with mere thirst, and faintly point to him, Answering the dame's quick questions. I have seen TJnburied bones, and skulls — that seemed to ask. From their blank eye-holes, vengeance at my hand — Shine in the moonlight on old battle-fields ; And even these — the happy dead, my lord — I pity more than Guido of Kavenna ! Mai. What would you have ? Lan. I'd see Eavenna burn. Flame into heaven, and scorch the flying clouds ; I'd choke her streets with ruined palaces ; I'd hear her women scream with fear and grief, As I have heard the maids of Eimini. All this I'd sprinkle with old Guido's blood, And bless the baptism. Mai. You are cruel. Lan. Not I; But these things ache within my fretting brain. 13 FRANOESCA DA EIMINI. The sight I first beheld was from the arms Of my wild nurse, her husband hacked to death By the fierce edges of these Ghibelins. One cut across the neck — I see it now. Ay, and have mimicked it a thousand times. Just as I saw it, on our enemies. — Why, that cut seemed as if it meant to bleed On till the judgment. My distracted nurse Stooped down, and paddled in the running gore With her poor fingers; then a prophetess. Pale with the inspiration of the god. She towered aloft, and with her dripping hand Three times she signed me with the holy cross. 'Tis all as plain as noon-day. Thus she spake, — "May this spot stand till Guido's dearest blood Be mingled with thy own !"' The soldiers say. In the close battle, when my wrath is up. The dead man's blood flames on my vengeful brow Like a red planet; and when war is o'er, It shrinks into my brain, defiling all My better nature with its slaughterous lusts. Howe'er it be, it shaped my earliest thought. And it will shape my last. Mai. You moody churl ! You dismal knot of superstitious dreams ! Do you not blush to empty such a head Before a sober man? Why, son, the world Has not given o'er its laughing humor yet. FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. 13 That you should try it with such vagaries. — Poh ! Ill get a wife to teach you common sense. Lan. A wife for me ! [Laughing.] Mai. Ay, sir, a wife for you. You shall be married, to insure your wits. Lan. 'Tis not your wont to mock me. Mai. How now, son! I am not given to jesting. I have chosen The fairest wife in Italy for you. You won her bravely, as a soldier should : And when you'd woo her, stretch your gauntlet out And crush her fingers in its steely grip. If you will plead, I ween, she dare not say — No, by your leave. Should she refuse, howe'er, With that same iron hand you shall go knock Upon Ravenna's gates, till all the town Eing with your courtship. I have made her hand The price and pledge of Guido's future peace. Lan. All this is done ! Mai. Done, out of hand; and now I wait a formal answer, nothing more. Guido dare not decline. No, by the saints. He'd send Eavenna's virgins here in droves. To buy a ten days' truce. Lan. Sir, let me say. You stretch paternal privilege too far. To pledge my hand without my own consent. Am I a portion of your household stuff. 14 FEANCESCA DA KIMINI. That you should trade me off to Guide thus? Who is the lady I am bartered for? Mai. Francesca, Guido's daughter. — Never frown ; It shall be so! Lan. By heaven, it shall not be! My blood shall never mingle with his race. Mai. According to your nurse's prophecy. Fate orders it. Lan. Ha ! Mai. Now, then, I have struck The chord that answers to your gloomy thoughts. Bah! on your sibyl and her prophecy! Put Guido's blood aside, and yet, I say, Marry you shall. Lan. 'Tis most distasteful, sir. Mai. Lanciotto, look ye ! You brave gentlemen. So fond of knocking out poor people's brains, In time must come to have your own knocked out : What, then, if you bequeath us no new hands, To carry on your business, and our house Die out for lack of princes ? Lan. Wed my brothers: They'll rear you sons, I'll slay you enemies. Paolo and Francesca ! Note their names ; They chime together like sweet marriage-bells. A proper match. 'Tis said she's beautiful; And he is the delight of Eimini, — FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. J5 The pride and conscious centre of all eyes. The theme of poets, the ideal of art. The earthly treasury of Heaven's best gifts! I am a soldier ; from my very birth. Heaven cut me out for terror, not for love. I had such fancies once, but now — Mai. Pshaw ! son. My faith is bound to Guido ; and if you Do not throw off your duty, and defy, Through sickly scruples, my express commands. You'll yield at once. No more : I'll have it so ! [Exit.'] Lan. Curses upon my destiny! What, I — Ho ! I have found my use at last — What, I, I, the great twisted monster of the wars. The brawny cripple, the herculean dwarf, The spur of panic, and the butt of scorn — I be a bridegroom ! Heaven, was I not cursed More than enough, when thou didst fashion me To be a type of ugliness, — a thing By whose comparison all Eimini Holds itself beautiful ? Lo ! here I stand, A gnarled, blighted trunk ! There's not a knave So spindle-shanked, so wry-faced, so infirm. Who looks at me, and smiles not on himself. And I have friends to pity me—great Heaven ! One has a favorite leg that he bewails, — Another sees my hip with doleful plaints, — 16 FBANCESCA DA BIMINI. A third is sorry o'er my huge swart arms, — A fourth aspires to mount my very hump, And thence harangue his weeping brotherhood ! Pah ! it is nauseous ! Must I further bear The sidelong shuddering glances of a wife? The degradation of a showy love, That over-acts, and proves the mummer's craft Untouched by nature ? And a fair wife, too ! — Francesca, whom the minstrels sing about ! Though, by my side, what woman were not fair ? Circe looked well among her swine, no doubt; Next me, she'd pass for Venus. Ho ! ho ! ho ! \_Laughing.] Would there were something merry in my laugh ! Now, in the battle, if a Ghibelin Cry, "Wry-hip! hunchback!"' I can trample him Under my stallion's hoofs ; or haggle him Into a monstrous likeness of myself : But to be pitied, — to endure a sting Thrust in by kindness, with a sort of smile ! — 'Sdeath ! it is miserable ! [Enter Pepe.] Pepe. My lord — » Lan. My fool! Pepe. We'll change our titles when your bride's bells ring — Ha, cousin? FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. J 7 Lan. Even this poor fool has eyes. To see the wretched plight in which I stand. [Aside.^ How, gossip, how? Pepe. I, being the court-fool. Am lord of fools by my prerogative. Lan. Who told you of my marriage? Pepe. Kimini ! A frightful liar ; but true for once, I fear. The messenger from Guido has returned, And the whole town is wailing over him. Some pity you, and some the bride ; but I, Being more catholic, I pity both. Lan. Still, pity, pity ! \^Aside. Bells toll.'] Ha ! whose knell is that? Pepe. Lord Malatesta sent me to the tower. To have the bells rung for your marriage-news. How, he said not; so I, as I thought fit. Told the deaf sexton to ring out a knell. [Bells toll] How do you like it? Lan. Varlet, have you bones. To risk their breaking? I have half a mind To thrash you from your motley coat ! [Seizes Mm.] Ig FBANCEBOA DA. RIMINI. Pepe. Pardee ! Eespect my coxcomb, cousin. Hark! ha, ha! [Laughing.] [Bells ring a joyful peal.] Some one has changed my music. Heaven defend ! How the bells jangle ! Yonder graybeard, now, Eings a peal vilely. He's more used to knells. And sounds them grandly. Only give him time. And, I'll be sworn, he'll ring your knell out yet. Lan. Pepe, you are but half a fool. Pepe. My lord, I can return the compliment in full. Lan. So, you are ready. Pepe. Truth is always so. Lan. I shook you rudely; hero's a florin. [Offers money.] Pepe. No : "■^y wit is merchandise, but not my honor. Lan. Your honor, sirrah! Pepe. Why not? You great lords Have something you call lordly honor; pray, May not a fool have foolish honor too? Cousin, you laid your hand upon my ccat — 'T was the first sacrilege it ever knew — And you shall pay it. Mark ! I promise you. Lan. [Laughing.] Ha, ha ! you bluster well. Upon my life. You have the tilt-yard Jargon to a breath. FBANCESCA DA BIMINI. Jg Pepe, if I should smite you on the cheek — Thus, gossip, thus — [Strikes him] what would you then demand? Pepe. Your life ! Lan. [Laughing.] Ha, ha! there is the camp- style, too — A very cut-throat air ! How this shrewd fool Makes the punctilio of honor show! Change helmets into coxcombs, swords to baubles. And what a figure is poor chivalry ! Thanks for your lesson, Pepe. [Exit.] Pepe. Ere I'm done. You'll curse as heartily, you limping beast ! Ha! so we go — ^Lord Lanciotto, look! [Walks about, mimicking him.] Here is a leg and camel-back, forsooth, To match your honor and nobility! You miscreated scarecrow, dare you shake. Or strike in jest, a natural man like me? — You cursed lump, you chaos of a man. To buffet one whom Heaven pronounces good! [Bells ring.] There go the bells rejoicing over you: I'll change^ them back to the pld.,knell again, 'i You marry, faugh! Beget a race of elves; Wed a she-crocodile, and keep within The limits of your nature! Here we go. 20 FRANCESCA DA KIMINI. Tripping along to meet our promised bride, Like a rheumatic elephant ! — ha, ha ! ILaughing.] [Exit, mimicking Lanciotto.] SCENE III. The Same. A Room in the Same. Enter LAifCiOTTO, hastily. Lanciotto. Why do these prodigies environ me? In ancient Eome, the words a fool might drop. From the confusion of his vagrant thoughts, Were held as omens, prophecies; and men Who made earth tremble with majestic deeds. Trembled themselves at fortune's lightest threat. I like it not. My father named this match While I boiled over with vindictive wrath Towards Guido and Eavenna. Straight my heart Sank down like lead; a weakness seized on me, A dismal gloom that I could not resist; I lacked the power to take my stand, and say- Bluntly, I will not ! Am I in the toils ? Has fate so weakened me, to work its end? There seems a fascination in it, too, — A morbid craving to pursue a thing Whose issue may be fatal. Would that I Were in the wars again ! These mental weeds Grow on the surface of inactive peace. I'm haunted by myself. Thought preys on thought. FRANCESCA DA nmiNI. gl My mind seems crowded in the hideous mould That shaped my body. What a fool am I To bear the burden of my wretched life, To sweat and toil under the world's broad eye, Climb into fame, and find myself — 0, what? — A most conspicuous monster ! Crown my head, Pile Caesar's purple on me — and what then? My hump shall shorten the imperial robe. My leg peep out beneath the scanty hem, My broken hip shall twist the gown awry; And pomp, instead of dignifying me. Shall be by me made quite ridiculous. The faintest coward would not bear all this: Prodigious courage must be mine, to live; To die asks nothing but weak will, and I Feel like a craven. Let me skulk away Ere life o'ertask me. [Offers to stab himself.l [Enter Paolo.] Paolo. [Seizing his hand.] Brother ! what is this? Lanciotto, are you mad ? Kind Heaven ! look here — Straight in my eyes. Now answer, do you know How near you were to murder? Dare you bend Your wicked hand against a heart I love? Were it for you to mourn your wilful death. 22 FRANCESCA DA EIMINI. With such a bitterness as would be ours. The wish would ne'er have crossed you. While we're bound Life into life, a chain of loving hearts. Were it not base in you, the middle link, To snap, and scatter all ? Shame, brother, shame ! I thought you better metal. Lan. Spare your words. I know the seasons of our human grief, And can predict them without almanac. A few sobs o'er the body, and a few Over the coffin ; then a sigh or two. Whose windy passage dries the hanging tear; Perchance, some wandering memories, some re- grets; Then a vast influx of consoling thoughts — Based on the trials of the sadder days Which the dead missed; and then a smiling face Turned on to-morrow. Such is mortal grief. It writes its histories within a span. And never lives to read them. Paolo. Lanciotto, I heard the bells of Eimini, Just now. Exulting o'er your coming marriage-day, While you conspire to teach them gloomier soimds. Why are you sad? FBANCESCA DA BIUINI. 23 Lan. Paolo, I am wretched; Sad's a faint word. But of my marriage-bells — Heard you the knell that Pepe rang? Paolo. 'Twas strange: A sullen antic of his crabbed wit. Lan. It was portentous. All dumb things find tongues Against .this marriage. As I passed the hall, My armor glittered on the wall, and I Paused by the harness, as before a friend Whose well-known features slack our hurried gait ; Francesea's name was fresh upon my mind. So I half-uttered it. Instant, my sword Leaped from its scabbard, as with sudden life. Plunged down and pierced into the oaken floor, Shivering with fear ! Lo ! while I gazed upon it — Doubting the nature of the accident — Around the point appeared a spot of blood. Oozing upon the floor, that spread and spread — As I stood gasping by in speechless horror — Eing beyond ring, until the odious tide Crawled to my feet, and lapped them, like the tongues Of angry serpents ! 0, my God ! I fled At the first touch of the infernal stain ! Go — you may see — go to the hall! 24 FKANCBSCA DA BIMINI. Paolo. Fie ! man, You have been ever played on in this sort By your wild fancies. When your heart is high, You make them playthings ; but in lower moods, They seem to sap the essence of your soul, And drain your manhood to its poorest dregs. Lan. Go look, go look! Paolo. \^Goes to the door, and returns.^ There sticks the sword, indeed. Just as your tread detached it from its sheath ; Looking more like a blessed cross, I think. Than a bad omen. As for blood — Ha, ha! [Laugliing .^ It sets mine dancing. Pshaw ! away with this ! Deck lip your face with smiles. Go trim yourself For the young bride. New velvet, gold, and gems. Do wonders for us. Brother, come; I'll be Your tiring-man, for once. Lan, Array this lump — Paolo, hark ! There are some human thoughts Best left imprisoned in the aching heart. Lest the freed malefactors should dispread Infamous ruin with their liberty. There's not a man — the fairest of ye all — Who is not fouler than he seems. This life Is one unending struggle to conceal Our baseness from our fellows. Here stands one In vestal whiteness with a lecher's lust : — FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. £5 There sits a judge, holding law's scales in hands That itch to take the bribe he dare not touch; — Here goes a priest with heavenward eyes, whose soul Is Satan's council-chamber; — there a doctor, With nature's secrets wrinkled round a brow Guilty with conscious ignorance; — and here A soldier rivals Hector's bloody deeds — Out-does the devil in audacity — AVith craven longings fluttering in a heart That dares do aught but fly! Thus are we all Mere slaves and alms-men to a scornful world. That takes us at our seeming. Paolo. Say 't is true; What do you drive at? Lan. At myself, full tilt. . I, like the others, am not what I seem. Men call me gentle, courteous, brave. — They lie! I'm harsh, rude, and a coward. Had I nerve To cast my devils out upon the earth, I'd show this laughing planet what a hell Of envy, malice, cruelty, and scorn. It has forced back to canker in the heart Of one poor cripple ! Paolo. Ha ! Lan. Ay, now 't is out ! A word I never breathed to man before. Can you, who are a miracle of grace, 26 FEANCESCA DA RIMINI. Feel what it is to be a wreck like me? Paolo, look at me. Is there a line, In my whole bulk of wretched contraries. That nature in a nightmare ever used Upon her shapes till now? Find me the man. Or beast, or tree, or rock, or nameless thing, So out of harmony with all things else, x\,nd I'll go raving with bare happiness, — Ay, and I'll marry Helena of Greece, And swear I do her honor ! Paolo. Lanciotto, J, who have known you from a stripling up, iSTever observed, or, if I did, ne'er weighed Your special difference from the rest of men. You're not Apollo — Lan. Xo ! Paolo. Nor yet are you A second Pluto. Could I change with you — My graces for your nobler qualities — Your strength, your courage, your renown — by heaven, A7e"d e'en change persons, to the finest hair. Lan. You should be flatterer to an emperor. Paolo. I am but just. Let me beseech you, brother, L^Jook^vnthgreater favor on yourself; Nor suffer misty phantoms ofTour'brain To take the place of sound realities. FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 27 Go to Eaveima, wed your bride, and lull Your cruel delusions in domestic peace. Ghosts fly a fireside : 't is their wont to stalk Through empty houses, and through empty hearts. I know Francesca will be proud of you. Women admire you heroes. Rusty sages. Pale poets, and scarred warriors, have been Their idols ever; while we fair plump fools Are elbowed to the wall, or only used For vacant pastime. Lan. To Eavenna? — no! In Eimini they know me; at Eavenna I'd be a new-come monster, and exposed To curious wonder. There will be parade Of all the usual follies of the state ; Fellows with trumpets, tinselled coats, and wands. Would strut before me, like vain mountebanks Before their monkeys. Then, I should be stared Out of my modesty; and when they look. How can I tell if 't is the bridegroom's face Or hump that draws their eyes ? I will not go. To please you all, I'll marry; but to please The wonder-mongers of Eavenna— Ha! Paolo, now I have it. You shall^o, JTo bring Francesca; and you'll speak of me, Xot._as_I ought toTe^butjisJC^m. If she draw backward, give her rein; and say 28 FKANCESCA DA KIMINI. That neither Guido nor herself shall feel The weight of my displeasure. You may say, I pity her — Paolo. For what? Lan. For wedding me. In sooth, she'll need it. Say — Paolo. Fay, Lanciotto, I'll be a better orator in your behalf. Without your promptings. Lan. She is fair, 't is said; And, dear Paolo, if she please your eye. And move your heart to anything like love. Wed her yourself. The peace would stand as firm By such a match. Paolo. ^Laughing.] Ha ! that is right : be gay ! Ply me with jokes ! I'd rather see you smile Than see the sun shine. Lan. I am serious. I'll find another wife, less beautiful. More on my level, and — Paolo. An empress, brother, Were honored by your hand. You are by much Too humble in your reckoning of yourself. I can count virtues in you, to supply Half Italy, if they were parcelled out. Look up ! Lan. I cannot: Heaven has bent me down. To you, Paolo, I could look, however. FKANCESCA DA RIMINI. 39 Were my hump made a mountain. Bless him, God! Pofir everlasting bounties on his head! Make Croesus jealous of his treasury, Achilles of his arms, Endymion Of his fresh beauties, — though the coy one lay Blushing beneath Diana's earliest kiss, On grassy Latmos ; and may every good, Beyond man's sight, though in the ken of Heaven, Eound his fair fortune to a perfect end ! 0, you have dried the sorrow of my eyes ; My heart is beating with a lighter pulse; The air is musical; the total earth Puts on new beauty, and within the arms Of girdling ocean dreams her time away. And visions bright to-morrows ! [Enter Malatesta and Pepe.] Malatesta. Mount, to horse! Pepe. [Aside.] Good Lord ! he's smiling ! What's the matter now? Has anybody broken a leg or back? Has a more monstrous monster come to life? Is hell burst open? — heaven burnt up? What, what Can make yon eyesore grin ? — I say, my lord, What cow has calved? Paolo. Your mother, by the bleat. 30 FBANCKSOA DA BIMINI. Pepe. Eight fairly answered — for a gentleman ! When did you take my trade up ? Paolo. When your wit Went begging, sirrah. Pepe. Well again ! My lord, I think he'll do. Mai For what? Pepe. To take my place. Once fools were rare, and then my office sped ; But now the world is overrun with them: One gets one's fool in one's own family, Without much searching. Mai. Pepe, gently now. Laneiotto, you are waited for. The train Has passed the gate, and halted there for you. Lan. I go not to Eavenna. Mai. Hey! why not? Paolo. For weighty reasons, father. Will you trust Your greatest captain, hope of all the Guelfs, With crafty Guido? Should the Ghibelins Break faith, and shut Laneiotto in their walls — Sure the temptation would be great enough — What would you do? Mai. I'd eat Eavenna up ! Pepe. Lord! what an appetite! Paolo. But Laneiotto Would be a precious hostage. FHANCESCA DA BIMINI. 31 Mai. True; you're wise; Guide's a fox. Well, have it your own way. What is your plan? Paolo. I go there in his place. Mai. Good ! I will send a letter with the news. Lan. I thank you, brother. [Apart to Paolo. J Pepe. Ha ! ha ! ha ! — ! ! [Laughing.] Mai. Pepe, what now? Pepe. ! lord, ! — ho ! ho ! ho ! [Laughing.] Paolo. Well, giggler? Pepe. Hear my fable, uncle. Mai. Ay. Pepe. Once on a time, Vulcan sent Mercury To fetch dame Venus from a romp in heaven. Well, they were long in coming, as he thought ; And so the god of spits and gridirons Eailed like himself — the devil. But — now mark — Here comes the moral. In a little whiTe,""' Vulcan grew proud, because he saw plain signs That he should be a father; and so he Strutted through hell, and pushed the devils by. Like a magnifico of Venice. Ere long. His heir was born ; but then — ho ! ho ! — the brat Had wings upon his heels, and thievish ways. And a vile squint, like errant Mercury's, Which honest Vulcan could not understand ; — Can you? 32 FRAXCESCA DA RIMINI. Paolo. 'Sdeath! lool, 111 have you in the stocks. Pather, your fool exceeds his privilege. Pepe. [Apart to Paolo.] Keep your own bounds, Paolo. In the stocks I'd tell more fables than you'd wish to hear. And so ride forth. But, cousin, don't forget To take Lanciotto's picture to the bride. Ask her to choose between it and yourself. I'll count the moments, while she hesitates. And not grow gray at it. Paolo. Peace, varlet, peace ! Pepc. [Apart to hiiii.] Ah, now I have it. There's an elephant Upon the scutcheon; show her that, and say — Here's Lanciotto in our heraldry ! Paolo. Here's for your counsel ! [Strikes Pepe, who runs behind Malatesta.J Mai. Son, son, have a care ! We who keep pets must bear their pecks some- times. Poor knave ! Ha ! ha ! thou'rt growing villainous ! [Laughs and pats Pepe.] Pepe. Another blow ! another life for that ! [Aside.] Paolo. Farewell, Lanciotto, You are dull again. Lan. Nature will rule. Mai. Come, come! FEANCESCA DA RIMINI. 33 Lan. God speed you, brother! I am too sad; my smiles all turn to sighs. Paolo. More cause to haste me on my happy work. [Exit with Malatesta.] Pepe. I'm going, cousin. Lan. Go. Pepe. Pray, ask me where. Lan. Where, then ? Pepe. To have my jewel carried home : And, as I'm wise, the carrier shall be A thief, a thief, by Jove ! The fashion's new. [Exit.] Lan. In truth, I am too gloomy and irrational. Paolo must be right. I always had These moody hours and dark presentiments. Without mischances following after them. The camp is my abode. A neighing steed, A fiery onset, and a stubborn fight, Eouse my dull blood, and tire my body down To quiet slumljers when the day is o'er. And night above me spreads her spangled tent, Lit by the dying cresset of the moon. Ay, that is it; I'm homesick for the camp. [Exit.] ACT II. SCENE. I. Ravenna. A Room in Guido's Palace. En- ter GuiDO and a Cardinal. Cardinal. I warn thee. Count. Guido. I'll take the warning, father. On one condition : show me but a way For safe escape. Car. I cannot. Gui. There's the point. We Ghebelins are fettered hand and foot. There's not a florin in my treasury ; Not a lame soldier, I can lead to war ; Not one to man the walls. A present siege. Pushed with the wonted heat of Lanciotto, Would deal Eavenna such a mortal blow As ages could not mend. Give me but time To fill the drained arteries of the land. The Guelfs are masters, we their slaves ; and we Were wiser to confess it, ere the lash Teach it too sternly. It is well for you To say you love Francesca. So do I ; But neither you nor I have any voice For or against this marriage. 34 FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. 35 Car. "I is too true. Gui. Say we refuse : Why, then, before a week. We'll hear Laneiotto rapping at our door. With twenty hundred ruffians at his back. What's to say then ? My lord, we waste our breath. Let us look fortune in the face, and draw Such comfort from the wanton as we may. Car. And yet I fear — Gui. You fear ! and so do I. I fear Laneiotto as a soldier, though, More than a son-in-law. Car. But have you seen him ? Gui. Ay, ay, and felt him, too. I've seen him ride The best battalions of my horse and foot Down like mere stubble : I have seen his sword Hollow a square of pikemen, with the ease You'd scoop a melon out. Car. Eeport declares him A prodigy of strength and ugliness. Gui. Were he the devil — But why talk of this ? — Here comes Francesca. Car. Ah, unhappy child ! Gui. Look you, my lord ! you '11 make the best of it; You will not whimper. Add your voice to mine, Or woe to poor Eavenna ! [Enter Feancesca and Eitta.] 3g PRANOKSOA DA EIMINI. Francesca. Ha ! my lord — And you, my father ! — ^But do I intrude Upon your counsels ? How severe you look ! Shall I retire? Gui. No, no. Fran. You moody men Seem leagued against me. As I passed the hall, I met your solemn Dante, with huge strides Pacing in measure to his stately verse. The sweeping sleeves of his broad scarlet robe Blew out behind, like wide-expanded wings. And seemed to buoy him in his level flight. Thinking to pass, without disturbing him, I stole on tip-toe ; but the poet paused. Subsiding into man, and steadily Bent on my face the lustre of his eyes. Then, taking both my trembling hands in his — You know how his God-troubled forehead awes - He looked into my eyes, and shook his head. As if he dared not speak of what he saw ; Then muttered, sighed, and slowly turned away The weight of his intolerable brow. When I glanced back, I saw him, as before. Sailing adown the hall on out-spread wings. Indeed, my lord, he should not do these things : They strain the weakness of mortality A Jot too far. As for poor Eitta, she Fled like a doe, the truant. FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 37 Ritta. Yes, forsooth : There's something terrible about the man. Ugh ! if he touched me, I should turn to ice. I wonder if Count Lanciotto looks — Gui. Eitta, come here. [Takes her apart.] Bit. My lord. Crui. 'T was my command. You should say nothing of Count Lanciotto. Bit. Nothing, my lord. Gui. You have said nothing, then ? Bit. Indeed, my lord. Gui. 'T is well. Some years ago. My daughter had a very silly maid. Who told her sillier stories. So, one day. This maiden whispered something I forbade — In strictest confidence, for she was sly : What happened, think you ? Bit. I know not, my lord. Gui. I boiled her in a pot. Bit. Good heaven ! my lord. Gui. She did not like it. I shall keep that pot Eeady for the next boiling. [Walhs back to the others.] Bit. Saints above ! I wonder if he ate her ! Boil me — me ! I'll roast or stew with pleasure ; but to boil Implies a want of tenderness, — or rather A downright toughness — in the matter boiled. 38 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 'J'kat's slanderous to a maiden. What, boil me — Boil me ! ! mercy, how ridieulons ! [Retires, laughing.] [Enter a Messenger.] Messenger. Letters, my lord, from great Prince Malatesta. [Presents the,n, and exit.] Qui. [Aside.] Hear him, ye gods ! — "from great Prince Malatesta !" Greeting, no doubt, his little cousin Guido. Well, well. Just so we see-saw up and down. [Beads.] "Fearing our treachery," — by heaven, that's blunt. And Malatesta-like ! — "he will not send His son, Lanciotto, to Ravenna, but" ■ — But what ? — a groom, a porter ? or will he Have his prey sent him in an iron cage ? By Jove, he shall not have her ! ! no, no ; "He sends his younger son, the Count Paolo, To fetch Francesca hacTc to Rimini." That's well, if he had left his reasons out. And, in a postscript — by the saints, 't is droll ! — " 'T would not be worth your lordship's tvhile, to shut Paola in a prison; for, my lord, I'll only pay his ransom in plain steel: Besides, he's not worth having." Is there one. Save this ignoble offshoot of the Goths, FHANCESCA DA RIMINI. 39 Who'd write such garbage to a gentleman ? Take that, and read it. [Gives letter to Cardinal.] Car. I have done the most. She seems suspicious. Qui. Eitta's work. Car. Farewell! [Exit.'] Fran. Father, you seem distempered. Gui. No, my child, I am but vexed. Your husband's on the road, Close to Eavenna. What's the time of day_? Fran. Past noon, my lord. Gui. We must be stirring, then. Fran. I do not like this marriage. Gui. But I do. Fran. But I do not. Poh ! to be given away. Like a fine horse or falcon, to a man Whose face I never saw ! Bit. That's it, my lady. Gui. Eitta, run down, and see if my great pot Boils to your liking. Bit. [Aside.] ! that pot again ! My lord, my heart betrays me ; but you know How true 't is to my lady. [Exit.] Fran. What ails Eitta ? Gui. The ailing of your sex, a running tongue. Francesca, 't is too late to beat retreat : Old Malatesta has me — you, too, child — Safe in his clutch. If you are not content. 40 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. I must unclose Eavenna, and allow His son to take yon. Poh, poll ! have a soul Equal \vitli your estate. A prince's child Cannot choose husbands. Her desires must^im, Not at herself, but at the public^od. Both as 3'our prince and father, I command; As subject and good daughter, you'll obey. Fran. I knew that it must be my destiny. Some day, to give my hand without my heart ; But — Gui. But, and I will but you back again ! When Guido da Polenta says to you. Daughter, you must be married, — what were best ? Fran. 'T were best -Francesca, of the self-same name, Made herself bridal-garments. [Laughing.] Gui. Eight ! Fran. My lord. Is Lanciotto handsome — ugly — fair — Black — sallow — crabbed — kind — or what is he ? Gui. You'll know ere long. I could not alter him. To please your taste. Fran. You always put me off ; You never have a whisper in his praise. Gui. The world reports it. — Count my sol- diers' scars. And you may sum Lanciotto's glories up. FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 41 Fran. I shall be dutiful, to please you, father. If aught befall me through my blind submission. Though I may suffer, you must bear the sin. Beware, my lord, for your own peace of mind ! My part has been obedience ; and now I play it over to complete my task; And it shall be with smiles upon my lips, — Heaven only knows with what a sinking heart ! [Exeunt.'] SCENE II. The Same. Before the Gates of the City. The walls hung with banners, flowers, &c., and crowded with citizens. At the side of the scene is a canopied dais, with chairs of state upon it. Music, hells, shouts, and other sounds of rejoicing, are occasionally heard. Enter GuiDO, the Cardinal, Nohlemen, Knights, Guards, dc, with banners, arms, de. Guido. My lord, I'll have it so. You talk in vain. Paolo is a marvel in his way : I' ve seen him often. If Franeesca take A fancy to his beauty, all the better ; For she may think that he and Lanciotto Are like as blossoms of one parent branch. In truth, they are, so far as features go — Heaven help the rest ! Get her to Eimini, By any means, and I shall be content. The fraud cannot last long ; but long enough To win her favor to the family. 43 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. Cardinal. 'T is a dull trick. Thou hast not dealt with her Wisely nor kindly, and I dread the end If, when this marriage was enjoined on thee. Thou hadst informed Francesca of the truth, And said, Kow, daughter, choose between Thy peace and all Eavenna's ; who that knows The constant nature of her noble heart Could doubt the issue? There'd have been some tears. Some frightful fancies of her husband's looks ; And then she 'd calmly walk up to her fate. And bear it bravely. Afterwards, perchance, Lanciotto might prove better than her fears, — 'No one denies him many an excellence, — And all go happily. But, as thou wouldst plot. She '11 be prepared to see a paragon. And find a satyr. It is dangerous. Treachery with enemies is bad enough. With friends 't is fatal. Qui. Has your lordship done ? Car. Never, Count Guido, with so good a text. Do not stand looking sideways at the truth; Craft has become thy nature. Go to her. Gut. I have not heart. Car. I have. [Going.] FBANCESCA DA KIMINI. 43 Gui. Hold, Cardinal ! My plan is better. Get her off my hands. And I care not. Car. What will she say of thee. In Eimini, when she detects the cheat ? Ckii. I'll stop my ears up. » Gar. Guido, thou art weak, And lack the common fortitude of man. Gui. And you abuse the license of your garb. To lessen me. My lord, I do not dare To move a finger in these marriage-rites. Franeesca is a sacrifice, I know, — A limb delivered to the surgeon's knife. To save our general health. A truce to this. Paolo has the business in his hands : Let him arrange it as he will ; for I Will give Count Malatesta no pretext To recommence the war. Car. Farewell, my lord. I '11 neither help nor countenance a fraud. You crafty men take comfort to yourselves. Saying, deceit dies with discovery. 'T is false ; each wicked action spawns a brood. And lives in its succession. You, who shake Man's moral nature into storm, should know That the last wave which passes from your sight Rolls in and breaks upon eternity ! [Exit.] 44 PKANCESCA DA EIMINI. Gui. Why, that's a very grand and solemn thought : I '11 mention it to Dante. Gentlemen, What see they from the wall? Nobleman. The train, my lord. Gui. Inform my daughter. Noi. She is here, my lord. [Enter FnANCESGA,'RiTTAjLadies^Attendants,£c.] Franeesca. See, father, what a merry face I have. And how my ladies glisten ! I will try To do my utmost, in my love for you And the good people of Eavenna. Now, As the first shock is over, I expect To feel quite happy. I will wed the Count, Be he whate'er he may. I do not speak In giddy recklessness. I've weighed it all, — 'T wixt hope and fear, knowledge and ignorance, — And reasoned out my duty to your wish. I have no yearnings towards another love : So, if I show my husband a desire To fill the place with which he honors me. According to its duties, even he — Were he less noble than Count Lanciotto — Must smile upon my efforts, and reward Good will with willing grace. One pang remains. Parting from home and kindred is a thing None but the heartless, or the miserable. Can do without a tear. This home of mine FBAKCESCA DA RIMINI. 45 Has filled my heart with two-fold happiness. Taking and giving love abundantly. Farewell, Eavenna ! If I bless thee not, 'T is that thou seem'st too blessed ; and 't were strange In me to offer what thou ''st always given. Gui. [Aside.] This is too much ! If she would rail a while At me and fortune, it could be endured. [Shouts, music, &c., within.] Fran. Ha ! there's the van just breaking through the wood ! Music ! that 's well ; a welcome forerunner. Now, Eitta — here — come talk to me. Alas ! How my heart trembles ! What a world to me Lies 'neath the glitter of yon cavalcade ! Is that the Count ? Bitta. Upon the dapple-gray ? Fran. Yes, yes. Rit. No ; that 's his — Gui. [Apart to her.] Eitta ! Rit. Ay ; that 's — that 's — Gui. Eitta, the pot ! [Apart to her.] Rit. ! but this lying chokes ! [Aside.] Ay, that's Count Somebody, from Eimini. Fran. I knew it was. Is that not glorious ? Rit. My lady, what ? 46 FEANCESCA DA EIMINI. Fran. To see a cavalier Sit on his steed with such familiar grace. Bit. To see a man astraddle on a horse ! It don't seem much to me. Fran. Fie ! stupid girl ! But mark ! the minstrels thronging round the Count ! Ah ! that is more than gallant horsemanship. The soul that feeds itself ^ on poesy. Is of a quality more line and rare Than Heaven allows the ruder multitude. 1 tell you, Eitta, when you see a man Beloved by poets, made the theme of song, And chaunted down to ages, as a gift Fit for the rich embalmment of their verse, There/s more about him than the patron's gold. If that 's the gentleman my father chose, He must have picked him out from all the world. The Count alights. Why, what a noble grace Runs through his slightest action ! Are you sad ? You, too, my father ? Have I given you cause ? I am content. If Laneiotto's mind Bear any impress of his fair outside. We shall not quarrel ere our marriage-day. Can I say more ? My blushes speak for me : Interpret them as modesty's excuse For the short-comings of a maiden's speech. Bit. Alas ! dear lady ! [Aside.'] FBANCESCA DA EIMINI. 47 Gui. [Aside.] 'Sdeath ! my plot has failed, By overworking its design. Come, come ; Get to your places. See, the Count draws nigh. [GxJiDO and Fbancesca seat themselves upon the dais, surrounded by Eitta, Ladies, Attendants, Guards, &c. Music, shouts, ringing of bells, t&c. Enter Men- at-arms, with banners, &c.; Pages bearing costly pres- ents on cushions; then Paolo, surrounded by Noble- men, Knights, Minstrels, &c., and followed by other Men-at-arms. They range themselves opposite the dais.^ Gui. Eavenna welcomes you, my lord, and I Add my best greeting to the general voice. This peaceful show of arms from Eimini Is a new pleasure, stranger to our sense Than if the East blew zephyrs, or the balm Of Summer loaded rough December's gales, And turned his snows to roses. Paolo. Noble sir. We looked for welcome from your courtesy. Not from your love ; but this unhoped for sight Of smiling faces, and the gentle tone In which you greet us, leave us naught to win Within your hearts. I need not ask, my lord. Where bides the precious object of my search ; For I was sent to find the fairest maid Eavenna boasts, among her many fair. I might extend my travel many a league. And yet return, to take her from your side. I blush to bear so rich a treasure home, 48 FKANCESCA DA RIMINI. As pledge and hostage of a sluggish peace ; For beauty such as hers was meant by Heaven To spur our race to gallant enterprise. And draw contending deities around The dubious battles of a second Troy. Gui. Sir Count, you please to lavish on my child The high-strained courtesy of chivalry ; Yet she has homely virtues that, I hope. May take a deeper hold in Rimini, After the fleeting beauty of her face Is spoiled by time, or faded to the eye By its familiar usage. Paolo. As a man Who ever sees Heaven's purpose in its works, I must suppose so rare a tabernacle Was framed for rarest virtues. Pardon me My public admiration. If my praise Clash with propriety, and bare my words To cooler Judgment, 't is not that I wish To win a flatterer's grudged recompense, And gain by falsehood what I 'd win through love. When I have brushed my travel from my garb, I '11 pay my court in more befitting style. [^ilusic. Exit with his train.] Gui. [Advancing.] 'Sow, by the saints, Lan- ciotto's deputy Stands in this business with a proper grace. Stretching his lord's instructions till they crack. FRAKCESCA DA RIMINI. 49 A zealous envoy ! Not a word said he Of Lanciotto — not a single word ; But stood there, staring in Francesca's face With his devouring eyes. — By Jupiter, I but half like it ! Fran. [Advancing.] Father? Gui. Well, my child. Fran. How do you like — Gui. The coxcomb ! I 've done well ! Fran. No, no ; Count Lanciotto ? Gui. Well enough. But hang this fellow — hang your deputies ! 1 11 never woo by proxy. ' Fran. Deputies ! And woo by proxy ! Gui. Come to me anon. I '11 strip this cuckoo of his gallantry ! [Exit ivith Guards, (&c.] Fran. Eitta, my father has strange ways of late. Rit. I wonder not. Fran. You. wonder not ? Bit. No, lady : He is so used to playing double games. That even you must come in for your share. Plague on his boiling ! I will out with it. [Aside.] Lady, the gentleman who passed the gates — Fi-an. Count Lanciotto ? As I hope for grace, A gallant gentleman ! How well he spoke ! 50 FBANCESCA DA EIMINI. With what sincere and earnest courtesy The rounded phrases glided from his lips ! He spoke in compliments that seemed like truth. Methinks 1 'd listen through a summer's day, To hear him woo. — And he must woo to me — I '11 have our privilege — he must woo a space, Ere I '11 be won, I promise. Bit. But, my lady. He '11 woo you for another. Fran. He? — ha! ha! [Laughing.] I should not think it from the prologue, Eitta. Bit. Nor I. Fran. Nor any one. Bit. 'T is not the Count — 'T is not Count Lanciotto. Fran. Gracious saints ! Have you gone crazy ? Eitta, speak again. Before I chide you. Bit. 'T is the solemn truth. That gentleman is Count Paolo, lady. Brother to Lanciotto, and no more Like him than — than — Fran. Than what ? Bit. Count Guide's pot, For boiling waiting-maids, is like the bath Of Venus on the arras. Fran. Are you mad, — Quite mad, poor Eitta? FEAXCESCA DA RIMINI. 51 Bit. Yes ; perhaps I am, Perhaps Lanciotto is a proper man — Perhaps I lie — perhaps I speak the truth — Perhaps I gabble like a fool. ! heavens, That dreadful pot ! Fran. Dear Ritta ! — Bit. By the mass, They shall not cozen you, my gentle mistress ! If my lord Guido boiled me, do you think I should be served up to the garrison, By way of pottage ? Surely they would not waste me. Fran. You are an idle talker. Pranks like these Fit your companions. You forget yourself. Bit. Xot you, though, lady. Boldly I repeat. That he who looked so fair, and talked so sweet. Who rode from Eimini upon a horse Of dapple-gray, and walked through yonder gate. Is not Count Lanciotto. Fran. This you mean ? Bit. I do, indeed ! Fran. Then I am more abused — More tricked, more trifled with, more played upon — By him, my father, and by all of you. Than anything, suspected of a heart. Was ever yet ! Bit. In Count Paolo, lady. Perchance there was no meditated fraud. 53 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. Fran. How, dare you plead for him ? Bit. I but suppose : Though in your father — ! I dare not say. Fran. I dare. It was ill usage, gross abuse, Treason to duty, meanness, craft — dishonor ! What if I 'd thrown my heart before the feet Of this sham husband ! cast my love away Upon a counterfeit ! I was prepared To force affection upon any man Called Lanciotto. Anything of silk. Tinsel, and gewgaws, if he bore that name. Might have received me for the asking. Yes, I was inclined to venture more than half In this base business — shame upon my thoughts ! — All for my father's peace and poor Eavenna's. And this Paolo, with his cavalcade, His minstrels, music, and his pretty airs, His showy person, and his fulsome talk. Almost made me contented with my lot. ! what a fool — in faith, I merit it — Trapped by mere glitter ! What an easy fool ! Ha ! ha ! I 'm glad it went no further, girl ; [Laughing.] I'm glad I kept my heart safe, after all. There was my cunning. I have paid them back, 1 warrant you ! I '11 marry Lanciotto ; I '11 seem to shuffle by this treachery. No ! I '11 seek my father, put him face to face FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 53 With his own falsehood ; and I "11 stand between, Awful as justice^ meting out to him Heaven's dreadful canons 'gainst his conscious guilt. I '11 marry Laneiotto. On my faith, I would not live another wicked day Here, in Eavenna, only for the fear That I should take to lying, with the rest. Ha ! ha ! it makes me merry, when I think How safe I kept this little heart of mine ! [Laughing.] [Exit, with Attendants, &c.] Bit. So, 't is all ended — all except my boiling. And that will make a holiday for some. Perhaps I 'm selfish. Fagot, axe, and gallows. They have their uses, after all. They give The lookers-on a deal of harmless sport. Though one may suffer, twenty hundred laugh ; And that 's a point gained. I have seen a man — Poor Dora's uncle — shake himself with glee. At the bare thought of the ridiculous style In which some villain died. "Dancing," quoth he, "To the poor music of a single string ! Biting," quoth he, "after his head was off ! What use of that ?" Or, "Shivering," quoth he, "As from an ague, with his beard afire !" And then he 'd roar until his ugly mouth Split at the corners. But to see me boil — 54 FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. ! that will be the queerest thing of all ! I wonder if they '11 put me in a bag, Like a great suet-ball ? I '11 go, and tell Count Guido, on the instant. How he '11 laugh To think his pot has got an occupant ! J wonder if he really takes delight In such amusements ? Nay, I have kept faith : I only said the man was not Lanciotto ; No word of Lanciotto's ugliness. I may escape the pot, for all. Pardee ! I wonder if they '11 put me in a bag ! [Exit, laughing.] SCENE III. The Same. A Room, in Guido's Palace. Enter Guido and EiTTA. Ritta. There now, my lord, that is the whole of it : I love my mistress more than I fear you. If I could save her finger from the axe, I 'd give my head to do it. So, my lord, I am prepared to stew. Guido. Boil, Ritta, boil. Bit. No ; I prefer to stew. Gui. And I to boil. Rit. 'T is very hard, my lord, I cannot choose My way of cooking. I shall laugh, I vow, In the grim headsman's face, when I remember That I am dying for my lady's love. FBANCESCA DA KIMINI. 55 I leave no one to shed a tear for me ; Father nor mother, kith nor kin, have I, To say, "Poor Eitta !" o'er my lifeless clay. They all have gone before me, and 't were well If I could hurry after them. Gui. Poor child ! [Aside.] But, baggage, said you aught of Lanciotto ? Bit. No, not a word ; and he 's so ugly, too ! Gui. Is he so ugly ? Rit. Ugly ! he is worse Than Pilate on the hangings. Gui. Hold your tongue Here, and at Eimini, about the Count, And you shall prosper. Rit. Am I not to boil ? Gui. No, child. But be discreet at Eimini. Old Malatesta is a dreadful man — Far worse than I — he bakes his people, Eitta ; Lards them, like geese, and bakes them in an oven. Rit. Fire is my fate, I see that. Gui. Have a care It do not follow you beyond this world. Where is your mistress ? Rit. In her room, my lord. After I told her of the Count Paolo, She flew to have an interview with you ; But on the way — I know not why it was — She darted to her chamber, and there stays 56 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. Weeping in silence. It would do yon good — More than a hundred sermons — just to see A single tear, indeed it would, my lord. Gui. Ha ! you are saucy. I have humored you Past prudence, malpert ! Get you to your room ! [Exit RiTTA.] More of my blood runs in yon damsel's veins Than the world knows. Her mother to a shade ; The same high spirit, and strange martyr-wish To sacrifice herself, body and soul. For some loved end. All that she did for me ; And yet I loved her not. ! memory ! The darkest future has a ray of hope, But thou art blacker than the sepulchre ! Thy horrid shapes lie round, like scattered bones, Hopeless forever ! I am sick at heart. The past crowds on the present : as I sowed, So am I reaping. Shadows from myself Fall on the picture, as I trace anew These rising spectres of my early life, And add their gloom to what was dark before. ! memory, memory ! How my temples throb ! [Sits.] [Enter Feancesca, hastily.] Francesca. My lord, this outrage — [He loohs up.] Father, are you ill ? You peem unhappy. Have I troubled 3'ou ? FRANCESCA DA MMIJVI. 57 You heard how passionate and bad I was, When Kitta told me of the Count Paolo. Dear father, calm yourself ; and let me ask A child's forgiveness. 'T was undutiful To doubt your wisdom. It is over now. I only thought you might have trusted me With any counsel. Gui. [Aside.] Would I had! Fran. Ah ! well, I understand it all, and you were right. Only the danger of it. Think, my lord. If I had loved this man at the first sight : We all have heard of such things. Think, again, If I had loved him — as I then supposed You wished me to — 't would have been very sad. But no, dear sir, I kept my heart secure, Nor will I loose it till you give the word. I 'm wiser than you thought me, you perceive. But when we saw him, face to face, together. Surely you might have told me then. Gui. Francesea, My eyes are old — I did not clearly see — Faith, it escaped my thoughts. Some other things Came in my head. I was as ignorant Of Count Paolo's coming as yourself. The brothers are so like. Fran. Indeed? 58 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. Gui. Yes, yes. One is the other's counterpart, in fact ; And even now it may not be — ! shame ! I lie by habit. [4sjde.] Fran. Then there is a hope? He may be Laneiotto, after all ? Oljoy- [Enter a Servant.^ Servant. The Count Paolo. [Exit.} Fran. Misery! That name was not Laneiotto ! Gui. Farewell, child. I "11 leave you with the Count : he '11 make it plain. It seems 't was Count Paolo. [Going.] Fran. Father ! Gui. Well. Fran. You knew it from the first ! [Exit Guido.] Let me begone : I could not look him in the face again With the old faith. Besides, 't would anger him To have a living witness of his fraud Ever before him; and I could not trust — Strive as I might — my happiness to him, As once I did. I could not lay my hand Upon his shoulder, and look up to him. Saying, Dear father, pilot me along Past this dread rock, through yonder narrow strait. Saints, no ! The gold that gave my life away FKANCESCA DA KIMINI. 59 Might, even then, be rattling in his purse. Warm from the buyer's hand. Look on me. Heaven ! Him thou didst sanctify before my eyes. Him thou didst charge, as thy great deputy. With guardianship of a weak orphan girl. Has fallen from grace, has paltered with his trust ; I have no mother to receive thy charge, — ! take it on thyself ; and when I err. Through mortal blindness, Heaven, be thou my guide ! Worse cannot fall me. Though my husband luck A parent's tenderness, he yet may have Faith, truth, and honor — the immortal bonds That knit together honest hearts as one. Let me away to Eimini. Alas ! It wrings my heart to have outlived the day That I can leave my home with no regret ! [Weeps.] [Enter Paolo.] Paolo. Pray, pardon me. [Going.] Fran. You are quite welcome. Count. A foolish tear, a weakness, nothing more : But present weeping clears our future sight. They tell me you are love's commissioner, A kind of broker in the trade of hearts : Is it 3'our usual business ? or may I Flatter myself, by claiming this essay As your first effort ? 60 FBANCESCA DA RIMIXI. Paolo. Lady, I believed My post, at starting, one of weight and trust ; When I beheld you, I concluded it A charge of honor and high dignity. I did not think to hear you underrate Your own importance, by dishonoring me. Fran. You are severe, my lord. Paolo. No, not severe ; Say candid, rather. I am somewhat hurt By my reception. If I feel the wound, 'T is not because I suffer from the jest, But that your lips should deal it. Fran. Compliments Appear to be the staple of your speech. You ravish one with courtesy, you pour Fine words upon one, till the listening head Is bowed with sweetness. Sir, your talk is drugged ; There 's secret poppy in your sugared phrase : I '11 taste before I take it. Paolo. Gentle lady — Fran. I am not gentle, or I missed my aim. I am no hawk to fly at every lure. You courtly gentlemen draw one broad rule — All girls are fools. It may be so, in truth. Yet so I '11 not be treated. Paolo. Have you been ? If I implied such slander by my words, They wrong my purpose. If I compliment. FBANCESCA DA RIMINI. 61 'T is not from habit, but because I thought Your face deserved my homage as its due. When I have clearer insight, and you spread Your inner nature o'er your lineaments, Even that face may darken in the shades Of my opinion. For mere loveliness Needs inward light to keep it always bright. All things look badly to unfriendly eyes. I spoke my first impression ; cooler thought May work strange changes. Fran. Ah, Sir Count, at length There '& matter in your words. Paolo. Unpleasant stuff, To judge by your dark brows. I have essayed Kindness and coldness, yet you are not pleased. Fran. How can I be ? Paolo. How, lady ? Fran. Ay, sir, how ? Your brother — my good lord that is to be — Stings me with his neglect ; and in the place He should have filled, he sends a go-between, A common carrier of others' love ; How can the sender, or the person sent, Please overmuch ? Xow, were I such as you, I 'd be too proud to travel round the land With other people's feelings in my heart ; Even to fill the void which you confess By ?ucli employment. 63 FRANCESCA DA KIMINI. Paolo. Lady, 't is your wish To nettle me, to break my breeding down, And see what natural passions I have hidden Behind the outworks of my etiquette. I neither own nor feel the want of heart With which you charge me. You are more than cruel ; You rouse my nerves until they ache with life. And then pour fire upon them. For myself I would not speak, unless you had compelled. My task is odious to me. Since I came. Heaven bear me witness how my traitor heart Has fought against my duty ; and how oft I wished myself in Laneiotto's place, Or him in mine. Frail. You riddle. Paolo. Do I? Well, Let it remain unguessed. Frati. You wished yourself At Eimini, or Lanciotto here ? You may have reasons. Paolo. Well interpreted ! The Sphinx were simple in your skilful hands ! Fran. It has become our turn to sneer. Paolo. But I Have gall to feed my bitterness, while you .Test in the wanton ease of happiness. Stop ! there is peril in our talk. FKANCESCA DA BIMINI. G3 Fran. As how ? Paolo. 'T is dangerous to talk about one's self ; It panders selfishness. My duty waits. Fran. My future lord's affairs? I quite forgot Count Lanciotto. Paolo. I, too, shame upon me. [4st