PS 991 J^1M26 V, %/ /M^^ Vo^' .':^^: %v^ O^ *-rTVs^* A •• ^^'X •• ^o ^^.-^ ^^ -^:^ ' . • s Florentine Nobles, Landing, Sorini, 3 A Page of Colonna. A Follower o/' Bondelmont. Priors of the Arts (Florentine Senators,) Nobles, Citizens, &c. Scene, Florence. Period, close of 13th Century. THE MAID OF FLORENCE : A TRAGEDY. ACT I. SCENE I. Florence — an apartment in Savola^s Palace, ( Biajica and Theresa seated, occupied with embroide- ryj BIANCA. Come, let me see your progress — [ Theresa rises and approaches, 'Tis indeed, Just as I feared, and must be all undone. 'Tis thus the careless hand its labor doubles. THERESA. Indeed, my lady — BIANCA. Say no more, sit down. You are an idle girl, whose eye and mind Will ever stray from their appointed task, To seek amusement elsewhere. (Enter Savola,) SAVOLA. What, my Bianca ? ever thus employed, A pattern of domestic industry ? [Bianca rises. Were you the daughter of a needy burgher, This were a virtue, here 'tis needless toil. BIANCA, 'Tis useful e'en to me. We feeble women, Unfit for better things, with busy trifles 6 THE MAID OF [aCT I. Must drive away the meddling fiend who waits On unemployed hours. Our evil thoughts — SAVOLA. Your evil thoughts, my child — you know not evil — Except a little self-will. But why now, While every maid in Florence, young and old, The fair and homely, noble and the mean — Adorns herself and eagerly awaits The eye of admiration, why should you Her fairest daughter, noble, young and rich, Thus hidden disappoint the longing eyes That watch for you alone ? BIANCA. But why to-day ? This is no festival. AV^hat other cause May call them forth ? SAVOLA. It is a day of triumph. Our gallant army, by Colonna led. That youthful veteran, with conquest crowned Is entering now the gates : and every heart, That beats with love for Florence, now prepares To grace the triumph of the sons of Florence. BIANCA. The sons of Florence ! What have they achieved 1 Say, who has been the hero of the war ] No son of Florence, but a foreign chief; The bold Colonna, with a hireling sword, Achieves ihe laurels of each stricken field ; His mercenary band our strong defence, His glory the reproach of Florentines. SAVOLA. You are unjust: although Colonna be The first in arms, yet have our native youth J*layed well their parts, and should partake his triumph BIANCA. They merely flid their duty. To have failed Had l)rcTi di.^iionor. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 7 SAVOLA. And it is then no merit to have done What many fail to do ? — At this glad hour Each maid and matron's bosom, who can boast A lover, son, or husband in their ranks, Dilates with triumph. Be not you alone Unmoved amid the universal joy. Bianca's image is the guiding star To many a gallant heart. Still have you frowned Where I would have smile. Relax, my child. Your frozen pride, and hear your father^s prayer. Before your eyes will pass the proud array. In which the banners of your nobest suitors Shine forth conspicuous. Upon them look, Mark well the glances of devotion's eye, Choose you the worthiest and on him bestow Some little mark of favor, e'en a smile. Enough to fan the flame the hopeless love. BIANCA. It may not be. So bold a preference Would be unmaidenly. SAVOLA. I say no more. I, overfond, entreat, but should command — Farewell, perverse one, I must now begone. The signiory expect me. [Exit Savola, ( Bianca resumes her occupation, A trumpet. Theresa runs to the window,) THERESA. They come, they come ! In gorgeous array The flashing armour, and the prancing steeds, The nodding plumes, and banners waving high In gay confusion speak the pomp of war. Oh lady, now look forth. BIANCA. You need not tempt me. The vice of Eve is not so strong within me, But it may be controlled. 8 THE MAID OF [aCT I THERESA. A sight so glorious you ne'er beheld. BIANCA. Forbear your hopeless task, you cannot move me. THERESA. Now they draw near, and plainly may you mark The banner of each noble house in Florence, Its sons and their retainers clustered round. Full many a noble banner freely waves, And many a gallant youth, in battle tried, Upon your window turns an ardent eye, And asks one smile from Florence fairest maid. BIANCA. What have they done to win a smile from me ? No flaunting banner, gorgeous coat of arms, The trappings and the foppery of war, Delight my fancy, or can win my love. THERESA. Are you a woman ? See where Strozzi rides, His warhorse champing proudly on the bit. While he, unconscious of the gazing crowd, Looks but for you : and shall he look in vain ] A single smile he asks, a cheap reward. BIANCA. Let him pass on, I have no smile for him. THERESA, See, gay Bondelmont comes beloved by all. Excepting one ; the noblest youth in Florence, And blest in excepting in his love. Must he too pass unseen ? — She sure is stone — A banner follows now to me unknown — It bears a massive column. — 'Tis Colonna's, Colonna, who, with mercenary sword. So well has served the righteous cause of Florence. His revenue, his ruthless followers' blood ; War his delight; the tented field his home. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. J Perhaps the eye that scorns our natire youth As summer soldiers, yet may look on him With an approving glance. BIANCA. Why should it^not 1 He is a warrior, in council wise, And daring in the field. The head, the heart, And hand are his, to plan, and dare and do Heroic deeds — Though Jie were ugly, old, 0b3cure in origin, in manners mean, Yet would I hold him an accomplished knight, A princess' love deserving. THERESA. Look then, my lady, on this'hireling soldier. BIANCA. Spite of your sneers 1 will — [goes to the window, A hireling soldier ! ^e looks a hero worthv to lead forth A kingdom's power, to battle for a crown ! THERESA. Looks he not like the champion of a queen 1 How gracefully he reins his gallant steed. Who spurns the earth as of his burden proud 1 BIAXCA. This is nojcarpet knight. No gaudy trappings Set off his simple armour; clothed in steel, The saddle of the warhoise is his home. Inured to triumph, with a collected mien, The shouts of gratulation he receives As ail accustomed thing. THERESA. Sure she is caught : The bird, that oft has 'scaped the fowler's net, May yet be caught at last — He sees her now. He marks with eager glance her lovely fonii, Doffs his plumed helm, in graceful homage saying I, who defy the world, will be your slave. Nay ladv, start not back, look forth again. 10 THE MAID OF [aCT I BIANCA. I cannot. THERESA. He lingers yet as loath to look his last Upon a glorious vision — He is gone, By the rude throng of his retainers hidden. Yet still his lofty plume his course betrays — [Biaitca looks out eagerly. Nay, now, my lady, you need gaze no more — Why lad}', can it be ? BIANCA. (walking away from the window,) Oh shame to Florence ! That she should find the rock of her defence, Not in the valour of her native sons. But in a foreign chief's heroic deeds. THERESA. Why, what new fit is this ] \Aside, BIANCA. A foreigner ! Why should I deem him one ] What is our boasted Florence but apart, A little spot in fruitful Italy ? — His native tongue is mine: the gentle air, That even now sweeps o'er the walls of Florence, Has lately fanned the stately towers of Rome. THERESA. Ha ! Runs the current thus ? \Andt. BIANCA. He is my countryman ! — and were he not. The brave should find in every clime a home, And noble hearts, to noble hearts be joined By stronger ties than consanguinity — But wliither am I led ? He knows me not ; One moment seen, and in the next forgotten. I will not think of him. \Sifsand resumes licr occupation. SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 11 THERESA. What a convincing orator is love ! [Aside, For all her vaunts, had he been ugly, old, Obscure in origin, in manners mean. Though Caesar's equal, he had yet remained A foreigner to her ! BiANCA. (throwing aside he?' work. J It may not be. The petty arts of female industry May task my hands, but cannot fix my mind. [Exity followed by Theresa. SCENE II. Hall of the Signiory. The Signiory in cessionr^- Present Savola, presiding, Antonio and the Priors of the Arts. ( Enter Donatiy Decastro, Bondelmont and other nobles J SAVOLA. Welcome,younglords,most welcome back toFlorence. You no V7 have given your martial ardor vent Upon our foes, your valour's proper food. And you, Bondelmont, have you crossed unharmed The sanguinary field ? BONDELMONT. I have, my lord. SAVOLA. If fame speak true, not so have your opponents. Well have you gilt, yo«ng lord, your maiden sv^ord With foreign gore, and not the blood of Florence. Alas that you, among our noble youth, Should stand alone in this. Think not, my friends, [ To the other nobles . That I now seek occasion to reproach you ; But well you know how cift our native blood. 12 THE MA1& OF [act. I. Poured forth by native hands, delights the eyes Of foes to Florence. DONATI. . _^ We mustown it tnie. ''SAVOLA. Where is your general, the brave Colonna 1 BONDELMONT. -J^ He now approaches. (Entej- Colonna and Bernardo.) COLONNA. Reverend signiors,^ To all and each a most respectful greeting. SAVOLA. (Descending from his seat,) Let me embrace you. COLONNA. Signior Savola, You do me too much honor. SAVOLA. That cannot be. Welcome good lieutenant. [To Bernardo, I need not say, Colonna, you are welcome. You bring your welcome with you. Victory, Which, til] you took the guidance of our arms, Had been of late somewhat a stranger to us. Now perches on our banner — small the price, But rich the purchase you have now achieved. The safety of the state. COLONNA. If I led well, I have been nobly followed, Point glory's path to Florence gallant sons, And they to death will tread it. SAVOLA. Your letters we have read, yet fain would hear From your own lips the tale of your success. dCEFE II.] FLORENCE. 13 COLONNA. It would but ill beseem me to become The trumpet of my fortune. ANTONIO. Yet, for once, Be the narrator of your own great deeds, And gratify us all. COLONNA. 'Tis known to all, Our foes, inflamed with confidence and rage. Had sat them down before Alcino's towers, And clo&ely pressed the siege. Already they, Inflated with success, account it theirs In fond anticipation. Its defenders, By famine wasted, weakened by the sword, Now watch with hollow eyes the road to Florence, And feed themselves on hope. E'en that weak food Was failing fast, when, o'er the mountain's brow, E'en with the blessed sun, up rose our banners: A sudden, secret, and circuitous march Had placed us there, and the unready foe Beheld the glittering, but fearful storm Just bursting on their heads. To arms they rush, But all too late, ere they in meet array Can form their battle, we upon them sweep In firm, unbroken and impetuous charge. Nor long they stood the shock, they centre broke, And driven backward towards the castle walls, They strove in vain to rally — 'Twas then brave Lando Wide open threw his stubborn castle gates, Where late they knocked in vain, and forth he led His faint but valiant few. This new assault Dispersed their lingering hopes ; the panic spreads ; Their reeling ranks in wild confusion lost, Their very numbers aid in their destruction. No longer glorious battle rules the plain ; Pursuit and slaughter, prisoners and spoil Usurp its place, and on the tumult sweeps In wild career, and still the wider spreads O'er every path that oflers hope of safety, 2 14 THE MAID OF [aCT I SAVOLA. It was a glorious day, thus to defeat With force so small, the trebled numbered foe. ANTONIO. Pursue your tale, we long to hear the issue. COLONNA. Pursuing still the foe, we soon encamped Beneath Sienna's walls. A refuge there The routed army found. Her trembling sons Shut fast the gates, nor dare to issue forth And prove the fortune of a second field; But look in vain for succour. We the while Fired their rich villas, and laid waste their fields, But could not tempt them out. So we to Florence Return, with spoil encumbered, to await The issue of the proffered terms of peace. SAVOLA. We stand no less than they in need of peace ; Our treasury is empty, and we know not How it may be replenished. FIRST PRIOR. Our trade Now languishes beneath this wasteful war; And broken merchants, needy artisans, In growing numbers, speak its dreadful ills. ANTONIO. Our wasted or half cultivated fields Can not supply us food: the populace Cry out for bread, and scarce can be restrained From wild excess, the cliild of pinching want. SAVOLA. Too great, alas, our need of peace, Colonna. Think you our foes are earnest in their pioffers, Or do they only pause for lack of breath 'I Is this a truce? or will it prove a peace? ( SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 15 COLONNA. A hollow truce, and not a solid peace, Or else I know them not. We must repose As men who rest on a debated field. With coming day a new assault expecting.. SAVOLA. Then we will rest in arms. — Now speak I of yourself. The Signiory, Who are the voice of Florence, cannot rate Too high your great deserts. They have decreed To the brave men who serve beneath your banner Double their promised pay, and to yourself Ten thousand florins and the fief of Pulci — COLONNA. A rich donation, well becoming Florence. SAVOLA. We still must hold you high in trust and honour; For, brave Colonna, Florence owes you much. And will not prove ungrateful. COLONNA. Nor will I Prove ever else than faithful. SAVOLA. We no longer Will keep you from repose, and on the morrow We will repair unto the Sainted Dome, There with glad voices and grateful hearts To sing Te Dtum for our victory. [Exeunt. 16 THE MAID OF [aCT V SCENE III. A street before Savola's Palace, {Enter Colonna and Bernardo.) COLONNA. What think you of the Signiory's grant ? Have not these burghers proved most liberal 1 [ Colonna eyes the palace inquisitivtly, BERNARDO. I think, my lord, that they can well afford A part to them, w^ho have preserved the whole. COLONNA. What! not content! You bear a grasping soul. BERNARDO. What is ambition but a grasping soul ? COLONNA. True, but to grasp at gold wreaths of fame, Not sordid pelf, becomes a generous mind. BERNARDO. They are but shadows, not substantial things ; The shades of wealth and power — Colonna. {Eyeing the palace.) Well, be it so. BERNARDO. Will you proceed] The night comes on apace. COLONNA. You are, I think, familiar with this city. Whose is this stately mansion ? Know you not ? BERNARDO. It is Savola's, whom you lately saw Presiding in the council. SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 17 COLONNA. Say you so ] BERNARDO. The family, though somewhat new to power, Have been from sire to son, for generations, The votaries of commerce, and are now The wealthiest and most potent of their class. Those merchant princes, new nobility, Whom commerce has created. COLONNA. Who form his family? Has he no child] BERNARDO. An only child he has, a haughty maid, Whose stubborn coldness and unyielding pride Reject with scorn the vows of noblest suitors. The young Bianca, called the flower of Florence, A fair but self-willed girl— — COLONNA. Forbear — no more. You know her not, and may perchance belle her. BERNARDO. Ha! is it so? I marked, my lord, as we rode slowly past, You on that window gazed with steadfast eye, And made a moment's pause. You dofled your helm, And then you lingered, often looking back As if to mark the spot [Shouts and songa at a distance. COLONNA. What means that noise ? BERNARDO. It is the sound of boisterous revelry. The youth of Florence, from the field returned. Now celebrate their valour o'er their cups, And boast their mighty deeds. They are unused 2* 18 THE MAID OF [aCT L To fortune's smiles on the embattled plain, And may be pardoned some excess of joy. [Shouts, ifc COLONNA. They shout again. BERNARDO. Their orgies will not end Without some wild and riotous excess. COLONNA. Why think you so ] BERNARDO. Because I know them well. These walls contain A factious people, given to commotion. And loving riot as their daily bread. Each noble cherishes some deadly hate, Some late or else hereditary feud, Which he would gladly wreak- Not the Colonna and Orsini bear, Each to the rival house, more lasting hate Than these unto each other. Add to this. That the divisions 'tween the haughty nobles And discontented commons, though skinned o'er By seeming union, are yet unhealed. And, on occasion, will again break out. Trust me, wide Italy hold not a state More cursed with feuds and factions. COLONNA. In state so wild, the bold, unresting spirit Is in its element, and may put forth All its untiring energies, nor pause And sink to loathsome rest for want of work. BERNARDO. Most true, my lord ; in this distracted state A daring mind, by policy directed, May find foundation and materials To rear the fah>ric of despotic power. [scene III. FLORENCE. 19 coLONNA. (Musing,) Florence shall be my home. For I in Florence Will find the food wherewith to feed ambition E'en to satiety, until it grow Perchance to kingly power — Now to my lodgings. Some three hours hence You may expect me. BERNARDO. Trust me, my lord, the streets will not be safe When night has fallen. You must not remain Alone abroad. COLONNA. Away ! you are too fearful. I have not borne the brunt of twenty fields, To fall a victim to a drunken broil, Or coward rabble's rage — pass on and leave me. [Exit Bernardo, Here will I pause until some herald, fit For Cupid's embassies, some errand page Or waiting gentlewoman issue hence. More will I learn of this unrivalled maid, Whose single glance of silent approbation Has far outweighed with me the rabble's shout, Or e'en the senate's solid gratitude. 'Twas from yon window shone her lovely form — By heaven 'tis so ! I see a beauteous hand. Whose dazzling whiteness far outvies the pearls - Encircling the wrist ; and in that hand A leafy coronet, the warrior's meed, The victor crowning laurel ; and the wreath Of blushing roses skilfully intwined Xell that another and a sweeter hope May prompt the warrior's toils — It falls — 'Tis mine, and I will keep it safe. Although a thousand jealous lovers strive To tear it from my brow — The hand is gone— ^ Come thou sweet promise of the lover's bliss, Hide now thy head while I, by thee imboldenedv; Seek entrance here to thank the beauteous giver ! Exit, 20 THE MAID OF [aCT. SCENE IV. Bianca's Apartment. (Enter Bianca.) BIANCA. Alas, what have I done ] Does this become Savola's daughter and the proudest maid Within the walls of Florence ] Thus to seek, Unsought, the notice of a foreign knight ! Alas, what can he deem me but a bold, Unblushing girl, of modesty devoid, And therein destitute of every grace ! Oh, rather would I be to him unknown Forever, than be known to be despised. Alas ! I fear he cannot but contemn me. (Enter Thei-esa,) THERESA. Lady, 1 have a message for your ear, If you will deign to hear it. BIANCA. Say, from whom 1 THERESA. The message that will show. BIANCA. Then, for your message. THERESA. 'Tis this : bestowed by fair Bianca's hand A laurel wreath adorns Colonna's brow. Can he be worthy to receive the gift Yet not to thank the giver ? BIANCA. Is it thus SCENE IV.] FLORENCE. 21 Colonna speaks ] Perchance he prizes that 1 feared he would despise. THERESA. What say you, lady 1 Will you not listen to Colonna's thanks, Which burden him unpaid ] BIANCA. What ! I receive him ] here ? Impossible ! Girl, you are mad to think it. THERESA. Is this your answer : you wish not to see him 1 BIANCA. Nay, be not so abrupt. — Tell him — [ Walks about in doubt, — Theresa — Do you not think it would be very wrong ? THERESA, Not I, indeed, methinks it were unkind — BIANCA. No, no, it cannot be, I must not see him. [Musing. THERESA. I tliink you ought, and know I shall be thanked [aside If now I disobey. [Exit. BIANCA. (Musing J It may not be. Bianca, rouse your pride, enough of folly Already marks the day — Theresa, no ! — What, is she gone ! — Perchance to lead him hither! Theresa, stay, forbear, make fast the door; I will not see — [Goes to the door. (Enter Colonna and Theresa.) COLONNA. You will not see Colonna. And yet presumptuous Colonna comes. 22 THE MAID OF [aCT I And this the armour that has made him bold. [Shows the wreath, BIANCA. 'Tis I have been too bold — yet sought no more Than to express what every Florentine To great Colonna owes. — In honest truth I thought thou wouldst not heed, Amid the murmur of applauding crowds, A simple maiden's praise. COLONNA. The maiden's praise Sounds (5ver bweetest to the warrior's ear. Its gentle tones outstrip the clamorous breath Of shouting crowds, and pierce the thrilling heart. When fair Biancafrom her window gazed Upon Colonna as he rode beneath, A single smile he sought to crown his triumph. But when this wreath his throbbing temples bound, His swelling heart confessed his triumph perfect. BIANCA. A paltry favor — you imbolden me To lay aside the maiden's bashfulness. Nor blush to thank the saviour of my country. Poor, empty tiianks, but from a grateful heart. COLONNA. Thus would I be rewarded. Have I served The cause of Florence with adventurous sword ] Her fairest daughter smiles upon my deeds, And I am well repaid. BIANCA. Do you love Florence ? COLONNA. Next to famous Rome, Where first I saw the light, 1 ever held Delightful Florence dear. 1 hear with grief Her perilous condition, and rejoiced To give her sinking cause my zealous aid. SCENE IV.] FLORENCE. 23 BIANCA. Why are you not a citizen of Florence ? Did she but number one among her sons, As wise in council and as great in arms, By him soon rescued from internal strife, She might defy external enemies. COLONNA. You view my actions with a partial eye, And paint them brighter than their native hues. Is there no Florentine, who in the field Can guide his country's arms ] Or is it not The jealous eye of faction, that o'er looks Your bravest and your best ? BIANCA. Such once she boasted ; they are now no more. To noble sires degenerate sons succeed, To peaceful arts and sordid gain devoted. Their dainty limbs disdain the rugged steel. The soldier's vesture; and their torpid blood Would freeze within their veins, upon a bed Of mossy turf, the hardy warrior's couch. Or are there some whose bosoms yet retain One spark of martial fire ] To rob the weak, And wreak their vengeance on a private foe,' Comprise their valiant deeds. COLONNA. Yet some there are, who might escape your censure. Among the chosen body, who with me Opposed their bosoms to the hostile spear, And put to rout Sienna's warlike sons. Were there no Florentines, who in the field Played manly parts and did their country honor ? BIANCA. I know them not— and Florence owes them little. Her banner, lately trampled in the dust Beneath the feet of her insulting foes. You have upreared, and shielded her from ruin. I would you were my countryman, and bound To Florence by the snored ties of birth. 24 THE MAID OF [aCT Ere long new scenes of action will invite Your warlike spirit to new feats of arms, And she in evil hour will deplore Colonna's aid afar. COLONNA. An exile now From native Rome, by hated foemen ruled, I will transplant my love and my allegiance To Florence* kindly soil. BIANCA. Will you make Your future home in Florence 1 COLONNA. Well I trust To live and die for her. BIANCA. Then happy Florence ! You will possess a warrior fit to guard Your sacred rights, and lead your arms to glory. COLONNA. On me the generous Signiory bestow The city's Freedom and fief of Pulci. I am become a citizen of Florence, And burn with zeal for my adopted country. Will you not own me for your countryman ] [ Takes her hand, BIANCA. I will most gladly. You are welcome hither — That is, to Florence. Here you should not be, And I have erred in thus receiving you. — COLONNA. Yet let me bless the error. BIANCA. If I am rude, forgive me. — You are here But an inti-uder, and a longer stay SCENE IV.] FLORENCE. 25 Will be a worse offence — my lord, farewell. [Going. COLONNA. I will obey — Say we shall meet again. let me not have found a kindred spirit Only to mourn its loss. BIANOA. Nay, we must leave To coming time the tissue of events, And trust to favouring fortune. [Eocit. COLONNA. 1 never, till this hour, knew the want Which still harassed my soul. — I am alone: The shout of praise falls faintly on my ear; The glow of triumph briefly thrills my heart; Ambition's hope in faded splendour shines ; For I have none to share them. Could I win This noble minded and enchanting maid To be my honoured bride, I thus would halve The cares of life and double every joy. THERESA, {advancing.) My lord, you linger. COLONNA. Can you blame me, girl? Who would not linger here ? But I am gone. [Exeunt. EN1> OF ACT FIRST. 26 THE MAID OF [aCT. II. ACT II. SCENE I. Bianco' s Apartment. [Enter Bianca.) BIANCA. The noble mind, with intuition's skill, Detects the noble mind : and known 'tis loved. 'Tis so, nor will I seek, with feeble cunning, To hide me from myself. Why should I blush To own a heart alive to genuine worth ? Why should I blush to own a kindred spirit With his heroic soul? Oh how unlike In every attribute of real worth, To Florence' feeble sons! Of noblest birth, in nature's bounties rich, Each outward act bespeaks his inward merit ; The air of greatness, accent of command Unused to sue, and yet in suit resistless. Resistless] — I confess, to me resistless. Oh sudden revolution, reason doubts, And memory starts to look upon the past. Recall one little day and oh, how false, How wildly perjured would I deem that tongue, Which dare predict this waking of my soul To new and untried passions ! Yet 'tis nature. The maiden, passing through her girlish days Untouched by passicm's fire, and attaining The full maturity of womanhood, Then, when at length she loves, she loves indeed! So the long smothered fire, breaking out, Shoots forth a fiercer flame. The mountain stream. Barred from its course by artificial bounds. With gathered force and fiercer by restraint. Bursts forth resistless on its wild career. [Enter Savola.) My father here! what now has brought him hither t SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 27 SAVOLA. Was ever state so cursed as hapless Florence ! No peace, no rest, no quiet hour is hers. War's fierce, convulsive struggle hardly o'er, And the deceitful hope of harmony Just budding in our hearts — Forth the volcano bursts in civil strife. Mocks our fond hopes, and blasts the flower of peace. For you, poor Florence, External peace begets intestine war, And arms your cruel sons against each other. Compared with them your foreign foes are friends; They wound and hack the limbs, but your own sons Within your bosom bare their murderous swords, And in each other wound you at the heart. BIANCA. Father, how now ! What is it moves you thus ? SAVOLA. Why, know you not? — It was a leaden sleep That weighedyour senses down, and stopped your ears To the tumultuous voices of the night. BIANCA. I heard no more than loud and boisterous mirth. What more occurred] SAVOLA. On the last night, our youth, so late returned, Flushed with their victory, their tempers edged Both with the want and license of the camp, Held their wild orgies, every noble chief His friends and followers feasting. Deep the draughts, Loud are the shouts, and lengthened the carousal Of soldiers after victory. At length, The deep potations having done their work, They sally out upon the peaceful night In riotous bands, and ere its calming breath Can cool their brains, full many a wild excess Marks their mad course. But, by a luckless chance. Two numerous bands in opposition met Within a narrow street; one issuing forth 28 THE MAID OF [aCT II. From the Uberti's halls, the other feasted By the Donati. Deadly enmities Divide their houses, and too oft their names Have been the signal w^ord for fatal strife. Their friends and clients, how inflamed with wine, Are nothing loath to prove their fiery zeal For their good patrons' honour. Either band Shout loud their war cry, and demand the way. High words and blows in quick succession follow; Fierce grows the strife, and still each new arrival Adds fuel to the flame; till the Donati, By numbers overpowered, yield the pass To their exulting foes. On either part Blood has been freely shed, and life been losi. But more I know not — [Enter Antonio,) Brother, what with you ? Yet know you who have fallen in this fray ? ANTONIO. Carlo Donati is among the slain, And many followers of either house Have lost their lives. Dominic Uberti Lies, gored with grievous wounds, in doubtful case. SAVOLA. Oh fatal chance, this but begins our troubles. Soon shall we see those bloody feuds revived. Which sapped our strength of old, which late we hoped Were buried in oblivion. ANTONIO. 'Tis too certain. The fierce Donati muster now their friends, And vow revenge on the Uberti's heads, Who, nothing backward, summon their allies To bring their aid in arms — Each noble house, by blood or friendship swayed, Or else impelled by hatred, now take part In this detested quarrel. Kinsmen, friends, Retainers, clients, all must lend their aid To shake the tottering state. Soon shall we see One half the city armed against the other. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 89 E'en now the factious bands array themselves, And edge their swords for suicidal war. SAVOLA. Alas, whafc can be done? How may we calm This sudden storm ] [Bianca listens with absorbed attention, ANTONIO. When meet the Signiory? SAVOLA. This hour they meet; but they are powerless. Divided 'mongst themselves, and destitute Of strength and confidence. ANTONIO. Yet something must be done. Bethink you what. Let them proclaim SAVOLA. ^ Talk not of proclamations. Words cannot calm the fury of revenge, Nor sheath the sword of faction. [Bianca starts as struck by some new thought, ANTONIO. Let them then Call on the friends of order to take arms Against the first infringers of the peace. SAVOLA. That too were vain. The peaceful and the timid Already house themselves, and bar their doors Against the coming storm. ANTONIO. Alas, I know not Whut further to suggest. SAVOLA. Nor I, nor I, 3* 30 THE MAID OF [aCT II. BiANCA. {Advancing boldly,) Wilt thou then do nothing! — Dost thou delight to see the streets of Florence Empurpled with her blood] Wilt thou do naught 1 SAVOLA. What can I dol I lack not will but power. I am an old and peaceful man, my child. You overrate me. I am powerless. BIANCA. You are not powerless. Long life, well used, Has given you wisdom and authority. The people love you, trust you, and are swayed Full oft by your opinion. — Faint not now. But at this troubled hour, patriot-like. Stand boldly forth and point the way to safety. SAVOLA. I know it not. BIANCA. Then hark to me. Oft weakest instruments, In heaven's hand, the greatest deeds achieve. And by the idiot's tongue its wisdom speaks ! Go to the palace, cause the bells to ring The summons to each citizen of Florence To instant meeting in the public square. Stand boldly forth before assembled Florence And speak thou thus r Amid the wild commotion of the times, Intestine discord's strife, and foreign war. We must intrust the safety of the state Unto a single hand. With fearless voice Demand their votes for him thou shalt propose. Name a podesta — SAVOLA AND ANTONIO. Whom ? F.IANCA. Whom but Colonna! SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 31 SAVOLA AND ANTONIO. Colonna! true. BIANCA. Who but Colonna, with undaunted soul, Can stem the torrent of this wild commotion? Can calm the riotous, control the proud, ^ And lay the tempest that would wreck the state ] Who but Colonna wields the present power To bind sedition's arms ] and who but he, With either party wholly un allied. Can deal impartial justice to the wronged And him who wrongs him ? Rust we now in peace. And strive among ourselves for want of action ] Are Florence* foes asleep ] Have they forgot The road to Florence' gates ? And who but he Can tame the foes of Florence] — For these seditious men, his name alone Will tame their wildest rage ; if not, his lance Shall sweep the hardy rebels from our streets, And quench the flames of faction in their blood ! ANTONIO. A wonder! that a youthful maiden's lips Should teach the grey head wisdom ! SAVOLA. *Tis true, Colonna bears a dauntless soul; He only wields the present needful power; With either party wholly unallied, He may be firm and just. — We are beset With watchful foes, to whom this inbred strife Will yield a fearful opening. — BIANCA. Sharp ills demand sharp cures. Full many a state, At some dread crisis, has to one intrusted Her total power, to be by him restored In peaceful safety. SAVOLA. And, alas, too oft, Had bitter cause to mourn the misplaced trust. 32 THE MAID OF [aCT II. BIANCA. Nay, fear it not. Now on the eve of wreck, On discord's rock, gaze not beyond for dangers. ANTONIO. Well urged. And if one must be made podesta, Gblonna is the one. SAVOLA. Come, brother, to the palace. We will urge, With fearless voice on assembled Florence, This wise and needful measure. BIANCA. Be bold, my father; paint in startling hues The fearful ills encircling the state. — [Exeunt Savola and Antonio, Have I done well my father thus deceiving? — Dissimulation's mask is new to me, And conscience starts to gaze upon its features. But why should conscience clog me with remorse? I have but pointed out the safest path. When private motives serve the public good, Why should we not obey them ? I waste time. Colonna must be warned, [sits and writes,] And he is A single word will warn him [wise; Theresa! come. — I need you. [Enter Theresa.) THERESA. Here, my lady. BIANCA. This to Colonna — by some trusty hand, With speed and secrecy. THERESA. It shall be done. [Exit. BIANCA. ( After a pause.) Who says that women have but feeble souls 1 But narrow minds, and fearful, trembling hearts? SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 33 Colonna, no! I will be worthy of you! I hope — but will not speak my budding hopes, Till they be ripened to realities! [Exit. SCENE II. An Apartment at Colonna' s residence, {Enter Colonna and Bernardo,) COLONNA. You prove yourself a prophet, thus foretelling The tumults of the night. BERNARDO. I well foresaw That theirs would prove a Lapithaean feast: First the red wine must flow to quench their thirst, And then the redder blood to slake their fury. COLONNA. These Florentines grow valiant. Outward foes, Although combined and powerful, suffice not Their feverous valour; they must needs at home Practice their bloody lessons on each other. — But this makes me fors^etful. Last night, returning home, I found scarce one Of all my train. Squires, pages, lackeys, Each wandered forth upon his own good pleasure. A clow^nish groom alone obeyed my call. Is this the fitting order you preserve Among my household ] BERNARDO. My lord, there was iiot one of all your train Not absent then upon your special seivice. COLONNA. How mean you ? On my service ] BERNARDO. Upon your special service. Know you not 34 THE MAID OF [aCT II The feuds which have so long distracted Florence t The nobles' mutual hate, the people's rancour, (Begot by wrongs, and insult, worse than wrongs) Against their proud oppressors ? COLONNA. What of that] BERNARDO. A moment's patience. Ancient feuds, revived. Diffuse redoubled venom through the heart. They quarrel for your good. Last night's excesses Awake their ancient enmities; and I, Fearing these revellers would slight their task Of scorn and insult on the peaceful burghers, Sent out your followers in several bands, In the disguise of noble Florentines, To wander through the streets and give free scope To injury and insult to the persons. And peaceful dwellings of the citizens. Such as would rouse the basest mind to vengeance — COLONNA. Ha ! did they so t BERNARDO. With all the zeal for mischief which belongs To the unthinking mind — In every street and many a quiet dwelling Insults to burghers, leud, licentious offers To wives and daughters freely dealt they out. Then would they post away, each loudly calling To his companions by some noble name, Donati, Strozzi, Pazzi or Uberti ; Thus leaving in the minds of common men The stings of maddening hatred, 'gainst the nobles. COLONNA. How dare you by such fiend befitting arts Inflame men's minds, and widen thus the breach Between the orders of a troubled state ! BERNARDO. Because I thus can serve you. Aim you not SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 35 To grasp the reins of power, and to guide This factious people with a monarches hand 1 Make wide this breach, and the more open lies Ambition's path to your aspiring steps — COLONNA. Bernardo, I am new to crooked paths, And love them not — 'Till lately all my ends Were compassed by my sword, a trusty friend, Who never yet has failed me. BERNARDO. My lord, forgive my bluntness — you are one. Who would be great, yet fain would shun the arts. Which men must practice, to attain to greatness. Were there a miry path before your steps, And you beheld a paradise beyond. Say, would you pause, and turn another way, Lest in attaining it you should be soiled ? The paradise of power lies before you ; These are the filthy paths, which you must tread Ere you attain it. COLONNA. True, they are filthy paths — The wily politician's crooked arts. Which better suit the cunning than the brave ! BERNARDO. The crafty head, with politic resource, Must aid the sword, too blunt the instrument To smooth ambition's rugged path unaided. — Say, have I not done well ? CoLONNA. ( Turning away.) Well — for your purpose — and the better, too. In not consulting me — {Enter Page, gives Golonna a note. Exit.) Ha ! what is this ? (Reading) ** You soon may be podesta ! — The city needs you — Hold your power prepared To march to Florence. Bianca." 36 THE MAID OF [aCT II, BERNARDO. Who, my lord 1 COLONNA. It matters not — How knows she that 1 — But I will take the warning. Bernardo, speed to Pulci, to my band. Lose not a moment ; get them under arms, And slowly lead towards Florence. BERNARDO. I am gone. [Going. COLONNA. It is but two short leagues, spare not your horse — [Exit Bernardo, Is this man honest ] — Am I wise to trust him ? — One who can stoop to such vile arts, although Against his direst foe — ^ Could not preserve the balance of his faith, If interest threw a feather in the scale Against his nearest friend. — And yet — he owes me much — I think he loves me. He's mine, by gratitude and ties of blood — Besides, his interests are bound up in mine. And therefore will I trust him ! [Exit, SCENE III. An Apartment in BondelmonV s "Palace, (Enter Bondelmont and Donati,) BONDELMONT. No, no, Donati, hope not for my aid. At such a time, the state beset with foes, Like lion circled with the hunters' toils ; At this wild time, when but a luck blow Has checked our foes, one moment us affording To pause for breath, and edge our blunted swords Against the coming strife ! — At this dark hour SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 37 Must our mad nobles wake their rancorous feuds, Pour forth their hoarded venom, and exhaust, In civil w^ar, the little vigour left To our distracted country ! Oh tell it not in Pisa; whisper not The hateful word in Lucca's hostile streets, Lest our rejoicing foes their arms combine, And seize this fatal hour for assault! DOx\ATI. My brother has been slain by the Uberti, Most vilely murdered by your foes and mine. I would avenge his death, and ask your aid, And straight you preach a tedious homily On christian charity and love of country ! — Will you alone, of all our friends and kin, Desert our righteous cause? BONDELMONT. My country's righteous cause demands my sword; I wash my hands of this untimely quarrel. 'Tis treason 'gainst her safety. Would'st thou plot With Florence' foes, and open wide her gates To their besieging arms ? Yet what is this But to betray her, prostrate and disarmed, To their revengeful hate ? DONATI. Go, go; 'tis not The patriot's love, but fear that prompts thy tongue. BONDELMONT. Dare you, Donati — [Layt7ig his hand on his sword. But I will be calm. And I will sooner bear a coward's name, Than fight in such a quarrel ! DONATI. Be it so. We are enough, without your feeble aid. To wreak revenge on the Uberti's heads. [Exeunt severally, 4 38 THE MAID OF [aCT H. SCENE IV. Hall of the Signiory. The Signiory in session. {Present, Savola^ Antonio and Priors of the Arts*) SAVOLA. Well met in council, brothers ; never yet Was state in greater need of wisdom's aid Than Florence at this hour! Her noblest sons. Made drunk with wrath, and maddened by revenge^ Strike at her very life. Her laws defied, The fierce Uberti and the proud Donati Wage murderous war, and every noble house Unfurls its banner to partake the strife ! Through every gate their rustic vassals pour; In ruffian throngs they bring their servile swords To their commanding lords, spurred on by hope Of plunder, and demoniac love of strife. Convulsions fierce now shake the tottering state, Beset within, without, by direst ills : God grant some speedy remedy be found, Or she is lost indeed ! Who here will offer His counsel for her safety] — FIRST TRIOR. Let's issue out; call on the trades to arm; Proclaim rewards, a thousand florins each, To that good citizen who brings the head Of either leader of the factious bands; Uberti and Donati, let their heads Acquit the debt their outrage owes the* state. SAVOLA. 'Tis easier said than done. SECOND PRIOR. How ! would'st thou thus Crush innocence with guilt? Tlie true Uberti Stand but on their defence ; nor seek they aught But honorable peace. 'Tis the Donati, SCENB IV.] FLORENCE. 39 Ever contentious, cruel, proud and false, Would swim our streets with blood ! THIRD PRIOR. 'Tis false! Your tongue belies a noble name. Carlo Donati's blood, in murder shed, Against his murderers cries aloud for justice ! SECOND PRIOR. Donati's blood, that swells within your veins, Not what has been poured forth, now prompts your The ties of kindred warp your partial soul, [tongue. Inclining you to aid the wrongful cause. THIRD PRIOR. *Ti8 false! SECOND PRIOR. I say 'tis true ! Well do you know Donati met his death, Richly deserved, in murderous assault Upon a peaceful band of mirthful friends. [Sat)ola whispers to Antonio y who goes out, THIRD PRIOR. Thou art but the Uberti's hired pleader; Their slavish vassal with a gold bought tongue ! SAVOLA. Stay, anger driven men ! Is this the wisdom — Are these the temperate minds, which you should Unto your country's counsels. Treason sits [bring E'en at her council board, for your dissensions Are treason 'gainst her safety ! Not to you, But to assembled Florence I appeal. I to her sons will plead their country's cause, And point the way to safety ! [Alarrn hell rung, SEVERAL, {starting up,) What means that bell ? SAVOLA. 'Tis rung at my command! 40 THE MAID OF [aCT II. Already wait before your council doors A crowd of citizens, with hearts that throb To learn their country's doom. You would betray But that loud summons will each patriot call [her. To swell their numbers, and to them 1 go To ask their aid for Florence ! [Exit Savola, [ The rest rise and follow tumultuously . SCENE V. Bianca's Aparimeiit. [Enter Bianca. Shouts at a distance.) BiAxMCA. [Listening,) Oh I am torn 'twixt warring hopes and fears — To be so near at hand, yet powerless To aid Colonna's cause ! The people's shouts ^ Ring in mine ears, as though some mighty question Of good or evil hung upon their lips. So loud and fierce their cries, I dare not hope That approbation prompts their clamorous tongues. Perhaps they have refused to trust Colonna! There is no counting on the giddy people. A word, a look, a motion may offend — With the ill judging crowd, the wisest measure , i At an ill moment urged, with words unapt To please their fancies and their pride to flatter. And they will spurn alike the orator And that which he may urge.— I should have schooled My father better. O, could I transfer My spirit to his person ! could I place My words upon his lips, I would so paint The horrid evils born of civil war; The fearful risks from ever watchful foes; The matchless worth of this heroic chief; That they with joyous and concordant shouts Would rend the skies, proclaiming him their lord ! [Distant shouts of ''Colonna!'' Ha ! was it but the echo of my hopes ? — I do not dream. — They shout his name. — The bells SCENE v.] FLORENCE. 41 Ring out a merry peal, and joyous cries Assist their clamorous tongues ! — I have attained the summit of my hopes. The senate's voice, the merry sounding bells. The people's shout, proclaim him lord "of Florence ! {E?iter Savola.) Already here ! Speak, father; have you prospered ? SAVOLA. *Tis done. Colonna now bears rule in Florence, BIANCA. For that let heaven be praised ! SAVOLA. I hope 'tis for her good. BIANCA. But say, how was it ] SAVOLA. Scarcely did I breathe The subject to their ears; scarce had I named Colonna, when a simultaneous shout Burst wildly forth, and ready demagogues. Feeling the people's pulse, and ever prompt To feed their wayward fancies, second me. And go beyond me far. — The people, sick of anarchy, oppressed By wild misrule, now rush from one extreme Unto the other, and proclaim Colonna Podesta, and the Captain of the Wars, For three long years, with powers undefined To crush the factious and preserve the state. BIANCA. Then let the factious tremble ! SAVOLA. Ha ! you seem To thrill with joy, and with triumph swell . At that which I narrate. — What .special cause — 4# 42 THE MAID OF [aCT HL BIANCA. There needs no special cause. — A Florentine, I would not see my country Destroyed by her sons; a feeble maid, I tremble at the sight of lawless force; And as a Christian, shudder to behold Men shed the blood of brothers and deface Their maker's image ! Well may we rejoice In these averted woes ! SAVOLA. May they so prove, Nor be by worse replaced. But I am sick Of these commotions, and would fain retire Beyond the hearing of the wild uproar. ]Exit Savola. BIANCA. Ride on, Colonna, on ; may prosperous gales Thy banner wave, good fortune edge thy sword! [Exit, END OF ACT SECOND. ACT III. SCENE I. An Apartment in the Palace. f Enter- Colonna^ as Podesta.) COLONNA. I have not merely dreamed ambition's dream, But am awake, and grasp the promised power ! Distracted Florence called me to her aid. And I have stilled her tumults, calmed her fears. And struck the sword from the uplifted arm Of rebel faction with the lightning's speed. The factious tremble now beneath mine eye ; SCENE L] FLORENCE. 43 Their leaders undergo the stern award Of violated law. — With fond confiding faith, Of me — of me alone she seeks protection From outward foes and anarchy within — Podesta and the Captain of the Wars- — That sound is sweet. Thanks to their craven feftfa, No limit to my power but the time — Three years^ — Before three slow revolving years Have run their destined course, how deep a root May not my power have taken. The dazzling glory of successful fields May blind the eyes, and firm, impartial justice Shall win the hearts of many ! — If these wars hold, and well I trust they will. Dissension shall want leisure to uprear Her^Hydra heads ! — But let me not forget this peerless maid. Sure 'tis by magic that she thus foretells, Nay, more, controls the voice of shouting crowds, Who echo thus her will, (Enter Bernardo.) BERNARDO. I come, my lord, to know your further pleasure. COLONNA. Is execution done upon the rebels, I yesterday condemned ? BERNARDO. 'Tis done, my lord. COLONNA. Five heads have fallen — They are not enough To calm the angry law — 'Tis not enough. The commons will complain I slack in zeal. To morrow's dawn, and young Lamberti's spirit Must quite his frame and wing its doubtful flight As those who died to-day — I fain would bid him live, but must not spare him — Say, have you posted guards at every gate. And ordered parties to patrol the streets 1 44 THE MAID OF [aCT. Ill BERNARDO. 'Tis done as you commanded. COLONNA. Since then internal order is restored, We now may think upon external foes. Bernardo, we are weak ; Florence is weak, And needs support against this mighty league, Which clogs her efforts with its leaden weight. Where shall we turn 1 BERNARDO. What think you of Visconti ? COLONNA. He loves^not Florence. BERNARDO. You he may assist. Though, late, he loved her not. Colonna's Florence Is not the same with that distracted state. Whose mob-ruled liberties he justly feared Might rouse his subjects to regret the loss Of liberties they once so highly prized. COLONNA. What ! think you that Visconti may become Colonna's friend, though not the friend of Florence ? BERNARDO. Visconti knows your worth. In needful hour He has not stayed to count the paltry price At which he bought your aid ; now less than ever, For you are now, for three brief years, a king. COLONNA. A king ! — 'Tis true, I am*^a king ! Save that my rule Is checked and circumscribed by measured term, I wield as wide prerogative as he Upon whose brow a lineal crown descends ! Why should ihc futiiif^ mnr the j^resent houi' ? SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 45 BEIINAKDO. Then bind yourself to great Visconti's love, By ties of mutual interest. COLONNA. That is my policy— It shall be so. (Enter two Nobles.) But who oome here] Speak, noble sirs, what seek you] FIRST NOBLE. We come your suppliants. The common will Has clothed you in the attributes of power, And we approve the trust. We recognise the majesty of Florence in your person. The power to punish, and, oh, nobler far ! The power to pardon rests with you alone — COLONNA. I know my power. Say briefly what you ask. SECOND NOBLE. Lamberti's life. COLONNA. Lamberti'slife ! Impossible ; what plea For pardon can you urge ? Seized in the act ! His hands yet reeking with his victim's blood; Our proclamation's echo scarcely hushed Denouncing instant death on all who dare pr ifane the peace of Florence ] Can you ask For such offenders pardon ? SECOND NOBLE. Let me urge His youth, his injuries COLONNA. You sue in vain. I stand not here to play a puppet's part, The scarecrow of the law, to fright the timid, And be the while the scoff' of bolder spirits. I must betray my trust, or with strong hand Must wield the sword of power and meto out 46 THE MAID OF [aCT 111 Unbiassed justice on each rank offence Whoever the offender ! FIRST NOBLE. Already, At your decree, the blood of guilty men Has paid the dues of justice. Youth is rash, Yet teachable, and may be well restrained By milder means than death. Famed as you are, No plume of victory can so adorn Your helm as gentle mercy. O be merciful.' COLONNA. I am most merciful when least I seem so. Unsparing justice on the guilty head, Is mercy to the state. There is no end To rapine, violence and fell revenge, But stern awards of justice ! FIRST NOBLE. Yet, O, bethink you, 'tis an only son. The lonely offspring of a noble line, Which now must end in him. His forefathers In peace and war have nobly served their country. Nor asked of her reward. Let their achievements Redeem the fault of hot and hasty youth. And to his wretched parents yield their son. [ Golonna walks slowly away. BERNARDO. My lord, be not too firm; make" these your friends. Would you win hearts? show gentle clemency. Assume soft pity, though you feel it not; It is a weakness that oft blinds the crowd; It is ambition's surest road to power. COLONNA. You counsel well. — Then be it so. — My friends, God knows that I abhor the sight of blood Deliberately shed. My trade of war Has not so steeled my heart, but I lament A mother's anguish and a father's groan, An only son bemoaning. — Let him live, SCENR II.] FLORENCE. 47 But as a banished man, till healing time Shall close the self-inflicted wounds of Florence. SECOND NOBLE. As just as merciful. 'Tis not in words That we, your friends, will thank you, great Colonna. COLONNA. Farewell, my friends, and send him quickly hence. FIRST NOBLE. We will without delay. My lord, farewell. [Exeunt, COLONNA. {Looking after them,) I trust they now are mine. But I must hence. [Exit Colonna. BERNARDO. *Twas as well done as though myself had done it. My noble chief grows politic. He soon Will need no counsellor, and I, alas, Be out of office. — A soaring spirit his, that fain would climb While aught remains above at which to reach. I love him well, and would not see him lost. No ; were my fortunes unallied to his, I would not sorrowless behold his fall. [Exit, SCENE II. Bianco* s Apartment, {Enter Colonna, leading in Bianca.) COLONNA. Escaped from cares of state, I come to thee. Too much of toil would my honours bring, Did not this stolen hour thus reward The labours of the day. 48 THN MAID OF [aCT III BIANCA Almost I feared, Amid the tumult of these stirring scenes, Thou hadst forgot that such a being was As poor Bianca. COLONNA. When 1 shall forget Bianca, may my arm forget its skill To wield the knightly sword ; my tongue the word, At which a thousand lances, laid in rest. Assert Colonna's right. As frost before the sun, May my strong armour melt before the spear ; My warhorse flounder in the battle's shock, And hurl me on the mercy of my foe ! BIANCA. Forgive my doubts ; 'twas but my woman's heart By nature prone to fear. Why should I fear ? Thy worth, if not my own, will make thee true. COLONNA. To doubt my truth were not to know thyself; Or deem me but a madman, who would cast A priceless jewel to the yawning sea. BIANCA. Nay, I no more will doubt. Let me rejoice At that which has befallen you. Already The smiles of fortune gild your proudest hopes. E'en as the loftiest summits first reflect The strong refulgence of the coming day. COLONNA. True, fortune shines upon me. I am now Podesta and the Captain of the Wars, For three long years, to the good state of Florence. BIANCA. Even this I fondly hoped, yet scarcely dared to hope — To thee belongs the leading of our arms? COLONNA. To me, and me alone. fCSNB II.] FLORENCE. 49 BIANCA. And thou the judge , To whose tribunal the contending come To hear the law's decree 1 COLONNA. I am that judge. / The power of life and death, the war's direction, Each attribute that marks a monarch's rule. For three long years, the common voice bestows. BIANCA. The lord of Florence! — and for three long years!— Three years will have an end. Bianca's hopes Would more than echo the rude commons' voice, And hail thee lord forever I COLONNA. Would it were so, BIANCA, And may it not be so 1 COLONNA. Such things have chanced. BIANCA. Why may they not again ? It were a blessing to our troubled state. Tumultuous Florence, through your stedfast rule, Impartial, firm and just, might soon attain A happiness she never yet has known. — Are you content With three brief years of rule ] Methinks, to me, It were an arduous task to lay aside The leader's truncheon from the accustomed hand, Or from the proud tribunal to descend, And mingle as an equal in the throng, To whom 80 late my every word was law I • COLONNA. Nor will I ever! — Unto you, Bianca, Within whose breast a lofty spirit towers . 5 50 T^E MAID OF [act HI. Above your sex's weakness, I unfold My inmost thoughts. Think not I lack ambition. Lofty ambition is the soldier's spur To each adventurous deed. And did I lack, In my own breast, the ardour to pursue Ambition's glorious course, in you I trust To gain a Mentor who can still arouse My drooping soul to renovated vigour. BIANCA. Your surest Mentor you will ever find In your own valour and heroic worth. COLONNA. Hear me, Bianca; unto you I owe One half my present power. My pride would wince So much to owe to any but yourself; But willingly to you I owe my power, And, dearer yet, will owe my happiness. Say not that I presume. For you have listened to my words of love, With blushing smiles responding to my vowi. — When will Bianca to Colonna give Her plighted faith by sacred rites confirmed! Shall it be soon] What obstacle remains] Will not your father willingly intrust His daughter to the care, to which he trusts His country's safety? — Shall it not be soon? BIANCA. [About to give her hand, hut withdraiolng it suddenly.) No, soon it cannot be. I would be now A burden on your progress. Was it not Bianca's father, who the people moved To make you what you are ? Should you now take Bianca for your bride, suspicion's tongue Would whisper ye were leagued in secret plot Against the good of Florence, and beget Keen sighted jealousies, and watchful fears, [must. Which would but thwart our hopes. No wait we When thou, (thy new born power by time confirmed,) The dread of Florence' foes, her strong support 'Gainst outward force and fierce intestine strife, Need fear no change, then mayst thou boldly wed Thy chosen bride. — SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 61 COLONNA. Not SO, why should we heed The sullen murmurs of a stingless crew, Forever scoffing at the power they dread? Not fear, but coldness, makes you now to pause. You love me not. BIANCA. Then woman never loved. COLONNA. You do not love me, or you would not trust Eventful time with what you hold most dear, When now it might be yours. Trust not too far. My mind perhaps may change! BIANCA. I fear no change. I know your noble tearl, and scorn to doubt. COLONNA. Bianca, that you love me, I believe; And 'tis your love that conjures up these fears. Mark then my words, and own them baseless fears. Upon a strong foundation stands my rule; The power and authority of law. The zealous people's love, my trusty band. Who never knew defeat, support my fortunes. The commons love me; even now they prate Of humbled nobles and defeated foes; Of victory, of plenty and of peace; And, as the source of these, they bless Colonna. BIANCA. You know not Florence and her .fickle sons! Trust not the people's favour! Though your worth Be like the oak, with its earth grasping roots, A solid, firm, and never shaken mass — Your popularity is like its shade. An everchanging, unsubstantial thing. Oh trust it not! Make yourself strong in friends, At home, abroad; and swell your martial band With daring, trusty hearts. Watch well the wayward, 53 THE MAID OF [aCT III Nor let the stagnant humours of dull peace Ferment to brew you trouble. COLONNA. Well advised. So young, so gentle, yet so wise withall BIANCA. If I am wise, 'tis love has made me wise. For love taught hopes and fears, and they teach wis- Within a few brief days, intenser thoughts, [dom. More wild emotions have convulsed my soul, Than through the sluggish course of by-gone years. How tame, how cold, my former life to this! COLONNA. Delightful sound! Repeat those words once more. Or give one other proof of your affection — [Attempts to kiss her. BIANCA. Let this suffice: Bianca's heart contains no hope but these: Colonna's glory, and Colonna's love. And now, away, away. [Retiring, COLONNA. What, part so soon! At such a moment leave youl BIANCA. Nay, now you must obey me. COLONNA. Unwilling I obey. Now then farewell. [Exit, BIANCA. He loves me I trust he loves me, as I would be loved — If not, how am I sunk! [Exit. SCENE III.] FLORENCE. ' 5'i SCENE III. An Apartment in the Palace. (Enter Colonna and Bernardo.) COLONNA. All now goes well. On an unruffled sea The swelling tide and gentle gale of fortune Still bear me onward, and I have in view The long desired haven. Time and means, The ripe occasion and the power to seize it, Which are the elements of our success,. Contend to aid me. BERNARDO. Nothing now remains But that you promptly seize the proffered aid, Nor cast away your fortunes. COLONNA. Fear it not. Each opportunity I have impressed To toil in my behalf; and will impress Those that are yet to come. The populace, Who hate the haughty nobles, I have won With gentle courtesy and scattered gold; And am become the idol of their fancy. So much for favour; and to swell my force. Five hundred lance3, raised in Lombardy, Shall re-inforce my band. For Lombardy Is full of daring hearts and trusty swords, That pant for war, and rust for want of use. And well I trust that Milan's potent aid— BERNARDO. That may be yours, and upon such condition Aa binds him yours forever. COLONNA. Say you sol 54 THE MAID OF [aCT III. BERNARDO. There is a letter in Visconti's hand. What will you give for Milan's potent aid? coLONNA. ( Taking, hut not opening the letter,) What does he ask] I will not be his vassal, Nor hold a crown of him! Excepting that, I will not boggle at his harsh conditions. BERNARDO. He offers none. Visconti holds you dear. And looks upon you as a rising spirit, Whose friendship he would win. He fain would see Your power take root and flourish, till its boughs In lasting verdure overspread the state. This to attain, he offers here the aid, That money, men, and influence afford. And, as the pledge of his eternal faith. His daughter's hand — COLONNA. His daughter's hand! Ha, villain, 'twas thine offer! By heaven! thou hast overstepped thine office To barter thus. — BERNARDO. How, my lord! What meuns this violence? Visconti's offer is most generous, And may not be refused. — . COLONNA. ^ How! know you not That I am bound by love and plighted faith To wed Bianca? BERNARDO. Wed her, did you sayl Is this no passing amour? COLONNA. Know you not Her influence has made me what I am? ?5CENE III.] FLORENCE. 55 BERNARDO I thought it was your sword, that trusty friend, That made you what you are. COLOiVNA. Am I become My follower*s scorn 1 Presumptuous man — [ Threatens him, BERNARDO. My lord, Do not forget I too am a Colonna! — Your kinsman, confident and steadfast friend Still have I followed, aided, and advised you. You cannot doubt my truth — then mark my words. COLONNA. Say what you please, but do not think to move me. BERNARDO. Frail is the tenure of your present power. The fickle people's will. Without allies, No stanch adherents but the few good spears That cluster round your banner, do not hope To stem the torrent of the people's rage, Roused and united as they soon may be. Led by the nobles, strengthened with allies, They cannot fail to drive you singly forth — Then look abroad for aid. Who, like Visconti, With treasure, arms and influence can prop Your doubtful cause? — Backed by Visconti's power, You may defy the malecontents around you. Let the proud nobles champ upon the bit; The frantic people struggle with their bonds; With Milan's aid your iron grasp controls them! COLONNA. Shall I forego the glorious feast of level Betray a noble, pure and generous heart. Clothed in an angel form] If ever woman Has known a pure and a devoted love, Such love she bears to me! 56 THE MAID OF [aCT HI- BERNARDO. For shame, my lord! This is the whining of a love-sick boy. Pardon my boldness, I but cross my friend To do him service. COLONNA. You argue thus, because you known her not. She is the loveliest and the noblest flower. That nature's cunning handiwork e'er wrought. BERNARDO. Grant that she be. Contending in a race, A glorious prize in view, thou would'st not pause To pluck the fairest flower nature e'er Displayed to mortal eye. COLONNA. I would seize both. Love claims his right in every noble heart. Ambition may possess the greater share, But not usurp the whole. She shall be mine, E'en at the hazard of ambitious hopes! I will increase my levies; I will raise In Florence' self the treasure to secure Their needful aid; I will seek other friends, Whose strong alliance shall maintain my cause Without Visconti's aid. I will not yield her! No, not even to ambition! BERNARDO. Art thou Colonnal — who for glory lived, And vowed to serve no mistress but ambitiont That no fond passion for an artful sex Should ever tempt thee from thy steadfast course To rove in paths of pleasure? — Once I hoped — That hope has fled, and I foresee thy doom. — COLONNA. What is xny doomi BERNARDO. Thou, in thy new Elysium of love, SCKNB III.] FLORENCE. 57 Shalt while away thine hours in golden dreams, Grasping at airy crowns! And in thy sleep Ascend a throne, and — on a scaffold wake! COLONNA. Is that my doom? Not so! ere all be lost The sword shall end Colonna! [ Turns away. BERNARDO. Art thou so blind, infatuated, lost In lovers delirium, that thou must rush To the abyss which swallows up thy hopes? Recall thy wisdom and mark well my words. COLONNA. Say on, I mark you. BERNARDO. There is no middle path. Visconti's love Is yours by this alliance. That refused, His deadly enmity is ever yours. And well you know his power! COLONNA. {Micsing,) I fear *tis so. — Without Visconti's aid — Nay more, with fell Visconti for my foe! His policy and power in the scale That weighs against my fortune, I were lost Beyond the aid of chance! — Alas, I fear my very faith would prove Her ruin and my own! {Enter Page.) PAGE. My lord, a letter. COLONNA. ( Takei the letter. Exit page.) Ha — 'tis from Bianca. BERNARDO. An ill timed note. — It mars my argument. [Aside, COLONNA. [Reading. Bernardo listens attentively.) **Colonna, I have heard a foolish tale. 58 THE MAID OF [aCT III But think not I believe it. It is said That you would wed the daughter of Visconti, And thus confirm your power." — BERNARDO. How learned she that? [Aside. coLONNA. (Reading.) * 'Forgive me; though I know that it be false, Yet would I gladly hear your lips deny it." — Poor, fearful girl, the trembling slave of love! BERNARDO. Ambition's slave! Thou art the slave of love! COLONNA. Ambition] BERNARDO. True, she loves you — for your fame! She loves — the leader of a thousand lances, The podesta of Florence! and, no doubt, Would better love its king! — Aspiring maid, Thou hast a towering spirit that would soar The eagle's flight, nor stoop at petty game! COLONNA. Can it be so? BERNARDO. She would not wed a man unknown to fame, Although yourself were him. Nay, did she doubt Of your success in your aspiring hopes COLONNA. By heaven, 'tis true! She did refuse to wed Until my power was confirmed in Florence Beyond the fear of change! BERNARDO. Ha, did she sol A lucky hit. [aside.] She then refused to wed? COLONNA. She did. SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 59 BERNARDO. There needs no more. Or if there need, That letter is the proof. How learned she that 1 You have been dogged by her suspicious fears. She lores you not. True love is not suspicious. That you yourself can witness, deeming her A saint in purity and spotless faith. COLONNA. By heaven ! never did suspicion dawn On my confiding soul ! BERNARDO. Because you loved her. She has no love or faith, by which to weigh Your love and faith to her. But, deep in art Beyond her artful sex, she thus would share In your successful fortunes, should you thrive, But should you fail, she will not share your ruin. COLONNA. It cannot be — So young, and yet so artful ? — It cannot be ! — Bernardo you belie her. . BERNARDO. Let it be so ! — I have but this to say : That path leads to ambition, this to love. Thou canst not travel on two different roads, At the same time, their several goals pursuing. Then choose between them. Wilt thou cleave to love? Forswear ambition ; vail thou towering hopes ; Cast off thine arms, assume the shepherd's crook. His plaintive pipe ; get thee some silly sheep, And with thy Chloe wander o'er the fields, And sooth thy soul with love and melody — If that thy Chloe love Colonna's self. And not Colonna's power! — My lord, farewell. [Going. COLONNA. Whither, Bernardo ] BERNARDO. To seek my fortunes elsewhere ! 60 THE MAID OF [aCT. Ill COLONNA. What! would you leave me ? Am I not the head Of old Colonna's house ] BERNARDO. A prudent man will leave a falling house, Although it be the mansion of his sires ! When the unskilful pilot has our ship Embedded fast amid the sunken rocks, We fain would quit the fated vessel's deck, And trust for safety to another bark. Once more, my lord, farewell. [Going, COLONNA. Dare you desert me ? BERNARDO. You desert yourself! — But be again Colonna; I again Will be your faithful follower. COLONNA. {After a mental struggle, throwing the the letter behind him. Bernardo, you have conquered, I no more Will dream of love, but wake me to ambition ! BERNARDO. Thou art again Colonna ! COLONNA. I will — I will forget her. I will drown Her image in the stern alarms of war ! Will she forget ? BERNARDO. No more, no more of that. COLONNA. Yet one word more — That letter must be answered BERNARDO. ( Taking it up.) Leave that, my lord, to me. You are but new resolved. It may unman you. SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 61 COLONNA. Then do it quickly. [A pause. Bernardo writes. Colonna ivalks about much agitated, —Tut, she will forget. ! Twill seem a fleeting dream, and she will find Another, and a fitter — Ha, another ! Possessed of her, on whom I had set my hopes Of pure connubial bliss ! No more, no more ! Come, thou art slow — too slow — Would it were over. BERNARDO. Sign this, my lord. (Colonna is about to read. Ber- nardo covers it with his hand,) Why need you read what can but give you pain ? COLONNA. ( Writing,) 'Tis signed. Away with it. Now bustle, bustle; I will review my lances; I will think Of naught but glorious war and kingly power ! BERNARDO. No meaner thought becomes your martial soul. COLONNA. God-like ambition shall exalt me far Above the meaner passions that perplex The inconstant mind of man. I now have launched My fortunes on ambition's boundless sea. And there will sink or swim! [Exit, BERNARDO. Is it not strange The strong should be so weak? A warrior's soul Should thus be trammelled by a woman's arts] But well I trust the artful snare is broken. [Exit. 62 THE MAID OF [aCT III. SCENE IV. Bianca's Apartment, {Enter Bianca.) BIANCA. Why comes he nott 'Tis now the accustomed hour. From which I count the minutes of the day. So many hours since I saw him last; So many hours ere I shall again Behold his glorious form, and hear, entranced, The music of his voice, which awakes My thrilling heart to sense of future bliss — To be partaker of his inmost thoughts. The partner of his pleasures and his hopes, To share his grandeur, and the dangers share, Which still on grandeur wait, will be my joy! — Why comes he not? — Perhaps he thinks not of me, but is lost In toils of state and warlike preparation — Of him I hold but a divided heart, While he of me usurps a heart entire. Which knows no hope, no fear, no thought but him — I do him wrong. He is jierplexed with cares. My father's gloomy brow betrays regret. That he became the ladder upon which Colonna mounted high — His broken hints Of jealous nobles, discontented commons, Oppression, usurpation and revolt. Betray the moody murmurs rife in Florence, And whisper danger to Colonna's rule. — I do him wrong — He is overwhelmed with toils that detain Those captive hours which would fain be mine. (Enter Theresa.) THERESA. A letter, lady, by Colonna's poge. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 63 BIANCA. How now! — A letter] Then my fears are true. He will not, cannot come. — Theresa, hence. I now would be alone. — [Exit Theresa. This tell-tale tremour speaks my heart too plainly. I will have none to witness my emotions — With what fond vows he'll aim to calm my fears. Will he resent my half assumed suspicions'? [ Opens ike letter eagerly — starts, 'Tis not.his hand! — and yet — 'tis signed by him! \^Reads\ **Hope not, fond girl — to be Colonna's bride! Wake from thine idle dream, and — know thyself! A soldier's toy! — fit for an hour's sport! — Thou art no more! Forget — thou art forgot! Colonna!" \Stari7ig wildly round] I stand. I read — 'Tis so! [Sinks on one knee and hides her face. A pause. No — I will live! From my deep, maddening wrongs! I will draw strength. — Colonna, I have stooped, And thou has spumed me. I will rise and live! [Rising. To pay thee back thy scorn! Revenge! Revenge I [Exit. ZVD OF ACT THIRD. ACT IV. SCENE I. Bianca^s Apart7?ient, (Enter Biayica.) BIANCA. I must be calm. Fierce passions wear us out. Or drive us mad! — Awake, revengeful thoughts, Asleep, more bloody dreams infest me still. My eager hand grasps at the imagined knife, I see the traitor helpless at my feet. But passion's fury still defeats itself. 64 THE MAID OF [aCT IV. I wake too soon to deal the fatal blow. Thirsting for vengeance, I neglect the means To make that vengeance mine. — Mine is no woman's heart; — to sit and weep A lover lost, or else to seek another. Might well become a feeble, puling girl. — Ha! beauty, wealth! what are yel You but teach The ardent mind to cherish lofty hopes. And give a keener edge to disappointment. And are ye also powerless for revenge] — Where are my host of suitors] Where are they, Who knelt and sighed, and vowed themselves my E'en if they love me not, they love my wealth, [slaves'? And shall become the tools of my revenge! I will reverse the dream of alchymists. And turn my gold to steel! — Let me but live — live until that blest hour, When his aspiring hopes, his usurped power Shall crumble into dust; his traitor's heart, More false than proud, more proud than pitiless, Is crushed like mine. Then will I ask no more. — Yet should he fall, and I be not the cause Of his just doom, revenge remains unsated. — [Soft music wiiliout. Ha, music! — How it jars upon mine ear. Marred by the tempest of discordant thoughts. Away fond youth, forbear thy sickly strains. Nor nightly urge thy worse than hopeless suit. My thoughts are demons, and thy swelling strain The bitter irony, that taunts the damned! — No more! {stojps her ears, \ Yet stay. Oh happy, happy Thy melody would only paint thy love, [thought! Yet truly points the way to my revenge. Theresa! — Girl! — Where are you? — {Enter Theresa) THERESA. Here, my lady. What are your commands'? BIANCA. Who 's that below? — Who thus disturbs my peace? BC ENE I.] FLORENCE, CyTj THERESA. Know you not, lady? Noble Bondelmont nightly thus makes known Your beauty and his love. BIANCA. What would he have of me? THERESA. An interview, If you will grant him one. BIANCA. Admit him then. THERESA. Admit him!— Lady, do I understand you? BIANCA. Thou fool! obey me and admit him straight. bay I for once will see him— but to show Why he no more must seek me. Hence! begone. THERESA. What may this mean? I trust she is not mad. [Aside. [Exit Theresa. ' BIANCA. Brave, noble, powerful, wealthy, and beloved By all the youth of Florence. — Though little known in arms, in gentler arts Without a rival. His the open heart. The frank demeanour, and the liberal hand, That wins the love of all. E'en formal age O'erlooks the lively sallies of his youth. And smiles in kindness on him.— Such a man. Roused to ambition, or the patriot's zeal, May dart his fire through a thousand hearts, And lead a thousand daring arms to aid The cause he may espouse.— Long has he sought me Loves truly, and betrays, at every glance, ' The look that speaks the willing, eager slave 6* 66 THE MAID OF [aCT IV. Of my imperious will! — He is the tool, Wherewith I'll work the ruin of my foe! — ("Enter Bondelmont and Theresa.) BONDELMONT. This happiness I scarcely dared to hope, And know not how to thank you. — BIANCA. Girl, away! [Exit Theresa. Now you are here, young lord, say what you seek; That nightly thus you loiter in the street Beneath my window] BONDELMONT. Need I say, Bianca ? I ask but leave to tell you of my love, — To pay my ardent vows where they are due, — To hope that time may yield to my devotion The object of my vows — Bianca's love. BIANCA. My love! — Why should 1 love you] What have you done that may deserve my love? If person, manner, and exterior grace May challenge love, you well may hope for favour. But not from me. 'Tis not the deep drawn sigh, The ardent glance, the nightly serenade Can master my affections. — I must esteem, approve, before I love. BONDELMONT. And can you not esteem me? Am I then so unworthy, so deceived By flattering friends, who tell me that I am What I should be, and well become my station] BIANCA. 'Tis false, young lord; you are not what you should Is all your pride, to be the gayest reveller] [be — The height of your ambition, to be first In pleasure's giddy chase] For shame, for shame! Kind nature formed thee to far nobler ends; SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 67 The fault is thine, who dost pervert her gifts To worthless occupations. BONDELMONT. Is this my crime'? I lead a gay, but not licentious life. They slander me who otherwise report me. BIANCA. A life of gayety, in trifles spent, Thy native powers degrading. — Where thou dost lead, the noble youth of Florence Pursue in throngs the revel and the mask. Canst thou not lead them to a nobler game, The battles of their country] — Is it fear] Thy followers' terrors, or their leader's fears, That bar the road to glory] BONDELMONT. Florence now, Long worn with foreign and intestine war, Tastes of sweet peace, and shall I break her rest? Yet must your love be won. Point out the path, And think not I will shrink from aught that may Become a noble and a Florentine. BIANCA. Art thou a noble and a Florentine ! And yet — Colonna lives — the lord of Florence! BONDELMONT. He is podesta! — To no native hand. Divided as we are by feuds and factions, Can we intrust the power of the law. And hope impartial justice. 'Tis the curse Brought down by endless quarrels on our heads; Nor am I, in submitting to his rule. The less a noble. BIANCA. Oh, willing-blinded slave, — he is your lord! The king of Florence! The judicial sway. The public purse, the power of the sword. Are in his grasp; — what more can he desire] 68 THE MAID OF [aCT IV. Let her, too late repenting, ask again The power she lately gave, and mark his answer! BONDELMONT. There is a startling justice in your fears. Colonna wields his new intrusted power With zealous spirit and a vigorous arm ; A lofty spirit his, and boundless power Has ever been the lust of noblest minds. They w^ho would scorn temptation, in the garb Of sensual pleasure, or the miser's hoard. Oft bow before ambition's shrine, to own The Grod of their idolatry. — But have you, lady, aught beyond suspicion? — BIANCA. Suspicion! — We suspect that we are slaves! And must we pause until suspicion grow To fearful certainty? — Mark this, young lord; The very tongue that first did name Colonna To be podesta, on that luckless hour Now heaps its curses! BONDELMONT. Ha! your father then — BIANCA. He will not tell you so. — But answer this: Does he not court the rabble, dealing out, With lavish art, his flattery and gold? Call them his friends, the worthy men of Florence, Whom he is proud to serve? Oh, mark you that! Think not that proud men stoop, unless it be The higher yet to rise! Say, does he not. With cunning industry, still seek to gain External allies and internal friends? See the accused before his proud tribunal! Say, is he stern injustice? Those who die He fears might have opposed him. Does he yield To gentle mercy? He but pardons those, Who will become his zealous partisans. Think on Lamberti, with his murderous hands Red with hia victim's blood! Yet he was spared, For thus his potent friends became Colonna's. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 69 BONDELMONT. Lambert! should have died, if ever blood By blood should be repaid! BIANCA. Then, w^hile we hope The v^rintry storm of w^ar has past away, The opening spring of gentle peace returning, Why thus the citadel of Florence held By hireling soldiers, and a guard in arms. At every gate, as in a town besieged? Why now a thousand lances newly raised In Lombardy, to re-inforce his band] Why courier after courier despatched To Milan's hateful court] BONDELMONT. Are these things certain? BIANCA. As I live! 'tis true. Nay, he in subtle policy will wed Visconti's daughter; and, when thus allied To Milan's tyrant, soon will he become The tyrant here! BONDELMONT. Colonna wed Visconti's daughter! If that fear be true — BIANCA. Alas, unhappy Florence, is there none, Of all thy sons, who can foresee thy doom, Or dares to raise an arm to ward the blow] Thus fell Ferrara under Este's power; Thus sunk Verona's liberties beneath Fell Eccelino's arts; and thus will fall Unhappy Florence! Such has been the rise Of each usurping tyrant, who deforms, With ruthless arms, sweet Italy's fair face. Look round on Lombardy. Her mighty states, In freedom powerful! — where are they now] What is Milan] Milan, whose civic bands 70 THE MAID OF [aCT IV An emperor defeated, and defied An empire's force? — A tyrant's fortress now. That glorious city, whose heroic sons, Embattled on Lignano's bloody plain. First quelled imperial Barbarossa's pride, And crushed his host of German chivalry. Is now a robber's den! — What Florence is, Milan once was. Alas, What Milan is, too soon may Florence be! BONDELMONT. Too true your words; deep reason prompts your fears. BIANCA. But why speak I to thee? — Be it thy nature that hath made thee so, The lessons of thy youth, or the strong power Of adverse circumstance, yet art thou base, And, like the rest of Florence, but a slave! BONDELMONT. Not bo! you wrong me, I will nobly dare. But when or how? Alone, I lack the power. — BIANCA. Hast thou no friends? Hast thou no influence O'er Florence' noble youth? Are they so deaf To glory, liberty, and nature's voice, That they cannot be roused? BONDELMONT. Thou art inspired To rouse thy sleeping countrymen to arm, And seize the freedom that would 'scape their grasp! BIANCA. Bondelmont, art thou roused? BONDELMONT. I am, I am. The ardour of your spirit kindles mine. My deeds shall catch the fire of your words. [She is about to speak. •CENE I.] FLORENCE. 71 Nay, say no more. You spur a willing horse Who rather needs the rein. Now to my task, [going, Florence shall wake, shake off her lethargy, And hurl the tyrant forth! BIANCA. Ha! hurl him forth? Expel him] He must die! — and speedily. Start not. What is one life to Florence' freedom? There is no hope, if you afford him time With strong alliance to confirm his power, And form a slavish party here at home. BONDELMONT. True, he must die, or Florence is not safe. — When he is dead, what then? BIANCA . ( Offering her hand.) Thou art no slave. BONDELMONT. {KlSsing it.) A rich, a rich reward! Without it, life Were valueless, and with it, beyond price. BIANCA. We now must part, but soon to meet again. Lose not a moment. Sound each daring spirit In this great cause. Be cautious, yet be bold. BONDELMONT. Farewell, and doubt me not; but think of me As one who would deserve you. [Exit. BIANCA. Go, fond, confiding youth! For thee 1 care not. Yet art thou noble, and I trust wilt prove The noble instrument of my revenge! — His simple life were nothing! My revenge, Like the devouring sea, shall swallow up Fame, pomp, and power! all that unto him May appertain, and leave behind no wreck To tell the gaping world — Colonna was! [Exit. 72 THE MAID OF [aCT IV. SCENE II. An Ajmrtment in Decastro^s House, {Decastro, Strozziy Montana , Landino^ just risen from a banquet.) DECASTRO. I must, I fear, have played the churlish host, That you so soon desert me. STROZZI. Think not so. The hour grows late; 'tis time we were at home, DECASTRO. Why, what have you gallants to do with time? Were you but ragged, needy artisans. Called forth to labour by the rising sun, Then might you prate of time. Your only care Is, with some novel pastime or discourse. How you may cheat the hours as they rise, Day after day, in dull monotony. Oft have I known you waste the goodly morn [to Strozzi. Disputing with your tailor on the fashion Of some new gala suit; and you as long \to Landino. Discuss the merit of your horse or hound. STROZZI. We will become the wiser by your censure, And better learn to husband our hours. LANDINO. And so, farewell. (Enter Bondelmont.) STROZZI. Stay, here Bondelmont comes. DECASTRO. Aa welcome as unlooked for. SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 73 BONDELMONT. Signiors, well met. [Montano salutes Bondelmont very coldly. STROZZI. We are rejoiced to see you. DECASTRO. They were about to leave me; you, I trust, Will aid me to detain them. Come, Bondelmont; . Come, gentlemen; though 'tis the midnight hour. Good wine and lively music shall excite The gayety that suits the morn of life. BONDELMONT. Nay, spare me now, I am not in the mood. DECASTRO. Not in the mood! and pray why are you notl LANDINO. The gay Bondelmont melancholy struck! STROZZr. True, whence that sombre shade upon your brow! Hast seen a ghosti or else been crossed in love? BONDELMONT. There is a time for gravity as mirth. I am not in the mood. — Nor have we cause For revelry in Florence. DECASTRO. What have we else to do] — Unbroken leisure hangs upon our hands. We are no artisans or hoarding traders, And nobler occupations are no more! We rust in peaceful sloth. No Florentine Need bear the galling burden of rude arms; The great Colonna will our battles fight. Nor need deep policy perplex our brains; He has relieved us of the cares of state. Our very purses he would gladly bear, 7 74 THE MAID OF [aCT IV. To ease us of their weight; and, of his love, Would kindly weed away the cares of life. And leave us but its pleasures. BONDELMONT. Will you jest E*en at your country's shame? your own dishonour? DECASTRO. I jest — but more in bitterness of spirit, Than mirthfulness of mood. BONDELMONT. Ha! say you sot Then I will speak — but may be overheard. [Looking rou7id. Are there no listening ears to catch my wordsl DECASTRO. None near, but these around you. BONDELMONT. You are my friend [to Decastro,] and you [to Strozzi — And you Landino. The other is an honourable man, Nor will I fear so trust him. MONTANO. You do me only justice. Speak, and boldly. BONDELMONT. You tax me with my gloom. True, I was once Loud in my mirth and joyous at the board — Loved music, revelry — I then was free! ALL. Free! BONDELMONT. I am become a gloomy, sluggish thing, Dark, dull, and joyless, as you behold. What is the cause? — I feol mvself a slave! SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 75 ALL. A slave! BONDELMONT. Colonna's slave! — and you, my fellow bondmen. But I, unlike to you, lack yet the art, To gild my chains, and call them ornaments. DECASTRO. Are we Colonna's slaves] BONDELMONT. What are ye elset At whose command are closed the city-gates, That none may issue forth, or enter in] At whose command does blood of Florentines Bedrench the ground before the dread tribunal] Who leads the youth of Florence to the wars] Who, from the coffers of our moneyed men. Drains out their glittering dross, (to them more dear Than their heart's blood) to pay his foreign ruffians] A foreign soldier rules with iron sway Within the walls of Florence! with our gold Buying the steel that rivets fast our chains! What other badge of bondage would you have] What are the men of Florence then but slaves] DECASTRO. Alas, what are they else] BONDELMONT. And what are we But slaves more base than the rude commons are] The nobler once — the more degraded now! DECASTRO. True, we have fallen from a loftier height To equal degradation. BODELMONT. Decastro, I have seen thee, in the field, Demean thyself as that good soldier should, Who rates his life but at the price of honour, Where is that spirit fled] 76 THE MAID OF [aCT. IT DEC. ASTRO. 'Tis yet within me. Thou art the first, that boldly dares to speak, But not the first, who, in his secret soul, Has called Colonna tyrant, them but slaves, Who bow before his power. BONDELMONT. Can we thus speak, and yet forbear to act? DECASTRO. Bondelmont, thou hast been a man of peace. Save of thy country's foes, no blood has dimmed The brightness of thy sword. Thou hast shunned feuds; Nor used thy friends, thy vassals, or thy wealth In private outrage, or uncivil strife. When such a man, his country's wrongs avenging, Shall shout 'to arms!' against a tyrant foe. What heart can 'scape the patriotic fire] Who dare to preach of peace and slavish laws? BONDELMONT. What say you, friends? LANDINO. Fear not, we will be with you. STROZZI. Doubt not, Bondelmont, we will boldly follow, Where thou shalt boldly lead. BONDELMONT. To you, Montano, I will now address me. Fierce, blood-stained feuds of old oppose our names, I fear, yet unforgotten. Let us turn Our ancient quarrel to a noble strife Who best shall serve his country. MONTANO. Say no naore. The man, who strikes a noble stroke for Florence, Although my brother's blood had stained his hands, Is evermore my friend! SCENE II.] FLORENCE. 77 DECASTRO. 'Tis nobly said — Why should we longer pause than to secure Sufficient numbers to command success] MONTANO. We must have numerous aid. BONDELMONT. Beware of numbers, For numbers in conspiracy is weakness. In secret enterprise, the fewer minds, The fewer hours burdened with the trust, The safer is the issue. Briefly then Let each one sound some potent, trust friend; And, if he promptly show the latent fire, That warms the patriot's heart, with him attend, To-morrow, at this hour at my house; There to mature our plot — Do you approve] DECASTRO. We do. MONTANO. And will not fail you. BONDELMONT. Oh! beware Of misplaced confidence; for we must be Discreet in council as in action bold, Would we deserve to prosper. ALL. Doubt us not. [Exeunt, 7# 78 THE MAID OF [aCT IV. SCENE III. A71 Aj^artment in the Palace. (Enter Colonna.) COLONNA. This irksome pause undoes me; I would have Excitement, action, to bestir my blood, And swell my soul with high, adventurous thoughtf Spite of myself, too oft I backward look, And lose, oh direst loss! my self-esteem, In recollection of the damning blot. Which rests upon mine honour — Would I had never known her — Or knowing held my faith. Bianca's wrongs Hang heavy on my conscience, like the weight Chained to the felon's limbs! My soul would soar To noble thoughts, and dwell midst lofty themes; But the fell burden drags it down again To grovel on the earth — A change comes o'er My late undaunted soul: I am unmanned By superstitious fears — or feel oppressed By strong presentiments of coming ill — {Enter Bernardo.) How now! — Bernardo! Art so soon returned? Where are my levies? BERNARDO. On the road to Florence. COLONNA. What says Visconti] BERNARDO. He redeems his pledge To aid your levies, and provide the means To keep your power on foot. A princely treasure, Escorted by a brave and numerous band. Now waits your orders. SCENE in.] FLORENCE. 79 COLONNA Good Steel, and gold to make its strength mine own! Your words are sweetest music to mine ear — Where are they, and what force? BERNARDO. Eight hundred lances. A single day may bring them to the gates. — [lordl [Colonna in deep thought] — What are your plans, my COLONNA. I will not pause — No, not an hour! Mark me: I will lead forth (to guard against commotion) A chosen body of the youth of Florence; Lay waste the lands of Pisa, and assault Her weaker posts — With half my present power, Stay you in Florence, keep the citadel. Admit within its walls the coming aid — Lest, her best warriors absent from their homes, Some evil might befall the goodly state Intrusted to our care — You understand me? BERNARDO. I do, my lord, and much approve your caution. COLONNA. Then haste to aid me. We have little time For fitting preparation. Trace you out. Beneath the Northern wall, sufficient ground For full three thousand men. I dare not risk Their fearful muster in the heart of Florence! [Exeunt, 80 THE MAID OF [aCT V ACT V. SCENE I. An Apartment in Bondelmonfs palace, (Bondelmonty Landino, Strozzi, Steno, Soriniy and others J conversing. Enter Decastro and Montano, Bondelmonty after taking them hy the hand, turns to the others^ BONDELMONT. All now are here; nor would I wish to meet A nobler band, their fortune to partake. STROZZl. True friends to Florence, and the deadliest foes E'er crossed a fell, usurping tyrant's path. BONDELMONT. Let us not boast of actions unachieved, Nor waste our precious hours in abuse. Weak words, against the mercenary lance, Were an unequal strife. Colonna's deeds By deeds must be opposed, and brief the time Ere we in arms must meet. DECASTRO. Speak then, Bondelmont. We tread a rugged and a dangerous path; Thou art the guide, to whom we look for conduct. MONTANO. Talk not of danger. Danger is the road That leads to honour. DECASTRO. Think not that I fear. Name but the hour, and appoint my post. That hour shall find me there. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 81 BONDELMONT. We doubt it not — You freely have appointed me your leader; As freely will I enter on mine office. Since last we met to plot the good of Florence, Her direst foe, conspiring in her cause, has called to arms three thousand of her sons, To serve his mad ambition; aiding thus To arm the hand, which soon may strike him down. Our kinsmen, friends, and followers are arrayed, And we were worse than cowards not to seize The lucky chance, which favouring fortune gives, Nay, which our foe in^madness thrusts upon us. Colonna's present power is divided; Part keep the citadel, part are encamped With our own friends beneath the Northern wall. To-morrow's sun will see him take the field. You in the camp — [ To Montano and others, will cautiously unfold Our great design to every trusty chief, And, as the hour approaches, noise abroad Among the lighter sort and common file, Those busy whispers, fearful mutterings, That rouse men's minds and set their fears on edge. And when my banner o'er the Northern gate Unfurls its ample volume to the breeze. Then rush to arms and boldly strike for Florence. Myself will watch the tyrant. — When from the citadel he shall depart, I, with a chosen band, will seize the gate, Which leads unto the camp, admit our friends. While I shut out the tyrant's myrmidons. You Strozzi, and Landino, in his rear Will barricade the streets and cut him off From chance of succour from the citadel. When the first shout for Florence strikes your ear, Do you, Sorini, on the 'larum bell, Sound the loud summons to each noble heart To arm in freedom's cause — The rest of you, with your assembled power. Will hasten to the central scene of strife. Surround the tyrant and his ruffian guard, And crush the foes of Florence. 82 THE MAID OF [aCT V. DECASTRO. A well imagined plot, a glorious cause, Strong friends and true; the tyrant's knell is knoUed! STENO. I fear all may not glide thus smoothly on. These potent friends have now their power encamped Without the wall, and may not bring their aid Until it be too late. SORlNlc This sudden expedition mars our plot. BONDELMONT. Oh, say not so; 'tis better as it is. His near approaching power, newly raised In Lombardy, must spur us on to act Without delay, if wa would hope to prosper. STENO. One half his power hold the citadel. That stubborn post we must not hope to win. What though he fall? his followers remain Within the heart of Florence! BONDELMONT. Fear them not. The venomed serpent, shorter by the head, Becomes a stingless trunk; their leader slain, Dread not the wrath of the unguided band. Colonna's band, not by Colonna led, Is as a broken sword, a headless spear — What, doubt you still 1 STENO. 'Tis too adventurous. Some one of wayward fortune's freaks will cross Our airy hopes and plunge us into ruin SORINI. I own your doubts are mine. DECASTRO. Thov are not mine. SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 83 SEVERAL. Nor mine. BONDELMONT. Mark you not that? There spoke the voices of the dauntless brave. 'Tis but your fearful doubts that cross our hopes. Your armour burnished, nay, your povv^er arrayed, Your follow^ers waiting but the battle vsrord, Yet turn aside and shun the glorious strife] Are you so backw^ard in your country's cause? STENO. I am not backward in my country's cause. Show me a smiling prospect of success, Though it be distant, and my life is hers; But the wild scheme is little less than madness. BONDELMONT. If it be so — you now too late perceive it. The danger is incurred — you have conspired! Hope not to pause at this eleventh hour, And 'scape the vengeance of a tyrant's fears! The self-betrayed deserve the traitor's fate. And now to pause, were to await destruction! Endue my tongue with strong persuasion, heaven, That I may rouse these sluggish souls, so deaf To honour's voice — so wakeful to base fear! {Enter Bianca, through a door in the middle of the scene.) MONTANO. A woman here! SEVERAL. We are betrayed! BiANCA, {Raising her veil and advancing,) Fear not! A woman's form, no feeble woman's heart. Is present here, a witness to your counsels. Think you, because your arms alone can strike 84 THE MAID OF [aCT V. For Florence' rights! your hearts alone can burn Indignant at her wrongs! Not so! her daughters owe her love as deep, And, in her cause, as promptly will display The strength to suffer, and the soul to dare, As her heroic sons! Why stand I here. If not to share your dangers, and revive The noble fire smouldering in your hearts'? On, noble sons of Florence; if ye love The breath of honour, and the rich renown, That gilds the patriot's name, oh draw not back Your hands devoted to the glorious work, Until it be achieved! Say, are ye noble In birth and honours'? be in nature noble, And scorn the yoke of slaves! — The dames of Florence loathe their coward lords; The maids of Florence spurn their slavish suitors. Who stoop without a struggle to receive A hireling sworder's yoke! A woman's voice Calls on the sons of Florence to awake. While yet they grasp their weapons in their hands. And strike their new forged fetters from their limbs, Nor rest u tyrant's slaves! — What can ye fear'? Have you not arms, and skill to wield those arms'? Are you not strong in numbers'? in your cause. Your country's cause, most strong'? What wait ye for? Why are ye noble, save to lead the herd Of common men through honour's rugged path*? — Or will ye wait till ye are goaded on By all the woes a conquered people prove] Oppressed, disarmed, no weapon but despair — Will ye then hope to prosper] Were I a man! — I am a feeble girl — But ye are men! — SEVERAL. We are! and will be freemen! BIANCA. Then why delay to act the parts of freemen? — Dread not Colonna's power. He has now No friend in Florence save the ruffian band, Who lackey hia proud heels, by deeds of blood SCENE I.] FLORENCE. 85 A base subsistence earning! — ^rww- The nobles hate him for his haughty rule; The merchants, for his forced, oppressive loans; The populace, grown cold, now cease to shout Colonna's name; united Florence mourns The madness of that hour which betrayed Her liberties to him. — Do you but raise the battle cry of Florence; Ten thousand voices, in echo loud. Will thunder back your shout! Display her banner, and ten thousand hearts Will, rushing, throng beneath its amble folds. To conquer or to perish in her cause! Raise but your arms, ten thousand arms upreared Will lend a giant's vigour to your strokes. And make your conquest sure! Our very women, from the hostile roofs, Will shower each weighty missile on their heads, And crush our grinding tyrants to the earth! BONDELMONT. No more of doubt! and hence, unmanly fear! Who now will falter? ALL. None. We are resolved. MONTv^NO. And sweai', united as one heart and hand, To stand or fall with honour. ALL. One and all. BONDELMONT. No more of words, but let our actions speak! Each to his post, and let to-morrow's sun See darted back his horizontal rays, [Exit Bianca tmobseroed. In rival splendour from our burnished arms, Whilst 'gainst the tyrant we ourselves array Tn a devoted band! S S6 THE MAID OF [aCT V. DECASTRO. Away. Away! [going. Let Florence flourish, ^nd the tyrant fall! ALL. Let Florence flourish! [Exeunt all but Bondelmont. B0NDj|LM0NT. Noble, matchless maid! Already gone — and not one word to me! — But she is right. — This hour belongs to Florence! [Exit. (Scene the Second is omitted,) SCENE III. ' A Street in Florence. [Enter Bondelmont and Decastro in armour,) BONDELMONT. It is a glorious morn; bright shines the sun, As nothing loath to smile upon our deeds; Yet look thy last upon his face, Colonna, For soon the storm will burst. — At this still hour, E'en while our foe arrays his alien bands, And issues forth in all the pomp of war, To add imagined conquests to his sway, Within the massy palaces of Florence, Her trueborn sons, with stealthy pace assembled, Are arming for the strife. Dream on, vain man, Insulted Florence will her aid afford To swell a tyrant's rule! Soon shall her voice In startling thunder burst upon thine ear, And speak a fearful truth! — The hour has come; our friends are at their posts, SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 87 Grasp hard their weapons, and, with anxious ears, The promised signal wait. Their idle swords, Too long confined within the envious sheath, Now thirst for freedom and the tyrant's blood! DECASTRO. Why stays our messenger? — I fear — BONDELMONT. Fear not! There is a startling voice at mine ear, That shouts in tones of triumph to my heart, That we shall wade through the oppressor's blood Unto a glorious issue! Look — our scout. {Enter a follower of Bondelmont,) FOLLOWER. Speed to your power, my lord; Colonna comes. His escort now advances to the gate. BONDELMONT. Then to our post; surprise the feeble guard, And raise the shout of '^Florence!" [ They draw and exeunt, {Enter Bianca, muffled,) BIANCA. He comes! the proud, insulting tyrant comes! His foes await, and my revenge draws on! The streets of Florence are our battle field; In this arena we the lion bait, Whose roar has frightened Florence! [A flourish of trumpets. She starts, Never more Shall your proud summons call him to the field! Tremble, thou tyrant, thy dark hour is nigh. Sound then thy trumpets; we will ring our bells! [She retires to the back grotind^ {Enter Colonna and Bernardo in armour.) COLONNA. I take you thus aeide, again to warn you. 88 THE MAID OF [aCT V. I leave you my lieutenant here in Florence, And lead away the boldest of her youth, To vent that ardour in more distant fields. Which else, confined athome, might breed commotion. Think not each factious spirit is enrolled In yonder camp. Sedition swarms in Florence. Trust not these moody burghers. Let not sleep Relieve your anxious wateh, till you admit. Within the circuit of yon trusty wall. The coming aid, whose numbers make you safe. BERNARDO. Fear not, my lord; these surly citizens Shall never catch me napping. COLONNA. Then, farewell. Here we will part — for I must now to horse. [Distant shouts of ^Florence !^ ^Bondelmont,^ ^r. What means that shout] BERNARDO. Perchance some sudden quarrel — Some private feud blazed forth. [Slwuts, COLONNA. Not so, by heaven! The shout is ''Florence!'' and the burghers rise In arms against our rule. Oh luckless hour! [Shouts, BERNARDO. Again! again! It swells upon the ear In louder, fiercer tones. [Alarm bells rung, COLONNA. And answering bells. With rebel tongues, the mutinous clamours spread! Draw then, and to the gate, we must exclude The fearful force without, or all is lost. ^ [ They draw and exeunt, Bianca advances, BIANCA. Colonna! never shalt thou wed another! SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 89 The scorned Bianca, with resistless spell, Has raised a howling tempest, that shall sweep Thy towering hopes to ruin. — [Listens anxiously. Now unrelenting war usurps the place Of hollow peace — and broken armour, wounds, The bosom rending groan, the glazing eye. The arm unnerved in death, shall soon confess The fearful empire of wide wasting war! [Shouts of 'Florence!' 'Colonna!' Sfc. Bells, Fierce grow the shouts. The struggle has begun. They bleed — they fall — that I may be avenged! — I am a woman, and the sight of blood My woman's soul appals! — [Hides her face. But 'tis too late. Avaunt, slow-paced remorse! Thou canst but punish, not prevent the crime! He is a tyrant! They for freedom strike, While they my wrongs avenge! On, sons of Florence! Ye cannot fail; ye are too strong, too true! He cannot conquer, and he dare not live To taste the conquered's shame! — [Shouts^ Sfc, This way the war's tumultuous current bends; This way Colonna comes. [She retires, {E?Uer ^parties fighting , and retreating across the hack ground. Enter Colonna^ COLONNA. I faint from loss of blood. My followers fly. Alone, on foot, *'and compassed round with foes" — There is no hope! — Yet will I shout 'Colonna!' [Enter three citizens^ who attack him,) Come on, ye slaves, and face once more Colonna! — [Beats themhack?\ Hence, mutinous dogs! — They rally now. My banner Vv^aves on high! — They close in mortal strife. Oh could I join them! [He attem'pts to go off. Bianca steps proudly across his path, and raises her veil. He stares wildly at her, then turns away and hides his face, and is struck down by a citizen, , {Enter one of the Conspirators.) CONSPIKATOR. ^ On, on! They yield! For Florence! Strike for Florence! [Exeunt Conspirator arul Citizens, shouting ' Florence r 90 THE MAID OF [aCT V. BIANCA. Bianca's soul! no base, plebeian arm [power, Has struck thee down! Thy pomp, thy pride, thy Where are they now? Thy boasted lances fly, And thou art — dust] — already senseless clay? — So soon! One moment since, the warrior's soul Beamed from that eye, and heaved that haughty heart. And now — 'tis awful — e'en to me 'tis awful! — [ Tu7'7is away. A pause. And art thou dead? and with the sordid dust Doth thy best heart's blood minglel — What a wreck Of nobleness, perverted unto baseness! — Thou then art gone — and what is life to me? I am avenged! and care not to survive you. Already have I proved the fierce extremes Of love and hate, and care to know no more! — Shall fierce excitement sink to dull despair] To live — to creep through stagnant years of life, And sink with slow decay] Come thou blest potion. [Producing a phial. Within thy narrow compass is embraced A score of deaths, bought with a single pang. Pour forth thy furies on one little life, And I will thank thee! [drinks — throws away the phial. 'Tis done! My doom is sealed. There now is no re- Death — [lenting — That many-pathed and gloomy wilderness, So oft explored, and yet to us unknown, Will soon be known to me! — [covers her face. Apause. Thou harsh, but speedy friend, I feel thy power. Already towards my heart thou workest thy way, To sap life's citadel. O God! O God! [si?iksano7ieknec. {Enter Theresa, A^Uonio and Savola.) THERESA. Look, my lord; she is found. ANTONIO. Is this Bianca] it SAVOLA. Daughter, what do you here] — SCENE III.] FLORENCE. 91 Here, on this fatal spot, at this dread hour? Art thou distracted] BiANCA. {Rising slowly.) No] **I am not mad — O would to heaven I were." — This is my court! Here I give willing audience to death, Who seeks in solemn embassy to win me. Yon silent tongue resistless pleads his cause, And we have shaken hands, SAVOLA. Speak not of death. BIANCA. I must, for he is near. SAVOLA. Too near, alas. O quit this horrid scene! BIANCA. Nearer, my father, than you yet believe him. Along my veins the subtile poison glides, And faithfully performs his silent work. ALL. Poisoned! BIANCA. I am. The work is almost done. The bitterness of death has passed away. [si?iks dotvn. SAVOLA. Can this be heaven's decree] Oh, vanish thus Your father's hopes] — the promise of your youth] BIANCA. Alas, too true! Oh, how unlike my hopes! My life moved onward like a gentle stream. Which meets at length a cavernous abyss; And then one moment's madly wild career. Which now — in darkness closes. \Dies. 92 THE MAID OF FLORENCE SAVOLA She is gone! Alas! forever gone! [ Throws himself on the hody, ANTONIO. Oh, sudden, fearful stroke! A thunder bolt, Across a sky serene, were less unlooked for! It startles faith, defies the proof of sense To doubt or to believe it. [Enter Bondelmonty his armour battered and bloody.) BONDELMONT. Is this but falsehood, or a horrid truth? [Seeing her body.] Bianca here! SAVOLA. [Looking loildly up.) Who calls Bianca] BONDELMONT. 'Tis Bondelmont calls — .^ed Bondeli SAVOLA. The w^ronsred Bondelmont, w^retched and deceived. Unhappy youth. — But why should I bemoan One happier than myself? To you remain The victor's glory, and the patriot's fame — To me — \emhraces the body.] — My all! my all! BONDELMONT. Victor and patriot? — Forever cursed. With blasting disappointment like to mine, Be all who dare, with base and selfish ends. Their country's cause profane! [Covers his face with his hands. ANTONIO. Ye who your sex's gentle worth would change For passion's lawless rule — behold its victim! And ye who trifle with a woman's love, With ruthless hearts the bond of faith disowning, Mark well this scene, and dread a woman's vene^eance! THE CURTAIN FALLS ERRATA. Page 7th, lino Ifitb, for nobest, read noblest, ** 9th ** 10th from the bottom, with a colUcted mien^ read with col- lected mien, " llth Stage direction for Scene 2d, for caaiony read session. <* 16tb, line 7th, (or gold icreaths, read golden wreaths, " 59th, " 9th from the bottom, for thou read thy. THE MAID OF FLOi'ENCE OR, A WOMAN'S VBZVaBANCB. PSEUDOHISTORICAL TRAGEDY ■ rV FIVE AC T» CHARLESTON : Friuled by S. S. Miller, 50 East-Bay. 1839. ^ ♦TXT' 0* ^ ' ^o 'o . . '^ov^' .i Deacidified using the Bookkeeper •'^T^^T* (j> rjj *"©, A Neutralizing agent: Magnesium O: -V . >. / » *^ Treatment Date: Sent. 2009 ^•1°^ <=o ^ ... •*»