Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Francesca da Rimini

George Henry Boker

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Plays by American Dramatists: !"#$ % : &rancesca 'a Rimini( by George )enry Boker This eBook is for the use of anyone any*here at no cost an' *ith almost no restrictions *hatsoever+ ,ou may copy it( give it a*ay or re$use it un'er the terms of the Project Gutenberg -icense inclu'e' *ith this eBook or online at ***+gutenberg+net Title: Representative Plays by American Dramatists: !"#$ % Author: George )enry Boker Release Date: .uly /0( /112 3EBook 4 011"5 -anguage: English 6haracter set enco'ing: A7688 999 7TART :& T)87 PR:.E6T G;TE<BERG EB::= &RA<6E76A DA R8>8<8 999 : &rancesca 'a Rimini

Pro'uce' by Davi' 7tarner( -eah >oser an' the :nline Distribute' Proofrea'ing Team+

&RA<6E76A DA R8>8<8 ?A TRAGED,? &rancesca( i tuoi martiri a lagrimar mi fanno triato e pio+$$DA<TE+ ?8nferno( v+ @" seA+?

38llustration: GE:RGE )E<R, B:=ER5

GE:RGE )E<R, B:=ER

B !/0$ !%1C The name of George )enry Boker suggests a coterie of frien'ships$$a group of men ple'ge' to the pursuit of letters( an' *orshippers at the shrine of poetry+ These men( in the pages of *hose publishe' letters an' impressions are embe''e' many pleasing aspects of BokerDs temperament an' character( *ere Bayar' Taylor( Richar' )enry 7to''ar'( an' 6harles Go'frey -elan'( the latter kno*n familiarly in American literature as E)ans Breitmann+E These four( in 'ifferent perio's of their lives( might have been calle' Ethe inseparablesE$$so closely 'i' they *atch each otherDs 'evelopment( so intently 'i' they a*ait each otherDs literary output( an' *rite poetry to each other( an' meet at BokerDs( no* an' again( for gol'en talks on 7un'ays+ Poetry *as a passion *ith them( an' even *hen t*o$$Boker an' Taylor$$*ere sent abroa' on 'iplomatic missions( they coul' never have been sai' to 'esert the >use$$their literary activity *as merely arreste'+ :ne of the four$$7to''ar'$$often felt( in the presence of Boker( a certain reticence 'ue to lack of e'ucational a'vantagesF but in the face of BokerDs graciousness$$a Auality *hich comes *ith culture in its truest sense($$he soon foun' himself *riting Boker on matters of style( on Aualities of English 'iction( an' on the status of American letters$$a stock topic of conversation those 'ays+ Boker *as a Phila'elphian( born there on :ctober #( !/0($$the son of 6harles 7+ Boker( a *ealthy banker( *hose financial eGpertness *eathere' the Girar' <ational Bank through the panic years of !0!$21( an' *hose honour( impugne' after his 'eath( in !"@( *as 'efen'e' many years later by his son in EThe Book of the Dea'(E reflective of TennysonDs E8n >emoriam(E an' marke' by a triteness of phrase *hich *as al*ays BokerDs chief limitation( both as a poet an' as a 'ramatist+ )e *as brought up in an atmosphere of ease an' refinement( receiving his preparatory e'ucation in private schools( an' entering Princeton in !21+ :n the testimony of -elan'( *ho( being relate' to Boker( *as thro*n *ith him in their early years( an' *ho avo*s that he al*ays sho*e' a love for the theatre( *e learn that the young college stu'ent bore that same 'istinction of manner *hich ha' marke' him as a chil'( an' *as to cling to him as a 'iplomat+ Together as boys( these t*o *oul' rea' their EPercyDs ReliAues(E EDon HuiGote(E Byron an' 7cott$$an' *hile they *ere both in Princeton( BokerDs room possesse' the only carpet in the 'ormitory( an' his *alls boaste' shelves of the han'somest books in college+ EAs a mere schoolboy(E *rote -elan'( EBokerDs kno*le'ge of poetry *as remarkable+ 8 can remember that he even at nine years of age manifeste' that *on'erful gift that cause' him many years after to be characteriIe' by some great actor$$8 think it *as &orrest$$as the best rea'er in America++++ Jhile at college +++ 7hakespeare an' Byron *ere his favourites+ )e use' to AuiI me sometimes for my pre'ilections for Jor's*orth an' 6oleri'ge+ Je both love' 7helly passionately+E 8n fact( -elan' claims that Boker *as given to ri'icule the E-akersFE ha' he stu'ie' them instea'( he *oul' have a''e' to his o*n poetry a naturalness of eGpression *hich it lacke'+

)e *as Auite the poet of Princeton in his 'ay( Auite the gentleman Bohemian+ E)e *as(E *rites -elan'( EAuite familiar( in a refine' an' gentlemanly *ay( *ith all the 'issipations of Phila'elphia an' <e* ,ork+E )is easy circumstances ma'e it possible for him to balance his ascetic taste for scholarship *ith ri'ing horse$back+ To *hich almost perfect attainment( he a''e' the skille' ability to boG( fence an' 'ance+ )e gra'uate' from Princeton in !2/( an' the 'escription of him left to us by -elan' reveals a young man of nineteen( siG feet tall( *hose sculpture' bust( ma'e at this time( *as not as much like him Eas the or'inary busts of -or' Byron+E 8n later years he *as sai' to bear striking resemblance to )a*thorne+ )is marriage to >iss .ulia Riggs( of >arylan'( follo*e' shortly after his gra'uation( in fact( *hile he *as stu'ying la*( a profession *hich *as to serve him in goo' stea' 'uring his 'iplomatic years( but *hich he thre* over for the stronger pull of poetry( *hose >use he coul' court *ithout the necessity of 'riving it har' for support+ ,et he *as concerne' about literature as a paying profession for others+ :n April /#( !" ( he *rote to 7to''ar': EAlasK alasK Dick( is it not sa' that an American author cannot live by magaIine *ritingL An' this is *holly o*ing to the *ant of our international copyright la*+ :f course it is little to me *hether magaIine *riters get pai' or notF but it is so much to you( an' to a thousan' others+E The time( until !2@( *as spent in foreign travel( but it is interesting to note( as in'ication of no mean literary attainment in the interim( that Princeton( 'uring this perio'( besto*e' on him the 'egree of >+A+( for merit in letters+ !2! *as a re'$letter year for Boker+ 8t *itnesse' the publication of his first volume of verse( EThe -essons of -ife( an' other Poems(E an' it intro'uce' him to Bayar' Taylor an' to R+)+ 7to''ar'+ :f the occasion( Taylor *rites on :ctober 0( to >ary Agne*: ,oung Boker( author of the trage'y( E6alaynos(E a most remarkable *ork( is here on a visit( an' spent several hours to$night *ith me+ )e is another hero($$a most notable( glorious mortalK )e is one of our ban'( an' is( 8 think( 'estine' to high reno*n as an author+ )e is nearly my o*n age( perhaps a year or t*o ol'er( an' he has live' through the same sensations( fought the same fight( an' no* stan's up *ith the same 'efiant spirit+ This frien'ship *as one of eGcellent spiritual sympathy an' remarkable eGternal similarities an' contrasts+ :ne authority has *ritten of their late years: 8n certain *ays( he an' his frien'( Bayar' Taylor( ma'e an interesting contrast *ith each other+ )ere *as Boker 3circa !@!5 *ho ha' just come back from 'iplomatic service abroa'F an' here( too( *as Taylor( *ho *as just going abroa' as minister to Berlin+ Both *ere poetsF they *ere fello*$Pennsylvanians an' frien'sF an' they *ere men of large moul' physically( an' of impressive presenceF yet they *ere very 'issimilar types+ Boker( though massive an' *ith a trace of the phlegmatic in his manner Bperhaps 'erive' from his )ollan' ancestors( the Bochers( *ho ha' come thither from &rance( an' ha' then sent a branch into Englan'( from *hich the American family sprangC( *as courtly( polishe'( slightly reserve'+ )is English forefathers ha' belonge' to the 7ociety of &rien's( as ha' also TaylorDs family in Pennsylvania($$another point in common+ But TaylorDs

appearance( as his frien's *ill remember( *as some*hat bluff an' rugge'F his manner *as hearty an' open+ -aunche' in the literary life( therefore( Boker began to *rite assi'uously+ E6alaynos(E the trage'y referre' to by Taylor( *ent into t*o e'itions 'uring !2!( an' the follo*ing year *as playe' by 7amuel Phelps at 7a'lerDs Jells Theatre( -on'on( >ay 1+ &rom the <e* ,ork ?Tribune? office( on >ay /%( !2%( Taylor *rote: ,our *elcome letter came this morning( an' from the bottom of my heart *as 8 rejoice' by it+ 8 can *ell imagine your feeling of triumph at this earnest of fame++++ 8 instantly hunte' up the -on'on ETimesE an' foun' E6alaynosE a'vertise' for performance($$secon' night+ 8 sho*e' it to Gris*ol'( *ho *as nearly as much surprise' an' 'elighte' as myself+ :f course he *ill make goo' mention of it in his book+ 8t *ill ?sell? immensely for you( an' especially just no*( *hen you are coming out *ith EAnne BullenE 3sic+5+ 8 shall not fail to have a notice of it in to$morro* morningDs ETribune+E 7ome authorities state that it *as given by Phelps *ithout BokerDs consent+ Another( *ho eGamine' BokerDs manuscripts( in possession of the poetDs 'aughter$in$la*( >rs+ George Boker( recor's that Barrett ma'e cuts in the play( preparatory to giving it( Boker( even( revising it in part+ The American premiere *as reserve' for .ames E+ >ur'och( at the Phila'elphia Jalnut 7treet Theater( .anuary /1( !" ( an' it *as revive' at the same playhouse in April( !""( by E+-+ Davenport+ As 7to''ar' says of it( one Eshoul' kno* something$$the more the better$$about the plays that Dr+ Bir' an' .u'ge 6onra' *rote for &orrest an' his successors( about PoeDs DPolitianD( 7argentDs DMelascoD( -ongfello*Ds D7panish 7tu'entD+E )is choice of subject( in this( his first 'rama( in'icate' the romantic aloofness of BokerDs min'( for he *as al*ays anGious to escape *hat -elan' 'escribes him as saying *as a Epractical( soulless( Gra'grin' age+E 8n fact( Boker ha' not as yet foun' himselfF he *as more the book$lover than the stu'ent of men he after*ar's became+ ERea' 6haucer for strength(E he a'vises 7to''ar' on .anuary @( !"1( Erea' 7penser for ease an' s*eetness( rea' >ilton for sublimity an' thought( rea' 7hakespeare for all these things( an' for something else *hich is his alone+ Get out of your age as far as you can+E These young men *ere not Auickly receive'( an' they regar'e' the utilitarian spirit of the time as against them+ To 7to''ar' Boker once confesse': EJere poetry forge' upon the anvil( cut out *ith the aGe( or spun in the mill( my heaven( ho* men *oul' *on'er at the processK Jhat po*er( *hat toil( *hat ingenuityKE BokerDs correspon'ence *ith 7to''ar' began in a letter( 'ate' 7eptember "( !2%( announcing overtures ma'e by the -on'on )aymarket Theatre for his ne* trage'y( EAnne Boleyn(E *hich he *as contemplating sen'ing them in sheets+ E8 have also the assurance(E he announces( Ethat >iss 6ushman *ill bring it out in this country( provi'e' she thinks her po*ers a'apte' to it+E BokerDs pen *as energetic( an' it move' at a gait *hich sho*s ho* fertile *as his imagination+ EThe inseparablesE cheere' the *ay for

each other in the face of official journalistic criticism+ Taylor 'eclare' EAnne BoleynE far in a'vance of E6alaynos(E prophesying that it *oul' last+ EGo ahea'( my 'ear poet(E he a'monishes( Eit *ill soon be your turn to 'amn those *ho *oul' *illingly 'amn you+E Together these frien's *ere al*ays planning to storm the cita'el of public favour *ith poetry( but Boker seems to have been the only one to *hom the theatre hel' out attraction+ By August /( !"1( he *as sen'ing ne*s to 7to''ar' that EThe BetrothalE *oul' be stage' the follo*ing month+ 8n goo' spirits( he *rites: The manager is getting it up *ith unusual care an' splen'our+ 7pangles an' re' flannels flame through it from en' to en'+ 8 even think of appearing before the curtain on horseback( nay( of making the *hole performance eAuestrian( an' of intro'ucing a hippopotamus in the fifth act+ Jhat think youL )ave you an' your miserable lyrics ever kno*n such gloryL 8f the play shoul' take ?here?( you benighte' <e*$,orkers *ill be illuminate' *ith it imme'iately after it has run its hun're'th night in the city *hich is so prou' of its son+ This *as the secon' of his pieces to be given performance( EAnne BoleynE never seeing the boar's+ EThe BetrothalE *as pro'uce' at the Phila'elphia Jalnut 7treet Theatre( on 7eptember /"( !"1( an' opene' in <e* ,ork( on <ovember ! of the same year+ Taylor *rote to its author( on December 2: E8 sa* the last night++++ 8t is even better as an acting play than 8 ha' anticipate'( but it *as very ba'ly acte'+ 8 have hear' nothing but goo' of it( from all Auarters+E 8t *as EliIabethan in tone( Auite in the spirit of that romantic 'rama practise' by such American authors as Jillis( 7argent an' others+ )o* it *as receive' *hen presente' in -on'on( 'uring !"0( is reflecte' in BokerDs letter to 7to''ar'( 'ate' :ctober %( !"0: 8 have rea' the ?Times? notice of the EBetrothal+E 8t is honey to most of the other ne*spaper criticisms++++ <ot*ithstan'ing( an' taking the accounts of my enemies for authority( the play *as unusually successful *ith the au'ience on that most trying occasion( the first night++++ The play stan's a monument of English injustice+ >ark you( it *as not preju'ice that cause' the catastropheF it *as fear lest 8 shoul' get a footing on their stage( of *hich E6alaynosE ha' given them timely *arning+ EThe Ji'o*Ds >arriage(E in manuscript( an' never publishe'( *as accepte' by >arshall( manager of the Jalnut( an' is note' by Boker( in a letter to 7to''ar'( :ctober /( !"/( the chief han'icap confronting him being the inability to fin' someone suite' to take the lea'ing role+ 7to''ar'Ds o*n comment *as: Jhether 3it5 *as ever pro'uce' 8 kno* not( but 8 shoul' say not( for the part of the principal character( ?-a'y Gol'stra*?( is one *hich no actress *hom 8 remember coul' have fille' to the satisfaction of her creator+ The fault of this character Bme ju'iceC is that it is too goo' to be playe' on a mo'ern stage+ 8t ought to have been *ritten for antiAuity t*o hun're' years ago+ Boker *as right *hen he referre' to himself as EprolificE at this time+ )e alrea'y ha' pro'uce'( in !" ( accor'ing to markings on the manuscript( a piece calle' EAll the Jorl' a >ask(E an' he ha'

*ritten EThe Po'estaDs Daughter(E a 'ramatic sketch( issue'( *ith E>iscellaneous Poems(E in !"/+ To*ar' the en' of this year( he complete' E-eonor 'e GuIman+E E)er history(E he *rites to 7to''ar'( on <ovember 2( Eyou *ill fin' in 7panish 6hronicles relating to the reigns of Alfonso N88 of 6astile an' his son( Peter the 6ruel+ There are no such subjects for historical trage'y on earth as are to be foun' in the 7panish history of that perio'+ 8 am so much in love *ith it that 8 'esign follo*ing up D-eonor 'e GuImanD by DDon Pe'roD+ The present trage'y( accor'ing to the ju'gment of -elan'( is the very best play 8 have *ritten( both for the closet an' the stage+ Perhaps 8 am too rea'y to agree *ith him( but long before he sai' it 8 ha' forme' the same ju'gment+E This trage'y *as performe' at the Phila'elphia Jalnut 7treet Theatre( on :ctober 0( !"0( an' at the <e* ,ork Broa'*ay Theatre( on April /2( !"2+ Boker *rote to his frien's( sho*ing his customary concern about an actress skille' enough for the role of his heroine+ Jhen( finally( for the Phila'elphia premiere( .ulia Dean *as 'eci'e' upon( he thus eGpresse' his ver'ict to 7to''ar'( after the opening performance: E>iss Dean( as far as her physiAue *oul' a'mit( playe' the part a'mirably( an' *ith a full appreciation of all those things *hich you call its beauties+E During these years of correspon'ence *ith his frien's( Boker *as 'etermining to himself the 'istinction bet*een ?poetic? an' ?'ramatic? style+ E7eriously( Dick(E he *rites to 7to''ar'( on :ctober #( !"1( Ethere is( to my min'( no English 'iction for your purposes eAual to >iltonDs in his minor poems+ :f course any man *oul' be an intensifie' ass *ho shoul' attempt to reach the 'iction of the DPara'ise -ostD( or aspire to the tremen'ous style of 7hakespeare+ ,ou must not confoun' things( though+ A -yric 'iction is one thing$$a Dramatic 'iction is another( reAuiring the utmost force an' conciseness of eGpression($$an' Epic 'iction is still anotherF 8 conceive it to be something bet*een the -yric an' Dramatic( *ith all the luGuriance of the former( an' all the po*er of the latter+E )e must have *ritten to Taylor in the same vein( for( in a letter from the latter( there is assurance that he fully un'erstan's *hat a slo* gro*th 'ramatic style must be+ But Boker *as not *holly *e' to theatrical 'eman'sF he still approache' the stage in the spirit of the poet *ho *as torn bet*een loyalty to poetic in'irectness( an' necessity for 'irect 'ialogue+ :n .anuary /( !"0( he *rites to 7to''ar': Theatricals are in a fine state in this countryF every in'ucement is offere' to me to burn my plays as fast as 8 *rite them+ ,et( *hat can 8 'oL 8f 8 print my plays( the actors take them up( butcher( alter an' play them( *ithout giving me so much as a han' in my o*n 'amnation+ This is something beyon' even heavenly rigourF an' so 8 procee' to my o*n 'estruction( *ith the prou' consciousness that( at all events( it is my o*n act+ ?A propos?( have you ever rea' the English acting copy of my E6alaynosEL A viler thing *as never

concocte' from like materials+ Jhether or not the play( EThe Bankrupt(E prece'e' or follo*e' the *riting of E&rancesca 'a RiminiE in !"0( *e have no *ay of 'eterminingF but it *oul' seem that it progresse' no further in its stage career than in manuscript form( it being the only play on a mo'ern theme attempte' by Boker+ Then( it seems( he *as hot on the trail of the &rancesca love story tol' in Dante( an' use' by so many *riters in 'rama an' poetry+ 8t is this play( conce'e' to be his best( *hich is inclu'e' in the present collection( an' *hich calls for analysis an' history by itself+ TaylorDs collection of EPoems at )ome an' Abroa'(E 'e'icate' to Boker in !""( suggests that the t*o must have continually talke' over the possibilities of gathering their best effusions in book form+ Di' not Taylor *rite( as early as .une 01( !"1( E,ou must come out in the &all *ith a volume of poems+ 7to''ar' *ill( an' so( 8 think( *ill 8+ ,ou can get a capital volume( *ith your D7ongD( D7ir .ohnD( DGobletD( an' other things++++ The publishing sho*men *oul' of course para'e our *on'erful Aualities( an' the snarling critics in the cro*' *oul' sho* their teethF but *e *oul' be as unmove' as the *aG statues of Parkman an' Jebster( eGcept that there might no* an' then be a sly *ink at each other( *hen nobo'y *as looking+E The t*o frien's ha' been separate' for some time( *hile Taylor *an'ere' over the face of the globe( *riting from 6airo( in the sha'o* of the pyrami's( an' eGclaiming( in 6onstantinople B.uly !( !"/C( EThere is a touch of the East in your nature( George+E 8n !"#( Boker prepare' his t*o volumes of EPlays an' PoemsE for the press+ )e ha' *on consi'erable reputation as a sonneteer( an' this *as further increase' by the tra'ition that Daniel Jebster ha' Auote' him at a state 'inner in Jashington+ As yet he *as merely a literary poet( an' a literary 'ramatist *hose name is usually linke' *ith that Phila'elphia group 'iscusse' in Mol+ 88 of this collection+3A5 Jriting of the Phila'elphia of !#!( -elan' says: 38t *as5 Ethe Phila'elphia *hen DEmily 7chaumbegD *as the belle an' PeningtonDs DstoreD *as the haunt of the booklover( *hen sno* fell *ith ol' fashione' violence( an' Thir' 7treet *as convulse' by ol'$fashione' panics( *hen everybo'y *ent ma' over :ffenbach( *hen one starte' for <e* ,ork from the Jalnut 7treet &erry( *hen George Boker *as *riting his 'ramas an' George 6hil's *as beginning to play the public >aecenas+E :ftentimes the stur'y figure of Jalt Jhitman coul' be seen *alking on Broa' 7treet( *hile )orace Greely( burie' in ne*spapers( travelle' aboar' a boat bet*een <e* ,ork an' Phila'elphia+ 8t *as the 6ivil Jar that not only turne' BokerDs pen to the ;nion 6ause( but change' him politically from a Democrat to a staunch Republican+ 8n fact( his name is closely inter*oven *ith the rehabilitation of the Republican party in Phila'elphia+ )e often confesse' that his conscience hurt him many times *hen he realiIe' he cast his first vote for Buchanan+ EAfter that(E he is Auote' as having sai'( Ethe s*or' *as 'ra*nF it struck me that politics ha' vanishe' entirely from the scene$$that it *as no* merely a Auestion of patriotism or 'isloyalty+E )is EPoems of the Jar(E issue' in !#2( containe' such eGamples of his martial an' occasional ability as the EDirge for a 7ol'ier(E E:n the Death of Philip =earneyE an' EThe Black Regiment(E besi'es E:n Boar' the 6umberlan'E an' the EBattle of

-ookout >ountain+E About this time( there *as foun'e' the ;nion -eague 6lub( *ith Boker as the lea'ing spiritF through his efforts the *ar earnestness of the city *as concentrate' hereF from !#0$@ he serve' as its secretaryF from !@%$!2 as its Presi'entF an' his official attitu'e may be measure' in the various annual reports of the organiIation+ But even in those strenuous 'ays$$at the perio' *hen the <orthern spirits lagge' over military reverses( an' at the time *hen the in'ecision of General >c6lellan 're* from him the satiric broa'si'e($$ETar'y GeorgeE$$privately printe' in !#"$$BokerDs thoughts *ere concerne' *ith poetry+ )is official laureate consciousness 'i' not serve to improve the verse+ )is E:ur )eroic ThemesE$$*ritten for the )arvar' Phi Beta =appa$$*as me'iocre in everything but intent( recalling *hat Taylor *rote to him: E>y )arvar' poem( 3he ha' rea' it in !"1 before the same fraternity5 poor as it is( *as receive' *ith great applauseF but( alasK 8 publishe' it( an' thus kille' the tra'ition of its eGcellence( *hich( ha' 8 not 'one so( might still have been floating aroun' )arvar'+E 8n !#%( Boker issue' E=oenigsmark( The -egen' of the )oun's an' other Poems(E an' this en'e' his 'ramatic career until his return from abroa'( an' until -a*rence Barrett came upon the scene *ith his revival of E&rancesca 'a RiminiE an' his interest in BokerDs other *ork( to the eGtent of encouraging him to recast E6alaynosE an' to prepare E<y'iaE B !!"C( later enlarge' from t*o acts to a full siIe' 'rama in EGlaucusE B !!#C( both 'ra*ing for inspiration on Bul*erDs EThe -ast Days of Pompeii+E Presi'ent Grant sent Boker to 6onstantinople( as ;+7+ >inister Bhis appointment 'ate' <ovember 0( !@ C$$an honour un'oubte'ly besto*e' in recognition of his national service+ )ere he remaine' four years( Ean' 'uring that time secure' the re'ress for *rongs 'one American subjects by the 7yrians( an' successfully negotiate' t*o treaties( one having reference to the eGtra'ition of criminals( an' the other to the naturaliIation of subjects of little po*er in the 'ominions of the other+E A reception *as ten'ere' him on December //( !@ ( by members of the ;nion -eague 6lub( an' among those present *ere Bayar' Taylor( 6ol+ George Boker( of the GovernorDs staff( an' son of Boker( an' Dr+ 6harles 7+ Boker( his brother+ Among those *ho spoke *ere Robeson( 7ecretary of the <avy( an' 6ameron( ;+7+ 7enator from Pennsylvania+ 6ongratulatory letters *ere receive' from Bryant( .ames T+ &iel's( 7to''ar'( -o*ell( -ongfello*( Al'rich( 6urtis( an' 7te'man+ :n this occasion( Taylor sai': E8 kno* the ripeness an' soun'ness of his min'( the fine balance of his intellectual Aualities+E :n December /2( !@ ( Boker *rote to -elan': The scarcest thing *ith me just no* is time+ 8 might give you a shilling at a pinch( but a half hour is an article *hich 8 'o not happen to have about me++++ By the *ay( your rhapso'y over the East in E>+=+E 3E>eister =arlE5 ha' something to 'o *ith my acceptance of the Turkish >issionF an' if you have been lying( 8 shall fin' you out( ol' boy+ BokerDs enthusiasm for Turkish scenery *as unboun'e'( but his 'ifficulties as a 'iplomat *ere 'ue to his ignorance of the tongue( an' his 'istrust of interpreters+ But by the time his Government *as rea'y to transfer him to another post$$that of >inister to Russia

B.anuary 0( !@"C$$he *as heartily sick of his *rangling *ith the 6rescent( an' gla'( as he *rote -elan'( Eto shake the 'ust of this 'ismal ol' city from my shoes( an' prepare my toes for a freeIing at 7t+ Petersburg+E )e echoe' his 'istaste in later years by *riting: E8 hate the East so profoun'ly that 8 shoul' not return to it if there *ere no other lan' in *hich 8 coul' live+E This promotion to the Russian court$$it *as a Russian( 8gnatieff( *ho characteriIe' him as Eof true 'iplomatic stuffE$$*as ma'e in !@"( an' he remaine' there t*o years+ EJhile in Russia(E *e learn( Ehe *as the only one of our >inisters at foreign courts *ho *as able to checkmate 7pain in her controversy *ith us about the ?Mirginius?+ )e baffle' the 7panish Ambassa'or at 7t+ Petersburg( an' influence' Gortschakoff to sen' a 'espatch to >a'ri'( *hich cause' 7pain to apologiIe to the ;nite' 7tatesF thus averting serious complications+E Diplomatic life *as not *holly 'istasteful to himF he possesse' social 'istinction *hich ma'e him popular at both courts( so much so( in'ee'( that the 6Iar cable' to Jashington( *hen a change of a'ministration brought BokerDs tenure of office to a close( asking if it *ere not possible to have him retaine'+ )e ha' ha' his 'ifficulties at the Porte( as -o*ell ha' ha' at >a'ri'+ But his artistic nature respon'e' Auickly to the picturesAueness of his surroun'ings+ EJithin a mile of me(E he *rites -elan' from Turkey($$Efor 8 am no* living at Therapia upon the Bosphorus$$there is a 'elicious encampment of the black tents of a tribe of Gypsies+E Jhile he *as in Russia he *as continually supplying -elan' *ith information about gypsies+ )e *ent to Egypt( at the invitation of the 7ultan( an'$$as though recalling TaylorDs longing( in !"/( *hen he *as in 6airo( to have Boker *ith him$$took a trip up the <ile( *ith -elan'( *hom he ha' invite' to accompany him+ ;n'er the palm trees at >israim( he ha' his first meeting *ith Emerson+ The varie' foreign travel ha' broa'ene' his taste( an' he *as Auickly responsive to *hat he sa*+ Jrites -elan': 8 have been *ith him many times in the -ouvre( the great galleries of -on'on an' 7t+ Petersburg( an' stu'ie' *ith him the stupen'ous an' strange remains of Egyptian art in the Boulak >useum an' the <ile temples( but never kne* anyone( ho*ever learne' he might be in such matters( *ho ha' a more sincere enjoyment of their greatest results+ 8 remember that he manifeste' much more interest an' 'eeper feeling for *hat he sa* in Egypt than 'i' Emerson( *ho *as there at the same time( an' *ith *hom 8 converse' 'aily+ :n .anuary "( !@!( Boker *ith're* from 'iplomatic life( returning to the ;nite' 7tates( *here he resume' literary *ork( his chief interest in the stage being revive' by his association *ith Barrett+ )is home in Phila'elphia$$one of the literary centres of the time($$bore traces of his Turkish stay$$carpets brought from 6onstantinople( Arabic 'esigns on the 'raperies( an' rich Eastern colours in the tapestrie' chairs+ )is eGperience *as oblige' to affect his *riting( if not in feeling( at least in eGpression+ 8 note in his E>ono'y(E *ritten at the time of the 'eath of his frien'( the poet( T+ Buchanan Rea' B !//$ !@/C( such lines as Ethe hilly Bosphorus(E an' E+++ &or the hills of Ancient Asia through my trembling tears glimmer like

fabrics++++E As early as !""( he ha' *ritten for the ?;+7+ GaIette an' <orth American?( an article on Rea' comparing his E<e* PastoralE *ith the poetry of 6o*per an' Thompson+ But Rea' to$'ay is familiar because of his E7heri'anDs Ri'e+E Je are tol' that Boker ha' a *ork$room *here he 'elighte' in 'esigning metal scrolls+ There *as a slight revival of public interest in his poems( *hich necessitate' the reprinting of several of his books+ EThe last time *hen 8 sa* him(E 7to''ar' recalls in !%1( E*as at the funeral of Taylor( at 6e'arcroft( a little more than ten years ago+ Je ro'e to the grave( on a hillsi'e( an' *e ro'e back to the house+ An' no* he has gone to the great majorityKE Boker 'ie' in Phila'elphia( .anuary /( !%1+ E)e takes place *ith >otley on our roll of *ell$kno*n authors(E George Parsons -athrop has *ritten( Ean' it is even more remarkable that he shoul' have cultivate' poetry in Phila'elphia( *here the con'itions *ere unfavourable( than that >otley shoul' have taken up history in Boston( *here the con'itions *ere *holly propitious+E 8t is by E&rancesca 'a RiminiE that Boker is best remembere'+ 8n a letter to 7to''ar'( >arch 0( !"0( he *rites: ,ou *ill laugh at this( but the thing is so+ E&rancesca 'a RiminiE is the title+ :f course you kno* the story($$everyone 'oesF but you nor any one else( 'o not kno* it as 8 have treate' it+ 8 have great faith in the successful issue of this ne* attempt+ 8 think all 'ay( an' *rite all night+ This is one of my peculiarities( by the bye: a subject seiIes me soul an' bo'y( *hich accounts for the rapi'ity of my eGecution+ >y muse resembles a *hirl*in': she catches me up( hurries me along( an' 'rops me all breathless at the en' of her career+ An' soon this *as follo*e' by the letter so often Auote'( sho*ing the *hite$heat of his enthusiasm: <o* that E&rancesca 'a RiminiE is 'one($$all but the polishing($$8 have time to look aroun' an' see ho* 8 have been neglecting my frien's 'uring my state of Epossession+E :f course you *ish to kno* my opinion of the bantlingF 8 shall suppose you 'o( at all events+ Jell( then( 8 am better satisfie' *ith E&rancesca 'a RiminiE than *ith any of my previous plays+ 8t is impossible for me to say *hat you( or the *orl'( *ill say of itF but if it 'o not please you both( 8 'o not kno* *hat 8 am about+ The play is more 'ramatic than former ones( fiercer in its 'isplay of intense passions( an'( so far as mere poetry goes( not inferior( if not superior( to any of them+ 8n this play 8 have 'are' more( riske' more( than 8 ever ha' courage to 'o before+ ?Ergo?( if it be not a great triumph( it *ill certainly be a great failure+ 8 'oubt *hether you( in a hun're' guesses( coul' hit upon the manner in *hich 8 have treate' the story+ 8 shall not attempt to preju'ice you regar'ing the playF 8 *oul' rather have you ju'ge for yourself( even if your 'ecision be a'verse+ Am 8 not the 'evil an' all for rapi' compositionL >y spee' frightens me( an' makes me fearful of the merits of my *ork+ ,et( on coolly going over my *ork( 8 fin' little to object to( either as to the main 'esign or its 'etails+ 8 touch up( here an' there( but 8 'o little more+ The reason for my rapi' *riting is

that 8 never attempt putting pen to paper before my 'esign is perfectly mature+ 8 never start *ith one i'ea( trusting to the glo* of poetical composition for the remain'er+ That *ill 'o in lyrical poetry( but it *oul' be 'eath an' 'amnation to 'ramatic+ But just think of itK$$t*enty$eight hun're' lines in about three *eeksK To look back upon such labour is appallingK -et me give you the *hole history of my manner of composition in a fe* *or's+ 8f it be not interesting to you( you 'iffer from me( an' 8 mistake the kin' of matters that interest you+ Jhile 8 am *riting 8 eat little( 8 'rink nothing( 8 me'itate my *ork( literally( all 'ay+ By the time night arrives 8 am in a highly nervous an' eGcite' state+ About nine oDclock 8 begin *riting an' smoking( an' 8 continue the t*o eGercises( ?pari passu?( until about four oDclock in the morning+ Then 8 reel to be'( half craIy *ith cigar$smoke an' poesy( sleep five hours( an' begin the neGt 'ay as the former+ :r'inarily( 8 sleep from seven to eight hoursF but *hen 8 am *riting( but five($$simply because 8 cannot sleep any longer at such times+ The conseAuence of this mo'e of life is that at the en' of a long *ork 8 sink at once like a spent horse( an' have not energy enough to perform the or'inary 'uties of life+ 8 ?feel? my health giving *ay un'er it( but really 8 'o not care+ 8 am ambitious to be remembere' among the martyrs+ This letter is not only significant of BokerDs metho' of *orkmanshipF it is( as *ell( measure of his charm as a letter *riter+ &or( in correspon'ence *ith his close frien's( he *as as natural *ith them( as full of force an' brightness( as he *as in conversation+ Je fin' Taylor thanking him at one time( *hen in 'istress over family illness an' 'eath( for his sustaining *or's of comfortF *e fin' -elan' basking in the *armth of his sheer animal spirits+ To the latter( Boker once *rote: Dear ol' 6harley( you are the only man living *ith *hom 8 can play the fool through a long letter an' be sure that 8 shall be clearly un'erstoo' at the en'+ To say that this privilege is cheerful is to say little( for it is the breath of life to a man of a certain humour+ The E&rancescaE note( therefore( is typical of BokerDs enthusiasm+ Jhen 7to''ar' rea' the play( *e *on'er *hether he sa* in it any similarities to -eigh )untDs poem on the same subjectL &or once he ha' 'etecte' in BokerDs verses the influence of )unt+ There are critics *ho claim Boker ha' rea' closely )ugoDs E-e Roi sDAmuse+E But there is only one real comparison to make$$*ith 7hakespeare( to the 'etriment of Boker+ )is memory beat in EliIabethan rhythm( an' beat haltingly+ The present E'itor began noting on the margin of his copy parallelisms of thought an' eGpression in this E&rancescaE an' in the plays of 7hakespeareF these similarities became so many( *ere so apparent( that it is thought best to omit them+ The teGt use' is not base' on the manuscripts left by Boker( nor has it been compare' *ith the acting copy ma'e( in !""( for E+-+ Davenport( as has alrea'y been 'one else*here in print+ 8 have preferre' to use the teGt finally prepare' by Boker for his publishe' plays( this being the one *hich met *ith his approval+ 8n !!/( -a*rence Barrett( *ith the ai' of Jilliam Jinter( prepare' an acting version of E&rancesca(E an' it *as this *hich >r+ :tis 7kinner use'( *hen he revive' the piece in %1 + A notice in The <e* ,ork ?Tribune? for !!/ suggests that *hen E+-+

Davenport first essaye' E&rancesca 'a Rimini(E in !""( it *as in one$act+ 8 can fin' no corroboration of this statement+ The play$bill here repro'uce' specifically announces a ?five? act trage'y( an' it is to be inferre' that the form of the play( as given at the Broa'*ay Theatre( <e* ,ork( 7eptember /#( !""(3B5 *as the only one use' by him+ Jinter claims that as ?-anciotto?( Davenport *as Eunimaginative( mechanical( an' melo'ramatic(E an' that the *hole piece Eprove' te'ious+E This is strange( consi'ering the heroic an' romantic characteristics in DavenportDs metho' of acting+ 8t may be that he attempte' BokerDs play because of his interest in the 'evelopment of American 'rama+ )e ha' assiste' >rs+ >o*att in her career as play*right( an'( 'uring his full life( his name *as i'entifie' *ith BokerDs E6alaynos(E George )+ >ilesDs trage'y( EDe 7oto( the )ero of the >ississippi(E an' 6onra'Ds E.ack 6a'e+E But the concensus of opinion is that BokerDs E&rancesca 'a Rimini(E as given by Davenport( *as a failure+ An eGamination of the cast in the Davenport program *ith the cast as it *as *hen Boker issue' the play( in'icates that the teGt must have been consi'erably change'( an' certain characters omitte'( *hen( at the suggestion of Jinter( -a*rence Barrett promise' to revive it 'uring the summer of !!/+ The scholarly turn of BarrettDs min' must have ma'e him pon'er it *ell 'uring a trip he ma'e abroa' at the time( an' Boker( mean*hile( must have been cutting the cloth to suit the actorDs i'eas+ Barron( one of BarrettDs biographers( claims that E>r+ Barrett sa* great possibilities in the *ork( an' *ith his practical assistance the play *as suitably change'( ne* situations *ere effecte'( a more picturesAue colouring *as given the scenes an' story( an' all that *as repellant in the too close follo*ing of Dante 3K5 *as remove'+E The play *as given by Barrett( at )averlyDs Theatre( 6hicago( on 7eptember 2( !!/( :tis 7kinner playing ?Paolo?( an' >arie Jain*right appearing as ?&rancesca?+ 8n JinterDs estimate of the performance( *e fin' the 'ominant characteristics being Emo'erationE an' Ebalance' gro*th+E )e says of ?-anciotto?: EAlertness of the brain sustaine' it( at every point( in brilliant vigour( an' it rose in po*er( an' eGpan'e' in terrible beauty( accor'ingly as it *as *rought upon by the pressure of circumstances an' the conflict of passions+E The memory of this must have affecte' the interpretation of >r+ 7kinner( *hen( as ?-anciotto?( in his revival of the piece at the 6hicago Gran' :pera )ouse( August //( %1 ( *ith Aubrey Boucicault as ?Paolo?( >arcia Man Dresser as ?&rancesca?( an' Jilliam <orris as ?Pepe?( he met *ith such success+ EDDAnnunIio gives us the sol'ier an' the brute(E he *rote me in %12+ EBokerDs hero is an i'ealist$$almost a 'reamer+E The fact is( Boker *as recalling his memories of ?:thello? an' ?Richar' 888?( if not of ?)amlet?( as 7kinner suggests+ 8n another respect 'i' the Barrett performance affect the later revival+ The portrayal of ?Pepe?( by <orris( *as base' on *hat he calle' Ethe .ames tra'ition(E -ouis .ames having( as Jinter *rote( Ea laughter that is more terrible than malice+E -a*rence BarrettDs interest in the American 'rama *as never very pronounce'+ )e sought BokerDs E&rancesca 'a Rimini(E as he sought J+D+ )o*ellsD E,orickDs -oveE Bgiven at 6levelan'( :hio( :ctober /#( !@!C( because the roles therein suite' his temperament+ Bet*een him an' Boker( there *as some misun'erstan'ing of short 'uration( about royalties( but this *as bri'ge' over( an' BokerDs final attempts at play*riting *ere ma'e for him+ The rea'er is referre' to Mol+ 0/( n+s+ Mol+ NNM( no+ /( .une( % @( of the ?Publications of the >o'ern

-anguage Association of America?( for statements as to BokerDs EprofitsE from the stage+ After :tis 7kinnerDs revival of E&rancesca 'a Rimini(E it *as playe' for a *hile by &re'erick Jar' an' -ouis .ames in association B !%0C an' by &rank 6+ Bangs in !%/+ )osts of 'ramas have been *ritten on E&rancesca 'a Rimini(E an' every poet has essaye' at one time or another to surpass DanteDs incomparable lines+ >usic scores have glorifie' this passionate love story( *hile marble an' canvas have caught the eGternal eGpression of it+ 8n its portrayal( actual history has taken on legen'ary character( an' so E&rancesca 'a RiminiE no* ranks as a theme *ith the history of -ancelot an' Guinevere( of Tristan an' 8sol'e+ 8t has become the inspiration for >aeterlinck in EPelleas an' >elisan'e(E *ho has vie*e' the 8talian passion through a mirage of mysticism+ 8nto EThe Divine 6ome'y(E the account of &rancesca an' Paolo is 'roppe'( keen( sensitive an' 'elicate( as though the poet( a frien' of those concerne'( *ishe' to cover the har' fact of illicit love in an ecstacy of human feeling+ Dante( the supreme master of his age( the incomparable lover of Beatrice( 'ifferentiate' this trage'y from countless inci'ents of like character *hich marke' his age+ )a' the story been preserve' only in the form recor'e' by Boccaccio( it *oul' have been lost in its minor 'etails of historyF *hereas Dante has glorifie' it+ By the very fact that Dante places the t*o lovers in the circle of the -ustful( it is clear that he realiIe' the enormity of their sin+ The theory that his frien'ship *ith Gui'o <ovella( the nephe* of &rancesca( ma'e Dante refrain from entering fully into the inci'ent( *ill not hol'( *hen it is remembere' that the cantos of the 8nferno *ere *ritten in 011( seventeen years before the poet reache' Ravenna( an' accepte' the hospitality of the Polenta house+ DanteDs infinite compassion is( therefore( the cause for the compresse' poetry of this famous passage+ DanteDs &rancesca lines have been infinitely translate'+ -ongfello* is conscientiousF Byron chafes to be free' of the original 8talian( an' his lines are irksomeF Rossetti sees an' feels( but he is laboure'+ Dante( infinitely translate'( remains supreme+ The poems on this i'eal love legen' are of infinite variety+ Tassoni 'escribes Paolo( the *arrior( consume' *ith ravishing love( Eshrunk *ith miseryFE he fails to reach the youthful passion( an' is as me'iaevally chivalric as is 6haucer in EThe =nightes TaleE of Palamon an' Arcite+ -eigh )unt resorts to stilte' narrative an' 'escription+ Byron once thought to *rite a 'rama on this subjectF ha' he 'one so( 7ilvio Pellico might have ha' a formi'able rival+ >ore or less( all the play*rights have gone to 8talian history( an' the more eGact they became( the more gross the situation+ &+ >arion 6ra*for' fell on this rock of accuracy( *hen he *rote his &rancesca play for >me+ 7arah Bernhar't+ 7ilvio Pellico( *ho *rote the first 'rama on E&rancesca 'a RiminiE kno*n to mo'ern playgoers( live' his early life in an intensely religious atmosphere( an' suffere' imprisonment later because of his patriotic ten'enciesF it is not surprising( therefore( to fin' in his

play$$first a national appeal that *as to *in it applause from all 8taly( an' then( more important still( a purity of tone that struggle' most nobly against an inevitable( passionate en'+ ?Paolo? is the one *ho( after some scruples( succumbsF ?&rancesca? is infinitely conscious that she is a *ifeF ?Giovanni? is suspicious+ 8t *oul' seem that PellicoDs play is the first that realiIe' the theatrical possibilities of the storyF research has brought to light no play manuscript previous to his+ 8n the han'ling of his 'etails( PellicoDs incongruities an' artificialities are many+ ?Paolo? returns from knightly 'ee's in Asia( to fin' his father 'ea'$$the ?>alatesta Merucchio? *ho 'ie' in 0 /( t*enty$seven years after ?Giovanni? committe' the mur'erF therefore Pellico gives to the 'eforme' brother the po*er that history 'oes not *holly accor'+ The 'ramatist *oul' avoi' the in'elicacy he fin's in the rea'ing inci'ent( recounting it only in a situation 'uring *hich ?&rancesca? hol's aloof in a *il' effort to stifle her love+ Throughout the play( there is this ruthless t*isting( in a 'esire to conceal *rong an' unpar'onable sin+ Turning to ;hlan'Ds fragmentary i'eas( *hich even he himself *as 'oubtful *hether he coul' han'le( an atmosphere confronts us as me'iaevally German as the EDer arme )einrichE of )artmann von Aue( *hich *as the inspirational source for -ongfello*Ds EThe Gol'en -egen'+E ;hlan' sho*s heaviness in conception( an' a conventionality( thoroughly at variance *ith the trage'yDs original passion+ Romantic as he is( he has robbe' the story of its *arm southern nature( an' has thro*n his Dante asi'e to 'eal *ith false situation+ )e seems *illing to let fact an' spirit go+ ?Paolo? is a knight *ho tilts an' *orships a glove+ ;hlan' thinks( an' he is not alone in his belief( that ?&rancesca? ha' been promise' to ?Paolo? before ?Giovanni? *as *e''e' to herF yet if ?PaoloDs? marriage *ith ?:rabile?( in /#%( is to be recogniIe' as correct( historically( logical 'e'uctions from 'ates *oul' 'iscountenance the statement+ <either have 8 foun' commentaries to support the theory that ?Paolo? *as ol'er than ?Giovanni?( as ;hlan' sets forth in his play+ The servant in Boccaccio here becomes a jealous lover+ 8t is interesting to note the variations of this counter$element in the many play versions of the story$$the element that urges ?GiovanniDs? suspicion to Auick action$$the 'ramatic force of ?Pepe? in BokerF the 'isappointe' motherhoo' an' embittere' love of ?-ucreIia? in 7tephen PhillipsF the inborn savagery of ?>alatestino? in DDAnnunIioF the innocent unconsciousness of ?6oncor'ia? in 6ra*for'( *hich fin's similarity in a scene in >aeterlinckDs EPelleas an' >elisan'eE bet*een father an' little son+ &urther( in ;hlan'( a 'istorte' glimpse of a colourless reportorial figure of Dante( gathering material for his poem( is as meaningless as it is unnecessary for atmosphere+ 7tephen Phillips( in his &rancesca 'rama( ignores altogether 8talian temperamentF save for the fact that he occasionally mentions the Tyrant of Rimini( Pesaro an' &lorence( an' that he a'heres to historic names( there is more of the English hamlet romance in the piece( than 8talian passion+ An' that cannot be sai' of 7hakespeareDs ERomeo an' .uliet+E Perhaps one may claim for Phillips some of the simplicity of Dante( but there is not the humanity+ ;n'eniably( the English poet is happy in phrase an' imagery( but his genius is not so 'ramatic as it is poeticF he has some of the great lyrical feeling of Tennyson( an' he has that *hich 'istinguishes the poet from the 'ramatist$$the po*er to ?'escribe? situation+ :ne cannot 'eny the appeal of his

girl$&rancesca( nor the beauty of many of his haunting linesF but no *arm impression of the situation is gaine'( an' the characters are peculiarly inactive at inopportune times+ >r+ PhillipsDs talent *as pre'ominantly un'ramaticF he *as too much the poet to allo* his feeling to be gui'e' by historical material+ ,et( as acte'( the play *as charmingly simple+ :n the other han'( DDAnnunIio( in his 'rama( saturates himself *ith the history of 8taly+ 8n bulk( his play has not the slightest claim to simplicityF the main object of the 'ramatist seeme' to have been to over*eight the scenes *ith the licentious an' ru'e 8taly of the thirteenth centuryF eGtraneous si'e$issues bur'en the progress of the plot+ ,et DDAnnunIio has taken care that this 'oes not affect his central theme+ :n the stage( the scenes appear cumbersome( an' the action moves slo*lyF but( after analyIing the book( it may be claime' for this E&rancesca 'a Rimini(E that it reflects the age in *hich the trage'y occurre'+ >uch artistic construction is sho*n in the contrast of the Polenta an' >alatesta families( an'( repellent as he is at times( DDAnnunIio has moments of great poetic fervourF his fire s*ings forth in many of ?&rancescaDs? speeches( that alternate *ith the languor of her symbolic nature+ That his 'rama on &rancesca *as 'efinitely constructe' for theatrical effect( *as openly avo*e' by >arion 6ra*for'+ At the beginning of the &rench version ma'e for >me+ Bernhar't( he place' material that sho*e' his intention of 'ealing *ith fact in the manner of a novelist( an' regar'less of the s*eetness of Dante+ To him( ?6oncor'ia? is fourteen( since he consi'ers /!% as the 'ate of the trage'y( an'( *ith his 'etails from BoccaccioDs commentary( he has coarsene' ?&rancesca?( making her bitterness full of the spleen that coul' only accompany maturity+ A striking point is to be note' in the strong vein of 6atholicism that colours many of the speeches+ ?PaoloDs? *ife( ?:rabile?( moves through the DDAnnunIio play *ith only slight mention$$to sho* the husban'Ds avoi'ance of her$$to 'ra* attention to her 'eep$roote' aversion to ?&rancesca?+ >r+ 6ra*for' also brings her on the scene( an' has ?Paolo? the cause of her 'eath( *ittingly 'istorting history( since ?:rabile? 'ie' many years after the mur'er of her husban'+ The only American 'rama on the subject is that by BokerF it is a peculiarly contra'ictory piece of *ork( since( from the stan'point of the stage( it is essentially an' effectively 'ramatic( *hile as literature it is imitative of the EliIabethan style+ BokerDs poetic imagery is 'istinctly borro*e'( an' his choice of *or's 'isappointingly colloAuial+ ,et( over an' above the mere story( he has succee'e' in portraying a strong character in his ?Pepe?+ The historical setting of the play is slight( yet sufficient to localiIe the piece( an' his ?'ramatis personae? are faithfully 'istinct in outline( though at times 'evoi' of consuming passion+ Phillips as a 'ramatist has the fault of being 'iffuseF BokerDs style is prosaically plain+ Jere it not for over$elaboration( DDAnnunIioDs play might supplant all others because of its spirit+ 6oul' *e take from Phillips his simplicity( from DDAnnunIio his 8talian intensity( an' from Boker his proportion( an' coul' *e a'' these to 6ra*for'Ds realiIation of situation( tone' a*ay from his melo'ramatic ten'encies( an i'eal 'rama on E&rancesca 'a RiminiE might be constructe'+

But the revitaliIing po*er that *as given 7hakespeare( has been beAueathe' to none *ho have follo*e' Dante+ The one beauty of the &rancesca story is the simple element that permeates the 'ark motive+ The genius reAuire' to 'eal *ith it lies in this: to make one conscious of the trage'y in a touch that recalls the beauty of spring+ 8t is strange that no other poet than Dante has succee'e' in catching this beauty+ <o poet( *riting 'irectly on the theme( has the subtle feeling *hich may be compare' *ith that of the 8talian+ Richar' -e Gallienne is infinitely superior to )untF -o*ell an' Gil'er beyon' the lesser poets($$but all fa'e before the master+ They treat of the vision of )ell( *ith its *hirling *in'F of the t*o in close embraceF there is the kiss that en's the rea'ing of a self$same loveF there is the flash of a 'agger that joins them eternally in 'eath+ These are the themes for the songs+ The artists have 'one *ith brush an' pencil( *hat the poets have trie' in sonnets an' verse+ But it is Dante *ho 'ominates them everyone+ To me( after tracing in part the 'evelopment of this 8talian trage'y( there remains the charm of DanteDs simplicity( an' *ere one to ask( *ho( among the mo'erns( have partially reflecte' his passion( 8 shoul' turn to =eatsD insatiable thirst for beauty in his sonnet( EA Dream( After rea'ing DanteDs Episo'e of Paolo an' &rancesca(E an' his account of it in a letter to George an' Georgiana =eats B&ebruary 2( ! %C( an' to 6arlyleDs appreciation of trage'y an' love( in EThe )ero as a Poet+E BokerDs E&rancesca 'a RiminiE *ill stan' largely because( in structure an' in 'irectness( it is strikingly effective for the stage+ 3&ootnote A: Duyckinck recalls that( in !#/( R+T+ 6onra'Ds EDevotional PoemsE *ere publishe'( e'ite' by Boker+5 3&ootnote B: Je fin' a recor' of >rs+ .ohn Dre* having( as ?&rancesca?( supporte' Davenport *hen the play *as taken to Phila'elphia+5

BR:ADJA, T)EATRE 9 9 9 9 9

-E77EE >R+ E+A+ >AR7)A-7TAGE >A<AGER >R+ J+R+ B-A=E 9 9 9 9 9

7E6:<D JEE= :& T)E REG;-AR 7EA7:<K 9 9 9 9 9

6:<T8<;AT8:< :& T)E E<GAGE>E<T :& T)E E>8<E<T OA>ER86A< A6T:RO >R+ E+-+ DAME<P:RT

&8R7T T8>E :< A<, 7TAGE :& OT)E TRAGED,O by G+)+ B:=ER( EsA+( author of E6alaynos(E EBetrothal(E Pc calle' O&rancesca 'a RiminiO Jill appear in an entirely :R8G8<A- 6)ARA6TERKK 9 9 9 9 9

This pro'uction of a popular an' most talente' <ative Author *ill be brought for*ar' *ith the efficient ai' of E7TAB-87)ED PER&:R>ER7K <EJ A<D APPR:PR8ATE 76E<ER,KK 6:7T;>E7( PR:PERT8E7( DE6:RAT8:<7KKK APP:8<T>E<T7( >;786 an' PAGA<TR,KKKK 9 9 9 9 9

JED<E7DA, EME<8<G( 7EPT /#( !"" Jill be presente' the Trage'y( in five acts( by G+)+ B:=ER( EsA+( entitle' O&RA<6E76AO ODAO OR8>8<8O 6)ARA6TER7 REPRE7E<TED+ ?G;E-P)7+? >alatesto( B-or' of RiminiC >r+ Jhiting -A<68:TT: Qhis sons R >r+ E+-+ DAME<P:RT Paolo Q R >r+ -anergan Pepe( Bthe .esterC >r+ 6+ &laher Rosalvi Q R >r+ Jalters >alvechi Q,oung <obles$$companions of Paolo R >r+ )arcourt 6ivanti Q R >r+ 6utter Rene( Ba Trouba'ourC >r+ Mincent <obles( 7ol'iers( Pages( Trouba'ours( Atten'ants( Pc( Pc+ ?G)8BE-8<7+? Gui'o 'a Polenta( B-or' of RavennaC >r+ 6anoll The 6ar'inal Meechino >r+ )o'ges &lorensi Q<obles of >alatestoDs 6ourtR >r+ Jillet Beppo Q R .oraike )enrico( B6aptain of the Guar'C >r+ &or'yck Antonio( BA lea'er of the &orcesC >r+ Jright <obles( Dignitaries of the 6hurch( 7ol'iers( Pages( Banner Bearers( >essengers( Pc+ &rancesca 'a Rimini( BDaughter of Gui'oC >me Poniat

Ritta( Bher atten'entC 9 9 9 9 9

>iss .+ >anners

T:$>:RR:J EME<8<G$$A <EJ TRAGED,( in *hich O>R+ E+-+ DAME<P:RTO Jill appear 9 9 9 9 9 >r+ P+ JARRE< >r+ <AG-E

TREA7;RER A7787TA<T TREA7;RER 9 9 9 9 9

Doors open at three Auarters past # oDclock$$Performances *ill commence an half past @( precisely+

&RA<6E76A DA R8>8<8 ?A TRAGED, 8< &8ME A6T7?3A5 ?By? GE:RGE )+ B:=ER 3&ootnote A: The teGt that follo*s *as compare' *ith -a*rence BarrettDs copy of the secon' e'ition( no* in the library of The Players( <e* ,ork+ The title page rea's: Plays an' Poems: S by S George )+ Boker S 8n t*o volumes S Mol+ 8 S 7econ' E'ition S Boston: S Ticknor an' &iel's+ S >D666-M88+ S S BokerDs copyright( !"#+5

DRA>AT87 PER7:<AE >cMickerDs Theatre( 6hicago( <ovember #( !!/ >A-ATE7TA( ?-or' of Rimini? >r+ B+G+ Rogers+ G;8D: DA P:-E<TA( ?-or' of Ravenna? >r+ &+6+ >osley+ -A<68:TT:( ?>alatestaDs son? >r+ -a*rence Barrett+ PA:-:( ?)is brother? >r+ :tis 7kinner+ PEPE(3 5 ?>alatestaDs jester? >r+ -ouis .ames+ 6ARD8<A-( ?&rien' to Gui'o? >r+ 6harles Rolfe+ RE<E(3 5 ?A trouba'our? >r+ Percy Jinter+ &RA<6E76A DA R8>8<8( ?Gui'oDs 'aughter? >iss >arie Jain*right+ R8TTA( ?)er mai'? >iss Rosie Batchel'er+ ?-or's( -a'ies( =nights( Priests( 7ol'iers( Pages( Atten'ants( etc+? Gran' :pera )ouse( 6hicago( August /#( %1 + >A-ATE7TA( ?-or' of Rimini? >r+ J+.+ 6onstantine+ G;8D: DA P:-E<TA( ?-or' of Ravenna? >r+ E+A+ Eberle+ -A<68:TT:( ?>alatestaDs son? >r+ :tis 7kinner+ PA:-:( ?)is brother? >r+ Aubrey Boucicault+

PEPE( ?>alatestaDs jester? >r+ Jilliam <orris+ 6ARD8<A-( ?&rien' to Gui'o? >r+ &re'erick von Rensselar+ RE<E( ?A trouba'our? >r+ &letcher <orton+ &RA<6E76A DA R8>8<8( ?Gui'oDs 'aughter? >iss >arcia Man Dresser+ R8TTA( ?)er mai'? >iss Gertru'e <orman+ ?-or's( -a'ies( =nights( Priests( 7ol'iers( Pages( Atten'ants( etc+? 76E<E+ ?Rimini( Ravenna( an' the neighbourhoo'+? T8>E+ ?About 011 A+D+? 3&ootnote : 8n the original e'ition( the accents in the names of PEPE an' RE<E are use' only in the Dramatis Personae( an' not in the bo'y of the book+5

&RA<6E76A DA R8>8<8 A6T 8+ 76E<E 8+ ?Rimini+ The Gar'en of the Palace+ PA:-: an' a number of noblemen are 'iscovere'( seate' un'er an arbour( surroun'e' by RE<E( an' other trouba'ours( atten'ants( Pc+? PA:-:+ 8 prithee( Rene( charm our ears again Jith the same song you sang me yester'ay+ )ere are fresh listeners+ RE<E+ Really( my goo' lor'( >y voice is out of joint+ A grievous col'$$ 3?6oughs+? PA:-:+ A very grievous( but convenient col'( Jhich al*ays racks you *hen you *oul' not sing+ RE<E+ :( no( my lor'K Besi'es( 8 hope' to hear >y 'itty *arble' into fairer ears( By your o*n lipsF to better purpose( too+ 3?The <:B-E>E< all laugh+? &8R7T <:B-E>A<+ Rene has hit it+ >usic runs to *aste 8n ears like ours+ 7E6:<D <:B-E>A<+ <ay( nayF chaunt on( s*eet 6ount+ PA:-:+ 3?6oughing+?5 AlackK you hear( 8Dve caught poor ReneDs cough+ &8R7T <:B-E>A<+ That *oul' not be( if *e *ore petticoats+ 3?The others laugh+? PA:-:+ :( fieK &8R7T <:B-E>A<+ 7o runs the scan'al to our ears+

7E6:<D <:B-E>A<+ 6onfirme' by all our other senses( 6ount+ &8R7T <:B-E>A<+ Jitnesse' by many a 'oleful sigh( poure' out By many a breaking heart in Rimini+ 7E6:<D <:B-E>A<+ Poor girlsK &8R7T <:B-E>A<+3?>imicking a la'y+?5 7*eet 6ountK s*eet 6ount PaoloK :K Plant early violets upon my graveK Thus go a thousan' voices to one tune+ 3?The others laugh+? PA:-:+ D:'s mercyK gentlemen( you 'o me *rong+ &8R7T <:B-E>A<+ An' by ho* many hun're'( more or lessL PA:-:+ AhK rogues( youD' shift your sins upon my shoul'ers+ 7E6:<D <:B-E>A<+ ,ouD' bear them stoutly+ &8R7T <:B-E>A<+ 8t *ere vain to give Drops to go' <eptune+ ,ouDre the sea of love That s*allo*s all things+ 7E6:<D <:B-E>A<+ Je the little fish That meanly scull about *ithin your 'epths+ PA:-:+ Goon( goonK Talk yourselves fairly out+ 3PEPE ?laughs *ithout+? But( harkK here comes the foolK &it company &or this most noble company of *itsK 3?Enter? PEPE( ?laughing violently+?5 Jhy 'o you laughL PEPE+ 8Dm laughing at the *orl'+ 8t has laughe' long enough at meF an' so 8Dll turn the tables+ )oK hoK hoK 8Dve hear' A better joke of ;ncle >alatestaDs Than any 8 eDer uttere'+ A--+ Tell it( fool+ PEPE+ Jhy( 'o you kno*$$upon my life( the best An' most original i'ea on earth: A joke to put in practice( too+ By .oveK 8Dll bet my *it Dgainst the stupi'ity :f the best gentleman among you all( ,ou cannot guess it+ A--+ Tell us( tell us( fool+

3?-aughing+?

PEPE+ Guess it( guess it( fools+ PA:-: 6ome( 'isclose( 'iscloseK

PEPE+ )e has a match afoot+$$ A--+ PEPE+ A--+ JhoL$$*hoL PEPE+ A marriage in his family+ A matchK A marriage+

A--+ But( *hoL PEPE+ A--+ PEPE+ AhK thereDs the point+ PaoloL <o+

&8R7T <:B-E>A<+ The others are *ell *ive'+ 7hall *e turn TurksL PEPE+ Jhy( thereDs the summit of his joke( goo' sirs+ By all the sacre' symbols of my art$$ By cap an' bauble( by my tinkling bell$$ )e means to marry -anciottoK 3?-aughs violently+? A--+ 3-aughing+5 )oK$$ PA:-:+ PeaceK peaceK Jhat tongue 'are echo yon foolDs laughL <ay( never raise your han's in *on'erment: 8Dll strike the 'earest frien' among ye all Beneath my feet( as if he *ere a slave( Jho 'ares insult my brother *ith a laughK PEPE+ By .oveK yeDre sa' enough+ )ereDs mirthDs Auick cureK Pretty Paolo has a heavy fist( 8 *arn you( sirs+ )oK hoK 8 trappe' them allF 3?-aughing+?5 <o* 8Dll go mar ol' >alatestaDs message+ 3?Asi'e+? 3?EGit+? PA:-:+ 7hame on ye( sirsK 8 have mistaken you+ 8 thought 8 harboure' better frien's+ Poor fops( JhoDve slept in 'o*n an' satin all your years( Jithin the circle -anciotto charme' Roun' Rimini *ith his most potent s*or'K$$ &ello*s *hose bro*s *oul' melt beneath a casAue( Jhose han's *oul' fray to grasp a bran'Ds rough hilt( Jho neDer launche' more than braggart threats at foesK$$ Girlish companions of luGurious girlsK$$ Danglers roun' trouba'ours an' *ine$cupsK$$>en Jhose best parts are their clothesK bun'les of silk( 7cente' like summerK rag$men( nothing moreK$$ 6reatures as generous as monkeys$$brave As hunte' hares$$courteous as grinning apes$$ Grateful as serpents$$useful as lap$'ogs$$ 3?During this( the? <:B-E>E<( ?Pc+( steal off+?5 )aK 8 am alone at lastK 7o let me be(

Till -anciotto fill the vacant room :f these mean knaves( *hose frien'ship is but breath+

3?EGit+?

76E<E 88+ ?The 7ame+ A )all in the 6astle+ Enter? >A-ATE7TA ?an'? -A<68:TT:+ >A-ATE7TA+ Gui'o( ay( Gui'o of Ravenna( son$$ Do*n on his knees( as full of abject prayers &or peace an' mercy as a penitent+ -A<68:TT:+ )is ol' trick( father+ Jhile his *earie' arm 8s raise' in seeming prayer( it only rests+ Anon( heDll 'eal you such a staggering blo*( Jith its recovere' strength( as shall convert ,ou( an' not him( into a penitent+ >A-ATE7TA+ <o( noF your last bout levelle' him+ )e reele' 8nto Ravenna( from the battle$fiel'( -ike a strippe' 'runkar'( an' there hea'long fell$$ A mass of sAuali' misery( a thing To 'ra* the jeering urchins+ 8 have this &rom faithful spies+ ThereDs not a hope remains To break the shock of his great overthro*+ 8 pity Gui'o+ -A<68:TT:+ D7'eathK go comfort himK 8 pity those *ho fought( an' ble'( an' 'ie'( Before the armies of this Ghibelin+ 8 pity those *ho halte' home *ith *oun's Dealt by his han'+ 8 pity *i'o*e' eyes That he set runningF mai'en hearts that turn( 7ick *ith 'espair( from ranks thinne' 'o*n by himF >others that shriek( as the last stragglers fling Their feverish bo'ies by the fountain$si'e( Dumb *ith mere thirst( an' faintly point to him( Ans*ering the 'ameDs Auick Auestions+ 8 have seen ;nburie' bones( an' skulls$$that seeme' to ask( &rom their blank eye$holes( vengeance at my han'$$ 7hine in the moonlight on ol' battle$fiel'sF An' even these$$the happy 'ea'( my lor'$$ 8 pity more than Gui'o of RavennaK >A-ATE7TA+ Jhat *oul' you haveL -A<68:TT:+ 8D' see Ravenna burn( &lame into heaven( an' scorch the flying clou'sF 8D' choke her streets *ith ruine' palacesF 8D' hear her *omen scream *ith fear an' grief( As 8 have hear' the mai's of Rimini+ All this 8D' sprinkle *ith ol' Gui'oDs bloo'( An' bless the baptism+ >A-ATE7TA+ ,ou are cruel+

-A<68:TT:+ <ot 8F But these things ache *ithin my fretting brain+ The sight 8 first behel' *as from the arms :f my *il' nurse( her husban' hacke' to 'eath By the fierce e'ges of these Ghibelins+ :ne cut across the neck$$8 see it no*( Ay( an' have mimicke' it a thousan' times( .ust as 8 sa* it( on our enemies+$$ Jhy( that cut seeme' as if it meant to blee' :n till the ju'gment+ >y 'istracte' nurse 7toope' 'o*n( an' pa''le' in the running gore Jith her poor fingersF then a prophetess( Pale *ith the inspiration of the go'( 7he to*ere' aloft( an' *ith her 'ripping han' Three times she signe' me *ith the holy cross+ Tis all as plain as noon$'ay+ Thus she spake($$ E>ay this spot stan' till Gui'oDs 'earest bloo' Be mingle' *ith thy o*nKE The sol'iers say( 8n the close battle( *hen my *rath is up( The 'ea' manDs bloo' flames on my vengeful bro* -ike a re' planetF an' *hen *ar is oDer( 8t shrinks into my brain( 'efiling all >y better nature *ith its slaughterous lusts+ )o*eDer it be( it shape' my earliest thought( An' it *ill shape my last+ >A-ATE7TA+ ,ou moo'y churlK ,ou 'ismal knot of superstitious 'reamsK Do you not blush to empty such a hea' Before a sober manL Jhy( son( the *orl' )as not given oDer its laughing humour yet( That you shoul' try it *ith such vagaries+$$PohK 8Dll get a *ife to teach you common sense+ -A<68:TT:+ A *ife for meK >A-ATE7TA+ Ay( sir( a *ife for you+ ,ou shall be marrie'( to insure your *its+ -A<68:TT:+ DTis not your *ont to mock me+ >A-ATE7TA+ )o* no*( sonK 8 am not given to jesting+ 8 have chosen The fairest *ife in 8taly for you+ ,ou *on her bravely( as a sol'ier shoul': An' *hen youD' *oo her( stretch your gauntlet out( An' crush her fingers in its steely grip+ 8f you *ill plea'( 8 *een( she 'are not say$$ <o( by your leave+ 7houl' she refuse( ho*eDer( Jith that same iron han' you shall go knock ;pon RavennaDs gates( till all the to*n Ring *ith your courtship+ 8 have ma'e her han' The price an' ple'ge of Gui'oDs future peace+ -A<68:TT:+ All this is 'oneK >A-ATE7TA+ Done( out of han'F an' no* 8 *ait a formal ans*er( nothing more+ Gui'o 'are not 'ecline+ <o( by the saints( 3?-aughing+?

)eD' sen' RavennaDs virgins here in 'roves( To buy a ten 'aysD truce+ -A<68:TT:+ 7ir( let me say( ,ou stretch paternal privilege too far( To ple'ge my han' *ithout my o*n consent+ Am 8 a portion of your househol' stuff( That you shoul' tra'e me off to Gui'o thusL Jho is the la'y 8 am bartere' forL >A-ATE7TA+ &rancesca( Gui'oDs 'aughter+$$<ever fro*nF 8t shall be soK -A<68:TT:+ By heaven( it shall not beK >y bloo' shall never mingle *ith his race+ >A-ATE7TA+ Accor'ing to your nurseDs prophecy( &ate or'ers it+ -A<68:TT:+ )aK

>A-ATE7TA+ <o*( then( 8 have struck The chor' that ans*ers to your gloomy thoughts+ BahK on your sibyl an' her prophecyK Put Gui'oDs bloo' asi'e( an' yet( 8 say( >arry you shall+ -A<68:TT:+ DTis most 'istasteful( sir+

>A-ATE7TA+ -anciotto( look yeK ,ou brave gentlemen( 7o fon' of knocking out poor peopleDs brains( 8n time must come to have your o*n knocke' out: Jhat( then( if you beAueath us no ne* han's( To carry on your business( an' our house Die out for lack of princesL -A<68:TT:+ Je' my brothers: TheyDll rear you sons( 8Dll slay you enemies+ Paolo an' &rancescaK <ote their namesF They chime together like s*eet marriage$bells+ A proper match+ DTis sai' sheDs beautifulF An' he is the 'elight of Rimini($$ The pri'e an' conscious centre of all eyes( The theme of poets( the i'eal of art( The earthly treasury of )eavenDs best giftsK 8 am a sol'ierF from my very birth( )eaven cut me out for terror( not for love+ 8 ha' such fancies once( but no*$$ >A-ATE7TA+ Psha*K son( >y faith is boun' to Gui'oF an' if you Do not thro* off your 'uty( an' 'efy( Through sickly scruples( my eGpress comman's( ,ouDll yiel' at once+ <o more: 8Dll have it soK -A<68:TT:+ 6urses upon my 'estinyK Jhat( 8$$ )oK 8 have foun' my use at last$$Jhat( 8( 8( the great t*iste' monster of the *ars( The bra*ny cripple( the herculean '*arf(

3?EGit+?

The spur of panic( an' the butt of scorn$$ be a bri'egroomK )eaven( *as 8 not curse' >ore than enough( *hen thou 'i'st fashion me To be a type of ugliness($$a thing By *hose comparison all Rimini )ol's itself beautifulL -oK here 8 stan'( A gnarle'( blighte' trunkK ThereDs not a knave 7o spin'le$shanke'( so *ry$face'( so infirm( Jho looks at me( an' smiles not on himself+ An' 8 have frien's to pity me$$great )eavenK :ne has a favourite leg that he be*ails($$ Another sees my hip *ith 'oleful plaints($$ A thir' is sorry oDer my huge s*art arms($$ A fourth aspires to mount my very hump( An' thence harangue his *eeping brotherhoo'K PahK it is nauseousK >ust 8 further bear The si'elong shu''ering glances of a *ifeL The 'egra'ation of a sho*y love( That over$acts( an' proves the mummerDs craft ;ntouche' by natureL An' a fair *ife( tooK$$ &rancesca( *hom the minstrels sing aboutK Though( by my si'e( *hat *oman *ere not fairL 6irce looke' *ell among her s*ine( no 'oubtF <eGt me( sheD' pass for Menus+ )oK hoK hoK Joul' there *ere something merry in my laughK <o*( in the battle( if a Ghibelin 6ry( EJry$hipK hunchbackKE 8 can trample him ;n'er my stallionDs hoofsF or haggle him 8nto a monstrous likeness of myself: But to be pitie'($$to en'ure a sting Thrust in by kin'ness( *ith a sort of smileK$$ D7'eathK it is miserableK 3?Enter? PEPE+ PEPE+ -A<68:TT:+ >y lor'$$ >y foolK

3?-aughing+?5

PEPE+ JeDll change our titles *hen your bri'eDs bells ring$$ )a( cousinL -A<68:TT:+ Even this poor fool has eyes( To see the *retche' plight in *hich 8 stan'+ 3?Asi'e+?5 )o*( gossip( ho*L PEPE+ 8( being the court$fool( Am lor' of fools by my prerogative+ -A<68:TT:+ Jho tol' you of my marriageL PEPE+ RiminiK A frightful liarF but true for once( 8 fear+ The messenger from Gui'o has returne'( An' the *hole to*n is *ailing over him+ 7ome pity you( an' some the bri'eF but 8( Being more catholic( 8 pity both+

-A<68:TT:+ 7till( pity( pityK 3?Asi'e+ Bells toll+?5 )aK *hose knell is thatL PEPE+ -or' >alatesta sent me to the to*er( To have the bells rung for your marriage$ne*s+ )o*( he sai' notF so 8( as 8 thought fit( Tol' the 'eaf seGton to ring out a knell+ 3?Bells toll+?5 )o* 'o you like itL -A<68:TT:+ Marlet( have you bones( To risk their breakingL 8 have half a min' To thresh you from your motley coatK 3?7eiIes him+? PEPE+ Par'eeK Respect my coGcomb( cousin+ )arkK ha( haK 3?-aughing+?5 3?Bells ring a joyful peal+?5 7ome one has change' my music+ )eaven 'efen'K )o* the bells jangle+ ,on'er graybear'( no*( Rings a peal vilely+ )eDs more use' to knells( An' soun's them gran'ly+ :nly give him time( An'( 8Dll be s*orn( heDll ring your knell out yet+ -A<68:TT:+ Pepe( you are but half a fool+ PEPE+ >y lor'( 8 can return the compliment in full+ -A<68:TT:+ 7o( you are rea'y+ PEPE+ Truth is al*ays so+

-A<68:TT:+ 8 shook you ru'elyF hereDs a florin+ 3?:ffers money+? PEPE+ <o: >y *it is merchan'ise( but not my honour+ -A<68:TT:+ ,our honour( sirrahK PEPE+ Jhy notL ,ou great lor's )ave something you call lor'ly honourF pray( >ay not a fool have foolish honour( tooL 6ousin( you lai' your han' upon my coat$$ DT*as the first sacrilege it ever kne*$$An' you shall pay it+ >arkK 8 promise you+ -A<68:TT:+ 3?-aughing+?5 )a( haK you bluster *ell+ ;pon my life( ,ou have the tilt$yar' jargon to a breath+ Pepe( if 8 shoul' smite you on the cheek$$ Thus( gossip( thus$$3?7trikes him+?5 *hat *oul' you then 'eman'L PEPE+ ,our lifeK -A<68:TT:+ 3?-aughing+?5 )a( haK there is the camp$style( too( A very cut$throat airK )o* this shre*' fool >akes the punctilio of honour sho*K 6hange helmets into coGcombs( s*or's to baubles(

An' *hat a figure is poor chivalryK Thanks for your lesson( Pepe+ 3?EGit+? PEPE+ Ere 8Dm 'one( ,ouDll curse as heartily( you limping beastK )aK so *e go$$-or' -anciotto( lookK 3?Jalks about( mimicking him+?5 )ere is a leg an' camel$back( forsooth( To match your honour an' nobilityK ,ou miscreate' scarecro*( 'are you shake( :r strike in jest( a natural man like meL$$ ,ou curse' lump( you chaos of a man( To buffet one *hom )eaven pronounces goo'K 3?Bells ring+?5 There go the bells rejoicing over you: 8Dll change them back to the ol' knell again+ ,ou marry( faughK Beget a race of elvesF Je' a she$croco'ile( an' keep *ithin The limits of your natureK )ere *e go( Tripping along to meet our promise' bri'e( -ike a rheumatic elephantK$$ha( haK 3?-aughing+? 3?EGit( mimicking? -A<68:TT:+

76E<E 888+ ?The 7ame+ A Room in the 7ame+ Enter? -A<68:TT:( ?hastily+? -A<68:TT:+ Jhy 'o these pro'igies environ meL 8n ancient Rome( the *or's a fool might 'rop( &rom the confusion of his vagrant thoughts( Jere hel' as omens( propheciesF an' men Jho ma'e earth tremble *ith majestic 'ee's( Tremble' themselves at fortuneDs lightest threat+ 8 like it not+ >y father name' this match Jhile 8 boile' over *ith vin'ictive *rath To*ar's Gui'o an' Ravenna+ 7traight my heart 7ank 'o*n like lea'F a *eakness seiIe' on me( A 'ismal gloom that 8 coul' not resistF 8 lacke' the po*er to take my stan'( an' say$$ Bluntly( 8 *ill notK Am 8 in the toilsL )as fate so *eakene' me( to *ork its en'L There seems a fascination in it( too($$ A morbi' craving to pursue a thing Jhose issue may be fatal+ Joul' that 8 Jere in the *ars againK These mental *ee's Gro* on the surface of inactive peace+ 8Dm haunte' by myself+ Thought preys on thought+ >y min' seems cro*'e' in the hi'eous moul' That shape' my bo'y+ Jhat a fool am 8 To bear the bur'en of my *retche' life( To s*eat an' toil un'er the *orl'Ds broa' eye( 6limb into fame( an' fin' myself$$:( *hatL$$

A most conspicuous monsterK 6ro*n my hea'( Pile 6aesarDs purple on me$$an' *hat thenL >y hump shall shorten the imperial robe( >y leg peep out beneath the scanty hem( >y broken hip shall t*ist the go*n a*ryF An' pomp( instea' of 'ignifying me( 7hall be by me ma'e Auite ri'iculous+ The faintest co*ar' *oul' not bear all this: Pro'igious courage must be mine( to liveF To 'ie asks nothing but *eak *ill( an' 8 &eel like a craven+ -et me skulk a*ay Ere life oDertask me+ 3?:ffers to stab himself+? ?Enter? PA:-:+ PA:-:+ 3?7eiIing his han'+?5 BrotherK *hat is thisL -anciotto( are you ma'L =in' )eavenK look here$$ 7traight in my eyes+ <o* ans*er( 'o you kno* )o* near you *ere to mur'erL Dare you ben' ,our *icke' han' against a heart 8 loveL Jere it for you to mourn your *ilful 'eath( Jith such a bitterness as *oul' be ours( The *ish *oul' neDer have crosse' you+ Jhile *eDre boun' -ife into life( a chain of loving hearts( Jere it not base in you( the mi''le link( To snap( an' scatter allL 7hame( brother( shameK 8 thought you better metal+ -A<68:TT:+ 7pare your *or's+ 8 kno* the seasons of our human grief( An' can pre'ict them *ithout almanac+ A fe* sobs oDer the bo'y( an' a fe* :ver the coffinF then a sigh or t*o( Jhose *in'y passage 'ries the hanging tearF Perchance( some *an'ering memories( some regretsF Then a vast influG of consoling thoughts$$ Base' on the trials of the sa''er 'ays Jhich the 'ea' misse'F an' then a smiling face Turne' on to$morro*+ 7uch is mortal grief+ 8t *rites its histories *ithin a span( An' never lives to rea' them+ PA:-:+ -anciotto( 8 hear' the bells of Rimini( just no*( EGulting oDer your coming marriage$'ay( Jhile you conspire' to teach them gloomier soun's+ Jhy are you sa'L -A<68:TT:+ Paolo( 8 am *retche'F 7a'Ds a faint *or'+ But of my marriage$bells$$ )ear' you the knell that Pepe rangL PA:-:+ DT*as strange: A sullen antic of his crabbe' *it+ -A<68:TT:+ 8t *as portentous+ All 'umb things fin' tongues Against this marriage+ As 8 passe' the hall( >y armour glittere' on the *all( an' 8 Pause' by the harness( as before a frien'

Jhose *ell$kno*n features slack our hurrie' gaitF &rancescaDs name *as fresh upon my min'( 7o 8 half$uttere' it+ 8nstant( my s*or' -eape' from its scabbar'( as *ith su''en life( Plunge' 'o*n an' pierce' into the oaken floor( 7hivering *ith fearK -oK *hile 8 gaIe' upon it$$ Doubting the nature of the acci'ent$$ Aroun' the point appeare' a spot of bloo'( :oIing upon the floor( that sprea' an' sprea'$$ As 8 stoo' gasping by in speechless horror$$ Ring beyon' ring( until the o'ious ti'e 6ra*le' to my feet( an' lappe' them( like the tongues :f angry serpentsK :( my Go'K 8 fle' At the first touch of the infernal stainK Go$$you may see$$go to the hallK PA:-:+ &ieK man( ,ou have been ever playe' on in this sort By your *il' fancies+ Jhen your heart is high( ,ou make them playthingsF but in lo*er moo's( They seem to sap the essence of your soul( An' 'rain your manhoo' to its poorest 'regs+ -A<68:TT:+ Go look( go lookK PA:-:+ 3?Goes to the 'oor( an' returns+?5 There sticks the s*or'( in'ee'( .ust as your trea' 'etache' it from its sheathF -ooking more like a blesse' cross( 8 think( Than a ba' looking omen+ As for bloo'$$)a( haK 3?-aughing+?5 8t sets mine 'ancing+ Psha*K a*ay *ith thisK Deck up your face *ith smiles+ Go trim yourself &or the young bri'e+ <e* velvet( gol'( an' gems( Do *on'ers for us+ Brother( comeF 8Dll be ,our tiring$man( for once+ -A<68:TT:+ Array this lump$$ Paolo( harkK There are some human thoughts Best left imprisone' in the aching heart( -est the free' malefactors shoul' 'isprea' 8nfamous ruin *ith their liberty+ ThereDs not a man$$the fairest of ye all$$ Jho is not fouler than he seems+ This life 8s one unen'ing struggle to conceal :ur baseness from our fello*s+ )ere stan's one 8n vestal *hiteness *ith a lecherDs lustF$$ There sits a ju'ge( hol'ing la*Ds scales in han's That itch to take the bribe he 'are not touchF$$ )ere goes a priest *ith heaven*ar' eyes( *hose soul 8s 7atanDs council$chamberF$$there a 'octor( Jith natureDs secrets *rinkle' roun' a bro* Guilty *ith conscious ignoranceF$$an' here A sol'ier rivals )ectorDs bloo'y 'ee's$$ :ut$'oes the 'evil in au'acity$$ Jith craven longings fluttering in a heart That 'ares 'o aught but flyK Thus are *e all >ere slaves an' alms$men to a scornful *orl'( That takes us at our seeming+

PA:-:+ 7ay Dtis trueF Jhat 'o you 'rive atL -A<68:TT:+ At myself( full tilt+ 8( like the others( am not *hat 8 seem+ >en call me gentle( courteous( brave+$$They lieK 8Dm harsh( ru'e( an' a co*ar'+ )a' 8 nerve To cast my 'evils out upon the earth( 8D' sho* this laughing planet *hat a hell :f envy( malice( cruelty( an' scorn( 8t has force' back to canker in the heart :f one poor crippleK PA:-:+ )aK

-A<68:TT:+ Ay( no* Dtis outK A *or' 8 never breathe' to man before+ 6an you( *ho are a miracle of grace( &eel *hat it is to be a *reck like meL Paolo( look at me+ 8s there a line( 8n my *hole bulk of *retche' contraries( That nature in a nightmare ever use' ;pon her shapes till no*L &in' me the man( :r beast( or tree( or rock( or nameless thing( 7o out of harmony *ith all things else( An' 8Dll go raving *ith bare happiness($$ Ay( an' 8Dll marry )elena of Greece( An' s*ear 8 'o her honourK PA:-:+ -anciotto( 8( *ho have kno*n you from a stripling up( <ever observe'( or( if 8 'i'( neDer *eighe' ,our special 'ifference from the rest of men+ ,ouDre not Apollo$$ -A<68:TT:+ <oK

PA:-:+ <or yet are you A secon' Pluto+ 6oul' 8 change *ith you$$ >y graces for your nobler Aualities$$ ,our strength( your courage( your reno*n$$by heaven( JeD' eDen change persons( to the finest hair+ -A<68:TT:+ ,ou shoul' be flatterer to an emperor+ PA:-:+ 8 am but just+ -et me beseech you( brother+ To look *ith greater favour on yourselfF <or suffer misty phantoms of your brain To take the place of soun' realities+ Go to Ravenna( *e' your bri'e( an' lull ,our cruel 'elusions in 'omestic peace+ Ghosts fly a firesi'eF Dtis their *ont to stalk Through empty houses( an' through empty hearts+ 8 kno* &rancesca *ill be prou' of you+ Jomen a'mire you heroes+ Rusty sages( Pale poets( an' scarre' *arriors( have been Their i'ols everF *hile *e fair plump fools Are elbo*e' to the *all( or only use' &or vacant pastime+

-A<68:TT:+ To RavennaL$$noK 8n Rimini they kno* meF at Ravenna 8D' be a ne*$come monster( an' eGpose' To curious *on'er+ There *ill be para'e :f all the usual follies of the stateF &ello*s *ith trumpets( tinselle' coats( an' *an's( Joul' strut before me( like vain mountebanks Before their monkeys+ Then( 8 shoul' be stare' :ut of my mo'estyF an' *hen they look( )o* can 8 tell if Dtis the bri'egroomDs face :r hump that 'ra*s their eyesL 8 *ill not go+ To please you all( 8Dll marryF but to please The *on'er$mongers of Ravenna$$)aK Paolo( no* 8 have it+ ,ou shall go( To bring &rancescaF an' youDll speak of me( <ot as 8 ought to be( but as 8 am+ 8f she 'ra* back*ar'( give her reinF an' say That neither Gui'o$nor herself shall feel The *eight of my 'ispleasure+ ,ou may say( 8 pity her$$ PA:-:+ &or *hatL

-A<68:TT:+ &or *e''ing me+ 8n sooth( sheDll nee' it+ 7ay$$ PA:-:+ <ay( -anciotto( 8Dll be a better orator in your behalf( Jithout your promptings+ -A<68:TT:+ 7he is fair( Dtis sai'F An'( 'ear Paolo( if she please your eye( An' move your heart to anything like love( Je' her yourself+ The peace *oul' stan' as firm By such a match+ PA:-:+ 3?-aughing+?5 )aK that is right: be gayK Ply me *ith jokesK 8D' rather see you smile Than see the sun shine+ -A<68:TT:+ 8 am serious+ 8Dll fin' another *ife( less beautiful( >ore on my level( an'$$ PA:-:+ An empress( brother( Jere honoure' by your han'+ ,ou are by much Too humble in your reckoning of yourself+ 8 can count virtues in you( to supply )alf 8taly( if they *ere parcelle' out+ -ook upK -A<68:TT:+ 8 cannot: )eaven has bent me 'o*n+ To you( Paolo( 8 coul' look( ho*ever( Jere my hump ma'e a mountain+ Bless him( Go'K Pour everlasting bounties on his hea'K >ake 6roesus jealous of his treasury( Achilles of his arms( En'ymion :f his fresh beauties($$though the coy one lay(

Blushing beneath DianaDs earliest kiss( :n grassy -atmosF an' may every goo'( Beyon' manDs sight( though in the ken of heaven( Roun' his fair fortune to a perfect en'K :( you have 'rie' the sorro* of my eyesF >y heart is beating *ith a lighter pulseF The air is musicalF the total earth Puts on ne* beauty( an' *ithin the arms :f gir'ing ocean 'reams her time a*ay( An' visions bright to$morro*sK ?Enter? >A-ATE7TA ?an'? PEPE+ >A-ATE7TA+ >ount( to horseK

PEPE+ 3?Asi'e+?5 Goo' -or'K heDs smilingK JhatDs the matter no*L )as anybo'y broken a leg or backL )as a more monstrous monster come to lifeL 8s hell burst openL$$heaven burnt upL Jhat( *hat 6an make yon eyesore grinL$$8 say( my lor'( Jhat co* has calve'L PA:-:+ ,our mother( by the bleat+ PEPE+ Right fairly ans*ere'$$for a gentlemanK Jhen 'i' you take my tra'e upL PA:-:+ Jhen your *it Jent begging( sirrah+ PEPE+ Jell againK >y lor'( 8 think heDll 'o+ >A-ATE7TA+ &or *hatL PEPE+ To take my place+ :nce fools *ere rare( an' then my office spe'F But no* the *orl' is overrun *ith them: :ne gets oneDs fool in oneDs o*n family( Jithout much searching+ >A-ATE7TA+ Pepe( gently no*+ -anciotto( you are *aite' for+ The train )as passe' the gate( an' halte' there for you+ -A<68:TT:+ 8 go not to Ravenna+ >A-ATE7TA+ )eyK *hy notL

PA:-:+ &or *eighty reasons( father+ Jill you trust ,our greatest captain( hope of all the Guelfs( Jith crafty Gui'oL 7houl' the Ghibelins Break faith( an' shut -anciotto in their *alls$$ 7ure the temptation *oul' be great enough$$ Jhat *oul' you 'oL >A-ATE7TA+ 8D' eat Ravenna upK

PEPE+ -or'K *hat an appetiteK PA:-:+ But -anciotto Joul' be a precious hostage+ >A-ATE7TA+ TrueF youDre *iseF Gui'oDs a foG+ Jell( have it your o*n *ay+ Jhat is your planL PA:-:+ 8 go there in his place+

>A-ATE7TA+ Goo'K 8 *ill sen' a letter *ith the ne*s+ -A<68:TT:+ 8 thank you( brother+ PEPE+ )aK haK haK$$:K :K 3?-aughing+? >A-ATE7TA+ Pepe( *hat no*L PEPE+ :K lor'( :K$$hoK hoK hoK 3?-aughing+? 3?Apart to PA:-:+?

PA:-:+ Jell( gigglerL PEPE+ >A-ATE7TA+ )ear my fable( uncle+ Ay+

PEPE+ :nce on a time( Mulcan sent >ercury To fetch 'ame Menus from a romp in heaven+ Jell( they *ere long in coming( as he thoughtF An' so the go' of spits an' gri'irons Raile' like himself$$the 'evil+ But$$no* mark$$ )ere comes the moral+ 8n a little *hile( Mulcan gre* prou'( because he sa* plain signs That he shoul' be a fatherF an' so he 7trutte' through hell( an' pushe' the 'evils by( -ike a magnifico of Menice+ Ere long( )is heir *as bornF but then$$hoK hoK$$the brat )a' *ings upon his heels( an' thievish *ays( An' a vile sAuint( like errant >ercuryDs( Jhich honest Mulcan coul' not un'erstan'F$$ 6an youL PA:-:+ D7'eathK fool( 8Dll have you in the stocks+ &ather( your fool eGcee's his privilege+ PEPE+ 3?Apart to? PA:-:+5 =eep your o*n boun's( Paolo+ 8n the stocks 8D' tell more fables than youD' *ish to hear+ An' so ri'e forth+ But( cousin( 'onDt forget To take -anciottoDs picture to the bri'e+ Ask her to choose bet*een it an' yourself+ 8Dll count the moments( *hile she hesitates( An' not gro* gray at it+ PA:-:+ Peace( varlet( peaceK

PEPE+ 3?Apart to him+?5 Ah( no* 8 have it+ ThereDs an elephant ;pon the scutcheonF sho* her that( an' say$$ )ereDs -anciotto in our heral'ryK

PA:-:+ )ereDs for your counselK 3?7trikes? PEPE( ?*ho runs behin' >A-ATE7TA+? >A-ATE7TA+ 7on( son( have a careK Je *ho keep pets must bear their pecks sometimes+ Poor knaveK )aK haK thouDrt gro*ing villainousK 3?-aughs an' pats PEPE+? PEPE+ Another blo*K another life for thatK PA:-:+ &are*ell( -anciotto+ ,ou are 'ull again+ -A<68:TT:+ <ature *ill rule+ >A-ATE7TA+ 6ome( comeK 3?Asi'e+?

-A<68:TT:+ Go' spee' you( brotherK 8 am too sa'F my smiles all turn to sighs+ PA:-:+ >ore cause to haste me on my happy *ork+ 3?EGit *ith? >A-ATE7TA+ PEPE+ 8Dm going( cousin+ -A<68:TT:+ PEPE+ Go+ Pray( ask me *here+

-A<68:TT:+ Jhere( thenL PEPE+ To have my je*el carrie' home: An'( as 8Dm *ise( the carrier shall be A thief( a thief( by .oveK The fashionDs ne*+ 3?EGit+? -A<68:TT:+ 8n truth( 8 am too gloomy an' irrational+ Paolo must be right+ 8 al*ays ha' These moo'y hours an' 'ark presentiments( Jithout mischances follo*ing after them+ The camp is my abo'e+ A neighing stee'( A fiery onset( an' a stubborn fight( Rouse my 'ull bloo'( an' tire my bo'y 'o*n To Auiet slumbers *hen the 'ay is oDer( An' night above me sprea's her spangle' tent( -it by the 'ying cresset of the moon+ Ay( that is itF 8Dm homesick for the camp+ 3?EGit+?

A6T 88+

76E<E 8+ ?Ravenna+ A Room in? G;8D:D7 ?Palace+ Enter? G;8D: ?an' a? 6ARD8<A-+

6ARD8<A-+ 8 *arn thee( 6ount+ G;8D:+ 8Dll take the *arning( father( :n one con'ition: sho* me but a *ay &or safe escape+ 6ARD8<A-+ 8 cannot+

G;8D:+ ThereDs the point+ Je Ghibelins are fettere' han' an' foot+ ThereDs not a florin in my treasuryF <ot a lame sol'ier( 8 can lea' to *arF <ot one to man the *alls+ A present siege( Pushe' *ith the *onte' heat of -anciotto( Joul' 'eal Ravenna such a mortal blo* As ages coul' not men'+ Give me but time To fill the 'raine' arteries of the lan'+ The Guelfs are masters( *e their slavesF an' *e Jere *iser to confess it( ere the lash Teach it too sternly+ 8t is *ell for you To say you love &rancesca+ 7o 'o 8F But neither you nor 8 have any voice &or or against this marriage+ 6ARD8<A-+ DTis too true+

G;8D:+ 7ay *e refuse: Jhy( then( before a *eek( JeDll hear -anciotto rapping at our 'oor( Jith t*enty hun're' ruffians at his back+ JhatDs to say thenL >y lor'( *e *aste our breath+ -et us look fortune in the face( an' 'ra* 7uch comfort from the *anton as *e may+ 6ARD8<A-+ An' yet 8 fear$$ G;8D:+ ,ou fearK an' so 'o 8+ 8 fear -anciotto as a sol'ier( though( >ore than a son$in$la*+ 6ARD8<A-+ But have you seen himL

G;8D:+ Ay( ay( an' felt him( too+ 8Dve seen him ri'e The best battalions of my horse an' foot Do*n like mere stubble: 8 have seen his s*or' )ollo* a sAuare of pikemen( *ith the ease ,ouD' scoop a melon out+ 6ARD8<A-+ Report 'eclares him A pro'igy of strength an' ugliness+ G;8D:+ Jere he the 'evil$$But *hy talk of thisL$$ )ere comes &rancesca+ 6ARD8<A-+ AhK unhappy chil'K

G;8D:+ -ook you( my lor'K youDll make the best of itF ,ou *ill not *himper+ A'' your voice to mine( :r *oe to poor RavennaK

?Enter? &RA<6E76A ?an'? R8TTA+ &RA<6E76A+ )aK my lor'$$ An' you( my fatherK$$But 'o 8 intru'e ;pon your counselsL )o* severe you lookK 7hall 8 retireL G;8D:+ <o( no+

&RA<6E76A+ ,ou moo'y men 7eem league' against me+ As 8 passe' the hall( 8 met your solemn Dante( *ith huge stri'es Pacing in measure to his stately verse+ The s*eeping sleeves of his broa' scarlet robe Ble* out behin'( like *i'e$eGpan'e' *ings( An' seeme' to buoy him in his level flight+ Thinking to pass( *ithout 'isturbing him( 8 stole on tip$toeF but the poet pause'( 7ubsi'ing into man( an' stea'ily Bent on my face the lustre of his eyes+ Then( taking both my trembling han's in his$$ ,ou kno* ho* his Go'$trouble' forehea' a*es$$ )e looke' into my eyes( an' shook his hea'( As if he 'are' not speak of *hat he sa*F Then muttere'( sighe'( an' slo*ly turne' a*ay The *eight of his intolerable bro*+ Jhen 8 glance' back( 8 sa* him( as before( 7ailing a'o*n the hall on out$sprea' *ings+ 8n'ee'( my lor'( he shoul' not 'o these thingsF They strain the *eakness of mortality A jot too far+ As for poor Ritta( she &le' like a 'oe( the truant+ R8TTA+ ,es( forsooth: ThereDs something terrible about the man+ ;ghK if he touche' me( 8 shoul' turn to ice+ 8 *on'er if 6ount -anciotto looks$$ G;8D:+ Ritta( come here+ R8TTA+ >y lor'+ 3?Takes her apart+?

G;8D:+ DT*as my comman'( ,ou shoul' say nothing of 6ount -anciotto+ R8TTA+ <othing( my lor'+ G;8D:+ ,ou have sai' nothing( thenL

R8TTA+ 8n'ee'( my lor'+ G;8D:+ DTis *ell+ 7ome years ago( >y 'aughter ha' a very silly mai'( Jho tol' her sillier stories+ 7o( one 'ay( This mai'en *hispere' something 8 forba'e$$ 8n strictest confi'ence( for she *as sly: Jhat happene'( think youL R8TTA+ 8 kno* not( my lor'+

G;8D:+ 8 boile' her in a pot+ R8TTA+ Goo' heavenK my lor'+

G;8D:+ 7he 'i' not like it+ 8 shall keep that pot Rea'y for the neGt boiling+ 3?Jalks back to the others+? R8TTA+ 7aints aboveK 8 *on'er if he ate herK Boil me$$meK 8Dll roast or ste* *ith pleasureF but to boil 8mplies a *ant of ten'erness($$or rather A 'o*nright toughness$$in the matter boile'( ThatDs slan'erous to a mai'en+ Jhat( boil me$$ Boil meK :K mercy( ho* ri'iculousK 3?Retires( laughing+? ?Enter a? >E77E<GER+ >E77E<GER+ -etters( my lor'( from great Prince >alatesta+ 3?Presents them( an' eGit+? G;8D:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 )ear him( ye go'sK$$Efrom great Prince >alatestaKE Greeting( no 'oubt( his little cousin Gui'o+ Jell( *ell( just so *e see$sa* up an' 'o*n+ 3?Rea's+?5 ?E&earing our treachery(E?$$by heaven( thatDs blunt( An' >alatesta$likeK$$?Ehe *ill not sen' )is son( -anciotto( to Ravenna( butE?$$ But *hatL$$a groom( a porterL or *ill he )ave his prey sent him in an iron cageL By .ove( he shall not have herK :K no( noF ?E)e sen's his younger son( the 6ount Paolo( To fetch &rancesca back to Rimini+E? ThatDs *ell( if he ha' left his reasons out+ An'( in a postscript$$by the saints( Dtis 'rollK$$ ?EDT*oul' not be *orth your lor'shipDs *hile to shut Paolo in a prisonF for( my lor'( 8Dll only pay his ransom in plain steel: Besi'es( heDs not *orth having+E? 8s there one( 7ave this ignoble offshoot of the Goths( JhoD' *rite such garbage to a gentlemanL Take that( an' rea' it+ 3?Gives letter to? 6ARD8<A-+ 6ARD8<A-+ 8 have 'one the most+ 7he seems suspicious+ G;8D:+ 6ARD8<A-+ RittaDs *ork+ &are*ellK

&RA<6E76A+ &ather( you seem 'istempere'+ G;8D:+ <o( my chil'( 8 am but veGe'+ ,our husban'Ds on the roa'(

6lose to Ravenna+ JhatDs the time of 'ayL &RA<6E76A+ Past noon( my lor'+ G;8D:+ Je must be stirring( then+

&RA<6E76A+ 8 'o not like this marriage+ G;8D:+ But 8 'o+

&RA<6E76A+ But 8 'o not+ PohK to be given a*ay( -ike a fine horse or falcon( to a man Jhose face 8 never sa*K R8TTA+ ThatDs it( my la'y+

G;8D:+ Ritta( run 'o*n( an' see if my great pot Boils to your liking+ R8TTA+ 3?Asi'e+?5 :K that pot againK >y lor'( my heart betrays meF but you kno* )o* true Dtis to my la'y+ &RA<6E76A+ Jhat ails RittaL

3?EGit+?

G;8D:+ The ailing of your seG( a running tongue+ &rancesca( Dtis too late to beat retreat: :l' >alatesta has me$$you( too( chil'$$ 7afe in his clutch+ 8f you are not content( 8 must unclose Ravenna( an' allo* )is son to take you+ Poh( pohK have a soul EAual *ith your estate+ A princeDs chil' 6annot choose husban's+ )er 'esires must aim( <ot at herself( but at the public goo'+ Both as your prince an' father( 8 comman'F As subject an' goo' 'aughter( youDll obey+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 kne* that it must be my 'estiny( 7ome 'ay( to give my han' *ithout my heartF But$$ G;8D:+ But( an' 8 *ill but you back againK Jhen Gui'o 'a Polenta says to you( Daughter( you must be marrie'($$*hat *ere bestL &RA<6E76A+ DT*ere best &rancesca( of the self$same name( >a'e herself bri'al garments+ 3?-aughing+? G;8D:+ RightK

&RA<6E76A+ >y lor'( 8s -anciotto han'some$$ugly$$fair$$ Black$$sallo*$$crabbe'$$kin'$$or *hat is heL G;8D:+ ,ouDll kno* ere long+ 8 coul' not alter him( To please your taste+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou al*ays put me offF ,ou never have a *hisper in his praise+

G;8D:+ The *orl' reports it+$$6ount my sol'iersD scars( An' you may sum -anciottoDs glories up+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 shall be 'utiful( to please you( father+ 8f aught befall me through my blin' submission( Though 8 may suffer( you must bear the sin+ Be*are( my lor'( for your o*n peace of min'K >y part has been obe'ienceF an' no* 8 play it over to complete my taskF An' it shall be *ith smiles upon my lips($$ )eaven only kno*s *ith *hat a sinking heartK 3?EGeunt+?

76E<E 88+ ?The 7ame+ Before the Gates of the 6ity+ The *alls hung *ith banners( flo*ers( etc+( an' cro*'e' *ith citiIens+ At the si'e of the scene is a canopie' 'ais( *ith chairs of state upon it+ >usic( bells( shouts( an' other soun's of rejoicing( are occasionally hear'+ Enter? G;8D:( ?the? 6ARD8<A-( <:B-E>E<( =<8G)T7( G;ARD7( ?etc+( *ith banners( arms( etc+? G;8D:+ >y lor'( 8Dll have it so+ ,ou talk in vain+ Paolo is a marvel in his *ay: 8Dve seen him often+ 8f &rancesca take A fancy to his beauty( all the betterF &or she may think that he an' -anciotto Are like as blossoms of one parent branch+ 8n truth( they are( so far as features go$$ )eaven help the restK Get her to Rimini( By any means( an' 8 shall be content+ The frau' cannot last longF but long enough To *in her favour to the family+ 6ARD8<A-+ Tis a 'ull trick+ Thou hast not 'ealt *ith her Jisely nor kin'ly( an' 8 'rea' the en'+ 8f( *hen this marriage *as enjoine' on thee( Thou ha'st informe' &rancesca of the truth( An' sai'( <o* 'aughter( choose bet*een Thy peace an' all RavennaDsF *ho that kno*s The constant nature of her noble heart 6oul' 'oubt the issueL ThereD' have been some tears( 7ome frightful fancies of her husban'Ds looksF An' then sheD' calmly *alk up to her fate( An' bear it bravely+ After*ar's( perchance( -anciotto might prove better than her fears($$ <o one 'enies him many an eGcellence($$ An' all go happily+ But( as thou *oul'st plot( 7heDll be prepare' to see a paragon( An' fin' a satyr+ 8t is 'angerous+ Treachery *ith enemies is ba' enough( Jith frien's Dtis fatal+ G;8D:+ )as your lor'ship 'oneL

6ARD8<A-+ <ever( 6ount Gui'o( *ith so goo' a teGt+ Do not stan' looking si'e*ays at the truthF 6raft has become thy nature+ Go to her+ G;8D:+ 8 have not heart+ 6ARD8<A-+ 8 have+ 3?Going+?

G;8D:+ )ol'( 6ar'inalK >y plan is better+ Get her off my han's( An' 8 care not+ 6ARD8<A-+ Jhat *ill she say of thee( 8n Rimini( *hen she 'etects the cheatL G;8D:+ 8Dll stop my ears up+ 6ARD8<A-+ Gui'o( thou art *eak( An' lack the common fortitu'e of man+ G;8D:+ An' you abuse the license of your garb( To lesson me+ >y lor'( 8 'o not 'are To move a finger in these marriage$rites+ &rancesca is a sacrifice( 8 kno*($$ A limb 'elivere' to the surgeonDs knife( To save our general health+ A truce to this+ Paolo has the business in his han's: -et him arrange it as he *illF for 8 Jill give 6ount >alatesta no preteGt To recommence the *ar+ 6ARD8<A-+ &are*ell( my lor'+ 8Dll neither help nor countenance a frau'+ ,ou crafty men take comfort to yourselves( 7aying( 'eceit 'ies *ith 'iscovery+ DTis falseF each *icke' action spa*ns a broo'( An' lives in its succession+ ,ou( *ho shake >anDs moral nature into storm( shoul' kno* That the last *ave *hich passes from your sight Rolls in an' breaks upon eternityK

3?EGit+?

G;8D:+ Jhy( thatDs a very gran' an' solemn thought: 8Dll mention it to Dante+ Gentlemen( Jhat see they from the *allL <:B-E>A<+ The train( my lor'+

G;8D:+ 8nform my 'aughter+ <:B-E>A<+ 7he is here( my lor'+

?Enter? &RA<6E76A( R8TTA( -AD8E7( ATTE<DA<T7( ?etc+? &RA<6E76A+ 7ee( father( *hat a merry face 8 have( An' ho* my la'ies glistenK 8 *ill try To 'o my utmost( in my love for you An' the goo' people of Ravenna+ <o*( As the first shock is over( 8 eGpect

To feel Auite happy+ 8 *ill *e' the 6ount( Be he *hateDer he may+ 8 'o not speak 8n gi''y recklessness+ 8Dve *eighe' it all($$ DT*iGt hope an' fear( kno*le'ge an' ignorance($$ An' reasone' out my 'uty to your *ish+ 8 have no yearnings to*ar's another love: 7o( if 8 sho* my husban' a 'esire To fill the place *ith *hich he honours me( Accor'ing to its 'uties( even he$$ Jere he less noble than 6ount -anciotto$$ >ust smile upon my efforts( an' re*ar' Goo' *ill *ith *illing grace+ :ne pang remains+ Parting from home an' kin're' is a thing <one but the heartless( or the miserable( 6an 'o *ithout a tear+ This home of mine )as fille' my heart *ith t*o$fol' happiness( Taking an' giving love abun'antly+ &are*ell( RavennaK 8f 8 bless thee not( Tis that thou seemDst too blesse'F an' Dt*ere strange 8n me to offer *hat thouDst al*ays given+ G;8D:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 This is too muchK 8f she *oul' rail a *hile At me an' fortune( it coul' be en'ure'+ 3?7houts( music( etc+( *ithin+? &RA<6E76A+ )aK thereDs the van just breaking through the *oo'K >usicK thatDs *ellF a *elcome forerunner+ <o*( Ritta$$here$$come talk to me+ AlasK )o* my heart tremblesK Jhat a *orl' to me -ies Dneath the glitter of yon cavalca'eK 8s that the 6ountL R8TTA+ ;pon the 'apple$grayL

&RA<6E76A+ ,es( yes+ R8TTA+ <oF thatDs his$$ RittaK AyF thatDs$$thatDs$$

G;8D:+ 3?Apart to her+?5 R8TTA+

G;8D:+ Ritta( the potK 3?Apart to her+? R8TTA+ :K but this lying chokesK Ay( thatDs 6ount 7omebo'y( from Rimini+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 kne* it *as+ 8s that not gloriousL R8TTA+ >y la'y( *hatL &RA<6E76A+ To see a cavalier 7it on his stee' *ith such familiar grace+ R8TTA+ To see a man astra''le on a horseK 8t 'onDt seem much to me+ &RA<6E76A+ &ieK stupi' girlK But mark the minstrels thronging roun' the 6ountK AhK that is more than gallant horsemanship+ 3?Asi'e+?5

The soul that fee's itself on poesy( 8s of a Auality more fine an' rare Than )eaven allo*s the ru'er multitu'e+ 8 tell you( Ritta( *hen you see a man Belove' by poets( ma'e the theme of song( An' chaunte' 'o*n to ages( as a gift &it for the rich embalmment of their verse( ThereDs more about him than the patronDs gol'+ 8f thatDs the gentleman my father chose( )e must have picke' him out from all the *orl'+ The 6ount alights+ Jhy( *hat a noble grace Runs through his slightest actionK Are you sa'L ,ou( too( my fatherL )ave 8 given you causeL 8 am content+ 8f -anciottoDs min' Bear any impress of his fair outsi'e( Je shall not Auarrel ere our marriage$'ay+ 6an 8 say moreL >y blushes speak for me: 8nterpret them as mo'estyDs eGcuse &or the short$comings of a mai'enDs speech+ R8TTA+ AlasK 'ear la'yK 3?Asi'e+? G;8D:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 D7'eathK my plot has faile'( By over*orking its 'esign+ 6ome( comeF Get to your places+ 7ee( the 6ount 'ra*s nigh+ G;8D: ?an'? &RA<6E76A ?seat themselves upon the 'ais( surroun'e' by? R8TTA( -AD8E7( ATTE<DA<T7( G;ARD7( ?etc+ >usic( shouts( ringing of bells( etc+ Enter? >E<$AT$AR>7( ?*ith banners( etc+F? PAGE7 ?bearing costly presents on cushionsF then? PA:-:( ?surroun'e' by? <:B-E>E<( =<8G)T7( >8<7TRE-7( ?etc+( an' follo*e' by other? >E<$AT$AR>7+ ?They range themselves opposite the 'ais+? G;8D:+ Ravenna *elcomes you( my lor'( an' 8 A'' my best greeting to the general voice+ This peaceful sho* of arms from Rimini 8s a ne* pleasure( stranger to our sense Than if the East ble* Iephyrs( or the balm :f 7ummer loa'e' rough DecemberDs gales( An' turne' his sno*s to roses+ PA:-:+ <oble sir( Je looke' for *elcome from your courtesy( <ot from your loveF but this unhope' for sight :f smiling faces( an' the gentle tone 8n *hich you greet us( leave us naught to *in Jithin your hearts+ 8 nee' not ask( my lor'( Jhere bi'es the precious object of my searchF &or 8 *as sent to fin' the fairest mai' Ravenna boasts( among her many fair+ 8 might eGten' my travel many a league( An' yet return( to take her from your si'e+ 8 blush to bear so rich a treasure home( As ple'ge an' hostage of a sluggish peaceF &or beauty such as hers *as meant by )eaven To spur our race to gallant enterprise( An' 'ra* conten'ing 'eities aroun' The 'ubious battles of a secon' Troy+

G;8D:+ 7ir 6ount( you please to lavish on my chil' The high$straine' courtesy of chivalryF ,et she has homely virtues that( 8 hope( >ay take a 'eeper hol' in Rimini( After the fleeting beauty of her face 8s spoile' by time( or fa'e' to the eye By its familiar usage+ PA:-:+ As a man Jho ever sees )eavenDs purpose in its *orks( 8 must suppose so rare a tabernacle Jas frame' for rarest virtues+ Par'on me >y public a'miration+ 8f my praise 6lash *ith propriety( an' bare my *or's To cooler ju'gment( Dtis not that 8 *ish To *in a flattererDs gru'ge' recompense( An' gain by falsehoo' *hat 8D' *in through love+ Jhen 8 have brushe' my travel from my garb( 8Dll pay my court in more befitting style+ ?>usic+ EGit *ith his train+? G;8D:+ 3?A'vancing+?5 <o*( by the saints( -anciottoDs 'eputy 7tan's in this business *ith a proper grace( 7tretching his lor'Ds instructions till they crack+ A Iealous envoyK <ot a *or' sai' he :f -anciotto$$not a single *or': But stoo' there( staring in &rancescaDs face Jith his 'evouring eyes+$$By .upiter( 8 but half like itK &RA<6E76A+ 3?A'vancing+?5 &atherL G;8D:+ Jell( my chil'+

&RA<6E76A+ )o* 'o you like$$ G;8D:+ The coGcombK 8Dve 'one *ellK

&RA<6E76A+ <o( noF 6ount -anciottoL G;8D:+ Jell enough+ But hang this fello*$$hang your 'eputiesK 8Dll never *oo by proGy+ &RA<6E76A+ An' *oo by proGyK DeputiesK

G;8D:+ 6ome to me anon+ 8Dll strip this cuckoo of his gallantryK 3?EGit *ith? G;ARD7( ?etc+? &RA<6E76A+ Ritta( my father has strange *ays of late+ R8TTA+ 8 *on'er not+ &RA<6E76A+ R8TTA+ ,ou *on'er notL <o( la'y:

)e is so use' to playing 'ouble games( That even you must come in for your share+ Plague on his boilingK 8 *ill out *ith it+ 3?Asi'e+?5 -a'y( the gentleman *ho passe' the gates$$ &RA<6E76A+ 6ount -anciottoL As 8 hope for grace( A gallant gentlemanK )o* *ell he spokeK Jith *hat sincere an' earnest courtesy The roun'e' phrases gli'e' from his lipsK )e spoke in compliments that seeme' like truth+ >ethinks 8D' listen through a summerDs 'ay( To hear him *oo+$$An' he must *oo to me$$ 8Dll have our privilege$$he must *oo a space( Ere 8Dll be *on( 8 promise+ R8TTA+ But( my la'y( )eDll *oo you for another+ &RA<6E76A+ )eL$$haK haK 8 shoul' not think it from the prologue( Ritta+ R8TTA+ <or 8+ &RA<6E76A+ <or any one+ 3?-aughing+?5

R8TTA+ DTis not the 6ount$$ DTis not 6ount -anciotto+ &RA<6E76A+ Gracious saintsK )ave you gone craIyL Ritta( speak again( Before 8 chi'e you+ R8TTA+ DTis the solemn truth+ That gentleman is 6ount Paolo( la'y( Brother to -anciotto( an' no more -ike him than$$than$$ &RA<6E76A+ Than *hatL

R8TTA+ 6ount Gui'oDs pot( &or boiling *aiting$mai's( is like the bath :f Menus on the arras+ &RA<6E76A+ Are you ma'($$ Huite ma'( poor RittaL R8TTA+ ,esF perhaps 8 am+ Perhaps -anciotto is a proper man$$ Perhaps 8 lie$$perhaps 8 speak the truth$$ Perhaps 8 gabble like a fool+ :K heavens( That 'rea'ful potK &RA<6E76A+ Dear RittaK$$

R8TTA+ By the mass( They shall not coIen you( my gentle mistressK 8f my lor' Gui'o boile' me( 'o you think 8 shoul' be serve' up to the garrison( By *ay of pottageL 7urely they *oul' not *aste me+

&RA<6E76A+ ,ou are an i'le talker+ Pranks like these &it your companions+ ,ou forget yourself+ R8TTA+ <ot you( though( la'y+ Bol'ly 8 repeat( That he *ho looke' so fair( an' talke' so s*eet( Jho ro'e from Rimini upon a horse :f 'apple$gray( an' *alke' through yon'er gate( 8s not 6ount -anciotto+ &RA<6E76A+ R8TTA+ 8 'o( in'ee'K &RA<6E76A+ Then 8 am more abuse'$$ >ore tricke'( more trifle' *ith( more playe' upon$$ By him( my father( an' by all of you( Than anything( suspecte' of a heart( Jas ever yetK R8TTA+ 8n 6ount Paolo( la'y( Perchance there *as no me'itate' frau'+ &RA<6E76A+ )o*( 'are you plea' for himL R8TTA+ 8 but suppose: Though in your father$$:K 8 'are not say+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 'are+ 8t *as ill usage( gross abuse( Treason to 'uty( meanness( craft$$'ishonourK Jhat if 8D' thro*n my heart before the feet :f this sham husban'K cast my love a*ay ;pon a counterfeitK 8 *as prepare' To force affection upon any man 6alle' -anciotto+ Anything of silk( Tinsel( an' ge*ga*s( if he bore that name( >ight have receive' me for the asking+ ,es( 8 *as incline' to venture more than half 8n this base business$$shame upon my thoughtsK$$ All for my fatherDs peace an' poor RavennaDs+ An' this Paolo( *ith his cavalca'e( )is minstrels( music( an' his pretty airs( )is sho*y person( an' his fulsome talk( Almost ma'e me contente' *ith my lot+ :K *hat a fool$$in faith( 8 merit it$$ Trappe' by mere glitterK Jhat an easy foolK )aK haK 8Dm gla' it *ent no further( girlF 3?-aughing+?5 8Dm gla' 8 kept my heart safe( after all+ There *as my cunning+ 8 have pai' them back( 8 *arrant youK 8Dll marry -anciottoF 8Dll seem to shuffle by this treachery+ <oK 8Dll seek my father( put him face to face Jith his o*n falsehoo'F an' 8Dll stan' bet*een( A*ful as justice( meting out to him )eavenDs 'rea'ful canons Dgainst his conscious guilt+ 8Dll marry -anciotto+ :n my faith( 8 *oul' not live another *icke' 'ay )ere( in Ravenna( only for the fear This you meanL

That 8 shoul' take to lying( *ith the rest+ )aK haK it makes me merry( *hen 8 think )o* safe 8 kept this little heart of mineK 3?-aughing+? 3?EGit( *ith? ATTE<DA<T7( ?etc+? R8TTA+ 7o( Dtis all en'e'$$all eGcept my boiling( An' that *ill make a holi'ay for some+ Perhaps 8Dm selfish+ &agot( aGe( an' gallo*s( They have their uses( after all+ They give The lookers$on a 'eal of harmless sport+ Though one may suffer( t*enty hun're' laughF An' thatDs a point gaine'+ 8 have seen a man$$ Poor DoraDs uncle$$shake himself *ith glee( At the bare thought of the ri'iculous style 8n *hich some villain 'ie'+ EDancing(E Auoth he( ETo the poor music of a single stringK Biting(E Auoth he( Eafter his hea' *as offK Jhat use of thatLE :r( E7hivering(E Auoth he( EAs from an ague( *ith his bear' afireKE An' then heD' roar until his ugly mouth 7plit at the corners+ But to see me boil$$ that *ill be the Aueerest thing of allK 8 *on'er if theyDll put me in a bag( -ike a great suet$ballL 8Dll go( an' tell 6ount Gui'o( on the instant+ )o* heDll laugh To think his pot has got an occupantK 8 *on'er if he really takes 'elight 8n such amusementsL <ay( 8 have kept faithF 8 only sai' the man *as not -anciottoF <o *or' of -anciottoDs ugliness+ 8 may escape the pot( for all+ Par'eeK 8 *on'er if theyDll put me in a bagK 3?EGit( laughing+?

76E<E 888+ ?The 7ame+ A Room in? G;8D:D7 ?Palace+ Enter? G;8D: ?an'? R8TTA+ R8TTA+ There no*( my lor'( that is the *hole of it: 8 love my mistress more than 8 fear you+ 8f 8 coul' save her finger from the aGe( 8D' give my hea' to 'o it+ 7o( my lor'( 8 am prepare' to ste*+ G;8D:+ Boil( Ritta( boil+

R8TTA+ <oF 8 prefer to ste*+ G;8D:+ An' 8 to boil+

R8TTA+ Tis very har'( my lor'( 8 cannot choose >y *ay of cooking+ 8 shall laugh( 8 vo*( 8n the grim hea'smanDs face( *hen 8 remember That 8 am 'ying for my la'yDs love+ 8 leave no one to she' a tear for meF

&ather nor mother( kith nor kin( have 8( To say( EPoor RittaKE oDer my lifeless clay+ They all have gone before me( an' Dt*ere *ell 8f 8 coul' hurry after them+ G;8D:+ Poor chil'+ 3?Asi'e+?5 But( baggage( sai' you aught of -anciottoL R8TTA+ <o( not a *or'F an' heDs so ugly( tooK G;8D:+ 8s he so uglyL R8TTA+ ;glyK he is *orse Than Pilate on the hangings+ G;8D:+ )ol' your tongue )ere( an' at Rimini( about the 6ount( An' you shall prosper+ R8TTA+ Am 8 not to boilL

G;8D:+ <o( chil'+ But be 'iscreet at Rimini+ :l' >alatesta is a 'rea'ful man$$ &ar *orse than 8$$he bakes his people( RittaF -ar's them( like geese( an' bakes them in an oven+ R8TTA+ &ire is my fate( 8 see that+ G;8D:+ )ave a care 8t 'o not follo* you beyon' this *orl'+ Jhere is your mistressL R8TTA+ 8n her room( my lor'+ After 8 tol' her of the 6ount Paolo( 7he fle* to have an intervie* *ith youF But on the *ay$$8 kno* not *hy it *as$$ 7he 'arte' to her chamber( an' there stays Jeeping in silence+ 8t *oul' 'o you goo'$$ >ore than a hun're' sermons$$just to see A single tear( in'ee' it *oul'( my lor'+ G;8D:+ )aK you are saucy+ 8 have honoure' you Past pru'ence( malpertK Get you to your roomK 3?EGit? R8TTA+5 >ore of my bloo' runs in yon 'amselDs veins Than the *orl' kno*s+ )er mother to a sha'eF The same high spirit( an' strange martyr$*ish To sacrifice herself( bo'y an' soul( &or some love' en'+ All that she 'i' for meF An' yet 8 love' her not+ :K memoryK The 'arkest future has a ray of hope( But thou art blacker than the sepulchreK Thy horri' shapes lie roun'( like scattere' bones( )opeless foreverK 8 am sick at heart+ The past cro*'s on the present: as 8 so*e'( 7o am 8 reaping+ 7ha'o*s from myself &all on the picture( as 8 trace ane* These rising spectres of my early life( An' a'' their gloom to *hat *as 'ark before+

:K memory( memoryK )o* my temples throbK ?Enter? &RA<6E76A( ?hastily+? &RA<6E76A+ >y lor'( this outrage$$ 3?)e looks up+?5 &ather( are you illL ,ou seem unhappy+ )ave 8 trouble' youL ,ou hear' ho* passionate an' ba' 8 *as( Jhen Ritta tol' me of the 6ount Paolo+ Dear father( calm yourselfF an' let me ask A chil'Ds forgiveness+ DT*as un'utiful To 'oubt your *is'om+ 8t is over no*+ 8 only thought you might have truste' me Jith any counsel+ G;8D:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 Joul' 8 ha'K &RA<6E76A+ AhK *ell( 8 un'erstan' it all( an' you *ere right+ :nly the 'anger of it+ Think( my lor'( 8f 8 ha' love' this man at the first sight: Je all have hear' of such things+ Think( again( 8f 8 ha' love' him$$as 8 then suppose' ,ou *ishe' me to$$Dt*oul' have been very sa'+ But no( 'ear sir( 8 kept my heart secure( <or *ill 8 loose it till you give the *or'+ 8Dm *iser than you thought me( you perceive+ But *hen *e sa* him( face to face( together( 7urely you might have tol' me then+ G;8D:+ &rancesca( >y eyes are ol'$$8 'i' not clearly see$$&aith( it escape' my thoughts+ 7ome other things 6ame in my hea'+ 8 *as as ignorant :f 6ount PaoloDs coming as yourself+ The brothers are so like+ &RA<6E76A+ 8n'ee'L

3?7its+?

G;8D:+ ,es( yes+ :ne is the otherDs counterpart( in factF An' even no* it may not be$$:K shameK 8 lie by habit+ 3?Asi'e+? &RA<6E76A+ Then there is a hopeL )e may be -anciotto( after allL :K joy$$ ?Enter a? 7ERMA<T+ 7ERMA<T+ The 6ount Paolo+ &RA<6E76A+ >iseryK That name *as not -anciottoK G;8D:+ &are*ell( chil'+ 8Dll leave you *ith the 6ount: heDll make it plain+ 8t seems Dt*as 6ount Paolo+ 3?EGit+?

3?Going+?

&RA<6E76A+ G;8D:+

&atherK Jell+

&RA<6E76A+ ,ou kne* it from the firstK 3?EGit? G;8D:+5 -et me begone: 8 coul' not look him in the face again Jith the ol' faith+ Besi'es( Dt*oul' anger him To have a living *itness of his frau' Ever before himF an' 8 coul' not trust$$ 7trive as 8 might$$my happiness to him( As once 8 'i'+ 8 coul' not lay my han' ;pon his shoul'er( an' look up to him( 7aying( Dear father( pilot me along Past this 'rea' rock( through yon'er narro* strait+ 7aints( noK The gol' that gave my life a*ay >ight( even then( be rattling in his purse( Jarm from the buyerDs han'+ -ook on me( )eavenK )im thou 'i'st sanctify before my eyes( )im thou 'i'st charge( as thy great 'eputy( Jith guar'ianship of a *eak orphan girl( )as fallen from grace( has paltere' *ith his trustF 8 have no mother to receive thy charge($$ :K take it on thyselfF an' *hen 8 err( Through mortal blin'ness( )eaven( be thou my gui'eK Jorse cannot fall me+ Though my husban' lack A parentDs ten'erness( he yet may have &aith( truth( an' honour$$the immortal bon's That knit together honest hearts as one+ -et me a*ay to Rimini+ AlasK 8t *rings my heart to have outlive' the 'ay That 8 can leave my home *ith no regretK 3?Jeeps+? ?Enter? PA:-:+ PA:-:+ Pray( par'on me+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou are Auite *elcome( 6ount A foolish tear( a *eakness( nothing more: But present *eeping clears our future sight+ They tell me you are loveDs commissioner( A kin' of broker in the tra'e of hearts: 8s it your usual businessL or may 8 &latter myself( by claiming this essay As your first effortL PA:-:+ -a'y( 8 believe' >y post( at starting( one of *eight an' trustF Jhen 8 behel' you( 8 conclu'e' it A charge of honour an' high 'ignity+ 8 'i' not think to hear you un'errate ,our o*n importance( by 'ishonouring me+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou are severe( my lor'+ PA:-:+ <o( not severeF 7ay can'i'( rather+ 8 am some*hat hurt By my reception+ 8f 8 feel the *oun'( 3?Going+?

DTis not because 8 suffer from the jest( But that your lips shoul' 'eal it+ &RA<6E76A+ 6ompliments Appear to be the staple of your speech+ ,ou ravish one *ith courtesy( you pour &ine *or's upon one( till the listening hea' 8s bo*e' *ith s*eetness+ 7ir( your talk is 'rugge'F ThereDs secret poppy in your sugare' phrase: 8Dll taste before 8 take it+ PA:-:+ Gentle la'y$$

&RA<6E76A+ 8 am not gentle( or 8 misse' my aim+ 8 am no ha*k to fly at every lure+ ,ou courtly gentlemen 'ra* one broa' rule$$ All girls are fools+ 8t may be so( in truth( ,et so 8Dll not be treate'+ PA:-:+ )ave you beenL 8f 8 implie' such slan'er by my *or's( They *rong my purpose+ 8f 8 compliment( DTis not from habit( but because 8 thought ,our face 'eserve' my homage as its 'ue+ Jhen 8 have clearer insight( an' you sprea' ,our inner nature oDer your lineaments( Even that face may 'arken in the sha'es :f my opinion+ &or mere loveliness <ee's in*ar' light to keep it al*ays bright+ All things look ba'ly to unfrien'ly eyes+ 8 spoke my first impressionF cooler thought >ay *ork strange changes+ &RA<6E76A+ Ah( 7ir 6ount( at length ThereDs matter in your *or's+ PA:-:+ ;npleasant stuff( To ju'ge by your 'ark bro*s+ 8 have essaye' =in'ness an' col'ness( yet you are not please'+ &RA<6E76A+ )o* can 8 beL PA:-:+ )o*( la'yL

&RA<6E76A+ Ay( sir( ho*L ,our brother$$my goo' lor' that is to be$$ 7tings me *ith his neglectF an' in the place )e shoul' have fille'( he sen's a go$bet*een( A common carrier of othersD loveF )o* can the sen'er( or the person sent( Please overmuchL <o*( *ere 8 such as you( 8D' be too prou' to travel roun' the lan' Jith other peopleDs feelings in my heartF Even to fill the voi' *hich you confess By such employment+ PA:-:+ -a'y( Dtis your *ish To nettle me( to break my bree'ing 'o*n( An' see *hat natural passions 8 have hi''en

Behin' the out*orks of my etiAuette+ 8 neither o*n nor feel the *ant of heart Jith *hich you charge me+ ,ou are more than cruelF ,ou rouse my nerves until they ache *ith life( An' then pour fire upon them+ &or myself 8 *oul' not speak( unless you ha' compelle'+ >y task is o'ious to me+ 7ince 8 came( )eaven bear me *itness ho* my traitor heart )as fought against my 'utyF an' ho* oft 8 *ishe' myself in -anciottoDs place+ :r him in mine+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou ri''le+

PA:-:+ Do 8L Jell( -et it remain unguesse'+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou *ishe' yourself At Rimini( or -anciotto hereL ,ou may have reasons+ PA:-:+ Jell interprete'K The 7phinG *ere simple in your skilful han'sK &RA<6E76A+ 8t has become your turn to sneer+ PA:-:+ But 8 )ave gall to fee' my bitterness( *hile you .est in the *anton ease of happiness+ 7topK there is peril in our talk+ &RA<6E76A+ As ho*L

PA:-:+ DTis 'angerous to talk about oneDs selfF 8t pan'ers selfishness+ >y 'uty *aits+ &RA<6E76A+ >y future lor'Ds affairsL 8 Auite forgot 6ount -anciotto+ PA:-:+ 8( too( shame upon me+ 3?Asi'e+?

&RA<6E76A+ Does he resemble youL PA:-:+ Pray 'rop me( la'y+

&RA<6E76A+ <ay( ans*er me+ PA:-:+ &RA<6E76A+ 8s he so fairL 7ome*hat$$in feature+ )aK

PA:-:+ <o( 'arker+ )e *as tanne' 8n long campaigns( an' battles hotly fought( Jhile 8 lounge' i'ly *ith the trouba'ours( ;n'er the sha'o* of his *atchful s*or'+ &RA<6E76A+ 8n personL

PA:-:+ )e is shorter( 8 believe( But broa'er( stronger( more compactly knit+ &RA<6E76A+ Jhat of his min'L PA:-:+ Ah( no* you strike the keyK A min' just fitte' to his history( An eAual balance Dt*iGt 'esert an' fame+ <o future chronicler shall say of him( )is fame outran his meritF or his merit )alte' behin' some a'verse circumstance( An' never *on the glory it 'eserve'+ >y love might *eary you( if 8 rehearse' The simple beauty of his characterF )is gran'eur an' his gentleness of heart( )is *arlike fire an' peaceful love( his faith( )is courtesy( his truth+ 8Dll not 'eny 7ome human *eakness( to attract our love( )arbours in him( as in the rest of us+ 7ometimes against our cityDs enemies )e thun'ers in the 'istance( an' 'evotes Their homes to ruin+ Jhen the bran' has fallen( )e ever follo*s *ith a healing rain( An' in his pity shoul'ers by revenge+ A thorough sol'ier( la'y+ )e grasps cro*ns( Jhile 8 pick at the laurel+ &RA<6E76A+ 7tay( my lor'K 8 aske' your brotherDs value( *ith no *ish To hear you un'errate yourself+ ,our *orth >ay rise in passing through anotherDs lips+ -anciotto is perfection( thenL PA:-:+ To me: :thers may think my brother over$nice ;pon the point of honourF over$keen To take offence *here no offence is meantF A thought too pro'igal of human life( )ol'ing it naught *hen *eighe' against a *rongF 7uspicious of the motives of his frien'sF Distrustful of his o*n high eGcellenceF An' *ith a certain gloom of temperament( Jhen thus 'isturbe'( that makes him terrible An' rash in action+ 8 have hear' of thisF 8 never felt it+ 8 'istress you( la'yL Perhaps 8 thro* these points too much in sha'e( By catching at an enemyDs report+ But( then( -anciotto sai'( E,ouDll speak of me( <ot as 8 ought to be( but as 8 am+E )e loathes 'eceit+ &RA<6E76A+ ThatDs nobleK )ave you 'oneL 8 have observe' a strange reserve( at times( An over$carefulness in choosing *or's( Both in my father an' his nearest frien's( Jhen speaking of your brotherF as if they Picke' their *ay slo*ly over rocky groun'( &earing to stumble+ Ritta( too( my mai'( Jhen her tongue rattles on in full career(

7tops at your brotherDs name( an' *ith a sigh 7ettles herself to 'ismal silence+ 6ount( These things have trouble' me+ &rom you 8 look &or perfect frankness+ 8s there naught *ithhel'L PA:-:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 : base temptationK Jhat if 8 betray )is cripple' person$$imitate his limp$$ -augh at his hip( his back( his sullen moo's :f chil'ish superstitionL$$trea' his heart ;n'er my feet( to climb into his placeL$$;se his o*n *arrant Dgainst himselfF an' say( Because 8 love' her( an' misju'ge' your jest( Therefore 8 stole herL Jhy( a common thief Joul' hang for just such thinkingK )aK haK haK 3?-aughing+?5 8 reckon on her love( as if 8 hel' The counsels of her bosom+ <o( 8 s*ear( &rancesca *oul' 'espise so mean a 'ee'+ )ave 8 no honour eitherL Are my thoughts All boun' by her opinionsL &RA<6E76A+ This is strangeK 8s -anciottoDs name a spell to allL 8 ask a simple Auestion( an' straight you 7tart to one si'e( an' mutter to yourself( An' laugh( an' groan( an' play the lunatic( 8n such a style that you astoun' me more Than all the others+ 8t appears to me 8 have been single' as a common 'upe By every one+ Jhat mystery is this 7urroun's 6ount -anciottoL 8f there be A single creature in the universe Jho has a right to kno* him as he is( 8 am that one+ PA:-:+ 8 grant it+ ,ou shall see( An' shape your ju'gment by your o*n remark+ All that my honour calls for 8 have sai'+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 am content+ ;nless 8 greatly err( )eaven ma'e your breast the seat of honest thoughts+ ,ou kno*( my lor'( that( once at Rimini( There can be no retreat for me+ By you( )ere at Ravenna( in your brotherDs name( 8 shall be solemnly betrothe'+ An' no* 8 thus eGten' my mai'en han' to youF 8f you are conscious of no secret guilt( Take it+ PA:-:+ 8 'o+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou trembleK 3?Takes her han'+?

PA:-:+ Jith the han'( <ot *ith the obligation+ &RA<6E76A+ &are*ell( 6ountK DT*ere cruel to taG your stock of compliments( That *aste their s*eets upon a trammelle' heartF

Go fly your fancies at some freer game+ PA:-:+ :( )eaven( if 8 have faltere' an' am *eak( Tis from my natureK &ancies( more accurse' Than haunt a mur'ererDs be'si'e( throng my brain$$ Temptations( such as mortal never bore 7ince 7atan *hispere' in the ear of Eve( 7ing in my ear$$an' all( all are accurse'K At heart 8 have betraye' my brotherDs trust( &rancescaDs openly+ Turn *here 8 *ill( As if enclose' *ithin a mirrore' hall( 8 see a traitor+ <o* to stan' erect( &irm on my base of manly constancyF :r( if 8 stagger( let me never Auit The homely path of 'uty( for the *ays That bloom an' glitter *ith se'uctive sinK

3?EGit+?

3?EGit+?

A6T 888 76E<E 8+ ?Rimini+ A Room in the 6astle+? -A<68:TT: ?'iscovere' rea'ing+? -A<68:TT:+ :K fie( philosophyK This 7eneca Revels in *ealth( an' *hines about the poorK Talks of starvation *hile his banAuet *aits( An' fancies that a t*o hoursD appetite Thro*s light on famineK Doubtless he can tell( As he skips nimbly through his 'ancing$girls( )o* sa' it is to limp about the *orl' A sightless crippleK -et him feel the crutch Jearing against his heart( an' then 8D' hear This sage talk gliblyF or provi'e a pa'( 7tuffe' *ith his soft philosophy( to ease )is aching shoul'er+ Psha*K he never felt( :r pain *oul' choke his frothy utterance+ DTis easy for the 'octor to compoun' )is nauseous simples for a sick manDs healthF But let him s*allo* them( for his 'isease( Jithout *ry faces+ AhK the tug is there+ 7ho* me philosophy in rags( in *ant( 7ick of a fever( *ith a back like mine( 6reeping to *is'om on these legs( an' 8 Jill 'rink its comforts+ :utK a*ay *ith youK ThereDs no such thing as real philosophyK 3?Thro*s 'o*n the book+?5 3?Enter? PEPE+5 )ere is a sage *hoDll teach a courtier The la*s of etiAuette( a statesman rule( A sol'ier 'iscipline( a poet verse( An' each mechanic his 'istinctive tra'eF ,et bring him to his motley( an' ho* *i'e )e shoots from reasonK Je can un'erstan' All business but our o*n( an' thrust a'vice

8n every gaping cranny of the *orl'F Jhile habit shapes us to our o*n 'ull *ork( An' reason no's above his proper task+ .ust so philosophy *oul' rectify All things abroa'( an' be a ja'e at home+ Pepe( *hat think you of the EmperorDs aim To*ar's )ungaryL PEPE+ A most un*ise 'esignF &or mark( my lor'$$ -A<68:TT:+ Jhy( thereK the fact cries out+ )ereDs motley thinking for a 'ia'emK$$ Ay( an' more *isely in his o*n regar'+ PEPE+ ,ou flout me( cousin+ -A<68:TT:+ )ave you aught thatDs ne*L$$ 7ome *itty trifle( some absur' conceitL PEPE+ Troth( no+ -A<68:TT:+ Jhy not give up the Emperor( An' ben' your *is'om on your 'uties( PepeL PEPE+ Because the Emperor has more nee' of *is'om Than the most barren fool of *it+ -A<68:TT:+ Jell sai'K >ere habit brings the fool back to his art+ This jester is a rare philosopher+ Teach me philosophy( goo' fool+ PEPE+ <o nee'+ ,ouDll get a teacher *hen you take a *ife+ 8f she 'o not instruct you in more arts Than Aristotle ever thought upon( The goo' ol' race of *oman has 'ecline' 8nto a sort of male stupi'ity+ 8 ha' a s*eetheart once( she lecture' gran'lyF <o matter on *hat subject she might hit( T *as all the same( she coul' talk an' she *oul'+ 7he ha' no silly mo'estyF she 'ashe' 7traight in the teeth of any argument( An' talke' you 'eaf( 'umb( blin'+ Jhatever struck ;pon her ear( by some machinery( 7et her tongue *agging+ Thank the -or'( she 'ie'K$$ Droppe' in the mi''le of a fierce harangue( -ike a spent horse+ 8t *as an even thing( Jhether she talke' herself or me to 'eath+ The latest sign of life *as in her tongueF 8t *agge' till sun'o*n( like a serpentDs tail( -ong after all the rest of her *as col'+ AlasK poor TippaK -A<68:TT:+ Jere you marrie'( foolL

PEPE+ >arrie'K )ave 8 the scars upon meL <oF 8 fell in loveF an' that *as ba' enough(

An' far enough for a mere fool to go+ >arrie'K *hy( marriage is loveDs purgatory( Jithout a heaven beyon'+ -A<68:TT:+ &ie( atheistK Joul' you abolish marriageL PEPE+ -A<68:TT:+ PEPE+ ,es+ JhatL ,es+

-A<68:TT:+ Depopulate the *orl'L PEPE+ <o fear of that+ 8D' have no families( no >alatesti( 7trutting about the lan'( *ith pe'igrees An' claims beAueathe' them by their ancestorsF <o fello*s vapouring of their royal bloo'F <o one to seiIe a *hole inheritance( An' rob the other chil'ren of the earth+ By .oveK you shoul' not kno* your fathers( evenK 8D' have you spring( like toa'stools( from the soil$$ >ere sons of *omen$$nothing more nor less$$ All base$born( an' all eAual+ There( my lor'( There is a simple common*ealth for youK 8n *hich aspiring merit takes the lea'( An' birth goes begging+ -A<68:TT:+ 8t is so( in truthF An' by the simplest means 8 ever hear'+ PEPE+ Think of it( cousin+ Tell it to your frien's( The statesmen( sol'iers( an' philosophersF <oise it about the earth( an' let it stir The sluggish spirits of the multitu'es+ Pursue the thought( scan it( from en' to en'( Through all its latent possibilities+ 8t is a great see' 'roppe'( 8 promise you( An' it must sprout+ Thought never *holly 'iesF 8t only *ants a name$$a har' Greek name$$ 7ome fe* apostles( *ho may live on it$$ cro*' of listeners( *ith the average 'ulness That man possesses$$an' *e organiIeF 7prea' our ne* 'octrine( like a general plagueF Talk of manDs progress an' 'evelopment( Jrongs of society( the march of min'( The Devil( Doctor &austus( an' *hat notF An'( loK this pretty *orl' turns upsi'e 'o*n( All *ith a foolDs i'eaK -A<68:TT:+ By .upiter( ,ou hit our mo'ern teachers to a hairK 8 kne* this fool *as a philosopher+ Pepe is right+ >echanic means a'vanceF <ature bo*s 'o*n to 7cienceD haughty trea'( An' turns the *heel of smutty artifice: <e* governments arise( 'ilate( 'ecay(

An' foster cree's an' churches to their tastes: At each a'vance( *e cry( EBehol'( the en'KE Till some fresh *on'er breaks upon the age+ But man( the moral creature( mi'st it all 7tan's still unchange'F nor moves to*ar's virtue more( <or comprehen's the mysteries in himself( >ore than *hen Plato taught aca'emies( :r Teno thun'ere' from his Attic porch+ PEPE+ 8 kno* not thatF 8 only *ant my scheme Trie' for a *hile+ 8 am a politician( A *rongs$of$man man+ )ang philosophyK -et metaphysics s*allo*( at a gulp( 8ts last t*o syllables( an' purge itself 6lean of its filthy humoursK 8 am one Rea'y for martyr'om( for stake an' fire( 8f 8 can make my great i'ea take rootK Toun'sK cousin( if 8 ha' an au'ience( 8D' make you shu''er at my eloAuenceK 8 have an itching to reform the *orl'+ -A<68:TT:+ Begin at home( then+ PEPE+ )ome is not my sphereF )eaven picke' me out to teach my fello*$men+ 8 am a very firebran' of truth$$ A self$consuming( 'oome'( 'evote' bran'$$ That burns to ashes *hile 8 light the *orl'K 8 feel it in me+ 8 am move'( inspire'( 7tirre' into utterance( by some mystic po*er :f *hich 8 am the humble instrument+ -A<68:TT:+ A ba' 'igestion( sage( a bilious turn( A gna*ing stomach( or a pinching shoe+ PEPE+ :K hear( but spare the scofferK 7pare the *retch Jho sneers at the anointe' man of truthK Jhen *e reache' that( 8 an' my follo*ers Joul' ren' you limb from limb+ ThereK$$haK haK haK 3?-aughing+?5 )ave 8 not caught the slang these fello*s preachF A gran'( original i'ea( to back itF An' all the stock in tra'e of a reformerL -A<68:TT:+ ,ou have in'ee'F nor 'o 8 *on'er( Pepe+ &ool as you are( 8 promise you success 8n your ne* calling( if youDll set it up+ The thing is far too simple+ ?Trumpet soun's *ithin+? PEPE+ )istK my lor'+

-A<68:TT:+ That calls me to myself+ PEPE+ At that alarm( All Rimini leape' up upon its feet+ 6ousin( your bri'al$train+ ,ou groanK D:'s *oun'sK )ere is the bri'egroom sorely malcontent$$

The sole sa' face in Rimini+ 7ince morn( A Auiet man coul' har'ly *alk the streets( &or flo*ers an' streamers+ All the to*n is gay+ Perhaps Dtis merry oDer your misery+ -A<68:TT:+ PerhapsF but that it kno*s not+ PEPE+ ,es( it 'oes: 8t kno*s that *hen a manDs about to *e'( )eDs ripe to laugh at+ 6ousin( tell me( no*( Jhy is Paolo on the *ay so longL RavennaDs but eight leagues from Rimini$$ -A<68:TT:+ ThatDs just the measure of your tongue( goo' fool+ ,ou trouble me+ 8Dve ha' enough of you$$ BegoneK PEPE+ 8Dm goingF but you see 8 limp+ )ave pity on a cripple( gentle 6ount+ -A<68:TT:+ PepeK PEPE+ A miracle( a miracleK 7ee( see( my lor'( at PepeDs saintly name The lame jog on+ >A-ATE7TA+ 3?Jithout+?5 6ome( -anciottoK -A<68:TT:+ >y father calls+ )arkK 3?-imps+?

PEPE+ 8f he *ere mine( 8D' go$$ ThatDs a goo' boyK 3?Pats? -A<68:TT:D7 ?back+? -A<68:TT:+ 3?7tarting+?5 )an's offK youDll rue it elseK PEPE+ 3-aughing+5 )aK haK 8 lai' my han' upon his humpK )eavens( ho* he sAuirme'K An' *hat a *ish 8 ha' To cry( )oK camelK leap upon his back( An' ri'e him to the 'evilK 7o( *eDve ha' A pleasant flitting roun' philosophyK The 6ount an' &ool bumpe' hea's( an' struck i'eas :ut by the contactK Huite a pleasant talk$$ A frien'ly conversation( nothing more$$ DT*iGt nobleman an' jester+ )oK my bir'( 8 can toss lures as high as any man+ 7o( 8 amuse you *ith my harmless *itL PepeDs your frien' no*$$you can trust in him$$ An honest( simple foolK .ust try it once( ,ou ugly( misbegotten clo' of 'irtK Ay( but the hump$$the touch upon the hump$$ The start an' *riggle$$that *as rareK )aK haK 3?EGit( laughing+? 3?EGit+?

76E<E 88+

?The 7ame+ The Gran' 7Auare before the 6astle+ 7:-D8ER7 on guar'( *ith banners( etc+? 68T8TE<7( ?in holi'ay 'resses( cross the scene+ The houses are hung *ith trophies( banners( garlan's( etc+ Enter? >A-ATE7TA( ?*ith? G;ARD7( ATTE<DA<T7( ?etc+? >A-ATE7TA+ 6aptain( take care the streets be not choke' up By the ru'e rabble+ 7en' to 6aesarDs bri'ge A strong 'etachment of your men( an' clear The *ay before them+ 7ee that nothing check The bri'eDs first entrance into Rimini+ 7tation your veterans in the front+ 6ount Gui'o 6omes *ith his 'aughter( an' his eyes are sharp+ =eep up a sho* of strength before him( sirF An' set some labourers to *ork upon The broken bastion+ >ake all things look brightF As if *e stoo' in eager rea'iness( An' high con'ition( to begin a *ar+ 6APTA8<+ 8 *ill( my lor'+ >A-ATE7TA+ =eep Gui'o in your eyeF An' if you see him looking over$long :n any *eakness of our *alls( just file ,our bulkiest fello*s roun' himF or get up A scuffle *ith the peopleF anything$$ Even if you break a hea' or t*o$$to 'ra* )is vision off+ But *here our strength is great( Take hee' to make him see it+ ,ou conceiveL 6APTA8<+ Trust me( my lor'+ ?Enter? PEPE+ PEPE+ Room( roomK A hallF a hallK 8 pray you( goo' man( has the funeral passe'L >A-ATE7TA+ Jho is it asksL PEPE+ Pepe of Pa'ua( A learne' 'octor of uncivil la*+ >A-ATE7TA+ But ho* a funeralL PEPE+ ,ou are *eak of *it+ &rancesca of RavennaDs borne to church( An' never issues thence+ >A-ATE7TA+ )o*( 'octor( prayL 3?EGit *ith? G;ARD7+

PEPE+ <o*( for a citiIen of Rimini( ,ouDre sa'ly 'ull+ Does she not issue thence &anny of RiminiL A glorious change($$ kin' of resurrection in the fleshK >A-ATE7TA+ 3?-aughing+?5 )aK haK thou cunning villainK 8 *as caught+ 8 o*n it( 'octor+ PEPE+ 3?Asi'e+?5 This ol' fool *oul' laugh

To see me break a stra*( because the bits Jere of uneAual lengths+ >y character 6arries more 'ulness( in the guise of *it( Than *oul' suffice to break an assDs back+ 3?Distant shouts( music( Pc+?5 )arkK here comes .epthaDs 'aughter( jogging on Jith timbrels an' *ith 'ances+ >A-ATE7TA+ )o* soL .epthaDs 'aughterK

PEPE+ )er fatherDs sacrifice+ >A-ATE7TA+ 3?-aughing+?5 )oK hoK ,ouDll burst my beltK :K you outrageous *retch( To jest at 7criptureK PEPE+ ,ou outlan'ish heathen( Tis not in 7criptureK >A-ATE7TA+ 8s it notL

PEPE+ <o more Than you are in heaven+ >ere )ebre* history+ 7he *ent up to the mountains( to be*ail The too$long keeping of her honesty+ ThereDs *oman for youK thereDs a characterK Jhat man *oul' ever think of such a thingL AhK *e of Rimini have little cause &or such a sorro*+ Joul' sheD' been my *ifeK 8Dll marry any *oman in her case+ >A-ATE7TA+ Jhy( PepeL PEPE+ JhyL because( in t*o monthsD time( Along comes father .eptha *ith his knife( An' thereDs an en'+ Jhere is your sacrificeL JhereDs 8saac( AbrahamL Buil' your altar up: :ne pile *ill 'o for both+ >A-ATE7TA+ ThatDs 7cripture( sure+

PEPE+ Then 8Dm a ram( an' you may slaughter me 8n 8saacDs stea'+ >A-ATE7TA+ )ere comes the vanguar'+ Jhere( Jhere is that laggar'L PEPE+ At the mirror( uncle( >aking himself look beautiful+ )e comes( 3?-ooking out+?5 &resh as a bri'egroomK >ark his 'oubletDs fit Across the shoul'ers( an' his hoseK$$ By .ove( he nearly looks like any other manK >A-ATE7TA+ ,ouD' best not let him hear you+ 7irrah( knave( 8 have a min' to s*inge youK 3?7eiIes his ear+?

PEPE+ -oose my earK ,ouDve got the *rong so*( s*ineher'K ,ouDre unjust+ Being his father( 8 *as fool sufficient To think you fashione' him to suit yourself( By *ay of a variety+ The thought Jas goo' enough( the practice 'amnable+ >A-ATE7TA+ )ushK or 8Dll clap you in the pillory+ ?Enter? -A<68:TT:+ PEPE+ 3?7ings+?5 )o( ho( ho( hoK$$ol' Time has *ings$$ JeDre born( *e mourn( *e *e'( *e be'( Je have a 'evilish aching hea'F 7o 'o*n *e lie( An' 'ie( an' fryF An' thereDs a merry en' of thingsK 3?>usic( Pc+( *ithin+?5 )ere come RavennaDs eagles for a roost 8n RiminiK The air is black *ith them+ Jhen go they henceL Jherever yon bir' buil's( The nest remains for ages+ )ave an eye( :r >alatestaDs elephant may feel The eagleDs talons+ -A<68:TT:+ ,ouDre a raven( croaker+

PEPE+ An' you no *hite cro*( to insure us luck+ >A-ATE7TA+ ThereDs matter in his croak+ PEPE+ But men lack ears+ There al*ays isF

>A-ATE7TA+ Then eyes must 'o our *ork+ :l' Gui'o shall be looke' to+ 8f his force Appear too great( 8Dll camp him out of to*n+ -A<68:TT:+ &ather( you are a sorry host+ >A-ATE7TA+ Jell( *ell( 8Dm a goo' lan'lor'( though+ 8 'o not like This flight of eagles more than Pepe+ D7'eathK Gui'o *as ever treacherous+ -A<68:TT:+ >y lor'( ,ou mar my holi'ay by such a thought+ >y holi'ayK Dear saintsK it seems to me That all of you are mocking me+ PEPE+ 7o$$so$$ Gui'o *as ever treacherousL$$so$$soK >A-ATE7TA+ 7o$$soK )o* soL PEPE+ Jhat if this treachery

Run in the bloo'L JeDll tap a vein then$$soK >A-ATE7TA+ 7e* up your mouth( an' min' your fooling foolK PEPE+ Am 8 not foolingL Jhy( my lor'( 8 thought The fooling eGAuisite+ -A<68:TT:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 This thoughtless knave )its near us sometimes *ith his ran'om shafts+ >arriage for meK 8 cannot comprehen'( 8 cannot take it to my heartF the thing 7eems gross( absur'( ri'iculous+ AhK *ell( >y father bears the folly of it allF 8Dm but an actor in his come'y+ >y part is ba'( but 8 must through *ith it+ 3?Retires+? ?7houts( music( Pc+( *ithin+? PEPE+ -ookK hereDs the *hole para'eK >ark yon'er knave$$ The hea' one *ith the stan'ar'+ <ature( natureK )a'st thou a han' in such a botch$*orkL Jhy( A forest of his legs *oul' scarcely make A bunch of fagots+ >ark ol' Gui'o( tooK )e looks like .u'as *ith his silver+ )oK )ereDs ne*s from s*eet RavennaK >A-ATE7TA+ 3?-aughing+?5 )aK haK haK

PEPE+ AhK no* the bri'eK$$thatDs something$$she is tooth$some+ -ook you( my lor'$$no*( *hile the progress halts$$ 6ousin Paolo( has he got the 'umpsL >ercyK to see him( one might almost think DT *as his o*n marriage+ Jhat a 'oleful faceK The boy is ill+ )e caught a fever( uncle( Travelling across the marshes+ PhysicK physicK 8f he be really 'ying( get a 'octor( An' cut the matter short+ DT*ere merciful+ >A-ATE7TA+ &or heavenDs sake( cease your clamourK 8 shall have <o face to meet them else+ DTis strange( for all: Jhat ails PaoloL PEPE+ Dying( by this han'K

>A-ATE7TA+ Then 8 *ill hang you+ PEPE+ DonDt take up my craft+ JitDs such a stranger in your brain that 8 7carce kne* my lo'ger venturing from your mouth+ <o* they come on again+ >A-ATE7TA+ 7tan' backK

PEPE+ 3?-ooking roun'+?5 The bri'egroomL )e flies betimes( before the bri'e sho*s fight+ 3?Jalks back( looking for? -A<68:TT:+ ?>usic( shouts( ringing of bells( Pc+ Enter? >E<$AT$AR>7( ?*ith

banners( Pc?+( G;8D:( 6ARD8<A-( =<8G)T7( ATTE<DA<T7( P?c+F then? PA:-:( ?con'ucting ?&RA<6E76A( ?follo*e' by ?R8TTA( -AD8E7( PAGE7( ?Pc+( an' other? >E<$AT$AR>7+ ?They file aroun' the stage( an' halt+? >A-ATE7TA+ Jelcome( to Rimini( 6ount Gui'oK Jelcome( An' fair impressions of our poor abo'e( To you( my 'aughterK ,ou are *ell returne'( >y son( PaoloK -et me bless you( son+ 3PA:-: ?approaches+?5 )o* many spears are in ol' Gui'oDs trainL 3?Apart to? PA:-:+ PA:-:+ 7ome ten$score+ >A-ATE7TA+ PA:-:+ &ootmenL Double that+

>A-ATE7TA+ DTis *ell+ Again 8 bi' you *elcomeK >ake no sho* :f useless ceremony *ith us+ &rien's )ave closer titles than the empty name+ Je have provi'e' entertainment( 6ount( &or all your follo*ers( in the mi'st of us+ Je trust the veterans of Rimini >ay prove your sol'iers that our courtesy Does not lag far behin' their *arlike Ieal+ -et us 'rop Guelf an' Ghibelin henceforth( 6oupling the names of Rimini an' Ravenna As bri'egroomDs to his bri'eDs+ G;8D:+ 6ount >alatesta( 8 am no rhetorician( or my *or's >ight keep more even *ith the love 8 feel: 7imply( 8 thank you+ Jith an honest han' 8 take the han' *hich you eGten' to me( An' hope our grasp may never lose its *armth+$$ ,ou marke' the bastion by the *ater$si'eL Jeak as a bulrush+ 3?Apart to a? =<8G)T+ =<8G)T+ Tottering *eak( my lor'+

G;8D:+ Remember itF an' *hen youDre private( sir( Dra* me a plan+ =<8G)T+ 8 *ill( my lor'+

G;8D:+ )o*Ds thisL 8 'o not see my future son$in$la*+ >A-ATE7TA+ -anciottoK -A<68:TT:+ 3?A'vancing+?5 8 am here( my lor'+ &RA<6E76A+ 3?7tarting+?5 :K heavenK 8s that my husban'( 6ount PaoloL ,ou( ,ou then( among the rest( have playe' me falseK

)e is$$3?Apart to ?PA:-:+ PA:-: >y brother+ -A<68:TT: 3?Asi'e+?5 )aK she turns from me+ PEPE+ 3?Approaching ?-A<68:TT:( ?sings+?5 Aroun'( aroun' the la'y turne'( 7he turne' not to her lor'F 7he turne' aroun' to a gallant( gallant knight( Jho ate at his fatherDs boar'+ A pretty balla'K all on one string though+ -A<68:TT:+ Pepe( go henceK 3PEPE ?retires+?5 3?Asi'e+?5 8 sa* her start an' pale( Turn off *ith horrorF as if she ha' seen$$ JhatL$$simply me+ &or( am 8 not enough( An' something over( to make la'ies Auail( 7tart( hi'e their faces( *hisper to their frien's( Point at me$$'are sheL$$an' perform such tricks As *omen *ill *hen monsters blast their sightL :K saints above me( have 8 come so lo*L ,on 'amsel of Ravenna shall be*ail That start an' shu''er+ 8 am ma'( ma'( ma'K 8 must be patient+ They have trifle' *ith her: -ie' to her( lie'K ThereDs half the misery :f this broa' earth( all cro*'e' in one *or'+ -ie'( lie'K$$Jho has not suffere' from a lieL TheyDre all aghast$$all looking at me too+ &rancescaDs *hiter than the bro* of fear: Paolo talks+$$Brother( is that *ell meantL Jhat if 8 'ra* my s*or'( an' fight my *ay :ut of this curse' to*nL DT*oul' be relief+ )as shame no hi'ing$placeL 8Dve touche' the 'epth :f human infamy( an' there 8 rest+ By heaven( 8Dll brave this business outK 7hall they 7ay at Ravenna that 6ount -anciotto( JhoDs 'riven their shivering sAua'rons to their homes( )aggar' *ith terror( turne' before their eyes An' slunk a*ayL TheyDll look me from the fiel'( Jhen *e encounter neGt+ Jhy shoul' not 8 7trut *ith my shapeless bo'y( as ol' Gui'o 7truts *ith his shapeless heartL 8Dll 'o itK 3?:ffers( but shrinks back+?5 D7'eathK Am 8 so false as to fors*ear myselfL -a'y &rancescaK 3?Approaches? &RA<6E76A+ &RA<6E76A+ 7ir$$my lor'$$

-A<68:TT:+ Dear la'y( 8 have a share in your embarrassment( An' kno* the feelings that possess you no*+ &RA<6E76A+ :K you 'o not+ PA:-:+ 3?A'vancing+?5 >y la'y$$ -A<68:TT:+ Gentle brother(

-eave this to me+ 3PA:-: ?retires+? &RA<6E76A+ Pray 'o not sen' him off+

-A<68:TT:+ DTis fitter so+ &RA<6E76A+ -A<68:TT: Do you nee' comfortL )e comforts me+ 8n'ee'L

&RA<6E76A+ <o( no$$par'on meK But then$$he is$$you are$$ -A<68:TT:+ Take breath( an' speak+

&RA<6E76A+ 8 am confuse'( Dtis true+ But( then( my lor'( ,ou are a stranger to meF an' Paolo 8Dve kno*n so longK -A<68:TT:+ 7ince yester'ay+

&RA<6E76A+ AhK *ell: But the relationship bet*een us t*o 8s of so close a nature( *hile the kno*le'ge( That each may have of each( so slen'er is That the t*o jar+ Besi'es( Paolo is <othing to me( *hile you are everything+ 6an 8 not actL 3?Asi'e+? -A<68:TT:+ 8 scarcely un'erstan'+ ,ou say your kno*le'ge of me( till to$'ay( Jas incomplete+ )as naught been sai' of me By 6ount Paolo or your fatherL &RA<6E76A+ But nothing 'efinite+ ,esF

-A<68:TT:+ Perchance( no hint As to my *ays( my feelings( manners( or$$ :r$$or$$as 8 *as saying$$haK haK$$or$$ 3?-aughing+?5 As to my personL &RA<6E76A+ <othing( as to that+ -A<68:TT:+ To *hatL &RA<6E76A+ ,our$$person+ -A<68:TT:+ ThatDs the least of all+ <o*( ha' 8 Gui'o of RavennaDs hea' ;n'er this heel( 8D' grin' it into 'ustK &alse villain( to betray his simple chil'K An' thou( Paolo$$not a *hit behin'$$ )elping his craft *ith inconsi'erate loveK$$ -a'y &rancesca( *hen my brother left( 8 charge' him( as he love' me( to conceal <othing from you that bore on me: an' no* 3?Turns asi'e+?5

That you have seen me( an' converse' *ith me( 8f you object to anything in me($$ Go( 8 release you+ &RA<6E76A+ But RavennaDs peaceL

-A<68:TT:+ 7hall not be perille'+ G;8D:+ 3?6oming behin'( *hispers her+?5 Trust him not( my chil'F 8 kno* his *aysF heD' rather fight than *e'+ Tis but a *ish to have the *ar afoot+ 7tan' firm for poor RavennaK -A<68:TT:+ Jell( my la'y( 7hall *e conclu'e a lasting peace bet*een us By truce or marriage ritesL G;8D:+ 3?Jhispers her+?5 The 'evil tempts thee: Think of Ravenna( think of meK -A<68:TT:+ >y lor'( 8 see my father *aits you+ 3G;8D: ?retires+? &RA<6E76A+ Gentle sir( ,ou 'o me little honour in the choice+ -A<68:TT:+ >y aim is justice+ &RA<6E76A+ Joul' you cast me offL

-A<68:TT:+ <ot for the *orl'( if honestly obtaine'F <ot for the *orl' *oul' 8 obtain you falsely+ &RA<6E76A+ The rites *ere half conclu'e' ere *e met+ -A<68:TT:+ >eeting( *oul' you *ith'ra*L &RA<6E76A+ <o+ Bitter *or'K 3?Asi'e+?

-A<68:TT:+ <oK Are you 'ealing fairlyL &RA<6E76A+ 8 have sai'+

-A<68:TT:+ :K rapture( raptureK 6an it be that 8$$ <o* 8Dll speak plainlyF for a choice like thine 8mplies such love as *oman never felt+ -ove meK Then monsters beget miracles( An' )eaven provi'es *here human means fall short+ -a'y( 8Dll *orship theeK 8Dll line thy path Jith suppliant kingsK Thy *aiting$mai's shall be ;nransome' princessesK >ankin' shall bo* :ne neck to thee( as PersiaDs multitu'es Before the rising sunK &rom this small to*n( This centre of my conAuests( 8 *ill sprea' An empire touching the eGtremes of earthK 8Dll raise once more the name of ancient RomeF An' *hat she s*aye' she shall reclaim againK 8f 8 gro* ma' because you smile on me(

Think of the glory of thy loveF an' kno* )o* har' it is( for such a one as 8( To gaIe unshaken on 'ivinityK ThereDs no such love as mine alive in man+ &rom every corner of the fro*ning earth( 8t has been cro*'e' back into my heart+ <o*( take it allK 8f that be not enough( Ask( an' thy *ish shall be omnipotentK ,our han'+ 3?Takes her han'+?5 8t *avers+ &RA<6E76A+ 7o 'oes not my heart+

-A<68:TT:+ BravoK Thou art every *ay a sol'ierDs *ifeF Thou shoul'st have been a 6aesarDsK &ather( harkK 8 blame' your ju'gment( only to perceive The *eakness of my o*n+ >A-ATE7TA+ Jhat means all thisL

-A<68:TT:+ 8t means that this fair la'y$$though 8 gave Release to her( an' to Ravenna$$place' The liberal han'( *hich 8 restore' to her( Back in my o*n( of her o*n free goo'$*ill+ 8s it not *on'erfulL >A-ATE7TA+ -A<68:TT:+ )o* soL )o* soK 3 ?Asi'e+?

PA:-:+ AlasK Dtis as 8 feare'K >A-ATE7TA+

,ouDre humbleL$$)o*L

-A<68:TT:+ <o* shall 8 cry alou' to all the *orl'( >ake my 'eformity my pri'e( an' say( Because she loves me( 8 may boast of itL <o matter( father( 8 am happyF you( As the blesse' cause( shall share my happiness+ -et us be moving+ Revels( 'ashe' *ith *ine( 7hall multiply the joys of this s*eet 'ayK ThereDs not a blessing in the cup of life 8 have not taste' of *ithin an hourK

3?Asi'e+?5

&RA<6E76A+ 3?Asi'e+?5 Thus 8 begin the practice of 'eceit( Taught by 'eceivers( at a fearful cost+ The bankrupt gambler has become the cheat( An' lives by arts that ere*hile ruine' me+ Jhere it *ill en'( )eaven kno*sF but 8$$ 8 have betraye' the noblest heart of allK -A<68:TT:+ Dra* 'o*n thy 'usky vapours( sullen night$$ Refuse( ye stars( to shine upon the *orl'$$ -et everlasting blackness *rap the sun( An' *hisper terror to the universeK Je nee' ye notK *eDll blin' ye( if ye 'are Peer *ith lack$lustre on our revelryK 8 have at heart a passion( that *oul' make All nature blaIe *ith recreate' lightK 3?EGeunt+?

A6T 8M 76E<E 8+ ?The 7ame+ An Apartment in the 6astle+ Enter? -A<68:TT:+ -A<68:TT:+ 8t cannot be that 8 have 'upe' myself( That my 'esire has playe' into the han' :f my beliefF yet such a thing might be+ Je palm more frau's upon our simple selves Than knavery puts upon us+ 6oul' 8 trust The open can'our of an angelDs bro*( 8 must believe &rancescaDs+ But the tongue 7houl' consummate the proof upon the bro*( An' give the truth its *or'+ The fault lies there+ 8Dve trie' her+ Press her as 8 may to it( 7he *ill not utter those three little *or's$$ E8 love thee+E 7he *ill say( E8Dll marry youF$$ 8Dll be your 'uteous *ifeF$$8Dll cheer your 'aysF$$ 8Dll 'o *hateDer 8 can+E But at the point :f present love( she ever shifts the groun'( Jin's roun' the *or'( laughs( calls me E8nfi'elK$$ )o* can 8 'oubtLE 7o( on an' on+ But yet( &or all her 'ainty *ays( she never says( &rankly( 8 love thee+ 8 am jealous$$trueK 7uspicious$$trueK 'istrustful of myselfF$$ 7he kno*s all that+ Ay( an' she like*ise kno*s( A single *aking of her morning breath Joul' blo* these vapours off+ 8 *oul' not take The barren offer of a heartless han'( 8f all the 8n'ies co*ere' un'er it+ Perhaps she loves anotherL <oF she sai'( E8 love you( 6ount( as *ell as any manFE An' laughe'( as if she thought that precious *it+ 8 turn her nonsense into argument( An' think 8 reason+ 7hall 8 give her upL Rail at her heartlessness( an' bi' her go Back to RavennaL But she clings to me( At the least hint of parting+ AhK Dtis s*eet( 7*eeter than slumber to the li's of pain( To fancy that a sha'o* of true love >ay fall on this Go'$stricken moul' of *oe( &rom so serene a nature+ Beautiful 8s the first vision of a 'esert brook( 7hining beneath its palmy garniture( To one *ho travels on his easy *ayF Jhat is it to the bloo'$shot( aching eye :f some poor *ight *ho cra*ls *ith gory feet( 8n famishe' ma'ness( to its very brinkF An' thro*s his sun$scorche' limbs upon the cool An' humi' margin of its sha'y stran'( To suck up life at every eager gaspL 7uch seems &rancesca to my thirsting soulF 7hall 8 turn off an' 'ieL ?Enter? PEPE+

PEPE+

Goo'$morning( cousinK

-A<68:TT:+ Goo'$morning to your foolish majestyK PEPE+ The same to your majestic fooleryK -A<68:TT:+ ,ou complimentK PEPE+ 8 am a trouba'our( A balla'$monger of fine mongrel balla's( An' therefore running oDer *ith elegance+ Jilt hear my verseL -A<68:TT:+ Jith patienceL

PEPE+ <o( *ith rapture+ ,ou must go ma'$$*eep( ren' your clothes( an' roll :ver an' over( like the ancient Greeks( Jhen listening to 8lia'+ -A<68:TT:+ 7ing( then( singK An' if you eAual )omer in your song( Jhy( roll 8 must( by sheer compulsion+ PEPE+ <ay( ,ou lack the temper of the fine$eare' Greek+ ,ou *ill not rollF but that shall not 'isgrace >y gallant balla'( fallen on evil times+ >y father ha' a blue$black hea'( >y uncleDs hea' *as re''ish$$maybe( >y motherDs hair *as no*ays re'( 7ing high hoK the pretty babyK >ark the simplicity of thatK DTis calle' EThe BabeDs 6onfession(E spoken just before )is father strangle' him+ -A<68:TT:+ >ost marvellousK ,ou struggle *ith a legen' *orth your art+ PEPE+ <o* to the secon' stanIa+ <ote the hint 8 'rop about the babyDs parentage: 7o 'elicately tooK A mai' might sing( An' never blush at it+ Girls love these songs :f sugare' *icke'ness+ TheyDll go miles about( To say a foul thing in a cleanly *ay+ A 'ecent immorality( my lor'( 8s artDs specific+ Get the passions up( But never *ring the stomach+ -A<68:TT:+ Triumphant artK

3?7ings+?5

PEPE+ 3?7ings+?5 >y father combe' his blue$black hea'( >y uncle combe' his re' hea'$$maybe(

>y mother combe' my hea'( an' sai'( 7ing high hoK my re'$haire' baby+ -A<68:TT:+ &ie( fieK go comb your hair in private+ PEPE+ JhatK Jill you not hearL <o* comes the trage'y+ >y father tore my re'( re' hea'( >y uncle tore my fatherDs$$maybe( >y mother tore both till they ble'$$ 7ing high hoK your brotherDs babyK -A<68:TT:+ Jhy( *hat a hair$ren'ingK PEPE+ Thence *igs aroseF A striking epoch in manDs history+ But 'i' you notice the conclu'ing line( 7ung by the victimDs motherL ThereDs a hitK E7ing high hoK your brotherDs babyKE Jhich brotherDs( pray youL ThatDs the mystery( The a'umbration of poetic art( An' there 8 leave it to perpleG mankin'+ 8t has a moral( fathers shoul' regar'($$ A black$haire' 'og bree's not a re'$haire' cur+ Treasure this kno*le'ge: youDre about to *iveF An' no one kno*s *hat acci'ent$$ -A<68:TT:+ Peace( foolK 7o all this cunning thing *as *oun' about( To cast a jibe at my 'eformityL 3?Tears off? PEPED7 ?cap+?5 There lies your cap( the emblem that protects ,our hea' from chastisement+ <o*( Pepe( harkK :f late youDve taken to reviling meF ;n'er your motley( you have 'are' to jest At Go'Ds inflictions+ -et me tell you( fool( <o man eDer live'( to make a secon' jest At me( before your timeK PEPE+ BooK bloo'y$bonesK 8f youDre a co*ar'$$*hich 8 har'ly think$$ ,ouDll have me flogge'( or put into a cell( :r fe' to *olves+ 8f you are bol' of heart( ,ouDll let me run+ Do notF 8Dll *ork you harmK 8( Beppo Pepe( stan'ing as a man( Jithout my motley( tell you( in plain terms( 8Dll *ork you harm$$8Dll 'o you mischief( manK -A<68:TT:+ 8( -anciotto( 6ount of Rimini( Jill hang you( then+ Put on your jingling capF ,ou please my father+ But remember( fool( <o jests at meK PEPE+ 8 *ill try earnest neGt+ 3?7ings+?5

-A<68:TT:+ An' 8 the gallo*s+

PEPE+ Jell( cry Auits( cry AuitsK 8Dll stretch your heart( an' you my neck$$Auits( AuitsK -A<68:TT:+ Go( foolK ,our *eakness boun's your malice+ PEPE+ ,es: 7o you all think( you savage gentlemen( ;ntil you feel my sting+ )ang( hang a*ayK 8t is an airy( *holesome sort of 'eath( >uch to my liking+ Jhen 8 hang( my frien'( ,ouDll be chief mourner( 8 can promise you+ )ang meK 8Dve Auite a notion to be hung: 8Dll 'o my utmost to 'eserve it+ )angK

3?EGit+?

-A<68:TT:+ 8 am bemocke' on all si'es+ >y sa' state )as given the license' an' unlicense' fool 6harter to challenge me at every turn+ The jesterDs laughing bauble blunts my s*or'( )is gibes cut 'eeper than its fearful e'geF An' 8( a man( a sol'ier( an' a prince( Before this motley patch*ork of a man( 7tan' all appalle'( as if he *ere a glass Jherein 8 sa* my o*n 'eformity+ : )eavenK a tear$$one little tear$$to *ash This aching 'ryness of the heart a*ayK ?Enter? PA:-:+ PA:-:+ Jhat ails the foolL )e passe' me( muttering The strangest garbage in the fiercest tone+ E)aK haKE crie' he( Ethey ma'e a fool of me$$ motley man( a slaveF as if 8 felt <o stir in me of manly 'ignityK )aK haK a fool$$a painte' plaything( toy$$ &or men to kick about this 'irty *orl'K$$ >y *orl' as *ell as theirs+$$Go'Ds *orl'( 8 tro*K 8 *ill get even *ith them yet$$haK haK 8n the 'emocracy of 'eath *eDll sAuare+ 8Dll cra*l an' lie besi'e a kingDs o*n sonF =iss a young princess( 'ea' lip to 'ea' lipF Pull the PopeDs noseF an' kick 'o*n 6harlemagne( Throne( cro*n( an' all( *here the ol' i'iot spra*ls( 7afe as he thinks( rotting in royal stateKE An' then he laughe' an' gibbere'( as if 'runk Jith some infernal ecstasy+ -A<68:TT:+ Poor foolK That is the groun'*ork of his malice( then($$ )is conscious 'ifference from the rest of menL 8( of all men( shoul' pity him the most+ Poor PepeK 8Dll be kin'er+ 8 have *ronge' A feeling heart+ Poor PepeK PA:-:+ 7a' againK Jhere has the rapture gone of yester'ayL -A<68:TT:+ Jhere are the leaves of 7ummerL Jhere the sno*s :f last yearDs JinterL Jhere the joys an' griefs That shut our eyes to yesternightDs repose(

An' *oke not on the morro*L .oys an' griefs( )untsmen an' houn's( ye follo* us as game( Poor panting outcasts of your forest$la*K Each cheers the others($$one *ith *il' halloos( An' one *ith *hines an' ho*ls+$$A 'rea'ful chase( That only closes *hen horns soun' ?a mortK? PA:-:+ Thus ever up an' 'o*nK Arouse yourself( Balance your min' more evenly( an' hunt &or honey in the *orm*oo'+ -A<68:TT:+ :r fin' gall )i' in the hanging chalice of the rose: Jhich think you betterL 8f my moo' offen'( JeDll turn to business($$to the empty cares That make such pother in our feverish life+ Jhen at Ravenna( 'i' you ever hear :f any romance in &rancescaDs lifeL A love$tilt( gallantry( or anything That might have touche' her heartL PA:-:+ <ot lightly even+ 8 think her heart as virgin as her han'+ -A<68:TT:+ Then there is hope+ PA:-:+ -A<68:TT:+ :f *hatL :f *inning her+

PA:-:+ GrammercyK -anciotto( are you saneL ,ou boaste' yester'ay$$ -A<68:TT:+ An' change' to$'ay+ 8s that so strangeL 8 al*ays men' the fault :f yester'ay *ith *is'om of to$'ay+ 7he 'oes not love me+ PA:-:+ Psha*K she marries you: DT*ere proof enough for me+ -A<68:TT:+ Perhaps( she loves you+

PA:-:+ >e( -anciotto( meK &or mercyDs sake( Blot out such thoughts$$they ma''en meK Jhat( love$$ 7he love$$yet marry youK -A<68:TT:+ 8t moves you much+ DT*as but a fleeting fancy( nothing more+ PA:-:+ ,ou have such *il' conjecturesK -A<68:TT:+ Jell( to me They seem Auite tameF they are my be'$fello*s+ Think( to a mo'est *oman( *hat must be The loathsome kisses of an unlove' man$$ A gross( coarse ruffianK PA:-:+ :K goo' heavens( forbearK

-A<68:TT:+ Jhat shocks you soL PA:-:+ The picture *hich you 'ra*( Jronging yourself by horri' images+ -A<68:TT:+ ;ntil she love me( till 8 kno*( beyon' The cavil of a 'oubt( that she is mine$$ Jholly( past Auestion$$'o you think that 8 6oul' so afflict the *oman *hom 8 loveL PA:-:+ ,ou love her( -anciottoK -A<68:TT:+ <eGt to you( Dearer than anything in natureDs scope+ PA:-:+ 3?Asi'e+?5 :K )eaven( that 8 must bear thisK ,es( an' more($$ >ore torture than 8 'are to think upon( 7prea's out before me *ith the coming years( An' hol's a recor' blotte' *ith my tears( As that *hich 8 must sufferK -A<68:TT:+ 6ome( Paolo( 6ome help me *oo+ 8 nee' your gui'ing eye( To signal me( if 8 shoul' sail astray+ PA:-:+ :K torture( tortureK -A<68:TT:+ ,ou an' 8( perchance( .oining our forces( may prevail at last+ They call love like a battle+ As for me( 8Dm not a sol'ier eAual to such *ars( Despite my ar'uous schooling+ Tutor me 8n the best arts of amorous strategy+ 8 am Auite ra*( Paolo+ Glances( sighs( 7*eets of the lip( an' arro*s of the eye( 7hrugs( cringes( compliments( are ne* to meF An' 8 shall han'le them *ith little art+ Jill you instruct meL PA:-:+ 6onAuer for yourself+ T*o captains share one honour: keep it all+ Jhat if 8 ask to share the spoilsL -A<68:TT:+ 3?-aughing+?5 )aK haK 8Dll trust you( brother+ -et us go to her: &rancesca is neglecte' *hile *e jest+ 8 kno* not ho* it is( but your fair face( An' noble figure( al*ays cheer me up( >ore than your *or'sF thereDs healing in them( too( &or my *orst griefs+ Dear brother( let us in+ 3?Asi'e+?

3?EGeunt+?

76E<E 88+

?The 7ame+ A 6hamber in the 7ame+? &RA<6E76A ?an'? R8TTA ?'iscovere' at the bri'al toilet+? R8TTA+ 3?7ings+?5 Ring high( ring highK to earth an' skyF A la'y goes a$*e''ingF The people shout( the sho* 'ra*s out( An' smiles the bri'e is she''ing+ <o bell for you( ye ragge' fe*F A beggar goes a$*e''ingF The people sneer( the thingDs so Aueer( An' tears the bri'e is she''ing+ Ring lo*( ring lo*K 'ull bell of *oe( :ne tone *ill 'o for eitherF The la'y gla'( an' beggar sa'( )ave both lain 'o*n together+ &RA<6E76A+ A mournful balla'K R8TTA+ 8 scarce kne* 8 sang+ 8Dm *eary of this *reath+ These orange$flo*ers Jill never be a'juste' to my taste: 7trive as 8 *ill( they ever look a*ry+ >y fingers acheK &RA<6E76A+ <ot more than my poor hea'+ There( leave them so+ R8TTA+ ThatDs better( yet not *ell+

&RA<6E76A+ They are but fa'ing things( not *orth your pains: TheyDll scarce outlive the marriage merriment+ Ritta( these flo*ers are hypocritesF they sho* An outsi'e gayety( yet 'ie *ithin( >inute by minute+ ,ou shall see them fall( Black *ith 'ecay( before the rites are oDer+ R8TTA+ )o* beautiful you areK &RA<6E76A+ &ie( flattererK Jhite silk an' laces( pearls an' orange$flo*ers( Joul' 'o as much for any one+ R8TTA+ <o( noK ,ou give them grace( they nothing give to you+ Jhy( after all( you make the *reath look *ellF But some*hat 'ingy( *here it lies against ,our pulsing temple( sullen *ith 'isgrace+ AhK *ell( your 6ount shoul' be the prou'est man That ever le' a la'y into church( Jere he a mo'ern AleGan'er+ PohK Jhat are his trophies to a face like thatL &RA<6E76A+ 8 seem to please you( Ritta+ R8TTA+ Please yourself( An' you *ill please me better+ ,ou are sa':

8 marke' it ever since you sa* the 6ount+ 8 fear the splen'our of his victories( An' his s*eet grace of manner$$for( in faith( )is is the gentlest( gran'est character( Despite his$$ &RA<6E76A+ JellL R8TTA+ &RA<6E76A+ Despite his$$ Ritta( *hatL

R8TTA+ Despite his 'ifference from 6ount Paolo+$$ 3&RA<6E76A ?staggers+?5 Jhat is the matterL 3?7upporting her+? &RA<6E76A+ <othingF mere fatigue+ )an' me my kerchief+ 8 am better no*+ Jhat *ere you sayingL R8TTA+ That 8 fear the 6ount )as *on your love+ &RA<6E76A+ Joul' that be cause for fearL 3?-aughing+?

R8TTA+ :K yes( in'ee'K :nce$$long ago$$8 *as .ust fool enough to tangle up my heart Jith one of these same men+ DT*as terribleK >orning or evening( *aking or asleep( 8 ha' no peace+ 7ighs( groans( an' stan'ing tears( 6ounte' my moments through the blesse' 'ay+ An' then to this there *as a 'ull( strange ache &orever sleeping in my breast($$a numbing pain( That *oul' not for an instant be forgot+ :K but 8 love' him so( that very feeling Became intolerable+ An' 8 believe' This false Giuseppe( too( for all the sneers( The shrugs an' glances( of my intimates+ They slan'ere' me an' him( yet 8 believe'+ )e *as a noble( an' his love to me Jas a reproach( a shame( yet 8 believe'+ )e *earie' of me( trie' to shake me off( Gre* col' an' formal( yet 8 *oul' not 'oubt+ :K la'y( 8 *as trueK <or till 8 sa* Giuseppe *alk through the cathe'ral 'oor Jith Dora( the rich usurerDs niece( upon The very arm to *hich 8 clung so oft( Di' 8 so much as 'oubt him+ Even then$$ >ore is my shame$$8 ma'e eGcuses for him+ E.ust this or that ha' force' him to the course: Perhaps( he love' me yet$$a little yet+ )is fortune( or his family( ha' 'riven >y poor Giuseppe thus against his heart+ The lo* are sorry ju'ges for the great+ ,es( yes( Giuseppe love' meKE But at last 8 'i' a*ake+ 8t might have been *ith less: There *as no nee' of crushing me( to break >y silly 'ream up+ 8n the street( it chance'(

Dora an' he *ent by me( an' he laughe'$$ A bol'( ba' laugh$$right in my poor pale face( An' turne' an' *hispere' Dora( an' she laughe'+ AhK then 8 sa* it all+ 8Dve been a*ake( Ever since then( 8 *arrant you+ An' no* 8 only pray for him sometimes( *hen frien's Tell his base actions to*ar's his hapless *ife+$$ :K 8 am lying$$8 pray every nightK 3?Jeeps+? &RA<6E76A+ Poor Ritta+ R8TTA+ <oK blest RittaK Thank kin' heaven( That kept me spotless *hen he tempte' me( An' my *eak heart *as plea'ing *ith his tongue+ Pray( 'o not *eep+ ,ou spoil your eyes for me+ But never loveF :K it is terribleK &RA<6E76A+ 8Dll strive against it+ R8TTA+ Do: because( my la'y( Even a husban' may be false( you kno*F Ay( even to so s*eet a *ife as you+ >en have o'' tastes+ TheyDll surfeit on the charms :f 6leopatra( an' then turn asi'e To *oo her blackamoor+ DTis so( in faithF :r DoraDs uncleDs gol' ha' neDer outbi' The boun'less measure of a love like mine+ Think of it( la'y( to *eigh love *ith gol'K Jhat coul' be meanerL &RA<6E76A+ <othing( nothing( Ritta+ Though gol'Ds the stan'ar' measure of the *orl'( An' seems to lighten everything besi'e+ ,et heap the other passions in the scale( An' balance them Dgainst that *hich gol' out*eighs$$ Against this love$$an' you shall see ho* light The most supreme of them are in the poiseK 8 speak by book an' historyF for love 7lights my high fortunes+ ;n'er cloth of state The urchin co*ers from pompous etiAuette( Jaiving his function at the sco*l of po*er( An' seeks the rustic cot to stretch his limbs 8n homely free'om+ 8 fulfil a 'oom+ Je *ho are topmost on this heap of life Are nearer to heavenDs han' than you belo*F An' so are use'( as rea'y instruments( To *ork its purposes+ -et envy hi'e )er *itless forehea' at a princeDs name( An' fiG her hopes upon a clo*nDs content+ ,ou( happy lo*ly( kno* not *hat it is To groan beneath the cro*ne' yoke of state( An' bear the goa'ings of the sceptre+ AhK &ate 'rives us on*ar' in a narro* *ay( Despite our boaste' free'om+ 3?Enter? PA:-:( ?*ith? PAGE7 ?bearing torches+?5 Gracious saintsK Jhat brought you hereL 3?Jeeping+?

PA:-:+

The bri'egroom *aits+ )e 'oesL

&RA<6E76A+ -et him *ait on foreverK 8Dll not goK :K 'ear Paolo$$ PA:-:+ 7isterK

&RA<6E76A+ 8t is *ell+ 8 have been trouble' *ith a sleepless night+ >y brain is *il'+ 8 kno* not *hat 8 say+ Pray( 'o not call me sister: it is col'+ 8 never ha' a brother( an' the name 7oun's harshly to me+ Jhen you speak to me( 6all me &rancesca+ PA:-:+ ,ou shall be obeye'+

&RA<6E76A+ 8 *oul' not be obeye'+ 8D' have you 'o it Because$$because you love me$$as a sister$$ An' of your o*n goo'$*ill( not my comman'( Joul' please me+$$Do you un'erstan'L PA:-:+ DTis a nice 'ifference+ Too *ellK 3?Asi'e+?5

&RA<6E76A+ ,et you un'erstan'L 7ay that you 'o+ PA:-:+ 8 'o+

&RA<6E76A+ That pleases me+ DTis flattering if our$$frien's appreciate :ur nicer feelings+ PA:-:+ 8 a*ait you( la'y+

&RA<6E76A+ Ritta( my gloves+$$AhK yes( 8 have them onF Though 8Dm not Auite prepare'+ Arrange my veilF 8t fol's too closely+ That *ill 'oF retire+ 3R8TTA ?retires+?5 7o( 6ount Paolo( you have come( hot haste( To lea' me to the church($$to have your share 8n my un'oingL An' you came( in sooth( Because they sent youL ,ou are very tameK An' if they sent( *as it for you to comeL PA:-:+ -a'y( 8 'o not un'erstan' this scorn+ 8 came( as is my 'uty( to escort >y brotherDs bri'e to him+ Jhen neGt youDre calle'( 8Dll sen' a lackey+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 have angere' you+

PA:-:+ Jith reason: 8 *oul' not appear to you -o* or contemptible+ &RA<6E76A+ Jhy not to meL

PA:-:+ -a'y( 8Dll not be catechiIe'+ &RA<6E76A+ )aK 6ountK

PA:-:+ <oK if you press me further( 8 *ill say A *or' to ma''en you+$$7tan' stillK ,ou stray Aroun' the margin of a precipice+ 8 kno* *hat pleasure Dtis to pluck the flo*ers That hang above 'estruction( an' to gaIe 8nto the 'rea' abyss( to see such things As may be safely seen+ Tis perilous: The eye gro*s 'iIIy as *e gaIe belo*( An' a *il' *ish possesses us to spring 8nto the vacant air+ Be*are( be*areK -est this unholy fascination gro* Too strong to conAuerK &RA<6E76A+ ,ou talk *il'ly( 6ountF ThereDs not a gleam of sense in *hat you sayF 8 cannot hit your meaning+ PA:-:+ -a'y( comeK 3?Jeeps+?

&RA<6E76A+ 6ount( you are cruelK PA:-:+ :K noF 8 *oul' be kin'+ But no*( *hile reason over$ri'es my heart( An' seeming anger plays its braggart part$$ 8n heavenDs name( comeK &RA<6E76A+ :ne *or'$$one Auestion more: 8s it your *ish this marriage shoul' procee'L PA:-:+ 8t is+ &RA<6E76A+ 6ome onK ,ou shall not take my han': 8Dll *alk alone$$no*( an' foreverK PA:-:+ 3?Taking her han'+?5 7isterK

3?EGeunt? PA:-: ?an'? &RA<6E76A( ?*ith? PAGE7+ R8TTA+ :K misery( miseryK$$it is plain as 'ay$$ 7he loves PaoloK Jhy *ill those 8 love &orever get themselves ensnare'( an' heaven &orever call on me to succor themL )ere *as the mystery( then$$the sighs an' tears( The trouble' slumbers( an' the *aking 'reamsK An' no* sheDs *alking through the chapel$'oor( )er bri'al robe above an aching heart( Dresse' up for sacrifice+ Tis terribleK An' yet sheDll smile an' 'o it+ 7mile( for years( ;ntil her heart breaksF an' the nurses ask The 'octor of the cause+ )eDll ans*er( too( 8n har' thick -atin( an' believe himself+ :K my 'ear mistressK )eaven( pray torture meK 7en' back Giuseppe( let him ruin me( An' scorn me afterF but( s*eet heaven( spare herK 8Dll follo* her+ :K *hat a *orl' is thisK

3?EGit+?

76E<E 888+ ?The 7ame+ 8nterior of the 6athe'ral+? -A<68:TT:( &RA<6E76A( PA:-:( >A-ATE7TA( G;8D:( R8TTA( PEPE( -:RD7( =<8G)T7( PR8E7T7( PAGE7( ?a bri'al$train of? -AD8E7( 7:-D8ER7( 68T8TE<7( ATTE<DA<T7( ?etc+( 'iscovere' before the )igh Altar+ :rgan music+ The rites being over( they a'vance+? >A-ATE7TA+ By heaven$$ PEPE+ :K uncle( uncle( youDre in churchK

>A-ATE7TA+ 8Dll break your hea'( knaveK PEPE+ 8 claim sanctuary+

>A-ATE7TA+ Jhy( bri'egroom( *ill you never kiss the bri'eL Je all are ma' to follo* you+ PEPE+ ,es( yesF )ere *as Paolo *etting his re' lips &or the last minute+ =iss( an' give him room+ >A-ATE7TA+ ,ou heaven$forsaken imp( be Auiet no*K PEPE+ Then thereD' be naught *orth hearing+ >A-ATE7TA+ Bri'egroom( comeK

PEPE+ -or'K he 'onDt like itK )eyK$$8 tol' you so$$ )e backs at the first step+ Does he not kno* )is troubleDs just begunL -A<68:TT:+ Gentle &rancesca( 6ustom imposes some*hat on thy lips: 8Dll make my levy+ 3?=isses her+ The others follo*+?5 3?Asi'e+?5 )aK she shrankK 8 felt )er bo'y tremble( an' her Auivering lips 7eeme' 'ying un'er mineK 8 hear' a sigh( 7uch as breaks hearts$$:K no( a very groanF An' then she turne' a sickly( miserable look :n pale Paolo( an' he shivere' tooK There is a mystery hangs aroun' her($$ay( Paolo kno*s it( too+$$By all the saints( 8Dll make him tell it( at the 'aggerDs pointK PaoloK$$hereK 8 'o a'jure you( brother( By the great love 8 bear you( to reveal The secret of &rancescaDs grief+ PA:-:+ 8 cannot+

-A<68:TT:+ 7he tol' you nothingL

PA:-:+ -A<68:TT:+ PA:-:+ <ot one+ -A<68:TT:+

<othing+ <ot a *or'L

Jhat hear' you at Ravenna( thenL

PA:-:+ <othing+ -A<68:TT:+ PA:-:+ )ereL <othing+

-A<68:TT:+ <ot the slightest hintL$$ DonDt stammer( manK 7peak AuickK 8 am in haste+ PA:-:+ <ever+ -A<68:TT:+ Jhat kno* youL

PA:-:+ <othing that concerns ,our happiness( -anciotto+ 8f 8 'i'( Joul' 8 not tell unAuestione'L -A<68:TT:+ Joul' you notL ,ou ask a Auestion for me: ans*er it+ PA:-:+ 8 have+ -A<68:TT:+ ,ou juggle( you turn 'ea'ly pale( &umble your 'agger( stan' *ith hea' half roun'( Tapping your feet+$$,ou 'are not look at meK By 7atanK 6ount Paolo( let me say( ,ou look much like a full$convicte' thiefK PA:-:+ BrotherK$$ -A<68:TT:+ Psha*K brotherK ,ou 'eceive me( sir: ,ou an' that la'y have a 'evilDs league( To keep a 'evilDs secret+ 8s it thus ,ou 'eal *ith meL <o*( by the light above 8D' give a 'uke'om for some fair preteGt To fly you allK 7he 'oes not love meL Jell( 8 coul' bear that( an' live a*ay from her+ -ove *oul' be s*eet( but *ant of it becomes An early habit to such men as 8+ But you$$ahK thereDs the sorro*$$*hom 8 love' An infant in your cra'leF you *ho gre* ;p in my heart( *ith every inch you gaine'F ,ou *hom 8 love' for every Auality( Goo'( ba'( an' common( in your natural stockF Ay( for your very beautyK 8t is strange( youDll say( &or such a cripple' horror to 'o that( Against the custom of his kin'K :K yes( 8 love( an' you betray meK PA:-:+ -anciotto( This is sheer frenIy+ .oin your bri'e+

-A<68:TT:+ 8Dll notK Jhat( go to her( to feel her very flesh 6ra*l from my touchL$$to hear her sigh an' moan( As if Go' plague' herL >ust 8 come to thatL >ust 8 en'ure your hellish mystery Jith my o*n *ife( an' roll my eyes a*ay 8n sentimental blissL <o( noK until 8 go to her( *ith confi'ent belief 8n her integrity an' can'i' love( 8Dll shun her as a leper+ 3?Alarm$bells toll+? >A-ATE7TA+ Jhat is thatL ?Enter( hastily( a? >E77E<GER ?in 'isor'er+? >E77E<GER+ >y lor'( the Ghibelins are up$$ -A<68:TT:+ An' 8 Jill put them 'o*n againK 8 thank thee( )eaven( &or this unlooke'$for ai'K 3?Asi'e+? >A-ATE7TA+ Jhat force have theyL

-A<68:TT:+ 8t matters not($$nor yet the time( place( cause( :f their rebellion+ 8 *oul' throttle it( Jere it a riot( or a 'runken bra*lK >A-ATE7TA+ <ay( son( your bri'e$$ -A<68:TT:+ >y bri'e *ill par'on meF Bless me( perhaps( as 8 am going forthF$$ Thank me( perhaps( if 8 shoul' neDer return+ 3?Asi'e+?5 A sol'ierDs 'uty has no bri'als in it+ PA:-:+ -anciotto( this is folly+ -et me take ,our usual place of honour+ -A<68:TT:+ 3?-aughing+?5 )aK haK haK JhatK thou( a tilt$yar' sol'ier( lea' my troopsK >y *ife *ill ask it shortly+ <ot a *or' :f opposition from the ne*$ma'e bri'eL <ay( she looks happier+ :K accurse' 'ay( That 8 *as mate' to an empty heartK >A-ATE7TA+ But( son$$ -A<68:TT:+ Jell( fatherL

3?Asi'e+?

PEPE+ ;ncle( let him go+ )eDll fin' it cooler on a battle$fiel' Than in his$$ -A<68:TT:+ )arkK the fool speaks oracles+ ,ou( sol'iers( *ho are use' to follo* me( An' front our charges( emulous to bear The shock of battle on your for*ar' arms($$ Jhy stan' ye in amaIementL Do your s*or's 7tick to their scabbar's *ith inglorious rustL

:r has repose so *eakene' your big hearts( That you can 'ream *ith trumpets at your earsL :ut *ith your steelK 8t shames me to behol' 7uch tar'y *elcome to my *ar$*orn bla'eK 3?Dra*s+?5 3?The? =<8G)T7 ?an'? 7:-D8ER7 ?'ra*+?5 )oK 'ra* our forces outK 7trike camp( soun' 'rums( An' set us on our marchesK As 8 live( 8 pity the neGt foeman *ho relies :n me for mercyK &are*ellK to you all$$ To all alike$$a sol'ierDs short fare*ellK 3?Going+?5 3PA:-: ?stan's before him+?5 :ut of my *ay( thou jugglerK PA:-:+ )e is goneK 3?EGit+?

A6T M+ 76E<E 8+ ?The 7ame+ The Gar'en of the 6astle+ Enter? PEPE( ?singing+? PEPE+ DTis jolly to *alk in the sha'y green*oo' Jith a 'amsel by your si'eF DTis jolly to *alk from the chapel$'oor( Jith the han' of your pretty bri'eF DTis jolly to rest your *eary hea'( Jhen life runs lo* an' hope is fle'( :n the heart *here you confi'e: DTis jolly( jolly( jolly( they say( They say$$but 8 never trie'+ <or shall 8 ever till they 'ress their girls 8n motley suits( an' pair us( to increase The race of fools+ DT*oul' be a noble thing( A motley *oman( ha' she *it enough To bear the bell+ But thereDs the misery: ,ou may make princes out of any stuffF &ools come by nature+ 7heDll make fifty kings$$ Goo'( hearty tyrants( soun'( cruel governors$$ &or one fine fool+ There is Paolo( no*( A s*eet$face' fello* *ith a *icke' heart$$ Talk of a flea( an' you begin to scratch+ -oK here he comes+ An' thereDs fierce crook$backDs bri'e Jalking besi'e him$$:( ho* gingerlyK Take care( my loveK that is the very pace Je trip to hell *ith+ )unchback is a*ay$$ That *as a fair escape for youF but( then( The 'evilDs ever *ith us( an' thatDs *orse+ 7ee( the Ravenna giglet( >istress Ritta( An' melancholy as a co*+$$)o*Ds thisL 8Dll step asi'e( an' *atch you( pretty folks+ 3?)i'es behin' the bushes+? ?Enter? PA:-: ?an'? &RA<6E76A( ?follo*e' by? R8TTA+ ?)e seats himself in an arbour( an' rea's+? R8TTA ?an'? &RA<6E76A ?a'vance+?

&RA<6E76A+ Ritta+ R8TTA+ &RA<6E76A+ R8TTA+ >y la'y+ ,ou look tire'+ 8Dm not+

&RA<6E76A+ Go to your chamber+ R8TTA+ 8 *oul' rather stay+ 8f it may please you+ 8 reAuire a *alk An' the fresh atmosphere of breathing flo*ers( To stir my bloo'+ 8 am not very *ell+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 kne* it( chil'+ Go to your chamber( 'ear+ Paolo has a book to rea' to me+ R8TTA+ Jhat( the romanceL 8 shoul' so love to hearK 8 'ote on poetryF an' 6ount Paolo 7*eetens the Tuscan *ith his mello* voice+ 8Dm *eary no*( Auite *eary( an' *oul' rest+ &RA<6E76A+ .ust no* you *ishe' to *alk+ R8TTA+ AhK 'i' 8 soL Jalking or resting( 8 *oul' stay *ith you+ &RA<6E76A+ The 6ount objects+ )e tol' me( yester'ay( That you *ere restless *hile he rea' to meF An' stirre' your feet ami' the grass( an' sighe'( An' ya*ne'( until he almost pause'+ R8TTA+ 8 *ill be Auiet+ 8n'ee'

&RA<6E76A+ But he *ill not rea'+ R8TTA+ -et me go ask him+ 3?Runs to*ar'? PA:-:+

&RA<6E76A+ 7topK 6ome hither( Ritta+ 3?7he returns+?5 8 sa* your ne* embroi'ery in the hall($$ The nee'le in the mi'st of ArgusD eyesF 8t shoul' be finishe'+ R8TTA+ 8 *ill bring it here+$$ : noK my fingerDs soreF 8 cannot *ork+ &RA<6E76A+ Go to your room+ R8TTA+ -et me remain( 8 pray+ DTis better( la'yF you may *ish for me: 8 kno* you *ill be sorry if 8 go+ &RA<6E76A+ 8 shall not( girl+ Do as 8 or'er you+ Jill you be hea'strongL

R8TTA+

Do you *ish it( thenL

&RA<6E76A+ ,es( Ritta+ R8TTA+ ,et you ma'e preteGts enough( Before you or'ere'+ &RA<6E76A+ ,ou are insolent+ Jill you remain against my *illL R8TTA+ ,es( la'yF Rather than not remain+ &RA<6E76A+ )aK impu'entK

R8TTA+ ,ou *rong me( gentle mistress+ -ove like mine Does not ask Auestions of propriety( <or stan' on manners+ 8 *oul' 'o you goo'( Even *hile you smote meF 8 *oul' push you back( Jith my last effort( from the crumbling e'ge :f some high rock oDer *hich you topple' me+ &RA<6E76A+ Jhat 'o you meanL R8TTA+ &RA<6E76A+ R8TTA+ Pray( 'o not ask me+ &RA<6E76A+ R8TTA+ Be not offen'e'$$ &RA<6E76A+ 7peakK 8 kno*$$'ear la'y( Tell me( simpletonK 8 kno*+ =no* *hatL Too much+

R8TTA+ ,ou kno* 8 *orship youF you kno* 8D' *alk 7traight into ruin for a *him of yoursF ,ou kno*$$ &RA<6E76A+ 8 kno* you act the fool+ Talk senseK R8TTA+ 8 kno* Paolo loves you+ &RA<6E76A+ )e is my brother+ R8TTA+ 7houl' he notL

>ore than brother shoul'+

&RA<6E76A+ )aK are you certainL R8TTA+ ,es( of more than that+

&RA<6E76A+ :f moreL R8TTA+ ,es( la'yF for you love him( too+

8Dve sai' itK &ling me to the carrion cro*s( =ill me by inches( boil me in the pot 6ount Gui'o promise' me($$but( :( be*areK Back( *hile you may+ >ake me the sufferer( But save yourselfK &RA<6E76A+ <o*( are you not ashame'( To look me in the face *ith that bol' bro*L 8 am amaIe'K R8TTA+ 8 am a *oman( la'yF 8 too have been in loveF 8 kno* its *ays( 8ts arts( an' its 'eceits+ ,our fro*ning face( An' seeming in'ignation( 'o not cheat+ ,our heart is in my han'+ PA:-:+ 3?6alls+?5 &rancescaK

&RA<6E76A+ )ence( Thou *anton$hearte' minionK hence( 8 sayK$$ An' never look me in the face againK$$ )ence( thou insulting slaveK R8TTA+ 3?6linging to her+?5 : la'y( la'y$$ &RA<6E76A+ BegoneK R8TTA+ :( spare meK 3?Thro*s her off+?

8 have no frien's$$no one to love$$

&RA<6E76A+ )enceK R8TTA+ Jas it for this 8 love'$$ 6are' for you more than my o*n happiness$$ Ever at heart your slave$$*ithout a *ish &or greater recompense than your stray smilesL PA:-:+ 3?6alls+?5 &rancescaK &RA<6E76A+ )urryK

R8TTA+ 8 am gone+ AlasK Go' bless you( la'yK Go' take care of you( Jhen 8 am far a*ayK Alas( alasK

3?EGit *eeping+?

&RA<6E76A+ Poor girlK$$but *ere she all the *orl' to me( An' hel' my future in her ten'er grasp( 8D' cast her off( *ithout a secon' thought( To savage 'eath( for 'ear PaoloDs sakeK Paolo( hitherK <o* he comes to meF 8 feel his presence( though 8 see him not( 7tealing upon me like the fervi' glo* :f morning sunshine+ <o* he comes too near$$ )e touches me$$: heavenK PA:-:+ :ur poem *aits+ 8 have been rea'ing *hile you talke' *ith Ritta+ )o* 'i' you get her offL

&RA<6E76A+ By some 'evice+ 7he *ill not come again+ PA:-:+ 8 hate the girl: 7he seems to stan' bet*een me an' the light+ An' no* for the romance+ Jhere left *e offL &RA<6E76A+ Jhere -ancelot an' Hueen Guenevra straye' Along the forest( in the youth of >ay+ ,ou marke' the figure of the bir's that sang Their melancholy fare*ell to the sun$$ Rich in his loss( their sorro* glorifie'$$ -ike gentle mourners oDer a great manDs grave+ Jas it not thereL <o( noF Dt*as *here they sat Do*n on the bank( by one impulsive *ish That neither uttere'+ PA:-:+ 3?Turning over the book+?5 )ere it is+ 3?Rea's+?5 E7o sat Guenevra an' 7ir -ancelotE$$DT*ere *ell To follo* them in that+ 3?They sit upon a bank+? &RA<6E76A+ 8 listen: rea'+ <ay( 'o notF 8 can *ait( if you 'esire+ PA:-:+ >y 'agger frets meF let me take it off+ 3?Rises+?5 8n thoughts of love( *eDll lay our *eapons by+ 3?-ays asi'e his 'agger( an' sits again+?5 Dra* closer: 8 am *eak in voice to$'ay+ 3?Rea's?5 E7o sat Guenevra an' 7ir -ancelot( ;n'er the blaIe of the 'escen'ing sun( But all his clou'y splen'ours *ere forgot+ Each bore a thought( the only secret one( Jhich each ha' hi''en from the otherDs heart( Both *ith s*eet mystery *ell$nigh overrun+ Anon( 7ir -ancelot( *ith gentle start( Put by the ripples of her gol'en hair( GaIing upon her *ith his lips apart+ )e marvelle' human thing coul' be so fairF Essaye' to speakF but in the very 'ee'( )is *or's eGpire' of self$betraye' 'espair+ -ittle she helpe' him( at his 'irest nee'( Roving her eyes oDer hill( an' *oo'( an' sky( Peering intently at the meanest *ee'F Ay( 'oing aught but look in -ancelotDs eye+ Then( *ith the small piAue of her velvet shoe( ;proote' she each herb that blossome' nighF :r strange *il' figures in the 'ust she 're*F ;ntil she felt 7ir -ancelotDs arm aroun' )er *aist( upon her cheek his breath like 'e*+ Jhile through his fingers timi'ly he *oun' )er shining locksF an'( haply( *hen he brushe' )er ivory skin( Guenevra nearly s*oun': &or *here he touche'( the Auivering surface blushe'( &iring her bloo' *ith most contagious heat( Till bro*( cheek( neck( an' bosom( all *ere flushe'+ Each heart *as listening to the other beat+ As t*in$born lilies on one gol'en stalk( Drooping *ith 7ummer( in *arm languor meet(

7o met their faces+ Do*n the forest *alk 7ir -ancelot looke'$$he looke'( east( *est( north( south$$ <o soul *as nigh( his 'earest *ish to balk: 7he smile'F he kisse' her full upon the mouth+E 3?=isses? &RA<6E76A+5 8Dll rea' no moreK 3?7tarts up( 'ashing 'o*n the book+? &RA<6E76A+ PaoloK

PA:-:+ 8 am ma'K The torture of unnumbere' hours is oDer( The straining cor' has broken( an' my heart Riots in free 'eliriumK :( )eavenK 8 struggle' *ith it( but it mastere' meK 8 fought against it( but it beat me 'o*nK 8 praye'( 8 *ept( but )eaven *as 'eaf to meF An' every tear rolle' back*ar' on my heart( To blight an' poisonK &RA<6E76A+ An' 'ost thou regretL

PA:-:+ The loveL <o( noK 8D' 'are it all again( 8ts 'irest agonies an' meanest fears( &or that one kiss+ A*ay *ith fon' remorseK )ere( on the brink of ruin( *e t*o stan'F -ock han's *ith me( an' brave the fearful plungeK Thou canst not name a terror so profoun' That 8 *ill look or falter from+ Be bol'K 8 kno* thy love$$8 kne* it long ago$$ Tremble' an' fle' from it+ But no* 8 clasp The peril to my breast( an' ask of thee A kin're' 'esperation+ &RA<6E76A+ 3?Thro*ing herself into his arms+?5 Take me all( Bo'y an' soulK The *omen of our clime Do never give a*ay but half a heart: 8 have not part to give( part to *ithhol'( 8n selfish safety+ Jhen 8 sa* thee first( Ri'ing alone ami' a thousan' men( 7ole in the lustre of thy majesty( An' Gui'o 'a Polenta sai' to me( EDaughter( behol' thy husban'KE *ith a boun' >y heart *ent forth to meet thee+ )e 'eceive'( )e lie' to me$$ahK thatDs the aptest *or'$$ An' 8 believe'+ 7hall 8 not turn again( An' meet him( craft *ith craftL Paolo( love( ThouDrt 'ull$$thouDrt 'ying like a feeble fire Before the sunshine+ Jas it but a blaIe( A flash of glory( an' a long( long nightL PA:-:+ <o( 'arling( noK ,ou coul' not ben' me backF >y course is on*ar'F but my heart is sick Jith coming fears+ &RA<6E76A+ A*ay *ith themK >ust 8 Teach thee to loveL an' reinform the ear :f thy spent passion *ith some sorcery To raise the chilly 'ea'L

PA:-:+ Thy lips have not A sorcery to rouse me as this spell+

3?=isses her+?

&RA<6E76A+ 8 give thy kisses back to thee again: An'( like a spen'thrift( only ask of thee To take *hile 8 can give+ PA:-:+ Give( give foreverK )ave *e not touche' the height of human blissL An' if the sharp reboun' may hurl us back Among the prostrate( 'i' *e not soar onceL$$ Taste heavenly nectar( banAuet *ith the go's :n high :lympusL 8f they cast us( no*( Ami' the furies( shall *e not go 'o*n Jith rich ambrosia clinging to our lips( An' richer memories settle' in our heartsL &rancesca+ &RA<6E76A+ -oveL PA:-:+ The sun is sinking lo* ;pon the ashes of his fa'ing pyre( An' gray possesses the eternal blueF The evening star is stealing after him( &iGe'( like a beacon( on the pro* of nightF The *orl' is shutting up its heavy eye ;pon the stir an' bustle of to$'ayF$$ :n *hat shall it a*akeL &RA<6E76A+ :n love that gives .oy at all seasons( changes night to 'ay( >akes sorro* smile( plucks out the barbe' 'art :f moaning anguish( pours celestial balm 8n all the gaping *oun's of earth( an' lulls The nervous fancies of unsheltere' fear 8nto a slumber s*eet as infancyDsK :n love that laughs at the impen'ing s*or'( An' puts asi'e the shiel' of caution: cries( To all its enemies( E6ome( strike me no*K$$ <o*( *hile 8 hol' my king'om( *hile my cro*n :f amaranth an' myrtle is yet green( ;n'imme'( un*ithere'F for 8 cannot tell That 8 shall eDer be happierKE Dear Paolo( Joul' you lapse 'o*n from misery to 'eath( Tottering through sorro* an' infirmityL :r *oul' you perish at a single blo*( 6ut off ami' your *il'est revelry( &alling among the *ine$cups an' the flo*ers( An' tasting Bacchus *hen your 'ro*sy sense &irst gaIe' aroun' eternityL 6ome( loveK The present *hispers joy to usF *eDll hear The voiceless future *hen its turn arrives+ PA:-:+ Thou art a siren+ 7ing( forever singF )earing thy voice( 8 cannot tell *hat fate Thou hast provi'e' *hen the song is oDerF$$ But 8 *ill venture it+ &RA<6E76A+ 8n( in( my loveK 3?EGeunt+?

PEPE ?steals from behin' the bushes+? PEPE+ :( brother -anciottoK$$:( my starsK$$ 8f this thing lasts( 8 simply shall go ma'K 3?-aughs( an' rolls on the groun'+?5 : -or'K to think my pretty la'y puss )a' tricks like this( an' *e neDer kno* of itK 8 tell you( -anciotto( you an' 8 >ust have a patent for our fooleryK E7he smile'F he kisse' her full upon the mouthKE$$ ThereDs the beginningF *hereDs the en' of itL : poesyK 'ebauch thee only once( An' thouDrt the greatest *anton in the *orl'K : cousin -anciotto$$ho( ho( hoK 3?-aughing+?5 6an a man 'ie of laughterL )ere *e satF >istress &rancesca so 'emure an' calmF Paolo gran'( poetical( sublimeK$$ EhK *hat is thisL PaoloDs 'aggerL Goo'K )ere is more proof( s*eet cousin Broken$back+ E8n thoughts of love( *eDll lay our *eapons byKE 3?>imicking? PA:-:+5 ThatDs very prettyK )ereDs its counterpart: 8n thoughts of hate( *eDll pick them up againK 3?Takes the 'agger+?5 <o* for my sol'ier( no* for crook$backe' >arsK Ere long all Rimini *ill be ablaIe+ )eDll kill meL ,es: *hat thenL ThatDs nothing ne*( EGcept to meF 8Dll bear for customDs sake+ >ore bloo' *ill follo*F like the royal sun( 8 shall go 'o*n in purple+ &ools for luckF The proverb hol's like iron+ 8 must run( Ere laughter smother me+$$:( ho( ho( hoK 3?EGit( laughing+?

76E<E 88+ ?A 6amp among the )ills+ Before? -A<68:TT:D7 ?tent+ Enter( from the tent(? -A<68:TT:+ -A<68:TT:+ The camp is strangely Auiet+ <ot a soun' Breaks natureDs high solemnity+ The sun Repeats again his every$'ay 'eclineF ,et all the *orl' looks sa'ly after him( As if the customary sight *ere ne*+ ,on moo'y sentinel goes slo*ly by( Through the thick mists of evening( *ith his spear Traile' at a funeral hol'+ -ong sha'o*s creep( &rom things beyon' the furthest range of sight( ;p to my very feet+ These mystic sha'es Are of the earthF the light that causes them( An' teaches us the Auick comparison( 8s all from heaven+ AhK restless man might cra*l Jith patience through his sha'o*y 'estiny( 8f he *ere senseless to the higher light To*ar's *hich his soul aspires+ )o* gran' an' vast

8s yon'er sho* of heavenly pageantryK )o* mean an' narro* is the earthly stan' &rom *hich *e gaIe on itK >agnificent( : Go'( art thou ami' the sunsetsK AhK Jhat heart in Rimini is softene' no*( To*ar's my 'efects( by this gran' spectacleL Perchance( Paolo no* forgives the *rong :f my hot spleen+ Perchance( &rancesca no* Jishes me back( an' turns a ten'erer eye :n my poor person an' ill$mannere' *aysF &ashions eGcuses for me( schools her heart Through 'uty into love( an' pon'ers oDer The sacre' meaning in the name of *ife+ Dreams( 'reamsK Poor fools( *e sAuan'er love a*ay :n thankless borro*ersF *hen bankrupt Auite( Je sit an' *on'er of their honesty+ -ove( take a lesson from the usurer( An' never len' but on security+ 6aptainK ?Enter a? 6APTA8<+ 6APTA8<+ >y lor'+ -A<68:TT:+ They *orste' us to$'ay+

6APTA8<+ <ot much( my lor'+ -A<68:TT:+ Jith little loss( in'ee'+ Their strength is in position+ >ark you( sir+ 3?Dra*s on the groun' *ith his s*or'+?5 )ere is the passF it opens to*ar's the plain( Jith gra'ual *i'ening( like a la'yDs fan+ The hills protect their flank on either han'F An'( as you see( *e cannot sho* more front Than their a'vance may give us+ Then( the rocks Are sorry footing for our horse+ .ust here( 6lose in against the left$han' hills( 8 marke' A strip of *oo'( eGten'ing 'o*n the gorge: Behin' that *oo' 'ispose your force ere 'a*n+ 8 shall begin the onset( then give groun'( An' 'ra* them outF *hile you( behin' the *oo'( >ust steal along( until their flank an' rear :ppose your column+ Then set up a shout( Burst from the *oo'( an' 'rive them on our spears+ They have no outpost in the *oo'( 8 kno*F DTis too far from their centre+ :n the morro*( Jhen they are flushe' *ith seeming victory( An' think my *hole 'ivision in full rout( They *ill not pause to scrutiniIe the *oo'F 7o you may enter bol'ly+ Je *ill use The heart to$'ayDs repulse has given to them( &or our a'vantage+ Do you un'erstan'L 6APTA8<+ 6learly( my lor'+ -A<68:TT:+ 8f they 'iscover you( Before you gain your point( *heel( an' retreat ;pon my rear+ 8f your attack shoul' fail

To strike them *ith a panic( an' they turn 8n too great numbers on your small comman'( 7catter your sol'iers through the *oo': -et each seek safety for himself+ 6APTA8<+ 8 see+

-A<68:TT:+ )ave Pluto sho'F he cast a shoe to$'ay: -et it be 'one at once+ >y helmet( too( 8s *orn about the lacingF look to that+ Jhere is my armourerL 6APTA8<+ At his forge+

-A<68:TT:+ ,our charge >ust be at sunrise$$just at sunrise( sir$$ <either before nor after+ ,ou must march At moonset( then( to gain the point ere 'a*n+ That is enough+ 6APTA8<+ Goo'$evenK 3?Going+?

-A<68:TT:+ 7tay( stay( stayK >y s*or'$hilt feels uneasy in my graspF 3?Gives his s*or'+?5 )ave it repaire'F an' grin' the point+ 7trike har'K 8Dll teach these Ghibelins a lesson+ 3?-ou' laughter *ithin+?5 )aK Jhat is that clamourL ?Enter hastily? PEPE( ?tattere' an' travel$staine'+? PEPE+ <e*s from RiminiK 3?&alls eGhauste'+?

-A<68:TT:+ 8s that you( PepeL 6aptain( a goo'$nightK 3?EGit 6APTA8<+?5 8 never sa* you in such straits before+ Jit *ithout *or'sK PEPE+ ThatDs better than$$:K$$:K$$ Jor's *ithout *it+ 3?Panting+?5

-A<68:TT:+ 3?-aughing+?5 ,ouDll 'ie a jester( Pepe+ PEPE+ 8f so( 8Dll leave the nee'y all my *it+ ,ou( you shall have it( cousin+$$:K :K :K Those 'evils in the hills( the Ghibelins( Ran me almost to 'eath+ >y lor'$$haK haK 8t all comes back to me$$:K -or' Da mercyK$$ The gar'en( an' the la'y( an' the 6ountK <ot to forget the poetry$$hoK hoK :K cousin -anciotto( such a *ife( An' such a brotherK )ear me( ere 8 burstK -A<68:TT:+ ,ouDre pleasant( PepeK PEPE+ Am 8L$$)oK hoK hoK ,ou ought to beF your *ifeDs a$$$$ -A<68:TT:+ JhatL 3?-aughing+?5 3?Panting+?5 3?-aughing+?5 3?-aughing+?5

PEPE+ A la'y$$ A la'y( 8 suppose( like all the rest+ 8 am not in their secrets+ 7uch a fello* As 6ount Paolo is your man for that+ 8Dll tell you something( if youDll s*ear a bit+ -A<68:TT:+ 7*ear *hatL PEPE+ &irst( s*ear to listen till the en'+$$ :K you may rave( curse( ho*l( an' tear your hairF But you must listen+ -A<68:TT:+ &or your jestDs sakeL Jell+

PEPE+ ,ou s*earL -A<68:TT:+ PEPE+ 8 'o+ <eGt( s*ear to kno* the truth+

-A<68:TT:+ The truth of a foolDs storyK PEPE+ ,ou mistake+ <o*( look you( cousinK ,ou have often marke'$$ 8 kno*( for 8 have seen$$strange glances pass Bet*een Paolo an' your la'y *ife+$$ -A<68:TT:+ )aK PepeK PEPE+ <o* 8 touch you to the Auick+ 8 kno* the reason of those glances+ -A<68:TT:+ 7peakK or 8Dll throttle youK )aK 3?7eiIes him+?

PEPE+ ,our *ay is o''+ -et go my gullet( an' 8Dll talk you 'eaf+ 7*ear my last oath: only to kno* the truth+ -A<68:TT:+ But that may trouble me+ PEPE+ ,our honour lies$$ ,our precious honour( cousin 6hivalry$$ -ies blee'ing *ith a terrible great gash( Jithout its kno*le'ge+ 7*earK -A<68:TT:+ PEPE+ ,ou s*earL -A<68:TT:+ 8 s*ear+ ,our ne*s is ill( perchanceL PEPE+ 8llK *oul' 8 bring it elseL Am 8 incline' To run ten leagues *ith happy ne*s for youL :( -or'( thatDs jollyK -A<68:TT:+ ,ou infernal imp( :ut *ith your story( ere 8 strangle youK >y honourL 7peakK

PEPE+ Then take a fast hol' on your t*o great oaths( To stea'y tottering manhoo'( an' atten'+ -ast eve( about this hour( 8 took a stroll 8nto the gar'en+$$Are you listening( cousinL -A<68:TT:+ 8 am all ears+ PEPE+ Jhy( so an ass might say+

-A<68:TT:+ Jill you be seriousL PEPE+ Jait a *hile( an' *e Jill both be graver than a church$yar'+ Jell( Do*n the long *alk( to*ar's me( came your *ife( Jith 6ount Paolo *alking at her si'e+ 8t *as a pretty sight( an' so 8 steppe' 8nto the bushes+ Ritta came *ith themF An' -a'y &anny ha' a grievous time To get her off+ That ma'e me curious+ Anon( the pair sat 'o*n upon a bank( To rea' a poemF$$the ten'erest romance( All about -ancelot an' Hueen Guenevra+ The 6ount rea' *ell$$8Dll say that much for him$$ :nly he stuck too closely to the teGt( Got too much *rappe' up in the poesy( An' playe' 7ir -ancelotDs actions( out an' out( :n Hueen &rancesca+ <or in royal parts Jas she so back*ar'+ Jhen he struck the line$$ E7he smile'F he kisse' her full upon the mouthFE ,our la'y smile'( an'( by the saints above( Paolo carrie' out the sentimentK 6an 8 not move youL -A<68:TT:+ Jith such trash as thisL An' so you ran ten leagues to tell a lieL$$ Run home again+ PEPE+ 8 am not rea'y yet+ After the kiss( up springs our amorous 6ount( &lings Hueen Guenevra an' 7ir -ancelot 7traight to the 'evilF gro*ls an' snaps his teeth( -aughs( *eeps( ho*ls( 'ancesF talks about his love( )is ma'ness( suffering( an' the -or' kno*s *hat( Bullying the la'y like a thief+ But she( All this hot time( looke' cool an' mischievousF Gave him his halter to the very en'F An' *hen he calme' a little( up she steps An' takes him by the han'+ ,ou shoul' have seen )o* tame the furious fello* *as at onceK )o* he came 'o*n( snivelle'( an' co*e' to her( An' fell to kissing her againK 8t *as A perfect female triumphK 7uch a scene A man might pass through life an' never see+ >ore sentiment then follo*e'$$buckets full :f *ashy *or's( not *orth my memory+ But all the *hile she *oun' his 6ountship up( 6loser an' closerF till at last$$tuK$$*itK$$ 7he scoops him up( an' off she carries him(

&ish for her tableK &ollo*( if you canF >y fancy fails me+ All this time you smileK -A<68:TT:+ ,ou shoul' have been a poet( not a fool+ PEPE+ 8 might be both+ -A<68:TT:+ ,ou ma'e no recor'( thenL >ust this fine story 'ie for *ant of inkL -eft you no trace in *ritingL PEPE+ <one+

-A<68:TT:+ AlasK Then you have tol' itL Tis but stale( my boyF 8Dm secon' hearer+ PEPE+ ,ou are first( in faith+

-A<68:TT:+ 8n truthL PEPE+ 8n sa'ness+ ,ou have got it freshL 8 ha' no timeF 8 itche' to reach your ear+ <o* go to Rimini( an' see yourself+ ,ouDll fin' them in the gar'en+ -overs are -ike *alking ghosts( they al*ays haunt the spot :f their mis'ee's+ -A<68:TT:+ ,ou tol' me allL PEPE+ But have 8 hear' you outL

AllF 8 have nothing left+

-A<68:TT:+ Jhy( you brain$stricken i'iot( to trust ,our story an' your bo'y in my graspK 3?7eiIes him+? PEPE+ ;nhan' me( cousinK -A<68:TT:+ ,ouDll be at rest+ PEPE+ Jhen 8 'rop you( Pepe(

8 *ill betray you$$:K 3?They struggle+?

-A<68:TT:+ <ot till the ju'gment 'ay+

PEPE+ 3?Dra*ing? PA:-:D7 ?'agger+?5 Take thatK -A<68:TT:+ 3?Jresting the 'agger from him+?5 But poorly 'oneK )ereDs my return+ PEPE+ :K beastK This 8 eGpecte'F it is naught$$)aK haK 8Dll go to sleepF but you$$*hat *ill you bearK )unchback( come hereK -A<68:TT:+ &ieK say your prayers+ Jell meant( 3?7tabs him+?

3?&alls+?5 3?-aughing+?5

PEPE+ )ark( harkK Paolo hire' me( s*ine( to mur'er you+

-A<68:TT:+ That is a lieF you never care' for gol'+ PEPE+ )e 'i'( 8 sayK 8Dll s*ear to it( by heavenK Do you believe meL -A<68:TT:+ <oK 3?Dies+?

PEPE+ ,ou lieK you lieK -ook at the 'agger( cousin$$;ghK$$goo'$nightK -A<68:TT:+ :K horribleK 8t *as a gift of mine$$ )e never lai' it by+ 7peak( speak( fool( speakK 3?7hakes the bo'y+?5 )o* 'i'st thou get itL$$speakK ThouDrt *arm$$not 'ea'$$ Thou hast a tongue$$:K speakK 6ome( come( a jest$$ Another jest from those thin mocking lipsK 6all me a cripple$$hunchback$$*hat thou *iltF But speak to meK )e cannot+ <o*( by heaven( 8Dll stir this business till 8 fin' the truthK Am 8 a foolL 8t is a silly lie( 6oine' by yon villain *ith his last base breath+ Jhat hoK *ithout thereK ?Enter? 6APTA8< ?an' 7ol'iers+? 6APTA8<+ Di' you call( my lor'L

-A<68:TT:+ Di' )eaven thun'erL Are you 'eaf( you loutsL 7a''le my horseK Jhat are you staring atL 8s it your first look at a 'ea' manL Jell( Then look your fill+ 7a''le my horse( 8 sayK Black Pluto$$stirK Bear that assassin hence+ 6hop him to pieces( if he move+ >y horseK 6APTA8<+ >y lor'( heDs shoeing+ -A<68:TT:+ Di' 8 ask for shoesL 8 *ant my horse+ Run( fello*( runK ;nbarbe'$$ >y lightest harness on his back+ &ly( flyK 3?EGit a 7:-D8ER+?5 3?The others pick up the bo'y+?5 Ask him( 8 pray you( if he 'i' not lieK 6APTA8<+ The man is 'ea'( my lor'+ -A<68:TT:+ 3?-aughing+?5 Then 'o not ask himK 3?EGeunt? 7:-D8ER7 ?*ith the bo'y+?5 By .upiter( 8 shall go ma'( 8 thinkK 3?Jalks about+? 6APTA8<+ 7omething 'isturbs him+ Do you mark the spot :f purple on his bro*L 3?Apart to a 7:-D8ER+? 7:-D8ER+ Then bloo' must flo*+

-A<68:TT:+ Boy( boyK 3?Enter a? PAGE+5 >y cloak an' ri'ing staff+ Huick( AuickK )o* you all lagK 3?EGit? PAGE+5 8 ri'e to Rimini+ 7kirmish to$morro*+ Jait till my return$$ 8 shall be back at sun'o*n+ ,ou shall see

Jhat slaughter is thenK 6APTA8<+ )oK turn out a guar'K$$

-A<68:TT:+ 8 *ish no guar'F 8 ri'e alone+ 3?Re$enter PAGE( *ith a cloak an' staff+?5 3?Taking them+?5 Jell 'oneK Thou art a pretty boy+$$An' no* my horseK ?Enter a? 7:-D8ER+ 7:-D8ER+ Pluto is sa''le'$$ -A<68:TT:+ DTis a 'amne' black lieK

7:-D8ER+ 8n'ee'( my lor'$$ -A<68:TT:+ :K comra'e( par'on me: 8 talk at ran'om+ Jhat( Paolo too($$ boy *hom 8 have trotte' on my kneeK PohK 8 abuse myself by such a thought+ &rancesca may not love me( may love him$$ 8n'ee' she oughtF but *hen an angel comes To play the *anton on this filthy earth( Then 8Dll believe her guilty+ -ook you( sirK Am 8 Auite calmL 6APTA8<+ Huite calm( my lor'+

-A<68:TT:+ ,ou see <o trace of passion on my faceL$$<o sign :f ugly humours( 'oubts( or fears( or aught That may 'isfigure Go'Ds intelligenceL 8 have a grievous charge against you( sir( That may involve your lifeF an' if you 'oubt The can'our of my ju'gment( choose your time: 7hall 8 arraign you no*L 6APTA8<+ <o*( if you please+ 8Dll trust my cause to you an' innocence At any time+ 8 am not conscious$$ -A<68:TT:+ Psha*K 8 try myself( not you+ An' 8 am calm$$ That is your ver'ict$$an' 'ispassionateL 6APTA8<+ 7o far as 8 can ju'ge+ -A<68:TT:+ DTis *ell( Dtis *ellK Then 8 *ill ri'e to Rimini+ Goo'$nightK ?The others look after him amaIe'ly( an' eGeunt+? 3?EGit+?

76E<E 888+

?Rimini+ The Gar'en of the 6astle+ Enter? PA:-: ?an'? &RA<6E76A+ &RA<6E76A+ Thou hast resolve'L PA:-:+ 8Dve s*orn it+

&RA<6E76A+ Ah( you men 6an talk of love an' 'uty in a breathF -ove *hile you like( forget *hen you are tire'( An' salve your falsehoo' *ith some *holesome sa*F But *e( poor *omen( *hen *e give our hearts( Give all( lose all( an' never ask it back+ PA:-:+ Jhat coul'st thou ask for that 8 have not givenL Jith love 8 gave thee manly probity( 8nnocence( honour( self$respect( an' peace+ -anciotto *ill return( an' ho* shall 8$$ :K shame( to think of itK$$ho* shall 8 look >y brother in the faceL take his frank han'L Return his ten'er glancesL 8 shoul' blaIe Jith guilty blushes+ &RA<6E76A+ Thou canst forsake me( then( To spare thyself a little bashful painL Paolo( 'ost thou kno* *hat Dtis for me( A *oman$$nay( a 'ame of highest rank$$ To lose my purityL to *alk a path Jhose slightest slip may fill my ear *ith soun's That hiss me out to infamy an' 'eathL )ave 8 no secret pangs( no self$respect( <o husban'Ds look to bearL :K *orse than these( 8 must en'ure his loathsome touchF be kin' Jhen he *oul' 'ally *ith his *ife( an' smile To see him play thy part+ PahK sickening thoughtK &rom that thou art eGempt+ Thou shalt not goK Thou 'ost not love meK PA:-:+ -ove theeK 7tan'ing here( Jith countless miseries upon my hea'( 8 say( my love for thee gro*s 'ay by 'ay+ 8t palters *ith my conscience( blurs my thoughts :f 'uty( an' confuses my i'eas :f right an' *rong+ Ere long( it *ill persua'e >y shaking manhoo' that all this is just+ &RA<6E76A+ -et itK 8Dll blaIon it to all the *orl'( Ere 8 *ill lose thee+ <ay( if 8 ha' choice( Bet*een our love an' my lost innocence( 8 tell thee calmly( 8 *oul' 'are again The 'ee' *hich *e have 'one+ :K thou art cruel To fly me( like a co*ar'( for thy ease+ Jhen thou art gone( thouDlt flatter thy *eak heart Jith hopes an' speculationsF an' thouDlt s*ear 8 suffer naught( because thou 'ost not see+ 8 *ill not live to bear itK PA:-:+ Die($$Dt*ere bestF Tis the last 'esperate comfort of our sin+

&RA<6E76A+ 8Dll kill myselfK PA:-:+ An' so *oul' 8( *ith joyF But crime has ma'e a craven of me+ :K &or some goo' cause to perish inK 7omething A man might 'ie for( looking in Go'Ds faceF <ot slinking out of life *ith guilt like mine Pile' on the shoul'ers of a suici'eK &RA<6E76A+ Jhere *ilt thou goL PA:-:+ 8 care notF any*here :ut of this Rimini+ The very things That ma'e the pleasures of my innocence )ave turne' against me+ There is not a tree( <or house( nor church( nor monument( *hose face Took hol' upon my thoughts( that 'oes not fro*n Balefully on me+ &rom their marble tombs >y ancestors sco*l at meF an' the night Thickens to hear their hisses+ 8 *oul' pray( But heaven jeers at it+ Turn *hereDer 8 *ill( A curse pursues me+ &RA<6E76A+ )eavensK :( say not soK 8 never curse' thee( loveF 8 never move' >y little finger( ere 8 looke' to thee &or my instruction+ PA:-:+ But my gentleness 7eems to reproach meF an'( instea' of joy( 8t *hispers horrorK &RA<6E76A+ PA:-:+ 6easeK ceaseK 8 must go+

&RA<6E76A+ An' 8 must follo*+ All that 8 call life 8s boun' in thee+ 8 coul' en'ure for thee >ore agonies than thou canst catalogue$$ &or thy sake( love$$bearing the ill for theeK Jith thee( the 'evils coul' not so contrive That 8 *oul' blench or falter from my loveK Jithout thee( heaven *ere tortureK PA:-:+ 8 must go+ 3?Going+? 3?6linging to him+?

&RA<6E76A+ :K no$$Paolo$$'earestK$$

PA:-:+ -oose thy hol'K DTis for thy sake( an' -anciottoDsF 8 Am as a cipher in the reckoning+ 8 have resolve'+ Thou canst but stretch the time+ =eep me to$'ay( an' 8 *ill fly to$morro*$$7teal from thee like a thief+ 3?7truggles *ith her+? &RA<6E76A+ Paolo$$love$$ 8n'ee'( you hurt meK$$Do not use me thusK =ill me( but 'o not leave me+ 8 *ill laugh$$

long( gay( ringing laugh$$if thou *ilt 'ra* Thy pitying s*or'( an' stab me to the heartK 3?Enter? -A<68:TT: ?behin'+?5 <ay( then( one kissK -A<68:TT:+ 3?A'vancing bet*een them+?5 Take it: Dt*ill be the last+ PA:-:+ -oK )eaven is justK &RA<6E76A+ The lastK so be it+ 3?=isses? PA:-:+

-A<68:TT:+ )aK Dare you these tricks before my very faceL &RA<6E76A+ Jhy notL 8Dve kisse' him in the sight of heavenF Are you above itL PA:-:+ Peace( &rancesca( peaceK

-A<68:TT:+ Paolo$$*hy( thou sa' an' 'o*ncast man( -ook upK 8 have some *or's to speak *ith thee+ Thou art not guiltyL PA:-:+ ,es( 8 am+ But she )as been betraye'F so she is innocent+ )er father tampere' *ith her+ 8$$ &RA<6E76A+ DTis falseK The guilt is mine+ Paolo *as entrappe' By love an' cunning+ 8 am shre*'er far Than you suspect+ PA:-:+ -anciotto( shut thy earsF 7he *oul' 'eceive thee+ -A<68:TT:+ 7ilence( both of youK 8s guilt so talkative in its 'efenseL Then( let me make you ju'ge an' a'vocate 8n your o*n cause+ ,ou are not guiltyL PA:-:+ ,es+

-A<68:TT:+ Deny it$$but a *or'$$say no+ -ie( lieK An' 8Dll believe+ PA:-:+ -A<68:TT:+ 8 'are not+ -a'y( youL

&RA<6E76A+ 8f 8 might speak for him$$ -A<68:TT:+ 8t cannot be: 7peak for yourself+ Do you 'eny your guiltL &RA<6E76A+ <oK 8 assert itF but$$ -A<68:TT:+ 8n heavenDs name( hol'K

Jill neither of you ans*er no to meL A no'( a hint( a sign( for your escape+ Bethink you( life is centre' in this thing+ 7peakK 8 *ill cre'it either+ <o replyL Jhat 'oes your crime 'eserveL PA:-:+ &RA<6E76A+ Death+ Death to both+

-A<68:TT:+ Jell sai'K ,ou speak the la* of 8talyF An' by the 'agger you 'esigne' for me( 8n PepeDs han'($$your bravoL PA:-:+ 8t is falseK 8f you receive' my 'agger from his han'( )e stole it+ -A<68:TT:+ There( s*eet heaven( 8 kne*K An' no* ,ou *ill 'eny the restL ,ou see( my frien's( )o* easy of belief 8 have becomeK$$ )o* easy Dt*ere to cheat meK PA:-:+ <oF enoughK 8 *ill not loa' my groaning spirit moreF A lie *oul' crush it+ -A<68:TT:+ Brother( once you gave -ife to this *retche' piece of *orkmanship( Jhen my o*n han' resolve' its overthro*+ Revoke the gift+ 3?:ffers to stab himself+? PA:-:+ 3?Preventing him+?5 )ol'( homici'eK -A<68:TT:+ But think( ,ou an' &rancesca may live happily( After my 'eath( as only lovers can+ PA:-:+ -ive happily( after a 'ee' like thisK -A<68:TT:+ <o*( look yeK there is not one hour of life Among us three+ Paolo( you are arme'$$ ,ou have a s*or'( 8 but a 'agger: seeK 8 mean to kill you+ &RA<6E76A+ 3?Jhispers to? PA:-:+5 Give thy s*or' to me+ PA:-:+ A*ayK thouDrt frantic+ 8 *ill never lift This *icke' han' against thee+ -A<68:TT:+ 6o*ar'( slaveK Art thou so faintL Does >alatestaDs bloo' Run in thy puny veinsL Take thatK PA:-:+ An' more: Thou canst not offer more than 8 *ill bear+ -A<68:TT:+ Paolo( *hat a craven has thy guilt Transforme' thee toK Jhy( 8 have seen the time

3?7trikes him+?

Jhen thouD'st have struck at heaven for such a thingK Art thou afrai'L PA:-:+ 8 am+

-A<68:TT:+ :K infamyK 6an man sink lo*erL 8 *ill *ake thee( though:$$ Thou shalt not 'ie a co*ar'+ 7eeK look hereK 3?7tabs? &RA<6E76A+ &RA<6E76A+ :K$$:K$$ 3?&alls+?

PA:-:+ Remorseless man( 'are you 'o this( An' hope to liveL Die( mur'ererK 3?Dra*s( rushes at him( but pauses+? -A<68:TT:+ Ere thy heart fail+ PA:-:+ 8 cannot+ 7trike( strikeK 3?Thro*s a*ay his s*or'+?

-A<68:TT:+ Dost thou see ,on bloate' spi'er$$hi'eous as myself$$ 6limbing aloft( to reach that *avering t*igL Jhen he has touche' it( one of us must 'ie+ )ere is the 'agger+$$-ook at me( 8 sayK =eep your eyes from that *omanK -ook( think( chooseK$$ Turn here to me: thou shalt not look at herK PA:-:+ :( heavenK -A<68:TT:+ DTis 'oneK

PA:-:+ 3?7truggling *ith him+?5 :K -anciotto( hol'K )ol'( for thy sakeK Thou *ilt repent this 'ee'+ -A<68:TT:+ 8 kno* it+ &RA<6E76A+ 3?Rising+?5 )elpK$$:K mur'erK$$help( help( helpK 3?7he totters to*ar's them( an' falls+? -A<68:TT:+ :ur honour( boy+ &RA<6E76A+ PaoloK 3?7tabs? PA:-:F ?he falls+?

PA:-:+ )arkK she calls+ 8 pray thee( brother( help me to her si'e+ 3-A<68:TT: ?helps him to? &RA<6E76A+ -A<68:TT:+ Jhy( thereK PA:-:+ Go' bless theeK

-A<68:TT:+ )ave 8 not 'one *ellL Jhat *ere the honour of the >alatesti( Jith such a living slan'er fiGe' to itL 6rippleK thatDs something$$cuckol'K that is 'amne'K ,ou blame meL

PA:-:+

<o+ ,ou( la'yL <o( my lor'+

-A<68:TT:+ &RA<6E76A+

-A<68:TT:+ >ay Go' forgive youK Je are even no*: ,our bloo' has cleare' my honour( an' our name 7hines to the *orl' as ever+ PA:-:+ &RA<6E76A+ Art sufferingL PA:-:+ But for thee+ :K$$:K$$ -ove(

&RA<6E76A+ )ere( rest thy hea' ;pon my bosom+ &ie upon my bloo'K 8t stains thy ringlets+ )aK he 'iesK =in' saints( 8 *as first struck( *hy cannot 8 'ie firstL Paolo( *akeK$$Go'Ds mercyK *ilt thou go Alone$$*ithout meL Prithee( strike againK <ay( 8 am better$$love$$no*$$:K

3?Dies+?

-A<68:TT:+ 3?7inks upon his knees+?5 Great heavenK >A-ATE7TA+ 3?Jithout+?5 This *ay( 8 hear' the cries+ ?Enter *ith? G;8D:( ATTE<DA<T7( ?etc+? G;8D:+ :K horribleK

>A-ATE7TA+ :K bloo'y spectacleK Jhere is thy brotherL -A<68:TT:+ 7o 6ain *as aske'+ 6ome here( ol' menK ,ou shrink &rom t*o 'ea' bo'ies an' a pool of bloo'$$ ,ou sol'iers( tooK 6ome hereK 3?Drags? >A-ATE7TA ?an'? G;8D: ?for*ar'+? >A-ATE7TA+ :K$$:K$$

-A<68:TT:+ ,ou groanK Jhat must 8 'o( thenL &ather( here it is($$ The bloo' of Gui'o mingle' *ith our o*n( As my ol' nurse pre'icte'+ An' the spot :f her infernal baptism burns my brain Till reason shu''ersK Do*n( upon your kneesK Ay( shake them har'er( an' perchance theyDll *ake+ =eep stillK =neel( kneelK ,ou fear themL 8 shall pro*l About these bo'ies till the 'ay of 'oom+ >A-ATE7TA+ Jhat hast thou 'oneL G;8D:+ &rancescaK$$:K my chil'K

-A<68:TT:+ 6an ho*ling make this sight more terribleL PeaceK ,ou 'isturb the angels up in heaven(

Jhile they are hi'ing from this ugly earth+ Be satisfie' *ith *hat you see+ ,ou t*o Began this trage'y( 8 finishe' it+ )ere( by these bo'ies( let us reckon up :ur crimes together+ Jhy( ho* still they lieK A moment since( they *alke'( an' talke'( an' kisse'K Defie' me to my face( 'ishonoure' meK They ha' the po*er to 'o it thenF but no*( Poor souls( *hoDll shiel' them in eternityL &ather( the honour of our house is safe: 8 have the secret+ 8 *ill to the *ars( An' 'o more mur'ers( to eclipse this one+ Back to the battlesF there 8 breathe in peaceF An' 8 *ill take a sol'ierDs honour back+$$ )onourK *hatDs that to me no*L )aK haK haK 3?-aughing+?5 A great thing( fatherK 8 am very ill+ 8 kille' thy son for honour: thou mayst chi'e+ : Go'K 8 cannot cheat myself *ith *or'sK 8 love' him more than honour$$more than life$$ This man( Paolo$$this stark( blee'ing corpseK )ere let me rest( till Go' a*ake us allK 3?&alls on PA:-:D7 bo'y+?

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