FIESCO (in a haughty and contemptuous manner). When that is over I will no longer detain thee here in Genoa. (Going, throws him a purse.) This is thy last employment.
[Exit.
SCENE VII
MOOR, alone.
MOOR (taking up the purse slowly, and looking after FIESCO with surprise). Are we, then, on these terms? "I will detain thee in Genoa no longer." That is to say, translated from the Christian language into my heathen tongue, "When I am duke I shall hang up my friend the Moor upon a Genoese gallows." Hum! He fears, because I know his tricks, my tongue may bring his honor into danger when he is duke. When he is duke? Hold, master count! That event remains to be considered. Ah! old Doria, thy life is in my hands. Thou art lost unless I warn thee of thy danger. Now, if I go to him and discover the plot, I save the Duke of Genoa no less than his existence and his dukedom, and gain at least this hatful of gold for my reward. (Going, stops suddenly.) But stay, friend Hassan, thou art going on a foolish errand. Suppose this scene of riot is prevented, and nothing but good is the result. Pshaw! what a cursed trick my avarice would then have played me! Come, devil, help me to make out what promises the greatest mischief; to cheat Fiesco, or to give up Doria to the dagger. If Fiesco succeed then Genoa may prosper. Away! That must not be. If this Doria escape, then all remains as it was before, and Genoa is quiet. That's still worse! Ay, but to see these rebels' heads upon the block! Hum! On the other hand 'twould be amusing to behold the illustrious Dorias in this evening's massacre the victims of a rascally Moor. No. This doubtful question a Christian might perhaps resolve, but 'tis too deep a riddle for my Moorish brains. I'll go propose it to some learned man.
[Exit.
SCENE VIII
An apartment in the house of the COUNTESS IMPERIALI.
JULIA in dishabille. GIANETTINO enters, agitated.
GIANETTINO. Good-evening, sister.
JULIA (rising). It must be something extraordinary which brings the crown-prince of Genoa to his sister!
GIANETTINO. Sister, you are continually surrounded by butterflies and I by wasps. How is it possible that we should meet? Let's be seated.
JULIA. You almost excite my curiosity.
GIANETTINO. When did Fiesco visit you last?
JULIA. A strange question. As if I burdened my memory with such trifles!
GIANETTINO. I must know – positively.
JULIA. Well, then, he was here yesterday.
GIANETTINO. And behaved without reserve?
JULIA. As usual.
GIANETTINO. As much a coxcomb as ever.
JULIA (offended). Brother!
GIANETTINO (more vehemently). I say – as much a coxcomb —
JULIA (rises, with indignation). Sir! What do you take me for?
GIANETTINO (keeps his seat – sarcastically). For a mere piece of woman-flesh, wrapped up in a great – great patent of nobility. This between ourselves – there is no one by to hear us.
JULIA (enraged). Between ourselves – you are an impertinent jackanapes, and presume upon the credit of your uncle. No one by to hear us, indeed!
GIANETTINO. Sister! sister! don't be angry. I'm only merry because Fiesco is still as much a coxcomb as ever. That's all I wanted to know. Your servant – (Going.)
SCENE IX
The former, LOMELLINO, entering.
LOMELLINO (to JULIA, respectfully). Pardon my boldness, gracious lady. (To GIANETTINO.) Certain affairs which cannot be delayed – (GIANETTINO takes him aside; JULIA sits down angrily at the pianoforte and plays an allegro.)
GIANETTINO (to LOMELLINO). Is everything prepared for to-morrow?
LOMELLINO. Everything, prince – but the courier, who was despatched this morning to Levanto, is not yet returned, nor is Spinola arrived. Should he be intercepted! I'm much alarmed —
GIANETTINO. Fear nothing. You have that list at hand?
LOMELLINO (embarrassed). My lord – the list? I do not know – I must have left it at home in my other pocket.
GIANETTINO. It does not signify – would that Spinola were but here. Fiesco will be found dead in his bed. I have taken measures for it.
LOMELLINO. But it will cause great consternation.
GIANETTINO. In that lies our security. Common crimes but move the blood and stir it to revenge: atrocious deeds freeze it with terror, and annihilate the faculties of man. You know the fabled power of Medusa's head – they who but looked on it were turned to stone. What may not be done, my boy, before stories are warmed to animation?
LOMELLINO. Have you given the countess any intimation of it?
GIANETTINO. That would never do! We must deal more cautiously with her attachment to FIESCO. When she shares the sweets, the cost will soon be forgotten. Come, I expect troops this evening from Milan, and must give orders at the gates for their reception. (To JULIA.) Well, sister, have you almost thrummed away your anger?
JULIA. Go! You're a rude unmannered creature. (GIANETTINO, going, meets FIESCO.)
SCENE X
The former; FIESCO.
GIANETTINO (stepping back). Ha!
FIESCO (with politeness). Prince, you spare me a visit which I was just now about to pay.
GIANETTINO. And I, too, count, am pleased to meet you here.
FIESCO (approaching JULIA courteously). Your charms, signora, always surpass expectation.
JULIA. Fie! that in another would sound ambiguous – but I'm shocked at my dishabille – excuse me, count – (going).
FIESCO. Stay, my beauteous lady. Woman's beauty is ne'er so charming as when in the toilet's simplest garb (laughingly). An undress is her surest robe of conquest. Permit me to loosen these tresses —
JULIA. Oh, how ready are you men to cause confusion!
FIESCO (with a smile to GIANETTINO). In dress, as in the state – is it not so? (To JULIA.) This ribbon, too, is awkwardly put on. Sit down, fair countess – your Laura's skill may strike the eye, but cannot reach the heart. Let me play the chambermaid for once. (She sits down, he arranges her dress.)
GIANETTINO (aside to LOMELLINO). Poor frivolous fellow!
FIESCO (engaged about her bosom). Now see – this I prudently conceal. The senses should always be blind messengers, and not know the secret compact between nature and fancy.
JULIA. That is trifling.
FIESCO. Not at all; for, consider, the prettiest novelty loses all its zest when once become familiar. Our senses are but the rabble of our inward republic. The noble live by them, but elevate themselves above their low, degenerate tastes. (Having adjusted her toilet, he leads her to a glass.) Now, by my honor! this must on the morrow be Genoa's fashion – (politely) – may I have the honor of leading you so abroad, countess?
JULIA. The cunning flatterer! How artfully he lays his plans to ensnare me. No! I have a headache, and will stay at home.
FIESCO. Pardon me, countess. You may be so cruel, but surely you will not. To-day a company of Florentine comedians arrive at my palace. Most of the Genoese ladies will be present this evening at their performance, and I am uncertain whom to place in the chief box without offending others. There is but one expedient. (Making a low bow.) If you would condescend, signora —
JULIA (blushing, retires to a side apartment). Laura!
GIANETTINO (approaching FIESCO). Count, you remember an unpleasant circumstance —
FIESCO (interrupting him). 'Tis my wish, prince, we should both forget it. The actions of men are regulated by their knowledge of each other. It is my fault that you knew me so imperfectly.
GIANETTINO. I shall never think of it without craving your pardon from my inmost soul —
FIESCO. Nor I without forgiving you from my heart's core. (JULIA returns, her dress a little altered.)
GIANETTINO. Count, I just now recollect that you are going to cruise against the Turks —
FIESCO. This evening we weigh anchor. On that account I had some apprehensions from which my friend Doria's kindness may deliver me.
GIANETTINO (obsequiously). Most willingly. Command my utmost influence!
FIESCO. The circumstance might cause a concourse toward the harbor, and about my palace, which the duke your uncle might misinterpret.
GIANETTINO (in a friendly manner). I'll manage that for you. Continue your preparations, and may success attend your enterprise!
FIESCO (with a smile). I'm much obliged to you.
SCENE XI
The former – A GERMAN of the body-guard.
GIANETTINO. What now?
GERMAN. Passing by the gate of St. Thomas I observed a great number of armed soldiers hastening towards the harbor. The galleys of the Count Fiesco were preparing for sea.
GIANETTINO. Is that all? Report it no further.
GERMAN. Very well. From the convent of the Capuchins, too, suspicious rabble are pouring, and steal toward the market-place. From their gait and appearance I should suppose them soldiers.
GIANETTINO (angrily). Out upon this fool's zeal! (To LOMELLINO, aside.) These are undoubtedly my Milanese.
GERMAN. Does your grace command that they should be arrested?
GIANETTINO (aloud to LOMELLINO). Look to them, Lomellino. (To the GERMAN.) Begone! 'Tis all well. (Aside to LOMELLINO.) Bid that German beast be silent.
[Exeunt LOMELLINO and GERMAN.
FIESCO (in another part of the room with JULIA – looks toward GIANETTINO.). Our friend Doria seems displeased. May I inquire the reason?
GIANETTINO. No wonder. These eternal messages.
[Exit hastily.
FIESCO. The play awaits us, too, signora. May I offer you my hand?
JULIA. Stay, let me take my cloak. 'Tis no tragedy I hope, count? It would haunt me in my dreams.
FIESCO (sarcastically). 'Twill excite immoderate laughter.
[He hands her out – the curtain falls.
ACT IV
SCENE I
Night. The court of FIESCO'S palace. The lamps lighted. Persons carrying in arms. A wing of the palace illuminated. A heap of arms on one side of the stage.
BOURGOGNINO, leading a band of soldiers.
BOURGOGNINO. Halt! Let four sentinels be stationed at the great gate. Two at every door of the palace. (The sentinels take their posts.) Let every one that chooses enter, but none depart. If any one attempts to force his way run him through. (Goes with the rest into the palace. The sentinels walk up and down. A pause.)
SCENE II
ZENTURIONE entering.
SENTINELS AT THE GATE (call out). Who goes there?
ZENTURIONE. A friend of Lavagna. (Goes across the court to the palace on the right.)
SENTINEL THERE. Back! (ZENTURIONE starts, and goes to the door on the left.)
SENTINEL ON THE LEFT. Back!
ZENTURIONE (stands still with surprise. A pause. Then to the SENTINEL on the left). Friend, which is the way to the theatre?
SENTINEL. Don't know.
ZENTURIONE (walks up and down with increasing surprise – then to the SENTINEL on the right). Friend, when does the play begin?
SENTINEL. Don't know.
ZENTURIONE (astonished, walks up and down. Perceives the weapons; alarmed). Friend, what mean these?
SENTINEL. Don't know.
ZENTURIONE (wraps himself up in his cloak, alarmed). Strange!
SENTINELS AT THE GATE (calling out). Who goes there?
SCENE III
The former, ZIBO entering.
ZIBO. A friend of Lavagna.
ZENTURIONE. Zibo, where are we?
ZIBO. What mean you?
ZENTURIONE. Look around you, Zibo.
ZIBO. Where? What?
ZENTURIONE. All the doors are guarded!
ZIBO. Here are arms —
ZENTURIONE. No one that will answer —
ZIBO. 'Tis strange!
ZENTURIONE. What is it o'clock?
ZIBO. Past eight.
ZENTURIONE. How bitter cold it is!
ZIBO. Eight was the hour appointed.
ZENTURIONE (shaking his head). 'Tis not all as it should be here.
ZIBO. Fiesco means to jest with us —
ZENTURIONE. To-morrow will be the ducal election. Zibo, all's not right here, depend upon it.
ZIBO. Hush! hush!
ZENTURIONE. The right wing of the palace is full of lights.
ZIBO. Do you hear nothing?
ZENTURIONE. A confused murmuring within – and —
ZIBO. The sound of clattering arms —
ZENTURIONE. Horrible! horrible!
ZIBO. A carriage – it stops at the gate!
SENTINELS AT THE GATE (calling out). Who goes there?
SCENE IV
The former, four of the ASSERATO family.
ASSERATO (entering). A friend of FIESCO.
ZIBO. They are the four Asserati.
ZENTURIONE. Good evening, friends!
ASSERATO. We are going to the play.
ZIBO. A pleasant journey to you!
ASSERATO. Are you not going also?
ZENTURIONE. Walk on. We'll just take a breath of air first.
ASSERATO. 'Twill soon begin. Come. (Going.)
SENTINEL. Back!
ASSERATO. What can this mean?
ZENTURIONE (laughing). To keep you from the palace.
ASSERATO. Here's some mistake —
ZIBO. That's plain enough. (Music is heard in the right wing.)
ASSERATO. Do you hear the symphony? The comedy is going to begin.
ZENTURIONE. I think it has begun, and we are acting our parts as fools.
ZIBO. I'm not over warm – I'll return home.
ASSERATO. Arms here, too?
ZIBO. Poh! Mere play-house articles.
ZENTURIONE. Shall we stand waiting, like ghosts upon the banks of Acheron? Come, let us to a tavern! (All six go towards the gate.)
SENTINELS (calling loudly). Back! Back!
ZENTURIONE. Death and the devil! We are caught.
ZIBO. My sword shall open a passage!
ASSERATO. Put it up! The count's a man of honor.
ZIBO. We are sold! betrayed! The comedy was a bait, and we're caught in a trap.
ASSERATO. Heaven forbid! And yet I tremble for the event.
SCENE V
The former – VERRINA, SACCO, and NOBLES.
SENTINELS. Who goes there?
VERRINA. Friends of the house. (Seven NOBLES enter with him.)
ZIBO. These are his confidants. Now all will be explained.
SACCO (in conversation with VERRINA). 'Tis as I told you; Lascaro is on guard at the St. Thomas' gate, the best officer of Doria, and blindly devoted to him.
VERRINA. I'm glad of it.
ZIBO (to VERRINA). Verrina, you come opportunely to clear up the mystery.
VERRINA. How so? What mean you?
ZENTURIONE. We are invited to a comedy.
VERRINA. Then we are going the same way.
ZENTURIONE (impatiently). Yes – the way of all flesh. You see – the doors are guarded. Why guard the doors?
ZIBO. Why these sentinels?
ZENTURIONE. We stand here like criminals beneath the gallows.
VERRINA. The count will come himself.
ZENTURIONE. 'Twere well if he came a little faster. My patience begins to fail. (All the NOBLES walk up and down in the background.)
BOURGOGNINO (coming out of the palace, to VERRINA). How goes it in the harbor?
VERRINA. They're all safe on board.
BOURGOGNINO. The palace is full of soldiers.
VERRINA. 'Tis almost nine.
BOURGOGNINO. The count is long in coming.
VERRINA. And yet too quick to gain his wishes. Bourgognino! There is a thought that freezes me.
BOURGOGNINO. Father, be not too hasty.
VERRINA. It is impossible to be too hasty where delay is fatal. I must commit a second murder to justify the first.
BOURGOGNINO. But – when must Fiesco fall?
VERRINA. When Genoa is free Fiesco dies!
SENTINELS. Who goes there?
SCENE VI
The former, FIESCO.
FIESCO. A friend! (The NOBLES bow – the SENTINELS present their arms.) Welcome, my worthy guests! You must have been displeased at my long absence. Pardon me. (In a low voice to VERRINA.) Ready?
VERRINA (in the same manner). As you wish.
FIESCO (to BOURGOGNINO). And you?
BOURGOGNINO. Quite prepared.
FIESCO (to SACCO). And you?
SACCO. All's right.
FIESCO. And Calcagno?
BOURGOGNINO. Is not yet arrived.
FIESCO (aloud to the SENTINELS). Make fast the gates! (He takes off his hat, and steps forward with dignity towards the assembly.) My friends – I have invited you hither to a play – not as spectators, but to allot to each a part therein.
Long enough have we borne the insolence of Gianettino Doria, and the usurpation of Andreas. My friends, if we would deliver Genoa, no time is to be lost. For what purpose, think you, are those twenty galleys which beset our harbor? For what purpose the alliances which the Dorias have of late concluded? For what purpose the foreign forces which they have collected even in the heart of Genoa? Murmurs and execrations avail no longer. To save all we must dare all. A desperate disease requires a desperate remedy. Is there one base enough in this assembly to own an equal for his master? (Murmurs.) Here is not one whose ancestors did not watch around the cradle of infant Genoa. What! – in Heaven's name! – what, I ask you, have these two citizens to boast of that they could urge their daring flight so far above our head? (Increasing murmurs.) Every one of you is loudly called upon to fight for the cause of Genoa against its tyrants. No one can surrender a hair's-breadth of his rights without betraying the soul of the whole state. (Interrupted by violent commotions he proceeds.)
You feel your wrongs – then everything is gained. I have already paved your way to glory – Genoese, will you follow? I am prepared to lead you. Those signs of war which you just now beheld with horror should awaken your heroism. Your anxious shuddering must warm into a glorious zeal that you may unite your efforts with this patriotic band to overthrow the tyrant. Success will crown the enterprise, for all our preparations are well arranged. The cause is just, for Genoa suffers. The attempt will render us immortal, for it is vast and glorious —
ZENTURIONE (vehemently, and agitated). Enough! Genoa shall be free! Be this our shout of onset against hell itself!
ZIBO. And may he who is not roused by it pant at the slavish oar till the last trumpet break his chains —
FIESCO. Spoken like men. Now you deserve to know the danger that hung over yourselves and Genoa. (Gives them the papers of the MOOR.) Lights, soldiers! (The nobles crowd about the lights, and read – FIESCO aside to VERRINA.) Friend, it went as I could wish.
VERRINA. Be not too certain. Upon the left I saw countenances that grew pale, and knees that tottered.
ZENTURIONE (enraged). Twelve senators! Infernal villany! Seize each a sword! (All, except two, eagerly take up the weapons that lie in readiness.)
ZIBO. Thy name, too, Bourgognino, is written there.
BOURGOGNINO. Ay, and if Heaven permit, it shall be written to-day upon the throat of Gianettino.
ZENTURIONE. Two swords remain —
ZIBO. Ah! What sayest thou?
ZENTURIONE. Two amongst us have not taken swords.
ASSERATO. My brothers cannot bear the sight of blood – pray spare them!
ZENTURIONE (vehemently). What! Not a tyrant's blood! Tear them to pieces – cowards! Let such bastards be driven from the republic! (Some of the assembly attack the two ASSERATI.)
FIESCO (restraining them). Cease! Shall Genoa owe its liberty to slaves? Shall our pure gold be debased by this alloy? (He disengages them.) Gentlemen, you must be content to take up your abode within my palace until our business be decided. (To the sentinels.) These are your prisoners; you answer for their safety! Guard them with loaded arms. (They are led off – a knocking heard at the gate.)
SENTINEL. Who is there?
CALCAGNO (without, eagerly). Open the gate! A friend! for God's sake, open!
BOURGOGNINO. It is Calcagno – heavens! What can this mean?
FIESCO. Open the gate, soldiers.
SCENE VII
The former – CALCAGNO, out of breath.
CALCAGNO. All is lost! all is lost! Fly, every one that can!
BOURGOGNINO. What's lost? Have they flesh of brass? Are our swords made of rushes?
FIESCO. Consider, Calcagno! An error now is fatal.
CALCAGNO. We are betrayed! Your Moor, Lavagna, is the rascal! I come from the senate-house. He had an audience of the duke.
VERRINA (with a resolute tone, to the sentinels). Soldiers! let me rush upon your halberts! I will not perish by the hangman's hands. (The assembly show marks of confusion.)
FIESCO (with firmness). What are you about? 'Sdeath, Calcagno! Friends, 'tis a false alarm. (To CALCAGNO, aside.) Woman that thou art to tell these boys this tale. Thou, too, Verrina? and thou, Bourgognino? Whither wouldst thou go?
BOURGOGNINO. Home – to kill my Bertha – and then return to fall with thee.
FIESCO (bursting into a loud laugh). Stay! stay! Is this the valor that should punish tyrants? Well didst thou play thy part, Calcagno. Did none of you perceive that this alarm was my contrivance? Speak, Calcagno? Was it not my order that you should put these Romans to this trial?
VERRINA. Well, if you can laugh I'll believe you – or never more think you man.
FIESCO. Shame on you, men! to fail in such a boyish trial! Resume your arms – you must fight like lions to atone for this disgrace. (Aside to CALCAGNO.) Were you there yourself?
CALCAGNO (low). I made my way among the guards to hear, as was my business, the watchword from the duke. As I was returning the Moor was brought —
FIESCO (aloud). So the old man is gone to bed – we'll drum him out of his feathers. (Low.) Did he talk long with the duke?
CALCAGNO (low). My sudden fright and your impending danger drove me away in haste —
FIESCO (aloud). See how our countrymen still tremble.
CALCAGNO (aloud). You should have carried on the jest. (Low.) For God's sake, friend, what will this artifice avail us?
FIESCO. 'Twill gain us time, and dissipate the first panic. (Aloud.) Ho! bring wine here! (Low.) Did the duke turn pale? (Aloud.) Well, brothers, let us drink success to this night's entertainment. (Low.) Did the duke turn pale?
CALCAGNO. The Moor's first word must have been conspiracy; for the old man started back as pale as ashes.
FIESCO (confused). Hum! the devil is an artful counsellor. Calcagno – the Moor was cunning, he betrayed nothing till the knife was at his throat. Now he is indeed their savior. (Wine is brought, he drinks to the assembly.) Comrades, success! (A knocking is heard.)
SENTINELS. Who is without?
A VOICE. The guard of the duke's. (The NOBLES rush about the court in despair.)
FIESCO (stepping forward). Oh, my friends! Be not alarmed! I am here – quick, remove these arms – be men. I entreat you – this visit makes me hope that Andreas still doubts our plot. Retire into the palace: recall your spirits. Soldiers, throw open the gate! (They retire, the gates are opened.)
SCENE VIII
FIESCO (as if coming from the palace). Three GERMAN SOLDIERS bringing the MOOR, bound.
FIESCO. Who calls me?
GERMANS. Bring us to the count!
FIESCO. The count is here, who wants me?
GERMAN (presenting his arms). Greeting from the duke! – he delivers up to your grace this Moor in chains, who had basely slandered you: the rest this note will tell.
FIESCO (takes it with an air of indifference). Have I not threatened thee already with the galleys? (To the GERMAN.) Very well, my friend, my respects to the duke.
MOOR (hallooing after them). Mine, too – and tell the duke had he not employed an ass for his messenger he would have learned that two thousand soldiers are concealed within these palace walls.
[Exeunt GERMANS, the NOBLES return.
SCENE IX
FIESCO, the CONSPIRATORS, MOOR (looking at them unconcerned.)
THE CONSPIRATORS (shuddering at the sight of the MOOR). Ha! what means this?
FIESCO (after reading the note with suppressed anger). Genoese, the danger is past – but the conspiracy is likewise at an end —
VERRINA (astonished). What! Are the Dorias dead?
FIESCO (violently agitated). By heavens! I was prepared to encounter the whole force of the republic, but not this blow. This old nerveless man, with his pen, annihilates three thousand soldiers (his hands sink down). Doria overcomes Fiesco!
BOURGOGNINO. Speak, count, we are amazed!
FIESCO (reading). "Lavagna, your fate resembles mine; benevolence is rewarded with ingratitude. The Moor informs me of a plot: I send him back to you in chains, and shall sleep to-night without a guard." (He drops the paper – the rest look at each other.)
VERRINA. Well, Fiesco?
FIESCO (with dignity). Shall Doria surpass me in magnanimity? Shall the race of Fiesco want this one virtue? No, by my honor – disperse – I'll go and own the whole —
VERRINA (stopping him). Art thou mad? Was, then, our enterprise some thievish act of villany? Was it not our country's cause? Was Andreas the object of thy hatred, and not the tyrant? Stay! I arrest thee as a traitor to thy country.
CONSPIRATORS. Bind him! throw him down!
FIESCO (snatching up his sword, and making way through them). Gently! Who will be the first to throw the cord around the tiger? See, Genoese, – I stand here at liberty, and might force my way with ease, had I the will – but I will stay – I have other thoughts —
BOURGOGNINO. Are they thoughts of duty?
FIESCO (haughtily). Ha! boy! learn first to know thy own – and towards me restrain that tongue! Be appeased, Genoese, – our plans remain unaltered. (To the MOOR, whose cords he cuts with a sword). Thou hast the merit of causing a noble act – fly!
CALCAGNO (enraged). What? Shall that scoundrel live, – he who has betrayed us all?
FIESCO. Live – though he has frightened you all. Rascal, begone! See that thou turn thy back quickly on Genoa; lest some one immolate thee to the manes of his courage.
MOOR. So, then, the devil does not forsake his friends. Your servant, gentlemen! I see that Italy does not produce my halter; I must seek it elsewhere.
[Exit, laughing.
SCENE X
FIESCO, CONSPIRATORS. Enter SERVANT.
SERVANT. The Countess Imperiali has already asked three times for your grace.
FIESCO. Ha! then the comedy must indeed begin! Tell her I come directly. Desire my wife to hasten to the concert-room, and there remain concealed behind the tapestry. (Exit SERVANT.) In these papers your several stations are appointed: let each but act his part, the plan is perfect. Verrina will lead the forces to the harbor, and when the ships are seized will fire a shot as a signal for the general attack. I now leave you upon important business; when you hear the bell come all together to my concert-room. Meanwhile enjoy my Cyprian wine within. (They depart into the palace.)
SCENE XI
LEONORA, ARABELLA, and ROSA.
LEONORA. Fiesco promised to meet me here, and comes not. 'Tis past eleven. The sound of arms and men rings frightfully through the palace, and no Fiesco comes.
ROSA. You are to conceal yourself behind the tapestry – what can the count intend?
LEONORA. He directs and I obey. Why should I fear? And yet I tremble, Arabella, and my heart beats fearfully with apprehension. For heaven's sake, damsels, do not leave me.
ARABELLA. Fear nothing; our timidity subdues our curiosity.
LEONORA. Where'er I turn my eyes strange shapes appear with hollow and distracted countenances. Whomsoever I address trembles like a criminal, and withdraws into the thickest gloom of night, that fearful refuge of a guilty conscience. Whate'er they answer falls from the trembling tongue in doubtful accents. Oh, Fiesco! what horrid business dost thou meditate? Ye heavenly powers! watch over my Fiesco!
ROSA (alarmed). Oh, heavens! what noise is that without?
ARABELLA. It is the soldier who stands there as sentinel. (The SENTINEL without calls, "Who goes there?")
LEONORA. Some one approaches. Quick! behind the curtain. (They conceal themselves.)
SCENE XII
JULIA and FIESCO, in conversation.
JULIA (much agitated). Forbear, count! Your passion meets no longer an indifferent ear, but fires the raging blood – where am I? Naught but seducing night is here! Whither has your artful tongue lured my unguarded heart?
FIESCO. To this spot where timid love grows bold, and where emotions mingle unrestrained.
JULIA. Hold, Fiesco! For Heaven's sake no more! 'Tis the thick veil of night alone which covers the burning blushes on my cheeks, else wouldst thou pity me.
FIESCO. Rather, Julia, thy blushes would inflame my passions, and urge them to their utmost height. (Kisses her hand eagerly.)
JULIA. Thy countenance is glowing as thy words! Ah! and my own, too, burns with guilty fire. Hence, I entreat thee, hence – let us seek the light! The tempting darkness might lead astray the excited senses, and in the absence of the modest day might stir them to rebellion. Haste, I conjure thee, leave this solitude!
FIESCO (more pressing). Why so alarmed, my love? Shall the mistress fear her slave?
JULIA. O man, eternal paradox! then are you truly conquerors, when you bow as captives before our self-conceit. Shall I confess, Fiesco? It was my vice alone that could protect my virtue – my pride alone defied your artifices – thus far, my principles prevailed, and all your arts were foiled – but in despair of every other suit you made appeal to Julia's passion – and here my principles deserted me —
FIESCO (with levity). And what loss was that?
JULIA (with emotion). If I betray the safeguards of my honor, that thou mayest cover me with shame at will, what have I less to lose than all? Wouldst thou know more, scoffer? Shall I confess that the whole secret wisdom of our sex is but a sorry precaution for the defence of this weak fortress, which in the end is the sole object of assault by all your vows and protestations, and which (I blush to own it) is so willingly surrendered – so often betrayed to the enemy upon the first wavering of virtue? That woman's whole art is enlisted in fortifying a defenceless position, just as in chess the pieces move and form a breastwork round the defenceless king? – surprise the latter – check-mate! and the whole board is thrown into confusion. (After a pause – with earnestness), behold the picture of our boasting weakness. Be generous, Fiesco!
FIESCO. And yet, my Julia – where could'st thou bestow this treasure better than on my endless passion?
JULIA. Certainly, nowhere better, and nowhere worse? Tell me, Fiesco, how long will this endless passion endure? But, alas! I've risked too much already now to hesitate at staking my last. I trusted boldly to my charms to captivate thee – to preserve thy love, I fear they'll prove too weak. Fie upon me! – what am I uttering? (Hides her face with her hands.)
FIESCO. Two sins in one breath. Mistrust in my taste, and treason against the sovereignty of your charms? Which of the two is the most difficult to forgive?
JULIA (in a tremulous, imploring tone). Falsehood is the armory of hell! Fiesco needs not this to gain his Julia. (She sinks exhausted on a sofa: after a pause – energetically.) Hear, Fiesco! One word more. When we know our virtue to be in safety, we are heroines; in its defence, no more than children; (fixing her eyes on him wildly) – furies, when we avenge it. Hear me! Should'st thou strike me to the heart with coldness?
FIESCO (assuming an angry tone). Coldness? coldness? Heavens! What does the insatiable vanity of woman look for, if she even doubt the man who lies prostrate at her feet? Ha! my spirit is awakened; my eyes at length are opened. (With an air of coldness.) What was this mighty sacrifice? Man dearly purchases a woman's highest favors by the slightest degradation! (Bowing ceremoniously.) Take courage, madam! you are safe.