A <= A 1 m t-) 4 2 3 9 1=;^ — ju 1 > 3 1 WESTON Lucretia Borgia LUCRETTA BORGIA. |l gram a. IN THREE ACTS ADAI'TED FROM THE FRENCH OF VICTOR HQOO, J. M. WESTON COMEDIAN. NOW FIRST PUBLISHED, WITH BBITORIAI, REMARKS, SCENE AND PROPERTy SUOS, ORIGINAL CASTS, COSTUMES, And all tfae Stae^ BusineM. NEW YORK: S A M {J E L F K E N C H , PUBLISHER, 122 XASS4.0 Stkekt, (Up Stairs.) W H O < W o o H 7% ^ ¥ . ^ fci^ h U 1^ II O 0- ^ -' « ^ :s Es O 0>MKP K n ^ • -Cm -3 cS ^ o -So " >, i^; ^s ^ s 5(§ « ?= ^ Ki- 02 A< A « EH t» E.S3 Was ^LS- UBRAKY iJNIVERSnT OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA tq 5 = « 5 o a ^ MOtZMO < ^ a 5 13 I •^ ft is oo «'^ M dcHfp^^ « w H O erk, large sleeves, {rroad gulri belt, gj-psire and dagger ; gold chain round neck, and anc/ther Liolow hips; violet tiijhts, black velvet ankle hoots, laced up tront, and eaibi-oi- dcred peaked toes. Second Dress — Circular jewelled hut, small fe?.thers, splendid ducal; sara-c style, short arrahole cloak, tiiiiinacd with enuino ; ducal chain, hat, &e.; buff boots, embroidered. Uennaro — Plain plum hauberk, belt, gypsire and dagger; t:ghts to correspond ; ankle boots ; and cowl, -with small cape, to match hauberk ; dark Spanish rocqucleau, vandyked edges. Gubctta — Plain black hauberk, trimmed with scarlet, vandyked sleeves and skirt; hood and cape to match; belt, gypsire an'! rhv.-- gcr ; plain buff ankle boots ; a gray and l>lack roequcleau, vaiidvked. Orsini — Handsome red hauberk; properties to correspov.fi with the same period. Jcppo — Handsome buft' aad silver hauberk. Properties, fcc, as Orsini. Aposioh — Hauberk, sky bl«e - In the year 1497, on a certain Sunday Giibetta. Friday ! Jeppo. Well, Friday — in November G^tbeitih December ! Jeppo. Well, you mat/ be right, count, but it does not mat- ter; November -or December, it is all the same. But on a cer- tain Friday night, a waterman of the Tiber, who was sleeping in Ills boat, just below the church Santo Hieronimo, at Ripetta, was awakened by the tramp of footsteps, and raising his head, he perceived through the mists of the night, (or, rather, morn- inff, I should say, for it was two hours past midnight,) two men coming do'wn the street on the left of the church, who walked cautiously about, hither and thither, along the quay. In a few moments two others appeared on the street at the right of the church, who, at a signal from the first, advanced to the river ; these were joined by three others, one of whom was mounted on a large white horse, and attended bj^ a comrade on either Bide — making, in all, seven men. Gennaro. ^\^lat ! the jrhite horse made the seventh war. Jeppo ? Jeppo. The quay was silent and deserted. The houses around were shrouded in gloom and darkness, save one, from which gleamed a lonely light. The seven men (uid the white horse drew nigh to the water's edge, and then the boatman, to his horror and surprise, distinctly perceived a corpse hanging across the pummel of the saddle. Two of the men watched at the comers of the streets, while the others hastilv disincum- 12 LUCRETIA BORGIA. bered liie horse of its burthen, and, with a violent saving, com- mitted the body to the stream. The man upon the horse then asked, "Is all safe?" to ■which one of the men replied, " Yes, yes, my lord; no fear of that." They then departed, taking the road to Saint Jacques. This is the boatman's story. Maffio. Mysterious, indeed ! doubtless a man of rank, who had been murdered, and the rider was the assassin. Gubetta. {Doioti L.) Mysterious, indeed ! for on that white horse were ttro brothers ! Jcppo. You are right, De Belvcrana. The horseman was no other than Caesar Borgia, and the corpse was that of his onlj' brother, John Borgia ! MaJJio. A house of demons is that of Borgia. But tell us, Jeppo, why a brother thus assassinated his brother. Jeppo. That is almost too horrible to repeat. I cannot tell you now ; this is nor time nor place. Gubetta. {Crossing to Maffio, c.) / "will tell you, signer. Caesar Borgia, Cardinal of Valence, assassinated John Borgia, Duke of Candia, his brother, with his owti hand, at his own altar, because they both loved the same woman ! Maffio. And the woman ? — who was the woman ? Gubetta. Their cousm. f^he yet lives, and her name is Jeppo. Enough, enough, 'Jelverana ! Do not insult our ears even with the name of that fiend in an angel's form. There is not one of us but haf eJcpmenced the effects of her infernal power. Maffio. Methinks I have heard of a child connected with this affair. Is it not so ? Jeppo. Yes, there -n as a child, and I have heard his father named. Gubetta. Yes; John Torgia. Maffio. The child, if Uving, would be now a man. Oloferno. Ay ; but he has disappeared long since ; and whether Caesar Borgia conceals him from the mother, or tha mother fiom him, no o> 6 can tell. A])ostolo. She does wisely, if it be the mother, for this Csesar Borgia, since he has becoirt Duke of Valence, has slain, beside hia brother John, hie two nephews, sons of Godfrey Borgia, and LUCBETIA BOaOIAo. It his cousin, the cardinal, Francois Borgia, and has evca attempt- ed the life of the pope. He riots in human blood ! Jeppo. He aims to become the sole male of the name, and then his wealth would be enormous. Gttbelta. That cousin, whom you {to Jeppo) are so loth to name, made a secret pilgrimage to the nunncrj' of St. Sixtus, at the time of the assassination of John Borgia, and secluded herself for many months, no one exactly knoAving why. Jeppo. I have heard a cause assigned. It was to separate herself fiom her second husband, John Sforza. Maffio. "What was the boatman's name who saw the act related by you ? Know you who he was ? Jeppo. I do not know. Gubetta. His name was Georgio Schiavone ; his business was to trade in provisions and fuel down the Tiber, to Ripetta. He is dead — died some time since — died rather suddenly, some say by poison ! It is eery likely. {Crosses to b.,, aiid goes tip the stage.) Maffio. {In a low tone, to his companions.) This Spaniard knows more of our aftairs than we do ourselves. 'Tis strange. Ascanio. {Low, to Maffio.) I distrust him, as well as your- self. Say nothing, but let us keep an eye upon his movements. Despite that smooth tongue of his, there is danger in him, or I greatly err. Jeppo. Ah, gentlemen, what an age we live in ! TATiat with war, pestilence, love, intrigue, murder, poison, and the Borgias, show me the man in Italy sure of life for a single day. Apostolo. Well, comrades, we are, as you are doubtless aware, all attached to the embassy, which the republic of Ven- ice sends to the Duke of Ferrara, to congratulate him on the recapture of Rimni, upon the Maltesta, "VNTien do we leave Venice ? Oloferno. The day after to-morrow, certain. The two am- bassadors are already appointed — the Senator Tripolo, and Grimani, the captain of the galleys. Ascanio. Does Captain Gcnnaro accompany us ? Mttffia. Yes, if / do. We never separate ; we aie more than brothers in heart. 2 14 LtrCRETIA BORGIA.. Jtscanio. {In a low voice.) Gentlemen, one 'word — an im- portant suggestion ; for the present let none of us drink Span' ish wine. {Looking towards Gubetta.) Jeppo. I have another important word. Have you taken core to see that we have any other wine? I have no partiality for Spain, but if the choice is between Spanish wine or no wine at all, I shall embrace Spain decidedly. Majfio. Let us in. Halloa, Gennaro ! Faith, Jeppo, yc-f etori- had its effect ; he sleeps soundly. Jeppo. Let him sleep, then. I'll drink his share ■with my own, for I am devilish thirsty. Exeunt all, B. u. e., except Gubetta. Gubetta, {Cotnes forward, L. c.) «This Spaniard knows more of our affairs than we do ourselves," said they. I heard their words, low as they spoke them. Ha, ha, ha ! They are right ; I do know more than they themselves ; but Donna Lu- cretia knows more than I, and my lord of Valentenois knows more than Donna Lucretia ; the devil knows more than my lord of Valentenois, and Pope Alexander the Sixth knows more, I believe, than the devil himself! {Looks on Gennaro.) How these young men sleep ! {Goes down to L. h. corner, and learn against a pillar.) Ha ! she comes ! Enter Lucretia, L. TJ. e., magnijkently dressed, with her face masked. She looks hurriedly rotcnd, {does not see Gubetta,) approaches Gennaro, and gazes fondly and earnestly on his face some moments, then speaks : Lucretia. He sleeps ! The f£te has wearied him ! How beautiful ! That pale forehead, those jetty locks, those long, silken lashes, those proud Ups, that noble form ! {Looking tip, starts on seeing Gubetta, L. Lucretia goes down c.) Ha, Gubetta ! Gubetta. (l. c.) Hush ! {Looking warily round.) Speak lower, if you please, signora. I am not kno-wn as Gubetta here, but as the Count of Belverana, a Castilian noble. And you, madam, do not forget that you are the Coimtess of Poutequad- rato, a Neapolitan lady. We must appear as strangers to eacli lUCRETIA BOUGIA.. Iff Other; «uch was your highncss's commands. Remember, you are not in Perrara, but in Venice ! Lucretia. (n. c.) Right; you are quite right. But there are none within sound of our voices now, save this young sol- dier, who calmly and soundly sleeps. I wish a moment's con- verse. {About to remove mask.) Gubetta. Might I presume to urge your highness not to re- move your mask. Some one will recognize you. Lucretia. "Well, and if I atn recognized, what then ? What have/ to fear? Let him who makes the discovery tremble; he has most cause. Gubetta. We are in Venice, signora, where you have many foes, and they are free ! The republic will guard your person from violence, but they cannot shield you from insult. Lucretia. (^Sadly.) True, alas, too tiue ! My very name excites horror, wherever heard. Gubetta. Besides, it is the middle of the carnival, and the city is filled with Romans, Neapolitans, Tuscans, Genoese, Lombards, Romagnols — Italians of all Italy. Lucretia. {Moia-nfully.) And all Italy hates me ! Ah me ! how sad my fate ! But it must not, shall not longer be. I waa not bom to be the thing I have been and am ; and I realize it now, alas ! more than I ever did. The example of my family has made me what I am. (Crosses to l. She paces the stage hurriedly a moment.) It shall be so ! Gubetta ! Gubetta. (R. c.) Your highness. Lucretia. Issue immediate orders that all be in readiness for me to visit Spoletti. Gubetta. Your commands have been anticipated ; all is now prepared for your instant departure. Lucretia. "WTiat has been done •with Galeas Accailoi ? Gubetta. In prison, only awaiting your order to be hanged. Lucretia. And Godfrey Buondelmonte ? Gubetta. Is in his dungeon. The sentence is not yet signed for his execution. Lucretia. And Manfredi de Carsola ? Gubetta. Is not yet strangled. iMfrniia. And Spadacappa? \i HCUETlA BuKQlA. Gubelta. According to your orders, he ■will receive poison (m Easter day. It is now carnival ; it will be Easter in six weeks, Lucrctia And Pierre Copra ? Gubetta. Is still Bishop of Pesaro, and Regent of Chancery, but ere one month is over, he will be but a lunap of cold clay. Your father, St Peter, the pope, has, at your request, given .he order for liis arrest, and he will be retained in the chambers cf the Vatican until beheaded. Lucrctia. {^Calmly and quietly. ) Gubetta, ^^Tite in haste to the pope, and say I crave pardon for Pierre Copra, and then let no time be lost ere Accailoi, Manfredi de Carsola, Buondel- monte, and Spadacappa are set at liberty ! Gubetta. 'Astonished.') Pray, your highness, let me breathe ! By heavens, it hails mercy, and rains pardons ! I'm droTvned in them ! I tear I shall never recover from this terrible Jiood of good actions. Lueretia. Be my actions good or bad, indifferent or other- wise, what care you ? What does it signify to you, so long as I reward your service? Gubetta. Ah, signora, much ! A good action is far more re- pugnant to my nature than a bad or even indifferent one. I like ease. Ltccretia. (5)ofc7n?^/y.) Attend to me. I am tired of thia feast of blood. I'll no more of it. You have long been my firm and faithful confidant. Gubetta. (R.) For fifteen years have I had the honor of being your higliness's faithful coadjutor. Lueretia. (l.) Gubetta, my old friend, my faithful accom- plice, do you not feel a desire to change this kind of life ? have you no wish to be blessed ? — we who have drawn down curses which, like a mountain's crushing weight, now presses on my heart. Have you not had enough of crime ? Gubetta. {Coolly.) I perceive plainly that you arc about be- coming the most virtuous lady in Italy ! Lueretia. Are not our names the synonymcs of death — of murder ? and does not that sometimes trouble you, as it does me? Gubetta. Not at all, la^y. Often, us I pass through th« JjVCRl'.TlX BuUGlA. 17 Btreets of >Spollettc or Ferraia, I catch the suppressed execra- tions of the citizens near me. " There goes Gubetta ! " " Gu- betta ! " cries a second, " the poisoner ! " " Gubetta — poniard ! Gubetta — gibbet!" exclaims a third; and '♦ Cut-thjoat ! as- sassin ! " with other delicate and complimentary terms pass around; while others, who dare not wag their vile tongues, Bpcak quite as emphatically with their eyes. But what care I for this ? I laugh at them, and with a look can make even the boldest tremble. It is my reputatio)i, and as useful to me in my calling as is bravery to a soldier, or devotion to priest. Lucretia. But see you not that this reputation might excite hatred and honvr in some heart, where you might wish for lovef Gubetta. There are but lew in the world whom one can love, and they are not always those whom one should love. Lucretia. Gubetta, Gubetta, be silent ; you do not compre- hend this heart. There is even now in Italy — this fated Italy — one pure and noble heart — a heart throbbing with high and holy feelings — brave, noble, daring — though of unknown ori- gin, for whom — God knows its truth! — I would resign all — life, fame, every tiling ! O ! to inspire his breast with one gleam of tenderness, one ray of love for me — a miserable, guilty woman — hated, abhorred, cursed of man, and spurned by Heaven — a very slave, though the proud mistress of thou- sands ! O, could I hope but one day to feel that pure heart throb free and joyously against my own, I would welcome tor- ture, chains, or death, to win it ! Do you now comprehend me ? Can you now conceive my anxiety to efface the past, to remove the plague spot from my name, and in place of the in- famy which all Italy now associates with my character, win one of penitence, virtue, and glory ? {Lucretia crosses to ii.) Gubetta. (l.) Madam ! madam ! upon what strange herb has your highness trodden to-day, thus to change your very nature ? 'Tis droll, in sooth ! Lucretia. Beware! beware, sir! Jest not with me! This is no new fancy ; it is not evanescent. But when a weak mor- tal if hurried on in a current of crime, it is not easy for her to ■top when and where she would Two spirits have for yean 2* 18 LUCaETIA liOliOIA. -'Ijeen struggling here, within this bosom — a good and an er>A ^ue. God grant the good one triumph at last ! She crosses to L., turns up stage, and doion again. Gubetta. All is now explained. All is now clear that before puzzled me. One month ago, your highness left your husband, my lord Don Alphonso D'Este, with an apparent intention of visiting Spoletto. But under a Neapolitan name you came dii-ect to Venice, and I, your faithful servitor, am directed to take the garb and name of a Spaniard ; to this is added a strict injunction neither to speak to or of you, or give sign of recog- nition, should we meet. You visit fetes, operas, balls, and, availing yourself of the privilege of the carnival, go ever masked, while it is but seldom you speak to any one, and but a word at a time even to me, and that hvirriedly and in secret. And now, lo ! all this mummery ends in a sermon ! — a hom- ily, madam, from you to me! Is't not strange? You have changed name, dress, rank, residence, bearing, and now it seems your very nature is also changed. This is carrying the carnival to an extreme ! Crossing to l. Lucretia. {On his R. She grasps ids arm, and draws him towards Geimaro, and points to hint.) Do you see that youth? Gubetta. (l. c.) lie is no stranger to me ! He sleeps soundly noic, but could sleep still sounder. Lucretia. (c.) Is he not strangely beautiful r Gubetta. He looks well enough for a soldier, and would look better were his eyes not closed. A face like that without eyes is like a palace without windows. They come down. Lucretia. (e.) Ah, you cannot dream, Gubetta, how ten- derly I love him ! Gubetta. (l.) No ; that is a dream better suited for your royal husband ! But your highness loses time. That young soldier is reported to be in love with a fair young girl called Fiametta. Lucretia. {Eagerly.) And the giii — does she return his love* Speak ! Gubetta. Most truly, it is said. Lucretia. Thank Heaven ! O, hew I pray for his happiness] She goes up to Gennaro. LUCRETI.V nORGIA. Ijf Gubetta. Stranger still ! another change ! I imagined those who loved to be jealous, and I never had cause to consider your highness an exception to the rule, to say the least. Lncretia. {Gazing on Geimaro.) What a noble figure! and his countenance — so proud, and yet so melancholy ! Leave me, Gubetta. Gubetta- {Crossiiuj to K.) I obey your highness's wishes. She's metamorphosed so strangely that I scarcely know her ; and it will puzzle even her holy father, the pope, or his oa\ti brother, the devil, to recognize her now, I fancy ! Exit Gubetta, R. 1 E. LucRETiA remains gazing a mo)ne7it, then, perceiving the absence of Gubetta, she looks around to see if she is alone, then speaks : Luoretia. This, then, is he. At last I am so blest as to be pennitted to gaze on liis dear face without peril. Dear, O, how dear, thou art to me ! Pause. Enter Duke D'Este, l. u. e., accomjianied by lluSTiGHELLo, both masked and cloaked. They watch her motions, unseen by her. L itrefia. O Heaven ! spare me the anguish of ever bein g scorned or hated by him, for thou knowest he is all under heaven that I love ! I dare not remove my mask, yet I must wipe away these flowing tears. She takes off her mask, kisses Gennaro's hand, and bends over him; then, kneeling, clasps her haiids, as if in prayer. Duke D'Este. {At back L. u. e.) That is sufficient. My visit to Venice was to satisfy myself of her infidelity, and 1 have this night beheld enough to convince me that my suspicions are just. I will now return to Ferrara. That young man is her lovei^ ! Who is he, Rustighello ? Bustighelb. He is called Captain Gennaro, a soldier of for- tune, brave and generous ; a man, too, without parents or kin, 80 far as /le knows. He is at present in the service of tho re- public of Venice. Ditke D'Este. He must be brought to Ferrara. 20 LUCKETIA BORGIA. Rristighello. He will proceed there of his a\n>. accord the day after to-morrow, with several of his comrades, who are members of the embassy of Tripolo and Grimani. Duke D'Estc. 'Tis well, 'tis well; he falls easily into the toils. We can now return. Exeunt D' Estc and RustigheUo, L. XT. E. Lucreiia. O Heaven ! may there be as much of happiness in store for him as there has been of misery endured by me ! tihe rises, looks anxiously round, kneels, and bends over Gen?iaro, parts the hair from his forehead, and fondly presses her lips to it, Gennaro starts and grasps her R. hand before she can rise, and, partly rising, exclaims : Gennaro. A woman ! a kiss ! by my faith, an adventure ! {They come down stage.) Happy indeed must those slumbers be which beauty guards. On my honor, were you a queen and I a poet, this would be an adventure for Alain Chartier, the troubadour of Provence. You have the grace, the bearing of a queen, but 1, alas ! am no poet ; 1 am but a soldier. Lucretia. (L. c. With dignity.) Captain Gennaro, leave me, leave me. Some one approaches. In Heaven's name, do not, do not follow ! Gennaro. (c.) Any command but that, and 1 am your slave. Lucretia. (l. c.) Do not let your wild companions see me, I entieat ; and as you hope to see me more, follow me not now. Exit, L. 2 E. Gennaro. "As I hope to sec her more," I'll not lose sight of her now. Exit Gen7i,aro, following, L. 2 e. Enter Jeppo, R. v. e., as they exeunt. Catches a glimpse of them. Jeppo. Halloa ! Gennaro ! What form is that which he pursues ? Can it be she ? It is, it is, by heav ens ! That woman at Venice ! What does she here ? {Entei Mafpio, r. u. e.) lla, Maffio ! Maffio, {Doton 11. c.) How now? what is the matter ? Jeppo, (L. c.) She is here ! — that woman of whom we wer« speaking ! — she that Maffio. Ha ! are you sure ? L'JCKEllA BORGIA. 21 Jeppo. Quite ; as I am that tliis Ls the palace of Barbarigo, and not that of Labia. Majfio. She has an affair of gaUantr^' -with Gimnaro, then ! He must be saved. It is imperiously necessary to draw my brother from the spidiu-'s web which that dangerous woman is weavmg round liim. Quick ! let us seek and inform our frieutls. Exeu7it, R. u. E. Gondolas pass at back; nnisic plaj/s from them. Re- enter Gennaro, holditKj the hand of Lucretia, l. 3 E. She is now closely masked again^ Lncretia. (R.) The terrace is now deserted, and I can un- mask with bafety. I wish you to see my face, Genneuro. ( Un- masks.) Gennaro. (l. With rapture.) Beautiful ! Ah, signora, yoii are very beautiful ! Lncretia. Look, Gennaro, and look earnestly ; then tell me you do not regard my features with horror. Gennaro. Honor, lady ? On the contrary, my heart invol- untarily draws me towards you. (^Attempts to clasp her. She avoids him.) Lttcretia. Tell me, O, tell me truly, could you love me ? Gennaro. "Why should I not love you, beautiful as thou art ? But, frankly, my heart is not my o-vvn ; I love another. Lucretia. I know who she is — the fair Piametta. Gennaro. No, lady, O no ! Lucretia. Ah ! who, then ? Gennaro. My Mother ! Lucretia. Your mother ! your mother! can it be that you - love her above all others ? " '-^_f Gfi7inaro. Ay, 'tis true; next my God, I adore my mother! «=^^-P And yet I have never seen her face, or heard her voice, or felt ' her SDft embrace, or the warmth of her holy kiss upon my lips. How strange is the feeling that impels me towards you, and makes me speak ,of that which I never yet imparted even to my foster brother, MafRo Oisini! But it seems as if we had met before — I know not when or where. It is as a dream to me But listen to me, lady. Of my origin I nothing know. 22 LTJCllETIA BOEGIA. I was reared to the age of seven years bj' a fisherman of Cala* bria, whom I had ever looked upon as my father. It was at that period he informed me he was not my sire — that he could not claim that sacred title. Some time after this, a cavalier, with vizor closed, brought me a letter, and then, ■without dis- closing his face or name, departed. That letter was from my mother. Ah, how full of love and tenderness was that letter ! It apprised me that I was of noble birth, of ancient family, but no more. She said that she herself was unhappy. Alas, my dear mother ! Lucretia. ( With great emotion.') Dear, dear Gennaro ! Gennaro. Smce that day I have been an adventurer, be- cause, being noble by birth, I wished to make myself truly so by my sword. I have roved over all Italy, to discover the secret of my birth, but in vain. Yet, no matter where I am, the first of every month the same messenger brings me a letter from my mother, receives my answer, and departs. "We can- not even converse together, for he is deaf and dumb. Lucretia. And you know nothing of your family ? Gennaro. I only know I have a mother that loves me, and is herself unhappy. Lucretia. And her letters — what have you done with them ? Gennaro. Here! (^Laying his hand tipon his breast.) Here I have them, next my heart ! The letters of my mother are the only breastplate I ever wear. Here is her last letter, lady. Gc7inaro takes a letter from his bosom, kisses it, and hands it to Lucretia. She opens and reads it. Lucretia. (^Reads.) " Seek not to know me, my dear GcTinaro, until the day which I shall appoint. I am ever surrounded by those who would destroy mc, as they have your poor father. The secret of your birth, my child, must for the present be confined to myself. I fear your during spirit would start forth and blazon to the world an origin so illustri- ous as yours. You cannot understand the perils by which you are surrounded. O, be content, then, for a little tim*, to know that you have a mother who adores you, and who watches night and day, un- ceasingly, over your safety. The time will come, dearest, when yoa may, without danger, know all ; until then, as you regard your own LUCliETIA BORGIA. 23 life, ami the life of her who gave you exisrtence, seek not to know more. My son — my own Gennaro — adieit ! My heart beats wildly when I think of thee ! my eyes fill with unrestrained tears of ten- derness, and my liand falters as I trace these lines for thy dear eyes to gaze upon, while language fails to express the depth, the fathom- less depth, of my love for " She pauses, overcome tcith emotion, hands the letter back to him, which he again kisses, and places in his bosom. Gennaro. Ah, madam, how tenderly you have read my poor mother's words ! You weep, too. Bless you, bless you, lady, for this kind sympathy. You can understand now why I do not yield myself up to pleasure, like my gay comrades. It ia because my heart is always full ; one thought alone possesses it — wiy mother! Give me her — to console, to avenge, to serve — and then I can think of love. I am a soldier of fortune, it is true, but I fight no cause but a just one, for I live in the faith and cheering hope of one day laying at my mother's feet a sword bright, unsullied by a single breath. I have ever re- fused the princely offers proffered me to enter the service of the infamous Lucretia Borgia, but Lucretia. Gennaro, Gennaro, hold ! you know not what you say. O, you should pity the bad, though you condemn their deeds. Gennaro. Should we, then, ps'ty those who are themselves so pitiless ? But let us speak no more of her. 1 have told you my history ; tell me, lady, who you are. Lucretia. An unhappy woman, who loves you purely, truly, holily. Gennaro. And your name, lady ? Lucretia. Ask me no more now; I must not, dare not answer. Maffio. {Outside, R. u. e.) Nay, Jeppo, follow me; I insist. Lucretia. {Crossing to l. h.) Great Heaven! what is this? I cannot avoid them ; it is too late ! Gennaro. Fear not, lady ; I ■w'ill defend you with my life. She hastiiy resumes her mask ; then enter, R. 3 E., Map- FIO, .JhPPO, ASCAMO, OloFERXO, ApoSTOLO, flrf- M l.UCUETIA r.OllGIA. tendants with torches, lords, ladies, pages, SfC, 3jC., as from the palace within. Maffio a^id friends range down on R., Luciietia, l., Gennaro, l. c. Others group above and around, intently observing all. Mafjio. Gennaro, know you to whom you are speaking of love? Lttcrttia. {Aside.") Just Heaven, spare him and me 1 Maskers at back. Apcitolo. Oi-OFERNO. AscANio. Jeppo. Maffio. Gennaro. Lucbbtia (. H. I., a. Maffio. Behold her face, and then {Advancing.) Gennaro. {Draicing his stoord.) Maffio Orsini, stand back ! You are my fi-iend ; you are all friends of mine ; but, by heaven, who touches that mask, or lays finger upon this lady, save ip. kindness, dies ! Be she what she may, she is a woman, and my sword and life are pledged to her defence. Majjfio. We wish not to wrong her. Permit us to introduce ourselves. Gennaro. {Pausing a moment.) Well, be it so. {Retires up a little, c.) Maffio. {Crossing to Lucretia.) Madam, I am Maffio Orsini, brother to the Duke of Gravina, whom you caused to be stabbed in his dungeon. Jeppo. {Crossing to her.) Madam, I am Jeppo Liveretto, brother of Liveretto Vittelli, whom your ruffians strangled whQe he slept. Ascatiio. (Crossing to her.) Madam, I am Ascanio Pctrucca, cousin of Pandolpho Pctrucca, Lord of Scionne, who was assassinated by your order, that you might seize his fair city*. Gennaro. {In c, a little up.) Gracious Heavens! what means all this ? Oloferno. {Crossing to her.) Madam, I am called Olofemo Vittellozzo, nephew of I ago D'Appiani, whom you poisoned at a f6te, to pillage his lordly castle of Piombino. Apostolo. {Crossing to her.) Madam, you beheaded Don Francisco Gazella, maternal uncle of Don Alphonse of Arra- J.VCHETIA nOUGIA.. */S gon, your third Imsband, whom you caused to be murdered on the grand staircase of St. Peter's. I am cousin of one victim, and son of the other. A'. B. Each (jentleman, after addressing I^ucuetia, passes up the stage, and falls duicn to his former situation on ii., excepting Jeppo, loho remains l. c, tiear Gkxxajio. Lucretia. (L. Aside.) (), patience, patience! must 1 bear alj this ? Gennaro, (c.) In Heaven's name, who is this woman? Maffio. (r. c.) And now that we have proclaimed our names and titles, and stated our claims to your regard, permit us to reveal your name. Lucretia, No, no, no! (^Crossing to C, and falling on her knees.) Have pity ! spare me ! Have compassion, though / merit none ; but O, do not speak ! Plunge me into your deep- est dungeon, and proclaim it there ! shriek it among howling fiends — any where — but not before Gennaro ! Maffio. {^Drawing off her mask.) Let us see if you can yet olush at your crimes. (^She starts up.) Gennaro. i^Enraged, and draicing his sicord.) Maffio Orsini ! thus to insult a woman ! No more, but draw ! Jeppo. (L. H. of Gennaro.) Gennaro, {laying his hand on his arm,) you know not what you do ! This woman, for whom you would risk your life, is an assassin and an adulteress ! Maffio. And her name Lucretia. Spare me ! O, spare me this ! As yoic hope for mercy, spare me ! Maffio. Her name, I say — 'tis a spell to empty hell withal, and people earth with devils ! Her name is Lucretia. (^Turning to him.) Gennaro, do not, do not listen ! I entreat, on my knees, as thou dost revere thy 7nothcr, deal Gennaro ! Gennaro drops his sicord at the word " Motkbb," and clasps his hands. JCaffio. Her name is Lucretia Borgia ! Gennaro. Lucretia Borgia ! horror 1 3 56 T-UCRETIA BORGIA. He casta Jitr from hint with horror, while she, with a shriek of des2>air, starts up, advances towards him a utep, and falls fainting at his feet. TABLEAU. Serrants. Serranta. Lords. Pages. Pages. Lordi. Ladies. o,c>>' Qtdch Drop. *^ DuKS and Lvckbtia ehangt drt»$. ACT II. Scene I. — Grand Square in Ferrara; on ihe B.. a Palace, xoith a latticed Balcony, and a grand Escutcheon, of Stone, and with armorial Bearings, over which, in bold relief, o?» a tohite surface of marble, is the word " Bokgia," in large gold letters. On the L. H. is a handsome Edifice, opening upon the Square. Streets beyond, with Domes, Toicers, Steeples, ^c, ifc. A large and small Door to Palace. Enter from v. d. of palace, Lucketia aiid Gubetta. Lucretia. (l.) Is all prepared for the night, Gubetta ? Gubetta. (R.) All is quite ready, your highness. Lucretia. All fve of them will be present ? Gubetta. They axe all invited, madam. Lucretia. {^IVith bitterness.) They have most cruelly out- raged my feelings ! Gubetta. (^Coolly.') J was not present. Did aJi proclaim your name? Lucretia. They insulted me, mocked my sufferings, vilified my character, pubhcly tore off my mask, and exposed my face, denounced my name with every epithet of ignominy — and all oefore him, of all others in this wide world — before Gennaro ! Let me remember that ! (^Crosses to lu) Gubetta. (l. n.) Fools, fools, to come to Ferrara, then, I trow ! But I forgot they could not do otherwise, having been appointed by the senate members of the embassy, which, by the way, arrived here yesterday. Lucretia. Any thing but that I would have borne. But that he — Gennaro — my life's last hope — he now hates, de- spises me ! And they have caused it all ! Let me not forget it ! O God, revenge shall yet be mine, be sure it shall ! Crosses to L. h. Gubetta. (r.) I rejoice to hear it ; I shall again be busy; 1 like it. (27^ 28 LUCEETIA EORGIA. Lucretia. (l.) My very nature seemed changed ; my re- solves were pure, my aspirations holy. I could have borne aU, ay, ALi/ hut that — his hate ! They should have \vrui;g my heart, and I would have bowed submissively before heaven, so he had still thought kindly of me. But to poison him against me more deeply than ever ! O heaven ! the very thought calls from the centre of my heart, and my swelling brain throbs ■with anguish, while the dark spirit of despair shrieks in my ■ «ar, revenge ! and it shall have it ! ( Crosses to R.) Gubetta. (l.) Good ! good ! I like this ! You are yourself again ! Your phantasies of mercy have left you, and you act naturally once more. I am now at ease with your highness. As fire opposes water — light, darkness — and black differs from white — so stand / opposed to the so-styled good and virtuous. Lucretia. (K.) Did Germaro come here with the others ? Gubetta. He did, your highness. Lucretia. {^Sternly.) Gubetta, on your life see, I charge yon, that no harm comes to him ! If a hair of his is touched, if he stands in peril, and you avert it not, beware the waked wrath of Lucretia Borgia ! Would, would I could but see him once more ! Gubetta, That you can do at any hour. I induced his valet to take that house {poiiits to l. h.) for his master. Your bal- cony commands a view of it, and, concealed from sight, j'ou can see him go in and out as often as you choose to enjoy that ineffable delight. Lucretia. Nay, I would speak with him. Gubetta. Nothing is easier, signora. Send Astolfo with a message that your highness, to-day, at a certain hour, would see him at the palace, on business of high import. Lucrelia. {^Thoughtfully.') Yes, I could do that, but would he come ? Gubetta. He could be caused to obey. But go in, your high- ness, for I momentarily expect them to pass this way. It were better that they saw you not. I will meet them. Lucretia. They still consider you the Count of Belverana ? Gubetta. Ay ; I have convinced them on that point past doubt. I have borrowed tl.eir money. ruCUEltA BOKUIA.. 30 Lueretia, Borrowed their money ! and -why ? - Gubeita. To have them in my power. Nothing binds friends so fast as money borrowed or lent ; and it is so decidedly Spanish, as an air of poverty, while at the same time we seize the devil by the tail. Lucreiia. Silence, sir ! This is no time for jests. But see, they are coming down yonder street, and Gennaro is with them. Gubetta, I charge you, guard from harm or danger Gennaro ! Exit Lucretia into palace, u. D. Gubetta. "Who the devil is this Gennaro, in whom she takes Buch an interest ? and what the devil does she design doing Avith him ? It is quite plain I am not in all the secrets of this fair lady. It touches my curiosity. In faith, she has not re- posed her usual conlidence in me in this matter. Madam Lu- cretia is becoming platonic. Well, I am astonished at nothing. But here are the young bloods of Venice. They are not over wise, to leave the free state of Venice, and come to Ferrai-a, after having offended the Duchess of Ferrara, Were / they, I should have stayed away. But young people will be rash. The throat of a tigiess is of all sublunary places that into which they precipitate themselves most eagerly. W^ell, let the fooh have their way. Retires behind a pillar of the balcony. Enter, l. u. e., Maffio, Don Apostolo, Jeppo, As- CANio, Olofekno, a7id Gennako. They converse in a low tone, and with inquietude. Apostolo. Jeppo. Maffio. Ascanio. Oloferno. Gennaro. B. H. 1. U. Maffio. Say what you please, friends, but we are not very safe here ia Ferrara, after having insulted the Duchess, Lucre- tia Borgia. Apostolo. But what could we do ? The signory of Venice appointed us, and their fiat is imperative, were it to extermi- nate one's own family. There is no disguising it, however, that Lucretia Borgia is to be dreaded, and she is supreme in Ferrara. Jeppo. She dare not harm us ; we are in the service of the republic of Venice, and form a part of her embassy. Let this 3* •i) 30 LUCUETIA BORGIA. duchess touch a hair of our heads, and the doge would instanf;- ly declare war ; and Ferrara would not willingly rub against Venice now. Maffio. Ah, you may be stretched at full length in your sepulchre, without touching a hair of your head. It is by voison the Borgia family effect their purposes ! — a poison of so subtle a nature that no medicine on earth can remedy. It IS sure and deadly, noiseless, and better than the axe or the poniard. These Borgias have poisons which kill in a daj', a month, or year, as they please. It is by it they impart a more pleasing flavor to their wines, so that the drinker more eagerly drains his cup, and, with joy and rapture in his face, falls dead. Sometimes a foe of the Borgias falls into a state of melancholy, his skin wrinkles, his eyes sink deep in the head, his hair turns white, the teeth fall out, his knees are weak, and while he breathes, you hear the death rattle in his tluroat. Sleep for- sakes him ; he shivers in the noonday sun with cold, and youth puts on the appearance of old age. He dies, and then it is recol- lected that he drank a cup of Cyprus wine at the palace of a Borgia ! Ascanio. This is horrible ! It were well that we quit Fer- rara. Our ambassadors have an audience of the duke to-day, and we shall then be at liberty to leave. I would we had never come. Jeppo. Well, to-morrow we can go. I am invited to sup with the Princess Negroni, with whom I am almost in love, and I would not fly from the prettiest woman in all Ferrara. Oloferno. The Princess Negroni ! I am invited too ! Maffio. And I ! Apostolo. And I ! Ascanio, And I ! Guhetta. And so am I, gentlemen. {Coming forxoard from behind pillar.) Jeppo. Aha! the Count of Belverana ! {Shaking his ha}id.) Good ! we'll all go together, and a merry night vre'll make it ! Guhetta. {Crossing to Jcpjyo.) May his holiness have you in sacred keeping many years, Signor Jeppo. iiaffia. {In a low tone, to Jeppo.) Let us not go to this LUCKETIA. BORGIA. 31 fearSt to-nigljit. I have a presentiment of ill; and, besides, 1 distrust this amiable count. Jeppo. Pooh ! he Avas my father's companion in arms ! But do as you please ; / shall go. LuciiETiA. appears on the balcony, R,, listening. Ascanio. ( To Gemicuv, who is mueing, L. u.) Speak ! are you not invited, captain r Gennaro. No ; the princess would not notiee a poor soldier like myself. But she would have found me bad company at the best. Maffio, {Crossing to Gennaro.) Ah! I suspect you have a rendezvous d'amour ; is it not so ? Jeppo. Apropos ! tell us, what said the fair Lucretia to you the other evening ? She is in love with j-ou, 'tis clear. Masked face, but a naked heait ! Maffio. And, my brother, you have taken lodgings directly opposite to hers. Ah, Gennaro, Gennaro ! Jtpjpo. Take care, Gennaro, for they do say the duke is not a little jealous of his beautiful wife \ Come, enlighten us poor devils about her — do J Omues. Ay, do ! Sigiior Gennaro in love 1 Ila, ha, lia ! Gentiaro. Gentlemen, I have borne your raillery thus long, because we are sworn iriend:s ; but if you couple my name again with that of the infamous Lucretia Borgia, you will see swords iiashirig in the &un I I resjjcct yon all, but I respect my honor more ! Lucretia. (^Aside.') Alas ! alas ! they have accomplished it ! He hates my very name ! Maffio. Why, Gennaro, brother, we are only indulging in a little pleasantry, and we have good right to do so when a gal- lant cavalier wears a lady's colors on his bosom. Gennaro. I ! what mean you ? Maffio. (^Pointing to his scarf.') That scarf. Jeppo. Yes, my friend, that scarf. Is it not the colors of the duchess? Gennaro. This scarf was sent me by Fiametta Berano, in Venice. Maffio. Tou may believe so, if you like, but 'twa-s from the hands of the fair Lucretia. I'U be sworn. 32 LUCKETIA liO^aiA. Gennan. Gentlemen, I'm in no mood for jesting now. At« yuii sure cf what you say ? Jvppo. Sure ! Why, every child knows the colors of the duchess ; and, to be plain, your own valet was bribed to tell you this tale, as from Fiametta ; he acknowledged it to me. Cicnnaro. Damnation! {Tears off the scarf , and tramples it inuler foot.) Thus do I tread upon her gifts, and thus do I scorn the terrible Borgia! (^C't-osses to R. c.) Lucreiia, {Pressinff her hands to her forehead. She says, with i/reat feeling .) 'Tis past ! Farewell all my bright visions of happiness ! O, farewell to peace ! He tramples on my very heart ! It is not him I blame ; but let those who have causev. this, and planted in his heart this horror, beware of a greater one ! Let them note, if they can, escape from the awakened wrath of the scorned Lucretia Borgia ! She retires from the balcony. Maffo. How bright and beautiful she is — this Lucretia — notAvithstanding her fiendish nature ! I am told she was not always so, Gennaro. Name her not agtiin ! I scorn, detest her ! Love her, said you ? Love the woman who murdered your brother, whose place I now fill in your heart ! Let us think only of that ! See, here is the accursed palace of luxury, and seat of festering crime — the home of a Borgia ! The mark of inia- my AA'hich I cannot stamp upon the forehead of this woman, I will leave, at least, on the front of her palace ! lie leaps on to a stone step, and wtlh his dagger erases the ftr.it letter of the word Hohgia oa the wall, so that there remains but the word orgia. Maffto, For God's sake, Gennaro, ^^•hat have you done ? Your life is now in deadly peril every coming moment ! Guhetta. (n. corner.) Signer, you have but shortened the lady's name by a letter ; when next she meets you, she'll shorten your body by a head, at least ! Half the city will to- morrow l,e questioned for that puji, signer. Gennaro. Let the other liulf, then, say it was /, and be you the first ! Majio. Gentlemen, let us leave this place. I like it not i LUCRETIA BOKGIA. 3S and have you not observed those two men, who seem to hav« been watching us ? Jeppo. I have. They are, no doubt, a couple of amiable cut-throats ! Majio. Gennaro, as you value the safety of j'our friends, no more bravado ! If you are in peril, I have sworn to share it — remember ! Gennaro. Your hand, brother. Fear me not. Gentlemen, good night. Exit into house on l. h. Jeppo. {Uoiiir; vp with the others.) Good night. The very devil is in our friend to-night. Gentlemen, pause. A last look ! (^AU turn round. Pointing at the word.) Oiigia ! Thai is indeed a joke! All exeunt, L. u. e., laugkine;, except Gubetta. Guhetta. A joke, is it ? Ha, ha ! I'm a little afraid, my friends, that you'll find it a seriotis one before the duchess and myself have got over it ! And Gennaro, too ! Ha, ha, ha ! Good, good, venj good ! I like that ! The lady wUl not relish such & joke, even from him! I shall soon be wanted,! see i\ plainly. The devil never deserts his friends, and / am a favored subject. I thank him. Exit into palace, through u. D. Scene II. (//t 1.) — A Street in Ferrara. Enter Rustighello, r., and Astolfo, l. h. Asiolfo. Good day. What movement brought you this way ? Rustighello. The usual one, I believe. Astolfo. "Well, what are you doing here ? Rustighello. Watching and waiting for you to begone ! And what are you doing ? Astolfo. Watching and waiting for you to begone ! Rustighello. Indeed ! "Whom are you looking for ? Astolfo. The young Venetian, Captain Gennaro. Rustighello. And so am I — with an invitation from the duke. Astolfo. And I bear an invitation from the duchess. Rustighello. "What awaits him from the duchess, think you } Astolfo. Love, no doubt. "W^hat from the duke ? 84 LUCRETIA BORG."A. Rustighello. Death, no doubt. Astolfo. What's to be done ? He can't wait on both these mvitations vciy ■well at once. He can't be a lover and a corpse at the same time. Rustighello. Stay, I have an idea how we can settle this. Here's a ducat. I'll toss it up, and let the side which turns iip d(.teimine which of us shall have the guest. I choose the duke's head ; the cross shall be yours. Astolfo. So be it. If I lose, I'll tell the duchess the bird had flown ; and if you lose, you must say the same to the duke. Rustighello. Certainly. It matters little to me which of U8 wins; so here goes. I say, head's tip! {Tosses up the coin.) Astolfo. And head it is. He is yours, and will die ! The man was born to be hanged, it seems. So be it. Fate settles it, not I. There's his lodging, (l. h.) Now I'll return to the duchess. Exit, b. h. Rustighello. Now for the captain ! The duke invites ! Exit, L. H. Scene III. — A splendid Apartment in the Ducal Palace. Hang- ings of tapestry of Hungarian leather, elaborately stamped with arabesque and grotesqxie figures of gold, in the style of the fif- teenth centwy, {the latter part.) A large door in C, and two tmall doors n. and L. h. The (d.) one on L. H. is a secret door, and looks like the panelling, until it is opened. On R. H., state chair, embroidered with arms of the house of D'Este. On B. C, an elegant table, covered with a rich cloth of scarlet, with books, papers, rich inkstand, pens, SjC. A Gothic chair beside the table, Don Alphonso D'Este, in splendid attire, m his robe of rank, is discovered at table, writing. Enter Rustighello, l. h. d., 1 e. Rustighello. My lord duke, your first orders are executed. TLe prisoner is in the palace. I await j'our further order. Alphonso. {Taking a small key from bosom.) Take this key, and go to the Numa Gallery ; count all the panels of the wain- icot, commencing at the figure of Hercules, till you come to the tweuty-third. Search ourefuUy, and in the mouth of ouo LTUREXIA llORGIX, 3d of the painted dragons you will tind a sniall opening. Insert this key, then press upon it, and the panel will turn, iis upon pivots. In tlxis secret recess you will find a small salver of gohl^ and near it a golden flagon, and a flagon of silver, with ttco enamel cups. Take them, without disturbing their contents in any way, to my private cabinet. I need not wain you not to taste their contents. Rustighello. Is that all, my loid r Duke, No ; when you have executed ray order, do you take your station in my cabinet, there, (r. d. f.) where you may hear all that passes. If I ring this silver bell, immediately enter with your dra'wn sword ; but if I call you by name, enter witli the salver and wine. Go ! Rustigkello bows and exits by the small D. R. H. in F. The duke rises, paces the chamber with an agitated air a moment, atid then throws himself into his chair, and leans his head upon his hands. Enter Astolfo, c. d. AstoWo. My lady, the duchess, demands an audience with your highness. Duke. "We await the duchess. Exit Astcl/o, c. d. Enter the Duchess Lucretia, c. d., impetuously. Lucretia. My lord duke ! Some one has mutilated the name of your wife, engraved over the armorial bearings of o\ir house, in front of this palace ; some one of your people, I fear it is. This is an indignity too infamous to patiently bear ! It has been done in public, in the broad face of day ! Do you hear it, sir? I know not the offender's name, but, by the Virgin, I •will not tamely tolerate this insult ! I w-ould rather a thou- Band times die by the poniard than have my name made the vile jest, the quibble, and sarcasm of the rabble ! I demand justice! Can you calmly sit there, and hear of this insult to your wife ? or is it because it is not against yourself that you bear it thus ? You say you love me ; show that you love my fair fame ! You are jealous, too ; show that it is for my reputation ! I demand justice ! You are the duke, and can give it. You. are my husband, and shall protect me ! you have 36 LUCRETIA liORGIA.. given me your hand, and I now demand the strength of youl strong arm. Duke- {Calmly.) Madam, what you complain of was known to me. Luoretia. Known, sir, and the criminal not discovered ! DuJie. The criminal is discovered. l.ucrttia. Let him be instantly arrested. Duke. He is arrested. L^ia-ctia. Then why is he not punished ? Duke. I awaited your counsel, madam. Luj:retia. I thank you. Where is the miscreant ? Duke. Here, in the palace. Lucretia. Here ! He shall be made an example of. It is high treason, my lord. It is fitting that the head which con- ceives, and the hand that executes, should be forfeited. I vdU pass sentence with my own lips. Duke. You shall do so. Baptiste ! {^Enter Baptiste, l. h. d., 1 E.) Show in the prisoner ! Exit Baptiste, L. H. D. 1 e. Duke rises. Lucretia. A word yet, my lord. Be this man who he may — one of your own family — an officer of your household — even a subject of Venice — swear by your ducal crown he shall not depart alive ! Duke. Mark me well. I swear, by my sacred honor and by my ducal crown, he dies, be he who he may ! Lucretia. My lord, I am content; now I would see th« prisoner. Enter, L. H. D. 1 e., Gennaro, disarmed, and four guards. The Duke sits iti state chair, n. h. Lucrefia. (Seated in chair, L. of table.') Gennaro! (With agony.) My lord, what fatality is this? Duke. {Smiling, and in an under tone.) What ! you know this man, then, Luci-ctia ? iS'Ae gazes a mometit on him, then sinks into the chair at table. Gen7iaro. My lord duke, I am a simple captain in the ser- vice of Venice. You have ordered my arrest ; I address you with that respect befitting your rank, and ask of what I stand accused. LUCRETIA BOIIGIA. 37 Duke. Sigiior, the crime of high treason ! The family liame of our much loved duchess, Lucretia Borgia, has been shamefully mutilated on the facade of our o^vn ducjil palace! We seek the criminal. Lucretia. (^Eagerly.) It is not him, Alphonso ! it is not this young man ! Uuke. How know you that, Lucretia? Lucretia. It cannot be. He is of Venice, not of Ferrara. The act was committed this morning, and he was then, I'm told, with one named Fiamctta. Gennaro. (L.) Your pardon. It is not true, your highness. Duke. You see your highness has been wrongly informed. Captain, on your honor, are you the man who committed this offence ? Lucretia, (^In terror. Rises.) Air ! air ! I suffocate ! {Crosses -io I/., atid in passing whispers to Gennaro, rapidhj.) O, say it was not you ! Dulce. {Aside.) She whispered him as she passed ! Gennaro. Duke Alphonso, the fisherman of Calabria who reared me taiight me this maxim : " Do what you promise, and honestly say what you have done." By acting thus, one may often hazard life, but he preserves his honor ! Duke, / am the 7nan ! Duke. Madam, you have my oath on my ducal crown ! Lucretia. ( With effort.) Guards, retire with your prisoner a moment. My lord, a word with you. {Duke comes down.) Exeunt Baptiste atid guards, d. l. 1 e., icith Gennaro. Duke. (R.) Madam, what would you with me ? Lucretia. (l.) It is my -Nvill, Alphonso, that this young man should live. Duke. Indeed ! how very strange ! A few moments sinci?, you demanded, with tears and imprecations, justice against one who had insulted you. You made me pledge my word — nay, swear an oath — that the offender should die! I did so. Y''ou have my oath. He is guilty, by his own confession ; and again, mark me — by my soul, he dies ! You are at liberty to choose the manner of his death ; but I have called God to witness aa oath, and it shall be sa«*j-ed. 4 99 LUCRETIA UORGIA. Lvcretia. (^Laughing, and with great tenderness.' \ Don Al« phonso, I am a true woman — wayward and capricious, spoiled by foolishi indulgence. You know my temper. Let us reason, cordially, tenderly, like man and wife. Be seated. Lucretia sits u. of table. Duke kneels to her on foot- stool, on her L. Duke. ( With an air of gallantry.) At your feet. I am ever happy to be here, for you are queen of love, as well as of beauty. Lucretia. You know I love you, Alphonso. I am cold sometimes, and it is natural to my character ; but it does not proceed from want of affection for you. WTienever you have chid me mildly, have I not yielded ? and I would do so ever, dear lord ! Duke. Nay, I bow to you. My fair wife, {putting his arm round her waist,) you are brilliant as the star of evening, and your bright eyes, soft lips, and angel form would wake an an- chorite to passion. Lucretia. Is it not ridiculous that we should quarrel — we who are seated on the first ducal throne in the world — about a Venetian adventurer, a mere soldier of fortune ? We must put him away, and say no more about it. A silly braggart, to annoy us thus ! Let him depart. I will tell Baptiste to send this Gennaro out of Ferrara instantly, that he may no longer be the cause of discord. Dii.ke. Nay ; why such haste ? there is time enough. Lucretia. I wish to have it from our thoughts. Nay, you must let me have this affair my own way. Duke. This must be my way, Lucretia. The man must die ! Lucretia. Why, what cause have you to wish for this young man's life ? Duke. {Rising.) My word is given. The oath of a prince is sacred. Lucretia. That is well enough to tell the people ; but be- tween you and me, Alphonso, we know what it is. You gave your oath to Petrucci to render Sienne ; you have not done it, nor ought you to do it. The history of nations is full of this. Duke, (l.) But, liUcretia, an oath! L4tcrttia. (k.)