PALICIO (continued 2)

The hall in Manuel’s house: it is hung with black. PHILIP and LIVIO; the latter dressed in black, at a desk. PHILIP. Argue not with me, Livio: Manuel’s death Lies at my door. This last catastrophe Followed on his disgrace, which I was main To bring about. LIVIO. But since his guilt was clear, Your deed was honourable. Ph.I am not sure. 1890I was too hasty. How can I quit myself In the ill I have done thy sister? Liv.Her fever, duke, Cannot be laid to you. Ph.’Twas the three shocks Following so fast. Manuel’s disgrace, and then My suit urged out of time, and last his death: ’Twill be no wonder if her mind give way. Liv. Please heaven it pass. I never thought she loved him So well. Ph. Nor I, be sure. Where is that Blasco? Liv. He went to gather what the sailors know Of Manuel’s end. Ph.No hope but that he’s drowned. 1900I go now to the palace. Should I meet With Blasco, it may be I shall detain him. [Going. Liv. Ah! Ph.He has lied to me. Liv.If there be better tidings Of Constance, send them hither. Ph.Indeed I will. Is there no news of Margaret? Liv.Not a word. [Exit Philip. She knows I am here, no doubt: but when she hears Of Manuel’s death she must return.—I think That when her brother lived to do his worst, My suit had fairer chance. Enter Blasco. Well, count, what news? BLASCO. Excellent.—Manuel was drowned, drowned like a dog. 1910I have seen the captain of the ship that ’scaped. He tells that, putting forth at night, they kept Their course till dawn, when in a fog they drave On the French fleet, some two-and-twenty sail. Of our five vessels three were taken: one, His own, escaped, and the other—that’s the one On which sailed Manuel—by a tall ship, Which flew the admiral’s pennon, was run down, And sunk in sight. Liv.The news will please my father, As it doth thee. For me ’tis ruin: my hope 1920I might please Margaret working for her brother Is gone. Now will she hate me more than ever. Bl. You never could have won her while he lived. Liv. Well, take these papers. There are here the orders For the execution of Palicio To-morrow, in the public square, at noon. See them in proper hands. They need a seal. Bl. ’Twill be a pleasure. ’Twas the kindest freak, This self-surrender. Liv.He was strangely dashed, Looking for Manuel, to find me here. Bl. He’ll find that friend no more. 1930Liv.Take them and go. And for the present, count, avoid the duke: He is angry with thee. [Exit Blasco. I shall not leave this house Till I be sure Margaret means not to come. The unkindest tempers are broke down by grief: And since she cannot blame me, she may find Comfort in my compassion,—ay, and thank me For some consideration.—She will see I have put on black, and set the house in mourning, Have ordered mass, have had his room shut up ... 1940Is there now nothing more? Why, who is this? Enter Margaret, throwing off a veil. MARGARET. Livio! thou here! Where is my brother? Liv.Oh! Margaret! Mar. Where is my brother? I am come To speak with him. Where is he? Liv.Hast thou heard nothing? Mar. Heard what? Where is he? Liv.O, if thou knowest not .. Mar. What is it? speak. Why is the house in black? What means it? say. Liv.Nay, let it not be me To tell thee. Mar.Thinkest thou my fancy’s horror Is gentler than thy bluntest tale? Speak quickly. Liv. ’Twas on his own confession of connivance 1950In John Palicio’s shelter and escape, My father put him from his place, and sent him To answer to this charge before the king. He sailed two nights ago. The ship ... Mar.Go on, sir! Liv. Our ships fell in with the enemy, and all But two were captured, one on which he sailed, And one which brought the news. Mar.And Manuel’s ship? Liv. ’Tis said the ship on which he sailed was sunk. Mar. (falling on a chair). Sunk, say you, and he?... Liv. My sister at the tidings straight fell ill, 1960And her mind wanders. Bear a braver heart. Mar. O, fatal day. ’Tis I, ’tis I have done it.— And did none see him? Liv.Margaret, dearest Margaret, Take courage. I have shared thy sorrow, Margaret: Cannot I comfort thee? O, sweetest Margaret, Thou dost not know my love. Mar. (standing, and showing the dagger). Away! away! Liv. Nay, wherefore treat me thus? Mar.Is this an hour To force thy love upon me? Liv.Margaret, Hast thou no pity? Mar.Think if I have pity To spend on thee. Liv.If thou wouldst slay me, Margaret, Thou need’st no dagger. 1970Mar.Sir, stand back, I say: And first tell plainly what thou knowest. One ship Of three escaped? Liv.The hindmost ’twas, that fled ... Mar. And brought the tidings? Liv.Ay. Mar.And was none saved Out of the ship which sunk? Liv.I know not. Mar.Know’st not? There’s hope, thank God. And thou!—Why, if in thy heart Lurked the least feeling, ’twould have shewn this side, Not leapt to the worst ... Come, sir, I’ll keep this sorrow: ’Tis not with thee I’d share my fear for Manuel ... Nor any other; tho’ my need compels me, If thou’rt the man sits in his place. 1980Liv.I am. Mar. He would have aided me. Liv.But I will aid thee More than a brother. Thou canst ask no favour I will not grant. Mar.Sir, I shall ask no favour: Nor aught but what it is thy part to grant, Unless it be promise of secrecy. Liv. O, but one secret with thee! there’s no jewel In all the world I would esteem as that. Mar. Where’s Giovanni Palicio, sir? Liv.Palicio! Mar. Ay, he’s my kinsman. Liv.He is in the palace dungeon, Awaiting death. 1990Mar.He’s my near kinsman, Livio, And must not die: and, being condemned to die, I, as his kinswoman, desire a pass To visit him in prison when I choose. [Livio writes. My purpose with him is to extort a pledge That he will leave the country, on which condition I look for his release. Liv.Here is the order. And use it as thou wilt. Mar. (taking). I thank you for it. Liv. If ’tis so near thee he go quit, what means Better than mine to work it? Mar.I have means. Liv. With whom? Mar.I have the means. 2000Liv.Believe it not. There’s none could win this favour of my father. Hath not his cry been Death to Hugo? He’s more than rebel. There’s a private hate Which makes his sentence grateful. Mar.I have means. Liv. ’Twere easier wouldst thou trust me. See, ’tis done Without more words. Margaret, I’ll risk this thing For thee. Palicio shall escape to Spain, To Naples, where thou wilt, if thou ... Mar.If what? Liv. Margaret, accept my love. Mar.O, Livio, 2010I am too sad to be angry with thee now. But know if ever thou wouldst merit love By generosity, thou must not beg A bargain. ’Do this and I’ll love thee,’ ay, That may be said, but not ’I’ll do this thing If thou wilt love me’: and thou, Livio, A chief justiciary! Re-enter Blasco. Liv.Hush, I pray thee! Bl. The lady Margaret! We are very happy In this return. Mar. (aside to Blasco). What hadst thou of Palicio? Bl. Ha! Sayst thou?... Mar. (aside). Meet me at the palace, count. 2020I have thy letter. (To Liv.) I see there is no place here In my house for me. I have still a hope, and in it Shall fortify my comfort ... If aught is heard I shall be with thy sister. Thou and Blasco May serve me if ye will. [Exit. Liv.What said she to you? Bl. Art not thou too accustomed to her wit? I bring ill news. Thy sister still is worse, And calls for thee, and Rosso thinks ’tis well That thou shouldst go. Liv.Bide thou here in my place ... Bl. Nay, I must go with thee. [Exeunt.

A public place. MANUEL disguised as a friar meeting ROSSO. MANUEL. ’Tis doctor Rosso. ROSSO. 2030At your service, father. Man. May I speak with thee? Ros.With pleasure. Man.Stand we aside. Hast thou forgotten me? Ros.Nay, for I think I have never seen thee ... or I ask thy pardon. Man. Now thou shouldst know me well. Ros.Thy voice I think I do remember. Man. (discovering). Do you know me now? Ros. Manuel! Thank God! Man.Is it a good disguise? Ros. Metamorphosis ... if indeed ’tis thou, In such a husk. Then thou’rt nót drowned! Man.Indeed, There was a time when I had some fear to be; But how came you to know it? 2040Ros.Of the ships One returned home with news that thine was sunk. Was not that true? Man.Ay, ay, Ros.How didst thou ’scape? Man. I took my only chance, leapt overboard And swam to the enemy. By heavenly fortune The ship that ran us down was Raymond’s, he Who served so long with us. I had left my foes To find old friends: and when the fight was o’er, I told him in what hapless case I stood, And promising to hold myself no less 2050His prisoner, and surrender to his master At Naples if need were, I bade him land me By night at Cefaledi; there arrived, By the good sailor friars I was clad In the disguise you see, and came in speed To look to matters here. Ros.There is great need. Man. Ay, my affairs with Constance? Ros.I grieve to tell Constance is lying ill. Man.She is in your hands? Ros. Ay. Man. Doth she doubt of me? Ros.At your committal A fever must have seized her. Then your death, 2060Which should have been concealed, was urged upon her, In countenance of duke Philip’s suit ... Man.How? Philip! Ros. Did you not guess? Man.Is’t possible? Ros.At that Her mind gave way: ’tis question of her life. Man. I bring the medicine to work her cure. Is’t not enough? Ros.I trust so. Man.And I think it. How blind I have been! I trusted Philip, and he Was playing against me. Time will right me, Rosso, In this as in the other. Patience. And what Of your affairs ... Ros.How mine? Man.Your love affairs. Ros. My love affairs? Man.Ay,—Margaret. 2070Ros.Margaret? Man. Can I be wrong? Her head was turned the day She brought you to Palicio. Ros.O, Manuel, This makes it sure. Man.Yes, and I’m glad of it. Ros. Nay, nay: pray hear me. On the very day Palicio left your house, she went, ’twas said, To Monreale: there she hath not been seen. Was’t to Palicio? Man.Now, please God, thou’rt wrong. Say, where is he? Ros.Stranger than all, he has made Surrender of himself to Livio, 2080Our new justiciary, and awaits his death In Hugo’s dungeon. Man.How! And Margaret? Ros. She hath now this morn returned, full of distraction As well might be, but firm beyond her wont. She is in the palace, where she nurses Constance With the cool skill of one that hath his stake Ventured elsewhere ... Mar.Good God! Now if thou’rt right, Rosso, this matter needs me more than the other. Thank heaven I am here. Constance is in thy hands: Thou hast her cure. Yet use it with discretion, 2090Knowing my hazard. I shall visit at once The archbishop; he will stand my friend, and give me Commission in the habit of a priest To see Palicio. Nay, there’s not a moment To lose. Thou mayst contrive that Constance too Should send for me; maybe I thus might see her. Farewell. I go, yet must I take a name; Let it be Thomas, father Thomas. To-night Can I rest at thy house? Ros.I pray you will. Man. An hour hence couldst thou meet me there? Ros.I will. God speed you. Man. O, Rosso, Rosso, I fear thou’rt right ... [Exit. 2101Ros. Ay, ay. I’m right. Alas for Manuel. ’Tis almost pity he is escaped from death. I would tell Constance, but her throbbing brain Hath no interpreter, and in her ear All words are meaningless, or mean alike Something insane, which in her eager dreaming Steals the world’s place. I have no power to tell. [Exit.

Room in the Palace. HUGO and PHILIP meeting. HUGO. No cheer. Thy questioning looks may not be answer’d With any brightness, duke: and yet take heart. 2110The fever of our climate is in the onset Oft overmasked as this. ’Twill clear and pass. ’Twere quite incredible she should so sicken Of mere affection. The compacted body Hath its machinery for health and action, Its appetites for food and rest, too firm To be unfixed by fancy. Like a river Our life flows on, whose surface storms may vex, But never move the current from its bed. PHILIP. I heartily repent my part in this. I wronged poor Manuel. 2120Hu.Now thou wrong’st me. Him being dead thou canst not wrong. ’Tis plain The objection falls. If once there was a motive That might have stayed thee ... Ph.Nay, upbraid me not. Hu. How, I upbraid thee? Ph.That I pressed my suit. Hu. Rather for slackness in it. Ph.If she recover ’Tis all I pray for. Hu.Not so. This will pass. ’Twill be forgotten. All will be forgotten. Look but on Margaret, doth her brother’s death Craze her? Ph.Indeed, I think she is nigh distracted; 2130And if she bear up better there’s a reason: She hath a comforter. Nay, I may tell you I saw your doctor here take her aside, And when he spoke, her face of woe lit up. She loves him. ’Twas a match that Manuel wished. Hu. Nay, nay! what! Rosso, the apothecary! Enter Livio and Blasco. Ah, Livio; Constance calls thy name, ’tis hoped That she may know thee. LIVIO. Is she better, sire? Hu. Nay: but she asked for thee, and Rosso said Thou shouldst be sent for. Come within. Ph.May I Far as the door? Hu.Ay, come. BLASCO (aside to Liv.). 2140Tell Margaret, Who hath some matter for me, that I am here. [Exeunt Hugo and Livio. Ph. Count, thou hast lied to me. If that suffice To raise thy temper, meet me when thou wilt: If not, and Constance die, I’ll use thee worse. [Exit. Bl. Ay, ay. No doubt there may be danger for me Even from that quarter: but I have a foe That threats me more. How came she by the letter? Only Palicio and his messenger Could know ’twas mine. Enter Margaret. MARGARET. ’Tis business with thee, count: Therefore few words. I have thy treasonous letter And other proofs, which I shall bring against thee Unless thou do my bidding. 2152Bl.What is that, My lady Peremptory? speak thy will. Mar. Attend. Palicio is condemned to die At noon to-morrow. I require that thou Contrive that he escape, ay, and go clear Three hours before that time. Bl.Impossible. Mar. ’Tis not so, count. For Livio had promised me The very thing; but since his price exceeds What I need pay to thee ... 2160Bl.My price, how mean you? Mar. I will give back thy letter to thy hands, And promise secrecy in every matter I had against thee. Bl.Give me now the letter, And I will do it. Mar.Nay. Thou’lt do it first. Bl. Then say that if at nine to-morrow morn I have a friendly guard— Mar.Keep to that hour: ’Twill do. I shall be there to see it done. I’ll bring the letter with me. I can provide His further safety. If thou fail, the enquiry, 2170Which I can set on foot, delays his death, Till I find other means. Bl.But still I see not My own security. Mar.Thou hast my promise: And thy security is only this, To keep to thine. I go. Remember, nine. [Exit. Bl. Wheu! wheu! Who hath the secret now? Indeed, I see this dainty lady hath a lover We little dreamed of. Therefore was he housed With Manuel. O, Giovann Palicio: Thus Livio’s rival. And thou blab of me To mistress Margaret, dost thou? well, well, well! 2181I’ll see thee die for that. Die now thou must. I have, sir, but to tell this tale in the ear Of the chief justiciary, and I am saved. Re-enter Livio. Livio, thou hast a rival. Liv.I know. Bl.Thou knowest? Liv. My father saith Margaret will marry Rosso. Bl. Rosso! Rosso be hanged! ’Tis John Palicio. Liv. Palicio! Bl.Yes, Palicio. Liv.Nay. Bl.I’ll tell thee. Hark.—Was he not concealed in Manuel’s house? Liv. Well? Bl.And escaping from his house by night, The next day where was Margaret? Liv.Ah! 2190Bl.And then ’Twas she betrayed the rebels. Liv.Eh! Bl.We traced The little book to her servant. Liv.That’s against it. Bl. Nay: it explains why all the names were there, Only not his. Liv.But then ... nay, why should he Surrender? Bl.That’s but madness any way. But now she comes demanding his deliverance. Liv. Ay, she doth. O, the villain! he shall die. Bl. He shall; but hark, I have promised Margaret To set Palicio free at nine to-morrow. 2200Say that we go together. Margaret comes To see her lover freed. Her we will take And keep confined until his execution; Which for our purpose may be hurried on. Or if ... Liv.Stay; why this promise? In the course Of justice he must die. Bl.Not so. My promise To set him free was made for two good reasons. First hearing thou hadst offered her the like: Next for the knowledge that on my refusal She could find other means. Beside all which 2210She bargains to restore me certain letters I sent her years ago, which I confess I am now ashamed of: (aside.)—Any lie will serve To smooth this idiot.—These she brings with her, And I can take them from her. My object gained I hand her o’er to thee. For all her scorns Repay her as thou wilt. Liv.I fear her. Bl.Nay, I can secure thee. Come. [Exeunt.

Dungeon of the Palace. PALICIO discovered. A door at back of prison is L. of centre. PALICIO. I cannot think of death. Imagination Is barren on that point, and hath no picture;— 2220To be so near should better prick the fancy.— I see a grave—but stand beside the grave ... Nothing.—And yet I am so near.—I judge From this how dizzily deep rides the division ’Twixt this world and the next; tho’ in Time’s face ’Tis thin, ay, more invisibly sharp than is The axe’s edge, which makes it.—Is our life’s stuff So different? All the joys and hopes of earth Wrought of too coarse a fibre to invest An inkling of that other unseen world, Which hath this only entrance? Wherefore my mind 2231Wanders in wasteful contemplation back O’er what I have done, pitifully seeking To wear renewed the robe of those proud deeds, To dream again her disappointed dreams; And over all is Margaret, ever Margaret; Floating before these vain soul-treacherous eyes,— My tempter and tormentor. Enter Gaoler. GAOLER. A priest sent from the archbishop. Shall he enter? Pal. Yea: bid him enter. But I pray thee now, 2240Thou execrable minion of that devil Who sucks our people’s blood, come not thyself: Each time I see thee I must wish to kill thee. Thou art my soul’s last peril. Keep away. Gaoler. Whate’er I be, I can be civil, sir. [Exit. Pal. Ay, I was wrong. Now must I ask his pardon. I am not yet fit to die. Yet is’t not written “If hand or foot offend thee, cut it off; If thine eye, pluck it out”? I have done all this; Yet lurks there something in the accusing balance Which my soul sickens at. What if I have lost My world and soul? This good priest comes in time. Enter Manuel disguised as priest. 2252Father, if thou be come to shrive my soul, I need thee sorely. MANUEL. I am here for that. Pal. There’s comfort in thy face. I have much to tell. Thou know’st me, who I am? Man.Ay, son. Pal.I pray What said the archbishop of me? Man.Pause not now To ask and weigh man’s judgment, who so soon Must answer to the Judge of all. Pal.Nay, nay. If thou bring hither such a thought of me, 2260What can I tell thee? How shall I begin? Man. If there be any one thing on your mind, More than another, which now brings you shame, Begin with that. Pal.Ay: such a thing there is. Man. What is’t? Pal.’Tis the story of the mischief, Which makes me need thee; which hath sent me here. For I was single-hearted, single-eyed, As thou or any of the saints, who hold Their place in heaven secure, three days ago,— But three days: If thou then hadst come to me 2270I should have said, My sins are all forgiven; I only beg of thee the heavenly bread To be my passport to my home prepared. My earthly sword hath won a heavenly crown. I have not left undone aught, save where God’s will Forbade accomplishment, and if I have done Aught unpermitted ’twas in zeal’s excess. My errors are the saints’—three days ago ... And now my boast is gone, my soul is stained. Hark, while I tell. Satan, who saw me thus 2280Pure-hearted and elect, an envied prey, Used all his skill to take me: Ay, he came And showed me, in the room where I lay sick, Wounded, and weak and faint, a beauteous woman, And all love’s world. He said, Take this; but I Was ready awhile, and answered, Not for me. I thread the narrow way; I climb at heaven. If I touch this, I perish. But he said, Not so, ’tis thy due prize. Take it, Palicio! ’Twas the old tale—“Thou shalt not surely die.” 2290I took it. God deserted me that hour: My friends suspected me: all things went ill: And now ... Man.Stay. First, this woman, who misled you, Is she your wife? Pal.Nay, ’tis but now three days ... Man. You say she is not your wife. Is then your sin To have leapt the bounds which hold unmarried lovers? Pal. O, father, thou couldst never ask such thing If thou didst know who ’twas. Nay, thou mayst know: ’Twas Manuel’s sister,—Margaret of Palermo. Man. (partly discovering). See, I am Manuel. * * * * * * Ay, and so far is well. 2300Now say, did Margaret contrive thy flight? Pal. ... (assents). Man. And after followed thee to Monreale? And met thee on the hills? Pal. ... (assents). Man.Then tell me now Why hast thou left her? Pal.Nay. Question me not. Man. Why hast thou left her? Pal.Why come to me thus? I needed but a priest to comfort me, And show me on death’s road: thou drag’st me back To torture me. Thou canst not understand. Man. Thou ow’st to me more than to any priest, Who for thy sake might hear, to tell me true. Why hast thou left her? 2310Pal.If thou wert a priest, Then wouldst thou see how well the stalking fiend Snared for my soul. I planned for yesternight To storm the palace: and I had promised Margaret To make no further venture if that failed, But sail with her to Rome and there be married, Using thy interest to reclaim my rank. But on the day I gave that word, my men Were all betrayed, taken, and led to prison. I was with Margaret, as well they knew: 2320My love for her, my shelter at thy house, My flight permitted, set them on the thought That I had been corrupted, was the traitor. Fly with me, then cried Margaret. Ay, the fiend too Said, Fly: go safe. I foiled him. I came here. That was my only answer. Man.And didst thou not Betray them? Pal.I! Palicio! when did I Betray? Man. Stay, while in turn I shew to thee Another tale made of the self-same matter.— A price set on thy head, pursued by justice, 2330Bleeding to death, thou camest to my house Asking for shelter, begging but for life. I gave it at my risk,—how great that risk I’ll shew thee soon;—there at my house my sister Secretly tended thee, and won thy cure. Thou in return didst, all unknown to me, Obtain her love, and use it to break trust, Flying by stealth at night: and then, being fled, Didst scruple not to use thy flight, to work The very thing for which thy life was owed. 2340Further, when that went wrong, merely for fear Men should think ill of thee, thou didst desert Her, to whose love was due that thou wert free; Wronging her then again, as me before ... Pal. Manuel, forbear; thee I confess I wronged: For the rest thy taunts are vain. Man.Wait: there is more.— Thy refuge being discovered, I was charged With treason, and in course shipped hence for Spain. My ship was sunk, and I, but for God’s mercy, Drowned. My disgrace and rumoured death so wrought 2350On Constance, that she lies in life’s last hope. To all of us thou hast done unmeasured ill: What is thy plea? Pal.Though God himself should curse me, My purpose hath been good. Man.Ay, that I’ll grant: Thou’rt for the right, but being too hot upon it Mistakest right. Thou art numbered with the madmen Who, thinking the whole world’s unhappiness Hangs on one string, tread all else underfoot So they may reach to cut it.—And where’s the good? Thyself, too, in what plight, that after all 2360This sacrifice of others’ rights, thou rushest To die to save thine honour from a stain, That needs no washing! Pal.Enough: there let it end: I die to-morrow. Man.Nay, thou must escape: Retrieve all that thou canst. I now shall go To Margaret, whom before I feared to meet. She will be working for thee. If she fail, The archbishop yet hath power to stay thy death Till I can serve thee. If thy love for her, And hers for thee abide, you must be married. Nay, all she urged was good. 2370Pal.O, ’tis impossible. Work not for my escape: ’tis best I die. Man. Nay, nay. Thou that canst fight, fight with thyself. The brave despair that fear not: that’s the shock The strongest suffer. Thou wast ill of late; Wert thou now strong, shame would not crush thy spirit. [Going. Pal. Manuel, go not! Man.Yes, I must go. Remember My name is Father Thomas. None must guess Who hath been with thee.—Farewell. Fight with thyself; Palicio, with thyself. Thou shalt be saved. [Exit.

The same. PALICIO as before. PALICIO. 2380Three hours have fully passed since first I marked Yon grated hole grow rosy, and exchange Moonlight for dawn. Now soon will Margaret come: And I must go forth to the world disgraced, To fly my country or hide: ay, at the cue Of the chief justiciary, led by a woman. Hast thou the heart, Giovann Palicio, To call this freedom. Nay, since thy right hand Was raised ’gainst wrong in vain, and thou thyself Art charged with wrong, and must admit the wrong, Were’t not now best to end, and shroud thy fortune 2391In veils of death? Thou that hast led the people, Hast thou a knee for favours? Will thy tongue Confess I wronged thee, Manuel, I come forth To be thy prisoner: and I wronged thee, Margaret: I will come forth to be thy pensioner? Shame: rather would I die. Enter Margaret. MARGARET. ’Tis I, Giovanni: all is well: thou’rt safe, Manuel has told me all. Thou dost repent. All is prepared. Ask not my pardon: give me 2400One kiss—I have forgiven thee. Be not sad. ’Twas like thee as I love thee, nobly done: And being so cruel to thyself ’twas easy Thou shouldst forget what I too now forget, Recovering thee. I saw thee ride away, And guessed before the letter. O, Giovanni, Thank God, thou’rt safe. Look, I have brought the money To serve thee on thy journey till the day We meet again; and more. Thy ship will sail But to Messina: there thou wilt disbark. 2410Nay, take the money; thou wilt need it, love, ’Tis Manuel’s gift, not mine. Pal. (taking). I have no heart, Margaret, for what is done on my behalf. I thank him, but ... Mar.Alas, alas! Giovanni: I looked to find thee glad of heart and happy. Our troubles all are over. Manuel lives, Whom we thought drowned: Constance, who lay in death, Hath risen from her bed: and even our marriage Is furthered by my brother. How can it be Thou art so dismal, and thy kiss as cold As is this prison? 2420Pal.I would not leave this prison. Mar. Thou wouldst not leave it? Pal.No: dankness and darkness Are now my friends. I have failed. How can I wish To step in the light of heaven? Mar.O, then I see This death-delivering dungeon hath o’ercome thee. ——There’s news. This morn the ships arrived from Spain. They must bring tidings of the king’s accession. We shall learn all to-day. When he’s proclaimed, There’s nought that thou couldst do if thou wert free. What thou hast done may have determined much. Pal. When shall I hear of it? 2430Mar.Love, thou must sail Quickly and secretly: and canst not hear Until thou come to land. But then if I Should meet thee there with Manuel, oh, what joy, Could I be first to tell thee. Pal.Dost thou think That Manuel hath forgiven me for the wrong I did him, stealing from his house by night? Mar. That was my theft, Giovanni; and he forgives: Cry not thou forfeit.—See, I bring thy dagger. Pal. But, Margaret, I wronged thee too. I fled From thee; canst thou forgive me? 2440Mar.Ask not me If I have forgiven. Hearken, I will tell thee,— This dagger is the dagger which the woman, Whose name thou didst not know, brought thee in prison: By help of this thou madest thy first escape. ’Tis I that bring it now. These two days past, These days of misery, I have held and worn it But for one purpose; that if thou shouldst die, I might have something which had once been thine To end my life with. Pal.Thou! Mar.Ay. I had promised 2450This caseless blade my empty heart for sheath. Pal. Margaret! Mar.Now take it. I have better hope. [Palicio takes dagger, and puts it in his breast. Thou shouldst be armed. Pal.And thou hast thought of death? Mar. Only if thou hadst died. Pal.O, Margaret, Margaret, I am not worthy of thy love. Thou seest I am not. Look how poor a heart I bring to take thee: ’tis too base. I thought I loved thee overmuch. Now, fool, I see I love too little. Mar.’Tis this hateful prison Hath chilled thy spirits. When again thou’rt free Thou’lt be Giovanni. 2460Pal.Canst thou love me so? Mar. O, what hath come to thee? Did I not love The hour I bound thy wound: the day I brought Rosso to heal thee, and led thee by the hand, Threading the blindest midnight silently, To set thee free? Dost thou forget? Pal.But then, Then I was brave, a leader of the people Against their tyrant: thou didst hold of me As of a hero: now I have failed, I am shamed. Mar. O no, Giovanni; thou mistakest sadly My love for thee. 2470Pal.I am no more myself. Mar. Then dare I prove to thee how much I love thee, How little thy renown. Remember, thou didst scheme To burn the palace. Pal.Ay. Mar.Didst thou not promise Me, trembling for thy life, that if that failed, Thou wouldst to Rome with me? Pal.My scheme miscarried: I broke my promise. Mar.The cause of that miscarriage Was the betrayal? Pal.How should I forget? Mar. Now wilt thou say I love but thy success? ’Twas I betrayed thy men. Pal.Ha! thou was’t! was’t thou? (Leaping up from Margaret, who staggers against the wall.) 2480From me, sorceress, thou viper, go from me! Traitress, was’t thou? Thou wast my secret curse! Sent by the devil, wast thou, to destroy me, To kill my soul? And bringest now thy money [Strews it about. To buy thy happiness: and of thy love Pratest, and sayst, Come forth with me! With thee? Rather all deaths, a thousand deaths of shame,— The axe, the gallows. O, my faithful men, My brave men! and for them!—Ah! I will love My executioner more than thee. Love thee! 2490There is not any tyrant or crowned fiend Whom I will hate like thee. Mar.Then kill me, Giovanni. [Swoons falling. Pal. (taking out dagger). This dagger in my heart, and I am avenged. Nay, nay, O God, I am adding wrong to wrong. [Putting dagger back. And Manuel. Alas! what have I done? [Runs to Margaret. I spake too roughly, Margaret; I was angry: I knew not what I said. Margaret, I am sorry. Forgive me, Margaret. Nay, I meant it not. I am not angry with thee now. I think I can forgive thee. Hear me! She doth not hear me. 2500She doth not breathe. Her eyes are fixed and sightless. Her hands are cold. My God, oh, if I have killed her! Margaret, Margaret! Dost thou not hear?—I have killed her.—Margaret! I do forgive thee. I forgive thee all. O God, she is dead, she is dead.—Now if I kiss her, If she can feel (kissing). She stirs. O, Margaret, Hear me. I do forgive thee all. Mar.Giovanni: I did it for thy love. Pal.Thank God, thank God. Now thou dost breathe and speak. O, I was cruel; 2510I was too angry.—Margaret, forgive me. Kiss me, forgive. [Noise at door. Mar.Hark, at the door they come; ’Tis now thy time to fly. Pal.How can I leave thee? I cannot thus. Enter Blasco with sword drawn, Livio and two soldiers. Mar.Go for thy life, Giovanni: Fly, fly: think not of me! BLASCO. Stay, not so fast, You pretty pair of loving turtle-doves, Cooing your sweet farewells in such a cote; We shall not separate you yet so far. Mar. Ah me! Pal.What means this insult? Bl.Forward, fellows. Take ye the lady to the cell I shewed, And bind her arms. Pal.Who dares? 2520Bl.Fool, stand aside! Seest thou my sword? Pal. Ho! villain, die! Palicio springs on Blasco suddenly, and stabs him with dagger in his left. Seizing Blasco’s sword in his right, which he has disengaged from the sling, he kills another with that; and when the rest fly is left standing with a bloody weapon in each hand. Bl.God! I am slain. [Falls. Pal.And thou, Thinking to find me here unarmed, go thou! Soldier. Ah! [Dies ... the rest fly. Pal.Two are escaped. Mar. And one was Livio. Pal. What means this damnable design? Mar.Giovanni, I see, I know. Fly now—take thou the sword. Give me the dagger. Follow. I know the way. 2528There will be none to stay thee. If there be, Serve them as Blasco. Come, come; follow quickly. [Exit. Pal. (following). Margaret, Margaret. [Exit.

Room in the Palace. MANUEL, disguised as priest, meeting ROSSO. ROSSO. In good time, Manuel: welcome. All is well. MANUEL. Thank God. And doth she know? Ros.Ay, thou shalt hear. ’Twas Margaret’s doing: all night long she sat By Constance’ bed, and there with gentlest presence And soft accustomed voice most gradually She soothed and won the wandering spirit back. But, oh, the sweetest skill!—she, as she saw Constance take note of her, made no discovery, But spoke of thee and all things else, as if 2540There never had been change: and that so well, That Constance, who lay gazing on the wall, And questioning of her error, whence it grew, Soon laid it on herself, and by and by Told Margaret of her dream, and asked how long She had lain so sick in bed; nor ever learned How real had her woe been, till she knew That all was over. Man.I thank God,—and thee, Rosso, thee too. Margaret has had some cause To blame herself,—to have helped in the repair Will ease her heart of much. May I see Constance? 2551Ros. At once. But come prepared to find her weak. Enter Philip. PHILIP. Father, a word. Man.I pray you excuse me now. Ph. ’Tis that I know thy errand that I ask. I would speak through thee to the lady Constance. Man. What would you say? Ph.Let me be private with thee. Man. (to Ros.) Doctor, I’ll follow. (Aside.) Now to act my best. [Exit Rosso. Ph. Thou seest in me the man who wrought this ill. I’d have thee use thine office with the lady, To win her grace, that I may make confession Of that which burdens me. 2560Man.How! what is this? What should I say? Ph.I’ll tell thee: and thou must know First, that I once was Manuel’s friend and pupil,— My pride, alas! self-wrested to my shame— And in those early days loved her, whom he Should at this time have married. Five years spent In graceless life meanwhile had far removed My heart from my first love, nor had my thought Once ventured back to think or wish her mine: But, as it happened,—and being at the time 2570Stung by the sharp remorse of idle hours,— Chance sent me hither, and her presence soon Awaked those memories that I had thought were dead. Then vainly felt I worthier than I was, Seeing my better part desired to win What I too surely had deserved to lose. Constance denied me:—but now hear my crime. I won her father’s ear; and then, being lodged In Manuel’s house, I lit on a discovery Of some suspicion, and contrived thereby— 2580Betraying him who was my friend and host— His absence and disgrace: whence by ill fate His death and all this lady’s trouble sprung. Man. ’Tis a sad tale you tell. Ph.I was misled To think he loved the lady less than I. Yet urge I no excuse, nor look for pardon: But if ’twould not add sorrow to her sorrow, I would discharge this burden from my soul. Man. Do so: for you shall find pity and pardon. Ph. Nay, nay: that could not be. Man.Though hard it seem, Ay, and may force awhile some generous tears; 2591She cannot yet fail in the foremost duty Of all that sin. I shall prepare her well. Ph. I thank thee, father. [Exit Manuel. There is in these men A quiet strength, which shames our self-esteem. Enter Ferdinand and Hugo with despatches. HUGO. Philip, we have the news. Frederick is crowned. See, here’s for thee. (Gives a despatch.) It bears the new king’s seal. Ph. Well, ’twill help nought. (Opens.) Hu.I pray there may be nothing That meddles with my place. Ph.Read here, your excellence. [Reads. By reason of advices late received, The kings commands are that the sealed despatch2600 Writ for emergency be now held valid, And put in force by you. Hu.There’s the despatch? FERDINAND. ’Tis in my keeping. Hu. (to Philip). Know’st thou its contents? Ph. Nay, sir; not I. Hu.Pray let us see it, straight. Ph. Adjourn we to my secretary’s chamber: A moment will discover it. [Exeunt.

Reception-room at the Palace. As first scene of first act. CONSTANCE, ROSSO, and MANUEL disguised. CONSTANCE. Nay, I can walk. I am very well. See, Manuel, There’s no one here: thou mayst be Manuel Yet awhile. Is not this, love, a recovery 2610To make the memories of sickness glad? The days seem years since I stood here. But now Must I see Philip? MANUEL. Be kind to him, Constance. The self-condemned need more than full forgiveness Ere they forgive themselves. Con.I am too happy To be unkind. And where is Margaret? I long to rally her about her lover. Sweet Margaret caught: Margaret who mocked us all. Hath she not chosen a madcap brother for us? Man. Well, I had wished for Rosso, love; but women Favour strange fellows. ROSSO. 2620She was difficult To win, and now at least she has met her match. Man. I pray all may go well. Indeed I have hope That Hugo is by this possessed of orders Which will resolve all trouble. Con.Hush, father Thomas; See, here they come. Enter Hugo, Philip, Livio, and Ferdinand. HUGO. My dearest daughter, ’tis a happy day. Thy health and safety—Ay, I am glad to see Thy face of happiness, and I can add Now to thy joy. King Frederick is crowned, And I shall rule in Sicily. 2630Man. (aside). How is this? Con. Then for this happy news grant me, dear father, One favour. Philip here will join in asking. PHILIP. Ere it be asked, I wish before all here To say some words. Good father, hast thou won The lady’s ear for me? Man.I have, your grace. Ph. May I speak, Constance? Con.Philip, you may speak. Ph. Once I asked this, and thou didst bid me then Speak and end all. Hear while I speak my last. I have wronged thee, Constance. Con.That is now forgiven. Hu. O, well done, Constance. 2640Ph.And I wronged Manuel. I violated friendship, and the bond Of hospitality. Con.All that I know, And all forgive. Hu.Forgive him, and forget it. So should it be. Ph.Yet if thou sayest that, Thou dost not know that ’twas my treachery Procured his exile, whence ensued his death. Con. All this I know, and I forgive it all. Hu. (aside). This is too soft. Doth her mind wander still? Ph. Thou understandest? Knowest thou that did he live 2650To-day he were the ruler of his country? Con. Nay; now, sir, this is new. How came you by it? Ph. In a despatch I hold, his full appointment Is writ and sealed. Con.He will be very glad To hear of this. Ph.What sayst thou, then? Hu. (aside). O misery! Con. I know you call him dead; but still to me He makes his visitations. I have seen him This morning in my chamber. Nay, I say, I see him now. Hu.What saith she? (To Livio.) Alas, alas! Thy sister’s mind is gone. This was the reason Of her strange cheerfulness. 2660Ph.May God forgive us Our fatal mischief. Con.Give me the despatch: I’ll shew it him, sirs, else he might not believe me: But if I take it ... Ph. (to Hu.). What, sir, shall I do? Ros. Humour her fancy, I will lead her out. Hu. Ferdinand, give it to her. Alas, alas! Con. (taking). I thank thee, sir. (To Man.) Now, father, here’s a matter To make us laugh within. [Exeunt Rosso, Constance, and Manuel. Hu. Philip, she is mad. Ph.I see it, and I the cause. Hu. A laughing idiot. O, cruel heavens, 2670Ye had no stroke more fearful. Would to God That Manuel yet were living, tho’ I hate him, Rather than this. [Shouting without of “Palicio,” etc.] What noise is that? LIVIO. The rebels, sir, again. Enter an Officer. OFFICER. The city, sire, is risen; and the people, With John Palicio at their head, demand The king’s despatches. Hu.John Palicio! Is he escaped again? Send Blasco hither. Livio, where is he? Liv.Sir, I do not know. Hu. ’Tis this accursed rebellion hath done all: 2679I have been too merciful. I tell thee, Philip, That was the cause of all, of Constance’s madness, Of Manuel’s death. By heaven, the sword shall fall. I will have blood for blood, and wail for wail. None of these villains whom I hold in prison Shall see the sunset. Send me Blasco hither. Call out the troops. Ph.Pray you remember, sire, Pardon to all is urged in the despatch. Hu. Send pardon to the devil. Oppose me not! I’ll teach these rebels I am master now. [Cries heard without. Enter Manuel (as himself, with paper in hand) and Constance. Margaret, Lucia, and Rosso following. Manuel! why, Manuel! Ph.O, Manuel, My friend, I am saved. 2690Con.My father, Let me present to you my ghostly father; And at your will my loving living husband. Hu. Why, what! How’s this? Is’t thou? Is this a trick? Man. Ay: but a trick of fortune. Let my escape, Which makes you wonder, be explained hereafter. But now, since here I hold my title, sire, I’ll fill my place at once. Philip, I pray thee Go to the window, and make known to all These latest tidings. Send the people home. [Philip goes to window. Meanwhile, sir; if before thou hadst some warrant 2701For anger shewn against me, now I ask Thy pardon; and for wrongs against me done Assure thee, that if freely thou make over Thy daughter for my wife, there is in my love Means for full reconcilement. May I say Constance is mine? Hu.I see that she is thine. Man. I pray thou never shalt regret this day. Ph. (returning from window). There is John Palicio, with half the town At their old cries. I can make nothing of him. 2710Man. Bid him surrender as my prisoner. I will receive him here. Hu.Thou must not think He comes at asking thus. Man.He will obey. But I will shew myself. [Goes to window. Hu. How comes he out of prison? MARGARET. That I can tell. Your secretary Blasco promised me, Who desired nothing more than the release Of John Palicio, that he would contrive To free him, if on my part I returned A certain letter to his hands, wherein, [Shewing. 2720As you may read, he had betrayed your person To John Palicio for a price. Then I, As holder of this written ransom, came To see my kinsman freed; when in the dungeon False Blasco, with two villains and another, Who was your son, appeared before us armed: And thinking there to find Palicio Defenceless, would have slain him, and forced me To give them back this writing: but Palicio Sprang up, slew Blasco, and escaped. Ph.His death Was due from me. 2730Hu.Give me the letter, pray. Say, Livio, is this true? Liv.I never knew Of this betrayal, sir; I trusted Blasco. Mar. He counts for nothing, since he ran away. Enter Palicio. Hu. Is this the man? Man.Thou art my prisoner. PALICIO. I make submission to your excellence. [Offering (Blasco’s) sword. Man. Dost thou surrender of thy own free-will To me, as legal viceroy of this island, Under King Frederick, and now abjuring Thy late rebellion, wilt thou trust henceforth 2740The people’s welfare to my lawful hands? Pal. I do, and all will trust thee as do I. Man. That is thy pardon. (Takes sword.) For the king’s good will Is grace to all. Yet there will be for thee Question in Blasco’s death. But now I need Elsewhere thy presence. (Returning sword.) Go forth to the people, And make it known that I am their governour: And that for all disorder ere this day There will be pardon, but from this day none. Bid them disperse. Pal.Those hundred men of mine, 2750Who lie in prison: is their pardon granted? Mar. ’Tis I should plead for them. ’Twas I betrayed them. Hu. Thou didst betray them? Mar.Ay, sir. Hu.’Tis nought but wonder. Man. (to Pal.). This is a day of grace. None will resent Our stretching mercy. I shall grant their pardon, But not without some cautions; for among them— Hear me, Palicio, thou who so dost cry Against the taxes—many among thy men Are a most burdensome and fruitless tax. They go free but to work, and with such measures As will ensure it. [Palicio is going. 2760Now, sir, ere thou goest, Is there none here to whom a word is due? Pal. O, Manuel, I dare not, nay,—I pray thee, Be not too generous towards me: since my heart Has fallen so far, let me have trial yet That I may win what I but falsely stole, And now would leave in thy security, Till I may bring some right to claim it. Yet I lack the worth to ask. But there’s one thing Which I will ask (goes to Margaret), forgiveness; and for that I kneel. 2770Mar. I will not hide it from thee, sir, That in the mutual interchange of pardons, Which is our friendly game, I have had some pain Standing out in the cold, merely for lack Of such a suit as thine. I have looked and longed To find a debtor; and I will take thee. Rise, sir. I must present thee to a kinsman. [Leads Palicio to Hugo. (To Hugo.) Do you remember, sir, a cruel saying Spoken to me against this gentleman? Since that I have been his friend, ay, and yours too, 2780For I betrayed his people to your hands, When they were setting forth to burn the palace; And so prevented Blasco’s treachery; From which him too I saved, and for that deed He takes me now in marriage. Hu.All thou sayst Margaret, with much of what hath happed to-day Needs explanation. I must see so far That Livio by his conduct is cut off: But if you tell me now that you will marry This man ... Man.Palicio is of noble blood, My lord. Yourself have given him oft such praise 2791As by an enemy must be well deserved Ere it be spoken. The king’s pardon proves Justification: he is quit of treason. We shall restore his rank, the loss of which, Due to his grandsire in the civil wars, Brings him no stain: nay, we shall further make him Chief secretary, where his ancient zeal For all the commons’ rights may still be shewn. Con. Margaret, we may be married the same day. 2800Hu.I see indeed this is a day of grace, Of wondrous grace: and where I take so much I should be churlish did I not rejoice That I may rank behind no one of you In the free dispensation of my favour. And there’s one act would set the balance even, Lay it even lower against me: it is this, For I will do it: John Palicio, I do forgive thee ... Mar.Now I thank thee, sire. Pal. And I, my lord, who never thought to do it, 2810Will forgive thee. DO YOU FORGIVE US ALL..