The Lamp and the Bell Part 18

MESSENGER. [Rus.h.i.+ng in and up to throne.] Majesty, Bianca of Lagoverde lies a-dying, And calls for you!

BEA. [Rising.] She calls for me?

MESSENGER. Ay, Majesty.

[Beatrice stands very still a moment, then turns to the townspeople.]

BEA. [Earnestly and rapidly,] You people, do you go now and live kindly Till I return. I may not stay to judge you; Wherefore I set you free. For I would rather A knave should go at large than that a just man Be punished. If there be a knave among you, Let him live thoughtfully till I return.

[She steps down from the throne, and is immediately seized by the arm on either side by the two guards who have been standing beside the throne.]

BEA. Why, what is this, Enrico? [Looking up at the soldier on her right.]

Nay, it is not Enrico! [Looking to other side.] Nor is it Pablo! How is this?

[From each side of the stage one row of the double row of soldiers detaches itself, marches down around the front of the stage and up towards the throne, making an armed alley for the Queen to walk down, and entirely surrounding the crowd.]

Nay, all new faces. So! Upon my word, And keep your fingers from me!--I see you there, Angelo! Do not turn your head aside!

And you, Filippo!--Is the sick hand better I bound the bandage on?--Is't well enough To draw a sword against me?--Nay, I am sick.

I, that have loved you as your mothers love you-- And you do this to me! Lead me away.

[The two guards lead out the Queen. n.o.body else moves. The townspeople cower and stare. The two little pages that bore her train as she entered remain back of the throne, not knowing what to do. As she goes by them, her train dragging on the ground, the two ragged little boys of Lisa, the wood-gatherer, run out from the group of citizens, pick up the ends of her train, and go out, holding it up, one of them with his arm over his eyes.]

Scene 3

[A dungeon. Beatrice alone, sitting on a bench, her head bowed in her hands. Enter Guido]

BEA. Guido, is't you!

GUI. Ay, it is I, my Queen.

You sent for me, am I mistake not?

BEA. Ay.

Guido, you will not keep me when I tell you Snow-White is dying and calls my name!

GUI. I knew that.

BEA. You knew that, and you hold me here. Oh, Heaven!

What are you?

GUI. I am a man. You should have thought Of that before. I could have been your friend If it had pleased you. Failing that, I am Your enemy. I am too aware of you, And have been ever, to hold me in at less.

BEA. Guido. I beg of you upon my knees To let me go!

GUI. And why should I do that?

BEA. For pity's sake!

GUI. I do not know the word.

BEA. Then for the sake of my sworn hand and seal Upon a paper yielding fair to you This sovereignty you prize. It is to me Little enough tonight. I give it gladly.

GUI. You have no power to give what I have taken Already, and hold upon my hand, Rose-Red,

BEA. Oh, do not call me that! Oh, Guido, Guido, I cannot suffer further! Let me go!

If only for a moment, let me go!

I will return,--I will but take her hand, And come away! I swear it! Let me go!

GUI. On one condition only.

BEA. Ay! 'Tis granted, Ere it is spoken!

GUI. That upon returning You come to me, and give yourself to me, To lie in my arms lovingly. [She is stricken speechless.] You hear?

To lie in my arms lovingly.

BEA. Oh, G.o.d!

GUI. It is my only word.

BEA. Oh, G.o.d! Oh, G.o.d!

GUI. 'Tis granted?

BEA. Nay,--I cannot! I will die Instead. Oh, G.o.d, to think that she will lie there And call for me, and I will never come!

GUI. Goodnight. [He goes to door.]

BEA. [In a quiet voice.] Guido!

It shall be as you say.

GUI. [Rus.h.i.+ng to her.] Ah, Beatrice!

BEA. Nay, touch me not yet.

I will return. [She laughs like a child.] Why,--'tis a simple matter!

I wonder now that even for a moment I held myself so dear! When for her sake All things are little things!--This foolish body, This body is not I! There is no I, Saving the need I have to go to her!

Scene 4

[A room at Lagoverde. Bianca lying in bed, ill to death. The children clinging to the bed, their nurse trying to draw them away, Giulietta a maid, in the background. Possibly other attendants about.]

LITTLE ROSE-RED. Tell us a story, mother!

NURSE. Come away, now!

LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Tell us a story!