Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays Part 224

VIOLANTE [_continuing_]

Pray draw the arras, Lizzia, and close out The things that they bring by.... They have begun To move the night's innumerable Dead.

[_Lizzia draws the large arras.... From now on, till the very last, just before climax, sound and murmur of processions are continually heard._]

VIOLANTE [_persistently_]

I think she will not come-- But, if she does, she should be spared the cruelty Of his heart's change, And he, her marred, plague-broken face!

Stand aside--let me pa.s.s....

LIZZIA [_barring way again_]

He took his oath Before that altar, to the most high G.o.d!

You shall not break his vow....

VIOLANTE

Let me go to him--here are my jewels!

FLORIO [_calling from within_]

Who is it speaks without? Whose voice is this Wrangling and breaking in upon my peace?

LIZZIA

The Lady Violante Ugolini!

FLORIO

To-day, of all days, must I be alone....

[_Florio pushes out arras from small doorway and stands before it, so that he remains unseen to Violante and Lizzia._]

FLORIO [_to Lizzia_]

Go, Lizzia, I will speak with the Lady....

Have you the wreaths hung, Lizzia?

LIZZIA

Aye, master Florio!

FLORIO

Have you the table heaped with delicacies In the green s.p.a.ce by the fountain-shaken pool?

LIZZIA

I go to set the viands now, my master.

[_Lizzia goes out._]

FLORIO

Violante, if you would speak with me, Stay where you are--I cannot look upon you.

VIOLANTE

Not look upon me?

FLORIO

Nor must you look on me.... I have vowed a vow!

VIOLANTE

How strange you are!...

I had thought to rush into your arms!...

Have you forgotten so soon the oaths you took?

[_She starts toward him._]

FLORIO [_hearing the rustle of her garment._]

Move one step further and I draw the arras!

VIOLANTE [_halting and hesitating_]

Have you forgotten the first time you saw my face And sent a sonnet to me?... It seems but a day Since you were awed by my n.o.bility....

And when I let you press your burning lips Against my hand, you swore it made you G.o.d!

[_Sadly_]

From that time it was not far to my mouth....

And, after that, what with the s.h.i.+ning moon, And nightingales beginning in the dusk, And songs and music that you made for me-- In a little while I was entirely yours!...