Some to the city, others up the hills, With the fresh tale each for the one loved best. Nina. They are afraid to meet so many horses; I would not scud away so, were I there, Would you? Erminia. My dress would show the dust; or else. . I run to tell my father: go, tell yours. ACT I. SCENE II. CONSUL'S HOUSE. CONSUL and ERMINIA. Erminia. Father! why are not all the bells set ringing? Consul. What should the bells be ringing for to-day? Erminia. Such a procession comes along the road As never was some bishop at the head: And what a horse is under him! and what Beautiful boys they really are but boys, Dear father hold the bridle on each side! Scarlet and gold about their surplices, And waving hair; not like church servitors, Consul. Art thou gone wild, Erminia? Consul (listening, and rising). Consul. How so? First Senator. Against the city. Consul. Second Senator. Come and see. What means this tumult? Senators enter. Consul! we are lost. 10 The archbishop comes, from Barbarossa, What archbishop comes? Of Mentz. 20 Then close the gates, and man the walls, And hurl defiance on him. Bring my robe, In readiness. Officer. A herald, sir, claims entrance. Herald enters. Consul. What would your master with his perfidy? Consul. The more perfidious. Binds him not his oath To succour Italy? Is slavery succour? Tell the false priest thou comest from, that priest The words of others: and their words are these: Their lawless independence, and submit To Frederick, our emperor and king." Consul. Brief is the speech; and brief is the reply. The people of Ancona will maintain Their lawful independence, and submit No tittle, sir, to emperor or king. Herald. Is this the final answer? Lead him forth. 30 40 50 Officer (enters). Sir! ere you hasten to the walls, look once Toward the harbour. Consul. Are those? Venetian? Officer. Gracious Heaven! what sails Yes; and they take soundings. Consul. Venice against us? Freedom's first-born child, After the deluge that drowned Italy. Alas! the free are free but for themselves; They hate all others for it. The first murderer (Their patron) slew his brother. Thus would they. 60 [To the Officer. Merluccio! hasten, man! call back again And guard their sisters and their mothers here. Officer. Mothers and sisters follow'd them, to bring Munition up the towers. Consul. Bid them return : To intercept them, if he can, before They join the Germans on the hills above. Erminia. O father! here are none beside ourselves : And those few people hauling in the boats Can help us little; they are so afraid. Consul. Think not they are afraid because they pull Erminia ! The weather has been rough; there is a swell The people, never is alone, my child! He who watches over 70 80 Erminia (running back). Here come the men who were debarking. Minuzzi. Sir Consul! MINUZZI and others. Hail, All our fears then were but vain ? The Venetians 90 Consul. So! you did fear? Outside the mole, but ready to slip in, Beckon'd me from his boat, and gave me, smiling, Into no other hand beside the consul's, Consul. They join our enemies. Minuzzi. Sure enough How! One free state Against another! Slaves fight slaves, and kings I fear not him who falls from such a highth At him! my brave boys! At him! the recreant ! We have borne too much In seeing his attempt. The cables? Could not we cut Stamura ! Stamura. Rare, rare sport for us! If wise Minuzzi deems it feasible, Ye shall enjoy the pastime, while the wind Consul. 100 110 120 At the battlements. Minuzzi. Lads! we must lose no time. Now let us see Whether we too may not be mischievous back. FATHER JOHN enters. One word, Sir Consul, ere we part, this one: and quickly [They go. 130 With many watchings; thro' much love for me, Consul (presses his hand). power would crush! And these are breasts despotic [MINUZZI going, meets FATHER JOHN, who had listened. Father John. Talk ye of hatchets ? Consul. Father John! good day! F. John. Yea, with God's blessing, we will make it so. Consul. I want your counsel on a perilous move. Father! you were a diver in time past. F. John. And in time present may be one again. Minuzzi. Why, to dive and cut the cables Of yon Venetians dancing there so gaily, And bowing in bright pennons to each other. [140 F. John. Is this the Doge's wedding-day with Adria? No dame in Venice ever played him falser Than she will do, and haply before night. Against a cable. Stamura. "Twould but do poor work We can hold our breath A good while on such business. Consul. Father John, Could you devise some fitter instrument? 150 Minuzzi. Ah! what inventions have not priests devised! We all of us are what we are thro' them. [160 F. John. I love this reverence, my grey boy! and aptly Hast thou believed that Father John could frame What will perform the work, else difficult. I thought of Turks and Saracens, and flags Bearing the crescent, not the winged lion, When I prepared my double-handed sickle To reap the hemp-field that lies under water. I will dive too, and teach you on the way How ye shall manage it. So fare you well, Sir Consul! [To the Man. |