MARQUIS.
Power is a giant ever to the weak.
QUEEN.
The chevalier says well. There still are giants; But there are knights no more.
MARQUIS.
Not long ago, On my return from Naples, I became The witness of a very touching story, Which ties of friendship almost make my own Were I not fearful its recital might Fatigue your majesty----
QUEEN.
Have I a choice?
The princess is not to be lightly balked.
Proceed. I too, sir, love a story dearly.
MARQUIS.
Two n.o.ble houses in Mirandola, Weary of jealousies and deadly feuds, Transmitted down from Guelphs and Ghibellines, Through centuries of hate, from sire to son, Resolved to ratify a lasting peace By the sweet ministry of nuptial ties.
Fernando, nephew of the great Pietro, And fair Matilda, old Colonna"s child, Were chosen to cement this holy bond.
Nature had never for each other formed Two fairer hearts. And never had the world Approved a wiser or a happier choice.
Still had the youth adored his lovely bride In the dull limner"s portraiture alone.
How thrilled his heart, then, in the hope to find The truth of all that e"en his fondest dreams Had scarcely dared to credit in her picture!
In Padua, where his studies held him bound; Fernando panted for the joyful hour, When he might murmur at Matilda"s feet The first pure homage of his fervent love.
[The QUEEN grows more attentive; the MARQUIS continues, after a short pause, addressing himself chiefly to PRINCESS EBOLI.
Meanwhile the sudden death of Pietro"s wife Had left him free to wed. With the hot glow Of youthful blood the h.o.a.ry lover drinks The fame that reached him of Matilda"s charms.
He comes--he sees--he loves! The new desire Stifles the voice of nature in his heart.
The uncle woos his nephew"s destined bride, And at the altar consecrates his theft.
QUEEN.
And what did then Fernando?
MARQUIS.
On the wings Of Jove, unconscious of the fearful change, Delirious with the promised joy, he speeds Back to Mirandola. His flying steed By starlight gains the gate. Tumultuous sounds Of music, dance, and jocund revelry Ring from the walls of the illumined palace.
With faltering steps he mounts the stair; and now Behold him in the crowded nuptial hall, Unrecognized! Amid the reeling guests Pietro sat. An angel at his side-- An angel, whom he knows, and who to him Even in his dreams, seemed ne"er so beautiful.
A single glance revealed what once was his-- Revealed what now was lost to him forever.
EBOLI.
O poor Fernando!
QUEEN.
Surely, sir, your tale Is ended? Nay, it must be.
MARQUIS.
No, not quite.
QUEEN.
Did you not say Fernando was your friend?
MARQUIS.
I have no dearer in the world.
EBOLI.
But pray Proceed, sir, with your story.
MARQUIS.
Nay, the rest Is very sad--and to recall it sets My sorrow fresh abroach. Spare me the sequel.
[A general silence.
QUEEN (turning to the PRINCESS EBOLI).
Surely the time is come to see my daughter, I prithee, princess, bring her to me now!
[The PRINCESS withdraws. The MARQUIS beckons a Page. The QUEEN opens the letters, and appears surprised. The MARQUIS talks with MARCHIONESS MONDECAR. The QUEEN having read the letters, turns to the MARQUIS with a penetrating look.
QUEEN.
You have not spoken of Matilda! She Haply was ignorant of Fernando"s grief?
MARQUIS.
Matilda"s heart has no one fathomed yet-- Great souls endure in silence.
QUEEN.
You look around you. Who is it you seek?
MARQUIS.
Just then the thought came over me, how one, Whose name I dare not mention, would rejoice, Stood he where I do now.
QUEEN.
And who"s to blame, That he does not?
MARQUIS (interrupting her eagerly).
My liege! And dare I venture To interpret thee, as fain I would? He"d find Forgiveness, then, if now he should appear.
QUEEN (alarmed).
Now, marquis, now? What do you mean by this?
MARQUIS.
Might he, then, hope?
QUEEN.
You terrify me, marquis.
Surely he will not----
MARQUIS.
He is here already.
SCENE V.
The QUEEN, CARLOS, MARQUIS POSA, MARCHIONESS MONDECAR.