Semiramis and Other Plays Part 36

(s.n.a.t.c.hes at Ignacio's arm as if he would expose it)

Ig. Liar and devil! do not touch me!

Mar. Spy!

Lop. The proof is easy, sire. Expose his arm!

Ig. I scorn such proof! And with my sword I'll meet Who dares lay hand upon me!

Lab. Justice, sire!

Command him to lay bare his arm!

(Silence. Maximilian approaches Ignacio slowly and lays his hand on his arm)

Max. (Turning to Marquez, his hand still on Ignacio) You are a soldier, able and honorable.

I trust you with my captives.... Ignacio, You are no traitor,--and I trust you with My confidence. Both are deceived. 'Tis I Must study how to heal this sad division.

... But now, we'll sign this necessary law.

Come in with me, my friends. (Exeunt all but Ignacio)

Ig. Too n.o.ble soul!

Too gentle heart! O foul, most foul betrayal!

He dooms himself. O, Maximilian, We go on different ways, but each to death!

The truest heart about thee is my own, And I'm a spy--death-vowed to be thy foe!

I'll warn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.

Dead I may guard her. Death alone may give Me to her service. There's no oath can bind The disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket) Here's set down All I have learned of the Imperial plans.

(Burns paper in candle flame)

'Tis fixed in memory, and if I live Juarez shall hear it all,--and--if I die-- The grave is asked no questions. (Suddenly) Rafael!

This signed to-night, to-morrow Rafael dies.

Marquez will cut off all reprieve. One way Is left.... I'll go. With life already lost Who would not fling the corpse to save a friend?

My honor's bound to freedom and Juarez, My heart bound to the Empress and her lord.

O, love, while I have life thou must command me, Then to save honor ... let me die!... Ah, could I save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woe Awaits thy heart, madonna, saint ... and love!

Might I but say farewell before I go, Then I could spur to death with happy heart, And I must travel fast to reach Savarro.

(Takes a lady's glove from his bosom) My treasure, come!

(Enter Carlotta)

Car. It must be signed ... it must ...

(Sees Ignacio)

Ig. O, little finger cas.e.m.e.nts, do you mourn Your pretty tenants lost?--five rose-sweet nuns That pray at one white shrine! (Kisses glove)

Car. (Advancing) I hope, my friend, She's worthy of your n.o.ble love.

Ig. O, madam, In her doth Heaven on earth make sweet beginning.

And aspirations tend her from the skies.

Car. And she is beautiful as good?

Ig. O, fair As olden marble walking down to us.

Or that immortal Helen on whose lip Poets still feed the dream that's never fed!

Car. She must be fair indeed. I hope she loves As much as she's beloved.

Ig. Nay, she dreams not Of my poor worship.

Car. You must tell her, sir.

Ig. With her I have no tongue, and can not woo.

To see her is to think in hurrying dreams That move about some new desire of G.o.d.

Nay, she's the picture finished, vision complete, That perfect stands where dream no farther goes And shuts the gates to prophecy!

Car. Would you But woo her thus you'd win her, never fear!

We women would be beautiful, and love The tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to her As you have talked to me.

Ig. 'Tis not the same.

There's something in your smile inviteth speech.

Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (kneels) O rest me 'neath the heaven of your eye That gathers blessings as the sun his dews To give again to earth, and let your heart Throb once with pity sweeter than the love That other women give, and yet be dumb, That this sweet moment's balm may wrap my heart Till death bids it be still. O, love me not, But on my head lay thy madonna hand, And bless me as a mother would her child Who goes to death in going from her eyes!

Car. (Laying her hand on his head) And I will bless thee, too, as she would do, True knight of love, gentle Ignacio!

And yet I hope you will ask more of her, And she will grant it.

Ig. (Rising) More is too much. Farewell.

I leave the court to-night,--but go content,-- Ay, happy! (Exit)

Car. He leaves the court!... What a strange youth!

But very true and n.o.ble, and well deserves The fairest woman's love. (Picks up glove dropped by Ignacio) He's lost her glove.

I'll send it after him. (Calls attendant) Andorro!... Ah!

It is my own! Yes ... yes ... the same ... here is-- My own indeed!... And that is why he leaves The court!... Poor youth! (She drops glove. Enter Andorro) Ignacio just pa.s.sed out.

He dropped this glove. His lady's favor maybe.

I'm sure 'tis prized. Haste, take it after him.

And. (Picks up glove) Your pleasure, royal madam! (Going)

Car. No--that way.

(Exit Andorro)

... Unhappy boy!... I'm glad I sent the glove.

(Enter Maximilian and ministers)

Car. (Going to him and taking his arm) 'Tis signed?

Max. 'Tis signed, my love. Come, friends! This act Of wisdom pa.s.sed gives me a lighter heart!

(All but Marquez go into ballroom)