The Duchess of Padua Part 33

They mean no harm.

d.u.c.h.eSS

I shall be going back in a few minutes. As I pa.s.s through the corridor do not let them try and lift my mask.

FIRST SOLDIER

You need not be afraid, madam.

d.u.c.h.eSS

I have a particular reason for wishing my face not to be seen.

FIRST SOLDIER

Madam, with this ring you can go in and out as you please; it is the d.u.c.h.ess's own ring.

d.u.c.h.eSS

Leave us. [The Soldier turns to go out.] A moment, sir. For what hour is . . .

FIRST SOLDIER

At twelve o'clock, madam, we have orders to lead him out; but I dare say he won't wait for us; he's more like to take a drink out of that poison yonder. Men are afraid of the headsman.

d.u.c.h.eSS

Is that poison?

FIRST SOLDIER

Ay, madam, and very sure poison too.

d.u.c.h.eSS

You may go, sir.

FIRST SOLDIER

By Saint James, a pretty hand! I wonder who she is. Some woman who loved him, perhaps. [Exit.]

d.u.c.h.eSS

[taking her mark off] At last!

He can escape now in this cloak and vizard, We are of a height almost: they will not know him; As for myself what matter?

So that he does not curse me as he goes, I care but little: I wonder will he curse me.

He has the right. It is eleven now; They will not come till twelve.

[Goes over to the table.]

So this is poison.

Is it not strange that in this liquor here There lies the key to all philosophies?

[Takes the cup up.]

It smells of poppies. I remember well That, when I was a child in Sicily, I took the scarlet poppies from the corn, And made a little wreath, and my grave uncle, Don John of Naples, laughed: I did not know That they had power to stay the springs of life, To make the pulse cease beating, and to chill The blood in its own vessels, till men come And with a hook hale the poor body out, And throw it in a ditch: the body, ay, - What of the soul? that goes to heaven or h.e.l.l.

Where will mine go?

[Takes the torch from the wall, and goes over to the bed.]

How peacefully here he sleeps, Like a young schoolboy tired out with play: I would that I could sleep so peacefully, But I have dreams. [Bending over him.]

Poor boy: what if I kissed him?

No, no, my lips would burn him like a fire.

He has had enough of Love. Still that white neck Will 'scape the headsman: I have seen to that: He will get hence from Padua to-night, And that is well. You are very wise, Lord Justices, And yet you are not half so wise as I am, And that is well.

O G.o.d! how I have loved you, And what a b.l.o.o.d.y flower did Love bear!

[Comes back to the table.]

What if I drank these juices, and so ceased?

Were it not better than to wait till Death Come to my bed with all his serving men, Remorse, disease, old age, and misery?

I wonder does one suffer much: I think That I am very young to die like this, But so it must be. Why, why should I die?

He will escape to-night, and so his blood Will not be on my head. No, I must die; I have been guilty, therefore I must die; He loves me not, and therefore I must die: I would die happier if he would kiss me, But he will not do that. I did not know him.

I thought he meant to sell me to the Judge; That is not strange; we women never know Our lovers till they leave us.

[Bell begins to toll]

Thou vile bell, That like a bloodhound from thy brazen throat Call'st for this man's life, cease! thou shalt not get it.

He stirs--I must be quick: [Takes up cup.]

O Love, Love, Love, I did not think that I would pledge thee thus!

[Drinks poison, and sets the cup down on the table behind her: the noise wakens GUIDO, who starts up, and does not see what she has done. There is silence for a minute, each looking at the other.]

I do not come to ask your pardon now, Seeing I know I stand beyond all pardon; Enough of that: I have already, sir, Confessed my sin to the Lords Justices; They would not listen to me: and some said I did invent a tale to save your life; You have trafficked with me; others said That women played with pity as with men; Others that grief for my slain Lord and husband Had robbed me of my wits: they would not hear me, And, when I sware it on the holy book, They bade the doctor cure me. They are ten, Ten against one, and they possess your life.

They call me d.u.c.h.ess here in Padua.

I do not know, sir; if I be the d.u.c.h.ess, I wrote your pardon, and they would not take it; They call it treason, say I taught them that; Maybe I did. Within an hour, Guido, They will be here, and drag you from the cell, And bind your hands behind your back, and bid you Kneel at the block: I am before them there; Here is the signet ring of Padua, 'Twill bring you safely through the men on guard; There is my cloak and vizard; they have orders Not to be curious: when you pa.s.s the gate Turn to the left, and at the second bridge You will find horses waiting: by to-morrow You will be at Venice, safe. [A pause.]

Do you not speak?

Will you not even curse me ere you go? - You have the right. [A pause.]

You do not understand There lies between you and the headsman's axe Hardly so much sand in the hour-gla.s.s As a child's palm could carry: here is the ring: I have washed my hand: there is no blood upon it: You need not fear. Will you not take the ring?

GUIDO

[takes ring and kisses it]

Ay! gladly, Madam.

d.u.c.h.eSS

And leave Padua.

GUIDO

Leave Padua.

d.u.c.h.eSS

But it must be to-night.

GUIDO

To-night it shall be.

d.u.c.h.eSS