Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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!...
