Be record all the spirits of the air, And all things else that are, that day and night, Early and late, the tribute which my heart Hath paid to Annabella's sacred love, Hath been these tears, which are her mourners now! Never till now did nature do her best, To shew a matchless beauty to the world, Ann. Then I see your drift Ye blessed angels, guard me! Kiss me. If ever after-times should hear May justly blame us, yet when they but know Give me your hand: how sweetly life doth run Gio. Be dark, bright sun, And make this mid-day night, that thy gilt rays Ann. What means this? Gio. To save thy fame, and kill thee in a kiss. [Stabs her. Thus die, and die by me, and by my hand! Revenge is mine; honour doth love command. Ann. Oh brother, by your hand! Gio. When thou art dead I'll give my reasons for't; for to dispute With thy (even in thy death) most lovely beauty, Would make me stagger to perform this act Which I most glory in. Ann. Forgive him, Heaven-and me my sins! farewell, Brother unkind, unkind,-mercy, great Heaven! oh-oh! [Dies. Gio. She's dead, alas, good soul! The hapless fruit That in her womb received its life from me, Triumphing over infamy and hate! Shrink not, courageous hand, stand up, my heart, And boldly act my last, and greater part! [The scene closes. SCENE VI. A Banquetting Room in the same.' A Banquet.-Enter the CARDINAL, FLORIO, DoNADO, SORANZO, RICHARDETTO, VASQUES, and Attendants. Vas. (apart to SOR.) Remember, șir, what you have to do; be wise and resolute. Sor. Enough-my heart is fix'd.--Pleaseth your grace To taste these coarse confections; though the use In custom, than in cause, yet, reverend sir, Sor. But where's my brother Giovanni? Enter GIOVANNI, with a Heart upon his Dagger. Gio. Here, here, Soranzo! trimm'd in reeking blood, That triumphs over death! proud in the spoil Of love and vengeance! fate, or all the powers A banquetting room.] They had dined in another room, and, according to the usual practice, repaired to the apartment in which the confectionery was set out. That guide the motions of immortal souls, Could not prevent me. Car. What means this? Flo. Son Giovanni! Sor. Shall I be forestall'd? [Aside. Gio. Be not amaz'd: if your misgiving hearts Shrink at an idle sight, what bloodless fear Of coward passion would have seiz'd your senses, Had you beheld the rape of life and beauty Which I have acted?-my sister, oh my sister! Flo. Ha! what of her? Gio. The glory of my deed Darken'd the mid-day sun, made noon as night. A heart, my lords, in which is mine entomb'd: Vas. What strange riddle's this? [Aside. Gio. 'Tis Annabella's heart, 'tis; why do you startle? I vow 'tis her's;-this dagger's point plough'd up Her fruitful womb, and left to me the fame Of a most glorious executioner. Flo. Why, madman, art thyself? Gio. Yes, father; and, that times to come may know, How, as my fate, I honour'd my revenge, Flo. What is't thou say'st? Gio. Nine moons have had their changes, Since I first thoroughly view'd, and truly lov'd, Your daughter and my sister. Flo. How? Alas, my lords, He is a frantic madman! Gio. Father, no. For nine months space, in secret, I enjoy'd Flo. Oh, his rage belies him. Gio. It does not, 'tis the oracle of truth; I vow it is so. Sor. I shall burst with fury Bring the strumpet forth! Vas. I shall, sir. Gio. Do, sir; have you all no faith To credit yet my triumphs? here I swear I bore my Annabella whilst she lived, [Exit. These hands have from her bosom ripp'd this heart. Re-enter VASQUES. Is't true or no, sir? |