Teresa Contarini/Act III

SCENE I
Fiorilla's house.---Enter Fiorilla and Leonardo

Fiorilla
 * The letter was delivered?

Leonardo
 * 'Twas entrusted
 * To one who never failed me, and the messenger
 * Is even now returned.

Fiorilla
 * Did he reveal
 * The whole to Foscarini?

Leonardo
 * No---we judged
 * The youth should know naught of his lady's falsehood.
 * 'Twas vaguely urged, that matters of deep import
 * Required his presence here; that enemies
 * Were laboring 'gainst his peace. But, pardon me---
 * I know not how this artifice may prevent
 * The nuptials of proud Contarini!

Fiorilla
 * Know you
 * That Foscarini loves the maid, and she
 * Returns his passion, bitterly detesting
 * His haughty rival! Let the youthful lover
 * Come at the latest hour---his presence crosses
 * These ill starred nuptials.

Leonardo
 * And you, fairest lady---
 * Forgive me---is a false admirer worth
 * Such stratagem to regain?

Fiorilla
 * Hear me, Leonardo.
 * You see me but the gay and fickle dame
 * Whose smiles are showered on all; to whom the hours,
 * Brilliant alike, seem but to bring their tribute
 * Of emulous sweets, even as the gilded flowers
 * Yield up their honey to the fluttering insect.
 * How well for those who bask in Pleasure's smile,
 * She wears a mask!

Leonardo
 * But your smile is the sunlight
 * That banishes all gloom where'er it shines.

Fiorilla
 * Yet envious philosophers have said
 * The sun himself, that warms and gladdens all,
 * Is a cold, lifeless mass. No more of that.
 * His beams can scorch and wither---so can those
 * You've aptly likened to them, when condensed
 * In hatred's burning glass.

Leonardo
 * I cannot guess
 * Your meaning.

Fiorilla
 * Contarini---you may deem
 * 'Twas vanity---'Twas pride---that bound me to him!
 * Folly! when all that Venice boasts of rank
 * And wealth were at my feet, why should I spurn
 * Such suppliance---turning to one who seemed
 * To mock my power?

Leonardo
 * He never offered, then,
 * His solemn vows?

Fiorilla
 * He did! by all that's sacred!
 * And I, who feigned his passionate words to hear
 * As the wind's idle breath, treasured them deep,
 * Deep in my soul, which they have filled with gall.
 * Aye! and its bitterness shall be distilled
 * In drops upon his heart! Stay, Leonardo,
 * You've not heard all. You shall not see me creep
 * Like a scorned slave, aside, while others fill
 * The place that should be mine. I'll hurl him thence
 * Or ere he gains that height!

Leonardo
 * Nay, lady---

Fiorilla
 * Yes!
 * 'Tis you must aid me, while I bring to light
 * His plottings. It will peril many a head
 * In Venice---but I care not, so he finds
 * The hand he spurned is armed with deadly power!

Leonardo
 * If you have aught of import to disclose,
 * Madam, unto the council--

Fiorilla
 * Aye---the council!
 * And they shall hear! Yet, tell me, is not he
 * One of that fearful number who preside
 * In secret o'er the state?

Leonardo
 * 'Tis rumored so---
 * But the inquisitors' persons are unknown.

Fiorilla
 * 'Tis well. Forget my passion and my words.
 * Now to our business. Leonardo, seek
 * This youth, and speedily conduct him hither;
 * He cannot come too soon. I will await you.

[ Exeunt.

SCENE II
''Teresa's chamber. Teresa, in bridal robes, sitting at a table, with writing materials''

Teresa
 * I cannot write to him! If I would guide
 * The pen, my hand refuses to record
 * The tale it ought to tell. Oh, fatal hand!
 * Which soon must seal my shame, well dost thou shrink
 * To do the accusing office!---Foscarini!
 * Yet may I breathe that name! the walls about me
 * Will not yet hear it as a guilty sound,
 * But softly echo back the whispered word,
 * As if their stones could pity!---
 * To-night! to-night!
 * I'm strangely calm. So long I've pondered on it,
 * It seems that even despair has lost its keenness,
 * And only sits a thick and leaden weight
 * Upon my soul. I've wept, alas! so much,
 * The founts of grief are dry, and will not yield
 * A drop to soften me!

Enter Matilda.
 * Why have you come?

Matilda
 * Forgive me---'Tis not meet
 * You should be left alone with sombre thoughts
 * At such an hour.

Teresa
 * It is not late.

Matilda
 * Look out---
 * The sun has long since set.

Teresa
 * Some envious cloud
 * It is, that hides his beams.

Matilda
 * No! it is night---
 * The summit of yon gilded cupola,
 * Where last the hues of sunset ever linger,
 * Has long been wrapt in gloom!

. Teresa
 * Is it not strange
 * I should regret the daylight?

Matilda
 * Come---no more
 * Of these sad musings. You have cherished them
 * 'Till your fair cheek is pale, and unbecoming
 * A youthful bride. Why look---these radiant pearls,
 * Whose pure transparence should have suited well
 * With your fresh brow, will find their whiteness shamed.

Teresa
 * Matilda!

Matilda
 * Here---these flowers are fresh; I'll wreathe them
 * In the full wavings of your hair. I'll braid it
 * In dark, rich folds upon your temples. Ah!
 * That form, so stately, yet so full of grace,
 * That high fair front---they will indeed proclaim you
 * The queen of loveliness, to every eye
 * That seeks you in its homage!

Teresa
 * Hush! Matilda---
 * Waste not your idle praises.

Matilda
 * I will keep them
 * For other ears. But should I not be proud
 * To deck you for your nuptials?

Teresa (shuddering)
 * No!

Matilda
 * Look not
 * So sadly. True---you love not Contarini;---
 * But who among us thinks to wed for love,
 * When wealth, and rank, and power, and all that's dear
 * To woman's heart, do beckon us to seize them!
 * Oh! trust me! love's a bauble, fit to toy with---
 * But like the shining plaything of the child,
 * To be thrown by, when riper years bestow
 * Far richer gifts, and teach him 'Twas a trifle
 * He prized before!

Teresa
 * Nay, nay---I need not this.
 * My heart is senseless. It is cold---cold---cold!
 * Steeled in an apathy more deep than wo,
 * Which even keen thought can never pierce again.
 * What nights of feverish unrest I've borne,
 * What days of weeping and of bitterness,
 * When I have schooled me to a mocking calmness,
 * While my heart ached within! But all is past!
 * My spirit is a waste o'er which hath raged
 * The desolating fire, to leave its trace
 * In blackened ruins!---I can feel no more!
 * Would that I could! I'd rather bear the gnawing
 * Of anguish, than this dull, dead, frozen void,
 * In which all sense is buried!

Matilda
 * Would the harp
 * Soothe you? or shall I sing those cheerful songs
 * That once you loved to hear?

Teresa
 * No---no---the sound
 * Would be a mockery.---Yet, if time urge not,
 * I'd have you read to me that mournful tale
 * We oft have read together---of a maid
 * Compelled like me to nuptials she abhorred,---
 * Who fled to death's arms to escape that bridal,
 * And sleeps within the grave of him she loved.

Matilda
 * Nay---nay---you shall not hear so sad a story!

Teresa
 * It cannot move me. Hers was a bold spirit,
 * That dared to spurn the chain, and purchase peace
 * Even at the price of life.---Would I could be
 * Like her!

Matilda
 * Teresa!

Teresa
 * Fear me not---my hands
 * Are cowards; 'and my veins were never meant
 * To flow with blood like that which nourishes
 * Heroic hearts.'---There's something in death's aspect,
 * Even when he smiles, that human spirits quail at!
 * 'The foolish skin doth creep---and the frame shudder,
 * At thought of what awaits them---the dusk pall---
 * The narrow house---the clay cold living tenants---'

Matilda
 * Holy St. Mary! Are such thoughts as these
 * Meet for a festival?

Teresa
 * A festival!
 * True---there's a noble festival at hand!
 * Yes---yes---I will be passive.---Deck me out
 * A victim---oh, how truly!---At the altar,
 * Say---must I wear a smile!

Matilda
 * Oh! not like that!
 * No---do not smile---the veil will hide your face.---

Teresa
 * Will it? that's well.---I fear me it would shame
 * The gay surrounding group.---They are not wont
 * To see such revellers. My looks would wither
 * More roses than will deck the festal hall!

Matilda
 * Talk not so strangely!

Teresa
 * Strangely? am I changed?

Matilda
 * Oh, sadly!

Teresa
 * I rejoice---I would be changed!
 * Who comes?

[ Enter two female attendants.

Attendant
 * My lady, will you go?

Teresa
 * Whither?

Matilda
 * Do you forget? but a few moments
 * Remain---

Attendant
 * My lord enquires for you. The guests
 * Are even now assembled.

Teresa
 * It is well.
 * I'll follow you.

[ Exeunt.

SCENE III
''A street, faintly lighted. Enter Foscarini''

Foscarini
 * Once more in Venice! How my native air
 * Takes from these limbs their weariness! What were
 * The breezes of the rugged Alps, to this,
 * So bland---so wooing? All, in loveliness
 * The same---the same! The Lagune, brightly clear,
 * Yet mirrors in its depths the marble domes
 * That rise above it---lordly towers---where shine
 * A thousand torches, like so many stars
 * Gleaming through clouds of silver. From afar,
 * The surge-like tone of multitudes, the hum
 * Of glad, familiar voices, and the wild
 * Faint music of the happy gondolier,
 * Float up in blended murmurs. Queen of cities!
 * Goddess of ocean! with the beauty crowned
 * Of Aphrodite from her parent deep!
 * If thine Ausonian heaven denies the strength
 * That nerves a mountain race of sterner mould,
 * It gives thee charms whose very softness wins
 * All hearts to worship!

Enter Vincentio
 * By this light---Vincentio?
 * Whence come you, signor?

Vincentio
 * Foscarini?

Foscarini
 * Aye!
 * What news are stirring?

Vincentio
 * None---of note.

Foscarini
 * You come
 * I augur by your garb---from some late festival?

Vincentio
 * A bridal. One of our first citizens
 * To-night doth wed his daughter---and assembles
 * The prime of Venice. Light, and flowers, and smiles,
 * Soon wearied me---who am not wont to toy
 * My hours away in mirth.

Foscarini
 * Then, splenetic,
 * You left the joyous scene?

Vincentio
 * 'Twas not all joy.
 * If I mistake not, with the flowers that wrought
 * The bridal wreath, some leaves of bitterness
 * Were mingled.

Foscarini
 * Ha!

Vincentio
 * The bridegroom rich and noble---
 * The father proud and pleased---the guests all smiling---
 * But the mute bride!---I could not see her face,
 * But in her drooping form, like a bowed lily---
 * Her passive mien, and strange unconsciousness,
 * I read far more than bashfulness.

Foscarini
 * Indeed!

Vincentio
 * Before the altar she might have been deemed
 * A life like statue. From her veiled lips
 * Her words came slow and solemn, as the oracle
 * Speaks from its cloudy shrine.---Oh! much I fear
 * The fathers of our city are grown stern,
 * And sacrifice to gold and foul ambition
 * Treasures of youthful love.

Foscarini (aside)
 * I dare not utter
 * The doubt that's at my heart---(aloud)---The bridegroom, said you?

Vincentio
 * Is stern and haughty---though in courtesy
 * Well skilled---as noble senator should be. (ironically)

Foscarini
 * A senator? his name--

Vincentio
 * 'Tis Contarini---
 * A synonyme for all that's merciful! (sneeringly)

Foscarini
 * The bride?

Vincentio
 * Teresa---daughter to--

Foscarini
 * No move!
 * Or I shall stop your breath! begone!

Vincentio
 * What's this?

Foscarini
 * Hence! you have basely slandered her---the fairest---
 * The truest.---No! 'Twas not Teresa! speak!
 * You have mistaken her name?

Vincentio
 * I spoke the truth---
 * Veniero's daughter.

Foscarini
 * Well---begone and leave me!

[Exit Vincentio. (Foscarini paces the scene a few moments in silence---then suddenly stops.)
 * If this be true, I'll seek her---I'll confront her---
 * I'll blast her sight---and drag her from his arms.
 * E'en at their bridal feast inflict the penalty
 * Of guile like hers. Away.

[ Exit.

SCENE IV
''A spacious and magnificent apartment, brilliantly decorated and illuminated. Veniero discovered. Numerous guests, some in masks, seemingly in conversation.''

Enter the Doge, Badoero, Contarini, Teresa, Matilda, and others.

Veniero
 * Once more we welcome all! Let mirth reign here,
 * Since ne'er a day hath dawned, of joy like this!
 * And Loredano too---I craved his presence;
 * Why comes he not? I harbor no resentments
 * In this glad hour. When happiness o'erflows
 * The heart, its tide doth sweep all evil thoughts
 * Like wrecks, away. He should be welcome here.
 * Say---will ye pledge me, friends?

Doge
 * Most willingly.
 * This to the noble lady, in whose honor
 * We are to-night assembled. Ne'er till now
 * So fair a claim to loyalty hath met
 * Our willing homage.

Veniero
 * Cheer, my girl! wear not
 * That solemn aspect, which would better grace
 * The sanctuary! Our friends and your fond sire
 * Invoke your smiles to make them happy.

Teresa
 * Sir,
 * I thank both them and you.

Veniero (to Contarini)
 * I pray you, Signor,
 * Since to your keeping my authority
 * Over this wayward girl is now surrendered,
 * Command her to be merry.

Contarini
 * Pardon me.
 * You would not have me claim so speedily
 * A wife's obedience! Now, at least, her will
 * Shall rule herself and me!

Veniero
 * Oh! you will be
 * A proper husband! Who begins by bending
 * His neck to greet the yoke---henceforth must wear it!

(Foscarini enters, masked, and remains at the back of the scene, watching Teresa)

Contarini
 * And where could chains so golden and so soft,
 * Clasped by a hand so fair, enfold a captive
 * In sweeter bondage? Trust me---you know not
 * The worth of smiles like hers, to deem them fit
 * For every eye to share!
 * Say, gentle lady---would you join the dance?

Teresa
 * The dance? No---no!---My lord---I pray your pardon,
 * I meant not this abruptness.

Contarini
 * As you will!
 * You are a queen here, and in queenly right
 * You shall control us all; your regal pleasure
 * The law that we obey.

Foscarini (aside)
 * She does not smile!
 * Her falsehood bears with it the sting, remorse!

Contarini
 * Would music please my noble bride?

Teresa (aside)
 * These lights!
 * My brain grows sick beneath their weary glare!
 * Leave me, I pray you! Nay---nay---heed me not!
 * Let me not mar your mirth!

Contarini
 * I will not leave you:
 * I am too proud to stand beside you.

Foscarini (in a low tone)
 * Aye!
 * She may betray you too!

Teresa (aside)
 * That voice---that voice!
 * I cannot 'scape it! Strange---my haunting fancies
 * Should thus take form, to syllable reproaches
 * I ever hear within!

Doge
 * What ails the lady?'

Teresa (aside)
 * They must be silenced---for I may not hear
 * Their tauntings now!'

Matilda
 * Teresa! you are pale
 * And discomposed:---this night's fatigue had been
 * O'er harassing.

Teresa
 * Yes---yes---

Contarini
 * Wine will restore her---

Teresa
 * You are mistaken;
 * I am not ill!

Contarini
 * Take it---fair lady---

Foscarini (snatches another cup and advances)
 * Hold!
 * I claim a right to pledge your lovely bride!
 * I---humblest of her slaves! Lady! I drink
 * Long life to you---and happiness---such as
 * Your truth deserves! Could man e'er wish you more?

Teresa
 * 'Tis he. Oh God! (faints)

[ Foscarini retires.

Contarini
 * Teresa!

Veniero
 * She has swooned! my daughter! Help!

(They raise her---she revives---but still appears unconscious)

Teresa (wildly)
 * Accuse me not! accuse me not! Oh no!
 * I did not wrong thee! I have borne the wrong!
 * Didst thou but know the misery that has dragged me,
 * Despite of all thy love to bear me up,
 * Down, down, to this! thou wouldst not, couldst not scorn me!
 * Judge me not here!

Contarini
 * Who was't disturbed you,---say?

Teresa (recovering)
 * Ha!

Contarini
 * Who was it dared intrude, to move you thus?
 * Reveal his name, and instant punishment
 * Shall overtake the wretch!

Teresa (eagerly detaining him)
 * Oh, no---no---no!

Contarini
 * Detain me not! let me but find him!

Teresa
 * Hold!
 * What would you do? what have I said? 'Twas nothing---
 * Indeed---'Twas nothing!

Contarini
 * Tell me---whose the voice
 * That frighted you?

Teresa
 * No voice! Move not---I pray you!
 * It was an idle fancy.---Did I say
 * Some one had spoken to me?---'Twas not so!
 * My brain hath coined strange tales! 'Tis cause for mirth
 * That I should think such things.

Contarini
 * Such eagerness
 * To screen the offender--

Teresa
 * My lord! I am ashamed
 * To have disturbed this noble company
 * With such absurd, strange weakness. I beseech you
 * Let me retire awhile!

Veniero
 * Go.

[ Exeunt Teresa, Matilda and attendants.