Part 1 (2/2)

We need but look, To learn that stars are worlds Swung out upon infinitudes of s.p.a.ce.

And as for earth-- Tho Christ shed blood upon it-- 'Tis but a pilgrim flame among them all.

[_Porzia leaves door._

_Osio_ (_turning upon him_). And you, a monk, will say so to the Church And to the Holy Office?

_Bruno_ (_in humorous alarm_). G.o.d forbid!

_Osio._ And you, Rizzio, who on your wedding-day, Mid rites of Venus And revels to Apollo, Wear pagan robes--and prink others in them--

_Rizzio._ Ho, others! meaning Porzia?

_Osio._ I say--

[_Mirth within._

_Rizzio_ (_laughing at him_). What, what, my merry raging brother, more?

That Pan is not your G.o.d, whom I but now Besought for inward beauty and truth of soul?

No, no, he is not, by Vesuvius!

_Osio._ I say--

_Rizzio._ That Plato and the ancients are A plague which only the Pope can purge from earth?

[_Again laughing._

Ai! to the flames with them, and with all fairness!

_Osio._ I say that you--

_Rizzio._ Hey, yea! that I who fall Not on my knees to mitred villainy-- Or cringe to crosiered craft-- And yet whose life is lit for truth and freedom-- Am viler far than you Who take your pleasure and pay it with confession?

Who think the Devil with faith would be no Devil?

[_Porzia again appears with Bianca._

You hear it, Bruno?

_Osio._ I say there is one thing You shall not do!

_Rizzio._ So-ho! my lordly brother, My breaker of betrothals--if not creeds-- And that is what?

_Osio._ I will protect her from it!

_Rizzio._ Her?

<script>