Part 72 (1/2)

MARINELLI.

Why this gloomy supposition? ”Forward!” shouts the victor, and asks not who falls near him--friend or foe. Yet if the old churl should act as you fear, prince--(_After some consideration_) I have it. His wish shall prove the end of his success. I'll mar his plan. But we must not lose sight of him. (_Walks again to the window_.) He had almost surprised us. He comes. Let us withdraw awhile, and in the meanwhile, Prince, you shall hear how we can elude the evil you apprehend.

PRINCE (_in a threatening tone_).

But, Marinelli----

MARINELLI.

The most innocent thing in the world. (_Exeunt_.)

Scene II.

ODOARDO.

Still no one here? 'Tis well. They allow me time to get still cooler. A lucky chance. Nothing is more unseemly than a h.o.a.ry-headed man transported with the rage of youth. So I have often thought, yet I have suffered myself to be aroused----by whom? By a woman whom jealousy had driven to distraction. What has injured virtue to do with the revenge of vice? I have but to save the former. And thy cause, my son--my son----I could never weep, and will not learn the lesson now. There is another, who will avenge thy cause. Sufficient for me that thy murderer shall not enjoy the fruit of his crime. May this torment him more than even the crime itself; and when at length loathsome satiety shall drive him from one excess to another, may the recollection of having failed in this poison the enjoyment of all! In every dream may the bride appear to him, led to his bedside by the murdered bridegroom; and when, in spite of this, he stretches forth his sinful arms to seize the prize, may he suddenly hear the derisive laughter of h.e.l.l echo in his ears, and so awake.

Scene III.

Marinelli, Odoardo.

MARINELLI.

We have been looking for you, Sir.

ODOARDO.

Has my daughter been here?

MARINELLI.

No; the Prince.

ODOARDO.

I beg his pardon. I have been conducting the Countess to her carriage.

MARINELLI.

Indeed.

ODOARDO.

A good lady!

MARINELLI.

And where is your lady?

ODOARDO.