Thunder and Doria! This frolic's but a trifle, and if they dont submit to it with patience, I'll raise a gallows on my Uncle's bones, and gibbet their expiring freedom there. (The three Masques retire again.) LOMELLINO. The girl is now alone; her father's here, and one of those three Masques. GIANETTINO. That's lucky, Lomellino-conduct me to her instantly. LOMELLINO. I will, my Lord! but I fear you expect to meet a mistress, and will only find a prude. GIANETTINO. Force is the best persuasion-show me the way directlyI should be glad to see the man that dares oppose Prince Doria's progress. (Enter FIESKO meeting him at the door.) GIANETTINO. Where is the Countess? FIESKO. I have this moment seen her to her carriage. (He takes Gianettino's hand and presses it to his breast.) My Prince, I now am doubly bound to you; for while Gianettino reigns supreme above my head, his lovely sister triumphs o'er my heart. LOMELLINO. Fiesko is become of late a perfect man of gallantry. The Ladies now engage his whole attention-the other half the world is nothing to him. FIESKO. Nothing I confess. To live is to dream, Lomellino; and to live well, to dream agreeably. Say is it easier to do this amid the jarring factions of a throne, or in the maddening tumult of the world, than on the panting bosom of a lovely woman? Let Prince Gianettino reign in Genoa, Fiesko's only pleasure is to love. GIANETTINO. We must begone, Lomellino, 'tis nearly midnight. The hour is almost come! Thanks for your entertainment, good Lavagna. I have been highly gratified. That's all I could desire. FIESKO. GIANETTINO. And so good night-to-morrow there's a party at the palace. We shall be glad to see you-come along Procurator! Music! Lights there! FIESKO. GIANETTINO. (Jostling the three Masks.) Way there for Doria! ONE OF THE MASKS ASIDE. (With an indignant murmur.) In hell, but not in Genoa ! GUESTS. (In motion.) The Prince is retiring-Good night, good night, Lavagna! (Exeunt.) D SCENE VI. THE THREE BLACK MASKS-FIESKO. (A pause of some moments.) FIESKO. I observe here some guests that do not seem to share he pleasures of my entertainment. MASKS. (Sullenly.) Not one of them! FIESKO. (Obligingly.) I should be sorry were a single Genoese to leave me discontented. Be quick there servants !—renew the dance, and fill the foaming goblets !-Shall I amuse you with a show of fireworks, or raise your spirits with a panJoin tomime? Perhaps you would like to gong the ladies, or shall we take a hand at Faro, and deceive the time at play? ONE OF THE MASKS. We are wont to nourish it with deeds! FIESKO. By heavens a manly answer!—that's Verrina. VERRINA (unmasking.) Fiesko knows his friends more easy in their masks, Than they know him in his. FIESKO. I do not understand you! but what's the meaning of this crape about your arm? Can Verrina have sustained a loss to which Fiesko is a stranger? VERRINA. Bad news would suit but ill Fiesko's joyful Entertainments! FIESKO. Yet, when a friend has suffered, Fiesko surely would partake his griefs.-Friend of my heart (pressing his hand with fervour) say what loss is this that claims our mutual sorrow? VERRINA. Mutual indeed-too true, but every son Mourns not alike his mother. |