Chapter 3

GUIDO I had no choice. I love you. (_A pause. As GRACIOSA does not speak, GUIDO continues, very quiet at first._) It is a theme on which I shall not embroider. So long as I thought to use you as an instrument I could woo fluently enough. Today I saw that you were frightened and helpless--oh, quite helpless. And something in me changed. I knew for the first time that I loved you. And I knew I was not clean as you are clean. I knew that I had more in common with this beast here than I had with you.

GRACIOSA (_Who with feminine practicality, while the man talks, has reached her decision._) We daughters of the Valori are so much merchandise.... Heigho, since I cannot help it, since bought and sold I must be, one day or another, at least I will go at a noble price. Yet I do not think I am quite worth the wealth and power which you have given up because of me. So it will be necessary to make up the difference, dear, by loving you very much.

_GUIDO takes her hands, only half-believing that he understands her meaning. He puts an arm about her shoulder, holding her at a distance, the better to see her face._

GUIDO You, who had only scorn to give me when I was a kingdom's master! Would you go with me now that I am homeless and friendless?

GRACIOSA (_Archly._) But to me you do not seem quite friendless.

GUIDO Graciosa--!

GRACIOSA And I doubt if you could ever find your way through the forest alone. (_But as she stands there with one hand raised to each of his shoulders her vindication is self-revealed, and she indicates her bracelet rather indignantly._) Besides, what else is a poor maid to do, when she is burdened with a talisman that compels her to marry the man whom she--so very much--prefers?

GUIDO (_Drawing her to him._) Ah, you shall not regret that foolish preference.

GRACIOSA But come! There is a path--(_They are gathering up the pack and its contents, as GUIDO pauses by the DUKE._) Is he--?

GUIDO He will not enter Hell to-day. (_The DUKE stirs._) Already he revives, you see. So let us begone before his attendants come.

_GUIDO lifts her to the top of the wall. He lifts up the pack._

GRACIOSA My lute!

GUIDO (_Giving it to her._) So we may pass for minstrels on the road to Venice.

GRACIOSA Yes, singing the Duke's songs to pay our way. (_GUIDO climbs over the wall, and stands on the far side, examining the landscape beneath._) Horsemen!

GUIDO The Duke's attendants fetching him new women--two more of those numerous damsels that his song demands. They will revive this ruinous songmaker to rule over Tuscany more foolishly than Eglamore governed when Eglamore was a great lord. (_He speaks pensively, still looking down._) It is a very rich and lovely country, this kingdom which a half-hour since lay in the hollow of my hand. Now I am empty-handed.

GRACIOSA (_With mocking reproach._) Empty-handed!

_She extends to him both her hands. GUIDO takes them, and laughs joyously, saying,_ "Come!" _as he lifts her down._

_There is a moment's silence, then is heard the song and lute-playing with which the play began, growing ever more distant:..._

"Knights as my serfs be given; And as I will, let music go and come."

_... The DUKE moves. The DUKE half raises himself at the foot of the crucifix._

THE DUKE Eglamore! I am hurt. Help me, Eglamore!

(THE CURTAIN FALLS)

End of Project Gutenberg's The Jewel Merchants, by James Branch Cabell