The Spagnoletto Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

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DRAMATIS PERSONAEA
DON JOHN of AUSTRIAB
JOSEF RIBERA the SpagnolettoC
LORENZO noble young Italian artist pupil of RiberaB
DON TOMMASO MANZANOD
LUCA servant to RiberaB
A GENTLEMANE
FIRST LORDC
SECOND LORDC
MARIA ROSA daughter to RiberaB
ANNICCA daughter to Ribera and wife to Don TommasoF
FIAMETTA servant to Maria RosaF
ABBESSF
LAY SISTERG
FIRST LADYC
SECOND LADYC
Lords Ladies Gentlemen ServantsF
-
SCENE During the first four acts in Naples latter part of theF
fifth act in Palermo Time aboutC
-
ACT IH
SCENE IH
The studio of the Spagnoletto RIBERA at work before his canvasF
MARIA seated some distance behind him a piece of embroidery isF
in her hands but she glances up from it incessantly toward herG
father with impatient movementsF
-
MARIAF
FatherG
RIBERA absorbed in his work makes no reply she puts by herG
embroidery goes toward him and kisses him gently He startsF
looks up at her and returns her caressF
-
RIBERAF
My childC
-
MARIAF
Already you forgetC
Oh heedless father Did you not promise meC
To lay aside your brush to day at noonI
And tell me the great secretC
-
RIBERAF
Ah 't is trueJ
I am to blame But it is morning yetC
My child wait still a littleK
-
MARIAF
'T is morning yetC
Nay it was noon one mortal hour agoD
All patience I have sat till you should turnL
And beckon me The rosy angels breatheM
Upon the canvas I might sit till nightC
And if I spake not you would never glanceF
From their celestial faces Dear my fatherG
Your brow is moist and yet your hands are iceF
Your very eyes are tired pray rest awhileN
The Spagnoletto need no longer toilO
As in the streets of Rome for beggars' fareP
Now princes bide his pleasureG
-
RIBERA throws aside his brush and paletteC
Ah MariaF
Thou speak'st in season Let me ne'er forgetC
Those days of degradation when I starvedC
Before the gates of palaces The germsF
Stirred then within me of the perfect fruitsF
Wherewith my hands have since enriched God's worldC
Vengeance I vowed for every moment's stingQ
Vengeance on wealth rank station fortune geniusF
See while I paint all else escapes my senseF
Save this bright throng of phantasies that pressF
Upon my brain each claiming from my handC
Its immortality But thou my childC
Remind'st me of mine oath my sacred prideC
The eternal hatred lodged within my breastC
Philip of Spain shall wait I will not deignR
To add to day the final touch of lifeS
Unto this masterpieceF
-
MARIAF
So that is wellT
Put by the envious brush that separatesF
Father from daughter Now you are all mine ownU
And now your secretC
-
RIBERAF
Mine 'T is none of mineV
'T is thine Maria John of AustriaF
Desires our presence at his ball to nightC
-
MARIAF
Prince JohnW
-
RIBERAF
Ay girl Prince John I looked to seeC
A haughty joy dance sparkling in thine eyesF
And burn upon thy cheek But what is thisF
Timid and pale thou droop'st thy head abashedC
As a poor flower girl whom a lord accostsF
-
MARIAF
Forgive me Sure 't is you Don John desiresF
The prince of artistsF
-
RIBERAF
Art Prate not of artC
Think'st thou I move an artist 'midst his guestsF
As such I commune with a loftier raceF
Angels and spirits are my ministersF
These do I part aside to grace his hallsF
A Spanish gentleman and so his peerX
-
MARIAF
Father I am not well my head throbs fastC
Unwonted languor weighs upon my frameY
-
RIBERAF
Anger me not Maria 'T is my willZ
Thou shalt obey Hell what these women beC
No obstacle would daunt them in the questC
Of that which freely given they rejectC
Hold Haply just occasion bids thee seemA2
Unlike thyself Speak fearlessly childC
Confide to me thy knowledge thy surmiseF
-
MARIA hurriedlyC
No father you were right I have no causeF
Punish me nay forgive and I obeyA
-
RIBERAF
There spake my child kiss me and be forgivenE
Sometimes I doubt thou playest upon my loveB2
Willfully knowing me as soft as clayA
Whom the world knows of marble In such moodsF
I see my spirit mirror's first and thenC2
From thy large eyes thy sainted mother's soulD2
Unclouded shineV
-
MARIAF
Can I be like to herG
I only knew her faded white and graveE2
And so she still floats vaguely through my dreamsF
With eyes like your own angels' and a browF2
Worthy an aureoleD2
-
RIBERAF
An earthly crownG2
My princess might more fitly rest on thineV
Annicca hath her colors blue black hairP
And pale brown flesh and gray untroubled eyesF
Yet thou more often bring'st her to mindC
For all the tawny gold of thy thick locksF
Thy rare white face and brilliant Spanish orbsF
Thine is her lisping trick of voice her laughH2
The blithest music still this side of heavenE
Thine her free springing gait though therewithalD2
A swaying languid motion all thine ownU
Recalls Valencia more than ItalyD2
Like and unlike thou art to her as stillD2
My memory loves to hold her as she firstC
Beamed like the star of morning on my lifeS
Hot faint and footsore I had paced since dawnI2
The sun baked streets of Naples seeking workJ2
Not alms despite the beggar that I lookedC
Now 't was nigh vespers and my suit had metC
With curt refusal sharp rebuff and gibesF
Praised be the saints for every drop of gallD2
In that day's brimming cup I have upheldC
A poisoned beaker to another's lipsF
Many a one hath the Ribera taughtC
To fare a vagabond through alien streetsF
A god unrecognized 'midst churls and clownsF
With kindled soul aflame and body faintC
Or lack of bread Domenichino knowsF
And Gessi Guido Annibal CaracciD2
-
MARIAF
Dear father calm yourself You had begunE
To tell me how you saw my mother firstC
-
RIBERAF
True I forgot it not Why I AM calmK2
The old man now can well be grave and coldC
Or laugh at his own youth's indignitiesF
Past a long lifetime back 'T was vespers' hourG
Or nigh it when I reached her father's doorL2
Kind was his greeting the first cordial wordsF
I heard in Naples but I took small heedC
Of speech or toe for all my sense was raptC
In wonder at the angel by his sideC
Who smiled upon me Large clear eyes that heldC
The very soul of sunlight in their depthsF
Low pure pale brow with masses of black hairP
Flung loosely back and rippling unconfinedC
In shadowy magnificence belowD2
The slim gold girdle o'er the snow soft gownG2
Vested and draped about her throat and waist and wristsF
A stately lily ere the dew of mornM2
Hath passed away such was thy mother childC
-
MARIAF
Would I were like her But what said she fatherG
How did she plead for youJ
-
RIBERAF
Ah cunning childC
I see thy tricks thou humorest my ageN2
Knowing how much I love to tell this taleD2
Though thou hast heard it half a hundred timesF
-
MARIAF
I find it sweet to hear as you to tellD2
Believe me fatherG
-
RIBERAF
'T was to pleasure herG
Signor Cortese gave me all I lackedC
To prove my unfamed skill A savage prideC
Matched oddly with my rags the haughtinessF
Wherewith I claimed rather than begged my toolsF
And my quaint aspect oft she told me sinceF
Won at a glance her faith Before I leftC
She guessed my need and served me meat and wineV
With her own flower white hands The parting graceF
I craved was granted that my work might beD2
The portrait of herself Thou knowest the restC
-
MARIAF
Why did she leave us father Oh how oftC
I yearn to see her face to hear her voiceF
Hushed in an endless silence Strange that sheD2
Whose rich love beggared our return should bearP
Such separation Though engirdled nowF2
By heavenly hosts of saints and seraphimK2
I cannot fancy it What shall her childC
Whose lightest sigh reechoed in her heartC
Have need of her and cry to her in vainR
-
RIBERAF
Now for God's sake Maria speak not thusF
Let me not see such tears upon thy cheekO2
Not unto us it has been given to guessF
The peace of disembodied souls like hersF
The vanishing glimpses that my fancies catchP2
Through heaven's half opened gates exalt even meK2
Poor sinner that I am And what are theseF
The painted shadows that make all my lifeS
A glory to the splendor of that lightC
For thee my child has not my doting loveB2
Sufficed at least in part to fill the breachQ2
Of that tremendous void What dost thou lackR2
What help what counsel what most dear caressF
What dost thou covet What least whim remainsF
Ungratified because not yet expressedC
-
MARIAF
None none dear father Pardon me Thy loveB2
Generous and wise as tender shames my powerG
To merit or repay Fie o my lipsF
Look if they be not blistered Let them smoothS2
With contrite kisses the last frown awayA
We must be young to night no wrinkles thenC2
Genius must show immortal as she isF
-
RIBERAF
Thou wilt unman me with thy pretty waysF
I had forgot the ball Yea I grow oldC
This scanty morning's work has wearied meK2
Once I had thought it play to dream all dayA
Before my canvas and then dance till dawnI2
And now must I give o'er and rest at noonI
RisesF
Enter LUCA ushering in LORENZO who carries a portfolioD2
-
LUCAF
Signor LorenzoD2
LORENZO ceremoniously salutes RIBERA and MARIA Exit LUCAF
-
LORENZOD2
Master I bring my sketchT2
Opens his portfolio and hands a sketch to RIBERAF
-
RIBERAF
Humph the design is not so ill conceivedC
I note some progress but your drawing's badC
Yes bad sir Mark you how this leg hangs limpU2
As though devoid of life these hands seem clenchedC
Not loosely clasped as you intended themK2
He takes his pencil and makes a few strokesF
Thus should it stand a single line will mendC
And here what's this Why 't is a sloven's workJ2
You dance too many nights away young gallantC
You shirk close labor as do all your matesF
You think to win with service frivolousF
Snatched 'twixt your cups or set between two kissesF
The favor of the mistress of the worldC
-
LORENZOD2
Your pardon master but you do me wrongV2
Mayhap I lack the gift Alas I fear itC
But not the patience not the energyK2
Of earnest indefatigable toilD2
That help to make the artistC
-
RIBERAF
'S death He daresF
Belie me and deny the testimonyK2
Of his own handiwork whose every lineV
Betrays a sluggard soul an indolent willD2
A brain that's bred to idleness So be itC
Master Lorenzo tells the SpagnolettoC
His own defects and qualities 'T were bestC
He find another teacher competentC
To guide so apt so diligent a scholarG
-
MARIAF
Dear father what hath given thee offenceF
Cast but another glance upon the sketchT2
Surely it hath some grace some charm some promiseF
-
RIBERAF
Daughter stand by I know these insolent slipsF
Of young nobility they lack the stuffW2
That makes us artists What to answer meK2
When next I drop a hint as to his colorsF
The lengthening or the shortening of a strokeX2
He'll bandy words with me about his errorG
To prove himself the masterG
-
LORENZOF
If my defectC
Be an hereditary grain i' the bloodC
Even as you say I must abide by itC
But if patrician habits more than birthY2
Beget such faults then may I dare to hopeZ2
Not mine I knew I felt to clear new pathsF
To win new kingdoms yet were I contentC
With such achievement as a strenuous willD2
A firm endeavor unfaltering loveB2
And an unwearying spirit might attainR
Cast me not lightly back Banish me notC
From this my home of hope of inspirationE
-
MARIAF
What my ungentle father Will you hearA3
And leave this worthy signor's suit unansweredC
-
RIBERAF
Well he may bide Sir I will speak with youJ
Anon upon this work I judged in hasteC
Yea it hath merit I am weary nowF2
To morrow I shall be in fitter moodC
To give you certain hintsF
LORENZO bows his thanks and advances to address MARIA RIBERAF
silences and dismisses him with a wave of the hand Exit LORENZOF
-
RIBERAF
Should I o'ersleepZ2
Mine hour Maria thou must awaken meK2
But come what may I will be fresh to nightC
To triumph in thy triumphB3
Exit RIBERAF
-
MARIA aloneU
Could I have toldC
Then when he bade me Nay what is to tellD2
He had flouted me for prizing at such heightC
Homage so slight from John of Austria evenC3
A glance exchanged a smile a fallen flowerG
Dropped from my hair and pressed against his lipsF
The Prince my father gloats upon that nameK2
Were he no more than gentleman I thinkD3
I should be glad I cannot tell to dayC
If I be sad or gay Now could I weepZ2
Warm longing tears anon a fire of joyE3
Leaps in my heart and dances through my veinsF
Why should I nurse such idle thoughts TonightC
We are to meet again Will he rememberG
Nay how should he forget His heart is youngF3
His eyes do mirror loyalty Oh dayC
Quicken thy dull slow round of tedious hoursF
God make me beautiful this happy nightC
My father's sleeping saint rebukes my thoughtC
Strange he has left his work against his wontC
Revealed before completed I will drawG3
The curtainE
She stands irresolute before the picture with her hand on theF
curtainE
Beautiful oh beautifulD2
The far bright opened heavens the dark earthY2
Where the tranced pilgrim lies with eyelids sealedC
His calm face flushed with comfortable sleepZ2
His weary limbs relaxed his heavy headC
Pillowed upon the stone Oh blessed dreamK2
That visits his rapt sense of airy formsF
Mounting descending on the shining ladderG
With messages of peace I will be trueJ
Unto my lineage divine and breatheM
The passion of just pride that overfillsF
HIS soul inspiredC
While she stands before the canvas reenter unperceived byH
her LORENZOF
-
LORENZOF
Oh celestial visionE
What brush may reproduce those magic tintsF
Those lines etherealD2
-
MARIA turns suddenlyK2
Is it not marvellousF
Signor Lorenzo I would draw the curtainE
But gazing I forgotC
You are the firstC
After the master and myself to lookH3
Upon this wonderG
-
LORENZO with enthusiasm looking for he first time at the pictureG
Ah what an answer thisF
For envious minds that would restrict his powerG
To writhing limbs and shrivelled flesh ReposeF
Beauty and large simplicity are hereA3
Yes that is art Before such work I standC
And feel myself a dwarfI3
-
MARIAF
There you are wrongV2
My father even who knows his proper worthY2
Before his best achievements I have seenJ3
In like dejection 't is the curse of geniusF
Oft have I heard the master grace your nameK2
With flattering additionE
-
LORENZOF
'T is your goodnessF
And not the echo of his praise that speaksF
My work was worthless 't was your generous voiceF
Alone secured the master's second glanceF
-
MARIAF
Nay signor frankly he esteems your talentC
Because you are of well assured meansF
And gentle birth he will be rude to youJ
Not without base is the deep grudge he owesF
To riches and prosperityK2
-
LORENZOF
SignoraF
Why do I bear such harsh injurious termsF
As he affronts me with Why must I seemK2
In mine own eyes a craven SpiritlessF
Dishonorably patient 'T is not his fameK2
His power his gift his venerable yearsF
That bind me here his willing slave MariaF
'T is thou 't is thou alone 'T is that I love theeK2
And exile hence is deathK3
A pause He kneels at her feet She looks at him kindly butC
makes no replyH
At thy dear feetC
I lay my life with its most loyal serviceF
The subject of thy pleasureF
-
MARIA tenderlyK2
You are too humbleD2
-
LORENZOF
Too humble Do you seek mine utter ruinE
With words whose very tone is a caressF
I say all I love you you have known itC
Why should I tell you Yet to day you seemK2
Other than you have been A milder lightC
Beams from your eyes a gentler grace is thronedC
Upon your brow your words fall soft as dewC
To melt my fixed resolveL3
-
MARIAF
You find me signorF
In an unguarded mood I would be trueC
To you and to myself yet know no answerF
Anon I will be calm pray you withdrawF
-
LORENZOF
Till when Remember what mad hopes and fearsF
Meantime will riot in my brainR
-
MARIAF
To morrowF
Farewell farewellD2
-
LORENZO kisses her handC
FarewellD2
ExitC
-
MARIAF
A faithful heartC
A name untainted a fair home yea theseF
Are what I need Oh lily soul in heavenE
Who wast on earth my mother guide thy childC
While MARIA sits rapt in thought enter from behind her ANNICCAV2
who bends over her and kisses her browF
-
ANNICCAV2
What sister lost in dreams by daylight FieL3
Who is the monarch of thy thoughtsF
-
MARIA startingV2
AnniccaV2
My thoughts are bounden to no master yetC
They fly from earth to heaven in a breathK3
Now are they all of earth Hast heard the tidingsF
-
ANNICCAV2
Yea of the Prince's ball We go togetherF
Braid in thy hair our mother's pearls and wearF
The amulet ingemmed with eastern stonesF
'T will bring good fortuneE
-
MARIAF
Tell me ere we goV2
What manner of man is John of AustriaF
-
ANNICCAV2
Scarce man at all a madcap charming boyE3
Well favored you have seen him exquisiteC
In courtly compliment of simple mannersF
You may not hear a merrier laugh than hisF
From any boatman on the bay well versedC
In all such arts as most become his stationE
Light in the dance as winged foot MercuryK2
Eloquent on the zither and a masterF
Of rapier andC
-
MARIAF
A puppet could be madeC
To answer in all points your praise of himK2
Hath he no substance as of a manM3
-
ANNICCAV2
Why sisterF
What may that be to usF
-
MARIAF
He is our PrinceF
-
ANNICCAV2
The promise of his youth is to outstripZ2
The hero of Lepanto bright and boldC
As fire he is the very soul the starF
Of Spanish chivalry his last achievementC
Seems still the flower of his accomplishmentsF
Musician soldier courtier yea and artistC
He had been a painter were he not a princeF
Says Messer Zurbaran The CalderonaM3
His actress mother hath bequeathed to himK2
Her spirit with her beauty and the powerF
To win and hold men's heartsF
-
MARIAF
I knew it sisterF
His eye hath a command in it his browF
Seems garlanded with laurelD2
-
ANNICCAV2
What is thisF
You kindle with his praise your whole heart glowsF
In light and color on your face your wordsF
Take wing and fly as bold as reckless birdsF
What can so rash a thought a dream so wildC
So hopeless an ambition tempt your soulD2
-
MARIAF
Pray you what thought what dream and what ambitionM3
I knew not I had uttered any suchN3
-
ANNICCAV2
Nor have you in your speech your eyes now veiledC
Where the light leaped to hear me voice his fameK2
Your blushes and your pallor have betrayedC
That which should lie uncounted fathom deepZ2
The secret of a woman's foolish heartC
-
MARIAF
And there it lies my sibyl sister stillD2
Your plummet hath not reached it Yes 't is loveL3
Flaunts his triumphant colors in my cheekV2
And quickens my lame speech but not for himK2
Not for the Prince so may I vaunt his worthY2
With a free soulD2
-
ANNICCAV2
Say onM3
-
MARIAF
A gentlemanM3
Favored of earth and heaven true and lovingV2
Hath cast his heart at my imperial feetC
And if to morrow find me as to dayC
I will e'en stoop and raise it to mine ownM3
-
ANNICCAV2
Signor VitruvioL3
-
MARIAF
Not he indeedC
Did not I say favored of earth and heavenM3
That should mean other gifts than bags of goldC
Or a straight featured mask Nor will it beK2
Any you name though you should name him rightC
Must it not lie how many fathom deepZ2
The secret of a woman's foolish heartC
-
ANNICCAV2
Kiss me Maria You are still a childC
You cannot vex me wilful as you beK2
Your choice I fear not doubtless 't will prove wiseF
Despite your wild wit for your heart is pureF
And you will pause with sure deliberate judgmentC
Before you leave our fatherF
-
MARIAF
Does love stealD2
So gently o'er our soul What if he comeK2
A cloud a fire a whirlwind to o'erbearF
The feeble barriers wherewith we oppose himK2
And blind our eyes and wrest from us our reasonM3
Fear not Annicca for in no such guiseF
He visits my calm breast but yet you speakV2
Somewhat too sagely Did such cautious wisdomK2
Guide your own fancyK2
-
ANNICCAV2
Jest no more MariaF
Since I became a wife is much made clearF
Which a brief year ago was dark and vagueV2
Tommaso loves me we are happierF
Then I had dreamed yet matching now with thenM3
I see his love is not that large rich passionM3
Our father bore usF
-
MARIAF
You regret your homeK2
-
ANNICCAV2
No no I have no wish and no regretC
I speak for you His is a sovereign soulD2
And all his passions loom in huger shapeZ2
Than lesser men's He brooks no rivalryK2
With his own offspring and toward me his loveL3
Hath ebbed I mark to a more even flowV2
While deeper stronger sets the powerful currentC
Toward you alone Consider this MariaF
Nor wantonly discrown that sacred headC
Of your young love to wreathe some curled boy's browF
-
MARIAF
Think you his wish were that I should not wedC
-
ANNICCAV2
Nay that I say not for his pride aspiresF
To see you nobly matedC
-
MARIA after a pauseF
Him will I wedC
Whose name is ancient fair and honorableD2
As the Ribera's is illustriousF
Him who no less than I will venerateC
That white divine old head In art his pupilD2
In love his son tender as I to watchO3
And to delay the slow extinguishingV2
Of that great lightC
-
ANNICCAV2
There spake his darling childC
-
MARIAF
What is't o'clock If he should sleep too lateC
He bade me rouse himK2
-
ANNICCAV2
Haste to seek him thenM3
'T is hard on sunset and he looks for theeK2
With his first waking motion Till to nightC
Exeunt severallyK2
-
SCENE IIH
A hall in RIBERA'S house Enter LUCA and FIAMETTAC
-
FIAMETTAC
But did you see herF
-
LUCAV2
Nay I saw her sister Donna AnniccaV2
-
FIAMETTAC
Tush man never name her beside my lady Maria Rosa You have lostC
the richest feast in the world for hungry eyes Her gown of clothP3
o' silver clad her as it were with light there twinkled aboutC
her waist a girdle stiff with stones you would have said theyC
breathed Mine own hands wreathed the dropping pearls in her hairF
and pearls again were clasped around her throat But no I mightC
tell thee every ornament her jeweled fan her comb of pearls herF
floating veil of gauze and still the best of all would escape usF
-
LUCAV2
Thou speakest more like her page than her handmaidenM3
-
FIAMETTAC
Thou knowest not woman truly for all thy wit I speak most like aV2
woman when I weigh the worth of beauty and rich apparel Heigh hoV2
I have felt the need of this Thou good Luca who might haveL3
been my father canst understand me HE was poor as thou WhyH
shouldst thou be his lackey his slave My hand were as dainty asF
hers if it could but be spared its daily laborF
-
LUCAV2
Yes poor child I understand thee and yet thou art wrong He isF
more slave to pride than I am to him I know him well FiamettaC
after so many years of service and to day I pity him more than IH
fear him Why girl my task is sport beside his toil If myH
limbs be weary I sleep but I have seen him sit before his canvasF
with straining eyes and the big beads standing on his brow WhenM3
at last he gave o'er and I have smoothed his pillow and servedC
and soothed him what sleep could he snatch His brain is hauntedC
with evil visions whereof some be merely of his own imaginingsF
and others the phantoms of folk who are living or have lived andC
who rouse his jealousy or mayhap his remorse God only knows IfL3
that be genius to be alive to pain at every pore to be possessedC
of a devil that robs you of your sleep and grants no space betweenM3
the hours of grinding toil I thank the saints I am a simple manM3
-
FIAMETTAC
I grant thee thou mayst be right concerning him he hath indeed aV2
strange sour mien I shudder when he turns suddenly as his wontC
is and bends his evil eyes on me The holy father tells me suchN3
warnings come from God No matter how slight the service he asksF
of me my flesh creeps and my limbs refuse to move till I haveL3
whispered an Ave But what of Lady Maria Rosa Both heaven andC
earth smile upon her To night she wears a poor girl's dowry aV2
separate fortune on her head her neck her hands yes on herF
little jeweled feet One tiny shoe of hers would make me free toC
wed my ladC
-
LUCAV2
If he have but eyes I warrant thee he finds jewels enough in thyH
bright face Tell me his nameK2
-
FIAMETTAC
Nay that is my secretC
-
LUCAV2
He must be a poor souled lad if he will wait till thou hast earnedC
a dowryK2
-
FIAMETTAC
A poor souled lad my good Vicenzo ah but no matter thou knowestC
him Luca my Lord Lorenzo's page There is he poor or mean orF
plain or dull He claims no dowry he but I have my pride as wellD2
as the great onesF
-
LUCAV2
May the saints preserve thee from such as theirs I am heartily gladC
of thy good fortune I am not sure whether thou or Lady Marie RosaV2
be the most favored Well the end proves allD2
ExeuntC
Enter on one side ANNICCA and DON TOMMASO attired for the ballD2
on the other side RIBERAV2
-
RIBERAV2
What do ye here my children Haste awayC
Maria waits you for the ball folk sayC
'T will be the bravest show e'er seen in NaplesF
I warrant you the Spagnoletto bringsF
The richest jewels what say'st thou my sonM3
-
DON TOMMASOF
I who have robbed you of one gem need scarceF
Re word sir how I prize itC
-
RIBERAV2
Why 't is trueC
Robbed me thou sayst So hast thou She was mineM3
The balanced beauty of her flesh and spiritC
That was my garland and I was her allD2
Till thou a stranger stole her heart's allegianceF
Suborned Forgive me I am old a fatherF
Whose doting passions blind I am not jealousF
Believe me sir When we Riberas giveL3
We give without retraction or reserveL3
Were it our life blood I rejoice with theeK2
That she is thine nor am I quite bereftC
I have some treasure still I do repentC
So heartily of my discourteous speechQ2
That I will crave your leave before I kissF
Your wife's soft palmK2
-
ANNICCA kissing him repeatedlyK2
Why father what is thisF
Can Don Tommaso's wife so soon forgetC
She is the Spagnoletto's childC
-
RIBERAV2
EnoughL3
I can bear praise thou knowest from all save theeK2
And my Maria My grave son I fearF
Will mock these transports Pray go in with meK2
No one of us but has this night a triumphL3
Let us make readyK2
ExeuntK2
-
-
ACT IIH
SCENE IH
Ball in the Palace of DON JOHN Dance DON JOHN and MARIAV2
together DON TOMMASO ANNICCA LORDS and LADIES dancing orF
promenadingV2
-
st LORDK2
Were it not better to withdraw awhileD2
After our dance unto the torch lit gardensF
The air is fresh and sweet withoutK2
-
st LADYK2
Nay signorF
I like this heavy air rich with warm odorsF
The broad clear light the many colored throngV2
I might have breathed on mine own balconyK2
The evening breezeF
-
st LORDK2
Still at cross purposesF
When will you cease to flout meK2
-
st LADYK2
When I prizeF
A lover's sigh more dear than mine own pleasureF
See the Signora Julia passed againM3
She is far too pale for so much white I findK2
Donna Aurora ah how beautifulD2
That spreading ruff sprinkled with seeds of goldK2
Becomes her well Would you believe it sirF
Folk say her face is twin to mine what think youC
-
st LORDK2
For me the huge earth holds but one such faceF
You know it wellD2
-
St LADYK2
The hall is overfilledK2
Go we withoutK2
They pass onM3
-
d LADYK2
Thrice he hath danced with herF
She is not one of us her face is strangeQ3
Colored and carven to meet most men's desireF
Is't not my lord Certes it loses naughtK2
For lack of ornament Pray ask her nameK2
If but for my sakeV2
-
d LORDK2
I have already askedK2
She is the daughter to the SpagnolettoK2
Maria RosaV2
-
d LADYK2
Ah I might have guessedK2
The form and face are matched with the apparelD2
As in a picture 'T was the master's handK2
I warrant you arranged with such quaint artK2
Such seeming careless care the dead white pearlsF
Within her odd bright hairF
They pass onM3
-
DON JOHNM3
Now hope now fearF
Reigned lord of my wild dreams One name still sangV2
Like the repeated strain of some caged birdK2
Its sweet persistent music through my brainM3
One vanishing face upon the empty airF
Shone forth and faded night and day And youC
Did you not find me hasty over boldK2
Nay tell me all your thoughtK2
-
MARIAV2
You know my lordK2
I am no courtier and belike my thoughtK2
Might prove too rustic for a royal earF
-
DON JOHNM3
Speak on speak onM3
Though you should rail your voice would still outsingV2
Rebeck and mandolineM3
-
MARIAV2
Is it not strangeQ3
I knew you not albeit I might have guessedK2
If only from the simple garb of blackV2
And golden collar 'midst the motley huesF
Of our gay nobles I know not what besidesF
But this first won me Be not angered sirF
But as I looked I never ranked you higherF
Than simple gentleman I asked your nameK2
Then when you Highness stooped to pick my flowerF
My lord that moment was my thought a traitorF
For it had fain discrowned youC
-
DON JOHNM3
May God's angelsF
Reward such treason Say me those words againM3
Let the rich blush born of that dear confessionM3
Again dye cheek and brow and fade and meltK2
Forever even as thenM3
-
MARIAV2
We are watched my lordK2
This is no place no hour for words like theseF
-
DON JOHNM3
When where then may we meetK2
They pass onM3
-
-
SCENE IIH
The Palace Gardens Interrupted sounds of music and revelryK2
come though the open windows of the ball room seen in theV2
background RIBERA pacing the stage occasionally pausingV2
to look in upon the dancersF
-
RIBERAV2
This is revenge Is she not beautifulD2
Ye gods The beggar's child matched with a princeF
Throb not so high my heart 'neath envious eyesF
Fixed on thy triumph Now am I well repaidK2
For my slow martyred years Was I not wrungV2
by keener tortures than my savage brushR3
Though dipped in my heart's blood might reproduceF
No twisted muscle no contorted limbK2
No agony of flesh have I yet drawnM3
That owed not its suggestion to some pangV2
Of my pride crucified my spirit rackedK2
My entrails gnawed by the blind worm of hateK2
Engendered of oppression That is pastK2
But not forgotten though to night I pleaseF
To yield to gentler influence to ownM3
The strength of beauty and the power of joyE3
And welcome gracious phantasies that throngV2
And hover over me in airy shapesF
The spirits of earth and heaven contend to nightK2
For mastery within me ne'er beforeF
Have I been more the Spagnoletto firedK2
With noble wrath with the consuming feverF
And fierce delight of vengeanceF
From this pointK2
I see her clearly the auroral faceF
A light with smiles the imperial head upraisedK2
Her languid hand sways the broad silken fanM3
Whose wing like movement stirs above her browF
The fine bright curls as though warm airs of heavenM3
Around her breathed He leads her 'midst the throngV2
So they have gone but I will follow themK2
And watch them from afarF
ExitK2
Enter from the opposite side DON JOHN and MARIAV2
-
DON JOHNM3
I dread to askV2
What quivers on my lips My heart is freeK2
But thineM3
-
MARIAV2
My heart is free my lordK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Thank GodK2
-
MARIAV2
It never beat less calmly at the soundK2
Of any voice till now I laugh to thinkV2
This very morn I fancied it had metK2
Its masterF
-
DON JOHNM3
AhS3
-
MARIAV2
Fear naught a simple boyE3
A pupil of my father'sF
-
DON JOHNM3
I was madK2
To dream it could be otherwise Forgive meK2
I a mere stranger in they life am jealousF
Of all thy present and thy pastK2
-
MARIAV2
Listen my lordK2
You shall hear all What hour think you he choseF
To urge his cause The same wherein I learnedK2
Your Highness had commanded for to nightK2
Our presence My winged thoughts were flying backV2
To Count Lodovico's again I saw youC
My white rose at your lips your grave eyes fixedK2
Most frankly yet most reverently on mineM3
Again my heart sank as I heard the nameK2
The Prince of Austria and while I musedK2
He spake of love Oh I am much to blameK2
My mood was soft although I promised naughtK2
I listened yea I listened Good my lordK2
Do you not pity himK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Thanks and thanks againM3
For thy confession Now no spot remainsF
On the unblemished mirror of my faithT3
Since that dear night I with one only thoughtK2
Have gained the sum of knowledge and opinionsF
Touching thine honored father with such scrapsF
As the gross public voice could dole to meK2
Concerning thine own far removed white lifeL3
Thou art I learn immured in close seclusionM3
Thy father be it with all reverence saidK2
Hedges with jealous barriers his treasureF
Whilst thou most duteous tenderest of daughtersF
Breath'st but for himK2
-
MARIAV2
Dear father Were it soF
'T were simple justice Ah if you knew himK2
A proud large tameless heart This is the cloisterF
Where he immures me Naples' gayest revelsF
The only bar wherewith he hedges meK2
Is his unbounded trust that leaves me freeK2
Let us go in the late night air is chillD2
-
DON JOHNM3
Yet one more danceF
-
MARIAV2
You may command my lordK2
ExeuntK2
Enter RIBERAV2
-
RIBERAV2
I lost them in the press Ah there they danceF
Again together I would lay my handsF
In blessing on that darling haughty headK2
Like the Ribera's child she bears her honorsF
As lightly as a flower Yet there glowsF
Unwonted lustre in her starry eyesF
And richer beauty blushes on her cheekV2
Enough Now must I strive to fix that formK2
That haunts my brain the blind old Count CamilloF
The Prince's oracle 'Midst the thick throngV2
My fancy singled him white beard white hairF
Sealed eyes and brow lit by an inward lightK2
So will I paint mine Isaac blessing EsauF
While Jacob kneels before him blind betrayedK2
By his own fleshU3
As RIBERA stands aside lost in thought enter DON JOHN and MARIAV2
-
MARIAV2
See the impatient dayK2
Wakes in the eastK2
-
DON JOHNM3
One moment here signoraV2
Breathe we the charm of this enchanted nightK2
Look where behind yon vines the slow moon setsF
Hidden from us while every leaf hangs blackV2
Each tender stalk distinct each curling edgeV3
Against the silver skyV2
-
MARIA perceiving RIBERAV2
What father hereV2
-
RIBERAV2
Maria Ah my Prince I crave your pardonM3
When thus I muse 't is but my mind that livesF
Each outward sense is dead I saw you notK2
I heard nor voice nor footstep Yonder linesF
That streak the brightening sky east warn us awayK2
For all your grace to us the SpagnolettoK2
Proffers his thanks to John of AustriaV2
My daughter art thou readyK2
-
DON JOHNM3
I am boundK2
Illustrious signor rather unto youC
And the signora past all hope of paymentK2
When may I come to tender my poor homageW3
To the Sicilian masterV2
-
RIBERAV2
My lord will jestK2
Our house is too much honored when he deignsF
O'erstep the threshold Let your royal pleasureV2
Alone decide the hourV2
-
DON JOHNM3
To morrow thenM3
Or I should say to day for dawn is nighV2
-
RIBERAV2
And still we trespass Be it as you willD2
We are your servantsF
-
MARIAV2
So my lord good nightK2
Exeunt MARIA and RIBERAV2
-
DON JOHN aloneM3
Gods what a haughty devil rules that manM3
As though two equal princes interchangedK2
Imperial courtesies The SpagnolettoK2
Thanks John of Austria Louis of FranceF
Might so salute may father By heaven I know notK2
What patience or what reverence withheldK2
My enchafed spirit in bounds of courtesyK2
Nay it was she mine angel whose mere aspectK2
Is balm and blessing How her love lit eyesF
Burned through my soul How her soft hand's slight pressureV2
Tingled along my veins Oh she is worthyK2
A heart' religion How shall I wear the hoursF
Ere I may seek her Lo I stand and dreamK2
While my late guests await me Patience patienceF
ExeuntK2
-
-
SCENE IIIH
Morning twilight in RIBERA'S Garden During this scene the dayK2
gradually breaks and at the close the full light of morningV2
illuminates the stage LORENZOF
AUBADEK2
-
LORENZO singsF
From thy poppied sleep awakeV2
From they golden dreams ariseF
Earth and seas new colors takeV2
Love light dawns in rosy skiesF
Weird night's fantastic shadows are outwornM3
Why tarriest thou oh sister to the mornM3
-
Hearken love the matin choirV2
Of birds salutes thee and with theseF
Blends the voice of my desireV2
Unto no richer promisesF
Of deeper dearer holier love than mineM3
Canst thou awaken from they dreams divineM3
-
Lo thine eastern windows flameK2
Brightening with the brightened skyV2
Rise and with thy beauty shameK2
Morning's regal pageantryK2
To thrill and bless as the reviving sunM3
For my heart gropes in doubt though night be goneM3
-
He speaksF
Why should I fear Her soul is pledged to mineM3
Albeit she still withheld the binding wordK2
How long hath been the night but morn breathes hopeZ2
I fain were true to you and to myselfL3
Did she say thus or is my fevered brainM3
The fool of its desires The world swamK2
The blood rang beating in mine ears and roaredK2
Like rushing waters yet as through a dreamK2
I saw her dimly Surely on her lidsF
Shone the clear tears As there's a God in heavenM3
She spake those words My lips retain the touchN3
Of those soft snow cold hands neither refusedK2
Nor proffered Such things ARE nor can they beK2
Forgotten or foreknown Yes she is mineM3
But soft Her casement opes Oh joy 't is sheK2
Pale in a cloud of white she stands and drinksF
The morning sunlightK2
-
MARIA above at the windowK2
Ah how sweet this airV2
Kisses my sleepless lids and burning templesF
I am not weary though I found no restK2
My spirit leaps within me a new gloryK2
Blesses the dear familiar scene ripe orchardK2
The same yet oh how different Even I thoughtK2
Soft music trembled on the listening airV2
As though a harp were touched blent with low songV2
Sure that was phantasy I will descendK2
Visit my flowers and see whereon the dewK2
Hangs heaviest and what fairest bud hath bloomedK2
Since yester eve Why should I court reposeF
And dull forgetfulness while the large earthY2
Wakes no lesser joy than mineM3
Exit from aboveL3
-
LORENZOK2
Oh heartK2
How may my breast contain thee with thy burdenM3
Of too much happinessF
Enter MARIA below LORENZO springs forward to greet her sheK2
shrinks back in a sort of terrorV2
-
LORENZOK2
Good day sweet mistressF
May the blithe spirit of this auspicious mornM3
Become the genius of thy days to comeK2
Whereof be none less beautiful than thisF
Why art thou silent Does not love inspireV2
Joyous expression be it but a sighV2
A song a smile a broken word a cryV2
Thou hast not granted me the promised pledgeV3
For which I hunger still I would confirmK2
With dear avowals frequent seals of loveL3
That which though sure I yet can scarce believeL3
-
MARIAV2
Somewhat too sure I think my lord LorenzoK2
I scarce deemed possible that one so shyV2
But yester morn should hold so high a mienM3
Claiming what ne'er was givenM3
-
LORENZOK2
MariaV2
-
MARIAV2
SirV2
You are a trifle bold to speak my nameK2
Familiarly as no man save my fatherV2
Or my own brother daresF
-
LORENZOK2
Ah now I seeK2
Your jest You will not seem so lightly wonM3
Without a wooing You will feign disdainM3
Only to make more sweet your rich concessionM3
Too late I heard it all A new light shinesF
On the familiar scene What may that beK2
Save the strange splendor of the dawn of loveL3
Nay darling cease to jest lest my poor heartK2
Hanging 'twixt hell and heaven in earnest breakV2
-
MARIAV2
Here is no jest sir but a fatal errorV2
Crying for swift correction You surprise meK2
With rude impatience ere I have found timeK2
To con a gentle answer Pardon meK2
If any phrase or word or glance of mineM3
Hath bred or nourished in your heart a hopeZ2
That you might win my love It cannot beK2
-
LORENZOK2
A word a glance Why the whole frozen statueK2
Warmed into life Surely it was not youK2
You must have bribed some angel with false prayersF
To wear your semblance nay no angel servedK2
But devilish witchcraftK2
-
MARIAV2
Sir enough enoughL3
I hoped to find here peace and solitudeK2
These lacking I retire FarewellD2
Going toward the houseF
-
LORENZOK2
SignoraV2
I will not rob you of your own Farewell to youK2
ExitK2
-
MARIAV2
Where have you flown bright dreams Has that rude handK2
Sufficed to dash to naught your frail creationsF
Sad thoughts and humors black now fill my soulD2
So his rough foot hath bruised the dewy grassF
And left it sere Why should his harsh words touch meK2
The truth of yesterday is false to dayK2
How could I know dear God How might I guessF
The bitter sweetness the delicious painM3
A new heart fills my breast as soft and weakV2
And melting as a tear unto its lordK2
But kindled with quick courage to endureV2
If I need front for him a world of foesF
If this be love ah what a hell is theirsF
Who suffer without hope Even I who holdK2
So many dear assurances who hearV2
Still ringing in mine ears such sacred vowsF
Am haunted with an unaccustomed doubtK2
Not wonted to go hand in hand with joyE3
A gloomy omen greets me with the mornM3
I who recoil from pain must strike and woundK2
What may this mean Help me ye saints of heavenM3
And holy mother for my strength is naughtK2
She falls on her knees and bursts into tears Reenter LORENZOK2
-
LORENZO asideK2
Thank heaven I came How have I wrung her soulD2
A noble love forsooth A blind brute passionM3
That being denied is swift transformed to hateK2
No whit more cruel To Maria LadyK2
-
MARIA rising hastilyK2
Signor LorenzoK2
Again what would you with meK2
-
LORENZOK2
No such suitK2
As late I proffered but your gracious pardonM3
-
MARIAV2
Rise sir forgiven I too have been to blameK2
Although less deeply than you deemed ForbearV2
To bind your life I feel myself unworthyK2
Of that high station where your thoughts enthrone meK2
Yet I dare call myself your friendK2
Offering him her hand which LORENZO presses to his lipsF
-
LORENZOK2
Thanks thanksF
Be blessed and farewellD2
ExitK2
Enter RIBERA callingV2
-
RIBERAV2
Daughter MariaV2
-
MARIAV2
Why father I am here kissing him Good day What will youK2
-
RIBERAV2
Darling no more than what I always willD2
Before I enter mine own world removedK2
I fain would greet the dearest work of GodK2
I missed you when I rose I sought you firstK2
In your own chamber where the lattice opedK2
Let in the morning splendor and smellsF
Of the moist garden with the sound of voicesF
I looked I found you here but not aloneM3
What man was that went from youK2
-
MARIAV2
Your discipleD2
My lord Lorenzo You remember fatherV2
How yester morn I pleaded for his workV2
Thus he through gratitude and love hath watchedK2
All night within our garden while I dancedK2
And when I came to nurse my flowers he spakeV2
-
RIBERAV2
And youK2
-
MARIAV2
Am I not still beside you fatherV2
I will not leave youK2
-
RIBERAV2
Ah mine angel childK2
I cannot choose but dread it though I waitK2
Expectant of the hour when you fulfilD2
Your woman's destiny You have full freedomK2
Yet I rejoice at this reprieve and thank theeK2
For thy brave truthfulness Be ever thusF
Withholding naught from him whose heart reflectsF
Only thine image Thou art still my prideK2
Even as last night when all eyes gazed thy wayK2
Thy bearing equal in disdainful graceF
To his who courted thee thy sovereign's sonM3
-
MARIAV2
Yea so And yet it was not pride I feltK2
Nor consciousness of self nor vain delightK2
In the world's envy something more than theseF
Far deeper sweeter What have I said My brainM3
Is dull with sleep 'T is only now I feelD2
The weariness of so much pleasureV2
-
RIBERA risingV2
WellD2
Go we within Yes I am late to workV2
We squander precious moments Thou go restK2
And waken with fresh roses in they cheeksF
To greet our royal guestK2
ExeuntK2
-
-
ACT IIIH
SCENE IH
The studio of the Spagnoletto RIBERA before his canvas LUCAV2
in attendanceF
-
RIBERA laying aside his brushR3
So I am weary Luca what 's o'clockV2
-
LUCAV2
My lord an hour past noonM3
-
RIBERAV2
So late alreadyK2
Well one more morning of such delicate toilD2
Will make it ready for Madrid and worthyK2
Not merely Philip's eyes but theirs whose glanceF
Outvalues a king's gaze my noble friendK2
Velasquez and the monkish ZurbaranM3
LucaV2
-
LUCAV2
My lordK2
-
RIBERAV2
Hath the signora risenM3
-
LUCAV2
Fiametta passed a brief while since and leftK2
My lady sleepingV2
-
RIBERAV2
Good she hath found restK2
Poor child she sadly lacked it She had knownM3
'Twixt dawn and dawn no respite from emotionM3
Her chill hand fluttered like a bird in mineM3
Her soft brow burned my lips Could that boy readK2
The tokens of an overwearied spiritK2
Strained past endurance he had spared her stillD2
At any cost of silence What is such loveL3
To mine that would outrival Roman heroesF
Watch mine arm crisp and shrivel in quick flameK2
Or set a lynx to gnaw my heart awayK2
To save her from a needle prick of painM3
Ay or to please her At their worth she ratesF
Her wooers light as all embracing airV2
Or universal sunshine Luca goK2
And tell Fiametta rather bid the lassF
Hither herselfL3
Exit LucaV2
He comes to pay me homageW3
As would his royal father if he pleasedK2
To visit Naples yet she too shall see himK2
She is part of all I think of all I amK2
She is myself no less than yon bright dreamK2
Fixed in immortal beauty on the canvasF
Enter FIAMETTAK2
-
FIAMETTAK2
My lord you called meK2
-
RIBERAV2
When thy mistress wakesF
Array her richly that she be preparedK2
To come before the PrinceF
-
FIAMETTAK2
Sir she hath risenM3
And only waits me with your lordship's leaveL3
To cross the street unto St Francis' churchX3
-
RIBERA musinglyD2
With such slight escort Nay this troubles meK2
Only the Strada's width The saints forbidK2
That I should thwart her holy exerciseF
Myself will go I cannot Bid her muffleD2
Like our Valencian ladies her silk mantleD2
About her face and headK2
At a sign from RIBERA exit FIAMETTAK2
Yes God will bless herV2
What should I fear I will make sure her beautyK2
Is duly maskedK2
He goes toward the casementK2
Ay there she goes the mantleD2
Draped round the stately head discloses naughtK2
Save the live jewel of the eye Unless one guessedK2
From the majestic grace and proud proportionsF
She might so pass through the high thoroughfaresF
Ah one thick curl escapes from its black prisonM3
Alone in Naples wreathed with rays of goldK2
Her crown of light betrays her So she's safeL3
Enter LUCAV2
-
LUCAV2
A noble gentleman of Spain awaitsF
The master's leave to enterV2
-
RIBERAV2
Show him inM3
Exit LUCA RIBERA draws the curtain before his picture ofL3
Jacob's DreamK2
-
RIBERAV2
A gentleman of Spain Perchance the PrinceF
Sends couriers to herald his approachY3
Or craves a longer graceF
Enter LUCA ushering in DON JOHN unattended completely envelopedK2
in a Spanish mantle which he throws off his face almost hiddenM3
by a cavalier's hat He uncovers his head on entering RIBERAV2
repressing a movement of surprise hastens to greet him and kissesF
his handK2
-
RIBERAV2
Welcome my lordK2
I am shamed to think my sovereign's son should waitK2
Through a churl's ignorance without my doorsF
-
DON JOHNM3
Dear master blame him not I came attendedK2
By one page only Here I blush to claimK2
Such honor as depends on outward pompZ2
No royalty is here save the crowned monarchZ3
Of our Sicilian artists Be it mineM3
To press with reverent lips my master's handK2
-
RIBERAV2
Your Highness is too gracious if you glanceF
Round mine ill furnished studio my worksF
Shall best proclaim me and my poor desertsF
Luca uplift you hangingsF
-
DON JOHN seating himselfL3
Sir you may sitK2
-
RIBERA aside seating himself slowlyK2
Curse his swollen arrogance Doth he imagineM3
I waited leave of himK2
Luca uncovers the pictureV2
-
DON JOHNM3
Oh wonderfulD2
You have bettered here your best Why sir he breathesF
Will not those locked lids ope that nerveless handK2
Regain the iron strength of sinew matedK2
With such heroic frame You have conspiredK2
With Nature to produce a man BeholdK2
I chatter foolish speech for such a marvelD2
The fittest praise is silenceF
He rises and stands before the pictureV2
-
RIBERA after a pauseF
I am gladK2
Your highness deigns approve Lose no more timeK2
Lest the poor details should repay you notK2
Unto your royal home 't will follow youK2
Companion though unworthy to the treasuresF
Of the Queen's galleryK2
-
DON JOHNM3
'T is another jewelD2
Set in my father's crown and in his nameK2
I thank you for itK2
RIBERA bows silently DON JOHN glances around the studioK2
-
DON JOHNM3
There hangs a quaint strong headK2
Though merely sketched What a marked cunning leerK2
Grins on the wide mouth what a bestial glanceF
-
RIBERAK2
'T is but a slight hint for my larger workV2
Bacchus made drunk by SatyrsF
-
DON JOHNM3
Where is thatK2
I ne'er have seen the paintingV2
-
RIBERAK2
'T is not in oilsF
But etched in aqua fortis Luca fetch downM3
Yonder portfolio I can show your HighnessF
The graven copyK2
LUCA brings forward a large portfolio RIBERA looks hastilyK2
over the engravings and draws one out which he shows to DON JOHNM3
-
DON JOHNM3
Ah most admirableD2
I know not who is best portrayed the godK2
Plump reeling wreathed with vine in whom abidesF
Something Olympian still or the coarse SatyrsF
Thoroughly brutish Here I scarcely missF
So masterly the grouping so distinctK2
The bacchanalian spirit your rich brushR3
So vigorous in color Do you findK2
The pleasure in this treatment equals thatK2
Of the oil paintingV2
-
RIBERAK2
All is in my moodK2
We have so many petty talents cleverK2
To mimic Nature's surface I name notK2
The servile copyists of the greater mastersF
Or of th' archangels Raphael and MichaelD2
But such as paint our cheap and daily marvelsF
Sometimes I fear lest they degrade our artK2
To a nice craft for plodding artisansF
Mere realism which they mistake for truthA4
My soul rejects such limits The true artistK2
Gives Nature's best effects with far less meansF
Plain black and white suffice him to expressF
A finer grace a stronger energyK2
Than she attains with all the aid of colorK2
I argue thus and work with simple toolsF
Like the Greek fathers of our art the sculptorsF
Who wrought in white alone their matchless typesF
Then dazzled by the living bloom of earthY2
Glowing with color I return to thatK2
My earliest worship and compose such workV2
As you see thereK2
Pointing to the pictureK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Would it be overmuchR3
In my brief stay in Naples to beg of youK2
A portrait of myself in aqua fortisF
'T would rob you sir of fewer golden hoursF
Than the full colored canvas and enrichR3
With a new treasure our royal galleryK2
-
RIBERAK2
You may command my hours and all that's mineM3
-
DON JOHN risingV2
Thanks generous master When may I returnM3
For the first sittingV2
-
RIBERAK2
I am ready nowM3
To day to morrow when your Highness pleaseF
-
DON JOHNM3
'T would be abuse of goodness to acceptK2
The present moment I will come to morrowK2
At the same hour in some more fitting garbB4
Your hand sir and farewell Salute for meK2
I pray you the signora May I not hopeZ2
To see and thank her for her grace to meK2
In so adorning my poor feastK2
-
RIBERAK2
The debt is oursF
She may be here to morrow she is freeK2
She only while I work to come and goK2
Pray sir allow her she is never crossedK2
I stoop to beg for her she is the lastK2
Who bides with me I crave you pardon sirK2
What should this be to youK2
-
DON JOHNM3
'T is much to meK2
Whose privilege has been in this rare hourK2
Beneath the master to discern the manM3
And thus add friendship unto admirationM3
He presses RIBERA'S hand and is about to pick up his mantle andK2
hat LUCA springs forward and while he is throwing the cloakV2
around the Princes's shoulders enter hastily MARIA enveloped inM3
her mantilla as she went to churchR3
-
MARIAK2
Well father an I veiled and swathed to suit youK2
To cross the StradaK2
She throws off her mantilla and appears all in white She goesF
to embrace her father when she suddenly perceives the Prince andK2
stands speechless and blushingV2
-
RIBERAK2
Child his Royal HighnessF
Prince John of AustriaK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Good day signoraK2
Already twice my gracious stars have smiledK2
I saw you in the street You wore your mantleD2
As the noon sun might wear a veil of cloudK2
Covering but not concealingV2
-
MARIAK2
I sir twiceF
Have unaware stood in your royal presenceF
You are welcome to my father's home and mineM3
I scarce need crave your pardon for my entranceF
Yourself must see how well assured I feltK2
My father was aloneM3
-
DON JOHNM3
And so you hopedK2
To find him shall I read your answer thusF
-
RIBERAK2
Nay press her not Your Highness does her wrongV2
So harshly to construe her simplenessF
My daughter and myself are one and bothC4
Will own an equal pleasure if you bideK2
-
DON JOHN seating himselfL3
You chain me with kind wordsF
-
MARIAK2
My father sirK2
Hath surely told you our delight and marvelD2
At the enchantments of your feast For meK2
The night was brief rich beautiful and strangeQ3
As a bright dreamK2
-
DON JOHNM3
I will gainsay you notK2
A beauteous soul can shed her proper gloryK2
On mean surroundings I have likewise dreamedK2
Nor am I yet awake This morn hath beenM3
A feast for mind and eye Yon shepherd princeF
Whom angels visit in his sleep shall crownM3
Your father's brow with a still fresher laurelD2
And link in equal fame the Spanish artistK2
With the Lord's chosen prophetK2
-
RIBERAK2
That may beK2
For in the form of that wayfarerK2
I drew myself So have I slept beneathD4
The naked heavens pillowed by a stoneM3
With no more shelter than the wind stirred branchesF
While the thick dews of our Valencian nightsF
Drenched my rude weeds and chilled through blood and boneM3
Yet to me also were the heavens revealedK2
And angels visited my dreamsF
-
DON JOHNM3
How strangeQ3
That you dear masters standing on the crownM3
Of a long life's continuous ascentK2
Should backward glance unto such dark beginningsF
-
RIBERAK2
Obscure are all beginnings Yet I museF
With pleasing pain on those fierce years of struggleD2
They were to me my birthright all the vigorK2
The burning passion the unflinching truthA4
My later pencil gained I gleaned from themK2
I prized them I reclaimed their ragged freedomK2
Rather than hold my seat a liveried slaveL3
At the rich board of my Lord CardinalD2
A palace was a prison till I rearedK2
Mine own But now my child's heart I would pierceF
Sooner than see it bear the least of illsF
Such as I then enduredK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Donna MariaK2
May smile sir at your threat she is in a pleasanceF
Where no rude breezes blow no shadow fallsF
Darker than that of cool and fragrant leavesF
Yea were it otherwise had you not reapedK2
The fruit of your own works she had not sufferedK2
Your children are Spain's childrenM3
-
RIBERAK2
Sir that wordK2
Is the most grateful you have spoken yetK2
Why are thou silent daughterK2
-
MARIA absentlyD2
What should I sayF
The Prince is kind I scarcely heard your wordsF
I listened to your voices and I musedK2
DON JOHN risingV2
I overstep your patienceF
-
MARIAK2
You will be goneM3
What have I saidK2
-
RIBERAK2
You are a child MariaK2
To morrow I will wait your HighnessF
-
DON JOHNM3
ThanksF
To morrow noon Farewell signoraK2
Exit DON JOHNM3
-
RIBERAK2
What ails you daughter You forget yourselfL3
Your tongue cleaves to your mouth You sit and museF
A statue of white silence Twice to dayF
You have deeply vexed me Go not thus againM3
Across the street with that light child FiamettaF
Faith you were closely muffled What was thisF
This tell tale auburn curl that rippled downM3
Over the black mantilla Were I harshR3
Suspicious jealous fearful prone to wrathE4
Or anything of all that I am notF
I should have deemed it no mere negligenceF
But a bold tokenM3
-
MARIAK2
Father you make me quailD2
Why do you threat me with such evil eyesF
Would they could read my heartF
-
RIBERAK2
Elude me notF
Whom have you met beside the Prince this mornM3
Who saw you pass Whom have you spoken withF4
-
MARIAK2
For God's sake father what strange thoughts are theseF
With none with none Beside the Prince you sayF
Why even him I saw not as you knowK2
I hastened with veiled eyes cast on the groundF
Swathed in my mantle still I told my beadsF
And in like manner hasted home to youK2
-
RIBERAK2
Well it may pass but henceforth say thy matinsF
In thine own room I know what vague cloudF
Obscures my sight and weighs upon my brainM3
I am very weary Luca follow meK2
Exeunt RIBERA and LUCAK2
-
MARIAK2
Poor father Dimly he perceives some troubleD2
Within the threatening air Thank heaven I calmed himK2
Yet I spake truth What could have roused so soonM3
His quick suspicion Did Fiametta seeK2
The wary page slip in my hand the missiveL3
As we came forth again Nay even soF
My father hath not spoken with her sinceF
Sure he knows naught 't is but my foolish fearK2
Makes monsters out of shadows I may readF
The priceless lines and grave them on my heartF
She draws from her bosom a letter reads it and presses it toK2
her lipsF
He loves me yes he loves me Oh my GodF
This awful joy in mine own breast is loveL3
To night he will await me in our gardenM3
Oh for a word a pressure of the handF
I fly my prince at thy most dear behestF
ExitF
-
-
SCENE IIH
A room in DON TOMMASO'S HOUSE DON TOMMASO and ANNICCAK2
-
DON TOMMASOF
Truly you wrong your sister she is youngK2
Heedless and wilful that is all a touchR3
Of the Ribera's spirit fired the lassF
Don John was but her weapon of revengeG4
Against the malice of our haughty matronsF
Who hurled this icy shafts of scorn from heightsF
Of dignity upon the artist's daughterK2
-
ANNICCAK2
I cannot think with you In her demeanorK2
Her kindled cheek her melting eye was moreK2
Than sly revenge or cautious policyF
If that was art it overreached itselfL3
Ere the night ended I had blushed to seeF
Slighting regards cast on my father's childF
And hear her name and his tossed lightly roundF
-
DON TOMMASOF
Could you not read in such disparagementF
The envy of small naturesF
-
ANNICCAK2
I had as liefL3
Maria were to dance the tarantellaD2
Upon the quay at noonday as to see herK2
Gazed at again with such insulting homageW3
-
DON TOMMASOF
You are too strict your baseless apprehensionsF
Wrong her far more than strangers' jestsF
-
ANNICCAK2
Not soF
My timely fears prevent a greater illD2
And work no harm since they shall be impartedF
Only to him who hath the power to quell themK2
Dissolving them to air my fatherK2
-
DON TOMMASOF
HowM3
You surely will not rouse his fatal wrathE4
Annicca listen if your doubts were trueK2
He whose fierce love guards her with sleepless eyesF
More like the passion of some wild dumb creatureK2
With prowling jealousy and deadly springK2
Forth leaping at the first approach of illD2
Than the calm tenderness of human fathersF
He surely had been keen to scent the dangerK2
I saw him at the ball as is his wontF
He mingled not among the revellersF
But like her shadow played the spy on herK2
-
ANNICCAK2
A word would stir less deeply than you dreadF
-
DON TOMMASOF
Ah there you err he knows no middle termK2
At once he would accept as fact the worstF
Of your imaginings his rage would smiteF
All near him and rebound upon himselfL3
For as I learn Don John brings royal ordersF
For the Queen's gallery he would dismissF
The Prince as roughly as a begging artistF
Make no such breach just now betwixt the courtF
And our own kindredF
-
ANNICCAK2
Be it so TommasoF
I will do naught in hasteF
-
DON TOMMASOF
Watch thou and waitF
A slight reproof might now suffice the childF
Tame as a bird unto a gentle voiceF
-
ANNICCAK2
My mind misgives me yet will I find patienceF
-
-
SCENE IIIH
Night in RIBERA'S Garden DON JOHN aloneM3
-
DON JOHNM3
In any less than she so swift a passionM3
So unreserved so reckless had repelledF
In her 't is godlike Our mutual loveL3
Was born full grown as we gazed each on eachR3
Nay 't was not born but like a thing eternalD2
It WAS ere we had consciousness thereofL3
No growth of slow development but perfectF
From the beginning neither doomed to endF
Her garden breathes her own warm southern beautyF
Glowing with dewy and voluptuous bloomK2
Here I am happy happy to dream and waitF
In rich security of bliss I knowF
How brief an interval divides us nowM3
She hastes to meet me with no less impatienceF
Than mine to clasp her in my arms to pressF
Heart unto heart and see the love withinM3
The unfathomable depths of her great eyesF
She comes MariaK2
Enter MARIA half timid half joyousF
-
MARIAK2
My lord you have been waitingK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Darling not long 't was but my restless loveL3
That drove me here before the promised hourK2
So were I well content to wait through agesF
Upon the threshold of a joy like thisF
Knowing the gates of heaven might ope to meF
At any momentF
-
MARIAK2
Your love is less than mineM3
For I have counted every tedious minuteF
Since our last meetingK2
-
DON JOHNM3
I had rather speakK2
Less than the truth to have you chide me thusF
Yet if you enter in the lists with meF
Faith match with faith and loyal heart with heartF
I warrant you the jealous god of loveL3
Who spies us from yon pomegranate bushR3
Would crown me victorK2
-
MARIAK2
Why should we competeF
Who could decide betwixt two equal truthsF
Two perfect faithsF
-
DON JOHNM3
The worship of my lifeL3
Will be slight payment for your boundless trustF
Look we nor forth nor back are we not happyF
Heaven smiles above our heads with all her starsF
The envious day forced us apart the wingK2
Of obscure night protects and shelters usF
Now like a pure night blooming flower puts forthH4
The perfect blossom of our love Oh leanM3
Thy royal head upon my breast assure meF
That this unheard of bliss is no fond dreamK2
Cling to me darling till thy love's dear burdenM3
Take root about my heart stringsF
-
MARIA after a pauseF
Did you not hearK2
A sound a cry Oh God was it my fatherK2
-
DON JOHNM3
Naught save the beating of our hearts I heardF
Be calm my love the very air is hushedF
Listen the tinkle of the fountain yonderK2
The sleepy stir of leaves the querulous pipeZ2
Of some far bird no moreK2
-
MARIAK2
I heard I heardF
A rude voice called me Wherefore did it comeK2
To snatch me from that dream of restful loveL3
Oh Juan you will save me you will helpZ2
Tell me you will I have lost all for youK2
-
DON JOHNM3
To morrow you will laugh at fears like theseF
You have lost naught you have but won my loveL3
Lose not your faith in that your shield and weaponM3
-
MARIAK2
I tremble still in every limb Good nightF
I must be gone To morrow when you comeK2
Be wary with my father he is fierceF
In love and hatred Listen and look my lordF
If one dared say to me but yester mornM3
That I would meet at night a stranger youthA4
In mine own garden talk with him of loveL3
And hint a thought against the SpagnolettoF
I had smitten with this bauble such a oneM3
Pointing to a jewelled poniard in her beltF
Kiss me my Juan once again Good nightF
Exit MARIAK2
-
-
SCENE IVL3
The studio RIBERA and ANNICCAK2
-
ANNICCAK2
Has he come oftenM3
-
RIBERAK2
Nay I caught the trickK2
Of his fair face in some half dozen sittingsF
His is a bold and shapely head it pleased meF
I like the lad the work upon his portraitF
Was pastime 't is already nigh completeF
-
ANNICCAK2
And has Maria sat here while you workedF
-
RIBERA sharplyF
Why not What would'st thou say Speak fret me notF
With ticklish fears Is she not by my sideF
For work or restF
-
ANNICCAK2
Surely I meant no harmK2
Father how quick you are I had but askedF
If she being here had seen the work progressF
And found it his true counterpartF
-
RIBERAK2
AnniccaK2
There is something in your thought you hold from meF
Have the lewd prying eyes the slanderous mindF
Of public envy spied herein some mischieR3

Emma Lazarus



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