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diff --git a/3423-h/3423-h.htm b/3423-h/3423-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..93c7406 --- /dev/null +++ b/3423-h/3423-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,16966 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Strolling Saint, by Rafael Sabatini</title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Strolling Saint, by Rafael Sabatini</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Strolling Saint</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Rafael Sabatini</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: April 16, 2001 [eBook #3423]<br /> +[Most recently updated: January 27, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: John Stuart Middleton, and David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STROLLING SAINT ***</div> + + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE STROLLING SAINT + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Being the Confessions of the High & Mighty Agostino D'Anguissola<br />Tyrant + of Mondolfo & Lord of Carmina, in the State of Piacenza + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Rafael Sabatini + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a> <b>THE + OBLATE</b> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> NOMEN + ET OMEN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> GINO + FALCONE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE + PIETISTIC THRALL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> LUISINA + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> REBELLION + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> FRA + GERVASIO <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0008"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a> <b>GIULIANA</b> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE HOUSE + OF ASTORRE FIFANTI. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER II. </a> HUMANITIES + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER III. </a> PREUX-CHEVALIER + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER IV. </a> MY LORD + GAMBARA CLEARS THE GROUND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER V. + </a> PABULUM ACHERONTIS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> THE IRON GIRDLE <br /><br /> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a> <b>THE + WILDERNESS</b> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE + HOME-COMING <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE + CAPTAIN OF JUSTICE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER III. </a> GAMBARA'S + INTERESTS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + ANCHORITE OF MONTE ORSARO <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER V. + </a> THE RENUNCIATION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> HYPNEROTOMACHIA <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER VII. </a> INTRUDERS <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE VISION <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE ICONOCLAST + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0025"> <b>BOOK IV.</b> </a> <b>THE WORLD</b> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER I. </a> PAGLIANO + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE + GOVERNOR OF MILAN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER III. </a> PIER + LUIGI FARNESE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER IV. </a> MADONNA + BIANCA <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + WARNING <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER VI. </a> THE + TALONS OF THE HOLY OFFICE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER + VII. </a> THE PAPAL BULL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0029"> + CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE THIRD DEGREE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE RETURN <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER X. </a> THE NUPTIALS OF + BIANCA <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XI. </a> THE + PENANCE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XII. </a> BLOOD + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> THE + OVERTHROW <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> THE + CITATION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XV. </a> THE + WILL OF HEAVEN <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK I. THE OBLATE + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. NOMEN ET OMEN + </h2> + <p> + In seeking other than in myself—as men will—the causes of my + tribulations, I have often inclined to lay the blame of much of the ill + that befell me, and the ill that in my sinful life I did to others, upon + those who held my mother at the baptismal font and concerted that she + should bear the name of Monica. + </p> + <p> + There are in life many things which, in themselves, seeming to the vulgar + and the heedless to be trivial and without consequence, may yet be causes + pregnant of terrible effects, mainsprings of Destiny itself. Amid such + portentous trifles I would number the names so heedlessly bestowed upon + us. + </p> + <p> + It surprises me that in none of the philosophic writings of the learned + scholars of antiquity can I find that this matter of names has been + touched upon, much less given the importance of which I account it to be + deserving. + </p> + <p> + Possibly it is because no one of them ever suffered, as I have suffered, + from the consequences of a name. Had it but been so, they might in their + weighty and impressive manner have set down a lesson on the subject, and + so relieved me—who am all-conscious of my shortcomings in this + direction-from the necessity of repairing that omission out of my own + experience. + </p> + <p> + Let it then, even at this late hour, be considered what a subtle influence + for good or ill, what a very mould of character may lie within a name. + </p> + <p> + To the dull clod of earth, perhaps, or, again, to the truly strong-minded + nature that is beyond such influences, it can matter little that he be + called Alexander or Achilles; and once there was a man named Judas who + fell so far short of the noble associations of that name that he has + changed for all time the very sound and meaning of it. + </p> + <p> + But to him who has been endowed with imagination—that greatest boon + and greatest affliction of mankind—or whose nature is such as to + crave for models, the name he bears may become a thing portentous by the + images it conjures up of some mighty dead who bore it erstwhile and whose + life inspires to emulation. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may be accounted the general value of this premiss, at least as + it concerns my mother I shall hope to prove it apt. + </p> + <p> + They named her Monica. Why the name was chosen I have never learnt; but I + do not conceive that there was any reason for the choice other than the + taste of her parents in the matter of sounds. It is a pleasing enough + name, euphoniously considered, and beyond that—as is so commonly the + case—no considerations were taken into account. + </p> + <p> + To her, however, at once imaginative and of a feeble and dependent spirit, + the name was fateful. St. Monica was made the special object of her + devotions in girlhood, and remained so later when she became a wife. The + Life of St. Monica was the most soiled and fingered portion of an old + manuscript collection of the life histories of a score or so of saints + that was one of her dearest possessions. To render herself worthy of the + name she bore, to model her life upon that of the sainted woman who had + sorrowed and rejoiced so much in her famous offspring, became the + obsession of my mother's soul. And but that St. Monica had wed and borne a + son, I do not believe that my mother would ever have adventured herself + within the bonds of wedlock. + </p> + <p> + How often in the stressful, stormy hours of my most unhappy youth did I + not wish that she had preferred the virginal life of the cloister, and + thus spared me the heavy burden of an existence which her unholy and + mistaken saintliness went so near to laying waste! + </p> + <p> + I like to think that in the days when my father wooed her, she forgot for + a spell in the strong arms of that fierce ghibelline the pattern upon + which it had become her wont to weave her life; so that in all that drab, + sackcloth tissue there was embroidered at least one warm and brilliant + little wedge of colour; so that in all that desert waste, in all that + parched aridity of her existence, there was at least one little patch of + garden-land, fragrant, fruitful, and cool. + </p> + <p> + I like to think it, for at best such a spell must have been brief indeed; + and for that I pity her—I, who once blamed her so very bitterly. + Before ever I was born it must have ceased; whilst still she bore me she + put from her lips the cup that holds the warm and potent wine of life, and + turned her once more to her fasting, her contemplations, and her prayers. + </p> + <p> + That was in the year in which the battle of Pavia was fought and won by + the Emperor. My father, who had raised a condotta to lend a hand in the + expulsion of the French, was left for dead upon that glorious field. + Afterwards he was found still living, but upon the very edge and border of + Eternity; and when the news of it was borne to my mother I have little + doubt but that she imagined it to be a visitation—a punishment upon + her for having strayed for that brief season of her adolescence from the + narrow flinty path that she had erst claimed to tread in the footsteps of + Holy Monica. + </p> + <p> + How much the love of my father may still have swayed her I do not know. + But to me it seems that in what next she did there was more of duty, more + of penitence, more of reparation for the sin of having been a woman as God + made her, than of love. Indeed, I almost know this to be so. In delicate + health as she was, she bade her people prepare a litter for her, and so + she had herself carried into Piacenza, to the Church of St. Augustine. + There, having confessed and received the Sacrament, upon her knees before + a minor altar consecrated to St. Monica, she made solemn vow that if my + father's life was spared she would devote the unborn child she carried to + the service of God and Holy Church. + </p> + <p> + Two months thereafter word was brought her that my father, his recovery by + now well-nigh complete, was making his way home. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow was I born—a votive offering, an oblate, ere yet I had + drawn the breath of life. + </p> + <p> + It has oft diverted me to conjecture what would have chanced had I been + born a girl—since that could have afforded her no proper parallel. + In the circumstance that I was a boy, I have no faintest doubt but that + she saw a Sign, for she was given to seeing signs in the slightest and + most natural happenings. It was as it should be; it was as it had been + with the Sainted Monica in whose ways she strove, poor thing, to walk. + Monica had borne a son, and he had been named Augustine. It was very well. + My name, too, should be Augustine, that I might walk in the ways of that + other Augustine, that great theologian whose mother's name was Monica. + </p> + <p> + And even as the influence of her name had been my mother's guide, so was + the influence of my name to exert its sway upon me. It was made to do so. + Ere I could read for myself, the life of that great saint—with such + castrations as my tender years demanded—was told me and repeated + until I knew by heart its every incident and act. Anon his writings were + my school-books. His De Civitate Dei and De Vita Beata were the paps at + which I suckled my earliest mental nourishment. + </p> + <p> + And even to-day, after all the tragedy and sin and turbulence of my life, + that was intended to have been so different, it is from his Confessions + that I have gathered inspiration to set down my own—although betwixt + the two you may discern little indeed that is comparable. + </p> + <p> + I was prenatally made a votive offering for the preservation of my + father's life, for his restoration to my mother safe and sound. That + restoration she had, as you have seen; and yet, had she been other than + she was, she must have accounted herself cheated of her bargain in the + end. For betwixt my father and my mother I became from my earliest years a + subject of contentions that drove them far asunder and set them almost in + enmity the one against the other. + </p> + <p> + I was his only son, heir to the noble lordships of Mondolfo and Carmina. + Was it likely, then, that he should sacrifice me willingly to the + seclusion of the cloister, whilst our lordship passed into the hands of + our renegade, guelphic cousin, Cosimo d'Anguissola of Codogno? + </p> + <p> + I can picture his outbursts at the very thought of it; I can hear him + reasoning, upbraiding, storming. But he was as an ocean of energy hurling + himself against the impassive rock of my mother's pietistic obstinacy. She + had vowed me to the service of Holy Church, and she would suffer + tribulation and death so that her vow should be fulfilled. And hers was a + manner against which that strong man, my father, never could prevail. She + would stand before him white-faced and mute, never presuming to return an + answer to his pleading or to enter into argument. + </p> + <p> + “I have vowed,” she would say, just once; and thereafter, avoiding his + fiery glance, she would bow her head meekly, fold her hands, the very + incarnation of long-suffering and martyrdom. + </p> + <p> + Anon, as the storm of his anger crashed about her, two glistening lines + would appear upon her pallid face, and her tears—horrid, silent + weeping that brought no trace of emotion to her countenance—showered + down. At that he would fling out of her presence and away, cursing the day + in which he had mated with a fool. + </p> + <p> + His hatred of these moods of hers, of the vow she had made which bade fair + to deprive him of his son, drove him ere long to hatred of the cause of it + all. A ghibelline by inheritance, he was not long in becoming an utter + infidel, at war with Rome and the Pontifical sway. Nor was he one to + content himself with passive enmity. He must be up and doing, seeking the + destruction of the thing he hated. And so it befell that upon the death of + Pope Clement (the second Medici Pontiff), profiting by the weak condition + from which the papal army had not yet recovered since the Emperor's + invasion and the sack of Rome, my father raised an army and attempted to + shatter the ancient yoke which Julius II had imposed upon Parma and + Piacenza when he took them from the State of Milan. + </p> + <p> + A little lad of seven was I at the time, and well do I remember the + martial stir and bustle there was about our citadel of Mondolfo, the armed + multitudes that thronged the fortress that was our home, or drilled and + manoeuvred upon the green plains beyond the river. + </p> + <p> + I was all wonder-stricken and fascinated by the sight. My blood was + quickened by the brazen notes of their trumpets, and to balance a pike in + my hands was to procure me the oddest and most exquisite thrills that I + had known. But my mother, perceiving with alarm the delight afforded me by + such warlike matters, withdrew me so that I might see as little as + possible of it all. + </p> + <p> + And there followed scenes between her and my father of which hazy + impressions linger in my memory. No longer was she a mute statue, enduring + with fearful stoicism his harsh upbraidings. She was turned into a + suppliant, now fierce, now lachrymose; by her prayers, by her prophecies + of the evil that must attend his ungodly aims, she strove with all her + poor, feeble might to turn him from the path of revolt to which he had set + his foot. + </p> + <p> + And he would listen now in silence, his face grim and sardonic; and when + from very weariness the flow of her inspired oratory began to falter, he + would deliver ever the same answer. + </p> + <p> + “It is you who have driven me to this; and this is no more than a + beginning. You have made a vow—an outrageous votive offering of + something that is not yours to bestow. That vow you cannot break, you say. + Be it so. But I must seek a remedy elsewhere. To save my son from the + Church to which you would doom him, I will, ere I have done, tear down the + Church and make an end of it in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + And at that she would shrivel up before him with a little moan of horror, + taking her poor white face in her hands. + </p> + <p> + “Blasphemer!” she would cry in mingled terror and aversion, and upon that + word—the “Amen” to all their conferences in those last days they + spent together—she would turn, and dragging me with her, all stunned + and bewildered by something beyond my understanding, she would hurry me to + the chapel of the citadel, and there, before the high altar, prostrate + herself and spend long hours in awful sobbing intercessions. + </p> + <p> + And so the gulf between them widened until the day of his departure. + </p> + <p> + I was not present at their parting. What farewells may have been spoken + between them, what premonitions may have troubled one or the other that + they were destined never to meet again, I do not know. + </p> + <p> + I remember being rudely awakened one dark morning early in the year, and + lifted from my bed by arms to whose clasp I never failed to thrill. Close + to mine was pressed a hot, dark, shaven hawk-face; a pair of great eyes, + humid with tears, considered me passionately. Then a ringing voice—that + commanding voice that was my father's—spoke to Falcone, the + man-at-arms who attended him and who ever acted as his equerry. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we take him with us to the wars, Falcone?” + </p> + <p> + My little arms went round his neck and tightened there convulsively until + the steel rim of his gorget bit into them. + </p> + <p> + “Take me!” I sobbed. “Take me!” + </p> + <p> + He laughed for answer, with something of exultation in his voice. He swung + me to his shoulder, and held me poised there, looking up at me. And then + he laughed again. + </p> + <p> + “Dost hear the whelp?” he cried to Falcone. “Still with his milk-teeth in + his head, and already does he yelp for battle!” + </p> + <p> + Then he looked up at me again, and swore one of his great oaths. + </p> + <p> + “I can trust you, son of mine,” he laughed. “They'll never make a + shaveling of you. When your thews are grown it will not be on thuribles + they'll spend their strength, or I'm a liar else. Be patient yet awhile, + and we shall ride together, never doubt it.” + </p> + <p> + With that he pulled me down again to kiss me, and he clasped me to his + breast so that the studs of his armour remained stamped upon my tender + flesh after he had departed. + </p> + <p> + The next instant he was gone, and I lay weeping, a very lonely little + child. + </p> + <p> + But in the revolt that he led he had not reckoned upon the might and + vigour of the new Farnese Pontiff. He had conceived, perhaps, that one + pope must be as supine as another, and that Paul III would prove no more + redoubtable than Clement VIII. To his bitter cost did he discover his + mistake. Beyond the Po he was surprised by the Pontifical army under + Ferrante Orsini, and there his force was cut to pieces. + </p> + <p> + My father himself escaped and with him some other gentlemen of Piacenza, + notably one of the scions of the great house of Pallavicini, who took a + wound in the leg which left him lame for life, so that ever after he was + known as Pallavicini il Zopo. + </p> + <p> + They were all under the pope's ban, outlaws with a price upon the head of + each, hunted and harried from State to State by the papal emissaries, so + that my father never more dared set foot in Mondolfo, or, indeed, within + the State of Piacenza, which had been rudely punished for the + insubordination it had permitted to be reared upon its soil. + </p> + <p> + And Mondolfo went near to suffering confiscation. Assuredly it would have + suffered it but for the influence exerted on my mother's and my own behalf + by her brother, the powerful Cardinal of San Paulo in Carcere, seconded by + that guelphic cousin of my father's, Cosimo d'Anguissola, who, after me, + was heir to Mondolfo, and had, therefore, good reason not to see it + confiscated to the Holy See. + </p> + <p> + Thus it fell out that we were left in peace and not made to suffer from my + father's rebellion. For that, he himself should suffer when taken. But + taken he never was. From time to time we had news of him. Now he was in + Venice, now in Milan, now in Naples; but never long in any place for his + safety's sake. And then one night, six years later, a scarred and grizzled + veteran, coming none knew whence, dropped from exhaustion in the courtyard + of our citadel, whither he had struggled. Some went to minister to him, + and amongst these there was a groom who recognized him. + </p> + <p> + “It is Messer Falcone!” he cried, and ran to bear the news to my mother, + with whom I was at table at the time. With us, too, was Fra Gervasio, our + chaplain. + </p> + <p> + It was grim news that old Falcone brought us. He had never quitted my + father in those six weary years of wandering until now that my father was + beyond the need of his or any other's service. + </p> + <p> + There had been a rising and a bloody battle at Perugia, Falcone informed + us. An attempt had been made to overthrow the rule there of Pier Luigi + Farnese, Duke of Castro, the pope's own abominable son. For some months my + father had been enjoying the shelter of the Perugians, and he had repaid + their hospitality by joining them and bearing arms with them in the + ill-starred blow they struck for liberty. They had been crushed in the + encounter by the troops of Pier Luigi, and my father had been among the + slain. + </p> + <p> + And well was it for him that he came by so fine and merciful an end, + thought I, when I had heard the tale of horrors that had been undergone by + the unfortunates who had fallen into the hands of Farnese. + </p> + <p> + My mother heard him to the end without any sign of emotion. She sat there, + cold and impassive as a thing of marble, what time Fra Gervasio—who + was my father's foster-brother, as you shall presently learn more fully—sank + his head upon his arm and wept like a child to hear the piteous tale of + it. And whether from force of example, whether from the memories that came + to me so poignantly in that moment of a fine strong man with a brown, + shaven face and a jovial, mighty voice, who had promised me that one day + we should ride together, I fell a-weeping too. + </p> + <p> + When the tale was done, my mother coldly gave orders that Falcone be cared + for, and went to pray, taking me with her. + </p> + <p> + Oftentimes since have I wondered what was the tenour of her prayers that + night. Were they for the rest of the great turbulent soul that was gone + forth in sin, in arms against the Holy Church, excommunicate and + foredoomed to Hell? Or were they of thanksgiving that at last she was + completely mistress of my destinies, her mind at rest, since no longer + need she fear opposition to her wishes concerning me? I do not know, nor + will I do her the possible injustice that I should were I to guess. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. GINO FALCONE + </h2> + <p> + When I think of my mother now I do not see her as she appeared in any of + the scenes that already I have set down. There is one picture of her that + is burnt as with an acid upon my memory, a picture which the mere mention + of her name, the mere thought of her, never fails to evoke like a ghost + before me. I see her always as she appeared one evening when she came + suddenly and without warning upon Falcone and me in the armoury of the + citadel. + </p> + <p> + I see her again, a tall, slight, graceful woman, her oval face of the + translucent pallor of wax, framed in a nun-like coif, over which was + thrown a long black veil that fell to her waist and there joined the black + unrelieved draperies that she always wore. This sable garb was no mere + mourning for my father. His death had made as little change in her apparel + as in her general life. It had been ever thus as far as my memory can + travel; always had her raiment been the same, those trailing funereal + draperies. Again I see them, and that pallid face with its sunken eyes, + around which there were great brown patches that seemed to intensify the + depth at which they were set and the sombre lustre of them on the rare + occasions when she raised them; those slim, wax-like hands, with a chaplet + of beads entwined about the left wrist and hanging thence to a silver + crucifix at the end. + </p> + <p> + She moved almost silently, as a ghost; and where she passed she seemed to + leave a trail of sorrow and sadness in her wake, just as a worldly woman + leaves a trail of perfume. + </p> + <p> + Thus looked she when she came upon us there that evening, and thus will + she live for ever in my memory, for that was the first time that I knew + rebellion against the yoke she was imposing upon me; the first time that + our wills clashed, hers and mine; and as a consequence, maybe, was it the + first time that I considered her with purpose and defined her to myself. + </p> + <p> + The thing befell some three months after the coming of Falcone to + Mondolfo. + </p> + <p> + That the old man-at-arms should have exerted a strong attraction upon my + young mind, you will readily understand. His intimate connection with that + dimly remembered father, who stood secretly in my imagination in the + position that my mother would have had St. Augustine occupy, drew me to + his equerry like metal to a lodestone. + </p> + <p> + And this attraction was reciprocal. Of his own accord old Falcone sought + me out, lingering in my neighbourhood at first like a dog that looks for a + kindly word. He had not long to wait. Daily we had our meetings and our + talks and daily did these grow in length; and they were stolen hours of + which I said no word to my mother, nor did others for a season, so that + all was well. + </p> + <p> + Our talks were naturally of my father, and it was through Falcone that I + came to know something of the greatness of that noble-souled, valiant + gentleman, whom the old servant painted for me as one who combined with + the courage of the lion the wiliness of the fox. + </p> + <p> + He discoursed of their feats of arms together, he described charges of + horse that set my nerves a-tingle as in fancy I heard the blare of + trumpets and the deafening thunder of hooves upon the turf. Of escalades, + of surprises, of breaches stormed, of camisades and ambushes, of dark + treacheries and great heroisms did he descant to fire my youthful fancy, + to fill me first with delight, and then with frenzy when I came to think + that in all these things my life must have no part, that for me another + road was set—a grey, gloomy road at the end of which was dangled a + reward which did not greatly interest me. + </p> + <p> + And then one day from fighting as an endeavour, as a pitting of force + against force and astuteness against astuteness, he came to talk of + fighting as an art. + </p> + <p> + It was from old Falcone that first I heard of Marozzo, that miracle-worker + in weapons, that master at whose academy in Bologna the craft of + swordsmanship was to be acquired, so that from fighting with his irons as + a beast with its claws, by sheer brute strength and brute instinct, man + might by practised skill and knowledge gain advantages against which mere + strength must spend itself in vain. + </p> + <p> + What he told me amazed me beyond anything that I had ever heard, even from + himself, and what he told me he illustrated, flinging himself into the + poises taught by Marozzo that I might appreciate the marvellous science of + the thing. + </p> + <p> + Thus was it that for the first time I made the acquaintance—an + acquaintance held by few men in those days—of those marvellous + guards of Marozzo's devising; Falcone showed me the difference between the + mandritto and the roverso, the false edge and the true, the stramazone and + the tondo; and he left me spellbound by that marvellous guard + appropriately called by Marozzo the iron girdle—a low guard on the + level of the waist, which on the very parry gives an opening for the + point, so that in one movement you may ward and strike. + </p> + <p> + At last, when I questioned him, he admitted that during their wanderings, + my father, with that recklessness that alternated curiously with his + caution, had ventured into the city of Bologna notwithstanding that it was + a Papal fief, for the sole purpose of studying with Marozzo that Falcone + himself had daily accompanied him, witnessed the lessons, and afterwards + practised with my father, so that he had come to learn most of the secrets + that Marozzo taught. + </p> + <p> + One day, at last, very timidly, like one who, whilst overconscious of his + utter unworthiness, ventures to crave a boon which he knows himself + without the right to expect, I asked Falcone would he show me something of + Marozzo's art with real weapons. + </p> + <p> + I had feared a rebuff. I had thought that even old Falcone might laugh at + one predestined to the study of theology, desiring to enter into the + mysteries of sword-craft. But my fears were far indeed from having a + foundation. There was no laughter in the equerry's grey eyes, whilst the + smile upon his lips was a smile of gladness, of eagerness, almost of + thankfulness to see me so set. + </p> + <p> + And so it came to pass that daily thereafter did we practise for an hour + or so in the armoury with sword and buckler, and with every lesson my + proficiency with the iron grew in a manner that Falcone termed prodigious, + swearing that I was born to the sword, that the knack of it was in the + very blood of me. + </p> + <p> + It may be that affection for me caused him to overrate the progress that I + made and the aptitude I showed; it may even be that what he said was no + more than the good-natured flattery of one who loved me and would have me + take pleasure in myself. And yet when I look back at the lad I was, I + incline to think that he spoke no more than sober truth. + </p> + <p> + I have alluded to the curious, almost inexplicable delight it afforded me + to feel in my hands the balance of a pike for the first time. Fain would I + tell you something of all that I felt when first my fingers closed about a + sword-hilt, the forefinger passed over the quillons in the new manner, as + Falcone showed me. But it defies all power of words. The sweet seduction + of its balance, the white gleaming beauty of the blade, were things that + thrilled me with something akin to the thrill of the first kiss of + passion. It was not quite the same, I know; yet I can think of nothing + else in life that is worthy of being compared with it. + </p> + <p> + I was at the time a lad in my thirteenth year, but I was well-grown and + strong beyond my age, despite the fact that my mother had restrained me + from all those exercises of horsemanship, of arms, and of wrestling by + which boys of my years attain development. I stood almost as tall then as + Falcone himself—who was accounted of a good height—and if my + reach fell something short of his, I made up for this by the youthful + quickness of my movements; so that soon—unless out of good nature he + refrained from exerting his full vigour—I found myself Falcone's + match. + </p> + <p> + Fra Gervasio, who was then my tutor, and with whom my mornings were spent + in perfecting my Latin and giving me the rudiments of Greek, soon had his + suspicions of where the hour of the siesta was spent by me with old + Falcone. But the good, saintly man held his peace, a matter which at that + time intrigued me. Others there were, however, who thought well to bear + the tale of our doings to my mother, and thus it happened that she came + upon us that day in the armoury, each of us in shirt and breeches at + sword-and-target play. + </p> + <p> + We fell apart upon her entrance, each with a guilty feeling, like children + caught in a forbidden orchard, for all that Falcone held himself proudly + erect, his grizzled head thrown back, his eyes cold and hard. + </p> + <p> + A long while it seemed ere she spoke, and once or twice I shot her a + furtive comprehensive glance, and saw her as I shall ever see her to my + dying day. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were upon me. I do not believe that she gave Falcone a single + thought at first. It was at me only that she looked, and with such a + sorrow in her glance to see me so vigorous and lusty, as surely could not + have been fetched there by the sight of my corpse itself. Her lips moved + awhile in silence; and whether she was at her everlasting prayers, or + whether she was endeavouring to speak but could not for emotion, I do not + know. At last her voice came, laden with a chill reproach. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino!” she said, and waited as if for some answer from me. + </p> + <p> + It was in that instant that rebellion stirred in me. Her coming had turned + me cold, for all that my body was overheated from the exercise and I was + sweating furiously. Now, at the sound of her voice, something of the + injustice that oppressed me, something of the unreasoning bigotry that + chained and fettered me, stood clear before my mental vision for the first + time. It warmed me again with the warmth of sullen indignation. I returned + her no answer beyond a curtly respectful invitation that she should speak + her mind, couched—as had been her reproof—in a single word of + address. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna?” I challenged, and emulating something of old Falcone's + attitude, I drew myself erect, flung back my head, and brought my eyes to + the level of her own by an effort of will such as I had never yet exerted. + </p> + <p> + It was, I think, the bravest thing I ever did. I felt, in doing it, as one + feels who has nerved himself to enter fire. And when the thing was done, + the ease of it surprised me. There followed no catastrophe such as I + expected. Before my glance, grown suddenly so very bold, her own eyes + drooped and fell away as was her habit. She spoke thereafter without + looking at me, in that cold, emotionless voice that was peculiar to her + always, the voice of one in whom the founts of all that is sweet and + tolerant and tender in life are for ever frozen. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing with weapons, Agostino?” she asked me. + </p> + <p> + “As you see, madam mother, I am at practice,” I answered, and out of the + corner of my eye I caught the grim approving twitch of old Falcone's lips. + </p> + <p> + “At practice?” she echoed, dully as one who does not understand. Then very + slowly she shook her sorrowful head. “Men practise what they must one day + perform, Agostino. To your books, then, and leave swords for bloody men, + nor ever let me see you again with weapons in your hands if you respect + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you not come hither, madam mother, you had been spared the sight + to-day,” I answered with some lingering spark of my rebellious fire still + smouldering. + </p> + <p> + “It was God's will that I should come to set a term to such vanities + before they take too strong a hold upon you,” answered she. “Lay down + those weapons.” + </p> + <p> + Had she been angry, I think I could have withstood her. Anger in her at + such a time must have been as steel upon the flint of my own nature. But + against that incarnation of sorrow and sadness, my purpose, my strength of + character were turned to water. By similar means had she ever prevailed + with my poor father. And I had, too, the habit of obedience which is not + so lightly broken as I had at first accounted possible. + </p> + <p> + Sullenly then I set down my sword upon a bench that stood against the + wall, and my target with it. As I turned aside to do so, her gloomy eyes + were poised for an instant upon Falcone, who stood grim and silent. Then + they were lowered again ere she began to address him. + </p> + <p> + “You have done very ill, Falcone,” said she. “You have abused my trust in + you, and you have sought to pervert my son and to lead him into ways of + evil.” + </p> + <p> + He started under that reproof like a fiery stallion under the spur. His + face flushed scarlet. The habit of obedience may have been strong in + Falcone too; but it was obedience to men; with women he had never had much + to do, old warrior though he was. Moreover, in this he felt that an + affront had been put upon the memory of Giovanni d'Anguissola, who was my + father and who went nigh to being Falcone's god. And this his answer + plainly showed. + </p> + <p> + “The ways into which I lead your son, Madonna,” said he in a low voice + that boomed up and echoed in the groined ceiling overhead, “are the ways + that were trod by my lord his father. And who says that the ways of + Giovanni d'Anguissola were evil ways lies foully, be he man or woman, + patrician or villein, pope or devil.” And upon that he paused + magnificently, his eyes aflash. + </p> + <p> + She shuddered under his rough speech. Then answered without looking up, + and with no trace of anger in her voice: + </p> + <p> + “You are restored to health and strength by now, Messer Falcone. The + seneschal shall have orders to pay you ten gold ducats in discharge of all + that may be still your due from us. See that by night you have left + Mondolfo.” + </p> + <p> + And then, without changing her deadly inflection, or even making a + noticeable pause, “Come, Agostino,” she commanded. + </p> + <p> + But I did not move. Her words had fixed me there with horror. I heard from + Falcone a sound that was between a growl and a sob. I dared not look at + him, but the eye of my fancy saw him standing rigid, pale, and + self-contained. + </p> + <p> + What would he do, what would he say? Oh, she had done a cruel, a bitterly + cruel wrong. This poor old warrior, all scarred and patched from wounds + that he had taken in my father's service, to be turned away in his old + age, as we should not have turned away a dog! It was a monstrous thing. + Mondolfo was his home. The Anguissola were his family, and their honour + was his honour, since as a villein he had no honour of his own. To cast + him out thus! + </p> + <p> + All this flashed through my anguished mind in one brief throb of time, as + I waited, marvelling what he would do, what say, in answer to that + dismissal. + </p> + <p> + He would not plead, or else I did not know him; and I was sure of that, + without knowing what else there was that must make it impossible for old + Falcone to stoop to ask a favour of my mother. + </p> + <p> + Awhile he just stood there, his wits overthrown by sheer surprise. And + then, when at last he moved, the thing he did was the last thing that I + had looked for. Not to her did he turn; not to her, but to me, and he + dropped on one knee before me. + </p> + <p> + “My lord!” he cried, and before he added another word I knew already what + else he was about to say. For never yet had I been so addressed in my + lordship of Mondolfo. To all there I was just the Madonnino. But to + Falcone, in that supreme hour of his need, I was become his lord. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” he said, then. “Is it your wish that I should go?” + </p> + <p> + I drew back, still wrought upon by my surprise; and then my mother's voice + came cold and acid. + </p> + <p> + “The Madonnino's wish is not concerned in this, Mester Falcone. It is I + who order your departure.” + </p> + <p> + Falcone did not answer her; he affected not to hear her, and continued to + address himself to me. + </p> + <p> + “You are the master here, my lord,” he urged. “You are the law in + Mondolfo. You carry life and death in your right hand, and against your + will no man or woman in your lordship can prevail.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke the truth, a mighty truth which had stood like a mountain before + me all these months, yet which I had not seen. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go or remain as you decree, my lord,” he added; and then, almost + in a snarl of defiance, “I obey none other,” he concluded, “nor pope nor + devil.” + </p> + <p> + “Agostino, I am waiting for you,” came my mother's voice from the doorway. + </p> + <p> + Something had me by the throat. It was Temptation, and old Falcone was the + tempter. More than that was he—though how much more I did not dream, + nor with what authority he acted there. He was the Mentor who showed me + the road to freedom and to manhood; he showed me how at a blow I might + shiver the chains that held me, and shake them from me like the cobwebs + that they were. He tested me, too; tried my courage and my will; and to my + undoing was it that he found me wanting in that hour. My regrets for him + went near to giving me the resolution that I lacked. Yet even these fell + short. + </p> + <p> + I would to God I had given heed to him. I would to God I had flung back my + head and told my mother—as he prompted me—that I was lord of + Mondolfo, and that Falcone must remain since I so willed it. + </p> + <p> + I strove to do so out of my love for him rather than out of any such fine + spirit as he sought to inspire in me. Had I succeeded I had established my + dominion, I had become arbiter of my fate; and how much of misery, of + anguish, and of sin might I not thereafter have been spared! + </p> + <p> + The hour was crucial, though I knew it not. I stood at a parting of ways; + yet for lack of courage I hesitated to take the road to which so + invitingly he beckoned me. + </p> + <p> + And then, before I could make any answer such as I desired, such as I + strove to make, my mother spoke again, and by her tone, which had grown + faltering and tearful—as was her wont in the old days when she ruled + my father—she riveted anew the fetters I was endeavouring with all + the strength of my poor young soul to snap. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him, Agostino, that your will is as your mother's. Tell him so and + come. I am waiting for you.” + </p> + <p> + I stifled a groan, and let my arms fall limply to my sides. I was a + weakling and contemptible. I realized it. And yet to-day when I look back + I see how vast a strength I should have needed. I was but thirteen and of + a spirit that had been cowed by her, and was held under her thrall. + </p> + <p> + “I... I am sorry, Falcone,” I faltered, and there were tears in my eyes. + </p> + <p> + I shrugged again—shrugged in token of my despair and grief and + impotence—and I moved down the long room towards the door where my + mother waited. + </p> + <p> + I did not dare to bestow another look upon that poor broken old warrior, + that faithful, lifelong servant, turned thus cruelly upon the world by a + woman whom bigotry had sapped of all human feelings and a boy who was a + coward masquerading under a great name. + </p> + <p> + I heard his gasping sob, and the sound smote upon my heart and hurt me as + if it had been iron. I had failed him. He must suffer more in the + knowledge of my unworthiness to be called the son of that master whom he + had worshipped than in the destitution that might await him. + </p> + <p> + I reached the door. + </p> + <p> + “My lord! My lord!” he cried after me despairingly. On the very threshold + I stood arrested by that heartbroken cry of his. I half turned. + </p> + <p> + “Falcone... “ I began. + </p> + <p> + And then my mother's white hand fell upon my wrist. + </p> + <p> + “Come, my son,” she said, once more impassive. + </p> + <p> + Nervelessly I obeyed her, and as I passed out I heard Falcone's voice + crying: + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my lord! God help me, and God help you!” An hour later he had + left the citadel, and on the stones of the courtyard lay ten golden ducats + which he had scattered there, and which not one of the greedy grooms or + serving-men could take courage to pick up, so fearful a curse had old + Falcone laid upon that money when he cast it from him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE PIETISTIC THRALL + </h2> + <p> + That evening my mother talked to me at longer length than I remember her + ever to have done before. + </p> + <p> + It may be that she feared lest Gino Falcone should have aroused in me + notions which it was best to lull back at once into slumber. It may be + that she, too, had felt something of the crucial quality of that moment in + the armoury, just as she must have perceived my first hesitation to obey + her slightest word, whence came her resolve to check this mutiny ere it + should spread and become too big for her. + </p> + <p> + We sat in the room that was called her private dining-room, but which, in + fact, was all things to her save the chamber in which she slept. + </p> + <p> + The fine apartments through which I had strayed as a little lad in my + father's day, the handsome lofty chambers, with their frescoed ceilings, + their walls hung with costly tapestries, many of which had come from the + looms of Flanders, their floors of wood mosaics, and their great carved + movables, had been shut up these many years. + </p> + <p> + For my mother's claustral needs sufficient was provided by the alcove in + which she slept, the private chapel of the citadel in which she would + spend long hours, and this private dining-room where we now sat. Into the + spacious gardens of the castle she would seldom wander, into our town of + Mondolfo never. Not since my father's departure upon his ill-starred + rebellion had she set foot across the drawbridge. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me whom you go with, and I will tell you what you are,” says the + proverb. “Show me your dwelling, and I shall see your character,” say I. + </p> + <p> + And surely never was there a chamber so permeated by the nature of its + tenant as that private dining-room of my mother's. + </p> + <p> + It was a narrow room in the shape of a small parallelogram, with the + windows set high up near the timbered, whitewashed ceiling, so that it was + impossible either to look in or to look out, as is sometimes the case with + the windows of a chapel. + </p> + <p> + On the white space of wall that faced the door hung a great wooden + Crucifix, very rudely carved by one who either knew nothing of anatomy, or + else—as is more probable—was utterly unable to set down his + knowledge upon timber. The crudely tinted figure would be perhaps half the + natural size of a man; and it was the most repulsive and hideous + representation of the Tragedy of Golgotha that I have ever seen. It filled + one with a horror which was far indeed removed from the pious horror which + that Symbol is intended to arouse in every true believer. It emphasized + all the ghastly ugliness of death upon that most barbarous of gallows, + without any suggestion of the beauty and immensity of the Divine Martyrdom + of Him Who in the likeness of the sinful flesh was Alone without sin. + </p> + <p> + And to me the ghastliest and most pitiful thing of all was an artifice + which its maker had introduced for the purpose of conveying some + suggestion of the supernatural to that mangled, malformed, less than human + representation. Into the place of the wound made by the spear of Longinus, + he had introduced a strip of crystal which caught the light at certain + angles—more particularly when there were lighted tapers in the room—so + that in reflecting this it seemed to shed forth luminous rays. + </p> + <p> + An odd thing was that my mother—who looked upon that Crucifix with + eyes that were very different from mine—would be at pains in the + evening when lights were fetched to set a taper at such an angle as was + best calculated to produce the effect upon which the sculptor had counted. + What satisfaction it can have been to her to see reflected from that + glazed wound the light which she herself had provided for the purpose, I + am lost to think. And yet I am assured that she would contemplate that + shining effluence in a sort of ecstatic awe, accounting it something very + near akin to miracle. + </p> + <p> + Under this Crucifix hung a little alabaster font of holy-water, into the + back of which was stuck a withered, yellow branch of palm, which was + renewed on each Palm Sunday. Before it was set a praying-stool of plain + oak, without any cushion to mitigate its harshness to the knees. + </p> + <p> + In the corner of the room stood a tall, spare, square cupboard, capacious + but very plain, in which the necessaries of the table were disposed. In + the opposite corner there was another smaller cupboard with a sort of + writing-pulpit beneath. Here my mother kept the accounts of her household, + her books of recipes, her homely medicines and the heavy devotional tomes + and lesser volumes—mostly manuscript—out of which she + nourished her poor starving soul. + </p> + <p> + Amongst these was the Treatise of the Mental Sufferings of Christ—the + book of the Blessed Battista of Varano, Princess of Camerino, who founded + the convent of Poor Clares in that city—a book whose almost + blasphemous presumption fired the train of my earliest misgivings. + </p> + <p> + Another was The Spiritual Combat, that queer yet able book of the cleric + Scupoli—described as the “aureo libro,” dedicated “Al Supremo + Capitano e Gloriosissimo Trionfatore, Gesu Cristo, Figliuolo di Maria,” + and this dedication in the form of a letter to Our Saviour, signed, “Your + most humble servant, purchased with Your Blood.” 1 + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This work, which achieved a great vogue and of which + several editions were issued down to 1750, was first printed + in 1589. Clearly, however, MS. copies were in existence + earlier, and it is to one of these that Agostino here + refers. +</pre> + <p> + Down the middle of the chamber ran a long square-ended table of oak, very + plain like all the rest of the room's scant furnishings. At the head of + this table was an arm-chair for my mother, of bare wood without any + cushion to relieve its hardness, whilst on either side of the board stood + a few lesser chairs for those who habitually dined there. These were, + besides myself, Fra Gervasio, my tutor; Messer Giorgio, the castellan, a + bald-headed old man long since past the fighting age and who in times of + stress would have been as useful for purposes of defending Mondolfo as + Lorenza, my mother's elderly woman, who sat below him at the board; he was + toothless, bowed, and decrepit, but he was very devout—as he had + need to be, seeing that he was half dead already—and this counted + with my mother above any other virtue.2 + </p> + <p> + 2 Virtu is the word used by Agostino, and it is susceptible to a wider + translation than that which the English language affords, comprising as it + does a sense of courage and address at arms. Indeed, it is not clear that + Agostino is not playing here upon the double meaning of the word. + </p> + <p> + The last of the four who habitually sat with us was Giojoso, the + seneschal, a lantern-jawed fellow with black, beetling brows, about whom + the only joyous thing was his misnomer of a name. + </p> + <p> + Of the table that we kept, beyond noting that the fare was ever of a + lenten kind and that the wine was watered, I will but mention that my + mother did not observe the barrier of the salt. There was no sitting above + it or below at our board, as, from time immemorial, is the universal + custom in feudal homes. That her having abolished it was an act of + humility on her part there can be little doubt, although this was a + subject upon which she never expressed herself in my hearing. + </p> + <p> + The walls of that room were whitewashed and bare. + </p> + <p> + The floor was of stone overlain by a carpet of rushes that was changed no + oftener than once a week. + </p> + <p> + From what I have told you, you may picture something of the chill gloom of + the place, something of the pietism which hung upon the very air of that + apartment in which so much of my early youth was spent. And it had, too, + an odour that is peculiarly full of character, the smell which is never + absent from a sacristy and rarely from conventual chambers; a smell + difficult to define, faint and yet tenuously pungent, and like no other + smell in all the world that I have ever known. It is a musty odour, an + odour of staleness which perhaps an open window and the fresh air of + heaven might relieve but could not dissipate; and to this is wed, but so + subtly that it would be impossible to say which is predominant, the + slight, sickly aroma of wax. + </p> + <p> + We supped there that night in silence at about the hour that poor Gino + Falcone would be taking his departure. Silence was habitual with us at + meal-times, eating being performed—like everything else in that drab + household—as a sort of devotional act. Occasionally the silence + would be relieved by readings aloud from some pious work, undertaken at my + mother's bidding by one or another of the amanuenses. + </p> + <p> + But on the night in question there was just silence, broken chiefly by the + toothless slobber of the castellan over the soft meats that were + especially prepared for him. And there was something of grimness in that + silence; for none—and Fra Gervasio less than any—approved the + unchristian thing that out of excess of Christianity my mother had done in + driving old Falcone forth. + </p> + <p> + Myself, I could not eat at all. My misery choked me. The thought of that + old servitor whom I had loved being sent a wanderer and destitute, and all + through my own weakness, all because I had failed him in his need, just as + I had failed myself, was anguish to me. My lip would quiver at the + thought, and it was with difficulty that I repressed my tears. + </p> + <p> + At last that hideous repast came to an end in prayers of thanksgiving + whose immoderate length was out of all proportion to the fare provided. + </p> + <p> + The castellan shuffled forth upon the arm of the seneschal; Lorenza + followed at a sign from my mother, and we three—Gervasio, my mother, + and I—were left alone. + </p> + <p> + And here let me say a word of Fra Gervasio. He was, as I have already + written, my father's foster-brother. That is to say, he was the child of a + sturdy peasant-woman of the Val di Taro, from whose lusty, healthy breast + my father had suckled the first of that fine strength that had been his + own. + </p> + <p> + He was older than my father by a month or so, and as often happens in such + cases, he was brought to Mondolfo to be first my father's playmate, and + later, no doubt, to have followed him as a man-at-arms. But a chill that + he took in his tenth year as a result of a long winter immersion in the + icy waters of the Taro laid him at the point of death, and left him + thereafter of a rather weak and sickly nature. But he was quick and + intelligent, and was admitted to learn his letters with my father, whence + it ensued that he developed a taste for study. Seeing that by his health + he was debarred from the hardy open life of a soldier, his scholarly + aptitude was encouraged, and it was decided that he should follow a + clerical career. + </p> + <p> + He had entered the order of St. Francis; but after some years at the + Convent of Aguilona, his health having been indifferent and the conventual + rules too rigorous for his condition, he was given licence to become the + chaplain of Mondolfo. Here he had received the kindliest treatment at the + hands of my father, who entertained for his sometime playmate a very real + affection. + </p> + <p> + He was a tall, gaunt man with a sweet, kindly face, reflecting his sweet, + kindly nature; he had deep-set, dark eyes, very gentle in their gaze, a + tender mouth that was a little drawn by lines of suffering and an upright + wrinkle, deep as a gash, between his brows at the root of his long, + slender nose. + </p> + <p> + He it was that night who broke the silence that endured even after the + others had departed. He spoke at first as if communing with himself, like + a man who thinks aloud; and between his thumb and his long forefinger, I + remember that he kneaded a crumb of bread upon which his eyes were intent. + </p> + <p> + “Gino Falcone is an old man, and he was my lord's best-loved servant. He + would have died for my lord, and joyfully; and now he is turned adrift, to + die to no purpose. Ah, well.” He heaved a deep sigh and fell silent, + whilst I—the pent-up anguish in me suddenly released to hear my + thoughts thus expressed—fell soundlessly to weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Do you reprove me, Fra Gervasio?” quoth my mother, quite emotionless. + </p> + <p> + The monk pushed back his stool and rose ere he replied. “I must,” he said, + “or I am unworthy of the scapulary I wear. I must reprove this unchristian + act, or else am I no true servant of my Master.” + </p> + <p> + She crossed herself with her thumb-nail upon the brow and upon the lips, + to repress all evil thoughts and evil words—an unfailing sign that + she was stirred to anger and sought to combat the sin of it. Then she + spoke, meekly enough, in the same cold, level voice. + </p> + <p> + “I think it is you who are at fault,” she told him, “when you call + unchristian an act which was necessary to secure this child to Christ.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled a sad little smile. “Yet even so, it were well you should + proceed with caution and with authority; and in this you have none.” + </p> + <p> + It was her turn to smile, the palest, ghostliest of smiles, and even for + so much she must have been oddly moved. “I think I have,” said she, and + quoted, “'If thy right hand offend thee, hack it off.'” + </p> + <p> + I saw a hot flush mount to the friar's prominent cheek-bones. Indeed, he + was a very human man under his conventual robe, with swift stirrings of + passion which the long habit of repression had not yet succeeded in + extinguishing. He cast his eyes to the ceiling in such a glance of despair + as left me thoughtful. It was as an invocation to Heaven to look down upon + the obstinate, ignorant folly of this woman who accounted herself wise and + who so garbled the Divine teaching as to blaspheme with complacency. + </p> + <p> + I know that now; at the time I was not quite so clear-sighted as to read + the full message of that glance. + </p> + <p> + Her audacity was as the audacity of fools. Where wisdom, full-fledged, + might have halted, trembling, she swept resolutely onward. Before her + stood this friar, this teacher and interpreter, this man of holy life who + was accounted profoundly learned in the Divinities; and he told her that + she had done an evil thing. Yet out of the tiny pittance of her knowledge + and her little intellectual sight—which was no better than a + blindness—must she confidently tell him that he was at fault. + </p> + <p> + Argument was impossible between him and her. Thus much I saw, and I feared + an explosion of the wrath of which I perceived in him the signs. But he + quelled it. Yet his voice rumbled thunderously upon his next words. + </p> + <p> + “It matters something that Gino Falcone should not starve,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It matters more that my son should not be damned,” she answered him, and + with that answer left him weapon-less, for against the armour of a + crassness so dense and one-ideaed there are no weapons that can prevail. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” she said, and her eyes, raised for a moment, comprehended both + of us in their glance. “There is something that it were best I tell you, + that once for all you may fathom the depth of my purpose for Agostino + here. My lord his father was a man of blood and strife...” + </p> + <p> + “And so were many whose names stand to-day upon the roll of saints and are + its glory,” answered the friar with quick asperity. + </p> + <p> + “But they did not raise their arms against the Holy Church and against + Christ's Own most holy Vicar, as did he,” she reminded him sorrowfully. + “The sword is an ill thing save when it is wielded in a holy cause. In my + lord's hands, wielded in the unholiest of all causes, it became a thing + accursed. But God's anger overtook him and laid him low at Perugia in all + the strength and vigour that had made him arrogant as Lucifer. It was + perhaps well for all of us that it so befell.” + </p> + <p> + “Madonna!” cried Gervasio in stern horror. + </p> + <p> + But she went on quite heedless of him. “Best of all was it for me, since I + was spared the harshest duty that can be imposed upon a woman and a wife. + It was necessary that he should expiate the evil he had wrought; moreover, + his life was become a menace to my child's salvation. It was his wish to + make of Agostino such another as himself, to lead his only son adown the + path of Hell. It was my duty to my God and to my son to shield this boy. + And to accomplish that I would have delivered up his father to the papal + emissaries who sought him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, never that!” the friar protested. “You could never have done that!” + </p> + <p> + “Could I not? I tell you it was as good as done. I tell you that the thing + was planned. I took counsel with my confessor, and he showed me my plain + duty.” + </p> + <p> + She paused a moment, whilst we stared, Fra Gervasio white-faced and with + mouth that gaped in sheer horror. + </p> + <p> + “For years had he eluded the long arm of the pope's justice,” she resumed. + “And during those years he had never ceased to plot and plan the overthrow + of the Pontifical dominion. He was blinded by his arrogance to think that + he could stand against the hosts of Heaven. His stubbornness in sin had + made him mad. Quem Deus vult perdere...” And she waved one of her + emaciated hands, leaving the quotation unfinished. “Heaven showed me the + way, chose me for Its instrument. I sent him word, offering him shelter + here at Mondolfo where none would look to find him, assuming it to be the + last place to which he would adventure. He was to have come when death + took him on the field of Perugia.” + </p> + <p> + There was something here that I did not understand at all. And in like + case, it seemed, was Fra Gervasio, for he passed a hand over his brow, as + if to clear thence some veils that clogged his understanding. + </p> + <p> + “He was to have come?” he echoed. “To shelter?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said she quietly, “to death. The papal emissaries had knowledge of + it and would have been here to await him.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have betrayed him?” Fra Gervasio's voice was hoarse, his eyes + were burning sombrely. + </p> + <p> + “I would have saved my son,” said she, with quiet satisfaction, in a tone + that revealed how incontestably right she conceived herself to be. + </p> + <p> + He stood there, and he seemed taller and more gaunt than usual, for he had + drawn himself erect to the full of his great height—and he was a man + who usually went bowed. His hands were clenched and the knuckles showed + blue-white like marble. His face was very pale and in his temple a little + pulse was throbbing visibly. He swayed slightly upon his feet, and the + sight of him frightened me a little. He seemed so full of terrible + potentialities. + </p> + <p> + When I think of vengeance, I picture to myself Fra Gervasio as I beheld + him in that hour. Nothing that he could have done would have surprised me. + Had he fallen upon my mother then, and torn her limb from limb, it would + have been no more than from the sight of him I might have expected. + </p> + <p> + I have said that nothing that he could have done would have surprised me. + Rather should I have said that nothing would have surprised me save the + thing he did. + </p> + <p> + Whilst a man might have counted ten stood he so—she seeing nothing + of the strange transfiguration that had come over him, for her eyes were + downcast as ever. Then quite slowly, his hands unclenched, his arms fell + limply to his sides, his head sank forward upon his breast, and his figure + bowed itself lower than was usual. Quite suddenly, quite softly, almost as + a man who swoons, he sank down again into the chair from which he had + risen. + </p> + <p> + He set his elbows on the table, and took his head in his hands. A groan + escaped him. She heard it, and looked at him in her furtive way. + </p> + <p> + “You are moved by this knowledge, Fra Gervasio,” she said and sighed. “I + have told you this—and you, Agostino—that you may know how + deep, how ineradicable is my purpose. You were a votive offering, + Agostino; you were vowed to the service of God that your father's life + might be spared, years ago, ere you were born. From the very edge of death + was your father brought back to life and strength. He would have used that + life and that strength to cheat God of the price of His boon to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And if,” Fra Gervasio questioned almost fiercely, “Agostino in the end + should have no vocation, should have no call to such a life?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him very wistfully, almost pityingly. “How should that be?” + she asked. “He was offered to God. And that God accepted the gift, He + showed when He gave Giovanni back to life. How, then, could it come to + pass that Agostino should have no call? Would God reject that which He had + accepted?” + </p> + <p> + Fra Gervasio rose again. “You go too deep for me, Madonna,” he said + bitterly. “It is not for me to speak of my gifts save reverently and in + profound and humble gratitude for that grace by which God bestowed them + upon me. But I am accounted something of a casuist. I am a doctor of + theology and of canon law, and but for the weak state of my health I + should be sitting to-day in the chair of canon law at the University of + Pavia. And yet, Madonna, the things you tell me with such assurance make a + mock of everything I have ever learnt.” + </p> + <p> + Even I, lad as I was, perceived the bitter irony in which he spoke. Not so + she. I vow she flushed under what she accounted his praise of her wisdom + and divine revelation; for vanity is the last human weakness to be + discarded. Then she seemed to recollect herself. She bowed her head very + reverently. + </p> + <p> + “It is God's grace that reveals to me the truth,” she said. + </p> + <p> + He fell back a step in his amazement at having been so thoroughly + misunderstood. Then he drew away from the table. He looked at her as he + would speak, but checked on the thought. He turned, and so, without + another word, departed, and left us sitting there together. + </p> + <p> + It was then that we had our talk; or, rather, that she talked, whilst I + sat listening. And presently as I listened, I came gradually once more + under the spell of which I had more than once that day been on the point + of casting off the yoke. + </p> + <p> + For, after all, you are to discern in what I have written here, between + what were my feelings at the time and what are my criticisms of to-day in + the light of the riper knowledge to which I have come. The handling of a + sword had thrilled me strangely, as I have shown. Yet was I ready to + believe that such a thrill was but a lure of Satan's, as my mother assured + me. In deeper matters she might harbour error, as Fra Gervasio's irony had + shown me that he believed. But we went that night into no great depths. + </p> + <p> + She spent an hour or so in vague discourse upon the joys of Paradise, in + showing me the folly of jeopardizing them for the sake of the fleeting + vanities of this ephemeral world. She dealt at length upon the love of God + for us, and the love which we should bear to Him, and she read to me + passages from the book of the Blessed Varano and from Scupoli to add point + to her teachings upon the beauty and nobility of a life that is devoted to + God's service—the only service of this world in which nobility can + exist. + </p> + <p> + And then she added little stories of martyrs who had suffered for the + faith, of the tortures to which they had been subjected, and of the + happiness they had felt in actual suffering, of the joy that their very + torments had brought them, borne up as they were by their faith and the + strength of their love of God. + </p> + <p> + There was in all this nothing that was new to me, nothing that I did not + freely accept and implicitly believe without pausing to judge or + criticize. And yet, it was shrewd of her to have plied me then as she did; + for thereby, beyond doubt, she checked me upon the point of + self-questioning to which that day's happenings were urging me, and she + brought me once more obediently to heel and caused me to fix my eyes more + firmly than ever beyond the things of this world and upon the glories of + the next which I was to make my goal and aim. + </p> + <p> + Thus came I back within the toils from which I had been for a moment + tempted to escape; and what is more, my imagination fired to some touch of + ecstasy by those tales of sainted martyrs, I returned willingly to the + pietistic thrall, to be held in it more firmly than ever yet before. + </p> + <p> + We parted as we always parted, and when I had kissed her cold hand I went + my way to bed. And if I knelt that night to pray that God might watch over + poor errant Falcone, it was to the end that Falcone might be brought to + see the sin and error of his ways and win to the grace of a happy death + when his hour came. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. LUISINA + </h2> + <p> + Of the four years that followed little mention need be made in these + pages, save for one incident whose importance is derived entirely from + that which subsequently befell, for at the time it had no meaning for me. + Yet since later it was to have much, it is fitting that it should be + recorded here. + </p> + <p> + It happened that a month or so after old Falcone had left us there + wandered one noontide into the outer courtyard of the castle two pilgrim + fathers, on their way—as they announced—from Milan to visit + the Holy House at Loreto. + </p> + <p> + It was my mother's custom to receive all pilgrim wayfarers and beggars in + this courtyard at noontide twice in each week to bestow upon them food and + alms. Rarely was she, herself, present at that alms-giving; more rarely + still was I. It was Fra Gervasio who discharged the office of almoner on + the Countess of Mondolfo's behalf. Occasionally the whines and snarls of + the motley crowd that gathered there—for they were not infrequently + quarrelsome—reached us in the maschio tower where we had our + apartments. But on the day of which I speak I chanced to stand in the + pillared gallery above the courtyard, watching the heaving, surging human + mass below, for the concourse was greater than usual. + </p> + <p> + Cripples there were of every sort, and all in rags; some with twisted, + withered limbs, others with mere stumps where limbs had been lopped off, + others again—and there were many of these—with hideous running + sores, some of which no doubt would be counterfeit—as I now know—and + contrived with poultices of salt for the purpose of exciting charity in + the piteous. All were dishevelled, unkempt, ragged, dirty, and, doubtless, + verminous. Most were greedy and wolfish as they thrust one another aside + to reach Fra Gervasio, as if they feared that the supply of alms and food + should be exhausted ere their turn arrived. Amongst them there was + commonly a small sprinkling of mendicant friars, some of these, perhaps, + just the hypocrite rogues that I have since discovered many of them to be, + though at the time all who wore the scapulary were holy men in my innocent + eyes. They were mostly, or so they pretended, bent upon pilgrimages to + distant parts, living upon such alms as they could gather on their way. + </p> + <p> + On the steps of the chapel Fra Gervasio would stand—gaunt and + impassive—with his posse of attendant grooms behind him. One of the + latter, standing nearest to our almoner, held a great sack of broken + bread; another presented a wooden, trough-like platter filled with slices + of meat, and a third dispensed out of horn cups a poor, thin, and rather + sour, but very wholesome wine, which he drew from the skins that were his + charge. + </p> + <p> + From one to the other were the beggars passed on by Fra Gervasio, and + lastly came they back to him, to receive from his hands a piece of money—a + grosso, of which he held the bag himself. + </p> + <p> + On the day of which I write, as I stood there gazing down upon that mass + of misery, marvelling perhaps a little upon the inequality of fortune, and + wondering vaguely what God could be about to inflict so much suffering + upon certain of His creatures, to cause one to be born into purple and + another into rags, my eyes were drawn by the insistent stare of two monks + who stood at the back of the crowd with their shoulders to the wall. + </p> + <p> + They were both tall men, and they stood with their cowls over their + tonsures, in the conventual attitude, their hands tucked away into the + ample sleeves of their brown habits. One of this twain was broader than + his companion and very erect of carriage, such as was unusual in a monk. + His mouth and the half of his face were covered by a thick brown beard, + and athwart his countenance, from under the left eye across his nose and + cheek, ran a great livid scar to lose itself in the beard towards the + right jaw. His deep-set eyes regarded me so intently that I coloured + uncomfortably under their gaze; for accustomed as I was to seclusion, I + was easily abashed. I turned away and went slowly along the gallery to the + end; and yet I had a feeling that those eyes were following me, and, + indeed, casting a swift glance over my shoulder ere I went indoors, I saw + that this was so. + </p> + <p> + That evening at supper I chanced to mention the matter to Fra Gervasio. + </p> + <p> + “There was a big bearded capuchin in the yard at alms-time to-day—” + I was beginning, when the friar's knife clattered from his hand, and he + looked at me with eyes of positive fear out of a face from which the last + drop of blood had abruptly receded. I checked my inquiry at the sight of + him thus suddenly disordered, whilst my mother, who, as usual, observed + nothing, made a foolish comment. + </p> + <p> + “The little brothers are never absent, Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + “This brother was a big brother,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “It is not seemly to make jest of holy men,” she reproved me in her + chilling voice. + </p> + <p> + “I had no thought to jest,” I answered soberly. “I should never have + remarked this friar but that he gazed upon me with so great an intentness—so + great that I was unable to bear it.” + </p> + <p> + It was her turn to betray emotion. She looked at me full and long—for + once—and very searchingly. She, too, had grown paler than was her + habit. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino, what do you tell me?” quoth she, and her voice quivered. + </p> + <p> + Now here was a deal of pother about a capuchin who had stared at the + Madonnino of Anguissola! The matter was out of all proportion to the stir + it made, and I conveyed in my next words some notion of that opinion. + </p> + <p> + But she stared wistfully. “Never think it, Agostino,” she besought me. + “You know not what it may import.” And then she turned to Fra Gervasio. + “Who was this mendicant?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + He had by now recovered from his erstwhile confusion. But he was still + pale, and I observed that his hand trembled. + </p> + <p> + “He must have been one of the two little brothers of St. Francis on their + way, they said, from Milan to Loreto on a pilgrimage.” + </p> + <p> + “Not those you told me are resting here until to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + From his face I saw that he would have denied it had it lain within his + power to utter a deliberate falsehood. + </p> + <p> + “They are the same,” he answered in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + She rose. “I must see this friar,” she announced, and never in all my life + had I beheld in her such a display of emotion. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning, then,” said Fra Gervasio. “It is after sunset,” he + explained. “They have retired, and their rule...” He left the sentence + unfinished, but he had said enough to be understood by her. + </p> + <p> + She sank back to her chair, folded her hands in her lap and fell into + meditation. The faintest of flushes crept into her wax-like cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “If it should be a sign!” she murmured raptly, and then she turned again + to Fra Gervasio. “You heard Agostino say that he could not bear this + friar's gaze. You remember, brother, how a pilgrim appeared near San + Rufino to the nurse of Saint Francis, and took from her arms the child + that he might bless it ere once more he vanished? If this should be a sign + such as that!” + </p> + <p> + She clasped her hands together fervently. “I must see this friar ere he + departs again,” she said to the staring, dumbfounded Fra Gervasio. + </p> + <p> + At last, then, I understood her emotion. All her life she had prayed for a + sign of grace for herself or for me, and she believed that here at last + was something that might well be discovered upon inquiry to be an answer + to her prayer. This capuchin who had stared at me from the courtyard + became at once to her mind—so ill-balanced upon such matters—a + supernatural visitant, harbinger, as it were, of my future saintly glory. + </p> + <p> + But though she rose betimes upon the morrow, to see the holy man ere he + fared forth again, she was not early enough. In the courtyard whither she + descended to make her way to the outhouse where the two were lodged, she + met Fra Gervasio, who was astir before her. + </p> + <p> + “The friar?” she cried anxiously, filled already with forebodings. “The + holy man?” + </p> + <p> + Gervasio stood before her, pale and trembling. “You are too late, Madonna. + Already he is gone.” + </p> + <p> + She observed his agitation now, and beheld in it a reflection of her own, + springing from the selfsame causes. “Oh, it was a sign indeed!” she + exclaimed. “And you have come to realize it, too, I see.” Next, in a burst + of gratitude that was almost pitiful upon such slight foundation, “Oh, + blessed Agostino!” she cried out. + </p> + <p> + Then the momentary exaltation fell from that woman of sorrows. “This but + makes my burden heavier, my responsibility greater,” she wailed. “God help + me bear it!” + </p> + <p> + Thus passed that incident so trifling in itself and so misunderstood by + her. But it was never forgotten, and from time to time she would allude to + it as the sign which had been vouchsafed me and for which great should be + my thankfulness and my joy. + </p> + <p> + Save for that, in the four years that followed, time flowed an uneventful + course within the four walls of the big citadel—for beyond those + four walls I was never once permitted to set foot; and although from time + to time I heard rumours of doings in the town itself, of the affairs of + the State whereof I was by right of birth the tyrant, and of the greater + business of the big world beyond, yet so trained and schooled was I that I + had no great desire for a nearer acquaintance with that world. + </p> + <p> + A certain curiosity did at times beset me, spurred not so much by the + little that I heard as by things that I read in such histories as my + studies demanded I should read. For even the lives of saints, and Holy + Writ itself, afford their student glimpses of the world. But this + curiosity I came to look upon as a lure of the flesh, and to resist. + Blessed are they who are out of all contact with the world, since to them + salvation comes more easily; so I believed implicitly, as I was taught by + my mother and by Fra Gervasio at my mother's bidding. + </p> + <p> + And as the years passed under such influences as had been at work upon me + from the cradle, influences which had known no check save that brief one + afforded by Gino Falcone, I became perforce devout and pious from very + inclination. + </p> + <p> + Joyous transports were afforded me by the study of the life of that Saint + Luigi of the noble Mantuan House of Gonzaga—in whom I saw an ideal + to be emulated, since he seemed to me to be much in my own case and of my + own estate—who had counted the illusory greatness of this world well + lost so that he might win the bliss of Paradise. Similarly did I take + delight in the Life, written by Tommaso da Celano, of that blessed son of + Pietro Bernardone, the merchant of Assisi, that Francis who became the + Troubadour of the Lord and sang so sweetly the praises of His Creation. My + heart would swell within me and I would weep hot and very bitter tears + over the narrative of the early and sinful part of his life, as we may + weep to see a beloved brother beset by deadly perils. And greater, hence, + was the joy, the exultation, and finally the sweet peace and comfort that + I gathered from the tale of his conversion, of his wondrous works, and of + the Three Companions. + </p> + <p> + In these pages—so lively was my young imagination and so wrought + upon by what I read—I suffered with him again his agonies of hope, I + thrilled with some of the joy of his stupendous ecstasies, and I almost + envied him the signal mark of Heavenly grace that had imprinted the + stigmata upon his living body. + </p> + <p> + All that concerned him, too, I read: his Little Flowers, his Testament, + The Mirror of Perfection; but my greatest delight was derived from his + Song of the Creatures, which I learnt by heart. + </p> + <p> + Oftentimes since have I wondered and sought to determine whether it was + the piety of those lauds that charmed me spiritually, or an appeal to my + senses made by the beauty of the lines and the imagery which the Assisian + used in his writings. + </p> + <p> + Similarly I am at a loss to determine whether the pleasure I took in + reading of the joyous, perfumed life of that other stigmatized saint, the + blessed Catherine of Siena, was not a sensuous pleasure rather than the + soul-ecstasy I supposed it at the time. + </p> + <p> + And as I wept over the early sins of St. Francis, so too did I weep over + the rhapsodical Confessions of St. Augustine, that mighty theologian after + whom I had been named, and whose works—after those concerning St. + Francis—exerted a great influence upon me in those early days. + </p> + <p> + Thus did I grow in grace until Fra Gervasio, who watched me narrowly and + anxiously, seemed more at ease, setting aside the doubts that earlier had + tormented him lest I should be forced upon a life for which I had no + vocation. He grew more tender and loving towards me, as if something of + pity lurked within the strong affection in which he held me. + </p> + <p> + And, meanwhile, as I grew in grace of spirit, so too did I grow in grace + of body, waxing tall and very strong, which would have been nowise + surprising but that those nurtured as was I are seldom lusty. The mind + feeding overmuch upon the growing body is apt to sap its strength and + vigour, besides which there was the circumstance that I continued + throughout those years a life almost of confinement, deprived of all the + exercises by which youth is brought to its fine flower of strength. + </p> + <p> + As I was approaching my eighteenth year there befell another incident, + which, trivial in itself, yet has its place in my development and so + should have its place within these confessions. Nor did I judge it trivial + at the time—nor were trivial the things that followed out of it—trivial + though it may seem to me to-day as I look back upon it through all the + murk of later life. + </p> + <p> + Giojoso, the seneschal, of whom I have spoken, had a son, a great + raw-boned lad whom he would have trained as an amanuensis, but who was one + of Nature's dunces out of which there is nothing useful to be made. He was + strong-limbed, however, and he was given odd menial duties to perform + about the castle. But these he shirked where possible, as he had shirked + his lessons in earlier days. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened that I was walking one spring morning—it was in May + of that year '44 of which I am now writing—on the upper of the three + spacious terraces that formed the castle garden. It was but an + indifferently tended place, and yet perhaps the more agreeable on that + account, since Nature had been allowed to have her prodigal, luxuriant + way. It is true that the great boxwood hedges needed trimming, and that + weeds were sprouting between the stones of the flights of steps that led + from terrace to terrace; but the place was gay and fragrant with wild + blossoms, and the great trees afforded generous shade, and the long rank + grass beneath them made a pleasant couch to lie on during the heat of the + day in summer. The lowest terrace of all was in better case. It was a + well-planted and well-tended orchard, where I got many a colic in my + earlier days from a gluttony of figs and peaches whose complete ripening I + was too impatient to await. + </p> + <p> + I walked there, then, one morning quite early on the upper terrace + immediately under the castle wall, and alternately I read from the De + Civitate Dei which I had brought with me, alternately mused upon the + matter of my reading. Suddenly I was disturbed by a sound of voices just + below me. + </p> + <p> + The boxwood hedge, being twice my height and fully two feet thick, + entirely screened the speakers from my sight. + </p> + <p> + There were two voices, and one of these, angry and threatening, I + recognized for that of Rinolfo—Messer Giojoso's graceless son; the + other, a fresh young feminine voice, was entirely unknown to me; indeed it + was the first girl's voice I could recall having heard in all my eighteen + years, and the sound was as pleasantly strange as it was strangely + pleasant. + </p> + <p> + I stood quite still, to listen to its expostulations. + </p> + <p> + “You are a cruel fellow, Ser Rinolfo, and Madonna the Countess shall be + told of this.” + </p> + <p> + There followed a crackling of twigs and a rush of heavy feet. + </p> + <p> + “You shall have something else of which to tell Madonna's beatitude,” + threatened the harsh voice of Rinolfo. + </p> + <p> + That and his advances were answered by a frightened screech, a screech + that moved rapidly to the right as it was emitted. There came more + snapping of twigs, a light scurrying sound followed by a heavier one, and + lastly a panting of breath and a soft pattering of running feet upon the + steps that led up to the terrace where I walked. + </p> + <p> + I moved forward rapidly to the opening in the hedge where these steps + debouched, and no sooner had I appeared there than a soft, lithe body + hurtled against me so suddenly that my arms mechanically went round it, my + right hand still holding the De Civitate Dei, forefinger enclosed within + its pages to mark the place. + </p> + <p> + Two moist dark eyes looked up appealingly into mine out of a frightened + but very winsome, sun-tinted face. + </p> + <p> + “O Madonnino!” she panted. “Protect me! Save me!” + </p> + <p> + Below us, checked midway in his furious ascent, halted Rinolfo, his big + face red with anger, scowling up at me in sudden doubt and resentment. + </p> + <p> + The situation was not only extraordinary in itself, but singularly + disturbing to me. Who the girl was, or whence she came, I had no thought + or notion as I surveyed her. She would be of about my own age, or perhaps + a little younger, and from her garb it was plain that she belonged to the + peasant class. She wore a spotless bodice of white linen, which but + indifferently concealed the ripening swell of her young breast. Her + petticoat, of dark red homespun, stopped short above her bare brown + ankles, and her little feet were naked. Her brown hair, long and abundant, + was still fastened at the nape of her slim neck, but fell loose beyond + that, having been disturbed, no doubt, in her scuffle with Rinolfo. Her + little mouth was deeply red and it held strong young teeth that were as + white as milk. + </p> + <p> + I have since wondered whether she was as beautiful as I deemed her in that + moment. For it must be remembered that mine was the case of the son of + Filippo Balducci—related by Messer Boccaccio in the merry tales of + his Decamerone 1—who had come to years of adolescence without ever + having beheld womanhood, so that the first sight of it in the streets of + Florence affected him so oddly that he vexed his sire with foolish + questions and still more foolish prayers. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 In the Introduction to the Fourth Day. +</pre> + <p> + So was it now with me. In all my eighteen years I had by my mother's + careful contriving never set eyes upon a woman of an age inferior to her + own. And—consider me foolish if you will but so it is—I do not + think that it had occurred to me that they existed, or else, if they did, + that in youth they differed materially from what in age I found them. Thus + I had come to look upon women as just feeble, timid creatures, over-prone + to gossip, tears, and lamentations, and good for very little that I could + perceive. + </p> + <p> + I had been unable to understand for what reason it was that San Luigi of + Gonzaga had from years of discretion never allowed his eyes to rest upon a + woman; nor could I see wherein lay the special merit attributed to this. + And certain passages in the Confessions of St. Augustine and in the early + life of St. Francis of Assisi bewildered me and left me puzzled. + </p> + <p> + But now, quite suddenly, it was as if revelation had come to me. It was as + if the Book of Life had at last been opened for me, and at a glance I had + read one of its dazzling pages. So that whether this brown peasant girl + was beautiful or not, beautiful she seemed to me with the radiant beauty + that is attributed to the angels of Paradise. Nor did I doubt that she + would be as holy, for to see in beauty a mark of divine favour is not + peculiar only to the ancient Greeks. + </p> + <p> + And because of the appeal of this beauty—real or supposed—I + was very ready with my protection, since I felt that protection must carry + with it certain rights of ownership which must be very sweet and were + certainly desired. + </p> + <p> + Holding her, therefore, within the shelter of my arms, where in her + heedless innocence she had flung herself, and by very instinct stroking + with one hand her little brown head to soothe her fears, I became + truculent for the first time in my new-found manhood, and boldly + challenged her pursuer. + </p> + <p> + “What is this, Rinolfo?” I demanded. “Why do you plague her?” + </p> + <p> + “She broke up my snares,” he answered sullenly, “and let the birds go + free.” + </p> + <p> + “What snares? What birds?” quoth I. + </p> + <p> + “He is a cruel beast,” she shrilled. “And he will lie to you, Madonnino.” + </p> + <p> + “If he does I'll break the bones of his body,” I promised in a tone + entirely new to me. And then to him—“The truth now, poltroon!” I + admonished him. + </p> + <p> + At last I got the story out of them: how Rinolfo had scattered grain in a + little clearing in the garden, and all about it had set twigs that were + heavily smeared with viscum; that he set this trap almost daily, and daily + took a great number of birds whose necks he wrung and had them cooked for + him with rice by his silly mother; that it was a sin in any case to take + little birds by such cowardly means, but that since amongst these birds + there were larks and thrushes and plump blackbirds and other sweet + musicians of the air, whose innocent lives were spent in singing the + praises of God, his sin became a hideous sacrilege. + </p> + <p> + Finally I learnt that coming that morning upon half a score of poor + fluttering terrified birds held fast in Rinolfo's viscous snares, the + little girl had given them their liberty and had set about breaking up the + springes. At this occupation he had caught her, and there is no doubt that + he would have taken a rude vengeance but for the sanctuary which she had + found in me. + </p> + <p> + And when I had heard, behold me for the first time indulging the + prerogative that was mine by right of birth, and dispensing justice at + Mondolfo like the lord of life and death that I was there. + </p> + <p> + “You, Rinolfo,” I said, “will set no more snares here at Mondolfo, nor + will you ever again enter these gardens under pain of my displeasure and + its consequences. And as for this child, if you dare to molest her for + what has happened now, or if you venture so much as to lay a finger upon + her at any time and I have word of it, I shall deal with you as with a + felon. Now go.” + </p> + <p> + He went straight to his father, the seneschal, with a lying tale of my + having threatened him with violence and forbidden him ever to enter the + garden again because he had caught me there with Luisina—as the + child was called—in my arms. And Messer Giojoso, full of parental + indignation at this gross treatment of his child, and outraged chastity at + the notion of a young man of churchly aims, as were mine, being in + perversive dalliance with that peasant-wench, repaired straight to my + mother with the story of it, which I doubt not lost nothing by its + repetition. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile I abode there with Luisina. I was in no haste to let her go. Her + presence pleased me in some subtle, quite indefinable manner; and my sense + of beauty, which, always strong, had hitherto lain dormant within me, was + awake at last and was finding nourishment in the graces of her. + </p> + <p> + I sat down upon the topmost of the terrace steps, and made her sit beside + me. This she did after some demur about the honour of it and her own + unworthiness, objections which I brushed peremptorily aside. + </p> + <p> + So we sat there on that May morning, quite close together, for which there + was, after all, no need, seeing that the steps were of a noble width. At + our feet spread the garden away down the flight of terraces to end in the + castle's grey, buttressed wall. But from where we sat we could look beyond + this, our glance meeting the landscape a mile or so away with the waters + of the Taro glittering in the sunshine, and the Apennines, all hazy, for + an ultimate background. + </p> + <p> + I took her hand, which she relinquished to me quite freely and frankly + with an innocence as great as my own; and I asked her who she was and how + she came to Mondolfo. It was then that I learnt that her name was Luisina, + that she was the daughter of one of the women employed in the castle + kitchen, who had brought her to help there a week ago from Borgo Taro, + where she had been living with an aunt. + </p> + <p> + To-day the notion of the Tyrant of Mondolfo sitting—almost coram + populo—on the steps of the garden of his castle, clasping the hand + of the daughter of one of his scullions, is grotesque and humiliating. At + the time the thought never presented itself to me at all, and had it done + so it would have troubled me no whit. She was my first glimpse of fresh + young maidenhood, and I was filled with pleasant interest and desirous of + more acquaintance with this phenomenon. Beyond that I did not go. + </p> + <p> + I told her frankly that she was very beautiful. Whereupon she looked at me + with suddenly startled eyes that were full of fearful questionings, and + made to draw her hand from mine. Unable to understand her fears, and + seeking to reassure her, to convince her that in me she had a friend, one + who would ever protect her from the brutalities of all the Rinolfos in the + world, I put an arm about her shoulders and drew her closer to me, gently + and protectingly. + </p> + <p> + She suffered it very stonily, like a poor fascinated thing that is robbed + by fear of its power to resist the evil that it feels enfolding it. + </p> + <p> + “O Madonnino!” she whispered fearfully, and sighed. “Nay, you must not. + It... it is not good.” + </p> + <p> + “Not good?” quoth I, and it was just so that that fool of a son of + Balducci's must have protested in the story when he was told by his father + that it was not good to look on women. “Nay, now, but it is good to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And they say you are to be a priest,” she added, which seemed to me a + very foolish and inconsequent thing to add. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then? And what of that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + She looked at me again with those timid eyes of hers. “You should be at + your studies,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I am,” said I, and smiled. “I am studying a new subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Madonnino, it is not a subject whose study makes good priests,” she + announced, and puzzled me again by the foolish inconsequence of her words. + </p> + <p> + Already, indeed, she began to disappoint me. Saving my mother—whom I + did not presume to judge at all, and who seemed a being altogether apart + from what little humanity I had known until then—I had found that + foolishness was as natural to women as its bleat to a sheep or its cackle + to a goose; and in this opinion I had been warmly confirmed by Fra + Gervasio. Now here in Luisina I had imagined at first that I had + discovered a phase of womanhood unsuspected and exceptional. She was + driving me to conclude, however, that I had been mistaken, and that here + was just a pretty husk containing a very trivial spirit, whose + companionship must prove a dull affair when custom should have staled the + first impression of her fresh young beauty. + </p> + <p> + It is plain now that I did her an injustice, for there was about her words + none of the inconsequence I imagined. The fault was in myself and in the + profound ignorance of the ways of men and women which went hand in hand + with my deep but ineffectual learning in the ways of saints. + </p> + <p> + Our entertainment, however, was not destined to go further. For at the + moment in which I puzzled over her words and sought to attach to them some + intelligent meaning, there broke from behind us a scream that flung us + apart, as startled as if we had been conscious indeed of guilt. + </p> + <p> + We looked round to find that it had been uttered by my mother. Not ten + yards away she stood, a tall black figure against the grey background of + the lichened wall, with Giojoso in attendance and Rinolfo slinking behind + his father, leering. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. REBELLION + </h2> + <p> + The sight of my mother startled me more than I can say. It filled me with + a positive dread of things indefinable. Never before had I seen her coldly + placid countenance so strangely disordered, and her unwonted aspect it + must have been that wrought so potently upon me. + </p> + <p> + No longer was she the sorrowful spectre, white-faced, with downcast eyes + and level, almost inanimate, tones. Her cheeks were flushed unnaturally, + her lips were quivering, and angry fires were smouldering in her deep-set + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly she came down to us, seeming almost to glide over the ground. Not + me she addressed, but poor Luisina; and her voice was hoarse with an awful + anger. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, wench?” quoth she. “What make you here in Mondolfo?” + </p> + <p> + Luisina had risen and stood swaying there, very white and with averted + eyes, her hands clasping and unclasping. Her lips moved; but she was too + terrified to answer. It was Giojoso who stepped forward to inform my + mother of the girl's name and condition. And upon learning it her anger + seemed to increase. + </p> + <p> + “A kitchen-wench!” she cried. “O horror!” + </p> + <p> + And quite suddenly, as if by inspiration, scarce knowing what I said or + that I spoke at all, I answered her out of the store of the theological + learning with which she had had me stuffed. + </p> + <p> + “We are all equals in the sight of God, madam mother.” + </p> + <p> + She flashed me a glance of anger, of pious anger than which none can be + more terrible. + </p> + <p> + “Blasphemer!” she denounced me. “What has God to do with this?” + </p> + <p> + She waited for no answer, rightly judging, perhaps, that I had none to + offer. + </p> + <p> + “And as for that wanton,” she commanded, turning fiercely to Giojoso, “let + her be whipped hence and out of the town of Mondolfo. Set the grooms to + it.” + </p> + <p> + But upon that command of hers I leapt of a sudden to my feet, a tightening + about my heart, and beset by a certain breathlessness that turned me pale. + </p> + <p> + Here again, it seemed, was to be repeated—though with methods a + thousand times more barbarous and harsh—the wrong that was done + years ago in the case of poor Gino Falcone. And the reason for it in this + instance was not even dimly apparent to me. Falcone I had loved; indeed, + in my eighteen years of life he was the only human being who had knocked + for admission upon the portals of my heart. Him they had driven forth. And + now, here was a child—the fairest creature of God's that until that + hour I had beheld, whose companionship seemed to me a thing sweet and + desirable, and whom I felt that I might love as I had loved Falcone. Her + too they would drive forth, and with a brutality and cruelty that revolted + me. + </p> + <p> + Later I was to perceive the reasons better, and much food for reflection + was I to derive from realizing that there are no spirits so vengeful, so + fierce, so utterly intolerant, ungovernable, and feral as the spirits of + the devout when they conceive themselves justified to anger. + </p> + <p> + All the sweet teaching of Charity and brotherly love and patience is + jettisoned, and by the most amazing paradox that Christianity has ever + known, Catholic burns heretic, and heretic butchers Catholic, all for the + love of Christ; and each glories devoutly in the deed, never heeding the + blasphemy of his belief that thus he obeys the sweet and gentle mandates + of the God Incarnate. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, my mother now, commanding that hideous deed with a mind at + peace in pharisaic self-righteousness. + </p> + <p> + But not again would I stand by as I had stood by in the case of Falcone, + and let her cruel, pietistic will be done. I had grown since then, and I + had ripened more than I was aware. It remained for this moment to reveal + to me the extent. Besides, the subtle influence of sex—all + unconscious of it as I was—stirred me now to prove my new-found + manhood. + </p> + <p> + “Stay!” I said to Giojoso, and in uttering the command I grew very cold + and steady, and my breathing resumed the normal. + </p> + <p> + He checked in the act of turning away to do my mother's hideous bidding. + </p> + <p> + “You will give Madonna's order to the grooms, Ser Giojoso, as you have + been bidden. But you will add from me that if there is one amongst them + dares to obey it and to lay be it so much as a finger upon Luisina, him + will I kill with these two hands.” + </p> + <p> + Never was consternation more profound than that which I flung amongst them + by those words. Giojoso fell to trembling; behind him, Rinolfo, the cause + of all this garboil, stared with round big eyes; whilst my mother, all + a-quiver, clutched at her bosom and looked at me fearfully, but spoke no + word. + </p> + <p> + I smiled upon them, towering there, conscious and glad of my height for + the first time in my life. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” I demanded of Giojoso. “For what do you wait? About it, sir, and + do as my mother has commanded you.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to her, all bent and grovelling, arms outstretched in ludicrous + bewilderment, every line of him beseeching guidance along this path so + suddenly grown thorny. + </p> + <p> + “Ma—madonna!” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + She swallowed hard, and spoke at last. + </p> + <p> + “Do you defy my will, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, madam mother, I am enforcing it. Your will shall be + done; your order shall be given. I insist upon it. But it shall lie with + the discretion of the grooms whether they obey you. Am I to blame if they + turn cowards?” + </p> + <p> + O, I had found myself at last, and I was making a furious, joyous use of + the discovery. + </p> + <p> + “That... that were to make a mock of me and my authority,” she protested. + She was still rather helpless, rather breathless and confused, like one + who has suddenly been hurled into cold water. + </p> + <p> + “If you fear that, madam, perhaps you had better countermand your order.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the girl to remain in Mondolfo against my wishes? Are you so... so + lost to shame?” A returning note of warmth in her accents warned me that + she was collecting herself to deal with the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said I, and I looked at Luisina, who stood there so pale and + tearful. “I think that for her own sake, poor maid, it were better that + she went, since you desire it. But she shall not be whipped hence like a + stray dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, child,” I said to her, as gently as I could. “Go pack, and quit + this home of misery. And be easy. For if any man in Mondolfo attempts to + hasten your going, he shall reckon with me.” + </p> + <p> + I laid a hand for an instant in kindliness and friendliness upon her + shoulder. “Poor little Luisina,” said I, sighing. But she shrank and + trembled under my touch. “Pity me a little, for they will not permit me + any friends, and who is friendless is indeed pitiful.” + </p> + <p> + And then, whether the phrase touched her, so that her simple little nature + was roused and she shook off what self-control she had ever learnt, or + whether she felt secure enough in my protection to dare proclaim her mind + before them all, she caught my hand, and, stooping, kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “O Madonnino!” she faltered, and her tears showered upon that hand of + mine. “God reward you your sweet thought for me. I shall pray for you, + Madonnino.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, Luisina,” said I. “I begin to think I need it.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, indeed!” said my mother very sombrely. And as she spoke, Luisina, + as if her fears were reawakened, turned suddenly and went quickly along + the terrace, past Rinolfo, who in that moment smiled viciously, and round + the angle of the wall. + </p> + <p> + “What... what are my orders, Madonna?” quoth the wretched seneschal, + reminding her that all had not yet been resolved. + </p> + <p> + She lowered her eyes to the ground, and folded her hands. She was by now + quite composed again, her habitual sorrowful self. + </p> + <p> + “Let be,” she said. “Let the wench depart. So that she goes we may count + ourselves fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “Fortunate, I think, is she,” said I. “Fortunate to return to the world + beyond all this—the world of life and love that God made and that + St. Francis praises. I do not think he would have praised Mondolfo, for I + greatly doubt that God had a hand in making it as it is to-day. It is + too... too arid.” + </p> + <p> + O, my mood was finely rebellious that May morning. + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad, Agostino?” gasped my mother. + </p> + <p> + “I think that I am growing sane,” said I very sadly. She flashed me one of + her rare glances, and I saw her lips tighten. + </p> + <p> + “We must talk,” she said. “That girl...” And then she checked. “Come with + me,” she bade me. + </p> + <p> + But in that moment I remembered something, and I turned aside to look for + my friend Rinolfo. He was moving stealthily away, following the road + Luisina had taken. The conviction that he went to plague and jeer at her, + to exult over her expulsion from Mondolfo, kindled my anger all anew. + </p> + <p> + “Stay! You there! Rinolfo!” I called. + </p> + <p> + He halted in his strides, and looked over his shoulder, impudently. + </p> + <p> + I had never yet been paid by any the deference that was my due. Indeed, I + think that among the grooms and serving-men at Mondolfo I must have been + held in a certain measure of contempt, as one who would never come to more + manhood than that of the cassock. + </p> + <p> + “Come here,” I bade him, and as he appeared to hesitate I had to repeat + the order more peremptorily. At last he turned and came. + </p> + <p> + “What now, Agostino?” cried my mother, setting a pale hand upon my sleeve + </p> + <p> + But I was all intent upon that lout, who stood there before me shifting + uneasily upon his feet, his air mutinous and sullen. Over his shoulder I + had a glimpse of his father's yellow face, wide-eyed with alarm. + </p> + <p> + “I think you smiled just now,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Heh! By Bacchus!” said he impudently, as who would say: “How could I help + smiling?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell me why you smiled?” I asked him. + </p> + <p> + “Heh! By Bacchus!” said he again, and shrugged to give his insolence a + barb. + </p> + <p> + “Will you answer me?” I roared, and under my display of anger he looked + truculent, and thus exhausted the last remnant of my patience. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino!” came my mothers voice in remonstrance, and such is the power + of habit that for a moment it controlled me and subdued my violence. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless I went on, “You smiled to see your spite succeed. You smiled + to see that poor child driven hence by your contriving; you smiled to see + your broken snares avenged. And you were following after her no doubt to + tell her all this and to smile again. This is all so, it is not?” + </p> + <p> + “Heh! By Bacchus!” said he for the third time, and at that my patience + gave out utterly. Ere any could stop me I had seized him by throat and + belt and shaken him savagely. + </p> + <p> + “Will you answer me like a fool?” I cried. “Must you be taught sense and a + proper respect of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Agostino! Agostino!” wailed my mother. “Help, Ser Giojoso! Do you not see + that he is mad!” + </p> + <p> + I do not believe that it was in my mind to do the fellow any grievous + hurt. But he was so ill-advised in that moment as to attempt to defend + himself. He rashly struck at one of the arms that held him, and by the act + drove me into a fury ungovernable. + </p> + <p> + “You dog!” I snarled at him from between clenched teeth. “Would you raise + your hand to me? Am I your lord, or am I dirt of your own kind? Go learn + submission.” And I flung him almost headlong down the flight of steps. + </p> + <p> + There were twelve of them and all of stone with edges still sharp enough + though blunted here and there by time. The fool had never suspected in me + the awful strength which until that hour I had never suspected in myself. + Else, perhaps, there had been fewer insolent shrugs, fewer foolish + answers, and, last of all, no attempt to defy me physically. + </p> + <p> + He screamed as I flung him; my mother screamed; and Giojoso screamed. + </p> + <p> + After that there was a panic-stricken silence whilst he went thudding and + bumping to the bottom of the flight. I did not greatly care if I killed + him. But he was fortunate enough to get no worse hurt than a broken leg, + which should keep him out of mischief for a season and teach him respect + for me for all time. + </p> + <p> + His father scuttled down the steps to the assistance of that precious son, + who lay moaning where he had fallen, the angle at which the half of one of + his legs stood to the rest of it, plainly announcing the nature of his + punishment. + </p> + <p> + My mother swept me indoors, loading me with reproaches as we went. She + dispatched some to help Giojoso, others she sent in urgent quest of Fra + Gervasio, me she hurried along to her private dining-room. I went very + obediently, and even a little fearfully now that my passion had fallen + from me. + </p> + <p> + There, in that cheerless room, which not even the splashes of sunlight + falling from the high-placed windows upon the whitewashed wall could help + to gladden, I stood a little sullenly what time she first upbraided me and + then wept bitterly, sitting in her high-backed chair at the table's head. + </p> + <p> + At last Gervasio came, anxious and flurried, for already he had heard some + rumour of what had chanced. His keen eyes went from me to my mother and + then back again to me. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “What has not happened?” wailed my mother. “Agostino is possessed.” + </p> + <p> + He knit his brows. “Possessed?” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, possessed—possessed of devils. He has been violent. He has + broken poor Rinolfo's leg.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Gervasio, and turned to me frowning with full tutorial + sternness. “And what have you to say, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that I am sorry,” answered I, rebellious once more. “I had hoped to + break his dirty neck.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear him!” cried my mother. “It is the end of the world, Gervasio. + The boy is possessed, I say.” + </p> + <p> + “What was the cause of your quarrel?” quoth the friar, his manner still + more stern. + </p> + <p> + “Quarrel?” quoth I, throwing back my head and snorting audibly. “I do not + quarrel with Rinolfos. I chastise them when they are insolent or displease + me. This one did both.” + </p> + <p> + He halted before me, erect and very stern—indeed almost threatening. + And I began to grow afraid; for, after all, I had a kindness for Gervasio, + and I would not willingly engage in a quarrel with him. Yet here I was + determined to carry through this thing as I had begun it. + </p> + <p> + It was my mother who saved the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” she moaned, “there is wicked blood in him. He has the abominable + pride that was the ruin and downfall of his father.” + </p> + <p> + Now that was not the way to make an ally of Fra Gervasio. It did the very + opposite. It set him instantly on my side, in antagonism to the abuser of + my father's memory, a memory which he, poor man, still secretly revered. + </p> + <p> + The sternness fell away from him. He looked at her and sighed. Then, with + bowed head, and hands clasped behind him, he moved away from me a little. + </p> + <p> + “Do not let us judge rashly,” he said. “Perhaps Agostino received some + provocation. Let us hear...” + </p> + <p> + “O, you shall hear,” she promised tearfully, exultant to prove him wrong. + “You shall hear a yet worse abomination that was the cause of it.” + </p> + <p> + And out she poured the story that Rinolfo and his father had run to tell + her—of how I had shown the fellow violence in the first instance + because he had surprised me with Luisina in my arms. + </p> + <p> + The friar's face grew dark and grave as he listened. But ere she had quite + done, unable longer to contain myself, I interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “In that he lied like the muckworm that he is,” I exclaimed. “And it + increases my regrets that I did not break his neck as I intended.” + </p> + <p> + “He lied?” quoth she, her eyes wide open in amazement—not at the + fact, but at the audacity of what she conceived my falsehood. + </p> + <p> + “It is not impossible,” said Fra Gervasio. “What is your story, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + I told it—how the child out of a very gentle and Christian pity had + released the poor birds that were taken in Rinolfo's limed twigs, and how + in a fury he had made to beat her, so that she had fled to me for shelter + and protection; and how, thereupon, I had bidden him begone out of that + garden, and never set foot in it again. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” I ended, “you know all the violence that I showed him, and the + reason for it. If you say that I did wrong, I warn you that I shall not + believe you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed...” began the friar with a faint smile of friendliness. But my + mother interrupted him, betwixt sorrow and anger. + </p> + <p> + “He lies, Gervasio. He lies shamelessly. O, into what a morass of sin has + he not fallen, and every moment he goes deeper! Have I not said that he is + possessed? We shall need the exorcist.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall indeed, madam mother, to clear your mind of foolishness,” I + answered hotly, for it stung me to the soul to be branded thus a liar, to + have my word discredited by that of a lout such as Rinolfo. + </p> + <p> + She rose a sombre pillar of indignation. “Agostino, I am your mother,” she + reminded me. + </p> + <p> + “Let us thank God that for that, at least, you cannot blame me,” answered + I, utterly reckless now. + </p> + <p> + The answer crushed her back into her chair. She looked appealingly at Fra + Gervasio, who stood glum and frowning. “Is he... is he perchance + bewitched?” she asked the friar, quite seriously. “Do you think that any + spells might have.” + </p> + <p> + He interrupted her with a wave of the hand and an impatient snort + </p> + <p> + “We are at cross purposes here,” he said. “Agostino does not lie. For that + I will answer.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Fra Gervasio, I tell you that I saw them—that I saw them with + these two eyes—sitting together on the terrace steps, and he had his + arm about her. Yet he denies it shamelessly to my face.” + </p> + <p> + “Said I ever a word of that?” I appealed me to the friar. “Why, that was + after Rinolfo left us. My tale never got so far. It is quite true. I did + sit beside her. The child was troubled. I comforted her. Where was the + harm?” + </p> + <p> + “The harm?” quoth he. “And you had your arm about her—and you to be + a priest one day?” + </p> + <p> + “And why not, pray?” quoth I. “Is this some new sin that you have + discovered—or that you have kept hidden from me until now? To + console the afflicted is an ordination of Mother Church; to love our + fellow-creatures an ordination of our Blessed Lord Himself. I was + performing both. Am I to be abused for that?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me very searchingly, seeking in my countenance—as I now + know—some trace of irony or guile. Finding none, he turned to my + mother. He was very solemn. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna,” he said quietly, “I think that Agostino is nearer to being a + saint than either you or I will ever get.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him, first in surprise, then very sadly. Slowly she shook + her head. “Unhappily for him there is another arbiter of saintship, Who + sees deeper than do you, Gervasio.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed his head. “Better not to look deep enough than to do as you seem + in danger of doing, Madonna, and by looking too deep imagine things which + do not exist.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you will defend him against reason even,” she complained. “His anger + exists. His thirst to kill—to stamp himself with the brand of Cain—exists. + He confesses that himself. His insubordination to me you have seen for + yourself; and that again is sin, for it is ordained that we shall honour + our parents. + </p> + <p> + “O!” she moaned. “My authority is all gone. He is beyond my control. He + has shaken off the reins by which I sought to guide him.” + </p> + <p> + “You had done well to have taken my advice a year ago, Madonna. Even now + it is not too late. Let him go to Pavia, to the Sapienza, to study his + humanities.” + </p> + <p> + “Out into the world!” she cried in horror. “O, no, no! I have sheltered + him here so carefully!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you cannot shelter him for ever,” said he. “He must go out into the + world some day.” + </p> + <p> + “He need not,” she faltered. “If the call were strong enough within him, a + convent...” She left her sentence unfinished, and looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “Go, Agostino,” she bade me. “Fra Gervasio and I must talk.” + </p> + <p> + I went reluctantly, since in the matter of their talk none could have had + a greater interest than I, seeing that my fate stood in the balance of it. + But I went, none the less, and her last words to me as I was departing + were an injunction that I should spend the time until I should take up my + studies for the day with Fra Gervasio in seeking forgiveness for the + morning's sins and grace to do better in the future. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. FRA GERVASIO + </h2> + <p> + I did not again see my mother that day, nor did she sup with us that + evening. I was told by Fra Gervasio that on my account was she in retreat, + praying for light and guidance in the thing that must be determined + concerning me. + </p> + <p> + I withdrew early to my little bedroom overlooking the gardens, a room that + had more the air of a monastic cell than a bedchamber fitting the estate + of the Lord of Mondolfo. The walls were whitewashed, and besides the + crucifix that hung over my bed, their only decoration was a crude painting + of St. Augustine disputing with the little boy on the seashore. + </p> + <p> + For bed I had a plain hard pallet, and the room contained, in addition, a + wooden chair, a stool upon which was set a steel basin with its ewer for + my ablutions, and a cupboard for the few sombre black garments I possessed—for + the amiable vanity of raiment usual in young men of my years had never yet + assailed me; I had none to emulate in that respect. + </p> + <p> + I got me to bed, blew out my taper, and composed myself to sleep. But + sleep was playing truant from me. Long I lay there surveying the events of + that day—the day in which I had embarked upon the discovery of + myself; the most stirring day that I had yet lived; the day in which, + although I scarcely realized it, if at all, I had at once tasted love and + battle, the strongest meats that are in the dish of life. + </p> + <p> + For some hours, I think, had I lain there, reflecting and putting together + pieces of the riddle of existence, when my door was softly opened, and I + started up in bed to behold Fra Gervasio bearing a taper which he + sheltered with one hand, so that the light of it was thrown upwards into + his pale, gaunt face. + </p> + <p> + Seeing me astir he came forward and closed the door. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Sh!” he admonished me, a finger to his lips. He advanced to my side, set + down the taper on the chair, and seated himself upon the edge of my bed. + </p> + <p> + “Lie down again, my son,” he bade me. “I have something to say to you.” + </p> + <p> + He paused a moment, whilst I settled down again and drew the coverlet to + my chin not without a certain premonition of important things to come. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna has decided,” he informed me then. “She fears that having once + resisted her authority, you are now utterly beyond her control; and that + to keep you here would be bad for yourself and for her. Therefore she has + resolved that to-morrow you leave Mondolfo.” + </p> + <p> + A faint excitement began to stir in me. To leave Mondolfo—to go out + into that world of which I had read so much; to mingle with my fellow-man, + with youths of my own age, perhaps with maidens like Luisina, to see + cities and the ways of cities; here indeed was matter for excitement. Yet + it was an excitement not altogether pleasurable; for with my very natural + curiosity, and with my eagerness to have it gratified, were blended + certain fears imbibed from the only quality of reading that had been mine. + </p> + <p> + The world was an evil place in which temptations seethed, and through + which it was difficult to come unscathed. Therefore, I feared the world + and the adventuring beyond the shelter of the walls of the castle of + Mondolfo; and yet I desired to judge for myself the evil of which I read, + the evil which in moments of doubt I even permitted myself to question. + </p> + <p> + My reasoning followed the syllogism that God being good and God having + created the world, it was not possible that the creation should be evil. + It was well enough to say that the devil was loose in it. But that was not + to say that the devil had created it; and it would be necessary to prove + this ere it could be established that it was evil in itself—as many + theologians appeared to seek to show—and a place to be avoided. + </p> + <p> + Such was the question that very frequently arose in my mind, ultimately to + be dismissed as a lure of Satan's to imperil my poor soul. It battled for + existence now amid my fears; and it gained some little ascendancy. + </p> + <p> + “And whither am I to go?” I asked. “To Pavia, or to the University of + Bologna?” + </p> + <p> + “Had my advice been heeded,” said he, “one or the other would have been + your goal. But your mother took counsel with Messer Arcolano.” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged, and there was contempt in the lines of his mouth. He + distrusted Arcolano, the regular cleric who was my mother's confessor and + spiritual adviser, exerting over her a very considerable influence. She, + herself, had admitted that it was this Arcolano who had induced her to + that horrid traffic in my father's life and liberty which she was + mercifully spared from putting into effect. + </p> + <p> + “Messer Arcolano,” he resumed after a pause, “has a good friend in + Piacenza, a pedagogue, a doctor of civil and canon law, a man who, he + says, is very learned and very pious, named Astorre Fifanti. I have heard + of this Fifanti, and I do not at all agree with Messer Arcolano. I have + said so. But your mother...” He broke off. “It is decided that you go to + him at once, to take up your study of the humanities under his tutelage, + and that you abide with him until you are of an age for ordination, which + your mother hopes will be very soon. Indeed, it is her wish that you + should enter the subdeaconate in the autumn, and your novitiate next year, + to fit you for the habit of St. Augustine.” + </p> + <p> + He fell silent, adding no comment of any sort, as if he waited to hear + what of my own accord I might have to urge. But my mind was incapable of + travelling beyond the fact that I was to go out into the world to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + The circumstance that I should become a monk was no departure from the + idea to which I had been trained, although explicitly no more than my mere + priesthood had been spoken of. So I lay there without thinking of any + words in which to answer him. + </p> + <p> + Gervasio considered me steadily, and sighed a little. “Agostino,” he said + presently, “you are upon the eve of taking a great step, a step whose + import you may never fully have considered. I have been your tutor, and + your rearing has been my charge. That charge I have faithfully carried out + as was ordained me, but not as I would have carried it out had I been free + to follow my heart and my conscience in the matter. + </p> + <p> + “The idea of your ultimate priesthood has been so fostered in your mind + that you may well have come to believe that to be a priest is your own + inherent desire. I would have you consider it well now that the time + approaches for a step which is irrevocable.” + </p> + <p> + His words and his manner startled me alike. + </p> + <p> + “How?” I cried. “Do you say that it might be better if I did not seek + ordination? What better can the world offer than the priesthood? Have you + not, yourself, taught me that it is man's noblest calling?” + </p> + <p> + “To be a good priest, fulfilling all the teachings of the Master, becoming + in your turn His mouthpiece, living a life of self-abnegation, of + self-sacrifice and purity,” he answered slowly, “that is the noblest thing + a man can be. But to be a bad priest—there are other ways of being + damned less hurtful to the Church.” + </p> + <p> + “To be a bad priest?” quoth I. “Is it possible to be a bad priest?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not only possible, my son, but in these days it is very frequent. + Many men, Agostino, enter the Church out of motives of self-seeking. + Through such as these Rome has come to be spoken of as the Necropolis of + the Living. Others, Agostino—and these are men most worthy of pity—enter + the Church because they are driven to it in youth by ill-advised parents. + I would not have you one of these, my son.” + </p> + <p> + I stared at him, my amazement ever growing. “Do you... do you think I am + in danger of it?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “That is a question you must answer for yourself. No man can know what is + in another's heart. I have trained you as I was bidden train you. I have + seen you devout, increasing in piety, and yet...” He paused, and looked at + me again. “It may be that this is no more than the fruit of your training; + it may be that your piety and devotion are purely intellectual. It is very + often so. Men know the precepts of religion as a lawyer knows the law. It + no more follows out of that that they are religious—though they + conceive that it does—than it follows that a lawyer is law-abiding. + It is in the acts of their lives that we must seek their real natures, and + no single act of your life, Agostino, has yet given sign that the call is + in your heart. + </p> + <p> + “To-day, for instance, at what is almost your first contact with the + world, you indulge your human feelings to commit a violence; that you did + not kill is as much an accident as that you broke Rinolfo's leg. I do not + say that you did a very sinful thing. In a worldly youth of your years the + provocation you received would have more than justified your action. But + not in one who aims at a life of humility and self-forgetfulness such as + the priesthood imposes.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said I, “I heard you tell my mother below stairs that I was + nearer sainthood than either of you.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled sadly, and shook his head. “They were rash words, Agostino. I + mistook ignorance for purity—a common error. I have pondered it + since, and my reflection brings me to utter what in this household amounts + to treason.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand,” I confessed. + </p> + <p> + “My duty to your mother I have discharged more faithfully perhaps than I + had the right to do. My duty to my God I am discharging now, although to + you I may rather appear as an advocatus diaboli. This duty is to warn you; + to bid you consider well the step you are to take. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Agostino. I am speaking to you out of the bitter experience of a + very cruel life. I would not have you tread the path I have trodden. It + seldom leads to happiness in this world or the next; it seldom leads + anywhere but straight to Hell.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, and I looked into his haggard face in utter stupefaction to + hear such words from the lips of one whom I had ever looked upon as + goodness incarnate. + </p> + <p> + “Had I not known that some day I must speak to you as I am speaking now, I + had long since abandoned a task which I did not consider good. But I + feared to leave you. I feared that if I were removed my place might be + taken by some time-server who to earn a livelihood would tutor you as your + mother would have you tutored, and thrust you forth without warning upon + the life to which you have been vowed. + </p> + <p> + “Once, years ago, I was on the point of resisting your mother.” He passed + a hand wearily across his brow. “It was on the night that Gino Falcone + left us, driven forth by her because she accounted it her duty. Do you + remember, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + “O, I remember!” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “That night,” he pursued, “I was angered—righteously angered to see + so wicked and unchristian an act performed in blasphemous + self-righteousness. I was on the point of denouncing the deed as it + deserved, of denouncing your mother for it to her face. And then I + remembered you. I remembered the love I had borne your father, and my duty + to him, to see that no such wrong was done you in the end as that which I + feared. I reflected that if I spoke the words that were burning my tongue + for utterance, I should go as Gino Falcone had gone. + </p> + <p> + “Not that the going mattered. I could better save my soul elsewhere than + here in this atmosphere of Christianity misunderstood; and there are + always convents of my order to afford me shelter. But your being abandoned + mattered; and I felt that if I went, abandoned you would be to the + influences that drove and moulded you without consideration for your + nature and your inborn inclinations. Therefore I remained, and left + Falcone's cause unchampioned. Later I was to learn that he had found a + friend, and that he was... that he was being cared for.” + </p> + <p> + “By whom?” quoth I, more interested perhaps in this than in anything that + he had yet said. + </p> + <p> + “By one who was your father's friend,” he said, after a moment's + hesitation, “a soldier of fortune by name of Galeotto—a leader of + free lances who goes by the name of Il Gran Galeotto. But let that be. I + want to tell you of myself, that you may judge with what authority I + speak. + </p> + <p> + “I was destined,” Agostino, for a soldier's life in the following of my + valiant foster-brother, your father. Had I preserved the strength of my + early youth, undoubtedly a soldier's harness would be strapped here to-day + in the place of this scapulary. But it happened that an illness left me + sickly and ailing, and unfitted me utterly for such a life. Similarly it + unfitted me for the labour of the fields, so that I threatened to become a + useless burden upon my parents, who were peasant-folk. To avoid this they + determined to make a monk of me; they offered me to God because they found + me unfitted for the service of man; and, poor, simple, self-deluded folk, + they accounted that in doing so they did a good and pious thing. + </p> + <p> + “I showed aptitude in learning; I became interested in the things I + studied; I was absorbed by them in fact, and never gave a thought to the + future; I submitted without question to the wishes of my parents, and + before I awakened to a sense of what was done and what I was, myself, I + was in orders.” + </p> + <p> + He sank his voice impressively as he concluded—“For ten years + thereafter, Agostino, I wore a hair-shirt day and night, and for girdle a + knotted length of whip-cord in which were embedded thorns that stung and + chafed me and tore my body. For ten years, then, I never knew bodily ease + or proper rest at night. Only thus could I bring into subjection my + rebellious flesh, and save myself from the way of ordinary men which to me + must have been a path of sacrilege and sin. I was devout. Had I not been + devout and strong in my devotion I could never have endured what I was + forced to endure as the alternative to damnation, because without + consideration for my nature I had been ordained a priest. + </p> + <p> + “Consider this, Agostino; consider it well. I would not have you go that + way, nor feel the need to drive yourself from temptation by such a spur. + Because I know—I say it in all humility, Agostino, I hope, and + thanking God for the exceptional grace He vouchsafed me to support me—that + for one priest without vocation who can quench temptation by such + agonizing means, a hundred perish, which is bad; and by the scandal of + their example they drive many from the Church and set a weapon in the + hands of her enemies, which is a still heavier reckoning to meet + hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + A spell of silence followed. I was strangely moved by his tale, strangely + impressed by the warning that I perceived in it. And yet my confidence, I + think, was all unshaken. + </p> + <p> + And when presently he rose, took up his taper, and stood by my bedside to + ask me once again did I believe myself to be called, I showed my + confidence in my answer. + </p> + <p> + “It is my hope and prayer that I am called, indeed,” I said. “The life + that will best prepare me for the world to come is the life I would + follow.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me long and sadly. “You must do as your heart bids you,” he + sighed. “And when you have seen the world, your heart will have learnt to + speak to you more plainly.” And upon that he left me. + </p> + <p> + Next day I set out. + </p> + <p> + My leave-takings were brief. My mother shed some tears and many prayers + over me at parting. Not that she was moved to any grief at losing me. That + were a grief I should respect and the memory of which I should treasure as + a sacred thing. Her tears were tears of dread lest, surrounded by perils + in the world, I should succumb and thus falsify her vows. + </p> + <p> + She, herself, confessed it in the valedictory words she addressed to me. + Words that left the conviction clear upon my mind that the fulfilment of + her vow was the only thing concerning me that mattered. To the price that + later might be paid for it I cannot think that she ever gave a single + thought. + </p> + <p> + Tears there were too in the eyes of Fra Gervasio. My mother had suffered + me to do no more than kiss her hand—as was my custom. But the friar + took me to his bosom, and held me tight a moment in his long arms. + </p> + <p> + “Remember!” he murmured huskily and impressively. And then, putting me + from him, “God help and guide you, my son,” were his last words. + </p> + <p> + I went down the steps into the courtyard where most of the servants were + gathered to see their lord's departure, whilst Messer Arcolano, who was to + go with me, paused to assure my mother of the care that he would have of + me, and to receive her final commands concerning me. + </p> + <p> + Four men, mounted and armed, stood waiting to escort us, and with them + were three mules, one for Arcolano, one for myself, and the third already + laden with my baggage. + </p> + <p> + A servant held my stirrup, and I swung myself up into the saddle, with + which I was but indifferently acquainted. Then Arcolano mounted too, + puffing over the effort, for he was a corpulent, rubicund man with the + fattest hands I have ever seen. + </p> + <p> + I touched my mule with the whip, and the beast began to move. Arcolano + ambled beside me; and behind us, abreast, came the men-at-arms. Thus we + rode down towards the gateway, and as we went the servants murmured their + valedictory words. + </p> + <p> + “A safe journey, Madonnino!” + </p> + <p> + “A good return, Madonnino!” + </p> + <p> + I smiled back at them, and in the eyes of more than one I detected a look + of commiseration. + </p> + <p> + Once I turned, when the end of the quadrangle was reached, and I waved my + cap to my mother and Fra Gervasio, who stood upon the steps where I had + left them. The friar responded by waving back to me. But my mother made no + sign. Likely enough her eyes were upon the ground again already + </p> + <p> + Her unresponsiveness almost angered me. I felt that a man had the right to + some slight display of tenderness from the woman who had borne him. Her + frigidity wounded me. It wounded me the more in comparison with the + affectionate clasp of old Gervasio's arms. With a knot in my throat I + passed from the sunlight of the courtyard into the gloom of the gateway, + and out again beyond, upon the drawbridge. Our hooves thudded briskly upon + the timbers, and then with a sharper note upon the cobbles beyond. + </p> + <p> + I was outside the walls of the castle for the first time. Before me the + long, rudely paved street of the borgo sloped away to the market-place of + the town of Mondolfo. Beyond that lay the world, itself—all at my + feet, as I imagined. + </p> + <p> + The knot in my throat was dissolved. My pulses quickened with + anticipation. I dug my heels into the mule's belly and pushed on, the + portly cleric at my side. + </p> + <p> + And thus I left my home and the gloomy, sorrowful influence of my most + dolorous mother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. GIULIANA + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE HOUSE OF ASTORRE FIFANTI. + </h2> + <p> + Let me not follow in too close detail the incidents of that journey lest I + be in danger of becoming tedious. In themselves they contained laughable + matter enough, but in the mere relation they may seem dull. + </p> + <p> + Down the borgo, ahead of us, ran the rumour that here was the Madonnino of + Mondolfo, and the excitement that the announcement caused was something at + which I did not know whether to be flattered or offended. + </p> + <p> + The houses gave up their inhabitants, and all stood at gaze as we passed, + to behold for the first time this lord of theirs of whom they had heard + Heaven knows what stories—for where there are elements of mystery + human invention can be very active. + </p> + <p> + At first so many eyes confused me; so that I kept my own steadily upon the + glossy neck of my mule. Very soon, however, growing accustomed to being + stared at, I lost some of my shyness, and now it was that I became a + trouble to Messer Arcolano. For as I looked about me there were a hundred + things to hold my attention and to call for inquiry and nearer inspection. + </p> + <p> + We had come by this into the market-place, and it chanced that it was a + market-day and that the square was thronged with peasants from the Val di + Taro who had come to sell their produce and to buy their necessaries. + </p> + <p> + I was for halting at each booth and inspecting the wares, and each time + that I made as if to do so, the obsequious peasantry fell away before me, + making way invitingly. But Messer Arcolano urged me along, saying that we + had far to go, and that in Piacenza there were better shops and that I + should have more time to view them. + </p> + <p> + Then it was the fountain with its surmounting statues that caught my eye—Durfreno's + arresting, vigorous group of the Laocoon—and I must draw rein and + cry out in my amazement at so wonderful a piece of work, plaguing Arcolano + with a score of questions concerning the identity of the main figure and + how he came beset by so monstrous a reptile, and whether he had succeeded + in the end in his attempt to strangle it. + </p> + <p> + Arcolano, out of patience by now, answered me shortly that the reptile was + the sculptor's pious symbolization of sin, which St. Hercules was + overcoming. + </p> + <p> + I am by no means sure that such was not indeed his own conception of the + matter, and that there did not exist in his mind some confusion as to + whether the pagan demigod had a place in the Calendar or not. For he was + an uncultured, plebeian fellow, and what my mother should have found in + him to induce her to prefer him for her confessor and spiritual counsellor + to the learned Fra Gervasio is one more of the many mysteries which an + attempt to understand her must ever present to me. + </p> + <p> + Then there were the young peasant girls who thronged about and stood in + groups, blushing furiously under my glance, which Arcolano vainly bade me + lower. A score of times did it seem to me that one of these brown-legged, + lithe, comely creatures was my little Luisina; and more than once I was on + the point of addressing one or another, to discover my mistake and be + admonished for my astounding frivolousness by Messer Arcolano. + </p> + <p> + And when once or twice I returned the friendly laughter of these girls, + whilst the grinning serving-men behind me would nudge one another and wink + to see me—as they thought—so very far off the road to + priesthood to which I was vowed, hot anathema poured from the fat cleric's + lips, and he urged me roughly to go faster. + </p> + <p> + His tortures ended at last when we came into the open country. We rode in + silence for a mile or two, I being full of thought of all that I had seen, + and infected a little by the fever of life through which I had just + passed. At last, I remember that I turned to Arcolano, who was riding with + the ears of his mule in line with my saddle-bow, and asked him to point + out to me where my dominions ended. + </p> + <p> + The meek question provoked an astonishingly churlish answer. I was shortly + bidden to give my mind to other than worldly things; and with that he + began a homily, which lasted for many a weary mile, upon the vanities of + the world and the glories of Paradise—a homily of the very tritest, + upon subjects whereupon I, myself, could have dilated to better purpose + than could His Ignorance. + </p> + <p> + The distance from Mondolfo to Piacenza is a good eight leagues, and though + we had set out very early, it was past noon before we caught our first + glimpse of the city by the Po, lying low as it does in the vast Aemilian + plain, and Arcolano set himself to name to me this church and that whose + spires stood out against the cobalt background of the sky. + </p> + <p> + An hour or so after our first glimpse of the city, our weary beasts + brought us up to the Gate of San Lazzaro. But we did not enter, as I had + hoped. Messer Arcolano had had enough of me and my questions at Mondolfo, + and he was not minded to expose himself to worse behaviour on my part in + the more interesting thoroughfares of this great city. + </p> + <p> + So we passed it by, and rode under the very walls by way of an avenue of + flowering chestnuts, round to the northern side, until we emerged suddenly + upon the sands of Po, and I had my first view at close quarters of that + mighty river flowing gently about the islands, all thick with willows, + that seemed to float upon its gleaming waters. + </p> + <p> + Fishermen were at work in a boat out in mid-stream, heaving their nets to + the sound of the oddest cantilena, and I was all for pausing there to + watch their operations. But Arcolano urged me onward with that impatience + of his which took no account of my very natural curiosity. Presently I + drew rein again with exclamations of delight and surprise to see the + wonderful bridge of boats that spanned the river a little higher up. + </p> + <p> + But we had reached our destination. Arcolano called a halt at the gates of + a villa that stood a little way back from the road on slightly rising + ground near the Fodesta Gate. He bade one of the grooms get down and open, + and presently we ambled up a short avenue between tall banks of laurel, to + the steps of the villa itself. + </p> + <p> + It was a house of fair proportions, though to me at the time, accustomed + to the vast spaces of Mondolfo, it seemed the merest hut. It was painted + white, and it had green Venetian shutters which gave it a cool and + pleasant air; and through one of the open windows floated a sound of merry + voices, in which a woman's laugh was predominant. + </p> + <p> + The double doors stood open and through these there emerged a moment after + our halting a tall, thin man whose restless eyes surveyed us swiftly, + whose thin-lipped mouth smiled a greeting to Messer Arcolano in the pause + he made before hurrying down the steps with a slip-slop of ill-fitting + shoes. + </p> + <p> + This was Messer Astorre Fifanti, the pedant under whom I was to study, and + with whom I was to take up my residence for some months to come. + </p> + <p> + Seeing in him one who was to be set in authority over me, I surveyed him + with the profoundest interest, and from that instant I disliked him. + </p> + <p> + He was, as I have said, a tall, thin man; and he had long hands that were + very big and bony in the knuckles. Indeed they looked like monstrous + skeleton hands with a glove of skin stretched over them. He was quite + bald, save for a curly grizzled fringe that surrounded the back of his + head, on a level with his enormous ears, and his forehead ran up to the + summit of his egg-shaped head. His nose was pendulous and his eyes were + closely set, with too crafty a look for honesty. He wore no beard, and his + leathery cheeks were blue from the razor. His age may have been fifty; his + air was mean and sycophantic. Finally he was dressed in a black gaberdine + that descended to his knees, and he ended in a pair of the leanest shanks + and largest feet conceivable. + </p> + <p> + To greet us he fawned and washed his bony hands in the air. + </p> + <p> + “You have made a safe journey, then,” he purred. “Benedicamus Dominum!” + </p> + <p> + “Deo gratias!” rumbled the fat priest, as he heaved his rotundity from the + saddle with the assistance of one of the grooms. + </p> + <p> + They shook hands, and Fifanti turned to survey me for the second time. + </p> + <p> + “And this is my noble charge!” said he. “Salve! Be welcome to my house, + Messer Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + I got to earth, accepted his proffered hand, and thanked him. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the grooms were unpacking my baggage, and from the house came + hurrying an elderly servant to receive it and convey it within doors. + </p> + <p> + I stood there a little awkwardly, shifting from leg to leg, what time + Doctor Fifanti pressed Arcolano to come within and rest; he spoke, too, of + some Vesuvian wine that had been sent him from the South and upon which he + desired the priest's rare judgment. + </p> + <p> + Arcolano hesitated, and his gluttonous mouth quivered and twitched. But he + excused himself in the end. He must on. He had business to discharge in + the town, and he must return at once and render an account of our safe + journey to the Countess at Mondolfo. If he tarried now it would grow late + ere he reached Mondolfo, and late travelling pleased him not at all. As it + was his bones would be weary and his flesh tender from so much riding; but + he would offer it up to Heaven for his sins. + </p> + <p> + And when the too-amiable Fifanti had protested how little there could be + the need in the case of one so saintly as Messer Arcolano, the priest made + his farewells. He gave me his blessing and enjoined upon me obedience to + one who stood to me in loco parentis, heaved himself back on to his mule, + and departed with the grooms at his heels. + </p> + <p> + Then Doctor Fifanti set a bony hand upon my shoulder, and opined that + after my journey I must be in need of refreshment; and with that he led me + within doors, assuring me that in his house the needs of the body were as + closely cared for as the needs of the mind. + </p> + <p> + “For an empty belly,” he ended with his odious, sycophantic geniality, + “makes an empty heart and an empty head.” + </p> + <p> + We passed through a hall that was prettily paved in mosaics, into a + chamber of good proportions, which seemed gay to me after the gloom by + which I had been surrounded. + </p> + <p> + The ceiling was painted blue and flecked with golden stars, whilst the + walls were hung with deep blue tapestries on which was figured in grey and + brownish red a scene which, I was subsequently to learn, represented the + metamorphosis of Actaeon. At the moment I did not look too closely. The + figures of Diana in her bath with her plump attendant nymphs caused me + quickly to withdraw my bashful eyes. + </p> + <p> + A good-sized table stood in the middle of the floor, bearing, upon a broad + strip of embroidered white napery, sparkling crystal and silver, vessels + of wine and platters of early fruits. About it sat a very noble company of + some half-dozen men and two very resplendent women. One of these was + slight and little, very dark and vivacious with eyes full of a malicious + humour. The other, of very noble proportions, of a fine, willowy height, + with coiled ropes of hair of a colour such as I had never dreamed could be + found upon human being. It was ruddy and glowed like metal. Her face and + neck—and of the latter there was a very considerable display—were + of the warm pale tint of old ivory. She had large, low-lidded eyes, which + lent her face a languid air. Her brow was low and broad, and her lips of a + most startling red against the pallor of the rest. + </p> + <p> + She rose instantly upon my entrance, and came towards me with a slow + smile, holding out her hand, and murmuring words of most courteous + welcome. + </p> + <p> + “This, Ser Agostino,” said Fifanti, “is my wife.” + </p> + <p> + Had he announced her to be his daughter it would have been more credible + on the score of their respective years, though equally incredible on the + score of their respective personalities. + </p> + <p> + I gaped foolishly in my amazement, a little dazzled, too, by the + effulgence of her eyes, which were now raised to the level of my own. I + lowered my glance abashed, and answered her as courteously as I could. + Then she led me to the table, and presented me to the company, naming each + to me. + </p> + <p> + The first was a slim and very dainty young gentleman in a scarlet + walking-suit, over which he wore a long scarlet mantle. A gold cross was + suspended from his neck by a massive chain of gold. He was delicately + featured, with a little pointed beard, tiny mustachios, and long, fair + hair that fell in waves about his effeminate face. He had the whitest of + hands, very delicately veined in blue, and it was—as I soon observed—his + habit to carry them raised, so that the blood might not flow into them to + coarsen their beauty. Attached to his left wrist by a fine chain was a + gold pomander-ball of the size of a small apple, very beautifully + chiselled. Upon one of his fingers he wore the enormous sapphire ring of + his rank. + </p> + <p> + That he was a prince of the Church I saw for myself; but I was far from + being prepared for the revelation of his true eminence—never + dreaming that a man of the humble position of Doctor Fifanti would + entertain a guest so exalted. + </p> + <p> + He was no less a person than the Lord Egidio Oberto Gambara, Cardinal of + Brescia, Governor of Piacenza and Papal Legate to Cisalpine Gaul. + </p> + <p> + The revelation of the identity of this elegant, effeminate, perfumed + personage was a shock to me; for it was not thus by much that I had + pictured the representative of our Holy Father the Pope. + </p> + <p> + He smiled upon me amiably and something wearily, the satiate smile of the + man of the world, and he languidly held out to me the hand bearing his + ring. I knelt to kiss it, overawed by his ecclesiastical rank, however + little awed by the man within it. + </p> + <p> + As I rose again he looked up at me considering my inches. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said he, “here is a fine soldier lost to glory.” And as he spoke, + he half turned to a young man who sat beside him, a man at whom I was + eager to take a fuller look, for his face was most strangely familiar to + me. + </p> + <p> + He was tall and graceful, very beautifully dressed in purple and gold, and + his blue-black hair was held in a net or coif of finest gold thread. His + garments clung as tightly and smoothly as if he had been kneaded into them—as, + indeed, he had. But it was his face that held my eyes. It was a + sun-tanned, shaven hawk-face with black level brows, black eyes, and a + strong jaw, handsome save for something displeasing in the lines of the + mouth, something sardonic, proud, and contemptuous. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal addressed him. “You breed fine fellows in your family, + Cosimo,” were the words with which he startled me, and then I knew where I + had seen that face before. In my mirror. + </p> + <p> + He was as like me—save that he was blacker and not so tall—as + if he had been own brother to me instead of merely cousin as I knew at + once he was. For he must be that guelphic Anguissola renegade who served + the Pope and was high in favour with Farnese, and Captain of Justice in + Piacenza. In age he may have been some seven or eight years older than + myself. + </p> + <p> + I stared at him now with interest, and I found attractions in him, the + chief of which was his likeness to my father. So must my father have + looked when he was this fellow's age. He returned my glance with a smile + that did not improve his countenance, so contemptuously languid was it, so + very supercilious. + </p> + <p> + “You may stare, cousin,” said he, “for I think I do you the honour to be + something like you.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find him,” lisped the Cardinal to me, “the most self-complacent + dog in Italy. When he sees in you a likeness to himself he flatters + himself grossly, which, as you know him better, you will discover to be + his inveterate habit. He is his own most assiduous courtier.” And my Lord + Gambara sank back into his chair, languishing, the pomander to his + nostrils. + </p> + <p> + All laughed, and Messer Cosimo with them, still considering me. + </p> + <p> + But Messer Fifanti's wife had yet to make me known to three others who sat + there, beside the little sloe-eyed lady. This last was a cousin of her own—Donna + Leocadia degli Allogati, whom I saw now for the first and last time. + </p> + <p> + The three remaining men of the company are of little interest save one, + whose name was to be well known—nay, was well known already, though + not to one who had lived in such seclusion as mine. + </p> + <p> + This was that fine poet Annibale Caro, whom I have heard judged to be all + but the equal of the great Petrarca himself. A man who had less the air of + a poet it would not be easy to conceive. He was of middle height and of a + habit of body inclining to portliness, and his age may have been forty. + His face was bearded, ruddy, and small-featured, and there was about him + an air of smug prosperity; he was dressed with care, but he had none of + the splendour of the Cardinal or my cousin. Let me add that he was + secretary to the Duke Pier Luigi Farnese, and that he was here in Piacenza + on a mission to the Governor in which his master's interests were + concerned. + </p> + <p> + The other two who completed that company are of no account, and indeed + their names escape me, though I seem to remember that one was named Pacini + and that he was said to be a philosopher of considerable parts. + </p> + <p> + Bidden to table by Messer Fifanti, I took the chair he offered me beside + his lady, and presently came the old servant whom already I had seen, + bearing meat for me. I was hungry, and I fell to with zest, what time a + pleasant ripple of talk ran round the board. Facing me sat my cousin, and + I never observed until my hunger was become less clamorous with what an + insistence he regarded me. At last, however, our eyes met across the + board. He smiled that crooked, somewhat unpleasant smile of his. + </p> + <p> + “And so, Ser Agostino, they are to make a priest of you?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “God pleasing,” I answered soberly, and perhaps shortly. + </p> + <p> + “And if his brains at all resemble his body,” lisped the Cardinal-legate, + “you may live to see an Anguissola Pope, my Cosimo.” + </p> + <p> + My stare must have betrayed my amazement at such words. “Not so, + magnificent,” I made answer. “I am destined for the life monastic.” + </p> + <p> + “Monastic!” quoth he, in a sort of horror, and looking as if a bad smell + had suddenly been thrust under his nose. He shrugged and pouted and had + fresh recourse to his pomander. “O, well! Friars have become popes before + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “I am to enter the hermit order of St. Augustine,” I again corrected. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Caro, in his big, full voice. “He aspires not to Rome but to + Heaven, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what the devil does he in your house, Fifanti?” quoth the Cardinal. + “Are you to teach him sanctity?” + </p> + <p> + And the table shook with laughter at a jest I did not understand any more + than I understood my Lord Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Messer Fifanti, sitting at the table-head, shot me a glance of anxious + inquiry; he smiled foolishly, and washed his hands in the air again, his + mind fumbling for an answer that should turn aside that barbed jest. But + he was forestalled by my cousin Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + “The teaching might come more aptly from Monna Giuliana,” said he, and + smiled very boldly across at Fifanti's lady who sat beside me, whilst a + frown grew upon the prodigious brow of the pedant. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, indeed,” the Cardinal murmured, considering her through + half-closed eyes, “there is no man but may enter Paradise at her bidding.” + And he sighed furiously, whilst she chid him for his boldness; and for all + that much of what they said was in a language that might have been unknown + to me, yet was I lost in amazement to see a prelate made so free with. She + turned to me, and the glory of her eyes fell about my soul like an + effulgence. + </p> + <p> + “Do not heed them, Ser Agostino. They are profane and wicked men,” she + said, “and if you aspire to holiness, the less you see of them the better + will it be for you.” + </p> + <p> + I did not doubt it, yet I dared not make so bold as to confess it, and I + wondered why they should laugh to hear her earnest censure of them. + </p> + <p> + “It is a thorny path, this path of holiness,” said the Cardinal sighing. + </p> + <p> + “Your excellency has been told so, we assume,” quoth Caro, who had a very + bitter tongue for one who looked so well-nourished and contented. + </p> + <p> + “I might have found it so for myself but that my lot has been cast among + sinners,” answered the Cardinal, comprehending the company in his glance + and gesture. “As it is, I do what I can to mend their lot.” + </p> + <p> + “Now here is gallantry of a different sort!” cried the little Leocadia + with a giggle. + </p> + <p> + “O, as to that,” quoth Cosimo, showing his fine teeth in a smile, “there + is a proverb as to the gallantry of priests. It is like the love of women, + which again is like water in a basket—as soon in as out.” And his + eyes hung upon Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + “When you are the basket, sir captain, shall anyone blame the women?” she + countered with her lazy insolence. + </p> + <p> + “Body of God!” cried the Cardinal, and laughed wholeheartedly, whilst my + cousin scowled. “There you have the truth, Cosimo, and the truth is better + than proverbs.” + </p> + <p> + “It is unlucky to speak of the dead at table,” put in Caro. + </p> + <p> + “And who spoke of the dead, Messer Annibale?” quoth Leocadia. + </p> + <p> + “Did not my Lord Cardinal mention Truth?” answered the brutal poet. + </p> + <p> + “You are a derider—a gross sinner,” said the Cardinal languidly. + “Stick to your verses, man, and leave Truth alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed—if your excellency will stick to Truth and quit writing + verses. I offer the compact in the interest of humanity, which will be the + gainer.” + </p> + <p> + The company shook with laughter at this direct and offensive hit. But my + Lord Gambara seemed nowise incensed. Indeed, I was beginning to conclude + that the man had a sweetness and tolerance of nature that bordered on the + saintly. + </p> + <p> + He sipped his wine thoughtfully, and held it up to the light so that the + deep ruby of it sparkled in the Venetian crystal. + </p> + <p> + “You remind me that I have written a new song,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Then have I sinned indeed,” groaned Caro. + </p> + <p> + But Gambara, disregarding the interruption, his glass still raised, his + mild eyes upon the wine, began to recite: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Bacchus saepe visitans + Mulierum genus + Facit eas subditas + Tibi, O tu Venus!” + </pre> + <p> + Without completely understanding it, yet scandalized beyond measure at as + much as I understood, to hear such sentiments upon his priestly lips, I + stared at him in candid horror. + </p> + <p> + But he got no farther. Caro smote the table with his fist. + </p> + <p> + “When wrote you that, my lord?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “When?” quoth the Cardinal, frowning at the interruption. “Why, + yestereve.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” It was something between a bark and a laugh from Messer Caro. “In + that case, my lord, memory usurped the place of invention. That song was + sung at Pavia when I was a student—which is more years ago than I + care to think of.” + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal smiled upon him, unabashed. “And what then, pray? Can we + avoid these things? Why, the very Virgil whom you plagiarize so freely was + himself a plagiarist.” + </p> + <p> + Now this, as you may well conceive, provoked a discussion about the board, + in which all joined, not excepting Fifanti's lady and Donna Leocadia. + </p> + <p> + I listened in some amazement and deep interest to matters that were + entirely strange to me, to the arguing of mysteries which seemed to me—even + from what I heard of them—to be strangely attractive. + </p> + <p> + Anon Fifanti joined in the discussion, and I observed how as soon as he + began to speak they all fell silent, all listened to him as to a master, + what time he delivered himself of his opinions and criticisms of this + Virgil, with a force, a lucidity and an eloquence that revealed his + learning even to one so ignorant as myself. + </p> + <p> + He was listened to with deference by all, if we except perhaps my Lord + Gambara, who had no respect for anything and who preferred to whisper to + Leocadia under cover of his hand, ogling her what time she simpered. Once + or twice Monna Giuliana flashed him an unfriendly glance, and this I + accounted natural, deeming that she resented this lack of attention to the + erudite dissertation of her husband. + </p> + <p> + But as for the others, they were attentive, as I have said, and even + Messer Caro, who at the time—as I gathered then—was engaged + upon a translation of Virgil into Tuscan, and who, therefore, might be + accounted something of an authority, held his peace and listened what time + the doctor reasoned and discoursed. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti's mean, sycophantic air fell away from him as by magic. Warmed by + his subject and his enthusiasm he seemed suddenly ennobled, and I found + him less antipathic; indeed, I began to see something admirable in the + man, some of that divine quality that only deep culture and learning can + impart. + </p> + <p> + I conceived that now, at last, I held the explanation of how it came to + pass that so distinguished a company frequented his house and gathered on + such familiar terms about his board. + </p> + <p> + And I began to be less amazed at the circumstance that he should possess + for wife so beautiful and superb a creature as Madonna Giuliana. I thought + that I obtained glimpses of the charm which that elderly man might be able + to exert upon a fine and cultured young nature with aspirations for things + above the commonplace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. HUMANITIES + </h2> + <p> + As the days passed and swelled into weeks, and these, in their turn, + accumulated into months, I grew rapidly learned in worldly matters at + Doctor Fifanti's house. + </p> + <p> + The curriculum I now pursued was so vastly different from that which my + mother had bidden Fra Gervasio to set me, and my acquaintance with the + profane writers advanced so swiftly once it was engaged upon, that I + acquired knowledge as a weed grows. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti flung into strange passions when he discovered the extent of my + ignorance and the amazing circumstance that whilst Fra Gervasio had made + of me a fluent Latin scholar, he had kept me in utter ignorance of the + classic writers, and almost in as great an ignorance of history itself. + This the pedant set himself at once to redress, and amongst the earliest + works he gave me as preparation were Latin translations of Thucydides and + Herodotus which I devoured—especially the glowing pages of the + latter—at a speed that alarmed my tutor. + </p> + <p> + But mere studiousness was not my spur, as he imagined. I was enthralled by + the novelty of the matters that I read, so different from all those with + which I had been allowed to become acquainted hitherto. + </p> + <p> + There followed Tacitus, and after him Cicero and Livy, which latter two I + found less arresting; then came Lucretius, and his De Rerum Naturae proved + a succulent dish to my inquisitive appetite. + </p> + <p> + But the cream and glory of the ancient writers I had yet to taste. My + first acquaintance with the poets came from the translation of Virgil upon + which Messer Caro was at the time engaged. He had definitely taken up his + residence in Piacenza, whither it was said that Farnese, his master, who + was to be made our Duke, would shortly come. And in the interval of + labouring for Farnese, as Caro was doing, he would toil at his + translation, and from time to time he would bring sheaves of his + manuscript to the doctor's house, to read what he had accomplished. + </p> + <p> + He came, I remember, one languid afternoon in August, when I had been with + Messer Fifanti for close upon three months, during which time my mind had + gradually, yet swiftly, been opening out like a bud under the sunlight of + much new learning. We sat in the fine garden behind the house, on the + lawn, in the shade of mulberry trees laden with yellow translucent fruit, + by a pond that was all afloat with water-lilies. + </p> + <p> + There was a crescent-shaped seat of hewn marble, over which Messer + Gambara, who was with us, had thrown his scarlet cardinal's cloak, the day + being oppressively hot. He was as usual in plain, walking clothes, and + save for the ring on his finger and the cross on his breast, you had never + conceived him an ecclesiastic. He sat near his cloak, upon the marble + seat, and beside him sat Monna Giuliana, who was all in white save for the + gold girdle at her waist. + </p> + <p> + Caro, himself, stood to read, his bulky manuscript in his hands. Against + the sundial, facing the poet, leaned the tall figure of Messer Fifanti, + his bald head uncovered and shining humidly, his eyes ever and anon + stealing a look at his splendid wife where she sat so demurely at the + prelate's side. + </p> + <p> + Myself, I lay on the grass near the pond, my hand trailing in the cool + water, and at first I was not greatly interested. The heat of the day and + the circumstance that we had dined, when played upon by the poet's booming + and somewhat monotonous voice, had a lulling effect from which I was in + danger of falling asleep. But anon, as the narrative warmed and quickened, + the danger was well overpast. I was very wide-awake, my pulses throbbing, + my imagination all on fire. I sat up and listened with an enthralled + attention, unconscious of everything and everybody, unconscious even of + the very voice of the reader, intent only upon the amazing, tragic matter + that he read. + </p> + <p> + For it happened that this was the Fourth Book of the Aeneid, and the most + lamentable, heartrending story of Dido's love for Aeneas, of his desertion + of her, of her grief and death upon the funeral pyre. + </p> + <p> + It held me spellbound. It was more real then anything that I had ever read + or heard; and the fate of Dido moved me as if I had known and loved her; + so that long ere Messer Caro came to an end I was weeping freely in a most + exquisite misery. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter I was as one who has tasted strong wine and finds his thirst + fired by it. Within a week I had read the Aeneid through, and was reading + it a second time. Then came the Comedies of Terence, the Metamorphoses of + Ovid, Martial, and the Satires of Juvenal. And with those my + transformation was complete. No longer could I find satisfaction in the + writings of the fathers of the church, or in contemplating the lives of + the saints, after the pageantries which the eyes of my soul had looked + upon in the profane authors. + </p> + <p> + What instructions my mother supposed Fifanti to have received concerning + me from Arcolano, I cannot think. But certain it is that she could never + have dreamed under what influences I was so soon to come, no more than she + could conceive what havoc they played with all that hitherto I had learnt + and with the resolutions that I had formed—and that she had formed + for me—concerning the future. + </p> + <p> + All this reading perturbed me very oddly, as one is perturbed who having + long dwelt in darkness is suddenly brought into the sunlight and dazzled + by it, so that, grown conscious of his sight, he is more effectively + blinded than he was before. For the process that should have been a + gradual one from tender years was carried through in what amounted to + little more than a few weeks. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Gambara took an odd interest in me. He was something of a + philosopher in his trivial way; something of a student of his fellow-man; + and he looked upon me as an odd human growth that was being subjected to + an unusual experiment. I think he took a certain delight in helping that + experiment forward; and certain it is that he had more to do with the + debauching of my mind than any other, or than any reading that I did. + </p> + <p> + It was not that he told me more than elsewhere I could have learnt; it was + the cynical manner in which he conveyed his information. He had a way of + telling me of monstrous things as if they were purely normal and natural + to a properly focussed eye, and as if any monstrousness they might present + to me were due to some distortion imparted to them solely by the + imperfection of my intellectual vision. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was from him that I learnt certain unsuspected things concerning + Pier Luigi Farnese, who, it was said, was coming to be our Duke, and on + whose behalf the Emperor was being importuned to invest him in the Duchy + of Parma and Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + One day as we walked together in the garden—my Lord Gambara and I—I + asked him plainly what was Messer Farnese's claim. + </p> + <p> + “His claim?” quoth he, checking, to give me a long, cool stare. He laughed + shortly and resumed his pacing, I keeping step with him. “Why, is he not + the Pope's son, and is not that claim enough?” + </p> + <p> + “The Pope's son!” I exclaimed. “But how is it possible that the Holy + Father should have a son?” + </p> + <p> + “How is it possible?” he echoed mockingly. “Why, I will tell you, sir. + When our present Holy Father went as Cardinal-legate to the Mark of + Ancona, he met there a certain lady whose name was Lola, who pleased him, + and who was pleased with him. Alessandro Farnese was a handsome man, Ser + Agostino. She bore him three children, of whom one is dead, another is + Madonna Costanza, who is wed to Sforza of Santafiora, and the third—who + really happens to have been the first-born—is Messer Pier Luigi, + present Duke of Castro and future Duke of Piacenza.” + </p> + <p> + It was some time ere I could speak. + </p> + <p> + “But his vows, then?” I exclaimed at last. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! His vows!” said the Cardinal-legate. “True, there were his vows. I + had forgotten that. No doubt he did the same.” And he smiled sardonically, + sniffing at his pomander-ball. + </p> + <p> + From that beginning in a fresh branch of knowledge much followed quickly. + Under my questionings, Messer Gambara very readily made me acquainted + through his unsparing eyes with that cesspool that was known as the Roman + Curia. And my horror, my disillusionment increased at every word he said. + </p> + <p> + I learnt from him that Pope Paul III was no exception to the rule, no such + scandal as I had imagined; that his own elevation to the purple was due in + origin to the favour which his sister, the beautiful Giulia, had found in + the eyes of the Borgia Pope, some fifty years ago. Through him I came to + know the Sacred College as it really was; not the very home and fount of + Christianity, as I had deemed it, controlled and guided by men of a + sublime saintliness of ways, but a gathering of ambitious worldlings, who + had become so brazen in their greed of temporal power that they did not + even trouble to cloak the sin and evil in which they lived; men in whom + the spirit that had actuated those saints the study of whose lives had + been my early delight, lived no more than it might live in the bosom of a + harlot. + </p> + <p> + I said so to him one day in a wild, furious access of boldness, in one of + those passionate outbursts that are begotten of illusions blighted. + </p> + <p> + He heard me through quite calmly, without the least trace of anger, + smiling ever his quiet mocking smile, and plucking at his little, auburn + beard. + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, I think,” he said. “Say that the Church has fallen a prey + to self-seekers who have entered it under the cloak of the priesthood. + What then? In their hands the Church has been enriched. She has gained + power, which she must retain. And that is to the Church's good.” + </p> + <p> + “And what of the scandal of it?” I stormed. + </p> + <p> + “O, as to that—why, boy, have you never read Boccaccio?” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Read him, then,” he urged me. “He will teach you much that you need to + know. And read in particular the story of Abraam, the Jew, who upon + visiting Rome was so scandalized by the licence and luxury of the clergy + that he straightway had himself baptized and became a Christian, + accounting that a religion that could survive such wiles of Satan to + destroy it must indeed be the true religion, divinely inspired.” He + laughed his little cynical laugh to see my confusion increased by that + bitter paradox. + </p> + <p> + It is little wonder that I was all bewildered, that I was like some poor + mariner upon unknown waters, without stars or compass. + </p> + <p> + Thus that summer ebbed slowly, and the time of my projected minor + ordination approached. Messer Gambara's visits to Fifanti's grew more and + more frequent, until they became a daily occurrence; and now my cousin + Cosimo came oftener too. But it was their custom to come in the forenoon, + when I was at work with Fifanti. And often I observed the doctor to be + oddly preoccupied, and to spend much time in creeping to the window that + was all wreathed in clematis, and in peeping through that purple-decked + green curtain into the garden where his excellency and Cosimo walked with + Monna Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + When both visitors were there his anxiety seemed less. But if only one + were present he would give himself no peace. And once when Messer Gambara + and she went together within doors, he abruptly interrupted my studies, + saying that it was enough for that day; and he went below to join them. + </p> + <p> + Half a year earlier I should have had no solution for his strange + behaviour. But I had learnt enough of the world by now to perceive what + maggot was stirring in that egg-shaped head. Yet I blushed for him, and + for his foul and unworthy suspicions. As soon would I have suspected the + painted Madonna from the brush of Raffaele Santi that I had seen over the + high altar of the Church of San Sisto, as suspect the beautiful and + noble-souled Giuliana of giving that old pedant cause for his uneasiness. + Still, I conceived that this was the penalty that such a withered growth + of humanity must pay for having presumed to marry a young wife. + </p> + <p> + We were much together in those days, Monna Giuliana and I. Our intimacy + had grown over a little incident that it were well I should mention. + </p> + <p> + A young painter, Gianantonio Regillo, better known to the world as Il + Pordenone, had come to Piacenza that summer to decorate the Church of + Santa Maria della Campagna. He came furnished with letters to the + Governor, and Gambara had brought him to Fifanti's villa. From Monna + Giuliana the young painter heard the curious story of my having been vowed + prenatally to the cloister by my mother, learnt her name and mine, and the + hope that was entertained that I should walk in the ways of St. Augustine + after whom I had been christened. + </p> + <p> + It happened that he was about to paint a picture of St. Augustine, as a + fresco for the chapel of the Magi of the church I have named. And having + seen me and heard that story of mine, he conceived the curious notion of + using me as the model for the figure of the saint. I consented, and daily + for a week he came to us in the afternoons to paint; and all the time + Monna Giuliana would be with us, deeply interested in his work. + </p> + <p> + That picture he eventually transferred to his fresco, and there—O + bitter irony!—you may see me to this day, as the saint in whose ways + it was desired that I should follow. + </p> + <p> + Monna Giuliana and I would linger together in talk after the painter had + gone; and this would be at about the time that I had my first lessons of + Curial life from my Lord Gambara. You will remember that he mentioned + Boccaccio to me, and I chanced to ask her was there in the library a copy + of that author's tales. + </p> + <p> + “Has that wicked priest bidden you to read them?” she inquired, 'twixt + seriousness and mockery, her dark eyes upon me in one of those glances + that never left me easy. + </p> + <p> + I told her what had passed; and with a sigh and a comment that I would get + an indigestion from so much mental nourishment as I was consuming, she led + me to the little library to find the book. + </p> + <p> + Messer Fifanti's was a very choice collection of works, and every one in + manuscript; for the doctor was something of an idealist, and greatly + averse to the printing-press and the wide dissemination of books to which + it led. Out of his opposition to the machine grew a dislike to its + productions, which he denounced as vulgar; and not even their comparative + cheapness and the fact that, when all was said, he was a man of limited + means, would induce him to harbour a single volume that was so produced. + </p> + <p> + Along the shelves she sought, and finally drew down four heavy tomes. + Turning the pages of the first, she found there, with a readiness that + argued a good acquaintance with the work, the story of Abraam the Jew, + which I desired to read as it had been set down. She bade me read it + aloud, which I did, she seated in the window, listening to me. + </p> + <p> + At first I read with some constraint and shyness, but presently warming to + my task and growing interested, I became animated and vivacious in my + manner, so that when I ceased I saw her sitting there, her hands clasped + about one knee, her eyes upon my face, her lips parted a little, the very + picture of interest. + </p> + <p> + And with that it happened that we established a custom, and very often, + almost daily, after dinner, we would repair together to the library, and I—who + hitherto had no acquaintance with any save Latin works—began to make + and soon to widen my knowledge of our Tuscan writers. We varied our + reading. We dipped into our poets. Dante we read, and Petrarca, and both + we loved, though better than the works of either—and this for the + sake of the swift movement and action that is in his narrative, though his + melodies, I realized, were not so pure—the Orlando of Ariosto. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes we would be joined by Fifanti himself; but he never stayed very + long. He had an old-fashioned contempt for writings in what he called the + “dialettale,” and he loved the solemn injuvenations of the Latin tongue. + Soon, as he listened, he would begin to yawn, and presently grunt and rise + and depart, flinging a contemptuous word at the matter of my reading, and + telling me at times that I might find more profitable amusement. + </p> + <p> + But I persisted in it, guided ever by Fifanti's lady. And whatever we read + by way of divergence, ever and anon we would come back to the stilted, + lucid, vivid pages of Boccaccio. + </p> + <p> + One day I chanced upon the tragical story of “Isabetta and the Pot of + Basil,” and whilst I read I was conscious that she had moved from where + she had been sitting and had come to stand behind my chair. And when I + reached the point at which the heart-broken Isabetta takes the head of her + murdered lover to her room, a tear fell suddenly upon my hand. + </p> + <p> + I stopped, and looked up at Giuliana. She smiled at me through unshed + tears that magnified her matchless eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I will read no more,” I said. “It is too sad.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, no!” she begged. “Read on, Agostino! I love its sadness.” + </p> + <p> + So I read on to the story's cruel end, and when it was done I sat quite + still, myself a little moved by the tragedy of it, whilst Giuliana + continued to lean against my chair. I was moved, too, in another way; + curiously and unaccountably; and I could scarcely have defined what it was + that moved me. + </p> + <p> + I sought to break the spell of it, and turned the pages. “Let me read + something else,” said I. “Something more gay, to dispel the sadness of + this.” + </p> + <p> + But her hand fell suddenly upon mine, enclasping and holding it. “Ah, no!” + she begged me gently. “Give me the book. Let us read no more to-day.” + </p> + <p> + I was trembling under her touch—trembling, my every nerve a-quiver + and my breath shortened—and suddenly there flashed through my mind a + line of Dante's in the story of Paolo and Francesca: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Quel giorno piu non vi leggemo avanti.” + </pre> + <p> + Giuliana's words: “Let us read no more to-day”—had seemed an echo of + that line, and the echo made me of a sudden conscious of an unsuspected + parallel. All at once our position seemed to me strangely similar to that + of the ill-starred lovers of Rimini. + </p> + <p> + But the next moment I was sane again. She had withdrawn her hand, and had + taken the volume to restore it to its shelf. + </p> + <p> + Ah, no! At Rimini there had been two fools. Here there was but one. Let me + make an end of him by persuading him of his folly. + </p> + <p> + Yet Giuliana did nothing to assist me in that task. She returned from the + book-shelf, and in passing lightly swept her fingers over my hair. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Agostino; let us walk in the garden,” said she. + </p> + <p> + We went, my mood now overpast. I was as sober and self-contained as was my + habit. And soon thereafter came my Lord Gambara—a rare thing to + happen in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Awhile the three of us were together in the garden, talking of trivial + matters. Then she fell to wrangling with him concerning something that + Caro had written and of which she had the manuscript. In the end she + begged me would I go seek the writing in her chamber. I went, and hunted + where she had bidden me and elsewhere, and spent a good ten minutes vainly + in the task. Chagrined that I could not discover the thing, I went into + the library, thinking that it might be there. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Fifanti was writing busily at the table when I intruded. He looked + up, thrusting his horn-rimmed spectacles high upon his peaked forehead. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil!” quoth he very testily. “I thought you were in the garden + with Madonna Giuliana.” + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Gambara is there,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He crimsoned and banged the table with his bony hand. “Do I not know + that?” he roared, though I could see no reason for all this heat. “And why + are you not with them?” + </p> + <p> + You are not to suppose that I was still the meek, sheepish lad who had + come to Piacenza three months ago. I had not been learning my world and + discovering Man to no purpose all this while. + </p> + <p> + “It has yet to be explained to me,” said I, “under what obligation I am to + be anywhere but where I please. That firstly. Secondly—but of + infinitely lesser moment—Monna Giuliana has sent me for the + manuscript of Messer Caro's Gigli d'Oro.” + </p> + <p> + I know not whether it was my cool, firm tones that quieted him. But quiet + he became. + </p> + <p> + “I... I was vexed by your interruption,” he said lamely, to explain his + late choler. “Here is the thing. I found it here when I came. Messer Caro + might discover better employment for his leisure. But there, there”—he + seemed in sudden haste again. “Take it to her in God's name. She will be + impatient.” I thought he sneered. “O, she will praise your diligence,” he + added, and this time I was sure that he sneered. + </p> + <p> + I took it, thanked him, and left the room intrigued. And when I rejoined + them, and handed her the manuscript, the odd thing was that the subject of + their discourse having meanwhile shifted, it no longer interested her, and + she never once opened the pages she had been in such haste to have me + procure. + </p> + <p> + This, too, was puzzling, even to one who was beginning to know his world + </p> + <p> + But I was not done with riddles. For presently out came Fifanti himself, + looking, if possible, yellower and more sour and lean than usual. He was + arrayed in his long, rusty gown, and there were the usual shabby slippers + on his long, lean feet. He was ever a man of most indifferent personal + habits. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Astorre,” his wife greeted him. “My Lord Cardinal brings you good + tidings.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he so?” quoth Fifanti, sourly as I thought; and he looked at the + legate as though his excellency were the very reverse of a happy + harbinger. + </p> + <p> + “You will rejoice, I think, doctor,” said the smiling prelate, “to hear + that I have letters from my Lord Pier Luigi appointing you one of the + ducal secretaries. And this, I doubt not, will be followed, on his coming + hither, by an appointment to his council. Meanwhile, the stipend is three + hundred ducats, and the work is light.” + </p> + <p> + There followed a long and baffling silence, during which the doctor grew + first red, then pale, then red again, and Messer Gambara stood with his + scarlet cloak sweeping about his shapely limbs, sniffing his pomander and + smiling almost insolently into the other's face; and some of the insolence + of his look, I thought, was reflected upon the pale, placid countenance of + Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + At last, Fifanti spoke, his little eyes narrowing. + </p> + <p> + “It is too much for my poor deserts,” he said curtly. + </p> + <p> + “You are too humble,” said the prelate. “Your loyalty to the House of + Farnese, and the hospitality which I, its deputy, have received...” + </p> + <p> + “Hospitality!” barked Fifanti, and looked very oddly at Giuliana; so oddly + that a faint colour began to creep into her cheeks. “You would pay for + that?” he questioned, half mockingly. “Oh, but for that a stipend of three + hundred ducats is too little.” + </p> + <p> + And all the time his eyes were upon his wife, and I saw her stiffen as if + she had been struck. + </p> + <p> + But the Cardinal laughed outright. “Come now, you use me with an amiable + frankness,” he said. “The stipend shall be doubled when you join the + council.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubled?” he said. “Six hundred...?” He checked. The sum was vast. I saw + greed creep into his little eyes. What had troubled him hitherto, I could + not fathom even yet. He washed his bony hands in the air, and looked at + his wife again. “It... it is a fair price, no doubt, my lord,” said he, + his tone contemptuous. + </p> + <p> + “The Duke shall be informed of the value of your learning,” lisped the + Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti knit his brows. “The value of my learning?” he echoed, as if + slowly puzzled. “My learning? Oh! Is that in question?” + </p> + <p> + “Why else should we give you the appointment?” smiled the Cardinal, with a + smile that was full of significance. + </p> + <p> + “It is what the town will be asking, no doubt,” said Messer Fifanti. “I + hope you will be able to satisfy its curiosity, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + And on that he turned, and stalked off again, very white and trembling, as + I could perceive. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Gambara laughed carelessly again, and over the pale face of Monna + Giuliana there stole a slow smile, the memory of which was to be hateful + to me soon, but which at the moment went to increase my already profound + mystification. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. PREUX-CHEVALIER + </h2> + <p> + In the days that followed I found Messer Fifanti in queerer moods than + ever. Ever impatient, he would be easily moved to anger now, and not a day + passed but he stormed at me over the Greek with which, under his guidance, + I was wrestling. + </p> + <p> + And with Giuliana his manner was the oddest thing conceivable; at times he + was mocking as an ape, at times his manner had in it a suggestion of the + serpent; more rarely he was his usual, vulturine self. He watched her + curiously, ever between anger and derision, to all of which she presented + a calm front and a patience almost saintly. He was as a man with some + mighty burden on his mind, undecided whether he shall bear it or cast it + off. + </p> + <p> + Her patience moved me most oddly to pity; and pity for so beautiful a + creature is Satan's most subtle snare, especially when you consider what a + power her beauty had to move me as I had already discovered to my + erstwhile terror. She confided in me a little in those days, but ever with + a most saintly resignation. She had been sold into wedlock, she admitted, + with a man who might have been her father, and she confessed to finding + her lot a cruel one; but confessed it with the air of one who intends none + the less to bear her cross with fortitude. + </p> + <p> + And then, one day, I did a very foolish thing. We had been reading + together, she and I, as was become our custom. She had fetched me a volume + of the lascivious verse of Panormitano, and we sat side by side on the + marble seat in the garden what time I read to her, her shoulder touching + mine, the fragrance of her all about me. + </p> + <p> + She wore, I remember, a clinging gown of russet silk, which did rare + justice to the splendid beauty of her, and her heavy ruddy hair was + confined in a golden net that was set with gems—a gift from my Lord + Gambara. Concerning this same gift words had passed but yesterday between + Giuliana and her husband; and I deemed the doctor's anger to be the fruit + of a base and unworthy mind. + </p> + <p> + I read, curiously enthralled—though whether by the beauty of the + lines or the beauty of the woman there beside me I could not then have + told you. + </p> + <p> + Presently she checked me. “Leave now Panormitano,” she said. “Here is + something else upon which you shall give me your judgment.” And she set + before me a sheet upon which there was a sonnet writ in her own hand, + which was as beautiful as any copyist's that I have ever seen. + </p> + <p> + I read the poem. It was the tenderest and saddest little cry from a heart + that ached and starved for an ideal love; and good as the manner seemed, + the matter itself it was that chiefly moved me. At my admission of its + moving quality her white hand closed over mine as it had done that day in + the library when we had read of “Isabetta and the Pot of Basil.” Her hand + was warm, but not warm enough to burn me as it did. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, thanks, Agostino,” she murmured. “Your praise is sweet to me. The + verses are my own.” + </p> + <p> + I was dumbfounded at this fresh and more intimate glimpse of her. The + beauty of her body was there for all to see and worship; but here was my + first glimpse of the rare beauties of her mind. In what words I should + have answered her I do not know, for at that moment we suffered an + interruption. + </p> + <p> + Sudden and harsh as the crackling of a twig came from behind us the voice + of Messer Fifanti. “What do you read?” + </p> + <p> + We started apart, and turned. + </p> + <p> + Either he, of set purpose, had crept up behind us so softly that we should + not suspect his approach, or else so engrossed were we that our ears had + been deafened for the time. He stood there now in his untidy gown of + black, and there was a leer of mockery on his long, white face. Slowly he + put a lean arm between us, and took the sheet in his bony claw. + </p> + <p> + He peered at it very closely, being without glasses, and screwed his eyes + up until they all but disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Thus he stood, and slowly read, whilst I looked on a trifle uneasy, and + Giuliana's face wore an odd look of fear, her bosom heaving unsteadily in + its russet sheath. + </p> + <p> + He sniffed contemptuously when he had read, and looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “Have I not bidden you leave the vulgarities of dialect to the vulgar?” + quoth he. “Is there not enough written for you in Latin, that you must be + wasting your time and perverting your senses with such poor illiterate + gibberish as this? And what is it that you have there?” He took the book. + “Panormitano!” he roared. “Now, there's a fitting author for a saint in + embryo! There's a fine preparation for the cloister!” + </p> + <p> + He turned to Giuliana. He put forward his hand and touched her bare + shoulder with his hideous forefinger. She cringed under the touch as if it + were barbed. + </p> + <p> + “There is not the need that you should render yourself his preceptress,” + he said, with his deadly smile. + </p> + <p> + “I do not,” she replied indignantly. “Agostino has a taste for letters, + and...” + </p> + <p> + “Tcha! Tcha!” he interrupted, tapping her shoulder sharply. “I had no + thought for letters. There is my Lord Gambara, and there is Messer Cosimo + d'Anguissola, and there is Messer Caro. There is even Pordenone, the + painter.” His lips writhed over their names. “You have friends enough, I + think. Leave, then, Ser Agostino here. Do not dispute him with God to whom + he has been vowed.” + </p> + <p> + She rose in a fine anger, and stood quivering there, magnificently tall, + and Juno, I imagined, must have looked to the poets as she looked then to + me. + </p> + <p> + “This is too much!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “It is, madam,” he snapped. “I agree with you.” She considered him with + eyes that held a loathing and contempt unutterable. Then she looked at me, + and shrugged her shoulders as who would say: “You see how I am used!” + Lastly she turned, and took her way across the lawn towards the house. + </p> + <p> + There was a little silence between us after she had gone. I was on fire + with indignation, and yet I could think of no words in which I might + express it, realizing how utterly I lacked the right to be angry with a + husband for the manner in which he chose to treat his wife. + </p> + <p> + At last, pondering me very gravely, he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “It were best you read no more with Madonna Giuliana,” he said slowly. + “Her tastes are not the tastes that become a man who is about to enter + holy orders.” He closed the book, which hitherto he had held open; closed + it with an angry snap, and held it out to me. + </p> + <p> + “Restore it to its shelf,” he bade me. + </p> + <p> + I took it, and quite submissively I went to do his bidding. But to gain + the library I had to pass the door of Giuliana's room. It stood open, and + Giuliana herself in the doorway. We looked at each other, and seeing her + so sorrowful, with tears in her great dark eyes, I stepped forward to + speak, to utter something of the deep sympathy that stirred me. + </p> + <p> + She stretched forth a hand to me. I took it and held it tight, looking up + into her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Agostino!” she murmured in gratitude for my sympathy; and I, + distraught, inflamed by tone and look, answered by uttering her name for + the first time. + </p> + <p> + “Giuliana!” + </p> + <p> + Having uttered it I dared not look at her. But I stooped to kiss the hand + which she had left in mine. And having kissed it I started upright and + made to advance again; but she snatched her hand from my clasp and waved + me away, at once so imperiously and beseechingly that I turned and went to + shut myself in the library with my bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + For full two days thereafter, for no reason that I could clearly give, I + avoided her, and save at table and in her husband's presence we were never + once together. + </p> + <p> + The repasts were sullen things at which there was little said, Madonna + sitting in a frozen dignity, and the doctor, a silent man at all times, + being now utterly and forbiddingly mute. + </p> + <p> + But once my Lord Gambara supped with us, and he was light and trivial as + ever, an incarnation of frivolity and questionable jests, apparently + entirely unconscious of Fifanti's chill reserve and frequent sneers. + Indeed, I greatly marvelled that a man of my Lord Gambara's eminence and + Governor of Piacenza should so very amiably endure the boorishness of that + pedant. + </p> + <p> + Explanation was about to be afforded me. + </p> + <p> + On the third day, as we were dining, Giuliana announced that she was going + afoot into the town, and solicited my escort. It was an honour that never + before had been offered me. I reddened violently, but accepted it, and + soon thereafter we set out, just she and I together. + </p> + <p> + We went by way of the Fodesta Gate, and passed the old Castle of Sant' + Antonio, then in ruins—for Gambara was demolishing it and employing + the material to construct a barrack for the Pontifical troops that + garrisoned Piacenza. And presently we came upon the works of this new + building, and stepped out into mid-street to avoid the scaffoldings, and + so pursued our way into the city's main square—the Piazza del + Commune, overshadowed by the red-and-white bulk of the Communal Palace. + This was a noble building, rather in the Saracenic manner, borrowing a + very warlike air from the pointed battlements that crowned it. + </p> + <p> + Near the Duomo we came upon a great concourse of people who were staring + up at the iron cage attached to the square tower of the belfry near its + summit. In this cage there was what appeared at first to be a heap of + rags, but which presently resolved itself into a human shape, crouching in + that narrow, cruel space, exposed there to the pitiless beating of the + sun, and suffering Heaven alone can say what agonies. The murmuring crowd + looked up in mingled fear and sympathy. + </p> + <p> + He had been there since last night, a peasant girl informed us, and he had + been confined there by order of my Lord the Cardinal-legate for the odious + sin of sacrilege. + </p> + <p> + “What!” I cried out, in such a tone of astonished indignation that Monna + Giuliana seized my arm and pressed it to enjoin prudence. + </p> + <p> + It was not until she had made her purchases in a shop under the Duomo and + we were returning home that I touched upon the matter. She chid me for the + lack of caution that might have led me into some unpardonable + indiscretions but for her warning. + </p> + <p> + “But the very thought of such a man as my Lord Gambara torturing a poor + wretch for sacrilege!” I cried. “It is grotesque; it is ludicrous; it is + infamous!” + </p> + <p> + “Not so loud,” she laughed. “You are being stared at.” And then she + delivered herself of an amazing piece of casuistry. “If a man being a + sinner himself, shall on that account refrain from punishing sin in + others, then is he twice a sinner.” + </p> + <p> + “It was my Lord Gambara taught you that,” said I, and involuntarily I + sneered. + </p> + <p> + She considered me with a very searching look. + </p> + <p> + “Now, what precisely do you mean, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that it is by just such sophistries that the Cardinal-legate seeks + to cloak the disorders of his life. 'Video meliora proboque, deteriora + sequor?' is his philosophy. If he would encage the most sacrilegious + fellow in Piacenza, let him encage himself.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not love him?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “O—as to that—as a man he is well enough. But as an + ecclesiastic...O, but there!” I broke off shortly, and laughed. “The devil + take Messer Gambara!” + </p> + <p> + She smiled. “It is greatly to be feared that he will.” + </p> + <p> + But my Lord Gambara was not so lightly to be dismissed that afternoon. As + we were passing the Porta Fodesta, a little group of country-folk that had + gathered there fell away before us, all eyes upon the dazzling beauty of + Giuliana—as, indeed, had been the case ever since we had come into + the town, so that I had been singularly and sweetly proud of being her + escort. I had been conscious of the envious glances that many a tall + fellow had sent after me, though, after all, theirs was but as the + jealousy of Phoebus for Adonis. + </p> + <p> + Wherever we had passed and eyes had followed us, men and women had fallen + to whispering and pointing after us. And so did they now, here at the + Fodesta Gate, but with this difference, that, at last, I overheard for + once what was said, for there was one who did not whisper. + </p> + <p> + “There goes the leman of my Lord Gambara,” quoth a gruff, sneering voice, + “the light of love of the saintly legate who is starving Domenico to death + in a cage for the sin of sacrilege.” + </p> + <p> + Not a doubt but that he would have added more, but that at that moment a + woman's shrill voice drowned his utterance. “Silence, Giuffre!” she + admonished him fearfully. “Silence, on your life!” + </p> + <p> + I had halted in my stride, suddenly cold from head to foot, as on that day + when I had flung Rinolfo from top to bottom of the terrace steps at + Mondolfo. It happened that I wore a sword for the first time in my life—a + matter from which I gathered great satisfaction—having been adjudged + worthy of the honour by virtue that I was to be Madonna's escort. To the + hilt I now set hand impetuously, and would have turned to strike that foul + slanderer dead, but that Giuliana restrained me, a wild alarm in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” she panted in a whisper. “Come away!” + </p> + <p> + So imperious was the command that it conveyed to my mind some notion of + the folly I should commit did I not obey it. I saw at once that did I make + an ensample of this scurrilous scandalmonger I should thereby render her + the talk of that vile town. So I went on, but very white and stiff, and + breathing somewhat hard; for pent-up passion is an evil thing to house. + </p> + <p> + Thus came we out of the town and to the shady banks of the gleaming Po. + And then, at last, when we were quite alone, and within two hundred yards + of Fifanti's house, I broke at last the silence. + </p> + <p> + I had been thinking very busily, and the peasant's words had illumined for + me a score of little obscure matters, had explained to me the queer + behaviour and the odd speeches of Fifanti himself since that evening in + the garden when the Cardinal-legate had announced to him his appointment + as ducal secretary. I checked now in my stride, and turned to face her. + </p> + <p> + “Was it true?” I asked, rendered brutally direct by a queer pain I felt as + a result of my thinking. + </p> + <p> + She looked up into my face so sadly and wistfully that my suspicions fell + from me upon the instant, and I reddened from shame at having harboured + them. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino!” she cried, such a poor little cry of pain that I set my teeth + hard and bowed my head in self-contempt. + </p> + <p> + Then I looked at her again. + </p> + <p> + “Yet the foul suspicion of that lout is shared by your husband himself,” + said I. + </p> + <p> + “The foul suspicion—yes,” she answered, her eyes downcast, her + cheeks faintly tinted. And then, quite suddenly, she moved forward. + “Come,” she bade me. “You are being foolish.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be mad,” said I, “ere I have done with this.” And I fell into + step again beside her. “If I could not avenge you there, I can avenge you + here.” And I pointed to the house. “I can smite this rumour at its foulest + point.” + </p> + <p> + Her hand fell on my arm. “What would you do?” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Bid your husband retract and sue to you for pardon, or else tear out his + lying throat,” I answered, for I was in a great rage by now. + </p> + <p> + She stiffened suddenly. “You go too fast, Messer Agostino,” said she. “And + you are over-eager to enter into that which does not concern you. I do not + know that I have given you the right to demand of my husband reason of the + manner in which he deals with me. It is a thing that touches only my + husband and myself.” + </p> + <p> + I was abashed; I was humiliated; I was nigh to tears. I choked it all + down, and I strode on beside her, my rage smouldering within me. But it + was flaring up again by the time we reached the house with no more words + spoken between us. She went to her room without another glance at me, and + I repaired straight in quest of Fifanti. + </p> + <p> + I found him in the library. He had locked himself in, as was his frequent + habit when at his studies, but he opened to my knock. I stalked in, + unbuckled my sword, and set it in a corner. Then I turned to him. + </p> + <p> + “You are doing your wife a shameful wrong, sir doctor,” said I, with all + the directness of youth and indiscretion. + </p> + <p> + He stared at me as if I had struck him—as he might have stared, + rather, at a child who had struck him, undecided whether to strike back + for the child's good, or to be amused and smile. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said at last. “She has been talking to you?” And he clasped his + hands behind him and stood before me, his head thrust forward, his legs + wide apart, his long gown, which was open, clinging to his ankles. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I. “I have been thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case nothing will surprise me,” he said in his sour, contemptuous + manner. “And so you have concluded...?” + </p> + <p> + “That you are harbouring an infamous suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “Your assurance that it is infamous would offend me did it not comfort + me,” he sneered. “And what, pray, is this suspicion? + </p> + <p> + “You suspect that... that—O God! I can't utter the thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Take courage,” he mocked me. And he thrust his head farther forward. He + looked singularly like a vulture in that moment. + </p> + <p> + “You suspect that Messer Gambara... that Messer Gambara and Madonna... + that...” I clenched my hands together, and looked into his leering face. + “You understand me well enough,” I cried, almost angrily. + </p> + <p> + He looked at me seriously now, a cold glitter in his small eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder do you understand yourself?” he asked. “I think not. I think + not. Since God has made you a fool, it but remains for man to make you a + priest, and thus complete God's work.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot move me by your taunts,” I said. “You have a foul mind, Messer + Fifanti.” + </p> + <p> + He approached me slowly, his untidily shod feet slip-slopping on the + wooden floor. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said he, “I suspect that Messer Gambara... that Messer Gambara + and Madonna... that... You understand me,” he mocked me, with a mimicry of + my own confusion. “And what affair may it be of yours whom I suspect or of + what I suspect them where my own are concerned?” + </p> + <p> + “It is my affair, as it is the affair of every man who would be accounted + gentle, to defend the honour of a pure and saintly lady from the foul + aspersions of slander.” + </p> + <p> + “Knight-errantry, by the Host!” quoth he, and his brows shot up on his + steep brow. Then they came down again to scowl. “No doubt, my + preux-chevalier, you will have definite knowledge of the groundlessness of + these same slanders,” he said, moving backwards, away from me, towards the + door; and as he moved now his feet made no sound, though I did not yet + notice this nor, indeed, his movement at all. + </p> + <p> + “Knowledge?” I roared at him. “What knowledge can you need beyond what is + afforded by her face? Look in it, Messer Fifanti, if you would see + innocence and purity and chastity! Look in it!” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said he. “Let us look in it.” + </p> + <p> + And quite suddenly he pulled the door open to disclose Giuliana standing + there, erect but in a listening attitude. + </p> + <p> + “Look in it!” he mocked me, and waved one of his bony hands towards that + perfect countenance. + </p> + <p> + There was shame and confusion in her face, and some anger. But she turned + without a word, and went quickly down the passage, followed by his evil, + cackling laugh. + </p> + <p> + Then he looked at me quite solemnly. “I think,” said he, “you had best get + to your studies. You will find more than enough to engage you there. Leave + my affairs to me, boy.” + </p> + <p> + There was almost a menace in his voice, and after what had happened it was + impossible to pursue the matter. + </p> + <p> + Sheepishly, overwhelmed with confusion, I went out—a knight-errant + with a shorn crest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. MY LORD GAMBARA CLEARS THE GROUND + </h2> + <p> + I had angered her! Worse; I had exposed her to humiliation at the hands of + that unworthy animal who soiled her in thought with the slime of his + suspicions. Through me she had been put to the shameful need of listening + at a door, and had been subjected to the ignominy of being so discovered. + Through me she had been mocked and derided! + </p> + <p> + It was all anguish to me. For her there was no shame, no humiliation, no + pain I would not suffer, and take joy in the suffering so that it be for + her. But to have submitted that sweet, angelic woman to suffering—to + have incurred her just anger! Woe me! + </p> + <p> + I came to the table that evening full of uneasiness, very unhappy, feeling + it an effort to bring myself into her presence and endure be it her regard + or her neglect. To my relief she sent word that she was not well and would + keep her chamber; and Fifanti smiled oddly as he stroked his blue chin and + gave me a sidelong glance. We ate in silence, and when the meal was done, + I departed, still without a word to my preceptor, and went to shut myself + up again in my room. + </p> + <p> + I slept ill that night, and very early next morning I was astir. I went + down into the garden somewhere about the hour of sunrise, through the wet + grass that was all scintillant with dew. On the marble bench by the pond, + where the water-lilies were now rotting, I flung myself down, and there + was I found a half-hour later by Giuliana herself. + </p> + <p> + She stole up gently behind me, and all absorbed and moody as I was, I had + no knowledge of her presence until her crisp boyish voice startled me out + of my musings. + </p> + <p> + “Of what do we brood here so early, sir saint?” quoth she. + </p> + <p> + I turned to meet her laughing eyes. “You... you can forgive me?” I + faltered foolishly. + </p> + <p> + She pouted tenderly. “Should I not forgive one who has acted foolishly out + of love for me?” + </p> + <p> + “It was, it was...” I cried; and there stopped, all confused, feeling + myself growing red under her lazy glance. + </p> + <p> + “I know it was,” she answered. She set her elbows on the seat's tall back + until I could feel her sweet breath upon my brow. “And should I bear you a + resentment, then? My poor Agostino, have I no heart to feel? Am I but a + cold, reasoning intelligence like that thing my husband? O God! To have + been mated to that withered pedant! To have been sacrificed, to have been + sold into such bondage! Me miserable!” + </p> + <p> + “Giuliana!” I murmured soothingly, yet agonized myself. + </p> + <p> + “Could none have foretold me that you must come some day?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” I implored her. “What are you saying?” + </p> + <p> + But though I begged her to be silent, my soul was avid for more such words + from her—from her, the most perfect and beautiful of women. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not?” said she. “Is truth ever to be stifled? Ever?” + </p> + <p> + I was mad, I know—quite mad. Her words had made me so. And when, to + ask me that insistent question, she brought her face still nearer, I flung + down the reins of my unreason and let it ride amain upon its desperate, + reckless course. In short, I too leaned forward, I leaned forward, and I + kissed her full upon those scarlet, parted lips. + </p> + <p> + I kissed her, and fell back with a cry that was of anguish almost—so + poignantly had the sweet, fierce pain of that kiss run through my every + fibre. And as I cried out, so too did she, stepping back, her hands + suddenly to her face. But the next moment she was peering up at the + windows of the house—those inscrutable eyes that looked upon our + deed; that looked and of which it was impossible to discern how much they + might have seen. + </p> + <p> + “If he should have seen us!” was her cry; and it moved me unpleasantly + that such should have been the first thought my kiss inspired in her. “If + he should have seen us! Gesu! I have enough to bear already!” + </p> + <p> + “I care not,” said I. “Let him see. I am not Messer Gambara. No man shall + put an insult upon you on my account, and live.” + </p> + <p> + I was become the very ranting, roaring, fire-breathing type of lover who + will slaughter a whole world to do pleasure to his mistress or to spare + her pain—I—I—I, Agostino d'Anguissola—who was to + be ordained next month and walk in the ways of St. Augustine! + </p> + <p> + Laugh as you read—for very pity, laugh! + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” she reassured herself. “He will be still abed. He was snoring + when I left.” And she dismissed her fears, and looked at me again, and + returned to the matter of that kiss. + </p> + <p> + “What have you done to me, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + I dropped my glance before her languid eyes. “What I have done to no other + woman yet,” I answered, a certain gloom creeping over the exultation that + still thrilled me. “O Giuliana, what have you done to me? You have + bewitched me; You have made me mad!” And I set my elbows on my knees and + took my head in my hands, and sat there, overwhelmed now by the full + consciousness of the irrevocable thing that I had done, a thing that must + brand my soul for ever, so it seemed. + </p> + <p> + To have kissed a maid would have been ill enough for one whose aims were + mine. But to kiss a wife, to become a cicisbeo! The thing assumed in my + mind proportions foolishly, extravagantly beyond its evil reality. + </p> + <p> + “You are cruel, Agostino,” she whispered behind me. She had come to lean + again upon the back of the bench. “Am I alone to blame? Can the iron + withstand the lodestone? Can the rain help falling upon the earth? Can the + stream flow other than downhill?” She sighed. “Woe me! It is I who should + be angered that you have made free of my lips. And yet I am here, wooing + you to forgive me for the sin that is your own.” + </p> + <p> + I cried out at that and turned to her again, and I was very white, I know. + </p> + <p> + “You tempted me!” was my coward's cry. + </p> + <p> + “So said Adam once. Yet God thought otherwise, for Adam was as fully + punished as was Eve.” She smiled wistfully into my eyes, and my senses + reeled again. And then old Busio, the servant, came suddenly forth from + the house upon some domestic errand to Giuliana, and thus was that + situation mercifully brought to an end. + </p> + <p> + For the rest of the day I lived upon the memory of that morning, reciting + to myself each word that she had uttered, conjuring up in memory the + vision of her every look. And my absent-mindedness was visible to Fifanti + when I came to my studies with him later. He grew more peevish with me + than was habitual, dubbed me dunce and wooden-head, and commended the + wisdom of those who had determined upon a claustral life for me, admitting + that I knew enough Latin to enable me to celebrate as well as another + without too clear a knowledge of the meaning of what I pattered. All of + which was grossly untrue, for, as none knew better than himself, the + fluency of my Latin was above the common wont of students. When I told him + so, he delivered himself of his opinion upon the common wont of students + with all the sourness of his crabbed nature. + </p> + <p> + “I'll write an ode for you upon any subject that you may set me,” I + challenged him. + </p> + <p> + “Then write one upon impudence,” said he. “It is a subject you should + understand.” And upon that he got up and flung out of the room in a pet + before I could think of an answer. + </p> + <p> + Left alone, I began an ode which should prove to him his lack of justice. + But I got no further than two lines of it. Then for a spell I sat biting + my quill, my mind and the eyes of my soul full of Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + Presently I began to write again. It was not an ode, but a prayer, oddly + profane—and it was in Italian, in the “dialettale” that provoked + Fifanti's sneers. How it ran I have forgotten these many years. But I + recall that in it I likened myself to a sailor navigating shoals and + besought the pharos of Giuliana's eyes to bring me safely through, + besought her to anoint me with her glance and so hearten me to brave the + dangers of that procellous sea. + </p> + <p> + I read it first with satisfaction, then with dismay as I realized to the + full its amorous meaning. Lastly I tore it up and went below to dine. + </p> + <p> + We were still at table when my Lord Gambara arrived. He came on horseback + attended by two grooms whom he left to await him. He was all in black + velvet, I remember, even to his thigh-boots which were laced up the sides + with gold, and on his breast gleamed a fine medallion of diamonds. Of the + prelate there was about him, as usual, nothing but the scarlet cloak and + the sapphire ring. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti rose and set a chair for him, smiling a crooked smile that held + more hostility than welcome. None the less did his excellency pay Madonna + Giuliana a thousand compliments as he took his seat, supremely calm and + easy in his manner. I watched him closely, and I watched Giuliana, a queer + fresh uneasiness pervading me. + </p> + <p> + The talk was trivial and chiefly concerned with the progress of the + barracks the legate was building and the fine new road from the middle of + the city to the Church of Santa Chiara, which he intended should be called + the Via Gambara, but which, despite his intentions, is known to-day as the + Stradone Farnese. + </p> + <p> + Presently my cousin arrived, full-armed and very martial by contrast with + the velvety Cardinal. He frowned to see Messer Gambara, then effaced the + frown and smiled as, one by one, he greeted us. Last of all he turned to + me. + </p> + <p> + “And how fares his saintliness?” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, none too saintly,” said I, speaking my thoughts aloud. + </p> + <p> + He laughed. “Why, then, the sooner we are in orders, the sooner shall we + be on the road to mending that. Is it not so, Messer Fifanti? + </p> + <p> + “His ordination will profit you, I nothing doubt,” said Fifanti, with his + habitual discourtesy and acidity. “So you do well to urge it.” + </p> + <p> + The answer put my cousin entirely out of countenance a moment. It was a + blunt way of reminding me that in this Cosimo I saw one who followed after + me in the heirship to Mondolfo, and in whose interests it was that I + should don the conventual scapulary. + </p> + <p> + I looked at Cosimo's haughty face and cruel mouth, and conjectured in that + hour whether I should have found him so very civil and pleasant a cousin + had things been other than they were. + </p> + <p> + O, a very serpent was Messer Fifanti; and I have since wondered whether of + intent he sought to sow in my heart hatred of my guelphic cousin, that he + might make of me a tool for his own service—as you shall come to + understand. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Cosimo, having recovered, waved aside the imputation, and + smiled easily. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there you wrong me. The Anguissola lose more than I shall gain by + Agostino's renunciation of the world. And I am sorry for it. You believe + me, cousin?” + </p> + <p> + I answered his courteous speech as it deserved, in very courteous terms. + This set a pleasanter humour upon all. Yet some restraint abode. Each sat, + it seemed, as a man upon his guard. My cousin watched Gambara's every look + whenever the latter turned to speak to Giuliana; the Cardinal-legate did + the like by him; and Messer Fifanti watched them both. + </p> + <p> + And, meantime, Giuliana sat there, listening now to one, now to the other, + her lazy smile parting those scarlet lips—those lips that I had + kissed that morning—I, whom no one thought of watching! + </p> + <p> + And soon came Messer Annibale Caro, with lines from the last pages of his + translation oozing from him. And when presently Giuliana smote her hands + together in ecstatic pleasure at one of those same lines and bade him + repeat it to her, he swore roundly by all the gods that are mentioned in + Virgil that he would dedicate the work to her upon its completion. + </p> + <p> + At this the surliness became general once more and my Lord Gambara + ventured the opinion—and there was a note of promise, almost of + threat, in his sleek tones—that the Duke would shortly be needing + Messer Caro's presence in Parma; whereupon Messer Caro cursed the Duke + roundly and with all a poet's volubility of invective. + </p> + <p> + They stayed late, each intent, no doubt, upon outstaying the others. But + since none would give way they were forced in the end to depart together. + </p> + <p> + And whilst Messer Fifanti, as became a host, was seeing them to their + horses, I was left alone with Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you suffer those men?” I asked her bluntly. Her delicate brows + were raised in surprise. “Why, what now? They are very pleasant gentlemen, + Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + “Too pleasant,” said I, and rising I crossed to the window whence I could + watch them getting to horse, all save Caro, who had come afoot. “Too + pleasant by much. That prelate out of Hell, now...” + </p> + <p> + “Sh!” she hissed at me, smiling, her hand raised. “Should he hear you, he + might send you to the cage for sacrilege. O Agostino!” she cried, and the + smiles all vanished from her face. “Will you grow cruel and suspicious, + too?” + </p> + <p> + I was disarmed. I realized my meanness and unworthiness. + </p> + <p> + “Have patience with me,” I implored her. “I... I am not myself to-day.” I + sighed ponderously, and fell silent as I watched them ride away. Yet I + hated them all; and most of all I hated the dainty, perfumed, + golden-headed Cardinal-legate. + </p> + <p> + He came again upon the morrow, and we learnt from the news of which he was + the bearer that he had carried out his threat concerning Messer Caro. The + poet was on his way to Parma, to Duke Pier Luigi, dispatched thither on a + mission of importance by the Cardinal. He spoke, too, of sending my cousin + to Perugia, where a strong hand was needed, as the town showed signs of + mutiny against the authority of the Holy See. + </p> + <p> + When he had departed, Messer Fifanti permitted himself one of his bitter + insinuations. + </p> + <p> + “He desires a clear field,” he said, smiling his cold smile upon Giuliana. + “It but remains for him to discover that his Duke has need of me as well.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke of it as a possible contingency, but sarcastically, as men speak + of things too remote to be seriously considered. He was to remember his + words two days later when the very thing came to pass. + </p> + <p> + We were at breakfast when the blow fell. + </p> + <p> + There came a clatter of hooves under our windows, which stood open to the + tepid September morning, and soon there was old Busio ushering in an + officer of the Pontificals with a parchment tied in scarlet silk and + sealed with the arms of Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + Messer Fifanti took the package and weighed it in his hand, frowning. + Perhaps already some foreboding of the nature of its contents was in his + mind. Meanwhile, Giuliana poured wine for the officer, and Busio bore him + the cup upon a salver. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti ripped away silk and seals, and set himself to read. I can see him + now, standing near the window to which he had moved to gain a better + light, the parchment under his very nose, his short-sighted eyes screwed + up as he acquainted himself with the letter's contents. Then I saw him + turn a sickly leaden hue. He stared at the officer a moment and then at + Giuliana. But I do not think that he saw either of them. His look was the + blank look of one whose thoughts are very distant. + </p> + <p> + He thrust his hands behind him, and with head forward, in that curious + attitude so reminiscent of a bird of prey, he stepped slowly back to his + place at the table-head. Slowly his cheeks resumed their normal tint. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir,” he said, addressing the officer. “Inform his excellency + that I shall obey the summons of the Duke's magnificence without delay.” + </p> + <p> + The officer bowed to Giuliana, took his leave, and went, old Busio + escorting him. + </p> + <p> + “A summons from the Duke?” cried Giuliana, and then the storm broke + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” he answered, grimly quiet, “a summons from the Duke.” And he tossed + it across the table to her. + </p> + <p> + I saw that fateful document float an instant in the air, and then, thrown + out of poise by the blob of wax, swoop slanting to her lap. + </p> + <p> + “It will come no doubt as a surprise to you,” he growled; and upon that + his hard-held passion burst all bonds that he could impose upon it. His + great bony fist crashed down upon the board and swept a precious Venetian + beaker to the ground, where it burst into a thousand atoms, spreading red + wine like a bloodstain upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Said I not that this rascal Cardinal would make a clear field for + himself? Said I not so?” He laughed shrill and fiercely. “He would send + your husband packing as he has sent his other rivals. O, there is a + stipend waiting—a stipend of three hundred ducats yearly that shall + be made into six hundred presently, and all for my complaisance, all that + I may be a joyous and content cornuto!” + </p> + <p> + He strode to the window cursing horribly, whilst Giuliana sat white of + face with lips compressed and heaving bosom, her eyes upon her plate. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Cardinal and his Duke may take themselves together to Hell ere I + obey the summons that the one has sent me at the desire of the other. Here + I stay to guard what is my own.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a fool,” said Giuliana at length, “and a knave, too, for you + insult me without cause.” + </p> + <p> + “Without cause? O, without cause, eh? By the Host! Yet you would not have + me stay?” + </p> + <p> + “I would not have you gaoled, which is what will happen if you disobey the + Duke's magnificence,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Gaoled?” quoth he, of a sudden trembling in the increasing intensity of + his passion. “Caged, perhaps—to die of hunger and thirst and + exposure, like that poor wretch Domenico who perished yesterday, at last, + because he dared to speak the truth. Gesu!” he groaned. “O, miserable me!” + And he sank into a chair. + </p> + <p> + But the next instant he was up again, and his long arms were waving + fiercely. “By the Eyes of God! They shall have cause to cage me. If I am + to be horned like a bull, I'll use those same horns. I'll gore their + vitals. O madam, since of your wantonness you inclined to harlotry, you + should have wedded another than Astorre Fifanti.” + </p> + <p> + It was too much. I leapt to my feet. + </p> + <p> + “Messer Fifanti,” I blazed at him. “I'll not remain to hear such words + addressed to this sweet lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes,” he snarled, wheeling suddenly upon me as if he would strike me. + “I had forgot the champion, the preux-chevalier, the saint in embryo! You + will not remain to hear the truth, sir, eh?” And he strode, mouthing, to + the door, and flung it wide so that it crashed against the wall. “This is + your remedy. Get you hence! Go! What passes here concerns you not. Go!” he + roared like a mad beast, his rage a thing terrific. + </p> + <p> + I looked at him and from him to Giuliana, and my eyes most clearly invited + her to tell me how she would have me act. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you had best go, Agostino,” she answered sadly. “I shall bear his + insults easier if there be no witness. Yes, go.” + </p> + <p> + “Since it is your wish, Madonna,” I bowed to her, and very erect, very + defiant of mien, I went slowly past the livid Fifanti, and so out. I heard + the door slammed after me, and in the little hall I came upon Busio, who + was wringing his hand and looking very white. He ran to me. + </p> + <p> + “He will murder her, Messer Agostino,” moaned the old man. “He can be a + devil in his anger.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a devil always, in anger and out of it,” said I. “He needs an + exorcist. It is a task that I should relish. I'd beat the devils out of + him, Busio, and she would let me. Meanwhile, stay we here, and if she + needs our help, it shall be hers.” + </p> + <p> + I dropped on to the carved settle that stood there, old Busio standing at + my elbow, more tranquil now that there was help at hand for Madonna in + case of need. And through the door came the sound of his storming, and + presently the crash of more broken glassware, as once more he thumped the + table. For well-high half an hour his fury lasted, and it was seldom that + her voice was interposed. Once we heard her laugh, cold and cutting as a + sword's edge, and I shivered at the sound, for it was not good to hear. + </p> + <p> + At last the door was opened and he came forth. His face was inflamed, his + eyes wild and blood-injected. He paused for a moment on the threshold, but + I do not think that he noticed us at first. He looked back at her over his + shoulder, still sitting at table, the outline of her white-gowned body + sharply defined against the deep blue tapestry of the wall behind her. + </p> + <p> + “You are warned,” said he. “Do you heed the warning!” And he came forward. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving me at last where I sat, he bared his broken teeth in a snarling + smile. But it was to Busio that he spoke. “Have my mule saddled for me in + an hour,” he said, and passed on and up the stairs to make his + preparations. It seemed, therefore, that she had conquered his suspicions. + </p> + <p> + I went in to offer her comfort, for she was weeping and all shaken by that + cruel encounter. But she waved me away. + </p> + <p> + “Not now, Agostino. Not now,” she implored me. “Leave me to myself, my + friend.” + </p> + <p> + I had not been her friend had I not obeyed her without question. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. PABULUM ACHERONTIS + </h2> + <p> + It was late that afternoon when Astorre Fifanti set out. He addressed a + few brief words to me, informing me that he should return within four + days, betide what might, setting me tasks upon which I was meanwhile to + work, and bidding me keep the house and be circumspect during his absence. + </p> + <p> + From the window of my room I saw the doctor get astride his mule. He was + girt with a big sword, but he still wore his long, absurd and shabby gown + and his loose, ill-fitting shoes, so that it was very likely that the + stirrup-leathers would engage his thoughts ere he had ridden far. + </p> + <p> + I saw him dig his heels into the beast's sides and go ambling down the + little avenue and out at the gate. In the road he drew rein, and stood in + talk some moments with a lad who idled there, a lad whom he was wont to + employ upon odd tasks about the garden and elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + This, Madonna also saw, for she was watching his departure from the window + of a room below. That she attached more importance to that little + circumstance than did I, I was to learn much later. + </p> + <p> + At last he pushed on, and I watched him as he dwindled down the long grey + road that wound along the river-side until in the end he was lost to view—for + all time, I hoped; and well had it been for me had my idle hope been + realized. + </p> + <p> + I supped alone that night with no other company than Busio's, who + ministered to my needs. + </p> + <p> + Madonna sent word that she would keep her chamber. When I had supped and + after night had fallen I went upstairs to the library, and, shutting + myself in, I attempted to read, lighted by the three beaks of the tall + brass lamp that stood upon the table. Being plagued by moths, I drew the + curtains close across the open window, and settled down to wrestle with + the opening lines of the [Title in Greek] of Aeschylus. + </p> + <p> + But my thoughts wandered from the doings of the son of Iapetus, until at + last I flung down the book and sat back in my chair all lost in thought, + in doubt, and in conjecture. I became seriously introspective. I made an + examination not only of conscience, but of heart and mind, and I found + that I had gone woefully astray from the path that had been prepared for + me. Very late I sat there and sought to determine upon what I should do. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, like a manna to my starving soul, came the memory of the last + talk I had with Fra Gervasio and the solemn warning he had given me. That + memory inspired me rightly. To-morrow—despite Messer Fifanti's + orders—I would take horse and ride to Mondolfo, there to confess + myself to Fra Gervasio and to be guided by his counsel. My mother's vows + concerning me I saw in their true light. They were not binding upon me; + indeed, I should be doing a hideous wrong were I to follow them against my + inclinations. I must not damn my soul for anything that my mother had + vowed or ever I was born, however much she might account that it would be + no more than filial piety so to do. + </p> + <p> + I was easier in mind after my resolve was taken, and I allowed that mind + of mine to stray thereafter as it listed. It took to thoughts of Giuliana—Giuliana + for whom I ached in every nerve, although I still sought to conceal from + myself the true cause of my suffering. Better a thousand times had I + envisaged that sinful fact and wrestled with it boldly. Thus should I have + had a chance of conquering myself and winning clear of all the horror that + lay before me. + </p> + <p> + That I was weak and irresolute at such a time, when I most needed + strength, I still think to-day—when I can take a calm survey of all—was + the fault of the outrageous rearing that was mine. At Mondolfo they had so + nurtured me and so sheltered me from the stinging blasts of the world that + I was grown into a very ripe and succulent fruit for the Devil's mouth. + The things to whose temptation usage would have rendered me in some degree + immune were irresistible to one who had been tutored as had I. + </p> + <p> + Let youth know wickedness, lest when wickedness seeks a man out in his + riper years he shall be fooled and conquered by the beauteous garb in + which the Devil has the cunning to array it. + </p> + <p> + And yet to pretend that I was entirely innocent of where I stood and in + what perils were to play the hypocrite. Largely I knew; just as I knew + that lacking strength to resist, I must seek safety in flight. And + to-morrow I would go. That point was settled, and the page, meanwhile, + turned down. And for to-night I delivered myself up to the savouring of + this hunger that was upon me. + </p> + <p> + And then, towards the third hour of night, as I still sat there, the door + was very gently opened, and I beheld Giuliana standing before me. She + detached from the black background of the passage, and the light of my + three-beaked lamp set her ruddy hair aglow so that it seemed there was a + luminous nimbus all about her head. For a moment this gave colour to my + fancy that I beheld a vision evoked by the too great intentness of my + thoughts. The pale face seemed so transparent, the white robe was almost + diaphanous, and the great dark eyes looked so sad and wistful. Only in the + vivid scarlet of her lips was there life and blood. + </p> + <p> + I stared at her. “Giuliana!” I murmured. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you sit so late?” she asked me, and closed the door as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I have been thinking, Giuliana,” I answered wearily, and I passed a hand + over my brow to find it moist and clammy. “To-morrow I go hence.” + </p> + <p> + She started round and her eyes grew distended, her hand clutched her + breast. “You go hence?” she cried, a note as of fear in her deep voice. + “Hence? Whither?” + </p> + <p> + “Back to Mondolfo, to tell my mother that her dream is at an end.” + </p> + <p> + She came slowly towards me. “And... and then?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “And then? I do not know. What God wills. But the scapulary is not for me. + I am unworthy. I have no call. This I now know. And sooner than be such a + priest as Messer Gambara—of whom there are too many in the Church + to-day—I will find some other way of serving God.” + </p> + <p> + “Since... since when have you thought thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Since this morning, when I kissed you,” I answered fiercely. + </p> + <p> + She sank into a chair beyond the table and stretched a hand across it to + me, inviting the clasp of mine. “But if this is so, why leave us?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am afraid,” I answered. “Because... O God! Giuliana, do you not + see?” And I sank my head into my hands. + </p> + <p> + Steps shuffled along the corridor. I looked up sharply. She set a finger + to her lips. There fell a knock, and old Busio stood before us. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna,” he announced, “my Lord the Cardinal-legate is below and asks + for you.” + </p> + <p> + I started up as if I had been stung. So! At this hour! Then Messer + Fifanti's suspicions did not entirely lack for grounds. + </p> + <p> + Giuliana flashed me a glance ere she made answer. + </p> + <p> + “You will tell my Lord Gambara that I have retired for the night and + that... But stay!” She caught up a quill and dipped it in the ink-horn, + drew paper to herself, and swiftly wrote three lines; then dusted it with + sand, and proffered that brief epistle to the servant. + </p> + <p> + “Give this to my lord.” + </p> + <p> + Busio took the note, bowed, and departed. + </p> + <p> + After the door had closed a silence followed, in which I paced the room in + long strides, aflame now with the all-consuming fire of jealousy. I do + believe that Satan had set all the legions of hell to achieve my overthrow + that night. Naught more had been needed to undo me than this spur of + jealousy. It brought me now to her side. I stood over her, looking down at + her between tenderness and fierceness, she returning my glance with such a + look as may haunt the eyes of sacrificial victims. + </p> + <p> + “Why dared he come?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps... perhaps some affair connected with Astorre...” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + I sneered. “That would be natural seeing that he has sent Astorre to + Parma.” + </p> + <p> + “If there was aught else, I am no party to it,” she assured me. + </p> + <p> + How could I do other than believe her? How could I gauge the turpitude of + that beauty's mind—I, all unversed in the wiles that Satan teaches + women? How could I have guessed that when she saw Fifanti speak to that + lad at the gate that afternoon she had feared that he had set a spy upon + the house, and that fearing this she had bidden the Cardinal begone? I + knew it later. But not then. + </p> + <p> + “Will you swear that it is as you say?” I asked her, white with passion. + </p> + <p> + As I have said, I was standing over her and very close. Her answer now was + suddenly to rise. Like a snake came she gliding upwards into my arms until + she lay against my breast, her face upturned, her eyes languidly veiled, + her lips a-pout. + </p> + <p> + “Can you do me so great a wrong, thinking you love me, knowing that I love + you?” she asked me. + </p> + <p> + For an instant we swayed together in that sweetly hideous embrace. I was + as a man sapped of all strength by some portentous struggle. I trembled + from head to foot. I cried out once—a despairing prayer for help, I + think it was—and then I seemed to plunge headlong down through an + immensity of space until my lips found hers. The ecstasy, the living fire, + the anguish, and the torture of it have left their indelible scars upon my + memory. Even as I write the cruelly sweet poignancy of that moment is with + me again—though very hateful now. + </p> + <p> + Thus I, blindly and recklessly, under the sway and thrall of that terrific + and overpowering temptation. And then there leapt in my mind a glimmer of + returning consciousness: a glimmer that grew rapidly to be a blazing light + in which I saw revealed the hideousness of the thing I did. I tore myself + away from her in that second of revulsion and hurled her from me, fiercely + and violently, so that, staggering to the seat from which she had risen, + she fell into it rather than sat down. + </p> + <p> + And whilst, breathless with parted lips and galloping bosom, she observed + me, something near akin to terror in her eyes, I stamped about that room + and raved and heaped abuse and recriminations upon myself, ending by going + down upon my knees to her, imploring her forgiveness for the thing I had + done—believing like a fatuous fool that it was all my doing—and + imploring her still more passionately to leave me and to go. + </p> + <p> + She set a trembling hand upon my head; she took my chin in the other, and + raised my face until she could look into it. + </p> + <p> + “If it be your will—if it will bring you peace and happiness, I will + leave you now and never see you more. But are you not deluded, my + Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + And then, as if her self-control gave way, she fell to weeping. + </p> + <p> + “And what of me if you go? What of me wedded to that monster, to that + cruel and inhuman pedant who tortures and insults me as you have seen?” + </p> + <p> + “Beloved, will another wrong cure the wrong of that?” I pleaded. “O, if + you love me, go—go, leave me. It is too late—too late!” + </p> + <p> + I drew away from her touch, and crossed the room to fling myself upon the + window-seat. For a space we sat apart thus, panting like wrestlers who + have flung away from each other. At length—“Listen, Giuliana,” I + said more calmly. “Were I to heed you, were I to obey my own desires, I + should bid you come away with me from this to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “If you but would!” she sighed. “You would be taking me out of hell.” + </p> + <p> + “Into another worse,” I countered swiftly. “I should do you such a wrong + as naught could ever right again.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me for a spell in silence. Her back was to the light and her + face in shadow, so that I could not read what passed there. Then, very + slowly, like one utterly weary, she got to her feet. + </p> + <p> + “I will do your will, beloved; but I do it not for the wrong that I should + suffer—for that I should count no wrong—but for the wrong that + I should be doing you.” + </p> + <p> + She paused as if for an answer. I had none for her. I raised my arms, then + let them fall again, and bowed my head. I heard the gentle rustle of her + robe, and I looked up to see her staggering towards the door, her arms in + front of her like one who is blind. She reached it, pulled it open, and + from the threshold gave me one last ineffable look of her great eyes, + heavy now with tears. Then the door closed again, and I was alone. + </p> + <p> + From my heart there rose a great surge of thankfulness. I fell upon my + knees and prayed. For an hour at least I must have knelt there, seeking + grace and strength; and comforted at last, my calm restored, I rose, and + went to the window. I drew back the curtains, and leaned out to breathe + the physical calm of that tepid September night. + </p> + <p> + And presently out of the gloom a great grey shape came winging towards the + window, the heavy pinions moving ponderously with their uncanny sough. It + was an owl attracted by the light. Before that bird of evil omen, that + harbinger of death, I drew back and crossed myself. I had a sight of its + sphinx-like face and round, impassive eyes ere it circled to melt again + into the darkness, startled by any sudden movement. I closed the window + and left the room. + </p> + <p> + Very softly I crept down the passage towards my chamber, leaving the light + burning in the library, for it was not my habit to extinguish it, and I + gave no thought to the lateness of the hour. + </p> + <p> + Midway down the passage I halted. I was level with Giuliana's door, and + from under it there came a slender blade of light. But it was not this + that checked me. She was singing, Such a pitiful little heartbroken song + it was: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Amor mi muojo; mi muojo amore mio!” + </pre> + <p> + ran its last line. + </p> + <p> + I leaned against the wall, and a sob broke from me. Then, in an instant, + the passage was flooded with light, and in the open doorway Giuliana stood + all white before me, her arms held out. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE IRON GIRDLE + </h2> + <p> + From the distance, drawing rapidly nearer and ringing sharply in the + stillness of the night, came the clatter of a mule's hooves. + </p> + <p> + But, though heard, it was scarcely heard consciously, and it certainly + went unheeded until it was beneath the window and ceasing at the door. + </p> + <p> + Giuliana's fingers locked themselves upon my arm in a grip of fear. + </p> + <p> + “Who comes?” she asked, below her breath, fearfully. I sprang from the bed + and crouched, listening, by the window, and so lost precious time. + </p> + <p> + Out of the darkness Giuliana's voice spoke again, hoarsely now and + trembling. + </p> + <p> + “It will be Astorre,” she said, with conviction. “At this hour it can be + none else. I suspected when I saw him talking to that boy at the gate this + afternoon that he was setting a spy upon me, to warn him wherever he was + lurking, did the need arise.” + </p> + <p> + “But how should the boy know...?” I began, when she interrupted me almost + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “The boy saw Messer Gambara ride up. He waited for no more, but went at + once to warn Astorre. He has been long in coming,” she added in the tone + of one who is still searching for the exact explanation of the thing that + is happening. And then, suddenly and very urgently, “Go, go—go + quickly!” she bade me. + </p> + <p> + As in the dark I was groping my way towards the door she spoke again: + </p> + <p> + “Why does he not knock? For what does he wait?” Immediately, from the + stairs, came a terrific answer to her question—the unmistakable, + slip-slopping footstep of the doctor. + </p> + <p> + I halted, and for an instant stood powerless to move. How he had entered I + could not guess, nor did I ever discover. Sufficient was the awful fact + that he was in. + </p> + <p> + I was ice-cold from head to foot. Then I was all on fire and groping + forward once more whilst those footsteps, sinister and menacing as the + very steps of Doom, came higher and nearer. + </p> + <p> + At last I found the door and wrenched it open. I stayed to close it after + me, and already at the end of the passage beat the reflection of the light + Fifanti carried. A second I stood there hesitating which way to turn. My + first thought was to gain my own chamber. But to attempt it were assuredly + to run into his arms. So I turned, and went as swiftly and stealthily as + possible towards the library. + </p> + <p> + I was all but in when he turned the corner of the passage, and so caught + sight of me before I had closed the door. + </p> + <p> + I stood in the library, where the lamp still burned, sweating, panting, + and trembling. For even as he had had a glimpse of me, so had I had a + glimpse of him, and the sight was terrifying to one in my situation. + </p> + <p> + I had seen, his tall, gaunt figure bending forward in his eager, angry + haste. In one hand he carried a lanthorn; a naked sword in the other. His + face was malign and ghastly, and his bald, egg-like head shone yellow. The + fleeting glimpse he had of me drew from him a sound between a roar and a + snarl, and with quickened feet he came slip-slopping down the passage. + </p> + <p> + I had meant, I think, to play the fox: to seat myself at the table, a book + before me, and feigning slumber, present the appearance of one who had + been overcome by weariness at his labours. But now all thought of that was + at an end. I had been seen, and that I fled was all too apparent. So that + in every way I was betrayed. + </p> + <p> + The thing I did, I did upon instinct rather than reason; and this again + was not well done. I slammed the door, and turned the key, placing at + least that poor barrier between myself and the man I had so deeply + wronged, the man whom I had given the right to slay me. A second later the + door shook as if a hurricane had smitten it. He had seized the handle, and + he was pulling at it frenziedly with a maniacal strength. + </p> + <p> + “Open!” he thundered, and fell to snarling and whimpering horribly. + “Open!” + </p> + <p> + Then, quite abruptly he became oddly calm. It was as if his rage grew + coldly purposeful; and the next words he uttered acted upon me as a + dagger-prod, and reawakened my mind from its momentary stupefaction. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think these poor laths can save you from my vengeance, my Lord + Gambara?” quoth he, with a chuckle horrible to hear. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Gambara! He mistook me for the Legate! In an instant I saw the + reason of this. It was as Giuliana had conceived. The boy had run to warn + him wherever he was—at Roncaglia, perhaps, a league away upon the + road to Parma. And the boy's news was that my Lord the Governor had gone + to Fifanti's house. The boy had never waited to see the Legate come forth + again; but had obeyed his instructions to the letter, and it was Gambara + whom Fifanti came to take red-handed and to kill as he had the right to + do. + </p> + <p> + When he had espied my flying shape, the length of the corridor had lain + between us, Fifanti was short-sighted, and since it was Gambara whom he + expected to find, Gambara at once he concluded it to be who fled before + him. + </p> + <p> + There was no villainy for which I was not ripe that night, it seemed. For + no sooner did I perceive this error than I set myself to scheme how I + might profit by it. Let Gambara by all means suffer in my place if the + thing could be contrived. If not in fact, at least in intent, the + Cardinal-legate had certainly sinned. If he was not in my place now, it + was through the too great good fortune that attended him. Besides, Gambara + would be in better case to protect himself from the consequences and from + Fifanti's anger. + </p> + <p> + Thus cravenly I reasoned; and reasoning thus, I reached the window. If I + could climb down to the garden, and then perhaps up again to my own + chamber, I might get me to bed, what time Fifanti still hammered at that + door. Meanwhile his voice came rasping through those slender timbers, as + he mocked the Lord Cardinal he supposed me. + </p> + <p> + “You would not be warned, my lord, and yet I warned you enough. You would + plant horns upon my head. Well, well! Do not complain if you are gored by + them.” + </p> + <p> + Then he laughed hideously. “This poor Astorre Fifanti is blind and a fool. + He is to be sent packing on a journey to the Duke, devised to suit my Lord + Cardinal's convenience. But you should have bethought you that suspicious + husbands have a trick of pretending to depart whilst they remain.” + </p> + <p> + Next his voice swelled up again in passion, and again the door was shaken. + </p> + <p> + “Will you open, then, or must I break down the door! There is no barrier + in the world shall keep me from you, there is no power can save you. I + have the right to kill you by every law of God and man. Shall I forgo that + right?” He laughed snarlingly. + </p> + <p> + “Three hundred ducats yearly to recompense the hospitality I have given + you—and six hundred later upon the coming of the Duke!” he mocked. + “That was the price, my lord, of my hospitality—which was to include + my wife's harlotry. Three hundred ducats! Ha! ha! Three hundred thousand + million years in Hell! That is the price, my lord—the price that you + shall pay, for I present the reckoning and enforce it. You shall be + shriven in iron—you and your wanton after you. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I be caged for having shed a prelate's sacred blood? for having + sent a prelate's soul to Hell with all its filth of sin upon it? Shall I? + Speak, magnificent; out of the fullness of your theological knowledge + inform me.” + </p> + <p> + I had listened in a sort of fascination to that tirade of venomous + mockery. But now I stirred, and pulled the casement open. I peered down + into the darkness and hesitated. The wall was creeper-clad to the window's + height; but I feared the frail tendrils of the clematis would never bear + me. I hesitated. Then I resolved to jump. It was but little more than some + twelve feet to the ground, and that was nothing to daunt an active lad of + my own build, with the soft turf to land upon below. It should have been + done without hesitation; for that moment's hesitation was my ruin. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti had heard the opening of the casement, and fearing that, after + all, his prey might yet escape him, he suddenly charged the door like an + infuriated bull, and borrowing from his rage a strength far greater than + his usual he burst away the fastenings of that crazy door. + </p> + <p> + Into the room hurtled the doctor, to check and stand there blinking at me, + too much surprised for a moment to grasp the situation. + </p> + <p> + When, at last, he understood, the returning flow of rage was overwhelming. + </p> + <p> + “You!” he gasped, and then his voice mounting—“You dog!” he + screamed. “So it was you! You!” + </p> + <p> + He crouched and his little eyes, all blood-injected, peered at me with + horrid malice. He grew cold again as he mastered his surprise. “You!” he + repeated. “Blind fool that I have been! You! The walker in the ways of St. + Augustine—in his early ways, I think. You saint in embryo, you + postulant for holy orders! You shall be ordained this night—with + this!” And he raised his sword so that little yellow runnels of light sped + down the livid blade. + </p> + <p> + “I will ordain you into Hell, you hound!” And thereupon he leapt at me. + </p> + <p> + I sprang away from the window, urged by fear of him into a very sudden + activity. As I crossed the room I had a glimpse of the white figure of + Giuliana in the gloom of the passage, watching. + </p> + <p> + He came after me, snarling. I seized a stool and hurled it at him. He + avoided it nimbly, and it went crashing through the half of the casement + that was still closed. + </p> + <p> + And as he avoided it, grown suddenly cunning, he turned back towards the + door to bar my exit should I attempt to lead him round the table. + </p> + <p> + We stood at gaze, the length of the little low-ceilinged chamber between + us, both of us breathing hard. + </p> + <p> + Then I looked round for something with which to defend myself; for it was + plain that he meant to have my life. By a great ill-chance it happened + that the sword which I had worn upon that day when I went as Giuliana's + escort into Piacenza was still standing in the very corner where I had set + it down. Instinctively I sprang for it, and Fifanti, never suspecting my + quest until he saw me with a naked iron in my hand, did nothing to prevent + my reaching it. + </p> + <p> + Seeing me armed, he laughed. “Ho, ho! The saint-at-arms!” he mocked. + “You'll be as skilled with weapons as with holiness!” And he advanced upon + me in long stealthy strides. The width of the table was between us, and he + smote at me across it. I parried, and cut back at him, for being armed + now, I no more feared him than I should have feared a child. Little he + knew of the swordcraft I had learnt from old Falcone, a thing which once + learnt is never forgotten though lack of exercise may make us slow. + </p> + <p> + He cut at me again, and narrowly missed the lamp in his stroke. And now, I + can most solemnly make oath that in the thing that followed there was no + intent. It was over and done before I was conscious of the happening. I + had acted purely upon instinct as men will in performing what they have + been taught. + </p> + <p> + To ward his blow, I came almost unconsciously into that guard of Marozzo's + which is known as the iron girdle. I parried and on the stroke I lunged, + and so, taking the poor wretch entirely unawares, I sank the half of my + iron into his vitals ere he or I had any thought that the thing was + possible. + </p> + <p> + I saw his little eyes grow very wide, and the whole expression of his face + become one of intense astonishment. + </p> + <p> + He moved his lips as if to speak, and then the sword clattered from his + one hand, the lanthorn from his other; he sank forward quietly, still + looking at me with the same surprised glance, and so came further on to my + rigidly held blade, until his breast brought up against the quillons. For + a moment he remained supported thus, by just that rigid arm of mine and + the table against which his weight was leaning. Then I withdrew the blade, + and in the same movement flung the weapon from me. Before the sword had + rattled to the floor, his body had sunk down into a heap beyond the table, + so that I could see no more than the yellow, egg-like top of his bald + head. + </p> + <p> + Awhile I stood watching it, filled with an extraordinary curiosity and a + queer awe. Very slowly was it that I began to realize the thing I had + done. It might be that I had killed Fifanti. It might be. And slowly, + gradually I grew cold with the thought and the apprehension of its horrid + meaning. + </p> + <p> + Then from the passage came a stifled scream, and Giuliana staggered + forward, one hand holding flimsy draperies to her heaving bosom, the other + at her mouth, which had grown hideously loose and uncontrolled. Her + glowing copper hair, all unbound, fell about her shoulders like a mantle. + </p> + <p> + Behind her with ashen face and trembling limbs came old Busio. He was + groaning and ringing his hands. Thus I saw the pair of them creep forward + to approach Fifanti, who had made no sound since my sword had gone through + him. + </p> + <p> + But Fifanti was no longer there to heed them—the faithful servant + and the unfaithful wife. All that remained, huddled there at the foot of + the table, was a heap of bleeding flesh and shabby garments. + </p> + <p> + It was Giuliana who gave me the information. With a courage that was + almost stupendous she looked down into his face, then up into mine, which + I doubt not was as livid. + </p> + <p> + “You have killed him,” she whispered. “He is dead.” + </p> + <p> + He was dead and I had killed him! My lips moved. + </p> + <p> + “He would have killed me,” I answered in a strangled voice, and knew that + what I said was a sort of lie to cloak the foulness of my deed. + </p> + <p> + Old Busio uttered a long, croaking wail, and went down on his knees beside + the master he had served so long—the master who would never more + need servant in this world. + </p> + <p> + It was upon the wings of that pitiful cry that the full understanding of + the thing I had done was borne in upon my soul. I bowed my head, and took + my face in my hands. I saw myself in that moment for what I was. I + accounted myself wholly and irrevocably damned, Be God never so clement, + surely here was something for which even His illimitable clemency could + find no pardon. + </p> + <p> + I had come to Fifanti's house as a student of humanities and divinities; + all that I had learnt there had been devilries culminating in this hour's + work. And all through no fault of that poor, mean, ugly pedant, who indeed + had been my victim—whom I had robbed of honour and of life. + </p> + <p> + Never man felt self-horror as I felt it then, self-loathing and + self-contempt. And then, whilst the burden of it all, the horror of it all + was full upon me, a soft hand touched my shoulder, and a soft, quivering + voice murmured urgently in my ear: + </p> + <p> + “Agostino, we must go; we must go.” + </p> + <p> + I plucked away my hands, and showed her a countenance before which she + shrank in fear. + </p> + <p> + “We?” I snarled at her. “We?” I repeated still more fiercely, and drove + her back before me as if I had done her a bodily hurt. + </p> + <p> + O, I should have imagined—had I had time in which to imagine + anything—that already I had descended to the very bottom of the pit + of infamy. But it seems that one more downward step remained me; and that + step I took. Not by act, nor yet by speech, but just by thought. + </p> + <p> + For without the manliness to take the whole blame of this great crime upon + myself, I must in my soul and mind fling the burden of it upon her. Like + Adam of old, I blamed the woman, and charged her in my thoughts with + having tempted me. Charging her thus, I loathed her as the cause of all + this sin that had engulfed me; loathed her in that moment as a thing + unclean and hideous; loathed her with a completeness of loathing such as I + had never experienced before for any fellow-creature. + </p> + <p> + Instead of beholding in her one whom I had dragged with me into my pit of + sin and whom it was incumbent upon my manhood thenceforth to shelter and + protect from the consequences of my own iniquity, I attributed to her the + blame of all that had befallen. + </p> + <p> + To-day I know that in so doing I did no more than justice. But it was not + justly done. I had then no such knowledge as I have to-day by which to + correct my judgment. The worst I had the right to think of her in that + hour was that her guilt was something less than mine. In thinking + otherwise was it that I took that last step to the very bottom of the hell + that I had myself created for myself that night. + </p> + <p> + The rest was as nothing by comparison. I have said that it was not by act + or speech that I added to the sum of my iniquities; and yet it was by + both. First, in that fiercely echoed “We?” that I hurled at her to strike + her from me; then in my precipitate flight alone. + </p> + <p> + How I stumbled from that room I scarcely know. The events of the time that + followed immediately upon Fifanti's death are all blurred as the + impressions of a sick man's dream. + </p> + <p> + I dimly remember that as she backed away from me until her shoulders + touched the wall, that as she stood so, all white and lovely as any snare + that Satan ever devised for man's ruin, staring at me with mutely pleading + eyes, I staggered forward, avoiding the sight of that dreadful huddle on + the floor, over which Busio was weeping foolishly. + </p> + <p> + As I stepped a sudden moisture struck my stockinged feet. Its nature I + knew by instinct upon the instant, and filled by it with a sudden + unreasoning terror, I dashed with a loud cry from the room. + </p> + <p> + Along the passage and down the dark stairs I plunged until I reached the + door of the house. It stood open and I went heedlessly forth. From + overhead I heard Giuliana calling me in a voice that held a note of + despair. But I never checked in my headlong career. + </p> + <p> + Fifanti's mule, I have since reflected, was tethered near the steps. I saw + the beast, but it conveyed no meaning to my mind, which I think was + numbed. I sped past it and on, through the gate, round the road by the Po, + under the walls of the city, and so away into the open country. + </p> + <p> + Without cap, without doublet, without shoes, just in my trunks and shirt + and hose, as I was, I ran, heading by instinct for home as heads the + animal that has been overtaken by danger whilst abroad. Never since + Phidippides, the Athenian courier, do I believe that any man had run as + desperately and doggedly as I ran that night. + </p> + <p> + By dawn, having in some three hours put twenty miles or so between myself + and Piacenza, I staggered exhausted and with cut and bleeding feet through + the open door of a peasant's house. + </p> + <p> + The family, sat at breakfast in the stone-flagged room into which I + stumbled. I halted under their astonished eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I am the Lord of Mondolfo,” I panted hoarsely, “and I need a beast to + carry me home.” + </p> + <p> + The head of that considerable family, a grizzled, suntanned peasant, rose + from his seat and pondered my condition with a glance that was laden with + mistrust. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord of Mondolfo—you, thus?” quoth he. “Now, by Bacchus, I am + the Pope of Rome!” + </p> + <p> + But his wife, more tender-hearted, saw in my disorder cause for pity + rather than irony. + </p> + <p> + “Poor lad!” she murmured, as I staggered and fell into a chair, unable + longer to retain my feet. She rose immediately, and came hurrying towards + me with a basin of goat's milk. The draught refreshed my body as her + gentle words of comfort soothed my troubled soul. Seated there, her stout + arm about my shoulders, my head pillowed upon her ample, motherly breast, + I was very near to tears, loosened in my overwrought state by the sweet + touch of sympathy, for which may God reward her. + </p> + <p> + I rested in that place awhile. Three hours I slept upon a litter of straw + in an outhouse; whereupon, strengthened by my repose, I renewed my claim + to be the Lord of Mondolfo and my demand for a horse to carry me to my + fortress. + </p> + <p> + Still doubting me too much to trust me alone with any beast of his, the + peasant nevertheless fetched out a couple of mules and set out with me for + Mondolfo. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III. THE WILDERNESS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE HOME-COMING + </h2> + <p> + It was still early morning when we came into the town of Mondolfo, my + peasant escort and I. + </p> + <p> + The day being Sunday there was little stir in the town at such an hour, + and it presented a very different appearance from that which it had worn + when last I had seen it. But the difference lay not only in the absence of + bustle and the few folk abroad now as compared with that market-day on + which, departing, I had ridden through it. I viewed the place to-day with + eyes that were able to draw comparisons, and after the wide streets and + imposing buildings of Piacenza, I found my little township mean and + rustic. + </p> + <p> + We passed the Duomo, consecrated to Our Lady of Mondolfo. Its portals + stood wide, and in the opening swung a heavy crimson curtain, embroidered + with a huge golden cross which was bellying outward like an enormous + gonfalon. On the steps a few crippled beggars whined, and a few faithful + took their way to early Mass. + </p> + <p> + On, up the steep, ill-paved street we climbed to the mighty grey citadel + looming on the hill's crest, like a gigantic guardian brooding over the + city of his trust. We crossed the drawbridge unchallenged, passed under + the tunnel of the gateway, and so came into the vast, untenanted bailey of + the fortress. + </p> + <p> + I looked about me, beat my hands together, and raised my voice to shout + </p> + <p> + “Ola! Ola!” + </p> + <p> + In answer to my call the door of the guardhouse opened presently, and a + man looked out. He frowned at first; then his brows went up and his mouth + fell open. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Madonnino!” he shouted over his shoulder, and hurried forward + to take my reins, uttering words of respectful welcome, which seemed to + relieve the fears of my peasant, who had never quite believed me what I + proclaimed myself. + </p> + <p> + There was a stir in the guardhouse, and two or three men of the absurd + garrison my mother kept there shuffled in the doorway, whilst a burly + fellow in leather with a sword girt on him thrust his way through and + hurried forward, limping slightly. In the dark, lowering face I recognized + my old friend Rinolfo, and I marvelled to see him thus accoutred. + </p> + <p> + He halted before me, and gave me a stiff and unfriendly salute; then he + bade the man-at-arms to hold my stirrup. + </p> + <p> + “What is your authority here, Rinolfo?” I asked him shortly. + </p> + <p> + I am the castellan,” he informed me. + </p> + <p> + “The castellan? But what of Messer Giorgio?” + </p> + <p> + “He died a month ago.” + </p> + <p> + “And who gave you this authority?” + </p> + <p> + “Madonna the Countess, in some recompense for the hurt you did me,” he + replied, thrusting forward his lame leg. + </p> + <p> + His tone was surly and hostile; but it provoked no resentment in me now. I + deserved his unfriendliness. I had crippled him. At the moment I forgot + the provocation I had received—forgot that since he had raised his + hand to his lord, it would have been no great harshness to have hanged + him. I saw in him but another instance of my wickedness, another sufferer + at my hands; and I hung my head under the rebuke implicit in his surly + tone and glance. + </p> + <p> + “I had not thought, Rinolfo, to do you an abiding hurt,” said I, and here + checked, bethinking me that I lied; for had I not expressed regret that I + had not broken his neck? + </p> + <p> + I got down slowly and painfully, for my limbs were stiff and my feet very + sore. He smiled darkly at my words and my sudden faltering; but I affected + not to see. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Madonna?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “She will have returned by now from chapel,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + I turned to the man-at-arms. “You will announce me,” I bade him. “And you, + Rinolfo, see to these beasts and to this good fellow here. Let him have + wine and food and what he needs. I will see him again ere he sets forth.” + </p> + <p> + Rinolfo muttered that all should be done as I ordered, and I signed to the + man-at-arms to lead the way. + </p> + <p> + We went up the steps and into the cool of the great hall. There the + soldier, whose every feeling had been outraged no doubt by Rinolfo's + attitude towards his lord, ventured to express his sympathy and + indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Rinolfo is a black beast, Madonnino,” he muttered. + </p> + <p> + “We are all black beasts, Eugenio,” I answered heavily, and so startled + him by words and tone that he ventured upon no further speech, but led me + straight to my mother's private dining-room, opened the door and calmly + announced me. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna, here is my Lord Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + I heard the gasp she uttered before I caught sight of her. She was seated + at the table's head in her great wooden chair, and Fra Gervasio was pacing + the rush-strewn floor in talk with her, his hands behind his back, his + head thrust forward. + </p> + <p> + At the announcement he straightened suddenly and wheeled round to face me, + inquiry in his glance. My mother, too, half rose, and remained so, staring + at me, her amazement at seeing me increased by the strange appearance I + presented. + </p> + <p> + Eugenio closed the door and departed, leaving me standing there, just + within it; and for a moment no word was spoken. + </p> + <p> + The cheerless, familiar room, looking more cheerless than it had done of + old, with its high-set windows and ghastly Crucifix, affected me in a + singular manner. In this room I had known a sort of peace—the peace + that is peculiarly childhood's own, whatever the troubles that may haunt + it. I came into it now with hell in my soul, sin-blackened before God and + man, a fugitive in quest of sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + A knot rose in my throat and paralysed awhile my speech. Then with a + sudden sob, I sprang forward and hobbled to her upon my wounded feet. I + flung myself down upon my knees, buried my head in her lap, and all that I + could cry was: + </p> + <p> + “Mother! Mother!” + </p> + <p> + Whether perceiving my disorder, my distraught and suffering condition, + what remained of the woman in her was moved to pity; whether my cry acting + like a rod of Moses upon that rock of her heart which excess of piety had + long since sterilized, touched into fresh life the springs that had long + since been dry, and reminded her of the actual bond between us, her tone + was more kindly and gentle than I had ever known it. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino, my child! Why are you here?” And her wax-like fingers very + gently touched my head. “Why are you here—and thus? What has + happened to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Me miserable!” I groaned. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” she pressed me, an increasing anxiety in her voice. + </p> + <p> + At last I found courage to tell her sufficient to prepare her mind. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, I am a sinner,” I faltered miserably. + </p> + <p> + I felt her recoiling from me as from the touch of something unclean and + contagious, her mind conceiving already by some subtle premonition some + shadow of the thing that I had done. And then Gervasio spoke, and his + voice was soothing as oil upon troubled waters. + </p> + <p> + “Sinners are we all, Agostino. But repentance purges sin. Do not abandon + yourself to despair, my son.” + </p> + <p> + But the mother who bore me took no such charitable and Christian view. + </p> + <p> + “What is it? Wretched boy, what have you done?” And the cold repugnance in + her voice froze anew the courage I was forming. + </p> + <p> + “O God help me! God help me!” I groaned miserably. + </p> + <p> + Gervasio, seeing my condition, with that quick and saintly sympathy that + was his, came softly towards me and set a hand upon my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Agostino,” he murmured, “would you find it easier to tell me first? + Will you confess to me, my son? Will you let me lift this burden from your + soul?” + </p> + <p> + Still on my knees I turned and looked up into that pale, kindly face. I + caught his thin hand, and kissed it ere he could snatch it away. “If there + were more priests like you,” I cried, “there would be fewer sinners like + me.” + </p> + <p> + A shadow crossed his face; he smiled very wanly, a smile that was like a + gleam of pale sunshine from an over-clouded sky, and he spoke in gentle, + soothing words of the Divine Mercy. + </p> + <p> + I staggered to my bruised feet. “I will confess to you, Fra Gervasio,” I + said, “and afterwards we will tell my mother.” + </p> + <p> + She looked as she would make demur. But Fra Gervasio checked any such + intent. + </p> + <p> + “It is best so, Madonna,” he said gravely. “His most urgent need is the + consolation that the Church alone can give.” + </p> + <p> + He took me by the arm very gently, and led me forth. We went to his modest + chamber, with its waxed floor, the hard, narrow pallet upon which he + slept, the blue and gold image of the Virgin, and the little + writing-pulpit upon which lay open a manuscript he was illuminating, for + he was very skilled in that art which already was falling into desuetude. + </p> + <p> + At this pulpit, by the window, he took his seat, and signed to me to + kneel. I recited the Confiteor. Thereafter, with my face buried in my + hands, my soul writhing in an agony of penitence and shame, I poured out + the hideous tale of the evil I had wrought. + </p> + <p> + Rarely did he speak while I was at that recitation. Save when I halted or + hesitated he would interject a word of pity and of comfort that fell like + a blessed balsam upon my spiritual wounds and gave me strength to pursue + my awful story. + </p> + <p> + When I had done and he knew me to the full for the murderer and adulterer + that I was, there fell a long pause, during which I waited as a felon + awaits sentence. But it did not come. Instead, he set himself to examine + more closely the thing I had told him. He probed it with a question here + and a question there, and all of a shrewdness that revealed the extent of + his knowledge of humanity, and the infinite compassion and gentleness that + must be the inevitable fruits of such sad knowledge. + </p> + <p> + He caused me to go back to the very day of my arrival at Fifanti's; and + thence, step by step, he led me again over the road that in the past four + months I had trodden, until he had traced the evil to its very source, and + could see the tiny spring that had formed the brook which, gathering + volume as it went, had swollen at last into a raging torrent that had laid + waste its narrow confines. + </p> + <p> + “Who that knows all that goes to the making of a sin shall dare to condemn + a sinner?” he cried at last, so that I looked up at him, startled, and + penetrated by a ray of hope and comfort. He returned my glance with one of + infinite pity. + </p> + <p> + “It is the woman here upon whom must fall the greater blame,” said he. + </p> + <p> + But at that I cried out in hot remonstrance, adding that I had yet another + vileness to confess—for it was now that for the first time I + realized it. And I related to him how last night I had repudiated her, + cast her off and fled, leaving her to bear the punishment alone. + </p> + <p> + Of my conduct in that he withheld his criticism. “The sin is hers,” he + repeated. “She was a wife, and the adultery is hers. More, she was the + seducer. It was she who debauched your mind with lascivious readings, and + tore away the foundations of virtue from your soul. If in the cataclysm + that followed she was crushed and smothered, it is no more than she had + incurred.” + </p> + <p> + I still protested that this view was all too lenient to me, that it sprang + of his love for me, that it was not just. Thereupon he began to make clear + to me many things that may have been clear to you worldly ones who have + read my scrupulous and exact confessions, but which at the time were still + all wrapped in obscurity for me. + </p> + <p> + It was as if he held up a mirror—an intelligent and informing mirror—in + which my deeds were reflected by the light of his own deep knowledge. He + showed me the gradual seduction to which I had been subjected; he showed + me Giuliana as she really was, as she must be from what I had told him; he + reminded me that she was older by ten years than I, and greatly skilled in + men and worldliness; that where I had gone blindly, never seeing what was + the inevitable goal and end of the road I trod, she had consciously been + leading me thither, knowing full well what the end must be, and desiring + it. + </p> + <p> + As for the murder of Fifanti, the thing was grievous; but it had been done + in the heat of combat, and he could not think that I had meant the poor + man's death. And Fifanti himself was not entirely without blame. Largely + had he contributed to the tragedy. There had been evil in his heart. A + good man would have withdrawn his wife from surroundings which he knew to + be perilous and foul, not used her as a decoy to enable him to trap and + slay his enemy. + </p> + <p> + And the greatest blame of all he attached to that Messer Arcolano who had + recommended Fifanti to my mother as a tutor for me, knowing full well—as + he must have known—what manner of house the doctor kept and what + manner of wanton was Giuliana. Arcolano had sought to serve Fifanti's + interests in pretending to serve mine and my mother's; and my mother + should be enlightened that at last she might know that evil man for what + he really was. + </p> + <p> + “But all this,” he concluded, “does not mean, Agostino, that you are to + regard yourself as other than a great sinner. You have sinned monstrously, + even when all these extenuations are considered.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know!” I groaned. + </p> + <p> + “But beyond forgiveness no man has ever sinned, nor have you now. So that + your repentance is deep and real, and when by some penance that I shall + impose you shall have cleansed yourself of all this mire that clings to + your poor soul, you shall have absolution from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Impose your penance,” I cried eagerly. “There is none I will not + undertake, to purchase pardon and some little peace of mind. + </p> + <p> + “I will consider it,” he answered gravely. “And now let us seek your + mother. She must be told, for a great deal hangs upon this, Agostino. The + career to which you were destined is no longer for you, my son.” + </p> + <p> + My spirit quailed under those last words; and yet I felt an immense relief + at the same time, as if some overwhelming burden had been lifted from me. + </p> + <p> + “I am indeed unworthy,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “It is not your unworthiness that I am considering, my son, but your + nature. The world calls you over-strongly. It is not for nothing that you + are the child of Giovanni d'Anguissola. His blood runs thick in your + veins, and it is very human blood. For such as you there is no hope in the + cloister. Your mother must be made to realize it, and she must abandon her + dreams concerning you. It will wound her very sorely. But better that + than...” He shrugged and rose. “Come, Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + And I rose, too, immensely comforted and soothed already, for all that I + was yet very far from ease or peace of mind. Outside his room he set a + hand upon my arm. + </p> + <p> + “Wait,” he said, “we have ministered in some degree to your poor spirit. + Let us take thought for the body, too. You need garments and other things. + Come with me.” + </p> + <p> + He led me up to my own little chamber, took fresh raiment for me from a + press, called Lorenza and bade her bring bread and wine, vinegar and warm + water. + </p> + <p> + In a very weak dilution of the latter he bade me bathe my lacerated feet, + and then he found fine strips of linen in which to bind them ere I drew + fresh hose and shoes. And meanwhile munching my bread and salt and taking + great draughts of the pure if somewhat sour wine, my mental peace was + increased by the refreshment of my body. + </p> + <p> + At last I stood up more myself than I had been in these last twelve awful + hours—for it was just noon, and into twelve hours had been packed + the events that well might have filled a lifetime. + </p> + <p> + He put an arm about my shoulder, fondly as a father might have done, and + so led me below again and into my mother's presence. + </p> + <p> + We found her kneeling before the Crucifix, telling her beads; and we stood + waiting a few moments in silence until with a sigh and a rustle of her + stiff black dress she rose gently and turned to face us. + </p> + <p> + My heart thudded violently in that moment, as I looked into that pale face + of sorrow. Then Fra Gervasio began to speak very gently and softly. + </p> + <p> + “Your son, Madonna, has been lured into sin by a wanton woman,” he began, + and there she interrupted him with a sudden and very piteous cry. + </p> + <p> + “Not that! Ah, not that!” she exclaimed, putting out hands gropingly + before her. + </p> + <p> + “That and more, Madonna,” he answered gravely. “Be brave to hear the rest. + It is a very piteous story. But the founts of Divine Mercy are + inexhaustible, and Agostino shall drink therefrom when by penitence he + shall have cleansed his lips.” + </p> + <p> + Very erect she stood there, silent and ghostly, her face looking + diaphanous by contrast with the black draperies that enshrouded her, + whilst her eyes were great pools of sorrow. Poor, poor mother! It is the + last recollection I have of her; for after that day we never met again, + and I would give ten years to purgatory if I might recall the last words + that passed between us. + </p> + <p> + As briefly as possible and ever thrusting into the foreground the + immensity of the snare that had been spread for me and the temptation that + had enmeshed me, Gervasio told her the story of my sin. + </p> + <p> + She heard him through in that immovable attitude, one hand pressed to her + heart, her poor pale lips moving now and again, but no sound coming from + them, her face a white mask of pain and horror. + </p> + <p> + When he had done, so wrought upon was I by the sorrow of that countenance + that I went forward again to fling myself upon my knees before her. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, forgive!” I pleaded. And getting no answer I put up my hands to + take hers. “Mother!” I cried, and the tears were streaming down my face. + </p> + <p> + But she recoiled before me. + </p> + <p> + “Are you my child?” she asked in a voice of horror. “Are you the thing + that has grown out of that little child I vowed to chastity and to God? + Then has my sin overtaken me—the sin of bearing a son to Giovanni + d'Anguissola, that enemy of God!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, mother, mother!” I cried again, thinking perhaps by that all-powerful + word to move her yet to pity and to gentleness. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna,” cried Gervasio, “be merciful if you would look for mercy.” + </p> + <p> + “He has falsified my vows,” she answered stonily. “He was my votive + offering for the life of his impious father. I am punished for the + unworthiness of my offering and the unworthiness of the cause in which I + offered it. Accursed is the fruit of my womb!” She moaned, and sank her + head upon her breast. + </p> + <p> + “I will atone!” I cried, overwhelmed to see her so distraught. + </p> + <p> + She wrung her pale hands. + </p> + <p> + “Atone!” she cried, and her voice trembled. “Go then, and atone. But never + let me see you more; never let me be reminded of the sinner to whom I have + given life. Go! Begone!” And she raised a hand in tragical dismissal. + </p> + <p> + I shrank back, and came slowly to my feet. And then Gervasio spoke, and + his voice boomed and thundered with righteous indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna, this is inhuman!” he denounced. “Shall you dare to hope for + mercy being yourself unmerciful?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall pray for strength to forgive him; but the sight of him might + tempt me back with the memory of the thing that he has done,” she + answered, and she had returned to that cold and terrible reserve of hers. + </p> + <p> + And then things that Fra Gervasio had repressed for years welled up in a + mighty flood. “He is your son, and he is as you have made him.” + </p> + <p> + “As I have made him?” quoth she, and her glance challenged the friar. + </p> + <p> + “By what right did you make of him a votive offering? By what right did + you seek to consecrate a child unborn to a claustral life without thought + of his character, without reck of the desires that should be his? By what + right did you make yourself the arbiter of the future of a man unborn?” + </p> + <p> + “By what right?” quoth she. “Are you a priest, and do you ask me by what + right I vowed him to the service of God?” + </p> + <p> + “And is there, think you, no way of serving God but in the sterility of + the cloister?” he demanded. “Why, since no man is born to damnation, and + since by your reasoning the world must mean damnation, then all men should + be encloistered, and soon, thus, there would be an end to man. You are too + arrogant, Madonna, when you presume to judge what pleases God. Beware lest + you fall into the sin of the Pharisee, for often have I seen you stand in + danger of it.” + </p> + <p> + She swayed as if her strength were failing her, and again her pale lips + moved. + </p> + <p> + “Enough, Fra Gervasio! I will go,” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is not yet enough,” he answered, and strode down the room until + he stood between her and me. “He is what you have made him,” he repeated + in denunciation. “Had you studied his nature and his inclinations, had you + left them free to develop along the way that God intended, you would have + seen whether or not the cloister called him; and then would have been the + time to have taken a resolve. But you thought to change his nature by + repressing it; and you never saw that if he was not such as you would have + him be, then most surely would you doom him to damnation by making an evil + priest of him. + </p> + <p> + “In your Pharisaic arrogance, Madonna, you sought to superimpose your will + to God's will concerning him—you confounded God's will with your + own. And so his sins recoil upon you as much as upon any. Therefore, + Madonna, do I bid you beware. Take a humbler view if you would be + acceptable in the Divine sight. Learn to forgive, for I say to you to-day + that you stand as greatly in need of forgiveness for the thing that + Agostino has done, as does Agostino himself.” + </p> + <p> + He paused at last, and stood trembling before her, his eyes aflame, his + high cheek-bones faintly tinted. And she measured him very calmly and + coldly with her sombre eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Are you a priest?” she asked with steady scorn. “Are you indeed a + priest?” And then her invective was loosened, and her voice shrilled and + mounted as her anger swayed her. “What a snake have I harboured here!” she + cried. “Blasphemer! You show me clearly whence came the impiety and + ungodliness of Giovanni d'Anguissola. It had the same source as your own. + It was suckled at your mother's breast.” + </p> + <p> + A sob shook him. “My mother is dead, Madonna!” he rebuked her. + </p> + <p> + “She is more blessed, then, than I; since she has not lived to see what a + power for sin she has brought forth. Go, pitiful friar. Go, both of you. + You are very choicely mated. Begone from Mondolfo, and never let me see + either of you more.” + </p> + <p> + She staggered to her great chair and sank into it, whilst we stood there, + mute, regarding her. For myself, it was with difficulty that I repressed + the burning things that rose to my lips. Had I given free rein to my + tongue, I had made of it a whip of scorpions. And my anger sprang not from + the things she said to me, but from what she said to that saintly man who + held out a hand to help me out of the morass of sin in which I was being + sunk. That he, that sweet and charitable follower of his Master, should be + abused by her, should be dubbed blasphemer and have the cherished memory + of his mother defiled by her pietistic utterances, was something that + inflamed me horribly. + </p> + <p> + But he set a hand upon my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Agostino,” he said very gently. He was calm once more. “We will go, + as we are bidden, you and I.” + </p> + <p> + And then, out of the sweetness of his nature, he forged all unwittingly + the very iron that should penetrate most surely into her soul. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive her, my son. Forgive her as you need forgiveness. She does not + understand the thing she does. Come, we will pray for her, that God in His + infinite mercy may teach her humility and true knowledge of Him.” + </p> + <p> + I saw her start as if she had been stung. + </p> + <p> + “Blasphemer, begone!” she cried again; and her voice was hoarse with + suppressed anger. + </p> + <p> + And then the door was suddenly flung open, and Rinolfo clanked in, very + martial and important, his hand thrusting up his sword behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna,” he announced, “the Captain of Justice from Piacenza is here.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE CAPTAIN OF JUSTICE + </h2> + <p> + There was a moment's silence after Rinolfo had flung that announcement. + </p> + <p> + “The Captain of Justice?” quoth my mother at length, her voice startled. + “What does he seek?” + </p> + <p> + “The person of my Lord Agostino d'Anguissola,” said Rinolfo steadily. + </p> + <p> + She sighed very heavily. “A felon's end!” she murmured, and turned to me. + “If thus you may expiate your sins,” she said, speaking more gently, “let + the will of Heaven be done. Admit the captain, Ser Rinolfo.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed, and turned sharply to depart. + </p> + <p> + “Stay!” I cried, and rooted him there by the imperative note of my + command. + </p> + <p> + Fra Gervasio was more than right when he said that mine was not a nature + for the cloister. In that moment I might have realized it to the full by + the readiness with which the thought of battle occurred to me, and more by + the anticipatory glow that warmed me at the very thought of it. I was the + very son of Giovanni d'Anguissola. + </p> + <p> + “What force attends the captain?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “He has six mounted men with him,” replied Rinolfo. “In that case,” I + answered, “you will bid him begone in my name.” + </p> + <p> + “And if he should not go?” was Rinolfo's impudent question. + </p> + <p> + “You will tell him that I will drive him hence—him and his braves. + We keep a garrison of a score of men at least—sufficient to compel + him to depart.” + </p> + <p> + “He will return again with more,” said Rinolfo. + </p> + <p> + “Does that concern you?” I snapped. “Let him return with what he pleases. + To-day I enrol more forces from the countryside, take up the bridge and + mount our cannon. This is my lair and fortress, and I'll defend it and + myself as becomes my name and blood. For I am the lord and master here, + and the Lord of Mondolfo is not to be dragged away thus at the heels of a + Captain of Justice. You have my orders, obey them. About it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Circumstances had shown me the way that I must take, and the folly of + going forth a fugitive outcast at my mother's bidding. I was Lord of + Mondolfo, as I had said, and they should know and feel it from this hour—all + of them, not excepting my mother. + </p> + <p> + But I reckoned without the hatred Rinolfo bore me. Instead of the prompt + obedience that I had looked for, he had turned again to my mother. + </p> + <p> + “Is it your wish, Madonna?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “It is my wish that counts, you knave,” I thundered and advanced upon him. + </p> + <p> + But he fronted me intrepidly. “I hold my office from my Lady the Countess. + I obey none other here.” + </p> + <p> + “Body of God! Do you defy me?” I cried. “Am I Lord of Mondolfo, or am I a + lackey in my own house? You'ld best obey me ere I break you, Ser Rinolfo. + We shall see whether the men will take my orders,” I added confidently. + </p> + <p> + The faintest smile illumined his dark face. “The men will not stir a + finger at the bidding of any but Madonna the Countess and myself,” he + answered hardily. + </p> + <p> + It was by an effort that I refrained from striking him. And then my mother + spoke again. + </p> + <p> + “It is as Ser Rinolfo says,” she informed me. “So cease this futile + resistance, sir son, and accept the expiation that is offered you.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at her, she avoiding my glance. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna, I cannot think that it is so,” said I. “These men have known me + since I was a little lad. Many of them have followed the fortunes of my + father. They'll never turn their backs upon his son in the hour of his + need. They are not all so inhuman as my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “You mistake, sir,” said Rinolfo. “Of the men you knew but one or two + remain. Most of our present force has been enrolled by me in the past + month.” + </p> + <p> + This was defeat, utter and pitiful. His tone was too confident, he was too + sure of his ground to leave me a doubt as to what would befall if I made + appeal to his knavish followers. My arms fell to my sides, and I looked at + Gervasio. His face was haggard, and his eyes were very full of sorrow as + they rested on me. + </p> + <p> + “It is true, Agostino,” he said. + </p> + <p> + And as he spoke, Rinolfo limped out of the room to fetch the Captain of + Justice, as my mother had bidden him; and his lips smiled cruelly. + </p> + <p> + “Madam mother,” I said bitterly, “you do a monstrous thing. You usurp the + power that is mine, and you deliver me—me, your son—to the + gallows. I hope that, hereafter, when you come to realize to the full your + deed, you will be able to give your conscience peace.” + </p> + <p> + “My first duty is to God,” she answered; and to that pitiable answer there + was nothing to be rejoined. + </p> + <p> + So I turned my shoulder to her and stood waiting, Fra Gervasio beside me, + clenching his hands in his impotence and mute despair. And then an + approaching clank of mail heralded the coming of the captain. + </p> + <p> + Rinolfo held the door, and Cosimo d'Anguissola entered with a firm, proud + tread, two of his men, following at his heels. + </p> + <p> + He wore a buff-coat, under which no doubt there would be a shirt of mail; + his gorget and wristlets were of polished steel, and his headgear was a + steel cap under a cover of peach-coloured velvet. Thigh-boots encased his + legs; sword and dagger hung in the silver carriages at his belt; his + handsome, aquiline face was very solemn. + </p> + <p> + He bowed profoundly to my mother, who rose to respond, and then he flashed + me one swift glance of his piercing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I deplore my business here,” he announced shortly. “No doubt it will be + known to you already.” And he looked at me again, allowing his eyes to + linger on my face. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready, sir,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Then we had best be going, for I understand that none could be less + welcome here than I. Yet in this, Madonna, let me assure you that there is + nothing personal to myself. I am the slave of my office. I do but perform + it.” + </p> + <p> + “So much protesting where no doubt has been expressed,” said Fra Gervasio, + “in itself casts a doubt upon your good faith. Are you not Cosimo + d'Anguissola—my lord's cousin and heir?” + </p> + <p> + “I am,” said he, “yet that has no part in this, sir friar.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let it have part. Let it have the part it should have. Will you bear + one of your own name and blood to the gallows? What will men say of that + when they perceive your profit in the deed?” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo looked him boldly between the eyes, his hawk-face very white. + </p> + <p> + “Sir priest, I know not by what right you address me so. But you do me + wrong. I am the Podesta of Piacenza bound by an oath that it would + dishonour me to break; and break it I must or else fulfil my duty here. + Enough!” he added, in his haughty, peremptory fashion. “Ser Agostino, I + await your pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “I will appeal to Rome,” cried Fra Gervasio, now beside himself with + grief. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo smiled darkly, pityingly. “It is to be feared that Rome will turn a + deaf ear to appeals on behalf of the son of Giovanni d'Anguissola.” + </p> + <p> + And with that he motioned me to precede him. Silently I pressed Fra + Gervasio's hand, and on that departed without so much as another look at + my mother, who sat there a silent witness of a scene which she approved. + </p> + <p> + The men-at-arms fell into step, one on either side of me, and so we passed + out into the courtyard, where Cosimo's other men were waiting, and where + was gathered the entire family of the castle—a gaping, rather + frightened little crowd. + </p> + <p> + They brought forth a mule for me, and I mounted. Then suddenly there was + Fra Gervasio at my side again. + </p> + <p> + “I, too, am going hence,” he said. “Be of good courage, Agostino. There is + no effort I will not make on your behalf.” In a broken voice he added his + farewells ere he stood back at the captain's peremptory bidding. The + little troop closed round me, and thus, within a couple of hours of my + coming, I departed again from Mondolfo, surrendered to the hangman by the + pious hands of my mother, who on her knees, no doubt, would be thanking + God for having afforded her the grace to act in so righteous a manner. + </p> + <p> + Once only did my cousin address me, and that was soon after we had left + the town behind us. He motioned the men away, and rode to my side. Then he + looked at me with mocking, hating eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You had done better to have continued in your saint's trade than have + become so very magnificent a sinner,” said he. + </p> + <p> + I did not answer him, and he rode on beside me in silence some little way. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well,” he sighed at last. “Your course has been a brief one, but very + eventful. And who would have suspected so very fierce a wolf under so + sheepish an outside? Body of God! You fooled us all, you and that + white-faced trull.” + </p> + <p> + He said it through his teeth with such a concentration of rage in his + tones that it was easy to guess where the sore rankled. + </p> + <p> + I looked at him gravely. “Does it become you, sir, do you think, to gird + at one who is your prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + “And did you not gird at me when it was your turn?” he flashed back + fiercely. “Did not you and she laugh together over that poor, fond fool + Cosimo whose money she took so very freely, and yet who seems to have been + the only one excluded from her favours?” + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you dog!” I blazed at him, so fiercely that the men turned in + their saddles. He paled, and half raised the gauntleted hand in which he + carried his whip. But he controlled himself, and barked an order to his + followers: + </p> + <p> + “Ride on, there!” + </p> + <p> + When they had drawn off a little, and we were alone again, “I do not lie, + sir,” he said. “It is a practice which I leave to shavelings of all + degrees.” + </p> + <p> + “If you say that she took aught from you, then you lie,” I repeated. + </p> + <p> + He considered me steadily. “Fool!” he said at last. “Whence else came her + jewels and fine clothes? From Fifanti, do you think—that impecunious + pedant? Or perhaps you imagine that it was from Gambara? In time that + grasping prelate might have made the Duke pay. But pay, himself? By the + Blood of God! he was never known to pay for anything. + </p> + <p> + “Or, yet again, do you suppose her finery was afforded her by Caro?—Messer + Annibale Caro—who is so much in debt that he is never like to return + to Piacenza, unless some dolt of a patron rewards him for his poetaster's + labours. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my shaveling. It was I who paid—I who was the fool. God! I + more than suspected the others. But you. You saint... You!” + </p> + <p> + He flung up his head, and laughed bitterly and unpleasantly. “Ah, well!” + he ended, “You are to pay, though in different kind. It is in the family, + you see.” And abruptly raising his voice he shouted to the men to wait. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter he rode ahead, alone and gloomy, whilst no less alone and + gloomy rode I amid my guards. The thing he had revealed to me had torn + away a veil from my silly eyes. It had made me understand a hundred little + matters that hitherto had been puzzling me. And I saw how utterly and + fatuously blind I had been to things which even Fra Gervasio had + apprehended from just the relation he had drawn from me. + </p> + <p> + It was as we were entering Piacenza by the Gate of San Lazzaro that I + again drew my cousin to my side. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Captain!” I called to him, for I could not bring myself to address + him as cousin now. He came, inquiry in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Where is she now?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + He stared at me a moment, as if my effrontery astonished him. Then he + shrugged and sneered. “I would I knew for certain,” was his fierce answer. + “I would I knew. Then should I have the pair of you.” And I saw it in his + face how unforgivingly he hated me out of his savage jealousy. “My Lord + Gambara might tell you. I scarcely doubt it. Were I but certain, what a + reckoning should I not present! He may be Governor of Piacenza, but were + he Governor of Hell he should not escape me.” And with that he rode ahead + again, and left me. + </p> + <p> + The rumour of our coming sped through the streets ahead of us, and out of + the houses poured the townsfolk to watch our passage and to point me out + one to another with many whisperings and solemn head-waggings. And the + farther we advanced, the greater was the concourse, until by the time we + reached the square before the Communal Palace we found there what amounted + to a mob awaiting us. + </p> + <p> + My guards closed round me as if to protect me from that crowd. But I was + strangely without fear, and presently I was to see how little cause there + was for any, and to realize that the action of my guards was sprung from a + very different motive. + </p> + <p> + The people stood silent, and on every upturned face of which I caught a + glimpse I saw something that was akin to pity. Presently, however, as we + drew nearer to the Palace, a murmur began to rise. It swelled and grew + fierce. Suddenly a cry rose vehement and clear. + </p> + <p> + “Rescue! Rescue!” + </p> + <p> + “He is the Lord of Mondolfo,” shouted one tall fellow, “and the + Cardinal-legate makes a cat's-paw of him! He is to suffer for Messer + Gambara's villainy!” + </p> + <p> + Again he was answered by the cry—“Rescue! Rescue!” whilst some added + an angry—“Death to the Legate!” + </p> + <p> + Whilst I was deeply marvelling at all this, Cosimo looked at me over his + shoulder, and though his lips were steady, his eyes seemed to smile, + charged with a message of derision—and something more, something + that I could not read. Then I heard his hard, metallic voice. + </p> + <p> + “Back there, you curs! To your kennels! Out of the way, or we ride you + down.” + </p> + <p> + He had drawn his sword, and his white hawk-face was so cruel and + determined that they fell away before him and their cries died down. + </p> + <p> + We passed into the courtyard of the Communal Palace, and the great studded + gates were slammed in the faces of the mob, and barred. + </p> + <p> + I got down from my mule, and was conducted at Cosimo's bidding to one of + the dungeons under the Palace, where I was left with the announcement that + I must present myself to-morrow before the Tribunal of the Ruota. + </p> + <p> + I flung myself down upon the dried rushes that had been heaped in a corner + to do duty for a bed, and I abandoned myself to my bitter thoughts. In + particular I pondered the meaning of the crowd's strange attitude. Nor was + it a riddle difficult to resolve. It was evident that believing Gambara, + as they did, to be Giuliana's lover, and informed perhaps—invention + swelling rumour as it will—that the Cardinal-legate had ridden late + last night to Fifanti's house, it had been put about that the foul murder + done there was Messer Gambara's work. + </p> + <p> + Thus was the Legate reaping the harvest of all the hatred he had sown, of + all the tyranny and extortion of his iron rule in Piacenza. And willing to + believe any evil of the man they hated, they not only laid Fifanti's death + at his door, but they went to further lengths and accounted that I was the + cat's-paw; that I was to be sacrificed to save the Legate's face and + reputation. They remembered perhaps the ill-odour in which we Anguissola + of Mondolfo had been at Rome, for the ghibelline leanings that ever had + been ours and for the rebellion of my father against the Pontifical sway; + and their conclusions gathered a sort of confirmation from that + circumstance. + </p> + <p> + Long upon the very edge of mutiny and revolt against Gambara's injustice, + it had needed but what seemed a crowning one such as this to quicken their + hatred into expression. + </p> + <p> + It was all very clear and obvious, and it seemed to me that to-morrow's + trial should be very interesting. I had but to deny; I had but to make + myself the mouthpiece of the rumour that was abroad, and Heaven alone + could foretell what the consequences might be. + </p> + <p> + Then I smiled bitterly to myself. Deny? O, no! That was a last vileness I + could not perpetrate. The Ruota should hear the truth, and Gambara should + be left to shelter Giuliana, who—Cosimo was assured—had fled + to him in her need as to a natural protector. + </p> + <p> + It was a bitter thought. The intensity of that bitterness made me realize + with alarm how it still was with me. And pondering this, I fell asleep, + utterly worn out in body and in mind by the awful turmoil of that day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. GAMBARA'S INTERESTS + </h2> + <p> + I awakened to find a man standing beside me. He was muffled in a black + cloak and carried a lanthorn. Behind him the door gaped as he had left it. + </p> + <p> + Instantly I sat up, conscious of my circumstance and surroundings, and at + my movement this visitor spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You sleep very soundly for a man in your case.” said he, and the voice + was that of my Lord Gambara, its tone quite coldly critical. + </p> + <p> + He set down the lanthorn on a stool, whence it shed a wheel of yellow + light intersected with black beams. His cloak fell apart, and I saw that + he was dressed for riding, very plainly, in sombre garments, and that he + was armed. + </p> + <p> + He stood slightly to one side that the light might fall upon my face, + leaving his own in shadow; thus he considered me for some moments in + silence. At last, very slowly, very bitterly, shaking his head as he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You fool, you clumsy fool!” he said. + </p> + <p> + Having drawn, as you have seen, my own conclusions from the attitude of + the mob, I was in little doubt as to the precise bearing of his words. + </p> + <p> + I answered him sincerely. “If folly were all my guilt,” said I, “it would + be well.” + </p> + <p> + He sniffed impatiently. “Still sanctimonious!” he sneered. “Tcha! Up now, + and play the man, at least. You have shed your robe of sanctity, Messer + Agostino; have done with pretence!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not pretend,” I answered him. “And as for playing the man, I shall + accept what punishment the law may have for me with fortitude at least. If + I can but expiate...” + </p> + <p> + “Expiate a fig!” he snapped, interrupting me. “Why do you suppose that I + am here?” + </p> + <p> + “I wait to learn.” + </p> + <p> + “I am here because through your folly you have undone us all. What need,” + he cried, the anger of expostulation quivering in his voice, “what need + was there to kill that oaf Fifanti?” + </p> + <p> + “He would have killed me,” said I. “I slew him in self-defence.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! And do you hope to save your neck with such a plea?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay. I have no thought of urging it. I but tell it you.” + </p> + <p> + “There is not the need to tell me anything,” he answered, his anger very + plain. “I am very well informed of all. Rather, let me tell you something. + Do you realize, sir, that you have made it impossible for me to abide + another day in Piacenza?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry...” I began lamely. + </p> + <p> + “Present your regrets to Satan,” he snapped. “Me they avail nothing. I am + put to the necessity of abandoning my governorship and fleeing by night + like a hunted thief. And I have you to thank for it. You see me on the + point of departure. My horses wait above. So you may add my ruin to the + other fine things you accomplished yesternight. For a saint you are + over-busy, sir.” And he turned away and strode the length of my cell and + back, so that, at last, I had a glimpse of his face, which was drawn and + scowling. Gone now was the last vestige of his habitual silkiness; the + pomander-ball hung neglected, and his delicate fingers tugged viciously at + his little pointed beard, his great sapphire ring flashing sombrely. + </p> + <p> + “Look you, Ser Agostino, I could kill you and take joy in it. I could, by + God!” + </p> + <p> + His eyes upon me, he drew from his breast a folded paper. “Instead, I + bring you liberty. I open your doors for you, and bid you escape. Here, + man, take this paper. Present it to the officer at the Fodesta Gate. He + will let you pass. And then away with you, out of the territory of + Piacenza.” + </p> + <p> + For an instant my heart-beats seemed suspended by astonishment. I swung my + legs round, and half rose, excitedly. Then I sank back again. My mind was + made up. I was tired of the world; sick of life the first draught of which + had turned so bitter in my throat. If by my death I might expiate my sins + and win pardon by my submission and humility, it was all I could desire. I + should be glad to be released from all the misery and sorrow into which I + had been born. + </p> + <p> + I told him so in some few words. “You mean me well, my lord,” I ended, + “and I thank you. But...” + </p> + <p> + “By God and the Saints!” he blazed, “I do not mean you well at all. I mean + you anything but well. Have I not said that I could kill you with + satisfaction? Whatever be the sins of Egidio Gambara, he is no hypocrite, + and he lets his enemies see his face unmasked.” + </p> + <p> + “But, then,” I cried, amazed, “why do you offer me my freedom?” + </p> + <p> + “Because this cursed populace is in such a temper that if you are brought + to trial I know not what may happen. As likely as not we shall have an + insurrection, open revolt against the Pontifical authority, and red war in + the streets. And this is not the time for it. + </p> + <p> + “The Holy Father requires the submission of these people. We are upon the + eve of Duke Pier Luigi's coming to occupy his new States, and it imports + that he should be well received, that he should be given a loving welcome + by his subjects. If, instead, they meet him with revolt and defiance, the + reasons will be sought, and the blame of the affair will recoil upon me. + Your cousin Cosimo will see to that. He is a very subtle gentleman, this + cousin of yours, and he has a way of working to his own profit. So now you + understand. I have no mind to be crushed in this business. Enough have I + suffered already through you, enough am I suffering in resigning my + governorship. So there is but one way out. There must be no trial + to-morrow. It must be known that you have escaped. Thus they will be + quieted, and the matter will blow over. So now, Ser Agostino, we + understand each other. You must go.” + </p> + <p> + “And whither am I to go?” I cried, remembering my mother and that Mondolfo—the + only place of safety—was closed to me by her cruelly pious hands. + </p> + <p> + “Whither?” he echoed. “What do I care? To Hell—anywhere, so that you + get out of this.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd sooner hang,” said I quite seriously. + </p> + <p> + “You'ld hang and welcome, for all the love I bear you,” he answered, his + impatience growing. “But if you hang blood will be shed, innocent lives + will be lost, and I myself may come to suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “For you, sir, I care nothing,” I answered him, taking his own tone, and + returning him the same brutal frankness that he used with me. “That you + deserve to suffer I do not doubt. But since other blood than yours might + be shed as you say, since innocent lives might be lost... Give me the + paper.” + </p> + <p> + He was frowning upon me, and smiling viperishly at the same time. “I like + your frankness better than your piety,” said he. “So now we understand + each other, and know that neither is in the other's debt. Hereafter beware + of Egidio Gambara. I give you this last loyal warning. See that you do not + come into my way again.” + </p> + <p> + I rose and looked at him—looked down from my greater height. I knew + well the source of this last, parting show of hatred. Like Cosimo's it + sprang from jealousy. And a growth more potential of evil does not exist. + </p> + <p> + He bore my glance a moment, then turned and took up the lanthorn. “Come,” + he said, and obediently I followed him up the winding stone staircase, and + so to the very gates of the Palace. + </p> + <p> + We met no one. What had become of the guards, I cannot think; but I am + satisfied that Gambara himself had removed them. He opened the wicket for + me, and as I stepped out he gave me the paper and whistled softly. Almost + at once I heard a sound of muffled hooves under the colonnade, and + presently loomed the figures of a man and a mule; both dim and ghostly in + the pearly light of dawn—for that was the hour. + </p> + <p> + Gambara followed me out, and pulled the wicket after him. + </p> + <p> + “That beast is for you,” he said curtly. “It will the better enable you to + get away.” + </p> + <p> + As curtly I acknowledged the gift, and mounted whilst the groom held the + stirrup for me. + </p> + <p> + O! it was the oddest of transactions! My Lord Gambara with death in his + heart very reluctantly giving me a life I did not want. + </p> + <p> + I dug my heels into the mule's sides and started across the silent, empty + square, then plunged into a narrow street where the gloom was almost as of + midnight, and so pushed on. + </p> + <p> + I came out into the open space before the Porta Fodesta, and so to the + gate itself. From one of the windows of the gatehouse, a light shone + yellow, and, presently, in answer to my call, out came an officer followed + by two men, one of whom carried a lanthorn swinging from his pike. He held + this light aloft, whilst the officer surveyed me. + </p> + <p> + “What now?” he challenged. “None passes out to-night.” + </p> + <p> + For answer I thrust the paper under his nose. “Orders from my Lord + Gambara,” said I. + </p> + <p> + But he never looked at it. “None passes out to-night,” he repeated + imperturbably. “So run my orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Orders from whom?” quoth I, surprised by his tone and manner. + </p> + <p> + “From the Captain of Justice, if you must know. So you may get you back + whence you came, and wait till daylight.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but stay,” I said. “I do not think you can have heard me. I carry + orders from my Lord the Governor. The Captain of Justice cannot overbear + these.” And I shook the paper insistently. + </p> + <p> + “My orders are that none is to pass—not even the Governor himself,” + he answered firmly. + </p> + <p> + It was very daring of Cosimo, and I saw his aim. He was, as Gambara had + said, a very subtle gentleman. He, too, had set his finger upon the pulse + of the populace, and perceived what might be expected of it. He was + athirst for vengeance, as he had shown me, and determined that neither I + nor Gambara should escape. First, I must be tried, condemned, and hanged, + and then he trusted, no doubt, that Gambara would be torn in pieces; and + it was quite possible that Messer Cosimo himself would secretly find means + to fan the mob's indignation against the Legate into fierce activity. And + it seemed that the game was in his hands, for this officer's resoluteness + showed how implicitly my cousin was obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Of that same resoluteness of the lieutenant's I was to have a yet more + signal proof. For presently, whilst still I stood there vainly + remonstrating, down the street behind me rode Gambara himself on a tall + horse, followed by a mule-litter and an escort of half a score of armed + grooms. + </p> + <p> + He uttered an exclamation when he saw me still there, the gate shut and + the officer in talk with me. He spurred quickly forward. + </p> + <p> + “How is this?” he demanded haughtily and angrily. “This man rides upon the + business of the State. Why this delay to open for him?” + </p> + <p> + “My orders,” said the lieutenant, civilly but firmly, “are that none + passes out to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know me?” demanded Gambara. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “And you dare talk to me of your orders? There are no orders here in + Piacenza but my orders. Set me wide the wicket of that gate. I myself must + pass.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I dare not.” + </p> + <p> + “You are insubordinate,” said the Legate, of a sudden very cold. + </p> + <p> + He had no need to ask whose orders were these. At once he saw the trammel + spread for him. But if Messer Cosimo was subtle, so, too, was Messer + Gambara. By not so much as a word did he set his authority in question + with the officer. + </p> + <p> + “You are insubordinate,” was all he answered him, and then to the two + men-at-arms behind the lieutenant—“Ho, there!” he called. “Bring out + the guard. I am Egidio Gambara, your Governor.” + </p> + <p> + So calm and firm and full of assurance was his tone, so unquestionable his + right to command them, that the men sprang instantly to obey him. + </p> + <p> + “What would you do, my lord?” quoth the officer, and he seemed daunted. + </p> + <p> + “Buffoon,” said Gambara between his teeth. “You shall see.” + </p> + <p> + Six men came hurrying from the gatehouse, and the Cardinal called to them. + </p> + <p> + “Let the corporal stand forth,” he said. + </p> + <p> + A man advanced a pace from the rank they had hastily formed and saluted. + </p> + <p> + “Place me your officer under arrest,” said the Legate coldly, advancing no + reason for the order. “Let him be locked in the gatehouse until my return; + and do you, sir corporal, take command here meanwhile.” + </p> + <p> + The startled fellow saluted again, and advanced upon his officer. The + lieutenant looked up with sudden uneasiness in his eyes. He had gone too + far. He had not reckoned upon being dealt with in this summary fashion. He + had been bold so long as he conceived himself no more than Cosimo's + mouthpiece, obeying orders for the issuing of which Cosimo must answer. + Instead, it seemed, the Governor intended that he should answer for them + himself. Whatever he now dared, he knew—as Gambara knew—that + his men would never dare to disobey the Governor, who was the supreme + authority there under the Pope. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” he exclaimed, “I had my orders from the Captain of Justice.” + </p> + <p> + “And dare you to say that your orders included my messengers and my own + self?” thundered the dainty prelate. + </p> + <p> + “Explicitly, my lord,” answered the lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + “It shall be dealt with on my return, and if what you say is proved true, + the Captain of Justice shall suffer with yourself for this treason—for + that is the offence. Take him away, and someone open me that gate.” + </p> + <p> + There was an end to disobedience, and a moment or two later we stood + outside the town, on the bank of the river, which gurgled and flowed away + smoothly and mistily in the growing light, between the rows of stalwart + poplars that stood like sentinels to guard it. + </p> + <p> + “And now begone,” said Gambara curtly to me, and wheeling my mule I rode + for the bridge of boats, crossed it, and set myself to breast the slopes + beyond. + </p> + <p> + Midway up I checked and looked back across the wide water. The light had + grown quite strong by now, and in the east there was a faint pink flush to + herald the approaching sun. Away beyond the river, moving southward, I + could just make out the Legate's little cavalcade. And then, for the first + time, a question leapt in my mind concerning the litter whose leathern + curtains had remained so closely drawn. Whom did it contain? Could it be + Giuliana? Had Cosimo spoken the truth when he said that she had gone to + Gambara for shelter? + </p> + <p> + A little while ago I had sighed for death and exulted in the chance of + expiation and of purging myself of the foulness of sin. And now, at the + sudden thought that occurred to me, I fell a prey to an insensate jealousy + touching the woman whom I had lately loathed as the cause of my downfall. + O, the inconstancy of the human heart, and the eternal battles in such + poor natures as mine between the knowledge of right and the desire for + wrong! + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that I sought to turn my thoughts to other things; in vain + that I cast them back upon my recent condition and my recent resolves; in + vain that I remembered the penitence of yestermorn, the confession at Fra + Gervasio's knee, and the strong resolve to do penance and make amends by + the purity of all my after-life. Vain was it all. + </p> + <p> + I turned my mule about, and still wrestling with my conscience, choking + it, I rode down the hill again, and back across the bridge, and then away + to the south, to follow Messer Gambara and set an end to doubt. + </p> + <p> + I must know. I must! It was no matter that conscience told me that here + was no affair of mine; that Giuliana belonged to the past from which I was + divorced, the past for which I must atone and seek forgiveness. I must + know. And so I rode along the dusty highway in pursuit of Messer Gambara, + who was proceeding, I imagined, to join the Duke at Parma. + </p> + <p> + I had no difficulty in following them. A question here, and a question + there, accompanied by a description of the party, was all that was + necessary to keep me on their track. And ever, it seemed to me from the + answers that I got, was I lessening the distance that separated us. + </p> + <p> + I was weak for want of food, for the last time that I had eaten was + yesterday at noon, at Mondolfo; and then but little. Yet all I had this + day were some bunches of grapes that I stole in passing from a vineyard + and ate as I trotted on along that eternal Via Aemilia. + </p> + <p> + It was towards noon, at last, that a taverner at Castel Guelfo informed me + that my party had passed through the town but half an hour ahead of me. At + the news I urged my already weary beast along, for unless I made good + haste now it might well happen that Parma should swallow up Gambara and + his party ere I overtook them. And then, some ten minutes later, I caught + a flutter of garments half a mile or so ahead of me, amid the elms. I + quitted the road and entered the woodland. A little way I still rode; + then, dismounting, I tethered my mule, and went forward cautiously on + foot. + </p> + <p> + I found them in a little sunken dell by a tiny rivulet. Lying on my belly + in the long grass above, I looked down upon them with a black hatred of + jealousy in my heart. + </p> + <p> + They were reclining there, in that cool, fragrant spot in the shadow of a + great beech-tree. A cloth had been spread upon the ground, and upon this + were platters of roast meats, white bread and fruits, and a flagon of + wine, a second flagon standing in the brook to cool. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Gambara was talking and she was regarding him with eyes that were + half veiled, a slow, insolent smile upon her matchless face. Presently at + something that he said she laughed outright, a laugh so tuneful and + light-hearted that I thought I must be dreaming all this. It was the gay, + frank, innocent laughter of a child; and I never heard in all my life a + sound that caused me so much horror. He leaned across to her, and stroked + her velvet cheek with his delicate hand, whilst she suffered it in that + lazy fashion that was so peculiarly her own. + </p> + <p> + I stayed for no more. I wriggled back a little way to where a clump of + hazel permitted me to rise without being seen. Thence I fled the spot. And + as I went, my heart seemed as it must burst, and my lips could frame but + one word which I kept hurling out of me like an imprecation, and that word + was “Trull!” + </p> + <p> + Two nights ago had happened enough to stamp her soul for ever with sorrow + and despair. Yet she could sit there, laughing and feasting and trulling + it lightly with the Legate! + </p> + <p> + The little that remained me of my illusions was shivered in that hour. + There was, I swore, no good in all the world; for even where goodness + sought to find a way, it grew distorted, as in my mother's case. And yet + through all her pietism surely she had been right! There was no peace, no + happiness save in the cloister. And at last the full bitterness of + penitence and regret overtook me when I reflected that by my own act I had + rendered myself for ever unworthy of the cloister's benign shelter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE ANCHORITE OF MONTE ORSARO + </h2> + <p> + I went blindly through the tangle of undergrowth, stumbling at every step + and scarce noticing that I stumbled; and in this fashion I came presently + back to my mule. + </p> + <p> + I mounted and rode amain, not by the way that I had come, but westward; + not by road, but by bridle-paths, through meadow-land and forest, up hill + and down, like a man entranced, not knowing whither I went nor caring. + </p> + <p> + Besides, whither was I to go? Like my father before me I was an outcast, a + fugitive outlaw. But this troubled me not yet. My mind, my wounded, + tortured mind was all upon the past. It was of Giuliana that I thought as + I rode in the noontide warmth of that September day. And never can human + brain have held a sorer conflict of reflection than was mine. + </p> + <p> + No shadow now remained of the humour that had possessed me in the hour in + which I had repudiated her after the murder of Fifanti. I had heard Fra + Gervasio deliver judgment upon her, and I had doubted his justice, felt + that he used her mercilessly. My own sight had now confirmed to me the + truth of what he had said; but in doing so—in allowing me to see her + in another man's possession—a very rage of jealousy had been stirred + in me and a greater rage of longing. + </p> + <p> + This longing followed upon my first bitter denunciation of her; and it + followed soon. It is in our natures, as I then experienced, never more to + desire a thing than when we see it lost to us. Bitterly now did I reproach + myself for not having borne her off with me two nights ago when I had fled + Fifanti's house, when she herself had urged that course upon me. I + despised myself, out of my present want, for my repudiation of her—a + hundred times more bitterly than I had despised myself when I imagined + that I had done a vileness by that repudiation. + </p> + <p> + Never until now, did it seem to me, had I known how deeply I loved her, + how deeply the roots of our passion had burrowed down into my heart, and + fastened there to be eradicated only with life itself. So thought I then; + and thinking so I cried her name aloud, called to her through the scented + pine-woods, thus voicing my longing and my despair. + </p> + <p> + And swift on the heels of this would come another mood. There would come + the consciousness of the sin of it all, the imperative need to cleanse + myself of this, to efface her memory from my soul which could not hold it + without sinning anew in fierce desire. I strove to do so with all my poor + weak might. I denounced her to myself again for a soulless harlot; blamed + her for all the ill that had befallen me; accounted her the very hand that + had wielded me, a senseless instrument, to slay her importunate husband. + </p> + <p> + And then I perceived that this was as pitiful a ruse of self-deception as + that of the fox in the fable unable to reach the luscious grapes above + him. For as well might a starving man seek to compel by an effort of his + will the hunger to cease from gnawing at his vitals. + </p> + <p> + Thus were desire and conscience locked in conflict, and each held the + ascendancy alternately what time I pushed onward aimlessly until I came to + the broad bed of a river. + </p> + <p> + A grey waste of sun-parched boulders spread away to the stream, which was + diminished by the long drought. Beyond the narrow sheen of water, + stretched another rocky space, and then came the green of meadows and a + brown city upon the rising ground. + </p> + <p> + The city was Fornovo, and the diminished river was the Taro, the ancient + boundary between the Gaulish and Ligurian folk. I stood upon the historic + spot where Charles VIII had cut his way through the allies to win back to + France after the occupation of Naples. But the grotesque little king who + had been dust for a quarter of a century troubled my thoughts not at all + just then. The Taro brought me memories not of battle, but of home. To + reach Mondolfo I had but to follow the river up the valley towards that + long ridge of the Apennines arrayed before me, with the tall bulks of + Mount Giso and Mount Orsaro, their snow-caps sparkling in the flood of + sunshine that poured down upon them. Two hours, or perhaps three at most, + along the track of that cool, glittering water, and the grey citadel of + Mondolfo would come into view. + </p> + <p> + It was this very reflection that brought me now to consider my condition; + to ask myself whither I should turn. Money I had none—not so much as + a single copper grosso. To sell I had nothing but the clothes I stood in—black, + clerkly garments that I had got yesterday at Mondolfo. Not so much as a + weapon had I that I might have bartered for a few coins. There was the + mule; that should yield a ducat or two. But when this was spent, what + then? To go a suppliant to that pious icicle my mother were worse than + useless. + </p> + <p> + Whither was I to turn—I, Lord of Mondolfo and Carmina, one of the + wealthiest and most puissant tyrants of this Val di Taro? It provoked me + almost to laughter, of a fierce and bitter sort. Perhaps some peasant of + the contado would take pity on his lord and give him shelter and + nourishment in exchange for such labour as his lord might turn his stout + limbs to upon that peasant's land, which was my own. + </p> + <p> + I might perhaps essay it. Certainly it was the only thing that was left + me. For against my mother and to support my rights I might not invoke a + law which had placed me under a ban, a law that would deal me out its + rigours did I reveal myself. + </p> + <p> + Then I had thoughts of seeking sanctuary in some monastery, of offering + myself as a lay-brother, to do menial work, and in this way perhaps I + might find peace, and, in a lesser degree than was originally intended, + the comforts of the religion to which I had been so grossly unfaithful. + The thought grew and developed into a resolve. It brought me some comfort. + It became a desire. + </p> + <p> + I pushed on, following the river along ground that grew swiftly steeper, + conscious that perforce my journey must end soon, for my mule was showing + signs of weariness. + </p> + <p> + Some three miles farther, having by then penetrated the green rampart of + the foothills, I came upon the little village of Pojetta. It is a village + composed of a single street throwing out as its branches a few narrow + alleys, possessing a dingy church and a dingier tavern; this last had for + only sign a bunch of withered rosemary that hung above its grimy doors. + </p> + <p> + I drew rein there as utterly weary as my mule, hungry and thirsty and + weak. I got down and invited the suspicious scrutiny of the lantern-jawed + taverner, who, for all that my appearance was humble enough in such + garments as I wore, must have accounted me none the less of too fine an + air for such a house as his. + </p> + <p> + “Care for my beast,” I bade him. “I shall stay here an hour or two.” + </p> + <p> + He nodded surlily, and led the mule away, whilst I entered the tavern's + single room. Coming into it from the sunlight I could scarcely see + anything at first, so dark did the place seem. What light there was came + through the open door; for the chamber's single window had long since been + rendered opaque by a screen of accumulated dust and cobwebs. It was a + roomy place, low-ceilinged with blackened rafters running parallel across + its dirty yellow wash. + </p> + <p> + The floor was strewn with foul rushes that must have lain unchanged for + months, slippery with grease and littered with bones that had been flung + there by the polite guests the place was wont to entertain. And it stank + most vilely of rancid oil and burnt meats and other things indefinable in + all but their acrid, nauseating, unclean pungency. + </p> + <p> + A fire was burning low at the room's far end, and over this a girl was + stooping, tending something in a stew-pot. She looked round at my advent, + and revealed herself for a tall, black-haired, sloe-eyed wench, comely in + a rude, brown way, and strong, to judge by the muscular arms which were + bared to the elbow. + </p> + <p> + Interest quickened her face at sight of so unusual a patron. She slouched + forward, wiping her hands upon her hips as she came, and pulled out a + stool for me at the long trestle-table that ran down the middle of the + floor. + </p> + <p> + Grouped about the upper end of this table sat four men of the peasant + type, sun-tanned, bearded, and rudely garbed in loose jerkins and cross + gartered leg cloths. + </p> + <p> + A silence had fallen upon them as I entered, and they too were now + inspecting me with a frank interest which in their simple way they made no + attempt to conceal. + </p> + <p> + I sank wearily to the stool, paying little heed to them, and in answer to + the girl's invitation to command her, I begged for meat and bread and + wine. Whilst she was preparing these, one of the men addressed me civilly; + and I answered him as civilly but absently, for I had enough of other + matters to engage my thoughts. Then another of them questioned me in a + friendly tone as to whence I came. Instinctively I concealed the truth, + answering vaguely that I was from Castel Guelfo—which was the + neighbourhood in which I had overtaken my Lord Gambara and Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + “And what do they say at Castel Guelfo of the things that are happening in + Piacenza?” asked another. + </p> + <p> + “In Piacenza?” quoth I. “Why, what is happening in Piacenza?” + </p> + <p> + Eagerly, with an ardour to show themselves intimate with the affairs of + towns, as is the way of rustics, they related to me what already I had + gathered to be the vulgar version of Fifanti's death. Each spoke in turn, + cutting in the moment another paused to breathe, and sometimes they spoke + together, each anxious to have the extent of his information revealed and + appreciated. + </p> + <p> + And their tale, of course, was that Gambara, being the lover of Fifanti's + wife, had dispatched the doctor on a trumped-up mission, and had gone to + visit her by night. But that the suspicious Fifanti lying near by in wait, + and having seen the Cardinal enter, followed him soon after and attacked + him, whereupon the Lord Gambara had slain him. And then that wily, + fiendish prelate had sought to impose the blame upon the young Lord of + Mondolfo, who was a student in the pedant's house, and he had caused the + young man's arrest. But this the Piacentini would not endure. They had + risen, and threatened the Governor's life; and he was fled to Rome or + Parma, whilst the authorities to avoid a scandal had connived at the + escape of Messer d'Anguissola, who was also gone, no man knew whither. + </p> + <p> + The news had travelled speedily into that mountain fastness, it seemed. + But it had been garbled at its source. The Piacentini conceived that they + held some evidence of what they believed—the evidence of the lad + whom Fifanti had left to spy and who had borne him the tale that the + Cardinal was within. This evidence they accounted well-confirmed by the + Legate's flight. + </p> + <p> + Thus is history written. Not a doubt but that some industrious scribe in + Piacenza with a grudge against Gambara, would set down what was the talk + of the town; and hereafter, it is not to be doubted, the murder of Astorre + Fifanti for the vilest of all motives will be added to the many crimes of + Egidio Gambara, that posterity may execrate his name even beyond its + already rich enough deserts. + </p> + <p> + I heard them in silence and but little moved, yet with a question now and + then to probe how far this silly story went in detail. And whilst they + were still heaping abuse upon the Legate—of whom they spoke as Jews + may speak of pork—came the lantern-jawed host with a dish of broiled + goat, some bread, and a jug of wine. This he set before me, then joined + them in their vituperation of Messer Gambara. + </p> + <p> + I ate ravenously, and for all that I do not doubt the meat was tough and + burnt, yet at the time those pieces of broiled goat upon that dirty table + seemed the sweetest food that ever had been set before me. + </p> + <p> + Finding that I was but indifferently communicative and had little news to + give them, the peasants fell to gossiping among themselves, and they were + presently joined by the girl, whose name, it seemed, was Giovannozza. She + came to startle them with the rumour of a fresh miracle attributed to the + hermit of Monte Orsaro. + </p> + <p> + I looked up with more interest than I had hitherto shown in anything that + had been said, and I inquired who might be this anchorite. + </p> + <p> + “Sainted Virgin!” cried the girl, setting her hands upon her generous + hips, and turning her bold sloe-eyes upon me in a stare of incredulity. + “Whence are you, sir, that you seem to know nothing of the world? You had + not heard the news of Piacenza, which must be known to everyone by now; + and you have never heard of the anchorite of Monte Orsaro!” She appealed + by a gesture to Heaven against the Stygian darkness of my mind. + </p> + <p> + “He is a very holy man,” said one of the peasants. + </p> + <p> + “And he dwells alone in a hut midway up the mountain,” added a second. + </p> + <p> + “In a hut which he built for himself with his own hands,” a third + explained. + </p> + <p> + “And he lives on nuts and herbs and such scraps of food as are left him by + the charitable,” put in the fourth, to show himself as full of knowledge + as his fellows. + </p> + <p> + But now it was Giovannozza who took up the story, firmly and resolutely; + and being a woman she easily kept her tongue going and overbore the + peasants so that they had no further share in the tale until it was + entirely told. From her I learnt that the anchorite, one Fra Sebastiano, + possessed a miraculous image of the blessed martyr St. Sebastian, whose + wounds miraculously bled during Passion Week, and that there were no ills + in the world that this blood would not cure, provided that those to whom + it was applied were clean of mortal sin and imbued with the spirit of + grace and faith. + </p> + <p> + No pious wayfarer going over the Pass of Cisa into Tuscany but would turn + aside to kiss the image and ask a blessing at the hands of the anchorite; + and yearly in the season of the miraculous manifestation, great + pilgrimages were made to the hermitage by folk from the Valleys of the + Taro and Bagnanza, and even from beyond the Apennines. So that Fra + Sebastiano gathered great store of alms, part of which he redistributed + amongst the poor, part of which he was saving to build a bridge over the + Bagnanza torrent, in crossing which so many poor folk had lost their + lives. + </p> + <p> + I listened intently to the tale of wonders that followed, and now the + peasants joined in again, each with a story of some marvellous cure of + which he had direct knowledge. And many and amazing were the details they + gave me of the saint—for they spoke of him as a saint already—so + that no doubt lingered in my mind of the holiness of this anchorite. + </p> + <p> + Giovannozza related how a goatherd coming one night over the pass had + heard from the neighbourhood of the hut the sounds of singing, and the + music was the strangest and sweetest ever sounded on earth, so that it + threw the poor fellow into a strange ecstasy, and it was beyond doubt that + what he had heard was an angel choir. And then one of the peasants, the + tallest and blackest of the four, swore with a great oath that one night + when he himself had been in the hills he had seen the hermit's hut all + aglow with heavenly light against the black mass of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + All this left me presently very thoughtful, filled with wonder and + amazement. Then their talk shifted again, and it was of the vintage they + discoursed, the fine yield of grapes about Fontana Fredda, and the heavy + crop of oil that there would be that year. And then with the hum of their + voices gradually receding, it ceased altogether for me, and I was asleep + with my head pillowed upon my arms. + </p> + <p> + It would be an hour later when I awakened, a little stiff and cramped from + the uncomfortable position in which I had rested. The peasants had + departed and the surly-faced host was standing at my side. + </p> + <p> + “You should be resuming your journey,” said he, seeing me awake. “It wants + but a couple of hours to sunset, and if you are going over the pass it + were well not to let the night overtake you.” + </p> + <p> + “My journey?” said I aloud, and looked askance at him. + </p> + <p> + Whither, in Heaven's name, was I journeying? + </p> + <p> + Then I bethought me of my earlier resolve to seek shelter in some convent, + and his mention of the pass caused me to think now that it would be wiser + to cross the mountains into Tuscany. There I should be beyond the reach of + the talons of the Farnese law, which might close upon me again at any time + so long as I was upon Pontifical territory. + </p> + <p> + I rose heavily, and suddenly bethought me of my utter lack of money. It + dismayed me for a moment. Then I remembered the mule, and determined that + I must go afoot. + </p> + <p> + “I have a mule to sell,” said I, “the beast in your stables.” + </p> + <p> + He scratched his ear, reflecting no doubt upon the drift of my + announcement. “Yes?” he said dubiously. “And to what market are you taking + it?” + </p> + <p> + “I am offering it to you,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “To me?” he cried, and instantly suspicion entered his crafty eye and + darkened his brow. “Where got you the mule?” he asked, and snapped his + lips together. + </p> + <p> + The girl entering at that moment stood at gaze, listening. + </p> + <p> + “Where did I get it?” I echoed. “What is that to you?” + </p> + <p> + He smiled unpleasantly. “It is this to me: that if the bargelli were to + come up here and discover a stolen mule in my stables, it would be an ill + thing for me.” + </p> + <p> + I flushed angrily. “Do you imply that I stole the mule?” said I, so + fiercely that he changed his air. + </p> + <p> + “Nay now, nay now,” he soothed me. “And, after all, it happens that I do + not want a mule. I have one mule already, and I am a poor man, and...” + </p> + <p> + “A fig for your whines,” said I. “Here is the case. I have no money—not + a grosso. So the mule must pay for my dinner. Name your price, and let us + have done.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” he fumed at me. “I am to buy your stolen beast, am I? I am to be + frightened by your violence into buying it? Be off, you rogue, or I'll + raise the village and make short work of you. Be off, I say!” + </p> + <p> + He backed away as he spoke, towards the fireplace, and from the corner + took a stout oaken staff. He was a villain, a thieving rogue. That much + was plain. And it was no less plain that I must submit, and leave my beast + to him, or else perhaps suffer a worse alternative. + </p> + <p> + Had those four honest peasants still been there, he would not have dared + to have so borne himself. But as it was, without witnesses to say how the + thing had truly happened, if he raised the village against me how should + they believe a man who confessed that he had eaten a dinner for which he + could not pay? It must go very ill with me. + </p> + <p> + If I tried conclusions with him, I could break him in two notwithstanding + his staff. But there would remain the girl to give the alarm, and when to + dishonesty I should have added violence, my case would be that of any + common bandit. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” I said. “You are a dirty, thieving rascal, and a vile one to + take advantage of one in my position. I shall return for the mule another + day. Meanwhile consider it in pledge for what I owe you. But see that you + are ready for the reckoning when I present it.” + </p> + <p> + With that, I swung on my heel, strode past the big-eyed girl, out of that + foul kennel into God's sweet air, followed by the ordures of speech which + that knave flung after me. + </p> + <p> + I turned up the street, setting my face towards the mountains, and trudged + amain. + </p> + <p> + Soon I was out of the village and ascending the steep road towards the + Pass of Cisa that leads over the Apennines to Pontremoli. This way had + Hannibal come when he penetrated into Etruria some two thousand years ago. + I quitted the road and took to bridle-paths under the shoulder of the + mighty Mount Prinzera. Thus I pushed on and upward through grey-green of + olive and deep enamelled green of fig-trees, and came at last into a + narrow gorge between two great mountains, a place of ferns and moisture + where all was shadow and the air felt chill. + </p> + <p> + Above me the mountains towered to the blue heavens, their flanks of a + green that was in places turned to golden, where Autumn's fingers had + already touched those heights, in places gashed with grey and purple + wounds, where the bare rock thrust through. + </p> + <p> + I went on aimlessly, and came presently upon a little fir thicket, through + which I pushed towards a sound of tumbling waters. I stood at last upon + the rocks above a torrent that went thundering down the mighty gorge which + it had cloven itself between the hills. Thence I looked down a long, + wavering valley over which the rays of the evening sun were slanting, and + hazily in the distance I could see the russet city of Fornovo which I had + earlier passed that day. This torrent was the Bagnanza, and it effectively + barred all passage. So I went up, along its bed, scrambling over lichened + rocks or sinking my feet into carpets of soft, yielding moss. + </p> + <p> + At length, grown weary and uncertain of my way, I sank down to rest and + think. And my thoughts were chiefly of that hermit somewhere above me in + these hills, and of the blessedness of such a life, remote from the world + that man had made so evil. And then, with thinking of the world, came + thoughts of Giuliana. Two nights ago I had held her in my arms. Two nights + ago! And already it seemed a century remote—as remote as all the + rest of that life of which it seemed a part. For there had been a break in + my existence with the murder of Fifanti, and in the past two days I had + done more living and I had aged more than in all the eighteen years + before. + </p> + <p> + Thinking of Giuliana, I evoked her image, the glowing, ruddy copper of her + hair, the dark mystery of her eyes, so heavy-lidded and languorous in + their smile. My spirit conjured her to stand before me all white and + seductive as I had known her, and my longings were again upon me like a + searing torture. + </p> + <p> + I fought them hard. I sought to shut that image out. But it abode to mock + me. And then faintly from the valley, borne upon the breeze that came + sighing through the fir-trees, rose the tinkle of an Angelus bell. + </p> + <p> + I fell upon my knees and prayed to the Mother of Purity for strength, and + thus I came once more to peace. That done I crept under the shelter of a + projecting rock, wrapped my cloak tightly about me, and lay down upon the + hard ground to rest, for I was very weary. + </p> + <p> + Lying there I watched the colour fading from the sky. I saw the purple + lights in the east turn to an orange that paled into faintest yellow, and + this again into turquoise. The shadows crept up those heights. A star came + out overhead, then another, then a score of stars to sparkle silvery in + the blue-black heavens. + </p> + <p> + I turned on my side, and closed my eyes, seeking to sleep; and then quite + suddenly I heard a sound of unutterable sweetness—a melody so faint + and subtle that it had none of the form and rhythm of earthly music. I sat + up, my breath almost arrested, and listened more intently. I could still + hear it, but very faint and distant. It was as a sound of silver bells, + and yet it was not quite that. I remembered the stories I had heard that + day in the tavern at Pojetta, and the talk of the mystic melodies by which + travellers had been drawn to the anchorite's abode. I noted the direction + of the sound, and I determined to be guided by it, and to cast myself at + the feet of that holy man, to implore of him who could heal bodies the + miracle of my soul's healing and my mind's purging from its torment. + </p> + <p> + I pushed on, then, through the luminous night, keeping as much as possible + to the open, for under trees lesser obstacles were not to be discerned. + The melody grew louder as I advanced, ever following the Bagnanza towards + its source; and the stream, too, being much less turbulent now, did not + overbear that other sound. + </p> + <p> + It was a melody on long humming notes, chiefly, it seemed to me, upon two + notes with the occasional interjection of a third and fourth, and, at long + and rare intervals, of a fifth. It was harmonious beyond all description, + just as it was weird and unearthly; but now that I heard it more + distinctly it had much more the sound of bells—very sweet and + silvery. + </p> + <p> + And then, quite suddenly, I was startled by a human cry—a piteous, + wailing cry that told of helplessness and pain. I went forward more + quickly in the direction whence it came, rounded a stout hazel coppice, + and stood suddenly before a rude hut of pine logs built against the side + of the rock. Through a small unglazed window came a feeble shaft of light. + </p> + <p> + I halted there, breathless and a little afraid. This must be the dwelling + of the anchorite. I stood upon holy ground. + </p> + <p> + And then the cry was repeated. It proceeded from the hut. I advanced to + the window, took courage and peered in. By the light of a little brass oil + lamp with a single wick I could faintly make out the interior. + </p> + <p> + The rock itself formed the far wall of it, and in this a niche was carved—a + deep, capacious niche in the shadows of which I could faintly discern a + figure some two feet in height, which I doubted not would be the + miraculous image of St. Sebastian. In front of this was a rude wooden + pulpit set very low, and upon it a great book with iron clasps and a + yellow, grinning skull. + </p> + <p> + All this I beheld at a single glance. There was no other furniture in that + little place, neither chair nor table; and the brass lamp was set upon the + floor, near a heaped-up bed of rushes and dried leaves upon which I beheld + the anchorite himself. He was lying upon his back, and seemed a vigorous, + able-bodied man of a good length. + </p> + <p> + He wore a loose brown habit roughly tied about his middle by a piece of + rope from which was suspended an enormous string of beads. His beard and + hair were black, but his face was livid as a corpse's, and as I looked at + him he emitted a fresh groan, and writhed as if in mortal suffering. + </p> + <p> + “O my God! My God!” I heard him crying. “Am I to die alone? Mercy! I + repent me!” And he writhed moaning, and rolled over on his side so that he + faced me, and I saw that his livid countenance was glistening with sweat. + </p> + <p> + I stepped aside and lifted the latch of the rude door. + </p> + <p> + “Are you suffering, father?” I asked, almost fearfully. At the sound of my + voice, he suddenly sat up, and there was a great fear in his eyes. Then he + fell back again with a cry. + </p> + <p> + “I thank Thee, my God! I thank Thee!” + </p> + <p> + I entered, and crossing to his side, I went down on my knees beside him. + </p> + <p> + Without giving me time to speak, he clutched my arm with one of his clammy + hands, and raised himself painfully upon his elbow, his eyes burning with + the fever that was in him. + </p> + <p> + “A priest!” he gasped. “Get me a priest! Oh, if you would be saved from + the flames of everlasting Hell, get me a priest to shrive me. I am dying, + and I would not go hence with the burden of all this sin upon my soul.” + </p> + <p> + I could feel the heat of his hand through the sleeve of my coat. His + condition was plain. A raging fever was burning out his life. + </p> + <p> + “Be comforted,” I said. “I will go at once.” And I rose, whilst he poured + forth his blessings upon me. + </p> + <p> + At the door I checked to ask what was the nearest place. + </p> + <p> + “Casi,” he said hoarsely. “To your right, you will see the path down the + hill-side. You cannot miss it. In half an hour you should be there. And + return at once, for I have not long. I feel it.” + </p> + <p> + With a last word of reassurance and comfort I closed the door, and plunged + away into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE RENUNCIATION + </h2> + <p> + I found the path the hermit spoke of, and followed its sinuous downhill + course, now running when the ground was open, now moving more cautiously, + yet always swiftly, when it led me through places darkened by trees. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a half-hour I espied below me the twinkling lights of a + village on the hill-side, and a few minutes later I was among the houses + of Casi. To find the priest in his little cottage by the church was an + easy matter; to tell him my errand and to induce him to come with me, to + tend the holy man who lay dying alone in the mountain, was as easy. To + return, however, was the most difficult part of the undertaking; for the + upward path was steep, and the priest was old and needed such assistance + as my own very weary limbs could scarcely render him. We had the advantage + of a lanthorn which he insisted upon bringing, and we made as good + progress as could be expected. But it was best part of two hours after my + setting out before we stood once more upon the little platform where the + hermit had his hut. + </p> + <p> + We found the place in utter darkness. Through lack of oil his little lamp + had burned itself out; and when we entered, the man on the bed of wattles + lay singing a lewd tavern-song, which, coming from such holy lips, filled + me with horror and amazement. + </p> + <p> + But the old priest, with that vast and doleful experience of death-beds + which belongs to men of his class, was quick to perceive the cause of + this. The fever was flickering up before life's final extinction, and the + poor moribund was delirious and knew not what he said. + </p> + <p> + For an hour we watched beside him, waiting. The priest was confident that + there would be a return of consciousness and a spell of lucidity before + the end. + </p> + <p> + Through that lugubrious hour I squatted there, watching the awful process + of human dissolution for the first time. + </p> + <p> + Save in the case of Fifanti I had never yet seen death; nor could it be + said that I had really seen it then. With the pedant, death had been a + sudden sharp severing of the thread of life, and I had been conscious that + he was dead without any appreciation of death itself, blinded in part by + my own exalted condition at the time. + </p> + <p> + But in this death of Fra Sebastiano I was heated by no participation. I + was an unwilling and detached spectator, brought there by force of + circumstance; and my mind received from the spectacle an impression not + easily to be effaced, an impression which may have been answerable in part + for that which followed. + </p> + <p> + Towards dawn at last the sick man's babblings—and they were mostly + as profane and lewd as his occasional bursts of song—were quieted. + The unseeing glitter of his eyes that had ever and anon been turned upon + us was changed to a dull and heavy consciousness, and he struggled to + rise, but his limbs refused their office. + </p> + <p> + The priest leaned over him with a whispered word of comfort, then turned + and signed to me to leave the hut. I rose, and went towards the door. But + I had scarcely reached it when there was a hoarse cry behind me followed + by a gasping sob from the priest. I started round to see the hermit lying + on his back, his face rigid, his mouth open and idiotic, his eyes more + leaden than they had been a moment since. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I cried, despite myself. + </p> + <p> + “He has gone, my son,” answered the old priest sorrowfully. “But he was + contrite, and he had lived a saint.” And drawing from his breast a little + silver box, he proceeded to perform the last rites upon the body from + which the soul was already fled. + </p> + <p> + I came slowly back and knelt beside him, and long we remained there in + silent prayer for the repose of that blessed spirit. And whilst we prayed + the wind rose outside, and a storm grew in the bosom of the night that had + been so fair and tranquil. The lightning flashed and illumined the + interior of that hut with a vividness as of broad daylight, throwing into + livid relief the arrow-pierced St. Sebastian in the niche and the ghastly, + grinning skull upon the hermit's pulpit. + </p> + <p> + The thunder crashed and crackled, and the echoes of its artillery went + booming and rolling round the hills, whilst the rain fell in a terrific + lashing downpour. Some of it finding a weakness in the roof, trickled and + dripped and formed a puddle in the middle of the hut. + </p> + <p> + For upwards of an hour the storm raged, and all the while we remained upon + our knees beside the dead anchorite. Then the thunder receded and + gradually died away in the distance; the rain ceased; and the dawn crept + pale as a moon-stone adown the valley. + </p> + <p> + We went out to breathe the freshened air just as the first touches of the + sun quickened to an opal splendour the pallor of that daybreak. All the + earth was steaming, and the Bagnanza, suddenly swollen, went thundering + down the gorge. + </p> + <p> + At sunrise we dug a grave just below the platform with a spade which I + found in the hut. There we buried the hermit, and over the spot I made a + great cross with the largest stones that I could find. The priest would + have given him burial in the hut itself; but I suggested that perhaps + there might be some other who would be willing to take the hermit's place, + and consecrate his life to carrying on the man's pious work of guarding + that shrine and collecting alms for the poor and for the building of the + bridge. + </p> + <p> + My tone caused the priest to look at me with sharp, kindly eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Have you such thoughts for yourself, perchance?” he asked me. + </p> + <p> + “Unless you should adjudge me too unworthy for the office,” I answered + humbly. + </p> + <p> + “But you are very young, my son,” he said, and laid a kindly hand upon my + shoulder. “Have you suffered, then, so sorely at the hands of the world + that you should wish to renounce it and to take up this lonely life?” + </p> + <p> + “I was intended for the priesthood, father,” I replied. “I aspired to holy + orders. But through the sins of the flesh I have rendered myself unworthy. + Here, perhaps, I can expiate and cleanse my heart of all the foulness it + gathered in the world.” + </p> + <p> + He left me an hour or so later, to make his way back to Casi, having heard + enough of my past and having judged sufficiently of my attitude of mind to + approve me in my determination to do penance and seek peace in that + isolation. Before going he bade me seek him out at Casi at any time should + any doubts assail me, or should I find that the burden I had taken up was + too heavy for my shoulders. + </p> + <p> + I watched him go down the winding, mountain path, watched the bent old + figure in his long black gaberdine, until a turn in the path and a clump + of chestnuts hid him from my sight. + </p> + <p> + Then I first tasted the loneliness to which on that fair morning I had + vowed myself. The desolation of it touched me and awoke self-pity in my + heart, to extinguish utterly the faint flame of ecstasy that had warmed me + when first I thought of taking the dead anchorite's place. + </p> + <p> + I was not yet twenty, I was lord of great possessions, and of life I had + tasted no more than one poisonous, reckless draught; yet I was done with + the world—driven out of it by penitence. It was just; but it was + bitter. And then I felt again that touch of ecstasy to reflect that it was + the bitterness of the resolve that made it worthy, that through its very + harshness was it that this path should lead to grace. + </p> + <p> + Later on I busied myself with an inspection of the hut, and my first + attentions were for the miraculous image. I looked upon it with awe, and I + knelt to it in prayer for forgiveness for the unworthiness I brought to + the service of the shrine. + </p> + <p> + The image itself was very crude of workmanship and singularly ghastly. It + reminded me poignantly of the Crucifix that had hung upon the whitewashed + wall of my mother's private dining-room and had been so repellent to my + young eyes. + </p> + <p> + From two arrow wounds in the breast descended two brown streaks, relics of + the last miraculous manifestation. The face of the young Roman centurion + who had suffered martyrdom for his conversion to Christianity was smiling + very sweetly and looking upwards, and in that part of his work the + sculptor had been very happy. But the rest of the carving was gruesome and + the anatomy was gross and bad, the figure being so disproportionately + broad as to convey the impression of a stunted dwarf. + </p> + <p> + The big book standing upon the pulpit of plain deal proved, as I had + expected, to be a missal; and it became my custom to recite from it each + morning thereafter the office for the day. + </p> + <p> + In a rude cupboard I found a jar of baked earth that was half full of oil, + and another larger jar containing some cakes of maize bread and a handful + of chestnuts. There was also a brown bundle which resolved itself into a + monkish habit within which was rolled a hair-shirt. + </p> + <p> + I took pleasure in this discovery, and I set myself at once to strip off + my secular garments and to don this coarse brown habit, which, by reason + of my great height, descended but midway down my calves. For lack of + sandals I went barefoot, and having made a bundle of the clothes I had + removed I thrust them into the cupboard in the place of those which I had + taken thence. + </p> + <p> + Thus did I, who had been vowed to the anchorite order of St. Augustine, + enter upon my life as an unordained anchorite. I dragged out the wattles + upon which my blessed predecessor had breathed his last, and having swept + the place clean with a bundle of hazel-switches which I cut for the + purpose, I went to gather fresh boughs and rushes by the swollen torrent, + and with these I made myself a bed. + </p> + <p> + My existence became not only one of loneliness, but of grim privation. + People rarely came my way, save for a few faithful women from Casi or + Fiori who solicited my prayers in return for the oil and maize-cakes which + they left me, and sometimes whole days would pass without the sight of a + single human being. These maize-cakes formed my chief nourishment, + together with a store of nuts from the hazel coppice that grew before my + door and some chestnuts which I went further afield to gather in the + woods. Occasionally, as a gift, there would be a jar of olives, which was + the greatest delicacy that I savoured in those days. No flesh-food or fish + did I ever taste, so that I grew very lean and often suffered hunger. + </p> + <p> + My days were spent partly in prayer and partly in meditation, and I + pondered much upon what I could remember of the Confessions of St. + Augustine, deriving great consolation from the thought that if that great + father of the Church had been able to win to grace out of so much sin as + had befouled his youth, I had no reason to despair. And as yet I had + received no absolution for the mortal offences I had committed at + Piacenza. I had confessed to Fra Gervasio, and he had bidden me do penance + first, but the penance had never been imposed. I was imposing it now. All + my life should I impose it thus. + </p> + <p> + Yet, ere it was consummated I might come to die; and the thought appalled + me, for I must not die in sin. + </p> + <p> + So I resolved that when I should have spent a year in that fastness I + would send word to the priest at Casi by some of those who visited my + hermitage, and desire him to come to me that I might seek absolution at + his hands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. HYPNEROTOMACHIA + </h2> + <p> + At first I seemed to make good progress in my quest after grace, and a + certain solatium of peace descended upon me, beneficent as the dew of a + summer night upon the parched and thirsty earth. But anon this changed and + I would catch the thoughts that should have been bent upon pious + meditation glancing backward with regretful longings at that life out of + which I had departed. + </p> + <p> + I would start up in a pious rage and cast out such thoughts by more + strenuous prayer and still more strenuous fasting. But as my body grew + accustomed to the discomforts to which it was subjected, my mind assumed a + rebellious freedom that clogged the work of purification upon which I + strove to engage it. My stomach out of its very emptiness conjured up evil + visions to torment me in the night, and with these I vainly wrestled until + I remembered the measures which Fra Gervasio told me that he had taken in + like case. I had then the happy inspiration to have recourse to the + hair-shirt, which hitherto I had dreaded. + </p> + <p> + It would be towards the end of October, as the days were growing colder, + that I first put on that armour against the shafts of Satan. It galled me + horribly and fretted my tender flesh at almost every movement; but so at + least, at the expense of the body, I won back to some peace of mind, and + the flesh, being quelled and subdued, no longer interposed its evil + humours to the purity I desired for my meditations. + </p> + <p> + For upwards of a month, then, the mild torture of the goat's-hair cilice + did the office I required of it. But towards December, my skin having + grown tough and callous from the perpetual irritation, and inured to the + fretting of the sharp hair, my mind once more began to wander mutinously. + To check it again I put off the cilice, and with it all other + undergarments, retaining no more clothing than just the rough brown + monkish habit. Thus I exposed myself to the rigours of the weather, for it + had grown very cold in those heights where I dwelt, and the snows were + creeping nearer adown the mountain-side. + </p> + <p> + I had seen the green of the valley turn to gold and then to flaming brown. + I had seen the fire perish out of those autumnal tints, and with the + falling of the leaves, a slow, grey, bald decrepitude covering the world. + And to this had now succeeded chill wintry gales that howled and whistled + through the logs of my wretched hut, whilst the western wind coming down + over the frozen zone above cut into me like a knife's edge. + </p> + <p> + And famished as I was I felt this coldness the more, and daily I grew + leaner until there was little left of my erstwhile lusty vigour, and I was + reduced to a parcel of bones held together in a bag of skin, so that it + almost seemed that I must rattle as I walked. + </p> + <p> + I suffered, and yet I was glad to suffer, and took a joy in my pain, + thanking God for the grace of permitting me to endure it, since the + greater the discomforts of my body, the more numbed became the pain of my + mind, the more removed from me were the lures of longing with which Satan + still did battle for my soul. In pain itself I seemed to find the + nepenthes that others seek from pain; in suffering was my Lethean draught + that brought the only oblivion that I craved. + </p> + <p> + I think that in those months my reason wandered a little under all this + strain; and I think to-day that the long ecstasies into which I fell were + largely the result of a feverishness that burned in me as a consequence of + a chill that I had taken. + </p> + <p> + I would spend long hours upon my knees in prayer and meditation. And + remembering how others in such case as mine had known the great boon and + blessing of heavenly visions, I prayed and hoped for some such sign of + grace, confident in its power to sustain me thereafter against all + possible temptation. + </p> + <p> + And then, one night, as the year was touching its end, it seemed to me + that my prayer was answered. I do not think that my vision was a dream; + leastways, I do not think that I was asleep when it visited me. I was on + my knees at the time, beside my bed of wattles, and it was very late at + night. Suddenly the far end of my hut grew palely lucent, as if a + phosphorescent vapour were rising from the ground; it waved and rolled as + it ascended in billows of incandescence, and then out of the heart of it + there gradually grew a figure all in white over which there was a cloak of + deepest blue all flecked with golden stars, and in the folded hands a + sheaf of silver lilies. + </p> + <p> + I knew no fear. My pulses throbbed and my heart beat ponderously but + rapturously as I watched the vision growing more and more distinct until I + could make out the pale face of ineffable sweetness and the veiled eyes. + </p> + <p> + It was the Blessed Madonna, as Messer Pordenone had painted her in the + Church of Santa Chiara at Piacenza; the dress, the lilies, the sweet pale + visage, all were known to me, even the billowing cloud upon which one + little naked foot was resting. + </p> + <p> + I cried out in longing and in rapture, and I held out my arms to that + sweet vision. But even as I did so its aspect gradually changed. Under the + upper part of the blue mantle, which formed a veil, was spread a mass of + ruddy, gleaming hair; the snowy pallor of the face was warmed to the tint + of ivory, and the lips deepened to scarlet and writhed in a voluptuous + smile; the dark eyes glowed languidly; the lilies faded away, and the pale + hands were held out to me. + </p> + <p> + “Giuliana!” I cried, and my pure and piously joyous ecstasy was changed + upon the instant to fierce, carnal longings. + </p> + <p> + “Giuliana!” I held out my arms, and slowly she floated towards me, over + the rough earthen floor of my cell. + </p> + <p> + A frenzy of craving seized me. I was impatient to lock my arms once more + about that fair sleek body. I sought to rise, to go to meet her slow + approach, to lessen by a second this agony of waiting. But my limbs were + powerless. I was as if cast in lead, whilst more and more slowly she + approached me, so languorously mocking. + </p> + <p> + And then revulsion took me, suddenly and without any cause or warning. I + put my hands to my face to shut out a vision whose true significance I + realized as in a flash. + </p> + <p> + “Retro me, Sathanas!” I thundered. “Jesus! Maria!” + </p> + <p> + I rose at last numbed and stiff. I looked again. The vision had departed. + I was alone in my cell, and the rain was falling steadily outside. I + groaned despairingly. Then I swayed, reeled sideways and lost all + consciousness. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke it was broad day, and the pale wintry sun shone silvery from + a winter sky. I was very weak and very cold, and when I attempted to rise + all things swam round me, and the floor of my cell appeared to heave like + the deck of a ship upon a rolling sea. + </p> + <p> + For days thereafter I was as a man entranced, alternately frozen with cold + and burning with fever; and but that a shepherd who had turned aside to + ask the hermit's blessing discovered me in that condition, and remained, + out of his charity, for some three days to tend me, it is more than likely + I should have died. + </p> + <p> + He nourished me with the milk of goats, a luxury upon which my strength + grew swiftly, and even after he had quitted my hut he still came daily for + a week to visit me, and daily he insisted that I should consume the milk + he brought me, overruling my protests that my need being overpast there + was no longer the necessity to pamper me. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter I knew a season of peace. + </p> + <p> + It was, I then reasoned, as if the Devil having tried me with a + masterstroke of temptation, and having suffered defeat, had abandoned the + contest. Yet I was careful not to harbour that thought unduly, nor glory + in my power, lest such presumption should lead to worse. I thanked Heaven + for the strength it had lent me, and implored a continuance of its + protection for a vessel so weak. + </p> + <p> + And now the hill-side and valley began to put on the raiment of a new + year. February, like a benignant nymph, tripped down by meadow and stream, + and touched the slumbering earth with gentler breezes. And soon, where she + had passed, the crocus reared its yellow head, anemones, scarlet, blue and + purple, tossed from her lap, sang the glories of spring in their tender + harmonies of hue, coy violet and sweet-smelling nardosmia waved their + incense on her altars, and the hellebore sprouted by the streams. + </p> + <p> + Then as birch and beech and oak and chestnut put forth a garb of tender + pallid green, March advanced and Easter came on apace. + </p> + <p> + But the approach of Easter filled me with a staggering dread. It was in + Passion Week that the miracle of the image that I guarded was wont to + manifest itself. What if through my unworthiness it should fail? The fear + appalled me, and I redoubled my prayers. There was need; for spring which + touched the earth so benignly had not passed me by. And at moments certain + longings for the world would stir in me again, and again would come those + agonizing thoughts of Giuliana which I had conceived were for ever laid to + rest, so that I sought refuge once more in the hair-shirt; and when this + had once more lost its efficacy, I took long whip-like branches of tender + eglantine to fashion a scourge with which I flagellated my naked body so + that the thorns tore my flesh and set my rebellious blood to flow. + </p> + <p> + One evening, at last, as I sat outside my hut, gazing over the rolling + emerald uplands, I had my reward. I almost fainted when first I realized + it in the extremity of my joy and thankfulness. Very faintly, just as I + had heard it that night when first I came to the hermitage, I heard now + the mystic, bell-like music that had guided my footsteps thither. Never + since that night had the sound of it reached me, though often I had + listened for it. + </p> + <p> + It came now wafted down to me, it seemed, upon the evening breeze, a sound + of angelic chimes infinitely ravishing to my senses, and stirring my heart + to such an ecstasy of faith and happiness as I had never yet known since + my coming thither. + </p> + <p> + It was a sign—a sign of pardon, a sign of grace. It could be naught + else. I fell upon my knees and rendered my deep and joyous thanks. + </p> + <p> + And in all the week that followed that unearthly silver music was with me, + infinitely soothing and solacing. I could wander afield, yet it never left + me, unless I chanced to go so near the tumbling waters of the Bagnanza + that their thunder drowned that other blessed sound. I took courage and + confidence. Passion Week drew nigh; but it no longer had any terrors for + me. I was adjudged worthy of the guardianship of the shrine. Yet I prayed, + and made St. Sebastian the special object of my devotions, that he should + not fail me. + </p> + <p> + April came, as I learnt of the stray visitors who, of their charity, + brought me the alms of bread, and the second day of it was the first of + Holy Week. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. INTRUDERS + </h2> + <p> + It was on Holy Thursday that the image usually began to bleed, and it + would continue so to do until the dawn of Easter Sunday. + </p> + <p> + Each day now, as the time drew nearer, I watched the image closely, and on + the Wednesday I watched it with a dread anxiety I could not repress, for + as yet there was no faintest sign. The brown streaks that marked the + course of the last bleeding continued dry. All that night I prayed + intently, in a torture of doubt, yet soothed a little by the gentle music + that was never absent now. + </p> + <p> + With the first glint of dawn I heard steps outside the hut; but I did not + stir. By sunrise there was a murmur of voices like the muttering of a sea + upon its shore. I rose and peered more closely at the saint. He was just + wood, inanimate and insensible, and there was still no sign. Outside, I + knew, a crowd of pilgrims was already gathered. They were waiting, poor + souls. But what was their waiting compared with mine? + </p> + <p> + Another hour I knelt there, still beseeching Heaven to take mercy upon me. + But Heaven remained unresponsive and the wounds of the image continued + dry. + </p> + <p> + I rose, at last, in a sort of despair, and going to the door of the hut, I + flung it wide. + </p> + <p> + The platform was filled with a great crowd of peasantry, and an overflow + poured down the sides of it and surged up the hill on the right and the + left. At sight of me, so gaunt and worn, my eyes wild with despair and + feverish from sleeplessness, a tangled growth of beard upon my hollow + cheeks, they uttered as with one voice a great cry of awe. The multitude + swayed and rippled, and then with a curious sound as that of a great wind, + all went down upon their knees before me—all save the array of + cripples huddled in the foreground, brought thither, poor wretches, in the + hope of a miraculous healing. + </p> + <p> + As I was looking round upon that assembly, my eyes were caught by a flash + and glitter on the road above us leading to the Cisa Pass. A little troop + of men-at-arms was descending that way. A score of them there would be, + and from their lance-heads fluttered scarlet bannerols bearing a white + device which at that distance I could not make out. + </p> + <p> + The troop had halted, and one upon a great black horse, a man whose armour + shone like the sun itself, was pointing down with his mail-clad hand. Then + they began to move again, and the brightness of their armour, the + fluttering pennons on their lances, stirred me strangely in that fleeting + moment, ere I turned again to the faithful who knelt there waiting for my + words. Dolefully, with hanging head and downcast eyes, I made the dread + announcement. + </p> + <p> + “My children, there is yet no miracle.” + </p> + <p> + A deathly stillness followed the words. Then came an uproar, a clamour, a + wailing. One bold mountaineer thrust forward to the foremost ranks, though + without rising from his knees. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” he cried, “how can that be? The saint has never failed to bleed + by dawn on Holy Thursday, these five years past.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” I groaned, “I do not know. I but tell you what is. All night have + I held vigil. But all has been vain. I will go pray again, and do you, + too, pray.” + </p> + <p> + I dared not tell them of my growing suspicion and fear that the fault was + in myself; that here was a sign of Heaven's displeasure at the impurity of + the guardian of that holy place. + </p> + <p> + “But the music!” cried one of the cripples raucously. “I hear the blessed + music!” + </p> + <p> + I halted, and the crowd fell very still to listen. We all heard it pealing + softly, soothingly, as from the womb of the mountain, and a great cry went + up once more from that vast assembly, a hopeful cry that where one miracle + was happening another must happen, that where the angelic choirs were + singing all must be well. + </p> + <p> + And then with a thunder of hooves and clank of metal the troop that I had + seen came over the pasture-lands, heading straight for my hermitage, + having turned aside from the road. At the foot of the hillock upon which + my hut was perched they halted at a word from their leader. + </p> + <p> + I stood at gaze, and most of the people too craned their necks to see what + unusual pilgrim was this who came to the shrine of St. Sebastian. + </p> + <p> + The leader swung himself unaided from the saddle, full-armed as he was; + then going to a litter in the rear, he assisted a woman to alight from it. + </p> + <p> + All this I watched, and I observed too that the device upon the bannerols + was the head of a white horse. By that device I knew them. They were of + the house of Cavalcanti—a house that had, as I had heard, been in + alliance and great friendship with my father. But that their coming hither + should have anything to do with me or with that friendship I was assured + was impossible. Not a single soul could know of my whereabouts or the + identity of the present hermit of Monte Orsaro. + </p> + <p> + The pair advanced, leaving the troop below to await their return, and as + they came I considered them, as did, too, the multitude. + </p> + <p> + The man was of middle height, very broad and active, with long arms, to + one of which the little lady clung for help up the steep path. He had a + proud, stern aquiline face that was shaven, so that the straight lines of + his strong mouth and powerful length of jaw looked as if chiselled out of + stone. It was only at closer quarters that I observed how the general + hardness of that countenance was softened by the kindliness of his deep + brown eyes. In age I judged him to be forty, though in reality he was + nearer fifty. + </p> + <p> + The little lady at his side was the daintiest maid that I had ever seen. + The skin, white as a water-lily, was very gently flushed upon her cheeks; + the face was delicately oval; the little mouth, the tenderest in all the + world; the forehead low and broad, and the slightly slanting eyes—when + she raised the lashes that hung over them like long shadows—were of + the deep blue of sapphires. Her dark brown hair was coifed in a jewelled + net of thread of gold, and on her white neck a chain of emeralds sparkled + sombrely. Her close-fitting robe and her mantle were of the hue of bronze, + and the light shifted along the silken fabric as she moved, so that it + gleamed like metal. About her waist there was a girdle of hammered gold, + and pearls were sewn upon the back of her brown velvet gloves. + </p> + <p> + One glance of her deep blue eyes she gave me as she approached; then she + lowered them instantly, and so weak—so full of worldly vanities was + I still that in that moment I took shame at the thought that she should + see me thus, in this rough hermit's habit, my face a tangle of unshorn + beard, my hair long and unkempt. And the shame of it dyed my gaunt cheeks. + And then I turned pale again, for it seemed to me that out of nowhere a + voice had asked me: + </p> + <p> + “Do you still marvel that the image will not bleed?” + </p> + <p> + So sharp and clear did those words arise from the lips of Conscience that + it seemed to me as if they had been uttered aloud, and I looked almost in + alarm to see if any other had overheard them. + </p> + <p> + The cavalier was standing before me, and his brows were knit, a deep + amazement in his eyes. Thus awhile in utter silence. Then quite suddenly, + his voice a ringing challenge: + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “My name?” quoth I, astonished by such a question, and remarking now the + intentness and surprise of his own glance. “It is Sebastian,” I answered, + and truthfully, for that was the name of my adoption, the name I had taken + when I entered upon my hermitage. + </p> + <p> + “Sebastian of what and where?” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + He stood before me, his back to the peasant crowd, ignoring them as + completely as if they had no existence, supremely master of himself. And + meanwhile, the little lady on his arm stole furtive upward glances at me. + </p> + <p> + “Sebastian of nowhere,” I answered. “Sebastian the hermit, the guardian of + this shrine. If you are come to...” + </p> + <p> + “What was your name in the world?” he interrupted impatiently, and all the + time his eyes were devouring my gaunt face. + </p> + <p> + “The name of a sinner,” answered I. “I have stripped it off and cast it + from me.” + </p> + <p> + An expression of impatience rippled across the white face + </p> + <p> + “But the name of your father?” he insisted. + </p> + <p> + “I have none,” answered I. “I have no kin or ties of any sort. I am + Sebastian the hermit.” + </p> + <p> + His lips smacked testily. “Were you baptized Sebastian?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered him. “I took the name when I became the guardian of this + shrine.” + </p> + <p> + “And when was that?” + </p> + <p> + “In September of last year, when the holy man who was here before me + died.” + </p> + <p> + I saw a sudden light leap to his eyes and a faint smile to his lips. He + leaned towards me. “Heard you ever of the name of Anguissola?” he + inquired, and watched me closely, his face within a foot of mine. + </p> + <p> + But I did not betray myself, for the question no longer took me by + surprise. I was accounted to be very like my father, and that a member of + the house of Cavalcanti, with which Giovanni d'Anguissola had been so + intimate, should detect the likeness was not unnatural. I was convinced, + moreover, that he had been guided thither by merest curiosity at the sight + of that crowd of pilgrims. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I said, “I know not your intentions; but in all humility let me say + that I am not here to answer questions of worldly import. The world has + done with me, and I with the world. So that unless you are come hither out + of piety for this shrine, I beg that you will depart with God and molest + me no further. You come at a singularly inauspicious time, when I need all + my strength to forget the world and my sinful past, that through me the + will of Heaven may be done here.” + </p> + <p> + I saw the maid's tender eyes raised to my face with a look of great + compassion and sweetness whilst I spoke. I observed the pressure which she + put on his arm. Whether he gave way to that, or whether it was the sad + firmness of my tone that prevailed upon him I cannot say. But he nodded + shortly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” he said, and with a final searching look, he turned, the + little lady with him, and went clanking off through the lane which the + crowd opened out for him. + </p> + <p> + That they resented his presence, since it was not due to motives of piety, + they very plainly signified. They feared that the intrusion at such a time + of a personality so worldly must raise fresh difficulties against the + performance of the expected miracle. + </p> + <p> + Nor were matters improved when at the crowd's edge he halted and + questioned one of them as to the meaning of this pilgrimage. I did not + hear the peasant's answer; but I saw the white, haughty face suddenly + thrown up, and I caught his next question: + </p> + <p> + “When did it last bleed?” + </p> + <p> + Again an inaudible reply, and again his ringing voice—“That would be + before this young hermit came? And to-day it will not bleed, you say?” + </p> + <p> + He flashed me a last keen glance of his eyes, which had grown narrow and + seemed laden with mockery. The little lady whispered something to him, in + answer to which he laughed contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Fool's mummery,” he snapped, and drew her on, she going, it seemed to me, + reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + But the crowd had heard him and the insult offered to the shrine. A + deep-throated bay rose up in menace, and some leapt to their feet as if + they would attack him. + </p> + <p> + He checked, and wheeled at the sound. “How now?” he cried, his voice a + trumpet-call, his eyes flashing terribly upon them; and as dogs crouch to + heel at the angry bidding of their master, the multitude grew silent and + afraid under the eyes of that single steel-clad man. + </p> + <p> + He laughed a deep-throated laugh, and strode down the hill with his little + lady on his arm. + </p> + <p> + But when he had mounted and was riding off, the crowd, recovering courage + from his remoteness, hurled its curses after him and shrilly branded him, + “Derider!” and “Blasphemer!” + </p> + <p> + He rode contemptuously amain, however, looking back but once, and then to + laugh at them. + </p> + <p> + Soon he had dipped out of sight, and of his company nothing was visible + but the fluttering red pennons with the device of the white horse-head. + Gradually these also sank and vanished, and once more I was alone with the + crowd of pilgrims. + </p> + <p> + Enjoining prayer upon them again, I turned and re-entered the hut. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE VISION + </h2> + <p> + Pray as we might, night came and still the image gave no sign. The crowd + melted away, with promises to return at dawn—promises that sounded + almost like a menace in my ears. + </p> + <p> + I was alone once more, alone with my thoughts and these made sport of me. + It was not only upon the unresponsiveness of St. Sebastian that my mind + now dwelt, nor yet upon the horrid dread that this unresponsiveness might + be a sign of Heaven's displeasure, an indication that as a custodian of + that shrine I was unacceptable through the mire of sin that still clung to + me. Rather, my thoughts went straying down the mountain-side in the wake + of that gallant company, that stern-faced man and that gentle-eyed little + lady who had hung upon his arm. Before the eyes of my mind there flashed + again the brilliance of their arms, in my ears rang the thunder of their + chargers' hooves, whilst the image of the girl in her shimmering, + bronze-hued robe remained insistently. + </p> + <p> + Theirs the life that should have been mine! She such a companion as should + have shared my life and borne me children of my own. And I would burn with + shame again in memory, as I had burnt in actual fact, to think that she + should have beheld me in so unkempt and bedraggled a condition. + </p> + <p> + How must I compare in her eyes with the gay courtiers who would daily + hover in her presence and hang upon her gentle speech? What thought of me + could I hope should ever abide with her, as the image of her abode with + me? Or, if she thought of me at all, she must think of me just as a poor + hermit, a man who had donned the anchorite's sackcloth and turned his back + upon a world that for him was empty. + </p> + <p> + It is very easy for you worldly ones who read, to conjecture what had + befallen me. I was enamoured. In a meeting of eyes had the thing come to + me. And you will say that it is little marvel, considering the seclusion + of all my life and particularly that of the past few months, that the + first sweet maid I beheld should have wrought such havoc, and conquered my + heart by the mere flicker of her lashes. + </p> + <p> + Yet so much I cannot grant your shrewdness. + </p> + <p> + That meeting was predestined. It was written that she should come and tear + the foolish bandage from my eyes, allowing me to see for myself that, as + Fra Gervasio had opined, my vocation was neither for hermitage nor + cloister; that what called me was the world; and that in the world must I + find salvation since I was needed for the world's work. + </p> + <p> + And none but she could have done that. Of this I am persuaded, as you + shall be when you have read on. + </p> + <p> + The yearnings with which she filled my soul were very different from those + inspired by the memory of Giuliana. That other sinful longing, she + entirely effaced at last, thereby achieving something that had been + impossible to prayers and fasting, to scourge and cilice. I longed for her + almost beatifically, as those whose natures are truly saintly long for the + presence of the blessed ones of Heaven. By the sight of her I was purified + and sanctified, washed clean of all that murk of sinful desire in which I + had lain despite myself; for my desire of her was the blessed, noble + desire to serve, to guard, to cherish. + </p> + <p> + Pure was she as the pale narcissus by the streams, and serving her what + could I be but pure? + </p> + <p> + And then, quite suddenly, upon the heels of such thoughts came the + reaction. Horror and revulsion were upon me. This was but a fresh snare of + Satan's baiting to lure me to destruction. Where the memory of Giuliana + had failed to move me to aught but penance and increasing rigours, the + foul fiend sought to engage me with a seeming purity to my ultimate + destruction. Thus had Anthony, the Egyptian monk, been tempted; and under + one guise or another it was ever the same Circean lure. + </p> + <p> + I would make an end. I swore it in a mighty frenzy of repentance, in a + very lust to do battle with Satan and with my own flesh and a phrenetic + joy to engage in the awful combat. + </p> + <p> + I stripped off my ragged habit, and standing naked I took up my scourge of + eglantine and beat myself until the blood flowed freely. But that was not + enough. All naked as I was, I went forth into the blue night, and ran to a + pool of the Bagnanza, going of intent through thickets of bramble and + briar-rose that gripped and tore my flesh and lacerated me so that at + times I screamed aloud in pain, to laugh ecstatically the next moment and + joyfully taunt Satan with his defeat. + </p> + <p> + Thus I tore on, my very body ragged and bleeding from head to foot, and + thus I came to the pool in the torrent's course. Into this I plunged, and + stood with the icy waters almost to my neck, to purge the unholy fevers + out of me. The snows above were melting at the time, and the pool was + little more than liquid ice. The chill of it struck through me to the very + marrow, and I felt my flesh creep and contract until it seemed like the + rough hide of some fabled monster, and my wounds stung as if fire were + being poured into them. + </p> + <p> + Thus awhile; then all feeling passed, and a complete insensibility to the + cold of the water or the fire of the wounds succeeded. All was numbed, and + every nerve asleep. At last I had conquered. I laughed aloud, and in a + great voice of triumph I shouted so that the shout went echoing round the + hills in the stillness of the night: + </p> + <p> + “Satan, thou art defeated!” + </p> + <p> + And upon that I crawled up the mossy bank, the water gliding from my long + limbs. I attempted to stand. But the earth rocked under my feet; the + blueness of the night deepened into black, and consciousness was + extinguished like a candle that is blown out. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + . . . . . . . . +</pre> + <p> + She appeared above me in a great effulgence that emanated from herself as + if she were grown luminous. Her robe was of cloth of silver and of a + dazzling sheen, and it hung closely to her lissom, virginal form, defining + every line and curve of it; and by the chaste beauty of her I was moved to + purest ecstasy of awe and worship. + </p> + <p> + The pale, oval face was infinitely sweet, the slanting eyes of heavenly + blue were infinitely tender, the brown hair was plaited into two long + tresses that hung forward upon either breast and were entwined with + threads of gold and shimmering jewels. On the pale brow a brilliant glowed + with pure white fires, and her hands were held out to me in welcome. + </p> + <p> + Her lips parted to breathe my name. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino d'Anguissola!” There were whole tomes of tender meaning in those + syllables, so that hearing her utter them I seemed to learn all that was + in her heart. + </p> + <p> + And then her shining whiteness suggested to me the name that must be hers. + </p> + <p> + “Bianca!” I cried, and in my turn held out my arms and made as if to + advance towards her. But I was held back in icy, clinging bonds, whose + relentlessness drew from me a groan of misery. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino, I am waiting for you at Pagliano,” she said, and it did not + occur to me to wonder where might be this Pagliano of which I could not + remember ever to have heard. “Come to me soon.” + </p> + <p> + “I may not come,” I answered miserably. “I am an anchorite, the guardian + of a shrine; and my life that has been full of sin must be given + henceforth to expiation. It is the will of Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled all undismayed, smiled confidently and tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Presumptuous!” she gently chid me. “What know you of the will of Heaven? + The will of Heaven is inscrutable. If you have sinned in the world, in the + world must you atone by deeds that shall serve the world—God's + world. In your hermitage you are become barren soil that will yield naught + to yourself or any. Come then from the wilderness. Come soon! I am + waiting!” + </p> + <p> + And on that the splendid vision faded, and utter darkness once more + encompassed me, a darkness through which still boomed repeatedly the + fading echo of the words: + </p> + <p> + “Come soon! I am waiting!” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + . . . . . . . . +</pre> + <p> + I lay upon my bed of wattles in the hut, and through the little unglazed + windows the sun was pouring, but the dripping eaves told of rain that had + lately ceased. + </p> + <p> + Over me was bending a kindly faced old man in whom I recognized the good + priest of Casi. + </p> + <p> + I lay quite still for a long while, just gazing up at him. Soon my memory + got to work of its own accord, and I bethought me of the pilgrims who must + by now have come and who must be impatiently awaiting news. + </p> + <p> + How came I to have slept so long? Vaguely I remembered my last night's + penance, and then came a black gulf in my memory, a gap I could not + bridge. But uppermost leapt the anxieties concerning the image of St. + Sebastian. + </p> + <p> + I struggled up to discover that I was very weak; so weak that I was glad + to sink back again. + </p> + <p> + “Does it bleed? Does it bleed yet?” I asked, and my voice was so small and + feeble that the sound of it startled me. + </p> + <p> + The old priest shook his head, and his eyes were very full of compassion. + </p> + <p> + “Poor youth, poor youth!” he sighed. + </p> + <p> + Without all was silent; there was no such rustle of a multitude as I + listened for. And then I observed in my cell a little shepherd-lad who had + been wont to come that way for my blessing upon occasions. He was half + naked, as lithe as a snake and almost as brown. What did he there? And + then someone else stirred—an elderly peasant-woman with a wrinkled + kindly face and soft dark eyes, whom I did not know at all. + </p> + <p> + Somehow, as my mind grew clearer, last night seemed ages remote. I looked + at the priest again. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” I murmured, “what has happened?” + </p> + <p> + His answer amazed me. He started violently. Looked more closely, and + suddenly cried out: + </p> + <p> + “He knows me! He knows me! Deo gratias!” And he fell upon his knees + </p> + <p> + Now here it seemed to me was a sort of madness. “Why should I not know + you?” quoth I. + </p> + <p> + The old woman peered at me. “Ay, blessed be Heaven! He is awake at last, + and himself again.” She turned to the lad, who was staring at me, + grinning. “Go tell them, Beppo! Haste!” + </p> + <p> + “Tell them?” I cried. “The pilgrims? Ah, no, no—not unless the + miracle has come to pass!” + </p> + <p> + “There are no pilgrims here, my son,” said the priest. + </p> + <p> + “Not?” I cried, and cold horror descended upon me. “But they should have + come. This is Holy Friday, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my son, Holy Friday was a fortnight ago.” + </p> + <p> + I stared askance at him, in utter silence. Then I smiled half tolerantly. + “But father, yesterday they were all here. Yesterday was...” + </p> + <p> + “Your yesterday, my son, is sped these fifteen days,” he answered. “All + that long while, since the night you wrestled with the Devil, you have + lain exhausted by that awful combat, lying there betwixt life and death. + All that time we have watched by you, Leocadia here and I and the lad + Beppo.” + </p> + <p> + Now here was news that left me speechless for some little while. My + amazement and slow understanding were spurred on by a sight of my hands + lying on the rude coverlet which had been flung over me. Emaciated they + had been for some months now. But at present they were as white as snow + and almost as translucent in their extraordinary frailty. I became + increasingly conscious, too, of the great weakness of my body and the + great lassitude that filled me. + </p> + <p> + “Have I had the fever?” I asked him presently. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, my son. And who would not? Blessed Virgin! who would not after what + you underwent?” + </p> + <p> + And now he poured into my astonished ears the amazing story that had + overrun the country-side. It would seem that my cry in the night, my + exultant cry to Satan that I had defeated him, had been overheard by a + goatherd who guarded his flock in the hills. In the stillness he + distinctly heard the words that I had uttered, and he came trembling down, + drawn by a sort of pious curiosity to the spot whence it had seemed to him + that the cry had proceeded. + </p> + <p> + And there by a pool of the Bagnanza he had found me lying prone, my white + body glistening like marble and almost as cold. Recognizing in me the + anchorite of Monte Orsaro, he had taken me up in his strong arms and had + carried me back to my hut. There he had set about reviving me by friction + and by forcing between my teeth some of the grape-spirit that he carried + in a gourd. + </p> + <p> + Finding that I lived, but that he could not arouse me and that my icy + coldness was succeeded by the fire of fever, he had covered me with my + habit and his own cloak, and had gone down to Casi to fetch the priest and + relate his story. + </p> + <p> + This story was no less than that the hermit of Monte Orsaro had been + fighting with the devil, who had dragged him naked from his hut and had + sought to hurl him into the torrent; but that on the very edge of the + river the anchorite had found strength, by the grace of God, to overthrow + the tormentor and to render him powerless; and in proof of it there was my + body all covered with Satan's claw-marks by which I had been torn most + cruelly. + </p> + <p> + The priest had come at once, bringing with him such restoratives as he + needed, and it is a thousand mercies that he did not bring a leech, or + else I might have been bled of the last drops remaining in my shrunken + veins. + </p> + <p> + And meanwhile the goatherd's story had gone abroad. By morning it was on + the lips of all the country-side, so that explanations were not lacking to + account for St. Sebastian's refusal to perform the usual miracle, and no + miracle was expected—nor had the image yielded any. + </p> + <p> + The priest was mistaken. A miracle there had been. But for what had + chanced, the multitude must have come again confidently expecting the + bleeding of the image which had never failed in five years, and had the + image not bled it must have fared ill with the guardian of the shrine. In + punishment for his sacrilegious ministry which must be held responsible + for the absence of the miracle they so eagerly awaited, well might the + crowd have torn me limb from limb. + </p> + <p> + Next the old man went on to tell me how three days ago there had come to + the hermitage a little troop of men-at-arms, led by a tall, bearded man + whose device was a sable band upon an argent field, and accompanied by a + friar of the order of St. Francis, a tall, gaunt fellow who had wept at + sight of me. + </p> + <p> + “That would be Fra Gervasio!” I exclaimed. “How came he to discover me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—Fra Gervasio is his name,” replied the priest. + </p> + <p> + “Where is he now?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I think he is here.” + </p> + <p> + In that moment I caught the sound of approaching steps. The door opened, + and before me stood the tall figure of my best friend, his eyes all + eagerness, his pale face flushed with joyous excitement. + </p> + <p> + I smiled my welcome. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino! Agostino!” he cried, and ran to kneel beside me and take my + hand in his. “O, blessed be God!” he murmured. + </p> + <p> + In the doorway stood now another man, who had followed him—one whose + face I had seen somewhere yet could not at first remember where. He was + very tall, so that he was forced to stoop to avoid the lintel of the low + door—as tall as Gervasio or myself—and the tanned face was + bearded by a heavy brown beard in which a few strands of grey were + showing. Across his face there ran the hideous livid scar of a blow that + must have crushed the bridge of his nose. It began just under the left + eye, and crossed the face downwards until it was lost in the beard on the + right side almost in line with the mouth. Yet, notwithstanding that + disfigurement, he still possessed a certain beauty, and the deep-set, + clear, grey-blue eyes were the eyes of a brave and kindly man. + </p> + <p> + He wore a leather jerkin and great thigh-boots of grey leather, and from + his girdle of hammered steel hung a dagger and the empty carriages of a + sword. His cropped black head was bare, and in his hand he carried a cap + of black velvet. + </p> + <p> + We looked at each other awhile, and his eyes were sad and wistful, laden + with pity, as I thought, for my condition. Then he moved forward with a + creak of leather and jingle of spurs that made pleasant music. + </p> + <p> + He set a hand upon the shoulder of the kneeling Gervasio. + </p> + <p> + “He will live now, Gervasio?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “O, he will live,” answered the friar with an almost fierce satisfaction + in his positive assurance. “He will live and in a week we can move him + hence. Meanwhile he must be nourished.” He rose. “My good Leocadia, have + you the broth? Come, then, let us build up this strength of his. There is + haste, good soul; great haste!” She bustled at his bidding, and soon + outside the door there was a crackling of twigs to announce the lighting + of a fire. And then Gervasio made known to me the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “This is Galeotto,” he said. “He was your father's friend, and would be + yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “I could not desire otherwise with any who was my father's + friend. You are not, perchance, the Gran Galeotto?” I inquired, + remembering the sable device on argent of which the priest had told me. + </p> + <p> + “I am that same,” he answered, and I looked with interest upon one whose + name had been ringing through Italy these last few years. And then, I + suddenly realized why his face was familiar to me. This was the man who in + a monkish robe had stared so insistently at me that day at Mondolfo five + years ago. + </p> + <p> + He was a sort of outlaw, a remnant of the days of chivalry and + free-lances, whose sword was at the disposal of any purchaser. He rode at + the head of a last fragment of the famous company that Giovanni de' Medici + had raised and captained until his death. The sable band which they + adopted in mourning for that warrior, earned for their founder the + posthumous title of Giovanni delle Bande Nere. + </p> + <p> + He was called Il Gran Galeotto (as another was called Il Gran Diavolo) in + play upon the name he bore and the life he followed. He had been in bad + odour with the Pope for his sometime association with my father, and he + was not well-viewed in the Pontifical domains until, as I was soon to + learn, he had patched up a sort of peace with Pier Luigi Farnese, who + thought that the day might come when he should need the support of + Galeotto's free-lances. + </p> + <p> + “I was,” he said, “your father's closest friend. I took this at Perugia, + where he fell,” he added, and pointed to his terrific scar. Then he + laughed. “I wear it gladly in memory of him.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to Gervasio, smiling. “I hope that Giovanni d'Anguissola's son + will hold me in some affection for his father's sake, when he shall come + to know me better.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I said, “from my heart I thank you for that pious, kindly wish; and + I would that I might fully correspond to it. But Agostino d'Anguissola, + who has been so near to death in the body, is, indeed, dead to the world + already. Here you see but a poor hermit named Sebastian, who is the + guardian of this shrine.” + </p> + <p> + Gervasio rose suddenly. “This shrine...” he began in a fierce voice, his + face inflamed as with sudden wrath. And there he stopped short. The priest + was staring at him, and through the open door came Leocadia with a bowl of + steaming broth. “We'll talk of this again,” he said, and there was a sort + of thunder rumbling in the promise. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE ICONOCLAST + </h2> + <p> + It was a week later before we returned to the subject. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the good priest of Casi and Leocadia had departed, bearing with + them a princely reward from the silent, kindly eyed Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + To tend me there remained only the boy Beppo; and after my long six months + of lenten fare there followed now a period of feasting that began to + trouble me as my strength returned. When, finally, on the seventh day, I + was able to stand, and, by leaning on Gervasio's arm, to reach the door of + the hut and to look out upon the sweet spring landscape and the green + tents that Galeotto's followers had pitched for themselves in the dell + below my platform, I vowed that I would make an end of broths and capons' + breasts and trout and white bread and red wine and all such succulences. + </p> + <p> + But when I spoke so to Gervasio, he grew very grave. + </p> + <p> + “There has been enough of this, Agostino,” said he. “You have gone near + your death; and had you died, you had died a suicide and had been damned—deserving + it for your folly if for naught else.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him with surprise and reproach. “How, Fra Gervasio?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “How?” he answered. “Do you conceive that I am to be fooled by tales of + fights with Satan in the night and the marks of the fiend's claws upon + your body? Is this your sense of piety, to add to the other foul + impostures of this place by allowing such a story to run the breadth of + the country-side?” + </p> + <p> + “Foul impostures?” I echoed, aghast. “Fra Gervasio, your words are + sacrilege.” + </p> + <p> + “Sacrilege?” he cried, and laughed bitterly. “Sacrilege? And what of + that?” And he flung out a stern, rigid, accusing arm at the image of St. + Sebastian in its niche. + </p> + <p> + “You think because it did not bleed...” I began. + </p> + <p> + “It did not bleed,” he cut in, “because you are not a knave. That is the + only reason. This man who was here before you was an impious rogue. He was + no priest. He was a follower of Simon Mage, trafficking in holy things, + battening upon the superstition of poor humble folk. A black villain who + is dead—dead and damned, for he was not allowed time when the end + took him to confess his ghastly sin of sacrilege and the money that he had + extorted by his simonies.” + </p> + <p> + “My God! Fra Gervasio, what do you say? How dare you say so much? + </p> + <p> + “Where is the money that he took to build his precious bridge?” he asked + me sharply. “Did you find any when you came hither? No. I'll take oath + that you did not. A little longer, and this brigand had grown rich and had + vanished in the night—carried off by the Devil, or borne away to + realms of bliss by the angels, the poor rustics would have said.” + </p> + <p> + Amazed at his vehemence, I sank to a tree-bole that stood near the door to + do the office of a stool. + </p> + <p> + “But he gave alms!” I cried, my senses all bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Dust in the eyes of fools. No more than that. That image—” his + scorn became tremendous—“is an impious fraud, Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + Could the monstrous thing that he suggested be possible? Could any man be + so lost to all sense of God as to perpetrate such a deed as that without + fear that the lightnings of Heaven would blast him? + </p> + <p> + I asked the question. Gervasio smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Your notions of God are heathen notions,” he said more quietly. “You + confound Him with Jupiter the Thunderer. But He does not use His + lightnings as did the father of Olympus. And yet—reflect! Consider + the manner in which that brigand met his death.” + </p> + <p> + “But... but...” I stammered. And then, quite suddenly, I stopped short, + and listened. “Hark, Fra Gervasio! Do you not hear it?” + </p> + <p> + “Hear it? Hear what?” + </p> + <p> + “The music—the angelic melodies! And you can say that this place is + a foul imposture; this holy image an impious fraud! And you a priest! + Listen! It is a sign to warn you against stubborn unbelief.” + </p> + <p> + He listened, with frowning brows, a moment; then he smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Angelic melodies!” he echoed with gentlest scorn. “By what snares does + the Devil delude men, using even suggested holiness for his purpose! That, + boy—that is no more than the dripping of water into little wells of + different depths, producing different notes. It is in there, in some cave + in the mountain where the Bagnanza springs from the earth.” + </p> + <p> + I listened, half disillusioned by his explanation, yet fearing that my + senses were too slavishly obeying his suggestion. “The proof of that? The + proof!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “The proof is that you have never heard it after heavy rain, or while the + river was swollen.” + </p> + <p> + That answer shattered my last illusion. I looked back upon the time I had + spent there, upon the despair that had beset me when the music ceased, + upon the joy that had been mine when again I heard it, accepting it always + as a sign of grace. And it was as he said. Not my unworthiness, but the + rain, had ever silenced it. In memory I ran over the occasions, and so + clearly did I perceive the truth of this, that I marvelled the coincidence + should not earlier have discovered it to me. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, now that my illusions concerning it were gone, the sound was + clearly no more than he had said. I recognized its nature. It might have + intrigued a sane man for a day or a night. But it could never longer have + deceived any but one whose mind was become fevered with fanatic ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + Then I looked again at the image in the niche, and the pendulum of my + faith was suddenly checked in its counter-swing. About that image there + could be no delusions. The whole country-side had witnessed the miracle of + the bleeding, and it had wrought cures, wondrous cures, among the + faithful. They could not all have been deceived. Besides, from the wounds + in the breast there were still the brown signs of the last manifestation. + </p> + <p> + But when I had given some utterance to these thoughts Gervasio for only + answer stooped and picked up a wood-man's axe that stood against the wall. + With this he went straight towards the image. + </p> + <p> + “Fra Gervasio!” I cried, leaping to my feet, a premonition of what he was + about turning me cold with horror. “Stay!” I almost screamed. + </p> + <p> + But too late. My answer was a crashing blow. The next instant, as I sank + back to my seat and covered my face, the two halves of the image fell at + my feet, flung there by the friar. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” he bade me in a roar. + </p> + <p> + Fearfully I looked. I saw. And yet I could not believe. + </p> + <p> + He came quickly back, and picked up the two halves. “The oracle of Delphi + was not more impudently worked,” he said. “Observe this sponge, these + plates of metal that close down upon it and exert the pressure necessary + to send the liquid with which it is laden oozing forth.” As he spoke he + tore out the fiendish mechanism. “And see now how ingeniously it was made + to work—by pressure upon this arrow in the flank.” + </p> + <p> + There was a burst of laughter from the door. I looked up, startled, to + find Galeotto standing at my elbow. So engrossed had I been that I had + never heard his soft approach over the turf. + </p> + <p> + “Body of Bacchus!” said he. “Here is Gervasio become an image breaker to + some purpose. What now of your miraculous saint, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + My answer was first a groan over my shattered illusion, and then a + deep-throated curse at the folly that had made a mock of me. + </p> + <p> + The friar set a hand upon my shoulder. “You see, Agostino, that your + excursions into holy things do not promise well. Away with you, boy! Off + with this hypocrite robe, and get you out into the world to do useful work + for God and man. Had your heart truly called you to the priesthood, I had + been the first to have guided your steps thither. But your mind upon such + matters has been warped, and your views are all false; you confound + mysticism with true religion, and mouldering in a hermitage with the + service of God. How can you serve God here? Is not the world God's world + that you must shun it as if the Devil had fashioned it? Go, I say—and + I say it with the authority of the orders that I bear—go and serve + man, and thus shall you best serve God. All else are but snares to such a + nature as yours.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him helplessly, and from him to Galeotto who stood there, his + black brows knit; watching me with intentness as if great issues hung upon + my answer. And Gervasio's words touched in my mind some chord of memory. + They were words that I had heard before—or something very like them, + something whose import was the same. + </p> + <p> + Then I groaned miserably and took my head in my hands. “Whither am I to + go?” I cried. “What place is there in all the world for me? I am an + outcast. My very home is held against me. Whither, then, shall I go?” + </p> + <p> + “If that is all that troubles you,” said Galeotto, his tone unctuously + humorous, “why we will ride to Pagliano.” + </p> + <p> + I leapt at the word—literally leapt to my feet, and stared at him + with blazing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what ails him now?” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + Well might he ask. That name—Pagliano—had stirred my memory so + violently, that of a sudden as in a flash I had seen again the strange + vision that visited my delirium; I had seen again the inviting eyes, the + beckoning hands, and heard again the gentle voice saying, “Come to + Pagliano! Come soon!” + </p> + <p> + And now I knew, too, where I had heard words urging my return to the world + that were of the same import as those which Gervasio used. + </p> + <p> + What magic was there here? What wizardry was at play? I knew—for + they had told me—that it had been that cavalier who had visited me, + that man whose name was Ettore de' Cavalcanti, who had borne news to them + of one who was strangely like what Giovanni d'Anguissola had been. But + Pagliano had never yet been mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Pagliano?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “In Lombardy—in the Milanes,” replied Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + “It is the home of Cavalcanti.” + </p> + <p> + “You are faint, Agostino,” cried Gervasio, with a sudden solicitude, and + put an arm about my shoulders as I staggered. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said I. “It is nothing. Tell me—” And I paused almost + afraid to put the question, lest the answer should dash my sudden hope. + For it seemed to me that in this place of false miracles, one true miracle + at least had been wrought; if it should be proved so indeed, then would I + accept it as a sign that my salvation lay indeed in the world. If not... + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” I began again; “this Cavalcanti has a daughter. She was with + him upon that day when he came here. What is her name?” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto looked at me out of narrowing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what has that to do with anything?” quoth Gervasio. + </p> + <p> + “More than you think. Answer me, then. What is her name?” + </p> + <p> + “Her name is Bianca,” said Caleotto. + </p> + <p> + Something within me seemed to give way, so that I fell to laughing + foolishly as women laugh who are on the verge of tears. By an effort I + regained my self-control. + </p> + <p> + “It is very well,” I said. “I will ride with you to Pagliano.” + </p> + <p> + Both stared at me in utter amazement at the suddenness of my consent + following upon information that, in their minds, could have no possible + bearing upon the matter at issue. + </p> + <p> + “Is he quite sane, do you think?” cried Galeotto gruffly. + </p> + <p> + “I think he has just become so,” said Fra Gervasio after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “God give me patience, then,” grumbled the soldier, and left me puzzled by + the words. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK IV. THE WORLD + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. PAGLIANO + </h2> + <p> + The lilac was in bloom when we came to the grey walls of Pagliano in that + May of '45, and its scent, arousing the memory of my return to the world, + has ever since been to me symbolical of the world itself. + </p> + <p> + Mine was no half-hearted, backward-glancing return. Having determined upon + the step, I took it resolutely and completely at a single stride. Since + Galeotto placed his resources at my disposal, to be repaid him later when + I should have entered upon the enjoyment of my heritage of Mondolfo, I did + not scruple to draw upon them for my needs. + </p> + <p> + I accepted the fine linen and noble raiment that he offered, and I took + pleasure in the brave appearance that I made in them, my face shorn now of + its beard and my hair trimmed to a proper length. Similarly I accepted + weapons, money, and a horse; and thus equipped, looking for the first time + in my life like a patrician of my own lofty station, I rode forth from + Monte Orsaro with Galeotto and Gervasio, attended by the former's troop of + twenty lances. + </p> + <p> + And from the moment of our setting out there came upon me a curious peace, + a happiness and a great sense of expectancy. No longer was I oppressed by + the fear of proving unworthy of the life which I had chosen—as had + been the case when that life had been monastic. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto was in high spirits to see me so blithe, and he surveyed with + pride the figure that I made, vowing that I should prove a worthy son of + my father ere all was done. + </p> + <p> + The first act of my new life was performed as we were passing through the + village of Pojetta. + </p> + <p> + I called a halt before the doors of that mean hostelry, over which hung + what no doubt would still be the same withered bunch of rosemary that had + been there in autumn when last I went that way. + </p> + <p> + To the sloe-eyed, deep-bosomed girl who lounged against the door-post to + see so fine a company ride by, I gave an order to fetch the taverner. He + came with a slouch, a bent back, and humble, timid eyes—a very + different attitude from that which he had last adopted towards me. + </p> + <p> + “Where is my mule, you rogue?” quoth I. + </p> + <p> + He looked at me askance. “Your mule, magnificent? said he. + </p> + <p> + “You have forgotten me, I think—forgotten the lad in rusty black who + rode this way last autumn and whom you robbed.” + </p> + <p> + At the words be turned a sickly yellow, and fell to trembling and babbling + protestations and excuses. + </p> + <p> + “Have done,” I broke in. “You would not buy the mule then. You shall buy + it now, and pay for it with interest.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this, Agostino?” quoth Galeotto at my elbow. “An act of justice, + sir,” I answered shortly, whereupon he questioned me no further, but + looked on with a grim smile. Then to the taverner, “Your manners to-day + are not quite the same as on the last occasion when we met. I spare you + the gallows that you may live to profit by the lesson of your present near + escape. And now, rogue, ten ducats for that mule.” And I held out my hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ten ducats!” he cried, and gathering courage perhaps since he was not to + hang. “It is twice the value of the beast,” he protested. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” I said. “It will be five ducats for the mule, and five for your + life. I am merciful to rate the latter as cheaply as it deserves. Come, + thief, the ten ducats without more ado, or I'll burn your nest of infamy + and hang you above the ruins.” + </p> + <p> + He cowered and shrivelled. Then he scuttled within doors to fetch the + money, whilst Galeotto laughed deep in his throat. + </p> + <p> + “You are well-advised,” said I, when the rogue returned and handed me the + ducats. “I told you I should come back to present my reckoning. Be warned + by this.” + </p> + <p> + As we rode on Galeotto laughed again. “Body of Satan! There is a + thoroughness about you, Agustino. As a hermit you did not spare yourself; + and now as a tyrant you do not seem likely to spare others.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the Anguissola way,” said Gervasio quietly. + </p> + <p> + “You mistake,” said I. “I conceive myself in the world for some good + purpose, and the act you have witnessed is a part of it. It was not a + revengeful deed. Vengeance would have taken a harsher course. It was + justice, and justice is righteous.” + </p> + <p> + “Particularly a justice that puts ten ducats in your pocket,” laughed + Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + “There, again, you mistake me,” said I. “My aim is that thieves be mulcted + to the end that the poor shall profit.” And I drew rein again. + </p> + <p> + A little crowd had gathered about us, mostly of very ragged, half-clad + people, for this village of Pojetta was a very poverty-stricken place. + Into that little crowd I flung the ten ducats—with the consequence + that on the instant it became a seething, howling, snarling, quarrelling + mass. In the twinkling of an eye a couple of heads were cracked and blood + was flowing, so that to quell the riot my charity had provoked, I was + forced to spur my horse forward and bid them with threats disperse. + </p> + <p> + “And I think now,” said Galeotto when it was done, “that you are just as + reckless in the manner of doing charity. For the future, Agostino, you + would do well to appoint an almoner.” + </p> + <p> + I bit my lip in vexation; but soon I smiled again. Were such little things + to fret me? Did we not ride to Pagliano and to Bianca de' Cavalcanti? At + the very thought my pulses would quicken, and a sweetness of anticipation + would invade my soul, to be clouded at moments by an indefinable dread. + </p> + <p> + And thus we came to Pagliano in that month of May, when the lilac was in + bloom, as I have said, and after Fra Gervasio had left us, to return to + his convent at Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + We were received in the courtyard of that mighty fortress by that sturdy, + hawk-faced man who had recognized me in the hermitage on Monte Orsaro. But + he was no longer in armour. He wore a surcoat of yellow velvet, and his + eyes were very kindly and affectionate when they rested on Galeotto and + from Galeotto passed on to take survey of me. + </p> + <p> + “So this is our hermit!” quoth he, a note of some surprise in his crisp + tones. “Somewhat changed!” + </p> + <p> + “By a change that goes deeper than his pretty doublet,” said Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + We dismounted, and grooms, in the Cavalcanti livery of scarlet with the + horse-head in white upon their breasts, led away our horses. The seneschal + acted as quarter-master to our lances, whilst Cavalcanti himself led us up + the great stone staircase with its carved balustrade of marble, from which + rose a file of pillars to support the groined ceiling. This last was + frescoed in dull red with the white horse-head at intervals. On our right, + on every third step, stood orange-trees in tubs, all flowering and + shedding the most fragrant perfume. + </p> + <p> + Thus we ascended to a spacious gallery, and through a succession of + magnificent rooms we came to the noble apartments that had been made ready + for us. + </p> + <p> + A couple of pages came to tend me, bringing perfumed water and macerated + herbs for my ablutions. These performed, they helped me into fresh + garments that awaited me—black hose of finest silk and velvet trunks + of the same sable hue, and for my body a fine close-fitting doublet of + cloth of gold, caught at the waist by a jewelled girdle from which hung a + dagger that was the merest toy. + </p> + <p> + When I was ready they went before me, to lead the way to what they called + the private dining-room, where supper awaited us. At the very mention of a + private dining-room I had a vision of whitewashed walls and high-set + windows and a floor strewn with rushes. Instead we came into the most + beautiful chamber that I had ever seen. From floor to ceiling it was hung + with arras of purple brocade alternating with cloth of gold; thus on three + sides. On the fourth there was an opening for the embayed window which + glowed like a gigantic sapphire in the deepening twilight. + </p> + <p> + The floor was spread with a carpet of the ruddy purple of porphyry, very + soft and silent to the feet. From the frescoed ceiling, where a joyous + Phoebus drove a team of spirited white stallions, hung a chain that was + carved in the semblance of interlocked Titans to support a great + candelabrum, each branch of which was in the image of a Titan holding a + stout candle of scented wax. It was all in gilded bronze and the + workmanship—as I was presently to learn—of that great artist + and rogue Benvenuto Cellini. From this candelabrum there fell upon the + board a soft golden radiance that struck bright gleams from crystals and + plate of gold and silver. + </p> + <p> + By a buffet laden with meats stood the master of the household in black + velvet, his chain of office richly carved, his badge a horse's head in + silver, and he was flanked on either hand by a nimble-looking page. + </p> + <p> + Of all this my first glance gathered but the most fleeting of impressions. + For my eyes were instantly arrested by her who stood between Cavalcanti + and Galeotto, awaiting my arrival. And, miracle of miracles, she was + arrayed exactly as I had seen her in my vision. + </p> + <p> + Her supple maiden body was sheathed in a gown of cloth of silver; her + brown hair was dressed into two plaits interlaced with gold threads and + set with tiny gems, and these plaits hung one on either breast. Upon the + low, white brow a single jewel gleamed—a brilliant of the very + whitest fire. + </p> + <p> + Her long blue eyes were raised to look at me as I entered, and their + glance grew startled when it encountered mine, the delicate colour faded + gradually from her cheeks, and her eyes fell at last as she moved forward + to bid me welcome to Pagliano in her own name. + </p> + <p> + They must have perceived her emotion as they perceived mine. But they gave + no sign. We got to the round table—myself upon Cavalcanti's left, + Galeotto in the place of honour, and Bianca facing her father so that I + was on her right. + </p> + <p> + The seneschal bestirred himself, and the silken ministering pages + fluttered round us. My Lord of Pagliano was one who kept a table as + luxurious as all else in his splendid palace. First came a broth of veal + in silver basins, then a stew of cocks' combs and capons' breasts, then + the ham of a roasted boar, the flesh very lusciously saturated with the + flavour of rosemary; and there was venison that was as soft as velvet, and + other things that I no longer call to mind. And to drink there was a + fragrant, well-sunned wine of Lombardy that had been cooled in snow. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto ate enormously, Cavalcanti daintily, I but little, and Bianca + nothing. Her presence had set up such emotions in me that I had no thought + for food. But I drank deeply, and so came presently to a spurious ease + which enabled me to take my share in the talk that was toward, though when + all is said it was but a slight share, since Cavalcanti and Galeotto + discoursed of matters wherein my knowledge was not sufficient to enable me + to bear a conspicuous part. + </p> + <p> + More than once I was on the point of addressing Bianca herself, but always + courage failed me. I had ever in mind the memory she must have of me as + she had last seen me, to increase the painful diffidence which her + presence itself imposed upon me. Nor did I hear her voice more than once + or twice when she demurely answered such questions as her father set her. + And though once or twice I found her stealing a look at me, she would + instantly avert her eyes when our glances crossed. + </p> + <p> + Thus was our first meeting, and for a little time it was to be our last, + because I lacked the courage to seek her out. She had her own apartments + at Pagliano with her own maids of honour, like a princess; and the castle + garden was entirely her domain into which even her father seldom intruded. + He gave me the freedom of it; but it was a freedom of which I never took + advantage in the week that we abode there. Several times was I on the + point of doing so. But I was ever restrained by my unconquerable + diffidence. + </p> + <p> + And there was something else to impose restraint upon me. Hitherto the + memory of Giuliana had come to haunt me in my hermitage, by arousing in me + yearnings which I had to combat with fasting and prayer, with scourge and + dice. Now the memory of her haunted me again; but in a vastly different + way. It haunted me with the reminder of all the sin in which through her I + had steeped myself; and just as the memory of that sin had made me in + purer moments deem myself unworthy to be the guardian of the shrine on + Monte Orsaro, so now did it cause me to deem myself all unworthy to enter + the garden that enshrined Madonna Bianca de' Cavalcanti. + </p> + <p> + Before the purity that shone from her I recoiled in an awe whose nature + was as the feelings of a religion. I felt that to seek her presence would + be almost to defile her. And so I abstained, my mind very full of her the + while, for all that the time was beguiled for me in daily exercise with + horse and arms under the guidance of Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + I was not so tutored merely for the sake of repairing a grave omission in + my education. It had a definite scope, as Galeotto frankly told me, + informing me that the time approached in which to avenge my father and + strike a blow for my own rights. + </p> + <p> + And then at the end of a week a man rode into the courtyard of Pagliano + one day, and flung down from his horse shouting to be led to Messer + Galeotto. There was something about this courier's mien and person that + awoke a poignant memory. I was walking in the gallery when the clatter of + his advent drew my attention, and his voice sent a strange thrill through + me. + </p> + <p> + One glance I gave to make quite sure, and then I leapt down the broad + steps four at a time, and a moment later, to the amazement of all present, + I had caught the dusty rider in my arms, and I was kissing the wrinkled, + scarred, and leathery old cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Falcone!” I cried. “Falcone, do you not know me?” + </p> + <p> + He was startled by the violence of my passionate onslaught. Indeed, he was + almost borne to the ground by it, for his old legs were stiff now from + riding. + </p> + <p> + And then—how he stared! What oaths he swore! + </p> + <p> + “Madonnino!” he babbled. “Madonnino!” And he shook himself free of my + embrace, and stood back that he might view me. “Body of Satan! But you are + finely grown, and how like to what your father was when he was no older + than are you! And they have not made a shaveling of you, after all. Now + blessed be God for that!” Then he stopped short, and his eyes went past + me, and he seemed to hesitate. + </p> + <p> + I turned, and there, leaning on the balustrade of the staircase, looking + on with smiling eyes stood Galeotto with Messer Cavalcanti at his elbow. + </p> + <p> + I heard Galeotto's words to the Lord of Pagliano. “His heart is sound—which + is a miracle. That woman, it seems, could not quite dehumanize him.” And + he came down heavily, to ask Falcone what news he bore. + </p> + <p> + The old equerry drew a letter from under his leathern jacket. + </p> + <p> + “From Ferrante?” quoth the Lord of Pagliano eagerly, peering over + Galeotto's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Galeotto, and he broke the seal. He stood to read, with knitted + brows. “It is well,” he said, at last, and passed the sheet to Cavalcanti. + “Farnese is in Piacenza already, and the Pope will sway the College to + give his bastard the ducal crown. It is time we stirred.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to Falcone, whilst Cavalcanti read the letter. “Take food and + rest, good Gino. For to-morrow you ride again with me. And so shall you, + Agostino.” + </p> + <p> + “I ride again?” I echoed, my heart sinking and some of my dismay showing + upon my face. “Whither?” + </p> + <p> + “To right the wrongs of Mondolfo,” he answered shortly, and turned away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE GOVERNOR OF MILAN + </h2> + <p> + We rode again upon the morrow as he had said, and with us went Falcone and + the same goodly company of twenty lances that had escorted me from Monte + Orsaro. But I took little thought for them or pride in such an escort now. + My heart was leaden. I had not seen Bianca again ere I departed, and + Heaven knew when we should return to Pagliano. Thus at least was I + answered by Galeotto when I made bold to ask the question. + </p> + <p> + Two days we rode, going by easy stages, and came at last upon that + wondrously fair and imposing city of Milan, in the very heart of the vast + plain of Lombardy with the distant Alps for background and northern + rampart. + </p> + <p> + Our destination was the castle; and in a splendid ante-chamber, packed + with rustling, silken courtiers and clanking captains in steel, a + sprinkling of prelates and handsome, insolent-eyed women, more than one of + whom reminded me of Giuliana, and every one of whom I disparaged by + comparing her with Bianca, Galeotto and I stood waiting. + </p> + <p> + To many there he seemed known, and several came to greet him and some to + whisper in his ear. At last a pert boy in a satin suit that was striped in + the Imperial livery of black and yellow, pushed his way through the + throng. + </p> + <p> + “Messer Galeotto,” his shrill voice announced, “his excellency awaits + you.” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto took my arm, and drew me forward with him. Thus we went through a + lane that opened out before us in that courtly throng, and came to a + curtained door. An usher raised the curtain for us at a sign from the + page, who, opening, announced us to the personage within. + </p> + <p> + We stood in a small closet, whose tall, slender windows overlooked the + courtyard, and from the table, on which there was a wealth of parchments, + rose a very courtly gentleman to receive us out of a gilded chair, the + arms of which were curiously carved into the shape of serpents' heads. + </p> + <p> + He was a well-nourished, florid man of middle height, with a resolute + mouth, high cheek-bones, and crafty, prominent eyes that reminded me + vaguely of the eyes of the taverner of Pojetta. He was splendidly dressed + in a long gown of crimson damask edged with lynx fur, and the fingers of + his fat hands and one of his thumbs were burdened with jewels. + </p> + <p> + This was Ferrante Gonzaga, Prince of Molfetta, Duke of Ariano, the + Emperor's Lieutenant and Governor of the State of Milan. + </p> + <p> + The smile with which he had been ready to greet Galeotto froze slightly at + sight of me. But before he could voice the question obviously in his mind + my companion had presented me. + </p> + <p> + “Here, my lord, is one upon whom I trust that we may count when the time + comes. This is Agostino d'Anguissola, of Mondolfo and Carmina.” + </p> + <p> + Surprise overspread Gonzaga's face. He seemed about to speak, and checked, + and his eyes were very searchingly bent upon Galeotto's face, which + remained inscrutable as stone. Then the Governor looked at me, and from me + back again at Galeotto. At last he smiled, whilst I bowed before him, but + very vaguely conscious of what might impend. + </p> + <p> + “The time,” he said, “seems to be none too distant. The Duke of Castro—this + Pier Luigi Farnese—is so confident of ultimate success that already + he has taken up his residence in Piacenza, and already, I am informed, is + being spoken of as Duke of Parma and Piacenza.” + </p> + <p> + “He has cause,” said Galeotto. “Who is to withstand his election since the + Emperor, like Pilate, has washed his hands of the affair?” + </p> + <p> + A smile overspread Gonzaga's crafty face. “Do not assume too much + concerning the Emperor's wishes in the matter. His answer to the Pope was + that if Parma and Piacenza are Imperial fiefs—integral parts of the + State of Milan—it would ill become the Emperor to alienate them from + an empire which he holds merely in trust; whereas if they can be shown + rightly to belong to the Holy See, why then the matter concerns him not, + and the Holy See may settle it.” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto shrugged and his face grew dark. “It amounts to an assent,” he + said. + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” purred Gonzaga, seating himself once more. “It amounts to + nothing. It is a Sibylline answer which nowise prejudices what he may do + in future. We still hope,” he added, “that the Sacred College may refuse + the investiture. Pier Luigi Farnese is not in good odour in the Curia.” + </p> + <p> + “The Sacred College cannot withstand the Pope's desires. He has bribed it + with the undertaking to restore Nepi and Camerino to the States of the + Church in exchange for Parma and Piacenza, which are to form a State for + his son. How long, my lord, do you think the College will resist him?” + </p> + <p> + “The Spanish Cardinals all have the Emperor's desires at heart.” + </p> + <p> + “The Spanish Cardinals may oppose the measure until they choke themselves + with their vehemence,” was the ready answer. “There are enough of the + Pope's creatures to carry the election, and if there were not it would be + his to create more until there should be sufficient for his purpose. It is + an old subterfuge.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Gonzaga, smiling, “since you are so assured, it is for + you and the nobles of Piacenza to be up and doing. The Emperor depends + upon you; and you may depend upon him.” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto looked at the Governor out of his scarred face, and his eyes were + very grave. + </p> + <p> + “I had hoped otherwise,” he said. “That is why I have been slow to move. + That is why I have waited, why I have even committed the treachery of + permitting Pier Luigi to suppose me ready at need to engage in his + service.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, there you play a dangerous game,” said Gonzaga frankly. + </p> + <p> + “I'll play a more dangerous still ere I have done,” he answered stoutly. + “Neither Pope nor Devil shall dismay me. I have great wrongs to right, as + none knows better than your excellency, and if my life should go in the + course of it, why”—he shrugged and sneered—“it is all that is + left me; and life is a little thing when a man has lost all else.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know,” said the sly Governor, wagging his big head, “else I had + not warned you. For we need you, Messer Galeotto.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, you need me; you'll make a tool of me—you and your Emperor. + You'll use me as a cat's-paw to pull down this inconvenient duke.” + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga rose, frowning. “You go a little far, Messer Galeotto,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I go no farther than you urge me,” answered the other. + </p> + <p> + “But patience, patience!” the Lieutenant soothed him, growing sleek again + in tone and manner. “Consider now the position. What the Emperor has + answered the Pope is no more than the bare and precise truth. It is not + clear whether the States of Parma and Piacenza belong to the Empire or the + Holy See. But let the people rise and show themselves ill-governed, let + them revolt against Farnese once he has been created their duke and when + thus the State shall have been alienated from the Holy See, and then you + may count upon the Emperor to step in as your liberator and to buttress up + your revolt.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you promise us so much?” asked Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + “Explicitly,” was the ready answer, “upon my most sacred honour. Send me + word that you are in arms, that the first blow has been struck, and I + shall be with you with all the force that I can raise in the Emperor's + name.” + </p> + <p> + “Your excellency has warrant for this?” demanded Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + “Should I promise it else? About it, sir. You may work with confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “With confidence, yes,” replied Galeotto gloomily, “but with no great + hope. The Pontifical government has ground the spirit out of half the + nobles of the Val di Taro. They have suffered so much and so repeatedly—in + property, in liberty, in life itself—that they are grown + rabbit-hearted, and would sooner cling to the little liberty that is still + theirs than strike a blow to gain what belongs to them by every right. Oh, + I know them of old! What man can do, I shall do; but...” He shrugged, and + shook his head sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + “Can you count on none?” asked Gonzaga, very serious, stroking his smooth, + fat chin. + </p> + <p> + “I can count upon one,” answered Galeotto. “The Lord of Pagliano; he is + ghibelline to the very marrow, and he belongs to me. At my bidding there + is nothing he will not do. There is an old debt between us, and he is a + noble soul who will not leave his debts unpaid. Upon him I can count; and + he is rich and powerful. But then, he is not really a Piacentino himself. + He holds his fief direct from the Emperor. Pagliano is part of the State + of Milan, and Cavalcanti is no subject of Farnese. His case, therefore, is + exceptional and he has less than the usual cause for timidity. But the + others...” Again he shrugged. “What man can do to stir them, that will I + do. You shall hear from me soon again, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga looked at me. “Did you not say that here was another?” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto smiled sadly. “Ay—just one arm and one sword. That is all. + Unless this emprise succeeds he is never like to rule in Mondolfo. He may + be counted upon; but he brings no lances with him.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Gonzaga, his lip between thumb and forefinger. “But his + name...” + </p> + <p> + “That and his wrongs shall be used, depend upon it, my lord—the + wrongs which are his by inheritance.” + </p> + <p> + I said no word. A certain resentment filled me to hear myself so disposed + of without being consulted; and yet it was tempered by a certain trust in + Galeotto, a faith that he would lead me into nothing unworthy. + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga conducted us to the door of the closet. “I shall look to hear from + you, Ser Galeotto,” he said. “And if at first the nobles of the Val di + Taro are not to be moved, perhaps after they have had a taste of Messer + Pier Luigi's ways they will gather courage out of despair. I think we may + be hopeful if patient. Meanwhile, my master the Emperor shall be + informed.” + </p> + <p> + Another moment and we were out of that florid, crafty, well-nourished + presence. The curtains had dropped behind us, and we were thrusting our + way through the press in the ante-chamber, Galeotto muttering to himself + things which as we gained the open air I gathered to be curses directed + against the Emperor and his Milanese Lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + In the inn of the sign of the Sun, by the gigantic Duomo of Visconti's + building, he opened the gates to his anger and let it freely forth. + </p> + <p> + “It is a world of cravens,” he said, “a world of slothful, self-seeking, + supine cowards, Agostino. In the Emperor, at least, I conceived that we + should have found a man who would not be averse to acting boldly where his + interests must be served. More I had not expected of him; but that, at + least. And even in that he fails me. Oh, this Charles V!” he cried. “This + prince upon whose dominions the sun never sets! Fortune has bestowed upon + him all the favours in her gift, yet for himself he can do nothing. + </p> + <p> + “He is crafty, cruel, irresolute, and mistrustful of all. He is without + greatness of any sort, and he is all but Emperor of the World! Others must + do his work for him; others must compass the conquests which he is to + enjoy. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well!” he ended, with a sneer, “perhaps as the world views these + things there is a certain greatness in that—the greatness of the + fox.” + </p> + <p> + Naturally there was much in this upon which I needed explanation, and I + made bold to intrude upon his anger to crave it. And it was then that I + learnt the true position of affairs. + </p> + <p> + Between France and the Empire, the State of Milan had been in contention + until quite lately, when Henri II had abandoned it to Charles V. And in + the State of Milan were the States of Parma and Piacenza, which Pope + Julius II had wrested from it and incorporated in the domain of the + Church. The act, however, was unlawful, and although these States had ever + since been under Pontifical rule, it was to Milan that they belonged, + though Milan never yet had had the power to enforce her rights. She had + that power at last, now that the Emperor's rule there was a thing + determined, and it was in this moment that papal nepotism was to make a + further alienation of them by constituting them into a duchy for the + Farnese bastard, Pier Luigi, who was already Duke of Castro. + </p> + <p> + Under papal rule the nobles—more particularly the ghibellines—and + the lesser tyrants of the Val di Taro had suffered rudely, plundered by + Pontifical brigandage, enduring confiscations and extortions until they + were reduced to a miserable condition. It was against the beginnings of + this that my father had raised his standard, to be crushed thorough the + supineness of his peers, who would not support him to save themselves from + being consumed in the capacious maw of Rome. + </p> + <p> + But what they had suffered hitherto would be as nothing to what they must + suffer if the Pope now had his way and if Pier Luigi Farnese were to + become their duke—an independent prince. He would break the nobles + utterly, to remain undisputed master of the territory. That was a + conclusion foregone. And yet our princelings saw the evil approaching + them, and cowered irresolute to await and suffer it. + </p> + <p> + They had depended, perhaps, upon the Emperor, who, it was known, did not + favour the investiture, nor would confirm it. It was remembered that + Ottavio Farnese—Pier Luigi's son—was married to Margaret of + Austria, the Emperor's daughter, and that if a Farnese dominion there was + to be in Parma and Piacenza, the Emperor would prefer that it should be + that of his own son-in-law, who would hold the duchy as a fief of the + Empire. Further was it known that Ottavio was intriguing with Pope and + Emperor to gain the investiture in his own father's stead. + </p> + <p> + “The unnatural son!” I exclaimed upon learning that. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto looked at me, and smiled darkly, stroking his great beard. + </p> + <p> + “Say, rather, the unnatural father,” he replied. “More honour to Ottavio + Farnese in that he has chosen to forget that he is Pier Luigi's son. It is + not a parentage in which any man—be he the most abandoned—could + take pride.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” quoth I. + </p> + <p> + “You have, indeed, lived out of the world if you know nothing of Pier + Luigi Farnese. I should have imagined that some echo of his turpitudes + must have penetrated even to a hermitage—that they would be written + upon the very face of Nature, which he outrages at every step of his + infamous life. He is a monster, a sort of antichrist; the most ruthless, + bloody, vicious man that ever drew the breath of life. Indeed, there are + not wanting those who call him a warlock, a dealer in black magic who has + sold his soul to the Devil. Though, for that matter, they say the same of + the Pope his father, and I doubt not that his magic is just the magic of a + wickedness that is scarcely human. + </p> + <p> + “There is a fellow named Paolo Giovio, Bishop of Nocera, a charlatan and a + wretched dabbler in necromancy and something of an alchemist, who has + lately written the life of another Pope's son—Cesare Borgia, who + lived nigh upon half a century ago, and who did more than any man to + consolidate the States of the Church, though his true aim, like Pier + Luigi's, was to found a State for himself. I am given to think that for + his model of a Pope's bastard this Giovio has taken the wretched Farnese + rogue, and attributed to the son of Alexander VI the vices and infamies of + this son of Paul III. + </p> + <p> + “Even to attempt to draw a parallel is to insult the memory of the Borgia; + for he, at least, was a great captain and a great ruler, and he knew how + to endear to himself the fold that he governed; so that when I was a lad—thirty + years ago—there were still those in the Romagna who awaited the + Borgia's return, and prayed for it as earnestly as pray the faithful for + the second coming of the Messiah, refusing to believe that he was dead. + But this Pier Luigi!” He thrust out a lip contemptuously. “He is no better + than a thief, a murderer, a defiler, a bestial, lecherous dog!” + </p> + <p> + And with that he began to relate some of the deeds of this man; and his + life, it seemed, was written in blood and filth—a tale of murders + and rapes and worse. And when as a climax he told me of the horrible, + inhuman outrage done to Cosimo Gheri, the young Bishop of Fano, I begged + him to cease, for my horror turned me almost physically sick.1 + </p> + <p> + 1 The incident to which Agostino here alludes is fully set forth by + Benedetto Varchi at the end of Book XVI of his Storia Fiorentina. + </p> + <p> + “That bishop was a holy man, of very saintly life,” Galeotto insisted, + “and the deed permitted the German Lutherans to say that here was a new + form of martyrdom for saints invented by the Pope's son. And his father + pardoned him the deed, and others as bad, by a secret bull, absolving him + from all pains and penalties that he might have incurred through youthful + frailty or human incontinence!” + </p> + <p> + It was the relation of those horrors, I think, which, stirring my + indignation, spurred me even more than the thought of redressing the + wrongs which the Pontifical or Farnesian government would permit my mother + to do me. + </p> + <p> + I held out my hand to Galeotto. “To the utmost of my little might,” said + I, “you may depend upon me in this good cause in which you have engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “There speaks the son of the house of Anguissola,” said he, a light of + affection in his steel-coloured eyes. “And there are your father's wrongs + to right as well as the wrongs of humanity, remember. By this Pier Luigi + was he crushed; whilst those who bore arms with him at Perugia and were + taken alive...” He paused and turned livid, great beads of perspiration + standing upon his brow. “I cannot,” he faltered, “I cannot even now, after + all these years, bear to think upon those horrors perpetrated by that + monster.” + </p> + <p> + I was strangely moved at the sight of emotion in one who seemed + emotionless as iron. + </p> + <p> + “I left the hermitage,” said I, “in the hope that I might the better be + able to serve God in the world. I think you are showing me the way, Ser + Galeotto.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. PIER LUIGI FARNESE + </h2> + <p> + We left Milan that same day, and there followed for some months a season + of wandering through Lombardy, going from castle to castle, from tyranny + to tyranny, just the three of us—Galeotto and myself with Falcone + for our equerry and attendant. + </p> + <p> + Surely something of the fanatic's temperament there must have been in me; + for now that I had embraced a cause, I served it with all the fanaticism + with which on Monte Orsaro I sought to be worthy of the course I had taken + then. + </p> + <p> + I was become as an apostle, preaching a crusade or holy war against the + Devil's lieutenant on earth, Messer Pier Luigi Farnese, sometime Duke of + Castro, now Duke of Parma and Piacenza—for the investiture duly + followed in the August of that year, and soon his iron hand began to be + felt throughout the State of which the Pope had constituted him a prince. + </p> + <p> + And to the zest that was begotten of pure righteousness, Galeotto + cunningly added yet another and more worldly spur. We were riding one day + in late September of that year from Cortemaggiore, where we had spent a + month in seeking to stir the Pallavicini to some spirit of resistance, and + we were making our way towards Romagnese, the stronghold of that great + Lombard family of dal Verme. + </p> + <p> + As we were ambling by a forest path, Galeotto abruptly turned to me, + Falcone at the time being some little way in advance of us, and startled + me by his words. + </p> + <p> + “Cavalcanti's daughter seemed to move you strangely, Agostino,” he said, + and watched me turn pale under his keen glance. + </p> + <p> + In my confusion—more or less at random—“What should + Cavalcanti's daughter be to me?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what you will, I think,” he answered, taking my question literally. + “Cavalcanti would consider the Lord of Mondolfo and Carmina a suitable + mate for his daughter, however he might hesitate to marry her to the + landless Agostino d'Anguissola. He loved your father better than any man + that ever lived, and such an alliance was mutually desired.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I need this added spur?” quoth I. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I know that you do not. But it is well to know what reward may wait + upon our labour. It makes that labour lighter and increases courage.” + </p> + <p> + I hung my head, without answering him, and we rode silently amain. + </p> + <p> + He had touched me where the flesh was raw and tender. Bianca de' + Cavalcanti! It was a name I uttered like a prayer, like a holy invocation. + Just so had I been in a measure content to carry that name and the memory + of her sweet face. To consider her as the possible Lady of Mondolfo when I + should once more have come into my own, was to consider things that filled + me almost with despair. + </p> + <p> + Again I experienced such hesitations as had kept me from ever seeking her + at Pagliano, though I had been given the freedom of her garden. Giuliana + had left her brand upon me. And though Bianca had by now achieved for me + what neither prayers nor fasting could accomplish, and had exorcized the + unholy visions of Giuliana from my mind, yet when I came to consider + Bianca as a possible companion—as something more or something less + than a saint enthroned in the heaven created by my worship of her—there + rose between us ever that barrier of murder and adultery, a barrier which + not even in imagination did I dare to overstep. + </p> + <p> + I strove to put such thoughts from my mind that I might leave it free to + do the work to which I had now vowed myself. + </p> + <p> + All through that winter we pursued our mission. With the dal Verme we had + but indifferent success, for they accounted themselves safe, being, like + Cavalcanti, feudatories of the Emperor himself, and nowise included in the + territories of Parma and Piacenza. From Romagnese we made our way to the + stronghold of the Anguissola of Albarola, my cousins, who gave me a very + friendly welcome, and who, though with us in spirit and particularly urged + by their hatred of our guelphic cousin Cosimo who was now Pier Luigi's + favourite, yet hesitated as the others had done. And we met with little + better success with Sforza of Santafiora, to whose castle we next + repaired, or yet with the Landi, the Scotti, or Confalonieri. Everywhere + the same spirit of awe was abroad, and the same pusillanimity, content to + hug the little that remained rather than rear its head to demand that + which by right belonged. + </p> + <p> + So that when the spring came round again, and our mission done, our + crusade preached to hearts that would not be inflamed, we turned our steps + once more towards Pagliano, we were utterly dispirited men—although, + for myself, my despondency was tempered a little by the thought that I was + to see Bianca once more. + </p> + <p> + Yet before I come to speak of her again, let me have done with these + historical matters in so far as they touched ourselves. + </p> + <p> + We had left the nobles unresponsive, as you have seen. But soon the + prognostications of the crafty Gonzaga were realized. Soon Farnese, + through his excessive tyranny, stung them out of their apathy. The first + to feel his iron hand were the Pallavicini, whom he stripped of their + lands of Cortemaggiore, taking as hostages Girolamo Pallavicini's wife and + mother. Next he hurled his troops against the dal Verme, forcing Romagnese + to capitulate, and then seeking similarly to reduce their other fief of + Bobbio. Thence upon his all-conquering way, he marched upon Castel San + Giovanni, whence he sought to oust the Sforza, and at the same time he + committed the mistake of attempting to drive the Gonzaga out of Soragna. + </p> + <p> + This last rashness brought down upon his head the direct personal + resentment of Ferrante Gonzaga. With the Imperial troops at his heels the + Governor of Milan not only intervened to save Soragna for his family, but + forced Pier Luigi to disgorge Bobbio and Romagnese, restoring them to the + dal Verme, and compelled him to raise the siege of San Giovanni upon which + he was at the time engaged—claiming that both these noble houses + were feudatories of the Empire. + </p> + <p> + Intimidated by that rude lesson, Pier Luigi was forced to draw in his + steely claws. To console himself, he turned his attention to the Val di + Taro, and issued an edict commanding all nobles there to disarm, disband + their troops, quit their fortresses, and go to reside in the principal + cities of their districts. Those who resisted or demurred, he crushed at + once with exile and confiscation; and even those who meekly did his will, + he stripped of all privileges as feudal lords. + </p> + <p> + Even my mother, we heard, was forced to dismiss her trivial garrison, + having been ordered to close the Citadel of Mondolfo, and take up her + residence in our palace in the city itself. But she went further than she + was bidden—she took the veil in the Convent of Santa Chiara, and so + retired from the world. + </p> + <p> + The State began to ferment in secret at so much and such harsh tyranny. + Farnese was acting in Piacenza as Tarquin of old had acted in his garden, + slicing the tallest poppies from their stems. And soon to swell his + treasury, which not even his plunder, brigandage, and extortionate + confiscations could fill sufficiently to satisfy his greed, he set himself + to look into the past lives of the nobles, and to promulgate laws that + were retroactive, so that he was enabled to levy fresh fines and + perpetrate fresh sequestrations in punishment of deeds that had been done + long years ago. + </p> + <p> + Amongst these, we heard that he had Giovanni d'Anguissola decapitated in + effigy for his rebellion against the authority of the Holy See, and that + my tyrannies of Mondolfo and Carmina were confiscated from me because of + my offence in being Giovanni d'Anguissola's son. And presently we heard + that Mondolfo had been conferred by Farnese upon his good and loyal + servant and captain, the Lord Cosimo d'Anguissola, subject to a tax of a + thousand ducats yearly! + </p> + <p> + Galeotto ground his teeth and swore horribly when the news was brought us + from Piacenza, whilst I felt my heart sink and the last hope of Bianca—the + hope secretly entertained almost against hope itself—withering in my + soul. + </p> + <p> + But soon came consolation. Pier Luigi had gone too far. Even rats when + cornered will turn at bay and bare their teeth for combat. So now the + nobles of the Valnure and the Val di Taro. + </p> + <p> + The Scotti, the Pallavicini, the Landi, and the Anguissola of Albarola, + came one after the other in secret to Pagliano to interview the gloomy + Galeotto. And at one gathering that was secretly held in a chamber of the + castle, he lashed them with his furious scorn. + </p> + <p> + “You are come now,” he jeered at them, “now that you are maimed; now that + you have been bled of half your strength; now that most of your teeth are + drawn. Had you but had the spirit and good sense to rise six months ago + when I summoned you so to do, the struggle had been brief and the victory + certain. Now the fight will be all fraught with risk, dangerous to engage, + and uncertain of issue.” + </p> + <p> + But it was they—these men who themselves had been so pusillanimous + at first—who now urged him to take the lead, swearing to follow him + to the death, to save for their children what little was still left them. + </p> + <p> + “In that spirit I will not lead you a step,” he answered them. “If we + raise our standard, we fight for all our ancient rights, for all our + privileges, and for the restoration of all that has been confiscated; in + short, for the expulsion of the Farnese from these lands. If that is your + spirit, then I will consider what is to be done—for, believe me, + open warfare will no longer avail us here. What we have to do must be done + by guile. You have waited too long to resolve yourselves. And whilst you + have grown weak, Farnese has been growing strong. He has fawned upon and + flattered the populace; he has set the people against the nobles; he has + pretended that in crushing the nobles he was serving the people, and they—poor + fools!—have so far believed him that they will run to his banner in + any struggle that may ensue.” + </p> + <p> + He dismissed them at last with the promise that they should hear from him, + and on the morrow, attended by Falcone only, he rode forth again from + Pagliano, to seek out the dal Verme and the Sforza of Santafiora and + endeavour to engage their interest against the man who had outraged them. + </p> + <p> + And that was early in August of the year '46. + </p> + <p> + I remained at Pagliano by Galeotto's request. He would have no need of me + upon his mission. But he might desire me to seek out some of the others of + the Val di Taro with such messages as he should send me. + </p> + <p> + And in all this time I had seen but little of Monna Bianca. We met under + her father's eye in that gold-and-purple dining-room; and there I would + devoutly, though surreptitiously, feast my eyes upon the exquisite beauty + of her. But I seldom spoke to her, and then it was upon the most trivial + matters; whilst although the summer was now full fragrantly unfolded, yet + I never dared to intrude into that garden of hers to which I had been + bidden, ever restrained by the overwhelming memory of the past. + </p> + <p> + So poignant was this memory that at times I caught myself wondering + whether, after all, I had not been mistaken in lending an ear so readily + to the arguments of Fra Gervasio, whether Fra Gervasio himself had not + been mistaken in assuming that my place was in the world, and whether I + had not done best to have carried out my original intention of seeking + refuge in some monastery in the lowly position of a lay brother. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Lord of Pagliano used me in the most affectionate and + fatherly manner. But not even this sufficed to encourage me where his + daughter was concerned, and I seemed to observe also that Bianca herself, + if she did not actually avoid my society, was certainly at no pains to + seek it. + </p> + <p> + What the end would have been but for the terrible intervention there was + in our affairs, I have often surmised without result. + </p> + <p> + It happened that one day, about a week after Galeotto had left us there + rode up to the gates of Pagliano a very magnificent company, and there was + great braying of horns, stamping of horses and rattle of arms. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Pier Luigi Farnese had been on a visit to his city of Parma, and + on his return journey had thought well to turn aside into the lands of + ultra-Po, and pay a visit to the Lord of Pagliano, whom he did not love, + yet whom, perhaps, it may have been his intention to conciliate, since + hurt him he could not. + </p> + <p> + Sufficiently severe had been the lesson he had received for meddling with + Imperial fiefs; and he must have been mad had he thought of provoking + further the resentment of the Emperor. To Farnese, Charles V was a + sleeping dog it was as well to leave sleeping. + </p> + <p> + He rode, then, upon his friendly visit into the Castle of Pagliano, + attended by a vast retinue of courtiers and ladies, pages, lackeys, and a + score of men-at-arms. A messenger had ridden on in advance to warn + Cavalcanti of the honour that the Duke proposed to do him, and Cavalcanti, + relishing the honour no whit, yet submitting out of discreetness, stood to + receive his excellency at the foot of the marble staircase with Bianca on + one side and myself upon the other. + </p> + <p> + Under the archway they rode, Farnese at the head of the cavalcade. He + bestrode a splendid white palfrey, whose mane and tail were henna-dyed, + whose crimson velvet trappings trailed almost to the ground. He was + dressed in white velvet, even to his thigh-boots, which were laced with + gold and armed with heavy gold spurs. A scarlet plume was clasped by a + great diamond in his velvet cap, and on his right wrist was perched a + hooded falcon. + </p> + <p> + He was a tall and gracefully shaped man of something over forty years of + age, black-haired and olive-skinned, wearing a small pointed beard that + added length to his face. His nose was aquiline, and he had fine eyes, but + under them there were heavy brown shadows, and as he came nearer it was + seen that his countenance was marred by an unpleasant eruption of sores. + </p> + <p> + After him came his gentlemen, a round dozen of them, with half that number + of splendid ladies, all a very dazzling company. Behind these, in blazing + liveries, there was a cloud of pages upon mules, and lackeys leading + sumpter-beasts; and then to afford them an effective background, a grey, + steel phalanx of men-at-arms. + </p> + <p> + I describe his entrance as it appeared at a glance, for I did not study it + or absorb any of its details. My horrified gaze was held by a figure that + rode on his right hand, a queenly woman with a beautiful pale countenance + and a lazy, insolent smile. + </p> + <p> + It was Giuliana. + </p> + <p> + How she came there I did not at the moment trouble to reflect. She was + there. That was the hideous fact that made me doubt the sight of my own + eyes, made me conceive almost that I was at my disordered visions again, + the fruit of too much brooding. I felt as if all the blood were being + exhausted from my heart, as if my limbs would refuse their office, and I + leaned for support against the terminal of the balustrade by which I + stood. + </p> + <p> + She saw me. And after the first slight start of astonishment, her lazy + smile grew broader and more insolent. I was but indifferently conscious of + the hustle about me, of the fact that Cavalcanti himself was holding the + Duke's stirrup, whilst the latter got slowly to the ground and + relinquished his falcon to a groom who wore a perch suspended from his + neck, bearing three other hooded birds. Similarly I was no more than + conscious of being forced to face the Duke by words that Cavalcanti was + uttering. He was presenting me. + </p> + <p> + “This, my lord, is Agostino d'Anguissola.” + </p> + <p> + I saw, as through a haze, the swarthy, pustuled visage frown down upon me. + I heard a voice which was at once harsh and effeminate and quite + detestable, saying in unfriendly tones: + </p> + <p> + “The son of Giovanni d'Anguissola of Mondolfo, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “The same, my lord,” said Cavalcanti, adding generously—“Giovanni + d'Anguissola was my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a friendship that does you little credit, sir,” was the harsh + answer. “It is not well to befriend the enemies of God.” + </p> + <p> + Was it possible that I had heard aright? Had this human foulness dared to + speak of God? + </p> + <p> + “That is a matter upon which I will not dispute with a guest,” said + Cavalcanti with an urbanity of tone belied by the anger that flashed from + his brown eyes. + </p> + <p> + At the time I thought him greatly daring, little dreaming that, forewarned + of the Duke's coming, his measures were taken, and that one blast from the + silver whistle that hung upon his breast would have produced a tide of + men-at-arms that would have engulfed and overwhelmed Messer Pier Luigi and + his suite. + </p> + <p> + Farnese dismissed the matter with a casual laugh. And then a lazy, + drawling voice—a voice that once had been sweetest music to my ears, + but now was loathsome as the croaking of Stygian frogs—addressed me. + </p> + <p> + “Why, here is a great change, sir saint! We had heard you had turned + anchorite; and behold you in cloth of gold, shining as you would + out-dazzle Phoebus.” + </p> + <p> + I stood palely before her, striving to keep the loathing from my face, and + I was conscious that Bianca had suddenly turned and was regarding us with + eyes of grave concern. + </p> + <p> + “I like you better for the change,” pursued Giuliana. “And I vow that you + have grown at least another inch. Have you no word for me, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + I was forced to answer her. “I trust that all is well with you, Madonna,” + I said. + </p> + <p> + Her lazy smile grew broader, displaying the dazzling whiteness of her + strong teeth. “Why, all is very well with me,” said she, and her sidelong + glance at the Duke, half mocking, half kindly with an odious kindliness, + seemed to give added explanations. + </p> + <p> + That he should have dared bring here this woman whom no doubt he had + wrested from his creature Gambara—here into the shrine of my pure + and saintly Bianca—was something for which I could have killed him + then, for which I hated him far more bitterly than for any of those dark + turpitudes that I had heard associated with his odious name. + </p> + <p> + And meanwhile there he stood, that Pope's bastard, leaning over my Bianca, + speaking to her, and in his eyes the glow of a dark and unholy fire what + time they fed upon her beauty as the slug feeds upon the lily. He seemed + to have no thought for any other, nor for the circumstance that he kept us + all standing there. + </p> + <p> + “You must come to our Court at Piacenza, Madonna,” I heard him murmuring. + “We knew not that so fair a flower was blossoming unseen in this garden of + Pagliano. It is not well that such a jewel should be hidden in this grey + casket. You were made to queen it in a court, Madonna; and at Piacenza you + shall be hailed and honoured as its queen.” And so he rambled on with his + rough and trivial flattery, his foully pimpled face within a foot of hers, + and she shrinking before him, very white and mute and frightened. Her + father looked on with darkling brows, and Giuliana began to gnaw her lip + and look less lazy, whilst in the courtly background there was a + respectful murmuring babble, supplying a sycophantic chorus to the Duke's + detestable adulation. + </p> + <p> + It was Cavalcanti, at last, who came to his daughter's rescue by a + peremptory offer to escort the Duke and his retinue within. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. MADONNA BIANCA + </h2> + <p> + Pier Luigi's original intent had been to spend no more than a night at + Pagliano. But when the morrow came, he showed no sign of departing, nor + upon the next day, nor yet upon the next. + </p> + <p> + A week passed, and still he lingered, seeming to settle more and more in + the stronghold of the Cavalcanti, leaving the business of his Duchy to his + secretary Filarete and to his council, at the head of which, as I learnt, + was my old friend Annibale Caro. + </p> + <p> + And meanwhile, Cavalcanti, using great discreetness, suffered the Duke's + presence, and gave him and his suite most noble entertainment. + </p> + <p> + His position was perilous and precarious in the extreme, and it needed all + his strength of character to hold in curb the resentment that boiled + within him to see himself thus preyed upon; and that was not the worst. + The worst was Pier Luigi's ceaseless attentions to Bianca, the attentions + of the satyr for the nymph, a matter in which I think Cavalcanti suffered + little less than did I. + </p> + <p> + He hoped for the best, content to wait until cause for action should be + forced upon him. And meanwhile that courtly throng took its ease at + Pagliano. The garden that hitherto had been Bianca's own sacred domain, + the garden into which I had never yet dared set foot, was overrun now by + the Duke's gay suite—a cloud of poisonous butterflies. There in the + green, shaded alleys they disported themselves; in the lemon-grove, in the + perfumed rose-garden, by hedges of box and screens of purple clematis they + fluttered. + </p> + <p> + Bianca sought to keep her chamber in those days, and kept it for as long + on each day as was possible to her. But the Duke, hobbling on the terrace—for + as a consequence of his journey on horseback he had developed a slight + lameness, being all rotten with disease—would grow irritable at her + absence, and insistent upon her presence, hinting that her retreat was a + discourtesy; so that she was forced to come forth again, and suffer his + ponderous attentions and gross flatteries. + </p> + <p> + And three days later there came another to Pagliano, bidden thither by the + Duke, and this other was none else than my cousin Cosimo, who now called + himself Lord of Mondolfo, having been invested in that tyranny, as I have + said. + </p> + <p> + On the morning after his arrival we met upon the terrace. + </p> + <p> + “My saintly cousin!” was his derisive greeting. “And yet another change in + you—out of sackcloth into velvet! The calendar shall know you as St. + Weathercock, I think—or, perhaps, St. Mountebank.” + </p> + <p> + What followed was equally bitter and sardonic on his part, fiercely and + openly hostile on mine. At my hostility he had smiled cruelly. + </p> + <p> + “Be content with what is, my strolling saint,” he said, in the tone of one + who gives a warning, “unless you would be back in your hermitage, or + within the walls of some cloister, or even worse. Already have you found + it a troublesome matter to busy yourself with the affairs of the world. + You were destined for sanctity.” He came closer, and grew very fierce. “Do + not put it upon me to make a saint of you by sending you to Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “It might end in your own dispatch to Hell,” said I. “Shall we essay it?” + </p> + <p> + “Body of God!” he snarled, laughter still lingering on his white face. “Is + this the mood of your holiness at present? What a bloodthirsty brave are + you become! Consider, pray, sir, that if you trouble me I have no need to + do my own office of hangman. There is sufficient against you to make the + Tribunal of the Ruota very busy; there is—can you have forgotten it?—that + little affair at the house of Messer Fifanti.” + </p> + <p> + I dropped my glance, browbeaten for an instant. Then I looked at him + again, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “You are but a poor coward, Messer Cosimo,” said I, “to use a shadow as a + screen. You know that nothing can be proved against me unless Giuliana + speaks, and that she dare not for her own sake. There are witnesses who + will swear that Gambara went to Fifanti's house that night. There is not + one to swear that Gambara did not kill Fifanti ere he came forth again; + and it is the popular belief, for his traffic with Giuliana is well-known, + as it is well-known that she fled with him after the murder—which, + in itself, is evidence of a sort. Your Duke has too great a respect for + the feelings of the populace,” I sneered, “to venture to outrage them in + such a matter. Besides,” I ended, “it is impossible to incriminate me + without incriminating Giuliana and, Messer Pier Luigi seems, I should say, + unwilling to relinquish the lady to the brutalities of a tribunal.” + </p> + <p> + “You are greatly daring,” said he, and he was pale now, for in that last + mention of Giuliana, it seemed that I had touched him where he was still + sensitive. + </p> + <p> + “Daring?” I rejoined. “It is more than I can say for you, Ser Cosimo. + Yours is the coward's fault of caution.” + </p> + <p> + I thought to spur him. If this failed, I was prepared to strike him, for + my temper was beyond control. That he, standing towards me as he did, + should dare to mock me, was more than I could brook. But at that moment + there spoke a harsh voice just behind me. + </p> + <p> + “How, sir? What words are these?” + </p> + <p> + There, very magnificent in his suit of ivory velvet, stood the Duke. He + was leaning heavily upon his cane, and his face was more blotched than + ever, the sunken eyes more sunken. + </p> + <p> + “Are you seeking to quarrel with the Lord of Mondolfo?” quoth he, and I + saw by his smile that he used my cousin's title as a taunt. + </p> + <p> + Behind him was Cavalcanti with Bianca leaning upon his arm just as I had + seen her that day when she came with him to Monte Orsaro, save that now + there was a look as of fear in the blue depths of her eyes. A little on + one side there was a group composed of three of the Duke's gentlemen with + Giuliana and another of the ladies, and Giuliana was watching us with + half-veiled eyes. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” I answered, very stiff and erect, and giving him back look for + look, something perhaps of the loathing with which he inspired me + imprinted on my face, “my lord, you give yourself idle alarms. Ser Cosimo + is too cautious to embroil himself.” + </p> + <p> + He limped toward me; leaning heavily upon his stick, and it pleased me + that of a good height though he was, he was forced to look up into my + face. + </p> + <p> + “There is too much bad Anguissola blood in you,” he said. “Be careful lest + out of our solicitude for you, we should find it well to let our leech + attend you.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed, looking into his blotched face, considering his lame leg and + all the evil humours in him. + </p> + <p> + “By my faith, I think it is your excellency needs the attentions of a + leech,” said I, and flung all present into consternation by that answer. + </p> + <p> + I saw his face turn livid, and I saw the hand shake upon the golden head + of his cane. He was very sensitive upon the score of his foul infirmities. + His eyes grew baleful as he controlled himself. Then he smiled, displaying + a ruin of blackened teeth. + </p> + <p> + “You had best take care,” he said. “It were a pity to cripple such fine + limbs as yours. But there is a certain matter upon which the Holy Office + might desire to set you some questions. Best be careful, sir, and avoid + disagreements with my captains.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away. He had had the last word, and had left me cold with + apprehension, yet warmed by the consciousness that in the brief encounter + it was he who had taken the deeper wound. + </p> + <p> + He bowed before Bianca. “Oh, pardon me,” he said. “I did not dream you + stood so near. Else no such harsh sounds should have offended your fair + ears. As for Messer d'Anguissola...” He shrugged as who would say, “Have + pity on such a boor!” + </p> + <p> + But her answer, crisp and sudden as come words that are spoken on impulse + or inspiration, dashed his confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing that he said offended me,” she told him boldly, almost + scornfully. + </p> + <p> + He flashed me a glance that was full of venom, and I saw Cosimo smile, + whilst Cavalcanti started slightly at such boldness from his meek child. + But the Duke was sufficiently master of himself to bow again. + </p> + <p> + “Then am I less aggrieved,” said he, and changed the subject. “Shall we to + the bowling lawn?” And his invitation was direct to Bianca, whilst his + eyes passed over her father. Without waiting for their answer, his + question, indeed, amounting to a command, he turned sharply to my cousin. + “Your arm, Cosimo,” said he, and leaning heavily upon his captain he went + down the broad granite steps, followed by the little knot of courtiers, + and, lastly, by Bianca and her father. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I turned and went indoors, and there was little of the saint + left in me in that hour. All was turmoil in my soul, turmoil and hatred + and anger. Anon to soothe me came the memory of those sweet words that + Bianca had spoken in my defence, and those words emboldened me at last to + seek her out as I had never yet dared in all the time that I had spent at + Pagliano. + </p> + <p> + I found her that evening, by chance, in the gallery over the courtyard. + She was pacing slowly, having fled thither to avoid that hateful throng of + courtiers. Seeing me she smiled timidly, and her smile gave me what little + further encouragement I needed. I approached, and very earnestly rendered + her my thanks for having championed my cause and supported me with the + express sign of her approval. + </p> + <p> + She lowered her eyes; her bosom quickened slightly, and the colour ebbed + and flowed in her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “You should not thank me,” said she. “What I did was done for justice's + sake.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been presumptuous,” I answered humbly, “in conceiving that it + might have been for the sake of me.” + </p> + <p> + “But it was that also,” she answered quickly, fearing perhaps that she had + pained me. “It offended me that the Duke should attempt to browbeat you. I + took pride in you to see you bear yourself so well and return thrust for + thrust.” + </p> + <p> + “I think your presence must have heartened me,” said I. “No pain could be + so cruel as to seem base or craven in your eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Again the tell-tale colour showed upon her lovely cheek. She began to pace + slowly down the gallery, and I beside her. Presently she spoke again. + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” she said, “I would have you cautious. Do not wantonly affront + the Duke, for he is very powerful.” + </p> + <p> + “I have little left to lose,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You have your life,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “A life which I have so much misused that it must ever cry out to me in + reproach.” + </p> + <p> + She gave me a little fluttering, timid glance, and looked away again. Thus + we came in silence to the gallery's end, where a marble seat was placed, + with gay cushions of painted and gilded leather. She sank to it with a + little sigh, and I leaned on the balustrade beside her and slightly over + her. And now I grew strangely bold. + </p> + <p> + “Set me some penance,” I cried, “that shall make me worthy.” + </p> + <p> + Again came that little fluttering, frightened glance. + </p> + <p> + “A penance?” quoth she. “I do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “All my life,” I explained, “has been a vain striving after something that + eluded me. Once I deemed myself devout; and because I had sinned and + rendered myself unworthy, you found me a hermit on Monte Orsaro, seeking + by penance to restore myself to the estate from which I had succumbed. + That shrine was proved a blasphemy; and so the penance I had done, the + signs I believed I had received, were turned to mockery. It was not there + that I should save myself. One night I was told so in a vision.” + </p> + <p> + She gave an audible gasp, and looked at me so fearfully that I fell + silent, staring back at her. + </p> + <p> + “You knew!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + Long did her blue, slanting eyes meet my glance without wavering, as never + yet they had met it. She seemed to hesitate, and at the same time openly + to consider me. + </p> + <p> + “I know now,” she breathed. + </p> + <p> + “What do you know?” My voice was tense with excitement. + </p> + <p> + “What was your vision?” she rejoined. + </p> + <p> + “Have I not told you? There appeared to me one who called me back to the + world; who assured me that there I should best serve God; who filled me + with the conviction that she needed me. She addressed me by name, and + spoke of a place of which I had never heard until that hour, but which + to-day I know.” + </p> + <p> + “And you? And you?” she asked. “What answer did you make?” + </p> + <p> + “I called her by name, although until that hour I did not know it.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed her head. Emotion set her all a-tremble. + </p> + <p> + “It is what I have so often wondered,” she confessed, scarce above a + whisper. “And it is true—as true as it is strange!” + </p> + <p> + “True?” I echoed. “It was the only true miracle in that place of false + ones, and it was so clear a call of destiny that it decided me to return + to the world which I had abandoned. And yet I have since wondered why. + Here there seems to be no place for me any more than there was yonder. I + am devout again with a worldly devotion now, yet with a devotion that must + be Heaven-inspired, so pure and sweet it is. It has shut out from me all + the foulness of that past; and yet I am unworthy. And that is why I cry to + you to set me some penance ere I can make my prayer.” + </p> + <p> + She could not understand me, nor did she. We were not as ordinary lovers. + We were not as man and maid who, meeting and being drawn each to the + other, fence and trifle in a pretty game of dalliance until the maid + opines that the appearances are safe, and that, her resistance having been + of a seemly length, she may now make the ardently desired surrender with + all war's honours. Nothing of that was in our wooing, a wooing which + seemed to us, now that we spoke of it, to have been done when we had + scarcely met, done in the vision that I had of her, and the vision that + she had of me. + </p> + <p> + With averted eyes she set me now a question. + </p> + <p> + “Madonna Giuliana used you with a certain freedom on her arrival, and I + have since heard your name coupled with her own by the Duke's ladies. But + I have asked no questions of them. I know how false can be the tongues of + courtly folk. I ask it now of you. What is or was this Madonna Giuliana to + you?” + </p> + <p> + “She was,” I answered bitterly, “and God pity me that I must say it to you—she + was to me what Circe was to the followers of Ulysses.” + </p> + <p> + She made a little moan, and I saw her clasp her hands in her lap; and the + sound and sight filled me with sorrow and despair. She must know. Better + that the knowledge should stand between us as a barrier which both could + see than that it should remain visible only to the eyes of my own soul, to + daunt me. + </p> + <p> + “O Bianca! Forgive me!” I cried. “I did not know! I did not know! I was a + poor fool reared in seclusion and ripened thus for the first temptation + that should touch me. That is what on Monte Orsaro I sought to expiate, + that I might be worthy of the shrine I guarded then. That is what I would + expiate now that I might be worthy of the shrine whose guardian I would + become, the shrine at which I worship now.” + </p> + <p> + I was bending very low above her little brown head, in which the threads + of the gold coif-net gleamed in the fading light. + </p> + <p> + “If I had but had my vision sooner,” I murmured, “how easy it would have + been! Can you find mercy for me in your gentle heart? Can you forgive me, + Bianca? + </p> + <p> + “O Agostino,” she answered very sadly, and the sound of my name from her + lips, coming so naturally and easily, thrilled me like the sound of the + mystic music of Monte Orsaro. “What shall I answer you? I cannot now. Give + me leisure to think. My mind is all benumbed. You have hurt me so!” + </p> + <p> + “Me miserable!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I had believed you one who erred through excess of holiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Whereas I am one who attempted holiness through excess of error.” + </p> + <p> + “I had believed you so, so...O Agostino!” It was a little wail of pain. + </p> + <p> + “Set me a penance,” I implored her. + </p> + <p> + “What penance can I set you? Will any penance restore to me my shattered + faith?” + </p> + <p> + I groaned miserably and covered my face with my hands. It seemed that I + was indeed come to the end of all my hopes; that the world was become as + much a mockery to me as had been the hermitage; that the one was to end + for me upon the discovery of a fraud, as had the other ended—with + the difference that in this case the fraud was in myself. + </p> + <p> + It seemed, indeed, that our first communion must be our last. Ever since + she had seen me step into that gold-and-purple dining-room at Pagliano, + the incarnation of her vision, as she was the incarnation of mine, Bianca + must have waited confidently for this hour, knowing that it was + foreordained to come. Bitterness and disillusion were all that it had + brought her. + </p> + <p> + And then, ere more could be said, a thin, flute-like voice hissed down the + vaulted gallery: + </p> + <p> + “Madonna Bianca! To hide your beauty from our hungry eyes. To quench the + light by which we guide our footsteps. To banish from us the happiness and + joy of your presence! Unkind, unkind!” + </p> + <p> + It was the Duke. In his white velvet suit he looked almost ghostly in the + deepening twilight. He hobbled towards us, his stick tapping the + black-and-white squares of the marble floor. He halted before her, and she + put aside her emotion, donned a worldly mask, and rose to meet him. + </p> + <p> + Then he looked at me, and his brooding eyes seemed to scan my face. + </p> + <p> + “Why! It is Ser Agostino, Lord of Nothing,” he sneered, and down the + gallery rang the laugh of my cousin Cosimo, and there came, too, a ripple + of other voices. + </p> + <p> + Whether to save me from friction with those steely gentlemen who aimed at + grinding me to powder, whether from other motives, Bianca set her + finger-tips upon the Duke's white sleeve and moved away with him. + </p> + <p> + I leaned against the balustrade all numb, watching them depart. I saw + Cosimo come upon her other side and lean over her as he moved, so slim and + graceful, beside her own slight, graceful figure. Then I sank to the + cushions of the seat she had vacated, and stayed there with my misery + until the night had closed about the place, and the white marble pillars + looked ghostly and unreal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE WARNING + </h2> + <p> + I prayed that evening more fervently than I had prayed since quitting + Monte Orsaro. It was as if all the influences of my youth, which lately + had been shaken off in the stir of intrigue and of rides that had seemed + the prelude to battle, were closing round me again. + </p> + <p> + Even as a woman had lured me once from the ways to which I seemed + predestined, only to drive me back once more the more frenziedly, so now + it almost seemed as if again a woman should have lured me to the world but + to drive me from it again and more resolutely than ever. For I was anew + upon the edge of a resolve to have done with all human interests and to + seek the peace and seclusion of the cloister. + </p> + <p> + And then I bethought me of Gervasio. I would go to him for guidance, as I + had done aforetime. I would ride on the morrow to seek him out in the + convent near Piacenza to which he had withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + I was disturbed at last by the coming of a page to my chamber with the + announcement that my lord was already at supper. + </p> + <p> + I had thoughts of excusing myself, but in the end I went. + </p> + <p> + The repast was spread, as usual, in the banqueting-hall of the castle; and + about the splendid table was Pier Luigi's company, amounting to nigh upon + a score in all. The Duke himself sat on Monna Bianca's right, whilst on + her left was Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + Heeding little whether I was observed or not, I sank to a vacant place, + midway down the board, between one of the Duke's pretty young gentlemen + and one of the ladies of that curious train—a bold-eyed Roman woman, + whose name, I remember, was Valeria Cesarini, but who matters nothing in + these pages. Almost facing me sat Giuliana, but I was hardly conscious of + her, or conscious, indeed, of any save Monna Bianca. + </p> + <p> + Once or twice Bianca's glance met mine, but it fell away again upon the + instant. She was very pale, and there were wistful lines about her lips; + yet her mood was singular. Her eyes had an unnatural sparkle, and ever and + anon she would smile at what was said to her in half-whispers, now by the + Duke, now by Cosimo, whilst once or twice she laughed outright. Gone was + the usual chill reserve with which she hedged herself about to distance + the hateful advances of Pier Luigi. There were moments now when she seemed + almost flattered by his vile ogling and adulatory speeches, as if she had + been one of those brazen ladies of his Court. + </p> + <p> + It wounded me sorely. I could not understand it, lacking the wit to see + that this queer mood sprang from the blow I had dealt her, and was the + outward manifestation of her own pain at the shattering of the illusions + she had harboured concerning myself. + </p> + <p> + And so I sat there moodily, gnawing my lip and scowling darkly upon Pier + Luigi and upon my cousin, who was as assiduous in his attentions as his + master, and who seemed to be receiving an even greater proportion of her + favours. One little thing there was to hearten me. Looking at the Lord of + Pagliano, who sat at the table's head, I observed that his glance was dark + as it kept watch upon his daughter—that chaste white lily that + seemed of a sudden to have assumed such wanton airs. + </p> + <p> + It was a matter that stirred me to battle, and forgotten again were my + resolves to seek Gervasio, forgotten all notion of abandoning the world + for the second time. Here was work to be done. Bianca was to be guarded. + Perhaps it was in this that she would come to have need of me. + </p> + <p> + Once Cosimo caught my gloomy looks, and he leaned over to speak to the + Duke, who glanced my way with languid, sneering eyes. He had a score to + settle with me for the discomfiture he had that morning suffered at my + hands thanks to Bianca's collaboration. He was a clumsy fool, when all is + said, and confident now of her support—from the sudden and extreme + friendliness of her mood—he ventured to let loose a shaft at me in a + tone that all the table might overhear. + </p> + <p> + “That cousin of yours wears a very conventual hang-dog look,” said he to + Cosimo. And then to the lady on my right—“Forgive, Valeria,” he + begged, “the scurvy chance that should have sat a shaveling next to you.” + Lastly he turned to me to complete this gross work of offensiveness. + </p> + <p> + “When do you look, sir, to enter the life monastic for which Heaven has so + clearly designed you?” + </p> + <p> + There were some sycophants who tittered at his stupid pleasantry; then the + table fell silent to hear what answer I should make, and a frown sat like + a thundercloud upon the brow of Cavalcanti. + </p> + <p> + I toyed with my goblet, momentarily tempted to fling its contents in his + pustuled face, and risk the consequences. But I bethought me of something + else that would make a deadlier missile. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” I sighed. “I have abandoned the notion—constrained to it.” + </p> + <p> + He took my bait. “Constrained?” quoth he. “Now what fool did so constrain + you?” + </p> + <p> + “No fool, but circumstance,” I answered. “It has occurred to me,” I + explained, and I boldly held his glance with my own, “that as a simple + monk my life would be fraught with perils, seeing that in these times even + a bishop is not safe.” + </p> + <p> + Saving Bianca (who in her sweet innocence did not so much as dream of the + existence of such vileness as that to which I was referring and by which a + saintly man had met his death) I do not imagine that there was a single + person present who did not understand to what foul crime I alluded. + </p> + <p> + The silence that followed my words was as oppressive as the silence which + in Nature preludes thunder. + </p> + <p> + A vivid flame of scarlet had overspread the Duke's countenance. It + receded, leaving his cheeks a greenish white, even to the mottling + pimples. Abashed, his smouldering eyes fell away before my bold, defiant + glance. The fingers of his trembling hand tightened about the slender stem + of his Venetian goblet, so that it snapped, and there was a gush of + crimson wine upon the snowy napery. His lips were drawn back—like a + dog's in the act of snarling—and showed the black stumps of his + broken teeth. But he made no sound, uttered no word. It was Cosimo who + spoke, half rising as he did so. + </p> + <p> + “This insolence, my lord Duke, must be punished; this insult wiped out. + Suffer me...” + </p> + <p> + But Pier Luigi reached forward across Bianca, set a hand upon my cousin's + sleeve, and pressed him back into his seat silencing him. + </p> + <p> + “Let be,” he said. And looked up the board at Cavalcanti. “It is for my + Lord of Pagliano to say if a guest shall be thus affronted at his board.” + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti's face was set and rigid. “You place a heavy burden on my + shoulders,” said he, “when your excellency, my guest, appeals to me + against another guest of mine—against one who is all but friendless + and the son of my own best friend.” + </p> + <p> + “And my worst enemy,” cried Pier Luigi hotly. + </p> + <p> + “That is your excellency's own concern, not mine,” said Cavalcanti coldly. + “But since you appeal to me I will say that Messer d'Anguissola's words + were ill-judged in such a season. Yet in justice I must add that it is not + the way of youth to weigh its words too carefully; and you gave him + provocation. When a man—be he never so high—permits himself to + taunt another, he would do well to see that he is not himself vulnerable + to taunts.” + </p> + <p> + Farnese rose with a horrible oath, and every one of his gentlemen with + him. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” he said, “this is to take sides against me; to endorse the + affront.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you mistake my intention,” rejoined Cavalcanti, with an icy dignity. + “You appeal to me for judgment. And between guests I must hold the scales + dead-level, with no thought for the rank of either. Of your chivalry, my + lord Duke, you must perceive that I could not do else.” + </p> + <p> + It was the simplest way in which he could have told Farnese that he cared + nothing for the rank of either, and of reminding his excellency that + Pagliano, being an Imperial fief, was not a place where the Duke of Parma + might ruffle it unchecked. + </p> + <p> + Messer Pier Luigi hesitated, entirely out of countenance. Then his eyes + turned to Bianca, and his expression softened. + </p> + <p> + “What says Madonna Bianca?” he inquired, his manner reassuming some + measure of its courtliness. “Is her judgment as unmercifully level?” + </p> + <p> + She looked up, startled, and laughed a little excitedly, touched by the + tenseness of a situation which she did not understand. + </p> + <p> + “What say I?” quoth she. “Why, that here is a deal of pother about some + foolish words.” + </p> + <p> + “And there,” cried Pier Luigi, “spoke, I think, not only beauty but wisdom—Minerva's + utterances from the lips of Diana!” + </p> + <p> + In glad relief the company echoed his forced laugh, and all sat down + again, the incident at an end, and my contempt of the Duke increased to + see him permit such a matter to be so lightly ended. + </p> + <p> + But that night, when I had retired to my chamber, I was visited by + Cavalcanti. He was very grave. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino,” he said, “let me implore you to be circumspect, to keep a curb + upon your bitter tongue. Be patient, boy, as I am—and I have more to + endure.” + </p> + <p> + “I marvel, sir, that you endure it,” answered I, for my mood was petulant. + </p> + <p> + “You will marvel less when you are come to my years—if, indeed, you + come to them. For if you pursue this course, and strike back when such men + as Pier Luigi tap you, you will not be likely to see old age. Body of + Satan! I would that Galeotto were here! If aught should happen to you...” + He checked, and set a hand upon my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “For your father's sake I love you, Agostino, and I speak as one who loves + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know!” I cried, seizing his hand in a sudden penitence. “I am + an ingrate and a fool. And you upheld me nobly at table. Sir, I swear that + I will not submit you to so much concern again.” + </p> + <p> + He patted my shoulder in a very friendly fashion, and his kindly eyes + smiled upon me. “If you but promise that—for your own sake, Agostino—we + need say no more. God send this papal by-blow takes his departure soon, + for he is as unwelcome here as he is unbidden.” + </p> + <p> + “The foul toad!” said I. “To see him daily, hourly bending over Monna + Bianca, whispering and ogling—ugh!” + </p> + <p> + “It offends you, eh? And for that I love you! There. Be circumspect and + patient, and all will be well. Put your faith in Galeotto, and endure + insults which you may depend upon him to avenge when the hour strikes.” + </p> + <p> + Upon that he left me, and he left me with a certain comfort. And in the + days that followed, I acted upon his injunction, though, truth to tell, + there was little provocation to do otherwise. The Duke ignored me, and all + the gentlemen of his following did the like, including Cosimo. And + meanwhile they revelled at Pagliano and made free with the hospitality to + which they had not been bidden. + </p> + <p> + Thus sped another week in which I had not the courage again to approach + Bianca after what had passed between us at our single interview. Nor for + that matter was I afforded the opportunity. The Duke and Cosimo were ever + at her side, and yet it almost seemed as if the Duke had given place to + his captain, for Cosimo's was the greater assiduity now. + </p> + <p> + The days were spent at bowls or pallone within the castle, or upon + hawking-parties or hunting-parties when presently the Duke's health was + sufficiently improved to enable him to sit his horse; and at night there + was feasting which Cavalcanti must provide, and on some evenings we + danced, though that was a diversion in which I took no part, having + neither the will nor the art. + </p> + <p> + One night as I sat in the gallery above the great hall, watching them + footing it upon the mosaic floor below, Giuliana's deep, slow voice behind + me stirred me out of my musings. She had espied me up there and had come + to join me, although hitherto I had most sedulously avoided her, neither + addressing her nor giving her the opportunity to address me since the + first brazen speech on her arrival. + </p> + <p> + “That white-faced lily, Madonna Bianca de' Cavalcanti, seems to have + caught the Duke in her net of innocence,” said she. + </p> + <p> + I started round as if I had been stung, and at sight of my empurpling face + she slowly smiled, the same hateful smile that I had seen upon her face + that day in the garden when Gambara had bargained for her with Fifanti. + </p> + <p> + “You are greatly daring,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “To take in vain the name of her white innocence?” she answered, smiling + superciliously. And then she grew more serious. “Look, Agostino, we were + friends once. I would be your friend now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a friendship, Madonna, best not given expression.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! We are very scrupulous—are we not?—since we have + abandoned the ways of holiness, and returned to this world of wickedness, + and raised our eyes to the pale purity of the daughter of Cavalcanti!” She + spoke sneeringly. + </p> + <p> + “What is that to you?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” she answered frankly. “But that another may have raised his + eyes to her is something. I am honest with you. If this child is aught to + you, and you would not lose her, you would do well to guard her more + closely than you are wont. A word in season. That is all my message.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay!” I begged her now, for already she was gliding away through the + shadows of the gallery. + </p> + <p> + She laughed over her shoulder at me—the very incarnation of + effrontery and insolence. + </p> + <p> + “Have I moved you into sensibility?” quoth she. “Will you condescend to + questions with one whom you despise?—as, indeed,” she added with a + stinging scorn, “you have every right to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me more precisely what you mean,” I begged her, for her words had + moved me fearfully. + </p> + <p> + “Gesu!” she exclaimed. “Can I be more precise? Must I add counsels? Why, + then, I counsel that a change of air might benefit Madonna Bianca's + health, and that if my Lord of Pagliano is wise, he will send her into + retreat in some convent until the Duke's visit here is at an end. And I + can promise you that in that case it will be the sooner ended. Now, I + think that even a saint should understand me.” + </p> + <p> + With that last gibe she moved resolutely on and left me. + </p> + <p> + Of the gibe I took little heed. What imported was her warning. And I did + not doubt that she had good cause to warn me. I remembered with a shudder + her old-time habit of listening at doors. It was very probable that in + like manner had she now gathered information that entitled her to give me + such advice. + </p> + <p> + It was incredible. And yet I knew that it was true, and I cursed my + blindness and Cavalcanti's. What precisely Farnese's designs might be I + could not conceive. It was hard to think that he should dare so much as + Giuliana more than hinted. It may be that, after all, there was no more + than just the danger of it, and that her own base interests urged her to + do what she could to avert it. + </p> + <p> + In any case, her advice was sound; and perhaps, as she said, the removal + of Bianca quietly might be the means of helping Pier Luigi's unwelcome + visit to an end. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it was so. It was Bianca who held him at Pagliano, as the blindest + idiot should have perceived. + </p> + <p> + That very night I would seek out Cavalcanti ere I retired to sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE TALONS OF THE HOLY OFFICE + </h2> + <p> + Acting upon my resolve, I went to wait for Cavalcanti in the little + anteroom that communicated with his bedroom. My patience was tried, for he + was singularly late in coming; fully an hour passed after all the sounds + had died down in the castle and it was known that all had retired, and + still there was no sign of him. + </p> + <p> + I asked one of the pages who lounged there waiting for their master, did + he think my lord would be in the library, and the boy was conjecturing + upon this unusual tardiness of Cavalcanti's in seeking his bed, when the + door opened, and at last he appeared. + </p> + <p> + When he found me awaiting him, a certain eagerness seemed to light his + face; a second's glance showed me that he was in the grip of some unusual + agitation. He was pale, with a dull flush under the eyes, and the hand + with which he waved away the pages shook, as did his voice when he bade + them depart, saying that he desired to be alone with me awhile. + </p> + <p> + When the two slim lads had gone, he let himself fall wearily into a tall, + carved chair that was placed near an ebony table with silver feet in the + middle of the room. + </p> + <p> + But instead of unburdening himself as I fully expected, he looked at me, + and— + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Agostino?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “I have thought,” I answered after a moment's hesitation, “of a means by + which this unwelcome visit of Farnese's might be brought to an end.” + </p> + <p> + And with that I told him as delicately as was possible that I believed + Madonna Bianca to be the lodestone that held him there, and that were she + removed from his detestable attentions, Pagliano would cease to amuse him + and he would go his ways. + </p> + <p> + There was no outburst such as I had almost looked for at the mere + suggestion contained in my faltering words. He looked at me gravely and + sadly out of that stern face of his. + </p> + <p> + “I would you had given me this advice two weeks ago,” he said. “But who + was to have guessed that this pope's bastard would have so prolonged his + visit? For the rest, however, you are mistaken, Agostino. It is not he who + has dared to raise his eyes as you suppose to Bianca. Were such the case, + I should have killed him with my hands were he twenty times the Duke of + Parma. No, no. My Bianca is being honourably wooed by your cousin Cosimo.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him, amazed. It could not be. I remembered Giuliana's words. + Giuliana did not love me, and were it as he supposed she would have seen + no cause to intervene. Rather might she have taken a malicious pleasure in + witnessing my own discomfiture, in seeing the sweet maid to whom I had + raised my eyes, snatched away from me by my cousin who already usurped so + much that was my own. + </p> + <p> + “O, you must be mistaken,” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Mistaken?” he echoed. He shook his head, smiling bitterly. “There is no + possibility of mistake. I am just come from an interview with the Duke and + his fine captain. Together they sought me out to ask my daughter's hand + for Cosimo d'Anguissola.” + </p> + <p> + “And you?” I cried, for this thrust aside my every doubt. + </p> + <p> + “And I declined the honour,” he answered sternly, rising in his agitation. + “I declined it in such terms as to leave them no doubt upon the + irrevocable quality of my determination; and then this pestilential Duke + had the effrontery to employ smiling menaces, to remind me that he had the + power to compel folk to bend the knee to his will, to remind me that + behind him he had the might of the Pontiff and even of the Holy Office. + And when I defied him with the answer that I was a feudatory of the + Emperor, he suggested that the Emperor himself must bow before the Court + of the Inquisition.” + </p> + <p> + “My God!” I cried in liveliest fear. + </p> + <p> + “An idle threat!” he answered contemptuously, and set himself to stride + the room, his hands clasped behind his broad back. + </p> + <p> + “What have I to do with the Holy Office?” he snorted. “But they had worse + indignities for me, Agostino. They mocked me with a reminder that Giovanni + d'Anguissola had been my firmest friend. They told me they knew it to have + been my intention that my daughter should become the Lady of Mondolfo, and + to cement the friendship by making one State of Pagliano, Mondolfo and + Carmina. And they added that by wedding her to Cosimo d'Anguissola was the + way to execute that plan, for Cosimo, Lord of Mondolfo already, should + receive Carmina as a wedding-gift from the Duke.” + </p> + <p> + “Was such indeed your intention?” I asked scarce above a whisper, overawed + as men are when they perceive precisely what their folly and wickedness + have cost them. + </p> + <p> + He halted before me, and set one hand of his upon my shoulder, looking up + into my face. “It has been my fondest dream, Agostino,” he said. + </p> + <p> + I groaned. “It is a dream that never can be realized now,” said I + miserably. + </p> + <p> + “Never, indeed, if Cosimo d'Anguissola continues to be Lord of Mondolfo,” + he answered, his keen, friendly eyes considering me. + </p> + <p> + I reddened and paled under his glance. + </p> + <p> + “Nor otherwise,” said I. “For Monna Bianca holds me in the contempt which + I deserve. Better a thousand times that I should have remained out of this + world to which you caused me to return—unless, indeed, my present + torment is the expiation that is required of me unless, indeed, I was but + brought back that I might pay with suffering for all the evil that I have + wrought.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled a little. “Is it so with you? Why, then, you afflict yourself + too soon, boy. You are over-hasty to judge. I am her father, and my little + Bianca is a book in which I have studied deeply. I read her better than do + you, Agostino. But we will talk of this again.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away to resume his pacing in the very moment in which he had + fired me with such exalted hopes. “Meanwhile, there is this Farnese dog + with his parcel of minions and harlots making a sty of my house. He + threatens to remain until I come to what he terms a reasonable mind—until + I consent to do his will and allow my daughter to marry his henchman; and + he parted from me enjoining me to give the matter thought, and impudently + assuring me that in Cosimo d'Anguissola—in that guelphic jackal—I + had a husband worthy of Bianca de' Cavalcanti.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke it between his teeth, his eyes kindling angrily again. + </p> + <p> + “The remedy, my lord, is to send Bianca hence,” I said. “Let her seek + shelter in a convent until Messer Pier Luigi shall have taken his + departure. And if she is no longer here, Cosimo will have little + inclination to linger.” + </p> + <p> + He flung back his head, and there was defiance in every line of his + clear-cut face. “Never!” he snapped. “The thing could have been done two + weeks ago, when they first came. It would have seemed that the step was + determined before his coming, and that in my independence I would not + alter my plans. But to do it now were to show fear of him; and that is not + my way. + </p> + <p> + “Go, Agostino. Let me have the night to think. I know not how to act. But + we will talk again to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + It was best so; best leave it to the night to bring counsel, for we were + face to face with grave issues which might need determining sword in hand. + </p> + <p> + That I slept little will be readily conceived. I plagued my mind with this + matter of Cosimo's suit, thinking that I saw the ultimate intent—to + bring Pagliano under the ducal sway by rendering master of it one who was + devoted to Farnese. + </p> + <p> + And then, too, I would think of that other thing that Cavalcanti had said: + that I had been hasty in my judgment of his daughter's mind. My hopes rose + and tortured me with the suspense they held. Then came to me the awful + thought that here there might be a measure of retribution, and that it + might be intended as my punishment that Cosimo, whom I had unconsciously + bested in my sinful passion, should best me now in this pure and holy + love. + </p> + <p> + I was astir betimes, and out in the gardens before any, hoping, I think, + that Bianca, too, might seek the early morning peace of that place, and + that so we might have speech. + </p> + <p> + Instead, it was Giuliana who came to me. I had been pacing the terrace + some ten minutes, inhaling the matutinal fragrance, drawing my hands + through the cool dew that glistened upon the boxwood hedges, when I saw + her issue from the loggia that opened to the gardens. + </p> + <p> + Upon her coming I turned to go within, and I would have passed her without + a word, but that she put forth a hand to detain me. + </p> + <p> + “I was seeking you, Agostino,” she said in greeting. + </p> + <p> + “Having found me, Madonna, you will give me leave to go,” said I. + </p> + <p> + But she was resolutely barring my way. A slow smile parted her scarlet + lips and broke over that ivory countenance that once I had deemed so + lovely and now I loathed. + </p> + <p> + “I mind me another occasion in a garden betimes one morning when you were + in no such haste to shun me.” + </p> + <p> + I crimsoned under her insolent regard. “Have you the courage to remember?” + I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Half the art of life is to harbour happy memories,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Happy?” quoth I. + </p> + <p> + “Do you deny that we were happy on that morning?—it would be just + about this time of year, two years ago. And what a change in you since + then! Heigho! And yet men say that woman is inconstant!” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know you then,” I answered harshly. + </p> + <p> + “And do you know me now? Has womanhood no mysteries for you since you + gathered wisdom in the wilderness?” + </p> + <p> + I looked at her with detestation in my eyes. The effrontery, the ease and + insolence of her bearing, all confirmed my conviction of her utter + shamelessness and heartlessness. + </p> + <p> + “The day after... after your husband died,” I said, “I saw you in a dell + near Castel Guelfo with my Lord Gambara. In that hour I knew you.” + </p> + <p> + She bit her lip, then smiled again. “What would you?” answered she. + “Through your folly and crime I was become an outcast. I went in danger of + my life. You had basely deserted me. My Lord Gambara, more generous, + offered me shelter and protection. I was not born for martyrdom and + dungeons,” she added, and sighed with smiling plaintiveness. “Are you, of + all men, the one to blame me?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not the right, I know,” I answered. “Nor do I blame you more than + I blame myself. But since I blame myself most bitterly—since I + despise and hate myself for what is past, you may judge what my feelings + are for you. And judging them, I think it were well you gave me leave to + go.” + </p> + <p> + “I came to speak of other than ourselves, Ser Agostino,” she answered, all + unmoved still by my scorn, or leastways showing nothing of what emotions + might be hers. “It is of that simpering daughter of my Lord of Pagliano.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing I could less desire to hear you talk upon,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “It is so very like a man to scorn the thing I could tell him after he has + already heard it from me.” + </p> + <p> + “The thing you told me was false,” said I. “It was begotten of fear to see + your own base interests thwarted. It is proven so by the circumstance that + the Duke has sought the hand of Madonna Bianca for Cosimo d'Anguissola.” + </p> + <p> + “For Cosimo?” she cried, and I never saw her so serious and thoughtful. + “For Cosimo? You are sure of this?” The urgency of her tone was such that + it held me there and compelled my answer. + </p> + <p> + “I have it from my lord himself.” + </p> + <p> + She knit her brows, her eyes upon the ground; then slowly she raised them, + and looked at me again, the same unusual seriousness and alertness in + every line of her face. + </p> + <p> + “Why, by what dark ways does he burrow to his ends?” she mused. + </p> + <p> + And then her eyes grew lively, her expression cunning and vengeful. “I see + it!” she exclaimed. “O, it is as clear as crystal. This is the Roman + manner of using complaisant husbands.” + </p> + <p> + “Madonna!” I rebuked her angrily—angry to think that anyone should + conceive that Bianca could be so abused. + </p> + <p> + “Gesu!” she returned with a shrug. “The thing is plain enough if you will + but look at it. Here his excellency dares nothing, lest he should provoke + the resentment of that uncompromising Lord of Pagliano. But once she is + safely away—as Cosimo's wife...” + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” I cried, putting out a hand as if I would cover her mouth. Then + collecting myself. “Do you suggest that Cosimo could lend himself to so + infamous a compact?” + </p> + <p> + “Lend himself? That pander? You do not know your cousin. If you have any + interest in this Madonna Bianca you will get her hence without delay, and + see that Pier Luigi has no knowledge of the convent to which she is + consigned. He enjoys the privileges of a papal offspring, and there is no + sanctuary he will respect. So let the thing be done speedily and in + secret.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at her between doubt and horror. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you mistrust me?” she asked, answering my look. “I have been + frank with you. It is not you nor that white-faced ninny I would serve. + You may both go hang for me, though I loved you once, Agostino.” And the + sudden tenderness of tone and smile were infinitely mocking. “No, no, + beloved, if I meddle in this at all, it is because my own interests are in + peril.” + </p> + <p> + I shuddered at the cold, matter-of-fact tone in which she alluded to such + interests as those which she could have in Pier Luigi. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, shrink and cringe, sir saint,” she sneered. “Having cast me off and + taken up holiness, you have the right, of course.” And with that she moved + past me, and down the terrace-steps without ever turning her head to look + at me again. And that was the last I ever saw of her, as you shall find, + though little was it to have been supposed so then. + </p> + <p> + I stood hesitating, half minded to go after her and question her more + closely as to what she knew and what she did no more than surmise. But + then I reflected that it mattered little. What really mattered was that + her good advice should be acted upon without delay. + </p> + <p> + I went towards the house and in the loggia came face to face with Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + “Still pursuing the old love,” he greeted me, smiling and jerking his head + in the direction of Giuliana. “We ever return to it in the end, they say; + yet you had best have a care. It is not well to cross my Lord Pier Luigi + in such matters; he can be a very jealous tyrant.” + </p> + <p> + I wondered was there some double meaning in the words. I made shift to + pass on, leaving his taunt unanswered, when suddenly he stepped up to me + and tapped my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “One other thing, sweet cousin. You little deserve a warning at my hands. + Yet you shall have it. Make haste to shake the dust of Pagliano from your + feet. An evil is hanging over you here.” + </p> + <p> + I looked into his wickedly handsome face, and smiled coldly. + </p> + <p> + “It is a warning which in my turn I will give to you, you jackal,” said I, + and watched the expression of his countenance grow set and frozen, the + colour recede from it. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” he growled, touched to suspicion of my knowledge by + the term I had employed. “What things has that trull dared to...” + </p> + <p> + I cut in. “I mean, sir, to warn you. Do not drive me to do more.” + </p> + <p> + We were quite alone. Behind us stretched the long, empty room, before us + the empty gardens. He was without weapons as was I. But my manner was so + fierce that he recoiled before me, in positive fear of my hands, I think. + </p> + <p> + I swung on my heel and pursued my way. + </p> + <p> + I went above to seek Cavalcanti, and found him newly risen. Wrapped in a + gown of miniver, he received me with the news that having given the matter + thought, he had determined to sacrifice his pride and remove Bianca not + later than the morrow, as soon as he could arrange it. And to arrange it + he would ride forth at once. + </p> + <p> + I offered to go with him, and that offer he accepted, whereafter I lounged + in his antechamber waiting until he should be dressed, and considering + whether to impart to him the further information I had that morning + gleaned. In the end I decided not to do so, unable to bring myself to tell + him that so much turpitude might possibly be plotting against Bianca. It + was a statement that soiled her, so it seemed to me. Indeed I could + scarcely bear to think of it. + </p> + <p> + Presently he came forth full-dressed, booted, and armed, and we went along + the corridor and out upon the gallery. As side by side we were descending + the steps, we caught sight of a singular group in the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + Six mounted men in black were drawn up there, and a little in the + foreground a seventh, in a corselet of blackened steel and with a steel + cap upon his head, stood by his horse in conversation with Farnese. In + attendance upon the Duke were Cosimo and some three of his gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + We halted upon the steps, and I felt Cavalcanti's hand suddenly tighten + upon my arm. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I asked innocently, entirely unalarmed. “These are familiars + of the Holy Office,” he answered me, his tone very grave. In that moment + the Duke, turning, espied us. He came towards the staircase to meet us, + and his face, too, was very solemn. + </p> + <p> + We went down, I filled by a strange uneasiness, which I am sure was + entirely shared by Cavalcanti. + </p> + <p> + “Evil tidings, my Lord of Pagliano,” said Farnese. “The Holy Office has + sent to arrest the person of Agostino d'Anguissola, for whom it has been + seeking for over a year.” + </p> + <p> + “For me?” I cried, stepping forward ahead of Cavalcanti. “What has the + Holy Office to do with me?” + </p> + <p> + The leading familiar advanced. “If you are Agostino d'Anguissola, there is + a charge of sacrilege against you, for which you are required to answer + before the courts of the Holy Office in Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Sacrilege?” I echoed, entirely bewildered—for my first thought had + been that here might be something concerning the death of Fifanti, and + that the dread tribunal of the Inquisition dealing with the matter + secretly, there would be no disclosures to be feared by those who had + evoked its power. + </p> + <p> + The thought was, after all, a foolish one; for the death of Fifanti was a + matter that concerned the Ruota and the open courts, and those, as I well + knew, did not dare to move against me, on Messer Gambara's account. + </p> + <p> + “Of what sacrilege can I be guilty?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The tribunal will inform you,” replied the familiar—a tall, sallow, + elderly man. + </p> + <p> + “The tribunal will need, then, to await some other opportunity,” said + Cavalcanti suddenly. “Messer d'Anguissola is my guest; and my guests are + not so rudely plucked forth from Pagliano.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke drew away, and leaned upon the arm of Cosimo, watching. Behind me + in the gallery I heard a rustle of feminine gowns; but I did not turn to + look. My eyes were upon the stern sable figure of the familiar. + </p> + <p> + “You will not be so ill-advised, my lord,” he was saying, “as to compel us + to use force.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not, I trust, be so ill-advised as to attempt it,” laughed + Cavalcanti, tossing his great head. “I have five score men-at-arms within + these walls, Messer Black-clothes.” + </p> + <p> + The familiar bowed. “That being so, the force for to-day is yours, as you + say. But I would solemnly warn you not to employ it contumaciously against + the officers of the Holy Office, nor to hinder them in the duty which they + are here to perform, lest you render yourself the object of their just + resentment.” + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti took a step forward, his face purple with anger that this + tipstaff ruffian should take such a tone with him. But in that instant I + seized his arm. + </p> + <p> + “It is a trap!” I muttered in his ear. “Beware!” + </p> + <p> + I was no more than in time. I had surprised upon Farnese's mottled face a + sly smile—the smile of the cat which sees the mouse come venturing + from its lair. And I saw the smile perish—to confirm my suspicions—when + at my whispered words Cavalcanti checked in his rashness. + </p> + <p> + Still holding him by the arm, I turned to the familiar. + </p> + <p> + “I shall surrender to you in a moment, sir,” said I. “Meanwhile, and you, + gentlemen—give us leave apart.” And I drew the bewildered Cavalcanti + aside and down the courtyard under the colonnade of the gallery. + </p> + <p> + “My lord, be wise for Bianca's sake,” I implored him. “I am assured that + here is nothing but a trap baited for you. Do not gorge their bait as your + valour urges you. Defeat them, my lord, by circumspection. Do you not see + that if you resist the Holy Office, they can issue a ban against you, and + that against such a ban not even the Emperor can defend you? Indeed, if + they told him that his feudatory, the Lord of Pagliano, had been guilty of + contumaciously thwarting the ends of the Holy Inquisition, that bigot + Charles V would be the first to deliver you over to the ghastly practices + of that tribunal. It should not need, my lord, that I should tell you + this.” + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he groaned in utter misery. “But you, Agostino?” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing against me,” I answered impatiently. “What sacrilege + have I ever committed? The thing is a trumped-up business, conceived with + a foul purpose by Messer Pier Luigi there. Courage, then, and + self-restraint; and thus we shall foil their aims. Come, my lord, I will + ride to Rome with them. And do not doubt that I shall return very soon.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with eyes that were full of trouble, indecision in every + line of a face that was wont to look so resolute. He knew himself between + the sword and the wall. + </p> + <p> + “I would that Galeotto were here!” cried that man usually so self-reliant. + “What will he say to me when he comes? You were a sacred charge, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Say to him that I will be returning shortly—which must be true. + Come, then. You may serve me this way. The other way you will but have to + endure ultimate arrest, and so leave Bianca at their mercy, which is + precisely what they seek.” + </p> + <p> + He braced himself at the thought of Bianca. We turned, and in silence we + paced back, quite leisurely as if entirely at our ease, for all that + Cavalcanti's face had grown very haggard. + </p> + <p> + “I yield me, sir,” I said to the familiar. + </p> + <p> + “A wise decision,” sneered the Duke. + </p> + <p> + “I trust you'll find it so, my lord,” I answered, sneering too. + </p> + <p> + They led forward a horse for me, and when I had embraced Cavalcanti, I + mounted and my funereal escort closed about me. We rode across the + courtyard under the startled eyes of the folk of Pagliano, for the + familiars of the Holy Office were dread and fearful objects even to the + stoutest-hearted man. As we neared the gateway a shrill cry rang out on + the morning air: + </p> + <p> + “Agostino!” + </p> + <p> + Fear and tenderness and pain were all blent in that cry. + </p> + <p> + I swung round in the saddle to behold the white form of Bianca, standing + in the gallery with parted lips and startled eyes that were gazing after + me, her arms outheld. And then, even as I looked, she crumpled and sank + with a little moan into the arms of the ladies who were with her. + </p> + <p> + I looked at Pier Luigi and from the depths of my heart I cursed him, and I + prayed that the day might not be far distant when he should be made to pay + for all the sins of his recreant life. + </p> + <p> + And then, as we rode out into the open country, my thoughts were turned to + tenderer matters, and it came to me that when all was done, that cry of + Bianca's made it worth while to have been seized by the talons of the Holy + Office. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE PAPAL BULL + </h2> + <p> + And now, that you may understand to the full the thing that happened, it + is necessary that I should relate it here in its proper sequence, although + that must entail my own withdrawal for a time from pages upon which too + long I have intruded my own doings and thoughts and feelings. + </p> + <p> + I set it down as it was told to me later by those who bore their share in + it, and particularly by Falcone, who, as you shall learn, came to be a + witness of all, and retailed to me the affair with the greatest detail of + what this one said and how that one looked. + </p> + <p> + I reached Rome on the fourth day after my setting out with my grim escort, + and on that same day, at much the same hour as that in which the door of + my dungeon in Sant' Angelo closed upon me, Galeotto rode into the + courtyard of Pagliano on his return from his treasonable journey. + </p> + <p> + He was attended only by Falcone, and it so chanced that his arrival was + witnessed by Farnese, who with various members of his suite was lounging + in the gallery at the time. + </p> + <p> + Surprise was mutual at the encounter; for Galeotto had known nothing of + the Duke's sojourn at Pagliano, believing him to be still at Parma, whilst + the Duke as little suspected that of the five score men-at-arms garrisoned + in Pagliano, three score lances were of Galeotto's free company. + </p> + <p> + But at sight of this condottiero, whose true aims he was far from + suspecting, and whose services he was eager to enlist, the Duke heaved + himself up from his seat and went down the staircase shouting greetings to + the soldier, and playfully calling him Galeotto in its double sense, and + craving to know where he had been hiding himself this while. + </p> + <p> + The condottiero swung down from his saddle unaided—a thing which he + could do even when full-armed—and stood before Farnese, a grim, + dust-stained figure, with a curious smile twisting his scarred face. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said he, in answer, “I have been upon business that concerns your + magnificence somewhat closely.” + </p> + <p> + And with Falcone at his heels he advanced, the horses relinquished to the + grooms who had hastened forward. + </p> + <p> + “Upon business that concerns me?” quoth the Duke, intrigued. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,” said Galeotto, who stood now face to face with Farnese at the + foot of the steps up which the Duke's attendants were straggling. “I have + been recruiting forces, and since one of these days your magnificence is + to give me occupation, you will see that the matter concerns you.” + </p> + <p> + Above leaned Cavalcanti, his face grey and haggard, without the heart to + relish the wicked humour of Galeotto that could make jests for his own + entertainment. True there was also Falcone to overhear, appreciate, and + grin under cover of his great brown hand. + </p> + <p> + “Does this mean that you are come to your senses on the score of a + stipend, Ser Galeotto?” quoth the Duke. + </p> + <p> + “I am not a trader out of the Giudecca to haggle over my wares,” replied + the burly condottiero. “But I nothing doubt that your magnificence and I + will come to an understanding at the last.” + </p> + <p> + “Five thousand ducats yearly is my offer,” said Farnese, “provided that + you bring three hundred lances.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well!” said Galeotto softly, “you may come to regret one of these + days, highness, that you did not think well to pay me the price I ask.” + </p> + <p> + “Regret?” quoth the Duke, with a frown of displeasure at so much + frankness. + </p> + <p> + “When you see me engaged in the service of some other,” Galeotto + explained. “You need a condottiero, my lord; and you may come to need one + even more than you do now.” + </p> + <p> + “I have the Lord of Mondolfo,” said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto stared at him with round eyes. “The Lord of Mondolfo?” quoth he, + intentionally uncomprehending. + </p> + <p> + “You have not heard? Why, here he stands.” And he waved a jewelled hand + towards Cosimo, a handsome figure in green and blue, standing nearest to + Farnese. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto looked at this Anguissola, and his brow grew very black. + </p> + <p> + “So,” he said slowly, “you are the Lord of Mondolfo, eh? I think you are + very brave.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust my valour will not be lacking when the proof of it is needed,” + answered Cosimo haughtily, feeling the other's unfriendly mood and + responding to it. + </p> + <p> + “It cannot,” said Galeotto, “since you have the courage to assume that + title, for the lordship of Mondolfo is an unlucky one to bear, Ser Cosimo. + Giovanni d'Anguissola was unhappy in all things, and his was a truly + miserable end. His father before him was poisoned by his best friend, and + as for the last who legitimately bore that title—why, none can say + that the poor lad was fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “The last who legitimately bore that title?” cried Cosimo, very ruffled. + “I think, sir, it is your aim to affront me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is more,” continued the condottiero, as if Cosimo had not + spoken, “not only are the lords of Mondolfo unlucky in themselves, but + they are a source of ill luck to those they serve. Giovanni's father had + but taken service with Cesare Borgia when the latter's ruin came at the + hands of Pope Julius II. What Giovanni's own friendship cost his friends + none knows better than your highness. So that, when all is said, I think + you had better look about you for another condottiero, magnificent.” + </p> + <p> + The magnificent stood gnawing his beard and brooding darkly, for he was a + grossly superstitious fellow who studied omens and dabbled in horoscopes, + divinations, and the like. And he was struck by the thing that Galeotto + said. He looked at Cosimo darkly. But Cosimo laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Who believes such old wives' tales? Not I, for one.” + </p> + <p> + “The more fool you!” snapped the Duke. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, indeed,” Galeotto applauded. “A disbelief in omens can but spring + from an ignorance of such matters. You should study them, Messer Cosimo. I + have done so, and I tell you that the lordship of Mondolfo is unlucky to + all dark-complexioned men. And when such a man has a mole under the left + ear as you have—in itself a sign of death by hanging—it is + well to avoid all risks.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that is very strange!” muttered the Duke, much struck by this + whittling down of Cosimo's chances, whilst Cosimo shrugged impatiently and + smiled contemptuously. “You seem to be greatly versed in these matters, + Ser Galeotto,” added Farnese. + </p> + <p> + “He who would succeed in whatever he may undertake should qualify to read + all signs,” said Galeotto sententiously. “I have sought this knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you see aught in me that you can read?” inquired the Duke in all + seriousness. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto considered him a moment without any trace in his eyes of the + wicked mockery that filled his soul. “Why,” he answered slowly, “not in + your own person, magnificent—leastways, not upon so brief a glance. + But since you ask me, I have lately been considering the new coinage of + your highness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes!” exclaimed the Duke, all eagerness, whilst several of his + followers came crowding nearer—for all the world is interested in + omens. “What do you read there?” + </p> + <p> + “Your fate, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “My fate?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you a coin upon you?” + </p> + <p> + Farnese produced a gold ducat, fire-new from the mint. The condottiero + took it and placed his finger upon the four letters P L A C—the + abbreviation of “Placentia” in the inscription. + </p> + <p> + “P—L—A—C,” he spelled. “That contains your fate, + magnificent, and you may read it for yourself.” And he returned the coin + to the Duke, who stared at the letters foolishly and then at this reader + of omens. + </p> + <p> + “But what is the meaning of PLAC?” he asked, and he had paled a little + with excitement. + </p> + <p> + “I have a feeling that it is a sign. I cannot say more. I can but point it + out to you, my lord, and leave the deciphering of it to yourself, who are + more skilled than most men in such matters. Have I your excellency's leave + to go doff this dusty garb?” he concluded. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, go, sir,” answered the Duke abstractedly, puzzling now with knitted + brows over the coin that bore his image. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Falcone,” said Galeotto, and with his equerry at his heels he set + his foot on the first step. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo leaned forward, a sneer on his white hawk-face, “I trust, Ser + Galeotto, that you are a better condottiero than a charlatan.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, sir,” said Galeotto, smiling his sweetest in return, “are, I + trust, a better charlatan than a condottiero.” + </p> + <p> + He went up the stairs, the gaudy throng making way before him, and he came + at last to the top, where stood the Lord of Pagliano awaiting him, a great + trouble in his eyes. They clasped hands in silence, and Cavalcanti went in + person to lead his guest to his apartments. + </p> + <p> + “You have not a happy air,” said Galeotto as they went. “And, Body of God! + it is no matter for marvel considering the company you keep. How long has + the Farnese beast been here?” + </p> + <p> + “His visit is now in its third week,” said Cavalcanti, answering + mechanically. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto swore in sheer surprise. “By the Host! And what keeps him?” + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti shrugged and let his arms fall to his sides. To Galeotto this + proud, stern baron seemed most oddly dispirited. + </p> + <p> + “I see that we must talk,” he said. “Things are speeding well and swiftly + now,” he added, dropping his voice. “But more of that presently. I have + much to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + When they had reached the chamber that was Galeotto's, and the doors were + closed and Falcone was unbuckling his master's spurs—“Now for my + news,” said the condottiero. “But first, to spare me repetitions, let us + have Agostino here. Where is he?” + </p> + <p> + The look on Cavalcanti's face caused Galeotto to throw up his head like a + spirited animal that scents danger. + </p> + <p> + “Where is he?” he repeated, and old Falcone's fingers fell idle upon the + buckle on which they were engaged. + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti's answer was a groan. He flung his long arms to the ceiling, as + if invoking Heaven's aid; then he let them fall again heavily, all + strength gone out of them. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto stood an instant looking at him and turning very white. Suddenly + he stepped forward, leaving Falcone upon his knees. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” he said, his voice a rumble of thunder. “Where is the boy? + I say.” + </p> + <p> + The Lord of Pagliano could not meet the gaze of those steel coloured eyes. + </p> + <p> + “O God!” he groaned. “How shall I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “Is he dead?” asked Galeotto, his voice hard. + </p> + <p> + “No, no—not dead. But... But...” The plight of one usually so + strong, so full of mastery and arrogance, was pitiful. + </p> + <p> + “But what?” demanded the condottiero. “Gesu! Am I a woman, or a man + without sorrows, that you need to stand hesitating? Whatever it may be, + speak, then, and tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “He is in the clutches of the Holy Office,” answered Cavalcanti miserably. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto looked at him, his pallor increasing. Then he sat down suddenly, + and, elbows on knees, he took his head in his hands and spoke no word for + a spell, during which time Falcone, still kneeling, looked from one to the + other in an agony of apprehension and impatience to hear more. + </p> + <p> + Neither noticed the presence of the equerry; nor would it have mattered if + they had, for he was trusty as steel, and they had no secrets from him. + </p> + <p> + At last, having gained some measure of self-control, Galeotto begged to + know what had happened, and Cavalcanti related the event. + </p> + <p> + “What could I do? What could I do?” he cried when he had finished. + </p> + <p> + “You let them take him?” said Galeotto, like a man who repeats the thing + he has been told, because he cannot credit it. “You let them take him?” + </p> + <p> + “What alternative had I?” groaned Cavalcanti, his face ashen and seared + with pain. + </p> + <p> + “There is that between us, Ettore, that... that will not let me credit + this, even though you tell it me.” + </p> + <p> + And now the wretched Lord of Pagliano began to use the very arguments that + I had used to him. He spoke of Cosimo's suit of his daughter, and how the + Duke sought to constrain him to consent to the alliance. He urged that in + this matter of the Holy Office was a trap set for him to place him in + Farnese's power. + </p> + <p> + “A trap?” roared the condottiero, leaping up. “What trap? Where is this + trap? You had five score men-at-arms under your orders here—three + score of them my own men, each one of whom would have laid down his life + for me, and you allowed the boy to be taken hence by six rascals from the + Holy Office, intimidated by a paltry score of troopers that rode with this + filthy Duke!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay—not that,” the other protested. “Had I dared to raise a + finger I should have brought myself within the reach of the Inquisition + without benefiting Agostino. That was the trap, as Agostino himself + perceived. It was he himself who urged me not to intervene, but to let + them take him hence, since there was no possible charge which the Holy + Office could prefer against him.” + </p> + <p> + “No charge!” cried Galeotto, with a withering scorn. “Did villainy ever + want for invention? And this trap? Body of God, Ettore, am I to account + you a fool after all these years? What trap was there that could be sprung + upon you as things stood? Why, man, the game was in your hands entirely. + Here was this Farnese in your power. What better hostage than that could + you have held? You had but to whistle your war-dogs to heel and seize his + person, demanding of the Pope his father a plenary absolution and + indemnity for yourself and for Agostino from any prosecutions of the Holy + Office ere you surrendered him. And had they attempted to employ force + against you, you could have held them in check by threatening to hang the + Duke unless the parchments you demanded were signed and delivered to you. + My God, Ettore! Must I tell you this?” + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti sank to a seat and took his head in his hands. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” he said. “I deserve all your reproaches. I have been a + fool. Worse—I have wanted for courage.” And then, suddenly, he + reared his head again, and his glance kindled. “But it is not yet too + late,” he cried, and started up. “It is still time!” + </p> + <p> + “Time!” sneered Galeotto. “Why, the boy is in their hands. It is hostage + for hostage now, a very different matter. He is lost—irretrievably + lost!” he ended, groaning. “We can but avenge him. To save him is beyond + our power.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Cavalcanti. “It is not. I am a dolt, a dotard; and I have been + the cause of it. Then I shall pay the price.” + </p> + <p> + “What price?” quoth the condottiero, pondering the other with an eye that + held no faintest gleam of hope. + </p> + <p> + “Within an hour you shall have in your hands the necessary papers to set + Agostino at liberty; and you shall carry them yourself to Rome. It is the + amend I owe you. It shall be made.” + </p> + <p> + “But how is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “It is possible, and it shall be done. And when it is done you may count + upon me to the last breath to help you to pull down this pestilential Duke + in ruin.” + </p> + <p> + He strode to the door, his step firm once more and his face set, though it + was very grey. “I will leave you now. But you may count upon the + fulfilment of my promise.” + </p> + <p> + He went out, leaving Galeotto and Falcone alone, and the condottiero flung + himself into a chair and sat there moodily, deep in thought, still in his + dusty garments and with no thought for changing them. Falcone stood by the + window, looking out upon the gardens and not daring to intrude upon his + master's mood. + </p> + <p> + Thus Cavalcanti found them a hour later when he returned. He brought a + parchment, to which was appended a great seal bearing the Pontifical arms. + He thrust it into Galeotto's hand. + </p> + <p> + “There,” he said, “is the discharge of the debt which through my weakness + and folly I have incurred.” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto looked at the parchment, then at Cavalcanti, and then at the + parchment once more. It was a papal bull of plenary pardon and indemnity + to me. + </p> + <p> + “How came you by this?” he asked, astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Is not Farnese the Pope's son?” quoth Cavalcanti scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “But upon what terms was it conceded? If it involves your honour, your + life, or your liberty, here's to make an end of it.” And he held it across + in his hands as if to tear it, looking up at the Lord of Pagliano. + </p> + <p> + “It involves none of these,” the latter answered steadily. “You had best + set out at once. The Holy Office can be swift to act.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE THIRD DEGREE + </h2> + <p> + I was haled from my dungeon by my gaoler accompanied by two figures that + looked immensely tall in their black monkish gowns, their heads and faces + covered by vizored cowls in which two holes were cut for their eyes. Seen + by the ruddy glare of the torch which the gaoler carried to that + subterranean place of darkness, those black, silent figures, their very + hands tucked away into the wide-mouthed sleeves of their habits, looked + spectral and lurid—horrific messengers of death. + </p> + <p> + By chill, dark passages of stone, through which our steps reverberated, + they brought me to a pillared, vaulted underground chamber, lighted by + torches in iron brackets on the walls. + </p> + <p> + On a dais stood an oaken writing-table bearing two massive wax tapers and + a Crucifix. At this table sat a portly, swarthy-visaged man in the black + robes of the order of St. Dominic. Immediately below and flanking him on + either hand sat two mute cowled figures to do the office of amanuenses. + </p> + <p> + Away on the right, where the shadows were but faintly penetrated by the + rays of the torches, stood an engine of wood somewhat of the size and + appearance of the framework of a couch, but with stout straps of leather + to pinion the patient, and enormous wooden screws upon which the frame + could be made to lengthen or contract. From the ceiling grey ropes dangled + from pulleys, like the tentacles of some dread monster of cruelty. + </p> + <p> + One glance into that gloomy part of the chamber was enough for me. + </p> + <p> + Repressing a shudder, I faced the inquisitor, and thereafter kept my eyes + upon him to avoid the sight of those other horrors. And he was horror + enough for any man in my circumstances to envisage. + </p> + <p> + He was very fat, with a shaven, swarthy face and the dewlap of an ox. In + that round fleshliness his eyes were sunken like two black buttons, + malicious through their very want of expression. His mouth was + loose-lipped and gluttonous and cruel. + </p> + <p> + When he spoke, the deep rumbling quality of his voice was increased by the + echoes of that vaulted place. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I am Agostino d'Anguissola, Lord of Mondolfo and...” + </p> + <p> + “Pass over your titles,” he boomed. “The Holy Office takes no account of + worldly rank. What is your age?” + </p> + <p> + “I am in my twenty-first year.” + </p> + <p> + “Benedicamus Dominum,” he commented, though I could not grasp the + appositeness of the comment. “You stand accused, Agostino d'Anguissola, of + sacrilege and of defiling holy things. What have you to say? Do you + confess your guilt?” + </p> + <p> + “I am so far from confessing it,” I answered, “that I have yet to learn + what is the nature of the sacrilege with which I am charged. I am + conscious of no such sin. Far from it, indeed...” + </p> + <p> + “You shall be informed,” he interrupted, imposing silence upon me by a + wave of his fat hand; and heaving his vast bulk sideways—“Read him + the indictment,” he bade one of the amanuenses. + </p> + <p> + From the depths of a vizored cowl came a thin, shrill voice: + </p> + <p> + “The Holy Office has knowledge that Agostino d'Anguissola did for a space + of some six months, during the winter of the year of Our Blessed Lord + 1544, and the spring of the year of Our Blessed Lord 1545, pursue a + fraudulent and sacrilegious traffic, adulterating, for moneys which he + extorted from the poor and the faithful, things which are holy, and + adapting them to his own base purposes. It is charged against him that in + a hermitage on Monte Orsaro he did claim for an image of St. Sebastian + that it was miraculous, that it had power to heal suffering and that + miraculously it bled from its wounds each year during Passion Week, whence + it resulted that pilgrimages were made to this false shrine and great + store of alms was collected by the said Agostino d'Anguissola, which + moneys he appropriated to his own purposes. It is further known that + ultimately he fled the place, fearing discovery, and that after his flight + the image was discovered broken and the cunning engine by which this + diabolical sacrilege was perpetrated was revealed.” + </p> + <p> + Throughout the reading, the fleshy eyes of the inquisitor had been + steadily, inscrutably regarding me. He passed a hand over his pendulous + chin, as the thin voice faded into silence. + </p> + <p> + “You have heard,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard a tangle of falsehood,” answered I. “Never was truth more + untruly told than this.” + </p> + <p> + The beady eyes vanished behind narrowing creases of fat; and yet I knew + that they were still regarding me. Presently they appeared again. + </p> + <p> + “Do you deny that the image contained this hideous engine of fraud?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Set it down,” he eagerly bade one of the amanuenses. “He confesses thus + much.” And then to me—“Do you deny that you occupied that hermitage + during the season named?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not.” + </p> + <p> + “Set it down,” he said again. “What, then, remains?” he asked me. + </p> + <p> + “It remains that I knew nothing of the fraud. The trickster was a + pretended monk who dwelt there before me and at whose death I was present. + I took his place thereafter, implicitly believing in the miraculous image, + refusing, when its fraud was ultimately suggested to me, to credit that + any man could have dared so vile and sacrilegious a thing. In the end, + when it was broken and its fraud discovered, I quitted that ghastly shrine + of Satan's in horror and disgust.” + </p> + <p> + There was no emotion on the huge, yellow face. “That is the obvious + defence,” he said slowly. “But it does not explain the appropriation of + the moneys.” + </p> + <p> + “I appropriated none,” I cried angrily. That is the foulest lie of all.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you deny that alms were made?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly they were made; though to what extent I am unaware. A vessel of + baked earth stood at the door to receive the offerings of the faithful. It + had been my predecessor's practice to distribute a part of these alms + among the poor; a part, it was said, he kept to build a bridge over the + Bagnanza torrent, which was greatly needed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well?” quoth he. “And when you left you took with you the moneys + that had been collected?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not,” I answered. “I gave the matter no thought. When I left I took + nothing with me—not so much as the habit I had worn in that + hermitage.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. Then he spoke slowly. “Such is not the evidence before + the Holy Office.” + </p> + <p> + “What evidence?” I cried, breaking in upon his speech. “Where is my + accuser? Set me face to face with him.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly he shook his huge head with its absurd fringe of greasy locks about + the tonsured scalp—that symbol of the Crown of Thorns. + </p> + <p> + “You must surely know that such is not the way of the Holy Office. In its + wisdom this tribunal holds that to produce delators would be to subject + them perhaps to molestation, and thus dry up the springs of knowledge and + information which it now enjoys. So that your request is idle as idle as + is the attempt at defence that you have made, the falsehoods with which + you have sought to clog the wheels of justice.” + </p> + <p> + “Falsehood, sir monk?” quoth I, so fiercely that one of my attendants set + a restraining hand upon my arm. + </p> + <p> + The beady eyes vanished and reappeared, and they considered me + impassively. + </p> + <p> + “Your sin, Agostino d'Anguissola,” said he in his booming, level voice, + “is the most hideous that the wickedness of man could conceive or + diabolical greed put into execution. It is the sin that more than any + other closes the door to mercy. It is the offence of Simon Mage, and it is + to be expiated only through the gates of death. You shall return hence to + your cell, and when the door closes upon you, it closes upon you for all + time in life, nor shall you ever see your fellow-man again. There hunger + and thirst shall be your executioners, slowly to deprive you of a life of + which you have not known how to make better use. Without light or food or + drink shall you remain there until you die. This is the punishment for + such sacrilege as yours.” + </p> + <p> + I could not believe it. I stood before him what time he mouthed out those + horrible and emotionless words. He paused a moment, and again came that + broad gesture of his that stroked mouth and chin. Then he resumed: + </p> + <p> + “So much for your body. There remains your soul. In its infinite mercy, + the Holy Office desires that your expiation be fulfilled in this life, and + that you may be rescued from the fires of everlasting Hell. Therefore it + urges you to cleanse yourself by a full and contrite avowal ere you go + hence. Confess, then, my son, and save your soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Confess?” I echoed. “Confess to a falsehood? I have told you the truth of + this matter. I tell you that in all the world there is none less prone to + sacrilege than I that I am by nature and rearing devout and faithful. + These are lies which have been uttered to my hurt. In dooming me you doom + an innocent man. Be it so. I do not know that I have found the world so + delectable a place as to quit it with any great regret. My blood be upon + your own heads and upon this iniquitous and monstrous tribunal. But spare + yourselves at least the greater offence of asking my confession of a + falsehood.” + </p> + <p> + The little eyes had vanished. The face grew very evil, stirred at last + into animosity by my denunciation of that court. Then the inscrutable mask + slipped once more over that odious countenance. + </p> + <p> + He took up a little mallet, and struck a gong that stood beside him. + </p> + <p> + I heard a creaking of hinges, and saw an opening in the wall to my right, + where I had perceived no door. Two men came forth—brawny, muscular, + bearded men in coarse, black hose and leathern waistcoats cut deep at the + neck and leaving their great arms entirely naked. The foremost carried a + thong of leather in his hands. + </p> + <p> + “The hoist,” said the inquisitor shortly. + </p> + <p> + The men advanced towards me and came to replace the familiars between whom + I had been standing. Each seized an arm, and they held me so. I made no + resistance. + </p> + <p> + “Will you confess?” the inquisitor demanded. “There is still time to save + yourself from torture.” + </p> + <p> + But already the torture had commenced, for the very threat of it is known + as the first degree. I was in despair. Death I could suffer. But under + torments I feared that my strength might fail. I felt my flesh creeping + and tightening upon my body, which had grown very cold with the awful + chill of fear; my hair seemed to bristle and stiffen until I thought that + I could feel each separate thread of it. + </p> + <p> + “I swear to you that I have spoken the truth,” I cried desperately. “I + swear it by the sacred image of Our Redeemer standing there before you.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we believe the oath of an unbeliever attainted of sacrilege?” he + grumbled, and he almost seemed to sneer. + </p> + <p> + “Believe or not,” I answered. “But believe this—that one day you + shall stand face to face with a Judge Whom there is no deceiving, to + answer for the abomination that you make of justice in His Holy Name. Let + loose against me your worst cruelties, then; they shall be as caresses to + the torments that will be loosed against you when your turn for Judgment + comes.” + </p> + <p> + “To the hoist with him,” he commanded, stretching an arm towards the grey + tentacle-like ropes. “We must soften his heart and break the diabolical + pride that makes him persevere in blasphemy.” + </p> + <p> + They led me aside into that place of torments, and one of them drew down + the ropes from the pulley overhead, until the ends fell on a level with my + wrists. And this was torture of the second degree—to see its + imminence. + </p> + <p> + “Will you confess?” boomed the inquisitor's voice. I made him no answer. + </p> + <p> + “Strip and attach him,” he commanded. + </p> + <p> + The executioners laid hold of me, and in the twinkling of an eye I stood + naked to the waist. I caught my lips in my teeth as the ropes were being + adjusted to my wrists, and as thus I suffered torture of the third degree. + </p> + <p> + “Will you confess?” came again the question. + </p> + <p> + And scarcely had it been put—for the last time, as I well knew—than + the door was flung open, and a young man in black sprang into the chamber, + and ran to thrust a parchment before the inquisitor. + </p> + <p> + The inquisitor made a sign to the executioners to await his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + I stood with throbbing pulses, and waited, instinctively warned that this + concerned me. The inquisitor took the parchment, considered its seals and + then the writing upon it. + </p> + <p> + That done he set it down and turned to face us. + </p> + <p> + “Release him,” he bade the executioners, whereat I felt as I would faint + in the intensity of this reaction. + </p> + <p> + When they had done his bidding, the Dominican beckoned me forward. I went, + still marvelling. + </p> + <p> + “See,” he said, “how inscrutable are the Divine ways, and how truth must + in the end prevail. Your innocence is established, after all, since the + Holy Father himself has seen cause to intervene to save you. You are at + liberty. You are free to depart and to go wheresoever you will. This bull + concerns you.” And he held it out to me. + </p> + <p> + My mind moved through these happenings as a man moves through a dense fog, + faltering and hesitating at every step. I took the parchment and + considered it. Satisfied as to its nature, however mystified as to how the + Pope had come to intervene, I folded the document and thrust it into my + belt. + </p> + <p> + Then the familiars of the Holy Office assisted me to resume my garments; + and all was done now in utter silence, and for my own part in the same + mental and dream-like confusion. + </p> + <p> + At length the inquisitor waved a huge hand doorwards. “Ite!” he said, and + added, whilst his raised hand seemed to perform a benedictory gesture—“Pax + Domini sit tecum.” + </p> + <p> + “Et cum spiritu tuo,” I replied mechanically, as, turning, I stumbled out + of that dread place in the wake of the messenger who had brought the bull, + and who went ahead to guide me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE RETURN + </h2> + <p> + Above in the blessed sunlight, which hurt my eyes—for I had not seen + it for a full week—I found Galeotto awaiting me in a bare room; and + scarcely was I aware of his presence than his great arms went round me and + enclasped me so fervently that his corselet almost hurt my breast, and + brought back as in a flash a poignant memory of another man fully as tall, + who had held me to him one night many years ago, and whose armour, too, + had hurt me in that embrace. + </p> + <p> + Then he held me at arms' length and considered me, and his steely eyes + were blurred and moist. He muttered something to the familiar, linked his + arm through mine and drew me away, down passages, through doors, and so at + last into the busy Roman street. + </p> + <p> + We went in silence by ways that were well known to him but in which I + should assuredly have lost myself, and so we came at last to a fair tavern—the + Osteria del Sole—near the Tower of Nona. + </p> + <p> + His horse was stalled here, and a servant led the way above-stairs to the + room that he had hired. + </p> + <p> + How wrong had I not been, I reflected, to announce before the Inquisition + that I should have no regrets in leaving this world. How ungrateful was + that speech, considering this faithful one who loved me for my father's + sake! And was there not Bianca, who, surely—if her last cry, wrung + from her by anguish, contained the truth—must love me for my own? + </p> + <p> + How sweet the revulsion that now came upon me as I sank into a chair by + the window, and gave myself up to the enjoyment of that truly happy moment + in which the grey shadow of death had been lifted from me. + </p> + <p> + Servants bustled in, to spread the board with the choice meats that + Galeotto had ordered, and great baskets of luscious fruits and flagons of + red Puglia wine; and soon we seated ourselves to the feast. + </p> + <p> + But ere I began to eat, I asked Galeotto how this miracle had been + wrought; what magic powers he wielded that even the Holy Office must open + its doors at his bidding. With a glance at the servants who attended us, + he bade me eat, saying that we should talk anon. And as my reaction had + brought a sharp hunger in its train, I fell to with the best will in all + the world, and from broth to figs there were few words between us. + </p> + <p> + At last, our goblets charged and the servants with-drawn, I repeated my + inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “The magic is not mine,” said Galeotto. “It is Cavalcanti's. It was he who + obtained this bull.” + </p> + <p> + And with that he set himself briefly to relate the matters that already + are contained here concerning that transaction, but the minuter details of + which I was later to extract from Falcone. And as he proceeded with his + narrative I felt myself growing cold again with apprehension, just as I + had grown cold that morning in the hands of the executioners. Until at + last, seeing me dead-white, Galeotto checked to inquire what ailed me. + </p> + <p> + “What—what was the price that Cavalcanti paid for this?” I inquired + in answer. + </p> + <p> + “I could not glean it, nor did I stay to insist, for there was haste. He + assured me that the thing had been accomplished without hurt to his + honour, life, or liberty; and with that I was content, and spurred for + Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have never since thought what the price was that Cavalcanti might + have paid?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with troubled eyes. “I confess that in this matter the + satisfaction of coming to your salvation has made me selfish. I have had + thoughts for nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + I groaned, and flung out my arms across the table. “He has paid such a + price,” I said, “that a thousand times sooner would I that you had left me + where I was.” + </p> + <p> + He leaned forward, frowning darkly. “What do you mean?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + And then I told him what I feared; told him how Farnese had sued for + Bianca's hand for Cosimo; how proudly and finally Cavalcanti had refused; + how the Duke had insisted that he would remain at Pagliano until my lord + changed his mind; how I had learned from Giuliana the horrible motive that + urged the Duke to press for that marriage. + </p> + <p> + Lastly—“And that is the price he consented to pay,” I cried wildly. + “His daughter—that sweet virgin—was the price! And at this + hour, maybe, the price is paid and that detestable bargain consummated. O, + Galeotto! Galeotto! Why was I not left to rot in that dungeon of the + Inquisition—since I could have died happily, knowing naught of + this?” + </p> + <p> + “By the Blood of God, boy! Do you imply that I had knowledge? Do you + suggest that I would have bought any life at such a price?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” I answered. “I know that you did not—that you could + not...” And then I leaped to my feet. “And we sit talking here, whilst + this... whilst this... O God!” I sobbed. “We may yet be in time. To horse, + then! Let us away!” + </p> + <p> + He, too, came to his feet. “Ay, you are right. It but remains to remedy + the evil. Come, then. Anger shall mend my spent strength. It can be done + in three days. We will ride as none ever rode yet since the world began.” + </p> + <p> + And we did—so desperately that by the morning of the third day, + which was a Sunday, we were in Forli (having crossed the Apennines at + Arcangelo) and by that same evening in Bologna. We had not slept and we + had scarcely rested since leaving Rome. We were almost dead from + weariness. + </p> + <p> + Since such was my own case, what must have been Galeotto's? He was of + iron, it is true. But consider that he had ridden this way at as desperate + a pace already, to save me from the clutches of the Inquisition; and that, + scarce rested, he was riding north again. Consider this, and you will not + marvel that his weariness conquered him at last. + </p> + <p> + At the inn at Bologna where we dismounted, we found old Falcone awaiting + us. He had set out with his master to ride to Rome. But being himself + saddle-worn at the time, he had been unable to proceed farther than this, + and here Galeotto in his fierce impatience had left him, pursuing his way + alone. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, we found the equerry again, consumed by anxiety. He leapt + forward to greet me, addressing me by the old title of Madonnino which I + loved to hear from him, however much that title might otherwise arouse + harsh and gloomy memories. + </p> + <p> + Here at Bologna Galeotto announced that he would be forced to rest, and we + slept for three hours—until night had closed in. We were shaken out + of our slumbers by the host as he had been ordered; but even then I lay + entranced, my limbs refusing their office, until the memory of what was at + issue acted like a spur upon me, and caused me to fling my weariness aside + as if it had been a cloak. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto, however, was in a deplorable case. He could not move a limb. He + was exhausted—utterly and hopelessly exhausted with fatigue and want + of sleep. Falcone and I pulled him to his feet between us; but he + collapsed again, unable to stand. + </p> + <p> + “I am spent,” he muttered. “Give me twelve hours—twelve hours' + sleep, Agostino, and I'll ride with you to the Devil.” + </p> + <p> + I groaned and cursed in one. “Twelve hours!” I cried. “And she... I can't + wait, Galeotto. I must ride on alone.” + </p> + <p> + He lay on his back and stared up at me, and his eyes had a glassy stare. + Then he roused himself by an effort, and raised himself upon his elbow. + </p> + <p> + “That is it, boy—ride on alone. Take Falcone. Listen, there are + three score men of mine at Pagliano who will follow you to Hell at a word + that Falcone shall speak to them from me. About it, then, and save her. + But wait, boy! Do no violence to Farnese, if you can help it.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I can't?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “If you can't—no matter. But endeavour not to offer him any hurt! + Leave that to me—anon when all is ripe for it. To-day it would be + premature, and... and we... we should be... crushed by the...” His speech + trailed off into incoherent mutterings; his eyelids dropped, and he was + fast asleep again. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later we were riding north again, and all that night we rode, + along the endless Aemilian Way, pausing for no more than a draught of wine + from time to time, and munching a loaf as we rode. We crossed the Po, and + kept steadily on, taking fresh horses when we could, until towards sunset + a turn in the road brought Pagliano into our view—grey and lichened + on the crest of its smooth emerald hill. + </p> + <p> + The dusk was falling and lights began to gleam from some of the castle + windows when we brought up in the shadow of the gateway. + </p> + <p> + A man-at-arms lounged out of the guardhouse to inquire our business. + </p> + <p> + “Is Madonna Bianca wed yet?” was the breathless greeting I gave him. + </p> + <p> + He peered at me, and then at Falcone, and he swore in some surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Well, returned my lord! Madonna Bianca? The nuptials were celebrated + to-day. The bride has gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Gone?” I roared. “Gone whither, man?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to Piacenza—to my Lord Cosimo's palace there. They set out + some three hours since.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is your lord?” I asked him, flinging myself from the saddle. + </p> + <p> + “Within doors, most noble.” + </p> + <p> + How I found him, or by what ways I went to do so, are things that are + effaced completely from my memory. But I know that I came upon him in the + library. He was sitting hunched in a great chair, his face ashen, his eyes + fevered. At sight of me—the cause, however innocent, of all this + evil—his brows grew dark, and his eyes angry. If he had reproaches + for me, I gave him no time to utter them, but hurled him mine. + </p> + <p> + “What have you done, sir?” I demanded. “By what right did you do this + thing? By what right did you make a sacrifice of that sweet dove? Did you + conceive me so vile as to think that I should ever owe you gratitude—that + I should ever do aught but abhor the deed, abhor all who had a hand in it, + abhor the very life itself purchased for me at such a cost?” + </p> + <p> + He cowered before my furious wrath; for I must have seemed terrific as I + stood thundering there, my face wild, my eyes bloodshot, half mad from + pain and rage and sleeplessness. + </p> + <p> + “And do you know what you have done?” I went on. “Do you know to what you + have sold her? Must I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + And I told him, in a dozen brutal words that brought him to his feet, the + lion in him roused at last, his eyes ablaze. + </p> + <p> + “We must after them,” I urged. “We must wrest her from these beasts, and + make a widow of her for the purpose. Galeotto's lances are below and they + will follow me. You may bring what more you please. Come, sir—to + horse!” + </p> + <p> + He sprang forward with no answer beyond a muttered prayer that we might + come in time. + </p> + <p> + “We must,” I answered fiercely, and ran madly from the room, along the + gallery and down the stairs, shouting and raging like a maniac, Cavalcanti + following me. + </p> + <p> + Within ten minutes, Galeotto's three score men and another score of those + who garrisoned Pagliano for Cavalcanti were in the saddle and galloping + hell-for-leather to Piacenza. Ahead on fresh horses went Falcone and I, + the Lord of Pagliano spurring beside me and pestering me with questions as + to the source of my knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Our great fear was lest we should find the gates of Piacenza closed on our + arrival. But we covered the ten miles in something under an hour, and the + head of our little column was already through the Fodesta Gate when the + first hour of night rang out from the Duomo, giving the signal for the + closing of the gates. + </p> + <p> + The officer in charge turned out to view so numerous a company, and + challenged us to stand. But I flung him the answer that we were the Black + Bands of Ser Galeotto and that we rode by order of the Duke, with which + perforce he had to be content; for we did not stay for more and were too + numerous to be detained by such meagre force as he commanded. + </p> + <p> + Up the dark street we swept—the same street down which I had last + ridden on that night when Gambara had opened the gates of the prison for + me—and so we came to the square and to Cosimo's palace. + </p> + <p> + All was in darkness, and the great doors were closed. A strange appearance + this for a house to which a bride had so newly come. + </p> + <p> + I dismounted as lightly as if I had not ridden lately more than just the + ten miles from Pagliano. Indeed, I had become unconscious of all fatigue, + entirely oblivious of the fact that for three nights now I had not slept—save + for the three hours at Bologna. + </p> + <p> + I knocked briskly on the iron-studded gates. We stood there waiting, + Cavalcanti and Falcone afoot with me, the men on horseback still, a silent + phalanx. + </p> + <p> + I issued an order to Falcone. “Ten of them to secure our egress, the rest + to remain here and allow none to leave the house.” + </p> + <p> + The equerry stepped back to convey the command in his turn to the men, and + the ten he summoned slipped instantly from their saddles and ranged + themselves in the shadow of the wall. + </p> + <p> + I knocked again, more imperatively, and at last the postern in the door + was opened by an elderly serving-man. + </p> + <p> + “What's this?” he asked, and thrust a lanthorn into my face. + </p> + <p> + “We seek Messer Cosimo d'Anguissola,” I answered. He looked beyond me at + the troop that lined the street, and his face became troubled. “Why, what + is amiss?” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + “Fool, I shall tell that to your master. Conduct me to him. The matter + presses.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then—but have you not heard? My lord was wed to-day. You would + not have my lord disturbed at such a time?” He seemed to leer. + </p> + <p> + I put my foot into his stomach, and bore him backward, flinging him full + length upon the ground. He went over and rolled away into a corner, where + he lay bellowing. + </p> + <p> + “Silence him!” I bade the men who followed us in. “Then, half of you + remain here to guard the stairs; the rest attend us.” + </p> + <p> + The house was vast, and it remained silent, so that it did not seem that + the clown's scream when he went over had been heard by any. + </p> + <p> + Up the broad staircase we sped, guided by the light of the lanthorn, which + Falcone had picked up—for the place was ominously in darkness. + Cavalcanti kept pace with me, panting with rage and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the stairs we came upon a man whom I recognized for one of + the Duke's gentlemen-in-waiting. He had been attracted, no doubt, by the + sound of our approach; but at sight of us he turned to escape. Cavalcanti + reached forward in time to take him by the ankle, so that he came down + heavily upon his face. + </p> + <p> + In an instant I was sitting upon him, my dagger at his throat. + </p> + <p> + “A sound,” said I, “and you shall finish it in Hell!” Eyes bulging with + fear stared at me out of his white face. He was an effeminate cur, of the + sort that the Duke was wont to keep about him, and at once I saw that we + should have no trouble with him. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Cosimo?” I asked him shortly. “Come, man, conduct us to the room + that holds him if you would buy your dirty life.” + </p> + <p> + “He is not here,” wailed the fellow. + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you hound,” said Cavalcanti, and turning to me—“Finish + him, Agostino,” he bade me. + </p> + <p> + The man under me writhed, filled now by the terror that Cavalcanti had so + cunningly known how to inspire in him. “I swear to God that he is not + here,” he answered, and but that fear had robbed him of his voice, he + would have screamed it. “Gesu! I swear it—it is true!” + </p> + <p> + I looked up at Cavalcanti, baffled, and sick with sudden dismay. I saw + Cavalcanti's eye, which had grown dull, kindle anew. He stooped over the + prostrate man. + </p> + <p> + “Is the bride here—is my daughter in this house?” + </p> + <p> + The fellow whimpered and did not answer until my dagger's edge was at his + throat again. Then he suddenly screeched—“Yes!” + </p> + <p> + In an instant I had dragged him to his feet again, his pretty clothes and + daintily curled hair all crumpled, so that he looked the most pitiful + thing in all the world. + </p> + <p> + “Lead us to her chamber,” I bade him. + </p> + <p> + And he obeyed as men obey when the fear of death is upon them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE NUPTIALS OF BIANCA + </h2> + <p> + An awful thought was in my mind as we went, evoked by the presence in such + a place of one of the Duke's gentlemen; an awful question rose again and + again to my lips, and yet I could not bring myself to utter it. + </p> + <p> + So we went on in utter silence now, my hand upon his shoulder, clutching + velvet doublet and flesh and bone beneath it, my dagger bare in my other + hand. + </p> + <p> + We crossed an antechamber whose heavy carpet muffled our footsteps, and we + halted before tapestry curtains that masked a door, Here, curbing my + fierce impatience, I paused. I signed to the five attendant soldiers to + come no farther; then I consigned the courtier who had guided us to the + care of Falcone, and I restrained Cavalcanti, who was shaking from head to + foot. + </p> + <p> + I raised the heavy, muffling curtain, and standing there an instant by the + door, I heard my Bianca's voice, and her words seemed to freeze the very + marrow in my bones. + </p> + <p> + “O, my lord,” she was imploring in a choking voice, “O, my lord, have pity + on me!” + </p> + <p> + “Sweet,” came the answer, “it is I who beseech pity at your hands. Do you + not see how I suffer? Do you not see how fiercely love of you is torturing + me—how I burn—that you can so cruelly deny me?” + </p> + <p> + It was Farnese's voice. Cosimo, that dastard, had indeed carried out the + horrible compact of which Giuliana had warned me, carried it out in a more + horrible and inhuman manner than even she had suggested or suspected. + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti would have hurled himself against the door but that I set a + hand upon his arm to restrain him, and a finger of my other hand—the + one that held the dagger—to my lips. + </p> + <p> + Softly I tried the latch. I was amazed to find the door yield. And yet, + where was the need to lock it? What interruption could he have feared in a + house that evidently had been delivered over to him by the bridegroom, a + house that was in the hands of his own people? + </p> + <p> + Very quietly I thrust the door open, and we stood there upon the threshold—Cavalcanti + and I—father and lover of that sweet maid who was the prey of this + foul Duke. We stood whilst a man might count a dozen, silent witnesses of + that loathsome scene. + </p> + <p> + The bridal chamber was all hung in golden arras, save the great carved bed + which was draped in dead-white velvet and ivory damask—symbolizing + the purity of the sweet victim to be offered up upon that sacrificial + altar. + </p> + <p> + And to that dread sacrifice she had come—for my sake, as I was to + learn—with the fearful willingness of Iphigenia. For that sacrifice + she had been prepared; but not for this horror that was thrust upon her + now. + </p> + <p> + She crouched upon a tall-backed praying-stool, her gown not more white + than her face, her little hands convulsively clasped to make her prayer to + that monster who stood over her, his mottled face all flushed, his eyes + glowing as they considered her helplessness and terror with horrible, + pitiless greed. + </p> + <p> + Thus we observed them, ourselves unperceived for some moments, for the + praying-stool on which she crouched was placed to the left, by the cowled + fire-place, in which a fire of scented wood was crackling, the scene + lighted by two golden candlebranches that stood upon the table near the + curtained window. + </p> + <p> + “O, my lord!” she cried in her despair, “of your mercy leave me, and no + man shall ever know that you sought me thus. I will be silent, my lord. O, + if you have no pity for me, have, at least, pity for yourself. Do not + cover yourself with the infamy of such a deed—a deed that will make + you hateful to all men.” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly at such a price would I purchase your love, my Bianca! What pains + could daunt me? Ah, you are mine, you are mine!” + </p> + <p> + As the hawk that has been long poised closes its wings and drops at last + upon its prey, so swooped he of a sudden down upon her, caught and dragged + her up from the praying-stool to crush her to him. + </p> + <p> + She screamed in that embrace, and sought to battle, swinging round so that + her back was fully towards us, and Farnese, swinging round also in that + struggle, faced us and beheld us. + </p> + <p> + It was as if a mask had been abruptly plucked from his face, so sudden and + stupendous was its alteration. From flushed that it had been it grew livid + and sickly; the unholy fires were spent in his eyes, and they grew dull + and dead as a snake's; his jaw was loosened, and the sensual mouth looked + unutterably foolish. + </p> + <p> + For a moment I think I smiled upon him, and then Cavalcanti and I sprang + forward, both together. As we moved, his arms loosened their hold, and + Bianca would have fallen but that I caught her. + </p> + <p> + Her terror still upon her, she glanced upwards to see what fresh enemy was + this, and then, at sight of my face, as my arms closed about her, and held + her safe— + </p> + <p> + “Agostino!” she cried, and closed her eyes to lie panting on my breast. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, fleeing like a scared rat before the anger of Cavalcanti, + scuttled down the room to a small door in the wall that held the + fire-place. He tore it open and sprang through, Cavalcanti following + recklessly. + </p> + <p> + There was a snarl and a cry, and the Lord of Pagliano staggered back, + clutching one hand to his breast, and through his fingers came an ooze of + blood. Falcone ran to him. But Cavalcanti swore like a man possessed. + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing!” he snapped. “By the horns of Satan! it is nothing. A + flesh wound, and like a fool I gave back before it. After him! In there! + Kill! Kill!” + </p> + <p> + Out came Falcone's sword with a swish, and into the dark closet beyond + went the equerry with a roar, Cavalcanti after him. + </p> + <p> + It seemed that scarce had Farnese got within that closet than, flattening + himself against the wall, he had struck at Cavalcanti as the latter + followed, thus driving him back and gaining all the respite he needed. For + now they found the closet empty. There was a door beyond, that opened to a + corridor, and this was locked. Not a doubt but that Farnese had gone that + way. They broke that door down. I heard them at it what time I comforted + Bianca, and soothed her, stroking her head, her cheek, and murmuring + fondly to her until presently she was weeping softly. + </p> + <p> + Thus Cavalcanti and Falcone found us presently when they returned. Farnese + had escaped with one of his gentlemen who had reached him in time to warn + him that the street was full of soldiers and the palace itself invaded. + Thereupon the Duke had dropped from one of the windows to the garden, his + gentleman with him, and Cavalcanti had been no more than in time to see + them disappearing through the garden gate. + </p> + <p> + The Lord of Pagliano's buff-coat was covered with blood where Pier Luigi + had stabbed him. But he would give the matter no thought. He was like a + tiger now. He dashed out into the antechamber, and I heard him bellowing + orders. Someone screamed horribly, and then followed a fierce din as if + the very place were coming down about our ears. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” cried Bianca, quivering in my arms. “Are... are they + fighting?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think so, sweet,” I answered her. “We are in great strength. + Have no fear.” + </p> + <p> + And then Falcone came in again. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord of Pagliano is raging like a madman,” he said. “We had best be + getting away or we shall have a brush with the Captain of Justice.” + </p> + <p> + Supporting Bianca, I led her from that chamber. + </p> + <p> + “Where are we going?” she asked me. + </p> + <p> + “Home to Pagliano,” I answered her, and with that answer comforted that + sorely tried maid. + </p> + <p> + We found the antechamber in wreckage. The great chandelier had been + dragged from the ceiling, pictures were slashed and cut to ribbons, the + arras had been torn from the walls and the costly furniture was reduced to + fire-wood; the double-windows opening to the balcony stood wide, and not a + pane of glass left whole, the fragments lying all about the place. + </p> + <p> + Thus, it seemed, childishly almost, had Cavalcanti vented his terrible + rage, and I could well conceive what would have befallen any of the Duke's + people upon whom in that hour he had chanced. I did not know then that the + poor pimp who had acted as our guide was hanging from the balcony dead, + nor that his had been the horrible scream I had heard. + </p> + <p> + On the stairs we met the raging Cavalcanti reascending, the stump of his + shivered sword in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Hasten!” he cried. “I was coming for you. Let us begone!” + </p> + <p> + Below, just within the main doors we found a pile of furniture set on a + heap of straw. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “You shall see,” he roared. “Get to horse.” + </p> + <p> + I hesitated a moment, then obeyed him, and took Bianca on the withers in + front of me, my arm about her to support her. + </p> + <p> + Then he called to one of the men-at-arms who stood by with a flaring + torch. He snatched the brand from his hand, and stabbed the straw with it + in a dozen places, from each of which there leapt at once a tongue of + flame. When, at last, he flung the torch into the heart of the pile, it + was all a roaring, hissing, crackling blaze. + </p> + <p> + He stood back and laughed. “If there are any more of his brothel-mates in + the house, they can escape as he did. They will be more fortunate than + that one.” And he pointed up to the limp figure hanging from the balcony, + so that I now learnt what already I have told you. + </p> + <p> + With my hand I screened Bianca's eyes. “Do not look,” I bade her. + </p> + <p> + I shuddered at the sight of that limply hanging body. And yet I reflected + that it was just. Any man who could have lent his aid to the foul crime + that was attempted there that night deserved this fate and worse. + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti got to horse, and we rode down the street, bringing folk to + their windows in alarm. Behind us the flames began to lick out from the + ground floor of Cosimo's palace. + </p> + <p> + We reached the Porta Fodesta, and peremptorily bade the guard to open for + us. He answered, as became his duty, with the very words that had been + addressed to me at that place on a night two years ago: + </p> + <p> + “None passes out to-night.” + </p> + <p> + In an instant a group of our men surrounded him, others made a living + barrier before the guard-house, whilst two or three dismounted, drew the + bolts, and dragged the great gates open. + </p> + <p> + We rode on, crossing the river, and heading straight for Pagliano. + </p> + <p> + For a while it was the sweetest ride that ever I rode, with my Bianca + nestling against my breast, and responding faintly to all the foolishness + that poured from me in that ambrosial hour. + </p> + <p> + And then it seemed to me that we rode not by night but in the blazing + light of day, along a dusty road, flanking an arid, sun-drenched stretch + of the Campagna; and despite the aridity there must be water somewhere, + for I heard it thundering as the Bagnanza had thundered after rain, and + yet I knew that could not be the Bagnanza, for the Bagnanza was nowhere in + the neighbourhood of Rome. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a great voice, and I knew it for the voice of Bianca, called me + by name. + </p> + <p> + “Agostino!” + </p> + <p> + The vision was dissipated. It was night again and we were riding for + Pagliano through the fertile lands of ultra-Po; and there was Bianca + clutching at my breast and uttering my name in accents of fear, whilst the + company about me was halting. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” cried Cavalcanti. “Are you hurt?” I understood. I had been + dozing in the saddle, and I must have rolled out of it but that Bianca + awakened me with her cry. I said so. + </p> + <p> + “Body of Satan!” he swore. “To doze at such a time!” + </p> + <p> + “I have scarce been out of the saddle for three days and three nights—this + is the fourth,” I informed him. “I have had but three hours' sleep since + we left Rome. I am done,” I admitted. “You, sir, had best take your + daughter. She is no longer safe with me.” + </p> + <p> + It was so. The fierce tension which had banished sleep from me whilst + these things were doing, being now relaxed, left me exhausted as Galeotto + had been at Bologna. And Galeotto had urged me to halt and rest there! He + had begged for twelve hours! I could now thank Heaven from a full heart + for having given me the strength and resolution to ride on, for those + twelve hours would have made all the difference between Heaven and Hell. + </p> + <p> + Cavalcanti himself would not take her, confessing to some weakness. For + all that he insisted that his wound was not serious, yet he had lost much + blood through having neglected in his rage to stanch it. So it was to + Falcone that fell the charge of that sweet burden. + </p> + <p> + The last thing I remember was Cavalcanti's laugh, as, from the high ground + we had mounted, he stopped to survey a ruddy glare above the city of + Piacenza, where, in a vomit of sparks, Cosimo's fine palace was being + consumed. + </p> + <p> + Then we rode down into the valley again; and as we went the thud of hooves + grew more and more distant, and I slept in the saddle as I rode, a + man-at-arms on either side of me, so that I remember no more of the doings + of that strenuous night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE PENANCE + </h2> + <p> + I awakened in the chamber that had been mine at Pagliano before my arrest + by order of the Holy Office, and I was told upon awakening that I had + slept a night and a day and that it was eventide once more. + </p> + <p> + I rose, bathed, and put on a robe of furs, and then Galeotto came to visit + me. + </p> + <p> + He had arrived at dawn, and he too had slept for some ten hours since his + arrival, yet despite of it his air was haggard, his glance overcast and + heavy. + </p> + <p> + I greeted him joyously, conscious that we had done well. But he remained + gloomy and unresponsive. + </p> + <p> + “There is ill news,” he said at last. “Cavalcanti is in a raging fever, + and he is sapped of strength, his body almost drained of blood. I even + fear that he is poisoned, that Farnese's dagger was laden with some + venom.” + </p> + <p> + “O, surely... it will be well with him!” I faltered. He shook his head + sombrely, his brows furrowed. + </p> + <p> + “He must have been stark mad last night. To have raged as he did with such + a wound upon him, and to have ridden ten miles afterwards! O, it was + midsummer frenzy that sustained him. Here in the courtyard he reeled + unconscious from the saddle; they found him drenched with blood from head + to foot; and he has been unconscious ever since. I am afraid...” He + shrugged despondently. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that... that he may die?” I asked scarce above a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a miracle if he does not. And that is one more crime to the + score of Pier Luigi.” He said it in a tone of indescribable passion, + shaking his clenched fist at the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + The miracle did not come to pass. Two days later, in the presence of + Galeotto, Bianca, Fra Gervasio, who had been summoned from his Piacenza + convent to shrive the unfortunate baron, and myself, Ettore Cavalcanti + sank quietly to rest. + </p> + <p> + Whether he was dealt an envenomed wound, as Galeotto swore, or whether he + died as a result of the awful draining of his veins, I do not know. + </p> + <p> + At the end he had a moment of lucidity. + </p> + <p> + “You will guard my Bianca, Agostino,” he said to me, and I swore it + fervently, as he bade me, whilst upon her knees beyond the bed, clasping + one of his hands that had grown white as marble, Bianca was sobbing + brokenheartedly. + </p> + <p> + Then the dying man turned his head to Galeotto. “You will see justice done + upon that monster ere you die,” he said. “It is God's holy work.” + </p> + <p> + And then his mind became clouded again by the mists of approaching + dissolution, and he sank into a sleep, from which he never awakened. + </p> + <p> + We buried him on the morrow in the Chapel of Pagliano, and on the next day + Galeotto drew up a memorial wherein he set forth all the circumstances of + the affair in which that gallant gentleman had met his end. It was a + terrible indictment of Pier Luigi Farnese. Of this memorial he prepared + two copies, and to these—as witnesses of all the facts therein + related—Bianca, Falcone, and I appended our signatures, and Fra + Gervasio added his own. One of these copies Galeotto dispatched to the + Pope, the other to Ferrante Gonzaga in Milan, with a request that it + should be submitted to the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + When the memorial was signed, he rose, and taking Bianca's hand in his + own, he swore by his every hope of salvation that ere another year was + sped her father should be avenged together with all the other of Pier + Luigi's victims. + </p> + <p> + That same day he set out again upon his conspirator's work, whose aim was + not only the life of Pier Luigi, but the entire shattering of the + Pontifical sway in Parma and Piacenza. Some days later he sent me another + score of lances—for he kept his forces scattered about the country + whilst gradually he increased their numbers. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter we waited for events at Pagliano, the drawbridge raised, and + none entering save after due challenge. + </p> + <p> + We expected an attack which never came; for Pier Luigi did not dare to + lead an army against an Imperial fief upon such hopeless grounds as were + his own. Possibly, too, Galeotto's memorial may have caused the Pope to + impose restraint upon his dissolute son. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo d'Anguissola, however, had the effrontery to send a messenger a + week later to Pagliano, to demand the surrender of his wife, saying that + she was his by God's law and man's, and threatening to enforce his rights + by an appeal to the Vatican. + </p> + <p> + That we sent the messenger empty-handed away, it is scarce necessary to + chronicle. I was in command at Pagliano, holding it in Bianca's name, as + Bianca's lieutenant and castellan, and I made oath that I would never + lower the bridge to admit an enemy. + </p> + <p> + But Cosimo's message aroused in us a memory that had lain dormant these + days. She was no longer for my wooing. She was the wife of another. + </p> + <p> + It came to us almost as a flash of lightning in the night; and it startled + us by all that it revealed. + </p> + <p> + “The fault of it is all mine,” said she, as we sat that evening in the + gold-and-purple dining-room where we had supped. + </p> + <p> + It was with those words that she broke the silence that had endured + throughout the repast, until the departure of the pages and the seneschal + who had ministered to us precisely as in the days when Cavalcanti had been + alive. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, not that, sweet!” I implored her, reaching a hand to her across the + table. + </p> + <p> + “But it is true, my dear,” she answered, covering my hand with her own. + “If I had shown you more mercy when so contritely you confessed your sin, + mercy would have been shown to me. I should have known from the sign I had + that we were destined for each other; that nothing that you had done could + alter that. I did know it, and yet...” She halted there, her lip + tremulous. + </p> + <p> + “And yet you did the only thing that you could do when your sweet purity + was outraged by the knowledge of what I really had been.” + </p> + <p> + “But you were so no more,” she said with a something of pleading in her + voice. + </p> + <p> + “It was you—the blessed sight of you that cleansed me,” I cried. + “When love for you awoke in me, I knew love for the first time, for that + other thing which I deemed love had none of love's holiness. Your image + drove out all the sin from my soul. The peace which half a year of + penance, of fasting and flagellation could not bring me, was brought me by + my love for you when it awoke. It was as a purifying fire that turned to + ashes all the evil of desires that my heart had held.” + </p> + <p> + Her hand pressed mine. She was weeping softly. + </p> + <p> + “I was an outcast,” I continued. “I was a mariner without compass, far + from the sight of land, striving to find my way by the light of sentiments + implanted in me from early youth. I sought salvation desperately—sought + it in a hermitage, as I would have sought it in a cloister but that I had + come to regard myself as unworthy of the cloistered life. I found it at + last, in you, in the blessed contemplation of you. It was you who taught + me the lesson that the world is God's world and that God is in the world + as much as in the cloister. Such was the burden of your message that night + when you appeared to me on Monte Orsaro.” + </p> + <p> + “O, Agostino!” she cried, “and all this being so can you refrain from + blaming me for what has come to pass? If I had but had faith in you—the + faith in the sign which we both received—I should have known all + this; known that if you had sinned you had been tempted and that you had + atoned.” + </p> + <p> + “I think the atonement lies here and now, in this,” I answered very + gravely. “She was the wife of another who dragged me down. You are the + wife of another who have lifted me up. She through sin was attainable. + That you can never, never be, else should I have done with life in + earnest. But do not blame yourself, sweet saint. You did as your pure + spirit bade you; soon all would have been well but that already Messer + Pier Luigi had seen you.” + </p> + <p> + She shuddered. + </p> + <p> + “You know, dear that if I submitted to wed your cousin, it was to save you—that + such was the price imposed?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear saint!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I but mention it that upon such a score you may have no doubt of my + motives.” + </p> + <p> + “How could I doubt?” I protested. + </p> + <p> + I rose, and moved down the room towards the window, behind which the night + gleamed deepest blue. I looked out upon the gardens from which the black + shadows of stark poplars thrust upward against the sky, and I thought out + this thing. Then I turned to her, having as I imagined found the only and + rather obvious solution. + </p> + <p> + “There is but one thing to do, Bianca.” + </p> + <p> + “And that?” her eyes were very anxious, and looked perhaps even more so in + consequence of the pallor of her face and the lines of pain that had come + into it in these weeks of such sore trial. + </p> + <p> + “I must remove the barrier that stands between us. I must seek out Cosimo + and kill him.” + </p> + <p> + I said it without anger, without heat of any sort: a calm, cold statement + of a step that it was necessary to take. It was a just measure, the only + measure that could mend an unjust situation. And so, I think, she too + viewed it. For she did not start, or cry out in horror, or manifest the + slightest surprise at my proposal. But she shook her head, and smiled very + wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “What a folly would not that be!” she said. “How would it amend what is? + You would be taken, and justice would be done upon you summarily. Would + that make it any easier or any better for me? I should be alone in the + world and entirely undefended.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but you go too fast,” I cried. “By justice I could not suffer, I need + but to state the case, the motive of my quarrel, the iniquitous wrong that + was attempted against you, the odious traffic of this marriage, and all + men would applaud my act. None would dare do me a hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too generous in your faith in man,” she said. “Who would believe + your claims?” + </p> + <p> + “The courts,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “The courts of a State in which Pier Luigi governs?” + </p> + <p> + “But I have witnesses of the facts.” + </p> + <p> + “Those witnesses would never be allowed to testify. Your protests would be + smothered. And how would your case really look?” she cried. “The world + would conceive that the lover of Bianca de' Cavalcanti had killed her + husband that he might take her for his own. What could you hope for, + against such a charge as that? Men might even remember that other affair + of Fifanti's and even the populace, which may be said to have saved you + erstwhile, might veer round and change from the opinion which it has ever + held. They would say that one who has done such a thing once may do it + twice; that...” + </p> + <p> + “O, for pity's sake, stop! Have mercy!” I cried, flinging out my arms + towards her. And mercifully she ceased, perceiving that she had said + enough. + </p> + <p> + I turned to the window again, and pressed my brow against the cool glass. + She was right. That acute mind of hers had pierced straight to the very + core of this matter. To do the thing that had been in my mind would be not + only to destroy myself, but to defile her; for upon her would recoil a + portion of the odium that must be flung at me. And—as she said—what + then must be her position? They would even have a case upon which to drag + her from these walls of Pagliano. She would be a victim of the civil + courts; she might, at Pier Luigi's instigation, be proceeded against as my + accomplice in what would be accounted a dastardly murder for the basest of + motives. + </p> + <p> + I turned to her again. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” I said. “I see that you are right. Just as I was right + when I said that my atonement lies here and now. The penance for which I + have cried out so long is imposed at last. It is as just as it is cruelly + apt.” + </p> + <p> + I came slowly back to the table, and stood facing her across it. She + looking up at me with very piteous eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Bianca, I must go hence,” I said. “That, too, is clear.” + </p> + <p> + Her lips parted; her eyes dilated; her face, if anything, grew paler. + </p> + <p> + “O, no, no!” she cried piteously. + </p> + <p> + “It must be,” I said. “How can I remain? Cosimo may appeal for justice + against me, claiming that I hold his wife in duress—and justice will + be done.” + </p> + <p> + “But can you not resist? Pagliano is strong and well-manned. The Black + Bands are very faithful men, and they will stand by you to the end.” + </p> + <p> + “And the world?” I cried. “What will the world say of you? It is you + yourself have made me see it. Shall your name be dragged in the foul mire + of scandal? The wife of Cosimo d'Anguissola a runagate with her husband's + cousin? Shall the world say that?” + </p> + <p> + She moaned, and covered her face with her hands. Then she controlled + herself again, and looked at me almost fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “Do you care so much for what men say?” + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then think of me to better purpose, my Agostino. Consider that we are + confronted by two evils, and that the choice of the lesser is forced upon + us. If you go, I am all unprotected, and... and... the harm is done + already.” + </p> + <p> + Long I looked at her with such a yearning to take her in my arms and + comfort her! And I had the knowledge that if I remained, daily must I + experience this yearning which must daily grow crueller and more fierce + from the very restraint I must impose upon it. And then that rearing of + mine, all drenched in sanctity misunderstood, came to my help, and made me + see in this an added burden to my penance, a burden which I must accept if + I would win to ultimate grace. + </p> + <p> + And so I consented to remain, and I parted from her with no more than a + kiss bestowed upon her finger-tips, and went to pray for patience and + strength to bear my heavy cross and so win to my ultimate reward, be it in + this world or the next. + </p> + <p> + In the morning came news by a messenger from Galeotto—news of one + more foul crime that the Duke had committed on that awful night when we + had rescued Bianca from his evil claws. The unfortunate Giuliana had been + found dead in her bed upon the following morning, and the popular voice + said that the Duke had strangled her. + </p> + <p> + Of that rumour I subsequently had confirmation. It would appear that + maddened with rage at the loss of his prey, that ravening wolf had looked + about to discover who might have betrayed his purpose and procured that + intervention. He bethought him of Giuliana. Had not Cosimo seen her in + intimate talk with me on the morning of my arrest, and would he not have + reported it to his master? + </p> + <p> + So to the handsome mansion in which he housed her, and to which at all + hours he had access, the Duke went instantly. He must have taxed her with + it; and knowing her nature, I can imagine that she not only admitted that + his thwarting was due to her, but admitted it mockingly, exultingly, + jeering as only a jealous woman can jeer, until in his rage he seized her + by the throat. + </p> + <p> + How bitterly must she not have repented that she had not kept a better + guard upon her tongue, during those moments of her agony, brief in + themselves, yet horribly long to her, until her poor wanton spirit went + forth from the weak clay that she had loved too well. + </p> + <p> + When I heard of the end of that unfortunate, all my bitterness against her + went out of me, and in my heart I set myself to find excuses for her. + Witty and cultured in much; in much else she had been as stupid as the + dumb beast. She was irreligious as were many because what she saw of + religion did not inspire respect in her, and whilst one of her lovers had + been a prince of the Church another had been the son of the Pope. She was + by nature sensuous, and her sensuousness stifled in her all perception of + right or wrong. + </p> + <p> + I like to think that her death was brought about as the result of a good + deed—so easily might it have been the consequence of an evil one. + And I trust that that deed—good in itself, whatever the sources from + which it may have sprung—may have counted in her favour and weighed + in the balance against the sins that were largely of her nature. + </p> + <p> + I bethought me of Fra Gervasio's words to me: “Who that knows all that + goes to the making of a sin shall ever dare to blame a sinner?” He had + applied those words to my own case where Giuliana was concerned. But do + they not apply equally to Giuliana? Do they not apply to every sinner, + when all is said? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. BLOOD + </h2> + <p> + The words that passed between Bianca and me that evening in the + dining-room express all that can be said of our attitude to each other + during the months that followed. Daily we met, and the things which our + lips no longer dared to utter, our eyes expressed. + </p> + <p> + Days passed and grew to weeks, and these accumulated into months. The + autumn faded from gold to grey, and the winter came and laid the earth to + sleep, and then followed spring to awaken it once more. + </p> + <p> + None troubled us at Pagliano, and we began with some justice to consider + ourselves secure. Galeotto's memorial, not a doubt, had stirred up + matters; and Pier Luigi would be under orders from his father not to add + one more scandal to the many of his life by venturing to disturb Madonna + Bianca in her stronghold at Pagliano. + </p> + <p> + From time to time we were visited by Galeotto. It was well for him that + fatigue had overwhelmed him that day at Bologna, and so hindered him from + taking a hand with us in the doings of that hideous night, else he might + no longer have freedom to roam the State unchallenged as he did. + </p> + <p> + He told us of the new citadel the Duke was building in Piacenza, and how + for the purpose he was pulling down houses relentlessly to obtain material + and to clear himself a space, and how, further, he was widening and + strengthening the walls of the city. + </p> + <p> + “But I doubt,” he said one morning in that spring, “if he will live to see + the work completed. For we are resolved at last. There is no need for an + armed rising. Five score of my lances will be all that is necessary. We + are planning a surprise, and Ferrante Gonzaga is to be at hand to support + us with Imperial troops and to receive the State as the Emperor's + vicegerent when the hour strikes. It will strike soon,” he added, “and + this, too, shall be paid for with the rest.” And he touched the black + mourning gown that Bianca wore. + </p> + <p> + He rode away again that day, and he went north for a last interview with + the Emperor's Lieutenant, but promising to return before the blow was + struck to give me the opportunity to bear my share in it. + </p> + <p> + Spring turned to summer, and we waited, wandering in the gardens together; + reading together, playing at bowls or tennis, though the latter game was + not considered one for women, and sometimes exercising the men-at-arms in + the great inner bailey where they lodged. Twice we rode out ahawking, + accompanied by a strong escort, and returned without mishap, though I + would not consent to a third excursion, lest a rumour having gone abroad, + our enemies should lie in wait to trap us. I grew strangely fearful of + losing her who did not and who never might belong to me. + </p> + <p> + And all this time my penance, as I regarded it, grew daily heavier to + bear. Long since I had ceased so much as to kiss her finger-tips. But to + kiss the very air she breathed was fraught with danger to my peace of + mind. And then one evening, as we paced the garden together, I had a + moment's madness, a moment in which my yearnings would no longer be + repressed. Without warning I swung about, caught her in my arms, and + crushed her to me. + </p> + <p> + I saw the sudden flicker of her eyelids, the one swift upward glance of + her blue eyes, and I beheld in them a yearning akin to my own, but also a + something of fear that gave me pause. + </p> + <p> + I put her from me. I knelt and kissed the hem of her mourning gown. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, sweet.” I besought her very humbly. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Agostino,” was all she answered me, what time her fingers + fluttered gently over my sable hair. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter I shunned her for a whole week, and was never in her company + save at meals under the eyes of our attendants. + </p> + <p> + At last, one day in the early part of September, on the very anniversary + of her father's death—the eighth of that month it was, and a + Thursday—came Galeotto with a considerable company of men-at-arms; + and that night he was gay and blithe as I had never seen him in these + twelve months past. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone, the cause of it, which already I suspected, at last + transpired. + </p> + <p> + “It is the hour,” he said very pregnantly. “His sands are swiftly running + out. To-morrow, Agostino, you ride with me to Piacenza. Falcone shall + remain here to captain the men in case any attempt should be made upon + Pagliano, which is not likely.” + </p> + <p> + And now he told us of the gay doings there had been in Piacenza for the + occasion of the visit of the Duke's son Ottavio—that same son-in-law + of the Emperor whom the latter befriended, yet not to the extent of giving + him the duchy in his father's place when that father should have gone to + answer for his sins. + </p> + <p> + Daily there had been jousts and tournaments and all manner of gaieties, + for which the Piacentini had been sweated until they could sweat no more. + Having fawned upon the people that they might help him to crush the + barons, Farnese was now crushing the people whose service he no longer + needed. Extortion had reduced them to poverty and despair and their very + houses were being pulled down to supply material for the new citadel, the + Duke recking little who might thus be left without a roof over his head. + </p> + <p> + “He has gone mad,” said Galeotto, and laughed. “Pier Luigi could not more + effectively have played his part so as to serve our ends. The nobles he + alienated long ago, and now the very populace is incensed against him and + weary of his rapine. It is so bad with him that of late he has remained + shut in the citadel, and seldom ventures abroad, so as to avoid the sight + of the starving faces of the poor and the general ruin that he is making + of that fair city. He has given out that he is ill. A little blood-letting + will cure all his ills for ever.” + </p> + <p> + Upon the morrow Galeotto picked thirty of his men, and gave them their + orders. They were to depose their black liveries, and clad as countryfolk, + but armed as countryfolk would be for a long journey, they were severally + to repair afoot to Piacenza, and assemble there upon the morning of + Saturday at the time and place he indicated. They went, and that afternoon + we followed. + </p> + <p> + “You will come back to me, Agostino?” Bianca said to me at parting. + </p> + <p> + “I will come back,” I answered, and bowing I left her, my heart very + heavy. + </p> + <p> + But as we rode the prospect of the thing to do warmed me a little, and I + shook off my melancholy. Optimism coloured the world for me all of the + rosy hue of promise. + </p> + <p> + We slept in Piacenza that night, in a big house in the street that leads + to the Church of San Lazzaro, and there was a company of perhaps a dozen + assembled there, the principals being the brothers Pallavicini of + Cortemaggiore, who had been among the first to feel the iron hand of Pier + Luigi; there were also present Agostino Landi, and the head of the house + of Confalonieri. + </p> + <p> + We sat after supper about a long table of smooth brown oak, which + reflected as in a pool the beakers and flagons with which it was charged, + when suddenly Galeotto spun a coin upon the middle of it. It fell flat + presently, showing the ducal arms and the inscription of which the + abbreviation PLAC was a part. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto set his finger to it. “A year ago I warned him,” said he, “that + his fate was written there in that shortened word. To-morrow I shall read + the riddle for him.” + </p> + <p> + I did not understand the allusion and said so. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he explained, not only to me but to others whose brows had also + been knit, “first 'Plac' stands for Placentia where he will meet his doom; + and then it contains the initials of the four chief movers in this + undertaking—Pallavicini, Landi, Anguissola, and Confalonieri.” + </p> + <p> + “You force the omen to come true when you give me a leader's rank in this + affair,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He smiled but did not answer, and returned the coin to his pocket. + </p> + <p> + And now the happening that is to be related is to be found elsewhere, for + it is a matter of which many men have written in different ways, according + to their feelings or to the hand that hired them to the writing. + </p> + <p> + Soon after dawn Galeotto quitted us, each of us instructed how to act. + </p> + <p> + Later in the morning, as I was on my way to the castle, where we were to + assemble at noon, I saw Galeotto riding through the streets at the Duke's + side. He had been beyond the gates with Pier Luigi on an inspection of the + new fortress that was building. It appeared that once more there was talk + between the Duke and Galeotto of the latter's taking service under him, + and Galeotto made use of this circumstance to forward his plans. He was, I + think, the most self-contained and patient man that it would have been + possible to find for such an undertaking. + </p> + <p> + In addition to the condottiero, a couple of gentlemen on horseback + attended the Duke, and half a score of his Swiss lanzknechte in gleaming + corselets and steel morions, shouldering their formidable pikes, went + afoot to hedge his excellency. + </p> + <p> + The people fell back before that little company; the citizens doffed their + caps with the respect that is begotten of fear, but their air was sullen + and in the main they were silent, though here and there some knave, with + the craven adulation of those born to serve at all costs, raised a feeble + shout of “Duca!” + </p> + <p> + The Duke moved slowly at little more than a walking pace, for he was all + crippled again by the disease that ravaged him, and his face, handsome in + itself, was now repulsive to behold; it was a livid background for the + fiery pustules that mottled it, and under the sunken eyes there were great + brown stains of suffering. + </p> + <p> + I flattened myself against a wall in the shadow of a doorway lest he + should see me, for my height made me an easy mark in that crowd. But he + looked neither to right nor to left as he rode. Indeed, it was said that + he could no longer bear to meet the glances of the people he had so + grossly abused and outraged with deeds that are elsewhere abundantly + related, and with which I need not turn your stomachs here. + </p> + <p> + When they had gone by, I followed slowly in their wake towards the castle. + As I turned out of the fine road that Gambara had built, I was joined by + the brothers Pallavicini, a pair of resolute, grizzled gentlemen, the + elder of whom, as you will remember, was slightly lame. With an odd sense + of fitness they had dressed themselves in black. They were accompanied by + half a dozen of Galeotto's men, but these bore no device by which they + could be identified. We exchanged greetings, and stepped out together + across the open space of the Piazza della Citadella towards the fortress. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the drawbridge, and entered unchallenged by the guard. People + were wont to come and go, and to approach the Duke it was necessary to + pass the guard in the ante-chamber above, whose business it was to + question all comers. + </p> + <p> + Moreover the only guard set consisted of a couple of Swiss who lounged in + the gateway, the garrison being all at dinner, a circumstance upon which + Galeotto had calculated in appointing noon as the hour for the striking of + the blow. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the quadrangle, and passing under a second archway came into + the inner bailey as we had been bidden. Here we were met by Confalonieri, + who also had half a dozen men with him. He greeted us, and issued his + orders sharply. + </p> + <p> + “You, Ser Agostino, are to come with us, whilst you others are to remain + here until Messer Landi arrives with the remainder of our forces. He + should have a score of men with him, and they will cut down the guard when + they enter. The moment that is done let a pistol-shot be discharged as the + signal to us above, and proceed immediately to take up the bridge and + overpower the Swiss who should still be at table. Landi has his orders and + knows how to act.” + </p> + <p> + The Pallavicini briefly spoke their assents, and Confalonieri, taking me + by the arm, led me quickly above-stairs, his half-dozen men following + close upon our heels. Upon none was there any sign of armour. But every + man wore a shirt of mail under his doublet or jerkin. + </p> + <p> + We entered the ante-chamber—a fine, lofty apartment, richly hung and + richly furnished. It was empty of courtiers, for all were gone to dine + with the captain of the guard, who had been married upon that very morning + and was giving a banquet in honour of the event, as Galeotto had informed + himself when he appointed the day. + </p> + <p> + Over by a window sat four of the Swiss—the entire guard—about + a table playing at dice, their lances deposited in an angle of the wall. + </p> + <p> + Watching their game—for which he had lingered after accompanying the + Duke thus far—stood the tall, broad-shouldered figure of Galeotto. + He turned as we entered, and gave us an indifferent glance as if we were + of no interest to him, then returned his attention to the dicers. + </p> + <p> + One or two of the Swiss looked up at us casually. The dice rattled + merrily, and there came from the players little splutters of laughter and + deep guttural, German oaths. + </p> + <p> + At the room's far end, by the curtains that masked the door of the chamber + where Farnese sat at dinner, stood an usher in black velvet, staff in + hand, who took no more interest in us than did the Swiss. + </p> + <p> + We sauntered over to the dicers' table, and in placing ourselves the + better to watch their game, we so contrived that we entirely hemmed them + into the embrasure, whilst Confalonieri himself stood with his back to the + pikes, an effective barrier between the men and their weapons. + </p> + <p> + We remained thus for some moments whilst the game went on, and we laughed + with the winners and swore with the losers, as if our hearts were entirely + in the dicing and we had not another thought in the world. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a pistol-shot crackled below, and startled the Swiss, who looked + at one another. One burly fellow whom they named Hubli held the dice-box + poised for a throw that was never made. + </p> + <p> + Across the courtyard below men were running with drawn swords, shouting as + they ran, and hurled themselves through the doorway leading to the + quarters where the Swiss were at table. This the guards saw through the + open window, and they stared, muttering German oaths to express their deep + bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + And then there came a creak of winches and a grinding of chains to inform + us that the bridge was being taken up. At last those four lanzknechte + looked at us. + </p> + <p> + “Beim blute Gottes!” swore Hubli. “Was giebt es?” + </p> + <p> + Our set faces, showing no faintest trace of surprise, quickened their + alarm, and this became flavoured by suspicion when they perceived at last + how closely we pressed about them. + </p> + <p> + “Continue your game,” said Confalonieri quietly, “it will be best for + you.” + </p> + <p> + The great blonde fellow Hubli flung down the dice-box and heaved himself + up truculently to face the speaker who stood between him and the lances. + Instantly Confalonieri stabbed him, and he sank back into his chair with a + cry, intensest surprise in his blue eyes, so sudden and unlooked-for had + the action been. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto had already left the group about the table, and with a blow of + his great hand he felled the usher who sought to bar his passage to the + Duke's chamber. He tore down the curtains, and he was wrapping and + entangling the fellow in the folds of them when I came to his aid followed + by Confalonieri, whose six men remained to hold the three sound and the + one wounded Swiss in check. + </p> + <p> + And now from below there rose such a din of steel on steel, of shouts and + screams and curses, that it behoved us to make haste. + </p> + <p> + Bidding us follow him, Galeotto flung open the door. At table sat Farnese + with two of his gentlemen, one of whom was the Marquis Sforza-Fogliani, + the other a doctor of canon law named Copallati. + </p> + <p> + Alarm was already written on their faces. At sight of Galeotto—“Ah! + You are still here!” cried Farnese. “What is taking place below? Have the + Swiss fallen to fighting among themselves?” + </p> + <p> + Galeotto returned no answer, but advanced slowly into the room; and now + Farnese's eyes went past him and fastened upon me, and I saw them suddenly + dilate; beyond me they went and met the cold glance of Confalonieri, that + other gentleman he had so grievously wronged and whom he had stripped of + the last rag of his possessions and his rights. The sun coming through the + window caught the steel that Confalonieri still carried in his hands; its + glint drew the eyes of the Duke, and he must have seen that the baron's + sleeve was bloody. + </p> + <p> + He rose, leaning heavily upon the table. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean?” he demanded in a quavering voice, and his face had + turned grey with apprehension. + </p> + <p> + “It means,” Galeotto answered him, firmly and coldly, “that your rule in + Piacenza is at an end, that the Pontifical sway is broken in these States, + and that beyond the Po Ferrante Gonzaga waits with an army to take + possession here in the Emperor's name. Finally, my Lord Duke, it means + that the Devil's patience is to be rewarded, and that he is at last to + have you who have so faithfully served him upon earth.” + </p> + <p> + Farnese made a gurgling sound and put a jewelled hand to his throat as if + he choked. He was all in green velvet, and every button of his doublet was + a brilliant of price; and that gay raiment by its incongruity seemed to + heighten the tragedy of the moment. + </p> + <p> + Of his gentlemen the doctor sat frozen with terror in his high-backed + seat, clutching the arms of it so that his knuckles showed white as + marble. In like case were the two attendant servants, who hung motionless + by the buffet. But Sforza-Fogliani, a man of some spirit for all his + effeminate appearance, leapt to his feet and set a hand to his weapons. + </p> + <p> + Instantly Confalonieri's sword flashed from its sheath. He had passed his + dagger into his left hand. + </p> + <p> + “On your life, my Lord Marquis, do not meddle here,” he warned him in a + voice that was like a trumpet-call. + </p> + <p> + And before that ferocious aspect and those naked weapons Sforza-Fogliani + stood checked and intimidated. + </p> + <p> + I too had drawn my poniard, determined that Farnese should fall to my + steel in settlement of the score that lay between us. He saw the act, and + if possible his fears were increased, for he knew that the wrongs he had + done me were personal matters between us for which it was not likely I + should prove forgiving. + </p> + <p> + “Mercy!” he gasped, and held out supplicating hands to Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + “Mercy?” I echoed, and laughed fiercely. “What mercy would you have shown + me against whom you set the Holy Office, but that you could sell my life + at a price that was merciless? What mercy would you have shown to the + daughter of Cavalcanti when she lay in your foul power? What mercy did you + show her father who died by your hand? What mercy did you show the + unfortunate Giuliana whom you strangled in her bed? What mercy did you + ever show to any that you dare ask now for mercy?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with dazed eyes, and from me to Galeotto. He shuddered and + turned a greenish hue. His knees were loosened by terror, and he sank back + into the chair from which he had risen. + </p> + <p> + “At least... at least,” he gasped, “let me have a priest to shrive me. Do + not... do not let me die with all my sins upon me!” + </p> + <p> + In that moment there came from the ante-chamber the sound of swiftly + moving feet, and the clash of steel mingling with cries. The sound + heartened him. He conceived that someone came to his assistance. He raised + his voice in a desperate screech: + </p> + <p> + “To me! To me! Help!” + </p> + <p> + As he shouted I sprang towards him, to find my passage suddenly barred by + Galeotto's arm. He shot it out, and my breast came against it as against a + rod of iron. It threw me out of balance, and ere I had recovered it had + thrust me back again. + </p> + <p> + “Back there!” said Galeotto's brazen voice. “This affair is mine. Mine are + the older wrongs and the greater.” + </p> + <p> + With that he stepped behind the Duke's chair, and Farnese in a fresh spurt + of panic came to his feet. Galeotto locked an arm about his neck and + pulled his head back. Into his ear he muttered words that I could not + overhear, but it was matter that stilled Farnese's last struggle. Only the + Duke's eyes moved, rolling in his head as he sought to look upon the face + of the man who spoke to him. And in that moment Galeotto wrenched his + victim's head still farther back, laying entirely bare the long brown + throat, across which he swiftly drew his dagger. + </p> + <p> + Copallati screamed and covered his face with his hands; Sforza-Fogliani, + white to the lips, looked on like a man entranced. + </p> + <p> + There was a screech from Farnese that ended in a gurgle, and suddenly the + blood spurted from his neck as from a fountain. Galeotto let him go. He + dropped to his chair and fell forward against the table, drenching it in + blood. Thence he went over sideways and toppled to the floor, where he lay + twitching, a huddle of arms and legs, the head lolling sideways, the eyes + vitreous, and blood, blood, blood all about him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. THE OVERTHROW + </h2> + <p> + The sight turned me almost physically sick. + </p> + <p> + I faced about, and sprang from the room out into the ante-chamber, where a + battle was in progress. Some three or four of the Duke's gentlemen and a + couple of Swiss had come to attempt a rescue. They had compelled + Galeotto's six men to draw and defend themselves, the odds being suddenly + all against them. Into that medley I went with drawn sword, hacking and + cutting madly, giving knocks and taking them, glad of the excitement of + it; glad of anything that would shut out from my mind the horror of the + scene I had witnessed. + </p> + <p> + Presently Confalonieri came out to take a hand, leaving Galeotto on guard + within, and in a few minutes we had made an end of that resistance—the + last splutter of resistance within those walls. + </p> + <p> + Beyond some cuts and scratches that some of us had taken, not a man of + ours was missing, whilst of the Duke's followers not a single one remained + alive in that ante-chamber. The place was a shambles. Hangings that had + been clutched had been torn from the walls; a great mirror was cracked + from top to bottom; tables were overset and wrecked; chairs were + splintered; and hardly a pane of glass remained in any of the windows. And + everywhere there was blood, everywhere dead men. + </p> + <p> + Up the stairs came trooping now our assembled forces led by Landi and the + Pallavicini. Below all was quiet. The Swiss garrison taken by surprise at + table, as was planned, had been disarmed and all were safe and impotent + under lock and bolt. The guards at the gate had been cut down, and we were + entirely masters of the place. + </p> + <p> + Sforza-Fogliani, Copallati, and the two servants were fetched from the + Duke's chamber and taken away to be locked up in another room until the + business should be ended. For after all, it was but begun. + </p> + <p> + In the town the alarm-bell was ringing from the tower of the Communal + Palace, and at the sound I saw Galeotto's eyes kindling. He took command, + none disputing it him, and under his orders men went briskly to turn the + cannon of the fortress upon the square, that an attack might be repulsed + if it were attempted. And three salvoes were fired, to notify Ferrante + Gonzaga where he waited that the castle was in the hands of the + conspirators and Pier Luigi slain. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile we had returned with Galeotto to the room where the Duke had + died, and where his body still lay, huddled as it had fallen. The windows + of this chamber were set in the outer wall of the fortress, immediately + above the gates and commanding a view of the square. We were six—Confalonieri, + Landi, the two Pallavicini, Galeotto, and myself, besides a slight fellow + named Malvicini, who had been an officer of light-horse in the Duke's + service, but who had taken a hand in betraying him. + </p> + <p> + In the square there was by now a seething, excited mob through which a + little army of perhaps a thousand men of the town militia with their + captain, da Terni, riding at their head, was forcing its way. And they + were shouting “Duca!” and crying out that the castle had been seized by + Spaniards—by which they meant the Emperor's troops. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto dragged a chair to the window, and standing upon it, showed + himself to the people. + </p> + <p> + “Disperse!” he shouted to them. “To your homes! The Duke is dead!” + </p> + <p> + But his voice could not surmount that raging din, above which continued to + ring the cry of “Duca! Duca!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me show them their Duca,” said a voice. It was Malvicini's. + </p> + <p> + He had torn down a curtain-rope, and had attached an end of it to one of + the dead man's legs. Thus he dragged the body forward towards the window. + The other end of the rope he now knotted very firmly to a mullion. Then he + took the body up in his arms, whilst Galeotto stood aside to make way for + him, and staggering under his ghastly burden, Malvicini reached the + window, and heaved it over the sill. + </p> + <p> + It fell the length of the rope and there was arrested with a jerk to hang + head downwards, spread-eagle against the brown wall; and the diamond + buttons in his green velvet doublet sparkled merrily in the sunshine. + </p> + <p> + At that sight a great silence swept across the multitude, and availing + himself of this, Galeotto again addressed those Piacentini. + </p> + <p> + “To your homes,” he cried to them, “and arm yourselves to defend the State + from your enemies if the need should arise. There hangs the Duke—dead. + He has been slain to liberate our country from unjust oppression.” + </p> + <p> + Still, it seemed, they did not hear him; for though to us they appeared to + be almost silent, yet there was a rustle and stir amongst them, which must + have deafened each to what was being announced. + </p> + <p> + They renewed their cries of “Duca!” of “Spaniards!” and “To arms!” + </p> + <p> + “A curse on your 'Spaniards!'” cried Malvicini. “Here! Take your Duke. + Look at him, and understand.” And he slashed the rope across, so that the + body plunged down into the castle ditch. + </p> + <p> + A few of the foremost of the crowd ran forward and scrambled down into the + ditch to view the body, and from them the rumour of the truth ran like a + ripple over water through that mob, so that in the twinkling of an eye + there was no man in that vast concourse—and all Piacenza seemed by + now to be packed into the square—but knew that Pier Luigi Farnese + was dead. + </p> + <p> + A sudden hush fell. There were no more cries of “Duca!” They stood silent, + and not a doubt but that in the breasts of the majority surged a great + relief. Even the militia ceased to advance. If the Duke was dead there was + nothing left to do. + </p> + <p> + Again Galeotto spoke to them, and this time his words were caught by those + in the ditch immediately below us, and from them they were passed on, and + suddenly a great cry went up—a shout of relief, a paean of joy. If + Farnese was dead, and well dead, they could, at last, express the thing + that was in their hearts. + </p> + <p> + And now at the far end of the square a glint of armour appeared; a troop + of horse emerged, and began slowly to press forward through the crowd, + driving it back on either side, but very gently. They came three abreast, + and there were six score of them, and from their lance-heads fluttered + bannerols showing a sable bar on an argent field. They were Galeotto's + free company, headed by one of his lieutenants. Beyond the Po they too had + been awaiting the salvo of artillery that should be their signal to + advance. + </p> + <p> + When their identity was understood, and when the crowd had perceived that + they rode to support the holders of the castle, they were greeted with + lusty cheers, in which presently even the militia joined, for these last + were Piacentini and no Swiss hireling soldiers of the Duke's. + </p> + <p> + The drawbridge was let down, and the company thundered over it to draw up + in the courtyard under the eyes of Galeotto. He issued his orders once + more to his companions. Then calling for horses for himself and for me, + and bidding a score of lances to detach themselves to ride with us, we + quitted the fortress. + </p> + <p> + We pressed through the clamant multitude until we had reached the middle + of the square. Here Galeotto drew rein and, raising his hand for silence, + informed the people once more that the Duke had been done to death by the + nobles of Piacenza, thus to avenge alike their own and the people's + wrongs, and to free them from unjust oppression and tyranny. + </p> + <p> + They cheered him when he had done, and the cry now was “Piacenza! + Piacenza!” + </p> + <p> + When they had fallen silent again—“I would have you remember,” he + cried, “that Pier Luigi was the Pontiff's son, and that the Pontiff will + make haste to avenge his death and to re-establish here in Piacenza the + Farnese sway. So that all that we have done this day may go for naught + unless we take our measures.” + </p> + <p> + The silence deepened. + </p> + <p> + “But you have been served by men who have the interest of the State at + heart; and more has been done to serve you than the mere slaying of Pier + Luigi Farnese. Our plans are made, and we but wait to know is it your will + that the State should incorporate itself as of old with that of Milan, and + place itself under the protection of the Emperor, who will appoint you + fellow-countrymen for rulers, and will govern you wisely and justly, + abolishing extortion and oppression?” + </p> + <p> + A thunder of assent was his answer. “Cesare! Cesare!” was now the cry, and + caps were tossed into the air. + </p> + <p> + “Then go arm yourselves and repair to the Commune, and there make known + your will to the Anziani and councillors, and see that it is given effect + by them. The Emperor's Lieutenant is at your gates. I ride to surrender to + him the city in your name, and before nightfall he will be here to protect + you from any onslaught of the Pontificals.” + </p> + <p> + With that he pushed on, the mob streaming along with us, intent upon going + there and then to do the thing that Galeotto advised. And by now they had + discovered Galeotto's name, and they were shouting it in acclamation of + him, and at the sound he smiled, though his eyes seemed very wistful. + </p> + <p> + He leaned over to me, and gripped my hand where it lay on the saddle-bow + clutching the reins. + </p> + <p> + “Thus is Giovanni d'Anguissola at last avenged!” he said to me in a deep + voice that thrilled me. + </p> + <p> + “I would that he were here to know,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + And again Galeotto's eyes grew wistful as they looked at me. + </p> + <p> + We won out of the town at last, and when we came to the high ground beyond + the river, we saw in the plain below phalanx upon phalanx of a great army. + It was Ferrante Gonzaga's Imperial force. + </p> + <p> + Galeotto pointed to it. “That is my goal,” he said. “You had best ride on + to Pagliano with these lances. You may need them there. I had hoped that + Cosimo would have been found in the castle with Pier Luigi. His absence + makes me uneasy. Away with you, then. You shall have news of me within + three days.” + </p> + <p> + We embraced, on horseback as we were. Then he wheeled his charger and went + down the steep ground, riding hard for Ferrante's army, whilst we pursued + our way, and came some two hours later without mishap to Pagliano. + </p> + <p> + I found Bianca awaiting me in the gallery above the courtyard, drawn + thither by the sounds of our approach. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Agostino, I have been so fearful for you,” was her greeting when I + had leapt up the staircase to take her hand. + </p> + <p> + I led her to the marble seat she had occupied on that night, two years + ago, when first we had spoken of our visions. Briefly I gave her the news + of what had befallen in Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + When I had done, she sighed and looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “It brings us no nearer to each other,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, now—this much nearer, at least, that the Imperial decree will + return me the lordships of Mondolfo and Carmina, dispossessing the + usurper. Thus I shall have something to offer you, my Bianca.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled at me very sadly, almost reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Foolish,” said she. “What matter the possessions that it may be yours to + cast into my lap? Is that what we wait for, Agostino? Is there not + Pagliano for you? Would not that, at need, be lordship enough?” + </p> + <p> + “The meanest cottage of the countryside were lordship enough so that you + shared it,” I answered passionately, as many in like case have answered + before and since. + </p> + <p> + “You see, then, that you are wrong to attach importance to so slight a + thing as this Imperial decree where you and I are concerned. Can an + Imperial decree annul my marriage?” + </p> + <p> + “For that a papal bull would be necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “And how is a papal bull to be obtained?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not for us,” I admitted miserably. + </p> + <p> + “I have been wicked,” she said, her eyes upon the ground, a faint colour + stirring in her cheeks. “I have prayed that the usurper might be + dispossessed of his rights in me. I have prayed that when the attack was + made and revolt was carried into the Citadel of Piacenza, Cosimo + d'Anguissola might stand at his usual post beside the Duke and might fall + with him. Surely justice demanded it!” she cried out. “God's justice, as + well as man's. His act in marrying me was a defilement of one of the + holiest of sacraments, and for that he should surely be punished and + struck down!” + </p> + <p> + I went upon my knees to her. “Dear love!” I cried. “See, I have you daily + in my sight. Let me not be ungrateful for so much.” + </p> + <p> + She took my face in her hands and looked into my eyes, saying no word. + Then she leaned forward, and very gently touched my forehead with her + lips. + </p> + <p> + “God pity us a little, Agostino,” she murmured, her eyes shining with + unshed tears. + </p> + <p> + “The fault is mine—all mine!” I denounced myself. “We are being + visited with my sins. When I can take you for my own—if that blessed + day should ever dawn—I shall know that I have attained to pardon, + that I am cleansed and worthy of you at last.” + </p> + <p> + She rose and I escorted her within; then went to my own chamber to bathe + and rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. THE CITATION + </h2> + <p> + We were breaking our fast upon the following morning when Falcone sent + word to me by one of the pages that a considerable force was advancing + towards us from the south. + </p> + <p> + I rose, somewhat uneasy. Yet I reflected that it was possible that, news + of the revolt in Piacenza having reached Parma, this was an army of + Pontificals moving thence upon the rebellious city. But in that case, what + should they be doing this side of Po? + </p> + <p> + An hour later, from the battlements where we paced side by side—Bianca + and I—we were able to estimate this force and we fixed its strength + at five score lances. Soon we could make out the device upon their + bannerols—a boar's head azure upon an argent field—my own + device, that of the Anguissola of Mondolfo; and instantly I knew them for + Cosimo's men. + </p> + <p> + On the lower parapet six culverins had been dragged into position under + the supervision of Falcone—who was still with us at Pagliano. These + pieces stood loaded and manned by the soldiers to whom I had assigned the + office of engineers. + </p> + <p> + Thus we waited until the little army came to a halt about a quarter of a + mile away, and a trumpeter with a flag of truce rode forward accompanied + by a knight armed cap-a-pie, his beaver down. + </p> + <p> + The herald wound a challenge; and it was answered from the postern by a + man-at-arms, whereupon the herald delivered his message. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of our Holy Father and Lord, Paul III, we summon Agostino + d'Anguissola here to confer with the High and Mighty Cosimo d'Anguissola, + Tyrant of Mondolfo and Carmina.” + </p> + <p> + Three minutes later, to their infinite surprise, the bridge thudded down + to span the ditch, and I walked out upon it with Bianca at my side. + </p> + <p> + “Will the Lord Cosimo come within to deliver his message?” I demanded. + </p> + <p> + The Lord Cosimo would not, fearing a trap. + </p> + <p> + “Will he meet us here upon the bridge, divesting himself first of his + weapons? Myself I am unarmed.” + </p> + <p> + The herald conveyed the words to Cosimo, who hesitated still. Indeed, he + had wheeled his horse when the bridge fell, ready to gallop off at the + first sign of a sortie. + </p> + <p> + I laughed. “You are a paltry coward, Cosimo, when all is said,” I shouted. + “Do you not see that had I planned to take you, I need resort to no + subterfuge? I have,” I added—though untruthfully—“twice your + number of lances under arms, and by now I could have flung them across the + bridge and taken you under the very eyes of your own men. You were rash to + venture so far. But if you will not venture farther, at least send me your + herald.” + </p> + <p> + At that he got down from his horse, delivered up sword and dagger to his + single attendant, received from the man a parchment, and came towards us, + opening his vizor as he advanced. Midway upon the bridge we met. His lips + curled in a smile of scorn. + </p> + <p> + “Greetings, my strolling saint,” he said. “Through all your vagaries you + are at least consistent in that you ever engage your neighbour's wife to + bear you company in your wanderings.” + </p> + <p> + I went hot and cold, red and white by turns. With difficulty I controlled + myself under that taunt—the cruellest he could have flung at me in + Bianca's hearing. + </p> + <p> + “Your business here?” I snarled. + </p> + <p> + He held out the parchment, his eyes watching me intently, so that they + never once strayed to Bianca. + </p> + <p> + “Read, St. Mountebank,” he bade me. + </p> + <p> + I took the paper, but before I lowered my eyes to it, I gave him warning. + </p> + <p> + “If on your part you attempt the slightest treachery,” I said, “you shall + be repaid in kind. My men are at the winches, and they have my orders that + at the first treacherous movement on your part they are to take up the + bridge. You will see that you could not reach the end of it in time to + save yourself.” + </p> + <p> + It was his turn to change colour under the shadow of his beaver. “Have you + trapped me?” he asked between his teeth. + </p> + <p> + “If you had anything of the Anguissola besides the name,” I answered, “you + would know me incapable of such a thing. It is because I know that of the + Anguissola you have nothing but the name, that you are a craven, a dastard + and a dog, that I have taken my precautions.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it your conception of valour to insult a man whom you hold as if bound + hand and foot against striking you as you deserve?” + </p> + <p> + I smiled sweetly into that white, scowling face. + </p> + <p> + “Throw down your gauntlet upon this bridge, Cosimo, if you deem yourself + affronted, if you think that I have lied; and most joyfully will I take it + up and give you the trial by battle of your seeking.” + </p> + <p> + For an instant I almost thought that he would take me at my word, as most + fervently I hoped. But he restrained himself. + </p> + <p> + “Read!” he bade me again, with a fierce gesture. And accounting him well + warned by now, I read with confidence. + </p> + <p> + It was a papal brief ordering me under pain of excommunication and death + to make surrender to Cosimo d'Anguissola of the Castle of Pagliano which I + traitorously held, and of the person of his wife, Madonna Bianca. + </p> + <p> + “This document is not exact,” said I. “I do not hold this castle + traitorously. It is an Imperial fief, and I hold it in the Emperor's + name.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled. “Persist if you are weary of life,” he said. “Surrender now, + and you are free to depart and go wheresoever you list. Continue in your + offence, and the consequences shall daunt you ere all is done. This + Imperial fief belongs to me, and it is for me, who am Lord of Pagliano by + virtue of my marriage and the late lord's death, to hold it for the + Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “And you are not to doubt that when this brief is laid before the + Emperor's Lieutenant at Milan, he will move instantly against you to cast + you out and to invest me in those rights which are mine by God's law and + man's alike.” + </p> + <p> + My answer may, at first, have seemed hardly to the point. I held out the + brief to him. + </p> + <p> + “To seek the Emperor's Lieutenant you need not go as far as Milan. You + will find him in Piacenza.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me, as if he did not understand. “How?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + I explained. “While you have been cooling your heels in the ante-chambers + of the Vatican to obtain this endorsement of your infamy, the world + hereabouts has moved a little. Yesterday Ferrante Gonzaga took possession + of Piacenza in the Emperor's name. To-day the Council will be swearing + fealty to Caesar upon his Lieutenant's hands.” + </p> + <p> + He stared at me for a long moment, speechless in his utter amazement. Then + he swallowed hard. + </p> + <p> + “And the Duke?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “The Duke has been in Hell these four-and-twenty hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead?” he questioned, his voice hushed. + </p> + <p> + “Dead,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He leaned against the rail of the bridge, his arms fallen limply to his + sides, one hand crushing the Pontifical parchment. Then he braced himself + again. He had reviewed the situation, and did not see that it hurt his + position, when all was said. + </p> + <p> + “Even so,” he urged, “what can you hope for? The Emperor himself must bow + before this, and do me justice.” And he smacked the document. “I demand my + wife, and my demand is backed by Pontifical authority. You are mad if you + think that Charles V can fail to support it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is possible that Charles V may take a different view of the memorial + setting forth the circumstances of your marriage, from that which the Holy + Father appears to have taken. I counsel you to seek the Imperial + Lieutenant at Piacenza without delay. Here you waste time.” + </p> + <p> + His lips closed with a snap. Then, at last, his eyes wandered to Bianca, + who stood just beside and slightly behind me. + </p> + <p> + “Let me appeal to you, Monna Bianca...” he began. + </p> + <p> + But at that I got between them. “Are you so dead to shame,” I roared, + “that you dare address her, you pimp, you jackal, you eater of dirt? Be + off, or I will have this drawbridge raised and deal with you here and now, + in despite of Pope and Emperor and all the other powers you can invoke. + Away with you, then!” + </p> + <p> + “You shall pay!” he snarled, “By God, you shall pay!” + </p> + <p> + And on that he went off, in some fear lest I should put my threat into + execution. + </p> + <p> + But Bianca was in a panic. “He will do as he says.” she cried as soon as + we had re-entered the courtyard. “The Emperor cannot deny him justice. He + must, he must! O, Agostino, it is the end. And see to what a pass I have + brought you!” + </p> + <p> + I comforted her. I spoke brave words. I swore to hold that castle as long + as one stone of it stood upon another. But deep down in my heart there was + naught but presages of evil. + </p> + <p> + On the following day, which was Sunday, we had peace. But towards noon on + Monday the blow fell. An Imperial herald from Piacenza rode out to + Pagliano with a small escort. + </p> + <p> + We were in the garden when word was brought us, and I bade the herald be + admitted. Then I looked at Bianca. She was trembling and had turned very + white. + </p> + <p> + We spoke no word whilst they brought the messenger—a brisk fellow in + his black-and-yellow Austrian livery. He delivered me a sealed letter. It + proved to be a summons from Ferrante Gonzaga to appear upon the morrow + before the Imperial Court which would sit in the Communal Palace of + Piacenza to deliver judgment upon an indictment laid against me by Cosimo + d'Anguissola. + </p> + <p> + I looked at the herald, hesitation in my mind and glance. He held out a + second letter. + </p> + <p> + “This, my lord, I was asked by favour to deliver to you also.” + </p> + <p> + I took it, and considered the superscription: + </p> + <p> + “These to the Most Noble Agostino d'Anguissola, at Pagliano. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Quickly. + Quickly. + Quickly.” + </pre> + <p> + The hand was Galeotto's. I tore it open. It contained but two lines: + </p> + <p> + “Upon your life do not fail to obey the Imperial summons. Send Falcone to + me here at once.” And it was signed—“GALEOTTO.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I said to the herald, “I will not fail to attend.” + </p> + <p> + I bade the seneschal who stood in attendance to give the messenger + refreshment ere he left, and upon that dismissed him. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone I turned to Bianca. “Galeotto bids me go,” I said. + “There is surely hope.” + </p> + <p> + She took the note, and passing a hand over her eyes, as if to clear away + some mist that obscured her vision, she read it. Then she considered the + curt summons that gave no clue, and lastly looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “It is the end,” I said. “One way or the other, it is the end. But for + Galeotto's letter, I think I should have refused to obey, and made myself + an outlaw indeed. As it is—there is surely hope!” + </p> + <p> + “O, Agostino, surely, surely!” she cried. “Have we not suffered enough? + Have we not paid enough already for the happiness that should be ours? + To-morrow I shall go with you to Piacenza.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” I implored her. + </p> + <p> + “Could I remain here?” she pleaded. “Could I sit here and wait? Could you + be so cruel as to doom me to such a torture of suspense?” + </p> + <p> + “But if... if the worst befalls?” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot,” she answered. “I believe in God.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. THE WILL OF HEAVEN + </h2> + <p> + In the Chamber of Justice of the Communal Palace sat that day not the + Assessors of the Ruota, but the Councillors in their damask robes—the + Council of Ten of the City of Piacenza. And to preside over them sat not + their Prior, but Ferrante Gonzaga himself, in a gown of scarlet velvet + edged with miniver. + </p> + <p> + They sat at a long table draped in red at the room's end, Gonzaga slightly + above them on a raised dais, under a canopy. Behind him hung a golden + shield upon which was figured, between two upright columns each surmounted + by a crown, the double-headed black eagle of Austria; a scroll + intertwining the pillars was charged with the motto “PLUS ULTRA.” + </p> + <p> + At the back of the court stood the curious who had come to see the show, + held in bounds by a steel line of Spanish halberdiers. But the concourse + was slight, for the folk of Piacenza still had weightier matters to + concern them than the trial of a wife-stealer. + </p> + <p> + I had ridden in with an escort of twenty lances. But I left these in the + square when I entered the palace and formally made surrender to the + officer who met me. This officer led me at once into the Chamber of + Justice, two men-at-arms opening a lane for me through the people with the + butts of their pikes, so that I came into the open space before my judges, + and bowed profoundly to Gonzaga. + </p> + <p> + Coldly he returned the salutation, his prominent eyes regarding me from + out of that florid, crafty countenance. + </p> + <p> + On my left, but high up the room and immediately at right angles to the + judges' tables, sat Galeotto, full-armed. He was flanked on the one side + by Fra Gervasio, who greeted me with a melancholy smile, and on the other + by Falcone, who sat rigid. + </p> + <p> + Opposite to this group on the judges' other hand stood Cosimo. He was + flushed, and his eyes gleamed as they measured me with haughty triumph. + From me they passed to Bianca, who followed after me with her women, pale, + but intrepid and self-contained, her face the whiter by contrast with the + mourning-gown which she still wore for her father, and which it might well + come to pass that she should continue hereafter to wear for me. + </p> + <p> + I did not look at her again as she passed on and up towards Galeotto, who + had risen to receive her. He came some few steps to meet her, and escorted + her to a seat next to his own, so that Falcone moved down to another + vacant stool. Her women found place behind her. + </p> + <p> + An usher set a chair for me, and I, too, sat down, immediately facing the + Emperor's Lieutenant. Then another usher in a loud voice summoned Cosimo + to appear and state his grievance. + </p> + <p> + He advanced a step or two, when Gonzaga raised his hand, to sign to him to + remain where he was so that all could see him whilst he spoke. + </p> + <p> + Forthwith, quickly, fluently, and lucidly, as if he had got the thing by + heart, Cosimo recited his accusation: How he had married Bianca de' + Cavalcanti by her father's consent in her father's own Castle of Pagliano; + how that same night his palace in Piacenza had been violently invested by + myself and others abetting me, and how we had carried off his bride and + burnt his palace to the ground; how I had since held her from him, shut up + in the Castle of Pagliano, which was his fief in his quality as her + husband; and how similarly I had unlawfully held Pagliano against him to + his hurt. + </p> + <p> + Finally he reminded the Court that he had appealed to the Pope, who had + issued a brief commanding me, under pain of excommunication and death, to + make surrender; that I had flouted the Pontifical authority, and that it + was only upon his appeal to Caesar and upon the Imperial mandate that I + had surrendered. Wherefore he begged the Court to uphold the Holy Father's + authority, and forthwith to pronounce me excommunicate and my life + forfeit, restoring to him his wife Bianca and his domain of Pagliano, + which he would hold as the Emperor's liege and loyal servitor. + </p> + <p> + Having spoken thus, he bowed to the Court, stepped back, and sat down. + </p> + <p> + The Ten looked at Gonzaga. Gonzaga looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “Have you anything to say?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + I rose imbued by a calm that surprised me. + </p> + <p> + “Messer Cosimo has left something out of his narrative,” said I. “When he + says that I violently invested his palace here in Piacenza on the night of + his marriage, and dragged thence the Lady Bianca, others abetting me, he + would do well to add in the interests of justice, the names of those who + were my abettors.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo rose again. “Does it matter to this Court and to the affair at + issue what caitiffs he employed?” he asked haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “If they were caitiffs it would not matter,” said I. “But they were not. + Indeed, to say that it was I who invested his palace is to say too much. + The leader of that expedition was Monna Bianca's own father, who, having + discovered the truth of the nefarious traffic in which Messer Cosimo was + engaged, hastened to rescue his daughter from an infamy.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo shrugged. “These are mere words,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “The lady herself is present, and can bear witness to their truth,” I + cried. + </p> + <p> + “A prejudiced witness, indeed!” said Cosimo with confidence; and Gonzaga + nodded, whereupon my heart sank. + </p> + <p> + “Will Messer Agostino give us the names of any of the braves who were with + him?” quoth Cosimo. “It will no doubt assist the ends of justice, for + those men should be standing by him now.” + </p> + <p> + He checked me no more than in time. I had been on the point of citing + Falcone; and suddenly I perceived that to do so would be to ruin Falcone + without helping myself. + </p> + <p> + I looked at my cousin. “In that case,” said I, “I will not name them.” + </p> + <p> + Falcone, however, was minded to name himself, for with a grunt he made + suddenly to rise. But Galeotto stretched an arm across Bianca, and forced + the equerry back into his seat. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo saw and smiled. He was very sure of himself by now. + </p> + <p> + “The only witness whose word would carry weight would be the late Lord of + Pagliano,” he said. “And the prisoner is more crafty than honest in naming + one who is dead. Your excellency will know the precise importance to + attach to that.” + </p> + <p> + Again his excellency nodded. Could it indeed be that I was enmeshed? My + calm deserted me. + </p> + <p> + “Will Messer Cosimo tell your excellency under what circumstances the Lord + of Pagliano died?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “It is yourself should be better able to inform the Court of that,” + answered Cosimo quickly, “since he died at Pagliano after you had borne + his daughter thither, as we have proof.” + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga looked at him sharply. “Are you implying, sir, that there is a + further crime for which Messer Agostino d'Anguissola should be indicted?” + he inquired. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo shrugged and pursed his lips. “I will not go so far, since the + matter of Ettore Cavalcanti's death does not immediately concern me. + Besides, there is enough contained in the indictment as it stands.” + </p> + <p> + The imputation was none the less terrible, and could not fail of an effect + upon the minds of the Ten. I was in despair, for at every question it + seemed that the tide of destruction rose higher about me. I deemed myself + irrevocably lost. The witnesses I might have called were as good as + gagged. + </p> + <p> + Yet there was one last question in my quiver—a question which I + thought must crumple up his confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell his excellency where you were upon your marriage night?” I + cried hoarsely, my temples throbbing. + </p> + <p> + Superbly Cosimo looked round at the Court; he shrugged, and shook his head + as if in utter pity. + </p> + <p> + “I leave it to your excellency to say where a man should be upon his + marriage night,” he said, with an astounding impudence, and there were + some who tittered in the crowd behind me. “Let me again beg your + excellency and your worthinesses to pass to judgment, and so conclude this + foolish comedy.” + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga nodded gravely, as if entirely approving, whilst with a fat + jewelled hand he stroked his ample chin. + </p> + <p> + “I, too, think that it is time,” he said, whereupon Cosimo, with a sigh of + relief, would have resumed his seat but that I stayed him with the last + thing I had to say. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” I cried, appealing to Gonzaga, “the true events of that night + are set forth in a memorial of which two copies were drawn up, one for the + Pope and the other for your excellency, as the Emperor's vicegerent. Shall + I recite its contents—that Messer Cosimo may be examined upon them. + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary,” came Gonzaga's icy voice. “The memorial is here + before me.” And he tapped a document upon the table. Then he fixed his + prominent eyes upon Cosimo. “You are aware of its contents?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo bowed, and Galeotto moved at last, for the first time since the + trial's inception. + </p> + <p> + Until now he had sat like a carved image, save when he had thrust out a + hand to restrain Falcone, and his attitude had filled me with an + unspeakable dread. But at this moment he leaned forward turning an ear + towards Cosimo, as if anxious not to miss a single word that the man might + utter. And Cosimo, intent as he was, did not observe the movement. + </p> + <p> + “I saw its fellow at the Vatican,” said my cousin, “and since the Pope in + his wisdom and goodness judged worthless the witnesses whose signatures it + bears, his holiness thought well to issue the brief upon which your + excellency has acted in summoning Agostino d'Anguissola before you here. + </p> + <p> + “Thus is that memorial disposed of as a false and lying document.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Gonzaga thoughtfully, his heavy lip between thumb and + forefinger, “it bears, amongst others, the signature of the Lord of + Pagliano's confessor.” + </p> + <p> + “Without violation of the seal of the confessional, it is impossible for + that friar to testify,” was the answer. “And the Holy Father cannot grant + him dispensation for so much. His signature, therefore, stands for + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + There followed a moment's silence. The Ten whispered among themselves. But + Gonzaga never consulted them by so much as a glance. They appeared to + serve none but a decorative office in that Court of his, for they bore no + share in the dispensing of a justice of which he constituted himself the + sole arbiter. + </p> + <p> + At last the Governor spoke. + </p> + <p> + “It seems, indeed, that there is no more to say and the Court has a clear + course before it, since the Emperor cannot contravene the mandates of the + Holy See. Nothing remains, then, but to deliver sentence; unless...” + </p> + <p> + He paused, and his eyes singularly sly, his lips pursed almost humorously, + he turned his glance upon Galeotto. + </p> + <p> + “Ser Cosimo,” he said, “has pronounced this memorial a false and lying + document. Is there anything that you, Messer Galeotto, as its author, can + have to tell the Court?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly the condottiero rose, his great scarred face very solemn, his + eyes brooding. He advanced almost to the very centre of the table, so that + he all but stood immediately before Gonzaga, yet sideways, so that I had + him in profile, whilst he fully faced Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo at least had ceased to smile. His handsome white face had lost some + of its supercilious confidence. Here was something unexpected, something + upon which he had not reckoned, against which he had not provided. + </p> + <p> + “What has Ser Galeotto to do with this?” he demanded harshly. + </p> + <p> + “That, sir, no doubt he will tell us, if you will have patience,” Gonzaga + answered, so sweetly and deferentially that of a certainty some of + Cosimo's uneasiness must have been dissipated. + </p> + <p> + I leaned forward now, scarce daring to draw breath lest I should lose a + word of what was to follow. The blood that had earlier surged to my face + had now all receded again, and my pulses throbbed like hammers. + </p> + <p> + Then Galeotto spoke, his voice very calm and level. + </p> + <p> + “Will your excellency first permit me to see the papal brief upon which + you acted in summoning hither the accused?” + </p> + <p> + Silently Gonzaga delivered a parchment into Galeotto's hands. The + condottiero studied it, frowning. Then he smote it sharply with his right + hand. + </p> + <p> + “This document is not in order,” he announced. + </p> + <p> + “How?” quoth Cosimo, and he smiled again, reassured completely by now, + convinced that here was no more than a minor quibble of the law. + </p> + <p> + “You are here described as Cosimo d'Anguissola, Lord of Mondolfo and + Carmina. These titles are not yours.” + </p> + <p> + The blood stirred faintly in Cosimo's cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Those fiefs were conferred upon me by our late lord, Duke Pier Luigi,” he + replied. + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga spoke. “The confiscations effected by the late usurping Duke, and + the awards made out of such confiscations, have been cancelled by Imperial + decree. All lands so confiscated are by this decree revertible to their + original holders upon their taking oath of allegiance to Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo continued to smile. “This is no matter of a confiscation effected + by Duke Pier Luigi,” he said. “The confiscation and my own investiture in + the confiscated fiefs are a consequence of Agostino d'Anguissola's + recreancy—at least, it is in such terms that my investiture is + expressly announced in the papal bull that has been granted me and in the + brief which lies before your excellency. Nor was such express announcement + necessary, for since I was next heir after Ser Agostino to the Tyranny of + Mondolfo, it follows that upon his being outlawed and his life forfeit I + enter upon my succession.” + </p> + <p> + Here, thought I, were we finally checkmated. But Galeotto showed no sign + of defeat. + </p> + <p> + “Where is this bull you speak of?” he demanded, as though he were the + judge himself. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo haughtily looked past him at Gonzaga. “Does your excellency ask to + see it?” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly,” said Gonzaga shortly. “I may not take your word for its + existence.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo plucked a parchment from the breast of his brown satin doublet, + unfolded it, and advanced to lay it before Gonzaga, so that he stood near + Galeotto—not more than an arm's length between them. + </p> + <p> + The Governor conned it; then passed it to Galeotto. “It seems in order,” + he said. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, Galeotto studied it awhile; and then, still holding it, he + looked at Cosimo, and the scarred face that hitherto had been so sombre + now wore a smile. + </p> + <p> + “It is as irregular as the other,” he said. “It is entirely worthless.” + </p> + <p> + “Worthless?” quoth Cosimo, in an amazement that was almost scornful. “But + have I not already explained...” + </p> + <p> + “It sets forth here,” cut in Galeotto with assurance, “that the fief of + Mondolfo and Carmina are confiscated from Agostino d'Anguissola. Now I + submit to your excellency, and to your worthinesses,” he added, turning + aside, “that this confiscation is grotesque and impossible, since Mondolfo + and Carmina never were the property of Agostino d'Anguissola, and could no + more be taken from him than can a coat be taken from the back of a naked + man—unless,” he added, sneering, “a papal bull is capable of + miracles.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo stared at him with round eyes, and I stared too, no glimmer of the + enormous truth breaking yet upon my bewildered mind. In the court the + silence was deathly until Gonzaga spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Do you say that Mondolfo and Carmina did not belong—that they never + were the fiefs of Agostino d'Anguissola?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That is what I say,” returned Galeotto, towering there, immense and + formidable in his gleaming armour. + </p> + <p> + “To whom, then, did they belong?” + </p> + <p> + “They did and do belong to Giovanni d'Anguissola—Agostino's father.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo shrugged at this, and some of the dismay passed from his + countenance. + </p> + <p> + “What folly is this?” he cried. “Giovanni d'Anguissola died at Perugia + eight years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what is generally believed, and what Giovanni d'Anguissola has + left all to believe, even to his own priest-ridden wife, even to his own + son, sitting there, lest had the world known the truth whilst Pier Luigi + lived such a confiscation as this should, indeed, have been perpetrated. + </p> + <p> + “But he did not die at Perugia. At Perugia, Ser Cosimo, he took this scar + which for thirteen years has served him for a mask.” And he pointed to his + own face. + </p> + <p> + I came to my feet, scarce believing what I heard. Galeotto was Giovanni + d'Anguissola—my father! And my heart had never told me so! + </p> + <p> + In a flash I saw things that hitherto had been obscure, things that should + have guided me to the truth had I but heeded their indications. + </p> + <p> + How, for instance, had I assumed that the Anguissola whom he had mentioned + as one of the heads of the conspiracy against Pier Luigi could have been + myself? + </p> + <p> + I stood swaying there, whilst his voice boomed out again. + </p> + <p> + “Now that I have sworn fealty to the Emperor in my true name, upon the + hands of my Lord Gonzaga here; now that the Imperial aegis protects me + from Pope and Pope's bastards; now that I have accomplished my life's + work, and broken the Pontifical sway in this Piacenza, I can stand forth + again and resume the state that is my own. + </p> + <p> + “There stands my foster-brother, who has borne witness to my true + identity; there Falcone, who has been my equerry these thirty years; and + there are the brothers Pallavicini, who tended me and sheltered me when I + lay at the point of death from the wounds that disfigured me at Perugia.” + </p> + <p> + “So, my Lord Cosimo, ere you can proceed further in this matter against my + son, you will need to take your brief and your bull back to Rome and get + them amended, for there is in Italy no Lord of Mondolfo and Carmina other + than myself.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo fell back before him limp and trembling, his spirit broken by this + shattering blow. + </p> + <p> + And then Gonzaga uttered words that might have heartened him. But after + being hurled from what he accounted the pinnacle of success, he mistrusted + now the crafty Lieutenant, saw that he had been played with as a mouse by + this Imperial cat with the soft, deadly paws. + </p> + <p> + “We might waive the formalities in the interests of justice,” purred the + Lieutenant. “There is this memorial, my lord,” he said, and tapped the + document, his eyes upon my father. + </p> + <p> + “Since your excellency wishes the matter to be disposed of out of hand, it + can, I think, be done,” he said, and he looked again at Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + “You have said that this memorial is false, because the witnesses whose + names are here cannot be admitted to testify.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo braced himself for a last effort. “Do you defy the Pope?” he + thundered. + </p> + <p> + “If necessary,” was the answer. “I have done so all my life.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo turned to Gonzaga. “It is not I who have branded this memorial + false,” he said, “but the Holy Father himself.” + </p> + <p> + “The Emperor,” said my father, “may opine that in this matter the Holy + Father has been deluded by liars. There are other witnesses. There is + myself, for one. This memorial contains nothing but what was imparted to + me by the Lord of Pagliano on his death-bed, in the presence of his + confessor.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot admit the confessor,” Gonzaga thrust in. + </p> + <p> + “Give me leave, your excellency. It was not in his quality as confessor + that Fra Gervasio heard the dying man depone. Cavalcanti's confession + followed upon that. And there was in addition present the seneschal of + Pagliano who is present here. Sufficient to establish this memorial alike + before the Imperial and the Pontifical Courts. + </p> + <p> + “And I swear to God, as I stand here in His sight,” he continued in a + ringing voice, “that every word there set down is as spoken by Ettore + Cavalcanti, Lord of Pagliano, some hours before he died; and so will those + others swear. And I charge your excellency, as Caesar's vicegerent, to + accept that memorial as an indictment of that caitiff Cosimo d'Anguissola, + who lent himself to so foul and sacrilegious a deed—for it involved + the defilement of the Sacrament of Marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “In that you lie!” screamed Cosimo, crimson now with rage, the veins at + his throat and brow swelling like ropes. + </p> + <p> + A silence followed. My father turned to Falcone, and held out his hand. + Falcone sprang to give him a heavy iron gauntlet. Holding this by the + fingers, my father took a step towards Cosimo, and he was smiling, very + calm again after his late furious mood. + </p> + <p> + “Be it so,” he said. “Since you say that I lie, I do here challenge you to + prove it upon my body.” + </p> + <p> + And he crashed the iron glove straight into Cosimo's face so that the skin + was broken, and blood flowed about the mouth, leaving the lower half of + the visage crimson, the upper dead-white. + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga sat on, entirely unmoved, and waited, indifferent to the stir + there was amid the Ten. For by the ancient laws of chivalry—however + much they might be falling now into desuetude—if Cosimo took up the + glove, the matter passed beyond the jurisdiction of the Court, and all men + must abide by the issue of the trial by battle. + </p> + <p> + For a long moment Cosimo hesitated. Then he saw ruin all about him. He—who + had come to this court so confidently—had walked into a trap. He saw + it now, and saw that the only loophole was the chance this combat offered + him. He played the man in the end. He stooped and took up the glove. + </p> + <p> + “Upon your body, then—God helping me,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Unable longer to control myself, I sprang to my father's side. I caught + his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Let me! Father, let me!” + </p> + <p> + He looked into my face and smiled, and the steel-coloured eyes seemed + moist and singularly soft. + </p> + <p> + “My son!” he said, and his voice was gentle and soothing as a woman's + caress. + </p> + <p> + “My father!” I answered him, a knot in my throat. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, that I must deny you the first thing you ask me by that name,” he + said. “But the challenge is given and accepted. Do you take Bianca to the + Duomo and pray that right may be done and God's will prevail. Gervasio + shall go with you.” + </p> + <p> + And then came an interruption from Gonzaga. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” he said, “will you determine when and where this battle is to + be fought?” + </p> + <p> + “Upon the instant,” answered my father, “on the banks of Po with a score + of lances to keep the lists.” + </p> + <p> + Gonzaga looked at Cosimo. “Do you agree to this?” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be too soon for me,” replied the quivering Cosimo, black hatred + in his glance. + </p> + <p> + “Be it so, then,” said the Governor, and he rose, the Court rising with + him. + </p> + <p> + My father pressed my hand again. “To the Duomo, Agostino, till I come,” he + said, and on that we parted. + </p> + <p> + My sword was returned to me by Gonzaga's orders. In so far as it concerned + myself the trial was at an end, and I was free. + </p> + <p> + At Gonzaga's invitation, very gladly I there and then swore fealty to the + Emperor upon his hands, and then, with Bianca and Gervasio, I made my way + through the cheering crowd and came out into the sunshine, where my + lances, who had already heard the news, set up a great shout at sight of + me. + </p> + <p> + Thus we crossed the square, and went to the Duomo, to render thanks. We + knelt at the altar-rail, and Gervasio knelt above us upon the altar's + lowest step. + </p> + <p> + Somewhere behind us knelt Bianca's women, who had followed us to the + church. + </p> + <p> + Thus we waited for close upon two hours that were as an eternity. + </p> + <p> + And kneeling there, the eyes of my soul conned closely the scroll of my + young life as it had been unfolded hitherto. I reviewed its beginnings in + the greyness of Mondolfo, under the tutelage of my poor, dolorous mother + who had striven so fiercely to set my feet upon the ways of sanctity. But + my ways had been errant ways, even though, myself, I had sought to walk as + she directed. I had strayed and blundered, veered and veered again, a very + mockery of what she strove to make me—a strolling saint, indeed, as + Cosimo had dubbed me, a wandering mummer when I sought after holiness. + </p> + <p> + But my strolling, my errantry ended here at last at the steps of this + altar, as I knew. + </p> + <p> + Deeply had I sinned. But deeply and strenuously had I expiated, and the + heaviest burden of my expiation had been that endured in the past year at + Pagliano beside my gentle Bianca who was another's wedded wife. That cross + of penitence—so singularly condign to my sin—I had borne with + fortitude, heartened by the confidence that thus should I win to pardon + and that the burden would be mercifully lifted when the expiation was + complete. In the lifting of that burden from me I should see a sign that + pardon was mine at last, that at last I was accounted worthy of this pure + maid through whom I should have won to grace, through whom I had come to + learn that Love—God's greatest gift—is the great sanctifier of + man. + </p> + <p> + That the stroke of that ardently awaited hour was even now impending I did + not for a moment doubt. + </p> + <p> + Behind us, the door opened and steps clanked upon the granite floor. + </p> + <p> + Fra Gervasio rose very tall and gaunt, his gaze anxious. + </p> + <p> + He looked, and the anxiety passed. Thankfulness overspread his face. He + smiled serenely, tears in his deep-set eyes. Seeing this, I, too, dared to + look at last. + </p> + <p> + Up the aisle came my father very erect and solemn, and behind him followed + Falcone with eyes a-twinkle in his weather-beaten face. + </p> + <p> + “Let the will of Heaven be done,” said my father. And Gervasio came down + to pronounce the nuptial blessing over us. + </p> + +<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STROLLING SAINT ***</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 3423-h.htm or 3423-h.zip</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/2/3423/</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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