(The old servant goes through and down the stairs to meet them. In a moment the tramp of feet is heard and they enter—Lello between them—singing:)
Guelph! Guelph! and Ghibbeline!
Ehyo! ninni! onni! ōnz!
I went fishing on All Saints' Day
And—caught but human bones!
I went fishing on All Saints' Day.
The Rhone ran swift, the wind blew black!
I went fishing on All Saints' Day—
But my love called me back!
She called me back and she kissed my lips—
Oh, my lips! Oh, onni! ōnz!
"Better take life than death," said she,
Better take love than—bones! bones!
(Sancia kisses Petrarca.)
"Better take love than bones."
(They scatter with glee and Petrarca seizes Sancia to him.)[18]
Petrarca. Yes, little Sancia! and you, my friends!
Warm love is better, better!
And braver! Come, Lello! give me your hand!
And you, Filippa! No, I'll have your lips!
Sancia (interposing). Or—less? One at a time, Messer Petrarca!
You learn too fast. Mine only for to-night.
Petrarca. And for a thousand nights, Sancia fair!
Sancia. You hear him? Santa Madonna! pour us wine,
To pledge him in!
Petrarca.The tankards bubble o'er![19]