They had made the land a desert

Betwixt here and San Brancazio,

Satiated with our heart's blood

Are Michele and Orazio.

Death, O death, how black and dreadful—

How remorseless is thy sway!

From a home once full thou'st taken,

Save the nest-egg, all away;

Is it fit that I, an orphan,

Here as head of house should stay?