CARDINALS.
Ay, of concupiscence and simony,
If one may dare surmise—his open sins.
But of his secret sins! Think how they hide
And loom where fear is with them in men’s thoughts!
—They say he sold his soul to Lucifer
For full eleven years; and all are told.
[A wind stirs the curtains.
—He comes, he comes!
—An apparition like a monkey! Horror!
A straggling darkness....
—Are you sure? A monkey?
—And sounds!
Far more than seven devils are watching us.
BISHOP OF VENOSA.
He has received Viaticum, Last Unction.
CARDINALS.
Ah, but he cannot die until his Master
Rise from below to take him, cannot die
As sinners do accepted by their God.
—He sleeps when he should die.
—Closed up in sin,
A sullen Viper of the woods!
—Remember....
Think of the death of Cardinal Michele,
Think of the Cardinal Orsini, think
Of Don Alfonso, Duke Astorre!
—Ay,
Think of the Lady Daughter.
BISHOP OF VENOSA.
Tales and bibble-babble!
Go, chatter with your monkey, fraternise!
He will not tickle this last sleep, my lords;
Give him your company.