ZACHARIAS.
On whom I build my trust.
I would that Rachis left upon his throne
A brother who could stand by Carloman’s:
But Astolph has a rebel’s countenance,
The only eyes that never bent to mine.
He looked upon me as a robber might
Who saw in God’s own altar but a setting
To jewels that he coveted. And when
Rachis knelt down and vowed to leave the world,
And there was silence in the Lombard host,
I heard a ringing laugh, and Astolph shook
His yellow hair with joy. I never saw
So mad a gesture—God will strike him down!
[Enter a Cardinal.]
CARDINAL.
The Lombard King would see you.
ZACHARIAS.
Lead him in,
We will receive our penitent. [Exit Cardinal.]
This Rachis
Shall make your Convent famous: Mount Casino
Shall have its royal monk.
DAMIANI.
A gracious thought.
[Enter Rachis with two Cardinals.]