SCENE IV.
A spacious and magnificent apartment; brilliantly decorated and illuminated. Veniero discovered. Numerous guests, some in masks, seemingly in conversation.
Enter the Doge, Badoero, Contarini, Teresa, Matilda, and others.
Veniero.
Once more we welcome all! Let mirth reign here,
Since ne’er a day hath dawned, of joy like this!
And Loredano too—I craved his presence;
Why comes he not? I harbor no resentments
In this glad hour. When happiness o’erflows
The heart, its tide doth sweep all evil thoughts
Like wrecks, away. He should be welcome here.
Say—will ye pledge me, friends?
Doge.
Most willingly.
This to the noble lady, in whose honor
We are to-night assembled. Ne’er till now
So fair a claim to loyalty hath met
Our willing homage.
Veniero.
Cheer, my girl! wear not
That solemn aspect, which would better grace
The sanctuary! Our friends and your fond sire
Invoke your smiles to make them happy.
Teresa.
Sir,
I thank both them and you.
Veniero (to Contarini.)
I pray you, Signor,
Since to your keeping my authority
Over this wayward girl is now surrendered,
Command her to be merry.
Contarini.
Pardon me.
You would not have me claim so speedily
A wife’s obedience! Now, at least, her will
Shall rule herself and me!
Veniero.
Oh! you will be
A proper husband! Who begins by bending
His neck to greet the yoke—henceforth must wear it!
(Foscarini enters, masked, and remains at the back of the scene, watching Teresa.)
Contarini.
And where could chains so golden and so soft,
Clasped by a hand so fair, enfold a captive
In sweeter bondage? Trust me—you know not
The worth of smiles like hers, to deem them fit
For every eye to share!
Say, gentle lady—would you join the dance?
Teresa.
The dance? No—no!—My lord—I pray your pardon,
I meant not this abruptness.
Contarini.
As you will!
You are a queen here, and in queenly right
You shall control us all; your regal pleasure
The law that we obey.
Foscarini (aside.)
She does not smile!
Her falsehood bears with it the sting, remorse!
Contarini.
Would music please my noble bride?
Teresa (aside.)
These lights!
My brain grows sick beneath their weary glare!
Leave me, I pray you! Nay—nay—heed me not!
Let me not mar your mirth!
Contarini.
I will not leave you:
I am too proud to stand beside you.
Foscarini (in a low tone.)
Aye!
She may betray you too!
Teresa (aside.)
That voice—that voice!
I cannot ’scape it! Strange—my haunting fancies
Should thus take form, to syllable reproaches
I ever hear within!
‘Doge.
‘What ails the lady?
‘Teresa (aside.)
‘They must be silenced—for I may not hear
‘Their tauntings now!’
Matilda.
Teresa! you are pale
And discomposed:—this night’s fatigue hath been
O’er harassing.
Teresa.
Yes—yes—
Contarini.
Wine will restore her—
Teresa.
You are mistaken;
I am not ill!
Contarini.
Take it—fair lady—
Foscarini (snatches another cup and advances.)
Hold!
I claim a right to pledge your lovely bride!
I—humblest of her slaves! Lady! I drink
Long life to you—and happiness—such as
Your truth deserves! Could man e’er wish you more?
Teresa.
’Tis he. Oh God! (faints.) [Foscarini retires.
Contarini.
Teresa!
Veniero.
She has swooned! my daughter! Help!
(They raise her—she revives—but still appears unconscious.)
Teresa (wildly.)
Accuse me not! accuse me not! Oh no!
I did not wrong thee! I have borne the wrong!
Didst thou but know the misery that has dragged me,
Despite of all thy love to bear me up,
Down, down, to this! thou wouldst not, couldst not scorn me!
Judge me not here!
Contarini.
Who was’t disturbed you,—say?
Teresa (recovering.)
Ha!
Contarini.
Who was it dared intrude, to move you thus?
Reveal his name, and instant punishment
Shall overtake the wretch!
Teresa (eagerly detaining him.)
Oh, no—no—no!
Contarini.
Detain me not! let me but find him!
Teresa.
Hold!
What would you do? what have I said? ’twas nothing—
Indeed—’twas nothing!
Contarini.
Tell me—whose the voice
That frighted you?
Teresa.
No voice! Move not—I pray you!
It was an idle fancy.—Did I say
Some one had spoken to me?—’Twas not so!
My brain hath coined strange tales! ’Tis cause for mirth
That I should think such things.
Contarini.
Such eagerness
To screen the offender——
Teresa.
My lord! I am ashamed
To have disturbed this noble company
With such absurd, strange weakness. I beseech you
Let me retire awhile!
Veniero.
Go.
[Exeunt Teresa, Matilda and attendants.