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But scarcely had she decked herself with the flowers which she had gathered early in the morning for the purpose, when she started and rose up; and then Wagner beheld a man approaching her from the nearest grove. "That is Stephano Verrina!" murmured the demon in his ears. Fernand uttered a cry of dismay, and threw down the telescope.
Stephano Verrina was not the man to allow his energies to be paralyzed by the reverse he had just sustained. He immediately commanded a general muster of his men to be held in the banqueting-hall, that he might accurately ascertain the loss his corps had sustained.
Bring balls and powder but stay my sword were better. Ah! what am I going to do? BERTHA. Father, you make me tremble VERRINA. Come, sit by me, Bertha! Tell me, Bertha, what said Virginius to his dishonored daughter? I know not. VERRINA. Foolish girl! Great God! What would you do, my father? No! There is still justice left in Genoa. SACCO, CALCAGNO, the former.
One is thus tempted to regard Verrina's act as that of a madman who cares more for form than for substance and sees danger where there is none. For Verrina, who plays the part of Brutus to his country's Caesar and seems to represent the sternest type of republican virtue, is a repulsive fanatic.
VERRINA. And yet too quick to gain his wishes. Bourgognino! There is a thought that freezes me. BOURGOGNINO. Father, be not too hasty. VERRINA. It is impossible to be too hasty where delay is fatal. I must commit a second murder to justify the first. BOURGOGNINO. But when must Fiesco fall? VERRINA. When Genoa is free Fiesco dies! SENTINELS. Who goes there? The former, FIESCO. FIESCO. A friend!
I do remember me that Fiesco once called me brother, because we both were sons of the same country! Oh, is it only that? You meant then but to jest? The mourning dress is worn for Genoa! True, she lies indeed in her last agonies. The thought is new and singular. Our cousin begins to be a wit. VERRINA. Fiesco! I spoke most seriously. FIESCO. Certainly certainly.
Can anyone accuse me of neglect? CALCAGNO. No. Your daughter is a bright example to her sex. VERRINA. I am old, my friends. On this one daughter all my hopes were placed. Should I lose her, my race becomes extinct. I have lost her. My family is dishonored. SACCO and CALCAGNO. Forbid it, heaven! VERRINA. No. Despair not, daughter! These men are just and brave.
Go! confide in God and Bourgognino. The same day shall give freedom to Bertha and to Genoa. The former without BERTHA. CALCAGNO. Genoese, before we take another step, one word VERRINA. I guess what you would say. CALCAGNO. Will four patriots alone be sufficient to destroy this mighty hydra? Shall we not stir up the people to rebellion, or draw the nobles in to join our party?
VERRINA. I understand you. Now hear my advice; I have long engaged a painter who has been exerting all his skill to paint the fall of Appius Claudius. Fiesco is an adorer of the arts, and soon warmed by ennobling scenes. We will send this picture to his house, and will be present when he contemplates it. Perhaps the sight may rouse his dormant spirit. Perhaps BOURGOGNINO. No more of him.
Inimitable! Divine, Romano! And that white, dazzling breast, that heaves with the last pulse of life. Draw more such beauties, Romano, and I will give up Nature to worship thy creative fancy. BOURGOGNINO. Is it thus, Verrina, your hopes are answered? VERRINA. Take courage, son! The Almighty has rejected the arm of FIESCO. Upon ours he must rely. Well 'tis your last work, Romano.
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