Poems, translated and original

FIORILLA’S _house_.--_Enter_ FIORILLA _with attendants and_ MARCO.

FIORILLA (_to attendants_.)

Go for the present: deck the hall of mirth As may become her state who bids the guests; And your own emulous skill. For this poor person, I’ll care for it alone. [_Exeunt attendants._ You have prepared The chamber for our secret guests?

MARCO.

’Tis ready. They need not fear intrusion.

Fiorilla. All is right. [_Exit_ MARCO. I am now mistress of their secret. Set me A woman’s wit against a statesman’s arts! I’ll hold them at my bidding. Troth, I knew not How great a spirit bowed to me, when knelt The lordly Contarini at my feet!

_Enter_ LEONARDO.

Sir, welcome.

Leonardo. Thanks, sweet lady. I am honored In your fair greeting.

Fiorilla. Tell me, you who hear The lightest breath of ever varying rumor, What says the world abroad?

Leonardo. Tumults are stirring That fill the popular ear, and threaten danger To those in power.

Fiorilla. What reck I of the danger Which statesmen tempt, when beauty’s empire shakes not Her sparkling sceptre ’tis, that I would wield, Her throne I covet.

Leonardo. Rumor, too, has tongues Enough to speak of you.

Fiorilla. And what say they?

Leonardo. They join your name with Contarini’s, lady, And say, they shortly will be one.

Fiorilla. Indeed! ’Tis an impertinent tale;--but power like his Were it not worth the sharing?

Leonardo. And such grace And loveliness would well become its pride.

Fiorilla. Nay--now you flatter. Come, I’ll be content To wear mine own name now, meek Fiorilla; An humble one, ’tis true, but best befitting Her modesty, that bears it. For the rest, If time have honors in his keeping for me----

_Re-enter_ MARCO.

MARCO.

Lady, some other guests.

Fiorilla. I will receive them. [_Exeunt._