CARDINAL. Tis a dull trick. Thou hast not dealt with her Wisely nor kindly, and I dread the end. If, when this marriage was enjoined on thee, Thou hadst informed Francesca of the truth, And said, Now daughter, choose between Thy peace and all Ravenna's; who that knows The constant nature of her noble heart Could doubt the issue? There'd have been some tears, Some frightful fancies of her husband's looks; And then she'd calmly walk up to her fate, And bear it bravely. Afterwards, perchance, Lanciotto might prove better than her fears,-- No one denies him many an excellence,-- And all go happily. But, as thou wouldst plot, She'll be prepared to see a paragon, And find a satyr. It is dangerous. Treachery with enemies is bad enough, With friends 'tis fatal.
CARDINAL. Never, Count Guido, with so good a text. Do not stand looking sideways at the truth; Craft has become thy nature. Go to her.
GUIDO. Hold, Cardinal! My plan is better. Get her off my hands, And I care not.
CARDINAL. What will she say of thee, In Rimini, when she detects the cheat?
CARDINAL. Guido, thou art weak, And lack the common fortitude of man.
GUIDO. And you abuse the license of your garb, To lesson me. My lord, I do not dare To move a finger in these marriage-rites. Francesca is a sacrifice, I know,-- A limb delivered to the surgeon's knife, To save our general health. A truce to this. Paolo has the business in his hands: Let him arrange it as he will; for I Will give Count Malatesta no pretext To recommence the war.
CARDINAL. Farewell, my lord. I'll neither help nor countenance a fraud. You crafty men take comfort to yourselves, Saying, deceit dies with discovery. 'Tis false; each wicked action spawns a brood, And lives in its succession. You, who shake Man's moral nature into storm, should know That the last wave which passes from your sight Rolls in and breaks upon eternity! [_Exit._
GUIDO. Why, that's a very grand and solemn thought: I'll mention it to Dante. Gentlemen, What see they from the wall?
_Enter_ FRANCESCA, RITTA, LADIES, ATTENDANTS, _etc._
FRANCESCA. See, father, what a merry face I have, And how my ladies glisten! I will try To do my utmost, in my love for you And the good people of Ravenna. Now, As the first shock is over, I expect To feel quite happy. I will wed the Count, Be he whate'er he may. I do not speak In giddy recklessness. I've weighed it all,-- 'Twixt hope and fear, knowledge and ignorance,-- And reasoned out my duty to your wish. I have no yearnings towards another love: So, if I show my husband a desire To fill the place with which he honours me, According to its duties, even he-- Were he less noble than Count Lanciotto-- Must smile upon my efforts, and reward Good will with willing grace. One pang remains. Parting from home and kindred is a thing None but the heartless, or the miserable, Can do without a tear. This home of mine Has filled my heart with two-fold happiness, Taking and giving love abundantly. Farewell, Ravenna! If I bless thee not, Tis that thou seem'st too blessed; and 'twere strange In me to offer what thou'st always given.