The Jewel Merchants: A Comedy in One Act, James Branch Cabell [beach books .txt] 📗

Today I saw that you were frightened and helpless—oh, quite helpless. And something in me changed. I knew for the first time that I loved you. And I knew I was not clean as you are clean. I knew that I had more in common with this beast here than I had with you.

GRACIOSA (Who with feminine practicality, while the man talks, has reached her decision.) We daughters of the Valori are so much merchandise…. Heigho, since I cannot help it, since bought and sold I must be, one day or another, at least I will go at a noble price. Yet I do not think I am quite worth the wealth and power which you have given up because of me. So it will be necessary to make up the difference, dear, by loving you very much.

GUIDO takes her hands, only half-believing that he understands her meaning. He puts an arm about her shoulder, holding her at a distance, the better to see her face.

GUIDO You, who had only scorn to give me when I was a kingdom's master! Would you go with me now that I am homeless and friendless?

GRACIOSA (Archly.) But to me you do not seem quite friendless.

GUIDO
Graciosa—!

GRACIOSA And I doubt if you could ever find your way through the forest alone. (But as she stands there with one hand raised to each of his shoulders her vindication is self-revealed, and she indicates her bracelet rather indignantly.) Besides, what else is a poor maid to do, when she is burdened with a talisman that compels her to marry the man whom she—so very much—prefers?

GUIDO (Drawing her to him.) Ah, you shall not regret that foolish preference.

GRACIOSA But come! There is a path—(They are gathering up the pack and its contents, as GUIDO pauses by the DUKE.) Is he—?

GUIDO He will not enter Hell to-day. (The DUKE stirs.) Already he revives, you see. So let us begone before his attendants come.

GUIDO lifts her to the top of the wall. He lifts up the pack.

GRACIOSA
My lute!

GUIDO (Giving it to her.) So we may pass for minstrels on the road to Venice.

GRACIOSA
Yes, singing the Duke's songs to pay our way. (GUIDO climbs over the
wall, and stands on the far side, examining the landscape beneath.)
Horsemen!

GUIDO The Duke's attendants fetching him new women—two more of those numerous damsels that his song demands. They will revive this ruinous songmaker to rule over Tuscany more foolishly than Eglamore governed when Eglamore was a great lord. (He speaks pensively, still looking down.) It is a very rich and lovely country, this kingdom which a half-hour since lay in the hollow of my hand. Now I am empty-handed.

GRACIOSA (With mocking reproach.) Empty-handed!

She extends to him both her hands. GUIDO takes them, and laughs joyously, saying, "Come!" as he lifts her down.

There is a moment's silence, then is heard the song and lute-playing with which the play began, growing ever more distant:…

     "Knights as my serfs be given;
    And as I will, let music go and come."

… The DUKE moves. The DUKE half raises himself at the foot of the crucifix.

THE DUKE
Eglamore! I am hurt. Help me, Eglamore!

(THE CURTAIN FALLS)

End of Project Gutenberg's The Jewel Merchants, by James Branch Cabell