160

_Intendant._ Strike me? Ah, so might a father chastise!
I shall sleep soundly tonight at least, though the gallows
await me tomorrow; for what a life did I lead! Carlo of
Cesena reminds me of his connivance, every time I pay
his annuity; which happens commonly thrice a year. If I 165
remonstrate, he will confess all to the good bishop--you!

_Monsignor._ I see through the trick, caitiff! I would
you spoke truth for once. All shall be sifted, however--seven
times sifted.

_Intendant._ And how my absurd riches encumbered 170
me! I dared not lay claim to above half my possessions.
Let me but once unbosom myself, glorify Heaven, and die!

Sir, you are no brutal, dastardly idiot like your brother
I frightened to death: let us understand one another. Sir,
I will make away with her for you--the girl--here close 175
at hand; not the stupid obvious kind of killing; do not
speak--know nothing of her nor of me! I see her every
day--saw her this morning. Of course there is to be no
killing; but at Rome the courtesans perish off every three
years, and I can entice her thither--have indeed begun 180
operations already. There's a certain lusty, blue-eyed,
florid-complexioned English knave I and the Police employ
occasionally. You assent, I perceive--no, that's not
it--assent I do not say--but you will let me convert my
present havings and holdings into cash, and give me time 185
to cross the Alps? Tis but a little black-eyed, pretty
singing Felippa, gay, silk-winding girl. I have kept her
out of harm's way up to this present; for I always intended
to make your life a plague to you with her. 'Tis
as well settled once and forever. Some women I have 190
procured will pass Bluphocks, my handsome scoundrel,
off for somebody; and once Pippa entangled!--you
conceive? Through her singing? Is it a bargain?

[_From without is heard the voice of_ PIPPA, _singing._

_Overhead the tree-tops meet,_
_Flowers and grass spring 'neath one's feet;_ 195
_There was naught above me, naught below,_
_My childhood had not learned to know:_
_For, what are the voices of birds_
_--Aye, and of beasts--but words, our words,_
_Only so much more sweet?_