Männerin
Filippo
( Mechanically.)
Borgia! This is serious.
Agostino
Serious, it is far worse!
For two days disturbing rumors have reached us
From the South and West.
(Two of Filippo a servants enter from rear of garden
with beskets, strewing flowers on the path (C.) and up
the steps. Two other servants enter from path (B.) bear-
ing trays of fruit and sweetes. They go up steps and exeunt
into house. Filippo follows them with his eyes.)
Agostino
( Stares at them and turns to Filippo.)
Why what is this?
Do you prepare a feast?
Filippo
What a poor word!
Thether it be the flicker of a candle flame,
Or the bright rays of the sun, we call it light; –
In that same sense,do I prepare a feast.
Agostino
On such a day?
You are disposed towards mirth! --Listen to me;
Caesar’s host advances, each hour, hearer to Bologna,
And Mariscotti, who lent our dear city aid,
During the Duke's absence, seems disposed,
To surrender himself and us to Borgis.
In the defence he undertook,
He has turned a traitor, and has led us fonds,by the nose,
The city gate's closed and well defended,
To-morrow evening will all fly open,
To Caesar,who will enter, and make us slaves.
Filippo
(Disturbed.)
Are the gate's closed to us also?
Agostino
What do you mean—to us?