Votre trèsse
13
Itself, sent us a most extraordinary portent.
Filippo
What portent?
Ercole
At the very moment, that Bentivoglio
Stood before the alter with Beatrice.
There fell from Heaven, before all the people,
Who had crowded into the market place,
A black plumed Hagle, which had been shot.
It fell at their feet with beatingattings,
And quickly died.
Isabella
A dreadful omen.
Ereole
It was indeed. So each one thought!
Filippo
Did’st thou see Beatrice herself?
Ercole
Yes! I saw her, as she came down,
The long steps of the church. She seemed quite pale,
But in the best of spirits. And all said:
She’s a born princes¬ Though some, I think, believed
Isabella
That she had bewitehed him?
Ercole
That word will do, as well as any other.
(a pause)
Filippo
(suddenly becoming gay)
Just see, how quickly a place is found to end, our night,
in greatest joy, far greater than when it did begin!
Thank this good messenger and bid him speedily show you
the way,
To mirthful be, till Dawn.