DUCHESS

Why has the bell stopped ringing?

GUIDO

If you must know, That stops my life on this side of the grave, But on the other we shall meet again.

DUCHESS

No, no, ’tis not too late: you must get hence; The horse is by the bridge, there is still time. Away, away, you must not tarry here! [Noise of Soldiers in the passage.]

A VOICE OUTSIDE

Room for the Lord Justice of Padua! [The LORD JUSTICE is seen through the grated window passing down the corridor preceded by men bearing torches.]

DUCHESS

It is too late.

A VOICE OUTSIDE

Room for the headsman.

DUCHESS

[sinks down] Oh! [The Headsman with his axe on his shoulder is seen passing the corridor, followed by Monks bearing candles.]

GUIDO

Farewell, dear love, for I must drink this poison. I do not fear the headsman, but I would die Not on the lonely scaffold. But here, Here in thine arms, kissing thy mouth: farewell! [Goes to the table and takes the goblet up.] What, art thou empty? [Throws it to the ground.] O thou churlish gaoler, Even of poisons niggard!

DUCHESS

[faintly] Blame him not.

GUIDO

O God! you have not drunk it, Beatrice? Tell me you have not?

DUCHESS

Were I to deny it, There is a fire eating at my heart Which would find utterance.

GUIDO

O treacherous love, Why have you not left a drop for me?

DUCHESS

No, no, it held but death enough for one.

GUIDO

Is there no poison still upon your lips, That I may draw it from them?

DUCHESS

Why should you die? You have not spilt blood, and so need not die: I have spilt blood, and therefore I must die. Was it not said blood should be spilt for blood? Who said that? I forget.

GUIDO

Tarry for me, Our souls will go together.

DUCHESS

Nay, you must live. There are many other women in the world Who will love you, and not murder for your sake.

GUIDO

I love you only.

DUCHESS

You need not die for that.

GUIDO

Ah, if we die together, love, why then Can we not lie together in one grave?

DUCHESS

A grave is but a narrow wedding-bed.

GUIDO

It is enough for us

DUCHESS

And they will strew it With a stark winding-sheet, and bitter herbs: I think there are no roses in the grave, Or if there are, they all are withered now Since my Lord went there.

GUIDO

Ah! dear Beatrice, Your lips are roses that death cannot wither.

DUCHESS

Nay, if we lie together, will not my lips Fall into dust, and your enamoured eyes Shrivel to sightless sockets, and the worms, Which are our groomsmen, eat away your heart?

GUIDO

I do not care: Death has no power on love. And so by Love’s immortal sovereignty I will die with you.

DUCHESS

But the grave is black, And the pit black, so I must go before To light the candles for your coming hither. No, no, I will not die, I will not die. Love, you are strong, and young, and very brave; Stand between me and the angel of death, And wrestle with him for me. [Thrusts GUIDO in front of her with his back to the audience.] I will kiss you, When you have thrown him.