14
If this is true, then I do speak to you
As one calls on a corpse on fleating side,
Which bear it to and fro, in silence.
It is fearful to talk to you, and be
Without response, to know not if you even
Comprehend me? Yet, ten fold worse
That I must so soon leave you
Alone and unprotectioned, expressed to heaven only
Knows what awful fate, in this
Abandoned, God forsaken city.
Now shall I press my laps upon your know
In great anxiety about you, perhaps
For the last time on earth, yet to you,
It appears to be no more than if a light,
Airy zephyr blew across your forehead.
I doubt if ever we shall meet again.
At least bid me a last forewell.
Some! I will asoort you home, and if
Your awful silence shall drive me to it –
Then shall I employ my last hour here
To follow out a course, from which
I now recoil. My lipa still pleased,
But I re[n]ain un answered, as if my
questions and my touch would do you harm,
And yet, you know full well
A word from you would end my agony.
(They exeunt, followed by the Torah Beaters. During the
preceding scene old NARDI and his wife come from their
dwelling, and are busies with the counter)
Nardi (Has a ring on his hand)
Where is little Vitterino? I wish to quaise him. Just look,
my dear wife, what a fine head he has carried! No one can do
as well as he. France could never do the like. Vittorino
Where is he now?
What detains him?
shall be heir to my fame.
Mrs. Nardi
u to me, give it to me. I'll put it with the others.
Nardi
With what others? Why do you look up everything in adenst?
And why do you Con the chest in the oellar? What does it all
mean?
Mrs. Nardi
It must be so, let me have it, Nardi?
Nardi (Whimpering)
We will sell it to-day.
No, leave me the ring!
Mrs. Nardi
who would think ofnesying a ring to-day. Dive it to me!