85
_What's death? You'll love me yet!_

_3rd Girl_ [_to_ PIPPA, _who approaches._] Oh, you may
come closer--we shall not eat you! Why, you seem the
very person that the great rich handsome Englishman has
fallen so violently in love with. I'll tell you all about it. 90

IV.--NIGHT

SCENE.--_Inside the Palace by the Duomo._ MONSIGNOR, _dismissing his_
Attendants.

_Monsignor._ Thanks, friends, many thanks! I chiefly
desire life now, that I may recompense every one of you.
Most I know something of already. What, a repast prepared?
_Benedicto benedicatur_--ugh, ugh! Where was
I? Oh, as you were remarking, Ugo, the weather is 5
mild, very unlike winter weather; but I am a Sicilian, you
know, and shiver in your Julys here. To be sure, when
'twas full summer at Messina, as we priests used to cross
in procession the great square on Assumption Day, you
might see our thickest yellow tapers twist suddenly in 10
two, each like a falling star, or sink down on themselves
in a gore of wax. But go, my friends, but go! [_To the_
Intendant.] Not you, Ugo! [_The others leave the apartment._]
I have long wanted to converse with you, Ugo.

_Intendant._ Uguccio-- 15

_Monsignor._ ... 'guccio Stefani, man! of Ascoli,
Fermo and Fossombruno--what I do need instructing
about are these accounts of your administration of my
poor brother's affairs. Ugh! I shall never get through a
third part of your accounts; take some of these dainties 20
before we attempt it, however. Are you bashful to that
degree? For me, a crust and water suffice.

_Intendant._ Do you choose this especial night to question
me?

_Monsignor._ This night, Ugo. You have managed my 25
late brother's affairs since the death of our elder brother
--fourteen years and a month, all but three days. On
the Third of December, I find him--

_Intendant._ If you have so intimate an acquaintance
with your brother's affairs, you will be tender of turning 30
so far back: they will hardly bear looking into, so far back.

_Monsignor._ Aye, aye, ugh, ugh--nothing but disappointments
here below! I remark a considerable payment
made to yourself on this Third of December. Talk
of disappointments! There was a young fellow here,