"THE ALCHEMIST"

By Alexander Dumas

WITH AN ORIGINAL THIRD ACT BY
HENRY BERTRAM LISTER, LL. M.

Dr. John J. Glenn
with the compliments of the author
Xmas 1942 Henry Bertram Lister

"THE ALCHEMIST"
By Alexander Dumas, the Elder
Translated by Henry Bertram Lister
Reconstructed for the modern stage with instructions by Lydia W. Lister

Copyright 1940
By Henry Bertram Lister LL. M.

Author of the Classic dramas "Clytemnestra",
"Teiresias", "The Vestal's Choice", "Medea", "Phedra"
"Lysistrata", "Hecuba", "Epitrepontes", "Lorenzino",
"Don Juan de Marana", "Catherine Howard", Epic poems
"Bride of Achilles", "The Rubaiyat" of Omar Khayyam
in 1260 Quatrains, and other poems.

Published by the La Boheme Club
1337 Twelfth Avenue,
San Francisco.

ACT 1.
The Jeweller's shop of Fasio, morning

ACT 2.
The cellar of Grimaldi, same afternoon

ACT 3, Scene 1.
The home of Fasio, several days later

ACT 3, Scene 2.
Two days later in the very early morning, in the street near the Duke's Palace

ACT 1

As the curtain rises a rich jeweller's or engraver's shop is revealed. It is a shop such as that of Benevenuto Cellini's celebrated place. At the back there is a short window and a door opening on to the street. Door on the left to living rooms, and on the right there is a stairway leading down into the laboratory. There are show cases of silverware and jewelry. The room is furnished richly with comfortable chairs and tables. A single lamp burns on the show case, curtains drawn.

FRANCESCA

(She enters from door R. X to front window, draws curtains and then X to stair way R, she calls)

(She puts out lamp)

FASIO

(From below)

Yes, my sweet, I come at once.

(He enters from stairway X to Francesca, kisses her)

Why did you get up so early--? Why you are crying, You are managing the treasure of your beauty very badly--you received your good looks from heaven for my happiness and I am jealous of such a marvel. Crying will dim your beautiful eyes, my dear, I don't want that.

FRANCESCA

It is after nine o'clock--I have made the coffee. You reproach me for not sleeping, when you do not sleep, but stay up all night over an old furnace trying to make gold, getting old and haggard before your time. For gold you risk your health, which Is worth more than riches. Why do you stick to this cursed work? You work from sunrise until night. Only yesterday you said "my beloved, I will not work late," and yet you lied and have worked all night.

FASIO

(He kisses her)

Forgive me, my Francesca, but now my success is certain and the prize is in sight--Have patience, in a few days I shall be able to change lead into gold. Ah!

(wiping her eyes.)

For each tear that you have shed I shall add an hour to your life. I do not care for fame or immortality, I only wish to live our days happily--Success lies in riches. You shall be a Duchess, my love, with pages and valets, carriages and dresses fit for a queen, and as for me, my gold will give me the prestige of a king--When I am rich, then farewell to night work, which has rendered me taciturn--then I shall bid farewell to my work for I shall have discovered one of the secrets of God.

FRANCESCA

Do not blame me if I doubt and grieve--Love is my excuse, Fasio, for my tears. I am afraid that a senseless dream has possessed you. This chimera after which you run will not be successful and it will destroy both of our lives and our happiness.

FASIO

Fear nothing, Francesca, for Nicholas Flamel, my revered master, whom I follow, a hundred years ago left the cabalistic word hermetically sealed in a jar. Ah! I know that word--I have found the secret, Yes, the happy Flamel, whose name is cited by everyone, combined mercury with lead, and by the cabalistic word he obtained pure gold. After his death his widow found enough gold to build a hospital.

FRANCESCA

Alas for those who have lost their wits. What if he did make gold? He was not so rich as our neighbour Grimaldi, whose secret of making gold is usury. By usury, he, like Flamel, has houses, villas without number and merchant ships which encircle the world. He is as yellow as an old parchment and reflects the color of his gold, which he piles up for heirs to squander. Crabbed and solitary, he piles bag upon bag of treasure and yet with all his palaces and houses he chooses for himself a shameful house which is not fit for a dog. The rain leaks through the roof and the wind blows through the cracks in the walls. He has no fire and his bed is cold and damp-- I tell you that avarice does not pay. Ah! Fasio, that cursed gold can destroy your soul as it has destroyed the soul of Don Grimaldi. Let us remain poor and happy, do not tempt Fate.

FASIO

I shall never abuse my wealth, but I shall obtain new delights and pleasures. Wealth will be like the rose which blossoms and sheds beauty and fragrance around to the delight of all who behold it. I shall remember my friends.

FRANCESCA

My Fasio, pardon my doubts as to those pleasures which you so desire, because I am afraid of them. You know that my jealousy, even as things are now, renders me profoundly inquiet. If you were rich I should be still more unhappy. If you were rich, women would make love to you for your riches, you know there are many of these designing females--I have often seen your eyes follow these women of the town.

FASIO

Nonsense. Who is the demon who torments you and makes you jealous of me?

FRANCESCA

Oh! you know very well it is Madelina; she is the most beautiful one in Florence and I fear that you love her.

FASIO

Francesca, you are mad to imagine that--Why should I love Madelina?

FRANCESCA

One loves, that is all, and one does not know why--one loves without reason and without hope--one forgets Fortune, Rank--Love is folly, Oh! do not ever love her, Fasio.

(She clings to him.)

FASIO

Of course not, calm yourself, I have only admired her.

FRANCESCA

(Half weeping)

Ah! you see you have admired her.

FASIO

But I have admired her as I would a portico in the Duke's gardens or an ancient statue, or a virgin of Love painted by Raphael, or a star in the sky at night.

FRANCESCA

Fasio, take pity on me for whether Madelina be a Virgin of Love, or a statue, or a portico or a star, alas I am jealous of her, for you see this portrait is able to love--this star can speak and this statue is alive. Oh! have pity on me, Fasio.

FASIO

On my soul, you are becoming foolish.

(Laughing)

Suppose I should become jealous? Have I not seen the magistrate make love to you--have I not found him a hundred times in a nice tete-a-tete with you? Yet, am I jealous? Far from it, I am honored by Monsignor's visits. It is good policy to be friendly with the magistrate.

FRANCESCA

But you know that the idea of my loving the magistrate is ridiculous.

FASIO

I believe that, my dearest Francesca, and whether I remain always poor or whether I may someday become rich all my love is for you, my own.

(Fasio embraces Francesca, then goes to the laboratory steps, Francesca following.)

FRANCESCA

First have your coffee, Fasio.

(She turns)

He does not heed me.

(She muses)

He did not say that he did not love Madelina.

(She crosses to show case and dusts it. Giacomo, the magistrate enters from the street.)

GIACOMO

(Bowing to Francesca.)

Health to my beautiful jailer.

FRANCESCA

(Curtsying)

Ah! Health, Monsignor, what nocturnal disturbance has brought Mr. Magistrate so early in the morning?

GIACOMO

You cannot guess?

FRANCESCA

No, I cannot.

GIACOMO

Then I shall tell you--It is because of you.

FRANCESCA

Because of me? But I cannot help you.

GIACOMO

Perhaps not, then again may be you can. I am looking for a great criminal.

FRANCESCA

A criminal? What has he done?

GIACOMO

(Laughs)

He has stolen from me something without which the world is nothing.

FRANCESCA

Ah! You expect to find him here?

GIACOMO

Of that I am certain. Without doubt he is here for that man is your husband.

FRANCESCA

(Embarrassed)

No one is richer in compliments than you are, Monsignor.

GIACOMO

(Takes her hand)

No, by thunder, it is a frenzy, which I cannot control. I love you Francesca.

FRANCESCA

(Withdraws her hand)

(She goes behind counter and picks up a silver ornament.)

I do not think that you have seen this new silver ornament before, Monsignor.

GIACOMO

Hum! What of it? Did Fasio make it?

FRANCESCA

Indeed he did and how beautiful it is.

(She holds it up)

His good taste is revealed in it--is it not? It is hammered after the design of Andrea del Sarlo. It is a present rich enough for one of the Dukes.

GIACOMO

(He walks over and picks up a mirror, which he holds so that he can see Francesca in it.)

Yes but this mirror pleases me more because I can see your image reflected in it.

FRANCESCA

(She puts down the ornament and picks up a jewel)

Let me show you this jewel, in which you will not find anything to distract your attention from the work of the artist; you see that it is made from a single amethyst, mounted with pearls from Ophir and rubies from Arcot.

GIACOMO

(Meaningly)

For whom should I purchase it? What is its price?

FRANCESCA

Two hundred ducats.

(Madelina enters from street with Count Lelio, Francesca drops the jewel.)

Oh!

GIACOMO

(He picks up the jewel)

What is wrong?

FRANCESCA

It is she, whom I fear most.

(Giacomo puts jewel on counter and X to R. He remains almost hidden.)

MADELINA

(X to counter.)

Good morning, madam, have you any new jewels, my dear, to show me this morning?

FRANCESCA

No, Signora, I have nothing that will please you.

MADELINA

(To Lelio)

How candid--our jewellers, truly, do not make anything novel--this is the third day we have run around amongst them without being able to find a single jewel of good taste.

LELIO

(He points to cross in show case)

Look at these crosses, my dear Madelina, are they not artistic?

FRANCESCA

You has better try Tommasello's, Signora, they carry more jewels than we do. We only carry common things, vases, silver ornaments, and such things. We are silversmiths rather than jewellers.

MADELINA

It does not matter, show me those crosses and collars.

FRANCESCA

(She hands Madelina the case of jewels)

I think that it will be useless. You will not find them suitable.

MADELINA

You are very strange. You do not seem to wish to make a sale. Let me be the judge of their worth.

GIACOMO

(He X to Madelina and bows to her)

May you find the jewel you seek, Signora.

MADELINA

Ah! it is you magistrate, and what are you doing here?

GIACOMO

I come to try and purchase this jewel.

(meaningly as he puts the jewel that he picked up in Francesca's hand.)

MADELINA

(Aside to Lelio)

That woman? Ah, truly, she is not bad when one looks at her carefully--but, magistrate,

(aside to him)

I think your taste in love is vulgar and bourgoise.

(Francesca drops jewels disdainfully on the counter, X to door and waits.)

LELIO

(X to Giacomo)

Peste, magistrate, I would thank you to do me a service, a great service.

GIACOMO

Count Lelio, I am at your service.

(He bows)

LELIO

You are obliging, monsignor, but I would ask that among the laws that you make, that someday you will make a law, which would force a rich uncle to give a poor nephew thirty thousand ducats a year on penalty of being hanged if he failed to do so.

GIACOMO

Ah! I see that your old Uncle don Grimaldi is still obdurate.

LELIO

Yes, he is as stingy as ever.

GIACOMO

Alas, and four times alas, all uncles are that way.

LELIO

The miser, he has more gold hidden in some obscure cave than ever was possessed by Croesus.

GIACOMO

Bah! don't worry, you will get it all someday.

LELIO

Maybe, when I am fifty years old and too decrepit to use it.

MADELINA

(Impatiently)

Are you coming, Lelio?

(Fasio comes up from the laboratory and Madelina sees him)

Ah! Fasio, perhaps you can show me something that will suit my taste.

FRANCESCA

(Angrily)

That is all.

(To Fasio)

I have shown her everything.

FASIO

(X to counter.)

You are mistaken, my dear, we have still others which are worthy--I shall go and fetch them.

(X to the stairs)

MADELINA

(follows him and says very sweetly)

Go, my good man, I shall return later.

(She X to door, Fasio goes down stairs)

FRANCESCA

(Sinking into a chair, to Giacomo)

Holy Madonna have pity on me, my strength abandons me.

GIACOMO

(looking at her and aside to her.)

Ah! We are jealous, it seems.

(X to door, he turns to Lelio)

Adios, Count.

(he bows to Madelina)

Adios, fair lady.

(He kisses Madelina's hand, and as he turns, he sees Fasio who has returned, and addresses Fasio.)

And you, my alchemist, while engaged in making gold, don't forget that the serpent only tempted Eve with an apple, but there are other temptations much more modern in style than apples.

(Exit Giacomo)

MADELINA

(Returns from door)

Well Sir, you have returned--give us some attention. What have you brought?

LELIO

Fasio, quick dispatch your samples.

FASIO

(Showing some jewels)

Here are some jewels beautiful enough to adorn the head of a goddess--to appear in the salon of Francisco Medici when he gives an elaborate entertainment in his palace Pizzi; You may take your choice.

FRANCESCA

(Aside)

Oh! how I suffer.

MADELINA

(Pleased)

Really, they are beautiful--Dear Count Lelio, counsel me which to take.

LELIO

(Showing some pearls)

Surely I am ashamed in this case to be such a poor counsellor--suppose we try this collar, Signora.

MADELINA

(To Fasio)

Let me try it on.

FRANCESCA

(Aside)

Oh! that it might choke her.

FASIO

Here it is--let me help you.

(Puts his two arms around her neck to fasten the necklace.)

MADELINA

Now let me see how it suits me--the mirror.

FASIO

(Holds up mirror)

I may give imprudent advice, Signora, but on your neck pearls lose their lustre, for they are too near the pearls between your lips.

MADELINA

(Smiling)

You are right, Sir--See, Lelio, I prefer this head-band of rubies--look, it is ravishing.

(Fasio puts it on her.)

FRANCESCA

(Aside)

I wish they could set her head on fire.

FASIO

(Looking at the head band)

No, no, on my soul, that time you deceived yourself, Signora, for these rubies are dimmed by the fire of your eyes.

MADELINA

Then you shall choose for me yourself--What say you?

FASIO

(Takes diadem from case.)

Then take this diadem of diamonds--in black hair the fire of the diamonds is redoubled--This diadem was ordered by the Queen.

MADELINA

Then, between us, you are disloyal in selling it to me.

FASIO

It becomes the crowner, Signora, to select the queen and I cede it to you as Paris ceded the golden apple to Venus.

(He places the diadem on Madelina.)

MADELINA

(To Lelio)

We would have difficulty in our set to find a gentleman who could speak more gallantly.

(To Fasio)

One should pay well, Master, for your diamonds if you add such compliments gratis. I shall take the diamond diadem--Come to my palace this evening and you shall be paid.

(To Lelio)

Let us go.

LELIO

What is the price? I shall pay you now.

FASIO

Four thousand ducats.

LELIO

Here is your money, Lelio.

(He counts money)

FASIO

I am in no hurry, Sir, I can wait until I call on Signora this evening.

LELIO

(angrily)

Take it.

(He throws money on the counter)

FASIO

(Bows low)

Thank you, Count Lelio.

MADELINA

Come, Lelio.

(Madelina and Lelio go to the door followed by Fasio, bowing very low.)

FRANCESCA

Holy Virgin, I have drunk my cup of misery.

FASIO

(Returning to her)

What is the matter, Francesca?

FRANCESCA

Nothing--I pray that I may die I am so humiliated.

FASIO

Child, you are foolish, have I not told you a hundred times that I sell my merchandise by my compliments?

FRANCESCA

I wish I could believe you.

(Seeing some smoke at the stairs.)

What is that smoke--Something is wrong.

(X to laboratory stairs.)

FASIO

Ah! I had put a flask of lead and mercury on the fire--it was just what was necessary to complete the mixture--Don't be alarmed--Remain here.

(He goes down stairs.)

FRANCESCA

(Aside, as she picks up the gold)

He has even forgotten the gold for her. Santa Maria, end this foolery--help me in my misery.

FASIO

(Reappearing)

Everything goes well, Francesca. If nothing happens, tomorrow, the first of the new moon and the 21st of the month, a number in which seven is repeated three times, I shall be successful and shall reach my goal.

FRANCESCA

Oh ! Fasio, be careful--do not deceive yourself.

FASIO

No, tomorrow will crown all my labours with success.

(Don Grimaldi opens door front.)

Silence here comes old Grimaldi--not a word.

(Grimaldi enters)

Good morning, Excellency.

(Francesca X to door L.)

GRIMALDI

(Angrily)

Ah! It is you?

FASIO

What is it? What is the cause of your emotion, Monsignor?

GRIMALDI

You know it.

FASIO

On my honor, no I do not.

GRIMALDI

Tell me, you cursed alchemist, whom Satan should claim, when will you stop trying to kill your neighbours?

FASIO

I do not know what you are talking about, monsignor.

GRIMALDI

How about this poisonous, black smoke with which you fill the neighbourhood?

FRANCESCA

(Advancing)

Monsignor, it is--

GRIMALDI

(Interrupting)

It is to him that I speak, Signora. You are a dignified, respectable woman. There is nothing to reproach in your habits, except that perhaps you are somewhat extravagant--

(he turns to Fasio)

But as for you, Mr. Maker-of-Gold, Bah! I only want my honest house, which God gave me as a shelter for my poor head, shall not be destroyed by the Devil.

FASIO

I do no evil, Sir, I but experiment with the forces of Nature. I cannot give up the work of science.

GRIMALDI

You refuse? Very well then, I shall call the police. They will put an end to this nuisance of yours.

FASIO

Monsignor, just give me a little time to finish my experiment.

GRIMALDI

Not an hour--not another hour.

FASIO

Impossible then--for me to--

GRIMALDI

Then God help you.

(Starts to go)

We shall see what we shall see.

FRANCESCA

Where are you going?

GRIMALDI

To bring a Justice to stop your combustions and revolutions.

FASIO

(Stopping him)

Monsignor, could not a compromise be arranged--if--

GRIMALDI

Never.

FASIO

How if I should offer to compensate you for the inconvenience I am causing you, and should offer you a sum of money for the privilege of continuing my work for only three days more?

GRIMALDI

(Returning)

The nuisance you make is unforgivable, but I might consider a compromise. How much time do you require and and how much compensation did you say?

FASIO

I want only three days.

GRIMALDI

Um! Three days--I might be able to bear it, if--

FASIO

Then I can afford to pay you well--I shall be rich forever in three days.

GRIMALDI

How much will you pay?

FASIO

Four ducats per hour.

GRIMALDI

(Calculating)

Two hundred and eighty-eight ducats for things to remain as they are for three days, my faith, that is only a small offer.

FASIO

What do you say?

(Some black smoke comes out of the laboratory)

GRIMALDI

I am afraid of the risk to my health.

FASIO

I shall double the amount.

GRIMALDI

(Pleased)

My dear fellow, you are a brave man at heart, even if you are a fool in the head and I am unable to refuse you--listen--give me six hundred ducats and for three days you may continue$ but after that--

FASIO

It is enough.

FRANCESCA

(Aside)

Infamous usurer--blackmailer.

FASIO

(To Francesca)

Count out six hundred ducats.

FRANCESCA

(Sullenly going behind the counter.)

All that gold to let us continue for three days? It is like giving my heart's blood.

(She takes money out of box and hands it to Fasio.)

Take it--take it, but you'll regret it.

FASIO

(Giving the money to Grimaldi)

Here it is--This seals the bargain.

GRIMALDI

(Counts the money)

Remember I only give you three days--no more.

(There is a loud explosion in the laboratory) What's that?

FASIO

Misery the crucible has exploded by the force of the fire.

GRIMALDI

(Shrieking)

I'm ruined--my treasure.

(He runs out with the money)

FASIO

(He runs to top of stairway and Francesca follows him, but he turns.)

Stay there. Don't follow me.

(Francesca stops and Fasio goes down stairway)

FRANCESCA

(She comes front and kneels)

At last it has blown up. Merciful Heaven has heard my prayers.

CURTAIN

ACT 2

As the curtain rises the donjon of an old castle is shown. There is a flight of stairs coming down right, and near it is a strong box, with a large padlock and chain. There are beautiful portraits of nobles, rich silverware, statues and other things of value lying around in confusion. On the left a very large painting has fallen downs revealing a hole in the wall, and in the hole Fasio, holding a lantern, and Francesca, are standing, looking at the priceless works of art in amazement.

FRANCESCA

The explosion certainly made a big hole in the wall, shall we dare to enter?

FASIO

Why not? We shall do no harm. Old Grimaldi might have suspected that something like this might happen--the way he ran out when the explosion occurred. What an array of treasures.

(Looking at portraits)

Here are priceless portraits of old nobles, and here is silverware of unknown value. Think of the proud patricians, who were compelled by poverty to part with these things, perhaps just for a paltry loan--Into this musty donjon have come treasures more precious to their owners than their heartsblood. What tragedies must be behind the pawning of these beloved articles.

FRANCESCA

(Alarmed)

Listen, the door above is being unlocked.

FASIO

Go quickly back to the shop and take the light, so as not to stumble over the fallen wall, I will cover the hole with this picture and hide behind it.

(Francesca disappears behind the hole with the lantern--stage is dark for a minute, and lights come up as Grimaldi descends with his lantern in his hand--as the lights come on the picture is in place and Fasio may be seen hiding behind it. Grimaldi raises his lights and looks around--seems satisfied that all is well--he goes to the strong box, which opens with a door like a large modern safe. He unlocks the door and opens it revealing a pile of gold and jewels. He lifts up some gold and lets it fall, then throws Fasio's gold on the pile. He turns and looks around.)

GRIMALDI

There seems to be no harm done by the explosion. It is well the wall is very thick, ha, ha, ha. This was once the donjon of a wicked old noble--deeds of horror used to be done here--there are marks of smoke from the fire which the torturer used to heat his irons, ha, ha, ha, what screams these walls have heard--well, usury is not so bad a means of extorting gold, it is up to date and highly civilized, ho, ho, ho, but how they do shriek and wail to part with their treasures even to me--the fools--They tore down the walls of the castle after burning it, but, ha, ha, ha, I was the wise one. I bought the ruined property for my debt and sold part of the stones for more than I paid for the property and I had enough left to build my house and the house that I rent to Fasio. No one knew that the old castle had this donjon under it and I would not keep these treasures unless I had a donjon to keep them in. Ha, ha, ha, my gold and I are friends--good friends.

(There is a sound of the door on the stairs opening and Grimaldi turns, alarmed as Lelio slowly descends the stairs.)(Grimaldi throws tapestry over strong box.)

LELIO

Do not be alarmed, my uncle, I have been seeking all over your house, seeing the key in the door at the end of the lower hall, I opened it thinking that you might be in a room unknown to me and here find you.

GRIMALDI

(Aside)

Key in the door--how careless. Why do you come here?

LELIO

Do not be troubled, my dear uncle, I only came to have a little chat with you.

(He looks around)

What an interesting old donjon--quite well stocked.

GRIMALDI

Return at once upstairs and I shall follow and talk with you.

LELIO

Ah, there is no hurry--I am interested in your collection.

(He picks up an ornament and examines it.)

Ah, the coat of arms of a marshal, pawned it, I suppose.

(Grimaldi starts to ascend the stairs)

No need of going up, uncle, I have locked the door and I hold the key, Nobody will look for us here, and so we can attend to business undisturbed. It is so quiet here.

GRIMALDI

(Angrily)

What do you want? Speak quickly.

LELIO

Were you ever young, my uncle?

GRIMALDI

Never, Sir, never.

LELIO

You had a chance to be young once, my uncle--you had a chance to love and enjoy life--Well I am young, perhaps it is my misfortune that I wish to be young. Perhaps you do not know, my uncle that youth has its passions and its desires. Unfortunately I have a passion for women and gambling--very expensive and foolish, you will say. Perhaps you are right. For the past month I have neither loved nor gambled. I am without funds suitable to my rank because my uncle, the richest and most hated man in Florence treats me in such a niggardly manner.

GRIMALDI

Profligate, what do you want?

LELIO

I do not want much--a mere trifle to you. Only a thousand ducats.

GRIMALDI

(Screams)

A thousand ducats--I never had so much in my life, a thousand ducats. Oh! what a fabulous sum.

LELIO

I shall repay you with interest at ten percent as soon as can realize on some property in Spain--the property that I recently inherited from my mother's uncle.

GRIMALDI

I am too poor to help you.

LELIO

I shall pay you fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five percent interest.

GRIMALDI

No.

LELIO

You refuse me?

GRIMALDI

Yes, I certainly do.

LELIO

You must help me--I am desperate--The Duke entrusted me with a thousand ducats to do a service for him, and--and--

GRIMALDI

And, and. Go on, and what?

LELIO

I lost it at cards--unless I can replace it at once I shall be disgraced and perhaps arrested, The honor of our family depends on returning this money.

GRIMALDI

You are a fool--Well, let them arrest you.

LELIO

I know that I am a fool, but have pity on my folly and give me just five hundred ducats to save me from disgrace.

GRIMALDI

Not a ducat, not half a ducat at any price.

LELIO

Let me tell you something, uncle--let us go back to a time when you ought to have been young your self--Let us go back to a scene in Spain--Do you remember uncle? No answer. An honest family lived at Seville--the family of your brother, a very different man to you. He lived and loved and was young, handsome and rich, as you were once, because our father was rich and you had no need to be niggardly. Your brother died and you came to console the widow, to help her in her distress. Unfortunately she took a fever and died--you were made the guardian of the boy and took possession of his estate. You sold that estate for two hundred thousand ducats and you brought my two hundred thousand and me to Florence. Where is my two hundred thousand ducats?

GRIMALDI

You are crazy, your mother had nothing. Where did you get such a tale? Your mother was in debt and did not own a thing. I had to pay for her funeral.

LELIO

You lie--you took two hundred thousand ducats that belonged to me and you brought me up as a pauper and never acknowledged me until I inherited a title and other properties. Give me my two hundred thousand ducats--give me my money at once or I shall kill you.

GRIMALDI

I would rather die a hundred times than give you money--I am poor I tell you--I am poor.

LELIO

(Pointing to box)

What is in there?

GRIMALDI

(Shrieking)

There is nothing.

(Lelio moves towards the box, and Grimaldi struggles with him.)

You shall not touch it--no, no, I shall kill you first.

(Lelio pulls cover off gold)

O, my gold.

(Grimaldi rushes to gold and kneels in front of it, as if to protect it.)

O, my gold, my gold.

LELIO

Give me just one bag.

GRIMALDI

(Frantically)

No, no, not a ducat, you shall take my blood first.

LELIO

(He snatches a bag and runs to the stairway. Grimaldi follows and hangs on to his robe, but Lelio goes up the stairs pulling Grimaldi after him. Then Lelio pushes Grimaldi who falls down the stairs, groans and lies quite still. Fasio has been in view watching, and as Grimaldi falls, he knocks the picture over and X to Grimaldi. Looks at him--feels his heart and shakes his head.)

FASIO

He is dead.

LELIO

I did not touch him.

FASIO

Nevertheless, circumstances are against you, and if you are discovered you will probably be executed.

LELIO

No--No--I did not touch him--he tripped on the stairs.

FASIO

You shoved him--I saw and heard everything--You threatened to kill him and now you have done it.

LELIO

You would not dare to accuse me--You know that I am innocent.

FASIO

Perhaps the law will not think so--It means an execution for you if they prove you guilty.

LELIO

What if I should say that you came here to rob him and that you killed him? My word is as good as yours--I am his nephew and you blew the hole in the wall.

FASIO

(Scared)

Perhaps they will charge that we both came to rob and kill him--They would execute us both. We cannot either of us prove that we are innocent.

LELIO

No one will ever discover his death if we both keep our mouths shut. He deserved to have the devil choke him, and I am sure that it was that that happened to him. There is no one who knows about this donjon except you and me. The door is so well disguised that even I never suspected its existence. Let us make the best of our opportunity now. All I want is my two hundred thousand ducats, which he owed me. That I will take.

(He goes to box and takes out bags of gold)

All the rest is yours.

FASIO

The old skinflint today has taken from me six hundred ducats, pure blackmail.

(He lifts up a bag from the box.)

Here is the very bag I gave him. I want no more than my six hundred ducats, that I shall take.

LELIO

You may as well take all you want, the old wretch will not need it any more. He'll be a long time dead.

(He looks at the hole in the wall)

You had better make haste to rebuild that wall that you broke to get in here.

FASIO

It was an explosion that blew that hole in the wall, my furnace is on the other side. I was making gold, when my mixture blew up and made this hole. All my work gone and my formula burnt up. Ah me!

LELIO

Why worry about the gold that you did not make, when you have all the gold you want already coined. Let us both swear to keep this secret.

LELIO & FASIO

(Raising their right hands.)

I swear.

FASIO

What shall we do with the body?

LELIO

Let it lie where it is. With the hole in the wall again built up and blackened it will be an excellent tomb for him.

(He goes up the stairs unlocks door and throws the key to Fasio.)

Lock the door on the inside.

(Fasio goes up stairs and locks the door then he returns and throws the key beside Grimaldi)

FASIO

There is your key to Hades.

(He fills up a sack with gold and jewels as Francesca enters with lantern and looks around)

FRANCESCA

What are you doing? Stealing?

(Suddenly she sees Grimaldi, and she screams)

O my God. Fasio, you have murdered Grimaldi.

(She rushes out through the hole. Fasio drops the bag and looks after her wild-eyed.)

CURTAIN

ACT 3, Scene 1.

The curtain rises on a beautiful room in and old palace, richly furnished, with an elaborate sideboard covered with glasses and bottles. Fasio is sitting and Francesca is speaking to two valets.

FRANCESCA

You have heard--do as you are bid.

(The valets bow and retire. Francesca X to Fasio.)

FASIO

(Bows to her.)

The Queen of the Palace acts as though she were used to ruling servants all her life.

FRANCESCA

You know that I have done everything to make you happy and always will do so. I am ready to laugh with you or to cry with you.

FASIO

Good, Francesca, you realize the value of money. Our poor, little house has given way to this beautiful palace, where we are served by twenty valets. One can wear a silken robe and jewels and cannot be more loved or more beautiful than my little Francesca of old.

FRANCESCA

Ah, perhaps these silken clothes would cover a happy heart if--

FASIO

If what?

FRANCESCA

If I did not have a foreboding that everything that you have acquired would conspire against our happiness--I think of the happy days when we first rested in our humble home, which was our palace of love. It was not until you sought to make gold and worked all night over a smoky furnace in a cellar, breathing all sorts of poisons, physical and moral, that unhappiness came. Now, my adored husband, there is always fear in my heart--I am not afraid for myself nor do I fear losing the gold, but I am afraid of wakening what Fate may have in store for us. This palace is beautiful, but I was more happy in our little home when you used to come up out of the laboratory and say--"Well, my Francesca, what have you prepared for my supper?"

FASIO

While you are in fear and trepidation now, all your fear is unfounded, my dear. All will soon be different. The gold which you believe will erase our happiness will not be able to disturb the depths, though it may ruffle the surface--I know very well the envy that besets the rich. One sees the wolves of envy show their white fangs as they pretend to smile--a smile as sinister as the white teeth of the wolf to the lost lamb. Soon we will go far away from here to the Islands of Greece--to Elysium, you and I alone, Francesca, for I love you and you alone. But run along now as it is time for Count Lelio to come. I am expecting him and he is always punctual.

VALET

(Announcing.)

The Count Lelio.

FRANCESCA

(Kissing Fasio)

Your love makes me very happy, Fasio.

FASIO

Forget these fears Francesca, you are only nervous.

(Lelio enters left.)

Good evening Count.

LELIO

(To Francesca)

Good evening, Signora.

(Francesca bows to Lelio and he kisses her hand.)

FRANCESCA

Good evening, Count Lelio.

(She X to upper R and sits down listening but out of sight of Fasio and Lelio, who think she has gone.)

LELIO

(He shakes hands with Fasio, and looks around.)

To behold these beautiful things of yours gives me pleasure and I felicitate you. I regret I have not visited you before because I was overcome with fear. It is well for you, my friend, for you have nothing to reproach yourself, but I, who have erred have been suffering the tortures of the damned.

FASIO

Say not so, Count Lelio, the world is before both of us. I never believed that there could be so much money as I now possess. The poor fools think that I made it--I have become the idol of Florence and honors have been showered on me. Tonight the Duke gives a feast in my honor and he will bestow on me the Order of San Pietro.

LELIO

You are happy, Fasio, and I congratulate you, but I am most unhappy. Every moment I can see the prostrate body of the dead man. It accuses me always, Fasio, and I can 'never sleep. Already I have spent most of my regained two hundred thousand ducats in drink to numb my senses and in dissipation and gambling and yet I am more miserable than ever. I cannot forget.

FASIO

(Going to sideboard)

Ah! Count Lelio, a glass of champagne will help to cheer you up.

(He pours two glasses and hands one to Lelio.)

You could not avoid what happened, do not blame yourself. You are nearly as bad as Francesca, who is consumed with jealousy and fear that women will make love to me on account of my wealth. She acts like a tigress to every female, and she also regrets the past and is afraid that our money will bring only unhappiness. However, come what may, we now drink at a full board; we live princes and are surrounded by happy people. Nothing else matters.

LELIO

Yes, I know that all Florence is singing your praises and glorifying your work as an alchemist--They say that you have made gold where God could only make rocks--well, my friend, enjoy your day. I wish you well.

FASIO

(Laughing)

Pardon me, Count, but I cannot help laughing at the things that people are saying about me, and how extravagant they are in their praise--It all commenced when I suddenly paid off all my debts to the great astonishment and disappointment of my rivals, who were sitting praying for my failure, like vultures sitting on a tree and waiting for a poor starving animal to die. Now they say "He lives an Oriental Potentate, or Prince of Bagdad, or the Sultan of Cairo," and they add that my jewels excel those of Sindbad the Sailor.

LELIO

Shine like the sun for an hour, Fasio, and then be extinguished, but I burn, Fasio, I burn my life away.

FASIO

So I hear.

LELIO

Yes, Fasio, ever since that terrible day I have plunged into all disorders to drown my misery. I drank my nights, Fasio, my nights when I was alone, they have been terrible--I cannot sleep with the candles lighted and if I close my eyes I see his finger pointing at me. His spectre rises and stares at me. You see that reason for me would be folly, and so it is better for me to try to be a fool, for when I am a fool I forget.

FASIO

But why be afraid that a day will come when inquiries will be made? Grimaldi has many times gone away for weeks at a time, and no one missed him then or will miss him now.

LELIO

Fasio, you are right but I can never forget my fears. I have no pleasure. All is a horrible nightmare. I shall leave it all soon, my friend, the strain is too great. Murder will out someday they say.

FASIO

I felt the same way at first, Count, but after I had returned for the gold and the jewels, I replaced the picture and rebuilt the wall and then by fear left me.

LELIO

You may be right, Fasio, but I can never forget my guilt. Although the act was unintentional it haunts me. No, Fasio, I shall not be here long to suffer thus.

FASIO

What? Do you mean to kill yourself, Count?

LELIO

Yes, it is the only way,

FASIO

You are in a delirium.

LELIO

I tell you my friend, I am only weighing the means; I have three in mind. First, to drown myself in the Arno, the river with the sweet name, whose praises the poets sing; that attracts me as a suitable death and tomb--I ought to weigh myself down with some of that accursed gold, if I had any left to sink me. Secondly, I think of some of our celebrated poisons which the Medicis have made world-famous; they are swift and painless, some of them make death almost a delight into which one falls as into a sleep; lastly there is the dagger of steel so well tempered that the victim never feels its thrust.

(Francesca, who has been listening stirs and gives the impression that she is just coming in.)

FASIO

Hush, here comes Francesca--You will come to the Fiesta tonight and bring my Francesca?

LELIO

Are you not taking Francesca?

FASIO

No, at the Duke's command I am to escort the Queen of the Fiesta to the palace.

LELIO

Who is she?

FASIO

I cannot tell you for I do not even know myself as yet, but I suspect that back of all this fuss and honor there is a plot to find my secret for making gold.

(Francesca comes forward, the others have turned so that they do not see that she has been hidden.)

FRANCESCA

(Coming forward)

By the way, Count Lelio, are you coming to the Fiesta tonight?

LELIO

Fasio has done me the honor to request me to escort you, Signora, but to my sincere regret I have other arrangements and must deny myself the pleasure of escorting you. I am sure that the magistrate will be most honored to accompany you.

FRANCESCA

(Turning to Fasio.)

What does this mean?

FASIO

My dear, let me explain. It is by order of the Duke that I am to escort the Queen of the Fiesta. I surmise that it is all part of a plot to find out my secret for making gold--I cannot help it, dear, but I shall be cautious I must obey the Duke's command.

FRANCESCA

I was afraid that it would be so. There is some underhand trick in this, some conspiracy. May I ask who is the lady to be honored as the Queen of the Fiesta?

FASIO

Positively I do not know, my love. The Magistrate is to bring her in his carriage, and perhaps he will be good enough to bring you also. I was in hopes that Count Lelio would be your escort, but poor Lelio is very depressed; he has been burning the candle at both ends and he is unhappy and wishes to shun all festivities.

FRANCESCA

I know that I shall be terribly jealous and frightfully unhappy until you return.

(The Magistrate is announced and enters R with a masked lady.)

GIACOMO

(Dressed as a sorcerer)

Good evening, my friends, this is the lady, Fasio, whom you are to escort to the Fiesta. I cannot introduce her by name as that is to be a secret.

(Francesca and Fasio both bow and she returns it)

LELIO

(To Giacomo)

What an idea, Magistrate. Who the devil would expect the Judge whose duty it is to burn sorcerers to appear at the Fiesta in the costume of a sorcerer?

MADELINA

(Dressed as the Queen of the Fiesta and masked.)

Your health, Count Lelio, a sorcerer ought to be burned--it is a just punishment.

LELIO

(Aside)

Her voice. It is Madelina.

GIACOMO

You are severe, my Lady.

MADELINA

(Smiling)

You think me severe?

(Turning to Lelio)

I am charmed to see you so well, Count.

(Turning to Fasio)

I am more than pleased to meet you, Sir, it is indeed an honor to meet a genius, the maker of gold.

LELIO

I must be going. I too, perhaps am about to make some gold.

MADELINA

Have you also found the secret formula, Count?

LELIO

No. I have my own--I am on my way to a certain gambling table, where I have a rendezvous with the Devil. If gold has wings I am about to make gold fly.

(They all laugh)

Will you join me, Magistrate?

GIACOMO

No, I am staying here--I too, perhaps, may have a game to play.

LELIO

(To Fasio)

By the way Fasio, as you and the Queen are driving my way would you be so kind as to give me a lift?

FASIO

I shall be glad to do so.

(He turns to Madelina)

Are you ready, my Lady?

MADELINA

I am ready.

(to Fasio)

Good evening, Signora Fasio--adios, magistrates

(To Fasio)

Your arm.

(Fasio gives her his arm and turns to Francesca who runs up to embrace him)

FASIO

Come to the Fiesta early Francesca--don't make love to my wife, magistrate.

(Giacomo shrugs his shoulders and laughs. As Fasio and Madelina reach the door Francesca calls.)

FRANCESCA

Au revoir, Fasio, I am sorry I cannot come with you but I shall come soon.

(Exeunt Fasio and Madelina & Lelio. She turns to Giacomo.)

Who is the Lady, Giacomo?

GIACOMO

She is Madelina.

FRANCESCA

(Shocked)

Madelina? That is impossible, Fasio would not deceive me so.

GIACOMO

You are deceived, but not by Fasio. He does not know,

FRANCESCA

By whom then am I deceived?

GIACOMO

By the Duke.

FRANCESCA

(Incredulously)

The Duke?

GIACOMO

Certainly--Fasio is a great man now, in fact as great as, let us say, Samson, since he has discovered the secret of making gold.

FRANCESCA

I still do not understand.

GIACOMO

Perhaps not, but the Duke wishes to learn the secret of making gold also and so--

FRANCESCA

So, what?

GIACOMO

He has coached Madelina to act as Delilah to your Samson.

FRANCESCA

So--that is it--She will never find out his secret. He cannot reveal the secret of making gold.

GIACOMO

No, why not?

(Shrugs his shoulders)

Perhaps not, but she will use all the seductive arts that were so ably practiced by her Philistine prototype, Delilah. You do not know Madelina, for the art of Love has improved since the ancient Biblical days. The modern Siren has a technique which is irresistable.

FRANCESCA

You do not mean--

GIACOMO

But I do mean-- yes I mean that Madelina is the most beautiful and seductive woman in Florence, You have only seen Madelina in street costume, you should see her in diaphanous silk, through which all the ravishing curves of her beautiful body are visible--when your poor Fasio, already overpowered by wine, beholds Madelina in--

FRANCESCA

She would not dare. No, no, it shall not be--I swear that it shall not be.

GIACOMO

How can you stop it?

FRANCESCA

You shall stop it.

GIACOMO

I shall stop it.

(Laughs)

You rave, my dear--better be practical--Just forget all this, you and I shall dine together--let us be revenged and have our romance, if Fasio is to have romance no one will blame you for retaliating in like way.

FRANCESCA

Stop being foolish, magistrate, be sensible and listen to me. I love Fasio and I must save him from that woman at any cost--Suppose I should tell you how he makes the gold?

GIACOMO

Nonsense, Francesca, I do not believe that you know his secret.

FRANCESCA

But if I could prove to you that I do know it, would you help me to rescue Fasio from that woman?

GIACOMO

I might do so--The Duke is in love with Madelina and very jealous of her. It is only his great need of ready money which prompted him to set Madelina to seduce Fasio to part with his secret.

FRANCESCA

Then I will tell you, Giacomo, I shall prove to you how the money was made. In our shop one day Grimaldi threatened to have Fasio arrested as a sorcerer unless he paid him a big bribe. As they were arguing about the price an explosion of the crucible in which Fasio was trying to make gold occurred in our part of the basement--a thick dividing wall which separated Grimaldi's basement from ours was blown out, and a large hole was made by the explosion. On going down to inspect the effect of the explosion we saw the hole and entered into Grimaldi's hidden treasure room. There we saw many beautiful things and treasures. While we were looking at the valuables, we heard footsteps. Fasio bade me to go upstairs to the shop and I left, and I did not see who had entered. Later Fasio showed me jewels and gold coins of an ancient date. These coins I know he has melted in his furnace. This is the gold that he claims to have transmuted from lead. I have here some of these coins, I shall show you.

(She X to desk and brings out a box containing coins and jewels)

GIACOMO

The Duke asked me to investigate the affairs of old Grimaldi. I see that there is something mysterious here.

FRANCESCA

(Aside)

Investigate?

(To Giacomo)

Here are also some jewels and you will notice that the settings are very old, even the stones are cut differently to our modern style.

(Shows him some jewels which she has taken from the box.)

GIACOMO

Ah, this is very interesting--these are the lost crown jewels of the King of Naples. I shall ask you to loan them to me and also some of these coins.

FRANCESCA

Do you promise me that my Fasio will not be betrayed by the wiles of that Siren, Madelina?

GIACOMO

(X to door and blows a whistle, two soldiers enter)

Take these to my carriage.

(He hands box of jewels and coins to soldiers, who salute and go out.)

FRANCESCA

(Alarmed)

Where are you taking those things?

GIACOMO

I am taking them to the Duke.

FRANCESCA

You will not deceive me, and you will save my Fasio from Madelina?

GIACOMO

In less than an hour Fasio will be safe from Madelina and all designing females.

FRANCESCA

Oh! thank you magistrate, thank you. Will he be home in an hour?

GIACOMO

No, I am afraid not.

FRANCESCA

Where shall he be?

GIACOMO

He shall be detained in the Duke's palace.

FRANCESCA

Why detained? Why will he not come home?

GIACOMO

Because he will be in the Duke's prison, charged with the murder of old Grimaldi and with burning the body in his furnace. It is all quite evident.

FRANCESCA

For God's sake, magistrate, do not do this. Merciful heaven, I am his Judas. I have betrayed my husband whom I love.

GIACOMO

My duty, Signora.

(He bows and goes out, as Francesca throws up her hands and swoons.)

CURTAIN

ACT 3, Scene 2.

The curtain rises on a dark street, lighted by a candle behind a pane of glass, which illuminates the statue of the virgin. It is a typical street shrine. It is on the right. On the left are the gates of the Duke's palace.

(Giacomo enters right with two soldiers, he goes to the shrine and scribbles a few words on a piece of paper which he hands to a soldier.)

GIACOMO

Well, men, we have done good work, we shall bring the guilty to judgment. Fasio will soon pay for the murder of old Grimaldi--You two go to the gambling house and enquire for Count Lelio--I hear that he has lost all of his money. Ah! he is a lucky fellow to inherit so much money. Do not tell him anything, just hand him this note.

(Soldiers salute, and exit R and Francesca enters from R. She crosses to shrine. She kneels and crosses herself--rises and X to Giacomo and again she kneels.)

FRANCESCA

Grace, Monsignor, Grace. Have mercy.

GIACOMO

Who are you who who makes appeal to me?

FRANCESCA

You ask who I am? Just Heaven, it is I wretched Francesca.

GIACOMO

Well, my dear, I should hardly have recognized you, but for your voice. Why are you here alone in this deserted street?

FRANCESCA

I have followed you all night in the dark to meet you alone to plead for my husband whom you have condemned to death so precipitously. You have hurried so in taking action that you ought at least to doubt your judgment. He was not to blame--He is innocent I tell you--I swear that he is innocent--He never killed old Grimaldi. If he was killed it must have happened either before or after we left the cavern.

GIACOMO

I am truly sorry for you, Francesca, but according to your account, you left the cavern when you heard someone coming. It must have been Grimaldi and he has never been heard from since. Fasio, they tell me, kept his furnace burning furiously day and night.

FRANCESCA

Don't you understand that he was melting the gold and building the broken wall that I told you of?

GIACOMO

Show me where the body of Grimaldi lies--you still have time, and if you will show me the body for our old friendship's sake I shall delay the execution and grant Fasio a new trial.

FRANCESCA

Delay the execution, Giacomo. Prove your love for me, I shall divorce Fasio, if you grant me my wish but I cannot show you the body for I do not even know that he is dead. Have mercy Monsignor, remember that Fasio was your friend, always gentle and kind. He is so gentle that he would not hurt a fly. What proofs have you that he committed murder?

GIACOMO

Most of the proofs have been furnished by you, Signora, given to me in a fit of jealousy. You have explained that Fasio was ruining himself in an insane attempt to make gold out of lead and mercury; that horrible smoke and stenches came from his furnace. He believed in his madness that he was on the very verge of success, when in reality he was on the verge of bankruptcy. His creditors were pressing him, and, as you know, I helped to delay them because of my friendship. Now this is my solution of what happened; At a crucial moment that old wolf, Grimaldi, came to blackmail him and took away from him the last of his money. While the men were haggling, Grimaldi threatening to accuse Fasio of being a sorcerer, a crime punishable by death, Fate itself took a hand; all Fasio's work went up in a terrible explosion--what then happened? Grimaldi rushed into his house with Fasio's gold and Fasio rushed into his laboratory. The explosion had blown out a part of the wall between Fasio's workshop and Grimaldi's treasury, just as you said, and there was a meeting between the two men, and whatever occurred, Grimaldi was never seen again, and has never been heard of and Fasio has his gold. It may be that although Fasio could not transmute lead into gold, there is no doubt that he could very easily transmute Don Grimaldi into smoke and ashes. No, Francesca, I cannot believe that Fasio is innocent; now if he would only confess and plead self-defense or a quarrel, or even that he killed Grimaldi to prevent blackmail, we might do something for him, but Fasio is obdurate and he denies that he ever saw Grimaldi. I cannot help you, Francesca, much as I would like to do so for our friendship.

FRANCESCA

Then you will not help me either for Love or Justice.

GIACOMO

There is still one chance, Francesca, get Fasio to confess fully and tell us what became of Grimaldi, He will soon pass this way to execution, so wait and speak to him--make him confess and I will be within call, Send for me to the Palace if you have anything of importance to communicate. Someone is coming, I must go--farewell, Francesca.

(He goes off left, and Francesca X to shrine and kneels. Madelina with several attendants enters R and X to Francesca.)

MADELINA

Is this a phantom or is it a woman?

FRANCESCA

(She rises and X to Madelina)

Do not fear anything, Signora, I only want a word with you.

MADELINA

Well, speak, what do you want?

FRANCESCA

I wish to speak to you but my voice refuses, I am stifling.

MADELINA

Very well, then I shall go.

FRANCESCA

No, no, I am better now, pardon me, I was foolish. You are Madelina. Don't you know who I am? Don't you know why I wish to speak to you? Don't you know?

MADELINA

Know what?

FRANCESCA

Don't you know that Fasio, my husband, is condemned to die?

MADELINA

What do you want with me? What do you expect or hope for him from me?

FRANCESCA

You can save him. Your beauty, which has made of you the Queen of Beauty of Florence can save him, a smile from you can soften the heart of the Duke.

MADELINA

Why should I soften the heart of the Duke?

(Count Lelio enters R. and X to Madelina)

LELIO

I am done for--it is all over, Madelina, I have not a penny left--I had to get rid of that accursed money. With whom do you speak?

(He looks closely at Francesca.)

Why it is Francesca.

MADELINA

If she is a friend of yours, Count Lelio, I think you should take care of her, as she is delirious and needs a friend.

FRANCESCA

(To Madelina)

I beg you to save him, Signora, there is a man in that palace who will obey your slightest wish, and there is an innocent man in the donjon of the palace, whom you can save by a word. Tell the Duke that an innocent man with a wife and child is about to be executed. Tell him that he was condemned without trial and doomed to death.

MADELINA

Woman, you deceive yourself--I have no power to disarm the law. I had nothing to do with his conviction. He was taken away from the palace in the midst of the Fiesta. Dispute with the Law. It is no business of mine.

FRANCESCA

Alas, you speak the truth, but you were commissioned to find out how he made the gold--to find out his secret by your seductive arts.

MADELINA

And who betrayed him? His wife. Yes, you yourself betrayed him because you were jealous, jealous of me. If I had found out his secret I would have saved him and shared his gold, but you betrayed him--you, his wife, were his Judas. My advice is for you to follow the example of that other Judas and go hang yourself.

(To Lelio.)

Come with me to my Palace, Lelio. Leave that traitor alone to meet the man whom she sacrificed.

(To attendants)

Come.

(Exit Madelina and attendants L. and Lelio starts to follow, but is stopped by Francesca.)

FRANCESCA

Stay but a moment, Count Lelio--Yes I am Judas, Heaven have mercy on me--Can you not save him, Count Lelio?

LELIO

Tell me what this is all about, Francesca. Why are you here?

FRANCESCA

They have condemned Fasio for the murder of your uncle Grimaldi. They say that he has burned the body in his furnace. They tell me that if Fasio will confess where the body is and tell all, he may have a new trial. You do not believe that he murdered Grimaldi and burnt the body? Do you believe that he did it, Count Lelio?

LELIO

I have stayed in that gambling den of infamy for two days to my shame. I was numbed with wine. I have heard nothing about Fasio.

(The bell strikes one, two, three, four, five, six)

FRANCESCA

Listen, Count Lelio, the hour counts six. Soon they will execute my Fasio.

LELIO

Has Fasio denounced anyone?

FRANCESCA

No, no, Monsignor, None.

LELIO

Are you certain?

FRANCESCA

I am sure. They offered him only imprisonment if he would confess.

(She looks left) Oh!

(Covers her eyes)

LELIO

(Looking left.)

What do you see?

FRANCESCA

The procession of death. There are the priests, the Magistrate and the executioner.

LELIO

Fasio is condemned to die and has told no one.

(The procession enters from the left. Francesca rushes up and embraces Fasio.)

FASIO

O my poor Francesca--I had hoped to spare you this sad farewell and the horror of the scaffold.

FRANCESCA

Alas, I have tried every means to save you, Fasio--Neither God nor man will help. There is nothing left but for us both to die.

FASIO

No, Francesca, you must not die--be brave, my wife, remember our poor child--she must not be left for the wolves. You must live for her sake.

EXECUTIONER

Hurry up--cut it short, it is growing light.

FASIO

I am ready.

LELIO

(Stepping forward.)

Stop, I say in the name of the Duke--You are about to execute an innocent man. No one killed Grimaldi, I know because I was present when my uncle dropped dead.

GIACOMO

Ah! That is hardly likely, but it is interesting. Count, tell us about it.

LELIO

My uncle had stolen two hundred thousand ducats from my estate, when I was a boy, and as I was in great need, I followed him into his cellar to demand it. He became very excited and refused to give me anything, and so I grabbed a bag if gold and ran to the stairs. He seized my robe and tried to stop me. He stumbled and then gave a deep groan and fall dead at my feet.

GIACOMO

Were you alone, when this happened?

LELIO

No, just as he fell I saw Fasio, who had been hiding in the shadow behind the picture. I made him swear not to tell about it. After that I felt so miserable that I commenced drinking and gambling and spending the accursed gold.

GIACOMO

That is not all--you are concealing something, Count Lelio, You were at Fasio's on the night of the Fiesta?

LELIO

Of course I was--I was so bitterly disappointed that Madelina would not go to the Fiesta with me, that I decided to have one more wild fling and then to end it all with a vial of poison. Now thank Heaven I did not end it as I have something to live for.

EXECUTIONER

(Stepping forward.)

And what have you to live for?

LELIO

To save the life of an innocent man.

GIACOMO

Perhaps you can tell us where to find the body of Grimaldi. We have searched the donjon but have found no body, so if we do find the body and have an autopsy it will show if you have spoken the truth, for if there are no marks of violence on the body we will consider his death to be the Act of God.

EXECUTIONER

(Laughing uproariously)

The Act of God, Ha, Ha, Ha.

GIACOMO

(To executioner)

Silence.

(To Lelio.)

Where is the body of Grimaldi, Count Lelio?

LELIO

Why I left it where it fell in the cellar, and I suppose it is still there--It most certainly could not have walked away.

EXECUTIONER

(Laughing)

Imagine a corpse walking away--The Ghost walks.

GIACOMO

Did you know that Fasio had been burning his furnace all night, night after night, when you visited him?

EXECUTIONER

Burning the body of your poor, old uncle Don Grimaldi.

LELIO

Why no--did he do that?

GIACOMO

We must arrest you, Count Lelio, as you yourself are implicated as an accomplice in the murder of Don Grimaldi.

EXECUTIONER

Horrible, horrible--It will give me pleasure to hang you also, Count Lelio. Let me hang him now Magistrate, he has confessed to a ghoulish, horrible murder, Let me hang his with Fasio at once.

GIACOMO

Should he be hanged without a trial?

EXECUTIONER

Certainly, certainly, he has openly confessed, it is the law.

GIACOMO

(To soldiers)

He has not confessed--take Fasio and Count Lelio to prisons we will delay the execution until Count Lelio has been tried.

EXECUTIONER

(Excited)

No, no--you shall not delay the execution--I have the warrant, signed by the Duke--I shall not obey you--I shall denounce you, magistrate to the Duke. You shall not take this murderer away from me.

(The executioner tries to drag Fasio from the soldiers and in the struggle his mask is pulled off and Don Grimaldi is revealed as the executioner)

ALL

(Astonished)

Grimaldi! Grimaldi is alive!

GIACOMO

Grimaldi, what is the meaning of this disguise?

GRIMALDI

It is no disguise, magistrate, for years I have been the Duke's private executioner, as you know or ought to know, and many a good job I have done in many places, and much profit I have made from the private effects of those whom I have executed. Yes, I got their jewelry, plate, pictures and heirlooms. The duke for reasons of his own kept my identity secret and I kept the forfeited effects secret in my donjon, until these robbers broke into my cavern. They tried to kill me and threw me down the steps. When my head struck the stone floor I became unconscious and they thought me dead, and when I recovered consciousness I found that they had robbed me of my gold, but I shall hang them both yet for robbery with violence.

GIACOMO

I suppose that you would hang them for not murdering you.

(To soldiers)

Arrest Grimaldi for plotting the murder of Count Lelio and Fasio. Release Count Lelio and Fasio for the corpus of the crime does not exist, in fact the murdered man is very much alive, unfortunately.

(Soldiers release Fasio and Lelio and seize Grimaldi, in a rough manner)

SOLDIER

Let us hang the executioner himself.

GRIMALDI

Mercy, excellency, have mercy on me and I shall give you half of my fortune.

GIACOMO

So, you would try to bribe me as well as threaten me.

(To soldiers)

Take him to prison and give him dose of his own medicine--make a good job of it.

(Soldiers drag Grimaldi off struggling and crying mercy, mercy.)

(To Lelio.)

Hurry to Madelina, Lelio, she will be waiting for you and she loves you.

LELIO

Oh! thank you, magistrate, thank you.

(He shakes hands and goes off left hurriedly)

GIACOMO

And you, Francesca, if I give you back your husband, will you swear never to give way to groundless jealousy again?

FRANCESCA

I swear.

(She kisses the magistrate's hand and X to shrine, where she kneels in prayer and crosses herself.)

GIACOMO

(To Fasio)

A faithful, loving wife is better far than all the gold in the world.

(He X to Francesca takes her by the hand and leads her to Fasio.)

God bless you both--May long life and happiness be yours.

(Fasio and Francesca embrace)

CURTAIN