A NIGHT IN AVIGNON
A Night in Avignon
BY
CALE YOUNG RICE
Author of "Charles Di Tocca," "David,"
"Plays and Lyrics," etc.
NEW YORK
DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
MCMXIII
Copyright, 1907, by
CALE YOUNG RICE
Published, March, 1907
TO
DONALD ROBERTSON
A NIGHT IN AVIGNON
CHARACTERS
| Francesco Petrarca | A Young Poet and Scholar | |
| Gherardo | His Brother, a Monk | |
| Lello | His Friend | |
| Orso | His Servant | |
| Filippa | ⎫ | |
| ⎬ | Ladies of light life in Avignon | |
| Sancia | ⎭ | |
| Madonna Laura |
A NIGHT IN AVIGNON
Scene: A room in the chambers of Petrarca at Avignon. It opens on aloggia overlooking, on higher ground, the spired church of Santa Claraand the gray cloisters of a Carthusian monastery. Beyond lie the citywalls under glamour of the blue Provençal night.
The room, faintly frescoed, is lighted with many candles; someglittering on a wine-table heavy with wines toward the right front. Adoor on the left leads to other rooms, and an arrased one opposite,[4]down to the street. Bookshelves and a writing-desk strewn with a luteand writings are also on the left; a crimson couch is in the centre; andgarlands of myrtle and laurel deck the wine-table.
Gherardo, the monk, is seated by the desk, following with severe looksthe steps of Petrarca, who is walking feverishly to and fro.
Gherardo (after a pause). Listen. Another word, Francesco.
Petrarca. Aih!
And then another—that will breed another.
Gherardo. Dote on this Laura still—if still you must:
Woman's your destiny.
But quench these lights and set away that wine.[5]
Petrarca. And to no other lips turn? hers denied me?
Never, Gherardo!
Gherardo. Virtue bids you.
Petrarca. Vainly!
I've borne until I wi