Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/31

Exiled in childhood, sought for but to slay,
I only re-assumed our ancient name,
When, gathering all the remnants of our cause,
I raised the banner of our line, and came
A conqueror—who but only came to spare.

CLARICHA.

I would that I had earlier known your name.

CATRUCCIO.

How bitterly I mock the pride that kept

My birth a secret; yet 'twas not all pride,
I plann'd a glad surprise for her I loved;
In the first dawn of my success, I sought
The well-remember'd vineyards.

CLARICHA.

Farewell, Count Castruccio! had I known

The name whose triumphs fill our Italy,
I had not hoped as I have done for years;
But I should still have loved: it does not need
That words should say, the nameless, friendless girl
Is nothing to the Lord of Lucca.

CASTRUCCIO.

Weary and hard has been my path through life;

Its brief success by danger has been bought,
Yet knew I not its bitterness till now.

CLARICHA.

Farewell, my lord.

CASTRUCCIO.

Hear me, Claricha—be yourself my judge—

What Lucca was, let our first years recall:
Years past in war and exile—when the land
Had not one vineyard safe—one hearth secure—