The Court Magazine, 1834, Volume IV, Pages 96-103
SCENES FROM MANZONI'S TRAGEDY, "IL CONTE DI CARMAGNOLA."
TRANSLATED BY MRS. HEMANS.
The following scenes, distinguished by a simple pathos, which can be considered no usual characteristic of the brilliant and stately Italian muse, form the conclusion of Manzoni's celebrated tragedy. His hero, Carmagnola, the victorious general of the Venetian republic, becomes an object of suspicion to its jealous rulers, and is summoned before the Doge and Council, on pretence of recompensing his services with higher honours than have yet been awarded. His doom having been previously sealed, he is arraigned and conveyed to prison, whilst his wife and daughter, in all the eagerness of exulting affection, are awaiting his return to their arms. He there proudly repels the charges brought against him, when insulted by the Doge with the name of Traitor.
Scene in the Venetian Senate-House.
CARMAGNOLA.
A traitor! I!— that name of infamy
Reaches not me. Let him the title bear,
Who best deserves such meed—it is not mine.
Call me a dupe, and I may well submit,
For such my part is here; yet would I not
Exchange that name, for 'tis the worthier still.
A traitor!—I retrace in thought the time,
When for your cause I fought: 'tis all one path
Strewed o'er with flowers. Point out the day on which
A traitor's deeds were mine; the day which passed
Unmark'd by thanks, and praise, and promises
Of high reward! What more? Behold me here!
And when I came, to seeming honour called—
When in my heart most deeply spoke the voice
Of love, and grateful zeal, and trusting faith—
—Of trusting faith! Oh! no—Doth he who comes
Th' invited guest of friendship, dream of faith?
I came to be ensnared! Well! it is done,
And be it so! but since deceitful hate
Hath thrown at length her smiling mask aside,
Praise be to heaven! an open field at least
Is spread before us. Now 'tis yours to speak,
Mine to defend my cause: declare ye then
My treasons!
DOGE.
By the Secret College soon
All shall be told thee.
CARMAGNOLA.
I appeal not there.
What I have done for you, hath all been done
In the bright noon-day, and its tale shall not
Be told in darkness. Of a warrior's deeds
Warriors alone should judge; and such I choose
To be mine arbiters; my proud defence
Shall not be made in secret. All shall hear.
DOGE.
The time for choice is past.
CARMAGNOLA.
What! is there force
Employed against me?—Guards! (raising his voice.)
