Act III, Scene iv
LOCATION: It is nighttime and there is a retreat beyond the gates of the palace. We can hear men in the distance calling each other to light the whickers and prepare the horses for the last countryside run of the evening, before bedtime.
We are inside what appears to be a cave, with some candles flickering around.
Enter GRIMALDI with his sword, and a dark lantern in this cavernous lair.
Grimaldi: (Aside to audience) It's early yet. I will stay here awhile and wait for Soranzo. I saw him and fair Annabella earlier this day, frolicking in the wilderness like creatures of the night. And Richardetto even said he would come hence. It is only a matter of time now. I can feel it!
He hides.
Enter BERGETTO, disguised, and his soon-to-be-wife, PHILOTIS.
RICHARDETTO and servant POGGIO follow behind, but they are a distance away, in a separate pool of light, away from the action that is CS.
BERGETTO doesn’t know he is being set up.
Richardetto: I saw them go this way.
Poggio: ‘Tis past curfew. My lord should be in his chambers.
Richardetto: Come now, I’m sure we have nothing to fear. Walk this way.
They proceed to walk.
Lights dim out on RICHARDETTO and POGGIO.
Lights up on BERGETTO and PHILOTIS, who are CS.
Bergetto: We are almost there my sweet Philotis. Nurse Philotis, for whom I chose over all the kingdom of Parma.
BERGETTO tickles PHILOTIS as she giggles and blushes.
Philotis: Behave yourself, young sir.
Bergetto: You know me.
BERGETTO grins.
They are looking for a secluded place for romance.
Grimaldi: (Aside, in a whisper) I hear them, they are coming...
As they get closer, GRIMALDI leaps out of hiding, draws his sword and then lunges for BERGETTO who doesn’t have enough motor skills to react on time to defend himself.
BERGETTO’S mouth is agape with surprise as the sword impales him.
As the sword impales BERGETTO, it looks as if BERGETTO might have a heart attack. His lips quiver.
PHILOTIS screams.
The two men both look at each other deeply.
Bergetto: (Hoarse whisper, stifled by a few coughs) What... ho.
You are Dead, and Now She’s Mine!
GRIMALDI (To Bergetto):
Ha!
YOU ARE DEAD
IN THE NIGHT
IN THE DARK
THE ARROW SHOOTS YOU
IN THE HEART
LIKE A SPARK
THE BLADE CRIES OUT
TO YOUR CALL
AND YOU FALL
IT'S NOT RIGHT
WHEN YOU LIED,
ON YOUR SIDE
YOU TOOK HER AWAY
AND SHE'S GONE
OUT OF SIGHT
YOU TRIED TO STOP US
BUT OUR LOVE,
IT GOES STRONG
AND YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD ME
NOW YOU'RE
DEAD... WRONG!
GOOD BYE, SORANZO
TIME TO DIE
AND NOW I'M OFF
TO SEE MY BRIDE
I'LL WED HER
AND ADORE HER SO
AND MAKE HER
FOREVER
MINE!
GRIMALDI rushes off before PHILOTIS can see him in the shadows.
To Be Continued...
