Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 edition. Excerpt: ... THE SPAGNOLETTO. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Don John Of Austria. Josef Rib Era, the Spagnoletto. Lorenzo, noble young Italian artist, pupil of Ribera. Don Tommaso'manzano. Ldca, servant to Ribera. A Gentleman. First Lord. Second Lord. Maria-rosa, daughter to Ribera. Annicca, daughter to Ribera, and wife to Don Tommato. Fiametta, tenant to Maria-Rota. Abbess. Lay-sister. First Last. Second Lady. Lords, Ladies, Gentlemen, Servants. Scene -- During the first four acts, in Naples; latter part of the fifth act, in Palermo. Time, about 1655. ACT I. SCENE L The Studio of the Spaqnoletto. Riekha at work before his canvas. Mimi seated some little distance behind him; a piece of embroidery is in her hands, but she glances up from it incessantly toward her father with impatient movements. MARIA. Father! (rib ERA, absorbed in his work, makes no reply; she puts by her embroidery, goes toward him and kisses him gently. He starts, looks up at her, and returns her carets.) RIBKRA. My child! MABIA. Already yon forget, Oh, heedless father! Did yon not promise me To lay aside your brash to-day at noon, And tell me the great secret? HTBKKA. Ah, 't is true, I am to blame. But it is morning yet; My child, wait still a little. MABIA. 'T is morning yet I Nay, it was noon one mortal hour ago. All patience I have sat till you should turn And beckon me. The rosy angels breathe Upon the canvas; I might sit till night, And, if I spake not, you would never glance From their celestial faces. Dear my father, Your brow is moist, and yet your hands are ice; Your very eyes are tired -- pray, rest awhile. The Spagnoletto need no longer toil As in the streets of Rome for beggars' fare; Now princes bide his pleasure. RIBESA (throws aside his brush and palette). Ah, Maria, Thou...
