Classic Poem

Scene 6 Mila di Codra lets fall the sack torn from the old woman, and looks at the man who has come, standing tall against the light. But recognizing him she gives a cry and takes refuge in the shadow at the back. Then Lazaro di Roio enters, in silence, carrying a cord twisted about his arm, like a herdsman who has set his bull free. One can hear on the stone the hurrying staff of Anna Onna, who escapes .

Lazaro di Roio:

Now, woman, do not be afraid,
Though Lazaro di Roio comes
He brings no sickle in his hand.
He seeks not a revenge on thee.
More than one drop of blood was drawn
On the field of Mispa, and thou knowest
The cause of that fight and its end.
That thou should'st pay him drop for drop
He does not wish, spite of the scar
That always burns and pains his head. He laughs a short, rough laugh .
When he lies on his bed he hears
The women weeping and lamenting
Not for him, no, but for the shepherd
Enchanted by a sorceress,
Upon the mountain far away.
My woman, surely, thou choosest ill,
And now I have not much to say,
But thou 'lt go with me, and no need,
Daughter of Jorio, of more words.
Down there I've ass and pack-saddle,
A cord of hemp I also have,
And one of rushes. God be praised! Mila remains motionless, with her back to the rock, without answering .

Mila di Codra, dost thou hear?
Or art thou turning deaf and dumb?
Now I speak to thee peaceably;
I know well how it was that time
With the reapers of Norca, there below.
If now thou thinkest by the same defence
To stand against me, thou dost trick thyself.
There is no hearthstone here; there are
No kinsfolk; nor does San Giovanni
Ring the great bell to keep thee safe.
I move three steps and have thee fast.
Besides, I've two strong fellows here.
Yet, none the less, I speak in peace,
'Tis better thou should'st yield to this,
And not compel me to use force.

Mila:

What would'st thou with me? Thou dost come,
Now, when death is already here.
Death moved aside to let thee in,
But she remains there none the less.
Look in that sack. In it there are
Roots that would kill a dozen wolves.
Though thou, thyself, bind up my jaw,
I shall be chewing poison sweet
Just as a heifer chews its cud.
Take me then, me, when I am cold,
Put me across the saddle, bound
Fast with thy cords and take me down
With the ass, and bring me to the judge
And say: " Here is the shameless one,
The Sorceress! " And burn my corpse,
And let thy women come to look,
Rejoicing over me. Perhaps
One will reach out and put her hand
In the flame, and without burning it,
To draw my heart forth from the fire. Lazaro, at the first suggestion, gathers up the sack of simples and scrutinizes it. He throws it behind him with fear and disgust .

Lazaro:

Ah, thou dost try to spread a snare for me.
Thou seekest to entrap me, who knows how?
I hear deceit sound in thy voice.
But I will take thee in my noose. He makes a noose with his cord .

Lazaro will have thee by God's grace,
Will have thee neither cold nor dead.
Mila di Codra, he will tread
The vintage with thee this October.
His wine vats are already waiting,
And he will tread the grapes with thee
And wallow to his neck in must. He goes toward the woman, smiling slyly. Mila crouches ready to fly. The man follows her. She leaps here and there but cannot escape .

Mila:

Don't touch me! Let me go! for shame!
Thy son is there, behind thee, there!