GIACOMO: 'Tis hard for a firm man to bear: but I Have a dear wife, a lady of high birth, Whose dowry in ill hour I lent my father _20 Without a bond or witness to the deed: And children, who inherit her fine senses, The fairest creatures in this breathing world; And she and they reproach me not. Cardinal, Do you not think the Pope would interpose _25 And stretch authority beyond the law? CAMILLO: Though your peculiar case is hard, I know The Pope will not divert the course of law. After that impious feast the other night I spoke with him, and urged him then to check _30 Your father's cruel hand; he frowned and said, 'Children are disobedient, and they sting Their fathers' hearts to madness and despair, Requiting years of care with contumely. I pity the Count Cenci from my heart; _35 His outraged love perhaps awakened hate, And thus he is exasperated to ill. In the great war between the old and young I, who have white hairs and a tottering body, Will keep at least blameless neutrality.' _40 [ENTER ORSINO.] You, my good Lord Orsino, heard those words. ORSINO: What words? GIACOMO: Alas, repeat them not again! There then is no redress for me, at least None but that which I may achieve myself, Since I am driven to the brink.--But, say, _45 My innocent sister and my only brother Are dying underneath my father's eye. The memorable torturers of this land, Galeaz Visconti, Borgia, Ezzelin, Never inflicted on their meanest slave _50 What these endure; shall they have no protection? CAMILLO: Why, if they would petition to the Pope I see not how he could refuse it--yet He holds it of most dangerous example In aught to weaken the paternal power, _55 Being, as 'twere, the shadow of his own. I pray you now excuse me. I have business That will not bear delay. [EXIT CAMILLO.] GIACOMO: But you, Orsino, Have the petition: wherefore not present it? ORSINO: I have presented it, and backed it with _60 My earnest prayers, and urgent interest; It was returned unanswered. I doubt not But that the strange and execrable deeds Alleged in it--in truth they might well baffle Any belief--have turned the Pope's displeasure _65 Upon the accusers from the criminal: So I should guess from what Camillo said. GIACOMO: My friend, that palace-walking devil Gold Has whispered silence to his Holiness: And we are left, as scorpions ringed with fire. _70 What should we do but strike ourselves to death? For he who is our murderous persecutor Is shielded by a father's holy name, Or I would-- [STOPS ABRUPTLY.]