They laughed. Susannah's voice
Broke in, "I've made a better one. The receipt
Came from the _Golden Lion_. I have dished
Ducklings and peas and all. Come, John, say grace."




IV

GALILEO


I


(_Celeste, in the Convent at Arcetri, writes to her old lover at
Rome._)

My friend, my dearest friend, my own dear love,
I, who am dead to love, and see around me
The funeral tapers lighted, send this cry
Out of my heart to yours, before the end.
You told me once you would endure the rack
To save my heart one pang. O, save it now!
Last night there came a dreadful word from Rome
For my dear lord and father, summoning him
Before the inquisitors there, to take his trial
At threescore years and ten. There is a threat
Of torture, if his lips will not deny