Whose blaspheme against Madonna
And against the bishop's monstrance
Brought the plague upon the island.
Sadly listened Roderigo,
Sadly listened to the message.
He no longer cared or thought of
His own future, his own being,
Satanella's life however,
Now to him seemed doubly treasured.
Long he sat there, meditating
Till at length his friend he spoke to:
"Strike a tune on yon guitar strings,
Play for me, though well I know that
All the strings have snapped asunder
On my heart's guitar forever.
Even then, my friend, play for me,
And perhaps my dread of future
And the past day's bitter anguish
I shall bury in your canto."
Beppo strummed the old guitar strings.
Queer the song within the prison!
Lights and shadows, hell and heaven,
Pleasure, torture in it mingle.
About life sings faithful comrade;
Sings about the heart's first longing,
50
