Marjorie Bowen

Name: The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands
Author: Marjorie Bowen

The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

Summary

“The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands”, published in 1906, is a work by Marjorie Bowen. It explores elements such as Visconti, Graziosa and de Lana.

Quotes from The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (Marjorie Bowen)

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ Valentine mounted her horse with a throbbing heart; that whisper in the church had given her new life.
The soldiers formed up either side, behind and before; it would not have been possible for her to drop even her glove unnoticed. She was riding the streets of Milan as her brother's trophy, as his prisoner; every one of those who bowed so humbly to her as she passed, every peasant her guards thrust back from her path, was freer than she.
San' Apollinare was far from the palace, and for that reason Visconti had chosen it. All Milan should see her ride to offer thanksgiving for his victories. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ To be a Visconti on such a day as this would please me well; and though I am your friend, madama, I must say it."
"As do all the others," said Valentine, bitterly. "You are blinded by splendor and power—you see no deeper than the skin!"
"Maybe," said the other lightly. "Yet am I glad the Duke hath triumphed, and not Mastino della Scala, who is as sullen as a peasant, and a foe to all display."
"And his wife?" asked Valentine in a low tone. "Have you no thought for her?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ Then he looked at de Lana, and something in the soldier's face told him he would have to kill him first.
"And as I will any who oppose me," he cried, furiously. "Am I not the Duke of Milan? Take thy hand from thy sword, de Lana. Now we will settle scores, Valentine." His hand was lifted, Giannotto turned his face away, and de Lana had thrown himself forward, when a light knock on the door close by broke the moment's silence, and Visconti's hand sank to his side.
"Open!" he cried. "It is the messenger from the Lady Graziosa," and de Lana, eagerly seizing the interruption, flung wide the door. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ But she is a prisoner of war, and must take her chances like another. Were it the Visconti's wife in such a case—she would not be a prisoner long! Let Mastino della Scala tear her from his foe himself—let him do as Visconti did when the Lady Graziosa was in danger."
"Hold thy tongue," returned Valentine angrily. "You talk as a child—you know not what you say." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ Oh, why!"
"Count Conrad is in Milan!" was Valentine's answer to herself; and to Costanza she said, coldly, "Do not fear for me. I am too valuable to be meddled with. Even a Visconti would not dare to slay his sister before the Frenchman's eyes."
They entered the courtyard in silence, the soldiers forming up close around her. The cavalcade had ridden slowly, and there was no trace of Graziosa's arrival. The palace seemed quiet. Valentine dismounted as usual, and was mounting the entrance steps when de Lana advanced.
"I have a painful duty to discharge, Princess," he said. "You are my prisoner." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ The soldier seized Valentine's wrist and forced her, still reluctant, from the room. She was conquered, not subdued.
"If Graziosa dies," said Visconti, turning to Giannotto, "she does not live either. You have heard me say it.—She and her woman's venom!" he continued, pacing the room furiously. "I should have swept her away sooner—I would now but for the French, and the French shall not save her the next time. He is a fool, Giannotto, who thinks that because a woman is a prisoner she is powerless—let him remember her tongue." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Marjorie Bowen, The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (1906)

“ The corridors were empty, save for the soldiers at their posts. De Lana opened the door of the Duke's apartments and stood aside for her to enter, but Valentine shrank back.
"’Tis the Duke's orders," said de Lana, and he moved Costanza back. "You will enter alone."
Then Valentine summoned up her courage, and when she had passed the door, de Lana followed and stood beside it.
Visconti was at the table, behind him Giannotto, and at her entrance he raised such a white, distorted face of fury, that Valentine quailed and sank back against the wall. ”

Marjorie Bowen

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Quotes from The Viper of Milan — 26. In Visconti's Hands (Marjorie Bowen)

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