The Third Son And His Consort, Marcella

I was the third son of the aging Count Rousillon. My two older brothers were divided and fought over the estate, but always reconciled. Allies are better than enemies. Our family estate in the forest of "Friendly Shadows" was my refuge from my brothers' greed. I nursed my father's last years there, and he died a happy and fulfilled man. I buried him at the spring called "Pure Waters, " withn sight of our estate's highest tower. I eked out an austere but rewarding life. I treated my peasants fairly. Despite my youth, they call me "Father, " and the happiness in their faces brings tears to my eyes. I allow them to hunt for venison, so their children will grow healthy and strong. The local friar Andrew is my bosom friend, we prepare feasts on Holy Days with hymns sung in the Church and madrigals and canzone both sung and danced in the estate park. I was almost invisible to my brothers when I found Marcella among my peasants. She was eighteen, beautiful to my eyes, and a musician. Our life together has been one long rehearsal for a concert we will give when angels and humans and animals are all one Being. In the meantime, we play our viol duets, and pause only to listen to the birds' carillon at nightfall. Last night, Marcella's viol tone was so pure and transparent I was transported to the Empyrean. And there she was, ahead of me, tuning her instrument, ready to create beauty.