The White Devil

Vittoria’s trial begins with the arraignment. As the characters enter, Bracciano is told that he has no chair. He lays out his expensive gown and places himself upon it. Monticelso summons Vittoria and Zanche. When the plea is read in Latin, Vittoria asks for it to be read in the “usual tongue” for everyone to understand, believing that the use of Latin could cause confusion during the trial. Francisco accepts this request. The lawyer delivers an indulgent and nonsensical speech that condemns the “debauched and diversivolent” (III.ii.29) Vittoria. When she protests, the lawyer is dismissed.

Monticelso leads the case for the prosecution. He accuses Vittoria of being a “whore,” and when she asks for clarification, he likens prostitutes to taxes and Russian winters. Vittoria denies her guilt. The ambassadors confer. Though they find that Vittoria has lived an immoral life, they also do not trust the “bitter” Monticelso to be impartial. Monticelso and Francisco accuse Vittoria of murdering Camillo. Vittoria falls to her knees and begs the ambassadors for forgiveness for her personality. Her brave stance impresses the ambassadors, prompting Vittoria to chide Monticelso for the way in which she has turned his insulting accusations against him.

Monticelso next asks Vittoria about the night her husband was killed. He asks who was in her home. At this point, Bracciano stands and claims that he was with her on the night in question. He claims to have been helping Camillo to settle a debt that Camillo owed to Monticelso. At this, Monticelso accuses Bracciano of sexual impropriety. Bracciano insults Monticelso and storms out, abandoning the expensive gown. Francisco announces that this chaos indicates the lack of evidence against Vittoria. He defends his sister’s soul, claiming that she could never be a killer.

Monticelso responds by producing a letter written to Vittoria by Bracciano. In the letter, he invites her to his summer house. Vittoria insists that this is simply an invitation; they do not have her negative response. The invitation may condemn Bracciano, she claims, but not her. She believes that Monticelso is persecuting her unfairly. Next, Monticelso produces evidence showing that Bracciano sent money to Vittoria. She insists that this was to settle her husband’s debt, then accuses Monticelso of lacking impartiality in his dual role as prosecutor and judge. She calls on the ambassadors and the audience to judge her instead of Monticelso. Next, Monticelso tells a story about Vittoria’s marriage to Camillo. He claims that Camillo did not receive a dowry for the marriage and that Vittoria was frequently unfaithful.

Monticelso prepares his judgement. He orders Marcello and Flaminio to remain close by, though he has no real evidence to convict them as accomplices. Monticelso finds Vittoria guilty. He sentences her to be sent to a house of convertites: a place where “penitent whores” are sent. Vittoria cries out for vengeance. She accuses Monticelso of abusing justice itself as she is taken from the court.

Bracciano returns in a daze. He is clearly upset as he mumbles incoherently to Francisco, then exits again. Flaminio offers his congratulations to Bracciano on a performance well done. He also reminds himself to show his grief to others to convince them that he is stricken with emotion following Vittoria’s conviction. That way, he believes, no one will think that he is guilty. Flamino exits, to be replaced by Giovanni and Lodovico. Giovanni is dressed in black clothes of mourning. He tells his uncle that Isabella is dead. Monticelso suggests to the ambassadors that they should leave and Giovanni continues to mourn his mother’s demise. He speaks to Francisco, asking about the afterlife. Francisco is very upset. He sends everyone away and mourns Isabella alone.

Flaminio distractedly enters, performing his grief for everyone to see. Marcello and Lodovico follow and hear him lament his luck and curse his fate of having to serve Bracciano. The Savoy ambassador appears and tries to comfort him, but Flaminio rejects his approach. The French ambassador insists that Vittoria was clearly guilty, so Flaminio accuses Monticelso of “corruption.” He airs these same complaints and more to the English ambassador. When the ambassadors leave, Flaminio turns on Marcello and levies a series of subtle jibes against him, referencing the biblical story of Cain killing his brother, Abel. Flaminio exits. Lodovico privately considers Flaminio’s comments and wants to learn more about him. When Flaminio reappears, he is surprised to see Lodovico, who as far as he knows, is still banished. They insult one another.

Gasparo and Antonelli appear, sharing a laugh. Flaminio and Lodovico continue to exchange insults, but they eventually agree to put their spat aside. Antonelli informs Lodovico that the dying Pope has signed a pardon, ending his banishment. Lodovico is overcome with joy. Overwhelmed, he insults Vittoria, so Flaminio lashes out at him. Marcello drags Flaminio away. Upset by the sudden attack, Lodovico dismisses Flaminio as a “lousy” pimp. He resolves to forget about the matter and celebrate the end of his banishment with alcohol.