50


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1.50
187
Adams - Rob, the Hermit
WIDENER LIBRARY
HX DGP3 L


DAL 641.1.50

HARVARD COLLEGE
LIBRARY
IMPACADEMY
DEMARR
A
HARV
VAR ECCLEOV

VERI
TS
SONA
THE BEQUEST OF
EVERT JANSEN WENDELL
(CLASS OF 1882)
OF NEW YORK
1918








Price, Fifteen Clnts.
THE ACTING DRAMA
No. 101.
ROB, THE
HERMIT
NEW YORK
HAROLD ROORBACH
Publisher
Roorbach's full descriptive Catalogue of Dramas, Comedies, Comediettas,
Farces, Tableaux-vivants, Guide-books, Novel Entertainments for Church, School and
Parlor Exhibitions, etc., containing full and explicit information, will be sent to any
address on receipt of a stamp for return postage. Address as above.


ROORBACH'S AMERICAN EDITION.
PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH.
This series embraces the best of plays, suited to the present time. The reprints have
been rigidly compared with the original acting copies, so that absolute purity of
text and stage business is warranted. Each play is furnished with an introduction
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Their complete introductions, textual accuracy, and mechanical excellence render
these books far superior in every respect to all editions of acting plays hitherto
published.
1. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. A comic drama in two acts. Six
male, three female characters. Time, two hours.
2. A SCRAP OF PAPER. A comic drama in three acts. Six male, six female
characters. Time, two hours.-
3. MY LORD IN LIVERY. A farce in one act. Five male, three female charac-
Time, fifty minutes.
ters.
CABMAN No. 93. A farce in one act. Two male, two female characters.
Time, torty minutes.
Four male, two female char-
Seven male, four female
Four male,
Four
8. HOW TO TAME YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW. A farce in one act.
male, two female characters. Time, thirty-five minutes.
9. LADY AUDLEY'S SECRET. A drama in two acts. Four male, three female
characters. Time, one hour and a quarter.
5. MILKY WHITE. A domestic drama in two acts.
acters. Time, one hour and three quarters.
6. PARTNERS FOR LIFE. A comedy in three acts.
characters. Time, two hours.
7. WOODCOCK'S LITTLE GAME. A comedy-farce in two acts.
four female characters. Time, one hour.
10. NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL. A comedy in three acts. Six male, five female
characters, Time, one hour and forty minutes.
+
Three male, three female
A farce in one act.
Three male, four female
13. DAISY FARM. A drama in four acts. Ten male, four female characters.
Time, two hours and twenty minutes.
14. MARRIED LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Five male, five female characters.
Time, two hours.
Two male,
15. A PRETTY PIECE OF BUSINESS. A comedietta in one act.
three female characters. Time, fifty minutes.
16. LEND ME FIVE SHILLINGS. A farce in one act. Five male, two female
characters. Time, one hour.
11. WHICH IS WHICH? A comedietta in one act.
characters. Time, fifty minutes.
12. ICI ON PARLE FRANÇAIS.
characters. Time, forty-five minutes..
17. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.-Original Version. A drama in six acts. Fifteen
male, seven female characters. Time, three hours.
18. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.-New Version. A drama in five acts. Seven
male, five female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter.
Ten male, three female
19. LONDON ASSURANCE. A comedy in ive acts.
characters. Time, two hours and three quarters.
20. ATCHI!
A comedietta in one act. Three male, two female characters. Time,
forty minutes.
21. WHO IS WHO? A farce in one act. Three male, two female characters.
Time, forty minutes.
22. THE WOVEN WEB. A drama in four acts. Seven male, three female char-
acters. Time, two hours and twenty minutes.
23. MISS MADCAP. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female characters.
Time, twenty minutes.
24. THE DARKEY WOOD DEALER. A farce in one act.
Two male, one fe-
male characters. Time, twenty minutes,
(OVER.)


C
ROB, THE HERMIT;
OR,
THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
A ROMANTIC DRAMA,
In Four Acts,
DRAMATIZED FROM J. P. KENNEDY'S NOVEL OF " 'ROR OF
THE BOWL," BY
CHARLES FREDERICK ADAMS.
CORRECTLY PRINTED FROM THE PROMPTER'S COPY, WITH THE CAST OF
CHARACTERS, COSTUMES, PROPERTY PLOTS, RELATIVE POSITIONS
OF THE DRAMATIS PERSONÆ, SIDES OF ENTRANCE AND
EXIT, DISPOSITIONS OF CHARACTERS, ETC., ETC.
NEW YORK.
II AROLD ROORBACH,
PUBLISHER.


DAL 641.1.50
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
FROM
7 THE BEQUEST OF
EVERT JANSEN WENDELL
1918
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1879, by
HAPPY HOURS COMPANY,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.


ROB, THE
THE HERMIT;
OR,
THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
:0:
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
ROB, THE HERMIT, (Tragedy)..
RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, (High Villain)..
CAPTAIN DAUNTREES, (Comedy).
LORD BALTIMORE, (Walking Gent)
ALBERT VERHEYDEN, (Juvenile).
ANTHONY WARDEN, (Old Man)...
GARRET WEASEL, (Low Comedy).....
ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE, ( Utility).
ROCHE DEL CARMINE, (Low Villain).
FRANCIS, (Utility)..
PEDRO, (Utility).
BLANCHE WARDEN, ( Tragic).
DOROTHY WEASEL, (Comedy).
KATE OF WARRINGTON, (Tragic Old Woman)...
Soldiers, Pirates, &c
Original, White's Opera
House, Concord, N. H.
Mr. N. C. Nelson.
"
C. N. Towle.
Frank Cressy.
R. A. Ray.
66
""
66
66
66
66
66
66
66
E. Robertson.
F. S. Warren.
W. P. Underhill,
J. R. Saye.
F. W. Alden.
S. N. Prescott.
J. F. Scott,
Mrs. Belle Locke.
M. F. Upton.
Miss Dora R. Carvill.
COSTUMES,
Rob, the Hermit.-Doublet of coarse serge, trunks and hose, coarse cloak, long
gray wig and beard, belt with long knife.
Richard Cocklescraft -Scarlet jacket, ash-colored breeches, made like kilt to
knees; tight gray hose, light shoes, embroidered belt with pair of richly mounted
pistols, long black hair, moustache and goatee, wide sombrero in Scene II, Act II,
gay cap for other scenes.
Roche del Carmine.-Gay pirate's dress.
Lord Baltimore-Rich military or nobleman's costume of the period.
Albert Verheyden.-Dark doublet and hose, short brown cloak, black cap and
feather, lace collar.
Anthony Warden.-Gentleman's costume of the period, white hair.
Garret Weasel.-Tight gray suit.


iv
ROB, THE HERMIT.
Captain Dauntrees.-Stoutly padded, bald crown, light green cloak and doublet,
trimmed with yellow lace; trunk hose, parti-colored stockings, low boots, broad
felt hat with plume.
Arnold de la Grange.—Buff jerkin, broad belt and buckle, brown leather leggings,
deerskin cap.
Francis, Pedro and other Pirates.-Seaman's jackets, striped and colored shirts,
white breeches, rich girdles with pistols and daggers, gay woolen caps, etc.
Soldiers.-Similar to ARNOLD'S or CAPTAIN'S.
Blanche Warden.-Bodice of scarlet velvet, laced in front with cords and tassels;
short white sleeves looped to shoulder by bands of scarlet, white lawn skirt, white
slippers, hair down, with ribbon fillet above brow; boquet on bosom, white rose on
head, for Scene III, Act II. Simpler costume in other scenes.
Dorothy Weasel.-Green silk jacket with tight sleeves, trimmed with pink ribbon;
stays, scarlet petticoat, brown hose with clocks, high-heeled green shoes, high coni-
cal hat with very narrow rim, of green silk with bands of pink ribbon set on teeth-
wise, same as on jacket, loose kerchief around neck.
Kate of Warrington.-Witch's costume, long hair.
PROPERTIES.
ACT 1.
Table, flagons of wine, glasses, pipes, tobacco, &c. Four chairs. Candles. Key
for DOROTHY. Lantern and basket, with luncheon and bottles in it, for GARRET.
Red lights. Loaded pistols for CAPTAIN and ARNOLD. Shots for outside.
ACT II.
Kettle for fireplace. Rude wooden cross.
ACT III.
Rough table, bottles of liquor, tobacco, pipes, casks, boxes, &c. Papers and lan.
tern for ROB. Lighted candles. Wine cups. Cords for FRANCIS and PEDRO.
Large round stone tied with cords. Locket for ALBERT.
Locket for ALBERT.
ACT IV.
Loaded gun for ANTHONY. Shots outside. Pikes for Pirates.
There is no charge for the performance of this drama.


ROB, THE HERMIT;
OR,
THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
ACT I.
Time,
SCENE I.-Parlor of the Inn of St. Mary's in third grooves.
evening. Table with flagon of wine, glasses and pipes, R.C.
CAPTAIN DAUNTREES and ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE discovered seated at
table. GARRET WEASEL seated near by.
Captain Dauntrees. You were not a true man, Garret Weasel, to
keep us so long without your presence, No doubt Dame Dorothy has
this tardy coming to answer for.
Garret Weasel. (Drawing his chair awkwardly towards the table. )
No, no, Captain Danntrees, my wife rules not me, indeed she does
not. Customers, you know, must be waited on, though we poor ser-
vants go athirst. We are crowded to-night, are we not, Arnold?
Arnold de la Grange. Yes, with traders from the country back, who
had heard by some means that Cocklescraft should be here.
Capt. I see. That fellow Cocklescraft has a trick of warning his
friends. He never comes into port but there are strange rumors of
him ahead. St. Mary's is not the first harbor where he drops his
anchor, nor Anthony Warden the first man to docket his cargo,
Gar. You speak your mind freely, captain,
Capt. Well, but for Cocklescraft we should lack these means to be
The customs are at a discount on a dark night. Well, make
your honest penny, Garret, all thirsty fellows will stand by you.
merry.


6
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
Gar. Nay, nay, I beseech you—————
Capt. Never mind your beseeching, my modest friend. Did I not
see how pale you grew when his lordship's secretary, Master Verhey-
den, suddenly came upon you as you were rolling a cask into the
cellar in broad daylight. The secretary was in a bookish mood and
did not heed, or perchance was kind and would not.
Gur. The secretary is a modest youth and grows in favor with the
townspeople.
Capt. Aye, and is much beloved by his lordship. There is a
cloud upon his birth, and a sorrowful tale concerning his nurture.
But we should not go dry because the secretary has had mishaps.
Drink, and I will tell you his story briefly. (They drink.) There
was in Yorkshire a certain Major William Wetherby, who married a
lady named Verheyden. He was a man of fierce temper, choloric,
and unreasonable, and for jealousy no devil ever equalled him. Be-
coming jealous his wife, he one day stabbed his best friend to the
heart. By the aid of a fleet horse he escaped from the kingdom, and
was never again heard of.
Arnold. Died like a dog, I s'pose.
Cipt. Likely enough. His wife, poor lady, soon after died, leav-
ing her infant son in charge of her brother. Years after, Lord Balti-
more saw the youth, took him into his service, and brought him here
with him. That's the whole story. It's as dry as a raisin, so moisten,
masters, moisten.
Gar. (Drinking.) It's a sad story.
Capt. That's a good reason for a cup to the secretary. The world
has many arguments for a thirsty man. But let's change the subject.
Drink, langh and be merry.
(They drink.
Gar. By my soul, captain, but this wine does tingle. Here's a fig
for my wife Dorothy. Come and go as you like, none of your fetch
and carry for me.
(Tipsily.
Capt. Thou art a valorous tapster.
Gar. I am a man to stand by a friend, captain. Ha, ha! let's
have a song.
Cupt. With all my heart. I will wag it with you merrily.
(They sing an old drinking song, GARRET WEASEL rising and
dancing unsteadily.
Enter LORD BALTIMORE, S.E.L.
(C
Lord Baltimore. You give care a holiday, Captain Dauntrees.
AIN DAUNTREES starts, ses, bows low, and smiles. AR-
NOLD DE LA GRANGE rises, firm and silent. GARRET WEASEL
remains fixed in his attitude, with one foot raised, arm extended,
and face turned inquiringly over his shoulder. His position
changes to one of profound deference.
Capt. Hail, my lord!
Gar. Yes, hail, hail, good lord!


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
7
Lord B. I would not disturb your merriment, but have matter for
your vigilence, Captain Dauntrees. You, Arnold de la Grange, will
remain with us. You, Master Weasel, may retire.
(Exit GARRET WEASEL, U. E.L., stepping carefully and looking
back.
Lord B. There are strange tales concerning certain mysterious
doings in a house at St. Jerome's, that it is inhabited by goblins and
mischievous spirits. Know'st thou anght of the Black Chapel, cap-
tain?
Capt. I know it to be a devil's den and a busy one.
Lord B. What hast thou seen, captain.
Capt. I have seen-from a distance the windows lighted with
unearthly lights, and antic figures passing them that seemed deep in
some hellish carouse.
Lord B. Why was I not told of this?
Capt. We feared the ill-will of these spirits, my lord.
What dost thou know of this house, Arnold?
Lord B.
Arnold. I have heard noises like clanking chains, and seen strange
flashes thro' the windows.
Lord B. There is some trickery in this.
Enter GARRET WEASEL, U. E. L.,
Gar. It's a very weighty matter, my lord, a v-e-r-y weighty mat-
ter-
Lord B. (Turning suddenly.) What brought you here again,
Garret Weasel? What hast thou to tell to excuse thy lurking at our
heels?
behind LORD BALTIMORE.
Gar. Much and manifold, most worthy lord! "Rob, the Hermit"
lives very near the Black Chapel.
Lord B. Fie on thee, Garret Weasel. Thou art in thy cups. I
grieve to see thee making such a beast of thyself. Leave us.
(Exit GARRET WEASEL, U.E.L.
Lord B. Think you, Captain Dauntrees, the hermit gives credit to
these tales?
Capt. He must be a witness to these marvels, but he is a man of
harsh words and lives to himself.
Lord B. This matter must be sifted ; and this duty shall be yours.
I would have you and Arnold, with such discreet men as you may
select, visit this chapel to-night and observe the doings there. Good
evening, friends, may the kind saints be with you. (Exit S. E.L.
Capt. The blessed martyrs shield us! We are pledged to fight his
lordship's bodily foes, but methinks the good priests were better
fitted for this warfare. But, Arnold, go to the fort and see that our
horses are ready.
(Exit ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE, S.E.R,
Enter DOROTHY WEASEL, U.E. L.
Dorothy Weasel. Heaven help those thirsty roystering men! They


8
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
are still at it as greedily as if they had just come out of a dry lent!
From morn till noou and noon till night it is all the same, drink!
drink! drink! There's nothing but riot and reeling from the time
Cocklescraft is expected in the port till he leaves it.
Capt. True enough, jolly queen. But what has become of Cockle-
scraft?
Dor. And what has become of that man Weasel. He is never at
his place if the whole house should go dry. He would see me work
myself as thin as a broom handle before he would offer to help me.
Enter GARRET WEASEL, S. E. R.
Gar. Did you have need of me, wife Dorothy?
Dor. Get you gone, you are ever in the way! Your head is al-
ways thrust in places where it is not wanted!
Gur. I can but return whence I came.
(Going.
Dor. Stay! have occasion for you. Go to the celler and bring
up another stoop of Hollands. Yonder salt fish have no relish for
ale.
(Exit GARRET WEASEL, U. EL.
Capt. Bless me, dame, how you are tricked out this evening. A
more tidy bit of flesh and blood I never saw! You wear most bravely,
Mistress Dorothy! Staud aside and let me survey.
Turn your
shoulders round. (Turning her round upon her heel.) There is a
woman of ten thousand. I envy Garret such a store of womanly
wealth!
Dor. If Garret were the man I took him for your would have
borne a broken head ere this!
Capt. I would speak now with Garret in this room, pretty hostess.
For my sake you will send him to me, will you not, old Garret's jolly
young wife!
Dor. You wheedling cheat! Garret is no older than you are.
But, truly, he is little needed in the tap-room, so he may come to
you.
Capt. Thank you, dame. I knew you would not refuse me. Hark
you, dame. Bring your ear to my lips. A word in secret. (DORO-
THY stoops.) That's for thy pains.
(He kisses her.
Dor. And that's for thy impudence, sancy captain!
(Boxes his ears and exits U.E, L.
Enter GARRET WEASEL, U.E.L.
Capt. You must know, Garret, that we go to-night to visit the
Wizard's Chapel, by his lordshi order. And as I would have
brave fellows with me, I have sent for you.
Gur, Heaven bless me! It might mar the matter to have so many
on so secret an expedition. And there's my wife Dorothy. She will
never consent.
Capt. Leave that to me. You shall be our commissary and take
along a few bottles of good canary and a luncheon in a basket.


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND,
9
Gar. I should have my nag, and my wife keeps the key of the
stable. She would suspect something were I to ask for it.
Capt. I will make her give it you of her own accord. Say that
you will go with us, Garret. It will be the finishing stroke of your
fortunes; you will be a man of mark forever after.
Gar. I am a man to be looked to in a strait, captain! I saw by
his lordship's eye this evening that he was much moved by what I
told him. But what will Dorothy say in the morning?
Capt. Only that you were rash and hot-headed. Why, only to-
night she sighed and said you were growing old.
Gar. Old! old! did she say? I'll show her that I am not old. A
fig for her scruples! I will go with you, comrade, to any goblin's
chapel. Old, indeed!
(DOROTHY WEASEL shows herself at door, s.E.L.
Cupt. Come in, come in, my princess of pleasant thoughts.
(GARRET WEASEL retires up,
Enter DOROTHY WEASEL, S.E.L.
Dor. There's nothing but soft words or swaggering speeches where
you are, Captain Dauntrees. An honest woman had best be seen
little in your company.
(Seats herself, R.C.
Cupt. Have you heard the news, Mistress Dorothy, about the
mercer's wife? You owe the jade a sly grudge, do you not?
Dor. In faith I do, and would gladly pay it. But what is the
story, captain? Pray tell it me, give me all of it.
Capt. Why, have you not heard it? It's a rare joke, and Gar-
ret must have told you.
Capt
Dor. No, no. The story would only be spoiled by his telling it.
It's a long story. I pray you, dame, what o'clock
is it?
Dor. Not after nine It matters not for the hour-go on.
Capt. Nine? nine? did you say? Truly, dame, I have overstaid
my time. I have papers to deliver to his lordship before he retires.
Garret must tell the story for me.
Dor. Nay, captain. The papers may be delivered by some other
hand. Here, Garret, now, there's no reason why he should not do it.
"Tis but a step to the fort and back.
Gar. (Coming down L.) I can take my nag and ride there in
twenty minutes.
Dor. Then get you gone, without parley.
Gar. But the key of the stable, wife?
Dor. (Handing him key.) Take it and begone.
Capt. If you will go, Garret-and it's very kind in you—take these
papers and see that they are delivered safely. (Giving him papers.)
You comprehend?
(Exit S.E.L.
Gar. I comprehend, captain.
Dor. Now, captain?


10
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR.
Capt. Well, mistress, old Cadger, the mercer, you know, who is in
the main a discreet man-
Dor. Yes.
Capt. I mean, biding some little follies, which you know of. A
man in his vocation is apt to be somewhat cautious. Now in our
calling of soldiership cantion is a sneaking virtue, which we soou
send to the-
Dor. But of the mercer's wife, captain.
Capt. Yes, I am coming to her presently. Well, Cadger is a shade
or two jealous of that fussock, his wife, who looks, with her new
russet cloak, more like a brown hay-cock than a woman.
Dor. (Laughing,) Yes, and with a sun-burned top. Her red
hair is no better.
Capt. Well, Halfpenny, the chapman, who is a mad wag for mis-
chief, came last night to Cadger's house, bringing with him Law-
rence Hay, the viewer. Now the viewer is a handsome man, and a
merry one upon occasion, too. I have heard it said that the mercer's
wife has rather a warm side for the viewer. Be that as it may, there
was the most laughable joke played on the mercer by Halfpenny aud
the viewer together last night that was ever thought of. It was this:
they were playing blindmaus-buff, and when it came the turu of the
mercer's wife to be blinded-there was an agreement that no one
should speak a word————
Dor. Yes, I understand, I see it.
(Draws her chair nearer to the CAPTAIN.
Capt. No, no, you would never guess it. I can show you better
by the acting of the scene. Here, get down on your knees and let
me put your handkerchief over your eyes.
(Takes handkerchief from off her neck as she kneels.
Dor. What good will that do?
Capt. Do it, mistress. You will laugh at the explosion. It is an
excellent jest, and well worth learning. (Bandages her eyes-holds up
fingers.) How many fingers, dame?
Dor. Never a finger do I see, captain.
Capt. It is well. Now staud up. (She rises.) Forth and away.
That was the signal given by the viewer. Turn, and grope through
the room, Mistress Dorothy. Oh, you shall laugh at this roundly.
Grope, dame, grope!
(DOROTHY WEASEL gropes up stage blindly. Exit CAPTAIN DAUN-
TREES, softly, s.E.R.
Closed in.


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
11
SCENE II.-Wood Scene in Second Grooves. Stage darkened. Waves
heard breaking upon beach in distance.
Enter CAPTAIN DAUNTREES and ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE, armed, and
GARRET WEASEL, with lantern and basket with bottles, etc., B.
Gar. Is the dame likely to be angry, captain? Does she suspect
ns for a frisk to-night? Oh, it will be a perilous adventure for me
to-morrow!
Capt. I left her groping for a secret at blindman's buff. She has
found it before now, and I'll warrant is in a perfect hurricane, It
wouldn't be safe for you to return now, Garret.
Gar. Alack! alack! for these pranks! I am in for a week's re-
pentence, sure.
Capt. We must be near St. Jerome's, are we not, Arnold? I
surely hear the stroke of the tide upon the beach.
Arnold. It is the waves striking upon the sand at the head of the
inlet.
Capt. The Wizard's Chapel, then, is near this spot. We must
forward at once. But your teeth will betray us, Master Garret, they
chatter so. If you are cold, man, button up your coat.
Gar. Yes, verily, it is a cold night, captain. What is that? I
hear something like the howl of a dog, and yet more devilish, I should
say. I am c-c-cold, still c-c-cold, Master Captain. (Shivering.
Capt. Tush, man, it's the ringing in your own ears that you hear.
Make yourself comfortable here, Garret, while we take a took at the
chapel. You shall guard the forage till we return.
Gar. That is well thought of. While you advance toward the
shore, I will keep a sharp lookout here, I will have a sharp eye and
a ready hand, captain.
(Exeunt CAPTAIN DAUNTREES and ARNOLD DE LA Grange, r.
Gar. In the dark, a man cannot see, that stands to reason. It
makes a difference when you see your enemies.
A brave man, by
nature, requires light. And, besides, what kind of an enemy do we
fight? Hobgoblins, not men, I am not afraid of any man in Chris-
tendom-or any woman either-except, except my wife Dorothy.
But these whirring aud whizzing ghosts, that mew like bats and fly
about one's ears like cats-no, no, I mean that fly like bats and mew
like cats-I don't like. I should have followed the captain, only he
was so auxious I should remain here and watch Well, here are
solid comforts at hand. (Takes luncheon and bottles from the basket,
eats and drinks.) I will now perform a turn of duty. (Replaces
bottles, etc.-crosses stage-suddenly stops, looking off L —frightened.)
Heaven have mercy on me! what do I see! I am alone, and the
enemy has come upon me.


121
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
Enter KATE OF WARRINGTON, L.
Kate of Warrington. Watcher of the night, draw nigh. What
seekest thou?
Gar. (Trembling.) In the name of all that's good, spare me,
spare me, worthy dame! I seek no harm to thee. I am old, mother
-too old, and with too many sins of my own to account for, to seek
harm to any one-much less to you, good dame. Oh, Lord! why
was I seduced upon this fool's errand?
Kate. Come nigh, old man, while I speak to thee.
loiter there? What dost thou mutter?
Why do you
(She steps forward.
Gar. I but waited here till some friends of mine should return.
How goes the night with you, good dame?
Kate. Merrily, merrily! (Shrill laugh.) I can but laugh to find
the heupecked vintner of St. Mary's at this time of night so near the
Black Chapel. I know your errand, old seller of cheap wines, and
why you have brought your cronies.
Gar. You know all things, worthy dame. I were a fool to try to
keep a secret from you.
Kate. Fool, it is as much as your life is worth to bring your
brawlers to St. Jerome's at midnight. Who showed the way to this
place, and the path to my cabin, that I must be driven out at this
hour?
Gar. Indeed I know not, good woman.
Kute. They will call themselves friends to the chapel; but there
are no friends to the chapel among living men. The chapel belongs
to the dead and the tormentors of the dead. So follow your cronies
and command them back; I warn you to follow, if you would save
them from harm. (Red lights flashed, 1.) Ha, ha! look there.
(Points off, L.) It has come already! They have aroused our seu-
tries, and there shall be hot work. Friends, forsooth, (shouting)
friends! are ye? (Red lights.) And that's the token ye are known
to be false liars! Woe to the fool that plants his foot before the chapel.
Stand there, Garret Weasel; I must away. Follow me but a step-
raise thy head to look after my path-and I will strike thee blind
and turn thee into a drivelling idiot for the rest of thy days. Re-
member!
(Excil L. GARRET WEASEL creeps off R.,
with basket and lantern.
SCENE III.-The Beach of St. Jerome's and
Chapel in Fourth grooves. Stage darkened.
cable windows, L.C. Waves heard upon beach.
Exterior of the Black
Set house, with practi-
Enter CAPTAIN DAUNTREES and ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE, S. E. R.
Cpt. By my sword, Arnold, although we laugh at yonder white
livered vintner, this matter might excuse fear in a stouter man.
The


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
13
love I bear Lord Baltimore is all that brings me here to-night. They
say these spirits are quick to punish rashness.
Arnold. As Lord Charles commands us we must do his bidding.
I have been scared more than once by these night devils, but never
lost my wits so far as not to run at the proper season.
Capt. I am an old soldier, and will not be scared from duty by
this brood of goblins. His lordship shall not say we failed in our
outlook. There is the chapel.
Arnold A silent and wicked house.
Capt. And a pretty spot for the devil to lurk in.
Arnold. Hold, captain, no foul words so near the haunted house.
The good saints protect us!
Capt. Ha, I will break in the door of this ungodly den and ran-
sack its very corners. Holy St. Michael! the fiend is in the chapel
and warns us away!
(Red lights flashed from windows of chapel.
DE LA GRANGE recedes with hand over his eyes.
DAUNTREES about to advance; is suddenly arrested in his steps
with sword held above his head, and cloak drawn beneath his
chin with left hand.
Capt. I see Satan's imps within the chamber. I see the very ser-
vitors of the Fiend! What ho! bastards of Belzebub! In the name
of our patron saint, Ignatius, I defy them!
Rushes towards house with drawn sword. Red flashes again--
figures of men in muffled cloaks seen through the windows an
instant. CAPTAIN DAUNTREES retreats-draws pistol—another
flash-he discharges it at window. Yells and hourse laughter
heard from chapel.
Capt. Once more I defy thee! and in the name of our Holy
Church and by the order of the Lord Proprietary I demand what do
you here with these hellish rites? (A loud laugh is heard and a pis-
tol fired from window) Protect yourself, Arnold, these devils use
weapons like our own. Ay, laugli again, fiends, though ye be devils
we will fight you!
END OF ACT I.
Picture. ARNOLD
CAPTAIN
(CAPTAIN DAUNTREES fires pistol-ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE fires
-yells, laughter, etc., heard-shots exchanged-rolling thunder
heard-red lights-masked figures seen dancing through win-
dows-hurried music-picture-curtain drops.


14
ROB, THE HERMIT; OB,
ACT II.
SCENE I.-Roadside Scene in First Grooves.
Enter CAPTAIN DAUNTREES, ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE and GARRET
WEASEL, L.
Capt. Yes, last night made a man of you, Garret Weasel. You
should bless your stars you have such elements of valor in you.
Gar. Ay, and look you, Captain, you must remember I had the
brunt of it alone, while you two were banded together for mutual de-
fence and support. There I was in the very midst of them-hags ou
broomsticks, flying bats as big as a man, great sword-fishes walking
on legs; with their screeching, moping and mewing-I had need of
all my bravery.
Capt. Yes, Garret, but you were ever the man to encounter witches
-and women. Now there is your wife. Oh, but there is peril in
store for you! But here comes his lordship.
(Looks off R.
Enter LORD BALTIMORE, R.
Lord B. Good morning, friends; how went the night with thee?
Capt. We have seen the inmates of the chapel, and were on our
way to report to your lordship.
Gar. Ay, your lordship. I maintained a post of honor and great
danger, and saw what neither the captain nor Arnold saw.
it was a fearful sight!
Oh, but
Lord B. Well, Arnold, what sayest thou?
Arnold. These ghosts and goblins keep a hot house, and the less
we have to do with them the better.
Lord B. They fired upon you, then; with what weapons?
Cupt. You may judge of them by this. (Holds up his cloak with
a rent in its folds.) Whether this be a bullet mark or an elf-shot, I
know not.
Lord B. There is knavery in league with this sorcery. I will hear
a full report of this hereafter. I thank you, friends, for your ex-
ploit. Farewell.
(Exit L.
Capt. (Looks off R.) In the devil's name, what have we here?
As I live, it's our queen of the hostel! Oh, Garret, Garret! here's a
volcano! Stand firmly on your legs, Garret, and brace up for the
onslaught.
Gar. Oh, oh, it's my wife Dorothy!
Capt. Ay, get behind me, Garret, I will answer her.
(GARRET WEASEL gets behind CAPTAIN DAUNTREES.


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
15
Enter DOROTHY WEASEL, R.
Dor. Hold, runagates! varlets! out upon you for a filthy captain!
Give me that idiot from your beastly company. Garret Weasel,
Garret Weasel, you have been the death of me!
Gar. Oh, good mistress Dorothy, wife, don't be so angry.
Dor. 1 will bare you to the buff, driveller, to pay for this. You
are steeped in wickedness and abomination by consorting with that
drunken captain and this most horrid wood ranger. Have you no
eye for your family, no regard for your good name, that you must be
strolling o'nights with every pot-guzzler and foul-mouthed cast-off of
the wars? I am ashamed of you, Garret Weasel! You've been
drunk again, I'll warrant!
Capt. Dame, I must speak now.
Dor. Thon! thou! Did you not begnile me last night, with a
base lie? Did you not practice upon me, you false-hearted, faithless
coward? Did you not steal my husband from me, you thief?
Capt. Appearances, certainly, are against me. But I had a most
excellent reason, which a virtuous and tender-hearted woman like
yourself will surely approve when she hears it. There was no revel-
ling, no rioting, good dame, but faithful and brave service enjoined
by his lordship. It was an action of pith and bravery, and his lord-
ship wishing the good services of your husband, and knowing you to
be a woman of a loving heart, and fearing you would not consent to
having your husband so exposed to danger, did wish me to gain him
from you on some slight pretext. And now Garret has worthily
achieved his perilous duty, and there will be promotion and great ad-
vantages for this, dame, which will set you high above your neigh-
bors-ay, and far above that prond jade, the mercer's wife.
Dor. Do you speak the truth? Where did you spend the night?
Gar. At the Black Chapel, wife, at the Black Chapel! and oh,
the time we had of it! It would make your blood freeze to hear
of it.
Capt. On the honor of a soldier, mistress, by the faith of this right
hand, I swear this is true.
Dor. Can this be true?
Arnold. You may trust every word of it, as I am a Christian
Arnold, I will believe what you say.
man.
Dor. Well, I believe you, but you are a wheedling, cogging cheat,
captain; you will have a melancholy end yet. We will go to the inn.
(They exeunt R.


16
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
SCENE II.-Interior of the Hermit's Hut in Third grooves
ble door. L.F. Fireplace and kettle, R F.
Practica-
ROB, THE HERMIT discoverea seated c. KATE OF WARRINGTON at
work, R.C.
Rob. Ha! ha! dame, the skipper made a gay fight of it last night.
It was the devil's own luck that Cocklescraft should have stored away
his plunder and garrisoned the chapel in season to give those spies a
warm reception. Ha! ha! yes, he came full freighted, as is his
wont, with the world's plunder. A keener knave than Richard was
never born. He will soon be here to visit me, and shall be welcome,
as he ever has been. We are comrades-the skipper and the hermit
-and merry in our divisions. Kate, double the contents of your pot
-the skipper may be hungry.
Kale. Let him bring his own provender, then.
Rob. He brings the gold, the bright red gold, old jade; and so
shall have a princely reception. That is the way of the world now-a-
days, and we shall be in the fashion, Ha! I hear his footsteps.
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, door L.F.
Cocklescraft. Good morn, friend Rob, the Hermit. The chapel
did us good service last night.
Rob. Ay, that was a happy thought of mine-the red fire-excel-
lent devil's fire it makes. And then the masks-the very noses of
them would frighten his lordship's whole army. But whence come
you now, and with what plunder have you stored the chapel?
Coc. You shall be answered variously, friend Rob. To the good
people of St. Mary's I am from Antwerp, and master of the merchant-
ship, the Olive Branch. To you, my comrade, I am from Tortugas
-captain, del Escalfador, with the very pick of a Spanish bark that
was fool enough to fall in my way.
Rob. Ha! ha! I guessed thy deviltry, Richard Cocklescraft, when
I saw thee cross the threshold with that suspicious sombrero on your
head. That never came from Holland, though you would fain per-
suade the people of the province that you trade nowhere else.
Coc. It is a tell tale, and should have been thrown overboard ere
this. Kate of Warrington, you shall have the sombrero for a bonnet,
and I have stores of ribbons to set it off.
(Gives her the hat.
Kate. My share of the world's favors has never been more than
the cast-off bravery of such as hold a high head over a wicked
heart. But I must be thankful for these blessings, and Master
Cocklescraft, I thank you.
So,
(She puts the hat on and struts across the stage.
Coc. How, Kate, you have lost none of that railing tongue I left


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
17
with you at my last venture. I marvel that the devil has not shorn
it out of pure envy.
Kate. You need not fear it longer. You have made your last
present and your last voyage, boy!
Coc. Peace, woman! you are no prophet, though you would have
folks think so. But, Rob, I have news for you. The time has now
come when, peradventure, we must part. I will be married, Robert
Swale!
Rob. You married! What crochet's this? I spit upon you for a
fool!
Coc. I will be married, as I say, friend Rob, neither more nor less.
To what wench, say you? Why, to the very fairest flower of this
province the Rose of St. Mary's-the collector's own daughter.
Rob. The collector's daughter! Would you sack the town and
take the damsel? You know no other trick of wooing.
Coc. By my honor, Rob, I am especially besought by the collector
himself to make one of a choice company at his house to-morrow.
And I shall woo and win his fair daughter. Oh, she will be the very
bird of the sea; the girl of the billow, Rob!
Rob. You will never find grace with the girl, fool.
Coc. Thou liest! I love the maiden and mean to have her, fairly
if I can, but after the fashion of the Brothers of the Coast, if I must.
She may not consent at once, because she has a toy of delight in that
silken secretary of my lord-one Master Verheyden, I think they call
him.
Rob. Ha, what is he? Whence comes he?
Coc. I know not, neither do I care. I will whip him like a dog
out of my way. What, are you angry, Rob, that you scowl so?
Rob. I needs must be to see you making a fool of yourself.
(Aside.) Verheyden! his lordship's secretary! No, no, it cannot
be!
Coc. Mutter as you will, Rob, I will try conclusions with the
secretary, folly or no folly. If he come between me and the maiden
he shall smart for it.
Rob. Ha, ha! Thy spirit is ever for undoing. Mischief is your
proper element, your food, your repose, your luxury. I have scanned
you in all your humors.
Coc. I will not be scorned, old man. The maiden shall be mine
though I pluck her from beneath her father's blazing roof-tree, and
then farewell to the province and to you. I came not here to be
taunted with your ill-favored speech. My men shall be withdrawn
from the chapel. I will put them on better service than to minister
to your greed of gain.
Rob. Hot-brained idiot! Do you not know that I can put you in
the dust and trample on you as a caitiff? That I can drive you from
the province as a vile outlaw? Dare yon tempt my anger? If you
would thrive even in your villainous wooing, have a care not to pro-
voke my displeasure, One word from me and not a man paces your


18
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
deck; you go abroad unattended, a fugitive, with hue and cry at your
heels; or remain here to suffer the penalty of the law for your crimes.
How darest thou provoke me boy?
Coc. (Advancing.) Your hand, Rob. You say no more than my
folly warrants. Your pardon, let there be peace between us.
Rob. Art reasonable again? Bravely confessed, Richard? I for-
give you for your rash speech. Now go your way, and may the foul
fiend speed you. I have naught to counsel either for strife or peace.
It will not be long before this wretched body of mine shall sink into
its natural resting-place; and it matters not how the remnant of
life be spent—whether in hoarding or keeping. The world will find
me au heir for what little wealth I may have accumulated. Go thy
way.
Coc. I will see you again, friend Rob. I go now to the chapel,
and then to the port to drive my suit to a speedy issue. I came here
to give you notice of my design, and perchance to get your aid. You
have no counsel for me? It is well. My own head and arm shall
befriend me; they have served me in straits more doubtful than this.
Now to complete my work. Farewell.
(Exit door L.F.
Rob. (Looking after him.) Go thy way, suake of the sea; spawn
of a water devil! You married! ha! ha! ha! Your lady gay shall
have a sweetened cup in you; and your wooing shall be as tender and
gentle as the appetite of the sword-fish! It shall be festival wooing
-all in the light-in the light-of the bride's own blazing roof-tree.
Oh, I cannot choose but laugh! ha! ha! ha! ha!
Closed in.
SCENE III.-Apartment in the Rose Croft in Second grooves. Time,
evening.
Enter BLANCHE WARDEN and ALBERT VERHEYDEN, R.
Blanche. I am glad the skipper has not come to the party. Hiz
shrewdness has taught him that notwithstanding my father's good
will there is little welcome for him at the Rose Croft.
Albert. (Looking off L.) You reckon without your host, Mistress
Blanche. He is even now coming to greet you.
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, L.
Coc. Heaven save the Rose of St. Mary's, the beautiful flower of
our new world. You have a gallant company in the hall to-night. I
am glad to meet the ladies of the province once again. The sait
waters whet a sailor's eye for friendly faces. Mistress Blanche, you
have grown even more beautiful than when I last saw you.


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
19
Blanche. Master Cocklescraft, I know not if you ever saw Albert
Verheyden, his lordship's secretary.
Coc. I was not so lucky as to fall into his company. We shall not
lack acquaintance, sir, if you be a friend of the daughter of Anthony
Warden, the good collector of the port of St. Mary's. Mistress
Blanche, I have remembered the Rose of St. Mary's in my voyaging.
She is never so far out of my mind that I might come back to the
port without some token for her. I would crave your acceptance of
a pretty mantle of crimson silk, which will well become the gay figure
of our pretty mistress of the Rose Croft,
Blanche. You may find a worthier hand for such a gift. I cannot
accept it, Master Cocklescraft.
Coc. You will, perhaps, think better of it when you see the man-
tle. Women are so changeable, Master Secretary. I will bring it
for your inspection, Mistress Blanche.
Blanche. You may spare yourself the trouble.
Coc. Nay, mistress, I count nothing a trouble which shall allow
me to please your fancy. (Approaching BLANCHE WARDEN.) I pray
you, maiden, think not so lightly of my wish to serve you.
Albert. (Advancing and taking him aside.) Master Skipper, you
should be satisfied with her auswer as she gives it you. It vexes the
daughter of Anthony Warden to be thus besought.
Coc. Perhaps you are right, sir, but when I would be tutored for
my behavior he shall be a man who does it, and shall wear a beard
and sword, both. We shall know each other better soon, sir. (Re-
turns to BLANCHE WARDEN.) Well, Mistress Blanche, so be it.
Damsels have the privilege of denial all the world over. But I
would dance with you at your first leisure. Shall it be the next
dance?
Blanche. I know not whether I may dance again to-night, Master
Cocklescraft.
Coc. There spoke the same voice that refused my mantle, Your
cruelty, mistress, is only equalled by your beauty. But I will not
trouble you with my unwelcome suit.
Blanche. I will dance with you, Master Cocklescraft. Call on me
for the next set, and I will dance it with you.
(Exeunt BLANCHE and ALBERT, R.
Coc. Ha! ha! I thought she would relent. "Tis not in her na-
ture to be so unkind. But who and what is this Master Secretary
that would set the maiden of the Rose Croft against me? By St.
Iago! but he shall feel the weight of my hand, and that soon. He
lied; the maiden did not dislike my questioning; only to have it
openly spoken. Old Authony Warden has shown me grace; his
daughter in the end will follow his liking. Am I less worthy in
old Authony Warden's eyes than that pen and ink slave of his lord-
ship's occasions? Ha! here comes old Authony. My opportunity
has arrived!


20
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
Enter ANTHONY WARDEN, L
Coc. Well met, Master Warden, well met! I have a word for
your private ear. if you please. It is somewhat late, and I will speak
to my purpose quickly, in seamen's fashion.
Warden. Speak quickly, then, Master Cocklescraft, I shall like it
the better.
Coc. Master Warden, then, without mincing the matter, I would
have your leave to woo our beautiful maiden, your daughter.
War. Who-what-how !
Coc. Your daughter, Mistress Blanche; ay, and have your good
word to the suit. I love her like a true son of the sea-heartily; and
in that sort would woo her.
War. What is this you ask?
Coc. I have gold enough, Master Warden; no man may turn his
heel upon me for lack of gold.
War. How now, sirrah! You would woo my daughter! Woo
her? my Blanche? Richard Cocklescraft, have you lost your wits-
turned fool, idiot; or is your brain fevered with drink? You make
suit to my daughter! You win and wear a damsel of her nurture!
Hear me; your craft is a good one-I do not deny it-an honest
calling when lawfully followed-but you sail on a false reckoning
when you hope to find favor with my girl Blanche. Your rough sea
jacket and your sharking license on the salt sea mates not with
daughter of mine-the rose-leaf and the sea-nettle! You venture too
largely on your welcome, sirrah! Master Skipper, there is insolence
in this. Hark you, sir! If you would not have me disown your
acquaintance and forbid you my house, you will never speak again of
my daughter.
(Exit R.
Coc. So it has come to this. It was but a holiday welcome after
all. A sea-nettle! He shall find me one! by St. Anthony! he shall
find me one! And that sharking license he speaks of-he shall taste
its flavor! I was brought here by his persuasion—yea—command.
Who so free in his admission here as I? Oh, wind and the broad sea
sky; it was not in your nursing I learned the patience to bear this
wrong. You are not too old yet, Anthony Warden, to be taught the
hazard of rousing a Bloody Brother! And for you, gay maiden,
dream on of your bookish ballad-singer, Master Albert. I have a
reckoning to settle with him. It will be a dainty exploit to send him,
feet first, into the chapel for a blessing. Ha! the secretary himself
-we meet at a fortunate hour!
Enter ALBERT VERHEYDEN, S.E.R.
Coc. I have a word for you, sir; if you be a man you will listen.
Albert. You are somewhat peremptory, sir. I have once before
rebuked your rudeness.
Coc. You have the maiden to thank that I did not bring you to


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
21
instant account for that insolent reproof you speak of. I would deal
with you for it now. Dare you meet me to-morrow, at noon, at
Cornwaley's Cross?
Albert. I dare meet you, or any man who has the right to claim it
of me, in the way of honorable quarrel, if such be the meaning of
your challenge. Though I question your right, you shall find me,
sir, punctual to your summons.
Coc. It is well. So good-night, Master Secretary. (Aside.) To-
morrow, ha! ha! to-morrow!
(Exeunt B. and L.
SCENE IV.-Cornwaley's Cross,
distance, in fourth grooves.
ground.
Field and wood scene, with water in
Dark, rude wooden cross in back-
ALBERT VERHEYDEN and CAPTAIN DAUNTREES discovered R.
COCKLESCRAFT and ROCHE DEL CARMINE discovered L
holding swords.
RICHARD
The seconds
Capt. (Aside to ALBERT.) The skipper is surly. I am glad to
see it, it denotes passion. Receive the assault from him; staud on
your defence, giving ground slightly to his advance, then, sud-
denly, when you have whipped him to a rage, give back the attack
hotly. Then thrust home; and the shorter you make this quarrel the
better.
Albert. I am more at ease in this play than you think me. Let
us go to our business.
(CAPTAIN DAUNTREES, with two swords in hand, advances to-
wards COCKLESCRAFT.
Capt.__I would be acquainted with your second. Master Cockles-
craft. Here are our swords; shall we measure?
Master Roche del Carmine.
Coc.
Capt. I would you had matched me with an antagonist of better
degree, Master Skipper, than this mate of yours. You could match
us with gentlemen at least.
Roche. Gentlemen! St. Salvador! Am not I gentleman enough
for you? I belong to the Coast-
Coc. Peace, sirrah! prate not here-leave me to speak! Master
Roche del Carmine is not my second, but my follower, Master Daun-
trees. I came here to make my own battle.
Capt. I came here prepared with my sword to make good the
quarrel of my friend against any you might match me with. So
second or follower, bully or bravo at your heels, Master Cocklescraft,
I will fight with this Master Roche.


22
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
Coc. That is but boy's play, and I will none of it, Captain Dann-
trees. This custom of making parties brings the quarrel to an end
at the first drawing of blood. I wish no such respite. My demand
stops not short of a mortal strife.
Albert. My sword, sir! (Walics up to CAPTAIN, and seizes sword. )
This is my quarrel alone, Captain Dauntrees, you strike no blow in
it. (To COCKLESCRAFT.) Upon your guard, sir! I will have no
further parley.
Cupt. (Interposing with his sword between the parties.) Are you
mad! Back, Master Verheyden, this quarrel must proceed orderly.
(lle conducts ALBERT back to R. and recovers sword-places
ALBERT in position-approaches ROCHE and goes through the
ceremony of measuring swords-places one in ALBERT's hand
-and stands B. with his own drawn. ROCHE hands sword to
COCKLESCRAFT, and stands carefully back, U.E.L. CAPTAIN
DAUNTREES gives the word, "Now." Onset made by COCKLES-
CRAFT with energy. Blows parried by ALBERT. Hot fight.
Capt. Bravo! To it, Master Albert! Hotly, master!
(ALBERT strikes sword from COCKLESCRAFT's hand; stops, and
brings the point of his own sword to the ground.
Capt. The fight is done; we hold yon, sir, at mercy. (Places his
foot upon COCKLESCRAFT'S sword.) Master Verheyden came here
upon your challenge. Your life is in his hands.
You have had your
satisfaction, sir.
(CAPTAIN DAUNTREES steps aside, and COCKLESCRAFT picks up
his sword and advances upon ALBERT.
Coc. Renew! Renew! To it again, villain! I'll have your life.
Capt. You deserve to be cloven to the chin for this dastardly bra-
vado! Out upon thee for a disgrace to thy calling!
(Strikes COCKLESCRAFT's sword from his hand with his own, and
sends it into the air.
Roche. (Advancing at a safe distance.) By the Virgin! I will
not see my captain put upon. Whoop! For the Brothers of the
Coast! Let them have it, master!
Coc. Catiff! Back to the boat, you knave, is it thus you serve
me? Begone! (Exit ROCHE DEL CARMINE, U.E.L.-RICHARD COC-
KLESCRAFT following.) I go, but shall find another day to right my-
self!
(Exit U.E.I.
Capt. The knave has not met his deserts. But let us return; his
lordship will suspect our absence.
(Exeunt s E. R.
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, U.E. L.-picks up his sword,
Coc. I renounce them all, their tribe and generation! From this
day forth I abjure all fellowship with them, but such fellowship as
my sword may maintain! The maiden, bonny damsel, shall dance
yet at my bidding, but it shall be on board my merry Escalfador,
and beneath a warmer sun than her pride has been nurtured iu.


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
23
And thou, Master Albert, shall be cared for; and Master Collector!
Ha ha! There shall be blows struck; there shall be rich feasting
for the Brothers of the Coast! Why should we hover o'er the nest-
lings of Peru, when we have such dainty deviltries in the temperate
zone? I will straight about this plot of mischief whilst my brain is
yet warm enough to hatch it,
Exit L
END OF ACT II.
ACT III.
SCENE I.-Roadside Scene in First Grooves.
Enter ANTHONY WARDEN and BLANCHE, L., and ALBERT VERHEYDEN, R.
War. Welcome, Master Verheyden, heartily welcome! Give us
a hand, good Albert. I thank thee for the service thou hast done in
lowering the plume of that saucy sea-urchin. Why didst thou not
run him through the body?
Albert. I sought no quarrel with the skipper, and am thankful
that we parted with so little hurt. Mistress Blanche, your birthday
feast will be well remembered in the province for the pleasure it has
given, and you have wou many wishes for a long and happy life.
Blanche. Alas! whatever others may think, I have wept sorely for
that unlucky feast. I have reason to grieve that I was persuaded to
make it.
War. Master Verheyden, you shall take my place for a stroll with
Mistress Blanche. I have a more profitable calling to visit my fields.
Ha! Master Albert, you wear a love token on your breast. (Takes
hold of locket hung from ALBERT's neck, under his cloak.) Some lady
of the other side of the water, eh?
Albert. "Tis my poor mother's likeness. She put it around my
neck with her own hands as she lay upon her death-bed, and I have
worn it ever since. It is the only remembrance I have of her. I was
a child when she died, but not too young to feel the loss of one who
loved me so well.
War. Pardon, good lad! a thousand times I beg your pardon for
my rash speech. Farewell, I will see you again at dinner.
(Exit L. BLANCHE and ALBERT walk.
Albert. It is a lovely morning, Mistress Blanche. Heaven has


24
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
garnished no fairer laud than this, nor is there a nook upon this wide
globe that I would sooner make my home.
Blanche. I trust it will ever be your home, Master Albert. They
who come hither from the Old World seldom think of going back.
Albert. My fortunes are guided by my good lord, and even now
he sometimes speaks of going hence again to England. With my
own free will I should never leave this sunny land.
Blanche. Surely his lordship would not take you hence against
your will. Indeed we could not-his lordship will not leave the pro-
vince again-or if he does
Albert I needs must follow at his command.
Blanche. He will not command it, Master Albert, His lordship
may command you stay.
Albert. I need not his command: your wish, Mistress Blanche,
nay, your permission, would keep me here, even if my inclination
tended back to the Old World.
Blanche. My wish, Albert! How could I have any other wish
but that you stay? Do we not sing and play together? ride, sail
and hunt together? Oh, how could I wish other than that you stay
with us, Albert?
Albert Come, then, what hazards may; I swear by this good day,
and by this beauteous world, that I will never leave thee!
(Presses her hand to his lips, and exeunt B
SCENE II.-Interior of the Black Chapel in Third grooves. Practica-
ble door, L.F. Rough table with liquor and tobacco on it, c. Cusks,
boxes, etc., about stage. Lights burning upon table. Stage half dark.
Distant thunder heard at intervals.
The Pirate Crew discovered seated on casks, boxes, &c.--RICHARD
COCKLESCRAFT in centre, elevated above the others-ROB, THE HERMIT
seated R., looking over papers by light of lantern. KATE OF WARRING-
TON waiting upon the revelers.
Coc. (Brandishing a wine-cup.) Drink hearty, lads! Drain dry
to the Escalfador! Our merry ship shall dance to-morrow on the
green wave; so do honor to the last night we spend ashore. Remem
ber, we have a reckoning to settle with the good folks of St. Mary's
before we depart. Are you all ready to follow me in an exploit of
rare deviltry? Speak, boys!
Omnse. Ay, ready, Master Captain!
Rob. (Aside.) Ay, as ready as wolves to suck the blood of
lambs! (Aloud.) How can they be otherwise under thy teaching,
Richard?


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
25
Coc. Ha! old dry bones, art thou awake? By St. Iago! I thought
thy leaden eyelids had been closed ere this. Ho, lads, lead Mas-
ter Robert forward-we will treat him as becomes a mau of wor-
ship.
Rob. (Drawing dagger.) By St. Romuald! the mau that lays
hand upon me to move me where it is not my pleasure to go, shall
leave his blood upon this floor. Who are you, Richard Cocklescraft,
that you venture to bait me with your bullies?
Coc. How now, Master Rob? (Rising and approaching ROB.)
Would'st quarrel with friends? "Twas but in honest reverence that I
would have had thee led to the table. Come, old comrade, we will
not be ruffled when we are to part so soon.
Rob. A hangdog-a scapegrace-a devil's babe in swaddling
bands of iniquity art thou, Child Bichard! (Laughing bitterly.) I
will pledge thee in a cup, Fill me a cup of that wine of Portugal,
Kate. (KATE hands him glass-he rises.) Here's success to your
next venture, and a merry meeting to count your gains.
Coc. Amen to that! Our next venture shall be a swoop upon the
doves of St. Mary's.
Kate. A merry meeting it will be when you count your gains!
Robert Swale will keep the reckoning of it.
Coc. Peace, old woman, your accursed croaking is always loudest
when least welcome!
Roche. Fill for me, brothers! I will pledge the captain and our
company-with "his lordship's secretary." We owe him a reckon-
ing which shall be paid in the coin of the Costa Rica.
Coc. Bravo! Huzza, boys-shout to that! Drink deep to it, in
token of a deep vengeance. I thank you, Roche, for that remem-
brauce. Now, comrades, we must depart to bring the brigantine
down to the mouth of the creek. And then-to the city, to the
city!
(Exeunt all, door L.F. Rain, thunder and lightning. A knock
is heard at door. ALBERT VERHEYDEN speaking outside.
Albert. Good people, arouse, for the sake of a benighted traveler
who has lost his way in the wood, I pray you give me shelter.
(Door opens.
Enter ALBERT VERHEYDEN, LF., enveloped in a cloak.
Albert. Here have been dwellers, and that recently; but whither
have they fled? I met no one as I came from the wood. Oh, I am
wet and weary. But what kind of storehouse is this? I would I
might see its keepers. Surely they cannot be far off, for their flagons
are left behind; and not drained, either, for here I find good wine,
which to my wearied frame, is no boon to be despised. I greet you,
honest necter, (drinking) you come at a good time. Heigho! was
ever man so weary. I will lie down on these coarse wrappings and
repose.
(Lies down c. and sleeps.


26
ROB, THE HERMIT; OB,
Enter ROB, THE HERMIT, with lantern, door L.F. Heavy storm.
Rob. I left my wallet in this cursed chapel and must find it.
Should these night birds make prize of my written memorials-ah!
what is this I see! a stranger! (Advances—stoops, with dagger up-
lifted, above ALBERT —suddenly starts-drops dagger to his side-starts
back.) Blessed St. Romuald, shield me from this sight! It is a
spectre conjured hither from the grave-the juggling cheat of a fiend
that reads to me, in that face, the warning of a life of sin! Oh,
heavens! I cannot strike thee, whatsoe'er thou art! So, in very
truth she looked while slumbering on her pillow. That same fair
forehead-that silken eyelash-that curling lip. Who art thou, and
what witchcraft hath thrown thee into this foul abode? Sure, I am
awake. I have not closed mine eyes this night. There stand the
tokens of this night's debauch-these cups, these flasks, and this
familiar den of villainy-all bear witness that I do not wander in my
sleep. These limbs are flesh and blood, (ruises ALBERT's hand from
his breast) and that brow is warm with the heat of healthful action.
Holy saints of heaven! can it be? What is here? (Draws forth
locket and chain from ALBERT's bosom.) "To Louise." Merciful
heaven! by what miracle am I haunted by this sight! Louise, poor
girl!-that little portrait of thyself. I gave thee with my own hand-
'tis now two-and-twenty years ago. And can this be thy child and
mine, Louise? Oh, hapless was thy fate, but doubly wretched mine.
William Wetherby-thou hast been the fool and dupe of that devilish
disease of thy blood that has brought curses upon thee and thine!
There, sleep on the bosom of thy child, mother of an unhappy des-
tiny. (Replaces locket.) This is no place for thee, unwary boy. I
must rouse thee ere these bloodhounds fall upon thy track!
Thunder
(ALBERT awakes, springs up, und draws his sword.
and lightning.
Albert. Where am I-and who are ye? Your pardon, friend.
(Dropping his sword's point.) I had an evil dream that awoke me.
Will your goodness tell me-for I am a benighted traveler-what
place this is, and to whom I am indebted for this shelter?
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, ROCHE DEL CARMINE, PEDRO, and
FRANCIS, door LF.
Coe. Ha, by St. Iago! thou art most welcome, Master Verheyden!
"Tis my house, make free with it. I did not hope for the honor of
this visit thrice welcome!
Albert. A misadventure has thrown me into the power of banditti.
I have naught to say. I know your wicked will, and can hope for no
mercy.
Coc. You guess me right.
I have sworn against your life.
You and yours especially I hate-aud
By the law of our brotherhood you
die this night. Roche del Carmine, take him forth and discharge a


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
27
brace of pistols into his heart. His heart-be sure of it-I would
strike his heart-it shall kill more than one.
Rob. Richard Cocklescraft, have I lost my authority under this
roof, that thou venturest to usurp my right to decree the fate of the
rash fool who invades our secret. At the peril of your life, Roche
del Carmine, dare to do the bidding of your captain. I will pro-
nounce the doom of this intruding spy. Drown him! Let the wide
waters wash away all traces of the deed; let the ravening shark de-
vour him.
Coc. Ha, ha, ha! you have a conceit in your humanity, Rob!
Do it do it in your way; but in the devil's name be quick about it.
I have good sport for these lads to-night, and little time to lose.
Rob. Give me Francis and Pedro, and I will order the matter my-
self.
Coc. See thou, then, to it. Come, Roche, we will away to our
duties.
(Exeunt RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT and ROCHE DEL CARMINE door
L. F. FRANCIS and PEDRO disarm ALBERT, and bind him with
cords.
Albert. Why didst thou not take my life at once? Why mock my
spirit with this horrible delay? I appeal to stones; to brutes more
senseless than stones, Holy martyrs; aid me in my extremity!
Heaven will avenge this wrong.
Rob. Why dost falter, kuaves? Ha! you must be wrought by
your accustomed devil to this work. There, go to it; there are strong
waters to aid your lacking courage. (Gives them a bottle-they drink.)
Fear it not, Pedro! Stint not, Francis! "Tis an ugly job at best,
and needs this aid. Drink again!
(Drinks.
Pedro. Ay, that I will, like a Bloody Brother!
Francis. Ha, Diavolo! Give me the bottle!
(Takes it and drinks.
Rob. Brave lads, both! But we shall be late with our work,
haste thee!
Pedro. The necklace-I had forgot the necklace!
(Exits, and returns_with_large round stone tied with cords—puts
it around ALBERT's neck.
Rob. Now to the skiff, boys; get it ready upon the beach. See
that you have the oars. (Exeunt PEDRO and FRANCIS, door L. F.)
In heaven's name, boy, cans't swim?
Albert. I can.
Rob. Thanks for that word!
Thou wilt sit beside me in the boat
-I will cut these cords. When I extinguish my light, spring into
the waves-make for this shore. I will detain these drunken kuaves
from pursuit. Make your way northward along the beach and you
will be saved.
Pedro. (Looking in at door. All ready, Master Rob.
Rob. Take more drink, Pedro-it is a wet night.
(PEDRO enters and drinks-Exeunt all, door L. F.


28
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, ROCHE DEL CARMINE, and CREW,
door, L.F.
Coc. We have just time for a glass and a parting song while wait-
ing for Rob's return. Ha! boys, but there will be one ballad-singer
less in the world! Now I may sing without a rival, so strike in,
boys!
(Pirate or drinking song and chorus.
Enter ROB, THE HERMIT, PEDRO and FRANCIS, door L.F.
Rob. (Aside.) Holy Saints, I thank thee! and here on this
threshold, I dedicate the remnant of a sinful life to penitence and
prayer! (Aloud.) Ha! Master Cocklescraft, a stormy night we
have had for this foul play.
Coc. Have you done it, and well? By my fellowship, Rob, I
envy you the deed. Did he pray for his life? Oh, it was a rare
chance that gave him to us this night! Tell us how he bore
himself.
Rob. Ab, Master Cocklescraft, hear me. The salt sea is an unruly
monster. It quenched my light-we shipped a hogshead of brine.
A darker night was never known. A moment and he was gone.
The waves that overwhelmed us did wash him over without our
aid.
Coc. A weight was fastened to him?
Rob. It was.
Coc. And did he shuffle it off? Pedro, was the weight left in the
boat?
Pedro. It was, master. I know not how it happened.
Coc. Ten thousand devils! thou drunken fool, he has escaped!
Could'st thou not keep thy head clear for such a service? And thou.
old Rob, the Hermit, couldst thou not keep thy lautern burning for
it? Fool that I was, to trust this matter to such as yon! How came
he to be so weakly bound that in this brief time he could release him-
self?
Rob. Thou must needs have a revel in the chapel to-night, and
these tarred monsters of thine have grown muddy-brained and thick-
sighted. Have I command of the waves that they should not have
power to extinguish my lantern'?
Coc. The curse of the Brothers of the Coast be upon him! Twice
he has escaped me-I will have my vengeance yet. Rob, as the fox
has escaped from your hand I may claim a service from you. I start
immediately for St. Mary's, with a dozen of my best men. I have
doings on foot, old Rob, that shall pay me for this mishap. I will
put the brigantine-with what few men I leave behind-under your
command. You will go aboard, and direct it to an anchorage on
the other side of the first of the Heron Islands. There I will join
you soon after daylight. Oh, but his lordship's city shall ring with


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
29
wailing at my leave-taking! What sayest thou, Rob, wilt go
aboard?
Rob. When do you set forth?
Coc. Now-on the instant-so soon as I may get my cutthroats
started.
Rob. At what hour does the brigantine sail?
Coc. By two o'clock, at latest-as much sooner as you choose.
Rob. Ha, ha, ha! Thou wilt make me a limb to help thy
deviltry? Well, so be it. I will take on the office of skipper for
awhile, even as thou takest on thy more accustomed garb of an in-
carnate devil.
Coc. "Tis agreed. Behind the first island, remember, Rob. Be
cautions you do not cast anchor where you may be observed.
Rob. Ha, ha! Ay, truly, I will be very careful that no one sees the
brigantine!
END OF ACT III.
ACT IV.
SCENE I.-The Garden and Exterior of the Rose Croft in Fourth
grooves. Stage darkened. Set house, L.C., with practicable door und
upper window.
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, ROCHE DEL CARMINE, and CREW,
armed, B.
Coc. Quiet, brothers, quiet. Listen to me. Creep in silence to
yonder dwelling, and pluck from her bed the fairest damsel of this
Western World. Mark me, comrades-you have sacked towns and
spoiled many an humble roof; you have torn children from the arms
of their mothers, and wives from the arms of their husbands; you
have dragged maidens from the immost chambers of their dwellings,
and laughed at their prayers for safety; and you have riotod over all
with the free license of the Bloody Brothers-but take it to your
souls this night that no unnecessary blow be struck, no outcry raised,
no deed of violence done. I go to seek a bride-not plunder; and I
command you all, on the duty you owe your leader, that you do her
all honor as mistress of the Escalfador. Do you heed me, mess-
mates? Roche del Carmine, to you I look to see this order en-
forced.


30
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR.
Roche. If it be but the taking of a single damsel, it was hardly
worth while leaving the bottle of the chapel,
Coc. Dost thou prate, sirrah? By my sword, I am in earnest in
what I say-
y—I will shoot down any man who disobeys my order.
Roche. I will auswer for the crew. The lady shall be handled as
gently as a child in the arms of its nurse.
Omnes. Ay, ay, the captain shall not complain of us.
Coc. (Advancing.) I could wake thee, lady gay, with as blithe a
serenade as ever tuned thy dreams to pleasant measures-but that I
lack the instrument. And though I be not the cavalier of thy fancy,
pretty rose of St. Mary's-yet, by my soul, I love thee well enough to
put myself to some pains to teach thee how thou shalt love me. We
dance together on the green wave to-morrow, lass; little as you
dream now of such merriment. And as I would not have thy blushes
seen, I must lead thee forth before the day. Now, boys! (Ad-
vances and shouts.) What ho! Fire, thieves, robbers! (Strikes
door of house.) Rouse thee, rouse thee, Master Warden!
(A scream is heard within-Upper window opens-ANTHONY
WARDEN appears at it.
Warden. What does this mean? Who comes at this hour to dis-
turb the family? Who are ye, I say, that seek to disturb the rest of
my household with your villainous shouting?
Coc. (Aside.) Auswer him, Roche, I dare not.
Roche. Open your door, collector, we have business with you.
War. Get you hence, drunken knaves, or I will call my servants
and drive you off the grounds.
Coc. By my hand, if you do not open your doors, Master Warden,
we will break them open, and quickly!
War. Who are you that speaks so saucily?
Coc. Richard Cocklescraft, an old friend, who, being about to put
to sea, would pay his last visit to the officer of the port. Throw
open your doors, old man, or it may be the worse for thy gray
head!
War. (Shouting inside and leaving window.) Ho, Michael,
Nicholas, Thomas, up-we are beset!
(RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT and Crew attack door, beating it down
-ANTHONY WARDEN discovered in door with gun-Servants
appear behind ANTHONY WARDEN fires, and ROCHE DEL CAR-
MINE falls dead.
War. (Turning to servant behind.) Give me thy gun, Michael!
I will teach these villains better manners. Back, kuaves! (He is
seized by two pirates.) Unhand me, ruffians! Help, help!
(Servants disappear-a pirate is about to strikce ANTHONY.
Coc. Stay that blow, coward! Strike him and you fall by my own
sword!
(Turning aside the pike with his cutlass-Picture.
Blanche. (Appearing at door, and springing forward.) Save my
father. Oh, heaven, spare his life. Men of blood, have mercy on
his age! He is old-too old to do you harm. Oh, save him?


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND,
31
Coc. For thy sake, gentle mistress, if for no other, he shall not
suffer harm! Follow me, comrades, we have all we wish!
(Seizes BLANCHE and raises her aloft in his arms—ANTHONY en-
treating-Pirates form group-Tableau-Closed in.
SCENE II.-The Island of St. George. Wood scene, with water in
distance, in third grooves.
Enter RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT with BLANCHE WARDEN and four Sail-
01's, R.
Coc. (Looking off) The brigantine should be in sight from
here, and yet I see it not. Have I again been foiled by that old
dotard of St. Jerome's? has he overslept himself, or given way to
some freak of his devilish temper? Why did I trust a laggard with
this enterprise? Yet he is trusty, and has a devil's spice in him that
fits him for such a duty. He will be here anon; the wind has left
him, and what he had was in his teeth; the Escalfador does not keep
pace with my longings. Patience, patience, we will wait here for
him. John of Brazil, use your time to scoop a grave for our com-
rade Roche, and see him buried as suits a Brother of the Coast.
(One man exits R.) Joseph, you and a messmate kindle a fire under
yonder oak; our fair mistress is frozen into a dead silence. (Exeunt
two men.) Harry Skelton, get to the lower end of the island, and
watch for the coming of the brigantine. (Exit one man, L.) Now,
Lady Blanche, you shall have sway over the whole island. You have
your liberty, pretty maid of St. Mary's, so cheer up and make a fair
use of it.
Blanche. Save me! spare a wretched girl who has never imagined,
thought or spoken word of harm against you. Save me from a
broken heart and bewildered brain; from misery, ruin and disgrace!
If I, or any friend of mine, have ever given you offence, on my knees,
(kneeling) and in the dust I entreat forgiveness. Oh, sir, if one
touch of pity dwells in your bosom, think of the miserable being at
your feet, and send her back to her home. Land me but on youder
shore, and morning and evening I will remember you in prayers, and
invoke blessings on your head!
Coc. Arise, sweet girl, this posture does not become our queen.
(Stoops to raise her she shrinks back.) This is but a foolish sorrow.
Do I not love you, Blanche? Ay, by the Virgin! and mean to do
well by you. I have chains of gold and jewels rare to make you as
gay as the gaudiest flowers of the field. I will bear you to an en-
chanted isle, where slaves shall bend before you to do your bidding.
We will abide in a sea-girt tower upon a sunny cliff; and through


32
ROB, THE HERMIT; OR,
..the
your window shall the breezes from the blue Atlantic fan you to
evening slumbers. My gay bark shall be your servant, and ride at
your command upon the wave; whilst our merry men shall take
tribute from all the world, that you may go braver and more daintily.
Cheer up, my weeping mistress, your misfortune is not so absolute
as at first you feared.
Blanche. (Springs up-retreats a step.) Base wretch! I dare to
spurn your suit. Defenceless I stand here--a weak and captive girl
if it be the last word I have to utter-I abhor you and your loath-
some offer. Did you think-did you think, sir, when you stole me
from my father's house-that fair speech from you or promise of
gold, could win me to be your wife? With holy and saddest rever-
I call my guardian saint to hear my vow--though I die I never
will be yours!
ence,
Voices. (Without.) A boat! we are followed, we are followed!
Enter PIRATES, hurriedly, R.
Coc. What! we are followed? Stand, my lads, or-if needs be―
scatter. Oh, where can be that cursed brigantine!
Blanche. They come! they come! Heaven be
rescue me,
praised, they will
(A shot is heard.
Coc. (Seizes BLANCHE.) Fire at your peril! You endanger the
life of the Rose of St. Mary's! Fly, men, fly, to the boat, to the
woods! (Exeunt PIRATES.) You cannot longer call me cruel, pretty
maiden, for I give you back in pure courtesy to your friends. We
have had a gay morning of it, girl-I would it had been longer.
Without asking the favor, I kiss thy cheek. Farewell, farewell!
(Kisses her rapidly and exils, L.
Enter ROB, THE HERMIT, CAPTAIN DAUNTREES, LORD BALTIMORE, AL-
BERT VERHEYDEN, ANTHONY WARDEN, ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE and
SOLDIERS, R. ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE and SOLDIERS cross to L., and
exeunt.
Capt. (Seizing BLANCHE.) Heaven bless thee, dear Mistress
Blanche, your father is a happy man again! Take her, friends, you
best know how to comfort her. (Hands her to ANTHONY and ALBERT,
who welcome her.) By my troth, that Trojan war and rape of Helen
they tell of was nothing to this!
(Exit L
Rob. (Advancing toward ALBERT.) Oh, heaven, I have been re-
served for this deed! I have saved his bride, as in mercy I was
spared to save his life. Come closer to me, boy, that I may look
thee in the face once more-my eyes are old and dim. I have placed
myself below my fellowmen, and grovelled in the basest companion-
ship, but I have saved his life. Ah, Albert, I had made up my mind
to save it even with loss of my own.
Lord B. Robert Swale, you were thought to be an honest, though


THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND.
3333
solitary and misanthropic man-while you were, in reality, in part-
nership with ruthless men. Long has the province rung with stories
of wicked rites celebrated at the Black Chapel. No sorcery nor
witchcraft hath wrought these terrors; but the trickery of lawless
ruffians with whom you were bauded. The great services you have
done in the saving of the secretary's life, and your removal of the
brigantine and prompt repairing here to show us the hiding-place
of the pirates, show an honest though late purpose of amend-
ment
Rob. My lord, if a life clouded by disgrace and stung with misery
may atone for one deed of passion, I pray that my fate may raise one
voice of pity. Sixteen years ago I sailed from the other side of the
Atlantic, my name hidden from the world, as I hoped to hide my-
self. Our ship was wrecked upon this coast, and my wretched life
was saved. I was found, famished and almost lifeless, upon the
beach of St. Jerome's, by Kate of Warrington, who lived a strange
and solitary life in the woods near by. I recovered, and dwelt in a
hut near the spot where the waves had left me, for many long
and weary years. Four years ago a band of buccaneers came to
these waters. They tempted me. My old passions and thirst for
gold returned, and I became an aid, comrade, ay, chief among
them.
Enter CAPTAIN DAUNTREES, ARNOLD DE LA GRANGE and Soldiers, with
RICHARD COCKLESCRAFT, closely guarded, L.
Coc. Hands off, hands off, I say! Hemmed in and overwhelmed,
I surrender, and ask no favor at your hands. (Flings down his
sword.) We came not here prepared for this. Take your victory
and make the most of it.
Lord B. Viper! Does no sense of shame abash thy brow, here,
in the very presence of those thou hast so foully wronged? Have
the laws of the province no terrors for thee, outlaw?
Coc. I never acknowledged your lordship's laws. I have lived
above them-coming and going as I would. I have but one master
here, Lord Baltimore, and that is old Rob, the Hermit, my fellow-
prisoner with you. We will die together.
Rob. Peace, knave! I know thee and thy villainies of old.
Never again call me comrade of thine. Know you now, that I
saved the secretary's life-that I gave back the daughter to her
father's arms.
Coc. Thou! thou! Didst thou, then, betray me?
Rob. I foiled thee in thy horrid plot-I saved the boy's life, ha,
ha! I saved his life; and left thee on the island without a refuge
Thy villainy deserved it.
Coc. Foiled! foiled!
of thy devilish betrayal.
Betrayed, and by thee! Take the reward
Accursed, thrice accursed, die! (Springs


34
ROB, THE HERMIT.
upon ROB, THE HERMIT, draws long knife from ROB's girdle, and stabs
ROB in the breast.) We meet at another tribunal !
(Stabs himself the eart and falls dead-ROB, THE HERMIT
totters-is raised by ALBERT VERHEYDEN-BLANCHE WARDEN
near ALBERT--- Tableau formed by other characters in the back-
ground.
Rob. My web is wove. Albert Verheyden-thou lookest upon
thy father-William Wetherby- -a man of crime and misery. Thy
hand, boy, thy lips upon my brow-there, there. Pity me, my son.
Be happy with thy bride-and forgive me for thy mother's sake
Poor Louise-Louise-
(He sinks and dies-Tableau
CURTAIN


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his uncle's consent is cut off with a shilling. But the uncle meets his nephew's
wife-not knowing who she is-and is so captivated by her wit, grace and beauty
that, on learning who she is, he changes his mind, reinstates his nephew and
allows the latter to return the shilling. The dialogue is witty, the action rapid,
and the situations effective.
""
A HAPPY PAIR. One male, one female character-both light comedy. Scene, a
nicely furnished room; modern costumes; time of playing, forty-five minutes. A
brisk little play, full of action and giving numerous opportunities for clever work.
While entirely free from all "low-comedy business, it contains enough humor
to be highly diverting. The quarrels of the "happy pair," and their final recon-
ciliation can not fail to please, and the play is sure to give entire satisfaction
either in the parlor or as a "curtain raiser" or afterpiece.
MY LORD IN LIVERY. Four male and three female characters-light comedian,
low comedian, old man, utility, lady comedian and two walking ladies. Parlor
scene; modern costumes; time of playing, fifty minutes. An unusually bright
piece brimming over with wit and humor. The three young ladies who permit a
comic servant to meet them on terms of equality under the belief that he is a
nobleman masquerading like themselves the happy-go-lucky young nobleman
who is mistaken for a burglar-the comical old butler-all have a vast deal of
laughable by-play and business. This play was a pronounced success in New
York, and has been presented to crowde houses in all the principal cities of this
country. The ease with which it may be staged, and the invariable success which
attends it, make MY LORD IN LIVERY peculiarly adapted to the use of amateurs.
UNCLE'S WILL. Two male and one female characters-juvenile lead, cld man
and lady comedian. Scene, a sitting-room; costumes, modern; time of playing,
thirty minutes. This brilliant little play is a prime favorite in both Europe and
America, and is admirably adapted to the use of amateurs. The wit flashes
like a diamond, and the dainty bits of humor scattered here and there keep up a
constant ripple of pleased excitement. Each character is a star part. The dash-
ing young naval officer, the comical old man-in which Mr. Davidge made 1
pronounced hit at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York-and the bright and
spirited young lady, all are first class and worthy of the best talent in any dramatic
club.
WHICH IS WHICH. Three male, three female characters-juvenile man, old
man, utility, two juvenile ladies and old woman. Scene, a studio; costumes,
modern; time of playing, fifty minutes. Excellent and much patronized by
amateurs. The amusing perplexities of the poor artist, who can not tell which of
his visitors is the heiress and which her penniless friend-who mistakes one for
the other-who makes love to the rich girl, supposing that she is poor, and deter-
mines to marry her in spite of her supposed poverty-and who finally discovers
that he has proposed to the heiress after all-combine to make this a delightful
play.
Any of the above will be sent by mail, postpaid, to any address, on receipt
of the annexed prices. As there are several editions of these plays offered for sale,
good, bad and indifferent, purchasers will consult their own interests, when order-
ing, by specifying ROORBACH's edition.
HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York.


NEW PLAYS:
PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH.
MURDER WILL OUT. A farce in one act, for six female characters, by L. M.
ELWYN. Time of playing, 30 minutes. A breezy and effective farce, in which
half a dozen bright girls can delight an audience with half an hour of innocent
fun. Grandmother Stiles, and her demure but frolicsome grand-daughter, are
excellent characters; Dinah, the colored cook, is amusing, and Bridget O'Flaherty
is a funny Irish girl-her quarrels with Dinah being exceedingly laughable. The
attempts of Lena and her merry friends, May and Minnie, to hoodwink the old
lady, and their final exposure, will keep the audience in a roar of laughter.
OLD CRONIES. A comedietta in one act, for two male characters, by S. THEYRE
SMITH. Time of playing, 30 minutes. This is an unusually bright and clever
little play, in which a couple of comedians can furnish a half-hour of pure,
unrestricted fun. Dr. Jacks, the mild-mannered old gentleman, is in happy
contrast with Capt. Pigeon, a bluff, gruff and noisy old sea officer. Both are
excruciatingly funny, and their sorrowful attempt to write a joint-stock love
letter is one of the richest bits of humor ever presented. OLD CRONIES will prove
a most acceptable afterpiece, and, if at all well done, can not fail to send the
audience home in good humor.
APRIL FOOLS. A farce in one act, for three male characters, by W. F. CHAP-
MAN. Time of playing, 30 minutes. For a half-hour of roaring fun this farce has
few equals. It is brisk, bright, and full of highly humorous situations. The
characters are exceedingly well drawn-the nervous Mr. Dunnbrowne forming a
marked contrast to the loud James Smith, and both differing widely from the
sad and sorrowful Joseph Smith. Each imagin that the others are foolish,
crazy or drunk. There are laughable blunders and side-splitting complications.
Misunderstandings follow one another in rapid succession, and the mystery grows
deeper and still deeper. Finally, when everybody gets into a hopeless tangle, it
is discovered that all three are victims of a practical joker, who has made them
"April Fools."
66
""
MISS MADCAP. A comedietta in one act, by CHARLES TOWNSEND, for two male
and one female characters. Time of playing, 20 minutes. This bright and
breezy little play sparkles like champagne, and is just the thing for a curtain-
raiser or an afterpiece. The story is well told, and the characters are well drawn.
The youth who pretends to be a "tough," the young man who pretends to be a
"dude," and the young lady who pretends to be a tomboy, all give scope for
excellent acting. The piece has been played with pronounced success under the
author's management.
THE DARKEY WOOD DEALER. A farce in one act, by CHARLES Townsend,
for two male and one female characters. Time of playing, 20 minutes.
ro ring
farce in this author's happiest vein, totally unlike the ordinary "Ethi-
opian" plays. Each character is first-class. The "wood-dealer," beyond doubt,
is one of the best negro parts on the stage. The Deacon is a highly-amusing
old man, and Mrs. Deacon (this p. may be played by a young man), a tremen-
dous hit as a strong-minded" fema.e. This farce is certain to keep an audience
in a roar, and has proved a sure hit as played under the author's management.
A
AN OLD PLANTATION NIGHT.
PRICE, 25 CENTS.
A musical and dramatic entertainment for four male and four female characters,
forming a double quartet. This is not a negro minstrel show, contains no boisterous
"
jokes nor conundrums, and is without a vestige of "Tambo" or Bones," or the
conventional stage darkey. It is a simple but vivid representation of life "in de
quarters,'
," embellished with song and story illustrating some of the quaint super-
stitions and frolicsome merry-makings of the mellow-voiced race. Thoroughly
bright throughout, the text is uncommonly well written, and the succession of inci-
dents skilfully contrived, while its transitions from grave to gay can be made wonder-
fully effective by intelligent actors. The scene, a simple interior, can be arranged on
any platform without set scenery; some old garments and a little discarded finery
will suffice for the costumes; the " properties" are few and simple, and the music is
within the capacity of fairly good voices, such as any ordinary church choir contains.
Wholly novel in conception, and singularly clever in arrangement, AN OLD PLANTA-
TION NIGHT will prove highly acceptable to audiences of all kinds in church, school,
lyceum, or parler.
SYNOPSIS: Uncle 'Rastus and Thomas Jefferson.-" Befo' de Wah."-"Swing
Low, Sweet Chariot."-An influx of visitors.-Aunt Marthy's Story of the little
possum. The rabbit cross.-Limber Jim.-The Sunflower Song.-The stylishness of
some folks. The little white goat on the mountain "The Gospel Train."-Polly
and the screech-owl.-A husking bee.-The Corn Song.-Little Aaron's battlements.
-Old Dan Tucker.
Copies of the above will be mailed, post-paid, to any address, on receipt
of the specified prices.
HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York.


ROORBACH'S AMERICAN EDITION.—Continued.
:
25. MURDER WILL OUT. A farce in one act. Six female characters. Time,
thirty minutes.
26. APRIL FOOLS. A farce in one act. Three male characters. Time, thirty
minutes.
27. OLD CRONIES. A comedietta in one act. Two male characters. Time,
thirty minutes.
28. CUT OFF WITH A SHILLING. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one
female characters. Time, forty-five minutes.
29. A CASE FOR EVICTION. A comedietta in one act. One male, two female
characters. Time, thirty minutes.
30, A HAPPY PAIR. A comedietta in one act. One male, one female characters.
Time, forty-five minutes.
31. UNCLE'S WILL. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female charac-
ters. Time, thirty minutes.
32. POPPING THE QUESTION. A farce in one act. Two male, four female
characters. Time, forty minutes.
Three male, two female charac-
Seven male, two female charac-
3. NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKS.
A comedy in three acts. Five
male, four female characters. Time, two hours and a half.
36. OUR BOYS. A comedy in three acts. Six male, four female characters. Time,
two hours.
37. CASTE. A comedy in three acts,
two hours and half.
Five male, three female characters. Time,
38. HOME. A comedy in three acts. Four male, three female characters. Time,
two hours.
Five male, three female charac
Five male, three female charac-
41. BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. A drama in three acts. Nine male, three female
characters. Time, two hours and a half.
acts. Eight male,
Eight male, three
Four female charac-
45. WANTED, A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. A farce in one act. Six
male characters. Time, thirty minutes.
33. THAT RASCAL PAT. A farce in one act.
ters. Time, thirty minutes..
34. SOLON SHINGLE. A comedy in two acts.
ters. Time, one hour and a half.
39. MEG'S DIVERSION.
A drama in two acts.
ters. Time, one hour and three quarters.
40. MIRIAM'S CRIME. A drama in three acts.
ters. Time, two hours.
42. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. A comedy-drama in three
three female characters. Time, two hours and a half.
43. SAVED FROM THE WRECK. A drama in three acts.
female characters. Time, two hours and a half.
A comedietta in one act.
44. A LESSON IN ELEGANCE.
ters. Time, thirty minutes.
46. THE TRIPLE WEDDING. A drama in three acts. Four male, four female
characters. Time, one hour and a quarter.
47. SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR. A farce
in one act. Four male, one female characters. Time, one hour.
48. UNDER A CLOUD. A comedy-drama in two acts. Five male, two female
characters. Time, one hour and a half.
49. STRIFE. A comedy-drama in four acts. Nine male, four female characters.
Time, two hours and a quarter.
50. TRIED AND TRUE. A drama in three acts. Eight male, three female char-
ters. Time, two hours and a quarter.
51. CRAWFORD'S CLAIM. A drama in prologue and three acts. Nine male,
three female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter.
52. TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM. NEW COPYRIGHT VERSION. A drama
in five acts. Seven male, four female characters. Time, two hours.
Any of the above will be sent by mail, post-paid, to any address, on receipt
of the price.
HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York.


66
TOWNSEND'S
AMATEUR THEATRICALS."
A Practical Guide for Amateur Actors.
PRICE, 25 CENTS.
THIS work, without a rival in the field of dramatic literature, covers the entire sub-
ject of amateur acting, and answers the thousand and one questions that arise constantly
to worry and perplex both actor and manager. It tells how to select plays and what
plays to select; how to get up a dramatic club- whom to choose and whom to avoid;
how to select characters, showing who should assume particular rôles; how to rehearse
a play properly-including stage business, by-play, voice, gestures, action, etc.; how to
represent all the passions and emotions, from Love to Hate (this chapter is worth many
times the price of the book, as the same information cannot be found in any similar
work); how to costume modern plays. All is told in such a plain, simple style that
the veriest tyro can understand. The details are so complete and the descriptions so
clear that the most inexperienced can follow them readily. The book is full of breezy
anecdotes that illustrate different points. But its crowning merit is that it is thoroughly
PRACTICAL-it is the result of the author's long experience as an actor and manager.
Every dramatic club in the land should possess a copy of this book, and no actor can
afford to be without it. It contains so much valuable information that even old stagers
will consult it with advantage.
HELMER'S
ACTOR'S MAKE-UP BOOK.
A Practical and Systematic Guide to the Art of Making up for the Stage.
PRICE, 25 CENTS.
FACIAL make-up has much to do with an actor's success. This manual is a perfect
encyclopedia of a branch of knowledge most essential to all players. It is well written,
systematic, exhaustive, practical, unique. Professional and amateur actors and act-.
resses alike pronounce it THE BEST make-up book ever published. It is simply indis
pensable to those who cannot command the services of a perruquier.
CONTENTS.
Chapter I. THEATRICAL WIGS.-The Style and Form of Theatrical Wigs and
Beards. The Color and Shading of Theatrical Wigs and Beards. Directions for
Measuring the Head. To put on a Wig properly.
Chapter II. THEATRICAL BEARDS.-How to fashion a Beard out of Crêpe Hair.
How to make Beards of Wool. The growth of Beard simulated.
CHAPTER III. THE MAKE-UP.-A successful Character Mask, and how to make it.
Perspiration during performance, how removed.
Chapter IV. THE MAKE-UP Box.-Grease Paints
Grease Paints in Sticks; Flesh
Cream; Face Powder; How to use Face Powder as a Liquid Cream; The various shades
of Face Powder. Water Cosmétique. Nose Putty, Court Plaster, Cocoa Butter.
Crêpe Hair and Prepared Wool." Grenadine. Dorin's Rouge. "Old Man's" Rouge.
Juvenile" Rouge. Spirit Gum. Email Noir. Bear's Grease. Eyebrow Pencils.
Artist's Stomps. Powder Puffs. Hare's Feet. Camel's-hair Brushes.
Chapter V. THE FEATURES AND THEIR TREATMENT.-The Eyes: Blindness. The
Eyelids. The Eyebrows: How to paint out an eyebrow or mustache: How to paste
on eyebrows; How to regulate bushy eyebrows. The Eyelashes: To alter the appear-
ance of the eyes. The Ears. The Nose: A Roman nose; How to use the nose putty;
a pug nose; an African nose; a large nose apparently reduced in size. The Mouth
and Lips: a juvenile mouth; an old mouth; a sensuous mouth; a satirical mouth; a
one-sided mouth; a merry mouth; a sullen mouth. The Teeth. The Neck, Arms,
Hands and Finger-nails: Finger-nails lengthened. Wrinkles: Friendliness and Sullen-
ness indicated by wrinkles. Shading. A Starving Character. A Cut in the Face. A
Thin Face made Fleshy.
Chapter VI. TYPICAL CHARACTER MASKS.-The Make-up for Youth: Dimpled
Cheeks. Manhood. Middle Age. Making up as a Drunkard: One method; another
method. Old Age. Negroes. Moors. Chinese. King Lear. Shylock. Macbeth.
Richelieu. Statuary. Clowns.
Chapter VII. SPECIAL HINTS TO LADIES.-The Make-up. Theatrical Wigs and
Hair Goods.
Copies of the above will be mailed, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of
the annexed prices.
HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York.


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