D582h 822.7 BJ, :40 ORIGE pune . SUNT ECUMQC ολόγος όλη. najpos tápores acias Ylly ERA 1851 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY PURCHASED FROM THE James H. Lawley Memorial Fund SUNT δλόγος αλη. χάριτος. 311 Affoff | 64 nagpageir VERA 7851 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY PURCHASED FROM THE James H. Lawley Memorial Fund HERO OF THE NORTH, THE an Historical Play: BY MR. DIMOND, Jun. AUTHOR OF Petrarchal Sonnets ; Poems under the Signature of Caſtalio; the Sea-Side Story, a Drama, &c. &c. &c. PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE, WITH UNBOUNDED APPLAUSE. ARMA, VIRUMQUE CANO! FIFTH EDITION. L O N D ON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY BARKER AND SON, Dramatic Repository, Great Ruſſell Street, Covent Garden. 1803. [Price 2$ 60. 822.7 10582.4 ८ 73729 PREFACE. THE HE Life of GUSTAVUS VASA, the Swediſh Prince's warrior, and legiſlator, forms one of the moſt intereſting features in the hiſtory of nations. It is replete with every circumſtance that can delight or inſtruct pofterity, and on a firſt review, no ſubject can preſent a more flattering foun- dation for the ſuperſtructure of a Dramatiſt; yet when cloſely confidered, it will be found, perhaps, of all others, the moſt dangerous and critical, that an inexperienced writer can venture upon. I do not premiſe thus far, through any wiſh to inveſt my own attempt with importance, but rather to offer ſome excuſe for the deficiency and awkwardneſs with which it may have been executed. When I firſt leiccted Guſtavus for my theme, I was ignorant that his adventures had been already dramatiſed by Mr. BROOKE, and that the performance of his play had been prohibited by the govern- ment forty years ſince, on account of its ſeditious tendency and inflammatory politics. If ſuch an objection exifted at that diſtant and pacific period, it would have applied with increaſed propriety at the preſent juncture, when the fierce ſpirit of revolution, marches under the banners of conquer- ing armies, and its doctrines are bruited abroad from the tribunes of orators, and the port-folios of philoſophers. It be- came therefore a neceſſary conſequence, that I ſhould remove the principal object in my defign, from the fore-ground, into the perſpective, and that Guſtavus, like Lord Burleigh in the Critic, ſhould be ſuppoſed to think a great deal more than it was convenient for him to utter. Two other figures, which would have poſſeſſed prominent ſituations in the picture, 781373 [ 4 ] I was conſtrained to ſtrike out intirely. It would have been hazardous to have pourtrayed royalty and the prieſthood, in unamiable colours, yet Chriſtiern and Trollio, could not have been delineated otherwiſe. I endeavoured to ſupply the place of the Daniſh monarch, by the fubſtitution of a provincial governor, but the attitude of ſuch a perſon could not be rendered equally impreſſive, and the effect of the coup-d'æuil was materially injured by the comparative inade- quacy of its contraſted parts. As my plan was thus deprived of its natural ſtrength, artificial aids became neceſſary to its ſupport'; and in the freſh arrangement of my Drama, fage- effect was made the axis upon which every other conſider- ation had to revolve. To frame ſituations for muſic, and opportunities for ſpectacle, were the firſt objects of my at- tention. Of courſe, language, character, and conſiſtency of action, receded into mere points of occaſional regard. The reception of my play upon the ſtage, fully juſtified the policy of the ſyſtem which I had followed ; and its ſubſe- quent ſucceſs has exceeded my moſt fanguine expectations. However, in ſubmitting it to the tribunal of the cloſet, I can derive but little confidence from the applauſe beſtowed on its repreſentations. In the cloſet, it muſt appear diveſted of every extrinſic advantage, and diſcover the whole of its imperfections, without a chance of diſguife. It would be abſurd in me, to offer any pretenſions, further than that I have endeavoured to preſerve probability in the conduct of my.plot: to render the Songs ſo many eſſential continuations, rather than unmeanning interruptions of the intereſt, and (ſo far as my humble talents would allow me) to ſerve the general purpoſes of morality and ſocial order. Whether I have fucceeded or failed in theſe limited attempts, the public voice, not mine, muſt now decide. If the ſubfe- quent pages appear to be inoffenſive, criticiſm fould ſpare [ 5 ] them from a more ſtrict ordeal, fince their weakneſs (as a compoſition) is acknowledged. The trifle may then be patiently toſſed from hand to hand through the literary world, like a butterfly that is per- mitted to flutter over the parterres of a garden ; the inſect may be of little uſe in the plan of creation, but it is per- fedly harmleſs, and it amuſes the eye, by the gaiety of its colours, and the playfulneſs of its motions. To the Proprietors, for their liberality in the embel- lifhments of the ſcene; to Mr. BANNISTER (as Manager) for his attention and aſſiduity in its production ; and to the Performers, generally and individually, for their great ex- ertions in its performance; I am happy to aſcribe the principal ſucceſs of my Drama ; and with great reſpect, I requeſt them to receive my very ſincere acknowledgments. P.S. This play in its original ſtate greatly exceeding the cuſtomary time of performance, ſeveral curtailments and alterations were made by Mr. SHERIDAN. I cannot ſo far ſuppreſs the vanity of my nature, as to omit this circumſtance; though by mentioning it, I become the trumpeter of my own panegyric, ſince the notice of fo great a name, confers in itſelf the higheſt eulogy that a young author can receive ; the truly flattering attentions, with which he then condeſcended to honor me, can never be forgotten, while either pride or gratitude retains an in- fluence in my bofom. . March 24, 1803. PROLOGU E. 1 THE frolic woodbine oft'in ſummer's prime, Some oak of veteran growth will fondly climb, O'er the dark branches, curl its taſſel'd arms, And deck the hoary fhade with glowing charms; The grateful tree its foft embrace repays, And yelds protection to its tender ſprays: E'en fo, the ſparkling wreath that fiction twines Round truth's enduring column, proudlieſt ſhines, And greenelt beauty tints the poet's bay, When fact informis, and fancy points his lay! To-night a youthful minſtrel ſweeps the lyre, In changeful ſtrain, as changeful themes inſpire : With bright realities he ſwells the ſtage, Bequeath'd as morals, by a former age; Shades of hiſtoric fame, he bodies forth, And leads the Muſes to the diſtant North ! A region rude, unſunn'd, unlovely-drear; In Storm and darkneſs whe!m'd thro' half the year. Yet cheerleſs as it was, this out.caſt ſcene, To patriot eyes, wore Nature's lovelieſt mein ; To them its glimmering waſtes of ice and ſnow, With Tempe's claſſic verdure ſeem'd to glow, And blyther far, they deem’d-its funleſs bowers, Than fouthern Italy's ſoft vale of Aowers! Alk ye what ſecret cauſe the clime endear'd? There-liberty her arm of glory rear’d; High on the rock, the goddeſs built her feat, And view'd, with ſcorn, the vallies at her feet! Her radiant preſence cheer'd the ſhivering ſwains, And ſtrew'd with Eden's bloom, their froſty plains ; Turu'd want to wealth, and rain’d meridian light, Thro' the clofe ſhadow of their double night! [ 7 ] Of her inſpir'd men mock'd continuous toil, Glean’d virtuous plenty from a familh'd ſoil ; And o'er their horrid path, as gleam'd ber form, Enjoy'd the darkneſs, and ador'd the ſtorm! Now, trophied tombs, along the Baltic's ſhore, Record the race of heros, ſeen no more:- Their throbbing hearts, their ſteel-clad forms ſublime, Have ſunk and moulder'd in the graſp of Time ; But tho'life's active pulſe ſhall ceaſe to play, The name which honor loves, defies decay. Their memory lives, immortal as the ſphere, Still gath'ring brightneſs thro' each ſhadowy year; Like Egypt's funeral lamp, undying, burns, And ſtreams ſoft glory round their ſainted urns ! Embalm'd in hift'ry's lore, great actions bloom, And ſwell Fame's trump', with airs of rich perfume ! Yet not on alien themes we reft alone, The ſcene is foreign, but the tale our own. For if one common ſpirit lifts the ſoul, To fpurn the fetters of a foro'd control, And fingly brave a hoſt in freedom's cauſe, For a lov'd king, faith, honor, juſtice, laws; To bar the ready breaft, and freely bleed ;- Then every Briton feels himſelf a Swede! Oh! may ſuch holy ſympathy to-night, , Attend our Hero thro' his fcenic fight! For vainly ſhall the Mufe ſupport his claim, If critic armies bar his path to fame, And all his honors, empty boaſts appear, Till firſt ſubmitted, proy'd, and fandion'd bere ! DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. Guſtavus Vala Cafimir Rubenſki Carlowitz Ufo Brennomar Sigiſmund of Calmar Gabriel Marcoff Iwan Vilitzki Nydorff Bafilſtern Mr. Pope. Mr. WROUGHTON. Mr. RAYMOND. Mr. DE CAMP. Mr. CAULFIELD. Mr. KELLY. Mr. DowTon. Mr. BANNISTER, Jun. Mr. SEDGWICK. Mr. FISHER. Mr. GRIMALDI. Mr. GIBBONS. Princeſs Gunilda . Santa Michelwina Frederica Rubenſki Paulina Petrowna Alexa Ulrica Mrs. YOUNG, Mrs. HARLOWE. Mrs. MOUNTAIN, Miſs MENAGE, Miſs ARNE. Mrs. BLAND. Miſs TYRER. Chorus of Warriors, Prieſts, Miners, Nuns, and Swediſh Matrons. SCENE-Dalecarlia, a remote Province of Sweden. Time-The early Part of the Sixteenth Century, The Muſic by Mr. KELLY, and Publiſhed at his Muſical Saloon, Pall - Mall. THE HERO OF THE NORTH. Аст І. SCENE I.--The Curtain riſes ſlowly, and diſcovers the Interior of a Swediſh Peaſant's Hut; through the Caſe- ments is ſeen a mountainous Country, cos'ered with Snow In the Middle of the Hut is a Store, beſide which Alexa and Ulrica are ſeated, ſpinning with Diſtaffs and Spindles-- At a little diſtance, a Table with an Hour-glaſs, and Lamp burning — Marcoff ſands by, poliſhing a ruſty Sword. 1 Terzetto.--MARCOFT, ALEXA, ULRICA, By the lamp's expiring ray, By the hourglaſs well nigh run, Soon will break the chilly day, Soon the chillier night be done. B Ulr. 10. HERO OF THE NORTH. Ulr. Cloſer to the ſtove I creep, Yet I feel the biting guft. Mar. Still theſe ſpots their color keep Off, fay, diſgraceful rut! Hift! Wiſe! Sitter! hift! I hear Paſſing quick ſome footſtep near. Is't a man? Alex. No, Marcoff, no, 'Tis but the deer that pads the ſnow. O Fierce whirlwinds are roaring, Loud torrents are pouring, The ſnow.flakes in clouds ſeem to fly ; Cleft mountains are moaning, Split foreſts are groaning, The ſtorm fiend rides wild through the ky! Yet trouble diſpelling, While ſafe in his dwelling, The cottager terror derides- Nor earth, air, nor ocean, Can raiſe an emotion, In boſoms where virtue reſides ! Mar. (looking at his ſword) There—the ruſt is gone, the point gleams again, and I warrant me, 'twould cut as deep-Oh! that I had one of thoſe villainous Danes within arm's length, to make a trial on! Alex. Pr’ythee, good Marcoff, brandiſh that wea- pon no longer ; day begins to dawn, and ſhould any of the governor's ſpies from the caſtle, diſcover you with arms in your poffeffion, after the late edict- Mar. Never fear! I can be as watchful as the governor, and with this good blade, may yet do my rightful prince and my dear country ſervice! They muſt ſearch cloſe to diſcover this cloſet. (opens a ſid. HERO OF THE NORTH. II ing pannel, and diſcovers a ſmall niche hung round with arms) Look, girls, ſee how my little armory ſhines. Oh ! Sweden, my Country! Oh! Guftavus, my King! Here is the treaſure of a poor but loyal heart-Heaven fend the day, when I may uſe it in your juſt fupport! Ulr. Alas! unfortunate Guftavus! I wonder where he wanders now Mar. Where, indeed !--After the laſt fatal battle, he diſmiſſed his few remaining followers, and retired into obſcurity ;--but 'tis known that he ſtill lives, and every Swediſh boſom beats for the moment, when the young hero may yet again diſplay his banner, and call his ſubjects' loyalty to action O! would it were come, what curious quartering ſhould my ſword carve on the coats of ſome of thofe tyrannical Danes- Alex. Ah! Marcoff, you make me tremble when you talk thus conſider ſhould you fall Mar. Well! I ſhould fall in honours and my fo- vereign's cauſe, and the example of my fate would recruit, not thin, the patriot ranks! Alex. True, Marcoff, but Mar. But what, fimpleton ? Alex. Ah! your poor Alexa's heart would break with grief ! Air:-ALEXA. Ah ! ſhould my love in fight be flain, I ne'er ci old bear my woe, This ſtricken heart would burſt with pain, Yet no diſtraction Thew This faithful eýe no tear would Med, This lip betray no figh, I ſhould but hear ту love was dead, Juſt bleſs his name, and die! 1 2 HERO OF THE NORTH. Then Mould the trumpet wake thy zeal, Dear youth, guaid well thy lile, Tho' for thyſeli the u can'ît not feel, Yet, oh' prefer e thy wife! For like the grafted Awer that lends Some hardier plant its bloom, That ſtorm which on the one deſcends, Muſt breathe a double doom ! Ulr. See, brother, I have turned the hour-glafs again, and 'tis now broad day-shall I put out the lamp? Mar. Aye, girl; and place my breakfaſt on the table-I muſt to the mine. Alex What ſo early? (She opens the caſement, the Jnow is ſeen falling without) Ah! 'tis a dreary morn- ing-the clouds hang ſo heavily-the ſnow falls fo thick-and the wind blows ſo piercing cold- Mar. No matter, I muſt through it-a true Swede fears no cold, but in the heart of his friend or his miſtreſs. Ulr. (placing proviſions on the table) Ah! your road to the mine is ſhort, but St. Catherine protect the poor wretches to whom, on ſuch a day, hard fortune has denied a ſhelter. Mar. Why truly St. Catherine has doubtleſs many excellent qualities--but for a helpmate againſt froſt, I would wager on a ſpiritual friend in this flaſk againſt the calendar. (drinks) Quartetto. HERO OF THE NORTH. 13 Quarletto. FREDERICA, MARCOFF, ALEXA, ULRICA. ! Fred 1 Mar. Alex. Ulr. Alma Lir. } Fred. Ulr. Mar. Fred. Ulr. Oh! hear a wretch for ſuccour calling, Oh! hear, ſome pitying ſoul, and ſave! Chill weights of ſnow around are falling, And threaten with a ſudden grave! Hark! heard I not the palling ſtrain Of wild affliction on the plain? Or was it but the mournful blaſt, That ſhriek'd along the frozen waſtę?- Ah! muſt I perilh here unfriended! Thus early muſt my race be ended! Oh ! Marcoff, 'tis the voice of woe; Some wanderers fainting on the ſnow- Swift let me to their ſuccour fly- Hold! it may prove ſome lurking ſpy; For charity relieve my pain ! Hift! I the truth will aſcertain [She opens the Caſement. What wretch amid the tempeft's roar, Our lowly ſhelter doth implore? Oh! anſwer me, A wretch indeed, But ſtill a woman and a Swede! Oh! Marcoff, 'tis a helpleſs maid- A woman! then ſhe muſt have aid A man beſide What man? quick fay; He's old. His locks are few and grey. Then open doors, diſtreſs ſhould find A friend in every generous mind! Fred. Ulr. Mar. Ulr. Mar. Ulr. Mar. Door 14 HERO OF THE NORTH. Door opens, FredERICA enters ſupporting Rubenski, their Robes are diſhevelled and ſi attered with Snow. Fred. Kind peaſants thanks, by tears expreſing, My gratitude, ah ! let me pour, And ever may the heavenly blefling, Protect from il your friendly door. Mar. &c. Still mortals are by heaven regarded, As they their fellow mortals treat, Good deeds are in themſelves rewarded, And foon or late their value meet ! Fred. Thanks, generous cottagers! you have preſerved our lives, but for your humanity we muſt have periſhed. (to Rubenſki) How fares it, ſir? Rub. Well, well, my child; a little reſt will quite reſtore inem-Time has been, when theſe worn limbs could mock the wrath of elements—but now 'tis otherwiſe I am no longer young. Alex. Have you journeyed far, lady? Fred. We are travellers on our way to Gothland- in the darkneſs of the night we 'miffed our track, and wandering for hours upon the ſnowy waſte, muſt ſoon have periſhed, through cold, fatigue and hunger, had we not reached your hofpitable door. Mar. Hunger, ſay you ? do then honor a poor man's breakfaſt with a taſte-rye bread, a dried ſlice of a rein-deer, freſh milk and old ſpirits homely fare, 'tis true, but ſuch as it is, take it, I beſeech you- you have the better title to it. Rub. What title, generous man? Mar. You need it more than we do. Rub. O! Sweden, my ſuffering country, ſtill will I call thee happy, ſince ſocial pity glows within the bofoms of thy pooreſt fons. Your looks, my friend, pronounce our welcome, without the aid of words: ſuch a countenance ſhould beſpeak content. HERO OF THE NORTH. 15 Mar. Why, in faith, fir, as fortunes fall, I am inclined to be ſatisfied with my lot; but, madam, you do not eat Alexa, help the lady – Ulrica, fetch out the beſt platters--Buſtle, girls, buſtle, Yes, fir, as you obſerye, I am, upon the whole, a contented man: 'tis true, I labour hard all day, but then exerciſe makes me ſleep the founder at night ; my purſe is light, but then' my heart is ſo likewiſe, and though I cannot boaſt of riches, yet I have no guilt upon my conſcience, to mingle re- proaches with my poverty! Wife! Siſter! your voices can ever beguile me of ſadneſs-let them ſooth our gueſts. Sing! girls, fing! Duetto. ALEXA, ULRICA. Bewilder'd and weary, Heart-fick and uncheery, O'er heaths dim and dreary, Two travellers paſſed : By defarts ſurrounded, With dangers confounded, Ah! how their hearts bounded, When ſcreen'd from the blaſt! No longer fate grieves them, The low hut receives them, Reſtores them-relieves them- And hope ſmiles at laſt! Fred. Thanks! thanks! now, my father, I can once more ſmile with h pe; for I ſee the warni color mantle afreſh upon your cheek, and your eye reſume its ſteady brightneſs. Rub. True, girl; I can breathe freely now-no longer ftified in the groſs atmoſphere of ſlaves and courtiers ; here, among the mountains, I can in- 16 HERO OF THE NORTH. hale the pure airs of liberty. This rough blaſt that drifts the frozen ſtorm before it, ſeems the very breath of independence; and though its keen touch pinches my body blue, ſtill to my ſoul it feels more grateful, than the ſoft zephyr that awakes the ſpring. Mar. (earneſtly) By your words, you ſhould be an enemy to tyrannous invaders, and a loyal friend to Sweden. Rub, Sweden is my native country — ſacred claim ! and for her intereits, gladly would I pour forth the life-ſtream at my heart ! Alex. Perhaps you have known our prince-the loft Guſtavus. Rub. (with reſerve! I have ſeen him formerly, Mar. Perhaps you have fought in the battles, 'twixt his party and the Danes. Rub, I have borne arms in younger days. I dare not yet reveal myſelf. (afide) Alex. (afide to Marcoff) vbſerve! he will not de- clare his name. I poſitively do not like myſtery. Mar. And poſſibly he does not like curioſity. Alex. Wherefore does he decline to anſwer us? Mar. Wherefore would you perſevere to queſtion him ? Remember, Alexa, we have ourſelves a ſecret, and reſpect the reſerve of the ſtranger. Ulr. Hark! I hear muſic on the heath-Good faints ! perſons are coming from the caſtle- as I live, the governor himſelf! (1 he ſtrangers interchange looks of terror.) Mar. The governor! what can bring him out at ſuch an hour? an intrigue I'll be ſworn! Ah! Alexa, I caught him leering at you, laſt Sunday, as you returned from the caſtle-chapel. Alex. For ſhame, Marcoff, you ſhould know me better. Mar, 1 HERO OF THE NORTH. 17 Mar. (looking out) Yes, by the maſs ! 'tis his gal- lant lordſhip, aye! truly, and he haftens down the rocks, towards our door. Fred. Then we are loft! Mar. (Parting) What ſay you? Rub. It is a fatal truth! O! if you diſregard an old man's filver hairs, yet in compaſſion to this trem- bling innocent, grant us a concealment. Mar. How ! Rub. If we are feen by the governor, our doom is death! Mar. Have I then been ſheltering criminals ? Rub. Judge not ſo harſhly-You ſhall know all, but fave us, while yet 'tis in your power! Mar. Impoſſible. They are within a few paces of the door. Fred. (kneeling) Ah! turn then to a daughter's prayer! Behold me at your feet, imploring you to ſave a father's life! O! conceal us. Mar. I cannot-I have no concealment. Alex. (whiſpers) The ſecret cloſet! Mar. Ha! well-mark me ſtrangers, I will give my confidence, though you have denied me yours. Obſerve this, cloſet (undraws the pannel) 'twill hide you from purſuit-You ſee, 'tis ſtored with arms. Now my life depends on your diſcretion. . Rub. Generous man ! our gratitude Mar. Nay, we have not time for words-in! in! (Cloſes the pannel on them—at the ſame moment a clamor is heard without the door.) Voices without. Open the door, inſtantly in the name of the Governor ! Mar. · Aye! they are rattling away! O lord! O lord ! Voices. Open the door, or it ſhall be forced ! с HERO OF THE NORTH. 19 Cari. What, Alexa's ? Mar. Her's, my lord, ſhe has a remarkably pretty little footſhew the governor, my love- Carl. What motive could have led you ſo far along the heath, at ſuch an early hour? Mar. We went—we went, my lord, for the plea- ſure of the walk. Carl. The tempeſt was dreadful at the time. Mar. True, my lord; but then it gave us a better appetite for our breakfaſt ! Carl. I'll hear no more. Guards ! ſeize that llave, and drag him to the torture ! Alex. : (interpoſing) O! good my lord, have mer- cy! let me entreat. Carl. Well-at your requeſt, I yield-releaſe him -yet mark me, ſtubborn fool, your fortune is in your own power--if you can diſcover the traitors whom I ſeek, certain affluence awaits you. They are detefted enemies of the ſtate. Caſimir Rus benſki, and his daughter, Frederica--the father, the famed partizan of the fallen Guſtavus ; and the girl, the betrothed miſtreſs of the royal wanderer. A thouſand marks are the reward proclaiined for their apprehenſion. Mar. A thouſand marks, did you ſay? O! they are already in my pocket-only tell me, has the old man a ſcar upon his forehead; and is the daughter habited in green ? Carl. (eagerly) The ſame-ſpeak, my beſt fellow, where may I find the traitors ? Mar. I have ſeen them within this hour--they are not far from you. Carl. I knew it was ſo-proceed. I'm all impa- tience: Alex. Marcoff, ſure you will not. (afide.) Mar. Be filent!—They entered my hut, juſt as the day broke, to warm themſelves at yonder ſtove.- 20 HERO OF THE NORTH. Alexa, Marcoff! Mar. Peace ! - Immediately after they proceeded by the Gothland road; juſt when they had gained the paſs, a ſnow-mount fell from the cliff behind the hut, and hid all traces of their ſteps beyond this door. Carl. This agree's preciſely with my firſt intelli- gence, as to their intended courſe. They ſhall be inſtantly purſued--and you, if by your information, we ſhould ſecure the traitors, ſhall receive half the ſtate's bounty as a reward. Mar. Then your lordſhip had better give me the marks now, for I am certain I ſhall deſerve them. Carl. No; remain with patience 'till our return. I muſt inſtantly purſue theſe fugitives! Marcoff! point to the road! (As Marcoff turns to the door, Carlowitz catches the hand of Alexa.) My fair Alexa, I Mall expect a reward for my complaiſance. (lifts her hand to his lips, when Marcoff turns round and pulls his ſleeve.) Mar. My lord, the road is this way ! Carl. (with anger) Fellow! (recovers himſelf) on to the paſs! [Exeunt Carlowitz and train—Symphony plays as they depart.] Mar. (looking after them) They hurry away- They deſcend the hill—They turn the angle. Hurra! Hurra! for once I have played a courtier's pa.t, and told a lye with an admirable grace, yet my falſchood is not of the true courtier ſtamp either, having for its obje&t another's benefit, and not iny own. Come forth, my noble priſoners, from your cell, and rejoice at your deliverance in open day! (Rubenſki and Frederica come forward. Rub. My generous countryman! Fred. Our brave protector ! HERO OF THE NORTH. Mar. Nay! reſerve your thanks--the delight which I feel here, has ſettled the debt betwixt us al- ready. But tell me, from your own lips, have I in. deed the rapture to view beneath this roof, the great Rubeníki, the friend and preceptor of our loft Guf- tavus? Rub. Yes, my friend, in this decrepid, time-worn form, you do indeed behold all that now remains of Rubeníki, the Swediſh warrior-his unfinew'd arm can no longer deal the patriot blow, but his tough heart is ſtill undaunted, and burns with youthful ar- dor for his country's weal ! Mar. General ! know you I almoſt fear to aſk it-know you aught of our beloved Prince ? Rub. 'Tis in ſearch of him I have now left my own retreat, Somewhere in theſe mountain-wilds, 'tis whiſpered that the hero lies concealed-When laſt we met, 'twas in the hour of battle, on Malmoe's fatal plain-Fancy ſtill paints my fovereign in that ſcene of perils--his dark eye flaſhing more than mor- tal fires - fate in his ſtep, and vengeance in his arm --fierce through the darkened boſom of the war he moved, as a column of flaine ʼmidſt the night-ſtorm, dazzling and deſtroying through its courſe. Mar. But all his valour was in vain-we loſt the day Rub. We loft, yet gained; for honor went with us, and ſhame defiled the victor's banner-'gainſt countleſs odds, long time we preſſed the doubtful fight; till treachery ſnared and conquered for the Dane- Half of our patriot band, gaſhed o'er with noble wounds, already had expired, and they that lived, few, faint and flying, ſcattered o'er the plain ; when darkneſs dropped and veiled the work of blood. -'Twas then I ſought my prince! alone he ſtood, walled round by fallen forms that late were breathing HERO OF "HE NORTH. men !-Like a chance ſpared pillar, in the midſt of facrilegious ruins !--his arms were folded, and his lifted eyes on the dark heavens were fixed with looks of deep yet urreproaching agony-his pale lip quivered with imperfe&t ſounds, and quick throbs ſhook his bofom ; ſeeming one forbid to hope, yet ſcorning to deſpair ! I claſped his knees and prayed him to eſcape, he anſwered not--in ſtern abſtraction loſt, but mute and paſſive, followed where I led now through unmuffling clouds, a fickly planet Ihone, revealing the fad carnage which we paffed-then, when he ſaw the blood from gallant hearts mix with the dew, and curdle on the turf; and heard the low lament of wounded men, rouſed from their fainting trance by ſmarting cold; and marked the moon's pale light glçam on the paler cheeks of warriors flain ; then nature ſoft and ſudden, ſwelled his ſoul, and all the..heto melted in the man ! Tears waſhed the blood-ſhot fury from his eye, and rained moiſt obſequies on friends and fot.. ! He wrung my hand, fell fondly on my neck-then wildly ſtarted—broke from my embrace, and fled till night and diſtance wrapped him from my view! Fred. Alas ! my loft Guſtavus ! bis ſiſter too-the endeared companion of my childiſh hours- Alex, Ah ! lady, ſhe is confined in St. Catherine's Abbey, that ſtands on yonder rock to the weſt; and 'tis rumoured, ſhe will this day become one of the ſiſterhood, Fred. Unfortunate Gunilda ! Rub. Murmur not, my child_That providence which ſtill hath watched our way, may yet direct us to Guftavus-0! could I once pierce his liaunt, I have tidings that would rouſe his drooping genius, and fire him on to victory and empire ! HERO OF THE NORTH. 23 Mar. With to-morrow's dawn you may com- mence the loyal ſearch-by that time, I will prepare the lighteſt ſledge and fleeteſt deer in Dalecarlia to waft you from your purfuers--At preſent however, , this cabin would be an inſecure abode, I will there. fore ſecrete you till the appointed hour, within a neighbouring mine-Start not, fair lady, at the thought, for I will promiſe that you ſhall meet, in theſe hard caverns of the earth, with hearts as yield- ing to humanity, as are the pure ſnows upon its ſur- face to the breath of ſpring ! Rub Lead us, good fellow, as thou wilt;-lodge us even in the centre's darkneſs; we cannot mate -with llaves more loft to honor, faith, and worth, than thoſe we fly from in the walks of day—This Carlowitz-this governor, who drives us upon fate, and hunts down freemen for the tyrant's hire-This very man, I ſhame to ſpeak it, is himſelf a Swede! Oh! land of woe! Oh! country moſt deject! too loving mother of unnatural ſons ! thy ſavage wrongs cry out for vengeance on no foreign arm --in native hands-in hands that thou haſt trained and truſted, e'en now the impious poignards gleam that gaſh thy bofom with unſeemly ſtabs, and mar it's lovely white with bloody ftains !-Still, ſtill, much injured pa- rent, beat ſome loyal hearts that count thy ſufferings with filial throbs, and as their free-born ſpirits heave againſt the galling bond, ſtifle the ſelfiſh groan, and only mourn for THEE ! Finale, 24 HERO OF THE NORTH Finale. Women. Oh! native land, on thy green wounds, Thy daughters drop the duteous tear; Their ſtreaming eyes and fighing ſounds, Shall prave their parent ever dear, And ’mid their ſongs, a dirge-like pauſe Shall ſeem to mourn her fallen cauſe ! Marcoff. Repine no more at fate, arouſe from flothful forrow, The tempeſt ſcowls to-day, but ſunbeams laugh to- morrow : And clouds diſperſe and clear- Tho' now, o'er wintry heaths the blaft from Lap, land freezes, Anon, young balmy airs, and ſoft reſtoring breezes, Shall fan the vernal year! END OF THE FIRST ACT. ACT II. HERO OF THE NORTH. 25 ACT II. SCENE 1.-Exterior of St. Catherine's Abbey. Enter SIGISMUND, diſguiſed as a Pilgrim. Air. SIGISMUND. YE veteran fpires, ye time-worn towers ! Monaſtic ſhades and prieſtly bowers, Whoſe vigil prayer and penance dwel!, A bending votarift biddeth Hail!" To all within your hallow'd pale, Or cloyſter dim, or taper'd cell ! In Palmer's weeds, a lover he, Who now a fond tho' trembling knee, In adoration's rite would bow No veil'd deceit can mock thy ſhrine, Since here he ſeeks her form divine, Who claims with truth, the pilgrim's vow! Sig. At length then, I have reached St. Cathe- rine's rugged wall-itrong caſket of a precious gem. Here will I reſt my ſtaff, and pray love's beniſon upon my pilgrimage! D Enter 26 HERO OF THE NORTH, Enter GABRIEL, followed by Peaſants carrying wood, Gab. Carry thoſe billets to the Convent gate, and tell Giſter Margaret, the Portreſs, that I have lopped more pines and firs than would fill half the ſtoves in the Province-So my lady Abbeſs and her daugh- ters may burn away, and 'tis but fitting they ſhould keep St. Catherine warm and comfortable on her birth-day; when the good lady's houſe keeps them ſo, all the year round. (Exeunt Peafants) What a rare thing is exerciſe in a froſty morning-Yonder is a gentleman who ſeems to take it very deliberately- Now is he walking for meditation or an appetite he looks but in a doleful mood-I'll ſpeak to him Save ye, Pilgrim! wherefore doft wander ſhivering here, when yonder ſtand the Convent-gates open to receive thee? In! in! friend, with me, and cheer thyſelf! Sig. Hold! is not this edifice the Convent of St. Catherine ? Gab. Aye--and this day is the feſtival of St. Ca- therine ; therefore all guelts are welcome. Sig: (afide) This fellow wears an honeſt counte- nance-could I win him to my intereſt-Serve you the Convent, friend? Gab. No, friend—I ſerve the ladies of the Con. vent; they are fifty-five in number, and I am em- ployed by each in turn. For forty years I have been the only male admitted into their community, ex- cept father Hildeburghſhauſen, the deaf confef- for; and Peter Borolowſki, the dumb fexton; two perſons highly entitled to female confidence, for the one cannot hear what he is told, and the other can- not tell what he hears. Șig. I pr’ythee, then, what may be thy employ: ment? HERO OF THE NORTH. 27 Gab. The moſt antient and honorable one upon record-a Gardener's the firſt man in the world was a profeſſor of our art-I am a general favorite of the liſterhood-they all cluſter round me like ſo many ſweet flower's about a May-polė; and a rare garland of beauty they compoſe-There is my lady Abbeſs herſelf, a fine ſtately plant, full-blown: then we have blo Tomé and buds out of number ; but the very pride of my garden is the lady Gunilda-ah! ſhe is indeed, the queen lily without a ſpot, Sig. Gunilda ! the Princeſs ? the fifter of Guſta- vus ? Gab, Aye! every night and morning do I repeat her royal name in my prayers. Under heaven ſhe was the preſerver of my life-Laſt winter I fell ill, grievous ill; the ſtrong ague ſhook my old frame, and I thought never to have lifted a ſpade again, or viewed the green ſpring return unto our woods- then my ladý Gunilda came to me as ! ſhivered on my mat, and bade me be of cheer--with her own fair hand, ſhe ſmoothed the ruſhes beneath my head, and lifted the cordial to my lip--She nurſed, ſhe watched, ſhe prayed by me ;-till at laſt the ague left me, and I became ſtout once more-my pleaſing labors were renewed, and in due time the ſummer came to re- ward them-At that ſeaſon it had ever been my practice to preſent ſome of niy choiceſt plants to iny young miſtreſſes—I would not forget the old cuſtom, ſo to one I carried the roſe, to a ſecond the myrtle, and to others tulips and auriculas ; but to my lady Gunilda, I offered the chriſtinas thorn How, maſter Gabriel," ſaid ſhe, “ do you bring me this ugly plant ? it has neither flower nor leaf, and it looks half dead !"_" True, lady," I anſwer- ed, " It is now indeed a cheerleſs fight, but you will foſter and keep it warm awhile, then in the midſt of HERO OF THE NORTH. 29 glorious injured brother, parted our loves, and driven us afar, I have trod in the many paths, of danger and of death, ſtill the ſweet hope of a re- union has inſpired my heart, and even in abfence, murmured thoughts of joy; but now, when the dear reward ſhould bleſs me, a cruel policy ſnatches it away, and leaves me to deſpair. Counſel! adviſe ! I pr’ythee, for reaſon has deſerted me! Gab. You acquainted me with that, when you confeſſed yourſelf a lover-Paſſion in, reaſon out, follows as naturally as the mountain froſt melts be- fore the ſummer-fun: but tell me, Sir, how is my pity to aſſiſt you in this diſtraction? Sig. I know not-yet could I converſe with my Gunilda for a few moments unobſerved, 'ere the dreadful ceremony be completed, ſome means might Atill be found to ſave us. Gab. Look ye, Count Sigiſmund! to preach the doctrines of the fleth under the very nofe of the ſpirit, is rather a ſervice of hazard, and might bring a poor man to a ſharp penance; therefore prudence would counfel me to defert you, but then gratitude whiſpers ſoftly from my heart, and bids me be your friend-to my lady Gunilda I owe every thing, and for her fake would willingly hazard all again ; beſides, with a bluſh I own it, fellow-feeling pleads in your behalf. I have endured the tender tyranny of love myſelf, and compaſſionate all who are under it's influence: this laſt has turned the balance, and the ſcale reſts in your favour-So, Count, have with you! Sig. My beſt friend ! take this purſe of ducats in earneſt of my future gratitude. Gab. No, no, my Lord, pardon me there-De- ceit may ſometimes ſit lightly on a man's confcience, when he has the feelings of nature to plead in it's excuſe ; but he muſt be a ſorry knave indeed, who 30 HERO OF THE NORTH. would barter his fidelity for a bribeSo, my Lord, do you keep your purſe, and let me preſerve my own good opinion. But come, Sir, be of cheer! a lover ſhould never deſpond while his miſtreſs per- mits him to hope-take example from me; the froſt of winter now makes my garden look dreary, but I never forget that ſpring and ſunſhine may re- turn together! [Exeunt into Convent. SCENE II.-The Convent Gardens. PAULINA, PetroWNA, and other Nuns appear with Evergreens and Sprigs of Winter-Plants, as weai ing them into Garlands. Chorus.--PAULINA, Petrowna, and Nuns, Halte ! hafte! the feſtal wreaths prepare, Inweave each hoar and hoarded plant, That winter's miſer-bowers will grant, Or froſt's concealing mantle ſpare. The red-berried bough, And the evergreen ſpray, Are all they allow For our feſtival-day. Hafe! hafte! prepare ! Pau. Now, bear the garlands to the chapel porch, there let their ſnow-tipped foliage gleam-white ſymbol of the purity that dwells within! Pet, Soft ye! Siſters, mark where the abbeſs leads our royal novice. Enter HERO OF THE NORTH. 31 Enter SANTA MICHELWINA and GUNILDA. Santa. Daughter, theſe ſullen looks, and tears of diſcontent, caſt a reproach upon our holy order. What! can it grieve you to exchange a vain tumul. tuous world, for thoſe calm and heavenly offices that win for us an eternal bleſſing ?-'tis ignorance, nay, impiety. Truſt me, daughter, a convent is the crown of human bliſs. Gun. Such, madam, it may prove, when true de- yotion fires the foul ; but, woe for her! ambition's victim,-enforced to feign the pious flame, ſhe can- not feel. To vow hatred for thoſe objects, which The dearlieſt loyes, and bid the faltering tongue re- nounce a world, to which the heart ſtill cleaves, with unforfaking fondneſs !--To her, the flower- ſtrewn path and illumin'd altar, muſt ſeem mere pa. geants of a funeral, and the full-choiring ſwell of virgin voices, ſound but as the dirge of murdered happineſs! Santa. Away, perverſe one! I'll hear no more but know. your doom is fixed, and no reluctant fighs can change it. The court has commanded, that at vefpers you receive the veil- learn refignation there- fore, and obey! Daughters, follow me to the chapel, and prepare the rites! [Exit with Nuns. Gun. Loft, devoted wretch ! O! Guftavus-Si- gifmund-where are ye now? muſt I invoke your guardian names in vain ?--have ye both forgotten your Gunilda ? Air. HERO OF THE NORTH. Air.-GUNILDA. When o'er the midnight billow, Burſts loud a ſudden blaſt, The failor from his pillow, Starts-wakes-and liſts aghaft! He hears the tempeft founding, A war 'twixt ſeas and kies He views wide-wide ſurrounding, The world of waters riſe ! To heaven he prays for pity- Yet prays the wretch in vain, The whirlwind mocks his ditty, And fiercelier ſweeps the main ; So I from ſoft dreams waking, Am whelm'd in ſtorms of care, Her anchor, hope, forſaking, Reſigns me to deſpaįr ! Enter GABRIEL, Gab. Lady !_Princeſs!—Bright roſe in June ! Soft peach-bloſſom. Gun. Gabriel ! honeſt friend, what would'A thou? Gab. Marry! I would bring you a ſmall matter of comfort. Alack ! now look if thoſe ſweet blue eyes be not ſwelled with weeping, like waſhed violets made heavy by the rain !-Ah! I have a certain charm in my keeping, one ſight of which would make ſun-beams fparkle through thoſe tears—An' it would pleaſe you let me try it. Gun. Alas! good honeſt heart, my tears flow from a fount, too deep for thee to dry. HERO OF THE NORTH. Gab. Nay, now—but give my charm fair trial- here 'tis, a right amethyſt, of ſovereign virtue. I pray you look upon it. gives a ring) Gun. with emotion) Eyes mock me not--ſure 'tis the very ring I gave to Sigiſmund-O, Heavens ! Gab.' Aye, ave- did not I foretell my charm would make your eyes ſparkle ?. Gun. Do not jeſt, but tell me inſtantly when- where, and how you gained this ring?-Who gave it ?- Whence came he?-What ſaid he? How looked he ? Be ſwift! and tell me at once the whole ! Gab. Mercy, dear lady! you plant your queſtions ſo thickly, that my anſwers have not room to ſhoot up. But yonder, behind the holly hedge, you might find a certain Pi grim, whoſe tongue would pace it briſkly as your own. Gun. Ah! a pilgrim, ſay'ſt thou ? Enough-my heart predicts the reſt ! [Exit rapidly at the path Gabriel has pointed to. Gab. Marry! but this love begets a wonderful lightneſs in the heels ! How lhe darts along, ſnap- ping the criſp ſnow beneath her feet, like a young rein-deer-now ſhe reaches the holly-he ſees her they ſpring forward to meet each other—their arms open--their boſoms preſs together-they embrace - they kiſs--they--O, St. Catherine! the ſight is too moving for me; it recalls the wicked imagi- nations of my own gallantry, in former days. Juſt ſuch was wont to be my amorous ardour, when I met the curate's maid in the hay-field, or the miller's daughter, by the barn. Ah! thoſe were good merry times, but they are paſt! ftill I love to remember them, and like an old huntſman, though I can no longer follow the game myſelf, it pleaſes nie to mark the young ones at the ſport, E 34 HERO OF THE NORTH, Song-GABRIEL. Oh, when I was young how I kiſs'd and I toy'd, The laffes, ſweet creatures, my time quite employ'd, I wrote them ſuch polies, 'Bout ſweet briars and roſes, When dancing, their pride was with me to be ſeen. Tho' now run to ſeed, And call'd an old weed, Yet I do as I pleaſe, Still enjoy my heart's eaſe, And contented I know I'm an old evergreen. Shut up in this place as tho' under a frame, My trunk remains firm, yet my fap an't the ſame, There's not a day paſſes, But all the young laſſes, Like ivy cling round me wherever I'm feen: Tho' grown ſomewhat old, My heart's not yet cold, I'm as blythe and as gay, As a daiſey in May, And my love for the laſſes remains evergree!l. GUNILDA returns with SIGISMUND. Gab. Ah! the blefling of our lady be with you! but mark now--no raptures-no extacies ; let all your actions be tranquil and decorous, as fits the ſanctity of St. Catherine's garden. Gun. O, Sigiſmund! thus to regain thee, even at the moment when my deſpairing thoughts had parted us for ever-'tis joy paſt utterance ! yet what haft thou not endured ſince laſt we met ? 36 HERO OF THE NORTH. h uſe; and can relate a terrible tale of his ſuffer- ing among the miſbelieving Saracens ! Paul. Truly that muſt be a tale worth liſtening to I will hear it myſelt ſome fitting time; but I am now in haſte: lady, you will follow! (Exit. Gab. St. Catherine forgive me' my lies have carried vou ſafely through the firſt danger ; but you muft ſeparate now, elſe ſuſpicion will be awakened. We nave yet much time between this and vefpers- Leave all to me, and hope for the beſt. Gun. Gabriel counſels rightly. We muſt part, my Sigiſmund; yet take with thee, the ſworn ar- ſurance of thy Gunilda's faith : no fophiftry Ihall perſuade, no menace induce me to forſake thee- but while the voice of life ſhall tremble on my lip, to its laſt breath, it ſhall proclaim my love ! Sig. Oh! accents bleiled as the ſong of angels ! And yet to leave the -ah, my heart ! Quartetto-SIGISMUND, GUNILDA, PAULINA, Nuns. Sig. The fun-flower thus, with amorous gaze, Turns wiſtful to the parting blaze, Of day-light in the welt! Gun. Thus ſome loru bird, whoſe mate hath Aed, In murmuring fadneſs hanys its head, And ſeeks its widow's neſt. Duo. Paul Alas! to us who love ſo well, How fearful ſounds that word 66 Farewel!" [Paulina returns. Lady! wherefore this delay? The abbeſs ſends and chides your ſtay- Good pilgrim hence! old friend, away! Gux. Gentleſt fifter, we obey ! 38 HERO OF THE NORTH. Énter CARLOWITZ, UFO, and Train. Car. I ſhall not purſue them further, they have either periſhed in the ſnow, or eſcaped beyond the limits of our ſearch-On, tellows, to the caſtle! Ufo, remain with me. I thail make further inquiries at this cottage. [Exeunt Train. Ufo. And wherefore at this cottage, my lord ? It has been already ſearched, and does not contain the object of your purſuit- Car. Dull Ufo! but it does. Did'ſt thou not mark the ſparkling eyes and ſportive dimples of the peaſant's wife? Marcoff is by this time at his Tabors, and the fair Alexa, now free from jealous obſervation, may-- Ufo. Ah! my lord, relinquiſh the deſign—'tis unworthy of a nobleman, to ſhare embraces with his vaffal. Car. Peace! pedant-becauſe I may gather roſes in a garden, wouldlt thou debar me from plucking the ſweet wild flower that bluſhes on the hedge ? Avaunt, and preach thy muſty morals to cold blood laves, with veins as torpid as our country's rivers - but not to me, whoſe pulſes ſcorn the influence of place, and generouſly throb with ſouthern fires ! What ho! within there! My pretty Alexa ? | Knocks at the door of the hut-Alexa appears. Alex. O! I am ſo frightened—but I hope your Jordſhip will not ſearch the hut again, for indeed there is not a ſingle creature within, except Ulrica and inyfelf. Car. I know it, charming girl! and therefore did I ſelect this hour to viſit thee, Since Marcoff is abroad, we may enjoy ourſelves without intruſion. Alex. Intruſion, my lord ? HERO OF THE NORTH. no more. Mar. Or his judgment in fele&ting opportunities for its exerciſe. Alex. Or the diſintereſtedneſs of his motives. Mar. Or the excellence of bis moral character, Alex. Or, above all, his fatherly regard for female honour and married happineſs. Car. (afide) Malicious fiends!—Enough, good people ; your gratitude overwhe'ms me: I muſt quit you till it has ſubſided. Come, Ufo !--Nay, I have been thanked fufficiently (afide) Surely a man of rank cannot be humbled lower, than when he deſervedly incurs the ridicule and contempt of his inferiors. Exit. Mar. Ha! ha! laugh they that win! his lordſhip has bought an excellent leſſon, and we are well paid for ſelling it him: from the top of yonder rock I perceived the kite hovering about my neft, and in- ftantly felt a ſort of Alex. Jealouſy, Marcoff ? Mar. No, no, not that, but a certain kind of not- to-be-deſcribed ſomething, which, whether I would or not, violently ſeized on both my legs, and moved them homewards-- But would'ſt thou, Alexa, have withſtood the governor's golden offers, if- Alex. No “iffs” Marcoff: he does not deſerve the conſtancy of a wife, who would ſuſpect it without a cauſe: but in ſimple truth, I love thee dearly; and were I ſtill free to chuſe my huſband, would prefer my own poor peaſant to all the wealthy barons of the land ! HERO OF THE NORTH. 41 Enter RUBENSKI, FREDERICA, and ULRICA, from the Hut. 1 Rub. My friend! have the intruders paſſed ? Mar. General! we now may venture forth---your enemies have been baffled, and the road to the mine is free let us not delay; for each minute you con- tinue here is ſubject to diſcovery. Rub. Lead thou the way! I am prepared to follow—my heart pants to reach a bourn, however rude, where it may repeat “ here is ſafety.". Fred. How diftant lies the mine from hence ? Mar. Scarce a furlong-keep but a ſteady foot along the rocks, and we ſhall preſently be there Lean, lady, upon this arm, and fear not. . Alexa ! look to the houſe ; and, harkye-no Marks till' I return. [Exeunt. Alex. Farewel ! now heaven guard their way. ſhould any harm befal the ſweet lady, I ſhould ne- ver know happineſs again. Ulr. Do not fear-Marcoff has a ſtrong arm with a ſtout heart ; and I warrant he would fight a whole army in her cauſe- Gab. (without) What ho! dame Alexa! notable houſewife ! ho ! Alex. Who ſeeks for me? - Enter GABRIEL and SIGISMUND. Gab, An ugly old man, with a handſome young one-Where is thy huſband, dame? Alex. Gone to his labors at the mine. Gab. I had a boon to aſk of him, this pious Pilgrim has travelled far to offer vows at St. Catherine's Ihrine, F 44 HERO OF THE NORTH. (MARCOFF is ſeen conducting FREDERICA and RUBENSKI at the extremity of the Mine.) But ſoft !-approaching footſteps vibrate on the vaulted rock-What ho! who paſſes there? Mar. A comrade and a friend ! Guf. 'Tis Marcoff's voiceman honeſt ſoul, who oft' has ſoothed my griefs, unweeting of their ſource. Ha ! ſtrangers come with him !-a female too!-- I'll to ſome gloomy nook, and thence obſerve ! (retires) MARCOFF, &c. come forward. Mar. Now, lady, you may tread ſecurely-the ground is even here. Fred. Methought fome voice had hailed us as we entered, yet I can perceive no human form. Mar. 'Twas a melancholy comrade, lady-One who ever ſhuns the light of ſtrangers, and loves to mope in darkneſs. He has dwelt among us many months, yet we know of him no more than that he calls himſelf Ericfon, and has been unfortunate-My brother miners are at their labors deeper in the rock; I will now haſten to engage their protection for you; doubt not my ſucceſs, lady, for though but a forry orator, yet when I plead the cauſe of goodnefs in affliction, my heart will prompt my tongue with the eloquence of nature! [Exit. Fred. Thanks, good fellow--My father, your ſteps are weary, let me ſupport you- Rub. No, no, ny child, I will reſt me on this rocky feat. Leave me to my thoughts awhile; I would indulge in meditation. (ſeats himſelf on a projeétion of the rock) Fred. This ſcene is folemnly accordant with your purpoſe. How full of gloon and terror ſeem the vaulted paths that wind on either ſide; by the faint 16 HERO OF THE NORTH, Where'er thou art my ruin'd lover, Oh! may thy miſtreſs' image be, And ſo may'ſt thou a figh diſcover, For her who only fighs for thee! GUSTAVUS advances from behind. Guſt. Hold firm my heart ! I cannot be deceived; that well-known voice--it is-it muſt be ſhe ! Frederica ! : Fred. Ha ! who is't that calls my name? Guft. One who has breath'd it oft' in happier days, Fred. Ah, me! ſpeak on-thofe accents have fweet magic in them : yet that dreſs that rugged air. Guſt. Can change of habit then, blind the quick eye of love! Fred. Oh ! all ye ſainted hoft! it is himſelf--it is Guſtavus ! (falls in his arms) Rub. (ſtarts up) Guſtavus ! what of that ſacred name? where is the hero? Guſ. Here! in thy arms, my friend-feel him at thy heart-my preceptor! my ſecond father! (embraces him) Rub, Bleffed be the ways of heaven! An old man's prayer is heard--Sweden! my Country! the days of thy bondage are fulfilled ! Guſt. How! what ſays Rubenſki ? Rub. Yes, royal youth! the baſe oppreſſor trem- bles—thy faithful people are every where in arms; and let their loved Guſtavus 'once more lead them on, will cruſh their tyrant and redeem his crown ! Guſt. Godlike tidings ! I feel their animating im- port in my breaft-hopes ! energies ! and dreams of gieatneſs long ſuppreſſed, reſume their action, and HERO OF THE NORTH. my whole foul ſprings forth to meet the fray! My Frederica, thou yet ſhalt be a queen ! Fred. Let me but reign in the heart of my be. loved, I aſk no other empire ! (A bugle horn is founded from a remote part of the Mine, and is anſwered from the oppoſite caverns. Rub. Hift! what mean theſe ſounds ? Guft. My brethren of the mine ! 'tis the ſignal for their releaſe from labor-Ha! they haften hither-- I muſt join their ranks to avert ſuſpicion- (He ſuddenly breaks away, and darts down an obſcure paſage. The broad glare of numerous torches gradually illuminates the ſcene. Marcoff with a party of Miners advance from the dift. ance of the Cave. Some afcend from ſubter- ranean paths, and others defile down from the rocks above. They all meet in the centre of the ſtage, and ſurround the Strangers. Chorus of Miners. Strangers, ceafe thro' ſtorms to roam, Welcome to the miners' home; Tho' no courtly pomps be here, Yet our welcome is fincere I Air.-IWAN. Oh! lady bright! on whoſe foft cheek, In bloſſom hangs the roſe of youth, If here from foes you ſhelter ſeek, Here refuge find in low-born trath; While here you deign a dwelling take, No force can touch our mountain-hold, For with one look thoſe charms would make E'en traitors true, and cowards hold ! Chorus-Strangers ceaſe thro' ſtorms to roam, Welcome to the miners' home. 48 HERO OF THE NORTH: Rub. Hoſpitable men ! accept all that we have left to proffer you, our gratitude ! Mar. There needs no other return: 'tis enough that my comrades know you for the friends of Guru tavus, to regard you as their own. Guft , (with emotion) Ah! is then Guſtavus ſo per- fe& in your loves ? Mar. Ericſon! wherefore that queſtion ? haſt thou not often heard us own the loyal ſentiment? Guft. I have— I have-but ſay, was the fallen prince to emerge from his obſcurity, and once again contend for the liberties of Sweden, what would ye venture to ſupport his cauſe? Iwan. Every thing! we hold our lives, but as pledges for our country and our king, and in their great cauſe would gladly hazard all ! Guſt. Yet ponder on the odds : dare you, a ſlen- der band, encounter vaſt out-numbering hoſts? Bafilſtern. Let our ſovereign lead us on—we dare ! Guſt. Heroic ſpirits! would that Guſtavus could requite your love! Nydorff. Oh ! would rather that he could witneſs it! Guſt. He does he does-he witnefſes he feels it. Nydorff. How! where is he concealed ? Gust. In the 'midit of his ſubjects. Traitors, who ſeek his blood, paſs by him with unconſcious eye. Patriots, who invoke his name, hear his voice, yet liſten not to it's tone. I wan. You then know of his retreat ? Gust. To me alone the ſecret is confided.. Several voices. Guide us to the ſpot let us fall at the feet of our prince, and reverence him. Gust. He is poor-an outcaſt, and a mendicant- HERO OF THE NORTH. 49 Darkneſs is his palace ; and a few loyal hearts his only treaſures. Mar. Ericſon ! torture us no longer. Let our king appear before us, and we ſwear to follow him ! Guft. (with confidence and energy) Behold him then here, in Ericſon, your fellow Jaborer, your comrade of the mine! Ye free-born mountain- eers, for months have I, your ſovereign, been an inmate of your wild abode. Here, have I, ſhared your toils, and partaken of your ſorrows ! In the ſame running ſtream together have we dipped our daily morſels; and when fatigue forgot itſelf in reſt, the ſame rock hath ſpread its rugged canopy above our ſlumbers. Our pleaſures, our ſufferings, our actions and our feelings have been all in common! Here, on this ſpot, have ye pro- claimed attachment to your prince and country, here then, if the ſentiments you breathed were true- born offspring of the heart !-here, behold that Guſ. tavus, whoſe preſence ye have invoked, ready to avenge your wrongs, and eager to reſtore your li. berty and laws ! Miners (shouting) Long live our ſovereign! (they caſt themſelves with enthuſiaſm at his feet.) Mar. His faithful people are at his feet let him utter his commands. Guft. (agitated) Riſe! riſe ! my brethren and my friends! O! moment of ſurpafling triumph! Will ye then follow me ? Mar. To victory or death! Comrades, to our arms ! let the king be witneſs to our zeal ! Miners. (hout) Aye ! our arms! our arms ! (diſ- perſe tumultuouſly, ſeveral ways.) Guft . (after a pauſe of internal feeling! O! thou all-great and ever-righteous Providence ! record not in thy book for judgment, the ſinful murmurings G 50 HERO OF THE NORTH. of a wretch, who dared to revile thy diſpenſations, for that they were revealed through ways of cloud and ſhadow ! What ſeems the bitterneſs of all my paſt endurance, when oppoſed to the unutterable bliſs of this rewarding moment, Yes! heaven, I, now bleſs thee, for the loſs of throne and power, ſince even in the laſt adverſity, thou haft permitted me to reign ſtill proudlier than before, ſole monarch in the bofoms of my people ! (A martial ſymphony ſounds--the miners return, bearing their arms from various concealments in the rock ;-they range themſelves around Guſta- vus, with an air of devoted ardor.) FINALE. Miners, Lo! Prince ador'd, In arms of antient proof we ſand Avengers of our native land! But wave thy ſword - We ſwear with patriot ſcars to die, Or bind thy brow with victory! Iwan. By the ghoſts of our forefathers, famous in fight, By our wives and our children, yet freſh in our fight, By our hope of remiffion, when paſs'd to the tomb, By our dread of the fire-fiend in Hecla's red'womb, By our hot-galling wrongs, that in memory boil, And ſtill more by the wounds of our dear native ſoil, We proclaim in thy preſence, oh! royal born youth, A proud oath of allegiance, affection, and truth! Min. To heaven in patriot prayer we bow- We ſwear! we ſwear! atteſt the vow ! HERO OF THE NORTH. 52 Fred. Oh! catch the great tranſporting ſound, Ye rocky roofs and vaults profound ! Min. 'Tis ſworna'tis ſworn-an oath divine! Fred. Oh! conſcious genius of the mine, Lift-In thy ſparry ſhining cell, Whence founts of milky Gilver ſwell !* Min. Our willing vows of faith and love Fred. Are regiſter'd by faints above. Min. Our oath in freedom's cauſe to fall, Fred. Breathes to the ſky beyoad recall. Hark! as your fons of valour riſe, The echo of the place replies, And from an hundred vaulted ſeats, With many tongues the tale repeats, As tho' each grotto veild ſome vocal ſprite, Singing faint ditties for his love's delight! The echo wakes and fings again- She hears and hoards our loyal ſtrain, Min. Fred. From caves around, With low ſweet ſound, The airy voices countleſs riſe, And feep our mortal ears, in fpirits harmonies ! * Milky Silver-the Lac Lunæ, or Fluent Quickſilver. GRAND HERO OF THE NORTH. ACT III. SCENE I.--The Convent Chapel. The Altar blazes with a profufion of Tapers. A votive Table is placed beneath the Image of St. Catherine, at which two Prieſts ſtand to receive the offerings. A croud of Peaſantry are aſſembled round. SiGISMUND and other Pilgrims advance to make their ſeveral Oblations. Chorus of Pilgrims. BLEST Catherine, from thy ſhining ſeat above, Benignly view theſe gifts of earthly love, With heavenly eye, look down oir mortal woe, And light the pilgrim's path who ftrays below! Enter GABRIEL. me. Sig. (To Gab. aſide) Gabriel ! thou haft deceived The fatal hour is arrived, and all thy pro- miſes are broken ! Gab. Nay, my lord! let us not even yet deſpair ; accident has baffled my deſigns, but if the princeſs has fortitude to paſs the approaching trial, we ſtill may profper! (Difant Chaunt of Nuns is heard) 54 HERO OF THE NORTH. Sig. Hark !--the death-bell of my hopes !-the victim comes-Ah! can I love, and yet behold her facrificed ? Gab. Conceal your emotion, my lord, I beſeech you, be calm, be paſſive; your violence will ruin all! (The organ ſounds, doors at the end of the Chapel open, and a train of Nuns, Prieſts, and Cho- rifters enter, as to the ceremony of Gunilda's receiving the Veil. She appears magnificently drejled: fome of the Nuns ſtrew flowers before her.) Chorus of Nuns. Hence worldly feet! hence ſteps impure! No ſenſual print pollute this floor, Nor coiling thoughts nor paſſions vain, The whiteneſs of this hour prophane! The peace But holy dreams and hallow'd cares, of heart that virtue wears, Religious hope, with faith fincere, And melting charity be here! 0 A foul is on it's heavenly road- Prepare the bleſſing, bleft abode! From earth the parts; more pure to riſe, New-born a daughter of the ſkies ! SO L 0. Drop the chaplet, ſtrew the flower, O'er our virgin fifter's way, Round her blooming viſions pour, Airs of living incenſe play! Semi- HERO OF THE NORTH. 55 Semi-Chorus. ** Apt emblem of this fleeting flower, of worldly mortals' pride and power, It flaunts a little gaudy day, Then falls forgot in pale decay; Far other ſhews her tranquil life, Who timely ſhuns the tempting ſtrife, Her bliſs ſhall ſeem a flower, whoſe breath Can fill with ſweets the blaft of death, And borne to bowers beyond the tomb, For ever live, for ever bloom! [Santa Michelwina leads Gun. to the Altar. Chorus Rejoice! rejoice! be pureſt praiſes given ! A ſpotleſs bride doth wed herſelf to heaven: 0! cloſe the radiant gates that ſhut out fin, And lock the votareſs to her wiſhes in! Santa. Fair daughter, now receive from mine, as from a parent's hand of love, this ſacred veil ; by which the heavens adopt thee for their own! Gun. With reverence I view the hallowed pledge! yet ere I take it, madam, let me learn 'what duties are by heaven 'required of thoſe who dare aſſume this fymbol of its grace? Santa. Firm faith, much prayer, and life-long holineſs ; all wilder paſſions chaftened and ſubdued : the mind's divorce from thoughts that earthward tend, and ſole devotion where 'tis ſworn to ſerve Theſe are the duties heaven requires, no more. Gun. And theſe through choice or by conſtraint performed 56 HERO OF THE NORTH. Santa. Through choice, my daughter heaven abhors conſtraint. Gun. Right, madam—then preſerve this veil un- ſoiled—my heart rejects the duties you preſcribe, and will not wrong the altars with deceit. Santa. (confuſed) Hold ! daughter, though une- qual now to tread our loftier paths, 'tis virtue to at- tempt. Gun. No act begun with falſehood can conclude in virtue: neither are we free to do a certain evil for the chance of good. Power only locks my body in theſe walls; but my free foul far, far beyond them, roves with kindred friends and honorable love! I cannot therefore quit the world with truth, and will not therefore vow to be forfworn. Santa. Preſumptuous girl! beware and dread ! left force Gun. You dare not: no, you dare not offer it! heaven hangs a beaming ſhield o'er innocence, that ſcares oppreſſion from its heart to harm-nay, thy reſentful frowns affright not me! I am a Princeſs !--- born to rule o'er thee, vain woman!-to command ard not obey !--the blood of kings is current in theſe veins !-Champions of yore, who fought a loyal cauſe and died for liberty—their ſpirits now riſe proudly in my breaſt, and bid it ſpurn the lawleſs ty- ranny of upfart power-I here diſclaiın your forced authority, demand my freedom, and affert my rights! Santa. Hold! daughters, this inſtant bear her hence-make no reply, but bear her to her cell ! Gun. I go! and fearleſs of thy wrath-you may deſtroy my life: ſubdue my will you cannot ! [Exit with two Nuns. Santa. Good people, children, friends! ſtand not concerned a ſudden frenzy has diſturbed her mind; ſhe thinks not what ſhe uttersI'll pray our ſaint HERO OF THE NORTH. 57 to have her in good charge—now part ye hence!- nay, pauſe ye not-break off the rites ------away ! (The organ ſounds, the crowd diſperſe, and the Abbeſs and Nuns retire haſtily through the inner doors with marks of confuſion and diſorder. SCENE II.-A Cell in the Convent. Enter GUNILDA with PAULINA and PETROWNA. Paul. Here, lady, I leave you to reflect-In this cell you muſt remain a priſoner, 'till the abbeſs can decide what puniſhment befits your crime. Gun. Yet ſoft, one moment ere you part, only tell me Paul. I cannot anſwer any queſtions. 'Tis for- bidden for the righteous to converſe with finners. Ah! you have a dreadful puniſhment in ſtore, Gun. Yet leave me not, for charity, thus deſolate and devoted to deſtruction! Petrowna, thou art gen- tle: ſpeak to me but one little word of comfort, and I will bleſs thee for it! Petr. Alas! lady, I pity, but I dare not aid you. Farewel! you ſhall have my prayers. (The Nuns hang a lamp upon the ſcene, and exeunt. Gun. Alas! I foon may need them already the tranſient blaze of paſſion cools, and in this ſoli- tude my better ſpirits fail me! my eye caught the form of Sigiſmund amidſt the crowd ; but his looks expreſſed diſtraction rather than encouragement: ſhould his efforts to releaſe me be defeated, how bitter will be my doom! I dare not reflect upon a H 58 HERO OF THE NORTH. chance ſo full of terror. Ah! my boafted fortitude, my vaunted heroiſm, where are ye now? all vaniſhed, like poffeffing courtly friends, when moſt I need your aid! Air. GUNILDA. When freſh I wak'd to life's unfolding day, Delights young dimpled handmaids rock'd my bed, Hope kiſs'd my eye-lids in the ſun's firſt ray, And Fancy twin'd white bloſſoms o'er my head. A father's love, a mother's trembling care, Spread fairy viſions round my truſting youth, While royal lovers kneel'd to call me fair, And murmur oaths of unforſaking truth: No cares could cloud, no paſſions could deſtroy, The ſhining ſoftneſs of thoſe halcyon-hours- Where'er I look’d, where'er I turn'd, was joy, A heaven of ſunſhine, and an earth of flowers. But now the fiend ſhrieks loud, who rules the form, And ftrides in thunder o'er the frighted fphere, Hope, as the liftens, veils her flying form, And Fancy lingers—but to drink a tear! Yon lamp burns dimly; let me recruit its waſting fires. Ha! a footſtep ſounds along the gallery ; it pauſes at the door : my inexorable judges come! HERO OF THE NORTH 59 GABRIEL enters cautiouſly. Ah! a man! Gab. (advancing) A friendly one! Gun. Gabriel ! Gab. Huſh, a breath may ruin us. The fifterhood are ſtill at their devotions. Your lover waits without the walls, and ſoon will be the fingle moment fitted for your flight. Gun. But how? Which way? Gab. The galleries will preſently be clear ; we may then reach the garden unperceived, and thence leads a private gate, of which I only keep the key; through that you muſt eſcape: all other ways are guarded. Gun. Will it not then be known that thou haſt aided in my flight? Gab. Dear lady, heed not that; I am full of years, and cannot end them better, than in fervice to my benefactreſs. Gun. No, Gabriel, no! rather ſhall Sigiſmund make deſpair his bride, and Gunilda for ever lan- guiſh in theſe vaults of woe, than build a ſelfiſh hap: pineſs upon the ruin of an aged man whoſe gratitude was all bis crime! Gab. Yet hear me, lady: you know not how ſweet it is to repay a kindneſs. You have laid on me a load of obligation; encreaſe it by ſuffering me to think I have endeavoured to diſcharge a part of it. Gun. Ceaſe, ceaſe, I pray thee! Gab. Then ſince you will not leave me to be 60 HERO OF THE NORTH. ſcratched by the Nuns, you muſt e’en take me along with you, and be troubled with an old man's prattle for the remainder of his life ---Nay, I will not be trice denied; on my knee, lady, I urge my ſuit- Gun. Riſe, thou ſoul of worth !-thou knoweſt not what thou prayeſt-Mine will be a baniſhed lot, and can I ſuffer that white head, where ſixty winters have reverently ſtrewn their froſts, to wait unſhelter- ed on a wanderer's fortune, and brave the tempeſts of a foreign ſky? Gab. He who preſerves the ancient alh upon the rock, will guard the forehead that grey hairs have hallowed !—change of climate makes not change of nature; and while I wear a virtuous conſcience in my breaſt, this wide univerſe will be my country, and every honeſt heart a friend ! lead on then, lady! 'till death I'll follow you, and when the laſt ſand drops from my glaſs, the ſweet thought of your feli- city will change the grain, as it paffes, into gold ! Gun. Come, then, thou matchleſs truth, and weal or woe betide, thy deſtiny be ours !-Uncertain is the pillow fate may ſpread; but if there be ſpirits who make fidelity their care, the down of bleſſed wings muſt ſoften thine ! Gab. Thanks, ſweet lady, thanks !-this lamp will guide us through the dark paſſages (takes down the lamp) Now then, to ſeek our fortunes-Hope and courage be the comrades of our way! [Exeunt. SCENE . HERO OF THE NORTH. 61 SCENE III.- A Chamber in the Caſtle. Enter CARLOWITZ reading diſpatches, and UFO. Car. Ufo! draw near, my friend--I would be pri. vate : the times are fitful, and demand our ſtricteſt vigilance. Theſe diſpatches from the court, are filled with fearful tidings—the daring faction of Guſtavus again has reared its head, becoine it ſeems more hardy from its former quell-- All our ſouthern provinces have hoiſted the pretender's banner, and bold unmaſked rebellion flaunts it even in the ſtreets of Stockholm!-ſay, think'ſt thou the dangerous fpi- rit hath infected theſe remote regions ? Ufo. No, gracious lord; all within your happy government is calm ſubmiſſion and unfeigned con- tent :-the natives of this rocky ſoil are a ſimple race unknown to the intrigues of faction, and only cla- morous at hunger's pinch. Car. Thus far my thoughts meet thine ; ſtill, my friend, let caution ſway our conduct, glide thee, my good Ufo, into the peaſant's confidence, and ſteal me the cloſe ſecret of his heart. Guard. (without) You cannot paſs ! Alex. (without) Nay, pr’ythee, give me way. Car. Ha! by all iny hopes of love, 'tis Marcoff's wife-the pretty black-eyed dame, whom 1 Enter ALEXA. Alex. Ah! mighty fir, forgive my boldneſs, and thus upon my knee let me beſeech you to befriend me. Car. Rife, charming Alexa - Ufo, withdraw, awhile. [Exit Ufo. 62 HERO OF THE NORTH. Car. Now, no ears can liſten, fave thoſe of love Let me hear thy grievance. Alex. Ah! my lord, 'tis partly on your account I ſuffer. Car. On mine! ſpeak how ? Alex. I almoft bluſh to tell; but Marcoff, my churliſh huſband, chanced to ſee the kiſs your lord . fhip gave me this morning, and growing jealous on't, has threatened to drive me from his houſe. Car Infolent clown ! his wretched cabin ſhall no longer hide ſuch charms ; no, ſweet girl, here ſhall you remain, equal miſtreſs of this caſtle and it's Owner. Alex. Ah! no, my lord, though but a poor wo- man, I would fain be thought an honeſt one. Car. Cruel girl! can you then feel no compaſſion for the man who loves you? Alex. Loveah! your lordſhip does but banter me. Car. Nomby that ſweet lip of roſe and dew, I ſwear that I am ſerious, return to me this evening, after duſk, and I will convince you that my paffion is fincere. Alex. Holy ſaints! ſhould I be feen to enter the caſtle at ſo late an hour, my character would be loſt for ever! Car. No eye ſhall ſee you-come to the lower poftern, it leads by a private paſſage to my chamber : I will open the gate myſelf. Alex. But then the ſentries ! Car. I will place them at a diſtance--all your wiſhes ſhall be laws: only ſay that you will come. Alex. Oh, lud! I don't know what to ſay-pray let me go Car. Not till you have promiſed. Alex, Well, well—I do. Car. That you will come? HERO OF THE NORTH. 63 Alex. Yes, yes. Car. You will not deceive me? Alex. No, no. Car. At duſk then, I ſhall expect you when the bell ſtrikes fix-remember : you promiſe. Alex. Any thing-every thing-only let me eſcape now! (ahde) I have ſpread the net, and the bird is ſnared. Air. ALEXA. Nay, nay, my lord, nay, Unhand me I pray, I ne'er was ſo treated before How can you delight Thus a woman to fright? Begone, or I'll ſee you no more! Well, well, then, I'll wait By duſk, at the gate, But ſpare me, for picy's fake, now My promiſe believe, I will not deceive To faithfully meet you, I vow! [Exit Alexa. Car. Enchanting, capricious lovelineſs! a pretty woman who refifts my arts, is to me a prouder con- queſt than a citadel that defies my arms--Love is the warrior's only true repoſe, and when he lifts the laurel from his brow, he weaves the myrtle in a lighter garland, 64 HERO OF THE NORTH. Enter BRENNOMAR. Bren. My lord, the guard upon the heath have ſeized fome fugitives (the one a female) whoſe dreſs and air excite fufpicion. They offered gold to favor their eſcape; and from their earneſtnes to Thun in- quiry, might ſeem the very traitors whom this morn- ing we purſued in vain. Car. Bring them hither ! the perſons of Rubenſki and his daughter are well known to me. Enter GUNILDA, SIGISMUND, GABRIEL, and Guards. Car. Ha! powers of wonder! whom do I behold? Gun. One of a race thou hateſt!-yes, Carlowitz! no common captive coines to ſwell thy pride ;-a Princeſs waits to thank thee for her doom ! Car. Amazement! thou here too—Sigiſmund of Calmar; a publiſhed outlaw; whoſe very ſtep in Sweden is proſcribed with death! Sig. I know my peril, and expe& it's end—but for this gentle partner of my fault-Oh! if thy heart had nature for its mould; I charge thee, lord, to ſpare the wretchedneſs of helpleſs woman. Car. Count Sigiſmund, I am myſelf a worſhipper of beauty, and would not ſully my fair chivalry - by offering a wrong to woman. What flave is he that ſhakes with froſt and fright behind ? Bren. We ſeized him with the others, and by his own confeſſion he is gardener to the neighbouring abbey. Carl . Ah! the lady's flight is then explained the diſcovered traitor-bear him to a dungeon ! HERO OF THE NORTH. 65 Gab. Ah! mighty lord! I am a poor inſignificant old man, very ſubject to the ague—and the bare thought of a dungeon will bring on my diſorder. Carl. Away with him! Gab, Oh! St. Catherine! that ever ſo pitileſs a blight ſhould ſtrike ſuch beautiful bloſſoms! [Exit guarded. Carl. Ill-fated lovers! the office which duty im- poſes upon me, is harſh, yet it muſt be performed. "Till I receive the ſentence of the court, this fortreſs muſt be your priſon. Brennomar! to your charge I commit the fugitives : guard well their perſons, yet treat them nobly, as their rank demands. [Exit. Gun. Oh! Sigiſmund! a kindleſs fate is ours—the flattering waves to which we gave our little all of happineſs in ſtore, turn falſe—they drive our wretched barks on different rocks, and now they part for ever! 1 Duetto. SIGISMUND and GUNILDA. Ye ruthleſs powers! who joy to rend The buds that hope had twin'd, At once our lives, our ſorrows end, And in our deaths prove kind ! To weary eyes that long foe reft, Death healing ſlumber ſheds, Poor graves with graſs and wild flowers dreſt, Deſpair calls pleaſing beds. In whiter worlds, in ſtormleſs fpheres, Our ſouls unblam'd ſhall pair, And love that ſinks to ſleep in tears, Shall wake in ſunſhine there! [Exeunt, ſeparately guarded. I 66 HERO OF THE NORTH. SCENE IV.-Marcoff's Hut. Enter FREDERICA and ULRICA. Fred. Wherefore do Guſtavus and my father linger thus ? Ah! how do I tremble in their abſence ! Ulr. Lady! you look fad-I would that I could cheer you-but indeed every one muſt look fad now. Fred. Wherefore ſo my good girl ? Ulr. Becauſe it is winter-there are no green woods for the birds to ſing in, and all the ſweet flowers are covered with the ſnow: but if you were to come among us in ſummer, lady, and ſee the young men and women of the village dancing under the tall pine-trees, by moon-light-we ſhould all be fo merry then-Aye! and we would make you merry too! Air. ULRICA. On ſummer's eve, our lawns among The village-minſtrel wakes his ſong, And by the harp's romantic found Invites the youths and maidens round; Beneath the moon-light pines we meet, On willing, wild, impatient feet, And as he ſmites the ſtring, advance In timely pairs to weave the dance, Then to and fro? We lightly go Hither-thither, Careleſs whither : Along HERO OF THE NORTH. 67 Along the mirthful maze we rove, Still taught by nature, led by love! On greenſwerd ſeats recline the old, And pleas'd, their children's bliſs behold, While oft they chaunt in ruſtic rhymes, Remember'd ſports of other times; The fires in fons their youth reſume, Grey matrons in their daughters bloom And every ſmile that paſtime gives From youth to age reflected lives ! As to and fro-we lightly go- Hither--thither-careleſs whither : Along the mirthful maze we rove, Still taught by nature, led by love! Enter GUSTAVUS (as a Warrior) and MARCOFF. Guſt. (as he enters) My friends remain without:- Frederica ! Fred. Ah! my prince, your preſence ſaves me from a thouſand fears.-Comes not my father with you ? Guſt. At the head of a thouſand patriot warriors, he guards the mountain paſs: his gallant ſpirit would not be diſuaded from the poſt. Frederica ! the criſis of my fate is now at hand. This night will I fix the wavering ſcale for ever, and through yon caſtle's flinty ramparts, cut my bold paſſage to a throne or tomb! Fred. What! the fortreſs of Carlowitz ? whoſe rugged towers outſkirt the clouds upon yon moun. tain's brow? Alas! its ſtrength appears exceſſive- your ſlender forces never will prevail ! Mar. True, lady-but as ſtratagem is honorable both in love and in war, we ſhall employ it in its HERO OF THE NORTH. 71 Mar. Soft!--to our covert-footſteps ftir upon the battlements above ! [Miners retire. VILITZKI enters upon the rampart. Sentry. Stand! who ſtirs upon the rampart-ſtand, I ſay, and give the word ! Vil. - Serve the Fair !" Sen. Paſs! Vil. Sentry! retire from your poſt-'tis the gover- nor's command no watch ſhould remain upon this rampart-follow me, and deſcend into the court beneath. Sen. 'Tis a glad releaſe. My limbs are weary, and I ache with cold. [Exeunt. The Bell ſtrikes Six. Enter AlexA. Alex. The ſentry is removed. No light ſhines from the turrets above. Now then to give the ſignal-aye! this is the poſtern: Air. ALEXA, A poor dame ſang at a rich lord's gate, And of her true-love told, Lodolin, lo lodolin ! But the rich lord let the poor dame wait, To ſhiver in the cold Then ſung lhe, lodolin, lo lodolin, Oh! rich lord, take a poor dame in! The 72 HERO OF THE NORTH. The winds of night, as they whilled loud, Rebuk'd her lowly ſtrain, Lodolin, lo lodolin ! The rich lord's heart grew perverſe and proud The poor dame's ſong was vain, Still fang fhe, lodolin, lo lodolin, Oh! rich lord, take a poor dame in ! A ſmall concealed door is opened in the wall, and Carlowitz appears. Carl. Charming girl ! a thouſand thanks for this fidelity—come, give me thy hand- Alex. Heigho! my heart miſgives me. You muſt excuſe me-- I wiſh your lordſhip a good night. [retreats from the gate to the oppoſite fide. Carl. Childiſh terrors ! Come back ! Alex. No-nomit would be very wicked. Indeed, my lord I cannot come- Carl. Then I muſt fetch thee [leaves the gate, and croſſes after ber] Now, my pretty trembler, I have thee ſafe ! Alexa affects to refift, and draws Carlowitz yet fur- ther from the gate; during which action the Miners emerge from their ambuſh, and enter the caſtle unobſerved. Marcoff remains to guard the gate. Carl. Nay, nay, 'tis idle thus to coy it with the man who loves you. Alex. Ah! but only reflect-ſhould my huſband detect us- Carl. No matter-he is but a peaſant, I a noble- man: the diſpute would ſoon be ſettled. Alex. But then conſider my reputation Carl. Rely on my honor to preſerve it. Alex. Should I be ſeen by any of the garriſon- HERO OF THE NORTH. 73 Carl. Impoſſible—all my vaſſals are ordered to a diſtance. Alex. What-- all-are you certain ? Carl. Yes-all-all-there is not a ſoldier left within hearing—thus, then let me preſs the to be kind. A ſhout and alarm is heard from the caſtle. Carl. Hark! what noiſe was that ? (the alarm-bell rings)—Ha ! the fortreſs is in danger; this inſtant I muſt fly Mar. (who ſtands with his ſword drawn before the gate) Any way but this, moſt amorous lord. You paſs not here. Carl. Ha! Marcoff! Wretch! Dar'ſt thou lift thy ſword againſt me?- (To Alexa) Deceitful for- cereſs ! 'tis thou that haft betrayed me. - Vile ſlave, this moment give me way, or by my ſoul, I'll ſtrike thee to my feet! (draws) Mar, (blows a horn) Nay, then to the trial! (they fight. Rubenſki, with armed peaſants, ruſ down from the defile, and diſarm the governer.) Rub. Secure him well. Away with him (Jhouts from within) Hark! the glorious work already is begun. Haften, my gallant ſpirits. Never pauſe. Remember, 'tis Rubenſki, 'tis your old ſoldier, leads [Exeunt into the Caſtle. you on! K SCENE VI. 74 HERO OF THE NORTH SCENE VI. A Gallery in the Caſtle, hang with arms, The alarm bell continues tolling. Enter GUNILDA. Gun. Protect me, powers of good! a fearful uproar ſcares away the peace of night; the loud alarm-bell thunders through theſe echoing halls, and trembling half-armed wretches ruſh along the galleries, in wild diſorder borne, unknowing whither. (Alarm without) Hark! the tumult ſwells, I hear the claſh of fwords, the din of bucklers, and the fierce ſhouts of men in combat. Now they advance—they preſs Whither ſhall í turn for refuge ? Strengthen my ſteps, Oh Heaven! this way. Enter BRENNOMAR, with ſeveral unarmed followers. Bren. Haften! Haften! ſnatch down the arms that hang upon theſe columns: be ſudden, and provide yourſelves; nay dally not for choice. Arm arm! diſpatch! Gun. What means this dread confuſion ? ſpeak! Bren. Peace, lady, peace ! we have not time to waſte in words !--Curſes light upon you, tardy ſaves ! wherefore do ye loiter thus ? Arm, arm ! I ſay, be ſwift as thought ! Enter Ufo. Ufo. The fortreſs is affailed-an unknown enemy have paſſed the rampart. Where is the Governor? HERO OF THE NORTH. Bren. We have fought for him in vain. Confu- fion reigns fo abſolute, that friends are ſcarcely known from foes. (Alarms.) Hark! from every fide freſh enemies ruſh in. Ruin and death ſurround us! Enter VILITZKI. Vil. Forward, Ufo! and bring us inftant ſuccour, Our troops give way. The peaſant crew advance; and in their gleaming van, Guſtavus fights. Gun. Ah! Guftavus ! Ufo. Perdition ſeize the name. Confound him, hell ! Gun. Blaſphemer, peace! Bleſs and preſerve him, Heaven. (kneels with involuntary fervor) Stretch your bright wings, ye hoft of angels, round his form, and break each murderous blade, before it ſtrikes. Whene'er he moves, may hoftile ranks deſpair, and vietory crown him with her choiceft" wreath. ( Alarms.) Hark! he comes ! cloathed in avenging arms the hero comes ! Down, rebels, down at your injured monarch's feet, and pray for pardon ! ! Ufo, Indeed! firſt ſhall this rapier pierce the ftripling's heart ! Gun. (seizes his arm) Traitor, forbear! drop thy fell arm, nor let it ftir againſt the ſanctity of thine anointed king, the firm-ſet earth will ſhrink beneath thy ſtep, and Heaven's own lightning blaſt the ſlave, who wrongs his ſovereign, and defies his God. Ufo. Away! Brennomar, ſecure this frantic girl : haften to the eaſtern battleinents, make fait the bridge, and then we yet may ſhew a ſtout defence. I'll to collect our ſcattered troops and face the foe. [Exit. HERO OF THE NORTH. 17 Guſt. Sigiſmund! my friend-my brother—what miracle of providence rejoins us at this hour? Sig. A bleſſed ſtar o'er-ruled your ſteps—but ſpeak, is Gunilda reſcued ? Guſt . Gunilda! What mean'ſt thou, Sigiſmund? Sig. Ah! knows not my prince, his ſiſter pines a captive in theſe walls ? Guſt. This hand ſhall break her bonds-Where in the fortreſs is the lodged ? Sig. The eaſtern tower Guft. Ah ! thither, e'en now the battle bends-- Away!--a ſiſter's wrongs array my ſword in fire, and nature breathes new impulſe to revenge! Exeunt. SCENE VII.-The Interior of the Fortreſs. The re- mainder of the Garriſon are poſted on a detatched Battle- ment, and have drawn up the Bridge that communicates with the oppoſite Terrace. Enter RUBENSKI, and ſeveral Followers in front. Rub. Forward, my hearts of war! complete your glorious work, and ſtrike down thoſe who ſtill refift. Enter GUSTAVUS and SIGISMUND. Guft, Speak, Rubenſki, how fares the day? Rub. My liege, Carlowitz is priſoner, and all is won; fave yon eaſtern battlement, where ſtill a wretched remnant of the foe make ſhew of languid fight, 78 HERO OF THE NORTH. Sig: There is Gunilda held!, Guſ. Her liberators come —-yet may peaceful means prevail-Marcoff, lead the captive chief be- fore us. (to the Combatants) Warriors on either ſide, a moment hold your eager points. (they pauſe) Ye of the adverſe part, give ear unto my words, and mark their import well :-Bravely have ye waged the for- tune of the fight; and while courage was a virtue, ye among the virtuous proudlieſt peered; but the o'er-ruling providence and righteous ſtrength of free- born men, have maftered your beſt arms, and preſſed ye down to the extreme of fate. Yield, then, in good time, and ſpare a wanton ſpill of brave men's blood ! Do this, and by a prince's word, I pledge to you, protection for your lives, and honorable eſcort to your neareſt camp; ſay, what anſwer make ye? Bren. (from above) Defiance and revenge ! back, braggart, back !-Thy words and thou are food for ſcorn alike. Guſt. Then on your own heads fall the peril of this hour-ſcale the ramparts! (to his party) Bren. Stay thee, chief! firſt raiſe thine eye, and mark the ſtrength of thine enemy. (GUNILDA is drawn towards the rampart's edge, and the ſwords of the Soldiers are ſuſpended over her, GUSTAVUS fees and recoils with horror) Now if thou wilt ruſh on, Gunilda's breaſt muſt meet thy ſword, and a fifter's blood muſt guſh when- e'er it ſtrikes ! Guſt. Horror of thought! Sig, Heartleſs inhuman flaves! 80 HERO OF THE NORTH. ſeek a ſhameful ſhelter, by oppreſſing thoſe whom nature bids us reverence and prote&. Set the lady free! Gust. Now, by my ſoul, a gallant foe, and worthy to contend the prize! Rubenſki, return his ſword, and or his arm, waged in ſingle ſtrife 'gainſt mine, abide the fortune of the day. Carl. What means Guftavus ? Guſt. Simply that courtely the brave ſhould ren- der to the brave - Chance has given me an advan- tage over thee; but I reſign it, fince thy valor ſpeaks thee meriting a nobler fate-be therefore free again, and meet thine adverſary with an equal front: now lift thy ſword and ſtrike! Carl. (after a pauſe of emotion) No! my arm is chained, and all its finews fail! (drops his sword) Guſtavus! truly may'ſt thou claim to govern others, ſince thou canſt command the paſſions of thy heart; I would have braved thy power, defied thy menaces, and trampled on thy chains, but againſt thy gene- rofity!- I cannot -no - I dare not combạt: Thy virtues, not thy claim have conquered, and I acknow- ledge thee my king! [He flings himſelf at the feet of GustavUS. Guſt. (rifing him) Riſe, and next my heart be folded as its counſellor and friend! Glory is our common deity, and ſhould bind in holieſt brother- hood all her ſons ! Carl. In loyal ſervice will I wipe my rebel ſtains away; my life and ineans ſtand plighted to your cauſe --vaffals! drop your ill-pointed ſwords, and let your joyous voices blend with mine, to hail Guſtavus King of Sweden! HERO OF THE NORTH. (A long Flouriſh of Inſtruments is founded, and the appearance of general homage is offered to Guſtavus. 1.The Bridge is lowered between the Baitlements, and the two parties unite with friendly geſt ures. Sigiſmund leads Gunilda fore, ward, who is embraced by Guſtavus) Guft. As doth a parent welcome his long abſent children, ſo do I greet you all, and fold you in my boſom's love! there lock you like dear wanderers in, and bid you fondly never ſtray again; but lo! my Frederica comes to claim her portion of my heart, elſe had I parted with the whole among ye ! Enter FREDERICA, ALEXA, ULRICA, and Female Peaſants, with green Chaplets in their hands. Fred. Hail to the conqueror ! Guft. From thy bleſt lips, my love, kind fortune meets with her ſweeteſt tone-Gunilda, pronounce a fifter's greeting to our queen. Gun. Ah! when the heart abounds, too oft' the tongue proves niggard--this fond embrace beſt ſeals our friendlhip. Guft. Thy hand, my fair ; thus let me ſeal upon it, at once my own and Sweden's brappineſs - Oh! bleft, thrice bleft the land, whoſe queen is proved her huſband's and his people's friend. By no vain lures of pomp or power leduced, with matron grace braids the white lily of domeſtic peace around the gorgeous crown, and bids the cottaged pair learn ſim. ple virtues poliſhed from the throne ! L HERO OF THE NORTH. Rub. Let a fond fire and ſubject pour his ſtored bleſſing on your perfect loves. (bends over them) Guſt. Rubenſki, thine aged eyes are filled with rain and funnineſs together: nay, Mime thee not to let the ſhower fall: the honeſt tears of nature may haply ſoften, but will not ſtain the warrior's cheek! Car- lowitz, henceforth may friendſhip frame our only ri- valry. Sigiſmund, live bleft with thy Gunilda, and in her requiting love, taſte a ſweet medicine for forrows paſt! Marcoff, Alexa, all who have cheered my darkened hours, muſt ſhare the ſunſhine of my brighter days! Now on to Stockholm bend our march! already the tyrant trembles in his laſt retreat, and hears the thunder on it's diſtant path, which ſoon ſhall burſt with retribution on his head! O'er the rough mountains, as we wind our way, let every Swede chaunt the wild dittied ſpells ot bardiſh lore, that rovſed his free-born fire of old, ſtrike !-and be the inſpiring ſound, from hill to vale, from hol- low glen to ſteepy rock conveyed, till echo mingles in the patriot ſong, and Nature ſhouts the praiſe of Liberty! Finale. O! Liberty ! High praiſe to thee! Our fathers bleſs'd thy name divine, And ſteep'd in blood, Unſhrinking ſtood, The prieits and champions of thy ſhrine! Thy cheriſh'd fame Yet burns the ſame, As when of yore it warm’d our fires- Our hearts now beat With all its heat, Its generous glow, its faithful fires ! 2 83 HERO OF THE NORTH Meni . On the high mountain's ragged brow, Is thy native feat ſublime There, on the firſt day wert thou laid, Cradled at the birth of time : There the four winds their homage paid, And to thee, as their queen, did bow ! Women. 1 Ah! bleft be he, whoſe high diſdain, Of tyrant.thralls, and boaſtful power, Shall beit thy inborn rights maintain, And loftieft build thy wild-wood bow'r : A precious meed ſhall crown his care, His country's love, his country's prayer ! Cborus: To Liberty and to Guftavus fing! The patriot's goddeſs, and the patriot's king : Thro' liftning ages may their praiſes paſs, 'Till voice ſhall ceaſe, and Time let fall the glaſs! E PILOGUE BY WALSH PORTER, Esq.* To have been Spoken by Mrs. YOUNG, WELL-here I am again; come back once more To ſay, I doubt all my vocation's o'er; No Nun's fleſh could I find about me; humming All day my prayers, with fafting, organ ftrumming, } So, if a life reclufe, I muſ purſue, My wows I'll take, bere ever to be true, But this ſhall be my convent, my Superiors you. For tho' I, Proteus like, oft' figure here, And every night in ſome new ſhape appear, Still (while I mingle in the motley crew) My heart can never change, that's fixed by you:- And yet in varying I bat ape my betters; Ladies have flights, as well as men of letters. See there, yon Sylph, that trips along ſo airy, Would you not ſwear the were indeed ſome Fairy ? In the firſt circles ſure ſhe moves. -you're right, In Drury's upper circle every night. Now clad in gauzes lighter than the air, Prefto-a walking furſhop, or a Ruffian bear- Now, dock'd behind-in front each curl is found, (Like Lingo's wig, when Cowflip twirls it round) * Theſe elegant Lines arrived at fo late a period, that the charming Adreſs for whom they were deſigned, could not undertake their delivery. What effe& they would have produced, muft be too obvious to require a Comment, ( 86 ) In times gone by, the band-maid might 'been know17, By ſmoothe-comb'd hair, white apron and dark gown: But now, in equalizing ton array'd, You ſcarce diſcern the miſtreſs from the maid; Except the miſtreſs (as if meant in joke) Now ſports black ftockings and the ſcarlet cloak: Diftinétion's baniſh'd, it muſt be confeſs'd, When ladies to dreſs'd routs, will go undreſs'd, And if they thus fern winter's blafs defy, How will they dreſs, I wonder, next July !!! Now mark yon beau, who ſeems ſo much to prize Himſelf upon his ſmall cloathes, of the largeſt fize:- Huſ!-'tis, no doubt, ſome great mau in DISGUISE! (afide). Wrapt in great coat (as if from duns t'eſcape) Obſerve his pucker'd ſhoulders, quilted cape, With hair like trees upon a ſtormy day, Sway'd by a wind that only blows one way; And yet, to prove all fears an idle tale, That Britain's plenteous flores ſhou'd ever fail, See Folly fows her grain ſo thick at top, That heads (tho' barren) will produce a crop. 66 Hoot,” cries the Scot, “ this Hero of the North, * Is Duncan ſurely that they're brenging forth." No wonder he ſhould think ſo, who can claim A fairer title to that envied name? But we have Heros, it muſt be confeſs’d, From South as well as Norib, from Eaſt and Weſt Long, Tong, I truſt, to graſp th' immortal prize, For he, who lives a Hero, dies! Ye ſons of Britain, then, ah! ſeek no more, (By pleafure lured) falſe Gallia's quick-fand ſhore : Beware the toils, her glittering pageant's weave, The generous war-worn Briton to deceive. Think how your fathers fought in England's cauſe, Be then their Sons, ſupport your rights, your laws, never ( 87 ) And till her mad ambition, checks it's courſe, Stand on your guard, t'encounter force with force. The time's not come for idle pomp and ſhew, Firſt emulate the Hero, then the beau. When joining in the giddy maze, all feuds ſhall ceaſe, And, tho' by war, half ruin'd, feel the ſweets of Peace! Good wine, they ſay, no bufo requires, So deeds heroic every Hero fires ; At leaſt, we truſt it fo will prove to night, Towards him (ſo young) whoſe dar'd ſo bold a flight: Who, had he feared your generous ſmiles to win, Had paid the famed Aldini to have made you grin ; (For by his art, or magic incantation, He makes men laugh, tho''gainft their inclination) But all Galvanic ſpells he here diſclaims, ('Tis at your HEARTS, and not your beads he aims) Should he move them, to gentle palpitation, His charm's compleat, in your fair approbation ! Juſt Publiſhed, Price is 6d, THE SECOND EDITION OF THE SEA-SIDE STORY, An Operatic Drama, BY MR. DIMOND, JUN. AS PERFORMED AT THE Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. BOOKS,