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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film^s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 6tre reproduit en un seul clich6. il est film6 A partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 mmmmmm ^ -... If ffif m If m COMIC TRAGEDIES <( I ^ i COMIC TRAGEDIES WRITTEN BY 'JO' AND 'MEG AND ACTED BY THE 'LITTLE WOMEN TORONTO THE MUSSON BOOK COMPANY, LIMITED PS)0I7 I. f CONTENTS. A Foreword, bv Meg . . . , , '**" >fORNA i OR, The Witch's Corse ,- The Captive of Castile; or. The Moorish Maiden's Vow. . 97 The Greek Slave. , Ion 211 Bianca: AN Operatic Tragedy ^^ The Unloved Wife, or, Woman's Faith . \ 279 ^l^4-5 A FOREWORD BY MEG. >» In the good old times, when " Little Women worked and played together, the big garret was the scene of many dramatic revels. After a long day of teaching, sewing, and "helping mother," the greatest delight of the girls was to transform themselves into queens, knights, and cavaliers of high degree, and ascend into a world of fancy and romance. Cinderella's god- mother waved her wand, and the dismal room became a fairy-land. Flowers bloomed, forests arose, music sounded, and lovers exchanged their vows by moonlight. Nothing was too ambitious to attempt ; armor, gondolas, harps, towers, and palaces grew as if by magic, and wonderful scenes of valor and devotion were enacted before admiring audiences. Jo, of course, played the villains, ghosts, bandits, and disdainful queens ; for her tragedy- loving soul delighted in the lurid parts, and no drama was perfect in her eyes without a touch of the demonic or supernatural. Meg loved tlie sentimental rQles, the tender maiden with the > A FOREWORD BY MEG. airy robes and flowing locks, who made impos- sible sacrifices for ideal lovers, or the cavalier, singing soft serenades and performing lofty acts of gallantry and prowess. A^uy was the fairy sprite, while Beth enacted the page or messen- ger when the scene required their aid. But the most surprising part of the perform- ance was the length of the cast and the size of the company; for Jo and Meg u«ii";Uy acted the whole play, each often assuming five or six characters, and with rapid change of dress be- coming, in one scene , a witch, a soldier, a beau- teous lady, and a haughty noble. This peculiar arrangement accounts for many queer devices, and the somewhat singular fact that each scene offers but two actors, who vanish and reappear at most inopportune moments, and in a great variety of costume. Long speeches were intro- duced to allow a ruffian to become a priest, or a lovely damsel to disguise herself in the garb of a sorceress ; while great skill was required to preserve the illusion, c d astonish the audience by these wonderful transformations. The young amateur of to-day, who can easily call to her aid all the arts of the costumer and scene-maker, will find it hard to understand the difficulties of this little company; for not 1 A FOREWORD BY MEG. 9 only did they compose their plays, but they were also their own carpenters, scene-painters, property-men, dress-makers, and managers. In place of a well-appointed stage, with tlie bril- liant lights and inspiring accessories of a mimic theatre, the "Little Women" had a gloomy garret or empty barn, and were obliged to exercise all their ingenuity to present the scenes of their ambitious dramas. But it is surpr---ng what fine effects can be produced with old ^ icets, bright draperies, and a judicious arrai -em'>nt of lights, garlands, and picturesque properties; and Jo's dramatic taste made her an adui-able stage-manager. Meg was especially handy Trith saw and hammer, and acted as stage-carpenter, — building balconies, thrones, boats, and towers after peculiar de- signs of her own. Bureaus, tables, and chairs, piled aloft and arched with dark shawls, made dungeon walls and witch's cave, or formed a background for haunted forest and lonely glen Screens of white cloth furnished canvas on which little Amy's skilful hand depicted -alace halls, or romantic scene for lovers' tryst ; and Beth's deft fingers were most apt in con- structing properties for stage adornment, and transforming the frailest material into dazzling 10 A FOREWORD BY MEG. raiment. For the costumes were a serious con- sidci'ation. No money could be spared from the slender purse to supply the wardrobes of these aspiring actors, and many were the devices to clothe the little company. Thus a robe in one scene became a cloak in the next, and the drapery of a couch in the third ; while a bit of lace served as mantle, veil, or turban, as best suited the turn of the play. Hats covered with old velvet, and adorned with feathers plucked from the duster, made most effective headgear for gay cavalier or tragic villain. From colored cotton were manufac- tured fine Greek tunics and flowing trains ; and remarkable court costumes were evolved from an old sofa-covering, which had seen better days, and boasted a little gold thread and embroidery. Stars of tin, sewed upon dark cambric, made a suit of shining armor. Sandals were cut from old boots. Strips of wood and silver paper were fashioned into daggers, swords, and spears, while from cardboard were created helmets, harps, guitars, and antique lamps, that were considered masterpieces of stage art. Everything available was pressed into service ; colored paper, odds and ends of ribbon, even tin cans and their bright wrappings were treas* A FOREWORD BY MEG, 11 ures to the youug actors, and all reappeared as splendid properties. At first a store of red curtains, some faded brocades, and ancient shawls comprised the stage wardrobe; but as the fame of the perform- ances spread abroad, contributions were made to the little stock, and the girls became the proud possessors of a velvet robe, a plumed hat adorned with silver, long yellow boots, and a quantity of mock pearls and tinsel ornaments. Such wealth determined them to write a play which should surpass all former efforts, give Jo a chance to stalk haughtily upon the stage in the magnificent boots, and Meg to appear in gorgeous train and diadem of jewels. " The Witch's Curse " was the result, and it was produced with astounding effect, quite par- alyzing the audience by its splendid gloom. Jo called it the "lurid drama," and always considered it her masterpiece. But it cost hours of thought and labor ; for to construct a dungeon, a haunted chamber, a cavern, and a lonely forest taxed to the uttermost the inge- nuity of the actcrs. To introduce into one short scene a bandit, two cavaliers, a witch, and a fairy spirit — all enacted by two people — re- quired some skill, and lightning change of 12 A FOREWORD BY MEG. costume. To call up the ghostly visions and mysterious voices which should appall the guilty CountRodolpho,wa8a task of no small difficulty. But inspired by the desire to outshine them- selves, the children accomplished a play full of revenge, jealousy, murder, and sorcery, of all which indeed they knew nothing but the name. Hitherto their dramas had been of the most sentimental description, given to the portrayal of woman's devotion, filial affection, heroism, and self-sacrifice. Indeed, these " Comic Trage- dies " with their highflown romance and fantastic ideas of love and honor, are most characteristic of the young girls whose lixes were singularly free from the experiences of many maidens of their age. Of the world they knew nothing ; lovers were ideal beings, clothed with all the beauty of their innocent imaginations. Love was a blissful dream; constancy, truth, courage, and virtue quite every-day affairs of life. Their few novels furnished the romantic element ; the favorite fairy-tales gave them material for the supernatural ; and their strong dramatic taste enabled them to infuse both fire and pathos into their absurd situations. A FOREWORD BY MEG. U Jo revelled in catastrophe, and the darker scenes were her delight; but she usuallj re- quired i^eg to «do the love-part," which she considered quite beneath her pen. Thus their productions were a queer mixture of sentiment and adventure, with entire disregard of such matters as grammar, history, and geographj, — all of which were deemed of no importance' by these aspiricjy dramatists. From the little stage library, still extant, the following plays have been selected as fair exam- pies of the work of these children of sixteen and seventeen. With some slight changes and omissions, they remain as written more than forty years ago by Meg and Jo, so dear to the hearts of many other « Little Women." Concord, Mass., 1893. iS> NORNA I OE, THE WITCH'S CURSE. ii^BRI mmm !; I CHAEACTERS. Count Rodolpho . . . A Haughty Mhle. Count Louis .... Lover of Leonore. Adrian The Black Mask. Hugo ....... ^ Bandit. Gaspaed Captain of the Guard. Angelo A Page. Theresa Wife to Rodolpho, Leonore In love ivith Louis, NoRNA A Witch, COMIC TRAGEDIES. NOENA; OR, THE WITCHVS CURSE. SCENE FIRST. [A room in the castle of Rodolpho. 1'heresa discovered alone, and in tears.] Theresa. I cannot pray; my aching heart finds rest alone in tears. Ah, what a wretched fate is mine! Forced by a father's will to wed a stranger ere I learned to love, one short year hath taught me what a bitter thing it is to wear a chain that binds me unto one who hath proved himself both jealous and unkind. Thr fair hopes I once cherished are now gone and here a captive in my splendid home I dwell forsaken, sorrowing and alone [zveeps], IThree taps upon the wall are heard,'] Ha, my brother's signal ! What a 18 NORN A i i can bring him hither at this hour ? Louis, is it thou ? Enter ; " all 's well." [Enter CouNT Louis through a secret panel in the wall, hidden by a curtain. He ew*- hraces Thekesa. Theresa. Ah, Louis, what hath chanced ? "Why art thou here? Some danger must have brought thee ; tell me, dear brother. Let me serve thee. Louis. Sister dearest, thy kindly of- fered aid is useless now. Thou canst not help me; and I must add another sorrow to the many that are thine. I came to say farewell, Theresa. Theresa. Farewell ! Oh, brother, do not leave me 1 Thy love is all now left to cheer my lonely life. Wherefore must thou go ? Tell me, I beseech thee ! Louis. Forgive me if I grieve thee. I will tell thee all. Thy husband hates ne, for I charged him with neglect and -'.ruelty to thee; and he hath vowed re- venge for my bold words. He hath whis- ! OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 19 pered false tales to the king, he hath blighted all my hopes of rank and honor. J am banished from the land, and must leave thee and Leonore, and wander forth an outcast and alone. But — let him be- ware!— I shall return to take a deep revenge for thy wrongs and my own. ^ay, sister, grieve not thus. I have sworn to free thee from his power, and I will keep my vow. Hope on and bear a little longer, dear Theresa, and ere long I will bear thee to a happy home [noise is heard withouq. Ha ! what is that ? Who comes ? Theresa. 'T is my lord returning from the court. Fly, Louis, fly! Thou art lost if he discover thee. Heaven bless and watch above thee. Remember poor Theresa, and farewell. Louis. One last word of Leonore. I have never told my love, yet she hath smiled on me, and I should have won her hand. Ah, tell her this, and bid her to be true to him who in his exile will hope on, and yet return to claim the heart he hath i 20 NORNAi loved so faithfully. Farewell, my sister. Despair not, — I shall return. [Exit Louis through the secret panel; drops hi9 dagger. Theresa. Thank Heaven, he is safe ! — but oh, my husband, this last deed of thine is hard to bear. Poor Louis, parted from Leonore, his fair hopes blighted, all by thy cruel hand. Ah, he comes! I must be calm. [Enter Rodolpho, Rod. What, weeping still ? Hast thou no welcome for thy lord save tears and sighs ? I '11 send thee to a convent if thou art not more gay ! Theresa. I'll gladly go, my lord. I am weary of the world. Its gayeties but make my heart more sad. Rod. Nay, then I will take thee to the court, and there thou must be gay. But I am weary; bring me wine, and smile upon me as thou used to do. Dost hear me ? Weep no more. [Seais himself. OR, THE WlTCirS CURSE. 21 Theresa brings tvine and stands beside him, Suddenly he sees the dagger dropped b^Lovis.! Ha ! what is that ? T is none of mine. How came it hither? Answer, I com- mand thee ! Theresa. I cannot. I must not, dare not tell thee. Rod. Barest thou refuse to answer? Speak! Who hath dared to venture hither? Is it thy brother? As thou lovest life, I bid thee speak. Theresa. I am innocent, and will not betray the only one now left me on the -earth to love. Oh, pardon me, my lord ; 1 will obey in all but this. Rod. Thou shaU obey. I '11 take thy life but I will know. Thy brother must he near^ — this dagger was not here an hour ago. Thy terror hath betrayed him. I leave thee now to bid them search the «astle. But if I find him not, I shall return ; and if thou wilt not then confess, I '11 find a way to make thee. Remember, I have vowed, — thy secret or thy life ! [JSxit RODOLPHO. 22 NORN A ; i 1 Theresa. My life I freely yield thee^ but my secret — never. Oh, Louis, I wili gladly die to save thee. Life hath no joy for me; and in the grave this poor heart may forget the bitter sorrows it is. burdened with [sinks down tveeping^. [Enter RoDOLPHO. Rod. The search is vain. He hath escaped. Theresa, rise, and answer me. To whom belonged the dagger I have found? Thy tears avail not; I will be obeyed. Kneel not to me, I will not pardon. Answer, or I swear I '11 make- thee dumb forever. Theresa. No, no! I will not betray. Oh, husband, spare me! Let not the hand that led me to the altar be stained with blood I would so gladly shed for thee^ I cannot answer thee. Rod. [sinking her']. Then die : thy con- stancy is useless. I will find thy brother and take a fearful vengeance yet. Theresa. I am faithful to the last. Husband, I forgive thee. [Theresa diesi. \\\ OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 23 t Rod. T is done, and I am rid of her forever; but 'tis an ugly deed. Poor fool, there was a time when I could pity thee, but thou haat stood *twixt me and Lady Leonore, and now I am free. I must conceal the form, and none shall ever know the crime. [Uont RoDOLPHO. [The panel opens and Nobna enters.] NoRNA. Heaven shield us ! What is this? His cruel hand hath done the aeed, and I am powerless to save. Poor, murdered lady, I had hoped to spare thee this, and lead thee to a happier home. Perchance, 't is better so. The dead find rest, and thy sad heart can ache no more. Rest to thy soul, sweet lady. But for iheey thou cruel villain, I have in store a deep revenge for all thy sinful deeds. If there be power in spell or charm, I'll conjure fearful dreams upon thy head. 1 11 follow thee wherever thou mayst go, and haunt thy sleep with evil visions. I '11 whisper strange words T U NORN A}. that shall appall thee ; dark phantoms shall rise up before thee, and wild voices ring- ing in thine ear shall tell thee of thy sins. By all these will I make life like a hideous dream, and death more fearful still. Like a vengeful ghost I will haunt thee to thy grave, and so revenge thy wrongs, poor, murdered lady. Beware, Rodolpho ! Old Noma's curse is on thee. ^ I [She bears away Theresa's bodi/ through the secret door^ and vanishes. CURTAIN. %u mmm T OR, THE WITCHES CURSE. 25 NOTE TO SCENE SECOND. £ The mysterious cave was formed of old furni- ture, covered with dark draperies, an opening being left at the back wherein the spirits called np by Noma might appear. A kitchen kettle filled with steaming water made an effective caldron over which the sorceress should mur- mur her incantations; flaming pine-knots cast a lurid glare over the scene ; and large boughs, artfully arranged about the stage, gave it the appearance of a " gloomy wood." When Louis "retires within," he at once arrays himself in the white robes of the vision, and awaits the witch's call to rise behind the aperture in true dramatic style. He vanishes, quickly resumes his own attire, while Noma continues to weave her spells, till she sees he is ready to appear once more as the disguised Count Loui& 26 NORN A, r ' SCENE SECOND. [A wood. NoENA*s cave among the rcoks. Enter Louis masked.] Louis. Yes ; 't is the spot. How dark and still! She is not here. Ho, Noma, mighty sorceress ! I seek thy aid. NoRNA [rising from the cavel. I am here. Louis. I seek thee, Noma, to learn tidings of one most dear to rae. Dost thou know aught of Count Rodolpho's wife ? A strange tale hath reached me that not many nights ago she disappeared, and none know whither she hath gone. Oh, tell me, is this true? NoRNA. It is most true. Louis. And canst thou tell me whither she hath gone ? I will reward thee well. NoRNA. I can. She lies within her tomb, in the chapel of the castle. Louis. Dead!^ — it cannot be! They told me she had fled away with some OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE, 2T young lord who had won her love. Was it not true? NoRNA. It is false as the villain's heart who framed the tale. / bore the mur- dered lady to her tomb, and laid her there. Louis. Murdered? How? When? By whom ? Oh, tell me I beseech thee ! NoRNA. Her husband's cruel hand took the life he had made a burden. I heard him swear it ere he dealt the blow. Louis. Wherefore did he kill her? Oh, answer quickly or I shall go mad with grief and hate. NoRNA. I can teU thee little. From my hiding-place I heard her vow never to confess whose dagger had been found in her apartment, and her jealous lord, in his wild anger, murdered her. Louis. 'Twas mine. Would it had been sheathed in mine own breast ere it had caused so dark a deed ! Ah, Theresa, why did I leave thee to a fate like this ? NoRNA. Young man, grieve not; it is I 28 NORN A; I I ! too late to save, but there is left to thee a better thing than grief. Louis. Oh, what? NoRNA. Revenge ! Louis. Thou art right. I '11 weep no more. Give me thine aid, mighty wiz- ard, and I will serve thee well. NoRNA. Who art thou ? The poor lady's lover? Louis. Ah, no; fai' nearer and far deeper was the love I bore her, for I am her brother. NoRNA. Ha, that 's well ! Thou wilt join me, for I have made a vow to rest not till that proud, sinful lord hath well atoned for this deep crime. Spirits shall haunt him, and the darkest phantoms that my art can raise shall scare his soul. Wilt thou join me in my work ? Louis. I will, — but stay! thou hast «poken of spirits. Dread sorceress, is it in thy power to call them up ? NoRNA. It is. Wilt see my skill. Stand back while I call up a phantom which thou canst not doubt. jjjr *-.,^*«*» OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE, 2» [Louis retires within the cave* NoBKA weaveii a spell above her ealdron. NoRNA. O spirit, from thy quiet tomb* I bid thee hither through the gloom, tn winding-sheet, with bloody brow, Rise up and hear our solemn yow. I bid thee, with my magic power, Tell the dark secret of that hour When cruel hands, with blood and strife, Closed the sad dream of thy young life. Hither — appear before our eyes. Pale spirit, I command thee rise, [Spirit of Theresa rises. Shadowy spirit, I charge thee well, By my mystic art's most potent spell. To haunt throughout his sinful life, The mortal who once called thee wife. At midnight hour glide round his bed, And lay thy pale hand on his head. Whisper wild words in his sleeping ear, And chill his heart with a deadly fear. Rise at his side in his gayest hour. And his guilty soul shall feel thy power. Stand thou before him in day and night. And cast o*er his life a darksome blight ; For with all his power and sin and pride, i^ l! m 30 NORN A; He shall ne'er forget his murdered bride. Pale, shadowy form, wilt thou obey ? [The spirit hows its head. To thy ghostly work away — away ! [The spirit vanishes. The spell is o'er, the vow is won, And, sinful heart, thy curse begun. [Re-enter LoTTia Louis. 'T is enough ! I own thy power, and by the spirit of my murdered sister I have looked upon, I swear to aid thee in thy dark work. NoRNA. 'Tis well; and I will use my power to guard thee from the danger that surrounds thee. And now, farewell. Re- member, — thou hast sworn. [Exit L0UI& CURTAIN. '^sm^ OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 81 head. Ishes. )m8. wer, er I 2 in my bhat Ee. uis. SCENE THIRD. [Another part of the wood Enter Rodolpho.] Rod. They told me that old Noma's cave was 'mong these rocks, and yet 1 find it not. By her I hope to learn where young Count Louis is concealed. Once in my power, he shall not escape to whisper tales of evil deeds against me. Stay ! some one comes. I *11 ask my way. [Enter Louis masked. Ho, stand, good sir. Canst guide me to the cell of Noriict, the old sorceress ? Louis. It were little use to tell thee ; thou wouldst only win a deeper curse than that she hath already laid upon thee. Rod. Hold ! who art thou that dare to speak thus to Count Rodolpho ? Louis. That thou canst iiever know; but this I tell thee: I am thy deadliest foe, and, aided by the wizard Noma, seek 32 NOHNA / ! J! to work thee evil, and bring down upon thy head the fearful doom thy sin de- serves. Wouldst thou know more, — then seek the witch, and learn the hate she bears thee. Rod. Fool! thinkst thou I fear thee or thy enchantments? Draw, and defend thyself ! Thou shalt pay dearly for thine insolence to me ! [Dratvs Jm sword. Louis. I will not stain my weapon with a murderer's blood. I leave thee to the fate that gathers round thee. [Exit Louis. Rod. "Murderer," said he. I am be- trayed, — yet no one saw the deed. Yet, stay ! perchance 't was he who bore Therese away. He has escaped me, and will spread the tale. Nay, why should I fear ? Cour- age ! One blow, and I am safe ! \_Rushes forward. Spirit of Theresa rises.'] What 's that ? — her deathlike face, — the wound my hand hath made ! Help ! help ! help ! \Rushes out. The spirit vanishes. ) CURTAIN. OR, THE WITCWS CURSE. 88 SCENE FOURTH. [Room in the castle of RoDOLPHO. RoDOLPHO alone.] Rod. I see no way save that. Were young Count Louis dead she would for- get the love that had just begun, and by sweet words and gifts I may yet win her. The young lord must die [a ^roan behind the cartain\. Ha! what is that? Tis nothing; fie upon my fear! Ill banish all remembrance of the fearful shape my fancy conjured up within the forest. I'll not do the deed myself, — I have had enough of blood. Hugo the bandit: he is just the man, — bold, sure of hand, and secret. I will bribe him well, and when the deed is done, find means to rid me of him lest he should play me false. I saw him in the courtyard as I entered. Perchance he is not yet gone. Ho, with- out there ! Bid Hugo here if he be within i; ; u NORN A : t ii the castle. — He is a rough knave, but gold "will make all sure. [Enter HuGO. Hugo. What would my lord with me ? Rod. I ask a favor of thee. Nay, never fear, I '11 pay thee well. Wouldst earn a few gold pieces ? Hugo. Ay, my lord, most gladly would I. Rod. Nay, sit, good Hugo. Here is wine ; drink, and refresh thyself. Hugo. Thanks, my lord. How can I serve you? [RoDOLFHO gives wine, Hugo sits and drinlcs!\ Rod. Dost thou know Count Louis, whom the king lately banished? Hugo. Nay, my lord; I never saw him. Rod. [aside]. Ha! that is well. It matters not; 'tis not of him I speak. Take more wine, good Hugo. Listen, there is a certain lord, — one whom I hate. I seek his life. Here is gold — thou hast a dagger, and can use it well. Dost understand me? \ OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE 86 Id o. I it I 8 I Hugo. Ay, my lord, most clearly. Name the place and hour; count out the gold, — 1 and my dagger then are thine. Rod. T is well. Now harken. In the forest, near old Noma's cave, there is a quiet spot. Do tliou go there to-night at sunset. Watch well, and when thou seest a tall figure wrapped in a dark cloak, and masked, spring forth, and do the deed. Then fling the body down the rocks, or hide it in some secret place. Here is one half the gold ; more shall be thine when thou shalt show some token that the deed is done. Hugo. Thanks, Count ; I '11 do thy bid- ding. At sunset in the forest, — I'll be there, and see he leaves it not alive. Good-even, then, my lord. Rod. Hugo, use well thy dagger, and gold awaits thee. Yet, stay! I'll meet thee in the wood, and pay thee there. They might suspect if they should see thee here again so soon. I '11 meet thee there, and so farewell. 36 NORIVA ; Hugo. Adieu, my lord. [Uxit Hugo]. Rod. Yea ; all goes well. My rival dead, and Leonore is mine. With her I may forget the pale face that now seem& ever looking into mine. I can almost think the deep wound shows in her picture yonder. But this is folly ! Shame on thee, Rodolpho. I '11 think of it no more. [^Turns to drink. Theresa's face appears mthin th/* picture, the wovnd upon her brow.l^ Ha ! what is that ? Am I going mad ? See the eyes move, — it is Theresa's face ! Nay, I will not look again. Yes, yes; 'tis there! Will this sad face haunt me forever? Theresa. Forever ! Forever ! Rod. Fiends take me, — 't is her voice t It is no dream. Ah, let me go away — away ! [RoDOLpriO ruihes wildly out!\ CURTAIN. i^H! OR, TUE wiTcirs cunsE. 87 f- NOTE TO SCENE FIFTH. The apparently impossible transformations of this scene (when played by two actors only) may be thus explained:-— The costumes of Louis and Noma, being merely loose garments, afford opportunities for rapid change ; and the indulgent audience over- looking such minor matters as boots and wigs, it became an easy matter for Jo to transform herself into either of the four characters whicn fihe assumed on this occasion. Beneath the flowing robes of the sorceress Jo was fully dressed as Count Rodolpho. Laid conveniently near were the black cloak, hat, and mask of Louis, —also the white drap- eries required for the ghostly Theresa. Thus, Noma appears in long, gray robe, to which are attached the hood and elf-locks of the witch. Seeing Hugo approach she conceals herself among the trees, thus gaining time to don the cortume of Louis, and appear to Hugo who awaits him. Hugo stabs and drags him from the stage. Louis then throws off his disguise and be- 'TT 88 NORN A ; comes Rodolpho, fully dressed for his entrance a moment later. As Hugo does not ag^in appear, it is an easy matter to assume the character of the spectre and produce the sights and sounds which terrify the guilty Count; then slipping on the witch's robe, be ready to glide forth and close the scene with dramatic effect. ncd asy ;tre rify jh's ene OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. n I % SCENE FIFTH. [The wood near Nobna'3 cave. Enter NoBNA.] NoRNA. It is the hour I bid him come with the letter for Lady Leonore. Poor youth, his sister slain, his life in danger, and the lady of his love far from him, 'tis a bitter fate. But, if old Noma loses not her power, he shall yet win his liberty, his love, and his revenge. Ah, he comes, — nay, 't is the rufl&an Hugo. I will con- ceal myself, — some evil is afoot [hides among the ireeh\, [Enter HuGO. Hugo. This is the spot. Here will I hide, and bide my time \coru:eak himsetf among the ^ocks]. [Enter Louis. Louis. She is not here. I 'U wait awhile and think of Leonore. How will !l! T ( f 1 'I 40 ^ORNA ; ehe receive this letter? Ah, could she know how, 'mid all my grief and danger, her dear face shines in my heart, and cheers nie on. [Hugo steals out, and as he turns, stabs him,'] lia, villaiii;, thou hast killed me ! I am dying ! God bless thee, Leonore ! Noma, remember, vengeance on Rodolpho ! [Falls.'] Hugo. Nay, nay, thou wilt take no revenge; thy days are ended, tha/iks to this good steel. Now, for the token [io;:es letter from Louis's hand]. Ah, this he can- not doubt. I will take this ring too ; 't is a costly one. I '11 hide the body in the thicket yonder, ere my lord arrives [dra^s out the hodi/], [Enter Rodolpho. Rod. Not here ? Can he have failed ? Here is blood — it may be his. I '11 call. Hugo, good Hugo, art thou here ? Hugo \steaUng from the trees]. Ay, my lord, I am here. All is safely done : the love-sick boy lies yonder in the thicket, dead as steel can make him. And here is OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 41 i I the token if you doubt me, and tne ring I just took from his hand [(/ivcs letter']. Rod. Nay, nay, I do not doubt thee; keep thou the ring. I am content with this. Tell me, did he struggle with thee when thou dealt the blow ? Hugo. Nay, my lord; he fell without a groan, and murmuring something of re- venge on thee, he died. Hast thou the gold ? Rod. Yes, yes, I have it. Take it, and remember I can take thy life as easily as thou hast his, if thou shouldst whisper what hath been this day done. Now go ; 1 've done with thee. Hugo. And I with thee. Adieu, my lord. [JSxit Hugo. Rod. Now am I safe, — no mortal knows of Theresa's death by ray hand, and Leonore is mine. Voice Imtkin the wood ] . Never — never ! Rod. Curses on me ! Am I bewitched ? Surely, I heard a voice; perchance 'twas ffF i 42 NORNA ; but an echo [a m/276? laugh rings through the trees]. Fiends take the wood! 1*11 stay no longer! \_Turnstoflg, Theresa's */?e>wf rises.'] 'T is there, — help, help — [Rushes mldly outJ] [Enter NoRNA. NoRXA. Ha, ha! fiends shall haunt thee, thou murderer ! Another sin upon t> 7 soul, — anc*iher life to be avenged! Pi/c nurdered youth, now gone to join thy sister. I will lay thee by her side and then to my work. He hath raised another ghost to haunt him. Let him beware 1 [Exit NoRNA. CURTAIN. I OR, THE WITCH'S CC/RSS, 48 SCENE SIXTH. [Chamber in the castle of Lady Leonobs. Unter Leonore.] Leonore. Ah, how wearily the days go by. No tidings of Count Louis, and Count Rodolpho urges on his suit so earnestly. I must accept his hand to-day, or refuse his love, and think no more of Louis. I know not how to choose. Rodolpho loves me: I am an orphan and alone, and in his lovely home I may be happy. I have heard it whispered that he is both stern and cruel, yet methinks it cannot be, — he is so tender when with me. Ah, would I could forget Count Louis! He hath never told his love, and doubtless thinks no more of her who treasures up his gentle words, and cannot banish them, even when another offers a heart and home few would refuse. How shall I answer Count Ro- M i' I ! 44 NORNA ; dolpho when he comes? I do not love him as I should, and yet it were no hard task to learn with so fond a teacher. Shall T accept his love, or shall I reject ? [Norn A suddenly appears. NoRNA. Reject. Leonore. Who art thou? Leave me, or I call for aid. NoRNA. Nay, lady, fear not. I come not here to harm thee, but to save thee r.om a fate far worse than death. I am oM Noma of the forest, and though they call me witch and sorceress, I am a woman yet, and with a heart to pity and to love. I would save thy youth and beauty from the blight I fear will fall upon thee. Leonore. Save me ! from what ? How knowest thou I am in danger; and from what wouldst thou save me, Noma ? NoRNA. From Lord Rodolpho, lady. Leonore. Ah ! and why from him ? Tell on, I '11 listen to thee now. He hath offered me his heart and hand. Why should I not accept them, Noma? OR, THE WITCH-S CURSE. 45 NoKNA. That heart is filled with dark and evil passions, and that hand is stained with blood. Ay, lady, well mayst thou start. I will .ell thee more. The splendid home he would lead thee to is darkened by a fearful crime, and his fair palace haunted by the spirit of a murdered wife. [Leonobb starU up. Leonoee. Wife, sayest thou ? He told me he was never wed. Mysterious woman,, tell me more ! How dost thou know 't is true, and wherefore was it done ? I have a right to know. Oh, speak, and tell me all ! NoRNA. For that have I come hither. He hath been wed to a lady, young and lovely as thyself. He kept her prisoner in his splendid home, and by neglect and cruelty he broke as warm and true a heart as eTer beat in woman's breast. Her brother stole unseen to cheer and com- fort her, and this aroused her lord's sus- picions, and he bid her to confess who was her unknown friend. She would not if- 46 NORN A ; yield her brother to his hate, and he in his wild anger murdered her. I heard his cruel words, her prayers for mercy, and I stood beside the lifeless form and marked the blow his evil hand had given her. And there I vowed I would avenge the deed, and for this have I come hither to warn thee of thy danger. He loves thee only for thy wealth, and when thou art his, will wrong thee as he hath the meek Theresa. Leonore. How shall I ever thank thee for this escape from sorrow and despair? I did not love him, but I am alone, and his kind words were sweet and tender. I thought with him I might be happy yet, but — Ah, how little did I dream of sin like this ! Thank Heaven, 't is not too late ! Norn A. How wilt thou answer Lord Rodolpho now ? Leonore. I will answer him with all the scorn and loathing that I feel. I fear him not, and he shall learn how his false vows are despised, and his sins made known. NoRNA. 'T is well ; but stay, — be thou OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 47 not too proud. Speak fairly, and reject him courteously ; for he will stop at nought in his revenge if thou but rouse his hatred. And now, farewell. I '11 watch above thee, and in thy hour of danger old Noma will be nigh. Stay, give ine some token, by which thou wilt know the messenger I may find cause to send thee. The fierce Count will seek to win thee, and repay thy scorn by all the evil his cruel heart can bring. Leonore. Take this ring, and I will trust whoever thou mayst send with it. I owe thee much, and, believe me, I am grateful for thy care, and will repay thee by my confidence and truth. Farewell, old Noma ; watch thou above the helpless, and thine old age shall be made happy by my care. NoRNA. Heaven bless thee, gentle lady. Good angels guard thee. Noma will not forget. [Uzit NORNA. Leonore. T is like a dream, so strange, so terrible, — he whom I thought so gentle^ 48 NORN A ; ii and so true is stained with fearful cnmes ? Poor, murdered lady! Have I esca;^ed a fate like thine ? Ah, I hear his step ! Now, heart, be firm and he shall enter here no more. [Enter Rodolpho. Rod. Sweet lady, I am here to learn my fate. I have told my love, and thou hast listened ; I have asked thy hand, and thou hast not refused it. I have of- fered all that I possess, — my home, my heart. Again I lay them at thy feet, beloved Leonore. Oh, wilt thou but ac- cept them, poor tho' they be, and in return let me but claim this fair hand as mine own? \Take9 her hand and kneels before her. Leonore [tdthdramng her hand\ My lord, forgive me, but I cannot grant it. When last we met thou didst bid me ask my heart if it could love thee. It hath answered, " Nay.** I grieve I cannot make a fit return for all you offer, but I have no love to give, and without it this poor hand Off, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 4i* were worthless. There are others far more fit to grace thy home than I. Go, win thy. self a loving bride, and so forgef T,eonore. KoD. What hath changed thee thus since last we met. Then wert thou kind, and listened gladly to my love. Now there is a scornful smile upon thy lips, and a proud light in thine eye. What means this ? Why dost thou look so coldly on me, Leonore ? Who has whispered false tales in thine ear ? Believe them not. I am as true as Heaven to thee; then do not cast away the heart so truly thine. Smile on me, dearest; thou art my first, last, only love. Leonore. 'Tis false, my lord! Hast thou so soon forgot Theresa? Ecu. What! Who told thee that ac- cursed taJe? What dost thou mean, Leonore ? Leonore. I mean *hy sinful deeds are known. Thou hast .;>ked me why I will not wed thee, and I answer, I will not give mj hr jd unto a murderer. 4 mw I T 1 it. 5(» i\ORNA ; Rod. Murderer! No more of this! Thy tale is false ; forget it, and I will forgive the idle words. Now listen ; I came hither to receive thy answer to my suit. Think ere thou decide, '^^ou art an orphan, unprotected and alone. I am powerful and great Wilt thou take my love, and with it honor, wealth, happiness, and ease, or my hate, which will surely follow thee and bring down desolation on thee and all thou lovest? Now choose, my hatred, or my love. Leonore. My lord, I scorn +hy love, and I defy thy hate. Work t will, I fear thee not. I am not so unprotected as thou thinkest. There are unseen friends around me who will save in every peril, and who are sworn to take revenge on thee for thy great sins. This is my answer ; henceforth we are strangers ; now leave me. I would be alone. Rod. Not yet, proud lady. If thou wilt not love, I '11 make thee learn to fear the heart thou hast so scornfully cast \ OR, THE V/TTCirs CURSE. 51 awiiy. Let thy friends guard thee well; thou wilt need their care when 1 begin my work of vengeance. Thou mayst smile, but thou shalt rue the day when Count Rodolpho asked and was refused. But I will yet win thee, and then beware ! And when thou dost pray for mercy on thy knees, remember the haughty words thou hast this day spoken. Leonore. Do thy worst, murderer; spirits will watch above me, and thou canst not h^ .m. Adieu, my lord. [Exit Leon jRB. Rod. Foiled again ! Some demon works against me. Who could have told her of Theresa? A little longer, and I should have won a rich young bride, and now this tale of murder mars it all. But I will win her yet, and wring her proud heart till she shall bend her haughty head and sue for mercy. How shall it be done ? Stay! Ha, I see a way ! — the letter Louis would have sent her ere he died. She knows not of his 62 NORN A ; death, and I will send this paper bidding her to meet her lover in the forest. She cannot doubt the lines his own hand traced. She wiJl obey, — and I '11 be there to lead her to my castle. I *11 wed her, and she may scorn, weep, and pray in vain. Ha,, ha! proud Leonore, spite of thy guardian spirits thou shalt be mine, and then for vDiy revenge ! [Exit RODOLPHO- 1 H" :■*' CURTAIN. I OR, THE WITCirS CUHSE. 6a SCENE SEVENTH. [Leonore's room. Enter Leonore with a letter."] Leonore. 'Tis strange; an unknown page thrust this into my hand while kneel ing in the chapel. Ah, surely, I should know this hand ! 'Tis Louis's, and at last he hath returned, and still remembers Leonore {opens Utter and reads']. Dearest Lady, — I am banished from the land by Count Rodolpho's false taies to the king; and thus I dare not venture near thee. But by the love my lips have never told, I do conjure thee to bestow one last lock, last word, on him whosrj cruel fate it is to leave all that he most fondly loves. If thou wilt grant this prayer, meet me at twilight in the glen beside old Noma's cave. She will be there to guard thee. Dearest Leonore, before we part, per- chance forever, grant this last boon to one who in banishment, in grief and peril, is forever thy devoted j^ouis. mm^ I 64 NORN A ; He loves me, and mid danger still re- members. Ah, Louis, tliere is nothing thou canst ask I will not gladly grant. I '11 go ; the sun is well-nigh set, and I can steal away unseen to whisper hope and comfort ere we part forever. Now, Count RodolphO; 'hou hast given me an- other cause for hate, ^jouis, I can love thee tho' thou art banished and afar. Hark ! 't is the vesper-bell. Now, cour- age, heart, and thou shalt mourn no longer. [Exit Leonorb. CURTAIN. III Oa, THE WITCWS CURSE* 66 SCENE EIGHTH. [Gltn near Nobna's cave. Enter Lbonobb.] Leonore. Noma is not here, nor Louis. Why comes he not? Surely 'tis the place. Noma ! Louis ! art thou here? [Enter RoDOLPHO, marked. Rod. I am here, dear lady. Do not fear me ; I may not unmask even to thee, for spies may still be near me. Wilt thou pardon, and still trust me tho' thou canst not see how fondly I am looking on thee. See ! here is my ring, my dagger. Oh, Leonore, do not doubt me ! Leonore. I do trust thee ; canst thou doubt it now ? Oh, Louis ! I feared thou wert dead. Why didst thou not tell me all before. And where wilt thou go, and 1 ,;1 56 MORN A . how can I best serve thee ? Nought thou canst ask my love shall leave undone. Rod. Wilt thou let me guide thee to jonder tower ? I fear to tell thee here, and old Noma is there waiting for thee. Come, love, for thy Louis's sake, dare yet a little more, and I will tell thee how thou canst serve me. Wilt thou not put thy faith in me, Leonore? Leonore. I will. Forgive me, if I seem to fear thee ; but thy voice sounds strangely hollow, and thine eyes look darkly on me from behind this mask. Thou wilt lay it by when we are safe, and then I shall forget this foolish fear that hangs upon me. Rod. Thine own hands shall remove it, love. Come, it is not far. Would I might guide thee thus through life! Come, dearest I [Uxit. CURTAIN. OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 6T SCENE NINTH. [ Caitle of RoDOLPHO. Tie haunted chamber. Enter Rodolpho leading Leonore.] Leonore. Wbere art thou leading me, dear Louis ? Thy hiding-place is a pleas- ant one, but where is Noma? I thought she waited for us. Rod. She will soon be here. Ah, how can I thank thee for this joyful hour, Leonore. I can forget all danger and all sorrow now. Leonore. Nay, let me cast away this mournful ma^k ! I long to look upon thy face once more. Wilt thou let me, Louis ? Rod. Ay, look upon me if thou wilt ; — dost like it, lady ? [Drops his disguisi Leonore shrieks, and rushes to the door, but Jinds it lochd.] 'Tis useless; there are none to answer to thy call. All here are my slaves, and none dare disobey. I f I 5 f t ! iM 58 yORNA ; Where are thy proud words now? hast thou no scornful smile for those white iips, no anger in those beseeching eyes? Where are thy friends ? Why come they not to aid thee ? Said I not truly my revenge was sure ? Leonore. Oh, pardon me, and pity! See, I will kneel to thee, pray, weep, if thou wilt only let me go. Forgive my careless words ! Oh, Count Rodolpho, take me home, and I will forget this cruel jest [kneels]. Rod. Ha, ha! It is no jest, and thou hast no home but this. Didst thou not come willingly ? I used no force ; and all disguise is fair in love. Nay, kneel not to me. Did I not say thou wouldst bend thy proud head, and sue for mercy, and I would deny it? Where is thy defiance now ? Leonore [ns7w^]. I *11 kneel no more to thee. The first wild fear is past, and thou shalt find me at thy feet no more. As I told thee therif I tell thee now, — thine ' OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 59 I will never be ; and think not I will fail or falter at thy threats. Contempt of thee is too strong for fear. Rod. Not conquered yet. Time will teach thee to speak more courteously to thy master. Ah, thou mayst well look upon these bawbles. They were thy lover's once. This ring was taken from his lifeless hand; this dagger from his bleeding breast, as he lay within the forest whence I led thee. This scroll I found next his heart when it had ceased to beat. I lured thee hither with it, and won my sweet revenge. [Leonore sinks down weep- ing.'] Now rest thee ; for when the castle clock strikes ten, I shall come to lead thee to the altar. The priest is there, — this ring shall wed thee. Farewell, fair bride ; remember, — there is no escape, and thou art mine forever. Lkonore {starting up\. Never! I shall be free when thou mayst think help past forever. There is a friend to help me, and an arm to save, when earthly aid is If €0 NORN A; lost. Thine I shall never be ! Thou mayst seek me; I shall be gone. Rod. Thou wilt need thy prayers. I shall return, — remember, when the clock strikes ten, I come to win my bride. [ExiU Leoxore. He has gone, and now a few short hours of life are left to me ; for if no other help shall come, death can save me from a fiite I loathe. Ah, Louis, Louis, thou art gone forever ! Noma, where is thy prom- ise now to guard me ? Is there no help ? Nor tears nor prayers can melt that cruel heart, and I am in his power. Ha ! what is that? — his dagger, taken from his dying breast. How gladly would he have drawn it forth to save his poor Leonore ! Alas, that hand is cold forever ! But I must be calm. He shall see how a weak woman's heart can still defy him, and win liberty by death [takes the dagger ; clock stnkes ten"]. It is the hour, — the knell of my young life. Hark! they come. Louis, thy Leonore ere long will join thee, never more to part. OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 61 [The secret panel opens. Adrian enters masked.] Adrian. Stay, lady! stay thy hand! I come to save thee. Noma sends me, see, thy token; doubt not, nor delay, another moment, we are lost. Oh, fly^ I do beseech thee ! Leonore. Heaven bless thee ; I will come. Kind friend, I put a helpless maid- en's trust in thee. Adrian. Stay not ! away, away ! [Exit through the secret panel, which disappears. Enter Rodolpho. Rod. Is my fair bride ready? Hal Leonore, where art thou ? Voice. Gone, — gone forever ! Rod. Girl, mock me not; come forth, I say. Thou shalt not escape me. Leo- nore, answer ! Where is my bride ? Voice [behi}id the curiam]. Here — Rod. Whydolfear? She is there con- cealed l^/ts the curtain ; spirit of Teeresa rises]. The fiends! what is that? The spirit haunts me still! Voice. Forever, forever — Rod. [rushes to the door hut finds it locked]. \\ T 62 AOHNA ,' il What ho ! without there ! Beat down the door ! >Pedro ! Carlos ! let me come forth ! They do not come ! Nay, 't is my fancy ; I will forget it all. Still, the door is fast ; Leon ore is gone. Who groans so bitterl}^ ? Wild voices are sounding in the air, ghastly faces are looking on me as I turn, unseen hands bar the door, and dead men are groan- ing in mine ears. I *11 not look, not listen; 'tis some spell set on me. Let it pass ! l^Throtvs himself down and covers his face. Voice. The spell will not cease, The curse will not fly, And spirits shall haunt Till the murderer shall die. Rod. Again, spirit or demon, wherefore dost thou haunt me, and what art thou? [Theresa's spirit rises."] Ha ! am I gone mad ? Unbar the door ! Help ! help ! [FaUs fainting to the floor!] [Enter Norna. NoRNA. Lie there, thou sinful wretch ! Old Noma's curse ends but with thy life. [Tableau, CURTAIN. i OH, THE WITCWS CUHiSE, 63 i SCENE TENTH. [-4 room in the castle of RoDOLPHa Unter Rodolpho.] Rod. Dangers seem thickening round me. Some secret spy is watching me un- seen, — I fear ^t is Hugo, spite the gold I gave him, and the vows he made. A higher bribe may win the secret from him, and then I am undone. Pedro hath told me that a stranger, cloaked and masked, was lurking near the castle on the night when Leonore so strangely vanished [a lau^hl Ha! — what's that?— methought I heard that mocking laugh again ! I am grown fearful as a child since that most awful night. Well, well, let it pass ! If Hugo comes to-night, obedient to the mes- sage I have sent, I '11 see he goes not hence alive. This cup shalt be thy last, good Hugo ! [Pitts poison in the tvinc-cjfp.'] He comes, — now for my revenge! li:jiter rf i 64 NORN A, Hugo.] Ah, Hugo, welcome ! How hath it fared with thee since last we met? Thou lookest weary, — here is wine ; sit and refresh thyself. Hugo. I came not hither, Count Ro- dolpho, to seek wine, but gold. Hark ye ! 1 am poor; thou art rich, but in my power, for proud and noble though thou art, the low-born Hugo can bring death and dishonor on thy head by whispering one word to the king Ha ! — now give me gold or I will betray thee. Rod. Thou bold villain, what means this ? I paid thee well, and thou didst vow to keep my secret. Threaten me not. Thou art in my power, and shall never leave this room alive. I fear thee not. My menials are at hand, — yield thyself; thou art fairly caught, and cannot now escape me. Hugo. Nay, not so fast, my lord. One blast upon my horn, and mv br .ve -^c-nd, concealed below, will ans^ u my ^all. Ha ! ha ! thou art caught, v lo i. Thy irr-'Trrm i i iillllBieSai OR, THE WITCHS CURSE. 65 life is in my hands, an V ' 5 trust in me, and I have not betrayed it, and now I ask a greater boon of thy confiding heart "W ilt thou consent to wed me ere I cjist aside this mask forever? Believe me, thou wilt not regret it, — 't is part of my vow ; one last trial, and I will prove to thee thou didst not trust in vain. Forgive if I have asked too much. Nay, thou canst not grant so strange a boon. Leonore. I can — I will. I did but pause, for it seemed strange thou could«5t not let me look upon thy face. But think not that I fear to grant thy wish. Thy heart is pure and noble, and that the ' tnst not mask. As I trusted thee through my despair, so now I trust thee in my joy. Canst thou ask more, dear friend ? Adrian. Ever trust me thus! Ah, Leonore, how can I repay thee ? My love, my life, are all I cai give thee for the blessed gift thou hast bestowed. A time will come when all this mystery shall cease and we shall part no more. Now must i OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. T$8 leave thee, dearest Farewell ! Soon will I return. [Exit Adrian. Leonore. I will strive to be a true and loving wife to thee, dear Adrian; for I have won a faithful friend in thee forever. CURTAIN, i I If i IW'r' I '■ &it 84 lyOHNAi i! SCENE THIRTEENTH. [Hall in the castle of Count Louis. Enter Leokobe, in bridal roheii] Leonore. At length the hour hath come, when 1 shall look upon the face of him whom I this day have sworn to love and honor as a wife. I have, perchance, been rash in wedding one I know not, but will not cast a doubt on him who hath proved the noble heart that beats within his breast. I am his, and come what may, the vows I have this day made shall be unbroken. Ah, he comes ; and now shall I gaze upon my husband's face 1 [Enter Adrian. Adrian. Dearest, fear not. Thou wilt not trust me less when thou hast looked upon the face so long concealed. My vow is ended, thou art won. Thy hand is mine; Leonore, I claim thy heart. OR, THE WITCirS CURSE. 85 if f Unmasks. Leonore screams and falls upon his breast. Leonore. Louis, Louis ! 'Tie a bleBsed dream ! Louis. No dream, my Leonore; it is thy living Louis who hath watched above thee, and now claims thee for his own. Ah, dearest, I have tried thee too hardly, — :- pardon me ! Leonore. Oh, Louis, husband, I have nought to pardon; my life, my liberty, my happiness, — all, all, I owe to thee. How shall I repay thee ? [ Weej>s tipou hia bosom. 1 Louis. By banishing these tears, dear love, and smiling on me as you used to do. Here, love, sit beside me while I tell thee my most strange tale, and then no longer shalt thou wonder. Art happy now thy Adrian hath flung by his mask ? Leonore. Happy ! What deeper joy can I desire than that of seeing thy dear face once more ? But tell me, Louis, how couldst thou dwell so long beside me and wsxmm I 86 NO JIN A ; not cheer my bitter sorrow when I grieved for thee. Louis. Ah, Leonore, thou wouldst not reproach me, didst thou know how hard I struggled with my heart, lest I should by some tender word, some fund caress, betray myself when thou didst grieve for me. Leonore. Why didst thou feax' to tell thy Leonore ? She would have aided and consoled ^^ee. Why didst thou let me pine in sorrow at thy side, when but a word had filled my heart with joy? Louis. Dearest, I dared not. Thou knowest I was banished by the hate of that fiend Rodolpho. I had a fair and gentle sister, whom he wed, and after cruelty and coldness that I dread to think of now, he murdered her. I sought old Noma's aid. She promised it, and well hath kept her word. When Count Rodolpho's rufiian left me dying in the forest, she saved, and brought me back to life. She bade me take a solemn vo\ not to betray I 1 OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 87 i 1 myself, and to aid her in her vengeance on the murderer of Theresa. Nor could I own my name and rank, lest it should reach the king who had banished me. The vow I took, and have fulfilled. Leoxore. And is there no danger now ? Art thou safe, dear Louis, from the Count ? Louis. Fear not, my love. He will never harm us more ; his crimes are known. Tlie king hath pardoned me. I have won thee back. He is an outcast, and old Noma's spells have well-nigh driven him mad. My sister, thou art well avenged ! Alas ! alas ! would I could have saved, and led thee hither to this happy home. Leon ORE. Ah, grieve not, Louis ; she is happy now, and thy Leonore will strive to fill her place. Hast thou told me all ? Louis. Nay, love. Thou knowest how I watched above thee, but thou canst never know the joy thy faithful love for one thou mourned as dead hath brought me. I longed to cast aside the dark dis- m 8S NORN A .: r t. i! ' i ' !i i guise I had vowed to wear, but dared not while Kodolpho was at liberty. Now all is safe, I have tried thy love, and found it true. Oh, may I prove most worthy of it, dearest. Leonore. Louis, how can I love too faithfully the friend who, 'mid his own grief and danger, loved and guarded me. I trusted thee as Adrian ; as Louis I shall love thee until death. Louis. And I shall prize most tenderly the faithful heart that trusted me through doubt and mystery. Now life is bright and beautiful before us, and may you never sorrow that thou gav'st thy heart to Louis, and thy hand to Adrian the " Black Mask.'' CURTAIN. : V I OR, THE WITCH'S CUKHE. 89 SCENE FOURTEENTK [^ dungeon cell. RODOLPHO chained, asleep. Enter NoRNA.] NoRNA. Thy fate is sealed, thy course is run, And Noma's work is well-nigh done. I Vanishes. Unter RuGO. Rod. [awaking]. Mine eyes are bewil- dered by the forms I have looked upon in sleep. Methought old Noma stood be- side me, whispering evil spells, calling fearful phantoms to bear me hence. Hugo [coming forward']. Thy evil con- science gives thee little rest, my lord. Rod. [starting up]. Who is there? Stand back ! I '11 sell my life most dearly. Ah, 't is no dream, — I am fettered ! Where is my sword ? Hugo. In my safe keeping, Count Kodolpho, lest in thy rage thou may'st be ii m ? if j ll |i < 1 1 f ■ i ! ■ 1 f ■ .1 1 ' ' 1 '' ' ' ''' : 1 1 f 'i . 1 i : ii HI fll ill * »M ^•hI , ] igj •'i ia P 1 1, b 1 'i,: 90 NORJSTA / tempted to add another murder to thy list of sins. [Rodolpho sinks down in despair,'] Didst think thou couldst escape ? Ah, no; although most swift of foot and secret, Hugo hath watched and followed thee. I swore to win both gold and ven- geance. The king hath offered high re- ward for thy poor head, and it is mine. Me thinks it may cheer your solitude my lord, so I came hither on my way to bear thy death warrant to the captain of the guard. What wilt thou give for this? Hark ye ! were this destroyed, thou might' st escape ere another were pre- pared. How dost thou like the plot? Rod. And wilt thou save me, Hugo? Give me not up to the king ! 1 11 be thy slave. All I possess is thine. I '11 give thee countless gold. Ah, pity, and save me, Hugo ! Hugo. Ha, ha ! I did but jest. Thinkest thou I could forego the joy of seeing thy proud head laid low? Where was thy countless gold when I did ask it OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE. 91 of thee ? No, no ; thou canst not tempt me to forget my vengeance. 'T is Hugo's turn to play the master now. Mayst thou rest well, and so, good even, my lord. [Uxit Hugo. Rod. Thus end my hopes of freedom. My life is drawing to a close, and all my sins seem rising up before me. The forms of my murdered victims flit before me, and their dying words ring in mine ears, — Leonore praying for mercy at my feet; old Noma whispering curses on my soul. How am I haunted and betrayed ! Oh, fool, fool that I have been ! My pride, my passion, all end in this ! Hated, friendless, and alone, the proud Count Rodolpho dies a felon's death. 'T is just, 't is just ! [Enter Loms masked.] What's that? Who spoke ? Ah, 't is mine unknown foe. What wouldst thou here? Louis. Thou didst bribe one Hugo to murder the young Count Louis, whom thou didst hate. He did thy bidding, and thy victim fell ; but Noma saved, and i i H ^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I Hi 2.5 ■40 u I. ,_ 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 |l.6 ^ 6" — ► m ^ /} (3 Photographic Sciences Corporation 72 '.VEST MAIN STREET WEBSTSa, (4.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^ O' \ :\ V \ ^> V 6^ ^ V A ^^ A ....■A'i-.. ■■■■..:.■ ^x.^.-y!i.lL:'Vi/^.';^^:'--:.:ki^i.;.vf'fi<^^^x:-^^ 92 NORN A; healed his wounds. She told him of his murdered sister's fate, and he hath joined her in her work of vengeance, and foiled thee in thy sinful plots. I saved Leonore, and guarded her till I had won her heart and hand, and in her love find solace for the sorrow thou hast caused. Dost doubt the tale? Look on thine unknown foe^ and find it true [unniasks']. Rod. Louis, whom I hated, and would kill, — thou here, thou husband of Leonore, happy and beloved ! It is too much, too much! If thou lovest life, depart. I'm going mad : I see wild phantoms whirl- ing round me, voices whispering fearful worJs within mine ears. Touch me not, — there is blood upon my hands! Will this dream last forever? Louis. May Heaven pity thee ! Theresa, thou art avenged. [Hxit Louis. Rod. Ah, these are fearful memories for a dying hour ! [Casts himself upon the floor,"] OR, THE WtTCWS CURSE. 93 [Enter Norna. NoRNA. Sinful man, didst think thy death-bed could be peaceful? As they have haunted thee in life, so shall spirits darken thy last hour. / bore thy mur- dered wife to a quiet grave, and raised a spirit to affright and haunt thee to thy death. / freed the Lady Leonore; / mocked and haunted thee in palace, wood, and cell ; / warned Hugo, and betrayed thee to his power; and / brought down this awful doom upon thee. As thou didst refuse all mercy to thy victims, so shall mercy be denied to thee. Remorse and dark despair shall wring thy heart, and thou shalt die unblessed, unpitied, unfor- given. Thy victims are avenged, and Noma's work is done. [NoRNA vanishes. Rod. Ha! ha! 'tis gone, — yet stay, 'tis Louis* ghost! How darkly his eyes shine on me! See, see, — the demons gather round me ! How fast they come ! Old Norna is there, muttering her spells. f 94 NORN A; OR, THE WITCH'S CURSS. Let me go free ! Unbind these chains ! Hugo, Louis, Leonore^ Theresa, — thou art avenged ! IFalls dead. NoBKA glides in and standi beside him, ITableau. CURTAIN. .r #^ 1, i. CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. it i; I %i4 II CHARACTERS. Bernardo . . . Ernest L'Estrangb Hernando . . , Selim 2ara > • • • • Lord of Castile. An English Lord. A Priest, A Slave. Daughter to Bernardo. I! . I CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; OB THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. > ^1 SCENE FIRST. lA thick wood. Storvi coming on. JSnter Ernest.] Eknest. This summer sky, darkened by storm, is a fit emblem of my life. O happy England, why did I leave thee; why let dreams of fame and honor win me from a home, to wander now a lonely and bewildered fugitive? But why do I re- pine ? Life, health, and a brave heart yet are mine ; and 'mid all my peril, God may send some joy to cheer me on to happi- ness and honor. Hist ! a footstep. 'T ia a light one, but a Moorish foe steals like 7 I, q t; :ii ■'J ir :n>M 'S f! 98 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; a serpeiiu on Lis prey. I '11 hide me here, and if need be I '11 sell my life as a brave man should [conceals himself amojig the trees'], [Enter Zara, weeping. Zara. Heaven shield me ! Whither shall I turn? Alone in this wild forest, where may I find a friend to help. The dark storm gathers fast, and I am shelterless. The fierce Spaniard may be wandering nigh, and I dare not call for aid. Mistress of a hundred slaves, here must I perish for dne to lead me. Father, the faint heart turns to thee when earthly help is past; hear and succor thy poor child now, who puts her trust in thee. Ernest [coming forward^. Lady, thy prayer is heard. God hath not sent me here in vain. How may I best serve thee ? Zara. Gentle stranger, pit}^ and pro- tect a hapless maid who puts her faith in thee. Guide me from this wild wood, and all the thanks a grateful heart can give are thine. «* ? J OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VO]V. 99 Ernest. I ask no higher honor than 1o shield so fair a flower from the storm, K from rude hands that may harm it. But how chanced it, lady, that thou art wandering thus unattended ? 'T is unsafe for youth and beauty while the Spanish army is so near. Zara. It was a foolish fancy led me hither, and dearly am I punished. Jour- neying from a distant convent to my father's home, while my attendants rested by a spring I wandered through the wood, unthinking of the danger, till turning to retrace my steps, I found myself lost and alone. I feared to call, and but for thee, kind stranger, might have never seen my home again. Ask not my name, but tell me thine, that in my prayers I may re- member one who has so aided me. Ernest. It were uncourteous to refuse thy bidding, lady. Ernest L'Estrange is the name now honored by the poor service I may do thee. In the Spanish army I came hither, and fear I have seen the last r ■ .' I '.V 100 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; ¥ti I of home or friends. The Moors now seek my life, and ere I can rejoin my ranks, I may be a slave. But the storm draws; nearer. Let me lead thee to some shelter^ lady. Zara. Me thinks I see a glimmer yon- der. Let us seek it, for with thee I fear no longer. I can only give thee thanks^ most noble stranger; yet a day may come when she for whom thou dost now risk thy life may find a fit return, worthy thy courtesy to one so helpless and forlorn. [Exit Ernest and Zara. CURTAIN. OH, THE AJOORlSti MAIDEN'S VOW, 101 s now seek ny ranks, I orm draw* ime shelter^ mmer yon- thee I fear hee thanks^ ' may come 3w risk thy rorthy thy Eorlorn. r and Zaba» SCENE SECOND. [Room in the castle of Bebnardo. Zara alone]. Zara. 'Tis strange how the thought baunts me still. Long months have passed «ince last I saw that noble face, and yet those gentle eyes look on me! Ernest! — 't is a sweet English name, and 't was a noble English heart that felt such tender pity for a helpless maid. Hark ! my fath- er's step ! He comes to tell of victories gained, of kingdoms won. Oh, would he might bring 3ome word of him I have so longed to see and thank once more ! [Enter Bernardo with a casket. Ber. Joyful tidings, Zara! Grenada is free. Here, love, are gems for thee; they have shone on many a fair lady's neck, but none more fair than thine. And here are things more precious far to me than all their gold and gems, — a goodly 102 C A STIVE OF CASTILE; 11 m I! B.i|| I r • liii ' u list of prisoners taken in the fight, and sent to cool their Spanish blood in our deepest cells. Ah, many a proud n.-mie is here, — Ferdinand Navnrre, Carlos of Arragon, Lord L'Estrange, and Baron Lisle. But, child, what ails thee ? Zara. [starting up], L'Estrange ! Is lie a prisoner too? Hast thou read aright? Father, Father, it was he y^l o -ved me from a bitter death in yonder forest. I never told his nome lest it SxtOidd anger thee. For my sake spare him, and let the gratitude thou hast felt for that kind deed soften thy heart to the brave stranger. Ber. Nay, Zara ! He is thy country'^ foe, and must be sacrificed to save her honor. 'T was a simple deed thou hast spoken of. What brave man but would save a fair girl from storms or danger? "n is a foolish thoi'sfht, love ; let it pass. Zara. Oh, Father 1 I who never bent the knee to man before, implore thee thus. [hieels]. Be merciful! Leave not the Eng- lish lord to the dark and fearful doom that OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 103 f waits him. I know too well the life-long captivity, more terrible than death itself, that is his fate. Oh, speak! Say he is forgiven, Father! Ber. Nay, what wild dream is this? Listen, child ! I tell thee he must suffer the captivity he merits as thy country's foe. He hath borne arms against thy king, slain thy kindred, brought woe and desolation thro' tiiv krd our fathers gave us. And thou \^ouldst plead for hiiu! Shame on thee ! Thou &H no true daughter of thy suffering cujntry if thou canst waste one tear ou those who were well lodged in our most dreary dunnrAons. Call thy pride to aid thee, Zara, and be worthy of thy noble name. Zara. Father, thou hast often told me woman's lot was 'mid the quiet scenes of home, and that no thoughts of fame or glory should lie within a heart where only gentleness and love should dwell; but I have learned to honor bravery and noble deeds, and I would pledge my troth for the 1^1:1;; i 104 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; noble stranger. See the English knight, and if he win thee not to gratitude, thou art not the tender father who, through long years, hath so loved and cherished thy motherless child. Ber. Nay, Zara, nay ; honor is a sterner master than a father's love. I cannot free the captive till the king who hath sealed his doom shall pardon also. The prisoners are men of rank, and for thy country's sake must die. Forget thy foolish fancy, child, and set thy young heart on some fairer toys than these false English lords. Adieu, love 5 I must to the council. [Exit Bernardo. Zara. Ah, there was a time when Zara's lightest wish was gladly granted. This cruel war hath sadly changed my father; he hath forgotten all his gener- ous pity for suffering and sorrow. But my work is yet undone, and the stranger is a captive. He shall be free, and I will pay the debt of gratitude I owe him. I will brave my father's anger; but whom can i OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S vow. 105 1 trust to aid me ? Ha ! Selim ! He ig old and faithful, and will obey [cW her iiands]. [Enter Seum. Selim. Your bidding, lady. i^ARA. Selim, thou hast known me from ray birth, and served me welL I have done thee many a kindncES. Wilt thou grant me one that shalt repay all that I have ever shown to thee? . Selim. Lady, thou hast made a slave's life happy by thy care, and through the long year* I have served thee, hast never bid me do aught that was not right. If my poor services can aid thee now, they are most gladly thine. Zara. Listen, Selim, while I tell thee ^vhat I seek. Thou knoweat an English soldier saved and led me from the forest 3 onder, and thou knowest how my father thanked and blessed the unknown friend who had so aided me. Yet now, when it is in h,s power to show the gratitude he felt, he wdl not, and has doomed the man hi itT" m 'ii\ 106 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; once longed to honor to a lonely cell to pine away a brave heart's life in sorrow and captivity. I would show that gentle stranger that a woman never can forget. I would free him. Thou hast the keys. This is the service I now crave of thee. Selim. Lady, canst thou ask me to betray the trust my lord, thy father, hath been pleased to place in me ? Ask any- thing but this, and gladly will I obey thee. Zara. Ah, must I ever ask and be refused? Selim, listen! Thou hast a daughter ; she is fair and young, and thou hast often sighed that she should be a slave. If thou wilt aid me now, the hour tlie chains fall from the English captive's limbs, that hour shalt see thy daughter free, and never more a slave. If thou wilt win this joy for her, then grant my prayer, and she is free. Selim. Oh, lady, lady, tempt me not ! much as I love my child, I love mine honor more. I cannot aid thee to deceive thy father. OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN*S VOW. 107 Zara. Nay, Selim, I do not ask it of thee. The proud name my father bears shall ne'er be stained by one false deed of mine. I ask thee but to lead me to the prisoner's cell, that I may offer freedom, and tell him woman's gratitude can never fail, nor woman's heart forget. And if my father ask thee aught of this, thou shalt answer freely Tell him all, and trust his kindness to forgive; and if evil come / will bear it bravely, — thou shalt not suffer. Thou shalt win thy fair child's freedom, and my fadeless thanks. Selim. Thou hast conquered, lady ; and for the blessed gift that is my reward, I will brave all but treachery and dis- honor. Thou shalt find thy truest slaves in the old man and his daughter [kneek and gives ihe keyB\, Zara. Thanks, good Selim, thanks; thou shalt find a grateful friend in her thou hast served so well. I will disguise me as a femah slave, and thou shalt lead me to the cell. Now go ; I will join r li'Js, i 108 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE} thee anon. [^ExU Selim.] Oh, Ernest, Ernest! thy brave heart shall pine no longer. An ther hour, and thou art free. Chains cannot bind, nor dungeons hold when woman's love and gratitude are thine. IJSxit. CURTAIN. on, THE MOOJRISH MAIDEN'S VOW, lOd SCENE THIRD. [Dungeon in the castle of Bernardo. Ernest L'Estrange, chained.] Ernest. So end my dreams of fame and honor ! A life-Iong captive, or a siil- tan's slave are all that fate has left me now. Yet, 'mid disgrace and sorrow, one thought can cheer me yet, and one sweet vision brighten e'en my dreary lot. I have served my country well, and won the thanks of Spain's most lovely daughter. Sweet lady, little does she dream amid her happiness that memories of her are all now left to cheer a captive's heart. But hist ! — a footstep on the stair. Perchance they come to lead me forth to new cap- tivity or death. [Enter Zara, disgimed as u slave.] Ah, who comes here to cheer the cell of the poor captive ? 110 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; Zara. Captive no longer, if life and liberty be dear to thee. Say but the word, and ere the sun sets thou shalt be free amid the hills of Spain. Eknest. Who art thou, coming like a spirit to my lonely cell, bringing hopes of freedom ? Tell me, what hath moved thee to such pity for an unknown stranger ? Zara. Not unknown to her I serve. She hath not forgot thee, noble stranger. When thou did^t lead her from the dim wood, she said a day might come when she, so weak and helpless then, misrht find some fit reward for one who risked his life for her. That hour hath come, and she hath sent her poor slave hither, and with her thanks and blessing to speed thee on thy way. Eknest. And is she near, and did she send thee to repay my simple deed with one like this? Ah, tell her name ! Where doth she dwell, and whence the power to set me free ? OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. Ill Zara^ I may not tell thee more than this. Her father is Bernardo of Castile, bhe heard thy name among the captives doomed, and seeks to save thee; for if thou dost not fly, a most cruel death awaits thee. Listen to her prayer, and cast these chains away. Ernest. It cannot be. Much as I love my freedom, I love my honor more ; and I am bound until my conqueror shall fth^ back my plighted word, to seek no free^ dom till he .hall bid me go. Nay, do not J\ kmd friend; I am no longer sad From this day forth captivity is sweet.' iell thy fair mi.stress all my thanks are hers; but I may not take the gift she offers, for with freedom comes dishonor, «nd I cannot break my word to her stern father Tell her she hath made my fetteis light, this cell a happy home, by the sweet thought that she is near and still remem- bers one who looks upon the hour when fiist we met as the happiest he hath known. 112 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; i' ': Zara. If there be power in woman's gratitude, thou shalt yet be free, and with thine honor yet unstained. She will not rest till all the debt she owes thee is repaid. Farewell, and think not Zara will forget {turTis to go ; her veil falls]. Ernest [sta/iiing]. Lady! — and is it thou ? Ah, leave me not ! Let me thank thee for the generous kindness which has made a lone heart happy by the thought that even in this wild land there is still one to remember the poor stranger. Zara. Pardon what may seem to thee unmaidenly and bold ; but thou wert in danger; there were none whom I could trust. Gratitude hath bid me come, and I am here. Again I ask, nay, I implore thee, let me have the joy of giving freedom to one brave English heart England is thy home: wouldst thou not tread its green shores once again? Are there no fond hearts awaiting thy return ? Ah, can I not tempt thee by all that man most loves, to fly ? n ee ia Id (1 re in is ,ts .0 .n fSt ORy THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 113 Ernest. Lady, my own heart pleads more earnestly than even thy sweet voice ; but those kind eyes were better dimmed with tears for my sad death than be turned coldly from me as one who had stained the high name he bore. And liberty were dearly purchased if I left mine honor here behind. Ask me no more ; for till thy father sets me free, I am his prisoner here. Ah, dearest lady, thou hast made this lone cell bright, and other chains than these now hold me here. Zara. Then it must be. Much as I grieve for thy captivity, I shall honor thee the more for thy unfailing truth, more prized than freedom, home, or friends. And though T cannot save thee now, thou shalt find a Moorish maiden true and fear* less as thyself Farewell ! May happy thoughts of home cheer this dark ceP till I have won the power to set thee free. [Uxit Zaba. 8 rfti! I tid 114 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; Ernest. Liberty hath lost its charms since thou art near me, lovely Zara. These chains are nothing now, for the fetters that thy beauty, tenderness, and grace have cast about my heart are Btronger far. CUHTAIN. w OS, TUE UOORISU MAIDEN'S VOW. 116 SCENE FOURTtt er. fZARA's cfiamb.. . Unter Bernaedo.J Ber. [unfolding a scroll]. At length 'tis done, and here I hold the doom of those proud lords who have so scorned my race The hour has come, and Bernardo is re- venged. What, hoi Zara, where art thou? [Unter Zara. Zara. Dear father, what hath troubled thee, and how can Zara cheer and comfort thee? Ber. 'Tis joy, not sorrow, Zara, gives this fierce light to mine eye. I have hated, and am avenged. This one frafl scroll is dearer far to me than all the wealth of Spain, for 'tis the death-knell of the English lords. Zara. Must they all die, my father ? 116 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; ■I Bek. Ay, Zara, — all ; ere to-morrow*8 Bun shall set they will sleep forever, and a good deed will be well done. I hate- them, and their paltry lives can ill repay the sorrow they have wrought. Zara. Let me see the fatal paper. {^Takes the scroll; aside.'] Yes, his name is here. Ah, how strange that these few lines can doom brave hearts to such a death ! [Aloud.'} Father, 't is a fearful thing to hold such power over human life. Ah, bid me tear the scroll, and win for thee the thanks of those thy generous pity saves. Ber. [seizing the paper]. Not for thy life^ child ! Revenge is sweet, and I have waited long for mine. The king hath granted this ; were it destroyed, the captives might escape ere I could win another. Nay,. Zara, this is dearer to me than thy most priceless gems. To-night it shall be well guarded 'neath my pillow. Go to thy flowers, child. These things are not for thee, — thou art growing pale and sad* 9rrow s yr, and I hate- , repay paper, name 5se few such a. fearful an life, i^in for sneroua by life^ waited ;ranted might Nay, / most »e well bo thy lot for d sad. OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 117 Hemember, Zara, thou art nobly born, and let no foolish pity win thee to for- ;get it. [Exit Bernardo. Zara. Oh, Father, Father, whom I have •so loved and honored, now so cold, so piti- less. The spirit of revenge hath entered thy kind heart, and spread an evil blight o'er all the flowers that blossomed there. I cannot win him back to tenderness, and Ernest, thou must perish. I cannot save thee, -— perhaps *tis better so; but oh, 't will be a bitter parting ! [ Weeps,"] Nay, nay, it shall not be ! When this wild hate hath passed, my father will repent. Alas I 't will be too late. / will save him from that sorrow when he shall find he hath wronged a noble heart, and slain the friend he should have saved. But stay I how shall I best weave my plot? That fatal paper, once destroyed, I will implore and plead so tenderly, my father will repent; and ere another scroll can reach his hands, I will have won thy freedom, Ernest t iMf l« .St 118 CArriVE OF CASTILJi:; This night beneath his pillow it will bo; nnd T, like a midnight thief, niuHt steal ta that couch, and take it hence. Yet, it shall be done, for it will save thee, Fa- ther, from a cruel deed, and gain a brave heart's freedom. Ernest, t is for thee t for thecl CURT^N. I't! i OH, THE MOOlil^U AUIDIiN'S VOW. 119 ill be J teal to YiiU it e, Vix- hvtwdt tiiee i SCExVE FIFTH. [Chamber in the cantle. Bernardo sU'eping. Enter Zara.] Zara. He sleeps calmly an a child. Why do I tremble ? 'T is a deed of meruy I would do, and thou wilt thank mo that I dared to disobey, and spare theo from life-long regret. The paper, — yes, 'tis here! Forgive me, Father; 'tis to save thee from an evil deed thy child comes stealing thus at dead of night to take what thou hast toiled so long to win. Sleej) on I no dark dream can break thy slumber now; the spirit of revenge shall pass away, and I will win thee back to pity and to love once more. Now, Ernest, thou art saved, and ere to-iuorrow's sun shall rise this warrant for thy death shall be but ashes, and my task be done. [Exit Zara. CURTAIN. ^ W|i 120 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; SCENE SlXTa [Zaka's chamber. Zaba alone.'] Zara. The long, sleepless night at length hath passed. The paper is de- stroyed, and now nought remains but to confess the deed, and brave my father's anger. [Unter Bebnabdo. Ber. Zara ! Zara [starts']. Why so stern, my father ? Hath thy poor Zara angered thee ? Ber. 1 have trusted thee as few would trust a child. Thou art fair and gentle, and I had thought true. Never, Zara, till now hast thou deceived me; and if thou wouldst keep thy father's love and trust, 1 bid thee answer truly. Didst thou, in the dead of n'ght steal to my pillow, and bear hence the paper I had told thee would be there? Thy slave girl, Zillah, ist, in OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 121 missed thee from thy couch, and saw thee enter there. She feared to follow, but none other came within my chamber, and this mom the scroll is gone. Now answer, Zara! Didst thou take the warrant, and where is it now? Zara. Burnt to ashes, and scattered to the winds. I have never stained my soul with falsehood, and I will not now. Oh, Father! I have loved and honored thee through the long years thou hast watched above me. How could 1 love on when thou hadst stained with blood that hand that blessed me when a child, how honor when thou hadst repaid noble deeds with death ? Forgive me that I plead for those thou hast doomed ! I alone am guilty, — let thine anger fall on me ; but. Father, I implore thee, leave this evil deed undone. \_Kneels,'] Ber. Thou canst plead well for thy father's and thy country's foe. What strange fancy hath possessed thee, Zara? Thou hast never wept, tho' many a Chris- H i w 122 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; tian knight hath pined and died within these walls ; and even now, methinks, thou speakest more of gratitude than mercy, and seem strangely earnest for the English lord who did thee some small service long ago. Speak, Zaral wouldst thou save them all f Were I to grant thee all their lives save his, wouldst thou be content to let Mm die ? Zara. Nay, Father ; but for his tender care thou wouldst have no daughter now to stand before thee, pleading for the life he bravely risked in saving mine. Oh, would I had died amid the forest leaves ere I had brought such woe to him, and lived to lose my father's love ! [ Weeps!] Ber. Listen, Zara! Little as I know of woman's heart, I have learned to read thine own ; and if I err not, thou hast dared to love this stranger. Ha! is it so? Girl, I command thee to forget that love, and leave him to his fate ! Zara. Never ! I will not forget the love that like a bright star hath come to OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 125 cheer my lonely heart. I wiU not forget the noble friend who, 'mid his fiercest foes, could brave all dangers to restore an un- known maiden to her home. And when I offered liberty (for I have disobeyed and dared to seek his cell), he would not break the word he had plighted. Father, unto thee. He bade me tempt him not, for death were better than dishonor. Ah, canst thou doom him to a felon's death ? Then do it ; and the hour that sees that true heart cease to beat, that hour thou, hast lost the child who would have lovec. and clung to thee through life. Ber. Child, thou hast moved me strangely. I would grant thy prayer, but thou Shalt never wed one of that accursed race. I bear no hate to the young lord, save that he is tliy country's foe ; and if he gains his freedom, he will win thee too. By Allah ! it shall never be. Yet, listen, Zara ! If I grant his life wilt thou ask no more ? Zara. 'Tis all I ask; grant me but r j ! i \::j r, 124 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; this, and I will give thee all the gratitude and love this poor heart can bestow. Ber. Then *tis done. Yet hold! the price that thou must pay for this dear boon is large. Thou must swear never to see him more ; must banish love, nay, even memory of that fatal hour when first he saw and saved thee. If thou wilt vow to wed none but one of thine own race, his life and liberty are thine to give. Speak, Zara ! Wilt thou do all this ? ' Zara. Oh, Father, Father, any thing but liis ! Pity, gratitude, and love have bound me to him, and the fetters thou hast cast around him are not stronger than the deep affection he hath wakened in my heart. Ah, why wilt thou not give life and liberty to him, and joy to thy child? 1 will not take the vow. Ber. Then his fate is sealed. Thy girl's heart is too selfish to forego its own joy for his sake. Thou dost not love enough to sacrifice thy happiness to win his freedom. I had thought more nobly of thee, Zara. OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 125 Zara. I mU be worthy all thou mayst have thought me; but thou canst little know the desolation thou hast brought me. Thou shalt see how deeply thou hast wronged me, and my love. I will bear all, suffer all, if it will win the life and liberty of him I love so deeply and so well. Ber. Would to Heaven thou hadst never seen this English stranger ! Again, and for the last time, Zara, I ask thee, W^ilt thou leave the captive to his fate, and seek another heart to love ? Zara. Never ! I could mourn his death with bitter tears; but oh, my love is worthy a deeper sacrifice ! He shall never suffer one sad I ^iv if I may spare him, and never know that liberty to him will bring such life-long sorrow unto me. Ber. Then thou wilt take the vow I 6id thee? Zara. I will. Ber. Then swear by all thou dost hold most dear, and by thy mother's spirit, to f 12G CAPTIVE OF CASTILE: .' 'I i V wed one only of thy iather's race ; and through joy and sorrow, thro' youth and age, to keep thy vow unbroken until death. Zaea. I swear ; and may the spirit of that mother look in pity on the child whose love hath made her life so dark a path to tread. Ber. May thou find comfort, Zaral I would have spared thee this, but now it cannot be. Yet thy reward shall well repay thee for thy sacrifice. The English knight is free, and thou shalt restore him unto life and liberty. May Allah bless thee, child 1 [Uxit Bernardo. Zara. *T is over ! The bright dream is past. Oh, Ernest ! few will love thee as I have done ; few suffer for thee all that I so gladly bear ; and none can honor thy true, noble heart more tenderly than she whose hard lot it is to part from thee forever. Still amid my blighted hopes one thought can brighten my deep sorrow, — this sacri- OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 327 fice but renders me more worthy of thee, Ernest. Now farewell, love; my poor heart may grieve for its lost joy, and look lor comfort but in Heavea CUBTAIN. t: i 128 CAPTIVE OF CASTILa SCENE SEVENTH. [TAe cell. Ernest chained. Enter Zaka.] Zara. My lord, I seek thee with glad tidings. Ernest. Why so pale, dear lady ? Let no care for me dim thine eye, or chase the roses from thy cheek. I would not barter this dark cell while thou art here for a, monarch's fairest home. Zara. Thou wilt gladly leave it when I tell thee thy captivity is o'er, and I am here to set thee free. I have won thy liberty, and thou mayst fly with honor all unstained ; for here my father grants thy pardon, and now bids thee go. Ernest. How can I thank thee for thy tenderness and pity ; how may I best show the gratitude I owe thee for the priceless boon of freedom thou hast this day given ? 1 thy all ? OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 129 Zara. Nay, spare thy thanks! I have but paid the debt I owed thee, and *t i» but life for life. Now haste ; for ere the sunset hour thou must be beyond the city gates, and on thy way to home and happiness [takes off his chains']. And now, brave heart, thou art free, and Zara's task i.s done [inrns to go] . Ernest. Stay, lady ! thou hast loosed the chains that bound these hands, but oh, thou hast cast a stronger one around my heart; and with my liberty comes love, and thoughts of thee, thy beauty, tender- ness, and all thou hast done for me. Lady, thou hast cast away my fetters, but 1 am captive still \he kneels]. Ah, listen, Zara, while I tell thee of the love that like a sweet flower hath blossomed in this dreary cell, and made e'en liberty less precious than one word, one smile from thee. Zara. I may not listen, — 't is too late, and *t is a sin for me to hear thee. Ah, ask me not why, but hasten hence, and leave me to the fate thou canst not lighten. IM 130 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; Ernest. Never ! I will not leave thee till I have won the right to cheer and com- fort her who has watched so fearlessly o'er me. Tell me all, and let me share thy sorrow, Zara. Zara. Ah, no ! It cannot be ! Thou canst not break my solemn vow. Go! leave me ! Heaven bless thee, and fare- well ! Ernest. A solemn vow I Hast thou bound thyself to win my freedom? Then never will I leave this cell till thou hast told uie all. I swear it, and I will keep the oath. Zara. Ernest, I implore thee, fly, or it may be too late. Thou canst not help me, and I will not tell thee. Ah, leave me I I cannot save thee if thou tarry now. Ernest. Never, till thou hast told me by what noble sacrifice thou hast saved this worthless ife of mine. Let me free tlice from thy sorrow, Zara, or help thee bear it. Thon hast won my pardon, and I will not go till thou hast told me how. ve thee id coin- i\y o'er re thy Thou Go I d fare- t thou Then )U hast 1 keep r, or it Ip me, e me I )ld me saved e free 1 thee and I OH, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 131 Zara. And wilt thou promise to go licnce when I havo told thee all, and let me have the joy of knowing thou art wife ? Ernest. 1 will leave thee, Zara, if thou cnnst bid me go. Now tell me all thy sorrow, love, and let me share it with thee. Zara. Ernest, I sought to save thee ; for I had learned to love the noble stranger who had done so kind a deed for me. I sought to win my father back to gratitude. I wept and sued in vain, — he would not grant thy life, the boon for which I prayed. Alone I watched above thee, and when the warrant for thy death was sent, I took it from his pillow and de- stroyed it. Thou wast safe. My father charged me with the deed ; and when I told him all, he bid me love no more, and leave thee to thy fate. He bid me show how strong my woman's heart could be, and told me if I yet desired thy freedom, I might win it if I took a solemn vow to m •I T.| » t i 1H 132 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; wed none but of my father's race. I took the vow, and thou art free. Ah, no more ! — and let us part while yet I have the strength to say farewell. Ernest. And is it yet too late ? Canst thou not take back the vow, and yet be mine? I cannot leave thee, — rather be a captive here till thou shalt set me free. Come, Zara, fly with me, and leave the father who would blight thy life to satisfy a fierce revenge. Ah, come and let me win thee back to love and happiness. Zara. Ernest, tempt me not. By that sad vow I swore by all my future hopes,, and by my dead mother's spirit, I would never listen to thy words of love. And stern and cruel tho' my father be, I cannot leave him now. Deep and bitter though this sorrow be, 't is nobler far to bear the burden than to cast it down and seek in idle joys to banish penitence ; for thorns would lie amid the flowers. Farewell 1 Forget me, and in happy England find some other heart to gladden with thy love. Oh,. OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 183 I took Ah, no , I have Canst yet be ther be- ne free. Lve the^ satisfy let me- 3. 3y that hopes,. would And cannot hough ar the eek in thorn* ewell I some Oh^ 'Vis •^3l I'ft may she prove as fond and faithful as thy Moorish Zara. Ernest. I will plead no more, nor add to that sad heart another sorrow. I will be worthy such true love, and though we meet no more on earth, in all my wander- ings sweet tender thoughts of thee shall dwell within my heart. I will bear my ■sorrow as a brave man should. The life thou hast saved and brightened by thy love shall yet be worthy thee. Fare- well ! May all the blessings a devoted heart can give rest on thee, dearest. Heaven bless thee, and grant that we shall meet again. [Exit Zara. Gone, gone, forever! Oh, Father, couldst thou know the deep grief and despair thy cruelty has brought two loving hearts, thou wouldst relent, and call them back to hai ^iness. Where can I look for comfort now i [ }Vecps.'] I will «eek the good priest who hath so long watched above the motherless child. I KP i| R'P-^' ^'1 ||i j V ijlj:; ^1 Ns i ■ t^\ ' * '' ^Hl r^5 a ? •IB Nil ■' ''I'i^ ■ : ' <|^| ; ;'! ; T J i 1 '■ i 134 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; must find rest in some kind heart, and he will cheer, and teach me how to suf- fer silently. I will seek old Hernando** cell [Jlxit Zaba. C'URTAI]^. I 5^*1 Ml f : i i pt, unci to suf- ciando'si m ORt THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW, 135 SCENE EIGHTH. [Cell of the priest. Hernando reading. Enter Zara.] Zara. Father, I have come for help and counsel. Wilt thou give it now as thou hast ever done to her who comes to learn of thee how best to bear a sorrow cheerfully and well? Her. Speak on, dear child. I know thy sorrow. Thou hast loved, and sacri- ficed thy own life*s joy to win a brave heart's freedom. Thou hast done nobly and well ; thy sorrow will but render thee more worthy of the happiness thou hast so truly won. Zara. No, no ; we shall never meet again on earth. Ah, holy father, they who told thee of my love for one who well might win the noblest heart, have told thee but the lightest part of the deep grief that bears me down. Listen to me, Father, 1 i 'I !i it I 1 ^i 1 f' 1 1 ( i i : I i I.I 1] ■■ 136 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; and then give me comfort if thou canst. To win my lover's freedom, I have sworn a solemn oath to wed none but of my father's race. Ernest came from sunny England, and I am the daughter of a Moorish lord. Alas, 't is vain to hope ! The vow is given, and must be kept. Her. Ay, Zara, and it may be kept; but these sad tears will change to sighs ol v^" when I have told thee all. Then thou It bless the vow which brings thee sorrow now. Zara. Oh, speak ! Tell me what joy canst thou give to lighten grief like mine ! Give me not too much hope ; for if it fail, despair thou canst not banish will cast a deeper gloom o'er this poor heart. Now, tell me all. Her. Calm thyself, poor child ; it will be well with thee, and thou shalt yet blossom in thy loveliness beside the heart thou hast won. I will tell thee the true tale of thy fair mother's life. She loved and wed a stranger, and thus won the hatred J * OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN 'a VOW. 137 of her Moorish kindred, who sought to win her for their prince's bride. And when she fled away with him to whom her true heart's love was given, they vowed a fierce revenge. Years passed away; she drooped and died. Thy father perished bravely on the field of battle, and left his child to me. I stood beside thy mother's dying bed, and vowed to gua-rd her babe till thou wert 4safe among thy Moorish kindred. I have watched thee well, and thou art worthy all the happiness thy true heart hath won. Bernardo of Castile is but thy mother's friend ; thy father was an English lord, and thou canst keep thy vow, and yet wed the brave young Englishman who hath won thy love. Zara. Heaven pardon this wild, wilful heart that should mourn the sorrow senl^ when such deep joy as this is given. Ah, Father, how can I best thank thee for the blessed comfort thou hast given ? Her. Thy jo}^, dear child, is my re- ward. When thou art safe with him thou H 138 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; lovest, my task on earth is done, and I shall pass away with happy thoughts of the sweet flower that bloomed beside the old man's path through life, and cheered it with her love. Bless thee, my Zara, and may the spirit of thy mother watch above thee in the happy home thou hast gained by thy noble sacrifice. Zara. Oh, Father, may the joy thy words have brought me brighten thine own life as they have mine. The blessings of a happy heart be on thee. Farewell, Jl'ith'^r ! [_Kneels, kisses his hand. Exit^ CURTAIN. OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN* S VOW. 132^ SCENE NINTH. [Hall in the castle. Enter Zara.] Zara. Selim said the packet would be here \takes the paper]. Ah, 'tis from Er- nest ! He is near me, — we may meet again [opens letter and reads]. Lady, — Thy father will this night betray the city to the Spanish king, who hath promised his life and Hberty for this treachery. He will not keep his oath, and thy father will be slain^ Then bid him fly, and save all he most loves, for no mercy will be shown to those within the walls when once the Spanish army enters there. Save thyself. Heaven bless thee. Ernest. Brave and tnie unto the last I heart 1 thou mayst well beat proudly, for thou hast won a noble prize in the love of Ernest L' Estrange. Time flies ; this night tht city is betrayed, and we must fly. '1 11 si I I I 1 i ' ^lii.i 140 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; Bernardo, lord of fair Castile, is a traitor. Ah, thank Heaven he is not my father! Yet for the love I bore him as a child, he «hall be saved ; and I will cheer and com- fort him now that the dark hour of his life has come. [Unter Bernardo. Ber. Zara, why dost thou look thus on me ? I come to bid thee gather all thou •dost most prize, for the army is before the city, and we may be conquered ere to- morrow's sun shall set. Zara. Seek not to deceive me. I know M ; and the love I bore thee as my father is now turned to pity and contempt for the traitor who will this night betray Castile. Ber. Girl, beware, lest thy wild folly 4ini?er me too far! What meanest thou? Who has dared to tell thee this ? Zara. Thou wouldst betray, and art thyself betrayed ; and were it not for him whom thou hast wronged and hunted, ere to-morrow's dawn thou wouldst be no more, and I a homeless wanderer. Here I '*% -* OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW. 141 read the scroll, and see how well the false king keeps his word he plighted thee for thy deed of treachery. Ber. [reads y and drops the papei*]. Lost! lost ! Fool that I was to trust the prom- ise of a king! Disgraced, dishonored^ and betrayed ! Where find a friend to help me now ? [ Weeps.'\ Zara. Here, — in the child who clings to thee through danger, treachery, and death. Trust to the love of one whom once thou loved, and who still longs to win thee back to happiness and honor. Ber. Nay, child, I trust thee not. I have deceived thee and blighted all thy hopes of love. Thou canst not care for the dishon- ored traitor. Go! tell my guilt to those I would this night deliver up to death, and win a deep revenge for all the wrong I have done thee. I am in thy power now. Zara [fearing the paper"]. And thus do I use it! No eye shall ever read these words that do betray thee ; no tongue call down dishonor on thy head. Thy plot is. 142 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; i h li'M-. i :[- "i "W\ ■■■ I- not yet known, and ere to-night the gates may be well guarded. Thou mayst fl}^ in safety, and none ever know the stain upon thy name. Thou whom I once called father, this is my revenge. I know all the wrong thou hast done me, — the false vow I made to save the life of him I loved. Lara's pity and forgiveness are thine, freely given ; and her prayer is that thou mayst find happiness in some fair land where only gentle thoughts and loving memories may be thine. Ber. Thou hast conquered, Zara ; my proud heart is won by thy tender pity and most generous pardon to one who hath so deeply wronged thee. But I wDl repay the debt I owe thee. Thou shalt find again the loving father and the faith- ful friend of thy young life. Thou shalt know how well Bernardo can atone for all the sorrow he hath brought thee. Zara. And I will be again thy faithful child. Ber. 'T is well ; and now, my Zara, ere OR, THE MOORISH MAIDEN'S VOW, 143 the dawn of another day we must be far beyond the city gates. Selim shall guide us, and once free, together we will seek another and a happier home. Cv. rage, my child, and haste thee. I will pre- pare all for our flight. Remember, when the turret bell strikes seven, we meet again. [Embraces Zara, and exit. Zara. Farewell! I will not fail thee. Love, joy, and hope may fade, but duty still remains. Oh, Ernest, couldst thou but see thy own true Zara now ! Wouldst thou could aid me ! \_Enter Ernest dis* fjiiised.'] Ah, who comes ? A stranger. Speak ! thine errand ! Ernest [kneeling, presents a scroW]. An English knight without the gates did bid me seek thee with this scroll. May it please thee, read. Zara [opens and reads']. Lady, — Thou mayst trust the messenger. He will lend thee in sa . ; to one who waits for thee. Delay not ; danger is around thee. Thine, Ernest. 144 CAPTIVE OF CASTILE; !' i :( l-i r:i M I If"' "n ? ■ ;y Illjl 1 ■ -ill !■' !^ Will ,s Ah, here ! so near me ! Hope springs? anew within my heart. Yes, I will go. Homeless, friendless no more ! Happy Zara ! joy now awaits thee. Yet stay ! — my prom- ise to Bernardo ! I cannot leave him thus in danger, and alone. What shal ^ dot Oh, Ernest, where art thou now? Ernest [throwhuf off disguise, and kneelhxg before he)-]. Here, dearest Zara! here at thy feet, to offer thee a true heart's fond devotion. To thee I owe life, liberty, and happiness. Ab, let me thus repay the debt of gratitude. Thy love shalt be my bright reward ; my heart thy refug ^rom all danger now. Wilt thou not trusi me ? Zara. Ernest, thou knowest my heart is thine, and that to thee I trust with joy my life and happiness. No vow standi now between us. I am thine. Ernest. Then let us hence. All is prepared ; thy father shall be saved. This night shall see us on our way to liberty ; and in a fairer land we may forget the danger, sorrow, and captivity tiiat have OR, THE ilOORlsu MAIDEN'S VOW. 145 been ours. Come, dearest, let me lead tnee. Zara. I come ; and, Ernest, 'mid the joy and bright hopes of the future, let us not forget the sorrow and the sacrifice that hath won for us this happiness; and maj^st thou ne'er regret the hou; that Se^zt^ '"' ''-' '' ''' ^-'^^ CURTAIK, 10 i n I: rf5 nr 1 ' I' 1 t ; in ill 5 < I -»l H.fffi; fii ifvi 111'' !^S! Pi 8! n THE GREEK SLAVE. i; ^B ^m-'^^:W \\ > I I CHARACTERS. CoNSTANTiNB .... PHiv hetvothed to Irene*. QuKEN^ Zelneth . , . His hf other. Ikene The (h'eek Princess, loNB The Greek /Slave. IIelon A Priest. ItiENZi A Traitor* THE GEEEK SLAVE. WWL SCENE FIRST. l^Apartment in the palace of Ieenb. Irene, reclining upon a divan,'] Irene. How strange a fate is mine! Young, fair, and highborn, I may not choose on whom 1 will bestow my love ! Betrothed to a prince whom I have never seen ; compelled to honor and obey one whom my heart perchance can never love, alas ! alas ! And yet, they tell me that Constantine is noble, brave, and good. What more can I desire? Ah, if he do but love me I shall be content \jioise idihout ; she rises]. Hark ! 't is his messenger approaching with letters from the queen, his mother. I will question this ambassador, and learn yet 150 THE GREEK SLAVE. & i* i I IM more of this young prince, my future husband \_seats herself with dignity^. [Enter Rienzi. Kneels^ presenting a letter. RiENZi. The queen, my mistress, sends thee greeting, lady, and this scroll. May it please thee, read. I await your pleasure. Irene [takes the letter and reads']. My lord, with a woman's curiosity, I fain would ask thee of thy prince, whose fate the gods have linked with mine. Tell me, is he tender, true, and noble ? Answer truly^ I do command thee. Rienzi. Lady, he is tender as a woman^ gentle as thy heart could wish, just and brave as a king should ever be. The proudest lady in all Greece were well matched with our noble Cons tan tine. Irene. And is he fair to look upon? Paint me his likeness, if thou canst. Rienzi. I can but ill perform that office. Thou must see if thou wouldst rightly know him. The gods have blessed him with a fair and stately form, a noble face, dark locks, and a king-like brow that «i 1^ . (1 THE GREER SLAVE. 151 well befits the crown that rests upon it. This is he, our brave young prince : one to honor, lady ; one to trust and — love. Irene. 'Tis a noble man thou hast painted. One more question and thou mayst retire. Hath he ever spoken of her who is to be his wife? Nay, why do I fear to ask thee ? Does he love her ? RiENZi. Lady, I beg thee ask me not. Who could fail to love when once he had looked upon thee ? Irene. Thou canst not thus deceive me. Answer truly: What doth he think of this betrothal and approaching mar- riage ? RiENZi. He hath not seen thee, prin- cess, knows of thee nothing save that thou art beautiful, and one day to become his wife. But he is young, and hath no wish to wed, and even his mother's prayers have failed to win his free consent to this most cherished plan, that by uniting thy fair kingdom unto his, he can gain power over other lands and beautify our own. J <. ! *■ '' 'h I f 1l I I 162 THE GREEK SLAVE, Jj&SE. Perchance his heart is given to another. Has no fair Grecian maiden won the love he cannot offer me ? RiENZi. Nay, lady. He loves nought but his mother, his subjects, and his native land. But soon we trust, when thou art by his side, a deeper love will wake within hira, and thou wilt be dearer than country, home, or friends. Irene. 'Tis well ; thou mayst retire. I will send answer by thee to thy queen, and seek some gift that may be worthy her acceptance. And now, adieu! [Rienzi hows and retires.] He does not love me, then, and I must wed a cold and careless lord. And yet— so tender to all others, he could not be unkind to me alone. Oh, that I could win his love unknown, and then when truly mine, to cast away the mask, and be myself again. Stay! let me think. Ah, yes ; I see a way. Surely the gods have sent the thought ! I will disguise me as a slave, and as a gift eent to his mother, I can see and learn to T THE GREEK SLAVE. 153 know him well. I will return with the ambassador, Eienzi. I spake to him of a gift. He little thinks in the veiled slave he shall bear away, the princess is con- cealed. Yes, Constantine, as a nameless girl will Irene win thy heart; and when as a wife she stands beside thee, thou shalt love her for herself alone. [Tahleatk CURTAIN. m^^ f Si a f J » ^ I i '^- -f }■ 154 THE GREEK SLAVS, SCENE SECOND. [^A room in th<> palace o/Thk Qitren. The Queen alone.] Queen. Why comes he not? Thoy told me that our ambassador to the Prin- cess Irene had retm'ned, and bore a gift for me. Would that it were a picture of herself ! They say she is wondrous fair ; and could my wayward son but gaze upon her, his heart might yet be won. [_F}fter Irene, disf/ui^ed as thr slave, Ione.] Ah, a stranger 1 Who art thou? [Ione kneels and presents a letter. Queen \jrads the letter']. Ah, welcome! Thy mistress tells me slie hath chosen from among her train the fairest and most faith- ful of her slaves, as a gift for me. With thanks do I accept thee. Lift thy veil, child, that I may see how our maidens do compare with thee. [Ione lifts her veil. The Queen ga^es in surprise at her beautf/.'\ 77//'; GREEK SLAVE. 155 Thou arfc too beautiful to be a slave. What is thy name ? loNE. lone ; may it please thee, lady. Queen. 'T is a fit name for one ho fair ; and thy country, maiden? loNE. With the princess, my kind mistress, have I dwelt for many happy years ; and honored by her choice now offer my poor services to thee. QuEEN^. What canst thou do, Tone ? Thou art too fair and delicate to bear the heavy water-urn or gather fruit. loNE. I can weave garlands, lady ; touch the harp, and sing sweet songs ; can bear thee wine, and tend thy flowers. I can be true and faithful, and no task will be too hard for thy grateful slave, lone. Queen. Thou shalt find a happy home with me, and never grieve for thy kind mistress. And now, listen while 1 tell thee what thy hardest task shall be, I will confide in thee, lone, for thou art no common slave, but a true and gentle woman whom I can trust and love. Thou m \ T iif PI 1 m ; 1 rv4 . p. „ \M 1 ll J i h 1 \ t: ! 1 \ 1 i 1 ll V ;„. Uf - . . t ' . 1 •• 1 ■ ■ ' i 1 -', ; 1 » 1 ■ ■ , J ' i r ' ■ H , 156 THE GREEK SLAVE, hath heard thy lady is betrothed to my most noble son ; and yet, I grieve to say, he loves her not. Nay, in the struggle 'gainst his heart, hath lost all gayety and strength, and even the name Irene will chase the smile away. He loves no other, yet will not offer her his hand when the heart that should go with it feels no love for her who is to be his wife. I honor this most noble feeling ; yet could he know the beauty and the worth of thy fair lady, he yet might love. Thou shalt tell him this : all the kind deeds she hath done, the gentle words she hath spoken; all her loveliness and truth thou shalt re- peat ; sing thou the songs she loved ; weave round his cups the flowers she wears ; and strive most steadfastly to gain a place with- in his heart for love and Lady Irene. Canst thou, wilt thou do this, lone ? loNE. Dear lady, all that my poor skill can do shall yet be tried. I will not rest till he shall love my mistress as she longs to be beloved. f \ THE GREEK SLAVE. isr Queen. If thou canst win my son to health and happiness again, thou shalt be forever my most loved, most trusted friend. The gods bless thee, child, and give thy work success ! Now rest thee here. I will come ere long to lead thee to the prince. [Fxit The Queen. loNE. All goes well ; and what an easy task is mine ! To minister to him whom I already love ; to sing to him, weave gar- iands for his brow, and tell him of the thoughts stirring within my heart. Yes, I most truly long to see him whom all love and honor. The gods be with me, and my task will soon be done. CURTAIN. 'I > I 158 THE GREEK SLAVE, III; I , ii'r I - m I "■ Wv;: ,1 rLn il ;y ■if; |i -Q Li II ' ! i ii- 1 ! , r [ i h SCENE THIRD. [Another room in the palace. CONSTANTINE, Bad and alone."] Con. Another day is well-nigh passed, and nearer draws the fate I dread. Why must I give up all the brip-ht dreams of my youth, and wed a woman whom 1 cannot love ? They tell me she is young and fair, but I seek more than that in her who is to pass her life beside me. Youth and beauty fade, but a noble woman's love can never die. Oh, Irene, if thou couldst know how hard a thing it is to take thee, princess though thou art ! [Enter Ione.] Ah, lady, thou hast mistaken thy way ! Let me lead thee to the queen's apartments. Ione. Nay, my lord ; I hn- ome from her She bid me say it wa aer will that I, her slave, should strive With my r TUB GREEK SLAVE. 159 poor skill to while away the time till she could join thee. Con. Thou, a slave ? By the gods ! me* thought it was some highborn lady, — nay, even the Princess Irene herself, seeking the queen, my mother. loNE. She was my mistress, and be- stowed me as a gift upon the queen. This scroll is from her hand. May it please thee, read it \Jcneels and presents letter']. Con. Rise, fair maiden ! I would rather listen to thy voice. May I ask thee to touch yon harp ? I am weary, and a gentle strain will sooth my troubled spirit. Stay ! let me place it for thee. [Prince moves the harp and gazes upon lONE as she sings and plays. The wild birds sing in the orange groves, And brightly bloom the flowers ; The fair earth smiles 'neath a summer sky- Through the joyous fleeting hours. But oh ! in the slave girl's lonely heart, Sad thoughts and memories dwell, Hi; ■li •' f li ti IHO THE GREEK SLAVE. And tears fall fast as she mournfully sings, Home, dear home, farewell I Though the chains they bind be all of flowers. Where no hidden thorn may be, Still the free heart sighs 'neath its fragrant bonds. And pines for its liberty. And sweet, sad thoughts of the joy now gone, In the slave girl's heart shall dwell, As she mournfully uag^ to her sighing harp, Native land, native land, farewell ' CoK. T is a plaintive song. Is it thine own lot thou art mourning ? If so, thou art a slave no longer. Tone, Nay, my lord. It was one my Lady Irene loved, and thus I thought would please thee. Con. Then never sing it more, — speak not her name ! Nay, forgive me if I pain thee. She was thy mistress, and thou didst love her. Was she kind to thee? By what name shall I call thee? loNE. lone, your Highness. Ah, yesj she was too kind. She never spake a cruel word, nor chid me for my many faults. / W M?f > / THE GREEK SLAVE. 161 Never can I love another as I loved my gentle mistress. Con. And is she very fair ? Has she no pride, no passion or disdain to mar her loveliness? She is a princess; is she a true and tender woman too ? loNE. Though a princess, 'neath her royal robes there beats a warm, true heart, faithful and fond, longing to be beloved and seeking to be worthy such great joy when it shall come. Tbou ask'st me of her beauty. Painters place her face among their fairest works, and sculptors carve her form in marble. Yes, she is beautiful; but \ is not that thou wouldst most care for. Couldst thou only know her ! — par- don, but I think thou couldst not bear so cold a heart within thy breast as now. Con. Ah, do not cease ! say on ! There is that in the music of thy voice that soothes and comforts me. Come, sit be- side me, fair lone, and I will tell thee why 1 do not love thy princess. 4'^ ' 11 l':i r' ; ' f r » *: ac2 THE GREEK SLAVE, loNE. You do forget, my lord, I am a slave ; 1 will kneel here. [Prince rvdines upon a couch* lONE kneeh beside him. Con. Listen ! From a boy I have been alone; no loving sister had I, no gentle friend, — only cold councillors or humble slaves. My mother was a queen, and 'mid the cares of State, tho' fondly loving me, her only son, could find no time to win me from my lonely life. Thus, tho' dwelling 'neath a palace roof with every wish supplied, I longed most fondly for a friend. And now, ere long, a crown will rest upon my head, a nation bend before me as tlieir king. And now more earnestly tlian ever do I seek one who can share with mc the joys and cares of my high lot,^ — a woman true and noble, to bless me with her love. loxE. And could not the Princess Irene be to thee all thou hast dreamed ? Con. I fear I cannot love her. They told me she was beautiful and highborn ; "f rUE GREEK SLAVE. 103 and when T sought to learn yet more, 'twas but to find .she was a cold, proud woman, fit to be a queen, but not a loving wife. Thus 1 learned to dread the hour when I must wed. Yet 't is my mother's will ; my country's welliire calls for the saci-ifice, and I must yield myself. loxE. They who told thee she was proud and cold do all speak falsely. Proud she is to those who bow before her but to gain some honor for themselves, and cold to such as love her for her royalty alone. But if a fond and faithful heart, and a soul that finds its happiness in noble deeds can make a queen, Irene is worthy of the erown she will wear. And now, if it please thee, i will seek the garden ; for thy mother bid me gather flowers for the feast. Adieu, my lord! {She bows, lur veil f alls: Constaxtine Juinds U lo Z^;-.] Nay, kings should not bend to serve a «Iave, mv lord. Con. I do forget myself most strangely. There, take thy veil, and leave me (turns Hi 4 \ ■ r j 1 \ i li.ff i I ' ft ' ► V":l I * 164 riih: GiacicK s/.a i»-. I i'l ^ M 7 ! ! ' flrWr]. Nay, forgive me if I seem unkin(J» but I cannot treat thee as a slave. Coine^ I will go with tliee to the garden ; thou art too fair to wandor unprotected and alone. Come, lone [_/<'(((/s her out\ CUUTAICC. THE GREEK SLAVE, JG»> SCENE FOURTH. [Ttie fjardenB of the palace, lONB weaving a garland.'] loNE. The rose is Love's own flower, ?iik] I will place it in the wreath I weave for thee, Constantine ! Would 1 could bring it to thy heart as easily ! And yet, methinks, if all goes on as now, the slave lone will ere long win a prince's love. He smiles when I approach, and sighs when I would leave him ; listens to my songs, and saves the withered flowert, I gave him days %^o. How gentle and how kind! Ah, noble Constantine, thou little thinkest the slave thou art smiling on is the "proud, •cold" Princess Irene, who will one day show thee what a fond, true wife she will .be to thee [Hings], [Enter Helon ; kneeh to lONE. loNE. Helon, my father's friend ! thou here ! Ah, hush ! Betray me not ! I am no ' . I Jf IGG THE GREEK SLAVE. y princesK now. Rise, I do beseech thee f Kneel not to me. Helon. Dear lady, why this secrecy ? What dost thou here, disguised, in tlie palace where thou art soon to reign a queen ? loNE. Hark ! is all still ? Yes ; none are nigh ! Speak low. I '11 tell thee all. Thou knowest the young prince loves me not, — nay, do not sigh ; I mean the princess, not the slave lone, as I now call ni}self. Well, I learned this, and vowed to win the heart he could not give ; and so in this slave's dress I journeyed hither with Rienzi, the ambassador, as a gift unto tlie queen. Thus, as a poor and nameless slave, I seek to win the noble Constantine to life and love. Dost understand my plot, and wilt thou aid me, Father Helon? Helon. 'T is a strange thought! None but a woman would have planned it. Yes,. my child, I will aid thee, and thou yet shall gain the happiness thy true heart ;.^ t. m w THE GREEK SLAVE. 167 thee f -ecy ? 1 tlie gn a none )Q all. 3S me i the w call /owed md so r with ,0 tlie ive, I ,0 life ., and None Yes. a yet heart well deserves. We will talk of this yet more anon. I came hither to see the prince. They told me he wa« pale and ilL in sorrow for his hated lot. Say, is this so ? loNE. Ah, yes, most true ; and I am cause of all this sorrow. Father, tell me, cannot I by some great deed give back his health, and never have the grief of know- ing that he suffered because I was his bride? How can I avert this fate? I will do all, bear all, if he may be saved. Helon. Grieve not, my child ; he will live, and learn to love thee fondly. The cares of a kingdom are too much for one so young; but he would have happiness throughout his native land, and toiling for the good of others he hath hidden his sorrow in his own heart, and pined for tenderness and love. Thou hast asked if thou couldst save him. There is one hope, if thou canst find a brave friend that fears no danger when a good work leads him on. Listen, my daughter! In a deep and lonely glen, far beyond the ■W" 168 THE GREER SLAVE. J I! lii! palace gates, there grows an herb whose magic power 't is said brings new life and strength to those who wreathe it round their head in slumber. Yet none dare seek the spot, for spirits are said to haunt the glen, and not a slave in all the palace but grows pale at mention of the place. I am old and feeble, or I had been there long ere this. And now, my child, who canst thou send? loNE. I will send one who fears not spirit or demon ; one who will gladly risk e'en life itself for the brave young prince. Helon. Blessed be the hand that gathers, thrice blessed be he who dares the dangers of the way. Bring hither him thou speakest of. I would see him. loNE. She stands before thee. Nay, start not. Father. / will seek the dreaded glen and gather there the magic flowers that may bring health to Constantine and happiness to me. I will away; bless, and let me go. Helon. Thou, a woman delicate and m THE GREEK SLAVE. 169 5 not r risk Dce. that dares itber im. Nay, aded were and and and fair ! Nay, nay, it must not be, my child ! Better he should die than thou shouldst K3ome to harm. I cannot let thee go loNE. Thou canst not keep me now. Thou hast forgot I am a slave, and none may guess beneath this veil a princess is <5oncealed. I will take my water-urn, and with the other slaves pass to the spring beyond the city gates; then glide unseen into the haunted glen. Now, tell rae how looks the herb, that I may know it. Helon. 'T is a small, green plant that blossoms only by the broad, dark stream, dashing among the rocks that fill the glen. But let me once again implore thee not to go. Ah, fatal hour when first I told thee ! 'T is sending thee to thy death ! Stay, stay, my child, or let me go with thee. loNE. It cannot be; do thou remain, and if I come not back ere set of sun, do thou come forth to seek me. Tell Con- fitantine I loved him, and so farewell. I return successful, or I return no more. [lONE rushes out. VT ^ 170 THE GREEK SLAVE. Helon. Thou brave and noble one to dare so much for one who loves thee not t 1 '11 go and pray the gods to watch above thee, and bring thee safely back. [Exit IlEi.oN. CUUTAIN. \l"--M *. ■" *. 11 1 ! i TUE GREEK ^LAVB. 171 SCENE FIFTH. [A terrace beside the palace. Enter Constantine.] Con. Why comes slie not ? I watched hor slender form when with the other slaves she went forth to the fountain yon- der. I knew her by the rosy veil and snow-white arm that bore the water-urn» The morning sun shone brightly on the golden hair, and seemed more beautiful for resting there ; and now 't is nearly set, and yet she comes not. Why should I grieve because my mother*s slave forgets me ? Shame on thee, Constantine ! How weak and childish have I grown ! This fever gives no rest when Tone is not here to sing sweet songs, and cheer the weary hours. Ah, she comes ! \_Enter Ione mth hasJcd of Jhwo's.'] Where hast thou been, lone? The long day passed so slowly, and I "'X \k :l I h in'* m I ! ti I 172 ri/i!,' CHEEK SLAVE. misHcd tlioe nadly from my side. But. tljou art pale ; thy lix'ks arc damp! Wh;it has chanced to thee? Speak, 1 beseech thoc I loNE. 'Tis nothing; calm thyself, my loi'd. I am well, and bring thee from the haunted glen the magic flowers whose power 1 trust will win thee health and happiness. May it please thee to accept tiiem ynurL^y and gives thcfowcrs]. Con. Thou, thou, lone? Hast thou been to that fearful spot, where mortal foot hath feared to tread ? The gods be blessed, thou art safe again ! How can 1 thank thee? All, why didst thou risk so mucli for my poor life ? It were not worth the saving if thine were lost. lONB. My lord, a loving nation looks to thee for safety and protection. I am but a feeble woman, and none would grieve if I were gone ; none weep for the friendless slave, lone. Con. Oh, say not thus! Tears would ■ B" H i J Wi M iW' W I U ' THE GREEK SLAVE. 178 be shed for thee, and one heart wouhi grieve for her who risked mo much for him. Speak not of death or separation, for I cannot let thee go. loNE. I will not leave thee yet, till 1 have won thy lost health back. The old priest, Helon, bid me seek the herbs, and bind them in a garland for thy brow. If tiiou wilt place it there, and rest awhile, I am repaid. Con. If thy hand gave it, were it deadly poison I would place it there. Now sing, lone ; thy low sweet voice will bring me pleasant dreams, and the healing sleep will be the deeper with thy music sounding in mine ears. [The prince reclines upon the terrace. loNE weaves a garland and sinus. Flowers, sweet flowers, I charge thee well, O'er the brow where ye bloom cast a healing spell ; From the shadowy glen where spirits dwell, I have borne thee here, thy power to tell. Si'--' r>«>- I f r t '|| ! i 'i f . 1 ; 1 J! !:! (1 K fl 1 ; 1 1 1 : 1 I '■■; ■ . »■- ■ 'pi 1 i ••■'"■■■■- w 'f ' ■ ;i i ' i ' '' { 1 174 THE GREEK SLAVE, Flowers, pale flowers, o'er the brow where ye lie, Cast thy sweetest breath ere ye fade and die. [lONE places the garland on the head of the prince, who falls asleep. She sits beside him softly singing, CUKTAIN. it i ;! THE GREEK SLAVE. 175 SCENE SIXTH. P'he QuEESf's apartment The Queen alone.'] Queen. *Tis strange what power this slave hath gaiijod o'er Constantine. She hath w jxi him back to health again, and never have I seen so gay a smile upon his lips as when she stood beside him in the moonlight singing to her harp. And yet, tho' well and strong again, he takes no interest in his native land. He comes no more to council hall or feast, but wanders 'iiiong his flowers with lone. How can 1 rouse him to the danger that is near! The Turkish sultan and his troops are on tlii.u' way to conquer Greece, and he, my Constantine, who should be arming for the fight, sits weaving garlands with the lovely slave girl! AL, a thought hath seized me ! Why caanot she who hath such power o*er him rouse up with noble words the brave iiii i ''\' 176 THE GREEK SLAVE. heart slumbering in his breast? I hear h'3r light step in the hall. lone, lone, — coine hither ! I woul i speak with thee. [Enter lONE. loNE. Your pleasure, dearest lady. QuKEN. lone, thou knowest how I love thee for the brave deeds thou hast done. Thou hast given health unto my son, hath won him b^ick to happiness. Thou hast conquered his aversion to the princess, and he will gladly wed her when the hour shall come. Is it not so ? loNE. Dear lady, that I cannot tell thee. He never breathes her name, and if I speak of her as thou hast bid me, he but sighs, and grows more sad ; and yet I trust, nay, I well know that when he sees her he will gladly give his hand to oae who loves him as the p incess will. Then do not grieve, but tell thy slave how she may serve thee. Queen. Oh, lone, if thou couldst wcke him from the quiet dream that seems lO lie upon his heart. His country is in ^1>- THE GREEK SLAVE, 177 to danger, and he should be here to counsel and command. Go, tell him this in thine own gentle words ; rouse him to his duty, and thou shalt see how brave a heart is there. Thou hast a wondrous power to sadden or to c)ieer. Oh, use it well, and win me back my noble Constantine ! Canst tliou do this, lone ? Tone. I will ; and strive most earnestly to do thy bidding. But of what danger didst thou speak ? No harm to him, I trust ? QuEEX. The Turkish troops are now on their way to carry woe and desolation into Greece, and he, the prince, hath taken no part in the councils. His nobles mourn at his strange indifference, and yet he heeds them not. I know not why, but some new happi- ness hath come to him, and all else is forgot. But time is passing, i wUI leave thee to thy work, i^vA if thou art success- ful, thou wilt have won a queen's most fervent gratitude. Adieu, my child ! {Exit The Queen. ^t- kmt 178 THE GREEK SLAVE i' loNE. Yes, Constantine, thy brave heart shall awake ; and when thy country is once safe again, I '11 come to claim the love that now I feel is mine. [E'xit Ions. CURTAIN. w THE GREEK SLAVE, 179 SCENE SEVENTH. [Apartment in the palace. Enter loNE ^vith sword and hanncr!] loNE. Now may the gods bless and watch above thee, Constantine ; give strength to thine arm, courage to thy heart, and victory to the cause for which thou wilt venture all. Ah, could I but go with thee, thy shield would then be use- less, for with mine own breast would 1 shelter thee, and welcome there the arrows meant for thee. He comes ; now let me rouse him from this dream, and try my power o'er his heart. [Enter Constantine. Con. What high thoughts stirring in thy heart hath brought the clear light to thine eye, lone, the bright glow to thy cheek ? What mean these arms ? Wouldst thou go forth to meet the Turks? Thy i- i ' W 180 THE GREEK SLAVE. beauty wonlrl subdue them sooner than the sword thou art gazing on so earnestly. Tone. Thou hast bade me speak, my lord, and I obey ; but pardon thy slave if in her wish to serve she seem too bold. Thy mother and thy subjects wonder at thy seeming indifference when enemies are nigh. Thine army waits for thee to lead them forth ; thy councillors sit silent, for their prince is ^onc. While grief and terror reign around, he is wandering 'mong his flowers, or listening to the music of his harp. Ah, why is this? What hath be- fjillen thee ? Thou art no longer pale and feeble, yet there seems a spell set on thee. Ah, cast it off, and show them that thou hast no fear. Con. 1 am no coward, lone ; but there is a spell upon me. T is a holy one, and the chain that holds me here I cannot break, — for it is love. 1 have lost the joy I once took in my subjects and my native land, and am content to sit beside thee, and listen to the music of thy voice. THE GREEK SLAVE 181 loNE. Then let that voice arouse thee. Oh, fling away the chain that keeps thee from thy duty, and be again the noble prince who thought but of his people. Oh, let me plead for those who sorrow for thy care, and here let me implore thee to awaken from thy dream and be thyself again \j>he kneels]. Con. Oh, not to me ! Rise, I beseech thee, rise ! Thou hast led me to my duty ; I will obey thee. loNE. I would have thee gird on thy sword, and with shield upon thine arm, and banner in thy hand, go forth and conquer like a king. Show those who doubt thee that their fears are false, — that thou art wortliy of their love. Lead forth thy troops, and save thy country from the woe that now draws nigh. Victory surely will be theirs when thou shalt lead them on. CoN". Give me my sword, imfurl my banner, and say farewell. 1 will return victorious, or no more. Thy voice hath %i jf ^^i] m ' i ? ■ i>._ r: It-.' ' 1:,i i 1 182 7'//A' GREEK SLAVE. roused mo from my idle but most lovely dreaiii, and thy brave words shall cheer me on till I have won the honor of my people back. Pity and forgive my fault ; and alj, romember in thy prayers one who ^0 passionately loves thee. Farewell ! farewell ! [Ki'^ '^<\ V ^ Ml- 'I • 1 ■ i- 186 r/f£: GREEK SLAVE. loNE. Pardon this weakness ; I will retire, my lord. Con. Ah, do not leave me till I have poured out my gratitude. My country owes its liberty to thee : then let me here before thee offer up my country's thanks, and tell thee what my heart hath striven to hide. Dear lone, listen, I do beseech thee ! \_Ifnecls.'] loNE. My lord, remember Lady Ircno. Con. [startinr/ uji]. Why conies she thus between my happiness and me ? Wiiy did she send thee hither ? Thcu hast made the chain that binds her to me heavier to be burne ; the sorrow of my heart more bitter still. Nay, do not weep. I will be calm. Thou art pale and faint, lone, — lean thus on me. loNE. Nay, leave me ; I cannot li;'tGn to thee. Go, I pray thee, go ! Cox. Not till thou hast pardoned me. I have made thee wt^ep, and every tear that falls reproachtj'i me for my rash words. Forget them, and forgive me. THE GREEK SLAVE. 187 loNE. Ask not forgiveness of thy slave, my lord. 'T is I who have offended. And think not thus of Lady Irene, who in her distant home hath cherished ten- der thoughts of one whom all so honored. Think of her grief when she shall find thee cold and careless, and shall learn that he who should most love and cherish, deems her but a burden, and hates the wife whom he hath vowed to wed. Ah, think of this, and smile no more upon the slave who may not listen to her lord. Con. Thou art right, lone. I will obey thee, and seek to hide my sorrow within my lonely breast. Teach me to love thy mistress as I ought, and I will sacrifice each selfish wish, and be more worthy thy forgiveness, and a little place within thy iieart. Trust me. I will speak no more of my luihappy love, and will seek thee only wlien thine own voice bids me come. The sunlight of thy presence is my truest joy, and banishment from thee the 188 THE GREEK SLAVE, iiMt !■: punishment my wilful heart deserves Rest here, lone, and weep for me no more I am happy if thou wilt but smile again. Farewell, and may the gods forever bless thee ! [^Kisses her robe, and rushes outJ] CL'liTAIN. \^.Up TBS GREEK SLAVE, 189 SCENE TENTH. [A gaUeri/ hi the palace. Enter loNE with floivers.'] loNE. How desolate and dreary all hath grown ! The garden once so bright hath lost its beauty now, for Constantine no longer walks beside me. The palace rooms seem sad and lonely, for his voice no longer echoes there, and the music of his harp is never heard. His pale face haunts me through all my waking hours, and his mournful eyes look on me in my dreams. But soon his sorrow all shall cease, for nearer draws the day when Prin- cess Irene comes to claim the heart so hardly won, and will by constancy and love so faithfully reward. Hark ! I hear a step. It is Rienzi. How shall I escape, — my veil is in the garden ! He knows me and r > ! ^ : f ;; 190 THE GREEK SLAVE, iT>-i will discover all. Stay ! this curtain shall conceal me [hides mthin the draper i/"], [Enter RiENZi stealthily. RiENZi. How! not here? I told the messenger to meet nie in the gallery tliat leads from the garden. Curses on him ! he hath delayed, and were I discovered in this part of the palace, all might be be- trayed. I '11 wait, and if he comes not, 1 *11 bear the message to the friends myself, and tell the bold conspirators we meet to- night near the haimted glen, to lay yet farther plans. We must rid the kingdom of the prince, who will be made ere long our king, for his bridal with the Princess Irene draws more near. But ere the royal crown shall rest upon his brow, that head shall be laid low. The queen will soon follow her young son, and then we '11 seize the kingdom and rule it as we will. Hark ! methought I heard a sound. I may be watched. I'll stay no longer, but seek the place myself [steals out and disapjpears in the garden]. •"^ THE GREEK SLAVE. 191 [lONE comes from her hiding-place, loNE. Surely the gods have sent me to watch above thee, Constantine, and save thee from the danger that surrounds thee. I will haste to tell him all I have dis- covered. Yet, no ! Rienzi may escape, and I can charge none other with the crime. They meet near the haunted glen, and not a slave would follow even his brave prince to that dark spot. How can I aid him to discover those who seek to do him harm ? Stay ! I will go alone. Once have I dared the dangers of the way to save thy life, Constantine ; again I 11 tread the fearful path, and watch the traitors at their evil work. It shall be done ! I will dare all, and fail not, falter not, till thou who art dearer to me than life itself art safe again. lExit. CURTAIN. 1^ I W il 7 i ■I i fl •»3 LL t ,,<,,s *f I --SW-ff-f- •u f" III 192 THE GREEK SLAVE, SCENE ELEVENTH. [A wood near the haunted glen. Ione shrouded in white glides in and cnnceah herself among the trees. Enter RiENZl.] RiENZi \looking fearfully ahont\ 'Tis a wild and lonely spot, and 't is said strange spirits have been seen to wander here. Why come they not ? 'T is past the hour, and I who stand undaunted when the fiercest battle rages round me, now tremble with strange fear in this dim spot. Shame on thee, Rienzi, there is nought to fear \oj>e\u a scroll and reads]. Here are their names, all pledged to see the deed accom- plished. 'Tis a goodly list and Constan- tine must fall when foes like these are round him. [Ione appears within the glen. Ha! methoiight I heard a sound ! Nay, *twas my foolish fancy. Spirits, I defy thee ! THE GREEK SLAVE, \n loNE. Beware ! Beware ! RiENzi. Ye gods, what's that? It was a voice. [Rushes ivildly towards the glcUy seis loNE, drops scroll and dagger,'] 'T is a spirit ! The gods preserve me, I will not stay! [Exit in terror,"] {Enter Ione. Tone. Saved ! saved ! Here are the traitors' names, and here Rienzi's dagger to prove my story true. Now hence with all my speed, no time is to be lost ! These to thee, Constantine, and joy unfailing to my own fond heart. [Exit Ione. :l ^' 11 »^I1I CURTAIX. 18 i Mi Iff i 1 n . i 1 i 1 ; 1 1 f t| •' tl\ 194 2'//ii GREEK SLAVE. SCENE TWELFTH. [vl/)«r^?«ewi m ^Zie palace. Enter Constantine.] Cox. This little garland of pale, with- ered llovvers is all now left me of lone, faded like my own bright hopes, broken like my own sad heart. Yet still I cherish it, for her dear hand wove the wreath, and her soft eyes smiled above the flowers as she twined them for my brow. Those happy days are passed ; she comes no more, but leaves me sorrowing and alone. And yet 'tis better so. The princess comes to claim my hand, and then 't will be a sin to watch lone, to follow her unseen, and listen to her voice when least she thinks me near. The gods give me strength to bear my trial worthily, and suffer silently the greatest sorrow lift can give, — that of losing her [leans sadly upon the harjj'j. THE GREEK SLAVE. 195 {Enter Ione. Tone. My lord— He does not hear me, how bitter and how deep must be his grief^ wlien the voice that most he loves "falls thus unheeded on his ear. My lord— - Con. [stariiug']. And thou art really here? Ah, lone, I have longed for thee inost earnestly. Ah, forgive me ! In my joy I have disobeyed, and told the happi- ness thy presence brings. What wouldst thou with me ? Ione. My lord, I have strange tidings for thine ear. Con. Oh, tell me not the Princess Irene hath arrived ! Ione. Nay, 'tis not that. I have learned the secret of a fearful plot against thy life. Rienzi, and a band of ""other traitors, seek to win thy throne and take the life of their kind prince. Con. It cannot be, lone ! They could not raise their hands 'gainst one who hath striven for their good. They cannot wish the life I would so gladly have lain down 196 THE GREEK SLAVE, m^:i '^I'Mikl to save them. Who told thee this, lone T I cannot — no, I will not think they coul(J prove so ungrateful unto the It prince. loNE. I cannot doubt the truth of this, my lord, for one whose word I trust learned it, and followed to the haunted glen, there saw Rienzi, whose guilty conscience drove- him from the place, leaving ^^hlud this- scroll whereon are all the traitors' names. And this dagger,— 'tis his own, as thou mayst see [showz'i dagger and 8croU\, Con. I can no longer doubt ; but I had rather have felt the dagger in my heart than such a wound as this. The names are few; I fear them not, and will ere long show them a king may par- don all save treachery like this. But tell the name of thy brave friend who hath discovered this dee^" treason, and let me offer some reward to one who hath watched above me with such faithful care. loNE. Na}'', my lord, no gift, no thankf* are needed. 'T is a true and loving subject, who is well rewarded if his king be safe. THE GREEK SLAVE, 19T ect. CoN". Thou canst not thus deceive me. It was thine own true heart that dared so much to save my life. Oh, lone, why wilt thou make me love thee more by deeds iike these, — why make the sorrow heavier io bear, the parting sadder still ? loNE. Thou dost forget, my lord, I have but done my d»ity. May it please Ihee, listen to a message I bear thee from the queen. Cox. Say on. I will gladly listen to Ihy voice wnilo yet T inn/. Tone. She bid me teil thee that to- morrow, ere the sun shall set, the Princess Irene will be here. [Constantine starh 'Wid turns aside.'] Forgive me that I pain thee, but I must obey. Yet, farther : thy hv'ide hath sent her statue as a gift to thee, 4ind thou wilt find it in the queen's pavil- ion. She bid me say she prayed thee to .:go look upon it, and remember there thy :«olemn vow. Cox. Oh, lone, could she send none Jbiit thee to tell me this? To hear it from 'H I ■I it !9B M> S|i' J i 198 THE GREEK SLAVE. thy Hps but makes the tidings heavier to bear. Canst thou bid me go, and vow to love one whom I have learned to haiO?" Canst thou bid me leave thee for a lUte- like this? loNE. My lord, thou art soon to be « king ; then for thy country's sake, re- member thy hand is plighted to the prin- cess, and let no kindly thoughts of a humble slave keep thy heart from it» solemn duty. Con. T am no king, — 'tis T who am the slave, and thou, lone, are moiu; to mo than country, home, or friends. Nay, do^ not turn away, — think only of the love I bear thee, and listen to my prayer. loNE. I must not listen. Ilast thou so soon forgot the vow thou made that no word of love should pass thy lips? Re- member, 't is a slave who stands before thee. CoN". Once more thou shalt listen to me, lone, and then I will be still forever^ Thou shalt be my judge, thy lips shall THE GREEK SLAVE. 199 its. aia lue do vo I speak my fate. T cannot love the prin- cess. Wouldat thou bid me vow to cher- ish her while my heart is wholly thine ? Wouldst thou ask me to pass through life beside her with a false vow on my lips, and, with words of love I do not feel, con- ceal from her the grief of my divided heart? Must I give up all the bright dreams of a happier lot, and feel that life is but a bitter struggle, a ceaseless longing but for thee ? Rather bid me to fori^et the princess and bind with Love's sweet chains the sla\e unto my side, — my bride forever. loNE. The slave lone can never be thy bride, and thou art bound by solemn vows to wed the Princess Irene. My duty and thine honor are more precious than a poor slave's love. Banish all thoughts of her, and prove thyself a faithful lord unto the wife w ho comes now trustingly to thee. Ask thine own heart if life could be a bitter pilgrimage, when a sacrifice like this had been so nobly made. A tender wife L^ 200 THE GREEK SLAVE. h^i .i\ beside thee, a mother's blessing on thy head, — oh, were not this a happier fate than to enjoy a short, bright dream of love, but to awake and find thy heart's peace gone, thy happiness forever fled ; to see the eyes that once looked rever- ently upon thee now turned aside, and lips that spoke but tender words now whisper scornfully of broken vows thou wert not brave enough to keep. Forgive me, but I cannot see the prince so false to his own noble heart. Cast off this spell; forget me, and Irene shall win thee back to happiness. Con. Never! All her loveliness can never banish the pure, undying love I bear to thee. Oh, lone, canst thou doubt its truth, when I obey thee now and prove how great thy power o'er my heart hath grown ? ' Oh, let the sacrifice win from iJice one gentle thought, one kind remem- brance of him whose life thou hast made so beautiful for a short hour. And in my loneliness, sweet memories of thee shall THE GREEK SLAVE. 201 ih e y 11 cheer and gladden, and I will bear all for thy dear suke. And now farewell. For- give if I have grieved thee, and at parting grant me one token to the silent love that henceforth must lie unseen within my heart. Farewell, lone ! \^He kisses her.'] loNE [falling at his feet\ Ah, forgive me, — here let me seek thy pardon for the grief I have brought thee. May all the happiness that earth can bring be ever thine. But, if all others should forsake thee, in thine hour of sorrow remember there is one true heart that cannot change. Oh, may the gods bless thee ! 'T is my Jast wish, last prayer \tveeps\. Farewell! Con. Stay! I would claim from thee one little word which hath the power to brighten e'en my sorrow. I have never asked thee, [for I thought my heart had read it in thine eyes that looked so kindly on me ; in the lips that spoke such gentle words of hope. But ah! tell me now at parting dost thou hve me, dear lone ? loNE. I do, most fondly, truly love thee. 1 202 THE GREEK SLAVE, Con. lone, thy voice hath been a holy Bpell to win me to my duty. Thy love shall keep me pure and faithful, till we meet above. Farewell ! loxE. Farewell! — and oh, remember how I have loved thee ; and may the memory of all I have borne for thee win thy pardon for any wrong I may have done thee. The princess will repay the grief the slave hath caused thy noble heart. Remember lone, and be true. [Exit Con. Gone, gone, now lost to me for- ever ! Remember thee ! Ah, how can I ever banish thy dear image from this heart that now hath grown so desolate? I will be true. None shall ever know how hard a struggle hath been mine, that I might still be worthy thee. Yes, Irene, I will strive to love thee, and may the gods give me strength ; but lone, lone, how^ can I give thee up ! \_Picks itp a flower Ione has dropped^ uiid ^uts it in his bosom and goes sadly oid^ CURTAIN. THE GREEK SLAVE. 20$ SCENE THTRTEENTII. [The Queen's pavilion. A dark curtain hangs before an alcove. Enter Constantine.} Con. The hour hatli come when I shall gaze upon the form of her who hath cast so dark a shadow o*er my life. Beautiful and young, and blessed with all that makes her worthy to be loved, and yet I fear I have not taught my wilful heart the ten- derness I ought. I fear to draw aside the veil that hide* her from me, for I cannot banish the sweet image that forever floats before mine eyes, lone's soft gaze is on me, and the lips are whispering, "I love thee!" But I have promised to be true, — no thoughts of hec must lead me now astray. My fate is here [approaches the curtain\ Let me gaze upon lii;r i. I f ll i i mil ' X Mr in iH -204 ri/£ GREEK SLAVE. it, and think gently of the wife so soon to be mine own. Why do I fear? Courage, my heart! [7/c clmos aside the citriain, and loNE, veiled, appears as a statue vjmn its j)edestaL'] Another veil to raise ! How hard the simple deed hath grown. One last sweet thought of thee, lone, and then I will no longer falter. [lie turns away and lotvs his head."] loNE. Constantine ! [He starts, and ^azes in wonder as the statue, casting aside the veil, comes down and kneels.'] Here at thy feet kneels thy hated bride, — the " proud, cold princess," asking thee to pardon all the sorrow she hath given thee. Ah, smile upon me, and forget lone, who as a slave hath won thy love, but as the princess will repay it, — forgive, and love me still ! Cox. Thou, thou Irene, — she whom 1 so feared to look upon ? Ah, no ! — thou art lone, tlie gentle slave. Say am I dreaming ? Why art thou here to make another parting the harder to be THE GREEK SLAVE, 205- borne? Fling by thy crown and be lone again. Irene [rising]. Listen, Constantine, and I will tell thee all. I am Irene. In my distant home I learned thou didst not love me, and I vowed to win thy heart before I claimed it. Thus, unknown, the proud princess served thee as a slave, and learned to love thee with a woman's fondest faith. I watched above thee that no harm should fall ; I cheered and gladdened life for thee, and won the heart I longed for. I knew the sorrow thou wouldst feel, but tried thy faith by asking thee to sacrifice thy love and keep thine honor stainless. Here let me offer up a woman's fondest trust and most undying love. Wilt thou believe,, and pardon mine offence? \Kneek again before him^ Con. Not at my feet, Irene ! — 't is I who should bend low before thee, asking^ thy forgiveness. For all thou hast dared for me ; for every fearless deed ; for every loving thought, all I can lay before thee is i i M 1 206 THE GREEK SLAVE. a fond and faithful heart, whose reverence and love can never die, but through the pilgrimage of life shall be as true and tender as when I gave it to the slave lone [embraces Ikene]. [Talleau. CURTAIN. I m t I ION. t I ■ NOTE TO ION. i This play was found too uninteresting loi presentation, and was left unfinished, but is here given as a specimen of what the young authors considered very fine writing. The drama was, of course, to end well. Cleon, being free, at once assembles a noble army, returns to conquer Mohammed and release Ion, who weds the lovely Zuleika, becomes king, and "lives happily forever after," CHARACTERS. f""^""'"' Th^Iurk. Cleox- ... D . ^ ^ • . . i rmctf of Greece, . ^onofCleon. ^_ ^1 ^ nest. ,^ Turkish Efivo?/. Hassa.v ... J e/ -'1 olare. f""*" ^^Ya.«. ^'"'^''^*« ^ -Store. ., W^ of Clean. ^ -a olave. A Slave, i|i ii , u J3J ' ION. SCENE FIRST. [Boom in the palace of Cleom. Iantha and Adbastus.1 Iantha. How wearily the days wear on, and the heavy hours so fraught w.th Joubt press like death upon my aching heart. To the young, the fair, the happy. Me 18 a blissful dream, filled with bright joys ; for hope like a star beams on their pathway. But to the grief-worn heart, worn with weary watching, vexed with sad cares, whose hours are filled with fear, and ever thronging sorrows, whose star burns with a dim uncertain light, — oh weary, weary is the pilgrimage; jovless the present, dark the future; and the sooner all is o'er, the better. !'i m i 21 [ON ^Mf It -. ■i Adrastus. Daughter, thou hast forgot. The radiant star may pale and fade, but He who givcth it its light still livetU. Turn unto Him thy worn and bleeding heart, and comfortless thou shalt not be. Iantha. Father, I cannot. When I would pray for resignation, words fail me, and my soul is filled with murmuring, while- round me throng visions of battle-field* and death. Ever comes before me the- form of Cleon, — no longer bright and beautiful as when, burning with hope and confidence in his high calling, he went forth to conquer or to die ; but fallen, bleeding, perhaps dead, or a captive in the dungeon of the pagan, doomed ta waste in hopeless misery the long years. of his manhood. And my boy, — what will be his fate ? Father, can I think on this and pray ? Adrastus. 'T is hard, lantha ; but to His aid alone canst thou look up to save thy husband from the horrors of a bloody JUN. 213 to lavo •war. Call on Him, and He, the merciful, ^vill in thy great need be near thee. [Enter Medon. Medon. a stranger craveth audience. Iantiia [ruahuig forward], A stranger! €ometh he from my lord ? Medon. I know not, lady ; but as a messenger is he clad, and with great haste Klomandeth speech of thee, saying he bore tidings of great import. Iantha. Admit him instantly. [^Exit Medon.] Father, do thou follow, and speed him hither. Adrastus. I hasten to obey thee. Bear a brave heart, my daughter. I feel Aliat hope is near. [Exit Adrastus. Iantha \_joi/fidlf/\ . Hope, — thrice blessed word ! — wilt thou indeed visit this doubting heart once more, and sweeten the cup thou hast so long forsaken ? [Enter Hafiz.] Welcome ! comest tnou from my lord ? Thy tidings speedily ! ** Hafiz. To the wife of Cleon, late com- mh! 214 iON. if ^ ,.« ^il I '^■' IB ifif ||l V* I :^ !i'i --^^ t !!:-.i:. mander of the rebel Greeks, am I sent to bear tidings of their defeat by Mohammed^ now master of all Greece. Adrastus. And my lord, — the noble Cleon ? Hapiz. Betrayed, defeated, and now lying under sentence of immediate death in the dungeon of the Sultan. Iantha. Lost ! lost ! lost ! [Falls faint- ing oil a conchy [Enter Adrastus. Adrastus. Daughter, look up ! — there is yet hope. There is no time for rest. Up! rouse thy brave, till now, uncon- quered heart and cast off this spell. And thou, slave, hence, — away ! [Exit Hafiz. lANTnA [ronwtg]. Defeated, impris- oned, condemned, — words unto one heart fraught with such dire despair. Tell me,. Father, oh, tell me truly, do I dream ? [Enter lox, who standi listening, Adrastus. 'T is no dream. The rough soldier did but tell thee in rude speech^ n ,' > ■ /OA^. 215 in»- leart me,. iing. jugb what I was hastening in more guarded words to bear thee. *T is true ; thy lord is in Mohammed's power, a victim to the per- fidy of pagans, and doomed unto a speedy death. Nay, lantha, shrink not, but as a soldier 3 wife, glory in the death of thy brave knight, dying for his country; and in his martyrdom take to thy soul sweet comfort. Iantua. Comfort! Oh, man, thou little knowest woman's heart ! What to her is glory, when him she loveth is torn from her forever ? What to the orphan is the crown of martyrdom, the hero's fame, the praise of nations, the homage of the great? Will they give back the noble dead, heal the broken heart, tear bitter memories from the wounded soul to whom earth is desolate ? Nay, Father, nay. Oh, Cleon, would I could die with thee ! Adrastus. This mighty sorrow o'er- powers her reason and will destroy all hope. lantha, daughter, rouse thyself; let the love thou dost bear thy lord now aid in his deliverance. From the wealth n 216 ION. 'I of thy heart's true affection, devise thou some way to save him. Iantha. Aid me, Father; I have no power of thought. I will trust all to tJiee. [Ion approaches, Adrastus. I know not what to counsel thee ; my life hath ill fitted me to deal with soldiers and with kings. But if some messenger — Iantha. Nay, it will not serve. None will dare brave the anger of the pagan, and death were the doom of such as approach him other than as a slave. And yet, — perchance he might relent. Oh, were there some true heart, fearless and loving, to aid me now in mine hour of distress ! Where can I look for help ? Ion [coming forward]. Here, Mother, — I will seek the camp of Mohammed. Iantha. Thou ! — my Ion, my only one. No, no; it may not be, — thy tender youth, thy gentle, untried spirit. 'Tis madness e'en to think on ! Ion. Mother, am I not a soldier's son, ION. 217 cradled 'mid warriors ? Runs not the blood of heroes in these veins? Are not my father's deeds, his bright, untarnished name, my proud inheritance? What though this tender form is yet untried; >vhat though these arms have never borne the knightly armor ? No victor's laurels rest on this youthful brow, and I bear no lion- ored name among the great and glorious of our land ; yet, Mother, have I not a father, for whose dear sake I may yet pur- chase that knighthood for which this young heart glows ? Am I not the son of Cleon ? Adrastus. Verily doth a spirit move the boy. Look on him now, lantha, and let 110 weak, unworthy doubt of thine curb the proud spirit that proves him worthy of his sire. Iaxtha. My son, my fair, yciuig Ion, thou art all now left my widowed heart. How can I bid thee go ! The barbarous pagan will doom thee to a cruel death. How canst thou, an unknown youth, move the fierce heart that hath slain tliy sire ? 218 ION. Ion. Fear not, Mother ; he who calls me to this glorious mission will protect me. Shall I stand weeping while my father still breathes the air of pagan dun< geons ; while the base fetters of the infidel rest on his limbs, and his brave followers lie unavenged in their cold, bloody graves ; while my country's banner, torn, dishon- ored, is trampled in the dust, — and he the proud, the brave, till now unconquered defender of that country's honor, lies doomed to an ignominious death? Oh, Mother, bid me go ! Adrastus. lantha, speak to the boy I Let him not say his mothey* taught him fear. Iantha. My Ion, go, — strong in thine innocence and faith, go forth upon thy holy mission ; and surely He who looketh ever with a loving face on those who put their trust in Him, will in His mercy guard and guide thee \_girds on hk sivord]. Farewell ! Go, — with thy mother s bless- insc on thee ! wx. 21 J> lox. Now is my heart filled all anew with hope and courage, and I go forth trustingly. Father, thy blessing \kneeh before Adrastus]. ADRASTU3. Go, thou self^anointed vic- tim on the altar of thy love. Bless thy pure, faithful heart! Ion \mvuf\. Farewell! Embrace me. Mother. Iantha Ipresmg Ion to her bremq. Farewell, my Ion. And if the great Father wills it that I look not again or* thee in life, into His care do I commit thee. Farewell ! Ion. Mother, farewell ! And if I fall, mourn not, but gl .y that I died as best became the son of Cleon \draws his sword]. And now leap forth, my s word !— hence- forth is there no rest nor honor till we have conquered. Father, I come, I come ! [Ion rushes otd ; Iantua rushed to the win-* dowy tears off hei* veil and waves it to Ion.] vi CURTAIN. IK 220 ION. r ' :IH SCENE SECOND. [ Tent of Mohammed ; mapi and arms lying about, Mohammed and Hafiz.] Moh'd. And ppake they no word of ran- ee m or of hostage ? Hafiz. None, sire. The lady lay as one struck dead ; and the priest, foul Christian dog, bade me go hence, and tarry not. Moh'd. And held you no speech with those about the princess. Sure, there were some to listen to thy master's word. Hafiz. Great master, I sought in vain to set before them the royal will. At first it were as though a spell had fallen on them. Nay, some did turn aside and weep, rending their hair, as though all hope were lost. Then, when I strove to win them to some counsel, they woke to such an uproar, cursing thy perfidy, and vowing most dire and speedy vengeance VW " ION. 221 on thee, clashing their weapons and crying^ ''Down with the pagan dogs!" Then, drawing forth their lances with fierce oaths, they drove me from the gates in such warlike manner, I could but strive with haste to make good mine escape^ and without rest have I journeyed hither to bring thee tidings. Moh'd. By the prophet ! and is it thus they serve the royal messenger. But they shall rue it dearly. Cleon shall die. To- morrow's sun shall never shine for him. The proud Greeks shall learn to dread Mohammed's ire, and bend their haughty heads before him in the dust. I offer ransom, and they will not barken. I send them honorable terms, and they thrust my messenger rudely from their gates. They have dared to brave me, — they shall feel my power ! Hafiz. Mighty Mohammed, if thy poor slave might offer counsel, were it not wise to tarry till the Greeks on cooler thought shall seek thee with some treaty which Iti ( , IH 222 JON, "I «f may avail thee better than such hasty ven- geance. How much more worthy were a heavy ransom than the life of a single miserable prince. Moh'd. Peace, slave ! I hav^ said CI eon shall die, and, by Allah ! so I have not word from these rebel dogs ere three days shall wear away, his body swung from the battlements shall bear them tidings of Mohammed's power. [Enter Selim.] What hath befallen, Selim, that thou comest in such haste? Selim. Most mighty king, there waits without a youth, demanding speech of thee. Moh'd. A youth ! Who may he be, and what seeks he with us ? Selim. Most gracious sire, I know not. Our guard surprised him wandering with- out the camp, — alone, unarmed, save with a single sword ; young, and I think a Greek. Abdallah seized him as a spy, and led him hither to await thy royal will. He doth refuse all question, demanding to ION, 228 be led before thee, where he will unfold his errand. MoH'D. A Greek! Bring him before us, an he prove a spy he shall hang before the day waxeth older by an hour. Hence, — bring him hither ! {Exit Selim.] By Allah ! my proud foes have deigned to send us messengers, and seek to win the favor so rudely scorned. They know not Mohammed, and, so they humble not them- selves, will sue in vain. [ Enter Selim, dragging Ion. Selim. Your Mightiness doth behold the youth. [To Ion, who stands proudlt/,'] Kneel, slave ! Ion. I kneel not unto tyrants. Moh'd. How, bold stripling! Weigh with more care thy speech, and forget not before whom thou dost stand. {To Selim.] Go, slave, and stand without; see that none enter here unbidden. {ExU Selim.] Speak, boy ! Who art thou, and why dost thou seek thus fearlessly the presence of thy foe ? — and beware thou speakest truly ^il \^- ';{ 221 lOX. Hi u ^ if it is as a friend to treat in honorable fashion, or as a spy, thou now staudest before us. Ion. I am a Greek, son to the noble Cleon, now thy captive ; I seei^ his rescue. Mou'd. Son to Cleon ! Now, by tlie Prophet, 't is wondrous strange ! And thou hast ventured alone into the ciunp amid thy deadly foes ? Speak, boy, — thine errand I Toy. To offer hostage ; to treat with Moliammed for a father's life ; to move to pity or to justice the heart that hath doomed a noble soldier unto an unjust death. Moh'd. And where, my bold prince, are thy followers, thy slaves, thy royal train ? lox. On yonder plain, cold in their graves. Moh'd. Hast tlmu brought ransom? Where is thy gold { Ion. In the coffers of the Turkish Mohammed, plundered from his slaugh- tered foes. ft ION. 225 MoH'D. Thou .spakest of hoHtage, — I see it not. Ion. 'T m hore, — the son of Cloon. Moii'd. Thou ! a,Hl thinkcst thou thy young, worthlens life were a Ht hostage* for tlie leader of a rebel hand, the enemy of all true followers, whose capture hath cost blood and slaves and gold? By Allah I boy, thou must name a higher prire to win the life thou doth seek. Ion. I have nought else to offer. Thy hand hath rent from me friends, followers, gold, a sire. But if this young life hath any worth to thee, if these arms may toil for thee, this form bear burdens to thy royalty, take them, — take all, kiug, but render unto me that life without which Greece is lost. Mon^D. Peace ! Thy speech is vain ; thy life is nought to me. Ion. I will serve thee as a slave; in all things do thy bidding, — faithful, unwearied, unrepining. Grant but my boon, and monarch shall never have a truer 1$ i } I t S''^\'- 226 ION, '^: Hi\ H\^ \ f^ vassal than I will be to thee. Great Mohammed, let me not plead in vain. MoH*D. Peace, I say ; anger me not. Ion. O king, hast thou no heart ? Think of the ruined home, the mourning people, the land made desolate by thee ; of her who now counts the weary hours for tidings of those dear to her, — tidings fraught with hfe or death as thou shalt decree ; of the son by thee doomed to see his honored sire, hero of a hundred battles dragged like a slave unto a shame- ful death. As thou wilt have mercy shown to thee, that mercy show thou unto me. Oh, say to me, "Thy father lives ! " Moh'd. Away ! I will not listen. Ion. Nay, I mil kneel to thee. I who never knelt to man before, now implore thee with earnest supplication. T is for a father's Hfe. Moh'd. Kneel not to me, — it is in vain. Thy father is my captive, my dead- liest foe, whom I hate, and curse, — ay, ^»- ION, 22T and will slay. Boy, dost thou know to whom thou dost bow? Ion [jnsing proiidlf\. To the pagan Mo- hammed, — he who with murderous hand hath bathed in blood the smiling plains of Greece : profaned her altars, enslaved her people, and filled the land with widows* tears and orphans' cries ; he who by per- fidy makes captives of his foes, refusing hostage and scorning honorable treaty; turns from all supplicants, closes his heart to mercy, and tramples under foot all pity ard all justice, — the murderer, and the tyrant. Yes, king, I know to whom I plead. Moh'd. \in great anger]. Ho, without there, guards ! — Selim ! [^Enter Selim and soldiers.'] Away with the prisoner! Bind him fast ; see he escape not. Mohammed stands not to be brave ' by a beardless boy! Hence ! [Guards approach 'mtk chains.] Ion. Lay not hands upon me, — I am no slave 1 One more appeal : May a son look once more upon his father ere death 1' I m t ' i '! 228 ION-. parts them forever? May I but for an hour speak with Cleon? MoH*D. Once more thou mayst look upon the rebel Greek. When he hangs from yonder battlement thou mayst gaze unbidden as thou will. Awav! With to-morrow's sun, he dies. Ion. So soon, O king ! — nay, the son of Cleon kneels not to thee again [turns to ffo], Moh'd. Stay, — yield up th}^ sword! Bend thy proud knee, and surrender unto me the arms thou art unworthy now to bear. Ion [dratving his swordl. This, my sword, girded on by a mother's hand, pledged to the deliverance of a captive sire, dedicated to the service of my country, unstained, unconquered, — thus do I surrender thee. [He breaks the s?vord, and fings it down.'] Moh'd. Again dost thou brave me ! Avray with the rebel ! Bind him hand and foot. He shall learn what it is to be Mohammed's slave. Hence, I say ! ION. 229 Ion. I am thy captive, but thy slave — never I Thou mayst chain my limbs, thou canst 7iot bind my freeborn soul! Lead on, — I follow. [Exit Ion and guards. CURTAIN. ;■-■-■*: \ w I j 1 ii^ 280 JON. SCENE THIRD. i ' Pi [Tent o/ZuLEiKA ; guitar, ottoman^ etc.] ZuLEiKA [^pacin^ up and dow?i]. Night draweth on apace, and ever nearer comes the fa il hour. With to-morrow's dawn all hope er, for Mohammed hath sworn the Greek shall die, and when was he ere known to fail in his dread purpose ? In vain have I wept before him, imploring hun to have some mercy ; in vain have I soiTght with golden promises to move the stony-hearted Hafiz, — all, all hath failed, and I am in despair. And that brave youth, his true heart filled with love's pure devotion, seeking by the sacrifice of his own life to save a father! And now each moment bringeth nearer the death-hour of that father, and he is mourning in solitude that he may not say farewell. Where can I turn for help ? Ah, Hassan ! my faithful slave. He is true, and loveth me like his ION, 231 own. He must aid me [chps her hands; enter Hassan]. Hassan, thou lovest me, and would not see me grieve ? Hassan. Allah, forbid ! Thou art dear to old Hassan as the breath of life, and while life lingers he will serve thee. ZuLEiKA. Then must thou aid me in a deed of mercy. Who doth keep watch to-night before the tent of the young Greek ? Hassan. Mine is the watch. Where- fore dost thou seek to know? ZuLEiKA. Hassan, thou hast sworn to serve me. I have a boon to ask of thee. Hassan. Speak, lady ! thy slave doth listen. ZuLEiKA. Thou knowest that with the morning sun Mohammed hath sworn Cleon shall die. Such is the fierce anger he doth bear his foe he hath refused all mercy and scorned to listen to the prayers of the young prince who hath journeyed hither at peril of his own life to place himself in the power of the king as hostage for his father. ru i s \ 232 ION, 1 1 it m 1^^ ^1 Hassan. It is indeed most true. Poor youth ! ZuLEiKA. T is of him I would speak to thee. Mohammed, angered at his boldness, hath, as thou knowest, guarded him in yonder tent, denying him his last sad prayer to speak once more in life with his father. Oh, Hassan, what must be the agony of that young heart to see the hours swift speeding by, and know no hope. Hassan. What wouldst thou have me do? ZuLEiKA. Lead him to his father ; give him the consolation of folding to his breast the beloved one to save whose life he hath sacrificed his own. Hassan. Dear mistress, thou art dream- ing, and cannot know the danger of so rash a deed. Bethink thee of Mohammed's anger, the almost certain doom of such as dare to brave his mighty will. I pray thee let not thy noble heart lead thee astray. Thou canst not save him, and will but harm thyself. ION, 283 ZuLEiKA. Hassan, thy love and true devotion, I well know, doth prompt thee to thus counsel, and in thy fear for me thou dost forget to think of mercy or of pity. I thank thee; but thou canst not move me from my firm resolve. Again I ask thee, Wilt thou aid me ? Hassan [faUmgat herfccf]. Pardon, but I cannot. Heed, I implore thee, the coun- sel of thy faithful servant, and trust to the wisdom these gray hairs have brought. Thou art young and brave, but believe me, maiden, dangers of which thou dost not dream beset the path, and I were no true friend did I not warn thee to beware. Do not tempt me; I cannot aid thee to thy ruin. ZuLEiKA. Then will I go alone. I will brave the peril, and carry comfort to a suffering soul [turns to go ; Hassan catches her rohe~\, Hassan. Maiden! once more let thy slave entreat. Thy father places faith in me. I am the captive's guard. I 'II 234 ION. \ ZuLEiKA. Peace, Hassan, peace ; if life be then so dear to thee, and thy duty to thy king greater than that thou dost owe to thy fellow-man, Allah forbid that I should tempt thee to forget it. But did death look me in the face, I would not tarry now. Hassan. And thou wouldst seek the captive's cell ? ZuLEiKA. This very hour. Soon it will be too late. Hassan. Thou knowest not the way, — soldiers guard every turn. Oh, tarry till the dawn, I do implore thee. ZuLEiKA. The darkness shall be my guide, Allah my guard ; shrouded in yon dark mantle none will deem me other than a slave. Again I ask thee, Wilt thou go ? Hassan. I go. I were no true man to tremble when a woman fears not. I will guide thee, and may Allah in his mercy shield us both. Say thy prayers, Hassan, for thy head no longer rests in safet3\ ZuLEiEA. Come, let us on! The mo- TON. 286 ments speed. The darkening gloom be- friends us. First to the tent of the young prince, and while I in brief speech do ac quaint him with mine errand, thou shalt keep guard without. Then will we guide him to his father, and unto Allah leave the rest [shmids herself in dark mantle and veU\ Lead on, good Hassan. Let us away ! Hassan. Fold thy veil closer, that none may know the daughter of Mo- hammed walks thus late abroad. Come, and Allah grant we sleep not in paradise to-morrow ! [Exit, leading Zuleika. CURTAIir. fl 'i HI; \ I/: 236 ION, ft *^ *i SCENE FOURTH. [Ion's tent. Ion chained, in an attitude of deep despair, upon a miserable couch. He does not see the entrance of ZuLEiKA and Hassan.] ZuLEiKA. Stand thou without as watch, good Hassan, and warn me if any shall approach. [Exit Hassan.] Young Greek, despair not ; hope is nigh. Ion {starting up]. Bright vision, whence comest thou ? Art thou the phantom of a dream, or some blest visitant from that better land, come to bear me hence ? What art thou? ZuLEiKA. I am no vision, but a mortal maiden, come to bring thee consolation. Ion. Consolation ! ah, then indeed thou art no mortal ; for unto grief like mine there is no consolation, save that which cometh from above. I 70JV. 237 ZuLEiKA. Nay, believe it not. Human hearts are at this moment hoping, -^nd liuman hands are striving earnestly to spare thee the agony thou dost dread. lo.v. Are there then hearts to feel for the poor Greek? I had thought 1 was alone, — alone 'mid mine enemies. Sure those fetters are no dream, this dark cell, the words " Thy father dies ! " No no ! it is a dread reality. The words are burned into my brain. ZuLEiKA. Is death, then, so dread a thing unto a warrior? I had thought it brought him fame and glory. Ion. Death! Oh, maiden! To the soldier on the battle-field, fighting for his father-land 'mid the clash of arms, the fierce blows of foemen, the shouts of vic- tory ; 'neath the banner of his country, the gratitude of a nation, the glory of a' hero round his brow, _ acath were a happy, ay, a welcome friend. But alone, 'mid foes, d-jgraced by fetters, dragged to a dishonored grave, with none to whisper 288 ION. of hope or comfort, death is a cruel, a most bitter foe. ZuLEiKA. Mine errand is to take from that death the bitterness thou dost mourn, to give a parting joy to the life n passing. Ion. Oh, hast thou the power to save my father's life ! Oh, use it now, and Greece shall bless thee for thy mercy ! ZuLEiKA. Oh, that the power were mine, how gladly would I use it in a cause so glorious ! I am but a woman, and tho' the heart is strong, the arm is very weak, cannot save thy father, but trust I ma^ still cheer the parting hours with a brief happiness. Ion. Lady, thy words of kindly sym- pathy fall like sweet music on my troubled heart, and at thy magic call hope springeth up anew. Thou art unknown, and yet there is that within that doth whisper I may trust thee. ZuLEiKA. Thou mayst indeed. Heaven were not more true than I will be ION. 239 unto my word. [Hassan pauses before the doorJ] Hassan. Lady, the hours are fleeting. It were best to make good speed. ZuLEiKA. Hassan, thou dost counsel aright ; morn must not find me here. [7b Ion.] Young Greek, thou knowest with the coming dawn thy father dies. Ion. Ay, ere another moon doth rise that life, so dear to Greece, shall be no more ; the heart that beat so nobly at his country's call be fe.ill forever, ^ I know it well ! ZuLEiKA. And hast thou no last word for him, no parting wish ? Ion. maiden, my life were a glad sacrifice, so that I might for a single hour look on him,— for the last time say, "My father, bless thy Ion.** ZuLEiKA. That hour shall be thine. Fold thyself in yonder cloak, and follow me. Ion. Follow thee, — and whither ? ZULEIKA. To thy father's presence. 240 ION. >l ■^■1 Vl J if; n.'S ^1 ^- x\ H'- Wi Thou slialt spend with him the last hours of his earthly life. Stay not ; this friendly gloom will ere long pass av/ay. Ion \^ falling on his knees and catching her robe]. Art thou my guardian angel ? Oh. may the consolation thou hath poured into a suffering soul, fall like heaven's dew upon thine own ; and if the prayers of a grateful heart bring hope and joy and peace, thy life .shall bloom with choicest blessings. maiden, how do I bless thee ! [^Kisses her robe.] Zui.EiKA. Speak not of that, — kneel not to me, a mortal maiden. Thy grati- tude is my best reward. Hassan, lead on! Hassan. Lady, I do thy bidding. First let me lead thee to a place of s.ifctj. ZuLEiKA. Nay, Hassan, I tarry here, — thou canst return ; I will await thee. Now make all speed, — away ! loiT. Let us hence ; my heart can ill contain its joy. Oh, my father, shall I see thee, hear thy voice, feel thine arms '• Xv^ ION. 241 once more about me, ard die with thy blessing on my head. Heaven hath blessed my mission. ZuLEiKA. Shall we depart ? Tlie hour wanes. Ion. I will follow whither thou shalt lead. But, stay ! i.<> there no danger unto thee ? Will thy deed of mercy bring suf- fering to thee, my kind deliverer ? ZuLEiKA. Fear not for me. Yet one pledge must I ask of thee on which my safety doth depend. 'T is this: Swear that from the moment thou dost leave me until thou art again a prisoner here, though the path lie plain before thee thou wilt not fly. Ion. I swear. Thou mayst trust me. ZuLEiKA. Yet once again. Breathe not to mortal ear the memis by which thou songhfst thy sire, and let the memory of this hour fade from thy heart forever. [To>7 bows assent,-] What pledge have I of thy secrecy, and of thy truth? Ion The word cf a Greek is sacred, I- 242 ION I 1 x ! I h 1 •i^ ■.' ) ] and were not my gratitude my surest pledge to theef ZuLEiKA. Pardon, I do trust. Now haste thee. Ion \_p(yiniing to Ms fetters'\. Thou dost forget I am a prisoner still ZuLEiKA. Hassan, unloose th^^^e fetters, and give the Greek his freedom. [Hassan takes off the chaim ; Ion sjjrinys jot/fully forvMcd^ Ion. Now am I free again, and with the Turk's base fetters have I cast off ray fears and my despair. Hope smiles upon me, and my father calls. Oh, let us tarry not. ZuLEiKA [^folding a dark mantle round hini]. Thus shrouded, in safety thou mayst reach his cell; this ring will spare thee question. Hassan will guide thee, and I — will pray for thy success. Farewell ! May Allah aid thee ! Ion. Lady, though I may never know thee, never look on ihee again, the mem- ory of this brief hour will never fade. '^4^^ tON. 243 The blessed gift of mercy thou dost bestow will I ever treasure with the deepest grat- itude, and my fervent prayer that all Heaven's blessings may rest upon thee cease but with my life [/«/& on hi, hiee and k^m her hwuT]. Pardon, _ 't is my only thanks. Spirit of mercy, farewell ! fare- well ! iFollows Hassan ; Zuleika gaze, after kmi, then mnh down tveeph * a dying slave, shall waken to the sound of his victorious war-trump. Ion, thy mis- sion is accomplished. Thou hast given a saviour to thy fatherland, and mayst fall thyself without a murmur [looks up thank- fully ; a loud noise wlihouf], ' [Enter Abdallah cmd Murad. Abd. Where is the prisoner? Come forth ! Ion. I am here [comes forward']. Abd. Ha ! — here is treason ! With- out there ! — the prisoner hath escaped ! Murad. Who flieth yonder, past the camp ? Abd. 'T is he ! Forth, call for aid ! Search without delay ! Here is foul work ahroad. First, seize yon boy ; fetter the base spy ; bear him before the king. Speed hence ! Murad [to Ion]. Infidel dog, thou shalt learn what it is to brave Mohamm "id's ire I [They seize Ion, and drag him away.] CURTAIN. f.-; : ■}( BTANOA. OPERATIC TRAGEDY. 17 H '1 NOTE TO BIANCA, IJI Thr peculiarity of this opera was that while the words were committed to memory, the music was co?nposed and sun(/ as the scene l)roceeded. In spite of its absurdity, this play was a great favorite ; for Jo was truly superb as the hapless Bianca, while her trills and tragic agonies were considered worthy of the famous Grisi herself. CHARACTERS. Adelbert Betrothed to Blanca. HuoN His Rival. Juan A Page. ^T^N^CA A Spanish Lady, Hilda A Witch. If 1 ' II } ■ ' ■I'B im. 1 1 [m ■}- i- ' '^ y. 4 ' a >B 1 t* tltl %■ 1 i " I a. V BIANCA. OPERATIC TRAGEDY. SCENE FIRST. [A tvood. Enter HuoN.] HuoN. Hist! All is still. They are not yet here. On this spot will the happy lovers meet. wretched Huon ! she w^hom thou m passionately doth love will here speak tender words to thy thrice hated rival. Yet I, unseen, will watch them, and ere long my fierce revenge shall change their joy to deepest woe. Hark I they come ! Now, jealous heart, be still ! \_Hidcs among the trees."] [Enter BiANCA and Adelbert. Adel. Nay, dearest love, fear not ; no mortal eye beholds us now, and yon bright moon looks kindly down upon our love. \^They seat themselves beneath the trees. HI 262 BIANCA. BiANCA. Ah, dearest Adelbert, with thcje 1 leel no fear, but thy fierce rival Huon did vow vengeance on thee, for I did reject his suit for thine. Beware ! for liis wild heart can feel no pity, tenderness, or love. Adel. I fear him not. Ere long thou wilt be mine, and then in our fair home we will fjrget all but our love. Think not, dearest, of that dark, revengeful man ; he does not truly love thee. BiANCA. Near thee I cannot fear ; but when thou art far from me, my fond heart will ever dread some danger for thee. Ah, see the moon is waning; dear love, thou must away. Adel. Ah, sweet moments, why so quickly fled ? 'T is hard to leave thee, thou bright star in my life's sky, and yet I must, or all may be betrayed. Faro thee well, dear love. One sweet kiss ere we part! \_Th€f/ onhracc.'] BiAXCA. Farewell! Ah, when shall I again behold thee ? Oh, be not long BIANCA. 268 away, for like a caged bird I pine for thee. Adel. When next yon moon doth rise beneath thy lattice, thou shalt hear my light guitar. BiANCA. Fail not to come. I shall wjitcli for thee the live-long night, and if thou coniest not, this fond heart will grieve. Both. Farewell, till yon bright moon doth rise, Farewell, dear love, farewell ! Farewell, farewell, farewell ! Farewell, dear love, farewell ! [Uxit Adelbert. BiANCA. Ah, love, thou magic power, thus ever make my breast thy home. Adieu, dear spot ! I fly to happiness and — HuoN. Me — [BiANCA shrieks, and seeks toflfj, HuoN detains her^ BiANCA. Unmanly villain, touch me not. What dost thou here concealed? HuON. I listen to thy lover's fond and J 1'^ is ■■ iv\ .; i k' Mr 'g '••I fc -J SI ! } 264 BIANCA. heartless vowa. What is his love to mine ? Ah, lady, he loves thee for thy wealth alone. Again I ask, nay, I implore thee to be mine! Oh, grant me now my prayer ! BiANCA. Never! never ! T will not listen to thee more. My heart is all another's; my hatred and contempt are thine. l^xit BlANCA. Huox. Now, by yon moon 'neath which thy tender vows were pli^j;hted, do 1 swear to win tlioo, proud and haughty lady, to these arms. Thou shalt curse the day when lliou didst cast away my love, and wake my deep revenge. lExit HuoN. CURTAIN. ^^;|-. til: BIANCA. 265 mine? J^ealth thee my listen ler's ; LNCA. liicli ivear % to day and JON. SCENE SECOND. [A cave in the forest. Hilda lea7ihig over a boiling caldron. Enter HuoN.] Hilda. Ha! who art thou, and what wouldst thou with old Hilda ? Speak, and be obeyed. HuoN. mighty wizard, I have sought thee for a charm to win a proud and scornful woman's love, — some mystic potion that shall make her cold heart burn for me. Ah, give me this, and gold un- counted shall be thine. Hilda. I will give to thee a draught that shall chase her coldness and her pride away, and make the heart now beating for another all thine own. Hold I 't is here, — three crimson drops when mingled in her wine, will bring the boon thou askest [gives HuoN a Unt/ pJi{al\ HuoN. Oh, blessed draught that wins for me the love I seek. Proud Bianca, 266 BJANCA. Em ' t i t ti^ ■ i mv t ll now art thou in my power, and shalt ere long return the love of the once hated and despised Huon. Great sorceress, say how can I repay thee ? Fear not to claim thy just reward. Hilda. I ask no gold. But when thy prize is won, remember thou old Hilda's M^arning. Woman's heart is a fragile thing, and they who trifle with it should beware. Now go ; I would be alone. Huon. Farewell ! When my love and my revenge are won, I '11 bl ss this hour and Hilda's charm. [Uxit Htjon. Hilda. Poor fool ! thou little thinkest thy love-charm is « deadly draught, and they who quaff it die. When thou shalt seek thy lady, hoping for her love, a dead bride thou wilt win. Ha ! ha ! old Hilda's spells work silently and well. CURTAIN, M. BIANCA. 267 s SCENE THIRD. IRoom in the castle of Bianca. JEveninp. Fnter HuON.] HuoN". How can I best give the draught that none may see the deed*^ Ha! yonder comes her page, bearing wine. Now in lier cup will I mingle these enchanted drops, and she shall smile on me when next I plead my suit. Ho, Juan, my boy ! come hither; I would speak with thee. lEnter Juan ivith wine.'] Where is thy lady now ? Juan. At her lattice, watching for Lord Adelbert, and gazing on the flowers he hath sent. HuoN [aside]. She shall never watch and wait for him again. {Aloud.] Whence bearest thou the wine, Juan? Is it to thy lady? Juan. Yes, my lord. She bid me haste. I must away. It 268 BIANCA, I ', I'.i' ': I 'liif i.^ ' HuoN. Stay ! clasp my sandal, boy ; I will repay thee if thy mistress chide. [Juan stoops; Huon drops the potion into the wine cup.'] Thanks ; here is gold for thee. Awfiy, and tell thy lady I will be here anon. \^Exit Juan. Ha, ha ! 't is done ! 't is done 1 My vengeance now is won, And ere to-morrow's sun shall set. Thou, haughty lady, shalt forget The lover who now hastes to thee, And smile alone, alone on me. \Exit Huon. CURTAIN. BIANCA. 269 boj; chide. into the thee, here Juan. lUON. SCENE FOURTH. [Bianca's ca%tle. A moonlit halcony. Enter Bianca.] BiANCA. He comes not. Yon bright moon will ere ^-ag set, and still I hear not the deccr voice 'neath my lattice singing. Adelbert ! Ah, come ! Hist ! I hear his light boat on the lake. 'Tishe! 'tis he ! [^Leans over the balcon?/.'] [Adelbert smga in the garden below. The m^on is up, wak#, lady, wake ! My \mvk is moored on yonder lake. The stars' soft eyes alone can see My meeting, dear one, here with thee. W^ake, dearest, wake ' lean from thy l^ower, The moonlight gleams on tree and flower. The summer sky smiles soft above ; Look down on me, thou star of love ! Bianca. Adelbert, dear love, now haste thee (|uick!y up to me. [Enter AoELBfihT upon the lalcony. % 2T0 BIANCA. Adel. Sweet love, why fearest thouT None dare stay me when 1 fly to thee. Ah, sit thee here, aiid I will rest beside thee. [BiANCA seat8 herself; Adelbert lies at her feet^j BiANCA. Thou art weary, love. 1 11 bring thee wine, and tLou shalt rest while I do sing to thee. [^She gives him ivine ; he drinks.'] Adel. Tiitinks to thee, dearest love, I am weary now no longer. When here beside thee, pain, sorrow, time are all for- got. Ah ! what is this ? — a deadly pang hath seized me. All grows dark before mine eyes. I cannot see thee. Yon cup, — 'twas poisoned ! I am dying, dying! BiANCA. Ah, nay, thou art faint ! Speak not of dying, love. [Adelbert falls ^ Adelbert, Adelbert, speak ! — sp ak ! It is thine own Bianca calls thee ! [Throivs her- self beside toe] Adel. Farewell, dear love, farewell ! Huon hath won his vengeance now. God bless thee, dearest. Oh, farewell ! \J)ies.'\ i^mmimmtX*^ BIANCA, 271 BiAXCA. Awake ! awake ! Ah, cold and still ! Thou true, brave heart, thou art hushed forever. Huon ! yes ! 't was he ; and he hath soi:ght to win me thus. But 't is in vain ! Where is the poisoned cup that I may join thee, Adelbert ? [Ta/ces the cup.} Ah, 'tis gone: there is no more. Yet I will be with thee, rny murdered love. For me life hath no joy, and I will find t!iee even in dea+h [fails fainting to the ground]. CURTAIN*. ||,;:'' M .• 272 BIANC4. SCENE FIFTH. [BiANCA*8 castle. Th§ garden, BIA^^CA ^higing,] Faded liowers, faded flowers, They are all now left to cherish , For the hopes and joys of my young life's spring I have seen so darkly perish. Cold, ah, cold, in the lone, dark grave, My murdered love lies low, And death alone can bring sure rest To this broken heart's deep woe. Faded flowers, faded flowers. They are all now left to cherish ; For ah, his dear hand gathered them, And my love can never perish. [ Weept, [Enter HUON a7id kneeh at her feet, BiANCA [sfariing nj)]. Fiend! demon 1 touch me not with hands that murdered him ! Hence ! out of my sight, — away ! BIANCA. 278 ir I Huoif. Nay, lady, nay! I swear by Heaven it was not I. The spell I mingled in thy cup was but to win thy love. The old witch hath deceived me, and given that deadly poison. Forgive me, I implore thee, and here let me offer tliee my love once more. BlANCA [repulsing hi?)i]. Love ! darest thou to 8peak of love to me, whose bright dream of life thou hast destroyed ? Love ! I wlio loathe, scorn, hate thee with a deep and burning hate that death alone can still ! Oh, Heaven, have mercy on my tortured heart, and let it break. HuoN \_aside\ His death hath well-nigh driven her mad. Dear lady, grieve not thus. Let me console thee. Forget thy love, and seek in mine the joy thou hast lost. BiANCA. Forget! Ah, never, never, till in death I join him ! Forgive thee ? Not till I have told thy crime. Yes, think not I will rest till thou, my murdered Adelbert, art well avenged. And thou I It i, ':h li^'^'r » I ir 1 274 BIANCA. — ah, sinful man, tremble, for thou art in my power, and my wronged heart can feel no pity now. HuoN \_fiercelff\. Wouldst thou betray me ? Never ! Yield thou to my love, or I will sheathe my dagger in thy heart, and silence thee forever ! BiANCA. I will not yield. The world shall know thy guilt, and then sweet death shall b<^ a blessing. Huox. Then die, and free me from the love Mild fear that hang like clouds above me \sfahs hei^'\. BiANCA. Thy sin will yet be known, and may God pardon thee ! earth, farewell ! My Adelbert, I come, I come ! [Dies.-] HuoN. Dead ! dead ! Oh, wretched Hiion ! Where now seek rest from bitter memories and remorse. Ha, a step ! I must fly. Angel, fare thee well ! \Exit HuoN. CURTAIN. BIANCA. 275 SCENE SIXTH. [Huon's room, HuoN asleep upon a couch. Enter BlANCA's spirit She lai/s her hand upon him,] HuoN [starting in affrighf]. Ha ! spirit of the dead, what wouldst thou now ? For long, long nights why hast thou haunted me? Cannot my agony, remorse, and tears win thee to forget? Ah, touch me not ! Away ! away ! See how the vision follows. It holds me fast. Bianca, save me ! save me ! iFalls and dies.'] [Tableau. CURTAIN. p I ll: Ll i ! THE UNLOVED WIFE; OS, WOMAN'S FAITH. i i CHARACTERS. Count Adrian Nina^s Husband, Don Felix His Secret Klcal Nina The Unloved Wife, Hagar A Fortune 1 tiler. 1^ ■ j :A ,. THE UNLOVED WIFE; OR, WOMAN'S FAITH. 2nd, lual. Wife, UUr. SCENE FIRST. [Room in the palace of Count Adriajbt. Enter Nina.] Nina. 'T is a fair and lovely home and well befits a gay young bride ; but ah, not if she bear a sad and weary heart like mine beneath her bridal robes. All smile on me and call me happy, blessed with such a home and husband; and yet 'mid all my splendor I could envy the poor cottage maiden at her spinning-wheel For ah, *mid all her poverty one sweet thought comes ever like a sunny sky to brighten e'en her darkest hours, for she is loved ; while I yet sigh in vain for one kind word, i z:^ ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) & ^^J^J^ ■■ < *li /. f/j [A 1.25 IIIU 1.4 Hill 1.6 V] <^ /i >^ 'a^'***' "^J^* '/ Hiotographic Sdenoas Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 ('M6) 872-4503 \ '^ \^ "* ^ ^ m m 280 1 IWII l) THE UNLOVED WIFE; one tender glance, from him I love so fondly. Ah, he comes, no sad tears now, sorrow is for my lonely hours and I will smile on Mm e'en though my heart is breaking. l^nter CouNT Adeian. Adrian [coldl//']. Good-even, madam, I trust all things are placed befitting a ftiii' lady's bower and thou hast found thy home a pleasant one. Nina. Adrian, husband, speak not thus to me. I could find more joy in some poor cell with thee, than all the wealth that kings could give if thou wert gone. Look kindly on me and I ask no more. One smile from thee can brighten all the world to these fond eyes. Oh, turn not away, but tell me how have I angered thee, and grant thy pardon for thy young wife's first offence. Adrian. The pardon I could give were worthless for the time is past. 'Tia too late to ask forgiveness now. It matters not, then say no more [turns awaif\. OR, WOMAN'S FAITH. 281 Nina. My lord, I charge thee tell me of what dark crime thou dost think me guilty ! Fear not to tell me ; innocence is strong to bear and happy to forgive. Ah, leave me not, I cannot rest till I know all, and if the deep devotion of a woman's heart can still repair the wrong, it shall be thine — but answer me. Adrian. Canst thou unsay the solemn words that bound us at the altar three short days ago ? Canst thou give back the freedom thou hast taken, break the vows thou hast pHghted, cast away that ring and tell me I am free ? Do it, and my full for- giveness shall be thine. Nina. Give thee back thy freedom; am I a chain to bind thee to what thou dost not love ? Take back the vows I made to honor thee ; what dost thou mean ? I am thy wife and dost thou hate me ? Adrian. I do. Nina. God help me now. Tell me, Adrian, 1 implore thee, tell me what have 1 done to tempt such cruel words from 282 THE UNLOVED WIFE; n thee ? I loved thee and left all to be thy wife, and now when my poor heart is long- ing for one tender word to cheer its sorrow, thou, the husband who hath vowed to love and cherish me, hath said thou dost hate me. Ah, am I sleeping ? Wake me or the dream will drive me mad. Adrian. 'T is a dream I cannot banish. We must part. Nina. Part — go on, the blow hath fallen, I can feel no more. Go on. Adrian. Thou knowest I wooed thee. Thou wert fair and wondrous rich ; I sought thy gold, not thee, for with thy wealth I would carve out a path through life that all should honor. Well, we were wed, and when I sought to take thy fortune it was gone, and not to me, but to thy father's friend, Don Felix. It w^as all left to him, and thou wert penniless; and thus I won a wife 1 loved not, and lost the gold I would have died to gain. Thinkest thou not I am well angered ? But for thee I might yet win a noble bride whose golden fetters I would gladly wear. tr\t OR, WOMAN'S FAITH. 233 NiKA. And this is he to whom I gave my heart so filled with boundless lovr and trust. Oh, Adrian, art thou so false ? What is gold to a woman* s deathless love ? Can it buy thee peace and all the holy feelings human hearts can give ? Can it cheer and comfort thee in sorrow, or weep fond, happy tears when thou hast won the joy and honor thou dost seek ? No, none of these, the golden chains will bind thee fast till no sweet thought, no tender hope can come to thee. I plead not now for my poor self, but for thine own heart thou doth wrong so cruelly by such vain dreams. Adrian. Enough. Thou hast a noble name and men will honor thee, thou wilt suffer neither pain nor want. I will leave thee and wander forth to seek mine own sad lot. Farewell, and when they ask thee for thy husband, tell them thou hast none, and so be happy \tiirns to ffo]. Nina. Oh, Adrian, I implore thee stay, I will bear all thy coldness, ay even thy contempt. I will toil for thee and seek to 284 m THE UNLOVED WIFE; win the gold for which thou dost sigh, I will serve thee well and truly, for with all my heart I love thee still. Leave me not now or I shall die ! [Kneels and clasps his hand,'] Adrian. I am a slave till death shall set me free. We shall not meet again. Nay, kneel not to me. I do forgive thee, but I cannot love thee Irushes ouf], Nina. This is more than I can bear. Oh, Father, take thy poor child home, and still the sorrow of this broken heart. CURTAIN. 11 w Pi 1 ^ OR, WOMAN'S FAITH. 286 SCENE SECOND. [Home of Hagar, tht gypty* Enter Hagar and Nina.] Hagar. What brings thee hither, gentle lady, and how can the wanderer serve the high-born and the fair? Nina \_sadly\ There is often deeper borrow in the palace than the cot, good Hagar, and I seek thee for some counsel that will cure the pain of a lonely heart. I have tried all others* skill in vain, and come to thee so learned in mystic lore to give me help. I an? rich and can repay thee well. Hagar. I can read a sad tale in thy pale and gentle face, dear lady. Thou art young and loving, but the hope of youth is gone J and thou art sorrowing with no fond heart whereon to leaxi, no tender voice to comfort and to cheer. Ah, have I read 286 THE UNLOVED WIFE; aright ? Then the only charm to still thy pain is death. Nina. 'T is death I long for. That still, dreamless sleep would bring me peace. But 'tis a fearful thing to take the life God gave, and I dare not. Canst thou not give me help ? Hagar. Within this tiny casket there is that which brings a quiet sleep filled with happy dreams, and they who drink the draught lie down and slumber, and if not awakened it will end in death. But thou, sweet lady, wouldst not leave this fair world yet. Tell me more, for this old heart is warm and tender still, and per- chance I can help thee. Nina. 'T is strange that I can feel such faith in thee, kind friend, but I am young and lonely and I seek some heart for coun- sel. Thou art from my own fair land and I will tell thee of my sorrow. 'T is a short, sad tale. I loved, was wed, and then — oh, darksome day — I learned my husband felt no love, and sought me only for my gold. li-'f CR, WOMAN'S FAITH. 287 I was penniless, and thus he cast me off; and now for long, long weeks I have not seen him, for he would not dwell with her who loved him more than life itself Now give me some sweet charm to win that lost heart back. Ah, Hagar, help me. Hagar. I can give thee no truer charm than that fair face and noble soul, dear lad3^ Be thou but firm and faithful in thy love and it will win thy husband back. God bless and grant all happiness to one who doth so truly need it. Nina. Give me the casket; and when life hath grown too bitter to be borne then will I gladly lay the burden down, and blessing him I love so well sleep that calm slumber that knows no awaking. Farewell, Hagar, thou hast given me comfort and I thank thee. lUxit Nina. CURTAIN. £88 THE UNLOVED WIFE, SCENE THIRD. lOne year i$ tttppoied to have elapsed. A room in the palace of Nina. Enter Adkian diegnUed.^ Adrian. Here last I saw her one long year ago. How the wild, sweet voice still rings in my ear imploring me to stay. I can find no rest save here ; and thus do I seek my home, worn out by my long wan- dering, and trusting to learn tidings of poor Nina. If she be true and love me still I will cast away my pride, my coldness, and all vain hopes of wealth, and let the sun- light of that pure, young life brighten my life henceforth. I hear a step, and will hide here, perchance I may thus see her [hides behind curiavi]. [Enter Nina. Nina. No rest for thee poor heart, ever whispering that dear name, ever sorrowing i on, WOMAN'S FAITH. 289 for those hard wcn-ds that gave so deep a wound. All is dark and lonely, for he is gone. Only these withered flowers, dearer by far than my most costly gems, for his hand hath touched them, and he smiled on me when they were given. Oh, Adrian, wilt thou never give one tender thought to her who still loves and prays for thee ? Death will soon free thee from thy hated wife. [Exit Nina. Adrian [stealing form. And this is she, whose pure young love I have cast away, the fond, trusting bride I left alone and friendless. She still loves on, and offers up her prayers for one who sought to break that tender heart so cruelly. I will watch well and guard tiiee, Nina ; and if thou art truly mine thou shalt find a happy home with him thy patient love hath won. [Exit Adrian and re-enter Nina. Nina [with Adhia^'s picture]. Ah, these cold eyes smile kindly on me here, and the lips seem speaking tender words. Other 19 290 THE UNLOVED WIFE; faces are perchance more fair, but none so dear to nu». Oh, Imshand, thou ha.st cast me off; and yet, though lonely and forsaken, 1 still can cherish loving thoughts of thee, and round (hy image gather all the tender feelings that a woman's heart can know. Thy cruel words 1 can forgive, .^nd the trusting love I gave thee glows .:s warndy now as when thou didst cast it by and left me broken-hearted [jrceps ; enter Don Felix]. JMy lord, what seekest thou with me? Thou dost smile. Ah, hast thou tidings of my husband V Tell me quickly, I beseech thee. Don Felix. Nay, dear lady — But sit thee down and let me tell thee why 1 came. [^He leads her to a so/a.'\ Thou k newest I have been with thee from a child. 1 stood beside thee at the alu^j, and was the first to cheer and comfort thee when thou wast left deserted and alone. Let me now ask ;thee. Wouldst thou not gladly change thy sad lot here for a gay and joyous life with one who loves thee fondly ? on, WOMAS'S FAITH 291 Nina. Tt. were indeed a hnppy lot to be 80 loved and cherished ; but wliere, aluH, i.s he who could thus feel for one so lonely and forsaken ? Don Felix [kneeling']. Hero at thy feet, dear Nina. Nay, do not tuni away, but let me tell thee of the love that hath grown within my heart. [Nina sfftrfs vp.] Thy wedded lord hat: cast thee off. The law can free thee. Ah. then be mine, ^nd let me win and wear tne lovely flower v/hich he hath cast hv ay. Nina. Ix)rd Felix, uj the wife of him thou dost so wrong, I answer thee. Dost thou not know the more a woman's heart is crushed and wounded tLe more tenderly it clings where first it loved ; and though deserted, ay, though hated, I had rather be the slighted wife of him, than the hon- ored bride of the false Costella. Now leave me — I would be alone. Don Felix. A time will come, proud woman, when thou shalt bend the knee to him whom now thou dost so scorn. Be- 292 THE UNLOVED WIFE; ware; for I will have a fierce revenge foi the proud words thou hast spoken. Nina. I am strong in mine own heart and fear thee not. Work thy will and thou shalt find the wife of Adrian de Mortemar needs no protector save her own fearless hand. [Exit Nina. Don Felix. Now, by my faith, thou shalt bow that haughty head, and sue to me for mercy, and I will deny it. I '11 win her yet, she shall not idly brave my anger. Now to my work, — revenge. [Exit Don Felix. CURTAIN. on, WOMAN'S FAITH, 298 SCENE FOURTH. [Apartment in palace of NiNA, Nina alone.] Nina. Ever thus alone, mourning for him who loves me not ; was ever heart so sad as mine ! Oh, Adrian, couldst thou but return even for one short hour to thy poor Nina. \^Enter Adrian, diseased.'] Ha, who art thou that dares to enter here in such mysterious guise ? Thine errand, quickly, — speak. Adrian. Forgive me, lady, if I cause thee fear ; I would have thee know me as a friend, one who will watch above thee, and seek to spare thee every sorrow. Dear lady, think me not too bold, for I have known thee long and have a right to all thy confidence. Thy husband was my nearest friend ; and, when he left thee friendless and alone, I vowed to guard and 294 THE UNLOVED WIFE; W save me? it? thee in all peril. Wilt thou trust See, I bear his ring, — thou knowest Nina. 'Tis indeed his ring. Whence came it ? Ah, hast thou seen him ? Tell me, and I will give thee all my confidence and thanks \takcs the ring and gazes beseech- xngljj upon Adiuan, who turns aside]. Adrian. He is well, lady, and happy as one can be who bears a cold, proud heart within his breast. He has cast away an angel who could have cheered and blessed his life, and sought to find in gold the hap- piness thy love alone could bring. He has suffered, as he well deserves to do. Spend not thy pity upon him. Nina Iproiidlg"]. And who art thou to speak thus of him ? Thou canst not judge till thou also hast been tried and like him deceived. He sought for wealth to bring him fame and honor ; and when he found it not, what wonder that he cast aside the love that could not bring him happiness. Thou art no true friend to speak thus of OR, womaa\'s faith. 295 one so worthy to be loved. And think not I reproach him for my lonely lot. Ah, no, I still love on ; and if he wins the wealth he covets I can give my heart's best blessing, and so pass away that he shall never know whose hand hath cruslied the flower that would have clung about his life and shed its perfume there [turns away weeping], Adrian [aside']. She loves me still. I '11 try her further [aloucT], Lady, idle tongues have whispered that when thy lord deserted thee thou didst find a solace for thy grief in a new lover's smiles. Perchance yon picture may be some gay lord who hath cheered thy solitude and won thy heart. I fain would ask thee. Nina. Sir stranger, little dost thou know a woman's heart. I have found a comfort for my lonely hours in weeping o'er the face whose smiles could brighten life for me, or dim it by disdain and cold- ness. The face is there; my first, last, only love is given to him who thinks it worthless and hath cast it by, 296 THE UNLOVED WIFE; Adrian [taking the picture], 'Tis the Count, thy husband. Lady, he is unworthy such true love ; leave liiin to his fate, and let not thy life be darkened by his cruelty and hate. ISiNA. Thou canst not tempt me to forget. No other love can win me from the only one who hath a place within my heart. Let me cherish all the memories of him, and till life shall cease be true unto my husband. Now leave me, unknown friend ; I trust thee for his sake, and will accept thy friendship and protection. I offer thee my gratitude and thanks for thy kind service, and will gladly seek how best I may repay it. Adrian. Thanks, lady. Thou shalt find me true and faithful, and my best reward will be the joy I labor to restore to thee \Jcneels and kisses her hand] . Nina. Farewell, again I thank thee. IJExit Nina. Adrian. So young, so lovely, so for- saken, who would not pity and protect. I Okt WOMAN'S FAITH, 297 will guard her well, and ere long claim the treasure I so madly cast away ere I had learned its priceless value. Nina, thou shalt yet be happy on the bosom of thy erring and repentant husband. [Iixit Adbian. II Mi M CURTAIN. i 298 THE UNLOVED WIFE; m SCENE FIFTH. [Hall in the palace of NiNA. ^w^tNina rt«tn)uN Felix.] Nina. I tell thee, my lord, I will not listen, naught thou canst say will change my firm resolve. I cannot wed thee. Don Feljx. Nay, then listen. Thy cruel husband left thee and for one long year thou hast sorrowed in thy lonely home, and would not be comforted. He hath returned. Nina . Ah — IRushes forward. ] Don Felix. Thou may'st well start, but think not he will come to thee, chains hold him fast and — mark ye — 't was / who bound those chains. Nina. Do I dream, my husband here and in captivity ; nay, I believe thee not. 'T is a false tale to anger me. I heed thee not [furns anmi hauphtili/l^. \ OR, WOMAN*S FAITH. 299 Don Felix. Thou wilt heed me ere I am done. What thinkest thou of this thy husband's dagger? See, here his name. 'T was taken from his hands ere the cold chains bound them. Ah, thou dost believe me now ! Nina. Oh, tell on, I trill listen now. Why hast thou done this cruel deed ? Why make this his welcome home ? Thou hast fettered and imprisoned him and now art here to tell me of it ? Ah, dost thou hate him ? Then give all thy hate to me ; but oh, I pray thee, comfort him. Don Felix. When thou didst reject my suit, I told thee I would be revenged; I said a day would come when thou, so cold and haughty then, would kneel to me implor- ing mercy and I would deny thee. That time hath come, and I am deaf to all thy prayers. Nina. For his sake will I kneel to thee beseeching liberty for him. I had no love to give thee. Ah, pardon if I spake with scorn, and pity me. What can I do to ( 800 Tin: VMOVEl) MIIH: t 'I il i '4^ win thee back lo niorcy ? Ah. hsicn and be generous. Don Fkmx. 'Tis now too bite. Ho is in my power ; and a dagger can soon rid thee of a cruel husband, me of a hated rival. Nina. God have pity on me now. Don Felix, let me plead once more. Set Adrian free, and I will take his place in yon dark cell and welcome there the dagger that shall set me tVee. Don Felix. And wilt ihou wear the chains? Wilt enter that lone cell and perish there? Canst thou do this? Nina. Ay, gladly will I suffer pain, cap- tivity, and death, for thee, Adrian, for thee. Don Felix. Then woman's love is stronger than man's hate, and I envy him you would die for, Nina. Nina. Ah, love alone can make home blest, and here it dwells not. I can free him from his fetters and his hated wife. Tell him I loved him to the la.st, and blessed him ere I died. Lead on, my lord^ I am ready. on, wo^rA^\s faith. J501 Don Fklix [iimk']. I thought I had Bteeled my heart with hatred and revenge ; but oh, they pass away before such holy love as this. Would I could win her to myself, for she would lead me on to virtue and to happiness. Yet one more trial and she may be mine at last. [ Tableaux, CURTAIN. 802 iHfi iM.oi ici) n/r/i, r i I- fc#^ SOKNK S1XTFI. Knitn- AnuiAN.) AnniAN. T is nil disoovonMl, inv mvRte- rioiis captivity nn