IMAGE E. ALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) :s I 1.0 I.I 11.25 ■ 5C 12.8 i:: lit r 1'^ 2.0 1.8 U III 1.6 I 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M580 (716) S72-4S03 k ■^ ■ V «'. %' fir! sio or I I Pages d6color6es, tacheties ou piqu6es □ Pages detached/ Pages d^tachdes QShowthrough/ Transparence Quality of print varies/ Quality indgale de I'impression I — I Includes supplementary material/ D Comprend du matdriel suppl^mentaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata. une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 film6es d nouveau de fapon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. Th shi Til wf Ml dif en be rig re( m( D 10X This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film6 au taux de r^ductiorr indiqu6 ci-dessous. 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X 12X 16X _/ »X a4x 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Metropolitan Toronto Library Theatre Department L'exemplaire filmd fut reproduit grdce A la g6n6rosit6 de: Metropolitan Toronto Library Theatre Department The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Les images suivantes ont 6x6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la netteti de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim6e sont filmds en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la derniire page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression oii d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le c&s. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant p^r la premidre page qv\ comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'i:!'JStration et en terminant par la derniera page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol -^> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparaTtra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". 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 6tre film6s 6 des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmi 6 partir de Tangle supirieur gauche, de gauche 6 droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 'w'MiSii.i^'th^^M.^iiaam '.jjii^mmmmmr^mmw ^^mmmm^ \l {yO^^yiryy^" /C6c.-6-'^-<-^ oCi^^h^i^^-^ fOBONIU PUBLIC LIBRA^'"^"^'^^ , " iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ^ ^ an 1^1^® ^©^© ENTITLED I «« %%% 1^ ^ I inlni WRITTEN BT ........ \\vi. &. ^nbcrj^oti. I Printed at PiokeriDg News Office, W. J. Olark. Prop. 1896. llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllliUlllllllillllllilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllHIIIIIIiUniiS U iriOPGLlTAN LIBRARY Theatre Tbeatra t\ — —7 — rr-— ^ — r-—'^' — yr , • . .- LIBRARY «f.: -~! 'i' \i A Roman Drama In Five Acts. y ENTITLED . . .S^^ an T * V ©til ft il.Mt@tM^- .5'. counsel— may the gods keep you under eye, lor, of iHie, your youpK liot blood begins to '•ourse too freely through your veins for my waning spirit to pur^ue. VI v life I would as wiUingly give to you as my services I gave to your father, my old master, and count it rich reward. Such is the power of friendship,— as a mother for the life of her babe. But I pray heaven to diiect and strengthen your aim. Ah ! a light breaks forth from the sky. I take it as a good omen, may Hercules sanction it, (a prolong*'d roar in distance) surely that was a death' cry. But the Jadj , I most forgot her in my anxiety for my youthful keep. Let me see, I'll examine her and see if there be any violence upon her fair form. Venus or Minerva ? In sooth, though conceived of Terra, Coelns has been a kind godmother to thee. I find no sacrilege to mar so fair a would, such beauty and such raiment do but plainly show her to be of no Plebeian stock. Evidently she is of patrician birth. Ah 1 she moans. Nature is once more awakeniner into the busy stir of life. Lo I her senses awake like the dawning orb above the Meridian. Venetia. Where am I ? Servantus. Be not afraid, fair maid, you are out of harm's reach. Venetia. Ah I remember I I was stricken down, seized and dragged un- mercifully away over mound and hollow, stones and thicket, and its scorching breath so near to my face. Oh ! until ray dizzy senses whirled and sweet re- lapse came to shut out the horror, oh, it was dreadful ! but I cannot realize thai I am still living and sale. Servantus. Yes, you are sate and better, I trust, fair one, and now I must look for my young master, I did try to restrain him, but you might as well go bid the thunder hush in sleep or try tu lull the surging sea, as try to stop the fiery coursing of young Lep's veins. But yon look quite ill, Is't so ? Venetia. I think I have not suitered much material ii^jury, I am bruised aui battered somewhat but not much the worse, for wear I trow. Who is this Leo? LEO AND VENETIA. fAct 1 Servantus. He is iny lion-hearted boy, my sacred keep. Leo, the youugeet Bon of Lucius Gracchus Dana, whom I have perved these three score years, and may Jupiter, the God of Heaven, bear his bones safely to Elysium. When we entered the wood we did see thee lying unconscious upon the ground, and KHalopsly guarded by yon tierce lion of the forest, but upon our approach he did cowardly abandon thee and shrink off into the thicket, thither my young master has followed him, and now I would be after him, but, I fear to leave one evil for another. Vknetia. Oh. do not let me keep you, good sir, for since I see you so desire . to be beside him in his need, let us rather iniisue his tracks together, I think I am able to rise now. (Rises and supports on Servantus.) Servantur. No need fair miPtress. for, blest be his stars, he now ap- proaches, see 'tween yon waying branches. The Divinity have heard tuy prayers. But wbom shall I call thee, gentle lady. Venetia. Yenetia, I am the Duke's daughter. Servantue. Indeed I yet I am not surprised for by your raiment I betook you for some noble lady. (To Leo who enters) Welcome, Leo, haw fared the lion in thy hands '? Leo. (Throws down a lion's head and broken sword) There's my story and here's the conclusion. (Tears open sleeve which reveals a horrid wound.) Venetia. O young man, I thank thee for thy eourage, but not for the world would I have been the author of this fearhil wound. Lko. I do not regret— fair lady — 'tis naught — but that which one good man should do for another, (retires to bind up wound) O foolhardiness, thou'rt easily won, why did I not hee < Servantus' advice. What chance liad I to baffle the lion at home. tSut then, all men are a'nbitious. Nay— Some men are conceived and born of ambition ; some the world spurns to ambition, but the many die virgin to such passion. Am I of this ? By the girth of Venus, no 1 Servantus. Come, gentle Leo, we must away and help this sweet droop- ing flower to some more secluded shelter. Leo. As ! be it so. Venetia. Good sir, heaven be <^oubly praised, both for yourself and I, your humble debtor, but your arm must need some speedy skill. (To Servan- tus), Go hence I pray thee and have some surgeon to wait us, as for us, we will follow with dispatch. Speed good sir. (Exit Servantus) Leo. (aside) O tumultuous heart,' like a raging sea, peace be i^till. What is this strange feeling that burns into my soul like molten lead ; That carries my every thought before it like the breaking of some large course and bears me on— on— on in its embrace. 'Tis thou I have so often seen in my day dreams. O passion I passion I thy name is love, (to Venetia) Come gentle lady, yon must be nigh spent with fatigue, come lean upon me and I will lend thee succour. Venetia. Such rest is indeed peaceful, but alas 1 good sir, I think you need it more than I. (Leo reels) Yon are faint— shall I— aid thee ? Are you better sir ? Leo. Ay i 'Twas but a fleeting pain. 'Tis naught— but ah I how sweet to find such consolation. Gome! Vbnetia. Consolation (aside) Ah gentle youtli you have my more than consolation. Yon have pierced n^ore than yuu have overthrown. Leo. Ay ? Flourish— enter Duke, guided by Servantus. Margarita — Courtiers, etc, etc. Servantus. This way most noble Duke, here they are, Maroarit\. ooQsin, Henyen'be praised, happy we are to see thee safo again. (Tney embrace). Du|CE. Venetia, my daughter, light of my heart and home, thou art safe. »1 Act 1] LEO AND VENETIA. ^M I « I > 3 le. joyouB thanksfjiviDg. Blest be the alters of oar household gods. Little did 1 reck to Ree thee again in the body. My mind was sown with strange fear and harrowed bj little hope. Blest be oar household gods ! Venetia. Yes, father, my luige, I had indeed given myself up for lost, but upon awakeninfc I found not the lion orouohing beside me, with its cold glittering, steely eyes, but the happy features of this kind old man, and yonder hero followed the lion to its liar, exposing his life for my sake, and see, father this horrid wound. Was it not brave ? Duke. Brave ? Of course it was. Youth, to whom do I owe such great beuetioence ? Leo. My name is Leo ; the youngest son of Lucius Gracchus Dana, my lord. Duke. I do j^ remember your father honorably. Boy from the inmost reoeHses ot my heart I appreciate and laud your daring, and in recognition thereof, fur anything within the bonds of reason. 1 aa. vour debtor. Ask what thou wilt. Leo. (Aside). Ah t What a strange spell comes over me. Ask what tliou wilt. (paUHb). Have I lost all my courage ? Why, am I dumb ? My heart is full of envy for that which I have not, but my tongue is cleft, so that I am without the power of speech. Come I come ! courage Leo t I saw the tires of divine love gleaming in her eyes. Ask for his daughter's band, you have lier heart. Ah Venktia. (Advancing). Good Sir. My father addressed you. Heard you not ? Leo. Ah yes t He bids me ask a favor. There is but one wish for me. One wish to till my happy conscience. Bu) I would not frame the thought in words lest I should oun»*e'ihee displeasure. Do you make some gentle request fur me and I'll be t;ratitied. Venetia. Nay ! nay ! good gentleman. Ask as thy heart desires. I see it in thine eyes, yea— as thy heart desires. (Leo advances to Duke). Venetia. Now Venus be our stead ! Leo. Most Noble Duke, directed by the impulse of my heart, I have but one thought to fill my quiyer ot desires. And yet it is much— I could not ask thee more —thou couldst not give me mure. Hitherto, my lord, my life has been one long untrammelled recess— free froin all the restraints of the world I gave myself up to such sports and amusdments a^ my happy mind and liberty directed, but now, my lord, a new desire has cr^t within my heart to mat its quiescence there. A desire that makes me no longer my former self —no longer a slave to mine own fancies and happy conscience, but bound down in the th''a1l8 of a happy (?) love. (Kneels). I ask thee for thy daughter's hand. Duke. Courageous youth. I'll nut deny thee, press thy suit and glory and fame falling upon thy head, thou shalt wear her upon thy breast. In the interim to a lieutenancy in my legions do I commission thee and when thou art older, maturer and do know more of the world, then shalt thou and my daughter be one. Leo My liege, I understand. Like my nature my words have flown too faHt, but having won renown in thy services, then suall I ask thee again, more advisedly, for yon bright jewel that has already set itselt within my heart like the ruddy orb that stands above our heads in the celestial skies. Duke. 'Tis well said. Thou hast the necessary mettle. I'll hope thee speedy ascention, which I s<>e by sundry looks my daughter '11 not regret. Leo. Thanks, my lord, my tongue has lost the words to convey the abundant gratitude of my heart. But sir. I pray thee leave to retire from here for my hurts are weighing sorely on my mind. Duke. Be of good cheer, lad, battle for the right, all things come to him ACT I— 8CHNE 11, T ♦ • 6 LEO /.ND VENETIA. [Aot 1 who strives with patience and rectitude of mind. JjE'^. Adod, my Lord, yoa shall see me monnt step by step till I have reached the zenith of my bighest aspirations. Give me bat a stand upon the water's edge and I'll force my way across thro' the bitterest waves ot adversity that dare assail against me. Gome good ServantuR, and fare thee well my lord. Duke. I trust so — fare you well. Now daughter and yon cousin let's be nff for the blood red moon hac already supplanted the sun. (Roiug) Venetu. Why Marg'y, he never said as much as farewell to me. I wonder Maro'y. O I pray thee sweet ooz . don'i be ioo exacting a lover. In the bonds of pain, misery drives out thoughts of love. Come let's go. BoNoLo. (Advancing). Fair lady, allow me ? Let me be thine escori. —exeunt omnes— . Re-enter Leo— gazes after them. Leo. At least I migut have said farewell. Ah ! she tarns— adieu — Waves his cap. — : CURTAIN. :— ^ . Place — Leo's home. Enter Lno suoportmg on ServRotun. Sebvantus. Come, bear up, gentle Leo ! Courage yet ! This strain has been too much for thee. (Leu reels). What courago ! courage I My boy, bear up patiently, there Leo, rest here, ah that's well. Now let me bathe ihy hurts, let me apply balm to thy wounds. O, my sweei young master, my noble hearted boy, give life its spirit thai was wont to sit ho msjestically upon thy fair brow. Gladly would I bear it for thee. Ay! even to death itself— joy- fully, joyfully, Leo, for thy sake. Leo. Kind old man, I know it. but I woalf^ r>ot have it otherwise, I thank thee even so. i3ut say, good Scvantus, shall i. bver have full power of this poor member, think you ? Three days have brought me naught but Increased suffering and pain is now my emblem. But fie I it's childish in me to speak thus, I'll be round in time to stand for the annual Olytnphian Games, I'll wager. I would not miss them for thrice the pain. Gome good Seryantus, get me some fresh balm. Let us assist nature in so much as we can. Sebvantus. Yea, Leo ; I think it well. Keep up a strong heart and I'll return in the thrice of an eye. Exit Serv. Leo. Well, I must no longer be a youth. Far«>well, sweet happy aays I Farewell, sweet innocent self I Now comes the harder duty for love and county. But I'am tired of this, come good trusty steel I'll try thy temper and thou'lt try mine. (Heats his sword ted hot) Come thy temper's up ; thou'rt hot for it, have at thee. (Burns the wound then sinks upon a couch). (Enter Yenetia and Margarita.) Yeketia. What's this ? Leo ! O cousin come gaze upon this. See what picture the gods have painted, so natural but pale. Why, 'tis enough to make a row in heaven. A second golden apple thrown into the assemblage of the Divinities. Bat how deathlike he reposes, (sinks suddenly upon her knees.) He cannot be dead, cousin ? Mabgabita. No I no I be but sleeps. Do yoa but rap npon the portals of his dream gates, and you'll find life there, ay, plenty of it, sweetheart. But, I pray thee Yenetia to excuse me. I must look out for Lacilius, he promised to overtake as on the way, but I just know, (be wretch has forgotten his promise. It's just like bim for men and their promise are very similar, they apoat up with the rain and droop wiltingly when the son is apon them. Indeed, they are just like so many weather •cooks when the winds are asleep, and the weather fair, they are glorioasly ooostant, but every breath of wind inflaenees them. > * U T Aot2] LRO AND VENETIA. BOoh is man, Anon dearie. T I ( ii \ . □over, never do you part with a obain abont bis neok, and is neok witb bis arm ) O for love ; bat ir l.Sk Ha t ba I ha. shame on and tbey flee like arrows from the bow of Adversity. Ah well, but I'll teaoh bim a lesson when I've found him, never fear. (Exit ) Venktia. Little witch I but, I wonder if he dreams — of me i Sweet youth, bow I should like to have been a ^oddesB and hurled ten thousand thunderbolts into the death bed of the lion, ere his cruel fangs had so crushed thy poor flesh. Ah me I 'twould have bt\in nnob satisfaction. Then I mi^ht have carried him off to Olymphus, defied u\ . wi\ together we would have roamed on an everlasting bridal tour, in the O den Chariot of the sun. But, dreaming aside, I wonder if he really lovee n a. Leo. (as m a dream) Yes. Vrnetia. O Leo t h( w you starth lue i I ongb'; ; ^ be more careful — but bow fortunate, he only dreams. Bur, then he h.s uuoonsoiously answered my yer, my heart's desire. O Hymon. speed d 'lime till we be blest with one marriagn bond. Here's a loken of my love, .n ' this till your love has ceased to be. (Plact j Rteallbily about to kiss him, when he euoiroles Leu I for Rhame, why did you awake ? Leo. For shame, my darling ? No ! no ! my part, for what ou thine ? Now I have thee. Vbnbtia. Peace Leo, forgive me, I thought you were asleep and woald never be the winer. But I don't believe you ware, and I'm sore displeased pt, you too I Leo. Never mind Venetia, candidly, I was long'ng myself to know if uiy passioD was reciprocal. Blesspd be our fate, and now, happy I am that I live ia certainty of thy love. I return thine with all my bouI. Venetia. O keep ii Leo I I would not hbve them both. I begin to find the one a'most uncobtrollable. But, dear Leo, my father bade me see if yon were ioiproving.'^nJ I have already delayed too long. Leo. Better, BweeteRt love, now that I am a man of more design and more love hayintf felt thy sweet influence. Here I dedicate my indomitable energy to the inflnence of our mutual welfare. (Enter Ronolo. Shakes his hand significantly at duet ) BoNOLO. (advancing) Venetia, your father awaits your presence. Venetia. Fare thee well, Leo. Leo. Farewell. (Exit Venetia Sijd Ronolo.) -: CURTAIN. :- ACT II.— Scene 1. "^<^netia's apartments. Venetia and Margarita present. Venetia. How do yon like my last design, dear Marg'y? Is it not at- tractive? Maboarita. Attractive ? Yes, but monotonous. Let me see. A baby cnpid propping up an Herrulanean shield Uearing your lf>geng "Awake not thie lion, be sleepetb." In the centre a wr«ath, and within the wreath L.O.D., skillfully interwoven. A broken sword and a lions bead lie upon the ground. Truly historical, exquisitely designed and extremely well executed. But how ofiien yoa repeat some part of it, and then it becomes like an interlineal trans- lation of some old Sanscrit Romance, yoa read between the lines, and it unfolds a «ale of love. But don't mind me, Ven'y, I'm only playing the matron. Blushes become you all the same. (Enter Servia). Sebvia. Peace to yoa, dear mistress, Ronolo desires your audience. Venetia. O fie on him ? What say yoa, ooupin, 'tis well we love not all who fawn upon us, else we were held too cheap, yet I suppose like Jacoko with % '• 8 LEO AND VENETIA. I Act 2 a thorn in hie flesh, we must grin and abide it, so bid him enter good Servia. (Exit. Servia.) Venetia. Now, I just need another thread and all .till be complete. Maboabita. I'll get it for thee, Yenetia. (Exit. Margarita.) Venetia. I wonder what he wishes. Of late he becomes yery despicable in my eyes Methinks he has some specific motive and if it be as I fear, I shall grind his hopes into mutilation, for ever beyond recognition. (Enter Bonolo). RoNOLO. Fair day, sweet lady, how dust thy father to day, and thou.— I hope thou art enjoying the good beuefii of health, but no need to ask, for I see upoD thy cheeku the bloom of summer roses, watered by a happy and contented mind. Vemetia. Yes, I thank thee, both my father's health and mine is all that could be desired. (Gazing upon her work). Bonolo. What has ihou there, sweet lady ? Venetia. (Hastily folding up her work). 'Tis naught. I was but dream- ing of BoNOLo. Be thine imagining the dreams of fortune, fame or love? Veneia. Oh fortune, strange good fortune, that saved me from the very mouth of the cruel monster death, e'en as her teeth were fHSi cloHing upon me ; and fame, so eagerly sought for hy some, that falls like night upon the, heads of others, and that never knew the m^uy; and love, ah I well for no lion. BoLONO. Prithee, 'tis well said, Yenetia. but you seem to dwell quite lengthily upon your recent adyenture. Who is this boy that — a— killed the beast ? Yenetia. He wears the na ne of Leo, possibly suggested by fate, and it fits him nobly, say they who know him best. BoNOLO. Ah, likely. Rome has many such youths, but I believe his character is not above reproach, that is, I have it only from heresay. ]^ut anon, I come to speak to you of another matter, charming mistress -of love, the magic of life ! Of love, deeper tliBii friuudship. aud little less than rever ence. Love between a friend and the gods. By the heights of the Himilayatt and the depths of the Persian Gulf. I love thte ! I adore thee 1 With such a passion that rends my whole being, that makes me no longer m\ former self, but God or Demon as thou wilt. Yenetia. Sir, you oueht to swear the more orthodox "By my sword, fair lady. I live and die lor thee." But no ! the n m who wooes me successfully, must be young, gallant, brave and handsome. All these you may have, but yet— you lack one little sesame, which alone can admit yon to the caverns of my affection. BoNOLO. And pray, what is that, my pretty one ? Yenetia. It is that, which with it is everything and with out it nothing. My love, which is giyen to another and oouucelled by my father in thy hear- ing ; and now pray tell me why, knowing that, you come to me in quest of that which I have not. Do you accuse me of inconstancy to my friend or disloyalty to my father ? I RoNOLO. Nay, I would accuse you of nothing. iTour mind's eve still rpats upon the youth of whom we spoke. By my manhood, he is but a boy — not worthy of such love as thine, nor of the affections of a man. When can he give thee ? On the other hand, look to the liches, social position, hollo*, everything that the mind can conceive, is before thee, within thine easy grasy. (whispering) If it please thee I will add Emperor to my category, and who would not be an Empress ? On the other hand, this youth — why he is but a boy, and bis name is surrounded by some dark blots which will disfigure him for life. Yenetia, 'Tie false t One has but to look once upon bis brow to see the Act 2] LEO AND VENETIA. 9 ir It it 11 ■ o a u marks of honor aud reverence stamped upon his countenance. Show me the unbiemished man, for I've never seen him yet, and I'll show you a God Divine, (aside) of course, I exempi Leo for he is a spirit of loye personified. RoNoLO. Be that as it may, (air lady, do not reject my suit. Excbanf;e that cloud which obliterates the suu'ri sweet radiance for one deeting glance of love and I'll be satisfied. ThmK of all that this means to you and what it means to me By the heavens above, this love is no buy play. 'Tis as irrevocable as the doom ot judgment. Come give me some return foi that which yoa haye robbed me of. Venetia. Sir ! I am not insensible to the honor 30U o£for me ; by birth .vou are my equal, and you have many good qualities in your ambition, but let me tell you ODoe and for all, I cauooi. The Decrees have otherwise ordain ed it. My father has counselled anotuer and my heart goes with it. Therefore, it cannot be. BoNOLo. heavy day ! But, by Hades I you will never marry such a knave as knave as he I What will he ever be able to ofifer thee. Venetia. At least his love, which is worth more than some people's millions, RoNOLO. (Aside) Well boy be ware the north wind for it shall bear black tempest and death to thy dreams, but come, my loyely one, you will think better of this anon. V&iNETiA No, never ! Try not to change the stars from their course, for their plan is fixed inevitably and so is mine, (going) RoNOLo. Mark you — I shall not Buffer defeat in this. You will yet rejoice to come and recline upon these arms you now so ungraciously refuse — yoa will. Venetia. Laughs scorufnlly. («xit) RoNOLO. Ha t iShe scorns my suits, she little thinks that Ronolo has within his busy brain the mt^ans to change thy puny mind like a reed before the gale. Psha w 1 Others have changed before, even courted change, and so will she. Let me see, I do remind .ne of an apothecary , a poor half • fledged fellow, raw-boned, sunken checked, lanquishing for better fare. Thither shall I go and buy me some poisiou. My scheme— ah, now I have it — thus. The Duke, her father, dead. Died of some peculiar disease. The doctors all dis- semble, ah well, no matter. This yountr leopard thrown to the lions; Ronolo in power and Venetia— ah 1 Here's the music I Venetia, the loving tender wife of Ronolo— ha I ha ! ha! Very good, the scheme begins to mature within my mind. Pshaw 1 any man may play the villain if the stakes are but high enough And yet for the little feeliue I have within me for the Duke, I would give him more pity. Let me see. Yes, here's another side to the same argument. If I can successfully implicate this young plague with the Duke's health that would pave the way to the same conclusion. Well we'll see. Time works man- ifold changes even in women's hearts. — : CURTAIN. :— Apotlieoary shop. ACT II.— Scene 2. Apothecary distilling certain liquids. Apoth. Tincture Cinchona Co., Six ingredients together go, Serpentary bark peel Saffron spirit and Cochineal AH into the kettle And there let it settle Till seven nightly moons haye past Then taken no human ills can last. (Makes a pass) i k 10 LEO AND VENETTA. Act 2 There that's saffioit good Elixir to men's stomaohs. It's the old law, violate nature and you pay her penalty. On other's excesses, we enrich uar pockets, and for that reason the world esteems as not its friend. Ah, some one enters. Enter Ronolo and Sannio. BoNOLO- Fair day, Apothecary, I have a do;; which has taken ftrievonsly ill of a distemper, and being my favorite hunter, I am loth to let it die peace* fully Thinkest thou thy wit could cure it ? Apoth. No, not my wit my lord, but possib y my knowledge of the materia medica might lend yon assistance. BoNOLo Well, good sir, pray give me some good certain cure that will course thro' its veins and counteract the foul ravages of disease. I care not what it is, so long as it be soeedy and sure. Apoth, Ah, yes — let me see. Do yon put this powder in some water, steep it and give it him. In the course of a fev*' hours he will have complete semblance of death. Then give him this oiher powder and he shall speedily revive, being entire well. BoNOLo. Very good. Here is five ducats. (Apoth. puts money in bag on shelf.) Sannio. (aside) I'll take the change later on. BoNOLO. Sir, thou'rt deeply skilled, I have heard in the secret prepara- tions of the most deadly drugs such as might bring sweet dcHtli to weary t-ouls. Is it BO or arb thy powers over raled. Sannio. Now, he comes to business. Apoth. Yes, good pir, 1 do indeed know many such drugs, but the badge of our profession is "Cura atque Industria." It is one of heeling and honest labor. Moreover Benevento's laws is death to anyone vinlatinu her laws of society. So you see we neither sell these nor give thera outbide our super- vision, BoMnLo. Oh I Quite rehl, quite right, my worthy fellow, lib t I merely ask for editioation. Oft have I had the curiosity to wonder which death would be the most preferable. Now. nu^pose you were under sentence of death for some crime. — say — any capital offence, what means of tleath would you most likely court ? Apoth. Oft have I thought of this. 'Tis a threadworn garment to me. My favorite death would be from the Persian Poppy Plant. The cipsules hav- ing been wounded a juicv exudation bleeds forth, which, treated by certain secret chemio means yieldf^ a snowy white Kubstanoe which taken into the vitals proJuces a beautiful and lasting dream, from which there is no awakening. Unconsciously one diiftN into Eternity as a river glides placidly into the ocean's breast, or like the sleepy moon drifting on till it be lost behind a cloud, then out of sight. Here is a li()uid which is preferred bv one of my learned asso- ciates of medicine. One drop of which directly it touches the blood produces one horrid spasiri like the snapping of a twig Then all is silent in death. Just a terrific thunder bolt, then silence aaam for ever reigns supreme. BoNOLo. Wonderful ! Wonderful ! But ara there none more lingering in their course, none that merely makes the one who quaffs it unfitted for the duties of life, blindinv reanon, dulling intellect, or sending the ravings of a mad man throueh his f^ame, or some long lingering illness which bedrides the patient with a long and fatal sinking. Methinks I heard of such and yet I can liardlv believe it. Be they true ? Apoth Ay, to be sure, there are many strange symptoms derived from moon gathered herbs. This grimy looking potion doth produce the very sem- blence of life and death— consumption— tliat yilest of most vile of loathful disease. It creeps insidiously on like the huge serpent from the tomb of Annhines, licking up the lihstions of health until Hnally having exhausted them quite, he departs leavmg dnHtli in Ins wake. •i " . < * Act 8] LEO AND VENETIA. 11 I, ' I, ' * t BoNOLo. Wonderfnl ! wonderful 1 I can eoaroe believe it. O wooderfuH mind I How mighty is the fruits of thy oonoeptious. But is there no druii to oouDteraot its terrible propeusities. Apoth. Ab taere is do life without death, so is there no droKB which have not toeir counterpart. If you wiub ho see its antagonist I have it (trowing in my garden. Will you step with me ? (Exeunt Bouolo and Apothecary. Sannio. Now my soul moves within me to do some good. It is said by mighty philosophers of old, that every man has within his easy reach at least one opportunity of good. I have had many and still another mirrors its conn- tenanoe before me. Now is the accepted time and this (seizes the money baa of Apoth.) the accepted opportunity. Good God 1 What a wonderful waste of nature is arrayed within these walls. I like living beauty better than dead nature. But enough uf this, let's see what he's got here ; powdered ooults from freshly died babes, lizard's tongues, and scorpions scales, leopard's bane, deadly night-shade, etc., etc., too numerous to be mentioned. One man's medicine another man's poison, (begins grinding in a mortar when an explo- sion occurs, and knocks him over.) Help I help ! good Apothecary help ! Be enter Apoth. and Bonolo. Apoth. Well roan, what to pay now ? Sannio. Oh my head, your internal machine flashed lightnings. See my head. It seems to be broken. Feel it sir. Apoth. Best eusy, but after this, be not so meddlesome, your face is burned, but there is no further injury. Here let me bathe it with this. BoNOLo. (Stealing the vial ihat produces the sumptons of consumption.) Come, good Elixir, with thee victory and I go hand in hand. (Secretes it in his person.) — : GUUTAIN :— ACT III.— Scene 1. Duke's Palace. The duke in bed. Veuetia and Margarita at the bedside. Bon- olo and Servia at the tuble Servia pours out potion ; Bonolo drugs it and moiiooK Servia in command to giye it to the duke. Duke drinks the poisoned draught. Duke. Yenetia. my darling, I am dying. The is no use withholding the truth from you, if yeu have not already guessed it. I am dying, dying Yenetia, dying. Oh, it is so hard to leave ihee. whose sweet smiles and loving care was Elysium to me. Oh, it is hard 1 Yenetia. Father, dear frther, think not of me. O, how I wish I conld follow thee, or that thou hadst not to leave this dear mother earth, (enters the leech.) O doctor, do you not think there is vet some hope ? Leech. (After making au examiiation.) I should aavise absolute rest, above all. While there's lite there's hope. Duke. Be silent man. Best ? How can I rest when yon see my life ebbing slowly from my grasp ? What licentiousness have I ever indulged in that I should be thus visited by such dread disease ? Were not my ancestors men ol state ; true men and brave ; first in battle, fame and love. They have not left me this portion. How can I rest kaowing this ? Why sboald I be thus visited by such dread disease. On I stifle— ah, that's better. Thy dose insidious words are treachery, there is no hope. You know it. T BEOH. My lord, we fight death to the last extremity. But I fear there is n lope, but hope in EU slum. Duke. Give place alf, and call Bonolo to my side. Exeunt. Enter Bonolo. Bonolo. My lord. I wait upon your grace. - :. 12 |LRO AND VENETTA. I Act 8. Duke, Ronolo, is that you ? Why, how you tremble, Man, what's the matter ? BoNoLo. Naught, most uobie duke, but my agony for thy sufiferin^;. Duke. Bonolo, Yenetia, into thy hands I coujmil her care. I am dying, Bonolo, fast departion, my latest breath is uifth. I am about emerging from the sweet sunny smiles of earth rieparting thro' the clouds of despair mto the radiant and glossy light beyond the Styx. We have been close friends, Ronolo. wilt thou be to lier as a brother for my sake '/ Ronolo. I will. Duke. Ronolo, I thank thee for thy love, that eases me. now I can die peacefully. But oh 1 if you but knew what she has been to me, since her mother's death, my pretty baby gi'l, prating and cooing in her father's arms. My loving frolicking girl always ruuniug to me with her petty oonfidances. My tender woman, always thinking of her father tirst, then. Ronolo, you would know the benefite of marriage. O my child, my child, the parting ib indeed hard. .^,^ Ronolo. My lord, there may be yet hope f\v thee. Duke. Alat ! That time is past. Ronolo. My lord, I was even about to enter to appraise you of certain suspicious, when you requested my presence here. Duke. Suspicions ! Of what ? Enter Venetia behind the tapestry uusettn. Ronolo. Dost thou think that thou art dying of d incase ? Duke. Ay. Ronald, what else ? Ronolo. Did poison ever enter your mind ? Duke. Poison ? No, why should I tlnnk that ? To whom should I credit such a deed ? No, Konolo, not poison. Ronolo. Well, most noble Duke, ihiuk agam. Was there not of late one who saved youi daughter's life ? Duke, Ay I But what of that ? Ronolo Popular suspicion is directed aeainet him. He loves thy daughter and would marry her. You are the ouly barrier to his wifehes. Think you that wish would not spurn him to such a deed ? Duke. No ! Ronolo. It it were sworn that he is clandestine with one of thy servants, who prepares thv food. Would that ? Dune. No, Ronolo, I could not think him bo evil. Who has put such evil thoughts .nto thy head ? To be sure, I can see no just reason for my ill- ness but no— I don't fve that that could follow. If it be as you say, that he is familiar with his iessers, I am sorry for him. But I'am sure he is innocent of such a deed. Ronolo. But I'm sure he's not ! Duke. Not so fierce. Ronolo. Why, what's the matter, you change color like a woman. Have you any more suspicions ? Eonolo. Yes, enough to convict Pluto himself. You see this phial. I have had it analyzed. It produces just such B^inptoms as you have now. This was found m the maid's possession, siuce, I have possessed myselt of it. I have heard the maid has fled. Well, what rhiukest thou now ? Duke. I do not know. BoNOLO. This letter she secretly sent to her lover, but enough to say it miscarried. Suall I read it ? Duke. If you wish. Bonolo. It is directed to this same Leo. Duke. Bead on. Bonolo. My own love Leo. Great danger is «bove our heads. Thy vial has been either stoien wliilp I slept, or bewitchtd away. The duke is slowly '*: r • ■ ■ • J t Aet 8] LEO AND VENETIA. 18 Binkiog past all human k^elp, I must fly for the danger is great. If it be as I fear, our lives are not safe. We must fly ; meet me at the trystiog idiwse where I first knew thy kiss. Servia, Well, Duke, what is thy miod now ? Duke. If this be true, confidence padly misplaced ! How oUen is vice bedecked with must glittering charms of faiKt>liiood unperoeived I Go seek him and if this be true, heaven forgive him. fur I never will. Go 1 BoNOLO. Farewell, my lord. — : CURTAIN. :- ACT III -Scene 2. Place— Leo's garden in front of his house. JLeo carving jqu a tree. Enter Venetia hurriedly. Venetia. O Leo fly I Fly for thy life ! Be quick. O my dadiog Leo, haste thee away from here. Leo. Fly? Where wouldst thou have jue fly? Art thou tired of me already ? Or didst thou mean me to fly to thy dear nrms ? Venetia. Nay, not now. O, I do not know whether to believe it, ur not, but you must haste away from here, yon haye no moment to spare. Leo. Believe what and why ? Venetia. Leo, forgive me, but I cannot believe you false. Learn that Ronolo who has secret cause to hate tbe6 bas swum to my if^tber that thou wert the agent of his illness ; that your fair baud was dyed with the oiniMer plot to' poison him. No, believe me Leo, I believe you an innocent as my love. But stay not here an instant I Leo. No, I shall await development I can at least die striving to rid the world of one dark blot. Moreover, my honor and »word are one. He'll have tn rob me of this to gam the other. Venetia. Leo! You love me? Leo. Better than death. Yea, better than lite. Can you doubt Ahat ? Venetia. Thee for my love's sake. Leo, flee, and if thy4iame it. .^ot proven gniitless, my love shall otay with thee throughout all eterni*iy ; nay, Leo, if it is not proven guiltless then I will follow thee to the four corners of the earth. Speed away quickly, for they are. fast upon us now I Leo. If thou wert to command my life, I would proudly lay it at4hyffeAt; as thou command me to do this, so let it be. Venetia. heaven protect thee, my heart's treasure ! and grant thee- speedy deliverance. I will not rest, I promise thee, till I have given thy fair name spotless to the world. Lbo. Thanks. Thou art my love ! Venetia. Leo fly for thy life I Li^^len I They come- -be. off. Leo. Farewell, Venetia. (Exit Leo.) Enter Ronolo and Sannio. Ronolo. Well, Venetia, what dost thou hear ? Knowest thou not that It is very bad grace to be seen haunting about the bpirit of your father's as* sassin. Venetia. As I do not desire his presence then. I will retire. (Exit.) BoNoLo. What in the name of the gods does the girl mean. By jQpiterl Sannio. She means that you're a spirit and a bad one too. Ha ha I Ronolo. Heie, you babbling baboon, go call the bouse up, and see if he is here. We'll traob him likd thirsty bloodhounds till we seo him weltering in hia own lite blood. — : CURTAIN :— 4 ' k u LEO AND VENETIA [Act 8 { ACT 111— Scene 8. Night — MouDtsin retreat of witches. Thunder and lightning. Three witches approach from dififecent directions and hobbly around chanting. Venefica. Why meet we together ? Both. By the circle, the diamond, the ash and the herb. By the blood red seal of Pluto and Proserpine. The elements do call ue from our lair. Maqa. Hail sisters three. Our own divinity Salve, salvete, salve I Saoa. 'S the lightning's glare That drives us from our liar. ^ Salve, salvete, salve ! Venefica. 'S the thunder's roar That makes our spirits soar. Salye, salvete, salve t Maoa. Lici I Saoa. Hush! Venefica. Hark ! All. Someone approaones, Maoa. My bones do ache — 'Tis an enemy. Saoa. My nail has split— 'Tis an nobleman. Venefica. Oo, vanish all, I will recall Later on. Enter Bonolo and Saunio. EoNOLO. What a fearful night. I feel a presentment thftt something is going to happen. Keep your sword out good Saunio, we mi^hl be murdered here. What's that ? ' Sannio. 'Twould be better to tie up your consoience in a viindiuu: sheet than take offence ^t an owl. Say, master, I must have miM*e luouey. I'm out of funds, d'ye see ? BoNOLo. Yon glutton, do yon feed on gold ? Sannio. No more than you feed upon your liiile inirigues wiih the Duke's life for instance. BoNOLo. Know you whom you addrecs sir ? Sannio. Yes, well 1 but remember the most powerful have their weak SDOts, you have yours ; pay me like a man and I'll lead you to the bloody deed. He sleeps yonder upon the mountain side. BoNOLo. Well, here's your accursed gold. Sannio, Would I had much more such cursed stuff. It's what keeps the world movin', aint it ? BoNOLO. Gome, let's to the deed, lead the way I Sannia. Follow me, and you'll see the reeking red blood flow. (Exit both) Beenter witches. Maga. Was eyer villa-ny more 'deeply dyed ? Saga. Did ever rogues riore discordantly cab together. Venefica. Will we let this pursue. Both. No ! No ! Venefica. Then one must die to save him, hear ye .hat ? Both. All, all, if it needs be i Venefica. Then shall we draw lots to see who shall join oar benighted sisterhopd in the Aetherial regions. Know ye that one of ns. according to fate, must annually sacrifice to the course of events, and what better than by saving the life of another. / Both. Ay I ay I 'Tis well said. We were human once ourselves. They draw lots. .4r MM 4 ' k )B >d in ed m e'H ak bd. he Ml) Act 4] LEO AND VENETIA. 10 led le, Maoa. Ba ! Ba ! Hora ! I have it children, victory and death i Triam- phantly I go to join my aisterhood and only ye remain. Listen, children, till ye come to join us. I will visit ye in the lightninK'B R>are, talk with ye in your dreams, pla; with ye in the sumbeams, lau^h m the thander's roar, whistls thro' the winds, mingle my tears with the rain drops, sing with ye in the rast- ling of the leaves, gabble with ye in the running brooks. Ye shall see cs, sisters, in the clouds. We will meet with ye, talk with ve. laugh with ye, and sigh with ye, till ve join us in our everlasting glorification. Both, tio be it Maga. We go slnep in sorrow till we meet thee. Maoa. (Disconsolately) Compassion rends me. children, I suffer for yoa, albeit I ai|i so near my sister spirits, but from my great sympathy, children, I will give you ocular powers to be present wich us in the spirit till your bond be due. Both. We bless thee Maga. No 1 No ! We can nut bless but we will not curpe. (They hobble away chanting.) All. Let us away, a life to save. We're not so black a heart to lack. Vale, bene, valeas 1 Vale, bene, valeas. — : CUBTAIN :- ACT IV-ScENE 1. Mountainous district — Leo and Servanius asleep on an elevation. Tableau. /. vision of Venetia appeared ta Leo in his dreams. Bonolo appears alfo in vision and stabs her; from her dead remains rises up a spectre who loads Bonulo with curses. Leo. Am I awake ? Do I but drear" ? Oh, ye Ood to whom is all the power of the sea, the earth aud the sky. Ye moulder of order from chaus, bend iliine infinity to one of thy master creations, aud list to thy humble sup* pliantf) praytr. Into thy bauds do I commit her life! Guard it most reverently for my snke. O, I thank ye Gods that I but dreas. Di boni ! Proh Deam atque Hominum, grant ua better things. I thank thee, 'tis but a dream. (Sleeps again) Servantub. (Wakens up and throws a coat over his bis shoulders) Poor boy ! (Sleeps) Enter Bonolo and Sannio. Sannio. T'lis way, master, stealthilv. quietly, here he lies. Bonolo. Are you sure 'tis he ? Yes, by the God Ju|:iter. Come forth thou naked weapon from thy midnight bed. Thou'rt wanted. Sannio. Better let me do the deed. It's possible a little out of your line, aint it ? Bonolo. No, ['am fur it, 'tis the more satisfaction, and if it came to aught, my word's as good as thine. Is't not ? Sannio. Strike then ! Bonolo. (Attempts to stab Leo but failn.) Ye gods, Saunio, some strange power withheld my hand so that I could not have smote a child. Sannio. Yes I Some strange power very good, I'll b'^eve that. Give me your steel 1 (Advances, is about to strike but cannot.) Bonolo. Strike I Strike mnn for your life and run I Sannio. (Betreatine) I don't mind the running. It's no use. I felt as if all the eyes of the devilo in hell were upon me, Bonolo. What man ? Thou'rt but milk sop. Sannio. What, would'st thou insult me ? Then draw and have at thee, villain. (Strikes Bonolo.) Bonolo. Hold 1 Hold I Good Sannio. Thou hast my weapon. I meant naught, I was merely taunting thee as thou did'st me. Give me the weapon and a moments grace and something must fall. (Adyanoes and stabs at Leo, •f- 16 LEO AND VENETIA. I Act 4 the blow is received in the breast of the witoh who intercepts her body to save Leo. TbeJihtee witches rise amid a bright lurid light and poar forth curses on Bonolo.) Maoa Cursed be thy name. May thy sulphurous soul be lost eternally upon the banks of the Stygian gloom ! 8aoa. Doubly cursed be thy memory. May the ravenous beak of vulturesBome remorse prey upon thy Promethean conscience for ever and a day I Venkfica. Trebly cursed be thy self. May every look of thy head, Anti- gone-like, be obanged into a mass of wriggling, seething serpents of vengeance pluck out thine eyes, and nest within thy murrowless skull I Alltooether wrTH Leo and Sebtantus. Fie wretches ; Fie I (Tableau) -: CURTAIN :- ACT IV— Scene 2. Palace of the Duke. Yenetia. O how lonely I am to-day I I had such a weird and horrid dream last night And yet 'twere such food for an artist's brush. It was so grand. Maro Come cousin, tell us the dream. Yenetia. 'Twas as if I saw Leo asleep upon a mountaio's emioence. ns fair '~ ) innocent as a new born babe sleeping ho securely on his motbur's breast. When up sprang a vision of Bonolo like a mist from hell, who raised on high a gUlterine murdersome steel which, descending, pieroHl— not Lflo'n heart, Imt soirie awful demonicial creature, some hag who raised like a startlerl Phoenix from the fires of Leo's dreams, but only to fall wreathing in the a^*nies of death. O it was horrid but grand ! Then up spraog two other withered creatures from Styx, who poured forth cnrBes upon tl)e two cowardly and rotreatioK villains. I shuddered and awoke, but found uaaaht but dark- ness reigned supreme, and O how I prayed for — (enter Leo) Leo ! O how eood of you to come and dispel my fears t How lonely I have beHO for thee I But even here ihou'ri not safe, if that dastardly villain were to perneivu thee. Leo. I care not for him, my virgin. There are miehtier po\yer8 abroad than be ; but all thou bast said is true, bmd these arms, Yeneiia. and yon Margarita, call a constable, and have it announced that Leo, the Duke's would- be aseasRin, is captured. Leave the rest to me. Maro. As you say then Leo, only I hope no harm may come fiom it, adieu. (Exit) Leo. Come, Yenetia, bind these arms, tighter t There ihat's well. Now you must trust me to reinstate my honor, I can endure this silence no longer. Pray the Duke to grant me an audience and I shall do the rest. Yenetia. I will trust your wisdom Leo. but what do yon intend to do ? Leo. Perchance to challenge my accuser on his honor as a Roman Knigbt to give me satisfaction and to do or die in doing. Yenetia. O, No ! No I Not that, Leo I What world your poot flower do but wither without thy love. No I No ! Not that Leo t I have a better plan. Let me interview my father, the inke, on thy behalf. I shall plead, O I as I neyer plead before, and thou shalt aid me. Leo. My honoi must be avenged t But as thou sayest, gain me an in- terview with the Duke and we'll convince him, if he had a heart of stone. Enter Constable and Margarita. Yenetia. Into thy hands, good constable, I commit this charge. Have good care of him, for he is innocent. It being our plot to bring justice upon the heads of the true, nav ! rather the false villains. Ouard him most lenient- ly and I'll reward thee handsomely. Dost thou understand ? Constable. Ay I Ay t Gentle lady. He shall haye the best of care. / I / Act 4] LEO AND VENETIA. 17 Venetia. Let him have ample amusement, better aooommodation and everything that be requires. Do you understand ? Constable. Ay I Ay I He shall have all these, m lady. Venetia. Be kind to him, won't you constable ? Constable. Ay ! Ay ! Come sir, yon are my prisoner, march ! Leo. My more than life, vale I Venetia. Heaven bless ihee, Leo, farewell ! (Exit Constable and Leo.) Now I will straight way to my father, and oonyince him that Leo is guiltless. Come coz., lend ice your aid. — : CURTAIN :- I ACT IV -Scene 8. The Duke's chamber.— The Leech and attendants present. Doctor, after examination with the Apothecary. Leech. My lord, tne critical point is passed- Recovery may now be speedily looked for. Venetia. The heavens be. praised 1 Why father, the sunbeams play upon thine eves already ! Apoth. (Sees ihe bottle in which poison ^waB kept and recognizes in it the one stolen from his pharmacie.) Look ye all ! This vial doth hold a tale, which, exposed to your eyes would cause you the gravest of suspicions. A certain nobleman entered my shop a fortnight ago and whilst my back a as tiirued, he did steal this from my sheit, and you all nan see the result. I will go uud seek him out tho' I know not his name. Verily we will a tale ot crime iiufuld. Come doctor, let's Hee to this. (exeunt Leech and Apoth.) Venetia Father, I wcuKl have a few words with thee. DuKK. Well, my daualiter. What has happened ot late ? Venetia. Nauglit of much importance, dear father. My liege, I wish to speak tu you of Leo, to tell you that he is innocent, that he is free from all guilt that has been so maliciously put upon him, and that your friend and counsellor, Eonolo, in the gui him ) Venetia. Hold, sir I Do you not see that he is hound ? I command you to put up your bloody sword and attend to us. (Venetia unbinds Leo). Leo. (Drawing his sword, presents it to the Duke and bend» Insfore him ) If you think I am blood and water and afraid t3 die, I challense thee to strike me (pause) ftrike ! Duke. Nay, Nay I For I would not return that which I had taken away. I must hear more. Give me thine evid-nce. Leo. Yesternight, when I lay aslsep upon the mountain's breast, I dream- ed a dream. I awoke but found it naught save a hideous nightmare. I prayed and again slept. I dreamed another dream, that Bonolo, there, stood nbove me with his sword raised above my head, cowardice held his arm, and I slept on. I dreamed that his accomplice then advanced with his murderous weapon, fear smote his heart and he failed in his eyil design. .Then t'orih came Bonolo again, and as his weapon fell upon my heart, there aruse so iie awful shape as a vision from hell, and received the thrust. She fell, and in her dying agony, she cursed that man. Note bis look cow. I awoke in an awful witch light. It was no dream but an awful reality and there stands, nt«d I eay it, look for yourselves the guilty wretch I r 4 to i I \ < « Aotff] LEO AND VENETIA. 19 • • BoMOLo. You lie ! You fieod I Dnke 'tis a lie t I'll make bim eat it or ohoke it down bis throat. (enter Apotbeoary) Apoth. Hold air I I haye a word wbiob I think will fit here. Look air, do you not recognize your theft ? (Holding up vial) Most noble Duke, this vile recreant did enter my pbarmaoie aome time ago, and did beanile me to show bmi my most deadly pbiltera, and when my back was turned, be did steal this potion with oriminal intent upon thy person. Tou all may see the result. His yile accomptioe did also steal my bag of moneys, but I oare not for that, so long as full justice is dona for so great a crime against thy noble self. BoNoLo. Thou liest I Proye it, fool ! 'Tie a conspiracy against a Boman Knight, Duke. I thank thee, good Apothecary, for thy timely seryioe. Leo I can'st thou prove thy asHflrtions ? Leo. I have both proof in her poor murdered anatomy and bis murderous nwoni which in his terror be had not courage to withdraw from its bloody bed. DuKK t Have him bound and be shall have full justice dealt him. Pray leave me now for a short space till I have slept. I have done a gross injustice, which shall be righted. / — : CURTAIN :- r ■J ') \ ACT V— Scene 1. The Amph'theatre. The Duke, Venetia, Margarita, oeurtiers, guard etc. pre- sent. Trumpet sounds. - Editor Know ye, Romans I That Sannio. surnamed the Blaokheait. criiniDnlly indicted as an accomplice to the four crimes of Ronono, will now be placed ill battle with N;>hilinR. the champion wrestler. i Duke. Brins forth the x^restlers I (Nubilius and Sannio come forth.) NoBiLius. Now miiHi the honor of Leo, the brave, be rfeinstat^d. Gome sir. (Th«y wrentie. In the tight Nobilins' wig comes ofi, revealing Luoilius. Sannio thrown ) Editor. His neck, I fear, is broke, my lord ; yes, it in so. Duke, bear him away. Come hither, Lnciiius. Why didst thou place thyself in snoh a danger ? Explain. Luoilius. My lord, npare me the aoHwer I am the friend of Leo. Duke. Answer. Wae't not more than fributlship that made you venture your neck so ? Luoilius. For my love, which is none less than Spartan. I did it ; and yet I did it for another reason too, which I hope, my lord, you'll excuse. Duke Name it. Luoilius. 'Twan a conspiracy of friends. My noble Dnke, I had rather yuu had nut asked me, but in a love quarrel with thy niece, I was challenged to do the deed Thus I did it to prove my love to one, my friendship to another; and both are equally worthy of the tribute. Duke. Little vixen, yon lead your lover on a strange chase, but all's well, that ends well. We'll paVdon thee in «lefault of worse punishment. Come hither lucilius (Trumpet sounds.) Editor. Know ye. O Roman's, that Ronolo, the Roman general, crimin- ally indicted for attempting the life of our most noble Duke, and who, nnlaw- fully in the attempt to murder one, committed murder upon another, will now be placed with raked sword before Vigores. Fight to the death. Duke. Let them be brought torth I Enter Ronolo. and Leo disguised as Vigores. ViaoRES. Come, where is this black hearted villain ? Now must Loo's honor be avenged. Pray quickly, for thy laot tew mo-nents here upon earth are fast closing like night upoL a blood stained day I Dnke, grant this quiyering Aspen some choice besides death, If he ilay me^ grant him release. Then yon mm 20 LEO AND VENETIA. lAotfi shall Bee better sport, for cowardice was neyer wont to show the front of ooarac:e. Come, grant him life if he slay me. Duke. In duty to Leo, I cannot. ViQORES. If Leo consents, wilt thou ? Duke. There is not much alternative in that. E'en then death is ineTit- able. ViooKES. If Leo consents ? Duke. If he consents, I would permit it, subject to ostracism for life Irom my dominions. ViooREs. (Pulling off mask' revealing Leo himself) Then Leo consents Come sir I my honor demands restitutiou. (They tight) Yenetia. Jove with him I (leaves the audience) (Ronolo falls) (rushing into arena) O Leo I How cruel of you to engender your life, when you know it is more to me than my hopes of heaven, Leo. My peerless white lily, mv beauty personified, to you my love is paramount to all, save honor and fame, without which my life would be as worthless as a straw upon the «ea to a drowning man. I am sorry for your sorrow, but pray you be happy in my happmess. (Enter Dnke into Arena.) Most noble Duke, I now re claim thy promise I Have I not won lior ? Duke. You have, my noble son. Here's my hand and where uiy hand goes, my blessing follows. May she be to thee the same elorionr attuoBpliere of love and tenderness she has proven herself to me ('1 lifv kneel for hiH blessing, when Bonolo is his last dying agony, makes a phhh at Veneiia, which Servantus foreseeing intercepts and falls hituHelf.) Leo. Oh I Servantus, dear old man t Look up and 'ell me thouVt not hurt ! Gome, look up, Servantus ; can'st thou not feel the warm blood o'er my heart congeal ; can'st thou not feel my heart's great porrow ? Wake up Ser- vantus I Gome, wake up. my counHcliors, friend mv brother. What ! no look! no word 1 then thou'rl dead. O Ronolo, thou wer' indeed made uocomplice to, hell itself when the witches curst thy life. My poor, poor friend, (sobu) Duke. Gome, Venetia, give him thy comfort. Tlier^ ih DotLiDg like a woman's tender sympathy to heal a broken hpurt. Venetia. Leo, weep not, for wherein \ou have lost a faithful friend, you have gained another. Let me be thy counsellur. thy friend and biottier. Leo. Indee< I will, but ah I Venetia, if vou knew bow iustparable we have grown thro' long connection. The left hand had not more use for the right than I for Servantus, my old frienj and servant. Servantus. (commg to, beckons Leo ) Duke, (propping up Servantus) Leo ! Leo. (turning) What, Servantus ; alive ! Servantus. No ! No ! lad. I'm going fast. In the midst of life we are at the gates ot death. I'm going do not mind, dear child. 'Tis only loves sacrafice— only what I— ah, me I I bleed Press your hand o'er that gaping wound, (pause) grieve not. my unt, for the time is come when my white hairs are summoned to a brighter land, wherein my old master and your mother await their faithful servant, (a 3ry of paiu) ItH coming, lad ! (to Venetia) Come, daughter I (places her hand in that of Leo's and expires.) Duke. Verily, verily, this has been a day of heavv, sorrow. Honolc, thou poor inanimate form, I pity thee ! J'.i8t retribution 8hnll be meted out to thee m the great hereafter. I tremble for thy remorse. Come. Leo, I need tliy companionship in my old age. Lend me thy counsel to rule this iniquitous age and live in peace with my daughter. Gome, Venetia, comfort him. Hie, there ! bear his dust reverently to the palace for interment. He's worthy of a better bed than the hands Jf princes may bestow. Come, let's away from such sorrowful scenes. — : CURTAIN :- :^