THE 
 
 HUNTER OF THE ALPS ; 
 
 A DRAMA, 
 INTERSPERSED WITH MUSIC. 
 
 BY MR. DIMOND, JUN. 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 THE HERO OF THE NORTH, an Hiftorical Play } 
 
 THE SEA-SIDE STORY, a Drama j 
 
 PETRARCHAL SONNETS, 
 
 POEMS under the Signature of CAST ALIO, &c. 
 
 AS PERFORMED AT THE 
 
 C&eatre Eogal, agmarfeet* 
 
 WITH DISTINGUISHED SUCCESS. 
 
 THE THIRD EDITION. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED and PUBLISHED by BARKER and SON, 
 
 Dramatic Repojitory, 
 
 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 
 
 [Price One Shilling and Six Pence.]
 
 ?R 
 
 TO A MOTHER, 
 
 whose exemplary merits conciliate the esteem 
 of society in general, while they command 
 the Gratitude of Her family in parti- 
 cular; THE SUBSEQUENT PAGES ARE 
 MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. 
 
 a 
 
 l ? 3 1 1 i
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 
 Felix, 
 
 Rofalvi, 
 
 Florio di Rofalvi, 
 Julio di Rolalvi, 
 Jeronymo, 
 Juan, 
 
 Baptifta. 
 Marco, 
 Pietro, 
 
 Mr. Elliston. 
 Mr. Chapman. 
 Mifs H. Kelly. 
 Matter Harrebone. 
 Mr. Matthews. 
 Mr. Taylor. 
 Mr. Palmer. 
 Mr. Smith. 
 Mr. Field. 
 
 Helena di Rofalvi, 
 Genevieve, 
 Claudine, 
 
 Ninette, 
 
 Mrs. Gibbs. 
 Mrs. Taylor. 
 Mifs Howells. 
 Mrs. Matthews. 
 
 Chorus of Hunters, Male and Female Peafantry, &5V. Cffc. 
 
 SCENE* A part of the Alps between Savoy and 
 the Valais. 
 
 TIME. From early Morning untill the Hour ot 
 Sunfet.
 
 mmmammmmmmmmm 
 
 THE 
 
 HUNTER of the ALPS. 
 
 A C T I. 
 
 SCENE A Caftle Hall. 
 
 Pietro, Claudine, Ninette, andfeveral Dome/lies 
 dif covered arranging Furniture in different Parti of 
 the Stage Jeronymo walks about giving Directions 
 Juan and Genevieve enter apart from the reft. 
 
 . Si 
 
 ^uartetto and Chorus. 
 
 Piet. QPEED, lads, fpeed! the time draws nigh, 
 
 Paullo! Carlo! 
 Men. .... Here am I ! 
 Piet. Flora! Stella! 
 Females. - - - Here am I ! 
 Piet. Wipe the mirrors, chalk the floor, 
 
 Scatter bloflbms round the door, 
 
 Lift this table, move that chair, 
 
 Place the gilded tripods there.
 
 6 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS, 
 
 Juan. &1 Centle god of love ! direft us, 
 Gencv. * Pilgrims to thy flirine we ftray, 
 
 Young and witlefs ah ! protect us, 
 Left we founder on the way ! 
 Jeron. Zounds ! thefe women's tongues con- 
 found me, 
 Silence, huffies, filence, pray ! 
 Ceafe your babbling, gather round me, 
 Mark my orders and obey. 
 Chorus. Mafter Steward, wherefore fcold us ? 
 We'll remember all you told us, 
 Fault was ne'er by anger mended, 
 Blame not 'till our tafks are ended. 
 
 Jer. That's right hold yourfelves all in readi- 
 nefs. Your new mafter is expected every minute 
 Hark'ee, you fet of rabble! if you behave with pro- 
 per refpect for my dignity, perhaps I may intercede 
 with the Signor in your behalf, and have you re- 
 tained in his fervice. 
 
 Gen. Nay, father, but you have never feen him, 
 how then can you tell whether you will be retained 
 yourfelf ? 
 
 Jer. Pooh ! Do you take the Signor for a fool ? * 
 has he not given twelve thoufand ducats for this 
 eftate, which would not be worth fix, but for my ad- 
 mirable management of it ? No, no I have been 
 fleward of this eftate fo many years, that 
 
 Juan, {ajide) That you are no longer fit for the 
 office. 
 
 Jer. How now ! what's that you mutter? Ha! 
 Juan ! what brings you here ? have I not forbidden
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 7 
 
 you ^ver to fhew your ill-looking face within thefe 
 walls ? 
 
 Juan. Nay, good mailer Jeronymo 
 
 Jer. Nay, good mailer varlet ! None of your 
 wheedling tricks with me. I command you, firrah, 
 to be gone. 
 
 Gen. Let me plead for him, poor fellow ! 
 
 Jer. When you can call him rich fellow, I may 
 Men to you, 'till then pleafe to be filent. I know 
 well enough what brings him here fetching fighs, 
 Squeezing palms, and turning the whites of his eyes 
 outwards but it won't do ! I'll have no pauper fox 
 a fon-in-law fo, my fmooth-faced, fweet-i'poken 
 mailer Juan, once for all, I command you to be gone ! 
 
 Gen. Oh, dear ! Oh, dear! [Bugle founds without. 
 
 Jer. There ! that's the fignal the Signor is ar- 
 rived now for it range yourfelves in order, and re- 
 ceive him with a ftrain worthy of his dignity and my 
 inftruclions ! 
 
 Enter Felix and Marco. 
 
 DUETTO, 
 
 Genevieve and Claudine. 
 
 Gtnevitvc.Thxxcz welcome, Signor, to the bowers of 
 Savoy, 
 
 In the prayers of it's natives for ever live 
 bleft, 
 
 Each morn may the fun frefhly wake you 
 to joy, 
 
 And leave you unchanged when it rolls^ 
 down the weft !
 
 S THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Beloved and beloving, the light footed hours 
 With ftep that is heard not, here laugh- 
 ingly pafs, 
 Old Time hides his fcythe under fillets of 
 flowe r s, 
 
 And fcatters in air the dull fand from his 
 glafs ! 
 
 Claudine. High Alps gleam around us a rampart of 
 rocks, 
 On their white dazzling fummits thetem- 
 peft oft roves, 
 Yet peacefully bleat in the valley our flocks, 
 And the murmur of ring-doves is heard 
 in our groves. 
 Then welcome, Signor, to the bowers of 
 Savoy, 
 In the prayers of its natives for ever live 
 bleft, 
 Each morn may the fun frefhly wake you 
 to joy, 
 And leave you unchanged when it rolls 
 down the weft! 
 
 All the dome/tics join in Chorus at the end of each Stanza. 
 
 Fel. Thank ye, good people, thank ye ! very 
 pretty fong, and very pretty female faces, eh, Marco 1 
 
 Jer. Now, obferve with what refpect I fhall be 
 received [advances to F elix wit hgrotefque confequence.) 
 Hem! Moft renowned and illuftrious Signor, per- 
 mit me, the humbled of all your humble fervants, 
 with the moft profound humility, to introduce my
 
 THE HUNTER OF THF. ALPS. 9 
 
 unworthy perfon to your notice hem ! My name, 
 fir, is Perlatti Jeronymo Perlatti, at your fervice 
 hem ! I have the honour to fuftain the important 
 functions of fteward major-domo infpeclor of re- 
 pairs comptroller of accounts 
 
 Fel. {putting himafide) I'll hear the reft fome other 
 
 time (remarks Genevieve.) My pretty fmiling 
 
 black-ey*d gentlewoman, whom may^o-M be? 
 
 Gen. Oh ! Sir, I am only little Genevieve and 
 that's poor Juan. 
 
 Fel. Indeed! and who is he? 
 
 Gen. Nobody, as yet, lir he wants to be my huf- 
 band, but my father, Jeronymo, here, won't confent. 
 
 Fel. Do you want to be his wife? 
 
 Gen. Yes, very much indeed, fir. 
 
 FeL Then you love each other? 
 
 Gen, Yes, dearly truly all our lives long ! 
 
 AIR) Genevieve. 
 
 Ah, mighty fir ! if e'er your breaft 
 
 Felt love's delightful fire, 
 If ffern controul your youth oppreft, 
 
 And bade love's flame expire ; 
 You then may guefs how much I grieve, 
 And pity pauvre Genevieve* 
 
 V 
 
 Now fondly cherifh'd in my heart, 
 
 Hope fans love's trembling fpark ; 
 
 Ah ! mould it's beauteous light depart, 
 'Twould leave the bofom dark! 
 
 Then mighty fir, my fears relieve, 
 
 And pity pauvre Genevieve. 
 B
 
 to THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. " 
 
 JFW. Blefs her filver pipe ! there's fimplicity, for 
 you, eh, Marco ! My pretty little Syren, you have 
 fung to fome tune I promife you my protection 
 Come hither, Juan ! 
 
 [As Juan advances, Jerony mo fleps between, 
 
 Jer. Signor! permit me to explain 
 
 FeL Well, old gentleman, fince you will be talk- 
 ing, what objection have you to this Juan for a fon- 
 in-law ? 
 
 Jer. His character is abominable, (afide to Juan) 
 Oh! you profligate ! 
 
 Fel. What are his crimes ? 
 
 Jer. Of the moft enormous defcription. (to Juan) 
 Oh ! you depraved wretch ! 
 
 Fel. But what is his principal vice ? 
 Jer. Poverty, my lord, an unpardonable fault, and 
 one that includes every lefTer fin. 
 
 Fel, Is poverty your only objection to the youth ? 
 Jer. Umph ! I do not juil at prefent recollect any 
 other. 
 
 Fel. Then object no longer I give Juan this day 
 a farm upon my eftate, and my mulical Venus here, 
 fhall receive a purfe of ducats for a marriage portion. 
 Now what fay you, old gentleman ? 
 
 Jer. Oh, San Dominic ! that quite alters my opi 
 nion. Since your lordlhip is fo liberal, and fince your 
 lordfliip defires it, far be it from me to contradict: a 
 perfonage of your lordlhip's dignity You know, 
 Juan, I always thought you a very good fort of a 
 young man. 
 
 Fel. Then you confent ? 
 
 Jer* Has not your lordfhip fpoken it ! 'Tis 
 yours to command your humble fervant lives but 
 to obey ! 
 
 Fel. Let the wedding be celebrated this evening ! 
 I love to fee a fet of joyous fmiling faces round me
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE AL*S. i* 
 
 and nothing fweetens the mind like matrimony -at 
 lead during the honey-moon. 
 
 Juan, Ah ! Signor, you have made me happy for 
 life ! 
 
 Gen. And me alfo ! 
 
 FeU That's as it fliould be. Retire then, and 
 prepare to celebrate the wedding and my arrival 
 together. We'll have a dance, aye ! and a fong-i 
 eh ! Genevieve ? 
 
 Vaf. Long live our generous mailer ! 
 
 Gen. (curtfylng with animation) Thank'ye, fweet 
 Sir, thank'ye a tboufand and a thoufand times. 
 
 [Exeunt Juan and Genevieve, Jeronvmo 
 and Vajfals. 
 
 Fel. Well, Marco ! do I not take the right road 
 to happinefs ? Is not mine the way to enjoy life? 
 
 Mar. Ah, Sir ! I fear that your Indian habits of 
 profusion have accompanied you to the fhores of 
 Europe do not lightly fquander riches you have fo 
 dearly earned in many a hard campaign. 
 
 Fel. Marco ! you are a blockhead elfe you would 
 know, that riches can never be laid out to greater 
 advantage, than when they receive the intereft of 
 gratitude from virtuous hearts, or purchafe the moift 
 jewels that fparkle in the eye of pure affection. 
 
 Mar. It is in vain to argue with you on. this 
 point. 
 
 Fel. There you are right for it is a point, on 
 which my fentiments are fixed I have been jnyfelf, 
 thro' life, the mere creature of chance a fort of 
 animal fhuttlecock, ftruck off by caprice from the 
 one fide, and rebounded by accident from the other, 
 always receiving hard knocks, yet feldom injured by 
 them -a truant fancy led me, when but an urchin, 
 to forfake my native country a tiny adventurer, I 
 landed on the (bores of India, with only Hope, and 
 afterwards my fword, to fupport me Fortune, And a
 
 12 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS/ 
 
 * 
 
 tropical fun, (hone upon me at the fame time after 
 twenty years abfence, 1 returned with wealth and 
 credit to the clime which had given me birth 1 found 
 my parents in the grave, and my brother, the only re- 
 lation heaven had left me upon earth, wandered away, 
 no man knew whither I bought this eftate of a 
 ruined noble, becaufe I was tired of rambling, and 
 wifhed at laft to find a home. But ftill I am as 
 a folitary link, broken from creation's chain an 
 odd card, fhufflcd into the pack by accident, re- 
 jected by its own fuit, and not allowed to pair with 
 any other. 
 
 Mar. Your brother muft certainly be dead elfe 
 he would have anfwered the many advertifementsyou 
 you have inferted for him in the public journals. 
 
 Fel. I fear fo too therefore, Marco, as I have no 
 relation of my own, I am refolved to become a father 
 to all the little children upon my eftate. 
 
 Mar. Indeed ! the wives and daughters of your 
 tenants are greatly beholden to you for your in- 
 tentions. 
 
 * Fel. Pfha ! I don't mean that no tho* I am a 
 great man now, my plebeian education will always 
 prevent me from becoming a feducer fome how or 
 other, chance never flings a pretty innocent in my 
 way, but confcience Reps between to keep me from 
 temptation, and a (till voice whifpers from within 
 me " Fair Rofe ! you bloom and fmeli fweetly on 
 the bum where Nature has planted you, mine thall 
 nbt be the hand to pluck you thence, then caft you 
 off to wither on the ground !" 
 
 Mar. Ah! Sir 
 
 Fel. And " Ah !" Marco ! here we are in the 
 (hades of retirement furrounded by the Alps, and at 
 twenty leagues diftance from the capital now, then, 
 for a tafte of country pleafures how fliall we begin ? 
 what are the amufements here.?
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 13 
 
 Mar. The chace, Sir, is the moft general di- 
 verfion; 
 
 Fel. Umph ! That's a diverfion which fometimes 
 ends in breaking one's neck, is'nt it ? I never went 
 hunting but once that was in India a tiger hunt 
 then I went in fplendour, mounted on an elephant, 
 but I dare fay I mould like this fo give directions 
 for the chace directly ! 
 
 Mar* What, Sir, immediately, after a long jour- 
 ney ? 
 
 Fel. Tufli ! man, we cannot enjoy the country 
 too foon I never lived till now my day is juft at 
 its meridian, and I cannot afford to lofe a Tingle 
 minute away! (Exit Marco.) Here, then, I am, 
 after twenty years of wandering, quietly feated in a 
 home noble houfel beautiful grounds! fplendid 
 retinue ! and all my own ! Ah ! howfweetly that 
 phrafe " my own" founds upon a man's ear when it 
 is applied to the good things of this world ! now, 
 if 1 had only a comely, well-difpofed woman for a 
 wife, and two or three dozen ofrofy-cheek'd children 
 to dangle on my knee, I fliould be content yes, 
 then indeed, " my own" would found delightfully ! 
 yet after all that, we talk or fine eftates and fine 
 children lud ! lud ! where is the man, who with 
 certainty can call them his ozvn ? 
 
 SONG, Felix. 
 
 For worms when old Bibo proved delicate fare, 
 And was neatly dilh'd up,by the fage Undertakers, 
 
 Then Bibo, the junior, fucceeded as heir 
 
 To his plate,and his bullocks, his oaks,and his acres ;
 
 t< THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS, 
 
 But queer was his fate ! 
 
 In pawn was the plate, 
 And a cur fed heavy mortgage lay on the Eftate ! 
 " A ha 1" quoth young Bibo," itxfajhion I'm grown, 
 I've a monftrous fine Income, I can't call my own." 
 
 Young Bibo was flighty a wife he abhorr'd, . 
 
 But Steward grew crufty, and cam wafn't plenty, 
 An alliance he form'd with a mighty rich lord, 
 And married his daughter, who fcarce had told 
 twenty : 
 
 The lady was gay, 
 Honey -moon pafs'd away, 
 But children grew thick as the buds on the fpray j 
 M A ha !" quoth young Bibo, * infaJJiion I'm grown, 
 I've many fine babies I can't call my own" 
 
 Young Bibo grew defperate gamed very deep. 
 
 And friends while cam laded came fafter and fafter; 
 To hazard all night would he facrifice fleep, 
 
 And oft' would he groan at the fweet merry cafter. 
 But cam at an end, 
 He tried every friend, 
 And devil a one a brafs farthing would lend ! 
 41 A ha!" quoth young Bibo, " \nfaJhion I'm grown, 
 I've friends to my vice, but no friends of my own " 
 
 Exit Felix*
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. j 5 
 
 SCENE II. 7 he Ih/ide of a mi ferable Cottage. On 
 
 one Side is an Entrance to the Foreft On the other, 
 the Door of a Bed-room. 
 
 pELENA is discovered Jeattd penfivel; watching an 
 Hour-glafs thatjkmds on a Table befide her. 
 
 Hel. (raifing the glafs) Yes! the laft fand has 
 
 j Un 9 Tis almoft mid-day, and Rofalvi is not 
 
 yet returned Oh ! interval of torturing fufpenfe ! 
 
 My hufband ! have you obtained for your 
 
 wretched family that flender pittance which their 
 preffing wants demand ? [looks out towards the fore/I) 
 Ah ! no ftill he returns not and thefe children, 
 thefe dear children, whofe fleep I have endeavoured to 
 prolong they ftill (lumber in blefied ignorance of 
 thofe miferies which have banifhed repoie from the 
 pillow of their parents. Ye belov'd innocents \ un- 
 broken be your reft ! for fleep is the moft precious 
 gift that heaven can beftow on the unhappy. 
 
 AIR, Helena. 
 
 Friend of the wretch, who claims no other friend, 
 
 Lull thou my children, O ! sMuafive fleep ! 
 In ftealing ftillnefs on their couch defceod, 
 
 And bind thofe eyes which open but to weep. 
 O'er their fluQi'd chceks,their fever 'd bofoms breathe, 
 
 And fteep the bitter cares in fweet repofe, 
 Then twine, in happy hour, thy poppy wreath, 
 
 With Hope's white bud and Farcy's thornkfs rofe!
 
 t<i THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS: 
 
 To fairy climes in dreams tranfport my boys, 
 
 And feign delights they ne'er as truths muft know, 
 Yet hold ! vain prayer alas ! to dream of joys 
 
 But aggravates our fenfe of waking woe ! 
 So, the lorn lonely (lave whofe dungeon's gloom, 
 
 Spreads round his vifion a perpetual night, 
 Mourns as he mufes on his earlier doom, 
 
 The vanilh'd years of liberty and light ! 
 
 Enter Florio from the Chamber. 
 
 Flo, Good morrow, my dear mother ! 
 
 Hel, (kij/tng him) Good morrow, my little Flori< 
 you would better have remained longer in your bed 
 there is no fire yet lighted, and you will be cold. 
 
 Flo. No, mother, feel me yourfelf ! 
 
 Hel. (prefing his hand) Ah! thefe little hands ! 
 
 Flo. Is not my father returned yet ? 
 
 Hel. No. 
 
 Flo. What, not yet ? (fighs) 
 
 Hel. No my love but he will not delay long. 
 
 Flo. What is it o'clock ? 
 
 Hel. It is not late we mud give him proper 
 time. 
 
 Flo. (forcing afmilej Yes, yes, mother. 
 
 Hel. My poor toy ! You muft be very hungry. 
 
 Flo. Me ? oh ! no. 
 
 Hel. You would deceive me. 
 
 Flo. You forget, I had fupper laft night, but you 
 had none. 
 
 Hel. Who told you fo ? 
 
 Flo. Ah ! did not I fee you divide, between my 
 brother and myfelf, the fmall remains of the loaf,
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 1 7 
 
 and did not you afterwards turn away from us and 
 weep ? Ah ! mother ! 
 
 Hel. {aside) The fenfibility of this dear child 
 racks my very foul. 
 
 Flo. And do I not fee you weeping even now, my 
 dear mother ? 
 
 Hel- Yes ! but thefe are delicious drops and foothe 
 me while they flow ! 
 
 Jul. {within) Mother! mother! 
 
 Hel. Hark ! your brother is awake ! go, my love, 
 and help him to drefs afterwards you fhall fetch 
 fome dry wood from the foreft, fuch as your father 
 laid here in a heap yeflerday. 
 
 Flo. I will go my dear mother but do not weep, 
 for indeed I cannot bear that. [Exit into the chamber. 
 
 Hel. Happy temper ! never to complain never 
 to confefs the fufferings which fall fo heavily on his 
 tender age ; but freely to fhare with his younget 
 brother, the fcanty portion of food I gave him for 
 himfelf. Ah! my children, with fuch virtuous hearts 
 you cannot long remain unhappy ! hark ! fome one 
 approaches. (Enter Rosalvi from the foreft) Ah! 
 Rofalvi ! my hufband !^have you fucceeded? 
 what do you bring us? 
 
 RoJ. Mifery contempt defpair ! 
 
 Hel. Alas! 
 
 Rof, My petition has been every where reje&ed 
 and my ftern employer retules to advance any money 
 before the end of the week. 
 
 Hel. Oh ! heavens ! what will become of us to 
 day? 
 
 Rof. I know not, for my own part, I could meet 
 my fate refigned ; but when I think on you and on 
 our children 
 
 Hel, Rofalvi ! you know, I do not want courage, 
 C
 
 x8 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Rof. I own my dear Helena, your fortitude has 
 furprifed me often. 
 
 Hel. Yes even when the deftroying flames con- 
 fumed our dwelling and reduced our little property 
 to allies when our unfeeling creditors forced us from 
 Turin, and drove us forth in beggary, to feek a 
 refuge in this dreary folitude, amidft the forefts of 
 Savoy. Thro* all the bitter changes of our fate, my 
 fortitude never has deferted me ; and tho' now, mi- 
 fery in its worft of fhapes, the form of famine threat- 
 ens to aflail us, ftill my hufband, I can prefs your 
 hand with courage, and forbid you to defpair. 
 
 Enter Flo Rio and Julio from the chamber. 
 
 Flo. Come, brother, father is returned. 
 
 Rof. Good morning, my little loves ! oh ! hea- 
 vens ! what a queftion will they put to me how 
 (hall I anfwer them ? 
 
 Flo. (looking round the cottage) You have been gone 
 long while. 
 
 Rof. Yes yes my love. 
 
 Jul. Have you brought us fome breakfaft ? I am 
 very hungry. 
 
 Flo. Hufh ! brother, hum 1 
 
 Hel. My poor children their fituation diftra&s 
 me! 
 
 Rof. My loves I I have not brought you any food 
 as yet but in a quarter of an hour, you (hall have 
 every thing yes, by heaven ! tho' I perifh for 
 it ! (afide) 
 
 Jul. In a quarter of an hour ? 
 
 Rof. Yes, yes. 
 
 Flo. Then I will go into the foreft and fetch the 
 wood now I (hall be back in time may Julio gp 
 with me?
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 19 
 
 Hel. Yes, my love but do not wander too far. 
 Flo. Oh ! no, I'll take care come Julio. 
 
 [Exeunt children. 
 
 Horns found without, 
 
 Rof. Hark ! the chace is abroad the horn of the 
 hunter founds among the Alps Helena, farewell for 
 a while I will return with comfort to you. 
 
 Hel. Whither, Rofalvi, would you go? 
 
 Rof. Any where to feek relief all bofoms cannot 
 be clofed againft the prayers of mifery. 
 
 Hel. Go then, my hufband, and be your prayers 
 propitious ! ftill cherifli hope, and remember, 
 heaven never deferts its creatures utterly, till they 
 forfeit its protection by their crimes let us ftill be 
 virtuous, and we may ftill be happy ! 
 
 [Exeunt Rosalvi and Helena. 
 
 SCENE III. The Forejl. 
 
 The Chace is heard at a Dijlance. 
 
 Enter Felix* 
 
 Tel. So ! A pretty adventure I am like to make 
 of this ! I mult needs know the nature of a chace 
 Ob ! a plague on my curiofity I am rewarded for 
 it My borfe runs away with me, and after a nufing 
 me for hah an hour with a martyrdom f terror, 
 tofles me into a thicket of brambles, and then leaves 
 me to cool myfelf, and meditate among the (horns ! 
 -What will become of me in this deteftable foreft ? 
 what (hall I do? {the chace is heard gradually receding)
 
 ao THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 The found of the horn grows more diftant every 
 moment ; and if i holloa myfelf hoarfe, I can never 
 make ray fervants hear then this place is (o en- 
 tangled and perplexed with labyrinths, that if I 
 attempt to find my way back to the caftle, Vis ten to 
 one, but I wander further from it ! Oh ! Felix ! 
 Felix ! what devil pofleffed thee, to quit thy eafy 
 palanquin, and the banks of the Ganges, to mount a 
 kicking filly in the forefts of Savoy ? 
 
 Enter Rosalvi behind. 
 
 Rof. Whither (hall I turn ? every ear is deaf to 
 the appeal of misfortune. 
 
 Fel. (looking out) There are fo many paths and 
 I am fuch an unlucky dog, that were there only 
 two, I (hould certainly chule the wrong. 
 
 Rof. How can I return ? How meet my wretched 
 family ? 
 
 Fel. And no habitation near, where I could 
 apply. 
 
 Rof. (feeing him) Ah ! a Granger richly habited 
 and alone ! oh heaven ! what would I do ? no mat- 
 ter defpair is at my heart! (aloud) Stranger ! 
 Fel. Ah ! a man ! 
 
 Rof. A wretched one you are a rich one ! 
 Fel- What do you mean ? 
 Rof. Plunder ! (wildly) give me money ! 
 Fel. How J 
 Rof. I command you ! 
 
 [Heprejents a piftol, and /lands for a moment in 
 the attitude offeree defpatr-Juddenly a fenfe of 
 Jhame appears to predominate he cafts the wea- 
 pon from him, and throwing him fel/ at the feet of 
 Felix, utters in a low and fubdued tone 
 No no -I implore you !
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. si 
 
 Fel. Here's a fellow for you ! bullies and whimpers 
 in the fame breath ! 
 
 Rof. Can you not feel companion ? 
 
 Fel. Yes, for the unfortunate always but for the 
 vicious never. 
 l . r Rof {in broken accents) You have money about 
 
 you. 
 
 Fel. Aye ! aye ! now we come round to the old 
 
 point, 
 
 Rof. You could lend 
 
 Fel. Oh ! yes, lend this is a cut-throat of gen- 
 tility, {ajtde) 
 
 Rof. To an honeft man. 
 
 Fel. Certainly, to an honeft man. 
 
 Rof. Alas ! I am one (faulttring) at leaft, I would 
 be fo. 
 
 Fel. I perceive it, no tafte for the trade at prefent, 
 but it may come in time; how much money, do you 
 want me to give I beg pardon to lend you ? 
 
 Rof. One ducat I afk no more. 
 
 Fel. {takes out his purfe) Well, here it is. 
 
 Rof. Thanks ! thanks ! it will preferve my wife 
 from madnefs. 
 
 Fel. How ! a wife ! here take another ducat. 
 
 Rof. Bounteous mercy ! my children will be laved 
 from famine. 
 
 Fel. Children too pfhaw ! curfe -it, here take the 
 whole purfe! 
 
 Rof. [paufesfor a moment infpeechkfs excefs of feeling , 
 ihenclafps the band of Felix with enthu/iafm) Friend ! 
 preferver! guardian angel ! blefsyou! blefsyou!-^- 
 Oh heaven blefs you ever ! [he rujhes rapidly down an 
 obfcure path, and in a moment is lojl amidjl the trees, 
 Fel. Hark ye! come back ! rHolloa! Zounds ! 
 he's out of fight, and I am left alone in this curfed 
 wildernefs again I think my purfe might have pur- 
 chafed for me the attendance of a guidebut my
 
 it THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 borrowing friend vaniflies before I can utter a fyl- 
 Jable umph ! I do not know what to make of this 
 adventure the man certainly is not a common 
 robber no his agitation his fighs the blufh of 
 ihame that fuffufed his pallid features, when the 
 piftol fell from his trembling hand all convince mej 
 that he rather merits pity than reproach and when 
 fo many commit di (honourable aftions, whofe rank 
 in fociety (hould place them above temptation's 
 reach, let us not wonder, if a poor humble pilgrim, 
 (tumbling ^through life, over wants and difficulties, 
 fhould fometimes deviate from the open path of 
 honefty, and foil his feet in the dirty ways of kna- 
 very and fraud ! 
 
 Flo. (without) Come along, brother ! 
 
 Fel. Ah ! fomebody comes another borrower 
 1*11 be fworn there is one in every alley of the 
 lorett ! 
 
 Enter Florio and Juno carrying Wood, 
 
 Flo. Brother! if that billet be too heavy, I'll 
 carry it for you. 
 
 Jul, No, I'm a flout little fellow, and I don't 
 mind it. 
 
 Fel. Aha! thefe fhould be only dealers in the 
 fmall way hark ye! young ones, how far am I 
 from the cattle of Gutcherie ? 
 
 Flo. Ah ! Signor, a long, long way almoft a 
 league thro' the foreft. 
 
 Fel. The devil I am ! and how am I to find my 
 way? 
 
 Flo. If you are a ftranger, Sir, it will be difficult- 
 but if you pleafe, I will fhew it you myfelf prefently. 
 
 Fel. Juft what I wanted come my lads, I'll re- 
 ward you.
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 23 
 
 Flo. Ah J but I muft carry this wood home firft, 
 Sir. 
 
 Flo, Where is your home ? 
 
 Flo. Only a ftep further juft behind yonder pine 
 trees, if you will have thegoodnefs, Signor, to walk 
 with us there, I'll fhew you to the caftle directly 
 afterwards. 
 
 Fel. Have with you my little pilots, you fay it is 
 not far f 
 
 Flo. What, to our cottage ? Ah ! no, juft thro* 
 the next thicket, this way, Signor ! do not drop the 
 Hicks, brother ! this way * [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. A romantic Defile amidft the Alps 
 the wild Harmony of the Chace reverberates from 
 Rock to Rock, and the Hunters defcend in different 
 Groups, bearing their Prey in Triumph, 
 
 Chorus of Hunters. 
 
 Hilloaho! hilloa ho! 
 The woodlands are ringing with hilloa ho ! 
 Up lofty mountain, down lowly dale, 
 Our bugles blowing, infpire the gale, 
 And echo mocking the hunter's tale, 
 
 Repeats hilloa ! hilloa ! 
 
 Enter Marco. 
 
 Mar, Is our matter found ? 
 Piet, Not yet he parted from us early in the 
 <hacebelike he has returned to the caftle.
 
 s i THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Afar, It may be fo but that he mould quit the 
 
 fport fo foon is ftrange Pray heaven ! no harm 
 
 may have befallen him Blow your bugles luftily 
 and found a fignal to him thro' the woods then if 
 he anfwer not, onward to the caftle. 
 
 FINALE. 
 
 Juan, Claudine, Ninette, &c. 
 
 Where the beech and pine embracing 
 
 Blend their boughs and banifti day, 
 Thro* the gloom our path retracing 
 
 Fearlefs tread the mofly way. 
 There, our fpears the wild-boar wounded, 
 
 O'er his tufks red life-blood ftream'd ! 
 There, his roar of anguifh founded, 
 
 Madnefs from his eye-bails gleam'd \ 
 Now in choral burft united, 
 
 Shouts proclaim the monfter flain! 
 Echo, from her flumbers frighted, 
 
 Walks the wood, and fhouts again ! 
 
 END OF THE FIRST ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE AL?S. *5 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCEN I. The Cafile Hall, fancifully decorated for the 
 Wedding. 
 
 Enter Juan. 
 
 Juan. The moment is at Jaft arrived, that gives 
 me happinefs and Genevieve ! Thefe iluggiih vil- 
 lagers to loiter thus they never could have been in 
 love themfelves, or the memory of their own defires 
 would ipcak the eagernefs of mine, and bid them 
 move with fleeter feet. 
 
 AIR) Juan. 
 
 Delighted Fancy hails the hour 
 
 That grants me Genevieve ; 
 She brings me TRUTH ah ! precious dower ! 
 
 What more could Fortune give ? 
 
 Content Chall blefs our fylvan cot, 
 
 Glad labour yield us health, 
 While love fills up the happy fpot 
 
 And leaves no room for wealth.
 
 e6 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Enter Jeronymo and Genevieve.' 
 
 Jer. There ! look you there ! Are not thefe 
 fymptoms of tafte? AH my own doing! Nobody 
 could have deviced fuch ingenious decorations but 
 myfelf. Yes, yes, though 1 fay it, who fhould not 
 fay it, for a proper virtu, and for a peculiar nicety of 
 judgment in the fine arts, old Jeronymo has few 
 equals. 
 
 Gen Well, it really looks very pretty ; but 1 wifli 
 
 Jer. Aye, I know it. You wiih the church doors 
 were thrown open, and the prieft (landing with the 
 book in his hand. A ha ! 1 never knew a girl upon 
 the point of matrimony, but (he kept wifhing and 
 wifhing, 'till all the ceremonies were compleated.- 
 Be of heart ! the villagers will foon arrive, and then, 
 hey for father Dominic fitting the king flinging 
 the itocking and kifling the bridemaids ! 
 
 Gen. Nay, but the Signor is not returned from the 
 chafe. 
 
 Jer. Never mind, the marriage can be performe4 
 without him he did not defire us to wait ; fo, hold 
 yourfelves prepared, and I'll look out for the villagers. 
 
 [Exit, 
 
 Gen* Ah, Juan 1 this is a happy day ! 
 
 Juan. It is indeed ! poffefiion of my Genevieve^ 
 leaves me not a wiih ungratified. 
 
 DUETTO,
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 27 
 
 DUETTO, Genevieve and Juan* 
 
 Sweet myrtles and foft thornlefs rofes 
 Drefs all the ties to wedlock due, 
 
 A deathlefs bloom each link difclofes, 
 If hearts, once plighted, reft but true. 
 
 Ah ! let me long fuch bondage bear, 
 
 Such beauteous fetters ever wear ! 
 
 My youthful vows of faith I'll cherifli, 
 Till thefe warm veins forbear to flow, 
 
 On beauty's cheek the rofe may perilh, 
 And funny ringlets change to fnow. 
 
 But tho' in age our forms decay, 
 
 Our hearts mail boaft ETERNAL MAY! 
 
 Re-enter jEkoNYMO. 
 
 Jtr. Here they come ! the villagers are arrived, 
 with ribbons waving, mufic playing, lambs bleating, 
 doves cooing laughing faces, and merry hearts. 
 {mujic without) There, don't you hear them. 
 
 Gen. Oh ! yes ; and every pulfe quickens at the 
 found ! 
 
 f Doors at the end of the hall open, and a ruflic 
 procejjion enters Savoyard mufic men with 
 crooks, Jurmmnted by ribbon- /learners- women 
 with garlands i Iambi bound with flower t t and
 
 a8 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 doves in Jmall bajkets, as prefents A bridal 
 car, formed of boughs A tun, acrofs which a 
 peafant fits in a bacchanal habit the proceffion 
 parades theflage, and advances /oGenevieve. 
 
 chorus. 
 
 The fkies are bath'd in funny light, 
 The winds in whifpers feem to move, 
 
 The fcene, the time, to blifs invite, 
 And mould the eafy foul for love. 
 
 May yon clear heaven, this dealing gale, 
 Long future years of peace foretel ; 
 
 Arid never ftorm the bower affail, 
 
 Where wedded love delights to dwell I 
 
 SOLO) Claudzne* 
 
 This lamb I offer bound with flowers, 
 So gently move your nuptial hours ! 
 
 SOLO, Ninette. 
 
 I give this pair of murmuring doves, 
 "White fymbols of your fpotlefs loves ! 
 
 SOLO, Genevieve. 
 
 Ye gentle maids ! the boons you give 
 As tender pledges I receive ; 
 Full foon for you the fwains'fhall burn, 
 Then Genevieve may give in turn.
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 29 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Hark ! the village bells ring round ! 
 Love is in their fprightly found. 
 Hafte! nor longer lofe the day, 
 Hafte, oh, Genevieve, away ! 
 
 The Ptafants place Oenevieve in the car, and carry 
 her off in proceffion. 
 
 SCENE U.Outfide of a Pofada, near the Forejl* 
 
 Enter Rosalvi and Baptist a. 
 
 Bap. What's this you fay, matter Vincent ? I fill 
 you a baCket with provifions ? A likely tale, by the 
 mafs I No, no, I don't keep a larder for cuftomers of 
 your fort. 
 
 Rof. I will pay you honeftly for all. 
 
 Bap. Aye, with fine fpee<.hes and moonftiine, I 
 warrant me but I am for more fubftantial pay- 
 ment ; fo good morrow, matter Vincent. 
 
 Rof. Hold! firrah! 
 
 Bap. ' Sirrah" in your teeth ! Why how now, 
 you impudent fon of hunger, is it for vermin like 
 you, to come with brafs in their laces, but not even 
 copper in their pockets, and ahufe us resectable 
 bouieholders, and perfonages of degree ? I'll make 
 you know, you beggarly rapfcallion, that 
 
 Rof. (pulls out a purfe) Here ! behold your deity, 
 and adore in filence.
 
 $o THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Bap. Oh ! San Antonio ! Oh ! Santa Terefa t r 
 And oh ! all ye Saints and Saintefles in the Calen, 
 dar, it is gold ! Yea, real, mufical, beautiful, and 
 honorable gold ! Marry, matter Vincent, Fortune's 
 fun muft have fhone upon you pipingly hot, fince 
 yefterday. 
 
 Rof. Begone, knave, and fill me the bafket. 
 
 Bap. Signor, you mail be obeyed, I know you 
 now, to be a man of authority, and I doff my cap to 
 you Sweet fir, pleafe to regaJe my ear with the har- 
 mony of that purfe again. {Vimn\.\ijhakes it f corn- 
 Jully) Oh, what a concert of goldfinches ! Enough! 
 the found has charmed me to obedience Signor, 
 you fhall have the bafket. [Exit into Pojada. 
 
 Rof. Be fpeedy, fellow Yes, my wife and chil- 
 dren will be faved Once more I feel the gladdening 
 touch of hope, and a crowd of delicious images,, long 
 banifhed from my bofom, return, and foothe its for- 
 rows into reft. 
 
 Re-enter Baptista, with a Bafket, 
 
 Bap. Here is the bafket, fignor. (afide) I always 
 fay " fignor" when I am likely to be paid for my po- 
 litenefs. 
 
 Rof. Here, then, is the money And now, my 
 Helena ! my children ! I fly to kifs away your tears'. 
 
 \_ExiL 
 
 Bap. Old father Benedift, in his Homily laft Sun- 
 day, faid the age of miracles had ceafed. Marry ! 
 but faving his fandtity, I think the preacher lied abo- 
 minably; for what but a miracle, aye! and a thump- 
 ing one too, could make a rich bully out of a ftarved 
 devil, who but a few hours back, would have given 
 away his doublet for the leavings of my trencher;
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 34 
 
 Enter Marco and Pietro. 
 
 Mar. Still no, tidings of him ! Where can we 
 fearch ? 
 
 Bap. Save ye, my fweet matters, {hiving) 
 Alar. Peafant, haft feen a cavalier pafs this way 
 within the hour ? 
 
 Bap* No, truly Are you from the chafe that feek 
 him ? 
 
 Mar. Yes ; it is our inafter Juft now we found 
 his horfe, without the rider. 
 
 Piet, Heaven fend he be not fallen among 
 banditti. 
 
 Bap. No, our foreft is clear of fuch gentry Tho* 
 it is ftrange how fome folk hereabouts earn their mo- 
 ney. Juft now comes to me a fpark, who but yef- 
 terday, had begged my charity, and clinks before my 
 face at lead a fcore of bright ducats. 
 Mar. Indeed! 
 
 Bap. Aye, and to mend the marvel, thepurfe that 
 held them was a net-work of green and gold. 
 
 Mar. How ! our mafter had exaftly fuch a purfe. 
 He has been robbed, perhaps worfe. Which way 
 went this man ? 
 
 Bap. Along the path to the right He walked very 
 iaft, but I think you may overtake him. 
 
 Mar. Follow me 1 Let us purfue the wretch, 
 and deliver him into the hands of juftice. 
 
 [Exeunt hajlily. 
 Bap. Follow you, indeed ! not I, truly, my maf- 
 ters ! Every man follow his own bufinefs : Yours 
 may lie yonder; but mine lies here.
 
 r THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS; 
 
 SONG, Baptifla. 
 
 I keep a fnug inn by the fide of the road, 
 
 Where all who bring money are welcome to bait, 
 
 The muleteer grins when he fpies my abode, 
 For / take in the traveller early and late ; 
 
 An equipage flops, and I bow to the ftranger, 
 
 The mules may keep faft, or muft feed on the 
 manger ; 
 
 While the pride of my larder I (hew to my lord, 
 
 And a delicate chicken cook up for his board ; 
 
 Tis true, that my poultry is fometimes found tough, 
 
 Yet fix years ago it was tender enough. 
 
 If folks chance to eat little, they'll fleep more ateafe, 
 
 And enjoy a down-bed very noted (ox fleas ! 
 
 Still from worlds old and new, 
 
 Paris, Spa or Peru, 
 Born next the north pole, or hatch'd under the line, 
 
 Guefts from each quarter, 
 
 The Turk and the Tartar, 
 
 The Ruffian, the Pruflian, 
 
 Hollanders, Polanders, 
 
 Gentiles and Jews, 
 
 Here mix and confufe, 
 And all of them all of them flock to my fign ?
 
 f HE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. $3 
 
 II. 
 
 Should a gueft, in a paflion , defpite of my care, 
 Complain of ill lodging, and rail at bad fare, 
 I've always a falvo to keep confcience ftill, 
 And to balance Jhort commons, prefent a fang bill. 
 So if there was nothing to eat he fhould fay, 
 He'll find to his coft, there is plenty to pay. 
 Perhaps for extortion, I meet with a curfe, 
 But I pocket an oath, when I draw out a purfe. 
 For tho' evil words often wound a good name, 
 Yet gold makes an excellent plaifter for fame, 
 And when honour loft" with " cajh gairi'd" I divide, 
 The weight of the argument refts on my fide. 
 
 Still from worlds old and new, <$rc. 
 
 SCENE III. -the Cottage. 
 
 Helena, feated, with Julio on her Knee. Felix 
 lies upon a Pallet, afleep. Florio enters at the 
 Door, from the Foreft. 
 
 Hel. Hufh ! ftep foftly, left you wake the Signor. 
 Well, is your father yet in fight ? 
 
 Flo. Ah ! no I have looked for him in vain. 
 
 Juh Oh ! mother, isn't it a quarter of an bout 
 yet? I am fo hungry. 
 

 
 34 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Hel. My love! my dear child! (afidc) Oh, mU 
 fery ! muft I behold them perifh ! 
 
 Fel. {in hhjleep) Holloa! flop the horfe ! catch 
 the bridle ! I've loft the ftirrups ! There, I'm off, 
 
 [Starts up confufedly. 
 
 Hel. Sir! 
 
 Fel. Blefs me ! where am I ? Oh, now I re- 
 collectMadam, I beg a thoufand pardons. I find 
 myfelf fitting in your fnug cottage ; but I dreamed 
 that I was fcrambling among the brambles again. 
 
 Hel. I truft, Sir, your {lumbers have refrefhed 
 you. 
 
 Fel. Perfectly, Madam ; but I proteft, I am quite 
 afhamed to fall afleep in a lady's company betrays 
 fuch ill manners ; but, faith, I don't know how it 
 was, the fatigue of a long journey, the agitation of 
 my experiment in horfemanfhip, and my lubfequent 
 exertions among the brambles, altogether produced 
 a fort of heavy fenfation, which firft made me 
 nod, afterwards dofe, and, at laft, fall faft afleep. 
 I proteft, I am fo afhamed but, I hope, Madam, 
 you will pardon me. 
 
 Hel. Oh ! Sir, I do not believe you can eafily 
 commit an action that mould require a pardon. 
 
 Fel. Madam, you are fo polite ! (afide) A mighty 
 fenfible fort of woman this! I mould like juft fuch a 
 one for my wife. Pray, Madam, have I flept long ? 
 
 Hel. About half an hour. While you refted, I 
 fent my children thro' the forefl, in queft of your 
 attendants ; but, without fuccefs. Florio, however, 
 is ready to become your guide, whenever you may 
 plcafe to honour him by your commands. 
 
 Fel. I am infinitely obliged to you ; but I am 
 forry to depart without feeing your hufband. 
 
 Hel. I expect his return every moment. 
 
 Jul. Oh ! dear, I wifh he was cpme ! 
 
 Hel. Hufb !
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 35 
 
 Fel. I am fure I ihou'd like him, at leaft, if he at 
 all refembles his family. 
 
 Hel, He is indeed, a very good, and honeft 
 man. (fighs) 
 
 Fel. No doubt. Faith, Madam, I have flept my- 
 felfintoan appetite. Might I trouble you for a 
 little refrefhment, before I undertake my walk ? 
 
 Hel. Sir, I I 
 
 Pel. Oh ! merely a dice of bread, and a glafs of 
 your home made wine* 
 
 Hel. Sir, I (hould be happy proud but 
 
 Fel. Nay, I don't mind the bread being brown I 
 Can eat any thing. 
 
 Hel. I mud confefs to you, Sir, that my hufband 
 is now gone to purchafe provifions ; and, 'till he re 
 turns, I have nothing in the houfe to offer. 
 
 Fel. Oh ! if that be the cafe, hunger and I muft 
 e'en make a compromife But, faith ! now I re- 
 member, old Jeronymo would thruft a flafk of cor- 
 dial and a hunting cake into my pocket, before I 
 fet out Let's fee aye, here they are. 
 
 Both Children. A cake ! 
 
 Fel. Madam, will you tafte ? (Jhe declines) Then 
 my befl fervice to you. [drinks) 
 
 [Children creep clofe to Felix eagerly.'] 
 
 Well, my little friends, will you have fome cake ? 
 Madam, will you allow me to 
 
 Hel. {ftruggling between pride and tenderne/s> draws 
 away Julio, led his eager nefi ,fhould betray their con- 
 dition) Oh ! Sir, it is too great a luxury for them 
 
 Fel. You won't fuffer them ? Well, mothers muft 
 bring up their children in their own way, 
 
 Jul. Ah ! mother ! (mournfully) 
 
 Fel. [obferving the Childr ens looks) Come, Madam, 
 allow them for once will you not ? 
 
 Hel. (yielding to her feelings) Oh ! yes, yes.
 
 $ THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 
 
 Fel. There, my love ! (gives a, piece to Florio) 
 
 Flo. Thank you, Sir ! (runs eagerly, and gives it to 
 Julio) take it brother I am not fo hungry as 
 you are. 
 
 Fel (objervfag) Madam, you are happy in fuch 
 children. Here, my friend, take this for yourfelf. 
 (gives the reft to Florio.) 
 
 {The Children retire up the Stage, and eat with avidity."] 
 The little rogues ! how they eat 1 I iuppofe, now, 
 they have already had three or four meals to-day ? 
 
 Hel. Three or four meals ! Ah ! Sir, the childern 
 of the poor are happy if they receive, even one, in 
 the day. 
 
 Fel. Indeed ! that may be true 5 and extreme 
 want may fometimes drive, even the virtuous, upon 
 jdefperate courfes for inftance, the man who attacked 
 me in the foreft. 
 
 Bel, Have you been attacked, Sir ? 
 
 FeL Not an hour ago. 
 
 Hel. By a robber ? 
 
 Fel. Umph ! not exactly that but a gentleman, 
 who borrows money, as he partes. 
 
 Eel. You furprife me greatly. The inhabitants 
 of this country, it is true, are poor; but honeft, 
 hofpitable, and fincere ; and the traveller has ever 
 found, in their guilelefs natures, the pledge of his 
 fecurity. 
 
 Fel. Ay, worthy people, like your hufband and 
 yourfelf. But all the neighbourhood may not re^ 
 femble you. 
 
 Hel. You mould prefer your complaint before a 
 magistrate- the culprit mult be found, and brought 
 tojuftice. 
 
 Fel. I fliouW be very forry to have it fo. 
 
 Hel. Yet, wherefore ? A robber ! 
 
 Fel I did not call him fo : he rather appeared to 
 me an unfortunate man, urged by his neceffities to
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS. 87 
 
 commit actions which his heart condemned. He 
 fpokc to me of a wife and children, whom he had left 
 (tarving. 
 
 Hel. (aflde, with quick emotion) Ha! {hould it be? 
 no, no, it cannot. 
 
 Fel. His ftory might be invention ; bat, were I 
 certain of its truth, I (hould companionate nay 
 efteem him as a friend, rather than reproach him 
 with the term of robber. 
 
 {AJhout of people heard without.) 
 
 Hel. Hark ! what cries are thefe ? 
 
 [Rosalvi rufhes in at the door from the for ejl t 
 with Jrantic hajle ; he fa/lens the bolt, and 
 feems to liften. 
 
 Hel. Ah ! my hufband ! 
 
 Rof. Helena ! fave me ! I am purfued take thk 
 purfe conceal it. 
 
 Hel. Gold! infamy! pollution! oh, my hufband, 
 what have you done ? A robber ! 
 
 Rof. For you for my children. Helena ! do not 
 icorn me. 
 
 Fel. {exullingly) His tale was true- He is an honefl 
 man. 
 
 Rof. Ah! my benefactor! you, only, can prefer ve 
 me do not aocufe me for the fake of thefe inno- 
 cents, do not. 
 
 Fel. I accufe you ? Look ye, my friend, I have 
 flept foundly under this roof, and were I to betray 
 its owner, I (hould never expect to reft again, 
 beneath my own. 
 
 ( Uproar is heard at the door. ) 
 
 Open the door, my friend, and fear not I will free 
 you, even from fuipicion. 
 
 [Rosalvi opens the door, Jerony#io and a 
 crowd of VoJJals rufh in.
 
 38 THE HUNTER Of THE ALPS. 
 
 Jer. Now we have caught the villain feize bins 
 -knock him down. 
 
 Fel. (advancing) Heyday! old gentleman, what 
 makes you fo riotous ? 
 
 Jer. Oh ! the faints ! by my veracity, the Signor 
 himfelf ! 
 
 Mar. My dear matter, we thought you had been 
 robbed, and 
 
 Fel. And murdered, I fuppofe -I am happy, 
 gentlemen, to acquaint you, that neither of thofe 
 accidents have befallen me. I fear you have in- 
 fulted this worthy man, through your fufpicion 
 1 fent him with my purfe, to purchafe provisions for 
 hrs family, (afide) That's a white lie, at moft. 
 
 Jer. Your lordfhip muft pardon the extefs of our 
 prodigious zeal for your lordfhip's welfare ; I proteft 
 that my agitation -*- 
 
 Fel. No doubt, was very great. retire 
 
 \Vajfah go to the back of the ft age. 
 My friend, the Cattle of Guicherie is at no great 
 dittance---! (hall often fee you there. 
 
 Rof. (ki fling his hand) Generous man! 
 
 HeL Our children fhall be taught to blefs you in 
 iheir prayers. 
 
 FeL Speak can I ferve you in any way ? I am 
 fure you have not been accuttomed to this fphere of 
 life. 
 
 HeL We have indeed, known happier days. 
 
 Fel. You intereft me ftrongly. Are you natives 
 of this country ? 
 
 Rof With you, our generous preferver, we can 
 have no concealments. Two years fince misfortune 
 drove us to this wildernefs, and I am only known 
 here as Vincent the poor Hunter of the Alps ; 
 but Turin gave me birth, and the name of my family 
 is Rofalvi. 
 
 Fel* What! Rofalvi! good heavens! I am
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS.. 39 
 
 atmoft choaking give me breath fpeak is your 
 name Ferdinand Rofalyi? 
 
 Rof. Ferdinand is, indeed, my name. 
 
 Fel. {in -delirious tranfport) Huzza! he's found? 
 he's recovered ! huzza ! huzza ! You think I am 
 mad but I am not you have a brother 
 
 Rof % I had dear, unfortunate Felix 1 he left his 
 family, when a boy, and died in India. 
 
 Fel. No, that's wrong, for he lives in Savoy. 
 
 Rof. How ! 
 
 Fel. He (lands before you nowhe clafps you 141 
 his arms he preffes you to his heart, and calls you 
 by the dear, /tear name of brother ! [throws himfelf 
 
 upon Rosa.lvi's bojom, 
 
 Rof. Benignant Providence ! 
 
 Eel. Rofalyi! did I not forbid you to defpair* 
 the night of our mifery rolls away ! 
 
 Fel. Aye, and the day of happinefs that fucceeds, 
 {hall laft as long as Felix can command a ducat to 
 purchafe its funthine. We will never feparate - 
 my houfe (hall be yours, and, as a compromife., 
 your children 4hall he mine. 
 
 Rof. Are we, indeed, fo bleft ? 
 
 Fel. Faith ! I am the happieft fellow ! Ferdinand, 
 your hand ! dear fifter, yours ! Little ones -No, 
 hang it ! I can only manage two at a time ; but I'lji 
 hug you by and by. Approach, my friends, and 
 partake your mailer's joy. 
 
 Jer. Signer! permit me to deliver an extempore 
 oration on this fortunate event. 
 
 Fel. By your leave, old gentleman, we'll poftpone 
 that compliment. Away to the Caftle ! there will 
 we mutually recount the adventures of our youth, 
 and while we mufe upon the rencontre of this 
 happy hour, blefs the caufe that produced it, and 
 gratefully remember in our cups, the Runaway Horfe. 
 that flung its rider in the forefts of Savoy.
 
 40 
 
 THE HUNTER OF THE ALTS. 
 
 FINALE, 
 
 Telix. The road of life is rough, fome fay, 
 And round the tempeft lowers, 
 But love can chace the clouds away, 
 And ftrew the path with flowers. 
 
 Cho. Then ftrike the lute, then fweep the lyre, 
 To Love devote the ftrain ; 
 For Love in froft can kindle fire, 
 And turn to pleafure, pain ! 
 
 Gcnev. Love with foft meaning fwells the figb, 
 Sucks honey from the kifs, 
 In liquid luftre floats the eye, 
 And melts the foul in blifs. 
 
 Che. Then ftrike the lute, then fweep the lyre,> 
 To Love devote the ftrain ; 
 For Love in froft can kindle fire, 
 And turn to pleafure, pain! 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Printed by Barker and Son, Great RuffellStr.Covent Garden; 
 
 Where may be had by the Author ofthh Play, 
 THE HERO OF THE NORTH. 
 
 AN HISTORIC PLAT ; 
 
 THE SEA-SIDE STORY, 
 
 A MUSICAL DRAMA. 
 
 THE LUBRAKY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES