545 Whalley Castle of Montval THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS, AS IT IS NOW PERFORMING WITH UNIVERSAL APPLAUSE AT THE THEATRE ROYAL DRURT LANE, BY THE REV. T. S. WHALLEY. coition* LONDON: PRINTED FOR R. PHILLIPS, NO. 71, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD. SOLD BV H. D, SYMONDS, AND T. HURST, PATERNOSTER-ROW j CARPJSNTBR AND CO. OLD BOND-STREET; AND BY ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS, 1799. ft 37*3 TO MRS. SIDDONS. DEAR MADAM, the Caftle of Montval owes its favour- able reception by the Public entirely to your matchlefs exertions, its dedication to you would be a debt of gratitude, were it not one of friendfhip. If the audience has been enchant- ed with your performance of a part, which was written folely for you, what muft the Author's fenfations have been, who felt that the zeal of the friend gave an higher tone and colouring to the enthufiafms of the ac- trefs. I prefume not to divide the palm with you, but when wreathed round your brow, I may be proud that its graceful honours owe forne- b thing 958165 thing to a Drama, which you infpired, and which, through you, will afford Ufting fatif-. fadion to. Dear Madam, Your obliged and faithful Friend, &c. &c, THO S . S. WHALLEY, PREFACE, JL HE following tragedy is founded on a well- known fact, which happened, the author believes, fomewhere in the South of France, and fo recently as in the year Eighty-three. The old count in quef- tion, had been immured in a fecret dungeon fix years, by his cruel fon, and a confidential villian who had been bred up in the caftle, when he was accidentally difcovered by a nobleman who was the old count's particular friend. Not having heard of the count's fuppofed death (owing to a long abfence from France), he unexpectedly arrived to pafs a few days with him, when the cattle was fo full of guefts, that the old count's bed-chamber was the only one unoccupied. This chamber communicated with the dungeon by a fecret door, concealed by tapeftry \ and through the hurry attending the revelry in the caftle, had been lefc Open by the young count's abominable agent, the evening his fathers old friend was to fleep in a room which had been carefully Ihut up till that night, ever fince the count's fuppofed deceafe. In the courfe of b 2 the vi ) the night, the noble gueft, awakened by a noife in the chamber, difcovered his old friend, and an expla- nation taking place, the officers of juftice were, unex- pectedly, called in the next day from a neighbouring city : the old count was liberated, but, too feeble to bear fuch a fudden change, died in a few days; his execrable fon was condemned to be imprifoned for his life, which would not have been fpared, but at the powerful interc"efilon of his noble relations, who, ac- cording to the laws of France, would have been dif- graced and degraded by his public and merited exe- cution. The part of the countefs, with fome others, have been imagined by the author, to form a plot fit for the ftagej and to give it all the advantages of Mrs. Siddons's unrivalled performance. How well me has juftified his hopes, the public, whom me has enchanted with her tranfcendent efforts, knows 3 but it cannot know how much fhe has furpafTed his highefl expectations in a part, which, as it was only written for her, fo fhe only could have given it fuch wonder- ful force and effect. It has been fuppofed by fome, that the author bor- rowed his plot partly from the Robbers, and partly from the Caftle Spectre. The plain and hcvpeft narrative he has given will, he trufts, vindicate him from this ima- gined ( vii ) gined imitation. Indeed his tragedy was written fomfi time before he read the play of the Robbers, and as it was in the hands of the managers of Drury-lane Theatre very early in May 1797, no part of it could have been ftolen from the Caftle Speftre, which was put into their hands fome time after, and which ought, in juftice, to have fucceeded, and not preceded, the Caftle of Montval on the ftage. The AUTHOR. PROLOGUE *? THE AUTHOR, Spoken by Mr. A TRAGEDY again ? Aye, he may tryj With dagger, ftrut, and rant, to make us cry 5 But all his efforts, and his kill, kill, kill ! Shall never make us weep againft our will : We love to laugh ! then, pray, why here to night? Can it be out of whim, or out of fpight ? I'll not believe it ; Britons are too kind, Too generous, to betray a grov'ling mind ! Some critic fly, or poet in a corner, May, here and there, perhaps, perform the fcornet And come refolv'd to damn : fince wits, they fay, Like hungry wolves, for want of other prey, On their own kind will turn ; and thro* the town, To gaol from garret, hunt each other down. But yet -tho* authors are fo hard of heart Ye, gentle fair, will aft a gentler part j And have your falts and handkerchiefs prepar'd For tears, which are the poet's beft reward. And fyrapatheuc beaux can't fail to cry At your command, and utter figh for figh. From you, O gallery gods ! there's nought to fear, If genuine pathos calls the genuine tear : Nor will the judgment of the pit refufe Enlighten'd plaudits to the tragic mufe, If Nature, leagu'd with Pity, plays her part, To agitate the pulfes of the heart. Howe'er the author in his part may fail, Tmth tas fupply'd the fubjeft of his tale. Gallia Gallia< where all to mad excefs is borne ; Where ev'ry tie of God and man is torn j Where fuff'ring virtue lifts her hands in vain, And cheated freedom drags his iron chain Gallia fupply'd the ftory, which, to-night, With tender fympathy and fad delight, If hope deceive not, thro' our cares, (hall claim. And your applaufe, one laurel leaf from fame ; One leaf, if haply one ungafher'd grows, "Xo wreath cur n^val heroes' gallant brows. DRAMATIS PERSONS. COUNT of MONTVAL, Mr. HOLLAND. MARQUIS of VAUBLANE, Mr. C. KEMBLE, COUNT of COLMAR, . Mr. AICKIN. OLD COUNT, Mr. KEMBLE. MONS. LAPONT, Mr. BARRYMOR*. BLAISE, the old Steward of tie Cajlle, Mr. PACKER. COUNTESS of MONTVAL, Mrs. SIDDONS. The LADY MATILDA, her Coujtn, Mrs. POWELL. TERESA, Woman to the Countefs, Mifs HEARD. Scene lies in Daupbiny, in the South of France. THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL. SCENE I A bandfome Anticbamber in the Co/lie. Enter TERESA and BLAISE, talking* TERESA. I Cannot think it : fure your former lady Was far lefs lovely than my charming miftrefs ! BLAISE. It may be fo in any eyes but mine. Train'd, from a boy, by her prote&ing hand ; Taken from poverty, and rais'd to honor ; Trufted by her, and by my noble lord ; JVfy eyes can never fee their equals more ! But yet, Terefa, I confefs the countefs Reminds me of the beauty now laid low ; And bears fuch grace and dignity about her, As I did never think to fee again. o TERESA. Well, worthy Blaife, your gratitude I honor, Tho'I may doubt your tafte. But the late count ?*- BLAISE. O ! my dear matter ! Pray excufe thefe tears !- Wa goodnefs, honor, kindnefs, paft my fpeak* ing ! B TfiRESA, 2 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, TERESA. When did he die ? BLAISE. About four years ago. His death was fudden ; and a fudden change To me a fad one, who was wont to think That all his wifdom order'd was mod right Then happen'd here. TERESA. What change, my worthy friend"? BLAISE. Excefs and revelry, for tranquil Hate : The noonday frolic, and the midnight feaft, For fober chearfulnefs, and fober hours : For hofpitality, whofe even courfe Flow'd always full, yet never ran to wafte. But I am old : fafhions and times are altei'd: I fhou'd not blame, becaufe /cannot relim What my young lord, irnpell'd by health and fpifits, Thinks fit to do And I've a confidence That by your lady -much will be re form 'd That feem'd amifs. O ! may his a8ions honor His noble parents, and his noble wife ! ?!>.' : DC TERESA. And fo I truft.they wjlli riow Heav'n.foVbid Such excellence as her's vv.ere thrown away.- BLAISE ftnterritft'wg *:'}. What have 1 faid ? Young, woman d& 'not think it ! ' Wreft not my Words ; I pray you wreft them not Beyond their meaning !---He is gay and young, And ,iT x A TRAGEDY. 3 And youth is lavifli, when the tide of fortune Draws flatt'rers round ; a bafe and bufy train ! But I am wrong again : we'll hope the beft. No more ! for fee my lady's noble friends. [Exeunt. Enter MATILDA and the MARQUIS. MARQUIS. My dear Matilda, let the precious moments Which fortune offers, be employ'd to fpeak My conftant Jove and overflowing rapture, At meeting thus again! At meeting thus, After fo many tedious months of abfence, With full allowance from your noble father, To urge my wifhes and exprefs my joy. MATILDA. . What fliall I anfwer worthy you and me ? Believe my heart refponfive to your own ; Tho' female delicacy makes my tongue Bafhful to fpeak the language it infpires. MARQUIS. Long, long I lov'd, without one ray to cheer me ! Then fpare not to enchant a faithful lover, Whofe thoughts and paffion you, for years, have known So fervently devoted to your charms ! MATILDA. You know enough to know what I cou'd fay j And feel enough to know what are my feelings. Content with this, prefs my fond heart no further I B 2 But 4 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, But tell me, how you like the charming countefs ? Tho' fhort your knowledge, in one tranfient day, To penetrate the virtues of her heart. MARQUJS. Enough that knowledge to difcern her merit. To fay flic's worthy my Matilda's friendihip, Speaks all that eloquence coiCd fay to praife her. MATILDA. From longer intimacy you muft learn Her high perfections. In her noble foul A graceful fortitude, that dares all trial, Lives with a tendernefs that's all her own. Nothing in her, in perfon or in mind, But greatly excellent, and greatly fair. Her beauty has a fomething of divine ! A dignity, that fhews all others mean. Was ever fuch a majefty of eye ! Such bright effulgence blended with fuch foftnefs ! And thus her lofty foul fuperior fhines, Among the beft and nobleft of her fex ! Attach'd from childhood, and allied by blood, My admiration ftill acquires new force ; And while I love her tenderly^ \ feel An awe and wonder, mingled with affection I- But looking all, and more than all, I've faid. The lovely countefs comes ! (As Matilda is Jpeaking, the foldmg Doors cf a magnificent Saloon are thrown open, and the Count and Countefs, attended by Lapont, ad' yance tbnugto them to the Front of thi Stage.} COONT. A TRAGEDY. 5 COUNT. My good Lapont, I pray you fee that ev'ry thing's in order P'or my departure. LAPONT. All fhall be prepared, [Exit. COUNTESS. Join me, my noble friends, join to perfuade My deareft lord from quitting this fair maniion ! MATILDA. Quitting this manfion ! We had fondly hop'd That many happy weeks wou'd glide away, Before our friendly party knew divifion ! COUNT, With grief of heart, alas ! I'm forc'd to leave Thefe tranquil joys for hateful occupations. Hateful, alike, to friendfhip, and to love ! COUNTESS. Indeed, Montval, I cannot take it kind You thus defert me ! COUNT. Why, my foul's delight, Why blame what hard neceflity requires ? COUNTESS. What fudden bufmefs, thus, (hou'd force you back From thefe calm (hades, to that detefled Paris ? The feat of every vice and every crime ! Why cannot letters, or fome trufty agent ? COUNT. If it cou'd be if -personal application, In the great caufe, you know, I have in hand, Were not demanded think you I wou'd leave " Look at your face reflected from that mirror," Then 6 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, Then think if I wcud leave thofe heav'nly charms, For aught of pleafure that the world can give ! COUNTESS. 'Tis ever fo ! Money's the bane of blifs ! The ba'fe alloy of honor, duty, love. COUNT fagltattd.J Why fpeak you thus ? -Has it corrupted me ? But I will haften to thy arms again, And recompence the languifhings of abfence, On thy dear bofom ! COUNTESS. Well ! I am your wife : A poor weak woman ; doom'd to acquiefce, By 'duty, as by nature. COUNT. Take it not fo, My beft beloved ! Mine is the cruel tafk, Whofe only earthy joy is in thy fmiles. Your charming friend, and her deferving marquis, Shall foothe your widow'd hours. MATILDA. The lovely countefs, At all times, may command my fervices j The willing tribute of my iuft devotion. O - J MARQUIS. And mine. And if my pow 'r but mate my will, Your abfence, count, tho' not, perhaps, forgotten, Shall not awaken fuch fevere regret, To banilh mirth, and frown the fmiles away. COUNTESS. My noble friends, I know your gen'rous hearts, And THE C ASTLE OF MONTVAL. *f And have a full reliance on your kindnefs. Well, well ! if you muft go, I'll do my beft To foften folitude till your return. The proud anceftral oaks that wave around This tow'ring caftle fhall aflift my mufing. The awful rocks mall tempt my wand'ring feet, To vifit their recefTes ; and the torrents Shall deafen my complaints, as they arife. But ere you go, allow, at lead, the time To vifit every corner of this manfion ; Its gloomy grandeur is in unifion With the fad temper of my penfive mind. COUNT, (embarrajftd.) At my return ! Time preffes. COUNTESS. Then old Blaife Shall be my guide thro* all its labyrinths. COUNT, (tarntjlly.) Not fo, my deareft love ! Wait my return ! I pray you wait ! Deny me not this pleafure ! COUNTESS. Nay, in the abfence of my honor'd lord, It were a fcrutiny I fhou'd little tafte. COUNT. My foul's beft treafure ! take, in this embrace, My ftock of pleafure, till we meet again ! COUNTESS. Beware the fyrens of that hateful Paris \ I have a foul that cannot brook a rival, Nor cou'd defcend to a degenerate hufband. My love goes only hand in hand with virtue; And 8 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL. And tho' my heart fhou'd burft in the attempt, I'd tear it from the man I cou'd not honor 1 COUNT. Ah! why this earneftnefs ? You cannot doubt me! By ibis I and this ! I'm your's . COUNTESS (tmbractng him). My dear Montval ! My heart can know no joy till your return ! [Exit Count. I'm ftrangely mov'd ! MATILDA. I pray compofe your fpirits ! WhyJ/baVyou take this journey thus to heart ? Bufinefs muft fometimes interfere with love : This tranfient abfence will increafe your pleafure, And zeft affe&Ion, when the count returns. COUNTESS. O ! my dear friend, my trembling heart affures me, It is too tender for my lading peace. Wou'd it were calmer ! MARQUIS. Say not fo, dear lady ! This fenfibility fo well becomes you, That it new luftre gives to ev'ry charm. COUNTESS. I know your gallantry, and feel your friendfliip. But weary as my foul was grown of Paris, And all its giddy round of diflipation, I can't endure when, at my earmftjuit, The count was hardly won to leave its magic. And vifit once again with *e - his bride His A TRAGEDY. 9 His native (hades I can't endure to fee him, Impatient, thus to hurry back again. MARQUIS. Remember, urgent bufinefs calls him thither, Of great importance to your future ftate ; Elfe were he much to blame. COUNTESS. I know it not. I heard of no exprefs! I faw no letters ! This fudden recollection does not pleafe me. But two fhort days have I enjoy 'd him here (And thofe have feen him rcftlefs, gloomy, abfent !) // whole fond hopes had pidur'd fo much blifs From this retreat, by nature form'd to charm ; And which to him, it rightly turn'd his mind, Shou'd wake a thoufand, thoufand fond idea$, From time foregone, and fond habitual feelings ! MATILDA. No doubt the count, with equal pride and pleafure, Ayill hafte to join you in his native caftle, And wander, with the idol of his heart, Thro' the romantic fcenery around. MARQUIS. Believe he will ! He cannot be fo cold, So flow of pulfe, amidft his native mades, * J To feel no fervor, and exprefs no joy : Far different is the ardor of his mind. COUNTESS. You do him friendly juftice Die the thought That wou'd debafe him!- -But, my noble friend, Can you inform me who is this Lapont ? C MARQUIS. n> THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, MARQUIS. As I have heard, a tenant's orphan fon, Who fofter'd by the hand of the late count, Took root within his bofom, And made, from early youth, the humble friend, Of your dear lord, now claims that honor'd title, COUNTESS. He looks unworthy of fo high a place. His fair demeanour, and ebfequious bendings, Delight not me.T I like more fimple manners. Malignant meanings play about his lips 5 While, ever and anon, upon his brow, Bufhy and black, dark fraud and paflions lour, Spite of his caution to conceal their workings. How like you him ? MARQUIS. In truth I know him not. Yet, I am free to think, and free to fay, He never fhou'd have been my chofen friend. COUNTESS. Nor mail be Montval's. Nothing that's ignoble Shall win his confidence, or gain his ear, 1 can influence. But more of this As time mall ferve. To you, without referve, I pour out the emotions of my foul. Enter BLAISE. The Count of Colmar, madam, waits your prefence. COUNTESS. I come, good Blaife. (Exit BLAISF.) But pray inform me, marquis, Who is this vifitor ? MARQUIS, A TRAGEDY. n MARQUIS. The chofen friend Of the late count, and worthy well the title. COUNTESS. Then go we to him, for I reverence age, When dignified with honorable virtues. [Exeunt, SCENE Changes to the great gothic Hall of the Cajlle. Enter the COUNT and LAPONT, in clofe Conference. COUNT. My good Lapont, remember what I've faid ! You know its confequence. LAPONT. Count, do not doubt me ! My (lake is great as your's. But now the money.- I have an urgent purpofe for that fum. COUNT. How can that be, Lapont ? It is not long Since you receiv'd a liberal fupply. Retain'd, and almoft rnafter in this caftle, What prefling wants LAPONT. Afk you, my lord, what wants ? Have I not paflions, think you, like your own, That call, and loudly too, for gi.-dfid.tion ? Shall I, for ever, eat dependent bread? Nor while your power with your life remains, Lay up fome (lore, for my declining years ? C 2 COUNT. 12 [THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, COUNT. Nay, my good friend, this heat becomes you not ! tfhere is tlje money j giv'n with free good-will j Tho', think not, if an earthly tomb awaits me, That I fhou'd leave thy fortunes defthute ! LAPONT. I dare not run the hazard. COUNT. Dare not run ! LAPONT. Come, come, my lord, we know each other well: But on fuch knowledge grows not confidence. As far as mutual fecrets may affect Our mutual fafety, we may truft each other. COUNT. " The villain!" (afide) Well, Lapont, no more of this* What have \ done to waken fuch fufpicion ? , ~ My gen'rous kindnefs merits better thoughts. But I muft go.- This houfe to me is hateful, Tho' it contains the object I adore. LAPONT. Why did you come, then, if your timid heart, Relax'd of nerve, ftarts at its own emotions, And dares to do, what it not dares to think of? Have you quite loft the firmnefs of your temper ? COUNT. I fcorn my abjet foul, yet can't command it; Deride its childim fears, yet feel them ftill : Abfent from hence, I never know thefe terrors ; Nor herejhotfd know them, if but one event You guefs my meaning fet my heart -at reft, LAPONT. <& A TRAGEDY. 13 LAPONT. 'Tis marvellous it happen'd not long fmce ! But it mufi happen/mi. Why, then, meanwhile, Why came you hither, to difturb your peace, And wake the fleeping torment in your bofom ? COUNT. The countefs, whom I worfhip for did ever Such grace and beauty meet thy dazzled eyes ? The countefs wou'd not be denied this boon. Romantic, ardent, vifionary, fond, She figh r d to quit the gay and fplendid world, And wander with me, thro' my native fhades ; Seeing her bent, paft hope, to quit the court, I prefs'd a vifit to the duke her father, And feign'd a ftrong defire to fee his caftle, Fam'd for its grandeur, and its wide domain. LAPONT. Feign'd a defire, where you may well command? What, does a woman govern thus your reafon, And lead her puppet as her fancy leads ? For fhame ! for lhame ! remember you're a man! COUNT. Form'd to command, and captivate all hearts, I own, her talents, aided by her charms, Make me a ready flave to all her wifhes : What once has got pofleflion of her mind, She follows with fuch fervency of paffion, As cannot brook controul. Here, then, fhe is ; But here, tho' fick at heart, to tear me from her, The- world fhou'd not induce my longer flay ! She , 4 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, She foon fhall follow me : I will contrive To draw her back, by fome pretence, to Paris. While Ihe is here, I fhall not know repofe. There are the keys j and never may theft hands Feel their cold touch, or know their office more ! {.Throws down a bunch of keys on a table, and exit baftily, LA PONT as bajlily following and calling after him, leaving th? keys behind Stay, count ! I muft intreat fome private converfe, On matters of great moment, ere we part ! END OF THE FIRST ACT. A TRAGEDY. 5 ACT II. SCENE I. A magnificent Apartment y where the COUNTESS, /^MARQUIS, the COUNT OF COLMAR, and MATILDA, appear couvfrfing. I COUNTESS. LOVE to hear thefe tales of former days, Which move the mind to ufeful retrofpedion, And feem to give it new and longer being. . Your rev'rence for my Albert's noble father, Delights my foul. Your zeal proclaims his worth. COUNT OF COLMAR. It was tranfccndent ! For his noble mind, Gen'rous as kind, to all around diffus'd Unnumber'd bleffmgs ! To the rich, and poor, His gates and hand and heart were ever open, With courteous dignity, and temper'd (late; That mix'd with liberal plenty, wife expencc ; Invited eafe, and yet infpir'd refpect; Allur'd to mirth, yet banim'd noify riot. He was, what great men foetid be j what, alas ! I knew, but never hope to know again! COUNTESS. 16 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, COUNTESS. I wonder, Montval, with the nat'ral pride A foujhoifd feel, offspring of fuch a father! I wonder that his tongue (hou'd not be lavifli On fuch a theme ! If I am not miftaken, He loft his noble mother when a child. COUNT. He did: and great the lofs! for ne'er was beauty Inform 'd with clearer fenfe, or fweeter temper, Or deck'd and dignified by higher virtue. COUNTESS. I fhou'd not grieve that fhe has long been dead : My poor deferts wou'd but have been a foil To her endowments. COLMAR. O that fhe bad liv'd, She and the count, to fee their only fon Mated, with beauty, fortune, virtue, birth, Beyond their higheft hopes ! COUNTESS. You overrate, With the warm impulfe of a noble mind, My humble merits : but inform me, count, For in his abfence he muft be my theme- Did never any difference arife, Such as, too oft' has ris'n 'twixt youth, and age Between my Albert, and his noble father ? COLMAR. Nothing of moment : nought, I truft, that left Rankling rememb'rance. Strir, himfelf, of morals,- Tho' liberal, not profufe perhaps he thought His A TRAGEDY, 17 His fen's firft burft of manhood rather wild$ And his expence beyond the bounds of prudence: This, lady, I have heard, but this was all\ For never doating parent felt more pride In a fon's talents, and his manly grace, Than felt the count in your accomplifh'd lord's^ COUNTESS. Thanks, noble fir, for gratifying thus The fond enquiries of a curious woman ; Curious to ev'ry, ev'n the' lead concern, Of him me loves. Marquis, jvc# alfo know My Albert's father ? MARQUIS. Late, tho' long enough To fee, and feel his worth. Some fix years fincc; Upon a vifit to a noble kinfman, t often found admittance in this cattle, And learnt to love, and to revere its lord. MATILDA. But, my dear coiintefs; you forget your purpoffc To vifit the fair terrace, whence the view Of Alps on Alps, mining with all their fnows, O'er the dark foreil cf the tow'ring pines, At once delights and elevates the foul. COUNTES9. 'Tis well remerhber'd , and the weftefn fun Mutt, at this moment, pour a golden blaze On their white fummits, and their lofty rocks. Dear count, your arm. Marquis, you'll fliew the And lead Matilda to her favorite feat. D > THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, SCENE II. The great Halt, where enter BLAISE and TERESA, TERESA. You tell me wonders, I can hardly *credit ! Can you believe the chambers you have mention'c! Are really haunted ? BLAISE. rj!> r Tis a ferious truth. Certain it is, that ere my prefent lord Forbade accefs to thofe, and other rooms, Certain it /V, ftrange noifes oft' were heard At dead of night : deep groans, and creaking doors ; And hurrying Heps, and hollow murmurings. TERESA. O I let me never pafs within the view Of thofe apartments! I mould die with fear If I tout heard the groans! Hark! What was that ? That ruftling found, along the vaulted roof? BLAISE. Nought but your fancy ; or the rufhing wind Againft the gothic cafements of the hall. TERESA. Are the apartments very far from hence ? BLAISE. Quite at th' other extremity of the caitle : The old count lov'd them for their privacy. TERESA, Thank Heav'n ! or I fhou'd tremble at my fhadow. But A TRAGEDY. jy. But now the troubled fpirit is at reft : No midnight noifes new ? BLAISE. Yes, (till, by night, At times I've heard the found of pafling feet And creaking hinges : But the groans have long, Long ceas'd* TERESA. The fpirit, then, has not appeared? BLAISE. Never'. nor fince my matter kept the keys Of thofe apartments, have the groans been heard: For when the rumour once had reach'd his ear, Of midnight noifes and a walking, ghoft, He gave ftricl charge that no domeflic more, Or paffing gueft, mould ileep within that wing ; Then fhut it up, and keeps it from all notice. TERESA. Think you my lord believes the rooms are haunted ? BLAISE. I know not that; but vaft as is the manfion, He never felt the want of thofe apartments^ And did not like report mould circulate The wond'rous (lory of his haunted caftle ; To frighten feme, to move the jeft of others, And draw a curious gaping crowd around, To watch for fpirits, and difturb his peace. ' And who can blame him for the wife precaution ?. TERESA. What wou'd my noble lady give to fee 'jfhofe haunted rooms ! I've often heard her talk D a Of lar THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, Of dreadful things, and fupernatural beings ! She thinks fuck may appear, but fears them nog. J never knew a lady of fuch courage ! BLAISE. Without the keys (be cannot enter them. Nor has my matter ever fhewn them fince. Nothing wouxl more offend him than td mention So ftrange a ta|e r TERESA. Well, Blaife, another time You'll tell me more ; I now muft feck my lady. (As foe paffes by the fable fees and takes up th$ keys, left by the Courit.) What keys are thefe ? BLAISE. Three large ones, and a lefs ! I know the larger lead to thofe apartments I told you of ? The lefier one J know not : The count, in hafte to go, has left them here. TERESA. I'm glad his caution has been once afleep; J will convey them to my noble miftrefs, And tell her all the marvels they fecure. -t Adieu ! good Blaife f BLAISB. My dear Terefa llay ! Truft them to me ! It would difpleafe my lorcj }f any hint of what I've told were giv'n. fhe countefs ought from him to hear the ftory, he mail judge jt proper to entruft her. A TRAGEDY, #. It is not fit for us to interfere Jnfuch concerns as thefe! TERESA. Nay, nay, good friend, If he has hitherto ne'er trufted jy0# To keep thefe keys, 'tis odds but he wou'd rather My lady guarded them till his return. BLAISE. If not to me, entruft them to Lapont ; The count in hint has perfect confidence. TERESA. Think you Lapont is trufted like my lady ! To her the doating count has flill reveal'd His inmoft thoughts, He loves her with fuch paf- fion, And finds his tendernefs fo well return* d y That were his life and honor both nftake, To her, with free and fearlefs confidence, Wou'd both be trufted. Reft afftfd of this. BLAISE. Enough: you ought to know their humours beft. But yet my heart mifgives me that fome trouble furely fpring from thefe forgotten keys. TERESA. Fear nothing ! I will fave you free from blame. BLAISE. I was to blame for tattling thus about them. [Exit one way, and Blaije the other, who paffes hurrying back. Enter S2 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, Enter LA PONT in great Agitation. LAPONT. Where ^r^thefe villanous keys ? He left them berei Hejurefy did! accurfcd be my haftc Not to fecure them, ere I followed him ! Perhaps old Blaife has found them. If 'tis fo s . I'll watch and found him well, but I will have 'em, Yet (till, Lapont, beware of arix : ous queftions. Such wou'd betray an earneftnefs about them, Might lead to curious fearch, and that to ruin. But yet fome prudent means muft be contriv'd TQ get them back -'Tis of the laft importance 1 o 'me, the count f and to our mutual fafety ! This haughty beauty, overaws my foul. I dare not face the ardors of her eye ; It looks a fcorn I cannot brook, nor bear. I dread her empire o'er her doating hufband: And if I cannot Jhake it, foon will feize Some lucky moment to fecure my fortune, Then leave this caftle, and its hated owners. Enter the MARQUIS, and MATILDA, MARQUIS. Repofe yourfelf! thefe fervent weftern rays Have ovejpower'd you with oppreffive heat. MATILDA. Thanks to your kindnefs ! I am much reliev'd, And always moft delighted to receive, For A TRA6EDY. 2 For prudim forms were idle with me how, Repeated proofs of your unvarying love. MARQUIS. MATILDA. You know not how he doats upon his daughters When fhe afiur'd him, for her gen'rous foul, Knows no difguife, that to ^Aontv&l alone Her heart cou'd be prefented with her hand, Tho' fomewhat loth, he gave his flow confent, Sanftion'd her pa (Eon, and approv'd her choice* And &sjhe never knows a lukewarm feeling, Never was man more ardently belov'd. MARQJJIS. Fortunate count ! O ! may his foul catch fire At her bright flame, and emulate her virtue I MAT i ISA. A TRAGEDY. . *< MATILDA. You feem to fpeak as fonrewhat doubtful of him! Have you heard aught that might impeach his worth I MARQUIS. I truft he is reform'd ; but well remember When clofely link'd with the gay profligates Which are at once, the fcourge, and fhame of Paris, He plung'd, with them, in all the wild;excefs, And all the follies of that fpiendid city. MATILDA. I hope his riper years have.feen the error. : MARQUIS. I hope they have ; for graver manners mark'd His public conduct, ere he knew the countefs, And better maxims feem'd to take the lead Of fenfelefs fquand'ring, and deftruftive vice. . MATILDA. I grieve to hear he was their votary ? Ah ! never ! never ! may his noble bride Know that his reputation fuffer'd blemiih From vice, and follies, which her fpotlefs heart Wou'd mourn cou'd taint the object of its love. MARQUIS. Be not difquieted ! for once renounc'd, Vice fhews too hateful to allure us back, And too repulfive, to feduce us more ! But the day wanes. The countefs foon will join us-, Then let us enter, and await her prefence, ' [Exeunt. E Enter THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, Enter Lapont, and Blaifc. LAPONT. So honeft Blaife, you think your matter's choice, That lofty countefs, with her lofty fcorn Does honour to his wifdom, and his tafte ? BLAISE. Who can think otherwife, that fees her charms, And knows my lady's virtue, wealth, and birth ? LAPONT. Well, I confefs all this : but then her fpirit, Her fpirit Blaife, may try thy matter's temper ! She looks as if enamour'd of difdain, And (hews a diftance to his old dependents, Moft feelingly Ifpeakizs if fhe fcorn'd To notice any, but of nobleft blood, I wou'd not fuch a fpirit in wife ! BLAISE. To me (he mews no fymptom of difdain ; But is moft gentle, kind, and condefcending. LAPONT. That's mere caprice ; for tbou (halt feel, ere long, Her haughty temper, and imperious fcorn. But now I think on't, haft thou found fome keys The count, forgetful, left upon his table ? He bade me feek them, as in friendly talk, He held me to his coach. BLAISE. I have them not. LAPONT. A TRAGEDY. 2? LAPONT. Nay 1 nay ! this founds io like equivocation ! Know you who has ? or, did you fee them here ? BLAISE. I need not tell you all I fee and know. LAPONT. Granted my friend, But yet methinks this anfwer, Night vex the count. You know his hafty temper, And know his value for the keys in queftion, Which he has only trufted to my care. It matters not to we. BLAISE. To fpeak the truth, My lady's favou'rite woman found them here, And faid fhe'd, ftraightway, give them to her miftrefs. LAPONT (agitated.) Give them the countefs ! run and ftop her Blaife*! But yet- -no matter (ajlde) MAR, From his long intimacy in the caftle, What is the character of this Lapont. The countefs likes him not. COUNT. She (hews her judgment. His foul a compound is of art and vice : Before his death, my friend difcarded him For poifoning the morals of his fon, By his bafe counfels Vile ingratitude ! For all the honors, and the favors done him ! And, I confefs, it touches me with wonder, And, I may add, with grief, to fee the fon, Th'accomplifh'd fon of fuch a matchlefs father Carefs a villain who difgracees him ! MATILDA. No wonder that my friend, fo pure herfelf, Should feel repulfion at the wretch's prefence. O ! if the count refpe&s her as he ought, He will abandon* But the countefs comes. A TRAGEDY. 41 Enter the COUNTESS. You'll pardon me, my friends, this little abfence. To-morrow {hall atone for my omiflions. With you I fhall be under no reftraint. How wears the night ? COUNT. 'Tis a late hour for fober folks like me. COUNTESS. After our walk, we all muft wifh to reft ; And fvveet the fleep that waits on exercife ! May it be your's, my friends, and fo good-night \ Bring in the lights ! [Servants attend with lights.] Attend my noble guefts Unto their feveral chambers ! Nay ! no form ' MARQUIS. MATILDA. COUNT. Fair be your dreams j Adieu ! Lady, good night i [Exeunt. COUNTESS. That's as it may be ! As the fpe<5lre wills, Which haunts my fancy in a thoufand fhapes, And will not quit my troubled foul one inftant ? ; " If I knew what to fear, it lefs wou'd move me : Yet rather apprehenfion 'tis, than terror ; A folemn feeling, than a weak difmay, Were not the name of him I love, involv'd In this mifliapen tale, I mould defpife it \ This makes me filent to my noble guefts. Yet ! ! And I I lefs the thought ! This goblin ftory May have induc'd the Count, and wifely too G To 42 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL. To lock up the apartments ; left his peace, And pride, mould fuffer blemim from the rumour, Spread widely round, and turn'd, and magnified, As ignorance, and fuperftition prompted ! This fhall allay the tumult in my breaft, And flatter downy (lumber to my pillow ' To-morrow then ! What ho ' Terefe there ! Call upTerefa !_'Twas a bleiTed thought ! I wou'd have done, juft as my lord has done ! Enter TERESA, trembling. COUNTESS. Why doft thou tremble ? Is it at thy (hadow >-^ TERESA. O ! be not angry t If you did but know COUNTESS, (angrily.) What ! TERESA. What Lapont has told : what dreadful things ! COUNTESS. Lapont ! ! r TERESA. O -' he has often heard the ghoft, And fwears that trying to unlock the door, It gave him fuch a fhock I- COUNTESS, (fjlemnlj) I too am fhock'd r TERESA. Ah! for the love of Heaven reftore the keys, Or the fierce fpirit will endanger you I And fo Lapont believes. COUNTESS, (interrupting her) Only Lapont .' Gm thy hoarfe voice found nothing but Lapont ! Go '~ A TRAGEDY. 43 Q O i Go to bed ' Thou and my other women ! I (hall not need your fervices to night. But not a word to them about the fpelre ' On my difpleafure, filence to them, and all ' Yet, as you go, bid honeft Blaife come hither ! [Exit TERESA. My foul's on fire !-^I will be fatisfied, Betide what may ! -Lapont is in the Plot ! I've heard there are antipathies in nature, And he is mine ! Why mould my lord carefs him ? And yet he does Carefs, with confidence. Nay, makes a favourite of the dangerous villain ? But why a villain ? 'Tis his face alone, The damning characters imprinted there, That make me call him fo ! I hope, unjuftly ! Enter BLAISE. Lady, your fervant humbly waits your orders i COUNTESS. Blaife ' if your face belies you not, you're honeft ? Honeft, 1 hope, and firm : fay, fhall I truft you ? BLAISE. Lady, my hand, heart, life, are at your bidding ' COUNTESS. I'll never tempt thee to a dangerous fervice, Nor to a deed that fhall dimbnour thee ' Thou can'ft be fee ret too ? BLAISE. Fife were I bafe, And little merited this condefcenfion. COUNTESS. Be filenr, or you forfeit my efteem ! G 2 You 44. THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL. You know the rooms which idle rumour fays Are haunted by a ghoft ? What is their number ? BLAISE. An anti-room, a bed chamber, and clofet. COUNTESS. Direcl me to them ! BLAISE. (aflomjbef) Madam ! COUNTESS. No reply ! I laugh at fpeclres, and am bent to clear Thefe ufeful chambers, of their ill report. BLAISE. (terrified} Lady - indeed, my duty makes me fpeak COUNTESS. I've heard it all, and know 'tis fome impofture. Be thou my guide ! for I will pafs this night, Within the chamber where the fpirit walks j BLAISE; Now, Heav'n forbid ! COUNTESS. No more of fooliih fears ! Ev'ry attempt were vain to (hake my purpofe : A chearful book and lights are all I need To comfort, or defend me : Thou (halt watch In th' anti-chamber by : Now to my clofet, And thence attend me to the haunted rooms. [Exeunt* END OF THE THIRD ACT. A TRAGEDY* 45 ACT IV. SCENE I. Tbe Antichamler to the Saloon* Enter LAPONT and TERESA. TERESA. XJLLAS! I fear (he's gone to that apartment ! LAPONT. I wonder at fuch raihnefs 1 Are you furc Your noble Lady is not in her chamber? TERESA. Wou'd that fhe were ! She bade me call up Blaife, And from that moment neither have been feen. LAPONT. It mud be fo! Each circumftance confirms it: She fent for him to mew the haunted rooms, But little knows the dangers fhe may run, By braving the inexorable fpirit! I know, by proof, its fierce vindictive nature. TERESA. O Heaven ! Dear, kind Lapont, do not defert us! How mall we fave the too prefumptuous Countefs? She may be loft if you cannot aflift her. LAPONT. Be calm! To fave her life I'll rifk my own, I yet 46 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, I yet, perhaps, may be in time to warn her. From a bold enterprife may prove her ruin; Caution and prudence, will do more than courage, Where we encounter fupernatural things. Let the profoundefl filence feal your lips! TERESA. O ! doubt me not ! In all you (hall diredl. But, pray ! inform me of the Countefs' fafety : My fears will almoft kill me till you come* LAPONT. Go to your, chamber, where remain in peace 'Till I (hall feek you. Save your Lady's credit, And doing fo, the honor of this houfe, By keeping all a fecret from her guefts. This is of more importance than you think. Truft alt to me: you (hall know more hereafter ; For my fond heart beats warmly in your favor. I'll fee you fafe, and then will feek the Countefs. Truft to my friendly counfei, and fear nothing. SCENE II. 'iji Changes to a fpacious Chamber, with a ftalely Bed, in an Alcove. The Hangings of the Walls Tapejlry ; a Couch, with a Table before it, on which is a Book and Lights. The COUNTESS appears f peaking to BLAISF., who is pale, and trembling. COUNTESS. 'Tis well ! Nay, why this tremor? Is there aught To move thy fear? - BLAISE. A TRAGEDY. 4- BLAISE. But, Lady! who can tell How foon the ghoft ! 'Tis after twelve o'clock ! COUNTESS. Poor Blaife ! I fee how terror and obedience Wage war within thy heart : be not difmay'd ! I doubt I may have chos'n a ftouter guard : However, Blaife, thy valor fhall not ftand A trial too fevere. If I cry help, Which will not be ; allure thyfelf it will not Alarm "the houfe; elfe watch without, in filence. BLAISE. (as be goes out) Thank Heav'n I am difmifs'd! Wou'd morn were come ! [Exit BLAISE. COUNTESS. . And now to fcrutinize this marvellous chamber. It is a noble one; and might be turn'd To better purpofe, than to harbour ghofts ! The tapeftry is rich, and little worn: The bed is fumptuous; every thing complete* And all in order: - ] can find nothing, yet, to caufe alarm ; And, doubt-lefs, all has fprung from fuperftition, The child of ignorance, and flavim fear! But why this fmaller key fufpended hence ? The flighteft trace of any other door Cannot be found : except the dreffing-room ; That's open j and this key fits not the lock. But what it leads to, is not worth conjecture. I'll to my book ; and fleeping, for this night, Upon that couch, perhaps may dream ofghoHs, 2 \Yhich, 48 THE CASTLE OF MONTTVAL, Which, waking, I have neither heard, or feen. [Takes up the book, but prefently reclines on the couch , and begins to dofe.J SCENE III. Changes to the Anti-Chamber, where BLAISE is feen gently opening the Door a little which leads to the inner Apartment. BLAISE. Thank Heav'n! all's quiet, and my lady fleeps! I truft the horrid fpeftre is at peace, And ne'er will come to trouble us again ! O! that a woman mould polTefs fuch courage ! LAPONT. \Gently opens the outward door t faying Hift! hid! Blaife! hift! BLAISB. Mercy 1 what noife was that f LAPONT. It is a friend ! Lapont ! be not afraid ! I come to guard, and not to injure thee ! BLAISE. Now, Heav'n be prais'd ! I fear'd it was the ghoft ! Enter, good Sir ! O ! welcome, kind Lapont ! I am exceeding glad to fee you here ! LAPONT. I know thou art. But where's thy noble lady ? BLAISE. Hufh ! hufh ! -She's fait afleep in yonder chamber. LAPONT. A TRAGEDY. 49 LAPONT. (Pleajed and eagerly") Affeep d'ye fay ! Are you quite fure (he fleeps ? BLAISE. Come gently ihis way, and yourfelf may fee her. Look thro' the door. LAPONT. Thank Heav'n ! fhe is afleep ! Sound be her (lumbers ! Then we,. (till are fafe 1 How long is't (ince (he enrer'd.thefe apartments? BLAJSE. Scarcely, I think, an hour has pad away.. Ere 1 fet all in order, and came hither, LAPONT. Did fne difcover no furprife, or terror, On- looking round the gloomy haunted room? BLAISE. No! not the leaf}. LAPONT. Nor have you heard her fince, Exclaiming loud ? nor have the found of locks, Or hollow groans, or creaking hinges fcar'd you ? BLAISE, Nothing! O! Heaven ! I tremble at the thought! LAPONT, Why art thou here ? Was it by her command Thou thus art plac'd her patient centinel ? BLAISE. It was : and ftric~tly that command enjoin'd That I (hou'd watch, in (Hence, till I heard Her voice demanding help. LAPONT. I'm fatisfied. H BLAISE. 5 o THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, BLAISE. But who, Lapont, inform'd you I was here ? LAPONT. Terefa dealing to her lady's chamber And finding (he was abfent, in a fright Ran ftraight to me: I quickly guefs'd the plot, And came to warn, or help, as things requir'd. But fince (he is afleep, I truft the ghoft Will not appear to harm, or trouble her. 'Tis paft the time when it is wont to walk. BLAISE. But if it fhou'd!! LAPONT. .Be you upon the watch, And fee, from time, to time, the Countefs fleeps ! Her fafety may depend upon this caution. If any noife is heard ; as groans, or talking, Or creaking doors, or found of opening locks, Run, quick, to me, I'll watch in my own room- And give alarm ! Be wakeful on thy life ! [Exit. BLAISE. (As be goes out.) , O ! truft me, good Lapont ! I will not fail. [Shuts the door cautioujly t of the inner Chamber^ then takes a cordial bottle from his pocket and drinks.] - \ My mind is more at eafe : This fhall fupport me. ? Tis half pall one, and my old eyes are heavy : There is no danger from the ghoft to night I So I may fafely venture, like my lady, To court the comfort of refrefhing fleep [Pufoes an arm chair b ehind the fide fcene to repofe in t and Exit.] SCENE A TRAGEDY. 51 SCENE IV. Changes to the Inner Chamber, where, while the COUN- TESS ftill dofes ; a long and deep Qroan is heard, flje ftarts, and halfrifing, exclaims. COUNTESS. Did I not hear fome noife?-r-Or \vas't the wind? [Another deep groan / on wbicb jbc Jiarts U P* g re &tly agitated.] What difmal found was that ? Whence cou'd it come ! [Repeated gnans.] Again ! again! It came from that alcove ! J5e not appall'd, my foul ! Thou'ft done no wrong '! [As Jhe advances, with great emotion td- wards the alcove, another groan is more diftinclly heard. ~\ Almighty God ! if 'tis fome troubled fpiric . Permitted, by thy will, to walk~by night ; Give me the grace to fend it to the grave, Whate'er his caufe of mifery, in peace! [More groans ; Jhe ft arts aghaft] O ! fpeak ! appear ! reveal the fecret trouble That forceth thee to leave the filent tomb, And roam 'midft darknefs, and the midnight airs! [Groans repeated.] Now Heav'n furrain me, and enlighten me, To fathom this dread fecret ! Hence ! e'en hence Tfhe moaning iflued, as if under ground ! [She looks with wild horror round tht alcove] H 2 Yet, 52 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, Yet, more diftinct, as from fome hollow cavern ! Hah ! From the ta peltry ! My foul's wound up To utmoft agony of dread fufpenfe, .And I (hall madden if [ Lifts up a lo'ofe part of the tapeftry, and dif covers a door. J What's here ! A door ! A fecret door! And this the fateful key [Haftily Jnatching the keys s unlocking the door.] TKat leads to what/ at once/ 1 wifhj and fear ! [Groans very diftin?.~] Nay, then, there is no paufe ! Narrow, and dark, And fteep, as is the way, and chill the air, Something impels me on, and I muft go ! - Be God my great protector, and my guide ! [She difappearS) but foon rufoes back with looks of amazement and horror. J Eternal powers ! I faw it thro' the gloom ! Tho' indiftinct ! I heard its hollow groans !~ ^ *They pierc'd my heart, and curdled up my blood ! Bafe fears ! Why have ye thus fubdued my foul t If it fhou'd follow, I will fpeak to it. Hark! It approaches !- O ! .ye pow'rs above! Equal my courage to the dread occalion ! [The tape fry is lifted up flowly, and dif- tovers the pale, and haggard, yet reve r rend figure of an Old Man, with a long white beard t and difordered hair, and dreffed in a long flowing black role, ivho Jptak r, as he enlt rJ . 1 OLD A TRAGEDY. 53 OLD MAN. This way it beckon'd me, and I will follow. [Seeing the Countejs, be is awe-Jlru-ck> anel exclaims.] What heavenly vifion's this !- Angel of light ! Say I Arc thou come, fo long, fo ofcen call'd ! To end my mifcry, and bear my fpirit, Where it, at laft, may reft ? COUNTESS. (Approaching) Art thou the ghoft? OLD MAN. I am, indeed, the ihadow of myfelf, My former felf! -But what art thou, bright vifion? COUNTESS. A weak, and erring creature, like thy felf. OLD MAN. If not an angel, as 1 fondly hop'd ! Come to rejeafe me from my fecret dungeon ; Where lingering years of agonizing grief, And racking pain, without one ray of comfort, Have bow 'd me down in hopelefs mifery! Why art thou here ? And wherefore didft thou come To moot one cheering glance athwart rny gloom, Then quick withdraw the beam ? COUNTESS. Years, didft thou fay! Years haft thou languifti'd in that dreary place, The very glimpfe of which appall'd my foul ? OLD MAN. Alas ! 'tis very long, or fo it feems, To one who only knpws to count the hours py the chill damps that drop upon his head, Or 54 THE CASTLE OP MONTVAL, Or by his fighs, and tears ! 'Tis very long ! Since I was torn from the dear light of day, Reft of all comfort, and cut off from man ! , COUNTESS. I'malmoft breathlefs with aftonimment,and pity. And fcarce can afk if Montval ! if my huiband ! If by his rigour, thou fo long haft fuffer'd ? * OLD MAN. (afide) ' O! 'tis his wife ! Reiign'd, fo near my end, ' I won't accufe him ! They may live in peace !" COUNTESS. Why doft thou turn, and mutter to thyfelf? Speak out thy griefs, and tell me for what crime. OLD MAN (interrupting her) Be Heav'n my judge that none have brought me here! COUNTESS. ,, Then who ? what tyrant, rough and pitylefs ! Immur'd thee thus, to die a living death ? OLD MAN. Know you Lapont? That villain was the caufe! COUNTESS (extdtingh}. i faid he was a villain ! O ! a load, A heavy load-is taken from my heart ! Whate'er thy guilt, I wou'd not that Montval, My dear Montval ! had been fo bafe of foul, To take fuch vengeance on thy helplefs age, For worlds, on worlds ! But, he muft know thy fate ! OLD MAN. Plac'd on the brink of dread eternity, I dare not lie ! He does ; but is mifled By the vile mifcreant whom you juftly hate. COUNTESS A TRAGEDY. 55 COUNTESS. Mifled ! O bitter !- Can he fee thy dungeon, And look upon thy anguim, and thy age, And not relent ! It cuts me to the foul ! But tell me what, and whence, and who thou art ? OLD MAN. Aflt not what never (hall efcape my lips, For potent reafons: nought can w r reft it from me ! COUNTESS. " Amazing ! But thou malt no longer fuffer ! * I will releafe thee, of my own free will j " And thou (halt live, and be reftor'd to comfort ! much agitated. LAPONT. I cannot reft ! guilt, terror, and revenge, With mingled violence, wake a hell within me ! If I fliou'd fall, I will not fall alone. The Countefs, and her virtues I abhor ! I z Her 60 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, Her very beauty, to my eye, is hateful ! It fafcinates, and overawes the Count, And blafts my fortune, when the fruit grew ripe. I was a fool not to make all things fure Before this haughty meddling woman came '. Oh ! (he mall learn how dangerous 'tis to goad A refolute heart, that glories in it's guilt, When independence, pow'r, or pleafure tempt ! That prating Blaife ! -I muft be rid of him. Terefa I can fool to all I with. But while my bofom broods its embryo purpofe, Silent and dark. The Count will hurry back 1 That muft be thought of. I am fafe to-night, And for to-morrow's fafety, and to-morrow's, Long as the term of my ftrong life (hall laft, My courage, and my cunning (hall provide. Enter BLAISE hqfttiy y jiale s and trembling. Y ' ' \A*\ -Vt^V,:- '. BLAISE. Lapont ! Lapont ! the Countefs ! LAPONT (Agitated) What of her ? BLAISE. Is murder 'd by the ghoft, or borne away [ LAPONT. . You rave, or dream ! How borne away ! how murder'd ! BLAISE. Alas ! I know not ? But (he is not there ! LAPONT A TREGEDY. 6l LAPONT (Eagerly) Not where ? BLAISE. Not in the chamber where you left her. LAPONT. How cou'd {he go without your hearing her ? BLAISE. Heavy with watching, fleep, at lad furpris'd me. LAPONT (Furiouftj) Thou hoary wretch. [Afide.] " But I mufl curb my rage." " She has found the fecret door, and I am loft ! " Hah ! That's the only way ! BLAISE. What can be done ? LAPONT (Afide) " There is no time for hefitation now, " Forc'd to a point, peril on either fide, " One way, and only one can lead to fafety." Come this way Blaife, into my clofet here ! J have fomething there to fay of great importance. [BLAISE enters with him, but isfirefently heard crying out.~\ O ! do not murder me ' for mercy's fake ! LAPONT (Behind the Scene) Dotard ! take that ! Go, fleep, for ever now ! [He then enters with bloody hands, and A dagger.] So ! one is fafe. That fool can blab no more ! This 6i THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, This key will make me mafter of his hoard : - A comfortable fum, in time of need ! Happen what may, I (hall not fear Montval, And may enjoy my bloody fpoils in peace, Without the dread of his purfuing vengeance. Nay, fuch is my afcendance o'er his mind, That all I execute, he mall approve, And largely pay me for my fecrecy. 'Tis almoft dawn. I will but cleanfe my hands, And eafe that mifer's coffer of its gold, And then my dagger flies at nobler prey. {Exit. L END OF THE FOURTH ACT. A TRAGEDY. AC T V. SCENE I. A Gallery. Enter MATILDA and MARIA, in great conjiernatio*. MATILDA. "^TOT in her chamber ? nor has been to night ? What wonders have I heard ? Am I awake ? Can it be true, the ftory thou haft told, Of haunted rooms, and of a nightly fpefrre,? MARIA. 'Tis but too true. And having told the tale To my dear lady, who has got the keys, I thought it right to roufe you from your reft, And mention all I knew. MATILDA. Thou haft done well To break my fleep, where {he may be in danger. Yet what the danger, Heav'n alone can tell, From fuch a ftrange, and fenfe-confounding caufe ! Wou'd thou hadft been difcreet, and held thy tongue, About thefe wonders, till the Count's return. 2, MARIA. 64 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, MARIA. Ah ! wou'd I had been filent ! But my fears Betray'd my prudence j thoughtlefs of th' event. MATILDA. Where lie the chambers which 'tis faid are haunted ? MARIA. Alas ! I know not 1 Blaife, if he were here, Cou'd mew the way; and fo cou'd-good Lapont, Who, urg'd alike by courage and by zeal, Hurried to feek, and to protect the Countefs. MATILDA. A dreadful apprehenfion feizes me ! I like not fuch proteftors ! Deareft friend ! The fearlefs temper of thy gen'rous mind May urge thee on to unfufpefted peril ! My heart is on the rack till thou art found. Thou cou'dft not bear Lapont ! And thy fure eye Has never fail'd to read a villain's heart. What can be done ? Knock at the Marquis' door ? Call up the Count? The Count ? Ha! he can guide, Can furely guide us to thofe horrid chambers. That way he {Jeeps. Be quick, and give alarm ! [Exit MARIA. Why wou'd the Countefs run this needlefs hazard ? [Exit. [LAPONT enters cautioufly from the other JldeJ] LAPONT. Now is the time, when all are wrapt in fleep ! All but my victims, who fhall feel my arm ! Since every projeft to prevent this woman, This A TRAGEDY. 65 This haughty woman, from her fatal prying, Has been the means, by fome accurfed chance ! Of urging her to fathom the dread fecret. But (he as well might have eflay'd to crufli The deadly ferpent with her delicate hands,, As to deftroy, or counteract my vengeance ! Now her proud fpirit [Count O/'MONTVAL enters from the other fide of the Jlage, with an air of diftrejs and difmay^\ " He return'd fo foon ! * c Too early, yet too late !" COUNT. What now Lapont ? Is aught difcover'd ? Hell itfelf is here ! [Striking his bofomJ\ And thou the demon that has made it fo !^> ! had I never liften'd to thy counfel ! LAPONT. 'Twere wade of time or I cou'd anfvver you. Keep your own fecret, and you've nought to fear \ COUNT. Yes ! Confcience ! Confcience ! waking, but too late ! 1 loath myfelf, my crime, and its fuccefs ! Nor time, nor circumftance can ever cure The living ulcer, that corrodes my heart ! Forc'd to adore, by that unerring juftice, Which all our arts can neither bribe nor blind,* The radiant virtue which my deeds pollute, K My 66 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, My foul can never tafte of comfort more ! O ! never ! never ! ' LAPONT. Wretched canting this ! Worthy the bigot monk, and cloifter'd cell, Where folitude and falling ape the tone Of coward penitence, and pious Zeal ! COUNT. In vain ! you mock the horrors I endure ! They merit fympathy, and not derifion, And mod from thee, the partner of my guilt. How can I face the Countefs ! how fupport Her pure embraces ! JLAPONT (fneeringly). .. Trial too fevere I- But, if you value her efteem, or love, For fhou'd fhe know you, both were loft for ever, Quickly depart ! Away ! with fpeed, for Paris, And never let her know of your return. * His confcientious qualms muft not be trufled." COUNT. But are you certain fhe has no fufpicion ? LAPONT: Back ! back ! where welcome tidings fhall await you. I'll foon be mailer of the fatal keys : The Countefs tried, and laugh'd at all they fhew'd her. The fecret door, to her's a fecret flill. Away ! away ! or we may be difcover'd ! Terefa A TRAGEDY. $7 Terefa has the keys, and they'll be mine. [AJide, going out.'] " Poor eafy dupe ! he credits all I fay !" COUNT. Determin'd villain ! had I never known thee, I had been bleft ! But I muft ftill diffemble, Till the time's riper to defy his malice. I'll go and order that my horfe be ready, Juft look, tho' loth, towards the hated chamber, To fee that all is ftill, and all fecure, And then, with heavy heart ! depart for Paris. [Exit. SCENE II. Changes to the fufi/wfed Haunted Chamber. The COUNTESS rifesfrom the Couch and comes forward. COUNTESS. The fun is rifmg. I will fpeak to Blaife, Difmifs him to procure a clofe conveyance, Ignorant for whom> or what it is defign'd And then releafe the patient fufferer. His look and manners move my inmoft foul ! What deep affront 3 what motive for revenge, Cou'd make the Count abet fuch cruelty 1 There is a fecret in this ftrange affair I cannot fathom ! The afflitted viflim With Chriftian meeknefs, fhudders to accufe My guilty Lord, in fpite of all he has fuffer'd ! K 2 O! 6* THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, ! Niontval! Montval 1 clear this myftery And clear tbyfelf, or never can my heart Efteem thee more ! [Goes to the Door leading to the Anti- Chamber and calls outJ\ !.. What Blaife ! Awake ! Ha ! gone ! Then it is time, indeed, to feek the captive, And to conceal him in mine own apartment, 'Till private means are fought for his departure. [Enters the Door leading to the Dungeon, and difajifiears.~\ SCENE III- Changes to the Dungeon. PRISONER,] It can't be far from morn ! This precious light, Precious! becauje her angel hand beftow'd it. Is nigh extinft ! I thought I could have borne This fhort delay, with a more equal mind! Oh ! that I might but prefs her to my heart, And call her ! But my guardian fpirit comes! COUNTESS. Thou venerable man, whoe'er thou art ; 1 come to lead thee to the chearful day ! But time is fliort, and circumftances prefs J PRISONER. JVTy tutelary angel ! I obey ! [As he is going out with her, enter L A p o N. T with a Dagger in his Hand.] That A TRAGEDY. * 9 That villain here! Then heav'n indeed defend us! LAPONT. Aye ! fay your prayers, for you have need of them ! COUNTESS (Advancing) Jnfolent wretch ! What means this bold in- trufion ? How dare you fet yourfelf to watch my fteps ! Villain avaunt ! and never face me more ! LAPONT (Awftruck a moment, Afide') " What fliall I faulter at a woman's frown !" Perhaps, indeed, we ne'er may meet again 1 COUNTESS. Obdurate monfter ! 1 can guefs thy purpofe ! That dagger and thy face are well agreed ! The midnight murderer, is mark'd by bothl \As he advances 'towards her, fte Jleps back, and draws a Dagger from her Bofom.~\ AiTaffin, look ! I have a dagger too ? But to defend, not murder innocence ! Advance one Hep, and I will llrike thee dead ! LAPONT (Afide) " My fate is fix'd, there's no retracing now 1" Imperious woman ! thus I anfwer thee ! [He rujlies on her, and attempting to feize the Dagger with which fle attempts to Jlrike him ; in thejlruggle it falls .] COUNTESS. Audacious ruffian ! LAPONT- THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, LAPONT. This to prove me fo. [As hefeizes her by the Arm, and is about to plunge his Dagger in her Bofom, the old Prifoner takes up 'that which had fallen, and plunges it m his Side. LA- PRISONER. Thus righteous heav'n affifts the feeble arm ! LAPONT. Oh ! damn'd furprife ! may hell and furies feize thee! Vengeance and horror ! But I will not die ! I am not prepaid. [Try ing to rife, falls and expires."] PRISONER. Alas ! thou art not prepared, To meet the juftice of offended Heav'n ! COUNTESS. Quick, let us haften from this dreadful dungeon. PRISONER. My feeble limbs, exhaufted by this effort, Refufe their 6rfice ! I muft reft awhile ! COUNTESS. Nay, lean on me ! I pray you lean on me ! I will fupport you! and in juftice ought, Since but for you, I were a lifelefs corfe ! Exeunt Jlowly, ftie fupporting him. SCENE A TRAGEDY. ;t SCENE IV. Thefuppofed haunted Room, where appear the COUNT 0/"CoLMAR, the MARQUIS, MATILDA, and MA- RIA, in great confternation. MATILDA. She is not here ! I mall grow mad with terror ! MARQUIS. Be calm my love ! Yet, yet (he will be found ! Think not this fabled phantom can endanger Your noble friend. COLMAR. There's fomething more in this Than a mere fhadow. Heard you not fome noife ? MATILDA. Towards th* alcove ? , , , " MARQUIS. It was. Again I hear it ! MATILDA. O ! I fhall faint ! Now ! now ! I hear the murmur Of fome fad voice ! COUNT. The found of feet approaches, Yet nothing's feen I Nearer ! yet nearer ftill ! MATILDA. Protecl me Marquis ! See ! the tapeftry \ [The tapejlry is lifted up, and dif covers the COUNTESS fupporting the OLD COUNT, in'hofe face is jiained with blood.} MARQUIS. 71 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, MARQUIS. Eternal Pow'r - r what apparition's this ! TERESA. O I Heav'n defend us ! MATILDA. I fhall die with terror ! [As t he OLD COUNT advances towards an eafl windoiu, he averts his face 3 ex- The light! the light ! - [And faints.] COUNTESS. O God ! the viftim dies ! [All rather round.} i-iic.1 ornoi 2!-:. . J MARQUIS. Fly, fly for fuccour ! [Exit MARIA. COUNT OF COLMAR. Can the grave reftore ! ! My eyes deceive me ! No ! it is my friend ! But, ah ! how chang'd ! COUNTESS, (with gnat emotion) What can you mean ? What friend ? COLMAR. The Count of Montval ! Nobleft, beft of men ! [YouNG COUNT enters, who, feeing his father, Jlands horror-Jlruck.~\ COUNTESS. Of Montval 2 What .' the father ! - - YOUNG COUNT. Swallow me, earth ! COLMAR. A TRAGEDY. COLMAR. O ! yes, the father of thy noble hufband ! COUNTESS. Accurs'd the found ! and blotted be the hour, That fhews a monfter in the man I lov'd ! MARQUIS. What dreadful mifery ! what horrid crime Has buried thus alive ! COLMAR. The Count revives ! [OLD CQUNT raifes kimfclf a little, ported by //fo COUNTESS and COLMAR.] OLD COUNT. O ! I am fick ! fick unto death !-^So ! fo ! Here let me lean ! [Reclining his head on the COUNTES*' bofom.] COUNTESS. O ! live '.But try to live, Or the moft abjeft wretch that crawls on earth, Is bleft, compar'd with me ! OLD COUNT. What haft thou faid, Nobleft and kindeft ! ^Ha ! my cruel fon ! [ YOUNG COCJ-NT throws himfelf at his father's feet, the COUNTESS averting her face from him with Jlern horror. .] YOUNG COUNT. Yes! from my bofom rend this barbarous heart ! Trample my body ! Curfe my impious foul ! AH is too good for fuch a fon as me J I* 74 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, OLD COUNT. Do'ft thou repent ? YOUNG COUNT. Repentance is too calm ! Remorfe and horror tear my burfting heart ! OLD COUNT. Then may thy God forgive, as I forgive thee ! YOUNG COUNT. Enchanting found ! But live! O! live to blefs me! [Enter TERESA.] OLD COUNT. It_will not be ! I fear it will not be ! COUNTESS (fuddenty turning, and taking the cordial f ram TERESA.) O! fwal low this ! It may revive your fpirits ! Think of my agonies ! My dread defpair ! OLD COUNT, (trying to drink) I cannot fwallow ! my emotions choak me ! This fudden change ! this confll6t -is too much For age and weaknefs worn with length of forrow ! COUNTESS. ( Uemly to her bujband) Canft thou hear this, and not be turn'd to ftone ! ., .,, OLD COUNT, (to her) Be comforted ! Forgive, as 1 forgive him ! [ To his/on^} Cherifli the beft and nobleft of her fex, And thus redeem thy injuries to me ! Quick, let me feal thy pardon ere I die ! [Embraces him feebly.'] My good and dear old friend, your haijd once more ! [Giving his hand to COL MAR.] Daughter, '^*; A TRAGEDY. 75 Daughter, may ev'ry bleffing [Sinks and dies.] COUNTESS, (ftarting up utttdlj') Bleiling ! 1 ! Can I be bleft ! link'd to a parricide ! See ! fee ! his hands reek with a father's gore ! ! murder ! murder ! Has thy iron heart No touch of nature ! [Stands as if gaffiing for breath.] MATILDA. Deareft, deareft friend ! Now let your wonted firmnefs Hand the teft, And calm your anguifli ! MARQUIS. 'Tis a dreadful trial . For love and virtue, fuch as her's, to bear ! YOUNG COUNT. Well may ilie loatlj a guilty wretch like me ! 1 dare not ev'n approach ! Yet, if my Igve !-^ Tf , r If deep remorfe ^ , COUNTESS, (ftarting from her ftupor) Thy love ! detefted love ! ; What can remorfe, where crimes have dy'4, the foul So deep a black ! Go ! 4ierd with cannibals, V/ho feed on human flem, and drink man's blood ! Yet, even they, refpe6t and love their fathers 1 , YOUNG COUNT. Soul-harrowing thought ! Yet, gracious Heav'n can pardon The guiltieft wretch that lives beneath, the Ikies ! L 2 COUNTESS, 76 THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL, COUNTESS. O mifery ! madnefs ! All my brain's on fire ! MATILDA. Let reafen fpeak to check thefe dangerous tranf- ports I COUNTESS. Talk down the tempeft ! laugh away defpair ! YOUNG COUNT. Thus groy'lingj ^t your feet, I crave for mercy 1 Will nothing move ! COUNTESS, (pointing to his father's body) Monfter ! look there ! look there ! YOUNG COUNT. Diffracting fight ! Forgive me ! O ! forgive ! COUNT OF COLMAR. How cou'd thy heart be harden'd to inflict; Such dreadful cruelties, on fuch a father ! \Vh,o cou'd excite thee to fuch impious conduft? YOUNG COUNT. The vile Lapont, by long and various arts! Bafe as I was to liften to his counfel ! Wicked as bafe ! work'd up my foul to all f . . r . j COUNTESS. " rt Gruel ! unnatural Iwhat cou'd work thy .heart, " What arts, vyhat cbunfel ! to fuch deeds of hor- ror! " But he has his meed ! The blood whofe tainted * t)efile that reverend face, fprang from his heart! ff Old as he was, and dying, yet thy father, V To fave my life," exerted ftrength to kill him ! YOUNG A TRAGEDY. 77 YOUNG COUNT. " Tenfold accurs'd ! dar'd he attempt thy life 1 COUNTESS. " Is that a wonder r Was he not thy tutor ? YOUNG COUNT. " Alas he early tempted me to vice ! " Corrupted firft, and then controled my mind. " Intemp'rate riot, and profufe expence, fc Impell'd, at laft, my father to reprove. " Again I err'd ; again his fterner voice " Check'd my career, and threatened punimment. " Impetuous, headftrong, blinded by my paffions, " Lapont, affiduous, fann'd my caufelefs ragej " pidlur'd my father as a gtoomy tyrant, " And hinted there were means, wou'd 1 employ them, " To give me full pofifeffion of his fortune," Ere lingering nature clos'd his eyes in peace. COUNTESS. And you cou'd liften to the dangerous villaip 1 Cou'd calmly Men, and not drive him from you With execrations I- YOUNG COUNT. Curs'd infatuation, That made me yield my foul to fuch a wretch ! For prefs'd by urgent debts, and urgent vice, In an ill hour, J follow'd his bafe counfel. COUNTESS. " O fatal hour ! Finifh thy horrid tale ! YOUNG COUNT. " Feigning remorfe to the affiifted Count, Reftlefs 7 S THE CASTLE OF MONTVAL. " Reftlefs with forrow, forrow for my faults ' " A foporific I adminifter'd, " Which fimulating death, made all believe, " All but Lapont and me, my father dead. " Laid in his coffin, at the dead of night " We took him thence, and plac'd him in the dun* geon, " Which long difus'd, was only known to us; " Then fill'd the leaden cafe with mimic weight, " And foon interr'd it, with funereal pomp, " In the fame vault where lay his anceftors. ** By night, when all we thought were fad afleep. " We us'd to carry him his fcanty food, " Wretch that I was! And thence the tale of ghofts. < s You know the reft, MATILDA. < Alas ? we know too much r " Wou !d I had never heard the dreadful tale ? COLMAR. O ! my taking whofe hand, and fervently kifling it, he fays. ~\ Mod injur'd, moft rever'd ! O ! may thy fpirit Plead at th' eternal bar. [Dies. COUNTESS. [C!affiing him clofely in her arms as they try to raife /ier.~\ Hold off! Hold off! for I will die with him. [Swoons in Matilda's arms."] MATILDA, Heart-rending fpettacle \ unhappy friend, Exert your fortitude ! MARQUIS. She hears you not ! So deadly is the fwoon that locks her fenfes, Run for fome help to move thefe bodies hence. [To Terefa.] Convey the baplefs Countefs to her chamber, Where let our tender care and friendlhip watch her, Till time (hall bring his balm to heal her wounded mind ! The Curtains drafts, and the Play ends. EPILOGUE, BY THE AUTHOR OF THE TRAGEDY, G, SPOKEN BT MRS. POWELL. "HOST or no ghoft?. For both have flood the teft Ghoft or no ghoft ? Pray which has pleas'd you beft ? But need I afk ? Or can the Author wreftle, With the enchanting ghoft of Conway Caftle ? Tho' kind applaufes hail'd the fancied fprite, Transform'd into a poor old man to-night, He dares not hope applaufe fo long, fo clear, As almoft ftunn'd the fpe&re of laft year, v But a propos pray was it not provoking To make the Countefs nay ! 'tis paft all joking,* At midnight ! in a dungeon ! quite alone ! Brave an hobgoblin, and his hollow groan ! Dear ladies ! I wou'd ftake my life upon it, That neither you, nor YOU, nor YOU had done it ! Nay ! had fome beaux I fee, been in her place, Their hands had not been whiter than their face. For me ! to all the audience be it known I hate, and fear all fpeflres fave my own.* But, hence ! the jeft profane ! 'Twere impious here, From the fad eye, to chafe the graceful tear : No ftudied woes have wak'd the Poet's art, To touch the tendekpulfes of the heart : No high-wrought fiction mov'd the pitying figh, For Kings who languifh, or for Queens who cry ; But the real tale of deep domeftic woe, Has made your bofoms throb, your forrows flow. Too folemn, then, too homefeit is the fcene, For Epilogue to come with flippant mien, And turn to fafhionable Farce a part, Which thrills the fined fibres of the heart. Let thofe who love juft jetting, feek to fhinej But never may the odious talk be mine. Alluding to tbis Lactfspart in tb( Caftle Sjxtfre. M UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. rorm L9-40m-7,'56(C790s4)444 A new Edition of the firft Volume has juft been "pubTiihed.'" ^' * IN THE PRESS, TRAVELS THROUGH THE UNITED STATES OF S'GRTH AMERICA AND UPPER CANADA, AND THE COUNTRT OF THE IRO&UOIS, In the Years 1796-7 and 8; WITH AN AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT OF LOWER CANADA; By the DUKE DE LA RCXHEFOUCAULT LIANCOURT- ithlully tranflaud ^tf^Soft^ in ne ^ Voluras NIVERSITY OF QALIFORNIJT ' ran lllll III) IB 222 o