UC-NRLF B 3 TTl 5fc,b V?- ^^'■4:C-'--%W.4'-£^i- THE HUNCHBACK. % mm IN ¥IVE ACTS. By JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES, Author of '• Virginius," " William Telly' " The Wife,'' etc., etc. FROM THE ORIGINAL TEXT AS FIRST PRODUCED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON, APRIL 5, 1832 ; THE PARK THEATRE, NEW YORK, 1832 AND 1845 ; AND THE UNION SQUARE THEATRE, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 26, 187i AN ENTIRELY NEW ACTING EDITION. (PBESERVING THE AUTHOB's TEXT ENTIKE.) WITH FULL STAGE DIRECTIONS, ACCURATELY MARKED — CAST OF CHARAC- TERS — SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY — FULL DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES, EX- PRESSLY COMPILED FOR THIS FD'TION— BILL FOR PRO- GRAMMES — STORY OF THE PLAY — REMARKS — AND THOSE PORTIONS OF THE PLAY TO BK OMITTED IN REPRESENTATION ACCURATELY MARKED WITH INVERTED COMMAS. EDITED BY JOHN M. KINGDOM, AutTiorof *'Marcorelti,"*'TIie Fountain of Beauty," "A Life's Vengeance," '^Tancred,' *'The High Road of Life,'' " Which is My Husband .?" ''The Old Ferry House," ^'Madeline," " Wreck of the Golden Nary,'' " The Three Musketeers," etc., etc. CHICAGO: THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY. COPXBIGHT, 1876, BY ROBEBT M. DE WlTT. THE HUNCHBACK. I Q 00 5 s P to (A M 2 M i^ii a g g s s g s g s i to O *5 Jrf 0« ^1 C 1 « S 2 O . ^ ft H w S o ^ :^ g j 1^ >; >i ^< ^ 1^ S a S ^ S >< 5 ^ ►^ £ . H ? W H 5 M ^ » s a ^ ^ b^ O S5 Z « £ g S ^ g K 2 M cc H p^ C3 w ;i a 1^ ^ )§ S :§ ^; H .H ►< H 3 :^ 1^ ^ 8 rs S P ti (S g a ;3 I &■ [> w o ^ K j^ fcl >i sJ J^ ^<' M P >-' (-1 H .rt ..^ ^ g_ S :g S !^. ^, !^ ^ ^. !^. !^. : t J ^ W fq O ■2 g 2 £H o^a)Od^S.2-55-F, lap THE HUNCHBACK. , ^ ., ' SCEXUET. I ^-7^» (ACCOEDINO TO THE OBiaiNAL TEXT.) /f /t/ ^ ACT /.f Scene 1.— A Tavern, The flats represent an old-fashioned chamber of heavy oak panels, set in the fourth grooves. An old-fashioned carved fireplace, c. Doors R. and l. 8 e. Chairs of a like old-fashioned style on either side of the door, L., near which is a table and chair, with wine upon table. Near the door, b., four chairs and table, with wine, etc. Scene 2.— The Gardens of Mastkb Walter's House. The flits set in the second grooves represent perspectively beautifully laid out flower-beds, walks, and foun- tain, with old-fashioned house in distance. Scene 3.— Apartment in Master Walter's House, The flats set in the fourth grooves represent one side of the apartment with windows, hung with.ricb curtains opening on to the garden beyond. Tables and chairs, with books, music, and vases and flowers, etc., near l,. and r. 3 e. ; everything giving the appearance of a richly- furnished room, AC 'J' J]., Scene 1.— Apartment in Heartwell'b House. The flats set in the second grooves represent an oaken chamber, with portraits hung in the panels. Scene 2.— Gardens of Heabi well's House. The flats set in the fourth grooves represent terrace and fountains, etc. ; the wings, statuary trees and flowers. Ar- bors R and L. u. K, (Scene 3.— A Street Scene. ' The flit^ set in third grooves represent the exterior of old-fashioned houses. ACT 111., Seme 1.— Drawing-room in the Earl op Rochdale's House. The flats set in second grooves represent an elegantly-furnished apartment. Scene 2.— Apartment in Heaktwell's House. The flats set in fourth grooves ; a rich table with title deeds and papers upon it, writing materials, etc. — placed to the left of the centre, near 3 e. ; chairs on either side of it, and chairs near r. 3 and 2 E. Windows at the back looking on to gardens ; curtains, and pictures. ACT IV., Scene 1.— A Room in the Earl of Rochdalk's House. The same as Scene 1, Act III,, set in second grooves. Scene 2.— Banqueting Room in the same. The flats set in the fourth grooves rep- resent one side of a delicately painted and gilded apartment ; an archway, c, hung with rich curtains. Doors b. and l. u. e. In the panels, which the wings represent, are hung portraits ; a gilded table R., with chairs to correspond near the entrances on either side of the stage ; handbell on table ; writing materials, ACT v.. Scene 1.— A Room in tlie Earl of Rochdale's House. The same as Scene 1, Act III., set in second grooves. Scene 2.— Julia's Chamber, An elegantly-furnished apartment, with window C; curtains, etc, ; chairs k. and l. of window. The flats are placed in the third grooves. Scene 3,— Banqueting Room in the Earl of Rochdale's House, Same as Scene 2, Act IV.* We will now give the scenery as adopted at the Union Square Theatre, New York, ACT 1., Scene 1,— The Tavern on Ludgate Hill.t The flats in the third grooves represent a heavily-wainscoted room, A door l. ; near it an old-fashioned mahog- any table and two chairs ; door l. 2 e. ; a liigh antique carved fii'eplace, r. u. e, ; a door L. 2 E., and near it another table and four chairs; a chair to the left of the door l. 2 E. * In the ordinary representations the Scene of Julia's chamber is omitted, and the banqueting room takes tlie place ; Scenes 2 and 3 being thus thrown into one. t One of the chief thoroughfares of the old City of London as it is at the present time In this street and the vicinity were a number of taverns, or coffee houses, as they were frequently termed, where gay and gallant noblemen and men of fashion, wit, and learning assembled, to discuss politics, literature, love, and scandal, every- thing in fact, and drinking wine deeply, their revelry ending frequently in a duel or a night in the watch-house. A few of these old places are still in existence, though, it is hardly necessary to say, somewhat differently conducted and frequented. M290069 4 THE HUNCHBACK. Al the end of this scene the curtain fallSt and Scene 2, Act 1. of the original edition forms Act II. ACT II., Scene 1.— The Gardens of Mastek Walter's Country House. The flats, set as far back as possible, represent a fine old mansion -with terraces, etc. ; a terrace running across the stage b. and l. v. b., approached by a short flight of steps, c. ; another flight of steps winds up in a slanting direction, off the stage, l. d. k. ; the wings on either side represent flowering shrubs and trees, with pedestals and mar- ble vases with flowers at each entrance. Twining boughs of trees and flowers inter- mingled are suspended from above, forming a charming roof or canopy, and a car- pet thrown over the stage, to represent a well kept grass plot. Act III. of the original version is thrown into this scene, with which Act II. ends, and Act III. begins with Act II. of that version, the scene being changed from an apart' ment to a garden. ACT III, Sdene 1.— The Garden of Master Heartwbll's House, near London. A rich garden scene represented on the flats with the wings to correspond ; statuary on either side ; an arbor, l.v.e. Scene 2 of the original version is thrown into tJiis scene, and Scene 3 becomes Scene 2.— A Street in London, The flats set in second grooves representing ex- terior of old-fashioned houses. The first scene of Act 111. is omitted, and the second scene changed from an apartment in Heartwell's house forms tJie opening scene of ACT /F.— Library in Master Heartwell's House. The flats set in fourth grooves represent the interior of library ; antique book-cases and chairs ; window, c, and velvet curtains. Table and chairs, c. of stage, opposite 3 e. An alcove in a slanting direction, between 1 and 3 e., on each side of the stage, through which is seen richly carved cabinets ; chairs, r. and l. of each alcove ; writing materials ; parchments, papers, etc. All the following scenes in Acts IV. and V. of the original version are thrown into one scene, which forms A CTS V. and F/.— Grand Saloon in the Earl of Rochdale's House. The flats set right back represent a handsome picture gallery. In the fourth grooves one side of the room with a large archway, c, hung with rich velvet curtains, and gold fringe and cords to draw up ; two chairs, r., chair and couch, l. ; rich cabinets, near r. and L. 3 E. An entrance, hung with curtains to gallery, x.. 2 e. ; a door, B., 2 £., near which is a richly gilded table and three chairs. COSTUMES, Master "Walter.— A black Old English velvet doublet slashed with black satin; black mantle ; black cap and plume ; hunched shoulders ; black trunks and silk stockings ; shoes and bows ; sword and cane. Sib Thomas Clifford.— A puce silk doublet richly slashed with crimson, with the front loose, showing rich lawn shirt with handsome lace collar : a dark velvet mantle liued with satin ; dark trunks trimmed with lace at the ends ; russet boots ; blue velvet hat, looped up with diamonds and button and feathers ; ruf- fles of lace ; and handsome sword. Seco7id dress ; dark velvet doublet oi)en at bosom, exposing shirt, lace ruflfles and collar ; black silk stockings ; shoes ; and rosettes. Modus.— Brown velvet doublet, and puce colored silk trimmings ; black trunks ; silk stockings and shoes ; lace collar. Lord Tinsel.— A beautiful rich green silk doublet and trunks, with lace ruffles and collar; shirt, etc ; white silk stockings ; shoes and rosettes ; buflP hat and white sweeping feathers. Fathom.— Dark brown doublet, open at breast to show shirt ; trunks braided ; white collar ; black stockings and shoes ; auburn wig. Master Wilpord.— Isi Dress : Dark colored doublet of velvet, and mantle lined with white silk *, lace ruffles and collar ; black silk trunks, etc. ; shoes and bows; THE HUNCHBACK. 5 hat and feathers. 2d Dress : Dark-blue silk doublet open ; with lace ruffles and collar ; dark velyet pantaloons ; silk stockings ; russet boots ; rich hat and feath- ers : mantle lined with crimson silk ; sometimes it is dressed thus, when he is LoBD Rochdale.— Scarlet satin mantle, lined with white silk ; doublet of like color, slashed with white and scarlet ; trunks ; white silk stockings ; shoes, etc ; buff hat and feathers. Gaxlovi:.— Similar dress to WiiiFOBD's, but of crimson, slashed with white ; silk stocking.s ; shoes ; white hat and feathers, and sword. Thomas.— Gray, oi)en doublet, of cloth, and trunks braided ; white collar; black wig ; black stockings, and shoes. Master Heartwell. — Black velvet doublet, and lace ruffles; trunks with laced bottoms ; lace collar ; gray hat and feathers ; dark brown silk stockings, and shoes with rosettes ; stick and sword. Stephen. - Chocolate colored doublet and trunks bound with velvet ; purple stock- iuga, and shoes ; lace collar and ruffles ; plain black hat and white handkerchief. HoLDWELL —A similar dress, with the colors, varied to the first dress of Masteb WlLFOBD. Simpson.— A similar dress "Waiter.— Black doublet; trunks, stockings, and shoes ; white apron. Servant.— Plain gray doublet, and trunks, with dark blue stockings, and shoes ; white collar. Julia.— Is/ Dress : White muslin dress trimmed with lace ; broad hat and bhie rib- bons. 2d Dress : Light blue satin gown, with bodice and lace trimmings ; broad hat and rich feathers. Sd Dress : White satin bridal dress and train ; long sleeves richly trimmed with lace ; pearl necklace ; white satin shoes. Helen.— 1*< Dress : White muslin trimmed with pink silk or satin ; hat and feath- ers ; rich fan. 2d Dress : Rich blue silk dress, with muslin body and satin train of any light and bright color ; ruff ; fan, etc. PROPERTIES. FOE THE OEIOINAL VEESION. ACT /., Scene 1.— Two circular old-fashioned tables, and half a dozen chairs to cor- respond ; wine bottles and goblets. Scene 3.— Two antique carved and gilded tables ; chairs to match ; books, music, and vases with flowers ; letter. A CT II., Scene 1.— Bell. Scene 2. —Vases and pedestals and pieces of statuary. Scene 3.— Several letters for Stephen. ACT 11/., Scene 1.— Scroll of paper for petition. Scene 2.— A richly-gilded antique table ; parchment deeds, papers, and writing materials ; chairs to correspond with table ; pictures ; letter for Julia to sign ; parchments and letter for Mas- ter Walter ; letter for Thomas. ACTl v., Scene 1.— Book for Modus. Scene 2.— Richly-gilded table and chairs ; let- ter for Clifford ; hand-bell. ACT v.. Scene 1.— Book for Modus. Scene 2.— Peal of bells; rich jewel case and jewels ; light gilded chamber chairs. Scene 3.— Gilded table and chairs ; carpet, etc. ; parchment. UNION SaUAEE VEBSION. -«4Cr/., 5c«n« 1.— Same as above. ACT JL, Scene 1— Statuary, pedestals, and vases with flowers ; carpet to represent grass over the entire stage ; letter for Fathom. ACT III, Scene 1. — Statuary, pedestals, and vases ; bell. Scene 2.— Several letters for Stephen. ACT IV., Scene 1.— Antique bookcases and chairs, with a table of the same kind;, cabinets to be seen through alcoves ; writing materials ; papers ; parchment deeds and letters for Master Walter ; paper for Julia to sign ; letter for Thomas. 6 THE HUNCHBA-CK. ACTS V. and r/.— Richly-gilded table, and chairs to correspond ; couch; cabinets, ▼ith articles of virtu ; letter for Cliffokd : book for Modus ; writing materials ; parchment. STOET OF TEE PLAY. Of all the members of the leading rank of English nobility some few centuries ago, there were very few who could surpass, or even equal, the owner of the title and estates of the Earldom of Rochdale. As the author says : " A lord of many lands 1 In Berkshire half a county : and the same In Wilkshire, and in Lancashire. Across The Irish Sea a principality. And not a rood with bond or lien on it !" These large estates, and the large revenues accruing therefrom, necessarily required an educated, keen, and careful manager or agent, and this was found in a presumed distant relative of the family, one Master Walter, to whom the Earl en- trusted the entire control of hia large domains. He was a singular man, was Master "Walter ; he was in his demeanor somewhat reserved, aud yet withal, there was in his manner and action a genial kindness?, and a true, outspoken honesty. In every respect he was a worthy man, whose word would paas on 'change as easily as his bond, so good was his repute from years of tried experience and in all respects a man of liberality ; no scheme of public good was ever put forward in his neighborhood, but it was supported by his own contributions to a larger extent than those of any other i)erson, in addition to that which he was enabled, and authorized to draw from his master's revenues. Retiring in his habits and assuming no prominent posi- tion beyond that which his place in society actually required, it was well known there were many acts of charity performed which could only emanate from him, though outward signs could not trace the authorship. Marrying young, he antici- pated a life of happiness, only, however, doomed to disappointment, for in giving birth to a daughter, his wife's life was forfeited. It was then that he felt come upon him the great drawback of deformity in his personal appearance— he was a hunch- back !— and in losing one who had considered that no detriment to his mental quali- fications, he felt himself isolated in the world, and he determined still further to isolate himself, and bring up his daughter in ignorance of her true relationship, so that on such account she should not be wanting in filial aflfection Thus years passed on, and beneath his tender, fostering care the infant Julia progressed to woman- hood, with all the charms that nature could bestow, and mental cultivation enhance. It so happened that time, however, wrought a great change. The Earl's son was stricken down with a fatal malady, and he was himself seized with a like disease, to which he speedily succumbed. In consequence of this, the titles and estates devolved upon one Master Wilford, a very distant relative, a cousin in the third degree, a gay, reckless gallant, who, though the son of a gentleman, had been hitherto unnoticed by his wealthy relative, and had been glad to enjoy the scanty revenues of a scriven- er's cierk, at that time, however, no very mean occupation, and to pass his time in gayety and pleasure, his boon companions youthful noblemen, as handsomely equip- ped and reckless as himself —whose evenings were spent in the taverns of the city of London, at the period of the play the nightly resort of wealthy profligacy, wit, and learning. It is with such a scene as this, when Master Walter arrives to search out the successor to the title and estates of his deceased master, that the play commences. Surrounded by gentlemen, to whom Master Wilford has revealed the great pros- pects awaiting him, and who do not fail to blend their congratulations with copious draughts of wine, the hunchback meets with a boisterous reception, and bis stem rebuke upon the levity exhibited at the receipt of the intelligence he brings of Lord Rochdale's death, and the consequent accession of Master Wilford to the title and estates, calls forth from Gaylove, one of the gallants present, an insulting allusion to bis deformity. Calm as he usually Is, this personal attack is too much to bear, and THE HUJSCHBACK. / swords are drawn, but one Sir Thomas Clifford, a youthful baronet, who happens to be present, takes the quarrel upon himself, and by his honest, gallant bearing, so stems the torrent of the uncalled for attack, that the offender and his party quit the tavern, possibly for further brawls, leaving, however, the hunchback and his com- panion alone. They recognize each other ; Sir Thomas Clifford, from the stories he has heard of the agent's good qualities, and Master Walter, from a clerk in his em- ploy, who had once been in the service of Clifford's father. The hunchback, with his usual keenness, at once perceives there is a chance for a fitting husband for his daugh- ter ; he knows Sir Thomas, as he tells him, to have been trained to knowledge, indus- try, frugality, and honesty, and sounding him well, finds that he does not live beyond his means, and neither bets nor races, and furthermore, that he has no mistress for his house. In glowing language, he describes the charms of Julia, and ends with an invitation to visit her, observing with marked meaning : " You'll bless the day you served the Hunchback, sir I" Julia has been brought up in the country entirely, under the watchful eye of Mas- ter Walter, whom she looks upon as her guardian, and for whom she feels and ex- presses the deepest affection. Beyond the rural life, which she is lead to believe has been enjoined by her unknown father for some family reason, she sees not any at- traction, and even the vivid picture of gayety and pleasure which her companion Helen describes of city life, fails to have any effect. To her the only true happiness of life is to be found in the country ; the principles being firmly impressed in her mind by Master Walter— '* Nine times in ten the town's a hollow thing, Where what things ai'e is naught to what they show ; Where merit's name laughs merit's self to scorn ! Where friendship and esteem, that ought to be The tenants of men's hearts, lodge in their looks And tongues alone." In one of the sweetest speeches ever written she describes the love and kindness exhibited towards her from childhood upwards by the hunchback; but the glowing scene is interrupted by his arrival with Sir Thomas, whose unexpected visit naturally excites the keenest curiosity. Clifford is not long before he peiceives the great at- tractions of his host's ward, and he takes a very early opportunity of declaring his pa.ssion. This scene is an exceedingly pretty one, and most admirably constructed. She is pleased with his handsome, gallant, and manly bearing, but determines to try him by insisting that whoever marries her must lead a country life. But to all this Clifford is attached— smiles without deceit ; peace and contentment ; the observance of nature, winter or summer ; the fireside on a winter's night ; all this has charms which those in cities fail to find; and, warmly supporting her views, he again offers his hand and fortune. The new-made lovers are, however, abruptly interrupted by the sudden entry of Master Walter, who receives intelligence that a written packet to be given only to him has been found in the deceased Earl's escritoire, which neces- sitates a journey to London, whither he determines to take Julia and her companion Helen. The allurements of the city prove too strong for the country-bred girl, and in the ensuing scene there is an admirably -written description of the change which has taken place. In the country, five and six o'clock in the morning saw Julia rising from her couch, but now those hours see her frequently retiring ; and Master Walter is astounded when he receives from his friend Heartwell, at whose house she is staying, the astonishing intelligence— *' Your country maid has wilted all away, And plays the city lady to the height ; Her mornings gives to mercers, milliners, Shoemakers jewellers, and haberdashers ; Her noons, to calls ; her afternoons, to dressing ; Evenings, to plays or cards ; and nights, to routs, Balls, masquerades 1 Sleep only ends the riot, "Which waking still begins ! " 8 THE HUNCHBACK. ClifTord is naturally alarmed at this sudden and unanticipated change. He fondly and mildly remonstrates, hut all in vain ; the wayward, fiery spirit has hroken forth, and the hitherto unthwarted will can hrook no control. The wedding has been fixed, indeed, it is only a week oflf, and its near approach affords an opportunity for a very fine scene, wherein Julia describes to Helen the grand position she will occupy as Lady Clifford— carriages, retinue, dresses, jewelry, every luxury, in fact, that wealth can obtain. But she is overheard by Clifford, who, in a sweetly-written speech, reproaches her for her vanity and lack of love for himself, and acquaints her with bis resolve— " The day that weds, wives you to be widowed. ***** be Lady Clifford ! My coffers, lands, are all at thy command ; "Wear all ! but for myself, she wears not me, Who would not wear me for myself alone. I'll lead thee to the church on Monday week ; Till then farewell ! and then— farewell forever ! " A sad change now comes over the scene. Clifford succeeded to the baronetcy and estates upon the presumption that a cousin, who stood before him, had died at sea ; but intelligence now arrives that such was not the case, that he was saved, and has returned ; consequently, rank and wealth pass away, and Clifford is now all but a beggar. He acquaints Master Walter with the tidings ; but in him it works no difference outwardly ; he has studied closely the merits of his intended son-in-law, and he per- ceives and recognizes his worth in poverty as in prosperity. The difficulty is how to deal with his daughter, to strike the gay and high-flown city notions from her mind, and bring back again the purity of country life and the principles of true love, for that she loves Clifford he is convinced ; it is a proud spirit that will not brook any guidance or control which prevents her acknowledging it and yielding. That this ia the ease is shown in a very spirited scene indeed, wherein Helen, with an immensity of gay and sparkling maliciousness, assisted by her quiet, bookworm cousin, Modus, and acting upon the instructions of Master Walter, informs Julia of Clifford's fall, and tells her how they will tease and worry him, and what delightful pleasure it will be to call him plain " Master " Clifford, instead of " Sir Thomas " ; which calls forth frequent bursts of anger from Julia, showing, though she will not admit it, that her entire love is his. Master Walter's plans prosper. The new Earl of Rochdale, enchanted by the beauty of Julia, offers her his hand and title, which she declines ; but, upon the rup- ture with Clifford, he makes a second offer, and entrusts it to Master Walter, who acts as agent to him as he did to the deceased Earl, for delivery. This affords inci- dents for one of the finest scenes in the play. Now that Clifford is i)Oor Julia feela her love return stronger than ever ; but her pride is in the way ; she will not ac- knowledge her faults, and he will not seek her. In her angry pettishness she avows her hate for him, and Master Walter, seizing the opportunity, informs her of Lord Rochdale's second offer, descants upon his high position and large estates, and urges her, out of revenge, to accept his proposal, placing the letter before her : " Write thy own name. And show how near akin thy hate's to hate." She does sign ; and when it is too late bitterly bemoans her hasty act. The step cannot, however, be retraced, and, accompanied by her guardian, Helen, and her cousin, she proceeds to the Earl's country seat. Upon their arrival there, one of the most amusing and brilliant comedy scenes ever written ensues between the gay and vivacious Helen, who is really deeply in love with her cousin Modus, but whom she is unable to draw put of a quiet, sleepy, dreamy sort of way, constantly studying Greek and Latin books, more especially " Ovid's Art of Love." Pursuing the plan he has formed. Master Walter never ceases to speak of his wealth and position; but he does not fail to see the old love still remains finn. THE hu:nckback. 9 He tells her a sweetly-written story (which is, however, much curtailed in rep- resentation, why, I know not) of a princess and a page, who is seized and confined in a dungeon upon her father discovering their love ; but at night another page appears ; it is the princess in disguise ; the door flies open ; a steed is ready to bear them both away to liberty. Enraptured with the tale Julia exclaims : " Oh ! happy princess, that had wealth and state, To lay them down for love ! " and in the most glowing terms reveals how strongly the sentiment reigns within her breast. At this moment a servant announces that the Earl, who is absent, has sent his sec- retary with a letter, which he is waiting to deliver. Master Walter, considering it to be a private communication, withdraws, reminding her that the morrow sees her a ^redded bride. The secretary is ushered in, and as he announces his errand in low and humble tones, they strike upon her ear as those to which she has been accus- tomed ; her courage fails ; she suspects, but dare not satisfy her anxiety ; at last> summoning up all her strength, she turns and takes the letter. It is Clifford— plainly clad— yet as handsome and as noble as ever. In brilliantly written language he alludes to the past, but she nerves herself to the task of preserving her position aa the promised bride of another ; yet when he kneels and implores her pardon, true- love breaks forth, and she throws herself into his arms upon his assurance that the nuptials can be avoided with honor. These blissful moments are, however, interrupted, by the return of Master Walter, who, recognizing the secretary, orders his immediate withdrawal, at the same time artfully and purposely turning away— giving them time for further converse, and affording an opportunity to Clifford to declare to Julia— " The ring that goes thy wedding finger on, No hand save mine shall place there !" The marriage morn approaches, and the meeting of Master Walter and Julia brings forth an explanation. It is a magnificently constructed scene, and the lan- gu li^'e of the finest and most telling kind. He traces her career from childhood up- wards : her youth being passed in privacy as her father willed ; his selection of a fitting partner ; her love lor him, and acceptance; their journey to town ; and her sudden change. In vain she appeals for pardon, and knplores him to prevent the match ; kindly, but firmly, he reminds her of her promise ; her honor is at stake, and she must nerve herself for the trying ordeal. Lord Rochdale and the guests arrive, and as a last chance, Julia avows her love for Clifford, and implores to be freed from her promise. A refusal follows— Clifford beseeches her not to give her hand ; she hesitates ; when the hunchback reminds her that she has a father. With vehement energy she exclaims : " Bring him now— To see thy Julia justify thy training. And lay her lite down to redeem her word ! " Struck with admiration, he gazes upon her tor a moment, then demands of the Earl if it is his wish the nuptials should go on, and being answered in the affirma- tive, exclaims : '* Then it is mine they stop !" Then comes the astounding revealation that the hunchback's father, a former Earl of Rochdale, disgusted with his son's deformity, had placed him away when an in- fant, and had left behind him a written testament only to be opened in case his heir (his younger brother) should die without a son. His heir and son had both died, and consequently Master Walter now becomes Earl of Rochdale. Amazed and bewildered as they are, the company are still more so, when he proclaims Julia to be his daugh- ter, explaining the motives for the concealment, and placing her hand in Clifford's, fully realizes the prophecy that he would bless the day he served the Hunchback ! 10 THE HUNCHBACK. REMARKS. ■ Of the numerous plays written by James Sheridan Knowles, few have been more popular than the present one ; indeed, with the exception of " Virginius " (which the celebrated tragedian, Mr. Macready, considered the finest), " William Tell," " The Wife," " The Love Chase," and " The Hunchback," his pro-Juctions achieved a very moderate success, and, after a brief career, have past into oblivion. Whilst but a youth he exhibited a stjong predilection for the drama, by writing, at sixteen years of age, a five-act tragedy entitled "The Spanish Story," a piece of very fair average merit. This was followed by " Hersilia," and "The Gypsy," which was acted at Waterford, in Ireland, the celebrated tragedian, Edmund Kean (with whom the author was performing ; both then unknown to fame), playing the hero. Then came a melo-drama, entitled " Brian Boroighme," founded upon the history of an Irish prince of that name, who, many centuries ago, defeated the Danes at Clontarf, Ireland, in a very sanguinary battle. Mrs. Knowles represented the hero- ine, Kean the hero, and the author (who was first singer at the theatre, which shows the versatility of his talent), the high priest. After this came a highly classical play, called " Caius Gracchus," followed by his great Roman play, "Virginius," which was produced at Glasgow, Scotland in April, 1820, and with which Mr. Macready was so liighly pleased that he secured its production in London immediately after, ward, and made the leading character one of the greatest of his successes. Then came his fine play of " William Tell," in which Mr. Macready made another hit ; and which also proved very successful in Ireland, where the author made a long professional tour, not altogether a very satisfactory one, more especially in his birth- place, the City of Cork, where he met with such a tame reception, more particularly in a i)ecuniarv sense, upon the night of his benefit that he observed to a friend : "My plays are too liberal for the aristocratic illiberals of Ireland— they breathe the noble sentiments of liberty, and such are not the sentiments of the influential classes in Ireland. I do not regret the creation of those sentiments I am going to a place where the feelings and reality of liberty exist in their most glowing forms— and not the form alone, but the embodied spirit. I am going to America."* After " William Tell " came " The Beggar's Daughter of Bethnal Green," founded upon a ballad in Percy's " Reliques of Ancient Poetry," a drama of faulty construc- tion, and which proved a failure. It was followed by another work, " Alfred the Great"; but, although it had the powerful support of Macready in the principal character, its success was only temporary. We now come to the present play ; with respect to which it is best to give the author's introduction to the first edition, pub- lished in 1832 : " This comedy owes its existence to the failure of ' The Beggar's Daughter of Bethnal Green,' which was produced under the most unfavorable circumstances, and in the unavoidable absence of the author. I did not like to be baffled, especially, as I thought, without good reason ; and, cheered by the generous, enthusiastic advoca- cy of the Atlast (a perfect stranger to me), I set to work upon ' The Hunchback.' " My friend, Mr. Macready,! who was very angry with me for again attempting a walk in which I had failed— and who came to Glasgow solely, I believe, for the ob- ject of expostulating with me,— was the first to encourage me to proceed. I had com- pleted my first act. I read it to him, and he told me to go on. This I thought the * This was in 1825, but he did not leave England for the United States until July, 1834 t The title of one of the leading newspapers published in London at that period. t Although the author alludes thus to Macready. wlio was his greatest friend and atoiirer, and had been the means of introducing him so prominently to the public by effecting the production of "Virginius" in London, it is curious to note that in the Reminiscences of that eminent tragedian there is not the slightest allusion to this subject. The only times he refers to this play are on August 20, 1832 : ' Went to Haymarket to see 'The Hunchback '—a beautiful play very indifferently acted"; and on the following day, August 21 : " Wrote criticism on ' The Hunchback * " ; but fbe >rhjr or the wherefore does not appear. THE HUNCHBACK. 11 happiest ot omens, for many a proof had he given me of his admirable judgment in such things. This happened about two years ago. " It was not, however, until the latter end of the summer of 1831 that I had lei- sure to proceed with my work. I recommenced it in the pleasant walks about Bir- mingham, and completed it on the sands of Newbaven— my roomy study ; where, at the same time, I remodelled ' Alfred.' I brought both plays up to town with me in April laat. " ' The Hunchback ' was read to Mr. Lee, and instantly accepted by that gentle- man, who, without hesitation, granted me teims even more advantageous than those which I required for it from Covent Garden, and to whose polite and liberal deport- ment towards me, during his brief, divided reign of management, I joyfully take this opportunity of bearing testimony. The play, however, was defective in the under-plot, which was perfectly distinct from the main one. This error Mr. Mac- ready pointed out to me— as did subsequently Mr. Morton, in an elaborate critique as full of kindness as of discrimination. My avocations, however, did not leave me at liberty to revise my work till about two months ago, when 1 constructed my under-plot anew ; and, having done my best to obviate objections, presented ' The Hunchback' to Drury Lane, from which establishment I subsequently withdrew it, because it was not treated with the attention whica 1 thought it merited." Upon this withdrawal, the author took his play to Covent Garden Theatre, and was so warmly received by the management that he very soon, to quote his own words, "found a home indeed, and among friends." In little more than a fortnight the play was ready, improved and strengthened by curtailment and condensation, kindly and judiciously suggested by experienced and practical friends, and warmly and gratefully accepted. Its first representation was a great success, owing much (apart from the intrinsic merits) to the fine per- formances of Miss Fanny Kemble. It subsequently had the advantage of the still finer actin;? of Miss Ellen Tree (afterwards Mrs. Charles Kean). The success of the play in London soon caused its production in America, and a piece so brilliantly popular both before and behind the curtain, was first produced at the Park Theati-e, New York, June 10, 1832, with the cast mentioned at the com- mencement. It was also produced the same night at the Richmond Hill Theatre, with Mr. Hilson as Master Walter ; Mr. Clarke as Sir Thomas Clifford; Mi's. Barnes as Julia ; and Mrs. Hilson as Helen ; a quartette in pointof merit more than a match for the Park comjjetilors, but there, however, the subordinate characters were much superior, and Mr. H Placide especially won high applause by his i)erfect embodi- ment of the droll stupidity of Fathom, making it far more effective, as the author afterwards acknowledged, than it had ever been rendered upon the English stage ; indeed, it is said that he candidly admitted he had never thought itjwssible to make the character so attractive. The play was not, however, at first quite so successful as expected ; the fine drawn character of the heroine, upon which the author had lavished all his skill and power, failing of its intended eflfect, until the magic of Fanny Kemble's genuis placed it in a position of favor from which the rude handling of many an ignorant dfbufante and many ambitious aspirants for tragic honors have been unable to dislodge it. The sensation created by the appearance of Mr. and Miss Kemble, is stated to have been equalled in kind only in the days of Cooke and the elder Kean, and in duration and intensity, was altogether unparalleled ; the in- tellectual, educated and refined, crowded the theatre when they performed, and during their entire stay their popularity never waned. On October 15, 1832, it was produced also at the New York Theatre, better known as the Bowery Theatre, with Mr. Hamblin as Sir Thomas Clifford, and Miss Vincent as Julia : it proved a decided hit In 1845 this popular play was again successfully introduced to the public with a powerful array of talent, as will be seen by referring to the cast. That it should suc- ceed, was a moral certainty, the sweet actin? of the talented and highly gifted Mrs, Charles Kean being sufficient in itself to ensure success. Gentleman, scholar, and actor, as Mr. Charles Kean was, he was unsuited to the part of Sir Thomas Clifford 12 THE HUirCHBA.CK. both in voice and figure ; of this he was well aware, for it was a character he seldom attempted ; when he did so, I believe it was only done to show oflF the brilliant abil- ity of his wife. It was again produced upon the fourth of June, 1847, upon the occasion of a com- plimentary benefit given to Mrs. James Mason, formerly Miss Emma Wheatley, by a number of leading citizens. She appeared as Julia, which is stated to have been her best character, and judging from the accounts handed down, was most ably sup- ported by Mr. Bass as Master Walter, Mr. Wheatley as Sir Thomas Clifford, Mr. G. Barrett as Modus, and Mrs. Abbott as Helen. The i)erformance was a great success; it was Mrs. Mason's last appearance, and in every respect it was a fiattering end to a career eminent alike for professional skill and private worth. It rested now pretty well until the 30th of August, 1862, when it was produced at the Broadway Theatre, with Mr. F. Conway as Master Walter, Mr Grosvenor as Modus, Mr Florence as Lord Tinsel, Miss Julia Dean as Julia, and Miss Annie Londsale as Helen ; meeting with very fair success. But it was reserved until the year 1874 to witness what may literally and truly be called one of the greatest triumphs of this play. In the month of October in that year it was produced at the Union Square Theatre, New York, in a manner, both as regards the acting and the mounting, that, as a whole, has very rarely been surpassed ; indeed, the style in which it was put upun the stage reflected the great- est possible credit upon the liberality of the proprietor, Mr. Sheridan Shook, and the good taste and judgment of the manager, Mr. A. M. Palmer. Mr. F. Robinson's Master Walter and the Sir Thomos Clifford of Mr. Charles R. Thorne, Jr., were ad- mirably rendered ; the Modus of Mr. Stuart Eobson and the Fathom of Mr. J. E. Irving everything that could be desired. Miss Clara Morris made an excellent Julia, and though wanting in some respects the softness and sweetness thrown into the part by her great predecessors, in many instances she rendered the character most powerfully and effectively. I should think a better Helen than Miss Kate Claxton has not been seen upon the New York stage for some years, if at all. It has rarely been my lot to see a finer piece of acting or one greeted with louder or more genuine applause than the scene between her and Modus, in which they discourse upon Ovid and the art of love. It will be some time, I think, before the masterpiece of Knowles will be better mounted or more effectively acted. I will here take the opjwrtunity of saying that I am indebted for much of the fore- going material to Mr. Ireland's " History of the New York Stage," which is one of the best works of the kind I have met with, and I tender him my sincere thanks for the information obtained from it, not only for this play, but for others which I have had the honor and pleasure of editing. J. M. Kingdom. STAGE DIRECTIONS. R. means Right of Stage, facing the Audience ; L. Left ; C. Centre ; R. C. Right of Centre ; L. C. Left of Centre. D. F. Door in the Flat, or Scene running across the back of the Stage ; C. D. F. Centre Door in the Flat ; R. D. F. Right Door in the Flat ; L. D. F. Left Door in the Flat ; R. D. Right Door ; L. D. Left Door ; 1 E. First Entrance; 2 E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance ; 1, 2 or 3 G. First, Second or Third Grooves. R. R. C. C. L. C. L. K9* The reader is supposed to be upon the stajfe facing the audience. THE HUNCHBACK. * 13 BILL FOR PROGRAMMES, AS OBIOINALLT PLAYBD. ACT I. SCBNE T.— INTEEIOR OF A TAVERN. A Gallant Ca^'ousal — Extravagance, Love, and Wine — An Expectant Earl and his Boon Companions — Arrival of the Hunchback — The Tidings of Death — A Gallant in his Ctips — Tlie Quarrel — A Friend in Need— The Story of Sir Thomas Clifford— The Offer of a Wife. ScKNE ir.— THE GARDENS OF MASTER WALTER'S HOUSE. The Fair Julia and her Companion Helen — Town and Country Life — Th$ Story of a Loving Guardian — An Unexpected Visitor — Woman's Curi- osity. Scene III.-APARTMENT IN MASTER WALTER'S HOUSE. Love at First Sight — Sir Thomas Wooes a Rural Bride — Lovers Disturbed — Departure for Town. ACT II. Scene I.-APARTMENT IN MASTER HEARTWELL'S HOUSE. Town and Country Servants — Julia Transformed to a City Beauty — High jVb' tions and Late Hours. Scene II. -THE GARDENS OF HEARTWELL'S HOUSE. A Meeting of Old Friends — The Pleasures of High Life — Gayety and Love — A Fickle Woman — The Wedding Day Fixed — Visions of Pleasure and Extravagance — A Lover's Remonstrance — " I'll Lead Thee to the Church, and then — Farewell for ever .' " Scene III.— A STREET. Alarming News — Sir Thomas reduced to Poverty — A Faithful Servant — ITie Dead come to Life — Anger of Master Walter. ACT III. Scene I.-DRAWING ROOM IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. Indignation of his Lordship at Julia's Refusal to Marry — Rank Better than Brains — Birds of a Feather — Fashionable Amusements. Scene II.— APARTMENT IN MASTER HEARTWELL'S HOUSE. True Love Runs not Smoothly — Offended Pride — A Woman Crossed and Vexed — The Temptation of a Coronet — Pride is Triumphant, and the Old Love Cast off — Neu-s of Cliffoid's Ruin — Julia's Anguish — An Artful Plot — The Marriage Deeds Prepared. ACT IV. Scene L-A ROOM IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. Helen and her Cousin Modus — Ovid's Art of Love — Bashful Simplicity — A Lively Trap to catch a Timid Lover — A Bold Resolve — " Hang Ovid's Art of Love! Ill Woo my Cottsin!' ScBNE II.-BANQUETING ROOM IN THE SAME. Master Walter and his Ward— The Story of the Princess and the Page — A 14 . THE HUNCHBACK. Message from the Earl of Eochdale— Master Walter* s Warning— The Poor Secretary, Sir Thomas Clifford— Bitter Anguish of Julia— Love Overcomes Pride ^ and Clifford Wins— Unexpected Entrance of the Hunchback— Dismissal of Clifford. ACT V. Scene I.-A ROOM IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. A Scheming Woman— Helen's Plan for Julia's Flight— A Plot for Marriage — A Simple Lover, and a Woman's Teaching — A Happy Result — Love Victorious. SctNE II.— JULIA'S CHAMBER. Preparations for the Wedding — Anguish of Julia— Arrival of the Hunch- back — Agonizing Appeal of Julia — He Pictures to Her the Sweetness of Her Country Life — TJiere is no H&pe— Arrival of the Bridegroom and Guests — Pathetic Appeal of Julia — Refusal of the Bridegroom — Sudden Intervention of Master Walter— Startling Disclosures / The Hunch- back is Earl of Rochdale, and Jidia his Daughter ! — Union of Julia and Sir Thomas Clifford. AS PLAYED AT THE UNION SQUARE THEATRE. ACT 1. Scene I.-SAME AS ABOVE, ACT I., SCENE II. ACT II. Scene I.— THE GARDENS OF MASTER WALTER'S COUNTRY HOUSE. The incidents described above in Act I., Scenes 2 and 3. ACT III. Scene II. -THE GARDENS OF MASTER HE ART WELL'S HOUSE NEAR LONDON. TJie incidents descibed above in Act IL, Scenes 1 and 2. SCBNK III.— A STREET IN LONDON, SAME AS ACT IL, SCENE III. ACT IV. Scene I.-LIBRARY IN MASTER HEARTWELL»8 HOUSE. The incidents described above in Act IIL, Scene 2. ACT V. Scene L-GRAND SALOON IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. The incidents described above in Act IV., Scenes 1 and 2. ACT VI. Scene I.— THE SAME. The incidents described above in Act V., Scenes 1, 2, and 3. THE HUNCHBACK. ACT I. SCENE I. — A tavern. Sir Thomas Clifford at a table with wine before him, L. c, Master Wilford, Gaylove, Holdwell, and Simpson, Uketvise talcing wine, at table near r. 2 e. Wir.FORD. Your wine, sirs; your wine; you do not justice to mine host of the Three Tuns, nor credit to yourselves. I swear the beverage is good ! It is as palatable poison as you will purchase within a mile round Ludgate, Drink, gentlemen ; make free. You know I am a man of expectations, and hold my money as light as the purse in which I carry it. Gaylove. We drink, Master Wilford ; not a man of us has been chased as yet. WiLF. But you fill not fairly, sirs. Look at my measure ! Where- fore a large glass, if not for a large draught ? Fill, I pray you, else let us drink out of thimbles. This will never do for the friends of the nearest of kin to the wealthiest peer in Britain, Gay. We give you joy, Master Wilford, of the prospect of advance- ment which has so unexpectedly opened to you. WiLF. Unexpectedly indeed ! But 3^esterday arrived the news that the earl's only son and heir had died, and to day has the earl himself been seized with a mortal illness. His dissolution is looked for hourly, and I, his cousin in only the third degree, known to him but to be un- noticed by him — a decayed gentleman's son — glad of the title and revenues of a scrivener's clerk — am the undoubted successor to his es- tates and coronet. Gay. Have you been sent for ? WiLF. No ; but I have certified to his agent, Master Walter, the hunchback, my existence and peculiar propinquity; and momentarily expect him here. " Gay. Lives there any one that may dispute your claim — I mean vexatiously 1 " WiLF. Not a man, Master Gaylove. I am the sole remaining branch of the family tree." Gay. Doubtless you look for much happiness from this change of fortune 7 WiLF. A world ! Three things have I an especial passion for : the finest hound, the finest horse, and the finest wife in the kingdom, Mas- ter Gaylove. Gay. The finest wife ! WiLP. Yes, sir; I marry. Once the earldom comes into my line, I shall take measures to perpetuate its remaining there. I marry, sir! I do not say that I shall love. My heart has changed mistresses too 16 THE HUNCHBACK. [a.CT I. often to settle down in one servitude now, sir. But fill, I pray you, friends. This, if 1 mistake not, is the day whence 1 shall date my new fortunes, " and for that reason, Hither have I invited you, that having been so long my boon companions, you should be the first to congratu- late me." Enter Waiter, l. d. Waiter You are wanted, Master Wilford. WiLF. By whom ? Waiter One Master Walter. WiLF. His Lordship's agent ! News, sirs ! Show him in ! {rises.') [Exit Waiter, l. d. My heart's a prophet, sirs — the Earl is dead. Enter Master Walter, l. d. Well, Master Walter ; how accost you me 1 {all come forward, except Clif- ford, R.) Walter, As your impatience shows me you would have me, My Lord, the Earl of Rochdale ! Gay. Give you joy ! Holdwell. All happiness, my lord ! SiMPSox. Long life and health unto your lordship ! "Gay. Come! "We'll drink to his lordship's health ! 'Tis two o'clock. " We'll e'en carouse till midnight ! Health, my lord !" Hold. My lord, much joy to you ! Huzza ! {aU go to the table, fill and drink.) " Simp. Huzza !" Walt. (l. c). Give something to the dead ! Gay. Give what 1 Walt. Respect ! He has made the living ! First to him that's gone Say "Peace," and then with decency to revels. Gay. What means the knave by revels 1 {advances toward Walter.) Walt. Knave ! Gat. Ay, knave ! Walt. Go to ! Thou'rt flushed with wine. Gat. Thou say est false ! Tho' didst thou need a proof thou speakest true, I'd give thee one. Thou seest but one lord here, And I see two ! Walt. Reflect'st thou on my shape ? Thou art a villain ! Gay. Ha ! Walt. A coward too ! {walks from him, l.) Draw ! {drawing his sword.) Gat. Only mark him. how he struts about ! How laughs his straight sword at his noble back. Walt. Does it 1 It cuffs thee for a liar, then ! {strikes him with his sword.) Gay. a blow 1 Walt, (striking again). Another, lest you doubt the first ! Gay. His blood on his own head ! I'm for you, sir ! {draws.) Clifford {rising, and coming forward, r. of Walter, and drawing). Hold, sir ! This quarrel's mine ! Walt. No man shall fight for me, sir ! ACT I.J THE HUNCHBACK. 17 Clif. By your leave — Your patience, pray ! My lord— for so I learn Behooves me to accost you — for your own sake Draw off your friend ! Walt. Not till we have a bout, sir ! " Clif. My lord, your happy fortune ill you greet — " 111 greet it those who love you — greeting thus " The herald of it ! " Walt. Sir, what's that to you 1 Let go my sleeve ! " Clif. My lord, if blood be shed " On the fair dawn of your prosperity, " Look not to see the brightness of its day. " 'Twill be o'ercast throughout !" Gat. My lord, I'm struck ! Clif. You gave the first blow, and the hardest one ! Look, sir ; if swords you needs must measure, I'm Your mate, not he. Walt. I'm mate for any man ! "Clip. Draw off your friend, my lord, for your own sake I" Wilf. Come, Gaylove, let us have another room. Gay. With all my heart, since 'tis your lordship's will ! Wilf. That's right ! Put up ! Come, friends ! [Exeunt Wilfoed and friends, b. d. Walt. I'll follow him ! Why do you hold me 1 'Tis not courteous of you ! '• Think' st thou I fear them 1 Fear ! I rate them but " As dust ! dross ! offals ! Let me at them — Nay, "Call you this kind ? then kindness know I not ;" Nor do I thank you for't! Let go, I say ! Clif. Nay, Master Walter, they're not worth your wrath ! Walt. How know you me for Master Walter ? By My hunchback, eh 1 — " my stilts of legs and arms, " The fashion more of ape's, than man's 1 Aha ! " So you have heard them, too — their savage gibes " As I pass on — ' There goes my lord !' aha !" God made me, sir, as well as them and you. 'Sdeath ! I demand of you, unhand me, sir ! {atsengaging him- self.) Clip. ( puts up his sword). There, sir, you're free to follow them ! Go forth, And I'll go, too ; so on your wilfulness Shall fall whate'er of evil may ensue. Is't fit to waste your choler on a burr 1 •' The nothings of the town "? whose sport it is " To break their villain jests on worthy men, " The graver, still the fitter ! Fie, for shame !" Regard what such would say 1 So would not I, No more than heed a cur ! Walt. You're right, sir ; right ; For twenty crowns ! ( puts up his sword) So there's my rapier up. You've done me a good turn against my will, Which, like a wayward child, whose pet is off, That made him restive under wholesome check, I now rightly humbly own, and thank you for. Clif. No thanks, good Master Walter, owe you me ! I'm glad to know you, sir. 18 THE HUNCflBACIC. [a.CT I. Walt. I pray you, tell me How did you learn my name 1 Guessed I not right ? Was't not my comely hunch that taught it you 1 Clif. I own it. Walt. Right, I know it ; you tell truth. I like you for't. Clif. But when I heard it said That Master Walter was a worthy man, Whose word would pass on 'change soon as his bond j A liberal man— for schemes of public good That sets down tens where others units write ; A charitable man — the good he does, 1 s told of, not the half — I never more Could feel the hunch on Master "Walter's back. Walt. You would not flatter a poor citizen 1 Clip. Indeed, I flatter not. Walt. I like your face ; A frank and honest one ! Your frame's well knit, Proportioned, shaped ! Clif. Good, sir ! Walt. Your name is Clifibrd — (^Clif- ford bows) Sir Thomas Clifford. Humph ! You're not the heir Direct to the fair baronetcy 1 He That was drowned abroad. Am I not right 1 Your cousin, was't not ? So succeeded you To rank and wealth your birth ne'er promised you. Clip. I see you know my history. Walt. I do. You're lucky who conjoin the benefits Of penury and abundance ; for I know Your father was a man of slender means. You do not blush, 1 see. That's right ! Why should you ? What merit to be dropped on fortune's hill ? The honor is to mount it. You'd have done it ; For you were trained to knowledge, industry, Frugality, and honesty, — the sinews That surest help the climber to the top. And keep him there. I have a clerk, Sir Thomas, Once served your father ; there's the riddle for you. Humph ! I may thank you for my life to-day. Clip. I pray you, say not so ! Walt. But I will say so ! Because I think so, know so, feel so, sir ! Your fortune, I have heard, I think, is ample ; And doubtless you live up to't ? Clip. 'Twas my plan, And is so still, to keep my outlay, sir, A span within my means. " Walt. A prudent rule. '* The turf is a seductive pastime ! " Clip. Yes. ♦' Walt. You keep a racing stud 7 You bet ? "Clif. No, neither. " 'Twas still my father's precept — ' Better owe " A yard of land to labor, than to chance •' Be debtor for a rood !' " ACT I.] THE HUNCHBACK. 19 Walt, " 'Twas a wise precept." You've a fair house — you'll get a mistress for it ? Clif. In time. Walt. In time ! 'Tis time thy choice were made. Is't not so yet 1 Or is thy lady-love The newest still thou see'st ? Clif. Nay, not so. I'd marry, Master Walter, but old use — For, since the age of thirteen, 1 have Hved In the world — has made me jealous of the thing That flattered me with hope of profit. Bargains Another would snap up might lie for me Till I had turned and turned them ! Speculations That promised twenty, thirty, forty, fifty. Ay, cent, per cent, returns, I would not launch in When others were afloat, and out at sea ! Whereby I made small gains, but missed great losses ! As ever then I looked before I leaped, So do I now. Walt. Thou'rt all the better for't ! (aside) Let's see ! Hand free — heart whole — well favored — so ! Rich — titled ! Let that pass — kind, valiant, prudent— {aloud) Sir Thomas, I can help thee to a wife, Hast thou the luck to win her. Clif. (astonished). Master Walter ! You jest ! Walt. I do not jest — I like you ! mark — I like you, and I like not every one ! I say a wife, sir, can I help you to ; The pearly texture of whose dainty skin Alone were worth thy baronetcy ! Form And feature has she, wherein move and glow The charms, that in the marble cold and still Culled by the sculptor's jealous skill, and joined there, Inspire us ! Sir, a maid, before whose feet A duke — a duke might lay his coronet, To lift her to his state and partner her ! A fresh heart, too ! A young, fresh heart, sir, one That Cupid has not toyed with, and a warm one. Fresh, young, and warm ! mark that ! a mind to boot. Wit, sir ; sense, taste ; a garden strictly tended — Where naught but what is costly flourishes. A consort for a king, sir ! Thou shalt see her. Clif. I thank you, Master Walter ! (with spirit) E'en while you speak, Methinks I see me at the altar foot, Her hand fast locked in mine — the ring put on, My wedding bell ring merry in my ear, And round me throng glad tongues that give me joy To be the bridegroom of so fair a bride ! (crosses.) Walt, (aside). What ! sparks so thick ! We'll have a blaze anon I Unter Servant, l. d. Serv. The chariot's at the door. Walt. It waits in time. Sir Thomas, it shall bear thee to the bower 20 THE HXnrCHBACK. [aCT I. Where dwells this fair, for she's no city belle, But e'en a Sylvan goddess. Clip. Have with you ! Walt. You'll bless the day you served the hunchback, sir !* [Sxewit, L. D. SCENE II. — A garden before a country house.-\ Enter Julia and Helen, b. Helen (l.). I like not, Julia, this, your country life. I'm weary on't. Julia (r.). Indeed ! So am not I ! I know no other ; would no other know. Helen. You would no other know ! Would you not know Another relative ? — another friend — Another house — another anything. Because the ones you have already please you 1 That's poor content ! " Would you not be more rich ? " More wise, more fair 7" The song that last you learned You fancy well, and therefore, shall you learn No other song ? Your virginal., 'tis true, Hath a sweet tone; but does it follow thence, You shall not have another virginal 1 You may love, and a sweeter one, and so A sweeter life may find, than this you lead ! Julia. I seek it not. Helen, I'm constancy ! Helen. So is a cat, a dog, a silly hen, An owl, a bat — where they are wont to lodge \ That still sojourn, nor care to shift their quarters. Thou'rt constancy ? I'm glad I know thy name ! The spider comes of the same family, That in his meshy fortress spends his life, Unless you pull it down, and scare him from it. *' And so thou'rt constancy 1 Art proud of that? "I'll warrant thee I'll match thee with a snail, " From year to year that never leaves his house ! " Such constancy, forsooth ! A constant grub " That houses ever in the self-same nut " Where he was born, 'till hunger drives him out, *' Or plunder breaketh thro' his castle wall !" And so, in very deed, thou'rt constancy 1 Julia. Helen, you know the adage of the tree — I've ta'en the bend. This rural life of mine. Enjoined me by an unknown father's will, I've led from infancy. Debarred from hope Of change, I ne'er have sigh'd for change. The town To me was like the moon, for any thought I e'er should visit it— nor was I schooled To think it half so fair ! Helen. Not half so fair ! The town's the sun, and thou hast dwelt in night E'er since thy birth, not to have seen the town ! * In the version played at the Union Square Theatre, New York, Act I. ends here, and Act II. commences with the following scene. t Act II., Scene 1, in new version. ACT I.] THE HUNCHBACK. 21 Their women there are queens, and kings their men; Their houses palaces ! {crosses, r.) Julia {crosses, l.). And what of that ? Have your town palaces a hall like this 1 Couches so fragrant ? Walls so high adorned 1 Casements with such festoons, such prospects, Helen, As these fair vistas have ? Your kings and queens ' See me a May-day queen, and talk of them. Helen. Extremes are ever neighbors. 'Tis a step From one to the other ! Were thy constancy A reasonable thing — a little less Of constancy—a woman's constancy — I should not wonder wert thou ten years hence The maid I know thee now ; but as it is, The odds are ten to one, that this day year Will see our May-day queen a city one. Julia. Never ! I'm wedded to a country life. 0, did you hear what Master Walter says 7 Nine times in ten the town's a hollow thing, Where what things are, is naught to what they show ; Where merit's name laughs merit's self to scorn ! Where friendship and esteem, that ought to be The tenants of men's hearts, lodge in their looks And tongues alone. Where little virtue, with A costly keeper, passes for a heap ; A heap for none, that have a homely one ! Where fashion makes the law — your umpire which You bow to, whether it have brains or not. Where Folly taketh off his cap and bells, To clap on Wisdom, which must bear the jest ! Where, to pass current, you must seem the thing, The passive thing that others think you, and not Your simple, honest, independent self! (crosses, b.) Helen. Ay, so says Master Walter. See I not What you can find in Master Walter, Julia, To be so fond of him ! Julia. He's fond of me ! I've known him since I was a child. E'en then The week I thought a weary, heavy one. That brought not Master Walter. I had those About me then that made a fool of me, As children oft are fooled ; but more I loved Good Master Walter's lesson, than the play With which they'd surfeit me. As I grew up, More frequent Master Walter came, and more I loved to see him. I had tutors then, Men of great skill and learning— but not one That taught like Master Walter. What they'd show me, And I, dull as I was, but doubtful saw — A word from Master Walter made as clear As daylight. When my schooling days were o'er — That's now good three years past — three years — I vow I'm twenty, Helen — well, as I was saying, When I had done with school, and all were gone, StiU Master Walter came, and still he comes, Summer or winter — frost or rain. I've seen 22 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT 1. The snow upon a level with the hedge, Yet there was Master Walter ! Helen {crosses, l.). Who comes here "i A carriage, and a gay one — who alights 1 Pshaw ! Only Master Walter ! What see you, Which thus repairs the arch of the fair brow A frown was like to spoil 1 A gentleman ! One of our town kings ! Mark — how say you now 1 Would'st be a town queen, Julia ? (archly) Which of us, I wonder, comes he for 1 Julia. For neither of us ; He's Master Walter's clerk, most like. Helen. Most like ! Mark him as he comes up the avenue ; So looks a clerk ! A clerk has such a gait ! So does a clerk dress, Juiia — mind his hose — They're very like a clerk's ! a diamond loop And button, note you, for his clerkship's hat — 0, certainly a clerk ! "A velvet cloak, " Jerkin of silk, and doublet of the same — " For all the world a clerk ! See, Julia, see How Master Walter bows, and yields him place, That he may first go in — a very clerk ! Julia. I wonder who he is 1 Helen. Would'st like to know 1 Would'st for a fancy, ride to town with him 1 I prophesy he comes to take thee thither. Julia. He ne'er takes me to town. No, Helen, no. To town who will— a country life for me I Helen. We'll see 1 {crosses to e.) 3tier Fathom, l. c, and advances. Fathom (c). You're wanted, madam. Julia {embarrassed ). Which of us 1 Fath. You, madam. Helen. Julia, what's the matter 1 Nay, Mount not the rose so soon. He must not see it A month hence. 'Tis love's flower, which once she wears, The maid is all his own. Julia. Go to ! Helen. Be sure ! (crosses, l.) He comes to woo thee ! He will bear thee hence ; He'll make thee change the country for the town. Julia. I'm constancy. Name he the town to me, I'll tell him what I think on't ! {crosses, r.) Helen. Then you guess He comes a-wooing 1 Julia. I guess naught. Helen. You do ! At your grave words, your lips, more honest, smile. And show them to be traitors. Hie to him. Julia. Hie thee to soberness ! [Etit by steps, l., followed part of the way by Helen. Helen. Ay, will I, when Thy bridemaid, I shall hie to church with thee. Well, Fathom, who is come % {comes down, l.) ACT 1.] THE HUNCHBA.CK. 23 Fath. I know Dot. Helen. Whaki Did'st thou not hear his name 1 Fath. I did. Helen. Whatis'tf Fath. I noted not. Helen. What hast thou ears for, then 1 Fath. What good were it for me to mind his name 1 1 do but what I must. To do that Is labor quite enough. Walt, {without, l.). Fathom ! Fath. Here ! Walt, {entering, c). Here, sirrah ! Wherefore did'st not come to me % Fath. You did not bid me come. Walt. I called thee ! Fath. Yes, And I said, '* Here !" and waited then to know Your worship's will with me. Walt. We go to town — Thy mistress, thou, and all the house, Fath. Well, sir 1 Walt. (c). Mak'st thou not ready, then, to go to town"? Fath. You didn't bid me to make ready, sir ! Walt. Hence, knave, dispatch ! [Exit Fathom, U, Helen. Go we to town 7 Walt. We do; 'Tis now her father's will she sees the town. Helen. I'm glad on't. Goes she to her father '? Walt. No ; With the consent of thine, she for a term Shares roof with thee. Helen. I'm very glad on't. Walt. What ! You like her, then 1 I thought you would. 'Tis time She sees the town. Helen. It has been time for that, These six years. Walt. By thy wisdom's count. No doubt You've told her what a precious place it is. Helen. I have. Walt. I even guessed as much. For that I told thee of her ; brought thee here to see her ; And prayed thee to sojourn a space with her ; That its fair face, from thy too fair report. Might strike a novice less — so less deceive her. I did not put thee under check. Helen. 'Twas right- Else I had broken loose and run the wilder ! So knows she not her father yet 1 That's strange ; I prithee how does mine ^ ' Walt. Well— very well. News for thee. Helen. What ] Walt. Thy cousin is in town. Helen. My cousin, Modns ] Walt. Much do I suspect That cousin's nearer to thy heart than blood. 24 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I. Helen, Pshaw ! Wed me to a musty library 1 Love him who nothing loves but Greek and Latin ? But, Master Walter, you forget the main, Surpassing point of all. Who's come with you % Walt. Ay, that's the question ! Helen. Is he soldier or Civilian 1 lord or gentleman 1 He's rich, If that's his chariot. Where is his estate 1 What brings it in 1 Six thousand pounds a yearl Twelve thousand, may be 1 Is he bachelor, Or husband 1 Bachelor, I'm sure he is ! Comes he not hither wooing, Master Walter 'i Nay, prithee, answer me ! Walt. Who says thy sex Are curious ? That they're patient, I'll be sworn, And reasonable — very reasonable — To look for twenty answers in a breath ! Come, thou shalt be enlightened — but propound Thy questions one by one. Thou'rt far too apt A scholar ! My ability to teach Will ne'er keep pace, I fear, with thine to learn. [Ilxit, L. 1 E. SCENE III. — An apartment in the Jiouse* Enter J vhi A, followed by Clifford, l. c. Julia. No more ! I pray you, sir, no more ! Clif. I love you ! Julia. You mock me, sir ! Clif. Then is there no such thing On earth as reverence '? Honor filial, the fear Of kings, the awe of Supreme Heaven itself, Are only shows and sounds that stand for nothing. I love you. Julia. You have known me scarce a minute. Clif. Say but a moment, still I say I love you. Love's not a flower that grows on the dull earth; Springs by the calendar ; must wait for sun — For rain ; matures by parts — must take its time To stem, to leaf, to bud, to blow. It owns A richer soil, and boasts a quicker seed ! You look for it, and see it not, and lo ! E'en while you look, the peerless flower is up. Consummate in the birth ! Julia. " Is't fear I feel 1 " Why else should beat my heart 1 It can't be fear ! " Something I needs must say." You're from the town I How comes it, sir, you seek a country wife 1 " {aside) Methinks 'twill tax his wit to answer that." Clif. In joining Contrasts lieth love's delight. Complexion, stature, nature mateth it, Not with their kinds, but with their opposites. Hence, hands of snow in palms of russet lie ; The form of Hercules effects the sylph's, * In the Union Square version there is no change of Scene. ACT I.] THE HUNCHBACK. 26 And breasts that case the lion's fear-proof heart, Find their loved lodge in arms where tremors dwell ! "Haply for this, on Afric's swarthy neck, " Hath Europe's priceless pearl been seen to hang, " That makes the Orient poor ! So with degrees — " Rank passes by the circlet- graced brow, " Upon the forehead bare of notelessness, " To print the nuptial kiss. As with degrees, " So is't with habits ; " therefore, I, indeed, A gallant of the town, the town forsake, To win a country bride. .' JcLU " (asids) His prompt reply, •' My backward challenge shames ! Must I give o'er f " I'll try his wit again." {aloud) Who marries me, Must lead a country life. Clip. The life I love ! But fools would fly from it ; for, oh, 'tis sweet ! it finds the heart out, be there one to find, And corners in't where stores of pleasures lodge, We never dreamed were there ! It is to dwell 'Mid smiles that are not neighbors to deceit ; Music, whose melody is of the heart, " And gifts that are not made for interest — " Abundantly bestowed, by nature's cheek, " And voice, and hand ! It is to live on life, " And husband it !" It is to constant scan The handiwork of Heaven ! It is to con Its mercy, bounty, wisdom, power ! It is To nearer see our God ! JiruA {aside) . How like he talks To Master Walter ! " Shall I give it o'er 1 " Not yet." {aioud) Thou would'st not live one half a year! A quarter might'st thou for the novelty Of fields and trees ; but then it needs must be In summer time, when they go dressed. Clip. '• Not it !" In any time — say winter ! Fields and trees Have charms for me in very winter time. Julia. But snow may clothe them then. Clip. I like them full As well in snow. Julia. You do ? Clip. I do !. Julia. But night Will hide both snow and them ; and that sets in Ere afternoon is out. A heavy thing, A country fireside in a winter's night, To one bred in the town — " where winter's said, " For sun of gayety and sportiveness, " To beggar shining summer." Clip. I should like A country winter's night especially ! Julia. You'd sleep by the fir*. Clip. Not I ; I'd talk to thee. Julia. You'd tire of that ! Walter aud Helen enter, l. u e., and pause. 26 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I. Clif. I'd read to thee. Julia. And that ! Clif. I'd talk to thee again. Julia. And sooner th'e Than first you did,, and fall asleep at last. " You'd never do to lead a country life." Clif. " You deal too hardly with me !" Matchless maid, '• As loved instructor brightens dullest wit," Fear not to undertake the charge of me ! {kneels) A willing pupil kneels to thee, and lays His title and his fortune at your feet. " Julia {aside). 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