j -ma&Tnsfrw'"
 
 TALE 
 
 op 
 
 MYSTERY, 
 
 A MELO-DRAME; 
 
 AS PERFORMED AT THE 
 
 THEATRE- ROYAL COVENT- GARDEN. 
 
 By THOMAS IIOLCROFT. 
 
 SECOND EDITION, 
 With etchings after designs by tresham. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY RICHARD PHILLIPS, yi, ST. PAUL'S 
 CHURCH-YARD. 
 
 1802. 
 Printed by Thomas Davison, White-friars. 
 
 (Price Two Shillings,)
 
 TR 
 
 **&. 
 
 MUZ 10 CLEME 
 
 NTL 
 
 WHAT greater honor can an author render 
 himself than to inform the world he has a 
 friend, who is at once a man of acknow- 
 ledged genius, and tried virtue? In behalf 
 of your genius, your musical compositions 
 bear ample testimony ; and of your virtue I 
 have received proofs so indubitable that, 
 while I have life, they never can be for- 
 gotten. Should my name be fortunate 
 enough to irach posterity, how many will 
 reflect, with a pleasing sigh, on the felicity 
 of a man who was the contemporary and 
 intimate ofCLEMENTi. May this consoling 
 hope be realised : may we stand recorded 
 friends, in stilt more enlightened and there- 
 fore still more happy ages ! 
 
 T. HOLCROFT. 
 
 956834
 
 ADVERTISEMENT, 
 
 THERE are few pleasures so great, or so pure, as 
 that of being able, by a well told tale, to fix the at- 
 tention, rouse the passions, and hold the faculties in 
 anxious and impatient suspense. This pleasure Is 
 increased in proportion as the Spectators of a Drama, 
 or the Headers of a Narrative, are known to be nu- 
 merous. When multitudes agree in sentiment, and 
 sympathise in feeling, -when they pronounce with 
 equal fervor, and applaud with unanimous warmth, 
 the enjoyment f such general praise becomes in- 
 toxicating. In the Drama, forgetting how many 
 Claimants there arc, who must divide among them 
 the merit that is due to the whole, the Poet is but 
 too apt to attribute to himself effects, which are the 
 result of a great combination of talents. 
 
 Had not the applause bestowed by the Public on 
 the following Piece been uncommon, such a train cf
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 thoughts would scarcely have occurred. Ready, 
 however, as an Author may be to think too highly 
 of himself, I hope this error, in the present instance, 
 has not been egregious. I cannot forget the aid I 
 received from the French Drama, from which the 
 principal incidents, many of the thoughts, and much 
 of the manner of telling the story, are derived. I 
 exerted myself to select and unite masterly sketches, 
 that were capable of forming an excellent picture ; 
 and the attempt lias not failed. 
 
 I can as little overlook the Performers, the Com- 
 poser of the Music, the Scenery, and the Dances ; 
 all which, in representation, have so essentially con- 
 tributed to success, I acknowledge their respective 
 aid with pleasure. The performers, especially, have 
 displayed uncommon brilliancy of talent: but, how- 
 ever grateful my thoughts, I dare not venture to 
 mention individuals, lest the persons not named 
 should think themselves neglected. Beside, in order 
 to be just, he that praises must examine and discri- 
 minate ; and this is not the place for a dissertation 
 on the dramatic Art. I, therefore, can but repeat 
 my sincere tribute of commendation to all, and
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 thankfully avow the efficacy of the support, I have 
 received. 
 
 I should be tempted to say something of the na- 
 ture, powers, and scenic effects of the MeloiDcauie; 
 but that my thoughts must necessarily be given Avith 
 too much brevity and haste. Other Dramatic wri- 
 ters will certainly produce these effects in a much 
 more mature and perfect state ; and of the pleasures 
 they yield I shall be happy to partake.
 
 toramatis Perscma, 
 
 Bonamo 
 
 Romaldi 
 
 Francisco 
 
 Stephano 
 
 Montana 
 
 Michelli 
 
 Mahoglio 
 
 Piero . 
 
 Exempt 
 
 First Gardener 
 
 Second Gardener 
 
 Mr. Murray. 
 Mr. H. Johnston. 
 Mr. Farley. 
 Mr. Brunton. 
 Mr. Clermont. 
 Mr. Blanchard. 
 Mr. Cory. 
 Mr. Simmons. 
 Mr. Beverly. 
 Mr. Abbot. 
 Mr. Trueman. 
 
 Feasants, Musicians, Dancers. 
 
 Selina . ,. 
 Fiametta 
 
 Mrs. Gibbs. 
 Mrs. Mattocks. 
 
 The Music by Dr. Busby. 
 
 The Dances by Messrs. Bologna, jun. Dubois, and 
 Byrne. 
 
 The Scenery by Messrs. Phillips and Lumno, 
 
 The Dresses by Mr. Dick and Mrs. Egan.
 
 TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. A hall in the house of Bonamo/ 
 With ttvo side doors, and folding doors in the 
 back scene : a table, pen, ink, and paper, 
 chairs, 8$c. Music, to express discontent 
 and alarm. 
 
 Enter Selina and Fiametta. 
 Selina, 
 
 iOU seem hurried, Fiametta? 
 
 Flam. Hurried, truly ! Yes, yes ; and you '11 
 be hurried too. 
 Sel, I? 
 
 Fiam, Fine news ! 
 Sel. Of what kind? 
 
 Fiam, A very bad kind. The Count Ro- 
 maldi 
 
 B
 
 2 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Sel. (alarmed) What of him ? 
 
 Flam. Is coming. 
 
 SO. \Vh?h ? 
 
 Fiam. This evening. 
 
 Sel, Heavens ! What can he want ? 
 
 Fiam, Want ? He wants mischief. We all 
 know he wants you to marry his son, because 
 you 're a rich heiress. 
 
 Set. Surely, my uncle will never consent ? 
 
 Flam, Your uncle and all Savoy fear him. 
 
 Bona, (calling without) Fiametta ! 
 
 Fiam. I am here, sir. 
 
 Bojia, But I want you here. 
 
 Fiam, Lord, sir, I am busy. 
 
 Sel, Go, run to my uncle. 
 
 Fiam. It 's a shame that he should not think 
 of marrying you to his own son ; when he 
 knows how dearly you love each other. 
 
 Set. It is the excellence of my dear uncle's 
 heart, that disdains the appearance of self-in- 
 terest. 
 
 Fiam. So, rather than be blamed himself, 
 he'll make you and I and every body mise- 
 rable ! But I '11 talk to him ! 
 
 Bona, (without) Fiametta, I say ! 
 
 Fiam. Coming \ (going). He shall hear of
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. ,3 
 
 it. I 'm in the proper cue. He knows I 'm right, 
 and I '11 not spare him, 
 
 [_E<vi/ y talking, 
 
 (Hunting-m usic. ) 
 
 Enter Stephano, with his fowling-piece, net, 
 and game. 
 
 Set. Why are you so late, Stephano? I had a 
 thousand alarms. 
 
 Sieplh Forgive me, dear Selina. The pur- 
 suit of game led me too far among the moun- 
 tains. 
 
 Seh Do you know 
 
 Steph. What? 
 
 Sel. I almost dread to tell you. Count Ro- 
 maldi is coming. 
 
 Steph. Romaldi ! 
 
 Set, I shudder, when I recollect the selfish- 
 ness of his views, and the violence of his cha- 
 racter. 
 
 Steph. Add, the wickedness of his heart. 
 
 {JMufic : to express chattering contention.} 
 
 Enter Bonamo aw/Fiametta. 
 Fianu I tell you again, sir, it is uncharitable,
 
 4 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 it is cruel, it is hard-hearted in youj to give any 
 such orders. 
 
 Bona. And I tell you they shall be obeyed. 
 Have not I a right to do as I please in my own 
 house ? 
 
 Fiam. No, sir ; you have no right to do 
 wrong any-where. 
 
 Steph. What is the dispute, sir ? 
 
 Fiam. He has ordered me to turn the poor 
 Francisco out of doors ; because, forsooth, the 
 house is not large enough to hold this count 
 Romaldi. 
 
 Sel. Think, my dear uncle, how grateful and 
 kind is his heart ! 
 
 Steph. And that he is a man of misfortune. 
 
 Bona. Folly and misfortune are twins : no- 
 body can tell one from the other. He has got 
 footing here ; and you seem all determined he 
 shall keep it. 
 
 Sel. I own,, I am interested in his favour. His 
 manners are so mild ! 
 
 Steph. His eye so expressive ! 
 
 Sel. His behaviour so proper ! 
 
 Fiam. 1 '11 be bound, he is of genteel parent- 
 age ! 
 
 Bona. Who told you so ?
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 5 
 
 Flam* Not he, himself, for certain; because 
 poor creature he is dumb. But only observe his 
 sorrowful looks. What it is I don \ know, but 
 there is something on his mind so 
 
 Bona. You are a fool ! 
 
 Flam. Fool, or not, I have served you faith- 
 fully these three-and-twenty years j so you may 
 turn me out of doors at last, if you please. 
 
 Bona. I ? 
 
 Fiam. Yes ; for, if you turn Francisco out, 
 I 'II never enter them again. 
 
 Bona, You certainly know more, concerning 
 this man ? 
 
 Fiam. Since it must be told, I do. 
 
 Bona. Then speak. 
 
 Fiam. It is quite a tragedy ! 
 
 Bona. Indeed ! Let us hear. 
 
 Fiam. It is now seven or eight years ago, 
 when, you having sent me to Chambery, I was 
 coming home. It was almost dark ; every thing 
 was still ; I was winding along the dale, and the 
 rocks were all as it were turning black. Of a 
 sudden, I heard cries ! A man was murdering ! 
 I shook from head to foot ! Presently, the cries 
 died away ; and I beheld two bloody men, with 
 their daggers in their hands, stealing oft* under
 
 o A TALE. OF MYSTERY. 
 
 the crags at the foot of the mill. I stood like 
 a stone : for I was frightened out of my wits ! 
 So I thought I heard groans ; and, af cared as I 
 was, I had the sense to think they must come 
 from the poor murdered creature. So I listened, 
 and followed my ears, and presently I saw this 
 very man 
 
 Scl, Francisco ? 
 
 Fiam. Weltring in his blood ! To be sure I 
 screamed and called loud enough : for, what 
 could I do by myself? So presently my cries was 
 heard ; and honest Michelli the miller, with his 
 man, came running. 
 
 Bona. I now remember the tale. The poor 
 man recovered ; and every body praised Mi- 
 chelli. 
 
 Fiam. So they ought ; he is an honest good 
 soul! What then, Sir, can you suppose I thought, 
 when, about a week ago, I again saw Francisco's 
 apparition standing before me ; making signs, 
 that he was famished with hunger and thirst. I 
 knew him at once ; and he soon bethought him- 
 self of me. If you had seen his clasped hands, 
 and his thankful looks, and his dumb notes, and 
 his signs of joy, at having found me ! While I 
 have a morsel, he shall never want. I '11 hire
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 1 
 
 him a cottage ; I '11 wait upon him ; I '11 work, 
 for him : so turn him out of doors, if you have 
 the heart. 
 
 Steph. Fiametta, you wrong my father. 
 
 Bona. I'll hear his story from himself. 
 
 Fiam, He can't speak. 
 
 Bona. But he can write. 
 
 Fiam. I warrant him. Pm sure he's a gen- 
 tleman. 
 
 Bona. Bring him here : if he prove himself 
 an honest man, I am his friend. 
 
 Fiam. I know that, or you should be no 
 master of mine. 
 
 Steph. His kind attentions to Selina are sin- 
 gular. 
 
 Sel. Every morning, I find him waiting for 
 me with fresh gathered flowers ; which he offers 
 with such modest yet affectionate looks ! 
 
 Fiametta returns with Francisco; the 
 latter poor in appearance, but clean ; with 
 a reserved placid and dignified air. 
 
 Bona. Come near, friend. You understand 
 his gestures, Fiametta j so stay where you are. 
 Fiam. I intend it. 
 Bona. (t% himself) He has a manly form I
 
 8 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 a benevolent eye ! (aloud) Sit down, Sir. 
 Leave us, my children. 
 
 (Francisco suddenly ?iscs, as Stephano and 
 Selina offer to go, brings them back, and in- 
 treats they may remain.) 
 
 Bona* Since he desires it, stay. There is pen, 
 ink, and paper : when you cannot answer by 
 signs, write ; but be strict to the truth. 
 
 Fran, (with dignity points to heaven and his 
 heart.) 
 
 Bona, Who are you ? 
 
 ^Francisco writes ; and Stephano, standing 
 behind him, takes up the paper and reads 
 the answers*) 
 
 Fran. " A noble Roman I" 
 Bona. Your family ? 
 Fran, (gives a sudden sign of Forbear ! and 
 writes)- " Must not be known." 
 Bona. Why ? 
 Fran. " It is disgraced." 
 Bona. By you ? 
 Fran, (gesticulates). 
 Fiam. (interpreting) No, no, no! " 
 Bona. Who made you dumb ? ' 
 
 Fran. " The Algerines."
 
 A TALE OT MYSTERY; 9 
 
 Bonis. How came you in their powjir ? 
 
 Fran. " By treachery." 
 
 Bona. Do you know the traitors ? 
 
 Fran, (gesticulates J. 
 
 Fiam. (eagerly) He does ! he does ! 
 
 Bona. Who are they ? 
 
 Fran. ft The same who stabbed me among 
 the rocks. '* (A general expression of horror.) 
 
 Bona. Name them. 
 
 Fir am (gesticulates violently, denoting pain- 
 ful recollection ; then xvrites) " Never \" 
 
 Bo?iai Are they known by me ? 
 
 Fiam. (interpreting) They are ! They are ! 
 
 Bonai Are they rich?- 
 
 Fran. " Rich and powerful.'* 
 
 Bona. Astonishing! Your refusal to name 
 them gives strange suspicions. I must know 
 .more : tell me all, or quit my house. 
 
 (Music to express pain and disorder. J 
 
 Enter Piero. 
 
 Pier. Count Romaldi, Sir. 
 
 Fran, (starts up, struck xvith alarm)* 
 
 Steph. So soon ! 
 
 Bona. Shew kirn up.
 
 10 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Pier. IJe's here* (Similar music.) 
 
 Romaldi suddenly enters, as Francisco is 
 attempting to pass the door : they start 
 back at tke sight of each other. Romaldi 
 recovers himself; and Francisco, in an 
 agony of mind, leaves the room.) 
 
 Bona. What is all this ! Where is he gone ? 
 Call him back, Fiametta ! 
 
 [Exeunt Fiametta tfwdStephano; both re* 
 garding Romaldi with dislike. 
 
 Rom. (with forced ease) At length, my 
 good friend, I am here. I have long promised 
 myself the pleasure of seeing you. Your hand. 
 How hearty you look ! And your lovely niece I 
 Her father's picture ! 
 
 Bona. Rather her mother's. 
 
 Rom. My son will adore her. In two days I 
 expect him here. I have serious business to 
 communicate. 
 
 Sel. (to her uncle) Permit me to retire, sir. 
 
 Bona, (tenderly) Go, my child ; go. 
 
 Sel. (aside) Grant, oh merciful heaven, I 
 may not fall the sacrifice of avarice ! [Exit. 
 
 Bona. And now your pleasure, count ? 
 
 Rom. Nay, I imagine, you can guess my
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. n 
 
 errand. You know my friendship for my son ; 
 who, let me tell you, is your great admirer. 
 The care you have bestowed upon your niece, 
 her education, mind, and manners, and the 
 faithful guardian you have been, both of her 
 wealth and person, well deserve praise. 
 
 Bona. If I have done my duty, I am greatly 
 fortunate. 
 
 Rom, She is a lovely young lady ; and you 
 are not ignorant of my son's passion : to which 
 your duty ioward your niece must make you 
 a friend. I therefore come, with open frank- 
 ness, to propose their union. 
 
 Bona, And I, with equal candor, must tell 
 you, I can give no answer. 
 
 Rom. (haughtily affecting surprise) No 
 answer ! 
 
 Bona. Your rank and wealth make the pro- 
 posal flattering: but there is a question still 
 more serious. 
 
 Rom. (in the same tone) What can that be ? 
 
 Bona. One which my niece only can resolve. 
 
 Rom. Inexperience like hers should have no 
 opinion. 
 
 Bona. How, my lord! Drag the bride, by 
 force, to that solemn altar, where, in the face
 
 1 A TALE OF MYSTERY, 
 
 pf heaven, she is to declare her choke Ig 
 free? 
 
 Rom. Mere ceremonies ! . . 
 
 Bona. Ceremonies I Bethink yourself ; lest 
 marriage become a farce, libertinism a thing to. 
 laugh at, and adultery itself a finable offence ! 
 
 Rom. Ay, ay : you are a moralist ; a con- 
 scientious man. Your son is reported to have 
 designs on Seiina. 
 
 Bona. My lord ! 
 
 Rom. No anger: I speak as a friend. Her for- 
 tune is tempting : but you disdain to be in- 
 fluenced. The wealth and rank of our fa- 
 mily 
 
 Bona. Surpass mine. True ; still my niece., 
 I say, must be consulted. 
 
 Rom. Indeed ! (sternly) Then my alliance, 
 it seems, is refused ? 
 
 Bona. By no means : I have neither the right 
 to refuse nor to accept. If Seiina -. 
 
 Re-enter Selina with a letter. 
 
 Set. (preftnting it to Bona.) ."From the un- 
 fortunate Francisco. 
 
 Rom. What, that strange fellow I met as 1 
 came in ?
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY, 15 
 
 $et. {aside J He knows his name 1 
 
 Rom. I forgot to ask you how he got adr 
 mjttance here ? 
 
 Set, (with marked displeasure) I should 
 hope, my Lord, there would always be some 
 charitable door open to the unfortunate I 
 
 Rom. (with courteous resentment) I ad- 
 dressed your uncle, lovely lady. 
 
 Bona. When you came he was relating his 
 adventures, which have been strange. 
 Rom. (retaining himself) And are you, my 
 friend, simple enough to believe such tales ? 
 
 Set. What tales, my lord ? 
 
 Bona. The proofs are convincing ! The mu- 
 tilation he has suffered ; the wounds he re- 
 ceived, not a league from hence ; the 
 
 Rom. (alarmed) Did he name ? 
 
 Bona, Who ? The monsters that gave them? 
 r -No : but they are not unknown to hira. 
 
 Rom. That that is fortunate. 
 
 Bona. I was amazed to learn ... . 
 
 Rom. What? 
 
 Bona. That they are rich and powerful. But 
 \ forget : the story can have no interest for you. 
 
 Rom. (tagerly) You mistake : I (rtcoU
 
 14 A TALE OF MYSTERY, 
 
 lecting himself) my feelings are as keen as 
 yours. 
 
 Bona, But what has he written ? (offers to 
 open the letter) 
 
 Rom. If you will take my advice, you will 
 not; read. Doubtless, he has more complaints, 
 more tales, more favors to request. Be kind 
 and hospitable ; but do not be a dupe. 
 
 Bom. Of which, I own, there is danger. 
 
 Bom. (seizing the letter which Bonamo 
 carelessly holds) Then let me guard you 
 against it. 
 
 Set. (after continually watching and sus- 
 pecting Romaldi, snatches the letter . hack ; 
 while he, remarking her suspicions^ is confused) 
 This letter, my lord, was given in charge to me ; 
 I promised to bring an answer ; and I respect- 
 fully intreat my uncle will read it. 
 
 Bona. Well, well, (r ads) " Friend of 
 humanity, Should I remain, the peace of your 
 family might be disturbed. I therefore go ; but 
 earnestly intreat you will neither think me capa- 
 ble of falsehood nor ingratitude ^Wherever I 
 am, my wishes and my heart will be here.- 
 FareweL" He shall not go.
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 15 
 
 Rom. Why not ? He owns the peace of your 
 family may be disturbed. 
 
 Bona. Fly, Selina ; tell him I require, I re- 
 quest, him to sleep here to-night, that I may 
 speak with him to-morrow. 
 
 Rom. (aside) That must not be. 
 
 Set. Thanks, my dear uncle ! you have made 
 me happy. 
 
 Exit, in haste. (Confused music.) 
 
 Enter Piero, 
 
 Bojw. What now, Piero ? 
 Pier. Signor Montano is below. 
 Rom. (alarmed and aside) Montano ! 
 Bona. I'm very glad of it, for I wanted his 
 advice, (to Romaldi) The best of men ! 
 Pier. Please to come up, sir. 
 Rom. With your permission, I will retire. 
 
 Enter Montano. 
 
 (Music plays alarmingly ^ but piano when he 
 enters and while he says J 
 Mon. I beg pardon, good sir, but 
 
 (Music loud and discordant at the moment 
 the eye of Montano catches the figure of 
 Romaldi j at which Mpntano starts with.
 
 IS A TALE OF MYSTERY* 
 
 terror and indignation* He then assumes 
 the eye and attitude of menace ; which Ro~ 
 maldi returns. The music ceases.) 
 
 Mon. Can it be possible ! 
 
 Rom. (returning his threatening looks) Sir 1 
 
 Mon. You here 1 
 
 Rom. Not having the honor of your ac- 
 quaintance, I know not why my presence should 
 please or displease you. 
 
 Mon. (after a look of stem contempt at 
 Homaldi, and addressing Bonamo) Good night, 
 my friend ; I will see you to-morrow. 
 
 (E.uit, suddenly. 
 (Hurrying music, but half piano.) 
 
 Bona, {calling J Nay, but signor! Signer 
 Montano ! Are the people all mad ? Fiametta !< 
 
 Fiam. (without) Sir! 
 
 Bona. Run, overtake him j and say, I must 
 speak with him. (Music ceases.) Excuse me 
 for going, (to Romaldi.) 
 
 Rom. Why in such haste ? I have heard of 
 this Montano : a credulous person j a relater of 
 strange stories* 
 
 Bona. Signor Montano credulous ! There is 
 not in all Savoy a man of sounder understand- 
 ing. Good night, my lord \ I will send your
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 17 
 
 servant : that door leads to your bed-room. Call 
 for whatever you want ; the house is at your 
 command. 
 
 [Exit with looks of suspicion. Music 
 
 of doubt and terror, 
 
 Horn. What am I to think ? How a& ? The 
 
 arm of providence seems raised to strike ! Am 
 
 I become a coward? shall I betray, rather 
 
 than defend myself? I am not yet an idiot. 
 
 (Threatening music.) 
 
 Enter the Count's Servant, Malvoglio ; xcho 
 obseiwes his Master. Music ceases. 
 
 Mai, Your lordship seems disturbed ? 
 
 Rom. Francisco is here. 
 
 Mai. I saw him. 
 
 Rom. And did not your blood freeze ? 
 
 Mai. I was sorry. 
 
 Rom. For what ? 
 
 MaL That my dagger had missed its aim. 
 
 Rom. We are in his power. 
 
 MaL He is in ours. 
 
 Rom. What are your thoughts ? 
 
 Mai. What are yours, my lord ? 
 
 Rom* Guess them. 
 
 *-
 
 18 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 MaL Executioners ! 
 Rom. Infamy ! 
 Mai. Racks! 
 Rom. Maledictions ! 
 
 Mai. From all which a blow may yet de- 
 liver us. 
 
 Selina, entering and hiding behind the door, 
 opposite to the chamber 0/ Rom aid i, Overhears 
 them. 
 
 Rom. 'Tis a damning crime ! 
 MaL Were it the first. 
 Rom. Where is he to sleep ? 
 MaL There, (pointing to the chamber op- 
 posite tQ Romakli's) 
 
 SeL (behind the door J They mean Fran- 
 
 cisco 
 
 Rom. Obstinate fool ! Since he will stay 
 MaL He must die. 
 SeL The monsters ! 
 Rom. I heard a noise. 
 
 MaL (looking toward the folding-doors) 
 He's coming. 
 
 Rom. Let us retire and concert 
 MaL Then, at midnight
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 19 
 
 Rom. When he sleeps 
 Mai. He'll wake no more ! 
 
 [Exeunt to the chamber of the Count. 
 
 [The stage dark : soft music, but expressing first 
 pain and alarm ; then the successive feelings 
 of the scene. Fiambtta enters, with Fran- 
 cisco, and a lamp; which she places on the 
 table. She regards him with compassion, 
 points to his bed-room, then curtsies with 
 kindness and respect, and retires ; he return- 
 ing her kindness. He seats himself as if to 
 write, rises, takes the lamp, looks round xvith 
 apprehension, goes to the chamber-door of 
 Rom aid i, starts away xvith horror, recovers 
 himself, again places the lamp on the table, 
 and sits dozen to write. The door o/"Romaldi 
 opens: Malvoglio half appears, watching 
 Francisco ; but, as he turns, again retires.') 
 
 Enter Selina, who gently pulls the sleeve of 
 Francisco : he starts ; but, seeing her, his 
 countenance expands xvith pleasure. 
 
 {Music pauses on a half close. .) 
 Sel. (in a loxv voice) Dare not to sleep ! I 
 
 D 2
 
 . A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 will be on the watch ; your life is in danger ! 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 (Music continues tremendous,) 
 Fran, (greatly agitated draws a pair of 
 pistols, lays them on the table, and seats himself 
 
 to consider if he should xvritc more.) 
 
 - 
 
 Romaldi and Malvoglio appear. 
 
 {Music suddenly stops.) 
 Rom. (to Malvoglio J Watch that entrance. 
 (to Francisco^) Wretched fool ! Why are you 
 here? 
 
 (Music; terror, confusion, menace, command.) 
 
 Fran, (starts up, seizes his pistols, points 
 them tozvard Romaldi and Malvoglio, and com- 
 mands the former, by signs, to read the paper 
 that lies on the table.) 
 
 (Music ceases,) 
 
 Rom, (reads) " Repent ; leave the house. 
 Oblige me not to betray you. Force me nor on 
 self-defence." Fool ! Do you pretend to com- 
 mand ? (throws him a purse) We are two. Take 
 that and fly. 
 
 (Musk.)
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 21 
 
 Fran, (after a look of compassionate appeal ', 
 
 spurns it from him; and commands them to go). 
 
 (After which, sudden pause of music.) 
 
 Rom. (aside to MalvoglioJ I know him j he 
 will not fire. 
 
 (Music. They draw their daggers ; he at 
 first avoids them ; at length they each seize 
 him by the arm, and are in the attitude of 
 threatening to strike, when the shrieks of 
 Selina, joining the music, which likexmse 
 shrieks, suddenly n,g\? Bonamo,Stephano, 
 and servants, through the folding-doors.') 
 
 Sel. Uncle ! Stephano ! Murder ! 
 (Romaldi and Malvoglio, at hearing the 
 
 noise behind, quit Francisco, and feign to 
 
 be standing on self-defence.) 
 
 C Music ceases. J 
 
 Bona. What mean these cries ? What strange 
 proceedings are here ? 
 
 Sel. They are horrible ! 
 
 Bona. Why, my lord, are these daggers 
 drawn against a man under my protection ? 
 
 Ram. Self-defence is a duty. Is not his pistol 
 levelled at my breast ?
 
 22 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Bona, (to Francisco^) Can it be ? 
 
 Fran, {inclines, his head). 
 
 Bona. Do you thus repay hospitality ? 
 
 Set. Sir, you are deceived : his life was 
 threatened. ^ 
 
 Rom. (sternly) Madam 
 
 Set. I fear you not ! I watched, I overheard 
 you ! 
 
 Bona. Is this true ? 
 
 Rom. No. 
 
 SeL By the purity of heaven, yes ! Behind 
 that door, I heard the whole ; Francisco must 
 quit the house, or be murdered ! 
 
 Rom. (to Bonamo sternly) I expect, sir, my 
 word will not be doubted. 
 
 Bona. My lord, there is one thing of which 
 I cannot doubt : the moment you appeared, 
 terror was spread through my house. Men's 
 minds are troubled at the sight of you : they 
 seem all to avoid you. Good seldom accom- 
 panies mystery ; I therefore now decidedly reply, 
 to your proposal, that my niece cannot be the 
 wife of your son ; and must further add, you 
 oblige me to decline the honor of your present 
 visit.
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 23 
 
 Rom. (with threatening haughtiness) Speak 
 the truth, old man, and own you are glad to 
 find a pretext to colour refusal, and gratify am- 
 bition. Selina and Stephano \ you want her 
 wealth, and mean in that way to make it secure. 
 But, beware ! Dare to pursue your project and 
 tremble at the consequences ! To-morrow, be- 
 fore ten o'clock, send your written consent ; 
 or dread what shall be done. 
 
 [Exeunt Romaldi and Malvoglio: appro- 
 priate music.) 
 
 Bona. Dangerous and haughty man! But 
 his threats are vain ; my doubts are removed; 
 Selina shall not be the victim of mean pre- 
 caution, and cowardly fears. I know your 
 wishes, children. Let us retire. (To his servants) 
 Make preparations for rejoicing : early to- 
 morrow, Stephano and Selina shall be affianced. 
 (Music of sudden joy, while they kneel.) 
 
 Steph. My kind father ! 
 
 Set. Dearest, best of guardians! {music 
 pauses). 
 
 Bona. Francisco shall partake the common 
 happiness.
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Fiam. (as they are all retiring) Dear, dear ! 
 I shan't sleep to-night. 
 
 [Exeunt : Bonamo expressing friendship to 
 all, which all return ; Francisco with joy 
 equal to that of the lovers. Sweet and 
 cheerful music, gradually dying away*
 
 A TALE Of MYSTERY* 25 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Joyful Music. 
 
 SCENE a beautiful garden <ind pleasure 
 grounds ; with garlands, festoons, love 
 devices, and every preparation for a mar* 
 riage festival. 
 
 First and Second Gardeners. Piero and his 
 companions ; all busy. 
 
 Pier. Come, come ; bestir yourselves ! The 
 company will soon be here. 
 
 First Gard. Well; let them come: all is 
 ready. 
 
 Pier. It has a nice look, Vy my fackins 1 
 
 F'rst Gard. I believe it has ! thanks to me. 
 
 Pier. Thanks to you ! 
 
 Second Gard. And me. 
 
 Pier. And you ? Here's impudence ! I say it 
 is thanks to me. 
 
 F. and 8, Gard. You, indeed ! 
 E
 
 26 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Pier* Why, surely, you'll not have the face 
 to pretend to deny my incapacity ? 
 F.Gard. Yours? 
 & Gard. Yours ? 
 Pier* Mine! mine! 
 
 &terSTEPHANO. 
 
 Steph. What is the matter, my honest friends? 
 
 jF. Gard. Wny, here's Mr. Piero pretends to 
 dispute his claim to all that has been done. 
 
 S. Gard* Yes; and says every "thing is owing 
 to his incapacity. 
 
 F. Gard. Now I maintain the incapacity was 
 all my own. (To Steph.) Saving and except- 
 ing yours, sir. 
 
 S. Gard. And mine. 
 
 F. Gard. Seeing you gave the first orders. 
 
 Pier. But wafnt they given to me, sir? 
 Did'nt you say to me, Piero, says you 
 
 Steph. (interrupting) Ay, ay; each man 
 has done his part ; all is excellent, and I thank 
 you kindly. Are the villagers invited ? 
 
 Pier. Invited! They no sooner heard of the 
 wedding than they were half out of their wits ! 
 There will be such dancing and sporting ! Then 
 the music ! Little Nanine, with her hurdy-gurdy;
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 21 
 
 * 
 
 her brother, with the tabor and pipe ; the blind 
 tidier, the lame piper, I and my Jew's harp t 
 $uch a band ! 
 
 Steph. Bravo ! Order every thing for the best. 
 
 Pier. But who is to order ? Please to tell me 
 that, sir ? 
 
 Steph. Why, you. 
 
 pier. There ! (To his companions) Mind,! 
 
 I am to order ! Mark that ! 
 
 . ' r. 
 
 Steph. You shall be major-domo for the day. 
 Pier. You hear. I am to be do drum* 
 major for the day ! 
 
 Steph. Selina is coming. To your posts. 
 
 [Music. 
 {They hurry each to his garland, and conceal 
 themselves by the trees and bushes.) 
 
 Enter Bonamo, Selina, a^Fiametta. 
 
 [Music ceases. 
 
 Bona , (Looking round) Vastly well, , upon 
 my word ! 
 
 Sel. (tenderly) I fear, Stepharto, you have 
 slept but little ? 
 
 Bona, (gaily) Sleep indeed ! He had some- 
 thing better to think of. Come, come \ we'll
 
 28 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 breakfast here in the bower. Order it, 
 Fiametta. 
 
 Fiam. Directly, sir. (She goes, and returns 
 with the servants ; aiding them to arrange the 
 breakfast table.') 
 
 Bona, How reviving to age is the happiness 
 of the young! And yet (sighs) thou hast 
 long been an orphan, Selina : it has more than 
 doubled thy fortune ; which was great at my 
 brother's sudden death. Would thou hadst 
 less wealth, or I more ! 
 
 Sel. And why, my dear uncle ? 
 
 Bona. Evil tongues this Romaldi 
 
 Steph. Forget him. 
 
 Sel. Would that were possible ! his menace- 
 before ten o'clock oh! that the hour were 
 Over! 
 
 Bona, Come, come ; we'll not disturb our 
 hearts with fears. To breakfast, and then to 
 the notary. I forgot Francisco ; why is he not 
 here ? 
 
 Sel. Shall I bring him ? 
 
 Bona. Do you go, Fiametta. 
 
 Fiam. Most willingly. 
 
 Bona. Come, sit down. (They seat them, 
 iefyes. Sweet music. Yitxo peeps jrom behind]
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 29 
 
 a sJrrub, Stephano gives a gentle clap with his 
 hands, and the peasants all rise from their 
 hiding-places, and suspend their garlands, in a 
 picturesque group, over Bonamo, Selina, and 
 Stephano.) Music ceases. 
 
 Pier. What say you to that, now ? 
 
 Bom', Charming ! charming 1 
 
 Pier, I hope I am not made a major for 
 nothing ? - **- 
 
 Bona. (ITo Francisco, who enters with 
 Fiamet ta Come, sir, please to take your seat. 
 
 Pier. (To Steph.) Shall the sports begin? 
 
 Steph. (Gives an affirmative sign). 
 
 Pier, Here! dancers! pipers! strummersi 
 thrummers ! to your places. This bench is for 
 the band of music mount. 
 
 {Here the dancing, which should be of the 
 gay, comic, and grotesque kind; with droll 
 attitudes, gesticulat'ons, and bounds, in imita- 
 tion of the mountaineers, the goats they keep, 
 $c, that is, the humorous dancing- of the 
 Italian peasants, hi the midst of the re- 
 joicing the clock strikes ; the dancing suddenly 
 ceases ; the clutnging music inspires alarm and 
 dismay, )
 
 30 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Enter Malvoglio. 
 
 He stops in the middle of the stage : the 
 company start up\ Francisco, Stephano, 
 Selina, and Bonamo, all with more or 
 less terror. The peasants, alarmed and 
 watching : the whole, ditring a short pause, 
 forming a picture* 
 
 Malvoglio then presents a letter to Bonamo, 
 with a malignant assurance, and turns 
 away, gratified by the consternation he 
 has occasioned : with which audacious air, 
 and feeling, he retires. While Bonamo 
 opens the letter and reads with great agi- 
 tation, the music expresses confusion and 
 pain of thought ; then ceases. 
 
 Bo7ia. Oh, shame ! dishonour ! treachery ! 
 
 Steplu My father ! 
 
 Sel. My uncle ! 
 
 JPiam. What treachery ! 
 
 Fran, {Attitude of despair). 
 
 Bona, No more of love or marriage ! no 
 more of sports, rejoicing, and mirth. 
 
 Steph, Good Heavens ! 
 
 Sel, My guardian ! my friend ! my uncle ! 
 
 Bona. {Repelling her) I am not your uncle. 
 
 Sel. Sir!
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 31 
 
 Steph. Not? 
 
 Bona. She is the child of crime ! of adul- 
 tery. (A general stupefaction': the despair of 
 Francisco at its height.) 
 
 Steph. 'Tis malice, my father! 
 
 Bona. Read. 
 
 Steph. The calumny of Romaldi! 
 
 Bona. {Seriously') Read. 
 
 Steph. {Reads) " Selina is not your brother^ 
 daughter. To prove I speak nothing but the 
 truth, I send you the certificate of her baptism." 
 
 Bona. 'Tis here authenticated. Once more 
 read. 
 
 Steph. (Reads) " May the yth, 1584, at 
 ten o'clock this evening was baptized Selina 
 Bianchi, the daughter of Francisco Bianchi. 
 
 Fran. (Utters a cry, and Jails on the seat). 
 
 Sel. Is it possible ! my father ! 
 
 Fran. (Opens his arms, and Selina falls on 
 his neck). . . 
 
 Steph. Amazement! 
 
 Bona. Sinful man ! Not satisfied with having 
 dishonoured my brother, after claiming my pity, 
 wduld you aid in making me contract a most 
 shameful alliance? Begone! you and the off- 
 spring of your guilt.
 
 32 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Stepk. Selina is innocent. 
 
 Fran. (Confir?ns it.) 
 
 Bona. Her father is a wretch ! Once 
 more begone. 
 
 Fran. {During this dialogue had held his 
 daughter in his arms; he noxo rises with a 
 sense of injury ', and is leading her away.) 
 
 Bona. Hold, miserable man, (To himself) 
 Houseless penniless without bread without 
 asylum must she perish because her father has 
 been wicked ? (To Francisco) Take this purse, 
 conceal your shame, and, when 'tis empty, let 
 me know your hiding-place. 
 
 Fran. (Expresses gratitude, but rejects the 
 purse). 
 
 Sel. (With affection) Spare your benefits, 
 sir, till you think we deserve them. 
 
 Bona. Poor Selina ! 
 
 Stepk. (Eagerly) What say you, sir ? 
 
 Bona. Nothing let them begone. 
 
 Sel. Stephano ! farewel. 
 
 Steph. She shall not go ! or -I will follow. 
 
 Bona. And forsake your father ! ungrateful 
 
 boy! (To Fran.) Begone, I say. Let me never 
 see you more, (To the Feasants) Confine that 
 frantic youth. (Violent distracted music.')
 
 A f Ale of mystery. 33 
 
 4Stephano endeavours to force his way to 
 Selina: Fiametta passionately embraces 
 her ; and by gesture reproaches Bonamo, who 
 persists, yet is tormented by doubt, 
 
 &tephano escapes, and suddenly hurries Selina 
 
 forward, to detain her : ctfter violent efforts, 
 
 they are again forced asunder ; and, as they 
 
 are retiring on opposite sides, with struggles 
 
 and passion, the Scene closes* 
 
 Scene* The house of Bonamo* 
 
 Bonamo, Stephano, brought on by the Peasants / 
 who then leave the room. 
 
 Jbond. Disobedient, senseless boy ! 
 
 Steph. (exhausted) Selina! Give me back 
 Selina, or take my life ! 
 
 Bona. Forbear these complaints. 
 
 Steph. She is the woman I love. 
 
 Bona. Dare you 
 
 Steph. None but she shall be my wife* 
 
 Bona. Your wife ! 
 
 Steph. To the world's end I'll follow her ! 
 
 Bona. And quit your father ? Now, when age 
 and infirmity bend him to the grave ? 
 
 Steph. We will return to claim your blessing^
 
 ft A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Bona. Stephano ! I have loved you like a fa* 
 diet ; beware of my malediction. 
 
 Steph. When a father's malediction is unjust* 
 heaven is deaf. 
 
 Enter Fiametta, retaining her anger, 
 
 Fiam. Very well ! It's all very right ! But 
 you will see how it will end ! 
 
 Bona, (to Steph.) I no longer wonder Count. 
 Romaldi should advise me to drive such a 
 wretch from my house. 
 
 Fiam. Count Romaldi is himself a wretch. 
 
 Bona. Fiametta! 
 
 Fiam. (overcome by her passion) I say it again : 
 a vile wicked wretch ! and has written 
 
 Bona, (imperiously) The truth- The certifi- 
 cate is incontestable. 
 
 Fiam. I would not for all the world be guilty 
 of your sins. 
 
 Bona. Woman! 
 
 Fiam. I doi^t care for you. I loved you this 
 morning; I would have lost my life for y(iu v ; 
 but you are grown wicked. 
 
 Bona. Will you be silent ? 
 
 Fiam. Is it not wickedness to turn a sweet 
 innocent helpless young creature out of doors ;
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 35 
 
 one who has behaved with such tenderness; 
 and leave her at last to starve ? Oh, it is abo- 
 minable ! 
 
 Bona. Once more, hold your tongue. 
 
 Fiam. I won't j I can't ! Poor Stephano ! And 
 do you think he'll forbear to love her ? If he 
 did, I should hate him ! But he'll make his 
 escape. You may hold him to-day, but he'll 
 be gone to-morrow. He'll overtake and find 
 his dear forlorn Selina ; and they will marry, 
 and live in poverty : but they will work, and 
 eat their morsel with a good conscience ; while 
 you will turn from your dainties with an aching 
 heart! , - - 
 
 Bona. For the last time, I warn you 
 
 Fiam. I know the worst : 1 have worked for 
 you all the prime of my youth ; and now you'll 
 serve me as you have served the innocent 
 wretched Selina ; you'll turn me out of doors. 
 Do it ! ButJ'U not go till I've said out my say : 
 so, I tell you again, you are a hard hearted 
 uncle, an unfeeling father, and an unjust mas^ 
 ter ! Every body will shun you ! You will 
 dwindle out a life of misery, and no body will 
 pity you ; because you don't deserve pity. So 
 now I'll go, as soon as you please. 
 
 F2
 
 $6 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Enter Signor Montano, hastily, 
 Fiametta and Stephano eagerly attentive. 
 
 Mon. What is it I have just heard, my friend? 
 Have you driven away your niece ? 
 
 Bona. She is not my niece, 
 
 Mon. 'Tis true. 
 
 Fiam. How? 
 
 Mon. But where did you learn that ? 
 
 Bona. From these papers. 
 
 Mon. Who sent them ? 
 
 Bond. Count Romaldi. 
 
 Mon. Count Romaldi, is a villain, 
 
 Fiam. There! There! 
 
 Steph. You hear, Sir ! 
 
 Fiam. I hope I shall be believed another time. 
 
 Bona, (greatly interested) Silence, woman ! ? 
 By a man like you, such an accusation cannot 
 be made without sufficient proofs. 
 
 Mon. You shall have them. Be attentive. 
 
 Fiam. I wont breathe ! A word shan't escape, 
 my lips. 
 
 [They press round Montano. 
 
 Mon. Eight years ago, before I had the ho- 
 nour to knpw you, returning one evening after
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 5f 
 
 visiting my friends, I was leisurely ascending 
 the rock of Arpennaz. 
 
 Fiam. So, so ! The rock of Arpennaz ! You 
 Jiear ! But I'll not say a word. 
 
 Mon. Two men, wild in their looks, and 
 smeared with blood, passed hastily by me, with 
 every appearance of gujlt impressed upon their 
 Countenances. 
 
 Fiam. The very same ! Eight years ago ! Th$ 
 rock of Arpennaz ! The 
 
 Bona. Silence ! 
 
 Fiam. I'll not say a word. Tell all, Sir j I am 
 dumb. 
 
 Mon. They had not gone a hundred paces 
 before he, who appeared the master, staggered 
 and fell. I hastened to him : he bled much, 
 and I and his servant supported him to my 
 house. They said they had been attacked by 
 banditti, yet their torn clothes, a deep bite, 
 which the master had on the back of his hand, 
 and other hurts appearing to be given by an 
 unarmed man, made me doubt. Their embar- 
 rassment increased suspicion ; which was con* 
 firmed next day by Michelli, the honest miller 
 pf Arpennaz ; who, the evening before, neat 
 the spot from which I saw these men ascend,
 
 3$ A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 had succoured a poor wretch, dreadfully cut 
 and mangled. 
 
 Fsam, It's all true! 'TwasI! I myself! My 
 cries made Mishelli com?! Eight years 
 
 Bona, Again ? 
 
 Fiam. I've done. 
 
 Mon, I no longer doubted I had entertained 
 men of blood ; and hastened to deliver them 
 up to justice : but, when I returned, they had 
 flown ; having left a purse, and this letter. 
 
 Bona, (haying seen it) ? Tis the hand of Ro-? 
 maldi. 
 
 Mon, Imagine my surprise and indignation, 
 yesterday evening, when I here once more be? 
 lield the assassin ! I could not disguise my emo- 
 tion ; and I left you with such abruptness to 
 give immediate information. The archers are 
 now in pursuit : I have no doubt they will 
 soon secure him, as they already have secured 
 his accomplice. 
 
 Steph, Malvoglio? 
 
 Mon, Yes, who has confessed 
 
 Steph, What? 
 
 Mon. That the real name of this pretended, 
 Romaldi is Bianchi. 
 
 Bona, Just heaven ! Francisco's brother I
 
 V 
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 3$ 
 
 Mon. Whose wife this wicked brother loved. 
 Privately married, and she pregnant, Francisco 
 put her under the protection of his friend here 
 in Savoy. 
 
 Steph. My uncle ! His sudden death occasion* 
 cd the mystery. . . 
 
 Mon. But the false Romaldi decoyed Fran- 
 cisco into the power of the Algerines, feizedhis 
 estates ; and, finding he had efcaped, attempted 
 to assassinate him. 
 
 Fiam. Now are you convinced! He would 
 not 'peach this brother of abomination ! (raif- 
 ing her clasped hands) I told you Francisco was 
 an angel ! but, for all you know me so well, Pm 
 not to be believed. 
 
 Bona. You are not to be silenced. 
 
 Fiam. No ; I'm not. Francisco is an angel, 
 Selina is an angel, Stephano is an angel : they 
 shall be married, and all make one family ; of 
 which, if you repent, you shall be received into 
 the bosom. 
 
 Bona. C slowly ; earneftly). Pray, good 1 wo- 
 man, hold your tongue. 
 
 Fiam. Repent, then ! Repent ! (Here the dif- 
 tant thunder is heard, and the rising stsrm 
 perceived.)
 
 40 A TALE OF MYSTERY, 
 
 Bond, (to Montano and Stephano) I do fe'j 
 pent! 
 
 Fiam. (affectionately) Then I forgive you* 
 (sobs) I wont turn you away. You're my 
 master again (kisses b:s hand and wipes her eyes). 
 
 Bona. But where shall we find Selina, and 
 
 Fiam. Oh, I know where ! 
 Steph. (eagerly) Do you ? 
 Fiam. Why, could you think that (her heart 
 full) Follow me ! Only follow me. 
 
 [Exeunt hastily, 
 
 IJjunder heard, while fix Scene changes. Mufict 
 
 Scene the wild mountainous country called the 
 Nant of Arpennaz. ; with pines and massy 
 rocks. A rude wooden bridge on a small 
 height thrown from rock to rook ; a rugged 
 mill stream a little in the back ground; the 
 miller's house on the right ; a steep ascent by 
 a narrow path to the bridge ; a- stone or bank 
 to sit on, on the right-hand side. 
 
 '. The increasing storm of lightning, thunder, hail \ 
 and rain becomes terrible. Suitable music*
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 41 
 
 Enter Romaldi from the rocks, disguised like a 
 peasant, with terror ; purfued as it were by 
 heaven and earth. 
 
 , Rom. Whither fly ? Where shield me from 
 pursuit, and death, and ignominy ? My hour is 
 come ? The fiends that tempted now tear me. 
 (dreadful thunder) The heavens shoot their fires 
 at me ! Save ! Spare ! Oh spare me ! (falls on 
 the bank). 
 
 Music, Hail, &c. continue; after a pause, he 
 raises his head* More fearful claps of thun* 
 der are heard, and he again falls on his face* 
 The storm gradually abates. Pause in the 
 music. A very distant voice is heard. [Holla!]] 
 Music continues. He half rises, starts, and 
 runs from side to side; looking and listening; 
 Music ceases. Voice again. [Holla !J 
 
 Rom. They are after me! &ome one 
 points me out ! No den, no cave, can hide me ! 
 (looks the way he came) f cannot return that 
 way* I cannot. It is the place of blood! A 
 robbed and wretched brother ! *Tis his blood, 
 %j which I am covered ! Ay ! There ! There have 
 
 G
 
 42 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 I been driven for shelter ! Under those very* 
 rocks ! Oh* that they would open ! Cover me 
 earth ! Cover my crimes ! Cover my shame ! 
 (falls motionless again.) 
 
 Music of painful remorse ; then changes to the 
 chearful pastorale , Zffc. 
 
 Michelli is seen coming toward the bridge, which 
 he crosses, stopping io< look round and speak ; 
 then speaks as he descends by the rugged nar- 
 row path, and then in the front of the stage. 
 
 Mich, (on the bridge) 'Tis a fearful storm ! 
 One's very heart shrinks ! It makes a poor mor- 
 tal think of his sins and his danger. 
 
 Ro?n. (after listening) Danger ! What ? 
 Is it me ? (listening) 
 
 ' Mich, (descending) Every thunder clap seems 
 to flash vengeance in his face ! 
 
 Rom. I am known ; or must be ! >Shall I 
 yield or shall I (points his pistol at Mi- 
 chelli, then shrink ) More murder ! 
 
 Mich, (in the front of the stage) At such ter- 
 rible times, a clear conscience is better than 
 kingdoms of gold mines.
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 43 
 
 Rom. -fin hesitation whether he shall or shall 
 not murder) How to act ? 
 
 Mich, (perceiving Romaldi, who conceals his 
 pistol J Now, friend ! 
 
 Rom. Now, miirer ! 
 
 Mich, (observing his agitation J You look 
 
 Rom. How do I look? (fearing, and still un- 
 determined.) 
 
 Mich. I What have you there ? 
 
 Rom. Wher.~ ? 
 
 Mich. Under your coat ? 
 
 Rom. (leaving the pistol in his inside pocket, 
 and shewing his hands J Nothing. 
 
 Mich. Something is the matter with you. 
 
 Rom. (sudden emoftpn to shoot : restrained) 
 I am tired. 
 
 Mich. Come in, then, and rest yourself. 
 
 Ro?n. Thank you ! (moved) Thank you ! 
 
 Mich. Whence do you come ? 
 
 Rom. From the neighbourhood of Geneva. 
 
 Mich, (as if with meaning) Did you pass 
 through Sallancha ? 
 
 Rom. (alarmed) Sallancha ! Why do you 
 ask ? 
 
 Mich. You have heard of what has happened ? 
 G 2
 
 44 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Rom. Where ? 
 
 Mich. There ! At Sallancha ! One Count Rq- 
 maldi 
 
 Rom. What of him ? 
 
 Mich, (observing) Do you know him ? 
 
 Rom. I How should a poor 
 
 Mich. Justice is at his heels. He has escaped: 
 but he'll be taken. The executioner will have 
 liim. 
 
 Rom. (shudders) Ay? 
 
 Mich. As sure as you are here. 
 
 Rom. (aside) All men hate me ! Why should 
 I spare him ? 
 
 Mich. I saved the good Francisco. 
 
 Rom. (gazing stedfastly # him) You ! Was it 
 you ? 
 
 Mich. I. 
 
 Rom. Then -live. 
 
 Mich. Live? 
 
 Rom. To be rewarded. 
 
 Mich. I'd have done the same for you. 
 
 Rom. Live live! 
 
 Mich. I will, my friend, as long as I can ; and 
 when I die, I'll die with an honest heart. 
 
 Rom. Miserable wretch ! 
 
 yiich. Who?
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 45 
 
 Rom. That Count Romaldi, 
 
 Mich. Why ay ! Unlefs he is a devil, he is 
 miserable indeed. (inusic, quick march) He'll 
 be taken ; for, look, yonder are the archers. 
 (they cross the bridge). 
 
 Rom. (fearing Michelli knows him) What 
 then ? Where is Romaldi ? 
 
 Mich. How should I know ? 
 
 Rom. (aside) Does he dissemble ? They arc 
 here ! I am lost ! (retires.) 
 
 Music. The Archers come forward. 
 
 Mich. Good day, worthy Sirs. 
 
 Exempt. Honest miller, good day. We arc^ 
 in search of Count Romaldi, whom we are to 
 take, dead or alive. Do you know his person ? 
 
 Mich. No. 
 
 Rom. (aside, and out of sight of the Archers') 
 Thanks, merciful heaven ! 
 
 Exempt, (reads) " Five feet eight" (&c. the 
 description must be that of the aclor*s voice, size and 
 person : to which add) " with a large scar on 
 the back of the right hand." 
 
 Rom. (thrusting his hand in his bosom) 'Twill 
 fcetray me ! 
 
 Exempt. 'Twas a bite ! The wretch Malvog-
 
 46 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 Ho has deposed that good Francisco is the bro- 
 ther of the vile Romaldi. 
 
 Mich. How ! 
 
 Exempt. And that Francisco, tho' robbed, be- 
 trayed and mutilated, has endured every misery, 
 and lived in continual dread of steel or poifon, 
 rather than bring this monster to the scaffold. 
 
 Mich. But hell come there at last ! 
 r Exempt. We are told, he is among these 
 mountains. 
 
 Mich. Oh, could I catch him by the collar ! 
 
 Exempt. Should you meet him', beware : he's 
 not unarmed. 
 
 Mich. There is no passing for him or you by 
 this valley after the storm ; the mountain tor. 
 rents are falling. You must go back. 
 
 Exempt. Many thanks. We must lose no 
 time. 
 
 Mich. Success to you. 
 
 (Archers reascend the hill. Music. Quick 
 march \ as when they entered. 
 
 Rom. Death! Infamy! Is there no escaping? 
 Mich. The day declines, and you look 
 Rom. How ? 
 Mich, UmI wish you looked better. Come
 
 V- 47 
 
 Trahmv inr ci id . 
 
 c/suie, cf \M/u^e/ij^ J&yf~ R '.
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 47 
 
 in; pass the evening here: recover your 
 strength and spirits. 
 
 Rom. (with great emotion, forgetting and folding 
 cut bis hand. J You are a worthy man. 
 
 Mich. I wish to be. (feeling Romaldi's hand 
 after shaking) Zounds ! What ? Hey ? 
 
 Rom. {concealing his confusion) A scar 
 
 Mich. On the back of the ri^ht hand ! 
 
 Rom. I have served. A hussar with his sabre 
 gave the cut. 
 
 Mich, (after considering) Humph ! It may 
 be! 
 
 Rom. It is. 
 
 Mich. At least it may be : and the inno- 
 cent 
 
 Rom. Ay ! Might suffer for the guilty. 
 
 Mich, (after looking at him) Rather than 
 that I will run all risks. I am alone ; my 
 family is at the fair, and cannot be home to- 
 night. But you are a stranger ; you want 
 protection 
 
 Rom. (with great emotion) I do, indeed ! 
 
 Mich. You shall have it. Come. Never 
 shall my door be shut upon the houseless 
 wretch. 
 
 [Exeunt te the house*
 
 48 A TALE OF MYSTERY; 
 
 Music expressing dejection. Francisco and 
 Selina approaching the bridge, he points to 
 the Miller's house. Cheerful Music; she 
 testifies joy, and admiration of the Miller* 
 They descend; he carefully guiding and aiding 
 her. The Miller, supposed to hear a noise, 
 comes to enquire, sees Francisco, and they 
 run into each other's arms. 
 
 Mich. Welcome! A thousand times wel- 
 come! 
 
 Sel. Ten thousand thanks to the saviour o( 
 my father. 
 
 Mich. Your father, sweet lady? 
 
 Sel. Oh yes ! Discovered to me by his mortal 
 enemy. 
 
 Mich. The monster Romaldi ? 
 
 Sel. (dejecledlyj Alas! 
 
 Mich. For your father's sake, for your own 
 aake, welcome both. 
 
 Rom. (half from the door) I heard my name ! 
 
 Mich, {leading them to the door, just as Ro- 
 maldi advances a step) Come. I have a stran- 
 ger 
 
 Sel. (seeing Romaldi, shrieks) Ah !
 
 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 4 
 
 Fran, (falls back and covers his eyes, with 
 -agony) \Romaldi retires, 
 
 Mich. How now ? 
 tt 'Tishe! 
 
 Music of hurry, terror, &c. 
 
 Trancisco 1 putting his hand toward her mouth, 
 enjoins her silence with great eagerness. Mi- 
 chelli, by tnaking the sign of biting his right 
 hand, asks Francisco if it be Romaldi. 
 Francisco turns away without answering, 
 Michelli denotes his conviclion it is Romal- 
 di ; and hastily ascends to cross the bridge in 
 search of the Archers. Francisco intreats 
 him back in vain. Romaldi, in terror, en- 
 ters from the house presenting his pistol. Fran- 
 cisco opens his breast for him to shoot, if he 
 please. Selina falls between them. The 
 whole scene passes in a mysterious and rapid 
 manner. Music suddenly stops. 
 
 Rom. No! Too much of your blood is upon 
 my head! Be justly revenged : take mine ! 
 
 Music continues as Romaldi offers the pistol; 
 which Francisco throws to a distance, and 
 H
 
 $0 A TALE OF MYSTERY. 
 
 intreats him to fly by the valley.- Romaldi 
 signifies the. impossibility, and runs distract- 
 edly from side to side: then, after Fran- 
 cisco and Selina's intreaties, ascends to 
 cross the bridge. Met at the edge of the hill 
 by an Archer : he is driven back ; they strug- 
 gle on the bridge. The Archer's sword taken 
 by Romaldi ; who, again atte?npting flighty 
 is again met by several Archers. Romaldi 
 maintains a retreating fight. Fiametta, 
 Bonamo, Stephano, Montano, and Pea- 
 sants follow the Archers. Francisco and 
 Selina, in the greatest agitation, several 
 times throw themselves between the assailants 
 and Romaldi. When the combatants have 
 descended the hill, Romaldi's foot slips, he 
 falls, and Francisco intervenes to guard his 
 body. By this time all the principal characters 
 are near the front. The Archers appear pre- 
 pared to shoot, and strike with their sabres y 
 when the entreaties ami efforts ^Francisco 
 and Selina are renewed. The Archers 
 forbear for a moment', and Francisco shields 
 his brother. The music ceases. 
 
 Set. Oh, forbear! Let my father's virtues 
 plead for my uncle's errors !
 
 A TALE QF MYSTERY. 51 
 
 Bon, We all will Intreat for mercy ; since of 
 mercy we all have need : for his sake, and for 
 our own, may it be freely granted ! 
 
 The Curtain falls to slow and solemn music. 
 
 JIN IS. 
 
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