954 hTCt 181^ UC-NRLF ^B HE flM2 CC http://www.archive.org/details/brokenswordgrandOOdimorich THE BROKEN SWORD, A GRAND MELO-DRAMA, INTERSPERSED WITH SONGS, CHORUSSES, &c, By WILLIAM DIMOND, Esq. AUTHOR O^F The Peasant Boy.— Gustavus Vasa, or the Hero of the North.— Hunter of tiiCj Alps— The Young Hussar, or Love and Mercy— Adrian and Orrila.— Youth, Love and Folly The Sea-Side Story.— Royal Oak— Doubtful Soa. — ^thiop, or Child of the Desert, &c. &c. AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE.ROYAL, COVENT^&ARDEN^ WITH UNIVERSAL APPLAUSE. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED by J, BARKER, IXramatic Eepo0itors^ GREAT RUSSELL-STREET, COVENT-GARDENt [Price Two Shillings,'} 1&16. ^54 iyxur NOTE BY. THE EDITOR. A slight French Drama intitled, ^^ La Val/ec du Torrent^'' furnished the general outline of this trifle. The management of the story, however, differs, and the incident of the Sword (on which the catastrophe is now made to hinge) is altogether an introdu6lion. The attributes of the legitimate Drama, in- clude very superior efforts of composition ; but the Melo-Drama, nearly as trivial as the Pantomime, demands of its humbler votary, no more than the excitement of curiosity. The *' Broken Sword,'* will probably be found to have fulfilled this limited objeft. 574 DRAMATIS PERSONS. The Baron ••••.•••.•• Mr. Ba rrymore, Capt, Zavior Mr. Fawcett, Claudio • Mr. Abbott, Colonel Rigolio > Mr. Terrt, Pablo Mr. Simmons, Estevan Mr; Farley, Myriillo (a Dumb Orphan) . . . Miss Luppino, Rosara {Daughter to the Baron Miss S. Booth, Stella Miss Carew, Beatrice^, Miss M^Alpixe, Jadntha • • Miss Mortram, Goatherdesses — Mesdames Bradwell, Mori, Plourdeau, Newton, &c. ^ Scene— 2^^ Valley of thePyrenees\ between the Spanish and French Frontiers of Catalonia and RoussiUon* THE BROKEN SWORD. A C T I. SCENE — 7he Pyrenees at day-hnak — the Cabin of a GoathercUss towards the front, on one fide Eftevan ^{[covered on a Crag alone — his figure worn and ema^ ciatedy is wrapped in a ragged Mantle— ^he approaches with a timid, doubtful Hep — Mufu ceafes as he ap^ proaches the thre/hold, EJlev. XT is her cabin — yes, the cabin of my kinf- woman ; her heart was ever kind, and (he will farely (belter me ! No one obferves me — now dare I venture — (He advances to knocks and fudderdy recoils with a fiart of terror) — Ha! who calls me? — Is't the purfuit ? — [Looks wildly round) — No, no, no ! 'Twas but the eagle's fcream. — [He fir ikes cautioufly againfi the Joor.)— Stella ? Stella ! (Stella appears at a Cafement above. Stel. Who calls fo early ? Is't Beatrice ? Ha 1 a man — and a (Iranger ! — Who is at my door ? Efiev. A wretch — a way-worn fainting wretch I— if you have charfty, receive and (belter him* 6 THE BROKEN SWORD. SteL Enough ! unhappy one ! be comforted.- — [Clojes the Ca/ement,} F/lev. A bleffing on the mercy which preferves me ! another hour of ftruggle, and thefe limbs had funk beneath their wretched burden; Stella Enters from the Cabin^ Stel. Now, my good friend, what fervice can I fliew you ? Ejiev, Grant me but a little food ; let me reft till evening on your mat, and you will fav€ a fellow creature's life. SieL Cheerfully, and with the heart's kind wel- come; lean on this arm, poor wancicrer, and enter. Eflev. Ah, my good and generous Stella ! SteL My name! you know me then* ElUv, So, once did Stella know a happy and re- fpetled kinfman, called Eftevan de Burgos, SteL My coufin, and my kindeft friend in child- hood ? — Ah ! — Yes ! — I knew and loved him dearly! — he was Valet to the Count Luneda, and left his country many years fince to foiiow his mafter into Mexico. — Do you bring news of him? EJtev» Stella 1 look on thefe haggard features well. SieL Ah ! is't poflible ? — O, yes — I fee — I recoi- led — but fure fo terrible a change EJlcv. Mifery and defpair Imve wrought it-— for fotir dreadful days the wolf has ihared his hiding place with me in watchfulnefs and famine, Stella ! behold this chain ! — (Opens the ManUe and difplays an Iron Collar upon his ISak ) ^/i"/* Mercilul heavens I — the iron collar I the habit uf THE BROKEN SWORD. 7 Eftev, A galley flave ! Aye, Stella, I have been accufed of fearful deeds — tried, convided, fenten- ced to the toiling oar for life — but I was innocent, on my foul innocent 1 — Four nights iince, I burft my chains, and efcaped from my prifon at Rofas, — ■ the Pyrenees have veiled me in their pathlefs mazes from purfuit. — I toiled to pafs the Spanilb frontier, but fatigue and famine overvveighed my ftrength ; juft as my fteps had failed, your cabin, Stella, your well known cabin Stel, Ah ! be it your beacon of hope, your cita* del of fafety. {Voices at a distance. EJlev. [in violent emotion,) — Ha! voices — footfteps! — I am purfued — I am loft ! — [Falh exhaufled on the ground ; Stella runs affrighted to the foot of the crojsy then returns re^ajfured,) Stel. No, no, you are fafe, believe me I they who approach, are only the GoatherdelTes from the valr ley — they are my companions and my friends.— Roufe thee, coufin ! — be cautious and fear not.— {Several Goat her deffes defcend the Craggi, and advance gaily to Stella.) Beat Come, Stella, forward with us, to the bridge of St. Paulo ; the fun is rifing, and we (hall fcarcely reach it before the young Cavalier palTes. — Who is this ftran^er ? Stel. 'Tis a poor travelling man — half perilhing, I fear from want. — [/ifide to Eftevan.) — Rely upon my caution ! Jacin, A traveller in diftrefsl^ — ^Ah ! let us all af- iift him ! — [Some of the Girls encircle Eftevan, and fupport him^^o^ihers run into the Cabin, and return with a Bench and Table ^ which they cover with Fruits y Bowls of Milk, Be.) Effev. Thanks, my kind and charitable MiftrefTes ! the bleflings of the wretched be upon your way ! 8 THE BROKEN SWORD; S(eL Ours is not a diftant one, only to the bridge vhich crofles the torrent at the end of our valley, — » The fon of our good Seigneur returns home this morning, from the wars, and we are alTembled to meet him at the bridge and ftrew flowers ; but my companions (hall proceed without me. Hftev, Nay, not fo, I muft befeech you ! — [^fidc io her.) — If you remain, it may excite fufpicion, S4eL [Acquiefcing by a look,) — Well then, I will re- turn, good man, in an hour at lateft; — meanwhile, feed on the iimple fare our mountain boards pro- vide — reft on the rulhes ftrewn within— -to flumb^r link fecurely, and in dreams be happy I SONG and CHORUS. Stella and Goatherdesses* I. Way-worn man ! here cheerly rest, Perils past and travail o'er— Droop DO more by toil oppr'est, Rest thee at the Rustic's door. Restj way-worn man ! tf II. Milk, our up-land flocks have yielded, Roots and honey strew the board; Grapes yon rock from storm hath shielded^ These are all our huts a£ford. Rest^ way-worn man ! ( The Girls ajcend^ Jinpng in Chorus, as the ;} Secne clojes.) THE BROKEN SWORD. i» SCENE— An Apartment in the Chateau — feveral Do' me/hcs hurry acrofs the Stags, carrying Vajes of Flowers and different Ornaments for a Fete* Enter Pablo. Pah, Have a care, Therefa, how you carry that jar; Pedro, hold the beaupot Ready; Ah! Bartolo, thou art an aukward devil ; all my pains are thrown away — every thing will be fpoilt.— There, there, get you forward, idle, heedlefs, gracelefs heathens !— {Exeunt Domestics* How I labour, but, all to no purpofe ! Elegance is not to be taught — I prefent the model, but nobody copies it. — [Takes a Chair.) — What a fatiguing day this will be ! — Firft, it's the return of young Do» Claud io from the wars; that's a rejoicing. — Next, it's the anniverfary of the murder of Count Luneda, poor little Mafter Myrtillo's papa, — that's a con- doling. Then there's to be a ceremony upon both occafions — to laugh for the one, and cry for the other — how diiEcult to unite fuch oppofites ! Mifs Rofara has left all to my management. — What a tafk for a man of genius ! I fhall fink under it — I feel quite opprefTed already. Capt^ Zavier [without.) Zav. Sail a-head there ? Varlet ! Pablo 1 Pab, { Jumping up. J— Uqyq's the old fea Captain firing his chafe-guns after me — it's too much on the brain — I can never Rand it,— Here, Capt. Zavier. Enter Zavier. Zav, So, puppy, I have you within hail at laft l B 10 ^ THE BROKEN SWORD. How long am I to wait for breakfaft ? where's my brother? ray niece? where's my little Myrtiilo ? Pab. Under favour, you muft fancy it banyan day, Captain ; — no breakfaft yet — I can't fpare you a fingle lacquey. Zav, Why, the knave's befotted. Where have you fent all the fervants ? Pab, {Laying his finger to his nofe.) — Hufh f huih I be fecret ; we are knee-deep in preparations. Zav, Preparations f and for what ? Pab, Joy and grief- — dances and dirges — the lir- Ting and the dead — — Zav» Speak plainly, you incomprehenfible dol- phin, or rU tranflate your fkuli into a meaning with my ftick, (P^ofara runs in, and catebes Zavier's arm, Ros. Hold, dear unckl Pll be poor Pablo's ex- pofitor. Zav. Aha ! my pretty niece ! thy kifs charms the rifing ftorm into a nap, more cunningly than e'er a Lapland witch's bag!— Yet, that puppy fo provoked me Ros, I am in fault, uncle ; poor Pablo only adt- ed by my defire, Pab» No, Captain, I only flood at the helm, but Mifs gave fleering orders.— r(^i^. J — There's a fair fop for the old dragon in his own element. Zav. Well, but I muft be taken into confidence* Come, roguifh eyes, tell me your fecret* Ros, Muft 1 ? You fliall promife to be very good then. We are preparing a furprife for fome- body in the garden- — a triumphal arch — garlands — infcriptions — in faft, a fete in compliment to the day. You know, my brother's return after a long twelven^onth's abfence, may be expefted every mi- nute. His campaign has been a glorious one, and our dear Claudio ought to meet, araidft the welcomes of THE BROKEN SWORD. Tl his home, a grateful recolleflion of the gallantry by which it had been proteded. Zav, That's a fentiment worthy of a female heart; the debt of gratitude can never be over-paid to the defenders of their country, whether by land or lea. Ah ! you girls have little notion of our perils. I remember, when I was firft appointed to his Catholic Majefty's gun-brig, the Strombolo Fab ( A fide,) — O ! Lord, if he once gets on board the Strombolo, we fhall make a voyage till dinner- time. — [hafiily.) — Mifs, Mifs, you have not laid his honour t'other half of the fecret. Rosn, Tcue, Pablo. Have you forgotten this day is the anniverfary of an event, at once our happi* nefs and our afflidtion.— Your little protegee, the orphan Myrtillo Zav, How? what? this day, faid you? — true, true, the thirteenth of Auguft— 'tis juft fix years this day, fince I firfl: found him in the wood of Col- iares. — Poor little fellow ! how unhappy this day wili make him ! for he ftill feels the horrid tragedy, as if it were but yefterday it happened. Ros, True, my dear uncle ; and, as I knew his forrows ever return upon this morning with acuter pain, I had planned a little incident. Among the effefts, which the unhappy Luneda had left behind him in Mexico, and which but lately were tranf- mitted for his orphan, 1 found a marble bull, faid to be a ftriking refemblance of the murdered man. — Myrtillo is, as yet, ignorant of its exiftence. I have ordered a fmall monument, recording the flranoe calamity, to be raifed at the entrance of the garden ^ on this the buft fliall prefently be depofited, with an appropriate ceremony, in the orphan's prefence. Thus, in the very midft ot our own feflivity, he will difcover, ^hati&wafflitlions have been remembered. 12 THE BROKEN SWORD. Zav, Well, well; but is not this beating about for a north-eaft paffage to China, thro' the frozen ocean, while the plain courfe lays open to us, by ' the Cape of Good Hope ? Why remind the littje fellow of his misfortunes, while we have fongs, dan- ces, caftanets, and fparkling mufcadin to drowa them in oblivion ? Ros, Wrong, uncle — pofitively wrong. Naviga- tion is your fcience — botany mine : and (ince you l)ave mvoked Neptune for a metaphor againfi: me, I (hall e'en borrow an illuftration of Flora in my de- fence. Recoiled the plant I fketched for your dreffing room yefterday — the Evening Primrofe,—* When the fun glares, and the bufy hum of adion is abroad, that timid flower folds itfelf together clofely, droops to the ground, and feems to fjcken with the day ; but when the nightingale fings plaintively, and the meek glimmer of the moon is round us. — Ah 1 then its tiny leaves difclofe — the dew-drop fleals into its bofom, it cheers— it blooms — and blends its fpirit with the gentler hour ! — ^Even fo fares it with the human heart, afflidion recoils from the embrace of mirth, but foftens, and expands at the touch of fympathy. Zav, Hum! may be fo — may b^ fo — my poor Myrtillo ! and this day fix years was the very morn- ing of OUT firft meeting. Niece ! did I ever relate to you the par|:iculars of that adventure in the wood pf Collares? Pab. O, doleful ! when once he gets into that wood, he never finds a way out again. Mifs 1 Mils! don*t trouble the Captain now — remember, 'tis jfuch a bufy time. Zav, Oh, 1 don't value the trouble a rope's end ; but, take a feat, my child. I always tell my flory belt, when my company are feated. Pablo, my Ifid^ there's aftool for thee in yonder corner, THE BROKEN SWORD. IS ■ Pab. Thank ye kindly. Captain; but I wou'dn't take fuch a liberty for the world ; befides, l*ve heard the (lory. Zav. Repetition imprints a fad ftronger on the memory ; be feated 1 command you. Fab. {Afide.) My bowels yearn at the thoughts of it. — Such a difageeable hard feat too 1 Zav, Let me fee — aye 1 it is exa6tly fix years fince, that peace being reftored to Spain, and my (hip paid off, my kind brother ofFer'd me a fnug hammock in the dwelling of my forefathers; — 1 mounted a mule at Barcelona, and trotted away for my native mountains. At the dawn of the fourth day's journey, I entered the wood of Collares, when fuddenly from the thick boughs of a cork tree Pah, (Jumping vp.) A chefnut, Captain* a cbef* nut. Zav, Bah! you booby, I fay, a cork. Pab, And I fwear, a chelnut — Captain ! this is 'the twenty-feventh time I have heard you relate this ftory, and you invariably faid, a chefnut, till now. Zav. Did I? Well, a chefnut be it then. But, take your feat again. Fab, Willingly — Only out with the cork^ and I'm your man for fitting. Zav, Well then — frorn the thick boughs of a chef- nut, fuddenly flipped down a little boy, who caft him- felf on his knees in the path before me — his features were convulfed and pale, and his poor piteous eyes that were raifed befeechingly to mine, ran over with fait water as faft as the fcuppers of my own brig, when fhe had fliipped^fea. *' What cheer, young niefimate?'* cried 1,— ^L^ lips open'd, as if to return my hail, but no utterance followed ; yet the boy kept throwing out ftrange lignal^ of diflrefs, and feemed to invite me, in dumb (hew, to accompany him thro* an opening in the underwood. 1 dU^ mounted, faften'd my mule to the — the — •. M- THE BROKEN SWORD. Pab. {Eagerly.) Chefnut. Z,av, Well, well, the tree that flood next me.— The child placed his cold and trembling hand with- in mine, and led me thro' a winding of the wood, into an open fpace, where the high road tP Col- lares croffed — there I beheld — O! 1 (liall never for- get the fight! — a chariot, with its traces cut — the doors on either fide forced open, and the body of an Officer covered with ftabs, ftretched on the feat -within. The boy fprang from me, threw himfelf upon the corpfe, covered with frantic kilTes every bubbling wound, then, raifed his eyes to heaven, but dropped them in defpair, and fank down as iitelefs as the form that pillow*d him. Ros. Dear Myrtillo ! my heart weeps with thee. Zav. A precious time I had of it, you may be fure. The alarm was rung; the diftriA raifed, Alguazils, — Corregidors — depofitions —examina- tions, and crofs examinations. At laft, we difco- veredby papers, found upon the body, and by the child's evidence, who, though deprived of Ipeech by the terror of the fcene, could write^ that the murder'd man had been a Count Luneda, but re- cently landed from Mexico, and then travelhng to meet fome military friend, whofe name Myrtillo had forgotten. Ros, I think it was flated, Count Luneda had converted his large property into jewels, which he carried about him at the time. Zav* And of which he was rifled by the mur- derer ; but, thanks to Providence and my excel- lent brother, our poor orphan, iho' bereft ot parent, and of fortune, poffeffes yet a kindly, and prote<5l^ ing home. Ros. Where compaffion gives him two fathers for the one he has loft — a fitter m Rofaia Pab^ And a true friend in Pablo — but fee, bfe chamber opens — (points offthefiagc^) THE BROKEN SWORD. 15 Zav. He feems loft in thought; he holds his tab- lets in one hand, a pencil in the other. Ros, And writes, as he advances — fb earnest too, he does not obferve us. Myrtillo enters as iefcribed^mhtn he reaches the front of the Stage, he rapidiy adds another word to the Tablet^ and^ by gefture exprejes that the documerU is then complete, — He turns^ perceives his friends ^ ond throws himfelf precipitately into the arms of Rofara and Zavier. 2,av, Welcome, my adopted Ton. Rof» Welcome, my fecond brother ! Pab, The compliments of the morning to you; Mafter Myrtillo. — tMyrtillo draws back, and Jigns to Plablo reproachfully,) — Ah ! he will never let me fpeak refpedfully, as I wifh. Well, then, if I mult not fay Majler Myrtillo, good day, my friend Myr- tillo. — (Myrtillo f miles, runs to him, and /hakes bands eagerly,) — Aye, now he's pleafed; but it*s a fhame for me to be fo familiar— •!, who am only a fervant. ^•^{MyitWXo Jhakes his head, and feems to afk ** What. then am IT' turns again to Zavier, and exprejfes that^ without his bounty, he fhoidd be deftitute,) Rof. Fye, Myrtillo! we do not like to be remind- ed — your fenfe of gratitude is too deep — it diftrelTes us. Zav. Gratitude, and for what ? doing our duty ? Heaven help the child ! wouldn't he be a pretty dog of a failor who fhould fee a mcfTmate drowning alongfide his (hip, and not fling out a rope to fave him upon deck. ^Exit. Rof You have been writing this morning; what fubjeft has employed your fancy* — ( He Jtgnifies his fajl misfortunes, that the prefent day is their Jxtham^ 16 THE BROKEN SWORD. verjary, then hows refpectfully^ and offers the tahkts to Rofara.) Rof, Ah ! I comprehend you, dear Myrdllo, but too well, and thefe tablets are defigned for me* — {He exprejfes ajjent,) — What infcription is here ^ ** The memoirs of an orphan, dedicated to his bene* factress." — [She appears about to open the leaves, Myf- tillo flops her, and ajks that JJie will not read further in his pre fence.) — Enough, I will read of you hereafter, converfe with you now, think of you for ever. Enter Me Baron with an open letter. Baron. Joy, joy to all of you ! Our abfentee will be in the arms of his family within the hour: thus runs his billet : — {Reads} — ^^ The courier who de- ** livers this will fcarcely precede me by a fingle poft. ** A brother officer, the Chevalier Rigolio, is the *' companion of my journey. He has proved the ^l' kindest of friends to your inexperienced foldier-— * tell Rofara he is wealthy, accompli (bed, and a bat- ♦* chelor; Need I entreat the frailes of my pretty *;^fifter to welcome fuch a vifitor ?" You perceive, Rofara, your brother thinks oi^ou. RoJ, And I of A/w fo entirely, Sir, I cannot find a thought to wafte on flrangers. Pab. Fags and fidgets! Don Claudio on the roadj and half my work yet unfiniflied. O! by your love of the fine arts — to the garden — to the fete— to the bufl. RoJ. Hufli ! Come, Myrtillo, you muft be my ef- cort, (Myrtillo beji fates , and implies relu5lance. ) How, you rcfufe to be my beau ? is this your gallantry ? — [He Jhakes his head mournfully, draws out his watch, points to the hour, and lifts his hands, as in prayer^ and exprejjes anxiety to be gone* ) THE BROKEN SWORD. 17 Rof, {Aftde to Pablo.) — Hu(h ! his watch reminds him — 'tis near the hour when the annual mafs for his father is fung at the chapel beyond the torrent — 'tis his cuftom afterwards to remain in folitary prayer till evening. We underftand your fcruples, Myr- tiilo, and refpedt their piety. You (hall reach the chapel by the time you wifli ; but yield us a few fpare minutes firft. Your own Rofara afks it. Will you refufe her? — f Myrtillo eagerly kijjes the hand /he eiitendsy and fuhmits himfelf to her difcretion.J-^Yon truft to me. Ah! the confidence (hall not be abufed. Quickly to the garden, to our feftival. — (Mu/ic of fudden animation. Pablo leads the way, the B2ixon follows, and Myrtillo, (^arejfmg the hand o/Ko* fara, Jinifhes the group, ) SCENE. — The Gardens. — On one fide rs the entrance to a cyprefs grove, acrofs which an artificial fcreen of boughs has been placed. Several domeflics are bujied in arrangement. Pablo runs forward and increafes the bufile. The other characters then enter, and reac/z the front cfthe Stage. Rof, Beloved Myrtillo, pause — this fpot is facrcdly your own. Rofara confecrates this cypress grove to the adopted brother of her affections. CHAUNT OF INVISIBLE PERSONS FROM THE GROVE. Orphan ! left by fate to languish, la these bowers appease thy fear, Kindred breasts still own thy anguish, View their love, their pity herp. - c 18 THE BROKEN SWOR0; [fht girls Juddenly divide the fcreen into feveral bougHs and a monument appears which has been hidden behind it; infcribed^ " Sacred to the memory of Luneda.*^ •— Myrtilloj^w^s on his knee^ with involuntary fervon A black veil, which ha^ furmounted the monument, is lifted floatingly away, and the bust o/^Liineda in white marble is difcovered* Myrtillo utters a fudden cry^ fprings forward, and dafps the marble with enihufiajfic Zav. [Grafping Myrtillo by the hand.) — Yes, my dear Myrtillo, you at laft poflefs the darling object of your pious wishes— a liiemorial of your unhappy father — and think not heavenly juftice lefs certain becaufe *^tis flow: for, even this day, while you chaunt to the repofe of your parent, his murderer may be difclofed, his deftiny avenged. — (Myrtillo wrought up toenthufiafm by the addrejs of Zavier, paf^ fionately addrejjcs Heaven, andfeem to imprecate its ven^ geance on the jeer et ajjaffm* Shouts of villagers fuddenly refound without^ and the chime of bells strikes out joyously •• Baron, Hark! my fon is within fight. Rof» 0)XT dear Claudio arrived 1 Pablo. Now for my AlUgro after my Fenseroso. O, the bonny bells ! I hear them 1 — and O, the bonny throats of the lafles! I hear them too! — Huzza! huzza ! Claudio for ever ! — [Runs ttp the Stage to meet them. Myrtillo seems anxious to avoid the feftiviiy.) Zav. No, my child, you (hall not be detained, — Obey the altar^s facred call ! — By yonder path you can avoid the crowd. Ros. But when religion has fulfilled its claim, then think of us — think of Claudio — he is Rofara's brother, and must be yours. — (Myrtillo much agi^ tated, haflily bids adieu, and promi/es to return as fhe dcfires^ then darts off by an afcending path on one fide tju/i THE BROKEN S^yOHCj. I? as the joyous groupe begin to difplay themfelves on a planted eminence oppoCite, Toung villagers male and female^ pre' 4:ede I c alter inp flowers, (3c Cajianets.tamhorineSy (3c. Tbe/e fill ibe^ front of the Stage, with fong and dance, while Claudio and Rigolo paufc upon the emtnence^ where they are received and welcomed in action by the characters of the family ^ Claudio introducing his friend^ {The characters have gradually advanced, and appear in front as the Ballet concludes.) Baron In truth, my nobJe boy, you credit your campaign. Fa^. Yes, young mafter has (hot up like a poplar tree. Claudio, If my return is indeed a fubject of gratu- lation among my relatives, to this .xceilent guardiaq, this b^ft of friends — -{pointing to Rigolio)— all ag- knowJedgments are juftly due, Rtgo. t orbear, dear Claudio, you over-rate my fimple fervices. C^auato. Nay, Rigolio, you (hall not deny my heart its dearest luxury^ the expression of its gi;ati- tudc. Yes, my friends, but for this generous arm, your Claudio had been nothing. At the ftorming of lortona, daftied from the rampart, and huiled ^midft a crowd of foes, the brave Rigolio cut a paffage to my aid, and, at the hazard of his own life, refcued mine. Baron Noble gentleman ! if ever you become a pafcnt, you will feel thofe thanks i cannot utter, Higo. Your fon, my lord, is an enthufiaft; — to fave d gallant comrade in his extremity is but the common i i.pulie of a foldier's mind — yet he vene- rates, as the rcfult of principle, that which was ipjerely the effect of chance. Baron, The generous fpirit ever makes its own dittindtions. Now, my kind neighbours — [to the 20 THE BROKEN SWORD. feasants)— partake of our refrefhments. Pablo, this is a part of your office. Pai?lo. Yes, my lord, and one I always execute in perfon. When eating and drinking is the charge, I never could bear to employ a deputy. — (Pablo conducts the villagers to the tables. They ajfemble joy- oufly, and he appears to superintend officwitfly ) Claudio. Ah ! how this fcene — this happy, native fcene exhilirates my heart! But, uncle, 1 mifs one welcome yet. Where is your fbn? Zav, O he (hall greet you prefeatly. Rtgo, How, Claudio, this is a relative you had not mentioned to me : — 1 never heard you had a coufin. Xav. What ! has the Colonel never been told of our Myriillo, the little orphan whom I found this day fix years, in the wood of Collares ? Rigo, (Starting.' — Found? — the wood of Col- lares? — and on this day } Zav, Aye, the thirteenth of Auguft. Providence, Sir, cad him on my care, for his father had ju(l perifhed in that very wood by the execrable hand of an afTaffin. Rz£o. {Involuntarily.)'^McTCiM heavens! Claudio. My friend! Ros, The Colonel is unwell, Rigo. {Endeavouring to rally.) — No, no — a mo- mentary fpafm — I entreat your pardon — 'tis gone again — this keen mountain air. Baron, You have remained expofed to it too long — let me conduct you, I entreat, into the houfe.^ Our breakfaft Ihall be prepared within. Rigo, You are too kind. I follow you. Lovely Rofara, may I prefume to aik this hand?— (Ji^^j^ turn to pass into the house. The Baron leads, Rigolio /ollowSf leading Rofara, JuJ as theyfrmt the bufl, bis THE BROKEN SWORD. 21 eye falls upon it ; fuddenly his hand drops that of Rofara, and he /lands intenfely rooted to the [pot. ) Claudio. Colonel, will you not proceed? Ri^o, (Without dhengaging his eye.) — Which is ^he path ? Claudio. Straight onwards. Rigo, No — 'tis barred againfl me — No, no, no — I cannot pafs him. Claudio Whom ? Rigo, Thofe dead eyes glare (o — Oh ! I cannot bear it. — p'rown not fo terribly, Luneda. Cladio You knew him then? — [to Rigolio.) — Perhaps he was your fritfnd ? Rigo, My friend r — Hal ha! — Yes, yes, he was my friend. — Ha! ha! ha! — [He finks ^ paralyfed with emotion^ between Claudio and Zavier. AU the peasants, t^c. participate,) Claudio, Bend him forwards; — he revives again. Rigo. Did I dream it ? — No, 'tis there again! — ill fated, lacrificed Luneda! — My friend! — 1 called him fo, did 1 not ? Xav. You did, and you are with thofe who vene- rate his ^memory. Rig. 1 rue — I perceive all now. — Abuft, a mere memorial — and his orphan refides here. Ros. O! }es. Sir — and he will be fo rejoiced to welcome a iriend of his father's. — Though he is dumb, his eyes will Ipeak for him. Rigo, Mow! — dumb, fay you? Tjav. Ytb, Colonel, exciflive terror at the mo- ment of his father's murder deprived him of his ut-* terance; but medical men have aflured me that fome violent revullion of nature may as fuddenly reflore it, Rigo, Does he recollect any circumftances think you of— of — ? m THE BROKEN SWORD. Ros, Of the murder ? O ! thoroughly, and though fix years have now elapfed, he per lifts that he fhould rccognife the face of theaflaffin at a (ingle glance. Padlo, [Running forward ) — Joy ! joy ! good fori- tune at the very nick of time! Here comes Myr- tillo himfelf, returning from mafs — he runs towards us with ail his fpeed. Claudio. Happy minute! Now, my friend, you will behold — Rigo^ (Wildly.) — Not for worlds — My furprife— my emotion — I cannot yet fupport the joy of — Rof, But he is here. (Mynillo appears at the top of the rijing path by which he had before departed.) Rigo, (Juji glancing towards /^m.)— Horror ! madnefs ! (Rigolio covers hi.- countenance by his hat, andre* cedes as the boy advances. At the fame injlant at which M^mWo gai^is the front of the /lage, the Colonel has pajfed behind the other charaSiers, and darts away by the path the other hadjujl quitted.) Claudio, — [purfues htm crying.)-r-My friend 1 my f r-knd ! — ( General g roupe ) tHE BROREN SWORD. «f ACT II. SCENE — The Pyrenees^ with Stella'^ Cahin^ as fc- fore — RiGOLio defcends the Crags ^ looking anxioujly behind him. Rig. YES — ^^I have outftripped purfuit. — Claii- dio's voice hollows down the rocks no longer — 'tis folitude — utter folitude around. Here then let me paufe— here ufe the few brief minutes yet my Own -^for reflexion — for decifion !-^— After fix years of fancied fafety — ruin ! abfolute ruin, threatens to overwhelm me. The father peri fhed, but the child, furvives — aye, — I recblleft — when the mafk fell frona my face, and my dying vidim cried -" Is it my friend that ftrikes ?" — then my arm — my faculties were paralyfed, and while I faultered, the urchin glided from my grafp! — Six years! — and yet this day — ihis/atal day — a Irving evidence appears to blaft me ! — If this boy once meetSjJie remembers — and all is loft ! — What is to bedorfe ? — a fecond mur- der ? — No, no — that were the only certain way— but in the caftle, amidft his friends — the attempt were vain ! — Flight, then — aye ! inftant flight alone can fave me. Once at a diftance from the fcene of danger, I could at leifure frame fome plan for my future hfe — write to Claudio — colour with fbme well-imagined fraud, the abruptnefs of my depar- ture, — and — yes — ^yes — it muft be fo. What if I drofs the mountains into France? — So, I might 94 THE BROKEN SWORD. elude enquiry altogether. Could I but hire a guide to lead me acrofs thefe precipices to Bellegarde — I fees the Cabin,) — A Goatherd^s cabin! — this may furnifh me ! [knocks at the door^ Stella appears.) Stel, Gracioms faintsi — here's an honour! the great vifitor from the caflle ! Rig, {Afide.) Confufion 1^ — known here too! — you have feen me then before? StcL Yes, Signer ! — You might not have noticed me, but I was one of the village lalTes, who met yoii at the bridge, to ftrew flowers, and to Rig. True, true — I remember you. SteK But, blefs me ! — how comes your honour in fueh a place ? juft when the fete is going on at the cattle — not a creature has returned from the dance yet, except myfelf — and I only flipped away, bc- caufe Rig, [Ha/li/y,) No matter, my good girl ! fud- den and unexpedted bufinefs calls me from my friends. Could you procure me a guide, who would lead me by the ftraighteft path to the French fide of the mountain ? Stel, How fortunate ! — yes, yes, Signor — I have a travelling perfon within — a poor kinfman of my own — he knows the road — and if he could but pafs the frontier under your proiedion Rig. I promife for him every thing that you can Vvifb----but haften, haften 1 I have not a mintue now to lofe. SteL He. ftiall attend you inilantly. \_Exit into Cabinm Rig, Each moment fwells into hours, that 1 delay among thefe fatal mountains. — Why was I perfuad- ed to viiit them? Ohi that I could recall the damn- ing hour I firft beheld them — that hour of frenzy and perdition — when dripped by gameflers of my laft refource, fortune loft, and reputation flaked, I THE BROKEN SWORD. 2$ fufhed on blood and rapine as my predeftined courfe ! — Upon what trivial chances may our crimes, or virtues hinge ! — Had not Luneda's letter reached me at the very infant that it did — had it not ap- prifed me of the treafure borne about his perfon — his lonely route — his unattended ftate— each parti- cular .confpiring to feduce — my foul had never — no, furely, never — been tempted to the deed which damns it! Wretched Luneda! ftill, ftill I hear his dying cry — it pleads to heaven againft me — the groans too uttering how^ by the poor wretch, on whom I lecretly dire6led the fufpicion — that mife* rable flave who now toils among the galleys, and in- vokes ^Eflevan bas advanced during the laH Jentence^ from the Cottage, with fearful humility, and bowing juji oppofite to Rigolio as he turns his head, Eftev. Signor ! — I wait your Rig. Ha ! — what apparition has ^^ev. The Signor Rigolio ! Rig^ 'Tis he! — Eftevan ! — the very valet of Estev, Count Luneda. Oh, Signor ! betray me . not. Mercy I mercy ! — [Flings himfelf diftraHedly at RigoIio*b/(f^/.) Rig, Rife! if you are unfortunate, I — but, teil me — how came you to this (pot ? Report had reach'd me, you were fentenced — and for life, to E/iev. Yes, to flavery ! — and to difgrace far heavier than my chains ! — but I was innocent of all. Oh, Signor ! you were my mafter's friend — pity me ! fave me ! Rig. Speak more coherendy — let me comprehend your cafe. — I had been told, that fome weeks after the murder of my friend you had been apprehended in a diftant part of Spain upon fufpicion of the D 26 THE BROKEN SWORD* crime — and though the fadt was not diftinftly proved upon your trial, yet, fo ambiguous feemed the circumftance, your judges had condemned you to the oar for life. Estev, Such was the dreadful fcntence. — Yet, by every power Rig. Referve your oaths —give me fa6ls. Eflev. I will obey you, Signor ! — my unfortunate mafter, when he landed from Mexico, was accom- panied only by his little fon, and by myfelf-^his vaft property converted into jewels, travelled with him. — Your name he perpetually mentioned with anxiety, as one of his earlieft friends. — ^At the firft poft upon our journey he learned that your regiment lay in quarters but a Ihort diftance from the town of Tarracona. Inftantly he difpatched me forwards with a note, requefting you to meet him at Collares. This, as you muft remember, I had the honour to deliver into your own hands with pundluality, I was then to have rejoined my mafter inftantly, before he pafled the wood. Scarcely had I pro- ceeded a league on my return, when a ftranger met me with a written paper, apparently in the Count's hand. In this, I was direfted to take a different route, and wait at Gerona for his further orders. Credulous fool I I fell into the fnare, treachery tri- umphed, and the noble Luneda perilhed ! Rig, {Aside ) — Still then, I am unfufpeded by him. — Proceed, my worthy man, I am attentive. EJlev» News of the murder reached Gerona — on the firft (urprife, my fenfes fled. When I recovered, it was in a dungeon. During my delirium, fome fecret villain had denounced me as the affaflin — hur- ried before ftrange Judges — my guilt in part be- lieved — a fentence of eternal llavery was paffed.^ Oh, Signor! think of his horrid fate who lives to THE BROKEN SWORD. 27 be a flave forever ! four nights lince by miracle I efeaped — your protection would enfure my safety. — O, bear me with you into France — my fervices — ray prayers — my life are yours ! Rig [Aside,) This accident may yet redeem me — aye ! — Juddenly^ and it may. Eftevan ! honeft, fuf- fering creature ! — a fure afylum for your griefs is near. The chateau of my friend (hall be your home while I am abfent ; and truft me, even before I return, fuch zeal will I employ, tidings you little can expedl, may reach you. Eftev, {Flings himfelf before him,) Benignant! gra- cious Being ! thefe burfting tears muft thank you ! Rig, No thanks till you find I have deferved them ; there is not a moment to be loft. You muft Ihither inftantly— ^I will provide you with a letter fhall accomplifh all ! Eftev. Too gracious Signor ! — but your own arfFairs Rig. However urgent, they (hall not be regarded, 'till I have fettled yours. Once in the Caftle you will be fufEciently fecured. The letter (hall in- ftantly be written, which decides your fate ! (Rigolio haflily enters the Cabin motioning Eftevan to follow bimy who is met by Stella ) SteL Speed thee, dear kinfman ! beyond thefe mountains danger and perfecution both will ceafe, — Estev. Thanks, kind Stella !. eternal thanks ! [^Exit Eftevan inte Cabin. AIR. 88 THE BROKEN SWGRD. AIR. — Stella. Oh! speed thee, dear kiDEoiaa From bondage from fear, For danger's await thpe While lingering here ; The breeze of yon monntain^ Shall lift up it's Toice, Like a spirit to bid thee, In freedom rejoice! — ^— Then, speed thee dear kiosmao,. Oh, hasten away From slavery's darkness To liberty's day ! ir. Thy fame has been blotted, By calamny's mark ; The stream of thy fortunes Runs troubled and dark, But streams that have struggled Long buried in night. At length burst in torrents To freedom and light ! Then Speed thco, &c. l£xiL » THE BROKEN SWORD. 29 SCENE— 7y->f Chateau. — Rosara and Pablo Enter from oppojite fides. Ros How (ingular an event ! Pab. Theoddeftof ail pofTible oddities ! Ros, To leave us fo abruptly — to refufe all ex- planation. Pab, Without the civility of faying, *' Gentle- men, good day," Ros, To depart without his fervants — what a ftrange man ! Pxib, To depart without his breakfaft — what a iimple man ! Enter Zavior. Ros, Any news of our runaway gueft, uncle ? Zav, None, my girl ; I left your brother in .jhe chace — but this Colonel flipped his cable fo quietly, without lignal, and had ftood out to fea under fuch a prefs of fall, that the Strombolo herfelf would never come up with him. Ros, How unaccountable his condudb 1 — Surely his friendfhip for Luneda muft have been extraor- dinary. J never witnelTed agitation fo violent, Zav, Nor I. — What fays Myrtillo ? does he re- collea theColoneFs name? Ros Yes, periedly — he frequently had heard his poor father mention it — -but he cannot recall any particulars. Baron (without.) This way, good man I — let me prefcnt you to my family. Enter Bar oii foJlowe J by Est EVAV. ^ Zav» What ftrange cruizer has my brother taken in tow here ? — One that feems to have weathered fome foul gales. 30 THE BROKEN SWORD. BaroH. Pablo ! Seek for my fon, direftly — this flranger bears a letter to him. (Pablo looks curiou/ly at Eftevan and Exit. He comes recommended to . our protection by the Chevalier Rigolio. Ros> Oh ! then we (hall know all. — Where did you leave the Colonel, honeft man ? — when does he return to us ? Eliev^ I am ignorant, young lady, of the Coio- nel's precife plans. — But, I know that he devotes himfelf at this moment, to a benevolent caufc, and the prayers of the unfortunate attend him every where. Zav, Do'they ? then a feamen*s good wi(h be blown along with them, let him tack about, and fteer for what harbour he pleafes. Ros> Ah ! Claudio is here, and now the letter will tell us all. Enter Claudio and Pablo. Claud, A meflenger to me ! and from Rigolio \ Baron. This man has a lettejj for you — the Colo- nel is his patroni Claud, Indeed ! then I befeech you, let all here receive him as their friend; Baron, Speak for your family, Claudio. — Say, that he is welcome-^truly welcome ! Eflev. Ah ! Signors-^this kindnefs to one, fo long inured to forrow and contempt, I Claud, Whatever your diftrefles, think them concluded here — this letter will teach us, doubtlefs, how to lympathize with, and to confole you. — ^— {Opens and reads,) — " My excellent young friend, " entr.eat your family to pardon my abrupt de- *' parture — ^to-morrow (hall elucidate every thing. " Meanwhile, let me conjure you to fecure the per- THE BROKEN SWORD. 31 ** fon of the man who delivers this. You behold in " him, a fugitive from offended laws, and the con- " viBed murderer of the Count Luneda." [y^ />flM/ir— Eftevan overwhelmed by furprtfe and emotion, — stands incapable of utterance^ — The other CharaBers furveying him with the differ^ ent regards of horror and difmay, Claud. Moniler ! Ros. Wretched, wicked being ! I Ihudder to Ite- hold him ! Baron. Let the officers of juftice be fummoned ! — remove the monfter from us, left his prefence draw a vengeance on thefe walls. Claud, Be that my care — guard him clofely 1 — . let him not flir till I return. — {Rujhes out.) Tuav. See, how confcious guilt confounds his features. Baron. Speak, have you a word to offer in de- fence f {E&QV3in feems for a moment endeavouring to ad^ drefs him, but emotion fuffocates the effort, he flaggers towards Rofara, buries his /ace zviih his hands y and at lafl fobs audibly.) Rof. Ah ! how dreadful the image of afflidion, even in the guilty ! Unhappy being ! fpeak, have you one plea to offer ? Eflev, (IVith a look of flill def pair.) — ^None, lady none ! I feel that I was born to be a wretcli, and dare not ftruggle longer againft my fate ! Rof^ Then you confefs the crime ? Ejiev. No, before man and heaven, I deny it fo- lemnly ! but treachery has woven fuch a net about me, I muft needs dcfpair ! (Eftevan relapfes into the frofoundefi defpondency, and again obfcures his face* MyrtilJo enters cheerfully, through a door in the centre of the fceney and advances between Zavier and Rofara. Si _ THE BROKEN SWORD^ Rof. {Rapidly intercepting his view of Eftevan.)— Oh ! beloved Myrtillo, withdraw. — I conjure you — you muft not pafs this way. (Myrtillo in aftonifhment feems to afk her motives^ ij^it'V'dXi fuddenly changes his pofition, and the eyes of the two meet. Both jlart as if bewildered by doubtful recolleBions .) Efiev^ Merciful heavens ! — that face ! — thofe eyes ! Xav, Yes, murderer ! tremble ! — The fon of Lu- neda (lands before you ! Eflev, Ah! . ' [He fprings involuntarily forward, and clafps Myr- tiilo*s kneei. — The boy ftill hefitates — Eftevan tears up the jleeve of his right arm, and points to a fear. The boys eyes lighten up with in/lant comjiBion^ he embraces Eftevan, and welcomes him with tendernefs and affeBion,) Eflev. Bounteous heaven ! thanks 1 I behold my maiier's fon once more, and I can die content. Zav. What myftery is here ? Can Myrtillo em- brace the affaffin of his father ? (Myrtillo j&(?ry^j in his careffes, and pointing to the scar^ indicates that he remembers it with grati" tude,) , Rof. Why does he point to that fear upon the arm ? EJiev, He remembers it ; 'twas the bite of a fe- rocious wolf, which , I received in prote6ling him from danger in his infant years. — (Myrtillo acquiefces with fervour,) Xav, Is it pofliblc Rigolio has deceived us ? Anfwer us, Myrtillo. — You beheld diftlndly the features of your father's murtain *to fummon the police, is now expofed to all its fury. Baron, I tremble left he fiiould be overtaien by the darknefs, and mifs the narrow foot-track be- yond the torrent. PaUon Ah ! that curfed torrent ! Some accident ^happens there continually. — {Storm increafes,) TjOV; Brother, let the fervants alTembie witji torches, and take different paths towards the tOT- rent. I'll go with them myfelf. Baron. Have with you brother. — Unlcfs we plaat lights along thofe precipices, Claudio's danger may indeed be great. Roj, But if the officers of juftice (hould arrive in your abfence, how ihall I protect this unfortunate man? (MynxWo fignijies that hlmjclf^ -with Eftevan, will accompany the -party forth . ) Rof You will meet them, and declare his inno- cence at once. Ah ! but in this ftorm — Xav, {Storm,) — Ha! no more delay. Pablo! Torches there I — to the torrent ! (Exit Rofara on one fide ^ the other characters by the oppofttc direction. My xixWo ^r a fps Eftevan's E 34 THE BROKEN SWORD. hand with alacrity^ and fledgei himself to avouch his innocence, SCENE,— The Falley of the Torrent,— Aero fs the head of the forrent a foot- bridge is cafl to the fummit of a perpendicular rock, on zohich the ruins of a chapel are perceptible. The fcene is nearly dark, and the differ* ent maffes of rock and water are developed^ but at in^ tervals, by the glare of lightning. 'J he liorm rages, and RIgolio appears combating with its fury. Rig, Spirits of darknefs ! whither will ye drive your vi6lim ! I have loft the track fhould lead me into France, and wander through this dreadful wil- dcrnefs without a clue. What will become of me ? Return to the Caftle — I dare not while the orphan lives. — I am exhaufted. — [He leans on the rocks, — Storm redoubles.^— Rufhes wildly forward.) — Avenging powers ! — Luneda's fpirit walks abroad, and arms the elements againft mQ,^-^[Halloos are heard at a dijlancc, — He halloos to them in return,) — Ah ! voices fo lear ! — torches too! — If they are peafants, I am faved. — Holloa \ this way, this way. — Ah ! no, the Baron's voice. — I am fought for. — If they find me — Horror ! — Whither (liall I fly to (hun them ? ( He flies up the winding path conducting to the tor- rent. Baron, Zavier, Pablo, and domejlics^ enter with torches in front,) 'Lav, This way the voice founded. No doubt it was my nephew. Baron, Merciful heavens I how dreadfully the tor- rent rages ! 7,av, Holloa! Glaudio! Nephew I Holloa ! THE BROKEN SWORD. 36 Unter EstevAn an J Myrtillo; £JIev, Ah ! Sirs 1 f befeech you prevail upon this generous, noble youth that he return , — •At fuch tender vears to brave a ftorni like this, Zav. Rerurn, return, Myrtillo; I command you. (Rigoli . is fe^n cr offing the foot-bridge, to gain the Jhtlttr of the ruins. Jujl as be- crojfes the light- nin^ flares upon his figure, Pablo Look ! look 1 there's fomebody on the bridge. I faw a figure pafs — I llvear it. Baron. It mud be Claudio — and if he ventures further^ — (Myrtillo fuddenly frtafches a torch from one of the dome/lies ^ and darts up the path, Pablo. Stop! flop!— Mafter Myrtillo ftop! Xav. ^h\ the brave child! never fear him — he knows his footing well. Bring your torches further along the bed of the torrent, that he may fee us, and one of you follow him. [Ail depart by a lower path, except Eflevan, ivho takes the fame track Myrtillo /^fli ajc ended, but left far behind. Rigolio is feen watching J rom the ruin the different direcftons of the torches. Myrtillo advances acrofs the bridge ; ju/i as he he is about to enter the ruin, Rigolio with his [word (it ikes the torch from his hand. The Boy recedes in the darknefs ; KigoVio JollowSy /eizes him on the middle of the bridge^ and hurls him over tnio the bed of the torrent. Eflevan, with his torch appears at the fame moment on a pro- jtBing crag ; about half- way up the path he hears the plunge. Eftev, Ah! he has fallen from the bridge! — • Help ! help ! fave him ! fave him ! 36 THE BROKEN SWORD. {ffe precipitates himfelf into the torrent. RIgoiio. Jlies into the ruins. Baron, Zavier, ^c, rapidly return.) Zav. My boy ! my boy ! fave him ! — All 1 have in the world (hall reward the man who faves him ! {^he lightnings flare vividly upon the water ^ and Jhew Myrtillo home down the agitated waters^ Eftevan struggling after him. Zav. Ah! he floats towards the fecond fall — then he is loft ! Pablo, No, no, the man has caught his arm — T^av, But the torrent bears them both away. (Pablo flings out a cord-^ at the moment they ap- proach the fecond fall, Eftevan catches it with, his di/enMged hand ) Pablo. Huzza ! he catches the cord ! — Quick, quick ! all of you your torches this way 1 (Eftevan struggles ; they drag him to the bank. — he bears iVlyrtillo, infenfibki forwards y Jltngs him into Zavier* s extended arms, then Jails ex* hausted among the groupe, ) SCENE.— ri6] — Let me endeavour to Hiake off this lethargy! — [T aces rapidly.) — I can pace thefe floors fecurely now ; the only form I dreaded tp encounter — here {hall never, never more be found. The winds have heard, and mocked his dying cry ! the wave flows over him — he fleeps eter- nally ! Sit lightly then, my heart — rejoice; exult; 'No — no — there is a chilly weight that finks it down — quite down \^-{He drop back into his chair, ) — Shame ; Qiame ! let me rally — they approach— 'Let me, at leaft, be faithful to myfelf. £nUr F.AB.LQ, lighting Claudio^ who is followed by ESTEVAU* C/mtd. Pablo, leave us. [^ExitPdh. Rig. \Hith Jorced Jpirits advancing,) — My friend! dear Claudio l-^^For a moment they prejcrve an wieafy THE BROKEN SWORD. 41 Jtltnce^ regarding each other anxioujly, as at a lofs how io addrefs.) — Claudio, — you — you are doubtlefs fur- prifed at my return. Claud, I muft own, it was unexpected. Rig, Entirely accidental. The florin has fwollqii the rivulets into an inundation acrofs the valley, and I found it impoffible to proceed. My return is not, I truft, unwelcome to my friends ? Clau. [After a struggle, ) — Rigolio, I cannot — nt'- yer ro«/^ diflemble. Speak! does your confcience declare, you ftill deferve our welcome ? Rig. Ha ! 1 perceive — .fome odious calumny. — Where is the wretch, who dares accule me ? Clau, Behold ! — and O ! if poflible, difprove him here ! Points to Est Ev AN i who Enters. Rig, That traitor ! that convided felon ! Estev. No — that injured fufFering man, whom a villain perfecutes, but whom heaven proteds. Rig, Infolent wretch ! is it to me you dare ad- drefs Estev, The only language truth can ufe to vil- lainy fo monftrous. Here, in the prefence of this .noble youth — and foon before the whole affembled world — aloud I brand you, with the name of mur- derer — an infant's murderer ! — aye, murderer and coward ! Rig. My rage can brook no more ! die, mifcre- ajDt ! e're that venom'd tongue [Rigolio, tranfported almost to madnefs^ furioujly draws his /word, Clsiudio forcibly catches his arm as he ru/hes forwards — the blade appears broken towards the point. Estev. Ah ! the proof 1 the deep, the damning proof 1 — Heaven's own eternal hand is here ! F 4f THE BROKEN SWORD. [He fixes the fragment to the extended blade Rigolio) as he perceives the di/covery, stands as if rooted to the [pot by magtc, Clau, Merciful heavens ! the evidence indeed is clear ! Rig [Tremulously,) What proof? what evidence? who fays that — — if the orphan, by accident, have perished Esiev, Ha ! mark there — the villain's own con- fufion now confeffes all. But, know, Myrtillolives! i?/V. Lives ! Estev, Aye ! to blaft and overwhelm a monfter ! This inflant let the wretch be feized— this inftant ! £Eftevan ru/hes out^ as if to jummon the family, -r- Rigolio staggers towards the Table, and fup" ports hi' trembling limb^ aoainst it. Clau, [Sur\eyi g him icith ^hij^.d emotions.) — Rigo- lio, moft unhappy man ; what daemon could have prompted — but no matter, you once faved my life, I cannot injure yours. — Fly ! — efcape, if poflible. Rig» YCuihcn, c:\tn you believe me guiity. Clau, Unfortunate man I I k-el couvinced ; but, let me pay the debt of gratitude I owe you — thefe doors open to. the garden — this key unlocks the private gate beyond — fly, fly ! Rig, 1 am a wretch^ — difpofe of me as you will. Baron» This way [CJaudio leads Higolio [stupified by apprehend ficns] to the folding doors in the centre of the fcenc — they ai e thrown ajundei , and a crowd of perfons an torches are dijcovered,) Clau, (Dragging Rigolio qmctcly back.) — We are prevented. Ah ! *tis now too late — by yonder door fly I fly 1 Baron [Advancing,) — My fon, the officers of joftice li^ve arrived to execute your fummons. THE BROKEN SWORD. 43 [Thegrovipe moves forward — Zavier and Rofara with Myrtillo visible in the centre, Rigolio turns to escape — Efte van's rapid entrance in' ' tercepts him at the other door, Estev, Officers, advance ! behold your prifoner here ! [Rigolio. as he turns to avoid Eftevan, suddenly faces Myrtillo — the eye of each becomes rivet ted» ^^The boy presses his throat bet'ween his fingers^ as if to repress a choaking effort of the feelings, — He shudders violently ^ then^ with a sudden fearful cry, he darts from his position^ and springs upon Rigolio exclaiming Myr^ My father's murderer ! Estev. Hal he fpeaks! — an infpiration from the grave refounds! — the father's ghoft cries *' Ven- geance" by his orphan's lips. Myr. (Fastening irremoveahly upon Rigolio.) — Juf- tice! juftice! juflice! [Rigolio laughs deliriously, and sinks down^ con^ vulsedy under Myrtillo's grasp, JRos. Miferable being! — Juitice muft be his meed from man — may mercy prove his boon from hea- ven ! The Fixture is formed, and the Curtain falls. FINIS. J. Baiker, Printer, Great Russ^U-Stieet^ Covent-Garden. J. 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