Schiller Collection - Bride of Messina

8/2/2019 Schiller Collection - Bride of Messina

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THEBRIDEOFMESSINA

ByFrederichSchiller

TranslatedbyA.Lodge

THEBRIDEOFMESSINA

DRAMATISPERSONAE.

ISABELLA,PrincessofMessina.

DONMANUEL|herSons.DONCAESAR|BEATRICE.DIEGO,anancientServant.MESSENGERS.THEELDERSOFMESSINA,mute.THECHORUS,consistingoftheFollowersofthetwoPrinces.

SCENEI.

Aspacioushall,supportedoncolumns,withentrancesonbothsides;

atthebac

ofthestagealargefolding-doorleadingtoachapel.

DONNAISABELLAinmourning;theELDERSOFMESSINA.

ISABELLA.Forthfrommysilentchamber'sdeeprecesses,GrayFathersoftheState,unwillinglyIcome;and,shrin

ingfromyourgaze,upliftTheveilthatshadesmywidowedbrows:thelightAndgloryofmydaysisfledforever!Andbestinsolitudeand indredgloomTohidethesesableweeds,thisgrief-wornframe,Beseemsthemourner'sheart.Amightyvoice

Inexorable--duty'ssterncommand,Callsmetolightagain.NottwicethemoonHasfilledherorbsincetothetombyeboreMyprincelyspouse,yourcity'slord,whosearmAgainstaworldofenviousfoesaroundHurledfiercedefiance!StillhisspiritlivesInhisheroicsons,theircountry'spride:Yemar edhowsweetlyfromtheirchildhood'sbloomTheygrewinjoyouspromisetotheyears


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Ofmanhood'sstrength;yetintheirsecrethearts,Fromsomemysteriousrootaccursed,upsprungUnmitigable,deadlyhate,thatspurnedAll indredties,allyouthful,fondaffections,Stillripeningwiththeirthoughtfulage;notmineThesweetaccordoffamilybliss;thougheachAwo eamother'srapture;eachali eSmiledatmynourishingbreast!formealoneYetlivesonemutualthought,ofchildren'slove;InthesetempestuoussoulsdiscoveredelseBymortalstrifeandthirstoffiercerevenge.

Whileyettheirfatherreigned,hissterncontrolTamedtheirhotspirits,andwithironyo

eToawfuljusticebowedtheirstubbornwill:Obedienttohisvoice,tooutwardseemingTheycalmedtheirwrathfulmood,norinarrayEremet,ofhostilearms;yetunappeasedSatbroodingmaliceintheirbosoms'depths;Theylittleree

ofhiddenspringswhosepowerCanquellthetorrent'sfury:scarcetheirsireIndeathhadclosedhiseyes,when,asthespar

Thatlonginsmoulderingemberssullenlay,Shootsforthatoweringflame;sounconfined

Burstthewildstormofbrothers'hatetriumphantO'ernature'sholiestbands.Yesaw,myfriends,Yourcountry'sbleedingwounds,whenprincelystrifeWo

ediscord'smaddeningfires,andrangedhersonsInmutualdeadlyconflict;allaroundWasheardtheclashofarms,thedinofcarnage,Ande'enthesehallswerestainedwith indredgore.

Tornwasthestatewithcivilrage,thisheartWithpangsthatmothersfeel;alas,unmindfulOfaughtbutpublicwoes,andpitilessYousoughtmywidow'schamber--therewithtauntsAndfiercereproachesforyourcountry'sills

Fromthatpollutedspringofbrother'shateDerived,invo edaparent'swarningvoice,Andthreateningtoldofpeople'sdiscontentAndprinces'crimes!"Ill-fatedland!nowwastedBythyunnaturalsons,erelongthepreyOffoeman'ssword!Oh,haste,"youcried,"andendThisstrife!bringpeaceagain,orsoonMessinaShallbowtootherlords."YoursterndecreePrevailed;thisheart,withallamother'sanguishO'erlabored,ownedtheweightofpubliccares.Iflew,andatmychildren'sfeet,distracted,Asuppliantlay;tilltomyprayersandtearsThevoiceofnatureansweredintheirbreasts!

Hereinthepalaceoftheirsires,unarmed,InpeacefulguiseMessinashallbeholdThelonginveteratefoes;thisistheday!E'ennowIwaitthemessengerthatbringsThetidingsofmysons'approach:bereadyTogiveyourprincesjoyfulwelcomehomeWithreverencesuchasvassalsmaybeseem.Bethin yetofulfilyoursubjectduties,Andleavetobetterwisdomweightiercares.


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Direwastheirstrifetothem,andtotheStateFruitfulofills;yet,inthishappybondOfpeaceunited, nowthattheyaremightyTostandagainstaworldinarms,norlessEnforcetheirsovereignwillagainstyourselves.

[TheELDERSretireinsilence;shebec onstoanoldattendant,whoremains.

Diego!

DIEGO.Honoredmistress!

ISABELLA.Oldfaithfulservant,thentrueheart,conenearme;Sharerofallamother'swoes,bethineThesweetcommunionofherjoys:mytreasureShrinedinthyheart,mydearandholysecretShallpiercetheenviousveil,andshinetriumphantTocheerfulday;toolongbyharshdecrees,Silentandoverpowered,affectionyetShallutterancefindinNature'stonesofrapture!Andthisimprisonedheartleaptotheembrace

Ofallitholdsmostdear,returnedtogladMydesolatehalls;SobendthyagedstepsTotheoldcloisteredsanctuarythatguardsThedarlingofmysoul,whoseinnocenceTothytruelove(sweetpledgeofhappierdays)!TrustingIgave,andas edfromfortune'sstormArestingplaceandshrine.Oh,inthishourOfbliss;thedearrewardofallthycares.Givetomylongingarmsmychildagain!

[Trumpetsareheardinthedistance.

Haste!bethyfootstepswingedwithjoy--IhearThetrumpet'sblast,thattellsinwarli eaccentsMysonsarenear:

[ExitDIEGO.Musicisheardinanoppositedirection,andbecomesgraduallylouder.

Messinaisawa

e!Har !howthestreamoftongueshoarsemurmuringRollsonthebreeze,--'tisthey!mymother'sheartFeelstheirapproach,andbeatswithmightythroesResponsivetotheloud,resoundingmarch!Theycome!theycome!mychildren!oh,mychildren!

[Exit.

TheCHORUSenters.

(Itconsistsoftwosemi-choruseswhichenteratthesametimefromoppositesides,andaftermarchingroundthestagerangethemselvesinrows,eachonthesidebywhichitentered.Onesemi-chorusconsistsofyoung nights,theotherofolderones,eachhasitspeculiarcostumeandensigns.Whenthetwochoruses


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standoppositetoeachother,themarchceases,andthetwoleadersspea

.)[ThefirstchorusconsistsofCajetan,Berengar,Manfred,Tristan,andeightfollowersofDonManuel.ThesecondofBohemund,Roger,Hippolyte,andnineothersofthepartyofDonCaesar.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN).

Igreetye,glitteringhallsOfoldentimeCradleof

ings!Hail!lordlyroof,Inpillaredmajestysublime!

Sheathedbethesword!InchainsbeforetheportalliesThefiendwithtressessna e-entwined,FellDiscord!Gentlytreattheinviolatefloor!Peacetothisroyaldome!ThusbytheFuries'broodweswore,Andallthedar ,avengingDeities!

SecondChorus(BOHEMUND).

Irage!Iburn!andscarcerefrainTolifttheglitteringsteelonhigh,

For,lo!theGorgon-visagedtrainOfthedetestedfoemannigh:ShallImyswellingheartcontrol?Toparleydeign--orstillinmortalstrifeThetumultofmysoul?Diresister,guardianofthespot,totheeAwe-struc Ibendthe nee,Nordarewitharmsprofanethydeeptranquillity!


Welcomethepeacefulstrain!Togetherweadoretheguardianpower

Oftheseaugustabodes!SacredthehourTo

indredbrotherlytiesAndreverend,holysympathies;--Ourheartsthegenialcharmshallown,Andmeltawhileatfriendship'ssoothingtone:--ButwheninyonderplainWemeet--thenpeaceaway!Comegleamingarms,andbattle'sdeadlyfray!

ThewholeChorus.

Butwheninyonderplain

Wemeet--thenpeaceaway!Comegleamingarms,andbattle'sdeadlyfray!

FirstChorus(BERENGAR).

Ihatetheenot--norcalltheefoe,Mybrother!thisournativeearth,Thelandthatgaveourfathersbirth:--Ofchief'sbehesttheslavedecreed,Thevassaldrawstheswordatneed,


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Forchieftain'sragewestri etheblow,Forstrangerlordsour

indredbloodmustflow.


Hatefirestheirsouls--weas

notwhy;--Athonor'scalltofightanddie,Boastofthetrueandbrave!Unworthyofasoldier'snameWhoburnsnotforhischieftain'sfame!

ThewholeChorus.

Unworthyofasoldier'snameWhoburnsnotforhischieftain'sfame!

OneoftheChorus(BERENGAR).

Thusspo ewithinmybosom'scoreThethought--ashitherwardIstrayed;Andpensive'midthewavingstore,Imused,ofautumn'syellowglade:--Thesegiftsofnature'sbounteousreign,--Theteemingearth,andgoldengrain,

Yonelms,amongwhoseleavesentwineThetendrilsoftheclusteringvine;--Gaychildrenofoursunnyclime,--Regionofspring'seternalprime!Eachcharmshouldwootoloveandjoy,Nocaresthedreamofblissannoy,Andpleasurethroughlife'ssummerdaySpeedeverylaughinghouraway.Werageinblood,--oh,diredisgrace!Forthisusurping,alienrace;Fromsomefardistantlandtheycame,Beyondthesun'sdepartingflame.Andowneduponourfriendlyshore

Thewelcomeofoursiresofyore.Alas!theirsonsinthraldompine,Thevassalsofthisstrangerline.

Asecond(MANFRED).

Yes!pleased,onourland,fromhisazureway,Thesuneversmileswithuncloudedray.Butnever,fairisle,shallthysonsrepose'Midthesweetswhichthefaithlesswavesenclose.Ontheirbosomtheywaftedthecorsairbold,Withhisdreadedbar

stoourcoastofold.Fortheewasthydowerofbeautyvain,

'Twasthetreasurethatluredthespoiler'strain.Oh,ne'erfromthesesmilingvalesshallriseAswordforourvanquishedliberties;'TisnotwherethelaughingCeresreigns,Andthejocundlordofthefloweryplains:--Wheretheironlieshidinthemountaincave,Isthecradleofempire--thehomeofthebrave!

[Thefolding-doorsatthebac ofthestagearethrownopen.DONNAISABELLAappearsbetweenhersons,DONMANUELandDONCAESAR.


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BothChoruses(CAJETAN).

Lifthighthenotesofpraise!Behold!whereliestheawa eningsun,Shecomes,andfromherqueenlybrowShootsglad,inspiringrays.Mistress,webendtothee!

FirstChorus.

FairisthemoonamidthestarrychoirThattwin leo'erthes y,Shininginsilvery,mildtranquillity;--Themotherwithhersonsmorefair!See!bloomingatherside,Sheleadstheroyal,youthfulpair;Withgentlegrace,andsoft,maternalpride,Attemperingsweettheirmanlyfire.

SecondChorus(BERENGAR).

FromthisfairstemabeauteoustreeWithever-springingboughsshallsmile,

Andwithimmortalverdureshadeourisle;Motherofheroes,joytothee!Triumphantasthesunthy inglyraceShallspreadfromclimetoclime,Andgiveadeathlessnametorollingtime!

ISABELLA(comesforwardwithherSONS).Loo

down!benignantQueenofHeaven,andstill,Thisproudtumultuousheart,thatinmybreastSwellswithamother'stideofecstasy,Asblazonedinthesenobleyouths,myimageMoreperfectshows;--Oh,blissfulhour!thefirstThatcomprehendsthefulnessofmyjoy,

Whenlong-constrainedaffectiondarestopourInunisonoftransportfrommyheart,Unchec

ed,aparent'sundividedlove:Oh!itwaseverone--mysonsweretwain.Say--shallIrevelinthedreamsofbliss,AndgivemysoultoNature'sdearemotions?Isthiswarmpressureofthybrother'shandAdaggerinthybreast?[ToDONMANUEL.OrwhenmyeyesFeedonthatbrowwithlove'senrapturedgaze,Isitawrongtothee?[ToDONCAESAR.

Trembling,Ipause,Leste'enaffection'sbreathshouldwa ethefiresOfslumberinghate.[Afterregardingbothwithinquiringloo sSpea !InyoursecretheartsWhatpurposedwells?IsittheancientfeudUnreconciled,thatinyourfather'shallsAmomentstilled;beyondthecastlegates,Wheresitsinfuriatewar,andchampsthebit--Shallrageanewinmortal,bloodyconflict?


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Chorus(BOHEMUND).

Concordorstrife--thefate'sdecreeIsbosomedyetindar futurity!Whatcomes,welittleheedto

now,Preparedforaughtthehourmayshow!

ISABELLA(loo inground).Whatmeanthesearms?thiswarli

e,dreadarray,ThatinthepalaceofyoursiresportendsSomefearfulissue?needsamother'sheartOutpoured,thisruggedwitnessofherjoys?Say,inthesefoldingarmsshalltreasonhideThedeadlysnare?Oh,theserude,pitilessmen,Theministersofyourwrath!--trustnottheshowOfseemingfriendship;treacheryintheirbreastsLur

stobetray,andlong-dissembledhate.Yearearaceofotherlands;yoursiresProfanedtheirsoil;andne'ertheinvader'syo

eWaseasy--neverinthevassal'sheartLanguishedthehopeofsweetrevenge;--ourswayNotrootedinapeople'slove,butownsAllegiancefromtheirfears;withsecretjoy--

Forconquest'sruthlesssword,andthraldom'schainsFromagetoage,theywaittheatoninghourOfprinces'downfall;--thustheirbardsawa eThepatriotstrain,andthusfromsiretosonRehearsed,theoldtraditionarytaleBeguilesthewinter'snight.Falseistheworld,Mysons,andlightareallthespecioustiesByfancytwined:friendship--deceitfulname!Itsgaudyflowersbutdec oursummerfortune,Towitheratthefirstrudebreathofautumn!Sohappytowhomheavenhasgivenabrother;Thefriendbynaturesigned--thetrueandsteadfast!Naturealoneishonest--natureonly--

Whenallwetrustedstrewsthewintryshore--Onhereternalanchorliesatrest,Norheedsthetempest'srage.

DONMANUEL.Mymother!

DONCAESAR.Hearme

ISABELLA(ta ingtheirhands).Benoble,andforgetthefanciedwrongsOfboyhood'sage:moregodli eisforgiveness

Thanvictory,andinyourfather'sgraveShouldsleeptheancienthate:--Oh,giveyourdaysRenewedhenceforthtopeaceandholylove!

[Sherecedesoneortwosteps,asiftogivethemspacetoapproacheachother.Bothfixtheireyesonthegroundwithoutregardingoneanother.

ISABELLA(afterawaitingforsometime,withsuppressedemotion,ademonstrationonthepartofhersons).


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Icannomore;myprayers--mytearsarevain:--'Tiswell!obeythedemoninyourhearts!Fulfilyourdreadintent,andstainwithbloodTheholyaltarsofyourhouseholdgods;--Thesehallsthatgaveyoubirth,thestagewheremurderShallholdhisfestivalofmutualcarnageBeneathamother'seye!--then,foottofoot,Close,li

etheThebanpair,withmaddeninggripe,Andfoldeachotherinalastembrace!Eachpresswithvengefulthrustthedaggerhome,And"Victory!"beyourshrie ofdeath:--northenShalldiscordrestappeased;theveryflameThatlightsyourfuneralpyreshalltowerdisseveredInruddycolumnstothes

ies,andtellWithhorridimage--"thustheylivedanddied!"

[Shegoesaway;theBROTHERSstandasbefore.

Chorus(CAJETAN).

HowhaveherwordswithsoftcontrolResistlesscalmedthetempestofmysoul!Noguiltof indredbloodbemine!ThuswithupliftedhandsIprey;

Thin

,brothers,ontheawfulday,Andtrembleatthewrathdivine!

DONCAESAR(withoutta

inghiseyesfromtheground).Thouartmyelder--spea --withoutdishonorIyieldtothee.

DONMANUEL.Onegraciousword,aninstant,Mytongueisrivalinthestrifeoflove!

DONCAESAR.Iamtheguiltier--wea er----

DONMANUEL.Saynotso!Whodoubtsthynobleheart,

nowstheenotwell;Thewordswereprouder,ifthysoulweremean.

DONCAESAR.Itburnsindignantatthethoughtofwrong--Butthou--methin s--inpassion'sfiercestmood,'Twasaughtbutscornthatharboredinthybreast.

DONMANUEL.Oh!hadI nownthyspiritthustopeace

Inclined,whatthousandgriefshadnevertornAmother'sheart!

DONCAESAR.Ifindtheejustandtrue:Menspo etheeproudofsoul.

DONMANUEL.Thecurseofgreatness!Earseveropentothebabbler'stale.


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DONCAESAR.Thouarttooproudtomeanness--Itofalsehood!

DONMANUEL.Wearedeceived,betrayed!

DONCAESAR.Thesportoffrenzy!DONMANUEL.Andsaidmymothertrue,falseistheworld?

DONCAESAR.Believeher,falseasair.

DONMANUEL.Givemethyhand!

DONCAESAR.Andthinebeevernextmyheart!

[Theystandclaspingeachother'shands,andregardeachotherinsilence.

DONMANUEL.IgazeUponthybrow,andstillbeholdmymotherInsomedearlineament.

DONCAESAR.Herimageloo sFromthine,andwondrousinmybosomwa

esAffection'ssprings.

DONMANUEL.Andisitthou?--thatsmileBenignantonthyface?--thylipsthatcharm

Withgracioussoundsofloveanddearforgiveness?

DONCAESAR.Isthismybrother,thisthehatedfoe?Hismienallgentlenessandtruth,hisvoice,Whosesoftprevailingaccentsbreatheoffriendship!

[Afterapause.

DONMANUEL.Shallaughtdivideus?

DONCAESAR.

Weareoneforever!

[Theyrushintoeachother'sarms.

FirstCHORUS(totheSecond).

Whystandwethus,andcoldlygaze,WhileNature'sholytransportsburn?NodearembraceofhappierdaysThepledge--thatdiscordnevershallreturn!


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Brothersaretheyby indredband;Weownthetiesofhomeandnativeland.

[BothCHORUSESembrace.

AMESSENGERenters.

SecondCHORUStoDONCAESAR(BOHEMUND).Rejoice,myprince,thymessengerreturnsAndmar

thatbeamingsmile!theharbingerOfhappytidings.

MESSENGER.Healthtome,andhealthTothisdeliveredstate!Ohsightofbliss,Thatlightsmineeyeswithrapture!IbeholdTheirhandsinsweetaccordentwined;thesonsOfmydepartedlord,theprincelypairDisseveredlatebyconflict'shottestrage.

DONCAESAR.Yes,fromtheflamesofhate,anew-bornPhoenix,Ourloveaspires!

MESSENGER.Ibringanotherjoy;Mystaffisgreenwithflourishingshoots.

DONCAESAR(ta inghimaside).Oh,tellmeThygladsomemessage.

MESSENGER.AllishappinessOnthisauspiciousday;longsought,thelostoneIsfound.

DONCAESAR.Discovered!Oh,whereisshe?Spea !

MESSENGER.WithinMessina'swallssheliesconcealed.

DONMANUEL(turningtotheFirstSEMI-CHORUS).Aruddyglowmountsinmybrother'schee

,Andpleasuredancesinhisspar lingeye;Whate'erthespring,withsympathyofloveMyinmostheartparta eshisjoy.

DONCAESAR(totheMESSENGER).

Come,leadme;Farewell,DonManuel;tomeetagainEnfoldedinamother'sarms!IflyTocaresofutmostneed.

[Heisabouttodepart.

DONMANUEL.Ma enodelay;Andhappinessattendthee!


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DONCAESAR(afterapauseofreflection,hereturns).Howthyloo sAwa emysoultotransport!Yes,mybrother,Weshallbefriendsindeed!ThishourisbrightWithgladpresageofever-springinglove,Thatintheenliveningbeamshallflourishfair,Sweetrecompenseofwastedyears!

DONMANUEL.TheblossomBeto

ensgoodlyfruit.

DONCAESAR.ItearmyselfReluctantfromthyarms,butthin

notlessIfthusIbrea thisfestalhour--myheartThrillswithaholyjoy.

DONMANUEL(withmanifestabsenceofmind).Obeythemoment!Ourlivesbelongtolove.

DONCESAR.

Whatcallsmehence----

DONMANUEL.Enough!thouleav'stthyheart.

DONCAESAR.NoenvioussecretShallpartuslong;soonthelastdar

eningfoldShallvanishfrommybreast.

[TurningtotheCHORUS.

Attend!Forever

Stilledisourstrife;heismydeadliestfoe,Detestedasthegatesofhell,whodaresToblowthefiresofdiscord;nonemayhopeTowinmylove,thatwithmalicioustalesEncroachuponabrother'sear,andpointWithbusyzealoffalse,officiousfriendship.Thedartofsomerash,angryword,escapedFrompassion'sheat;itwoundsnotfromthelips,But,swallowedbysuspicion'sgreedyear,Li earan ,poisonousweed,embitteredcreeps,Andhangsaboutherwithathousandshoots,Perplexingnature'sties.

[Heembraceshisbrotheragain,andgoesawayaccompaniedbytheSecondCHORUS.

Chorus(CAJETAN).Wondering,myprince,Igaze,forinthyloo ssomemysteryStrange-seemingshows:scarcewithabstractedmienAndcoldthouanswered'st,whenwithearnestheartThybrotherpouredthestrainofdearaffection.Asinadreamthoustand'st,andlostinthought,


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Asthough--disseveredfromitsearthlyframe--Thyspiritrovedafar.NotthinethebreastThatdeaftonature'svoice,ne'erownedthethrobsOf indredlove:--naymore--li eoneentrancedInbliss,thouloo 'staround,andsmilesofrapturePlayonthychee

.

DONMANUEL.HowshallmylipsdeclareThetransportsofmyswellingheart?MybrotherRevelsingladsurprise,andfromhisbreastInstinctwithstrangenew-feltemotions,poursThetideofjoy;butmine--nohatecamewithme,Forgottheveryspringofmutualstrife!Higho'erthisearthlysphere,onrapture'swings,Myspiritfloats;andintheazuresea,Above--beneath--notrac ofenviousnightDisturbsthedeepserene!Iviewthesehalls,AndpicturetomythoughtsthetimidjoyOfmysweetbride,asthroughthepalacegates,Inprideofqueenlystate,Ileadherhome.Shelovedalonethelovingone,thestranger,AndlittledeemsthatonherbeauteousbrowMessina'sprinceshall'twinethenuptialwreath.

Howsweet,withunexpectedpompofgreatness,Togladthedarlingofmysoul!toolongIbroo thisdulldelayofcrowningbliss!Herbeauty'sself,thatas

snoborrowedcharm,Shallshinerefulgent,li ethediamond'sblazeThatwinsnewlustrefromthecirclinggold!

Chorus(CAJETAN).LonghaveImar edthee,prince,withcuriouseye,ForebodingofsomemysterydeepenshrinedWithinthylaboringbreast.Thisday,impatient,Thylipshavebursttheseal;andunconstrainedConfessalover'sjoy;--thegladdeningchase,

TheOlympiancoursers,andthefalcon'sflightCancharmnomore:--soonasthesundeclinesBeneaththeruddywest,thouhiesttheequic

Tosomesequesteredpath,ofmortaleyeUnseen--notoneofallourfaithfultrainCompanionofthysolitaryway.Say,whysolongconcealedtheblissfulflame?Strangertofear--ill-broo

edthyprincelyheartOnethoughtunuttered.

DONMANUEL.EveronthewingIsmortaljoy;--withsilencebestweguard

Thefic

legood;--butnow,sonearthegoalOfallmycherishedhopes,Idaretospea .To-morrow'ssunshallseehermine!nopowerOfhellcanma eustwain!WithtimidstealthNolongerwillIcreepatdus yeve,TotastethegoldenfruitsofCupid'stree,Andsnatchafearful,fleetingbliss:to-dayWithbrightto-morrowshallbeone!SosmoothAsrunsthelimpidbroo ,orsilverysandThatmar stheflightoftime,ourlivesshallflow


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Incontinuityofjoy!

Chorus(CAJETAN).AlreadyOurhearts,myprince,withsilentvowshaveblessedThyhappylove;andnowfromeverytongue,Forher--theroyal,beauteousbride--shouldsoundThegladacclaim;sotellwhatnoo

unseen,Whatdeepumbrageoussolitude,enshrinesThecharmerofthyheart?WithmagicspellsAlmostIdeemshemoc sourgaze,foroftIneagerchasewescoureachrusticpathAndforestdell;yetnotatracebetrayedThelover'shaunts,ne'erwerethefootstepsmar

edOfthismysteriousfair.

DONMANUEL.Thespellisbro

e!Andallshallberevealed:nowlistmytale:--'Tisfivemonthsflown,--myfatheryetcontrolledTheland,andbowedournec swithironsway;LittleI

newbutthewildjoysofarms,Andmimicwarfareofthechase;--Oneday,--

Longhadwetrac

edtheboarwithzealoustoilOnyonderwoodyridge:--itchanced,pursuingAsnow-whitehind,farfromyourtrainIrovedAmidtheforestmaze;--thetimidbeast,Alongthewindingsofthenarrowvale,Throughroc

ycleftandthic

-entangledbra

e,Flewonward,scarceamomentlost,nordistantBeyondajavelin'sthrow;nearerIcamenot,Nortoo anaim;whenthroughagarden'sgate,Suddenshevanished:--frommyhorsequic

springing,Ifollowed:--lo!thepoorscaredcreaturelayStretchedatthefeetofayoung,beauteousnun,Thatstrovewithfondcaressofherfairhands

Tostillitsthrobbingheart:wondering,Igazed;Andmotionless--myspear,inacttostri e,Highpoised--whileshe,withherlargepiteouseyesFormercysued--andthuswestoodinsilenceRegardingoneanother.HowlongthepauseI nownot--timeitselfforgot;--itseemedEternityofbliss:herglanceofsweetnessFlewtomysoul;andquic thesubtleflamePervadedallmyheart:--ButwhatIspo e,Andhowthisblessedcreatureanswered,noneMayas ;itfloatsuponmythought,adream

Ofchildhood'shappydawn!SoonasmysenseReturned,IfeltherbosomthrobresponsiveTomine,--thenfellmelodiousonmyearThesound,asofaconventbell,thatcalledTovespersong;and,li esomeshadowyvisionThatmeltsinair,sheflittedfrommysight,Andwasbeheldnomore.

Chorus(CAJETAN).Thystorythrills


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Mybreastwithpiousawe!Prince,thouhastrobbedThesanctuary,andforthebrideofheavenBurnedwithunholypassion!Oh,rememberThecloister'ssacredvows!

DONMANUEL.ThenceforthonepathMyfootstepswooed;thefic

letrainwasstillOfyoungdesires--newfeltmybeing'saim,Mysoulrevealed!andasthepilgrimturnsHiswistfulgaze,where,fromtheorients y,WithgraciouslustrebeamsRedemption'sstar;--Sotothatbrightestpointofheaven,herpresence,Myhopesandlongingscentredall.NosunSan inthewesternwaves,butsmiledfarewellTotwounitedlovers:--thusinstillnessOurheartsweretwined,--theall-seeingairaboveusAlonethefaithfulwitnessofourjoys!Oh,goldenhours!Oh,happydays!norHeavenIndignantviewedourbliss;--novowsenchainedHerspotlesssoul;naughtbutthelin whichbounditEternallytomine!

Chorus(CAJETAN).

Thosehallowedwalls,Perchancethecalmretreatoftenderyouth,Nolivinggrave?

DONMANUEL.IninfantinnocenceConsignedaholypledge,ne'erhassheleftHercloisteredhome.

Chorus(CAJETAN).Butwhatherroyalline?Thenobleonlyspringfromnoblestem.

DONMANUEL.Asecrettoherself,--shene'erhaslearnedHernameorfatherland.

Chorus(CAJETAN).AndnotatraceGuidestoherbeing'sundiscoveredsprings?

DONMANUEL.Anolddomestic,thesolemessengerSentbyherun nownmother,oftbespea sherOf

inglyrace.

Chorus(CAJETAN).AndhastthouwonnaughtelseFromhergarrulousage?

DONMANUEL.ToomuchIfearedtoperilMysecretbliss!

Chorus(CAJETAN).Whatwerehiswords?Whattidings


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Hebore--perchancethou now'st.

DONMANUEL.OfthehascheeredherWithpromiseofahappiertime,whenallShallberevealed.

Chorus(CAJETAN).Oh,say--beto ensaughtThetimeisnear?

DONMANUEL.NotdistantfarthedayThattothearmsof

indredloveoncemoreShallgivethelongforsa en,orphanedmaid--ThuswithmysteriouswordstheagedmanHasshadowedoftwhatmostIdread--foraweOfchangedisturbsthesoulsupremelyblest:Nay,more;butyesterdayhismessagespo eTheendofallmyjoys--thisverydawn,Hetold,shouldsmileauspiciousonherfate,Andlighttootherscenes--noprecioushourDelayedmyquic resolves--bynightIboreherInsecrettoMessina.

Chorus(CAJETAN).RashthedeedOfsacrilegiousspoil!forgive,myprince,Theboldrebu e;thustounthin ingyouthOldagemayspea

infriendship'swarningvoice.

DONMANUEL.HardbytheconventoftheCarmelites,Inasequesteredgarden'stranquilbound,Andsafefromcuriouseyes,Ilefther,--hasteningTomeetmybrother:tremblingthereshecountsTheslow-pacedhours,nordeemshowsoontriumphant

Inqueenlystate,highonthethroneoffame,Messinashallbeholdmytimidbride.Fornext,encompassedbyyour

nightlytrain,Withpompofgreatnessinthefestalshow,Herlover'sformshallmeetherwonderinggaze!ThuswillIleadhertomymother;thus--WhilecountlessthousandsonherpassagewaitAmidtheloudacclaim--theroyalbrideShallreachmypalacegates!

Chorus(CAJETAN).Commandus,prince,Welivebuttoobey!

DONMANUEL.ItoremyselfReluctantfromherarms;myeverythoughtShallstillbehers:socomealong,myfriends,TowheretheturbanedmerchantspreadshisstoreOffabricsgoldenwroughtwithcuriousart;Andallthegatheredwealthofeasternclimes.Firstchoosethewell-formedsandals--meettoguardAndgraceherdelicatefeet;thenforherrobe


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Thetissue,pureasEtna'ssnowthatliesNearestthesun-lightasthewreathymistAtsummerdawn--soplayfulletitfloatAboutherairylimbs.Agirdlenext,Purplewithgoldembroideredo'er,tobindWithwitchinggracethetunicthatconfinesHerbosom'sswellingcharms:ofsil themantle,Gorgeouswithli

eempurpledhues,andfixedWithclaspofgold--remember,too,thebraceletsTogirdherbeauteousarms;norleavethetreasureOfocean'spearlydeepsandcoralcaves.Aboutherloc

sentwineadiademOfpurestgems--theruby'sfieryglowComminglingwiththeemerald'sgreen.Aveil,Fromhertiarapendenttoherfeet,Li

eabrightfleecycloudshallcircleroundHerslenderform;andletamyrtlewreathCrowntheenchantingwhole!

Chorus(CAJETAN).Wehaste,myprince.AmidtheBazar'sglitteringrows,tocullEachrichadornment.

DONMANUEL.FrommystablesleadApalfrey,mil -whiteasthesteedsthatdrawThechariotofthesun;purplethehousings,Thebridlespar lingo'erwithpreciousgems,Foritshallbearmyqueen!YourselvesbereadyWithtrumpet'scheerfulclang,inmartialtrainToleadyourmistresshome:lettwoattendme,Therestawaitmyquic return;andeachGuardwellmysecretpurpose.

[HegoesawayaccompaniedbytwooftheCHORUS.

Chorus(CAJETAN).

Theprincelystrifeiso'er,andsay,Whatsportshallwingtheslow-pacedhours,Andcheatthetediousday?Withhopeandfear'senliveningzestDisturbtheslumberofthebreast,Andwa

elife'sdull,untroubledseaWithfresheningairsofgayvariety.

OneoftheChorus(MANFRED).

Lovelyispeace!Abeauteousboy,

Couchedlistlessbytherivulet'sglassytide,'Midnature'stranquilscene,Heviewsthelambsthats

ipwithinnocentjoy,Andcropthemeadow'sfloweringpride:--Thenwithhisflute'senchantingsound,Hewa esthemountainechoesround,Orslumbersinthesunset'sruddysheen,Lulledbythemurmuringmelody.Butwarforme!myspirit'streasure,Itssterndelight,andwilderpleasure:


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Ilovetheperilandthepain,Andrevelinthesurgeoffortune'sboisterousmain!

Asecond(BERENGAR).

Istherenotlove,andbeauty'ssmileThatlureswithsoft,resistlesswile?'Tisthrillinghope!'tisrapturousfear'Tisheavenuponthismortalsphere;Whenatherfeetwebendthe

nee,Andowntheglanceof indredecstasyForeveronlife'schec

eredway,'Tislovethattintsthedar eninghuesofcareWithsoftbenignantray:Themirthfuldaughterofthewave,CelestialVenuseverfair,Enchantsourhappyspringwithfancy'sgleam,Andwa

estheairyformsofpassion'sgoldendream.

First(MANFRED).

Tothewildwoodsaway!Quic letusfollowinthetrainOfher,chastehuntressofthesilverbow;

Andfromtheroc

samainTrac

throughtheforestgloomtheboundingroe,Thewar-god'smerrybride,Thechaserecallsthebattle'sfray,And indlesvictory'spride:--Upwiththestrea

sofearlymorn,Wescourwithjocundheartsthemistyvale,LoudechoingtothecheerfulhornOvermountain--overdale--Andeverylanguidsenserepair,Bathedintherushingstreamsofcold,revivingair.

Second(BERENGAR).

Orshallwetrusttheever-movingsea,Theazuregoddess,blitheandfree.Whoseface,themirrorofthecloudlesss

y,Lurestoherbosomwooingly?Quic letusbuildonthedancingwavesAfloatingcastlegay,Andmerrily,merrily,swimaway!Whoploughswithventurous eelthebrineOftheoceancrystalline--Hisbrideisfortune,theworldhisown,Forhimaharvestbloomsunsown:--Here,li ethewindthatswiftcareers

Thecirclingboundofearthands

y,Flitsever-changefuldestiny!Ofairychance'tisthesportivereign,Andhopeeverbroodsontheboundlessmain

Athird(CAJETAN).

NoronthewaterywastealoneOfthetumultuous,heavingsea;--Onthefirmearththatsleepssecure,


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Basedonthepillarsofeternity.Say,whenshallmortaljoyendure?Newbodingsinmyanxiousbreast,Wa edbythissuddenfriendship,rise;Ne'erwouldIchoosemyhomeofrestOnthestilledlava-stream,thatcoldBeneaththemountainliesNotthuswasdiscord'sflamecontrolled--Toodeeptherootedhate--toolongTheybroodedintheirsullenheartsO'erunforgotten,treasuredwrong.Inwarningvisionsoftdismayed,Ireadthesignsofcomingwoe;AndnowfromthismysteriousmaidMybosomtellsthedreadedillsshallflow:Unblest,Ideem,thebridalchainShall

nittheirsecretloves,accursedWithholycloisters'spoilprofane.Nocroo

edpathstovirtuelead;Illfruithaseversprungfromevilseed!

BERENGAR.AndthustosadunhallowedritesOfanill-omenednuptialtie,Toowellye

nowtheirfatherbore

Abrideofmournfuldestiny,Tornfromhissire,whoseawfulcursehasspedHeaven'svengeanceontheimpiousbed!Thisfierce,unnaturalrageatonesAparent'scrime--decreedbyfate,Theirmother'soffspring,strifeandhate!

[Thescenechangestoagardenopeningonthesea.

BEATRICE(stepsforwardfromanalcove.Shewal

stoandfrowithanagitatedair,loo ingroundineverydirection.Suddenlyshestandsstillandlistens).No!'tisnothe:'twasbuttheplayfulwind

Rustlingthepine-tops.TohisoceanbedThesundeclines,andwitho'erweariedheartIcountthelagginghours:anicychillCreepsthroughmyframe;theverysolitudeAndawfulsilencefrightmytremblingsoul!Where'erIturnnaughtmeetsmygaze--heleavesmeForsa enandalone!Andli

earushingstreamthecity'shumFloatsonthebreeze,anddullthemightyseaRollsmurmuringtotheroc s:Ishrin tonothingWithhorrorscompassedround;andli etheleaf,Borneontheautumnblast,amhurriedonwardThroughboundlessspace.

Alas!thate'erIleftMypeacefulcell--nocares,nofonddesiresDisturbedmybreast,unruffledasthestreamThatglidesinsunshinethroughtheverdantmead:Norpoorinjoys.Now--onthemightysurgeOffortune,tempest-tossed--theworldenfoldsmeWithgiantarms!Forgotmychildhood'stiesIlistenedtothelover'sflatteringtale--Listened,andtrusted!FromthesacreddomeAllured--betrayed--forsuresomehell-bornmagic


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Enchainedmyfrenziedsense--Ifledwithhim,Theinvaderofreligion'sdreadabodes!Whereartthou,mybeloved?Haste--return--Withthydearpresencecalmmystrugglingsoul!

[Shelistens.

Har

!thesweetvoice!No!'twastheechoingsurgeThatbeatsupontheshore;alas!hecomesnot.Morefaintly,o'erthedistantwaves,thesunGleamswithexpiringray;adeathli eshudderCreepstomyheart,andsadder,dreariergrowsE'endesolation'sself.

[Shewal stoandfro,andthenlistensagain.

Yes!fromthethic etshadeAvoiceresounds!'tishe!thelovedone!Nofondillusionmoc smylisteningear.'Tislouder--nearer:tohisarmsIfly--Tohisbreast!

[Sherusheswithoutstretchedarmstotheextremityofthegarden.DONCAESARmeetsher.

DONCASAR.BEATRICE.

BEATRICE(startingbac

inhorror)WhatdoIsee?

[AtthesamemomenttheChoruscomesforward.

DONCAESAR.Angelicsweetness!fearnot.[TotheChorus.Retire!yourgleamingarmsandrudearrayAffrightthetimorousmaid.

[ToBEATRICE.Fearnothing!beautyAndvirginshamearesacredinmyeyes.

[TheChorusstepsaside.Heapproachesandta esherhand.

Wherehastthoubeen?forsuresomeenviouspowerHashidtheefrommygaze:longhaveIsoughtthee:E'enfromthehourwhen'midthefuneralritesOfthedeadprince,li esomeangelicvision,Litwithcelestialbrightness,onmysightThoushonest,nootherimageinmybreastWa ingordreaming,lives;nortothyself

Un

nownthypotentspells;myglanceoffire,Myfalteringaccents,andmyhandthatlayTremblinginthine,bespo

emyecstasy!AughtelsewithsolemnmajestytheriteAndholyplaceforbade:ThebellproclaimedTheawfulsacrifice!Withdowncasteyes,And neelingIadored:soonasIrose,Andcaughtwitheagergazethyformagain,Suddenitvanished;yet,withmightymagic


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Ofloveenchained,myspirittrac edthypresence;Norever,withunweariedquest,IceaseAtpalacegates,amidthetemple'sthrong,Insecretpathsretired,orpublicscenes,Wherebeauteousinnocenceperchancemightrove,Tomar

eachpassingform--invain;but,guidedBysomepropitiousdeitythisdayOneofmytrain,withhappyvigilance,Espiedtheeintheneighboringchurch.

[BEATRICE,whohadstoodtremblingwithavertedeyes,herema

esagestureofterror.

IseetheeOncemore;andmaythespiritfromthisframeBeseverederewepart!NowletmesnatchThisglad,auspiciousmoment,anddefyOrchance,orenviousdemon'spower,tosha

eHenceforthmysolidbliss;hereIproclaimthee,Beforethislisteningwarli

etrainmybride,Withpledgeof nightlyhonors![HeshowshertotheChorus.Whothouart,Ias

not:thouartmine!Butthatthysoul

Andbirtharepureali

eoneglanceinformedMyinmostheart;andthoughthylotweremean,Andpoorthylowlystate,yetwouldIstraintheeWithrapturetomyarms:nochoiceremains,Thouartmylove--mywife!Knowtoo,thatliftedOnfortune'sheight,Ispurncontrol;mywillCanraisetheetothepinnacleofgreatness--Enoughmyname--IamDonCaesar!NoneIsnoblerinMessina!

[BEATRICEstartsbac inamazement.Heremar sheragitation,andafterapausecontinues.

WhatagraceLivesinthysoftsurpriseandmodestsilence!Yes!gentlehumblenessisbeauty'scrown--Thebeautifulforeverhid,andshrin

ingFromitsownlustre:butthyspiritneedsRepose,foraughtofstrange--e'ensuddenjoy--Isterror-fraught.Ileavethee.

[TurningtotheChorus.FromthishourSheisyourmistress,andmybride;soteachherWithhonorsduetoentertainthepompOfqueenlystate.Iwillreturnwithspeed,

AndleadherhomeasfitsMessina'sprincess.

[Hegoesaway.

BEATRICEandtheChorus.

Chorus(BOHEMUND).

Fairmaiden--hailtotheeThoulovelyqueen!


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Thineisthecrown,andthinethevictory!Ofheroestoadistantage,Thebloomingmotherthoushaltshine,Preserverofthis inglyline.

(ROGER).

AndthriceIbidtheehail,Thouhappyfair!SentinauspicioushourtoblessThisfavoredrace--thegod'speculiarcare.HeretwinetheimmortalwreathsoffameAndevermore,fromsiretoson,Rollsonthescepteredsway,Toheirsofoldrenown,araceofdeathlessname!

(BOHEMUND).

ThehouseholdgodsexultinglyThycomingwait;Theancient,honoredsires,Thatontheportalsfrownsedate,Shallsmileforthee!TherebloomingHebeshallthystepsattend;

Andgoldenvictory,thatsitsByJove'seternalthrone,withwavingplumesForconquesteverspread,Towelcometheefromheavendescend.

(ROGER.)

Ne'erfromthisqueenly,brightarrayThecrownofbeautyfades,Departingtotherealmsofday,Eachtothenext,asgoodandfair,Extendsthezoneoffemininegrace,Andveilofpurity:--

Oh,happyrace!Whatvisiongladsmyrapturedeye!Equalinnature'sbloomingpride,Iseethemotherandthevirginbride.

BEATRICE(awa ingfromherreverie).

Oh,luc

lesshour!Alas!ill-fatedmaid!WhereshallIflyFromtheserudewarli emen?Lostandbetrayed!Ashuddero'ermecame,

Whenofthisraceaccursed--thebrotherstwain--Theirhandsembruedwith indredgore,Iheardthedreadedname;Ofttold,theirstrifeandserpenthateWithterrorthrilledlaybosom'score:--Andnow--oh,haplessfate!Itremble,'midtherageofdiscordthrown,Desertedandalone!

[Sherunsintothealcove.


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Chorus(BOHEMUND).

Sonoftheimmortaldeities,Andblestishe,thelordofpower;Hiseveryjoytheworldcangive;OfallthatmortalsprizeHecullstheflower.

(ROGER).

Forhimfromocean'sazurecavesThediverbearseachpearlofpurestray;Whate'erfromnature'sboundlessfieldOrtoilorarthaswon,Obsequiousathisfeetwelay;Hischoiceiseverfree;Webowtochance,andfortune'sblinddecree.

(BOHEMUND.)

Butthisofprinces'lotIdeemThecrowningtreasure,joysupreme--Oflovethetriumphandtheprize,

Thebeauty,starofneighboringeyes!Shebloomsforhimalone,Hecallsthefairestmaidhisown.

(ROGER).

Armedforthedeadlyfray,Thecorsairboundsuponthestrand,Anddrags,amidthegloomofnight,away,Theshrie

ingcaptivetrain,Ofwilddesiresthehaplessprey;Butne'erhislawlesshandsprofaneThegem--thepeerlessflower--

Whosecharmsshalldec

theSultan'sbower.

(BOHEMUND.)

Nowhasteandwatch,withcuriouseye,Thesehallowedprecinctsround,ThatnopresumptuousfootcomenighThesecret,solitarygroundGuardwellthemaidenfair,Yourchieftain'sbrightestjewelownsyourcare.

[TheChoruswithdrawstothebac

ground.

[Thescenechangestoachamberintheinteriorofthepalace.DONNAISABELLAbetweenDONMANUELandDONCAESAR.

ISABELLA.Thelong-expected,festaldayiscome,Mychildren'sheartsaretwinedinone,asthusIfoldtheirhands.Oh,blissfulhour,whenfirstAmotherdarestospea innature'svoice,Andnorudepresencechec sthetideoflove.Theclangofarmsaffrightsmineearnomore;


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Andastheowls,ill-omenedbroodofnight,Fromsomeold,shatteredhomestead'sruinedwalls,Theirancientreign,flyforthadus yswarm,Dar eningthecheerfulday;whenabsentlong,Thedwellershomereturnwithjoyousshouts,Tobuildthepileanew;soHatedepartsWithallhisgrislytrain;paleEnvy,scowlingMalice,Andhollow-eyedSuspicion;fromourgates,Hoarsemurmuring,totherealmsofnight;whilePeace,ByConcordandfairFriendshipledalong,Comessmilinginhisplace.[Shepauses.ButnotaloneThisdayofjoytoeachrestoresabrother;Itbringsasister!Wonderstruc yougaze!Yetnowthetruth,insilenceguardedlong,Burstsfrommysoul.Attend!Ihaveadaughter!Asisterlives,ordainedbyheaventobindyeWithtiesun nownbefore.

DONCAESAR.Wehaveasister!Whathastthousaid,mymother?nevertoldHerbeingtillthishour!

DONMANUEL.Inchildhood'syears,Oftofasisterwehaveheard,untimelySnatchedinhercradlebyremorselessdeath;Soranthetale.

ISABELLA.Shelives!

DONCAESAR.Andthouwertsilent!

ISABELLA.Hearhowtheseedwassowninearlytime,Thatnowshallripentoajoyfulharvest.Yebloomedinboyhood'stenderage;e'enthenBymutual,deadlyhate,thebitterspringOfgrieftothistorn,anxiousheart,dissevered;Oh,mayyourstrifereturnnomore!Avision,Strangeandmysterious,inyourfather'sbreastWo edirepresage:itseemedthatfromhiscouch,Withbranchesintertwined,twolaurelsgrew,Andinthemidstalilyallinflames,That,catchingswifttheboughsand

nottedstems,Burstforthwithcrac lingrage,ando'erthehouse

Spreadinonemightyseaoffire:perplexedBythisterrificdream,myhusbandsoughtAnArab,s

illedtoreadthestars,andlongThetrustedoracle,whosecounselsswayedHisinmostpurpose:thusthebodingsageSpo eFate'sdecrees:ifIadaughterbore,DestructiontohissonsandallhisraceFromhershouldspring.Soon,byheaven'swill,thischildOfdreadfulomensawthelight;yoursireCommandedinstantinthewavestothrow


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Thenew-borninnocent;amother'slovePrevailed,and,aidedbyafaithfulservant,Isnatchedthebabefromdeath.

DONCAESAR.BlestbethehandsTheministersofthycare!Oh,everrichOfcounselswasaparent'slove!

ISABELLA.ButmoreThanNature'smightyvoice,awarningdreamImpelledtosavemychild:whileyetunbornSheslumberedinmywomb,sleepingIsawAninfant,fairasofcelestial ind,Thatplayeduponthegrass;soonfromthewoodAlionrushed,andfromhisgoryjaws,Caressing,intheinfant'slapletfallHisprey,new-caught;thenthroughtheairdownsweptAneagle,andwithfondcaressali

eDroppedfromhisclawsatrembling id,andbothCoweredattheinfant'sfeet,agentlepair.Amon ,thesaintlyguidewhosecounselspouredIneveryearthlyneed,thebalmofheaven

Uponmytroubledsoul,mydreamresolved.Thusspo

ethemanofGod:adaughter,sentTo nitthewarringspiritsofmysonsInbondsoftenderlove,shouldrecompenseAmother'spains!DeepinmyheartItreasuredHiswords,and,rec

lessofthePaganseer,Preservedtheblessedchild,ordainedofheavenTostillyourgrowingstrife;sweetpledgeofhopeAndmessengerofpeace!

DONMANUEL(embracinghisbrother).ThereneedsnosisterTojoinourhearts;sheshallbutbindthemcloser.

ISABELLA.Inalonespotobscure,bystrangerhandsNurtured,thesecretflowerhasgrown;tomeDeniedthejoytomar eachinfantcharmAndopeninggracefromthatsadhourofparting;Thesearmsne'erclaspedmychildagain!hersire,Tojealousy'scorrodingfearsaprey,Andbroodingdar suspicion,restlesstrac edEachdaymysteps.

DONCAESAR.Yetthreemonthsflown,myfather

Sleepsinthetranquilgrave;say,whencedelayedThejoyoustidings?WhysolongconcealedThemaid,norearliertaughtourheartstoglowWithbrother'slove?

ISABELLA.Thecause,yourfrenziedhate,Thatragingunconfined,e'enonthetombOfyourscarceburiedfather,littheflamesOfmortalstrife.What!couldIthrowmydaughter


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Betwixtyourgleamingblades?Or'midthestormOfpassionwouldyelistawoman'scounsels?Couldshe,sweetpledgeofpeace,ofallourhopesThelastandholyanchor,'midtherageOfdiscordfindahome?Yestandasbrothers,SowillIgiveasistertoyourarms!Thereconcilingangelcomes;eachhourIwaitmymessenger'sreturn;heleadsherFromhersequesteredcell,togladoncemoreAmother'seyes.

DONMANUEL.NorheralonethisdayThyarmsshallfold;joypoursthroughallourgates;Soonshallthedesolatehallsbefull,theseatOfeverybloominggrace.Nowhearmysecret:Asisterthouhastgiven;totheeIbringAdaughter;blessthyson!MyhearthasfoundItslastingshrine:erethisday'ssunhassetDonManueltothyfeetshallleadhisbride,Thepartnerofhisdays.

ISABELLA.Andtomybreast

WithtransportwillIclaspthechosenmaidThatma

esmyfirst-bornhappy.JoyshallspringWhere'ershetreads,andeveryflowerthatbloomsAroundthepathoflifesmileinherpresence!Mayblissrewardtheson,thatformybrowsHastwinedthechoicestwreathamotherwears.

DONCAESAR.YetgivenotallthefulnessofthyblessingTohim,thyeldestborn.Iflovebeblest,I,too,cangivetheejoy.Ibringadaughter,Anotherflowerforthymosttreasuredgarland!Themaidthatinthisice-coldbosomfirst

Awo

etherapturousflame!EreyondersunDeclines,DonCaesar'sbrideshallcalltheemother.

DONMANUEL.AlmightyLove!thougodli epower--forwellWecalltheesovereignofthebreast!ThyswayControlseachwarringelement,andtunesTosoftaccord;naughtlivesbutownsthygreatness.Lo!therudesoulthatlongdefiedtheemeltsAtthycommand![HeembracesDONCAESAR.NowIcantrustthyheart,Andjoyfulstraintheetoabrother'sarms!

Idoubtthyfaithnomore,forthoucanstlove!

ISABELLA.Thriceblesttheday,wheneverygloomycareFrommyo'erlaboredbreasthasflown.IseeOnsteadfastcolumnsrearedour inglyrace,Andwithcontentedspirittrac

thestreamOfmeasurelesstime.Inthesedesertedhalls,Sadinmywidow'sveil,butyesterdayChildlessIroamed;andsoon,inyouthfulcharms


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Arrayed,threebloomingdaughtersatmysideShallstand!Oh,happiestmother!Chiefofwomen,Inblisssupreme;canaughtofearthlyjoyO'erbalancethine?Butsay,ofroyalstem,Whatmaidensgraceourisle?Forne'ermysonsWouldstooptomeanerbrides.

DONMANUEL.See

nottoraiseTheveilthathidesmybliss;anotherdayShalltelltheeall.Enough--DonManuel'sbrideIsworthyofthysonandthee.

ISABELLA.ThysireSpea sinthywords;thustohimselfretiredForeverwouldhebroodo'ercounselsdar

,Andcloa hissecretpurpose;--yourdelayBeshort,myson.[TurningtoDONCAESAR.Butthou--someroyalmaid,Daughterof ings,hathstirredthysoultolove;Sospea

--hername----

DONCAESAR.IhavenoarttoveilMythoughtswithmystery'sgarb--myspiritfreeAndopenasmybrows;whichthouwouldst nowConcernedmenever.WhatillumesaboveHeaven'sflamingorb?Himself!OnalltheworldHeshines,andwithhisbeamingglorytellsFromlighthesprung:--inherpureeyesIgazed,Iloo

edintoherheartofhearts:--thebrightnessRevealedthepearl.Herrace--hername--mymother,As

notofme!

ISABELLA.Myson,explainthywords,For,li

esomevoicedivine,thesuddencharmHasthralledthysoul:todeedsofrashempriseThynatureprompted,nottofantasiesOfboyishlove:--tellme,whatswayedthychoice?

DONCAESAR.Mychoice?mymother!IsitchoicewhenmanObeysthemightofdestiny,thatbringsTheawfulhour?Isoughtnobeauteousbride,Nofonddelusionstirredmytranquilbreast,Stillasthehouseofdeath;forthere,unsought,

Ifoundthetreasureofmysoul.Thou

now'stThat,heedlesseverofthegiddyrace,Iloo

edonbeauty'scharmswithcolddisdain,Nordeemedofwoman indtherelivedanotherLi ethee--whommyidolatrousfancydec edWithheavenlygraces:--'TwasthesolemnriteOfmydeadfather'sobsequies;westoodAmidthecountlessthrong,withstrangeattireHidfromeachother'sglance;forthusordained


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Thythoughtfulcarelestwithoutburstingrage,E'enbytheholyplaceunawed,ourstrifeShouldmarthefuneralpomp.WithsablegauzeThenavewasallo'erhung;thealtarroundStoodtwentygiantsaints,upliftingeachAtorch;andinthemidstreposedonhighThecoffin,witho'erspreadingpall,thatshowed,Inwhite,redemption'ssign;--thereonwerelaidThestaffofsovereignty,theprincelycrown,Thegoldenspursof nighthood,andthesword,Withdiamond-studdedbelt:--AndallwashushedInsilentprayer,whenfromtheloftychoir,Unseen,thepealingorganspo e,andloudFromhundredvoicesburstthechoralstrain!Then,'midthetideofsong,thecoffinsanWiththedescendingfloorbeneath,foreverDowntotheworldbelow:--but,wideoutspreadAbovetheyawninggrave,thepallupheldThegaudsofearthlystate,norwiththecorpseTodar

nessfell;yetontheseraphwingsOfharmony,theenfranchisedspiritsoaredToheavenandmercy'sthrone:

Thustothythought,Mymother,Ihavewa

edthesceneanew,Andsay,ifaughtofpassioninmybreastProfanedthesolemnhour;yetthenthebeamsOfmightylove--sowilledmyguidingstar--Firstlitmysoul;buthowitchanced,myselfIas invain.

ISABELLA.Iwouldhearall;soendThytale.

DONCAESAR.

Whatbroughthertomyside,orwhenceShecame,I nownot:--fromherpresencequicSomesecretall-pervadinginwardcharmAwo

e;'twasnotthemagicofasmile,NorplayfulCupidinherchee s,normore,Theformofpeerlessgrace;--'twasbeauty'ssoul,Thespea ingvirtue,modestyinborn,Thataswithmagicspells,impalpableTosense,mybeingthralled.WebreathedtogetherTheairofheaven:--enough!--noutteranceas edOfwords,ourspiritualconverse;--inmyheart,Thoughstrange,yetwithfamiliartiesinwroughtSheseemed,andinstantspa ethethought--'tisshe!

Ornonethatlives!

DONMANUEL(interposingwitheagerness).ThatisthesacredfireFromheaven!thespar oflove--thatonthesoulBurstsli ethelightning'sflash,andmountsinflame,When

indredbosomsmeet!Nochoiceremains--Whoshallresist?Whatmortalbrea thebandThatheavenhas nit?Brother,myblissfulfortuneWasechoedinthytale--wellthouhastraised


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Theveilthatshadowsyetmysecretlove.

ISABELLA.Thusdestinyhasmar edthewaywardcourseOfmytwosons:themightytorrentsweepsDownfromtheprecipice;withragehewearsHisproperbed,norheedsthechanneltracedByartandprudentcare.SotothepowersThatdar lyswaythefortunesofourhouse,TremblingIyield.Onepledgeofhoperemains;Greatastheirbirth--theirnoblesouls.

ISABELLA,DONMANUEL,DONCAESAR.DIEGOisseenatthedoor.

ISABELLA.Butsee,Myfaithfulmessengerreturns.Comenearme,HonestDiego.Quic !Whereisshe?Tellme,Whereismychild?Thereisnosecrethere.Oh,spea !Nolongerfrommyeyesconcealher;Come!wearereadyfortheheightofjoy.

[Sheisabouttoleadhimtowardsthedoor.

Whatmeansthispause?Thoulingerest--thouartdumb--Thyloo sareterror-fraught--ashuddercreepsThroughallmyframe--declarethytidings!--spea

!Whereisshe?WhereisBeatrice?

[Sheisabouttorushfromthechamber.

DONMANUEL(tohimselfabstractedly).Beatrice!

DIEGO(holdingbac

thePRINCESS).Bestill!

ISABELLA.Whereisshe?Anguishtearsmybreast!

DIEGO.Shecomesnot.Ibringnodaughtertothyarms.

ISABELLA.DeclareThymessage!Spea !byallthesaints!Whathasbefallen?

DONMANUEL.Whereismysister?Tellus,Thouharbingerofill!

DIEGO.ThemaidisstolenBycorsairs!lost!Oh!thatIne'erhadseenThisdayofwoe!

DONMANUEL.


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Composethyself,mymother!

DONCAESAR.Becalm;listallthistale.

DIEGO.AtthycommandIsoughtinhastethewell-

nownpaththatleadsTotheoldsanctuary:--joywingedmyfootsteps;Thejourneywasmylast!

DONCAESAR.Bebrief!

DONMANUEL.Proceed!

DIEGO.SoonasItrodtheconvent'scourt--impatient--Ias

--"Whereisthydaughter?"TerrorsateIneveryeye;andstraight,withhorrormute,Iheardtheworst.

[ISABELLAsin

s,paleandtrembling,uponachair;

DONMANUELisbusiedabouther.

DONCAESAR.Say'stthoubypiratesstolen?Whosawtheband?--whattonguerelatesthespoil?

DIEGO.NotfaraMoorishgalleywasdescried,Atanchorinthebay----

DONCAESAR.TherefugeoftFromtempests'rage;whereisthebar ?

DIEGO.Atdown,Withfavoringbreezeshestoodtosea.

DONCAESAR.ButneverOnepreycontentstheMoor;say,havetheytoldOfotherspoil?

DIEGO.AherdthatpasturednearWasdraggedaway.

DONCAESAR.Yetfromtheconvent'sboundHowtearthemaidunseen?

DIEGO.'TisthoughtwithladdersTheyscaledthewall.

DONCAESAR.


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Thou nowestwhatjealouscareEnshrinesthebrideofHeaven;scarcecouldtheirstepsInvadethesecretcells.

DIEGO.BoundbynovowsThemaidenrovedatwill;oftwouldsheseeAlonethegarden'sshade.Alas!thisday,Ne'ertoreturn!

DONCAESAR.Saidstthou--theprizeofcorsairs?Perchance,atotherbidding,sheforsooTheshelteringdome----

ISABELLA(risingsuddenly).'Twasforce!'twassavagespoil!Ne'erhasmychild,rec

lessofhonor'stiesWithvileseducerfled!Mysons!Awa e!Ithoughttogiveasistertoyourarms;Ias adaughterfromyourswords!Arise!Avengethiswrong!Toarms!Launcheveryship!Scourallourcoasts!Fromseatoseapursuethem!Oh,bringmydaughter!haste!

DONCAESAR.Farewell--IflyTovengeance![Hegoesaway.

[DONMANUELarouseshimselffromastateofabstraction,andturns,withanairofagitation,toDIEGO.

DONMANUEL.Spea !withintheconvent'swallsWhenfirstunseen----

DIEGO.Thisdayatdawn.

DONMANUEL(toISABELLA).HernameThousay'stisBeatrice?

ISABELLA.Noquestion!Fly!DONMANUEL.Yettellme----

ISABELLA.

Haste!Begone!Whythisdelay?Followthybrother.

DONMANUEL.Iconjurethee--spea ----

ISABELLA(dragginghimaway).Beholdmytears!

DONMANUEL.


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Wherewasshehid?WhatregionConcealedmysister?

ISABELLA.ScarcefromcuriouseyesInthedeepbosomoftheearthmoresafeMychildhadbeen!

DIEGO.Oh!nowasuddenhorrorStartsinmybreast.

DONMANUEL.Whatgivestheefear?

DIEGO.'TwasIThatguiltlesscausedthiswoe!

ISABELLA.Unhappyman!Whathastthoudone?

DIEGO.

Tosparethymother'sheartOneanxiouspang,mymistress,IconcealedWhatnowmylipsshalltell:'twasonthedayWhenthydeadhusbandinthesilenttombWaslaid;fromeverysidetheunnumberedthrongPressedeagertothesolemnrites;thydaughter--Fore'enamidthecloisteredshadewasnoisedThefuneralpomp,urgedme,withceaselessprayers,ToleadhertothefestivalofDeath.InevilhourIgaveconsent;and,shroudedInsableweedsofmourning,shesurveyedHerfather'sobsequies.With

eenreproachMybosomtells(forthroughtheveilhercharms

Resistlessshone),'twasthere,perchance,thespoilerLur edtobetray.

DONMANUEL(tohimself).Thricehappywords!Ilive!Itwasanother!

ISABELLA(toDIEGO).Faithless!IllbetideThytreacherousage!

DIEGO.Oh,neverhaveIstrayed

Fromduty'spath!Mymistress,inherprayersIheardthevoiceofNature;thusfromHeavenOrdained,--methought,thesecretimpulsemovesOf indredblood,tohallowwithhertearsAfather'sgrave:thetenderofficeownedThyservant'scare,andthuswithgoodintentIwroughtbutill.

DONMANUEL(tohimself).WhystandIthusaprey


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Totorturingfears!NolongerwillIbearThedreadsuspense---Iwill

nowall!

DONCAESAR(whoreturns).Forgiveme,Ifollowthee.

DONMANUEL.Away!Letnomanfollow.

[Exit.

DONCAESAR(loo ingafterhiminsurprise).Whatmeansmybrother?Spea

----

ISABELLA.InwonderlostIgaze;somemysterylur

s----

DONCAESAR.Thoumar 'st,mymother,Myquic

return;witheagerzealIflewAtthycommand,noras edonetracetoguideMyfootstepstothydaughter.Whencewastorn

Thytreasure?Say,whatcloisteredsolitudeEnshrinedthebeauteousmaid?

ISABELLA.'TisconsecrateToSt.Cecilia;deepinforestshades,BeyondthewoodyridgethatslowlyclimbsToward'sEtna'stoweringthrone,itseemsarefugeOfpartedsouls!

DONCAESAR.Havecourage,trustthysons;Sheshallbethine,thoughwithunweariedquest

O'ereverylandandseaItrac

herpresenceToearth'sextremestbounds:onethoughtaloneDisturbs,--instrangerhandsmytimorousbrideWaitsmyreturn;tothyprotectingarmsIgivethepledgeofallmyjoy!Shecomes;SoononherfaithfulbosomthoushaltrestInsweetoblivionofthycares.[Exit.

ISABELLA.WhenwilltheancientcursebestilledthatweighsUponourhouse?Somemoc

ingdemonsportsWitheverynew-formedhope,norenviousleaves

Onehourofjoy.Sonearthehavensmiled--Sosmooththetreacherousmain--secureIdeemedMyhappiness:thestormwaslulled;andbrightInevening'slustregleamedthesunnyshore!Thenthroughtheplacidairthetempestsweeps,Andbearsmetotheroaringsurgeagain!

[Shegoesintotheinteriorofthepalace,followedbyDIEGO.


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TheScenechangestotheGarden.

BothChoruses,afterwardsBEATRICE.

TheChorusofDONMANUELentersinsolemnprocession,adornedwithgarlands,andbearingthebridalornamentsabovementioned.TheChorusofDONCAESARopposestheirentrance.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN).Begone!

SecondChorus(BOHEMUND).Notatthybidding!

CAJETAN.SeestthounotThypresenceir

s?

BOHEMUND.Thouhastit,then,thelonger!

CAJETAN.Myplaceishere!Whatarmrepelsme?

BOHEMUND,Mine!

CAJETAN.DonManuelsentmehither.

BOHEMUND.IobeyMyLordDonCaesar.

CAJETAN.Totheeldestborn

Thymasterreverenceowes.

BOHEMUND.TheworldbelongsTohimthatwins!

CAJETAN.Unmannered

nave,giveplace!

BOHEMUND.Ourswordsbemeasuredfirst!

CAJETAN.

IfindtheeeverAserpentinmypath.

BOHEMUND.Where'erIlistThuswillImeetthee!

CAJETAN.Say,whycam'stthouhitherTospy?----


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BOHEMUND.Andthoutoquestionandcommand?

CAJETAN.ToparleyIdisdain!

BOHEMUND.ToomuchIgracetheeBywords!

CAJETAN.Thyhot,impetuousyouthshouldbowToreverendage.

BOHEMUND.Olderthouart--notbraver.

BEATRICE(rushingfromherplaceofconcealment).Alas!Whatmeanthesewarli

emen?

CAJETAN(toBOHEMUND).IheednotThythreatsandloftymien.

BOHEMUND.IserveamasterBetterthanthine.

BEATRICE.Alas!Shouldheappear!

CAJETAN.Thouliest!DonManuelthousandfoldexcels.

BOHEMUND.Ineverystrifethewreathofvictorydec s

DonCaesar'sbrows!

BEATRICE.Nowhewillcome!AlreadyThehourispast!

CAJETAN.'Tispeace,orthoushouldst

nowMyvengeance!

BOHEMUND.Fear,notpeace,thyarmrefrains.

BEATRICE.Oh!Werehethousandmilesremote!

CAJETAN.Thyloo sButmovemyscorn;thecompactIobey.

BOHEMUND.Thecoward'sreadyshield!


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CAJETAN.Comeon!Ifollow.

BOHEMUND.Toarms!

BEATRICE(inthegreatestagitation).Theirfalchionsgleam--thestrifebegins!Yeheavenlypowers,hisstepsrefrain!SomesnareThrowroundhisfeet,thatinthishourofdreadHecomenot:allyeangels,lateimploredTogivehimtomyarms,reversemyprayers;Far,farfromhenceconveythelovedone!

[Sherunsintothealcove.AtthemomentwhenthetwoChorusesareabouttoengage,DONMANUELappears.

DONMANUEL,theChorus.

DONMANUEL.WhatdoIsee!

FirstChorustotheSecond(CAJETAN,BERENGAR,MANFRED).Comeon!Comeon!

SecondChorus(BOHEMUND,ROGER,HIPPOLYTE).Downwiththem!

DONMANUEL(steppingbetweenthemwithdrawnsword).Hold!

CAJETAN.'Tistheprince!

BOHEMUND.Bestill!

DONMANUEL.IstretchhimdeadUponthisverdantturfthatwithoneglanceOfscornprolongsthestrife,orthreatshisfoe!Whyrageyethus?WhatmaddeningfiendimpelsToblowtheflamesofancienthateanew,Foreverreconciled?Say,whobeganTheconflict?Spea

----

FirstChorus(CAJETAN,BERENGAR).Myprince,westood----

SecondChorus(ROGER,BOHEMUND)interruptingthem.

Theycame

DONMANUEL(totheFirstChorus).Spea thou!

FirstChorus(CAJETAN).Withwreathsadorned,infestaltrain,Weborethebridalgifts;nothoughtofillDisturbedourpeacefulway;composedforeverWithholypledgeoflovewedeemedyourstrife,


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Andtrustingcame;whenhereinrudearrayOfarmsencampedtheystood,andlouddefiedus!

DONMANUEL.Slave!Isnorefugesafe?ShalldiscordthusProfanethebowerofvirgininnocence,Thehomeofsanctityandpeace?[TotheSecondChorus.Retire--Yourwarli

epresenceillbeseems;away!Iwouldbeprivate.[Theyhesitate.Inyourmaster'snameIgivecommand;oursoulsareone,ourlipsDeclareeachother'sthoughts;begone![TotheFirstChorus.Remain!Andguardtheentrance.

BOHEMUND.So!Whatnext?OurmastersArereconciled;that'splain;andlesshewinsOfthan sthanperil,thatwithbusyzealInprincelyquarrelstirs;forwhenofstrife

Hismightinessawearyfeels,ofguiltHethrowsthered-dyedmantleunconcernedOnhispoorfollower'sluc lesshead,andstandsArrayedinvirtue'srobes!SoletthemendE'enastheywilltheirbrawls,IholditbestThatweobey.

[ExitSecondChorus.Thefirstwithdrawstothebac ofthestage;atthesamemomentBEATRICErushesforward,andthrowsherselfintoDONMANUEL'Sarms.

BEATRICE.'Tisthou!Ah!cruelone,

AgainIseethee--claspthee--longappalled,Tothousandillsaprey,tremblingIlanguishForthyreturn:nomore--inthylovedarmsIamatpeace,northin

ofdangerspast,Thybreastmyshieldfromeverythreateningharm.Quic !Letusfly!theyseeusnot!--away!Norlosethemoment.Ha!Thyloo

saffrightme!Thysullen,coldreserve!Thoutear'stthyselfImpatientfrommycirclingarms,I nowtheeNomore!IsthisDonManuel?Mybeloved?Myhusband?

DONMANUEL.Beatrice!

BEATRICE.Nowords!ThemomentIsprecious!Haste.

DONMANUEL.Yettellme----


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BEATRICE.Quic

!Away!Erethosefiercemenreturn.

DONMANUEL.Becalm,fornaughtShalltroubletheeofill.

BEATRICE.Oh,fly!alas,Thou now'stthemnot!

DONMANUEL.ProtectedbythisarmCanstthoufearaught?

BEATRICE.Oh,trustme;mightymenArehere!

DONMANUEL.Beloved!mightiernonethanI!

BEATRICE.

Andwouldstthoubravethiswarli

ehostalone?

DONMANUEL.Alone!thementhoufear'st----

BEATRICE.Thou now'stthemnot,Norwhomtheyserve.

DONMANUEL.Myself!Iamtheirlord!

BEATRICE.

Thouart--ashuddercreepsthroughallmyframe!

DONMANUEL.FarotherthanIseemed;learnatlastTo nowme,Beatrice.Notthepoor nightAmI,thestrangerandun nown,thatlovingTaughttheetolove;butwhatIam--myrace--Mypower----

BEATRICE.AndartthounotDonManuel?Spea --Whoartthou?

DONMANUEL.Chiefofallthatbearthename,IamDonManuel,PrinceofMessina!

BEATRICE.ArtthouDonManuel,DonCaesar'sbrother?

DONMANUEL.DonCaesarismybrother.


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BEATRICE.Isthybrother!

DONMANUEL.Whatmeansthisterror?Know'stthou,then,DonCaesar?Noneotherofmyrace?

BEATRICE.ArtthouDonManuel,Thatwiththybrotherliv'stinbitterstrifeOflonginveteratehate?

DONMANUEL.ThisverysunSmiledonourgladaccord!Yes,wearebrothers!Brothersinheart!

BEATRICE.Andreconciled?Thisday?

DONMANUEL.Whatstirsthiswilddisorder?Hastthou

nownAughtbutourname?Say,hastthoutoldmeall?Istherenosecret?Hastthounaughtconcealed?

Nothingdisguised?

BEATRICE.Thywordsaredar

;explain,WhatshallItellthee?

DONMANUEL.OfthymothernaughtHastthoue'ertold;whoisshe?IfinwordsIpainther,bringhertothysight----

BEATRICE.Thou now'sther!

Andthouwertsilent!

DONMANUEL.IfI

nowthymother,Horrorsbetideusboth!

BEATRICE.Oh,sheisgraciousAsthesun'sorientbeam!Yes!Ibeholdher;Fondmemorywa es;--andfrommybosom'sdepthsHergodli epresencerisestomyview!Iseearoundhersnowynec

descendThetressesofherravenhair,thatshade

Theformofsculpturedloveliness;IseeThepale,high-thoughtedbrow;thedar eningglanceOfherlargelustrousorbs;IhearthetonesOfsoul-fraughtsweetness!

DONMANUEL.'Tisherself!

BEATRICE.Thisday,


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Perchancehadgivemetoherarms,and nitOursoulsineverlastinglove;--suchblissIhaverenounced,yes!IhavelostamotherForthee!

DONMANUEL.Consolethyself,Messina'sprincessHenceforthshallcalltheedaughter;toherfeetIleadthee;come--shewaits.Whathastthousaid?

BEATRICE.ThymotherandDonCaesar's?Never!never!

DONMANUEL.Thoushudderest!Whencethishorror?Hastthou nownMymother?Spea

----

BEATRICE.Ogrief!Odiremisfortune!Alas!thate'erIlivetoseethisday!

DONMANUEL.Whattroublesthee?Thou now'stme,thouhastfound,Inthepoorstranger

night,Messina'sprince!

BEATRICE.Givemethedearun nownagain!WithhimOnearth'sremotestwildsIcouldbeblest!

DONCAESAR(behindthescene).Away!Whatrabblethrongishere?

BEATRICE.Thatvoice!Ohheavens!WhereshallIfly!

DONMANUEL.

Know'stthouthatvoice?No!thouhastneverheardit;tothineear'Tisstrange----

BEATRICE.Oh,come--delaynot----

DONMANUEL.WhereforeIfly?Itismybrother'svoice!Hesee sme--howHetrac edmysteps----

BEATRICE.

Byalltheholysaints!Bravenothiswrath!ohquitthisplace--avoidhim--Meetnotthybrotherhere!

DONMANUEL.Mysoul!thyfearsConfound;thouhear'stmenot;ourstrifeiso'er.Yes!wearereconciled.

BEATRICE.


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Protectme,heaven,Inthisdreadhour!

DONMANUEL.AsuddendirepresageStartsinmybreast--Ishudderatthethought:Ifitbetrue!Oh,horror!Couldshe nowThatvoice!Wertthou--mytonguedeniestoutterThewordsoffearfulimport--Beatrice!Say,wertthoupresentatthefuneralritesOfmydeadsire?

BEATRICE.Alas!

DONMANUEL.Thouwert!

BEATRICE.Forgiveme!

DONMANUEL.Unhappywoman!

BEATRICE.Iwaspresent!

DONMANUEL.Horror!

BEATRICE.Somemightyimpulseurgedmetothescene--Oh,benotangry--tothyselfIownedTheardentfonddesire;withdar

eningbrowThoulistened'sttomyprayer,andIwassilent,ButwhatmisguidinginauspiciousstarAllured,I nownot;frommyinmostsoul

Thewish,thedearemotionspo

e;andvainAughtelse:--Diegogaveconsent--oh,pardonme!Idisobeyedthee.

[Sheadvancestowardshimimploringly;atthesamemomentDONCAESARenters,accompaniedbythewholeChorus.

BOTHBROTHERS,BOTHCHORUSES,BEATRICE.

SecondChorus(BOHEMUND)toDONCAESAR.Thouheliev'stusnot--Believethineeyes!

DONCAESAR(rushesforwardfuriously,andatthesightofhisbrotherstartsbac withhorror).Somehell-bornmagiccheatsMysenses;inherarms!Envenomedsna e!Isthisthylove?ForthisthytreacherousheartCouldlurewithguiseoffriendship!Oh,fromheavenBreathedmyimmortalhate!Down,downtohell,Thousouloffalsehood!

[Hestabshim,DONMANUELfalls.


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DONMANUEL.Beatrice!--mybrother!Idie!

[Dies.BEATRICEsin

slifelessathisside.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN).Help!Help!Toarms!AvengewithbloodThebloodydeed!

SecondChorus(BOHEMUND).ThefortuneofthedayIsours!Thestrifeforeverstilled:--MessinaObeysonelord.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN,BERENGAR,MANFRED).Revenge!ThemurdererShalldie!Quic ,offertoyourmaster'sshadeAppeasingsacrifice!

SecondChorus(BOHEMUND,ROGER,HIPPOLYTE).Myprince!fearnothing,Thyfriendsaretrue.

DONCAESAR(stepsbetweenthem,loo

ingaround).Bestill!ThefoeisslainThatpractisedonmytrusting,honestheartWithsnaresofbrother'slove.Oh,direfulshowsThedeedofdeath!Butrighteousheavenhathjudged.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN).Alastothee,Messina!Woeforever!Sadcity!Fromthyblood-stainedwallsthisdeedOfnamelesshorrortaintsthes ies;illfareThymothersandthychildren,youthandage,Andoffspringyet,unborn!

DONCAESAR.Toolateyourgrief--Heregiveyourhelp.[PointingtoBEATRICE.Callhertolife,andquicDepartthissceneofterrorandofdeath.Imustawayandsee

mysister:--Hence!Conducthertomymother--Andtellherthatherson,DonCaesar,sendsher!

[Exit.

[ThesenselessBEATRICEisplacedonalitterandcarriedawaybytheSecondChorus.TheFirstChorusremainswiththebody,roundwhichtheboyswhobearthebridalpresentsrangethemselvesinasemicircle.

Chorus(CAJETAN).

List,howwithdreadedmysteryWassignedtomypropheticsoul,Of indredbloodthediredecree:--


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Hitherwithnoiseless,giantstrideIsawthehideousfiendofterrorglide!'Tispast!IstrivenottocontrolMyshudderingawe--soswiftofillTheFatesthewarningsignfulfil.Lo!tomysensedismayed,SuddenthedeedofdeathhasshownWhate'ermybodingfearsportrayed.Thevisionedthoughtwaspain;Thepresenthorrorcurdleseveryvein

OneoftheChorus(MANFRED).

Sound,soundtheplaintofwoe!Beautifulyouth!Outstretchedandpalehelies,Untimelycroppedinearlybloom;Theheavynightofdeathhassealedhiseyes;--Inthisgladhourofnuptialjoy,Snatchedbyrelentlessdoom,Hesleeps--whileechoingtothes y,Ofsorrowburststheloud,despairingcry!

Asecond(CAJETAN).

Wecome,wecome,infestalpride,Togreetthebeauteousbride;Behold!thenuptialgifts,therichattireThebanquetwaits,theguestsarethere;TheybidtheetothesolemnriteOfhymenquic repair.Thouhear'stthemnot--thesportivelyre,Thefrolicdance,shallne'erinvite;Norwa

etheefromthylowlybed,Fordeeptheslumberofthedead!

ThewholeChorus.

NomoretheechoinghornshallcheerNorbridewithtonesofsweetnesscharmhisear.Onthecoldearthhelies,Indeath'seternalslumberclosedhiseyes.

Athird(CAJETAN).

Whatarethehopes,andfonddesiresOfmortals'transitoryrace?Thisday,withharmonyofvoiceandsoul,Yewo

ethelong-extinguishedfiresOfbrothers'love--yonflamingorb

LitwithhisearliestbeamsyourdearembraceAteve,uponthegorysandThouliest--aree

ingcorpse!Stretchedbyabrother'smurderoushand.Vainprojects,treacheroushopes,Childofthefleetinghourarethine;Fondman!thourear'stondusteachbolddesign,

Chorus(BERENGAR).


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TothymotherIwillbearTheburdenofunutterablewoe!Quic shallyoncypress,bloomingfair,Bendtotheaxe'smurderousblowThentwinethemournfulbier!Forne'erwithverdantlifethetreeshallsmileThatgrewondeath'sdevotedsoil;Ne'erinthebreezethebranchesplay,Norshadethewandererinthenoontideray;'Twasmar

edtobearthefruitsofdoom,Cursedtotheserviceofthetomb.

First(CAJETAN).

Woetothemurderer!WoeThatspedexultinginhispride,Behold!theparchedearthdrin sthecrimsontide.Down,downitflows,unceasingly,Tothedimcavernedhallsbelow,Wherethronedin

indredgloomthesistertrain,OfThemisprogenysevere,Broodintheirsongless,silentreign!Sternministerofwrath'sdecree,Theycatchinswarthycupsthystreaminggore,

Andpledgewithhorridritesforvengeanceevermore.

Second(BERENGAR).

ThoughswiftofdeedthetracesfadeFromearth,beforetheenliveningray;Aso'erthebrowthetransientshadeOfthought,thehuesoffancyflitaway:--Yetinthemysticwombunseen,Ofthedar

rulinghoursthatswayOurmortallot,whate'erhasbeen,Withnewcreativegermdefiesdecay.Thebloomingfieldistime

Fornature'sever-teemingshoot,Andallisseed,andallisfruit.

[TheChorusgoesaway,bearingthecorpseofDONMANUELonabier.

SCENE--Thehallofpillars.Itisnight.

Thestageislightedfromabovebyasinglelargelamp.DONNAISABELLAandDIEGOadvancetothefront.

ISABELLA.

Asyetnojoyfultidings,notatraceFoundofthelostone!

DIEGO.Nothinghaveweheard,Mymistress;yeto'ereverytrac ,unwearied,Thysonspursue.ErelongtherescuedmaidShallsmileatdangerspast.

ISABELLA.


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Alas!Diego,Myheartissad;'twasIthatcausedthiswoe!

DIEGO.Vexnotthyanxiousbosom;naughtescapedThythoughtfulcare.

ISABELLA.Oh!hadIearliershownThehiddentreasure!

DIEGO.Prudentwerethycounsels,Wiselythouleft'stherinretirement'sshade;So,trustinheaven.

ISABELLA.Alas!nojoyisperfectWithoutthischanceofillmyblisswerepure.

DIEGO.Thyhappinessisbutdelayed;enjoyTheconcordofthysons.

ISABELLA.ThesightwasraptureSupreme,when,loc edinoneanother'sarms,Theyglowedwithbrothers'love.

DIEGO.AndintheheartItburns;forne'ertheirprincelysoulshavestoopedTomeandisguise.

ISABELLA.Now,too,theirbosomswa

eTogentlerthoughts,andowntheirsofteningsway

Oflove.Nomoretheirhot,impetuousyouthRevelsinlibertyuntamed,andspurnsRestraintoflaw,attemperedpassion'sself,Withmodest,chastereserve.Tothee,Diego,Iwillunfoldmysecretheart;thishourOffeeling'sopeningbloom,expectedlong,Wa

esbodingfears:thou

now'sttosuddenrageLovestirstumultuousbreasts;andifthisflameWithjealousyshouldrousetheslumberingfiresOfancienthate--Ishudderatthethought!IfthesediscordantsoulsperchancehavethrilledInfatalunison!Enough;theclouds

Thatblac

withthunderingmenaceo'ermehungArepast;someangelspedthemtranquilby,Andmyenfranchisedspiritbreathesagain.

DIEGO.Rejoice,mymistress;forthygentlesenseAndsoft,prevailingartmorewealhavewroughtThanallthyhusband'spower.BepraisetotheeAndthyauspiciousstar!


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ISABELLA.Yes,fortunesmiled;Norlightthetas ,solongwithaptdisguiseToveilthecherishedsecretofmyheart,Andcheatmyever-jealouslord:morehardTostiflemightynature'spleadingvoice,That,li eaprisonedfire,foreverstroveTorenditsconfines.

DIEGO.Allshallyetbewell;Fortune,propitioustoourhopes,gavepledgeOfblissthattimewillshow.

ISABELLA.IpraisenotyetMynatalstar,whiledar eningo'ermyfateThismysteryhangs:toowellthediremischanceTellsofthefiendwhosenever-slumberingragePursuesourhouse.NowlistwhatIhavedone,Andpraiseorblamemeasthouwilt;fromtheeMybosomguardsnosecret:illIbroo

Thisdullrepose,whileswifto'erlandandseaMysonsunwearied,trac

theirsister'sflight,

Yes,Ihavesought;heavencounselsoft,whenvainAllmortalaid.

DIEGO.WhatImay now,mymistress,Declare.

ISABELLA.OnEtna'ssolitaryheightAreverendhermitdwells,--benamedofoldThemountainseer,--whototherealmsoflightMorenearabidingthanthetoilsomeraceOfmortalsherebelow,withpurerair

Hascleansedeachearthly,grossersenseaway;Andfromtheloftypea ofgatheredyears,Asfromhismountainhome,withdownwardglanceSurveysthecroo

edpathsofworldlystrife.Tohimare nownthefortunesofourhouse;OfthastheholysagebesoughtresponseFromheaven,andmanyacursewithearnestprayerAverted:thitheratmybiddingflew,Onwingsofyouthfulhaste,amessenger,Toas sometidingsofmychild:eachhourIwaithishomewardfootsteps.

DIEGO.

IfmineeyesDeceivemenot,hecomes;andwellhisspeedHasearnedthypraise.

MESSENGER,ISABELLA,DIEGO.

ISABELLA(toMESSENGER).Nowspea ,andnothinghideOfwealorwoe;betruthuponthylips!Whattidingsbear'stthoufromthemountainseer?


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MESSENGER.Hisanswer:"Quic !retracethysteps;thelostoneIsfound."

ISABELLA.Auspicioustongue!CelestialsoundsOfpeaceandjoy!thusevertomyvows.Thricehonoredsage,thy indlymessagespo e!Butsay,whichheaven-directedbrothertracedMydaughter?

MESSENGER.'TwasthyeldestbornthatfoundThedeep-secludedmaid.

ISABELLA.IsitDonManuelThatgiveshertomyarms?Oh,hewaseverThechildofblessing!Tellme,hastthouborneMyofferingtotheagedman?thetapersToburnbeforehissaint?forgifts,theprizeOfworldlyhearts,themanofGoddisdains.

MESSENGER.Hetoo

thetorchesfrommyhandsinsilenceAndsteppingtothealtar--wherethelampBurnedtohissaint--illumedthemathisfire,Andinstantsetinflamesthehermitcell,WherehehashonoredGodtheseninetyyears!

ISABELLA.Whathastthousaid?Whathorrorsfrightmysoul?

MESSENGER.Andthreetimesshrie

ing"Woe!"withdownwardcourse,Hefled;butsilentwithupliftedarm

Bec

onedmenottofollow,norregardhimSohitherIhavehastened,terror-sped.

ISABELLA.Oh,IamtossedamidthesurgeagainOfdoubtandanxiousfears;thytaleappalsWithominoussoundsofill.Mydaughterfound--Thousayest;andbymyeldestborn,DonManuel?Thetidingsne'ershallbless,thatheraldedThisdeedofwoe!

MESSENGER.Mymistress!loo around

Beholdthehermit'smessagetothineeyesFulfilled.Somecharmdeludesmysense,orhitherThydaughtercomes,girtbythewarli

etrainOfthytwosons!

[BEATRICEiscarriedinbytheSecondChorusonalitter,andplacedinthefrontofthestage.Sheisstillwithoutperception,andmotionless.

ISABELLA,DIEGO,MESSENGER,BEATRICE.


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Chorus(BOHEMUND,ROGER,HIPPOLYTE,andtheotherninefollowersofDONCAESAR.)

Chorus(BOHEMUND).HereatthyfeetwelayThemaid,obedienttoourlord'scommand:'Twasthushespo

e--"Conducthertomymother;Andtellherthatherson,DonCaesar,sendsher!"

ISABELLA(isadvancingtowardsherwithoutstretchedarms,andstartsbac

inhorror).Heavens!sheismotionlessandpale!

Chorus(BOHEMUND).Shelives,Shewillawa e,butgivehertimetorouseFromthedreadshoc

thatholdseachsenseenthralled.

ISABELLA.Mydaughter!Childofallmycaresandpains!AndisitthusIseetheeonceagain?Thusthoureturnesttothyfather'shalls!Oh,letmybreathrelumethyvitalspar

;

Yes!Iwillstraintheetoamother'sarmsAndholdtheefast--tillfromthefrostofdeathReleasedthylife-warmcurrentthrobsagain.

[TotheChorus.

Wherehastthoufoundher?Spea !WhatdiremischanceHascausedthissightofwoe?

Chorus(BOHEMUND).Mylipsaredumb!As

notofme:thysonwilltelltheeall--DonCaesar--for'tishethatsendsher.

ISABELLA'TellmeWould'stthounotsayDonManuel?

Chorus(BOHEMUND).'TisDonCaesarThatsendshertothee.

ISABELLA(totheMESSENGER).HowdeclaredtheSeer?Spea

!WasitnotDonManuel?

MESSENGER.'Twashe!Thyelderborn.

ISABELLA.BeblessingsonhisheadWhiche'eritbe;tohimIoweadaughter,Alas!thatinthisblissfulhour,solongExpected,longimplored,someenviousfiendShouldmarmyjoy!Oh,Imuststemthetide


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Ofnature'stransport!Inherchildhood'shomeIseemydaughter;meshe

nowsnot--heedsnot--Noranswerstoamother'svoiceofloveOpe,yedeareyelids--handsbewarm--andheaveThoulifelessbosomwithresponsivethrobsTomine!'Tisshe!Diego,loo

!'tisBeatrice!Thelong-concealed--thelost--therescuedone!BeforetheworldIclaimherformyown!

Chorus(BOHEMUND).NewsignsofterrortomybodingsoulArepictured;--inamazementlostIstand!Whatlightshallpiercethisgloomofmystery?

ISABELLA(totheChorus,whoexhibitmar sofconfusionandembarrassment).Oh,yehardhearts!Yerudeunpityingmen!Amother'stransportfromyourbreastofsteelRebounds,asfromtheroc stheheavingsurge!Iloo

aroundyourtrain,normar

oneglanceOfsoftregard.Wherearemysons?Oh,tellmeWhycometheynot,andfromtheirbeamingeyesSpea comforttomysoul?ForhereenvironedIstandamidthedesert'sragingbrood,

Ormonstersofthedeep!

DIEGO.Sheopeshereyes!Shemoves!Shelives!

ISABELLA.Shelives!OnmebethrownHerearliestglance!

DIEGO.See!Theyareclosedagain--Sheshudders!

ISABELLA(totheChorus).Quic

!Retire--youraspectfrightsher.

[Chorusstepsbac .

RORER.WellpleasedIshunhersight.

DIEGO.Withoutstretchedeyes,Andwonderstruc

,sheseemstomeasurethee.

BEATRICE.Notstrangethoselineaments--whereamI?

ISABELLA.SlowlyHersensereturns.

DIEGO.Behold!uponher neesShesin s.


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BEATRICE.Oh,angelvisageofmymother!

ISABELLA.Childofmyheart!

BEATRICE.See! neelingatthyfeetTheguiltyone!

ISABELLA.Iholdtheeinmyarms!Enough--forgottenall!

DIEGO.Loo inmyface,Canstthourememberme?

BEATRICE.ThereverendbrowsOfhonestoldDiego!

ISABELLA.

FaithfulguardianOfthyyoungyears.

BEATRICE.AndamIonceagainWith

indred?

ISABELLA.Naughtbutdeathshallpartusmore!

BEATRICE.Willthoune'ersendmetothestranger?

ISABELLA.Never!Fateisappeased.

BEATRICE.AndamInextthyheart?Andwasitalladream--ahideousdream?Mymother!atmyfeethefell!I

nownotWhatbroughtmehither--yet'tiswell.Oh,bliss!ThatIamsafeinthyprotectingarms;Theywouldhaveta'enmetotheprincess,mother--Soonertodeath!

ISABELLA.Mydaughter,calmthyfears;Messina'sprincess----

BEATRICE.Namehernotagain!Atthatill-omenedsoundthechillofdeathCreepsthroughmytremblingframe.

ISABELLA.


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Mychild!buthearme----

BEATRICE.Shehastwosonsbymortalhatedissevered,DonManuelandDonCaesar----

ISABELLA.'Tismyself!Beholdthymother!

BEATRICE.HaveIheardthee?Spea

!

ISABELLA.Iamthymother,andMessina'sprincess!

BEATRICE.ArtthouDonManuel'sandDonCaesar'smother?

ISABELLA.Andthine!Theyarethybrethrenwhomthounamest.

BEATRICE.Oh,gleamofhorridlight!

ISABELLA.Whattroublesthee?Say,whencethisstrangeemotion?

BEATRICE.Yes!'twasthey!NowIrememberall;nodreamdeceivedme,Theymet--'tisfearfultruth!Unhappymen!Wherehaveyehidhim?

[SherushestowardstheChorus;theyturnawayfromher.Afuneralmarchisheardinthedistance.

CHORUS.Horror!Horror!

ISABELLA.Hid!Spea --whoishid?andwhatistrue?YestandInsilentdullamaze--asthoughyefathomedHerwordsofmystery!Inyourfalteringtones--Yourbrows--Ireadofhorrorsyetun nown,Thatwouldrefrainmytongue!Whatisit?Tellme!Iwill

nowall!WhyfixyeonthedoorThatawe-struc gaze?Whatmournfulmusicsounds?

[Themarchisheardnearer.

Chorus(BOHEMUND).Itcomes!itcomes!andallshallbedeclaredWithterriblevoice.Mymistress!steelthyheart,Befirm,andbearwithcouragewhatawaitsthee--Formorethanwomen'ssoulthydestinedgriefsDemand.


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ISABELLA.Whatcomes?andwhatawaitsme?Har

Withfearfultonesthedeath-wailsmitesmineear--Itechoesthroughthehouse!Wherearemysons?

[ThefirstSemi-chorusbringsinthebodyofDONMANUELonabier,whichisplacedatthesideofthestage.Ablac

pallisspreadoverit.

ISABELLA,BEATRICE,DIEGO.

BothChoruses.


Withsorrowinhistrain,FromstreettostreettheKingofTerrorglides;Withstealthyfoot,andslow,Hecreepswhere'erthefleetingraceOfmanabidesInturnateverygateIsheardthedreaded

noc

offate,Themessageofunutterablewoe!

BERENGAR.

When,inthesereAndautumnleavesdecayed,Themournfulforesttellshowquic lyfadeThegloriesoftheyear!Wheninthesilenttomboppressed,Frailman,withweightofdays,Sin stohistranquilrest;ContentednaturebutobeysHereverlastinglaw,--Thegeneraldoomawa

esnoshudderingawe!But,mortals,oh!prepare

Formightierills;withruthlesshandFellmurdercutstheholyband--The

indredtie:insatiatedeath,Withunrelentingrage,Bearstohisbar theflowerofbloomingage!

CAJETAN.

Whencloudsathwartthelowerings yAredriven--whenburstswithhollowmoanThethunder'speal--ourtremblingbosomsownThemightofawfuldestiny!Yetoftthelightning'sglare

Dartssuddenthroughthecloudlessair:--TheninthyshortdelusivedayOfbliss,oh!dreadthetreacheroussnare;Norprizethefleetinggoodsinvain,Theflowersthatbloombuttodecay!Norwealth,norjoy,noraughtbutpain,Wase'ertomortal'slotsecure:--Ourfirstbestlesson--toendure!

ISABELLA.


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WhatshallIhear?Whathorrorslur beneathThisfuneralpall?

[Shestepstowardsthebier,butsuddenlypauses,andstandsirresolute.

Somestrange,mysteriousdreadEnthralsmysense.Iwouldapproach,andsuddenTheice-coldgraspofterrorholdsmebac !

[ToBEATRICE,whohasthrownherselfbetweenherandthebier.

Whate'eritbe,Iwillunveil----

[OnraisingthepallshediscoversthebodyofDONMANUEL.

EternalPowers!itismyson!

[Shestandsinmutehorror.BEATRICEsin stothegroundwithashrie

ofanguishnearthebier.

CHORUS.Unhappymother!'tisthyson.ThylipsHaveutteredwhatmyfalteringtonguedenied.

ISABELLA.Mysoul!MyManuel!Oh,eternalgrief!AndisitthusIseethee?ThusthylifeHasboughtthysisterfromthespoiler'srage?Wherewasthybrother?CouldnoarmbefoundToshieldthee?Oh,becursedthehandthatdugThesegorywounds!AcurseonherthatboreThemurdererofmyson!TenthousandcursesOnalltheirrace!

CHORUS.Woe!Woe!

ISABELLA.AndisitthusYe

eepyourword,yegods?Isthisyourtruth?AlasforhimthattrustswithhonestheartYoursoothingwiles!WhyhaveIhopedandtrembled?Andthistheissueofmyprayers!Attend,Yeterror-stric

enwitnesses,thatfeedYourgazeuponmyanguish;learnto nowHowwarningvisionscheat,andbodingseersButmoc ourcreduloushopes;letnonebelieveThevoiceofheaven!Wheninmyteemingwomb

Thisdaughterlay,herfather,inadreamSawfromhisnuptialcouchtwolaurelsgrow,Andinthemidstalilyallinflames,That,catchingswifttheboughsand nottedstemsBurstforthwithcrac lingrage,ando'erthehouseSpreadinonemightyseaoffire.PerplexedBythisterrificdreammyhusbandsoughtThecounselsofthemysticart,andthusPronouncedthesage:"IfIadaughterbore,Themurderessofhissons,thedestinedspring


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Ofruintoourhouse,thebalefulchildShouldseethelight."

Chorus(CAJETANandBOHEMUND).Whathastthousaid,mymistress?Woe!Woe!

ISABELLA.Forthisherruthlessfatherspo eThedirebehestofdeath.Irescuedher,Theinnocent,thedoomedone;frommyarmsThebabewastorn;tostaythecurseofheaven,Andsavemysons,themothergaveherchild;Andnowbyrobberhandsherbrotherfalls;Mychildisguiltless.Oh,sheslewhimnot!

CHORUS.Woe!Woe!

ISABELLA.NotrustthefablingreadersofthestarsHavee'erdeserved.Hearhowanotherspo

eWithcomforttomysoul,andhimIdeemedInspiredtovoicethesecretsofthes

ies!

"MydaughtershoulduniteinlovetheheartsOfmydisseveredsons;"andthustheirtalesOfcurseandblessingonherheadproclaimEachother'sfalsehood.No,shene'erhasbroughtAcurse,theinnocent;nortimewasgivenTheblessedpromisetofulfil;theirtonguesWerefalseali e;theirboastedartisvain;Withtric

ofwordstheycheatourcredulousears,Orarethemselvesdeceived!Naughtyemay nowOfdar

futurity,thesablestreamsOfhellthefountainofyourhiddenlore,Oryonbrightspringofeverlastinglight!


Woe!Woe!thytonguerefrain!Oh,pause,northuswithimpiousrageThemightofheavenprofane;Theholyoraclesarewise--Expectwithawethycomingdestinies!

ISABELLA.Mytongueshallspea aspromptsmyswellingheart;Mygriefsshallcrytoheaven.WhydoweliftOursupplianthands,andatthesacredshrinesKneeltoadore?Good,easydupes!Whatwinwe

Fromfaithandpiousawe?totouchwithprayersThetenantsofyonazurerealmsonhigh,Werehardaswithanarrow'spointtopierceThesilverymoon.Hidisthewomboftime,Impregnabletomortalglance,anddeafTheadamantinewallsofheavenreboundThevoiceofanguish:--Oh,'tisone,whate'erTheflightofbirds--theaspectofthestars!Theboo ofnatureisamaze--adreamThesage'sart--andeverysignafalsehood!


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Woe!Woe!Ill-fatedwoman,stayThymaddeningblasphemies;Thoubutdisown'st,withpurblindeyes,Theflamingorbofday!Confessthegods,--theydwellonhigh--Theycircletheewithawfulmajesty!

AlltheKnights.

Confessthegods--theydwellonhigh--Theycircletheewithawfulmajesty!

BEATRICE.Whyhastthousavedthydaughter,anddefiedThecurseofheaven,thatmar

edmeinthywombThechildofwoe?Short-sightedmother!--vainThylittleartstocheatthedoomdeclaredBytheall-wiseinterpreters,that nitThefarandnear;and,withprophetic

en,Seethelateharvestspringintimesunborn.Oh,thouhastbroughtdestructiononthyrace,

Withholdingfromtheavenginggodstheirprey;Threefold,withnewembitteredrage,theyas

Thedirefulpenalty;nothan sthyboonOflifedeserves--thefatalgiftwassorrow!

SecondChorus(BERENGAR)loo

ingtowardsthedoorwithsignsofagitation.

Har tothesoundofdread!Therattling,brazendinIhear!Ofhell-bornsna esthehissingtonesarenear!Yes--'tisthefuries'tread!

CAJETAN.

Incrumblingruinwide,Fall,fall,thouroof,andsin

,thoutremblingfloorThatbear'stthedread,unearthlystride!Yesabledampsarise!Mountfromtheabyssinsmo yspray,Andpallthebrightnessoftheday!Vanish,yeguardianpowers!Theycome!Theavengingdeities

DONCAESAR,ISABELLA,BEATRICE.TheChorus.

[OntheentranceofDONCAESARtheChorusstationthemselvesbeforehimimploringly.Heremainsstandingaloneinthecentreofthestage.

BEATRICE.Alas!'tishe----

ISABELLA(steppingtomeethim).MyCaesar!Oh,myson!AndisitthusImeetthe?Loo !Behold!


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Thecrimeofhandaccursed!

[Sheleadshimtothecorpse.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN,BERENGAR).

Brea forthoncemoreYewounds!Flow,flow,inswarthyflood,Thoustreaminggore!

ISABELLA.Shudderingwithearnestgaze,andmotionless,Thoustand'st.--yes!theremyhopesrepose,andallThatearthhasofthybrother;inthebudNippedisyourconcord'stenderflower,noreverWithbeauteousfruitshallgladamother'seyes,

DONCAESAR.Becomforted;thysons,withhonestheart,Topeaceaspired,butheaven'sdecreewasblood!

ISABELLA.I nowthoulovedsthimwell;Isawbetweenye,Withjoy,thebandsoldNaturesweetlytwined;

ThouwouldsthavebornehiminthyheartofheartsWithrichatonementoflongwastedyears!Butsee--fellmurderthwartsthydeardesign,Andnaughtremainsbutvengeance!

DONCAESAR.Come,mymother,Thisisnoplaceforthee.Oh,hasteandleaveThissightofwoe.

[Heendeavorstodragheraway.

ISABELLA(throwingherselfintohisarms).

Thoulivest!Ihaveason!

BEATRICE.Alas!mymother!

DONCAESAR.OnthisfaithfulbosomWeepoutthypains;norlostthyson,--hisloveShalldwellimmortalinthyCaesar'sbreast.

FirstChorus(CAJETAN,BERENGAR,MANFRED).

Brea forth,yewounds!

Dumbwitness!thetruthproclaim;Flowfast,thougorystream!

ISABELLA(claspingthehandsofDONCAESARandBEATRICE).Mychildren!

DONCAESAR.Oh,'tisecstasy!mymother,Toseeherinthyarms!henceforthinloveAdaughter--sister----


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ISABELLA(interruptinghim).Thouhast eptthyword.Myson;totheeIowetherescuedone;Yes,thouhastsenther----

DONCAESAR(inastonishment).Whom,mymother,saystthou,ThatIhavesent?

ISABELLA.Shestandsbeforethineeyes--Thysister.

DONCAESAR.She!Mysister?

ISABELLA.Ay,Whatother?

DONCAESAR.Mysister!

ISABELLA.

Thouhastsenthertome!

DONCAESAR.Horror!Hissister,too!

CHORUS.Woe!woe!

BEATRICE.Alas!mymother!

ISABELLA.

Spea

!Iamallamaze!

DONCASAR.BecursedthedayWhenIwasborn!

ISABELLA.Eternalpowers!

DONCAESAR.AccursedThewombthatboreme;cursedthesecretarts,Thespringofallthiswoe;instanttocrushthee,

Thoughthedreadthunderswept--ne'ershouldthisarmRefraintheboltsofdeath:Islewmybrother!Hearitandtremble!inherarmsIfoundhim;Shewasmylove,mychosenbride;andhe--Mybrother--inherarms!Thouhastheardall!Ifitbetrue--oh,ifshebemysister--Andhis!thenIhavedoneadeedthatmoc

sThepowerofsacrificeandprayerstoopeThegatesofmercytomysoul!


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Chorus(BOHEMUND).

ThetidingsonthyheartdismayedHaveburst,andnaughtremains;behold!'Tiscome,norlongdelayed,Whate'erthewarningseersforetold:Theyspo ethemessagefromonhigh,Theirlipsproclaimedresistlessdestiny!ThemortalshallthecursefulfilWhosee

stoturnpredestinedill.

ISABELLA.Thegodshavedonetheirworst;iftheybetrueOrfalse,'tisone--fornothingtheycanaddTothis--themeasureoftheirrageisfull.WhyshouldItremblethathavenaughttofear?Mydarlingsonliesmurdered,andthelivingIcallmysonnomore.Oh!IhaveborneAndnourishedatmybreastabasilisThatstungmybest-belovedchild.Mydaughter,haste,Andleavethishouseofhorrors--IdevoteitTotheavengingfiends!Inanevilhour'Twascrimethatbroughtmehither,andofcrimeThevictimIdepart.Unwillingly

Icame--insorrowIhavelived--despairingIquitthesehalls;onme,theinnocent,Descendsthisweightofwoe!Enough--'tisshownThatHeavenisjust,andoraclesaretrue!

[Exit,followedbyDIEGO.

BEATRICE,DONCAESAR,theChorus.

DONCAESAR(detainingBEATRICE).Mysister,wouldstthouleaveme?OnthisheadAmother'scursemayfall--abrother'sbloodCrywithaccusingvoicetoheaven--allnature

Invo

eeternalvengeanceonmysoul--Butthou--oh!cursemenot--Icannotbearit!

[BEATRICEpointswithavertedeyestothebody.

Ihavenotslainthylover!'twasthybrother,Andminethatfellbeneathmysword;andnearAsthedepartedone,thelivingownsThetiesofblood:remember,too,'tisIThatmostasister'spityneed--forpureHisspiritwingeditsflight,andIamguilty!

[BEATRICEburstsintoanagonyoftears.

Weep!Iwillblendmytearswiththine--nay,more,Iwillavengethybrother;butthelover--Weepnotforhim--thypassionate,yearningtearsMyinmostheart.Oh!fromtheboundlessdepthsOfouraffliction,letmegatherthis,Thelastandonlycomfort--butto

nowThatwearedearali e.OnelotfulfilledHasmadeourrightsandwretchednessthesame;Entangledinonesnarewefalltogether,


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Threehaplessvictimsofunpityingfate,Andsharethemournfulprivilegeoftears.ButwhenIthin thatforthelovermoreThanforthebrotherburststhysorrow'stide,Thenrageandenvyminglewithmypain,Andhope'slastbalmforsa

esmywitheringsoul?Norjoyful,asbeseems,canIrequiteThisinuredshade:--yetafterhimcontentTomercy'sthronemycontritespiritshallfly,Spedbythishand--ifdyingImay

nowThatinoneurnourashesshallrepose,Withpiousofficeofasister'scare.

[Hethrowshisarmsaroundherwithpassionatetenderness.

Ilovedthee,asIne'erhadlovedbefore,Whenthouwertstrange;andthatIbearthecurseOfbrother'sblood,'tisbutbecauseIlovedtheeWithmeasurelesstransport:lovewasallmyguilt,Butnowthouartmysister,andIclaimSoftpity'stribute.

[Heregardsherwithinquiringglances,andanairofpainfulsuspense--thenturnsawaywithvehemence.

No!inthisdreadpresenceIcannotbearthesetears--mycouragef

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Schiller Collection - Bride of Messina

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