University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

An Apartment in ALBERTI's House.
CONSTANTIA.
Where is my husband?—Where is my Alberti?
What cause so early from his bed cou'd rouze,
And make him rush forth, with impatient speed?
Something I fear of dangerous intent
Hangs brooding o'er his mind—for all the night,
In broken slumbers, sighing did he pass,
With frequent invocation of my name.
“Constantia, frail. Colredo, thou art false.”
The repetition of those words alarm'd me,
And when awaken'd by returning morn,
I hop'd from him the unravelling to hear.—
But e'er my senses from the bonds of sleep
'Woke to the social offices of life,
Alberti was gone forth! What must I think?

Enter LAURA.
Madam, this letter did my master give
With strictest charge of laying it before you,
On your uprising, at whatever hour;
But not to hasten't—by imprudent zeal.

CONSTANTIA.
Ah me! I dread to take it from her hand!
My courage fails me to break ope the seal:
I pray you will, and read the dire contents!
For such, my throbbing breast anticipates.

LAURA
reads the Letter.
“Madam,
“Colredo has reflected on your honour,
“Your spotless innocence; your virgin fame
“His sland'rous tongue has wantonly revil'd.—
“This morn he answers for the base attempt,
“And shou'd his luckier stars prevail o'er mine,
“Act like thyself; thou wert Alberti's wife.”

CONSTANTIA.
(pausing.)
How cou'd he doubt?—Give me the letter, Laura—
The last perhaps I shall receive from him!
Why drops these woman's tears as I peruse it?
Come, let me place thee near this faithful heart
As the last will of an expiring hero!

[Puts the letter in her bosom.
Enter the SERVANT.
Madam, the Lord Rodolpho earnest waits—

CONSTANTIA.
Admit him.—
Welcome, Rodolpho! my Alberti's friend!
I have been told the purpose of the day.
Say, what's th'event?—Is't for, or makes against us?

RODOLPHO.
In part 'tis for, in part against us, Lady!

CONSTANTIA.
In part against!—Oh, does Alberti live?
If wounded! let me fly to his assistance.—

RODOLPHO.
My friend, your Lord, the courteous, brave Alberti
Soon made Colredo fall beneath his sword—
He straight was bleeding carried off the field
By Seyfert's creatures, screen'd around on purpose;
As were the guards, to seize upon Alberti
If he shou'd victor prove, the other slain;
And be for disobedience, and the crime
Of murder, t'Idra's dreary cave convey'd;
No ear for mercy left, to gain his pardon.
Your brother, and the nobles of his party
Are to the court repair'd, to try all means,
If not an absolute release to win,
At least some mitigation to obtain
From a fell sentence that is worse than death.
Thither I've promis'd all my friends to bring,
When I the tidings shou'd have borne to thee
Of what was pass'd, and meant yet to be done.

CONSTANTIA.
Haste thee, Rodolpho, with the speed of friendship.

RODOLPHO.
I fly on friendship's wing to save my friend.

CONSTANTIA.
Now duty calls that I assert myself,
And prove I'm worthy of Alberti's love!—
[After a pause.
I'll go and rouse up every virtuous wife,
Each noble matron, and each blooming maid
Within Vienna's walls; aloud make known
The wrong that's done them in Alberti's fall!
Shou'd supplication meet with disregard,
From the obdurate heart of worldly pow'r,
For intercession with th'almighty Being,
I'll make my last appeal to pitying saints:
Earth, air, and heav'n shall ring with my complaints.

[Exit.