University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

The Road from Vienna.
A Colonel, with subaltern Officers, and a Corps of Soldiers. ALBERTI in the Middle a Prisoner.
COLONEL.
Here do we halt, and my commission ends—
To me a most unwelcome one!—from us
You pass to th'common instruments of justice,
That the condemn'd to Idra's Cave convey.
[They appear at the side.
We all lament, great Sir, thy hapless fate!
Lo! ev'n the rabble weep for your disaster!

ALBERTI.
Next to a people's praise for deeds of glory,
Is to be wept for in the frowns of fortune.
Thanks; thanks to all:—who will be vain hereafter?—
[After a Pause.
That e'er Alberti shou'd be brought to this!
In chains! condemn'd to galling infamy!
He who has made the Austrian Eagle soar;
And clap triumphant wings on hostile tow'rs!
And taught their troops the art of victory!
Now all his laurels wither'd in their bloom
Beholds! (himself yet in the prime of life)
'Tis terrible!—but manhood bear me up!

COLONEL.
How moving, Sirs, in such a plight to see
The chief whom we've all gloried to obey.

ALBERTI.
Through what refinement of barbarity
Am I refus'd th'attendance of a friend
To see me to my melancholy gaol!—
And why refus'd a parting interview,
To give a last embrace to my Constantia!
Oh! there I suffer!—Every fibre shrinks!
My blood recoils! and all my spirits fail
At the dire thought of what she now must feel:
I hear her groans; they rend my tortur'd soul!

COLONEL.
Despair not, Sir! for, soon relenting pow'r
Will change its too severe decree, to mercy.
Some latent viper is the cause of all.

ALBERTI.
Despair's a word, a soldier ne'er shou'd know—
[pauses.
For honour's idol I have done too much;
Now let the Christian hero in me rise:
That in adversity still greater shews
Than midst th'applauding of victorious troops—
[kneels.
Divine example! how to suffer wrong!
And pardon those who injure us the most!
Stretch thy compassion to the fall'n Alberti.
Deign to support him in this heavy hour,
Let him not sink beneath calamity.
Since greatest empires perish at thy nod,
Let suff'ring mortals kiss affliction's rod:
In all resign'd to thee, my Saviour, and my God!