University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The private apartment of Henriquez, with his chair and table, and a lamp burning on the table; the stage lighted only by this lamp.
Enter Henriquez with a sword in his hand, which he lays on the table in the light, shrinking back as he looks at it.
Hen.
The blood!—this blood!—his blood!—O dismal change!
When rose the sun of this sad day; how gladly
Would I have shed mine own, to have sav'd one drop
Of what was then so dear! (Pushing it into the shade.)
Be from my sight!
It wrings my heart: and yet so black a stream,
So base, so treacherous, did never stain
The sword of holy justice.
(After sitting down, and gazing some time on the ground.)
This is a pause of rest from the first act,
The needful act of righteous retribution.
Oh! is it rest? The souls that fell from light
Into the dark profound, cut off from bliss,
Had rest like this.
(Pressing his temples tightly with both hands.)
How furiously these burning temples throb!
Be still! be still! there's more behind to do;
But no more blood: I will not shed her blood.
(Knocking at the door.)
Who's there?

Voice.
Are you awake, my lord?

Hen.
What dost thou want?

Voice
(without).
The banquet is prepared, the guests assembled,
Your grooms are waiting, and your vestments ready.
Will you not please, my lord, to let them enter?

Hen.
(to himself).
The guests assembled! Vile bewild'ring dream!
I had forgot all this. I must appear.

Voice
(without).
Will you be pleased, my lord, to let them enter?

Hen.
Be still—be still; I'll open to them presently.

[Exit hastily into an inner chamber, taking the sword with him.