Louisa of Lombardy ; or, The Secret Nuptials | ||
SCENE VII.
Inside of Bertram's Cottage, the window shattered —door part old and part patched with new wood—between the door and the window a chimney runs up, on the heart of which a turf fire appears, before which a bird is roasting—another door opens to broken steps leading to an upper apartment. —The load of wood is placed as a seat near the fire, an old table and chairs, a truckle bed, and various decayed domestic utensils in different parts of the scene—a lamp burning on the table.
Bertram, busied in preparations for supper, is puffing up the fire; and Alinda watching the child dozing on the bed—Gabriello, having taken off his knapsack, unpacks it, tastes a flask of wine, which chearing him, he passes round, not forgetting honest Bertram, congratulating each other on their happy escape, 'till casting his eyes towards the sash from which hung the casket, his countenance suddenly changes, and, horror struck, unable to speak, he throws himself, wildly, into a chair, fixes his eyes on Alinda for consolation, starts up, looks distractedly round, examines the refreshment he had unpacked,
RECITATIVE—RICARDO.
Am I pursued—as prowling this coarse night,
Half obscured torches glimmer'd on my sight!
And men in arms! (looking round affectionately)
This was my brother's cot!— (still looking round)
Have we inhabitants? or have we not?
I will examine— (going towards the stairs a light appears through the window as of torches)
—They again appear!—
And I must strengthen this old castle here!
(Puts table, &c. against the door.)
If me they want, Ricardo's still the man
Will sell his life as dearly as he can!
Ascends the Stairs.
Torches pass the window, a sudden gust of wind, &c. is heard, and the door is burst open by Sanguino and his band, who enter with Paladore, part of them bearing torches.
Paladore overcome with fatigue throws himself into a chair, and sighing, with tenderness, kisses a miniature of Louisa, which Sanguino seizes— during this Ricardo had cautiously descended, and, examining their conduct, appears much irritated— Paladore dashes Sanguino from him; he stamps, and the Soldiers present their sabres, &c. at his throat—Ricardo rushes forward, fires his arquebuss, and Sanguino falls—Paladore seizes his sabre, and Ricardo drawing his, the Soldiers, dropping on their knees, ground their arms, and Paladore falls at the feet of Ricardo.
RECITATIVE—RICARDO.
Kneel, knight, to heaven; thanks are not due to me!
The chance machine of bless'd humanity!
But the storm ceases—in yon hollow glen
There's better lodging—lodging worthy men!
Paladore embraces him, and he leads the Soldiers off, Ricardo bringing up the rear.
Exeunt.
Louisa of Lombardy ; or, The Secret Nuptials | ||