 | A Wreath of Wild Flowers From New England |  |
74
SCENE II.
Adelmine discovered on a rustic seat, near the Castle.ADELMINE.
I know not why, my heart is light to-day,
And full of music as a bird's in spring;
The while I feel that danger threatens me,—
Not me alone, but Athelwold and Guido,—
And yet my heart is light.
(Hums a few notes, and then sings the following.)
And full of music as a bird's in spring;
The while I feel that danger threatens me,—
Not me alone, but Athelwold and Guido,—
And yet my heart is light.
Before a fair maiden
Two offerings shone;—
A blossom dew-laden,
A sun-coloured stone:
Two offerings shone;—
A blossom dew-laden,
A sun-coloured stone:
Alone in her bower,
And musing on them,—
She weeps o'er the flower,
She smiles on the gem.
And musing on them,—
She weeps o'er the flower,
She smiles on the gem.
That tear-drop so tender
From Love's fount it steals;
But the smile in its splendour
A triumph reveals!
From Love's fount it steals;
But the smile in its splendour
A triumph reveals!
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Thy choice, gentle maiden!
'Tis thine—thine alone!
The leaflet, dew-laden,—
The sun-illumed stone.
'Tis thine—thine alone!
The leaflet, dew-laden,—
The sun-illumed stone.
The one is the offer
Of Power and Pride;
With gold in his coffer,
And gems for his bride.
Of Power and Pride;
With gold in his coffer,
And gems for his bride.
The other, a token
From Passion and Truth;
The pure and unbroken,—
The love of thy youth.
From Passion and Truth;
The pure and unbroken,—
The love of thy youth.
She falters!—though cruel,
The struggle is brief;
She clasps—not the jewel—
The tear-laden leaf!
The struggle is brief;
She clasps—not the jewel—
The tear-laden leaf!
He was a faithless bard that made the song,
And much he wrongs the sex; I do not think
The lady faltered—what! between a gem—
A silly jewel, and a glowing rose—
The gift of love! I'll not believe she faltered.
And much he wrongs the sex; I do not think
The lady faltered—what! between a gem—
A silly jewel, and a glowing rose—
The gift of love! I'll not believe she faltered.
(Guido enters behind her unperceived, and lays his hand on her shoulder. Adelmine screams, turns and sees him.)
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I thought—Thank heaven 'twas not that hateful King!
Cruel! to fright me so! I'll not forgive thee.
GUIDO.
Ay! but thou wilt!
ADELMINE.
I will not—that I will not!
GUIDO.
I tell thee, ere yon cloud has crossed the sun,
Thou'lt weep thy pardon on my breast, sweet love!
ADELMINE.
Guido!
GUIDO.
Dear Adelmine! the King, incensed
At my defiance of his haughty will,
Has banished me.
ADELMINE
(throwing herself on his breast.)
Thou wilt not go alone?
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Alone, and unforgiven, Adelmine!
ADELMINE.
Oh, trifle not!—I do, I do forgive thee.
But wilt thou go alone?
GUIDO.
How should I else?
ADELMINE.
Oh! is there none—no friend, whose tireless love
Might sooth and bless thee in thy wanderings?
GUIDO.
I know of none.
ADELMINE.
Of none?—unkind! (turns away.)
GUIDO.
Thou dost not mean thyself?—by heav'n thou dost!
Those downcast eyes—that drooping, shrinking form—
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And didst thou dream that I would bear my flower,
My timid violet, forth into the stir
Of this rude world? Oh! thou wert made to dwell
Where but the loving light of heaven, its dew
And balmy air, should kiss thy virgin brow—
Thou couldst not bide the storm!
ADELMINE.
And could I not?
Oh, Guido! let me go!
There is no storm so fierce, but love's pure smile
Can light a rainbow through it:—Let me go!
GUIDO.
And leave thy home?
ADELMINE.
Thou art my home!
GUIDO.
Thy maiden dreams of joy?
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They go with thee!
Oh! if thou leave me here
Without them, love, an exile from thy heart,
Thou art a sterner tyrant than the King,
And dost enforce a sadder banishment
Than even thine own!
Thou wilt not, gentle Guido!
GUIDO.
But were it known that we escape together,
Fierce Edgar's anger might alight on thee.
ADELMINE
(in a low, emphatic tone.)
His anger is less fearful than his love!
GUIDO.
By heaven! thou mov'st me now.
Thou'rt in his power!
The very thought hath madness in't!
Thou'lt fly?
ADELMINE.
I will.
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But how?
ADELMINE.
I thought not how!
But stay!—To-morrow doth the King go forth,
With all his train, to hunt. The wandering bard
Who came last night, and for whose simple wants
I did provide, is grateful for my care:
I'll have for gold his mantle and his cap;
And thus disguised—for well the minstrel-garb
Will hide the beatings of a woman's heart—
I'll join the chase, and meet thee in the forest.
GUIDO.
Be it so then!
To-morrow's sun shall see
A bride more beauteous than his own Aurora!
Farewell! Heaven bless thee!
[Exeunt different ways.
| A Wreath of Wild Flowers From New England | |