University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

—A Room in Euphrosyne's Palace.
Euphrosyne in a night-dress.
Euph.
Shall my purpose be
Like flower, whose fragrance is its epitaph?—
The thing is natural too as mother's wish;—
To bring him to his royalty again,
And make her queen.—More strange that thou, Murtzoufle,
Would'st have this silly maid!—I reap revenge,
Not from the red stalks of the comet's beard.
No wizard's charm, nor aught 'yond Nature's power
Have I invok'd. Sit still, thou Lord of France,
A woman only works, and the weak brain
Of a sick woman:—and thou, princely Baldwin,
Highly hast writ thy power—a blister mock.
The comment's here, a thousand burning words
(laying her hand on her head.)
Eclipsing hell.—Be dear, even loath'd Murtzoufle,
My sacred fiend, and hurl him from his throne!

Enter an Old Domestic.
Dom.
Madam, he waits thee now.

Euph.
Has no one seen him?

Dom.
I did not know him—till he whisper'd me.

Euph.
Admit him quickly.
[Exit Domestic.
Enter Pedro disguised.
Have you thought, good Pedro?

Ped.
O madam, this dull brain—

Euph.
Hence then some hours;
We need thee not until the second watch.

Ped.
I have it then—another power's at work
You dream not of, madam; it now goes on.

Euph.
Nay, I had thought of it.

Ped.
Thy pardon, lady,
'Tis from the devil's anvil, that is chance.

Euph.
This head is feverish, and my thoughts to-night
Wild but intense: Yet I may judge a little.
Hush! there's a foot-fall. No:—but follow me
Into a chamber that hears all dread things,
There foot ne'er comes; and nought is heard save sound
Of mouse that scratches on the boards by night.

[Exeunt.