 | The Castle of Montval |  |
63
ACT V.
SCENE I.
A Gallery.Enter Matilda and Maria, in great consternation.
MATILDA.
Not in her chamber? nor has been to night?
What wonders have I heard? Am I awake?
Can it be true, the story thou hast told,
Of haunted rooms, and of a nightly spectre?
MARIA.
'Tis but too true. And having told the tale
To my dear lady, who has got the keys,
I thought it right to rouse you from your rest,
And mention all I knew.
MATILDA.
Thou hast done well
To break my sleep, where she may be in danger.
Yet what the danger, Heav'n alone can tell,
From such a strange, and sense-confounding cause!
Wou'd thou hadst been discreet, and held thy tongue,
About these wonders, till the Count's return.
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Ah! wou'd I had been silent! But my fears
Betray'd my prudence; thoughtless of th'event.
MATILDA.
Where lie the chambers which 'tis said are haunted?
MARIA.
Alas! I know not! Blaise, if he were here,
Cou'd shew the way; and so cou'd good Lapont,
Who, urg'd alike by courage and by zeal,
Hurried to seek, and to protect the Countess.
MATILDA.
A dreadful apprehension seizes me!
I like not such protectors! Dearest friend!
The fearless temper of thy gen'rous mind
May urge thee on to unsuspected peril!
My heart is on the rack till thou art found.
Thou cou'dst not bear Lapont! And thy sure eye
Has never fail'd to read a villain's heart.
What can be done? Knock at the Marquis' door?
Call up the Count?—The Count?—Ha! he can guide,
Can surely guide us to those horrid chambers.
That way he sleeps. Be quick, and give alarm!
[Exit Maria.
Why wou'd the Countess run this needless hazard?
[Exit.
[Lapont enters cautiously from the other side.]
LAPONT.
Now is the time, when all are wrapt in sleep!
All but my victims, who shall feel my arm!
Since every project to prevent this woman,
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Has been the means, by some accursed chance!
Of urging her to fathom the dread secret.
But she as well might have essay'd to crush
The deadly serpent with her delicate hands,
As to destroy, or counteract my vengeance!
Now her proud spirit—
[Count of Montval enters from the other side of the stage, with an air of distress and dismay.]
“He return'd so soon!
“Too early, yet too late!”
COUNT.
What now Lapont?
Is aught discover'd? Hell itself is here!
[Striking his bosom.]
And thou the demon that has made it so!—
O! had I never listen'd to thy counsel!
LAPONT.
'Twere waste of time or I cou'd answer you.
Keep your own secret, and you've nought to fear!
COUNT.
Yes! Conscience! Conscience! waking, but too late!
I loath myself, my crime, and its success!
Nor time, nor circumstance can ever cure
The living ulcer, that corrodes my heart!
Forc'd to adore, by that unerring justice,
Which all our arts can neither bribe nor blind,—
The radiant virtue which my deeds pollute,
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O! never! never!—
LAPONT.
Wretched canting this!
Worthy the bigot monk, and cloister'd cell,
Where solitude and fasting ape the tone
Of coward penitence, and pious zeal!
COUNT.
In vain! you mock the horrors I endure!
They merit sympathy, and not derision,
And most from thee, the partner of my guilt.
How can I face the Countess!—how support
Her pure embraces!
LAPONT
(sneeringly).
Trial too severe!—
But, if you value her esteem, or love,
For shou'd she know you, both were lost for ever,
Quickly depart!—Away! with speed, for Paris,
And never let her know of your return.
[Aside.]
“His conscientious qualms must not be trusted.”
COUNT.
But are you certain she has no suspicion?
LAPONT.
Back! back! where welcome tidings shall await you.
I'll soon be master of the fatal keys:
The Countess tried, and laugh'd at all they shew'd her.
The secret door, to her's a secret still.
Away! away! or we may be discover'd!
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[Aside, going out.]
“Poor easy dupe! he credits all I say!”
COUNT.
Determin'd villain! had I never known thee,
I had been blest! But I must still dissemble,
Till the time's riper to defy his malice.
I'll go and order that my horse be ready,
Just look, tho' loth, towards the hated chamber,
To see that all is still, and all secure,
And then, with heavy heart! depart for Paris.
[Exit.
SCENE II.
Changes to the supposed Haunted Chamber. The Countess rises from the Couch and comes forward.COUNTESS.
The sun is rising. I will speak to Blaise,
Dismiss him to procure a close conveyance,
Ignorant for whom, or what it is design'd—
And then release the patient sufferer.
His look and manners move my inmost soul!
What deep affront; what motive for revenge,
Cou'd make the Count abet such cruelty!
There is a secret in this strange affair
I cannot fathom! The afflicted victim
With Christian meekness, shudders to accuse
My guilty Lord, in spite of all he has suffer'd!
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And clear thyself, or never can my heart
Esteem thee more!
[Goes to the Door leading to the Anti-Chamber and calls out.]
What Blaise! Awake!
Ha! gone!
Then it is time, indeed, to seek the captive,
And to conceal him in mine own apartment,
'Till private means are sought for his departure.
[Enters the Door leading to the Dungeon, and disappears.]
SCENE III.
Changes to the Dungeon.PRISONER.
It can't be far from morn! This precious light,
Precious! because her angel hand bestow'd it.
Is nigh extinct!—I thought I could have borne
This short delay, with a more equal mind!
Oh! that I might but press her to my heart,
And call her!—But my guardian spirit comes!
COUNTESS.
Thou venerable man, whoe'er thou art;
I come to lead thee to the chearful day!
But time is short, and circumstances press!
PRISONER.
My tutelary angel! I obey!—
[As he is going out with her, enter Lapont with a Dagger in his Hand.]
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LAPONT.
Aye! say your prayers, for you have need of them!
COUNTESS
(Advancing)
Insolent wretch! What means this bold intrusion?
How dare you set yourself to watch my steps!
Villain avaunt! and never face me more!—
LAPONT
(Awe struck a moment, Aside)
“What shall I faulter at a woman's frown!”
Perhaps, indeed, we ne'er may meet again!
COUNTESS.
Obdurate monster! I can guess thy purpose!
That dagger and thy face are well agreed!
The midnight murderer, is mark'd by both!
[As he advances towards her, she steps back, and draws a Dagger from her Bosom.]
Assassin, look!—I have a dagger too?
But to defend, not murder innocence!
Advance one step, and I will strike thee dead!
LAPONT
(Aside)
“My fate is fix'd, there's no retracting now!”
Imperious woman! thus I answer thee!
[He rushes on her, and attempting to seize the Dagger with which she attempts to strike him; in the struggle it falls.]
COUNTESS.
Audacious ruffian!
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This to prove me so.
[As he seizes her by the Arm, and is about to plunge his Dagger in her Bosom, the old Prisoner takes up that which had fallen, and plunges it in his Side. Lapont falls.]
PRISONER.
Thus righteous heav'n assists the feeble arm!
LAPONT.
Oh! damn'd surprise! may hell and furies seize thee!
Vengeance and horror! But I will not die!
I am not prepar'd.
[Trying to rise, falls and expires.]
PRISONER.
Alas! thou art not prepared,
To meet the justice of offended Heav'n!
COUNTESS.
Quick, let us hasten from this dreadful dungeon.
PRISONER.
My feeble limbs, exhausted by this effort,
Refuse their office!—I must rest awhile!
COUNTESS.
Nay, lean on me! I pray you lean on me!
I will support you! and in justice ought,
Since but for you, I were a lifeless corse!
Exeunt slowly, she supporting him.
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SCENE IV.
The supposed haunted Room, where appear the Count of Colmar, the Marquis, Matilda, and Maria, in great consternation.MATILDA.
She is not here! I shall grow mad with terror!
MARQUIS.
Be calm my love!—Yet, yet she will be found!
Think not this fabled phantom can endanger
Your noble friend.
COLMAR.
There's something more in this
Than a mere shadow. Heard you not some noise?
MATILDA.
Towards th'alcove?
MARQUIS.
It was.—Again I hear it!
MATILDA.
O! I shall faint!—Now! now! I hear the murmur
Of some sad voice!
COUNT.
The sound of feet approaches,
Yet nothing's seen!—Nearer! yet nearer still!
MATILDA.
Protect me Marquis! See!—the tapestry!
[The tapestry is lifted up, and discovers the Countess supporting the Old Count, whose face is stained with blood.]
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Eternal Pow'r! what apparition's this!
TERESA.
O! Heav'n defend us!
MATILDA.
I shall die with terror!
[As the Old Count advances towards an east window, he averts his face, exclaiming.]
The light! the light!—
[And faints.]
COUNTESS.
O God! the victim dies!
[All gather round.]
MARQUIS.
Fly, fly for succour!
[Exit Maria.
COUNT OF COLMAR.
Can the grave restore!!
My eyes deceive me!—No!—it is my friend!—
But, ah! how chang'd!
COUNTESS.
(with great emotion)
What can you mean?—What friend?
COLMAR.
The Count of Montval! Noblest, best of men!
[Young Count enters, who, seeing his father, stands horror-struck.]
COUNTESS.
Of Montval?—What!—the father!—
YOUNG COUNT.
Swallow me, earth!—
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O! yes, the father of thy noble husband!
COUNTESS.
Accurs'd the sound! and blotted be the hour,
That shews a monster—in the man I lov'd!
MARQUIS.
What dreadful misery! what horrid crime
Has buried thus alive!—
COLMAR.
The Count revives!
[Old Count raises himself a little, supported by the Countess and Colmar.]
OLD COUNT.
O! I am sick!—sick unto death!—So!—so!—
Here let me lean!
[Reclining his head on the Countess' bosom.]
COUNTESS.
O! live!—But try to live,
Or the most abject wretch that crawls on earth,
Is blest, compar'd with me!
OLD COUNT.
What hast thou said,
Noblest and kindest!—Ha!—my cruel son!
[Young Count throws himself at his father's feet, the Countess averting her face from him with stern horror.]
YOUNG COUNT.
Yes! from my bosom rend this barbarous heart!
Trample my body!—Curse my impious soul!—
All is too good for such a son as me!
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Do'st thou repent?
YOUNG COUNT.
Repentance is too calm!
Remorse and horror tear my bursting heart!
OLD COUNT.
Then may thy God forgive, as I forgive thee!
YOUNG COUNT.
Enchanting sound! But live! O! live to bless me!
[Enter Teresa.]
OLD COUNT.
It will not be!—I fear—it will not be!
COUNTESS
(suddenly turning, and taking the cordial from TERESA.)
O swallow this!—It may revive your spirits!
Think of my agonies!—My dread despair!
OLD COUNT.
(trying to drink)
I cannot swallow!—my emotions choak me!—
This sudden change! this conflict—is too much
For age and weakness—worn with length of sorrow!
COUNTESS.
(sternly to her husband)
Canst thou hear this, and not be turn'd to stone!
OLD COUNT.
(to her)
Be comforted!—Forgive, as I forgive him!
[To his son.]
Cherish the best and noblest of her sex,
And thus redeem thy injuries to me!
Quick, let me seal thy pardon ere I die!—
[Embraces him feebly.]
My good and dear old friend, your hand once more!
[Giving his hand to Colmar.]
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[Sinks and dies.]
COUNTESS.
(starting up wildly)
Blessing!—I!—
Can I be blest! link'd to a parricide!—
See!—see! his hands reek with a father's gore!
O! murder!—murder!—Has thy iron heart
No touch of nature!
[Stands as if gasping for breath.]
MATILDA.
Dearest, dearest friend!
Now let your wonted firmness stand the test,
And calm your anguish!
MARQUIS.
'Tis a dreadful trial
For love and virtue, such as her's, to bear!
YOUNG COUNT.
Well may she loath a guilty wretch like me!
I dare not ev'n approach!—Yet, if my love!—
If deep remorse—
COUNTESS.
(starting from her stupor)
Thy love!—detested love!—
What can remorse, where crimes have dy'd the soul
So deep a black!—Go!—herd with cannibals,
Who feed on human flesh, and drink man's blood!—
Yet, even they, respect and love their fathers!—
YOUNG COUNT.
Soul-harrowing thought!—Yet, gracious Heav'n can pardon
The guiltiest wretch that lives beneath the skies!
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O misery! madness!—All my brain's on fire!—
MATILDA.
Let reason speak to check these dangerous transports!
COUNTESS.
Talk down the tempest!—laugh away despair!
YOUNG COUNT.
Thus grov'ling at your feet, I crave for mercy!
Will nothing move!
COUNTESS.
(pointing to his father's body)
Monster!—look there!—look there!
YOUNG COUNT.
Distracting sight! Forgive me! O! forgive!
COUNT OF COLMAR.
How cou'd thy heart be harden'd to inflict
Such dreadful cruelties, on such a father!
Who cou'd excite thee to such impious conduct!
YOUNG COUNT.
The vile Lapont, by long and various arts!
Base as I was to listen to his counsel!—
Wicked as base!—work'd up my soul to all!—
COUNTESS.
“Cruel!—unnatural!—what cou'd work thy heart,
“What arts, what counsel! to such deeds of horror!—
“But he has his meed!—The blood whose tainted spots
“Defile that reverend face, sprang from his heart!
“Old as he was, and dying, yet thy father,
“To save my life, exerted strength to kill him!
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“Tenfold accurs'd! dar'd he attempt thy life!
COUNTESS.
“Is that a wonder?—Was he not thy tutor?
YOUNG COUNT.
“Alas! he early tempted me to vice!
“Corrupted first, and then controled my mind.
“Intemp'rate riot, and profuse expence,
“Impell'd, at last, my father to reprove.
“Again I err'd; again his sterner voice
“Check'd my career, and threaten'd punishment.
“Impetuous, headstrong, blinded by my passions,
“Lapont, assiduous, fann'd my causeless rage;
“Pictur'd my father as a gloomy tyrant,
“And hinted there were means, wou'd I employ them,
“To give me full possession of his fortune,”
Ere lingering nature clos'd his eyes in peace.
COUNTESS.
And you cou'd listen to the dangerous villain!
Cou'd calmly listen, and not drive him from you
With execrations!—
YOUNG COUNT.
Curs'd infatuation,
That made me yield my soul to such a wretch!
For press'd by urgent debts, and urgent vice,
In an ill hour, I follow'd his base counsel.
COUNTESS.
“O fatal hour!—Finish thy horrid tale!
YOUNG COUNT.
“Feigning remorse to the afflicted Count,
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“A soporific I administer'd,
“Which simulating death, made all believe,
“All but Lapont and me, my father dead.
“Laid in his coffin, at the dead of night
“We took him thence, and plac'd him in the dungeon,
“Which long disus'd, was only known to us;
“Then fill'd the leaden case with mimic weight,
“And soon interr'd it, with funereal pomp,
“In the same vault where lay his ancestors.—
“By night, when all we thought were fast asleep,
“We us'd to carry him his scanty food,
“Wretch that I was! And thence the tale of ghosts.
“You know the rest.
MATILDA.
“Alas! we know too much!
“Wou'd I had never heard the dreadful tale!
COLMAR.
O! my dear Montval! what a fate was thine!
YOUNG COUNT.
Yet he forgave! you heard how he forgave!
COUNTESS.
(groaning deeply)
Forgave!—But can'st thou ere forgive thyself?
YOUNG COUNT.
Never, while you repulse me! Let me thus—
[Offering to take her hand.]
COUNTESS.
Stand off!—avaunt!—Pollute me; touch me not!
Look at thy parricid'al hands!—
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They drop with blood!—with blood!—a father's blood!
YOUNG COUNT.
Oh! one embrace, and I shall die content!—
COUNTESS.
Anguish! distraction! Sooner I'd embrace
Deformity and age, and pestilence!
Rather wou'd clasp, within these wretched arms,
The loathsome leper, livid from the tomb,
Than taint my breast with thy abhorr'd endearments!
YOUNG COUNT.
(Wildly)
Then what is left me?—
COUNTESS.
Shame! remorse! despair!
Fruitless repentance, and a lingering death!
YOUNG COUNT.
(Suddenly stabbing himself)
No! this shall free me from the latter curse
[Falls.
COUNTESS.
Montval! Montval!—O! I have murder'd him!
Murder'd my husband.
[Throwing herself down by him.]
MATILDA.
(Weeping)
“Miserable man!
“O! that my noble friend had never known thee!
MARQUIS.
“He is not dead! Bend him a little forward!”
COUNTESS.
My dearest lord! O yet, if life remains,
O! yet look up and hear me speak forgiveness!
Feel my embrace, and witness my despair!
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(faintly)
Can you speak thus!—Then I shall die in peace!
Forgive me, thou Great God! all my offences!
Place me, O place me by my father's side!
That I may weep over his clay-cold hand,
And sigh upon it my last breath of life!
[They move him to his father's body, taking whose hand, and fervently kissing it, he says.]
Most injur'd, most rever'd! O! may thy spirit
Plead at th'eternal bar.
[Dies.
COUNTESS.
[Clasping him closely in her arms as they try to raise her.]
Hold off! Hold off! for I will die with him.
[Swoons in Matilda's arms.]
MATILDA.
Heart-rending spectacle! unhappy friend,
Exert your fortitude!
MARQUIS.
She hears you not!
So deadly is the swoon that locks her senses.
Run for some help to move these bodies hence.
[To Teresa.]
Convey the hapless Countess to her chamber,
Where let our tender care and friendship watch her,
Till time shall bring his balm to heal her wounded mind!
The Curtains drops, and the Play ends.
| The Castle of Montval | |