SCENE III.
Inside of a Vaulted Subterraneous Dome—over
a Gothic Throne, a transparent blood-red cross,
and radiated Eye—near it a Gothic Table, on
which is a large Book, which is lettered with “Book
of Blood”—at the upper end of the Stage a half
obscured Cell, over which is inscribed, “Condemned
by the Secret Avengers,” and
which discovers on opening, Skeletons, &c.—on the
opposite side flights of practicable steps.
Rinaldo is discovered cautiously descending; on
reaching the last step, a solemn bell distinctly tolls
four times—he starts—reads the inscription, and,
bursting open the door, beholds a variegated mass of
human skeletons—kneeling, to Omnipotence, he
dedicates his sword to Justice and Revenge—the toll
of the bell is repeated, and he conceals himself in
the Cell.
Solemn March with muffled drums, a Procession
of the Members takes place by torch light;
and the President having taken his seat under the
Cross, Aurelia is brought forward, her accusation
to the following purport being inscribed on a banner
placed opposite;
“Aurelia accused of Incontinence and Treason.”
The gong sounds—her eyes are unbound—she beholds
with terror her melancholy prospect, and on her
knees solicits mercy—the President sternly approaches,
and thus addresses her:
To the plighted vows, false! what appeal canst thou make,
To induce the Eternal's Avengers to save?
(Throws off his black cloak and mask.)
In Rovezzo behold thy Accuser and Judge,
Death! death on the Traitress! a premature grave!—
The Book of Blood is opened, and in blood-red
letters is inscribed:
“Aurelia, guilty, Death!”
She faints—Rinaldo, pallid, and breathless with agitation,
steals from his hiding place, and, while they
are busied in supporting Aurelia, disguises himself
in the Baron's cloak and mask, and mingles with
the rest.—The Baron, unmoved by her prayers and
tears, vindictively offering his dagger to the Executioner,
commands her immediate sacrifice; Rinaldo
officiously intrudes, and, snatching the dagger, solicits
to officiate; he is commanded to be brief, the
Minister of Vengeance being deputed to assist, and,
steeling their hearts against every solicitation of their
fair victim, the Avengers retire.—The bell again tolls,
the door of the cemetery flies open—Rinaldo is ordered
to “Strike;” but delays the blow—his companion,
impatient, unfeelingly up-raises his weapon;
the falling blow is caught by Rinaldo, and the
would-be executioner stabbed to the heart—he falls!
—Rinaldo exultingly throws off his disguise, the
Lovers embrace, bend in thankfulness to Heaven,
and, ascending with trembling steps the entrance of
the Cave, escape.
