University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV. AND LAST.

—A Gothic illuminated Hall—Vassals of both sexes discovered bearing banners of the House of Athlin.
Enter in procession Matilda, Osbert, Alleyn, Mary, Old Alleyn, &c.—they range in order—after which Matilda embraces Mary, and Osbert raises Alleyn (who had knelt) and embraces him—Edric enters, whimsically introducing Malcolm as the Monk of St. Andrew, who, dispensing blessings round, proffers his services.
RECITATIVE—MATILDA.
'Ere Beauty's smiles reward the hand of worth,
The mystery proclaim of Alleyn's birth.

Old Alleyn unlocks the casket, from which he takes a scroll, on which is written:

Malcolm starts—Edric eyes his agitation with apprehension —Alleyn gazes astonished!

RECITATIVE—ALLEYN.
Then Malcolm dies! this shall my title prove (drawing his sword).

And conquest own me worthy of thy Love! (to Mary.)


MATILDA.
Stay Alleyn, 'ere the happy hour is flown,
This Holy Priest shall link two hearts in one;
Freeing her forfeit hand from Malcolm's power!

The Marriage ritual is proffered Malcolm, who, dashing it from him, with an uplifted dagger in each hand, attempts to stab Alleyn and Mary.
RECITATIVE—MALCOLM.
While Vengeance thus presents their Wedding dower!
(Osbert snatches one from him, Edric deprives him of the other—Malcolm throws off his disguise.)
Behold that Malcolm who in Fate's despite,
Seizes this forfeit hand, his dearest right;
Who slew thy Father (to Alleyn)
thine (to Osbert)
lives the World's foe,
And wreaks his vengeance thus on—

Draws his sword, and rushes on Alleyn, who parries his thrust, and dashes him from him; as he is on the point of renewing the attack, Edric stabs him—he falls, groans, and dies—Fairies suddenly appear, and the characters form an interesting groupe.
FAIRY.
Thus perish Vice—gay Revelry's bright Queen
Bids Mirth dispel the gloom of Halloween.

FINALE.
Janet.
When Fortune smiles, a fawning train
The rising Sun bedazzled view;
To him chaunt forth the venal strain,
Their own aggrandizement in view?

Fairy.
But Virtue yields a genial glow,
Tho' from Obscurity, we find,
Oft snail-like it emerges slow,
It leaves a shining track behind!

Min.
Gay Minstrels sing, pipes sweetly play,
Auld daft Misfortune's said her say;
Each bonnie Lad, each cannie Maid,
Now join our norland Roundelay.

Bella.
The honest heart shou'd ne'er despair,
The captive hope to freedom see;
The longest lane a turn has ta'en,
And grief yields to felicity.

CHORUS.
Then ne'er again may grief be seen,
Our promis'd bliss to intervene:
But friends be found in all around,
And welcome give to Halloween.

THE CURTAIN FALLS.