University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

An Area before the Palace.
FAULKNER and MENTZEL,
MENTZEL.
That human wickedness to such a pitch
Can rise, present and future times must wonder!
Vindictive Seyfert! Monster of the age!
Is a disgrace to nature and our country.
He has entail'd dishonour on his name;
His house is cancel'd from nobility;
And he, weak compensation for his guilt,
This morn in private is to suffer death,
That his fell breath mayn't taint the atmosphere,
When the heroic suff'rers shall approach.

FAULKNER.
How just are thy awards, O Providence!
To let the vicious run their course of pride,
And in their full career to check, when least
They dread the interposing hand of Heav'n!

Enter Guards, SEYFERT, BURMAN, and Chaplain to the Prison.
MENTZEL.
But the door opens; and the guard comes forth
To range around the scaffold—what despair
And complicated terror in his look.

FAULKNER.
We now shall see how vice can meet its end.
That done we'll haste without the city gate
To view th'investiture, in all its pomp,
Of Count Alberti for the golden fleece,
And fair Constantia for Teresa's order;
The highest tribute e'er was paid to virtue.

MENTZEL.
And just, since virtue is above all human titles.

SEYFERT.
Oh, faithful Burman, thou in me behold'st
Of what uncertain tenure's human life,
When not conducted by the rules of virtue!
Instead of foll'wing policy's vile tracks,
Whose wicked dictates teach men to be false,
To spurn at feelings of our fellow creatures,
As a mean weakness, quite beneath a statesman.
Thus oft inhumanly I've dealt by others,
For which I'm doom'd to punishment condign;
Nor shall I startle from the sword, but wish
Its friendly blow, to put an end to pain,
Rather than live the scorn, the hate of all,
And daily undergo new infamy.
Though in this world—no mercy I desire,
'Tis th'utmost stretch of daring expectation
For crimes like mine to hope it in the next.

CHAPLAIN.
Forbear rash man, nor dare to circumscribe
Th'almighty will—

SEYFERT.
I am prepar'd [To Burman.]
—proceed—
Accept this ring in token of thy truth,
And see thy master in his coffin laid.

[Exeunt Burman, Seyfert, &c.