University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

An immense Cavern.—Storm continues.—Athelwold near the mouth of the Cave.
ATHELWOLD.
But for this darkness which obscures the path,
I had been distant many a league ere now.
(Looks round.)
I'll find some place to hide me, 'till his train
Pass by! 'Tis a dread cave! Tradition tells,
Ages ago, the mystic Druids hewed
Its hollow in the rock;—and once, 'tis said,
A horrid murder here was perpetrated;
In sooth a fitting scene.—Ha! some one comes!

(He retires to the back of the Cave.)
Enter Oswald.
OSWALD.
The selfish tyrant! let him do his deeds
Of hell with his own hand,—I'll none of them.
I've injured Athelwold enough already.
His murder too, might baffle all my schemes
Of vengeance on his wife—by making clear
Her pathway to the throne.—'Tis her disgrace,
And not his death I seek.

ATHELWOLD
(coming forward.)
Is it Oswald's voice that speaks?

OSWALD.
Thou here?—fly—fly!
Fierce Edgar seeks thy life!

ATHELWOLD.
I know it, friend.—But, Oswald, ere I fly,
I've a commission for thee.—Wilt thou seek
The caitiff who betrayed me to the King?—

OSWALD
Wilt please you go, my Lord?

ATHELWOLD.
Ay! ay! in time!
But on his craven back avenge thy friend.

OSWALD.
No more!

ATHELWOLD.
Yes! whip him as thou wouldst a rebel bondsman,
Whose saucy malice had been arm'd against thee.

OSWALD.
By heaven!

ATHELWOLD.
Thou wilt?
I know thou wilt, my friend.
And tell him, I, if e'er he cross my path,
Will tear his venomous tongue from out his throat,
And fling it back into his face—the dastard!

OSWALD.
Fool! dost thou sport with fate?
Then take it! thus!

(Stabs him.)
Enter Edgar.
ATHELWOLD
(to Oswald.)
False knave! Have at thee!

(They fight.)
Enter Guido, with Adelmine in a Gleeman's dress.
ADELMINE
(screaming, and throwing herself between the combatants.)
'Tis Athelwold, and they would murder him!

(Edgar rushes forward and drags her away.)
(Athelwold falls.)
EDGAR.
What puny thing art thou that dar'st intrude
'Twixt me and vengeance—

(Pointing a dagger at her breast.)
(Guido wrenches the dagger from his hand, while Attendants enter and seize him.)
GUIDO.
My Adelmine! reveal and save thyself!

(The Storm meanwhile has gradually ceased, and at this moment the Sun shines suddenly out upon the scene.)
EDGAR.
Adelmine!
My lovely peasant! lovelier than ever!
Kneel, for thy pardon, prettiest!

ADELMINE
(throws off her cap and mantle, beneath which is a bridal-robe befitting her station;— while her long tresses fall around her, partly confined by a band of jewels.)
Not to thee,
Though thou wert Monarch of the universe.
Look there, assassin!

(Points to the dead body of Athelwold. Then goes to it, and covers it tenderly with her mantle.)
Enter Elfrida, behind, unseen by them.
EDGAR
(gazing in surprize at Adelmine.)
She's noble then! I feared so!
By heaven, her pride becomes her gloriously!
She must be mine, by some means, foul or fair.
What sayest thou, maiden? wilt thou share my throne?

ELFRIDA
(aside.)
Ha!

ADELMINE.
Never!

EDGAR.
Nay! sweetest, think again!

ADELMINE.
False hearted King! I scorn thee!

EDGAR.
Die then, insulting girl!

(Draws his dagger.)
(Guido struggles with his guards.)
ADELMINE.
Death were the dearer bridegroom!

(Edgar sheaths his dagger.)
ELFRIDA
(coming haughtily forward.)
Saw you my lord?

OSWALD
(gloomily.)
There lies what was thy lord,
And thou hast slain him!

ELFRIDA
(shrieking, and throwing herself on her knees, by the body.)
Athelwold! speak! speak!
One word—oh! one! of pity and of pardon.
Look up, my love—Elfrida kneels to thee—
Thy wife, whom thou didst watch so tenderly,
And who repaid thee with her curses—live!
Oh! live! that I may love thee! worship thee!
My noble lord!
It is too late—too late!
(She rises slowly, and stands for some moments as if abandoned to despair.—Then, looking wildly round, she sees the King and Adelmine. —She springs forward—drags the former towards the body—points to it, and cries.)
It was for thee I killed him! ay! for thee,
Thou beardless boy! And what is my reward?
My guilty passion scorn'd—my promis'd crown—
The bauble I have sold my very soul for,
Offered, before me, to a whining child!
Why, give it to her, King! the paltry toy!
But, stir not—speak not—till thou hast restored
Life to the heart that loved me!
Give him back!
Give me my lord, my noble generous husband.

(She throws herself again, in a passion of tears, on the body.)
EDGAR
(aside to Oswald.)
Now must this beauteous fury be appeased,
Or with the murder all the realm will ring.
Besides—she'll queen it bravely—
Will she not!
So lovely, even in her rage!
(To Elfrida, aloud.)
Mine own
Best love!—My fair Elfrida! wilt thou let
A moment's playful jesting with a child,
Deprive me of my heart's elected?—Come!
Poor Athelwold was slain in equal fight,
And shall have noble burial.—
Come,—my queen!
Power, pomp, and love and homage wait thee still,
Mistress of Edgar's soul and kingdom.—Come!
England shall see a star upon her throne,
Whose light shall glad the universe!

ELFRIDA
(aside.)
England shall see a tigress on her throne,
Thirsting for victims in her soul's despair!

OSWALD
(aside.)
And this is my revenge! Blind fool!

EDGAR.
And lest
This pretty runaway disturb us more—
Here Guido, take her hand!
Elfrida pardons you!

(Guido comes forward and takes her hand.)
CURTAIN FALLS.