University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Changes to a spacious Chamber, with a stately Bed, in an Alcove. The Hangings of the Walls Tapestry;— a Couch, with a Table before it, on which is a Book and Lights. The Countess appears speaking to Blaise, who is pale, and trembling.
COUNTESS.
'Tis well!—Nay,—why this tremor? Is there aught
To move thy fear?—

BLAISE.
But, Lady! who can tell
How soon the ghost!—'Tis after twelve o'clock!

COUNTESS.
Poor Blaise!—I see how terror and obedience
Wage war within thy heart:—be not dismay'd!
I doubt I may have chos'n a stouter guard:
However, Blaise, thy valor shall not stand
A trial too severe. If I cry help,
Which will not be; assure thyself it will not—
Alarm the house; else watch without, in silence.

BLAISE.
(as he goes out)
Thank Heav'n I am dismiss'd!—Wou'd morn were come!

[Exit Blaise.
COUNTESS.
And now to scrutinize this marvellous chamber.
It is a noble one; and might be turn'd
To better purpose, than to harbour ghosts!—
The tapestry is rich, and little worn:
The bed is sumptuous;—every thing complete,
And all in order:—
I can find nothing, yet, to cause alarm;
And, doubtless, all has sprung from superstition,
The child of ignorance, and slavish fear!
But why this smaller key suspended hence?
The slightest trace of any other door
Cannot be found: except the dressing-room;—
That's open; and this key fits not the lock.—
But what it leads to, is not worth conjecture.—
I'll to my book; and sleeping, for this night,
Upon that couch, perhaps may dream of ghosts,
Which, waking, I have neither heard, or seen.

[Takes up the book, but presently reclines on the couch, and begins to dose.]