University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Changes to the Dungeon.
PRISONER.
It can't be far from morn! This precious light,
Precious! because her angel hand bestow'd it.
Is nigh extinct!—I thought I could have borne
This short delay, with a more equal mind!
Oh! that I might but press her to my heart,
And call her!—But my guardian spirit comes!

COUNTESS.
Thou venerable man, whoe'er thou art;
I come to lead thee to the chearful day!
But time is short, and circumstances press!

PRISONER.
My tutelary angel! I obey!—
[As he is going out with her, enter Lapont with a Dagger in his Hand.]
That villain here! Then heav'n indeed defend us!

LAPONT.
Aye! say your prayers, for you have need of them!

COUNTESS
(Advancing)
Insolent wretch! What means this bold intrusion?
How dare you set yourself to watch my steps!
Villain avaunt! and never face me more!—

LAPONT
(Awe struck a moment, Aside)
“What shall I faulter at a woman's frown!”
Perhaps, indeed, we ne'er may meet again!

COUNTESS.
Obdurate monster! I can guess thy purpose!
That dagger and thy face are well agreed!
The midnight murderer, is mark'd by both!
[As he advances towards her, she steps back, and draws a Dagger from her Bosom.]
Assassin, look!—I have a dagger too?
But to defend, not murder innocence!
Advance one step, and I will strike thee dead!

LAPONT
(Aside)
“My fate is fix'd, there's no retracting now!”
Imperious woman! thus I answer thee!

[He rushes on her, and attempting to seize the Dagger with which she attempts to strike him; in the struggle it falls.]
COUNTESS.
Audacious ruffian!

LAPONT.
This to prove me so.

[As he seizes her by the Arm, and is about to plunge his Dagger in her Bosom, the old Prisoner takes up that which had fallen, and plunges it in his Side. Lapont falls.]
PRISONER.
Thus righteous heav'n assists the feeble arm!

LAPONT.
Oh! damn'd surprise! may hell and furies seize thee!
Vengeance and horror! But I will not die!
I am not prepar'd.

[Trying to rise, falls and expires.]
PRISONER.
Alas! thou art not prepared,
To meet the justice of offended Heav'n!

COUNTESS.
Quick, let us hasten from this dreadful dungeon.

PRISONER.
My feeble limbs, exhausted by this effort,
Refuse their office!—I must rest awhile!

COUNTESS.
Nay, lean on me! I pray you lean on me!
I will support you! and in justice ought,
Since but for you, I were a lifeless corse!

Exeunt slowly, she supporting him.