 | Adelgitha ; Or, The Fruits of A Single Error |  |
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ACT V.
Adelgitha's Apartment.ADELGITHA (pale, and her hair dishevelled,) is discovered reclining on a couch in an attitude of fixed despair.
ADELGITHA.
Here sits the fiend; here on my heart; to leave it
No more!—Fool, fool! I thought my crime unknown,
Was vain, was proud, and decked my brow unblushing
With honours, Virtue's front alone should wear.
My dream of pride is flown; too late I feel,
—“Who sins, ne'er sins unpunished!”—Low I'm fallen;
So low, 'tis past a Seraph's strength to raise me!
Lower I cannot fall, till death shall...... [rising]
—Death?
Oh! dreadful thought!—More dreadful still, what follows....
But not alone I'll suffer!—
[Solemn and majestic]
—George of Clermont,
Hear thou my voice, and tremble in thy shroud!
I term thee him, who forged that fatal link,
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I charge on thee that step, which since has led me
Through wond'rous ways to stain my soul with blood:
And when arrives that day of terror, destined
To weigh at Mercy's throne our faults and merits,
The accusing angel in thy scale shall throw
My guilt's most hideous half!—Hark! steps approach.
Enter Claudia.
ADELGITHA.
Oh! friend, is't thou?—My heart is torn.... distracted....
Come, Claudia, come, and shield me from myself!
CLAUDIA.
What can I say? or how console that grief,
Whose very nature mocks relief and comfort?
The blow is struck; tears cannot wash out blood:
Oh! if they could, I'd vie with thee in sorrow,
And number drop for drop.
ADELGITHA.
Why, thou say'st true!
Tears cannot wash out blood: then wherefore weep,
And nourish in my heart the asp, which stings it?
Hence with remorse! I'll rush from crime to crime
In mad career; till grown with guilt familiar,
I shrink no longer at the monster's sight!
Murder shall be my sport; I'll stab the priest,
While at the mass he lifts on high the censer,
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He, who by frequent wounds has murdered conscience,
Knows not the anguish, which now tears my breast;
'Tis the half-villain suffers! Souls in torture
May groan, but torturing fiends exult; and now
A torturing fiend will I be!
CLAUDIA.
Oh! I fear me
Her reason sinks beneath this cruel shock!
Repress these transports, or thou'rt lost, my Princess:
The banquet's spread; Apulia's chiefs surround
Thy lord; quick circulates the bowl, and minstrels
Make the vaults echo with triumphant songs.
Yet Guiscard 'mid the swell of festive mirth
Laments thy absence, and e'en now implores
Thou'lt grace the banquet....
ADELGITHA.
I?—Not worlds should bribe me!
CLAUDIA.
Alas! thou must!
ADELGITHA
[violently].
I tell thee, no, no, no!
He'd see the blood which stains my hands, and hate me!
CLAUDIA
[entreating].
Dear friend....
ADELGITHA.
I will not go; will not!
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Reflect!
With festive mirth when all his friends crowd round him,
Hailing his safe return, shouldst thou alone
Avoid him, 'twould excite such wonder.... Yield,
And seek the Banquet-Hall: compose thy spirits;
Veil under needful art....
ADELGITHA.
Art? Art?—I thank thee!—
I feel that bitter taunt.
CLAUDIA
[reproachfully].
Oh! Adelgitha!
ADELGITHA.
Thou mean'st, that she, who for twelve years deceived
The best and wisest of existing mortals,
Is sure so shrewdly versed in falsehood's lore,
To feign must cost her little!—Nay, thour't right!
Come! lead me to the Hall!—I'll smile so sweetly,
And speak so smooth, and look so calm and happy,
Thyself shalt wonder at my skill, and doubt,
If I'm indeed the murderess Adelgitha!
CLAUDIA.
That to thy Claudia? to thy friend of youth,
Whose long-proved love.... Unkind!
ADELGITHA
[embracing her].
Oh! friend, forgive me;
I know not what I say!—My brain is turning!—
Asked Guiscard where I staid?
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He did.
ADELGITHA.
You answered....?
CLAUDIA.
That grateful for his wished return, you sought
St. Hilda's Shrine to pray....
ADELGITHA
[laughing wildly].
Right, right!—Oh! excellent!
'Twere not enough, by night and mystery favoured,
To plunge in human hearts the secret knife,
Used not the hypocrite Religion's robe
To veil her guilt; and if that bloody deed,
Through which she earned the assassin's name, obtained not
The honours of a saint!—Oh! shame! shame! shame!
Break, heart, and let me rest!— [throwing herself on the couch].
CLAUDIA.
Unhappy Princess,
Would thou couldst share with me thy weight of woes!
—How now!—Who comes?
Enter Tancred.
TANCRED
[to Claudia].
Lady, Apulia's chiefs
Through me entreat, the Princess with her smiles
Would deign to grace their banquet.
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Straight she comes!
[Exit Tancred.
Oh! let my prayers prevail!—Lothair is fled,
And in the grave of Michael buried lies
Your fault of youth.—Let not your grief betray you,
And what has past this night is hid from all.
ADELGITHA.
Aye! aye! from all...... save God, and my own conscience!
CLAUDIA.
Oh! Heaven!—Your Guiscard waits: come, let us seek him!
ADELGITHA.
I'll seek my grave! my grave!
CLAUDIA.
Nay, speak not thus!
Bind up your streaming locks; compose your robes;
Calm these wild thoughts....
ADELGITHA.
Oh! never shall my thoughts
Be calm again! No, never! never! never!
CLAUDIA.
Hush! hush!—Lean on my arm!
ADELGITHA.
Oh! guilt! oh! grief!
CLAUDIA.
Dear friend, be soothed!
ADELGITHA.
Oh! murdered, murdered Michael!
[Exeunt.
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Guiscard occupies an elevated seat.—Opposite to him sits Hubert, an ancient Minstrel, with his harp, and four younger Minstrels ranged behind him.
Martial Ballad and Chorus, by Hubert and Minstrels.
HUBERT.
For the king of his sword and his heart was in need;
The Saracens landed, he sought them with speed,
And swore, that he'd conquer, or perish.
His lady so lovely, his lady so true,
From her turret sobb'd out an eternal adieu,
For the knight from her sight when he sped, well she knew,
Had sworn, that he'd conquer, or perish!
MINSTRELS.
Had sworn, that he'd conquer, or perish!
HUBERT.
His king mourn'd the loss of a warrior so brave;
And the tears of his country still fall on his grave,
Who swore, that he'd conquer, or perish.
Come, Knights! and let each, while his goblet he drains,
(If you've hearts in your breasts, if you've blood in your veins,)
Now sing—“For our King, and the land where he reigns,
We swear, “That we'll conquer, or perish!”—
[The Knights all rise, with their swords drawn in one hand, and their goblets in the other, and repeat the burthen]
FULL CHORUS.
We swear that we'll conquer, or perish!
GUISCARD.HUBERT.
I.
Count Hildebrand leapt on his berry-brown steed,For the king of his sword and his heart was in need;
The Saracens landed, he sought them with speed,
And swore, that he'd conquer, or perish.
His lady so lovely, his lady so true,
From her turret sobb'd out an eternal adieu,
For the knight from her sight when he sped, well she knew,
Had sworn, that he'd conquer, or perish!
MINSTRELS.
Had sworn, that he'd conquer, or perish!
HUBERT.
II.
Count Hildebrand fell by the Saracen's glaive;His king mourn'd the loss of a warrior so brave;
And the tears of his country still fall on his grave,
Who swore, that he'd conquer, or perish.
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(If you've hearts in your breasts, if you've blood in your veins,)
Now sing—“For our King, and the land where he reigns,
We swear, “That we'll conquer, or perish!”—
[The Knights all rise, with their swords drawn in one hand, and their goblets in the other, and repeat the burthen]
FULL CHORUS.
We swear that we'll conquer, or perish!
Why, this looks well!—Fill every goblet high!—
How say ye, Knights? Boasts this wine richer flavour,
Than that we quaffed, encamped before Durazzo,
Our health—“To victory or death?”—That night
Clouds hung on Valour's brow; Wit's brilliant flash
Illumed the feast no more; and many a hand,
Next morn which strewed the field with hostile Greeks,
Shook, as against the lip it placed the goblet.
Oh! Heaven! 'tis sweet to read content and pleasure
In eyes, when shaded by the casque so awful,
O'er Friendship's bowl to talk of perils past,
And share our joys with those, who shared our dangers!
TANCRED.
Small praise they merit, prince, who serve with thee:
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But doubt not, should thy cause again require
Our swords....
GUISCARD.
Far distant be the hour, when armour
Again shall case my limbs! I'll ne'er refuse
To sluice these veins, whene'er thy welfare needs it,
Beloved Apulia:—but my soul abhors
That man, whose thirst of power or pride of conquest
Distracts the globe, and builds with bleeding corses
The savage trophy of his vain renown.—
The storm, whose lightnings blast and whirlwinds ravage,
From all exacts surprise, and awe, and terror:
But far more happy is that genial shower
Falling to fertilize some thirsty land,
Which hears the blessings rise of grateful peasants
For plenty, health, and toils not borne in vain.—
[Rising]
But speak of war no more!—for lo! she comes,
Whose presence sheds around her peace and joy!
[All rise.]
Adelgitha descends the staircase, with Claudia and Ladies.
GUISCARD.
Oh! welcome, welcome, as the wished-for port
To some long-absent seaman!—Why, my soul,
Hast thou so long deprived me of thy sight?
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As rainbows shine not, when the sun's withdrawn.
ADELGITHA.
Guiscard!—So ill I merit.... I'm so conscious....
My heart.... there couldst thou read....
CLAUDIA
[whispering her].
Beware, dear Princess!
GUISCARD
[with anxiety].
Methinks thour't strangely pale!—Yet 'tis no wonder:
That place, where thou hast been to-night....
ADELGITHA
[alarmed].
To-night?—
That place?—Thou know'st then....?
GUISCARD.
That religious duties
Have long detained thee in St. Hilda's Chapel:
And much I fear, the damp from vaults exhaling..
The marble walls...... the night wind's chilling blast....
ADELGITHA
[with a mixture of irony.]
True! true!—the night-wind—Oh! 'tis nothing more!
'Twill soon be past.
GUISCARD
[taking a goblet from a Page].
I trust so; and this bowl
Will shed a cordial warmth through thy chilled veins.
Look round thee, sweet! Apulia's champions stand
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Their best reward, thy thanks, and well have earned them.
Greet them, my love!
ADELGITHA
[takes the bowl; then suddenly dashes it on the ground].
Away! 'tis filled with blood!
CLAUDIA.
She raves!
GUISCARD
[surprised].
What means....?
ADELGITHA.
Have I deserved this, Guiscard?—
I ever loved thee with such truth.. such fondness..
I know, how monstrous is my fault.... but this....
Oh! this was cruel! cruel!— [weeping on Claudia's bosom].
GUISCARD.
What can move
This frantic grief?—Why weep, and hide thy face?
Turn to thy Guiscard! Turn to him, who loves thee!
ADELGITHA
[eagerly].
Thou lov'st me! Oh! repeat those blessed sounds!
Swear, still thou lov'st me!
GUISCARD.
Canst thou doubt my love?
ADELGITHA
[insisting on the word].
Still!—Lov'st me still!—Pronounce that word—“Still! still!”
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[surprised at her wild energy].
Still love thee more than life!
ADELGITHA
[exulting].
Why then, ye Heavens,
In thunder speak your wrath: I'll hear and smile!
Conscience, thy sting is lost! Let rocking earthquakes,
Where my foot treads, declare, that Nature loaths me:
Let the blest sun-beams sicken at my sight;
He loves me still, and all things else are trifles.
Hail, warriors, hail! Resume your seats! Fill high
Your bowls with sparkling wine; your echoing harps
Strike, Minstrels, strike; swell round me, choral music,
And peals of bursting joy, rise, rise, and drown
That voice, I will not hear!—
GUISCARD.
This change so sudden....
This frantic rapture....
ADELGITHA.
Ask not, what it means;
Thou lov'st me, and I'm blest: Let that suffice!
Come, chieftains! Guiscard, come!
IMMA
[without].
Where ... where's the Prince?
ADELGITHA
[shuddering].
'Tis Imma!—'Tis his daughter!
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IMMA.
Justice! justice!
Oh! princely Guiscard, at thy feet I fall,
And clasp thy knees, and call on thee for vengeance!
See these torn ringlets, pallid cheeks, eyes swoll'n,
And pity me!—My heart is stabbed! is breaking!
He's dead! Oh! Heaven, he's dead!
GUISCARD.
Rise, Imma, rise!
Whom mourn ye?
IMMA.
Can I speak the name, and live?
The assassin's dagger.... near the rocks he lies,
Pale! breathless! cold!—I threw me by his side,
And strove to warm him 'gainst my heart.. in vain!
He's dead! he's dead! My father's dead!
GUISCARD.
Thy father?
IMMA.
Savagely murdered! All the winds and fires
Of Heaven would vainly strive to yield his frame
One breath of air, or spark of vital heat!
Oh! wretched Imma!
ADELGITHA.
How I suffer!
CLAUDIA
[in a low voice].
Silence,
For Heaven's sake!
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[to Adelgitha].
Ah! you weep!—But had you seen,
As I did, his pale cheeks! his gaping wound!
The cold dews stealing down his brows! his limbs
Convulsed by dying pangs.... and last and worst,
That frightful rattle while he breathed my name
For the last time....
ADELGITHA.
Agony! agony!
IMMA.
And then to think, he lost that last poor comfort,
To feel his death-bed smoothed by Friendship's hand!
And then to think, no priest absolved his errors....
And they were great! and oh! how strict a reckoning
May be above exacted.... !
ADELGITHA.
Imma! Imma!
Thoul't drive me mad!
GUISCARD.
Confused by rage and horror,
I know not to console.... but doubt not, Lady,
If still Otranto holds the wretch, I'll find him,
And take such dread revenge....
RAINULF.
Forgive my boldness:
Fainting through anguish on her father's corse,
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The assassin was surprised
GUISCARD.
Say'st thou?
ADELGITHA
[aside].
What means he?
RAINULF.
Concealed he lurked....
GUISCARD.
Produce the wretch!
RAINULF
[goes out, and returns with Lothair in chains].
Behold him!
GUISCARD.
Lothair!
ADELGITHA
[to Claudia].
Should he betray me....
CLAUDIA.
Hush! he will not!
Be calm!
GUISCARD.
Lothair the assassin?
IMMA.
No, Prince, no!
On my soul, no! If aught that's ill had menaced
The life of Imma's father, he had found
No surer safeguard than Lothair!
GUISCARD
[to Rainulf]
What proofs....?
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His lurking mid the rocks.... his sword unsheathed
Found near the corse.. their well-known enmity..
This day's events....
GUISCARD.
All, all confirm him guilty!— [To Lothair]
What hast thou done, base, wretched youth?—Thy crime
At once robs thee of life, and me of honour!
A sovereign slain!—A sovereign at my court
Who sought protection, and who found a grave!
The astonished world (blending our names) will judge,
'Twas Guiscard's policy which nerved thy arm;
And after-ages, hearkening this foul murder,
Will curse the Prince, who sheltered to destroy!
LOTHAIR.
What can I say?—So deep and dark a gloom
Involves my fate, that I despair to pierce it!
Yet that one Master-power produced and governs
This universal globe.... that mortal eyes
Are prone to error.... that vice oft is decked with
That glory-circle, which had fitter graced
Heads, which have fall'n beneath the axe of law..
These truths are not more true, than this I swear—
The snow that falls is not from taint so pure,
As are my hands from blood, my lips from falsehood!
IMMA.
Then clear thy conduct, and relieve my heart,
Which trembles for thy love, thy life, thy virtue!
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So near him, didst not hear his shriek for succour?
Knows't thou, whose hand.... He turns away in silence!
ADELGITHA
[aside].
Reward him, Heaven!
IMMA.
Wilt thou not speak?
LOTHAIR.
I'll answer
This, but no more.—As I've a soul to save,
The hand which slew thy father was not mine.
IMMA.
Then whose, barbarian?—Go! Thou ne'er hast loved me!
Lived in thy breast one feeling spark, thou couldst not
Suffer such doubts to rack her soul, who would not
Grieve thine for the world's wealth!
LOTHAIR.
Inhuman Imma!
'Tis past endurance!—Kill me, Princess, kill me!
To die were better, than to cause those tears!
I've steeled my heart to bear all human anguish,
As a man should: but what I suffer now,
Demands the strength and patience of a god.
Oh! spare me, spare me! Leave me to my fate!
GUISCARD.
I know not what to think!—His oaths.... his anguish....
Should he indeed be guiltless....
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Gracious Prince,
Know, that on Michael's corse the note was found,
Which lured him to those secret rocks.
ADELGITHA
[aside].
Oh! heavens!
GUISCARD.
Was it not signed?
RAINULF.
It was not; but the writing
Perhaps may lend some clue....
GUISCARD.
You counsel well:
Produce that note
ADELGITHA
[aside].
I'm lost!
RAINULF.
I haste to seek it.
[Exit.
LOTHAIR
[aside].
She started!—then 'twas hers!
ADELGITHA
[in a low voice to Claudia].
Now, Claudia, now!
Now what resource....
GUISCARD
[to Imma, who is weeping, supported by the Attendants].
Sweet mourner, would some comfort....
Spirits of bliss, I ask not from your stores
Your prescient sense, nor boundless power, nor life
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To heal the wounds o' the mind; to seal in slumber
Grief's pain-stretched eye-lids, and with lenient skill
To draw the poisoned arrow forth, which rankles
In suffering virtue's heart!
LOTHAIR
[aside].
I hear his steps!
ADELGITHA
[breathless with anxiety].
Now!—Now!
LOTHAIR
[aside.]
What must be done?—Oh! wretched woman!
Re-enter Rainulf.
RAINULF
[kneeling].
This letter, Prince....
LOTHAIR
[snatching it, and tearing it].
Shall ne'er betray its writer:
This makes the secret safe!
GUISCARD.
Rash youth, forbear!
IMMA
[in despair].
Then there's no hope!—He's guilty!
ADELGITHA.
Claudia! Claudia!
GUISCARD.
What means thy daring act?
LOTHAIR.
It means, I know
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The hand of one, whose bounties claim my service,
And whom I'll ne'er abandon but with life!
The cry of murder drew me to the spot,
Where Michael breathed his last; I seized the assassin,
Whose life was in my power—I swore to save it,
And now stand here prepared to die much rather
Than buy existence by a breach of promise.
ADELGITHA
[aside].
Oh! generous youth!
GUISCARD
[exasperated].
And can thy folly hope
This paltry trick can blind me? Well I know
Thou fain wouldst hide that writing from my knowledge,
Being thyself its author.
LOTHAIR.
By yon stars....!
GUISCARD
[peremptorily].
One word decides thy fate!—One choice is left thee!
Reveal the culprit, or thou diest this instant.
LOTHAIR.
Lead to the scaffold!
GUISCARD
[furious].
'Tis enough!—Guards! seize him!
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Yet be advised, Lothair, nor hope to bury
This strange mysterious secret in the grave:
The rack will force it from thee.
LOTHAIR.
Try its strength then;
Stretch to the finest point thy barbarous skill.
Thou'lt find that virtue has more power to blunt
The shafts of pain, than man has art to forge them;
Nor can thy tortures so afflict my body,
As violated vows would rack my mind.
GUISCARD.
I'll hear no more! Bear him to instant death!
ADELGITHA.
Distracting sound!
LOTHAIR.
Imma!—Not one last look?
GUISCARD.
Force him away!
LOTHAIR.
Imma.... farewell! farewell!— [Dragged away by the Guards].
GUISCARD.
Obey me!—To the block!
ADELGITHA
[with a dreadful shriek].
Oh! spare him! save him!
He's guiltless!
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[starting].
How?
ADELGITHA
[desperate],
He's guiltless!—He's my son!— All start, while she rushes to Lothair, and clasps him in her arms].
GUISCARD.
Thy son?
LOTHAIR.
Thy son?
GUISCARD.
Oh! gods! what is't I hear?
ADELGITHA
[firm].
My shame! my guilt! my fondness! my despair!
'Twas I, who murdered Michael; I, who now
Repeat, Lothair is guiltless—is my son,
Pleased to lay down my life, to save my child's,
And die for him, who would have died for me!..
[Embracing him.]
LOTHAIR
[kneeling.]
Oh! mother!
GUISCARD.
Adelgitha! thou, whose virtues....
Art thou a murderess?—thou?
ADELGITHA.
Nay, never doubt it!
I own my crime, and I desire no pardon.—
The tale, thou heard'st from me to-day, was mine!
The father of Lothair (long ere thou saw'st me,)
Robbed me of peace and honour: fatal chance
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His heart was hard: my brain was wrought to frenzy;
He knew and threatened me; I feared, and slew him.
GUISCARD.
Oh! shame! Oh! frenzy:—Rash unhappy woman,
What hast thou done?
ADELGITHA.
Swelled by a crime the list
Of those, to which one early error forced me:
'Tis in man's choice, never to sin at all;
But sinning once, to stop exceeds his power.
GUISCARD.
My brain!—'Twill bear no more!— [Rainulf supports him.]
ADELGITHA.
My son! My son!
Curse me not!— [to Lothair.]
LOTHAIR.
Curse thee? Kneeling, thus I bless thee,
And swear, could drops wrung from my inmost heart
Repay the blood thy hand has shed ....
GUISCARD
[recovering himself].
This instant
Let all retire except.... except.... the Princess.
ADELGITHA
[detaining Lothair.].
Oh! no, no, no! I dare not....
GUISCARD
[solemn and commanding]
Adelgitha!
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[in a faltering voice].
Prince...... I obey!
[Exeunt Imma, &c.
Manent Guiscard and Adelgitha.
GUISCARD
[after a pause].
I'll not reproach thee!—Fear not!—
I will but say.... and say it in mild words too ...
I will but tell thee..... Grief impedes my utterance....
That we must part.... for ever!
ADELGITHA.
Oh!
GUISCARD.
Thou know'st me;
Know'st well my dread of shame .... my sense of honour ....
Know'st well.... my love for thee!—But what I suffer
To find thee false and guilty, this, oh! this
Thou could'st not know, or sure thou hadst not erred!
ADELGITHA
[in agony].
Heart!—Heart!
GUISCARD.
[his emotions gradually getting the better of him].
Is't true?—Can it indeed be real?—
Thou! thou, on whom I doated!—Thou, whose lips
I thought ne'er knew a falsehood .... whose eyes spoke
Each wish of the heart so plainly!—In whose arms
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Had been so free from pain!—And now.... and now....
ADELGITHA.
[Her grief changes into gloomy fierceness].
And now you hate me?
GUISCARD
[wild and desperate].
Hate thee? would I did!
But mark, ungrateful, mark these groans of anguish
Drawn from my soul.... my faltering voice.... my locks
Which thus I tear in frenzy!—And these tears ....
Mark these! Mark these!—then ask me, if I hate thee!— [sinks on a seat, over-powered by the violence of his feelings.]
ADELGITHA.
Ha!—Flow those tears for me?—Speak, Guiscard, speak?
[Falling at his feet]
—Flow they for me?
[He motions her to leave him; she rises with frantic gesture]
—Fool that I was to hope it!
He shuns me! He abhors me!—Why delay then?
Where are your guards? Come, come! prepare the scaffold,
And while I seek it, bid the indignant rabble
Load me with scoffs and base revilings....
GUISCARD
[starting up with looks of horror at the idea].
Thee!
[After a moment's pause]
—'Tis fixed, and farewell, honour! Farewell, joy!
125
—Thy hand in mine!—Partners in weal and woe,
Through life I'll never leave thee, and in death
One grave shall hold us both! Imploring pardon,
I'll wander by thy side from shrine to shrine
A barefoot pilgrim: still in toils and perils
My arm shall guard thee, and my voice shall soothe;
And when thou weep'st to hear insulting crouds
Pursue thy bleeding steps with taunts and curses,
With my torn hair I'll wipe thy tears away,
And hide thee in my breast from scorn and sorrow.
ADELGITHA.
Prince!—Guiscard!—Heard I right?—Canst thou forgive me?
GUISCARD.
I can! I do!
ADELGITHA.
And love me still?
GUISCARD.
Still love thee....
Shame choaks the words upon my tongue.... Still love thee,
And more than light! than life! than fame! than virtue!
ADELGITHA.
I'm happy!—Guiscard, Guiscard.... thus I thank thee, [embracing him]
And next reward thee thus!— [stabs herself.]
GUISCARD
[petrified with horror].
Help! help!—Within there!
126
LOTHAIR.
What mean those cries...... Oh! cruel sight!—
[He receives Adelgitha in his arms.]
ADELGITHA
[to Guiscard].
Thus only
Could I repay thy wond'rous truth, and spare thee
The shame of loving, where esteem was lost.
LOTHAIR.
Fly, fly for aid....
ADELGITHA.
No, no! the steel was faithful....
'Tis my heart's blood which.... Oh! that pang!
[falling.]
GUISCARD
[hastening to her, and raising her in his arms].
She dies!
Look up, my love! my soul! Look up once more!
One parting word.... One long adieu..... one blessing....
ADELGITHA.
Bless thee!—Farewell!—Oh! I am guilty! guilty!—
Pray for my soul's repose!—pray too...... hereafter....
Our spirits.... in a better happier world....
Heaven!—Heaven!—'tis past!
[She dies.
IMMA.
Oh! sight of woe!
LOTHAIR
[kneeling by the corse].
Oh! mother!
Dear wretched mother!
127
[touching her hand, and instantly dropping it again].
Cold!—Quite gone! [Starting up wildly[
—Away then!
My armour! Spread my banners! launch my barks!
Come, come, my knights! Fix on your shields the cross!
We sail for the Holy Land— [rushing off, he stops suddenly, looks at the Corse, and bursts into a passion of grief]
—My wife! my wife!
Oh! farewell, Adelgitha!
[He throws himself in despair on the dead body, near which Lothair is kneeling, while Imma is fainting, supported by Claudia and Ladies. ]
THE END.
I make no doubt, that Adelgitha's fate will be reckoned too severe. In my justification I must observe, that my object in writing this Tragedy was to illustrate a particular fact; viz. “the difficulty of avoiding the evil consequences of a first false step.”—It appeared to me, that the more venial the offence, and the more amiable the character of the offender, the more strongly would the above position be proved; and the very nature of my object made it necessary, that Adelgitha should be the constant victim of her single transgression in this life, and only receive the reward of her many virtues in the life to come.— But above all I must request, that no one will mistake Adelgitha for a heroine—I meant to represent in her—“A woman, with all her sex's weakness,”—whose natural inclinations were virtuous and benevolent; but who was totally unprovided with that firmness of mind, which might have enabled her to resist the force of imperious circumstances.—Accordingly she gives way to them one after another, and is led on gradually and involuntarily from crime to crime, till she finds herself involved in guilt beyond the possibility of escaping.—Such was my plan, though perhaps the defects of its execution may have prevented the reader from discovering it till now.
| Adelgitha ; Or, The Fruits of A Single Error | |