 | Ina |  |
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ACT V.
SCENE I.
Ina's Bower.Ina, Osric, and Guards.
INA.
My home! thou scene of happiness! my home!
(Oh! the sweet recollections in that word!)
For the last time my eyes would fain retrace
Each several spot so dear!—but blinding tears—
[Seeing the guards, and shuddering.
These savage men! good Osric, pray dismiss them—
They gaze on me with bold, ungentle looks,
That wear not the respect methinks were due
To wretchedness like mine.
OSRIC
(makes signs they should retire).
You are obey'd.
INA.
Is thy heart hard, that Baldred chooses thee
To be my jailer?
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Lady, I'm a soldier,
Command the troops that guard the royal person;
And while I hold this charge, were my own father
Entrusted to my keeping, I were firm.
INA.
And must the soldier know no touch of nature?
OSRIC.
I said not so. I meant but to declare
The soldier's honour must not shrink, although
His heart-strings burst.
INA.
Methinks, my lord
Did show thee favour once?
OSRIC.
'Twas on an outpost.
Wounded, and left as dead, the tide of battle
Roll'd onwards where I lay.—The prince was there
(For he was every where, and ruled the fates),
He placed me on his steed, supported, led me,—
Himself deep wading through swoln Isis' flood,
And gave me to a cottager in charge—
Nay, thought of me in victory's madd'ning hour,
And sent, ere night, one skill'd to close my wounds.
Lady, if hard this heart, th' impression graved
On hardest things is deepest, and most durable!
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Thou'rt moved!—kind soul!—my grief, not I, did wrong thee.
Sure thou couldst pity me!
OSRIC.
Oh! might I prove it!
INA.
Thou may'st! for though thou canst not spare my life,
'Tis thine to soften death. Thou, by thy office,
Hast access ever to the royal presence.
Conduct me to the king.
OSRIC
(astonished).
Ha! say'st thou?—wherefore?
INA.
I would but claim a grandsire's pitying care
For Egbert's—for thy benefactor's—child.
Then look on death with such meek constancy
As innocence may lend.
OSRIC.
Thou hast prevail'd.
But, lady, wait—I pray you wait a space
Till darker night close round, and the hush'd palace
Assure no interruption.—'Tis but life
I hazard here,—the soldier's honour safe!
For Alwyn said the king forbade control,
Save in what might afford thee means of freedom.
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Thou generous man! thy precious life is sure;
The prince at hazard of his own will guard it.
But what of Alwyn? thou didst speak his name.
OSRIC
(giving her a dagger).
He bade me give thee this; yet, charge thee, live
If it be possible—
INA
(taking it eagerly).
I understand him.
[After looking at it with emotion, she goes to a table on which are emblems of worship.
Here I shall offer up my last sad prayer
When I return; and, if the secret voice
Of conscience speak assent, yes,—I will hug thee,
Horrible as thou art!—thou last best friend,
That canst alone prevent the headsman's stroke.
[Lays the dagger on the table.
Here too I place my Egbert's pictured form,
It might offend.
[Takes a picture from her breast.
And here, these gems, his tokens!
[Places ornaments.
They ill become the wretched supplicant
To death devoted.—
(Returning to Osric).
Alwyn, where is he?
I little thought that Alwyn would forsake me.
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Forsake thee? He! The cruel sentence pass'd,
He flung him on the steed prepared for thee;
And, with a madman's desperate course, he sped
To seek thy Egbert.
INA.
Oh! 'twas rashly done!
Had I but known his purpose, I had sent
Some words of comfort,—of fallacious hope.
Osric, my husband's bosom owns no thought
Mine does not share. We are one heart! one mind!
And the full tidings of my fate, pour'd forth
With careless haste, will kill him. Oh! I know,
Too well I know, alas! th' impetuous course
Of all his soul's affections!—
OSRIC.
Nay, take comfort.
Haply good Alwyn brings him to thy rescue.
INA.
The distance, Osric!—Will the wild winds lend
Their rushing wings?
OSRIC.
Forestall not evils, lady.
There's pity still in heaven!
INA
(looking out).
See, my friend!
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I will prepare me.
OSRIC.
I will wait you, lady.
[Exeunt severally.
SCENE II.
A Wood. Night.Baldred and armed Peasants.
BALDRED.
A thoughtless groom that tends on Alwyn's steeds
Betray'd their course. They will pass through this wood:
Conceal yourselves, my friends, and be ye sure
The prince escape not. Egbert's death alone
Can save you from the sword of Ethelbald.
Think of your wives, your children, and your homes.
Hark! I hear distant voices! to your stand.
[They conceal themselves.
Enter Egbert and Alwyn.
EGBERT.
Oh Alwyn! that my gallant steed should fail me!
In Ina's rescue fail me!—
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Ere he sunk
O' erwearied, he had measured half the realm!
My fleetest coursers wait in yonder hamlet,
Conceal'd by darkness and these tangled trees.
Trust me, my lord; I know each knotted oak,
Each bushy dell; and, though the moon refuse
Her friendly beam, can guide your steps aright.
[The peasants attack them. Egbert wards off their weapons, but does not strike them.
EGBERT.
Refrain these ruffian staves! hold, traitors! hold!
I am your prince—your leader—and for you
Have this day staked my blood on yonder plains.
Stand off! forbear! I would not take the lives
Of those for whom I fought beneath that sun,
Gone down erewhile in crimson blushes wrapt,
To hide him from your deed.
[The peasants fall back, and then advance again tumultuously.
On your allegiance!
Ingratitude shames mercy from her softness!
[They fall back again.
Mistaken men! what villain set you on?
Not of yourselves—ye men of Wessex!—no—
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My fellow subjects!—and my fellow soldiers!
Would ye attempt my life. I know you would not!
I trust you ere ye speak.
[Peasants fall at his feet.
(Sheathing his sword).
Who set you on?
PEASANTS.
A holy man declared you held at nought
Our lives, our fortunes—and he bade us boldly
By one great stroke secure them.
EGBERT.
“Boldly,” fellow!
Is midnight murder bold? ye are abused—
'Tis at his country's foe the Briton strikes,
And thus secures the blessings ye have named.
PEASANTS.
Oh! pardon—generous prince! our lives are yours.
EGBERT
(raising them).
Away, poor knaves, away! ye were misled.
I would not have the peering moon betray
Some well-known aspect, and unwilling force me
To do as justice points.—I pardon you—
Depart—nor let me see you till in battle
Ye on your country's foes redeem this deed.
[As they are going off, Baldred steals behind Egbert with uplifted weapon.
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(rushing on him, and seizing his arm).
Ha! treacherous villain?—No! it cannot be
A British breast I pierce!—Die—traitor, die!
[Stabs him.
BALDRED
(falling).
Detested Alwyn!—Is it thine—to wield—
The threaten'd—bolt—of vengeance!—
ALWYN.
Baldred's voice?
And didst thou wrap thee in the holy seeming
Of peace and love for this? for secret murder?
EGBERT.
Unhappy Baldred! how had I deserved
Thy deadly hate?
BALDRED.
As does the sun—himself—
The hate—of all—heaven's glittering—host beside,
And I—like them—would shun—thy hated—presence.
Wilt—wilt thou—still-embitter—death's last pang,
As thou hast poison'd—all—my course—of life.
EGBERT.
Yet live! oh live! accept my friendship, Baldred—
My forgiveness!—
BALDRED.
Forgiveness—from the man—I hate?
Ye demons! save me—from him—save—oh, save me!
[Dies.
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So may th' unerring vengeance of high Heaven
Still fall on those, who wrest the sacred cause
To their dark purposes!
EGBERT.
Oh, Ina! Ina!
Should this delay prove fatal!—On, my friend!
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.
The King's Closet.CENULPH
(alone).
The midnight hour has toll'd! I fain would rest.
Sleep flies these aching eyes! Why is it so?
[He ruminates in a disturbed manner.
It is not much that one be sacrificed
To stay the sword of war. Yet, ere I press
The downy couch, a painful something here,
I would compose by my accustom'd prayer.
I never yet have laid me down to rest,
Unoffer'd to high Heaven the past day's deeds.
Why do I seem less ready now to bend
The humble knee? If, for my people's weal,
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[He kneels.
Yes, I will kneel.
I am alone with thee, my Maker! Thee!
In whose sight all are equal—all thy creatures.
[As he kneels down, Ina enters softly behind with her child, approaches unperceived as he speaks, and kneels beside him.
INA.
No; I am with thee, in thy Maker's presence!
Like thee, his creature! and, if true thou say'st,
Thy equal in his sight.
CENULPH
(with terror).
Protect me, Heaven!
Ha! is it past?—Avaunt! terrific vision!
Com'st thou to charge me with thy blood?
INA.
No, king!
I come to bow me at thy honour'd foot,
And plead for thee, that thou wilt spare thyself.
Oh! spare thy age, nor rob it of its staff,
The blameless conscience! Of its graceful honours,
Posterity! and children's children's blessings!
CENULPH.
Thou! thou dost bar me from the joys thou nam'st.
They will be mine when thou art in the grave.
How didst thou gain admittance at this hour?
Who aided thee in this?—his life shall pay—
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'Twas He, to whom thou didst pour forth the prayer.
He gave to innocence unwonted courage,
And lent my suit the winning grace it needed.
He, whose voice heaves the sea, and stills the storm—
Bade every cruel passion to subside;
And, as I pass'd, fashion'd each heart to pity.
The gentle hand, unconscious of its act,
Put back the pond'rous bolt!—With noiseless sweep
The portal open'd, to admit a mother
Bearing her orphan'd little one, to place him
Beneath a grandsire's care.
[Presenting the child.
Protect this child!
The heir of Wessex' throne!
CENULPH.
I will not look on't.
Away, and take it hence!—It dies with thee.
INA.
Oh! say not so! Murder the rosy babe
That smiles on thee? thy age's stay and hope!
Thou, who not yet in wantonness of power
Hast rioted in blood! not yet hast mock'd
At nature's ties!—and at thy first essay
To crimson thy hard hand with this! thy own!
Nay, tremble, tyrant! tremble in thy turn
Before a frantic mother!—Thou a father!
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Whose infancy was dear as is this babe's.
CENULPH.
Yes, dear his infancy! his boyhood dearer!
His youth my pride! my joy! till thy loose arts
Wound sensuality's soft silken toils
Around his soul.—Besotted in thy love,
What crimes may he not perpetrate to soothe
Thy woman's pride!—His father's throne—his life—
Nay, hang not on me—thou'rt my bane, my curse.
But thou art doom'd—of treasonous practices
Convicted publicly.—Prepare for death!
INA.
I am prepared to meet death as becomes me;
Although 'tis hard to die, so young, so loved!
Thy Egbert, too, will find it hard to part.
CENULPH.
Shall the young eagle mate him with the raven,
Nor, spurning the delusion, spring aloft,
Bathing his plumes in the meridian ray
To shake off foul pollution?—Think it not.
INA.
Nor think thou he can lose the wife he loves,
Nor feel a pang.
CENULPH.
'T will be forgotten soon.
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And was the pang so soon forgot by thee,
To lose thy virtuous queen, my gracious mistress?
Though 'twas by nature's hand, matured for heaven
By a long life of happiness and love!
Not torn from thee, as must be Egbert's wife,
In spring of bliss, but gently summon'd hence.
CENULPH.
No more of this. Fair Edelfleda's charms,
With whom he weds—
INA.
Oh! never, never, king!
He will not long survive.—Thus Edelfleda
Will be appeased, and peace once more restored.
Then will this child—Oh, look on him, King Cenulph!
Then will this child remind thee of thy son.
Fear not to look:—he but resembles Egbert.—
He bears no feature of his wretched mother.
His looks will waken none but grateful thoughts
Of all that once was thine in Egbert's worth,
Nor e'er remind thee of the deed of blood
That stain'd thy long reign's close.
CENULPH.
I charge thee, hence!
Was't I who will'd thy death?
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It was myself!
And I am firm to die with honour, rather
Than live with fame attainted. Sigiswold,
My father, died with honour.
CENULPH
(starting at the name).
Sigiswold!
INA.
I am his daughter! and like him I die
For thee, and for thy people.—If his blood,
His faithful blood, that at thy feet flow'd forth,
While thronging subjects hail'd thy rescued life!
Have any claim upon a royal heart,
(But, haply, nursed in soft prosperity,
A king is not a man that he should pity!)
Oh! in my father's name—to thee—my father!
My Egbert's father, therefore mine, I sue.
CENULPH.
I'll hear no more—away! I have sworn thy death.
INA.
And I will die content—indeed I will,
If thou wilt hear thy victim's dying prayer.
Grant, grant, that I once more behold my husband!
Oh! let thy Egbert once more see his child!
And bless him, once, once more! Oh! let me see him,
And parting, speak as holy wedded love,
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May prompt. This last, this sad, this little comfort,
Canst thou refuse to her whose father saved thee?
A mother! and a wife! whose throbbing breast
Thy hand so soon will still for ever?
CENULPH
(groans).
Oh!
INA.
Merciful God! thou dost wipe off a tear?
Spite of thyself thou hast a father's heart!
[Eagerly pressing the child towards him.
Look on thy Egbert's child, and let me hear,
Ere yet, at day-break, I lay down my life,
A grandsire's blessing pour'd upon his head!
[Cenulph snatches the child to his bosom. Ina contemplates them with rapture, then with trembling anxiety and hope.
Father! and shall I see my Egbert too?
CENULPH.
Yes! thou shalt see him—nor for thousand worlds
Shalt thou be torn from him!
[Embraces her and the child together, with agonizing emotion—then
Come, Ethelbald!
In all thy terrors, come! I am prepared—
I and my children will defy thy rage.
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(behind the scenes).
Nay, let me pass. Ye shall not stay my steps.
Monarchs would wish their slumbers ever broken
By tidings such as these!
(Entering).
King Cenulph! joy!
Th' invading host no longer threatens thee.
While they advanced in insolence and pride,
Dreaming of conquest—as the god of battles
Prince Egbert came!—with skill, his powers dividing,
He rush'd upon the foe from every side.
Disorder'd, broken, they but fell on death
Where'er they turn'd. 'Twas one wide slaughter all.
Our brooks run crimson to th' affrighted sea!
Our thirsty fallows drink of Mercian blood!
Countless the prisoners!—Ethelbald is taken!
Enter Edelfleda.
EDELFLEDA.
Egbert victorious!—Ethelbald in chains!
And is it true? and am I quite undone?
[Seeing Cenulph embrace Ina.
What sight is this that blasts the blessed sense
Of vision? doom'd to death a few hours since,
Feeble old man, by thee and by thy council,
I see her now, clasp'd in thy trembling arms,
While tears of dotage o'er thy eye-balls swell.
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That rules our fates to avenge or to protect me?
Then will I be protector to myself!
My own avenger!—independent—single—
Supreme!—though but in misery and guilt!
[She rushes to stab Ina. Cenulph seizes her arm, and the attendants surround her.
CENULPH.
Guard her, Lord Oswald, with respectful care.—
This frantic act was but the effect of grief.
INA.
Soothe her, my lord. Who shall compassionate
Her soul's distracted state if Ina do not?
Oh! use not harsh constraint, lest she should feel
Too heavy on her heart her father's chains,
Her fortune's overthrow.
EDELFLEDA.
This ruffian grasp!
And think ye, sirs, ye hold some lawless hind
By sordid rapine stain'd?—I am a princess!
A mighty monarch's daughter!—though dethroned—
And sacred still my person!—Nay, unhand me.
[They leave her.
See, I am tranquil, king!—
(To Ina).
Nor tremble thou—
One moment I forgot myself—no more—
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Of royal souls!—the royal soul itself,
|Heaven's best interpreter!—and royal hands
Alone shall execute Heaven's just decree!
[Stabs herself.
INA.
Hold, hold her hand, Lord Oswald! 'tis too late!
What hast thou done?
EDELFLEDA.
To Mercia's wretched princess
I have secured an honourable death!—
I could not live degraded!—thou or I—
Must yield!—'tis mine—I will'd it so!—and now—
(Which Edelfleda had not ask'd and lived)
Thy pardon, Ina!
INA.
Oh! much-injured princess!
Thou pardon rather the unworthy Ina
That happiness it now seems guilt to own!
EDELFLEDA.
These torpid pulses, with—mad passion throb—
No longer—all—is calm—and cold—tell Egbert—
I—dying—bless'd—your loves!—I pray—you—both—
Think—kindly—sometimes—kindly—speak—of me—
CENULPH.
Oh! Edelfleda! rash, unhappy maid!
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The good congenial to thy lofty spirit!
Seated on Mercia's throne, thy soul of love
Had in a people's bliss secured thy own.
EDELFLEDA.
No, monarch—no; there is—no bliss—for one—
Who—loving virtue, but—by passion—driven—
To worst—extremes—can never—never—more
Honour—herself.—Oh! let—the quiet—grave—
Close o'er—my sorrows—and my—fault. That pang!—
And now—I rest—
[Dies.
INA.
Oh Heaven! her soul is fled!
CENULPH.
Poor Edelfleda! Summon her attendants!
Good Bertha, bear her hence; apply each means
If yet a lingering breath of life—
EDRED.
My liege,
We fear some ill may have befallen Prince Egbert.
CENULPH.
Where is he? Comes he not?
EDRED.
There came a man,
With visor down—in breathless haste he came;
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And sudden sped together o'er the plain.
INA.
'Twas to his heart's dear home my Egbert sped!
He will be there ere we can reach it, father!
[She rushes out, Cenulph follows.
SCENE IV.
Ina's House.Enter Egbert and Alwyn hastily.
EGBERT.
I am here, my love! they shall not tear thee from me!
Thy husband will defend thee from the world!
My love! my wife! where art thou?
ALWYN
(alarmed).
My good lord,
Strange silence reigns around. They sleep, perhaps—
The menial train. The night is far advanced.
I pray you rest you here: I will awake them.
Haply thy Ina too enjoys repose—
For sleep will visit suffering innocence.
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Haste thee, my friend, and rouse the drowsy sluggards.
[Exit Alwyn.
(Going to a door)
This is her chamber. Those loved eyes have wept,
Till, as the infant's, they have closed in sleep.
I'll enter softly, and will whisper peace;
Till, by degrees, she wake to the full sense
Of all our joy.
[He enters, and returns.
She is not there!—Nor wife!
Nor child is there! Nor Alice—all is still!
Where am I?—(faltering).
(Starting.)
Ina!—Is it possible?
(With violence.)
My love! my wife! my Ina!
Enter Blanch.
EGBERT.
Where is thy mistress?
BLANCH.
Some hours have pass'd since she departed hence,
With Alice and her infant, good my lord.
EGBERT
(distracted).
Say how? say whither?—Speak—be brief!
BLANCH.
My lord,
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With locks dishevell'd, wrapt in sable weeds,
Weeping she went, alas! we know not whither.
EGBERT.
Hush! speak no more—thy every word is death!
[Exit Blanch.
[After a pause, in which he appears violently agitated.
Am I still living? Had we not one being?
Beats still my heart? and not responsive beats,
In each pulsation, throb for throb to hers?
[With revived hope.
It cannot be: I yet shall find her—
[Sees the table, with the dagger, picture, &c.
What see I here? Her holy book of prayer?
A dagger placed beside it! and my portrait,
That never had forsook her living bosom!
The tokens of my love too!—Tyrant father!
And ye, ye men of blood!
[He weeps.
She is with angels!
Yet still unblest without her Egbert! Thus
She summons me, and gives the means—and thus,
Thus, my soul's love, thy husband follows thee.
[Stabs himself.
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ALWYN.
She is gone forth; but yet I nothing doubt:
I with redoubled diligence will search—
We yet shall find her.
EGBERT.
I—shall—find her soon!
ALWYN.
Why, why, my friend, that ghastly aspect? why
Those tottering steps? What hast thou done?—A poniard!
EGBERT.
I could not live—she beckon'd—from the skies—
I let my spirit—forth—that else—had burst—
With ruder shock—its prison.
ALWYN.
Mercy! Heaven!
INA
(behind the scenes).
And is he come? Oh joy! Where—where is he?
My husband! Egbert!
(Entering).
See—I live! I live!
[He sinks into Alwyn's arms.
He sinks! Too mighty the o'erwhelming joy!
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[She helps to support him, and he rests his head on her bosom.
A moment yet—his senses will return—
Let all be hush'd around.
[After a pause, in low tender accents.
My love! my husband!
'Tis thy own Ina—We are happy, Egbert!
EGBERT
(reviving).
Is death but this? Have I already past
The dreaded bourne? And does thy sainted spirit
Bend to receive me in the blest abodes?
How easy death!
INA.
Talk not of death—we live,
And we are blest beyond our fondest wish—
We are forgiven—The good Cenulph loves me,
Has clasp'd thy wife, thy infant to his bosom!
[A pause.
A little moment, friends—his mind not yet
Can compass our immensity of bliss.
Ha! while I speak of joy thy cheek grows pale:
Methinks no gladness beams in those dear eyes.
Thou art very ill!—thy looks are wild and sad.
Come, father, come.
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CENULPH.
My son! my victor son!
EGBERT.
My father too! Oh that I yet might live!
CENULPH.
What has befallen? Is not all well with thee?
My age's prop! My noble, valiant son!
INA
(screams).
Here's blood!
EGBERT.
Oh! Ina—this rash—desperate—hand
Has dash'd—dash'd to the earth—our cup of joy.
'Tis here—'tis here—cold—cold—and I must die.
Have mercy, Heaven!—one—little hour—of life
Were worth—but 'twill not be—I'm sick—to death.
CENULPH.
Haste—seek—bring aid—my throne, my treasure, all,
All shall be his who first brings timely aid.
EGBERT.
'Tis vain, my father—Oh! the stroke—was—home—
Pardon—Oh! pardon—that I could—misjudge
A father's heart! My love—my wife—be patient—
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From—passion's—headlong—course.—
[Stretches his hand to Alwyn.
My friend!—Oh! Ina!
Where art thou?—I nor see—nor feel—I sink—
Hold fast—my hand!—My wife—my Ina—Oh!
[Dies.
She falls on the body, and the Curtain drops.
| Ina | |