University of Virginia Library

ACT III.

SCENE I.

—The Apartment of the Princess Isabel, with three wide folding doors, opening on a vista of extensive galleries and corridors.
At the rising of the curtain, the Princess is discovered seated near a table, L., surrounded by her tyring Maids, who are assisting her to prepare for the marriage ceremony; giving her her veil, virginal crown of orange-flowers, &c. Towards the R., numerous Nobles, Knights and Ladies, with Attendants, are standing. The Major-Domo of the palace is at the principal entrance with his wand of office as Chamberlain. Alice is near the Princess, in her best dress, and Arnaud among the Attendants.

CHORUS.
Let strains of joy, from all around ascending,
Loudly proclaim the happy pair!
Hymen and love, with ev'ry bliss attending,
Haste and unite the brave and the fair!

Isabel.
(rising.)

Lords and noble dames, for your kind
wishes, accept my feeble thanks. (aside—coming forward.)

Alas! how different were my hopes even this very day! But
a few hours ago they sweetly bloomed like summer flowers, nor
looked for such early blighting! Alice, come hither. Thou art
an humble friend, but I do esteem thee for a true one; and all
thou hast told me of thyself has won me thy protectress for life.
(looking cautiously round, and seeing all present in conversation with each other, and unobservant, she seizes Alice's arm.)
Tell
me, hast thou seen nought since of Duke Robert?

Alice.

Alas, no, noble lady; but I directed Arnaud, whom
I mentioned to your highness, to obtain some intelligence.

Isabel.

Is he here?

Alice.

He is yonder among your highness's attendants.

Isabel.

Call him to me.

Alice.

Arnaud!

Arnaud.

Eh?

Alice.
(signing to him to approach.)

Come hither.

Arnaud.
(timidly advancing to Alice, and looking round with wonder.)

Well now, who would have thought it!

Alice.
(in a low voice to him.)

The princess commands thy
presence.

Arnaud.
(with flurried embarrassment.)

The princess? Dear
me! (aside.)
Here are honours all in one day! Not long ago,
I was in company with the devil, now I'm with a princess!

Alice.
(making way for Arnaud to pass her.)

The princess,
I tell thee, would have speech of thee.

Arnaud.
(approaching, with awkwardness.)

She is—very
welcome.

Isabel.

Tell me quickly, good friend, hast thou followed
Alice's direction?

Arnaud.

Please your ladyship—

Alice.
(in a whisper.)

Highness.

Arnaud.
(confused.)

Please, your ladyship's highness, I've
not been able to set eyes on him ever since he did me the high
honour this morning of ordering me to be hanged; but I should
prefer a more gradual rising under your royal protection. (he bows very low to Isabel, who turns away much disappointed.)

Alice.
(aside to him, with vexation.)

Shame on thee—hast
thou the meanness to beg?

Arnaud.

Do you think I'm come to court for nothing? I'll
do like the rest; get all I can, and ask for more.

Isabel.
(with despondency to Arnaud.)

Thou art at liberty
to go. (retires to her seat.)

Arnaud.
(to Alice.)

Where am I to go?

Alice.

Dolt! Thou art dismissed.

Arnaud.

I'm dismissed! What for? What have I done to
be dismissed?

Alice.

Thou must retire when bidden.

Arnaud.

Well, I suppose you understand the matter best,
but it wasn't worth while to introduce the princess to me for
such a little; but never mind—I think I've given her a favourable
impression of me, and she may do something for us yet.

(he retires to his place.
Isabel.

Alas, Robert! thou art lost to me for ever.

A Voice.
(without.)

The king!

Major-D.
(repeating it.)

The king! (the Princess rises, and all resume their stations.)

Enter the King, R. holding the hand of Astoroth, as the Prince of Grenada.
King.

Now, daughter, how speed you? The night wears
fast. Thy bridegroom here hath won thee bravely; and beyond
the appointed hour of midnight, the union must not be delayed.

Ast.
(aside.)

Happily my task will soon be over. (approaching the Princess.)

Beauteous Isabel, deign to accept from a
lover's hand these proffered tokens of his tenderness; they are
such as he has deemed most precious, and most worthy of your
acceptance. (his four Pages advance with golden caskets containing presents. They kneel, and lay them at her feet.)

King.

Prince of Grenada, one half hour before midnight,
follow us to the cathedral. Seek admittance with your train at
the southern doors, so shall we avoid all hindrance and delay.

Ast.

I will prepare to execute your bidding. (aside.)
Rejoice,
powers of darkness, another victim is ours! (bowing low to Isabel.)

Within an hour's time, princess, I will appear, and
claim you mine for ever.

Exit with his Attendants, R.
King.

Let those presents be borne to the inner chamber of
the Princess. (the caskets are taken away by the Attendant Maidens, L.)

Follow, fair dames, and let your care take order
of their disposal.

Exeunt Ladies, L.

Noble knights, we will retire till the appointed time of—Hark!
I hear a footstep in the private gallery! See who thus intrudes
without our permission (the Knights hasten outside into the central gallery, which is distinctly displayed—when Robert is seen approaching from the furthest end, holding aloft in his hand the magic branch. The Knights, who have approached to stop his advance, are struck motionless by the spell, and remain rigid in the attitude of the moment.)

Daughter, be thou ready by our
return. Ha! what do I behold? The vile Duke of Normandy
within my palace! Villain!

(drawing his sword, he rushes to strike Robert before he enters, when, coming within the influence of the charm, he is rooted to the spot, like the rest.
Isabel.

What heavy langour weighs upon my eyelids!

(she sinks upon a couch. Robert enters the apartment, and the folding doors close of themselves, shutting out the King and all who left the chamber.
RECITATIVE.
Robert.
Charmed branch—thou work'st well!
Fast their senses are bound;
Ev'ry eye, by thy spell,
Seal'd up in sleep profound.
(he lays the branch on the table.
Thy voice now, Isabel,
To thy aid none may call!
From this place, where now lies
The treasure most I prize,
I'll bear thee, 'spite of all.
Vain will be thy pleading sighs,
Vain all thy tears,
Thou shalt not bless a rival's arms.
(approaching, and gazing upon her.
How fair she thus appears!
Let me gaze on those charms!
AIR.

(he again lays down the branch on table.
Isabel.
(gradually regaining perception.)
Where am I? what voice calls out arise?
'Twas a horrible sleep fell at once on mine eyes.
(seeing Robert and starting up with sudden terror.
Amazement! Robert within these walls?
His presence at this hour my heart appals!

Robert.
(exultingly, aside.)
She is mine; from all aid apart;
And I now my rival defy.
Fiendish rapture my breast swells high,
To see the emotion of her heart.

Isabel.
(aside.)
From his looks my heart shrinks with fear.
(turning with assumed firmness to Robert.
By what foul sorcery, what magic art,
Say, Duke of Normandy! hast thou gain'd admittance here?

Robert.
I'm here a rival to defeat whom I abhor.

Isabel.
(with indignant scorn.)
Nobler had been thy vengeance, by far,
Hadst thou this day that rival fac'd,
Nor basely shrunk from manly war.
Go, go! In knighthood's page thou'rt now disgrac'd!

Robert.
(with violent agitation.)
Chafe me no more! Silence were best.

Isabel.
(aside.)
Wild alarm shakes my breast!

Robert.
Cease to reproach me, else my madness dread;
Tremble to goad me on to wild despair!
All here around now resemble the dead;
For earthly pow'r no more need I care.

Isabel.
O'er me, oh Heav'n, thy kind protection spread,
Oh shield me from his madness this fell hour!
All here around must now bend to his pow'r;
'Twere vain to call! (imploringly.)
For mercy, fly.

Robert.
No!

Isabel.
Go hence away!

Robert.
No!

Isabel.
(despairingly.)
For aid in vain I pray!

Robert.
(seizing her in his grasp.)
Thou must be mine own for ever!

Isabel.
(with excessive terror.)
Oh fear!

Robert.
Isabel, fly hence with me!

Isabel.
Come not near!

Robert.
No power of man my will can now restrain.

Isabel.
Protect me, Heaven!

Robert.
I dare no more delay.

Isabel.
For mercy's sake!

Robert.
Come!—thy cries are vain.

Isabel.
Begone!—let me go!—false knight, away!
(with a desperate effort she breaks from his grasp—while he, in anguish and agitation, buries his face in his hands.
AIR.—Isabel.

Robert.
(who has been violently struggling with his feelings.)

Her touching accents melt and disarm me! (turning tenderly towards her.)

Oh, Isabel! in a few moments more thou wilt be
torn from me for ever; and to lose thee is to lose my life.

Isabel.

Fly, while yet 'tis time!

Robert.

Not without thee! My heart is firm again. In
vain dost thou shrink from me—mine thou shalt be. Hopest
thou for aid?—behold! (he flings open the doors, and discovers the motionless group as before.)

All that stirred with life within
thy father's palace is now even as these are. My power hath
compassed it!—think'st thou to defy it? Follow me with
willing step, or I will bear thee off by force.

Isabel.
(in the extremity of terror.)

Come not near me!

Robert.

Thou art my prey—and thus, thus I seize thee.

Isabel.

Approach not! stir not!

(sinking on her knee near the table, she has unconsciously grasped and extended towards him the cypress branch, and he is, like the rest, rivetted to the spot by its power.)

Ha! fearful sight!—my heart is chilled with horror! (rising.)

What potent and unholy spell is this which my unconscious
hand hath grasped? His frame is motionless!—his eyes are
fixed!—a marble statue stands before me! Talisman accursed,
whatever be thy evil power, let it cease, as thus I break thee!

(she snaps the branch in twain, when Robert and all the rest begin again to move, and by degrees regain their senses.
The Ladies, with Alice, at the same time re-enter from Isabel's chamber, and join the rest.
CHORUS with Principals.
All.
(with bewilderment.)
What pow'r unholy
So long hath bound us?
What spell hath cast
Its magic chain?
Doth still around us
Some evil reign?
(seeing Robert.)
Amazement!
What new surprise
Assails our eyes?
The Duke of Normandy!
Can it be?
'Tis he!

King and Knights.
Thou art come as a foe,
To deceive basely trying;
Thy attempt, craven Knight,
With thy life thou shalt pay!

Robert.
If I've dar'd hither come
Ev'ry danger defying,
'Twas to bear Isabel
From my rival away.

Isabel.
(to her father.)
Your wrath, oh stay!

Alice.
(aside.)
His life must pay!

Isabel.
(casting herself on her knees between the Knights and Robert.)
Mercy shew!
Be not bent on destroying!
Father!—Knights!—
Let me not vainly pray!

King and Knights.
Do not hope to escape,
Tho' thy falsehood denying!
Thou hast dar'd, to thy shame,
Honour's law to betray.

Isabel and Alice.
(aside.)
Vain's the chance
From his foes of his flying!
For his love
With his life he must pay!

Robert.
(drawing his sword.)
On my sword and this arm
To defend me relying,
I defy your revenge!
No fear can my bosom sway.

All.
On his sword and his arm
To defend him relying,
He defies our revenge;
No fear can his bosom sway!

Knights.
(unsheathing their swords.)
Thus for defying us
Dearly thou'lt pay!
Death to the traitor!
Thy sentence obey!

(they rush upon Robert, when suddenly
Bertram enters C., and beats down their swords. The Knights recede from him.
Bertram.
Stay!—false Knights, stand back!—away!
The first who comes nigh, that instant I slay.

King & Knights.
Ha! rescue at hand! But escape still is vain;
From death he shall not fly.

Isabel & Alice.
(aside.)
Ha! rescue at hand? Oh, blest day!
Then hope once more is nigh.

Bertram.
(seizing Robert's hand.)
Haste thee, Robert, with me;
None shall make thee their prey.

Robert.
Ha! thou here, brave ally?
(to the Knights.)
Then your rage I defy—
Ye are baulk'd of your prey.

King & Knights.
Their escape still is vain;
Even now both shall die!

Isabel & Alice.
(aside.)
The protection of Heaven attend on his way!
Oh, grant from his enemies yet he may fly!

(Robert has been drawn away by Bertram, and a party of the Knights follow in pursuit.
King.

Bid hither the attendants of the princess, and inform
the court of our setting forth.

Two Pages exeunt R.

The hour is fully come; Grenada's Prince will reach the church
before us. Lead on, signiors—daughter, your hand.

Exeunt King and Isabel, R., followed by the rest. Alice is going among the last.
Arnaud appears from behind a pillar, and stops Alice by twitching her gown.
Arnaud.

Alice, here has been a pretty business! If this be
court-living, I refuse to accept office. Our little cottage in
dear Normandy, pretty Alice for my wife, with a score of
children, will be much more agreeable.

Alice.

What has happened, Arnaud?

Arnaud.

What, don't you know?

Alice.

All I know is, that in yonder room a sudden and
mysterious lethargy fell upon me, and when I recovered, I
found that my companions had been, like myself, deprived of all
sense.

Arnaud.

Well, and so was I. Left without any common
sense at all—and all by some magical, mystical, diabolical
operation; I can tell you all from the beginning. I was gaping
about, when who should I see coming along the gallery yonder,
but Duke Robert, carrying a little tree in his hand—which I
supposed he might be bringing to the Princess as a wedding
present—when all of a sudden “Seize him!” cries the King;
“seize him!” cries I; and I had no sooner cried it than—slap!
I was seized myself all of a heap!

Alice.

Wonderful!

Arnaud.

Wasn't it? Well, I felt, first particularly strange,
then I felt—I felt that I hadn't a bit of feeling!—and when I
woke, after a sort of a queer kind of a nap, I found I had been
sleeping upon my legs, with my neighbour's fingers stuck in my
mouth, and a large spur half-an-inch up my calf!

Alice.
(anxiously.)

And what of Duke Robert?

Arnaud.

Stop a bit. When the king, having ended his
little nap, like myself, saw our devil of a duke—

Alice.

Fie, Arnaud!

Arnaud.

Well, our duke, Robert the Devil, he ordered him
to be killed!

Alice.

Oh, Heaven!

Arnaud.

I got a little out of the way, behind a pillar, that
I mightn't be killed by mistake, when, bounce! something flew
by me, and in a moment, bounce! it flew back again with Duke
Robert; and, oh, Alice, only guess who that something was.

Alice.
(eagerly.)

Speak!

Arnaud.

That something that whisked away Duke Robert
as if he had been a little spaniel dog, was no other than my
infernal friend of the Rocks of St. Irene; and as he passed me,
he smelt—augh! as if he had just come out of Etna!

Alice.

Which way did they go?

Arnaud.

I didn't exactly look. I thought it best to shut
my eyes, for fear I should see something I shouldn't like—some
horn or tail; but when I ventured to open them again, the
first thing I saw was the tail of your gown. But I say, isn't
the princess going to be married to-night?

Alice.

Yes, at midnight.

Arnaud.

And are you to follow her?

Alice.

Certainly.

Arnaud.

Well then, Alice, if you follow the princess, and I
follow you, why shouldn't it follow that we be married at the
same time?

Alice.

How silly thou art, Arnaud.

Arnaud.

What, to be married?

Alice.

Not to know that humble folks like us must wait our
time.

Arnaud.

But I've waited a devilish long time already. Let
the princess be served first with all my heart; but your turn,
if I can manage it, shall be next; and though your dish may be
the more homely of the two, I warrant me it shall be quite as
substantial. So, come along, and take no more care about
Duke Robert, for it's very plain he likes to go to the devil his
own way. Come along.

Exeunt Arnaud and Alice, R.

SCENE II.

—The Exterior of the Cathedral of Palermo.
The Church is seen illuminated, and the organ is heard while tthe King and Isabel are seen entering the Church doors, accompanied by the Court, Knights, Ladies, Alice, Arnaud, and the Attendants, in orderly procession.
As the organ ceases, and the music changes, Robert enters R. H.; he looks around him, and perceiving that none are near, he returns, and, seizing Bertram's arm, makes him enter the sacred precincts.
Robert.

We are alone and safe.

Bertram.
(who has entered with manifest reluctance.)

Confusion!
what shall I do? within the boundaries of this sainted
spot my evil power fails, and nought but wily art can obtain
me my prize. Robert, wherefore hast thou forced me to enter
here?

Robert.

This spot is sacred; it is a place of refuge where
none dare pursue. Yet, 'tis not safety that I care for. Alas!
all I trusted in has this day betrayed me.

Bertram.
(insinuatingly.)

Except thy friend that loves
thee, and wishes but thy happiness. Know'st thou not the
reason of thy ill-success? the breaking of the magic branch has
delivered Isabel to thy rival's power.

Robert.

Can nothing snatch her from his arms? tell me!

Bertram.

There is still one way left to glut thy vengeance.

Robert.
(furiously.)

I'll have it; be it what it may, I'll
have it.

Bertram.

Hear me. The spirits of darkness—with whom
thou hast already somewhat dealt—will be at thy command if
thou wilt sign a compact pledging thyself theirs.

Robert.

Give me revenge at any price!

Bertram.
(with eagerness.)

Wilt thou consent to sign?

Robert.

I will.

Bertram.

Come, then, out of this sacred ground, and full
power and revenge are thine. Thou shalt exult over thy
baffled rival, and hold thine Isabel within thine arms. Haste!
away, away!

(as they are departing, the organ is heard within the cathedral. Suddenly struck by it, Robert stops, rivetted in attention.
CONCERTED PIECE.
Bertram.
(endeavouring to draw Robert away.)
How now? why dost thou still delay?

Robert.
(listening as if spellbound.)
Those sounds—dost thou not hear?

Bertram.
(aside, gloomily.)
I hear them with dismay.

Robert.
(with tender emotion.)
Sweetly oft on my ear
They struck in childhood's day,
When for her son so dear
My mother used to pray.
(melting into tears at the recollection.
Lov'd parent! alas!

Voices.
(in the cathedral.)
Glory be to the Highest!
Joy and peace to the blest!
Sinner, from guilt who fliest,
From evil here is rest.

Robert.
The voice of Heav'n methinks is nigh,
And calls me back to virtue's way!

Bertram.
(aside.)
From this spot with me he must fly.
(to Robert.)
Wherefore here any longer stay?

Robert.
(wrapt in the sounds.)
Dost thou hear?

Bertram.
(entreatingly.)
Hence with me! away!

Robert.
If I could only pray!

Bertram.
(aside.)
I every power must try
His melting heart to sway.

Robert.
Heavenly harmony—how divine
Are thy soft and tuneful sounds!
Erring hearts, tho' wild as mine,
They recal to reason's bounds.

Bertram.
(aside.)
Whilst he tarries near this holy shrine
He my purpose confounds!
(to Robert.)
No longer stay!

Voices.
(in the cathedral.)
Joy and peace to the blest!

Robert.
Hope and peace fill my breast!

Bertram.
(aside.)
Torture wrings my breast!

(the organ and Voices cease, and Bertram approaches Robert.
Bertram.
(malignantly.)

I wonder not at thy soul's emotion.
The sounds thou hearest now bless the union of thy rival
with Isabel.

Robert.
(with re-lighted rage.)

Ha! that single word tears
my heart, and revives my fury. (stamping at Bertram.)

Begone—leave me! thou art my bitterest foe.

Bertram.
(clasping his hands together.)

I! I, Robert, thy
foe? I—who, out of the whole human race, love but thee? I,
who would wish for all the treasures of the earth but to bestow
them on thee alone?

Robert.
(struck by his manner.)

Mysterious being! Who,
then, art thou?

Bertram.

Doth not the emotion that now shakes my heart
and thine own, yet betray me to thee? Robert, rememberest
thou not this morning? Didst thou not hear and mark the
Norman minstrel's fearful recital—the fatal story of thy
mother's woes? They were but too true.

Robert.

Oh, my trembling soul!

Bertram.

Yes, a fallen Spirit was her lover and her husband.
I—I was that lover, I was that husband.

Robert.

Horror!

Bertram.

And now, Robert, my son, thou knowest me.

Robert.

Thou—thou my father? Horror and hopeless
misery!

Bertram.

I have deceived thee, but 'twas to gain thee ever
mine. Now mark me well! If before the midnight hour thou
dost not sign a bond which shall for evermore conjoin us, I
must lose thee for ever; and the midnight hour is already
nigh!

Robert.
(wildly.)

Midnight! midnight! Isabel!

(the chimes of the cathedral strike the three quarters.
Bertram.

Hark! there is but a quarter of an hour of hope left
us. (with pressing anguish, and speaking rapidly.)
Robert, my
son! Oh! let not thy wretched father be for ever parted from
thee! Sign! sign, and Isabel shall be thine—and honours and
riches, and the joys of an eternal youth shall charm thy life!

Robert.

It is decreed, and Hell bears the victory! Father,
I'll not forsake thee; I am thine.

Bertram.
(clasping Robert's hand with triumph.)

Oh joy!

Enter Alice from the cathedral.
Alice.
(percieving Robert.)

'Tis he; fortunate meeting.

Bertram.

Thou art resolved?

Robert.

Yes; be what thou wilt, I henceforth share thy fate.

Alice.

Ha! what do I hear? (approaching and recognizing Bertram.)

Save me, Heaven! it is the Fiend.

Bertram.
(angrily to Alice.)

What brings thee here?

Alice.
(falling on her knees before Robert.)

Oh, Duke
Robert, I have blessed, joyful tidings, which you will gladly
hear. The false Prince of Grenada and his phantom train,
approaching the southern gate, in vain attempted to cross the
holy threshold, and, howling fearfully, vanished from sight!

Bertram.
(aside.)

I tremble.

Alice.

The horror-struck father, shuddering at his daughter's
escape, consents to bless her, and messengers are seeking you
to receive her hand. Follow me to the altar.

Bertram.
(in agony.)

My son, go not; but follow me!
Thou hast sworn to be mine.

Alice.
(aside.)

What do I hear? Horror!

Bertram.

Let us quickly away! Time flies, and midnight
is about to strike.

TRIO FINALE.
Robert.
(with a burst of anguish.)
My brain is distracted! (to Bertram.)
Speak thy will, and I'll obey.

Alice.
(aside.)
Oh, heav'ns, he's abus'd by the Demon's spell!
(to Robert.)
Forget'st thou, then, thy vow?

Robert.
Away!
A superior claim must all o'ersway.

Alice.
(indignantly.)
What can honour's claim excel?
Let no more thy heart rebel! (with fervent aspiration.)

Guardian angels—deign, oh deign
His protection to be!
Let his heart peace regain,
And from ill set him free!

Bertram.
Oh despair! Hour of pain!
Ah, my son, my anguish see!
With thy father remain!
Let thy heart plead for me!

Robert.
(distractedly.)
Bitter pangs—racking pain,
From my bosom now flee!
If all hope must be vain,
Let my death set me free!

Bertram.
(drawing from his breast a black parchment, with hieroglyphic characters of blood traced on it.)
See—see this parchment I now unfold,
The words there written thy hand must sign.

Alice.
(to Robert.)
By your hopes of mercy, hold!

Robert.
(eyeing the scroll with horror, and shrinking from it.)
Wherefore there must my name be enrol'd?

Alice.
Fear perdition! 'Twill be thine!

Robert.
(desperately, to Bertram.)
To thy wish I incline.

Bertram.
Let us haste!

Alice.
Stay, oh stay!
Remember Isabel and thy vows!

Robert.
Away!
Begone! Begone!

Bertram.
No more delay!

Alice.
(aside.)
Inspire me now, kind Heav'n, I pray!

Robert.
(extending his hand towards Bertram.)
Give me the scroll!

(Alice, at this moment, draws from her bosom the will of Robert's mother—a parchment with a large seal appended to it by a ribbon—and rushing between Bertram and Robert, places it in the latter's hand.)
Alice.
'Tis here!
Cruel son—read this sacred command!

Robert.
Oh, Heav'n! 'Tis my lov'd mother's hand!
(burying his face in the paper with anguish.
Oh, grief!

Bertram.
(aside.)
Oh rage and fear!

Robert.
(reading with a trembling voice.)
“My son, thy mother's anxious eye
“O'er thee will watch from yonder sky!
“Fly from the snares, shun the dark spell,
“Of him by whom thy mother fell.”

(he lets fall the paper, which Alice hastily snatches up.
Bertram.
Does then thy heart waver between us two?

Robert.
(shrinking from him with involuntary horror.)
I tremble! Horrid hour! Which way decide? What do?

Alice.
(without looking at Robert or Bertram, but reading aloud, impressively.)
“My son, thy mother's anxious eye
“O'er thee will watch from yonder sky!
“Fly from the snares, shun the dark spell,
“Of him— (pointing to Bertram, without lifting her eyes from the paper.)
by whom thy mother fell.”

Bertram.
(imploringly.)
My son! Ah, turn thine eyes on me!
My pangs behold, my anguish see!
Fly not from him to whom thou'rt so dear!
Sign—and thou may'st defy all fear.

Robert.
(frantically.)
Ah! pity my despair!

Bertram.
(seizing his hand on one side.)
Oh, my son, let's away!

Alice.
(seizing his hand on the other side.)
Heaven's call now obey!

Robert.
Fierce pangs that tear my heart and brain,
To 'scape your fury all hope is vain!

Alice, Bertram, Robert.
(together.)
Guardian angels, &c.
With thy father remain! &c.
If all hope now be vain, &c.

Alice.
(to Robert.)
Heaven's call now obey!
Hence, foul fiend! hence away!

Bertram.
(kneeling to Robert)
Oh, my son! no more delay,
With thy father haste away!

Robert.
Gracious heav'n, be my stay!
Mercy shew, and guide my way!

(the clock of the cathedral strikes MIDNIGHT.
Alice.
Ha! 'tis midnight! He's sav'd for e'er!

Bertram.
(with a terrific cry.)
Ha! farewell for e'er!

Robert.
Save me from despair!

(the earth opens beneath Bertram's feet, and he sinks enveloped in flames. Robert falls on the ground overcome with terror, while Alice has sunk on her knee in gratitude.
Dark clouds, accompanied by lightnings and thunder, for a while envelope all around; but, soon dispersing, the scene changes, and displays the whole interior of the cathedral brilliantly illuminated, with the entire Court, Knights, Ladies, &c., kneeling. The High Priest advances towards Robert— who has been partly raised from the ground by Alice still clinging to him—and taking his hand, joins it at the altar, with that of the Princess Isabel. The soft and increasing pea of the organ swells through the edifice, and the voices of all within the cathedral join in the—
FINALE CHORUS.
Glory be to the Highest!
Joy and Peace to the Blest!

CURTAIN.