 | The Bohemian Girl |  |
12
ACT II.
Scene I.
—Street in Presburg, by moonlight—Tent of the queen of the Gipsies, large curtains at the back—it is lighted by a lamp. On the opposite side of the stage are houses—one of which, an hotel, is lighted up.[Arline is discovered asleep on a tiger's skin—Thaddeus is watching over her. As the curtain rises a Patrol of the City Guard marches by, and as soon as they are gone off Devilshoof and a party of Gipsies, wrapped up in cloaks, suddenly appear.
CHORUS.
Silence, silence!—the lady moon
Is the only witness now awake,
And weary of watching, perchance she soon
To sleep will herself betake.
Silence, silence! from her throne in air
She may look on and listen, for aught we care;
But if she attend unto our behest,
She will quietly go unto her rest.
SOLO.—Devilshoof.
There's a deed to do whose gains
Will reward the risk and the pains—
[The Gipsies all draw their daggers and appear delighted.
Fie, fie! to a gentleman when you appeal,
You may draw his purse without drawing your steel;
With bows, and politeness, and great respect,
You may take more than he can at first detect.
[Pointing to the lighted windows of the hotel.
See, where in goblets deep
What sense they have they steep.
Watch here! till each to his home
Shall reel on his doubtful way.
Watch here! and the goblet's foam
Will make him an easy prey.
Silence, silence! this way, this way!
[As the Gipsies retire up the stage, Florestein staggers out of the hotel—he is elegantly dressed, with chain, rings, &c., and a rich medallion round his neck.
Flo.
Wine, wine! If I am heir
To the Count—my uncle's—line,—
[Hiccup.
Where's the fellow—will dare
To refuse his nephew—wine?
[Hiccup.
That moon there, staring me in the way,
Can't be as modest as people say,
For meet whom she will, and in whatever spot,
She often looks on at what she ought not.
Wine! wine! wine!
[The Gipsies have by this time advanced, and Devilshoof goes politely up to Florestein.
Dev.
My ear caught not the clock's last chime,
And I beg to ask the time?
[Florestein reels, recovers a little, and after eyeing Devilshoof—
Flo.
(aside.)
If the bottle has prevailed,
Yet whenever I'm assailed,
Though there may be nothing in it,
I am sobered in a minute—
(To Dev.)
You are really so polite,
That (pulling out his watch)
'tis late into the night.
Dev.
(taking the watch and putting it into his fob.)
You are very kind—can it really be!
Are you sure it is so late?
Flo.
(assuming courage.)
May I beg to ask—?
Dev.
I am grieved to see
Any one in such a state,
And will gladly take the utmost care
Of the rings and chains you chance to wear.
[Taking from Florestein his rings, chain, and the rich medallion. Florestein draws his sword.
Flo.
What I thought was politeness is downright theft,
And at this rate I soon shall have nothing left.
[At a sign from Devilshoof the Gipsies instantly surround Florestein, and take every valuable from him.
Cho.
Advance with caution, let every man
Seize on, and keep whatever he can.
[During the Chorus Devilshoof makes off with the medallion, and the others are dividing the rest of the spoil, when a female appears in the midst of them, drops her cloak, and discovers their Queen. The Gipsies appear stupefied.
Queen.
To him from whom you stole,
Surrender back the WHOLE.
[The Gipsies return the different things to Florestein.
Flo.
(trembling and looking over the things.)
Thanks, madam,—lady—but might I request
A medallion in diamonds—worth all the rest.
[At a sign from the Queen, who seems to command its restitution,
CHORUS OF GIPSIES.
On our chieftain's share we ne'er encroach,
And he fled with that prize at your approach.
Que.
(to Florestein.)
Be your safety my care—
Flo.
(trembling.)
I'm in precious hands.
Que.
(to Gipsies.)
Follow and list to your Queen's commands.
Cho.
Yes, we will list to our Queen's commands.
[Exit Queen, holding Florestein, all of a tremble, with
one hand, and beckoning the Gipsies to follow, with the
other. As soon as they have gone off, Arline, who has
been awakened by the noise, comes from the tent, followed
by Thaddeus.
Silence, silence!—the lady moon
Is the only witness now awake,
And weary of watching, perchance she soon
To sleep will herself betake.
Silence, silence! from her throne in air
She may look on and listen, for aught we care;
But if she attend unto our behest,
She will quietly go unto her rest.
SOLO.—Devilshoof.
There's a deed to do whose gains
Will reward the risk and the pains—
[The Gipsies all draw their daggers and appear delighted.
Fie, fie! to a gentleman when you appeal,
You may draw his purse without drawing your steel;
With bows, and politeness, and great respect,
You may take more than he can at first detect.
[Pointing to the lighted windows of the hotel.
See, where in goblets deep
What sense they have they steep.
Watch here! till each to his home
Shall reel on his doubtful way.
Watch here! and the goblet's foam
Will make him an easy prey.
Silence, silence! this way, this way!
[As the Gipsies retire up the stage, Florestein staggers out of the hotel—he is elegantly dressed, with chain, rings, &c., and a rich medallion round his neck.
Flo.
Wine, wine! If I am heir
To the Count—my uncle's—line,—
[Hiccup.
Where's the fellow—will dare
To refuse his nephew—wine?
[Hiccup.
13
Can't be as modest as people say,
For meet whom she will, and in whatever spot,
She often looks on at what she ought not.
Wine! wine! wine!
[The Gipsies have by this time advanced, and Devilshoof goes politely up to Florestein.
Dev.
My ear caught not the clock's last chime,
And I beg to ask the time?
[Florestein reels, recovers a little, and after eyeing Devilshoof—
Flo.
(aside.)
If the bottle has prevailed,
Yet whenever I'm assailed,
Though there may be nothing in it,
I am sobered in a minute—
(To Dev.)
You are really so polite,
That (pulling out his watch)
'tis late into the night.
Dev.
(taking the watch and putting it into his fob.)
You are very kind—can it really be!
Are you sure it is so late?
Flo.
(assuming courage.)
May I beg to ask—?
Dev.
I am grieved to see
Any one in such a state,
And will gladly take the utmost care
Of the rings and chains you chance to wear.
[Taking from Florestein his rings, chain, and the rich medallion. Florestein draws his sword.
Flo.
What I thought was politeness is downright theft,
And at this rate I soon shall have nothing left.
[At a sign from Devilshoof the Gipsies instantly surround Florestein, and take every valuable from him.
Cho.
Advance with caution, let every man
Seize on, and keep whatever he can.
[During the Chorus Devilshoof makes off with the medallion, and the others are dividing the rest of the spoil, when a female appears in the midst of them, drops her cloak, and discovers their Queen. The Gipsies appear stupefied.
Queen.
To him from whom you stole,
Surrender back the WHOLE.
[The Gipsies return the different things to Florestein.
Flo.
(trembling and looking over the things.)
Thanks, madam,—lady—but might I request
A medallion in diamonds—worth all the rest.
[At a sign from the Queen, who seems to command its restitution,
CHORUS OF GIPSIES.
On our chieftain's share we ne'er encroach,
And he fled with that prize at your approach.
14
(to Florestein.)
Be your safety my care—
Flo.
(trembling.)
I'm in precious hands.
Que.
(to Gipsies.)
Follow and list to your Queen's commands.
Cho.
Yes, we will list to our Queen's commands.
Arl.
Where have I been wandering in my sleep? and what
curious noise awoke me from its pleasant dream? Ah, Thaddeus,
would you not like to know my dream? Well, I will tell it you.
I dream'd that I dwelt in marble halls,
With vassals and serfs at my side,
And of all who assembled within those walls
That I was the hope and pride.
I had riches too great to count—could boast
Of a high ancestral name;
And I also dream'd, which charm'd me most,
[Taking both his hands in hers.
That you lov'd me still the same.
With vassals and serfs at my side,
And of all who assembled within those walls
That I was the hope and pride.
I had riches too great to count—could boast
Of a high ancestral name;
And I also dream'd, which charm'd me most,
[Taking both his hands in hers.
That you lov'd me still the same.
I dream'd that suitors besought my hand,
That knights upon bended knee,
And with vows no maiden heart could withstand,
That they pledged their faith to me.
And I dream'd that one of this noble host
Came forth my hand to claim;
Yet I also dream'd, which charm'd me most,
That you lov'd me still the same.
That knights upon bended knee,
And with vows no maiden heart could withstand,
That they pledged their faith to me.
And I dream'd that one of this noble host
Came forth my hand to claim;
Yet I also dream'd, which charm'd me most,
That you lov'd me still the same.
[At the end of the ballad Thaddeus presses Arline to his heart.
Arl.
And do you love me still?
Tha.
More than life itself.
Arl.
Yet is there a mystery between our affections and their
happiness that I would fain unravel
(pointing to her arm).
The
mark on this arm, which I have seen you so often contemplate,
is the key to that mystery. By the love you say you bear me,
solve it.
DUET.
Tha.
(taking her hand and pointing to the mark.)
That wound upon thine arm,
Whose mark through life will be,
In saving thee from greater harm
Was there transfixed by me.
Arl.
By thee?
Tha.
Ere on thy gentle head
Thy sixth sun had its radiance shed,
A wild deer, who had lain at bay,
Pursued by hunters cross'd thy way;
But slaying him I rescued thee,
And in his death-throes' agony
That tender frame, by his antler gor'd,
This humble arm to thy home restor'd.
15
Strange feelings move this breast
It never knew before,
And bid me here implore
That you reveal the rest.
Tha., Arl.
[Ensemble]
The secret of her birth/The secret of my birth
To me is only known,/To him is fully known,
The secret of a life whose worth/The secret of a life whose worth
I prize beyond my own./I prized beyond my own.
Arl.
Speak, tell me—ease my tortured heart,
And that secret, evil or good, impart.
Tha.
I will tell thee, although the words may sever
One who so loves thee, from thy love for ever.
Arl., Tha.
[Ensemble]
Where is the spell hath yet effaced/And yet few spells have e'er effaced
The first fond lines that love hath traced,/The first fond lines that love hath traced,
And after years have but imprest/And after years have but imprest
More deep in love's confiding breast?/More deep in love's confiding breast.
[At the end of the duet Thaddeus throws himself, in an ecstasy, at the feet of Arline, and is bathing her hand with kisses, when the back curtains of the tent are withdrawn, and the Queen appears, pale and trembling with passion. She advances towards Arline, and pointing to Thaddeus—
Que.
And dare you aspire to the love of him who possesses the
heart of your Queen?
Arl.
I possess his heart, and will yield the possession to no one.
He is the saviour of my life, and the only friend I have in all the
tribe: he has sworn how much he loves me.
Que.
Loves you!
Arl.
Yes; let him speak for himself, and choose between us.
Que.
Be it so.
[Thaddeus, who has been anxiously watching the two, here runs and embraces Arline. She surveys the Queen with an air of triumph.
Arl.
(to the Queen.)
I made no idle boast.
(Then to Thaddeus.)
Summon our comrades hither.
[The Queen is standing in the centre, while Thaddeus calls the Gipsies together, who enter on all sides and surround the Queen, and appear to ask what is going on.
CONCERTED PIECE.
Arl.
Listen, while I relate
The hopes of the Gipsy's fate.
I am loved by one, by one I love
All other hearts above,
And the sole delight to me
[Taking the hand of Thaddeus.
Is with him united to be.
16
Happy and light of heart be those
Who in each bosom one faith repose!
Dev.
(aside—maliciously pointing to the Queen.)
A rival's hate you may better tell
By her rage than by her tears,
And it, perchance, may be as well
To set them both by the ears.
(To Queen)
As Queen of the tribe, 'tis yours by right,
The hands of those you rule to unite.
Cho.
(to the Queen, who draws back and hesitates.)
In love and truth, by thee
Their hands united be.
Arl.
(partly inclining in supplication.)
A rival no more, but a subject see,
Asking thy blessing on bended knee.
Tha.
(raising her.)
Debase not thyself, but rather lose
The boon, and a fate less wayward choose.
Cho.
(urging the Queen.)
In love and truth, by thee
Their hands united be.
Que.
(haughtily advancing and taking the hands of Arline and Thaddeus.)
Hand to hand, and heart to heart,
Who shall those I have mated part?
By the spell of my sway,
Part them who may?
[Joining their hands.
Cho.
Happy and light of heart be those
Who in each bosom one faith repose.
[During this scene the stage has been growing somewhat lighter.
A Gipsy enters.
Gip.
Morning is beginning to dawn, and crowds of people are
already flocking towards the fair; the sports begin with daylight.
Que.
Summon the rest of the tribe, and meet me forthwith in
the public square.
(To Devilshoof.)
Do you remain to bear my
further orders.
[Exeunt Thaddeus and Arline, hand in hand, followed by the other Gipsies, repeating Chorus.
DUET.
Que.
This is thy deed—seek not to assuage
My jealous fears and a rival's rage.
Dev.
I neither fear nor seek to calm—
Que.
(aside to Devilshoof.)
Revenge is the wounded bosom's balm.
That jewel with which thou hast dared to deck
Thy foredoomed neck,
Answer me—where didst thou get it—where?
Dev.
'Twas entrusted to my care.
Que.
This very night, on this very spot,
Thy soul for once its fears forgot,
And a drunken galliard, who cross'd thy way,
Became thy prey—
17
Fiend born, 'twere vain to fly
The glances of her searching eye.
Que., Dev.
(aside) [Ensemble]
Down on thy knee, and that gem restore,/It best might be the prize to restore,
E'en in thy shame amaz'd,/Much as I seem amaz'd;
Or long years of sin shall deplore/Or hereafter I may deplore
The storm which thou hast rais'd./The storm which I have rais'd.
[Kneeling and presenting the medallion to the Queen.
Queen, I obey.
Que.
'Tis the wisest thing
Thy coward soul could do.
[Takes medallion.
Dev.
(aside)
Who from my grasp such prize could ring,
The doing it may rue.
Que.
Depart and join the rest.
Dev.
I do thy high behest.
Dev., Que.
(Aside) [Ensemble]
The wrongs we forgive not and cannot forget,/The wrongs we forgive not and cannot forget,
Will the edge of our vengeance more sharply whet./Will the edge of our vengeance more sharply whet.
[Exeunt the Queen and Devilshoof at separate sides
Scene 2.
—Another Street in Presburg. Daylight.Enter Arline, in a fanciful dress, followed by a troop of Gipsies, she has a tambourine in her hand.
CHORUS.
In the gipsies' life you may read
The life that all would like to lead.
SONG.—Arline.
Come with the gipsy bride!
And repair
To the fair,
Where the mazy dance
Will the hours entrance,
Where souls as light preside!
Life can give nothing beyond
One heart you know to be fond;
Wealth with its hoards cannot buy
The peace content can supply.
Rank in its halls may not find
The calm of a happy mind;
So repair
To the fair,
And they all may be met with there.
Love is the first thing to clasp,
But if he escape your grasp,
Friendship will then be at hand,
In the young rogue's place to stand;
Hope, too, will be nothing loth
To point out the way to both.
So repair
To the fair,
And they all may be met with there.
18
In the gipsies' life you may read
The life that all would like to lead.
[Exit Arline, followed by the tribe of Gipsies.
Scene 3.
—A Grand Fair in the Public Plaatz of Presburg. On one side a large hotel, over which is inscribed “The Hall of Justice.” Various groups of Gentry, Soldiers, Citizens, and Peasantry cover the stage. Foreign shops are seen in various parts, curious Rope Dancers, Showmen, Waxwork, a Quack Doctor, Exhibitions, &c., &c., are dispersed here and there. Flags hung out at the windows, and ringing of bells enliven the scene.
CHORUS.
Life itself is at the best
One scene in mask of folly drest;
And there is no part of its wild career,
But you will meet with here!
To these symbols of life your voices swell,
Vive la masque, et vive la bagatelle.
[At the end of the Chorus, and during the Symphony, a movement is perceived at the farther end of the place, which is followed by the entrance of a double party of men Gipsies, headed by Devilshoof and Thaddeus, who force a passage down the centre of the stage, which they occupy; they then open their ranks, when another file of female Gipsies, headed by their Queen and Arline, passes down them; Florestein and a party are seen watching them with great curiosity.
QUARTET.—Arline, Queen, Thaddeus, and Devilshoof.
From the valleys and hills,
Where the sweetest buds grow,
And are watered by rills
Which are purest that flow—
Come we! come we!
CHORUS.
Light of heart, fleet of foot, reckless of slight or gibe,
Who can compare with the free happy gipsy tribe.
[During this, some of the Gipsies have been enacting characteristic Dances, when Arline, carrying a flower-basket in her hand, glides round to the assembled company and sits down.
SOLO.—Arline.
Sir Knight, and lady, listen!
That bright eye seems to glisten.
(To a lady.)
As if his trusted tale
Did o'er thy sense prevail!
(To another—pointing to her heart.)
Pretty maiden, take care, take care,
What havoc love maketh there!
(To a third—pointing to a ring on her finger.)
And this token, from love you borrow,
Is the prelude of many a sorrow:
There are those who have lived, who knew
The gipsy's words to be true.
Cho.
(as the same dance of the other Gipsies continues.)
Light of heart, fleet of foot, reckless of slight or gibe,
Who can compare with the free happy gipsy tribe!
[At the end of the dance and chorus, Count Arnheim and
some Officers of State enter; his hair has become grey, his
step is slow, and his appearance is that of sorrow. He is
accosted by Florestein.
Life itself is at the best
One scene in mask of folly drest;
And there is no part of its wild career,
But you will meet with here!
To these symbols of life your voices swell,
Vive la masque, et vive la bagatelle.
[At the end of the Chorus, and during the Symphony, a movement is perceived at the farther end of the place, which is followed by the entrance of a double party of men Gipsies, headed by Devilshoof and Thaddeus, who force a passage down the centre of the stage, which they occupy; they then open their ranks, when another file of female Gipsies, headed by their Queen and Arline, passes down them; Florestein and a party are seen watching them with great curiosity.
QUARTET.—Arline, Queen, Thaddeus, and Devilshoof.
From the valleys and hills,
Where the sweetest buds grow,
And are watered by rills
Which are purest that flow—
Come we! come we!
CHORUS.
Light of heart, fleet of foot, reckless of slight or gibe,
Who can compare with the free happy gipsy tribe.
[During this, some of the Gipsies have been enacting characteristic Dances, when Arline, carrying a flower-basket in her hand, glides round to the assembled company and sits down.
SOLO.—Arline.
Sir Knight, and lady, listen!
That bright eye seems to glisten.
(To a lady.)
As if his trusted tale
Did o'er thy sense prevail!
(To another—pointing to her heart.)
Pretty maiden, take care, take care,
What havoc love maketh there!
19
And this token, from love you borrow,
Is the prelude of many a sorrow:
There are those who have lived, who knew
The gipsy's words to be true.
Cho.
(as the same dance of the other Gipsies continues.)
Light of heart, fleet of foot, reckless of slight or gibe,
Who can compare with the free happy gipsy tribe!
Flo.
My dear uncle, it delights me to see you amongst us, and
here is a little gipsy girl that would delight you still more,
(aside)
if you had my blood in your veins; she's positively a charming
creature.
Cou.
I have lost the taste of joy, and the sight of youth and
beauty recalls to my memory that treasure of both, my loved and
lost Arline.
[He gazes attentively at Arline, sighs heavily, then exit with his retinue into the Hall of Justice.
Flo.
(to a party of his friends.)
It's no use restraining me—I'm
positively smitten.
(Breaks from them and goes up to Arline.)
Fair creature, your manner has enchanted me, and I would fain
take a lesson from you.
Arl.
In politeness, sir? By all means: to begin then, whenever
you address a lady, always take your hat off.
Flo.
Very smart
(with a titter)
—'pon my word, very smart.
Your naïveté only increases the feelings of admiration and
devotion which a too susceptible heart—
Arl.
(bursting out laughing.)
Ha! ha! ha!
Flo.
Your indifference will drive me to despair.
Arl.
Will it really?
Flo.
Do not mock me, but pity my too susceptible nature, and
let me print one kiss upon—
[Here Arline gives him a violent slap on the face; the Queen, who has gone up the stage with Thaddeus, now brings him on one side and points out the situation of Arline and Florestein; he is about to rush upon Florestein just as Arline has slapped his face; on receiving it, he turns round and finds himself between the two, and both are laughing in his face.
Que.
(eyeing Florestein.)
It is the very person from whom
they stole the trinkets I made them give him back again.
This too is his, and now my project thrives.
You have acted well your part, and thus your Queen rewards you.
(Places the medallion round her neck.)
Forget not the hand who
gave it.
20
(kneeling and kissing the Queen's hand.)
Let this bespeak
my gratitude.
Que.
And now let our tribe depart.
[Chorus and dance repeated, and the Gipsies are all about to march off. Thaddeus and Arline bring up the rear of their body; and as they are going off, Florestein, who with his friends has been watching their departure, perceives his medallion on the neck of Arline—he breaks through the crowd and stops her—she and Thaddeus come forward.
Flo.
Though you treated me so lightly some moments past,
you will not do so now. That medallion is mine; my friends here
recognize it.
All.
We do, we do.
[Here Devilshoof is seen to steal off.
Flo.
And I accuse you of having stolen it.
Arl.
Stolen! It was this instant given me by our Queen, and
she is here to verify my words.
[Arline runs about looking everywhere for the Queen
Flo.
That's an every-day sort of subterfuge.
(To the crowd.)
Worthy people and friends, that medallion on her neck belongs to
me, and I accuse her or her accomplices of having robbed
me.
CONCERTED PIECE.
Chorus of Populace
surrounding Arline.
Shame! Shame! let us know the right,
And shame on the guilty one alight!
Tha.
(rushing before Arline to shield her.)
He who a hand on her would lay,
Through my heart must force his way.
Cho.
Tear them asunder, but still protect
Until they can prove, what they but suspect.
Arl.
To all who their belief have leant,
Heaven can attest I am innocent.
[Florestein, who has during this movement entered the Hall of Justice, is now seen returning, followed by a strong Guard, who file off each side of the steps.
Flo.
(to Captain of Guard pointing to Arline.)
There stands the culprit, on you I call;
Conduct her away to the Hall—to the Hall.
[Arline looks at him with great contempt; the Gipsies perceiving her danger range themselves around her. Thaddeus breaks from those who are holding him and rushes up to her. Florestein has got behind the Captain of the Guard, who gives orders for his men to seize Arline, upon which the Gipsies draw their daggers, a conflict ensues in which the Guard maintains possession of Arline; a body of the populace re-seize Thaddeus, and the Gipsies are routed.
21
Cap. of G.
They who would brave the law,
Against themselves but draw
The aid of which they stood in need,
And aggravate their guilty deed.
Flo.
Now, it is with the law,
I beg leave to withdraw.
A glass of wine I greatly need,
For it has hurt my nerves indeed.
Tha.
Free me, or else the law
Upon your heads you draw.
It's aid you may live to need,
Who smile upon this daring deed.
Gua.
If ye dare brave the law,
Upon your heads ye draw
The aid of which ye stand in need,
And aggravate their guilty deed.
Gip.
Why should we fear the law,
Or all the arms ye draw,
While of our aid she stands in need
And guiltless is of such a deed?
[Ensemble ends]
[Arline is conducted by a file of the Guard, led by the Captain, and preceded by Florestein and his party into the Hall of Justice; the people follow in a mass, while Thaddeus is detained by those who first seized him, and as Arline is going up the steps, the figure of the Queen is seen in an attitude of triumph over her rival's fall
Scene 4.
—Interior of Count Arnheim's Apartment in the Hall of Justice—a view of the last scene visible through one of the windows at the back. A full length portrait of Arline, as she was in the first act, hangs on the wall; state chairs, &c. An elevation or daïs on the O.P. side.Count Arnheim
enters thoughtful and dejected, he contemplates Arline's portrait, and wipes the tear from his eye.
RECITATIVE.
Whate'er the scenes the present hour calls forth before the sight,
They lose their splendour when compared with scenes of past delight.
SONG.
[At the end of the song, a confused noise is heard outside,
when the Captain of the Guard enters.
The heart bow'd down by weight of woe
To weakest hope will cling,
To thought and impulse while they flow,
That can no comfort bring.
With those exciting scenes will blend
O'er pleasure's pathway thrown,
But mem'ry is the only friend
That grief can call its own.
To weakest hope will cling,
To thought and impulse while they flow,
That can no comfort bring.
With those exciting scenes will blend
O'er pleasure's pathway thrown,
But mem'ry is the only friend
That grief can call its own.
The mind will in its worst despair
Still ponder o'er the past,
On moments of delight that were
Too beautiful to last.
To long-departed years extend
Its visions with them flown;
For mem'ry is the only friend
That grief can call its own.
Still ponder o'er the past,
On moments of delight that were
Too beautiful to last.
22
Its visions with them flown;
For mem'ry is the only friend
That grief can call its own.
Cap.
A robbery has been committed, and the accused is now
in the Hall awaiting the pleasure of your lordship, as chief
magistrate of the city, for examination.
Cou.
Bring the parties before me.
Anything to arouse me from these distracting thoughts, though
the sole happiness I now enjoy is in the recollection of my long-lost
child.
[Seats himself, when the doors are violently opened and a mob of Citizens, Guards, and Gentry enter. Florestein, who is in the midst of them, instantly rushes up to the Count.
Flo.
It is your lordship's nephew—I, who have been robbed!
Cou.
Some folly of yours is for ever compromising my name
and that of your family.
Flo.
But I am in this instance the victim—I have been robbed,
and there stands the culprit.
[Pointing to Arline standing in the centre, pale and with dishevelled hair, but still haughty in her demeanour.
Cou.
(aside.)
'Tis she I saw but now in the public square.
That girl—so young, so beautiful—commit a robbery, impossible!
Flo.
She stole this medallion belonging to me—we found it
upon her.
Cou.
(addressing Arline.)
Can this be true?
Arl.
(looking contemptuously at Florestein, and turning with dignity to the Count.)
Heaven knows I am innocent, and if your
lordship knew my heart, you would not deem me guilty.
Cou.
Her words sink deep into my breast. Childless myself,
I fain would spare the child of another.
(To Florestein.)
What
proofs have you of this?
Flo.
(pointing to his friends.)
My witnesses are here, who all
can swear they saw it on her neck.
All.
We can.
Cou.
Still does my mind misgive me.
(To Arline, in a kind
tone.)
My wish is to establish your innocence—explain this matter
to me, and without fear.
Arl.
That medallion was given to me by the Queen of the
tribe to which I belong—how it became in her possession I know
not.—But a light breaks in upon me—I see it all—I chanced to
incur her displeasure, and to revenge herself upon me she has
laid for me this shameful snare, into which I have innocently
fallen, and of which I have become the victim.
[Hiding her face in her hands and weeping.
Cou.
(with a struggle.)
I believe your tale, and from my heart I
pity the inexperience which has led to the ruin of one who
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of duty I must compromise the feelings of nature, and I
am forced to deliver you into the hands of justice.
Arl.
(to the Count.)
To you, my earthly—to Him, my heavenly
Judge, I reassert my innocence. I may be accused, but will
not be degraded; and from the infamy with which I am unjustly
threatened, thus I free myself.
[She draws a dagger from beneath her scarf, and is about to stab herself, when Count Arnheim rushes forward seizes her arm, and wrests the dagger from her.
FINALE.
Cou.
Hold! hold!
We cannot give the life we take,
Nor re-unite the heart we break!
Sad thing—
[Taking the hand of Arline, and suddenly seeing the wound on her arm.
What visions round me rise,
And cloud, with mists of the past, mine eyes!
That mark! those features! and thy youth!
[Dragging Arline forward, and in great agitation.
My very life hangs on thy truth—
How came that mark?
Arl.
(recollecting Thaddeus' words.)
Ere on my head
My sixth sun had its radiance shed,
A wild deer, who had lain at bay,
Pursued by hunters cross'd my way;
My tender frame, by his antler gor'd,
An humble youth to my home restor'd.
The tale he but this day confess'd,
And is near at hand to relate the rest.
[Here a tumult is heard, and Thaddeus, having escaped from those who confined him, breaks into the room, and rushes into the arms of Arline. The Count, on seeing him, reels back. A general excitement prevails.
Cou.
With the force of fear and hope
My feelings have to cope!
Arl.
(Approaching the Count, and pointing to Thaddeus, who starts on beholding him.)
'Tis he the danger brav'd;
'Tis he my life who saved.
SOLO.
Cou.
(seizing Arline in his arms and in a transport of joy.)
Mine own, my long-lost child!
Oh, seek not to control
This frantic joy, this wild
Delirium of my soul!
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And pillowed on his breast,
Bid all the rude alarms
That assail'd thy feelings, rest.
[Count clasps Arline to his heart; kisses her head, hands, and hair, shedding tears of joy.
Arl.
(bewildered, starts from the Count, and runs to Thaddeus.)
Speak—speak! this shaken frame,
This doubt, this torture, see—
My hopes—my very life—my fame
Depend on thee.
Tha.
(pointing to Count Arnheim, with deep emotion, aside.)
Dear as thou long hast been,
Dear as thou long wilt be,
Mourned as this passing scene
Will be through life by me,
Though his heart, and none other like mine can adore thee,
Yet (aloud)
thou art not deceived—'TIS thy father before thee!
[Arline staggers, and then rushes into the Count's arms.
[Ensemble]
Cho.
Prais'd be the will of heav'n
Whose light on them smil'd,
And whose bounty hath given
The father his child!
Cou.
Prais'd be the will of heav'n,
Whose light o'er me smiled,
And whose bounty hath given
A father his child!
Arl.
Prais'd be the will of heav'n
Whose light o'er me smiled,
And whose bounty hath given
A father his child!
Tha.
Though from this bosom riven,
That heart is beguil'd,
The bereavement hath giv'n
The father his child!
Thaddeus hides his face in his hands, much moved.
Dev.
(suddenly emerging from the crowd, and dragging Thaddeus away.)
Better to go ere driv'n
Than e'er be revil'd,
For the bounty hath giv'n
The father his child!
Cho.
Prais'd be the will of heav'n
Whose light on them smiled,
And whose bounty hath giv'n
The father his child!
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