 | Love |  |
SCENE II.
—A Room in the Castle.Enter Ulrick.
Ulrick.
At length the day almost arrived that brings
The tournament, whose issue brings to her
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Is it for loss of Huon she has pined,
And kept herself forbiddingly alone?
If so, why give his hand to Catherine?
This is a mystery, the which the more
I try to sound, deeper and deeper grows;
While surmise after surmise rises, as
Report succeeds report of high exploits
Achieved by this unknown adventurer,
Who now stands next the Empress, chief in place,
That even he and Huon are the same!
Should it be so, and he should come as well,
What then the issue of her meeting with him?
This I revolve, and with a troubled heart,
That sees no end to its perplexity.
[Looks off.
How changed she is! Her fiery eye is quench'd!
Her head its haughty carriage hath abated,
Her cheek is beggar'd of its prideful flush.
Enter Countess [a parchment in her hand].
Countess.
I have perused the testament, my lord,
Carefully, word for word, and see no mention,
Either directly or by implication,
Touching the quality of him may win me.
Ulrick.
No, none is made.—A slight omission only.
Countess.
Yet space enough to let my will creep through.
You say, my lord, you have made proclamation
Of this fair passage, far and wide?
Ulrick.
I have.
Countess.
And now expect the Empress?
Ulrick.
Yes.
Countess.
And with her?
Ulrick.
The noblest of her court; a glorious crowd;
Among the rest her favourite; that youth
With whose exploits the wondering realm resounds,
Who, in so brief a space, without a name,
Has made himself the noblest which the tongue
Of high renown proclaims.
Countess.
That youth! what youth?
Ulrick.
A young adventurer, of whom it seems
Fair fortune is enamour'd—gives him all
He asks!
Countess.
I never heard of him, before.
Ulrick.
So please you, madam, you forget till now,
Since that your father died and Huon fled,
Save your new secretary, you have deign'd
With none vouchsafe communing.
Countess.
You are right.
I have forgot the world, time, everything!
What is this favourite called?
Ulrick.
His titles change
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Successor—scarce I know now his present style.
Countess.
His name I mean?
Ulrick.
His name I know not, madam.
Countess.
What moves my heart, so leaden-dull before?
Why did it leap at mention of the stranger?
[Aside.
Has he been seen by any whom we know,
Any of our vassals, chiefs, or friends?
Ulrick.
I have met
With none, that yet have seen him.
Countess
[abstractedly].
Happy woman!
Ulrick.
Madam?
Countess:
The Empress is a happy woman.
She can reward desert, ennoble it.
Ulrick.
So in this instance hath her highness done
With such profusion of munificence,
There are not wanting those who think she sees
Less with an empress', than a woman's eyes;
And means her bounties but as costly heralds,
Poor to the costlier comer they forerun.
Countess.
What! means she to espouse him?
Ulrick.
'Tis surmised.
Matter to wonder at, yet justified.
For they report him of a presence noble,
As e'er bespoke a man to challenge honour.
Countess.
I never dreamt of an abyss so hideous—
And to be standing on the very brink on't!
Ulrick.
[Alarmed at her vehemence.]
Madam!
Countess.
Ay! what's the matter? [Aside.]
I am frighten'd
At myself! [Aloud.]
My lord, my spirits are so dreamy,
Things which are not, I see—which are, see not!
Pray do not heed me. For this tournament,
Thus near, without obstruction on my part,
Hath it approach'd; but, pray you, keep in mind
On what condition; that—at any time—
The husband it awards, revolting to me,
I am at liberty to make a choice
Between the conqueror and the cloister. So!
I'll read the will again.
[Sits down and reads.
Stephen.
[Entering hastily.]
News! news! my lord.
Ulrick.
What is it?
Stephen.
Huon!
Countess.
Ha!
Well, what of Huon, is he found?
Stephen.
He is.
Countess.
Propitious Heaven, at what a time! Where is he?
Stephen.
In the suite of the Empress.
Countess.
Well?—Go on!
Stephen.
I saw him! More; that sun of chivalry,
Hath blazed so suddenly forth in the brief war,
So late gone by and dazzled friends and foes—
The fav'rite of the Empress—
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Well? Go on!
Stephen.
Huon and he are one.
Countess.
I was sure of it!
Send him away.
[She staggers to a seat, Ulrick supports her.
Ulrick.
Hence, sir.
[Stephen goes out.
Countess.
Don't wonder at me! Don't!
Nor question me, whate'er I say or do!
Listen and do my bidding. I prepare
To give reception to the Empress,—thou
See Huon. Tell him I would speak with him
Soon as occasion serves; or let him make
Occasion, and at once—at once, my lord!
[Aside.]
Where shall we meet? In the garden? No; the garden
Is overlook'd. In the library? No;
We may be subject to intrusion there.
What should prevent his coming to my closet?
What place so fit? Why think of any other?
[Aloud.]
My lord, bring Huon to my closet. Huon!
The favourite of the Empress I should say.
[The Countess and Ulrick go out severally.
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