University of Virginia Library

Scene Tenth.

—A Grove and Meadow—Twilight—An old well with a large stone upon it.
Enter Graciosa, carrying box.
Gra.
Thus far, upon the errand I was sent,
I have marched on without impediment;
But as around me close the shades of night,
Something cries “don't go on, it's not all right.”
Grognon has thought to get me in a line;
She's studied in the worst school of design.
What's in this box that to me she should trust it,
In her black cabinet with speed to thrust it,
Unopened? Ha! some dark intrigue political,
Which makes her cabinet's position critical.
Or, mercy on me! some machine infernal,
Which at that moment may explode and burn all.
But why in guessing should time wasted be,
When of the riddle here I have the key?
Not peep! indeed I will, though, if I choose it;
She gives me right of search, and I will use it.
(places box down and opens it—Music—A number of little Men and Women come out of it, some dressed as ladies and gentlemen, others as cooks and musicians, the Cooks with culinary utensils, the Musicians with their instruments)
Why, as I live, it is a box of playthings!
Oh, what a regiment of little gay things!
Cooks, fiddlers, lords, and ladies—oh, how funny!
I'd not have missed this sight for any money.
(the Musicians begin to play, the Ladies and Gentlemen dance, the Cooks dress supper—chimes in the distance)
But longer here I really mustn't wait,
And little folks should not sit up so late;
You must to bye-bye, in the box again.
(they all run away)
Come, come, don't run away—I talk in vain.
The tiny wretches with my patience tamper,
The little scamps in all directions scamper;
What shall I do? ah, now too late I see
The trap that wicked Grognon laid for me.
Oh, fatal, fatal curiosity!
Thou woman's failing, which, from Jove's Pandora,
To Blue Beard's Fatima, has been our floorer.
Nothing can save me now, unhappy maid!
On Percinet I dare not call for aid;
I've used him much too ill, and must be dumb;
The more I called the more he wouldn't come.

Enter Percinet.
Per.
Air—Rossini's “La Danza.”
My service done, I, like the well-bred cur,
Walk out before I'm—

Gra.
Hold, I pray you, sir;
Spare your reproaches, too, too generous youth;
I'm all confusion, really, that's the truth;
But duty—and reflect, your pangs to soothe,
The course of true love never did run smooth.

Per.
My truth is proved, then?

Gra.
That was what my speech meant.

Per.
And you love me?

Gra.
I own the soft impeachment.

Per.
Blest sounds! then name the happy day.

Gra.
Oh la!
I must, indeed, refer you to papa.

Per.
Should he refuse?

Gra.
Why, then my heart will break.
And I shall die, unmarried, for thy sake.

Per.
Pearl of thy sex! I hasten to propose!

Gra.
How I shall reach the castle, goodness knows,
In time—for yet it isn't e'en in view.

Per.
Don't stir a step; I'll make it come to you.
Music—the Castle appears at wing—Exit Percinet.

Gra.
Obliging edifice! (knocks at gates)


The gates open, and enter Grognon and Attendants.
Grog.
How now, who knocks?

Gra.
(aside)
She here before me! Ma'am, I've brought the box.

Grog.
Escaped again! then nothing can affect her.
(to her)
The key! (aside)
This lock's a patent Chubb's detector.
(tries it)
No proof against her! (aloud)
You have loiter'd, slut.

Gra.
Perhaps you came, ma'am, by a shorter cut.

Grog.
(aside)
I must a shorter cut to vengeance find,
Or she will drive me clean out of my mind.
Ha! the dry well! she shall help lift the cover,
And when she least expects it, in I'll shove her.

Gra.
Give me my liberty now you've your casket.

Grog.
You're taking a great liberty to ask it.

Gra.
I've served my time out fairly, ma'am, and sigh
Now to be made free— (aside)
of your company.

Grog.
Well, 'twas a bargain, therefore be it so!
But do me one small favour e'er you go.

Gra.
A favour, surely; with the greatest pleasure.

Grog.
I dreamt that 'neath yon stone there lies a treasure;
You're young and strong—assist me off to bear it,
And if we find a treasure you shall share it.

Gra.
I need no bribe a civil act to do.

Grog.
Come, help, then.

(they push the stone)
Gra.
There it goes.

(stone rolls off)
Grog.
And there go you!

(pushes Graciosa into well)
Gra.
(as she disappears)
Help, Percinet!

Grog.
Ah! 'tis all over with her!
Down, down the well, and say I sent thee thither—
I, who have neither pity, love, nor fear!

(music—the Fairy Chrystallina appears)
Fairy.
No fear! we'll try that, wretch.

(stamps)
Envy rises up trap.
Grog.
Ah! who comes here?
Something that doesn't seem at all to suit us.
Speak, what art thou?

Fairy.
Thy evil spirit, Brutus!
Envy! that gnaw'd thy heart by night and day,
And to whose torments thou shalt die a prey;
For lo! unhurt, fair Graciosa fell,
And found truth at the bottom of a Well.

Envy seizes Grognon and sinks with her down trap—The scene rises and discovers