University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

The same as the first, only figures are discernible coming over the mountains with banners, &c. &c. their march accompanied by distant martial music.

Paladore enters agitated (with his sword drawn) from the Cottage, the Princess following, supported by Maria Theresa—Gabriello timidly attending Paladore, who points out the track he is to pursue—Alinda appears at the door with the child, who runs once more to his mother—their caresses are interrupted by bolder strains of martial music—Maria Theresa appears more anxious for their departure—Princess solicits heaven's protection for her child—Paladore raises her, and both fervently kissing him bid adieu, and hurry up the ascent.— Alinda, Gabriello, and child appear much affected, re-enter the Cottage to prepare for their journey.—A grand march and procession commences over the bridge, led by grand banner bearer, with the arms of Bireno, followed by others, on which are inscribed

Present bearers, and male attendants richly habited succeed—after which two splendid semi-regal banners, followed by Bireno, with Lucio and Ascanio on each side of him, and borne over his head by the last banner bearer, one with the following inscription:

Bireno orders them to halt, gazes on the miniature of Louisa, pendant from his neck, and pointing to the crown, intimates it is not affection, but ambition induces him to espouse her—looking towards the City seems to intimate they are not in the right path —seeing the Cottage orders Lucio to knock at it and enquire their way; he does so—Gabriello opens the door, peeps out alarmed, and hastily shuts it again—Bireno, enraged, orders him to repeat the summons, which he does assisted by Ascanio—Alinda opens it, screams, and Gabriello and child rush out—at the sight of the child Bireno starts, then assumes a placid look, and telling them not to be alarmed, draws the child towards him—their anxiety encreases—he looks stedfastly at the child, and, aside, compares its features to those of Louisa's portrait, seems uncommonly struck with the similitude, and beckoning Lucio and Ascanio to him,

interrogates them relative to the likeness—their ideas correspond with his: during this Gabriello and Alinda, in vain, strive to conceal their embarrassment —Bireno, approaching with the child, stedfastly eyes and sternly addresses them, the first exclamation being made aside.

RECITATIVE ACCOMPANIED.
Bir.
Striking similitude! (ASIDE)
is this babe thine?

Gab.
(Trembling.)
No—yes, sir—it's my wife's—that is—'tis mine!

Alin.
Yes, sir, indeed—it's parents—that is—him and I,
Have not been gone a—but you'll make him cry;
He is ill poor dear! and— (snatching him up in her arms, singing)
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby!
I'll sooth him with a lullaby—lullaby!

Exit into Cottage.
Lucio and Ascanio, half draw their swords, preparing to follow her—Gabriello throws himself on his knees beseeching them not—Bireno, for a short time buried in reflection, rouses from his reverie, and, approaching Gabriello, points to the City, enquiring the path; Gabriello, bowing, officiously directs him, 'till commanded to retire, he gladly re-enters his Cottage—Bireno, then beckoning Ascanio and Lucio, commands them to lurk a nigh, and if possible, seize, and bring him the infant—they bend in acquiescence, and, ordering the band to strike up, the procession re-commences, and marches off towards the City—when off Lucio and Ascanio come forward, but, perceiving Gabriello peeping from the Cottage, retire, he cautiously opens the door, having a small knapsack at his back, the casket slung by a sash across his shoulder, and a brace of pistols in his belt;—conceiving all safe, he beckons out his wife and the child, then locking the door, prepares to commence his journey; as they approach the track pointed out by Paladore, Ascanio and Lucio meet them, and, offering gold, attempt to obtain the child; he dashes their proffered purses to the earth; they draw and attack him—he parries their thrusts, Alinda endeavouring to protect the child till nearly overcome (unperceived by them, the casket being cut off) Alinda snatches a pistol from his girdle, and guarding the infant, thus grouped make their exeunt.—Lucio and Ascanio appear much chagrined at their defeat; but, suddenly perceive the casket, both start, and, elated with this proof of their attempt to obey their lord's commands, exultingly depart.