University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

An apartment in the Palace, to which a subterraneous pass through a sliding pannel is visible; a portrait of the King and another of Bireno decorate the scene.

The pannel is cautiously opened by Maria Theresa, who, perceiving the coast clear, beckons on Paladore, who leads the Princess through the pannel, and they come forward anxious and agitated —Princess gives her disguise to Maria, who retires; turning towards Paladore to request he would depart, both their eyes are suddenly fixed on Bireno's portrait—they start!—a wildness is visible in Paladore, which the Princess endeavours to sooth, intimating she will once more throw herself at her father's feet, solicit his sanction, and rather die than prove false!—a trumpet is heard, and Maria re-enters, informs them the King approaches, and both entreat Paladore to depart—he complies.—The King enters; she approaches him and kneels; he raises her, and, pointing to Bireno's portrait, informs her of his intention to unite them—she intimates he is her aversion, and requests not to be made a sacrifice —he angrily dashes her from him, informing her compulsion shall enforce that, which duty ought to have

accomplished, and angrily withdraws.—The Princess falls weeping on the neck of Maria—the pannel slides back, and Paladore re-appears—he throws himself at her feet, and in the most ardent manner conjures her to fly—as he is drawing her towards the pannel, the King and Bireno enter—Maria perceiving them screams, and the characters group —a pause—the King and Bireno half draw their swords—Maria approaching (after having seemingly hit on a thought to extricate the lovers) intimates Paladore is her suitor, and was interceding with her mistress to forward their union—King and Bireno appear doubtful, and, going to the wing, beckon on attendants, &c. preceded by an abbot, whom the King commands immediately to unite in marriage Paladore and Maria; adding, the union of Bireno and the Princess shall instantly follow —half distracted, the Princess throws herself into the arms of Paladore, and both kneel to the King; who separates them, passing her round to Berino, at the same time drawing on Paladore, who, in lieu of resentment, bids him strike—in the struggle the miniature of Paladore, which the Princess had concealed, is seen by Bireno, who, gazing with the most savage fury on that and then the original, draws, and, commanding the assistance of his attendants, makes a pass at Paladore, which, by the intervention of the Princess and Maria, is warded off—Paladore draws, but is disarmed and loaden with chains—the Princess once more embraces him—they are separated and hurried off on opposite sides—after a short pause.

RECITATIVE ACCOMPANIED.
Bir.
Sanguino!
(Sanguino enters, requesting to know his commands— Maria appears all agitation, watching their motions, &c.)
To my strong fortress, near yon River's side,
Escort your prisoner—'ere it's tide's at flood;
To immortality if e'en allied (drawing a dagger.)

This knife shall feast me with the miscreant's blood!

(Sanguino, having sworn to obey him, goes off.)

Berino perceives Maria, and commands her to withdraw, she tremblingly obeys.—Enter Ascanio and Lucio with the casket—he starts; but recollecting the business they were commissioned to execute, beckons them to him—they produce the casket— Maria, again on the watch, appears much agitated at the sight—he asks them from whom they had it? they answer the Peasant—he then eagerly enquires after the child, who they inform him escaped; he half draws his sword, and pointing to the miniatures of the Princess and Paladore, swears it is their illegitimate offspring; then with his dagger hastily opening

the casket, reads (astonished) the following scroll:

He angrily strikes his dagger through the sentence, and commands his two adherents to pursue, overtake, and murder the Child—Maria, almost breathless, on learning his horrid purpose, scarce summons strength enough to retire—they swear to obey him, and are preparing to depart; he beckons them back, and, ordering them to ring the alarm bell, &c. the King and Senators enter hastily—he gives the casket in the interim to one of his attendants, and thus addresses the king.

RECITATIVE ACCOMPANIED.
Bir.
Great king!—and ye his senators declare,
In solemn ordinance our law's decree;
What punishment awaits the shameless fair,
Who stains her brightest jewel chastity!

The King, much agitated, commands the Senators to bring forth the ordinances on that subject; they produce a large book, splendidly bound, on the outside of which, in letters of gold, is inscribed “The Laws of Lombardy.”—Bireno commands them to open it, and reads the following sentence, “The Transgression is Death, whatever her Birth or Rank!”
RECITATIVE ACCOMPANIED.
Bir.
Then I accuse your Princess—your meek saint!
Let her be guarded till to-morrow's dawn;
When I'll confront her with such damning proofs,
Her sire shall curse the hour his child was born!
All appear horror struck, the King in extreme agony, he proceeds:
Justice demand I, with untainted breath,
A bride unspotted, or a monster's death!

Exit.
The characters all depart mournfully, the priests, in vain, endeavouring to console the king.
Exeunt.