University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Inside of Bertram's Cottage, the window shattered —door part old and part patched with new wood—between the door and the window a chimney runs up, on the heart of which a turf fire appears, before which a bird is roasting—another door opens to broken steps leading to an upper apartment. —The load of wood is placed as a seat near the fire, an old table and chairs, a truckle bed, and various decayed domestic utensils in different parts of the scene—a lamp burning on the table.

Bertram, busied in preparations for supper, is puffing up the fire; and Alinda watching the child dozing on the bed—Gabriello, having taken off his knapsack, unpacks it, tastes a flask of wine, which chearing him, he passes round, not forgetting honest Bertram, congratulating each other on their happy escape, 'till casting his eyes towards the sash from which hung the casket, his countenance suddenly changes, and, horror struck, unable to speak, he throws himself, wildly, into a chair, fixes his eyes on Alinda for consolation, starts up, looks distractedly round, examines the refreshment he had unpacked,

his pockets, &c. &c. and, concluding it is lost, rushes to the door—Alinda and child follow, endeavouring in vain to detain him—he bursts into tears, exclaiming, he has lost the casket entrusted to his care, and will die, but he'll recover it, then snatches hasty kisses and hurries off—Alinda, almost fainting, is supported by Bertram, who had hitherto been busy catering, or absent above; he enquires the cause; she requests him to fly after Gabriello; he opens the door for that purpose, when a storm of lightening, rain, thunder, &c. commences —the clashing of swords is heard, and Lucio and Ascanio rush on with theirs drawn— Alinda screams, the Child clings close to her—both are seized—and the storm continuing, Lucio, &c. intimate they will take up their abode there 'till it is over—Bertram officiously pouring them out horns of wine, offers them the fowl; they agree that one shall guard the Prisoners while the other eats —bind Alinda to a staple, and place the Child on the bed—during this Gabriello taps at the window—Bertram, cautiously, opens the door, and admits him; then giving a glass of wine to the person on guard, as he is taking it, slily cuts the cord which fastens Alinda, passes her round to Gabriello unseen, who stealing the Child from the bed, and Bertram snatching the pistol from the guard, and pointing it to his head, blows out the light, and they once more escape, followed by Lucio and Ascanio.—The storm encreases—Ricardo rushes in, closes the door, and placing his back against it, takes out his gun, which, eagerly screwing together, he loads.

RECITATIVE—RICARDO.
Am I pursued—as prowling this coarse night,
Half obscured torches glimmer'd on my sight!
And men in arms! (looking round affectionately)

This was my brother's cot!— (still looking round)

Have we inhabitants? or have we not?
I will examine— (going towards the stairs a light appears through the window as of torches)

—They again appear!—
And I must strengthen this old castle here!
(Puts table, &c. against the door.)
If me they want, Ricardo's still the man
Will sell his life as dearly as he can!

Ascends the Stairs.

Torches pass the window, a sudden gust of wind, &c. is heard, and the door is burst open by Sanguino and his band, who enter with Paladore, part of them bearing torches.

Paladore overcome with fatigue throws himself into a chair, and sighing, with tenderness, kisses a miniature of Louisa, which Sanguino seizes— during this Ricardo had cautiously descended, and, examining their conduct, appears much irritated— Paladore dashes Sanguino from him; he stamps, and the Soldiers present their sabres, &c. at his throat—Ricardo rushes forward, fires his arquebuss, and Sanguino falls—Paladore seizes his sabre, and Ricardo drawing his, the Soldiers, dropping on their knees, ground their arms, and Paladore falls at the feet of Ricardo.

RECITATIVE—RICARDO.
Kneel, knight, to heaven; thanks are not due to me!
The chance machine of bless'd humanity!
But the storm ceases—in yon hollow glen
There's better lodging—lodging worthy men!

Paladore embraces him, and he leads the Soldiers off, Ricardo bringing up the rear.
Exeunt.