University of Virginia Library

2. PART II.

SCENE I.

A Romantic View—a rustic practicable bridge —on one side steps lead to a lower bridge, after having passed which, appears the opening to a Cavern.

Enter Bravaldo (with the infant) on the look out, and listening; he proceeds over the bridge—as he approaches the Cavern-mouth, a whistle alarms him; he starts back, encourages the Child, draws his pistol, and approaching the Cavern, returns the whistle.—One of his crew rushes out armed, but perceiving his commander, bows, invites him in, and they enter.

Gabriello rushes on wounded, and almost distracted at having lost the infant—hears footsteps without, and with trepidation enters the Cavern for safety—Ricardo, Paladore, and Soldiers cross the bridge, and partly descend the steps—Ricardo pointing to the Cavern as a place of shelter, they approach it—distant trumpet without calls to arms —Ricardo hastily marches a part of his Soldiers off, leaving the remainder with Paladore—a pistol is fired in the Cavern—Gabriello rushes out—Paladore, &c. stand on the defensive, starting at perceiving each other—Paladore asks for his Child—Gabriello with the utmost terror informs him he is imprisoned in that Cavern, and apparently surrounded by cut throats—Paladore, &c. attempt to rush into the Cavern—Bravaldo and his banditti darting out, meet him, and a short skitmish takes place, in which Paladore and his party are on the point of being vanquished, when Ricardo and his Troops rush over the bridge and rescue them—Bravaldo, on perceiving his father, drops his sabre, and embraces him; the latter introduces him to Paladore as his Son— during this Gabriello, having darted into the Cavern, returns with, and presents to Paladore his Child, who is beheld by all with rapturous delight —and Ricardo, Bravaldo, &c. summoning their Troops round them, erect their standard:

Which, when raised, they all kneel to, &c. constituting Paladore their commander—during this interesting group, Bertram enters with the following scroll:

Paladore attempts to rush singly to her rescue, but Ricardo prevents him; and after a moment's reflection requests him and Gabriello, in disguise, to reconnoitre her prison, Bertram escorting them—the Child is entrusted to Ricardo's care, who presents a horn to Paladore; on hearing the sound of which, they all promise to fly to his assistance—Paladore, &c. ascend the bridge, and the Outlaws re-enter their Cavern.

Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Outside of the Hall of Justice.

Enter from the Hall, Bireno, Lucio, and Sanguino; the former stamps with his foot, two attendants enter with banners, on one of which is inscribed:

On the other:

Bireno, pointing to the banners with malignant satisfaction, instructs his suborned evidence to be ready for the trial—they bow assent—he appears to meditate, beckons them to him, and gives them orders to lead to him his chosen band, they exeunt for that purpose.—Abbot and a Senator enter from the hall of justice—he dispatches the Abbot to give the Princess notice, and the Senator with banner bearers to Senators, &c.—Sanguino and Lucio re-enter with Troops—he bribes them to assist him, and directs them, on a summons given, to rush into the hall of justice; but hearing strains of music without, commands them, for the moment, cautiously to retire, which they do on each side of the hall of justice, he, Lucio, and Sanguino entering it. —Bertram enters, timidly, followed by Paladore and Gabriello—perceives Bireno enter the hall— all start on perusing the banners—Paladore resolutely draws his sword, and appears ready to rush into the hall—a trumpet's sound without, alarms Gabriello, &c. and they draw Paladore aside, Bertram still

continuing on the watch—Senators enter the hall —Gabriello returns to Bertram, with tablets, telling him immediately to haste for Ricardo's promised assistance.

Exeunt.

SCENE III.

Outside of Bireno's Castle.
Enter Bertram with bugle-horn, which he anxiously sounds—Ricardo, &c. follow, whom he informs of the perilous situation of the Princess.
BRAVURA SONG—RICARDO.
Tho' as rough are my looks as the bleak winter's storm,
And my blood's chill'd by Time's flapping wing;
I still feel my heart 'gainst oppression beat warm,
And my winter of age boasts the vigour of spring:
I ne'er bent the knee to ambition or vanity,
But a vot'ry I bow to thy shrine, oh! humanity!
Then let your swords and bucklers ring,
A noble impulse 'tis we own;
Die bravely fighting for your king,
Or live to serve him on his throne.
With anxious cares and dastard fears,
From oft-felt death, the coward flies;
But scorning care, disdaining fear,
'Tis only once a brave man dies!

Exeunt.

SCENE IV. AND LAST.

Interior of the Justice Hall.

The Court crowded; Senators, &c. seated near the throne; spectators, in galleries, on each side, waiting in anxious expectation of the event—Bireno enters, with Lucio, and followers—the King and his followers on the opposite side—Bireno bows to the King as he passes him, at the same time, aside to his followers, makes motion of abhorrence and revenge.—As the King approaches the throne, Bireno giving the signal, Senators all rise and point to a scroll, which is then brought forward, on which is inscribed:

The King, mournfully, bows assent—the Abbot enters, and informs the King the Princess approaches —every eye is directed to the entrance.— She enters habited in white, and sumptuously arrayed as for a festival, wears hanging from her neck on a row of small beads, an Agnus Dei; a rosary hangs from her girdle; she bears a Crucifix in her hand, and a diadem of precious stones binds

her hair; a large black veil, which she likewise wears, is thrown back.—She is followed by six ladies of the Court and Alinda, drest in similar habits; her step is firm.—On her entrance all involuntarily start, and cast their eyes on her, the King's features expressing much anguish—she seems sensible of their pity, and reclining on Alinda gives way to her tears; but (Bireno, facing her) recovers her dignity, and, curtseying to the Court, commands her accuser to proceed—Bireno, bowing to the King, &c. thus commences his accusation.

RECITATIVE ACCOMPANIED—BIRENO.
Much I regret, great king, I fill that part,
Must plant a poison'd dagger in thy heart;
Not malice or ambition urge her fate,
But justice rigid as her guilt is great!
Honour from such a wanton stands aloof—
Behold of infamy one damning proof!

Sanguino, by order of Bireno, displays the casket and scroll, intimating they appertain to the Princess —She and Alinda start—Gabriello and Paladore, on the instant, enter in disguise horror struck—Bireno proceeds:
Start not!—she to outsoar her sex in impious fame!
Murder'd that infant!—to conceal her shame!

At this dreadful accusation all appear thunderstruck —after expressing the most indignant feelings, she attempts to reply to the accusation, but finding she cannot give utterance to words, snatches a pen, writes on a scroll, and in the utmost agitation, appealing to all those who appear to have children, presents to them the following inscription:

Bireno
snatching the scroll from her proceeds.
Stand forth, stern Lucio, witness of the deed!

Lucio displays the bloody sword and scarf, taking his oath to the guilt of the Princess—all the characters, at this second presumptive proof, shudder.— Bireno addresses the Senators:
Bir.
Pronounce her doom!

Sen.
—Death is by us decreed.

They present a scroll to the King, in which is inscribed the fatal monosyllable for his signature— the King, trembling and agitated, solicits a moment's pause—they mournfully shake their heads!—Gabriello heaves a deep sigh!
Bir.
Who dares in her defence e'en heave a sigh!
A traitor is!—

Gab.
—That traitor, then, am I!
A husband's right her innocence retrieves:
That husband scorns thee; and her infant lives!

They throw off their disguise; Paladore appears with his sword drawn as the protector of his Wife; and Gabriello, receiving the infant from Ricardo, exultingly raises him in his arms—Bireno attempts to stab Paladore, who is guarded by Bravaldo; who, on the bugle horn sounding, rushes on at the head of the Outlaws—the characters group—a pause —Bireno seizes the Princess, and, with his uplifted dagger, swears, on the least opposition, she dies—she bids him strike—a struggle ensues, and she gains the dagger—Lucio and Sanguino engage in combat with Paladore and Gabriello—Bireno is attacked by Bravaldo, and, after repeated struggles, receives his death wound from Paladore—a picture is formed, the Princess protecting, with the dagger, her infant, &c. the King embracing her.
GRAND CHORUS.
May virtue triumphant,
O'er vice bear the sway!
Oppression and guilt
At her frown, shrink away!
Prov'd courage, true love,
Call forth glory's regard;
And may glory and happiness,
Prove their reward.