University of Virginia Library

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.