University of Virginia Library

1. PART I.

SCENE I.

A Romantic View by moonlight, embracing a range of stupendous and picturesque Rocks, enclosing an extensive Lake—moon beams playing on its surface—on the right hand near the front wing, a small neat Cottage—in the centre a rugged fragment of Rock, rudely formed in the shape of St.

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Andrew's Cross, inscribed: “Sacred to the Memory of Murdered Athlin.”—A fanciful Fairy Grot on the left.
A Fairy enters, and beckons on others.
AIR—FAIRY.

The Fairies vanish—enter several Rustics, Male and Female.
DIALOGUE TRIO.
Janet, and Male and Female Rustic.
Janet.
My Ee'en I closed right early,
To pluck sa blyth and bonny;
A plant of Kail, for thereby
Hangs tocher gued and money.
The stems as spells I'll sure place,
And soon will they discover;
As chance bids Lads our door pass,
The name of my True-Lover!

Rustic.
Here awa—there awa—it matters mickle,
Here awa—there awa—tricks have been play'd!
Love's stalks are scanted,
The top Grain is wanted.
And Mause gangs to Kirk any thing but a Maid.

Female Rustic.
Alone to the Kiln from my Daddies haim,
My Daddies haim—my Daddies haim;
I hasted away, and half daft wi' shame,
Hoot!—o'er the Banks hurl'd the clue.
There wound ane anew as I was bade,
Wha holds? cry'd I as I pull'd the thread;
'Twas Jemmy M'Gregor, and he is the Lad
That willingly Annie may wooe!

QUARTETTO RUSTICS—ECHOED BY FAIRIES.
Rustics.
Sprites, now through air advancing,
Gayly smile,
Bewitch—beguile.

Echo.
—Bewitch—beguile.

Rustics.
To Echo! hark! they're dancing.

Other Rustics.
Echo! no—'twas thee!

Echo.
—No—'twas thee!

Rustics.
Nay, prithee only hear them!
'Tis some spell,
Adieu—farewell—

Eccho.
—Adieu—farewell—

Rustics.
Gued troth, and much I fear them!
Listen!—'tis not me!

Echo.
—Listen!—'tis not me!

Exeunt.
Enter Osbert, faint and weary, having lost his way; reclines against the St. Andrew's Cross—a groan is heard—he starts, and tremblingly peruses the inscription.
PATHETIC AIR—FAIRY without.
On yon Lake the Moon-beams playing,
Thy Sire 'ere he his prime had seen;
Near this spot benighted straying,
Lost his life on Halloween.
Malcolm armed, and vengeance swearing,
Lead to Murther Ruffians dire;
Who Assassin-like appearing,
Bathed in blood, thy Saint-like Sire!

Listening agitated, at the close of the strain, he draws his sword, and vows revenge—then bursts into tears.—Alleyn, habited as a Scotch Peasant, enters, bearing a bundle across his shoulder; in passing on to the Cottage perceives Osbert, and, leaving his bundle at the door, approaches him.
RECITATIVE—ALLEYN.
Weeps't thou brave Athlin's death? the story drear
Of his foul murder, which I oft have heard,
Adown my cheek, like thine, has forced a tear;
Demanding vengeance on our Tyrant Lord!
But see he comes! yon Cot will shelter yield,
Retire awhile, thy efforts now were vain;
Surrounding Vassals are the Monster's shield,
Horror and Cruelty support his Train!

Exeunt with Osbert into the Cottage.
Enter Malcolm slowly, his eyes fixed on the earth, followed by Edric somewhat terrified, and armed Vassals.
RECITATIVE—MALCOLM.
Dire load of Guilt! how thou weighs't down my heart!
To Dunbayne's Castle find some other track!
(Perceives the Cross.)
Accursed memento! leave me—hence—depart—
(To Vassals)
This rude memorial's my eternal rack!
(Strikes the Rock, from which blood issues, and crimsons his sword—Edric appears terrified—Malcolm continues.)
Well—Athlin—thee I murder'd! and dare brave
These throes of Conscience! I thy Pride abhorr'd!
And could thy form, in arms, stalk from its grave,
Again I'd meet thee with my blood stain'd sword.

Stalks past the Rock—thunder—the sky is darkened —the Rock opens, and a figure in complete armour appears, pointing to his blood-stained wounds —Malcolm starts, terror struck!
VOICES
HEARD IN THE AIR.
Foul Murderer! beware—beware!
Blood will have blood—thy Lot's despair!

The armour drops from the figure, and a skeleton appears—Malcolm shudders, reclines on Edric; who, from alarm, seems scarcely able to support himself —the skeleton sinks—Malcolm recovers himself, and, striking his breast with ferocious dignity, exclaims!—
RECITATIVE.
Birth to new Vengeance does this warning give,
Reminding me still bless'd thine offspring live!
My slighted love—again with ardour warms—
And pictures unenjoy'd fair Mary's charms.
They must be mine—she caus'd this deadly strife,
Her proud refusal cost her Sire his life!
Why dost thou tremble? (to Edric)
bear thy Lord's command
To Athlin's Castle—go—claim Mary's hand:—
Which if again refused—Destruction's breath
Dooms Athlin's Clan to Dungeons and to Death.

Exeunt.
Enter Old Alleyn, Osbert, Alleyn, and Janet (his Sister) from the Cottage, gazing after Malcolm with astonishment.
RECITATIVE.
Old Alleyn.
I'm glad they're gone!—three times myself I cross'd!
More scared by half than if I'd met a Ghost!
Well, Heaven eyes all, and will sure vengeance take,
Murder will out, when even stones thus speak!

Alleyn.
(kneel.)
Baron of Athlin—poor and lowly born,
Let not a Peasant's offering meet thy scorn?
Whose bosom pants for fame—who covets scars,
Impell'd by Justice in the Injured's cause.
Accept my aid? Father, new scenes in view,
For a short time we part—Sister adieu.

Osbert raises and embraces him, accepting, with thanks, his services, and after receiving his Father's blessing, and affectionately embracing his Sister, they exeunt. Old Alleyn and Janet returning into the Cottage.

SCENE II.

—Athlin Castle built on the summit of a Rock, its base in the Sea, by which two thirds of it is surrounded—a banner on the turret—

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the entrance by an outer gate, to which a bugle horn is attached—the Moon still shining, and the Castle Windows transparent, with interior illuminations.
Enter two of Osbert's Vassals, much fatigued— one sounds the horn—Warder enters through the gate to them, bearing a flask of wine and goblet, seems surprised at their return without Osbert, their lord!
They enter the Castle Gate.
Osbert and Alleyn approach, the former welcoming the latter to his Castle—winds the bugle horn— the Vassals and Warder return, and, perceiving their Lord, sink at his feet in an extacy of joy.
GLEE—ACCOMPANIED BY THE BELLS.
Alleyn, Vassal, and Warder.
Sound, Warder, the horn,
Let the merry bells ring;
Gallant Osbert's return
Revives us like Spring:
Chearily, chearily, chearily!
Every Year on this Night,
With glad Harmony's sound;
We to feasting invite,
And the glass circle round.
While our Minstrels sing,
And our sweet bells ring,
Merrily! merrily! merrily!

Exeunt into the Cottage.

SCENE III.

—A grand illuminated Banquet Hall—in the centre a Gothic Canopy of State, under which are placed three State chairs, on two of which are seated Matilda and Mary—a band of music divided on each side of the Stage in correspondent Orchestras—tables richly ornamented, and decorated with a profusion of Viands, Fruits, &c. —The Clan of Athlin discovered, Ladies attendant on Matilda, &c. in various attitudes and situations.
A flourish of music—Osbert enters, introducing Alleyn, who bows to the Chiefs, is gladly welcomed —Principal Minstrel comes forward with golden flask and goblet.
RECITATIVE—PRINCIPAL MINSTREL.
Flow regal stream (offers it to Alleyn, who drinks)
Minstrels chaunt forth the glee,
Which calls our Clan to deeds of Chivalry.

GLEE—MINSTRELS.
Scotia's Champions bold advance,
Wield the sword, the shield, the lance.
Exert your might,
In mimic fight:
The Martial strain, the Clash of arms,
To noble deeds the bosom warms!

Combats with the broad sword, dagger, and sword and shield take place to music, in which Alleyn proves victorious—Osbert presents him to his Mother and Sister—Mary descends, dances a Pas Seul, at the close of which he kneels, and receives a triumphal scarf from her hands, and accompanies her to her seat—music sounds—Osbert snatching up a goblet in his left hand, and, drawing his sword with his right, comes forward, the Clan follows his example.
RECITATIVE—PRINCIPAL MINSTREL.
Brave Clan of Athlin join with fond accord
To the memory of our departed Lord!

They kneel and drink—the Castle horn is sounded, and Warder enters, followed by Edric, and the Clan of Dunbayne—Carron bearing a standard with the following inscription:

Matilda and Mary shudder at the perusal—Osbert, almost choaked with rage, with a stamp commands Edric to retire, all joining him in treating the demand with contempt and defiance.

RECITATIVE—ALLEYN.
Inform your Tyrant Lord, that Athlin's pride,
By threats or promises rests unsubdued!
High Heaven forbids his race shou'd be allied,
To one yet reeking with a Parent's blood!

Edric starts abashed by this reproof; but Carron, disdainfully turning the standard, displays the following threat:

Osbert's Clan half draw their swords—Malcolm's retorts defiance, and is led off by Carron, Edric despondently following.—Osbert, coming forward, kneels, and points his blade to Heaven, all follow his example.

RECITATIVE—ALLEYN CROSSING WITH HIS OSBERT'S SWORD.
This be our sacred pledge—here we unite!
And at our Gallant Leader's bold command;
Impetuous will hasten to the fight!
And drive the tyrant spoiler from the Land!

Matilda and Mary take leave of Osbert and Alleyn during the following
CHORUS OF THE CLAN OF OSBERT.
Brave Osbert, Athlin's gallant Lord,
The very flower of all his Clan;
Thus boldly draws his Highland sword,
To prove himself a Highland Man!
In Tartain plaid, his Troops array'd,
To curb the vaunting Foe unite;
We scorn to yield—high Heaven our shield,
Will guard us in the thickest fight!

Osbert and Alleyn, at the head of the Clan, march them off.

SCENE IV.

—An Apartment; partly hung with Armour, in Athlin Castle—a martial Trophy in the centre.

Donald and Archibald, one of Malcolm's Clan, enter warily, the latter displaying the following scroll:

Donald appears yielding to his wish, when the voice of Bella without alarms him, and they retire.

—Enter Mary, followed by Bella and attendants— she mournfully throws herself into a chair—Bella presents a book—she attempts to read, but, absorbed in love-fraught reflection, discards it—the martial trophy attracts her eye, and she strives to wield a sword and shield, which, accomplishing, she turns over the correspondent armour, and, inspired with a desire to follow Alleyn and her Brother to the field, selects a suit, which she orders Vassals to follow her with, commanding Bella to remain there till her return— Donald re-enters, and pays court to her, but appears surprised at perceiving the dismantled trophy, &c. and enquires the cause.

RECITATIVE—BELLA.
La Donald! can't you guess? 'tis as you see!
We've quite ransack'd your little Armoury;
With trusty broad sword, and in armour bright,
Soon will you view—oh! such a daring knight!
'Tis—'tis—'tis—my young Lady! who gallantly swears,
To follow him she doats on to the Wars;
This is a secret tho', indeed it is—
I'd not divulge it—not for—not—a kiss!
But Donald, be prepar'd, 'tis her desire!
A Female Knight should have a Female's Squire! (significantly.)

Prepare yourself, while I watch here resigned,
Exit Donald.
And hum the ditty that best speaks my mind!
LIVELY BALLAD.

Exit on the side Mary went off.
Re-enter Donald, armed, cautiously taking leave of Archibald, who, forcing on him the bribe for which he is to betray his Mistress, takes his leave— after which, on the opposite side, Bella precedes her Mistress, arrayed in compleat armour—Donald swears fealty, and they exeunt.

SCENE V.

—A Romantic Waterfall.
Enter several of Malcolm's Vassals, Carron at their head.
DIALOGUE GLEE.
Hush! hush! be mum! lay your ears to the ground,
And hark to the Traveller's tread;
Whew! (they whistle)
let the signal go round! (the whistle is answered without.)

'Tis answer'd—our plans nobly laid!

(Enter Archibald.)
Arch.
In disguise she approaches—her Vassals are bribed!

All.
To Malcolm we'll soon bear our prize!
Step aside—step aside—boldly seize Athlin's pride,
Tho' tears dim her radiant eyes! (they retire.)


Enter Mary, followed by Donald and Attendants, weary and faint; she awhile halts, and consults Donald on their future path—in lieu of reply, he gives the preconcerted signal, and Malcolm's party rush forward and attack her—a pause—she vanquishes her assailants, but is disarmed by the traitor Donald, and they seize her.

Fair one, you 'tis we seek—your fate is decreed!
Thus we bear you to Malcolm the bold.
She extricates herself, and flies for protection to her attendants, who, following Donald's example, point their weapons to her breast.
The tongue of an Angel, unheeded may plead
When opposed to all conquering gold!

Exeunt, bearing her off.

SCENE VI.

—Court Yard of Dunbayne Castle.
Enter Malcolm through an archway.
RECITATIVE—MALCOLM.
Love! Sovereign Fiend! proud Tyrant of the Soul!
Tormenting Urchin, mocking Fate's controul!—
(The bugle horn is sounded without.)
But hark!—my trusty Edric! 'tis his well known horn,
Throw wide our Castle gates—

(The Gates are thrown open, and Edric and a few followers appear crossing the Castle draw-bridge—Edric approaches, trembling, dreading to make known Athlin's reply.)
Mal.
—Thou shak'st with fear!
Then Edmund speak (to another attendant)
let me their answer hear!
My generous proffers—

Edm.
—They reject with scorn,
Misname you Murderer—dare you to the fight—
And Chief, behold
Looking out through the Castle Gates.
Like burnish'd gold
Their glittering Armour beams upon our sight!

Mal.
(Reflecting)
A moment's pause—'tis sudden—let me see—
Valour is oft the Dupe of Treachery.
AIR AND CHORUS.
(His Troops surround him to the tap of the drum.)
While the draw-bridge remains, the Foe 'twill deceive—
Nor bar our Castle Gate with too much care;
But when once enter'd, prepar'd to receive,
Enclose, and drive them to despair.
Thus boldly arm'd—to ambush hie,
To the tap a tap, a tap, of the hollow drum!
The signal that calls to Victory,
Is the alarm bell's brazen bomb! bomb! bomb!

All disperse to their lurking places—the bugle horn, trumpet, &c. heard without, and shouts of Osbert's party as beseigers.—Osbert and Alleyn burst open the Castle gates—in the act of commanding their Clan to follow, the alarm bell sounds, the Dunbayne Clan rush from their concealment, drive Athlin's back, and close the gates on Osbert and Alleyn, who are assailed by Malcolm and Edric— Alleyn subdues Edric; but, flying to the assistance of Osbert, is vanquished by Malcolm, and both are made prisoners.
RECITATIVE—MALCOLM. (exultingly to Alleyn.)
Stripling—in gloomy murmurs mourn thy fate,
Thy beardless Chieftain, where dire horror reigns,
Like thee indignant shall regret my hate,
Like thee unpitied clank his galling chains!
(Alleyn and Osbert embrace.)
But join our Clan, and thine be wealth and power,
Destruction or renown await my breath!—
Ere the deep bell toll ONE (thy number'd hour);
Prepare to join us, or to sink in Death.

Alleyn.
Then Death be Alleyn's portion—he defies
It's keenest pangs, and for his Chieftain dies!

Osbert and Alleyn again embrace, and are borne off to separate Dungeons—Malcolm draws Edric aside, gives him a dagger, and points to Alleyn's Dungeon, exclaiming “Strike Home.”—Edric, bewildered with terror, is approaching Osbert's— Malcolm detains him.
Mal.
Hold! a respite Mary's Brother shall receive!
But Alleyn DIES, or Edric MUST NOT LIVE.

(Exeunt, their eyes fixed on each other—a tremulous vacancy in Edric's features, and a determined ferocity on Malcolm's.)

SCENE VII.

—A Dungeon in Dunbayne Castle —a pendant Lamp burning, and a bed of straw— an Iron grated door to the Dungeon.
Alleyn
discovered leaning against the wall mournfully.
RECITATIVE.
Strange! strange vicissitude! with Hell in league,
Malcolm bids Innocence, and Virtue weep!
My Spirits sink—faint with the days fatigue—
I seek refreshing aid from balmy sleep!

(Throws himself on the straw, and gradually reclines to rest.)
The grated door is opened cautiously, and Edric enters, full of terror at the murder he had undertaken, in one hand bearing a dagger, in the other an hour glass.—He approaches Alleyn, perceives he sleeps— prepares to strike—Alleyn heaves a deep sigh, and his resolution fails—Malcolm appears, upbraids his tardiness, and, pointing to the hour glass, tells him with its departing sand must flow the life-blood of his Prisoner, and, commanding immediate dispatch, departs, closing the grating after him.—Edric again approaches Alleyn (who continues still in a sweet slumber) again uplifts his dagger, and again remains irresolute—the bell tolls one, his signal to be brief— he appears determined, more resolutely prepares to strike, but melting into tears, dashes the dagger from him—Alleyn, arouzed by the noise, starts up, places himself in an attitude of defence—Edric draws —Alleyn seizes his sword hand, overpowers him, obtains it, and dashes him to the earth—he solicits mercy.
RECITATIVE—ALLEYN.
An unarmed Victim, base 'tis to assail,
But take my life—'tis now of poor avail.

Returns Edric the sword, who, overcome by this act of heroism, falls at his feet, and bathes them with tears—Alleyn raises him—he, wildly, snatching up the hour glass, recollects their dangerous situation, and attempts to burst the grated door—Malcolm exclaims without:—“The Hour is past!” Edric attempts in anguish, with his sword, to force the flinty walls.—Ærial music, and a vocal strain to the following effect assails their ears:

Pursue thy efforts 'till some secret spring
A prospect of sweet liberty shall bring.

Alleyn snatches up the dagger, and striking the centre of the Dungeon, the solid Rock disappears, and discovers the Fairy, seated on a Cloud, who points to a subterraneous pass, at the back of the scene.
AIR—FAIRY.
The hollow dell, the circling lawn,
Shall glad thine eyes ere blush of dawn:
Fair Freedom's path pursue;
The humble shall exalted be,
“Virtue is true Nobility!”
Adieu, brave Youth, adieu!

Fairy still pointing to the pass—they proceed, on her waving her wand a blue flame lighting them through it!—when they go off, the scene resumes its original appearance—the door of the Dungeon is heard unbarring, and Malcolm rushes on with his sword drawn, starts agast, and enraged.
RECITATIVE—MALCOLM.
Escaped!—for this was my revenge delay'd!
Ring the alarm bell!—treason!—we're betray'd.

Exit.

SCENE VIII.

—A ruined part of Dunbayne Castle, supposed to be the exterior of the back part of the Dungeon in the former Scene; a private door, half hid by Ivy and surrounding Weeds, leading to it.
Enter Malcolm's party, dragging on Mary—Carron dispatches one of the Clan to inform Malcolm of his approach—a bugle sounded on one side of the stage, answered by a trumpet on the other— fearful of losing his prize, Carrol attempts to force the door, and procure a receptacle for his Prisoner —Mary makes an effort to escape, but, rudely prevented and threatened with destruction, screams! —the door is suddenly burst open from the interior, and Alleyn and Edric rush forth—a pause—Alleyn, perceiving a supposed youthful Warrior enthralled, attacks Carron, whom he vanquishes, while Edric drives off his followers—Mary, rescued, faints in the arms of her deliverer, and, her helmet dropping off, discovers whom she is—a shout of exultation without—Edric returns with Matilda and Vassals bearing presents—Mary, recovering, solicits pardon for her elopement, presenting Alleyn as her preserver —Matilda raises and embraces her.
RECITATIVE—MATILDA.
Thus to a Mother's arms a Child restored!
Thanks gallant youth—be Providence adored!
I seek the Tyrant's presence—wealth I bring,
For Osbert's ransom, might redeem a King!
Thy prayers, thy tears shall aid a Widow's plea!
(To Mary.)
And make e'en Malcolm yield to Clemency!

Exeunt.
Enter Old Alleyn and Janet.
RECITATIVE.
Old Alleyn.
Off! off again in spite of all my cares!
To risk his life once more in Athlin's Wars!

AIR—JANET.

Exeunt.

SCENE IX.

—The Castle of Dunbayne, to which a draw-bridge, over a Lake, is affixed—between the draw-bridge, and the entrance into the Castle, which is through an archway, space enough for a platform, able to contain three or four men at one period—a strong barred Casement, and door looking oblique-way over the Moat, &c. &c. &c.
Enter Alleyn, Matilda, and Mary (in female attire) followed by the Clan of Athlin.
Osbert is brought over the draw-bridge—Malcolm presents the scroll, and bids his guards release him —Osbert dashes them from him, and tears the scroll! —Malcolm's Clan, on his signal, seize, and point their weapons to his breast; Matilda and Mary kneel.
RECITATIVE.
Mat.
One hour's delay—e'en half that period's pause,
To dry our tears, and forward your design;
A Mother pleads—'tis in her Children's cause,
Grant her request, and Mary shall be thine.

Mal.
Her whining plea awhile my rage beguiles,
Depart—and when the Sun renews his course;
My promised Bride restore to me with smiles,
Or view in death the mangled Osbert's corse.

Osbert sullenly takes leave, is marched over the draw-bridge, Malcolm, &c. following—Matilda and Mary mournfully depart, followed by their Clan— Alleyn remaining, absorbed in melancholy thought.
Enter a Fisherman, followed by Edric, their attention is arrested by the voice of Osbert, singing in the Tower.
“Death would come like a friend to release me from pain!
“Must I never see Alleyn, my Champion again?”

Alleyn appears much agitated at this mark of his affection—gazing round, perceives Edric and Fisherman, in the latter recognizes an acquaintance—Edmund, as Centinel, parades the platform in front of the Tower.
RECITATIVE—ALLEYN.
The drowning Man will e'en at shadows catch!
Hush! Edmund o'er our valued Chief keeps watch.

DUET.
Alleyn.
Ho! Edmund—brave Centinel my whisper'd thoughts receive!
The Tyrant you serve is humanity's bane!
The murderer's service 'tis virtue to leave,
Your aid to brave Osbert may freedom regain:
Ah! think on beauty's tears, nor let your heart be steel'd.

Edm.
Tho' danger's form appears, I to your wishes yield.
When in yon Tower a beacon blaze you see,
Think near at hand your Chieftain's liberty.
But hush, I hear a footstep near,
Some furlongs off await
With anxious care, 'tween hope and fear,
In silence watch your fate.

Both.
With anxious care, 'tween hope and fear,
We'll silent watch our fate.

Alleyn and Fisherman retire on one side, Edric on the other—Malcolm and Carron approach Edmund cautiously—the latter seizes him.
RECITATIVE.
Mal.
Ah! traitor—have I caught thee! wretch abhorr'd!
Seek somewhere else Humanity's reward.
(Stabs him, he falls into the Moat, leaving his cloak.)
I'll give the signal—Fortune on us smiles!
Lower thou the bridge—we'll catch them in the toils!

Exit.
Carron puts on Edmund's cloak—the signal appears at the watch-tower—Carron lowers the bridge —Eric returns—Carron beckons him to cross it, he complies—Carron assails him, is defeated—he breaks open the Tower, and releases Osbert—the alarm bell is rung, the bridge drawn up—Malcolm rushes on, and seizes Osbert—Alleyn and Fisherman, in the latter's boat, row towards them—Osbert disengages himself from Malcolm, and, leaping off the platform, is received into the boat, and they rapidly direct its course under the draw-bridge—Guards rush to seize Edric—he plunges into the Moat, and escapes by swimming—Malcolm and his Clan group on the draw-bridge, turrets, &c. and the scene closes—the distant shouts of Osbert's Clan enlivening the fall of the curtain.