 | Lara |  |
ACT I.
SCENE I.
—At the back, L., Lara's Ancient Castle. An entrance gate approached by some steps cut in the rock, and overgrown by brushwood. Casilda's Cottage to the R. R., U. E., a path descending to the cliff. To the left, an old fountain. In the back-ground, the sea and sky. The curtain rising, the Marquis and several Young Nobles dressed in a rich hunting costume enter from L. and R.Cho.
Gallant friends—
While all the world is sleeping,
What delight to behold
The early sunbeams peeping,
That tinge the east with gold;
While the vaulted sky is dimly lighted
With the morn's newest glow,
O'er hill and vale excited,
With renewed strength to go.
All bright we see before us,
With hearts that cannot ache,
Haste we in lusty chorus
Loud echoes to awake.
While all, &c.
Mar.
Stay awhile: this, unless my practised eyes deceive me,
Is Lara's ancient wall;
We shall find, friends, believe me,
A welcome in this hall.
That's good, a slight collation,
Without procrastination,
Will suits us very well.
Mar.
At once I'll ring the bell!
[The Marquis ascends the steps with difficulty, and pulls the chain that hangs from the castle wall. The dull sound of a bell is heard. After a pause, Lambro appears.
Lam.
Who are you? What has brought you here?
Cho.
Ah, the owl watching o'er the owlet's nest, 'tis clear.
Mar.
The well-known friends are we of your most noble mistress,
Of the Countess de Flor.
Lam.
Then go your way at once.
Mar.
Fine manners! what a boor!
Unbar the portal,
Scoundrel, thou slave accurst!
Or, as I'm mortal,
Through bolts and bars and everything I'll burst!
Lam.
(re-appears with arquebuss)
Go back, or I shall fire—
Mar.
Hang him, he dares refuse us!
Cho.
Ha, ha, ha!
His harsh discourtesies amuse us.
Come, Marquis, laugh with all the rest:
That plan's the wisest and the best.
While all, &c.
[Antonio and Casilda are seen coming from the farm. Casilda carries a basket of fruit on her head, and a pitcher of milk in her hand. Antonio carries a wine-skin. They stop with surprise on seeing the party of Lords.
Mar.
By this young pair, no doubt, we now shall be enlightened.
Ant. & Cas.
What brought these strangers here? they're noble, by their air.
Come this way—you need not be frightened!
You know the surly rascal, within the castle, there?
Ant. & Cas.
He is our master, sirs, an' please you.
Cas.
To him this fruit I take.
Ant.
And I this skin of wine.
Mar.
Nay, soon of your load will we ease you:
Wine and fruit for that churl, very fine! mighty fine!
Cho.
Seize on the booty
Thrown in our way!
Pleasure is duty,
My friends, to day.
Cas.
Gentlemen, what do you intend, pray?
Ant.
Be still—don't these nobles offend, pray.
Just do what they say, without fuss.
Cho.
Sweet little peasant,
Tremble not thus:
This place is pleasant,
And fit for us.
[Pages go into the cottage, re-appear with stools, bowls, goblets, &c.
Ant.
At your command is all our humble means can afford you.
Cho.
Thanks, good host, for your cheer.
Mar.
Trust me good friend, we'll well reward you.
Cas.
Would you be pleased a song to hear?
Mar.
Yes, very much—yes her song we will hear.
Cas.
There, in yonder den,
Shunned by honest men,
Lives an old curmudgeon,
Constantly in dudgeon;
Like a wolf or bear,
Crouched within his lair:
Watch for ever keeping,
Not a moment sleeping,
Mad as any hare.
When our noble count comes back
That knave will dangle—alack!
On a rope that is not slack.
Cho.
When the noble &c.
Cas.
When 'tis dark he'll roam
From his dreary home,
Like a spectre, voiceless;
Like a shadow, noiseless.
Then he looks about,
What would he seek out?
Then the billows breaking,
Awful noises making,
Welcome him, no doubt;
But hush!—he may hear—with fear I am quaking!
Cho.
When our, &c.
Ezz.
Well, gentlemen. We appointed to meet each other at
the old Castle Lara, and here I find you all in the open air.
Mar.
When people won't open the door, and threaten to blow
our brains out if we approach it, our conduct is but natural.
Ezz.
But who dared do anything of the kind?
Fab.
A sort of gray-bearded maniac, who, it seems, is the
intendant.
Ezz.
You have only to tell him that you are here by order of
the Countess de Flor, noble heiress of the name and fortune of
the Laras—
Ant.
Wouldn't do, sir, wouldn't do!
Cas.
Bless you, you have no notion what a crusty old fellow
that Lambro is—
Ezz.
(to Antonio)
And who may you be, who seem to know so
much about him?
Ant.
Oh! I'm only a poor fisherman; and this is my intended.
Cas.
Yes; and I live with my mother in that cottage.
Very good. Then, of course, you know all the gossip of
the place. Is it true that the direct heir of the Laras suddenly
disappeared in a mysterious way, and that no one knows what has
become of him?
Cas.
Quite true, an please you, sir—and they do say, that the
old lord died of grief shortly afterwards.
Ant.
He did—immediately after his death, old Lambro, that's
the intendant, sir, sent away all the servants, barricaded all the
doors, and—and—ah! it's now a good six years since he allowed
anyone to enter the castle—
Cas.
But he has not left off collecting the rents and dues; and
from time to time we have to take him all sorts of supplies, just as
you saw.
Mar.
Now what shall we do to amuse ourselves till the arrival
of the Countess? Suppose we have a sail on the sea?
All.
Ay, ay!
Mar.
That's settled. Get the boats ready as fast as you can,
my good fellow, and you'll have a handful of ducats. You'll come
with us, Ezzelin?
[Exeunt Antonio and Casilda.
Ezz.
Certainly! but first let me tell you a piece of news. The
King insists that the Countess de Flor shall instantly choose a
husband, and promises to invest the happy man with the name
and title of the Count of Lara.
Mar.
And that is why she comes here, with all her suite.
Before she takes unto herself a lord and master, she will infuse a
little gaiety into the old castle.
Ezz.
The Countess choose a husband! Do not a few of your
hearts swell with hope and ambition?
Mar.
In some cases, perhaps, spiced with a little jealousy.
Who knows? At this grand festival the jingle of glasses may be
mixed with the clash of swords.
Ezz.
No, no; we agree to abide by her choice, if she chooses
one of us. If she chooses some one else, I'll take upon myself
the duty of avenging you all.
Capital. Ezzelin for ever!
Ezz.
Nay, rather say “Camilla for ever,” Camilla, Countess de
Flor!
ROMANCE—Ezzelin.
Her eyes' bright glances—on us fall,
Pleased, she entrances—conquers all;
Charms she possesses—all hearts to move,
Never professes—any to love.
Whom will she choose at last? That sir, nobody guesses.
When her choice we see,
Loyal subjects we
Will obedient be.
The happy man, by her selected,
By all of us shall be respected,
To this we solemnly agree.
That face beguiling—known too well,
Secretly, smiling—seems to tell
Him, who is fated—that heart to win;
Whom Heav'n has mated—once she has seen,
Seen him in some bright dream. She long for him has waited.
When her choice we see, &c.
Re-enter Antonio and Casilda.
Ant.
My lords, the boats are ready, if you please.
Mar.
Good; there's for your trouble! (Flings him a purse.)
Now, gentlemen, for the sea breezes!
[Exit Ezzelin and the other Lords.
Ant.
Look here, Casilda.
[Showing the purse.
Cas.
Why, I never saw so many bright ducats in my life!
Ant.
Let us count them as fast as we can.
[As they sit, the Castle portal opens, and Lambro comes out, and, having reclosed the door, places himself before them.
Cas.
Ah!
[They both rise.
(Pointing to the remains of the repast, and seizing Antonio)
What's the meaning of all this? Is this the way you pay your
lord's dues?
Cas.
Please its no fault of mine, Master Lambro.
Ant.
Those audacious young lords took everything by main
force.
Lam.
Ah! and by main force thrust that purse into your hands,
eh? Well
(snatches it from Antonio)
, that will go towards the
damage.
Cas.
(whispering to Antonio)
You let it go without a word.
You call yourself a man! Why didn't you cry “thieves”?
Ant.
I will—I will—I'm not afraid—
Cas.
No more am I—
Ant.
Suppose you begin, then.
Lam.
Come here, my young friends—here, I say—
(they both
approach him, trembling)
—people are getting very merry in these
parts—they make funny songs.
Ant.
(aside)
He overheard.
Cas.
The terrible old fox!
Lam.
I'm no great judge of poetry, but I call this very pretty—
What's the rest of it?
Ant.
I'm sure I've not a notion.
Cas.
Nor I.
Lam.
Let me try again then.
Married you'll be in a crack,
But surely not before—alack!”
Cas.
Oh what a horrid song—what does it mean?
Lam.
Just what it says—that without the permission of our lord
and master you can't be married, my little dears.
Cas.
But he's away—
Therefore you must wait till he comes back.
Ant.
But suppose he never returns at all.
Lam.
Rely upon it, he'll return some day or other.
Cas.
Could you give the slightest notion when the day will be?
Lam.
Unhappily—no!
Ant.
That's lively.
Cas.
Perhaps when the day does come, it will find me an old
maid—there will be a shocking thing!
Lam.
Enough of this trifling.
(To Antonio)
You come along
with me—
Ant.
Where?
Lam.
To scrape what I can out of the farmers—rascals like yourself
—who never bring anything of their own accord; as for you,
you little slut, get the best fruit you can, I am resolved that
to-night's supper shall be the most splendid we have had yet.
Cas.
Oh, what an appetite he has!
[Exit into cottage.
Lam.
Now, make haste!
(Antonio runs.)
Softly, softly, not so
fast.
[Follows Antonio, and both exeunt during the symphony of the following.
Enter the Countess, Helena, Ladies and Pages; they slowly come up by the path; the Ladies followed by the Attendants.
CHORUS OF WOMEN, AND COUNTESS.
Cho.
Oh, I'm tired of toiling, moiling!
Oh, I faint by heat oppressed!
How the sun is burning, broiling!
Let me, please, a moment rest?
Cou.
Here what pleasures meet me,
Here a land beloved I view,
Here the billows greet me,
Here the sky is clear and blue.
Hushed is earthly strife;
Through my pulse is thrilling
Newly waken'd life.
Hel.
This old castle here,
Is to Heaven too near.
Cou.
Here what pleasures, &c.
Hel.
Oh, I thought that I
Certainly should die.
[The Ladies seat themselves in various groups; then Attendants shade them with parasols and fan them. Casilda comes from cottage and seems astonished.
Hel.
Goodness gracious, what a road! If I had known that
we were to get out of our litters at the foot of this mountain, I
would never have come. I, lady of honour to the Queen, to be
fatigued in this vulgar way!
Cou.
Never mind, dear Helena, the castle is reached at last.
Hel.
Oh! that's the wonderful castle you are so fond of telling
about. Why, it looks exactly like a state prison!
Cou.
You'll not say so when you have seen the inside of it.
Hel.
Then let us enter it, by all means; a little shade will be
refreshing.
Cas.
(who has gently come forward)
No! I cannot be mistaken.
Cou.
Who is this?
Cas.
Donna Camilla!
Cou.
Not my playmate, Casilda?
Cas.
The very same!
Cou.
How delightful! When I look at you, I fancy I'm a
child once more.
Hel.
Ah! now we shall have a string of old reminiscences.
We shall never get out of the sun.
Cou.
Does all remain as when we were last together: your
mother, and the little pet goats, and the boy-sweethearts?
Cas.
My mother, thank heaven, is still alive; the goats have
grown old; and the boy-sweethearts are men, who, with one
exception, have all deserted me.
And one is still constant? That's quite enough, believe
me. By the bye, is old Lambro still alive?
Cas.
Alive and active, too active sometimes. He has just gone
into the village. Ah! no doubt he saw you ascending, for here
he is.
[Returns to cottage. Re-enter Lambro.
Hel.
Gracious goodness, is that a ghost?
Cou.
Dear old Lambro! Do I see you again?
Lam.
(repelling her)
Who are you?
Cou.
What! don't you remember me?
Lam.
No.
Cou.
I'm Camilla.
Lam.
What's that to me? I want no Camillas.
Cou.
You have not forgotten that little girl who grew up under
your own eyes, the motherless child, who was betrothed with great
pomp to her cousin, Juan de Lara, your master's son and heir?
Lam.
No, no! I have not forgotten. When the son, heaven
forgive him, had left his father, and when the father, broken by
age and grief, had joined his ancestors beneath the chapel, the
young girl of whom you speak went off by the Queen's orders in
a fine carriage, and I was left alone within the old walls. Ah!
that's ten years ago. I have not forgotten. Nay, I now remember
that the same young girl, though I have often dandled her in my
arms, has never bestowed upon me so much as a single thought.
Cou.
Lambro!
Lam.
What is it now?
Cou.
I want you to forgive me, and kiss me, as in the dear old
times.
Lam.
Not I.
Cou.
As in the old times, Lambro, when you used to lift me
from the ground, and I put my arms round your neck so.
[Does so; after some hesitation Lambro kisses her.
Hel.
Good! peace is signed; and now I trust we shall be
admitted within the enemy's walls.
Lam.
And now, farewell.
No, no; you sha'n't leave me in this way, and you sha'n't
live alone any longer.
Lam.
What! you'll return to the old home of your childhood,
and, like me, pray for the master's return?
Cou.
How often have I prayed for it already! But hope is
dead at last.
Lam.
Not with me, not with me; the ancient name of Lara is
too noble to perish.
Cou.
You are right there; it will shine again with all its
lustre.
Lam.
Indeed! by whom is the lustre to be restored?
Cou.
By the husband of my choice.
Lam.
Your choice?
Cou.
Yes, the King commands me to choose a husband.
Lam.
And a stranger is to bear the ancient name of Lara? No,
no, it cannot be; you only say this to try if the old heart is still
faithful.
Cou.
What I say is perfectly true, Lambro.
Lam.
Then, young woman, you may return whence you came.
Hel.
The good gentleman won't let us all perish outside the
walls?
Cou.
Lambro; you forget yourself. This castle belongs to me,
and I command you to throw open the gate without delay. Follow
me, ladies.
Lam.
No, my pretty birds of passage, do nothing of the kind.
CONCERTED PIECE.
Lam.
Watch for ever keeping,
Here I'm always found;
Not an instant sleeping,
Like a faithful dog do I prowl around.
Nought of good or evil,
Neither lord or lass,
Neither king nor devil,
None, in spite of me, shall this threshold pass.
Think of our condition,
Our position,
Lambro, friend, please to hear.
Hel.
See we are weeping.
Lam.
Waste your breath you need not,
Tears I do not mind;
Women's wiles I heed not,
To the sex I'm deaf, stony-hearted, blind.
Nought of, &c.
[He re-enters the castle, and at the end of the symphony closes the door.
Hel.
My hour is come.
Cas.
(re-appearing at door of cottage)
Perhaps, ladies, as old
Lambro refuses to open the gate, you'll condescend to rest yourself
in my humble cottage. At all events, you'll find shelter
fresh milk, delicious fruit and a hearty welcome.
Cou.
Decidedly, the kind offer is accepted.
[Exeunt all into cottage. Lara and Kaled appear at the back. The former supports the latter, who appears exhausted.
DUET.—Lara and Kaled.
Lara.
My native land, again receive me,
And let all thought of wand'ring leave me;
Blest home which my sires called their own.
The heart of childhood once more give me,
All the joy now too long unknown.
Kal.
No native home will now receive me,
But yet thy joy I share, believe me;
Oh, may peace now to thee be known,
While thou art near me, nought shall grieve me,
For my heart will be all thine own.
Lara.
My faithful boy, look up, light-hearted,
Our troublous days have now departed.
Thou wilt find many friends most dear,
While, good master, none know me here.
Lara.
Nay, boy, not a friend will appear,
No kindly face will beam to meet me;
None in this place think upon me now;
Hither I come, a stranger, e'en as thou.
But what matter, the billows greet me,
And the sky, and the winds, and the forest around,
To welcome my return, all with life now abound.
Lara.
(leading Kaled to fountain)
Here is a cool, shady place;
rest yourself.
[Kaled sits down.
Kal.
Ah, this is delightful! How pleasantly the breeze scatters
away the leaves. What beautiful flowers grow in your
country! Give me that one; that looks like a silver bell.
(Lara
gives it.)
Now, farewell for ever to the African land. I have
gathered a flower on the stranger's soil, and here I must live, love,
and die.
[Closes his eyes.
Lara.
Sleep, boy, sleep; I will watch over you.
Kal.
Yes, and in my turn I will watch over you, always,
always.
[Falls asleep.
Lara.
How calm he looks! Happy are they who can sleep
like that!
Enter Countess and Casilda from cottage.
Cou.
(to Casilda)
Now, Casilda, mind you assemble as many of
your young friends as you can. I wish to know them all, and to
teach them all to love the Countess of Lara.
[Casilda returns into cottage.
Lara.
The Countess of Lara!
Cou.
A stranger!
Lara.
Lady, I am a soldier, who, after a long captivity, returns
to the land of his fathers.
But that singular dress! Whence have you come?
Lara.
From the coast of Africa.
Cou.
And the boy sleeping there?
Lara.
He is a child of the desert.
Cou.
A Christian?
Lara.
No; I found him in a cottage that had been set on fire,
and he has never quitted me since.
Cou.
Has he no parents or relations?
Lara.
They are dead.
Cou.
Poor child!
(Approaches Kaled.)
What a charming face
he has!
Kal.
(Waking, flies to Lara)
Master, what does that woman
want?
Cou.
This woman will be your friend, if you will allow her.
Kal.
Who are you?
Cou.
The heiress of this domain, and the mistress of yonder
castle, where, indeed, I was born.
Lara.
(aside)
'Tis Camilla!
Kal.
The mistress of yonder castle. Have you no master, then?
Cou.
Not yet; but I am about to have a very terrible master
indeed. This very evening I must choose a husband.
Lara.
Must, madam?
Cou.
Yes, even so. I must obey the order of the King.
Kal.
Obey—ah!—then you love someone you may not choose?
Cou.
I scarcely know whether to say yes or no. I love a
remembrance—a dream—a shadow—one whom I have expected
for many years, and whose name makes my heart tremble whenever
it is uttered.
Kal.
Ah! when they are deserted by those they love, the
women of my country die. Come, master, come.
Lara.
Nay, child, not so fast; whither would you go?
Kal.
Whither my master orders me.
Cou.
Suppose I begged him to intrust you to me?
Kal.
Master! master!
[Clings to Lara.
(pressing Kaled's hands)
No, he cannot leave me—his
life is linked with mine.
Kal.
When the Arab accepts service in the desert, he chooses
a star to protect and guide him. I have my star—come!
TRIO—Countess, Lara, Kaled.
Cou.
Since we must bid farewell,
May all good fortune bless you;
No thought of ill distress you,
But hope within you dwell.
Lara & Kal.
Yes, we must bid farewell,
May all good fortune bless you;
No fear for us distress you,
Within us hope will dwell.
Cou.
So much beauty! When I behold thee—
Hapless boy—I could almost weep.
Lara.
Fairest lady, may heaven enfold thee
Within its arms, and safely keep.
Kal.
(looks at Lara)
What, my heart, have those glances told thee?
Plainly they speak of feelings deep—
What mean those thoughts my soul alarming?
Cou.
How fixed is his look.
Lara.
(aside, passionately)
She is charming.
Cou.
Since we, &c.
Lara & Kal.
Yes, we &c.
[Lara and Kaled exeunt, the Countess looks after them.
FINALE.
Chorus of Peasants.
Love and pleasure hover near thee,
As thou comest, lady fair;
See, the spring returns to cheer thee,
And its music fills the air.
Your eyes like fetters bind us,
Yet would we not escape their charm;
Most willing slaves you find us—
Your own with heart and arm.
Cou.
With thanks, my dearest friends, I scantily repay you.
Welcome, brave cavaliers, I bid you welcome all.
Nob.
Fair lady, at your feet most loyally we fall,
And feel most proud when vowing humbly we'll obey you.
Cou.
These ancient hills, so desolate,
They seem some dreadful mystery concealing;
With merry sounds of pleasure filling,
Our glad return, dear subjects celebrate.
Cho.
Soon these halls, your presence feeling,
Will no more be desolate;
With the sounds of welcome pealing,
Your return they'll celebrate.
Mar.
Indeed, we are not here too soon, a storm is rising.
Cou.
Advance, my lord, all obstacles despising.
Ezz.
Give the word, soon the gate shall yawn.
Cou.
Noble friends, leave I freely give you, with all due form,
At once to take the place by storm.
Cho.
Dear Marquis, leave you hear her give you,
Now the place by storm to take!
No more of hesitation—
By force, negociation,
Or e'en annihilation,
An entrance you must make.
Mar.
Yonder castle shall soon receive you.
Chorus of P.
Wait awhile! there in yonder tow'r
Died our lord; thence comes streaming,
Once a year, about this hour,
A light through the dull windows beaming.
[The window becomes lighted.
Behold, even now it is beaming
From yon ancient tow'r.
Ant.
Silence all, some one comes!
[Lambro appears at the entrance of the Castle, with a torch in his hand.
Lam.
Ye nobles, knights and peasants there,
The Count of Lara bids me courteously declare
To his castle you are invited,
To see you he will be delighted.
He's here, he is here,
And I can promise hearty cheer.
Cho.
Ah! he's mad, poor wretch, poor devil!
Else he would not be so civil.
Ha! ha! ha! ha!
Lam.
My master waits—accept his invitation without fear.
Hel.
Gracious lady, let's escape the lightning, rain and thunder.
Cou.
(advancing)
Well, be't so.
Ezz.
(to Marquis)
Dearest friend, prithee, what means this wonder?
Cho.
Where'er he leads, we'll gladly go.
Cas.
Wilt come, poltroon?
Ant.
Oh, no; oh, no.
[Lambro, torch in hand, enters castle, followed by Ezzelin and the Countess, then the rest in order, the storm breaks out The Orchestra takes up the air “When our noble Count comes back.”
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