University of Virginia Library

ACT II.

SCENE I.

—A Magnificent Corridor, closed in at the back by large heavy curtains. Lambro, Pages and Valets.
Lam.

Now, this way all of you—this way. Let every one do
his best, in his own place. The master is at home again. Room
for the suite of the noble Marquis. Room for the Countess's
pages.

Enter the Marquis, Fabio and Lords, then Ezzelin.
Mar.

Really, gentlemen, one surprise follows so close upon
another, that I begin quite to like this old castle.

Fab.

As for that old Lambro, the man is politeness itself.

Mar.

Yes, and madness itself.

Mar.

That Count of Lara, we'll believe in him when we see
him.

Ezz.

You can remain in doubt. I feel no such consolation,
certain that this man will crush all my hopes.

Mar.

I see, one of the old jealous moods. But here come the
Countess and all her ladies.

MORCEAU D'ENSEMBLE.
Lad.
How grand does all appear!
What costly preparation!

Lor.
Wondrous infatuation!

Fab.
A truce to conversation!
Wait in expectation,
Now the hour draws near.

Cou.
How the time is creeping!
How my heart is leaping!
Still he does not come.
Thou so long departed,
Glad or weary hearted,
Hast thou sought thy home?

Ezz.
For his approach she longs, observe her agitation!
There's not a look for me.

Mar.
Excited do not be.

Cho.
Wondrous infatuation, &c.

Lam.
The Count of Lara's here.

Ezz.
Not a word. He is here.

Enter Count Lara, richly clad, leaning on Kaled's shoulder.
Cou.
How strange? Can it be? Is it he? Do I dream?

Lords.
At least we'll greet him fairly, and quite contented seem.

Lara.
You honour much these halls, long by their lord neglected,
Noble ladies, and you young courtiers, this is kind,
When first I touched the coast, but little I expected
Thus greeting my return, so many friends to find.
By pleasure here you are invited,
(To Countess)
Here, all your mandate must obey,

Cou.
I feel confused, alarmed, affrighted,
I know not what to do or say.

Lam.
My lord returns, the hall is lighted.
Again I'm young, again I'm gay.

All the Others.
How is it she is thus excited,
Her looks some sudden joy betray.

Lara.
Now has come
The hour to fill with joy once more my ancient home,
This the palace, you all wished to see,
That's well. So be it then, I pray you follow me.
Drive away sadness,
Here only gladness
Henceforth shall reign;
Beauty long banish'd,
Joys that have vanish'd,
Return again.
CHORUS.
With our songs, echoes waking,
We'll drown the night—
Till the day slowly breaking
Steals on our feast with its light.
E'en when creeping comes the pale morn,
Rev'llers to warn;
Shall we the warning mind?
Our cups in our hands 'twill find,

Ezz.
Anguish deep as mine ne'er was borne.
Henceforth but scorn
I am condemn'd to find.
To all beside him will she be blind.

Lara.
Songs of delight,
Echoes awaking,
Sing through the night,
Till the day's breaking.
E'en when at last
Comes the pale morning,
Heed not the warning,
Hold pleasure fast.

[Lara offers his hand to the Countess, and leads her off followed by the Lords and Ladies. Kaled, who is left with Lambro, looks after them.
Lam.

You are looking after your master, my pretty lad—are you
not proud to devote your life to such a noble lord? Ah, if I was
as young as you are, no one but me should carry his banner in the
field, and buckle on his spurs for the battle. (Kaled coming forward, seats himself.

When his father died in my arms,
‘Lambro,” said he, “I forgive my prodigal son, and I appoint
you the guardian of his inheritance.” Now look around you, see
how this castle has been preserved in all its magnificence. Look

round, boy, and you will understand why a tear dropped from
Lara's eye, when he took me by the hand, and said, “Thanks,
faithful servant!”

Kal.
(aside)

What does Conrad mean by all this? This name
of Lara, these titles, this wealth. Why does he take them?

Lam.

Let me but live a few days longer. Let me see the court
filled with proud coursers and stately equipages, let me see the
priest at the altar, blessing the Count and his lovely bride.

Kal.
(rising)

Hold! what do you mean by “bride”? Surely
a man cannot marry a woman whom he does not love, whom he
has not even seen.

Lam.

Ha, ha! you are too young to remember the past, or to
distinguish the marks of love. Just listen—it is love, and nothing
else, that brings our Count Juan home to his beautiful Camilla;
it was love that made him take her hand.

Kal.

Oh, if this were true!

Lam.

Soon you'll see them avoid all the rest of the world, and
take no delight in any company save their own. They will have
but one thought, one heart, one soul.

Kal.
(aside)

It cannot be!

Lam.

Then the wedding day will come—and every lady, noble
and simple, will come to honour the feast.

Kal.
(aside)

I will hear no more.

[Rushes off unperceived by Lambro.
SONG AND TRIO.
Lam.
Ere long the merry bells shall ring,
The peasants dance and sing,
The wine, in darkness hidden,
To sparkle will be bidden;
A brave toping lot together we will bring.
Ah, blessings on this day, this day of mirth and joy;
Nought shall henceforth vex or grieve me;
I am young again, believe me,
I dance and laugh away like any mad-cap boy.

Enter Antonio and Casilda
Ant.
Hey day! see Lambro dancing yonder,

Cas.
Has he lost his wits, I wonder?

Lam.
What, you, my worthy friends, come hither, do not fear,
To night all's lawful here.

Ant.
What does he say?

Cas.
If ever—

Both.
So changed was mortal never.

Lam.
Ere long the cash shall chink—
Sweet music as I think.
Young lasses shall be married
Who far too long have tarried.
The poor like the rich shall eat and shall drink.
Ah, blessings, &c.

Lam.

Come, approach me, don't be afraid!

Ant.

Ha, ha! that's good, we never were.

Lam.

Here, blockhead! (Antonio shrinks back.)
Here is your
purse!

Ant.
(takes it, trembling)

Indeed, you are kind enough to give
it me back.

Lam.

You did not think I meant to keep it?

Cas.
(whispers)

Perhaps it is empty.

Ant.

No, on the contrary, it feels heavier than before.

Lam.

As for you, child, since you are silly enough to wish to
marry this numskull, here's something towards your dowry.

[Puts some gold coins in her hand.
Cas.
(jumping with joy)

Oh, look, look, Antonio!

Lam.

You don't feel any desire to hang me now.

Ant.

I! the first who dared lay hands on you—

Lam.

You'd hang him instead, eh! Disinterested devotion!
But make haste—back, back, our young mistress is coming.

Cas.

Donna Camilla!

Lam.

Back, I say!

[They hurry off, L.
Enter Countess from the back, she holds her hand to Lambro, who bows, kisses it respectfully and retires, L.
ROMANCE.
Cou.

Enter Lara.
Lara.
(approaching her with eagerness)

Camilla, my own
Camilla!

Cou.

Yes, yes, 'tis indeed Lara! No doubt it was this form,
which, living in my memory, made me take such an interest in
the poor unknown soldier. I may now confess how desolate I
felt when I bade him farewell.

Lara.

I, too, uttered that sad word with my lips, but it did
not come from my heart. Having seen you arrayed in all your
beauty, could I renounce the joy of seeing you again? you, my
proud Camilla, proud of the victory that brings me to your
feet!

Cou.

Then you had intended never to return?

Lara.

I had sworn to visit the land of my birth as a traveller

who has performed a pilgrimage and then passes on. Then I did
not know the power of beauty. I had still to learn that no one
here below is master of his fate. It was when I had seen you
that I entered the abode of my fathers. The titles, the treasures,
that are my right had acquired a new value; I ventured to
claim them that I might offer them to you—to you my beautiful
bride. One treasure alone do I crave in return—

Cou.

Is it this?

[Gives her hand.
DUET, TRIO—Lara and Countess.
Both.
Oh, rapture, joy beyond expression,
Where the heart bids we must forgive;
Oh, love, my soul is thy possession,
Only for thee I wish to live.

Cou.
And thou at last art mine, long worshipp'd with devotion,
The husband of my dreams is here.

Lara.
My senses all are drown'd in light as in an ocean,
A dazzling flood does heav'n appear.

Both.
Oh, rapture, &c.

Lara.
Soon before all the world
My rank will I assume;
The past, with all its gloom,
To oblivion be hurled.

Cou.
(smiling)
About that past there's something serious—
It's secret soon you will reveal!

Lara.
That may not be.

Cou.
Why so mysterious?
Wherefore seek the truth to conceal?
Tell all—now at once—'tis my will.

Lara.
In pity—

Cou.
Think not I deceive you,
Tell all, or now, yes now I leave you.

Lara.
Camilla!

Cou.
Why turn your eyes away?
Why grows your cheek so pale? 'Tis enough, leave me, pray.

Lara.
Nay why disturb so soon a dream so bright and charming,
To-morrow, all, will I explain.

Cou.
Whate'er the secret be, no thought, my heart alarming,
Shall make me question further. Here, take my hand again.

Lara & Cou.
Oh, rapture, &c.

Kal.
Oh, pain beyond expression!
What wounds a word can give!
I hear his fond confession,
And wish no more to live.

[Kaled lets the curtain fall and suddenly advances.
Lara.

Ah, Kaled!

Cou.

Dear boy, we had forgotten you! come to me nearer.
(Tries to take his hand, Kaled withdraws it.)
Are you afraid
of me?

Kal.
(coldly)

No!

Cou.

Then why shun me thus? Have the sages of your country
taught you that the women in mine are false-hearted, and that there
is danger in their friendship?

Kal.

Perhaps so!

Cou.

Look, Lara, how pale he turns!

Lara.

He is overcome with wonder at the marvels displayed
before his eyes—at the sudden change.

Kal.

I am alarmed on your account.

Lara.

He thinks I am under the influence of some spell, and
that a wave of the enchanter's wand will make all the splendour
vanish. Calm yourself, dear Kaled, I have nothing to fear, if all
whom I love remain faithful.

Kal.

Then I must fear for myself.

Cou.

Ah, he is jealous! He fears that your love for me will
extinguish your friendship for him. Nay, boy, be not apprehensive.
Lara will always be your brother, and I will be your sister.

Kal.
(eagerly)

Let us go, master. Let me go!

Lara.

Go! Wherefore?

Kal.

You are rich now! Buy a ship, hire men and let them
bear me away. I would leave this country that is not mine. I
would return to the desert.

Lara.

No, no! You shall not quit me; you shall live in happiness
here. Look at this mandora. They say that a Moorish
captive gave it to one of the Laras in return for his hospitality.
Like him, though not a captive, you will sit under the orange trees
on the terrace, and when the stars are bright we will sing the songs
of your country together.

Cou.
(taking the mandora)

Yes, and you shall teach them to me,
Kaled.

[Gives the mandora to Kaled, who seats himself on the cushions.
ARAB SONG.
Kal.

[At the last verse Kaled has fixed his eyes upon the Countess.
Cou.
(whispers to Lara)

Lara, it is a woman!

Lara.
(leading off the Countess)

This way, this way, I implore
you!

[Exit with Countess. Ezzelin appears at the back.
Ezz.

Together, again together!

Kal.

Mirza was a daughter of the desert. She loved a brave
heart, and—and—why did Hassan love another?

Ezz.

Yesterday she listened to me, and answered my arrival
with a smile, and now— (perceiving Kaled).
Ha! you were here,
near them. What did they say?

Kal.

Why should you desire to know?

Ezz.

Ah! you cannot understand the agony that presses upon
my heart. That woman who was with your master—that woman,
whose beauty enchants all who behold her. Hear me, boy, I love
her, I worship—

Kal.

You!

Ezz.

Do you now comprehend what I suffer when I see that her
whole heart is occupied with this Lara?—this betrothed of her
youth, whom the fates bring back to crush me!

Kal.

Yes, yes, I understand. Your blood boils, does it not,
and your brain whirls? But tell me this—in your country is a
man dishonoured when he utters a lie?

Ezz.

There can be no deeper disgrace.

Kal.

Even if he utters it to a woman—even if it is to make
her believe that he is worthy of her?

Ezz.

Ay, even if she were as proud as Camilla. But go on, I
implore you. Let me know if she really loves him; anything is
better than this horrible doubt.

EZZELIN AND KALED.
Ezz.
There is a poison leaps through the veins,
Like fiercest flame the heart consuming,
And its victim to madness dooming,
'Tis jealousy—that worst of pains.

Kal.
There is, &c.

Ezz.
Not an hour it ceases
To torture its prey;

Kal.
Not an, &c.

Ezz.
Time its power increases,
Its course nought can stay.

Kal.
Time its, &c.

Both.
With fury it fires us,
With evil inspires us.
Nought its course can stay.

Kal.

Listen. I, as well as you, am tormented by this serpent
jealousy.

Ezz.

You! Whom, then, do you love?

Kal.

What matter, if my jealousy can serve yours.

Ezz.

I do not understand.

[Shouts behind scenes, “Long live Lara! Long live Camilla!”
Kal.

Do you understand those shouts? Shouts in celebration
of their happiness, for they do love each other. I heard the
mutual avowal.

Ezz.

It is true, then?

Kal.

They speak of love even now.

Ezz.

'Tis too horrible!

Kal.

Too long to remain silent.

Ezz.

What mean you?

Kal.

Follow me. and you shall learn.

[Drags him behind tapestry. The curtains open, and discover a hall splendidly illuminated, at the back a staircase. Tables spread. Lara, Countess, &c., and all the guests.
FINALE.

Moments of pleasure!
Hours of delight!
Seize on a treasure
Swift in its flight.
Shrinking from capture,
Joy flits away,
Moments of rapture
Seize while ye may.

Peasants.
Long live our lord! Long remember this day!

Cou.
I believe in your words; still I have cause to fear,
Although you love her not, she loves you, that I know.
I shall ne'er have peace so long as she is here;
Oh! to-morrow—to-night—at once, pray let her go.

Lara.
It is your will, that must Kaled obey.

Pea.
Long live our lord! Long remember this day.

Lara.
All my rapture, dear friends, share this night, I implore you;
See the Countess de Flor, your mistress, before you.

Cou.
Lo, I now my husband declare.

All.
Let us hail this noble young pair.

Fab.
Her choice we must approve. None can dispute its fitness.
Why is Ezzelin absent? pray, where is he? where?

Mar.
He! the Countess's marriage, think you that he would witness?

Lara.
Take your seats, now the tables are spread, gay and free,
Come drink; come sing—wish every joy to me.

Cho.
Moments of pleasure, &c.

[During the above, two large tables have been superbly laid out. The Peasants dance during the chorus, and while the guests take their places.
Lara.
(rising, with a goblet in his hand)
When Lara marched, the foeman braving,
E'en his step all trembled to hear,
The Moor who saw his banner waving,
[Drinks.
Would breathe a prayer half dumb with fear.
My gallant fathers, bear in mind,
And quaff the nectar which you find
They left behind.
[Hands cup to Lambro.
Fill high—the wine is Spanish,
New strength it will impart,
All sorrows it will banish,
And warm the coldest heart.

Cho.
Fill high, &c.

Lara.
When Lara chose a noble beauty,
How her heart bounded with pride!
The king performed a royal duty
By complimenting Lara's bride.
Fill high, &c.

Cho.
Fill high, &c.

Enter Ezzelin.
Ezz.
Enough of mirth, of songs, and senseless noises!
List to me, one and all; hushed awhile be your voices.

Cho.
What is this?

Lara.
Who dares to speak so loud?

Lam.
This, indeed, is but sorry breeding!

Lara.
To beard me in my hall! Strange, sir, is this proceeding.

Ezz.
Nay, you shall hear me speak, check me not, braggart proud.
Aloud, before us all you shall declare
This ancient castle not your own;
No, not within its walls a single stone;
That the title which now you bear
You have usurped, a right to wear it cannot claim;
That by fraud you now pretend
From Lara's ancient lineage to descend,
And wrongly here assume the Lara's honoured name!

All.
Oh, Heavens!

Cou. & Lam.
I feel astounded!

Lara.
My lords, a madman raves, and you are all confounded.

ENSEMBLE.
Lara.
They anger not me,
These insults debasing,
Their speaker disgracing—
My cheek retains its hue, you see.

All.
How altered is he!
These insults debasing,
Degrading, disgracing,
Have blanched his cheek we plainly see.

Cou.
Come, reply!

Ezz.
Yes, reply!

Lam.
No, degrade yourself not thus,
To such a churl reply not;
He merits not your wrath—his calumnies deny not,
Let the creeping reptile at once be crushed by us.

Ezz.
To leave these halls to-morrow will you be commanded
And to-morrow by me with true name be branded.

Cou.
With his name?

Lar.
'Tis enough. Be it so. By my word!

Lar. & Ezz.
We shall meet, and to-morrow argue with the sword.

Cou.
My fated love!

Kal.
To-morrow then—what have I done?

Lar.
Let the feast proceed.

Cou.
I'm the sport of dreams indeed.

Lar.
Come, Lambro, faithful friend, fill the cup as of old,
With the Lara's old wine, fill high my cup of gold.
When Lara, deadly wrongs requiting,
With his arm his honour defends,
For him a strong ally is fighting,
Yes, Heaven itself his cause befriends.

Lam.
The pain he feels he would disemble,

Cou. & Kal.
Overcome by fear, I tremble.

Cho.
Fill up, &c.