The Bride of Messina (play)

SCENE I.

A spacious hall, supported on columns, with entrances on both sides;

at the back of the stage a large folding-door leading to a chapel.

DONNA ISABELLA in mourning; the ELDERS OF MESSINA.

ISABELLA.

Forth from my silent chamber's deep recesses,

Gray Fathers of the State, unwillingly

I come; and, shrinking from your gaze, uplift

The veil that shades my widowed brows: the light

And glory of my days is fled forever!

And best in solitude and kindred gloom

To hide these sable weeds, this grief-worn frame,

Beseems the mourner's heart. A mighty voice

Inexorable-duty's stern command,

Calls me to light again.

Not twice the moon

Has filled her orb since to the tomb ye bore

My princely spouse, your city's lord, whose arm

Against a world of envious foes around

Hurled fierce defiance! Still his spirit lives

In his heroic sons, their country's pride:

Ye marked how sweetly from their childhood's bloom

They grew in joyous promise to the years

Of manhood's strength; yet in their secret hearts,

From some mysterious root accursed, upsprung

Unmitigable, deadly hate, that spurned

All kindred ties, all youthful, fond affections,

Still ripening with their thoughtful age; not mine

The sweet accord of family bliss; though each

Awoke a mother's rapture; each alike

Smiled at my nourishing breast! for me alone

Yet lives one mutual thought, of children's love;

In these tempestuous souls discovered else

By mortal strife and thirst of fierce revenge.

While yet their father reigned, his stern control

Tamed their hot spirits, and with iron yoke

To awful justice bowed their stubborn will:

Obedient to his voice, to outward seeming

They calmed their wrathful mood, nor in array

Ere met, of hostile arms; yet unappeased

Sat brooding malice in their bosoms' depths;

They little reek of hidden springs whose power

Can quell the torrent's fury: scarce their sire

In death had closed his eyes, when, as the spark

That long in smouldering embers sullen lay,

Shoots forth a towering flame; so unconfined

Burst the wild storm of brothers' hate triumphant

O'er nature's holiest bands. Ye saw, my friends,

Your country's bleeding wounds, when princely strife

Woke discord's maddening fires, and ranged her sons

In mutual deadly conflict; all around

Was heard the clash of arms, the din of carnage,

And e'en these halls were stained with kindred gore.

Torn was the state with civil rage, this heart

With pangs that mothers feel; alas, unmindful

Of aught but public woes, and pitiless

You sought my widow's chamber-there with taunts

And fierce reproaches for your country's ills

From that polluted spring of brother's hate

Derived, invoked a parent's warning voice,

And threatening told of people's discontent

And princes' crimes! "Ill-fated land! now wasted

By thy unnatural sons, ere long the prey

Of foeman's sword! Oh, haste," you cried, "and end

This strife! bring peace again, or soon Messina

Shall bow to other lords." Your stern decree

Prevailed; this heart, with all a mother's anguish

O'erlabored, owned the weight of public cares.

I flew, and at my children's feet, distracted,

A suppliant lay; till to my prayers and tears

The voice of nature answered in their breasts!

Here in the palace of their sires, unarmed,

In peaceful guise Messina shall behold

The long inveterate foes; this is the day!

E'en now I wait the messenger that brings

The tidings of my sons' approach: be ready

To give your princes joyful welcome home

With reverence such as vassals may beseem.

Bethink ye to fulfil your subject duties,

And leave to better wisdom weightier cares.

Dire was their strife to them, and to the State

Fruitful of ills; yet, in this happy bond

Of peace united, know that they are mighty

To stand against a world in arms, nor less

Enforce their sovereign will against yourselves.

[The ELDERS retire in silence; she beckons to

an old attendant, who remains.

Diego!

DIEGO.

Honored mistress!

ISABELLA.

Old faithful servant, then true heart, cone near me;

Sharer of all a mother's woes, be thine

The sweet communion of her joys: my treasure

Shrined in thy heart, my dear and holy secret

Shall pierce the envious veil, and shine triumphant

To cheerful day; too long by harsh decrees,

Silent and overpowered, affection yet

Shall utterance find in Nature's tones of rapture!

And this imprisoned heart leap to the embrace

Of all it holds most dear, returned to glad

My desolate halls;

So bend thy aged steps

To the old cloistered sanctuary that guards

The darling of my soul, whose innocence

To thy true love (sweet pledge of happier days)!

Trusting I gave, and asked from fortune's storm

A resting place and shrine. Oh, in this hour

Of bliss; the dear reward of all thy cares.

Give to my longing arms my child again!

[Trumpets are heard in the distance.

Haste! be thy footsteps winged with joy-I hear

The trumpet's blast, that tells in warlike accents

My sons are near:

[Exit DIEGO. Music is heard in an opposite direction,

and becomes gradually louder.

Messina is awake!

Hark! how the stream of tongues hoarse murmuring

Rolls on the breeze,-'tis they! my mother's heart

Feels their approach, and beats with mighty throes

Responsive to the loud, resounding march!

They come! they come! my children! oh, my children!

[Exit.

The CHORUS enters.

(It consists of two semi-choruses which enter at the same time

from opposite sides, and after marching round the stage range

themselves in rows, each on the side by which it entered. One

semi-chorus consists of young knights, the other of older ones,

each has its peculiar costume and ensigns. When the two choruses

stand opposite to each other, the march ceases, and the two leaders

speak.) [The first chorus consists of Cajetan, Berengar, Manfred,

Tristan, and eight followers of Don Manuel. The second of Bohemund,

Roger, Hippolyte, and nine others of the party of Don Caesar.

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

I greet ye, glittering halls

Of olden time

Cradle of kings! Hail! lordly roof,

In pillared majesty sublime!

Sheathed be the sword!

In chains before the portal lies

The fiend with tresses snake-entwined,

Fell Discord! Gently treat the inviolate floor!

Peace to this royal dome!

Thus by the Furies' brood we swore,

And all the dark, avenging Deities!

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND).

I rage! I burn! and scarce refrain

To lift the glittering steel on high,

For, lo! the Gorgon-visaged train

Of the detested foeman nigh:

Shall I my swelling heart control?

To parley deign-or still in mortal strife

The tumult of my soul?

Dire sister, guardian of the spot, to thee

Awe-struck I bend the knee,

Nor dare with arms profane thy deep tranquillity!

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

Welcome the peaceful strain!

Together we adore the guardian power

Of these august abodes!

Sacred the hour

To kindred brotherly ties

And reverend, holy sympathies;-

Our hearts the genial charm shall own,

And melt awhile at friendship's soothing tone:-

But when in yonder plain

We meet-then peace away!

Come gleaming arms, and battle's deadly fray!

The whole Chorus.

But when in yonder plain

We meet-then peace away!

Come gleaming arms, and battle's deadly fray!

First Chorus (BERENGAR).

I hate thee not-nor call thee foe,

My brother! this our native earth,

The land that gave our fathers birth:-

Of chief's behest the slave decreed,

The vassal draws the sword at need,

For chieftain's rage we strike the blow,

For stranger lords our kindred blood must flow.

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND).

Hate fires their souls-we ask not why;-

At honor's call to fight and die,

Boast of the true and brave!

Unworthy of a soldier's name

Who burns not for his chieftain's fame!

The whole Chorus.

Unworthy of a soldier's name

Who burns not for his chieftain's fame!

One of the Chorus (BERENGAR).

Thus spoke within my bosom's core

The thought-as hitherward I strayed;

And pensive 'mid the waving store,

I mused, of autumn's yellow glade:-

These gifts of nature's bounteous reign,-

The teeming earth, and golden grain,

Yon elms, among whose leaves entwine

The tendrils of the clustering vine;-

Gay children of our sunny clime,-

Region of spring's eternal prime!

Each charm should woo to love and joy,

No cares the dream of bliss annoy,

And pleasure through life's summer day

Speed every laughing hour away.

We rage in blood,-oh, dire disgrace!

For this usurping, alien race;

From some far distant land they came,

Beyond the sun's departing flame.

And owned upon our friendly shore

The welcome of our sires of yore.

Alas! their sons in thraldom pine,

The vassals of this stranger line.

A second (MANFRED).

Yes! pleased, on our land, from his azure way,

The sun ever smiles with unclouded ray.

But never, fair isle, shall thy sons repose

'Mid the sweets which the faithless waves enclose.

On their bosom they wafted the corsair bold,

With his dreaded barks to our coast of old.

For thee was thy dower of beauty vain,

'Twas the treasure that lured the spoiler's train.

Oh, ne'er from these smiling vales shall rise

A sword for our vanquished liberties;

'Tis not where the laughing Ceres reigns,

And the jocund lord of the flowery plains:-

Where the iron lies hid in the mountain cave,

Is the cradle of empire-the home of the brave!

[The folding-doors at the back of the stage are thrown open.

DONNA ISABELLA appears between her sons, DON MANUEL and DON CAESAR.

Both Choruses (CAJETAN).

Lift high the notes of praise!

Behold! where lies the awakening sun,

She comes, and from her queenly brow

Shoots glad, inspiring rays.

Mistress, we bend to thee!

First Chorus.

Fair is the moon amid the starry choir

That twinkle o'er the sky,

Shining in silvery, mild tranquillity;-

The mother with her sons more fair!

See! blooming at her side,

She leads the royal, youthful pair;

With gentle grace, and soft, maternal pride,

Attempering sweet their manly fire.

Second Chorus (BERENGAR).

From this fair stem a beauteous tree

With ever-springing boughs shall smile,

And with immortal verdure shade our isle;

Mother of heroes, joy to thee!

Triumphant as the sun thy kingly race

Shall spread from clime to clime,

And give a deathless name to rolling time!

ISABELLA (comes forward with her SONS).

Look down! benignant Queen of Heaven, and still,

This proud tumultuous heart, that in my breast

Swells with a mother's tide of ecstasy,

As blazoned in these noble youths, my image

More perfect shows;-Oh, blissful hour! the first

That comprehends the fulness of my joy,

When long-constrained affection dares to pour

In unison of transport from my heart,

Unchecked, a parent's undivided love:

Oh! it was ever one-my sons were twain.

Say-shall I revel in the dreams of bliss,

And give my soul to Nature's dear emotions?

Is this warm pressure of thy brother's hand

A dagger in thy breast?

[To DON MANUEL.

Or when my eyes

Feed on that brow with love's enraptured gaze,

Is it a wrong to thee?

[To DON CAESAR.

Trembling, I pause,

Lest e'en affection's breath should wake the fires

Of slumbering hate.

[After regarding both with inquiring looks

Speak! In your secret hearts

What purpose dwells? Is it the ancient feud

Unreconciled, that in your father's halls

A moment stilled; beyond the castle gates,

Where sits infuriate war, and champs the bit-

Shall rage anew in mortal, bloody conflict?

Chorus (BOHEMUND).

Concord or strife-the fate's decree

Is bosomed yet in dark futurity!

What comes, we little heed to know,

Prepared for aught the hour may show!

ISABELLA (looking round).

What mean these arms? this warlike, dread array,

That in the palace of your sires portends

Some fearful issue? needs a mother's heart

Outpoured, this rugged witness of her joys?

Say, in these folding arms shall treason hide

The deadly snare? Oh, these rude, pitiless men,

The ministers of your wrath!-trust not the show

Of seeming friendship; treachery in their breasts

Lurks to betray, and long-dissembled hate.

Ye are a race of other lands; your sires

Profaned their soil; and ne'er the invader's yoke

Was easy-never in the vassal's heart

Languished the hope of sweet revenge;-our sway

Not rooted in a people's love, but owns

Allegiance from their fears; with secret joy-

For conquest's ruthless sword, and thraldom's chains

From age to age, they wait the atoning hour

Of princes' downfall;-thus their bards awake

The patriot strain, and thus from sire to son

Rehearsed, the old traditionary tale

Beguiles the winter's night. False is the world,

My sons, and light are all the specious ties

By fancy twined: friendship-deceitful name!

Its gaudy flowers but deck our summer fortune,

To wither at the first rude breath of autumn!

So happy to whom heaven has given a brother;

The friend by nature signed-the true and steadfast!

Nature alone is honest-nature only-

When all we trusted strews the wintry shore-

On her eternal anchor lies at rest,

Nor heeds the tempest's rage.

DON MANUEL.

My mother!

DON CAESAR.

Hear me

ISABELLA (taking their hands).

Be noble, and forget the fancied wrongs

Of boyhood's age: more godlike is forgiveness

Than victory, and in your father's grave

Should sleep the ancient hate:-Oh, give your days

Renewed henceforth to peace and holy love!

[She recedes one or two steps, as if to give them space

to approach each other. Both fix their eyes on the ground

without regarding one another.

ISABELLA (after awaiting for some time, with suppressed emotion,

a demonstration on the part of her sons).

I can no more; my prayers-my tears are vain:-

'Tis well! obey the demon in your hearts!

Fulfil your dread intent, and stain with blood

The holy altars of your household gods;-

These halls that gave you birth, the stage where murder

Shall hold his festival of mutual carnage

Beneath a mother's eye!-then, foot to foot,

Close, like the Theban pair, with maddening gripe,

And fold each other in a last embrace!

Each press with vengeful thrust the dagger home,

And "Victory!" be your shriek of death:-nor then

Shall discord rest appeased; the very flame

That lights your funeral pyre shall tower dissevered

In ruddy columns to the skies, and tell

With horrid image-"thus they lived and died!"

[She goes away; the BROTHERS stand as before.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

How have her words with soft control

Resistless calmed the tempest of my soul!

No guilt of kindred blood be mine!

Thus with uplifted hands I prey;

Think, brothers, on the awful day,

And tremble at the wrath divine!

DON CAESAR (without taking his eyes from the ground).

Thou art my elder-speak-without dishonor

I yield to thee.

DON MANUEL.

One gracious word, an instant,

My tongue is rival in the strife of love!

DON CAESAR.

I am the guiltier-weaker--

DON MANUEL.

Say not so!

Who doubts thy noble heart, knows thee not well;

The words were prouder, if thy soul were mean.

DON CAESAR.

It burns indignant at the thought of wrong-

But thou-methinks-in passion's fiercest mood,

'Twas aught but scorn that harbored in thy breast.

DON MANUEL.

Oh! had I known thy spirit thus to peace

Inclined, what thousand griefs had never torn

A mother's heart!

DON CAESAR.

I find thee just and true:

Men spoke thee proud of soul.

DON MANUEL.

The curse of greatness!

Ears ever open to the babbler's tale.

DON CAESAR.

Thou art too proud to meanness-I to falsehood!

DON MANUEL.

We are deceived, betrayed!

DON CAESAR.

The sport of frenzy!

DON MANUEL.

And said my mother true, false is the world?

DON CAESAR.

Believe her, false as air.

DON MANUEL.

Give me thy hand!

DON CAESAR.

And thine be ever next my heart!

[They stand clasping each other's hands,

and regard each other in silence.

DON MANUEL.

I gaze

Upon thy brow, and still behold my mother

In some dear lineament.

DON CAESAR.

Her image looks

From thine, and wondrous in my bosom wakes

Affection's springs.

DON MANUEL.

And is it thou?-that smile

Benignant on thy face?-thy lips that charm

With gracious sounds of love and dear forgiveness?

DON CAESAR.

Is this my brother, this the hated foe?

His mien all gentleness and truth, his voice,

Whose soft prevailing accents breathe of friendship!

[After a pause.

DON MANUEL.

Shall aught divide us?

DON CAESAR.

We are one forever!

[They rush into each other's arms.

First CHORUS (to the Second).

Why stand we thus, and coldly gaze,

While Nature's holy transports burn?

No dear embrace of happier days

The pledge-that discord never shall return!

Brothers are they by kindred band;

We own the ties of home and native land.

[Both CHORUSES embrace.

A MESSENGER enters.

Second CHORUS to DON CAESAR (BOHEMUND).

Rejoice, my prince, thy messenger returns

And mark that beaming smile! the harbinger

Of happy tidings.

MESSENGER.

Health to me, and health

To this delivered state! Oh sight of bliss,

That lights mine eyes with rapture! I behold

Their hands in sweet accord entwined; the sons

Of my departed lord, the princely pair

Dissevered late by conflict's hottest rage.

DON CAESAR.

Yes, from the flames of hate, a new-born Phoenix,

Our love aspires!

MESSENGER.

I bring another joy;

My staff is green with flourishing shoots.

DON CAESAR (taking him aside).

Oh, tell me

Thy gladsome message.

MESSENGER.

All is happiness

On this auspicious day; long sought, the lost one

Is found.

DON CAESAR.

Discovered! Oh, where is she? Speak!

MESSENGER.

Within Messina's walls she lies concealed.

DON MANUEL (turning to the First SEMI-CHORUS).

A ruddy glow mounts in my brother's cheek,

And pleasure dances in his sparkling eye;

Whate'er the spring, with sympathy of love

My inmost heart partakes his joy.

DON CAESAR (to the MESSENGER).

Come, lead me;

Farewell, Don Manuel; to meet again

Enfolded in a mother's arms! I fly

To cares of utmost need.

[He is about to depart.

DON MANUEL.

Make no delay;

And happiness attend thee!

DON CAESAR (after a pause of reflection, he returns).

How thy looks

Awake my soul to transport! Yes, my brother,

We shall be friends indeed! This hour is bright

With glad presage of ever-springing love,

That in the enlivening beam shall flourish fair,

Sweet recompense of wasted years!

DON MANUEL.

The blossom

Betokens goodly fruit.

DON CAESAR.

I tear myself

Reluctant from thy arms, but think not less

If thus I break this festal hour-my heart

Thrills with a holy joy.

DON MANUEL (with manifest absence of mind).

Obey the moment!

Our lives belong to love.

DON CESAR.

What calls me hence--

DON MANUEL.

Enough! thou leav'st thy heart.

DON CAESAR.

No envious secret

Shall part us long; soon the last darkening fold

Shall vanish from my breast.

[Turning to the CHORUS.

Attend! Forever

Stilled is our strife; he is my deadliest foe,

Detested as the gates of hell, who dares

To blow the fires of discord; none may hope

To win my love, that with malicious tales

Encroach upon a brother's ear, and point

With busy zeal of false, officious friendship.

The dart of some rash, angry word, escaped

From passion's heat; it wounds not from the lips,

But, swallowed by suspicion's greedy ear,

Like a rank, poisonous weed, embittered creeps,

And hangs about her with a thousand shoots,

Perplexing nature's ties.

[He embraces his brother again, and goes away

accompanied by the Second CHORUS.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Wondering, my prince,

I gaze, for in thy looks some mystery

Strange-seeming shows: scarce with abstracted mien

And cold thou answered'st, when with earnest heart

Thy brother poured the strain of dear affection.

As in a dream thou stand'st, and lost in thought,

As though-dissevered from its earthly frame-

Thy spirit roved afar. Not thine the breast

That deaf to nature's voice, ne'er owned the throbs

Of kindred love:-nay more-like one entranced

In bliss, thou look'st around, and smiles of rapture

Play on thy cheek.

DON MANUEL.

How shall my lips declare

The transports of my swelling heart? My brother

Revels in glad surprise, and from his breast

Instinct with strange new-felt emotions, pours

The tide of joy; but mine-no hate came with me,

Forgot the very spring of mutual strife!

High o'er this earthly sphere, on rapture's wings,

My spirit floats; and in the azure sea,

Above-beneath-no track of envious night

Disturbs the deep serene! I view these halls,

And picture to my thoughts the timid joy

Of my sweet bride, as through the palace gates,

In pride of queenly state, I lead her home.

She loved alone the loving one, the stranger,

And little deems that on her beauteous brow

Messina's prince shall 'twine the nuptial wreath.

How sweet, with unexpected pomp of greatness,

To glad the darling of my soul! too long

I brook this dull delay of crowning bliss!

Her beauty's self, that asks no borrowed charm,

Shall shine refulgent, like the diamond's blaze

That wins new lustre from the circling gold!

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Long have I marked thee, prince, with curious eye,

Foreboding of some mystery deep enshrined

Within thy laboring breast. This day, impatient,

Thy lips have burst the seal; and unconstrained

Confess a lover's joy;-the gladdening chase,

The Olympian coursers, and the falcon's flight

Can charm no more:-soon as the sun declines

Beneath the ruddy west, thou hiest thee quick

To some sequestered path, of mortal eye

Unseen-not one of all our faithful train

Companion of thy solitary way.

Say, why so long concealed the blissful flame?

Stranger to fear-ill-brooked thy princely heart

One thought unuttered.

DON MANUEL.

Ever on the wing

Is mortal joy;-with silence best we guard

The fickle good;-but now, so near the goal

Of all my cherished hopes, I dare to speak.

To-morrow's sun shall see her mine! no power

Of hell can make us twain! With timid stealth

No longer will I creep at dusky eve,

To taste the golden fruits of Cupid's tree,

And snatch a fearful, fleeting bliss: to-day

With bright to-morrow shall be one! So smooth

As runs the limpid brook, or silvery sand

That marks the flight of time, our lives shall flow

In continuity of joy!

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Already

Our hearts, my prince, with silent vows have blessed

Thy happy love; and now from every tongue,

For her-the royal, beauteous bride-should sound

The glad acclaim; so tell what nook unseen,

What deep umbrageous solitude, enshrines

The charmer of thy heart? With magic spells

Almost I deem she mocks our gaze, for oft

In eager chase we scour each rustic path

And forest dell; yet not a trace betrayed

The lover's haunts, ne'er were the footsteps marked

Of this mysterious fair.

DON MANUEL.

The spell is broke!

And all shall be revealed: now list my tale:-

'Tis five months flown,-my father yet controlled

The land, and bowed our necks with iron sway;

Little I knew but the wild joys of arms,

And mimic warfare of the chase;-

One day,-

Long had we tracked the boar with zealous toil

On yonder woody ridge:-it chanced, pursuing

A snow-white hind, far from your train I roved

Amid the forest maze;-the timid beast,

Along the windings of the narrow vale,

Through rocky cleft and thick-entangled brake,

Flew onward, scarce a moment lost, nor distant

Beyond a javelin's throw; nearer I came not,

Nor took an aim; when through a garden's gate,

Sudden she vanished:-from my horse quick springing,

I followed:-lo! the poor scared creature lay

Stretched at the feet of a young, beauteous nun,

That strove with fond caress of her fair hands

To still its throbbing heart: wondering, I gazed;

And motionless-my spear, in act to strike,

High poised-while she, with her large piteous eyes

For mercy sued-and thus we stood in silence

Regarding one another.

How long the pause

I know not-time itself forgot;-it seemed

Eternity of bliss: her glance of sweetness

Flew to my soul; and quick the subtle flame

Pervaded all my heart:-

But what I spoke,

And how this blessed creature answered, none

May ask; it floats upon my thought, a dream

Of childhood's happy dawn! Soon as my sense

Returned, I felt her bosom throb responsive

To mine,-then fell melodious on my ear

The sound, as of a convent bell, that called

To vesper song; and, like some shadowy vision

That melts in air, she flitted from my sight,

And was beheld no more.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Thy story thrills

My breast with pious awe! Prince, thou hast robbed

The sanctuary, and for the bride of heaven

Burned with unholy passion! Oh, remember

The cloister's sacred vows!

DON MANUEL.

Thenceforth one path

My footsteps wooed; the fickle train was still

Of young desires-new felt my being's aim,

My soul revealed! and as the pilgrim turns

His wistful gaze, where, from the orient sky,

With gracious lustre beams Redemption's star;-

So to that brightest point of heaven, her presence,

My hopes and longings centred all. No sun

Sank in the western waves, but smiled farewell

To two united lovers:-thus in stillness

Our hearts were twined,-the all-seeing air above us

Alone the faithful witness of our joys!

Oh, golden hours! Oh, happy days! nor Heaven

Indignant viewed our bliss;-no vows enchained

Her spotless soul; naught but the link which bound it

Eternally to mine!

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Those hallowed walls,

Perchance the calm retreat of tender youth,

No living grave?

DON MANUEL.

In infant innocence

Consigned a holy pledge, ne'er has she left

Her cloistered home.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

But what her royal line?

The noble only spring from noble stem.

DON MANUEL.

A secret to herself,-she ne'er has learned

Her name or fatherland.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

And not a trace

Guides to her being's undiscovered springs?

DON MANUEL.

An old domestic, the sole messenger

Sent by her unknown mother, oft bespeaks her

Of kingly race.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

And hast thou won naught else

From her garrulous age?

DON MANUEL.

Too much I feared to peril

My secret bliss!

Chorus (CAJETAN).

What were his words? What tidings

He bore-perchance thou know'st.

DON MANUEL.

Oft he has cheered her

With promise of a happier time, when all

Shall be revealed.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Oh, say-betokens aught

The time is near?

DON MANUEL.

Not distant far the day

That to the arms of kindred love once more

Shall give the long forsaken, orphaned maid-

Thus with mysterious words the aged man

Has shadowed oft what most I dread-for awe

Of change disturbs the soul supremely blest:

Nay, more; but yesterday his message spoke

The end of all my joys-this very dawn,

He told, should smile auspicious on her fate,

And light to other scenes-no precious hour

Delayed my quick resolves-by night I bore her

In secret to Messina.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Rash the deed

Of sacrilegious spoil! forgive, my prince,

The bold rebuke; thus to unthinking youth

Old age may speak in friendship's warning voice.

DON MANUEL.

Hard by the convent of the Carmelites,

In a sequestered garden's tranquil bound,

And safe from curious eyes, I left her,-hastening

To meet my brother: trembling there she counts

The slow-paced hours, nor deems how soon triumphant

In queenly state, high on the throne of fame,

Messina shall behold my timid bride.

For next, encompassed by your knightly train,

With pomp of greatness in the festal show,

Her lover's form shall meet her wondering gaze!

Thus will I lead her to my mother; thus-

While countless thousands on her passage wait

Amid the loud acclaim-the royal bride

Shall reach my palace gates!

Chorus (CAJETAN).

Command us, prince,

We live but to obey!

DON MANUEL.

I tore myself

Reluctant from her arms; my every thought

Shall still be hers: so come along, my friends,

To where the turbaned merchant spreads his store

Of fabrics golden wrought with curious art;

And all the gathered wealth of eastern climes.

First choose the well-formed sandals-meet to guard

And grace her delicate feet; then for her robe

The tissue, pure as Etna's snow that lies

Nearest the sun-light as the wreathy mist

At summer dawn-so playful let it float

About her airy limbs. A girdle next,

Purple with gold embroidered o'er, to bind

With witching grace the tunic that confines

Her bosom's swelling charms: of silk the mantle,

Gorgeous with like empurpled hues, and fixed

With clasp of gold-remember, too, the bracelets

To gird her beauteous arms; nor leave the treasure

Of ocean's pearly deeps and coral caves.

About her locks entwine a diadem

Of purest gems-the ruby's fiery glow

Commingling with the emerald's green. A veil,

From her tiara pendent to her feet,

Like a bright fleecy cloud shall circle round

Her slender form; and let a myrtle wreath

Crown the enchanting whole!

Chorus (CAJETAN).

We haste, my prince.

Amid the Bazar's glittering rows, to cull

Each rich adornment.

DON MANUEL.

From my stables lead

A palfrey, milk-white as the steeds that draw

The chariot of the sun; purple the housings,

The bridle sparkling o'er with precious gems,

For it shall bear my queen! Yourselves be ready

With trumpet's cheerful clang, in martial train

To lead your mistress home: let two attend me,

The rest await my quick return; and each

Guard well my secret purpose.

[He goes away accompanied by two of the CHORUS.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

The princely strife is o'er, and say,

What sport shall wing the slow-paced hours,

And cheat the tedious day?

With hope and fear's enlivening zest

Disturb the slumber of the breast,

And wake life's dull, untroubled sea

With freshening airs of gay variety.

One of the Chorus (MANFRED).

Lovely is peace! A beauteous boy,

Couched listless by the rivulet's glassy tide,

'Mid nature's tranquil scene,

He views the lambs that skip with innocent joy,

And crop the meadow's flowering pride:-

Then with his flute's enchanting sound,

He wakes the mountain echoes round,

Or slumbers in the sunset's ruddy sheen,

Lulled by the murmuring melody.

But war for me! my spirit's treasure,

Its, stern delight, and wilder pleasure:

I love the peril and the pain,

And revel in the surge of fortune's boisterous main!

A second (BERENGAR).

Is there not love, and beauty's smile

That lures with soft, resistless wile?

'Tis thrilling hope! 'tis rapturous fear

'Tis heaven upon this mortal sphere;

When at her feet we bend the knee,

And own the glance of kindred ecstasy

For ever on life's checkered way,

'Tis love that tints the darkening hues of care

With soft benignant ray:

The mirthful daughter of the wave,

Celestial Venus ever fair,

Enchants our happy spring with fancy's gleam,

And wakes the airy forms of passion's golden dream.

First (MANFRED).

To the wild woods away!

Quick let us follow in the train

Of her, chaste huntress of the silver bow;

And from the rocks amain

Track through the forest gloom the bounding roe,

The war-god's merry bride,

The chase recalls the battle's fray,

And kindles victory's pride:-

Up with the streaks of early morn,

We scour with jocund hearts the misty vale,

Loud echoing to the cheerful horn

Over mountain-over dale-

And every languid sense repair,

Bathed in the rushing streams of cold, reviving air.

Second (BERENGAR).

Or shall we trust the ever-moving sea,

The azure goddess, blithe and free.

Whose face, the mirror of the cloudless sky,

Lures to her bosom wooingly?

Quick let us build on the dancing waves

A floating castle gay,

And merrily, merrily, swim away!

Who ploughs with venturous keel the brine

Of the ocean crystalline-

His bride is fortune, the world his own,

For him a harvest blooms unsown:-

Here, like the wind that swift careers

The circling bound of earth and sky,

Flits ever-changeful destiny!

Of airy chance 'tis the sportive reign,

And hope ever broods on the boundless main

A third (CAJETAN).

Nor on the watery waste alone

Of the tumultuous, heaving sea;-

On the firm earth that sleeps secure,

Based on the pillars of eternity.

Say, when shall mortal joy endure?

New bodings in my anxious breast,

Waked by this sudden friendship, rise;

Ne'er would I choose my home of rest

On the stilled lava-stream, that cold

Beneath the mountain lies

Not thus was discord's flame controlled-

Too deep the rooted hate-too long

They brooded in their sullen hearts

O'er unforgotten, treasured wrong. In warning visions oft dismayed,

I read the signs of coming woe;

And now from this mysterious maid

My bosom tells the dreaded ills shall flow:

Unblest, I deem, the bridal chain

Shall knit their secret loves, accursed

With holy cloisters' spoil profane.

No crooked paths to virtue lead;

Ill fruit has ever sprung from evil seed!

BERENGAR.

And thus to sad unhallowed rites

Of an ill-omened nuptial tie,

Too well ye know their father bore

A bride of mournful destiny,

Torn from his sire, whose awful curse has sped

Heaven's vengeance on the impious bed!

This fierce, unnatural rage atones

A parent's crime-decreed by fate,

Their mother's offspring, strife and hate!

[The scene changes to a garden opening on the sea.

BEATRICE (steps forward from an alcove. She walks to and fro with an

agitated air, looking round in every direction. Suddenly she

stands still and listens).

No! 'tis not he: 'twas but the playful wind

Rustling the pine-tops. To his ocean bed

The sun declines, and with o'erwearied heart

I count the lagging hours: an icy chill

Creeps through my frame; the very solitude

And awful silence fright my trembling soul!

Where'er I turn naught meets my gaze-he leaves me

Forsaken and alone!

And like a rushing stream the city's hum

Floats on the breeze, and dull the mighty sea

Rolls murmuring to the rocks: I shrink to nothing

With horrors compassed round; and like the leaf,

Borne on the autumn blast, am hurried onward

Through boundless space.

Alas! that e'er I left

My peaceful cell-no cares, no fond desires

Disturbed my breast, unruffled as the stream

That glides in sunshine through the verdant mead:

Nor poor in joys. Now-on the mighty surge

Of fortune, tempest-tossed-the world enfolds me

With giant arms! Forgot my childhood's ties

I listened to the lover's flattering tale-

Listened, and trusted! From the sacred dome

Allured-betrayed-for sure some hell-born magic

Enchained my frenzied sense-I fled with him,

The invader of religion's dread abodes!

Where art thou, my beloved? Haste-return-

With thy dear presence calm my struggling soul!

[She listens.

Hark! the sweet voice! No! 'twas the echoing surge

That beats upon the shore; alas! he comes not.

More faintly, o'er the distant waves, the sun

Gleams with expiring ray; a deathlike shudder

Creeps to my heart, and sadder, drearier grows

E'en desolation's self.

[She walks to and fro, and then listens again.

Yes! from the thicket shade

A voice resounds! 'tis he! the loved one!

No fond illusion mocks my listening ear.

'Tis louder-nearer: to his arms I fly-

To his breast!

[She rushes with outstretched arms to the extremity

of the garden. DON CAESAR meets her.

DON CASAR. BEATRICE.

BEATRICE (starting back in horror)

What do I see?

[At the same moment the Chorus comes forward.

DON CAESAR.

Angelic sweetness! fear not.

[To the Chorus.

Retire! your gleaming arms and rude array

Affright the timorous maid.

[To BEATRICE.

Fear nothing! beauty

And virgin shame are sacred in my eyes.

[The Chorus steps aside. He approaches and takes her hand.

Where hast thou been? for sure some envious power

Has hid thee from my gaze: long have I sought thee:

E'en from the hour when 'mid the funeral rites

Of the dead prince, like some angelic vision,

Lit with celestial brightness, on my sight

Thou shonest, no other image in my breast

Waking or dreaming, lives; nor to thyself

Unknown thy potent spells; my glance of fire,

My faltering accents, and my hand that lay

Trembling in thine, bespoke my ecstasy!

Aught else with solemn majesty the rite

And holy place forbade:

The bell proclaimed

The awful sacrifice! With downcast eyes,

And kneeling I adored: soon as I rose,

And caught with eager gaze thy form again,

Sudden it vanished; yet, with mighty magic

Of love enchained, my spirit tracked thy presence;

Nor ever, with unwearied quest, I cease

At palace gates, amid the temple's throng,

In secret paths retired, or public scenes,

Where beauteous innocence perchance might rove,

To mark each passing form-in vain; but, guided

By some propitious deity this day

One of my train, with happy vigilance,

Espied thee in the neighboring church.

[BEATRICE, who had stood trembling with averted eyes,

here makes a gesture of terror.

I see thee

Once more; and may the spirit from this frame

Be severed ere we part! Now let me snatch

This glad, auspicious moment, and defy

Or chance, or envious demon's power, to shake

Henceforth my solid bliss; here I proclaim thee,

Before this listening warlike train my bride,

With pledge of knightly honors!

[He shows her to the Chorus.

Who thou art,

I ask not: thou art mine! But that thy soul

And birth are pure alike one glance informed

My inmost heart; and though thy lot were mean,

And poor thy lowly state, yet would I strain thee

With rapture to my arms: no choice remains,

Thou art my love-my wife! Know too, that lifted

On fortune's height, I spurn control; my will

Can raise thee to the pinnacle of greatness-

Enough my name-I am Don Caesar! None

Is nobler in Messina!

[BEATRICE starts back in amazement. He remarks her agitation,

and after a pause continues.

What a grace

Lives in thy soft surprise and modest silence!

Yes! gentle humbleness is beauty's crown-

The beautiful forever hid, and shrinking

From its own lustre: but thy spirit needs

Repose, for aught of strange-e'en sudden joy-

Is terror-fraught. I leave thee.

[Turning to the Chorus.

From this hour

She is your mistress, and my bride; so teach her

With honors due to entertain the pomp

Of queenly state. I will return with speed,

And lead her home as fits Messina's princess.

[He goes away.

BEATRICE and the Chorus.

Chorus (BOHEMUND).

Fair maiden-hail to thee

Thou lovely queen!

Thine is the crown, and thine the victory!

Of heroes to a distant age,

The blooming mother thou shalt shine,

Preserver of this kingly line.

(ROGER).

And thrice I bid thee hail,

Thou happy fair!

Sent in auspicious hour to bless

This favored race-the god's peculiar care.

Here twine the immortal wreaths of fame

And evermore, from sire to son,

Rolls on the sceptered sway,

To heirs of old renown, a race of deathless name!

(BOHEMUND).

The household gods exultingly

Thy coming wait;

The ancient, honored sires,

That on the portals frown sedate,

Shall smile for thee!

There blooming Hebe shall thy steps attend;

And golden victory, that sits

By Jove's eternal throne, with waving plumes

For conquest ever spread,

To welcome thee from heaven descend.

(ROGER.)

Ne'er from this queenly, bright array

The crown of beauty fades,

Departing to the realms of day,

Each to the next, as good and fair,

Extends the zone of feminine grace,

And veil of purity:-

Oh, happy race!

What vision glads my raptured eye!

Equal in nature's blooming pride,

I see the mother and the virgin bride.

BEATRICE (awaking from her reverie).

Oh, luckless hour!

Alas! ill-fated maid!

Where shall I fly

From these rude warlike men?

Lost and betrayed!

A shudder o'er me came,

When of this race accursed-the brothers twain-

Their hands embrued with kindred gore,

I heard the dreaded name;

Oft told, their strife and serpent hate

With terror thrilled lay bosom's core:-

And now-oh, hapless fate!

I tremble, 'mid the rage of discord thrown,

Deserted and alone!

[She runs into the alcove.

Chorus (BOHEMUND).

Son of the immortal deities,

And blest is he, the lord of power;

His every joy the world can give;

Of all that mortals prize

He culls the flower.

(ROGER).

For him from ocean's azure caves

The diver bears each pearl of purest ray;

Whate'er from nature's boundless field

Or toil or art has won,

Obsequious at his feet we lay;

His choice is ever free;

We bow to chance, and fortune's blind decree.

(BOHEMUND.)

But this of princes' lot I deem

The crowning treasure, joy supreme-

Of love the triumph and the prize,

The beauty, star of neighboring eyes!

She blooms for him alone,

He calls the fairest maid his own.

(ROGER).

Armed for the deadly fray,

The corsair bounds upon the strand,

And drags, amid the gloom of night, away,

The shrieking captive train,

Of wild desires the hapless prey;

But ne'er his lawless hands profane

The gem-the peerless flower-

Whose charms shall deck the Sultan's bower.

(BOHEMUND.)

Now haste and watch, with curious eye,

These hallowed precincts round,

That no presumptuous foot come nigh

The secret, solitary ground

Guard well the maiden fair,

Your chieftain's brightest jewel owns your care.

[The Chorus withdraws to the background.

[The scene changes to a chamber in the interior of the palace.

DONNA ISABELLA between DON MANUEL and DON CAESAR.

ISABELLA.

The long-expected, festal day is come,

My children's hearts are twined in one, as thus

I fold their hands. Oh, blissful hour, when first

A mother dares to speak in nature's voice,

And no rude presence checks the tide of love.

The clang of arms affrights mine ear no more;

And as the owls, ill-omened brood of night,

From some old, shattered homestead's ruined walls,

Their ancient reign, fly forth a dusky swarm,

Darkening the cheerful day; when absent long,

The dwellers home return with joyous shouts,

To build the pile anew; so Hate departs

With all his grisly train; pale Envy, scowling Malice,

And hollow-eyed Suspicion; from our gates,

Hoarse murmuring, to the realms of night; while Peace,

By Concord and fair Friendship led along,

Comes smiling in his place.

[She pauses.

But not alone

This day of joy to each restores a brother;

It brings a sister! Wonderstruck you gaze!

Yet now the truth, in silence guarded long,

Bursts from my soul. Attend! I have a daughter!

A sister lives, ordained by heaven to bind ye

With ties unknown before.

DON CAESAR.

We have a sister!

What hast thou said, my mother? never told

Her being till this hour!

DON MANUEL.

In childhood's years,

Oft of a sister we have heard, untimely

Snatched in her cradle by remorseless death;

So ran the tale.

ISABELLA.

She lives!

DON CAESAR.

And thou wert silent!

ISABELLA.

Hear how the seed was sown in early time,

That now shall ripen to a joyful harvest.

Ye bloomed in boyhood's tender age; e'en then

By mutual, deadly hate, the bitter spring

Of grief to this torn, anxious heart, dissevered;

Oh, may your strife return no more! A vision,

Strange and mysterious, in your father's breast

Woke dire presage: it seemed that from his couch,

With branches intertwined, two laurels grew,

And in the midst a lily all in flames,

That, catching swift the boughs and knotted stems,

Burst forth with crackling rage, and o'er the house

Spread in one mighty sea of fire: perplexed

By this terrific dream, my husband sought

An Arab, skilled to read the stars, and long

The trusted oracle, whose counsels swayed

His inmost purpose: thus the boding sage

Spoke Fate's decrees: if I a daughter bore,

Destruction to his sons and all his race

From her should spring. Soon, by heaven's will, this child

Of dreadful omen saw the light; your sire

Commanded instant in the waves to throw

The new-born innocent; a mother's love

Prevailed, and, aided by a faithful servant,

I snatched the babe from death.

DON CAESAR.

Blest be the hands

The ministers of thy care! Oh, ever rich

Of counsels was a parent's love!

ISABELLA.

But more

Than Nature's mighty voice, a warning dream

Impelled to save my child: while yet unborn

She slumbered in my womb, sleeping I saw

An infant, fair as of celestial kind,

That played upon the grass; soon from the wood

A lion rushed, and from his gory jaws,

Caressing, in the infant's lap let fall

His prey, new-caught; then through the air down swept

An eagle, and with fond caress alike

Dropped from his claws a trembling kid, and both

Cowered at the infant's feet, a gentle pair.

A monk, the saintly guide whose counsels poured

In every earthly need, the balm of heaven

Upon my troubled soul, my dream resolved.

Thus spoke the man of God: a daughter, sent

To knit the warring spirits of my sons

In bonds of tender love, should recompense

A mother's pains! Deep in my heart I treasured

His words, and, reckless of the Pagan seer,

Preserved the blessed child, ordained of heaven

To still your growing strife; sweet pledge of hope

And messenger of peace!

DON MANUEL (embracing his brother).

There needs no sister

To join our hearts; she shall but bind them closer.

ISABELLA.

In a lone spot obscure, by stranger hands

Nurtured, the secret flower has grown; to me

Denied the joy to mark each infant charm

And opening grace from that sad hour of parting;

These arms ne'er clasped my child again! her sire,

To jealousy's corroding fears a prey,

And brooding dark suspicion, restless tracked

Each day my steps.

DON CAESAR.

Yet three months flown, my father

Sleeps in the tranquil grave; say, whence delayed

The joyous tidings? Why so long concealed

The maid, nor earlier taught our hearts to glow

With brother's love?

ISABELLA.

The cause, your frenzied hate,

That raging unconfined, e'en on the tomb

Of your scarce buried father, lit the flames

Of mortal strife. What! could I throw my daughter

Betwixt your gleaming blades? Or 'mid the storm

Of passion would ye list a woman's counsels?

Could she, sweet pledge of peace, of all our hopes

The last and holy anchor, 'mid the rage

Of discord find a home? Ye stand as brothers,

So will I give a sister to your arms!

The reconciling angel comes; each hour

I wait my messenger's return; he leads her

From her sequestered cell, to glad once more

A mother's eyes.

DON MANUEL.

Nor her alone this day

Thy arms shall fold; joy pours through all our gates;

Soon shall the desolate halls be full, the seat

Of every blooming grace. Now hear my secret:

A sister thou hast given; to thee I bring

A daughter; bless thy son! My heart has found

Its lasting shrine: ere this day's sun has set

Don Manuel to thy feet shall lead his bride,

The partner of his days.

ISABELLA.

And to my breast

With transport will I clasp the chosen maid

That makes my first-born happy. Joy shall spring

Where'er she treads, and every flower that blooms

Around the path of life smile in her presence!

May bliss reward the son, that for my brows

Has twined the choicest wreath a mother wears.

DON CAESAR.

Yet give not all the fulness of thy blessing

To him, thy eldest born. If love be blest,

I, too, can give thee joy. I bring a daughter,

Another flower for thy most treasured garland!

The maid that in this ice-cold bosom first

Awoke the rapturous flame! Ere yonder sun

Declines, Don Caesar's bride shall call thee mother.

DON MANUEL.

Almighty Love! thou godlike power-for well

We call thee sovereign of the breast! Thy sway

Controls each warring element, and tunes

To soft accord; naught lives but owns thy greatness.

Lo! the rude soul that long defied thee melts

At thy command!

[He embraces DON CAESAR.

Now I can trust thy heart,

And joyful strain thee to a brother's arms!

I doubt thy faith no more, for thou canst love!

ISABELLA.

Thrice blest the day, when every gloomy care

From my o'erlabored breast has flown. I see

On steadfast columns reared our kingly race,

And with contented spirit track the stream

Of measureless time. In these deserted halls,

Sad in my widow's veil, but yesterday

Childless I roamed; and soon, in youthful charms

Arrayed, three blooming daughters at my side

Shall stand! Oh, happiest mother! Chief of women,

In bliss supreme; can aught of earthly joy

O'erbalance thine?

But say, of royal stem,

What maidens grace our isle? For ne'er my sons

Would stoop to meaner brides.

DON MANUEL.

Seek not to raise

The veil that hides my bliss; another day

Shall tell thee all. Enough-Don Manuel's bride

Is worthy of thy son and thee.

ISABELLA.

Thy sire

Speaks in thy words; thus to himself retired

Forever would he brood o'er counsels dark,

And cloak his secret purpose;-your delay

Be short, my son.

[Turning to DON CAESAR.

But thou-some royal maid,

Daughter of kings, hath stirred thy soul to love;

So speak-her name--

DON CAESAR.

I have no art to veil

My thoughts with mystery's garb-my spirit free

And open as my brows; which thou wouldst know

Concerned me never. What illumes above

Heaven's flaming orb? Himself! On all the world

He shines, and with his beaming glory tells

From light he sprung:-in her pure eyes I gazed,

I looked into her heart of hearts:-the brightness

Revealed the pearl. Her race-her name-my mother,

Ask not of me!

ISABELLA.

My son, explain thy words,

For, like some voice divine, the sudden charm

Has thralled thy soul: to deeds of rash emprise

Thy nature prompted, not to fantasies

Of boyish love:-tell me, what swayed thy choice?

DON CAESAR.

My choice? my mother! Is it choice when man

Obeys the might of destiny, that brings

The awful hour? I sought no beauteous bride,

No fond delusion stirred my tranquil breast,

Still as the house of death; for there, unsought,

I found the treasure of my soul. Thou know'st

That, heedless ever of the giddy race,

I looked on beauty's charms with cold disdain,

Nor deemed of womankind there lived another

Like thee-whom my idolatrous fancy decked

With heavenly graces:-

'Twas the solemn rite

Of my dead father's obsequies; we stood

Amid the countless throng, with strange attire

Hid from each other's glance; for thus ordained

Thy thoughtful care lest with outbursting rage,

E' en by the holy place unawed, our strife

Should mar the funeral pomp.

With sable gauze

The nave was all o'erhung; the altar round

Stood twenty giant saints, uplifting each

A torch; and in the midst reposed on high

The coffin, with o'erspreading pall, that showed,

In white, redemption's sign;-thereon were laid

The staff of sovereignty, the princely crown,

The golden spurs of knighthood, and the sword,

With diamond-studded belt:-

And all was hushed

In silent prayer, when from the lofty choir,

Unseen, the pealing organ spoke, and loud

From hundred voices burst the choral strain!

Then, 'mid the tide of song, the coffin sank

With the descending floor beneath, forever

Down to the world below:-but, wide outspread

Above the yawning grave, the pall upheld

The gauds of earthly state, nor with the corpse

To darkness fell; yet on the seraph wings

Of harmony, the enfranchised spirit soared

To heaven and mercy's throne:

Thus to thy thought,

My mother, I have waked the scene anew,

And say, if aught of passion in my breast

Profaned the solemn hour; yet then the beams

Of mighty love-so willed my guiding star-

First lit my soul; but how it chanced, myself

I ask in vain.

ISABELLA.

I would hear all; so end

Thy tale.

DON CAESAR.

What brought her to my side, or whence

She came, I know not:-from her presence quick

Some secret all-pervading inward charm

Awoke; 'twas not the magic of a smile,

Nor playful Cupid in her cheeks, nor more,

The form of peerless grace;-'twas beauty's soul,

The speaking virtue, modesty inborn,

That as with magic spells, impalpable

To sense, my being thralled. We breathed together

The air of heaven:-enough!-no utterance asked

Of words, our spiritual converse;-in my heart,

Though strange, yet with familiar ties inwrought

She seemed, and instant spake the thought-'tis she!

Or none that lives!

DON MANUEL (interposing with eagerness).

That is the sacred fire

From heaven! the spark of love-that on the soul

Bursts like the lightning's flash, and mounts in flame,

When kindred bosoms meet! No choice remains-

Who shall resist? What mortal break the band

That heaven has knit? Brother, my blissful fortune

Was echoed in thy tale-well thou hast raised

The veil that shadows yet my secret love.

ISABELLA.

Thus destiny has marked the wayward course

Of my two sons: the mighty torrent sweeps

Down from the precipice; with rage he wears

His proper bed, nor heeds the channel traced

By art and prudent care. So to the powers

That darkly sway the fortunes of our house,

Trembling I yield. One pledge of hope remains;

Great as their birth-their noble souls.

ISABELLA, DON MANUEL, DON CAESAR.

DIEGO is seen at the door.

ISABELLA.

But see,

My faithful messenger returns. Come near me,

Honest Diego. Quick! Where is she? Tell me,

Where is my child? There is no secret here.

Oh, speak! No longer from my eyes conceal her;

Come! we are ready for the height of joy.

[She is about to lead him towards the door.

What means this pause? Thou lingerest-thou art dumb-

Thy looks are terror-fraught-a shudder creeps

Through all my frame-declare thy tidings!-speak!

Where is she? Where is Beatrice?

[She is about to rush from the chamber.

DON MANUEL (to himself abstractedly).

Beatrice!

DIEGO (holding back the PRINCESS).

Be still!

ISABELLA.

Where is she? Anguish tears my breast!

DIEGO.

She comes not.

I bring no daughter to thy arms.

ISABELLA.

Declare

Thy message! Speak! by all the saints!

What has befallen?

DON MANUEL.

Where is my sister? Tell us,

Thou harbinger of ill!

DIEGO.

The maid is stolen

By corsairs! lost! Oh! that I ne'er had seen

This day of woe!

DON MANUEL.

Compose thyself, my mother!

DON CAESAR.

Be calm; list all this tale.

DIEGO.

At thy command

I sought in haste the well-known path that leads

To the old sanctuary:-joy winged my footsteps;

The journey was my last!

DON CAESAR.

Be brief!

DON MANUEL.

Proceed!

DIEGO.

Soon as I trod the convent's court-impatient-

I ask-"Where is thy daughter?" Terror sate

In every eye; and straight, with horror mute,

I heard the worst.

[ISABELLA sinks, pale and trembling, upon a chair;

DON MANUEL is busied about her.

DON CAESAR.

Say'st thou by pirates stolen?

Who saw the band?-what tongue relates the spoil?

DIEGO.

Not far a Moorish galley was descried,

At anchor in the bay--

DON CAESAR.

The refuge oft

From tempests' rage; where is the bark?

DIEGO.

At down,

With favoring breeze she stood to sea.

DON CAESAR.

But never

One prey contents the Moor; say, have they told

Of other spoil?

DIEGO.

A herd that pastured near

Was dragged away.

DON CAESAR.

Yet from the convent's bound

How tear the maid unseen?

DIEGO.

'Tis thought with ladders

They scaled the wall.

DON CAESAR.

Thou knowest what jealous care

Enshrines the bride of Heaven; scarce could their steps

Invade the secret cells.

DIEGO.

Bound by no vows

The maiden roved at will; oft would she seek

Alone the garden's shade. Alas! this day,

Ne'er to return!

DON CAESAR.

Saidst thou-the prize of corsairs?

Perchance, at other bidding, she forsook

The sheltering dome--

ISABELLA (rising suddenly).

'Twas force! 'twas savage spoil!

Ne'er has my child, reckless of honor's ties

With vile seducer fled! My sons! Awake!

I thought to give a sister to your arms;

I ask a daughter from your swords! Arise!

Avenge this wrong! To arms! Launch every ship!

Scour all our coasts! From sea to sea pursue them!

Oh, bring my daughter! haste!

DON CAESAR.

Farewell-I fly

To vengeance!

[He goes away.

[DON MANUEL arouses himself from a state of abstraction,

and turns, with an air of agitation, to DIEGO.

DON MANUEL.

Speak! within the convent's walls

When first unseen--

DIEGO.

This day at dawn.

DON MANUEL (to ISABELLA).

Her name

Thou say'st is Beatrice?

ISABELLA.

No question! Fly!

DON MANUEL.

Yet tell me--

ISABELLA.

Haste! Begone! Why this delay?

Follow thy brother.

DON MANUEL.

I conjure thee-speak--

ISABELLA (dragging him away).

Behold my tears!

DON MANUEL.

Where was she hid? What region

Concealed my sister?

ISABELLA.

Scarce from curious eyes

In the deep bosom of the earth more safe

My child had been!

DIEGO.

Oh! now a sudden horror

Starts in my breast.

DON MANUEL.

What gives thee fear?

DIEGO.

'Twas I

That guiltless caused this woe!

ISABELLA.

Unhappy man!

What hast thou done?

DIEGO.

To spare thy mother's heart

One anxious pang, my mistress, I concealed

What now my lips shall tell: 'twas on the day

When thy dead husband in the silent tomb

Was laid; from every side the unnumbered throng

Pressed eager to the solemn rites; thy daughter-

For e'en amid the cloistered shade was noised

The funeral pomp, urged me, with ceaseless prayers,

To lead her to the festival of Death.

In evil hour I gave consent; and, shrouded

In sable weeds of mourning, she surveyed

Her father's obsequies. With keen reproach

My bosom tells (for through the veil her charms

Resistless shone), 'twas there, perchance, the spoiler

Lurked to betray.

DON MANUEL (to himself).

Thrice happy words! I live!

It was another!

ISABELLA (to DIEGO).

Faithless! Ill betide

Thy treacherous age!

DIEGO.

Oh, never have I strayed

From duty's path! My mistress, in her prayers

I heard the voice of Nature; thus from Heaven

Ordained,-methought, the secret impulse moves

Of kindred blood, to hallow with her tears

A father's grave: the tender office owned

Thy servant's care, and thus with good intent

I wrought but ill.

DON MANUEL (to himself).

Why stand I thus a prey

To torturing fears! No longer will I bear

The dread suspense--I will know all!

DON CAESAR (who returns).

Forgive me,

I follow thee.

DON MANUEL.

Away! Let no man follow.

[Exit.

DON CAESAR (looking after him in surprise).

What means my brother? Speak--

ISABELLA.

In wonder lost

I gaze; some mystery lurks--

DON CAESAR.

Thou mark'st, my mother,

My quick return; with eager zeal I flew

At thy command, nor asked one trace to guide

My footsteps to thy daughter. Whence was torn

Thy treasure? Say, what cloistered solitude

Enshrined the beauteous maid?

ISABELLA.

'Tis consecrate

To St. Cecilia; deep in forest shades,

Beyond the woody ridge that slowly climbs

Toward's Etna's towering throne, it seems a refuge

Of parted souls!

DON CAESAR.

Have courage, trust thy sons;

She shall be thine, though with unwearied quest

O'er every land and sea I track her presence

To earth's extremest bounds: one thought alone

Disturbs,-in stranger hands my timorous bride

Waits my return; to thy protecting arms

I give the pledge of all my joy! She comes;

Soon on her faithful bosom thou shalt rest

In sweet oblivion of thy cares.

[Exit.

ISABELLA.

When will the ancient curse be stilled that weighs

Upon our house? Some mocking demon sports

With every new-formed hope, nor envious leaves

One hour of joy. So near the haven smiled-

So smooth the treacherous main-secure I deemed

My happiness: the storm was lulled; and bright

In evening's lustre gleamed the sunny shore!

Then through the placid air the tempest sweeps,

And bears me to the roaring surge again!

[She goes into the interior of the palace,

followed by DIEGO.

The Scene changes to the Garden.

Both Choruses, afterwards BEATRICE.

The Chorus of DON MANUEL enters in solemn procession,

adorned with garlands, and bearing the bridal ornaments

above mentioned. The Chorus of DON CAESAR opposes their

entrance.

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

Begone!

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND).

Not at thy bidding!

CAJETAN.

Seest thou not

Thy presence irks?

BOHEMUND.

Thou hast it, then, the longer!

CAJETAN.

My place is here! What arm repels me?

BOHEMUND,

Mine!

CAJETAN.

Don Manuel sent me hither.

BOHEMUND.

I obey

My Lord Don Caesar.

CAJETAN.

To the eldest born

Thy master reverence owes.

BOHEMUND.

The world belongs

To him that wins!

CAJETAN.

Unmannered knave, give place!

BOHEMUND.

Our swords be measured first!

CAJETAN.

I find thee ever

A serpent in my path.

BOHEMUND.

Where'er I list

Thus will I meet thee!

CAJETAN.

Say, why cam'st thou hither

To spy?--

BOHEMUND.

And thou to question and command?

CAJETAN.

To parley I disdain!

BOHEMUND.

Too much I grace thee

By words!

CAJETAN.

Thy hot, impetuous youth should bow

To reverend age.

BOHEMUND.

Older thou art-not braver.

BEATRICE (rushing from her place of concealment).

Alas! What mean these warlike men?

CAJETAN (to BOHEMUND).

I heed not

Thy threats and lofty mien.

BOHEMUND.

I serve a master

Better than thine.

BEATRICE.

Alas! Should he appear!

CAJETAN.

Thou liest! Don Manuel thousandfold excels.

BOHEMUND.

In every strife the wreath of victory decks

Don Caesar's brows!

BEATRICE.

Now he will come! Already

The hour is past!

CAJETAN.

'Tis peace, or thou shouldst know

My vengeance!

BOHEMUND.

Fear, not peace, thy arm refrains.

BEATRICE.

Oh! Were he thousand miles remote!

CAJETAN.

Thy looks

But move my scorn; the compact I obey.

BOHEMUND.

The coward's ready shield!

CAJETAN.

Come on! I follow.

BOHEMUND.

To arms!

BEATRICE (in the greatest agitation).

Their falchions gleam-the strife begins!

Ye heavenly powers, his steps refrain! Some snare

Throw round his feet, that in this hour of dread

He come not: all ye angels, late implored

To give him to my arms, reverse my prayers;

Far, far from hence convey the loved one!

[She runs into the alcove. At the moment when the two

Choruses are about to engage, DON MANUEL appears.

DON MANUEL, the Chorus.

DON MANUEL.

What do I see!

First Chorus to the Second (CAJETAN, BERENGAR, MANFRED).

Come on! Come on!

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND, ROGER, HIPPOLYTE).

Down with them!

DON MANUEL (stepping between them with drawn sword).

Hold!

CAJETAN.

'Tis the prince!

BOHEMUND.

Be still!

DON MANUEL.

I stretch him dead

Upon this verdant turf that with one glance

Of scorn prolongs the strife, or threats his foe!

Why rage ye thus? What maddening fiend impels

To blow the flames of ancient hate anew,

Forever reconciled? Say, who began

The conflict? Speak--

First Chorus (CAJETAN, BERENGAR).

My prince, we stood--

Second Chorus (ROGER, BOHEMUND) interrupting them.

They came

DON MANUEL (to the First Chorus).

Speak thou!

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

With wreaths adorned, in festal train,

We bore the bridal gifts; no thought of ill

Disturbed our peaceful way; composed forever

With holy pledge of love we deemed your strife,

And trusting came; when here in rude array

Of arms encamped they stood, and loud defied us!

DON MANUEL.

Slave! Is no refuge safe? Shall discord thus

Profane the bower of virgin innocence,

The home of sanctity and peace?

[To the Second Chorus.

Retire-

Your warlike presence ill beseems; away!

I would be private.

[They hesitate.

In your master's name

I give command; our souls are one, our lips

Declare each other's thoughts; begone!

[To the First Chorus.

Remain!

And guard the entrance.

BOHEMUND.

So! What next? Our masters

Are reconciled; that's plain; and less he wins

Of thanks than peril, that with busy zeal

In princely quarrel stirs; for when of strife

His mightiness aweary feels, of guilt

He throws the red-dyed mantle unconcerned

On his poor follower's luckless head, and stands

Arrayed in virtue's robes! So let them end

E'en as they will their brawls, I hold it best

That we obey.

[Exit Second Chorus. The first withdraws to the

back of the stage; at the same moment BEATRICE rushes

forward, and throws herself into DON MANUEL'S arms.

BEATRICE.

'Tis thou! Ah! cruel one,

Again I see thee-clasp thee-long appalled,

To thousand ills a prey, trembling I languish

For thy return: no more-in thy loved arms

I am at peace, nor think of dangers past,

Thy breast my shield from every threatening harm.

Quick! Let us fly! they see us not!-away!

Nor lose the moment.

Ha! Thy looks affright me!

Thy sullen, cold reserve! Thou tear'st thyself

Impatient from my circling arms, I know thee

No more! Is this Don Manuel? My beloved?

My husband?

DON MANUEL.

Beatrice!

BEATRICE.

No words! The moment

Is precious! Haste.

DON MANUEL.

Yet tell me--

BEATRICE.

Quick! Away!

Ere those fierce men return.

DON MANUEL.

Be calm, for naught

Shall trouble thee of ill.

BEATRICE.

Oh, fly! alas,

Thou know'st them not!

DON MANUEL.

Protected by this arm

Canst thou fear aught?

BEATRICE.

Oh, trust me; mighty men

Are here!

DON MANUEL.

Beloved! mightier none than I!

BEATRICE.

And wouldst thou brave this warlike host alone?

DON MANUEL.

Alone! the men thou fear'st--

BEATRICE.

Thou know'st them not,

Nor whom they serve.

DON MANUEL.

Myself! I am their lord!

BEATRICE.

Thou art-a shudder creeps through all my frame!

DON MANUEL.

Far other than I seemed; learn at last

To know me, Beatrice. Not the poor knight

Am I, the stranger and unknown, that loving

Taught thee to love; but what I am-my race-

My power--

BEATRICE.

And art thou not Don Manuel? Speak-

Who art thou?

DON MANUEL.

Chief of all that bear the name,

I am Don Manuel, Prince of Messina!

BEATRICE.

Art thou Don Manuel, Don Caesar's brother?

DON MANUEL.

Don Caesar is my brother.

BEATRICE.

Is thy brother!

DON MANUEL.

What means this terror? Know'st thou, then, Don Caesar?

None other of my race?

BEATRICE.

Art thou Don Manuel,

That with thy brother liv'st in bitter strife

Of long inveterate hate?

DON MANUEL.

This very sun

Smiled on our glad accord! Yes, we are brothers!

Brothers in heart!

BEATRICE.

And reconciled? This day?

DON MANUEL.

What stirs this wild disorder? Hast thou known

Aught but our name? Say, hast thou told me all?

Is there no secret? Hast thou naught concealed?

Nothing disguised?

BEATRICE.

Thy words are dark; explain,

What shall I tell thee?

DON MANUEL.

Of thy mother naught

Hast thou e'er told; who is she? If in words

I paint her, bring her to thy sight--

BEATRICE.

Thou know'st her!

And thou wert silent!

DON MANUEL.

If I know thy mother,

Horrors betide us both!

BEATRICE.

Oh, she is gracious

As the sun's orient beam! Yes! I behold her;

Fond memory wakes;-and from my bosom's depths

Her godlike presence rises to my view!

I see around her snowy neck descend

The tresses of her raven hair, that shade

The form of sculptured loveliness; I see

The pale, high-thoughted brow; the darkening glance

Of her large lustrous orbs; I hear the tones

Of soul-fraught sweetness!

DON MANUEL.

'Tis herself!

BEATRICE.

This day,

Perchance had give me to her arms, and knit

Our souls in everlasting love;-such bliss

I have renounced, yes! I have lost a mother

For thee!

DON MANUEL.

Console thyself, Messina's princess

Henceforth shall call thee daughter; to her feet

I lead thee; come-she waits. What hast thou said?

BEATRICE.

Thy mother and Don Caesar's? Never! never!

DON MANUEL.

Thou shudderest! Whence this horror? Hast thou known

My mother? Speak--

BEATRICE.

O grief! O dire misfortune!

Alas! that e'er I live to see this day!

DON MANUEL.

What troubles thee? Thou know'st me, thou hast found,

In the poor stranger knight, Messina's prince!

BEATRICE.

Give me the dear unknown again! With him

On earth's remotest wilds I could be blest!

DON CAESAR (behind the scene).

Away! What rabble throng is here?

BEATRICE.

That voice!

Oh heavens! Where shall I fly!

DON MANUEL.

Know'st thou that voice?

No! thou hast never heard it; to thine ear

'Tis strange--

BEATRICE.

Oh, come-delay not--

DON MANUEL.

Wherefore I fly?

It is my brother's voice! He seeks me-how

He tracked my steps--

BEATRICE.

By all the holy saints!

Brave not his wrath! oh quit this place-avoid him-

Meet not thy brother here!

DON MANUEL.

My soul! thy fears

Confound; thou hear'st me not; our strife is o'er.

Yes! we are reconciled.

BEATRICE.

Protect me, heaven,

In this dread hour!

DON MANUEL.

A sudden dire presage

Starts in my breast-I shudder at the thought:

If it be true! Oh, horror! Could she know

That voice! Wert thou-my tongue denies to utter

The words of fearful import-Beatrice!

Say, wert thou present at the funeral rites

Of my dead sire?

BEATRICE.

Alas!

DON MANUEL.

Thou wert!

BEATRICE.

Forgive me!

DON MANUEL.

Unhappy woman!

BEATRICE.

I was present!

DON MANUEL.

Horror!

BEATRICE.

Some mighty impulse urged me to the scene-

Oh, be not angry-to thyself I owned

The ardent fond desire; with darkening brow

Thou listened'st to my prayer, and I was silent,

But what misguiding inauspicious star

Allured, I know not; from my inmost soul

The wish, the dear emotion spoke; and vain

Aught else:-Diego gave consent-oh, pardon me!

I disobeyed thee.

[She advances towards him imploringly; at the same moment

DON CAESAR enters, accompanied by the whole Chorus.

BOTH BROTHERS, BOTH CHORUSES, BEATRICE.

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND) to DON CAESAR.

Thou heliev'st us not-

Believe thine eyes!

DON CAESAR (rushes forward furiously, and at the sight of his brother

starts back with horror).

Some hell-born magic cheats

My senses; in her arms! Envenomed snake!

Is this thy love? For this thy treacherous heart

Could lure with guise of friendship! Oh, from heaven

Breathed my immortal hate! Down, down to hell,

Thou soul of falsehood!

[He stabs him, DON MANUEL falls.

DON MANUEL.

Beatrice!-my brother!

I die!

[Dies. BEATRICE sinks lifeless at his side.

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

Help! Help! To arms! Avenge with blood

The bloody deed!

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND).

The fortune of the day

Is ours! The strife forever stilled:-Messina

Obeys one lord.

First Chorus (CAJETAN, BERENGAR, MANFRED).

Revenge! The murderer

Shall die! Quick, offer to your master's shade

Appeasing sacrifice!

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND, ROGER, HIPPOLYTE).

My prince! fear nothing,

Thy friends are true.

DON CAESAR (steps between them, looking around).

Be still! The foe is slain

That practised on my trusting, honest heart

With snares of brother's love. Oh, direful shows

The deed of death! But righteous heaven hath judged.

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

Alas to thee, Messina! Woe forever!

Sad city! From thy blood-stained walls this deed

Of nameless horror taints the skies; ill fare

Thy mothers and thy children, youth and age,

And offspring yet, unborn!

DON CAESAR.

Too late your grief-

Here give your help.

[Pointing to BEATRICE.

Call her to life, and quick

Depart this scene of terror and of death.

I must away and seek my sister:-Hence!

Conduct her to my mother-

And tell her that her son, Don Caesar, sends her!

[Exit.

[The senseless BEATRICE is placed on a litter and

carried away by the Second Chorus. The First Chorus

remains with the body, round which the boys who bear

the bridal presents range themselves in a semicircle.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

List, how with dreaded mystery

Was signed to my prophetic soul,

Of kindred blood the dire decree:-

Hither with noiseless, giant stride

I saw the hideous fiend of terror glide!

'Tis past! I strive not to control

My shuddering awe-so swift of ill

The Fates the warning sign fulfil.

Lo! to my sense dismayed,

Sudden the deed of death has shown

Whate'er my boding fears portrayed.

The visioned thought was pain;

The present horror curdles every vein

One of the Chorus (MANFRED).

Sound, sound the plaint of woe!

Beautiful youth!

Outstretched and pale he lies,

Untimely cropped in early bloom;

The heavy night of death has sealed his eyes;-

In this glad hour of nuptial joy,

Snatched by relentless doom,

He sleeps-while echoing to the sky,

Of sorrow bursts the loud, despairing cry!

A second (CAJETAN).

We come, we come, in festal pride,

To greet the beauteous bride;

Behold! the nuptial gifts, the rich attire

The banquet waits, the guests are there;

They bid thee to the solemn rite

Of hymen quick repair.

Thou hear'st them not-the sportive lyre,

The frolic dance, shall ne'er invite;

Nor wake thee from thy lowly bed,

For deep the slumber of the dead!

The whole Chorus.

No more the echoing horn shall cheer

Nor bride with tones of sweetness charm his ear.

On the cold earth he lies,

In death's eternal slumber closed his eyes.

A third (CAJETAN).

What are the hopes, and fond desires

Of mortals' transitory race?

This day, with harmony of voice and soul,

Ye woke the long-extinguished fires

Of brothers' love-yon flaming orb

Lit with his earliest beams your dear embrace

At eve, upon the gory sand

Thou liest-a reeking corpse!

Stretched by a brother's murderous hand.

Vain projects, treacherous hopes,

Child of the fleeting hour are thine;

Fond man! thou rear'st on dust each bold design,

Chorus (BERENGAR).

To thy mother I will bear

The burden of unutterable woe!

Quick shall yon cypress, blooming fair,

Bend to the axe's murderous blow

Then twine the mournful bier!

For ne'er with verdant life the tree shall smile

That grew on death's devoted soil;

Ne'er in the breeze the branches play,

Nor shade the wanderer in the noontide ray;

'Twas marked to bear the fruits of doom,

Cursed to the service of the tomb.

First (CAJETAN).

Woe to the murderer! Woe

That sped exulting in his pride,

Behold! the parched earth drinks the crimson tide.

Down, down it flows, unceasingly,

To the dim caverned halls below,

Where throned in kindred gloom the sister train,

Of Themis progeny severe,

Brood in their songless, silent reign!

Stern minister of wrath's decree,

They catch in swarthy cups thy streaming gore,

And pledge with horrid rites for vengeance evermore.

Second (BERENGAR).

Though swift of deed the traces fade

From earth, before the enlivening ray;

As o'er the brow the transient shade

Of thought, the hues of fancy flit away:-

Yet in the mystic womb unseen,

Of the dark ruling hours that sway

Our mortal lot, whate'er has been,

With new creative germ defies decay.

The blooming field is time

For nature's ever-teeming shoot,

And all is seed, and all is fruit.

[The Chorus goes away, bearing the corpse of DON MANUEL on a bier.