1st Man. 'T was from a mangled corpse I took But where is Gaston ? he, the ready tool that kerchief! Who does not start and cry“ alack, my lord!" Mother S. My son! my son! But back, tears, to Ha! here he comes ! your source — Gast. No moment may be lost I will shed blood, not tears! Fabian and Segbert, and Count Nicholas Roland. What say the burghers, Are hence. As firebrands in the standing corn Those ancient friends of his? Are they among the people; and a rumour 2. Man, The general feeling Has reached the town, that Suabia draweth near Is clean against him now. They swear he gave With a strong army for the aid of Kronberg. The town to pillage but to save his own! Do quickly what thou dost, and rid thyself Hans. And that he did! We're sure enough of of one foe ere another takes the field! that! Phil. Thou hast access unto the tower. Go thou, 2 Man. Gaston, they say 's the very fiend himself, Poison or steel, use thou the surer means ! All saw his horrid doings yesternight Gast. Nay, 't will be tenfold vengeance from thy Otroth, there is some riddle 'bout that man! hand. Hans. And let whoever sins, 't is we are blamed Phil. [feeling at his dagger.) 'T is sharp and true, for 't. but do thou mix a cup Roland. Speak now of the condition of the city. Of subtle poison. I would liefer that 21 Jan. There is no house that is not filled with And if he will not pledge me, why, there 's this! mourning Gast. I'll mix a canning potion that will do. The richest citizens were killed i' th' tumult Enter the LORD OF MAINE. One-third the city is a heap of ruins — And little children, wandering up and down, My son! my son! hast thou decreed his death? Go wailing for their parents — parents too Phil. I have. - everywhere, I have. Deep oaths are taken of revenge on Philip. Lord of M. Didst thou not love his gentle, angel Mother S. All have their oaths of blood against daughter ? Remember her, and do not harm his life. Lord of M. It is thou Has cut off every prisoner. That counsellest my son to these bad deeds! Rdand. There is hope! - Philip, she gave me life and liberty, What guard is stationed 'neath the castle rock? And, but for her, thy father had been dead ! 31 Man. The guard has been withdrawi). Phil. Whose hate was 't doomed thee to the galRaand. There's an old pathway, lows-tree ? Think ye we raight not get an entrance there? Hence! hence! thou dost not know, for urgently Thereby it was that Philip made his entrance! The hour calls for his blood ! 4k Man. I know it well ; yet 't will be dangerous, Lord of M. I leave thee not, More inaccessible from tumbled crags Till thou hast given his life unto my prayer. And fallen masonry than heretofore. Gasl. to Phil. Fortune is slipping through your Mother S. Our wrongs can force through rocks of hand, my lord, adamant. While you stand dallying thus. Away, old man! Roland. "T will suit our purpose ; now let all dis Phil. I'm ready, let's begone. perse, [They go out together. And when eve comes we will again asemble. Lord of M. Then, may the Avenger [They disperse severally. Take from thee thy ill-gotten power and station ! This is a place of blood and horrible outrage; Better it were to hide with desert-beasts, (He goes out. Evening – the gallery of the castle – Philip pacing After a short time re-enter PHILIP. aboul, in deep thought. I did not quail, nor did my heart upbraid me, On on unto the topmost verge of power; When thousands lay beneath my conquering step, And, as I yet ascend, still more doth grow And from the helmet-crown unto the heel The grasping wish for more ; – the aspiring wish I was dyed crimson ; why then faints my soul, Higter and higher to rise. This petty lordship, Trembling and drooping 'neath a mountain's weight Why out a sovereign dukedom? Wherefore not Of miserable remorse for one man's blood ? The Duke of Maine as good as Duke of Suabia ? Ne'er till this moment, when my debt is paid, And Kronberg dead; the path is right before me. When I have conquered my great enemy, Ambition and revenge shall have their way! Quailed I, or wished undone aught that was done! an hour But hark! What sounds are these-quick, coming Here, here, we miserably shall die by fire ! steps, Oh, Ida, vain thy prayer! – they have no mercy And hurried voices? Am I grown a coward ? That old man will not move his cruel son Enler GASTON. To save thy father, and we here shall perish! Oh, can there be Omnipotence in heaven, Philip! Philip! now is a time for action : Who sees these things, yet sends no angel down Why dost thou stare as one that walks in dreams? To smite and to deliver ! Phil. Whence come those hurried sounds ? Whose Ida. Nay, despair not; are those steps ? I do believe some power will save us yet! Gast. The disaffected thousands from the fields Berth. Oh, do not mock me! there's no ruth in Are on the walls — within the very castle! heaven, Phil. How got they an access ? On earth there is no goodness! Gast. Even as thou didst; Ida. [listening at the door.] Some one comes ! By the old rock-path. Hundreds more have entered Enter the LORD OF MAINE. Ida. Is good Lord Kronberg safe? Berth. And what do mean And man the walls. Strike every villain down These horrid sounds of tumult, and these flames? That sets his foot within the castle gate. Lord of M. Come forth, my noble ladies! Tis Gast. They with us for every inch of ground; They are within the walls — the place is fired ; Of peril and alarm! Will you confide In an old man? I am no soldier, lady; the Ida. I know you, and will trust in you! Ob [He rushes out - Gaston follows him. guide us A confused noise, and yelling cries are Unto Lord Kronberg's cell! Where lies my father? heard approaching, and a rabble force Lord of M. Your noble father 's free. Ida. their way in, with torches in their Your voice is sad, hands. And yet your words are pleasant. Lead us to him Man. Down with the billets! Here! here! Fire Lord of M. Quick ! follow me! these hangings! [They wrap themselves in their cloaks and [They hurl furniture into the middle of the follow him. SCENE IV. Another part of the castle — citizens stand with Lord Enter MOTHER SCHWARTZ, with other women, covered Kronberg's body on a bier. with dust and blood. 1st Citizen. Name not his faults. I knew him Mother S. Spare not for fire! Now for a suneral when a boy ; pile, I was his favourite playmate ; in those years To celebrate, my son, thy memory! Together did we ride, and at the target They shall say, this was for the woman's son! Together shoot our arrows. I ne'er thought Out with ye, are ye plundering? Give me blood! Then to have borne him in a plight like this ! whom I seek is bence! Come, come with me! 2d Citizen. He was a hard task-master! [She snatches up a firebrand and rushes 3d Cilizen. But not harder out of the gallery ; the women follow Than such be ever. Even from Pharaoh downwards her, bearing off booty. The gallery is To this day's idol, Philip! filled with smoke and flames. 4th Citizen. I remember, When his good mother 31 Citizen. Ay, there was a lady, Fair as an angel, full of truth and kindness The small chamber in the lower - -Ida and Bertha, The Lady Ida much resembles her. Berth. Some new event is happening. May't 5th Citizen. Haste, haste! the way is clear! The please heaven contest thickens For our deliverance ! About the northern tower. O woful night Ida. Those are the people's voices; With fire and blood, wild shrieks and horrid curses, The yelling cries of the triumphant rabble. And crash of falling walls! But forward now! And, mercy! those quick lights that through the [They proceed darkness Enter the LORD OF MAINE conducting IDA and BERTHA, Shoot up to heaven are flames. The place is burning! Lord of M. (hastily retreating.] Ah, not this way! Berth. (trying to force the door.] 'Tis barred! 't is No, no! a moment's pause. doubly barred! There is no issue ! [Aside.) Yon is a sight that must not meet their eyes. Citizens re-enter with the body. - hundreds of people are seen rushing to and fro; 1st Citizen. It shall not be exposed unto dishonour ! some driven back by soldiers, others carrying off Seek out a guard, and stand around the bier ! booty — wild shouts and yells of triumph are heard (Soldiers rush in] Ilo! soldiers, will ye not defend amid the roar of the flames and the crashing fall of the dead? huge piles of buildings. Soldier. We fight for Philip of Maine, not for the Enter PHILIP and GASTON. dead! Gast. 'Tis vain to struggle more! Fire is the Ida. The dead, said ye? Is good Lord Kronberg victor. dead ? Phil. Now, draw the soldiers back, and leave the Speak to me, some kind soul, for I'm his daughter! pile le Soldier. [aside.) She doth unman me! To those accursed plunderers. Ere the morn, 2 Soldier. (aside.] "Tis a noble lady! "T will be the grave of hundreds, who now press (Ida perceives the bier, and walks slowly Impatient through the burning atmosphere, towards it. To snatch a paltry booty ! Lies the dead here? Soldiers and citizens, Gast. As thou wilt - 'T is a retrieveless game. Thy sun has set 1st Citizen. Alas! 't is even so! The star of thy ascendancy bas fallen! Phil. Hast not intelligiblo words !-Speak plain! Ida. "T was a sad voice that told me he was free; Gast. I'll speak it plain enough!-Lord Kronberg The freedom of the grave — ah, woful freedom! heads Phil. Peace, liar! he is dead! Citizen. Dear, innocent soul ! Gast. But being dead, is honoured more than livSoldier. I will not draw a sword ing Against the Lady Ida, nor her cause ! His daughter hath made speeches o'er the body; Ide I never looked upon the dead till now Shed tears, and whined with pretty artifice, And this is my dead father, who bath fallen Till they have all unsaid their oaths to thee! By cruel perfidy! – Not in the field Phil. Thou that didst keep the body, hast betrayHe met his mortal foe, but in the cell ed me! of the deep dungeon : a fierce, cruel foe! Gast. An old man has betrayed thee; even thy Ye do not know, soldiers and citizens, fatherThe beartless man of blood whom ye have chosen! Better by far he had died upon the gibbet! The dead was mild and merciful, compared Phil. Slanderer, for shame! With him you call your master! Pious friends, Gast. Nay, hang me, if I spoke not Carry him hence!—This is a den of crime; Your secret thoughts.—But now the time is precious : A house of cruelty, and sear, and blood ! Draw off the soldiers who yet true remain; Carry him hence into a holy place, Get to the camp, upon the plain of Sarni, So Heaven preserve you to your children's arms, And hold thyself prepared for on the morrow And keep your sacred homes inviolate! There will be work to do, than this more bloody Sddiers. We will defend the dead, and Lady Ida! And as thou play'st this desperate game, depends la Citizen. Whither shall we support this honoured Thy waning fortune. bier? Phil. Suabia to the field Ha Would he had known your loyalty and llath brought his fresh ten thousand. goodness! Gast. You may thank To the Cathedral - 't is a holy place; The gentle Lady Ida and her Counts And there will I retire: and let all loyal, For this young gallant rival. You have seen him An brare and noble hearts around me rally; A not unfitting husband for the lady! And, as the dead would have maintained the right, Phil. Thou cockatrice-thou stabber of the woundSo God and all good men assisting me, ed! We will retrieve this land's forlorn estate! Gast. Ha! ha! you have some pretty names by [The bier is burne forward ; and Ha, heart! Phil. Unkind friend attended by crowds of citizens and I trusted unto thee my soul's best secrets ; soldiers. I did believe thee not the worldly spirit That stabs the bleeding heart-then jeering asks SCENE V. “How is it with you now?"— The cruellest blow of my most cruel fortune has been this ! Past midaight — outside the castle wall — the castle is Gast. Nay, take 't noi so to heart! I would but burning the roof has fallen in, and immense volumes frame, wrapped round the towers, pierce through To try thy fortune against mighty odds, the blackness of the ascending smoke like fiery Alps And conquer fate! urge thee the steps Phil. My soul is faint within me; I was not needed in his hour of pride, Hence, let the morrow for itself provide! In sorrow and dismay I shall be lacked. (He goes. O fare thee well! Be merciful, dear lady: When he was worthy of thee! Fore thee well- As to restore him to its blessed peace! Farewell, thou kindest, noblest heart, farewell! [The Lord of Maine kisses her hand, and, -the body of Lord Kronberg laid in slale before the folding his face in his cloak, goes out. altar-Ida, in deep mourning, sild upon beside it, and Bertha and other ladies stand about her the Lord of Maine wrapped in his cloak, leans SCENE VII. against a monument apart from the rest—the doors Three days after the battle—the dusk of the eveningare guarded by armed burghers. the interior of a cave in a dreary forest — Philip Enter COUNT FABIAN in haste. lying asleep; the Lord of Maine bending over him. Burgher. What is the news? Lord of M. It is a blessed sleep! It will restore Fab. An entire victory! him A bloody field is fought — the day is ours — To his right mind! Oh that we might abide Philip has fled — the remnant of his army In some deep wood, 'mong mountains far away; Have yielded to our friends-a moment more, Some wilderness, where foot of man ne'er trod; And brave Count Nicholas will here arrive Some desert island, in an unknown sea, With message from the Duke to Lady Ida : Where he might wear his life in holy peace, And I be the true friend that tended on him! Phil. [opening his eyes.) Where am I? and what gentle sounds are these? Count Nich. May 't please the Lady Ida Lord of M. Sleep yet, my son! Thou know'st To hear a message from the field of fight? how I did watch [Ida rises. O'er thee a child; how sung to thee o' nights — God has been good unto this troubled land, Recall that time, and sleep! And given her victory o'er her enemies. Phil. I cannot sleep! Yet here the noble conqueror entereth not My father, thou hast been a gracious sire, Save as your good ally, by your consent. And I have owed thee duties manifold ; His army, camped without the town remains Thou hast been good and kind; yet one Grant him to lay his good sword at your feet! kindness Ida. Brave Count, thou lov'dst my father. Let Do me this day – my arm is weak and faint, the dead Be honoured with all rites of sepulture, Strike thou my dagger in this wretched breast! Before the land rejoice for victory, Lord of y. What askest thou? It is a sinner's thought! For me, a mighty debt is yet unpaid Phil. Wilt see me dragged, a spectacle, a show ? To grief and filial duty. To some house Wilt hear them sing their ballads in my face? Of holy solitude I will retire Hark! hark! I hear their steps ! Give me the dagger! A season; and meantime confide to thee, And such good men as thou, the nation's rule. Lord of M. Nay, 't is no sound, but the low whispering wind! Not my own natural strength has borne me through The great events and awful of this time. Phil. I tell thee they are here! Withstand me Nature is weak, and now doth need repose: There is a strength like madness my arm — But let one general thanksgiving ascend I will defend myself! To gracious Heaven, which has restored us peace, [He starts ир and seizes a dagger. Though at a price so great. And from the duke Enter GASTON. I crave forgiveness, that I meet him not; Ha! is it thou! The mournful duties of the time excuse me. Gasl. Peace be with thee! nay, put thy dagger (Count Nicholas down! Lord of M. They said my son had fled. I must I am thy friend — and bring a band of friends To reassure thy fortunes - Give 's thy hand! He is my son — the evil hour is dark; Phil. [giving his hand.) I did believe thee betAnd misery and remorse are cruel foes ! ter than thou seem'st; Where victory is, is not a place for me My heart was slow to misconceive of thee! more not goes out. a way!. my oath! my son! Gast. Now shalt thou know me truly as I am: lic resort adjacent to a great city. On its smooth Now will I bring thy truest friends unto thee! roads were seen the equipages of the grandees, and [A land of soldiers rush in and seize equestrian companies of gentlemen and ladies, who, Philip. governing their high-bred and mettlesome horses with Phil Ay now I know thee, thou accursed Judas!, graceful ease, reminded the spectator rather of the Gast. But I've a better price than Judas had pages of Ariosto than of a scene in real life. On A better price for a less worthy man! seats under the old leafy trees, or on the bright green Phil. My life's severest blow has been thy friend. turf, sat men, women, and children, in their holiday ship! attire, all beautiful as separate groups, but more Enter MOTHER SCHWARTZ, with a draun dagger. beautiful as forming one great whole of human en joyment. Now will I have thy blood for my son's blood ! Soldier. 011: woman, off! Alive he must be taken.' different to those of others ;-their's was an individ There was a poet among them, but with feelings Mother S. I'll have hie blood! I will not break ual happiness only, but his was a warm, broad phi[She suddenly stabs him. lanthropy, forgetting self, embracing all, loving all, and pouring out thanksgiving that man was enabled, There 's that will send thee howling to my son! both old and young, rich and poor, to go forth and reSoldier. Thou 'st robbed us of our price! take joice. thy reward! [He stabs her. Achzib approached, and took the vacant seat be side him. “Considering," said he, “the ill-condition Phil. My day is done! Let me lie down and die! of society, the tyranny of rulers, and the misery of Lord of M. Within my arıxs! the father's arms, the subordinate classes, there is no inconsiderable measure of human enjoyment even in a space narCast up thy thoughts to heaven! think not of man! row as this." Soldier. He's dead, he hears thee not! Give us “ Man's capacity for enjoyment,” said the poet, the body! “even under circumstances unfavourable to general Father. Ye shall not part me from this precious happiness, is one of the most beautiful and beneficent clay ordinations of Providence. A balmy atmosphere and Where'er ye bear it, thither will I follow! a fine sunset, common occurrences of nature as these are, contribute immensely to human felicity. Look around us and of these hundreds, not one of whom Achzie, throwing off his disguise, entered the city but has his own peculiar cares and anxieties, disease in his own character. It was a city of mourning, or distress of mind, and yet what a universal sentiwhich he had made so; but his evil nature saw in ment of happiness pervades all! A sight like this human misery, material rather of mirth than com- awakens my spirit to a loftier worship and a more passion. He would much rather have torn open the tender gratitude than ten homilies!" wounds of social life, than have seen them healing; " But," replied Achzib, “the enjoyment of these but now was the calm after the storm, the reaction hundreds consists in exhibiting themselves or their after excitement and emotion, and men coveted so magnificence on so fine an evening. How would the much to be at rest, that not even Achzib could have bright sunset exhilarate the heart of yonder Countess, agitated another tumult. He therefore adopted the except it shone on her jewelled attire? It is solely spirit of the time, and railed against liberty as anar- the love of self-display that brings out these gay and chy, against renovators as anarchs. happy people." It was with malignant pleasure he saw how the Shame on thee!" said the Poet, “thine is a cyni. holy cause of freedom was thrown back, by the out- cal spirit. What is the gaze of the many to that rages which ambition and the license of evil had young mother and her boy ?" committed in her name: he saw how virtuous men "I grant they are a pretty sight," said Achzib; and honest patriots, who had joined Philip against " the child is passingly fair, and the mother dotes on despotism, but abandoned him in his bloody and am. him." bitious career, now came forth from their retirements, " How beautiful," exclaimed the Poet, “is the love and rallying round the person of Ida, united heart which a mother bears to her child! I mean not that and hand to re-establish the old order of things, dis- yearning, trembling anxiety, with which she regards gusted with liberty, as with a lying priestess, and in her grown-up offspring entering upon the cares and despair of renovating social life or social policy: he temptations of the world; but that hopeful, joyful, saw the people sit down, willing to endure patiently unselfista love, which a mother feels for her first-born. whatever evil power might insliet upon them, pro- She is young; the world has allurements for her, but vided they were protected from rapine and blood, a stronger impulse is on her heart; she is willing to and the pretences of ambition to make them again spend and be spent, to watch and be weary; and the free; and satisfied that all here was as he could de- clasping of his little arms round her neck, and the sire, he turned his steps to another scene of action. pure out-gushing love of his innocent spirit, are her sufficient reward!" It was on an evening, bright and balmy as one in " It is but the instinct of all animals," said Achzik Paradise, when Achzib strolled into the place of pub “ Yes; but ennobled by a sublimer principle,” re |