MMWWMHMM MWMHtMMMMWMWMIMMMl MMMMMMHNI iw n ii u w un '^/MmMiMMMm»mmtg^im(^,fmimf^^/^y^xi, Kl^HHi Hlllfi^: Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013484906 borneil University Library PR 4803.H8L3 1880 Laura Dibaizo; or, The patriot martyrs; a 3 1924 013 484 906 (EEADY IN PEBEUAEY, 1880). :> ^> — ^ <• ( ( NEW POEMS' JOHN PAYNE, t Author of " TME MASQUE OF SHADOWS^' i Translation of " VILLON," ^c, ^c, ^c. CLOTH, 8vo., 10s. 6d. LONDON : — NEWMAN & Co., 43, Hakt Street, Bloomsbtjry, W.C. LAURA DIBALZO OR THE PATRIOT MARTYRS a CrageUp BY RICHARD HENGIST HORNE '§an'isan: N EWM AN & CO 43, Oxford Street. 1880. DRYDEN PRESS : J. DAVY AND SONS, 137, LONG ACRE, LONDON. TO T/te Illustrious Memory of W A S H I N G T O N AND To the equally ptire Patriotic Names of KOSCIUSKO KOSSUTH MAZZINI AND GARIBALDI PEEFACE. Whatevee the reader may think of the acts and words of the leading characters in this Tragedy, there is nothing set down which the history of the Neapolitan Government of that period does not fully and literally declare and corroborate, whether in atrocious cruelties or heroic fortitude of resistance. These scenes were written, for the most part, during the lifetime of Joseph Mazzini, from whom I derived much information; availing myself also of what is contained in his published writings, and in the narra- tives of Silvio Pellico, Bakon Carlo Poekio, and other Italian martyrs to political liberty. Several of my characters are portraits, the faithfulness of which will easily be recognized by those readers who are conversant with the history of Naples during the time in question. I have always highly honoured Mr. Gladstone for his two "Letters to Lord Aberdeen" (in 1850, &c.), so VI PREFACE. worthy of the true spirit of an English gentleman and statesman ; and I also honour the reading British Public of that day, for the significant and pregnant fact that those forcible exhibitions of, and protests against foreign abominations in despotism, passed through fourteen editions as rapidly as if they had related to immediate and most poignant interests at home. It wiU be at once perceived by aU students of the high-class tragic drama (however reduced the number may now be) that the present Tragedy, like all my previous dramas, is systematically constructed for stage representation, — a few speeches being, as usual, cut down to square with the imperative " clock ; " but until we have a National Theatre, as in Paris, which shall not be, of necessity, a commercial speculation, there is no hope for me, nor can I reasonably expect to live to see so important a national Educator established. " Night must it be ere Friedland's star shall beam." But here — as so long and motley an interlude has occurred since I have offered any new drama to the world — let me record "my full and heightened" sense of the generously unrestrained and unalloyed estimation ex- pressed by contemporaries best qualified to judge on such matters. It was said by Goethe that his tragedies PEEFACB. Vll ''were written with his blood." I say the same with regard to mine; and, after upwards of forty years of publicity, I think it will be only handsome in the reader to pardon the above remarks. On the present occasion I desire to tender my thanks to my friend Mr. EoBEKT Browning, for an important critical premonition, and to Mr. H. Buxton FoEMAN for his kind and valuable revision of the proofs while passing through the press. In Dedicating these scenes of my only work that can be designated as of direct political bearing, to the names of five of the world's most distinguished Patriots, a regret has lingered in my mind at omitting others, together with a consciousness that one, at least, of those mentioned, has long since passed above and beyond the range of complimentary reference, and taken his fixed place in the constellated histories of great Nations. E. H. H. BBAMATIS PERSON JE. Salomba ; King of Naples. The Marquis Eiveeola ; A Neapolitan Noble. Claudio Dibalzo ; A Sicilian Gentleman. IsiDOEO GxXARlNl j A Genoese Gentleman. Captain Meszlenki Batthymaeos ; A Hungarian Exile. Michael Skuedenka ; A Polish Jew. LucA Sfoeglia ; Commissario of the Eoyal Police. Silvio Panoeio ; a Prisoner in St. Elmo. Padee San-Volpe ; the King's Confessor. Peochenda ; a Lawyer. Steongi'th'aem Stonewing ; an Enghsh Gentleman. Cyeille ; a French Locksmith. Ilario ; Valet to Dibalzo. Jailee of the St. Elmo Prison. Lauea Dibalzo; "Wife of Dibalzo, and Sister of Guaeini. Edita Dibalzo; her infant Daughter. Valentine ; Lauea's Lady's-maid, Daughter of Cyeille. First and Second Nobles of the Court, First and, Second Vintagers, Officer of Police, the King's Secretary, Guards, Police, Peasants, Sailors, Populace, Lazzaroni, &c. law of t^je ®ragei(g is |lsg:Ies SKir tl^e enftirons. LAURA DIBALZO. ACT I. SCENE I.—[4 [yours. Eussia and Austria — Satan and his shadow — Have darken'd all our glories. The bold struggle Of one succeeding will lead on the rest. EiVE. {speaking low) You are too loud. Batt. {good humouredly) Nay Marquis, I forgot. Enter Dibalzo disguised, with two Nobles, from the Cloisters. EiVE. {to Dibalzo) The word, Sir ? DiBAL. "Laura." Batt. I had erewhile omitted The password of your honoured lady's name. EiVE. Where is Guarini ? DiBAL. He but waits to make Private arrangements furthering our design. Letters he hath from Milan, Eome and Venice, And now sends word to Parma and Bologna. Skue. Doth he decide that our first act should be To slay Salomba ? DiBAL. He admits 'twere right, But not judicious, looking to results. Skue. Eight " in the abstract," as some statesmen say, When they resolve to stand still and look wise. DiBAL. You do him much injustice in your speech : Is it not so, my lords ? ElVE. His heart is with us ; — But not his head. [The night begins to darken. DiBAL. But he wiU risk that with us. SCENE III.] LAURA DIBALZO. 27 Enter Guaeini (r. 1st. E.) EiTE. Signer Guarini ? Guar. In my sister's name. Dibal. Now then at once to settle — EiVB. But you know. That several more are coming ? Dibal. Never mind : We'll act for them. Guar. But first lay down the plan. Batt. {laughiTig quietly) That's like Dibalzo — he begins with action, So that all thinking comes too late. [The night darkens. EiVE. Pray, hush ! Batt. {laughing in a subdued tone) Who but the ghosts of monks, or bats and owls. Are like to hear us midst these ruins ? EiVE. Hush! [They seat themselves in front of the Cloisters. Batt. 'Tis getting dark apace ; best light a torch. [Batthymaros lights a torch, and sticks it in a fissure of the wall : then seats himself. Dibal. (rising) My lords and gentlemen of Italy — You long have felt and imderstood the wrongs Of our loved Country ; all the generous efforts On all sides wasted, and the noble blood Shed for her on the field, and on the scaffold. Or by such deaths as vulgar tyranny. Copying its own degraded mind, intended For degradation ; these high deaths all wasted ! 28 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT II. Equally vain the long imprisonments. Or the excruciating agonies Of cunning tortures, to extort betrayal Of patriot friends not yet within their fangs ; And lastly, the foul slanders always coiued To blacken the good name of those who died, Blighting the sympathy of weak-branch'd hearts. And swaying back the strong. But if in vain Our constant efforts, so in vain hath been The will of all our tyrants. Evermore We watch, and plot, and rise, e'en while their hands On fertile scaffolds sow the dragon's teeth. Blasting and withering is the curse they bring On us, which surely will revert to them Heavily multiplied. Now, what's first to do ? You know they constantly proclaim rewards For the assassination of those men — Leaders and Chiefs who have escaped their chains. " Dead, or alive " the royal offer runs — Minutely specified, — a simple right. If this is right for them, 'tis right for us ; I therefore do propose that our first act Should be to slay Salomba. EiVE. (without rising) I think so too. Skur. And I. [men ?' DiBAL. (to the two Nobles) What say you, noble gentle- 1st Noble. We are of that opinion. [DiBALZO seats himself, Batt. So am I — Provided 'twere not by a light like this ! SCENE III.] LAURA DIBALZO. 29 'Tis not the Magyar's method to do ought In secrecy, but in the broadest day. 1st Noble. He is too cautious for your honest sword. EiVE. Qialf aside to 1st Noble) Methinks, an air-gun in an opera box — Standing well back — and with a perfect aim — Would be 1st Noble. Or better still . . . {thty talk apart) Skue. {pointedly) Guarini does not speak. Guar, {rising slowly) I do not think Such a beginning good, or politic. Not good, because the whole world thinks it bad, In us, who are not royal butchers born. This is not very wise, but a broad fact. And therefore would our cause lose sympathy : Facts last for years — but principles for ages ; So let us act for some enduring good. It is not politic, because the deed Would frighten all our friends of feeble mind. And cause them to retreat, with all they love, (Their wealth included) 'neath the poison wing Of the old despotism, more potent grown By semblance of paternity. But look At possible failure in this single blow ? The patriot's poniard is his own sure death : Doubtful his blow — still more so, the results If he strike home. We lose him ; and the act Will aptly furnish exquisite pretence For weighty increase of corrosive chains. With ten-fold difficulties interposed 30 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT II. 'Gainst the next rising DiBAL. {starting wp) How fail in this blow ? Is not Salomba a mere mortal ? GUAK. No- Men are deceived in dealing with a king. Thinking he is a mortal like themselves, Which is not so, because his influence By old associations, and the force Of present interests generant round a throne, Unnerves the hand, the arm, the planted foot, And makes the eye's soul-sworn intensity (Which had been fatal to the best of men) Miscalculate to the unswerving will. Meanwhile a thousand other eyes and hands Watch round the pagod's monomaniac dream. [DiBALZO sits down loith a dissatisfied air. Skur. The English Shakespeare somewhere paints a Who felt divinity did hedge him round, [king, Like to the Glory in the burning bush — This ignis-fatuus of a pestilent swamp. [take DiBAL. And this were well, for those who choose to A king at his own value. (Batthymaeos laughs) Skue. (with a grim laugh) I would weigh him Against the worst man that was ever born — A soul the forfeit of the lesser weight — And laugh at's lost face, as he kicked the beam ! Batt. (half in dismay) Oh ! [Several others make a simultaneous ejaculation of a sort of dismay, with a laugh at the grotesque fury of Skukden.ka. SCENE III.] LA.UBA DIBALZO. 31 Guar. Let us forbear sardonic levities. Being sincere nien. [A shadoim/ figure passes thrcmgh (k.) the ruins of the piazza at the hack. Exit (l.) EiVE. {pointing) See !— methought I saw — Ddbal. What? Batt. Shadows ; nothing more. Erra. But it moved, I am sure. And vanished there ! DiBAL. 'Twas but the foliage shaken By a draughty gust. Skur. Or possibly some owl In search of wisdom.^ [svpfressecL laughter. Guar. Friends, to the point direct. I give my vote to spare this tyrant's life. Save in some open contest. Then 'twere good. And wise, and worth the pride of upright men. To trample him, or gibbet high i'the air, — A new and warning page for history ! Succeeding nobly, Naples will become The Central altar for all patriot fires, [sits down. Batt. {rising abruptly). I am a soldier—clad in the good Of an illustrious kinsman, basely murder'd — [name Count Livio Batthymaros, he who bore A flag of truce from Hungary's Governor, Into the Emperor's camp, and there was seized, And, after months of chains, most foully strangled. What should be thought of me if I held sacred The life of perjured kings ? This same Salomba, Perjur'd in prayers, with murders on his head — The thick-set jewels of his bloody crown — 32 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT II. Is placed beyond the scaffold of the law ; So, let's have justice in the open street ! If aught else is intended, then I plead The unreasoning prejudices of home life — Frank habits of a soldier — my own nature, Which hath a sort of stupid pride in feeling Its self-approval as the wisest guide — And therefore with Guarini do I take My stand against all death-blows in the dark, [sits down Skuedenka rises fiercely. Skxje. I ani a Pole — and more, a Polish Jew, Cut to the heart by Austrian perfidies. And Eussia's foulest dealings of all kinds ; And here in Naples am I doubly cursed — My creed in heaven and earth impoisoned With the oppressor's breath. There is no question If it be good or right to queU this plague ! Stone him to death — cast in a furnace — thrust Into a den of tigers — we should consider. Only one thing — not what the ignorant world Of prating purists (safe themselves) may think, Write, say or sing of us — but what we men, I'the thick of all these horrors, really feel And know — and deem the best to help our cause ! Voices. That's right ! right ! right ! [Sfoeglia, folded in his cloak, appears at the lack of the Cloisters ; the torch-light partially falling upon him. DiBAL. {starting up) Let's talk no more ! [All rise and move down in two groups. SCENE III.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 33 Guar, {with energy) One word ! — It is the cause of our loved Italy — For whom we all would gladly lay down Hfe, And peril e'en the soul — one further word ! It is the cause of Hungary and Poland — Therefore of Europe, and of all mankind ; Let's not endanger it by a douhtful deed — I pray you — I entreat — Voices. Let's talk no more ! DiBAL. So may aU despots perish ! Skue. Wholesale assassins ! how they laugh in secret At all such puerile scruples ! {Gen&ral excifemmif). Enter Sfoeglia slowly from, the Cloisters, enveloped in his long cloak — he pauses between the two groups. Batt. Who's this ? Skue. Speak ! Dibal. {to Sfoeglia) Our password sir, so please you? Sfoe. Death ! {drops his cloak to the ground). {Guards rush in from Cloisters!) Voices. Betrayed ! (Guaeini dashes down the torch, which is extinguished.) Sfoe. (to Guards) Seize them ! let none escape ! [A rush takes place in the dark (l.) and all escape except Dibalzo, Skuedenka, and Batthymaeos. Dibal. {held between two Guards) Oh time — so wasted ! 34 LA.UEA DIBALZO. [ACT II. SrOE. {to Chiards) Secure your prisoners ! and pursue the rest ! [Exeunt several Chiards after ElVEROLA, GuAKmi, &c. DiBAL. {sternly) What next ? Sfoe. Oh, you may guess ; but for your present solace, I tell you, sir, your wife — the pass-word " Laura " — Is safely lodged already. DiBAL. Laura seized • But she — she has no knowledge — can say nothing ! Sfok. We shall find means to make the lady speak, Though she knows nothing, {to Guards) To St. Elmo straight ! DiBAL. {with anguish) A few brief hours invert the rational sway Of great acts, changed to mad acts by delay ! END OF THE SECOND ACT. LAUKA DIBALZO. 35 ACT III. SCENE I.—[ith Bntrmce.} Hall in the King's Palace. — Enter Sfobglia (r) and Officer of the Guard. Sfoe. (with a menacing air) Several escaped, and have not yet been found ! Ofm. The darkness, sir Sfoe. (sternly) And have not yet been found ! They micst be found. Loot well to it, all of you. Or look well to yourselves. [Officer lows and exit (l.) Enter King Salomba, attended (u.o.) King. Now SforgKa ! (apart from the rest) Bring me — Bring me right soon, a list of aU those men, If not the men themselves. Our sacred life Is periU'd while of this conspiracy One winking spark remains — one spark. How is it ? (suspiciously) How is it, SforgUa, only three were seized ? Sfoe. My Hege, I have increased our spies, and sent In all directions — ^I have, moreover, dropt [them d2 36 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT III. Hot lead i'the ear of my chief officer, That for his own sake, he should look well to it. King, (with similar significance) That's right — And you may prudently apply The like good drops of counsel to yourself. Sfor. {rather doubtfully) My Kege Kotg. Look well to it ! [Sfoeglia hows and exit (l.) King, (apart) I'll do the same myself. From those I have already in my hands — And one a woman — I shall find the means To extort confession of the name and place Of all who join this plot against Our life. With revolution followiag, as of course. State after State — ^republics — anarchy. I'll stop this rolling baU of their small world — The patriot game — at any rate in Naples. Dibalzo and his wife, the Pole, the Hungarian, Shall chroidcle in my red book of vengeance. Not only those who 'scaped, but aU. their friends, Down to the last imp of conspiracy. But first a trial — ^yes, the form looks well I'the people's eyes. We'll have an imposing trial ; And I do hope for some new miracle — Some transubstantial form and fulgency. Such as my Neapolitan people love — Commemorative of Our preservation From the assassins' steel — ^when they are dead. [Eodt (e.). Attendants follow. SCENE II.] LAURA DIBALZO. 37 SCEISTE II.— [2nd Untrance.] A dusJcy Grove on the Outskirts of Maples. A dark dum/p of trees at the hack. Enter GuAKlNl (u.c) GuAE. Such is the fate of the self-devoted soul Who dreams and schemes to raise the incarnate form Of Italy from the embattled tomb Wherein her heaving dust is trodden down, And on whose quick pulsations hath been built A House of Austria. One day, safe at home, Happy beside his wife, his children, friends, — Next day within a loathsome dungeon cast. Loaded with chains, the martyr vainly broods On errors of his purpose, judgment, action ; But no repentance undermines his heart, Or rots the fabric of those noble thoughts Whose spires pierce through the midnight of his doom. My sister — ^brother — and our foreign friends — What end awaits them ? What else but the scaffold — Possibly some preliminary tortures — Salomba's usual course. Can nought be done ? Enter ErvEEOLA. — (e. 1st e.) EiVB. I'm glad I have found you. GuAE. Sooth, I know not yet If 'twere best fly, or hide, or rush on fate By shouting i'the market, like the patriot — The valiant half-successful Massaniello. 38 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT III. EiVE. No, no — so promptly you dashed out the torch, We were not recognized. Gttaii. How know you that 1 ErvE. 'Tis sure, or 'ere this I had been arrested. With many others who are stiE at large. GUAE. I'm gla4 of this, my lord ; hut as for me. Suspicion is quite certain. I've no chance Of safety, hut in sudden flight, disguised ; — Yet while my sister and her child are here, I cannot fly. Whate'er betide, this night rU make some effort to set free all those Who were seized. [purse — EiVE. How? — name the means? — my life, — my I will do anything, {taking GuAElNl's hand.) GuAE. I know it, sir. ErvE. Speak, then. Guar. I have as yet no clear-drawn plan. But since Dibalzo lately found a way Into the dungeon of Panorio, I think 'tis possible by similar means. To reach Dibalzo, and the rest. (£oing L.) EivE. Command me — And every gentleman who acted with us, — In all respects. Where shall I meet you next ? Guar, {wiih a melancholy smile) In heaven, perhaps — but if still earthly, here ! [Uxeunt GuAEiNi (l.), Eiverola (e.) SCENE m.] LAURA DIBALZO. 39 SCENE III.— [Ath Entrance.] Haxl m THE King's Palace (as lefore). — ^ Chair of State, with side tables, where Pecchenda and a Secretary are seated writing. Guards at the bacJc. People, and Strangers, — among the latter, STUO^Gi'Ta'AUM Stonewing. Trumpets smmd. Enter Salomba (u.c), attended by San-Volpe, NObles, Sfokglia, Servants, &c. King, (faking his seat) Bring in the prisoners ! Sfoe. (hesitating) Which of them, my liege ? King. AH — one by one — ^nay, you should understand I mean the assassins who would raise their hands {turning to San-Volpe) Against the Lord's vicegerent. San-Vol. But of these, Many lost souls King, (interrv^pting) No douht — I mean the last. [Sfoeglia boios, and exit (b,.v.K), followed by Gua/rds. King, (to San-Volpe) You are aware that in our Of faith exclusive in the Papal Church, [sanctity We have suppress'd the Protestant heresies ; Still more the Greek, and left no tolerance For the accursed Jew. One of that sect Leagues with this treasonous horde. San-Vol. He should be burnt. King. WeU — we shall see what's best. 40 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT III. Re-enter Sfoeglia and two Guards, with Dibalzo in chains : he is placed in front (e). Unter Batthtmaros in chains with two guards. He is placed on the left of Dibalzo. Enter Skuedenka in chains with two guards. Me is placed in front (l). Pecc. (slowly rising with papers) My liege King. Not yet. (Pecchenda lows, and re-seats himself) That our paternal life and constant prayers, Our known devotion and attendance close On all tlie offices o' the Churcli — ^her rites, Her forms, her penances, and miracles. May add thereto the bless'd desire to show Mercy unto all shades of innocence. We ask you, are you innocent ? If so, In what degree ? (turning to Dibalzo.) DiBAL. The highest — ^having thought To do no wrong. [perhaps ? Ejno (with malicious smoothness). To do some good, {To Sfoeglia) Bring in the witness. [Exit Sfoeglia (e. u. b.) (to Batthymaeos) You would say the same ? Batt. (bluntly) Your Majesty, I prefer to say nothing. King (to Skuedenka). And you? (Skuedenka Aaw^A.- tily turns his head aside. The King leans towards San- VoLPB.) I'll bend this Polish Israelite. Be-enter SroEGLLi. (e.u.e.) ffe stands aside. Enter Lauea, followed by two guards. She advances to the centre. SCENE III.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 41 DiBAL. (aside) My wife, the witness ! King (to 'LkVRk.while ;pointing to'BkiTYCiUkBiOs). Do you know that man ? (Batthymaeos advances two jpaees.) Lauea. My liege, I do not. (Batthymaeos steps hack) King (pointing to Skuedenka). Dost know that other? Lauea. I do not, sire ; though I have seen him once. King. Where ? Lauea. At a distance. King (pointing to Dibalzo), Do you know that man ? Lauea. Happily I did— Your Majesty, (she weeps.) King. And now "With sorrow ? Lauea. And a wife's devotedness. Surpassing any sorrow. King. Is it so ? [Majesty Lauea (drying her eyes). What other answer did your Expect from me ? King, (to Pecchenda) Proceed. Pecc. (rising, and reading from a paper) Claudio Dibalzo — Meszlenki Batthymaros — and Michael Skur- denka,— you are severally and collectively accused of the heinous and most wicked crime of high treason ; — to wit, that you did all three plot, conspire, and devise means to compass the death of our most sanctified and lawful sovereign, Ognissanti Salomba, King of Naples ; and furthermore, that you had intended to incite, or to endeavour to incite the Populace of this city, and of the Country round about, to rebellion and insurrection^ and furthermore, that you had it in view, if the primary 42 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT III. high treason and wickedness had succeeded, to incite other States of Italy to revolt and rebel against their liege Sovereigns, Conquerors, and Eulers, and to assist those rebels in the same with arms, or armed men, and with shelter and protection if needed. Now, of these crimes, or one or more of these crimes, you Claudio Dibalzo, you MeszlenM Batthymaros, and you Michael Skucdenka, stand accused. Do you confess your g|lt or deny it, or do you plead by any extenuating circumstances that you are only guilty in certain degrees ? DiBAL. By whom are we accused ? Pecc. By the woman there ! Lauka. By me ! DiBAi. Do the forms of your o£B.ce prevent you from knowing that that woman is a lady, and therefore in- capable of such baseness ? Pecc. Lady — wife — and woman — Laura Dibalzo is the accuser in this case. Lauea (firmly). Laura Dibalzo is an accuser in this case J — and she accuses you, and those who prompted you to this atrocity, of uttering a gross and most un- founded falsehood. Pecc. The statement is well founded. Lauea (with calm firmness). WOl your Majesty allow such a tongue to continue ? Pecc. Did you never utter words to the effect — or which might be construed to the effect — that your husband proposed to MU the king ? Laura (contemptuously). I utter words to be construed to the effect ? SCENE III.] LAURA DIBALZO. 43 Peco. You were overheard to say as much in your cell last night. Lauea. To whom ? I was alone. Peco. To yourself. Lattka (smiling with derision). When I was asleep ? Pecc. Perhaps — but dreaming. Lauea. Wretches that ye are ! Is tyranny come to such a pass that the loving wife of a noble husband is not safe from spies, even when she dreams of him in the patriots' dungeon ! Pecc. You admit this dream, then ? Lauea {with perplexed anguish). Wretches ! Pecc. Eemember the respect and awe due to the presence of His Majesty, who vouchsafes this special trial. You are not in an ordinary Court of Law. Lauea {weeping). Indeed I perceive that, very plainly. I am vexed at these tears — they are not grief. Peco. Shame, rather. Laura {with dignity). No ; pride in myself as a true wife — awake or asleep, (to the King, with pathos) We are aU in the hands of God — Your Majesty. May we never tremble at feeling this. KnfG {distwrled). Be silent, woman. {To Sfoeglia) Call a better witness. Heaven assist us ! [Exit Sfoeglia with two Cruards, (e. u. e.) KmG {to Batthymaeos). You are from Hungary ? Batt. {stepping forward) Your Majesty, I am. King. An exile ? Batt. Certainly. King. Therefore a traitor. 44 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT in. Batt. {loifh soldier-like ease) Oh, no. Sire — a patriot. The only traitors in Hungary were of the House of Hapsburgh. As for the Croatian traitor, Jellachich, (before he became the favourite blood-hound of the Emperor of Austria) or such men as Gorgey and Haynau — Haynau who caused women to be flogged, and was afterwards flogged himseK by honest brewer's men in London King. Peace, Magyar rebel ! Batt. But .... [guards thrust him hack into his place, He folds his arms with a smile. Be-enter Sfokglia (e. u. e.) H? stands aside. Enter Ilario guarded. . He remains at the hack. Laura, (aside) Hario ! Dibal. {aside) Villain ! — but what can he know ? Pecc. {To Ilario) Were you valet to Signer Dibalzo ? Ilae. I was. Pbco. Do you see him among the prisoners here ? {Ilario drops his head). Bo you see him ? Ilae. Yes — there ! (pointing without raising his head). Pecc. Did you not hear him propose to Mil His Majesty, our most devout and sacred Sovereign ? Ilae. No — never. King, {with affected astonishment) How's this ! Ilae. I never did. KmG. {to Pecchenda — then turning to San- Volpe) We have been mistaken, it would seem ? Pecc. Did you not, at least, glean an indirect whisper of his treasonous designs ? SCENK III.] LAURA DIBALZO. 45 Laura. Will your Majesty permit me to ask what value can be attached to the least gleaning of an indirect whisper ? King, {impatiently) Dismiss this indirect, inadequate witness! Your evidence breaks down. {To Sforglia) You must release the prisoners ! {Sensation of gladness in the Court.) Peoc. My liege — one other witness. King. Let it be the last. {hypocritically) They appear to be innocent. (Strongi'th'aem and others applaud^ [Exeunt Ilario, Sjoeglia, and Guards, r. u. e. King {to Skurdenka). You are from Warsaw, as we learn? Skur. I am from Warsaw. King. Your uncle was a rich Jew in Praga, and your father a Eabbi ; but they both lost aU their possessions by the insurrection, excited by one of the mad French revolutions. Skur. They lost nought, King — they freely gave their wealth to aid the struggle of their country against Eussia. All the citizens, joyfully, and as one man, did the same. King, {to San-Volpe) We had not thought the Poles such fools. Skur. {to San-Volpe) The wisdom of this world is far more foolish, {to the King) Your Majesty may remember that some of your own countrjmaen had the same public feeling. The brave and single minded people 46 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT III. of Leghorn offered the whole of their possessions to preserve the liberty of a single state of Tuscany. King. Peace, infidel ! [Skfrdenka turns aside scornfully). Ee-enter Sforglia. (k. v. e.) Se stands aside. Enter a Guard hearing Edita in his arms. He stands hack. Laura and Edita open their arms to each other. Dibalzo stands eonfomided and perplexed).. Laura, {advances) My child ! (Sforglia prevents her approach) Wiat would you do ? Sfob. No harm — no injury. Laura. Then let me take her ! Peco. No — ^no. She has to say something. Laura. Say what ? She can speak better in my arms. I win be silent. I will not prompt her by a word or pressure — let me — Pecc. It must not be. Laura {aside). Oh my bursting heart ! What would they— King. Let the child speak ! Assure her of aU safety. San-Vol. {to Laura) The King's august protection. Laura {aside). What can she say ? Peco. {to Edita in a mild tone) Are you the daughter of that lady? Edita. Yes — ^yes — let me go to her. Sfor. {softly) Not yet — but presently. Edita. There is my father — ^let me come to you ! DiBAL. {aside, doubtfidly) Wbat can she possibly — ? King {mercifully). Take the child to her mother's arms. {Sensation and applause in the Court). SCENE m.] LAUKA DIBALZO. 47 (Lauea steps forward a few paces, and the Guard places Edita in her arms. They emlrace. Lauea and DiBALZO watch Edita with intense anxiety and painful perplexity.) Pecc. Speak freely, child Edita. Did you ever hear your father teU you a Fairy Tale about a man who wanted to kill somebody ? Laura. A fairy tale ! — Oh monstrous ! King. Silence ! You promised silence. Edita (to Pecchenda). Oh yes, I did once. Pecc. When? Edita. A little time ago. I was laid to sleep on the ottoman ; but I was not asleep. Pecc. You were not asleep. — WeU ? Edita. 'No; I only kept quiet because I thought mamma wished me to do so. DiBAL. (aside) What's this ! — what's coming ? Pecc. She wished you. Did sha say so ? Edita. Oh no; I only thought she wished. Pecc. And what did your father say ? Lauha (agitated beyond hearing). He said — ^he said — you were his dear Bttle Edita Sfoe. (in an wnder tone of menace) Be silent, for your child's sake. Edita (her eyes filling with tears as she turns to Lauea). yes — he often said that — and you too, mamma! I was always your dear little Edita. Pecc. (very^sofUy)- What was the Fairy Tale about? Steongi'th'aem. (aside) Cruel — ^very cruel. Edita. I do not know what it was — do you, mamma? 48 LATJEA DIBALZO. [aCT III. Pecc. But who was meant? Edita. Indeed I cannot tell. Pecc. Why not? Edita. Because I do not know. Pecc. But what did your father say ? — what words did he use? Edita {twining her fingers fondly in hen- mother's hair, and looking in her face). Oh, papa said it would be a good deed to kUl a wicked king. [General sensation. Lauea covers her face convulsively with loth hands. In dismay and anguish she lets Edita slip from her ariffis. DiBALZO hastily catches her wp, and embraces her with despairing tenderness. Lauea is home off fainting (l.) {The King rises. All rise) King. We are the King he meant; and mere waste wind, Eor such as he, have been our prayers ; — waste also Eastings, endowments, penances, chapels buUt, All miracles foster' d, life immaculate — Or almost so; — these rebels' eyes invert Both God's high throne, and man's. Lead them away, Each to his dungeon ! — load them with rough chaius. Till they are brought forth to be stretch'd beneath The traitors' heaven-sent stone ! \Exeunt Salomba, San-Volpe, Nobles, Pec- GES'SJ}X,Secretary,People,Strangers,&c.{v.^.) [Officer and Guards lead away Dibalzo, Bat- THYMAEOS, and Skuedenka (l. 2nd e.) SCENE III.] LAURA DIBALZO. 49 {Edita litters a cry, and wrings her hands, leing now in the arms of a guard, with Sforglia standing by.) Re-enter Lauba wildly (l.) Laura. What dreadful dream ! {Edita hides her head) What stupor sings and curdles in my train ! Death ! crush'd beneath — my husband crush'd to death ! And by my child's unconscious parricide ! O, miserable child ! 0, fatal voice, So sweet in murdering him who gave thee Hfe, And her who gave thee birth and nutriment. And ever tender love ! — Oh ! dull of sense And iUial instinct, so to keep awake When thou shoulds't sleep — or, being awake, to hold The memory of words thou should'st have lost ! Thou shoulds't have said — thou — Oh no, no, my girl Edita — [clasping Edita in her arms] you spake well and right. Your father Did say t'was good to kill a wicked king — And you repeated nothing but — the truth ! [remark. Sfor. (significantly) She also may repeat that last Laura (deliriously), No need, sir — you can do it, and ['tis likely The same wiU ring in echoes thro' the night, While grovelling ears are at my dungeon door — Thou busy abortion of a childless Throne ! [Exeunt {&) END OF THE THIRD ACT. 50 LAURA DIBALZO. ACT IV, SCENE l.—[2nd Mirance.] Grove on the outskirts of Naples [as in SCENE 2, act m.) Distant music of a mass, hut vocal only. Sound of hells. Peasants in holiday dresses pass across to attend the festival of San Stefano. Enter GuAEiNi, disguised, and Valentine, from the clump of trees. Guar. Do you believe, my good girl, that the remorse of Ilario is as deep as he professes ? Val. Indeed Signer, I am sure of it. Guar. May not his present proposal to assist me in the liberation of Signor Dibalzo, my sister, and our foreign friends, be the consummation of his treachery ? Val. Oh no, Signor : Ilario is most truly penitent. Guar. What he did was through his love for you, in hopes of a reward which should enable him to marry you ? Val. It was, Signor: I also am to blame, having taunted him with his poverty. Guar. And now he has gold ? SCENE I.] LAURA DIBALZO. 51 Val. No, no, no— Ilario is as poor as ever. The Government refused the proclaimed reward, and made him a jailer instead. But I have promised to forgive him, if he wiQ truly assist you, in conjunction with the other jailer you have spoken with, in the liheration of my lady and the Signer Dibalzo. GuAE. And our Polish and Hungarian friends ? Val. Doubtless, if possible. Besides this, my father, Cyrille, will accompany you. He is an exile in the cause of liberty, and can feel for those who suffer here. He is a locksmith, you know, and may be useful. Guar. And he will risk this attempt ? Val. He will — he will. He shall speak to you himself. He waits yonder. [makes sigrbs off (l.) and Exit (l.) Guar, {thoughtfully) The patriotic son of a brave and inconsistent people. Modern Eome can never forgive Paris, or at least her soldiers. Enter Cyeille (l.) Cye, {rmbghly, hut respectfully) My daughter. Sir, has trusted her old father : so may you. Guar, {looking steadfastly at him) I do — for myself — and I think I may for others. Your name is CyriUe ? Cye. Cyrille Le Brun. I am a locksmith. I have a strong hand, and I know my craft. GuAE. You wasted good blood at some of the barricades, I think ? Cye. I lost some. I did not waste it. GuAE. Enough, my friend. You'll go with me to the prison as soon as night sets in. e 2 52 LAUHA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Cye. I will. Which prison? — ^there are many here. Guar. Saint Elmo. Every monstrous thing here is under the special protection of a Saint, {pausing) You are aware that you risk your head with mine in this business? — and, to be frank with you, you have but little prospect of reward, because, if it succeed, we must instantly fly. [Evening begins to darken. Cyr. I am aware it may cost my life; but as my daughter's lover betrayed you, to get money for her, I wish to add my mite Guar, {taking his hand) Your life — ^brave honest heart ! Cyr. {with emotion) My mite, to increase his penitence. So, no more, {going) Now to our disguises. I will provide them. Something military or monastic. Of all dark disguises, a monk's hood lies in the smallest compass. Guar. While it compasses the largest space in Naples. (Night comes on) [Exeunt (l.) SCENE 11.— [4:th Entrance.] A dismal passage in the prison of St. Elmo. A small grated portal at the lack (r.) Enter Laura mournfully (r. 2nd E.) Laura. My hnsband is not dead — not yet — I know I shall feel something sudden in the air, When his last breath exhales. Will my heart hold — Or break at once ? or will my brain turn sick, And hurried words of self-discourse within. Sink eddying to a void ? All's one to me. SCENE II.] LAURA DIBALZO. 53 Why should Salomba spare my life, and promise My liberty in a few days ? — alas ! When I go forth, the world to me is blank. I seek my house — no husband will be there — No brother's voice — what is that house to me, But vacancy and anguish ? There the seat, Wherein Dibalzo sat — the wiMow, there, Where oft he stood in converse with my brother. Whose penetrating, earnest voice so oft Spake of our Italy, while framing plans Of noblest scope. And when at night I seek My widow's bed, Dibalzo's shade will clasp This phantom of despair — so late a wife ! {after a pause) When I go forth alone — ah ! yes, alone ! Edita ! where art thou, my child ? the wretches StiQ keep her from me — she will die — wiU die ! JEnter San-Volpe (e. u. e.) with a solemn and devout air. San- Vol. Angelis suis Beus mandavit de te ! Lauea. I attend you, reverend father. [ear — San- Vol.' 0, Daughter, it hath reach'd my gladden'd Thrice gladden'd at the pious innocence, Which, though by guilt beset, sustain'd thy soul — That in the secret conference at thy house. Touching the murder of our sacred King, Thy voice opposed the sacrilegious deed. [heard — Lauea. I know not what your reverence may have My brother — each of us — San- Vol. I understand. You seek to screen your husband : but in vain. Tis well proved what he said. 54 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Laura. Can nothing save him ? San-Vol. Nothing that I can do — or that I should — But ycm may save him. Laura. I ! — oh tell me how ? San-Vol. There must be executions — scaffold scenes — Death, all aghast and shuddering at himself, Writing red warnings with his proper ha,nd : Wherefore the Hungarian, and the infidel Jew, Must die, and strike a terror in their ends. 'Tis a high privilege, passing their deserts. Thus to assist the future preservation Of our most holy King. Laura. His Majesty Would surely show more holiness by mercy ? San- Vol. Not so. Salomba by divine law reigi^s : Ordain'd by Heaven — ^Vicegerent of our God — A special providence bids him do Heaven's will. Of which he is the best interpreter. Through his communion with the Church. Laura. Ah me ! My brain and pulse beat not in harmony. But how to save my husband ? San- Vol. By obedience To thine own conscience. Since thou saw'st t'was sin To plot against Salomba's spotless life, Thou wilt an equal virtue comprehend In some ecstatical and conspicuous act Of public thanksgiving that the wicked shafts Were intercepted, and the traitors foil'd. Wilt thou do this ? (with Under exhortation) aCENE II.] LAUKA DIBALZO. 55 Lauea. {mxiously) Dibalzo being saved ? San- Vol. Spared, thou would'st say. Laura. His life — will that be spared ? San- Vol. This has been promised. Canst thou hesitate? What are those men to thee — Magyar or Pole ? No dear friends bringing radiance to thy house. But men thou never knew'st until they stood In open court as regicides, accurs'd. Laura {with ;painful perplexity). What form of prayer? San- Vol. This shall be given thee To study, and repeat with uprais'd arms, Attired in white, set high above the crowd. Lauea. In white ? San- Vol. Art thou not penitent ? Lauea. Set high ? What, holy father, may this mean ? San- Vol. (indifferei^tiy) It means A pedestal beneath some holy roof — Perchance among stone statues — possibly On vapour-veil'd plinth, — or in a cupola Uplifted near the arch, midst fumes of smoke ! Laura. (agitateS), But this might be mistaken — and Miraculous ? [appear San- Vol, {looking! dovm) Do you think so ? Laura. Altar-smoke? San- Vol. Not from the altar, for a regicide. Laura, (indignantly) No! — no! I understand it now ! [She retires several paces. San- Vol. {sternly) Beware ! 56 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Lauba. Thick, yellow, whirling, suffocating smoke. Out of which issues screams of those who burn. To mingle with my penitential prayers ! While I am white-robed for a hellish lie ! Merciful God ! I cannot do this thing ! San- Vol. Heretic ! — the stake may vibrate soon with thee ! [Sxit (r.) Laura (recovering herself). If I had done this — e'en to save his life. My husband's voice had thunder'd thro' the prayer, And I had died — all hopeless — on the spot — Swinging from wires amidst the frantic smoke. Aiding this mockery of Heaven and Nature ! If we must die, be it like men and women. And not like mummers in a blasphemous show ! (relapsing into languor) I have been stunn'd, methinks — drunk the mad wine Of too great misery, else I had not found The strength to bear so much. There's more to come. Well, let it come. Last night I dreamt, a face Bloom'd from the earthy darkness, like a flower Seeking heaven's birthday light, and with a look, Like that of lovers, trembling on the verge Of the first kiss. Methinks some angel thus, [ready ! Was sent half way to greet me. (waving her hand) I am (Sinks on a seat. Then listening, and looking towards the grated portal R.) The sound of footsteps ! (The Jailer and two other figures appear behind the grating.) Strangers with the Jailer ! SCENE II.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 57 Enter Jailer cautiously, thrmigh the portal, followed hy GuAKiNi m a military cloah, and Cteille in a monk's hood. GuAE. {in an undertone) Sister, brief greeting ! Lauea (throwing herself into Guaeini's arms). My brother! why have you ventured Guae. {hurriedly to Jailee) WMch is Dibalzo's dungeon ? Jail. Yonder is the door ; but it is not in my charge. Gtjae. In the charge of Ilario ? Jail, {hurriedly) No — another man, whom Ilario has drawn away ; but we could not obtain the key from him. Guae. No matter : a friend here wiU find one. Cye. {in a gruff voice) Key! — no need. I'll take off the lock-^-or the hinges, {pointing off L.) That door ? {Exit (l. 3rd e.) Lauea {excitedly). You wiU effect Dibalzo's escape ? Guae. And yours. Lauea. Now? GuAB. This moment, {to Jailer) Where are the dungeons of the Polish and Hungarian prisoners ? Jail, {doggedly) Not in my charge, {aside) I dare not venture so far as that. Guae. But where are they ? Jail. I do not know. Guar. What detains CyriUe ? {looking off (l.) Jail. The lock cannot be opened, and your man will have to unscrew, or wrench, or cut through. He will need your assistance. S8 L4.URA PIBALZO. [ACT IV, Guar, (hastening off) Oh, for a giant's hand ! [Exit (l. 3rd. E.) Jail. (a^roacMng Lauea) The Signer Guarini designs to carry you safe out of this prison with your husband ? Lauea. He this instant said so. Jail. Aye : I agreed to assist him, in conjunction with the new jailer, Ilario, now watching outside — as far as Signer Bihalzo is concerned ; but you cannot loth escape — for several reasons. Laura. Oh, wherefpre not ? Jail, (hurriedly) There are too many in your party already. Only one at a time can go — you and your husband must therefore agree upon this. Laura. Agree \ — oh, I decide at once. Let him escape ! (with emotion) Besides, I could not leave my child. Jail. You consent to remain, then ? Laura. I will insist upon it. (clasping her hands firmly) Jail. No — that will cause delay. Hide behind that buttress. I will say you are gone already by that door. [pointing to the portal. Lauea (affectionately). Do your best for him. [Laura retires iehind a buttress, and the Jailer swings open the grated portal. Be-enter GuARiNl with DreALZO hastily, followed by Cyeille, with one hand bound up. All speak in an under- tone and rapidly. DiBAL. Where is my wife ? (looking round) Jail, (pointing to the open portal) Gone on before you — as I directed her. SCENE n.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 59 DiBAL. Qmrrying towards the portal — and stopping short) But where are our friends — the Hungarian and the Pole ? Jail. I cannot help them. DiBAL. (to GuAKiNi) Then we should remain, and let them fly ! GuAE. That's true. {To Jailee) Quick! where are they? Jail. I do not know, (aside) And I will not know. GuAE. You do not? Jail. Moreover, I have to think of my own neck. At any rate I cannot do more to-night. DiBAL. To-morrow night ? Jail. Tes — yes — to-morrow — ^but now the minutes fly, and so must you ! like the lady who has fled before you! Dibal. We must overtake her ! [Cyeille passes through the portql, DiBALZO, and the Jailee is y/rging GUAEINI to follow DlBAiiZO^ when a clash of arms is heard (l.) Jail. Back ! back ! (all hurry lack) The night-guard has taken some alarm! (listening and looking^ toward^ L.) We cannot now go by the portal passage ! — We must fly another way. (pointing L. 1st e.) There ! (Exemot DiBALZO and Guaeini) Leave the portal staring widely open to deceive them. (Cyeille does this) Follow ! [Eooeunt Jailer and Cyeille (l. 1st e.) (clash of advancing Guards) 60 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Enter Sfoeglia with Officbe and Guards (l. 3rd E.) Spoe. Villains ! — the locks and fastenings cut away ! — treachery ! — where is the Jailer ! — and the new Jailer, Ilario ! — ^but first pursue ! Offe. {looking round) In what direction ? Be-enter Lauea from behind the buttress. She hastily closes the portal, to deceive them, passes the long bolts, and places herself in front. Sfoe. Ha ! — onward through the portal ! (Offices and Guards advance) Laura {with passion). Stand back! Sfoe. Drag her away! Lauea. Victims! stand hack! lost victims, I tell you a mine is beneath your feet, and in an instant, when I apply this match, you will be aU blown into the air ! {Guards hesitate in alarm) Sfoe. She has no match ! there's no mine here ! tear her away ! [Offices and Guards seize Lauea. Lauea. Keep back, ye accurst of Heaven, and all the Saints ! do you not hear the rumbling of the earthquake under your very feet? Vesuvius will speak louder to you anon ! {clinging to the grating) Sfoe. She raves ! cut off her arms, if she will not let go ! (Officbe raises his sword.) Lauea. {like a martyr) Cut them off ! Heaven gives me fortitude to bear it ! SCENE ni.] LAURA DIBALZO. 61 Sfoe. Be it so ! — fools, do you hesitate I^hack her to pieces ! {draws his sword) Latje. (Guards advancing) But the King ! remember the King! — ^he has not ordered my death yet! he reserves me for some torture ! {they hesitate) You did not think of that 1 Sfoe. {furiously) Her raving will enable the traitors to escape ! — away with her ! away with her ! [Laura is dragged away (e.) by Oeficee and two Guards. Sfoeolia and Guards then rush into the portal, and Exeunt {i.e. in the wrong direction). Laura, fainting, but with a satisfied air, is borne off (e.) by Officer and two Guards. [Exeunt (e.) SCENE 111.— [2nd Entrance.] A Vineyard at the foot of Vesuvius ; part only of the Mountain-slope is seen — Swnrise. Enter two Old Vintagees (l.) 1st V. I prayed every night all the winter long for a good grape season, and see, we have got it ! 2nd Y. But not through yow prayers, old Isaco ; for I, and my wife and five daughters, prayed constantly — morning, noon and night did we — ha ! {looking off L.) didn't we ? [music of pipe and tambourine outside. 62 LAUEA DIBAL20. [aCT IV. Enter Vintage "Women, Girls and Boys (l.) 2nd V. Didn't we all pray hard for a good vintage ? Voices. All prayed constantly — to San Gennaro. 1st G. And often in the Saint's own Chapel ! 2nd G. And to many other Saints ! 3rd G. And they heard every word we said to ourselves as we knelt ! 2nd G. Look at these gold chains and things ! — -all given me for my prayers ! Voices. And look at mine ! — look at these ! [Eaxunt (r.) Women, Girls, and, Boys, with music of pipe and iamhourine. 2nd V. (a/ter a moody pause) Tour prayers help the harvest ? 1st V. (fiercely) Yes, I said so ! 2nd V. Phoo ! mine were the sort of prayers to bring down the sunlight, and they did it ! 1st V. You'rS a liar ! 2nd V. (half drawing his knife) Say that again ! 1st Vi You're a liar ! Enter STR0NGl*f]d'ARM Stonewing (l.) with a note-hook in his hand. 2nd V. I'll wait for you. [Exit (e.) STEokGi'TH'ARk. A hot quarrel in this lovely vine- yard? 1st "Vt. Why not here as well as anywhere else, Signor ? STRONGI'Td'ASM. And about what, may I ask ? Isi V. He said his prayets were heard a hundred times better thin mine ! SCIINE in.J LAUHA DIBALZO. 63 Steongi'th'arm. How could he possibly know that ? Do not quarrel with such a mountain of ignorance. 1st. V. No, I quarrel with his eruptions. Steongi'th'arm. He wOl be sorry for his eruptions the next time he is upon his knees. 'Now, if besides praying for the ripening of your grapes, you would sometimes pray for the twenty thousand of your countrymen groaning and shivering in yonder dungeons for political offences — many of them being quite innocent — some who have never been even examined — and some who are well known to be innocent — surely heaven would be more pleased with such practical Christianity? — now don't you think so ? 1st. V. (doggedly) Oh, I don't know. Our King is a holy man. Christianity ! {going) Said he'd wait for me. [Eodt (e.) drdiving his Knife. Steongi'th'aem. While the gross superstitions and " the horrors with which the government is, at this time, carried on, are like the negation of God erected into a system of political rule," it is no wonder that the people become brutalized and fanatical by the highest examples. (Harting) I hope the King wiU not — fancy — and take it into his head to have me arrested on suspicion ? Perhaps I had better burn my note-book ? But with all those wretched prisoners ! — No : I will risk it. [Hzit (l.) secreting his note-book. 64 LAURA. DIBALZO. [ACT IT. SCENE lY.— [3rd Entrance]. Gloomy passage in the prison of Saint Elmo. Three dun- geon doors, with long holts, and a small grating in each. A dull lamp hangs from the wall. Enter Sfobglia and San-Volpe (r.), followed ly four Guards, who stand hack. San-Vol. I found Dibalzo's wife — the traitress Laura, So contumacious and so lost to grace That e'en the promise of her husband's life Could not obtain consent to do the penance Vouchsafed her. Wherefore our lord the King directs Y6u work upon her through her child, to find The knowledge he requires. Sfob. Most reverend father, It shall be done. San-Vol, Touching the other two — {pointing to two of the dungeon doors). Magyar and Pole — one might administer Such unapparent influence as should lower Proud temperaments um ? Sfob. Atropos bella donna, Last night i'the water-cruse .... San-Vol. (raising one hand) Oh fie ! — The King Eeserves the woman as a last resource. SCENE IV.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 65 Sfoe. So I anticipated, holy Father. [last words, San- Vol. The others, try once more. Should their Despite thy drugs, their hunger, cold, and chains. Grow fierce, give them free scope. Passion doth utter More secrets than pure reason ; as the rays. Concentred and intense, betray the scales Of dragons lurking midst hot fens and rocks. Far clearer than the broad and general beams Which ripen harvests. Let them vent their fury. - Sfoe. I shall observe your counsel, reverend father; And failing, or succeeding, bring to an end. San-Vol. {extending his hands over Sforglia's head) Panem angelorum manducabit homo ! [Exit (e.) Sfoe. {to Guards) Lead forth the prisoner, Meszlenki Batthymaros. [Uxeunt two Guards into dungeon (e.) Sfoe. With doleful tones he sung, and towards mid- Fought his last fight in feeble fantasy. [night. The drug hath done its work. Enter Batthymaeos from dwngeon, partly supported by a Guard. Sfoe. Now, prisoner — mark ! A last hope yet remains ! Batt. (faintly) For Hungary ? Sfoe. No — ^for yourself Name your accomplices ! Speak ! 66 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Batt. (trying to rouse himself) Speak ? — Of what ? Sfoe. Name your accomplices ! [my speech. Batt. {languidly) Better, my friend, that I shoiild lose Sfoe. Your head ! — ^you wlU lose that. Batt. (with a sick careless air) Well then — 'tis lost ! Sfoe. Where is Dibalzo ? Batt. Somewhere safe — I hope. Sfoe. {in a friendly tone, and placing one hand on Batthymaros' shoulder) I hope so, too ; but there's no need to fly. Or to secrete himself, unless beneath The fountain of mercy. Batt. {forcing a laugh) Meaning your King, or Pope ! But I suspect they've found a safer fountain. Sfoe. {aside) A safer fountain ? {aloud) Come now, at once — the men Who would have HLl'd the Eling ? Batt. {rousing himself) I ! Sfoe. AU their names ! Batt. My own name. [friend ! — Sfoe. {in a whisper) Hush! — be wise! — I am your (taking his hand) I was myself once a republican. Batt. {withdrawing his hand languidly) Do not insult me — I feel sick at heart — And my knees fail — take me back to my dungeon. Sfoe. {loudly) N"ame your accomplices, or your end is come ! Batt. (languidly) To my dungeon, {turning to go) Sfoe. To your grave, if you refuse. Batt. Do not insult me. SCENE ly.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 67 Sfok. Take back the oaf, awhile ! [Baithymaros, with submissive languor, is led back to his dungeon. Bring forth the woman ! [JSxeunt two Guards through the door of the second, or central, dimgeon. Sfoe. {thoughtfully) A safer fountain? — he expects they have found ? Re-enter Guards, with JjJJBiXfrom dwngeon. Lauka {after a pause). Why am I thus led out ? — unless to die ? Give me some tidings of my cMld, I pray you ! The holy father, who was angry with me, Hath surely not deserted us. He promised Dibalzo's life ! Sfoe. Conditionally. You refused, {advancing savagely) 'Tis weU to mention this, after assisting His late escape ! Lauea. In that I only did What every wife should do. Sfoe. Not for a traitor : But I have other matter for you now. Dihalzo being gone — and safe — no doubt — You can have little care for those who join'd him. And first, perhaps, suggested the vile plot Which nearly cost his head. Who were these men ? Nobles or merchants — scholars or lazzaroni ? . . . . You do not answer. Will you not reply ? t2 68 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Lauka {with a fixed look). What would yoM do — if you stood in iny place ? Sfoe. 'Tis not an answer. Laura. 'Eo, sir, 'tis a question. Sfor. "Well — I would not condemn my child to death. Laura {with sudden terror). Oh ! — You — you do not Sfor. Certainly. [mean it ! Laura, {wildly) My child! injure my child! — one wholly innocent ! The child whose very innocence had caused The plot's disruption — saving the King's life ! — You cannot possibly mean this ? — Oh mercy ! Sfor. I mean it, if you do. Laura. Do what ! — Oh, sir ! Answer me ! — do not hold me in swinging chains, With the flames rising ! — burn me up at once In your conclusion ! Sfor. {fiercely) Name all the accomplices, Or your child dies ! {going) Laura, {madly') No— no — I wUl do anything ! A moment, I beseech you ! Say to the King, That as my life should pay the penalty Of this my obstinate silence, I am ready To lay it down — freely to cast it down — Humbly and thankfully — but spare my chUd 1 Sfor. Invain. Youhaveheardthealternative. [jgoing (r.) Laura, (hoarsely) Oh wolf I Oh; worse than wolf ^let me consider it. Sfoe. {returning) Lead her back to the dungeon, some few minutes. SCENE IV.] LAURA DIBALZO. 69 [Laura is led hack hy Giiards, and the dungeon door is closed. [comes forth. Sfor. (half aside) She may think differently when she (To Guards) Bring out the Jew. [Exeunt two Guards to the Srd dungeon (l.) Sfoe. (half aside) Not often do we fail To wrench, or spin their secrets from these rebels. Unter Skuedenka, with Guards, from dungeon (l.) Sfoe. Now, Jew ! Skue. Now, poisoner ! Sfoe. So. (fuming aside his head) Skue. I smelt the drug. Sfoe. Tut! Skue. Do you not believe me ? Sfoe. You could not. Skue. Then there was some inodorous poison there ? I drank no water. 'Tis my will to die In my right senses. Sfoe. (to Guard) Take him back to his dungeon ! Stay ! (aside) There's no knowing, (aloud) Michael Skurdenka ! In one word, do you wish to save your life ? Skue. To keep my life, I wish. I do not like The word " save," for it smacks of some foul service. Sfoe. (aside) The only chance were now to flay his pride. (aloud) I simply asked you to betray your friends. Who join'd in this conspiracy to murder A virtuous King. Do you call that a foul service ? 70 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Skue. (astonished) Beyond all doubt ! Sfoe. If so, 'twill suit thee well, Thou son and heir of an accursed race ! Skue. What is thy race ? Italian : a great race ! The greater villain thou who canst betray Thy country. How far higher were thy state, Wert thou, like me, a prisoner in the cause Of liberty ; yet more — a victim now — For other lands than mine. Thou wear'st a sword. But hast no honest soldier's patriot heart. Like his, who in yon dungeon's midnight hell. With poison'd nerves, pour'd forth a prayer to God, For Hungary ! — midst pausing sighs — ^while oft His sinking voice, in faint delirium, raised A battle-cry 'neath Buda's frosty towers ! [wealth, Sfoe. While thou, bethought'st thee of the hoarded From Christians filched — the widow's — orphan's tears — Thy bearded Eabbi father lost in Warsaw ! [dead ! Skue. (with dignity) Slander the soul of the majestic What manner of man is this ! That Eabbi gave — As did my family — root, stem, and branch — All they possess'd on earth — gold, jewels, raiment — Sold off a costly share our house long held In the salt mines of the Carpathian mountains. To aid the desperate fights of Grochow — Praga — On the high road to Warsaw. He completed Their gifts — my Eabbi father at their head — By laying down, in death, his sacred beard Begrimed with dust and blood of Eussian serfs. At Ostrolenka ! There my Hebrew sire SCENE IV.] LAUEA. DIBALZO. 71 Died like a man— as thou shalt never die, Earth-damn'd and heaven-damn'd slave ! Sfoe. (aside) He warms apace. {aloud) Many a Polish Jew sold arms and food To Eussia : These were patriots ! Skue. No— villains! Gentiles who sold their country — dogs like thee ! {Moves towards the door of Lawa's dungeon). Sfoe. {aside) Something comes now. Skue, Thou brave-soul'd, tortured lady ! — Worthy the history of those other lands — The Pole's, the Magyar's — when with patriot fire, Women of all ranks, with their children, worked I' the trenches ! — ^beautiful young maidens stood On hall-rent bastions, or in the foremost ranks Defended their dear country — (Warsaw's glory Ne'er topp'd that hour) — thou brave Italian lady ! As thou respects't thy husband and thyself, Make no terms with this caitiff ! Sfoe. {loudly) Jew, beware ! (Skuedenka turns fiercely towards Sforglia). Sktte. Speak's thou of widow's and of orphan's tears ! Heard I not through my dungeon's grated door. How thou didst threat to take an infant's life, Unless its mother would betray the men Who by its father in worst peril stood ? Serpent ! — she now is sitting on the ground. Balancing maddening loads upon her brain ! Go to her ! — comfort her ! — release her child. And take it to her ! So shalt thou understand A Jew hath taught thee Christianity ! 72 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. Sfoe. {to Chiards) Gag this hotmauiac! .... No! — there's something better. Bring back the Hungarian ! {JSxeunt Guards into the dungeon of Batthymaeos.) {To Skuedbnka indirectly) We can goad a bull To its last stall ! Skue. Thy victims to the shambles. A King can do no butchery, {advancing) {At a signal from Sfoeglia the Guards drag him loch). Be-enter Guards, leading Batthymaeos slowly from his dungeon, under the influence of belladonna. Sfoe. Hungarian prisoner ! Batt. (shaking his head, with half -closed eyes) I do not understand men's purposes. Sfoe. Know this ! You are order'd for immediate execution. Batt. {mildly turning to go) Sir, I am ready. Sfoe. But the King empowers me To spare your life. [denka. Batt. I thank his Majesty, {then turning to Skue- I may say as much, with honour — don't you think so ? {pressing his hand over his forehead) And yet, I feel as if it came too late. Sfoe. Arouse your faculties — and understand There are conditions. Name all accomplices In the late plot. Batt. Ah! do I understand? — No, sir — no, sir — I do not. SroR. Think an instant. SCENE IV.] LA.-UKA DIBAIZO. 73 Batt. (after looking sadly at Skurdenka, and then vacantly in the air). I know this is a moment of my life I should be most myself — and I am nothing — A soldier melted to a sword's flat shade — Sunk down to nought, yet ever sinking still — All but a throbbing something in my heart Which says I was a man ; — and I will die Without disgracing that bright memory Qiumily) With this poor sheath ! {drops his arms). Sfor. (to Skurdenka) One chance remains for thee, By intercession of the Cardinal. Wilt thou become a convert to our Church ? Skur. After your model ? — or the King's ? Sfor. Enough. One chance is profferr'd now to both of you. The first who speaks, doth win it. Thou — Skurdenka ! Wilt thou do execution — shoot the Hungarian — Wearing the Cap of Liberty, the while ? Hungarian ! — wilt thou hang the Polish Jew ? Who answers first ? Quick ! [Skurdenka advances towards Batthymaros andBATTSYUAROsfeeWy towards Skurdenka: the two men, with noble tears, embrace each other ; then turn with dignity, and smile at Sforglia. Sfor. (biting the fingers of his left hand) Lead them to instant death ! [Hxeunt (l. 2nd E.) 74 LAUBA DIBALZO. [ACT IV. SCENE Y.—[lst Entrance]. Front of the King's private Oratory. Boor (u.O.) Unter the King and San-Volpe (u.c.) King. That's well — ^that's good: go on, thou holy man. San- Vol. And thus they have dug a pit-fall for them- selves. King. You sniff'd this during a penitent confession Of one i' the secret ? San- Vol. (closing his eyes) Oh, no ! King. Afterwards? [God. San-Vol. We are bound to serve our King, as well as King. That's very true. Unter Sfoeglia (e.) We have o'er-topped you, sir. In your high duties. We have found the den Prepared by traitors for their friends to lurk In fatal safety. Through your iron-clad hands, Like falcons iU-secured they sought free life. Cleaving the darkness with their scornful wings. Be prompt for your own redemption. With strong guard Attend us here to-night : ourself would go To enjoy their death-blank faces. [Exit Sforglia. SCENE v.] LAURA DIBALZO. 75 (to San-Volpe) Heaven directs us, Protects and comforts us each step we take. And blesses us in everything we do. (pausing) Except in dealing with Dibalzo's wife. That woman is in league .... (breathless with rage). San- Vol. With whom, my Lord ? (The King stamps upon the ground.) King. With Satan ! — not the figurative Satan — Nor as in missals, poems, tapestries, nightmares, Painted, and sung, and stitch'd, and brimstone-boil'd — But the embodied Emperor of Hell, To whom the adulteress Laura is espoused ! Yes, Satan ! or she could not thus have braved Maternal tortures — thus her head up-held. And 'gainst Our Church and godly Crown rebell'd. [Exeunt. END OF THE FOUKTH ACT. 76 LAURA DIBALZO. ACT V. SCENE I.— [4th EntraThce.] Dilapidated ornamental Fountain in the grove of a ruined Villa. Mutilated statues of forms once beautiful (one in especial, symholizing Italy) with a Sea Monster in the centre, wearing a grotesque crown. Lofty broken rocks at the back. Moon slowly rising. Deep shadows. Sound of falling waters. ElVEEOLA seen descending a secret zig-zag pathway of the rocks. He pauses; then beckons off (l.) and Guaeini, DiBALZO, and two Nobles follow him down the rocks. ErvE. Here — as you know, I long have pre-arranged, In case of need — ^you may secrete yourselves. Beneath yon marble ruin is a chamber, For water built, now furnish'd with dry weeds. I've placed provisions there. DiBAi. My lord, we thank you. {to Nobles) Now 'twere best return, Lest that your absence bring you in suspicion. SCENE I.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 77 EiVE. Can we do ought more yet ? 1st Noble {going l.) Aye, each for himself. To all our friends, as now, I say the same. I shall away to England. These are times When men should use theirheadsif they would keepthem, Nor leave their gold too near the smelter's fire. That's my advice — so gentlemen, farewell ! [Exit (l.) EiVE. A man whose country in his coffer lies ! Guar. Too much prosperity damages the heart. Though the heart knows it not. Hold him ezcused. 2nd Noble. He cannot pass the frontier ? EiVE. If he reach it. GuAE. {to EiVEEOLA and Noble) Eeturn to the city, I entreat you. [taking Eivekola ly the arm. ErvE. {going) "We will find means to visit you anon. Guar. I pray you go ! Dibal. a Bio, my lords ! ElVE. Addio ! {they embrace) [JExeunt Eivbeola and Noble (e. 2nd e.) Dibal. {after a pause) Here then, Guarini, we are brought to bay. With night-hounds round us, and our ardent hopes And great designs, exchanged for narrowing thoughts, And secret means to hold the breath of Mfe, — Our Country sacrificed to scrupulous saws About the taking of a tyrant's life ! Thy meditations, and thine adverse words Have ruined all ! GuAE. This is not generous. 78 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT V. DiBAL. No, but 'tis just. Thy moral arguments — Good in the mouth of a sa,fe Englishman, But despots' food, and suicide in us — Delayed my movements — paralysed the Mow Just as the arm was raised. Guar. 'Tis a sad time For these reproaches. I spoke what I thought, And for the best, and I am at your side To stand or fall with you; DiBAL. Why do we fall ? Because we did not in good season rise, And act upon conviction. Your ohs, and ahs, And English moral shakings of the head, Learnt on your visits to that envied land, Are they for one side only ? — for the side Of wholesale murders, and against the men Who'd queU one single pest — and stamp it out ? Tell it to the moon— there it may pass for sense, Tell't to the great Star-banner'd Continent, Or in free Britain, where the people's eyes Can give no reason to imagine facts Which are our daily curse, or cause to feel them ; But we who are i'the middle of this hell. Are the best judges of our own sensations ! Gtjae. My brother ! — nay, be patient. DiBAL. Do you forget I have a wife and child ? — and Where are they ? GuAK. Laura escaped before us, and your friend The Jailer, has fled with her — or, perchance, The penitent Ilario. SCENE I.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 79 DiBAL. Possibly — But "where ? — where — ^where ? (he weeps) GuAE. (going) I'll forth in search of them. DiBAL. (catching him in his arms) Porgive my inco- herent, passionate grief ! 'Tis fed from many sources, which produce A uniform confusion. Por some hours — Perhaps aU night, I pray remain you here ; I must seek tidings, nay, in sooth I must — This hideous quietude will drive me mad — Impassive to the storm that dins within me : I will return forthwith. (Going, he staggers from exhaustion.) GuAit. Stay here, Dibalzo, And rest awhile. A little sleep will give you A better ground for effort, as for hope. DiBAL. (sinking down) Do you think so ? 0, Laura ! 0, my child ! (The moon passes behind clouds. Dibalzo sleeps.) [GuARiNl walks up, and contemplates the broken statuary of the Fountain ; then comes down. GuAE. When will the struggles of Humanity — The millions of aU nations, times, and creeds. Against the monomaniac despots, cease. And man discover life's best ordered scheme ? 'Tis not the question of how many deaths. Through insurrections, exiles, dungeons, scaffolds, Nor e'en the fall of many an untrain'd mass, Like sheep by liveried butchers' skilful hands. 80 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT V. Be requisite to gain earth's one grand right ; — Life, in the aggregate, is a sacrifice, From whose high altars revelations flow In crimson streams. Sometimes through broken hearts New systems of man's loftier culture rise, Nourish'd by all these graves, and by the spirit — The surging murmur of the popular soul — That ever sings above them. Oh, I hear thee ! I long have heard— and hear thee clearer now — Perhaps for the last time. Our course is run ; In some things noble, both in thought and deed. In others mixed — shot with keen glancing doubts. And inward whisperings of the tree of life — The heart's red secrets — only known to God. (DiBALZO moans in his sleep.) Yet individual lives, not sacred held. Or more than water when compared with kings. Are sacred yet to memory, when given Pure offerings tow'rds a great and general good. The blood of the true patriot is a gift Which heaven cherishes ; in some other form. Such as his best hopes dreamt, it seeks the light. Inspires the root, the branch of future years, Not unrewarded lost within the flower. (Walks up towards the fountain, and seats himself) Then why lament discomfitures, and deaths. Which, in the common round of waste, are few ? How many thousand lives are lost at sea Each year, in reefing sails, or by the chance SCENE I.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 81 Of some less cause ? Man must accept the law Of nature wisely, but the social law Compel to wisdom by conformity With nature. Yet, each individual life Should be held sacred (else no common path Were safe from murder) — not a subjects life. When danger threats one jewel of a crown ! Thy life, Dibalzo — aU our lives — as many As the occasion needs — what is't to one That grimly sits, reigning for history ! (Dibalzo awakes, and rises hastily!) DiBAL. Why did you let me sleep? — have I slept long? I must away some tidings to obtain Of Laura, and my child. Which way's the best ? Know you this place ? GrUAE. I know it well, and wUl direct your steps. DiBAL. I will return anon. GuAE. Take close disguise. [They ascend the zig-zag path through the rochs, and disappear at the top. The moon emerges from clouds. Sound of falling waters. Enter King, Sfoeglia, and a number of Guards, (e.) King. Here glooms the den! a squarrose spot where Oft paint and poetize, but where no hunters [dolts E'er track'd a game like ours, (seats himself) (Sfoeglia directs two Guards with drawn swords to descend into the cavern). King. Now will their eyes Outshine the steel that's pointed at their breasts ! 82 LAUKA DIBALZO. [ACT V. {Guards re-ascend, bringing up two baskets of provisions). Sfoe. Not yet arrived. King, (laughing) A very different food WUl soon be in their throats. Search well around, Perchance you'll meet them coming. [Exeunt Sfoeglia and, several Guards (l), and all the other Guards (e). King. Plunder blinds A soldier's eyes to all else, (rising) Papers! books — Letters — hand-writing! Ha! the fatal pen! But what I find I'U keep close — specially From doom'd ones. Qui nescit dissimulare, Nescit regnare. These bush-berries smeU. Of treason as of poison. Letters — scraps \The King, pushing iramUes aside, descends into the cavern. Sound of falling waters, and cry of night-birds. Guaeini appears at the top of the rocJcs, and descends. He pauses thoughtfully. GuAE. His heart, I fear, wiU show through all disguise. As would a ruby in a monk's hood set. {Advances towards the sculptures over the cavern). GuAE. The straggles of mankind can never prove Victorious o'er earth's despots, till the time When soldiers will be citizens — not tools — And a wise people use their wealth aright. Yet meanwhile I have waited fo7' the dawn SCENE I.] LAUBA DIBALZO. 83 Of man's fair day too long, and I am weary, — Waited, and planned, with beating brain to see, First of aU hopes, this stony monster fall, And beautiful Italia rise once more In just proportions. I grow sick of time — And almost court its close. King, (stepping out of the cavern with his sword drawn) That hour is come ! — Ha ! guards ! my guards ! {wildly on both sides) Traitors ! guards ! guatds ! Guar, (drawing) We are alone! EiNi.) King, (choking) Guards ! traitors ! {rushirlg at GuA- (GuAEiNi strikes the sword out of the King's hand. GuAE. Take up thy sword — and make thy peace with Heaven ! King, (snatching up his sword) Ha! would you dare? GuAE. What? King. Kill me ? GuAE. Instantly! King, (stamping upon the ground) Guards ! traitors 1 GuAE. Man to man ! Defend your life ! It is as surely lost as is your soul ! (advancing) King, (retreating) I know you, Count Guarini ! GUAE. (still advancing) Know me better ! { Wounding the KofG, who Imm Aupmi his sword). King, (in dismay) Hold ! hold your hand a moment — something to say ! I promise to release your sister ! g2 84 LAUEA DIBALZO. [ACT V. Guar. Friends? [now — King. I swear it ! — all your friends, — child, — 'prison'd Accomplices — all, all — {faiTvtly) my Guards ! Guar, (sternly, with his sword pointing at Salomba s hreast) And liberate all political prisoners, In dungeons chained ? King. Yes — Count Guarini-^yes ! Guar. Swear also to vacate the throne of Naples ? King, {staggering hack) Throne ! throne ! — resign my throne ? Guar. Or take thy death ! [thee ! King. My crown I hold, and death — death give to Oh, I will Idll — rend, rend thee into atoms ! [The King rushes wildly upon Guarini, who parrying his thrusts, casts him to the ground, and sets one foot upon him. Sforglia and Guards rush in (l.). Other Guards (r.). Sforglia and two Guards seize GuARiNi from behind. Guarini throws down his sword. Sforglia comes to the front and takes up the sword). Guar. Had you obtained it from me face to face, It had become you better. Sfor. {tremblingly anxious) Gracious King ? [Hcceunt (r). The King suppm^ted, Guarini guarded. SCENE II.] LAUKA DIBALZO. 85 SCENE II.— [2nd Entrance.] Street in JVaples. Shouts of rabble outside. Voices crying "Drag him along"! "Drag him along"! Enter Guards with Dibalzo in chains (l), followed by Lazzaroni, Peasants, Sailors, and Babble. Stkong'ith'aem appears at an open umidow.) Voices. Drag him along ! drag him along ! 1st. Lazz. Let us see him shot, the impious traitor ! 2nd Lazz. Or beheaded, or hung,— or both ! 1st Peasant. Or rather crushed by the great stone — that's the best death to see ! Voices. So it is! so it is ! 1st Sailoe. There's a fine American sloop in the bay. Woulds't not ha' liked to get aboard of her, and sail away to the States, where they've got no king ? DiBAL. (scornfully) They are much better without one — especially such a tyrant as slaves like you worship. 1st. Peasant, (crossing hirmelf in dismay) Hear him blaspheme our most religious King ! This man would dispute and deny a miracle ! 2nd Peasant. The best we ever saw, would he ! (Shouts outside, answered by shouts from those in the street). 86 LAUEA DIBAL2». [ACT V. Steong'ith'arm. {from a wiTidow) Peace, brutal mob ! Eespect the silent death-march of the men who sought to raise your foreheads from the dust ! {Yells and a shower of stones at the window). Voices, {in the street) Yes, you are beasts ! — idiots !^ — these men were patriots! — but an Insurrection will soon {General confusion). Voices, (from a parapet) Valiente ! animo ! Voices- {in the street) A Spanish refugiado ! Voices, {from the parapet) Yes — Spain has also had her patriot martyrs. {Tells and stones thrown at the parapet). A Voice. Los Mexicanos y otros, tambien ! {Yells and mockeries). Voices. Les FranQais ! — Die Deutschen ! {jRedouUed showers of missiles). 1st Peasant. Here comes another of the heretic traitors ! Unter Sfoeglia and Chmrds (l.) tvith Guaeini in chains. 1st liAZZ. {to Guaeini) You too, Signer assassin, and high-treason villain! We shall all rejoice to see you put under the great stone ! (Guaeini looks at him with composure). 1st Sailoe {to Guaeini). You also would have been glad to slip off safe to England, or America, or Oape Ply-away; but we've got you lash'd fast in the jail- rigging {tapping the chains). SCENE II.J LATJRi DIBALZO. 87 1st Peasant (to Guarini). Cross swords with our anointed Sovereign! — you who should lick the dust before the hlessed feet of pious Salomha's Majesty ! A Priest {to G-uarini). 0, thou accursed one ! Voices. To the great stone ! 1st Lazz. The executioners should pluck out their beards by the roots, and their finger nails too, as was done to some rebels the other day at the Vicaria ; and they should be laid chained together on the dungeon floor, to be gnawed by the rats tiU they went mad! — ISo new thing for such as these. Voices. The stone ! to the great stone ! 1st Peasant. Cowards, dastardly cowards both of you ! DiBAL. The scribbler's verbiage ! It is the people's cowardice That plants the poniard in the patriot's hand, Which else had led them forward with a sword ! (Guarini places one hand on DiBALZo's shoulder to pacify Mm. SforgLIA advances with a menacing air. Voices. Well said ! we like all this ! ha ! ha ! ha ! There's some strong and holy life here, before death and the devil, after all ! Down with all Insurrectionists ! Sfor. {to Cfuards) Forward with the prisoners ! [Hxeimt (b.) 88 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT V. SCENE 111.— {Uh Entrance.] Street in Naples, with ornamental wall (tj. c), and, the Palace in the distance, (as in Act 1, sc. 1). Sky dark, with gloomy red clouds. Massive wooden shears are visible beyond the top of the wall, with lifting tackle attached. A bell tolls; and then a flourish of trumpets is heard. Enter King and San-Volpe (l. 1st e.) with attendants. King. Much hurt ? — not I — we are too good a king ; (aside) But Sforglia shall pay dear for that, ere long : I'll teach my blood-hound's snout a broader scent. San-Vol. Dibalzo safe once more, Guarini chained. The rest will follow. King. This conspiracy Is wider spread than we at first had thought : Nobles and gentlemen of different States, Nay, some about the Court are mixed in it — Men of large wealth — and several citizens. Artists, and men of letters. San-Vol. Students also, I fear. King. No doubt — a most ungodly set. But we'll probe deep the inmost nerves of sense. SCENE in.] LAURA DIBALZO. 89 Till name on name spouts from the affrighted heart, Or crush their secrets in them. Sajst-Vol. I believe Your Majesty will find no other means. Thrice, in my holy ofS.ce, have I sought To bring the woman to due penitence. And full communion — but in vain. King. I know ; — (looking off L.) Yet we will have her secrets. See, she comes ! Sforglia hath orders from me how to act. (to San-Volpe, interrogatively) Something miraculous may come of this ? [UxeuMi (e. U.E.) Unter Lauea, wildly, followed by Sfokglia and Chiards (l. 1st E.) Lauea. Where is the King? where is the King? — you told me He came this way ! — my child — what, kill my child ! Threaten to smother — to suffocate by law — An infant of six years ! Sfoe. Name all the accomplices [swear. Lauea. My child ! — my child ! I know them not, I Sfoe. Those then, you do know. You have been informed. We have your husband and your brother safe. Lauea. Ha ! is that true ? I did not hear ! — is't true ? Seoe. They will be le'd to instant execution, If they, like you, reject the King's demand. But your child dies the first. 90 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT V. Laura (holding her head). 'Tis not heaven's will — Sfoe. But the King's will. Lauea. That comes from another place — You would not .... oh, forbear ! Enter GuAElNi in chains, guarded (l.) Laura {rushing towards him). Guarini ! — they — My child— Edita Guar, {solemnly) Sister, be comforted. Laura. What would you say ? Guar. I heard it whispered, as they brought me here. Their harsh devices had o'er-wrought the aim. And Christ had ta'en his own. Your child is dead ! Laura {falling wpon her knees ; then looking up). I thank thee, Christ — and I a,m comforted — Sure friend in life's profoundest misery ! Guar. 'Twas not the mercy that Salomba planned. Enter a Messenger (l.) who places a paper in Sfoeglia's hand, and retires to the rear. Sfoe. {after looking over the paper) Do you know this writing, Madam ? Laura. I can see nothing — do not speak to me. Sfoe. The time is short. Guar. Dear sister, yet be strong ; It will soon be over. Laura, {to Sforglia) What did you ask me, sir ? Sfor. {handing the paper) Do you know this writing? Lauea. {^glancing at it) No ! SCENE III.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 91 Sfok. {pointedly) The signature ! (she hesitates) GuAE. Answer him, Laura. Lauka. But you do not .... {she stops) Guar. Yes — I set my foot upon His Majesty, — I know it matters not. Latjea. {to Sfoeglia) My husband's, sir. (SroBGLiA takes the paper from her) May I not see what's written ? Sfor. {to GuAEiNi) 'Tis for you. [Lauea staTids apart in her distress, while Sfoeglia tahes Gtjaeini confidentially aside. Sfoe. In my harsh duties I have dealt by you With little courtesy ; but private malice Against you, I have none. Now look you here. {showing the paper) But iirst look yonder ! [A huge broad and fiat stone is slowly hoisted to the upper part of the shears, and remains fixed. { Voices and noise outside among advancing crowds.) Sfoe. 'Tis understood your earnest voice opposed Our King's assassination. Why should you — A gentleman of birth and studious thought, In honour held by all, be sacrificed To madmen ; doubly traitors — first to the King, Next to their friends ? Just read this paper, sir. GuAE. {takes the paper and reads, half aside) " I hereby solemnly offer to divulge the names of all those impli- cated in the late plot, — from the Signor Guarini, and our 92 LAUBA DIBALZO. [ACT V. patrician friends, down to the lowest hireling, on condition that His Majesty wiU generously and mercifully spare my life, so justly forfeited to the laws, both human and divine. Signed in presence of these attesting witnesses, Claudio Dibalzo." [GuAEiNi starts slightly, then fixes his eyes upon the signature. Sfoe. {still aside to him) You thought it simply treason — not this treachery ? Like to the man, Ilario, so the master ! Well sir, the King rejects such evidence. And this forgiving favour proffers you. Promote the arrest of aU accomplices. And you are free, {aloud^ Here is the royal pardon ! [Places a parchment with large seal in GuAEINl's hand. Lauea hurries forward. Lauea. My brother pardon'd ! — oh, 'tis very right — His views were different — GuAE. (calmly returning the first paper) 'Tis a forgery ! Sfoe, {with affected astonishment) His wife avowed the signature ! Guar. Her sight Dazed through the scalding outlets of her grief : It is not his. But say, it were ? Sfoe. What then ? (GuARiNi quietly throws down the King's pardon.) You have thrown away your life ! Lauea. Alas ! my brother I SCENE III.] LAURA. DIBALZO. 93 Guar. A man has only one life on the earth. And therefore should pick well his heavenward way, Having no second chance. Oh Italy ! You can afford to lose a faithful son, Many so true remain. I felt it honour To live for you, and now the higher honour To die for you. {Sound of chaiTis without.) Laura. My husband ! — ^yes, tis he. cruel chains ! Enter Dibalzo in chains, guarded (l.); a crowd, chiefly of women, follow. DiBAL. Laura ! [Laura rushes into Dibalzo's arms. They are separated at a sign from Sfoeglia. Laura [extending ?ver arms towards Dibalzo). Do you know of Edith's death ? DiBAL. (restraining his emotion) Yes — Laura — ^yes — Do not unman me. We shall meet her soon. Lauea (to Sforglia with calm pathos). When shall we die? Sfor. 'Tis order'd. Guar, (coldly) What do we wait for ? Sfok. His Majesty's signal from the Palace tower. Where he will stand to see two traitors crushed. DiBAL. By yonder stone ? Sfor. Aye, by the stone. li&.VB.k (shMddering) Oh God! (imploringly to S^OfiGhU.) Not by that frightful death ! 94 LAURA DIBALZO. [ACT V. DiBAL. Pleadnot, my wife; 'Tis better than the torture you have suffer'd In thoughts of me, and Edita — slowly murdered — Laura. By royal hands that now destroy you both ! DiBAL. (to Laura) This is the king we were too nice to km !— You would do it now ? Laura {clasping her hands). Were he a hundred kings ! Guar. Be patient, sister ; let us compose our spirits. Laura. But the appalling stone ! GuAB. (deliberately) I object to that. Sfor. (malignantly) 'Tis like you do. (suppressing a brutal laugK) Guar. But not for the poor reason in your mind. Sfor. "What other then ? Guar. Because if man be made In the image of God, I should prefer to die In that august resemblance. Enter San-Volpe (r. U.e.) San- Vol. But the arch-fiend Transfigured you to rebels, and 'tis good That forms so vile were changed. Sfor. The signal's made ! (walks up a few paces) Laura (after a struggle). You cannot crush their souls ! San- Vol. (darUy) We know not that. Guar. / know it ! Sfor. Bring them away ! Guar. Shades of the noble dead, we follow ye ! ( Walks up in advance of the &uards.) SCENE ni.] LAUEA DIBALZO. 95 DiBAL. (with np7'aised hand) Cyro Menotti ! Andryane ! Miglio ! Euffini ! noble brothers Bandiera ! Shades of Vocchieri ' Eomeo ! Andreoli ! Shades from three thousand scaffolds of Eadetzski, All hail ! "we come to your embracing arms ! GuAE. Oh, not in vain they snffer'd — nor shall we : The death of many a martyr aids the cause More than his life could do. We are content. My sister — and my brother — one embrace ! (They embrace,, th&n walk to the back). DiBAL. [embracing Lauka closely) My wife — Laura — my wife — (Laura is unable to speak. Weeping: among the crowd). DiBAL. Be firm against their last temptations — Promise me ! Lauea. Yes — Yes — DiBAL. Laura ! — (both are overcome) GuAE. (coming down to Lauea) Look on us, well — two men prepared to die !: Sister, do honour to yourself, and us. Be steadfast — clear — ^bright-^eyed as adamant : Be steel — ^be fire lock'd up in flint— be cold With power— and let thy spirit petrify Each nerve for this last moment ! So, we bless you ! [GUAEINI and DiBALZO walk wp with an erect hearing, and take their station between the Guards at the back (near E. U.E.). Smothered sobs heard among the crowd. 96 LAUKA DIBAIZO. [ACT V. DiBAL. (gazing at Laura) Thou holy image 'midst these heathen rites ! [A signal hell is struck — Laura, shuddering all over, covers her head vnth her hands. Guar, (joining hands with Dibalzo) Our earthly pilgrimage had many halts ; A moment's flight, and 'we are safe — in heaven ! [Hxeunt GuARim and Dibalzo, with Guards (r.u.e.) The Scene darkens. Distant flashes of lightning. \EnterPopulace,Lazzaroni,Peasants,Insurrection- ists, Sailors, etc., (l. 2nd & u.E.) They eagerly climb halfway wp the wall, to see the exec%i,tion. Several lean over the top of the wall, all faces heing tv/rned in the direction of the King's Palace. San-Volpe stands watchfully aside ; Sfoeglia in front with Laura. Laura (raising her head wildly). Are they gone ? will they pause awhile on the way ? Will they return for an instant ? — why are you here ? Sfor. To offer the last chance those lunatics told you Not to accept. Laura. My Hfe ? — what is that worth ? Hark ! hark ! (listening with a frantic air) Sfor. No — no — you are mistaken. 'Tis not The moment of their death. That rests with you. Laura. With me ? Sfor. Their deaths, or else their lives. Laura (imploringly). Oh, sir, Have you a human heart ! this is too cruel. SCENE m.] LAUKA DIBALZO. 97 Sfoe. Not SO. Their lives, I say, are in youi hands. Lauea. How? Sfoe. Name at once all the conspirators — Tour brother and your hushand will be spared. Lauea {catching at the thought). Is't true ? {then staggered) Is this really true ? Sfoe. By the King's word. Lauea (incredulously/). Oh, we're all doomed to die — I know it well. If I should do this thing, how could I meet My husband face to face in the other world ? Sfoe. You refuse then 1 Lauea. I 1 Sfoe. Stop ! — only one word — one word. " Yes " — ^you accept the terms, " No " — and at once The stone descends ! (signal hell is struck again.) They're placed beneath it now ! Lauea (frantically). Now, do you say! now, now beneath the stone ? Hark ! it has fallen ! hark ! it falls ! falls ! falls ! Did I not hear it ? — ^but I hear it still ! Oh, 'tis my throbbing brain ! This is too much — Too much for nature. Stay the falling stone ! I will say anything to save them ! — stop ! Make signal ! Is it only yes, or no ? Immortal souls hang on a syllable ! Truth, honour, woman's weakness, falsehood, firmness. My husband's last injunction — and my brother's — Sfoe. Both suicides through you unless you save them ! Lauea. A true wife trusted with the last extremes, H 98 LAUEA DIBAIZO. [ACT V. SCENE III. Must not be false when this last .... stay the signal ! A moment ! yet a moment ! — ^but one moment — In case I lose my senses — as I shall do — {She rushes to andfro^ I see it in the air, and the mad sky, Now fuU of fiery faces, and the shadows Of constant stones descending ! — ^my brain's stunn'd With crushing sounds ! — I shall be raving soon — My throat is choked with blood ! I must go mad — And then I might consent — so God assist me To stand up in my grave-clothes, and say "No ! " [Lauea stands up erectly as she utters the last words. A stroke on the lell is heard. She crouches and reels. The great stone descends with a dull vibrating sound. — Lauea utters a cry. A distant shout is heard. She falls dead. SroEGUA and San-Volpe hurry to her, and exchange signs of her death. [Populace, &c,, leap down from the wall. Shouts of an Insurrection — shots are fired, poniards and knives gleam on all sides — Sfoeglia and San-Volpe are stabbed by many hands, and a flash of lightning strikes the King's Palace as the cwrtwin descends. GBEGOBY THE SEVENTH (A Tragedy). With an Essay on Tragic Influence, BT EIOHAED HBNaiST HOENE. " There are finer things to be found in his writinga than in any dra- matist since the age of Elizabeth. His ' Gregory ¥11.' will live among the best dramas, so long as dramatic literature shall exist in England. Its success will be slow, but it will be indestructible." — Robert Sell. " We regard it as the noblest prpduotion of its class that has for many years conferred honour upon the literature of the couTAry,"^ Atlas. " We have a grand whole before us ; the work of an Artist." — Monthly Meviem. " The noble tragedy of Gregory VII." — British Und Foreign Revieiv. " Mr. Home is a man of the most unquestionable genius." — G. S. Lemes. " Mr. E. H. Home's noble dramas are not the mere wordy imita- tions of the elder dramatists, but kindred productions, inspired by a like vigorous and splendid imagination, alike guided by the instinct of a lofty genius, at once penetrating and universal. They are the outpourings of a rich and abundant genius. To such works performance can add no honours, and the neglect of them can only be a reproach to the managers and their patrons." — TowM/ni Brief Vievi of the Brama. THE DEATH-FETCHES (A German Trilog»y). First published in one of Miss Mitford's Annuals. " It is quite in the spirit of Goethe, particularly in the songs of the mad girl." — Br. Leonhwrd Schmitz. JUDAS ISCAK.IOT (A Mystery Play). In this view of Judas, as to character and motives, Mr. Home is sup- ported by the opinion of the late Archbishop of Dublin. The play was performed some years ago at the Court of Bavaria. OBION (An Epic Poem in Three Boobs). With a Brief Commentary by the Author. Illustrated with the Author's Portrait from a Medallion by Summers. Tenth Edition. Post 8vo., cloth, price 7*. " As classic in its own way as Keats's EndymAon, teeming with a Shake- spearean wealth of imagery, full of clear-cut scenes from nature, and idealised with lofty thoughts." — Westminster Review. " Mr. Home wrote poetry, like MUtou, in a prosaic age. ' Orion ' helped powerfully to give to the poetry of the present day its form, and tone, and colour." — The Brighton Herald. " We have been among the earliest readers of Mr. Home — among the most earnest admirers of his high genius — for a man of high, of the highest genius he unquestionably is." — Edgar Allan Poe. " This is the most remarkable poem that has for years been given to the world — remarkable in the originality of its theme, and in the mingled energy and beauty of its power. We know nothing in the range of litera- ture to which we can compare it. The yearnings and grappUngs of an original mind are indicated throughout the work, which we pursue with a sense of moral elevation which is the noblest and the truest ofEering to the mental supremacy of the writer. It asserts the loftiest attributes of poetry." — Bouglas Jerrold. CHATTO & WINDUS, 74 & 75, PICCADILLY, W., LONDON. THE DEATH OF MAB,LOWE(A Tragedy, in One Act). Fiftli ^Edition. 8w., price 1$. " It ia a masterly specimen of the concentration of a world of life, passion, and sympathy." — Leigh Hunt. " In my humble opinion it contains the very salt of the Old Drama. I was delighted and surprised." —Lord Lytton. The Death of Marlowe haunted me long alter reading it, as though the actual scene of passion had taken place before my own eyes. It has extraordinary power" — Elizabeth Barrett Browning. " There is fire in it. Fight and conquer." — TJwmas Carlyle. " I redd it with greater delight than any dramatic or other poetical work of the last twenty years." — Walter Savage Landor. " If the stage shall fall to decay, I shall deplore it, if it be only for the Bake of what we shall lose in Mr. R. H. Home, and in the genius of Eobert Browning." — Sir Thomas Talfowd. " It is equally beautiful, dreadful, and pathetic. I read it through at a blow." — Douglas Jerrold, NEWMAN & CO., 43, HAET STREET, OXFORD STREET, COSMO DE' MEDICI— An Historical Tragedy, And othbe Pobms. Fourth Edition. Price Bi. " This tragedy is the work of a Poet, and not of a playwright. Many of the scenes abound in vigour and tragic intensity." — Times, 1875. " I cannot but believe the principal works of Mr. Home to be as thoroughly the product of true genius as any of the poetical perform- ances of our time." — Bobert Browning. " For dramatic force, Dantean distinctness of expression, lofty melody, large and subtle imagination, and depth of feeling. Home is unsurpassed among living men, and seldom by the poets of any age." — iVea; York Tribune {London Correspondent). " We have one dramatist living in England, and only one, who can be compared to Victor Hugo, and that is Richard Hengist Home." — British Quarterly Beviem, 1878. " I have been diving into his treasure-house this morning, with keen delight and admiration." — Charles Algernon Sminburne. TEUBNEE AND CO., LUDGATE HILL, LONDON. PROMETHEUS, THE EIEE-BEINGER (A Lyrical Drama.) {First pnbUshed in Australia,') " Almost the whole poem is quotable. Australia ought to be proud of such men as E. H. Home. They are the literary progenitors of future generations," — The Atlas. " Of the scattered beauties of this Poem it is almost embarrassing to speak. The work is gemmed with them like the sky with stars on one of our Australian nights. — The Australasian. " It contains numerous passages that might serve 'for grand mottos and inscriptions over Greek Temples," — D. S. Deniehy {of Sydney.) " The story of the exploit of Prometheus is told by the Chorus in words full of pas^on and imagination." — The Atheiiceum.