PS 1064 ^ ^ ^ .86 G3 1836 GAULAMTUS, Copy 1 B XTATHAMZHX. H. BAKWXSTBB ACTHOR or 'CAIUS SILIUS,' 'MARRIAGE CONTRACT,' ETC. ETC. CINCINNATI. 1836* GAULANTUS, ^ 'sPia.^c&iiiD'S'g ass i?awi§ ^o^i?©. BY NATHANIEL H. BANNISTER, AUTHOR or 'Cat«« Siliua,' Marriage Contract,' Etc. Et«. Cincinnati: published by flash, ryder and co, D. Murphy, Printer. 1836. :pK^ TO CHARLES BOOTH PARSONS, ESQ. This tragedy is respectfully dedicated, by THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. No one will doubt the right which every one has to discuss the excellence and defects of all public men; to compare their talents with each other, and fairly to express opinions on their respective merits. The author, the advocate, the statesman, the preacher, and the judge, are subjects of constant and minute criticism. How Mr. A or B argued, how Mr. C or D played, how Mr. E or F preach- ed, are the common conversation; and though there may be much bad criticism and many erroneous opinions given, yet on the whole, the disposition of the public to discuss such subjects has many beneficial advantages. It certainly enlightens the public and stimulates professional men. If persons in the graver walks of life are spoken of with such free- dom, those whose profession it is to amuse, delight and inform us, must expect that the public wmH discuss their merits and defects with greater freedom. 'Gaulantus,' written by Mr. Bannister, favorably known in the south both as an au- thor and as an actor, was lately produced for 4 PREFACE. the first time in Cincinnati. Gaulantus, the hero of this tragedy, was represented by Mr. C. B. Parsons, and in a manner that must have been gratifying to the young author: the grace, dignity and happy variety of his action, appeared w^ell suited to the character of Gaulantus. Baranicus, the brother, found a good representation in Mr. Bannister, — Ukewise Leonida by Mrs. Bannister. In short all the company exerted themselves and played with spirit and animation. The sub- ject is a good one; it is one regular and uni- form story, not charged with a great variety of incidents, and yet affording several revolu- tions of fortune, by which the powers may be exerted, varied and driven to their full tumult of emotion: for instance, where Gau- lantus describes to his brother finding his child burnt. The deep expression of despair which Mr. Parsons executed, his sudden burst of joy when he exclaims, 'Still am I free, No master but the Gods!' was masterly to a high degree, and called from the audience a simultaneous burst of approbation. DRAMATIS PERSONiE. GAUIiS. Gaulantus, - C. B. Parsons. Baranicus, Bannister Alibdus, - . Smith. Remancus, Vancamp. ROMANS. Carraitus, Johnson. Manilas, Hunt. Cestus, Newton. Regantus, Jewell. Arbinius, Rogers. Laticus, Fontaine. Soldiers, Guards, «fcc. Leonida, Mrs. Bannister. Scene. , — The Frontiers of Italy. GAULANTUS. ACT I. SCENE I. — Roman Camp. Tents on each side, and one in centre. Enter from centre, Carmitus a7id Cestus. Car, Hail, gloriou* light! That frooi the wood-clad hill and dale. Chases night's breeding vapor. Once more victorious we pitch our tents: The barbarous Gauls have fled for refuge To the mountain's caves, nor Dare approach our camp. • Ces. The havoc was indeed moat great; Fiercely they fought, and madly rushed Upon our soldiers' spears. But, At tlieir leader's fall, despair was marked On every face, and many On their own swords died. Car. They are a hardy warlike race. But discipline have none. At the tirst onset, their routed ranks Were scattered o'er the plain; while Rome advanced in one united tide. Slow and o'erwhelming. And, 8 GAULANTUS. [aCT I. Like the mighty ocean's swell, Encompassed all it met. {Enter Manilus.) Man. Good morrow, worthy friends, The sun's red beams do cheerly on us shine, And heralds forth the victory of Rome. Car. True; that rude disturber, fear. Has fled our soldiers' hearts, And sleep alone doth o'er them reign. Man. Goest thou for Rome to-day, Carmitus? Car. No. My messenger's return from thence, I purpose here to wait. Man. Doth he despatches of our triumph bear? Car. He does. Cestus, see that the captives ta'en Are quick made fast in chains; And give directions to an hundred men To march them into Rome. Ces. It shall be done. Car. And bring with thee the female slave But now lodged in my tent. [Exit Cestus.) Man. Why not the captives station here Till we ourselves do march? Car. They will but prove a burden, and impede our way; Lead to the grove the heavy-armed troops, And bid them dof^ their armor. SCENE 1.] GAULANTDS. 9 This day to rest and sport Let all devote; but first let those proud Gauls Who braved me with their scorn, Be put to instant death! Man. To death! Car. Aye, to death. Man. Nay, they are our captives. Their death Will bring a stain upon our noble name. For Rome, so proudly famed throughout the world For love of freedom, should not mercy lack. Car. I care not. Upon their deaths I have resolved, and that thou Seest it done. Man. If you are fixed, I must obey. (-£a:i7MANiLus.) Car. Ha, ha, ha, dame Nature by mistake. Or in some merry mood, this whiner Formed a man, when she designed A. woman. I hate these mercy-talking Babblers, {Re-enter Cestus with Leonida.) Ha, by the Gods! a captive of some value. Cestus, withdraw. Fair maid. Why droop'st thy head? [Exit Cestus.) Leon. I am in bondage. Car. Is that the only cause? 10 OAULAN'?US. [aCTI. Leon. No. (Sighing.) Car, What dost tivcMi sigli for? Leon. Death! Car. Thou art young in years. Leon. But old in wretchedness. Swift as the hurricane, the naountain of its trees divests, Wild war's rude blast has from me Kinsmen torn. The world To me is now a gloomy blank, and Sorrow in my heart triumphant reigns. Car. Weep not, for I To thee will prove a friend. Leon. Thou wilt? Then stop the crimson stream That nurtures this sad heart. My being end at once, and free me From the world's cold, dark oppressions. Strike, Roman! fear I not. A Warrior's wife a warrior's heart doth bear. Car. Thou art heroic. Hast thou nought to fear? Hath death no terrors?— Wouldst not longer live? The world is bright and beautiful. Thou wouldst not die so soon? Leon. I would. The joys of life have from me ever fled, Sad heritor am I of keenest misery. SCflJliE I.] GAULANtrs. 11 Car. Thou art a wife Leon. I was; but am a widow now. I was a mother, too, but now My boy is dead. Car. Art sure thy husbahd fell? Leon. He would not live a slave! He was a Gaul! Art now convinced He could not live in chains? Car. If he in battle fell, then died he nobly; For 'twas by Roman hands. Yet thou Shouldst not despair. A happy Home for thee is here, as that thou Late hast left. Guards, ho! {Enter Guards.) Bear this woman to the tent next mine. Leon. What dost thou purpose? Car. Thou' It know anon. Leon. What matters it to me? Lead where you will, My soul without a pang or sigh, can Dire affliction meet. Shade of my buried lord, Watch o'er thy wretched wife. And If thou sit'st among the Gods, send Some winged angel down to waft me To thine arms — there to enjoy sweet peace. Which fate denies me het«. {Exit with guards.) Car. A very godess! I am in love already. 12 GAULANTUS. [jlCT I. She goes not hence, but shall With me remain. Her woes have Full possession of her heart, but time Will heal the wounds. The rapid tide Of her unbounded grief, will Eke its courses out. ( Trumpet.) Hark! the trumpet sounds The knell of Gaellic death; .FU forth And see the miscreants die. {Exit.) SCENE H. — Another part of the Roman Camp. Enter Arbinius and Manihts. Man. If what thou say'st be true, Our fighting is not done. Of Nature stubborn, and to warfare used, These Gauls will press us hard. Arhin. At early dawn they ranged behind the hill. Nor ventured to the plain. Some Stragglers ta'en, declared that they Had been our camp o'erlooking. Man. I thought scarce one survived The battle's desperate shock. A Dozen fields wide deluged with their blood, Yet they an army boast! Jirbin. Aye, of much number, too; yet SCENE HI.] GAULANTUS, 13 They are wide dispersed, and so By famine worn, that we Have nought to fear. Man. 'Tis Avell; for when in power Their brutal fury sex nor age doth spare. Thou goest to-day for Rome— I'd have Thee call upon my wife, and say — But stay, I'll give thee letters. {Enter Cestus.) Ces. Good Manilus, our general waits your presence. Arbinius, the captives, chained, await Thy coming to begin their march. Man. Let's to the spot; the surest armor For a soldier's heart, is Prompt alacrity. Come on! {£xeiint.) SCENE \\\.^—^ mountainous country . Rocks on each side; a cave in centre. Thunder and lightning. Gaulantus comes from, cave; his arms, legs and shoulders bare. Gaul. The night is gloomy as my soul. My bosom and the sky do well accord, For both are fraught with tempests! Despair! my blood is curdled by thy cold dark hand. But yet thou shalt not triumph! 2 14 GAULANXUS. [act I. Methought just now, as in my cave I sat. My wife, as fresh as in her virgin spring. Did pass, and in mine ear, With accents sweet, soft whisper'd me to hope. 'Twas but some vision of the brain, that Painted, while I slept, my heart's Dear waking wish. Or else Some fiend her shape and form assuming, To mock my aching eyes! All is still; a deeper gloom Ne'er covered earth; in dark descending clouds The tempests of night are hid, and Not a ray of light doth break upon me {Thunder.) Save the blue lightning's angry flash. [Storm.) Biirst louder forth, dread trumpet Of the sky! Descend to earth full charged. To hurl destruction on these Roman dogs! (Retires.) [Enter Regantus.) Reg. The Gods be thanked, I've reached at last A shelter. Nor can I be Far from the Roman camp. A dangerous pursuit, and I alone The savage fury of the Gauls escaped. Gaul, {seeing Aim.) Who art thou? SCENE 111.3 GAULATiTUS. 15 Reg. A Roman! Gaul. Ah! then thy doom is death. Reg. What dost thou mean? Gaul. What I have said. Reg. Art thou a Roman? Gaul. No! I thank the Gods! I am a Gaul; one of that free-born race Your coward numbers crush'd. Their fall was noble — for Your nation's millions kissed the goary earth, Ere Gallia was subdued. I hate The very name of Rome: be thou Prepared to die. {Draws sword.) Reg. I will not tamely yield. (Regantus draws his sword and rushes at Gaulantus, who, with a blow, disarms him. JtEGA^rvs falls upon his knees.) Mercy! mercy! Gaul. The smallest spark dwells not within my breast; My heart is rock beyond thy power to melt; Thou owest it to thy country. Where is my wife— my father — Brother — child? Slain by base Roman hands, And their red blood cries out to heaven, Revenge! (Seizes him.) Reg. Horror! spare me! — Gaid. Thou miffht'st as well command 16 GAULANTUS. (^ACT I. The lonely tree, that stands Defenceless on yon rocky steep, To stop the roaring blast, and Drive it back to heaven, as Hope for mercy from my uplifted arm! Reg. Save me for my wife and child. (Gaulantus staggers back.) Gaul. Hast thou a wife? — Art thou A father too? — Reg. I am, I am: O spare me for their sakes. The Gods will see and bless the deed. Gaul. Fly hence — ^begone! Thy wife and child desert not; Mine, mine, O Gods! are Lost forever! Reg. Receive a father's thanks! thou Noble, generous man! Gaul. Liar! the hungry tiger driven wild. Is savage less than L Begone, Or thou shalt die this instant. [Exit Regantus.) He is a father, and a husband, too, I could not take his life, yet I By their accursed hands, Am 'reft of all I loved. Why Did I spare him? But, 'tis done; No matter, let him go. Ah, Gods! How many noble Gauls lie SCENE in.] OAULANTUS. 17 On the earth in death! — their Bleaching bones the summer air Oflending. — While the damn'd foe Exulting o'er their fall, in hellish Orgies revel. Why Not at once this wretched being end?— What's left to live for?— The Cheering joys of life are fled, And sorrow brooding reigns. My little boy, in yonder cave, Sleeps in the arms of death. His Prattle Avhich so oft did please mine ear. Will never more be heard. His roseate cheek is yellowed by the tomb; The groveling worm on his sweet body feeds. Well, be it as it is. Thou fate inscrutable Hast made it so! My aged father, too, his country's Fate deploring, plunged headlong down From the Tarpean rock into the Deep abyss of death. And thou, My wife! — Back, memory back; To dark oblivion, and hide Forever there. Chide me no more. Nor haunt me, damning fancy! Thou maddening thought be still, Surmise not for the future, for That future shall be short on earth; 2* 18 GAULA.NTUS. [aCT I. Here, here, at once, I'll quench the light of life. [He draws his sword, and as he is about to strike, a vivid flash of lightning, followed by a terrific peal of thunder, strikes the rock above, v/hich falls with a crash.) Hal the Gods in thunder stop my hand. And warn me to desist. {Looks at sword.) By heaven thou reekest still with Roman blood; vengeance is written on thy blade, And the thunderer bids me forth. I will obey the mandate — I — and live Though it do prove my curse! Ye towering cliffs! be your proud heights My home! Hail, hail, my kingdom. Where Revenge hath built her seat, (Exit.) END OF ACT I. ACT II. SCENE I.— The Roman Camp. Enter Carmitus and Regantus. Car. He showed thee mercy?— Now, by the Gods, I thought it dwelt not in their savage hearts. Reg. Although a Gaul, he seemed of pity made. Force he defied, but when I Of my wife and children spoke, He melted like a girl. A noble Gaul; I could not do him harm. Car. Thou saw'st him in the mountain? Reg. Aye, — seeking a shelter from the storm, I was by him encountered. Car. In what direction doth This mountain lie? Reg. 'Tis south, a little bearing east, Car. Of leagues how many dost thou Think from here? Reg. A half a score or less, I cannot Strictly tell. Car. 'Twould please me well to see This mercy-loving man! Cestus! What, ho!— [Enter Cestus.) Ces. Your orders I await. 20 GACLANTUS. [aCT II. Car. Take thou a cohort of our body guard, And lead them to the mountains — Some ten leagues from hence — thou'lt Find a single Gaul. Bring him Before me. Regantus will explain More as ye journey on. Beg. My general, I fain would be excused; The task I like not; 't would be A base return for mercy shown to me. Car. 'Tis my command! Away! — My bidding do; and leave the canting part To priests, and fools like him Who spared thy life. [Exit Regantus and Cestus.) {Enter Manilus) Man. My general, the captives Have their march commenced; I with them journeyed several leagues To see them fairly on. Car. 'Tis well. Hast thou my captive maid This morning seen? Man. I saw her as I passed the tent; Her eyes were red with weeping. Car. Misery-courting fool! Folly more weak mankind doth not possess, Than sighing after what they caimot have; The truely wise is with his lot content, Nor seeks a contrast that will make it worse. SCENE I.] GAULANTUS. 21 The highest dames of Carthage would be proud To fill the place she scorns. But sorrow, Woe, or joy, she shall be mine. Man. She rather claims my pity For her fate. Car. And mine — so much so, That this day I'll to my purpose force her. Man. Nay, I beseech you, do not; Thy well-acquired fame should not be sullied, — Thy dear-bought honor bear so foul a stain. But let hei-, with the rest. Be sent to Rome, and share the fate The senate shall decree. Car. I will when in her charms I've reveled. Beauty like hers Should meet its compliment; a Poor one that which left it uncnjoyed. Man. But what Car. No more; thy words displease me. As soon could thou from yon bright heaven. Each orb displace, as move me From my fixed intent. The greatest fools have minds most wavering; Who would succeed must stand upon his purpose, As he who gains his point, (Be it good or bad,) receives the world's applause, And is the first To fortune and to fame. 22 GAULAXfUS. [act II. Thy counsel 's good for nought; The Gauls had ne'er been vanquished Had I hearkened unto thee. Man. Nor our brave soldiers slain, Who might have lived in nobler Cause to die. Car. Thy meaning is obscure, I pray thee speak again. Man. Thy rashness urged them on Where glory waited not. Car. Villain, dar'st speak to me In terms like these? Man. I speak the truth; I mean thee no offence. The truth should never give offence. Car. Must I this endure? —'tis well, Old man, thy head is white with age, Or with this sword I 'd give thee Back the lie. Man. Your anger is my sport. The Mighty general who has armies conquered. Cannot command himself. Car. Leave me, dastard. Man. With joy I quit thy presence. Thy fellowship is not The worthiest to be found. But short my speech, forsooth. An hundred jav'lins pointed at my breast. Could not send back the truth. SCENE II.] GAULANTUS. 23 When thou art in a better mood, I'll Come to thee again. {£xW.) Car. Officious fool! He' 11 some day- Strain his speech too far. But Of him no more. I'll straightway to My prisoner, and win her to my will. A virtue-talking dame— of true Patrician blood; but if she yields not. I but little know. {Exit.) SCENE 11.—^ JVood. Enter Baranicus and Alibdus. Bar. How many leagues, Alibdus, Have we come? Mib. Methinks It were some thirty. Bar. We have traveled fast. Alib. Think' St thou we now Can rest in safety? Bar. Let the base foe come on; Few as we are, our lives will cost them dear; For mine own part, this sword Shall never leave my hand while Nerve is left to grasp it: A soldier trained am I; a Soldier's death my meed shall be. 24 GAULANTUS. {^ACT II. Mib. When on our abject state I do reflect; how driven, how cut off, My very soul doth sink, and I Am ready to despair. Bar. All, all is lost — no kinsmen Have I now, no country — home! Our nation humbled down — Deserted by the Gods — will Never rise again. Our name and cause forgotten. And in oblivion sunk. Ages unborn will hear and speak Of Rome, when on fair Gallia's soil Another nation stands. Hist'ry Will speak of feats by Rome achieved,' — Omitting Gaul, scarce knowing that she was; My country! O my country! {Enter Remancus.) Rem. Do I behold Baranicus? Bar. It is, — my friend, and Hast thou too escaped? Rem. The Gods be praised I live! Hundreds who fled for safety from the foe, Are hourly flocking back. Bar. Thou fiU'st my heart with hope. Alih. And mine. An army may we raise To try again the field. Rem. I have but little doubt. SCENE II.] GAULANTUS. 25 Bar. I would a question ask, but Know not how. It is — itis — My brother! Doth he live? — . . Rem, Alas, I fear he fell! Amid The battle's storm I saw him Fiercely rush; and with O'erwhelming force the fight contend. Mib. He was our pillar and our stay. Bar. Lost, noble brother! my mother, too. Hast thou? — but no — I need not ask. O'er hill and precipice, through Roaring torrents, and o'er Alpine heights. Our women they pursued, and On their heads defenceless, wreaked Their horrid thirst for blood. Cursed be the name of Roman! Rem. O yield not to despair. We 're Strong enough to die revenged, If not enough to conquer, Bar._ Despair, saidst thou? Let abject cowards Yield, and tremble, and despair. My heart is firm. Come, let us on And join our friends once more; We all are men, and Gauls, brave As the Romans — as well skilled In arms. The sun shall shine Upon our warlike force — in Martial pomp behold us! 26 GAULANTUS. [aCT II. Come! our watchword hence is Vengeance! AIL Vengeance! {Exeunt.) SCENE III. — Inside of Carmitus' tent — Le- oNiDA discovered on a couch. Leon. Sure this is woe's extreme— the height Of mortal grief. A slave, and in the Power^of one whose heart ne^er Throbbed with virtue's sacred glow. Power omnipotent— O virtue's God. Defend my wretched state; for sure 1 reign supreme the queen Of sorrow's children. Resplendent orb of day, descending fast. Thy dying beam the hills with glorious Hue doth tinge. As brilliant As thou art, I have no wish To see thee more. But ha, The vile enslaver comes. A little longer O my heart! Kind death, my Honor's guardian soon will come! [Enter Carmitus.) Car. I come to ask thy pardon, gentle dame. And sue for gracious pity. Leon. Ask pardon not of me. Thy Captive I, my hate or love could Alter not thy will. Car. Within that breast, resentment sure SCENE 111.] GAULANTUS. 27 Can never find a place. Then cheer thee, though my captive, Yet art thou really free. My camp, Howbeit, you can never leave, I love thee, girl, and will Thee high exalt. I '11 take thee, too, To Rome, and shovi^ thee splendor Thou had'st never seen. What Could'stthou find in Gaul? Leon. What splendor cannot give — a Peaceful, happy heart. Car. And could 'st thou find it not In Rome? Leon. No, — for there I lose the sweetest gift The Gods bestow. Car. What's that? Leon. Sweet liberty! Blest with My h^s])and and my child, I Knew not sorrow's weight. Those Twins of heaven, happiness and love. Ne'er left our humble home. With Cheerful face we hailed each opening day. And to the Gods poured forth our thanks. With happy, grateful hearts. But ah, The iron hand of war, at one fell swoop, Has blasted all our joys. And Black despair sits brooding o'er my heart. Car. No more of this, my patience thou 'It exhaust; 28 GAULANTUS. [aCT II Thy tears cannot reanimate the dead, Nor restore thy country to its ancient glory. The tempest of thy stormy bosom calm, And seize the happiness thou canst obtain. Leon. In eternity alone. Car. While others of thy race in Galling chains are bound, thou Liv'st in luxury, and in the love Of him Avho thousands doth command. If thou art wise, thou 'It yield, Nor tempt my anger further. Leon. Give me the chains; bind up My limbs, till from my bones The kindred flesh be torn. Let The iron's ponderous weight quick Bear me down, till on the earth I sink to rise no more: Do that, or more — but Spare my honor. Car. The crimson stream that feeds my heart Is not more dear than thee. I Never w^oman loved till I thee saw. The conqueror of thy nation deigns To talk to thee of love. Leon. Thou hast unto my nation been A scourge. Thy devastating sword Hath robbed me of my country. Kinsmen, friends. Ah, Gods, Perhaps thy sword reeks with SCENE 111.3 GAULANTUS. 29 My husband's blood. His groans, Perhaps, were music to thine ear. And must I hear thee speak of love? O horror! horror! here 's my naked Breast; strike deep thy gory weapon. Car. No, thou shalt not die so soon. The chains of bondage will better fit Thy form; famine thy sole companion; Gaunt hunger gnaw thy heart. The Only answer to thy groans and cries The echo of thy voice. Guards, what ho! {Calling.) Leon. Condemn me not to misery like this. Car. Thou wilt in madness thy Shoulders tear, and, with the worms. Feed on thy fleshless bones. Leon. Horror on horror multiply, still My soul, sustained by virtue, Dares defy their power. Car. With rage I strangle. Woman Tremble. Leon. At the red bolts of heaven Tremble thou. Car. What ho, guards! {Enter. Laticus with Guards.) Take hence this woman, and In chains secure her. {They seize her.) Leon. Roman! to die in virtue's cause 3* 30 GAULANTUS. [acT. II. Is triumph. For the sweet promise To the faithful given, makes death a Welcome friend,— the journey to the Land of shade — a sweet and Blissful dream! {Exit with Guards.) Car. Promises and threats, alike, Do fail to move her. Laticus— - What would thy thoughts suggest to Mould this stubborn fair one To my Avill? Ixtt. Ruling her fate, I 'd force her to my purpose. Car. I will do so, if other measures fail. But if Avith her good will she '11 yield, Why 'tis the better way. Go thou And talk with her; thy brain With eloquence is fraught, and may Her purpose change. If coaxing fails The chains must needs be tried. Succeed, and I '11 reward thee well. Anticipated joys shall buoy me up Until thou dost return. {Exeunt severalty-) END OF ACT n. ACT III. SCENE I.-..4 Wood. Enter Baranicus and Alibdus. Bar. Night draws her sable mantle on apace The sun has sunk to rest; soon Will it be the depth of darkness, and The hour when all the world Is hushed. By slow degrees, Solemn and sad, wide falling o'er the earth, The shades of night the dark wood Cover o'er, and deepen all its horrors. While humbled into rest, by darkness awed, Our weary soldiers seek repose from care. So let us wait, my friend, the Morning's dawn, ere we again set out. Mib. Come, let's some covert seek; The noisome dews of night are Falling fast, and chilling breezes Sigh aloft — the counterpart of that Dread night I lost my cherished wife. Bar. No more, no more, the human race, all — all. Are sons of sorrow born. Let Cowards sink beneath the load; The brave man ne'er repines. Mib. We cannot stop the current Of our thoughts. 33 GATJLANTUS. [aCT HI. Bar. The cloud that o'er our fate Like total night did hang, Has faded into air; and balmy hope Before us brightly shines. Have Ave not from their bondage freed An hundred noble Gauls. That Is a triumph glorious and great, and Will loud thanks call forth. What desolation shall our Vengeance spread Avhen once again The embattled plain we tread. AUb. With vengeful shouts Our hosts will fill the air. Bar. Aye, — and the foe strike deep With horror; as though the Gods Had sent us from on high, The bolts of Jove to aid Our glorious cause. Mib. Ne'er be it said my heart With grief in fight did falter. No; the deep remembrance of my wrongs, The more shall it inspire. Bar. Eight. Now to our covert; At earliest dawn like Gauls We '11 take the field, the Romans Conquer, or like warriors die. [Exeunt.) SCENE II.] GAULANTUS. 33 SCENE II. — Part of the Roman Camp. Enter Manilus. Man. Our mighty general dotli still His wretched captive press to yield Obedience to his brutal will. The camp. And all things else, but her, by him 's Forgotten; and yet she treats him With indignant scorn. He Has released her from her bonds, and To his tent removed her, there With soft blandislvments that would Degrade a frantic love-sick fool, he Speaks his hours away. I 'm glad She knows his worth. The generals Of the present day are not the men Of olden time;— mere boys, — much Better fitted to make love than fight. Had I my will, I 'd scour the camp Of such base loons, or learn them Else their duty. (JEnter Regantus, Cestus, and Arbiniis.) Ces. My worthy Manilus, We must for fight prepare. Man. What's now the matter? Ces. The Gauls in clusters throng the hills. 3Ian. How 's this? Arbinius here? .^rb. Aye, but a little more and I~ Had not been here. Scarce had 34 GAULANTUS. ACT III.] We gone a score of leagues, when legions Of the Gauls fell on our tired troops, And freed their captive friends. Thy Soldiers fled, and I alone with safety Reach'd the camp. Man. Hast thou, Carmitus told of tliis? Arb. I have. Man. What said he? Ces. That 'twas cowardice in us not Searching in the hills. But 'Tis my faith that thousands There lie hid; for I myself have Countless numbers seen. Man. No doubt; but let Cai-mitus have his way. He will not be advised. Come, Let us to our several hosts, and See them well prepared; for 'tis Not unlike the baffled Gauls may Greet us with surprise. I say I like not making love in camp, No good will come of it. Come on. {Exeunt.) SCENE HI. — Scime as Act 1st, — Scene 2(1, — Cave, 4'f • Stage dark. — Gaulantus dis- covered seated on a rock. Gaul. Of all mankind sure I Most wretched am. No pitying eye SCENE III.] GAULANTUS. 35 My sorrows views, no heart bleeds lor My woes. Yet will I murmur not. Meek patience, god-like griest, shall In my heart abide. Empires of Wealth could not my wife restore — My little boy again to life bring back. Remembrance brings to mind the day iVIy boy was born. My wife "With smiles told me the Gods Had bless'd us with a son. I Watched his stature grow, with All a father's joy. And now — Back, tears — back to your home — you Suit not well my cheek. I am Gaulantus still!— free as the lion In his kingly lair. That triumph 's Left me still; no Roman slave Am I — no master own! [Enter Baranicus and Alibdus, on bridge.) Bar. This way, my friend, the moon Will guide our steps. {They disappear.) Gaul. Heard I not a voice? I pray the Gods it be a Roman. [Goes up.) [Enter Baranicus and Alibdus.) Bar. This mountain hold Will serve us for the night. Jilib. I am myself quite weary. 36 GAULANTUS. [aCT III, Gaid. What foot of man my kingdom Dare pollute? — Bar. Ha! who art thou? — Gaul. A Gaul! I thank the Gods! the Direst foe of Rome! Bar. The night is dark, I cannot see Thy face; yet thy voice Gaul. Ha! who speaks? — thy name Is Bar. Baranicus! Gaid. Baranicus! Gods! my brother! Bar. My brother! (They rush into each other'' s arms.) Gaul. Ha, ha, ha, my brother! Bar. I thought, Gaulantus, brother. Thou wert dead. Gaul. And I, that all were gone. I stood In mine own mind, the last, last limb ^^ Of the wither' d, blasted tree. .,- ^ Bar. Brother, thy face is haggard, and Thine eyes are sunk within Their orbs! While their strain'd "^' Cords do plainly show, the r . Moisture drain' d by woe. Gaul. My country's woes have truly Made me weep — but while I wept, I cursed! Bar. Alibdus, friend, Dost thou not share our joys? SCENE III.] GAULANTU8. 37 Alib. I do, indeed! Gaul. Alibdus! what! — Thy hand Old warrior. Brother — Within these arms our mother died; To a sequestered vale, the mountains 'Mong, I bore her from the field. I bathed her temples till returning life Beamed coldly from her eyes. She looked with tenderest love. Then ask'd for her younger born. Bar. Would I had been there. Gaul. I could no answer make; Grief clogg'd my utterance, my Tears ran fast, and tremors Seized my^ frame — she — she Died;— -I wept no more, but gazed Like one by grief made mad. Until the battle's din aroused me From my stupor. I paid the last Sad tribute to her worth, then Darted to the plain. O, Gods! What horror met my eyes! The field Was deluged with my people's blood — While dying groans, and frantic women's Shrieks, gave hellish music to The appalling scene. I saw My tents in flames; and I, On every side encircled, dash'd AVith the swiftness of the lightning's flash, 4 38 GAtTLANTTS. [aCT III. To where my tent did stand. At every stroke of this good sword A Roman measured on the ground His length. The tent I reach' d — I call'd my wife-— no answer came, I found my child Bar. Thou did'st? {Eagerly.) Gaul. But how! mangled, deform' d — His sparkling eyes from their pale sockets burst- ing,— His smiling face black with The curling smoke, — his Stark limbs fleshless — and His hair singed from his infant head. Within my embrace I caught His stiffened corse, the glaring Flames defied, and onward Rushed, through thickening Seas of blood. Triumphantly I reached this spot, and then Exclaimed — Still am I free — No master but the Gods! Bar. No more, my brother; yet will We live the tyrant foe to scourge. I myself was left upon the field For dead. Returning life Brought with it no new joys. Despairing Gauls poured out Their blood upon the field— SCENE UI.] GAULANTIJS. 39 Exclaiming — All is lost! Yet number came on number, Till this day an hundred men We rescued from the foe. Gaul. Ye did? — But whither May they now be found? Bar. By this time safe in camp. Gaul. Camp! a camp? -— Are we Indeed so strong? Bar. Thousands are up in arms. Ready the field to take. Gaul. We are a nation still— The Gods be praised! Bar. We are, and yet will be In full revenged. Alih. They live but in the hope Of vengeance. Gaul. And they shall have it! By all the powers of earth, and Air and sea, we will be full Revenged. To Rome I swear Deep, everlasting hate! Bar. So do we all. Gaul. We 've nought to hope for but Revenge! We'll feed on that Until our hungry hearts be More than full. Farewell, My kingdom, for a time, I '11 Visit you again; for in your 40 GAULANTUS. [aCT III. Rocky heart my boy doth buried lie. Come, let us to the camp, my heart To bursting swells. Hear me,. Ye Gods! may your eternal home Be ever shut to me, if ever I A Roman give his life. Mercy Hath not a seat within my heart: If I but thought a single spark remained, I 'd instant cast it out. Come, let our Swords gleam high in air, -^ on — on,. Our cry, Revenge! ML Revenge! revengel [Exeunt.) END OF ACT III. ACT IV. SCENE I. — ^ mountainous country —^ Camp of the Gauls, Jire in the centre. The stage completely ' filled ivith soldiers — ivom en, children, <$-c. Remancus and Alibdus dis- covered. Gaulantus and Baranicus enter from back in full armor. A fiourish and distant shouts as they come on. ML Hail to Gaulantus — Noblest of the Gauls! Gaul. Soldiers! countrymen! Long To the horrors of the field Have you been all inured, — long Strangers have you been To peace and happy homes. Above our heads the rod of Bondage hangs. We 're of a race That scorn to live when liberty Is lost: for death appears Not in a dreary light when Chains are all our hopes. Ml. Victory or death! Gaul. Is there one here who would Not bleed with transport For his country? All. No, no; not one. (Shouts.) Gaul. Of this be sure, if we are conquered. Death will be our fate; or barring that, 4* 42 GATJLANTUS. [aCT IV. Eternal bondage, which is worse. Let it not be the last— the Blazing camp— the gaping earth-— The overwhelming flood— Are nobler far, and easier to endure. Than Roman slavery. Bar. The hour of retribution 's drawing nigh; Before ye all I swear never to Know repose, until these eyes Are closed beneath the laurel Shade of death's dark covert. Mih. Though host on host oppose. We still shall die revenged. Bar. Could we surprise them in Their sleep, terror would so Their waking faces clad, that, Like a whirlwind's thundering gust, We should o'erturn them all. Gaul. Behold the charioteer of day. Proudly appearing above yonder hill. The crisis of our nation's fate now Hurries on apace. Ye Whose hearts throb but for your rights. Be firm; repress vain boasts; rather Expect defeat than to be over sure. Not thence to fear, but to attune Your spirits for the time, if Fate should bid it come. And this of all remember, — we SCENE n.] GAXTtrNTrs. 43 No conqueror kno^ but death. Now sound the battle cry, and Let ua on, to hurl defiance In the tyrant's face. {Flourish — Exeunt.) SCENE 11.—.^ Landscape. Enter GAULANTtrs, Baranicits and Alibdus. Gaul. Go thou, Alibdus, and the army Quick arrange; arouse their sleeping mettle. And the march begin. The Roman camp We soon again will reach. Alih. I will. {Exit.) Bar. Brother, from childhood, we Have little known of peace. Gaul. True; the broils of years Have to a soldier's life inured us. Although prepared, I fear The coming battle will us overthrow. Their force in number more than ours Treble; but at their power we '11 laugh, And die at last reveng'd. The sun of joy to us is overcast, His shining face in clouds of sorrow 's hid; Yet our bold deeds shall Far o'erleap the bounds of praise. Bar. Alas! we trembling stand Upon the brink of fate, the crisis 44 GATJLANTUS. [^ACT IV. Of our joys is drawing nigh, and Time will soon decide. Gaul. Yon mount, which stands between the Foe and us, will iServe us in the fight: Go, brother, take the strongest force, And with Remancus gaily hurry on, On the left brow of the hill; I, With Alibdus, will take the right; so Now, to bid farewell. Bar. Farewell; O be it not forever. Gaul. Amen! If it be not the Gods' high will. [Enter Remancus.) Rem. The army full prepared Await your orders for the march. Bar. We are prepared. Gaul. Let every soldier in the ranks Bethink himself a hero; swell Each big thought, and strengthen Every nerve. Bar. They look as brave men should. Throughout the camp, in groups The soldiers sit; and as of war They speak, and noble deeds, Done by some valorous Gaul in Days of yore, they burnish up Their armor, and wave Their trusty swords. Gaul. 'T is well. Who whet their swords For battle, whet their souls: SCENE in.] GAULANtUS. 45 {Trumpets without.) Hark! the battle-harbinger's shrill blast. Calls to their post Mars' great and Daring sons. Brother, farewell! Remancus, thou attend him. My heart throbs for the action — once again. Farewell! Bar. Brother! {They embrace. Flourish.) Gaul. Farewell! {Exeunt.) SCENE III. — Carmitus' Tent. Carmitus and Leonida discovered. Car. Thou art the day-star of my hopes, My thoughts, desires. This breast is But the instrument, whose sounds, As best befits thy will, are High or low. Thy breast is Filled -^^ — Leon, With misery and despair. No Light on earth can ever chase It hence. Restore me to Mv chains, and that lone solitude. Thou late hast ta'en me from; for there My soul at least was free! and There I held sweet converse With the Gods. Car. If I a moment did thy charms forget. ■46 GAtTLANTUS. [aCT IV. Thy gracious pardon I most humbly ask. Here, at thy feet, most lowly bending, Repenting rashness cries forgive. I thus degrade me in mine own esteem, To hold a place in thine. What can more clearly prove. The full dominion thou hast o'er my soul? Thy image fair is graven on my heart, And on thy lips my very doom doth hang. Leon. This is a ten-fold bondage. {Half aside.) I am thy slave; forbear thy words; E'en were my heart from misery free, I Could not love the man whose arm Hath plung'd by country into woe. Thou might'st as well attempt to Make this flesh, thy chains have Bruised, impassive. Waste not, then, Thoughts on what thou never canst Obtain. Unsullied have I lived — • Unsullied will I die. Car. Beware how you a blazing fire fan: I can by violence efllect my purpose. And after give thee death, since it Thou covet'st. In power I am omnipotent. The proud commander of a conquering army. Leon. And yet art not a man. The Virtue 's wanting that sustains the name. None but a dastard of degenerate birth, SCENE III.] GAULANTUS. 47 Would triumph o'er a wretched hapless woman. Car. Wilt thou mock me then? Leon. No; but do implore thee to Forbear a theme that makes me wretched, And doth thee degrade. Car. By all the powers of heaven and earth combined, I swear, thou shalt be mine! (Seizes her.) Mine, mine, I say. Soft tones, avaunt! Harsh words and deeds alone — come — Come [Forcing her.) Leon. Mercy! mercy! From thee I ask it not, but from the Gods Implore it. Unloose me, ruffian, Or with my hands I '11 tear my flesh — [Shouts without — the Gauls'— the Gauls. Le- ONiDA falls on her knees.) My prayer is heard. (Carmitus stands transfixed for a moment.— Enter Cestus.) Ces. The Gauls in thousands swarm Upon our front and rear. Car. Slave! then fight 'em; nor Statue-like stand thus with fear. Dash on [The clashing of arms and shouts ivithout.) On, Romans, on! [Exit Carmitus and CESTrs.) 48 GAULANTUS. [aCT IV. ( The alarm continues. Leonida gazes eagerly.) Leon. The battle rages fierce on every side, And towards the hill they move. The Gods be with thee, Gauls. Deep, Deep, revenge your wrongs. Ha! What form is that now this way Madly rushing? It is — it is [Enter Gaclantus and Gauls.) Gaul. [Speaking as he enters.) Burn their tents: On, on: Vengeance is the cry! Leon. It is — it is Gaulantus! Gaul. Leonida! Leon. Gaulantus! Gaul. My wife! my wife! (Leonida, -it'iVA a shriek of joy, rushes into his arms.) Gaul. And art thou safe? alive! alive! Ye Gods, my thanks accept. My wife Is mine again! Leon. O joy! I hardly dared believe Thou lived. Gaul. Yes, Leonida; still forever thine. Our brother, too, is left us. We '11 Yet be happy 'mid our native hills. Leon. I 'm mad with joy— -with joy alone. Sorrows too hard for Avoman-kind I 've borne, O, I could tell thee — but I will not Cloud with ill-timed woe. SCENE III.] OAXJLANTUS. 4J^ The prospect of our joys. (S/wuts without and trumpets.) GauL I must away, dear love; the Battle 's at its. height, (Enter Alibdus.) ^lib. Number on number of the Romans pour: Our soldiers fly the field. GaiiL Secure my wife, and to tlie mountains Bear her. £lib. Thy wife? Gaul. Away, away; no questions ask. The Gods protect thee, Leonida — wife. Leon. O leave me not again, my husband— Friend! Gaul. Thy life — mine-— all "^ all Upon a thread doth hang. Go — go. Leon. I am content. Farewell! Angels watch o'er thee, and Thy life protect. Gaul. Turn you this way, and take The swiftest steed. Away, Alibdus, I will meet thee soon. [Exeunt Alibdus and Leonida.) Gaul. Rage on, ye much wrong'd Gauls, and At one sweep the brutal foe o'erwhelm. [He is rushing off, when Arbinius confronts him. They come to a guard.) Gaul, Vain boy! dost dare confront mel 50 GAULANTUS. [aCT IV^ Arb. Aye, savage. (Gatjlantus disarms him and then kills him,.) Gaul. Thou hast thy journey ended. {Enter Carmitus, Cestus, Regantus and Lat- ICUS.) Car. Surround him— beat him down. Gaul. (Brandishing sword.) Let liost on host Oppose, I still will bear me on. Why stand ye, quaking there? Thou 'rt two to one, thrice told, and yet Ye fearful pause. [Shouts without.); Car. Dastards! have you to statues turn'd,, That thus you idly gaze! Your general dares to meet' — to conquer, Or to die. [Makes a pass at Gatjlantus who knocks the sword from his hand, and places his foot upon it.) Gaul. Ha, ha, ha; thou art a child. Roman! the hour of retribution 's Drawing nigh. My every sinew Swells with more than lion's strength. One blow would take thy puny life, But I disdain to strike. [Shouts without.) Ha! cries of vengeance fill the air; Fight, Gauls, I 'm with thee still. [Rushing off, he is opposed by Cestus and Re- gantus. He cuts them down, and rushes off. SCENE IV. 3 OAULANTUS. 51 Car. Cowards! miscreants! on — on—pursue. {Exeunt.) SCENE l\.— The outskirts of the Camp. The alarm kept up. E)iter Carmitus and Man- ILUS. Car. Like savage fiends they fight; our Soldiers strew the field, and Every heart turns weak. Man. What better could'st expect; I 've Warned thee oft, but What to thee is counsel? Car. Cease thy complaints; 'tis useless as Ill-timed. Man. Yes! the foe have ill-timed come. We had been lower than we are, Had I not marr'd thy orders. Car. No more, or I '11 Man. Strike! thou would'st say; Do, if thou wilt; yet will I speak While I can use my tongue. I Saved thy life just now — take mine; ^T will be a good return. Car. No more; upon a sea tempestuous Am I wreck'd. Trouble on trouble Comes, and no alleviation. {Enter Cestcs.) Ces. The Gauls have ta'en possession Of the hill. d& GAtlLANTtfS. [^ACT IV. Car. Then drive them off; lead aB The force at once: desert the camp, And desperate on them rush. {Exit Cestxts.) Go, too, good Manilus. O, I am sick at heart! Man. A sorry time is this for generals To grow sick. (Exit.) Car. On every side harrassed, I Know not how to turn. (Shouts. Enter Baranicus, speaking.) Bar. Onward, my comrades, on. Ha!. (Seeing Carmitus.) Roman, yield! or to the earth be cleft! Car. Never let noble Roman yield. To dastard savage Gaul. (They fight; the din of battle continues; Ba- RANicus throws him down, and is about striking, when Cestus, Maniltts, Regan- Tus, <^c., enter, seize him and beat him to the ground. END OF ACT IV, ACT V. SCENE I. -^ The Roman Camp. Soldiers discovered with banners, 4"c. Flourish. Enter Carmitus, Manilus, Regantus, Lat- icus, and soldiers. Car. Have the dead been all enearthed good Manilus? Man. They have. Car. We have a victory, though a bloc^dy one: The Gods be praised they are at Last suppressed. Man. No, in that thou 'rt wrong; they Are not yet subdued. More Fighting yet we '11 have ere That takes place. Car. A skirmish then at most; An hundred men could scarce be found To marshal on the plain. Ma7i. An hundred six times told. And then the count is underrated. Car. Regantus, take a thousand men, And search ten leagues around; Spare none, but all destroy Who willing prisoners will not become. Reg. I shall obey. {Exit.) Car. Laticus, five hundred horsemen take, And speed around the camp. {Exit Laticus.) 54 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. Car. Two days or more, upon the brink of death, I 've idly gaping stood. Man: What! be a soldier, and that not expect? Car. A sinewy man was he, who Last I did encounter. Man. Aye, marry, was he, and would Have laid thee low, but for our Timely aid. Car. Humph! The shackles on his limb He bore with dignity majestic. But, Manilus, was the prisoner ta'en Who bore away my slave? Man. Aye, and the woman now Within thy tent awaits. Car. I '11 instant to her, and if my love She dares resist, I '11 force her to my will. {Enter Cestus.) Ces. The captived woman, and the Warrior Gaul, are both from Thraldom fled. Car. My curses on you! For this base neglect. Ces. Why should they? I Was not her guard. Man. Pooh, let her go; in Rome there May beifound;woHaj6n foir as.she. Car. Dastard, idiot, fool! gCEKE II.] GADtANTUS. 55 Man. I may be these; but yet am I ^ soldier— -not a love-sick girl. Car, Then die; thou meddling fool, [Stabs him.) Thou 'It wag thy tongue no more. Man. Thou hast struck home; now Triumph, mighty general, and Boast my death. Car. I was too rash I do confess. Man. Thou dost at last confess. I know I well advised thee. I 'm of it Really glad. I 've got my furlough; 'Tis all over now. Farewell, Carmitus, — — my advice was — oh, oh, oh (nies.) Car. What have I done? I 'm sick to death. This act was rash, and will My name disgrace. Manilus, too. Was well beloved; thouglj rough, he Was most honest. I would 1 could recall him, but it is Too late. I must forget it, And in sleep my troubled thoughts Compose. . (JSxit.) SCENE 11.—^ TVood. Enter Baranicus, wounded, with Leonida. Bar. We are safe, my sister, from Their power safe. 56 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. Leon. Oh, Baranicus! thy wounds I fear Do give thee pain to move. Bar. No, no; think not of that; thou 'rt free, And they that tear thee from me now. Must more than mortal be. Leon. Where can my husband be? Bar. Doubtless in fight. His eager soul No power can overcome. Leon. And are we quite o'erpowered — Completely beaten; and is our Race extinct? Bar. But few do live to tell the Awful fate their comrades met. Leon. O days of anguish and of woe! Bar. They fell not uni'evenged; in Mangled heaps the Romans lie, All o'er the crimsoned plain. I 'm human, but my heart Did gladden to see them gasp In death. O that pang! Leon. Brother, thy cheek is pale; Thine eyes look dizzy. Bar. I feel I 'm going, let us on; The torch of life expires within. My brother! O, once 'again Let me behold him. Sister, Fear not, I am able even yet To bear thee safe, and to his Arms consign thee. SCENE III.] GAULANTUS. 57 Leon. Lean on me. Bar. Thou art a woman, and sliould Need my aid. {Exeunt.) SCENE III. — Cave and rocks as before. Gaclantus discovered lying on the stage ex- hausted — Alibdcs kneeling over him. Alib. Gaulantiis, my friend, my gencraU Arouse! Alas! he heeds me not. Despair has quite unnerved his heart. Fatigue his body wearied. Fiercely he fought, and madly rush'd Where danger was most great. When all had fled, he stood alone • Stemming the battle's torrent. But those gallant limbs that Stoutly buoyed him up in battle contest Have failed him, for he mourns his Captured wife. Ha! he revives. Gaulantus, friend, awake and Rouse thee man! Gaul. Cowards! dare not fly! The thunder of my wrath shall On you fall with tenfold vengeance. Look there — within his villain arms The tyrant clasps my wife; her Face with gore is smeared, and 68 GAULANTITS. £aCT V. With black horror stands she there Convulsed. Unloose these chains, And let me ^asp my falchion; With Herculean strength I '11 fell The tyrant dead. (Springs upon his feet.) The air is dark with smoke, — Baranicus, On, on; bring up the horsemen, and Alibdus thou, the bowmen straight Lead on. Surround — cut off — Spare none, but strike — ha — ha — ha. (Falls into the arms of Alibdus.) ^^lih. Gaulantus, be composed; the Battle 's past. Gaul. And we were beat. The Very Gods did fight for Rome. Alib. From thy pale cheek the color flies. Gaul. Dark was the rnorningof this day, How will it end? In something More than night. There should be Yawning earthquakes to engulf Creation, for men have lost their Natures, and like beasts, Each other do denounce. And he whose hand 's with blood The deepest dyed, is in the General eye the first and greatest; The bellowing rabble call him brave. And to him bend the knee.. Scene hi. J gaulantus. 59 Most fulsome degradation! The Just man scorns, and views with pity. I 've drank of blood until My shuddering lieart doth sink within me. My race is almost run, — I 've Lived enough, and in the conflict Would have died, but for my wife. Whom I so long to meet. I almost Thought she waited my approach. Mib. Scarce had we come a league When twenty horsemen on us rushed And bore her from my care. Gaul. What! did not destroy her life? Mib. Nay, they harmed her noi, but Bore her hence alive. Gaul. Alive, and in their power! Avenging Gods, give me your lightning's Speed. How many leagues from here Doth lie the Roman camp? Mib. But few; yon hill alone Divides us. Gaul. Farewell, Alibdus! Mib. Where wouldst thou go? Gaul. To the camp, to die With Leonida! {Looking off.) Ha! what 's that? look there — My eyes sure cannot mock me! Now, nearer — look, Alibdus, See' St thou not my wife? 60 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. Alib. Aye, and thy brother. Gaul. My brother, bleeds he not? (Baranicus enters, hearing Leonida; he gives her to Gaulantus and falls.) Leon. My husband! my Gaulantus! Bar. Brother! receive thy wife — I — !• — Am-^am — free as I lived — I — Die. {Dies.) Gaul. He 's gone! A nobler Gaul Ne'er trod the earth. Look, Leonida, how he Smiles in death. Leon. His spiritseemed to v/hisper, 'follow me.' The journey 's short, but O, terrific! The bravest cannot look on death Without a secret dread. And I^^ The Romans are in hot pursuit Beyond the distant hill. Let 's haste, Or in their hated power we '11 fall. Gaul. Laugh at their power! thy Husband 's with thee now. Alibdus, Look from yonder summit, and Speak of what thou se'est. {Exit Alibdus.) I ne'er saw death so placid. Thou Wert a kind, good brother, and a Valued friend! Farewell? — Come, Leonida, I '11 lead thee To the spot where rests SCENE IV.] GAULANTUS. 61 Our little boy. 'Tis but a step, Come, come. Leon. My child! my heart doth bleed. Gaul. Weep not, but come. With Mine own hands his little grave I dug; kissed his cold cheek, And gave him to the Gods. Leon. Lead on — lead on; my child — Ye Gods look pity. Gaul. Come then: brother, I '11 Come to thee again! [Exeunt.) SCENE IV.— ^ Wood. Flourish. Enter Carmitus and Laticus with soldiers. Car. Laticus, hast thou cohorts In each direction sent? Lat. I have. Car. The woman and the Gaul, Have they yet been o'erta'en? Lat. No! Car. Why did I spare her recreant life? But she shall yet be mine. Still does thy death, O! Manilus, Haunt my soul. With maddening Thoughts my brain is racked. My heart throbs high, and ill 's On every side foreboding. 62 GADI-ANTtrS. [act V. {Enter Regantus.) Reg. We have another Gaul secured. Car. Let him this instant die. Reg. He felled two soldiers to the earth, Ere we could get his sword. Car. Is he so bold? I '11 look at him. Bring forth four horses, and His heathen limbs disjoint. Come on. [Flourish.-^-Exeunt.) SCENE V.' — A mountainous country. Gau- LANTUs arid Leonida discovered on the rocks. They stand looking for some time; Gattlantus exclaims: Gaul. He has sunk from my sight; farewell, A long farewell, my brother and my friend. {Comes down.) Our labors we have finished here On earth, and now for worlds unknown; These tenements of clay, we cannot With us bear, but needs must leave Them here. Why art so pale? Does death not bring thee joy? Come, Cheer thee, love, and smile as thou Wert wont. {She falls on Ms neck.) The hills around with million foes are crowded; Encircled 's the lone rock on which we stand. The wild and angry billows near us. SCENE v.] OAULANTU9. 93 And o'er our head8 devoted, storm-clouds Hang. Thou fearest not death? Leon. Alas! the means 's more dreadful Than the death. To die by mine Own hand would anger heaven. Gaul. The Gods are juat. 'Tis glory By our own hands to die. Our Fathers' boast; they ne'er would yield And live. What would' st thou live for? There is nothing now. The myriads Of stars that spangle yonder heaven. Thou oft hast seen before. The Queen of night, whose radiant beam The earth illumes, is now Just as it ever was. The Lightning's flash would only dim Thy sight; the rolling thunder cloud Thine ear appal. Then bid Them all farewell.— the spacious globe. The mighty hills, the wide-spread lakes, The garnished fields and the Gentle gliding streams! They All are dear, loved, beautiful! All hard to leave; because They 're to our nature suited; Yet in that other world — the World the Gods inhabit — (our Nature changing,) these all Will prove but dross. Then 64 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. Let us haste our journey to begin. {Pause.) Would'st thou prefer to die By Roman hands? Leon. O! no, no, no; from thine. My husband, thine! Gaul. I could not kill thee, mine Hand would tremble; take Thou the sword. Leon. Indeed I cannot; my blood Doth chill when I but Think of it. Gaul. Thou dost remember our early days^ Those happy days, when at our board Our smiling kinsmen met; when Peace and plenty were our Mansion's guests; and when Our little boy our hearts made glad. Leon. Happy, thrice happy days! The summit of terrestrial joys We trod, but now The Gods have cursed Gaul. Foi'bear! 't is not for clay like us To question heaven! Before us Gathers fast a deep'ning gloom, — Our sole remaining hope is death — Kind death — that sweet sleep which Wakes no more! The cloud Each moment thickens; no anchor 'Gainst this storm of earth-born ills aCBNK v.] aAULANTUS. 65 Can hold. Here is our friend; {Draws sword.) Welcome it to thy heart. Dost Understand me, love? Start not, These arms will bear thee up. Until thy angel spirit takes its flight! Leon. My heart! Give me the steel! — Gaul. One last embrace, my love, my joy. My wife. {Embraces her.) Leon. {Drops the stvord.) I do not Need the sword. I feel death's Thrilling fangs upon me now; With arms together clasped, let 's To the studded sky ascend. There feuds we '11 know no more, But bliss forever feel. My mother And my child both wave me on; — Sweet zephyrs round me play. And heaven-born anthems greet Mine ear! I come -^ I come -^ I — (./? trumpet sounds at a distance; they stand awed a moment.) Gaul. The blood-thirst wolves approach; We must be brief. {Picks up sword.) Leon. Hold thou the sword, and I Will on it rush. , Gaul. I will, I will— one last embrace. {Kisses her.) Leon. Now, now, my husband. (Gaulantus holds out hi9 fword, bis head half turned.) 6* 66 GAULANTUS. [aCT V. Leon, I tremble— Gods! — I cannot! Gaul. They come; look there; Death or slavery! (•/? trumpet without, she rushes on the sword; shrieks, and/alls.) Glorious! bravely! nobly done! The Gods applaud the deed! Ha, ha, ha; safe be thy journey, Sweetest love! Leon. I feel no pain; death steals upon me Like a slumbering dream. All, all Is past — adieu, adieu. (^Dies.) Gaul. Cold, breathless, dead! happy Leonida! The Gods thy spirit's guardian be. And now, ye Roman dogs, come on, Ye hungry vultures, come. Your Numbers awe not, and your Power 's disdained. {Trumpet.) Come on I '11 greet j'ou with a curse. [Enter Carmitus, Regantus, Laticus and Soldiers.) Car. What art thou? Gaul. A Gaul! thou feeble shadow of A man! The fairest of my race Died on this sword, which soon Thy doom will seal. See Where she lies in tranquil sleep! SCENE v.] GAULANTUS. 67 Car. It is the same — the self-same Slave that Gaul. Liar accursed! she' s free! (^Pointing to heaven.) Car. Insolent wretch! Upon him, Soldiers! (Gaulantus rushes at the soldiers, who at first fall back.) Kill him! (They all spring upon him and disarm him; he then rushes at Carmitus, who is on the extreme left, and seizes him by the throat: Carmitus stabs him; they fall together, Gaulantus still grasping him.) Reg. Unloose thy hold! Gaul. Never! — never! (Regantus and Laticus both stab him, endeav- oring to make him free Carmitus. Gau- lantus chokes him.) I am the victor! aye, Revenged in full. See how He gasps in death! Behold Your general — see him writhe, He struggles — ha! he 'd live — But no, no — he sinks — he dies! (Carmitus dies.) I — I — am going too! Death — Death, conquers me — but I — I Conquered thee! My wife — My wife — I follow thee! (Dies.) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 785 455 0i