PR. S2.l<) 014 527 191 5 Hollinger Corp. pH 8.5 f r\ c:'*^ L—<'T,'t-t-^'*>-^^ 0—^^!arinella. Lor. My lord, it is not doubt, but simple prudence — Had that rash husbandman, as you have said, But taught the tree to grow ere he exposed it — Had he but guarded it against the storm, While its green boughs were gathering new strength 18 love's MARTYR. [Act II. In each successive blast — It would in time, unguarded and alone, Have stood defying all the tempest's wrath — I do not doubt the virtue of your wife To be of strength unusual in Jier sex. Who doubts the value of that diamond gem 1 [Pointing to the ring on Casimir'' s finger ."] If worn with care the jewel still may last A thousand thousand years, yet easily That gem may be destroyed— heat it but slightly, It will resist the flame — heat it still more. It may resist ; but fling it in the furnace, And it will melt and be as valueless As a poor pebble ! ISo is 't with woman's virtue ! Cas. Ah ! no — not always so, my good Lorenzo — I do believe her virtue sometimes is More like the golden setting than the gem, Which flung into the furnace but comes forth More pure than ever ! The course you counsel me is plainly wrong. Lor. Wrong, think you, my good lord ] Cas. I do, indeed — 1 '11 prove it if you will — And from this very diamond I will draw My argument. Lor. And how, my lord 1 Cas. Answer me. Wherein consists the value of this jewel ^ Lor. Doubtless, my lord, in its Incomparable brilliance. Cas. You 've answered right — Where is its brilliance now "? [Covering the ring with his hand. Lor. It hath no brilliance now. Cas. It hath no value then ! this jewel set In its fair circlet, as you see it now. Is full of value and an ornament Upon my finger — now it is valueless As a poor pebble ! My wife 's a gem — a rare one all admit ; And you, forsooth, would have me, m'serlike. Shut up this precious jewel from the world, Lest that the world's bawd gaze should tarnish it. I tell you, fray Lorenzo, that the gem That will not bear ihe wearing is not worth The having of — my wife shall still go free ! "I'll trust her conduct to her O'.vn good head — Her heart will be an ample guarantee." Lor. My lord, I have no more to urge ; You 've had my counsel — let me take my leave. Cas. Stay ! By heavens ! you have made me somewhat jealous VVithout a cause ! Scene 1.] love's martyr. 19 Lor. Not jealous, my good lord, I would not wake The springs of that vile passion in your heart — I do but warn your heart against a cause, That such might ne'er exist. Cas. I find no cause — what would you have me do 1 Whom would you warn me of? Lor, Of all, but most of all those who are dearest. Cas. Ha ! Lor. Ask the poor broken hearted husband, who Hath robbed him of his earthly joy, his wife — And he will answer, 't was his dearest friend. Ask the bereaved parents, who bereft them. They '11 answer you, it was their dearest friend — And she the ruined one, he was her friend — 'Tis not the bold And published libertine that men need fear; For he hath rarely access to the hearth. And only from the hearth can hearts be stolen. The wolf comes in the aspect of a lamb. And gains at once admittance to the fold — He gains at once both confidence and contact, For without these there is no guilty love — Need I speak plainer ] Cas. You 'd have me then suspect my dearest friend Of plotting my dishonor ? Lor. No, not suspect ; suspicion argues crime And here as yet no crime has been committed. I 'd have your caution waked — the cause removed. That else may lead to criminal effect. Cas. The cause removed — that is, you 'd have me lock And bar my doors against the faces of My friends ? Or is there, ha ! is there a single cause ? Lor. Since you have pnt me to 't, my lord, there is. Cas. There is ! and who 1 Lor. It is a duty I would gladly shun ; But 't is a duty, and — Cas. Then quick perform it, father ! For heaven's sake, keep me not In this dread agony of painful doubt ! Who is he I should fear] Lor. Count Basil ! Cas. Count Basil ! Lor. I 've said — though doubtless at this time Count Basil 's innocent, as I myself, Of wrong to you, or to your wedded wife, Who knows what fate is in the womb of time ? Two youthful hearts So lately joined by strange unnatural ties. And late so rudely severed — now may yearn To be united by a stronger bond — 20 love's martyr. [Act 11. Here nature rules, volition is her slave — The close communion of the common hearth ; His hourly access to her eye and ear, -Xttll May bring about results most to be dreaded! lUI I tell you, my good lord, that you do stand Upon a precipice of fearful depth! 'T is easy task yet from the giddy height, To take yourself away — no violence Need to be used — Count Basil 's your lieutenant — Upon a thousand pretexts send him hence, If but awhile, until domestic ties, Habit, like thoughts — perhaps that holy pledge That binds the loving husband to his wife. Have closer wove and bound your souls together. Cas. And thus in fear tha^ others mighl do wrong, You'd have me do a ffuilty wrong myself] Banish, on false and frivolous pretext, My truest friend, who scarce a month agone Stept 'twixt my life and danger? In doing so you 'd have me virtually To doubt the strength of virtue in my wife : I tell you, my good father, in this doubt There lies more bitter agony of thought Than in the known reality of wrong ! Where there's no confidence there is no peace, And virtue's valueless that will not bear Such slight temptation ! Though 'tis a thought that oft hath humbled men ; You cannot rule a woman's heart to love — No ! you may conquer worlds, yet not control The secret throbbings of one little heart ! What boots it if I lucked her borly up? Her appetite would still be free as air : And 1 should be, for all my petty pains, The Moslem master of a thing enslaved ! No, no, my good Lorenzo, I will not Turn Turk as yet — when you can teach me, how To lock the subtle soul up with the body. Then shall I listen to your counsel, father, 'Till then, my wife goes free ! Lor. Enough ! my humble duty goes no farther ; My counsel has been vain, and heaven forbid, That future destiny should prove it worthy ! No, rather may my zeal be thought too blind Than too prophe'ic — once again, adieu ! [Going. Cas. A moment stay ! good friend, mistake me not ; Your counsel has been kindly, wisely meant. And though it harshly jars wi h mine own thought, Yet for the motive, take my heart-felt thanks! I do forgive you, for some bitter pangs, Scene l.[ love's martyr. 2^ Fresh started here — if time to come should prove, That I have held her too infallible The error done would sit upon my soul As lightly then, as would suspicion now — For either one would bring that soul to nought: As for my wife, you are her sage instructor. And have free access to her every thought : You are free then, as is your generous will, To guide and strengthen those good principles You seem so much to fear. God prosper you ! Lor. Amen ! my honored lord ! \_Exit Lorenzo, l. h. Cas. He hath waked a new string in my secret heart. And though but gently touched, its quivering Already makes harsh music in my soul ! But for his holy promptmg, I should ne'er Have cast my thoughts on issue so remote. The father hath experience, it is said : Deep skill inhuman, and in woman's nature. The arguments he urged, though my soul loathes To own 't, are full of truth ! now which is best To give his counsel thoilght, and yield myself Up to a groundless fear"? this course implies A doubt, and consequent admits the danger! There is no danger — not a jot of it ! Oh Casimir! this dubious wavering Betwixt suspicion, and confiding faith — Is' t worthy of thee — no ! no more of it ! I '11 clear at once my just and honest heart Of all dishonest thoughts, until 'tis pure As 't was an hour ago I Can I do this? already here There is a stuggle 'twixt my sense and will, In which the will is playing hypocrite ! It shall be so no more— come on then, truth! I '11 look you in the face ! Enter Marinella. r. h. Truth I invoked and lo ! 't is here indeed. With such a look of heaven as would disarm The fiend himself if meditating ill ! How fares my Marinella since the morn ? Mar. Ill, my good lord, that you so longf Have kept yourself away. Cas. But a short moment, love, I 've been In converse with the good Lorenzo. "And I have had some business with the state. Mar. My lord, do you not too much business % We have been lonely tor your company. Cas. Ah ! do not chide me ; my last act Was one that will enable me, hereafter, To give you all my time. 22 love's martyr. [Act II. Mar. Pray, what was 't, my lord 1 Cas Try guess, sweet wife. Mar. Indeed, my lord, I cannot. Cas. Well I will tell it you. I did to-day Hang up my sword. Mar. My lord, you do so every day — What is there in'tl Cas. I speak in riddles, Marinella. I will not vex you then, I only mean" I am no longer General Casimir, But a plain citizen — I have resigned My office to the Senate. Mar. Oh ! I am glad of that, right glad of it ! Though war is full of interest, my lord. Yet it is full of danger, sometimes guilt. Cas. Ah ! love, 't was thought of this and thee That caused me use my victory of late With so much moderation ; perhaps too much — I have some cause to fear : The Senate yet will censure me for it; The Duke 's my bitter enemy. Mar. Oh ! say not so, my lord ! Cas. We will hope, love — but no more of it now j Let us be gay ! what news have you tor mel You have not been alone ] you 've seen no doubt Some company to-day ] Mar. Oh! yes, the Duke Urbino has been here; The Delia Strozzi, and Fonseca's wife Have called to bid me well. Cas. No other company 1 Mar. J\o, none. Cas. Has Basil been at home to-day 1 Mar. Oh ! yes, he hath been with me all the day. Cas. How have you passed the time 1 Mar. First we read Homer's iliad you know ; How I admire the old blind Bard of Scio 'J Cas. I too admire the poem — not the theme ; It was a causeless war, the guilty fruits Of an unholy love : Go on ! Mar. Basil read it me. He 's very good in Greek ; But we did miss your company, my lord. For explanation of those warlike terms. Cas. Could Basil not explain them ? He is a soldier. Mar. He said, not half so well as you. Cas. Brave modest youth ! [Aside. Mar. Of all the Grecian heroes, think, my lord, Which one in my mind most resembled thee] Cas. I cannot guess ; Diomedes or Ajax 1 Mar. Not either one — pray, try again ! Scene 1. love's martyr. 23 Cas. Not Menelaus with the wicked wife ] Mar. No— no! Cas. Nor Thetis' sonT Mar. Not he. Cas. The son of Peleus, then ? Mar Yes — yes, the brave Achilles : He was so valiant, yet withal so good. Cas. And who was like to Basil ? Mar. You 'II know I '11 say, it was the hero's friend, The young Patroclus. Cas. And who, sweet wife, didst liken to thyself 1 Mar. I thought not of myself. Cas. I would not liken thee to any one In all the poet's story — thy form is Helen's, But thy soul 's unlike as heaven to hell ! The Sciot bard conceived no counterpart For mine own Marinella ! Mar. My lord, 'tis flattery ! Cas. No, No, The tongue was never formed could flatter thee ! Oh ! how her presence falls upon my heart Like the soft dew upon the drooping flower — Bathing with sweet refreshment, 'till my love Has ta'en again the color of the rose ! No more [Aside. Mar. My lord ! Cas. Well, Marinella? Mar. Are you not absent in your thought 1 Cas. Pardon me, love, if I did dreaming seem, Thou wert the sweet ideal of my dream. Mar. My lord, I pray you do come in, 'T is now the hour, and supper waits upon you. Cas. Go in, sweet wife — I '11 follow you anon. Mar. Then tarry not, my lord, for if you stay I '11 count the moments while you are away ! [Exit. Cas. How could I doubt this fair embodiment Of all that is most fair 1 if there exists In her pure soul a single thought impure Then hell and heaven have been brought together. There is a book writ by a witling scribe Who boasted his wide knowledge of the world. He says, that Eve was fairest and she fell. And from it would deduce That every woman is at heart a wanton — » ni not believe the foul philosophy ! It is the slander of a silly scribe Who travelled far to find a simple truth He might have learned at home ! No-— no — I'll not believe 't. Guilt cannot harbor in a home like this, 24 love's martyr. [Act II. And even suspicion of it were a wrong Worth great atonement ! Away suspicion then ! let worst come worst With me shall be no doubt 'till crime come first. [Exit. END OF ACT II. ACT III.— Scene i. Senate Chamber — Duke and Senate in Council. Duke — My lords, ere we adjourn, It will be well to take some note of this : This paper holds An accusation of the gravest kind 'Gainst a distinguished soldier of our army: Which, if 't be true, not only does concern The welfare and the honor of our Slate ; But must even reach the life of the accused. If it be false, Let the accuser suffer. First Senator. Who brings the accusation ? Duke. Count Julian Caraffa. First Senator. And against whoml Duke. The general Casimir. Second Senator. Let's hear the accusation. Third Senator. Let it be read. The Duke gives the paper to a Secretary^ who reads : " J, Julian, Count Caraffa, do accuse The Frenchman General Casimir of treason Against the State of Venice. If the Senate holds My charge as worthy, I do ready stand At their august disposal, to bring forth My witnesses and full specifications As proofs of this alledgement.'*^ Duke. How say you, lords, shall it be entertained 1 First Senator. — I say, for one, most certainly. Second Senator. And I say yes ! Third Senator. And I. Fourth Senator. And I. « Duke. Summon Count Julian Caraffa. {To officer.) [Exit officer. It is, my lords, A charge of most grave import, and refers To our late enterprise 'gainst Milan — In which our interest has been betrayed By this weak treaty. Scene 1.] love's martyr. 25 First Senator. This have we heard. Enter Caraffa. Duke. Count Julian CarafFa, your charge is held ; And you have leave before this august Council To specify in full. Proceed ! Car. I charge the General Casimir With treason to the State — in this, that he, In sole command of our late expedition. Halted before the city of Milan, Even at the open gates, when 'tis well known That flushed with victory and late success, He could have entered it without a blow. And furthermore, that by weak armistice, He did withdraw our army without cause, Or cause but in himself, across the frontier ; Leaving thus, The ancient foe of Venice unsubdued. First Senator. Have you full proofs of this 1 Car. His own confession. First Senator. Who witnessed it 1 Car. The gentleman Luigi, and a score Of others, officers and gentlemen. Besides his own confession, I have proofs Enough i' the army — all condemn him for 't. Second Senator. When can you bring your proofs'? Car. When it may please the august seignory. Second Senator. Suppose to-morrow, my good lords? Duke. Be it to-morrow, then — and for to-day, Let me propose adjournment. [Exeunt Senators. Duke and Caraffa remain. Duke. You're certain, my lord count, you heard all this 1 Car. As plain, my lord, as ever I have heard The bells of good Saint Mark's. Duke. 'Tis welcome news. I've longed this many a day To have a charge on him — this were enough To hang a dozen generals like him. But for his tampering treasonable peace. The Duchy of Milan would now have been A province of our State. How came the fool To prate about it 1 Car. 'Twas to his wife he made a boast of it — Methinks he was beside himself with love. Duke. I've heard it said this wife is wondrous fair. Car. In my judgment, There's none so fair in Venice. Duke. Your judgment's good, lord count. Doubtless you know If she be virtuous as well ? 2 26 love's martyr. [Act III. Car. 'Tis said, my lord, she is, Beyond temptation. Duke. Ah ! that's not likely ! Well, I must see This paragon of beauty and of virtue. But come — let us be home — you're with me, count — Come dine with me. Car. My lord, I'll follow in a breath. {Exit Duke. So my revenge goes well — now for my love, Which is the strongest passion of my soul ! There am I crossed again, for it is plain She'll wanton with this whelp — her foster brother. Their early ties were scarcely snapped apart. Till in their stead sprung up A flame of love, like to the fabled tree, That burns where it is broke ! I've seen it in their eyes a hundred times, While he the soldier, husband-like, is blind As bats and moles. As yet they're baby innocent, but love Full soon will teach them cunning. Instinct will teach it her ; It is a devil's gift with all her sex — Fiends ! to be baffled thus by a cross love— For I do burn for her within my bones; But how proceed ] let me reflect awhile — My secret of the brother stil] is safe, And I must try its power upon her fears — There's virtue still in this — for I have known Weak fear succeed where strongest love hath failed. It shall be tried. For I will waste my life, Or both shall fall — the husband and the wife ! [Exit. ACT III.— Scene ii. Enter Casimir and Servant. Cas. There is no halting now — The journey is begun — the rugged road Of doubt now lies before — it shall be trod, And soon. Send the good father to me ! [Exit Servant. The proverb says no rose without its thorn — The fairest on the thorn most dangerous. If then beneath The rose that I have plucked there lurks a thorn, There will be so much poison in its pricking, That death will follow quick upon the wound. Oh ! these are bitter thoughts ! my soul is filled With arguments that like opposing waves Drive reason to and fro'— but yesterday Scene 2.] love's martyr^ 27 No happiness in Venice equalled mine — And now who feels one half ray misery ? Enter Lorenzo, l. h. Ah ! father, you have come — 'tis well ! You may resolve me of one doubt at least. And [ must be resolved — I would not live Another day in such a dread suspense, To wear the Ducal crown — since yesternight Mine eyes have known no sleep — but like a bark High tossed upon the waves, my harrassed soul Has toiled upon a sea of agony I , You've launched me on that sea without a chart- Give me an anchor then, for my proud soul No longer lives in this uncertain storm — Give me a hope at once, or give me death ! Lor. My lord, all's well ! Cas, I must be satisfied that all is well. Lor. You have no cause to doubt it, my good lord. Cas. I hope no cause, and yet a cause I fear : I have observed some signs of change of late : Absence of mirth — a paleness unexplained — A slight confusion when their eyes have met : These might have passed unmarked, but for the theme Of our late converse. Lor. It is but fancy, my good lord. Cas. Th3.t. fancy then hath caused my heart more pain Than all the real it hath ever known — And for that very pain I'll know the truth ; It cannot be more bitter ! Answer me : For you and you alone can tell me this, And answer me, as though your life and soul Depended for their safety on the truth — Say — has she ever loved me 1 Lor. iM y lord ! Cas. I know that she has given me Such love as women lavish on their lords. Whom chance or destiny has joined them to — 'Tis sometimes friendship — sometimes only fear— I might, I think, without much vain conceit. Lay claim unto the first. But if 't be only that — Have I been loved 7 Lor. My lord, how should I know ? Cas. You're her confessor — thiough her whole life have haci Full knowledge of her thoughts. Lor. 'Tis true— but love's a thought Not always the confessional can reach. How should I know 7 Cas. Give me your thoughts, then 1 28 love's martyr* [Act III. Lor. I think, my lord, you've been as fully loved As is the lot of the majority. Cas. Which simply means I've not been loved at all. Now, am I satisfied ! Lor. Not so, my lord ! Since you have conjured me to speak the truth, I would have said, I think, her love for you Was not that violent and o'ei whelming passion That o'ersteps duty — but a love as true, And of as high a value — a pure love That fairly nurtured, strong and stronger grows, Till habit makes it firm as adamant. 'Twas knowing this I counselled you to caution ; Not that I feared a meditated ill — But nature, strangely erring in this case, Had given cause for prudence at the least: 'Tis not too late — as yet there's nothing done. Cas. As yet there's nothing done ] What signifies that there is nothing done ? If there be something thought 1 'tis not the act Alone that makes impure, but the conception of 't. A woman may be faithless to her lord, With but a word, a look, a thought, aye ! false As if she had committed that which is Too gross for utterance ! It is not what is done ! Lor. My lord, you have no evidence, as yet, That you have suflfered wrong even in thought. They were but fancies you have late observed, Such as a mind, like yours, unused to wiles, Would conjure up : pray do not think of them ! But listen to the counsel I late gave : Send the Count Basil hence Upon some expedition of the State. Cas. And think'st thou, father, I could e'er consent To hold my heart in such vile vassalage ? To hold hers by a tenure so unsure? Tenant at will. To be ejected by the first rude chance ! No ! I must have a lease without a flaw — A lease of love that only ends with life. What were possession worth upon such terms As you propose 1 Lor. And hold we life by tenure more secure 1 My lord, with equal justice you may stand Before the cannon's mouth, when 'tis discharged, Or have your heart impaled upon the sword, Without the certainty of losing it ! Reject those fancies of the fatalist, And be yourself the master of your destiny ! Scene 2. love's mar.tyr. 29 Cas. I'll first be master of its dangers, father — If it be (lark, the sooner comes the cloud The shorter the suspense : the prisoner who waits The sentence that may take away his life Feels far more poignant suffering, ihari he Who is condemned already — 'tis the change The passing from bright hope to dark despair, That sharpens suffering — while with despair alone The edge of pain grows duller, and we may look More lightly upon death ! Lor. My lord, you argue wrongly ; many men Have safely passed through dangers unawares. Which perils had they known, without a doubt. They would have perished by. Cas. But I do know there's danger in my path ; My purpose is to fathom its extent — 'Tis only cowards, father, who do shrink From knowledge of to come — be 't good or ill There is a fascination in the end That leads us on to it, as he who stands Beside the precipice, is lured to plunge Into the abyss, from very fear of falling ! You said I stood upon a precipice — You spoke the truth, yet ere I now recede I must look down into the depth below. Lor. Rash man, beware ! — tempt not your fate If you should fall — Cas. 'Tis better fall than stand in fear of falling ! Lor. If you should fall — yourself have been The maker of your destiny. \_Exit. Cas. No, she has never loved me — bitter thought — A willing father — an obedient child — Oh ! misery, had I but thought of this, I might have shunned thee still ! But how act now 1 as he would have me ? No ! What! thus to play at love's diplomacy With mine own wife 1 — now jealous — now secure — To lock her up at will — to let her forth But when I can be nigh to spy on her 1 To bar my doors up against every one Who wears a handsome ftce 1 drive from my house My best and truest friend, my more than brother ] Far sweeter were a life without a love, Than such a love as this! No! let the jealous Greek Who gladly took his wife back, secondhand, Make compromise in such intriguing terms — I'll have no jealousy — the proofs of broken faith {Shall be the speedy harbingers of death. [Exit. END OF ACT III. 30 love's martyr. [Act IV. ACT IV.— Scene i. Palace Garden — Enter Caraffa. Car. I think 'tis time my thievish knave had come ; If he but get the papers all is safe. By this she is alone — and should she fail To take her daily walk, • In her own dainty chamber shall I seek This saintly dame — force now must be my friend — I've tried all wiles, and proved her double proof. By Janus, here's my thief, And with a conqueror's smile upon his face — [Enter Giacomo. Well, Giacomo, you've got them? Gia. I have, my lord. [Gives Papers, Car. The very documents — but of the lords 1 When went they hence ] Gia. An hour ago, my lord. Car. The devil's luck! they may return full soon ; And your lady, think you she will come forth ? Gia. Immediately, my lord; now as I passed I saw my lady making preparation To take her daily walk. Car. Good ! Vou may begone — I'd speak with her ; Go hide yourself; you shall be well rewarded. Gia. My lord, I'll trust to you. [Exit Giacomo. Car. Now all goes smoothly on — she'll soon be here : By Jove, it is a fitting place for love Among these blooming roses; such a spot As Jove himself would choose to spend an hour in In dalliance with his Leda — ha! she's here ! My blood is boiling, and my giddy brain Reels at the thought, that heaven is so near ! [Retires watching. Enter Marinella. Mar. I do remember when Lord Casimir First came to woo me, he too then was sad ; And when I asked him of his reason, said, I would not think of him when I was wed — I would not love him as I'd done before — 'Tis true I do not feel for him the same — It is another feeling fills my heart, So strange and undefined, 'tis like a dream ; At times [ almost wish he were away. And yet I am unhappy when he's gone ? Oh ! no, it cannot be that guilty love. The good Lorenzo counselled me against : It cannot be, no — no ; it must not be ! For since I may not love him as a brother, I must not — dare not love him. as another! Scene 1.] love's martyr. 31 Car. {Coming down.) Sweet lady, you seem somewhat sad, For such a blithesome morn'? Mayhap I may Console your ladyship] Mar. My lord, I know not why You have intruded on my path again — It shall be better guarded for the future. [Going. Car. (Stopping her.) First, madam, would I speak a word Meant for your private hearing. Mar. There's nothing private, sir, 'twixt you and me : You have already sacrificed respect. Car. Then madam, 'tis your turn To make a sacrifice — upon love's altar. Mar. Sir ! Car. To be plain with you, I'd hold communion with those coral lips. Mar. My lord, permit me to return. Car. Not 'till you've looked into these documents : This is the title deed of an estate Upon the Brenta : doubtless you know where 1 This the confession of its lord, your father, Which says, his son is not his son; You understand 1 Mar. That you have stolen them 1 I do. Car. No matter how acquired — they now are mine. Mar. Well sir, keep them ! what matters it to rae 1 Car. This, madam, That I do love you with as fierce a love, As ever burned in an Italian's breast ; That I have here the power ere sunset falls To strip the baby Basil and yourself. Of every ducat in your father's will : Now in exchaage for it, if you but smile On my devoied love — if you but yield — These documents shall be destroyed, e'en now Before your face. Mar. Base thieving villain ! shallow as the trick Thy monstrous heart conceived ! Think'st thou we meant to keep what was not ours 1 , The documents which you have meanly filched To-morrow had been placed in the Duke's hands. You, sir, yourself may bear them to him now ; Yon, such a famous postman ! Car. Then if this move you not, still further hear ; Your husband's life Mar. My husband ! name him not ; if he were here You dare not look upon his face and live ! Car. Know, that your husband's life is in my hands. Mar. How, sir? Car. He is accused of treason to the State. Mar. Base thief, 'tis false ! treason could not exist Within the heart of Casimir ! 32 love's martyk. [Act IV. Car. 'Tis true, and I Am the sole witness can condemn him. If you but love me then, sweet Marineila, Your husband shall go safe. Mar. This is a shallow lie that you have told — And if 't were true, my lord would rather die Than I should barter but a single kiss With such a wretch to save him ! So, sir, let me pass ! {Going.') Car. Never ! till I have satisfied my love 1 You need not frown, nor pout. I am not come, Believe me, to be scorned a second time. You need not scream — there's no one near — We'll not be interrupted ! Mar. Villain ! stand from my path ! Car. Nay not so fast, sweet devil ! first a kiss — {Attempting to kiss her.) Another, and — Mar. {Escaping from him.) Oh ! heaven protect me ! ho ! within — help ! help ! Basil ! my lord ! Lorenzo ! help ! Car. The fiends ! Cas. Am I awake'? or is it all a dream? Am I in Venice or among the Turks ] Foul castaway of God, who are you ? Ha ! My lord, the Count CarafFa ! Does your lordship mistake my palace for A Burdel 1 my garden for the street] my wife — What does it mean] Speak, Marineila. Mar. That that base wretch, my lord, has vilely dared — Cas. Enough ! Bas. {Drawing his sword.) Draw, sir ! (to Caraffa.) Cas. No, boy, this quarrel's mine — bee you !o her ; Conduct her in. This is my privilege — a hushancTs arm Should always he the foremost to avenge His wife's insulted honor ! [Exeunt Bas. and Mar. Now, sir, have you a sword ] Car. See for yourself! Cas. You cannot draw 't too soon, if you would not Be butchered like a dog — you wish, no doubt, To die a gentleman — you are not one ; But by the common fashion recognised, We'll give you leave to die as such — Draw ! Car. My lord, I see you're thirsting for my life — Perhaps when you have heard what I do know. You'll turn your sword against a nearer friend. Cas. Fiend, what dost thou know ] Car. Though I have played the pari of Sextus here — Scene 1.] love's martyr. 33 Your wife is not Lucretia in the game — She's false to you at least — Count Basil knows. Cas. Liar and dog ! (They fight a few passes. Casimir runs him through.) Car. Curses on you ! — be furies in your life ! 'Tis true, Lord Casimir, she's false — she's false. Cas. Upon the brink of hell thou liest, accursed fiend ! Car. Go home, my cuckold lord — go home — go home ! You'll find Count Basil in her warm embrace. Oh ! oh! curses — false — false — [Dies. Cas. f^lave doubly damned, thou diest with a lie Upon thy lips to give thee pass to hell ! Was it a liel Could this fiend speak the truth? If there be truth in man, it should appear At such a time ! but be they true or false. His words have plunged me in a fiercer hell Than that to which I've sent his guilty sduI ! " Your wife was false to you, and with Count Basil." Accursed fiend, I say again thou liest ! And if my eyes informed me of such truth, I'd tear the senses forth for mocking me ! Oh! Enter Lorenzo. Lor. My lord, what hast thou done I Cas. I slew that wretch, who would have wronged my wife ; Who told me ere he died, that she was false With the Count Basil. Lor. He lied! Cas, You're sure he lied "? I conjure you as you do love your life To speak the truth — you're sure he lied 1 Lor. As my soul lives, I do believe he lied ; He was an idle braggart, my good lord, Whose word in Venice, spite of his high place, Was not worth half a ducat. Cas. Yet with these bilter words The wretch breathed forth his last ! Lor. It is not strange, and only proves Him the more hardened villain ; many times Beneath the axe, its etlge upon their necks, Have lesser villains boasted of their crimes And died most unrepenting. Cas Ha ! I had forgot ! how came he then To know that she was not Count Basil's sister 1 Not knowing this, he would not then — Lor. My lord, he knew all this ; by some foul means He gained possession of those documents. They're even now upon him. Cas. {leaking the papers from Caraffa.') True — true ! Lor. Besides, my lord, as you yourself do know, 2* 34 love's martyr. [Act IV. He bore a rooted enmity to you, And 'twas in vengeance he hath thus declared. Cas. I never did him injury. Lor. Your smiling fortune injured him. He envied you, bat envied most of all Your rich possession of so fair a wife. Whom he did love with all that fierce desire That burns within the breast of lustful man — A passion, my good lord, whose fearful strength Hath oft unseated reason. Cas. I nothing knew of this ! Lor. Nay more, what I have lately heard — This monster once before Did offer insult to your noble lady ; Which she with such high dignity repelled As bred within'him purpose of revenge. Cas. Oh ! damned villain ! Lor. These things from prudent motives she concealed Save from myself; Then think'st thou that an enemy like this — A fiend who had not one redeeming gift — Is like be pleased to die, at your sword's point, With truth upon his lips to comfort you I Cas. Father, I thank you for those soothing words! Still there is doubt — one course alone is left ! Mine eyes themselves shall be my v/itness proof — I'll watch each action with the tiger's stealth Till I am satisfied ! I care not that the sight may strike me blind, If I look on the act 1 Lor. My lord, this course is wrong — unworthy of Your noble nature. Cas. Admit it wrong ; there is no other left ! In such a case as this Our judgment is dethroned — the senses are The only proofs can ever satisfy A doubting husband's heart ! If I prove wrong Name not the measure of my just atonement; This heart will do more pennance at the shrine Of outraged confidence, than ever heart Before conceived ! I'll square me up with faith ! Lor. Oh ! heaven grant That there be need for such a reckoning ! My lord, Count Basil comes, I take my leave. [Exit. Enter Basil. Basil. My lord, I come to bid farewell to you. Cas. Farewell ! Bas. Yes, my good lord, I have resolved To leave you for a while. Cas. And whither croest thou, Basil ? Scene 1.] love's martyr. 35 Bas. To France, my lord. Cas. Can it be that he fears detection, And guilty flies — down — down suspicion ! (aside.) Is not your going somewhat hasty, Basil 1 Bas. I have been bent on it some time, my lord. I would not waste my youth's best blood In idleness, which I must haply do Remaining here in Venice. Cas. Why hast thou chosen France ? Bas. I wish to draw my sword in France's cause Against our natural foe, the Austrian : Besides, the land of France is dear to me By many ties ; it was My father's — foster father's native land : 'Tis yours, my lord. Cas. Thou hast chosen thy service well ; And now before 50U leave us come again, That I may give you letters to King Francis, With such report from me, your latest general, As may be need for your more sure advancement. Bas. Aly lord. It is the very favor that I meant To sue you for. Cas. Slight favor, boy ! You'd bid farewell To Marinella'? She is within. [Exit Basil, r, 'i'he time hath come to pluck this damning doubt Forth from my heart, and plant within its place Either the deadly poison of despair. Or happiness an angel's self might envy I If there hath ever passed an act of love Between him and my wife, it will appear At this leave taking, and myself shall be A witness of''t. Oh ! Casimir ! Where — where is all that noble nature now For which men honored thee ] The veriest slave That feeds upon my bounty, now may claim More nobleness than I. Oh ! 1 do call All heaven to judge I cannot help myself; This opportunity ne'er offers more ; And should I pass it now, the doubt would still Live in my heart, and like a poisoned thorn Keep rankling there for life. Enough! I'll go! [Exit. END OF ACT IV. 36 love's martyr. [Act V. ACT v.— SCENE I. Chamber in Casimir's Palace. — Enters Marinella, Marinella. My fears are now confirmed, and I have found The secret of my heart — 'tis idle now To play the hypocrite, with mine own thoughts : In vain I try to banish from my breast Those feelings strange— they but return again — Oh I I am lost ! Yes — lost to happiness, but not to honor. This heart shall cease to beat Ere it prove false unto the sacred vow That binds me to my lord — What do I say ? Am I not false already 1 Swore I not Upon my bridal morn to love my lord J I did — I did ! I call to witness heaven, Before whose presence it was registered. That I knew not the nature of that oath ! The secret and the suffering be mine. Mine, mine, alone ! let it be buried here. Oh ! would that he Would seek a home in some far distant land. That we might never meet on earth again ! How if I made my secret known to him And from his generous heart claim in return This sacrifice ?— it shall be done ! Enters Basil, l. Basil. Good day, my lady ! Marinella. " Aly lady" — How cold he speaks to me. [Aside Good day, Count Basil ! Bas. I came to take my leave of you. Mar. Leave ! what means' t thou, Basil 1 Bas. I purpose leaving Venice — I come to bid farewell to you. Mar. Can he have known my thoughts Thus to anticipate my latest wish ! [Aside And whither goest thou, Basil 1 Bas. To France ; I go to join The army of her king. Mar. The very course I would have counselled him. How easy is this parting hour to him — Oh ! little knows he what it costs this heart To say farewell to hmi. [Aside This is a sudden resolution, Basil — How long, think'st thou, wilt thou be gone 1 Bas. I cannot tell how long — perhaps forever. Mar. Forever ! Scene 1.] love's martyr. 37 Bas. 'Tis better far I never should return. Mar. Ha ! thou speakest strangely — evil fortune Has sure befallen : May I not know it, Basill My lord will be your friend, and so will I. Bas. Thanks, thanks ! — It is an evil fortune where no friend Could bring relief. Mar. Basil, you make me sad — there was a time When you would have confided this to me. [Enters Casirnir, listening. Bas. Shall I go forth, my exile unexplained, As though T had committed some gross crime I dare not tell to her, who all my life Has been the echo of my every thought '? Siie shall know all — the secret will not stay A moment longer in my bursting heart. [Aside. But promise to forgive me, I will speak The cause of my departure ] Mar. Forgive you, Basil ? I know you would not give me such offence, As might require forgiveness. Bas. It is — that I do love you, JMarinella, Not with that sweet afTection, I once felt, But the strong pas&ionate love that lovers feel. Oh I do not censure me — as I do live The fault rests not with me — reproach me not — For I have erred but with a helpless fate. Mar. Smce it is thus, Count Basil, it is well— > You have resolved, in leaving Venice, well. Bas. For the dear friendship of our youthful years, I could not thus go forth upon llie world And leave to you such action unexplained. Mar. And is it fair since he hath thus disclosed Th.'it I should play the hypocritp, and hide My heart from him? my cup of misery Is far less bitter now to bear than his I It shall not be ! no, let the dregs be mixed That both niay share their equal bitterness I There is no wrong ! it is to him alone That it may lighten oft his long lone hours Of absent Jite ; I cannot help myself; I must speak out, (aside.) Basil ! Bas. Madam? Mar. I too have found a secret, I liave longed Much to disclose to you. Bas. To me 1 Mar. To you alone. I need not ask of you That it be kept a secret from the world : 'Twas half my purpose, ere you told your love, To make this strange confefcsion, 38 love's martyr. [Act V. And from your generous heart to ask of you, What youv'e already purposed, That we should part to meet no more on earth — 'Tis what I would have asked, as the return Of my unhappy love ! Bas. Your love ? for me ? is 't possible ? Mar. Alas ! — alas ! Bas. Oh ! Marinella, do not tell me this ! Oh ! fatal destiny, all, all undone ! I thought the misery was mine alone, But you too now must share it, and perchance Lord Casimir Mar. No — never, Basil ! Be i:; our sacrifice as 'tis our secret — If we've been guilty m this hapless love, Let us make such atonement as we may ; Tho'Vgh in tliis life we cannot rule our hearts, I am at least the mistress of my will As you of yours art master — we'll use their power To save our honor and his happiness. Bas. We will ! Mar. Let us forever part. Bas. Forever ! Mar. Go forth upon the world — a life of change, If it should not destroy this hapless flame In time - — Bas. (^h — never, never ! Mar. Hope, Basil, hope. For me, be it my struggle to forget you. Bas. Oh ! cruel fate ! Mar. My only joy will be to cherish him^ With duty that will rival love itself: And though the smiles I wear belie my heart, 'Twill break ere I betray it ! Bas. Oh, noble Casimir ! 'Tvvould break his heart to know of this. Mar. He never shall ! Surely there is no guilt In such hypocrisy, whose only end Is my lord's happiness. Bas. Oh ! Marinella, would that you could love him ! Mar. Perhaps in after years. Bas. In after years ? Mar. The friendship I now feel may turn to love : ??o said Lorenzo — I am little skilled In the heart's history. Bas. Heaven make it so ! Mar. And now farewell forever ! [Exeunt Marinella r. Basil l. Casimir. {Comes down the stage.) There's no revenge in this! In any case, the wronger's blood Scene 1.] love's martyr. 39 Is but poor medicine to heal the heart Of him who has been wronged. That parting" scene Hath robbed my dagger's point of all its power — Unless that I should turn it on myself — Perhaps 'twere better so — this wedge of steel, In passing through my heart, could not inflict Within its bleeding strings one half the pang I feel already ! Now there 's but one course left for me — to die ! The rose-wreathed pedestal on which I stood Is crushed beneath my feet ; and I have fallen Amidst the wreck of thorny desolation ! But how to die 1 By this ? by poison ] No ! I will not have it writ Upon my epitaph, that I did die The death of fools and cowards ! Casimir ! Thou shalt not leave thy foes so fair a mark To aim their slanders at. Thank heaven ! there is a worthier, often sought By those like me, poor bankrupts of the heart, A soldier's death ! yes — yes, it shall be mine — Come to my thigh again ! {taking his sword,) With thee, old friend, I go to seek my grave Where death assumes its most alluring aspect — On the battle field ! Enter Basil, hastily. Bas. My lord, fly, fly ! your enemies are now Decreeing your destruction ! Cas. That, by my friends, has been decreed already. Bas. The Duke and Ten determine on your death. Cas. I have myself determined on my death. Bas. Hear me, my lord ; this moment as I went Unto the council chamber to surrender These to the Duke, (showing papers,) T overheard a scene — Cas. And I too, Basil, overheard a scene Hath caused this heart more poignant agony Than all the vengeance of the Duke and Ten Of torture could inflict ! Bas. My lord, vvhat can you mean"? Cas. I will not rack thy brain with riddles now — I 've been for the last hour within this chamber. Bas. Heavens ! can it be so ? My lord, I do confess ; Denial or defence I cannot make ; If thou decreest my death, I 'm ready now To die. Cas. Not half so ready, sir, as I — Think you F meant to slay you, gentle sir? Bas. It is your right ; my life is yours ; Take it, for I am weary of it nov/ I 40 love's martyr. [Act V. Cas. Oh ! Basil — Basil — how I loved you, boy ! Words have no power to speak how I have loved you — My home, my heart, my fortune, all were yours ! You might have drawn upon me for my life, I would have given it willingly. All, all, but that ! Bas. {kneeling.) Spare me, my lord ! Here is my sword, and here my naked breast — Take it — take forth my life, but wound me not With your too just reproach. Cas. Put up thy guilty weapon, boy ! Within the bitter cup that I have drunk There's not one drop of vengeance ! Bas, Oh my too generous lord ! My lord ! {Pointing out.) Cas. She, too, poor bird ! — Retire a while, I 'd speak with her alone — but leave us not. I do entreat you stay a moment in The vestibule. [^Exit Basil, l. h. Enter Marinella. r. h. Cas. Marinella ! Mar. My lord ? Cas. Why do you start 1 Mar. Your voice, my lord, was sudden — I knew not you were here. Cas. We are about to lose a most dear friend : Basil intends to leave us for a while : You've seen him — have you not] Mar. I have my lord : he has this moment been To bid farevvell to me. Cas. No doubt you will feel sad At his departure? Mar. Yes — sad, indeed — {aside.) I do my lord. Cas- 'Tis natural at parting with a friend ; One so endeared as Basil was to you. Mar. Would he would speak upon some other theme ! [Aside. Cas. I too regret the cause, , That carries him away from us. Mar. The cause, my lord? Cas. Oh — yes, he goes to France To better his condition — when I learnt The true cause of his leaving I did wish He might remain with us ; 'tis not too late, And I shall use entreaty to this end. Mar. No, no ! my lord Cas. No ] why not 1 Mar. Why, that I would not see him lose so fine An opportunity of winning fame And fortune too— let him proceed, my lord I Scene 1..] love's martyr. 41 Cas. Oh ! noble sacrifice of a pure woman's heart! Marinella 1 Mar. My lord ] Cas. I have a tale for yon. Mar. What is' t, my lord? {They sit.) Cas. Far from the echoes of a troubled world, Within the soit embrace of vine-clad hills, There lay a sunny vale ; in whose warm lap Had art divine and nature more divine Poured out their wealth in very wantonness ! A valley of bright fields and emerald groves, Above whose glowing- foliage lordly towers Rose to the sapphire sky ! upon the ear There fell no sounds that were not musical — The songs of birds and bees and falling waters, The voice of Nature's God, as soft and sweet As when it thrilled through earth's first Paradise ! The winds were never rude — No storms came here, Alone the breeze from the blue Appenines Stole softly down among the perfumed trees. Filling the air with incense ! It was indeed a scene of loveliness And over all Hung a rich canopy of blue and gold — The sky of Italy I Mar. Oh ! sweet, sweet scene — how like our own dear home ! Cas. Within this vale, A maid of noble lineage had been reared ; She was indeed the ideal of her sex : — The bright embodiment of love itself! Of form so lovely, so divine a face. It seemrd as if the spirit of the place Had gendered her, from out its glowing flowers, To make the picture perfect! Mar. How beautiful ! Cas. This maiden had a brother, a brave youth ; Her father loo still lived, a good old man, 'I'he sole possessor of all these fair scenes 'Midst which they dwelt in innocence and peace. Unclouded as their skies ! A stranger came, from a far distant land, ^nd sought this quiet vale — he soon became Its owner's welcome guest — companion of The maiden and her broiher; He was their elder, yet had never loved, For his young days had all been rudely spent Within the camp, or on the battle field — But the rare beauty of this glowing maid Soon made its image on his yielding heart : And he did love, as only they can love, 4^ love's martyr. [Act V. Whose youth's and mandhood's flame have both been blent Into one burning passion ! He was not skilled in love's diplomacy, And knew not even how to woo the maid- He told the good old father of his love, Who wooed and won her for him : They were wed. She then was but a child and ill could know The nature of her vow ; but the old lord Fearing a malady that vexed him much, Desired thus soon to see bis daughter wedded. Close on the bridal morn the father died So suddenly, that there was no one near, Save his confessor, whom he gave in charge Confession, that the youth whom all the world Supposed his son, and brother of the maid. Was not his son, nor yet the maiden's brother ! Mar. How strange, my lord, how like — Cas. Nay, hear me, Marmella, to the end — This sad confession was made known to all The stranger lord, the maiden, and the youth ; But they had grown together three such friends, They would not part, but lived like as before In the sweet commune of the common hearth ! Now grows my tale more sad : In time, the maiden found within her heart A feeling undefined, which never yet Had centred there, or only as a dream : It soon became developed — it was love ! Love not for him whom she had vowed to love, But for the foster brother ! The youth too loved the maid ; Nature had placed The germ within their hearts, where it had lain Amidst the darkness of an erring fate Till nature called it forth to bud and bloom — Each sorrowed for this love ; each struggled hard To stifle it — when they had striven in vain, Lest that their friend should suffer from the thing, ^ Each then resolved to see the other one No more on earth : — they met at length to part ; 'Twas then that first they knew each other's love Confessed at parting — parting when confessed — And without even a kiss, they spoke the sad, Sad word, farewell ! Meanwhile the husban.l, from some circumstance, Had grown suspicious of his young wife's love ; He was admonished when this parting scene Was to take place; And, leaving for a moment honor's path, became A witness to it all ! It broke his heart ! Scene 1.] love's martyr. 43 {Marinella faints upon Casimir^s breast.) Cold as the marble from Carrara's mine Sweet — sweet — and cold ! (Kissing her.) Mine is a poor right To those cold kisses now ! Within there ! Enter Basil and Servant. Bas. My lord, I do conjure you, fly ! The dreaded menials of the Ten are now Even at the gates. Cas. Look there ! Bas. My lord 1 Cas. Bear her to her chamber ! Basil, see to her, While I remain to speak these officers. [Exeunt Basil and Servants^ carrying off Marinella. Your errand, sirs ? {Enter officers.) First officer. We are the servants of the august Ten. Cas. 1 know 't— and know, too, there is death Within thy summons. Whom seek you here ) First officer. We are commanded to take The person of Lord Casimir, who stands charged With Treason 'gainst the State, and with the death Of Count CaraflTa. Cas. I am Lord Casimir : but give me leave To speak a word within, I'll go with you. . [Exitj l. Second officer. He may escape. First officer. He cannot for his life — there are others placed To guard the outward wall. Enters Casimir^ followed by Marinella^ Basil, Lorenzo, c^c. Mar. My lord ! my lord ! oh do not leave me thus ! I will do all that your wronged heart may wish — My duty and devotion shall be yours; Oh ! do not cast me off — my heart is breaking! Cas. It is a gleam of joy upon the grave ! It comes too late, but by its mellowing light I may die calmer ! Could love's poor victims only know of this, It miglit bring ease to many a bleeding heart ! Love unrequited feels not half its sting, When pity thus is poured into the w^ound. Oh ! I could almost live. Mar. Ah ! these men ! why are they here? Oh ! I remember now— oh ! heavens ! the Duke ! the Ten ! They shall not take thee hence : — no ! no ! They shall not ! I will die to save you ! Cas. Each moment now makes death more bitter — T had designed a nobler death than this, So thrust on me. Is there no way between 1 no middle course To save my neck from the vile headsman's axe, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 527 191 5 I^JL(oL,(o Hollinger Corp. pH 8.5