LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. V- DOMINIC YOU BYO N>OGDEN ^1 t(tin— Bear up, take heart. Before our journey's over, We'll make a sailor of you. Major — Zounds, feed me to the sharks! I'd rather Be ground to death in their maws, Than be tortured by this retching. Captain— '^o, we'll reserve you for the pirates. {A buzz is produced., all exclaim^ pirates'.) Ezilda — Merciful Heavens! does our course tend Where these Ocean robbers range! Captain — I am unlucky to chase your spirits away. But since I have so stumbled in discretion I'll frankly now avow, our only peril. Odette — Yes, it is just as I feared, I never should have dared to venture on the sea. I have insanely opposed all the cau- tions of superstitious friends; the warnings of dreams, and now am face-to-face with the very danger I have the most dreaded — the awful fate of falling into the hands of these savage corsairs. Oh! Oh! Oh! I shall never be atease a moment until I'm on the secure land which I shall never again leave. Ezilda — Why Odette, this is the climax of absurdity. Odette — Absurdity, inaeed! why I see the whole horrid catas- rophe vividly bef jre me. Our vessel run down, the merci- less men on board with great black beards and gleaming kniveSi Our defenders all butchered, and we poor creatures destroyed or carried off into shamHess captivity, Oh-Oh-Oh. {She faints and is carried of.) Madame — Was ever anything so ludicrous? Captain — I have grossly erred, to so alarm her. Madame — Not so. 'Tis silly weakness of the sex, T'will soon be over and she'll laugh the loudest At her own folly. Tell us of these pirates. Captain — Well first, warned by the recent scene, I'll say Our vessel's fleet and tho' a merchantman Is well equipped and manned, with resolute crew. But it is true. A fierce and daring band Infest this coast. Some twenty leagues due West These grim marauders of the Southern sea. Are sheltered in their savage sea-girt Isle. {Excitement). Madame — Stay, hear the Captain! There are then pirates ? Captain — There are. And many a rich and costly spoil Has served to swell their lordly opulence. Ezilda — :And is aught known of their dark history? 34 Captain — The tragic chapters of their lives are writ In rapine and in murder on the sea Their realm is ruled bj the rNuperior spirit Of two known far and wide by names of terror, Lafitte and Dominic You. Names that are thought To be but masks of their identity. Madame — And what race can furnish these dread scourges. Captain — By all accounts the lineage of the latter Is Spanish. And his high and courtly port Denotes a birth in noble rank Ezilda — Indeed ! Captaiti — Now rumor claims that he is noble born, And this same idle gossip e'en pretends That Dominic here waving bloody sceptre Is Count Amadi", who once, crossed in love, Mysteriously quit his Spanish Villa, And in his roll now lives incognito. (Ezilda skoTvs great ?ierx'0/tsnpss.) But strike up inusicians. Let your Strains dispell all heaviness, and make Way to mirth and gladness. Your hand, Fair madame for the quadrille. Entey guests and quadrille arranged. (Entet Officer.) Captain — Count Amadis who once crossed in love Myteriouslj quit his Spanish villa And in tliis role now lives incognito. 25 Captain — How goes it, officer above? Officer — The faint speck of a sail Has been discried, and soon we'll Signal the passing craft. ( The dance proceeds.^ (^Enfer officer a^ain.) Officer- Our ocean acquaintance looms Into proportions of a sightly brig. Captain — Prepare to hail, and when in Trumpet shot, inquire whence and Where she's bound. ( TAey dance. ) (^Entcr Boatstvaiji.') Boatsivain — Excuse me, sir, the glass has scanned upon the stranger ship, the black flag of the pirates. Captain — To deck at once! Major — Be calm, ladies; I'll look the matter up. {Exit.) Odette — Something surely is wrong. Oh, I'm just sure we've struck a rock! (^Ezilda skotvs si^ns of great agitation .') Madame — Why, shame upon my protege. Such weakness is unbecoming wife of valiant noble. 26 Ezilda— You do me wrong, my friend, in your surmise. Believe me, 'twas not peril of the sea, Or fear of pirates that unnerved my mood. My soul is startled by most horrid thoughts. A/(/da me— Give me thy confidence. Ez/7da—The story of these grim and ruthless corsairs seemed to confirm the rumor extant in Spain, that Count Amadis had leagued with these pirates. A/adame— Fray, why should this so discompose your mind? Ezi/da— Hear me, and then you'll surely comprehend. How with suggestions blacker than of death A terrible imagining seized my fancy. This Count Amndis was rejected suitor 'Jo my hand. Youth, rank and wealth, accomplishment Of mind and person made him proud and vain. Madame — Ah! now, indeed, we're promised a romance. Ezilda — To his wild ardor and impetuous wooing My flattered heart was not averse. But circumstance, A better judgment and my guardian's will, Induced me to deny his importunate suit. And yield myself where I am loyally wed. And constant heaven bears witness that my heart Was chastely and sincerely then bestowed. 27 With bitter tears I've testified remorse That ever in the lighter veins of girlhood Mj smile did ever the young Count mislead. Madame — And shall it now find tragic sequel here? Ezilda—hh, 'twas the thought of such dread consequence That has so stirred me from tranquility. Madame — What further of this wild and brain-sick loverr Ezilda — 'Tis said that when he heard my marriage Was solemnized, his gay mercurial manner Changed to a sombre mood. His former spirit Darkened to morose and gloomy temperament, Till finally withdrawing from the world. Lost to his friends, in mystery he shut His life. Madame — But could no clew be found to trace him out.'' Ezilda — 'Twas vaguely rumored, that in his despair He had embarked in some wild expedition. Madame — Why, this is strange, indeed. Ezilda — Oh, my dear friend, you can but faintly dream What an appalling horror smote my ear When Amadis' name was mentioned. Imagination Flashed out his figure in the pirate's garb. Revenge and lust burning with rival fires. In his fierce glance beholding me his spoil. Spurning my marriage vows, his lawless will Enforcing me a captive to his Isle. Oh, what would terrible reality be, If fancy may project it in such colors. (From above t/iey hear the loud-riugi)ig- order to sfeer about.) Major — Why, this betokens danger! (Re-enter Captain .) An—0\\, Captain! Captain! Captain — Compose yourselves, my friends, and let each man Now nerve himself to show heroic mettle. Madame — Oh, what can this strange language now portend? Major — It means that pirates pursue. - ( Con stent at ion . ) Captain — Silence. Our glass discovers the pirate's emblem on the ship we hailed. The Sea Gull's put about, and now the race will be for port. Ye men look to these ladies. Till we've anchored out of reach of danger I must be hence: but if befall disaster, your Captain shall dispute with sword each inch the threatening foe invades. (Exit Captain.) (Stampede and xi'itd excitement.) (The first stiot is heard.) Dinuiiii, — Desist, vou do-'.' I claim h er as mj spoil I Madame — Oh, we are lost! Ezilda — Death or infamy's our lot. (^Renezved cannonade) Major — Thej are grappling with us and the clash of arms re- sounds above. (Re-enter Captain') Captain — Here I make the last and desperate rally. If blows should ever deal out death, They should be those hit in the line of duty. Oh, might this arm be lined with brawn of steel, That it might ward this danger from you all. (^Pirates rusk in and dreadful en- counter ensues. One of them is in the act of killing Ezilda., -when Dominic leaps bettveen them and strikes the -weapon from her as- sailants hand.') Dominic — Desist, you dog, I claim her as my spoil. Let her be borne in safety to her berth. And if she's injured but with glance of insult Your carcass shall be chopped to feed the sharks. {Curtain falls.) 30 A CT II. ON BOARD SEA-GULL— Now ix Possession of the Pirates. Midshipman — Well, boj&, it was a bloody business, but a glori- ous prize. Beppo — Our little bark's a dandy on the sta. Why she slid across the waves as if her keel were oiled. Midshipman — And you nervy fellows outdid yourselves? Beppo — But I say, Quedrado, the old American chap — the Cap- tain — was a game sea-dog, Eh! Quedrado — Yes. This lonely ear mourning its absent fellow clipped at one sword smack will avouch it. Beppo — And there was another fearless son of Mars, rigged in his showy regimentals, with star of Major's rank gleaming in epaulet. ^nedtado — But all his valor could not withstand the thorny hedge of steel that circled him. Beppo — Yes, he fell before the crouching, fainting woman he did defend like a battered tower that grandly bears the storm of battle. 31 ^uedrado — And was ever there such death as of the shrinking girl he did defend? I was on the flank of your attack, and moved toward her with my thirsty blade. Her streaming raven hair fell in a flood ot jet over her alabaster bosom, heaving with billowy whiteness. She was dumb. But terror that swept her face with ghostly hand did not beggar the Wc-ahh of her carnaticm lips. Her eyes unclosed a moment and their beseeching look seemed to drain the whole of pathos from her being. But when I clasped her flying locks and twisted them to black coil in my hand, she quivered as if her frame were aspen. And as I raised my blade to strike, wonderful — wonderful, with one exhausting sigh she breathed out her life, and fell limp and dead from my re- laxing hand. Beppo — And the business would have been despatched the quicker had not Dominic so strangely interposed to save his captive. Midshipman — Strange action, that. Beppo — I've followed him in many a perilous conflict. Have watched him Oft amid the scene of carnage, Unmoved by massacre, would move a stone. His stern mien never altered by a shade 32 But seemed to gaze on butchery with relish. The prayer clasped hand of infant moved him not, Nor frenzied wail of women delayed the slaughter. Even girlish beauty that would soften anchorite Beamed powerless on him as Winter sun, On frozen summit of the icy Alps. One moment more and th's keen edge had fallen. And this Spanish witch had forever closed Those eyes that so affect our Admiral. My scimitar was flashed; when like a bolt His ringing blazing blade was thrust between. And never did the thunder of his voice Peal out as then it did in ordering me To sheathe my hungry weapon. Midshipman — Maybe she flashed a subtle glance of love. But impossible. I know somewhat of Dominic's past life. He's bucklered with disdain. Beppo — Yet why this partial reprieve to the beautiful captive.'' He should declare his purpose. Surely he would not dream of releasing her. Midshipman — We'll hear his reasons. But our stern service would not permit her release. Here comes our admiral, we'll hear his reasons I {Enter Domifiic), 33 ^ledrado — We salute our admiral ! Dominic — Good day, and congratulations to my valiant lads. I hope the crew are satisfied with the division. Midshipman^BQ sure of that. They even think your generous hand has not reserved the proper share for yourself. Dominic — No more of that. Their despatch and valor are not enough rewarded. And willingly I'd yield more of my portion to keep contented spirits in their breasts. Beppo — I speak for them, and say the> would not see your spoil diminished a whit. But loyalty, sir, impels me to touch upon a delicate matter. Dominic — Why, speak it out, faithful Beppo ! Let mutual confidence prevail and we flourish in our enter- prise. I hate this muttering plotting discontent that will not out, but broods and broods, till hatching ruin to us all. Beppo — 'Tis this. The crew marvel that you still entertain the Spanish captive. I tread a delicate ground, but you em- bolden me to proceed. They reason that the laws and prac- tice of the trade we ply forbids the course you are pursu- ing. Dominic — Oh I see, I see. Proceed and let me know all. 34 Beppo — Their very lives at stake, they refuse to take a risk and wonder much what motive moves you to depart from the sacred rules of our desperate and dangerous confederation. Dominic — Why, these distrustful lads shall be quieted! I thank you that you've broache.1 the subject for it shall be cleared. Say to them, in this captive I hope to have found the clew that shall lead us to a noble enterprise. Yes, that shall un- lock to us a vault of riches. Beppo — I felt some motive looking to our interests impelled you. Doimiiic — I recognize in our captive the wife of the Spanish Legate, and from ner lips bribed with life to speak, or terrified to the disclosure, I'll learn in what vessel convey- ed a heavy shipment of coin will shortly be made. This se- cret probed — we have a mint of treasure in our pros- pect. J^uedrado — Why this is a master stroke of discretion! Beppo — It will silence clamor, or rather change it to wild ac- claim. ..J hi, h Dominic — Why, these distressful lads shall be quieted. 35 Dommic — Surely, Beppo, the lads do not doubt me. But now, my friends, withdraw and leave me to the interview which will bring these ma'ters to light Go, Beppo, and convey the lady hither and I enjoin you conduct her with all re- spect. {^Exit Beppo.') Dominic — This breast that oft has borne the brunt of conflict And temperate swelled when crashing timbers shook. Now flinches like a nervous awkward boy. My soul stirred by some high and lofty impulse Seems swelling to a grand emergency. B y the strange accident I have encountered I feel as raised upon a theatre, Vast as the circumfluent sea we ride, And that my action with the graphic pens Immortals write with shall be traced eternal. All the frozen currents of my youth, Checked and shut into sluggish stagnant pool, Have burst restraint, and leaping in their rush Suffuse my being with their wonted floods. One grateful smile that beamed upon my heart Has disenchanted it. The hideous monsters 36 O'ermastering it for years have skulking vanished And all the tender, nobler trai's of manhood Assume their lost empire in my nature. Oh welcome! welcome! sweet return of life! The mortal numbness touched with vital power Is quickened again to sensibility. And soft transmuting Love holds his dominion. But how avoid the Scylla and Charybdis, Thro' which to steer a passage? If she yield, How quell a mutinous crew and make escape? If she deny, how rescue her dear life. That now is forfeit to the Pirate's law. In either event a stern and furious crew In mutiny risen, must be overcome — But Love is henceforth Captain of my Soul — She should be here even now. {Retires.^ {Enter Ezilds..) Beppo — Our Admiral will soon be here. Be seated! {Exit,) Ezilda — Oh, what perversion 'tis of Nature's order When gentle courtesy can more alarm, 37 Tlian voice of entei ce that decrees to death. When in the act of clemency a shame Seems to abide like serpent wreathed in flowers. Oh, our weak sex have not to dread the strength And fury of the pitiless brutal hand! Our danger is when sin with soothing speech As shining Lucifer wins his approach Oh, gratitudel Gem in the crown of Virtues! Yet beware my heart, lest subtle powerof Evil Take this adorning attribute of soul To snare you by. My soul seems drifting on uncertain floods. Whither T know not But let Charon rather Grim pilot of the dark Lethean stream Steer me beyond, than guilt besmirch my honor. {Re-enter Dominic.') Dominic — Dear lady, can you not discard your mourning And now unmask your loveliness to smiles. Ezilda — Oh sir! these shadows will not be dispelled 'Twere kindness to have left me to my fate. Dominic — My lovely captive has her captor captive. Think ne'er again upon the terror past. 38 See in my visage never more the aspect Fiercely cruel in the trade of war But only know it as it bends in love To nourish on thy condescending glance. Ezilda — Oh could you, who as Savior lately spared My worthless life, assault my precious honor? You have protested in the innocent past That you did honorably love. Dominic— 'Tis true But I do passionately love also. I love to madness. I restrained my passion Which couched with tiger-strength within my heart. The surging current of its wild despair, Was loosed upon the world. This accident Reverses to its former wonted channels. The impetuous ardor of my heart. Ezilda — Oh spare, My weakness lost unless your honor defend. Domifiic — Believe, Ezilda, not a Lok of rudeness Shall e'er with insult threaten. Safe as in bower Where once I warmly sighed my tender vows, Courtly respect shall only seek approach. 39 No rash unmanly force constrains thy liberty. But fate seems by this stroke of chance to cast A spoil within my reach to be enjo\ed. Ezilda — Oh wretched fate that dooms me to despair, Dominic — Nay! not to despair, but rather to devotion Those lips once uttered softly in my ear, Vows of eternal love. Ezilda — But I recanted. And at the altar vowed to love another. That sacred pledge is dear to me as life And must prevail as long. Dominic — That life is forfeited. If you survive, it is by sufferance. The world that hears of this calamity Befallen your vessel counts you with the dead. You are revived to bless me with your love. Ezilda — Impossible. Dominic — Born like another Venus With radiant beauty from the ocean foam Identity is lost; and as my bride You'll follow me to some secluded shore Where love shall weave a new existence for us. 40 I will forswear this brutal life and cancel Its shame with high and virtuous endeavor. Ezilda—Oh. reform your life! but never seek to swerve Mj heart from pure allegiance. How can Sin In atmosphere of such etliereal sweetness Stain hoi J thoughts? A light and filmy skj Scarce veils your actions to the holy angels, And glassing waves are with their mirrors ready To show your deeds to Heaven. The very air Un«oiled by earth should nourish a chaste soul. Dominic — Call it not sin to love as I love you. Ezilda — But my faith pledged in marriage, it is sin To tempt my loyalty. Oh, be yourself A^; once your true chivalric nature shone With all the graces of a Knightly Noble. Dominic — I cannot be myself without your love; Either with sanctifying spell it reigns, Or Demon usurps. By the dread logic of the situation, You must be mine or Death's. I could not -stay The stjrn decree that gives you to ti»e waves, Unless I hold you on our Island fortress. 41 Ezilda — Oh kind Heaven! And must I find from chill devouring wave Escape but in dishonor. Dominic — This relation Unsanctioned by the law will yet be holy As e'er was legal knot at marriage altar. Oh, yield to the alternative of Life and Love. Ezilda — Misname not life, the death I should endure Tortured before the judgment by remorse. Stranded in ruin on a lonely isle. Dominic — Not so. — Guarded, o'erwatched and loved by me. Ezilda —My marriage vows still like accusing demons Hissing reproaches in my shrinking ear. About my restless couch to see in dreams The avenging form of husband hovering; And wake each morn to shame. To pass the day Haunted with memory of my lost Estate And wandering o'er your isle, — a pirate's mistress. Terrified at sight of bloody men, Drowning remorses in blasphemous carousal. Oh, welcome rather the tempestuous bed The ocean would afford. 42 Dominic — But hear, Ezilda! I swear bv the returned honor that sways, With its ascendant sceptre in my nature. That princely castle will not guard a Queen More tenderly and lovingly detained, Than my domain shall loyally receive you. Ezilda — And could you, sir, consign me to this shame? Dominic — Here I swear 'ere bids th; hastening Spring I will renounce forever this rude life. And bear you to a tropic island home, Sequestered on the line of Cuba's shore. And there lost to the past ideal life As in translated being, shall charm away All dark ?nd bitter memories. Ezilda Yet even splendor would but gild a crime. Dominic — My wealth Will rear amid some fragrant orange grove A shelter where the kissing waves shall lull With constant music of the Gulf. Ezilda— Wi, no! Even lightest Zephyr there would startle conscience. 43 Dominic — Our Youth Cropped of the bitter growth shall flower again, And fruit with perfect Joy. The savage manners Which now disgrace me in the pirate's role Shall be discarded and your constant lover Will ever like a Knight attend with courtesy. Oh, yield thy heart, and close not the fair portal That opens on such Paradise of love. Ezilda — Oh! you but wrong me more with subtle speech That tempts me to disgrace. Yet could a Power Wield witchery that could my mind seduce You were that strong Magician. But Virtue Seems graciouslj to sentinel my heart. And tho' temptation used arch-angel voice It would as fearful note pierce with alarm. Oh blessed, high sustaining angel powers Keep firm my constant heart. Dominic — Enough! Enough! The tender melting skies have heard thy prayer. And my seducing spirit's rebuked. Sovereignty Shines on thy heaven-crowned brow a coronet. This realm you rule. That frail and lily hand Commands the helm that steers this craft of war. 44 Back to Port in safety it shall bear you. And let the awful ledger of mj life, Show to Eternity one shining page. You have invoked upon this crime-stained deck, The holy presence of the potent sky. And the lofty prompting shall be followed, Tho' the racked ship shall roar with mutiny. Ezilda — All thy noble manhood now rings out And echoes with applause of Heaven. But your crew? Dominic — Why let the dogs rebel. Who seeks to stay my arm now stretched to save Opposes the commission of the sky. Ezilda — Should they withstand you.? Dominic — This flaming scimitar shall carve a passage To place you safe ashore, tho' hell oppose. Ezilda — Oh, pure and saintly eyes that now behold You'll not misjudge the motive when I yoke With chaste embrace this instrument of mercj. {She embraces Dominic, -who draiving aivay, holds her hands atid tenderly gazes into her eyes.) Dominic — Oh, agencies of good, redouble now 45 Thy vigilant watch lest I repent. These arms Seem circling me to aromatic bath From which the softened spirit will not withdraw This jettj tress nets me in silky mesh. The violet light of tear suffused eye Bathes with a flood of Ecstasy, The effeminate spirit, and those melting lips Run nectar. (^Embracing her again.) Ezilda — Oh forbear! Yet how deny thee aught. Dominic — Once more! again! and now a last adieu To paradise of Love this side of Heaven. Again my soul is steadied to her purpose And as the ancients quaffed to Liberty 'Ere they assayed the fortune of the conflict, I've drunk in nectar of thy lips a draught That's pledged to life and honor. Now to rest. And may thy pillow know its peaceful slumber. Ezilda — Yet 'ere I woo the drowsy balm of sleep. These knees shall bend in thankful prayer to Heaven. Nor shall importunate petition cease, 'Till richest blessing on thy spirit falls. 46 Dominic — Adieu, Adieu! the clinging memorv O'erpowers with subtle breathing of the bliss. {Ske retires and he foilozvs her. as she leaves ~:ifh eager yearjiin^ look^ (Cvirtain falls.) 47 ACT III. Part of Ship. ( Midshipman ., Beppo and others.) Midshipman — Well Beppo. what think jou of this new freak? Beppo — I think our admiral is either lecherous or mad. Midshipman — Probably both. Beppo — The truth is the Spanish witch has a most ravishing beauty . Salvadore — She seems to have wrought Dominic's visage to a new countenance. Beppo — But why do we still cruise in these parts? We should 'ere this be disembarked and revelling on the island. Salz'udore — My arithmetic sums things thus — The strangely, winning beauty of the wench has melted the iron in the make of Dominic. Unable to coax the flirt to be his mis- tress, he weakly plans how he may preserve her. Midshipman — Bold scheme that. Sure he does not think we would turn loose this tell tale woman. Beppo — Yet his strange manouvres warrant the suspicion. Midshipman — I notice as index to such treacherous design that a deep unwonted abstraction has seized the Admiral — and the fair captive seems to recover her spirit. 48 Bcppo — Why hovering here, we may each mcment expect to hi^ve order of a new tack that shall head us direct to the mouth of the river. Midsliipmaii — Should such command be given we'll mutter and probe the matter. {E?iier Boatswain) ^^«/5Tt'«/V/— The Admiral directs you head the ship for the South Pass, Midslnpma7i — The hell you say! And does he expect us to obey if he demand we ram her nose on rock? Beppo — Next, he vvill order us to anchor under the guns of the Fort. Midskipinan — Yes — or lash to some innocent man-of-war loaf- ing about the Pass. Beppo — Well, my voice is now for investigation. Midshipman — What, do we drift to mutiny? Bippo — Mutiny, indeed! Are we to blindly rush on to ruin? Salvadore — By no means. I don't propose to give my carcass to the sea gulls. We've got no business in these danger- ous waters. We are hunting sea birds, but not the armored hawks of the Passes. 49 iicpfo — Well, I'm a common pirate, but I can tollow out a sequence an inch or two. Now my method takes me to this conclusion. Dominic has fallen under the spell of the Spanish witch and inlends to land lier. Salvudorc — Zoundsl We'll not submit. We would ^11 be run down and scalped in a month. M yvoice is for inves'igation. Bcppo — 'Ihen head our committee as spokesman, and search the matter out. Are we agreed? \'oiccs: We are! We are! (^AU go out but Bcppo iuid Salvadorc.) Bcppo — Now Sal\ adore — you're clothed with high commission Discharge it shrewdly. Let not awe of rank Abash you in arraignment of the Admiral. ■Sct/vddore — I'll be direct and blunt, nor let him palter. Beppo —I do note of late much of airishness That not consists with the equality ' That's bond of our union. Such temper grows And saucy arrogance disdains its fruit. It should be looked to, 'ere it crops too boldly. Salvadore — Yes, such a vice in his virtue should be weeded For his high qualities we cannot question. Bcppo — Yet is he such a paragon that insolence must be sup- ported.^ 50 Sulvadore — Never! Rebellion rather. Beppo — Whj we've the metal aboard rings clear as his And would shine as bright Command in jou or me Would as becominsjly adorn. This hint, Wise Salvadore, then ponder as you note Our supercilious chief bear your reproof. (^Exeunt. ) SCENE SECOND— On Deck. (^Dominic and JSoatstvuin.) Dominic — Boatswain, what means this lagging obedience? Delivered you my command? Boatszvain — I did, sir. Dominic — The tack's unchanged. Now go again And see that it's obeyed. i^Exit Boats-cvain.) I do remember on the Caminada There dwells a fisherman. His door with welcome Opens alike to every weary guest. He is a quaint and ancient hermit — Not such as stung by pain or driven by passion In gloomy silence mope as misanthropes. But as philosopher he's built his nest Dominic — I do reineinher on the Caminada Taere dwells a fisherman. Mis door with welcome Of ens alike to es^ery wearj guest. SI In vast and glorious ocean solitude; And in content he's richer on his Isle, Housed in his rude and shell-roofed tenement, Than we in pompous state at Barataria Shining with >poil imperial throne would envy. I will commit to him my trembling charge And gold will buy him to transport her thence Back to her friends. But growing signs Expressed in clouding brows betoken evil. I fear some timid minds see in this measure A peril to their safety. A sullen spirit May stir them to resist. But, by high Heaven, Embarked in thhs good project I'll not falter! ( Enter Boatsxvain . ) BoatsxvaUi — Sir! I have again conveyed your order But they reply— the matter will be answered. Dominic — Knave! I will not so be answered. Go again And tell the pilot under pain of irons To change the tack as I direct. Villains! And do they hold me but a shallow weakling, To be resisted in authority? (Enter- Sailors.) Sah'odore — We come in all due reverence to ask, — 5 2 Doniiuic — What captiousness is this? 'i'hat sei^ks to challenge and o'er rule ni}- orders. Sdlx'adore — Your crew is loyal, sir, but your last order gives them much concernment. They fear lest some caprice has seized 3'our judgment, that you could hurry us to certain ruin. Dominic — I am the judge, sir, of the course we steer. Salz'adorc — They would know why still j'ou linger here y\nd now would even head to hostile shore. Dominic — Aboard this vessel, but one spirit rules And that sways in this breast. My purposes You dare not question. But to boldly meet This saucy threatening with a free disclosure — Know that I am resolved to disembark Our Spanish captive at the Caminada. Mids^hipmaii — Good sir, this is what the men were fearing. Sah'adore — And that is what the men will not permit. Dominic — And dare you, sir, to hold svich rash discourse? Salvadore — Aye and maintain it, sir, Am I not right? Sailors — You are. You are. Dominic — Why this is mutiny. You wretch, to irons! Seize, j>3oatsvvain, this bold caitiff bastard rebel 53 And iron him below. What ? Do you pause! Here's that shall move you. (draws), Salvadore — Hold Dominic! The temper of your men will not endure it. Dominic — What! braved by my own crew! Sheathe straight your sword Or mine shall fly to instant execution. Salvadore — This braggart spirit not alarms a crew Who know the laws and customs of our realm And shall maintain them. Dominic — Once more I order you hence to your posts. Salvadore — We'll not budge hence — 'till we are satisfied. Your captive must be held upon the Isle, Or perish in the sea. You shall not land her To loose upon our wake pursuing foes. Dominic — You sulky sea-dog, leader in this treason Let this rebuke your insolence, — and this (^Strikes him — duel ensues aftd a conflict i?t wliick a 7inmber go against Domiiiic They press him on all sides.) Dominic — What! are ye traitors all? Miscreant gang! Try one by one my mettle and I'll feed 54 The hungry sharks with vanquished traitors, Salvadore — Ah! that will crop his pride. Dotninic — T'will crop my life, But, my unconquered spirit spurns you still. Oh ye fice that have o'er powered with number! (^Entcr EzUdd) Ezilda — Alas! Alas ! lost yourself in saving me! Dominic — Oh, take not the reproach upon thyself. I' d pay to death my life a thousand times. My chief regret is in the awful thought Of the disaster that may fall on thee. Ezilda — Think not of me. Soon on the silent journey I'll join you, and will plead before high Heaven The merit of your act, till angels weep. Dominic — Bend now! Let the last sound breathed in my ear Be thy soft benison. Let thy pure kiss Warm with their final heat/my pallid lips And let the last sweet ray of earthly light Beam on my dying vision from thine eyes. And I will die in peace. Ezilda — The sequel now must follow to your crime. And here's the victim ready for the altar. I beg one mercy only at your hands (^The crezv murmur,') 55 Bt'ppo — This bloody business has befallen thro' vou. And vainly you will sue for clemency. Salvadore — She has bewitched the ship and she must die. To delay will only add calamity. Ezilda — Stay! I do not ask for life. Merciful Heaven T'would be but living death to pass one day Within this stained and blood-polluted cabin. I only crave, a poor defenseless woman That no rude hand butcher my weak frame And that you give me leave to end my life By plunging in the dark and silent sea Which offers me a grave. .4//— We will! We will! Beppo- Why this as men we willingly accord. Ezilda — Kindly prepare the hatchway then for exit. {The hatchivay is opened ■which shoti's the blue Gulf and the setting sun . Ezilda — First as last office of my gratitude Let me with tenderness pall this brave man. {She places her cloak upon Dominic and then advances to the hatchivay, °^^ and turns to the crew. 56 Adieu, ye poor unhappy wrecks of men. Your crimes do but release us to our home They load you down with weight. How dies the sun Making at death his most glorious pageant! And shall immortals with illumined vision Expanding to felicities beyqnd Not give to earth reflection of the glory. How blue and soft my ocean couch is spread. An angel hand will dig in crystal wave A shining hollow for my burial. And tender vesper breeze will sigh in hymn A funeral requiem for my soul. Just one bright light is kindled in the gloaming And like the mystic star of Bethlehem Shall guide me to my King. Adieu to earth. [curtain falls.] ^^^^^'^^r^'^^ Ezilda — Adieu ye poor unhappy wrecks of men.