P R 4853 Vk 3. h^^^VSUli^(^^^^^ Glass ^Ff485^ Book ■} — O'Donoghue enters cautiously and reconnoiters arourid. (y/^onoghue. \_Looks at the Bay, counts the Banish ships, and takes notes on a scroll.'] Beautiful Bay ! How long shall these ac- cursed ships ride so smoothly in it ! \_Perceiving the sentinels.'] Val- orous sentinels ! They are sleepino; soundly. [^Laughs — Sentinels awake and come down — O'Donoghue hides first, then, ivhen the sen- tinels point to him their spears, he slays them, one after the other — Elgitha, veiled, appears with Foltimar.] A lady ! Elgitha. Forbear, valiant chief! O^Don. Who are you ? Elg. Friends, to you. \^To Voltimar.] Please, retire yonder. Vol. lBeti7'ing.] Strange beings, these women ! [Shakes his head.] Elg. [Throws off veil.] Enow you not me ? O'Don. The Queen, perchance ? Tormag's wife ? Elg. Say slave ; such are women wedded to tyrants. O'Don. But all this concerns me not. Elg. Yet, you once concerned yourself much about me. At Tara's battle you saved my life, and tended me for days in your tent. O'Don. I have done the same in behalf t)f many. Elg. [Aside.] How indifierent ! [To O'Don ^] But if you for- got me,, 1 forgot you not. O'Don. 'Tis gratitude ; proper of such noble souls as I suppose yours is. Elg. 'Tis more. 'Tis admiration — 'tis devotion — 'tis — [She covers her face with both hands, weeps and throws herself to O'Donoghue' s feet, tohich she clasps.] O'Don. [Aside.] Oh! Erina! [To Elgitha.] Excuse, I must be off to my duty. [Tears himself from her. £.vit.] Elg. Duty ! [ With rage — arises.] Oh, despair ! [Drum and bugle is heard at a distance.] Vol. [Bushes in.] Princess ; 'tis unsafe for us to remain around here longer. You waste your time with that man. [Drum and bugle again.] Quick, quick to your tent, lady. [Exit Elgitha.] How unmanageable these women, when in love ! [Shakes his head.] And yet, gray as I am, I always get into some trouble for their sakes. [Exit.] SCEN"E 11.— Hall in Brian's Castle. (yDon. (entering with McCarthy.) Can we have an audience from the king so early ? * McCarthy. — Hark! The Roval Trumpet! Our King is coming. (Bugle.) Brian — (enters.) Welcome, my friends. God bless you and my peo- ple and guard this envied land from the invader's iron yoke and crown our resistance with decisive conquest, or grant us glory in a patriot's grave. Now , my young warrior ! How fares it, O'Donoghue ? (yDon. May every morn, for countless years to come, smile on my Sovereign like this cheering hour. Brian. We miss'd thee yester 'eve. O'Don. My liege — under the friendly shadows of the night, dis- guised, I reconnoitered the enemy's camp. Thus I learned the number of the foe, their manner of combat, and each leader's force. This day Tormag means to stake his all, and offer battle to victori- ous Brian. This scroll, my liege, contains a hasty sketch of our insatiable enemy's designs. Brian. Adventurous, gallant youth, thy matchless sire, the un- daunted lion of our sea-girt land, revives in thee. Thou shalt receive the merited reward. Thine installation as Prince shall follow straight, and thou shalt gain the glorious meed which noble souls pursue — the laurel and the shamrock shall entwine to grace the patriot soldier's lofty brow. McCarthy. My liege, the'Princess. Enter Erina luitJi several ladies. Bri. Oh ! my dearest daughter ! child of my hopes, come to my arms. Alas! this field of dangerous strife, these throngs of hardy soldiery, this clang of trumpets but little suit thy tender soul. Erina, dost thou not fear, my child, the coming conflict ? E7i. Fear! my dread liege, the daughter of great Brian know the touch of fear ! Oh ! no, my father: could my prayers prevail, and woman's modesty forbade it not, I'd doff my sex's softness, spurn my distaff, and in the hour of battle grasp a sword, to save your sacred life or lose my own. Bri. There' spoke the soul of Brian. By all the glories of my ancient race, I prize tbee, my Erina, yes I prize thee beyond victory, or bright renown! Chieftains, forgive an old fond father's prattle. I had forgot, Erina ; thank this youth, the son of my dearest compeer, whose memory shall live till time's no more; though young in arms, he has already done me a veteran's service. Thank him for thy. father. CDon. My gracious liege, your goodness overrates the trifling peril of my last night's duty. Bri. Trifling peril, says't thou, my young hero ! I^ow, by our hopes, the deed was greatly bold. Would'st think it, Erina, our short truce (confirmed by sacred and mutual oaths) this day the base invaders of our shores would foully violate ; but by thy valor he comes Twe trust) to meet disgrace and ruin. Eri. I know^not how to thank you, noble Prince, or to appreciate justly, your noble desert. To native loyalty this scarf I consecrate — \m still my dearest father's chosen champion ; and where he hurls his vengeance on the foe, there let the scarf be seen. O'Don. Beauteous Erina, how shall I speak — so greatly over- paid ! This precious gift I prize beyond my life. Brian. Well ! Proceed we now to supplicate the God of battles to protect our arms, then to install you solemnly as Knight and Prince, O'Donoghue. (Exit.) O'Don. (bowiug. ) In beauty's presence, war its aspect changes ; her voice's charm silences its clanging horn, and sooths its strong breast to peace. Ei'i. This is a courtier's, not a warrior's phrase ; man is ever him- self. O'Don. So ever is the lion ; yet they say that love can tame the lion's rage, and beauty is the queen of love. Eri. Then owns she but adoubtful sway; for, oft her subject takes the rule himself, and makes his queen his slave. O'Don. Speak not thus, Princess. (Exeunt.) SCEN"E III. Ruins — Toml) of St. Patrick amidst ruins — Soldiers on ivatch — Vlislan and two others with torches come out cautiously — Tormag was pacing to and fro in anxious expectaiion — Voltimar stands hy. tor. Well, Ulislan, what hast thou discovered? Ulis. My lord, a long vault, under these ruins, winds up and leads through this entrance to yon shrine. Tor. 'Tis well. Thank thee, Ulislan, Xow, my soldiers, hear: this shrine is the place where, as I learned, fair Erina, each morn, unguarded, unattended, offers up devotion to her saint. Thrice has your chief demanded her of Brian for his bride, and thrice has he indignantly refused.* Would you believe me, when last I urged my suit (the lasting ground of amity and peace) the haughty Brian swore that, ere his blood should mingle with a Dane's, with his own hand (in case of defeat,) he'd slay his child. To-day we meditate a fatal blow. By it, Erin and Erina shall be mine. Vol. Royal Tormag ! Tor. How now, Yoltimar? Vol. Have I your leave to speak ? Tor. What would'st thou speak? Vol. A soldier's thought. Tor. I^^ay, by that sullen look, I see thou art displeased; at what? Vol At this thou art about to do. Tor. How, Yoltimar? Vol. I thought there would be danger in thy service, and so I came. But such a feat as this; to scare a helpless woman at her prayers ! I pray you. for the honor of our name, let us put off these vests, and lay by our hack'd arms — such an exploit may suit indeed a silken reveller, but, not a man in steel. Tor. Dare you dispute when I command ? Vol. I am a soldier, sir, and as a soldier I bluntly speak. Tor. Be not too rash ! Vol. 'Tis my failing, sir; I cannot help it. Many a rude knoek and hardy scratch it gets me. Yet you know I do not lag behind the light. Tor. No more, I will not brook this freedom ; suit your own humor. Go, Ulislan, upon the hill's summit ; take your stand and give me note if you observe the foe to move. Now, let two remain and watch the entrance to guard against surpnse, the rest attend me. ToRMAG and the soldiers hide in the ruins. Ulis. Well, Voltimar, will you remain with uS? Vol. Yes ; but not for this new kind of duty. Make war with women! (laughs with scorn.) (^Exeunt.) SCENE lY. Brian's palace — Hall of the throne. Brian, (enters, leading caressingly, Erina) Now, how is this, Erina, my dear child, do yow mistrust the issue of the contest ? Eri. No, father, no, siich a king and such a people, with justice on their side, are but a body of giant magnitude^immortal and in- vincible. Bri. Heroic gn-1, and yet I see your spirits droop ; tell me, Erina, I mark'd you when a noble youth received a favor Irom your hand to-day. Well, do not blush because your heart applauds desert; ycmr lather can award it too : let us but drive these frowns of war away, and peace and love shall dwell in all their smiles. {Enter McCarthy.) McCarthy. My Liege, all is ready. Bri. Well, lead in O'Donoghue, and let the rest follow. \_They group and talk together.'] Eri. [aside.'] Ah, said he "love !" Yes, he has given a name to all those fears which swell my breast. How subtle, and how resist- less is the force of this sentiment, which subdues you ere you I'eel its power ! [Exit McCarthy. Brian comes dacJc to Erina and leads her to the thrones, ichere both sit. Bugles sound. Music. Enter again Mc- Carthy, leading O'Donoghue to Brian's left. Pages come carrying sword, badge of the Bed Cross, and a crown of laurel and shamrock. Ladies follow, who go to the right of Erina. Officers, soldiers and Bards come and take positions around. Music] Bri. [rises with Erina.] Brave O'Donoghue, thy prowess is well known, not only to us, but to all Ireland. She now expects from thee new feats of glory. Thou art to be my right hand in our im- minent struggle with her pagan invaders. In this exploit, and henceforth, thou shalt wear, and valiantly use, this sword, with which I knight thee. [Gives sword.] And this Red Cross shall be thy badge of honor. [Gives badge.] And thy name from hence shall be ''The Prince of the Lakes." Soldiers [shout.] Long live Knight O'Donoghue, Prince of the Lakes ! Bri. In recognition of past valiant deeds, as well as in anticipa- tion of future ones, this crown of laurel, entwined with the sacred shamrock, shall now be placed on thy noble temples. My royal daughter has already consecrated thee her father's champion by the gift of that sacred scarf; she will now lav on thee this crown, fore- runner of another greater reward \_he winks at Erina, ivho smiles^ which we reserve for thee after the victory. Erma. crown the Prince ! [ While she does so, 0' Doiwghue steals a hiss on her hand.'] O'Don. [brandishing the sicord.] May now God grant me to make of this precious weapon the glorious use which you and Ire- land expect from me. For my part I'll sooner die than ever, in any of my deeds, be beneath the honor you have conferred on me, Bri. Sit near me. Prince. And you. Erina, charm us with one of your choice songs. [They sit doum. Erina sings ; then chorus of follower i' and the Bard^.] Eri. [after the song.] Royal father, with your permission, I'll now to the tomb of our great JPatron Saint for my usual devotions. [Brian assents. Erina and her ladies exeunt.'] Bri. [rises.] I^ow, my braves, this is the order of battle. To Prince O'Donoghue, the right; the left to McCarthy Moore; the centre to myself. Hence, then ! to our several chiefs our orders show, and bid them prepare their troops. The hour is come when Erin's foes must fall ! [Exeunt — Brian the last. Band plays. Voltimar, disguised, ap- proaches McCarthy. ] McCar. Who art thou? Vol. A foe ; yet a friend ! Read this scroll, [apart.] Ah! I may still save her! Poor maiden ! [Exit, quick.] SCENE Y. — The Ruins and Tonib as before. Two soldiers, then Tor- mag spying — When Erina is coming, they hide. Eri. The post of danger is my lover's post — my lover's ; nay, why should my heart delude itself— 'tis his, it owns him for his lord. Oh*^! that I could transform myself, then ^ould I take some warrior's shape, and to the battle go, where truer than his buckler, I would guard my lover's breast, would die to take him from the chance of death. [She goes to the tomb, kneels and prays. Tormag sloicly glides near Iter and takes her by the arm.] Eri. [shrieks.] For mercy, hold ! lam great Brian's daughter. Mercy ! Tor. Lovely maiden, thbu'rt decreed by fate itself to be Tormag's bride. Thine own saints confess thy destiny, when in their very shrine where you called and prayed for rescue, silent and unmoved they see a Pagan to his burning breast a royal virgin strain. [ Clasps, her. ] Eri. Patron Saint, do you desert me now ! "Where is thy sword, my father? [She disentangles herself from his embrace.] Tor. Lady, no more — come, lady, come. [Soldiers appear.] 8 Eri. Soldiers, to you I cry — will you serve a coward chief like this, who wrongs a woman, whom the heavens made weak because they thought not savage force itself could harm her ! Tor. Lady, scoru me not ! Away with all forbearance. \_Seizes her. O'Donoghue and McCarthy loith soldiers rush in — McCarthy stands hy her — O'Donoghue attacks Tormag, and his soldiers attach the Danish soldiers who just then rush in — Tormag and his soldiers, repulsed, retire, followed hy the others^-Fight outside.'] McCar. Look, lady, how bravely he tights ! Eri. A.h, shield him, ye saints ! \ Short silence — Erina, faintish, leans on McCarthy.'} Eri. Tormag is disarmed. They all fly! O'Don. Revive, my royal mistress. Eri. Ah ! is then my deliverer safe ! Oh, joy ! Thanks ! O'Don. Erma, smile to me ; that is my strength in battle, wreath in victor}^, recompense in death. {Clang of arms and tramping out- side. ) McCar. Ah, the Pagans return. O'Don. To safety guide our royal mistress, and bring help. Eri. Oh ! — O'Donoghue, live — live for me — [^Exit with McCarthy. Tormag tvith soldiers rush in and attack 0' Donoghue^—His soldiers, surprised, fall — Tormag's soldiers then come and surround O'Don- oghue, tcho, disarmed, falls.'] Tor. Enchain him, and drag him to prison. [He Iiolds his arms, putting his foot on O'Donoghue's breast — Tramp of Irish soldiers heard outside — Tahleau.'] ACT 11. SCEN"E 1; — Tlie Sail of Shillelagh — Brian discovered seated— sur- rounded hy his soldiers, attendants, tfc. Bri. Days of my strength, whither have ye fled ! Ah ! nothing can now soothe the warrior's breast, worn down by care. Leave me, my children — [Shouts without — " the Princess !" "the Princess !"] Ah ! do my eyes deceive me — no — no — 'tis my child — my age's darling. [Enter Erina, attended hy McCarthy Moore.'] "Wel- come to my breast once more — my child; my child is safe! But where is your brave deliverer? McCar. Dread liege, the painful task remains for me : that pride of Erin's sons, our noble champion, is now a prisoner of the foe ! Bri. A prisoner ! Ei'i. Oh, my heart 1 [Leans on her attendant.'] Bri. Retire, my dear Erina. Eri. Sire, I obey — 'tis not repose, alas, that can bring the bloom to Srina's cheek, or cheer the heart that droops with hopeless love ! [Exit Erina, attended. Bri. McCarthy Moore, how fell the youth into the Tyrant's power ? McCar. Alas ! dread sire, by most unequal force. Our assault was sudden, — quick the foe's discomtiture. But then the foe reap- peared, outnumbering us. I led to safety your royal daughter; O'Donoghue remained, but, overpowered, he became a victim of the foe. Bri. Lamented youth, thy Kin«!^ bewails thee, and thy country feels thy loss : for, much she needs a friend like thee, beset with peril from rapacious foes, who smile to draw their swords and waste her blood. But sa}'- if still the gallant youth survives. M'Car. A herald o'ertook us near the gate, charged with a mes- sage from the Pngan chief: by him we learn the Prince was made captive. My liege, the herald waits. \_Exit M'CARxnY.] Bri. Let him approach. Ah, my dear country, bear me witness, I wrong thee not, if now I shed a tear: be3'ond friend or child, I value thee; and light would hold their ruin as my own, if from our fall thy liberties might spring. [^Enter JJhiSLAy! preceded by McCar- thy.] K'ow, what from Tormag 1 Ulis. Amity and peace— the price, Erina and your kingdom's half. This ofier spurned, war, lierce and merciless, and instant death to the brave O'Donoghue, your country's proudest boast. My errand done, I crave your pardon : I speak the words of Scandanavia's chief. Bri. Pagan, observe ! When first this envied island sought your aid, it priz'd your prowess and your skill in arms. From the rough seas we welcomed you to feast ; we spread our boards with richest banquets ; for your repose prepared the softest couches, and while they slept our honor was that they woke in safety. Our daughters we gave to them in marriage ; nor restrained their worship, holding it wrong in the sight of heaven to stipulate the law of c(mscience, and order how its votaries should kneel.: such was our faith. IN'ow, Pagan, mark the contrast! These stranger friends, by ambition urged, sought to make us slaves. "We crushed them and were free : N"ow their sons undo their fathers' deeds. Hence to your chief. Tell him he may as well pierce this body as penetrate the hearts of this land's bold sons. Teli him we know the faith of Danish leagues, and will not yield on other terms than these — quit our shores and we "Will sheath our swords; remain and they shall make your graves of blood! M'Car. The brave O'Donoghue, my liege ! Bri. True, true, I owe him much; but, by all my hopes, I owe my country more. Guide the courier past our lines, M'Carty Moore. \_Exit TJlislan and M'Carty.] By the shades of my great forefa- thers, I swear; when once my sword is drawn in fight, it shall not quit my arm 'till life desert me, or the foe be prostrate on the shores he dares invade! lExit Brian and Officers.'] SCEjSTE II — Danish camp — Tormag in his tent icith Elgitha. Tor. Woman, no more — the Christian prisoner must die ! Elg. Forbear, Tormag : by our love I charge you, harm not your prisoner if you prize Elgitha! This prince, at Tara's field, preserved my life ; will not Tormag own the noble deed? Tor. Will you deny, that since that cursed day your looks have worn an altered favor toward me ? — absent thoughts, looks wistful, sighs at times half checked bursting their way. [^Trumpet heard.} No more. Elg. What sounds are those ? 10 Tor. He comes to hear bis sentence. {Enter Yolttmar ahd O'BoxoniTE, guarded and in chaiyis.) Cbristian, yoii are in my power, yet I would use my fortiiuc mildly : mark my ofler, then. Kenonnce your faith, your monarch and his cause, and you are free. TTe take you to our arms, and equal rauk aud honor, and the half of all our victories we'll assign to you ! What is your answer. Prince ? O'Don. Oh ! that these galling fetters were butloos'd — Imtarm'd this hand — then, back'd by all tby host, I'd answer thee, fell tyrant, as I ought. Wbat! SelTmy native land, fell robber? N'o, though scorpion furies waited on tby word, though all hell's malice at my fame were hurl'd, for all the boundless empires of the world, I'd not desert my country, king and God ! , Tor. 'Tis well ! we'll bend your stubborn courage yet! Remember, Prince, 'tis for a falling cause you spurn my clemency : your country soon must own the all-subduing hardihood of northern soldiers. (yDon. Soldiers ! you disgiacc the name of soldiers — you were better called hounds of murder ! Blood cannot flow enough to glut you : massacre, besmeared as it is, rank and corrupt, is yet; too clean to please you ! Your ears, to horror strung, not yet content with gix)ans from mangled bodies in a heap, with women's shrieks delight themselves, 'till gory war, struck with the image you show him of himself, with horror stands aghast! Tor. Bear the slave hence ! One hour we give for choice ; then life or death awaits his word. Life crowned with honor, riches, glory, fame; or a dreadful, public,* ignominious death ! O'Don. Say ignominious life and gloricms death ! The way the culprit dies, can only shame the culprit ; but when 'tis the option of the honorable mind, your shameful rack and public executi(m become the body more than all the honors apostac}' could purchase from corruption. Tor. We'll. shortly try the temper of thy valor, O'Don. Then let the trial come; 'tis only pain to linger. Lead me to my cell; and know, proud man, though at thy mercy, I defy thy power, and die with pleasure in my country's cause, (Exit O'DoxonuE, cjtiarded.) Tor. What say'st thou now, Elgitha, should I spare this stubborn chief, who dares to scorn my power ? Elg. My lord, his rashness justly seals his doom. But, pardon, fallen as he is, aud prostrate by thy power, he is heightened in my heart the more, (Aside) Ah, tyrant! (exit abrupth/. Music.) Tor. Sounds of music ! [^Soldiers crowd around.^ Whom have you there ? [^Enter Ulislan and Voltimar conducting Erin a disguised as a blind harper boy.'\ Ulis. X wandering harper boy, deserted by his guide. He wan- dered near our camp ; but though so young, is still master of his art. Play to our chief. [^Erina sits and sings a verse.'] for. I like his music well; conduct him to Elgitha's tent. Re- member. Voltimar, our prisoner dies at nightfall, {Exit Tormag. Eri. [aside.] That prisoner is O'Donoghue; heart, betray me not; it fails me ; I am lost ! L Faints in the arms of Voltimar.} 11 . Vol. What means the boy — ah, that face — 'tis she — UUs. ISharphj.-] How? Vol. A little, puuy boy, who feared our chief's command. Come, come, rouse thee, little dastard, rouse thee, what dost thou fear? There, go, go to lady Elgitha ; see you play j^our best. [ Ulislan conducts Erina off.'\ Vol. Yes, 'tis the Princess! What can have brought her here? Love — yes, love for the gallant prisoner. 'Twas love mspired him to deeds of valor in this day's aftair; thank heaven, my sword was not against him in that fight 1 Yes, 'tis love that has urged her in this disguise to seek and save her chief. 'Tis nobly done ; 'tis honor's cause ; and come what will, I'll save the lovers, or perish in the at- tempt. [Exit Voltimar. Enter Elgitha, followed hy a Page conducting Erina. Elg. Sure love alone can make such sounds. Come hither, harper ; know you the Prince ? Your strains do say so. Eri. I am his vassal, lady ; and never vassal knew a kinder lord. Alas ! that I should live to hear you tell that he is in bondage ! Elg. [Aside.] If I should use this harper, he might prove a trusty friend to save his lord. I'll try him. \_To Erina.'] Behold in me his friend ; I'll save him. Eri. Will you, lady ? Heaven bless you. lAside.'] What does she mean ? Elg. Hide this letter and give it to him — my page shall conduct you to his dungeon. If he owns a grateful heart, his liberty is now at his command. [To Page.'] Conduct the harper boy; I have taught him how to win the Irish chief to the great Tormag's side. lExit Erina, led hy Page.] Soon as the dusk shall lall, un- masked I may approach the guard; accustomed to obev my will, they'll let him forth with me, and then we'll fly to liberty and bound- less joys of love. \_Exit. SCENE lY. — A Prison, O'Donogliue discovered, chained. O'Don. When will my hour arrive? I long to end my course; the very moments seem to creep. How dull and tedious is captivity ! ITrumpet.] When last I heard that sound, my sword struck terror to the heart of many a Dane : Erina, then I fought for thee, and now I perish for thee. Enter Erina and Page. ■ Page. This is his dungeon. Eri. You may leave me ; your lady gave command we should confer alone. lExit Page.] My lord, my lord ; O'Donoghue ! O'Don. Who speaks my name ? — what are you ? Eri. One that brings to the captive hope of freedom. O'Don. Who has sent you ? Eri. Elgitha. aDoJi. Ha! Elgiath, do you say? I saved her life in Tara's bloody field ; this tells me she remembers well the debt. Eri. A letter. Prince. O'Don. What, from Elgitha too? ^Rcads.] Ra I Liberty ! Elgitha, generous and noble fair ! yes, you shall share my flight, and ever find 12 a home with her you save ! Let me read further. [Beads again.'] EH. \_Aside.'] Then farewell life and love. CyDon. My faith the prize and my love to my Erina. Oh, fatal line ! my chain>^ were taken off, and now you rivet them again. Eri. How. Prince, what mean you? Is the fair Elgitha's love a theme for sadness f — is the gallantry of Irish Knights so cold, that they regret the smiles of beai\ty? d'JDoh. Hence, thou mockiug Page ! hence to thy lady's couch : no more molest my dungeon !■ — Oh, Erina I IRetires.'] Eri. moment of my life, most sad, most blest ! IWeeps.] (J Don. 'Why dost thou weep, boy? Eri. I have a friend like thee in bondage. CyDon. Sure, thou cans't not grieve for him, and yet not pity me. Oh, could I find that enemy who for the sake of pity would render me the service of a friend ! Eri. What then ? O'Don. I'd teach him to sweeten death for one whose life is the last good that death can rob him of. Eri. Unfold your wish : I swear, though to perform it may ex- ceed my power. I'll ne'er betray it. O'Don. Well, then, I'll trust thee. I die to-night ; watch thou, and from the gash near my heart this token snatch — it is my mistress' scarf; 'twill be thy passport to the camp of Royal Brian ; bear it to his court, and when among the crowd of beauties you perceive a peerless one, then drop it without a word, save what a sigh or tongueless tear might speak. Eri. Oh never be that office mine ; thou see'st that I am blind ! [JVoi?e of chains without.'] Elgi. XWithout.] Wait without. Eri. Elgitha here! — my lord, I've but a moment; seem but to consent — yield to Elgitha ibr Erina's sake. O'Don. Erina's sake!— how for Erina? Eri. Peace, she's hero. [Elgitha e^icrs, ] Behold the fair to whom your thanks afe due. Your humble vassal here is but an in- strument — 'tis fair Elgitha that breaks your bonds and sets you free from death. Thank her, my lord, and use the means she gives. Elgi. Forbear, great Prince, to thank Elgitha; she is nobly paid in saving him she loves. The dusk now falls ; now is time for flight : let us use it, then, and liberty and ]i)y will soon be ours. Thus do I loose your chains to rivet you in soiter bonds. . [Takes off his chains, and retires a little. O'Donoghue hesi- tates.] Eri. [Aside.] Consent, consent — 'tis for Erina. O'Don. Erina! Eri. Heaven I thank you ! Elgi. ISTow follow. [Elgitha goes to door, O'Donoghue leads Erina — Elgitha seeing this, moti<,ns him to stop.] O'Don. What does Elgitha mean? Elgi. That boy must stay. O'Don. Must stay I Elgi. So many cannot pass securely. 13 (yDon And must he stay to sate the tyrant's rage ? self"**' ^ ^'^^'^ ^" '^^^ "^^ ^^^*^' ^it^ pleasure will I doom my- 0'Z)ow- Lady, m battle I have placed my heart before the moan est vassal m our ranks whom I have seen in an unequarfi 'ht upon such terms I cannot take my Jife. ° ' P ^/jri Is then El-iiha slighted for a Pa-e! Remember Pnnco it herenJ^Vl '"' '' '"^ ""'''"'' ^ '"^'''' ' ^""' '^ scorned-beware Eri. Then all is lost— inspire me, Heaven! IStriTces Harp SON"G. If the lord of the forest do pine in the toil Then fortune unfriendly to virtue will prove bo shght not the safety that now seems to smile And restor'd you shall be both to freedom and love Elgi. What means the boy? O'Don 'Tis she! 'tis she! I know the voice-that strain-dis- guised she comes to give me liberty ! w£n T .V"""^ w-^ ^** -■'^ to profit by your mercy. His native music Sf a^niSoE'a'-S ^^"^ ^'"^^ -^'^'^ impriaono^entZs ,„?''°'"';-f "''• 'c-"'' " ^akes a thoiisana tender thoughts of We p^e'eS'tr" '"= "°' '^""^ ^°»'"^' '^° laste.p™.sSs „>ore "m^ L-^^*w<'^ sings. Tho' the lord of the forest do pine in the toil And fortune unfriendly to virtue do prove' Yet sorrow forgets all its pains at the smile' That beams from the visions of freedom and love. Elgi. Quick !— decide at once. flig^lfo'llolTer" '"^' ^"'"^^ ''^ ^"-P^^ ^^^ ^" ^^-« ^y Elgi It cannot be! Who is this favored youth, whose safctv is so p,-ecious? 'Tis plain Elgitha is but flattered fo'r a time to /an that freedom which, when obtained, will be converted into El-itha's sname. ® O'Don. Oh, Heaven ! i.S" t^^'^^f.^*-] ?/^^me thy hand, boy. What kind of hand istbi* / ^o vassal hath a hand so white— so smooth— thou would'st Ti^lTi^'~^''- ^^^ ^'^' '" °^"^^^°' ^ndthy tender lord-In thou a woman ? Enter Tormag and Soldiers. Tor. Seize the traitress l~rThev seize Jier.l Elgi. Ha! betrayed! ^o?/!''" ^«i'fi^l^«^^^^oman! yes. Conduct her hence to instant ?fln;. ^ ' f/ ^^''^' ^^'' '"J"'''" l^yalty-your boasted love to Royal Bnan's daughtcr-you are he, for whom Eriua scorns the great Tor- Elgi. Erina! oh revenge. I thank thee; death will be to me most welcome, m the fall ot him I loved, and her for whom he scorned me. 14 IBrealcs from Guards.'] Guard, by your leave.— [ G^oes to Erina and tears off handagc'\— Is not this she? Tor. Erioa! Elgi. Ha! my prophetic thought -was true. What! Ireland's Princess such a slave of love as to become a wandering harper boy? Fair lady, lay aside your, male attire, and in my place near great Tormag shine : I am your lover's bride — death vreds us — but sweet is my fate to yours, whose bridal day buries your love, aud weds you to your bane. {Exit Elgitha guarded.'] Tor. Erina m my power ! — Star of my fate I thank thee ! Bear the Princess to my tent. O'Donohue, now is defeat revenged — now Brian, I defy thee ! EH. I'll die rather ! [Erina and O'Donoghue rush into each other's arms— they are torn, asunder^she is home out — the guards follow — O'Donoghue tries to escape — The Soldiers oppose their spears to him. — Tableau.] ACT III. SCENE I — Room — Tormag and Ulislan watching Erina who reclines on a couch in a state of insensibility. Tor. The cordials fail. 'Tis death that holds her now; death, from whose grasp no human power can tear its victim. JJlis. My lord, 'tis but a swoon, {feels her heart.) Life is there yet. Tor. Delude me not with vain hopes. Ah ! man, your chief would now half his northern kingdom give to save that life ! {voice outside.) " To arms, to arms," "the foe," (exeunt, quick.) Vol. (Rushes in and raises Erina.) My plan succeeded well. {carrying her off.) Lovely burden. Rather trying for an old soldier. {Music Tormag and Ulislan re-enter.) Tor. "Twas but a false alarm : perhaps treachery. Ulis. - {Perceiving Erina' s disappearance.) My liege, the lady is gone! Tor. Couldn't be run away ! Ulis. Too weak suiely for that. Must have been borne away. Tor. Ah! {strikes his forehead) I understand now the false alarm. Ulislau, take men, pursue, quick, towards the Irish camp. But stay— (///^»^•^»r7), Send me here the prisoner first Ah! whose work can this lie ? Elgitha's ? — 2^o : caunot be — Yoltimar's methinks: the dog ! always so soft when 'twas question of women ! {0'V)onu\\wQ enters, guarded.) {Aside) Ah! All is right about him. {To O'Don.) What about your harper boy? {tauntingly.) O'Don. If she is still in your power, better death for her ! Tor. Dare you insult me, alter raising rebellion aud treachery in my own camp ? O'Don. A crael and abhorred tyrant cannot expect but that. Tor. I shall not brook more. {He points sword as if to transfix O'Donohue.) Take thy doom. {He hesitates.) 15 &f)bn. TThy pause yon ? Ah ! look at tyranny in its ra*e ! (taunting) How coward ! Whilst conscious Tirtue (strikes his losom) deters and di>;arms it! Tor. Enough ! From those lips my dire revonge Fhall bring groans thick as anguijsh eyer could crowd." Death thou shalt have ; but death of lingeriug torture. Bear him away. "With awful preparation least his eyes; then with horrid execution try him. {exeunt.) SCENE U—A Eocky Pass. Eri. (Without.) Desist, Tormag ! Tyrant, hold! Help ! help ! Enter Yoltimar hearing Erina. Vol. Fear not, fair lady — I am your friend. [He places heron the floor — she rises.'] Eri. My friend ? Vol. Yes ! I have conveyed you from Tormag's power, and now we pass the Danish lines. Eri. Oh, generous stranger ! Vol. Lady, let us embrace the opportunity that ofiers itself. Haste, lady, haste, while flight is possible! Eri. I leave him, then, to perish ! Oh, Erina! Poor O'Donoghue, who, for my sake, suflers inglorious bondage? Enter Ulislan and Soldiers. XJlis. So, Yoltimar, you've betrayed our prince ! Yield your charge. Vol. Xever ! TJlis. [To Soldiers.] Conduct the lady to Tormag. You, Yol- timar, must be with me, and answer for this. Vol. Hold, Ulislan ! is this the foe we came to fight? Look, Ulislan — 'tis woman — helpless woman ! Ulis. Seize on them. [To Soldiers.] Vol. Stand off, I say ! In battle I have seen thee oft, bat never saw thee strike a fallen foe. Behold this sword : once in the field it saved you. Never shall it be sheathed now, till I have performed my task — or failing, fall a breathless corpse. [iSe?>es Erina — Soldiers fight ^naji rushes in, to his rescue, and beats them all off.] Bri. Who art thou, stranger? Vol. A Dane. Art thou great Brian? Raise thy daughter to your arms. Bri. IBaiscs Erina.] My child — my child ! Eri. My father ! Bri. But the Prince ! Vol. Is condemned to death. Ere now they lead him to his fate. — Haste, great sir ! Collect what forces you can, and by wind- ing round yon hills, we may unperceived fall on them. Fire the first few tents we meet : the wind blows from the oast ; the conflagration will be general ! Haste, great sir, and I will lead you ; time is pre- cious — follow — ^follow me ! lExeunt.] 16 SCENE III — BanisJi encampment — A procession of death — O'Don- oghuo coniucted to execution, followed hy Toimag. Tor. N^ow, Ireland's champion, can thy stoic soul look upon death, and such a death as this, unmoved, unchanged? Say, wilt thou be wise and shuu the ignominy that.awaits thee ? O'Don. Thou curs'd destroyer of my country's peace, by whose mahgnant, baleful influence our groaning country bleeds at every pore ; glut, satiate thy hellish vengeance on me ! I brave thy power; firm and unbending as Hibernian oak, I dare thy utmost malice ! Tor. Give the slave the torture ! O'Don. My soul shall soar above thy dire revenge. Think ye the gaze of thousands, or the public execution, can appal the patriot's soul? Stretch'd on this iron bed of pain and anguish, my parting soul shall wing its flight to heaven; whilst thou, assassin, on thy gilded couch, shaU feel the scorpion stings that goad thy heart, and carry all thy luture hell within thee ! Tor. Obey me, slaves ! Enter Ulislan in haste. UUs. Quick ! prepare for battle, my lord, or foul defeat attends your arms ! Tor. Strike every hand ! (Bugle and drums outside) Brian and party, and Voltimar with Erina rush in — Voltimar releases O^ Dono^hue — A geizeral battle commences — The Irish slay Danish soldiers — Brian attacks Tormag — When O' Donoghue is free, Brian shielding himself, gives quick his sword to O' Donoghne, who kills Tor- mag — Erina flies to his arms — When Brian gives sword to O' Dono- ghue he says : To thee the honor of slaying thy rival. — Tableau. END. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS - — -C "fr