Gass ^_J13 ORLANDO OR, r< A TRAGEDY HORATIO NEWTON MOORE. FREJ^IlICK TURNER,— .PRINTER; SdZ,i> ^r TURIfER ^Jfl> FISHER, U WORTH eiXTU ST. AND BY THE BOTKSBfilERS GBNEBALLf TSBOUXSHOVT (TffE UNION. ■^'„'>3 \^ TO THE MBMORT LORD BYRON IS REVERENTLY INSCRIBED BT AJf JIDORER OP HIS MERITS. DRAMATIS PERSONiE. ABDALLA, SOLYMAN, HASSAN, OS MAN. SELIM. SABYRO, ORLANDO, CARLOS, AURIO, GRASADO. ANTONIO, CLAUDE, lANTHE. MIRANDA, HELINE, LAOMA, the Moorish king, his lieutenant, an aged Moor. brother to lanthe. the Spanish general, his lieutenant. a friar, a clown. her friend, maid to lanthe. a Circassian girl* ORIiAlVDO. Act I. SCENE I,— The city of Grenada.-^A Street. Enter Osman and Selim. Osm. What ho there, Selim ! Sel, 0, good morrow, Osman. Osm. Good morrow, sir. But whither so fast? Sel. To the Alhambra I am bent. Osm. And pray what's stirring there ? Sel. The king gives audience this morn to pass sentence oil ia traitor. Osm. What is he pray 1 Sel. Sabyro's his name, and of good family, and young j but much too well he lov'd the cause of Spain, Osm. Is he like to die 1 Sel. With as much propriety you might ask, if yonder luminary is like to set. Osm. O, then 'tis a settled thing. Sel. Ay, Osman, you may truly say so much, for tnercy and our monarch are just so near as pole unto the pole. Will you along? 0$m. I'll bear you company* [Exeunt, SCENE II. — An antechamber in the Alhambra. Enter SolymaSt arid Hassan. Has. The battle lost, and hope entirely dead, this hero; Orlando, despairing, gave over; clasped his hands, and pros- trate upon the earth he fell. The instant he fell a woman sprang forward ; upon his body down she sank, kiss'd him; inam'd him, and drench'd his pallid cheek with tears. Sol. She was his sister : the fair lanthe. Has, Well; our Soldiers seeing this Orlando down, elated; 8 dftLAXDo. thought as a prisoner they were sure of him. Vastly they were deceived, however, for at the sight of this woman he reviv'd and knew himself. Oar soldiers encompass'd him ; when all of a sudden he snatched his sword up off the ground and laid on with dead effect around him. With her on his arm, his sword in hand, v^ith hundreds he fought, dexterously taking and avoiding each and every blow. Sol. Certainly, a right valiant man he is. Has. Now hear the sad sequel to my story. Sol. Say on. Has. My son, thinking this beauteous woman, for our good king, a fair gift would be, seiz'd upon her to that end. JHe was fatally frustrated however: Orlando stabb'd him to the heart's core! Even with the plucking of the dagger forth hislife was gone, so deadly was the blow. In the precipitate anguish of my soul I rush'd upon the Spaniard, and was fell'd, senseless, to earth. Sol, Upon thy recovery, what followed? Has. When I recover'd 1 beheld our soldiers masters of the field, but with downcast looks silently parading round their conquest. On inquiry as to the cause of so much sadness, 1 was informed that Orlando, with some hundred of his fol- lowers, beside the girl, had made escape! If ever a father's heart with anguish bled, mine surely did! 1 had deem'd the Spaniard dead, and this contrarious information set me starkly mad. SoL Madt Has. Yes, mad, Solyman, mad ! O, galling retrospect! Incoherently 1 rav'd ! I rooted the hair from out my head ; tended my garments off my body ; ran naked o'er the field ; was caught ; put in chains, and left to the society of dungeon dampness. Sol. Indeed I Has. And all for a shallow christiani Revenge! revenge! dire, deep, and deadly ! If at my feet his life-blood flow'd— — Sol. But, sir, Has. Nay, pardon, sir, the passions of my soul, For when I think on my departed son. My feelings rise and inundate it quite. Revenge! thou burning, burning, entity! O for Orlando's blood to quench thy fire, And ease my soul ! ORLANDO* Sol, is thy revenge so rank ? Has. Know, for I tell thee, that to the injiir'd, As glutted avengment naught is as sweet. As the lover, hope buoying high his heart, To hear his mistress speak or heave a sigh. All over the wide world will follow her — So will the injur'd follow up the object Of his hate, that he may catch the moment^ The fittest moment and the favor'd time, In which to drive the steel against his life ! Sol, Inexorable, if by thy words to judge, Is thy revenge 1 Has. Ay — ay-^inexorable ! A man might as easily dislodge the sun From where he is, or lead the moon astray From out her course, or from heaven entice The stars, as me from my purpos'd revenge To waive ! The basalisk's envenom'd sting Not deadlier is than is the waxing hate That I do nourish ! Ever since that, to me, Disastrous fight, the thoughts of my revenge Have been my daily bread, my nightly pillow, And my very life! Sol . He was thine only son ? Has, Mine only son! mine only child! Sol. Indeed! Has. O, sir, in him I liv'd; he was my brea:t(i, My blood ! and since his cruel death life were Not worth the toil of life from hence but for The one dear object ih my view ; revenge! Hopes beam on my soul ! Shade of my dear som, Walk yet a little while around this orb ; Thou shalt not long be thus, for, be assur'd Thy retributive hour is near at hand! [A Flourish of Trumpets heard without. Sol, The king gives audience. Has. I'll go in ; 1 have Business with the king. [Exit, Sol. Now what a fiend, And bloody-minded wretch is yon! In an Ignoble act, and by the chance of battle, His son was slain. Fairly his son was killed. But he, like some untameable hyena, IB ORLANJOO. Gro\vls out his fancied injuries, gloats on His son's memory, and seeks a fool's revenge ! [Exit, SCENE III. — A room of state in the Alhambra, Abdalla seated, his train ^c, Hassan. Abd. Hail to this assembly! Omnes. Allah Achbar! Abd. Allah Achbar! Enter Solyman, Abd. Hath any man aught Whereon our voice in judgement is requir'dT Has. I have my liege. Abd, O, good morrow, Hassan. Sir, at our leisure we have thought upon, And have resolv'd to grant thee, thy request. And two thousand fully furnished soldiers, To prosecute this war, thou canst command. Has. 'J'hank thee I cannot with my speech, O sir. But with my deeds 1 will. Abd. There's where we want Thy thanks, good Hassan. Good sir, it is our wish That these Spaniards were rooted, finally. Hoot and branch, from out this soil. Has. Time only. And assisted by the sword, may purge the land. Abd. Iberia castle is their strongest hold 1 Has. It is. Abd. Orlando governs there — Has. Allah blast him ! Language may not express the bitter hate. That's garner'd in my heart's recesses deep, That's hoarded dearly up, agalubt that man! Abd. I've heard say he murder'd thy son? Has. He did : But, O, why now remind one of that same 1 Abd. Not to pain thee, sir, but to relieve thee. Say, wouldst thou have revenge? Has. Would I ! And does my liege ask if I would.— ORXINDO, 11 Abd*. No more. ' Wait on me this eve, and I will put thee In a way to get at it. Has. My liege — Abd. Nay, Sir, speak not now but look to my behest. Has. I will not fail to wait on thee, my liege. Abd. Sir, this Orlando is our greatest scourge: He's forever plotting something to our hurt. He hath numbers of bands, a villainous, dark, Cruel, deprav'd and desperate set, nightly. Like bloody wolves that o'er the wilderness Do scour, seeking out prey upon our ground; Ground that by the right of conquest ours is. Has, A wily one indeed ! Abd. Ay, cunning, but not Courageous: there's his superiority over us. A thirst for blood and blackest prodition. Is the spur that piicks him on ; and that's all. Has. No place is from his encroachments free. Abd. No, not even Grenada, our proper city. Why look thee now, his many machinations — In habits resembling these which we wear His soldiers nightly prowl around our streets: Woe to the Moor who stands alone, unarmed ; For quickly from the murderous ruffian's Dangling sleeve, where they the stiletto hide, Some keen edged steel doth glisten in the air, Then deep within his honest heart is hid! It is not thus, Hassan? Has. Indeed, my liege. Thy words are but too true, Abd. Alas, the truth ! Has, As thou sayest, without the least remorse. Thus secretly the cursed Spaniard strikes. And prostrate, and unhonored, falls the Moor! Not them alone must we contend against; A traitor hath appeared above the mass. Abd. Why, ay, indeed, thou just remindest me — He's now in prison, Solyman? Sol. Ay, my liege; In prison he awaits thy sentence. 12 ORLANDO, Abd. By AUah, 'Tis a great pity that one so young and fair Should in his bud thus fling himself away. We commiserate him from our soul's depth; But to our feelings justice may not give One inch of ground in mediation's way. He dies. Into thy hands we commit him, Oood lieutenant ; and ere the sun goes down See execution done on him. Sot. Thy word is law. [Exit. Abd. His estates we confiscate. Hassan, do thou Remember, and fail not to come this eve. [Exit. HaSt The king will put me in a way to get At my revenge ! How can he? But the end Will shew. Aud patience be thou now my help. [Exit. SCENE IV. — The place of execution in the prison. Sabyro discovered. Sab. A vertigo comes over my brain ! dreadful { I fear I can't bear myself as T resolv'd! How dreary, dark and damp is this abode. And O, how bleak's my heart! O, why is it That I abicle in this suspense 1 Why is it 1 If 1 am to die —ah ! is yon the wheel ? A chilly sweat pervadeth all my frame ! I shudder, O! — but not at its power To wrench the cry of pain, nor at its power To do away my breath — but at the shame. The contamination it may do my name ! Enter SoLyMAX. Sol. He is musing. Sab. Down, thoughts, down! Sol. To die is it not so Sab. To die ! O, sir, death's pang and paiu I'm reckless of! O, 'tis this form of death alone I dread! Thus, thus, to be expos'd, and thus to die. Like to a common felon — O, that thought Doth fall full deep within, acts as a wheel, ORLANDO. And as it there revolves, more agonizing To my heart it is than yonder dread one. Unto this mortal frame of mine, can be '. Sol. After the body's death the immortal soul Begins eternal life: therefore to die Sab. To die! Mine's not the puny heart that fears to die! O no, O no! By the sword put me to death. By any means, by aught except the wheel, By aught except my doom, and I'll be calm! O, sir the manner of my death change ihou. And as a fond bridegroom to his bridal bed. So to my final rest will I go gladly down! But, say, what sentence has Abdalla pass'd 1 Sol. The settino; sun must look upon thy death. Sab. And must I die 1 is there no help for mel Am 1 to die and leave no name behind me 1 4J, that horrid thought! itrusheth over All my frame, it tortures, it. maddens me! To be born, to breathe, to live, to flourish. And then to die, to lay a dull cold clod In earth, to rot, and leave no memory—— A hard fate for one of my aspiring mind. Sol. And, say, how gottest thou into this net \ Sab. A net indeed, and 1 am caught in it! ;Sir, humanity did ope the way ; and then The fire of youth for fame did spur me on : And now and the dear object unattained. That fire must out! O, horrible idea ! J cannot — cannot die! Sol. Nor shalt thou die Sab, Thou dost mock me, Solyman ? Sol. 1 mock thee not Ay, by Allah, nephew thou shalt not die! Sab. What wonder's this"? If rightly I did hear, 3f that my reason jives, thou called'st me "Thy nephew ? £ol. And with truth I call'd thee so, For I'm thine uncle, sir. Sah. Uncle, mine? Sol. Thine! Sab. Allah! what meanest thou? O, say direct? Sol, Dear sir haul in the bridle of thy tongue, B 13 14 ORLANDO. Let wonder and desire a moment sleep. And give close ear to what I now unfold. Sab. I shall not die 1 Sol. Have I not sworn 1 Sab. Say on — say on — Impatience grows strong within me! Sol. Then, sir, Know that Camaralzaman, thine own sire. Was my own brother. Sab, Say est thou! Sol. Know, too. Thy mother, Zele, was of the Spanish race. Know, also, thou hast a sister now alive. Sab. Nay, There thou mistakest, sir ; she was my twin, And died when we were four years old. Sol. She lives Sab. O, surely, thou art juggling with me, sir. Lives'? lives? SoL Ay, sir, she lives. Sab. Pronounce her name, And I will doubt no more, but all believe. tsol. lanthe Sab. Yes — lanthe was her name. And, since she yet lives, lanthe is her name. Embrace we now for I can doubt no more. Yes, sir, Solyman was my father's brother. And I do believe that thou art he. Sol. Nay, but, I'd have thee altogether sure. Dost thou not Recollect.when on his knees he often used To dandle thee, the scar thine uncle show'd Thee on his breast? Sab. I do. Sol. Behold it, here. Sab, It is the same—— « Sol. My nephew! Sab. My uncle! ['^^fy embrace* Sol. So, my nephew, I've found thee just timely j Just in the nick o' time to save thee from A most inhuman doom I have thee found. Sab. To my gratitude there is, and shall be, No bounds. ORLANDO. 20.. Sol To Allah all gratitude is due. 5 ih. Thou hast satisfied me, hast proved to me. My sister lives ; now satisfy me, where? {■or my protection she perhaps may need. The mysterious chance that hath us kept For seventeen years apart, O, now disclose? Perchance amid dangers she is-; if so, sav» And as an arrow shot from a lusty arm. Away to her I'll fly, and rescue her, too. Or perish in the attempt. Sol. No protection Doth she need, for in no dange"* is she. Sab. O, Canst thou not then devise a way, a plan. To bring us to each other's arms? Sol. For what ? Sah. That I a brother's love may express to her, Sol. I can. Sabi Where, where is she t Sol. Thou wilt marvel, I Ween, at whit I now disclose. Sab. Say on. Sol. Iberia castle holds her, S'ib. Allah Achbar! Sol. And old Pelayo's daughter, and his son Orlando's sister, she's accounted there ; And to the adverse is she known to none Save thou and I. Sab, O, most strange mystery ! But 1 will to Iberia castle straight Sol. Ho, sir, where would thy indiscretion lead? Wilt thoudash willingly on ruin's rock? Thy sister thou shalt see, but management Is needed too. Sab. My imprudence I own : Do thou direct me. Sol. In this same castle lives A worthy man, a friar, Antonio by name ; Come in with me: I will a letter write, Which thou shait bear to him; the ideas Of which shall unto him of time past by Communicate, and this entangled skein Of thine it shall untangle to thy sight. 16 ORLANDO. And why thy father's brother is lieutenant To the king, time shall develope, Sabyro, Come in. I wilj immediately strike off This letter to the friar; and this very night I'll have thee start away to Iberia's walls. Come in — come in Sab. But should—— SoL Fear thou not Sabyro, for my arm and counsel combined Shall be a shield for thee. So come in with me. Hesitate not, but come. Fast flies our time ; And they that waste of it commit a crime. [Eieunt, SCENE Y.-—An antechamber in the Alhambra, Enter Abdalla and Hassan, meeting, Has, My liege Abd. My faithfullest of friends ! And Now, without or circumstance or prologue, I straightway will unroll to thee the why For which 1 did request this meeting here. Has. And of prolixity I'm no lover, sir. Abd. This same Orlando that thou hatest so, A sister hath. I yesterday talk'd with one Whose eyes bad dwelt on her ; and he imag'd Her so lovely, so beauteous and so perfect, That with the mere recital I'm in love. Her charms I must possess, her lovliness I must enjoy. And to attain the which I will at nothing stop. Thro' whole oceans Of human blood I'll wave to get at her. This morn 1 fell to planning how to come By her ; at last on this expedient hit . To the two thousand soldiers granted. Another thousand I will add j and then, Being three thousand strong, immediately Shalt thou to Iberia castle go ; when there, Wait patiently till night's misty curtain Falls around, then rush on with energy Against the gates, bear all abstruction down, Swing the sword, apply the torch, ideas. Of pity cast aside, and steel your hearts, ' And 'mid the common ruin that ye make. ORLANDO. 17 Accomplish thou the thing wherein thy son Did fail ; seize on her j convey her quickly, And in safety here. Has. Ha! ha' ha! ha! ha! O, it will so rankle in Orlando's soUl To know that his sister's prostituted ! Abd, Well, wilt thou undertake this thing! Has. 1 will ; And 'tis a proposal gives me joy, my liege. Abd. I said this morn I'd put thee in a way To get at thy revenge. His. O thanks— O thanks — • My liege, with all my heart I now espouse This cause, and will immediately about it: And do not doubt but I'll accomplish it. Abd. To it then, and never doubt but I will Thee recompence. Has. Farewell my liege. Abd. Farewell. Has. And, ere this our world hath on it axis Three times turn'd, I shall successfully return Or not at all. Abd. Wilt thou then desperately Do away thy life 1 Has. The brother must surely die, My liege, before the sister can be caught. Yes, thro' the blood of hundreds I must wade. And o'er the brother's lifeless body stalk, Before the sister can be had. This right arm Shall cleave Orlando down, and, as I bestride His prostrate form, reproaches most bitter I'll pours in his ears ; and, as an oil to ease His parched wounds, I'ii utter forth to him His sister's ignominious doom, thrust once Again my sword into his breast, hear his Last groan, and banquet so my dear revenge. [Exit, Abd. 1 not intend to prostitute this maid ; But with a gallant gale of am'rous words I'll ply her to a matrimonial shore A shore where happy summer shall aye bloom. There, lolling both on nature's verdant lap, The violet's odour and the warbler's breath Commingling in the air, we'll fondly dally; 18 ORLANDO. Dally till our thoughts are wild, our souls afit^v Then die the sweet death of satisfied desire. |Edit» END OF ACT I. ACT II. S€ENE I.— Jftgrio Castle — afwrni&hed room. Enter Carlos and Miranda. Car. Now by Saint Peter, sister, yo\i do tell me wonders*- I never would have dream'd of such a thing, 'lis really wonderful. Mir. As true as wonderful, alas ! Car. But how long hath she been thiis 1 Mir. Ever since the first day after you took leave of us for France, I have observed this strange disorder augmenting: daily on her mind. She grows daily worse and worse. Car. Indeed — indeed — Mir, O, it will surely be her death. Car, What, is she crabb'd towards you, sister 1 Mir. Nay, quite the reverse. Indeed, within the last few days, she scarcely doth notice any one except my lord ; but all the day long she sits sadly silent, or incoherently she ravesr Car, 'I'is strange. Would I were at the bottom of it, sis. Mir. Brother, I'm confidant my lord Orlando knows her ail* I'o me she's altogether silent on that theme. Car. Have you endeavored to console her ? Mir. Two days ago I did essay mirte efforts to console herr but all to no advantage, for the more I did condole the more I did alloo her grief. Car. I'll now go, and pay my greetings to the general. And if my lady's ail lies in the precints of her brothers ken, I'll get it out. Mir. Go, brother ; ahd a handsome success attend you. Car. I thank you. [Ea?Y. Mir, Lo, where in disorder my lady comes. I cannot do more,for like a full stream. This working of her soul obstruction rounds. OllLAKbO. 1$ Enter Iakthe. Ian. I fly, and misery pursues ! Come, night> •Come, endless night, and shut me inly in! O, all around me wrap thy dark mantle. And hide me, hide me, from my own sad self! O for a shelter, an alleviating little shed. To hide me from the tempest of my woes '. whither shall I point my steps? Ah, knew 1 but some sad, sequestered spot ; some place Where I might to, ihere brood upon my love, My guilty love, and sigh away my soul. \ Throws herself dejectedly upon a sofa, Mir. Alas, alas ! her reason seems o'erturn'd. I would I knew the catise of this. Lady She is occupied in thought, and hears not. iLady— Ian, How now? who? — ah, Miranda! O, I'm the most wretched being on earth I A friendly step wakes horror in my soul. Mir, Pardon, lady, if with officious kindness 1 have disturbed you ? Ian. You've not disturb'd me. O, I am miserable beyond all count ! Mir, 'Tis guilt breeds misery, Ian. But I'm not guilty ! Mir. O, why so woful then ? Jan. It is enough That I am wretched and have a cause for Wretchedness; no more, Mir. I do not insist. Your brother comes this way ; I will pass on. Jan. His presence requireth not your absence. Mir, But I would rather — Ian. Well, as you please. Ianth£ retires to the sofa; and as Miranda is going ojiti Enter Orlando, Orl. Miranda. Mir. My lord — Orl, Where rests my sister, Thy friend, Miranda ? Mir. The sweet lady lanthe— There she lies, immersed in wo, [Eitf » j|6 DRLANFDO* Orl. Beautiful ! Lo, down her «nowy neck her jet tresses All disheveil'd flow, and each littie'curl, That on that purity plays, speaks volumes To my enamored heart. O splendid woe ! As 1 gaze mine eyes do drink ecstacy in ! Methinks so Icok'd the tear fraught Niobe. Ian the — Ian. Who calls upon the miserable lanthe 1 And what would he "? I can give but misery. Orl. It is Orlando speaks, thou fairest one : He asks of thee to look up, those dear orbs To ope, and bless him with a gracious smile. Ian. My brother — Orl. My sister- Jan. Brother and sister ; Ties that should be just as sterling unto us As immortality is to the soul of man. Oil. Nathless ties that we would gladly sunder, And sunder'd we'd close us still closer still. Ian. Think hot of that ! O, do not think of it. My brother. ' I is guilt e'en to think on it. Orli Then I am worthy damnation, for thoughts Of that are ever in my brain, lani O wo's me ! O, were ever twain more wretched than we! And on the prospect shines not one single Hopeful ray. Orl. Ay, there's the bitterest point. From the one tie naught can us disunite, And naught dare us unite unto the other* And aware of thine own canon against it. Why didst thou. Heaven, put this mutual fire Of love within our breasts 1 Ian. Why didst thou, Heaven? Orl. Ts it justice? is it justice! Up through Space I send my voice, the four winds bear it On their viewless wings, and from her confines Nature answers negatively back! Enter Antokio. Ant How now ! , What blasphemy is this? ORLANDO. 21 Jon. Not blasphemy — Orl. No, not blasphemy, but the complaining Of two wretched souls by medium of words. Ant. Forbear, forbear, ere yet it be too late — Heaven's curse may hang but by a thread ! Ian. O God ! Exit, Orl, Why look, she goes — Ant. Follow her not, Palayo's son. Orl. Ha! Ant. By the dear memory Of my dead friend, thy sacred sire, O, stay! Orl. Friar, thou hast prevail'd. Ant,' Tis well — 'tis well— Orl, But didst thou note her agony 1 Ant, I did — Orl. Ah, friar, my sister she cannot be ! Ant, In speaking thus, my son, you do abuse Your dead parents. Orl, Can.she be my sister'' Sister, no, no, no, my sister she cannot be! O, did e'er a brother love a sister thus ? no ! Ant. Fie, fie. Orl, I tell thee, friar, thou must wed us. Ant, Why there again, I've told thee, and again I tell thee, that I cannot, that I dare not. Marry ye. Why dost thou importune me so ? Were I to indulge thee, son, in thy desire. Think on the consequences would accrue. Should I join ye in the marriage bond. It were to commit incest on your part. And on my part the foulest sacrilege ; And from heaven, God's curse, on each of us» It would draw down. Orl. O torture ! O torture ! It were better I were dead ! O, that I could Displant this passion from my wearied soul. That I could spurn it ever thence ! but no— ' It there remains and burns, intensely burns ! How it will terminate I do not know. Ant, Desp'rate destraction, I fear, will end it, Orl, I can't be more destracted than I am. Ant, I'll thee advise : to do so is my place. 23 ORLANDO. Go ; raise thy men, and have a foray out; And amid the romage that from warfare Bises, do thou thy guilty love forget, son. And dissipate her beauty from thy mind. Or I. Can I? O, can 11 Ant. Take resolution — Oil. I can, I can ! ah no ! I can't — I can'l^ I feel assur'd, and chide me not, good friar. When 1 avow the same, that out my breast This fatal passion never will. Good sir. Through day or night, or dreaming or awake. Her fair form is ever first unto mine eyes, IVIy thoughts on her are ever bent, and all My life and soul to her devoted seemsl But I'll be ruled by thee. I'll go ; and amid The groans of dying men, for a short while. Perhaps, my feelings may be drown'd: haply. Some friendly Moor may clip me to my grave. And sorrow, love and hope, end in one gasp I That 1 may conquer love to battle 1 go — It is my last hope— the hope of despair ! [Exif* Ant. Alas, poor youth, 1 pity his condition. Enter Claude. Cla. 0, ho, good morrow, good friar. Ant, Out, fool, out. [Exit. Cla. Whew! you'd better beat one at once. Marry, marry, but here's an event ! piety's enanger'd, old sanctuary's out of tune. God a' mercy, he hath little to do an he spits his spite at me. But or whether Jove frowns or Venus smiles, it's all one to Claude. Enter Helinb. Hel. Good morrow, Claude, Cla. distress, good morrow. Hel. Will it please your foolship to bear this four-corner'd thing, for my sake, unto the friar"? Cla. Indeed the friar used me rather scurvily just now, but for your sweet sake I'll bear the letter. Hel. Then stretch your legs to him. Cla. 1 will ; at the same time indulging the blissful idea that you will shortly stretch yours to me. ORLAKDO. 23 Eel, Go. Cla. I'm gone. [Exit. Hel. Now what sacrifice would I not make to know the contents of that same letter. The bearer of it to the castle is a Moor, and waits, impatiently, at the gates, an answer from the friar. Why, what correspondence should the friar have with Moors ? 'Tis strange ! and this concurs with other things to the establishment of my belief that with my lord and lady all is not right. Here comes Claude : him will I pump. Re-enter Claude. Well, did you serve me ? Cla. Sweet one, I did. Hel. By the by, Claude, what think you of that letter? Cla, What should I think of it ? Hel. Pshaw! I do not ask you what you should, but what you do think of it? Cla, I think that it's a letter. Hel. Out on you, you dolt. Cla. Nay, hush up your anger now, for lo, old sanctimony gallantly stalks this way. Hel. Ay, marry, and the open'd letter's in his hand. Enter Antonio. Ant. Where's the bearer of this letter, Claude 1 Cla. Marry, sir, in Heaven for aught I know. Ant. You brought it to me. Cla, And she brought it to me. Ant. Where is he 1 Hel. Dancing attendance at the gateway, sir. Ant. Then get you to him, girl, and be his conduct to my cloister straight. Hel. With pleasure will I, friar, for he's a comely young man, and who knows but what — Ant. Hence, gabler. ITe/. O, you old churl! [Exit. Ant. And, sirrah, go you immediately and seek my lofd Orlando out ; and to my cloister bid him come. Cla. I'll signify so much to him. [Exit. Ant. O, by this letter, I, who was but now so humbled with wo, am made proud with joy. Yes, infolds this letter that which unfolds the mystery of Orlando'* and lanthe's love. 24 ORLANDO. Brother and sister from the same woman they are not ; nor by marriage are they kin, but only adopted by deceas'd Pelayo. was she. O, this disclosure hath made me all joy and grati- tude, and consummately happy will it make the lovers. Re-enter Heline with Sabyro. Hel, Revered sir, this is the gentleman. Ant. And right welcome is he to the bed and board of old- Iberia. Sabyro is your name 1 Sab» Yes, sir, Sabyro. Ant. By this letter that I hold your uncle doth advise yott to the safety of these walls; and, sir, you are most heartily welcome. Sab, O, sir, unfeignedly I thank you. Ant. Will it please you come in with me ? I've much to whisper in your private ear. Sab. I am a servant, sir, to your directions. Ant. This way. [Exeunt. Hel. Is not this provoking now ! secrets proceeding and. my curiosity not fleet enow to come up -vith them! O, but it. vexes me. Marry, I could choke that old friar with his own prayer-book, had I but the power to exercise my will. This. I know ; were I to lay me down to him he'd soon get up to, me, the rank old goat. lExit» SCENE II. — A gallery in the castle* Enter Orlando and Carlos. Car. To me these things are marvellous, my lord* And forbid thyself her company 1 Orl. Yes, Carlos, Her lov'd presence I've resolved to shun, and» As some poor spirit yet confin'd to earth, I wander up and down these vasty halls. Where ecbo wakes her voice to every tread. Or silence to unbreathed wo responds ! Up and down I go, hope's easy football And thought's helpless prey! Car, My lord Orl. My friend — O, come near ; let me prop me on thy breast. Unbolt the floodgate of my tears, and give ORLANDO. 25 A flow to sorrow's tide! Wilt thou not help. My friend, to mitigate my grief 1 O, say ! Car. I'll all I can to ease thy loaded heart. What present feelings sway Ort. If thou wouldst Know my present feelings, recall the past With me ; bring up the past ; and as awake Thy retrospective thoughts, thro' all thy soul The chords of memory will sound ; and then. Perforce, thy feelings will commix with mine, lanthe! — Car. What of her ? Ort. O much ! O much ! Thou wilt scarce credit me, when now I say. My sister and I may never meet again j For I have vow'd to hold me hereafter Ever from her sight. Yes, good Carlos, yes. Mine honor bids me now refrain, ere yet This thing proceeds too far. Car, This is most strange. Orl. Yes, yes, all our fond intercourse is now And forever stopp'd! This have I resolved : I'll have a foray out against the Moors, And amid the tumultuous strife thereof, The din, confusion, and the horrors there. Forget this lawless passion if I can ! The good friar advis'd to it, and I'll obey. Car, 'Tis well resolved; and I am glad of it. Orl. We'll fight for liberty, for slaves we are. Car. No, no, my lord ; no slaves are we. Orl. Wherefore? Car. It cannot be that we are slaves, ray lord. Your censure and your judgment I'll abide, And for my self I'll say, I have an honest And a patriotic heart, which I will drain Of every drop of blood contained therein. Of every drop, ere this our glorious cause. The great cause of justice and of liberty. Shall sink beneath a despot's iron sway ! Orl. Sir, thy patriotism can ne'er be tax'd ; In all that thereto appertains thou art Hand and soul. In the battle's deaf romage There's not thy equal, for where the affray C 26 ORLANDO. The thickest is, ay, and where the danger Greatest is, art thou. Cars Then no slave am 1 ! No, no slave am I whiles that oppression I do resist! Whiles that against the Moors We strive and strike for liberty, no slaves Are we, my lord. ^ OrL Indeed thou speakest truth. Car. No slave is he who doth assert his rights And boldly standeth forth to acquire them. He, only, is a slave who feels the smart Of despotism's scorpion lash, and, feeling, Res'.steth not, but bends his paltry soul Unto a fool, and brooks an abject fate. OrU No more — no more— » Enter Claude, Cla. Gentles — Orl. How now ? Cla. T thank you ; I am well ; the rose sits in my check; I have desires, and a good appetite. Orl. No ; but your business with us ? Cla. With the singular, some; with the plural, none. Car, I take ray leave. [Exit. Cla. A good hint, well taken. I'll wager my head against a pin's head he hath as much brains as five asses have. Orl. Well, fool, what is if? Cla. What is what, my lordl 0/7. The matter? Car. What matter, my lord? Orl. That matter that you come to me respecting. Cla. Why sir, the friar advis'd me, secretly to signify unto your lordship that he would like your presence straightway at his cloister. Orl. What can he want? But I will go and see, [Exit, Cla. As mistress Heline wisely said, secrets are going the rounds. My lord sad, and my lady fretful, the friar betwot- tled, and a Moor lodging m the castle. Would I could get at the bottom of all this! But time may do much : and so until it's time's pleasure to make it known, I'll e'en content myself by peeping round discretion's corner. [Exit, ORLANDO, 27 SCENE III.-*-^ furnished room in the castle, Ii\NTHE, and Helium in aUendanee, Ian. Leave me, girl. Hel. Perhaps — Ian, Nay, I need thee not. Hel. How soon, lady, may 1 return? Ian. T care not — In an hour's time if you choose, or indeed I care not when ; only now get you gone : I wish to be alone. ife/. I'll not disturb you. [Exit, Ian. She is gone, the inquisitive minion, And I'm at last exempted from the gaze Of her mischievous eyes. iMy wo's not safe ; Nor's my misery sacred, but yon woman Must slily take a peep and try to con it. Out on her! Now had I but Alecto's scourge Of snakes, I'd lash her roundly o'er the earth! Fie, fie upon myself! I'm ireful now. Down, anger, down. [Sits, O, strange ideas throng my soul! If but this sofa were th' immortalized rock. And here along the expansive ocean swept. How gladly would I sieze upon the chance. And like the love-mad Sappho boldly leap. And end my torments all at once ! ah, no. Such may not be, and I must weary out A loathed life ! IWetpa, Can he be my brother? Brother! no, no, no! my brother he cannot be! O, did e'er a sister love a brother thus] No, no, no, no — Enter Oblanbo. Orl. My life ! my soul ! O, let me Hug thee to my heart — and devour thee all With love. Ian. O, what means my brother? Oil Sure some Angel has come dowm and told of the joy That thee await&. 28 ORLANDO. Ian. 'NOytiO'— OH. Then is reserv'd For me the joyous tidings to proclaim. love, triumphant love! thyself invincible. Thou conquerest all. Ian, I'd almost opine, And my fond heart would let th' idea off, My brother's craz'd. Orl. Yes, craz'd with ecstacy ! Jan. Ecstacy! and at a time like this, brother"? OH. Brother! call me not brother any more, For I'll no more call thee my sister ; but by Another and a dearer name I'll call thee, Jan. Am I not thy sister \ OH. No ; thou art not. Jan, What magic's this? Oil. God's own magic it is ! Ian. Explain, or 1 shall go wild! Orl. Too wild am [ Already, love, to explain to thee. Come in— Come in ; the good friar shall tell thee all. O, this excess of joy I Jan. But this is strange — Orl. We'll be married! we'll be married! Jan. Married ! Orl. O, come in — come in — come in — ^Exeunt, Enter Claude. Cla. Through the keyhole I peep'd and saw it all ! Marry, tnarry, but how he kiss'd her ! 1 really thought he would have strangled her! Mystery, mystery, mystery. Enter Heline. Hel, Hist, hist, Claude, hist ! Cla. How now, chuck 1 Hel. Claude— Cla. Come you on tip- toe, hey ? then there's more mystery, 1 trow. Come now, what is it] Hel. Claude 1 Cla. Heyl Hel. Are you alone ? Is no one nigh? Cla. I am alone j no one is nigh. Hel. Close in your ear, this. Cla. Close in iny ear, what? Hel, Though to my certain shame, I tell you Claude, 1 did just now what I never did before. Cla. You could not do it behind, could you 1 Hel. Out on you! Cla. But come, what did you do ? Hel. O, I shall blush to death at thought of it. I peep'd— Cla. Througli— Hel. A keyhole. Cla. Nay, don't blush, chuck, fot I did the same thing. And pray, chuck, what did you see 1 Hel. Into the friar's closet I peep'd ; thei-e I Saw the old fellow himself, my lord, my lady, and the Moor, huddled all up in one corner, and the Moor gabbling as fast as he might-** but confound the word could 1 hear. Cla. Ah, that was bad. Hel. Mystery, mystery, mystery ! Cla, Yes. there's a mystery somewhere. HcL Would I could find it out. Cla. What shall we go and search for it! and it's the beat fellow that finds it out 1 Hel, Agreed. kMB OF ACT il. ACT III. SCtNE I.— -4 gallery in the castle* Enter Orlando and Ianthx. tan, 1 am bewilder'd with this flood of nevi(S i Chaotic my senses are. Dear brother — Orl. Nay, not thy brother but thy lover now^ lait. Dost thou truly love me? Orl, Doth the sun shine ? O, yes, my love's as true as Christ, as strong As adamant. so oiiLAiJJijo. Ian. And by my virgin honor, love, I do believe thee, for I have ever known thee All truth. Orl. I'll kiss thee for that; so. Ian, But see Enter Aiitonio and SABtRO. Ant. Each word thou utterest, Sabyro, sinks me Yet deeper in amazfetnent than the last. Here we all are ; so now the unbroken tale Of thine, whereof by detach'd parts we heard, Deliver us. I ask it — Orl. And I— Ian. And I-^ Sab. This is the suih and Stibstaiice of it all* Catriaralzaman, a Moor, and Zele, a fair Spanish maiden, by Catholic ceremonies Were join'd. An honest time had fleeted by^ And the fair Zele, much larger than herself. Is brought to bed ; of a boy and a girl, Twins, is she deliver'd. Life unto twain She gives, but, so the will of just Heaven, Herself rriust die. Now sorrow deeply sinks Into the husband's heart, acts as a bane. Corrodes, and his vital energy fordoes; Ere a twelvemonth he lies again with her. And, my sister, these twins Were thou and I j And thus were we the unconscious killers Of our parents. Ian. Alas! Sab. After their deaths Together we shot up, side and side, until Four years had gone around ; fate will'd it so> Then, that the chance of war, amid turmoil And the strife of men, should separate us; For thou, my sister, through some incidence, Becamest the daughter of renown'd Pelayo, Ian. O it is marvellous! Orl. Ay, 'tis wonderful! Ian. But, brother what vicissitudes were thine 1 Surely, thine was a roughsome fate, to be left. So young and helpless, to the world 1 In truth I fear thy fate was hard. OKLANDO. u Sab, As for myself, 1 was turn'd adrift, a poor little bark, Upon the world's rough sea, without or helm Or sail to guide ray course ; happily for me An auspicious breeze came up, and blew me To a gentle shore. Jaw. Wilt thou not relate Sab, Truly now to tell iny intermixed tale Would occupy a deal of time ; and so, sister, At some more leisure hour I will beguile Thine ear with it, I could recital make, Did I begin, of that would please, and that Would horrify ; but such display may not Now be made. Ian , There's yet one thing I would ask. Sab. And if I am able I will answer thee. Ian. Why was not the mystery of my birth Ere this proclaira'd? Sab. When good Pelayo died That secret died with him, save this uncle That 1 spake of, who, at this time, to keep His life fled into Africa. Ian. Then to them only My birth was known 1 Sal. To them only. Ian. O, then That accounts for all. Ant. Ay, yes, Pelayo's Sudden death, and this uncles long absence Debarr'd all chances for a disclosure. Sab. So when civil commotion had subsided, And after sixteen tedious years of strife The present king sat on the Moorish throne, Then was our uncle from Africa recall'd. Home he came, and just in time to resciie me From a cruel doom, and this disclosure To bring about. Ant. O, just in time, indeed ! God's graciousness may here be plainly seen. Orl. O, just in time, for thy sister and I— — Ant. Nay, out with the rest. Orl. No, worthy friar; Thou shalt out with it for me. 32 oitKANbo. Ant. Lovers they aie. Young man. Come thou with me apart j I will Of this inform thfee. [Exeiinh Oil. And now, my sister, ^or the last time I call tliee so. Thou hast That claim on me no more, but a far dearer Shalt thou have ; a nearer and dearer one ! Said I not, my love, that we'd be married 1 Jan. Nay but we are not married. Oil. But, O, so near. Heaven's in the thoughts of it ! Ian. I have my fears, Tot oft the raised cup untasted falls ! Orl. Nay, lo^e, always hope the best. « Ian. Orlando, 1 speak my heart's feelirigs when that I say,- There is a calm pervades my inmost soul, A gentle distribution through my blood, To which 1 am not used : my heart's presage To murderous and squally discord though Converts this harmony. Sudden its rise. And sudden will be its fall I Ori. O no, my love, This new delight that riseth on thy soul; Siihall not continuance so quickly slack As thou, in forward haste, didst now opine ; It shall not bate, but the extinguish'.d torch Of hope it shall relume within thy breast. Jan. God grant it tnay ! Ori. O my soul yearns to thee ! 0, my dear lanthe! thou art to me forever As the rose in spring ! dies the dainty rose. And down sinks to eai th its beauteous leaves, "With the fifst blast that howls along ; not so "With thee ; thou art in beauty always fresh ! O joy ! O joy ! lan^ What makes it? Orl. I'll tell thee. Thus with a privileg'd arm to encompass Thy waist, thus with wanton fingers to play All among this soft exuberance here. Thus with eager lips to imprint the kiss Uf holy love upon thy forehead high. ORLANDO. 3di^ And thus to hug thee to my heart, is leve- ls joy — is ecstacy! Ian. That joy is mutual ! Yes, for we are now at full liberty to love ; For which all praise unto our God above! Re-enter Antonio and Sabyro. AnU Well, we have talk'd this matter o'er. Sab. And much Wonder has it engender'd in my breast, OrL O dost thou then withhold thy sanction 1 Sab. O no, sir, no. Far from withholding her, I earnestly do give her thee. Here, take her. Orl. Why then, lanthe, thou art mine. Ia7i. Thine only ! Altogether thine ! Orl. O, I o'erflowwith ecstacy! This night our nuptials shall be solemniz'd : The iron shall not have the time to cool. Ant. My voice is with thee : so let us prepare Ian. Softly now ; one comes. Enter AuRio. Orl. Aurio, how now? Thy haste of import speaks. What is it, man 1 Aur. Good my lord, the Moors are up, arm'd j for us They make, and directly they will be here. Orl. Hovfl what sayest thou 1 the Moors in arms! Aur. Unweclome, 1 fear, is my intelligence ? Orl. I was to be married and this hinders me. Aur. Ah, then is is quite unwelcome, surely. Orl. Unwelcome? no, no! 'tis welcome, Aurio! I am a soldier ; and the trumpet's loud call Is dulcet music to the warrior's ears. Aur. Over the northern steeps they grope along. Orl. Ha ! and with the loud rhetoric of war We'll welcome them ! And now, my good Aurio, Get thee unto lieutenant Carlos straight j Desire him to buckle his implements on. And be in readiness. Quick, good Aurio, quick. Aur, Despatch in this shall image my loyalty. Exit, 94 OALAKOOV Orl Ha, friar, they have anticipated us— — Ant, So it seems, Orl, But come, let's forward ; forward, Forward to fight these hounds of Africa, To encounter the remorseless sycophants! Ian. Til with thee to the field of battle, love j I'm a woman here, there I'll be a man. Orl, Indeed, it is possible, my love. Jan, How impossible? Orl, Thou knowest the danger. Ian, And say, can I not confront the danger? Orl. Besides it looks not well for petticoats ■ Jan. No more ; I understand thee ; but quickly I will thy doubts and rising fears dispel. Orl, How sweet 1 Jan. But a moment and I will tell. [Exit, Orl. O, friar, how I do love that peerless one ? Sabyro, thou art her brother ; but thy love Towards her, I know, can never equal mine. And when I do cease to love her, the bright And glorious sun no more his gemm'd arrows "Will shoot, no more the moon her silvery Pathway hold, no more the studded heaven A/Vill wink at earth! Ant, And. by Heaven, son. That lady's worthy all the tenderness o* love • Thou canst bestow, Orl. Yes, friar, she^s worthy more : My worthiness is poor compar'd with hers : I am the worshipper, and she's the god ! Sah. In my sister's applause each tongue is big : A hard fate for me indeed, to have been Depriv'd so long her company. Orl. Dear sir, thou wilt Appreciate her virtues now the more. Sab. Nay, but she's thine alone. Orl. No difference Shall that make. When wedded to me, Sabyro, She's then as to thee as she ever was. Ant, Thou art her brother, tho' he be her lord* Orl. And I now ask thee, wilt thou against u» Or for us in this same battle that comes onl , Sab. I am a Spaniard. ORLANDO. 9S OH. Enough. Sab. Yes, Orlando, I'll fight along with thine, for in my veins Flows more of Spain than Africa. I'll hence And doff these Moorish robes, and speedily The garb of Spain assume* All allegiance To the Moorish king I now east from me ; And hereafter beneath the flag of Spain I'll live, beneath it I'll fight, beneath it I'll die! [Exit, Ant. Already doth the warrior's fire Beam from thine eyes, my son. To battle go ; The clarion's call obey; but I charge thee. Seek not to aggrandize thyself, but only His Approbation seek to gain. Go, youth, go; And when thou retur nest, O, may the look Of triumph, as of courage now, glance from Thine eyes ! [Erie* Orl. Now comes the agony of thought— O, Grenada! O, my poor, dear country, 0! O! By hell hounds overrun and blighted down! What, tears 1 Hot fall upon the dust and cool To stubborn gems, for ye are precious drops. And dear shall be the ransom! 'Twas a gush Of agony wrung from a bursting heart By Moorish beasts, and for each parted tear This arm shall immolate a hecatomb ! O, these my strong emotions boil my blood! I would this contest were commenc'd! Ye elves And spirits that on vengeance tend, come from Your dark confines away, possess my heart. For I have now a lion's nerve and blood ; And feel as I, myself, with this my right arm^ Oould cleanly overthrow this Moorish host ! Now for battle Enter Ianthe. Ian, And thus accoutred I'll along, Orl. Why ah In truth, my love, I scarce knew thee. What all In male attire ? Ian. Ay, ay, my lord ; there's ne'er A particle of petticoat beneath. ORLANDO. ' Orl Indeed! "Why what a wonderous thing is woman's wit! Ian. Hark ! / A -Nourish of trumpets heard without, Orl. It doth announce that all's in readiness ; And that the soldier's issue forth these walls, "What shall we unto the gates, lanthe ? Ian. Ay. [Exeunt. SCENE II. — A ■plain before the castle, Carlos, Sabyro, Aubio and Soldiers discovered. Enter Orlando, and Ianthe, through the gates. Car. General Orl, Nay, make your obeisance here ; To her do off thy cap. Car. Amazement! Is't so? Speak ; do I behold thy sister that was. Thy mistress now 1 Orl Thou dost behold her, man. Yes, good Carlos, in this same guise she hath Resolv'd to challenge with me the dangers Of a bloody field. Car. It needs little search. My lord, to find out the angelic feelings That to such step prompted her. Here I kneel. Lady, and in adoration kiss thy hand. Ian. They say, 'tis characteristic of our sex To listen to the tongue that flatters most ; By that same rule, my ears do owe thee much. Car. Dear lady, that's not flattery to give To virtue her due, and unto beauty's shrine The passing tribute to pay. Jan. Good lieutenant. Your words I'll take, and in my remembrance I will them store ; by and by, at intervals, O'erhaul them with my leisure thoughts I will And, if I can, unto myself I'll put them. Are you content! Cur. 0, perforce. But of this Be sure ; as they were utter'd they were meant. Orl Carlos, a word with you. ORLANDO. 3^ tear. Your servant, sir. Sab. My sister Ian. That voice should be my brother**, And that face too should be his, but that gatb is not the one he wears. Sub. Nor's that the dress Mine eyes have look'd upon my sister on. Jan. 'J'is the exterior she ffow vvears, brother. Sab. This of me th' exterior and th' interior is. For, sister, I am all a Spaniard now. But surely, sister, for th^ good lord Orlando Great must be thy love and like, thus to dofF Thy maiden clothes and don the warrior's 1 Ian. Brother, it is! Sab. I'll tell him this. Ian, No, no! Not for the world! Sab. There's no necessity ; for he knows full as much as 1 might telL Ian, Well, perhaps he does. Sab. He does ; there's no one I)oubt pertains to it. Ian. Brother, no more;; he's herci Enter Grasado. Gras. General, about one hundred feet beyi^nd^ A rhododendron hedge behiiid, the Moors Do snugly lie ensconc'd ; with the intentien To take us all unawares I have no doubt. Or I. Prepare, prepare ; let's go to tvindward, ho! Gentleman, the foe's before 5 and face 4o face. And sword to sword, in hardy and fell lug. We must encounter them. Marry, what though Their number be so huge compared with ours? The righteousness of this our cause will more Than balance that disparity! Examine Too with whom ye are to stjtive. Who and what Are they 1 Why they are thieves who trample on The sacred liberties of honest men I ^ur. We'll tear their hearts out ! Omned. Ay! ay! Or I. O, countrymen. These merciless Moors have despoil'd your homes; They have slaughter'd, with remorseless bosoms. Your wives, your children and your all that's dear! Yea, from the supplicating mother's breast D 38 ORLANDO. The smiling infant they have snatch'd, held tip The little dear unto her sight, and full on The rugged rock dash'd out its tender brains! Sab. Blood shall have blood! Omnes. It shall, it shall ! Orl O, dear, my countrymen, in every way They have, and do, spread scath amid your peace ! *Tis yours both to recover and retaliate I Omnes. We will, we will! A vr. Yes, amply be revenged ! Orl. And now let the spirit of your fathers. Whose bones do feed this soil , be stirring in ye ! Now on. And let's do such deeds shall emulate The Roman name! On, freedom's champions. [Exeunt, SCENE III.— -4 gallery in the castle. Enter Heljne. Hel. Now what a strange and quick succession of events, within these two days, have transpired. Things wonderful have come about! Add to these circumstances some solemnity and depth, and thence, methinks, a play might be worked out of them; one that would live upon a stage. Ha, here comes Claude. Enter Claude. Cla. Ah, ha, you rosy-cheek'd Hel. Why, now, what do you here ? I thought you were away, with all the rest, unto the field 1 Cla. Truly, not I. The sight of human blood delights not me ; I've not that wolfish appetite, but would rather set mine eyes upon life that death at any time. Hel. O, ho, you have the coward's heart. Cla. The more's my credit. Hel. How, pray 1 Cla. Cowardice is discretion; and discretion in a fool is a rare thing. Besides I'm a lover; and, with these soft emo- tions here, the very sight of steel would freeze my heart. Hel. Ah, poor heart! poor tender thing I you'd better keep it always near the fire. Cla. Your smiles keep life in it. Hel. Then surely I will frown if thereby I may kill it. Cla. I will not credit you in that. I know you'd rather give a life than take a life, if c/. What do you mean? Cla, Truly, to be a mother is a woman's pride. ORLANbd. 3d SeU But all mothers take a life before tbey give a life? Cla. Marry, howl Het. 'Tis very plain. Before a woman gives unto the world a child, she fiist must from the father take that child. Cla. And will you take one from me 1 Hel. 'J'ruly, I'm not so much indebted to the world that I should Undergo a woman's labour. Cla. Bat after the pleasure always comes the pain, Hel. But I'll nor undergo that pleasure or that pain, Cla. Your mind will change ere long, I think. Hel. Perhaps so. Come now, I'd ask thee, Claude, is it not most romantic in my lady to accompany thus my lord unto the fight, in man's habiliments ■* Cla. IShe loves him ; and delicacy bas crouched to love. I warrant now, the lady lanthe would not hesitate, to please the lord Orlando, to undergo those pleasures and those pains. Hel. Well, she shall be ray precedent; and when they occupy one bed we will no longer occupy two. Cla. Agreed : and 'twill not be long till then, for, between you and I, they are as eager as loadstone and steel to clinch each the other; I know it. Hel. Fie, fie, how can you say so, Claude, Cla. Marry, I'm never ashamed of the truth. Hel. And you have a reason for that, for truth passes your lips so seldom that you have not the opportunity. Cla. Come now, you are hard on me, Hei, Miranda comes. Enter Mikavda, Mir. As yet no tidings from the fight 1 Cla, A messenger has not yet arrived. However, ere much time elapses one must be here. [Tru7npet heard. Enter Grasado. Mir. In one word thy news ; victory or defeat 1 Gras. Victory. Cla. Victory! hurra! I'll go immediately and tell old Antonio of it; and his old heart will bound again. [^Exit. Hel. And I'll run round the castle and tell it to every one I meet. These victories always bring along fine times. [Exit. Mir, In what condition, when you departed from it, was the fight 1 Gras. Why, whichever way the eye might peradventure turn, it fell upon the flying Moors. Mir. A complete rout, I judge, it was? 40 ORLANnO, Gros* It was. Apd by the wise valor of tli^-lord OWandtf it was; brought about ; he hath been wonderful to-day. Mir^ And the lady lanthe ] Gras.-^he grew fearless; became excited, separated from the lord, and actually led herself, into the centre of the affray, a portion of the warriors. Mir. Are you trifling"? Gras. As 1 am a soldier, I speak the truth. [.4 trumpet heard JEnter Auric. Mir» Aurio, Grasado hath preceeded you with the joyfu' tidings of the victory. Aur. *Tis true, the day is ours, and o'er ninety acres of the field the Spanish ensign flouts the breeze. And better far we had been defeated though than that should be, that is, Mir. Why, sir, what mysterious words are these 1 Aur. The lady lanthe is lost. Mir, Lost! Aur. Among the living of our host she was not to be seen j; among the dead we sought her and we found her not; and at her iate's uncertainty the lord Orlando hath gone almost mad: I do fear that it will be the death of hinii [4 flourish (if trumpets heard tcithout. Gras, That flourish announces his arrival before the battle- ments. Aur. Let's to the gates, and there look upon what I haye told ye of. [^Exeunt, END Olf ACT III, ACT IV, SCENE I. — A room of statein the AUiambra, Abdalla seated, his train, S^c. Osman and Selim, Abd. Grating, gentlemen, is this intelligence ; But the fault of it belongeth not to you. So then our army is put unto the flight. And the brave Hassan too is slain! So ends My present hope to get Orlando's sister. Hassan slain ! that man was the foundation, Apparently most fair and strong, on which. Of late, all my hopes were built. ORLANDO. 41 Dm. Unpleasant IVIust have been the tidings of his surcease To my liege's ears 1 Abd. O most unpleasant! I had design'd, through him, th* extermination Of every Spaniard from out Grenada: But the architecture has miscarried there j Nay, e'en our own bottom is in jeopardy. Of a captive ye did speak --what of him 1 Sel. ]t is a youth whose valor overreach 'd His discretion. Right in the centre of us all He dash'd himself, and as we fled we carried Him along. Osnii I have something strange, my liege, to tell thee of. Abd. Whatis'tt * Osm. Sabyro, who for Treason was by yourself condemn'd to death. In Spanish guise, lay dead upon the field. Abd. Why into Solyman's handsj for execution^ I did deliver him. Osm. And through his hands The traitor must have made escape, or else Upon that field he never would have been. ^M. Ha! this shall be scrUtiniz'd! Tis strang^^^ But go, Osman ; find the lieutenant out. And drag him here ; his head shall answer us. Osm. I am to your commands obedient. \^Exit. Abd. And now, good Selim, immediately I'd Have thee fetch the captive herek Sd. I'll fetch him. [Exit. Abd. Can it indeed be possible ihat Solyman Should play us false? I' faith it may be so But here's the captive : he seems dejected. Re-enter Selim with Ianthe. Sel. Dread sir, this is the youth I did report. Abd. Ha! ha! ha! ■Set, What is it so pleases your majesty 1 Abd. Sir, methinks the captur'd warrior needs .A little hair upon his face : he lacks beard. Boy, but that thou art thus attir'd, 1 should Deem thee of the tender sex. Thou art young To wear a sword upon thy thigh, methinksl What doth it never get between thy legs. And trip thee up 1 Why now how he blushes—— 42 ORtJiN&O. Selim, he's pretty. I pray thee what meansi That rosy hue upon thy eheek? Ian. Indignation! Abd. Hum! Indignation! Ian, Yes, indignation ! Abd, At what! Ian, At thee! Abd, Stripling, attempt not Thou to trifle here, or else we'll teach thee What thou art. Ian. What am 11 Abd. Our prisoner Thou art. Ian. And if I am ? Abd, Thy life's in danger. _ Jan. My body may be so ; my soul is not! Abd. Selim, this beardless fellow is saucy; To the block with him, and see an th' axe's edge Will qualify his throat for gibberish. Ian, Ay, on, and slay a helpless woman! Abd, How, A woman? Ian, Ay, a woman! Abd. Hum! this is well! A woman, hey ! hum! I' faith this pleases me! But since it is so this dress befits her not • So, Selim, take thou hence this Spanish maid. And, in glittering robes, command my girls To deck her off. Ian, What will ye bring me where There's of mine own Sexl SeU Ay. * Ian. Speedily then. [tlxeunt, Abd. By Allah, she's handsome! and the reality Of her fair face and rounded form, puts all Orlando's sister's hearsay charms far from My view, what makes her tho' in this attire t Some lover she hath follow'd to the fight. And a maid she is ; for after wedlock, A woman's not so fond to risk her life. She's amorous, and we will live on lechery. Re-enter Osman. Osm, My liege, there's treachery i4W. Where is Solyman? Osm, Upon his way to Africa. ORLANbO. 43 Abd, Howt Osm, Last night, pretending some royal business, he did pass The southern gate. Abd. V faith then this accounts For Sabyro's dying in the Spanish ranks. 3aidst thou he pass'd the southern gate I Osm. So said The guard to me. Abd. He might as well have pass'd The northern one then, and sav'd the distance. Osm. Why? Abd. No, Osman, he has not gone towards Africa, but inside the walls of old Iberia He is. Osman, come thou with me, and let Us seek the means to worst this exigence. [Exeunt, SCENE 11.—^ gallery in the castle. Enter Auric, and Grasado. Aur. And now, Grasado, what; of the general? Gras. Ah, Aurio, that ship, that goodly ship. Which we were wont to gaze admiringly on. Is now dismantled quite. Aur. O, no! Gras. Alas! Strange whims do occupy the gen'ral's mind : Now he fancies himself this, and now that j Now he beholds an angel to the which He t!!ilks of love, and of lanthe too ; and Again he stretches forth his eyes to their Full strain, and, intense, on hollow vacancy He gazes, wjth awful gesture accompanied ; Anon, he will break suddenly off from this. And right reasonable he will discourse. Aur. The very attributes of madness, sir. Gras, Lo, now where he comes, in conversation With lieutenant Carlos. Behold and judge. Aur, Else were I doubly blind. ^Retire, Enter Orlando and Carlos. Orl. What, my Carlos, Didst die for love? Why even so did I! Yet, dead and yet on earth '. What do we here ? 'Tis false! we are not dead! but we will die! Come, friend, together let us shed our tears, T4 OELANDOi Together weep our wo, in unison complairi Against the fates. Our burning tears shall fall As though the clouds were all let loose above. And, spite of the covenant unto the adverse. We will drench earth with another flood Our own destroyers! Death then will us equip With wings, and we will fly forever hencej And leave this heartless woild to meet our souls In heaven j for love like ours can never rest On lukewarm soil or breathe this icy air! Car. Take pitv, take pity, assuage his grief. And restore him to his senses, Heaven! Oil. Ha, ha, ha! Marry, let the devil come ; We fear him not ; we are all good christians, lanthe! oh — oh — oh — lost! forever lost! Car. JViy lord Orl. O, she was blithe in prettinessj Pure as the snow that crowns the Alpine tops> Sweet as the odours from the moirning flower ; Yea, and as righteous as the unborn babe. That stirreth in the womb, she was ; but now She's dead! these eyes shall never look on her Again; round her fair form these arms no more Shall twine; and never shall our hearts unto Each other speak until we meet in heaven! Lost! forever lost! Car. Nay, not forever lost. My lord, since ye may meet again in bhsSi Orl, A good reproof, and I am thankful, sir» For it. So, so ; she's lost on earth, but not Forever lost! I would be with her, Carlos! Car. My lord, until the body's dissolution be And thy spirit let loose, thou mayest not Hope to be with her-. Orl. 1 sin in living then ! Since death will bring me to the maid I love, I'll straightway bring myself to death! I'll go j And in yonder stream^ that's rolling gently on To the sweet music of its own faint ripple, I'll drown myself, and all my sorrows too ! lanthe! lanthe! Car. How piteously he calls Upon her name. Old. Carlos— — ■ Car. My lord. Orl. Carlos, OaLAMDO. 4& Lets's gripe each other with the grip of death ; Go hand ia hand unto the other world! Ua, ha, ha! Cai\ Alas, alas! thou noble heart ! Orl. Darkness ! darkness ! all is chaos around My bed! night and discord are in my soul! I'm dead — my soul escapes my body now — But! how's, this, a troop of devils here to sieze Oh me— downward they drag me — ha, ha, ha! Car, Wo's me, he ha,s swfoon^d! help ho, help, ho! Orl,, Help, help! avaunt,. ye fiends ! 1 say, let go! JIackji ye demons, back unto your pitchy cell! I^elp, Carlos, help ! they drag me down to hell ! Cur, Crazed ! completely crazed ! alas ! alas! Sad wreck of what was once majesfeical ! l^ut a crovsrn cannot be all a diamond ; liiferior naaterial n^i^t p^op up the gems. [AuRio and Qrasa&,0 advaiic^ Qras. You see, yo^ see % Aur, Too visible it is, a,las ! Oar. O, well met, my friends! behold, sirs, behold! Be dumb ; nay, do not speak, but act j come, come. Let's quickly bear him. Aur, O piteous sight ! [ Exeunt* SCEN^ III. — A.n antechamber in the Alha^mbrOt. Enter Ian the. Jan. I wander up and down in this vast pile. That almost shames the depths of India's seas, llegardless of its splendor. O, some sad hu^. Where I might effuse the copioi;is draughts Of sorrow that a^-e in me chok'd, where fa^i^ Mor« vvelcome than a.11 this magnificence! My htart is torn ! it'-s lortur'd ! Thou sun ab jpiut the king comes to importune me still With his passion: I'm obliged to, carry now A spirit haughty, a spirit that's quite from My Teal oiie, Befriend me, kind Heaven ! J^ntev Abdalla. Abd. She is now in befitting apparel dress'd j And upon my bedazzled sight she breaks- Perfect beauty ! as resplendent as the ^uu Upon our eastern summer's morning ! 4S OALAKisO. Ian. Grief, bast thou no pause, no interraissloti Of mirth, of joy, or even of forgetfulness ! Abd. Allah, but she is beautiful ! Maiden, Let not those eyes shrink thus, as guilty things» Beneath their lids, but let them boldly shine. Dispel this sadness from thee. Ah^ do not In such careless wonderment gaze on th' earth. Ian, Dissembler, to wonder's all that's left me : I wonder what destiny did doom me here. Within the reach of thy ferocious grasp. Abd. O, maiden, put away from thee this glooni* To see thee thus afflicts me to the soul. Ian. The wily crocodilcj on Afric's red strond, With piteous Complaint entraps the stranger, But they who know his purpose keep remote* TVay, never whine, and protestations make, For it avails thee not : 1 know thee full well> And) knowing, I scorn thee. Abd. How? Ian. I scorn thee. Ahd. Woman, beware t this sword I grasp is edg'd j And when o'er the passions anger reigns — — I pray thee look to it ! Ian. Vain are thy threats ; Thee and thy power I all alike despise! Abd. Well, Since that courteous wooing cannot take thee, Compulsion must! Ian. At last! Abd. Nay, do not swell And frown so haughtily. That white bosom Should in another passion throw its heaves Than anger. Once more I ask thee, wilt thou Consent to what I ask] Ian. No! Abd. So resolute. Maiden 1 positively, then I'll force thee. Ian. But my life musf previously be taken! I tell thee, tyrant, Abd. Fri.a:hten boys, not men! Foretell to those that to foretelling heed! Ian. I thank thee for this interruption, sir; I'm glad the thought did not escape ray lips. Abd. Calmly thou speakest, maiden. But, sure. Thou w'lt not with such calmness utter speech When one among my common pack of whores : ORLAXDO. 47 No ; but with most holrid imprecations Thou wilt rend th' air, invoking every evil That is, that was, to blast thee from the earth, Methitilcs e'en now I hear these domes resound Thy piercing shrieks. I did intend to have Been nice in this affair, but since thou hast Goaded me on so far, from hence I'll use thee As a bought slave, an ignominious concubine, Ian, Ha, ha, ha ! Abd. Is it laughable ? Ian. Ay, sir, 'tis. Ahd. But not one moment longer will I parle With this thy stubbornness. What ho, Selim! Enter Selim, Sel. My liege Ahd. Selim, lead in this stubborn girl ; Bid my women prepare her ; for know, sir. That on this next day's night I bed with her. Ian. 'Tis false! Ahd. Away with her! Ja7i. O thou monster! Abd. Why then since it is so, why let it be so ; I care not that for man's opinion ; I am one. Marry, what a fuss you make about nothing; About nothing at all. What, and is there Something extra in your virginity, that you Should be so nice about it ? It vexes me I I'm angry . SeL My liege—— Abd. I'm angry, Selim ; And I can scarce contain ray blowl in bounds! Perform what I've commanded, Selim, and To morrow nijht I'll teach her who and what I am! [Exit. Jan. O faial chance, that from the lord Orlando did me part, and brought me here A captive to this lewd and wicked king! Dangers enclose me round, and horrors glare And scowl on me whichever way I look! And, O, strange feelings now sweep o'er my soul; And feelings hitherto unfelt by me! Come, O, come to me, Death, and I will hug thee In a fond embrace, hug thee close to my heart. And in the pression cold feel all the heat Of burning /Etna's most tremendous rage ! .48 ^oiitA>Jb<*i, With wonder on thy fleshless form I'll gaze* Yea, in ecstatic wonder gaze, and deem thee Beautiful beyond description's tongue ! O, my poor brain whirls, and I'm dizzy, sad. Weary and sick! Sir, bring me immediately iJnto a private place, for 1 would sleep. AJine eyes are parch'd ; 1 cannot, cannot weep ! SeU This way— this way-^ [^Exeunh SCENE IV. — A gallery in the castle, Entej' AuRio and Grasado. Jtnr. Biehold where comes the worthy lieutenant;^ Gras, And sorrow's portrait's in his countenance; Enter Carlos, Aur. Ho\v is it, lieutenant? Car. Ah, gentlemen! Gras. I ask for both of us, although T much fear Thine answer too, how fares the general 1 Car. f o say the substance all at once, he's Worset Avr. Then I aVn doubtful of his recovery. Car. Ah, good hearts, within yonder apartment iie lies, (entirely an alter'd man. Gras. What is he Then completely crazed ? Car. Ay. Murmurs he now. Anon he'll sing, and next he'll shout. Prone on His back he lays awhile, then upright he sits. And vows of love, in gentle tones, he plights; I'hfen all of a sudden, as auick as the gleam Therefrom wbien cloud prlfcipitates on cloud. He starts forth, raves, and on lanthe calls. Aur. The loss of her will be the loss of hirri. Gras. I Would we had some clue to her, that we Might find out whether she's alive or dead: *Twould be some satisfaction, if no more. Car, Lo, gentlemaUj where now the general coines* Atir. GrasadOj let us retire. tJfasi I think 'twere best. [Exeiinii Car. The general comes ; he appears disorder'd ; Perhaps 'tis the acme of his lunacy, and it Will now go down as fast as it did rise. Enter Orlamdo. Orl, I'll have the heart of him! Pr.la:kj>o. Car. How no vr, general, OrL She is not dead! she is alive ! but oh ! Wake me, hell, to more than mortal vengeance,-! He would defile hier, yes, he would defile The fairest maid on earth, mine only love ! Whai, what, and is he alive who purposes ^^lluting her, and I too to know thereof! (), Heaven, my curaber'd heart swells upiya^r^ To my very lips, and fain would chop.k. up The words that ooze between! 1 am ad^ry For blood — bloodr-blood — -— Car. Nay, general, Oil. O, would we were wallow^^g i!tbe lava Of V^esuvius' burning gulf, so I but had him By the throat ! 1 would rend his brassy heart From out his breast, and thus holding it forth, ]n great agitation gaze, upon it rheum. And triumph with a terrible revenge! Car. O, peace, my lord? ;0>L Talk not to me of peace ! Of vengeance speak ; of that alone I'll hear ! C:i>\ Tell me, my lord, the meaning of this ragel Oil. The whiles 1 lay sleeping on yonder couch O'er my disorder'd brain strange phantoms swept. C.ir, A dream is then the origin of it. Weill OrL Methought that I was at the Alhambra, In the royal palace, and at the Moorish cou^t. Where they the marriage rites were celebrating, jlf it may so be term'd. Well, there stood I ; ' Kang'd round the lofty hall, of splendid taste. The guests upon soft velvet cushions sat, .While lulling music fann'd the perfum'd air. And all se nn'd like a paradise on eai-th. Amid this glitt'ring scene, a herald enter'd And announced Abdalla and the fair bride: And a gorgeous procession came forward. Sir, imagine me when I beheld the bride it was lanthe! I just saw her and awoke. Gar. But say, my lord, OrL Nay, question me not : I've more to tell thee. Being tir'd and weary Sleep clos'd again mine eyes. Long I'd not lain. When a female form of stature very tall, Dress'd in black, the resemblance of sorrow. Stood beside me. I could not breathe a word, Nor stir a limb ; my soul was all absorb'd j £ #9 50 ORLANDO* And to a deadness horror chill'd my veins I cannot now describe. Then put the figiire- Forth her arm above my head, and utter'd— — r Unless Orlando averts Abdalla's fell doom,. To morrovi^ night I'm sacrificed to shame. The veil that hid the face vpas thrown aside. And sweet lanthe's face again was there ! Car. 1 do believe this is a faithful dream,. And that th' reality is as the ideal. But what intendest thou ? Orl, To rescue her. Or die attempting it! Yes, my Carlos, ye«. To-morrow night, and God lets to-morrow be, Will behold lanthe my bride or no one's! Death shall wed her or e'er Abdalla shall! I'll not delay in this but ot it straight. And, should it to that dread crisis come, ere Abdalla shall her deflour, this my hand Shall bear the deadly dagger to her heart ! This oath 1 kiss upon my furbish'd sword - God keep my soul as I do keep my word ! [Exit^ Car. Ah, unhappy mant Lo, my sister comes: The sight of her sad face and tearful eye. The jolting of her speech with sobs commix'd, This, and the knowledge whence derives her wo. Are daggers to my soul ! Enter Miranda, Mir. Brjther Car, Come, sis, My gentle sis, put now this grief away. Why, why, my sister, grievest thou so much? This everlasting grief will not recover Her that's lost. O now continue not in it; 'Tis perseverance breedeth no avail. O, good my sister, block it not into excess, For as 'tis it showeth well, but if pursued Too close it is rank treachery to Heaven. Mir. I will endeavor. No informaniion Of my lady, nonel no tidings of her? Car. Yes, there is some information of her. Mir. There is ] Car. There is. Mir. O then speak it quickly. Brother, and ease my overladen heart ! Car., Come thou with me apart, and to thy ears The knowledge that I have I will unfold. [Exeunt, ACT V. •SCENE I.— y} gallery in the castle. Enter Claude and IIeline, meeting, ■a a. O dear ! if . /. For what's that sigh 1 Cla. The whole castle's in tears, and Vm a portion of it. Now if tlie lady lanthe had not been lost the friar would have tied her to the lord, and, then, according to agreement you and I Enter Ai'Rio. Hd. Aurio, how fares the general this morn 1 Aur. His lunacy has quite gone off: he is himself again. Cla. What's he crazy no more ? O.then there's no reason I should be dumpish ; I'll be as merry as ever. La,le,la, &c. Hel. Will you hush ? Cla. 'i\) please a woman, yes Hel. But, Aurio, how comes this sudd«n change*? Aur. On account of something he last afternoon did dream, in Moorish robes he dres^'d himself, and at the middle of the night departed from these walls, Hel. In.leed! Cla. Indeed ' Aiir. Besi.les, he had not been itwo hours gone, -when -at the gates appeared my lady's Moorish uncle, who, with Carlos and the friar conversed, but what the import of the conver- sation was 1 do not know. Enter Grasado* Gras. T sought you, sir. Aur. But not in vain. What doth the god Somnus yet hear nasal worship from the Moor? Gras. Sleep hath not touched his eyes, but with the friar and Carlos was he closeted. But now, with them, he came out ; and Carlos ordered all in readiness, for 'tis resolved to follow str-iight the general. Aar, For what purpose ? Gras. J'hat I know not. But come with me; T will inquire into it. lExeunt. Cla. Ileigho, here's a mystery again' Hel. A mystery tiiere is, and Im no woman if I don't ■find it out. Come, Claude, come. [Exeunt. SCENE II, — A furnis]i£d room in the Alhambra. I A N r H E discovered. ■Jan.. Would an eiteinal night were here, and I pi ORLAMi'O.' Might sleep forevtf, hid from myself and From my miseries ! To-night — to-night ^' tl7iter Lao MA. Laoma hao. How have you slept, good lady? Ian. But indifferently; 1 thank you, girl. Th6 sun shines bright: draw yonder curtain j so.' Thoti didst ask me if that 1 rested well] Lao, Such was my inquiry. Ian. 1 thank thee ; But answer, no. Laoma, I could not rest ; Mix'd with my slumbers were such fantasies, Such fearful dreams that 'twas impossible. JVJarry, what a strange mixture is a dieam! Lao. It is even as you say. I value dreams As omens to us, despatch'd from Heaven, Of some forthcoming importance and event. My dear mother died, and then my father. And to the care of his brother 1 vt as left. My uncle was one of those whose feelings Are ever subservient to their avarice, As my sad story's sequel sadly shows.' Ian. And dost thou sojourn iii miser^ tool Come, sit besi^de me then, and tell me all. Lad. 1 presunie, of t'lie noted barbarity ■f hat's in Circassia practiced, you have heard ;■ JJamely, that of parents bart'ring for chattels And the like their female children ] Jan. I have. , Lao. O, of that ciistorti's victims I am one! Ian. Ah, I almost do know the measure of Thy grief ere thou dost give it shape in word?. Lao» I number'd sixteen years, and, unluckily,^ I was reputed handsome far and near ; And the king's men offer'd highly for me : Bias'd by his internal god, his love, aim. And desire to get, and, getting, still to get, Mj cruel uncle let me to their purchase. The night ere this did hap I had a dream Of plucking and eating thistle's, and that. They say, interprets a life of infam^. Ian. What herald is this that hither comes? Lao, It is Selim and the bridal v^omen. Lnter Selim and Women. SeL Laoma, the king would speak with yoxii, ORLANDrt. S3 Lao. I thank you ; I'll instantly attend him. [Fxit, Ian. What are these that follow 1 Set. Iheir purpose is To be your conduct to the bath ; when there To prepare you for these advancing nuptials, lull. Must I be bedded with 1 Sel. So runs the tale. Ian. Is it Abdalla's doom? StU, It is. Ian. Cruel fate — I will not weep though for tears are bootless! Sel. Take comfort Ian. Comfort! who talks o' that ? Where was his reason nursd that talketh so? 'J'o me, all, all's despair ! Hapless, hapless, m«1 Kyes be dry, be not weak, be not conquer'd! (), why this flood of tears ? but I must weep ' God, O, God, why, why is this upon me put ! Who mocks my misery? dare you? dare you? Ay, it is well ye brave not desperation! 1 call'd on hell to take me to its arms It would not do it I 1 call'd on heaven And echo to the horizon mock'd me ! Sel. Fie, fie, good lady, fie! compose yourself. What use of this? there's ne'er a likelihood That you will look upOn Orlando more. Inn. O, thus to wrack my poor heart, is cruelty That hath no name! it is worse than cruelty Thus to plant the treasur'd features of him I must not hope to see again, full jump, To the eye of my most sad remembrance! Sel. Lady, the hour has far into the day Advanced; since noon the glass has seven Times up been turn'd. /aw. Excess of misery ! Would that my glass had no more sand to run ; Would that my time was out, that I was done! AH, all, is against me! My sense is on The brink, it totters, it falls, and madness Doth possess me all! Come, a blow for honor! Virtue's my motto, and despair's my banner! [Exit. Sel. Follow, and see her properly adorn'd ; W^ith her to the bath and other arrangements j Then bedight her, as befits a king's bride, With all that is to blazonry allied. [Exeunt, 54 OALANDO. SCENE lU.^The btidal hull in the Alhamhra, Enter Abdalla and trtiiii, Ahd, More miisic, ho! [Music, Enter Osman; Osm, My liege • Abd. Go on, good sir. Ostn, Sir, without there is a Moorish stranger Who craves admission to your royal presence : Urgent business, business beneficial both To your hohor'd self and to the state, he says, Has brought him here at this uncommon hour: Abd. Anuncomtndh hotir, irideed! Admit him. But see you keep your hands Upon him tight. 0»m. I shall remember the injunction, sir. [Ex?L Abd. I do not relish this I 'tis very strange ! But all doth come by fate, so fate come on. Re-ejiler Osman and Orlando. So ; a stately looking fellow. Or I. Not here ! ^Asidei Abd. Say, what's your business with us, sirl Orl. Why 'tis— 1 pray you show me the bride? Abd. Show you the bride ! Orl. Why hold ye me as if I were a prisoner] Let go your hold, sirs. Abd. Faith, ere they do that. My grant is requisite, and must be obtain'd ; And before 'tis obtain'd I first must know "What specific reason hath brought you here. Orl. Merely to see the bride. Abd. And if you see her, Wherein may that unto oiirself pertain. Or e'en unto the state 1 Orl. I am bewilder'd ! [Aside. I know, sir — that is — To be frank, O king. My sole errand is that I tnay see the bride, Abd. Then, in my authority, I here demand Your name. Orl. Authority! said you authority ? Abd, This insolence to m^ 1 Orl. To you, sir, you ! Why who are you that I should fear to speak f ---—*'- 4-" ORLANDb* 53 I know you Well, sir! you are below the dust You tread on ! below an honest man's scorn! I am guarded here, so that 1 can't stab you ; If not withheld I would immediately ! What, what, are you amaz'd? tlien wonder on! Lo, here I rend this hated guise from off My back, and show me simply as 1 am, In honest doublet and hose, a Spaniard! Abd. Your discovery will not benefit you. Orl. Hark you. If that you are worthy o' this My fair countrywoman, then prove it me ; For here, before all, 1 lay claim to her. Now From thy throne come down and cross readily ,Thy sabre upon this bright sword of mine. Resolving in our hearts, ere we do sep'rate. One of us twain shall see his certain death ! I wait thine answer. yibd. This fellow's mad Orl. Coward! Ahd, Away with him, guards. Orl. Thou coward ! [ Music. Abd, Ha! there's music approaching, and with it My fair mistress. Guards, off with him. Marry, "What doth the Spaniard here to mar our joy] Away with him, and well secure him too. Orl. 1 will not go till I have seen the bride! Aid. Away ift?ith hiitt? Orl. Ha ! 1 will not go till — Off, off, sycophants, "off— Curses on ye! \Ht is dragged off^. Osm The bride advances. Abd. O, let me behold her! Music is heard without. The doors are thrown open ; then enter Slaves bearitig urns, censers, &;c., females, strewing fioivers and waltzing before I a^jtue, richly habited: then follow several Guards, &;c. Osm. Fall back, fall back. /a». O, Orlando, Orlando! [Asidis. Abdali-a meets Ianthej Abd. What, my fair maiden, doth melancholy Yet possess thee "i Why art thou not content? Why art not gay 1 O, disclose unto a heart, A wooing heart that loves thee, what it is That hangs thus heavily upon thy mind. That makes thee to my protestations blind 1 &ay, maiden, why so much depress'd l Ian, O, Death, 56 OTILANDO, Thou for whom I so long have long'tl in valn^ Come to my aid, 0„ come, and ease my paini Ahd. Nay, this unseasonable gloominess, This cold indifference, 1 pray thee to dispel, And on these our humble effort> kindly look. Come, ho, musicians, ho! touch ye your strings, Sweep the guitar that with it softness brings, And float the sighing strain upon the air From out the flute ; whilst that the almas fair, 'i'o your sweet notes, do twine the dizzy waltz, And r.ought shall be but minstrelsy and love! Set on ; and up, around, and all throughout 'Ihese vaulted domes let's hear the high echo Of our joy and bliss! Hilarity shall rule! A hurst of Music A no a i. la leads Ianthk to a seah, and immediateiii Music and dancing, which is suddevlu broken ofi bii a noise from within, when Oki.ANiio rushes on thesceae, and 1am HE falls in his wrn^s. Inn. It is! it is! (hi. lanthe! ]j7. Why even so of olden time the Roman Soldier did ! Into chaste Virginia's breast 'J'he agon'iz'd fatber plung'd the knife To save her from the fire of Claudius' lust! And I — and 1 — U! But why should 1 regxdt? There was no other way to keep hei pure, To preserve unting'dtiersaored viHue Iroai the vioiater! lanthe — lanthe — — Ian. The king — the king Orl. He Would have lun. Defam'd me! But we have foil'd him ! Oil. We have ! we have ! Ian. O I [Dks, Oil. Alas, the breath has disappear'd, and life'* No more a resident in this fair euilice! Dead! Oi O ! *he's dead, and 1 did kill iijeri Jkiid i an 4«olated ijieing akri 1 W hat ife ttliere Left me] O, ndthing but reve'nge and death! What ho, thou lusty iMoor, thou devil-king! Blood-coimorant, behold I Entfir Abdalla ^c, Ah(J. M'hat's this ! . 0,7. 'Tis this ! Look at her ! see the ruin thou hast caus'd ! Oini. O blacker deed than 1 tan easily ^nd Words to express it in* ORLANDO. ^ Ahd. Why didst thou kill her? 0/7. But to protect her honor from thy lust, Ahd. A strange protection that I must allow, OH. Better she should be dead than dishonor'd ! Ahd. My impression was that thou loved'st her? OH. Love her I did, and therefore I kill'd her! Abd. 'I'was then for this that thou asked'st o' me Five minutes, hey? 0/7. ' Twas ! And true to my word, To thee 1 tender her, and all my claim resign. There, take her, take her. Abdalla, behold! Now lies the fair lanthe down at thy feet. And quite as cold as monumental marble, • Who but a moment goue was warm in lifel What, and art thou not all absoro'd in tears. Thy body and thy soul, at this sad sight 1 Abd. No, not at all ; it rather makes me smile* Oil. Where is thy heart! what material is itl By Heaven, I wonder that thou sinkest not, O'ercome with shame, unto the earth's centre ! If that thou hast a heart I'll find it — [Stcd)s him, Osni. Horror! Abd. Upon him. Moors, upon the Spanish dog! Avenge your monarch's fall ! [Falls, OH. Ay, now come on ! Let the whole torrent in on me ! I wish to die ! lanthe is aveng'd, and I wish naught else ! Behold, 1 throw upon your bloodstain 'd floor My bootless swoni, and here do bare my breast Unto your points! That's deep — deeper — hat l^Falls, Abd. O! O! Osm. Look to the king. Abd. I'here is no need— Tt is too late — I'm spent —I die —I die— [Dies, 0:>in. O a bloodier climax in the affairs Of fate did never chance ! the king is dead I Orlando crawling to Ianthe's corpse, Orl. O here's a ghastly sight for me, for all ! The eyes revolts from it. Sweet, sweet lanthe, Cover'd half with blood, whiter e'en than snow And cold as ice! God, but I did love her ! She's yet beautiful — but, O, that soul of hers ! But fast oozes life, my blood ebbs to waste. And I'm departing never, never to return ! O beautiful though dead I I will kiss thee ;;f.^.'^-5»^f;>.-.'^ 60 .Oitti.ANi?,o. / Though thou art cold^ love ; and with a fcis? Be wafted to eter aal realms of bliss ! O! O! [Du^, Osm. Our terror is extinct at last. Imo. He's dead; And to the abodes of rest, from bodj^'s toil. His unloosened spirit now wip^s its way. this is mournful! » Y« Motftish maidens, Gather'd over and round thatTemale corpse, AVell may ye v^eepL yes, with (jut atfectation Or the remotest qpnhiyaace at show. Inwardly, ye my drovi'n yourselves in wo! 1 would now mix iny social drops with yours^! Friends, to her complexion of cadav'rous hue Must ye ere long resign your watei'd bloom ; By that settled £taie 'must the vivid flash Of your now^sparkliDg orbs be superceedeJ : Like her must 3*6 be wedded unto death! And, maidens, immediately let's bear her out. And with the establish'd rites dispose of her : And when the l^ody hath thi.ee days dwelt in The earth, all deck'd in cypress, my maidens. Bring me word ; then together we will forth And^ave her tomb with tears of bitter wo. Come, maidens, come : 1 would not longer look On this sad spedtacle ; a high wrought book I'his seems to me, wherein my spirit reads Oi life's uncertainty and of (ieath's deeds! [Exeun^. THE END. 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