ACT III

[156]Zapolya (in agitation).O speak.1817,1838,1829.

Zapolya (in agitation).O speak.1817,1838,1829.

[170]Ha!— (observing the cave).1817,1828,1829.

Ha!— (observing the cave).1817,1828,1829.

[183]Bethlen (in amazement).1817,1828,1829.

Bethlen (in amazement).1817,1828,1829.

[196]Voice: Light1817,1828,1829.

Voice: Light1817,1828,1829.

Before225Bethlen (starting).1817,1828,1829.

[233][Zapolya. . . him.Bethlenstarts.Ha!Zapolya (embracing him).My son, &c.1817,1828,1829.

[Zapolya. . . him.Bethlenstarts.Ha!Zapolya (embracing him).My son, &c.

[Zapolya. . . him.

Bethlenstarts.Ha!

Zapolya (embracing him).My son, &c.

1817,1828,1829.

After234and stage directions.End of Act II.1817.

A stately room inLord Casimir'scastle. EnterEmerickandLaska.

Emerick.I do perceive thou hast a tender conscience,Laska, in all things that concern thine ownInterest or safety.Laska.In this sovereign presenceI can fear nothing, but your dread displeasure.Emerick.Perchance, thou think'st it strange, that I of all men5Should covet thus the love of fair Sarolta,[926]Dishonouring Casimir?Laska.Far be it from me!Your Majesty's love and choice bring honour with them.Emerick.Perchance, thou hast heard that Casimir is my friend,Fought for me, yea, for my sake, set at nought10A parent's blessing; braved a father's curse?Laska (aside).Would I but knew now, what his Majesty meant!Oh yes, Sire! 'tis our common talk, how LordKiuprili, my Lord's father—Emerick.'Tis your talk,Is it, good statesman Laska?Laska.No, not mine,15Not mine, an please your Majesty! There areSome insolent malcontents indeed that talk thus—Nay worse, mere treason. As Bathory's son,The fool that ran into the monster's jaws.Emerick.Well, 'tis a loyal monster if he rids us20Of traitors! But art sure the youth's devoured?Laska.Not a limb left, an please your Majesty!And that unhappy girl—Emerick.Thou followed'st herInto the wood?[Laskabows assent.Henceforth then I'll believeThat jealousy can make a hare a lion.25Laska.Scarce had I got the first glimpse of her veil,When, with a horrid roar that made the leavesOf the wood shake—Emerick.Made thee shake like a leaf!Laska.The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her;Forward I rushed!Emerick.Most marvellous!Laska.Hurled my javelin;30Which from his dragon-scales recoiling—Emerick.Enough!And take, friend, this advice. When next thou tonguest it,Hold constant to thy exploit with this monster,And leave untouched your common talk aforesaid,What your Lord did, or should have done.Laska.My talk?35The saints forbid! I always said, for my part,[927]'Was not the king Lord Casimir's dearest friend?Was not that friend a king? Whate'er he did'Twas all from pure love to his Majesty.'Emerick.And this then was thy talk? While knave and coward,40Both strong within thee, wrestle for the uppermost,In slips the fool and takes the place of both.Babbler! Lord Casimir did, as thou and all men.He loved himself, loved honours, wealth, dominion.All these were set upon a father's head:45Good truth! a most unlucky accident!For he but wished to hit the prize; not grazeThe head that bore it: so with steady eyeOff flew the parricidal arrow.—EvenAs Casimir loved Emerick, Emerick50Loves Casimir, intends him no dishonour.He winked not then, for love of me forsooth!For love of me now let him wink! Or ifThe dame prove half as wise as she is fair,He may still pass his hand, and find all smooth.55[Passing his hand across his brow.Laska.Your Majesty's reasoning has convinced me.Emerick.Thee!'Tis well! and more than meant. For by my faithI had half forgotten thee.—Thou hast the key?[Laskabows.And in your lady's chamber there's full space?Laska.Between the wall and arras to conceal you.60Emerick.Here! This purse is but an earnest of thy fortune,If thou prov'st faithful. But if thou betrayest me,Hark you!—the wolf that shall drag thee to his denShall be no fiction.

Emerick.I do perceive thou hast a tender conscience,Laska, in all things that concern thine ownInterest or safety.

Laska.In this sovereign presenceI can fear nothing, but your dread displeasure.

Emerick.Perchance, thou think'st it strange, that I of all men5Should covet thus the love of fair Sarolta,[926]Dishonouring Casimir?

Laska.Far be it from me!Your Majesty's love and choice bring honour with them.

Emerick.Perchance, thou hast heard that Casimir is my friend,Fought for me, yea, for my sake, set at nought10A parent's blessing; braved a father's curse?

Laska (aside).Would I but knew now, what his Majesty meant!Oh yes, Sire! 'tis our common talk, how LordKiuprili, my Lord's father—

Emerick.'Tis your talk,Is it, good statesman Laska?

Laska.No, not mine,15Not mine, an please your Majesty! There areSome insolent malcontents indeed that talk thus—Nay worse, mere treason. As Bathory's son,The fool that ran into the monster's jaws.

Emerick.Well, 'tis a loyal monster if he rids us20Of traitors! But art sure the youth's devoured?

Laska.Not a limb left, an please your Majesty!And that unhappy girl—

Emerick.Thou followed'st herInto the wood?[Laskabows assent.Henceforth then I'll believeThat jealousy can make a hare a lion.25

Laska.Scarce had I got the first glimpse of her veil,When, with a horrid roar that made the leavesOf the wood shake—

Emerick.Made thee shake like a leaf!

Laska.The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her;Forward I rushed!

Emerick.Most marvellous!

Laska.Hurled my javelin;30Which from his dragon-scales recoiling—

Emerick.Enough!And take, friend, this advice. When next thou tonguest it,Hold constant to thy exploit with this monster,And leave untouched your common talk aforesaid,What your Lord did, or should have done.

Laska.My talk?35The saints forbid! I always said, for my part,[927]'Was not the king Lord Casimir's dearest friend?Was not that friend a king? Whate'er he did'Twas all from pure love to his Majesty.'

Emerick.And this then was thy talk? While knave and coward,40Both strong within thee, wrestle for the uppermost,In slips the fool and takes the place of both.Babbler! Lord Casimir did, as thou and all men.He loved himself, loved honours, wealth, dominion.All these were set upon a father's head:45Good truth! a most unlucky accident!For he but wished to hit the prize; not grazeThe head that bore it: so with steady eyeOff flew the parricidal arrow.—EvenAs Casimir loved Emerick, Emerick50Loves Casimir, intends him no dishonour.He winked not then, for love of me forsooth!For love of me now let him wink! Or ifThe dame prove half as wise as she is fair,He may still pass his hand, and find all smooth.55[Passing his hand across his brow.

Laska.Your Majesty's reasoning has convinced me.

Emerick.Thee!'Tis well! and more than meant. For by my faithI had half forgotten thee.—Thou hast the key?[Laskabows.And in your lady's chamber there's full space?

Laska.Between the wall and arras to conceal you.60

Emerick.Here! This purse is but an earnest of thy fortune,If thou prov'st faithful. But if thou betrayest me,Hark you!—the wolf that shall drag thee to his denShall be no fiction.

[ExitEmerick. Laskamanet with a key in one hand, and a purse in the other.

Laska.Well then! here I stand,Like Hercules, on either side a goddess.65Call this (looking at the purse)Preferment; this (holding up the key) Fidelity!And first my golden goddess: what bids she?[928]Only:—'This way, your Majesty! hush! The householdAre all safe lodged.'—Then, put FidelityWithin her proper wards, just turn her round—70So—the door opens—and for all the rest,'Tis the king's deed, not Laska's. Do but thisAnd—'I'm the mere earnest of your future fortunes.'But what says the other?—Whisper on! I hear you![Putting the key to his ear.All very true!—but, good Fidelity!75If I refuse King Emerick, will you promise,And swear now, to unlock the dungeon door,And save me from the hangman? Aye! you're silent!What, not a word in answer? A clear nonsuit!Now for one look to see that all are lodged80At the due distance—then—yonder lies the roadFor Laska and his royal friend, King Emerick!

[ExitLaska. Then enterBathoryandBethlen.

Bethlen.He looked as if he were some God disguisedIn an old warrior's venerable shapeTo guard and guide my mother. Is there not85Chapel or oratory in this mansion?Old Bathory.Even so.Bethlen.From that place then am I to takeA helm and breast-plate, both inlaid with gold,And the good sword that once was Raab Kiuprili's.Old Bathory.Those very arms this day Sarolta show'd me—90With wistful look. I'm lost in wild conjectures!Bethlen.O tempt me not, e'en with a wandering guess,To break the first command a mother's willImposed, a mother's voice made known to me!'Ask not, my son,' said she, 'our names or thine.95The shadow of the eclipse is passing offThe full orb of thy destiny! AlreadyThe victor Crescent glitters forth and shedsO'er the yet lingering haze a phantom light.Thou canst not hasten it! Leave then to Heaven100The work of Heaven: and with a silent spiritSympathize with the powers that work in silence!'Thus spake she, and she looked as she were then[929]Fresh from some heavenly vision!

Bethlen.He looked as if he were some God disguisedIn an old warrior's venerable shapeTo guard and guide my mother. Is there not85Chapel or oratory in this mansion?

Old Bathory.Even so.

Bethlen.From that place then am I to takeA helm and breast-plate, both inlaid with gold,And the good sword that once was Raab Kiuprili's.

Old Bathory.Those very arms this day Sarolta show'd me—90With wistful look. I'm lost in wild conjectures!

Bethlen.O tempt me not, e'en with a wandering guess,To break the first command a mother's willImposed, a mother's voice made known to me!'Ask not, my son,' said she, 'our names or thine.95The shadow of the eclipse is passing offThe full orb of thy destiny! AlreadyThe victor Crescent glitters forth and shedsO'er the yet lingering haze a phantom light.Thou canst not hasten it! Leave then to Heaven100The work of Heaven: and with a silent spiritSympathize with the powers that work in silence!'Thus spake she, and she looked as she were then[929]Fresh from some heavenly vision!

[Re-enterLaska, not perceiving them.

Laska.All asleep![Then observingBethlen, stands in idiot-affright.I must speak to it first—Put—put the question!105I'll confess all![Stammering with fear.Old Bathory.Laska! what ails thee, man?Laska (pointing to Bethlen).There!Old Bathory.I see nothing! where?Laska.He does not see it!Bethlen, torment me not!Bethlen.Soft! Rouse him gently!He hath outwatched his hour, and half asleep,With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams.110Old Bathory.Ho! Laska! Don't you know us! 'tis BathoryAnd Bethlen!Laska.Good now! Ha! ha! An excellent trick.Afraid? Nay, no offence! But I must laugh.But are you sure now, that 'tis you, yourself?Bethlen.Would'st be convinced?Laska.No nearer, pray! consider!115If it should prove his ghost, the touch would freeze meTo a tombstone. No nearer!Bethlen.The fool is drunk!Laska.Well now! I love a brave man to my heart.I myself braved the monster, and would fainHave saved the false one from the fate she tempted.120Old Bathory.You, Laska?Bethlen (to Bathory).Mark! Heaven grant it may be so!Glycine?Laska.She! I traced her by the voice.You'll scarce believe me, when I say I heardThe close of a song: the poor wretch had been singing:As if she wished to compliment the war-wolf125At once with music and a meal!Bethlen (to Bathory).Mark that!Laska.At the next moment I beheld her running,Wringing her hands with, 'Bethlen! O poor Bethlen!'I almost fear, the sudden noise I made,[930]Rushing impetuous through the brake, alarmed her.130She stopt, then mad with fear, turned round and ranInto the monster's gripe. One piteous screamI heard. There was no second—I—Bethlen.Stop there!We'll spare your modesty! Who dares not honourLaska's brave tongue, and high heroic fancy?135Laska.You too, Sir Knight, have come back safe and sound!You played the hero at a cautious distance!Or was it that you sent the poor girl forwardTo stay the monster's stomach? Dainties quicklyPall on the taste and cloy the appetite!140Old Bathory.Laska, beware! Forget not what thou art!Should'st thou but dream thou'rt valiant, cross thyself!And ache all over at the dangerous fancy!Laska.What then! you swell upon my lady's favour,High Lords and perilous of one day's growth!145But other judges now sit on the bench!And haply, Laska hath found audience there,Where to defend the treason of a sonMight end in lifting up both son and fatherStill higher; to a height from which indeed150You both may drop, but, spite of fate and fortune,Will be secured from falling to the ground.'Tis possible too, young man! that royal Emerick,At Laska's rightful suit, may make inquiryBy whom seduced, the maid so strangely missing—155Bethlen.Soft! my good Laska! might it not suffice,If to yourself, being Lord Casimir's steward,I should make record of Glycine's fate?Laska.'Tis well! it shall content me! though your fearHas all the credit of these lowered tones.160First we demand the manner of her death?Bethlen.Nay! that's superfluous! Have you not just told us,That you yourself, led by impetuous valour,Witnessed the whole? My tale's of later date.After the fate, from which your valour strove165In vain to rescue the rash maid, I saw her!Laska.Glycine?Bethlen.Nay! Dare I accuse wise Laska,Whose words find access to a monarch's ear,[931]Of a base, braggart lie? It must have beenHer spirit that appeared to me. But haply170I come too late? It has itself deliveredIts own commission to you?Old Bathory.'Tis most likely!And the ghost doubtless vanished, when we enteredAnd found brave Laska staring wide—at nothing!Laska.'Tis well! You've ready wits! I shall report them,175With all due honour, to his Majesty!Treasure them up, I pray! A certain person,Whom the king flatters with his confidence,Tells you, his royal friend asks startling questions!'Tis but a hint! And now what says the ghost!180Bethlen.Listen! for thus it spake: 'Say thou to Laska,Glycine, knowing all thy thoughts engrossedIn thy new office of king's fool and knave,Foreseeing thou'lt forget with thine own handTo make due penance for the wrongs thou'st caused her,185For thy soul's safety, doth consent to take itFrom Bethlen's cudgel'—thus.[Beats him off.Off! scoundrel! off!

Laska.All asleep![Then observingBethlen, stands in idiot-affright.I must speak to it first—Put—put the question!105I'll confess all![Stammering with fear.

Old Bathory.Laska! what ails thee, man?

Laska (pointing to Bethlen).There!

Old Bathory.I see nothing! where?

Laska.He does not see it!Bethlen, torment me not!

Bethlen.Soft! Rouse him gently!He hath outwatched his hour, and half asleep,With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams.110

Old Bathory.Ho! Laska! Don't you know us! 'tis BathoryAnd Bethlen!

Laska.Good now! Ha! ha! An excellent trick.Afraid? Nay, no offence! But I must laugh.But are you sure now, that 'tis you, yourself?

Bethlen.Would'st be convinced?

Laska.No nearer, pray! consider!115If it should prove his ghost, the touch would freeze meTo a tombstone. No nearer!

Bethlen.The fool is drunk!

Laska.Well now! I love a brave man to my heart.I myself braved the monster, and would fainHave saved the false one from the fate she tempted.120

Old Bathory.You, Laska?

Bethlen (to Bathory).Mark! Heaven grant it may be so!Glycine?

Laska.She! I traced her by the voice.You'll scarce believe me, when I say I heardThe close of a song: the poor wretch had been singing:As if she wished to compliment the war-wolf125At once with music and a meal!

Bethlen (to Bathory).Mark that!

Laska.At the next moment I beheld her running,Wringing her hands with, 'Bethlen! O poor Bethlen!'I almost fear, the sudden noise I made,[930]Rushing impetuous through the brake, alarmed her.130She stopt, then mad with fear, turned round and ranInto the monster's gripe. One piteous screamI heard. There was no second—I—

Bethlen.Stop there!We'll spare your modesty! Who dares not honourLaska's brave tongue, and high heroic fancy?135

Laska.You too, Sir Knight, have come back safe and sound!You played the hero at a cautious distance!Or was it that you sent the poor girl forwardTo stay the monster's stomach? Dainties quicklyPall on the taste and cloy the appetite!140

Old Bathory.Laska, beware! Forget not what thou art!Should'st thou but dream thou'rt valiant, cross thyself!And ache all over at the dangerous fancy!

Laska.What then! you swell upon my lady's favour,High Lords and perilous of one day's growth!145But other judges now sit on the bench!And haply, Laska hath found audience there,Where to defend the treason of a sonMight end in lifting up both son and fatherStill higher; to a height from which indeed150You both may drop, but, spite of fate and fortune,Will be secured from falling to the ground.'Tis possible too, young man! that royal Emerick,At Laska's rightful suit, may make inquiryBy whom seduced, the maid so strangely missing—155

Bethlen.Soft! my good Laska! might it not suffice,If to yourself, being Lord Casimir's steward,I should make record of Glycine's fate?

Laska.'Tis well! it shall content me! though your fearHas all the credit of these lowered tones.160First we demand the manner of her death?

Bethlen.Nay! that's superfluous! Have you not just told us,That you yourself, led by impetuous valour,Witnessed the whole? My tale's of later date.After the fate, from which your valour strove165In vain to rescue the rash maid, I saw her!

Laska.Glycine?

Bethlen.Nay! Dare I accuse wise Laska,Whose words find access to a monarch's ear,[931]Of a base, braggart lie? It must have beenHer spirit that appeared to me. But haply170I come too late? It has itself deliveredIts own commission to you?

Old Bathory.'Tis most likely!And the ghost doubtless vanished, when we enteredAnd found brave Laska staring wide—at nothing!

Laska.'Tis well! You've ready wits! I shall report them,175With all due honour, to his Majesty!Treasure them up, I pray! A certain person,Whom the king flatters with his confidence,Tells you, his royal friend asks startling questions!'Tis but a hint! And now what says the ghost!180

Bethlen.Listen! for thus it spake: 'Say thou to Laska,Glycine, knowing all thy thoughts engrossedIn thy new office of king's fool and knave,Foreseeing thou'lt forget with thine own handTo make due penance for the wrongs thou'st caused her,185For thy soul's safety, doth consent to take itFrom Bethlen's cudgel'—thus.[Beats him off.Off! scoundrel! off!

[Laskaruns away.

Old Bathory.The sudden swelling of this shallow dastardTells of a recent storm: the first disruptionOf the black cloud that hangs and threatens o'er us.190Bethlen.E'en this reproves my loitering. Say where liesThe oratory?Old Bathory.Ascend yon flight of stairs!Midway the corridor a silver lampHangs o'er the entrance of Sarolta's chamber,And facing it, the low arched oratory!195Me thou'lt find watching at the outward gate:For a petard might burst the bars, unheardBy the drenched porter, and Sarolta hourlyExpects Lord Casimir, spite of Emerick's message!Bethlen.There I will meet you! And till then good-night!200Dear good old man, good-night!Old Bathory.O yet one moment!What I repelled, when it did seem my own,I cling to, now 'tis parting—call me father!It can not now mislead thee. O my son,Ere yet our tongues have learnt another name,205[932]Bethlen!—say 'Father' to me!Bethlen.Now, and for everMy father! other sire than thou, on earthI never had, a dearer could not have!From the base earth you raised me to your arms,And I would leap from off a throne, and kneeling,210Ask Heaven's blessing from thy lips. My father!Bathory.Go! Go![ExitBethlen.May every star now shining over us,Be as an angel's eye, to watch and guard him![ExitBathory.

Old Bathory.The sudden swelling of this shallow dastardTells of a recent storm: the first disruptionOf the black cloud that hangs and threatens o'er us.190

Bethlen.E'en this reproves my loitering. Say where liesThe oratory?

Old Bathory.Ascend yon flight of stairs!Midway the corridor a silver lampHangs o'er the entrance of Sarolta's chamber,And facing it, the low arched oratory!195Me thou'lt find watching at the outward gate:For a petard might burst the bars, unheardBy the drenched porter, and Sarolta hourlyExpects Lord Casimir, spite of Emerick's message!

Bethlen.There I will meet you! And till then good-night!200Dear good old man, good-night!

Old Bathory.O yet one moment!What I repelled, when it did seem my own,I cling to, now 'tis parting—call me father!It can not now mislead thee. O my son,Ere yet our tongues have learnt another name,205[932]Bethlen!—say 'Father' to me!

Bethlen.Now, and for everMy father! other sire than thou, on earthI never had, a dearer could not have!From the base earth you raised me to your arms,And I would leap from off a throne, and kneeling,210Ask Heaven's blessing from thy lips. My father!

Bathory.Go! Go![ExitBethlen.May every star now shining over us,Be as an angel's eye, to watch and guard him![ExitBathory.

Scene changes to a splendid Bed-chamber, hung with tapestry.

Saroltaand anAttendant.

Attendant.We all did love her, madam!Sarolta.She deserved it!Luckless Glycine! rash, unhappy girl!215'Twas the first time she e'er deceived me.Attendant.She was in love, and had she not died thus,With grief for Bethlen's loss, and fear of Laska,She would have pined herself to death at home.Sarolta.Has the youth's father come back from his search?220Attendant.He never will, I fear me. O dear lady!That Laska did so triumph o'er the old man—It was quite cruel—'You'll be sure,' said he,'To meet with part at least of your son Bethlen,Or the war-wolf must have a quick digestion!225Go! Search the wood by all means! Go! I pray you!'Sarolta.Inhuman wretch!Attendant.And old Bathory answeredWith a sad smile, 'It is a witch's prayer,And may Heaven read it backwards.' Though she was rash,'Twas a small fault for such a punishment!230Sarolta.Nay! 'twas my grief, and not my anger spoke.Small fault indeed! but leave me, my poor girl!I feel a weight that only prayer can lighten.[ExitAttendant.O they were innocent, and yet have perishedIn their May of life; and Vice grows old in triumph.235[933]Is it Mercy's hand, that for the bad man holdsLife's closing gate?——Still passing thence petitionary HoursTo woo the obdurate spirit to repentance?Or would this dullness tell me, that there is240Guilt too enormous to be duly punished,Save by increase of guilt? The Powers of EvilAre jealous claimants. Guilt too hath its ordeal,And Hell its own probation!—Merciful Heaven,Rather than this, pour down upon thy suppliant245Disease, and agony, and comfortless want!O send us forth to wander on, unsheltered!Make our food bitter with despiséd tears!Let viperous scorn hiss at us as we pass!Yea, let us sink down at our enemy's gate,250And beg forgiveness and a morsel of bread!With all the heaviest worldly visitationsLet the dire father's curse that hovers o'er usWork out its dread fulfilment, and the spiritOf wronged Kiuprili be appeased. But only,255Only, O merciful in vengeance! let notThat plague turn inward on my Casimir's soul!Scare thence the fiend Ambition, and restore himTo his own heart! O save him! Save my husband!

Attendant.We all did love her, madam!

Sarolta.She deserved it!Luckless Glycine! rash, unhappy girl!215'Twas the first time she e'er deceived me.

Attendant.She was in love, and had she not died thus,With grief for Bethlen's loss, and fear of Laska,She would have pined herself to death at home.

Sarolta.Has the youth's father come back from his search?220

Attendant.He never will, I fear me. O dear lady!That Laska did so triumph o'er the old man—It was quite cruel—'You'll be sure,' said he,'To meet with part at least of your son Bethlen,Or the war-wolf must have a quick digestion!225Go! Search the wood by all means! Go! I pray you!'

Sarolta.Inhuman wretch!

Attendant.And old Bathory answeredWith a sad smile, 'It is a witch's prayer,And may Heaven read it backwards.' Though she was rash,'Twas a small fault for such a punishment!230

Sarolta.Nay! 'twas my grief, and not my anger spoke.Small fault indeed! but leave me, my poor girl!I feel a weight that only prayer can lighten.[ExitAttendant.O they were innocent, and yet have perishedIn their May of life; and Vice grows old in triumph.235[933]Is it Mercy's hand, that for the bad man holdsLife's closing gate?——Still passing thence petitionary HoursTo woo the obdurate spirit to repentance?Or would this dullness tell me, that there is240Guilt too enormous to be duly punished,Save by increase of guilt? The Powers of EvilAre jealous claimants. Guilt too hath its ordeal,And Hell its own probation!—Merciful Heaven,Rather than this, pour down upon thy suppliant245Disease, and agony, and comfortless want!O send us forth to wander on, unsheltered!Make our food bitter with despiséd tears!Let viperous scorn hiss at us as we pass!Yea, let us sink down at our enemy's gate,250And beg forgiveness and a morsel of bread!With all the heaviest worldly visitationsLet the dire father's curse that hovers o'er usWork out its dread fulfilment, and the spiritOf wronged Kiuprili be appeased. But only,255Only, O merciful in vengeance! let notThat plague turn inward on my Casimir's soul!Scare thence the fiend Ambition, and restore himTo his own heart! O save him! Save my husband!

[During the latter part of this speechEmerickcomes forward from his hiding-place.Saroltaseeing him, without recognising him.

In such a shape a father's curse should come.260Emerick (advancing).Fear not.Sarolta.Who art thou? Robber? Traitor?Emerick.Friend!Who in good hour hath startled these dark fancies,Rapacious traitors, that would fain deposeJoy, love, and beauty, from their natural thrones:Those lips, those angel eyes, that regal forehead.265Sarolta. Strengthen me, Heaven! I must not seem afraid![Aside.The king to-night then deigns to play the masker.What seeks your Majesty?Emerick.Sarolta's love;And Emerick's power lies prostrate at her feet.

In such a shape a father's curse should come.260

Emerick (advancing).Fear not.

Sarolta.Who art thou? Robber? Traitor?

Emerick.Friend!Who in good hour hath startled these dark fancies,Rapacious traitors, that would fain deposeJoy, love, and beauty, from their natural thrones:Those lips, those angel eyes, that regal forehead.265

Sarolta. Strengthen me, Heaven! I must not seem afraid![Aside.The king to-night then deigns to play the masker.What seeks your Majesty?

Emerick.Sarolta's love;And Emerick's power lies prostrate at her feet.

Sarolta.Heaven guard the sovereign's power from such debasement!270Far rather, Sire, let it descend in vengeanceOn the base villain, on the faithless slaveWho dared unbar the doors of these retirements!For whom? Has Casimir deserved this insult?O my misgiving heart! If—if—from Heaven275Yet not from you, Lord Emerick!Emerick.Chiefly from me.Has he not like an ingrate robbed my courtOf Beauty's star, and kept my heart in darkness?First then on him I will administer justice—If not in mercy, yet in love and rapture.280[Seizes her.Sarolta.Help! Treason! Help!Emerick.Call louder! Scream again!Here's none can hear you!Sarolta.Hear me, hear me, Heaven!Emerick.Nay, why this rage? Who best deserves you? Casimir,Emerick's bought implement, the jealous slaveThat mews you up with bolts and bars? or Emerick285Who proffers you a throne? Nay, mine you shall be.Hence with this fond resistance! Yield; then liveThis month a widow, and the next a queen!Sarolta.Yet, yet for one brief moment[Struggling.Unhand me, I conjure you.

Emerick.Chiefly from me.Has he not like an ingrate robbed my courtOf Beauty's star, and kept my heart in darkness?First then on him I will administer justice—If not in mercy, yet in love and rapture.280[Seizes her.

Sarolta.Help! Treason! Help!

Emerick.Call louder! Scream again!Here's none can hear you!

Sarolta.Hear me, hear me, Heaven!

Emerick.Nay, why this rage? Who best deserves you? Casimir,Emerick's bought implement, the jealous slaveThat mews you up with bolts and bars? or Emerick285Who proffers you a throne? Nay, mine you shall be.Hence with this fond resistance! Yield; then liveThis month a widow, and the next a queen!

Sarolta.Yet, yet for one brief moment[Struggling.Unhand me, I conjure you.

[She throws him off, and rushes towards a toilet.Emerickfollows, and as she takes a dagger, he grasps it in her hand.

Emerick.Ha! Ha! a dagger;290A seemly ornament for a lady's casket!'Tis held, devotion is akin to love,But yours is tragic! Love in war! It charms me,And makes your beauty worth a king's embraces!

[During this speechBethlenenters armed.

Bethlen.Ruffian, forbear! Turn, turn and front my sword!295Emerick.Pish! who is this?Sarolta.O sleepless eye of Heaven!A blest, a blessed spirit! Whence camest thou?May I still call thee Bethlen?Bethlen.Ever, lady,[935]Your faithful soldier!Emerick.Insolent slave! DepartKnow'st thou not me?Bethlen.I know thou art a villain300And coward! That thy devilish purpose marks thee!What else, this lady must instruct my sword!Sarolta.Monster, retire! O touch him not, thou blest one!This is the hour that fiends and damnéd spiritsDo walk the earth, and take what form they list!305Yon devil hath assumed a king's!Bethlen.Usurped it!Emerick.The king will play the devil with thee indeed!But that I mean to hear thee howl on the rack,I would debase this sword, and lay thee prostrateAt this thy paramour's feet; then drag her forth310Stained with adulterous blood, and——mark you, traitress!Strumpeted first, then turned adrift to beggary!Thou prayed'st for't too.Sarolta.Thou art so fiendish wicked,That in thy blasphemies I scarce hear thy threats!Bethlen.Lady, be calm! fear not this king of the buskin!315A king? Oh laughter! A king Bajazet!That from some vagrant actor's tiring-room,Hath stolen at once his speech and crown!Emerick.Ah! treason!Thou hast been lessoned and tricked up for this!As surely as the wax on thy death-warrant320Shall take the impression of this royal signet,So plain thy face hath ta'en the mask of rebel!

Bethlen.Ruffian, forbear! Turn, turn and front my sword!295

Emerick.Pish! who is this?

Sarolta.O sleepless eye of Heaven!A blest, a blessed spirit! Whence camest thou?May I still call thee Bethlen?

Bethlen.Ever, lady,[935]Your faithful soldier!

Emerick.Insolent slave! DepartKnow'st thou not me?

Bethlen.I know thou art a villain300And coward! That thy devilish purpose marks thee!What else, this lady must instruct my sword!

Sarolta.Monster, retire! O touch him not, thou blest one!This is the hour that fiends and damnéd spiritsDo walk the earth, and take what form they list!305Yon devil hath assumed a king's!

Bethlen.Usurped it!

Emerick.The king will play the devil with thee indeed!But that I mean to hear thee howl on the rack,I would debase this sword, and lay thee prostrateAt this thy paramour's feet; then drag her forth310Stained with adulterous blood, and——mark you, traitress!Strumpeted first, then turned adrift to beggary!Thou prayed'st for't too.

Sarolta.Thou art so fiendish wicked,That in thy blasphemies I scarce hear thy threats!

Bethlen.Lady, be calm! fear not this king of the buskin!315A king? Oh laughter! A king Bajazet!That from some vagrant actor's tiring-room,Hath stolen at once his speech and crown!

Emerick.Ah! treason!Thou hast been lessoned and tricked up for this!As surely as the wax on thy death-warrant320Shall take the impression of this royal signet,So plain thy face hath ta'en the mask of rebel!

[BethlenseizesEmerick'shand and eagerly observes the signet.

Bethlen.It must be so! 'Tis e'en the counterpart!But with a foul usurping cypher on it!The light hath flashed from Heaven, and I must follow it!325O curst usurper! O thou brother-murderer!That mad'st a star-bright queen a fugitive widow!Who fill'st the land with curses, being thyselfAll curses in one tyrant! see and tremble![936]This is Kiuprili's sword that now hangs o'er thee!330Kiuprili's blasting curse, that from its pointShoots lightnings at thee. Hark! in Andreas' name,Heir of his vengeance, hell-hound! I defy thee.

[They fight, and just asEmerickis disarmed, in rushCasimir, Old Bathory, andAttendants.Casimirruns in between the combatants, and parts them; in the struggleBethlen'ssword is thrown down.

Casimir.The king! disarmed too by a stranger! Speak!What may this mean?Emerick.Deceived, dishonored lord!335Ask thou yon fair adultress! She will tell theeA tale, which would'st thou be both dupe and traitor,Thou wilt believe against thy friend and sovereign!Thou art present now, and a friend's duty ceases:To thine own justice leave I thine own wrongs.340Of half thy vengeance I perforce must rob thee,For that the sovereign claims. To thy allegianceI now commit this traitor and assassin.[Then to theAttendants.Hence with him to the dungeon! and to-morrow,Ere the sun rises,—Hark! your heads or his!345Bethlen.Can Hell work miracles to mock Heaven's justice?Emerick.Who speaks to him dies! The traitor that has menacedHis king, must not pollute the breathing air,Even with a word!Casimir (to Bathory).Hence with him to the dungeon!

Casimir.The king! disarmed too by a stranger! Speak!What may this mean?

Emerick.Deceived, dishonored lord!335Ask thou yon fair adultress! She will tell theeA tale, which would'st thou be both dupe and traitor,Thou wilt believe against thy friend and sovereign!Thou art present now, and a friend's duty ceases:To thine own justice leave I thine own wrongs.340Of half thy vengeance I perforce must rob thee,For that the sovereign claims. To thy allegianceI now commit this traitor and assassin.[Then to theAttendants.Hence with him to the dungeon! and to-morrow,Ere the sun rises,—Hark! your heads or his!345

Bethlen.Can Hell work miracles to mock Heaven's justice?

Emerick.Who speaks to him dies! The traitor that has menacedHis king, must not pollute the breathing air,Even with a word!

Casimir (to Bathory).Hence with him to the dungeon!

[ExitBethlen, hurried off byBathoryandAttendants.

Emerick.We hunt to-morrow in your upland forest:350Thou (to Casimir) wilt attend us: and wilt then explainThis sudden and most fortunate arrival.

[ExitEmerick; ManentCasimirandSarolta.

Sarolta.My lord! my husband! look whose sword lies yonder!It is Kiuprili's, Casimir; 'tis thy father's!And wielded by a stripling's arm, it baffled,355Yea, fell like Heaven's own lightnings on that Tarquin.Casimir.Hush! hush![937]I had detected ere I left the cityThe tyrant's curst intent. Lewd, damnéd ingrate!For him did I bring down a father's curse!360Swift, swift must be our means! To-morrow's sunSets on his fate or mine! O blest Sarolta!No other prayer, late penitent, dare I offer,But that thy spotless virtues may prevailO'er Casimir's crimes, and dread Kiuprili's curse!365[Exeunt.

Casimir.Hush! hush![937]I had detected ere I left the cityThe tyrant's curst intent. Lewd, damnéd ingrate!For him did I bring down a father's curse!360Swift, swift must be our means! To-morrow's sunSets on his fate or mine! O blest Sarolta!No other prayer, late penitent, dare I offer,But that thy spotless virtues may prevailO'er Casimir's crimes, and dread Kiuprili's curse!365[Exeunt.

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