Etext of Almeyda; Queen of Granada. A Tragedy. In Five Acts. By Sophia Lee As performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury-Lane "HE CHOSE A MOURNFUL MUSE "SOFT PITY TO INFUSE. - DRYDEN. London: Printed by W. Woodfall. For Messrs. Cadell and Davies, In the Strand. 1796 Price Two Shillings. TO MRS. SIDDONS. Dear Madam, The high admiration I ever felt for the superior talents you have so eminently displayed in ALMEYDA, could alone have induced me to venture a second dramatick production. To that admiration, a more intimate knowledge of you, has added an esteem; which is, I flatter myself, reciprocal. Not all the various charms you dignify the Drama with, can equal those of your sympathizing mind, and unassuming manners.- When thus united, they form a character it would be vanity to praise, tho' virtue to delight in. With true gratitude, I remain, DEAR MADAM, Your faithfully devoted Humble servant, SOPHIA LEE. June 3, 1796. ADVERTISEMENT. It was with no less awe than deference I ventured, in the present day, to bring a Tragedy before the Publick. How great, then, must be my gratitude for the liberal acceptation it has met, and the tears with which it has been honoured. I must have wanted taste and feeling, not to have been animated, by the exquisite talents of MRS. SIDDONS, into an exertion of such as I possess. That I have been the means of displaying, in a new point of view, her various powers, is a most flattering recompence. The story of ALMEYDA is wholly a fiction; and the incident which produces the catastrophe the only one not my own.-The deep impression made on me, long since, by a similar denouement, in an old play of JAMES SHIRLEY'S, determined me to apply it. The Stage requires a compression and brevity, which seldom improves a play to the reader: I have, therefore, printed ALMEYDA at length, marking by inverted commas the parts omitted in representation. PROLOGUE. THE Muses long through many a varying age, With truth and fiction mix'd, have grac'd the stage. When weeping Constancy devoted stood, Or patriot Honour seal'd his faith with blood, They bade the deep-toned lyre responsive flow, Sublimed the suffering, and diffused the woe; Applauding Greece the numbers lov'd to hear, And her stern warriors gave the graceful tear. At length her venal train Corruption led, And, with the Virtues link'd, the Muses fled O'er Albion's happy land they paus'd awhile, And shed the favouring influence of their smile. Her HENRYS, HOTSPURS, trod the martial scene, And fir'd to heroes whom they found but men. Bold SHAKESPEAR pour'd th'invigorating strain, And ROWE, and sweeter OTWAY, fill'd the train. What if the modern bard no more aspire, To rival OTWAY's sweetness, SHAKESPEAR's fire; What if no laurel meed his altar claim, His censer boast no heav'n-enkindled flame, Yet if beneath the smould'ring vapour shine But one faint glimmering of the spark divine, Ah! gently fan the flame! lest fashion's breath O'er the pale promise send the blast of death; Nor let the wreath Thalia only wear, Her sister muse deserves so well to share. 'Tis her's the generous feeling to impart, That mends the morals while it fills the heart: Her's are the energies that best inform, The sighs that animate, and tears that warm. Within the magic sunshine of her eye, Truth, Honour, Loyalty, and Valour lie; All the bold virtues that our sires approved, And all that Britons boast, or Britons loved - Then 'gainst the charm no more your bosom steel, But own the manly privilege to feel. Folly, and Vice, may oft in smiles appear, But bashful Virtue veils her in a tear. The broad, loud laugh, the mirth-inspiring jest Humour's wild frolic, and gay fancy's feast, Like brilliant bubbles sparkle o'er the mind, But burst, and leave no radiant gleam behind; While the bright pencil of the tragic muse, Her sacred rainbow draws o'er chilling dews; And tho' to air the transient glories run, They give the promise of a golden sun! The Prologue and Epilogue were written by Miss Harriet Lee. CHARACTERS. Ramirez, King of Castile Mr. Aickin Abdallah, Regent of Granada Mr. Palmer Alonzo, son of Ramirez Mr. Kemble Orasmyn, son of Abdallah, and General of the Moors Mr. Wroughton Hamet, Captain of the Moorish Guard Mr. C. Kemble Nourassin, a Lord of the Council Mr. Caulfield Officers, Guards, &c. Almeyda, Queen of Granada Mrs. Siddons Victoria, Princess of Castile Mrs. Powel Abra, sister to Hamet, and attending on the Queen Miss Heard Scene - A Moorish Castle on a bold rock which overhangs the Guadalquiver. Time from the dawning of one morning to the dawning of the next. Almeyda; Queen of Granada ACT I. SCENE I. A Hall in the Castle, of Moorish architecture, with windows of painted glass, in the recesses of the arches low sofas are placed with cushions piled, on one of these Victoria slumbers, while Ramirez walks in the Hall making notes in his tablets; bright fleecy clouds rise behind the painted glass representing the dawn of day. Ramirez. Remove those lights - the day once more returns, And nature springs into renew'd existence! Collects the fragrance breathing o'er her bosom, And offers up the incense to the morn! Slow o'er the mazes of the Guadalquiver Curl the soft mists, that quicken ev'ry odour. - All animated beings gladly rise To their diurnal task. - Man, only man, That froward fav'rite of indulgent heav'n, Drops from his weary eye the ungrateful tear, To blight the coming blessing! - dear Victoria! Thy watching hath o'erpower'd thee! - soft, my child, Like this, be all thy slumbers! Victoria. Have I slept? I pray you pardon the unconscious fault And bless to me the morn, (half kneeling. Ramirez. May each to come Breathe only peace upon thee; and restore Those roses with'ring on the shrine of friendship! Victoria. Alas! my father, bless too my Almeyda! That solitary sov'reign! born to weep The greatness thousands covet! thro' the night, Sleepless, and tearful, she has still entreated That I would win you ever to retain her. A Moor in name alone, Granada's throne Charms not her heart - possess'd, and alienate. Ramirez. I cannot chuse but blame ev'n thee, my child, If thou hast sought to win her from her duty. Victoria. Nay, rather blame the parents who resign'd her. Ramirez. Forbear these rash conclusions - Monarchs oft Must sacrifice each feeling to their duty. Victoria. Alas! that aught should break the tie of nature! The ductile heart, as reason dawns, still takes A soft impression of the nearest object - Thus did Almeyda's - yet an infant hostage, She wak'd to knowledge on a foe's kind bosom. Her lips first falter'd our Castilian tongue, And, with becoming gratitude she found In those who fondly train'd her up to honor, Each dear, each sacred tie, of love, and nature: Nor did she mourn her sires, or brother's death, As she does now to leave us. Ramirez. Nor have I, My daughter, ill-deserv'd this gen'rous fondness, Since with my children she has shar'd my heart, - No, tho' to death I hate the Moorish race, Vindictive, and insatiate - tho' my sword Ev'n yet could flame amid my country's foes With energy unbroken, never knew I To view a tender babe with abhorrence. - Ah! sweet Almeyda! in this very hall Thy cries, unconscious of thy fate, assail'd A heart alive to nature and humanity! When with the error of soft innocence Thy little arms clung round thy father's foe. Victoria. Was this the castle, where Almanzor chose To lodge his queen for safety? Ramirez. Ay - and wise Had prov'd his choice, if Heav'n their arms had prosper'd. - Thou seest - 'tis solid as the rock that bears it; Its proud tow'rs shadow our Castilian plains, Tho' sever'd from them by the Guadalquiver. - They since have aw'd their owner. - For that day Heaven blest the holy valour it inspir'd! That memorable day gave to our arms, An host almost unnumber'd, but by slain. - Flush'd with our conquest, we assail'd this castle, Which the intimidated queen threw open, And as an hostage gave us up her daughter. Victoria. Oh! mother ill-deserving my Almeyda! Ramirez. Erroneous youth still takes the first impression, Nor looks beyond the surface! Be more wise; Learn to pierce through the veil of policy, Undazzled by its colours. - So thy friend Shall better meet the future. Victoria. I attend, With reverence so profound, each other sense Is lost in hearing - Ramirez. Know the queen thy censure Condemns unheard, should rather claim thy pity. Match'd to a monarch weak, vain, cold of heart, Yet restless tho' inactive - her short life Pass'd in disquiet; from the hour that call'd her. Almanzor's crafty brother gain'd the pow'r, And in the king's name shelter'd every baseness. Two rising princes scorn'd their uncle's sway, Alas! perhaps too boldly! - heav'n alone Can judge the malady that nipp'd their bloom. - Certain it is, Abdallah never offer'd A due equiv'lent for our royal hostage Until she heir'd Granada. Victoria. Sweet Almeyda! Is this the savage trusted with thy welfare? - Thou too, perhaps, art doom'd by his ambition. Ramirez.Not so my daughter. - Politicians ever Present a puppet to the public eye, While they, unseen, delight to guide its motions. - Almeyda thus is needful to her uncle, Who hopes to find in her a weak, vain woman. Victoria. Heav'n, for his punishment, then form'd an angel! - Who, like Almeyda ever knew to blend Th'eccentric, noble wildness of the Moor, With ev'ry polish'd grace of our Castile? Ramirez. She is too frank, incautious, and ungovern'd. More rude than cataracts her passions rage. Victoria. Yet still like those, profusely pour upon us Rich ore, for ever else beyond our reach! Ramirez. She must conceal those passions to be great, Subdue them to be happy. In the mind All sov'reignty begins, and ends. - Who rules Impartially the frailties of his nature Rises almost beyond it, and extends, Far as his name is known, a willing empire. Teach thy fair friend, my child, this useful lesson, And next thy brother - Victoria. Ah! alike he needs it! - I dread the wild concussion of his passions, When he shall learn you choose the very hour, In which he bravely fights his country's battles, To yield the fair, who gives his life a value. Ramirez. I therefore choose it. Well I know, his temper Is, like Almeyda's own, warm and ungovern'd. Misjudging boy! to fix thy idle heart On her, forever placed beyond thy reach! - Why saw I not, in childhood, this fond love, Which, like a blight, clings to my life's best blossom? - Yet could my son ere hope to wed Almeyda? Victoria. Alas, my father, when their love commenc'd, Almeyda had two brothers; and my mother Still fondly fancied, by this union, peace Might one day bless the long contesting nations. Ramirez. Romantic dream of youth, and idle passion! What pow'r can reconcile the cross and crescent? Victoria. Frown not, my father, if I further add, Endear'd to christian laws, and christian manners, Almeyda were to both an easy convert. Ramirez. (sternly) Victoria, if thou would'st atone thy fault In cherishing this weakness, join to soothe Thy brother's disappointment. - Tell Alonzo, My love for him - my justice - nay, my prudence Constrain me to resign his heart's sole object. - Knows he not hardly we maintain our ground Against these treach'rous neighbours, and must still, Whate'er the sacrifice, defend our country? - No news from Murcia yet? - Oh! how I long To hear the issue of the impending battle! - The rising sun gleams on the Moorish helms, And gives a trembling lustre to yon fields! - Th'appointed moment comes to sign the treaty. I see Almeyda too, but dare not meet her; Far be it from me to offend her feelings, Or sacrifice my own - bid her adieu! (Exit Ramirez. Almeyda. (entering on the other side.) During this trying interval, Victoria, I had prepar'd myself to meet the King, And now with breathless fear impatient sought him. Ah, wherefore flies he then? Still he relents not? - Thou, or I greatly err, hast sued in vain - Hast sued a Sov'reign might remain in bonds, And yield dominion for implicit duty - Well then I bow disdainful to my fate - Yet have a care, Ramirez, thy proud heart May one day feel the pang that pierces mine. Victoria. What means my dear Almeyda? Almeyda. Ah! Alonzo! Thou wilt not thus resign - thou wilt not scorn me, - Amid the rage of arms - the din of battle Almeyda's sighs shall still be heard, still felt, And counteract all policy - alas! I there alike may err, and ev'n Alonzo May bid the eagle glory chace the dove, And see the victim flutter to the ground. - Alonzo leads the war, and quite forgets me! Victoria. Gentle Almeyda - govern these wild transports, Which ever warp your judgment - Almeyda. Do not hope it - Nor venture to decide a lover's conduct - Thy tranquil blood flows equal thro' thy veins, Like the clear riv'let thro' the grassy vale, While mine, impetuous as the bounding billows, Swells to my heart, thence rapidly returns And in the tumult swallows up wreck'd reason! - Hadst thou, like me, been bosom'd among strangers, And giv'n thy soul in recompence for love, Then found thyself torn from this happy home, To waste a gaudy life in cold indifference, Like mine thy aching sense would swell to anguish, Like mine in tears would drown thee. Victoria. Yet believe Alonzo's love unblemished as his honor, And rather praise than blame his sense of duty. Almeyda. Why wilt thou shame my cheek? - Alas! Victoria, Had I rememb'red mine, ne'er had I shed These burning drops - ev'n at this awful hour When from the grave my ancestors demand me, To all the pride, and pow'r of purple empire, My heart flies back to hover near my love, And envies ev'ry slave, who daily sees him. Victoria. This is alike erroneous - darling friend, With steadier eye survey the past, and future - So shall your mind extract repose from reason. Almeyda. Away with reason! melancholy hermit! Who idle eyes the storm, then, vainly active, Collects, and treasures, ev'ry wreck of passion! - I shall have hopeless years enough for reason, And give this hour to love. - Oh! say Victoria, - And yet I dread to hear - is the King fixed To ratify the peace? Victoria. He has no choice - The rights of nations and his country's welfare, Oblige him to restore you. - Almeyda. Rather say, He has no heart - nor feels for my affliction - - Ah! if the rights of nations were his rule, Why did he subjugate a Monarch's daughter? Why win her easy heart by gracious treatment? Until secure of silent, anxious, duty, He gave the Moors a Queen - himself a slave. - Victoria. Wherefore reproach my father with his virtues? He conquer'd for his country - that loved cause Induc'd him first to keep, and now to yield you. - Rather admire th'impartiality Which ranked you with his children in his heart. - Perhaps ev'n deeper motives sway'd his conduct; - Perhaps he stood between you and an uncle, Who views with jealous eyes your right of empire. Almeyda. Nay, now Ramirez speaks from prejudice. Whom should I trust if not my father's brother? Victoria. In Heav'n, and your integrity; but never In this vindictive, subtle, savage Moor. - Without he is as specious as the mountain, Whose rich fertility delights each gazer, But, oh! volcanos rage within! and gath'ring Each noisome vapour of the o'ercharg'd earth, Forth unsuspected bursts the flaming deluge, Felt soon as seen - ev'n to annihilation! Almeyda. Alas! and is it thus? To such a wretch Must I be render'd up, in ignorance, To learn the science of hypocrisy - With worldly art to arrange each little sentence, And preconcert each action? - Never more Shall I enjoy the sweets of confidence, Or find in love a pleasure. - Never more Shall thy harmonious voice, Alonzo, charm me; Or thine, dear rigid friend, reproving, soothe. Victoria. - (taking her hand.) Yet shall the vows that bound our youthful hearts Remain inviolate. Almeyda. And shall Alonzo's? Ah, no! For nature here makes a distinction; Forms man's large heart for many a various duty, And blends his passions into a republic - While woman, born for love and softness only, Delights to feel love's absolute dominion! - Then tell thy brother - (Confused shouts heard. Victoria. Look up, dear Almeyda! Revive, and speak thy purpose. Almeyda. - (leaning on her and fluttered.) Tell thy brother, Almeyda will not bind him by one vow; Nor claim one sacrifice. - Pleas'd to have lov'd, Pleas'd to have been belov'd - to that remembrance She consecrates each future throb of passion; And if she dares imagine yet a joy, 'Twould be to know him blest, she might have made so. Victoria. My father comes. - Oh! now, my best Almeyda! Now be yourself, and dignify the moment. Almeyda. - (faintly.) 'Tis not in dying we most shew our courage; Ah, no! 'tis in the fearful preparation - Enter Ramirez, attended. Health to my benefactor! glorious title, More dear than that of father! - He but gives A vulgar being, while the man who rears Our virtues to existence, is next Heav'n, The worshipp'd of our reason. Ramirez. Rise, Almeyda Queen of Granada, rise! we gladly hail thee. Thy kinsman comes to invest thee with dominion, And give thee to an eager nation's eyes. - I glory, thus accomplish'd, to return thee. Almeyda. Ah! reconcile me to my fate by coldness. - Know all the danger of this tender flatt'ry! Ramirez. In the poor word adieu, I sum each wish Affection ever form'd, in blessing virtue. Farewel, at once - I yield thee to thy duty! - Call into action ev'ry latent pow'r, Reign o'er thyself - so shalt thou bless thy people. Almeyda. - (flying towards them.) Tear out this heart! but do not, do not quit me! Oh! do not snap at once each link in life, And leave me solitary in creation! Ramirez. Afflict us not with such a vain request. Ev'n now our troops evacuate the castle, And thine assume each post. - Abdallah waits To pass one gate until I quit the other. - Farewel, Almeyda! grace thy glorious fortune. (Almeyda sinks under the regal Canopy, in tears. - The Moorish Music sounds, and a long train entering do her homage, and arrange on each side; last comes Abdallah, with the Diadem borne before him. Abdallah - (doing homage.) Fair daughter of Almanzor! thus his brother Hails thy return to freedom and dominion - Thus tenders thee thy rich inheritance! And thus, the formal task of duty ended, Clasps thee with kindred, sympathising love: Bids those bright eyes shake off the lucid drops, And beam with all their own unequall'd lustre. Almeyda. Alas! already he begins to flatter. (aside. - I were not worthy of your tender'd love, My princely uncle, could I thus forget At once the friends who rear'd me.- Abdallah - (with a fierce irony.) Friends do you call them? You are too young thus nicely to distinguish. Give not the crafty foe such undue honour. Call those, indeed, your friends, who now surround you; Call the fierce soldiers too your friends, who spread In proud array o'er yonder pleasant plain; - Nor think him less your friend, whose policy Fomented the rebellion, which oblig'd Ramirez to restore you. Almeyda. Oh! my heart! Alonzo's absence then I owe to you! - (aside. Noble Abdallah! be but gentle with me, And I will meekly bear ev'n reprehension. - All are my friends, who only wish to serve me; Yet, let me add, I hardly owe those more Who give my crown, than he who form'd me for it. Abdallah Curse on his polish'd arts! they've made thee subtle; And I must deeply probe thy nature's weakness, Ere yet thou charm'st each hearer. - (aside.) Fair Almeyda! Emancipate thy soul from this fond bondage; Live to Granada, and forget Castile! - No more repeat, with cherish'd latent love, Names we were born to hate; but seek to win, By partial kindness, those, who ever dread The empire of a woman. Almeyda. Have I empire? Ah! no; for in the hour that ought to give it, I first experience bondage. Stay, Ramirez, King of Castile! Oh! hear me, and return! Again receive - protect me! Bind these hands, But give my heart its freedom! Dear Victoria! Fix not thy tearful eyes upon these walls, Lest I renounce all duties, and all ties, To dwell with thee and friendship! Noble lords. Pardon, I pray, frank nature's ebullition, And see ev'n virtue in the eager transport. - The love, I thus avow, was fairly won, By equal love, and ever-lib'ral treatment. Be like Castile indulgent, and this heart Alike will glow with gratitude to you; Will proudly cherish ev'ry regal virtue, Shut out regret for all which it resigns, Nor own, ev'n to itself, it wants a joy, While yet a duty claims it. Abdallah This is reason - There spoke the royal heiress of Almanzor, And no Castilian slave . Almeyda. Still must I struggle - (aside. Abdallah Why do those beauteous eyes still seek the ground? Oh! raise them, and survey the golden future. Thou know'st not yet the pleasures of dominion! - Be willing to be happy, and each means, Indulgent Heav'n, in plenitude of pow'r, E'er gave humanity, is thine - For thee, Rich nature crowns this land with varying beauty; And lab'ring art here fixes his perfection. The sea wafts hither every foreign treasure, And pale-eyed science waits to tell their value. - For thee, the poet's light hand sweeps the lyre, With melody unequall'd! Happy thousands But wait to view thee, and to want a wish; While those inur'd to mis'ry, in thy coming, Find an uncertain hope that soothes each pain. - Oh! new to life; accept, enjoy its blessings! Come forth, and be ador'd! My son awaits thee: Thy father's vet'rans, under his command, Impatiently require their blooming queen. Almeyda. - (giving him her hand). Conduct me wheresoe'er my duty calls. And, oh! may no unbidden pang intrude, To dim with tears these gildings of my fortune! (Exeunt, the Music sounding. END OF ACT I ACT II. SCENE I. A court in the castle. Enter Abdallah and Orasmyn. Abdallah When wilt thou learn, my son, to guard thy heart, Which speaks but too expressively by glances? - I would not wish the council to discern They but propose our pleasure. - Orasmyn. Pray you, pardon, If ardent nature stifles feebler reason. - Could I behold Almeyda, and restrain This glow of transport, ne'er could I deserve The bliss our prophet promises the faithful. - No, not himself, though Heav'n inspir'd, ere fancied So exquisite a beauty! Yet that charm, Nature's prime gift to woman, in Almeyda Is lost - absorpt in mind! - Abdallah Check not thy transport; For tho' to others I would have thee silent, To me be wholly frank; and thus reward me For all my anxious, fond solicitude, Thro' many a long, long year. I own, I fear'd That haughtiness, ill-suited to her years, Would strike thee with displeasure. Orasmyn. Call not thus The sacred consciousness that waits on beauty, And awes the wishes it awakes! I ever Disdain'd our narrow laws, which make the sex Domestic, artificial beings merely. - - No! 'tis a character refin'd, decided, That greatly charms the soul, and charms for ever! - Why knew I not before she was unequall'd? Abdallah - (smiling scarcastically.) Perchance ev'n now I know it not; yet hear These youthful flights well pleas'd: for thus each lover Adorns his fancy's choice. Orasmyn. But who can boast A choice like mine? Nor did ev'n I suspect, Indulgent Heav'n in prodigality, Had center'd all perfection in one woman. - I came prepar'd by rigid rules to judge her - Her before whom all rules, all modes, must vanish! - For, oh! when first my eyes beheld the queen, My heart avow'd her empire ere my tongue. I wond'ring gaz'd! and, gazing more, more wonder'd! Ethereal loveliness informs her frame, And beams in living glory from her eyes! Yet o'er these charms sublime, meek modesty Draws a transparent veil of wand'ring graces, As fleecy clouds flit o'er the noonday sun, And leave us opportunity to gaze, Upon an orb too bright else for beholding! Abdallah I could grow once again a boy to hear thee - Graces I could perceive - not perfect beauty - Orasmyn. Beauty's an indeterminate idea Till fix'd by love - whose ever-pow'rful magic Awakens a new being - love, when heav'n Leaves to the vulgar sense its work imperfect, Illumes our sight to trace the angel there. - Thro' love we share our Maker's great prerogative, Creating ev'ry charm, and then approving! - Yet when she spoke, I half forgot her beauty - Oh! with what melting harmony, she won The very air to silence; no rude breath Dar'd blend with her's, but nature's self stood hush'd Awe-struck, ev'n as Orasmyn - Abdallah Be warn'd in time Against a rev'rence so profound; for women (Capricious still and wayward) often scorn Who grasps with trembling hand the fancied fetter; While with distinguishing regard, they view The bolder man, who wears it as an ornament. Orasmyn. (disdainfully.) How should this gen'ral censure touch Almeyda? Abdallah Nay then thou lov'st indeed if thou hast found Already she is peerless - I have done - E'en win her thy own way; but win her quickly. To match thee with Almeyda, and exalt thee To empire in her right, has been I own The object of my life - nor should I think That life itself too dear to crown my purpose. - In the bold outline of my policy, I heeded not, 'tis true, the glowing colours Fond fancy gives her fav'rites - yet those tints Complete life's picture well - to see thee great Was all I ask'd but to behold thee happy Leaves me without a wish! Orasmyn. Still in this, As in each incident of various life, I owe much to my father! yet for once This heart asserts a right to guide itself - Nor would obtrude too early on Almeyda, A passion she might doubt. - Abdallah Again thou err'st - But could'st thou win my judgment to approve This idle scruple, it were now too late. - The Council know my thoughts, and have ere this Propos'd thee to the Queen. Orasmyn. Presumptuous! - rash! - Abdallah Judicious rather! - see'st thou not the prudence To bind her to compliance, ere she knows The pow'r, the pride, the pleasure of dominion? Orasmyn. But what can bind the heart, save its own choice? I would have woo'd her with watchful eyes, Such unremitting tender, prompt, affection, As might have won her of herself, and crown'd The future days of both with happiness. - Oh! never let ambition tie the knot, Pure love alone can hallow! Abdallah Would 'twere tied, Tho' all this wooing follow'd - son, I tell thee, Essential is the diff'rence of her state, Immured within this castle, where I reign - While thou without maintain'st a like controul, And an obsequious council speak our will, To the elation of unbounded pow'r, The sweets of flatt'ry, and the charm of fondness, The glowing grace of popularity! - Almeyda wants not shrewdness soon to learn, If she would see Granada, she must wed thee. Orasmyn. (turning sorrwfully from him.) More changeable than are the vernal clouds, Which borrow heav'n's own hues one hour to charm us, And ere the next burst in a gloomy deluge, Is the fond happiness a lover fancies! - Oh, I do fear me, mine is gone already! Did she not bear an elevated mind, She might unconscious share a common fate And so perhaps might I - content to lose Our lives in apathy, and call it duty. - But well Almeyda knows the rights of sex, Of rank, and all the heart's refined distinctions Nor did she meet in mine one uncongenial. - Pardon, my Lord, those vain regrets - I'll quell them, And once more wait thee. (Exit. Abdallah It is ever so, Still in fruition are our wishes punished. - Orasmyn, I would have thee wed thy cousin, But why this adoration? - when I see her, The spirits of the dead arise before me, And wither all my projects, all my pow'rs! - Wherefore should man invent a hell hereafter? Alas! guilt makes one here! and he who sins, Tho' never mortal eye, or voice reprove him, Finds in his bosom every fiend that peoples The dark profound - in her I see her brothers - Yet must she be Orasmyn's bride, or - nothing. (Exit. SCENE II. The apartment of the Queen. Enter Almeyda, followed by Abra. Almeyda. Are these the charms of empire? Have we pow'r To give that happiness, we ne'er must know? - The meanest slave attending on our person, Makes her heart's free election, and adorns With life's first charm a poor, and vulgar home! - While rank, that splendid misery to woman, Enchains us to the car of victor man; And barterd now by policy, now honor, We buy an enemy, or we fix a friend! - Marry Orasmyn - no ambitious uncle; Nor he, nor thou, shall thus controul my will, Nor ev'n your instrument the servile council. - I was devoted thus - allotted - wedded - Giv'n, like the mere incumbrance of my crown, E'er yet I wore it - tell me gentle maid, (For all can tell me of my wayward fate More than I know myself) was I not giv'n, Long since to this young Prince? Abra. Gracious lady, So much your people tender Prince Orasmyn, They much desire the union - Almeyda. Then Orasmyn, And his more crafty father, have seduced My people from their duty. - Abra. Dare I add, Since youth's fair promise ripen'd into manhood, Orasmyn still has ris'n in fame, in virtue! Your friends all love - your enemies all fear him. Almeyda. (sighing.) And so e'er long may I - Abra. Oh! do not wrong him! - Ne'er has the Prince disgraced your own great lineage By one invidious, sordid, selfish, action. He feels a brave contempt of mortal praise, Ev'n with a mighty av'rice of desert - To him the faulty fly, secure to find Th'indulgence he requires not - while the wretched Freely demand his pity and protection - - His gifts forerun his promise. Almeyda. (disdainfully). Well thou speak'st it! Abra. Believe me, madam, when you better know him, I shall be but your echo. In my eyes, (And can I give the prince a nobler praise?) In character, as features he is like you. Almeyda. Indeed, I own, I see not the resemblance, And, but for vanity, should call thee partial. Abra. Yet am I merely just - Though were I more, In me it would be gratitude. My brother Owes to Orasmyn a distinguish'd fortune - Almeyda. He meanly, therefore, plac'd thee near our person, A busy advocate. - Retire, and leave me. (Exit Abra. I am environ'd by such sycophants - And unobserv'd can scarcely breathe a sigh! Thinks he by little arts like these to win me? - No! were my heart not wholly thine, Alonzo, Th'aspiring, selfish lover, ne'er should gain it. - Yet much I dread Abdallah On his brow Lives a black penetration, which deep-pierces Thro' virtue's thin and variable complexion, Extracting oft, in blushes, the soul's meaning. - Ah, wherefore breaks he on me? Enter Abdallah Abdallah Sweet Almeyda! Swift are the feet of those who bear glad tidings. Already hath the council's wise proposal, - Already hath thy gracious silence reach'd me. - - Blest beyond fathers, in a son, 'tis thou, Thou only, who canst bless me with a daughter! Almeyda. Silence, my lord, implies not a decision. - Born in affliction, and in slav'ry nurtur'd - The world, and all its ways, to me unknown, I must have time to learn the needful science. Abdallah Thou shalt escape the deep, laborious study; Enjoy the sweets of life, with care unmix'd; Become at once the idol of Orasmyn, And of a joyful people! Almeyda. I want fancy, To tinge the picture with so rich a colour. - Rais'd on a sudden to a fearful height, I view, uncertain which to chuse, the paths That wind around me in the world's vast maze. Abdallah Orasmyn's hand will guide - his heart sustain thee. - Would I were not his sire! for then, Almeyda, I might unblushing dwell upon his merits; Number the virtues, that from reason's dawn, Found in his heart their home, while, true to glory, He, with unequall'd fame, hath fought - hath conquer'd! Almeyda. - Orasmyn's merits, time, my lord, will teach me. - Seek not at once to snatch me from myself. - Were I to wed, while hardly yet enfranchis'd, 'Twould mark a latent weakness in my nature, Or a determin'd selfishness in thine. Abdallah Ay; were thy spouse ignoble - unbelov'd. But with my son, dishonour ne'er was nam'd! He was thy father's choice - his eye's last object. When life receded fast, he call'd Orasmyn; Then, with parental fondness, wrung his hand, And charg'd him to entender his Almeyda. - - Me he conjured to see his will obey'd, And guard you both. - Almeyda. Alas! so well to guard us! As may complete thy will no less than his. (aside. Kings can give crowns, my lord, and sires commands, Yet nature sometimes gives the heart a pow'r To rest self-poiz'd, ev'n as the globe we tread on, Dependent on no breath but our Creator's. Abdallah - (fiercely.) Yet man incens'd, on this wide globe can spread A ruin nature shrinks from; stain her blooms With human blood, and load the vernal gales With groans but mock'd by winter's rudest howlings. Nay, start not, princess! 'tis thyself has taught me To threat by implication. Almeyda. Savage tyrant! Victoria! oh, Victoria! well thou spok'st him. (aside. Abdallah But see, thy lover! And at his approach My swelling heart o'erflows with tenderness! How could I cherish, worship, love Almeyda, Would she but deign alike to bend her nature! Orasmyn. - (entering, kneels.) Say, will my sov'reign pardon, if I press Unlicens'd on her leisure; break thro' forms Cold hearts impos'd, to level with themselves More gen'rous natures, thus again to tender A homage circles never knew to pay - A vow imprinted here? Almeyda. Orasmyn, rise! The pageant's o'er; and this devotion, mock'ry. Orasmyn. If to behold Almeyda, and adore her; To see in fancy's eye the world created, And, in herself, the first, the only woman; In each new glance to find a nameless charm, And in each sigh to breathe a new infection: If this offend, ah, who shall gain her favour? Almeyda. A flame at once so prudent and so sudden Confided to the council, ere its object, May well surprize - Orasmyn. Forgive the interruption - And know, Almeyda! hardly wouldst thou scorn Such intervention, more than would Orasmyn. -Yet, by thy own pure nature, deign to judge Of his before thee! sanction but his service; Allow him time to win upon thy favour, And, by the holy warmth that prompts the vow, Thy will shall guide him! Almeyda. Wherefore trust to time? This moment stamps the passion and its motive. - I would like you be guarded, prudent, selfish; Preserve a silence might ensure my safety, And rest upon the future. - But my soul Disdains the mean, the temporising wisdom, Nor knows to tremble in the cause of truth. - Vie with me, princes, in sincerity! Hence with inflated phrase! and plainly say, It is my diadem, not me, you woo. Abdallah Were that Orasmyn's object, he might wear it. Who shall oppose his will? A feeble woman! Of little estimation in society, And less in empire - Orasmyn. Spare me, Sir! oh! spare me The deep disgrace of this ungovern'd passion! Almeyda. Ev'n in his insolence I praise his candour; And most despise who makes the most professions. (to Orasmyn. Abdallah Yet, hear me, princess! nor incense a nature That deigns once more to struggle with its fierceness. His only fault, Orasmyn owes to thee: A fond, a foolish passion, chills his pow'rs, And leaves him but the semblance of himself. Had he thus trembled in the battle's front, Applauding nations ne'er had throng'd to see him, Nor hadst thou worn the crown thou vaunt'st so bravely! - Droop not, my son, beneath a woman's frown. Tomorrow, and perhaps the fair one sues! Such is their weak, their fluctuating nature. Ev'n now this proud one shrinks! Upon her cheek The rose of youth is blanch'd. Princess! farewell; Remember, I or hate, or love, with ardour! 'Tis yet within thy pow'r to fix the feeling. (Exit. Almeyda. Alas! what pow'r can change it? Lost Almeyda! Orasmyn. (irresolutely.) How shall a heart ill-understood, abhorr'd, Win on thy confidence, or guide thy councils? By heav'n! I melt in womanish lamentings, Thus innocently to excite thy hatred! Yet, hear me! be advis'd; disguise thy feelings. Thy safety rests in quitting this lone fortress! And ev'ry hour thou stay'st in it, distracts me. Almeyda. Who shall endue thee with the grace of truth, Or give me faith to trust thee? Well I see, One is to terrify, and one to soothe me! - Tho' had indulgent nature crown'd thy youth With ev'ry charm and virtue giv'n to man, Yet left thee still the son of fierce Abdallah, Ev'n tho' the earth I stand on yawn'd a grave, That grave should be my choice, rather than thee! - Have I for this renounc'd each tender tye, Of bleeding love, and ever faithful friendship? - Not thus Alonzo woo'd - Victoria won me! No sighs, no tears, no honours, no despair! No threat of misery, no dread of bondage, No sound of death e'er mingled with his passion! - His polish'd heart felt, and inspired a love, Which, far outswelling this world's narrow bound, Both may delight to bear into a better! Orasmyn. Th'unwary flight expounds a mystery My shallow sense o'erlook'd. Oh! well I see Why thou wouldst not do justice to Orasmyn. - Yet, oh! I pity, far more than I blame thee! Hide from all eyes, but chiefly from my father's, Th'unsanction'd prepossession! Ruin - murder, A thousand ills, I will not shock thy sense with, Lurk in the thought of love, and of Alonzo! - Born to adore, to follow, to protect thee! Think not Orasmyn will desert himself, To force a heart upon thee! - Oh, farewell! I cannot coin in words my soul's soft meaning! (Exit. Almeyda. There is a glowing grandeur in this prince, Worthy a better sire! But, oh, Alonzo! Ne'er shalt thou know the shadow of a rival,Ev'n tho' alone I breast the beating storm, And fall the single object of its rage! END OF ACT II ACT III. SCENE I. A court in the castle. Enter Abdallah, followed by an officer. Abdallah Command a council? without my concurrence! Already dares she queen it? Haste! and say You found me indispos'd; and wave the meeting. - While to the lords you urge - not my excuse, But frame one from Almeyda. - Shouldst thou suggest an intellectual wand'ring, Which makes her say and unsay, it were apt. Thou art discerning, and do'st understand me - She is too young to follow her own guidance, While that of others wrings her! (Exit Officer. Have I waded Thro' many an artifice, and many an horror, Seen time and circumstance mature my views, To let a haughty, foolish woman, cross me? - Hah! - might I not improve my own suggestion, And work her high-wrought passions into frenzy? Enter Nourassin. Nourassin. Heard you, my lord, the summons from the queen? Abdallah Ay-and, a moment after, her excuse.- Would I had heard of aught more rational! Noble Nourassin! I have here sad struggles. The ties of blood, my son's fond passion for her, Those graces that might touch the coldest heart, All bid me hide the truth my duty claims.- -Her sudden starts-Her wild apostrophes To the Castilian traitors, as we hail'd her, Struck all like me with wonder! Nourassin. In a woman, Those flights of fancy, tinctur'd with romance, Are but an added charm. Abdallah Of fancy, saidst thou? Alas, of erring reason!-Now, by starts, With more than mortal eloquence, she speaks; Then sudden breaks forth into incoherence, While we in vain would catch the fleeting sense. Nourassin. Conceive you it to be a sudden wand'ring, Or grafted on her childhood? Yet, if so, How could Ramirez guard so well the secret? Abdallah 'Twas a rich secret to him! For Almeyda, What vast advantages have we not yielded? -Yet, since at intervals she is herself, And bears the noblest stamp of gracious nature, 'Twere dangerous to present her to the vulgar, Whose eyes perform the office of more senses, And seem to hear, as well as see. A day Will make the truth apparent; or destroy her! (aside. Spare me the painful office of reporting What I have thus disclos'd! spare, too, her lover! Nourassin. My presence shall not wound him.-I will hasten To tell this mournful news. (Exit Nourassin. Abdallah So! Now I breathe, And well must use the interval I've gain'd! Enter Orasmyn. What, still with folded arms, and downcast eyes! Watching the hourly lengthening of thy shadow, When thou shouldst win an empire? Orasmyn. Win an angel!- And could I win her, by a love as pure As angels might inspire, I were most happy! Abdallah Oh! be less heav'nly in your adoration, If you would ever gain an earthly mistress. Orasmyn. Harsh as she is, I cannot treat her lightly. -Undone already by officious kindness, I think no more of self-but of Almeyda! -Oh, see you not the charm sublime of greatness, Break thro' the weak constraints of sex and bondage, And, like the lights that shine against the Pole, Illumine ev'n her coldness? Wherefore make me A poor condition with a soul so noble, Or fetter thus her choice? Abdallah Do I hear thee! Orasmyn. Believe me, Sir, I speak my warmest feeling! -Endu'd with ev'ry pow'r to grace her rank, Once place Almeyda on the throne she's born to; Give that superior nature all its scope; Her duty to her people, and herself- The pow'r, the privilege, the pride of blessing, Will waken, fill, dilate, her gen'rous heart, Chase thence the cherish'd idol of her childhood, And leave her judgment free! Alonzo, then, Envi'd Alonzo! will no more engross her. Abdallah Ah! say'st thou? Is Alonzo then her idol? That was a stretch of policy beyond me- Orasmyn. -Pardon a jealousy self-love produced- Alonzo bears a name, may well alarm A slighted lover- Abdallah Would'st thou too deceive me? Alonzo-Oh! that single word expounds, Volumes of soft finesses, female wiles, All her aversion to the match propos'd, And all her foolish fondness for Castile! -Who with her heart her own would scorn Orasmyn? Orasmyn. Ev'n were it so, 'tis but her nature's weakness. Her country, her religion, and her laws, All, have forever torn her from Alonzo! -Nor do I think so meanly of myself, But that a latent hope still lingers here, One day to win her. Abdallah Were she aught but woman Thou might'st succeed; but that sex, fix'd as fate, In hatred, and in love, yields not to reason. A sigh, a tear, a folly, or a wish, Annihilates in them each sense of duty, Each feeling, but for self, and for their idol. -'Tis true, their passions they can change like garments, And as fantastically; but ne'er yet Adopted either, save from some caprice. Orasmyn (with disdain). If the most charming half of the creation Is born thus faulty, man might surely rest Content with superiority, nor claim The meanness of a triumph! (Exit. Abdallah Most accurs'd, Be ever this romantick, wayward, passion! Giv'n to subdue the crested pride of manhood, And lay us creeping at the feet of beauty- -Already has it cost me all his duty, All his esteem-yet still his heart demands her. And spite of these heroic, gen'rous, struggles, Self-love, co-operating with ambition, Will make him glad one day, my way to win her. Enter Hamet. Hamet. My Lord, ev'n now, a young Castilian presses Importunately to address the Queen - I heeded well your wish, and studious sought To learn his embassy; but, or prepared, By those who sent him, or his own discretion, He foil'd my skill. Abdallah Thou win'st for life my favour - Search, and some curious billet, love-inscrib'd Will tell the mighty secret. - Hamet. Nought is found, Above his own degree - nor arms, nor letters - Save but a ring; which he at first deliver'd; The guard incautious sent it to the Queen, Who wills to see him. Abdallah Ah! there's more in this! - Careful conceal that I have been inform'd, And lead Almeyda to the hall of audience. There, thro' the secret lattice, I may hear, A tale of import - be thyself at hand - - Now, now, Orasmyn, comes thy fortune's crisis. (Exeunt severally. SCENE II. The hall of audience. Enter Almeyda, gazing on a ring. Almeyda. Oh! fond memorial of delightful days, For ever vanish'd! in this little mirror A thousand fairy visions pass along, Of love, and bliss! - upon Alonzo's hand, Mine playful fix'd thee! - ah! why art thou here? - Com'st thou the pledge of safety, and of triumph, Or the cold legacy of parting nature? - Oh! still belov'd! tho' in the grave I seek thee, Thus I accept thy gift! - a bridal token! - Attends the messenger? Alonzo (entering disguised.) He waits thy pleasure. - Almeyda (starting.) Support me heav'n! for ah! that voice should claim, Long, long, acquaintance with this beating heart! - But the charm'd sense in many a various visage, Traces a likeness to the one ador'd, And hears, in ev'ry voice, the darling sound! Alonzo. Almeyda! Almeyda. (fainting.) Oh grief! - oh agony! - oh nameless horror! Alonzo.Lift up thine eyes, my soul! and, like Alonzo, From this embrace derive a new existence! Almeyda. (springing from him in terror.) How com'st thou here? What evil genius led thee To cross yon fatal river? Alonzo. He who led Leander, through the deep in midnight horror, - But in his welcome; he forgot his danger - Almeyda. Ah! thine is yet unknown - fly, haste, oh leave me! Where waits thy train? Alonzo. Amid the slaughter'd Murcians. Pride, pomp, and glory, yield to my Almeyda! In vain would time, or distance, wrest her from me, She, she alone, can shield me in the war, Or nerve my arm at the fierce battle's onset. - I knew untold her danger - knew her fate Required a desperate conquest! that atchiev'd, I breath'd not till I should o'ertake my father! - Judge of my feelings when I cross'd his train, Retiring from this castle - duty - honour Renown itself gave way to love, and thee - - I left my officers the pleasing task T'announce my triumph; and in mean disguise Unaided, and alone, thus reach'd thy presence. - Ah! wherefore reach'd it? Since thine eye repels me? No more the fond companion to my childhood, No more the worship'd idol of my youth! Queen of Granada, now thou stand'st before me! -Perhaps-yet own it not-Orasmyn's love?- Almeyda. Alonzo, I will not debase myself, So far as to reproach thee; yet my heart Feels all the shock of being thus distrusted! Alas! these childish tears defeat my purpose!- Fain would I chide thee-fain would I correct A littleness I fear'd not in thy nature, Because it never mingled in my own- But love prevails, and in that leading passion, All others melt away! Alonzo. Thus soul of softness! Thus ever speak!-thus ever fill my heart, With love, with happy love, and I'll contract, Whole ages of existence to one moment! -Mem'ry shall treasure ev'ry hallow'd word, A charm, a precious charm, against ill-fortune. -Still in my ear will float that only sound, To drown ambition's trump, and death's deep summons. Almeyda. Could I forget thy danger, my Alonzo, Soft as thy own would be my soul's delirium. Alonzo. What joy have I in love, save love itself? But ah! has life beside so sweet a charm? Where else can mem'ry pause without regret, Where else imagination turn unwearied!- -Is there one passion in the human heart, Absorbs the rest, save love-love, mighty love, Comprizing in the golden now, at once The future, and the past, excludes satiety- 'Tis the rich essence of each gaudy flower, Scatter'd t'adorn the rugged paths of life, Almeyda. Oh, hours! oh, days! which never must return When thus thy accents charm'd me! - my Alonzo, Thou think'st thou see'st me on my father's throne, Whole nations smiling when I deign to smile, Or at my frown dismay'd - how would'st thou feel If this bright vision vanish'd - if these halls, O'er-arch'd with gilded roofs, and gaudy sculpture, Presented only an imperial prison? How, if the radiant ensigns of dominion, Shrunk into chains? - Alas! more truly such, Than e'er I wore when in thy father's palace! - Here in Granada - mid my royal kindred, By councils flatter'd, and an army hail'd! Almeyda, is a solitary wretch, No being sympathizes with save you - You, only you, of all the vast creation! Alonzo. Whom can'st thou fear, my love, when I am near thee? Almeyda. Heav'ns think'st thou for myself, I feel this pang? For thee, for thee, alone, my nature shudders! Life has no charm but what your presence gives it, Nor death a fear but that your danger causes! - And, ah! that danger fearfully appals me! Cold chills ev'n at this moment counteract, The joy, the tender joy, I take to see thee! Alonzo. Art thou not sov'reign? Who shall over-rule thee? Almeyda. That tyrant who alone permitted thee, To cross this fatal barrier; which alive Thou never shalt repass! - thou hast not known him. Cow'rs not the dove whene'er the vulture hovers, And shrink not I before the fierce Abdallah? Ere yet he knew my soul's most tender part Ere thy name reach'd him how has he appall'd me! - I would have been thy fortune, my Alonzo, But was ordain'd thy fate! Alonzo. Were this fear just, (Tho' surely 'tis thy fancy's wild creation) Yet were I safe - alone, and unsuspected, Have I approach'd thee; and alike unknown May I retreat - recall once more my father; Assert the pow'r our victory has given us, And dictate to this insolent Abdallah! Abdallah (rushing on with guards.) Arrest this slave! we'll see who henceforth dictates! Almeyda. (clasping his knees.) Ere yet you speak! - Ere yet that dreadful voice, Denounces all your aspect threatens, pause! Oh, pause! and listen to the voice of nature! Thro' me Almanzor calls; through me he bids, Ev'n from the grave commands thee to be humane! Abdallah Would'st thou arrest the sentence on these lips, Avow at once compliance with my will - - Wilt thou divide thy throne with my Orasmyn, And shun to death this minion? Almeyda. Ah, too sure, Were these sad eyes to shut him out for ever, Yet would my heart retain to death his image, And my last sigh be, like my first, Alonzo's! Alonzo (raising Almeyda) My soul's best treasure! spare this waste of softness! Almeyda. Yet, yet, can I condemn thee to the grave? Seal the black sentence to a ruthless tyrant, And blight thy youth just blossoming to glory? -Hear me, Abdallah-leave me but myself; And take, oh! take, my rich inheritance! The dire inheritance that has undone me!- I ask but to retain a vain remembrance Of him whose life I sue for- Abdallah I have said- Nor can aught change my purpose. Alonzo. Sweet Almeyda, Degrade not me by this humiliation! - - I was not born to supplicate a tyrant; Who poorly plays upon thy sexes weakness. - Abdallah knows too well the rights of nations, A father's feelings and a King's resentment, To dare assail my life. - Abdallah Ah! say'st thou, youth? Art thou so new to life, univers'd in policy, To think the world need witness our decrees? Thou, thou thyself, hast shewn me all my pow'r, Did I not learn from thy own lips, ev'n now, Unknown, and unassisted, thou art here? Here, in Granada's confines - in a fortress, Where tongueless ministers perform my will, Amid the murky horrors of the night, And hollow rocks inter the nameless victim! - Ev'n now death yawns beneath thy feet, a word, A look, of mine, consigns thee to oblivion! Almeyda. While I survive? - Ah! how dar'st thou presume it? - His name - his fate, should echo thro' the world - To his dear mem'ry, I'd devote my days, And live but to avenge him. - Abdallah Thou too brave me! Know thou shalt live in vain - thy feeble voice Tho' truth-inspir'd, as was the Dardan maids, Like her's shall cry unheeded; nor can aught, Save him, or thee, but instant, prompt, obedience. Almeyda. Oh! my too timid heart! - speak, lov'd Alonzo - There is a brutal fierceness in his nature, Which mine was born to shrink from! - busy fancy, Fills up the bloody outline he has drawn, And sees thee breathless! - murder'd! - Alonzo. Thus behold me - Ere to prolong an ignominious being, I urge thee to debase a noble nature, Or break a vow to me indissoluble! Abdallah (to the guards.) Drag hence this slave - untold ye know the rest. (Alonzo is dragg'd off and Almeyda falls at the feet of Abdallah) Almeyda. Oh! yet have mercy! - hear in time my cries! - (She rises with majesty. Insulting tyrant! - dread my desperation! If thy malignity assail a life, To which that wildly throbbing in this bosom, Is valueless, nor fear, nor pride, shall bound me; I will not rest, till I have found a means To make my vengeance like thine own - consummate. Abdallah Thou art too kind to warn me of thy purpose - Learn first by what enchantment thou shalt pass The bounds my pow'r prescribes thee - in these chambers Unpitied - unassisted - shalt thou rage, Till thou hast found some surer way to move me. -The officer on guard? Enter Hamet, and afterwards Abra. Hamet, approach - Thou know'st my temper - if thy life be dear Guard well the Queen's apartment; nor allow One being to pass out - not ev'n herself - - Reasons too cogent for thy knowledge, urge, This seemingly strict measure - Almeyda. You are human! Oh, hear! yet hear one word. - Abdallah (fiercely to Hamet.) Have I not spoken? (Hamet retires. Thou see'st my pow'r - Almeyda. Burst, burst, at once my heart! This conflict is too mighty! - do not leave me, (sees Abdallah returning.) For dreadful as the sight is, I can never, Never, survive the moment of thy going - - As yet he breathes - as yet my soul dares cherish The feeble hope that binds her down to suffer? - Harsh as thou look'st - yet nature must have giv'n thee, Affections, in their turn, as exquisite, As those that rend these heartstrings - can'st thou then Oh! can'st thou blight my youth with such a sorrow? - Precipitate me early to the grave, And mark life's little interval with frenzy? - Speak, tell me, thou wilt save him? Orasmyn. (speaks entering.) That sweet voice, Strikes on the heart thy cruelty has chill'd, And, like the lyre of Orpheus, charms the dead! - In tears Almeyda? - Wherefore this prostration? Almeyda (with frenzy.) - He's murder'd! - lost! - no earthly pow'r can save him! The fiat is pronounc'd, and he must perish! - - Ah! is it you Orasmyn? - give me language, May touch this human rock into a heart! Abdallah Leave us, my son- Orasmyn. My Lord, I pray your pardon. Abdallah (to her mysteriously.) I have not to apprize thee of the terms; Wilt thou comply? Orasmyn. Oh! weep not thus, but speak; Rack me no more with nameless apprehensions, Tell me Almeyda, all thy griefs, thy fears. Almeyda. Thou art my grief-my fear-'tis thou destroy'st me. Abdallah Imperious woman! in this hour of peril Still dar'st thou thwart me; and of all the ways That might incense me to thy hope's destruction, Thou'st ta'en the surest. - Almeyda. I am yet a novice, In suff'ring, and in sorrow-those sad lessons Mark'd not my bondage-I came home to learn them. Alas! to what a home!-I pray you take, Since I, it seems, must court you to your pleasure, The crown I have been mock'd with! Orasmyn. Add not insult, To that deep scorn I never knew to merit! Almeyda. Then he indeed is lost, and hope is extinct- -Ev'n like a falling star, athwart the night, It drops thus to the earth-too much-too much Life-reason-all are gone. (Abra and Orasmyn support her) Abdallah 'Twere well I seiz'd, This moment to withdraw; ere yet Alonzo Can ascertain his rank, or further cross me! -Nor dare I now trust him-this hateful passion (looking towards Orasmyn.) Fills up his ev'ry thought, and wins him from me. (Exit. Orasmyn (To Abra) Whence sprung this unintelligible transport? Abra. Ev'n now, my Lord, I enter'd; nor from aught Can guess its cause-the Queen receiv'd a stranger, Who importun'd her for a private audience! Almeyda (starting wildly) Who, who would let him pass?-the deed is doing? The fearful, bloody deed!-and tears avail not! -Ev'n the green earth gives signs of desolation- And the wild winds cry havock-oh! thou dear one! Have I for this from infancy ador'd thee, Have been by thee ador'd?-Yet never wedded, Never affianc'd-never-one fond thought, Perhaps took flight ere breath'd into a vow, And lives emblazon'd in the eternal record! Orasmyn. Allow me to partake, to soothe, this anguish - Oh! give me but to know its secret cause! Almeyda. Thou soothe it? - Thou partake it? - Mighty Alla! This is but a refinement on misfortune - Thou, thou thyself art its first cause - thy love, Thy selfish, thy ambitious love, undoes me! Mine had been else a common misery- -But I'll have such revenge-I have not fashion'd The mass of horrors floating in this brain, Yet thou besure shalt share them;-hark! he groans And the dark deed's accomplish'd! pain, or grief, No more shall reach him - they are all my own And I am theirs! - Orasmyn. Oh! this will end in madness, I burst with vague despair, and apprehension! Who was this stranger?-Whence his embassy? Whom mourn'st thou thus? Almeyda. Whom? Is there then another, Of soul so perfect, and of form so noble? No, not in the vast circle of creation- -Ah!-are those tears?-then thou perhaps art human! Fly, save him, save him - bring him instant hither, E're yet the life-blood blacken in his cheek, E're yet those eyes are seal'd in utter darkness, And I'll forget the past, will pardon all, Will worship his preserver! - vain - vain prayer Thou art Abdallah's son! - the dire inheritor, Of his obdurate nature! - hence, abhor'd! Oh! for some depth the sun may never pierce, Where I can waste my being in lamenting! (Exit. Orasmyn. Danger, and death, I've fac'd in many a form I've leap'd into the deadly breach; and seen An host of jav'lins quiv'ring at this bosom, But never knew I fear, despair, till now! - Follow thy hapless Queen, and in thy soothings Have better fortune! - agoniz'd - bewilder'd - (Exit Abra. I dread I know not what - yet I observ'd A strangeness in my father's quick departure! - Too well I know t'atchieve a darling purpose, He would o'erleap the bounds of truth, and justice. - Perhaps this youth - yet that's impossible - Oh! that Almeyda, would enough esteem me, To trust me with her sorrows! (Exit. Re-enter Almeyda, leaning on Abra. Almeyda. He is gone Nor can I profit by returning reason, To win his aid! - Ah! wherefore should I win it? Alonzo, now exists but in my memory; Yet here I seek him - here shall ever wander, Ev'n as the spirits of the dead revisit, The spot where they have buried all their treasure. Here fancy pictures to the mental eye, That graceful form, while yet it was corporeal! Here last I heard that voice! - oh! might it break, The bound 'twixt immortality, and life, To charm with heav'n's own eloquence my woes! Abra. Beseech you, Madam, moderate this grief, The Prince's life is safe! Almeyda. Safe with Abdallah? Abra. His son, with gen'rous fervour shar'd your sorrow, And loves you too well, to desert its object. Almeyda. Abra, Orasmyn yet has love to learn - Love turns abhorrent from an act of violence, Too deeply wounded with a sorrowing sigh - - Love! 'tis our all-refining touch of heav'n; Whose kindling emulation ever gives, A self-exacted eminence of goodness, To vulgar minds unknown! Abra. Yet is he safe - Ne'er will my brother sacrifice his honour, Much as he loves Orasmyn, fears Abdallah, Or stain his soul with murder - Almeyda. Ah! thy brother? Is then the officer on guard thy brother? Abra. Rais'd early to distinction by Abdallah, Under himself he governs in this castle, To him you are in charge - Almeyda. Oh! Abra, hear me! If e'er your features blossom'd into beauty, Beneath the animating eye of love! If e'er the throbbing tenant of your bosom, Felt the soft impulse of a generous passion, If you would not behold your heart's dear choice, Like mine, the victim of some horrid treason, And be yourself a miserable maniac, Oh win your brother, to release Alonzo! Abra. Alas! too highly he regards his honor! Nor dare I tempt it. - Almeyda. Call him instant hither! Abra. He will not yield - sweet Princess, be intreated. Almeyda. Obey me - nor reply - a weak blind hope. (Exit Abra. Still, like the busy mole, essays to work, Its slow way thro' the heavy weight fall'n here. (presses her hand on her forehead. Re-enter Abra with Hamet. Thou guardian of my life in its best treasure! Tell me, Alonzo lives? Hamet. He lives - as yet - Almeyda. As yet - Oh heav'n! Hamet. Alas! it is too sure, He totters on eternity's dark verge, Unconscious of his danger - this steep rock Thro' many a winding path is scoop'd in dens, Unknown - impenetrable - one o'erhangs, An arm, which parting from the Guadalquiver, Deep-plunging seeks an undiscover'd course. - - There, thro' a fearful chasm wild nature wrought, Full many a victim to the fears of state, Has sunk into oblivion. - Almeyda. Mighty Alla! The savage utter'd then but the mere truth. - Thus will assuredly Alonzo perish, Unless thou save him! Hamet. Me! - impossible! Yet think not ought shall win me to destroy him. Almeyda. Oh! venture not to say thou want'st the pow'r Lest sudden frost should burst this swelling heart. Hamet. I cannot, dare not disobey Abdallah; Whose bounty first distinguish'd, still rewards me. Almeyda. And cannot I distinguish - I reward? Oh! let me know Alonzo safe, and free, And thou shalt find I dare assert my rights, Ev'n till I awe Abdallah! Hamet. Never - never - His nature's fierce - obdurate - uncontroulable - - Death in its simplest form to man is dreadful, But when forerun by agony - by torture - And were I once to wrong his confidence - Almeyda. Do not I too, know well his barb'rous nature? - Hast thou a fear applies not to Alonzo? Thus must he suffer - thus must he expire, Unless thou'rt won - Alas! that I could barter, This vain, vain pageantry of regal pow'r, To be but one hour Hamet.- Hamet. My touch'd heart, Ev'n bleeds with sympathy. - Almeyda. 'Tis prophanation, To mingle in the anguish thou reliev'st not - - Said I an hour? A few short moments, Would waft you o'er the river; and once landed Nor could Abdallah, nor his vengeance reach you! - Ramirez, gracious Monarch, would reward, Protect - adore his son's deliverer! A grateful nation eye thee with delight, While thy pure conscience would each plaudit echo! Ev'n she who sues, one day with pride might call thee, To fame, to wealth, to greatness! Hamet. Did not duty - Almeyda. Know'st thou one duty stronger than humanity? - That awful principle by heav'n implanted, To still the raging of th'impetuous passions, Or lead the swelling current up to virtue! - Oh! then be warn'd! and as thou dye in peace, List to the voice of heav'n that speaks thro' me! Hamet. (kneeling.) Endu'd of heav'n! it does indeed inspire thee! And be my life, or long, or short, it waits Henforward on thy will! Almeyda. (leaning over him.) Oh! be it crown'd, With ev'ry grace, and glory, - may no pain, No sorrow touch the heart that melts with mercy, But such a blessedness possess it here, As makes this life the foretaste of a better! - Oh! from what dire extremes this virtue saves me! Did I not say, my Abra, I would win him? Now tell me, Hamet, how thou'lt save my love? Hamet. The will once fix'd, I do not want the pow'r; - To me each gate, each dungeon, freely opens; I will prepare a boat, and when the night Spreads her dark mantle o'er a drowsy world, I'll thither lead the Prince, and share his flight. Almeyda. My guardian angel! who like him benign, Receiv'st thy sole reward in conscious goodness! (pauses. - If (and my heart forebodes some new affliction) He should deceive me - that would ascertain it - Hamet, I have consider'd - and must see him - Hamet. The pris'ner Madam? Almeyda. Ay the Prince Alonzo? Hamet. You cannot mean it? Almeyda. Never more intently! If thou hast pow'r to free him; thou hast pow'r To guide me to his dungeon! Hamet. Through his guards, And many a vaulted lab'rinth long, and lonely, How should our beauteous sov'reign pass securely? Almeyda. I'll dare the chance! - thy sister's veil shall hide The splendor of these vestments - now begone, With circumspection plan Alonzo's flight, Then haste, and lead me to him - Hamet. You must rule - Yet much I dread this needless enterprise! - Oh! sister, you've destroy'd me! (Exit. Almeyda. Heed him not! Ne'er will thy Queen desert who truly serves her! - Oh! Abra, in the hour of mortal peril, Should'st thou be born to suffer like Almeyda, May one as gen'rous as thyself arise, To save thee from a pang more keen than dying! END OF ACT III. ACT IV. SCENE I. A dark vault irregularly hewn in the rock, extending out of sight on one side, in a vista of rude imperfect pillars. - A small gate leads on the other side, through an enormous crag of the rock - Alonzo discover'd, chain'd to a pillar, against which he leans. Alonzo. Why lingers thus the tyrant exquisite In ill perhaps he thinks mere death indulgence; And therefore leaves me leisure for reflection - An awful pause, 'twixt life, and immortality!- - Is this the Murcian victor? This the heir Of great Ramirez? That Castilian sun, Which rose to light a nation on to virtue, Or early set amid a crimson glory? - Eclips'd at once; the victim of his passions He aids his murderers and but hopes oblivion. - - Long will my father wonder where I vanish'd! - Almeyda, poor Almeyda's not so happy! - (The guards unbar the gate, and light in Abdallah; then fixing their torches in clefts of the rock, they retire. Abdallah Ere I pronounce my last resolve, I ask, Has solitude restor'd thy better reason? Alonzo. Has recollection humaniz'd thy heart? Why should not virtue bear as fix'd a tenor, As vice can boast? Abdallah Yet dar'st thou vaunt it thus? Rash youth, if thou would'st view the light of heav'n, Or breath untainted air - Alonzo. Where are thy ruffians! - Dost thou not see I less abhor to die, Than poorly to condition with Abdallah? Why urge this parley? Abdallah Thou wert born, Alonzo, Thy enemies must own, to grace the name, Transmitted thee from a long line of heroes - Can'st thou then rashly fix thy fate, and perish In flow'r of youth - in ignominy - bondage? Alonzo. Ay - with a firmness thou can'st never know, Who liv'st in guilt; and therefore find'st in living, Only a daily respite from damnation. Abdallah What is the mighty sacrifice enjoin'd? Why but to yield what thou can'st ne'er enjoy, And bend Almeyda's will to meet her duty. Then will these chains drop off; and our glad arms In friendship fold thee. Alonzo. By the light of heav'n! Forever vanish'd from these eyes, I swear, I would not yield one chaste sigh of Almeyda, To be the worship'd of an host of traitors! Abdallah Thou hast not weigh'd the agonizing pangs My pow'r can make thee suffer, ere I grant thee The comfort of expiring? Alonzo. I have weigh'd Thy character; and therefore am prepar'd For all thy threats imply - Abdallah (stamps, and guards enter with torches and leavers.) Employ your leavers - Raise yon enormous stone - beneath that chasm Thro' jagged rocks - imperious - horrible - A stream, oblivious as the fabled Lethe, Washes to many an undiscover'd hollow, The victims of my will - Alonzo. Thy mercy then Spares the soul-harrowing pomp of preparation, And all the pangs of nature, and of love? Abdallah Hark! hear'st thou not in the deep sullen roar The knell of death? - Of those who've gone before thee, Methinks the shrieks resound! - a breath of mine, Will add Alonzo to the untold many! - Then vainly shall Almeyda weep thy loss; Ramirez shall in vain demand his son! For, tho' he shook this fortress to the centre, Razed its enormous towers, and solid bastions, Their ruins would but form the tomb he sought! Alonzo. I have not liv'd so ill, that I have now To learn to die, - and of Abdallah too! No, white as angels if thou stood'st before me, Denouncing thus my doom I could not fear thee, How should I now? Abdallah Because thou'rt in my pow'r, And I dare use it. - Yet again reflect, But know when next we meet my voice is mortal. [Exit Abdallah] Alonzo. Be it so now! - ev'n now! - why this display. To the firm soul that never shrunk from danger? - By heav'n I feel an infant once again, When thus insulted with an infant's terrors! - Ye high-arch'd rocks! to groans alone resounding, Witness one wretch has never tried your echo - - And you, oh! most adored! who o'er these dens, Rend heav'n, and earth, with vain, and fond lamenting, For him thus strangely vanish'd - never know Your feet unconscious trod Alonzo's grave! Orasmyn. (descends with a torch.) Dark labyrinth, for murder fitly wrought, At length I've reach'd your limit! - or I err, Or this dim light gleams on the hapless stranger! - His mien bespeaks a deep disdain of death, With princely graces blended - youth unknown! Dar'st thou reveal at once, thy rank and name, With the dark embassy that thus entombs thee. Alonzo. Orasmyn! for I need not ask thy title, So well thy port bespeaks the prince and lover; Why would'st thou know a name like thine renown'd, But, oh! unlike thine, never stain'd with murder. Orasmyn. Prince, thou art bound by chains, and I by feeling! - The sun that ripens in a Moor's warm heart Ev'n virtue into passion, ripens there Those glowing frailties that o'errun the soil, And poison its pure product - I'd forget If possible the arts that charm'd Almeyda - Alonzo. Can'st thou forbid the bud to blow? The zephyr To wake the bird of spring? - As well do this, As chill the soul's soft breathings! disunite Hearts, which but new to life, like infant plants Entwin'd unconscious - lived but by each other! Alonzo never knew a guilty thought, Or plan'd a guilty union! - if Almeyda, Gave him, oh gift beyond all price! her heart, Who would not think it cheaply bought with life? Orasmyn. Fain would I hate Alonzo! like a rival Fain would I hear thy words, survey thy actions! But my pure nature does thee noble justice! Why wilt thou not view me with equal candor? Thou hast Almeyda's heart - oh blest pre-eminence! Outstrip me not too in the race of honor - To her repose I sacrifice a passion Strong as thine own - oh! join with me to save her! Alonzo. Ah! can'st thou love with so sublime a virtue! She lives but to thy senses - thou ne'er knew'st The chaste perfection of that gen'rous nature! Ne'er mingled souls with her, in love as pure As the intelligence that angels hold! - That bliss - that agony was mine - mine only! To thee Almeyda seems impetuous, rash, Touch but her heart and it o'erflows with softness! - Orasmyn, if thou lov'st, 'tis thine to prove it. - A fearful crisis is at hand - when over Oh! soothe, support, console, the sorrowing angel. Protect her from thy fierce obdurate sire, I dare implore thee, from thyself protect her! - So shall that mortal hour no being yet Encounter'd with indifference, be met By me with fortitude! the long hereafter So shalt thou less regret! - and ev'n Almeyda, At length perhaps forget me - Orasmyn. Never - never When the soft fibres of the heart expand, And thus enclasp another, time, or space, In vain would break the hold, or make us single! - I see no more in thee a hated rival! Virtue's own awful form appears before me - Bids me behold a monarch's glorious heir! The gallant leader of victorious armies! The idol of whole nations! - more, oh! more, Her own devoted pupil! - shall I then Leave thee to dye, and sin against society? - Oh my proud soul how it disdains the thought! Yet for my father's sake, ere yet I free thee, Assure me - Alonzo. Spare thy gen'rous cheek the blush Of asking that unworthy thine own honor, Nor less unworthy mine! Orasmyn. Away with bonds - For, ev'n were vows unknown, a noble soul Would feel untold a fellow-suff'rer's sorrows, And blend self-love with social. - Why, oh! why Were we born enemies? Alonzo - snatching his hand. Ere yet we were, Our finer tones of mind some guardian spirit Touch'd into harmony; and, when we met, Th'according strings struck forth a sound so sweet, That heav'n itself might listen! love! ev'n love, That brand of discord, burns within our bosoms, Pale - cold - before the steady flame of virtue! Orasmyn. The camp alone is mine. Once in its districts, No human pow'r can reach thee. It were wise To wait the hour that wafts thee o'er the river. (Orasmyn takes the Torch, and guides Alonzo out. Hamet, after a proper interval, descends, as lighting onward Almeyda. Hamet. We have been fortunate to 'scape those slaves. - - Tread careful, madam; here the stones are loose. Almeyda. - (descending.) Thus on the soul breaks love's celestial light, And chears, with many a lengthening ray, misfortune! Hamet. - (stopping as shocked.) - These chains - this silence - Oh, unhappy moment! - They were the assassins, then, who e'en now pass'd us? - - For your soul's sake, and as you value reason, Return at once, sweet princess! Almeyda. - (waving him away with scorn.) Hence, rude man! Wert thou Abdallah's self, thou should'st not stay me, Thus near Alonzo - prithee love reprove him! Hamet. Alas! Almeyda. (faintly and alarmed.) Hast thou deceiv'd me - or within, Is there some yet more deep - more dreary den! Hamet. (in a broken voice.) There is indeed a deeper - where Almeyda, Shall never hear her lover! - Almeyda. Never, said'st thou? Recall that fearful word; nor at this crisis Pluck from my soul the last prop that sustains it! Hamet. (in agony.) -Oh! that I could beguile myself, or thee! - - These are the very chains with which I bound him, And this the chasm (from whence the mass of stone By leavers has been rais'd) where through the rocks, Full many a victim to the fears of state, Precipitated in the rushing torrent, Has sought an unknown grave - Almeyda. (pressing the chains to her bosom.) Murder'd - lost - Wisdom - nor strength - nor valour then avail'd thee! Hamet. Oh prophet! should she dye! infernal tyrant, - To chuse my only absence for the murder - - How is it, Madam! Almeyda. (in a deep tone of despair.) Ev'n as I would have it - For that thy kindness meant to aid thy Queen Take this - she has no recompence to give, (Loosens the jewel Ramirez gave her from her bosom, kisses it - wipes her eyes - surveys and gives it Hamet.) - Nor ever now will have - begone, and leave me - Nor let one human eye pervade a sorrow, Too mighty for complaint! Hamet (soothing her.) You will return? Almeyda. Return? You mean me well, nor will I chide - But hence at once, and leave me to an anguish, Which would not waste itself in words, or tears, But swell within and wash away remembrance! Hamet. Oh! Madam, pardon him who dares not leave you. Imagine the conjectures of the world, If here you should be found - Almeyda. My world is vanish'd! - It was concentred in the spot he liv'd on, And if it yet exists - 'tis in his grave! Hamet. Think of Abdallah! - Can you fail to dread him? Almeyda. Who has nought to hope, has little sure to fear - - Add not a feather to the weight that presses Upon this brain, and turns it into chaos! - Go - shield thyself - and leave me to my fortune! - Why wilt thou urge the parley? - and awake The pride, the passion - lost-extinct - in horror? Hamet. - Yet be advised - sweet Princess quit this place! Almeyda. (pressing her forehead vaguely.) Wilt thou then kill me? Hamet. Rather would I save - - Time will dry up these tears - restore your peace And make you joy in safety - Almeyda. (turning with horror to the chasm.) Look there - look there! Then talk to me of peace, of joy, of safety. - Hamet. The savage who dares wound his sov'reign's heart, Would lacerate each vein of wretched Hamet's - For my sake then, if not thine own, sweet Queen, Fly hence! - Almeyda (with increasing delirium.) Say'st thou to heav'n? Hamet. Alas! alas! Her reason surely wanders! hark, I hear him. - By all the nameless agonies you feel; Oh! pity him, destroy'd by pitying you! Almeyda. Hence - hence - whoe'er you are - I will not go! But reign for ever here! - supreme in sorrow! - The sun no more shall visit these sad eyes, Nor the wan moon present one soft reflection - Winter no more shall chill - or summer warm me; Nor innocence, nor heav'n itself supply, One moment of delight! - but damp, cold, drops, Thus petrify my heart! and night eternal, (shivering and looking up.) Make vain the sense of sight! - now come, Abdallah, Behold in me Alonzo's monument! Hamet. Abdallah comes indeed! - his voice resounds! - It grows upon my ear - one chance is mine - - Could I regain the cleft that lately hid us, He might pass on - and I, in flight, find safety! (He treads on the torch and flies hastily.) Almeyda. (in frenzy.) How suddenly the night falls! - Oh, my heart! Will no one knit thy loosen'd strings, and staunch The vital blood yet flowing? - yes one hand - - Ah! no - Ramirez, will to death abhor Almeyda's fatal name! (Guards light in, and follow Abdallah Abdallah Are ye all in?- Now close the gate; that no obtrusive eye, No foot unbidden press upon my secret. - So in the gulph with him, at once shall sink All knowledge of his fate! Almeyda. (majestically.) Who pierces thro' The grave's deep silence, with a voice so loud, Disturbing my repose? Abdallah Can it be her! Amazement! and Alonzo gone! - Ah! vain, Is ev'ry guard against that subtle sex! - She has found some ready villain to assist her, And giv'n the Prince his freedom. - Almeyda. (in a low anxious voice.) Comes Ramirez? - He comes to seek his son? - Ah! hapless monarch, That name to him is nothing? - yet I'll hide These traces from his sight - (She advances wildly, and fearfully looking back. Abdallah How now, Almeyda? This can be only frenzy - where's thy lover? Almeyda. (laying her hand on his arm.) Why dost thou ask Ramirez? - he's in Murcia - Did not thy policy dispose him there, When fix'd upon my ruin? Wretched Sire! (draws him aside. Fly from this den of death! - here broods a serpent, Fatal to thee, and to thy race! - ev'n now, Dozing upon this flinty floor, I dreamt - - Oh! such a dream I shudder but to name it! Abdallah What dream Almeyda? I must soothe this transport, If I would learn the truth - Almeyda. Nay never frown, I spoke it unawares - but strange, strange, visions, Still swim before these eyes! - yet not Alonzo - - Tho' him alone I sought. I came to save, - Too late, alas! I came. Now thou wilt weep! Or is thy brain, like mine, sear'd up in lead? (She leans on the shoulder of a guard. Abdallah This is an incident so singular, As out-runs fancy, and perplexes reason! - Nature's exhausted in her! Some dire truth Lurks under all this mystery and frenzy. Guard. My lord, behold the chains that bound the stranger. Abdallah And who durst take them off? Almeyda only! - Yet where then is he vanish'd? Ah! if grief, At witnessing this woe, should have impell'd him At once to plunge into this yawning gulph! How is't, Almeyda? Almeyda. - (turning fondly to him.) Heavy - strangely heavy! Guide of my youth! sole partner in its sorrows! (kissing his hand. Abdallah Astonishing delusion! Where's Alonzo? Almeyda. Did I not tell you of my horrid dream? - Sleeping, just now, upon this flinty floor, Ev'n from its solid base, I heard Alonzo, Amid the rush of torrents - Me he call'd, And shook the deep profound! My fond heart It answer'd too - Oh! with such eager throbs, The long vibrations spread beyond this frame, Almost into Eternity! - Abdallah - (exultingly.) Ev'n so! - Thus have I the advantage, and not guilt. Almeyda. Soft! or Abdallah comes. Not even you, Warn'd as you were of all his selfish views, Can guess at his barbarity! An uncle? - Yet these dim eyes take pleasure to behold thee! The rav'nous vulture - blood-incited wolf, Prey not, when disappointed, on their species! That pitch of cruelty was left for man. - Nature convulses at the bare idea, Nor dares to snap the tie herself has form'd! - He thinks I'll take this tamely! No, Abdallah, I will have such revenge! - From thy black heart, At once I'll pluck away its worldly veil, And punish thee in mere sincerity. Abdallah - (fiercely.) Thou shalt not live to do it, subtle traitress! I will be warn'd in time - For in these flights The soul's deep sense full oft may be discover'd! (He surveys wistfully Almeyda, the Guards, and the Chasm. - One moment might effect it! and that moment Inter with her all traces of the deed! - Further I'll try her. - Wilt thou not forgive Th'involuntary wrong? Almeyda. Whene'er I do, May Heav'n forget the wretch it now chastises! Abdallah Nay, then thou diest! nor pray'rs, nor tears, shall save thee. That word decides thy doom! Seize on her, strait! Precipitate her instant down the gulph, And live the favor'd objects of my bounty! Almeyda. Oh, that tremendous voice! - Where fled my senses, That they acknowledged not yon ruthless savage? - Him before whom I was born but to tremble! Slaves, drag me not! Ye will not murder me? - Am I not reft of every good but being - A chearless being? Spare thy own remorse, Nor crown the pile of thy enormous sins With such a helpless victim! Abdallah Vain are pray'rs, I have not ventur'd thus far, to recede! Nought but thy death can now assure my safety - - Who's at the gate? Unbar it not, I charge you. Guard, opening the Gate. The Prince Orasmyn only. Enter Orasmyn. (Almeyda flies to him.) [Almeyda.] Oh, protect me! Guard - save me - hide me in thy very heart! Orasmyn. Ay, while it beats, sweet flutt'rer! Good my lord, What mean these haggard slaves, and this confusion? - How comes Almeyda here! Why thus afflicted? Abdallah Born to make vain my cares, and cross thy fortune, Why art thou here? She, as thou seest, is frantic. Orasmyn. Alla forbid! Speak, dear one! - Calm my fears. Ah! tremble not - but speak - Almeyda. Alonzo, surely! I hear thee, love; but dare not, dare not look. - Orasmyn. Of the vast host of mental ills, ordain'd To punish hapless man, the worst has seiz'd her! Alas! by my omission! Dear Almeyda, Calm thy perturbed soul, and look around! Thy friends alone are near thee. Almeyda. (Glancing around, she buries her face in Orasmyn's robe.) Oh, no! - no! I see a fiend, who turns me into marble! - But I am safe with thee! Thou ne'er wilt leave me, My own Alonzo! Abdallah Thus she still has rav'd. - Ev'n now, she took me for Ramirez! Yet Thou mightst improve this blindness - if thou'rt wise, Avail thyself of her fond fancy's error, And wed her strait! Orasmyn. Wed her. Forbid it Alla! - Were reason perfect in her, this fond clasp I should pronounce a bliss more exquisite, Than all in cold futurity! - But now, My heart recoils from her soft touch. - Sweet suff'rer, raise thine eyes! within this circle Give thy woes respite: For, from this sad hour, Ne'er shalt thou know another - if this heart, This arm, hath pow'r to save thee! Abdallah As thou wilt - Thou know'st my mind! - Now be the choice thine own. (Exit; Guards follow. Orasmyn. Oh, most unguarded! - Ere I sav'd Alonzo, I should have warn'd this dear one of my purpose. - How shall I now convince her? Oh! those eyes, More beauteous for their wildness, how they wander! - Hear me, Almeyda! By the unsullied soul Within this bleeding breast, thy lover lives - - Alonzo lives! Almeyda. Ay; so I knew you'd tell me: But spare the specious tale. I know already - I heard it from himself! Nay, nay, no more. Orasmyn. Oh, agony! for human sense too touching! Yet how to wake again her recollection? Almeyda! do'st thou know me? Almeyda. (gazing vaguely on him.) I know one, One only, in the circle of creation, And he is strangely vanish'd! Orasmyn. Yet he lives! In safety lives. Almeyda. Within this heart, d'ye say? Ay, there he lives, indeed, and shall for ever! Orasmyn. Never can I forgive my own neglect! For, oh, this sight is dreadful! Yet, Almeyda, Thy own Alonzo lives, - like me, to weep. Almeyda. Yes; I have heard strange tales - ye all have told me, And seen such dismal sights! I dare not speak them! - No matter - Time will clear all up. - I'm weary. Orasmyn. Oh! let me lead you hence - Almeyda. Ev'n where you will. And by that voice of comfort, you should guide me To my Alonzo's heaven. Orasmyn. Touching charmer! I dare not listen more; lest I, like thee, Grow out of love with reason, and delight Only to hear thy rhapsodies! (Starting, and looking through the pillars.) Almeyda. More dungeons! Perhaps more murd'rers, too. Now should they come, Exhausted as I am, no pow'r could save me! Oh! they have strength to wrest one's very being! Look at this arm. - (baring her's, Orasmyn. The savage gripe has purpledThe purest white pulsation ever throb'd in! (He starts, and wistfully surveys Almeyda and the chasm. It cannot be! the fear is too tremendous! Abhorrent Nature, from a deed so black, Would shrink, 'till these high rocks, o'erarch'd by art, Sink to the center! - Oh! forgive the thought Thy own ambitious nature prompts, my father! - Rest on me, dear Almeyda! Near your chamber, Faithful I'll watch the live-long night, and pray It may breathe peace upon you. Pr'ythee lean! Almeyda. Soft! have a care, we tread not on his grave! Somebody shew'd it me. - We're very near it. Orasmyn. Oh! that superior mind is gone for ever! - Yet still, thus ruin'd, like a broken mirror, It gives a perfect image in each fragment! (Exeunt.