PR l-oool AvsH Book. n^S^ 7^3 Clascal 23runo. Pascal. My good friend, when next you fire at me, load with a silver bullet, leaden ones have a trick of flattenin."- themselves against my body. Did not I tell you yesterday that twelve common bullets would not perforate beyond my jacket. How could you be so silly as to think to produce any effect with one ? ACT II, SCENE I. ( PASCAL BRUNO; A BURLETTA, -TTZTT^ GILBERT ABBOTT A'BECKETT, Esa. Author of *' The Black Domino^' '* The Postilion/' *' The Assignation t'* '* T/^e French Compamjf'* S^c. <^c. I'RINTED FROM THE ACTING COPY, WITH DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUME, CAST OF lilE CHARACTERS, EXITS AND ENTRANCES, AND THE WHOLE OF THE BUSINESS. As performed at the THEATRE ROYAL ST. JAMESES. WITH A CORRECT ILLUSTRATION OF ONE OF THE PBINCIPAL SCENES. I 2lont)on : Fublished for the Proprietor by \V. STRANGE. 21. PATERNOSTER ROW, ST. PAULS' CHURCH YARD ; TURNER AND FISHER, NEW YORK AND PHILADELI'H I A , VNITED STATES. 1838 Q^a^t of ©l^atactctg. First Performed at the Theatre Royal St. James's, Tuetday, December 26th, 1831. Pascal Bruno Mrs, Stirling. Prince Butera .... Mr. Brookes. Count Carini Mr. Sidney. Paoli Tommasi Mr. J. Webster. Captain Alterville Mr. Wright. Ali Mr. HoUingsworth Giacomo Mr. A. Guibilei. Peasants y Carbineers ^c. Countess Gemma Miss Allison. Teresa Miss Stuart. Ladies, S^c. Notice. — Though the part of the hero {Pascal Bruno,) was played with the greatest ability by Mas. Stirling, still it is by no means essential that the character should be represented by a lady. In casting the piece in the provinces the part should be assigned to the principal mclo- dramatic actor. Costume- PRINCE BUTERA. —Brown court suit— star— three cornered cocked hat — cloak. COUNT CARINI.— Handsome blue uniform— star- scarlet trousers — cocked hat and dark plume. CAPTAIN ALTERVILLE.— Green and gold uniform coat — white smallclothes — large boots — cocked hat — long red feather — padding. PASCAL BRUNO.— Plumb coloured Brigand coat, trim- med with gold — do. smallclothes — striped silk waistcoat — medals — brown velvet conical hat — canvas gaiters and cross garters. PAOLT TOMMASI —Blue uniform— white trousers- brown forage cap. GIACOMO. — Old fashioned brown coat — black small- cloths — plain white waistcoat — blue stockings — shoes and bluckles. GERONYMO.— Blue uniform— white trousers. CARLO. — Bare arnis — black vest, edged with red — black smallclothes — canvas gaiters — bear skin over his shoulder. SOLDIERS. — Blue uniforms — white trousers. GEMMA. — White and pink satin — chaplet of pearls, and feathers. TERESA. — White muslin trimmed wiih blue. GUESTS, &c.— Fancy ball and masquerade dresses. PASCAL BRUNO. ACT I. SCENE I. — A Chamhery 1uindso?nely furnished — A large French window in centre, hacked hy balustrades, and a moonlight view — A small window l.u.e. Doors r.u.e. and L.U.E. — A table r. on which are lights — A mirror — Also a small bell — Chairs, and a sofa. Gemma discolored on the sofa, she rings the bell. Enter Teresa, door r. Gemma. (Turning round,) Is that Teresa? Will this serocca last for ever ? Teresa. Pardon, my lady, it has subsided. People begin to breathe again. Gem. Bring me some fruit — some ice, and above all some air. Teresa places refreshment mi the table, then opens centre U'indouK Ter. Look, Countess, we shall have fine weather to- morrow. Gem, Ah, the breeze refreshes me. (Rises.) Give mc your arm. Teresa, I will endeavour to reach the window. {Leaning on Teresa., goes towards it,) Ah, this delightful air restores me 1 (She comes foruard, Teresa opens w/ndow L.) Is the Count returned from Montreal ^ Ter. Not yet, madam. Gem, 1 do not regret his absence, I would rather ho 8 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. should not find me looking so wretchedly pale and ill as I am sure I do. Ter. I never saw your ladyship look more beautiful ; well may all the ladies of Palermo be jealous of you. Gem. It certainly is very pleasant to live in Palermo, but I cannot be perfectly happy, unless I see happiness in those around me. You are to be married shortly, are you not ? Ter. (Sighing.) I am, madam. Gem. You sigh, as if your heart and hand were not to go together. Do you not love Paolo Tommaso, the young Brigadier ? 2'er. Oh, yes, my lady, and know he will make me a good husband, and do all in his power to make me happy. Gem. Then why do you sigh .'' Ter. When your ladyship sent for me from my native village, I was on the eve of marriage to a young man of Bauso. Gem. Why did you not tell me this before } I am sure the Count would have taken him into his household. Ter. I should not have wished that. I do not dislike him, but T do not love him. It is only fear that makes me think of him. Besides he is too proud to be a servant. Gem. Indeed ! — To proud ! Perhaps he is some noble- man in disguise ? Ter, No, my lady, he is a simple mountaineer. Gem. And pray what may be his name ? Ter. Oh, you would not know him if I told your lady- ship, and besides, I do not wish it to be mentioned. Gem, And do you. lament his loss ? Ter. I pity him, and fear that he may not calmly sub- mit to my marrying another. I confess I sometimes trem- ble at the thought of it ; but under the protection of so kind a lady as yourself, why should I fear ? Gem, And yet I am accused of pride and arrogance. But it is envy I They who affect to dispise me, envy me the affections of the Viceroy. Yet all their efforts to alienate the love of the Count Carini, are vain. He praises my beauty, and so do you, flatterer. Ter. There is one greaterer flatterer than either of us. Gem. Indeed ! and who may that be } Ter. Your looking-glass, madam. SCENE I.J PASCAL BRUNO. 9 Gem. Silly child 1 Leave me. (Teresa clQ&e% icinduwy l.) [L>iV at door. Gemma sUs at table r. with her haok to the window in c. and looks into the mirror. Gem. It is a lovely night — Teresa is right, the glass is a flatterer. Are these the stars I see reflected in it, or are they my own eyes. I shall become vain if 1 look often here. ( Turns htr head away.) Pascal Bruno enters by the wiJidow in c. Goes behind Gemma's chair, and looks over her shoulder into the glass. I shall at least satisfy myself that Teresa did not merely flatter me. i^She looks in the glass, sees Pascal Bruno, screams and rushes forwa7^d, he aduances and kneels to her,) Pascal. For mercy's sake spare me. Fear nothing, I came not here to harm you. (Gemma goes towards the table to take up bell.) I implore you to give no alarm. Assure yourself of perfect safety. I have come hither to make a request, grant me that, and I will worship you for your goodness. Gem. What is the nature of your request } and why have you broken in upon me at such a time as this .'* Pas. Forgive me, lady, had I presumed to ask an inter- view, you would probably not have condescended to accede to such a petition, coming from a poor, unknown person. Gem. Tell me then, at once, what it is you require of me ? Pas. In your keeping, madam, are my hopes, my feara, my happiness, my misery, my life, my death ! Geiti. Explain ! Pas, You have in your service a young woman from Bauso "i Gem. Teresa? Pas. Yes, Teresa, she is, I hear, on the eve of marriage with another. I was on the point of marrying her, when you summoned l;er hither — I have waited for her many months — I expected her day by day — I watched for her night be night — I wandered east, and west, and south, and north, and again returned to Bauso, in quest of her. On my arrival at Palermo, I learnt the truth, and have come to throw myself at your feet, and implore you to give me back the loved one of my heart. 10 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. Gem. I cannot part with Teresa, I am very fond of her, besides, she is useful to me ; by her marrying one who is continually near the person of the Count Carini, she will remain with me. Pas, If entering the Count's service be the required con- dition of my happiness, I, yes I, am ready to become his servant. Gem. Teresa told me you would never accept such a situation. Pas. Teresa is right, she knows my feelings, but cannot appreciate the extent of my love. For her I will make the sacrifice ! Gem, I will mention you to the Count, and perhaps, if he should consent Pas. If he should consent ? The world knows that your will is his law — Your wishes are to him commands. Gem, But what security have I for your character? Pas. My eternal gratitude I Gem. Still I must know who you are ? The Count will naturally ask your name. Pas. Why should he ? The name of a humble peasant from Bauso, cannot be of much consequence to him. Gem. Without knowing your name, it will be impossible forme to do you the least service. Pas, I entreat, I warn you not to press me upon that point. Gem, I must insist on my condition. Tell me your name, or go. Pas. It is then --Pascal Bruno I Gem. Pascal Bruno 1 the son of the culprit Antonio Bruno, whose head is ?till exposed in the market-place of Bauso ? Pas. I am his son ! Gem. Are you aware why his head is so exposed ? Know you not that your father attempted to murder mine ? Pas. 1 know that. But I will tell you that which you do not know — Your father dishonoured mine 1 Gem. 'Tis false I Pas. 'Tis true ! — I swear 'tis true I My mother was virtuous and beautiful, the Count, your father, persecuted her with professions of love, and threats of revenge, which she alike spurned. One day, in my father's absence, she SCENE l] PASCAL BRUNO. 11 was seized by four menials, and dragged by force to his palace. (ie7n. Well, ,^ir, the Count, my father, was lord nnd master of Bauso — its inhabitants were his serfs — all they held were his. It was an honour for a peasant to be no- ticed by such a man. Pai{. No matter ! my father thought otherwise — He stabbed your's, the wound was not mortal, but he was exe- cuted as a murderer 1 Gem. And your uncles were condemned to the galleys. Pas. They were, for giving shelter to him. As for me, I was seized too, but being only a child, they restored me to my mother. Gem, And she ? Pas. Is dead ! It was at her grave I swore to be re- venged on you, the last of the tyrant's family, by whom we have been crushed. But my love has overcome all other feelings, and here am I a suppliant for the bounty of one whom I ought never to have approached but as a deadly foe. Gem. You must be aware of the circumstances you have just referred to, presents an insurmountable obstacle to your admission into the Count's household. Pas. And why, if he who seeks admission is willing to forget how all this disgrace arose ? Gem. You must be mad to imagine the possibility of such a thing. Pas. Madam, you know how sacred an oath is to a mountaineer. I tell you I have one registered in heaven — 1 am ready to forget all — Revenge is sweet, do not then force me to remember. Gem. And if I should? Pas. I will not think of what might happen. Gem. It will be merely necessary to take precautions, which Pas. Nay, if you refuse, tremble lest there should crowd into my memory the galleys where my uncles lan- guish; the scaffold, wkere my father died ; the unconsecrat- ed grave, where my poor mother sleeps — Couniess, I say, beware ! A whistle is heard at hark, ( As;dc.) It is Ali's signal J^ PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. A hell rings without. Gem, Ha I Tis the Count I Pas. I know it is, madam. You have yet time to pro- nounce the monosyllable — ** Yes!" Gem. Let me pass. {She goes towards the door^ Pascal runs before her and bolts it,) Dare you detain me, sir .^ (She seizes the bell.) Help ! help ! Pas. Be silent, madam, I have said I will do you no harm. (A whistle is heard beneath the window.) Right, Ali, my faithful boy, I hear the Prince's step in the corridor. Madam, a moment yet remains, a second more, and you will be too late. It is in your power to prevent a list of evils I Gem. Help! help! Rodolfo ! Pas. You have neither heart, soul, or pity, (He seizes her.) You are cold, cruel (Loud knocking at the door. J Gem. Help I I am the prisoner of one who threatens my life! Pa^. I do not threaten — I still entreat — But if it must he so — and you will not. — {He seizes her in his arms, draws a dagger. The door is burst open. A pistol is fired — Prince Carini enters, and catches Gemma in his arms. He places her on the sofa. Enter Attendants — Pascal Bruno leaps from the window. Gem. Where is he ? Count. I know not. I fancy I must have missed him. I saw him leap from the window, but seeing you insensible — I cared for nothing but to assure myself of your safety, {Looking about.) Perhaps he was wounded. Gem. Wounded, or not, dying, or dead, let him be taken — He would have murdered me, and till he is secured I cannot rest. Count. He shall be taken. (To Attendants.) Let the pur- suit proceed with double vigilance. A thousand crowns for the villain, dead or alive I Gem. Aye, twice that sum 1 I shall not have a tranquil moment till I can smile upon his tortures, and taunt him, in his dying agonies, with his insolent threats to me. Count. That gratification shall soon be prepared for you- On to the pursuit ! [_Ea!it Attendants by the window. The scene closes in on Count and Gemma. SCENE II.] PASCAL DRUNO. 13 SCENE II.— yl Handsome Clumiher. Enter Prince Butera and Captain Alterville, follcrwcxrhy two Peasants^ r. Alterville. Keep off, you base plebians ; you beggars would ruin his Excellency liere by your petitions. Do you think that Prince Butera is made of gold? I, Captain Altei'ville, am obliged to dine with him every day, to pre- vent his being molested. {Aiside.) By any one but myself. Prince, The Captain is quite right, I can't be giving all day long. Alter, No, we can't be giving all day. If I were not to keep my eye upon his Excellency, he would not have a Piastre left, and then how could he give dinners, and keep open house, and see his friends — Get along 1 \st, Peasant, Oh, your Excellency, I've got five cliildren ! Alter. What's that to us ? — the're none of them ours ! (7b Prince.) Poor creature! — five children I — We can't shut our ears to that — Give me your purse. Prince. {Givhig it,) There it is; but don't let them know I gave anything. Alter. Not on any account — Here fellow, I don't mind giving you a trifle. {Gives a piece of money out of the purse, and then puts the purse in his pocket.) 2nd, Peasayit. Prince, I have had no bread to eat these two days. Alter. No bread 1 What is that to us ? We are not bakers. Prince. The Captain is quite right, go to the baker. (^s/(Ze ^0 Alterville.) But its no use going there without money. Alter. No more it is. Prince. (To Alterville giving a purse.) Give the poor devil that, but don't let him know I gave it, or I shall be hunted to death. Alter. {Taking the purse.) Certainly not. {Aside.) He can't want all this for bread. There, fellow, take that, {Gives a ])iece from the purse, and puts the purse in his jyjcket.) and don't let his Excellency see your face again. 14 PASCAL BRCNO. [aCT I. Now get along, no purse can stand against the importuni- ties of such a set, who have the audacity to want to eat, when they know they have no money in their pockets to warrant a wish so presumptions. Feasants. You are too good, sir. Alter. I know I am, and you are too bad, so be off, and if you must starve, be good enough to do so in the streets, that's the proper place for those kind of things. \_Exit Peasants, l. Prince, I think. Captain, you are a little too hard upon the poor creatures ? Alter. Not at all, my dear Prince, these fellows would eat you out of house and home. It is necessary that your be- nevloence should be tempered by my discretion. 1 don't mind your giving, but I can't bear to see you robbed. Prince. No, very tr-ue. Talking of robbing, my Major- Domo complains to me that every day, after dinner, some of the plate is missing. Now you dine with me every day, did you ever observe anyone on whom you think suspi- cion might light } Alter. {Aside.) He can't mean me. Why, to tell you the truth, I think you are a little too indiscriminate in the admission of your guests ; but I cant think any one would be guilty. Prince. My Major-Domo, tells me that the silver just about where you sit at table, is always removed. Alter. Ah, well, I think there was a shabby-looking fel- low next me the other day. Yes, he was close at my side — yes, it must have been so — That was the thief, he wag next me. Prmc:. Well, its very odd, my Major-Domo told me he thought you was next to a rogue. Alter. Ah, did he. Well, there's no knowing, if you will keep open house ; there's no knowing what you let in. Prince. Or, v/hat you let out ; but whoever the villain is, so long as he carries off only his own fork and spoon, I have nothing to say. When he begins to carry off more than one every day, I shall feel it necessary to do some- thing. Alter. Ah, ah, very right. As for me, I never notice whether the fork I use is silver or not. SCENE II.] PASCAL BRUNO. 15 Prince. Yes, I know that ; in fact, my Major-D^mo tells me that he thinks you are rather inclined to steel. Alter, Oh, does he ! Yes, perhaps I may be. {Aside. ^ He surely cannot mean any thing, it would be awkward if he did, for, I believe, I've got my yesterday's fork and spoon in my pocket. I'd better go, I think. Prinoe. For what I know it may be Pascal Bruno, who comes disguised every day to my table. Alter. I should not at all wonder, I should like to de- nounce the villain. I'll go and try to find him, (Crosses to R.) and if I catch him, I'll bring him to you. Priyice. Oh, thank you; my Major-Domo says, that whenever the pilferer is caught, you will come with him. Alter, He flatters me. {Aside.) I could not take the trouble of dining every day with such a twaddle, but his silver has great weight. Good bye, Prince, I shall look in at dinner time. [ExU r. Prinee, I don't doubt it ! I think if the Captain were to die, his ghost would give me the favour of his company to dinner. Enter Giacomo, r. Ha, Giacomo, your friend, the Captain, has just left me. Giacomo, I met him, your Excellency, I gave him a look of lightning as he passed me. , Prince, A look of lightning .' If it had been forked lightning, he would have felt it doubly perhaps. Gia. I know I shall, some day, take him in the fact, Every piece of silver put before him seems turned into quicksilver, for it runs away with surprising celerity. Prince. Poor fellow, even if it is as you suspect, what's a poor creature to do on his half- pay .'' Gia, Why, he should not draw upon your plate chest for the remedies ; he ought to be content with getting his board from you, and might levy contributions elsewhere for his I other expenses. But I'll catch him yet ; I beg your Ex- cellency's pardon, here is a letter. Prince, {Opening and reading it.) This is a strange let- ter. I thought I did not know the hand, 'tis signed Pascal , Bruno. I Gio. Its a hoax of Captain Alterville's, to make you think ithat Pascal Bruno is the thief. ]6 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. Prince. No, this letter relates to something more than a few spoons. Pascal Bruno writes for the loan of 200 ounces of gold. Gia. The villain ! I hope you'll oblige him with an ounce of lead instead ? Prince. He says I must bury it in the ground in a parti- cular spot on the mountain. Gia. The impertinent vagabond ! — Of course, your Ex- cellency won't do any such thing } Prince. Certainly not ! Oia. I knew your Excellency wouldn't. Prince. Because I shall take him the money myself. Gia. What, give two hundred ounces of gold to Pascal Bruno ? Prince. He does not say give, he asks me to lend. Gia. And do you think you 11 ever get it again } Prince, I may, or I may not. But he asks it, as he says to rebuild the house of an honest innkeeper at Banso,which has been accidentally burnt down. Gia. And do you think Pascal Bruno would do such a good action } You know what a villain he is. Prince. If he is a villain, and is inclined to do one good action, he should not be deterred from it by want of means. G.a. But why should such a villain rebuild the inn- keeper's house with your money? Who would know it was your act of benevolence ? Prmce. Charity should not stop to examine the publicity of the channels through which it must pass. Pascal Bruno shall have the money, and if he can do any good with it, so much the better, I'll not prevent him. llixeunth. SCENE III. — The Mountaiiis — A winding path up to the hack of the stage. ' Enter Pascal a?zc? Ali, r.u.e. Pas. Well, Ali, my boy, thanks to your watchfulness^ I escaped, and just in time too, for they lost not a moment in pursuing me. AJA. I fear you are still in danger, even here. Pas. It is here that I expect some money to be deposit- I SCENE III.] PASCAL BRUNO. 1/ edfor me, I have written to the Prince Butera for a loan, which I do not think he will refuse. Ali. {Who has been looking off, r.) I think there are a party of brigadiers ascending the mountain. Pas. Are there many of them ? Ali. At least, a dozen ! Pas, ,We had perhaps better not confront them — It would be willfully throwing away our lives, and as I thiiik both may be useful to us for some time longer, we may as well retire up the mountain, from the summit of which we can observe their movements ; but some one comes. Enter Prince Butera, wrapjoed in a cloak, r. (7b Ali.) You go forward, and give the signal if there should be any de ign to overpower me by numbers. My rifle is a match for one enemy. Do as I bid you, and take care I am not surprised by more than one. Exit Ali up the mountain. Prince Butera walks holdy up to Pascal. Who's there ? Prinee. A man ! Did you expect your money would come here by itself? Pas. No ; but I did not expect that he who brought it hither, would have had the courage to wait for me to come and receive it. Prince. Then you know less of the Prince Butera than I thought. Pas. What, sir ? {Bowing.') Can it be possible that your highness has condescended to come yourself? Pdince. Yes, Ihave. I have heard much of your exploits, and knowing the skill and bravery you display in a bad cause, I thought it possible you might be useful in a good one. Pas. Any thing in reason I am prepared to listen to. Prince. Will you leave your roving life, and enter the regular service, with the rank of captain? I will answer for your commission, and undertake to raise a company on my own estates. Pas. Prince, I thank you, your offer is noble ; but I hare sworn to be revenged. Till the oath I have made, has been redeemed, I cannot listen to your proposal. 18 PASCAL BRUNO. [ACT I. Prince. Do as you like — go to the devil your own way ! There is the purse, only take care that you don't get your- self hanged before my door ! All the gentlemen of your profession swing before my house. It is no pleasant sight at any time, and the agreeableness of the exhibition would not at all be encreased by your appearance there. Pas. (Taking the purse.) Prince ; this purse is heavy. Prince. To be sure it is. Do you think I would let a fellow like you, dictate to me what ought to be the extent of my liberality.'* You asked for two hundred ounces, I have brought three hundred. Pas. Whatever you have brought shall be faithfully re- turned to you. Prince. Psha ! I am not an usurer, I never lend, I always give. Pas. And I borrow, or steal, but never beg ! I asked this as a loan ; take back your purse, Prince, I shall apply elsewhere. Prince. Well, you certainly are the most punctilious bandit I ever happened to meet with, However, settle the affair with your own conscience, and call it a loan if you please, for I must get home. Pas. Good night, Prince 1 Prinee. Good night, Pascal I [Ea'iVr.u.e. Enter Ali, l. Ali. The party of Brigadiers are coming this way, quick, let us ascend the mountain. Pas. Why, as I have three hundred ounces of gold in my possession, intended to rebuild the poor inkeeper*s house, I cannot risk the falling into the hands of the Briga- dier sat present. [Pascal and Ali go up the mountain. Enter Paolo Tommasi, Geronymo, Placido, and ten other Brigadiers. Paolo. Now, my boys, I think this Pascal Bruno is safe in our power. He has been watched into the mountains, and we have only to wait cur opportunity. We have had a long march, and may as well pile our arms and rest a little while. {They pile their arms. Ali appears and listens.) Come, my friends, while we rest here for a time, is there one of you who can give us a song ? Geronymo, you will SCENE III.] PASCAL BRUNO. 19 oblige us ? In the mean time, let each take a drop from his flask to warm us for the enterprise, for he cannot escape us now, All. (Aside at back.) Don't be too sure of that. Poo, Come Geronymo, a song. All. Aye ! aye ! a song ! ( T/ie men seat themselves , and tap theinv'^ine Jlasks, and while the song is bemgsung, Ali draws the bullets from the carbines.) Sony. — Geronymo introduced. All. Bravo I bravo! Ali. (At hack.) Ah! bravo! I've done it ! he's saved I PttG. (Turning round.) Who is saved ^ (To Ali.) What have you done ? Who are you } Ali. I've done nothing ! Geronymo. I saw him I he had one of our carbines in his hand ! He meant to murder us ! Ah. ''Meant to murder us ! " A little fellow like me, terrify twelve great fellows like you ! What can you fear from me ? Pao. You may be an imp of mischief for what we know. What were you doing with the carbine } It isn't because you are little that you may not do a great deal of harm. The smallest spark may set fire to a train, and so my little spark the sooner we extinguish you the better. ( They all sieze their carbines and form r.) Ali, (Runs up to the first platform y then stands fearlessly.) Fire away, I'm not afraid ! Pascal Bruno comes from behind a projecting piece of rock\ aJid stands before Ali. Pas. Cowards ! There are twelve of you, and I am one I Your twelve carbines can only take my life once. I will take care to have one of your's. Now fire 1 ( The Briga- diers one? Pascal all fire at once — Paolo falls — the Brigadiers rush off — Pascal and Ali advance.) Pas. Why how is this ? lam not hit, Ali; they have not wounded you my boy ? AH. No ; I caught the bullets in my hand — here they are 1 Pas. ( TaAing them.) Explain this mystery ! Ali. While their backi wer« turned, as they were drawing 20 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT T. their corks from their wine flasks, I was drawing the bul- lets from their carbines. Pao. (Who is on the ground, r.) Help! helpl I'm wounded ! Pas, A poor fellow wounded ! we must carry him with us to the fortress, and give him every assistance. Come friend, are you killed? [Assists him to rise.) Pao. Only a wound in my arm. But I should rather ask you, how you can be alive. Our carbines were all loaded, and none missed fire. Pas. Not one. Here the bullets are : six, eight, ten, twelve. There must have been twelve of you ! Pao, That was the number of our party. Pas. It is no use to fire at Pascal Bruno with such things as these ; when next you attempt my life, let it be with something better than mere bullets. I have a charm that protects me against these trifles. Pao. You must be the devil himself. Pas. Your companions seem to think so, for they ran away as if I had been one, when they saw the effects of their fire. However, you are wounded and I must beg of you to accept an asylum from me 'till you recover. Pao. If I had the power, I should answer your invita- tion in a manner you might not relish. As it is I accept it, because I can't help it. Pas. You shall depart insafety, when you have recovered from your wounds. Pao. When I do recover, I don't think it would be pru- dent of you to suff"er me to remain ; for however I may value your generosity, my duty as a soldier, compels me to say, I shall take your life on the very first opportunity that presents itself. Pas. Ha I ha I ha ! Don't you know that Pascal Bruno is invulnerable. The bullets of twelve Brigadiers could not penetrate deeper than his pocket. Come, you will need repose, for your exertions have been great, tho' unsuccessful. {Music. — Pascal and Ali assist Paolo. — they ascend the moutk- tain.) End of Act I. SCBNJt I.] PASCAL BRUNO. '' 21 ACT II. SCENE I. — A room m Pascal's fortress, — a window l,, — cupboard l. — » bed, table ^ seats. — a carbine resting by the bed. Paolo discovered on the bed, Paolo. (Rising.) Well, I believe I have slept pretty well and as my wound is but slight, if Pascal Bruno only keeps his word with me, I shall be able to set out shortly. I think that if he knew I was his successful rival for the hand of Teresa, he would not have let me sleep here so peaceably as I have done : or rather he would have taken; care I did not wake again in a huri'y. I gave him fair warning that I would do my best to take any advantage of him, and I will. (Looks out of window.) Is there any chance of leaving by this window, and bringing a force upon him unawares? No, it is too high. {Sees carbine.) Hal my carbine I Well, I did not think Pascal Bruno would have been so very negligent as to have left me that. There is no one watching. {Takes carbine up.) My faithful weapon ha& often done me good service. {Opens pan ) Ah, the priming still here I {Tries the barrel.) It remains loaded. Now then I am safe and sure of my revenge. {Puts carbine down.) Some one comes I {Throws himself o^i the bed^ and pretends to sleep.) Enter Pascal l. He goes to the cupboard l., takes two bot- tles, two glasses, tivoplates, dish of meat ^ bread, c^'C, out, and places them on the table, he then goes to the window, and stands carelessly look i? eg out of it. Paolo cautiously rises, takes his carbine, and after a momenVs deliberation fires — he looks to see the tffe-it of his shot. — Pascal picks up something from the floor, which he examines at the candle. PascAil. My good friend, when next you fire at mc, load with a silver bullet, leaden ones have a trick of flattening themselves against my body. Did not I tell you yestarday that twelve common bullets would not perforate beyond my jacket. How could you be so liliy as to think to produce anv effect with one ? 22 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT II Pao, I could not have believed this ! Pas. You would have believed it, if you had profited by yesterday's experience. But come, I am getting very hun- gry, and I could not be so uncivil in my own house, as to go to supper without my visitor. Don't you hear me I {Fills the glasses — sits.) Pao. (Sitting r. and taking the glass.) Well, since I am unable to kill you, I will drink with you,though you be the devil himself I Po. What do you call yourself? Pao. Why do you ask ? Pas. Because I want to make you a promise. Pao, If I were to give you my name, you would not keep your promise. Pas. I fear no one. My reason for asking it is because I think you are a worthy fellow, and no man but yourself shall gain the thousand ducats reward offered for my head. Pao. I thank you, that's a capital notion, and the sooner you can contrive to spare your head, the more I shall feel the obligation. Pas. Yes, yes, but I am not going to part with it yet; on the contrary, I am deucedly hungry, but it is necessary I should know whom to leave it for, when I have no further use for this head of mine. Pao. Oh ask for the Commander of the party of Briga. diers, that made the unsuccessful attack upon you. Pas. Oh very well, if that will find you, I am satisfied. It was a Brigadier that was my rival with Teresa. Are you single ? Pao. No, I am a married man. (Aside.) Married to Teresa yesterday. Pas. Oh then IVe no rivalry to fear from you ; then when 1 want you, I'll send for you. Pao. I thank you ; but though your wine is excellent, and your company is not disagreeable, I shall be glad to know when I shall have the pleasure of leaving it .'' Pas. As soon as you please. Pao. Then you don't intend to make me your prisoner } Pas. What do I want with prisoners ? I receive visitors now and then, but no prisoners ; when I think it dangerous to my self for a man to be at liberty, I always kill him at once, I don't take the trouble to keep him prisoner. SCENE I.] PASCAL BRUNe. 23 Pao, Tliat's the shortest way certainly. Pas. It's the safest, and least troublesome. Pao. But I've got one thing more to ask of you before I go ; it is a delicate question I admit, but ^ Pits, Well, go on. Pao. You won't fly into a passion ? Pas. No, why should I ? Pao. What I meant is, that when I met you, I had a knapsack with me, Pas. I know, it is quite safe. Pao. I don't doubt it's safety, but there were some papers of importance in it. Pas. I know there were, a description of my person for one thing, to which I have taken the liberty of adding ** charmed bullet-proof," for the truth of which you may yourself be inclined to vouch ; your papers are of no use to me, they will be delivered up to you by All. Pao. Thank you, that's all I cared for ; and now if you'll allow me, I'll wish you good night. Pas. Good night. I've a friend waiting for me in ano- ther room, and so I don't care how soon you go. Pao. Nor I either. (Crosses to L.) Pas. One thing I'd better just mention to you, don't attempt to go into the court-yard, my dogs would tear you to pieces, and eat you by way of Pao. Thanks for your warning — good night ! Pas. Good night, mind I have promised you the price that is set on my head. Pao. Don't hurry yourself, but when you've quit done with it, the reversion will be very acceptable — Farewell I Pas. Farewell? lEa;ewit a. and L , SCENE 11.—^ Room in a small Inn, a window at the hack. Ejiter Gemma and Teresa, L. Geyn. (r.) There have been no tidings that Pascal Bruno is taken. Ter None as yet, my lady, but my husband, Paolo, has gone, at the head of a party of Carbineeis, to endeavour to secure him, I hope if they do take him that he will be par- doned. 24 PASCAL BRCNO. [acT II Gem. Pardon is more than he can dare tu exj[>ect after the alarm to which he subjected me. Ter, Oh, my lady, you must try and forgive him, but I am getting alarmed for the fate of Paolo. I hope he has not fallen into the hands of Bruno. Gem. But where is Captain Alterville, our travelling companion on our road to the grand ball at the palace of Prince Butera ? Ter. He is making enquiries about poor Pascal, he talks of trying to get the reward that has been offered for his life. Enter Paolo, L. Pao. No one is to have that but myself. Ter. Oh, my dear Paolo, are you safe? but you woukJ not be 80 ungenerous as to betray your rvvoX ? remember he ia your rival no longer. Pao. I did not say I meant to betray him ; he made me the proposition that if any one got the reward, offered for his person I should be the one to receive it. Enter Alterville, L. Altsr. What's that about receiving a reward? If there's any military prize in the case, and there is any difficulty about appropriating it — I am a Captain, Gem. We were talking of Pascal Bruno. Alter, I only wish I could get hold of him. Pao, You may have a chance then, for he is in the neigh" bourhood. Pascal appears at the window and listens. Alter. In this neighbourhood is he, let us remain and take him and get the reward . pao. Not I, I'll join in no scheme of the sort.he behaved generously to me, and unless he gives himself voluntarily into my hands, my feet shall never stir in pursuit of him. Alter. Do as you please, but an officer on half-pay can't afford to throw away any chance of bettering his condition. I shall stay here and look out for him. (Pascal retires from window.) Gem, As for myself, I shall pursue my journey, and as you, Paolo, have encountered him, you had better go on with us to Palermo, and at the ball to night you can give t^ the SCENE I-] PASCAL BRUNO. 2r> Count Carini, all tiie particulars you know rcBpeoting hui> You Captain remain to secure your prize 1 suppose. Alter. If he is in this neighbourhood he will n >t escape- my vigilance. Pao. Take care, Captain, Pascal Bruno, prefers dealing with principals, and he takes pretty good care to have the advantage all on his own side. Alter. Remember he can't take advantage of me — I know how to meet him on equal terms. Gem. Let us hasten away from this place. I have no wish to injure him, and yet, after the threats he used to me. Alter. I've no wish to do him an injuiT, but I must do myself a service ; his head is valued at three-thousand ducats, I look at it as a matter of business, and if so large a sum is only to be realized at such a sacrilice to him, I can only say that I'm sorry for him. Paolo, Take care you don't get the worst of it. Alter. I can't do that, because if I get anything it will be the reward, and that's the best of it. Gem. The carriage has been some time prepared, let us have no longer delay in reaching Palermo. \_Exewit Gemma, Teresa, and Paolo, r. Alter. Three thousand ducats is a large sum ; if I could only get it, it would save me the trouble of pocketing the spoons and forks at every table I dine at, Pascal Bruno walks in at the window behind, and stands un- seen listening to him. I'm afraid they suspect me at Prince Butera's — It really is a great bore to men of my extended views to be compelled to confine myself to such an insignificant branch of the pro- fession. (Takes spoons and forks from his pocket) But use is second nature — it comes as natural to me to whip my fork into my pocket as soon as I have done with it, as it is to that fellow, Pascal Bruno, to put a pistol to the head of a traveller, and say Pas. ( Tapping him on the shoulder and holding pistol.) Stand, or you fall ! Alter. Stand, or I fall I Of course, if you can't stand you must fall, but pray have mercy. Pas. Mercy! you are too pitiful for revenge. 26 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT II. Alter. Am I ? Then I thank my insignificance. Pas, You certainly are indebted to your insignificance for safety : but come, you seem terrified, drink from my flask, it will give you courage. Alter. Oh, if you tell me there is no danger — I shall be sure to have plenty of courage. Pas. Drink I say, come which do you prefer, this draft, {Presenting a Jiask.) or this pill. {Presenting pistol.) Alter. As you are so obliging as to insist in prescribing for me Fll take the draft. {Takes Jiask and drinks.) How it composes me. I say, I said I should wait to take you — can't you do something that won't hurt me, to look as if I had encountered you — I feel so sleepy. Pas. Oh, yes, you shall have something to remind you of our meeting. Alter. I'm so sleepy — you've given me a composing draught — I'm sinking into a sort of something — I can't save myself from {He gradually sinks to sleep on a couch.) Pas. Just as 1 intended that you should, my fine fellow ; . and as you seem to wish for some recollection of our meet- ing, you shan't be. disappointed, the effect of the draught I have just given him, will not last beyond a minute or so, and I have, therefore, no time to lose. {He $uts o^'hls hair and whiskers, and shaves off his eyebvows, ^c, during thepre^ Ceding speech.) There, that will do, and now to possess my- self of the plate he may chance to have in his pockets, for as I mean to present myself at the Prince Butera's ball to night, I may as well ensure myself a welcome by being able to restore part of his property. ( Takes the foi'ks and spoons from his pocket.) Now, before I go, to leave him a few words of advice, {he writes.) ** Captain, being anxious for some token, to bear in mind such an extraordinary person as yourself, I have taken from you, what I consider of the least value, look in the glass and remember Pascal Bruno." There I don't think you will easily forget me, and so good night. [Eccit Pascal by the window. Alter. {Begins to wake up.) Hallo, where am I i* — Bring me another spoon and fork I {Rises.) Hallo, I must have been dreaming — I seem to be alone — How's this, n^y forks taken out of my pocket } — I've been robbed ! (Goes to the table.) What's this, a Jetter ? — I suppose it's*from that fel- low, Pascal Bruno. ** Captain, being anxious for some SCENE III] PASCAL BRUNO. 27 token to bear in mind such an extraordinary person as yourself," Oh, he flatters me, *' I have taken from you what I consider of the least value, look in the glass," What am I to look in the glass for ? I shan't And the spoons in it I suppose, ** look in your glass and remember Pascal Bruno." Well there's no harm in looking in the glass. {Goes to Glass.) Why, what's here, or rather, what's not here, the villain has actually robbed me of those whiskers and moustachios which it has been the aim of a long life to cultivate. Oh, the monster, and I am to appear to night at a^fancy ball, without my whiskers, mpossible 1 What's a half-pay captain without his moustachios. [Exitvi. SCENE III. — A very dark Cavern, quite in front of the stage Enter Ali and Pascal Bruno, r. Pas. Well, done my boy : I should have been «orry to have fallen into the hands of traitors, though I have deter- mined on giving myself up. Alter. You will not do so ? Pas. I have received intimation that the soldiers annoy- ed at not being able to secure me, have threatened to set fire to the village of Bauso, if the inhabitants will not give me up, Ali. They will refuse. Pa^. They do 1 but their property must be saved, those who are true and faithful to me, shall not suffer by me. 1 will surrender, but I have pledged my word not to deliver myself to any human being save one, and that is Poalo Tommasi. Had I known he had been my rival with Teresa, I don't think I should have made such a promise to him ; but he is a worthy fellow, and perhaps Teresa was right. 1 have appointed to meet him here — some one comes, Ali you retire. [Exit Ali r. Enter Paolo, r. Ah, you are here already, it is quite a pleasure to send for suoh a punctual man, you did not keep me waiting long. Pas. No, I heard you wanted to see me, not that you can see me in this dark place ; but I can hear you; what have you got to sa^ ? Pasy Merely that I promised you once to put thre«- 28 PASCAL ERUKO. [aCT II. thousand ducats in your pocket, and you will now get them that's all ! Paolo- Is it for that you sent for me hither ? Pas. It is ! — Is it not a sufficient reward ? Paolo. I'd rather get three thousand ducats by other means. Pas, Why ? Paolo. Because I would, and what's more— I won't take you! Pa.9. Then you'll find me break my word, for some one else will. Paolo. Then some one else may, for I won't I Pas. You sought my life once ? Paolo. And I should again in a fair and open way. Pas* I promised you should have the reward for my head. Paolo. Your head is not your own — its public property — Its long ago forfeited to the laws, and if I were to do as you wish, I should be taking that from you which you have no right to dispose of ; besides, from what I hear, the Countess Gemma has relaxed in her severity towards you. F^s. What's that to do with the reward } Poalo. Why if they begin to think better of you, they won't pay such a high price for you ; it is only your most atrocious criminals that the world sets a high value upon. Pas. Then had you not better take me at once while my crimes are at a premium ? But stay, shall you be at the Prince Butera's ball? Paolo. I shall ! Pas. I have a small account to settle with the Prince and we can meet there. Paolo. If you like to be mad enough to venture, you'll find plenty there who will save me the trouble of giving you up. Pas. I have promised that none but yourself shall have that privilege ; but farewell till to night at the ball. Paolo. As you will, — at the ball. lExeunt di^erentways. » SCENE Y.-^TkeBallRoo?n, Prince Butera, Count Carini, Gemma, Teresa, Guests^ S^c. SCINE v.] PASCAL RRUxVO. 29 discovered. Grand Ballet. — At the end of it Captain. Alterville comes forward with a handkerchief round his face. Prince Butera a?id Countess Gemma come forward. Enter Pascal Bruno, r. A/l. Pascal Bruno 1 Prince Oh, what brings you here? Pas. In the first 'place, Prince, here are three -hundred ounces of gold you were good enough to lend me ; the Inn which was burnt down, is rebuilt, the money has been re- paid. (Bows.) In the next place. Prince, I have brought you eight silver forks and spoons, upon which you arms and cipher were engraved, which I presume to have been stolen from your Excellency by Captain Alterville, inasmuch as I found them stuffed in that gallant officer's pocket, and now I am your prisoner. (To Paolo.) Gem. {To Prince Carini.) My dear Prince, some time ago, I implored you to pursue Pascal Bruno with your vengeance. Count. What more can you desire, he is now in your power. Gem. But one thing more — his pardon I Prince. If you will pardon him, and he will accept the I offer I once made him of a commission, he may become I as useful to his country, as he has been hitherto dangerous. I Pas. I accept your generous offer, and will endeavour by my zeal in your service, to make all around forget the I faults of Pascal Bruno. I I DISPOSITION OF CHARACTERS. G^'ESTS. GUESTS. PASCAL. COUNTESS Cr Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 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