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€f 
 
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 11 
 
 
 
 PEIJSrCE PEDEO, 
 

 I 
 
I 
 
 PEINCE PEDEO: 
 
 
 
 A TRAGEDY. 
 
 BY 
 
 J. H. GARlSriER, M.D. 
 
 \ 
 
 TORONTO : 
 BELFORD BROTHERS. 
 
 1877. 
 
A13P7 
 
 72706 
 
 Entered according to the Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the 
 year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, by Belford 
 Brothers, Toronto, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. 
 
 HUNTBR, ROSE & CO., 
 
 PRINTBB8 ANP BINDBR8 
 TORONTO. 
 
§tAUntim. 
 
 May it please Your Excellency, 
 
 Allow me with every feeling of respect, to inscribe 
 the following play to your Lordship. 
 
 It is my first attempt, and although, doubtless, 
 inferior to productions of more gifted authors, yet 
 if it give you any pleasure in its perusal, I shall be 
 content. Yourself, a man of letters, can easily un- 
 derstand the anxiety of an author when castimg the 
 first efiusions of his muse on the ocean of literature. 
 If " Prince Pedro," meet with your honest approval 
 on its own merits, as a dramatic production, I shall 
 have little to fear from the asperities of critics. I 
 cannot sufficiently express my thanks for the kind- 
 ness you have extended to me, in permitting me to 
 dedicate this tragedy to Your Excellency ; and I 
 really feel it to be no small favor and honor. 
 
 Allow me to subscribe myself, 
 
 Your Excellency's 
 
 Most obedient, 
 
 John H. Garnier, M. D. 
 
 Lucknow, Ont., 
 
 February 19th, 1877. 
 
Iramatis fietsonrc. 
 
 Servanta 
 
 of 
 Matteo. 
 
 Retainer of Ludro, 
 Pechico's hired assassin. 
 
 Males. 
 
 Pedro, Prince of Portugal. 
 Alfonso, King of Portugal. 
 
 RuDOLPKO, ) Noblemen. 
 
 Pechico, > 
 
 LuDRO, Abbot of Cintra. 
 
 Matteo de Castro, a noble, brother of Inez. 
 
 Sebastian, 
 
 RODRIGO, 
 
 Alonzo, 
 
 Marco, 
 
 Sancho, 
 
 Lorenzo, 
 
 Suarez, a noble. 
 
 Raymond, Ambassador of Navarre. 
 
 Carlos, ) Children of 
 
 Alfonso, ' Pedro. 
 
 A Troubadour, Guards, &c. , Beggar. 
 
 A Judge. 
 
 Females. 
 
 Queen of Portugal. 
 Inez de Castro, wife of Pedro. 
 Pauline, wife of Pechico. 
 
 Isabella, daughter of Rudolpho, companion of Inez. 
 Xara, Servant and Moorish attendant of Inez. 
 Ladies in waiting, &c. 
 
PRINCE PEDRO. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene I.— A HALL IN MATTEO'S CASTLE. 
 
 LuDRO, Matteo, Rodrigo {conversing). 
 
 Matteo. ' 
 
 I tell thee, abbot, that I want mine own. 
 
 Who held mine uncle's hand to sign this deed ? 
 
 My mother's broad estate, must I lose that ! 
 
 I tell thee, that before I left his couch — 
 
 Before the breath had parted from his lips, 
 
 His lips, and teeth, and mouth, and tongue and 
 
 throat, — 
 Gave all the earthly goods he had to me. 
 My uncle and my sire both made me pledge 
 My honor as a noble of Castile, 
 That I should sink the crescent 'neath the cross. 
 How then can come this will ? Who wrote it 
 
 down? 
 Who ever heard of it except thyself ? 
 
2 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 If this will had not been, whence doth it come ? 
 That will bequeathes, in thy good uncle's name, 
 All things to Cintra. What mean you, my lord. 
 To call this will a forgery ? Who forged 
 This instrument ? {Holds up the parchment.) 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Now hearken, noble sir. Was I not born 
 
 To heir mine own estates, left to me by 
 
 My sire, — my mother — and mine uncle, — who — 
 
 But yesterday, and when the breath was thick, 
 
 And struggling in his breast for mastery. 
 
 Bequeathed me all he had. I never left 
 
 His presence till he died. His head was laid 
 
 Tenderly on my breast, and his last sigh 
 
 Sped up to heaven, as I held his form 
 
 Clasped in mine arms. See you lie not to me. — 
 
 I tell thee that thyself hast framed the will ; 
 
 And could the parchment speak, 'twould loudly say: 
 
 Vile monk, this deed I am, is forged by thee. 
 
 Is Inez likewise to be robbed of all ? 
 
 Are we to be vile outcasts ? Give me that will, — 
 
 For forgery i: writ upon thy face ! 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 I prithee, my most noble count, beware 1 
 This instruu^ent is in just form, and true ; 
 
SOBNE I.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 Witnessed, and sealed, and given unto me. 
 I claim this gift of your good uncle, dead, — 
 See, then, my lord, 'tis mine. I have this bond. 
 And by this bond my tenure stands or falls. 
 'Tis most precise in each particular. 
 I've read it over, with much pains, to learn 
 If aught might prove amiss, and 'tis correct, 
 Aye, most correct and unimpeachable. 
 Nay, then, my lord, if thou art so inclined, 
 Go, test thy claim at law. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 So be it, for the mummery thou actest, 
 Will yet return, like viper, to thy breast. 
 And sting thee to the quick, poor lying knave ! 
 But listen, Ludro, though thou art a monk. 
 
 And cozen all, thou shalt not cozen me. 
 
 Mine own shall be mine own ! Give me mine own. 
 What ! would'st thou rob my sister and myself, 
 By thy false instrument, so basely forged ? 
 How comes it I ne'er knew such claim before ; 
 And why did not mine uncle ere he died. 
 Give me some mention of it ! 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Seek the law, 
 And thou wilt get all justice there, my lord. 
 Nay, call me as thou wilt, words are but words. 
 
Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 But see, I hold this parchment in my hand ; 
 
 And holding it, I hold thy lands : and know 
 
 That I will hold them. [Exit. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 And can it be, Rodrigo, that this man 
 
 Hath any reason, or a conscience left, 
 
 To show such villainy in such a claim! 
 
 He's gone ; and as he went, I marked the frown 
 
 That nestled on his brow ! There's mischief there, 
 
 A snake most venomous twined in his brain. 
 
 Methought, I saw its eyes glitter from out 
 
 His eyes, so full of hate and deathliness. 
 
 I grieve not for myself. I am a man ; 
 
 And I can fight mankind, and win my way. 
 
 But my poor sister, what is she to do ? 
 
 Can she forego her home ; — can she endure 
 
 To see our lands, and all that we possess, 
 
 Claimed by these monks ? Full well I know and 
 
 feel 
 That if the world doth pity as you pass, 
 And smile in sympathy — that sympathy 
 Bears to the heart full many a mortal ill ; 
 'Tis like December's sun, cold, drear, and chill ! 
 
 KoDRiao. 
 
 i! i 
 
 Most worthy master, be not so cast down. 
 Ludro asks for the law, which shall explain 
 
BOBNE II.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 The mystery of this will. Pechico, sir, 
 
 Declares himself your friend. Methinks his heart 
 
 Clings to the Lady Inez lovingly. 
 
 Then be not so down-hearted, till just cause 
 
 Appears more real, than the vapoury noise 
 
 Of this defiant monk. Justice is yours, 
 
 And I have heard it said, Justice and Truth 
 
 Are twins immortal, man can never part. 
 
 Then trust in Justice, and her sister, Truth ! 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 The law is but the law, and never sure. 
 
 RoDEiao. 
 
 But truth and justice always must endure. 
 
 . . [Exeunt 
 
 Scene II.— A HALL IN THE PALACE IN 
 
 LISBON. 
 
 Prince Pedro, Pechico, Uudolpuo— Attendants, 
 equipped for the Journey. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Most gracious Prince ! what am I now to do ? 
 1 gave all orders for thd diase. Our horses 
 
6 
 
 Pri/nce Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 Are here ready. The dogf=? are in the leash. 
 The hawks all hooded, and the men are busy, 
 As such rascals always are, — doing, — nothing ! 
 When may it please the Prince to start ? 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I got a letter even now from Spain, 
 
 From our old friend, the Count of Aguilar, 
 
 Who asks that I do spend a season there, 
 
 And promises the very best of sport. 
 
 He says, bears are in plenty ; and the deer. 
 
 And every thing besides, as one could wish. 
 
 Wolves very numerous, and herons too ; 
 
 And winged game, for those who love to hawk. 
 
 What say you, gentlemen, if we go there. 
 
 And do forego the pleasures of to-day. 
 
 I do so love to hunt the savage bear, 
 
 And see the wolf all bloody at my feet. 
 
 What say you if we visit Aguilar ; 
 
 We'll have rare sport no doubt. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 As it may please 
 Yourself, it pleases me. There are good streams 
 Amidst those rocky hills, where scaly victims swim; 
 I love to angle, better than the chase. 
 It is more gentle sport. 
 
SCENE II.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pechico. 
 
 Perchance it be — 
 But I am like the Prince, delighting more 
 To hear the winding horn echo from rock 
 To rock. To see the stealthy wolf come forth, 
 Creeping along, and, with a furtive glance, 
 Look careful back, to note where comes the hound. 
 Then as he higher rises to my view, 
 I love to let the whistling arrow sing. 
 And pierce the cottage robber to the heart. 
 Almost I think I see his glazing eye ; 
 Almost I hear his dismal dying growl ; 
 Half stifled, gurgling in his hollow throat ; 
 And see the bloody froth come bubbling forth. 
 Then, as he snarls and shows his crimsoned fangs, 
 I see that savage grin, — the grin of death. 
 What do you think. Prince Pedro, of my tale ? 
 Is such not manlier sport than wandering, 
 Like Rudolpho with a basket in his hand ; 
 Pulling forth kicking fishes from the brook, 
 Dangling upon his rod, — Oh, ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 My Lord Pechico, be not so severe, 
 For all men love not woodland sports alike ; 
 I love to chase the bear, or deer, or wolf, 
 As does yourself. Another loves his hawk, 
 
Prince Pedro. 
 
 I I 
 
 [act 1. 
 
 Another loves his war horse as his life. 
 
 Some love to course the hare, and some to angle. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Nay let him laugh, Prince Pedro, let him laugh. 
 I'll take my kicking fishes for my sport. 
 Dangling upon my hook. Then as I come — 
 Most hungry from the brook, I love to feed 
 On fishes broiled, not eat a stinking wolf. 
 Pechico, some broiled wolf. Oh, ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 {All laugh.) 
 
 Enter King Alfonso and attendants. 
 
 Alfonso, 
 
 My lords, you seem in merry mood to-day ! 
 The Prince takes ample pleasure in the woods, 
 And Aguilar has sent a kind request, 
 That we go there awhiic to chase the deer. 
 Now we go not ourself, as urgent things — 
 And business of the State, make us remain. 
 Yet it is well we seek the friendship of 
 Our Spanish friends, because the heathen Moor 
 Has threatened Portugal with his revenge. 
 Then 'twill be well to spend a merry hour, 
 And at the same time, be an embassy. 
 Thou wilt go, Pedro ; represent ourself, 
 And say how much we grieve we cannot come* 
 
SCENE II.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 Be cautious what thou sayst. Give no pledge, 
 And yet give courtesy to every one. 
 My Lord Rudolpho, give your sage advice, 
 And you my Lord Pechico likewise help. 
 Pledge not our State to anything, nor give 
 A guarantee that we shall go to war. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 We go then as ambassadors and friends, 
 To make fair promises, but give no pledge. 
 But what if Spain do make a pledge to us ; 
 Shall we accept it, and not give one back ? 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Give not a pledge, for Portugal seeks not 
 To mix in wars of Spain, and of the Moor ; 
 And we shall have full orders wi'it at once, 
 What we shall do, and wish our embassy 
 To do in Spain. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 My gracious sire, your words sound strange to me, 
 But let it pass. 'Tis better now that we 
 Get all things ready quickly for the way. 
 
 Alfonso. - 
 
 Then be your journey happy, light, and gay. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 B 
 
to 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 i> . 
 
 Scene III.— A CHAMBER IN MATTEO'S 
 
 CASTLE. 
 
 Marco, Rodrigo, and Alonzo, sitting at a table. 
 
 Marco. 
 
 Well, good Rodrigo, to-morrow we must hence 
 
 to help as best we can our worthy master. No one 
 
 ever heard of the will till the Abbot gave it to Mat- 
 
 teo to read. What did Matteo say ? Was he not 
 
 very wroth ? 
 
 Rodrigo. 
 
 Yes, verily, he was. You could not think him 
 
 pleased, that, ere he knew thereof, he was a beggar. 
 
 I do not understand it, Marco, on my soul I don't, 
 
 and 'twixt ourselves, I deem the will has been 
 
 forged. 
 
 Marco. 
 
 To- morrow is the last day of the trial, and4Some- 
 thing better may come of it. But Ludro is astute 
 and very crafty to guard his speech. Alas ! I grieve 
 but for our fair young mistress. What do you think, 
 Alonzo, of this matter ? 
 
 Alonzo. 
 The Abbot knows his own affair. But there is 
 
SCENE III.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 n 
 
 one about this castle, 1 mean Sebastian, a fellow who 
 is every where, knows every one, and every thing, 
 and who anon fills your ears with silly talk. Now, 
 he most gravely told me, that he sawtlie Abbot write 
 this will, and heard him con it over as he wrote it. 
 To-morrow ends the trial, and if justice holds her 
 own, we'll all be merry once again. 
 
 Enter Sebastian as a clown. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Good morrow, friends. — T think I heard Alonzo 
 say that master may lose his cause. Well, what an 
 we do ! Many a man has lost as good a cause ! 
 
 Marco. 
 
 But if he lose the suit, he loses all, and we lose 
 home and master. Now, if we lose, Sebastian, 
 whither shall we go ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Nay, trouble not thy brain, thou hast not much. 
 
 I straight shall go to heaven. — Wilt thou come with 
 
 me, Marco ? 
 
 Marco. 
 
 Yes, an thou leadest the way. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Then take me by mine hand, and go with me, 
 
12 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 and when thou passe.st heaven's gate, let go mine 
 
 hand. Then Marco sliall see suns, and stars, and 
 
 angels. — What of mine offer ? Wilt thou go ? Wilt 
 
 thou go ? 
 
 Marco. 
 
 I seek no better company than thyself, Sebastian. 
 But how shall we know heaven, when we get there ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I'll teach thy brainless pate. When thou goest 
 with me, thou wilt come to a certain land, where 
 thou wilt see blue heaven above thee, and all around 
 thee, and this earth will be beneath thy feet. Then 
 thy journey will be ended. 
 
 Marco. 
 
 An that be so, I am in heaven now. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 As much as thou wilt ever be, so think thyself a 
 saint ; Saint Marco, good Saint Marco ! 
 
 Marco. 
 
 Now I am a saint, what wilt next make of me ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Nothing but what thou art. Here, take my coat 
 
BCENE III.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 13 
 
 and put it on thy back, and don my cap, and prove 
 thyself a fool ! [Exit 
 
 RODRIOO. 
 
 Well, an he be a fool, he hath some wit. To- 
 morrow we shall have more work to do. How I do 
 fear this trial, yet I shall stay with my master, come 
 what will of it. Then let us all be with him. 
 
 None had ever a better master and mistress, so we 
 shall stay with him. Let us all remain. 
 
 Re-enter Sebastian. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Aye, let us all remain. But Marco is a saint on 
 earth, likewise the greatest fool, which is his great- 
 est honour. If master gain, we need not change our 
 lives. But let us hence. 
 
 All. 
 
 Aye, let us hence, and heaven protect our mas- 
 
 ter. 
 
 Sebastian, 
 
 And keep Sebastian clear of all disaster. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
14 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 Scene IV.— LUDRO'S PRIVATE ROOM IN THE 
 
 ABBEY. 
 
 LuDRO alone. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 To-moiTOW tells the tale. I must withhold 
 
 Myself in every point, and register " 
 
 Mine actions carefully. 
 
 Sancho was witness of this signature ; 
 
 But if he dare refuse what I command, 
 
 Or doth not swear this will is truly drawn, 
 
 Sealed, signed, delivered unto me — and given — 
 
 In proper form, and ready for the proof, 
 
 I know to do, precisely as I know. — 
 
 Matteo ! Simple fool ! — his honesty — 
 
 His loud-mouthed threat'ning, and his blustering 
 
 mood. 
 Saying thib deed is but a forgery ! 
 I hold it now. Let him produce his proof ! 
 What shall be done with Inez ? 
 
 A nunnery 
 Of the most strictest sort, shall hold her from 
 
 The world in solitude. There let her die. 
 
 I'll find a friend to keep Matteo still. 
 
 (Draws his dagger and looks at it.) 
 
ftCENE IV.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 15 
 
 
 Aye, thou shalt be my friend ! 'J'hy friendship now 
 I ask not : but when presently I crave 
 Thy keen blue point, to rid me of my foe, 
 And send thee, silent foi-th to work for me, 
 Thou shalt not gender wroth, but quickly send 
 
 His curdling blood around his quivering heart. 
 
 Then so much for Matteo ! ! 
 Wherefore the use of potions, or the leech 
 To medicine every silly knave to do'atli — 
 When surer, and more quiet mode is here. 
 Go, give a man a potion and he'll roar 
 And rave, and tell a thousand secret things, 
 And all around shall know all that he knows. 
 Nay, if he thinks he's poisoned, he will talk ; 
 And shivering, tell the gaping crowd around, 
 Each secret that the world should never know. 
 
 (Holds out the dagger, addressing it) 
 
 But when thou goest to do a deed alone, 
 Thou earnest not a loud-mouthed prating tongue. 
 Thou art so still, no mortal knows thy tread. 
 Nor hears thy breathing, ere he feels thee sting. 
 Thy foe sees not thy coming nor thy shade. 
 Nor fears ' hy tusk, until he feels thee bite ! — 
 My honest, silent friend, go — seek thy rest. 
 
 {Replaces the dagger.) [Exit. 
 
 Enter Sebastian, stealthily. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 He's gone, and thinks his wicked game secure. 
 
IG 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 Perchance he may be, but I have my doubts ; 
 Yet, lack-a-day, I have no doubts at all. 
 Nathless I must be cautious in my acts. 
 I must secure this will at any price ; 
 I know the secret passage to this chamber, 
 And have the honest, secret key for that. 
 
 {Tries to open the desk, hut cannot.) 
 
 Not thus, mean I, to end my master's task. 
 
 Oh, honest Ludro ! Thou and thy dagger ! ! ! 
 
 Hadst no doubts, Ludro, in thy honest breast, 
 
 That some vile caitiff might o'erhear thy thoughts — 
 
 Yea, verily such a caitiff as myself. 
 
 I have grave doubts thou hast been overheard ; 
 
 And graver doubts, thou'rt not an honest man. 
 
 But therefore I have yet another doubt. 
 
 That he will find his bow-string hath a knot. 
 
 Who lays such schemes, to serve such villainy. 
 
 Oh, honest Ludro, I shall watch thee well. 
 
 And I may teach thee such a lesson yet. 
 
 That thou shalt leam to doubt, when least in doubt. 
 
 (A noise without.) 
 Some one comes hither, and I must away. 
 
 (Holds up the key.) 
 My honest silent friend, go seek thy rest. 
 
 (Pockets it securely.) [Exit. 
 
I 
 
 I, 
 
 i SCENE v.] Prince Tedro. 
 
 Scene V.— A COURT ROOM. 
 Judge, Matteo, Ludro, Sancho, and Attendants. 
 
 Judge. 
 
 My Lord, I must give this cause against thee. 
 The will is most carefully done, and witnessed in 
 court. I must give this cause against thee. Thou 
 hast no witness as the Abbot hath, to prove his claim. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Witness, most worthy judge ! — Witness of what ? 
 
 The devil can find witness as he lists. 
 
 And then may claim our worthy friend the monk. 
 
 As I have said, none reckoned on a will. 
 
 None ever heard about such document, 
 
 Until my uncle died. Witness, good sooth ! 
 
 I here declare that all their oaths are false. 
 
 But if I am to lose mine heritage, 
 
 By baseness, and this Abbot's forgery, 
 
 It can't be helped my lord, most certainly. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 I must deny myself, but, had I been 
 
 Not thus in harness, as thou see'st me here, 
 
18 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I 
 
 Bound to refrain myself in everything, 
 Not tamely had I borne my lord's affront. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Thy garb I do respect, but hate the knave — 
 That shelter seeks, beneath that decent garb. 
 Little care I, an it had been myself. 
 Mine only sister^ what can she endure, — 
 What would my father, or mine uncle say, 
 Or our loved mother, rising from their tombs ! 
 Methinks they'd point their bony hands at thee, 
 And from the eyeless sockets of their skulls, 
 A cold unearthly glare would pierce thee through. 
 And chill the marrow in thy perjured bones. 
 
 Judge. 
 
 Take heed unto the bridie of thy tongue, 
 Most noble sir, nor thus revile i' the court. 
 He holds the will, which gives him this estate ; 
 And I adjudge him, as the writing saith. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Didst thou not see this will signed, Sancho ? 
 
 ' Sancho. 
 I saw it signed with mine own eyes. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Didst thou see it delivered unto me ? 
 

 SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 19 
 
 Sancho. 
 
 Most surely sir, 1 did. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Dost hear what Sancho says on oath, my lord ? 
 
 Matteo. 
 Dost thou suppose I have not got mine ears ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Nay but I do ! so let me counsel thee, 
 
 To serve the king, and fight against the Moors. 
 
 Go, send fair Inez to a nunnery. 
 
 And that will ease this burthen on thy mind. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Yea truly, that would be a glorious deed ! 
 
 Now listen what I say ! When I require 
 
 Saofe counsel from thee, 'twill be time to ask 
 
 Thy lying tongue to speak. How I do loathe thee. 
 
 Go, get thee to thy beads, and bless thyself. 
 
 Sooner than Inez should become a nun, 
 
 I'd rather see her cold, and stiff in death. 
 
 A nun, forsooth ! — My lord, I leave your court ; 
 
 And if this villain Ludro cross my path. 
 
 Let him look well, to see himself prepared. 
 
 [Uxit. 
 
! I 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 LUDRO. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 Il 
 
 Oh, let him have full measure with his tongue, 
 And froth upon the bit. I hold the reins. 
 
 Judge. 
 
 Now my lord Abbot since thou'st gained thy suit, 
 Could'st thou not something do, as if by grace, 
 To let the Lady Inez have a part. 
 *Tis very hard for her to lose her home. 
 'Twould be an act most generous, lord Abbot. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Most noble sir, hearing what thou hast said, 
 
 And judging by the Count de Castro's mien. 
 
 His passionate address, and foul-mouthed words. 
 
 How could I, in regard to mine own self. 
 
 Be humbled so as give this woman grace. 
 
 For doing grace to her, is grace to him. 
 
 This property belongeth not to me ; 
 
 But an it did, I'd sooner have it burnt. 
 
 Yea rather see it sunken in the sea 
 
 Than give one tittle to De Castro's house. 
 
 Because I bear this garb upon my back, 
 
 Am I to bear reproach unmerited. 
 
 Nay, sooner let each quivering limb be torn, 
 
 And life's last drop crimson my mangled flesh. 
 
 Than I return these Castros e'en one re. 
 
 He says I forged this will ! Am perjured too ! 
 
 i 
 
80KNE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 21 
 
 Calls me a villain monk, and blackens me, 
 As if I were a devil, fresh from hell. 
 Although I am a monk, am I to bear 
 Each insult that he heaps upon my head ! 
 No my lord judge, — no — never ! 
 
 {Curtain falls) [Exit. 
 
 Scene Vl.— HALL IN MATTEO'S CASTLE. 
 
 Matteo, Alonzo, Rodrigo, and Marco. 
 
 Matteo. 
 Now, my good friends, come round me for the 
 last time. To-morrow I shall leave this castle, and 
 take me to the mountains. Ye know the dell 
 where the hermit lived, long years ago. I will go 
 there to live, and take my sister with me. If for- 
 tune favor me I may return again. Now fare ye 
 
 well. 
 
 Rodrigo. 
 
 My worthy master, be not so cast down, 
 will not leave thee in adversity. 
 
 We 
 
 Marco. 
 Good master, we will all remain. Thou canst not 
 be a servant for thyself. 'Twere folly so to act. 
 
22 
 
 PHnce Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 Alonzo. 
 
 Does my lord know this cave ? 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 I have been to it, but 'tis not enough of size for 
 such a company. 
 
 Alonzo. 
 
 I know it most truly, master. There are many 
 caves in it, and some of size enough to hold a thou- 
 sand men. So I will guide thee there, and show 
 thee the secret chambers, and the secret well, and 
 the good old hermit's tomb. 
 
 Enter Inez and Xara. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Well, my good brother, we have lost our all 
 But this much we can never lose, Matteo, 
 Two honest hearts, ever to live and love. 
 We must endure the lot that falls to us ; 
 Eepining is a craven's act, and vile. 
 I'll go with thee, wherever thou shalt go. 
 So let us face the world like honest folks. 
 
 Xara. 
 Dear mistress, wilt thou not let Xara go ? 
 
 BBI 
 
SCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 23 
 
 \'.- 
 
 I am thy Moor, thy honest, faithful Moor ; 
 And all my life is only bound in thine. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 When children, Xara, we together played. 
 We waded in the brook in summer days, 
 Or chased the butterfly, or plucked the flower ; 
 Or wandered, hand in hand along the path, 
 And joined in merry games, as children do. 
 My good dear Xara we shall never part. 
 
 Enter Sebastian, out of breath. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Oh Lord ! Oh Lord ! what news I have to tell. 
 Most excellent news — most excellent news. 
 
 Inez. 
 What is thy news, Sebastian ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Well, as I was sitting by the way, I met a com- 
 pany, and being full of wit, I asked who they were 
 and whither they went. And I spoke to a certain 
 nobleman, Lady Inez, and he enquired much for thee> 
 and his name was Pechico, on an embassy to Spain 
 with Prince Pedro. And I told him of thy suit, 
 and he was much grieved, and he told the Prince. 
 
24 
 
 PHnce Pedro. 
 
 [aot I. 
 
 And he promised to look to it. And then he gave 
 me a piece of gold. Oh Lord ! Master Matteo, Oh 
 Lord ! Oh Lord ! " 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 What then, Sebastian. Hast found thy breath ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Then my lord Pechico bid me take Lady Inez this 
 letter ; and he struck me over the back, and gave 
 me a crown, and he called foul names at me, and 
 bid me go for a fool. And Lord Rudolpho bid me 
 run, and he struck me, and gave me nothing! My 
 back is all colors. Oh Lord ! Oh Lord ! And he 
 said he would see thee anon. Lady Inez. Here, take 
 thy letter. {Hands it) 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Thanks, good Sebastian. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Thy news is good yet strange, Sebastian. 
 But we will hence, my friends, and meet 
 To-morrow at the hermit's cave. [Exeunt, 
 
8CXMS VII.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 25 
 
 Scene VII.— THE FOREST NEAR THE CAVE. 
 
 Makco, seated on a log. 
 
 Marco. 
 
 This is a merry life, I like it every way. We have 
 no horses here to pother with, and a fellow may sit 
 in the sun as he lists. I do nothing since Master 
 Matteo came, but stretch me in the sun. I am too 
 lazy, or I would sing. 
 
 Enter Sebastian behind, with a staff. 
 
 Sebastian (aside). 
 
 Yonder is lazy Marco. He was always a great 
 one to prate. He is going to sing, so I will get me 
 behind these trees. Sing on Marco. Ho, ho, ho ! 
 
 (Marco rises and sings.) 
 Marco. 
 
 1. 
 
 When the lark's in the air, and the sun on the lea, 
 There is nothing I love like mine own companie. 
 Then I talk to myself of the days that don't last, 
 And carelessly nod, as I see them run past. 
 C 
 
Prince Pedro. 
 Chorus : 
 
 [act I. 
 
 Then talk to thyself, boy, and sing whilst thou may, 
 When thy heart is all merry, it's good companie. 
 
 When I'm weary of labor I sit myself down, 
 And I sing with contentment, when I'm all alone. 
 And often I think, as I stretch me to rest, 
 That fellow is wisest who loves himself best. 
 
 Chorus : — Then talk to thyself, boy, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 Oh, what need I care for the world as it goes. 
 As I loll on the grass, or I sing at mino ease. 
 I have a good master, and that is myself, 
 And little heed I for the world or its pelf. 
 
 Chorus : — Then talk to thyself, boy, «fec. 
 4. 
 
 The courtier may smile and the miser may fret. 
 But he's happiest far, who his griefs can forget. 
 So be jolly and gay, as this life you pass through, 
 And the longer you laugh, you've the less time to 
 rue. 
 
 Chorus : — Then talk to thyself, boy, &lc. 
 
 (Sebastian strikes him with his staff.) 
 
 Oh ! Lord ! Sebastian, can'st thou not let me be ? 
 
SCEIfB VII.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 27 
 
 Lord ! Marco. What an excellent voioc thou 
 hast. But let me tune thee up behind. 
 
 (Beats him off the stage.) [Exeunt. 
 
 {A hoiTi outside.) Enter Matteo and Rodiugo. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Did'st hear that horn, Rodrigo ? 
 
 RODRIGO. 
 
 1 did my lord. But no one comes to chase the 
 wolf in these wild sien'as, that we do know, 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 'Tis very strange, and may have import. 
 
 {Horn in the distance) 
 
 'Tis doubtless some meny huntsman, who retires 
 with venison enough for a week. But let us to the 
 cave. I promised Inez I would soon return. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 Enter Pedro, dressed as a huntsman, 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Now, this forbodes no good, and yet perchance 
 
' rr 
 
 Prince Pedro, [act i. 
 
 f 
 
 It may forbode the very best of luck. 
 I know I've lost myself among these glens. 
 But what of that. 'Tis merry to be lost 
 After the bounding stag. To-morrow comes, 
 And then the merry gibe, or laughing jest 
 From comrades round, makes one forget his toils. 
 But som i one hither comes. 
 
 Re-enter Matteo. 
 {Both, clap their hands on their swords.) 
 Dost thou approach me as a friend or foe ? 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 A question bravely put, and as a man. 
 
 A huntsman, an thy garb belie thee not ? 
 
 We have no quarrel. Wilt thou give thine hand, 
 
 And tell me who thou art ? 
 
 « 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Most freely, sir, most freely. 
 
 (They shake hands.) 
 
 Prince Pedro, who has come from Portugal, 
 Upon an embassy to the King of Spain, 
 Has come to sport awhile with Aguilar. 
 I'm of his suite, and we set out this morn, 
 To cha^e what we could find upon these hills. 
 
SCENE VII.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 In following my hounds in hot pursuit, 
 
 I've lost my company, and lost myself. 
 
 So, pray, good sir, show me the nearest route, 
 
 To lead me home again. 
 
 MATTE^. 
 
 The day is nearly sp. nt, and many a league 
 Is now between thee and thy present home. 
 Come, take such cheer as I can offer thee. 
 Deer from the hills, and wild-fowl from the lake ; 
 And in the morning I will send thee hence. 
 With a trusty guide. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 « 
 
 T do accept t^y offer. Courteous sir. 
 Pray tell me who thou art? 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 * ' ■ * 
 
 My name's De Castro, and a noble, too. 
 Now I'm but an outcast. Let us hence, 
 And I will freely speak upon the way • 
 Telling thee all. 
 
 [Uooeunt, conversing. 
 
30 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 ii 
 
 !l I 
 
 Scene VIII.— A CHAMBER IN THE CAVE. 
 
 Inez seated on a couch, Xara standing beside her. 
 
 Inez. 
 You know not this stranger, Xara ? 
 
 Xara. 
 
 I knoyv him not, my lady, yet he seems a very 
 gallant gentleman. 
 
 Inez. ^ 
 
 And hast thou learnt his name ? 
 
 Xara. 
 
 Not yet, but I heard Sebastian say he serves in 
 the Prince's company. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Who can he be ? His bearing is most noble and 
 courteous. Matteo likes him wondrous well, and 
 every thing he does, is with a grace. He must hence 
 in the morn, to join the prince. Now Xara, when 
 thou art about, learn what thou canst from Sebas- 
 tian, and keep thine ears and eyes open. 
 
 i. 
 
SCENE VIII.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Xara. 
 
 31 
 
 He hath brave carriage. What an he were a prince ! 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Nay ! prate not so, yet presently no doubt he'll tell 
 me all. See, here they come from their ^-ppast. 
 
 ^Tifer Pedro and Ma-TTEO. 
 Pedro. 
 
 I thank thee, lady, for this excellent repast. Hun- 
 ger makes all men equal. Yet when my ill fortune 
 lost me in the forest, my better fortune found me 
 again, and left me with thee. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Is it the manner of Prince Pedro's company, to 
 flatter every damsel that they meet ? 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I call this day the brightest in my life, and I 
 speak not in parables. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Thou art my guest. — Prithee what is thy name ? 
 
 Pedro. , 
 
 A name is nothing — I serve the prince, and am 
 called Pedro. 
 
ag 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Mattko. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 I must hence to see to mine affairs. Prithee Inez 
 
 show this gentleman all courtesy till I return, and 
 
 pardon me for a little space, good sir. 
 
 [Uxit 
 Pedro. 
 
 We are alone, so I will sit by thee, and speak in 
 
 honesty. 
 
 Xara. 
 
 Shall I retire, my mistress ? 
 
 Inez. 
 Yes, good Xara ; and be near if I call thee. 
 
 ♦ [ExitXAii\. 
 
 I have two friends that serve your prince, Pechico 
 
 and Rudolpho. Rudolpho is near of kin. Pechico, 
 
 though a friend, has not our blood. Dost know 
 
 them? 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Two very honest gentlemen, I know them well. 
 Rudolpho, I do truly call my friend. Pechico is 
 more silent in his mood, and keeps his tongue in 
 check; but Rudolpho, like a man, tells thee in 
 honesty, just as he thinks. 
 
 Inez. 
 Pechico is a friend, and yet I never liked him. 
 
SCENE VIII.] 
 
 - - • 
 
 Prince PedrO. 
 
 33 
 
 My lord, we are but outcasts for the time ; we have 
 no home except these dismal rocks ; yet we have 
 human hearts within our breasts, if nothing more 
 remains. ^ , 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Lady, our hearts must ever be our own. No thief 
 can steal an honest heart from thee. Your brother 
 told me all, and also of the Abbot. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 'Twas hard to lose our all ; but happier tim^ will 
 come. ^ 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I know the prince, and will make mention of it ; 
 and he loves justice. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Perchance he may but laugh thereat. A prince at 
 best is but a gentleman. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Thou art far fairer to me than proud dames 
 
 That I have seen at King Alfonso's court. << 
 
 Lady, might I present my suit to thee. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Beware to whom you speak ! not likely, sir, 
 
w 
 
 aaa 
 
 S4 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act I. 
 
 We ever meet again. 
 Myself too lightly. 
 
 I must not pledge 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I ask not lightly, madam, nor a pledge. 
 But do not spurn a stranger and a guest ; 
 And when again we meet, which soon shall be, 
 Be not indifferent, I do beseech. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Ere that we meet, perchance some other maid 
 May take the fancy of my wandering knight. 
 And yet you seem sincere. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I am sincere 
 To thee and every one, and thus I ask, 
 Thou wilt permit me to return to thee. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 I know not what to say, nor dare confess 
 What seems unmaidenly. Thou wilt not ask it. 
 But yet return. I shall respect at least. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Thanks, gentle lady, for thy gentleness ; 
 And think there was a stranger once, 
 
SCENE VIII.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 35 
 
 Who by those modest cords, unseen, but felt, 
 Was thus, for ever bound to thee in truth. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Come, if thou wilt. I oft have heard, the Prince 
 Gives not his countenance to unruly acts. 
 
 Pedro^ 
 
 Most certainly, and I can swear to that, 
 For I have known him since he was a child. 
 
 (^ti^er Matteo.) 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 I have prepared all things for thee for the morrow, 
 good sir, and have told that rascal, Sebastian, to 
 don more decent livery, and be thy guide. But 
 thou art weary, so let me lead thee to thy couch. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I would retire my lord, and follow thee. Lady, 
 good night, and recollect that we shall meet again. 
 
 ■ Inez. 
 
 As it may pleasure thee. Good night. Good night. 
 i.; [Exeunt, Inez to one side, 
 
 Pedro and Matteo, to the other. 
 
11^ 
 
 S6 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act II. 
 
 ACT II. 
 Scene I. -A FOREST. 
 
 Sebastian, in livery of fifteenth century. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 And I can now return at my will to my master. 
 This Pedro is a noble gentleman. He gave me three 
 pieces of gold ; he must have been a gentleman to 
 do that. A good day's pay ! I shall visit Ludro to- 
 night, I have the key ; and on the morrow I prom- 
 ised to lead Pechico to the hills. If fortune speed, I 
 may secure this will; I have promised mine own heart 
 that I secure it, and verily I keep my promise. — 
 What an Pechico give me three pieces of gold. Oh, 
 lucky Sebastian, thou wilt be rich with six pieces of 
 gold. Good luck, Sebastian ; Good luck to hope for it. 
 
 I. 
 
 ' ! 
 
 Scene II.— LUDRO'S ROOM. Night 
 
 Ludro sitting at his table, the will open, a dag- 
 ger and bag of gold beside it, lights on the table. 
 
80KNB II.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 37 
 
 I have the will before me, yet I feel 
 
 Not all secure, although I've gained the suit. 
 
 (Comes forward.) 
 
 If a man venture, he doth something gain ; 
 And if he venture more, more doth he gain ; 
 But if he venture over reason's bounds, 
 Reason forsakes him, and he loses all. 
 I've ventured, and I've won a broad estate ! 
 This haughty lord De Castro, let him fret, 
 
 And grind his soul upon his own regrets. 
 I am not yet secure, nor can I be, 
 While he and Inez walk beneath the sun. 
 'Tis said he's now in some wild mountain cave, 
 And hath the lady hid ; I'U search him out. 
 I'll have their bodies soon within my grip. 
 And with their bodies, I must still their breath. 
 And when I know they rest beneath the earth, 
 I'll be in each particular secure. 
 I now must go to Sancho for a time, 
 And we shall hatch a modest little scheme 
 To seize Matteo, and the pretty Inez, 
 But ere I go, I'll double lock this door. 
 
 (Locks the door carefully and Exit.) 
 
 Enter Sebastian stealthily. (He seizes the will 
 and the dagger. 
 
 i ; 
 
■^•■^■«>Mwa>«iHa«n 
 
 38 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 Sebastian. 
 
 [act II. 
 
 I have it, and I'll keep it safely here ! 
 
 {Hides it in his breast) 
 
 Nay then, worthy Abbot, look to thyself, 
 Permit no tattling fool like me to hear 
 The dark communings of thy villain tongue. 
 
 {Lifts the hag of gold) ■ 
 
 Oh gold, what art thou ? Men do sin for thee — 
 And Solomon says, that thou art still the root 
 Of every evil wandering 'neath the sun ; 
 But e'en for that, I wish I had some more ! ! ! 
 A little more could surely do no harm ! 
 This dagger, too, is choicest piece of steel — 
 Better than mine. Then, Ludro, I exchange, 
 
 {Exchanges daggers.) 
 
 Ludro, I'll make thee doubt, my honest monk, 
 Thou hast those lands — this will secured to thee. 
 Wilt thou not doubt, when thou returnest here. 
 That some foul fiend has robbed thy privy cell. 
 Of will, of dagger, gold and everything ; 
 Then cram thy stomach till it burst with doubts ! 
 Oh, here they come ! — I must retire a while. 
 
 [Retires with the gold, &c. 
 Enter Ludko and Sancho. 
 
 i| i 
 
 I ill ' 
 
SCENE II.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 39 
 
 And so thou understandest all I mean. 
 We travel to the mountains dressed as monks, 
 To the holy hermit's cell ; but when we come, 
 Will cast our garments suddenly away, 
 And slay the two De Castros on the spot. 
 See that thou hast good weapons belted tight; 
 Bright blades, and daggers keen, and 'neath thy 
 robes 
 
 Good armour, to secure each life and limb. 
 
 Sancho. 
 
 I'll do thy bidding, sir, in every thing. 
 I shall prepare a dozen of our herdsmen. 
 When shall we seek the hills ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 To-morrow, an thou wilt. 
 . Sancho. 
 
 Nay, 'tis impossible before a week. 
 
 We must provide for each contingency ; 
 
 But wherefore slay this Inez ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Not one De Castro shall impede my way 
 
 To heir these broad estates which now we own— 
 
 Their ghosts can ne'er return to claim these lands. 
 
40 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Sancho. 
 
 I ACT II. 
 
 Yet, thou hast heard of most unholy sights ; 
 Of spirits rising from their loathsome graves, 
 And seeking vengeance on their murderers ; 
 Of ghosts that glide arovmd the ruined keep, 
 And nightly wail, with hollow, dismal moan, 
 Repenting them of former bloody crimes. 
 Hast thou not heard, Lord Abbot, of such things ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 I've heard of many things — of many sights, 
 
 And ghostly tales to raise old women's hair. 
 
 Or frighten schoolboys. Hast thou ever heard 
 
 Of any gibbering ghost appear in court, 
 
 To be a witness in a suit of law ? 
 
 I take my chance of ghosts to bother me. 
 
 (Turns to the table.) 
 
 But Where's the will ? Villain, hast thou that will ? 
 I left it here just now. Where is my gold ? 
 This dagger, too ! Hast thou been playing fool ? 
 
 (Holds up the dagger threateningly.) 
 
 Now hand them forth, or else this gleaming blade 
 Shall send thy spirit to the land of ghosts. 
 Give them me., villain ! — Villain, give them up! 
 
 Sancho. 
 My lord ! — my lord ! — I nothing know of this ! 
 
 
aCBNR II. 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 
 41 
 
 Have thy fears overcome thy better mind ? — 
 Perchance thou hast mislaid them for a time : 
 See there — thy desk stands open. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 {Rushes to the desk.) 
 
 Curse on the gold— that nothing is to me. 
 
 But then the deed, the will ! 
 
 It is not here, Sancho, it is not here. 
 
 Fool that I was to leave it thus alone, 
 
 For some foul fiend to spirit it away. 
 
 Go, Sancho, haste thee and raise up the house ! 
 
 Awake each lazy monk, and send him forth 
 
 To search the monastery in and out. 
 
 Sancho. 
 
 I go with urgent speed. {Exeunt hastily. 
 
 (Sebastian comes fo'^ward, nodding his head.) 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I am the fiend that spirits hence thy will, 
 And know thy plot against my master's life ; 
 And I am likewise robber of thy gold ! 
 A very fiendish gentleman am I ; ~ •- 
 
 I'll be so nimble, Ludro, when we meet, ■ ' v 
 That all thy schemes shall be a gibe on thee. 
 
 • [Exit, holding up tite hag of gold. - 
 
 k 
 
42 
 
 Priv^e Pedro. 
 
 [act II. 
 
 fl 
 
 Scene III.— IN THE FOREST. 
 
 Enter Inez and Pechico. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 It cannot be, my lord ! It cannot be. 
 If I have got a heart, it is mine own, 
 And at mine own disposal. 
 
 Pechico.! 
 
 Fair Inez, well thou knowest I've loved thee long ! 
 Thy blood is pure, but thou hast no estate. 
 If thou wilt be my bride, we will away 
 And seek the castle where my fathers dwelt. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Thou offerest, now, thy hand in strangest mood, 
 F '* slightingly, and half with an affront. 
 A me tell thee, my Castilian blood 
 .ooks not affront from haughty Portugiiese. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 What ! I affront thee ! I throw slight on thee ! 
 Nay, nay, good lady, thou dost much mistake. 
 
 Inez. ' 
 I know not how. I ne'er returned thy love. 
 
SCENE III.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 43 
 
 i. 
 
 Are there not other ladies in the land 
 To whom thy vows might sound more pleasantly ? 
 Then sue no more, and learn to cease to love. 
 I love another better than thyself. 
 
 Pechico. ^ 
 
 And is it thus thou answerest my prayer ? 
 Then learn, the Portuguese as haughty are 
 As are Castilians of the best degree. 
 And tempt me not to seek another mode 
 Of action towards thyself, and all thy house. 
 
 Inez. . ♦ 
 
 Thou art a curious lover, Lord Pechico, 
 And be not jealous if I love another, 
 I like thee as a friend, sincerely so. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 now would'st thou fe6l, if one you truly loved 
 Would tell thee that he loved another more ? 
 I sue for thee, seeking nor land nor gold. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Thou hast my answer, with it be content. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Then if this be mine answer, let it be ! 
 God wot, 'tis very hard to bear thy words 
 
 >f..;s 
 
I -' 
 
 44 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 Inez. 
 
 [ ACT I 
 
 Adieu, my lord, we must not meet again. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 " Adieu, my lord, we must not meet again." ' 
 I cannot say farewell, yet fare thee well. 
 'Tis better thus to part, as if in hate. 
 Than filled with sighs and sweet remembrances. 
 But now a change steals o'er my inmost mind. 
 Knowing she loves me not ; and such a change ! 
 She loves some other, and my hope is lost. 
 By heaven, I will not brook her perfidy. 
 And shall yet have a something like revenge. 
 But wherefore do I feel myself alone, 
 And fret, because this woman saith me nay. 
 I'll love no more. — Revenge ! be thou my friend, 
 And fill the hollow where my love had dwelt ! 
 
 {Exit. 
 Enter Xara. 
 
 Xapa. 
 
 And so my Lord Pechico leaves these hills. 
 He passed me with a frown upon his brow, 
 And when he frowns it bodeth something ill. 
 
 Enter Inez [weeping). 
 
 What aileth thee, my lady ; may I hear ? 
 
 . 
 
scBNK IV.] Prince Pedro. 4d^, 
 
 Inks. 
 
 It is a grief that wanders with the wind. 
 Anon 'tis here a moment, and 'tis past. 
 Pechico pressed his suit most fervently ; 
 But I love Pedro, as I never loved ! 
 Dear Xara, hold thy peace, and let us hence. 
 
 [Exeunt, conversing. 
 
 Scene IV.— IN THE FOREST. 
 Matteo. 
 
 Now tell me truly how thou'st learnt this matter, 
 art sure that Ludro will be here to kill us ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 My Lord, I was in the Abbot's chamber and heard 
 him say it. Dost know this ? Take it and keep it. 
 'Tis my proof, and most convincing — (hands the 
 parchment to Matteo)~l give it thee. Then here is 
 Ludro's dagger made of most excellent steel (hands 
 it) ; and then to cover my proof, I hand thee Ludro's 
 V^rseKgives it), and that doth finish it. I likewise 
 stole his private key one day, and find it an excellent 
 friend. By our Lady it hath unhinged his villainy 
 
 A 
 
f -'f^ 
 
 m 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act n. 
 
 for us. Now my master art thou content with my 
 proofs ? 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Content an hundred fold ! Thanks, good Sebastian 
 for this timely warning ; I'll set my men on the 
 watch, and thou shalt be our leader: keep thou 
 Ludro's dagger, 'tis good steel. Prithee didst count 
 his gold. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I did mort certainly. A thousand marks ! 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Give me thy hand Sebastian ! The will is here, 
 he cannot forge another ; go then, tell Marco and 
 Rodrigo of it ; keep thy wits about thee, and thine 
 eyes and ears open ; give me thine hand. (They 
 shake hands.) 
 
 Sebastian, 
 
 I will do all thy scheming when we lay our 
 scheme, and that shall be to circumvent this fellow. 
 Yea, I will be merry in the matter, an thou leavest 
 it me ; just leave it to my brain and to my wit, my 
 master. Ha! Ha!! Ha!!! ' 
 
 Matteo. 
 So be it my good friend, Sebastian. 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 1/ 
 
 PriTice Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 47 
 
 Had I been a Count I should have run away with 
 Lady Inez long ago. But I am not a Count, and 
 therefore did not count thereon. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Nay, then cease thy silly prate and cease thy 
 folly ; when these caitiffs do come thou shalt show 
 thy scheming, and be our leader for the day, and be 
 my ijord Sebastian and my friend. Verily we will 
 counterplot them, and thou must plot with me, so let 
 us hence to tell my followers. [Exit, 
 
 Sebastian {following him). 
 
 Oh, certainly my friend — my worthy and most 
 honourable friend— my friend, my friend, my most 
 distinguished friend — whether art thou or I the most 
 distinguished ! ! ! {Bows himself off the stage.) 
 
 Scene V.— THE FOREST 
 Inez and Xaka. • 
 
 Inez. 
 I feel so lonesome. We have nothing here 
 
48 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act II. 
 
 Except regrets, to feed our weary lives. 
 How mayest thou feel^ Xara ? Tell me truly. 
 
 Xara. 
 
 I always feel most happy here, my mistress. 
 I love to ramble through the mountain dell, 
 To pluck the wild rose or the eglantine ; 
 With ne'er a prying eye to watch my steps. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 No one can rob us of such simple joys. 
 For Nature gave them to us at our birth. 
 Where are those friends whom erst we loved to see ? 
 And though in solitude, we find delight, 
 What greater ill than lonely solitude. 
 
 Xara. 
 
 The time will come that brighter suns may shine. 
 And then to-day's regrets are but a jest. 
 But, see, Count Pedro comes, in merry mood. 
 
 Enter Pedro in hunters dress. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Did I not tell thee we should meet again ? 
 Dear lady, I have truly kept my word. 
 
 (Inez advances. They shake hands.) 
 
 f II' 
 
 . 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Inez. 
 
 49 
 
 Tis pleasant, sir, to see a pleasant face. 
 But one feels lonely in these sombre woods, 
 With dreamy thoughts within us, that keep pace 
 With dreary times around, when friends are gone. 
 
 Pedko. 
 
 I feel most pleasant when I see thy face. 
 
 Nay, lady, 'ti . lot sweet to see thee sad. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Few friends are with us, save a simple lot 
 Of old domestics, who have followed us. 
 But, since this desert is my dwelling-place, 
 I could be happy if I had one friend 
 To come at times, and wile away an hour. 
 
 Xara {aside) 
 
 I'll leave my mistress and this gentleman ; 
 So let them talk, and weave their cord of love. 
 
 [Exit quietly. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 In honesty and truth I'll be that friend. 
 And ne'er repent the evening that we met. 
 The cave were palace, if but shared by thee, 
 If thou art sad, oh let me lovingljr 
 
5a 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act 11. 
 
 4 :;i|£ 
 
 til 
 
 Minister comfort, till thy care depart. 
 Oh, take my heart, my life, all I possess ; 
 And if the gift be worthy of the name. 
 Accept it, lady, I can give no more ! 
 
 Inez. 
 
 I need a friend. I do accept thy gift, 
 For could I but return thy honest love. 
 And know that thou sincerely gav'st me thine, 
 My heart would be content for evermore. 
 
 "^EDRO. 
 
 Then be thy heart content, my own beloved. 
 For what I give, I give it with my will. 
 And thus, betrothed, full soon to be my bride, 
 I'll make thee equal to the proudest dame 
 That lifts a haughty head in Portugal. 
 And many a noble yet shall doff his cap, 
 Standing before thee as his mistress. 
 
 Inez. 
 My lord, and who art thou ? 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Did I not tell thee, Inez, who I was ? 
 To thee I am but Pedro. To the rest 
 I am Prince Pedro, and thou art my bride. 
 
 (Clasps her to his breast) 
 

 SCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Inez. 
 
 61 
 
 1 ' Oh, if Matteo's there, to see us boun^* 
 
 As man and wife, I've nothing more to crave. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Then we will hence, and tell Matteo all. 
 My lovely bride, God's blessing rest on thee. 
 
 \Exeunt hand-in-ha7id. 
 
 Scene VI.— A ROAD IN THE FOREST. 
 
 Matteo, Sebastian, Marco, Rodrigo, Alonzo, and 
 
 others, armed. 
 
 Matteo. 
 How now Sebastian ? What of thy pilgrims 1 
 
 Sebastian. 
 I saw them coming. They will be here anon. I 
 have my pilgrim's staff. {Holds it up.) Wilt thou 
 sing us a song, Marco ? 
 
 Marco. 
 
 My Lord Sebastian, I will sing dumb. Make 
 thou these varlets sing. 
 
52 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act n. 
 
 Q 
 
 SEBASTIAN. 
 
 Now look ye rascals ; every rascal among you, hold 
 
 your tongues well in check. See ye call me my lor ^., 
 
 rascals, my Lord Sebastian, and I warrant, we make 
 
 this Ludro and his crowd, as merry as monks in the 
 
 vintage. 
 
 Enter Inez and Xara. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 What meaneth this ado, good Rodrigo ? 
 
 RODRIGO. 
 
 Sebastian can tell thee, mistress. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 An thou callest me Sebastian, Rodrigo, I will be- 
 labor thee soundly. Call me my lord, fellow, — my 
 Lord ! ! (Raises his staff.) 
 
 Rodrigo. 
 
 My Lord Sebastian ! My lord ! lord ! Oh lord ! 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Hold Sebastian. — Art thou crazed ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Fair lady, I am " my Lord Sebastian " for to-day. 
 
 i| •.! 
 
SCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 63 
 
 (Bow8 very low). So call me my " lord." Down in 
 the vale, seest thou a cavalcade ? (Points.) 
 
 Inez. 
 
 I do, (looks intently) and it seemeth a company 
 of pilgrims. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 They come to cut thy throat, and Xara's throat, 
 and all our throats. 
 
 Xara. 
 
 (Looking), Thou art crazed, Sebastian. They are 
 pilgrims, and I see them. 
 
 Sebastian, 
 
 Now listen, wench. Call me, " my lord," or I will 
 belabor thy carcass soundly. (Lifts his staff.) To- 
 morrow call me as thou wilt. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 I have news most certain, that yonder company 
 are varlets led by Ludro, who come to seek our lives, 
 and mask themselves as monks. Sebastian will be 
 leader for the day, and be our master. My Lord Se- 
 bastian ! 
 
 (Sebastian hows very low.) 
 
 Xara. .'„'■. , : .. . 
 What ! a clown like Sebastian i > ' ' - - u ^^^ 
 
54 
 
 '.iii 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 [act II. 
 
 Call me " my lord," or I will shake thy head off of 
 thy shoulders. (Shakes Iter.) 
 
 Xara. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! lord ! lord ! Lo-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-d ! Oh ! 
 
 (Sebastian bows to her very low.) 
 
 (Aside) Oh, you brute. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Now my merry men all, hide in the cave, and I 
 
 will lead this Ludro in, and then bind ye his hands 
 
 behind his back. I next shall lead the others as I list. 
 
 See ye all call me "my lord," rascals. (Exeunt omnes.) 
 
 Come hither, Xara, and help me to don my pilgrim's 
 
 coat. 
 
 Xara. (Assists him). 
 
 Let me bind this cord around thy waist. See they 
 are coming. [Exit. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Now I must move mj'-self . Here comes Ludro. 
 
 Enter Ludro and company. 
 
 Ludro. 
 Thou art a pilg. tn, judging by thy garb, who has 
 been to the hermit's cave. Dost know the way ? 
 
SCENE vr.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 55 
 
 I am, and have been to the cave, and now would 
 get me home again. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Wilt thou lead the way for us ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I will lead thyself first, my master, and thou canst 
 lead thy company afterwards. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Remain my friends ; I will return anon. 
 
 Exit following Sebastian. 
 
 Re-enter Sebastian. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Your master told me to lead one Sancho, and four 
 of your company. 
 
 Sancho. 
 Come with me, four of you. 
 
 [Exeunt, following Sebastian. 
 
 Re-enter ^EBA8TiAJn, 
 
I 
 
 56 
 
 p7'ince Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 [▲OT II. 
 
 Now my good friends, follow me, and draw your 
 beads and pray. 
 
 (He leads them out.) 
 
 Re-enter Matteo, Inez, and Xara. 
 
 Matteo. 
 Bravely done, Sebastian ! Bravely done ! 
 
 Re-enter Sebastian and 'servants, guarding Ludro, 
 and his company, who are hound. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 (Removing his cowl and dress slowly) 
 
 And so good fellows, your pilgrimage is over. See 
 you this company, Lady Inez ? They come in armour, 
 to slay thee and all of us. I'll hang them in an oak, 
 and they will make fine acorns for the crows. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 We brought our weapons to defend ourselves from 
 thieves, such as thyself, and De Castro. But ye shall 
 pay for this. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Strip them, and take their armour, and their wea- 
 pons. Come hither Xai^A j help me to unbuckle this 
 
HCENE VI. J 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 67 
 
 good Abbot. Dost expect to go to heaven, Ludro, 
 with a dagger by thy side and thy harness on thy 
 back? (Draws out ths dagger.) Where got'st thou my 
 dagger, rascal ? Thou art a mighty warrior, when a 
 woman strips thee. 
 
 Matteo. 
 Seest thou this parchment, Ludro ? (Shows it.) 
 
 LUDKO. 
 
 What ! The will ! How earnest thou by that ? 
 Twas stolen, none knows how. Thou'lt dearly pay 
 for this. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Never again shalt thou lay hands on it. 'Tis but 
 thy forgery, and I have proof of it. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Seest thou this dagger, Ludro ? (Holds it up.) 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Am I thus bound, to bear each villain's gibe ! 
 Sancho, mark every thing thou seest here 
 And bear the impress on thy memoiy. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Knowest thou this pursft, Ludro ? (Showait.) 
 
I ■ k 
 
 h m 
 ! i I 
 
 58 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 [act II 
 
 The will, the dagger, and the gold ! What means 
 This witchery ! Villains unloose my arms ! 
 Will no one cut these bonds ? (Struggles.) 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Bear thy bonds like a Christian. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 And who art thou ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I am a rogue, a jester, and a fool. 
 Art thou not doubly fooled, and by a fool, 
 Thou and thy friends ? I knew of thine intent, 
 And told my master ; for two friends told it me. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Thy friends ! 'Tis false I say, in everything. 
 Tell us their names ? Oh no, thou canst not. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Mine ears were my two friends. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Yes, but who told thine ears this prate ? 
 
 i 
 
SCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 59 
 
 A worthy gentleman, whose name is Ludro ! 
 
 Go, forge another parchment at thine ease ; 
 
 Make Sancho swear thy proof, and steal our lands. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 An there be any law in Portugal, 
 
 Thou'lt need it all to keep thy neck secured. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Look to thine own ! Alonzo, tie these rascals i a 
 string. Put Ludro first ; he is the prince of rascals. 
 See ye belabour them hotly, on their road. Spare 
 them not on my account. 
 
 Alonzo. 
 My lord Sebastian, give me thy staff. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Aye, take it {gives it) ; now send them on their 
 way with your merry staves. Spare not this Abbot. 
 Go at them rascals ! Hie them on their road. 
 
 (Matteo's men heat them off the stage, all 
 kicking and shouting. Sebastian shouts 
 after them.) 
 
 Spare them not for me. Lord, how they run ! I 
 will follow and see the sport. [Exit. 
 
 I- 
 
 \ 
 
60 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act n. 
 
 El 1 'li 
 
 ''ii I 
 
 ii , I 
 
 I \ 
 
 Inez. 
 
 They came to take our lives, and thou hast sent 
 them back, a laughing-stock for all Castile. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Now they are gone, we must seek another refuge. 
 
 But dost remember, Inez, that to-morrow is thy 
 
 wedding day. Then thy husband can look better to 
 
 thee. We must be secret, till he proclaims thee 
 
 openly. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Can a maid forget her marriage day, Matteo ? 
 
 Xaea. 
 
 My lord, will they not return to murder us ? 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 No fear of that, Xara. Dost thou too remember 
 
 to-morrow ? 
 
 Xaea. 
 
 It is my lady's wedding day, to-morrow. 
 And I shall bid good by to care and sorrow. 
 
 (Curtain falls.) 
 End of Act S^ .ond. 
 
SCENE I.] 
 
 Pri/nxie Pedro. 
 
 61 
 
 ACT THIRD. 
 
 Scene I.— PALACE OF ALFONSO. 
 
 An Ante-chamber, Pechico standing and meditat- 
 ing. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 I am contemned by this Castilian maid. 
 She is an outcast !— I,— a nobleman. 
 She holds no lands, nor anything on earth, 
 And yet she doth despise me in her soul. 
 
 Unter Ludro, unobserved by him. 
 
 Would that I knew her favoured lover's name, 
 I'd find a mode to make the fellow rue.— ' ^ 
 There is the Lady Pauline from Oporto, 
 
 I know she will not frown upon my suit. 
 
 Who is this fellow Inez favours thus ? 
 
 LuDRo (advancing). 
 
 Bewar-, my Lord Pechico.— Have a care 
 Thy rival doth not overmaster thee. 
 
 L 
 
ill!. 
 
 62 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pechico. 
 
 [act in. 
 
 What ! Ludro here ! — I did not see thee enter. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 It matters not. I warn thee to beware ! 
 
 Pechico. 
 Nay, tell his name. I warrant my discretion. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Beware, my lord ! nor let thy choler burn, 
 Until thou scorch thyself. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Am I crazed ? Tell me this fellow's name. 
 
 1:1 • ' 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 The " fellow " is thy Prince — Prince Pedro, sir. 
 Did not I warn thee to be circumspect ? 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 It cannot be ! The Prince is, certes, mad ! 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Nay, not so mad as thou art.- 
 
SCENE I.] 
 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pechico. 
 
 63 
 
 If thou dost tell me truth, I am undone. 
 But if our noble Prince espouse the dame, 
 
 'Twill be small loss to me. 
 
 But to be spurned, doth let an adder loose, 
 That stings the marrow of my inmost mind. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Now thou dost speak as doth become a man 
 For wantonness she doth prefer the Prince ; 
 So take such satisfaction as thou canst. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 I bear a feeling I can ne'er express. 
 I hate her now, because I loved her once. 
 I would not injure her for all I own, 
 Yet, I could torture her till horror starts ! 
 T hate, I love, and I despise her more. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Pechico, thou art jealous in thine heart. 
 Is there a demon ever sprung from hell,- 
 That is more potent than deep jealousy ' 
 
 Wouldst thou but see that demon of thy mind 
 
 Standing before thee, as a spectre grim. 
 
 His face is pale, save when a hectic fire 
 
 Burns in his eye, or flushes on his cheek ; 
 
 His lips are thin and parched — his breath is hot— 
 
04 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 He moves with slouching pace — his bosom heaves 
 And toils with agony, with rage, with love — 
 In fear's black caldron, smoking with despair ! 
 Then, mark ! within, the fiery serpent hisses. 
 And with the flame that rises from its eyes, 
 Keeps that black caldron boiling ever more. 
 Then see, Pechico, how his body shakes ! 
 How the legs tremble ' On his visage hangs 
 A ghastly grin, as if flung there by chance. 
 He clutches in his grasp a broken blade. 
 
 And, craven in his heart, dares not to strike. 
 
 Pechico, what think' st thou of this foul thing. 
 Thou dost embrace, as thy dear, bosom friend ? 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Thy words seem strange to me, and meaningless. 
 Has she not spumed me from her, as beneath 
 Her dignity ; and she is penniless ! 
 
 LuDRO {Aside). 
 
 I have him, and I'll humour his revenge,, 
 And turn his malice to mine own account. 
 
 (Aloud.) 
 
 And now, my lord, wilt thou my counsel 
 
 take? 
 Yet, I beseech, think not I would intrude. 
 
II. 
 
 SCENE I.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pechico. 
 
 65 
 
 My worthy friend, how wouldst thou act i' the 
 matter ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Then listen. Be a man — act as a man, 
 And cast aside this drivellinp: nothingness. 
 Become a man, and vengean^ seek with this- 
 
 (Holdfi Old his dagger,) 
 Pechico. 
 Give me thine hand. Wilt thou assist me ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Freely ! But be not rash ! Content thyself 
 Till we do form sure plans to act upon. 
 
 • (They shake hands.) 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Thou makest my heart to steel itself once more. 
 I promise thee, my friend, that we shall act 
 In the best accord. I'll meet thee presently. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 He gives himself to be mine instrument ; 
 And I shall use the fool as pleasures me. 
 
 [Exit 
 
m 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 One word had filled his heart with tenderest love, 
 And but a word — 'twas filled with keenest hate. 
 Such is mankind upon the face of earth — 
 They are the fools, of fools, who deeper think. [Exit 
 
 Scene IL— A BANQUET SPREAD IN THE 
 
 FOREST. 
 
 Inez, Isabella, Pedro, and Rudolpho seated, Kara 
 and attendants in waiting. 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 A week has gone, my Prince, since thou wast wed. 
 The circumstance of nations and the state. 
 Demand our presence at thy father's court. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 My lords, I do agree. What says my Princess ? 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Most surely would I press that thou remain'st. 
 But it were wrong. So go, my gracious lord. 
 When next we meet we'll be the happier. 
 
 ; ! ; 
 
ROENE II.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 67 
 
 'Tis well, my Princess, and I am content. 
 But thou must leave this cave and wilderness, 
 And have a kindlier home to dwell within. 
 Matteo, thou dost know my castle, girt 
 With orange groves, upon the Tagus' banks ; 
 Conduct her safely to Mohilla's towers. 
 With her attendants, and I'll give to thee 
 That castle, with its lands to be thine own. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 My daughter, go with her, she is thy Queen, 
 And future Queen of. sunny Portugal. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I'll strive to make her happy, sir, until 
 More joyous hours shall lead us to the court. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I love thee, Inez, and have told thee all ; 
 Be not cast down, although an adverse wind 
 Blow bitterly upon our present lot. 
 Remember, when the storm is past away, 
 The sun will shine more brightly. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 When doth it please the Prince that we depart ? 
 
08 
 
 Primce Pedro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 [\cr in. 
 
 When thou art ready, thou canst marshal us. 
 And I procured a high command for thee, 
 Brother Matteo, from the King of Spain. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Thanks, gracious Prince ; and if it be my lot 
 To fall in battle 'gainst the heathen Moors, 
 I'll be content that Inez has a home. 
 To-morrow I shall lead my sister hence. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Matteo forces me to act at once. 
 Commend me to such honest, active men ! 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 When a man acts, his actions prove the man. 
 
 Enter Sebastian, in haste. 
 
 Well, Sebastian, vrhat's thy errand ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 A horseman on the way, pricks at full speed, and 
 I have run to tell it. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 I will meet him. Matteo, keep a guard. [Exit 
 
 !' il 
 
SCENE n.] Prince Pedro. dd 
 
 Inez (aside to laahelfa.) 
 
 I see him, and he is mine enemy. 
 
 Keep still, and I will tell thee presently. 
 
 Isabella (aside.) 
 
 Thine enemy ! And who can be so base ? 
 
 Re-enter Rudolpho tinth a parchment, 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Pechico comes, good Prince, with thy recall. ^ 
 
 Pedko. 
 
 Pechico comes ! He left our embassy. 
 And now comes pricking back, with my recall. 
 Matteo, keep a guard, and keep thy word ; 
 I'll hence and meet Pechico. 
 
 [JExeunt omnes. 
 
70 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 
 [act in. 
 
 Hi . 
 
 Scene III.— HALL OF STATE IN THE 
 
 PALACE. 
 
 Flourish of trumpets. Enter King and Queen, 
 SuAREZ. Lorde-in-Waiting, guards, <fcc. They 
 take their places. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Have we no mention from Navarre ? 
 
 SUAREZ. 
 
 Urgent, your Grace. The Princess will attend 
 Such time as thou mayest choose, for her espousal. 
 
 Queen. 
 My liege, I hear Prince Pedro will not wed. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Oh, very likely, madam, boys will talk. 
 We'll find due means to deal with him. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 If he do lay his mind upon a scheme, 
 I'd lay my life he will perform it. 
 
 I iS 
 
HCBNE HI.] Prince Pedro. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Oh, very likely, madam ; {aside) so wilt thou. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 But if the Prince refuse the Piincess's hand, 
 Are we, my liege, to suffer contumely ? 
 Are all in Portugal, and in Navarre 
 To be affronted by his boyish whim ? 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 We're not prepared to argue such a point. 
 Time will do more than talk ! >- 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Doubtless it may with some. Were I a king 
 I'd make my children do as I command. 
 
 Alfonso. . .^^ - " 
 Oh, very likely, madam. {Aside) I know that. 
 
 ' Queen. ^ 
 
 I'd act decidedly, nor brook delay. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Oh, very likely, madam. Now, my lord, 
 What further business ? 
 
 71 
 
72 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 SUAREZ. 
 
 [act hi. 
 
 The Abbot of Cintra hath a cause, your grace. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Let him appear. 
 
 Unter Ludro, saluting. 
 
 Now, my Lord Abbot, let us hear thy suit. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 My liege, force thou Prince Pedro to espouse 
 This royal Princess, of a noble race. 
 And put thyself, a young man, in his place. 
 Would sense not tell thee, to accept her hand. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Oh, very likely, madam. Where's thy proof 
 That the Prince will not wed ? 
 But in the meantime, let us hear the suit 
 Of my Lord Abbot. Speak on, my lord. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 My liege, I lay complaint 'gainst Count De Castro. 
 
 His uncle died, leaving his whole estate 
 
 As an inheritance unto mine abbey. 
 
 This Count De Castro said the will was forged, 
 
 And tried the matter in a court of law. 
 
HCENB III.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 73 
 
 Justice wa^ ours-of course we gained the 8uit. 
 My Lord De Castro then secured the will, 
 And with it, stole a thousand marks in go'ld. 
 1 ask that justice may be done to me ! 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Thou speakest of De Castro. What of his sister ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 She helped i' the theft, and by report 'tis said, 
 Hath got the Prince securely in her toils, 
 As his paramour. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 The Prince I-Prince Pedro-and his paramour ' 
 A robber's sister.—No ! it must be false. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Thou joinest these two Castros with our Prince 
 Be circumspect ! What proof hast thou of this ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 I am particular my liege. I said 
 That such report floats on the air. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Report ! report ! There's nothing in report ! 
 
 In every action it requireth proof. 
 
 F 
 
74 
 
 r:i 
 
 Prince Pvdro. 
 Queen. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 11' 
 
 am 
 
 If this monk come to lie, we'll have him hanged. 
 If proof be shown for everything we do, 
 'Tis very little kings would ever do. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Oh very like!}' , madam. Do thy will. 
 
 Go, get this Abbot hanged, then look for the proof. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 {Looking defiantly.) 
 
 I come not here to bandy words my liege. 
 The Prince is for the moment led astray. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Oh very likely, madam, Where's thy proof ? 
 
 {Noise without.) 
 
 Go, see who waits without. 
 
 [Exit attendant. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Your Grace doth know he is a wayward boy. 
 
 To have a robber's sister for such use. 
 
 Doth bring disgrace upon our royal house ; 
 
 And it will make Navarre, and Spain, and France, 
 
 -O. 
 
SCENE III.] 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 
 75 
 
 Raise up their fingers, as they point in scorn. 
 How canst thou bear to hear such vile report ? 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 rve heard much in my time, and hearing I 
 Have learnt due caution in these state affairs 
 It were unkingly to be much enraged. 
 
 [Re-enter Attendant. 
 Attendant. 
 My Lord Pechico waits without, my liege. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Pechico ! Usher him at once. 
 
 Enter Pechico, saluting. 
 My lord, what of the embassy, and of the Prince ? 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 The Prince and embassy are now arrived 
 There is a rumor, and it seemeth true 
 That the Prince hath espoused a lady, come 
 ut noble blood, a Countess of Castile. 
 
 Queen. 
 i^spoused, my lord Pechico !— Tell it not ! 
 
76 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act 111, 
 
 "I |i: 
 
 Has the Prince sunk himself beneath his house ? 
 Oh no, it cannot be ! It cannot be ! 
 
 {Wrings her hands.) 
 
 I ' I 
 
 •i 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 May it please your Grace, the story is not new. 
 My lord Pechico would have married her, 
 But he revolted at the very thought. 
 And now my liege, it is a certain fact, 
 That all believe the Prince is surely wed. 
 I do believe, on my honour, madam. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Is it not something most unnatural. 
 To see a prince, in such a woman's grasp. 
 But if 'tis so, and heaven forbid it be, 
 I'll use all means presented to my hands. 
 To rid the earth of such a villain stain. • 
 My lord Pechico wilt thou come anon, 
 And bring this noble Abbot with thee too ? 
 Your Grace, I leave your presence. 
 
 [Exit Queen and her attendants. 
 
 SUAREZ 
 
 My liege, what more dost thou con.Jnand ? 
 
aOBNE III. 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 77 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 We hold to-morrow's court, and then shall tell. 
 Now we will hence. 
 
 {Flourish of trumpets.) 
 
 [Exeunt omnes. 
 
 Re-enter Ludro and Pechico. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 We are alone. Pechico have a care, 
 
 Nor mar our vengeance for thy silly love. 
 
 Thou shouldst have told the Queen an hundred lies, 
 
 And raised her passion till it boiled again. 
 
 Think what thou art, and pledge thee to revenge ! 
 
 Art, thou a noble, who hath honour left ? 
 
 Art thou a lover, who hath feelings dear ? 
 Art thou a fool, to cringe to contumely ? 
 
 Art thou a man ? then bear not such affront. 
 
 I swear to thee, to keep my vengeance hot ; 
 To spare not from remorse, nor quit my scent, 
 Till I do^ follow to the bounds of earth, and slay 
 them. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 T swear to be with thee ! Art thou content ? 
 
 Ludro. 
 I am content ; we both are well agreed. 
 Courage Pechico, prove thyself a man ! 
 
 \Exeunt on dijfferent sides of the stage. 
 
I'? 
 
 78 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 i 
 
 . i 
 
 Your Grace, 
 
 1 :.,, 
 
 Cintra t 
 
 i '■'"' 
 
 
 i 
 
 Adniifc them, 
 
 I I 
 
 1 
 
 :; 
 J 
 
 
 Scene IV.— A ROOM IN THE PALACE. 
 
 Queen {alone). 
 
 Queen. 
 
 And who is he, to whom I dai ; confide 
 
 The sorrow, that now clings aroimd our throne ? 
 
 I will not trust Pechico, nor this abbot ; 
 
 It seems there is a mist before mine eyes. 
 
 So that I nothing see nor understand ; 
 
 And my poor soul seems hovering o'er the brink 
 
 Of some deep precipice, around whose base 
 
 A dismal torrent roars in agony. 
 
 Oh, Pedro ! am T tortured thus for thee ? 
 
 Am I, the Queen of haughty Portugal, 
 
 To be debased, because thou art debased ? 
 
 I yet shall see thee with a royal bride, . 
 
 Rising untrammelled in thy dignity. — 
 
 A robber's sister mates not with a Prince !■, 
 
 \Enter a lady in luaiting. 
 Lady. 
 Your Grace, My Lord Pechico and the Abbot of 
 
 Queen. 
 
 [Exit lady, 
 
of 
 
 SCENE IV.] Prince Pedro. 
 
 Enter Pechico and Ludro (saluting). 
 
 I pray you, gentlemen, how shall we act 
 In the matter of the Prince ? 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 My gracious Queen, the Lady Inez comes, 
 An offset from Braganza's royal house. 
 Have her secured, and send her to a nunnery ; 
 As to her brother, hang him if thou wilt. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 And wilt thou undertake to kill him? 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Aye, with a will, most certainly, your Grace. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 What doth our friend advise ? 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 (Unsheathes his dagger). 
 
 This speaketh not, nor doth it babble aught, 
 And I advise this silent comforter. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 I do accept thy silent comforter. 
 
 Yet, we require an honest trusty hand. 
 
 79 
 
80 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 
 [act III. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 I will go and take Sancho for mine helper. 
 
 Pechico. 
 I am with thee, pri take Lorenzo to strike. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Then gc , and do the deed, sheathing each dagger 
 In its bloody sheath ! 
 
 LUDRO, 
 
 Then let us leave the palace ere the dawn, 
 
 And blind all eyes as to our venture; 
 
 We know well where they are. And now, your 
 
 Grace, 
 Let us all pledge to privacy. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 'Tis just. — I take it, that we pledge ourselves. 
 It is enough ; depart and spare her not. — 
 Wipe out this stain — washing it with her blood ! 
 Then shall Prince Pedro know his mother's will 
 Is to be reckoned on, before he acts. 
 
 {Curtain falls.) 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 81 
 
 Scene V.— THE FOREST. 
 
 Marco, Rodrigo, and Alonzo. 
 Alonzo. 
 
 Dost know, Rodrigo, when we must follow our 
 master ? 
 
 Rodrigo. 
 
 He said he would return to-morrow and tell us. 
 
 ^ Enter Sebastian in haste. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Yonder comes a cavalcade of four knights Do 
 ye know them ? {They all look) 
 
 Marco 
 
 I do. I know Pechico and Ludro too. These 
 fellows come for no good. See, they dismount and 
 tie their horses ; and now they come with murder 
 in their shadows, stalking silently. Go thou, Sebas- 
 tian, and look to them, and mind thyself ; and we 
 will into the forest, and when they see us not, will 
 steal their horses. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 I must disguise mysel^ . and besmear my features . 
 
82 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 I will be circumspect, and lie most hugely. I must 
 get old hosen and a ragged coat over my garments, 
 and be an ancient be«:irarman. [Exeunt, 
 
 "OO" 
 
 Enter Ludro, Pechico, Sancho, Lorenzo. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Methinks we're nio-h the cave. Now for these 
 
 Castros. 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 
 It seemeth strange, my lord, no one is around. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Come, let us careful on. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 Re-enter Sebastian with a staff, as a beggar. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I see them coming back. Now for my wit in 
 lying hugely. I will be very deaf, very old, and lie 
 like the devil. (Sits behind.) 
 
 Enter Lorenzo, Ludro, Sancho, and Pechico. 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 
 I cannot hu-i this cave. See, yonder is an old 
 beggar. Com'3 hither, fellow ! He's very deaf. 
 

 old 
 
 8CENE v.] Prince Pedro. 83 
 
 Sebastian (Limps fortvard). 
 
 I am a poor old man, an hundred years of age ; 
 very old, very old ! 
 
 LUDRO. • 
 
 Here is an alms for thee, good father. (Gives it.) 
 Dost know the hermit's cave ? Wilt lead us to it ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I do assuredly ; I was born here, but it is too far 
 for my old bones. Seest thou that rock on yonder 
 hill ? The cave is there. Ye can go without a poor 
 old man an hundred years of age. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Art sure the cave is there ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 It is, master ; and thou wilffind a lady in it with 
 her maid, and they gave me some meat and wine, 
 and I came away. A poor old man, an hundred 
 years of age. — 
 
 Pechico. 
 Now our sky looks bright, let us improve the time. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Inez once dead, my game is nearly played, 
 
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84 
 
 Privx^e Pedro. 
 
 [act ill. 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 
 Matteo dead I win, and get my gold. My lord, 
 you promised me a thousand marks. 
 
 Sebastian {in terror, shouts). 
 
 Good master, I have no gold, I swear ! A thou- 
 sand marks from a poor old man, good lord, a hun- 
 dred years of age ! O lord, a thousand marks ! 
 
 Pechico (shouts in his ear). 
 
 Thou mistakest, friend. Take this alms. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 May all the saints bless thee for a poor old man, 
 an hundred years of age. May you all be hap — 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Cease, babbling fool ! There's not a moment to 
 be lost. Come, follow me. [Exeunt. 
 
 (Sebastian looks after th£,m.) 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 A poor old feeble man an hundred years of age ; 
 a very poor old man an hundred years of age ! — Aye, 
 these cut-throats are gone, and I must go too, or they 
 will cut mine likewise. Bravo ! {he dances lively). 
 Bravo!! Bravo!!! Now the devil take them. I 
 
SCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 86 
 
 will leave them my Htaff* ( plantn it in the ground), 
 and my hosen and my coat (hangs tJtem on the staff-), 
 and now my hat to keep thee from the sun {hangs 
 it on). Ye would be cut throats of a noble lady; if 
 ye find her not ye will kill this my shadow, and cut 
 its throat. Oh, poor old man, an hundred years of 
 age ! Adieu, my lords and gentlemen, adieu ! 
 
 {Dances off tJie stage) 
 
 Scene VI.—HALL OF AUDIENCE IN THE 
 
 PALACE. 
 
 King and Queen sitting in State, Suarez, Rudol- 
 PHO, Pedro, Raymond, Nobles in luaiting, 
 OvAJords, and Attendants. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 My liege, the King of Spain returns thy greeting, 
 
 And asked some forces and a subsidy ; 
 
 He pledged to send ten thousand men-at-arms, 
 
 In case the Moor should enter Portugal. 
 
 We promised in return a thousand men, 
 
 Likewise five thousand marks in gold. 
 
iwr 
 
 ■ai 
 
 86 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Alfonso. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 i:| 
 
 •I 
 
 It is not much, a thousand men, e'en less ; 
 Then have this treaty duly drawn, my lord, 
 And we shall sign it. What business next ? 
 
 Queen 
 
 An embassy comes hither from Navarre, 
 
 Fraught with much import. 
 
 « 
 
 SUAREZ. 
 
 Your Grace, this embassy concerns the Prince 
 And his espousal. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Your Grace, the Prince is here, — we all are here. 
 Two kingdoms seek the union. Let him know 
 That 'tis thy royal will he be betrothed. 
 Nay, question not ; have this betrothal made 
 Secure and binding. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Thou art in haste, madam. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 May I not speak i' the matter ? Am I not of age ? 
 Do I not know mine own affairs ? 
 
 RuDOLPHO (aside to Pedro). 
 
80KNR VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 wt 
 
 age 
 
 Bridle thy tongue, say not another word, 
 And she will overshoot her mark, and break 
 Her bowstring. • , 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Thou shouldst have age enough upon thy back. 
 To choose thy company, not mate a wench, 
 The sister of a robber and a thief. 
 
 Pedro. 
 Speak on, sweet mother. Hast thou more to say ? 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Yea, I have much. Accept the Princess's hand, 
 And every sword in Portugal, each lance 
 In bold Navarre, shall follow at thy back. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 May it please your Grace, doth the Queen rule this 
 
 realm ? * 
 
 Is she to scoff at me without a cause ? 
 
 RuDOLPHO {aside to Pedro.) 
 
 Bridle thy choler. Prick not thine own flesh ; 
 But let her talk, and flounder in the mud 
 Of her own argument, until she choke ! 
 
 Queen. 
 
 I do abhor to hear unseemly news, 
 Of thy dishonor, and our own disgrace. 
 
88 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 i'i 
 
 ii 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I'm not dishonored, nor art thou disgraced. 
 What lying knave has told thee such a tale ? 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Two worthy noblemen, of high degree. 
 
 Couldst thou acknowledge her to be thy Queen ? 
 
 My Lord Rudolpho, what think'st thou of this ? 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 I think, your Grace ? Thinking ne'er bothers me. 
 But this I know, that when our noble Prince 
 Asked the King of Spain, to grant the high command 
 Against the Moors, unto the Count De Castro, 
 Your royal friend rejoiced to give it him. 
 One scarce can call a noble Countess, " wench," 
 Sprung from Biaganza's race^ with royal blood. 
 
 Raymond. 
 
 Your Grace, when I received this embassy, 
 My King gave orders I should not delay, 
 But get most certain answer to this matter. 
 Our Princess is of most commanding presence, 
 Of beauty rare, and queenly dignity. 
 I fain would take a cordial answer back. 
 
 Pedro. 
 Your Grace, before this matter doth proceed, 
 
HCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 m 
 
 I ask who told thee of my strange disgrace ? 
 Because 'tis false in all things ! 
 
 Queen. 
 
 My Lord Pechico and the Abbot of Cintra, 
 Did both declare it. All men know of it. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 These enemies of mine, and of the Count, 
 
 Have told the truth, with her visage strangely 
 
 marked. 
 But I will even all my wit to theirs. 
 
 Raymond. 
 
 What says the Prince unto mine embassy ? 
 
 Queen. 
 It matters not. It is our sure command. 
 
 Raymond. 
 
 Then it beseemeth, that Prince Pedro sign 
 The proper instrument on his own behalf, 
 And I shall sign it for the Princess. 
 Here are the proper writings duly drawn. 
 
 (Produces them.) 
 
 Queen. 
 Now my son, sign thy name. ;; 
 
90 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 [act III. 
 
 Count EAymond thou hadst better keep thy scroll. 
 'Tis folly absolute, to ask of me ! 
 I will not sign my name. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 What say est thou ? Not sign ! ! 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I'll wed no piincess, and will sign no bonds. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 (Starts up) Thou wilt not sign thy marriage deed, 
 
 nor yet 
 Wilt thou act as a prince. Beshrew me; but 
 'Twere better I should see thee cold and dead, 
 Rather than see thee now, before mine eyes, 
 Casting dishonour on our royal name. 
 And making us the laughing-stock of all. 
 
 Raymond. 
 
 Prince Pedro, 'tis not meet I ask a boon, 
 Granted unto Navarre. 
 Think thou of it, before the deed is signed, 
 And I will wait till it may pleasure thee. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Yes, I shall wait till it doth pleasure me. 
 
HCINE VI.] 
 
 Pri/iice Pedro. 
 
 \)\ 
 
 1 tell thi't' plainly I w ill never wed. — 
 Will never sign such claim upon myself. — 
 Will never call the Princess of Navarre, 
 My Queen. This is what I declare to thee ! 
 Ye all do hear my answer. Fare ye well. 
 
 \^Exit defiantly. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 My Lords Raymond and Rudolpho, follow him, 
 And bring him back. The Prince seems mad ! 
 
 [Exeunt Raymond and Modolpho. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Now by the honour of my royal name, 
 I will not brook defiance from my son. 
 Had ever Queen such galling vile affront 
 Cast in her face, before a noble court ! 
 Nay, though he die beneath mine enmity, 
 I'll force him yet, humbly upon his knee, 
 To ask my pardon, and to wed the Princess. 
 
 Re-enter Raymond and Rudolpho. • 
 
 My Lords, what of the Prince ? 
 
 . *YMOND. 
 
 He is the wildest youth I ever saw ! ' 
 
 As I, and Lord Rudolpho came, your Grace, * 
 
02 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act in. 
 
 t '■ 
 
 • ■" I 
 
 II 'i 
 
 He drew his weapon, }>idding uh to stand, 
 Because we asked him to forego his rage ; 
 For, 'twas the King's command that he return. 
 
 Queen. 
 Rudolpho, didst thou try him ? 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 I did your Grace, and did entreat him sore, 
 
 But he did gibe at me — called me a fool, 
 
 And said thou wert a devil in a way ! 
 
 And then he swore, and much abused the King ; 
 
 Called him a dotard, and your Grace's fool ; 
 
 Said, he was only fit to groom an ass, 
 
 Then ride upon his back, to feed the bears, — 
 
 And other language horrid to repeat ! 
 
 He is distraught your Grace, completely so. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 We will retire to reason with the Prince. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 What ! Reason with a madman and a fool ? 
 But I will strike a blow when he thinks not, 
 And rid myself, and all mankind of her. 
 He doth affront us in the open court. 
 And all Navarre, and sunny Portugal ! 
 My royal spouse, what shall we do with him ? 
 
SCENE Vll.J 
 
 PH7ice Pedro.. 
 Alfonso. 
 
 93 
 
 Nothing to-night, your Grace, nothing to-night. 
 Leave it until the morrow. (Rises.) 
 
 (Flourish of trumpets— curtain falls.) 
 
 Scene VIL— A CHAMBER IN MOHILLA. 
 
 Inez, Isabella, and Pedro, seated, Xara m 
 
 attendance. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Hast thou never seen the Queen, Inez ? 
 
 Never in my life. 
 
 Inez. . 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Hast thou a mirror ? Look therein and see the 
 future Queen of Portugal. I have affronted all 
 Navarre, for thee. My darling, I do love thee more 
 and more. And when thy reason doth so rule thy 
 mind, it makes thyself my heaven of living love. 
 
 1 (Kisses fier.) 
 
04 
 
 Prmce Pedro. 
 Inez. 
 
 [act 111. 
 
 If thou art happy I am content, my huslmnd, and 
 I can trust thine honour. 
 
 RuDOLPHO fwithoyt, shouts). 
 
 The Prince, the Pi ce ? where are the Lady Inez 
 and the Prince ? 
 
 {Enters in haste.) 
 
 Thank heaven I am in time. Now hasten hence 
 and save your lives. The Queen approaches to kill 
 you all and burn the castle. She hath an hundred 
 cut- throats. On my estate near Goimbra seek a 
 home. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Come Xara, help the Lady Isabella; we have no 
 time to wonder and to weep, and when a league is 
 'twixt us and Mohilla, we can stop to think. 
 
 Xara. 
 
 ( Unslieatlies her dagger.) I have a friend I carry in 
 my belt, hidden away, and see it. 
 
 {Holds it up.) 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Come Isabella, and bring Xara forth ; I'll take the 
 Princess and the Prince with me. 
 
 [Exit, all following. 
 
m 
 
 the 
 
 sciNK VII.] Prince Pedro. 91 
 
 Enter Sebastian (noise outside). 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I see Ludro, Pechico, the Queen, and Sancho. 
 
 The Queen is one she-cut-throat with a mask. 
 
 This grand apartment is too hot for me, — 
 
 For fire, and swords, and fiends, are coming in ; 
 
 Black human owls, blacker than any devils ! 
 
 When they come in, the place must smack of hell j 
 
 [Exit 
 
 Enter the Queen, Lorenzo, Sancho, Ludro, 
 Pechico, and soldAers. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 They have escaped ! How comes it ! Lorenzo, 
 search the Castle round. Have every corner seen, 
 and find their hiding place. 
 I will not brook such mockery for an hour. 
 She can't escape me, for I'll follow her 
 Till I behold her corpse, e'en at the mouth of hell. • 
 
 [Exeunt all hut Ludro arid ike Queen. 
 
 I feel demeaned because I found her not. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 If I be bold, the fault was with your Grace 
 In coming here in such a violent mood. — 
 Nothing can come of it, save disappointment. 
 
9G 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act hi. 
 
 Queen. 
 Then give thy best advice, my lord. 
 
 LUDKO. 
 
 Then let not passionate action be thy guide. 
 Let none into thy secrets save thyself. 
 Weave gentle threads around them for a time, 
 But keep thy vengeance hot within thy soul ; 
 And when they deem their secret place unknown, 
 Steal on them suddenly, with dagger hid, — 
 And sheathe it in the centre of her heart. 
 To do this, taketh time, and earnest thought. 
 
 {Noise ivithont.) 
 
 {A voice.) Bring him this way, this way. 
 
 Enter Sebastian hound and very lame, behveen two 
 soldiers, Pbchico, Lorenzo, Sancho, «fec. 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 We searched most faithfully on every hand, your 
 Grace, and found only this fellow. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 And who art thou ? 
 
 Sebastian {Aside.). 
 Now I must lie hugely and act the fool or be lianged. 
 
SCENE v,i.] Priiice Pedro. 97 
 
 MW.) I was following the others, mistress, for 
 hey told me the King would cut my throat, because 
 J^ady Inez married Prince Pedro. 
 
 Queen. 
 Whither are they gone— tell quickly. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 To Granada, to become Moors. 
 
 Queen. 
 To Granada ? What, the Prince ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Yea, to Granada, to become Moors. 
 
 Queen. 
 When went they ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Yesterday at noon. They told me to keep the 
 castle, but when I saw these men, I hid away. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 To Granada, saidst thou ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Aye, to Granada. Art thou deaf ? To Granada 
 to become Moors. Xara is a Moor. 
 
 
98 
 
 m 
 
 fi! 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Peciiico. 
 
 [act in. 
 
 Dost speak truth, fellow ? Art not thou one Sebas- 
 tian, and how comes thy lameness 1 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Dost know Sebastian ? He is gone with Xara to 
 become a Moor. A very merry fellow, full of lies, 
 and gibes. Dost know Sebastian ? He is my 
 brother. I want mine arms unbound. But I like 
 not the Moors, they lie so. 
 
 Queen (aside). 
 
 He seems not very wise (Aloud). I will let thee 
 go, but when will the Prince return ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I will tell thee, good woman. I heard him swear 
 by Saint Marco, and Saint Louis, and Saint Peter, 
 he would return in a year and a day, and slay one 
 Ludro. Belike I will tell Ludro, an I meet him. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 What else ? Here is a mark for thee, good fellow. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Unbind his arms. Here is another mark. Now 
 tell me thy name. (They unbind him.) 
 
 m \ 
 
SCENE VII.] 
 
 one 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Sebastian. 
 
 99 
 
 My brother is a fool, but I am not. So Pedro calls 
 me, Wisdom, Wisdom. I have no other name. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Poor wretch ! My lords let us away to take an- 
 other time. I yet will find her out. 
 
 [Exeunt leaving Sebastian. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I've lied most hugely ! I gained two pieces in 
 gold, fine profit for my lies. I w ill be far away ere 
 daylight. Lies pay well, when the devil is pay- 
 master. They are gone, and I shall go anon. An a 
 fellow lie to cheat Ludro and the Qucen, as I have, 
 he must have wit enough to cheat the devil, and J 
 have cheated these devils, who are worse than 
 devils, who are worse than Beelzebub. — Sebastian, I 
 am proud of thee, my son. Thou hast lied mon- 
 strous. [Exit, shouting hravo ! hravo ! bravo ! and 
 clinking the gold in his hand. 
 
m 
 
 lOO 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 1 ^i ■ 
 
 'I\ 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 I '^^^1 
 
 ■li 
 
 I ' 
 
 
 HI 
 
 1 ! 
 
 
 I 
 
 : t 
 : 1 1 
 
 ; 1 ' 
 
 I . 
 
 ' i 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 (A period of nine years is supposcdto have intervened 
 
 since last Act.) 
 
 Scene I.— AUDIENCE CHAMBER IN THE 
 
 PALACE. 
 
 The King seated. Rudolpho and attendants 
 
 standing. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Didst hear, my Lord Rudolpho, of the Queen ? 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 I did not hear, your Grace. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Thou knowest of Prince Pedro's gentle wife ; 
 He doth not bring her to our presence here, 
 Yet doth acknowledge her. The Queen, one day, 
 Asked me to give an order for her death. 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 Hei- death, my liege 
 
«CENE I.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 101 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Aye, for her murder, for it was the same. 
 Poor Inez, doubtless, truly loves the Prince, 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 T am amazed, my liege ! How didst thou act ? 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Oh, we had learnt the art of being deaf, 
 
 Which to a king, is matter of great moment. 
 
 When her Grace asks unreasonable things, 
 
 I will turn deaf, ask what 'tis of the clock, 
 
 Or if she breakfasted. She leaves in a rage 
 
 Nor bothers for a time, just as we wish. 
 
 Then if some courtier fain would tell to me 
 
 Tales that would prejudice another man, 
 
 I turn exceeding deaf, and ask the news 
 
 Last come from Tripoli, or from the Moon. 
 
 He soon departs, and scratches at his ear. 
 
 Perchance some other, with much import, may 
 
 Declare he hath his duty to perform, 
 
 And straightway lays complaint, how such an one 
 
 Did say vile things of me, behind my back ; 
 
 And maketh such ado thereat. Then I 
 
 Do straightway tell him it is time to dine ; 
 
 And turning deaf, smile at his strange confusion. 
 
 And he doth blush, to know I listen not. 
 
 Then if another would inflame my wit, 
 
 
102 
 
 Prmce Pedro. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 And set iric in a rag(3, and ])lazing pa.ssion, 
 I ask, what good doth come of it, to burn 
 My reason out ! So I turn deaf and laugh. 
 Then, when my fiery friend doth see me laugh, 
 He tumeth cool, and nothing further prates. 
 
 Nay, I turn deaf an hundred times a day ! 
 
 Some men have got a wicked craving, sir, 
 To hear all tales, that do annoy and vex ; 
 And being vexed, bother their friends around. 
 Now, an they had been deaf, they had been hap})y. 
 Would'st thou be happy, list not bad men's tongues, 
 But turning deaf, thou hast the greater wisdom. 
 So then, my lord, from the King to the beggai, 
 That one is happiest who shuts his ears. 
 And turneth deaf to all things that do vex. 
 There is a royal art in being deaf, — 
 To know the proper moment, properly. 
 When deafness stoppeth every wicked sound. 
 Keep thine eyes open. Shut thine ears to tales 
 That fools do bring, to harrow up thy mind. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 My liege, thou truly speakest reason now ; 
 Yet one must ponder well, before his ears 
 Are stopped to every tale that floats around. 
 
 (Flourish of trumpets. Enter the Queen, Phjnce 
 Pedro, and attendants. She takes Iter seat.) 
 
■ 
 
 aofiNE I.] Privce Pedro. 103 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Your Grace doth honour us by coming here. 
 
 I Queen. 
 
 My liege, I fain would honour thee, but now 
 A great dishonour stains our dignity. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 I know what thou would'st say. 'Tis of the Prince. 
 I give no sanction that his wife be slain ; 
 Her murder would disgrace our name for- ever. 
 What thinks my Lord Rudolpho ? 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 My liege, if thou would'st kill each lying knave, 
 And every woman with a vengeful will, 
 I doubt some thrones might soon be tenantless. 
 Husbands would lose their wives, children be or- 
 phans ; 
 And a general noise be raised in Portugal, 
 Enough to scare most devils back to hell. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 My lord, I say I understand thee not. 
 
 Hast thou the daring thus to beard thy Queen, 
 
 And in his Grace's presence ? Have a care, 
 
 Or thou mightst see a dungeon, ere thou would'st. 
 
104 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 RlJDOI.PHO. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 ■(, :| 
 
 E ' 
 
 May it please your Grace, I did not mean affront. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Affi'ont ! What thrones would then be tenantless? 
 
 'Tis us, thou meanest, my lord ! 
 
 How can we be content to see the heir 
 
 Of Portugal demean our royal house 
 
 By base associates, and this robber brood. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 How wisely doth my tender mother talk. 
 What a vile wretch is this unlucky Prince ; 
 At least he would be, an thy tale were honest. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Thy tongue doth wag most wantonly, Prince Pedro. 
 Thou dost insult us, as thou hast Navarre ; 
 Did not thy minion's brother rob the Abbot ? 
 Did not this Inez look thereon and laugh ? 
 Thou hast disgraced thyself, and married her. — 
 A common harlot is no prince's mate. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 If she were as thou sayest, I'd basely act ! 
 But such mad speech requireth not an answer. 
 My Lord Rudolpho, wilt thou speak for me ? 
 
SCENE I,] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 105 
 
 May it please your Grace, the Prince doth no snch 
 
 thing, 
 
 I know this lady that he fondly loves. — 
 
 She carries in her veins, Braganza's blood. 
 
 Her father was a noble of renown, 
 
 Who lost his life defending Portugal ; 
 
 And our good King, did grieve with manly grief. 
 
 When told that Count De Castro had been slain. 
 
 Perchance your Grace may deign to mind thereof ! 
 
 Nay, I declare it, that this lady hath 
 
 A royal carriage, and a noble grace, 
 
 And is more womanly in thought and acts. 
 Than many a devil in a queenly garb. 
 
 And my mind makes me say, to murder her, 
 
 Were foulest blot, disgracing Portugal. 
 And humbly I do say, as doth my King. 
 
 * 
 
 Queen. 
 
 My lord, thy speech is filled with insolence. 
 
 We brook not such aftront. Then know, my lord. 
 
 Thy presence in this court is asked not. 
 
 Go, get thee hence, and come not back again ! 
 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Your Grace, I'm here. My lord, thou peakest well 
 
 And, as a nobleman, declarest thy mind. 
 
 And it agrees with ours. What says the Prince ? 
 
 H 
 
106 
 
 m 
 
 Prince Ved/ro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 [act IV 
 
 My gentle mother genders wicked thoughts. 
 
 She hath strange whims and notions of revenge 
 
 Upon a lady she has never seen ; — 
 
 A lady who has every queenly grace, 
 
 Of royal ancestry, and noble birth ; 
 
 And who, I here declare, if we do live, 
 
 Shall sit upon that throne beside myself. 
 
 So now my gentle mother, have a care ! . 
 
 For, had it not been for thine enmity, 
 
 Which hath no smell of reason nor of sense, 
 
 I should have proudly brought her to this court, 
 
 And bid defiance to thy royal rage. 
 
 But then, the Princess ne'er would give consent; 
 
 And said, that time would surely bring a balm 
 
 To change thine anger into lovingness. — 
 
 Yet thou hast sworn to take my lady's life. 
 
 But I do plainly warn thee, gentle mother, 
 
 See that thou harm'st her not. For I do swear,- 
 
 And in the hearing of my royal sire, — 
 
 To follow to the death, woman or man, 
 
 Who slays the gentle Inez of my heart. 
 
 See that thou hast a care, for I do mean it. 
 
 Aye, every word of it, good mother. 
 
 |i 
 
 !'. -ill -! 
 
 Queen. 
 
 My liege, and dost thou hear such violent words, 
 E'en ill, thy presence, — and umst I submit 
 
 f r 
 
8CENB I.] 
 
 Prince Pedi'o. 
 
 107 
 
 To hear the Prince use threatenings to my teeth, 
 And be dishonoured, sitting on my throne, 
 Hast thou not royal dignity enough 
 To banish from thy court, my Lord Rudolpho ? 
 I will not brook such ruthless insult. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 My Lord Rudolpho spake as on his honour. 
 If your Grace be affronted by his speech. 
 We think there is no need. As to the Prince, 
 He made no threats against thee, nor thy life. 
 He only said, if man or woman slew 
 The lady of his heart, he'd slay in turn. 
 Now I do say, pledging my royal word, 
 That if thyself was foully murdered, by 
 The hand of any one upon the earth, 
 I'd foUow him until that he was dead. 
 So, let us leave this matter till again. 
 It makes thee choleric withal, your Grace. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Since then the master, and the servant too, 
 Do spit upon the lady of the house, 
 'Tis time I were away. I go, my liege. 
 To my confessor, and to pray for thee. 
 For better reason, and more kingly grace. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 Many thanks, madam, see thou prayest too, — 
 
108 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 " Forgive our trcspasHCH as we forgive." 
 But prayer is very useful for the choler, 
 And people being choleric, should pray. 
 *Tis also useful for digestion. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 I've brooked enough, and I can brook no more ! 
 
 [Exit majestically, ivith attendants. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 She's gone, Rudolpho ! and I'm grieved at heart, 
 
 That she doth follow on, so vengefully, 
 
 Prince Pedro's wife. There is a bitterness 
 
 About my queen, that seems unwomanly. 
 
 But we must hence ! 
 
 (Curtain falls.) 
 
 II 
 
 Scene H.—IN THE FOREST OF COIMBRA. 
 
 Lorenzo alons. 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 
 I have been through this forest many a league ; 
 Have been through every secret path and turn ; 
 And seen Prince Pedro wandering at his will. 
 
HOENR II.] 
 
 Pri,V£e Pedro. 
 
 100 
 
 mk. 
 
 rn ; 
 
 Yes, 1 can lead the Queen with safety in, 
 
 And T do know my ))U8ineHS thoroughly. 
 
 Pechico is a craven in his heart ; 
 
 Ludro, a villain filled with enmity ; 
 
 Sancho, a knave, outwitting his base master; 
 
 Too great a coward he, to strike a blow. 
 
 The Lady Pauline is a passionate dame, — 
 
 Fit mate for her good lord, the Count Pechico. 
 
 The Queen ! ! ! — the blackest devil of them all I 
 
 As to myself, T seek a sustenance. — 
 
 I am a soldier, killing is my trade ; 
 
 Led on in war, I learned but to obey. 
 
 I've pledged mine honour to my paymasters, 
 
 And gold alone can bind mine honour to them. 
 
 Yonder comes Ludro, scheming with Pechico. 
 
 Ludro would kill these Castros for their lands, 
 
 For which he hath not e'en the shadow of right : 
 
 And the others, from unreasoning hate alone. 
 
 Would take the lives of Inez and her sons. 
 
 Pechico brings a dozen of his men, 
 
 To make secure he kills the gentle lady. 
 
 And the vile queen doth bring an hundred more. 
 
 To slay two 1" le boys, scarce ten years old. 
 
 I loathe such company, but I am hired ; 
 
 So I must hence, to meet them presently. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
110 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act rv. 
 
 , 
 
 j > 
 
 It* 
 
 '! i 
 
 ! ^^i 
 
 !:!.•! i 
 
 
 
 I 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 Scene III.— A CHAMBER IN RUDOLPHO'S 
 
 CASTLE. 
 
 Inez and Pedro, with Lady Isabella, seated. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 The Queen doth still persist in enmity. 
 
 Are not nine weary years of sun and showers 
 
 Enough to dull the fierceness of her hate ? 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Fear not ! thy loving husband is the Prince. 
 My father's malady turns daily worse. — 
 I promised him, I should return ere mom. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 We all do trust thee, for we all do love thee ; 
 Yet a strange voice doth whisper in mine ear, 
 That you and I shall never meet again. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Oast hence these shadows of a timorous mind : 
 Matteo will be with us in a month. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Matteo ! I shall never see Matteo. 
 
SCKNE II 1. 1 
 
 Prince, Pedro. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Dost thou believe in dreaiiiH ? I had a dream, 
 And it remains fixed firmly in my mind ; 
 So let me ease my heart, and tell my dream. 
 
 Pedro. • 
 
 Then tell thy dream, my love, 'twill ease thine heart. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 I dreamed that I was sitting by a stream, 
 
 And all was happiness, for thou wert there. 
 
 1 saw the blue waves dancing merrily, 
 
 When suddenly the river turned to blood ! 
 
 Behold ! a human hand of giant size, 
 
 Bony and gaunt, as of a skeleton, 
 
 Rose from the bloody stream and seized on us, 
 
 Dragging my boys and me beneath the waves. 
 
 I called aloud for thee, but thou wert gone ; 
 
 And then that bony hand rose up on high 
 
 And vanished on the air ! 
 
 This dream hangs on my mind, and chokes my heart. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Think not of it. It renders all things dull ; 
 Cheer up ! What sayest thou. Lady Isabella f 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 It is but some disturbance of her blood. 
 Come then, sweet Lady Inez, cheer thee up, 
 
 □ 
 

 ^l! 
 
 112 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 See, here come thy two sons, with rosy cheeks, 
 And all the joyousness of early years. ''S 
 
 (Enter CAnLon and Alfonso, running to f/ic Prince.) 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Well, my sons, what sports have ye been at ? 
 
 Prince Alfonso. 
 
 We had such rare sport ! Carlos hit the mark, 
 And then I took my turn, and notched his arrow ; 
 And then Sebastian told us we would be. 
 Ere long, the finest archers in the realm ! 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Well done ! my sons. Ye both are famous archers. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Come hither till I kiss ycu both, my boys ! 
 
 I should be happy with you and the Prince, 
 
 If I am ever to be happy more. (Kisses tJteTn.y 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 If thou art ever to be happy more ? 
 
 What means my lady ? Thou art happy now ! 
 
 Inez. 
 
 I should be, but this weight lies on my breast. 
 
SCENE IV.] 
 
 PHnce Pedro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 113 
 
 I never saw thee in so strange a mood. — 
 Thou knowest I must leave thee ere the dawn, 
 So let us be merry for a little space. 
 Come Lady Isabel, we will away ! 
 
 [Exeunt (mines. 
 
 Scene IV.— THE FOREST. 
 
 Enter Queen, Pauline, Ludro, Pechico, Sancho, 
 Lorenzo, &c., all masked. (They unmask) 
 
 Queen. 
 
 My Lady Pauline, hast thou nerved thyself ? 
 
 I- feel within me, we have her secure. 
 
 If thou wilt not, myself will strike the blow. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Then open not thy mouth, nor speak one word.— 
 Compress thy lips, biting thy nether one. — 
 Hold thy breath hard, and send thy dagger home. 
 Can'st thou do this, your Grace ? 
 
114 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 I can dare anything that man can dare. — 
 I've come to seek her life at any chance. 
 Now I am here, nor hell shall drive me back ! 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Your Grace, T almost fear to go with thee ; 
 For if 'tis ever known who did the crime, 
 Vengeance will overtake them fearfully. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 If thou dost act the craven, at the time 
 That thou shouldst be man in every joint, 
 Better thou dost return, with thy wife's cloak, 
 Covering the gallant carcass of my lord. 
 Hast thou the spirit of a gentleman. 
 And fearest to go, where two women go ? 
 
 Pauline. 
 
 Lag not, my lord ! The nation seeks her blood. — 
 The gi-eater honour ours, who do the deed. 
 
 Pechico. 
 Lead on, lead on, I follow to the death ! 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 Come, I will guide you to this woman's chamber. , 
 
 [They rtiask — Exeunt cautiously. 
 
 I 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 p7'imc(' Pedro. 
 
 115 
 
 Scene V.— A CHAMBER IN THE CASTLE. 
 Inez alone (comes to the front of tfie stage). 
 
 Inez. 
 
 The Prince is scarcely gone an hour ago, 
 And 1 do feel we never meet again. 
 What is this feeling that creeps over me, 
 Binding my soul, as with the shades of death ? 
 What art thou, death, with thy pale, lurid lip, 
 And sunken orbs, that tracks us day by day ? 
 Unceasingly thou followest where we move, 
 Until thine icy fingers touch the heart, 
 Stilling its action for all good or ill. 
 But I hold that within, the inner life, 
 Wliich death approaches not. Mortals may kill 
 This mortal body, in its agony ; 
 And we may sink, unheeded, to the tomb. 
 But my soul, rising o'er the wreck of time, 
 Sees earth beneath, immortal skies above ; 
 And though death stand beside me, even now, 
 I feel my soul rising above my body. 
 Leaving this world, for an immoital one. 
 Aye, though my body moulder in the grave, 
 And every atom shall return to dust, 
 I hold within a tinge of Deity. — 
 'Tis the immortal soul, that God doth give. 
 
116 
 
 Prince i^edro. 
 
 [act TV. 
 
 When time shall cease to be, my spirit still shall 
 live. 
 
 Enter the Queen, tiiasked. 
 And who art thou ? 
 
 (Queen unmasks.) 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Vile woman, dost thou know me ? 
 
 Inez. 
 
 How can I tell, whom I have never seen ? 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Then know, I am the Queen, and I have come 
 To blot thy name for ever from the earth. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 The Queen ! Then I am lost, with none to save me. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 I am the Queen ; and now prepare thyself ; — 
 A little moment and thou art no more. 
 
 Inez. 
 
 What have I done, your Grace, to merit this ? 
 
 I never injured thee by word or deed, 
 
 But I have loved the Prince and our two boys. 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 Queen, 
 
 117 
 
 '.i 
 
 Thy boys ? Where are they now ? 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Both, yonder, are asleep. Thou wilt not kill them ? 
 Oh, mercy, lady ! Do not kill my babes ! 
 
 Queen. 
 
 When thou art dead 'twill matter not to thee. 
 Learn, T have sworn to see thy livid corpse — 
 To kill thy brats and know ye all are dead. 
 
 Inez (kneels). 
 
 Oh, mercy, lady ! On my knees I ask 
 
 That thou wilt spare my children. What did they — 
 
 Or I, or mine, to harm thee or to injure ? 
 
 My father died in battle 'gainst the Moors, 
 
 And lost his life for thee and for the King ! 
 
 Take my life freely, lady, if thou wilt, 
 
 But spare my innocent and lovely sons ! 
 
 Poor harmless little things, their father's pride ; 
 
 What will he feel when he beholds them dead ? 
 
 Will not the big tear drop in agony ? 
 
 Take my life if thou wilt, but spare my sons ! 
 
 Hast thou a mother's feeling in thy breast v 
 
 Oh, lady, spare them, spare my noble boys ! 
 
 

 iii' 
 
 \\$' 
 
 ! :;i 
 
 118 Prince Pedro. [act iv. 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Hast thou no more to prate about ? Ho, there ! 
 
 £Jnter Ludro, Lorenzo, Pechico, Pauline, Sancho 
 
 and others. 
 
 Here is this woman ! her two boys are there ; 
 
 Now go ye in and bring their corpses forth. 
 
 Lorenzo, hold this woman. (Inez rises. Exeunt 
 
 except Lorenzo, Pauline, and Queen, Shrieks and 
 
 sohs within.) 
 
 Inez. 
 
 O God, my children ? Mercy ! Mercy ! Mercy ! 
 Oh, let me kiss them once before I die ; — 
 My last embrace. — A mgther'^ last farewell. 
 
 {They re-enter with the dead children, and lay them 
 
 down.) 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Are they both dead \ , 
 
 Ludro.. 
 
 # 
 Both of them. 
 
 Queen.. 
 
 Then kill her, Ludro, and Ixi quick on't. 
 
 (Ludro «itt68 Inez, and she falls withou. a sob.) 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 LUDllO. 
 
 110 
 
 One blow, 'tis done. Let us away, before 
 The sound disturbs the other vipers near us. 
 
 (Xara rushes in.) 
 
 Xara. 
 
 Oh, fiends of hell, what have ye done to her ? 
 Ye have killed my lady and her sons ! 
 
 Silence, woman 
 
 Queen. 
 
 Xara. 
 
 Silence, thou devil ? They have killed the Princess ! 
 Queen {points to Inez.) 
 
 Make sure of her, and for a moment watch 
 
 Till we escape, Lorenzo. 
 
 {Raises her dcKjger.) 
 
 Thank Heaven, this woman's dead, 
 And I am well revenged ! 
 
 {Exeunt all but Xara and Lorenzo, w/io approaches, 
 looking at Inez, his dagger in his hand.) 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 
 is' 
 
 I'll strike once more before that I go hence. 
 
 if 
 
 1} 
 
120 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act IV, 
 
 :!'i; 
 
 Xara (unsheathing her dagger). 
 Back on thy life, and touch her not. 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 Peace, babbling fool ! {He stoops over Inez.) 
 
 Xara {stabs him and he falls). 
 
 Back with thee ! Back, I say ! 
 
 Is not one wound enough, that her poor corpse 
 
 Be so disfigured by thine enmity ? 
 
 Lorenzo. 
 
 And I am as this corpse beside me here, — 
 
 A moment more and I am with the dead ! 
 
 Thou hast but done as I would do to thee, 
 
 Brave woman ! Take my gold, and bury me 
 
 In some lone spot, where none may see my grave. 
 
 I never knew my mother and my sire. — 
 
 I leave the world regretted not, nor known. {Dies.) 
 
 Xara. 
 Bury thee ! Others may, to hide thy body. 
 
 Enter Sancho, masked. 
 
 Sancho. 
 
 What dost thou here, Lorenzo, hasten hence. 
 What! dead — Lorenzo dead ? {Stoops over him.) 
 
BCENE v.] 
 
 PriTice Pedro, 
 Xara. 
 
 121 
 
 Die, villain, die ! (Stabs him, he falls.) 
 
 And know the Moorish blood of Granada 
 Comes rushing through my heart, and bounds 
 In every vein. 
 
 Sancho. 
 
 A curse on Ludro, and upon the Queen, 
 
 Curse on Pechico, Pauline, and them all ; 
 
 That this disgrace surrounds me in my death. 
 
 Slain by a Moorish woman. Curse on her ! 
 
 I feel the last drop trickling from my heart, 
 
 Disgraced in death, and by a woman slain. 
 
 Curse on them all, or I had not died thus. (Dies.) 
 
 Xara. 
 
 And curse on thee, thou cruel ruthless hound, 
 
 To kill my lady and her noble sons. 
 
 What had they done, foul wretch, to injure thee, 
 
 Or any of those devils in thy band 1 
 
 Curse on, and die, and find thy way to hell ! 
 
 Enter a soldier rrmsked. 
 Soldier. 
 
 What a wild scene is here ! I come for them, 
 And they are dead. But who hath slain them ? 
 
 1 
 
122 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Xara. 
 
 [act IV. 
 
 (SpriTiga at and stabs him. He staggers off the 
 
 stage.) 
 
 'Twas I who slew them, and I have slain thyself. 
 Go thou and join thy brother murderers, 
 For ever hell will spurn them from its midst ! 
 
 (Pedro and Rudolpho rush in.) 
 
 Back, back, ye demons ; touch her not, nor dare 
 To harm my lady's corpse. — It is the Prince and 
 My good Lord Rudolpho. (She staggers 
 
 into tJie arms of Rudolpho, who lays her aside.) 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 O God ! God ! and we have come too late. 
 Inez, my darling, have they murdered thee, 
 And our sweet boys, and Xara. 
 
 (Inez moves and Pedro raises her,) 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 Give her more air ; see, her eyes open. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Would we had come in time ; this bloody scene 
 Had not been acted. Oh, my wife, my sons ! 
 Have ye ftll gone, and left me desolate ! 
 
HOENB V.J 
 
 Prince PeAro. 
 RUDOT.PHO. 
 
 123 
 
 the 
 
 Canst thou speak, lady ?• 
 
 Pedro. 
 But one word, Inez, but one little word ? 
 
 K TDOLPHO. 
 
 Here is some water, place it to her lips. (Does so.) 
 Methinks she gathers e'en a little strength. 
 Be very gentle with her, — very gentle. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 It is the last spark of the dying lamp, 
 
 That flickers for a moment, and is stilled. 
 
 Look in mine eyes, and when thine eye meets mine. 
 
 Perchance 'twill help to warm thy mind again. 
 
 (Inez clasps her arms. round his neck.) 
 
 Inez. 
 
 And thou art come to kiss me ere I die : — 
 To clasp me tenderly ere I depart. 
 Our children sleep together, side by side ; — 
 Lay me beside them, and I'll sleep in peace. 
 Pedro, mine own, wilt thou not sometimes think 
 How we did love each other tenderly. 
 Heaven bless thee, Pedro ! Kiss me ere I die. 
 
 (They kiss.) 
 
124 Prince Pedro. 
 
 Xara comes foinvard, 
 
 Xara. 
 
 She is not dead, I hear her voice again. 
 I have avenged thy blood, and bitterly. 
 My lady, dost thou know me ? 
 
 (Inez looks at Xara, and nods Jier head.) 
 
 Inez. 
 
 Be kind to my good Xara and Sebastian. 
 They loved us all, and served us faithfully. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Thou mayest recover yet, so cheer thee up. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Xara shall never leave me, nor Sebastian. 
 
 {Kissing her.) 
 
 Then, Inez, cheer thee up, thou wilt not die. 
 This bitter cup of death will pass away, 
 And thou shalt live to be my loving queen. 
 
 Inez. 
 (She points Iter finger to the air.) 
 
 Our children beckon that I come away. 
 Dost thou not see them, Pedro, with a light, 
 
 [act IV. 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 125 
 
 Brighter than is the sun, around their brows ? 
 They call on me. Dost thou not hear them speak ? 
 iiiss me once more (does so), but thou art turning 
 dim, * 
 
 And passing from me, as they brighter grow 
 But I will yet return, to be with thee, 
 To bring thee peace, and be thy comforter, 
 And we shall live forever with our God — 1- 
 Mine eyes are dull. I go to them. Farewell! 
 
 T> (Dies.) 
 
 RUDOLPHO. ^ 
 
 O, Lady Inez, thou art gone forever ' 
 
 And thus the hellish spite and foul reveno-e 
 
 They dare not cast on him, has fallen on thee. 
 
 , Pedro, 
 She's gone, she's gone ! and I am all alone. 
 
 (Clasps her to his bosom..) 
 (Curtain falls.) 
 
 End of Fourth Act. 
 
126 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [aot v. 
 
 i\n.i 
 
 ACT Y. 
 
 Scene I.— KING'S BEDCHAMBER. 
 
 Alphonso lying on a couch — Pedro, Rudolpho, ancZ 
 
 Attendants. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 My son, before another mom shall break, 
 
 My heart shall rest, my life be passed away, 
 
 And 1 am fain to give thee some advice. 
 
 Be slow to act ! Be caution still thy rule ; 
 
 But when thou seest a certain road to action, 
 
 Be resolute, and promptly force thy way. 
 
 Let no man know thy thoughts. Keep thy lips 
 
 closed. 
 Be kingly in thy bearing to the world. 
 And let no kindly feeling bring it near thee ; 
 For if thou dost, they learn but to despise. 
 And is a living man more desolate 
 Than is a king, despised in his own realm ! 
 Hold justice ever equal in thine hand. 
 Have thou no bosom fiiends to grieve with thee ; 
 For if thou dost, thy friend may speak thereof, 
 And make thy secret grief a laugh for all. 
 If thou dost pledge thyself, stick to thy pledge. 
 
SCENE L 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 127 
 
 ihee ; 
 >of, 
 
 Lge. 
 
 When thou shalt have thy throne, let dignity 
 And royal grace perch on thy golden crown, 
 And men will honor thee, for truth, for justice, 
 And for dignity. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I covet not a crown, nor care I now. 
 
 How the world runs. — I'm desolate in heart. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Your Grace, when the leech parted from thy bed. 
 He said, that little speech must satisfy. 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 My time is short, I know it well, Rudolpho ; 
 
 And to thy care, I do commit the Prince. 
 
 Let not his anger, nor his fierce desire 
 
 For vengeance on the Queen, lead to an act 
 
 That might affi'ont his crown, or mar his fame ; 
 
 Better to suffer wrong, than bear disgrace. 
 
 I do beseech thee, urgently, my lord, 
 
 Make my son promise, not to harm the Queen. 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 Most noble Prince, let me entreat thee now, 
 To hear the dying wishes of his Grace, 
 And to forgive the Queen, thy mother. 
 
 {Pedro kneels beside his fatlier, and takes his hand.) 
 
128 
 
 Prirwe Pedro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 UCT V. 
 
 My father, I will promise as thou askest. 
 I will not harm my mother anywise ; 
 But I do swear, holding thy royal hand, 
 To follow all the others co the death. 
 This is my oath, fixed and unchangeable. — 
 Justice demands that murderers be slain ! 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 I loved thy mother once, and love her still, 
 And am content, thou wilt not injure her. 
 Pleasure thyself how thou mayest treat the rest ; 
 Well they deserve to bear due punishment. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I will return anon, to stop, my liege — 
 Rudolpho, wilt thou come with me a moment ? 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Your Grace, may I go with the Prince ? 
 
 Alfonso. 
 
 Go with him. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 (Curtain falls.) 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 129 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 Scene II—SERVANTS' HALL IN THE 
 
 PALACE. 
 
 Sebastian and Marco. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 'Tis just a year to-day since we left Coimbra,— 
 Hast heard of the Queen, Marco ? 
 
 Marco. 
 
 Nay, nothing new ! She fled to France, when 
 King Alfonso died. King Pedro ordered her to leave 
 Portugal, and ne'er return on pain of death. She was 
 a bitter Queen. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 The King doth anxious 'seek for Ludro,for Pechico, 
 and for Pauline, but they keep hid away. Would I 
 could find them. 
 
 Marco. 
 
 Did not the King speak to thee o' the matter ? 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 He did, and promised me great favor. But Ludro ' 
 ie quick to act, and at all times cunning as a fox. 
 
130 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Maiico. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 Methought I saw Ludro yesterday, but it might be 
 but fancy, and I lost him in the crowd. 
 
 Enter Rodrigo, hastily. 
 
 Rodrigo. 
 
 Sebastian ! Sebastian ! I have found Ludro and his 
 hiding-place. I warrant he plays murderer no 
 more. ' 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Now be not in hot haste, or we may overshoot our 
 mark. Marco, say not a word to any one. If it be 
 so, we get him, it is well ; an he be not secured, no 
 one will know our error. It may not be Ludro after 
 all. Art sure, good Rodrigo ? 
 
 Rodrigo. 
 
 I tell thee, it is Ludro. I followed him, and I have 
 tracked him home. Oft would he turn and look, to 
 find if any followed. But we will Avatch him as a cat 
 doth a mouse, and take him unawares. Come on, Se- 
 bastian. I swear 'tis Ludro. 
 
 [Exeunt conversing. 
 
 {Curtain falls.) 
 

 8CENE III.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 131 
 
 be 
 
 Scene III.— PEDRO'S BEDCHAMBER. 
 Pedro and Rudolpho. 
 
 [his 
 • no 
 
 tour 
 it be 
 i, no 
 after 
 
 have 
 )k, to 
 a cat 
 
 n, Se- 
 
 [/• 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 My good Rudolpho, it were foolishness 
 To search for Ludro, save in secrecy. 
 I'm weary now, and fain would rest myself — 
 Go, set the guard, and I will seek my couch. 
 My brain is weary, burning in my skull. 
 And rest and sleep will sooth my weaiiness ; 
 And now, good night, my lord. 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 Good night, and pleasant rest and happy dreams ! 
 I'll set the guards. * [Exit. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 He's gone. Rudolpho is an honest man ; 
 And as he went, he spoke of happy dreams ! 
 Aye, it is true, when one doth think thereon, 
 That life is but a dream, a cloud, a mist. 
 That passeth fleetly o' er the scythe of time ! 
 How oft in dreams, the shadow of the past, 
 Tingeth our fancy as with rosy tints. 
 Inez ! and thou wert but a dream to me, — 
 
132 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 A happy dream, thou and our loving sons. 
 
 Oh, thou didst promise with thy dying breath, 
 
 To come once more, and be my comf oiiier. 
 
 How oft we sat together lovingly, 
 
 With thy soft cheek laid gently on my breast, 
 
 And thy fond arms encircling me in peace. 
 
 Our children played around us joyously, 
 
 And thy kind words would sooth my weariness. 
 
 Oh, I did love with more than common love, 
 
 And thou, with all a woman's lovingness. 
 
 Thy gentle spirit seems to hover nigh ; 
 
 And oft, methinks, thou gazest in my face, 
 
 And in my fancy I can hear thee breathe, 
 
 Or heave a tender sigh, as in old days. 
 
 But 'twas no dream, 'twas all reality ! 
 
 Oft in the still of night, will o'er us creep 
 
 Sad musings, such as now, which do relieve 
 
 Man's weary spirit, in this weary world. 
 
 (He retires to his couch and sleeps. Enter Inez, 
 gently leading the children. She stops before Pedro, 
 and embraces him. She points to him, and the 
 children come and kiss him. He moves restlessly, 
 and they vanish. He wakes.) 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Where has she gone, and taken hence our boys ? 
 'Twas but a dream, but 'twas a happy dream ; 
 
Scene iv.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 133 
 
 Yes I could dream my lifetime all away. ■ 
 If she returned to earth, and me, once more. 
 
 [Eetirea and sleeps. 
 
 hiiTZr'T^. ^^^^ «^^« Reside him and kisses 
 mm. rjie children play.) 
 
 (Curtain falls slowly.) 
 
 Scene IV.-STREET IN A SEA-PORT. 
 £!nter Pauline and Pechico. 
 
 Pechico. 
 The ship will sail at noon, so be prepared. 
 
 Pauline. 
 
 I would we were away. How I do fear 
 To fall mto this cruel Pedro's hands. 
 Had I not listened to the Queen's advice, 
 We had been better ! 
 
 Pechico. 
 Tis useless now to think of this past deed. 
 

 134 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 '!l 
 
 liliMii! 
 
 Curse upon Ludro, but upon the Queen — 
 May endless curses hang above her head. 
 In her the wolf and viper were entwined. 
 Relentlessly she sought her victim's life, 
 Till she most fiercely seized upon her quarry. 
 Then in her rage, like an ungenerous hound, 
 Mangled the fallen prey from sheer revengefulness 
 
 Enter Ludro. 
 
 Come, haste, my friend, the ship will quickly sail. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 No time to lose, Pechico, thou art right. 
 I must return a moment for my gold ; 
 Good sooth, we need it all. 
 
 l^Exit. 
 
 {Enter a beggar) 
 Beggar. 
 
 My lord and my lady, give a poor man an alms, 
 for poverty doth bite me to the quick. 
 
 Pauline. 
 My Lord Pechico, give him an alms. 
 
 Pechico. 
 Here is a piece of gold ; get bread and fill thy belly. 
 
1 
 
 HCENB IV. 1 
 
 Prince Pedro, 
 
 135 
 
 alms, 
 
 liy belly. 
 
 Beggar. 
 Heaven's blessing rest on you, I will pray for you. 
 
 [Exit 
 
 Pauline. 
 
 What keeps Ludro, and he so swift in action ? 
 I wish we were away from Portugal. 
 What doth keep Ludro ? 
 
 Re-enter beggar^ in haste. 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 My lord and lady, fly for your lives. The sol- 
 diery are abroad, and have secured one Ludro, and 
 they asked after thee and my lady. See ! cast 
 thy coat aside, and take thou mine. 
 
 (Shouts and noise without) 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Then give it me. 
 Now let us hence! 
 
 {They exchange.) 
 [Exit Pechico and Pauline. 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 He gave an alms in gold, and I repaid the gentle-^ 
 man as best I could, with his life. 
 
 Enter Sebastian and Rodrigo. 
 
136 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 RODRIGO. 
 
 I ACT V. 
 
 My friend, aawest thou a lady and a t^entleman 
 pass by, a moment since ? 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 I saw many pass this way ; didst thou not meet a 
 fat old lady and a gentleman ? 
 
 RODRIGO. 
 Nay, but the last thou sawest ; where went they ? 
 
 Beggar. 
 The road I saw thee come. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 What were they like ? Tell us of them, fellow. 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 I told thee the lady was exceeding fat, and had 
 vvhite hair, the gentleman walked with a staff. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 We have^,Ludro bound secure; had we Pechico 
 and his wife, I would be most content. 
 
 RODRIGO. ' 
 
 It hath not been my Lord Pechico, nor Pauline. 
 'Tis folly to chase strangers, and be laughed at. 
 
"ir 
 
 aCENE IV. J 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 137 
 
 lan 
 
 seta 
 
 ihcy ^ 
 
 low. 
 
 Ind bad 
 ii. 
 
 Pechico 
 
 Pauline, 
 at. 
 
 Skhastian. 
 
 I have my doubts this beggar plays uh false. I 
 watched his features, and me thought I read a lie 
 in every word he spoke. 
 
 B EGO All. 
 
 I lie not, my master ; may heaven reward thee ; — 
 give me an alms ? 
 
 . RoDRiao. 
 I will back again, and keep mine eye on Ludro. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 I know not what to do ; I feel my game is nigh 
 me. I will to the ship and watch it narrowly. 
 
 Beggar (aside). 
 
 And I will warn my friends. (Aloiul.) For God's 
 sake, master, give me an alms ! 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Nay, get thee to the devil. I give not alms to 
 every lazy hound. Get thee to the devil, I say. 
 
 [Exit Beggar. 
 
 I will make sure of Ludro when I return. Go 
 thou Rodrigo, keep him safely bound, and if he burst 
 his bonds, take thou his life. The King will be con- 
 tent, to get him dead or living. 
 
 [Exbiint different side of stage. 
 
: I 
 
 138 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 Scene V.— GROUNDS OF THE PALACE. 
 
 Pedro and Rudolpho. 
 
 Pedro. 
 Dost thou remember those last words she spoke ? 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 She said she would return to comfort thee. 
 
 Pedro. 
 Dost thou believe that there is aught in dreams ? 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 Night hath her fancies, as she shroudeth us ; 
 And when the body, weary from its labor, 
 Doth rest in peace, fancy wakes up again, 
 And acts the scenes that we had passed among. 
 Yet there is more than fancy in a dream ; 
 And few men live, who have not felt their force. 
 Oft in our dreams the spirits of the dead 
 Do show themselves to eyes within the soul ; 
 And spirit comes to spirit, as of yore, 
 And maketh our lost friendship even fresher. 
 Oft do I dream I see my mother's form, 
 Stealing around me, and with gentle voice 
 
SCENE v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 IJ^O 
 
 Telling her son, how he should guide his actions. 
 Dreams are realities, while they do last. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 They are realities whilst they do last ! 
 My good Rudolpho, I did (^ 'earn last night 
 That my lost Inez came to comfort me — 
 She and our children. She sat as of yore, 
 Beside my bed, as we had talked together. 
 I saw my little ones gambling around ; — 
 I kissed them all, and I was full of joy ! 
 Methought I asked about their cruel wounds, 
 But Inez told me that those wounds were gone, 
 That they were happy now in heaven. 
 And then a gentle peace came over me. 
 And that sweet dream doth comfort me e'en yet. 
 But look, Rudolpho ! Yonder comes a stranger. 
 Who is he ? Dost thou know him ? 
 
 br. 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 He is some wandering troubadour, who comes 
 
 To sing his song about his lady love ; 
 
 Perchance he comes to fight, or heaven knows what- 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Let us retire to watch how he may act ; 
 
 It may be, he may vsing some tale of love, 
 
 And for us 'twill be pastime. ^c^. 
 
ii 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 •KH-/SO 
 
 {^CJiAiy retire hefdnd the trees. Enter a troubadour 
 
 with his guitar.) 
 
 Troubadour. 
 
 I feel so weary, I will rest myself 
 
 A little while, and sing an olden tale. (Sings.) 
 
 I. 
 
 In olden time therf was a fairy land, 
 Where dwelt a maiden, rich and kind and fair ; 
 And lovers came to seek this lady's hand, 
 Though but for one, her heart was filled with care. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love. 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 II. 
 
 He wooed and won her, as a courteous knight, 
 And pledged his troth and took his lady's hand ; 
 But grief came o'er them, when their hours were 
 
 bright. 
 And cast its shadow on their fairy land. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love. 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 III. 
 
 And he was king in all her fairy land ; 
 A rose he planted nigh his lady's bower — 
 
^11 
 
 iour 
 
 Scene v.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 141 
 
 ings) 
 
 care. 
 
 above. 
 
 it, 
 
 ind ; 
 YS were 
 
 above. 
 
 It bloomed, and was by every soft air fanned, 
 And two sweet rosebuds grew beside the tlower. 
 
 Glwrus. 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love. 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Then lo ! a wicked fairy came that way, 
 And hatred filled her, when the bloom she saw — 
 She plucked the flower, and tore the buds away — 
 Anu laughed in scorn, nor heeded honor's law. 
 
 CJiorus. 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love. 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 V. 
 
 But when the prince, alas ! had seen her slain. 
 And his two rosebuds trampled on the ground, 
 His heart was filled with rage, a'^d grief and pain, 
 And time could never heal his bosom's wound. 
 
 Chorits. 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love, 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 VI. 
 
 He sought and slew this wicked wandering sprite, 
 Who killed his princess and her children dear — . 
 But even yet his soul is dark as night. 
 And oft for her he drops a secret tear, 
 
 i- 
 
 I 
 
I I 
 
 w 
 
 ■5', 
 
 m 
 
 '] IS! ''■', 'I'il 
 
 
 w i 
 
 142 
 
 Prinice Pedro. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 [act V, 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love, 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 With a heigh-ho, heigh-ho, sing of my love, 
 
 She hath left me and gone to the blue skies above. 
 
 Pedro a7id Rudolpho (come forward). 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Sir Knight, thy song is worthy of some recompense ; 
 So, prithee, take this gift from me. 
 
 {Offers a purse.) 
 
 Troubadour. 
 
 I do not sing for wages, worthy sir. — 
 
 Some other time, good sooth, I'll sing thee more. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 If thou art weary, come and rest with me. 
 And take refreshment. 
 
 Troubadour. 
 
 I'm very weary, and would rest a while ; 
 At least until the heat of noon be past — 
 And I have yet full many a league to travel. 
 
 (^iShouts witJiout. Much noise.) 
 
 liitji 
 
SCENE VI,] 
 
 Prmice Pedro. 
 Pedro. 
 
 143 
 
 What mecans this uproar ? Are the people mad ? 
 Let us return my friends. I do bethink 
 I see Sebastian with his weapon drawn.— 
 That doth betoken something ! Let us hence. 
 ^'^^^^^^^O [Exeunt 
 
 Scene VI.— A HALL IN THE PALACE. 
 
 Enter Sebastian and Rodrigo, with their swords 
 drawn, followed hy a guard with Ludro in chams, 
 
 Sebastian. 
 When will the King be here ? 
 
 Attendant. 
 
 He comes even now. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Tell him to haste, that Ludro doth await him, 
 And I would know the mischief he doth plot.' 
 
 (Enter Pedro and attendants. He stops and looks 
 steadfastly at Ludro. Ludro looks defiantly at him.) 
 
It 
 
 144 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 And thou art Ludro ? 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Yes, I am Ludro, and well thou knowest me. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Prepare thee then to die. No mockery 
 Of trial shall be given thee, for guilt 
 Of foulest murder hangs upon thy head. 
 Go, bring the executioner. 
 
 [Exit attendant^ 
 
 {Enter Executioner masked.) 
 
 (To executioner.) 
 
 Seest thou that man. Stretch him upon the rack ! 
 Tear him from limb to limb, and sear his flesh. 
 See he escape thee not. Crush every bone. 
 And stretch each atom of thine ingenuity. 
 To make him feel he is a murderer ! 
 He had no pity for my wife and babes ; 
 When she entreated he did mock her grief. 
 And plunged his bloody dagger to her heart. 
 
 Ludro. 
 
 Then know, — thy mother bid me strike the blow; 
 She was more fierce in her revengefulness 
 
^^^gmmmmmmmmm 
 
 SCENE VI .J 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 Than all the rest. I did but do her biddin-- 
 Thy mother's bidding-if I murdered uiez " 
 ^cek her, and torture her, and tear her limbs 
 And sear her tender flesh, and do but justice ' 
 I crave not pity. Thou art like thy mother' 
 i was Pauline and Pechico slew thy brats ; 
 1 hey have escaped, and they can laugh at thee 
 Ihen do thy worst on me, thou canst no more 
 And even in my death, I do defy thee. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 (To exeeutio7ier.) 
 
 In the next chamber thou wilt ply thy trade 
 bebastian, follow thou, and see the rack 
 Doth do its duty on mine enemy. 
 
 LUDRO. 
 
 Thou canst not shake me into craven fear— 
 I hate thee and thy race. Thou art a coward 
 And durst not strike a blow. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I know thee, Ludro. Thou wouldst make me raise 
 My arm to slay thee, to escape the rack ! 
 I would not foul my weapon on such carrion. 
 
 [Exit Ludro, Sebastian, and executioner, 
 
 145 
 
ol: ■ 
 
 I 
 
 ii 
 
 146 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 First Lord (aside). 
 
 [aot v. 
 
 He hath a spirit in him, fierce and wild, 
 Revenge and bitterness in all he doth. 
 
 Second Lord (aside). 
 
 He only hath his merits for his murder. 
 
 First Lord (aside). 
 
 Yes, he doth merit all his punishment. 
 If luck doth bring Pechico and Pauline 
 Within the rigor of King Pedro's grasp, 
 He'll give them little grace. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Let all men leave me. I would be alone. 
 
 [Exeunt omnes. 
 (Oroans and siglis.) 
 
 What measure can I give of punishment, 
 That I could pay him back his cruelty. 
 
 (Moans and shrinks and sobs.) 
 
 Thou hadst no mercy ! — groan and sob and sigh- 
 
 I will have none on thee. My loving wife, 
 
 Be thou revenged upon thy murderer! 
 
 But I will harrow up his living flesh. 
 
 For he hath got a mind unnatural. 
 
 (Groans.) 
 
 •k i 
 
SCENE VI.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 147 
 
 rli— 
 
 IS.) 
 
 Aye, groan, and sob, and let the deathly sweat 
 Stream o'er thy temples, down thy livid face : 
 And it doth comfort me to know thou perishest ! 
 Inez, if thou wert herfj, thou wouldst forgive. — 
 Thy tender spirit would not bear this sight. 
 My brain doth burn to think upon thy death. — 
 Thy children slain, then cast before thy face, 
 And those sweet noble boys, were thine and mine, — 
 Our pride, our joy, and all we had on earth. 
 
 (Sohs and sighs.) 
 
 Groan if thou canst — thou hadst a demon's mind, 
 No feeling left, but what thy carcass feels ; 
 Nor pity, love, nor aught compassionate. 
 But hate, spite, falsity, coveting all things ! 
 Oh Inez ! Inez ! could I bring thee back, 
 A thousand lives like his I'd freely give. 
 But thou art gone, and canst return no more. 
 
 Enter Sebastian. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 Ludro is dead, my liege. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Dead, sayest thou ? Dead ? Sebastian, is he dead ? 
 Hath he escaped me so ? Go, bear him out, 
 And hang his carcass in the market place. 
 Hang it in chains, that all the world may know. — 
 
148 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 A warnin<( to all villains, such as he. — 
 My wife, my children, I have ke])t my oath. 
 Ye are revenged upon your murderer. 
 
 [Exit, follovjcd hy Sebastian. 
 
 '# 
 
 miijiiwiffliii 
 
 ill 
 
 I iii 
 
 
 Scene VII.— HALL IN THE PALACE. 
 
 Matteo and Rudolpho. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 I heard of my poor sister's cruel murder, 
 
 And that the Prince hath well revenged the crime ! 
 
 Ludro he hung in chains in the market place — 
 
 The Queen he banished, and all he could catch 
 
 Of those assassins that they took as guards, 
 
 He hung upon the nearest tree when caught ; 
 
 But Pauline and Pechico have escaped. 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 
 Was e'er such cruel murder in the earth ! 
 
 Because the King did most sincerely love, 
 
 They slew thy sister Inez wantonly. 
 
 He anxiously doth seek Pechico's den. 
 
 And heaven help him and Pauline if they're taken. 
 
r V. 
 
 SCENE vn.J 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 141) 
 
 ime 
 
 iken. 
 
 Vet Pedro luitli an honest, loving heart, 
 An lie be thy friend, he shows it in each action ; 
 An he be thy foe, better escape in time. — 
 No one can wonder at his bitterness. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 The Prince will hearken to nie if I ask, 
 And spare the lady's life. As to Pechico, 
 Let him do as it may pleasure him. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 I know the King full well in everything. 
 Beseech him not, or thou wilt raise his choler, 
 For he hath sworn an oath, pledging his soul 
 To kill them both an he can only find them. 
 I knew him when a boy, and know him now. — 
 Thou needst not waste thy breath, and do it not. 
 
 (Enter the King alone.) 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 My lords, a merry morning to you both ! 
 
 My heart feels light — the sun doth pleasant shine, 
 
 And I would fain go hunting once again ; 
 
 'Twill ease the cares of all my councillors. 
 
 What say you if we take a meny week ? 
 
 A day is nothing in the summer time. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 As it may please your Grace, it pleaseth me — 
 What doth my Lord Rudolpho say of it ? 
 
 ^ 
 
150 
 
 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 Primce Pedro. 
 RunoLPHo. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 To wander in the wood doth ease the mind, 
 And is a solace and most comforting. 
 I do advise the King to spend a while 
 Roaming around, and gaining manly vigor. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Then let us rise to-morrow with the dawn ; 
 My lord Matteo, see to horse and hound, 
 And thou, my good Rudolpho, come with us. 
 M ow I bethink me, I will hunt near Spain, 
 And visit my old friend Count Aguilar. 
 Thither we'll wend our way in joyous mood, 
 And see those places dear to memory ! 
 Matteo, my good friend, dost thou remember 
 That I was lost one evening on those hills, 
 Where I found one whom we have lost forever, 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 I do remember it right well, your Grace. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Then get thee hence, and get all things prepared. 
 The things of state must rest till we return. 
 
 {Curtain falls.) 
 
[act v. 
 
 SCENE vrri.] 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 151 
 
 er. 
 
 ared, 
 
 Scene VIII.-FOREST NEAR THE HERMIT'S 
 
 CAVE. 
 
 Matteo, Pedbo, RUDO.PHO (.tan^An, togntler). 
 
 Matteo. 
 'Twa.s on this ,pot that I first saw your Grace. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 I well rcnenAer it. Twas summer time, 
 An,l not a care had I to bother me • 
 Those merry days will never cou.e Igain. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Now let u,, to the cave ; 'tis close at hand.- 
 I fain would have a draught. Wilt come, your 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Aye, let us go. We know how to return - 
 I warrant that we are not lost again. 
 
 [Exeimt 
 ^^i^er Sebastian aticZ RoDRiGo. 
 
 RODRIGO. 
 
 I saw them as they went into the cave 
 He s gone to see their ancient meeting place 
 And we can tell when they return aglin ' 
 
*a" 
 
 I I' 
 
 II 
 
 152 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 1 1 
 
 li 
 
 (act v. 
 
 But who are these, coining along this way ? 
 Methinks I've seen them. What sayest thou, Se- 
 bastian ? 
 
 Sebastian (moving aside). 
 
 By Heaven, I know them well ; now hide thyself — 
 Let us be crafty till we seize them both. 
 'Tis the Lady Pauline and Pechico. 
 
 EODRIGO. 
 
 See thou dost watch them closely. I will go, 
 And take the King this strange and wondrous news. 
 
 Sebastian. 
 
 See, there they come, — Matteo and the King. 
 Go warn them of the matter, and be swift. — 
 Make them hold back and hide. 
 
 [Exit RoDRiGo. Sebastian hides. 
 
 Enter Pauline and Pechico (cautiously). 
 
 Pauline. 
 
 We soon shall reach the cave to rest awhile, 
 For thou and I have need of rest to-night. 
 I'm weary of the world, and I begin 
 To hate it, with all hatred. 
 
 I 
 
{act v. 
 ou, Se- 
 
 •=JCENE VIII.] 
 
 yself — 
 
 o, 
 
 IS news. 
 
 g- 
 
 hides, 
 dy). 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 Pechioo. 
 
 158 
 
 Come, sit thee down Nnr. 
 
 Ana soon .., ,,. 1 iLTo'^.r:'^'"^' '"-■ 
 
 (They seat t/iemaelves.) 
 Pauline. 
 Methought I heard a distant hunter', horn. 
 
 Pechico. 
 Ai^d if thou didst-Cheer up, cheer up ! 
 
 -Re-enter Rodkigo P^nwr. Dr. 
 
 cautiously P^di!^ ' ^T'T'' ''''^ ^^''''^>' 
 
 -nddrJshI^'t:J7^''''' '' '^"^"^^'^^ 
 sword. RuDOLPHo catches his arm. 
 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 (Aside.) Restrain thy ano-er hm . 
 
 V '<ugei Dut a moment. 
 
 Pauline. 
 
 Z!a7t ,''"**■ "^ ''"^ ^'"T shadow 
 And .f we chance to fall in Pedro'« han.ls 
 We soon shall know our doom. 
 
 But thou ha^t been a comfort unto me 
 And never once did munnur or repine.' 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 WeWd'^,''f''^'^'^''^"'""^''heMoors, 
 We bid defiance to all Portugal. 
 
 
'■"^^ 
 
 a 
 
 154 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 ■■ i 
 
 t • 
 
 ii 
 
 Had I ta'en thy advice and told the Prince, 
 Ere we had pledged unto the cursed Queen, 
 The children's murder was not on our heads. 
 
 Pauline. 
 
 I slew them not ; 'twas thou. I had no hand in't. 
 
 (Pedro advances a step. Rudolpho nrasps his arm.) 
 
 RuDOLPHo (Aside^. 
 
 One moment more, my liege, a moment more ! 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 The Queen did make thee swear to murder them, 
 And I did nmrder them for thee. But now — 
 Regrets mean nothing, or e'en less. 
 
 (Pedro and tlie others rush on PECHicotti?/^ Pauline.) 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Dost thou know me, Pechico ? Thou sayest : 
 Thou hast murdered my sons. Matteo seize on 
 them; Sebastian, all of you surround and make them 
 prisoners. (They do so.) 
 
 (Horn outside.) 
 
 Hear ye that bugle sounding o'er the hills, 
 My Lord Pechico and my Lady Pauline ? 
 Hear it, the last day ye remain on earth ! 
 
[act v. 
 
 SCENE VIII.] 
 
 mt. 
 
 s arm.) 
 
 jhem, 
 
 LULINE.) 
 
 sayest : 
 seize on 
 ke theiii 
 
 ide.) 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 155 
 
 Be quick Rodrio.,, brin... my huntsmen in ;- 
 leJl them I've caught my game and wait fur help. 
 
 [Exit RODRIGO, 
 RUDOLPHO. 
 
 Did I not tell thee thou wouldst hear them speak 
 And have not both their tongues condemned them- 
 
 selves ? 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 It matters not. See, they are coming now. 
 Kodrigo hastens all my merry men. 
 
 {Enter nobles and huntsmen, wUh bows, dv tvho 
 surrvund Pechico a^id Pauline.) 
 
 My lords and gentlemen, keep them secure 
 1 11 punish both of them in such a mode 
 That all of Portugal shall blanch with fear 
 Ihey both confessed the murder of my sons 
 And 'tis enough ! Sebastian, and my lords ' 
 Matteo and Rudolpho, come with me 
 
 (They retire.) 
 
 First Lord. 
 
 The kin ; looks fierce, and cold, and resolute 
 
 J^irtst twou observe the passion in his eye 
 
 And how his cheeks turned pale, his lips compressed, 
 
^t! 
 
 150 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 ir 
 
 How every won! came his.sing through his teetli ! 
 What will he do with them ? 
 
 Second Lord. 
 
 Now seest thou him, how he doth stand alone ! 
 His arms are tightly folded on his breast, 
 And sternness seems as his embodiment. 
 Hither he comes, his eye upon the ground, 
 And there is deadly mischief in his mind. 
 
 Re-enter Pedro, and the others. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Go, bring two stakes and |)lant them firmly down, 
 Make them secure and lead them to their doom ; 
 Then bind until their chains will crush the Hesh — 
 Do as I bid thee ! on thy life, Sebastian ! 
 
 Sebastian. 
 Let me entreat your Grace ! 
 
 Pedro. 
 Nay, not one word — do as I have commanded 1 
 
 Rudolpho. 
 I do beseech your Grace, do not this thing. 
 
 Pedro. 
 Rudolpho, I could grant thee anything; 
 
SCENE VIIT. 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 167 
 
 l^Hlst thou not see me liold my father's hand 
 And on my knee take a most solemr. oatli 
 To slay her murder-ers to the very last. 
 
 Matteo. 
 
 Your Grace, I do beseech thee, let me speak ' 
 Do not this fearful thing, I do entreat thee ; 
 Nay, for the sake of her who was thy wife, ' 
 Who was my sistei-, whom we both did love ; 
 Do not a thing which is so horrible ! 
 
 Pedro. 
 Seest thou yon sun, Matteo ? bid him turn 
 Will he once listen, when thou dost entreat? 
 If there was one to whom I'd give attention 
 I d give It thee—for our lost Inez' sake. 
 Thou knowest I have sworn a solemn oath.— 
 I shall not spare them, as J have a soul' 
 Seize on Pechico! bind him to the stake- 
 Chain him so he escape me not, then bind 
 This woman, till her tender flesh turn black ! 
 
 Pechico. 
 
 Wreak all thy vengeance on my single head 
 But spare my wife ! she never did thee harm. 
 
 Pedro. 
 
 Had she once asked to save my Inez' life — 
 Had she entreated for my children's lives, 
 
I 
 
 
 158 
 
 Prince Pedro. 
 
 [act v. 
 
 I had not punished her; she spurred thee on, 
 
 And she shall die. Guards ! do your office quickly. 
 
 (The guards hind them to their stakes.) 
 
 Matteo, see if I have been obeyed. 
 
 Matteo. 
 Your Grace, 'tis done as you commanded. 
 
 Pedro (to the guards). 
 
 See ye speak not to them on pain of death ; 
 
 Heed not their sighs nor moanings, groans nor sobs, 
 
 Give them no food, nor let one drop of water 
 
 Touch their lips. (To Pechico.) 
 
 Remain where thou art bound, 'till thou art dead. 
 
 Behold thy wife and struggle to be free ; 
 
 Let thy chains rot thy flesh from hour till hour — 
 
 Thou only canst escape when thou art dead ; 
 
 Keep watch upon her that she wander not, 
 
 And when the bonds are burst, then take her down 
 
 And bury her in hell. 
 
 Inez, I've kept my vow, thou art revenged, 
 
 And our poor children's blood shall cry no more, 
 
 And thy kind spirit now may rest in peace. 
 
 [Uxit Pedro, looking sternly at Pechico and. 
 Pauline. The others form a half circle behind them, 
 the guards in their places making a tableau. Two 
 guards, with halberds to each prisonci 
 
 (Curtain falls slowly.) 
 
 m 1 
 
!VCT V. 
 
 ckly. 
 
 38.) 
 
 sobs, 
 
 XiO.) 
 
 iead. 
 ir — 
 
 • down 
 ore, 
 
 and 
 
 d them, 
 
 Two