THE 
 
 Fatal Marriage. 
 
 A DRAMA, 
 
 ]h) the Author of " The Tyrant of New Orleanfi. 
 
 ATLANTA, GA. : 
 THK HKKALD ST^^AM BOOK AND JOB PKINT. 
 
 1875. / 
 
THE 
 
 Fatal Marriage. 
 
 A DRAMA. 
 
 By the Author of " The Tyrant of New Orleans, 
 
 ATLANTA, GA. : 
 
 THE HERALD STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINT. 
 1875. 
 
< 
 
 / 
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 
 
 A. C: GARLINGTON, 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, 
 
 rMP9o-0j7314 
 
Note.— The name and leading features of the plot of this 
 Drama, the reader will at once perceive, are taken from one 
 of La Sage's tales, in Gil Bias. He will also find that its Au- 
 thor has made free use of the original, both in thought and 
 expression. 
 
DRAMATIS PERSON.E. 
 
 Prince Enriquez. ) 
 
 The Infante Don Pedro, V Nephews of King Roger. 
 
 brother of Enriquez, ) 
 Leontio Seffredi, Prime Minister of King Roger. 
 Blanche, daughter of Leontio Seffredi. 
 Princess Constantia, daughter of Matilda, a deceased 
 
 sister of King Roger. 
 Don Jerome De Silva, Duke of Palermo. 
 Don Pedro Piuares. 
 Don Alfonso, a friend of Enriquez. 
 Don Alva, commander of the Castle at Palermo. 
 Don Miguel, commander of Horse. 
 Nisa, a female attendant of Blanche. 
 Jose, servant of Leontio Seffredi. 
 Archbishop of Palermo, and two Bishops. 
 Others of the nobility and subjects, officers of the 
 
 realm. 
 Soldiers and servants. 
 
 Scene— Sicily. At and near Palermo. 
 
THE FATAL MARRIAGE, 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene 1. — Belmonte, Castle of Leontio Seffredi. En- 
 riquez enters Blanche's apartment by a secret pas- 
 sage and finds her in tears. 
 
 ENKit^uEz. Dearest Blanche ! tears and not smiles 
 thy greeting? 
 What grief hath cast this shadow on thy face ? 
 Speak, I pray thee, and my suspense relieve ; 
 To my confidence thy secret entnist. 
 Art thon not happy in our plighted love? 
 Wouldst thou the cause of thy sorrow conceal? 
 
 Blanche. To hide from thee my fears, were, in- 
 deed, vain. 
 The King, thy uncle, lies at point of death, 
 And the sceptre he wields may soon be thine. 
 When I think of the distance betwixt us 
 This turn of fortune's wheel may interpose, 
 Misgivings my anxious bosom disturb. 
 The monarch and the lover may then part ; 
 'Tis this thought that makes me sad; hence these tears. 
 
 Enk. That thy fears are real, tho' without cause. 
 Thy tears attest, and also assure me, 
 If assurance were needed, of thy love. 
 But these fears uncheck'd doubts may engender, 
 And doubts, indulg'd too free, suspicion breed, 
 Which feeds and grows on its own fantasies, 
 'Till it unsettles faith and constancy. 
 No, Blanche; I never shall forsake thee ; 
 Without thee, royalty would have no charm ; 
 My crown-jewel thou shall be ; none other 
 Of such beauty e'er grac'd a monarch's brow. 
 
 Blanche. Ah ! my lord; the crown once plac'd on 
 thy head, 
 For a princess Queen thy subjects may ask. 
 Whose noble alliance new realms may join 
 To thy estates by hereditary right. 
 
6 THE FATAL MARRIAGE, 
 
 Alas ! inspired by their ambitious aims, 
 Thy oft repeated vows may be forgot. 
 
 Enk. Nay ; why with this phantom torment thyself? 
 Should the worst befall the King, and the crown 
 Of Sicily descend to me, I do swear, 
 At Palermo my vows I will redeem. 
 And to the altar lead thee, my sweet bride. 
 
 Blanche. My lord, this weakness forgive and forget; 
 Thoughts unbidden often our minds distract, 
 Like the spectre forms which haunt our dreams, 
 But in our waking hours vanish away. 
 It were cruel thy constancy to doubt, 
 Though tempted by ambition's prize. 
 
 Enr. Forgive thee ! that would imply offense, 
 Which thou hast not given; nor will I forget, 
 But treasure these tears as another pledge 
 Of thy love, and of a happy future. 
 And now, what report of the King ? 
 
 Blanche. A message from father, at Palermo, 
 Represents the King in sad condition; 
 His case is hopeless ; he may be now dead. 
 
 Enk. Humanit}^ but not the ties of blood. 
 Bids me pity the'^King; these he himself, 
 With his own hand long ago disrupted. 
 True, my father the standard of revolt 
 Against him did raise, and shook his throne ; 
 But to the dungeon he added torture. 
 Incited by his sister, Matilda. 
 I owe him nothing;— in his extremity, 
 Propriety demands I say no more. 
 
 (Noise at the Castle gate. ) 
 
 Blanche— Away, my lord, in haste, my father comes. 
 
 Enr. My love, adieu ; 
 Let no further doubts thy bosom disturb. 
 Honors, power, all that rank can bestow ; 
 The wealth of kingdoms is too beggarly 
 To win my thoughts from thee ; without thy love 
 All these would be to me a mere bauble, 
 A poor, paltry pageant of royalty. {Exit Ear.) 
 
 Blanche, (Sola.) To doubt thee now ! 
 That would jDrove myself most unworthy 
 Of thy precious love. 
 
THE FATAL MAEEIAGE. 7 
 
 Scene 11. — The same. Apartments of Enriquez in 
 Seffredi's castle. 
 
 Enter Leontio Seffredi, Blanche, and Enriquez. 
 
 SEimEDi. I come, my lord, the bearer of sad news. 
 Thy uncle, the King, is dead ; the event, 
 Though it be a shock to thy kind nature, 
 Hath brought with it that which lightens the blow. 
 By his death a sceptre comes to thy hands. 
 Sfcily is now at thy feet ; I come, 
 Commissioned by the nobility, to say, 
 They await thy orders at Palermo. 
 With my daughter I first pay thee homage. 
 
 Enk. The tidings thou has brought is no surprise. 
 Of the King's malady I have been warned ; 
 And though by blood entitled to the crown. 
 Now, that it is offer'd to me by free will 
 Of them, whose interests are deepest concern'd, 
 The gravity of the event fills my mind 
 With thoughts of serious import. To be King ; 
 Govern a State, is nest to divine rule ; 
 Consummate -vNisdom, patience and mercy, — 
 These are virtues, rare as they are great. 
 With power, it is easy to play the tyrant. 
 And with gilded pomp gloss the foulest crimes ; 
 But with even hand to deal out justice to all ; 
 The laws enforce ; peace and order maintain ; 
 In fine, a Sovereign's whole duty perform, 
 And belov'd by all, wear a crown in peace. 
 Is no small part on the world's stage to play. 
 But wise Leontio, thou hast been thus far 
 My friend ; I should rather say, a father ; 
 Thou hast been my best, safest counsellor ; 
 Be so still ; by thy help, I hope to wield 
 The sceptre for the good of my subjects. 
 And mine own glory, (Advances to a standish and 
 takes up a blank sheet of paper on which he sub- 
 cribes his name at the foot.) 
 
 Seff. My lord, pray what is the meaning of this ? 
 
 Enr. My friend, I would show thee my gratitude ; 
 (hands paper to Blanche) 
 And to thee, fidelity to my vows; 
 Accept, dear Blanche, this my own sign-manual, 
 This new pledge of my love, and of the empire 
 Over my heart thy matchless charms have won. 
 
 Blanche (receiving the paper) — 
 
g THE FATAL MAERIAGE. 
 
 Think me not ungratefal, most gracious prince. 
 If I commit this token of esteem 
 To my father's discretion, who alone 
 Has my destiny in charge. 
 
 (Hands paper to her father.) 
 
 Seff. For the confidence thus reposed in me^ 
 Your majesty shall not reproach himself, 
 
 Enk. My dear Leontio, use the parchment 
 As it pleaseth thee ; thy words shall be mine, 
 To bind me to what thou wouldst have me do» 
 With dispatch now to Palermo return ; 
 For my coronation at once prepare ; 
 And assure my subjects of my coming, 
 To receive their pledge of allegiance, 
 And my pledge of protection in return. [ExeunL 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 Scene 1. — Palermo. King's Palace. Coronation Hall. 
 
 (Flourish of trumpets without. ) 
 
 (Enters the Archbishop of Palermo, bearing the 
 crown between two Bishops who carry in either hand 
 golden candlesticks, \\dth lighted tapers, and are fol- 
 io v^^ed by Prince Euriquez, the Infante, Don Pedro, 
 Princess Constantia, the Constable of Sicily, Duke of 
 Palermo, Don Alfonso, nobility and subjects. En- 
 riquez ascends the throne with Princess Constantia, 
 whom he salutes. He seats himself in the coronation 
 chair, the Princess taking a less elevated seat. ) 
 
 Seffeedi. (opening a sealed paper package. ) As 
 chancellor of the kingdom, it is my j)lace to present 
 the last will and testament orf his most illustrious ma- 
 jesty, our late King, and to read its contents, touch- 
 ing the succession of the crown. (Reads) "In default 
 of issue, it is my will and pleasure, and by virtue of 
 my sovereign power and authority, I do hereby ordain 
 and direct that my nephew, Prince Enriquez, son of 
 my deceased brother Manfroi, shall be my successor 
 on the throne of Sicily, and that he inherit all my 
 possessions and the royal dignities and powers belong- 
 ing and appertaining to said Kingdom ; and I do en- 
 join upon my most faithful subjects submission and 
 allegiance to his authority ; upon condition, never- 
 theless, that he do marry the Princess Constantia, 
 daughter of my deceased sister, Matilda ; and in the 
 event that he refuses her hand, the crown to devolve^ 
 
THE FATAL MAKEIAGE. 9 
 
 to his exclusion, on the head of the Infante, Don P*- 
 dro, upon like condition." 
 
 My lords, that pious and most excellent Prince has 
 consented to accept the crown on this condition, and 
 he is ready to honor the Princess Constantia with 
 
 Ene. (Interrupting him.) Hast thou forgotten the 
 paper ? 
 
 Seff. My lord, here it is. (Exhibiting the paper.) 
 The nobility ot the kingdom will see by your subscrip- 
 tion the esteem you have for the Princess, and your 
 respect for the will of the late King. (Reads. ) 
 
 "Be it known to the nobility and subjects of the 
 Kingdom of Sicily, that I accept the condition of my 
 succession to the crown, contained in the will of the 
 late King, which requires me to marry my most ex- 
 cellent cousin, the Princess Constantia ; and in attest- 
 ation thereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name 
 and affixed my seal." 
 
 (Signed) Eneiquez. 
 
 (Pteceived with shouts of applause.) 
 Constantia, (Rising from her seat.) 
 The honor thou hast conferred upon me 
 I accept with gratitude. 
 
 Ene. Your gratitude, madam, does me honor ; 
 (greatly agitated. ) 
 Pray be seated. 
 
 (Approaching Seffredi. ) 
 (Aside) Leoutio, 
 
 What meanest thou ? For such uses as this, 
 My sign-manual was not given thee, 
 
 Seffeedi. (Aside.) My lord, I know it; 
 
 Wilt thou, by thy rashness, lose a kingdom? 
 
 Ene. (Turning to Constantia.) This ordeal, cousin, 
 Is new to me ; and if, perchance, I seem 
 Not myself, lay it to the occasion ; 
 To such formalities I am unus'd. 
 
 (Enter Blanche and Don Alfonso. Prince Enriquez 
 sees her and becomes more agitated. ) 
 The injunction of our uncle's last will, 
 That you should share the crown shall be fulfiird. 
 (Takes her hand. ) 
 (Seffredi holding Blanche by the hand approaches 
 the throne. ) 
 Seff. (Presenting Blanche and addressing her.) 
 Thy homage to the Queen, 
 And upon her head invoke the blessings 
 
10 THE FATAL MAKRIAGE. 
 
 Of a happy marriage and prosperous reign. 
 
 (Blanche's agitation alarms her father who manages 
 to get her out of the Hall. The Archbishop advances 
 and hands the Prince the Holy Bible ; the Prince 
 takes the oath. ) 
 
 Pe. Ene In the presence of God, I promise my 
 people to defend and honor our holy religion as it be- 
 comes a Christian King and son of the Church ; to 
 cause justice to be done to all of my subjects ; finally, 
 to govern them in conformity to the laws of the king- 
 dom, which I swear to observe, so hel^j me God and 
 his Holy Gospel. (Kisses the Book. The Archbishop 
 places the crown upon the Prince's head, annoinis 
 him and blesses him. ) 
 
 Archbishop. May the Holy Virgin and her son Jesus, 
 now crown his majesty with heaven's diadem, and 
 give him strength to perform the vows which he has 
 so solemnly made, and, in a special manner his vow 
 to defend the most Holy Catholic Church. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene 2. —The same. Apartments in the King's Palace, 
 Enter King Enriquez. 
 
 King Ene. (Solus.) O, fool that I was, to be thus 
 deceived ! 
 Worse than fool; coward ! aye, a miscreant ! 
 Marry Constantia ! true, she is comely, 
 And of royal blood, but her smiles even, 
 Giving token of the ]oj she might feel, 
 Would pierce my heart like poisoned daggers. 
 'Mid scenes that ravish other men's senses. 
 Would appear my father's ghost to rebuke 
 And shame me, his most unnatural son. 
 And dearest Blanche ! what are her thoughts of me ? 
 To act so base a part. (Enter Don Alfonso. ) 
 My good friend ; 
 How untoward have this day's issues been ! 
 Leontio's subtle craft hath betrajed me 
 To do what I would give worlds to recall. 
 Into his snare he drew me so dextr'ously. 
 That I scarcely knew it till it was done. 
 Accurs'd be the hour when I trusted him 
 With my signature. 
 
 Don a. To be thus used, indeed, surprised me. 
 
 King Enr. Thou know'st how a child its parents* 
 word 
 
THE FATAL MAERIAGE. 1 Jf. 
 
 Obeys without question, or act of will; 
 
 To his authority thus accustom'd, 
 
 As by instinct, my judgment I did yield. 
 
 By the spur of the moment I was prick'd ; 
 
 My thoughts, with due speed, I could not collect; 
 
 But to entrust him with my sign-manual, 
 
 That was the fatal mistake. 
 Don a. The pledge thou gavest to wed Constantia 
 
 Was most unfortunate. 
 King Ene. True; but a pledge I will not redeem, 
 
 A promise obtain'd by cunning and fraud. 
 
 On the conscience hath no force nor effect; 
 
 My promise being thus gained, I'm released 
 
 From its performance. 
 Don A. Thou art right; I would not be bound by it. 
 King Enk. And to be wrought on thus, my own 
 manhood 
 
 Forbids; though my kingdom had been the price. 
 
 He had no right my hand thus to barter. 
 Don A. But what remedy hast thou now ? 
 King Ene. I shall at once withdraw my acceptance 
 
 Of the crown, on the condition aunex'd, 
 
 And claim it by right of inheritance. 
 
 At the time, this purpose entered my mind, — 
 
 To undo that which was then being done, 
 
 Which gain'd my seeming assent to the terms. 
 
 To act this deceit nearly palsied my tongue; 
 
 To thus appear so false to the oue I loved; 
 
 In her presence, to another offer 
 
 The hand which by my plighted faith was her's; 
 
 O, 'tis this thought that points my self-reproach. 
 
 For this cruel wrong, atonement should be made; 
 
 It shall be made though it cost me my crown. 
 
 To her I will go, and forgiveness ask. 
 
 Her gentle heart, I am sure, \vill grant it. 
 
 In my attempt to retrieve this false step 
 
 I see the dangers that will confront mo. 
 
 Leontio's influence at court hath been great: — 
 
 With King Roger it was omnipotent. 
 
 When my purpose is known, as 'twill soon be, 
 
 His friends will espouse his cause against me.. 
 
 They must, therefore, be divested of power, 
 
 And give place to thase who will follow me, 
 
 And are ready to link their fate with mine. 
 
 To confer with you on this grave matter 
 
 Is my wish, and to this end your preseace 
 
12 THE FATAL MAEKIAGE. 
 
 At an early hour will oblige ; to-night 
 I leave the palace; at the postern gate 
 My horse awaits me; on my return here 
 I will send for thee. 
 
 Don a. 'Tis enough to know your majesty's will. 
 To obey it. 
 
 King Enr. Till then adieu. {Exeunt) 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene 1.— Belmont. Apartment in Sefifredi's Castle. 
 Enter Seffredi and Blanche. 
 
 Seffkedi. My child, I have a word to say to thee 
 Which thy state of mind while at the King's palace, 
 And on our way homeward, forbade me. 
 Thy love for the King has not escap'd me. 
 If proof had been wanting the opinion 
 To confirm, thy conduct in his presence, 
 Which his coronation well nigh marred, 
 Was sufficient every doubt to disi^el. 
 My daughter, it is a father's duty 
 To tell thee that this passion is most vain; 
 Aye, if longer indulg'd, will prove fatal. 
 Between the King and thj-self lies a gulf. 
 Which without thy disgrace cannot be pass'd; 
 Banish the thought; the delusive hope dispel, 
 Or it will prove to thee a treach'rous snare; 
 Besides, thy hand is already pledged. 
 
 Blanche. To whom ? 
 
 Seff. To the Constable. 
 
 Blanche. Father ! 
 
 Seff. True. 
 
 Blanche. Just Heaven ! 
 
 What sorrows thou hast held in store for Blanche ! 
 
 (She falls into her father's arms, who places her on 
 a sofa and applies restoratives. ) 
 (Recovering.) My lord, pardon this weakness; 'tis 
 
 over. 
 But ere long death's welcome hand will rid thee 
 Of one who ventured on the sea of love 
 Without a parent's counsel for her chart. 
 
 Seff. No, Blanche; the sacrifice would be too dear 
 Virtuous resolve its lawful empire 
 Will assert, and make thee thyself again, 
 Arm thee with the power to overcome 
 
THE FATAL MABBIAGE. 13 
 
 The storm of passion which now would wreck thee. 
 A worthy oflfer is the Constable's hand, 
 An alliance of which thou mightst well be proud. 
 He is young, handsome ; all know his valor, 
 And that through his veins courses noble blood. 
 
 Blanche. Oft have I heard of his many virtues; 
 'Tis not my pride that w^ould reject his hand; 
 That it would not degrade me I am sure, 
 But the King's vows, repeated o'er and o'er 
 
 Seff. That thou wouldst speak, I already know. 
 If the Prince's vows to thee could be fulfill'd, 
 To me it would be a most joyful event; 
 But that is impossible; the welfare 
 Of the realm, its peace and safety demand 
 That he accept the hand of the Princess — 
 On this condition only is he King. 
 Wouldst thou have him resign a throne for thee? 
 To see thee suffer thus makes my heart bleed. 
 Yet, what madness against fate to contend ? 
 Besides, thy good repute may be tarnish'd 
 By evil-tongued rumor, if this passion 
 Thy bosom should continue to inflame. 
 The King has decided between thy charms 
 And a throne, by accepting Constantia. 
 To the Constable I have pledged thy hand; 
 That i^ledge, cost what it may, shall be redeem'd. 
 If persuasion should prove of no avail, 
 Unwilling as I am, I will assert 
 A parent's authority, command thee. 
 And to avoid delay, the Constable 
 Will come to-night to claim thee as his bride. 
 
 Blanche. O, father, why this haste ? Let me, I pray, 
 At least, be spar'd time my mind to compose 
 For the trial I have to undergo. 
 The dread ordeal of giving away 
 My hand without my heart; do grant me this; 
 Not to-night; let sweet sleep quiet my nerves, 
 And to my heart its natural beat restore 
 Ere to the altar I'm unwilling led. 
 
 Seff. No, no ! delay will accomplish no good. 
 A life's long experience hath taught me this; — 
 To do that which it is painful to do, 
 It had best be done quick; reasons of State, 
 Besides, demand that this night thy marriage 
 Take place. So, prepare for the ceremonial 
 In our private chapel. {Exit Seffredi. ) 
 2 
 
14 THE FATAL MARRIAGE. 
 
 Blanche. (Sola.) Is this a dream ? 
 
 Or is 't reality ? My hopes all dead ; 
 Doom'd to a life of wretchedness and woe ! 
 By my own father ! for reasons of State ! 
 O, Heaven, save me ! from this fate save me ! 
 Marry the Constable ! Compared to this 
 Death is sweet, sweet as the child's gentle sleep ; 
 And Enriquez, where now are thy pledges ? 
 The vows thou didst swear to keep ? all broken I 
 Perfidious Prince, to deceive me thus ! 
 To lead me over a pathway of llowers 
 To the dizzy edge of a yawning chasm ! 
 May the chalice thou hast put to thy lips, 
 Polluted by the basest treachery, 
 With noxious poison infect thy heart's blood ! 
 May thy nuptial couch be a bed of thorns, 
 Thy soul to lacerate with jealousy. 
 With hideous di-eams and waking horrors ! 
 May the caresses, which to endearment 
 Now invite thee, prove to be serpent's folds ! 
 To 'venge me on myself for my folly, 
 In giving ear to thy faithless promises. 
 I will wed the Constable, though shrinking 
 From his chilling touch. I will rival thee, 
 Traitor, in the horrors of our nuptials. 
 If in thy heart thou hast a spark of love. 
 To me, it will be revenge enough to appear 
 Before thee, another's devoted bride. 
 Or victim. If thou hast forgotten me, 
 With thy vows, Sicily may at least boast 
 Of a woman who could punish herself 
 For having too unwisely loved. [Kut. 
 
 Scene 2, — The same. Ante-room in Blanche's apart- 
 ments. -. 
 (Enter Nisa. ) 
 N18A. (Sola) My poor, dear mistress ! 
 Oh, why did she consent to wed a man 
 She did not love ? It will break her heart. 
 (Enter Jose.) 
 JosE. That's the way with you women; heart-break- 
 ing, 
 To hear you talk, is a daily business ; 
 But I have never yet seen the pieces 
 Of the precious ware; it is soon mended, 
 I trow. 
 
THE FATAL MAEEIAGE. 15 
 
 NisA. Jose; 
 
 I was not speaking to you, nor of yon, sir ; 
 Yon are impertinent. 
 
 Jose. That may be; and if 'twere my only sin, 
 I wonld have but little use for a priest. 
 Don't be so touchy; I, too, have a heart, 
 
 NisA. I doubt it. 
 
 JosE. You might as well doubt my love. 
 
 NiSA. Your love ! What's the matter with you 
 Jose? 
 
 Jose. Heart disease; palpitation of the heart. 
 
 NisA. Palpitation of the heart ! 
 What causes your heart to palpitate ? 
 
 Jose. If I tell you your confessor will know it. 
 
 NiSA. That is my business, sir. 
 
 Jose. It might get Jose into business. 
 The old fellow looks a little cross-eyed 
 At me, as it is. 
 
 NisA. Cease this profanity; but tell me, Jose, 
 What makes your heart palpitate ?— out with it. 
 
 Jose. Nisa, 
 Art thou in earnest ? Hast thou an interest 
 In the workmgs of this poor heart of mine '? 
 Then, of all men I am the happiest; 
 Then, brightest sunshine leaps into my soul, 
 Kindling into melting heat ail its fires; 
 Then, I teel as if upon angel's wings, 
 Upward borne, the sun's planets I pass 
 Into azure fields, near heaven's bright walls, 
 And list to the songs of its inspir'd choir. 
 Wafted on the breeze o'er its battlements, 
 Where cherubim and seraphim 
 
 Nisa. Merciful Heavens ! 
 Jose, what ails you ? have you gone crazy? 
 
 Jose. Why thus interrupt me, and clip the wings 
 Of my imagination in its flight 
 Through the starry concave ? 
 
 Nisa. Where did you get your poetry, Jose? 
 
 Jose. Love's inspiration. 
 
 Nisa. You in love ? 
 
 Jose. Yes, I am in love. 
 
 Nisa. With whom? 
 
 Jose. I love the flower that "scents the evening 
 gale," 
 Or sparkles in the morning dew ; 
 The flower may droop, its beauty fade and fail ; 
 
16 THE FATAL MAERIAGE. 
 
 But never will my love for you. 
 
 NisA. I now know you are crazy. 
 Jose, no more of your nonsense, leave me ; 
 My mistress is coming. [Exit Jose. 
 
 (Sola. ) I wonder if the fellow is in earnest. 
 (Enter Blanche, who seats herself. ) 
 
 Blanche It is all over now. 
 Nisa, I could scarce ascend the stair-way ; 
 I am so faint ; to my chamber with me ; 
 I have excused myself for the evening. 
 After resting, a stroll in the garden 
 May refresh me. [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene 3, — The same. Apartment in Sefifredi's Castla 
 
 (Enter Seffredi and the Constable.) 
 
 Seff. The fatigue of travel from Palermo 
 To my daughter's nerves hath given a shock, 
 And a fever induc'd which racks her brain. 
 The novel scenes through which she has just pass'd 
 Have doubtless her symptoms aggravated ; 
 And to recover her strength and spirits, 
 She begs that she may be left to enjoy 
 A night's repose, ere she meets her lord. 
 'Tis only a temporary ailment ; 
 To morrow she will be fully restor'd. 
 
 The Const. My lord, this message is most unwel- 
 come ; 
 But my greatest grief is the necessity 
 That hath caused it. That my nuptial rights 
 Should be thus interrupted is nothing. 
 Compared to the knowledge of her suffering. 
 Tender her, I pray thee, my sympathy, 
 In this sad affliction, and my assent 
 To her request. 
 
 Seff. My thanks, sir. 
 
 How wast thou pleased with the Prince's manner 
 At his coronation ? 
 
 The Const. The Prince scem'd to approach his new 
 honors 
 Well compos'd, with becoming dignity ; 
 His manner before receiving the crown 
 Chang' d, and then strange confusion assum'd ; 
 He was deeply agitated, my lord — 
 The cause I was unable to perceive. 
 
 Seff. None others know the King so well as J, 
 The ambition of his father, Manfroi, 
 
THE FATAL MAE KI AGE. 17 
 
 Made me the guardian of the young Prince 
 And Don Pedro, both, then, of tender years. 
 About the King were these, whose desire was, 
 That the fate of Manfroi should befall them. 
 •Over their designs my counsel prevail'd. 
 To my custody they were entrusted. 
 The unfolding of the mind and temper 
 Of each, his capacity and character, 
 With a father's eye I have long observ'd. 
 The young King is not without ambition, 
 But he is generous and forgiving ; 
 Frank and open-hearted in his dealings ; 
 His aims he would attain without resort 
 To indirect means, or secret intrigue. 
 In these virtues Don Pedro is not his peer. 
 Though endow'd with many noble traits. 
 He is not so gentle and merciful ; 
 Not so quick to forgive an enemy, 
 Whose wrongs he hath felt, or inherited. 
 In fine, Don Pedro would cherish revenge, 
 And pursue his victim without remorse. 
 Now, when Enriquez the hand of Constance 
 Agreed to accept, Don Pedro's dark brow 
 Still darker grew. Matilda's cruelty 
 To his father rose in his memory. 
 And stirr'd his blood ; the King observ'd this ; 
 Hence his confusion. 
 
 Const. Don Pedro's feelings were most natural; 
 But to show them then was most unseemly. 
 
 Seff. True, but nothing, I feel well assured, 
 
 Will come of this their friendship to. disturb. 
 
 The hour warns me that it may be thy wish 
 To retire and seek repose. 
 
 Const. With thy consent, I will wait near the bed, 
 Denied me now, hoping that mj'^ bride, 
 Before the night is past, may be refresh'd. 
 And permit my presence. 
 
 Seff. This hope, I fear, will be without avail, 
 But as thou likest ; a servant will hear 
 The summons of this bell, shouldst thou want ona. 
 Before leaving, I will inquire of Blanche. 
 ■(Goes to Blanche's chamber door and knocks. Nisa 
 
 enters. ) 
 How is your Mistress resting ? 
 
 NisA. She is feverish still 
 
 Seff. Let her be undisturb'd. If she awakes 
 2* 
 
18 THE FATAL MAKKIAGE. 
 
 And feels recovered, so report to her lord, 
 Who will remain in the ante-chamber, 
 Hoping to have admission to her room 
 Ere the night is past. Say this much to her. 
 
 lExit Nisa. 
 
 (To the Constable) 
 I now bid thee good night ; on this divan 
 Thou mayst recline ; and if thou wouldst read, 
 To beguile the slow hours, here are some books 
 That may serve thee. [Kut Sef. 
 
 Const. (Solas) What a strange situation ! Was e'er 
 bride-groom 
 Thus denied the sweet presence of his bride, 
 At the hour when Hymen gives his first kiss. 
 And his secret of new transports reveals ? 
 Being her request, how could I refuse ? 
 How slow the hours will lift their drowsy wings, 
 Till the dawn of the happy morrow appears ! 
 
 (Seats himself on divan and reads. Curtain falls. ) 
 
 Scene 4.— The same. Ante-chamber of Blanche's 
 Apartments. 
 
 (Constable reclining on divan asleep — lamp dimly 
 burning. Enters KiDg Euriquez by secret door and 
 moves towards Blanche's chamber— calling her name in 
 a low voice. The Constable springs to his feet, and 
 drawing his sword, engages with King Enriquez, who 
 retreats through the door he entered. The Constable 
 turns on the light, and tries the doors, which he finds 
 locked. He rings the bell, and takes his stand in the 
 door of the hall leading to Leontio's apartments. A 
 servant enters, ) 
 
 Const. Some person entered the room while I slept. 
 (Searches the room with servant. ) 
 Perhaps I was deceived — thou mayst retire. 
 Bid thy master come immediately. {Exit servant.) 
 (Leontio Seflfredi enters. ) 
 
 Seff. My lord, what has disturbed thee ? 
 
 Const. While I slept some one entered this chamber. 
 
 Seff. Impossible, Sir; were not the doors lock'd? 
 
 Const. They were. 
 
 Seff. How then could any person enter here ? 
 
 Const. Sir, I cannot tell, but this I do know: 
 I heard a voice and beheld a man's shape. 
 We crossed swords, Sir. 
 
 Seff. Cross'd swords ? Surely, my lord, thou wast 
 dreaming; 
 
THE FATAL MAKRIAGE, 19 
 
 A phantom this, a figment of the brain. 
 Such cheats have occun-'d before; the senses 
 Enthrall'd by sleep, the imagination bears sway, 
 And conjures up illusions that deceive. 
 Thy exclusion from the bridal chamber 
 Hath work'd up thy mind to this false state. 
 Knowing the cause — having my word for that, 
 Why take the matter so sadly to heart ? 
 Think of it— Blanche's age and situation; 
 Eear'd in solitude, without a mother 
 To teach her the secrets of womanhood — 
 Suddenly wed to one nigh a stranger; 
 To shrink from his embrace is natural, 
 Tho' she were in fullest vigor of health. 
 Maidens of gentle blood and chaste thoughts, 
 Before they feel the glowing warmth of love. 
 Must be woo'd with pressing assiduity. 
 Let me entreat thee to calm thy feelings; 
 The suspense that annoys thee will soon end. 
 Treat Blanche tenderly, with conSdence, 
 And thou wilt have a loving companion. 
 Of the foes that wedded life encounters, 
 Jealousy, 'bove all, stands prominent. 
 Beware, my lord, of its first whispers. 
 To a wife's honor such a scene as this 
 May do injury. That it was a dream 
 Which disturbed thee — the merest phantom — 
 Thou must know; then, to thy chamber retire. 
 And compose thyself to rest, I pray thee. 
 
 The Const. That 'twas no dream, three of my senses 
 prove, 
 But still, a phantom it may have been. 
 But in bod'ly form. I'm at your service. {Exeunt. ) 
 
 Scene 2.— The same. Garden of Seflfredi's Castle. 
 (Enter Blanche and Nisa ) 
 
 Blanche. O, what a contrast to my throbbing heart 
 Is this quiet scene ! In the moon's soft light 
 These sweet flowers in security sleep, 
 As if conscious of her tender vigils. 
 Kiss'd by the morrow's sun they will awake. 
 And open their eyes smiling to the skies. 
 Alas ! for me the present hath no rest, 
 And no morrow's sun will rise to chase 
 Away the dark clouds that o'erhang the future. 
 The future ! I shudder to speak the v/ord. 
 But yesterday, the green earth and bright sky 
 
20 THE FATAL MARRIAGE. 
 
 Pictur'd only hope, and joy, and love. 
 How chang'd ! Desolation where'er I turn. 
 
 A few hours I may call my own and then; 
 
 Then, O, what a destiny ! misery ! 
 
 The word is too poor; it hath no meaning 
 
 To fathom the deep sea of my despair. 
 
 Sainted mother ! if in the spirit land 
 
 Pity is felt, and before mercy's throne 
 
 Intercession for mortals may be made. 
 
 On suppliant knee let thy child's name be breath'd; 
 
 Ask that she be endow'd with strength to bear 
 
 This affliction, or find escajje in death. 
 
 O could I weep once more ! but e'en this joy 
 
 Is now denied me. The fountain of tears 
 
 Hath no vent for a sorrow deep as mine. 
 
 (Enters King Enriquez by secret passage.) 
 
 King Enr. Fair Blanche ! in thy face I .see signs of 
 grief; 
 Ere I am judg'd, I beseech thee to hear me. 
 Thou hast witness'd a scene that condemns me. 
 But hear me, and what wears the face of guilt 
 Will in other light appear, and my love 
 Be clear'd of ev'ry suspicion and doubt. 
 'Twas thy father, and not I, who did this. 
 
 (Blanche turns away from him.) 
 What ! can I not calm thy troubled bosom 
 By assuring thee of my devotion, 
 And oflf'ring proof of my sincerity ? 
 Do my words fall heedlessly on thine ear ? 
 For thee, my crown, my life is now at stake; 
 And thou wilt not trust me ? 
 
 Blanche. My lord, thy speech is unseasonable; 
 Henceforth, our destinies are separate. 
 
 King Enr. What cruel words ! 
 
 Whose hand will dare attempt to divide us ? 
 Let all Sicily be first wrapp'd in flames. 
 
 Blanche. Thy broken vows had best be forgotten. 
 To renew them can be of ho avail; 
 I am married to the Constable. 
 
 King Ene. Married to the Constable ? What hast 
 thou done ! 
 Thy credulity hath blasted my hopes, 
 And thyself undone. 
 
 Blanche. Wouldst thou have me discredit my own 
 eyes. 
 And deny what I heard thy lips pronounce ? 
 
THE FATAL MARBIAGE. 21^ 
 
 Did I not hear thy pledge to another, 
 
 In the presence of thy nobility ? 
 
 Has she not received their homage as Queen? 
 
 The temptation thou couldst not withstand. 
 
 Thou hast exchang'd thine honor for a crown. 
 
 Thou wast right; I had no claim on thy hand. 
 
 Much less to a throne; but to deceive me; 
 
 To encourage my vanity with false hopes, 
 
 Even after I trembled at my folly, 
 
 Feeling that I had cherish'd a passion 
 
 That to my happiness might prove fatal ; 
 
 O, this was too cruel ! Would to heaven 
 
 That my fears had not been dissipated 
 
 By thy protests and words of endearment ! 
 
 Fortune, then, I might have accused, not thee; 
 
 Then, my heart would have been thine, tho' my hand: 
 
 Were another's. But thou hast sealed my fate. 
 
 It is too late now to acquit thyself; 
 
 Mine honor bids me quit thy presence, 
 
 And— forever. (Blanche retires. ) 
 
 King Ene. Stop, Madam ; do not drive me to despair ; 
 For thy charms I would sacrifice the throne. 
 Which thou say est I have preferr'd to thee; 
 Without their radiance 'twould have no lustre. 
 
 Blanche. (Still retiring. ) The sacrifice would be of 
 no avail ; 
 These transports of passion are idle now. 
 If in the past I have betrayed my love, 
 'Twas the weakness of an innocent heart. 
 Now, I have the strength to stifle its throbs. 
 And let thee know, that the Constable's wife 
 Will not be thy mistress, tho' thou art King. 
 
 {Exeunt Blanche and Nisa,) 
 
 King Enr. (Solus.) Ah! cruel maid! to deny me 
 audience. 
 As a perjured villain, who hath played false 
 With thy precious love, now forever lost ! 
 The Constable's wife ! thou base Leontio ! 
 Thy hand hath done this ; thy coward heart 
 Didst plot this thing to secure me a throne, 
 And thyself a place, dreading the chances 
 Of losing both, if I chose the King's will 
 To reject, and Constantia's hand refuse. 
 By the Gods, I wall ; and defy thy power. 
 Thou shalt know that Enriquez is now King; 
 That thy meshes of fraud cannot bind him 
 
22 THE FATAL MARBIAGE. 
 
 To the base act thou wouldst have him perform. 
 Wed Constantia ! never ! This fix'd resolve 
 No power on earth can shake ; it shall stand, 
 Though war's bloody locks in my face be shook. 
 
 {Eut.) 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Scene 1. — Palermo. Apartment in the King's palace- 
 (Enter King Enriquez and Sefifredi.) 
 
 Seff. If your majesty would deign an answer, 
 I beg to ask what is the Constable's crime ? 
 What hath caused his arrest ? 
 
 King Enk. What if I should tell thee, conspiracy ? 
 
 Seff. Conspiracy ? to what end ? 
 
 King Enr. Against my throne. 
 
 Seff. Sire, this cannot be true. To false rumor, 
 Or tongue of malice, thou hast given ear. 
 His alliance with my house is sufficient 
 His loj'alty to put above suspicion. 
 
 King Enk. His alliance with thy house ! What 
 meanest thou ? 
 
 Seff. By marriage. 
 
 King Enr. Aye ! an alliance, forc'd by thy power, 
 Against the will of its heloless victim. 
 
 Seff. And the cause of the Constable's arrest. 
 May be, I so view it. 
 
 King Enr. Since thou art so free thy thoughts to 
 utter, 
 I will be so with thee ; thou hast play'd false; 
 My confidence abus'd, my peace destroy'd ; 
 And for what ? To secure thy place at court. 
 For this thou has sacrific'd thine own child ; 
 Blighted the sweetest love that on this earth 
 Ever blossom'd ; such as thy heart never felt 
 In warmest mood ; Sir, thoii art a murderer ; 
 Worse than the bold bandit of the mountains, 
 Or him that whets the dagger of revenge. 
 After this act, how darest thou face me ? 
 
 Seff. Ah ! Sire, my motives thou hath misconceiv'd^ 
 Or thou wouldst not speak to me in this wise. 
 In accepting the will of thy uncle, 
 'Twas not place I sought, but thy security. 
 
 King Enr. It is not accepted ; its terms I spurm 
 Thy schemes are vain, the crown of Sicily 
 Is mine, but Constantia never shall be,; 
 No ! never. 
 
THE FATAL MAREIAGE. 2^ 
 
 Seft. Having solemnly accepted lier hand 
 Before the whole Kingdom, then reject it? 
 
 Kino Ene. If they be deceived, thou art the de- 
 ceiver. 
 Thy cunning put her name in the paper, 
 Where thy daughter's was intended, and thus 
 Attempt was made to defeat my purpose. 
 What right hadst thou thus to practice on me ? 
 Hast thou forgotten who Constantia is ? 
 The daughter of the cruel Matilda, 
 Who, regardless of the ties of kindred, 
 From my father the sweat of torture wrung ; 
 And I espouse her ? Never, Leontio. 
 Before thou seest the torch of these nuptials, 
 Thou wilt see all Sicily wrapt in flames. 
 
 Seff. First in thy thoughts should be the public 
 weal. 
 And to that all thy aims subordinate. 
 By King Roger's will, the crown comes to thee, 
 Upon condition — that broken, thy kingdom 
 Will be rent into two rival factions, 
 And thy subjects in civil war embroil'd. 
 Surely, thou wilt not do them this evil. 
 
 King Ene. King Roger had no right to make condi- 
 tions. 
 Did he succeed to the throne by such terms ? 
 I claim no title by the late King's will. 
 By blood, I am rightful heir to the crown; 
 Hence, this condition, I affirm, is void. 
 My pledge to Constantia was involuntary, 
 And, therefore, not binding on my conscience. 
 Should Don Pedro, by accepting the will, 
 Aspire to the throne, and hope to mount it, 
 Without the cost of blood, how mistaken ! 
 Leontio, my life is staked on this die. 
 
 Seff. Your majesty's mind, I see, is resolv'd, 
 At least till a calmer mood shall return ; 
 But grant to me, I pray thee, the favor 
 Of the Constable's liberty ; my pledge 
 Will stand for his loyalty. 
 
 King Ene. For what in the past thou hast done 
 for me, 
 This much I grant thee ; then go to Belmonte ; 
 He will follow thee. 
 
 Seff. My most grateful thanks ; farewell ! 
 
 lExit Seff. 
 
'24 THE FATAL MAKEIAGE. 
 
 King Enk. (Solas.) In motive, Leontio may be sin- 
 cere, 
 And my speech to him too abrupt and harsh. 
 Be that as it may, his purpose shall fail. 
 I will see Blanche again ; another appeal 
 May reach her heart, and convince her at last. 
 That I have not deceived her. lExit. 
 
 Scene 2— The same. The Castle. 
 (Enter Don Alva, Gov'nor of the Castle and a turnkey. ) 
 
 Don a. Unlock the Constable's cell. 
 (Turnkey unlocks cell. Enter the Constable. Exit 
 Turnkey. ) 
 
 The Const. My dear friend ! 
 
 In my distress this call is most welcome. 
 How glad I am to see thee ! 
 
 Don a. The tidings of thy arrest surpris'd me : 
 The reason assign'd my wonder excited. 
 The charge of treason is mere invention ; 
 This all Palermo knows ; hence the tumult 
 Which threatens it. But what think'st thou the 
 cause ? 
 
 Const. I have suspicion only, which to thee 
 Even, I will not breathe ; lock'd in my breast 
 It shall remain, till by proof confirmed ; 
 Till then, my heart alone it shall torture. 
 But give me liberty to-night, and ere 
 Another's sun, I will make known to thee 
 The cause of my disgrace. If the truth be 
 As I have grounds to suspect, vengeance 
 My wrongs will follow, swift as the lightning, 
 And terrible as its death-dealing shaft. 
 
 Don Al. The King hath promised thy discharge. 
 
 Const. Promised my discharge ! to whom ? 
 
 Don a. Leontio. 
 
 Const. He will not to-night- 
 
 Wilt thou not anticipate the order ? 
 
 Don a. Thou must be on hand when the order ar- 
 rives. 
 
 Const. For that take my word. 
 I will return here before dawn of day. 
 
 Don a. With that pledge, thy liberty is granted. 
 
 Const. I will not deceive thee. 
 
 Don a. I will lock the door and take the key ; 
 Go at once to the foot of the stairway, 
 And there await me. lExit Const. 
 
THE FATAL MAKKIAGE. 25 
 
 (Enter Turnkey.) 
 I have already locked the cell. 
 Turnkey. The key ! 
 Don a. — I will return here to-night. [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene 3.— The same. Duke of Palermo's Hoiise. 
 
 (Enter Duke of Palermo, Don Pedro Pinares, Don 
 
 Alva, and Don Miguel.] 
 
 D. PAiiEEMO. At Leontio's request, 
 
 I have invited you here, counsel to take 
 On the dangers which threaten the Kingdom. 
 The King has inaugurated his reign 
 By an act of tyranny, which demands 
 Prompt action, or there will be no safety 
 For his liege subjects, their persons or lives. 
 I will not assume to be counsellor 
 For wiser heads, their judgments to control. 
 Good Leontio will soon be with us ; 
 He has thought it wise, Don Pedro to sound 
 On this grave matter, and report to-night. 
 
 PiNABES. Don Pedro ! 
 
 What can Leontio from the Infante hope ? 
 
 D. Pal. Should Enriquez refuse Constantia's hand, 
 As it is believed he will, Don Pedro, 
 By accepting it, would be successor. 
 
 PiNA. Is it believed that the Prince will prove 
 Faithless, and refuse to wed the Princess ? 
 
 D. Pal. I am assured he will. 
 
 Constantia will never share the King s bed. 
 
 PiNA. If this be true my allegiance I abjure ; 
 Loyalty is not due a perjur'd King. 
 
 D. Pal. It hath transpired, 
 
 The Constable's arrest hath a meaning, 
 Other than offence against the public. 
 (Enters Seffredi. ) 
 My lord, most welcome ; 
 Our good friends their fidelity have proved 
 By prompt attendance at thy call. 
 
 Seff. And for this my kindest thanks they all have. 
 (To Alva. ) How fares the Constable '? 
 
 Don a. To Belmonte he hath gone. 
 
 Upon pledge of his honor to return 
 Before dawn of day, I have released him. 
 
 Seef, To Belmonte ? 
 
 Of thy friendship this is strong proof ; 
 Whether good or evil may come of it. 
 Is another question ; but of one thing 
 3 
 
26 THE FATAL MAEEIAGE. 
 
 Thou maj''st rest assur'd — his pledge he'll redeem. 
 
 Aud now, good friends, let us to the matter 
 
 That hath brought us here : the exigency 
 
 Admits of no delay; all Palermo 
 
 Is seething with the fires of discontent, 
 
 Like our own Mount iEtna, giving signs ^ 
 
 Of eruption from her smokj' summit. 
 
 The young King's madness, scorning all restraint, 
 
 Incites to revolt and revolution. 
 
 The question his subjects have to meet, 
 
 Is, shall they be victims of civil war. 
 
 Or, to prevent it, he be shorn of power V 
 
 No King ever fell heir to a sceptre 
 
 Under such auspices of security, 
 
 Aud against fortune so recklessly play'd. 
 
 PiNA. The Constable's arrest seems most unjust ; 
 Dost thou know the cause ? 
 
 Seff. Without doubt I do. 
 
 The King is enamour'd of my daughter, 
 Who has been married to the Constable, 
 Which hath inflam'd his heart with jealousy, 
 And prompted him to commit this outrage. 
 I have conversed with him ; he denies it not. 
 
 But in this, all, perhaps, are more concem'd ; 
 
 He swears that he A\all not wed Constantia ; 
 That he holds his crowTi, not under the will, 
 But by inheritance as rightful heir. 
 Had you to his violent speech listen'd. 
 His transports of unbridled rage witnessed. 
 You would know how determin'd in purpose 
 His passion hath made him. 
 
 D. Palekmo. The only course then left us to pursue, 
 Is to repudiate him as rightful King. 
 
 PiXAREs. But v/ill Don Pedro accept Constantia, 
 And thus legitimate his title? 
 
 Seff. He will ; 
 
 About this we have just had a conference. 
 
 PiNAREs. His pledge should be given ere we resolve 
 The perils of this move to undertake. 
 His promise to accept Constantia's hand. 
 Should be precedent to any action. 
 
 Seff. He commission d me to make you this pledge. 
 And that in person he will renew it 
 Before you separate. I go to Belmonte. 
 Don Louis, Chamberlain to our late King, 
 Who hath our secret, and is my true friend, 
 
THE FATAL MARRIAGE. 27 
 
 By understanding between us, to you 
 
 A message will send, should the King to-night 
 
 Leave the palace, as I believe he will. 
 
 In that event, why not seize the moment 
 
 To capture it ? But upon that you decide. 
 
 In your wisdom I confide. {Exit Seffredi. ) 
 
 D. Palermo. In times of tumult, to know when to 
 strike — 
 To seize the golden moment of fortune, 
 And give to events their decisive turn, 
 Is a high quality. (Enters Don Pedro. ) 
 
 My lord : 
 Your counsel we need in the v/eighty things 
 Before us, and are glad of vour presence. 
 If, my lord, you have an opinion form'd. 
 Give it; it may, perhaps, our minds decide, 
 
 Don Pedro. Seftredi was charg'd by me to announce 
 That my brother having broken the will 
 Of the late King, the right devolves on me 
 To assert my claim to the vacant throne, 
 yiiould I choose the condition to accept, 
 Which requires marriage to Constantia, 
 To save the State from riot and tumult,^ 
 This condition I agree to accept. 
 If it be the public will ; that I leave 
 For your better judgment to determine. 
 
 D. Palkrmo. The question, then is narrowed to this: 
 Shall we resolve to strike the decisive blow V 
 The temi3er of our troof)s, it is well known. 
 Is in accord with us. 
 
 Don Alva. For myself and my command, I answer. 
 They will follow where I lead. 
 
 Don Miguel. So do I answer for my command. 
 
 PiNARES. I answer for myself. 
 
 D. Palermo. Then we have decided. 
 (Enter servant with letter for D. Palermo, who opens 
 
 it and reads. ) 
 The King has left the palace and taken the way to 
 Belmonte. 
 
 Don Alva. The time, then has arrived to use our 
 arms, 
 And not our tongues. Let us to the palace. 
 
 Don Miguel. And to Belmonte; 
 
 To seize the tyrant in this foul attempt 
 To seduce a faithful wife, and disgrace 
 One of Sicily's noblest sons. 
 
28 THE FATAL MAEEIAGE. 
 
 D. Palekmo. With Miguel I will go to Belmonte. 
 You, Don Alva, make sure of the palace, 
 And the castle. 
 
 Don Pedeo. I will be with him. 
 
 Pinares. I will to the palace too. 
 
 D. Palermo. Then our parts are known; 
 
 May quick success crown our undertaking. 
 God save the Kingdom ! {Exeunt. ) 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Scene 1.— Belmonte. 
 (Enter Jose and Nisa.) 
 
 Jose. What I saw with my own eyes I did see. 
 
 NiSA. Well, what did you see ? 
 
 Jose. I was at the gate op'ning in the park; 
 And a horseman, muffled up in his cloak, 
 Came dashing toward me, but my figure, 
 Or some other object, caus'd him to halt. 
 He then turned, and at full speed rode awaj', 
 And was lost to my sight beyond the wood. 
 
 NisA. If seen again, would you know his features? 
 
 Jose. Of that I am not sure. 
 
 Of late, so many strange things have happen'd 
 To raise my wonder, that its pitch is now 
 So high, that certainty in anything 
 I have reason to doubt; I am not sure 
 That Jose is now talking with his love. 
 
 Nisa. Nor I. 
 
 What else has occur r'd that was strange to you ? 
 
 Jose. I have seen nothing beside. 
 
 But my ears, if they be not false to me, 
 Bear testimony to mysterious sounds, 
 Which forebode something, good or bad; 
 Time will show. 
 
 Nisa. What sounds have you heard ? 
 
 Jose. Sighs and groans, mingled with the clash of 
 swords, 
 Upon the midnight air. 
 
 Nisa. What think you they portend? 
 
 JosE. I am neither prophet nor interpreter. 
 But tell me, Nisa, where is the Constable ? 
 'Twas strange in him to quit his bride so soon, 
 Ere he caught the first blush of wedded bliss; 
 I don't understand it. 
 
 Nisa. I don't suppose you ever will. 
 
T?HE I^A'f Ali MAEEIAGE. 29 
 
 Jose. But do you ? 
 
 NisA. How could I ? I have never been married. 
 
 Jose. Then suppose you get the key to the secret. 
 
 NisA. Where would I get it ? 
 
 Jose. In me; marry me, and then you'll have the 
 key 
 To unlock it. 
 
 NiSA. Marry you ! What do I want with you ? 
 
 Jose. Try me, and you'll soon the secret know. 
 
 NiSA. O, i^shaw ! get you gone ; 
 You always make a farce of serious things. 
 I am in no humor now for this trifling; 
 I am thinking of my poor mistress. 
 
 Jose. And I am thinking of mine— my dear one. 
 
 NiSA. Jose, cease your silly talk, and leave me. 
 
 Jose. Adieu, my love, and pleasant dreams to thee, 
 
 (jEh-i^ Jose.) 
 
 NiSA. (Sola.) How his frivolity led him away 
 From the line of speech he set out on ! 
 Who could he have seen approach the park gate ? 
 Not the Constable. Why should he avoid 
 Being seen, and not enter the castle? 
 Ah ! me; these are not vain imaginings 
 That have disturbed Jose ! Realities 
 Oftentimes dispatch ahead their heralds 
 To make announcement of their dread coming. 
 Of late, a strange feeling, akin to fear — 
 Call it what you will— hath worked upon me. 
 And makes me startle at my own shadow, 
 As if some unseen power were present. 
 To do me harm, or to harm those I love. 
 Last night my old mistress' picture fell down 
 From the wall; a cat jumping through the window, 
 O'erturned a vase of flowers pluck'd by mistress. 
 And I dreamed that the fountain in the park 
 Ran blood; and I saw a father weeping 
 Over a new made grave, (Bell strikes.) 
 That is my mistress' signal. {Exit. ) 
 
 Scene ^.— The same. Seffredi's Castle. Blanche's 
 
 Chamber. 
 (Enter Nisa, and immediately afterwards King Enri- 
 quez by secret passage. ) 
 King Ene. Thy mistress, Where is she ? 
 Nisa. She will soon be here. 
 O, my lord, how her heart is wrung with grief ! 
 Kino Enk. Is it true then, she is married ? 
 
30 THE FATAL MARKIAGE. 
 
 NiSA. Yes, as far as the Priest's ceremony goes. 
 
 King Ene. What meanest thou ? 
 
 NiSA. Since then, she has not «oen the Constable. 
 
 King Enr. Dost thou speak the truth, or to assuage 
 my grief 
 Hast thou invented this tale ? 
 
 NiSA. 'Tis truth if ever I spake it. * 
 
 She did plead illness and was excused 
 To seek repose alone, and afterward, 
 Yoti met us in the garden ; she hath not 
 Seen the Constable since. Kumor hath it, 
 That most urgent business hurried him off 
 To Palermo. 
 
 King Enr (Aside. ) Now thanks to heaven ! 
 Her virgin charms remain unspotted still ! 
 ( Enter Blanche. Exit Nisa. ) 
 Dearest Blanche ! 
 
 Blanche. If thou hast any regard for my fame, 
 Leave me, I pray ; I am no longer Blanche. 
 I am a wife ; all that is left to me 
 Is mine honor ; wouldst thou rob me of that V 
 Then, I entreat thee, leave me to my fate. 
 
 King Enr. Thy honor is dearer to me than life ; 
 I would save thee from the misery 
 That impends over thee, without dishonor. 
 To do this I come List to me, dear Blanche ! 
 Thy marriage was a fraud, a mockery ; 
 Not being consummated, it is void ; 
 It shall be so decreed. Thou shalt not be 
 Sacrificed on this unholy altar. 
 Thou shalt yet be made ha^jpy in my love, 
 
 Blanche. With these treach'rous hopes deceive not 
 thyself. 
 If it be any solace to thy heart, 
 I love thee still ; and the doubts I have felt 
 Of thy love, which caused me to upbraid thee 
 With inconstancy, I no longer feel; 
 But Enriquez. what cruel fate hath done • 
 
 'Tis too late to repair ; forget my name ; 
 Blot out the past, or let it linger only 
 A sweet memory. Thine I can never be. 
 
 King Enr, O, these words recall ! 
 
 They stop the pulsations of my heart's blood 
 And curdle it on my brain. 
 
 Blanche. Flee from me; thine own glor}- is at stake, 
 And my reputation. 
 
THE FATAL MAKRIAGE. 31 
 
 (By a gesture Blanche overturns the candlestick, 
 and goes to another room to relight the taper, and re- 
 turns. At this moment the Constable enters, drawing 
 his sword. ) 
 
 Constable. Tj^rant ? 
 
 This affront to me cannot be endured. 
 
 King Ene. Traitor ! 
 
 The affront avenge, if thou darest. 
 
 (They engage. The Constable falls. Blanche at- 
 tempts to support him. The Constable plunges his 
 sword into her bosom.) 
 
 Const. Die, unfaithful woman ! My misfortune 
 Thy charms shall not bestow upon another. 
 I die satisfied. (Dies.) 
 
 Enter Seffredi and Nisa. 
 (King Enriquez offers assistance to Blanche. ) 
 Blanche. Spare thyself this care. 
 
 May Heaven's wrath, with my i)lood be appeas'd. 
 And thy reign be prosperous and happy. (Dies.) 
 
 King Enr. Leontio ! look on the work of thy hands; 
 Thy vain attempt to extinguish the flame. 
 That with celestial Are animated 
 Two loving hearts. See it in that pale face. 
 Whose smiles were the sweet sunlight of my soul ; 
 In those silent lij^s, whose words fell on mine ear. 
 
 Like angel's voices whisp'ring peace and joy; 
 
 Thou hast done this. 
 
 (Enter Duke of Palermo, Don Miguel and Cavaliers.) 
 
 D. Paler. In the name of thy nobility, 
 And the people, we come to arrest thee ; 
 I demand thy sword. 
 
 King Enr. Traitor and conspirator ! 
 
 My sword I will give thee, but not the hilt. 
 
 (They engage. ) 
 Don Miguel. Hold ! not thus. 
 King Enk. (Falling.) Leontio: 
 
 This conspiracy, too, is thine. Poor Blanche ! 
 Thy sad fate reconciles me to my own. 
 What earth hath denied, heaven will grant 
 We shall meet again. (Dies.) 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 In line six, Scene 1, Act II, Don Alva for " Don Al- 
 fonso." 
 Page 7, line first, Scene 2 for " Scene 11." 
 Page 19, line twenty-three, pre-eminent for "prom- 
 inent." 
 Page 19, Scene 5 for Scene 2. 
 
 Page 20, line sixteen, omit words "secret i^assage." 
 Page 21, line thirty-eight, chance for " chances." 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 016 215 202 6 # 
 
 ■ /