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9 THE 
 
 55 
 
 3y 1 LOOD-RED KNIGIIT, / 
 
 OR THE 
 
 A GRAND MELO DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 
 
 IN TWO ACT \ 
 
 FirH performed in JV^w-l'brtf, on Monday ei 
 
 ni}iir, August 4th, 18^3, under tho. directior^ 
 
 of Air. Blytlie. of Astlexfs Amphitheci' 
 
 tre, Londo7i, and- pvbiished from 
 
 the original manuscript by 
 
 his kind perniissi:'i 
 
 JSrEli'-iOlik . 
 PRINTKD AND PUBL SHED AT TH. 
 Circulating Library and Dramalic Rcpositor 
 No.. 4 Chawbeii-stkeet , 
 
DRAMATIS PEBSOjYjE. 
 
 AipliODSO, - - - Mk. .DinnefuRd. 
 
 Sir Rowland, (jhe Blood-lied Knight) ^Tatnall. 
 
 Charles, . - - _ WiLLiAPib. 
 
 Oliver, - „ „ . Parker. 
 
 Peter, . .. . . Roberts. 
 
 Freiierick, - - - Lawson. 
 
 Edgar, - - . _ Ram AGE, 
 
 h-AiVj uabelln, •• - Miis. Tatxxall. 
 Emilia, - - - . Carnes, 
 
 Henr}/, (^Alphonso's Chiid) Miss Monier. 
 Peasants, Guards, Equcslrians. kc. 
 
 TMP92-008669 
 
THE 
 
 BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. 
 
 ACT !. SCENE I. 
 
 A Woody Glen, Mountains^ S^c. on one side a iari^f. 
 withered Oak, and a rmilc seat under if. IscdftUa dis- 
 covered decorating the head of her infant son mih 
 floisers, — Emma, the compuniGu of her Jli^hi^ reading 
 a letter. 
 
 Isabella. Sweet pledge of love, accept a 
 mother's kiss, alas ! it is all she has left to be- 
 stow. Hark ! what mean those martial sounds:, 
 away dear Emma, and let me know tiiu wovcc 
 that fiite decrees. 
 
 Emma, [returning') Away, away, dear lady, 
 safety is not here — far on the hilFs a troop Ot 
 horse appear, the Blood-Red Knight ap- 
 proaches our retreat- 
 
 Isabella is almost distracted at this intfUigtiu^:, .. 
 snatching her child to her bosom, rus/res aff, folloKcd by 
 Emma. — /4 March is heard, the Blood-Red Knight's 
 party, both horse and foot, are sern crossing the monn- 
 ialns; all the Feasants come on from the back »f ihr, 
 stage, and are anxiously vieioing the Cavalcade. A 
 party of infantry enter and range on the stage, as a 
 troop of horse do immediaiely on ti.e opposite. The. 
 male and female peasants come down the stage during 
 the symphony of the Cborus — the Blood-Red Knight 
 daslies across Vne mountains on horseback, full speed, 
 imd arrives on the stage while they sing the fdUoteiug 
 Chorus : 
 
* BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. (AnOD 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 wcboLl the brave Sir Rowland 
 
 Comes conquering; from the fight, 
 His sires of old were firm and bold, 
 
 And he's calPd the Blood-Ked Knight. 
 Let the brazen trumpet sound 
 
 His triumph in i\\it fight, 
 In songs of praise your voices raise 
 
 To ihe fame of the Dlood-Red Knight. 
 
 Sir Row This greeting shows your fealty ; 
 now mark me, the lady Isabella and her son, 
 having; ded from tht castie during my absence, 
 he who discovers the-.r retreat and brings 
 them back, shall receive the reward of a thou- 
 sand marks. 
 
 J'his is genernll}) heard, and all bow assent to the orders of 
 iht Blood- Rsfi Kniff/if, which titey testify in the foUutc- 4 
 
 All hail ! all hail ! all hail ! 
 
 To the brave Sir Rowland, 
 '] he Biood-Ked Knii^ht obey, 
 
 In search of Isabella 'et's quickly haste 
 Fur so savs the great Sir Rowland, [away, 
 
 And who then dare say nay, 
 in search of Isabella, away, away, away. 
 
 The Peasants go off at different sides repeating this cho- 
 rus, boning as they exit. Murch^ ihe infantry go off 
 ^fiisl and the horse, follow. Oliver and Charles take 
 Ijeir leave of Sir RovJand and exit in pursuit of the 
 ifugitit'ts — The Bd'od-Red Knight exits over the moun- > 
 t'llus^ and the scene closes. 
 
 SCENE II.— .'3 Thick Wood. 
 Enter Lady Isabella and Child. 
 hahella. Oh, my child, whither shall we fly 
 
 for safety ? 
 
ACT I. BLOOD-RED KKIGHT. 
 
 Wiild. Into the Cavern, dear mama, my 
 cruel uncle will not think to find us there. 
 Eniej' Emma hastily. 
 
 Emma. Away, away, dear lady 1 we are 
 pursued. Hark, 1 hear footsteps, away, nwdy. 
 
 The lady Isabella and her son rush ojfy Emma follows, and 
 in her fright drops the. Iciler c.'i ine stage ; at that mo- 
 ment Oliver enters as if in pursuit and espies the leller. 
 
 Oliver. What's here, a letter, hpiclcs it v.p) 
 to Emma too, I'll peruse it. 
 
 *' Dear Emma, 
 
 " Let not my rival, Oliver, supplant me 
 in your aiTections, for however warm his ex- 
 pressions of love may be, they boast not the 
 fervency and truth that warms the heart of 
 your faithful Charles.'^ 
 
 Oliver. So, 'tis thus my faithful vows of 
 constancy for ten years are repaid, 
 
 Oliver at ; cadin^this seems much disiressed — Ch&vlcsnoio 
 eiii^;'s, and Oliver ahva:? him the letter. 
 
 Oliver. Observe those lines, say, are they 
 consistent with that honor which should mark 
 a warrior and a friend. 
 
 Charles. They sqit the proud pre-eminence 
 I hold in her affections — her heart is mine, and 
 'tis u prize life itself 1 VvQuld sooner yield. 
 
 Oliver. Indeed 1 this then shall decide it. 
 
 Oliver oblfQcs him to draw, when a combat ensues, oht^ 
 they fight off. 
 
 SCENE m. — Interior of a Cavern. 
 
 i rude sciii and tcdde^ as the retreat of a refugee, and ou 
 
 a side piece of rock the foUoicing inscription : 
 
 " Iff mis iVRETCU^D HETBEAT TUB WlFS JKiy 
 
 Child of y^tPiiosso sought iibfvqe from tub vek- 
 
 SEQVTIGS OF THS BlOOD-ReH KnIGHT.'''' 
 
6 BLOOD-RED KNiailT. (AnOtl. 
 
 The Lady Isabella and Child are discovered at tin- 
 table, with ;i ftnv refiesliments before them,* their 
 terrors are siu l» that the> cat) hardlv support them- 
 selves Kraiija e;oes (o the ipouth of the cave and 
 tells befall if! safe — Isabella presses the child to her 
 bosom, bedews its face with her tears, the infant 
 looks piteonsly in her face. 
 
 Child. Don't cry dear mama, Heaven will 
 not let mj cruel uncle hurt us. 
 
 Isabella. Sweet innocent, there rests our 
 only hope. Almighty power! who knows our 
 every wish, grant mine, to see Alphonso once 
 ngain. 
 
 A noise is heard ofswoids clu.^hing; — thry siart horror 
 struck, and ^ivc themselves up for lost— tiu v retreat 
 agitaied into an inner cave. Knter Oliver and 
 ( ij.-.rles strii£(;iii,a:, who rieff-nds hiu;.f( If with iiis 
 sword, of which he is at lenjth deprived, and seeks 
 safety from his opponent in the inner cave — Oliver 
 is pursuing him closely, when a scream fiom within 
 i> iteard — Charles returns, prt»ceried by Isabella, the 
 cliild and I'^mnia, and hv intere.siing picture is form- 
 ed — I. abella intreats their pity, Olivers beholds them 
 w ith tuipiise. and diviihd between rajje and inter- 
 c-t knowi:;p; t!»e »reat reward, determines to vi reak 
 his ▼inteance at a future lime upon his rival. 
 
 O/tVcr. What do 1 see ! l^ahelhi, her child 
 and Smtna, this is indeed unlook'd for, and thus .' 
 
 Isabella. Do not harm a mother and her 
 helpless child — Shield us from a tyrant's pow- 
 er, and Hfaven — 
 
 Oliver. Has nought to do with us, interest 
 is our God, and this our golden chance. — 
 Charles, your hand — let's hury former animos- 
 it}' — the time is apt — these wanderers secured, 
 lite Blood Ked Knis^ht will grant us ample re- 
 compence. As to Emma, gain her he who can. 
 
 1 e;hella and Child are drag'd off by Oliver &c. 
 
A I J' I. BLOOD-PED KN'IGHT. i 
 
 SCEiNE IV. — Outside of Aiphonso's cauu. 
 Enter PFTER; 
 
 Fetcr. Oh Jemmine Gig ! here's a smoking; 
 hot morning — I wonder how the people can We 
 stewing in bed. Here I have been no tlxise, 
 three hoiir«,I don't mean lyinq^'vilh the long;ue 
 no, no, here I am as fre«h as a htrk — well 
 now I r* m<niVjcr — {irvvpct heard Oh, here 
 come tho^e that will put an end to all my habits 
 of talking to myself. 
 
 Sir IU»\vland enters on iiorseback, followed bv \\h par- 
 «y, boti hor^p aiJ<i Uy>i — they go across the stage, the 
 BWiofl Kcd Kni2;'it returns. 
 
 Sir 11. Still wayward fort'ine mars my bold 
 design. My brother in the Holy Wars has fell 
 — he sleeps in death, and Isabella now by right 
 i« mine : *=he !;corns nny love, and tjies from 
 that protnrtion my brother t.^ight her to ex- 
 port fiom rae. No matter— I've spies abroad 
 Fh:dl force her back again. Once regain'd, no 
 puwer on e trth ?hall tear her from my deter- 
 mined grasp. 
 
 Peter. Many good mornings to your lord- 
 sliip, and thoui>;b -he Indy Isabella and her son 
 have ?ioA the castle, there is plenty It f: to wel- 
 come yon. 
 
 Sir it. Silence, fool. 
 
 Peter. Silence, fool, (^ryside) Bnt had I bct"; 
 the means of getting rid of my lord on purpose 
 to obtain his brother's wife, my conscience 
 would have made me as cross grain'd as he is. 
 
 'l*eier opens the rastle jcwfesand sir ilowhind enters- • 
 , bnt as he passe,'* Poiei, he bays * i*i>hii ! ' 
 
 Peter. Fsha ! what does he mean by psha ? 
 
ij BLOOn-RED KNIGHT. (AnOtl. 
 
 Have I lived all these days to be called Psha ? 
 No matter, if 1 had as much guilt on my con- 
 science ns you have, I should be cross-grained 
 as yourself. ' Ah, my dear Alplionso, now I 
 am alone, I will just run over your history.* 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Alnhonso he went to the wars, 
 
 A brave and a valiant knight ; S 
 
 Sir Rowland afraid of scars, 
 
 For a coward he is down right. 
 
 Alphonso left his wife and child 
 
 In the care of his loving brother: 
 
 But he caused them with grief to run wild ; 
 
 So off ran the child and the mother. 
 
 Sir Rowland he was very mad, 
 
 And uproarious call'd me fellow, 
 
 So to keep up rn}'^ spirits sad, 
 
 1 got most monstrous mellow. 
 
 Then a knight they made of me, 
 When so drunk I could not see ; 
 But they dubb'd me Peter the Great, 
 A Knight of the Castle Gate— 
 
 And a knight of the gate made me. 
 
 (^exit into the castle. 
 
 SCENE V. —A kind of lay bordering on Al- 
 
 vhonso^s domain — distant view of the sea. 
 
 A most majestic, splenclfid galley appears, filled with 
 the Knigtit.s of the Crusade— appropriate banners — 
 The various knights quit the gal.'cy, as does Alphon- 
 so. A banner bearer following in between every 
 knight, the basiiier bearer and the knightthen range 
 in a line fronting the audience. 
 
 AJph. Once more my friends, we tread oh 
 British ground, 
 
ACT 1. BLOOD-RED KNIGHT, 9 
 
 Our mother earth with valor's laurels crown'd. 
 Hail, happy Isle! where honors dare preside, 
 The nursling of the hrave, the good man's pride. 
 Still may <:ach king his hallowd rights defend ; 
 His nation's guardian and his people's friend. 
 Let our triumphant banners be nnlurrd, 
 The drea*] and terror of an envious world.. 
 
 T5}P kpic;lns v.Tintp Alphonso as their rhief, then, at his 
 sitriial, t!ie banners being; lowered, they all sw."ar<)n 
 (i»»^m, when Mpliouio orders them by action to their 
 
 original jxt.-itiori. 
 
 Alpk, Now then, my friends, let each one 
 seek his home, and meet the sweet return that 
 love to valor owes. And when again our coun- 
 try calls us forth, we'll prove ourselves men. 
 
 The knichfsand banner men then range — a knight and 
 a banner man, and st? march, saluring Alphonso as 
 they go off It mn.,t be remembered that Frederirk 
 and \i(\'j;HT are on in ♦he scene. Alphonso order- the 
 two sailory beiongintj to the galley to bring forward 
 tlie chest, ('lit of the galley, wiiich contains tl.ree piU 
 g rims' dresses. 
 
 .^iph. We will attire ourselves in pilgrims' 
 dresses, for fear our sudden appearance might 
 alarm my much loved Isabella. 
 
 Frederi'^ and Idgar assist Alphonso vlfh h;s dress, as 
 do the two sailors assist them uith their disguises. 
 Alphonso pourtrays his love for Isabella and exit, 
 ^ivint;; strict charge of ?ecre&y in all uboat htm.- -ex- 
 eunt omues. 
 
 SCENE VJ. — Exterior of AIphonso''s caslle. 
 
 IsnhtUa and diild broupjit on hi) Oliver and Charles tpith 
 guards — f/iey ring at the bell, Peter comes out^ and 
 thfi/ go ini> the caslle. 
 
 Pt'fcr. Oh dear, oh dear, what would my 
 
10 BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. (AnOn. 
 
 Jear master Alphonso say, if he knew Sir 
 Piowland used my dear jady so cruelly. 
 
 (E&:it inlQ the casth. 
 
 Alphonso^ Frederic and Edgar now enter — Alphonso then 
 desires Edgar to ring the bell, which he does, and Peter 
 comes out — they make signs that they stand in need of 
 succour. But they are repulsed by Peter, luho informs 
 ihem, by signs, that he cannot do any thing for them, 
 and shuts the castle gate. This rather enrages yllphan- 
 so, vibo orders Edgar, once more, to ring the bell : Pe- 
 ter cones out, a^hich produces thefollotcing 
 
 DUETT. 
 
 Edgar. Ah Warden, good warden, we beg a small 
 boon, 
 1 rom (be lord of this castle so great and so good ; 
 Frotii Palestine's land, and the great Prophet's toinb, 
 Sad and wearied our limbs, and exhausted our food j 
 M'ith staff", scrij) and shell, our feet bare and sore ; 
 'JSeath yon mansion we'd gladly repose. 
 
 Peter. To tlie Prophet n»y friends, return once 
 more. 
 For here you'll get nothing but blows. 
 
 Edgar. Does so great a pagan in t'lis fair castle 
 dnell, 
 As a pilgrim to drive from his gate? 
 His name ? 
 
 Peter. Sir Rov,iand, the Blood lied Knight known 
 well. 
 On his frown Death and Terror await. 
 
 Edgar. Sir Rowland the Good, base r.tiiiif thou liest, 
 How darest thon tlius defarae tiix lord ? 
 We're friends of his house, recant, or thou diest, 
 His vengeance now rests on his sword. 
 
 ( Petir appears much ierrijied. 
 Suppose from Alphonso, soniiTnews, friend, we bear. 
 His sufferings, his death, or the like ? 
 
 Peter. Your news. If he lives, still we'll banibli 
 our care : 
 If dead, friends you're welcome to strike. 
 
 Alphonso discovers himself by throwing open his disguiss 
 ■—Peter in ecslacy exclaims " Ai.pnoNso !" 
 
ACT f. BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. 11 
 
 Aipl:. Behold your rightful lord, Alphonso. 
 
 Fcicr. Oh my dear master, I am so glad you 
 are returnM — but all is not right in the castle : 
 Sir Rowland has designs on my lady — but un- 
 der this disguise, you will learn more than I 
 can tell you. 
 
 Alph. Retire, my friendo, within cas! — VW 
 in alone, and watch my opportunity to pre- 
 serve my wife, and punish a tyrant brother. 
 Exit info the ensile — Frederic & Edgar toisli him succe^.^ 
 
 and exit.. Feicr rubs his hands wiih joy^ and sings the- 
 
 following 
 
 SONG. 
 )h lud, I shiill go mad with joy, 
 vnd so will lady too ; 
 'Oor soul, no more she'll mope and ci y, 
 
 6 she's been used to do, 
 '11 give the word, mirth shall go roinid, 
 \nd brighten ev'ry eye ; 
 I he bells in merry peals shall sound, 
 Ind all be endless joy. 
 Ting ring, ting ring and ting ring, 
 Over our castle walls shall sing, 
 Vv'e'll roast the ox ; bonfires we'll make ; 
 The humming ale shall tiy ; 
 Old Care his addjed pate shall break, 
 And all get drunk for joy, (^Exii into the cadU. 
 
 SCENE VII.— .^ splendid ApartmenL 
 
 A full /mgih part rati ofjfphonso in the centre of tf^e 
 sccj^fl, in armour. Tzvo rich sofas, painted confonnahlc 
 to the scene : ct rich covered taMe ; ink stand, &Lc. 
 
 Sir Rowland discovered at his table., ivriting — rises, comes 
 forward, and rings the dell — old Peter enlers, ifmcing. 
 
 Sir k. Speak, caitiff! have you heard any 
 
 tidings of the lady Isabella and her son ? 
 
12 BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. (AnOD. 
 
 Peter. Tidings, my lord ? 
 
 Sir R. Ay, tidiness. 
 
 Peier. Now if his lordship was to know— 
 
 {aside. 
 
 Sir R. What mean* that muttering ? 
 
 Peter. I\Inttering, my lord ! 1 was only say- 
 ing;, that if my lord, Aiphonso was to return, 
 what would your lord^^hip say ! 
 
 Sir R. Peace, fool! (//e retires and seats 
 himself on the sofa.) Leave me. 
 
 Peter. O yes, 1 will leave you, and Til send 
 some body to you. How surprised he will be 
 to hear ot my lord Alphonso's return ! Fool, 
 indeed ! (ex<7.) 
 
 Jt this moTntnt enter Oliver ««<? Charles, Peter coruluct- 
 ing the lady Isabella, ?//c Child and l.mnvA 
 
 Sir. R. Ah ! liy all my hopes, the lady Isa- 
 bella and her son. Madam, you shall not again 
 escape me — once more you are in my power, 
 nor shall you quit this castle, till force or kmd 
 consent has made you mine. 
 
 Isabella. You have no right to keep us here 
 as } our prisoners; therefore, in the face of 
 all, 1 now demand liberty for myself, and 
 brave Alphonso's child. 
 
 Sir R. Weak woman, you sue in vain — 
 you know the only way to gain your freedona 
 — compliance. 
 
 hab. Never! 
 
 Sir R. Then away with the child. Slaves, 
 obey nte ! 
 
 Isab. Oh do not take my child from mo— 
 rather plunge your daggers in my breast. 
 
 Sir R. Ke but reminds me of my hated ri- 
 ral— 'awav with him. 
 
ACT I. ELDOD-ilte KMiiHT. 13 
 
 Oliver fakes up the child, and Charles seizes Emma-^Isa- 
 bella now throws herself at the feet of the tifrant, and 
 iutreats him to he mtrciful. Sir Rowland api^earswave- 
 < ing in his dt termination, and at last orders them ojf,-^ 
 ^' ■niua and the child are dragged off, notwithstandin.^ 
 ■ itiiij attempls of Isabella to prevent them — she is about 
 ■^follow them, but is stopped ba Sir Roidund, who auks 
 ,:< r if she will comply icith his desires, 
 
 ^dr R. Now madam, hear, nor force me by 
 cold disdain to work the harm of one I dearly 
 love. You see no human power can snatch 
 you from me, be wibej nor slight the freedom 
 which I ofi'er. 
 
 Isabella starts with indignation, and pointing to heaven^ 
 asks him if he has forgot the vow he made when his 
 /■•/other (pointing to the picture) left her under kis prO" 
 -'■lien . 
 
 isab. Have you forgot the vow yon made 
 Alphonso ? Is it thus you protect jour broth- 
 's wife and child ? Siiame ! shame 1 where 
 ihy blush ? 
 
 . Rotvlatid hears this, and for a mometii it seems to star- 
 He himfrom hif; purpose, that had begun to work upon 
 nini — he recovers, and immediately seizes her in his arms 
 h — she breaks from him — he folloivs her closely, and just 
 us he thinks to ciaap her in his arms, Alphonso rushes 
 in bi-tiveen them, as the Pilgrim—Sir Rowland i" struck 
 tcith amazemsnt — Alphomv bonos respectfully — Sir Roi<c- 
 (and, recovering, speaks. 
 
 Sir R. Speak, stranger, hy what authority 
 hare }ou thus dared to intrude upon my pri- 
 
 Mpk. Pardon me, my lord, a sudden f-iint- 
 :rs overcame me, at the sight of that lady, 
 T Isose husband — 
 Sir R. Well, what of him ? 
 /Uvh. W is my dearest friend. 
 
 Ahthat single word. I knoiv 
 c 
 
14 elood-re:d knight. (Anon. 
 
 tbe rest—he's dead— lie's dead — and I am led 
 
 forlorn. 
 
 Alpk. No, dear lady, be lives, and I have 
 
 brougiit news of his safe retnrn. 
 
 Alphon^o is about to present a letter Jo Isabella, wliea 
 Sir Kowla'.ul rushes in between them and snatches 
 the letter out of his band, and tears it to pieces — he 
 forces Alphonso off in his disguise, and Isabella fol- 
 lows him, but is prevented by Sir Kowland. 
 
 Lah. Monster, infringe not on thy brother's 
 rights. Thank heaven he lives, and soon will 
 punish thy temerity. 
 
 Sir R, Indeed ! he must be prompt, lady, 
 then, for this moment's mine. No longer will 
 I humbly sue for pardon : but thus secure the 
 bliss you would deny me. 
 
 His haughty spirit is roused by this, and tells her, by 
 action, tiiat he is resolved to make use of the pre- 
 sent advautagf — he seizes her — and he is about to 
 threw her on a sofa, when Alphonso enters in the 
 back ground, still as the Pilgrim, and rushes betweea 
 ;hem. — he seize? Sir Rowland and dashes him to tbe 
 ground — Sir iiowland, for the moment is lost in a- 
 inazemeut, to find his hopes frustrated, but soon re- J 
 covering, he is about to cleave Alphonso down, witli 
 his sword, when Alphons^o throws oil' his disguise — 
 a tender cmbrai e takes place between him and his 
 wife. The child at this moment runs in, crying " Fa- 
 ther, Father" — he takes the r!)ild up and kisses ir. 
 Sir Rowland is horror struck, and trembles with re- 
 morse. 
 
 Akm. Well may'st thou tremble, monster, 
 :.t ihoii art. Behold thy injured brother, to 
 sav« his dear w^ife from heUish perfidy like 
 thine. 
 air JvoRland rushes upon Alphonso with his sword 
 
 drawn, and is about to cleave him down, wijen AU 
 iihoasG avoids tae blov/ and is obliijed to defend hina- 
 
LI, LLOOD-RED KNIGHT. li 
 
 ilf. Sir Rowland, after a severe strii,<^gle in the 
 vOBibat, which now takes place is disarmed and 
 i'lrown to the ground— at this nioineut Oliver and 
 Cliarics rush in to Sir R.owlan(3's assistance — a com- 
 bat of three now takes place between A.lphonso, 
 Olirer and Charles, when Alphonso is disarmed->- 
 Sir Kov/land rings the bell, and Peter enters. 
 
 Mph, What, would you make a prisoner oi 
 \ your rightful lord Alphonso ? 
 
 Sir Row. {to Peter) Sieze him, 1 say. 
 Pet. No, we will perish first ' 
 Sir Row. Die then ! 
 
 He stabs Peter, \v!io falls, arid is borne off by Oliver 
 and Charles—tliey return immediately, and in the 
 attempt of seizing Alphonso, he defends himself, and 
 a furious combat takes place. He is disarmed and 
 taken prisoner aud^ borne off by the guards. Sir 
 Rowland rin^s the bell, and one of the attendants en- 
 ters. He gives directions, by action, to watch the 
 actions of lady I.sabella-~she entreats and kneels. 
 
 Sir Row. Entreaties are in vain, 3^ou have 
 heard my fixed resolve ; I leave you to reflec- 
 tion. Guard, you know your duty. Remem- 
 ber Lady, on your decision rests Alphonso's 
 Jife. Exit, 
 
 ■iRbella almost heart broken, sinks on the sofa, when 
 the scene closes on them. 
 
 SCENE VUl.^Ouiside of a Siro7ig Tower. 
 Enter Frederic. 
 Fred. The hour is past, and yet Alphonso 
 tcomes not — my mind migives me, sure Sir Row- 
 j land has not discovered him. Ah, some one 
 I approaches, and with them a prisoner, I'll re- 
 tire and unseen observe their actions. 
 ' retires behind the wing. 
 
16 BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. (AnOn. 
 
 Oliver and C a It's with 8 soldiers cuter, concincting; 
 Alphonso nrwiiiifit on in chains; Oliver unlocks the 
 prihon gate, and Alphonso is draajtred in the Tower. 
 Oliver anii i harles go into the tower, and the guards 
 go off. Frederic cuu.t-s forward. 
 
 Fred. Distraction ! my hoRor'd lord a pri- 
 soner, shall he then fall a victim to Sir Row- 
 land's hate— no, I'll follow at a distance, he 
 shall not die while this arm can hold a dagger. 
 
 He tt^en takes the key from off the bunch, and then r 
 places them in the door : but hearing; someone rop- 
 ing from (^inside) tiie lower, he retires to his hiding 
 place, when Oliver conies out 
 
 Olive7\ How's this, the guard removed ; 
 whose oders — no matter, instantly will I re- 
 place them, for strongly do 1 suspect some 
 treachery. Exit. 
 
 Frederic now comes forth with the key, and with a 
 heart overpowered with joy, enters fl»e tower, with 
 th(« hope of liberrjting his" niaster. Oliver now en- 
 ters with sixsoldies who all enter the prison and the 
 scene closes. 
 
 SCENE IX.— Inside of the Tower. 
 
 With a circular staircase from the ceilinp:. lamp, Sfc 
 Alphonso is brought on, down the l<taircase, by 
 Charles, bearing a lighted torch, which he sticks iif 
 the stage, followed by Oliver. 
 
 Oliver. Why did you remove the guard? 
 know you not the charge entrusted to our 
 keeping, instantly replace them, and hence- 
 lorlh be more careful or Sir Rowland shall 
 hear of your neglect, away ! 
 
 Exit up the stairs. 
 Alph. U then a dungeon's gloom the fruit of 
 all my toils, my bright reward for victory won 
 iu Palestine 1 Consider well what 'tis you do, 
 
ACT /. BLOOD-REB KNlGH-r 1« 
 
 I am the rightful lord of these domains, a wife 
 and child depend upon my life, 'tis they wlio 
 force mo thus to sue for freedom ; effect it, 
 and you shall iind Alphouso's not ungrateful. 
 
 Oliver, You plead in vain. Sir Rowland is 
 our lordj and his cornraunds are ever sacred. 
 
 Oliver is about to fasten iiim by hia chain, t!iroug;h a 
 rinj; to t^e ground, Alphonso starts, and springing; 
 on liinj, t^orces the sword from iiis belt, and plunging 
 it in Oliver's breast — he falls and expires. Alphon- 
 so reiurns thanks to Heaven for this deliverance — he 
 runs lip the steps, but immediately return?, and strip- 
 pjag clF his cloak, hastily removes ihe doublet from 
 the dead body of Oliver ; he disguises himself iu it, 
 and mufBes the body in his cloak — he ha? scarcely 
 done this, when Charles returns, Frederic following 
 softly unseen, and hides. Charles gives directions 
 to the two soUlies, that he brought with hiui, ^\ith 
 lighted torches. 
 
 Charles. Soldiers take your stations at the 
 southern part of the tower, and rsmembav 
 your lives depend upoa the prisoner's safety, 
 awa3^ . (^exit Soldievii. 
 
 Charles seeing Alphonso, as he supposes, on the ground, 
 is about to raise him — Alphonso however prevents 
 liim, telling hira he is safely secured : but in order 
 to avoid suspicion, takes the chains surlily, aud fas- 
 teas them round the body, and bidding him lead the 
 way, Chaiies takes the lighted torch and ascends the 
 stairs; Aiphouso follows, threatening him as he ex- 
 iia up the stair. The stage bccomts gradually dark, 
 when Frederic comes from his hiding place, and 
 gropes about, in hopes of finding Alphon- 
 so. He at last succeeds and feels his master's cloak, 
 which he takes from off the body — he is so overpow- 
 ered wiih grief, that befalls serueiess on the ground. 
 i!e recovers shortly, and kneels to heaven-^he takes 
 up hissvrord and vows revenge on the persecutors of 
 h\s snaster. and exit up the staircase, ^cenc closes. 
 
18 BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. (AuOll. 
 
 SCENE X,~Oittside of the dnile as before. 
 
 C'hailfs, and Alphon&o dist';nised hs Oliver, come out, 
 wluti CiUii les g<»ii;g t(» !o« k liie tloor, finds ilie key 
 won't turn, he uses ii>any ei!doav»niis but in vain ; 
 he iiics several others in tiie s-auie bunch, bin all to 
 no purpose — heseeins much puzzled, i^hile Alphou- 
 i.o, W) eovei li»e deception, accuses Ciun ies of having 
 secreted the ke> in order to release the prisoner : 
 flii-i he deiiies, and s;!riil\ givis llie keys to A'lj'hon- 
 ?i> ; who to carry on the Ix'sines?, rvike? crveral Rt- 
 teiiipts setiretly expressing his surprise at thestrauj^e 
 manner in whicii Uie key has been lost — he th<«ii exits 
 u ith Cha! les. e^ich v\ ah diiJeieni t'etiiu{^!.,conseqtM iit 
 ]y with different corresp.)n(ient actions i'redeiic 
 now comes fortli from the fower with the clnak, he 
 draws his sword, aiid swearing to tie revenged on nis 
 niiiSler's murderers, ana ^oes otf in search of thera. 
 t hanp;e of scene. 
 
 .SCENE X!.— 7/<e Blood-Red Kni^hrs Chamber 
 
 as before — Table^ Sofa, Ink-aland, 4'C. 
 
 r,nter Sir Rowlanrl musing and meditating; the death of 
 \n^ brother Xlphon^o. who dis£;>''»eJ as Oliver, aiJd 
 Charles follow him on the ; taij;'. 
 
 Sir Row. My haretl rival, then, you have 
 seen sec-ired beyotiu the poiver uf iiitrfiding 
 
 Ch(ir. We i.ave, my lord ; Oliver and my- 
 self li;ive coiifiii'd him m the luwet tluugeon oi" 
 the southern tower. 
 
 Sir Row. (to Charles) Ei>otiifh, retire — hold, 
 conduct the l<^dy Isabella to tny presence. 
 
 Alplionso is rviShiug oil" v\ah Cliurles, but Sir R. stid- 
 Oi uly stops him. 
 
 Sir Row. Oliver, I wish some private con- 
 ference with yon now wn^ are stlone ; accept 
 this pursie, (he refuses) nay, i insist, 1 knotv I 
 can depend on you. Behold this dagger 
 
ACTI . BLOOD-RED KNIGMT. »0 
 
 should Isabella still prove obstinate — yo« un- 
 derstand me, Alphon^o uiust uie. 
 
 Jilpk. (^asi(lc) This from my brother ! 
 
 Sir How. Oliver, conduct the lady Isabella 
 hither. 
 
 AJphonso g:oe9 off for the pu'-pose of bringing; the lady 
 Is.'ibelia, and as tie sets o ihe win* he is stopped 
 short, for i-ahella, ti^e cliild and h,nima are bro«c;nt 
 ill by C!i;n les. 
 
 Sir Row. You have dona well. :^n9n 1*11 call 
 for you. Exit Charles. 
 
 Ail""*'"^o Cf!Sts a piteous and fearful look towards her, 
 but is no;. i)ie to tnakc himself known, in cousequence 
 of the aueiidaiiis who esiter Ivith her. and who have 
 brer. p!a<:ed as a iiatch over lier. STr Rovv!nBJ or- 
 (Sers theiti ofl', durii;^ vvhieh A]phon«o t.ake«i her by 
 l'>e hand, in order tt* - otnmunieate the seerei, but 
 sl-e sjualiiies it from liirn with disdain — Sir Rowhiud 
 then tuiuinji at the noi-e, Alpiionso holds the da^^tcer 
 (.ver her, telling; Sir Rowland b\ action she .wanted 
 to escape. Sir Rowlnrd bi-s hiin wait wi?hiu call, 
 and orders ^hiui off '^ipiionso with folded arms 
 vievvs iiib lyiaui brjt ler v> uh iooks of indignation and 
 contempiand retires. 
 
 Si'T Rozc. Now Isdy, on you dep.^nds yonr 
 husband's future tale. Wiji Jsabeila, to save 
 her husband's iiie, Itle^s the adoring Kovviand 
 with her love ? 
 
 La. Gladly will I yiel^j my estates, butneier 
 wiU 1 Slain his honor. 
 
 Sir Roxi). Once more, will you comply ? 
 ha. Ncv«;.r! 
 Sir Rowlatui at this be( otres more and more enraojed. 
 Sir Ro-.ji! Nay then, u ho u.iits there ! (/j** 
 slainf furijvs'y, Aiph.onso'enters.) You know 
 my orders, Isabella's obstinacy has sealed her 
 husband's doom, haste to the sonthera tower, 
 
20 BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. (AnOD. 
 
 your trusty blade must drink Alphonso'Sr 
 blood. 
 
 Alphtuiso as Oliver is hurrying; off for that puibose, 
 wh«'n Isabt Uu ruiihei« towards liim. and catches hold 
 of his oarment, and impioies his pity. 
 
 Isa. Mercy, mercy ! 'tis a suffering wife en- 
 treats — O spare him I spare Win) ! 
 
 Sir Row. Away, despiitch your prisoner ! 
 
 ^Iphonso casts a piteous look of angtiish on her, but 
 mectinji; *>ir Rowland's e\e. h;- spnriis her from hi?i>, 
 and exit, she now becoioes faiitic, kneel-, prays, 
 he beholds her unmovtd, and tells her 'tis too Irite — 
 she has no one to thank but herself— yhe tells liin. all 
 the curses of ''ea^en will fall upon his head, and 
 throws her-elf on tiie sofa in depair. \ Iphonso en- 
 ters, she starts and runs up to him and fixes her eye-; 
 on liiiii, asks if tie ! as e.\rc'.ii<>d (he deed — he treiii- 
 ble&. and turns hi- e>p.« from her — Sir llowia!)d «if- 
 maiids a proof of the deed, he shews his dajrger 
 staiu'd with the bl'»od of the real Oliver— she 
 bcreatiis, and fails into the arms of tlie attenciant — 
 
 Sir Rare. You find I can inflict a pang ; but 
 ; here's one rernitins {^point ins: to the child) shall 
 vvrini^ your s^tubWorn heart still keener. 
 
 ha. Metcy. mercy ! 
 The rhild is ihiawu into tite trembrmji; a'i.')S of its fit- 
 
 tfier, ulio p(»ints t->e riaffor(>r to its tender throat — 
 
 Isabella rushes bt tween theut, and ^tops the blow. 
 
 Sir Row. One word alone can st^'p the deg- 
 tined blow — consent to become mine, that with- 
 held, and the r^aine weaj'on that slew his father 
 shall hurl him to his grave. 
 
 Isab« Ua is s<arce able to keep up her strc!~ii:;th, nearly 
 faitJtiiisi away with her distrosser' situation ; she eu- 
 trratsSir H who is inexor.ible — lsai)cl!a at last i^ 
 forced rathi-r to ooinily vvi:h '"'is wishMi,, in hope of 
 slaving her child's life, aad in afauiteriug Xoixe speaU». 
 
ACT i. BLOOD-BED KMGHT. 21 
 
 Isa. Grant a wrfitched mother one short 
 houi\ and then expect a final ant^wer. 
 
 Alphnnso is horror struck wilh anguish, and can 
 scarrei\ bear the rcstraitit of discovery. Sir Kov/- 
 lauff's dagi;er all tliis ti-ne has bfen hi-ld to the rhild's 
 throat, ai la>t consents, and orders the guard to con- 
 Te> h<-r to her ciiaiiibcr 
 
 Sir Row. Convey the lady i^^abeUa to her 
 chamber. 
 
 IsabfUa in a supplicating tone entreats the company 
 of lic^r faithful aUettdant Eittina, this is giantcd — they 
 are led off h\ Charks Alplionso is uncorjscioiisly 
 about to follow, but is prevented b> Sir R. v.ho or- 
 ders liim to attend him Alpiionso is aeaiu att mpt- 
 ing to follow, but sii- iJ<JV\land furiously stamps and 
 peremptoiilN orders iiiu» to attend iiim — heat last 
 obe>s, castiois a look, of agony afier his wretched 
 wife and child- Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE X!I. — Another Fiew of the Castle. 
 
 Knter Frederic wilh downcast e>es. with the cloak of 
 itis master — meets Kde;as — the} swear to Heaven to 
 avenge A Iplion^o's murder, atid are about to exit, 
 when thev see son.e one coin'ths. and retire behind 
 tile wiug. At tils iitoinent Sir Rowland enters, fol 
 lowed b Mphonso, as Oliver, to who;o he gives 
 orders about tue ciiiUI's d'-ath, and rewards hiai witU 
 a ptirst- — >i: it. exii. With a rnind much troubled, 
 Alphosiso being left, begins to resolve on the means 
 of saving; his wife and chjld, when Fred< ri^ sudden- 
 ly dari> upon him, anJ shewing the do.ik of his be- 
 loved master and tne key r»f (l)e door of the duisgeon, 
 Hrctises him wilh t!ie murder of his lord. 
 
 Fred. Dr.tw, villain ! and defend thyself. 
 
 Aiph. Defend myselt^ — Yes, thus, behoid 
 Alpiionsp {^thro'ws off aU-^nhe) Oh, my friend, 
 my wrongs sit heavy at my heart, nij wife, my 
 child — assemble all our friends, a iew short 
 moments must either seal tlieir fate or punish 
 a tyrant brother. 
 
Fred. Your vassals are prepared, and only 
 wait to hail you as their leader. 
 
 Alph. Conduct me to them, soon shall the 
 Blood-Red Knitjht learu, that virtue is the 
 safest shield in light. Lead on. Exit. 
 
 EKD OF ACT FIRST. 
 
 ACT II. SCENE I. 
 
 J} Grand Saloon — Chapel Scene. 
 
 A grand march of Minsiiels — attendants both male 
 and female — and some of the Blood-Red Knight's 
 party op as Noblemen — Frederic and lidgar. and 
 several of their party disguised as Friars with hoods 
 oa — ^jr Kowland enters and salut«^s them wite smiles 
 — Charles now conducts the lady Isabell. « ho enters 
 with steady step, leadinsj her child 
 
 S/?' Row. Fiiends, Alphonso havinji; died in 
 the holy v/ars, Isabelht bestows her hand and 
 title on Sir R.owland. 
 
 Isa. (with Jirnmess) Never ! 
 
 Sir Rozv. How, ma am ! have yon forgot 
 that ls;ibclla's word is pledoed at the forfeit of 
 her child's hfe. Thus, then, 1 claim it, (he 
 seizes the child and throws it over to Charles) 
 fullil your promise, or 
 
 Isa. I will ! 1 will ! 
 
 Sir Row. 'Tis well ! Priest do your ofSce. 
 
 Sir R. kissesr be hand with raptnre, while horror 
 seems to creep through hpr soul ;.{ the touch of her 
 husband's murdeier. '^Iphonso, as the Priest, ad- 
 vances touarfis ' er,and asks her whether slie ^ives 
 her consent to the union, '■he by aoliou says" No,'* 
 but was partly compelled to do so to prserve her 
 de.'ir child's life. • hi- j)erfe<"t|y satisfies Alphonso of 
 lui wife's fidelity and advances towards hir Row- 
 
ACT if. BLOOD-RED KNIGHT. 23 
 
 land, and iGforms him by action, that she never will 
 give her consent to their union. This enrages Sir 11. 
 
 Sir Row. Priest do yonr office. 
 
 Alph. Alphonso bars the base design. 
 
 Sir Row. Alphonso ! Guards seize your vic- 
 tim ! He shall not now escape me. 
 The Knights throw off their cloaks, and a battle takes 
 place between them and the 1 lood-Red Knight's 
 party. Sir Rowland and Alphonso have a few blows 
 together, and as Alphonso is making his escape, 
 Charles entes, and makes a furious blofv at him, 
 which he avoids, and makes his escape through the 
 door. 
 
 Charles^ To arms! to arais ! Alphonso's vas- 
 sal.*, headed by a numerous troop of horse np- 
 xiroach your castle. 
 
 Sir Row. Indeed ! then force must be re- 
 pelled by force. Rini^ the alarm bell — muster 
 our troops- -man well the wails — convey mv 
 captives to a place of safety ; instantly let us 
 meet the foe. 
 
 The sword we'll wield, 
 'Till they or us are masters of the field. 
 
 Exemif. 
 
 SCENE ll.-~Outside of the Castle. 
 Alphonso, Frederick and Edgar ^ zvith the rest cj 
 the Knights rush out t>f the Castle, when each 
 draws his sword and swears, revenge against 
 Sir Rowland. Exeunt. 
 
 LAST SCENE. 
 A Bridge approaching the Castle. Dyue^ BaiiU- 
 
 ments, ^^c. ^ 
 
 Alphonso, Frederick, Edgar and ij^f^ -yariif' 
 enter, horse and foot, and gii'*c^^.>cfinn'! fr'^ 
 
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin ^. i 
 
 016 102 415 6 4 
 
 BLOOD-RED KTilGHT. (AnOn. 
 
 i]ic different parties to attack the Castle gener- 
 aVy^ for which pu^rpose they quit the stagt, . 
 Horse and foot ore seen in action on the 
 lind^c.—ilie Castle being forced, the action 
 becomes general on the iYui-e, ramparts, wa- 
 ter, mid /iridge. Some of Oie guards are im- 
 7':itrgf'd in the ■wafer, surroxinded . by friends 
 a id fo^^- — the Castle is utHenHh seen on fire 
 in several places, r^hile the (had a^d dying, 
 hoih mtn- an I hoi se.i, are seen confusedly mixt 
 tu'.(ether. The Bloofl-Hed Knight has a fu'., 
 rinus combat with Alphonso^ tsohoHs disarmed 
 by him, and at the moment (lie Red Knight in 
 v.ouUt to cleave him down rjeith his sTS'drd, ha- 
 b^ilg, emers and seeing Alpqonso's danger she 
 shoots Sir Rowland^ who fall s^nnd expirei. 
 .'■ w(?i\- interesting picture is fonned by'' isd- 
 heihi, Aiphdnso, and the Child, and the. cxkr lain 
 
 foils atnid the shouts of the ^ICtO'riOVS t^f:nr>f! of 
 
 Al[tkoni:>. 
 
WM