copy % HoUinger Corp. pH 8.5 PR 4769 H3 D8 1823 Copy 2 - V ^ A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS. ?' "\ BY JAMES FI4YNES, AcraOR of " Conscience."— A Tragedt. h performed at the London and T^ew-York Theatres, with great success. NEW^YORK : PUBLISHED AT THE reflating Library and Dramatic RepoziUr^^ No. 4 Chamber-street. E, M. Murden, print. nn. GMMATIS PERSOmEf'fy The King,, Mr. Foot. BvNoucAR, ... . May wood. DiTRAZZO, V Cooper. Al'Nzo, ., .Simpson, "Pv^ 2, » Reed. Gakcia,. . Clark. * AiviTHOMO .••.,. Woodhull. IVJooRisn Chief. Z LINDA, ^« Miss Johnson, Lfonqra, Abbess. Lords f Citizens, Herald, Attendants^ 8lc, /O^f n DXJJl'ZZO. ACT I. SCENE I. •fln Apartment in Garcia s House, Enter Garcia and Anthonio. Ant. So Spain has lost the hallle. 'Tvvas a plot Of deep contrivance, though offearlul ri>k. To set sujipicion whispenn^^ through the cauip^ Till each his fellow doubted. Ga/i. Id the stretch Of our desig^ns ire must not stop at hazard. The king, whose weakness haih prepared revolt, T(»tters upon his throne. His fall achieved, Grenada's kingdom hniU me for its lord : By solemn cempact with the Moor, 'tis mine If once our gates receive him. Thence in course Of fair succession it descends to you. My nephew and my true inheritor. Ant. But is the Moor advancing; on o'jr city? Gar. Not yet. Alonzn must be tirst rccaird^ And, in his place, a friend to our intents Appointed. Ant Should it not be done with speed ? Gar. Even now a messenijer is in the camp To summon him before Grenada's council. Ant. 'Tissaid he bore him nohly on that day, JVhose failure we upbraid him swih. Gar. He did^ But n^t successfully. 4 DURAZZO. ynes. Ant. Yet in his fame, He'll find support. Then he has friends. Gar. What friends ? Friends found in sunshine, to be lost in storm : Ant. True ; but still Benducar is not one of those. Gar. We koow not Until he's tried ; but let him do his utmost. You've heard me speak of our Durazzo ? Ant. \ remember it. Gar. He vaunts to be a Spaniard born ; yet some Few years agjo from foreign lands he came, A stranger to our state, with ample means. But no respectful mention. To the poor He has been ever liberal; and hence They watch his looks (or leave to think ; and act As if their minds were vassal to his bounty. Ant. I've heard he is of weight. Gar But note, beside ; He, in his turn, is ready at the door Of greater men, to do small offices, And grow into their notice, if his art Should rouse the people, we might reap the gain, And nothing fear from his ambition. Ant. Would you ad?ise him of our purposes ? Gar. No farther than may serve to crush Alonzo. Ant. 'Tis worth some thought. Gar. He will be here anon, By my appointment, to attend our pleasure. Enter a Servant. Gar. How now ? Ser. iVJy lord, a stranger prays to see you ; His name, Durazzo. Act I, t)VK\ZZO. ^ Gar. Bid him to approach. (^exif Servant You'll 6n<\ hi« aptness fittinsj, as 1 told yo\i. Judge (or^vtai^elf — observe. Enter Dukazzo. DuR. My lo d, though here At yo'jrcrimmand, I fear my zeai h.iTu hro't me Too soon ; but on a n»<)iion ( retire. Gar. The tiine suUj^ well, Durazzo ; sit yoa down, DuR. Na}', not in such a presence. Good my h)rd, The kiri'i's advising; roi:n.>ellors partake A 5>ortion 01 th^ royalty 'hey guide, And in his absence are his substitutes: I d:tre not sit. Gar. My lord Anthonio, know This man for one of merit. Ant. Sir, I ^reetyou. DuR. Why to this honor 1 am raised, I kno^ not, JBut I would fain deserve it at your hands. Gak Have you not large acquamtance with the people ? DuR. i aui well known. Gar. And influence ? DuR. As much As falls to the particular lot of any Wuo, like myself, with ^ood intent alone Purch is^- opinio i of their countrymen. Ant. Whatsay your fellows of our late defeat? DuR. Sometimes they murmur. Gar, Are they not enraged As we are ^\11 O i how the Moor will stride,-^ x2 6 DURAZZO. rHaynes. And lift his dusky brow, to think that Spain For once has tell him ! DuR. If I might presume To speak on such high matter— Gar. ii^^' '• P^-^^""'^ ' The winds that blow the rumor in your tace. Demand an answer from your P^**'*'!^^^^ As i have leave to pour my feeling forth Without restraint before you, 1 will own What pride 1 had was in my country s greatness, Her fame in arms. The meanest citizen Can claim his share of boast therein for he Had equals ,n the ranks that earn d the glory. To see her greaines. .Miuk ; her iame eclipsed , And by the intidel on whom we trod But sixteen moons before, the vanquish d slave Our conqueror, the beaten our chas User . • O I if to speak my thoughts were not t oflend The masters of my action, 1 would rmse A voice wiihm this city.— But I hare Forgounyselfandyou. ^,^,^ ^^ p^,„,^„ . " Your words are hut an echo to the thoughts That in us swell. Alonzo »vrong d you once. DtR. He shew'd me Mjmo contempt , Of course you lelt it ; DuR. So far as nature in her law provides : But she's a quick performer ; sudden lights Her anijer up, and soon it '|"^*/"''^- ,.• , -.^^ Ant. Benducar, too, repulsed you, a» tissaid , Due. In the same cause. My purpose was to A-ainst the Moor, and with an honest arm Work out a station in the social trame Act I. DURAZZO. 7 Of this community. Wealth I had some ; And knowledge, some of books, but more of men, Caught in the noisy schooling of the world : But stili I had no place. They sneer'd at me ; My heart rose once or twice, but that was all ; For 1 was weak in power, and nothing proud ; And they had fashion's privilege to flout me. Gar. Can you not now retort ? DuR. Who, 1, my lord ? Gar; Aye, you or any. If the mouth can praise, The mouth can biame — the mouth can bite I DuR. My Lord 1 Gar. You scan this late disaster like a man Who loves his country's konor. To redeem The lustre of her fame — to vindicate Her fall among the nations, 'twere of use Example should be niade. Alonzo led Our heroes to defeat, Alonzo, therefore, He who could sneer at others, he should be The scorn of every candid tongue. Where are The peple— that they call not for his life, Surround the palace gates, and shake the throne? Where are the people ? you, who know their mind, Awake it, and your wishes shall look at your Pteward with wonder I Dur. 1 am wonder-struck already ; To think that I, the child of pale neglect, Should thus be pick'd and chosen from the masj To serve your lofty need, and the state's interest! As I perform, so let me prosper in Your graces — the reward, the only one My zeal can ask or merit. Gar. Lose no time ; You'll find the people in the public square g »URA^ZO. (Haynes. Full of strana:e fancies and ima2:inin^s, By fe^r and anger bred upon defeat One word of dark suspicion or reproach Would set them in a flame. DuR. r xp^ct to see it. If there be any faith in destiny, (And I have much,) the colour of my life \Vas made for this occasion. Gar. Should you meet Benducar there, accost him. Our. Can you doubt He's for Alonzo ? Gar. ^e must be certain. Dun. I'll prove him, and report him as I prove. Gar. Farewell, m. friend. Dur. Farewell, m) noble patrons. [Exit Durazzo. Gar. What think you of our new ally ? Ant. ^^ ^"® Whose service we must usf , having no choice. ' Gar. ^ou like him not. Ant. His early sleep of pride One ray of fortune would awake to daring. 1 read it in his eye. Gar. He seems to bend His very sou! before us. Ant. True — he seems : But these are ceremonials oft put on. Gar. Be it so ; Still we must use him, as you say. But come ; T\w k'lns^ expects us, hw\ h\^ '^ar will need Seme poison yet, to kill AloQZo's prai-'^ [exeurttn Act I. DURAZ^O. SCENE 11.—.^ puhlic square, DuRAZZO and a crowd of Citizens appear ; Du- razzo an haviftg {uidressed tkern. First CiT. Huzza! huzza! Dnrazzo was ever the friend of the people : he advise? vveii. To the palace — to the palace ; there to deniand justice on Alonzo. All. To the palace. Huzza ! DuR. Yet be not rash ; iny speech, 1 doubt, was warm — It may be wrong ; but, as my heart conceived, My tono'ue has uttered. I would haveyoa firm. But nothing violent. Thus shall your cause Find favor ; your dishonor, t^ull redress. — Peace, my friends ; Peace in the city, conduct in the field, And justice on the throne ; be this your motto ^ And prosper. All. Huzza! huzza !^ First Cit. We mean no violence ; nothing but justice on a traitor. Enter Benducar. Ben. Who talks of traitors ? First Cit. I, and every honest man. Second Cit. Alonzo is a traitor. Ben. Have you no reason, no respect for law, No conscience, that unheard you thus condemn A hero, with whose praif:.es you have made Confusion in the clouds, 'till clamour let Their thunders loose to echo your rejoicings ? First Cit. Who is this spokesman ? DuR. 'Tis Eenducar speaks ; A veteran warrior, and Alonzo's friend. 10 DURAZZO. [Hayops. First Cit. Why, he blusters like the mouth of a cannon. Ben. 'Tis sign the state lacks vigor and con- trol. When in the common streets, the common crowd Uleasure. Your pride would seem To call us brutes in dullness ; but we ii.ive One instinct, sir, to know our enemies, — Another to revenge our wroniis. Ben. Thou slave ! But I have lost all patience. Second Cit. There, you hear he wants pa- tience ! He is mad enouirh to lose his temper, and fool enouo;h to acknowledge it. Come to the palace ! — to the palace ! All. Huzza ! huzza ! [eoceunt Mob shouting, Dua. You look'd at me : what would you say? Ben, The worst My ton rue could utter, and not then enough To paint your baseness. DvR. Think you, then, 'tis base Act r. DURA^ZO. U To love my country, and to shew some sis^n Of j^rief and nnirer, when her bloodV betrriy'd ? Ben. The charge is false. Hetray'd / how — h. tray'd I ^ DuR. Was not the battle lost, and lost by men OfSpain, — by cliO.r^en men,- — by men who knew The face of Death, and were not riws spectators Of his 2;annt form ? V\ hy, the} had shaken hands With him betore in man a gloriou> held. And now to fly ! — Yet, as you sa), 'tis false — II may be that Alonzo is reviled Unjustly — Spain abused — and the repute Ol this great empire mdde a mock for nothing^. Ben. Whether to smile at your presumption^ or To wonder most, f know not, He who lost The field that day fought with an arm as brave A-^ ever led to conquest. Those who fled Must answer for themselves ; but not to you, P^or such as you. DuR. Tm glad Alonzo finds one tongue, at least To brave the public voice. Bf: N. The public voice ! There's not an arrant rogue in Spain but calls The wretched raving of his paltry gang ^'The public voice :^^ nay, those who dare not speak Above their breath, for fear of punishment, Will whisper forth that voice, if you believe Thr ir timid accents. DuR. Let him come — Aye, let him. If the people have not hands Made but to dangle at their sides alone. There is a sinew in the multitude 12 DURAZZO. (Haynes- M^y clutch your idol You'll believe the storm When you behold the oak upon tiie ground. Ben. Come to me, then, and ask. DuR. I've spoken to As lofty men. Perchance in mine own breast There sits a coun-ellor, whose fiery thought But little weighs the ?*tation oi- degree Oi those It copes \vith:\l. If witber'd age Could r^hake my nerve, I had not sought your aid» To place me where the battle struggles hardest. Ben. Forgive me, 1 mistook your alter'd tone: 'Twas then submission. DuR. But the boon it ask'd Was danger. Hen. And you spit your venom now On those who knew you better than to trust you. I read vour motive ; had we not despised Your fawning tricks, but placed you o'er your bettt^rs, This patriot burst had never stunn'd the crowd. DuR. It may be so ; for I bad likelier fallen, Than live to talk of it: and yet, methinks, I Height have been entrusted with a post In such an army, and not spoil'd its lighting ! Ben. Away ! — DuR. Whe I 1 have done. Ben. Then stay, and finish. Avoid me ; 'tis not sat'e to try me farther. [exit Benducar. DuR. A threat! — I'll follow, tho' he were a fiend, And taunt him, though he scaled a precipice. \exit Durazzo, Act I. DURAZZO. ]3 Enter Zelinda and Leonora. Zel. Was (hat my father ? Leon. 'Twh? Beniiucar's voice Ami figure ; who the other was I know not. Zel. They seem'd to hold an angry con- ference. Leon. I thought so. Zel. Leonora, Vm undone I LhLON. Wi^i^at rneTiug my friend? My dear ZeJinda, speak. In stortny times like these canst thinly it strange That men will quarrel ? Fear not ; 'tis so much A habit now, revenge is never thou«;ht on ; Men give their speech a license from the time, Ag mariaers swear loudest when the sea Runs m utain high. Zel. Alfis ! you know not how My heart is torn. That stranger — did you mark ? He saved my life — he won my love ; but now, Not knowing who iny fi^ther is, hard chance I He ruins ev'ry hope, offending him. Leon. Amazemer 1 1 Said you not he saved your life ? ZsL. One evening, in the wood that skirts the city, I wander'd forth alone. The weary sun Had stoop'd Lis forehead from i : e m^^ Intain brovr When froman ambush sprrrngtwo ruffians arm'd, And bent their steps where motionless 1 stood. I dropp'd upon my knees: Heaven hend the prayer That rose in thought and terror: forbehind m^ Stood a deliverer silent and unseen;, s 14 DURAZ20. (Hayn«s» He riish'd between the danger and his charge* And fought a gallant fight : — it Mas that stranger! The ruffians fled before him ; he retnrn'd. Smiled tenderness, encouraged, raised me up. Bathed my hot temples in the running stream; Then mild in soothing words he led me on, Retraced my way, nor left me 'till in safely, Leon. But how, a stranger still ? Did you not ask The name of your deliverer ? Zel. 1 did ; But all in vain He told me that a cloud flung o'er the fortunes of hi'- house, and he Must needs reveal the story of hi>s fate With mention of his name. In fine, he pray'd me To meet him once again ; and with his hand He point, d out a suburb walk, where, time And leisure serving, he would give mine dar To know his strange o'ershadow'd history, LtoN. You went ? Zkl. Before the day appointed came, My father, on a distant jouiney bound. Took me along : since then I never saw, 'Till now, the man whom next himself 1 honor. Leon. Renounce this sudden passion, an4 incline To know no more of one so dark— mysterious. Remember 'tis your father's will that you Should wed Alonzo. Zel. Would I could forget it ! Whatever side I turn me is despair. Leon. The richest boon that Heaven caa grant you now, Is ne'er to see that stranger. Zel, Say you so ? Act I. DURAZZa 15 Then are my riches sorrow. — But, behold ! My father comes, and with hioi — mighty heav^a! It is Alonzo ! Leon. Nay, be ifirm, sweet friend ; Support this meeting : all will yet be well. Enter Benducar and Alonzo. Ben Zelinda, from thy father take in pledge Of happier days to come, a hero's hand. Be has his tngs with fickle Fortune too ; But thine is not a soul, my tender girl. To slight a brave mari in calamity. Zel. Most welcome, Sir, to Spain. [To Alon, Alon. But more to thee ? Zel. So far as friendship may have leave to say so. Ben. Come, you must lay those maiden airs aside, And talk of love and wedlock. If he need Another claim, to give his suit the force Of gratitude, know that your father's life ^Twas his to save, when, some few moments- since, & villain drew upon me. Zel. O, my father ! And would a wretch profane Ben. I su.ote hirii first For his presumption Zel. How !,a blow !— are blows For men, w4io, in their high aspirings, look At Heaven, and see their image in the thought They catch of the Divinity ? Ben. What means The frantic girl l Leon. Nothing, my Lord ; or but — A sadden illness. Speak not thus, m mercy.*— [To Zelinda, 16 DURAZZO. (Haynes. Ben, *Tis well my friend Alonzo took u\y part W^irrrsf^r than mine own cliild. Our clashing swords Had else in vain cosjiucted him to where The stroni? tisFi^ilanl put me on dei'eisce. . But he sholi be my son, and this good* act Ferform'd, while on his way to meet his foes At borne, sball prove an hnppy augury. ZicLs Is the offender slain ? ALOi^r. Zeiinda, no ; I beat their weapons down, and parted them. Zsx. Thank lieaven and thee, Alonzo ! (^Falls into Leonora'' s arms. Alon. Hal — she faints I LvON. No, my lord, 'tis weakness, and will . pas^s. The sudden shock her father's danger gave Hath brought this iownesson : "tia nothing more; i'il guide her hence ; anon she will be belter. Exeunt ^eonura and Zeltnda — the latter supported by the former. Ben. What could her strong emotion mean ? There is One fear 1 would not let my mind indu!2;e. Alon. Durazzo was not natried ; or, if he w^as 'Twere hardly possible her choire could stoop So low, as for his sake to feel alarm. Ben. At least we'll hope so 'till the worst appear ; And then — but VU not threaten. Alon. We do wrong Todoubt her prudence. Of the quarrel, though, Between Durazzo and yourself, my lord. 1 had not tiuje loask you how thatcoiild happen. Ben. 1 should have scoru'd him, but 'lis hard to hear Act I. DURAZZO. 17 Oae's friend traduced. Alon. What said he ? Ben. Nothing — but W^js insolent. AloxV. You struck hina in your rage ; sTwHs not for nothing \ou could lift your arm Jl^riinjst a thing so worthless. Ben. Nay, he cail'd My friend a-— coward ! Alon, Coward ! — ha I {Auem-pting^ to draw, Ben. Fut up Yonr sword ; the touch has jusiitied my fury. Ai^oN. i own 'twas hard to bear — Durazzo — Well, No matter : we shall meet wheri fate decrees^ Acid part when Death makes iiis ejection. Ben. Too long we dwell upon a worthless* theme ; Let'vS change it for a nobler, and discourse, Like soldiers, of the war. Alon. Ah ! there again Ny wrongs cry out. Before the battle join'dfj *l'was so contriv'd, that, in the soldiers' tents Were p^rpers dropp'd, insinuating plots Of treachery, concerted with the Moor For their destruction. Bk:*. How ! by you concerted % Alox. By me, their leader, who would ra- ther sell "*!y soul in open contract to the fiend, *Km indirectly thus devote myself. Ben. And fled they ? A^^. On the first attack, likesheep. ,g DTTR\ZZO. (Havnes. From Ih^ir own iears they fled. I stood .y 'TH-as on a hillock, there resolved to die W,thint-eirvie■;--, ■ - -"e embattled. Rt\', Fouant they so hefcely .' ^;6n With the tigerV rage, Bv aiau's high thought ennobled: lon^ we lought 'till what was mortal in ns sank beneatli What was imuiortal. Then my comrades fell For very weariness ; but, on his tace Did each man fall, and m hi. frown expire. And. sword in hand, cut forward to his grave, fsa^k exhausted too ; but Heaven won d have Mv life preserved: cover'd witii blood 1 rose, And once I look'd upon the ticld and saw Mysilentheroes:— ifthetears Ished . Could speak, their country could not be i.n- srateful ,• , u i- Ben. Ungrateful '.—no : the nation s hea.t will leap To hear this story .--But how happejied it The others fought not, when they saw your arm In earnest, and the proof in havoc roun.. vo;. . Alos. Some were suboni'd ; tne res. paaic-struck, ' 'fiiixN'. ' Yet by what" chance <1id you escape Captivity? ' , \,,o;.;. Left-on the titui lui ucu., 1 took advantage of the coming night,. And to the cAmp return'd ; when soon arrived Act'tL DUPvAZZO. 19 . summons for my prompt appearance here^ To answer, in aiy place, tiie guilt of others.. Ben. Trust to your cause and character: if they .hould fail, —trust to that other hope, which, though Unknown to vulgar minds, inspires the noble To bear rnisiortanes rightly. Alon. What is that ? Be:^. The sentt'nce of posterity. Ai.0x\, Let faction do Us worst ; I will look forward, And so he finn. (exeunt. ACT II. SCENE I. An Apartment mjburazzo'^s House, Enter Durazzo and Perez. Per. Yet, sir, be patient. Such a wrong is sure Some time to be revenged. DuR. If, while my blood Was hot, I struck him dead, 'twere well ; but not On after-thought. Per. The pride that lifts you thus Should pacify you too: I thoUii;htthe news You heard but now, would have subdued all passion • To make a way for mourningo DuR.. Poor V/incenzo ! And is he dead ? Well, he is safe from insult. How did the messenger report of him ? My mind was rack'd too fiercely to attend. Per. The story was a brief one, told withoat. $0 DURAZZO. (Haynes. ParMfle of circumstance, and meant no more Than ihatjotji triencl hh raoital wound received In battle, fighting by Aionzo's side : That, to his tent convey'd, he wrote in pain This letter oi farewell, produced to you By the same messenger (^G\ving a letter. DuR. It may be made Some use of. Was the iife extinct before He left the camp who brought it? said he so ? Per. The last cold breath was drawn. [Knocking without^ DuR. Go see who knocks, [exit Perez, This hand reminds me of our playful day?, Ere J was cursed with hopeless/pride, or felt The spurn of insult Now, could 1 employ His memory to profit my revenge, 'Twere like an act of posthumous regard Done by his spirit. Ha ! My lord, good n^orrow; I look'd uot for this honour. Enter Garcia. Gar, 5 I have heard Of old Benducar's roughness. DuR. Yes, a blow Was somewhat rough. 'Tis true his hand was feeble, But if a giant's sinews struck me down^ They could not brand me with a deeper shame Than his insulting blow. Gar. Restrain this passion : You think too much of it. DuR. I do subttiit Myself to your good wisdom, that I ought To feel as others feel such injury. The beggar hais his feelings. Acrll. DUEIAZZO. 21 Gar, Trust in my faith ; he shall repair the wrong. DuR. Repair he cannot, but he should rer pent it. Gar. I came to you on other business now. Of greater moment than an oid man's rage. Alouzo i? arrived, the King has named This day to hear his accusation. DuR. That's somewhat sudden. Gar, Somewhat startling too ; For, though the fact wllj speak iuW strongly af Itself, the time allows not to provide, By witness, confirmation of our cause, Such as no doubt can tarnish. DuK. I am grieved To hear of this. Gar. There are some men, Durazzo, Of upright mind, who, once assured of guilt, A^ you and 1 can warrant of Alenzo's, Would stretch a little in particulars, To nerve as 'twere, the arm of justice, lest By accident it fail. DuR. And you would have The same precaution taken ? Gar. • Could I find A person capable, and so disposed, My wish is to make sure. C^UR- I hate Alonzo. He is Benducar's friend — I think him guilty,— I know him proud. — He spurned my service once — And even now when proud Benducar smote me, He stepped between me and my just revenge ; Therefore, I'm yours to think, Contrive and execute, whatever best 22 DXTRAZZO. (Haynes. May cut off one, or boih. or all to.spther. Oak. But ami safe to tru>l jot. .' Yy^,^ Trust not me : No —but trust mv w rongs, my rage, my curses. R»v'^"-e shall be my voucher ; For a-'l baJ no pride or eminence Above the worm, but in the form of man The blow, that hath debased that form alhes lad uiksU to revenge. There .no orce In words or bonds, m vows or oaths, to give Assurance so complete as enmity Breathing in silence. Gar ' '^^'^^P* * P^f -^ge, And thus adopt you in my <^o"fif,'^f ^.^ . .^ . „ ^ Dull. Then hear me. In the battle tell a Much /oTiced of AloDZO for bis deeds : mJ pla,mate when a child. He wrote to me uion his dyimj bed-no matter wbal- Eiough to know he wYote ; and it .s known To all the camp beside. W hat it I bring This wtess f ' m the .rave to do the work You think the living only can accomplish. Gar. Proceed— explain. , . ., . V? 1 know to imitate Hi/?;itten style, as glass or water «end VL features h.ck, without a '"- »«f J^f^' In *uch a sort I'll pen a i^nevous ch. uge , As It the gallant victim made complaint Of treacherv and tix'd it on AUnizo. cir Do that-succeed in that, and name th* wealth That sh.ll reward you. ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ Within jour gilt, it ««uld not bribe me to Act it. DUKAZZO. 23 This desperate act. My longings are not sordid ; Siiould you stiil Persist in recompense, my terms are these, None other. If my fortune be to fail, Pursue me to the grave. I ould not hve ; 'Twill look the more like' innocence in you^ And will be real mercy, if 1 thrive, Let not Alonzo suffer more than exile : Give me the means to pay Benducar's blow : Afford me some condition in the state, And ratify the peace 'twixt me and mankind. Gar. Whoe'er thou art, mysterious mortal, thy Commands are sacred. But 'tis fit we part, 'Till in the Court, before the king, our project Is put to test. DuR. The sooner now the better. Perez 1 [exit Garcia' Enter Pekez. DuR. Set ink and paper in my chamber, And see that none approach. Per. Sir, I obey. [exit Perez, DuR. In Court to plead, before the King, against The greatest man o' the state ! Now artifice be true to me. The task I undertake is hazardous and loul, r But full of mighty purpose. Kings ere now have waded Through brothers' blood to empire : childrea have Trod on the neck of parents in their march To bright ambition. 'Tis not so with me : I piish but foes aside : nnake good my passage Through crowds of scornful and injurious men. 24 DURAZZO. (Haynes. No shock to nature or affection giving In the condition of my entei prize. Too lon^ have I been humble. Now to prove The inborn spark ascendant o'er the mass Of vile obstruction : To Court— to Court '. These weeds shall soon be dolT'd for golden suit? ; . While the proud stature, and the lofty mein. Instruct the world that 1 was born for greatness. [Lxit. SCENE \L--The SireeL Enter B EN bug a R and Alonzo. Ben. The king, methinks, grows wary ;— 'twas a prompt Decision, to allow so short a space Between your trial and your coming home. Alon. 'Tis better for the better cause. Bej,', We will on to Co.rt Amon^'the first ; 'twill shew an eagerness Befitting well your innocence. Alon. I'm ready. Ben. Soft you, Zelinda comes. Go thou before, And wait my presence in the audience-hall, Where with my best dispatch, I'll follow you. [Exit Alonzo, How buried in her own surmise she seems I ril tax her indirectly with the doubt That cross'd my D)ind, and haunts it still. Ho ^ now ! Ejiter ZELI^DA. Zel My father ! Act II. DURAZZO. 25 Ben. Start you, then, to find him here ? Zel. 'Twas but a fooiish tremor of the nerve; Such as the languid spirits oft give way to, When happiest and safest. BexV. I would have A rordwith you ; it will not take you long To hear a simple story, not without Its in^ aning, daughter. Zel. 'Tis my duty, Sir, In tale or precept, to attend your wisdom. Ben. 1 had a lambkin once, when I was young, And in my arms 1 used to bear about The woolly favourite : 1 fed it from My hand with herbs, the sweetest I could find Along the water's brink. It knew my voice, And trotted at my call ; but when it grew To greater slreo<;th, it left me — join'd the ilock, Got wild, and wander'd : — 1 remeaiber still The pain I felt at brute ingratitude. Zel. What should I draw from thence ? Ben. No blame to that Poor native of the field ; it was its instinct : The bleating flock it join'd spoke its own lan- guage ; Biine was«'a foreign tongue. But had it been A human favourite — a creature skill'd To Weigh my words, to read my thoughts, te trace The fondness here at)iding, — and it left me ; Or if a daughter, and deserted me — Would you not say that nature had betray 'd Her trust, to make a devil by creation ? Ha ! do you shrink ? Zel. 'Your manner and your eye Flash fear upon my soul. c ^6 DURAZZO. (Hayues. EuN. I have not leisure For closer question nou — Alonzo waits. But be the issue of this day or good Or bad, so he but hve, — look you obey me ; The priest is ready to unite your hands, The guests are bidden to the solemn rite, And nought remains but your consent to crown The ceremony. Zel. How 1 — so soon, my father ? Ben. Remember 'tis my wiil, and must be so. [exit, Zej.. Now is the measure of my woes com- plete. To be Alonzo's wife !— the horrid thought Creeps like some living reptile o'er my brain, And threatens madness ! Do I rave already ? Enter Durazzo. DuR. 'Tis she herself! Oh, what a lip is there ! It speaks in silence to the soul of man, And beauty is ita language. Zel. What to do I know not ; what I ought'sirapossible. DuR. Turn not away. Speak, prithee — spe.ik again ; For not the Thracian bard could touch a string So nelting sweet, when plaintive Echo stole His music on the waters of Despair, As in that accent bless'd me. Zel, For my life, I ought to bless yoji in the truest sense Of blessing — b} my earnest prayers to Heav'n ; Yet if you knew my name BtTR. Proaeuwcfi the word ; Act IL DURAZZO. 2T Mj heart is listening. Zel. Search through your mecQory for such a name As, with its hateful odour, turns the hreath Of mention to a curse. DuR. In all the world There is but one. Zel. Then you can name my father. DuK. Oh misery ! and are the stationed plan- ets on t'ne watch, That good approach me not. Zel. For::i;ive my father ; — Forfijive him for Zeiinda's nake. DuR. The blow Hath reach'd my mind. Forgetfulness, that used To walk with time, performing offices Upon the earth that would become an angel, Is buried in the centre, And never, never more will visit me. How can 1 then forgive ? Zel By thinking on His daughter's love, who weeps to own she loves you. DuR. Bright angels catch the sound, and bear it on Your silver wings to blend with my ambition. [Trumpets sound. But hark ! the trumpet's tongi^e proclaims the court Convened. Sweet, we must part ; yet, ere I go, On promii^e grant me ; never, come what will. To wed Alonzo. Zel. Never. DuR. One thing more", For my sake wear this ring ; that sparkling hoop 28 ©TJRAZZO, (Haynes. Of your's exchange with me ; then if the bolt [They exchans:e rings. Drop down, by rule or random, on my head, Be sure, if time allow, Til kips this token, And bless 5 on, ere I die. Farewell— farewell. [exit Zel. What have 1 done ? how shall 1 meet my father ? How bear his look of anger? and the ring— Ha ! 'twas my mother's ring ; I gave it in Mistake. Avert this omen, gracious Heaven, Which seems to threatea ruin and despiur. [exit. SCENE ni.-j3 Hall of State. The King seated on his Throne, The Nobles rm Cheer up, my son ; this cruel injury Shall bear my comment with it. Ere the night, My daughter's hand is thine. Alon. My noble friend, My father, Til endure mankind for thee With all their crawling vices. Come, away ! Ben. Give me but leave to spend one hearty curse On those deservers. Gar. We disdaia your ci^rse. Alon You may ; — he has not one to match your baseness. Ben. 1 have it in my heart — in gall — in ven- om, — But language is too weak. Hear, then, thou Power Who see'st it in its workings. Let it fall With unexpressive horror on their heads, /jThat the fierce hope which now dries up my toague May stick to them, like locusts to the grain, ^ That never more can nourish, nor be nourish'd. 36 DURAZZO- (Hayncs. — f, — u ' lii i i_ ■ ' ^ ' ' - II II ■■■ I I .„ ACT HI.— SCENE I. The Street. Enter Garcia and Anthonio. Ant. 'Tis pa^sin^ strange, the King should so degrade The rank of our nobility, to make A present on't to one so frjeaniy born — For such a service too ! But i« it certain Durazzo claim? equality with us, And we must bear H ? Gar Some time since I join'd Th' Council, in whose presenct he was calFd, And there saluted with his proud additions By Royal mandate. Ant. So thii- is the humility we thought To make account of. Gar. Nay, 'twill serve our cause. By spreading discontent : wherefore, though^ harsh And galling to our pride, our interest lyiay stomach it. Ant. But what pretence — what show Of reason, can the King advance to those Who have no deep designs to icconciie Their feelings ? Gar. More than vou would guess Anthonio ; For now it so turns out, that, having gain'd The Monarch's favour. Thi?^ Durj.zzo proves himself L scended of a stock ennobled once ; A 1 »^n-vvh »h. cVmi'ii of r-ght to wear the title. You've heard oi Lord Gousalvo ? Act III. DURAZZO, ST j\nt. Many times. Gar. An age hath 'lapsed since be for prac- tices Of magic science, which the people loathe — The law forbids — religioB execrates— Was of his rank deprived, and bauish'd hence A wanderer. Ant. So far I know the fate Of that corrupted house. Gar The exile lived A careful life ; and, dying, left his son, Durazzo's father, what his prudence saved From sequestration. Some while since the sob Died also, which brings down their history Nigh to the point we speak of. Ant. But how came Durazzo to conceal his birth so long j Gar. Ere he changed Italian skies for Spanish, in pursuit Of his design, he task'd a beldam's skill To prophesy of the event. Ant. The taint Was in the race. What said his counsellor ? Gar. Foretold the prosperous issue of hi^ cause, But one condition nam'd ; — that be should keep The secret of his birth as close as frost Knits op the waters, 'till by cunoing, or By chance, he gained familiar converse with the king. And then to speak. Ant. 'Twas singular. Gar. She said. Moreover, that if he to other ears Than these of Majesty tiist told his tale. 3B DURAZZO, (Hayncf. i The 2:atGS of hope womUI !«hut on his endeavour. He took her wonl, and U'iumph'd. Ant. I» the king Advii^ed orthjs ? Gar. He iis : 'twas from his lips I heard it now ; he from Durazzo's own : But mark what I have* since resolved upon^ E'en now I'm on mv way To meet him in his home, where, putting off All ceremony, I will hold myself As jrreat ones o'er inferiors dominate. Ant. And will he brook your haughty carriage tamely ? Gar. It shall he tried, at least. Do you, my friend. Meanwhile await the coming ofour spies : I look for notice of the Moor's approach At every new arrival. Ant. You shall find My zeal awake. Gar. Anon we'll meet again, [exeunL SCENE II. — An Apartment in Durazzo^s Enter Durazzo splendidly aiiired, followed by Pervz. DuR. Now Perez, give your happy master joy, And change the title of your reverence To -^uit his new condition. I am come, Ennobled by the king, to mate with greatn^s?. Per. Thank Heaven, I live to call you lord : therefore, ?^y lord, I give you joy |)uR. Proclaim it far, ActITI. DURAZZO. 39 That those who mockM my humble state may gnaw Their lip^ with envy. ' Tis not that 1 prize The empty title for its empty sake ; 'Tis but a phrase ; yet, a;? the world is caught With 5{yl!ables, the phrase" hath value in't, And f would jiive it swelling currency Throughout the realm. Per. It shall not lack my voice. DuK. I met a noble as I came, who thought To look me out of favour with myself, As he was wont to do. My soul was nigh To burst its mortal bound as I rebuk'd him. Pku. BiU yonder look, where comes Don Garcia through the vestibule. DcR. Depart [exit Perez, And let us be alone. What ! would he break On my retirement rudely thus uncali'd — ^^ No leave obtain'd — no question ask'd ; bat in. As if I kept a tavern for his highness ? Enter Garcia. Gar. Durazzo I DuR. Garcia ! Gar. Ho.v, m^ lord ? DuR. My lord Again, or Garcia, as you chuse to speak, Addressing me. Gar, 'Tis bold, Sir, — nay, methinks You look but sli^chtingly upon your p^Uron. ' DuR. My patron ! Gah. I wh:> so this morning. DuR. True— Bui see, 'tis mid-day now. Think'st thou yon orb, Who, on his glorious round, keep? half our earth For ever in his beatu^ beaoids no changes 40 DURAZZO. (Haynes* In this diurnal planet, but the lapse Of growing hours and seasons ? — think again ; Trust me, there are more strange vicissitudes Than one man standing by another's side, Who never was above him, but in fortune. Gar. I would keep down this swelling of my heart To reason calmly with your haughtiness. DuK. My haughtiness ! Gar. Ay, haughtiness ; what else Could breed this lofty tone ? Those trappings, too, But ill become the state of yesterday. DuR. By your favour, Sir, 'Tis sometimes prudent to adorn our limbs, That fools, who look no deeper, thence may see We mean to be respected. Gar. But to change. As you have done, in dress, in manner, word, And action, from the lowly thing you have been,. So suddenly, as if the flash of fortune Had set your soul and body in a tiame, Is matter more for mirth than deference. DuR. Indeed ! Gar. The world will laugh. DuR. Advise the world It laugh not out too loud. Gar. You would not make So huge a sacrifice as all mankind^ To your voracious anger. DuR. I mis^ht chance To know some voices in the jubilee, And make amusement danger to the sharers. Ere while my pride was like an idle blade That rusted in the scabbard ; now 'tis drawn,. And ilourish'd o'er your h^ads—bewareof it ^ Act lit, DURAZZO. 41 Gar. Have you not crawTd your way to this ? Dlk 'Twas rate Ordain'd it so ; but I have broke her spells, An The begi^ar of to-day is rich to-morrow ; The rich man poor— despised. Gar. i'ii hear no n)ore. DuR. Go home, and ponder oa't. [exit Gar. So J ihi?j is well. But next to take some course, Such as may mar the n piiais I have heard of, And lay btnducar prostrate at n»y feet. [exit Durazzo, SCEN L HI. — -An aparUnent in liendvcar'^s house . BridaJ preparations. — Bcnducar, Alonzo, Ze- LiNDA, Frikst, attendants^ 4'C. ^^^c. discovered Bf N. Now, holy father, let the rites begin ; For time steals on apace, and we must seek Ou foreign shores our gheiter, when the night, Act ITT. DURAZZO. 43 Which comes advising home to other l^eads, To us shall publish exile. My brave son Alonzo, that our friends assembled here, And all the world, may know how pure I hold Your conduct, though traduced by evil tongues, Take from my hand my daughter. Alon. Such a gift, Rich in itself, is richer still from thee ; Crown'd with the noblest motive that can grace A generous act. in war, you taught me how To draw the sword, when honor gave command: In peace, you teach me how to bear the stings Of faction, hate, caprice, — My guide in all things, good or fortunate ! Ben. Zelinda, speak — stand forward'. If your . tongue Is palsy -struck, your hand can move, I ask it. To give w4iere I have named. Zeu Oh, hear me, Sir, With patience i Hen. Look around upon our guests, And say, is this a time to pause, when all Expect what all must well approve ? Alon. Yet listen For my sake, noble friend. If in her eye my favour is forbidding, I would rather Leap from the battleuients, and take my chance For life with rocks beneath, than creep wuhin The fairest bosom, whose reluctant snows Denied me. Chance may break the greatest fall; But nothing can revive the drooping heart. Or make aversion love. Ben. She has not said Her heart disown'd you ; no, some sudden folly Hath seized her mind j but she must choose between 44 DURAZZO, (Haynes. Her father and that folly. Speak a^ain, And in another tone, or speak no more. W hat I do vou still refuse ? Zel. But for a day. Ben. Once and forever. Zel. Plead for me, Alonzo ; 'Tis hard to ask you to become my champion A^^ainst yourf^eif ; but to the noble mind, There is no violence in sacrifice, When p ide and pity join to honour it. Alon. My friend — Be^j. Peace, peace, would you becozen'd ifius To a-k ? She know? thi.s night will bear you hence ; iV'jv, not an hour can 'la[)se before the guards Will lead you to the frontiers. Yield in time ; Or let your father's curse — Alon. Forbear, my lord Oh, jj;ood Benducar ! never, for my sake, Shall any curse fall on a child of your';^ ; Much les the h rdest curse of all — a father's. Ben She wrings it from me. Bid the priest begone ; I would not hive his ears contaminate Wuh imprecations «uch as I must use. Zel. Hold, in mercy, One moment — I obey. Alon. That struggle cost An agony beyond a thousand groans Hfaved by a thousand captives. Oh! Zelinda, Your virtue has subdued e'en love itself, To think of nothing but your happiness. Ben. What meanest thou ? Alon. To resign All claim to this white trembling hand : to prove My admiration of her virtue, by Act III. DURAZZO. 45 Ad act of justice and humanity. Zel. Alonzo, this is to be great indeed. DuR. (without,) Stand off — naake way there, let the guards advance, As on your peril you shall answer it! Enter Dubazzo, OJJicer and guards. ALo^^ Again, Durnzzo 1 By my soul, yon come Right aptly to my wish. For all my wrongs I give you broad defiance, and the lie Which your own soul must echo. [ilraws, DuR. Say you so ? The shortest quarrel is the sword's. I hate The war of words when it is time for action : My life to yours—Como on ! [they fii^ht. Zel. Part them, my father, part — Off. What means tins tumult. In scorn of law ? My lord Duiazzo, least Of all becomes it you to have a share in't. DuR. Then seize your prisoners ; for, while thus we stand, In attitude to give and take offence, It is the law of oui antipathies To strike. Off. Hold : 1 arrest you, lords — submit. Ben. You are a soldier, and a gallant man ; Oh ! let not such a slave prevail against us. DuK. Conduct them hence, each to a sepa- rate dungeon. Ben. What, at your bidding I DuR. Yes ; the slave commands. Alon. On whatpretence is this audacity ? DuR. ril tell you, for 'twill gall you. — 'Twa$ the sentence, That from the city gates you should depart ^Vithin a stated time. That time has just 46 DUHA2^Z0. (Hayues. Expired. For such contempt you must atone. This your abettor in the like oifenc^^. Who harbor'd iou as^Hinst the king's injunction. Incurs an equal penalty ; — and now I hope you're answer'd to your wish. Ben. 1 see — I see it all Her slow co'sent is now Accotinted for. M} cuisp is hers agiin. Zrl. Look, on ni)' knees, beiure this holy man. And all I love and fear below, my goul Is mnoceat of the abhorred charge You wrong me with, as light is innocf^nt Ot darkness. Alon. Oh! believe it, Sir ; 'tis true- It m«)st he true. ^ Bfn One only way i? left To cliase the fell suspicion from my mind ; What I ask— f claim- That from her heart she b-;nish yonder bend, And, on the instant, swear, by every power, DiVine and human, never to be his. Zel I swear. DuR. Zelmda— pause — deny—retract. Zel. 'Tis register'd in heaven. DuR. Heaven has no ear For such an oath ; 'tis barbarous, unjust, Unirateful. Ben. Have we found the means to reach Your stubborn bosom ? — Bless, Ob, bless my child I Zel. My father ! Bkn Sweet, farewell I [The iruarda hear off Benducar and Alonzo. Zi^x. I follow you. DuR. Zelinda 1 Zel. Would you speak with me ? ACT TV. T>VPc\ZZe. 4g DuR. A moment — Think on the wrongs I suffered. Zel. In your own Dark breast they have their record. I must think On those you can inflict [exit, DuR. And have I lost her ? The daughter gone ; the father in my power; My rival too ! Thus bad and good unite. And both distract me ; but the good prevails^ 'Tis not upon the top of fortune's wheel That we should quarrel with our destinies. ACT iV.— SCENE I. v^ An apartment in Durazzr/s house. Enter Durazzo and Perez, DtjR. Did I not bid that none should enter here ? Per. I thought, my lord, Benducar's daugh- ter might. — DuR. Hi? driiightpr!—^he shall come : what! are they humbled^ — Those spirits of the hisih patririan port ? And can they bend and sue, n ho stand so straight Wiien others bend ? — ^Adrmt^her ; and observe ; Th re rose som^ tumoli in the s^treet but now, Go learn the cause, the times are full of danger. [exit Perez. I must not flinch one atom from my purpose ; ^otthuuiirh she weep : what are her ^ar^ to «)^ And my reveno;e ? Madam !— ie?n^. Zelinda, Zkl. My lord, I come a suit^ Dtru. For wnom ? J* "^^ y^^'^ 48 DURAZZO. (Haynes. Zel. For one I dare not name. DuR. Then let Your tongue obey your heart. Zkl. In doin^ so The stronger feeling will at last prevail, And that is for jour captive — for my father. DuR. Came you from him ? Zel. I did ; but yet without His privity : — he knows not that 1 came. DuR. 'Tis strange ; for sure he naight have pleaded favours Conferred on nie, to challenge like for like. And draw down mercy on the merciful. Zel. This is no accent to address to grief; If you must needs refuse, refuse in mildness — Or even in anger : — irony bespeaks A pleasure in the pain it aggravates. DuR. To set aside my other wrongs, reflect Hovv shortly since his word prevail'd with yon To cancel all your vows. Zel. What could I do ? He would have cursed me. DuR. Cursed you ! if he had — A curse is but a wish, and you should know What human wishes are. The foot of power Is on him now, — the foot of enmity ; Think'st thou a woman's arts can lift him up, Against the strength and sinew of revenge ? Ini^)0ssible. Zel. 'Tis true, I have no claim Pretend to none ; perhaps you ought to hate us : Bnt, in thi."*: trying moment, let the voice Ofsny distress plead as dij^tress, and win yott To mercy, asai y^u M spare a vanquished foe For mercy's Sita. ; alone. — DuR. vlt is not always \ Act TV. DURAZZO. ^ 49 A m'^rit to forgive. Zel. It is, for ever: The stamp of Heaven i^ on it. Oh ! Durazzo, Aaibition's sell should lov it, for 'tis power Exerted in forbearrtnce, proveil in peace ; 'Tis Hke tfie God who ^ave it us, unchanging, ,,Apd angels praise it everlasiingly. DtR. I thought not to have met you, thus unmannM; Zelindn, you will own I saved your life. If 1 had saved my dog's — that dog had thank'd me — Grown fond of me. It is a claim that wakes In brutal natures the humanity Of griititude. ^ou talk of mercy well ; But why did you forsjet to shew it me ? Zkl. 'Tis for its own sake, not for mine, I ask it Think of my father's age, his reverend locks, The silver there Would shame the touch of any injury, Think even of me, who have no mother's care To pay me for a. father's torn away With like protection. If, as you have said, You loved me once, keep so much fondne?s hack As yet may warm compassion in your breast For one that loved as well ; and do not join With nature to complete my orphanage. Dull. Mine ears are shut. Zel Ay, but you heart is open. I can reach it Thus, with my lifted hands, my streaming eyes, This posture ! — [Kneeling.) They prevail. 1 see the struggle — The victory. Upon your forehead stand Huge drops of pain ; those are the tears that melt E ^ DURAZZO. (Haynes, Even when the burning sight ip (Iry beneath. DuR. You have p re vaird*— subdued me. Take — take this ; 'Twill ope the dun«jeon sates : take it, but fljr Before my rea^son come? loaded wifh u rongs To chide my weakne-^?^. Go — and go for ever. Zel. For ever, then, in this sad worid, farewell ! And may we meet in that bright land of peace Where passion rules no more ! [Exit Zelinda* DuK. Amen 1 sa) 1. Ambition, I will worship thee alone ; And, from the fitful passions of revenge And love, escape to thy great altar. Lift me Above this petty conflict of the mind. And take me all. Ha! Perez, welcome. Enter Perez. Per. Alasl my lord,! come with fearful tidings. I went into the street as you commanded, To lind the cause of the dis rder there. Bur, Well, what report you ? Per. Thick the people throng'd, For such a sii^ht Grenada's populace Nf'er saw before. Along the public highway Her minister, Don Garcia, with liis nepiiew, Aniiionio«5 both were led in chains ; the charge Ag< quick As »A inter strikes the pole, cnisfortune turns^ I'o ?jweep Hway the track and ve.«tige of M^ perishing; hopes. More must be keown of this. Per. But how ? DuR. .'II to Benducar ; 'tis his custom To walk of evenings late within his o^arden : TSere will I force him lo reveal, if aught Of danojer or suspicion waits for me. Per. 'Tis bold, like all your plans ; but should he dare you ? Dur. You cannot fear i\\ kih him! Per. Marry 1 do ; The Heavens forbid ! Dur. About the midnight hour Expect me. If I come not, search the to? '^^st. (^exeunt. SCENE iL^The Street. Enter Two Citizens. First Cit. Here are sharp doings, neighs bor The Moors are coming to attack us ; and ever; honest tradesman, who works like a slave, is expected to fight like a devil. Skconij Cit. For my part, though I have no objectiofj to fighting, when I'm in the humour, 1 don't like those sudden demands upon my va- lour. First Cit. What do you intend ? Second Cif. Truly, to take care of myselif. 52 DURAZZO. (^Haynes. as a fijood subject and a pious Christian ou^ht. But where \> Durazzo in tins sea-on of danger ? First Cit. A heavy Bus[)icion hangs over him, since iine spies were seized and the Moor's dispatches to Lord Garcia discovered, iia! look, if here be not the rest ot our neighbors. Enter a Body of Citizens. First Cjt. Well, what is the hue^t news ? Third Cit. 1 he enemy are expected to- morrow, and a notice is j)osted up in the public square, requesting that no person, genth^ or simple, will be dastardly enough to leave the city in its distress. SecOixd ('it. Ko, no: we shall leave it be- fore the distress conies en, ;ind so fulfil t»ie proclamation. — But yonder is the general him- self I, Third Cit. He has been calling at every house, and fiiakir>g hrirrrtniiues in every cio d, to prove what a tine thing it is to get rup thro' the .'-tomach tor a pntrioi. Second Cit. My slon»arh has no appetite for c*>ld steel : so he uv\\ prove what h* likes ; but he shall never [Jiove me a tool: so lime goes for warmer food. 'sj^umg^ Fitsi Cit. Nay, let us not desert hin> belure his face : for now that he is found to be an in- nocent man, ;ind a brave man, he is entitled to sot»ie Htfention. — Lei us hear him for a while p.ttieittlv and respecttu ly, and then we may run away like genllernen. Enter Alonzo. Alon. How now, friends ; whither haste you ? Second Cit* From the city, Act IV. DUR^ZZO. m W hose 2:ates are threatenM by th' invadins: Moor. Alos And haste you tVcaii the city threalen'd thus ? SecoxNd Cit. We dare nat stay. Alon. V\ ere you out burn here ? Second Cit. Truly, Grenada gave us birth » Alon. It took some time To tram you up to the full state of nantjood ; And all that tune ^ou pass'd here ? Second Cit. You have guess'd Aright. Alos. Your trades you learned and practised here ? Second Cit. W e did. Alon. And now on the first show of danger. Before a sword is drawn, or a spear broken — Nay, even before an enemy a[>pears — The place that gave you birth, that bred yon up To roan's condi ion, taught you trades to rise by, li^' a* mother, nurse, instructor, patron to you, Is ^huan'd like an intecied house, because You hold the noble attribute of hfe ^\orth al* the virtues m the calendar. First Cit. We know the city long, and love it well. But cannot bring it help. Ai.oN. Not with your barks to't. — I thougiit the sturdy tough plebeiarn heart Made, like the oak, for storms : it used to be. Your bodies you should consecrate to death. Rather than shame them thus. What can you hope From flight ? to starve — to be pursued — be trodden b2 54 DUR^ZZO. (HaAnes. In some rlark rlitch. Han^ your heacis for shdiue, Anl crawl mlo some kennel, which the dogs Have left, to bark at the rnile noise of war : The boles they shun woul » serve to shelter you. Second Cit. What could our numbers do ? Alon. What could the rest, If all, like you, were bent to ^ave themselves ? First Cit. We had no leader. Alon. Had you not the cause Of an endan2;erM country ! How ! no leader! What leader had you vvhen you ran av\av ? Oh ! you can run by instinct ; but, to sliiid When danger threatens, is an art you know not. Yet, come ! reform this error, and repair Straight to the citadel ; there call for arms, And, with the noblest of your countrymen, Aspire to use 'em nobly. First Cit. What say you ? Second Cit. I care not if I go, Thikd Cit. Nor I. All. Nor we. Alon. Those words become your gallant bearts. Now, now You talk like Spaniards, and the foe hath lost His spell upon you. If we survive and conquer, 'twill be fame ; If we perform and die, 'twill still be fame ; And fame ennobled by the sacrifice Great natures know to make, when jrreat demands Inspire the choire of dying. Follow me : Bring witb you blow^s ; strike, as the trumpet sounds. Through all the field. The foe will meet you fiercely ; But, when your desperation looks at him, He'li stand aghast ; his noisy troops will pause AcrlV. DURAZZO. 56 Ofimnic, like sofue thundering cataract boijn.l iip in tro.-t, as silent as the j>ower Thai suioit; \i in the air. Now lor Grenada* {^exeunt. SCENi^ ni. — Mounlight, — J G'lr den belonging to iJf/i lucar's tL^yuse, FjUter Oukazzo wrapped in a cloak, Dua. This IS tiie spot. Bendncar should be nere .4 reidy. VV^hat if he should fail to take 1^«- r.'istocn'd vvaht ! There is a ohiil damp air AUr. » id, which, tnrouijh the senses, comes upon The ifunost soul with dews of melancholy. How avvtul is tins wi cnrh a tH^k. DuR. It so, Uwill leave a harder l«^^k 'or me. SCEVE U.-ne court Enter Kiing, Alonzo, a/ir/ nobles. King. Benducar's murder shall be well avens^d ; B'lt ^ood Alonzo, 'tis no time for rnoorning. When at our ver* 2:;jte' the eneujy M jkes bold lo kno-k. Alon. Ht ^ -s^d, n\v pa^^^ion feels The 1 ss disposed to combat. Grief, grown sava«e From lark of t-^ars. con-^orts with slaugliter well, And makes a lion of calamity King. Ar«^ all our faithtul citizens in arms To aid the troops ? Lord. All, all : — they flock in crowds ; And fr »m the rampart heights, with braudish'd bl .de.^, Beckon the toe in their impatience. I saw a mother. set her child astride A howstzer. — and when the infant smiled, Call on the men to smile like him in action. King. Whether b) force, or fraud, the wily Moor Hath overreached our army, to arrive And give us fi^ht beneath our very walls, Appears not yet from our advices. 68 DITRAZZO. (Haynes. Enter an Officer. Say, What news report you now ? Off. The enemy I^ in the plain and formtng to assail us. King. Ourself will join the fray. To yea, Alonzo, Our young patricians look : the noblest blood In Spain shall make your charge invincible. Alon Now, lords, prepare ! The Moor, the Moor is come To beard us in our streets : Grenada blushes, But trembles not. You, the nobility, Have interest in peril to assert Your right to honours, by your worth to wear 'em : Come, fling your coronets into the field, Apd win them back again that none iqay say Your titles rusted from inaction. Haste to your horses— mount — the battle waits; 'Tis tumult and not war, 'till you are there. [flourish of trumpets. We'll ride not till they fly, — Behold, they come ! Engage them foot to foot, and hand to hand ; And, from this day's bold memory, begin A new account, with glory for yourselves. And those who follow. — On, my friends, fall on Let's envy even the dead who are before us In gracing such a scene of enterprize. Trumpets, ^c.—ExiL SCENE \\h—A Field of Battle, tenter Durazzo and the Moorish Chief fighting, Chief. Base Spaniard, yield ! I am the Moorish Chief. Act V. DVn\77.0. 6^ DuR. ProntUnfidel : so i.* vanity bath lost you. Werr »' >"u-.^S'^rfJous you •night a.i'/e 'f^caped My .. , ^nt de uh >ha'(i't miss you now. Chi.:.f. y^j lM)ast i> in rny sword. DuR. This Ut conlound it* * [They Jight ; Duruzzo kills him. Enter Perez. Pf.r. Well met, my Lord. DuR. Ha ! Perez, honest heart, Go(»(i morrow, once again 1 how fares ii boy ? There lies the leader of the es » my. Per Thank Heaven I the honour was re- served for you I DuR. Yes : 1 forgive my stars. Enter n Soldier. Sold. The King ! — the King ! — haste- rescue ! DuR. Out with it, What of the King' Sold. In yonder narrow pass The fop surround him. [Exit SoUier, DuR. Now for such a detd As makes it worth a brave m n's while to perish' [Exit Durazzo and Perez. SCENE IV.— Another part of the Field. Enter two Lords meeting. First lord How goes the day ? Second lord. With us such prodigies or valour hue no hvina; memory, Nor trace in all oui record!^. Where I stood A hou^e was se« in flame?, which the wind blew Across our ranks, but never stirred a man. 19 DURAZZO. (Hayne«. The fi^bt,— the fire, Was scarce a human sight : it look'd a hell, And the red faces at our citizens And troops engaged, the furies raving in it. First lord. What of Alonzo ? Skcond lobd. fey his skill and courage, The right wing of the enen^y was turned, And thn.-^ ensured the victory. He Comes Enter Alonzo. — (Trumpets sound for victory.) Alon. 1 bring jou tidings of the King escape* Capture or death awaited him but now, When ahold band, Durazzo at their head, (\V ho»e vices left him for a single day) Brought back a monarch snd a conqueror. FiRst LORDc The Heavens be praised ! and is Dirazzo safe ? Alon. It is unknown. The rescue made, he plunged Amid the thickest fray : all eyes pursued Hi» plume; — itdisappear'd ; 'tis thbught he fell : But, where he last was seen, the ground is strew'd With carcases. He left his fiery mark Upon the battle, as the bolt of Heaven Sphiiters the rock. Second loud He was a gallant man. Alon. His fortune to the last astonisheg. But haste we to congratulate the King, And learn what remnant of our gallant friends Thi^ slaughterous hour hath left. First lord We will atteiidjou, [Exeunt. Act v. DURAZZO. 71 SCENE Y,—The inside of a Convent. Enter Zelinda, Leonoza, and Abbess. Leon. Alas ! she wanders still — wide, wide from reason ; When, even the terrors of a day like this Moved not her fear, — not even her notice. Abbess. Truly Her heart is overcharged : its vessels fiU'd With misery of its own, can echo to None other. How she sighs I Oh ! speak to her. Leon. Do you not know me, gentle friend ? Zel. How should I ? The world was peopled once with friends of mine, When my dear father lived ; but now they say He's dead, and all my friends have left me too ; Yet you're a gentle lady, on whose face I look with pleasure, for 'tis sorrowful. Leo. Tis sorrowful indeed to see yon thus. Zel. Well, you may soon be satisfied; for death May come as soon to me as to my father. Oh I can so great a change as death he wrought In such an instant ? — Life will scarce believe it. Now living, moving, speaking, loving me — And now insensible as yonder cloud That makes, not hears, the thunder. Are thqr drums To beat no more ? Leo. Peace is restored, thank heaven ! Zel. Peace ! ^what is peace ? You call th« silence, peace, That trembles after slatjghter : nay, yo^* give The artful trick of nations, who will pause But to gain strength, and so begin again^ 12 DURAZZO. ('Haynes. The ble.«§ed name of peace ! But if withia It dwell not — if its spirit be not here — Yon talk a lani^uaiie, wilder than the wind Con verr^ing with the night, to call it peace, When 'tis but qniel. Mij^try is quiet, And 1 am quiet. Would 1 were at peac^. Leo. V ou see she noted the4oiid uproar too* Is ni>t this strano;e ? Abb. 'lis oft with madness thus, Thai though to outward seeming, it observe not Tise present thought or action, future chance Will touch some string, that shews the memory, In iier crazed dweilin-, to have treasured it. Enter a Nun. Nun. Oh, holy mother, such a sight ! Apb. S-ay, daugla<'r, wtiat sight ? Nun. a wounded warrior .it the gate. Faint from the loss of blood, entreats admit- tance. Abb Be he of Spain, such comfort as the place Affords shall nev^r be deni( d to him. Nun. He i;^ of Spain ; aud by his dress and bearing, Of no inferior note. Abb. Conduct him hither, [exit Nnn, JjEo lean look on the dead, but not thed}'ing, ^no this man comes to die Abb. He's here already. Enter Durazi^o, wounded and bloody, Leo. Merciful powers ! Durazzo ! Come, my friend, [tu Zelinda, This is no ]dace — this is no sight for you. DuK. F'Tce not the beauteous ruin from GQiue eyes, ActV. DUR^ZZO, 73 For I am come to gaze on it and die. Leo. Have vou not done enough to make her wretched ' DuR. No ; I must search her heart with one pang; more. And then m^ fate's fulfilTd. Leo 'Tis monstrous wrong, DuR. 'Tis justice, and not wrong, that brings me here.