\ ^ ^ ^ ^^^ A'^l NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. PRICE,] [15 CENTS, THE ACTING DRAMA. No. 101. ROB, THE HERMIT. NEW YORK. HAPPY HOURS COMPANY. No. 5 B E E K :M A N S T K E E T . The Amateur's Easel; or, The Art of Making Up. Price, 25 Cents. The Amateur's Guide to Home Theatricals. Price, 25 Cents. Arnold's Dialogues, Plays and Speeches. Price, 30 Cents. How we Managed our Private Theatricals ; or, A Guide to the Amateur Stage. Price, 25 Cents. Parlor Tableaux; or, Animated Pictures. Price, 25 Cents. Shadow Pantomimes: or, Harlequin in The Shade. Price, 25 Cents. Hot We Maiiapi Oor PriTate TIealricals. In which wiU be found plain directions for the construction and arrangement of the Stage, painting the Scenery, getting up the Costumes, making the Properties and Accessories, Hints on Stage Effects, full and complete instructions for making Calcium Lights, etc., etc., with numerous illustrations and diagrams. To which is added "Penelope Anxe," a roaring farce for home performance. Prepared for the use of schools, private families, and dramatic clubs. Price '45 Cents. Tie Actor's Art. Its Eequisites and how to obtain them, its Defects and how to remove them. Containing clear and full directions i.i every branch of the Art ; with complete and valuable instructions for beginners, relative to rehearsals, entrances and exits, gea- eral hints on action, qualities of voice, etc. , etc. In short, an indispensable book to the amateur. Price 15 Cents. Parlor TaMeaiix ; or, Aiiatei Pictires. For the use of Families, Schools and Public Exhibitions. Containing about eighty popular subjects, with plain and explicit directions for arranging the stage, dress- ing-room, lights, full descriptions of costumes, duties of stage manager, properties and scenery required, and all the necessaxy directions for gcttingthem up, so that any one can act in them. 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Humorous Lectures, Button -Bursting "Witticisms, Ili- diculous Drolleries, Funny Stories, etc., etc., translated into the four modem lan- guages — Yankee, Duteli, Irish, and Ethiopian — for the convenience of the public at large. Price !•'» Cents. Veiitrilopism lade Easy, ant The Secoiid-Siglit Mystery. As practiced by Robert Heller and others, fully explained. In tl;i» little volume we place all the wondors of Ventkii.oquism at the command ot our young friends. Price '43 Cent$. Either of the above will he sent hy mail, post-paid, on receipt of the price, hy HAPPY HOURS COMPANY, No. 6 Beekman Street, New York. ROB, THE HERMIT; THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND. A ROMANTIC DRAMA, 3fn Sonv ^cta, DRAMATIZED FROM J. P. KENNEDY'S NOVEL OF "ROB OF THE BOWL." BY CHARLES FREDERICK ^ ADAMS. COBEECTLT PRINTED FBOM THE PROMPTER S COPY, WITH THE CAST OF CHARACTERS, COSTUMES, PROPEUTY PLOTS, RELATIVE POSITIONS OP THE DBAMATfS PEUSON^!, SIDES OF ENTRANCE AND EXIT, DISPOSITIONS OF CHARACTERS, ETC., ETC. NEW YORK: O. br HATPY HOURS COMPANY, No. 6 BEEKMAN STREET. q~ Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1879, by HAPPY HOUES COMPANY, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. ROB, THE HERMIT; OK, THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND, CAST OP CHAEACTEHS. Original, Whites Opera House, Concord, N. H. Rob, the Hermit, (Tragedy) Mr. N. C. Nelson, RjCHAUD CocKLESCRAFT, (High Villain) " C. N. Towle. Captain Dauntrees, (Cantedy). " Frank Cressy. Lord Bai.timoke, f tV^iliing Geni ) " R.A.Ray. Albert Verhevden, (Jiai^itiU) " J.E.Robertson. Anthony Warden, (Old Man) " F.S.Warren. Garret Weasel, ( Z^OTu Cowcrt^ J " W. P. UnderhiU. Arnold db la Grange, ( iZ/Z/Z/y ) " J. R. Saye. Roche DEL Carmine, ('Z^izo ^ZiJ(iK«y " F. W. Alden. Francis. {Utility) " S. N. Prescott. Pedro, (UtilUy) " J. F. Scott, Blanche Warden, ( Tragic) Mrs. Belle Locke. Dorothy Weasel, (Comedy) " M.F.Upton. Kate of Warrington, ( Tragic Old IVotnan) Miss Dora R. Garvin. Soldiers, Pirates, &>€ COSTUMES. Rob, the Hermit.— Tiouhlet of coarse serge, trunks and hose, coarse cloak, long gray wig and beard, belt with long knife. Richard Cocklescraft — Scarlet jacket, ash-colored breeches, made like kill to knees ; tight pray hose, light shoes, embroidered belt with pair of richly mounted pistols, long black hair, moustache and goatee, wide sombrero in Scene II, Act II, gay cap for other scenes. Roche del CuriKine — Gay pii-ate's dress. Lard Baltimore — Rich military or nobleman's costume of the period. Albert I'erkeydeii. — Dark doublet and hose, short brown cloak, black cap and feather, lace collar. Anthony IVardea. — Gentleman's costume of the period, white hail. Garret IVeasel. — Tight gray suit. ir BOB, TH£ HEBMIT. Captain Dauntrees. — Stoutly padded, bald crown, light green cloak and doublet, trimmed with yellow lace ; trunk hose, parti-colored stockings, low boots, broad felt hat with plume. Arnold de la Grange. — Buff jerkin, broad belt and buckle, brown leather leggings, deerskin cap. Francis, Pedro and other Pirates. — Seaman's jackets, striped and colored shirts, white breeches, rich girdles with pistols and daggers, gay woolen caps, etc. Soldiers. — Similar to Arnold's or Captain's. Blanche Warden. — Bodice of scarlet velvet, laced in front with cords and tassels ; short white sleeves looped to shoulder by bands of scarlet, white lawn skirt, white slippers, hair down, with ribbon fillet above brow ; boquet on bosom, white rose on head, for Scene III, Act II. Simpler costume in other scenes. Dorothy Weasel. — Green silkjacket with tightsleeves, trimmed with pink ribbon ; Stays, scarlet petticoat, brown hose with clocks, high-heeled green shoes, high coni- cal hat with very narrow rim, of green silk with bands of pink ribbon set on teeth- wise, same as onjacket, loose kerchief around neck. Kate o/ Warring-ton.— Witch's costume, long hair. PKOPERTIES. ACT 1. Table, flagons of wine, glasses, pipes, tobacco, &c. Four chairs. Candles. Key for Dorothy. Lantern and basket, with luncheon and bottles in it, for Garret. Red lights. Loaded pistols for Captain and Arnold. Shots for outside. ACT II. Kettle for fireplace. Rude wooden cross. Locket for Albert. ACT in. Rough table, bottles of liquor, tobacco, pipes, casks, boxes, &c. Papers and lan- tern for Rob. Lighted candles. Wine cups. Cords for Francis and Pedro. Large round stone tied with cords. Locket for Albert. ACT IV. Loaded gun for Anthony. Shots outside. Pikes for Pirates. %* There is no qharge for the performance of this drama. ROB, THE HERMIT; OR, THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND. ACT I. Scene I. — Parlor nf the Inn of St. Mary's in third grooves. Time, evening. Table withfiagon of wine, glasses and pipes, b,o. Captain Daunteees aud Arnold de la Gkanoe discowred seated at table. Garret Weaski/ seated 7iear by. Captavi Danntrees, Yon were not a true mau, Garret Weasel, to keep us so loug without j'our preseuce. No doubt Dame Dorothj' has this tardy comiug to answer for. O'lrrel Weasel. (Drawing his chair aickwardly towards the table. ) No, uo. Captain Dauutrees, my wife rules not nie, indeed she does not. Ciistoiiiers, yon know, must be wuited on, though we poor ser- vants go alhiret. We are crowded to-night, are we not, Arnold ? Arnold de la Grange, Yes, with traders Irom thecimntry back, who Lad lieard by some means that Cocklescraft should be here. Cupt. I see. That fellow Cocklescraft has a trick <>f warning his frieniis. He never comes into port but there are strange rumors of Lini ahead. St. Mary's is not the first harbor where lie drops his anchor, nor Anthony Warden the first man to docket Lis cargo, Oar. You speak your mind freely, captain, Gapt. Well, but for Cocklescmft we should lack these means to be uierry. The customs are at a discount on a dark night. Well, make jour Lonest penny. Garret, all thirsty fellows will etaud by you. BOB, THE HEBMIT ; OB, Qur. Naj', nay, I beseech j'on Capt. Mever uiiud your beseecbiug, iny modest friend. Did I not see bow pule you f^rew wliea bis lord^bip's secretary, Master Verliey- den, suddenly caiue upon you as you were rolHuf^ a cask into tbe cellar in broad daylight. Tbe secretary was iu a bookish mood and did not heed, or perchance was kind and would not. Oar. The secretary is a modest youth and grows in favor with tbe townspeople. Capl. Aye, and is much beloved by bis lordship. There is a cloud upon bis birth, and a sorrowful tale concerniug bis nurture. But we should not go dry because the secretary has )iad mishaps. Drink; and I will tell you bis story brieflv. ( Tliey drink, ) There was iu Yorkshire a certain Major SVilliam Wetherby. who mai'ried a lady named Verheydeu. He was a man of fierce temper, choloric, and unreasonable, and for jealousy no devil ever equalled him. Be- coming jealous of his wife, be one day stabbed bis liest friend to the heart. By tbe aid of a fleet horse be escaped from the kingdom, and was never again beard of. Arnold. Died like a dog, I s'pose. " C(ipl. Likely enough. His wife, poor lady, soon after died, leav- ing her infant son in charge of her brother. Years after, Lord Balti- more saw the youth, tocik iiim into his service, ami brought hiiu here with bim. That's the whole story. It's as dry as a raisin, so moisten, masters, moisten. Gar. (Drinking.) It's a sad story. Gapt. That's a good reason for a cup to tbe secretary. The world has many arguments for a thirsty man. But let's chauge the subject. Drink, laugh and be merry. (They drink. Gar. By my soid, captain, bnt this wine does tingle. Here's a fig for my wife Dorothy. Come and go as you like, none of your fetch and carry for me. ( Tipsily. Gitpt. Thou art a valorous tapster. Gar. I am a man to stand by a friend, captain. Ha, ha ! let's have a song. Gapl. With all my heart. I will wag it with you merrily. (They sing an old drinking song, Gabret Weasel rising and dancing unsteadily. Enter Lord Baltimore, s.e.Ii. Lord Baltimwe. You give care a holiday, Captain Danntrees. (Captain Dauntrbes starts, rises, bows low, and smiles. Ar- nold DE LA GiiANGE vises, firm and silent. Garret Weasel remains fi.zed in his (dtitnde, icith one fool raised, arm extended, and face turned inquiringly over his shoulder. His posdion changes to one of profound deference, Capt. Haii, my loid ! Qar, Yes, haiiC ^^i^, good lord I THE BLACK CHiPEL OP MABYLAND. 7 Lord B, I would not disturb yonr merriment, but have matter for your vigilence, Captaiu Daimtrees. You, Ariiohl de la Grange, will remaiu witli us. You, Musster Weasel, may retire. (Exit Garrex Weasel, o.e.l., stepping carefully and looking back. Lord B. There are strange tales concerning certain mysterious doings in a bouse at St. Jerome's, that it is iuhiibited by goblins and mischievous spirits. Know'st thou aught of the Black Cliapel, cap- taiu ? Uapt. I know it to be a devil's den and a busy one. Loul B. What bast thou seen, captaiu. Capt. 1 have seen — from a distance— the windows lighted with unearthly lights, and antic figures passing them that seemed deep iu some hellish carouse. Loid B. Why was I not told of this ? Capt. We feared the ill-will of these spirits, my lord. Lord B. What dost thou know of tliis house, Arnold ? Arnold. I have heard noises like clanking chains, and seen strange flushes tliro' the windows. Lord B. There is some trickery iu this. Enter Garret Weasel, u.e.l., behind Lord Baltimore. Oar. It's a very weighty matter, my lord, a v-e-r-y weighty mat- ter Lord B. (Turning suddenly.) What brought yon here again. Garret Weasel? What hast thou to tell to excuse thy lurking at our heels ? Gar, Much and manifold, most worthy lord ! "Rob, the Hermit" lives very near the Black Chapel. Lord B. Fie on thee. Garret Weasel. Thou art in thy cups. 1 grieve to see thee making such a beast of thyself. Leave us. (Ecil Garret Weasel, u.E.t. Lord B. Think you, Captain Dauntrees, the hermit gives credit to these tales ? Capt. He must be a witness to these marvels, but he is a man of harsh words and lives to himself. Lord B. Tills matter must be sifted ; and this duty shall be yours. I would have you and Arnold, with such discreet men as you may select, visit this chapel to-night and observe tlie doings there. Good evening, friends, may tlie kind saints be with you. ( E.dt s e.l. Capt. The blessed martyrs shiehl us ! We are pledged to fight liis lordship's bodily foes, but nietliinks the t;ood priests were j)etler fitted for this warfare. But, Arnold, go to the fort and see that oiir horses are ready. ( Bieit Arnold db la Grange, h.k.h, Enter Dorothy Weasel, u.e.l. Dorothy Weasel. Heaven help those thirsty roystering men I They 8 ROB, THE HEUMIT ; OR, are still nt it as greedily as if they had just come out of a dry lent! From mom till noon aud uoou till iiigiit it is all tlie same, drink 1 driuk I driuk ! There's nothing but riot and reeling from the time Cocklescraft is expected in the port till he leaves it. Qipt. True enough, jolly queen. But what has become of Oockle- Bcraft ? Doi\ And what has become of that man Weasel. He is never at bis place if the whole house Hh(mld go dry. He would see me work myself as thin as a broom handle before he would offer to help me. JEiiter Gakuet Weasel, s.E.n. Gar. Did yon have need of me, wife Dorothy ? Dor. Get you gone, you are ever iu the way ! Your head is al- waj's thrust iu places where it is not wanted I Oar. I can but return whence I came. ( Going, Dor. Stay ! I have occasion for you. Go to the celler and bring up another stoop of Hollands. Yonder salt fish have no relish for ale. ( ExilG\.nRKT Weasei,, u.e.l. Capt. Bless me, dame, how you are tricked out this evening. A more tidy hit of flesh and blood I never saw ! You wear most bravely, Mistres,s Dorothy I Stand aside and let me survej'. Turn your shoulders roimd. (TamiiKj Iter rmutd upon her heel.) Tliere is a woman of ten thousand. I envy Garret such a store of womanly wealth ! Dor. If Garret were the man I took him for j'pur would have borne a broken head ere this I C'v- rence Hay, the viewer. Now the viewer is a hcimlsonie man, and ft merry one upon occasion, too. I have heard it said tliat the mercer's wife has rather a warm side for the viewer. Be tliat s it niay, there was the most laughable joke played on the mereer by Halfpenny and the viewer togetiier last night that was ever tliought of. It was this : they were playing blimlmans-buflf, and when it came the turn of the mercer's wife to be blinded — there was an agreement that no one should speak a word Dor. Yes, I understand, I see it. (Draws her cluiir nearer to the Captain. Capt, No, no, you would never guess it. I can show you better by the acting of the scene. Here, get down on your knees and let me put your handkerchief over your eyes. ( Takes Jinudkerchief from off her )ieck as she kneels. Dar. What good will that do ? Capt. Do it, mistress. You will laugh at the explosion. It is an excellent jest, and well worth learning. ( Bandaijes her eyes — holds up fingers. ) How many fingers, dame ? hor. Never a finger do I see, captain. Capt. It is well. Now stand up. ( She rises. ) Forth and a waj'. That was the signal given by the viewer. Turn, and grope through the room, Mistress Dox-othy. Oh, you shall laugh at this roundly. Grope, dame, grope ! (Dorothy Weasel gropes up stage blindly. Exit Captain Daon- XBEES, softly, S.E.B. Closed in. THE BtACK CHAPEr. OF MARYLAND. 11 Scene II. — Wood Scene in Second Orooves. Singe darkened. Waves heard breakimj upon heivch in dislance. Elder Captain Daonteees and Aknoi.d de la QnANaE, anned, and Gakbet Weasel, wUh lanlern and basket tcilh, iM)(ties, etc., k. Gar. Is the dame likely to be niif:;ry, captiuii ? Does she suspect US for a frisk to-uiglit ? Ob, it will be u perilous adveuture for iiie to-morrow '. Capt. 1 left her groping for a s-ecret nt bliiidnmu's buff. She has foimd it before now, und I'll wnrraut is in a perfect Lurricime, It wouldn't be safe for you to return now, Oarret. O'tr. Alack ! alack ! for tliese pranks ! I uui iii for a week's re* peutence, sure, C'lpl. We must be near St. Jerome's, are we not, Arnold ? I surely iiear the stroke of the tide upon the beach. Arnold. It is the waves striking upon the ssiud at the bead of the inlet. Oapl. The Wizard's Chapel, then, is Jiear this spot. We must forwa.id at once. liut your teeth will betray us. Master Garret, they chill ter so. If you are cold, niau, button up j'oar coat. Gar. Yes, verily, it is a cold uiglit, captaiu. What is that? I . hear something like the howl of a dog, and yet more devilish, I should say. I am c-c-cold, still c-c-coid, Miuster Captain. (Shivering. Capt. Tush, man, it's the ringing in your own ears that you hear. Make yourself comfortable here, Garret, while we take a took at the chapel. You shall guard the forage till we return. Gar. That is well thought of. While you advance toward the shore, I will keep a sharp lookout here. I will have a sharp eye and a ready hand, captaiu. (Exeunt Captain Dauntrees and Arnold de la Grange, b. Oar. In the dark, a man cannot see, that stands to reason. It makes a difference when you see your enemies. A brave man, by nature, requires light. And, besides, what kind of an enemy do we fight? Hobgoblins, not meu, I am not afraid of any man in Chris- tendom — or any woman either— except, except my wife Dorothy. 13tit these whirring and whizzing ghosts, that mew like bats and fly about one's ears like cats— no, no, 1 mean that fly like bats and mew like cats — I don't like. I should have followed the captaiu, only he was so anxions I should remain here and watch* Well, here are solid comforts at hand. ( T(dces luncheon and bottles from the basket, eats and drinks.) I will now perform a turn of duty. (Replaces bottles, etc. — crosses stage— suddeultj stops, looking off L —frightened. ) Heaven have mercy ou me 3 what do I see ! I am alone, and the enemy has conie upon me. 13 BOB, THE HEBMIT ; OK, Enter Kate of Warrington, l. Kale of Wamngton. Watcher of the nigbfc, draw nigh. ^Vbat Beekest thou ? G(ir. (Trembling.) In the name of all that's good, spiire int-, sps^reine, worthy dame! I seek no harm to thee. I am old, motlier — too old, and with too many sins of my own to account for, to seek harm to any one — much less to you, good dame. Oh, Lord ! why was I seduced upon this fool's eri-aud ? Kdie. Come nigh, old man, while I speak to thee. Why do yon loiter there? What dost thou mutter ? ( She steps forwdnl. Gar. I but waited here till some friends of mine should return. How goes the night with yon, good dame? Kate. Merrily, merrily ! ( SkrilHawjh. ) I can but laugh to find the henpecked vintner of St. Mary's at Ibis time of night .so near the Black Cliapel. I know your errand, old seller of cheap wines, and why yon havebrouglit your cronies, Qar. You know all things, worthy dame. I were a fool to try to keep a secret from you. Kale. Fool, it is as much as your life is worth to bring your bmwlers to St. Jerome's at midnight. Who showed the way to this place, and the path to my cabin, that I must be driven out at this hour ? Oar. Indeed I know not, good woman. Kale. They will call themselves friends to the chapel ; but there are no friends to the chapel among living men. The chapel belongs to the dead and the tormentors of the dead. So follow your cronies and command them buck ; I warn you to follow, if you would save them fx-om harm (Hed liijhU fiiislied, i.. ) Ha, ha! look there. (Points off, I-. ) It has eoiue already ! They have aroused onr sen- tries, and there shall be hot work. Friends, forsooth, (shouting) friends ! are ye? ( Red liijhts. ) And that's, the token ye are known to be false liars ! Woe to the tool that plants his foot before the chapel. Stand there. Garret Weasel ; I must away. Follow me but a step — raise thy head to look after my pith — and I will strike thee blind and turn thee into a drivelling idiot for the rest of thy days. Ke- member ! (Mtil L. GAunisT Wjsasel creeps offn., loilh basket atid lantenu Scene III. — The Bench of St. Jerome's and Exiej-inr of the Black Chapel in Fonrlh grooves. Stage darkened. Set house, wUk practi- cable tcitidows, L.C. Waves heard upon beach. Enter Captain Dauntbees and Abnold de ia Gbange, s.e.b. Capt. By my sword, Arnold, although we langh at yonder white livered vintner, this matter might excuse fear in a stouter man. The THli BLACK CHAPEr- OF MAKYLAND. 13 love I bear Lord Baltimore is all that brings me here to-nigbt. Tbey say these spirits are quick to piiuisb ra^buess. Ai'tiold. As Lord diaries coiniuaiids lis we iinist do his bidding. I have been seared more than once by these night devils, but never lost my wits so far as not to riiu at the proper season. Uapt. I am au old soldier, and will not be soared from dnty by this brood of goblins. His lordship shall not say we failed in our oxUlook. There is the chapel. Arnold^ A silent and wicked bonse. Gipt. And a pretty spot for the devil to lurk in. Arnold. Hold, captain, no foul words so near the haunted bouse. The good saints protect us ! Capt. Ha, i will break in the door of this ungodly den and ran- Back its very corners. Holy St. Michael ! the fiend is in the chapel and warns us away ! (lied lights flashed from windows of chapel. Picture. Arnold »E LA Grange recedes with ha)id over his eyes. CAFrAiN Daxjntrees aboid to advance ^ is suddeidy atrested in his steps with sword held above Ids iieud, a7id cloak drawn beneath his chhi icith left liund. Capt. I see Satan's imps within the chamber. I see the very sex- vitors of the Fiend ! W hut ho ! bastards of Belzebub ! In the name of our patron saint, Ignatius, I defy them I (Rashes towards Jiouse loith draton sword. Redflashes again — fl'/nres of men in muffled cloaks seen through the windoios an in.sta)U. Captain Dauntrises retreats— draws pistol—another flash — he discharges it at window. Yells and hoarse laughter heard from chapel. Capt. Once more I defy thee ! and in the name of our Holy Church and by the order of the Lord Proprietary I demand what do you here with these hellish rites? (A load langh is heard and ujns- iol fired from xciiidowj Protect yourself, Arnold, these devils use weapons like our own. Ay, laugh again, fiends, though ye be devils we will fight you ! (Captain Dauntrees fires pistol — Arnold de la Grange fires — yells, liitghter, etc., heard — shots exchanged — rolling thunder heard — red lights — masked figures seen dancing through win- dows — Jiurried inusic— picture — curtain drops. END OF ACT I. 14 i\G&, ins. heemit; ob, ACT 11. Scene I. — Roadside Scene in First Grooves. Elder Captain Daunteees, Arnold de la Grange and Gakbet Weasel, l. C(tpt. Yes, last night made a man of you, Grarret Weasel. You sliouid bless your Ktars you iiave such eleineuts of valor in yon. Gc. J t is well. So good-night. Master Secretarj'. (Aside.) To- morrow, ha ! ha ! to-morrow I (Exewit b. and l. Scene IV. — Comwaley's Cross, Field and toood sce7ie, toith tmter in distance, in fourlh grooves. Dark, rude wooden cross in back- ground. Albert Veehetden and Captain Dauntbees discovered k. Richakd CocKi-EscuAFT und KocHK del Gabmine discove^-ed l. The seconds holding swords. Capt. (Aside to Albkbt.) The skipper is surly. I am glad to see it, it denotes passion, lleceive the assault from him ; stand on your defence, giving ground slightly to his advance, then, sud- denly, when yon have whipped him to a rage, give back the attack hotly. Then thmst home ; and the shorter you make this quarrel the better. Albert. I am more at ease in this play than you think me. Let us go to our business. (Captain Dauntkees, teith two swords in hand, advances to- %oards CocKLESCKArT. Capt. I would be acquainted \Fith your second. Master Cockles- cralt. Here ai'e our swords ; shall we measure ? Coc. Master Eu3che del Carmine. Capt. I would you had matched me with an antagonist of better degiee. Master Skipper, than this mate of yours. You could match us with gentlemen at least. Roche. Gentlemen ! St. Salvador ! Am not I gentleman enough for you ? I belong to tlie Coast Coc. Peace, sirrah ! prate not here — leave me to speak ! Master Eoche del Carmine is not my second, but my follower, Master Daun- trees. I came here to make niy own battle. Capt. I came here ])repared with my sword to make good the quarrel of my friend against any you might match me with. So second or follower, bully or bravo at your heels. Master Cocklesoraft, 1 will fight with this Master Koche. 22 BOB, THK HERMIT ; OR, Coc. That is but boy's piny, aud I will none of it, Ciipbiiu Dann- trees. This custom of uiaking parties brings the quarrel to an end at the first drawing of blood. I wish no such respite. My demand stops not short of a niortnl strife. Albert, My sword, sir ! ( Walks up to Captain, and seizes sword. ) This is my quarrel alone, Captain Dauutrees, you strike no blow iu it. (To CocKLEscRAFT. ) Upou your guard, sir! I will have uo further parley. Capl. (Inlerposing \oith his sioord between the parties.) Are 3'ou mad ! Back, Master Verheyden, this quarrel must proceed orderly, (He conducts Albert back to b. and recovers sword — places Albert hi posUiou — approaches Koche and goes through the ceremony of measxcring stoo7-ds — places one in Albert's hand — and stands R. wilk his own druicn. KocHE hands sword to Cocklkscraft, a)id stands carefully back, u.e.l. Captain Dauntrees gives the icord, "Now." Onset made by Cockles- craft loitk energy. Blows parried by Albert. Hot fight. Capt. Bravo ! To it. Master Albert ! Hotly, master ! (Albert strikes sword from Cocklescraft's hand ; slops, and brings the point of his own sword to the ground. Capt. The fi^ht is done ; we hold you, sir, at mercy. (Places his foot upon Cocklescraft's sword. ) Master Verheyden came here upou your challenge. Your life is iu his hands. You have had your satisfaction, sir. (Captain Dauntrees steps aside, and Cocklescraft picks tip his sword and advances upon Albeut. Coc. Kenew ! Renew ! To it again, villain ! I'll have your life. Capt. You deserve to be cloven to the chiu for this dastardly bra- vado ! Out upou thee for a disgrace to thy calling ! (Strikes Cocklescraft's sword from his hand with his own, and sends it into the air. Roche. (Advancing at a safe distance.) By the Virgin! I will uot see my captain put upou. Whoop ! For the Brothers of the Coast ! Let them have it, master ! Coc. Catifif! Back to the boat, you knave, is it thus j'ou serve me? Begone! (licit Roche del Carmine, u.e.l. — Richard Goc- KJ,EficnAFT following.) I go, but shall find another day to right mj'- (selfj (Exitv.K.i.. Capt. The knave has not met his deserts. But let us return ; his lordship will suspect our absence. (Kteunl s e.k. Enter Richard Cocklescraft, u.e.l. — picks up his sword, Coc. I renounce them all, their tribe and generation ! From this day forth I abjure all fellowship with them, but such fellowship as jny sword may maintain ! The maideu, bonuy damsel, shall dance yet at my bidding, but it shall be on board my merry Escalfador, and benciitii a warmer siui than her pride has been nurtured iu. THI? BLACK CHAPEI, OF MARTI-AND. 23 And tlion, Master Albert, sliall be cared for ; and Master Collector ! Ha ! liii ! Tbere shall be blows struck ; there shall be rich feastiug for the Brothers of the Coast! Why shoiilcl we hover o'er the nest- lings of Peru, when we have such diiinty deviltries in the temperate zone? I will straight about this plot of mischief whilst my brain is yet warm enough to hatch it. ^Mcit l. END OF ACT n. ACT III. Scene I. — Roadside Scene in First Cfrooves. Elder Anthony Waeden and Blanche, l., and Albeet Vejhetden, n. War. Welcoiue, Master Verheyden, heartily welcome ! Give ns a hand, good Albert. I thank thee for the service thou hast done iu lowering the plume of that saucy sea-urchin. Why didst thou not run him through the body ? Albert. I sought no quarrel with the skipper, and am thankful that we parted with so little hurt. Mistress Blanche, your birthday feast will be well remembered in the province for the i^leiisure it has given, and you have won many wishes for a long and happy life. Bkuiche. Alas ! whatever others may think, I have wept sorely for that unlucky feast. I have reason to grieve that I was persuaded to make it. War. Master Verheyden, you shall take my place for a stroll with Mistress Blanche. I have a more profitable calling to visit my fields. Ha ! Master Albert, you wear a love token on your breast. ( Takes hold of locket hung from Ai,bert's xecfc, under his cloak. J Some lady of the other side of the water, eh ? Albert. 'Tis my poor mother's likeness. She put it around my neck with her own hands as she lay upon her death-bed, and 1 have worn it ever since. It is the only remembrance I have of her. I was a child when she died, but not too young to feel the loss of one who loved nie so well. War. Pardon, good lad ! a thousand times I beg your pardon for my rash speech. Parewell, I will see you again at dmner. CExil L. Blanchk and Albeut iculk. Albert. It is a lovely morning, Mistress Blanche. Heaven has 24 ROB, THE HEKMIT ; OB, garnisUecl no fairer laud than this, uor is there a nook npou this wide globe that I would sooner make luj' home. Blanche. I trust it will ever he your home. Master Albert. They who come hither from the Old World seldom think of going back. Albert My fortunes are guided by my good lord, and even now he sometimes speaks of going hence again to England. With my own free will I should never leave tLis sunny land. Bkuiche. Surely his lordship would not take you hence against your will. Indeed we could not — his lordship will not leave the pro- vince again — or if he does Albert I needs must follow at his command. Blanche. He will not command it, Master Albert, His lordship may command j ou stay. Albert. I need not his command : your wish, Mistress Blanche, nay, your permission, would keep me here, even if my inclination tended back to the Old World. Blanche. My wish, Albert! How could I have any other wish but that you stay? Do we not sing and play together? ride, sail and hunt together ? Oh, how could I wish other than that you stay with us, Albert ? Albert. Come, then, what hazards may ; I swear by this good day, and by this beauteous world, that I will never leave thee ! (Presses her hand to his lips, and exeunt B. Scene II. — Interior of the Black Chapel in Third grooves. Practica' ble door, l.f. Rough table icilh liquor aiid tobacco on it, c. Casks, boxes, etc. , about .stage. Lights burni)ig upon table. Stage half dark. Distant tliunder heard at intervals. The Pirate Crew discovered seated on casks, boxes, cfec. — Bichabd CocKLESCRAFX in centre, elevated above the others — Rob, the Heumit seated b. , looking over papers by light of la)dern. Kate of Wabrino- TON waiting upon the revelers. Coc. ( Brandishing a wine-cup. ) Drink hearty, lads ! Drain dry to the Escalfador ! Our merry ship shall dance to-morrow on the green wave ; so do honor to the last night we spend ashore. Remem- ber, we have a reckoning to settle with the good folks of St. Mary's before we depart. Are you all ready to follow me in an exploit of rare deviltry ? Speak, boys ! 0)nnse. Ay, ready, Muster Captain ! Bob. (Aside.) Ay, as ready as wolves to suck the blood of lambs ! (Aloud.) How can they be otherwise under thy teaching, Richard? - THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MAEYLAND. 25 Coc. Ha ! old di-}' bones, art thou awake ? By St. lago ! I thought thy leadeu eyelids had been closed ere this. Ho, lads, lead Mas- ter Robert forward — we will treat him as becomes a mau of wor- Rob. (Drawing dagger.) By St. Eomuald! the mau that lays baud upon me to move me where it is uot my pleasure to go, shall leave his blood upou this floor. Who are you, Richard Cocklescraft, that you venture to bait me with your bullies? Coc. How now, Master Rob? (Rising and approaching Rob.) Would'st quarrel with friends ? 'Twas but iu honest reverence tiiat I would have had tiiee led to the table. Come, old comrade, we will uot be ruffled when we are to part so soon. Rob. A hangdog — a scapegrace — a devil's babe iu swaddling bands of iniquity art thou, Child Richard! ( Laughing bitterly. ) 1 will pledge thee iu a cup. Fill n:e a cnp of that wine of Portugal, Kate. (Kate hands him glass — he rises. ) Here's success to your next venture, and a merry meeting to count your gains. Coc. Auien to that ! Our next venture .shall be a swoop upon the doves of St. Mary's. Kale. A merry meeting it will be when you count your gains ! Robert Swale will keep the reckoning of it. Coc. Peace, old woman, your accursed croaking is always loudest when least welcouie ! Roche. Fill for me, brothers ! I will pledge the captain aud our company — with "his lordship's secretary." We 'Owe him a reckon- ing which shall be paid iu the coin of the Costa Rica. Coc. Bravo ! Huzza, boys— shout to tliat ! Drink deep to it, in token of a deep vengeance. I thank you, Roche, for that remem- brance. Now, comrades, we nuist depart to bring the brigantiue down to the mouth of the creek. Aud then — to the city, to the city I (Exeant all, door l.f. Rain, thunder and lightning. A knock is heard at door. Albeht Vekhexden speaking outside. Albert. Good people, arouse, for the sake of a benighted traveler who has lost his way iu the wood, I pray you give me shelter. (Door opens. Enter Albekt Veuhetden, l.f., enveloped in a doak. Albert. Here have been dwellers, and that recently ; but whither Lave they fled ? I met no one as I came from the wood. Oh, I am wet aud wear}'. But what kind of storehouse is this? I would I might see its keepers. Surely they cannot be far ofif, for their flugons are left behind ; and not drained, either, for here I find good wine, which to my wearied fnuiie, i.s no boon to be despised. I greet you, honest iiecter, (drinking) you come at a good time. Heigho ! was ever man so weary. I will lie down on these coarse wrappings and repose. (Lies down c. and sleeps. 26 BOB, THE HERurr; ob, Enter Rob, the Hebmit, with lantern, door ii.F. Heavy storm. Rob. I left my wallet in this cursed chapel aud must fiud it. Should these night birds make prize of my written memorialtj — ah ! what is this I see I a stranger ! ( Advances — stoops, with da/jger iip' lifted, above AjjBep.t —suddenly starts — drops dagger to his side — starts back. ) Blessed St. Romuakl, shield me from this sight ! It is a spectre conjured hither from the grave — the juggling cheat of a fiend that reads to me, in that face, the warning of a life of sin ! Oh, heavens ! I cannot strike thee, whatsoe'er thou art ! So, in very truth she looked while slumbering on her pillow. That same fair forehead — that silken eyelash— that curling lip. Who art thou, aud what witchcraft hath thrown thee into this foul abode ? Sure, I am awake. I have not closed mine eyes this night. There stand the tokens of this night's debauch — these cups, these flasks, and this familiar den of villainy — all bear witness that I do not wander in my sleep. These limbs are fle.-sli aud blood, (raises Albebt's hand from his breast) and that brow is warm with the lieat of healthful action. Holy saints of heaven! can it be? "What is here? (Draxos forth locket and chain from Albiskt's bosom.) "To Louise." Merciful heaven ! by what miracle am I haunted by this sight ! Louise, poor girl !— that little portraitof thyself I gave tliee with my own hand — 'tis now two-and-twenty years ago. And Ciin this be thy child and mine, Louise ? Oh, hapless was thy fate, but doubly wretched mine. William Wetherby — thou hast been the fool and dupe of that devilish disease of thy blood that has brought curses upon thee aud thine! There, sleep on the bosom of thy chikl, mother of an unhappy des- tiny. (Replaces locket.) This is no place for thee, unwary boy. I must rouse thee ere these bloodhounds fall upon thy track ! (AiJSERT awakes, sprimjs up, und draws his siowd. Thunder and ligldiiiiii). Albert. Where um I — aud who are ye? Your pardon, friend. (Dropping his siooni's point. ) I had an evil dream that awoke me. Will your goodness tell me— for I am a benighted traveler — what place this is, aud to whom I am indebted for this shelter ? Elder Richard CocKLEscRAFr, Roche dei. Caumine, Pedro, and Francis, door l.f. (Joe. Ha, by St. lago ! thou art most welcome. Master Yerheyden ! 'Tis my house, make free with it. I did not hope for the honor of this visit — thrice welcome ! Albert. A misadventure has thrown me iuto the f>ower of banditti. I have naught to say. I know your wicked will, and can hope for no mercy. Coc. You guess me right. You aud yours especially I hate— aud I have sworn against your life. By the law of our brotherhood you die this night. Roche del Carmine, take him forth and discharge a THE BLACK CHAPEL OP MAKTLAND. 27 brace of pistols into his lieart. His heart — be Kure of it — I would strike his heart — it shall kill more than one. Bob. Kichard Cockleseraft, have I lost m^' anthoritj' under this roof, that tliou veutiirest to usurp luj' right to decree tlie fate of tlie rash fool who invades oiir secret. At the peril of j'our life, Roche del Ciirmiue, dare to do the bidding of yotir captain. 1 will pro- iioiuice the doom of this iutrndiiig spy. Drown him ! Let the wide waters wash away all traces of the deed ; let the ravening shark de- vour him. Coc. Ha, ha, ha ! you have a conceit in your humanity, Rob ! Do it — do it in your way ; but in the devil's name be quick about it. I have good sport for tliese lads to-night, and little time to lose. Huh, Give me Francis and Pedro, and I will order the matter my- self. Coc. See thou, then, to it. Come, Roche, we will away to our duties. (EKewd RicHAiin Cocki.esckaft and Rochk del Cabmine donr L.F. — FuANCis and PiiDKO disarm Albkut, and hind lain with cords. Albert, Why didst thou not take my life at once ? AVhy mock my spirit with tlds horril)le delay? I appeal to stones ; to bmtes more senseless than stones. Holy martyrs ; aid me in my extremity ! Heaven will avenge this wrong. 7^/^. Wiiy do^t falter, knaves? Ha! yon nuist be wrought by your iiccustomeil devil to this work. There, go to it ; there are strong Waters to aid yoiu' lacking cournge. ( Gives them a bottle — they driidc. ) Fear it not, Pedro! Stint not, Francis! 'Tis an ugly job at best, and needs tliis aid. Diirdc again ! Pedro. Ay, that I will, like a Bloody Brother! (Drinks. i'Vdnc/s. Ha, Diavolo ! Give me the bottle ! C Takes it arid drinks. Roh. Bi-ave lads, both ! But we shall be late with our work, baste thee ! Pedro. The necklace— I had forgot the necklace ! (Exits, and rehiriis loilh lanje round stone tied tcilh cords — puis it aroniid Alb1''.ri's neck. Rob. Now to the slse her — slie slirihks buck. ) Tiiis is but a foolish sorrow. Do I not love yon, Blnnche? Ay, by tlie Virgin ! and mean to do well by you. I have chains of gold and je\^ els rare to make you as gay as the gaudiest flowers of the field. I will bear you to an en- chanted isle, where slaves shall bend before you to do your bidding. We will abid.- in a sea-girt tower upon a sunny cliff; aud through 32 BOB, THR HEEMIT ; OH, your window sliall the breezes from the blue Atlantic fan j'ou to eveiiiug slumbers. My gaj' bark shall be your .servant, aud ritle at your command upou the wave ; whilst our merry lueu shall take tribute from all the world, that you may go braver and more daintily. Cheer up, my weeping mistress, your misfortuu'S is not so absolute as at first you feared. Blanche. (Spri)i(jii up — reb-eals a step. ) Base wretch ! I dare to spuiu your suit. Defenceless I stand here — a weak and captive girl — if it be the last word 1 Lave to utter — I abhor you and your loath- some offer. Did j'ou think— did you think, sir, when you stole me from my father's house — that fair speech from you or promise of gold, could wiu me to be your wife ? With holy and saddest rever- ence, I call my guardian saint to hear my vow — though I die I never will be yours ! Voices. (WltJiouL) A boat ! we are followed, we are followed! Enter Pxbates, hurriedly, k. Coc. What! we are followed? Stand, my lads, or — if needs be — scatter. Oh, wliere can be that cursed brigantiue ! Blanche. They come! they come! Heaven be praised, they will rescue me. (A shot is heard. Goc. (Seizes Bt,ANCHE.) Fire at j'our peril! You eudauger the life of tha Rose of St. Mary's! Fly, men, fly, to the boat, to the woods ! (Kceniit Piuates. ) You cannot longer call me cruel, pretty maiden, for I give you back in pure courtesy to your friends. We Lave Lad a gay morning of it, girl— I would it Lad been longer. Without asking the favor, I kiss thy cheek. Farewell, farewell ! (Kisses her rapidly and exits, l. Enter Bob, the HKRMrr, Captato Dauntrees, Lord Baltimore, Al- bert Verheyden, Anthony Warden, Arnold de la Grange and Soldiers, b. Arnold de la Gbangk and Soldiees cross to L., and exeunt Gapt. (Seizhig Blanche.) Heaven bless thee, dear Iilistress Bhmche, your father is