PS 635 Z9 D329 Copy 1 « T\ DUCAL HAPS A Drama in Four Acts BY FRANK DE GUERRE Copyrighted (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED) Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1901, by Frank De Guerre, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C, U. S. A. THE I 8*A*Y ^P Two Om» K«*v«> APR. I 1902 Garmmrr tKTWi 0<*. 7. /9«' OLAM-G JOfc No. oofnr o. DUCAL HAPS A Drama in Four Acts . FRANK DE GUERRE SAN FRANCISCO PRESS OF UPTON BROS. 190 1 CHARACTERS Duke. Of Calais. Cedo. Bosom companion of the Duke. . AR V Italian lords, in league with smugglers. Monsieur FaerieT. An eccentric citizen of Calais. CourET. Ducal steward — old retainer of the duke. Mirieux I Grepieux / Cooks and Bakers in the ducal household. Landieux ) War Messenger. Blanche. Daughter to M. Farriet. Adelaide. Friend to Blanche. Laundress. Courtiers, furors, Constables, Messengers, Valets, Guards, etc. Scene — Sea-coast province of France. Time — Fifteenth Century. TMP92-009077 DUCAL HAPS. A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS By FRANK De GUERRE ACT I. Scene. A Garden with an Arcade and Palace in the back ground. [Enter Couret and Baker.'] COURET. Yours in all reverence, man, speak on — Yet I will heed no further than my wit Doth bid me give a willing countenance. Baker. So far then heed: That our beloved Duke Came rightly by his state, we are apprised; But that he caters for the public weal, Or seeks to wield the ducal power with That royal — firm — unflinching dignity The populace expect, stands now in doubt. As I sincerely love the youthful duke, I would not have his motives misconstrued, Yet he has acted strangely, given out So poor a show of statesmanship that men Well tuned in governing have marked his flaws. 4 DUCAL HAPS COURET. Be quiet ! friend, harp not so of the past; On, to a bright and peaceful future look. What's past defies all cure; then why dilate On threadbare happenings immured in doubt, When presaged ills so copiously admit Of themes for their prevention. Baker. Ah ! You speak As did the great Goliah when he met The stripling David; likely you may learn That simple faults are sometimes hardest conquered. COURET. So craven foes are best encountered with A fierce exterior, a blaz'ning tongue And confident superiority. What, if I stand and gape, their tongues The while browbeating all that tends to right ! Should I in muteness keep and list their gab ? Or by an offish independence own Myself a party to their calumny ? Look now, how pleasantly the plan conceives ! Baker. I own it sets us in peculiar plight?, Yet have we no alternative than that We must our tipping conscience keep within A peaceful quietude. COURET. You do mistake, More rests with us than to assume defense; Has mighty God but given wit to men As fenders for their private woes ? Or has He left injunctions on the precious gift, Entailing to our needful like the gist Of its inherent goodness ? Sir, had I A cat — Baker. Aye, if you had a thousand eats, The court must have fresh bread ! A plague on you I took you for a reas'ner, now I find You more affect the moralist, who once So preached unto his fellowmen, that those Who but for him had kept their mean turned bout And delved in freshly learned iniquity. Thus — craving pity, we do often show The which we would not have our neighbors know. Peace to the question ! let this be an end, Though ye be my senior, I tell thee friend — DUCAL HAPS 5 More is there kneaded in our own affairs, That closer on the duke's existence hears. Come on, I'll strike thee in a better vein, Before this subject I essay again. (Exeunt.) Enter Cedo shabbily attired, reading a letter. Cedo. " If you would know a thing or two" — (Faith, I wouldn't mind a thing or three) — " that wanders from your routine in life, don your worst clothes ," — (I was about to say I had no worse clothes, thinking my court togs were all I owned, but haply by an over- look in well agreeing times this suit was left me,) — "and come secretly to me to-tnorrow morning. I will be above the arcade at eight o'clock. Armand Couret. ' ' Now is the ordered time and this the place, That I must hearken to a tale so base, It raises me before my wonted time, And stands me shiv'ring in a wintry clime. Woe uato you and yours, Armand Couret, The cost you'll rue forever and a day, If that you tinge my hearing with a yarn, That boasts no good nor savors aught in harm. [Enter Couret.) Ah ! in the nick of time. Good morning, friend ! CouRET. Good morning, and a host of well earn'd thanks. Cedo. True to your note's most strange requirements, By reason of whose ambiquity, I more for curiosity than gain, Attead your will. Couret. Aye, you will soon admit The profit worth the venture; know you this, — There's not a domiciled employee on The duke's payroll, but doth interpret him (To questioning outsiders,) as an ass; When this not surfeits they oft congregate In whisp'ring mobs, and trade their sev'ral points, To be inflated by repeated telling. Cedo. Why, this is treason in its greatest bourne ! The very depth of piracy ! Couret. And so Since his installment hath the order been, No more our ruler makes but hath a rude Discordant echo in their criticisms. Cedo. Is this in progress now ? If so I will Confront the scandal mongers and disperse The rabid meeting as a bombshell would 6 DUCAL HAPS A ladies' jewel case ! Couret. That were poor policy, To thus ignore my finesse, and scout on A thoughtless and impromptu mission bred, From out the prejudicial hearing of A long matured plan; these were the means That floored his predecessors and gave him The office he was born to. Sir, I watch'd The former ducal reigning well; saw when The first conspiring seed took root, Beheld The many loose and varied discontents Accounted nothing by the noble sires, Till stood their midst a forward nucleus (A very Gabriel around whom flock'd Weak-kneed dissenters and apostates all), Then did they see their power recognized, And, with entire accord arose and smote Their most impotent ruler to the earth ! Should not this teach the mighty cunning? Ah ! Ye men of higher state, look much too far; While brooding on a distant phantom fear, Your stagnant intervening ground doth form A nest for treasoning conspirators. Mark ! If you be not strong in your stronghold, (Which is the sanctum of domestic weal,) Beware the outer sieging ! You perchance May think I am a vain, presumptuous wretch In overstepping so the hireling's bound, And leading you; (so far above my sphere.) Yet you must know the .'•pint of the times Will oft necessitate that kings shall stoop To be advised of men, not worthy of A Christian burial. But that my lot Would not allow me to excite their ire, I would at once unto the duke unfold My knowledge of his set. Cedo. I rather would Believe you were possessed of some ill wind Which venting crooked truth gives out a lie, Then think (in mercy) you some part abscind, That might a matter of more weight descry. Couret. Abide your time before my say, you flout, For shortly will the mongrels be about, May then your eyes my honest vouchers be, 'Tis hard believing, still, 'tis truth to see. Look ! Now they come, nay, stir not from this spot, The sharp'st observer here would know you not. DUCAI, HAPS 7 {Enter Cooks, Valets, Hirelings of the Duke, etc.) Cook. An I say beef, he will accordance give, Or what I choose, it matters not the kind, No sapient stir opposes my set wish. I verily believe, were I to cook An old tann'd hide, he'd eat without complaint. 1ST VaIvET. 'Tis ever so with me, say what I will. He enters straight and sanctions it with eye. If he desires his brown mare saddled up, And I the white suggest, (or say I black Or dapple gray) in truth he'll not protest; Or should he order some light vehicle, And I a clumsy cart fetch out, 'twill suit, Or bring I naught, the end his favor spies. As for my riggings, they are always styled To suit my fancy — hence my outward dress Proverbial makes the common inquiry " Which is the DukeV Baker. Most vain effrontery ! Know well thyself, proud egotist ! and leave Assumption of" such highborn graces to A better clown; Or if you needs must play At postulation, let thy goal be A mark within thy limit, lest thy name (Which now but smacks of coxcomby,) will swell; Augment itself from that you practice till The word conceit be taken for 't ! No more ! I have an innate loathing of such men, Who when they prate use loose extremities, Or when enjoying harmless parley, will Abuse the list'ners' ear; all doubts of this - Were hushed, if } 7 ou would but consider well The tenor of his argument in which By tacit vileness, open calumny, Yea, broaching his lone tenet he would make Apostates of us all ! Heed him who will, But I am for the duke, and would not rob A better of his need ! And so farewell. {Exit.) 1ST Vai,et. Good friends ! Indulge me but a moment's time, In that I'll prove (by confirmation of Some present witnesses,) that I for truth Have kept a strict observance, furthermore Where'er the tale laid 'gainst the Duke, I've let The rugged juttings of pernicious truth, In silence seem as virtues; for conceit 8 DUCAL HAPS Ask neighbors hereabout, and with my life I'll stand the bout of your enquiring minds ! 2D Valet. Aye, marry, it no easy matter is To slight agreement with our gracious Duke; Why oft (in whims of contrariety,) His orders with impunity I've cross'd, Persuading him from his avowed intent. As he'd no right to be an epicure, But like a peevish, sickly child fresh wean'd, Has appetite to suit some elder sage ! And thou, old pastry ! Give free vent, I say ! How rides the subject of our chat with thee? When thy deft fingers and thy slimy art Doth stock the showing of thy labor with Vile properties; doth make the leaven' d bread To vie in heft the heaviest lead, doth singe The cookies, waffles, and the butter cakes — Leave to the rage of an ill-governed flame; — When these and more of like similitude, Are by your grace committed, How's the wind? Conforms he to thy grave mishaps? or chides he thee, That sober looks sit on thy floury phiz so well? COURET. Nay, lay it on when I'm the butt, and tune Thy wriggling tongue as inclination prompts; But spare thy manhood when the subject is (By gleanings of thine own account,) a man Empowered with a might, the bent of which Could purge thy life of pleasure, yet prefers To give a pleasing acquiescence where Thy happiness requires. 'Tis scurvy sport To lightly treat a matter of such moment, To mock an infant Duke, who bears himself As aged dukes ne'er did before; Who looks So carefully to thy content, he'd give No order past thy will. 2D Valet. Thou speakest aright, I am in all abash'd. When spoke I so I lacked thought, but now I think, and lack A tongue to rear excuses for my gab. ist Valet. And may his tongue lose pow'r of speech, who first Speaks illy of the Duke ! {Enter Laundress.) Couret. Ah ! pretty maid— (Give her good greeting friends. ) What's out of tune, DUCAL HAPS 9 That your initial visit falls upon So cold a morn ? Laundress Our loving Duke's astir, And walks about with solemn deathlike tread; And looks — I know not how, so very strange; His laughing merry look, is sternly changed To one of gloomiest perplexity; He eyed me straight, yet saw me not, else would He nod or speak to me; So he pass'd on, So did he gaze on ev'ry common thing. His right arm raising skyward, then his left, Next followed both in wild confusion, or A seeming supplication to his God; Belike he's crazed, or hath some troublous ill Too deeply rooted in his mind. CEDO. Crazy ! COURET. How'er the sequel is, from this henceforth His pleasure be my study. Laundress. Thanks Couret. ist Valet. And mine, 2D VAEET. And mine, 3D Valet. And mine. Couret. So are we all Bent on his future happiness; and home For him will be, as home should be. Laundress. Well said ! If done, why better; now with right good will We'll to our tasks. [Exeumt all but Cedo. Cedo. Hum ! what a measly set ! The making of a man not 'mongst the lot Mireux — he spoke the which abounds in flaws And staled it by a repetition; then Grepieux — no brighter wit has he than have The common herd; but as a man in debt Is ever loudest mouthed he must perforce Maintain dull silence or too soon expose The whence of his intelligence. Who's next? Landieux, Ah ! Yes, thy mouth should give thee room What if thy form were well proportioned to Thy roomy mug — I then were but a flea ! Alas ! methinks the gods deformed thee so, That flies in lieu of men might fear thee ! Then Jean — within the pale of his bright wit Lies his deceit — the very lowest wretch ! To pose himself an equal of the Duke ! IO DUCAL HAPS Ungrateful wretches all ! Was it for ye The Duke subserved his regal dignity ? I'll never think it, — but concoct a means Whereby to segregate the malcontents, Or All — the whipping post and banishment. (Exit) (Enter Duke in sombre meditation.) Duke. A dream ! A weird imagination ! All ! Why give it sober thought? Yet am I help'd To this grave state, by truths I cannot pass, Nor doubt with cause, so vivid were they set And played to life in my mind's recreation; With tireless zeal and utmost nicety, It pick'd my closest courtiers, saving few, And cast them in a glowing, bungi'd heap, With placards o'er each one, on which were written Some 1 earful vice suggestive of the man; Methought I saw a gaunt ungainly frame Arising from a cloud of raging fire ! From out his mouth there leapt a brace of tongues, Like serpents, fork'd, that spat white heat; With arms outstretch'd, and piercing eyes askant, He showed his loathing of the blemished mass; Then on me turned his hideous ghostly glare, Distorted features and his warning hand, Conjuring me (in awe-commanding tone,) Revise my ways and wield my sceptre with More seeming grace; Then paused as 'twere to gain New fiedg'd momentum for another sally; And I (trausfixed with horror there withstood) His fixed stare, bereft of speech and motion ! Anon, he opes his lips ! — Thunder outnois'd ! Pandemonium ! Ye gods forbid My ears shall list another of the kind ! So highly season'd with severe rebukes — My ev'ry good transformed to vilest ill, — My ev'ry studied judgment silly prov'd All trusted friends adjudg'd enemies; Where saw I meanest faults virtues appear' d; Where saw I purest virtue reigned faults; — Contraries mingled — similars undone; — Alternate freezing, boiling dire extremes, Wag'd to their highest pitch, when nature's laws O'erstrained, deposed his cruel tenancy To yield me freedom of a waking hell ! Lives there a cause within this wretched world So oft beset with grievous ills as mine ? Heir to the realm ! A duke, alas a duke ! Much rather would I be a brainless pimp, DUCAL HAPS II Or some contented knave of equal worth, Than as I am and jealousied the title, In whose drifts I meet my malcontent ! All hallowed peace, sweet mother of content ! — Come share with me thy soothing potent spell, And shield me from my aggravating self! — The soul-entrancing charm of thy depute Like sweetest perfume on the senses steals; Drowns all woes in soundless seas, Pares all ill to joyous weal, Kneads to love all bitter hate, And crowns thee queen of goodness ! — Yet I am not for thee, nor thee for me; While seeming that I am, I better prove That, I am not. If ev'ry man were put Where bides his proper talent, where would I ? But here alack, by fortune's faulty act I am a duke, and being duke, must duke it. What ho ! I have a melancholic mate ! He comes this way — his passage I'll await. 'Tis said that men in trouble go in grooves Or act as counterparts; — So in his moves Will I as in a truthful mirror see How insignificant a duke may be. (Duke steps aside.) {Enter Barto.) Barto Full three-score times have I this arbor pass'd ! Full three-score times have I in wonder glared Upon this ernpty space, that now should hold For my distress a living comforter ! I'll call, perchance he doth so closely watch The doubtful standing of my business, Our rendezvous slips from his mind; Andreas ! Andreas ! Voice to the wind that hither brings Naught but a mocking echo. Patience ! patience ! But 'tis a wearing article; in me Now worn past remedy; for, lacking doubt 'Tis past the 'pointed hour by a half, Yet does he truant play. Would he were here. * * * * * * {Paces the garden.) The worst were preferable this suspense ! (Enter Andreas.) Most welcome sight ! proclaim thy longed for news ! Andreas. Blunt, honest, friendship my apology For being pert, and starting on the point 12 DUCAL HAPS That bears most heavy on the matter. With less ado I'll to the end, or to The ultimate beginning of the end; — I sped to Mileneux by thy commands, Sought out thy factor there, when in a whiff, Without a question he thy all did tell, As if 'twere fact substantial, past all doubt, Thy lately blasted ventures, blighted hopes, Extol'd he to their furthest boundary, Intending rather to convince of loss, Then buoy thy spirits falsely. All thy ships Unto the dukedom now are confiscate, Aye, all as contraband the state has siez'd; Even now the messengers are arrived, Who voyage here this matter to unfold. Barto. Straight to the Duke will they, then whither I ? For when 'tis known, 'twere better I should die Than be upon so dire a purpose standing, Twixt life and death, meat for fools bandying. Andreas. Yea, when 'tis known, may then you seek your grave ! But they no implicating knowledge have Of you, of yours, or tangible effects, So their report (with you) bounds in defects. Barto. Then all is verity ! My God, that I, Who in the ducal favor ranks most high, And entertain'd no title short of Sir ! — That I whom kings and queens have audienced, Aye, knighted for my comely mien, where Undoubted valor rusted for a glance ! — That I, whose word was deem'd sufficient bond For sums involving princely fortunes, should To penury by one mishap be cast ! — The step's too great ! too great ! Still must I yield To decorate a niche in pauperdom ! Andreas. Sh— Barto, Less of this ! 'Twere follies heighth To brood on that where is no earthly help; Ne'er saw you hills but valleys did abound, Nor aught in purity beyond a flaw, Nor mortal state that mock'd not constancy. And would'st thou grasp unchanging nature's laws To make a mutable defective toy, Whereon the cravings of thy lot may feed ? Would'st pass what was, what is, and will be ? No ! DUCAL HAPS 13 So sure as water seeks the downward grade, You on no bed can lie save that you've niade ! Barto. Thou mock'st rne with effects; pray quickly turn To present causes, where they touch upon A future circumvention. Andreas, {aside.) (I'll play it harsh, Or seem it so, and wean him from this gloom.) What should I say, that gives thee not offense? Years have you liv'd a lie, made all believe The costly manner of thy keeping, — the style And number of thy banquets, the product of Royal annuities as boundless as The unfound treasures of the earth; whereas To foot thy honest gainings would not show The value of a penny. Barto. Tut! Tut! man, Have done with this, I'm in no mood for lectures, Straight to the point ! Andreas. How now, philosophy ! Creeps on the climax with such toward speed, That here a mind in melancholy breath'd, By followed respiration delves in anger? By my true soul, this is the sort of mood That betters good, diameters the girth, Strips can't of-T — and makes the will the might. I fear me much, were I to stand and wait The winter through I would not stumble on A more befitting moment to divulge The import of the motion I would make. Know then the true effects, ere I recount The queer erratic manner of the cause; — If fortune favors it, earth's heaven's yours; But sh >uld it fail, hell's fire holds no heat That singes where thy downfall will consume ! Barto. Out on you for a babbler ! Say no more ! — Andreas. 'Twere better left unsaid than said without effect; I know no course of thy avail, but marriage. Barto. Why surely friend Andreas you are distraught ! I know but half a month and that's my all, So save my prestige, should the limit fail. Escape's my only chance; so please project Some quicker move than now thy lips command. 14 DUCAL HAPS Andreas. Know you old Farriet? Barto. I do; so far As gossip's tongue gives knowledge of a neighbor; The people say, (and rightly too I think) He is a man within himself retired; Has few acquaintances and fewer friends; Is misanthropic and possessor of More wealth, than any dweller in the land. Andreas. And is the sire of as sweet a maid, As rare a group of virtue's choicest gifts, As e'er on French soil trod; She may be called A Venus resurrected for her shape Which, when compared with other inborn charms, Flies quickly from the eye of criticism. Barto. Most like, but what imports her many charms That bodes us aught for our advantage ? Andreas. All — Each sep'rate Christian grace reveals a point Which aids us in our purpose; as she lacks So do we lack; were she less than is she, Our task were harder, but as she now is, Her pure warm heart bears molding at our will. Barto. Now can I tell the vane on this wild wind, Yet for a starting move I am perplexed. Andreas. I have an idea (if you think no better,) We will adopt and furnish speedy motion. Mraightway before the duke I will produce Some score or so of affidavits (made By men within the Holy-See entrenched.) That Farriet has long unloyal been; That he by virtue of — well we'll invent — Doth stand amenable to common law. What can the duke, but cause imprisonment ? Then for your courting; His fond daughter will With pleading tongue the court besiege; urge all To save her father; which entreaty none (Not e'ven the lowest vassal of the court) Would harken to; Then yield your sympathy; Make known to her thy power o'er the duke, Which for her father's cause you'll aptly wield, — Fill in with all the tender ifs and buts DUCAL HAPS 15 So soothing to dejected minds, — Condole In all the many ways that love (if there) would grasp. If played aright this cannot fail But breed for thee success; Her maiden heart will turn to thee And virgin love confess. Barto. Come then, let's home, and this plan we'll mature Though rife with grave faults, it is slow and sure. {Exeunt. Barto and Andreas.) Duke. Hear I with other's ears, or have I borrowed e3'es? Is this the sequel of my wretched dream Or dream I on and think I wake ? But no ! My senses with undaunted pith now play; What e'er I take in hand I know its feel. Or that mine eyes reflect, I know its sight; Still I would fain believe the lie ! Barto, — My yokemate and my dearest friend, a fraud? Impossible ! and yet 'tis true, eise would He mouth a firm denial when That scheming villainous poltroon exposed The trick of his apparent welfare. Alas ! when he who shares my bosom thoughts Turns traitor and connives at beuefit, On whom can I rely ? Enter Cedo. (Properly attired) Cedo. Yours truly my lord What is't that troubles you? Confide in me As do the ladies all, find me but one Who links mistrust with my gr.-ive title, I Will give thee leave to go barefoot; Aye more Cite me an adult male who airs me ill His face I warrant you as black as coal Or featured like an owl. {aside) (I'm out of tune, The senseless jabber of a chattering ape, A frequent source of pleasure, now annoys.) My lord, I am not that I seem, I have An other self — a silent partner here, {placing hand on heart) Who will betimes (despite external show,) Assert supremacy; And quick to grief Is he, aye quicker, and you free my boast, Than any of your count; and so, all thine. Duke. Thanks for your proffer, but I have no need; Mine being but a fancied ill, brooks not The same condolence as a living fact. Suffice it; all my reign has been a farce, 1 6 DUCAL HAPS That through the revelations of a dream I come to know myself, my friends, my foes, My acts both good and bad, here lies my woe. Cedo. I've held thee better than this say would warrant And if 'twere back'd not by effusions of More sound portent, I'd reason thee insane; Why dreams, — are but the wanderings of minds Badly stomached; as such they should be treated Not 'power'd with a speck of realism Or ever troubled with an after thought. Were I to tell the thousandth part Of the frivolities I've dream'd, — Of many chasms I have leapt, — Of surging rivers savely swum, — Of the aerial flights I've tak'n, — Of scorching paths painlessly trod, — Of beatings, smoth'rings I've endured Whilest Morpheus possess'd my mind; That stolid look would quit thy face, Thy mouth would fly its firm set phase, To find a quirk fit company For thy light mirth. Duke. Good friend, adjourn ! My trouble hath a better prop thau that I've broached to thee : Mark me, seest thou two men Beyond the garden rail? Cedo. I do, my lord; And if my vision prove not false, they are, Within thy galaxy the brightest stars, Lord Barto and his satellite Andrea. Duke. Go, shadow them, (And if thou wouldst confirm Thy boasted love,) lose not a sight of them. Mark thou their slightest move as 'twere an act Endangering the lives of all thou lovest. Have thy report indited, plainly writ', That I may keep it as a silent witness. Cedo. I've heard of mothers doubting sons, Of sons their fathers killing; Of jesters angling for their puns A brother's lifeblood spilling — But by the A in tar, this breach of trust Doth seem the blackest, having precedence O'er all I know of, — Come now, 'tis a joke? ducal haps 17 Duke. If jokes be nurtured — fostered thus, then this May be so call'd; And I would have it played According to my diction, so begone ! Do as I bade thee ! Cedo. E're thy echo's spent I'll on thy mission be what t'ver is meant. {Exit.) Duke. This then my fixed course hereafter be, Judge men by what I know, not what I see. Now will I nurse the plot with all amain, Though in the lie I lose, in truth I gain. (Exit ) Scene Second — Room in Farriet's house. (Enter Blanche followed by Adelaide.) Ada. Baah ! Virtue earneth not its own reward Until 'tis tried, — There is no more in grace Than is by grace perform'd, — They have the right To be enroll'd amid the pure, who know The pleasures of a sin — who crave its joys, Yet with great effort curb their appetite, And shun enticing sweets for virtues sake. Who could not be a saint who would immure Herself within such walls; — bedim her eyes Bedwarf her mind, — and stint her vernal course For fear that she might knowledge gain, and thus Descry more force in sin than she could cope : Such petty ignorance has no excuse In this advanced age ! Go to, my sweet, Perplex the wise and learn the road to wisdom. Blanche. Now Adelaide, this is a say unkind; I asked not to be canonized, nor yet, Have I in thought or simplest act assum'd That I a single christian grace possess'd Not found among the poorest of your set. And in opinion I would be no more Than you or any honest girl who tries To earn a virtue through a sin's aversion. Ada. Right! She who slides all faults must virtue hold. And yet full knowledge of iniquity Promotes a lasting good; The which to gain Must find thee student to a diff'rent school. I cannot aptly chide to those who weigh My weakest, tamest words so heavily. 1 8 DUCAL HAPS True, what's big fun for the little ones is little fun for big ones; Tastes, you know, will differ, but twixt our likings there is such a marked variance, it urges me to think you are beyond your teens; — For truly, Blanche, you act like an antiquated maid who being denied the marital fondling takes to the petting of a parcel of brutes — cats, dogs and poll-parrots; — and tiring of these, puts her hands in mourning by ploughing up the ground about some decrepit fuchsia, verbena or other outlandish plant. Now all these attentions are unappreciated, — j'our plants will bloom, fade, and die betimes; — your cat's tail will not bear a treading, and your poll will exclaim at most unseasonable times. Why, do you know A tithe of these endearments lavished on The coldest most impassible of men, Would make his frigid liver glow and change Him to the silliest slave of passion ? Blanche. Friend, counsel me not so ! I would nor could — Not seek a pleasure through the course of pain. Nor will I be convinced that you would for A transient joy, inflict a lifelong woe. Ada. Stay, Blanche; you judge too harshly of my notion. For by the grace of love you have no right to judge; you — who by your own admission have been imprisoned within these walls since your birth, and have never endured an hour's company with the sterner sex. How long, pray, does your dear anchorital papa intend that you shall play the nun ? Blanche. No longer than I will it. Ada. Then will it no longer, Blanche, for my sake, — come and enter the world; come taste its joys and view its sorrows. Blanche. You ask no more kind friend than I would grant If in the granting aught for good were gained. DUCAL HAPS 19 Ada. Where be the ill — and if no ill what then ? On fire we can gaze and not get burnt. Make this stale fact most vividly appear Within the ambit of thy father's ken And his permission's granted ; for the rest Six moons will find you in a husband blest. (Exit.) Blanche. Why should I party be in such desires? Where midst my range of neighbors can I see More comforts — pleasures than abide with me? O, friend ! Why didst thou urge me in a sort That giving aye or nay in my retort? {Enter Farriet.) Misleads devotion from its native wend And wrongs a father to oblige a friend. Farriet. Good daughter here — for lack of day, the night (Time's truant substitute,) doth yield the hour I gravely pledged diurually to save For our conjunctive weal and interchange Of sweetest confidence; Not for a trick In business would I my promise break, No ! Nor for the weightiest matters casual. The cause that renders my excuse, is blank, 'Tis neither here nor there, but 'tis a thing (exhibits paper) Of most uncertain seem, being thro*n in When business waning I was free to look. And look, and think I did, and now peruse; — Anon my child, ere you this paper read, Uncloud thy face, no penance will I veer, For staying hence, when promise bound me here. Blanche. Kind father, right, but I'll no penance lay, You do so rarely slip your plighted word I cannot now be strict, — Yet for a boon I'll press the deepest fount wherefrom vou spurt Your most endearing shows, — Be now in dread — My wish it is to enter in the world ! Farriet. My sweetest, I had rather thou hads't crav'd The fauna of the frigid zone, the bud And blossoms of centennial plants, — aye, each And ev'ry rare exotic and sweet fern, That wakes huge effort or commands great price ! La ! How I prate ! As though my selfish love 20 DUCAL HAPS By thus advising you did help itself To its most wish'd for state — not so my child — Not thine for me, but ever mine for thee; — The order of my life doth this avouch. What that you would have I not then procur'd? No thought of cost, of time, or other part Did lose a gift to thee within the bounds Of mother nature, wherein all pleasure bides, — None find without elysian joy unchang'd. Hast quite forgott'n the brace of lines I taught When you with famished ears gave heed? If so I'll tell them o'er that you may choose anew, — " Those who in nature seek for pleasure Ne' 'er find content beyond their measure." He has a glove indeed that fits all hands, Yet here is such a one possess'd; no ill But finds appeasement in't; No crescent hope But is companion'd; and your preacher too, Is here to his discredit shown; his best Is bettered and his opiated saws In brevity and dumbness are delivered. Then why seek out what is, unsought for, found, Be blest in that you have and fly the sin That lustre gives the world and sends thee shade. Fie on my age ! my dotage I might say, That strives to check a course of nature, which The roll of years must instance ! Have thy wish, With my unbiased permit you can now Devote your time unto society. BLANCHE. Believe me, I would rather have a no In kindness, than a yes so rudely giv'n. Hush we the matter now, ere long you may Report me with a freer will. Farriet. No child, I never yet, nor ever shall debar You from your slightest wish; though I May seem ungraciously to yield in this. There is no effable or unvoiced plea, {Passes paper to Blanche) Could make me waver! For this parchment, you Must read — misunderstanding, — question, — I Will then my own interpretation give. (Blanche reads.) " Friend to the cause and right support ; {for so By acclamation thou art here proclaimed) We humbly thank thee for the favors past And give thee greeting ever; Our numbers now Are threbl'd, as a consequence our arms DUCAL HAPS 21 Do fall ten thousand short in an equipment, — Which deficiency our present urgent needs Compel submittance to thy bounteous self; Do but forward the means, and by thy hint We will the duke overthrow fore this day week. {P. S.) The Farriets are soldiers of the sword, Of little talk and much ado, — our note I hope will so be Ta' en. Jean Lelieviere." Means this not something more than these stray lines Upon their face suggest? Farriet. A treason sure Would this in any court be call'd, and I No more transgressor than the babe unborn, Am stuck here to receive it; Who should send So queer a message to me, I could not Upon my life give sating answer; That I know of this foul Lelieviere falls short Of commonest report. But this I know — The sender of this note doth mean me harm ! And meet it is that we destroy; Go, child, Despatch it in the flames. {Loud and continued knocking with- out, then enter several constables). How, now ! Have we no servants 'bout the place Can keep such base intruders out the gates? Wherefore ! Wherefore ! Rude men ! mock ye the law ? If so ye do, it shall be answered well ! ist Con. Mark men how ill he apes the saint ! The law — (Thou base conspiring knave !) doth only err In thus permitting thy most wicked life ! If 'twere not so, thy wind, ere now were cut. What may this be ? {snatches paper from Blanche). Lay to — I'll wage it is A scrip divulging new unheard of crimes, That he with cursed lucre has perfom'd, (Through mediums in beggary), under The most alert and omnipresent ween Of our force : Oh Treason ! Bind him ! We A fearful danger brave by gazing on, When he, perchance, hath here confederate hid, Well drilled in bloody butcheries ! (Enter Barto). Barto — Hold slaves ! Have ye no care for age nor thought of youth, That ye a simple summons of the court Cannot deliver without such dire abuse ? 22 DUCAL HAPS Unhand him. I will answer to the Duke For all that's deficit in your commands. March out, and whilst you are upon these grounds Make you no more of }M>ur authority Than circumstances warrant. 1ST Con. Here, my lord, Look you on this and then be judge of us, If we've oe'rdone what we are sworn to do, This paper backs us in excuse, if not We then not understand our oath of office. [Exeunt Con). Barto. That soon will be considered, and for this {presenting paper) Good neighbor, friend, it reads qmte harsh for you. For love of truth you are not fed'rate to Such men as Lelieviere? It cannot be That you would daily risk foreclosure of Such beatific home-born charms, to league With vandals in a losing cause? Farriet. Quite right, No more know I of this vile business, Than that this forged writing found its way Into my inner office, there I first Knew of the matter, then my daughter read, And whilst in very act of reading, we Were here (but now,) by thee and thine arous'd. Barto. The Gods forfend I should be party to Such rude unchristian acts ! I fain would rate Thy sterling friend : Behold a present proof This damning note I'll rend ! Blanche. No, no, kind sir, To much you hazard by so brave an act ! Aloof from jeopardy in our behalf Thou canst well keep and still our friendship earn : For hast thou not already offered up Thy oath'd allegiance? And will yet allow A good intention to mislead thy sense In further bootless service for our loves. By the destruction of this paper, which Was scanned from end to end by that same man Who led the rabble thither; For our loves Thy first commanding word did borrow them, Never to be return'd. Farriet. What sir, in words May well express thy hold on me, I am Most grievously at fault; — The afterclap DUCAL, HAPS 23 (If such there ever be) must me resolve And there enact what now I cannot speak. And good daughter, thou hast ask'd to see The flitting mazes of this wicked world; See them thou shalt in all varieties, From very lowest depth to highest heighth; From thieve's existence to a noble's life; Aye, thou shalt have a pane ramie view Of all the golden splendors and mock shows, That render up thy fantasy — the world. Blanche. Please, father, do bespeak me diff 'rently ! Farriet. I would I were not able to denote thee — That thy pure mother had as maiden died, So my humility were left unshar'd ! On ! Jailer on, we tarry much too long ! Farewell, f-weet child ! Kind daughter Blanche farewell ! No child was ever more affectionate, Nor did unbidden offer more than thou, Adieu, my sweetest only friend, adieu ! CURTAIN. ACT II. Scene I. — Room in Palace, furnished with Secretary, etc. (Cedo and Andreas, encircled with Jurors, discovered.) Cedo. Friends, sirs, in all but this; had you pursued A legal trend, as it doth sort you should, We even now were friends, and one poor soul, That through your insane verdict scarce hath time To eye his fate and make his peace with God, Were yet with loyal heart and honored age Sweet liberty enjoying ; Whereas he dwells In full anticipation of his death. Upon a floor of stone, begirt with walls The Cyclops hammer could not phase ; his bed Of boards the soft side none can find, his stool Repentance of an uncommitted crime. O sirs ! how could you so mistake yourselves As one unto the other weld your thoughts, And yield in unison a verdict which No more effects the case in hand, than doth The highway's fork affect the river's mouth ? ist Juror. Being sworn in we were in honor bound, Our verdict to deliver as the batch 24 DUCAL HAPS Of witnesses deposed. How then could we (If so we will'd) another verdict give? Cedo. Yes ! Yes ! Ye don the form of justice, yet The spirit lags and ye'll not tarry for't ! All evidence educ'd, commanded or Enforced by cross-examination is With equal poise received ; The worth of him Who testifies, the manner of his speech, And manifold auxilliaries that gauge The weight and force of testimony, ye Do pass unseen, and think ye truly act The laws of justice, — She who is indeed Blindfolded and possess'd of scales. O, men ! Where were your better parts when you pronounc'd So harsh a sentence for so cade a show Of criminal intention ? Could it be — That you — But no, I must awhile withhold What I should say. All— Eh? Cedo— Good sirs, adieu. {Exit Cedo). ist Juror. My fellow jurors, it doth stand us well To hear but few expressions of this tone ; Indeed, methinks the safer course would be, To hie us earshot hence, lest by a slip Some of our number may themselves commit And lay all liable. 2nd Juror. 'Tis well propos'd, And touches near our thrift, to ruminate How best to part and whither ; Another put In such a key as was the former part Of this well earned censure, I had leak'd The dregs of goodness I yet own, and spilt This goodly number all to scaffold drops. Think then how frail uncertain is our course, When we do daily such assailments brave, As our best reason tells us must betime Extort an inadvertent self confession. i.st Juror. To Havre then I do propose we sail, And from there severally go to ports Whence we (if need) may here be quickly summon'd. How is it friends, do we in this agree ? DUCAL HAPS 25 All — Yea ! Yea ! Andreas. Then hence with expedition go ! About the court will I remain, and post You speedily on what may yet befall The working of our plan. So, now, away ! Lo — where the worthy Barto comes, and he (More like a woman than a man) is of Such tender facile ways, he would ill brook A jury late employ'd in such gross kind. ist Juror. Come haste' we to embark ; I would not be Encounter'd so again, for thrice the fee Our services command. {Exeunt all but Andreas). Andreas. Thus will a word Emboss'd with knotty ifs and counter buts, Seduce the safest upright man who treads The portals of the court ; Forsooth, poor fools, To give the lie is often to withhold the truth, And yield its zemblance, So thy promis'd fee Insured thee stable footing in the court ; This shall ye have, until the hangman come And claim ye for the crossroads; {Enter Barto followed by Cedo, who hides himself .) which is when Ye strive to clog the axe whereon revolves Our wheel of fortune. Ah ! Most timely met — Barto. So do thy looks foretell; — If by an eye (The bright forerunner of the mind's tumult,) We may be jud>