flaw VRSIS?) Book I PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL; A COMEDY: IN FIVE ACTS— WITH SONGS, DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE CANNING, 8fc. Sfc. 8fc. FIRST PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN, March 11, 1824. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HURST, ROBINSON, & CO. 90, CHEAPSIDE, AND 8, PALL-MALL. 189*. Price 4s. (id. B. Bensley, Bolt Court, Fleet Street. out** 3 3(Together.) Maj. By the glory of the Twentieth V Lor. . Gentlemen of the Twentieth — that was the very word. Maj. I'll go instantly, and challenge the whole house, from the Count to the kitchen maid. Cor. Let us send all the farriers to shoe the horses in front of these parvenus ; we'll hammer them deaf. Col. Or order the trumpeters to practice six hours a night under their balcony. [Laughing. Cor. Or, to take signal vengeance— Maj. Aye, to exterminate the whole neigh- bourhood — Cor. No man has it more in his power than yourself, Major; — sing them one of your — National melodies. [They laugh, the CoLONEhpacifiestheMAJOR. 30 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act*. Col. What kind of existence is this dangerous jilt ? Have you seen her, gentlemen 1 Maj. /have — a hundred times. She was always on parade when I was officer of the day. A tough affair, with a vinegar visage ; a compound of — Cor. Her old father's cellars. Col. A claret complexion. Maj. Blue-ruin lips. Cor. Tongue thick as Tokay. Maj. And eyes, like hock in green glasses. Col. With, as I presume, no small share of the Tartar at bottom. Cor. Tartar! Muffs and meerschaums! Hot- tentot ! Lor. {Starting from his chair) — Colonel! I can listen to this no longer. I insist upon it that the subject shall be dropped. You don't know the lady. She's lovely, incomparable. Maj. Aye, aye, a Venus of course. [Half aside. Cor. Yes, if ever there was one at the Cape. [Half aside. Col. You may leave the lady to her natural fate, the trader is rich. She will throw herself away, according to the manner of all women who have money, and the business will be done by some scoundrel with a plausible leg, a romance on his tongue, and a pair of dice in his pocket. Lor. {Starting from his reverie.) — That will be the most appropriate of all punishments! Her Sc. 1. A COMEDY. 31 pride shall be mortified. She shall make some de- grading match. Maj: Some Sicilian Quack. All (murmur?) Sicilian ! Col. Or French Valet ! Cor. Or English Blacklegs, or — ■ Maj. No farther Westward, Sir, if you please. [Stopping him. Cor. But where are we to find this impostor ? Maj. Ha, ha, ha! Sweet simplicity of youth, find an impostor. Why, man, you'll find him in ninety-nine out of a hundred, and that of the best company. But I'll find him for you within a hun- dred yards of this spot. You know my friend is governor of the jail ; I beg his Generalship's par- don, of the Castle. Col. The jail is the next street, I think. Let us go there directly, and pick out a rogue for our purpose. Lor. He must not be a ruffian ; I will not have her insulted ; the fellow must be decent. Maj. My love, he shall be magnificent; as fine as a Duke, or a Drum-Major. He shall be as full of fuss and feathers as a new laid Aid-de- Camp. Lor. {In great agitation.) — It shall be so. Her pride shall be her shame. I could disdain myself for wasting a thought upon them ! a race of weak, presumptuous, purseproud — 32 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 2. Col. But the direct offence, — a little coquetry, a little female tyranny ? Cor. Both as natural to the sex as lips and eyes. Lor. My dear Pistrucei, (to the Colonel) don't ask me any farther. The matter is too ridiculous, considering what they were. Nothing less than — ■ Yet why should I not say it ? nothing less than my want of noble birth — of family — Col. Poh ! They are a family of fools. A sol- dier's noblest pedigree is his honour. Let him look to posterity. Maj. Aye, to posterity. Let him make his forefathers out of that. What business has a sol- dier to be looking behind him; by the glory of the Twentieth — Cor. To the jail, to the jail. I shall take re- morseless vengeance. The affair 's regimental ; the whole Corps has been insulted most superla- tively : Trooper ! Muffs and meerschaums ! Lor. Yet, — upon second thoughts — I— should rather — Col. What, man ! relenting, retracting ? - Cor. You are pledged from frill to fetlock. Maj. He 's at the lady's feet within this half hour. Who'll take ten to one 1 Lor. Never ; by all that 's manly, never ! I ab- jure the sex. Do as you will for me. I will never look at one of them with complacency again. I 8c. 2. A COMEDY. 33 must leave you now, I will rejoin you at the jail. All have been insulted, and I — Women ! — com- pounds of vanity, perfidy, pride ! — My brain, my brain ! [He rushes out. Cor. Envy, hatred, malice.— Maj. Well, we can match them in censorious- ness, at least, Cornet. Poh, poh ! The only way for a man of honour to look at a pretty woman's faults, is to shut his eyes. Col. Now, to find our scapegrace. Maj. To be sure; quick as an Irish quarrel, Colonel. To the jail, gentlemen. Cor. To the jail — If it must be so, — and yet — Diavolo ! 'twill soil my spurs. I'd rather be tried by a court-martial of old women. Maj. Aye, Cornet, every one by his peers. — By the glory of the Twentieth ! [Exeunt, laughing. SCENE II. A Hall in the Jail. — Night. The Jailor comes in. He calls. Jail. Ho! Lazaro! lock up, lock up; make haste, bring me those keys. Let the prisoners have their water : I love to treat the dogs well. And, d'ye see, let me have my wine. [He sings. For let who will swing, Your Jailor 's a King, F 34 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 2. (He sits at the Table.) No ; your king is not to be compared to your jailor ; for my subjects never mutiny; my will is the law ; and as long as there's virtue in iron, I have all my Commons within a ring fence. Lazaro> I say. (Lazaro comes in with a flagon) Sit down, you old rogue, and fill me a cup. (Drinks.) Bright as a ruby! Now, Master Turnkey, do you think we could do this, if we had a brace of wives after us ? By no means, Master Lazaro — fill, fill ! Jailor sings. For your bachelor 's happy, And o'er his brown nappy He '11 drink down the sun and the moon, brave boys; But the husband 's a wretch, That longs for Jack Ketch, And a rope's end can't ease him too soon, brave boys, And a rope's end can't ease him too soon ! Laz. Master, here 's a whole mob of officers outside, roaring away to get in. Jail. To get into jail ? Well, likely enough they may, all in good time ; but not to-night. I'll not have my lambs disturbed for any officers un- hang'd — fill yourself a glass, and give me a toast. {They fill Laz, Here, Master, I give you " Success to the Law." [Drinks. Jail. Why, Lazaro, that toast 's against trade ; for if there were no rogues, there would be no jails. Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 35 Laz. Aye, Master, but for one rogue that the Law frightens, it makes twenty. Jail. Ha ! ha ! here then 's " Success to the Law/' you sly old politician. Laz. Politician ! Lord, Sir, don't take away my character. But will you look at this paper. [Gives him a letter. Jail. Eh, what? " Admit,"— " prisoners." {Reads.) — The Major's hand : let them in by all means. (Laz aro goes.) That fellow has been bribed by the Major : I know it. But ive Heads of depart- ments must overlook those things now and then ; he'll do as much for me another time. (Noise of Chains falling.) Here they are, sad dogs; our morals will be ruined. The Colonel, Major, and Cornet come in; Lazaro leading them, with a lantern. Laz. (Outside.) — This way, gentlemen; keep clear of the Blackhole,— have a care of the rope: — this way, gentlemen. Cor. Where are we, fellow ? This is ' darkness visible' — a cavern — an absolute mine. Muffs and meerschaums ! Jail. Aye, Master Officer, we have a few minors here, and of the first families too — ha ! ha ! ha ! Maj. (Advancing?) — Gentlemen! let me intro- duce you to Signior Jeronimo Stiletto, the guar- dian angel of Palermo, the author of half its virtues ; a gentleman at the head of his profession. 36 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 2. I assure you. Signior, we wish to see a parade of your best ruffians. Jail. By all means, Major; — hope I have the pleasure of seeing you well. Lazaro, give the word within. (Lazaro goes) Ah, Major, you're in luck — never had a fuller calendar, — prospect of a glorious session! (The Prisoners come in, with Lazaro ; he Jailor ranges, and displays them.) There, gentlemen of the Hussars, there 's a turn out : — right face, rascal ! — and a fine burglary face too. [Showing a Prisoner Col. Capital ; broad, bold and bloodletting. Jail. There 's a handsome petty larceny — shy as a eat. [Showing a Prisoner. Cor. Exquisitely thievish— felony to the tips of his fingers. Mqj. A Noah's ark ; a gathering of all the unclean. (To one of the Prisoners.) Pray what brought you here, my lad ? 1st Pri. My morality. I was a gambler, grew ashamed of my profession, and took to the road. Cor. The road ! exquisite — mended your ways. Turned Field Officer, you hear, Major. And you, my coy friend ? [To a Prisoner. 2d Pri. I was a money dealer ; jobbed in the funds. Maj. From the stocks to the jail— the course of Nature. Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 37 Col. {To a third.)— And. you, Sir, were, I pre- sume, not quite immaculate — a thorough rogue ? 3d Pri. I was a contractor. Cor. Conviction, in a word. Maj. These are poor devils. Have you nothing better; nothing more showy; nothing higher- crested, Signior Jeronimo ? Jail. Better ! I hope you don't mean to hurt my feelings, Major. Nothing better ! never had a finer family since — Cor. Billiards and the brogue came into fashion, Major O' Shannon. Maj. Hazard and high life will do just as well, Cornet Count Carmine. [Imitating. Jail. (Pondering.) — Yet, what was I thinking of? there's one, a famous fellow, a first rate- brought in last night — an old acquaintance — the most dashing dog about town — a tip-top-gallant ; a supernaculum. Col. Out with him at once, were he the Grand Turk. Maj. Show your lion. Turn him out of his cage. Cor. Yes, if he be not — indelicately ragged. [Lazaro goes — a noise is heard within. Jail. Now, he 's coming ; but take care, stand back, gentlemen. He's a desperate dog; fierce as a tiger. Last night he broke the heads of the whole patrol. Here he comes, in full roar. 38 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act % (Torrento, with his dress torn from the last night's riot, is dragged in by the Turnkeys — he resists, clamouring outside as he comes,) Tor. Why, you scoundrels, you renegadoes, you dogs in office — what 's this for ? To be drag- ged out of my first sleep in my dungeon to look in the faces of such a confoundedly ugly set of cannibals. Jail. Bring him along. [He is forced in. Tor. {Continuing to struggle.) — Cannot I sleep, or starve as I like ? I'll blow up the prison. I'll massacre the jailor. I'll do worse — I'll let the law loose on you — Villains. Jail. Poh ! Master Torrento, you need not be in such a passion. You used to have no objection to good company — ha, ha, ha! He has been moulting his feathers a little last night. [To the Hussars. Tor. Company— : Banditti ! Who are those fel- lows ? Are they all hangmen ? [Looking at the Hussars. Maj. A mighty handsome idea, by the glory of the Twentieth. [Laughing. Col. Sirrah! you must see that we are officers. Take care. Tor. Officers!— aye, sheriff's Officers. Honest housekeepers, with very rascally countenances. Cor. Muffs and meerschaums J — Very impudently conjectured. jSc.2.. A COMEDY. 39 Tor. Well then, parish Officers! Hunters of brats, beggars, and light bread. Maj. {Laughing.)— Another guess for your life. Col. Insolence ! Sirrah, we are in His Majesty's service. Tor. Oh ! I understand — Custom-house Officers. Tubs, tobacco, and thermometers. [They murmur. Cor. Cut off the scoundrel's head ! [Half drawing his sabre. Tor. I knew it; ardent spirits, every soul of them — seizers. Maj. Ccesars ! Well done. This is our man— (To the Hussars.) — I like him ; — the freshest rascal ! Tor. Jailor, I will not be disturbed for any man. Why am I brought out before these,— fellows in livery? This gaol is my house ; my freehold ; my goods and chattels. My very straw 's my own ; untouchable, but by myself— and the rats. Maj. Here 's a freeholder ! Col. With a vote for the galleys. Tor. {Turning to the Prisoners, harangues bur- lesquely.) — Gentlemen of the jail — [Prisoners cheer. Col. A decided speech ! Cor. Out of the orator's way ! Muffs and meer- schaums ! [The Prisoners lift Toruento on a bench, laughing and clamouring. Tor. {Haranguing.) — Are we to suffer ourselves 40 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 2. to be molested in our domestic circle ; in the love- liness of our private lives ; in our otium cum dignitate? Gentlemen of the jail! (Chee?ing.) — Is not our residence here for our country's goodl (Cheering.') — Would it not be well for the country if ten times as many, that hold their heads high, outside these walls, were now inside them? — (Cheering.) — I scorn to appeal to your passions ; but shall we suffer our honourable straw, our venerable bread and water, our virtuous slumbers, and our useful days, to be invaded, crushed, and calcitrated, by the iron boot-heel of arrogance and audacity? (Cheering.) — No! freedom is like the air we breathe, without it we die ! — No ! every man's cell is his castle. By the law, we live here ; and should not all that live by the law, die by the law? — Now, gentlemen, a general cheer! here's Liberty, Property, and Purity of principle ! Gentlemen of the jail ! — [They carry him round the hall. Loud cheering. Jail. Out with ye, ye dogs ! No rioting ! Turn- keys (Calls.) — The black hole, and double irons. [He drives them off, and follows them. Cor. A dungeon-Demosthenes ! Muffs and meerschaums. Maj. A regular field preacher, on my con- science. Col. (To Tor.) — So then, we must not fix our head-quarters here. JSc. % A COMEDY. 41 Tor. Confound me if I care, if your head- quarters and all your other quarters were fixed here. Col. No insolence. Sir. What are you ? Tor. A gentleman. \Haughtily. Cor. Psha ! every body 's a gentleman now. Col. Aye, that accounts for the vices of the age. Tor. A gentleman, Sir, by the old title of liking pleasure more than trouble ; play more than money ; love more than marriage ; fighting more than either ; and any thing more than the unparal- leled impudence of your questions. Maj. Sirrah ! do you mean this to me ? I'll — ■ Tor. Aye, Sirrah, and to every honourable per- son present. I never drink a health without send- ing the toast round. In matters of contempt, I make it a point of honour to be impartial. . Col. {To Tor.)— Be quiet, fellow. {To the Major.)- — Are you hit, Major ? ha ! ha ! ha ! We have a service for you. [To Torrento. Cor. On the staff, 'pon honour. Tor. A constable. [Contemptuously. . Col. A constable of France, if you like. You shall be major, colonel, or general, just as you please. You shall have a week's liberty, and ^.yq hundred crowns for your campaign. Tor. A general! What high-road am I to in- vade ? Look ye, Sirs, I am a soldier : unlucky a little, I own. — I am here for running a puppy 42 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act*. through the lungs, who insulted me. {Looking at the Cornet.) But whatever comes .of that affair, I will do nothing further to disgrace my cloth. Cor. Considering present appearances, it would be superlatively difficult. Maj. To retrieve your character, you must turn your coat, my dear. Tor. To your business, to your business ; whose throat am I — Maj. You must marry a prodigiously fine wo- man ; young, and so forth. Cor. Lead to " The Hymeneal Altar." " Happy man, blushing bride," and so forth. Col. Rich besides — -worth a plum. Cor. The Grocer! — Worth a great many, I dare say. [Aside. Tor. Is that the affair? Good night to you, gentlemen. {Going.) I have reasons against it. I am better engaged. Marry! — when I can be hanged any time I like. If it were in England, indeed, I could put a rope round her neck— - Cor. To extinguish — Eh — Tor. What ! in a commercial country. — -No, no. -^-Sell her, make a quiet house, and five shillings into the bargain. Glorious triumph of reason! Cor. A new idea, 'pon honour. A prodigious reconciler to matrimony. England; ah! do I mistake ? — the Country, where they make the bank paper and bad port. m.4) A COMEDY. 43 Tor. Aye, mermaids and members of parliament. Cor. Borrow our style of costume. [Surveying his figure. Maj. Borrow !-- 1 wish we could borrow their style of fighting. Lorenzo comes in. Col. Lorenzo at last ! Lor. I beg pardon, — I have been detained by — important business. Maj. Poh ! we understand. Examining whe- ther Old Ventoso's premises are as accessible to you as to the rest of the world. Your wife's to be looked for there, my hero. [To Tor. Tor. Old Ventoso's ! A capital expedient to see Leonora. (Aside. y — How much did you say ? (To the Major.) — I will reconnoitre the lady. Lor. You shall have five hundred crowns ! Maj. The Governor will take my word for your re-appearance, and I shall rely upon yours—with proper attendance. [Aside. Tor. Undoubtedly. I shall be tired of the world ; that is, of fools and fresh air, in half the time. (But if you catch me here again) — [Aside. . Lor. (To the Hussars.) — Can we trust this fel- low? — Who are you ? [To Torre nto. Tor. By St. Agatha, I don't know. I may be the son of a king or a cobbler, for any thing I can 44 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act% tell. I am at this hour without purse, profession, or prospect. A sort of half-pay animal on the muster-roll of human nature. Cor. How did the dog escape suspension so long? Lor. No equivocation, Sir. You have served ? Was it in the Sicilian ? Tor. Yes, in every service in its turn. I smoked my first campaign in Algiers ; fiddled my second in Italy ; quadrilled my third in France ; and diced, drank, boxed and billiarded my fourth in England ; and to this hour I cannot tell in which of them all — Impudence is the best talent — a Lie the most current coin — or Canting the most in fashion. Lor. I cannot think of this insult, with common calmness. Victoria, Victoria! (He takes out a Miniatured) — Was this a face for treachery ? [The Major takes it. Maj: A fine creature. She might make me treacherous any day in the week. Lor. (Agitated.) — I cannot talk of this. I sub- mit all to your disposal ; but let her be treated gently. She has made life hateful to me ! — I am ashamed of this weakness — .The pride of her up- start family cannot be too severely punished. (To Torrento.) — Offer her but the slightest insult, and I will hunt you through the world. — Would I were in my grave. Oh Victoria ! Victoria ! [He rushes out. Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 45 Tor. Gentlemen, there is no time to be lost. My toilette — my toilette ! Cor. The fellow shall have my whole war-esta- blishment. My parade moustaches, my velvet boots, my embroidered toothpicks — Tor. But my stud, my team, gentlemen. A swindler 's nothing unless he drives four in hand. Col. True, true ! Major, you can lend him your bays for a day or two. Cor. Bays ! much more easily lent than one's laurels, Major. [Laughing. Maj. What, Sir? (The Colonel pacifies him.) — I will lend him a sabre as long as the Straits of Gibraltar, and a meerschaum that smokes like Mount Etna ; — a devilish deal more smoke than fire — like a young soldier, Cornet, my dear. (The Cornet turns away angrily, the Colonel pacifies him.) Col. He shalLhave my last uniform. Tor. No, Colonel ; my morals and my wardrobe may have sat light enough upon me, but they shall both sit lighter, before I take up the abandoned habits of the Hussars. I must have carte-blanche for a hotel, an equipage — a wardrobe— or here I stay. Col. Carte-blanche ! The fellow will make us bankrupt. He'll break the regiment. Tor. Break the regiment ? No ! — I don't aspire to be a national benefactor. 4<5 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 2. Maj. Bravo ! your scheme ? Tor. The whole affair needs not cost you a sequin. It can be done on credit. Why, if it were not done on credit, nobody would take me for a man of fashion. — When the cash is called for, you have only to follow the most approved examples ; take the benefit — of those walls, and,— sponge. Maj. How the devil did he get his knowledge of first principles ? Cor. The haut-ton to a hair. — How rapidly the rascal fashionizes ! — You can give him the lady's picture, Major. It will be his commission. Maj. Undoubtedly — when he is ready to start. But what title shall we give our commissioner ? Cor. Let me see, — Duke of Mont6-Pulciano, Sauterne, Cote* roti, or Vin de grave. Tor. No, no. Those are " familiar as household names ; " they are in every body's mouth. Maj. I have it. — There 's the old Prince de Pin- demonte, that all Naples was talking about a year or two ago. He has been roving Europe for some stray son of his. You have no objection to be the heir ? [To Torre nto. Tor. The heir? I'll be the Prince himself, or nothing. Prince de Pindemonte ! the very title for me. Brilliant — irresistible ! My principality is settled. I'll be a model to the blood ! [Parading about. Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 4? Col. I see a difficulty in this : suppose the Prince should hear of this assumption of his name? Cor. Or the son, by accident, know his own father? . [Laughing. Maj. Poh, poh!— -the most unlikely thing pos- sible in this country. Besides, after all, what is it but a 7iominal injury, my dear? Col. Well, Major, to our quarters, and let us give this diplomatist his final instructions. Maj, (Calls.) — A word, Signior Jeronimo. [ The Major converses with him. Jail. You will be responsible, Major ?— A week ! You may be wanted, you know, (to Torre nto) by that time. Good night, your honours. (Sure to see them again, some time or other. — Ha, ha !) (Aside.) [Exit. Maj. (to Torrento) Forwards. Come, Cupid. Cor. Cupid, ha! ha! ha! Follow us.. [To Torrento. Tor. (Pushing forwards.) — Follow ? Do you know to whom you speak ? Follow me ; Hussars, fol- low the Prince de Pindemonte. Cor. The Prince ! — Muffs and meerschaums ! [Exeunt, laughing. End of Second Act. 48 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : ACT III. SCENE I. An Apartment, with a Balcony. Victoria alone. Farewell ! I've broke my chain at last ! I stand upon life's fatal shore ! The bitterness of death is past, Nor love nor scorn can wring me more. I lov'd, how deeply lov'd ! Oh, Heaven ! To thee, to thee the pang is known ; Yet, traitor ! be thy crime forgiven, Mine be the shame, the grief alone ! The maddening hour when first we met, The glance, the smile, the vow you gave : The last wild moment haunt me yet ; I feel they'll haunt me to my grave ! — Down, wayward heart, no longer heave ; Thou idle tear, no longer flow ; And may that Heav'n he dar'd deceive, Forgive, as I forgive him now. Too lovely, oh, too lov'd, farewell! Though parting rends my bosom strings, This hour we part ! — The grave shall tell The thought that to my spirit clings. Thou pain, above all other pain I Thou joy, all other joys above ! Again, again I feel thy chain, And die thy weeping martyr — Love. (/Sfte walks in agitation?) Vic. Oh ! what decaying, feeble, fickle things Are lovers' oaths ! There 's not a light in heaven But he has sworn by ; not a wandering air, Sc.l. A COMEDY. 49 But he has loaded with his burning vows, To love me, serve me, through all sorrows, scorns ; Aye, though I trampled him : and yet one word, Spoke, too, in maiden duty, casts him off, Like a loos'd falcon ! No ! he never loved. Leonora enters with vivacity. Shte calls, entering. Leon. Victoria! sister! there 'is a sight abroad — {She looks in her face with surprise.) What, weeping 1 Vic. (Embarrassed.)— Girl, 'tis nothing — Chance — 'tis done. Leon. (Looking at her anxiously.) — Nothing, sweet sister ! here are heavy signs Of a pained spirit ; sighs upon your lips, Blushes, that die away like summer-hues On the cropt rose ; and here's a heaving heart, The very beat of woe ! (She presses her hand upon Victoria's side.) [A distant flourish of Horns is heard. Vic. (Listening in surprise.) — What sounds are those ? Leon. I flew to tell you, there's a sight i' th' Square, Worth all the faithless lovers in the world ! Vic. Let 's rail at love. [Musing. Leon. (Laughing.) — Aye, a whole summer's day. Vic. (Earnestly.) — Love is the lightest folly of the earth ; An infant's toy, that reason throws away ; > v * A dream, that quits our eyelids with a touch ; H 50 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3. A music, dying as it leaves the lip ; A morning cloud, dissolv'd before the sun ; Love is the very echo of weak hearts ; The louder for their emptiness ; a shade, A colour of the rainbow ; — vanity ! Leon. (Laughing, half aside.) — She will forswear the world. \_A flourish of distant Music. Ven. (Outside, calling.) — Marcello — Pedro — ■ Vic. (Stai^tled.) — My father's voice — 'tis angry — Leon. Here 's a shade, We can escape. [The]/ go behind the screen. Ventoso comes in, agitated. Ven. More plagues for me ; they'll have my life at last. (Calls) — Pisanio ! Fabian ! Pestilence on your tribe ; Would I were rid of you. A Noble's life ! What is it, after all, but gall and gout, Clamour for quiet, etiquette for ease, Watching for sleep, for comfort drudgery ? To feed a liveried rabble at your cost, That rob you to your face ! — Pisanio, ho ! [Calls. The slaves are deaf or drunk. (He listens, then walks again.) . To waste the night, That Nature made for sleep, in routs and balls ! To stuff your wives and daughters' heads with whims, Sc. 1. A COMEDY. 51 That bring lean beggary within the house ! I'll fling it off at once ; sell all, burn all, I'll fly to Abyssinia — to the world's end, Before the moon is old. Vic. {Coming from behind the screen?) 'Tis some new trouble, we must quiet him. What has displeased you, Sir ? [To Ventoso, as she advances with Leonora. Ven. (Pointing to the balcony,) — Look there — look there — The road is full of soldiers, coming straight — Leon. Where, my dear father % [She runs to the window. Ven. Where, but to this house ? Where else can any mischief light on earth ? I '11 welcome them. (Calls?) Marcello, load the arms ! I will have cannon planted at my gate. Those are Lorenzo's rogues. Vic. Lorenzo's ? No ! {He has forgotten us — for ever.) [Aside. (A flourish of Music. — Leonora at the window.) Leon. Here comes the loveliest pageant ! all the porch Is fill'd with horsemen, capp'd and cloak'd in gold. Now they dismount. Ven. (Hurrying out) — Unheard of villany ! [He is met by the Countess, who stops him at the doorJ] What rabble's this? 52 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3. [The Countess enters, holding up a large Letter, wrapped in silk. She urges Ventoso back. Vic- toria and Leonora come round her.] Countess. (Haughtily, and smiling.) What rabble ? You are wise, And all the world are fools ! This letter, Count, Comes from — Ven. (Angrily.) — From Lucifer ! Coun. Aye, rack your brains ; I'm but a simple woman, have no head, No eyes, no ears ; the world would run astray But for the men, those great philosophers ! Vic. Dear mother, is 't good news ? Leon. Some noble fete ? Coun. Count, read this name. [She holds the letter. Ven. (Reads.) — " The Prince de Pindemonte." Leon. (Aside.) — Charming title. Ven. (Pondering?) I think I've heard the name. He wants to borrow money, like them all ! Coun. (In contemptuous exultation?) When /shut out that captain, that buff -belt, That low-blooded strappado, that half -pay, The world must go to wreck. My Lady there [To Victoria. Forswore her meals, and march' d in tears to bed. And you, you wisehead, second Solomon — (Ventoso trying to escape, she stands in his way.) Ven. Let me go down ! What clamour's in the house ? Sc. I. A COMEDY. 53 Coun. You'd have it, that we must be all undone, — A bye-word ! — not a husband would be found In Sicily for one of us ! Look here, Here is the letter ; the despatch ; the prize ! {They gather rownd to look over it ; she repels them.) Keep off your hands, no soul shall read a line ; I have perus'd it ; 'tis a prodigy ! [She reads. " His Highness the Prince de Pindemonte, Duke of Tofano, Count of Venditta." (And twenty other names besides.) {Reads.) " To the Count Ventoso, these. Having heard of the rare beauty of the Signorayour daughter; we are dis- posed to honour your house with the alliance of our illustrious family. We shall, therefore, in pursuance of this our princely inclination, go to your Palazza this evening ; and, having approved of your daughter, shall forthwith marry her." Signed— — " Pindemonte," et caetera, et caetera, et ceetera. Vic. Most sovereign insolence ! Send his letter back. Leon. This is bold wooing, sister ? Yen. There 's no talk Of dower, of borrowing money, — let me see — [He takes the Letter. 9 Tis writ like a grandee. Coun. The finest thing I ever read. Saints ! how it smells of musk ! 'Tis true court-language, birth iu every line ; 54 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3' He is my son-in-law. Now, listen all : (To Leon.) You to your chamber, till you're sent for, child. Vic. I shall go with her. Court. Yes ; to get your pearls, Your silks, your laces. Leon. (Laughing.) Must /have no chance? Court. Wise mothers all push off the elder first, Else she may hang upon their hands for life. (To Vic.) Curl those wild locks. Heaven help me, here 's a head ! [Looking at Victoria. (To Ven.) I'll give the answer to the Page myself. Blushing, forsooth ! that colour 's out of date, Unknown among grandees. Look sallow, girl ! The men are all for sentiment this week. Ven. (Meditating.) — My mind misgives me ; 'tis a word of rogues ; I'll sift this Page's brains. [Going, he returns. Yet, mark me, wife : No wasteful fooleries ; no banquettings ; No feedings of this most illustrious — fool, Who flings his pearl of liberty away. I will have no carouse. [He goes toward the door. Coun. We 11 try that point. (Half aside.) (She rings. Servants come in.) Where are your brother knaves ? Let all come up ; I 'U have a fete to night. Take out the bowls ; Sc. 1. A COMEDY. 55 The silver gilt ; we 11 sup in the purple room : 111 show his Highness plate. Fabricio, fly And hire the opera singers — (Ventoso, returning in great agitation,) Yen. Have I ears ? (Victoria and Leonora approach him soothingly.) Vic. Shall we attend you 5 Sir ? Leon. Be pacified. Yen. Stay with that mad woman ! The world 's gone mad ! Princes and fetes in old Ventoso's house ? Ill die not worth a ducat. Plague on plague ! [He rushes out. The Countess following him, Coun. Let him rave on. His wife will manage him. \_She goes out, Vic. and Leonora advance, conversing. Vic, Who is this Prince ? Leon. Be sure the man is young, Handsome, and rich, who has so wise a taste. Lorenzo too will suffer, 'tis revenge. Vic, {Indignantly,) — 'Twill be a deep revenge ! It shall be done. 1 11 wed this Prince, were he the lowest slave That ever bronzed beneath a Moorish sun. Pisanio enters, Pisan. My lady waits your presence — • Leon. (To Victoria.) For the fete I 56 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3. Revenge ! if there is wit in woman. [To Victoria. (She points to the window.) Look ! The bridal star is lighted. Vic. (Dejectedly.) Tis a lamp Lit in a sepulchre. They sing.— Trio. — (Spanish.) Tell us, thou glorious Star of eve ! What sees thine eye ? Wherever human hearts can heave, Man's misery ! Life, but a lengthened chain ; Youth, weary, wild and vain ; Age on a bed of pain, Longing to die ! Yet there 's a rest ! Where earthly agonies Awake no sighs In the cold breast* Tell us, thou glorious Star of eve ! Sees not thine eye Some spot, where hearts no longer heave, In thine own sky ? Where all Life's wrongs are o'er, Where Anguish weeps no more, Where injur'd Spirits soar, Never to die ! [Exeunt. A COMEDY. 57 SCENE II. A chamber in Lorenzo's quarters, with a viranda opening on the sea. Evening. A Servant wait- ing. Lorenzo searching among some papers at a table. Lor. Victoria's picture lost ! — Yet how 'twas lost, Barries all thought ; — 'twas lodged upon my heart, Where it lay ever, my companion sweet, Feeding my melancholy with the looks, Whereon once lived my love. (To the Attendant?) Go, boy ; take horse, And hurry back that loiterer. \_Musing, and looking at the casement. How lovely thro' those vapours soars the moon ! Like a pale spirit, casting off the shroud As it ascends to Heaven ! (He rises, and goes to the casement.) Woman's all false. Victoria ! at this hour what solemn vows, What deathless contracts, lovely hopes, rich dreams, Were uttered in the presence of the moon ! Why, there was not a hill- top round the Bay, But in our thoughts was made a monument, Inscribed with gentle memories of Love ! Upon yon mount our cottage should be built, i 5S PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3 Unmatched since Paradise ;— upon the next, A beacon should be raised, to light me home From the Morocco wars ; the third should bear The marble beauty of the patron saint, That watch-d me in the field — ■ Enter Spado. Return' d at last ? Have you brought back the picture f Where was't found? Or give it without words. Spa. IVe ranged the city, Ransacked the jewel mart, proclaimed the loss, With offer of reward, throughout the streets, Yet still it is unfound. Lor. (Agitated.) — I'll not believe it. You have played truant ! 'tis not three days, since I sav'd you from the chain. Spa. I know it well. Signior Torrento, with whom I had — starved, Left me to rob, or perish in the streets. Lor. I'll make the search myself; bring me my cloak. Spa. (Going, returns.) — There are grand doings in the square to-night ; The Villa is lit up. Lor. (In wrpiise.) — The Count Ventoso's ! Spa. From ground to roof, the walls are in a flame Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 59 With lamps, and burning torches ; blazoned shields Fill all the casements, from which chaplets hang, And bridal banners ; [Lorenzo in agitation. Then, the companies Of city music, in their gay chaloupes, Play on the waters ; all the square is thick With gazing citizens. Lor. (Musing.)— Ventoso's house ? Spa. I wish 't were burnt ; there never came a night, This bitter week, but found at me its gate, Shiv'ring, and singing with my gay Signior. Lor. Torrento ! [In surprise. Spa. Nay, I saw the lady come, Ready to make a love march. Lor. Falsehood ! Spa. (Bowing.) Truth! Lor. She could not sink so deep. [Aside. (To Spado.) When was this seen? Spa. Twelve hours before you hired me. Lor. (Agitated.) 'Twas the day, — The very day I landed. Woman, woman! This was your fainting ; this the seci'et shame, That chok'd your voice, filled your sunk eyes with tears, Made your cheek burn, then, take death's sudden hue; 60 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3. This was the guilty memory, that shook Your frame at sight of me. (To Spado.) What did you hear ? Spa. Nothing! but that some luckless, loving dog, Some beggar suitor, some old hanger-on, Was just kick'd out amid the general laugh. Lor. Insult and infamy ! For what ? for whom ? [Half aside. Spa. For a Magnifico — a Don of dons. A Prince — sups there to-night. Lor. (Musi?ig.) And for that knave, That prison-prince, was all their jubilee ? So much the better ! When the mask 's torn off, 'Twill make surprise the sharper-; Shame, more shame ; The rabble's laugh strike with a louder roar Into their startled ears — (7b Spado.) Some paper, Sir. {Musing.) That slave shall marry her ! They run to the net Faster than scorn could drive them. Let them run. [He writes, reading at intervals. " I have abandoned," — " Marry her," — ie Five hundred crowns more " [He rises. This — Signior Desperado, shall revenge me ; I'll make them all a sport, a common tale ! {He folds the letter, addresses it, and reads?) " To His Highness, the Prince de Pindemonte." A sounding title, made to win the sex ; Sc.% A COMEDY. 61 Fit bait for vanity. (To Spado.) Take this with speed To his palazza ; if the Prince be gone, Follow to Count Ventoso's. (He drops his head on the tabled — Oh, Victoria ! Spado. (Takes the letter, peeps into it.)—" Five hun- dred crowns." — A draft on His Highness, no doubt. I'll draw a draught on him, too — a draught on his cellar. When the high contracting parties deal in loans, the ambassadors have a right to their per centage. [Exit. {Music heard outside, — approaching.) Septett. — (French.) Joy to Ventoso's halls ! Eve on the waters falls, Crimson and calm. Stars are awake on high, Winds in sweet slumber lie, Dew-dipt, the blossoms sigh, All breathing balm. Come, gallant masquers ! all, Come to our festival, Deck'd in your pride. Beauty and birth are there, Joy to the lovely Pair ! May time and sorrow spare Bridegroom and Bride ! Lor. What words are those ? " Joy to Ventoso's halls ;" And I, who should have been the foremost there, 62 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 3. Must be an exile ! (Disturbed.) Married! — and to- night ! — Tis but the song of the streets ! (Indignant!]/.) — Have they not scorned me, — - broken bond and oath ; Taunted my birth !— 'Tis justice.-— Let them feel ! (Musing.) — I may be noble ! Paulo's dying words Had mystery in them — (A distant sound of the Chorus is heard.) (He starts.) How will Victoria bear The sudden shames, the scorns, the miseries, Of this wild wedlock ; the companionship Of the rude brawlers, gamblers, and loose knaves, That then must make her world ? (Dejectedly.) Her heart will break, And she will perish ; and my black revenge Will thus have laid her beauty in the grave. (Rising suddenly.) — He shall not marry her. (Calls.) — Is Spado there ? [The Chorus is heard more distantly. A Servant enters. Serv. Signior, he 's gone ! He left the house on Lor. My letter ! 'twill ruin all ! [the spur. (Calls.) Bring me my horse. I will unmask the plot of my revenge ; And having saved her, sever the last link That binds me to the world. [He rushes out, the Chorus passing aivay. End of Third Act. A COMEDY. 63 ACT IV. SCENE I. Ventoso's House. A handsome apartment; a beaufet with plate; a showy chair in the centre. Servants are arranging the room, Leonora glides in. Leon. Grand preparations! All the dancers come! Oh, were Torrento here ! but he is lost ! The merriest fellow that e'er woke the night With the sweet music of a lover's vows. (A low Symphony of Horns is heard without, which continues till the Song.) Oh, silver sounds ! whence are ye ? From the thrones, That spirits make of the empurpled clouds, Or from the sparkling waters, or the hills, Upon whose leafy brows the evening star Lies like a diadem ! O, silver sounds ! Breathe round me till love's mother, slow-paced Night, Hears your deep summons in her shadowy cell. 64 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 4. Air. — (Spanish.) Oh ! sweet 'tis to wander beside the hush'd wave, When the breezes in twilight their pale pinions lave, And Echo repeats, from the depths of her cave, The song of the shepherds' returning ! And sweet 'tis to sit, where the vintage festoon, my love, Lets in, like snow-flakes, the light of the moon, my love ; And to the castanet Twjinkle the merry feet, . . And beauty's dark eyes are burning, my love. But sweeter the hour, when the star hides its gleam, And the moon in the waters has bath'd her white beam, And the world and its woes are as still as a dream ; For then, joy the midnight is winging: Then, comes to my window the sound of thy lute, my love, Come tender tales, when its thrillings are mute, my love : Oh, never morning smil'd On visions bright and wild, Such as that dark hour is bringing, my love ! The Countess enters, followed by Bernardo, with plate. Coun. Bernado, set those cups on the beaufet, These tankards in the middle. (She gazes.) There's a sight. Where are the covers ? What 's the man about? Must I do all the work with my own hands ? (To another.) — Bring out the bowl ! Heaven knows for what you're fed. Bring out, I say, my mother's christening bowl. (Saints rest the time, I seldom left it dry.) - - Softly, Sir, Sc. h A COMEDY. 65 China 's not iron. Blockhead ! by my life, • I wish the world were peopled without men ! (This night will kill me.) (To another.)— Where 's your master, knave ? Ven. — (Entering exultingly.} Here, Countess ! I have news for you, — the Prince ! He 's the true Phoenix ! — I have heard of him Through all the 'Change, — a bird of Paradise ! A man of gold and silver ! a true mine ! Lord of Calabria ! I shall be a duke ! Why, he could buy the bank of Venice ; sleep Bedded on ingots ; play at dice with gems, Common as counters. — Prince de Pindemonte, Next to the Italian throne ! Coun. Thanks to the stars, Most glorious news ! I dream'd of it last night ; Saw golden showers, proud dames and cavaliers, All silk and diamonds. Ven. Signior Stefano Well knows the name. I thought to tell you, love, This new acquaintance asked himself to-night ; We must endure him ; he 's a gentleman, Landed to-day from Naples, with a bond, A debt of our late kinsman's, whose discharge Would swallow half the estate. Coun. I've done with trade. I'll have no fellows, black as their own bales, To meet my son-in-law. [Flourish of music. The Prince arrived ! K 66 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act A. You must receive his Highness with a speech ; Lay on the flattery thick ; trumpet his name ; Your great men have great ears. Ven. (In alarm, and receding.) — I make a speech! I'd take a tiger by the beard as soon. Youll entertain his Highness. I have aches, — The night air 's bad for agues. I'm asleep : Cannot I steal away ? I hate grandees ! I've had them on my books. [He implores. Coun* Here you must stay. (To a Servant.) — Call in the singers. Enter Singers. She ranges them. Now, as his Highness enters, sing the stave You sang for the King's entry. Sing it out ; I'll have no whisperings for my money. \_She throws herself into a chair. (Flourish of Clarionets and Horns outside.) "His Highness the Prince dePindemontS " is announced by successive Servants, outside. Bern. (Entering, announces) — His Highness the Prince de Pindemonte. (The Septett begins, and, at the second verse, a train of Valets, richly dressed, enter, Torre nto, magnificently costumed, fol- lows, and flings himself into the chair ; the Valets ranging themselves behind.) fib. 1. A COMEDY. 67 Septett and Chorus. Hail ! to proud Palermo's city, Fam'd for all that 's rich and rare ; Fam'd for women, wise, yet pretty — Miracles— as women are. Fam'd for churches, without slumber ; Fam'd for statesmen above sale; Fam'd for judges, no law lumber ; To the world's ninth wonder, hail ! Prince, to proud Palermo, hail ! (Torrento, reclining himself indolently .) Tor. Bravo ! bravissimo, superb.' — Begone ! I'm weary of you. [ The Singers retire. {Looking round.) — Showy pictures,, plate, Tapestry. — 'Twill do. [Aside. {To Bernardo.) — Pray, fellow, who are those, Bowing beside me ? (To an Attendant?) — Carlo, bring my musk. Coan. {To Ventoso.) — Address the Prince — [Aside. Yen. {In alarm?) — Not I, for all the world ! Coun. Stand forth, my Lord. — The Count Ven- toso, Prince. [Ventoso attempts to speak, Torre nto surveys him. Yen. Most mighty ! most magnificent ! [He stops in embarrassment, repeats his words, and stops again. 68 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A PALL: Act 4. Coun. The man 's tongue-tied ! (To Ventoso.) — /will address his Highness. [Aside* (She addresses Torrento.) Most noble, puissant, and illustrious Prince^ Whose virtues, dignities, and ancient birth, This day both honour and eclipse our house. Yen. Eclipse our house ! [Attempting to harangue. Tor. (Half aside.) Rival orators ! ( With hauteur.) Honour ! This moment there are ten grandees Waiting, with each an heiress in his hand ; I leave them to despair. The Emperor Offered me three archduchesses at once, With provinces for portions. — I declined. Yen. (Haranguing.) — This day eclipse our house ! Coun. A Grand Signior ! Torr. Aye, there V my whisker d friend, the Ottoman, A brilliant spirit, spite of Mahomet, The finest judge in Europe of champagne — He would have given his haram, wife and all. Yen. His wife ! — a wise old Turk. [Aside, laughing. Torr. (Impatiently.) — Where is the bride ? Coun. She waits your Highness' bidding. Yen. (To the Countess.) Listen, wife; No tyranny. She must not be compelled. [Aside. Sc. 1. A COMEDY. 69 Coun. (To Ventoso aside, angrily.)— Hold your wise tongue — if she 's a child of mine, I 'd make her wed a hippopotamus. [Exit. Yen. A hippopotamus ! (Laughing.) — 'Twixt son and wife I might turn showman. Tor. (Advances towards a picture.) A noble picture, Count — a Tintoret ? Ven. Some martyrdom, or marriage — (all the same.) [Aside. But Prince, — my Titian,— -worth its weight in gold. [Pointing to a picture. Bernardo. (Announces) — The Signior Stefano. [He enters haughtily. Ste. So, Count, your servant ! Use no ceremony. A showy house. — Those brawling citizens Have blocked your gates. I fought my way ; — 'tis hot ; Here, lacquey, take my cloak. [Sits Now, where 's your son-in-law. [To Ventoso. Ven. (In alarm.) His Highness' chair ! St. Anthony! — He'll see you. — Tis the Prince. [Pointing. Rise, honest friend ! Would yoube sent to the galleys ? Here 's my wife — Rise, if you'd keep your ears — She'll talk to you. (This is the wildest fellow of them all.) [Aside. The Countess ! Signior. 70 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4. Coun. {Leading in Victoria, veiled.) — Prince de Pindemonte, This is the hand too honour'd— Ste. Pindemonte' ! (A bold usurper.) (Aside.) Bid him turn his face. [To Ventoso, anxiously, Tor. 'Tis Leonora ! I must talk her dumb, Or else Torrento's name is on her lips, And so my Princedom 's vanished. [Aside. (Affectedly, as Victoria approaches.) 'Tis an enchanted vision ! Ha ! she comes — There 's music in her motion. All the air Dances around her. Venus ! There 's a foot, So light and delicate, that it should tread Only on flowers, which, amorous of its touch, Should sigh their souls out, proud of such sweet death. So glides upon her clouds the queen of Love ! So sovereign Juno won the heart of Jove. Ste. (Aside.) — A high-flown wooer! Now, — that face ! Oh, Heaven, i There 's no similitude ! Deceived — deceived — No touch of the voice, no glance ! I'll try him deep, Ere I have done with him. Tor. (To Victoria.) Transcendent one ! — The countenance that would befit this shape, Must be a miracle. • Nay, envious veil ! [He lifts the veil, and stands surprised Sc. h A COMEDY. 71 Coun. He 's struck at once ! [Aside to Count. Ven. Countess, I'll be a Duke ! Ste. As sure as he 's a prince (old Vanity.) [Aside. Tor. A paragon of beauty ! and alone ? [To the Has she no sister- witchery ? Countess. Coun. None— none — ■ Fit to be looked at — Ven. But a girl, a child, : Still at her sampler. Here 's the heiress. Prince ! Tor. Then 'twas some cunning witch of Sicily, Some chamberer, that winds her mistress' silk, A bright-eyed gipsy with a silver tongue, That won my serenades. [Aside— He takes a miniature from his bosom, and gazes on it. Tis beautiful! A ruby lip, a cheek carnation-dyed. A deep, love-darting eye ! The recreant slave ! He should have treasur'd it, as monks their beads, A thing to pray by. Vic. ('Tis my miniature, Given to Lorenzo !) {Aside, anxiously.) — Was it lost by chance ? [To Torrento. Tor. (Exultingly .) — Yes ; by such chance as hangs upon the die ! To me rich fortune ! for this crystal round, Like a bright lamp, first lit me to the shrine, Where I have turned— idolater. 72 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4 Vic. {Anxiously,) (His stake ! Lost among gamblers!) {Aside.) Let me look on't, Sir! (I'll drive him from my heart.) {Aside.) Has it a name? Tor. {Holds it playfully from her — Stefano ad- vances to him.) Ste. {Sternly) — Give her the picture ! What ! re- sist the wish Told in the glistening of a fair maid's eye ! When /was young, I should have ranged the earth, Plung'd in the billows of the angry sea, Defied the hungry desert, leap'd the moon ! Rather than see my lady's rosy lip Pale with soliciting. Give her the picture. (Stefano grasps it, and gives it to Victoria, who retires overwhelmed.) Vic. Lorenzo ! cruel, faithless Lorenzo ! [Exit. Tor. {Irritated) — Count, what buffoon is this ? the lady fled!— Taking my soul with her. Gonsalvo — ho ! Seize this old bravo — to the jail with him, The. deepest dungeon, (He may lodge in mine.) [Aside — Attendants approach. Coun. The deepest dungeon ! — Ven. Pardon, gracious Prince, He 's old, light-headed, is my guest to-night ; He knows your Highness well. Sc.l. A COMEDY. 73 Tor. (Betrayed, blown up.) [Aside* Know we? Impossible! Coun. He know the Prince ! Out with him, husband. Ste. (I will spare his shame.) [Aside. Lady, some mercy ! I am old, — and time, That makes such havoc in a lady's cheek, May cloud an old man's brains ; I had mistook Your Highness for a famous reprobate : 'Twas in Algiers ; — he wore the turban then ; A gambling, fighting, roving, spendthrift knave, Familiar with all jails. I'll lay my life, He 's deep this hour in knavery, plotting thick, To drain some dotard's purse, beguile some maid, Or lead some ancient idiots by the ears, As easily as asses. And his name, I think — 'twas called — Torrento ! [Looking on Tor. Tor. Still unhang'd ? Ste. His time will come, my Prince. Ven. (Aside to Countess.) Torrento ! Can he be living ? old Anselmo's son, The rightful heir, whose coming thrusts us out From title and estate ? Coun. (Aside, angrily, to Ventoso.) — I know he 's dead, — As deep as seas can drown him. Signior Stefano, Where is that varlet ? Tor. (Fixing his eye upon him.) — Not in Sicily.— L 74 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4, Ste. This sounds of Curiosity ; beware ! 'Twas woman's sin in paradise. Yen. And since — Coun. "Tis woman's privilege ; 'tis the salt of the earth. Tor. He must be bribed. I'll lead them from the scent ; I'll rhapsodize the fools. [Aside. Curiosity ! True, lady, by the roses on those lips, Both man and woman would find life a waste, But for the cunning of — Curiosity ! [runs, She 's the world's witch, and through the world she The merriest masquer underneath the moon ! To beauties, languid from the last night's rout, She comes with tresses loose, and shoulders wrapt In morning shawls ; and by their pillow sits, Telling delicious tales of- — lovers lost, Fair rivals jilted, scandals, smuggled lace, The hundredth Novel of the Great Unknown ! And then they smile, and rub their eyes, and yawn, And wonder what 's o'clock, then sink again ; And thus she sends the pretty fools to sleep. She comes to ancient dames,— and stiff as steel, In hood and stomacher, with snuff in hand, She makes their rigid muscles gay with news Of Doctors' Commons, matches broken off, Sc. 1. A COMEDY. ?5 Blue-stocking frailties, cards, and ratafia ; And thus she gives them prattle for the day. She sits by ancient politicians, bowed As if a hundred years were on her back ; Then peering through her spectacles, she reads A seeming journal, stuff' d with monstrous tales Of Turks and Tartars ; deep conspiracies, (Born in the writer's brain ;) of spots in the sun, Pregnant with fearful wars. And so they shake, ] And hope they'll find the world all safe by morn. And thus she makes the world, both young and old, Bow down to sovereign Curiosity ! Ste. The knave has spirit, fire, a cunning tongue ; Can it be he ? — and yet, that countenance. [Aside. Coun. Your Highness sups with us ? We have a dance ; A hurried thing. My daughter will return. She 's gone into the air — the night breeze stirs. You '11 honour us ? [Offering her hand. Tor. {Affectedly) — I'll follow you thro' earth — By Cupid's bow, by his empurpled wings, By all his arrows — quiver'd in those eyes. Coun. (He 's an angelic man !) [Aside. [He leads her towards the door. Yen. — (Offering his hand.) — Friend Stefano, There 's no ill blood ; be gay ; you '11 come with us — (Would he were in the dungeon — Renegade !) [Aside' 76 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4. Ste. (I'll see that girl. Truth, stain'd and scorn d by man, Makes woman's heart its temple.) (Aside.) To your dance ? — No — while there 's freshness in the open sky, Silence in night, fragrance in breathing flowers, Or music in the murmur of the waves ! — I'll walk in the garden. Leave me: — I'll come back By supper time. (Ill know the truth this night.) [Aside — he goes. Ven. (Looking after him, surprised.) There 's a proud step, the frown of a grandee ! Poh ! Ill be one next week ! Ill learn the step ! Ill give as fierce a frown — as cool a stare ; Look dignity with any duke alive. Ill strut with all the blood of Charlemagne ! [Imitating a stately gesture. Court. (Calling.) Count ! Must I stay here all night ? Tor. (Rapturously.) Countess — your slave ! What jewels would you choose to wear in church ? My noble father ; there 's a hunting lodge, A trifling thing of fifty thousand crowns, In my Calabrian woods. The toy is yours. If you have friends who wish for pension, place, Now is their time to ask. Give me your ear. [To * Ventoso. Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 77 /made the Minister. (Aside.) — Be what they will, Consuls, commissioners— east, west, north, south, /will provide for them. Lead on, my Lord ! [A Dance is heard within. Breathe sweet, ye flutes! Ye dancers, lightly move, For life is rapture, when 'tis crown'd by love ! [Ventoso leads. The Countess is handed by ToRREftTO, who moves round her to the music. SCENE II. A Saloon, decorated for a Fete, opening on the Gar- den, with a view of the Bay. Illuminated boats, fireworks 9 8§c. The Dance has begun. Towards its close, Torre nto, handing the Countess, with Ventoso leading the way, enters. Tor. Magnificent ! Incomparable ! Superior to my friend the grand Signior's fetes — to Naples — to the Tuileries — superb! But the goddess of the night ! Where is your lovely daughter ? Conn. She will be here by-and-bye. Seek for her, Bernardo. (A tumult is heard outside. The Dancers retire ) Coun. {Irritated.) — What can be the meaning of all this noise ? Street serenaders ! Voices prodi- giously high ! 78 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4. Tor. (Listening.) — But set in a prodigiously low key. A quarrel among the footmen. [The noise increases. Ven. They are breaking into the house. Worse and worse. [He harries to the door. Tor. (Listening.)— It 's more like breaking out of prison. A bravura of bar music, with a running accompaniment of chains — •" linked sweetness long drawn out." [Lorenzo's voice heard outside, through the clamour. Lor. The Count will see me. The Count shall see me. Out of my way, scoundrels— I will cut the throat of the first that stops me. [He bursts into the saloon, forcing the Attendants before him. Coun. The Captain ! — Insult. ") Ven. The Captain!— (Bloodshed.) [Aside. l^ e ' Tor. The Captain!— (Ruin.) [Aside.} ^ Enter Lorenzo. Lor. (Agitated.) — Count, I come to— (Sees Tor- rento.) — Oh ! you here, Sir.— Give me my letter this instant. Tor. What do you mean? — I have no letter. (What, in the name of confusion, brings you here ? — You '11 destroy your own scheme.) Aside. Lor. (All 's safe, then.) (Aside.) —Count, I make no apology. I have come to render you the most essential service ; — -to warn you, that you are on the brink of disgrace, — that your family are about Sc.<2. A COMEDY. 79 to be plunged into contempt, vexation and shame, — that this marriage is — a mockery ! and this Prince — an impostor ! Tor. (An explosion ! All 's over — I have nothing to do but to make a run for it. — The door crowded.) (Aside.) — Count, you can't believe this? You should know me better. Ven. Here 's a discovery ! An earthquake ! Is this possible? (To Torrento) — Why, he has not a word to say in his defence. No Prince! — Yet I thought I could not be mistaken, he was so monstrously impudent.— There was something in old Stefano's hints, after all. Know you better ! Sir, I don't choose to extend my acquaintance in your line at present. The world is full of im- postors ! Conn. Can I believe my eyes !— He seems mightily cast down. [Looking at Torrento. Ven. Aye — cast for transportation. Tor. (The girl 's worth fighting for. I'll battle it out.) (Aside.) (To Lorenzo.) — Sir, my insulted honour scorns to defend itself but by my sword. Dare you draw ? [He half draws his sword. Lor. (Bursting into a co?itemptuous laugh.) — ■ Draw ! and with you ! Go, draw corks. — The devil take his impudence ! Begone, Sir ! Coun. There will be suicide; I shall faint. Tor. Countess, I respect your delicacy. (Sheathes his sword.) You shall have proof irresistible of my 80 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 4. rank and honour. You, Sir, shall hear of me to- morrow. [To Lorenzo. Lor. Count and Countess, I congratulate you. This is true triumph ! Leave the house. His rank and honour, ha, ha ! He will not find a gentleman in the whole circuit of the island to vouch for his character, his property, or his title. (As Torrento retires, Spado totters in behind, drunk, holding up a letter.) Spa. A letter, my Lord Count. (The Attendants attempt to hold him.) Dog, would you stop royal correspondence? would you rob the mail? Is the Prince de Pindemonte here ? (Totters about.) Keeps mighty good wine in his Palazza. I'll drink his health any time in the twenty-four hours. A letter— for the — Prince de Pindemonte. . Lor. (Excla'vns.) — Spado ! {Rushes forward?) — That 's my letter, Sirrah. Tor. Spado! {Seizes the letter.) — That's my letter. Coun. Horribly inebriated. We shall come at the truth at last. Yen. I wish they were all three looking for it at the bottom of the deepest well in Sicily. [Aside. Tor. (Exultingly.) — Here, Count and Countess, is convincing proof ! his own letter, — for the fel- low can write, — addressed to me ! (Reads.) — " To his Highness the Prince de Pindemonte." Spa. (Tottering.) — You the Prince — ha, ha! a prince of good fellows ; always liked him. Worth Sc. t. A COMEDY. 81 a hundred dozen of that guitar-scraper, that sigh^ ing Cavaliero, that pays me my wages now, and be hanged to him. Oh ! my master ! [Sees Lorenzo, and runs out. (Torrento glances over the letter.) Tor. " Five hundred crowns more." — (Aside) Psha ! contemptible ! Lor. What devil owed me a grudge, when I wrote that letter. [Aside. Ven. I should like to see the inside of that paper, Sir. Tor. Bad policy, that. (Torrento shifts it away.) No, spare him. (In his ear.) Merely a begging letter : — " Pressure of the times — tax upon pipe- clay — -deficiency of shoes." Beginning, as usual, with sycophancy, and ending with supplication. Ven. (Peeping over his shoulder, reads.) — " Scoundrel ! " A very original compliment. I must see that letter. (He seizes it, and reads.) — " Scoun- drel ! " Nothing very sycophantic yet. Lor. (Attempting to obtain the letter.) — Count, I must insist. That letter is mine ; written for £he purpose of relieving you from all future trouble on this painful subject. Tor. Count, it is impossible. Private corres- pondence—seal of secrecy — tale of distress — ■ [Reaching at the letter. Ven. (Reads.)—" Scoundrel!"— M 82 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4. Tor. Confound it ! You have read that three times. Yen. {Reads.) — " I am determined to take no further interest in Count Ventoso's family." — Very proper : just what Count Ventoso wishes. Lor. There — there, read no more. That was my entire object. {Interposing.) Tear that letter. Yen. (Reads.) — " I have abandoned all personal respect for that pedigree of fools." Pho — - Coun. Fools ! A libel on the whole nobility. {Angrily. Tor. The Captain 's in a hopeful way. [Aside. Yen. (Reads.) — " No contempt can be too severe for the bloated vanity of the vulgar Mother ; "— [He laughs, aside. Coun. Excellent ! I like it extremely. Bloated ! So, Sir, this is your doing. (Going up to Lorenzo.) — Bloated vanity ! He deserves to be racked — bas- tinadoed. Husband, throw that letter into the fire ! Lor. Count, hear me ; hear reason. Will you be plundered and disgraced ? Will you have your family degraded, and your daughter duped ? Read no more of that unfortunate letter. Yen. I must have a line or two yet. (Reads.) — " Or the inanity of that meagre compound of title and trade, the — ridiculous Father." (Inviolent anger , going up to Lorenzo.) — Death and daggers, Sir ! Is this all you have to say ? What excuse? What Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 83 reason I Out of my house ! Inanity— meagre ! Out, out ! Go ! (He tears the letter.) Ill bring an action ! Title and trade ! There is the impostor. (Pointing to Lorenzo.) — -Out of the house ! I say. Coan. Out of the house ! Prince, let us leave him to himself. [She gives her hand to Torrento. Tor. His whole story is palpably a fable. (I think I have peppered the Hussar pretty handsomely. Beat him by the odd trick at last ; trumped the Captain's knave.) [Aside. [Leading off the Countess towards the door. Cowi. Come, if the Captain want amusement, let him laugh at himself. I can assure him the subject is inexhaustible. [Exit with Torrento. Yen. (Looking at Lorenzo.) — A fine figure for the picket or the pillory. Meagre inanity — Title and trade ! [Exit Count. Lor. (Looking after them, gloomily.) Now is my light extinguished ! Now the world To me is but a melancholy grave, Wherein my love lies buried. Life, farewell ! Stefano. (Speaking to an Attendant without, as he enters.) — Gone to the banquet ? — [He enters, and starts at seeing Lorenzo. Who are you? — Speak! — Let me but hear your voice — You are not native here. [He comes up to him. 84 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 4. Lor. {Sullenly.) — What wonderer 's this ? Out of my way, old man ! [Attempting to pass him. Ste The very voice ! The living likeness ! Hold, my heart ! One word — Your name? — Lor. (Fiercely.) 'Tis infamous ! Stef. Tis noble blood That fills your veins. [Gazing on him. Lor. ( With a bitter laugh.) — Mine — noble blood ! Begone ! Tempt me no further — for this hour, my mind Is feverish — bitter — thick with sullen thoughts, That touch on madness. Ste. I will go with you. Lor. Tho' 'twere into my grave ! — then follow me. [Lorenzo rushes out — Stefano gazing on him. End of Fourth Act. A COMEDY. 85 ACT V. SCENE I. The Mess Room. — Sabres, caps, 8$c. hung up. The Colonel, Major, and Cornet at Table, after dinner. Cor. The actual Prince de Pindemont6 arrived, and to be proclaimed Viceroy to night ! — We shall be broke, every soul of us; — excoriated of fur, lace and feather, for life; utterly nonentified ! Muffs and meerschaums. Col. This arrival is certainly most unexpected and unlucky. Is there any thing of the Prince in the evening paper, Major? Mqj. (Glancing over it) — Heads of columns, paragraphs, rank and file. {Reads.) " Marriage in " high life — Grand boxing match: Fashionable " boarding school — Capital man-traps : The co- " met — New tale of the Isle of Sky : Polar pas- " sage : voyage to the moon." Ha, ha ! not a syllable, Colonel. Col. One of the aides-de-camp has just taken the order for parade to Lorenzo's quarters. This love is a formidable thing, when it keeps a man from messing. The lady's picture is certainly striking. Mqj. She 's a beauty of the first water. She should lodge in my heart on a lease for ever, and as long as she liked after. 86 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5. Col. Lodge in your heart, Major? In your head! — love reigns a tyrant, if he reigns at all. Cor. In the Majors head! Muffs and meer- schaums,, would you put the lady into ^mfurnished lodgings ? Col. Let it pass, Major. Forgive the Cornet his brains ; you'll quarrel with no man about trifles. Maj. Very true, Colonel. But I can't help won- dering what makes the Cornet always so hard upon love and the ladies. I should have thought him the most successful wooer in the corps. Cor. Ha, ha ! You compliment. (He civilizes.) (Aside.) Major, a glass of wine. Col. Conciliatory claret ? Major. Maj. No; it's too cold for the occasion. Here, Cornet, a generous bumper of Madeira. My countrymen always go for their healths to Madeira. Cor. And for their morals to Port (Jackson, I think they call it.) (Aside to the Colonel.) But now, Major, be candid. Why did you think me likely to succeed with the sex ? Maj. Because — the dear creatures are so fond of their own faces, that they always choose a fellow as like themselves as they can. By the glory of the Twentieth ! Cor. Diavolo ! you shall answer for this. [Rising angrily. Col. Poh ! Swallow it with your wine. Here's Lorenzo ; he'll laugh at you. Welcome, Captain. Sc.l. A COMEDY. 87 We must be on parade before the new Viceroy in half an hour. The order, I see, reached you in good time. Lorenzo enters. Lor. In the worst time possible, Colonel. I cannot obey it. I would rather throw up my com- mission. — Victoria is to be married to-night. {Dejectedly. Col Rapid manoeuvring, that. Marriage in full gallop. Hymen turned into a Jiussar. Maj. His old rank was in the rifle corps. — Ha, ha! Cor. Throw up his commission! Muffs and meerschaums ! Wear plain clothes, and be taken for a doctor or a lawyer, or some such diablerie. The man 's crazed — canine. (Try if he'll stand a glass of water.) [Aside to Major. Maj. No ; water proves nothing in the corps. All hussars have the hydrophobia by nature. Lor. Those people about Victoria make a bug- bear of me. It is to prevent presumed disturbance from me, that this unfortunate ceremony is thus hurried ; and is to take place in an old castle a league out of town. Col. And are we to buy or blow up your castle ? Lor. None of the family have ever visited it. It was left to the old Count to dispose of in some way or other. Their ignorance seemed to allow 83 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 5. me a chance of rescuing Victoria from ruin. Spado has already ordered our grooms to drive their Prince, and be hanged to him, and his cavalcade, round the suburbs, and, under cover of night, lodge them in the jail instead of their castle. I shall then burst upon them, and break up the imposture at once, by flinging the impostor into his dungeon before their eyes. — (Spado enters.) — And here's Spado. What have you done ? Have you settled their reception with the jailor. Are the grooms prepared ? Are the cavalcade going ? [To Spado. Spa. Signior, the cavalcade are gone. I saw them off: a grand show, Sir, private as it was ! The old Count and Countess full of bustle— blun- ders and Brussels lace, according to custom ; the bride full of blushes and tears, according to custom ; and the bride's maids, servant maids, and maids of all descriptions, full of laughing and impudence, tattle and white top-knots, also according to cus- tom. I will be revenged on some of them, yet. Lor. Silence, Sir ; go out of the room. Spa. To be all but pelted by them ; bouncing baggages! By St. Januarius, the husseys sent a peal of tongues after me ! Peal of thunder ! It was enough to sour all the wine in the island. [Goes, murmuring. Col. Yet, Lorenzo, if the affair be so close upon beginning, we can all go with you. We have still half an hour before parade. Sc. 1. A COMEDY. 89 Lor. My dear Colonel, I must insist on going alone. I know the result of having used the Vice- roy's name ; and no man shall be implicated in my misfortunes. On this hour may depend every future moment of my life. I must go, — were I never to return. [Exit. (Major, Colonel, and Cornet, buckling on their sabres.) Maj. {Calls.) — Wait a moment. Off like a rocket. You shan 't go alone, unless you take us along with you ; that 's plain. [Exit. Col. That's plain; yes, plain Irish, Major. — ■ Forwards! [Exit, laughing. Cor. {Equipping himself*) — -Detestable, to be hurried in one's making up. Irish ! — The Major s blunders spring up as thick as blossoms in one of his own potatoe fields. Perdition to all straps, strings, and stay-laces, I say. (Trying to put on his accoutrements.) — Chin-stays and chokebands ! Dia- volo ! Sebastian, my sal volatile. {He calls.) — My tailor has been taking measure of some one for the half pay — no allowance for dinner. Viva ! there 's a form. The Major was right. Irresistible ! " C'est Tamour, l'amour, l'amour." [Exit, singing. N 90 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 5. SCENE II. A Hall in the Jail, with a rude attempt at decoration on the walls. A wreath of tarnished flowers, festooning a grated window. Prisoners are busy removing chains and bolts. Some are sitting at a small table, drinking. The Jailor comes in hastily, with Lazaro. Jail. Hurry, hurry! — Off with yourselves and your table. By St. Januarius, this looks showy, gay, quite in the gala style, Lazaro. I wish we had the floor chalked ;— we might have a quadrille —Ha, ha, ha ! (A noise of chains outside.) — Hurry, hurry ! We are to have grand visitors to-night. Rather an odd place for a wedding, to be sure. — What would you say to being one of the brides- maids, Lazaro — ha, ha, ha ! (The prisoners laugh.) But now away with you, every man to his cell. — What ! grumbling ? Why, you dogs, you ought to think yourselves the luckiest fellows alive to be here* Song. — Jailor and Chorus. He who lives in a jail Will never turn pale, With a dun at his tail, For his bolts are his bail ; Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 91 He may dance, drink, and sing, As free as his king, From Monday to Monday morning. (Chorus repeats.) When once he 's here, At the world he may jeer, . And pay no more debts than a prince or a peer, But take his fling, Till he takes his swing, All on a Monday morning. Jail. Off with you, here comes the party. Away, hounds! {Exeunt Lazaro and Prisoners.)— Here they live without rent, tithe, or taxes, and do as little for it as if they were so many lords ; and yet they will grumble ! \_Exit. [A door is unlocked, and the Count, Countess, and Torre nto, highly dressed, come in. — | Torre nto starts, and looks suspiciously round the hall.'] Tor. Upon my honour, Count, this is the most singular looking castle. And what a detestable atmosphere of rank tobacco, and vinegar wine ! Your friend must have lived like a bashaw or a bandit, and this was the black hole. Yen. The Marquis was a singular man, cer- tainly. {He looks about.) Very gloomy, very an- cient ; a very ghostly habitation. Coun. Husband, husband, its a very fine castle ; m PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5. our reception was quite royal, sentinels on the walls, lighted torches, drawbridges up, altogether a very grand affair. Tor. (Aside.) — It has the look of a jail, the smell of a jail — it feels like a jail. (To Ven.) Why have you brought me to this detestable place ? A wedding in this — condemned cell ? Ven. Excellent name !— very appropriate for the ceremony — chains for life. Ha, ha, ha ! Tor. Chains for life— capital jest — ha, lia, ha! (He forces a laugh, which gradually diminishes.) A prodigious smell of thieves. [Aside* Coun. Prince, this is but the reception room ; I ordered the grand baronial hall to be prepared for the ceremony— and this is, I suppose, the door. (Tries it.) Bless me, it is lock'd. Tor. (Runs over to it, and tries it.) Lock'd, aye, and double lock'd. (Aside. Angrily to Ventoso.) For what purpose is this locking up, Sir ? And at this early hour too ; it 's against all rule. Ven. (Soothingly.) Your Highness! this can be nothing but the carefulness of the servants. My friend, the Marquis, was a very particular man, and locked up every thing, himself included. He was a great buyer of all sorts of oddities, curiosi- ties, and monstrosities. He built this castle for a show,' and then shut it up like a prison. You have heard of the Marquis Chiar' Oscuro ? Sc. 2. . A COMEDY. 93 Tor. The Marquis ! unquestionably— my most particular friend. Ha, ha ! that explains the whole matter,, and this was the castle; — I heard of his sale at the Antipodes. He had a wing of the ori- ginal Phoenix — Pope Joan's marriage articles — ■ Queen Elizabeth's wedding ring — a wig of Dido of Carthage^ — and a pair of pantaloons made for Don Bellianis of Greece. {They laugh.) But the ladies — Yen. Aye, where are the ladies? always late, always lingering. Coun. I have left them in another apartment till the arrival of the priest. There must be no hurry, no precipitation. Marriage is a serious thing. Vcn. Yes, your Highness ; it is as little of a joke as any thing in the world. But let us begin. (One is not the more reconciled to the dose, by looking at it.) {Aside.) I will run after the ladies. \_He hurries out. Tor. And a very gallant run for your age. — But now, my charming Countess, for on my honour, with that bloom on your cheek, and that brilliancy in your eyes, I can't bring myself to call you — Mo- ther-in-law. Now — [ Voices of the Hussars without. Officers. Ha, ha, ha ! — By the glory of the Twentieth — excellent, down with bar, bolt, and chain — Muffs and meerschaums — Allspice and su- gar canes — [The Hussars burst in.'] Maj. Bravo! just in time; the turtle 's under 94 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5. the net, (Colonel, let's have a laugh at the Cornet.) {Aside.) — Cornet, may I have the honour of intro- ducing you to — the Bride. Conn. The whole barrack broke loose, as I'm an honest woman! — {To Torrento.) — Bride! what do the monsters mean ? Tor. (The Hussars ! found out and followed.— Bride —the old Countess— Ha, ha !) '{Aside.)—- Don't mind their insolence. Those gentlemen are court jesters, paid for making themselves ridiculous ; and by all that's absurd, they earn their money. Away, Lady. [They approach the door. Cor. {Surveying her with his glass.) — The Bride! a very antique susceptibility — a grand climacteric, touched by the heavenly passion. Col. It must have been something heavenly; for nothing earthly could have done it. Maj. Yes ; like an old tree, set on fire by light- ning. Cor. {Still approaching) — Victim of Cupid — Maiden innocence— (Virgin virago !) [Aside, to the * .. Officers. Com. {Bursting away from Torrento, and foU lowing the Cornet.) — Why, you red mountebank ! — you impudent man-milliner ! — you thing of mummery and moustaches — you King's bad bar- gain — you apology for a man — you trooper — — - AH, "Trooper!" Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 95 Maj. It 's the old lady herself ! Countess Figs and Raisins, by the glory of the Twentieth. Col. Let me see her with the naked eye. Ginger- and Cayenne to the life ! Cor. The venerable charmer that insulted the whole regiment. The old horse-marine ! Bless me, how she prances ! Why don't you stop her — Colonel— Major — [He shrinks. Maj. I would as soon stop a chain-shot. Col. I would as soon stop an avalanche. Cor. Avalanche ! If the tongue could take fire by friction, she would be a volcano. Maj. Every one to his taste ; but if the daughter be like the mamma, I would as soon marry a mer- maid. — Where can Lorenzo be ? — I will go for him— They'll be off. Col. Gathering nerve on the terrace— forsooth — they'll escape — stay, Cornet. Cor. Stay in this den and be devoured ? — 'Pon honour — No. [ They go out: Coun. The coxcombs ! — Open the door, I say. : [Calling. Tor. They are unlocking. (Listening.) Three locks ! That 's the twist of a turnkey, — I'll be sworn to it, in any jail in the world. [Aside. [The door opens — Ventoso enters, handing in Leonora.] Yen. Your Highness — my daughter. Any news of the priest ? 96 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5- Leon. Torrento ! Is it possible ? [In surprise. Tor. Leonora, by what wonder has this hap- pened? I am delighted beyond expression. I have a thousand questions to ask. Count and Countess/ excuse me a moment. Leon. And is this a time to ask ? I am over- whelmed with surprise, with sorrow, with shame. I thought that you had fled from Palermo. I lived only in the hope of your return. But to find you here, my sister's bridegroom — you the Prince I — Traitor, I will unmask you. Tor. Hush ! one word. I will satisfy all your doubts ; I expected to meet you ; I have been as much deceived as yourself. I'll marry none but you. I swear, by the brightness of your eyes, by every star — ■ Leon. Ah! yours, I fear, are wandering stars. [He leads her up the stage. Coun. A mighty handsome reception, indeed ! The Prince's affability is charming. Tis all the way in high life. Friendships are as quickly made there as — Ven. They are unmade. He 's prodigiously affable. Why, it 's absolute love-making. (Calls.) Your Highness, the bride is coming. By St. Agnes, he forgets her, as much as if they had been married a month. Victoria, attended by Bride??iaids, enters. • Lorenzo enters from an opposite door. Sc.2, A COMEDY. 97 Lor. Victoria ! [Irresolutely. Vic. Lorenzo! [She is overwhelmed. (To the Count.) There's a dimness on my eyes! Save me, my father. I would rather look Upon the pale and hollow front of death, Than meet that glance. Lor. (Advancing.) Victoria ! if your heart — Coun. Stand back, plebeian ! Marry with your like. There lies the door. Begone ! Ven. (Calling to Torrento.) — Prince ! take your bride. (Those wives and daughters ! ) [Aside. Lor. Scorn'd, aspers'd, disdain'd, For blood, that flows as hotly in my veins As in an emperors. {Indignantly. Can birth bequeath Mind to the mindless ; spirit to the vile ; Valour to dastards ; virtue to the knave h — 'Tis nobler to stand forth the architect Of our own fame, than lodge i' the dusty halls Of ancestry ! — To shine before the world, Like sunrise from the dusk, than twinkle on In far and feeble starlight ! Here we part ; One kiss, fair traitress ! (He kisses her.) Death-like cold and sweet. And now the world's before me. This be all, o 98 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 5. Early or late, Lorenzo's epitaph : That he had deem'd it nobler, to go forth, Steering his sad and solitary prow Across the ocean of adventurous deeds, Than creep the lazy track of ancestry. They be the last of theirs, J first of mine. Vic. Lorenzo, hear me. Torrento and Leonora re-appear. Court. Will she kneel to him ? Can she endure this insult ? Prince, take your bride. [To Tor rentck Tor. Who dares insult her ? That rioter come again ! Sir, the man who offends this lady must not live. [Lorenzo turns. Lor. I had forgot! — Vagabond, — Ho — Jailor! Fling this impostor into the dungeon from which I took him. [Ventoso and the Females in surprise. Tor. Draw, and defend yourself! (The Jailor, Lazaro, and Assistants, rush in behind Torrento, and pinion him. The Hussars return.) Stiletto ! 'Tis the jail — completely tricked, trapped, tre- panned. What 's all this for?(7J? the Jailor.) — Handcuffs— 'tis against prison rules — I have not broke bounds — I'll give bail to any amount — a thousand sequins — ten— twenty thousand. The Count will go security. {Aside.) Count, I say^- \Calling. Sc. 2. A COMEDY. 99 Ven. I am deaf. Security! Swindler! How shall v/e escape ? Leon. Undone — undone. Save him, dear father, save him. Jail. Restive ! Ho ! on with the handcuffs, La- zaro. The bosom friends ! Lor. Off with that culprit to his dungeon, Tor. Count and Countess, this is a conspiracy. I will have justice ! — vengeance, — scoundrels ! high treason! — injur'd prince! — Pindemonte! — [He is earned off. Few. Let us escape. Security indeed ! Here is security with a vengeance — locks and bars — to find myself in a jail ! Open the door! [They knock. Col. I think the business is tolerably complete, Major. Their pride is like a cast charger — down on the knees. It will carry the mark beyond all cure. Maj. Yes ; like the scar in a fine woman's repu- tation, it will be widening for life. Cor. They will be in no want of our trumpeters, now — They will be blown every step they go. Troopers ! Muffs and meerschaums ! Col. (A Bugle sounds.) Officers ! the call to parade. Troopers! Pride! ha, ha, ha! Troopers! Birth— Pride ! ha, ha ! [He urges the Major and Cornet out, laughing. Lor. Count and Ladies, farewell. We have met for the last time. You, Victoria, have suffered 100 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5. for the crime of inconstancy ; you, Count, for the folly of being a slave to the will of women ; you, Countess, for the violence of your temper ; and all for your common crime, Pride ! Farewell for ever. [Exit. Vic. If sorrow— shame— penitence !— Oh, Lo- renzo !— He 's gone. Leon. If I can climb the walls, or undermine the dungeon, or dry up the moat, or bribe the guards, my true Torrento— my unfortunate Torrento — shall not linger another day in prison. [Aside. Conn. Undone — insulted — laughed at — I shall never be able to hold up my head again. We must fly the country. Our pride has had a fall. . Yen. Aye : now boast—now triumph. A fall ! — and so hard a one, that may I be in the Gazette, if I ever try a fall again. Here, Victoria; Leonora, help to bear up your mother's griefs. Hers is a heavy case, a very weighty concern, indeed. She see through a rogue ! She might as well see to the end of a suit in Chancery. Pride — ruin — madness ! [Exeunt. A COMEDY. 101 SCENE III. An apartment in Ventoso's House. Victoria and Leonora come in. Vic. At home again ! Stay with me, Leonora — My brain is wild. I can scarcely think that we have escaped from that hideous prison. Did not Lorenzo upbraid me, cast me off? — I will take the veil. Leon. Take the veil ! take nothing but courage. Your beauty might kill a whole regiment of offi- cers, instead of pining for one. I would not give a sigh to save the whole army-list — Yet, I feel some strange, delightful hope, that all will yet be well — Your Prince, you see, was one of my adorers — In coming to marry you, he thought he was come to marry me — Monstrous impudence in either case. (I shall have him yet for all that, if I'm woman.) [Aside. Pisanio enters. Pisan. Ladies, your immediate attendance at the palace is commanded by order of theViceroy, the Prince de Pindemonte. Vic. The Impostor !— Viceroy ! impossible ! 102 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL : Act 5. Leon. Torrento, Viceroy ! incredible ! Got out of prison—got into the palace — He is the great sublime of impudence. I adore him for his inge- nuity. — Can the news be true? Pisan. Nothing more certain, my lady ; the no- bility are going in crowds to the palace — the Count and Countess have been summoned, and are al- ready gone. The guards are on parade: — and one of the officers is now waiting below, to have the honour of escorting you, when the carriage returns. Leon. {Runs to the mirror.) — Heavens, what a head ! the damp of that odious prison has made me the very emblem of a weeping willow.— Come, sister, dear Victoria, rise ! Will you wear plumes or roses ? But smile, and you will conquer. You can then return, and — take the veil, if you choose. [She attempts to arrange her dress, Victoria repels her* Trio.— (Italian.) Victoria. Spirit of Love ! the heart still deceiving ; Still, on the dim eye delicious dreams weaving ; Still, with sad pleasure the torn bosom heaving ; Go ! I'm thy slave and thy victim no more ! Leonora. Spirit of Hope ! from thy light pinions shedding Flowers where the steps of young Passion are treading, Sunny hues over life's sullen clouds spreading, Here, live or die, at thy shrine I adore ! m 4. A COMEDY. 103 PlSANIO. Spirit of Joy ! on those bosoms descending, Come, like the day-star, the weary night ending : Come, like the bow with the summer storm blending, Bid all the anguish of true love be o'er. Victoria. Lore! — from my bosom — the traitor disdaining! Leonora. If I am scorned, I shall die uncomplaining. Pisanio. No bitter tear must those rich cheeks be staining ; No thought of woe must those young hearts be paining. Victoria. Spirit of love, &c. &c. SCENE IV. AND LAST. The Palace. Attendants in waiting. Officer vnthout calls. " Make way there ! The Count and Countess of Ventoso." They enter. The Officer leads. Officer. His Excellency the Prince Viceroy is engaged, but will see you as soon as possible. [He withdraws. Coun. Now, husband, what have you to say for your wisdom, Solomon ? — The Prince's seizure was clearly a conspiracy. He will doubtless hang the 104 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Acts. conspirators, but then they are only hussars. Here we are, by the express command of his Highness the Prince de Pindemonte ! Ven. But this connexion of the jail and the pa- lace ! mighty strange — I have it — they want to squeeze money out of me — a forced loan. Coun. He has sent for my daughters. Mark my words. There will be a wedding to-night (Look- ing round) ; a very pretty apartment for the cere- mony. On my virtue, I should like to apply for a suite here, with a handsome pension. Ven. I don't doubt you, my love ; a taste for the public money is not uncommon in either sex. Coun. Bless my stars ! there is your Signior Ste- fano — he 's every where. I before suspected him of being a Jew, but now I am sure of it. Nothing else could have such access to people of quality. {Enter Stefano>) Signior, retire ; I positively will not give you my countenance here. Ste. For what is all this? (In surprise) Madam, I'm not fastidious, but, upon my honour, your ladyship's countenance is one of the last presents that could excite my gratitude. Ven. (He can't bear for five minutes what I have been bearing these forty years.) [Aside. Coun. He's a spy of Lorenzo's : but rather than give my daughter to that buff-belt, I'd marry her to the Khan of Tartary. Ste. (Aside.) (I'll not be vexed.) Madam, if the Sc. 4. A COMEDY. 105 tongue made the Tartar, you would be worthy of the throne yourself. Spy! This to a man of ho- nour ! Count — Ven. Friend Stefano; a man of honour may be like a debt of honour — a mighty roguish affair. You have been all day plaguing me with questions about Lorenzo. I now tell you to keep your dis- tance, and leave us alone. Ste. Undoubtedly, Count. No man can less envy you your society. By Jove ! I would as soon sail in company with a fire-ship. (Pestilence! Their absurdity had almost put me in a passion.) (Aside.) Keep my distance ! ha, ha ! I tell you, Count, your title and estate are not worth the feather in your hat. Is there no poor devil, whom you have suffered to ramble in rags and rascality through the world ? Now, none of that look of insolent in- nocence — I know the whole story — your crime was, not to have hunted for him : I know he was tossed out by chance among the Algerines, to be- gin his education. Coun. Where, I'll be sworn, you finished yours, monster ! Ste. (Irritated.) Madam, Countess— (No, she shan't put me in a passion.) (Aside.) Where a woman loses all other charms, she ought to preserve at least one, — temper, Madam. I tell you, that the heir to your usurped estate lives within this island — this city; within a hundred yards of this spot, Madam. m PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5. Coun. I insist on seeing the Prince. Yen. I don't believe a word of your story. I'll not give up a sequin, — I'll go to law first, — I'll go to ruin first. Ste. Aye; they generally go together. Your prince you shall see. I dare say you are perfectly worthy of each other. (To an Officer.) Is his Highness coming ? [He goes to the door, and con- tinues bowing. Off. Room there — his Highness approaches- room ! Coun. The old rogue, how he cringes! He could not stoop lower if he brought up an address from the Corporation. Yen. A puzzling dangerous dog; but I'll bite the biter. Attendaints, a?mouncing i( His Highness." — Laughter within* Tor. (Within.) Asses and idiots! out of my way, you pampered buffoons ! Must I never stir with- out a rabble of you grinning at my heels ? (He enters.) The Count and Countess ! Confusion ! what brought them here ? Coun. We come by your Highness's command. Yen. We wait your Highness's orders. Tor. Count and Countess, I am overwhelmed. I can submit to the indignity of disguise no longer. I am no prince — I am nobody — nothing — but one Sc. 4. A COMEDY. 107 of the thousand luckless children of chance, that fight their obscure way through the world. (Vic- toria and Leonora attended, come in. To Leon.) We must part, my love. I am unworthy of you ; and from this hour I care not on what sea or shore fortune may fling me. Leon. No, Torrento ! we part no more. I have been unwise, and you unfortunate. But here I swear to follow you with constancy as strong as life or death. We are one. [They go up the stage. Coun. Impudence unparalleled ! I appeal to the Viceroy. I interpose my authority. Ven. And I interpose — Ste. Your experience 1 It must be confessed no man could give a more formidable warning. The Viceroy shall be informed of your appeal : for once justice shall be done you without a fee. [He goes. Lorenzo enters, unperceived by all but Victoria, and takes her hand. Lor. My love, all must be forgiven ; I have the most delightful intelligence, the happiest disco- very. I have just been with the — (The Countess suddenly turns, and exclaims) Coun. The Captain ! another impostor— another stolen match — my brain turns ! Lor. Countess, if honour and attachment, long, and perhaps severely tried, can entitle me to this lady's hand — 10S PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act*. Vic. My father, if duty, if love, if feelings pained to agony can move you — {Kneeling. ) Ven. Another daughter gone ! By all means, Madam. What next ? Is there any thing else you would have, Captain ? I only beg to know where I am? In a jail again? Gang of thieves! Sir, is there any thing about me that strikes your taste ? (To an Attendant?) My watch and seals — my purse, Sir? (To another.) Does any gentleman insist upon the Countess ? No, that stock lies on hand. Attendants enter, announcing the Viceroy. — - Flourish of Music. Stefano enters, splendidly dressed, and attended by the Hussars. Coun. {Advances?) Your most gracious Highness. (She recognizes him.) Stefano the viceroy ! what have I said to him — I could bite off my tongue. [Aside to Ventoso. Ven. (Well resolved, Countess ; do so, and we shall both be quiet for life.) Stefano the viceroy ! (We shall both be sent to the galleys.) [Aside. Maj. Poh ! the Viceroy will forgive you. Must a man never open his mouth to a stranger, unless he 's an old acquaintance ? Ste. Count, I have heard something about a love affair in your family. I have certainly no right to insist upon the Captain's being your son- in-law. Sc. 4. A COMEDY. 109 Conn. I knew it. Your Excellency's justice will prohibit all future presumption. Ste. Madam, my Excellency's justice might as well hope to prohibit all future mankind. Lo- renzo, what have you to say for yourself? Lor. Nothing, my Lord, (leading Victoria,) but to express my delight, my happiness, at this day's discovery ; my reverence, my love. [They kneel. Torrento and Leonora return. Ven. Aye, flattery does every thing here. Ste. Well, Madam, as he cannot have the ho- nour of being your son-in-law, I am afraid he must be content with — -Rise, Sir! stand forth — the son of the Viceroy of Sicily, of Stefano, Prince de Pindemonte\ Come to your father's arms, my long-lost, late-found son, my gallant son ! Lor. My father ! my generous, noble father! All. His son ! — Viva ! viva ! Vic. My lord and love ! Leon. Happy Victoria ! Ste. There, Sir, go mollify the Countess. (But if you find her as tough a subject — as I did) — [Aside. Now, take your bride, and be happy. [To Lorenzo, The Hussars approach. Officers. We congratulate you, Prince. Lady, we wish you all happiness, [To Victoria. 110 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL: Act 5. Ste. All is easily explained: — In the Italian wars, I sent my infant heir, with a large proper- ty, to the care of Anselmo, my banker, in Cadiz. He was a villain. Of course the only one of his tribe — He substituted his boy for mine. His son was taken by the Algerines. Then, dreading in- quiry, he changed his name to Ventoso, and brought up this gallant wooer (To Lorenzo) in obscurity. How I have obtained this know- ledge so lately, how I obtained the Vice-Royalty for the purpose of a closer search, how I preserved my incognito till the search was complete, you shall hear at the banquet, to which I now invite you all. Tor. Your Highness ! since you have the talent of finding out sons, perhaps you can find out fa- thers too. Whose son am I ? somebody's, I suppose. Ste. In looking for the Captain, I accidentally traced your career. I found your errors more of the head than of the heart. You have your liberty. Count and Countess, you must resign your titles. Yen. With all my heart. Ste. And, with them, Anselmo's estate. Ven. Ruin ! I'm not worth a sequin. Coun. I'm thunderstruck. Ste. Torrento, stand forth; you are Anselmo's heir ! you are the banker's son ! Sc.4. A COMEDY. Ill Maj. Then, upon my conscience, there'll be a mighty great run on the bank. Tor. (In exultation?) — A banker's son, mag- nificent! a golden shower !— Leonora, my love, we'll have a wedding worthy of bankers. What trinkets will you have ? the Pitt diamond, or the Great Mogul. A banker, my angel ! Tis your bankers that sweep the world before them ! What army shall I raise ? What cabinet shall I pension ? What kingdom shall I purchase ? What emperor shall I annihilate ? I'll have Mexico for a plate - chest, and the Mediterranean for a fish-pond. I'll have a loan as long as from China to Chili. I'll have a mortgage on the moon! Give me the purse, let who will carry the sceptre. Count and Countess, you shall keep your titles, and be as happy as mirth, money, and macaroni can make you. Lorenzo, and all, advance. * Lor. Fair ladies, nobles, gallant cavaliers ! This day shall be a bright one in the web Wherein our lives are pictur'd— -Thro' all years This shall be holiday — The prison gates Shall know no envious bars ; rich pageantries Shall paint our love-tale ; children's merry tongues Shall lisp our names; and old men, o'er their fires, Flourish their cups above their hoary heads, And drink our memory ! Come in, sweet love ! * * [To Victoria. 112 PRIDE SHALL HAVE A FALL. Act 5. Tor. (To Leonora and the rest.) Now ! to the banquet. Having fix'd our fates With freedom, title, fortune, loving mates ! — If I have erred, 'twas youth, love, folly ; — here, With generous hearts around, I scorn to fear — Where heroes judge* and beauty pleads the cause, Who talks of censure ? Give me your applause. END OF THE PLAY. 113 EPILOGUE. Spoken by Mr. Yates, as the Cornet. (He hurries in.) Ladies and Gentlemen! — quite out of breath — Ten thousand pardons ! — teas'd, star'd, talk'd to death — Found it scarce possible to get away, — Those Greenroom persons, — monstrous deal to say — Queens, heroes, ghosts, priests, ploughmen — in full swing- I'll give you some — few- — touches of the thing. Imitations. Y. A Comedy ! A new-born miracle ! Comes it with airs from heaven or blasts from hell ? Is it a spirit of health, or goblin damned ? F. Poh, fudge and nonsense ! Are the Boxes cramm'd ? H. The Pit has had a fainting-match and fight ; Of course, you '11 have it acted every night. F. Boy ! Print to-morrow's Bills, — ' No standing room; And ' Not an order, for a year to come. 1 Mrs. D. Has it no scandal in \ t No Lord's jobation ? iM aprof.f' No Lady-bird ? No crim- concatenation ? F. See Act the Fifth. That i elevates, — surprises.' {Sir Fretful) B. « / think it falls." F. " You mean, Sir, — rises, rises." B. 'Tis passable. — His next — perhaps, will mend. F. 'Tis passable ! (A d — d good natur'd Mend.) Q 114 Imitations. M. No scalpings in't,— -no squaws! my friends the Yankees For ten such Plays, I guess, would'nt give ten thankees. C. Sir, that 's a plain affront ! / like the Play : Such nights as these, Sir, ar'nt seen every day. T. Such nights ! — I tell you that those things won't tell; Why didn't he dramatize St. Ronan's Well? Write wholesale from my friend Sir Walter's page ? M. The Well! Aye— ' Real water on the Stage ! ' Why, Drury! Zounds — He'd drown your Cataract. E. He drown my — I'll but state one stubborn fact ; Ladies and Gentlemen ! — These fifty years — Lend me your ears (such of you as have ears) — That piece shall run ! — I always speak my mind— The water is the way to raise the wind! And, since I've wet, I'll dry the British Nation ; My Benefit-night 's — the general conflagration! F. D'ye think the author has a knack for rhyme ? I'll make him Laureate of the Pantomime. M. His cast is good ! — The man need have no fear, rvirginiusj Wefe but , my daughter? my Virginia/ there. R. I litve Victoria! She 's my heart — my loife, Tuch her who dare. — She 'd make a pratty woife ! I. " May my mare slip her shoulder, but I'll take fMacheathJy^ yung ,^„ B. Gentlemen ! for Shakspeare's sake y Leave us our Nightingales ! — We want them all — Falstaff himself without them now must fall. K. Shakspeare to music ! Every inch a King ! 1 Richard is hoarse' I'll choak before Til sing. At length, escaped, — myself again, — alone, — I supplicate at Beauty's native throne. 115 By the high splendours of our ancient day; By those we Ve seen, and wept to see — decay ; By our — by Mankind's Sheridan! whose tomb Is scarcely closed ! — But no — no thoughts of gloom ; Again comes Comedy ! So long untried : Give her your smiles ! — The victory 's on our side. Your smiles have won the day ! — Thanks each and all Now, now indeed — " Our pride shall have no fall.' 7 SONG. {Substituted for that in page 64.) Leonora. — (Italian.) When Eve's blue star is gleaming, When wakes the dewy breeze, When watch-tower lights are streaming, Along the misty seas ; — Oh, then, my love ! sigh to me, Thy Roundelay! The Night, when thou'rt nigh to me, Outshines the Day. B. Bensley, Bolt Conil. Fleet Street. u H , i^o LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 546 219 8 Ml ■EBB WE&Em MfffflHIMM »r BRB888 88 Wtr BSBh ItMBlUftlg l gifST HP ■ g §ggg g g§^ ft a