....Mii^^lmC'-^H Of an edition of three hundred copies printed for subscribers, this is No, THE SUBSCRIBERS. We are authorized by the following ladies and gentle- men to present their names as subscribers to this book. Maud Howe Elliott. Ellen M. Hen rot in. Eugene Field. George Allison Armour. Committee of Public at ion. Mrs. Julia Ward Howe . . Boston. Mr. Edmund Clarence Stedman New- York. Mr. Henry Harland New-York. Mr. W. Irving Way .... Chicago. Mrs. H. A. Johnson Miss Anna Baldwin Mr. Martin F. Morris Mr. Charles Henrotin . Major Joseph Kirkland Mr. Clarence Burley Mr. William Pretyman Mrs. Francis W. Parker Mrs, John Sherman, Jr. . Mr. Charles T. Yerkes Mr. Leigh S. Lynch Mr. D. H. Burnham Mrs. John Wellborn Root Mr. Elwyn a. Barron . Mr. DwiGHT Cameron Chicago. Chicago. Washington. Chicago. Chicago. Chicago. Chicago. Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Chicago. Evanston, 111 Chicago. Chicago. Chicago. Mrs. John J. Glessner Chicago. Mr. S. C. Payson Chicago. Mrs. Alexander Sullivan Chicago. Mrs. John W. Ela . . . . Chicago. Mr. Francis M. Larned Chicago. Mr. Slason Thompson Chicago. Mrs. John Elliott .... Boston. Mr. Eugene Field Chicago. Mr. Harold R. Heaton Chicago. Mr. Augustus L. Patterson Chicago. Mrs. Luther Laflin Mills . Chicago. Mr. Henry J. Davison, Jr. New-York. Mr. Franklin H. Head Chicago. Mrs. Thomas Wright Phillips Chicago. Mr. William A. Talcott Rockford, 111 Mr. MiLWARD Adams .... Chicago. Mr. George P. Upton .... Chicago. Mrs. George Allison Armour Chicago. Mrs. Harvey Jewell ... Boston. Mrs. Harriet G. Brainard Chicago. Mrs. Frank A. Helmer . . • Chicago. Miss Sara T. Hallowell Chicago. Mrs. John J. Herrick .... Chicago. Mrs. Frederick S. Winston . Chicago. Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Wassall Chicago. Mrs. Potter Palmer .... Chicago. Mrs. Henry Ives Cobb .... Chicago. Mrs. Charles Fargo .... Chicago. Mrs. Mary H. Wilmarth Chicago. Mrs. Charles D. Hamill . . . Chicago. Mrs. John C. Coonley .... Chicago. Hon. Andrew D. White . . . Ithaca, N. Y. Mr. William Mitchell ... Chicago. Mr. Edward Freiberger Chicago. Rt. Rev. Charles Edward Cheney . Chicago. Mrs. Henry J. Willing . Chicago. Mr. Horace S. Oakley ... Chicago. Mr. John A. J. Kendig Chicago. Mrs. John Meiggs Ewen Chicago. Mr. John Williamson Lowe Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. William Dunn . Chicago. Mrs. John N. Jewett Chicago. Miss Amelia Sprague .... Chicago. Miss Felicia Graves .... New-York. Mr. Charles C. Curtiss Chicago. Mr. JOHN M. Clark , . Chicago. Mr. Charles L. Hutchinson Chicago. Mrs. Barbara Armour Chicago. Mr. James H. Dole ... Chicago. Mr. Franklin MacVeagh Chicago. Mrs. F. Meredyth Whitehouse . Chicago. Mr. Arthur Wheeler . . Chicago. Mr. A. V. Armour .... Chicago. Mr. James C. McShane Chicago. Mr. N. B. Rappleye ... Chicago. Mr. Edward Grace .... Chicago. Mr. W. F. Blair . Chicago. Chief-Justice Melville W. Fuller Washington Mr. F. A. Marsh .... Chicago. Mr. Cyrus H. McCormick . Chicago. Mr. Frederick W. Crosby Chicago. Miss Alice Neale . . Chicago. Mr. Lewis B. Mitchell . Chicago. Miss Lucy B. Monroe . Chicago. Mr. J. Henry Norton Chicago. Dr. Charles Gordon Fuller Evanston, 111 Judge William H. Barnum . Chicago. Mrs. Cora T. Dickinson Dallas, Texas, Chief-Justice John H. Hagarty Toronto, Out Mrs. Wllliam Armour Chicago. Mr. M. E. Dayton .... Chicago. Mr. Homer N. Hibbard Chicago. Dr. James Nevins Hyde . Chicago, Mr. Isaac E. Adams Chicago, Mr. Van H. Higgins Chicago. Mr. James W. Scott . . . Chicago. Mr. John R. Winterbotham Chicago. Mr. James Mix Kankakee, 111. Mrs. William B. Walker Chicago. Mrs. Marshall Marsh .... Chicago. Mr. Samuel Allerton Chicago. Mr. Ben. T. Cable Rock Island, 111. Judge Henry W. Blodgett . Waukegan, 111. Mr. James McKindley .... Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Monroe Chicago. Mr. James A. Miller .... Chicago. Mr. L. H. Bisbee .... Chicago. Mrs. Thomas L. Manson, Jr. . New- York. Mr. James W. Ellsworth Chicago. Mr. Edward O. Russell . Chicago. Mrs. Theodore Sheldon . Mr. Walter C. Root Mrs. Edward F. Lawrench Mr. George Wiggs . Mr. William L. Starbuck Mr. ZiMRl DWIGGINS Mrs. Catharine B. Yale . Mr. Daniel L. Shorey Mr. William Morton Payne Mrs. Lorenzo Woodhouse Chicago. Kansas City, Mo. Chicago. Chicago. Chicago. Chicago. DeerfielJ, Mass. Chicago. Chicago. New-York. VALERIA AND OTHER POEMS :b;xi6(kx^ AND OTHER POEMS BY HARRIET MONROE CHICAGO PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR 1891 V. \ 76 2.4a a. .V 3' Copyright, 1891, by Harriet Monroe A II rights reserved. THE CONTENTS. VALERIA, A TRAGEDY. PAGE. Prologue 3 Act I. 19 Act II 55 Act III 91 Act IV 129 Act V I 59 POEMS. I. Niagara's Song 197 Origin of the Tides 203 Song of the Air 204 In the Beginning 207 A Wreck 208 A Rondeau 209 11. Cantata — Sung at the dedication of the Chicago Auditorium, December 9, 1889 213 III. PAGE. Our Lady of Art 223 From the Dark 227 Shadows 231 The Land of Love 232 With Folded Wings 234 A Pastel 236 IV. Dancing Song 239 Marriage Song 241 Slumber Song 243 Love Song 244 To A Child 246 Love's Power 247 Au Revoir 249 Hope 250 Unfulfilled 251 Proh Pudor ! 253 For a Friend — who sent roses on St. Valentine's Day 255 To Robert Louis Stevenson 256 Outward Bound 257 To Hester 258 Epitaph on a Dog 259 A Question 260 A Sketch 261 XX PAGE. A Daughter of the Dakotas 263 By the Dragon River 267 A Hymn 269 SONNETS. To My Leader 273 To A Class-mate 274 Time's Perversity 275 On Reading a Modern Romance . . 276 * ' The Monarch. " A portrait of a lion, by Rosa Bonheur, now in the Vanderbilt collection 277 An Invocation to Health. For one seeking her in the Adirondacks 278 To Mrs. Yale 279 To My Sister. From over the Sea 280 Red Clover 281 To A Beautiful Lady 282 To W. S. M. With a copy of Shelley .... 283 By Lake Michigan 284 EN VOL On Reading Longfellow's Lines "The Arrow and the Song" 287 Persons of the Prologue, PRINCE ANDREA. FLORIMOND, Count of Vancua, friend to the Prince. Guardsmen. VALERIA, a traveling child-minstrel and raconteur. The action of the Prologue and of the Plaj> takes place in one of the petty states of Italy during the fourteenth century. PROLOGUE. Scene.— A roadside. In the distance a palace. Enter the child- minstrel Valeria, ragged and weary, and bearing a lute. Valeria. How tired the day is, and my head is hot — So hot perchance the sun has sent his beams To rest upon it. All the birds have flown. Give me your wings, my music-makers — wings! And 1 will seek you where the perfumes grow, In the king's garden yonder. I will see The great white towers you wheel about, and hear The voice of princes and of white-skinned maids. Are you not happy when you die, my birds — You who have seen such glory? I believe I could be joyous all my life if once Some youth, all gold and velvet and perfume, Like him who far away in yesterday Reined in his steed to listen to my song — If some such lord should take me by the hand 3 And say : I will not give thee coins for song — Sing me a ballad for an hour of joy ; One song, and for an hour thou shalt command, And all the glories of thy dreams are thine ! Then would I shout and bid my laughing soul Change to a princess for a lily's year ; And I would cry, My robes, my jewels, ho ! Summon my slaves and bid them bear me on Through gardens richer than a rose's heart, Through halls where bright deeds, deeply set in gold, Shine from the walls like jewels, and great kings Stand forth in marble and at last are still. Oh, I would crowd such years into that hour That all my life would be but memory And all my songs an echo ! [She sings.] Have you heard of the princess who far away In a tower by the moaning sea For her lover kept watch, till she heard one say That a perjured soul had he ? For the troth she had plighted for aye, for aye, Was a jest to his spirit free. One flash from her eyes, and she turned their light On the storm-bound sea and sky — One moment, and swift through the pitiless night A shadowy shape sped by. And no sound was heard, through the storm's affright. Of a human soul's last cry. 4 It is strange The high-born princess could not find delight, Whom all obeyed save one. Ah ! would to Heaven That I might wear her robes and coronet, And have a troop of courtiers at my beck ! 1 would be happy as the bird that flies Nearest the sun, content to fly alone. No man of all their tribe should e'er disturb My high serenity. [The girl wanders out. Enter the Prince and Florimond, gay youths laughing together.] The Prince. But, Florimond, While there are horses in my father's realm I cannot think of women. Florimond. Say you so ! Your highness then shall give me all the maids And I will get you steeds from Barbary. The Prince. These ladies of the court, my Florimond, Think you a man may find one maid of all Whose whole life owns as much of nature's law As yonder thrush's song? Oh, I am tired Of the bowed heads and bending knees of women Who spy the prince afar, but have no eyes Save for his trappings ! If I could but find One face unconscious as the new-born day, With eyes that to our noon in midnight bring Sv/ift visions of the morn, whose glances rise Fearless as sunlight to encounter darkness, A voice that blows like spring's fresh breezes through Our hot-house bloom of courts, a step as free As the wild mountain goat's, a heart untaught And so untainted — find me such a maid And she shall wear a crown ! Yea, though her brow Knows not the touch of gold, save when the sun Beats amorous kisses on it. Florimond. But, my lord. You do them wrong, the ladies of the court. To hold them slaves to ceremony. Think If you exact it not. You wear your rank Even as the porcupine his spears, that wound The unwary handler. Fold it by awhile, This proud reserve and ill-advised scorn. And search some lady's eyes for gentle proof Of nature's rule in her. Trust me, your highness Will fathom secret depths untroubled by Windy frivolities of etiquette. But when you find that peerless maid, my lord. Untaught, untainted, free — you know the rest — Methinks I would not crown her, lest perchance Her wild charms stifle in our fevered air. It is enough to give such lowly grace The left hand of your favor, for the state Claims the bestowal of your right, and asks No queen so savage. The Prince. By this sword I swear The state that owns me for its king will take The queen I give it, though her voice be tuned Unto a beggar's whine, and though her robes Be ragged as the tatters of old Time. And you may tell the councilors of state No woman whom I love shall be deceived With that base homage which the rotting time Pays to king's mistresses. 1 do not wish To join ihe crowd of noble dissolutes Who sicken states with rank airs of dishonor. Till strength and glory fall to leprosy And ruin undermines the very throne. My country has my service ; to her cause I dedicate my hands, my brain, my life. I serve her so devoutly it were treason To give my heart to any save her queen. Florimond. 'T is well for kings all patriots think not so. 7 The Prince. Youv honor's gone a-jesting. Florimond. Nay, I applaud Your ardor in preparing bandages To bind the wounds of Time, and make him whole. His is a scarred old visage ; nevermore The eyes of youth will open on the world, All innocence and wonder. Since our age A sour and wrinkled tyrant is, 'twere wise To wear his colors, and not flaunt abroad The flaring virtue of your youth. The Prince. My friend, Ah ! be not thus the spokesman of the time, And voice the message that the very air Is heavy with. Truth has been drugged so long She hangs her head in shame, and men forget The glory in her eyes. But some there are Who search them still, and the white-souled old priest Who taught me long ago was one of these. He tore away the veil of sophistries And gave me one deep look into her soul, And I can not forget. Ah ! Florimond, She yet will conquer ! In a fight with her Our age would infamously perish. Come: Shall we not greet her in all friendship, ere She falls upon her foes? Florimond. A miracle ! A prince in love with truth ! A despol's son Hoping to rule by righteousness! My lord, May hosts of angels aid you, for I fear Earth's soldiers will not ! The Prince. 'T is a merry tune — This song of yours ! Florimond. But I will give you time. A few years near the throne will wear away The antique wisdom of the priest — The Prince. No more ! A pestilence is sweeter than your tongue ! I have no taste for rankness, so will leave you To your amusing thoughts. Florimond. I have presumed. Friends must be frank, my lord. 9 The Prince. If you are frank, Heaven mend your soul and guard your loyalty ! [Exit the Prince.] Florimond. So fierce — so fierce ! I 'd rather be a child Than own a spirit rigid as a post, And pointing one way always. Faugh ! he lies Secure within my hand. Good saints in Heaven ! 'T is the same Psyche in the beggar's robe. Now for an ambush. So. [Valeria reappears.] Valeria. Alas ! alas ! Why must 1 dream of kings and palaces, And wear these rags, sleep 'neath the staring stars, And learn new songs forever till I die ! Oh, 1 must think no more. A song! a song ! Best dance and sing, and so wear out the day. [She sings and dances wildly.] Dance on, children of song, over the hills with me; Haste down, out of the clouds, down to the sunlit sea. Wild winds sweep us afar out of the heights they sway. Ah, come ! breathe of the south, buried in blue— away ! Come, win kingdoms of light ; crown ye with summer's praise. Sing ! dance ! tune me your lutes, wreathe them with death- less bays. zo Are ye beggars that rove, heirs of the proud world's scorn ? Nay, kings ! dowered with wealth richer than gold of morn, [Reenter the Prince, who listens unnoticed.] On, on ! Ours is the truth ; deep in her heart we read. We give glory to fame, life to the mighty deed. Gods we — conquering death, wreathing his brow with flowers. Give earth all to her slaves — heaven and time are ours! Then dance — far and away — [She reels, overpowered by the heat.] Where is the song gone? Oh, my heart! my heart! God! is this death ? [She falls fainting. The Prince hastens to her and raises her head on his knee. Florimond approaches. ] The Prince. Some water, Florimond! Florimond. Here 's wine, my lord. [The Prince forces wine into her mouth, but she does not revive. He then blows a signal on his bugle twice, which is repeated from the palace far away. ] The Prince. She is more beautiful Than is the face of glory to the brave. Florimond. More fair than death. The Prince. Be still — she is not dead ! No Spartan girl could sing her soul to sleep With words so like life's song of triumph. Look! See you the horsemen ? Florimond. Down the road I see Their plumes lie prone upon the wind for speed. The Prince. Her voice was like the dawn across a sea, Making the old world quiver with new light. God! thou wilt not eclipse it! Florimond. The sun was jealous, Viewing in her a rival luminary Which he must conquer ere the world be shaken From its proud balance. Will you dare undo His scorching work, unveil those dangerous eyes, So harmless now ? The Prince. Have we another Helen In this poor child, and would you let her die I That the brown world may hold its smooth career ? Nay, nay — not all of us together reach The value of such beauty. Ah ! they come ! [Enter, on a gallop, six or eight guardsmen with an officer, who swiftly dismounts and salutes.] Back, half of you, and from the palace hither Bring food, wine, water, leeches, and a litter. Haste, as you love me ! You who stay, approach. And make your arms a couch. We '11 follow them Far as the spring and dew these secret eyes. Lightly as a young lily rises up From the dull blackness of ancestral earth Does she escape her fate in these our arms. Florimond. To be the fire-brand in fate's hand, perchance. The Prince. Ay, or the torch, to scatter healing light Among the foul illusions of our time. [Exeunt omnes.] [Curtain.] 13 Persons of the Play, THE KING. PRINCE ANDREA, son to the King. FLORIMOND, Count of Vancua, friend to the Prince. COUNT LEONE, friend to the Prince. AGNOLO, a courtier. FILIPPO, a courtier. CARDINAL ORTUS. CAPTAIN of the King's Guard. Courtiers, Guardsmen, Soldiers, Citizens. LIPERATA, sister to the King. TORA, her daughter. PIERA, friend to Tora. OLIVIA. VALERIA, musician and raconteur in the King's court. Ladies of the Court, Women of the People, AND Dancing Girls. Fwe years elapse between the Prologue and the opening of the Play, ACT I Scene. — The garden of a palace at night. Lights hang in the trees, and beautiful statues, fountains, and flowers are visible. Enter the old and gray Cardinal Ortus with Florimond, who carries negUgently a mask and domino. Florimond. And so you think the honor of our house Sleeps in my charge. Cardinal. Say rather dies, my lord. 1 have been silent till each drop of blood Your father lost seems like a ghost in arms, And all rise to reproach me. 1 have watched While you bedraped that princeling like his cloak, Breathing his sighs, urging your willing wit To whet his laughter, and have said no word Because I thought no scion of your race Could live long in dishonor. But it seems Red blood is water in your veins. You owe No fealty to the dead. You have forgot This king is but a tyrant, who betrayed 19 Freedom, and killed your father like a dog. What other state in Italy would thus Endure him ? Who, the head of a great house, Would let his father's blood rot unavenged, And revel with his foes? ' Florimond. Where is the proof Of such grave charges ? Cardinal. Proof! That rriask and gown Are proof enough. You are a courtier here. You let them drag you from his very bier To fix you in the palace, load your back With precious favors— take you to their hearts, And so efface the stain, the memory Of that great wrong. By heaven ! 't were nobler far To seek an exile in the desert plains Of Africa, than here to live enriched And be their friend. Florimond. You are too hot, my lord. What if 1 too remember, seem their friend But for an end? Cardinal. 1 tried to hope so once ; But years have stretched my hope out to a hair. And now even that has snapped. Florimond, What is the cause? Cardinal. Love is the cause. You love Valeria — A beggar whom this prince plucked from the highway To be his plaything. Florimond. And if I do, again What is the cause ? Cardinal. She is adroit, ambitious. You are oblivious, and to gain your end Would give o'er all, and marry her, and live In slothful servitude forever. Florimond. Ho! You need not fear. The house of Vancua Will never stoop so low. Ah, you are blind! Think you, if love were all of life to me The rattling tongues of gossips would be weary With jesting on my passion? Be assured I can be secret when I choose. The fools — They must have food for chatter — should I starve Their eager appetites they might assail The stronghold of our secrets. 'T is for this I stuff them with a show of burning love For the king's minstrel ; feeling, I confess. Tender enough to make the semblance sweet. No more of that! By heaven ! your bitter words Would anger me, were I not overjoyed To find you still so ardent. Cardinal, You have had No cause to doubt my ardor. In this court I hold no office, take no gold of theirs, Give them no bows, no laughter. Florimond, By my sword, Think you I am a baby to be whipped? What if I tell you that the lagging years, By you passed in lamenting, have by me Been consecrated to our sacred cause ! No word that I have uttered — ay, no jest That I have shot into the frivolous ears Of the young prince, but has availed me much In power. Where would our vengeance sleep to-day If I had worn my hatred as a cloak To keep me warm in exile ? Like a cedar Firm-rooted and strong-hearted would arise The green strength of their rule, secure against The black looks of unweaponed enemies. I tell you, sir, this growth which seems so fair, This kingdom that now shakes its leaves aloft In the clear air of nations, in whose shade The earth smiles with new fruitfulness, — I say 'T is hollow with disease. One blow from me And it will fall. Cardinal. Is not the moment ripe For such a blow ? Why will you idly see Their throne cemented by these victories? To-morrow brings the prince in triumph home. Lauded and garlanded. Your brow is bare, Though well the soldier's laurel would become Such liberal youth. Florimond. Where are your thoughts, my lord ? I will not fight their battles, and besides. This king, who thinks he has lulled my soul asleep, Were but a fool to send it to the wars And bid it waken in the clash of arms. Ah, no! he loves me with such constancy I must be always near him, though the fight Should fail for lack of me. The old basilisk Would charm me by his glance. He fears my wings If once I try them. He does not suspect, Nor you, how free I am, how strong I shall be. I can be patient. While he wastes his power 23 In irritating wars, paying for glory The people's loyalty, I stand aloof And urge the impatient crowd to secret hate, Waiting the hour when I may lead them on To revolution. Cardinal. You are working, then ? Florimond. I have not lost an hour since you and 1 Received my father's heritage of wrong. This very night I might escape the palace — I have a friend among the sentinels — And hasten to our friends, who often meet To hear my secret words of hope and wrath. Say — have you done so much? Cardinal. Alas, my son, Forgive me if 1 saw no other course Save exile for my honor. I 've no skill To play a double part. I should betray The hatred in my heart and lose us all. You know not how reluctantly I wear Even for a day the mask of friendship here. They told me you were sunk in lethargy, Dead to your honor. 1 had watched in vain For any sign of life from you, and so 24 I came to tell you who you are. But now I know that you remember, and my soul Which stifles here will seek its liberty. To-morrow I depart. Florimond. Can you not gain His Holiness to aid our cause ? Cardinal. The pope? I bear congratulations to the king From him. His thoughts are centered nearer home — He would not listen. Florimond. If you only knew How cruel is this secrecy, how blindly Dense clouds of doubt envelop me, which seem To cover an abyss where I must fall ! I hold the reins o'er many foaming steeds That dash along a precipice. My hands Grow weary of the strain ; yet if they tremble Our hope is ruin. Lend me your arms awhile, And we will hatch a plan shall make them dance — These sanguine fools! Cardinal. What would you have me do? 25 Florimond. I would present you to our friends, and say: Three thousand men-at-arms in his domain Ignobly toil, who wait our call alone To march to our deliverance. Bid them come ! Be brave for freedom, rouse your laggard wrath. Strike the usurper! Sir, I never dreamed Of liberty if that were not enough To arm her for the battle. Cardinal. All I have Is yours for this good cause — five thousand men Instead of three. My treasure all is yours, My voice as well, though little skill is mine To move the vulgar to my purposes. Do with me as you will. [Laughing voices are heard approaching. Cardinal Ortus and Florimond retire a little, Florimond covering himself with his domino. Enter, gaily talking, a troop of masked revelers — Piera, Tora, Valeria, Filippo, and others.] Pier a. He slipped us here. Florimond, They must not find my father's friend and me So close in talk. The king has jealous eyes Under his brow of clemency. Valeria. Forbear ! He is the son of darkness— he is gone To join his father Night. We '11 search no more ! Filippo. His father Night is here, yet he is not. Piera. Night has devoured his offspring then ; I know He fled to it. Valeria. O parent pitiless ! Was that thy greeting ? Filippo. Out of the peril, then. [Filippo tries to hold back Valeria ; but she escapes him, runs across stage, and out at the other side, followed with wild laughter by the rest.] Cardinal. You know that voice ! Florimond. It is Valeria. Cardinal. You are in danger, Florimond. Beware Lest honor's drum and cymbals stir your blood Less than the reed of love. 27 Florimond, You are suspicious. This flower upon my breast will not retard My march to yonder white-browed mountain-top. Cardinal. No, but to lie upon a bank of flowers, Breathing their soporific soft perfumes, Will much retard your march. And 1 do fear This beggar of the court. Her eyes burn low, Smoldering a fire that one provoking touch Will quicken into soul-consuming flame. Ah, son, love is the death of great designs — Destroy it ! Florimond. Cardinal, it is repose. If I lie lazy in the lap of love 'T is but the lion dreaming. Cardinal. Long ago A hero dreamed thus idly, and awoke Shorn of his strength. Florimond. He was a fool as well. Content you, Cardinal. And now make haste Back to the palace, for 1 hear them coming. Soon I will follow. Cardinal. If I trust yoLi not There is no hope. Think of your father's blood — Be true. Florimond. My father's blood be on my head If I have lied ! Cardinal. ' There speaks the Vancua ! Man, I will doubt no more — my hand upon it. Florimond. Good-night. [ Exit the Cardinal. ] How fierce he is to eat unripe The fruit I shall watch mellow on the bough Before I touch it — time enough and more For soft encounters with Valeria. Surely she is the daintiest thing that ever Tempted the lips of princes. All is still — They have forsook the search, gone to the palace. Now will the hare turn hunter. [Enter Valeria stealthily. A lute is slung over her shoulder. She is startled at seeing him.] Valeria. Ah, my lord, You are a favorite ; a moment since A dozen revelers scoured the darkness for you. You'll find them at the palace. Florimond. Sweet tormentor, What do I care for revels, save when you Make Hght and music of them ? Do not think Now to escape me. Do you know how long The weary days have chased the nights away Since you and I have found an hour alone ? Valeria. Alas, my lord, twice hath the sky grown black To mourn the muteness of your passion. Nay- Florimond. It seems a weary year, for every hour Thine eyes do not illumine wears for me Night's black complexion. O Valeria, Thy beauty is the sun of my delight. Why does it always wear a veil of frowns Or smiles more cold ? Valeria, My lord knows it is death To stand in the hot sunlight of the south. 1 would not kill him with unguarded favor — Therefore his skies are gray. Florimond. But I would toss Life to the winds to feel but one swift flash Of such unutterable rapture. Valeria. No, Life is too dear a thing to toss away. I fear me death has heard your bold defiance And but awaits my yielding to accept it. Florimond. Oh, you are flippant as the summer winds! I will not bow forever at the breath Of your wild coquetry. Mock me no more! Hear me — I love you Valeria, What my lord says now He oft has said before. Florimond. But nevermore Will he be paid with folly. If my love Rise to your heart in rapture, you are mine — Now — ever J If you spurn it you shall know The force of what you spurn. This is the end. I am no dangler of the court, content To take one smile in twenty, to be paid For my heart's wealth with laughter. Give me now All that I ask, or by the saints — Valeria. My lord — And if I loved a man of ancient name, High in the state — the plume in fortune's cap, 31 What would it profit my unworthiness, Whose ancestry was heedless as the birds, That think of naught but song? Florimond. It might avail, if he you loved could soar to heaven with you, To set an earthly title on that brow imperial nature crowned with beauty. Valeria. Ah! Too many voices call you, and to all You lend a willing ear. To-night 't is love, And the enchanting music of his lute Lulls you to dreams till you forget the world. To-morrow glory will awake your soul, And love will be forgotten. Florimond. Say you so ? My ship is anchored in the harbor there. Come — let us sail to-morrow far away, And hear love's voice forever ! Valeria. Know you not 1 am the plaything of the court, the jester These idle nobles bandy words with ? Faugh ! A little petted by the king — permitted 32 Close to his ear, because my voice is sweet And songs delight his soul. But have you noted How the great ladies kindle to disdain If my heart bounds across the chasm between us ? They suffer me for laughter or for song, — 'T is the king's will, forsooth, and must be borne, — But never fellowship. Hast thou seen this. And durst thou try to lift me to their rank, When failure means thy shame ? Florimond. Valeria, Beyond the waters many a kingdom lies Beside whose spacious acres this our country Is but a handsbreadth. Let us sail away. And seek great kings who know of thee and me Naught save the name they cannot choose but honor. There shall thy beauty shine unclouded; there The rank God gave thee men shall not dispute — These heathenish men, who see how fair thou art, And ask some other proof of noble race Than eyes divinely lit, hair all aglow, A voice from heaven's own choir, and cheeks that flush Even now to feel the breath of homage. Come ! And we will drift across long languid days, And feel the salt wind on our brows, and watch The red sun bear his train into the sea. And leave the sky aglow with stars. Ah, come! Hence on white wings to paradise! 3 33 Valeria. 1 fear Thy words have white wings, for my soul is borne Half way to paradise already. Florimond. Ah! Thou lov'st me then? Valeria. Thou canst not guess how long Thy face has haunted me. A child was I When thou didst check thy steed, and wait, and gaze, And listen to my song. The coin thou threwest — See, I have kept it, though I hungered oft And this would buy a feast. I hungered oft, But death seemed easier than the loss of it. Florimond. I too remember well that day, dear love. My heart was surfeited with shows of things When thy voice si^ake from heaven unto my soul. And taught mine ears the sweeping harmonies Thy spirit caught afar. Ah ! sing me now One song that I may treasure as mine own, That none have heard nor shall hear. Let thy heart Confess to me in melody. I wait To hear how well thou lov'st me. 34 yaleria. Ask no more ! How do I know if this be love which shines Alluring as a torch ? My fate has bowed To such strange thoughts. Even when I saw thee first Thy splendor dazed my soul, and evermore The thought of thee suggested palaces And kings and fair maids feasting in delight, And filled my heart with longing and despair. But was this love of thee or love of me, Who can remember not one day of life Unwarmed by hot desire of greatness? Ah! Oft in my mother's arms beside the sea My sobs have met the moaning of the waves For all earth's glory that 1 might not share ; And when I wandered forth to sing, my voice Was freighted with this passion, and would bear Swift thought beyond the dust of humble ways, To walk with kings. 'T is so even here — to-day. Now that old dreams are firm realities New fancies float above them, and perchance If those were mine not yet would sweet content Brush off the dust from eyes grown blind to truth. Florimoiid. Let love perform that office ! He alone Has power to wake thy life to happiness. The longings of the old time and the new 35 Were but vague gropings toward his glorious light. This bright dawn will absorb the vapors, sweet, Thy rich imaginings — ah, let it rule! Look in my eyes and say thou hast forgot Time and the luring world. Valeria. [With steadfast gaze.] Upon my soul I think I love thee. Florimond. Nay, I know thou dost. Now let the world grow gray — our hearts are gold! This for immortal joy! [He kisses her.] Valeria. [Shuddering.] Immortal! Ah! To-day is ours; to-morrow — who shall tell If God or devil grasp it? It is strange — There is some boding in my deepest heart. But — dost thou truly love me? Florimond. Love! The rose Less dear is to the bee than thou to me. Valeria. And wilt thou ever? Florimond. While my soul has breath. 36 Valeria, Speak not so lightly. [She recoils with a sudden thought ; then, suppressing her emotion, continues. ] If thou lov'st me then Go back and seek the masquers. Leave me here. Go — 1 must be alone ! Florimond. What dost thou mean ? Valeria. I mean a thousand things — I mean — my head Is whirling and must think. Oh, do not tarry ! Wilt thou deny my little first request? Florimond. Nay, but what means this sudden swift alarm ? The hour is peaceful. 'Neath the tent of night We may prepare our wings for flight. Valeria. Not now — To-morrow, not to-day. Florimond. To-morrow eve Our boat shall sail away — Oh, pledge ine that ! Valeria. Soon, soon, my lord, if you deny me not. Good-night ! 3* 37 Florimond. I '11 not deny thee. Give me now The jewel of thy love set in a song, And I will leave thee, bearing in my heart So rich a dower a king might envy me That pearl of memory and hope. Valeria. A song? Thou hast it then ! [She sings softly, at first slowly and searchingly, then rapidly and with intense enthusiasm.] I love thee — my heart Hath its secret no more ! I love thee ; thou art All of earth I adore. Thy strength is my shield And thy glory my crown. To thy keeping I yield Thought, desire, and renown. Three treasures I bring. Like the wise men of old Who gave to our King Myrrh, incense, and gold. Here is beauty for wealth, And for perfume a song : Tears for myrrh fall by stealth From a rapture too strong. 38 Come, take me ! My soul To thy search is laid bare, And thy touch doth control All my life unaware. I love thee — and thou — If thy vows are but truth , What 's the world to us now? What is time to our youth ? Flofimond. [Seizing her and gazing in her eyes. ] Turn to me ! look at me ! Am I a block that you should sing such words. And gaze in air ? yaleria. Loose me^ — what did i say? Florimond . Woman or sphinx, what art thou — ^ stone or fire? Valeria. Oh, leave me ! leave me ! Do not think of me ! Florimond. My soul shall think of nothing else forever, My changeling, 'T is thy blessing or thy curse, Whichever thou shalt choose. yaleria. Wilt thou not go ? 39 Florimond. Thou dost but dream, thou merciless, virgin thing. To teach thee what love is — that would be brave Beyond man's power. A god or fool might do it. I look into thine eyes and hardly dare. There 's something in thy soul love must beware, A mortal challenge. 1 will answer it — Adore thee, conquer thee, and make thee mine. yaleria. Or kill me. Florimond. Mine or death's. Ay, thou shall choose Me or the grave. [Exit Florimond] yaleria. Fool ! fool ! what have I done ? I do not love him thus — no, no — not thus ! Why did I sing? There is enchantment in it — This music makes me mad ! Alas! alas! What wild words did 1 utter — and to him ! That man has cast a spell about me ; yet I dare not call it love, save when his eyes Are gazing into mine, and all the world Seems far away and buried in the past. Let me forget it all, and close my lips Lest witchcraft force a song from them. 40 The prince — I had ahnost forgot the prince's order. But 'tis the hour and 1 am here alone — Yet through what chances! If the messenger Had found him here ! I wonder what the prince Desires of me, that he should send to-night A special courier from the slumbering host— The gentle prince, who seems so like a child. And yet wins battles! Let me read again The note he sent me. [Takes a paper from her pocket. ] At the hour of twelve Be near the thicket in the grounds alone. There one will meet thee from the prince, who bath Much to inform thee of. Alone — be faithful. It is past twelve. [The Prince has entered quietly at rear, in mask and domino. Ap- proaching, he removes his mask, and softly seizes the paper from her hand.] The Prince. Behold the messenger ! Valeria. The Prince. Hush ! 41 Your highness! yaleria. What means this ? The Prince. I could trust No other lips to-night. How true thou art! I knew thou wouldst be here, Valeria. Alas, my lord ! I am a thing inconstant to all else Save this mad music that enslaves me so. The Prince. Nay, do not wrong thyself. Valeria. The truth can do No wrong. What wouldst thou say to me? The Prince. My heart Is busy with old dreams, Valeria. Valeria. Your highness has the power — the power. Ah me! You need not dream. The Prince. But dost thou know my dream ? yaleria. Old fires rekindle, old ambitions flash To flame in this great triumph — is it this? The Prince. Would such thoughts bring me here dii^guised, alone, Where glory will receive me open-armed To-morrow ? Valeria, Let my praises be the first. You have been brave indeed, and all the world Is trumpeting your fame. The Prince. Speak not of that. Thy praise the jewel is in glory's crown, But do not give it now. My soul is filled With humbleness to-night. The waves of triumph May bear me high to-morrow, but not now. 1 have done nothing, or so poor a thing It is not worth a breath, except — Valeria. Except ? The Prince. One blessing it has brought, so dear, so sweet, Power cannot rival it, though I should make This hill the center of the world. Valeria. And that — The Prince. Hast thou not guessed? You women, I have heard, Scent out these precious secrets of our hearts. Valeria. I am too httle womanly, your highness — Alas — too little womanly ! The Prince. Thou art The only woman in the world for me. This is my message — I have come to say 1 love thee.' Valeria. Oh, be merciful ! The Prince. But why Am I unmerciful? Valeria. You love me — you ? The Prince. What ! am I more or less than man to thee? Have I no eyes for beauty, and no heart To waken to love's music ? 44 (Valeria. Say no more — I cannot bear it. You have ranked so high hi my soul's gratitude — how can I hve And hear dishonor from you ? Heaven knows 1 have beheld the rampant vice of the time, But never hugged it. Have you found a charm To make it lovelier? If your highness please, No more of this ! Why did you send for me ? The Prince. Not for dishonor — by my soul 1 swear it! I have no thought thou mayst not share. My heart Lies open to thy questioning. yaleria. And yet You speak of love between us — -between us? The Prince. Thou know'st not how my heart has ached with it For five long years, and yet has made no sign Lest the hot breath of slander should assail thee. I loved thee from the first. 1 never knew A thought of women till I heard thy song And saw the sunlight of thy face go out And leave all dark in the world. But since that hour One hope has been the purpose of my life, 45 The star that guided all my striving. Now It leads me to the gates of paradise, And thou shalt open them. Valeria. Upon my soul, My lord is in a jesting mood to-night — I understand him not. The Prince. Is it so strange That I should throw my fortunes at thy feet ? If thou but knew how I have worked for this. How I have planned, fought, labored, though the sun Shone hot upon my youth, and bade me pause. My jewels of renown are all for thee ; My victories are thine — they have been won To make thy crown the brighter, for at last I have the right to wed thee. Valeria. Are you mad ? What mean you? Me, a beggar — me, a weed Plucked from the highway ! You would marry me? Impossible ! You have forgot the king. The Prince. I have forgotten nothing. Dear my heart, Why dost thou doubt me ? Do I love deceit ? 46 (Valeria . No, no, I cannot doubt you, though my mind Gropes blindly and in vain. Tbe Prince. Then will 1 lead it Forth to the light, for 1 will tell thee all. My father loves me ; he who seems so cold Keeps yet his heart green for his son, and fresh With constant thoughts strewn o'er a grave long closed. He loves me, and the subtle power of love Can bend the will of kings, Valeria. Thus did I gain thy entrance to the court, The usage due a maid of rank for thee. And all that nurture of thy highest thought Which makes men marvel at thy learning now, And seek thee more than princesses. Througlt all I guarded well the secret of my love. 'T was but a whim, forsooth, this wondrous child - Too beautiful for soiling in the dust, A voice too rich to beat the vacant air When courtly ears are longing for a song ; And such a mind — 'twere profitable now To see what may be done with it, to know What should be valued in our vaunted birth. If one may purify such vagrant blood. Thus did 1 cheat them all with sophistries — The idle crowd, that yearns the live-long day 47 For some new toy to wonder at. And then I sought that thou shouldst please the king, and charm His cares away with music. Fruitfully That seed has prospered, for thou art to-day His friend and comforter ; his secret heart Admits thee as a daughter. Valeria. Do you think His pride is dead ? The Prince. White hairs have dulled the fire That burned so hot in youth. His mind begins To doubt the old priority of rank. And he will yield — there is a surer reason. When first this cloud of war rose threatening He summoned me, and to my sword entrusted The safety of the state, and said to me : Perchance these eyes may never see thee more, My son, my child. Our case is desperate ; Fierce ruin hangs about thy steps, and thou Mayst scarce avoid her clutches. Shouldst thou fail, Then all is gone but death — they are too strong. These enemies of mine. And then we talked Of arms and stratagems, debating chances Through hopeless hours, till at the dawn a path Seemed opening dimly, blind and overhung With briers and barriers, yet that led perchance To light and victory ! And I shouted loud, Crying: We'll strike them yet — despair not yet! Hold but a tight rein at the capital, And by St. Michael's sword, I '11 punish them ! And as he rose, all flashing o'er with joy, A thought sprang to my heart, and from my lips: Give me one promise, sire, and I will win Though all the stones were enemies! — Ask then My crown itself! he said. Nay, sire, not that. If I bring back the glory of our house, The safety of the kingdom, let me have The woman whom 1 love to be my wife. The king laughed in his overflow of hope. Thou lov'st then, Andrea? By my soul, 1 thought Thy heart free as a nun's ! Well, thou shouldst have her Were she a goddess ! So, Valeria, The king has given his pledge, and thou — The Prince. I cast my love and power before thy feet, My fame, the crown I shall inherit — all. Wilt thou not take them ? Valeria. Yes. 4 49 And 1 ? The Prince. By all the saints! Thou shalt be happy as the golden dawn! And I will win thee kingdoms, till thy crown Shall fit thy queenliness. Great deeds become As easy of achievement as a dance, Now thou art mine forever. Valeria. 1 thank my lord That he has sued for what his power might take. The Prince. I would not wed thee without wooing, love ; Nor speak thy name into the public ear Without a word to thee. It was to say it 1 rode these leagues to-night, and now again Must ride them, for the ruthless hours lead on Close to the morn. To-morrow, when I come With banners and with music, be thou near All white, where I may see thee first. And now Farewell ! Valeria. 1 will remember. The Prince. O my love, 1 leave my heart upon this shrine forever, And all my life shall be an orison. [He kisses her hand. Exit the Prince.] 50 Valeria. Ah, God ! this tumult in my blood and brain Will cool up there where he has called me. There, Enthroned with him beyond desire, my soul Shall rest at last — shall be at peace, at peace! Afar from him — that other, and his eyes, That rob me of my soul ! What words he said ! There 's something in thjy soul love must beware. God keep me free of love ! God keep me free ! Me or the grave. What deadly fear is this? Oh, it is chill, 't is cold. Valeria! Alas ! what hast thou done, Valeria ! [She sinks to the ground, covering her face with her hands.] [Curtain.'] 51 &A ACT II ACT Scene. — A spacious hall in the palace. Several ladies of the court discovered, including Tora, Piera, and Olivia. Piej'a. Faith, I am glad this weary war is over. The court has been as full of merriment As yonder austere convent during Lent. I'd rather be a nun, and fast and faint, Than play the hypocrite with mirth. Tora. Alas! Piera has been lonely. When the prince Brings back our troop of fighting friends to-day The old sweet atmosphere of compliment Will bring the roses to her cheeks again. Piera. If not, I'll hie me to the convent straight. Where pallor is becoming. 55 Tora. If the king Had let us live under the cloud of war We could have hugged our griefs with much content. But no — he would have revels ; all the court Must wear the laughing mask of peace, and so What wonder if we sighed behind it? Pier a. None ! How can a dozen ladies cheer a court With but a man or two to gladden them, And those in love ? Olivia. This girl Valeria Affects the bearing of a queen. Tora. In truth She has it. Doubtless she amuses you — A stranger ! Pier a. Is she not n queen indeed, Now that our noblest knight is at her feet ? Olivia. Queen of a day ! The high-born Florimond Will not long drag his honor in the dust Her arrogance would blind you with. 56 Piera. For me, She doth amuse me. I profess to be A seeker after truth, and she reveals The worthlessness of ancestry. I think Were she a daughter of the Antonines She could not walk more proudly, nor indulge A loftier ambition. Tor a. Did you note How her mask vanished from the motley crowd That vainly broke the shadowy garden's hush Seeking Count Florimond last night — the truant? [Enter Florimond. J Florimond. What lips, too sweet for aught but honeyed words, Blend with their dulcet sounding of my name A cruel epithet? Piera. My lord, what tongue, Too lightly set to wag for truth alone, Dares to deny the epithet ? FJorimoud. A truant Flees from the weary business of the hour To chase bright-winged pleasure. I can be 57 No truant, for my hour of banishment From the despotic kingdom of your wit Was spent in grave discourse. Pier a. And yet 't is rumored The wittiest despot in our crowd of masks Found the deserter whom we sought in vain, All in despite of darkness, and beguiled His grave discourse. Florimond. Think you the woman lives Who could discover what you fail to find? Pier a. Your heart, my lord ? The task is difficult, The guerdon light, and yet the gossips say One has succeeded. Florimond. I must doubt your wit If you believe the gossips. Tor a. They alone Have not convinced us. Listen, all of you, And judge him. When this day, so golden now. Had slept away an hour or two in darkness, 58 And flaring revels flickered to their death, I left the palace, hot with eagerness To find a precious jewel I had lost. I and my woman, in whose hand a torch Sputtered its petty protest to the night, Searched all the grassy coverts, peering deep Down shadowy tangles I had clambered through In the wild search for the deserter there. When lo ! beside the thickest copse of all A heap of star-beams lay before our feet, Like pale flowers, new-caparisoned in dew, And when we bent inquiringly the torch It showed Valeria. Prone upon the ground, Her hands clasped high above the lifeless face That kissed the soft caressing turf, she lay — As though at last the orphan waif had found A mother's greeting, and the loving earth Had claimed her child. Florimotid. But you revived her ? Tora. Long The soul refused to greet us from her eyes, But we despaired not, and at last it came ; And she arose and leaning wearily Trailed with us to the palace. 59 Florimond. Did she speak ? Tora. Your name was on her lips and, linked with it, Wild, unintelligible mutterings. Pier a. New will you still deny the interview? Florimond. Nay, if you would infer sweet hours of talk Each time a lovely lady speaks my name My time must all be yours. Pier a. 1 think it will, For you are placed so high in my disdain My tongue can never tell it oft enough. Florimond. Disdain shall have my thanks for keeping me Fresh in your mind. 1 humbly beg your grace. Your patient, whom the perfume of sweet thoughts Saddened to swooning — has her soul revived? Why comes she not ? 60 Tor a. She could not sleep, my lord. This morn her cheeks are hot, and in her eyes A sunken fire is glowing. Florimond. Will she come To view the pageant ? Tor a. Though the burning fingers Of countless fevers clutch her, she will come. Such was her answer when I counseled rest. Pier a. You counseled rest — to her! O lady mine, Talk to the torrent — waste not such advice Upon Valeria ! Florimond. Where are your festal robes, My tardy maids ? The banners of the prince Will crown the hill ere you are half bedecked To grace his triumph. Tor a. He dismisses us — Come, let us go. 6i Pier a. And show this splendid count, Whose toilet has been building since the dawn, How swiftly they can dress who have no need Of art and artifice. Florimond. Nay — who have made them slaves, To drive the car of beauty over us. [Exeunt all but Florimond.] I fear my soul was dead or mad last night. What eyes she has to witch away the world, Make memory a void, and thought a wind Blown from eternity to bear afar Earth's frail illusions! Now the day grows strong And drives away the clinging mists of night That blinded me. 1 will arouse my soul. That, lulled by perfumes, sleeps upon its task. I will delay the triumph of my love — Or plan it otherwise. I will prepare And strike this blow. Three zealous months would do it. Ah ! 't is the curse of such a double life, A man may lose himself in what he seems, And be the thing he acts ! I have grown dull — The cardinal was right. The Vancua blood Flows pale and turgid in me. Day by day I linger here, nursing a fond pretense 62 Of gradual achievement, trying to forge Great deeds with fives unfit. Have I no strength Even to resolve ? Must fate supply the torch I dare not light ? Faugh ! what a thrang of thoughts Comes questioning ! Away with them ! I The King's Guards approach and range themselves. Enter the King and Liperata. Florimond kneels and kisses the King's hand.] Alas ! In my friend's glofy I shall have no share — Would I had fought with him ! The King. Is all prepared ? Florimond. As ready as our hearts, sire. The King. Will 't go well? Florimond. The pageant will be royal as the deed. The town is swarming at the gates; the hill Is one continuous festival, and soon Its summit will be crowned with banners, and The waving plumes of heroes. 63 The King. Hasten, then ! I envy much the doer of great deeds, And yet thy part is dearer to my soul, Who shalt be first to crown him with our praise. I pray thee, weave not all the garland there On the hill's summit. Spare a leaf or two To give our greeting freshness. Florimond. Sire, my heart Is longing for my friend, and when once more My hand clasps his I shall forget to hail The prince and victor. The King. Leave that to the cheers Of the rejoicing people. Now go forth — The glad throng waits. Florimond. Ah, sire, permit me now, On this great day that makes your power immortal, Once to salute my king, whose generous soul Would give his heir the glory. The King. He will make A king worth dynasties of such as 1, And you will live to know it. 64 Florinwnd. I shall lose The richest treasure of my memory first. [He kisses the King's hand. Exit Florimond] The King. Such friends are better than dead enemies, Whose blood enriches harvests of revenge. Do you not think so? Liperata. Do not ask me, sire. I am haunted by a shadowy distrust Of his assiduous loyalty. The King. Your reason ? Liperata. I cannot tell — I have none. Yet of old The chieftains of the house of Vancua Could not so easily forget. The King. Of old The Vancuas were valiant enemies, Fierce in their hatred, swift in their revenge. For centuries their stainless honor shone Pure as an altar flame not once obscured < 65 By the foul vapor of hypocrisy. And when at last their greatness sank in blood And night and ruin fell about their house, I saved this youth from the impending death That such a heritage of honesty Might fortify me in the people's love. Had Florimond defied me, had he spurned My clemency, I should have recognized The wild ancestral wilfulness ; but since He could forgive the iron hand that struck Great blows in a great cause, that crushed their factions To make a nation strong, and bring again Union and power to threatened Italy — I must believe him true, for in his blood There is no taint of falsehood. Liperaia. Yet they say His mother was a Florentine. New times Beget new crimes. To-day in Italy Traitors are thick as fig-trees. The Ki)ig. Have no fear. Were he a traitor he had struck before — Now 't is too late. We are too strong to-day To fear a world of foes. 66 Liperata. Your majesty Has verily the seat of Jove to-day. Long may you hold the thunder in your hands And late bequeath it to your dauntless son ! The King. It is of him I dream by day and night. He will bring back what Italy has lost. His mother's soul shines forth in him again, Loving and conquering. Do you believe That she is glad with us? Liperata. Can death kill love? Where is your faith ? The King. It faints with longing. Liperata. Nay, You should not falter. You have walked with angels Pure Love and sacred Sorrow. You are blest. [Enter, sumptuously attired, Tora, Piera, and ladies of the court. The King. Hail to our rainbow-herald! Ladies, what news? 67 Tor a. The prince is almost at the palace gates, So pressed by loving throngs he scarce can move. The King. They know not our impatience. [The King sits upon his throne. Tora advances to Liperata. ] Tor a. O my mother, How blessed is this day ! The sun climbs high, And o'er the arid autumn of the fields Our hero-prince comes glowing from the war ! At last the hour has come. [Enter Cardinal Ortus and train.] The King. Most noble guests, This morn to you be gracious as to me ! My bravest steeds are yours, lord cardinal, For the long march this morning. Cardinal. Sire, my age Sits not so lightly on a horse's back As did my youth. If, then, your majesty Will grant me but one window in the tower, 68 A friend or two from these my followers, Their eyes will show me all, and from afar The noise will fade to music. The King. Be it so — if you desire such kindless entertainment Through all our joy. [Enter Valeria, in white, bearing a lute.] Behold Valeria ! They told me she was ill, but here 1 see A face all roses, starred with eyes all fire. Valeria. My brain was hot until the morning, sire ; But such frail humors wait upon the will, And mine has banished them. The King. 'T was bravely done. Cardinal. The bird of song hath dipped her gaudy plumes In the white sea-foam. The King. May the nereids Have had no power to filch away her voice ! 5* 69 Valeria. Alas! your majesty has never heard A sea-maid's song across the waning tide, Else would you know she need not envy me My mortal music. Cardinal. You have heard it then ? Valeria. Oft when my soul was young, and dwelling close With things invisible ; and when the sea, Father of music, rolled his endless tune About mine ears. The King. Now let us hear her song As you remember it. Valeria. I saw her rise Star-crowned from out the sea, and snowy waves Gemmed her bright hair with foam. Then like a bell Rung in deep waters came her voice to me. [She sings.'] The great birds beat the friendless air And spread their white wings wide. The sinewy sea upholdeth me ; Couched softly on the tide, The foamy winds my coursers are, And dauntlessly I ride. 70 All day the circling sun doth sweep His wealth along the sea ; The stars all night pursue his flight From bondage never free. Yet night and day, awake, asleep, The ocean guardeth me. When afar, by the turbulent winds upblown, Big seas pile black on high. And the waters race to their fierce embrace Under a sightless sky — In the depths whither exiled peace has flown I wait for the storm to die. Oh, come hither ! come over the ocean to me. Ye weary slaves ashore ! On his throbbing breast ye shall softly rest, Or, prone on the wreathed floor. Rapt in dreams of peace, from the mad world free. Ye shall toil and weep no more ! Pier a. If such a song came o'er the waves to me I would obey and drown me. l^aleria. Many a wretch, Lured by that voice, lies stark beneath the waves. The King. Pray heaven we hear it not ! 71 Valeria. Men wholly wise Or wholly happy never hear it, sire. The King. Hush ! do you hear that sound? Voices. [Without.] They come! they come! [Clattering sounds are heard far down the distant corridor. As they grow louder the voices of women commence this song :] O maids, weave garlands for the dance — The war is done 1 Pluck laurel for the conquering lance — The fight is won ! Come singing through the city's gate ; Beyond, the conquering flag of state Gleams in the sun. Your lords and lovers come again You sent with tears. Come dance and sing, for all in vain Were sighs and fears. Come dance, for down tlie hill they come To sound of fife and tap of drum — Rouse heaven with cheers ! Weave laurel for the victors there, And sing their praise ; And, maids, if some come not to wear Your crown of bays, 72 Faint not, but dance ! Unfurl on high The flag for which they dared to die, And paeans raise ! [While singing, the troop of maidens slowly enters, rhythmically dancing as they sing, and scattering flowers. Then come the King's councilors and ecclesiastical dignitaries in robes of office. The Prince's body-guard enters next, whereupon the King rises from his throne. During the singing all those of the court have been visibly moved, some much excited, a few women weeping. Valeria especially is absorbed as in a dream, and unconsciously her body sways with the dance and her lips move with the song. After the body-guard come the youthful cavalcade who had gone with Florimond to meet the Prince ; and lastly Florimond leads in Prince Andrea himself, followed by his chief officers, among them being Count Leone. As Valeria sees Florimond she shrinks back with a shudder, and covers her face with her hands. But the next instant she draws herself proudly up and meets his eye in a long gaze, while the King descends the steps from the throne, and the Prince hastens to kneel at his feet.] The King. Rise — to my heart, and may the frown of fate Part us no more! If I were rich in speech My praise should set thy name among the stars, My son ! The Prince. At last I feel thy blood in me. The King. My conqueror ! The Prince. Thine enemies', my lord. 73 The King. Where are they ? The Prince. Sire, thou hast none. Read the proof Here, in this treaty. [The King takes the parchment, and the two read and converse to- gether in an undertone. In the mean time Andrea's officers seek out their wives and friends in the throng. ] Liperata. Joy is queen again ! Conquerors, were your pathway paved with gems 'T were yet unworthy. All our hearts' delight No pageantry can tell. Tor a. We thank you all, And for your scars we weep. Signor, 't was you Who led them by the woody mountain-pass To strike the enemy's heart. We heard the tale. Ah, Count Leone, have you sheathed your sword To whet your tongue again ? Leone. My lady, no; I crown you victor in the war of words And dare contend no more. Tor a. Brave deeds alone Beget such modesty. My noble lord, Your race is rich in glory — and your brother, Where is he ? Agnolo Dead, my lady. Tora. Nay, his name Will live when we are dead. 'T is well with him. Alas! I know a maid will weep for this — Bear her the tidings gently. Valeria. [To three or four gentlemen who have sought her out.] Now may the world be merry once again. Such funeral revels we have held, my lords — With terror at the gates, and fierce despair Luring the enemy hither. A Gentleman. Had they come. You need but sing to charm their hate away And make them slaves. Valeria. I '11 sing no more, my lords: Then will you let me brood in solitude, Until, aweary of the faithless world, 75 I drag my lone soul to a nunnery And tune my harp for heaven. Florimond. Sing no more — Your speech alone is tuneful. Speak no more — There 's music in your eyes. Be blind and dumb, And still the spirit of melodious sounds Will be your herald. Valeria. And when I shall die Music will perish with me. Ah, my lords, Forgive this courtier ! In the fire of war You must have purged your souls of flattery — Teach him how easy 't is to speak the truth. What are you seeking, Count Leone ? Grant me But half a word. Leone. I knew a lady once — Tell me, I pray you, has she died of grief? VaUria. 'Tis but a leaden conscience drags her from you. Question her well, my lord, and trust her little — If this is she. [Moving aside, she reveals Piera, who has been hiding from Leone, and now comes forward smiling. ] 76 Leone. Say thou hast kept the faith, Most noble lady. Pier a. Do not praise me for it. If I remember you 't is but because No rivals sued, my lord. Leone. I know full well You were half dead with grieving, and your face Betrays the fasts and vigils, and the tears You spent for me. Pier a. If I am thin, the cause Is revelry, for I assure your worship We have been merry far into the night. We know how jauntily the world would spin Were naught but women in it. Leone. And we men Dreamed you were pining for us, and forbore To woo the golden damsels of the north In pity for you. Piera. Constancy is made Of false compassion, then. 77 ' Leone. Nobler than yours, Which dares not face a tempter. Pier a. You forget — I never promised constancy. Leone. 1 know You wept upon me with a storm of sighs The day we parted. Pier a. Strange I should have feared, Who know you are so dear in your own love That the most tempting danger ne'er could lure Your feet from safety ! Leone. If my sword was cold 'T was for your sake who could not live without me. Pier a. The brave new chivalry ! Of old a knight Offered great deeds like jewels to his love, Or fell to prove him worthy ^f her tears. Leone. What if a knight, whose arm would strive in vain To add a splendor to his lady's name. Yet felt the sweet infusion of her soul Urging him on to glory, and essayed To be not all ignoble, would she hold His striving worthy the divine reward? Pier a. I am not worthy such a knight, my lord. Go ask some nobler lady. Leone. I should seek her Through all the world in vain. The King. [To the Pnnce.] We are safe again ! Once more we clutch care by the throat, and smooth The frowning brow of fate. My Andrea, Thy father is thy debtor for his crown ; To the last word thou hast fulfilled thy promise. The Prince. And thine, my father? The King. I do not forget. Hast thou considered well ? The Prince. That hope has been The torch that led me on. 79 The King. And she is here — The lady whom thou lov'st ? The Prince. Ah! suffer me With her to kneel before thee ! The King. No — not yet. The world must be our witness to the bond — So shall we not escape, though all go ill. [The King ascends and stands in front of the throne, followed by the Prince, who takes his position just below him.] My countrymen ! — you whose intrepid souls Have borne our honor up the steeps of war, And you who from afar with hearts aflame Have watched their fierce ascent and cheered them on, Loosing the leash of treasure ; you as well, Mothers and wives of heroes, maidens pure, Whose high hearts wept the night away in prayers Till the glad dawn revealed a smiling heaven — Well have you served the state ! The insolent foe Crawls at your feet, and on the heights of fame. Caressed by skyey breezes, far above The reach of envious clouds, impregnable, 'Your flag floats, streaming forth its hues of dawn, Lit by the sun of glory. For your toil, 80 Triuinphant now, we thank you. For your wounds, Your losses, and your woes a weeping land Uplifts her arms in blessing, and her praise, Smiling through tears, crowns each devoted head With immortality. May tender Peace Dwell on your hearths forever ! Joyous days Be your reward, and softly sunny age, Mellowed by mighty memories ! To one. Your leader in the brotherhood of arms. First in our pride and dearest in our love, We grant a special boon. Prince Andrea Claims as the promised prize of victory The lady of his love to be his wife. To him, who from the daughters of great kings May choose his spouse, we grant the privilege Of marriage with the lowliest, if such Be his desire. Yet we beseech his youth That no hot-blooded passion may obscure His duty to the state, which asks of him A queen of race heroic, fit to be The mother of great sons. The Prince. Sire, 1 am come From battle, and the iron robes of war Still cling about me. At my side still hangs The sword 1 wielded for my country's right. Think you unholy fires could e'er survive The red rain of that quenching? In my love I am still a patriot, and the maid I choose, Were she descended from a race of kings, And dowered with states for jewels, could not bring A soul more royal nor a richer store Of queenly treasures. With most humble hope I beg the purest thing of all the earth To stoop to such a battered warrior And teach him how to reign. [He kneels to Valeria.] Valeria. Ah, not to me ! You shame me to the soul. The King. Alas ! my son — Come back to me, my son! The Prince. Will you be false? 1 lean upon your promise and your love. The King. And in the name of love I bid you pause. The Prince. When the long race is close upon the goal You bid the winner pause ! Recall such folly ! 82 V The King. The goal you seek is but a veering vant The prize as volatile as air is. yaleria. Even you shall not insult me. The Prince. Trust to my love for all. Si I Do not speak ; yaleria. Most noble prince, This blessing of your love would make me rich ; But if the king doth scorn my empty hands And meager lineage, I repay his scorn. Great is he in the empire of the sword — In the pure realm of art my ancestors Were kings when his were bandits. On my soul I will not wed on sufferance. Give me back The wild free life you stole me from, my lord. Then was I empress of the world. My mind Was sister to great poets, and my soul Sang like the harp of God, and was at peace. The King. It is the truth — she is a thing afar. Our kingdom is not hers, nor is she fit To bear the bonds of earthly sovereignty. 83 My son, the colors of the dawn are fair ; But weave a mantle of the morning cloud And it will chill thee. Let my love once more Bid thee beware. yaleria. \, too, entreat my lord Not to enforce this whim. Ah, let me go ! The Prince. Dost thou forget? — Sire, have 1 ever changed? The King. Then must this be ? The Prince. Ay, by my mother's soul. The King. Then ring the bells — bid the great host advance, And set beside the conqueror's coal-black steed A snow-white palfrey for his fair betrothed. And let the heralds to the world proclaim The hero and the maid who one week hence Shall be his bride. Tor a. Mother, must we ride too? Liperata. With heavy hearts, my child. Tor a. 1 know a journey More easy for the soul, God! let me take it! The King. [To Valeria.] Come hither, child. [Valeria, led by the Prince, approaches and kneels before him. ] Be true, as she was true! Be steadfast. Seek for peace within thy soul — It will not meet thee in the arms of power. Trust not the sylvan spirit of unrest That calls thee from the past. Thy golden hour Is fled. No more canst thou be Nature's guest, For Life has beckoned to thee, and has poured Her riches in thy lap, and whispered thee Her luring mysteries. Remember not, Seek not, but walk straight on in thankfulness, Trusting thy joy to God. So shalt thou be Queen of thy soul, that long has idly roved The slave of every wind. So shall thy reign Make brave men strong. yaleria. O sire, I have been rash, But not ungrateful. In this embassy From my domain to yours my heart shall bear The treasures of art's kingdom for a dower, But my allegiance is to yours forever. 6* 85 The Prince. Heaven make me worthy ol thee Valeria . I know not why thou lov'st me. The Prince. Shall prove my constancy. Mock me not Happy years [At the King's command above — " Bid the great host advance" — the crowd begins to file out, led by the soldiers and dancing maidens, who softly take up their old refrain. Then the officers and people of the court leave more informally to mount and form outside, followed by Liperata and Tora, and then by the Prince and Valeria. During the gradual exit the following scene occurs at the front of the stage.] Florimond. [Turning to follow — aside. ] Ambitious puppet ! She Ml wish her soul in hell ere all is done. The King. Cardinal, I am loath to leave you. Count, Attend our noble guest, and from the tower Show him the spectacle. Florimond. One word, my king. The prince has stolen the jewel of my heart — 86 1 cannot see him wear it. Let me go! Let me not sour his joy with jealous thoughts. The world is wide to roam in, and afar My soul shall find content. Deny me not A little time to purge away this grief That stains my friendship with disloyalty. The King. Is love so grave a thing to you as well? Yes — you shall have the passports. See the world, And bring us news of it. Florimond. When 1 return A heart reborn to freedom and true faith Shall thank you fitly. [Exit the King and train; and, at a sign from Florimond, the followers of the Cardinal.] 1 am yours. This hour My soul is turned to steel. Carclhial. A Vancua ! Florimond. I shall not stand agam upon this ground Till I can throttle them. We will go hence — To-morrow be it ! He has granted me 87 Arms for his ruin. From the distant hills Freedom shall call her forces. When these tyrants Walk most securely under azure skies A storm shall burst upon them, and my hand Shall hurl the thunderbolt against their throne. Cardinal. 1 hear thy father's voice in thine again. Swift be the blessed march of liberty ! [Curtain,^ ACT 111 [Scene. — The antechamber of the Princess Valeria. Enter the Captain of the King's Guards with Florimond, who is soiled and stained with travel. Three months elapse between Acts 11. and III.] Captain. You are too bold, my lord. Florimond. What should 1 fear ? This is a house of bats. The rising sun But strikes them blind. Captain. The sun iias not yet risen, And they are on the watch. Why did you come When any messenger would do as well ? Florimond. To be of use, Rinaldo. Do not fret. 1 have seen the king and sugared him with words Till his soul soaks in sweet content. Besides, 91 He is a phantom ; who would toach me now At his command? Captain. Not I, my lord. And yet Are we prepared for disobedience? Florimond. To the last banner. Not a man but knows His part in the play, and strains his eager ear To catch the first glad call of liberty. Captain. And when will she awake? Florimond. To-morrow night. I come to give the signal. Captain. God be thanked ! T is worth a score of years of servitude To feel the breath of freedom once again. Florimond. To-morrow is our blessed patron's feast, And Count Leone's wedding-day as well. 92 The city will be thronged, and with the crowd, Like a fleet shadow at the heels of joy. Our people will assemble; and at night, When revels have grown drunk, one word from me Will end this farce with fire. Captain. But are you sure The citizens are ours? Prince Andrea Has won them by the very candor of His tyrannous force. Florimond. 1 will dispose of him — He will not vex us when the moment comes. And for the citizens, my name alone Has been their talisman for centuries. What is this prince that he should charm away A nation's soul? A Vancua need but whistle To wake the mighty goddess slumbering here, Her head upon our hills. When she doth rise The past will shine again deep in her eyes — And woe to those who see the lightnings there ! Captain. \ vowed to give my slave-born children back The heritage we lost. My hand is yours — For life or death. 93 Florimond, [ Hearing footsteps without. ] The count was long my friend, His bride too long my enemy — and yet I think she loved me well, save with her tongue. [Enter Tora and Piera.] Pier a. The Count of Vancua ! Is he still alive, And talking still? Florimond. Close to his end, my lady. He lingers but a day — his tongue will rot When you are married. Tora. Welcome, truant friend. How we have longed for you ! Florimond. To-morrow's bride Desired my pardon for past cruelty ? Piera. Ah, no! Your thanks for many a priceless truth. Florimond. You have them — you shall have your will to-day, To the last sting. But I beseech your grace 94 For tin's unworthy livery. The slave Of two such lovely ladies lives in heaven — No stains of earth should soil him. Let me go; 1 am not fit to kiss a lady's hand, White as the rapture we invoke for her. Pier a. Ah, count, if all the hapless world to-night Might be as glad as 1 ! 1 shall rejoice Through all my joy to see you here to-morrow. Good-night ! Tor a. You are the capstone of our hopes. Florimond. More eager in your service than the king's. [Exit Florimond.] Tor a. 'T is our last night, Piera; 't is the end. To-night we stand together on the shore ; To-morrow comes the shining barge of gold. Its captain at the rudder — all his soul Deep burning in his eyes, imploring thine. His strong arms open, and he waves afar Over the purple ocean shot with gold, Waves to the blessed islands of delight, Deep buried in the distant blue. And thou — 95 Wrapt in a robe of dreams, serene, secure, Thy soul glides on, and I am left alone. Pier a. Thou art the dreamer, Tora. Long ago We vowed our sisterhood, and registered Our deathless scorn of men — dost thou remember And longed to prove our constancy against The wooing of a host of suppliants. Ah ! I am forsworn — 1 did not know them then, These suitors. One has turned the heavy key That locked the secret chambers of my heart, And lo! the day pours in, and I awake, Who never lived before. All is more rich Touched by this golden sun of love. The past Transfigured is, not plundered. Thou art still The twin star of my soul. Tora. Until the dawn — What star can shine undimmed before the sun? Pier a. Leave me not on the wings of metaphor ! The stars are older than the fiery sun And each to other never dim. My friend, Talk not of change. So knitted are our souls We cannot disentangle all the past. 96 Tor a. Leave it to memory, in whose shadowy realm Grant to our love a consecrated shrine, And strew it with fresh thoughts when we are parted. Pier a. My sister, look at me ! What blight is this, Blasting our fellowship? Is marriage then An exile? Will the count imprison me, Deny me friends, feed me with poisonous doubts? Thou dost not think so ! Tell me then at once Why thou canst speak of parting. Tor a. 1 must go — God wills it — 1 obey. Pier a. In God's name, where ? [Tora points to the distant convent, whose bells are even then almost inaudibly ringing.] Tora. < Unto a royal marriage. Pier a. Is 't resolved ? Tora. Three months have idled on since 1 resolved. 7 97 Pier a. And nothing said ? Tora. I waited but for thee — Thy wedding. When Leone claims his bride The portals of the cloister will receive me. Pier a. Hast thou no mercy on thy youth ? Dost know The penances, the vigils, and the fasts. The bare cold days, the long entombed nights, The endless years stretching in vista'd gloom Down to the grave ? Oh, hast thou thought of all ? Tora. All these are nothing. From the fires of life My soul has risen to heaven. I am at peace. Pier a. Ah, life is glorious — action, love, the world To rove in, laden with beauty and delight. Tora. Sweet be its songs to thee, its loveliest flowers Fall in thy lap ! For thee and thy content One will be praying always. Pier a. Say no more. Thy soul is far away — I cannot hear. But in my cup of joy salt tears are falling, And all my bridal robes are wound with black. Tora! Tora. My sister ! [They embrace] Pier a. Is it farewell indeed? Tora. Not to our love. [Enter the Princess Valeria.] Valeria. What! weeping, girls — my girls? Ah, you are wise, Piera ; 't is with tears A maid should think of marriage. Piera. Then am I Most false to maidenhood, for these my tears Fall on another altar. Valeria. Are you happy? Piera. In all my thoughts of the sweet time to come As glad as any queen — so please your highness. 99 Valeria. She does not know. [Aside.] If I could bless you now I would importune death to bear you hence. Pier a. What fearful thought is this ? Valeria. Ah, child, sweet child — Pier a. Nay, madam, take the measure of our years And mine are more than yours. Valeria. Oh, I am old — Old as the Apennines ! My childhood lies Deep at their base — too deep for memory, And icy age sits throned upon my brow. I ask you, child, what fate could be more sweet Than death in love's first ecstasy? Pier a. Long life Spent in love's service. Valeria. Be it so to you ! Why do you weep if all is well with you ? lOO Tor a. Madam, for me; my choice is nearer yours. Since nearer death than life. The world and I To-morrow shall be parted. Valeria. [Bowing reverently.] Pray for me When you are vowed to God. Tor a. For you, great princess ? Alas ! what more can you demand of God ? Valeria. Such wisdom and such happiness as yours — Strength to renounce ; for in that bitter word Wisdom and joy clasp hands in ecstasy. Tor a. You chose to read another. Love and power Sing in your ears, and will you envy me The one white thought God whispers to my soul? Ah, leave me that ! God knows you have enough To be content. Valeria. Ah yes! to me the world. And heaven to thee. To have or to renounce ! Cypress and myrtle are the wreaths of joy Life crowns her chosen with. Piera here Shall wear the myrtle ever — all my soul Prays heaven for that, but for the cypressed nun No need of prayer — her 1 congratulate. Tor a. I thought you rich, and do you envy me My poverty? yaleria. That soul alone is rich Who is content. What feasts can satisfy Implacable desire ? Would you be free Feed not the monster — kill it! I, you see, Can still philosophize, whom Fortune's wand Has tricked to splendor and to happiness. Still must I know what others must endure. Pier a. Princess, you live ten thousand lives in one. Are you not tired ? Valeria. 1 cannot quite forget The artist in my blood. Pier a. What is an artist ? Valeria. The mirror of all souls. Tor a. Has such an one Herself a soul ? Ah, madam, you were right, And 1 will pray for you. yaleria. Ho, this is scorn ! Go — whisper to the ocean ; lean upon The shaggy breast of mountains; ride afar Over the soaring clouds; then multiply The narrow kingdom of your coward wit By infinite emotions and desires. And you shall know a little what it is To have an artist's soul. Tor a. May Christ in heaven Spare me the knowledge ! yaleria. Have no fear! not all His power could give it you. Tor a. Your highness — [Tora controls herself with an effort.] Pier a . Nay, Each to her happiness. Now here am I 103 Content with such a lean and piteous wit It scarce can stagger from the daily range, Or stutter out a question to the stars. Can you, who are so learned in ancient lore, Tell why I ignorantly smile with fortune. Or blindly sadden when she crosses me ? [Enter Prince Andrea and Count Leone.] Most noble lords, these ladies delve in vain Deep in the elements. Come, rescue them ! Leone. They are content. 'T is you need rescuing. Pier a. Ah, let me go ! This is my last of freedom — You would not be so thievish. Leone. 1 was born Of a most grasping temper. The Prince. Spare him not ! Your power is waning — strain it to the last. My ladies, have you seen the wanderer. Our latest wedding guest ? Pier a. A moment since We caught him with the travel-stains upon him, 104 And he was so abashed he fled away To don his satins. Valeria. [Aside.] It is Florimond. The Prince. My heart is glad indeed ; though I, his friend, Might well be jealous of his enemy. Some strange, mad, sudden wish to see the world Made him a truant from my wedding ; yet He dares return for yours. Leone. 'T is but revenge. He longs to see her bowed under the yoke. Valeria. Count, you would jest at death. Most noble ladies, Your confessors await you, and we crave No further talk to-night. Tor a. [ToPiera.] Ah ! God is good To call me hence. Pier a. Hush, child ! The Prince. Leone, The king desires your presence for a moment. 105 I '11 join you soon. Sleep well to-night, fair maiden. Leone shall awake you with a song. [Exeunt Leone, Tora, and Plera, bowing.] Valeria. When did the count return ? . The Prince. An hour ago. I vow thou art more royal than the heir Of fifty kings. Who taught thee to command ? I love to see thee queen it over them. Valeria. 'T is not so difficult a part to play. The Prince. Yet once 1 loved thee for thy simpleness, Thy sweet, wild freedom from the taint of courts, That breed hypocrisy. Valeria. [Wearily.] Ah ! once for that, To-day for this, to-morrow for the other. Pray, can you never love me for myself? The Prince. What means my wife ? io6 Valeria. Oh, I am not so good, So simple, nor so loyal as you dream. Your will enslaves your eyes. You see in me The image of your thought. You know me not. The Prince. I know your steadfast truth and gentleness. If there is ought beside in woman's soul Let me not know it ! Valeria. There is much beside You cannot catalogue by phrases thus. We range in flowery fields, 'mid changing winds, The skies all in an April mood for showers, While you would prison us in nice ideas. Ah, give your ixncy wings, and try to feel What 't is to be a woman. The Prince. [Embracing her.] What care I For all the women in the world but one ? 1 cannot tell how deep is my content. Fear not this weight of honors — thou couldst wear The crown of all the Caesars on thy brow And not be overborne. That thou art happy And rescued from the sloughs of circumstance 107 Is joy that chokes my prayers with thankfulness. Strive always to be cheerful as thy fate ; And be not jealous if the king's affairs Pluck me away from thee. Even now, my sweet, He waits me. Strange designs must be discussed. Valeria. What strange designs ? The Prince. Lady inquisitive, Thou wouldst not know. Think of a song instead I long to hear a song when 1 return After my hour of penance. Valeria, Wouldst thou hear The caged lark sing ? The Prince. I fear thou art not well. I Ml send to thee some people to beguile Thy loneliness. Valeria. No — 1 am very well. I do not fear an hour of solitude. Go to the king. The Prince. First crown me with a kiss. [He kisses her. Exit the Prince. ] Valeria. Oh, when he touches me, I hate him so That I do fear myself. What shall I do ? My God ! what shall I do ? To be a wife — What is it but to walk in mortal shame, And see no shrine where plumed hope may rest And beckon to the soul ! If I could die — Like honey from the fields of liberty The draught of death would taste. Oh, to be free ! To dance once more adown the blooming roads. My soul all song ! To sleep beneath the stars, Close to the heart of Nature, and to hear Her whispers all alone ! To wander hence Back to the past — to hunger, nakedness ! I cannot breathe. 1 can but gnaw the chains That link my soul to earth forevermore — While Fate stands mocking me, and crying loud, I have fulfilled thy dreams ! Blind fool of fortune - Tempted by glitter, gulled by the show of power, Tricked by ambition into slavery. And dumb with my despair ! — ^And one has come Whose glance will read it all, though it be hid 'Neath rosy heights of laughter, though I pile Vast clouds of happy phrases to conceal The burning horror at my heart. His hand Will touch it — he will know. Ah, saints in heaven ! If 1 could only play it to the end — This role I blindly chose — and be a queen Even over misery ! [Enter Florimoncl. Valeria rises and confronts him.] Why do you come Intruding on my solitude ? Florimond. Is this Your greeting after all the weary months ? yaleria. To-morrow 1 will welcome you. To-night I crave the hour alone. Florimond. Upon m> ' soul I bow before you. yaleria. Count ! Florimond. This royal farce You play it to the life. Valeria. What right have you To question my commands? Florimond . Ah ! none at all. The man who loves you, he whose memory bears The record of your vows — what right has he To anything but scorn ? Valeria. Man, have you lived So long upon this earth, and never learned Some pages in the book of memory Must be erased forever ? Florimond. Woman, woman. Canst thou erase the pages written deep In heart's-blood from a wound that never heals ? Hast thou forgotten all ? Valeria. I will forget. Florimond. Oh, empty boast ! Who can escape the past? Not all thy tears through weary years of woe Shall wash one word away. Why should we speak The chatter of the court, as if my heart Knew not each throb of thine ? Unhappy one ! I cannot see thee suffer and be dumb. I know what thou hast done. Valeria. And if you know Why do you torture me ? What I have done I freely did. I only am to blame. Florimond. No, not to blame. Thy soul an eagle is, Seeking the sun. It is not strange at all That eyes unwonted to the light of power Mistook the bauble on a royal brow For the full orb of day. No — not to blame ! The tortures I have suffered in thy loss Urged no reproach to thee. Valeria. 'T is generous ! Ah ! would to God the voice within my heart Might be as merciful ! Florimond. Think not of that! The past is with the dead, and like a corse Abhorrent to the thought. Let not thy soul Sink in the grave with rotten memories To taint the coming years. Art thou not brave ? Hast thou no thought beyond thine own distress ? The times are comfortless. A million souls Are longing for deliverance, and thou — What hast thou done ? Valeria. What do I know, my lord, Of the wide world beyond me ? Florimond. Wouldst thou know ? Valeria. 1 faint for knowledge. Florimond. Though its cup were red With human blood and salt with human tears. Still would you drink it ? Valeria . To the dregs, my lord. Think you I have no pity? Florimond. Are you still A daughter of the people ? Though you wear Gaudy disguises, are you loyal still To the rude blood that warms you ? 8 113 Valeria. I would give These gauds and all 1 ever hoped of power For one wild dance along the grassy fields. All this is but the badge of slavery, The emblem of despair. If you can see A window in my prison, lead me there, And let me view again the mighty world Where I can rove no more. Florimond . Then come with me, And through the window of my memory Gaze out upon the past. What dost thou see ? A city, cradled on a tide-swept shore, Whose inf:mt ears heard from the clamorous surf. From salt sea-winds and thunderous mountain gales, But one word — liberty ! And as she grew, Bathing her strong free limbs in mighty seas, Circling o'er broad domains her puissant arms. That word was still the life-blood of her soul. And from her lovely eyes fierce lightnings flashed At thought of an oppressor. Year by year And age by age her comeliness increased. And every violent hand that dared assail She hurled to ruin, all her soul athrill With the fierce pride of freedom. Long she reigned. And all her people, gladdened by her smile. Wrought for her glory, till her shining hair Was strung with diamonds, and her spotless robe With pearls embroidered and with silks enriched, Until in splendid modesty she stood Peerless among the nations. Thus she was ! Alas ! What is she now? yaleria. Ah ! even as I — Wedded to misery. Florimond. Not wedded — no. Despoiled, shamed, outraged! Ah, the bitter tale They sweetened for thee. Listen to the truth. Valeria. Oh, let me know it ! Florimond, When this king was young He and his tribe were exiled for their crimes — A violent faction, who had dashed with blood The robes of liberty. For years they wandered Over the face of Italy, in vain Seeking to soothe the rigid front of justice; While we at home basked in the noon of peace, Busy with dreams, blind summer slumberers. At last a cloud came thundering from the north; A military chief — soldier of fortune — Hung cities on his sword-belt, as a thief Slips jewels in his pocket, till his arm Threatened our citadel inviolate. Then we awoke into a strange eclipse. And, mad with fear, we called our exiles home To fight the foreign foe. The call rang forth And roused them from despair. With sword and spear O'er hills and seas they came, and ranged their strength Under the banner which my father bore — The state's appointed captain. But their aid Was needless, for the threatening despot died. And the fantastic structure of his power Fell like a summer dream. When all was safe Within the city's walls flashed up once more O'ershadowed memory, and the bloody past Rose like a ghost, with hand omnipotent Closing the clanging gates, and hurling thence A new decree of banishment against The gathered host of exiled wanderers. yaleria. Pitiless mother! could she not forgive Her sons who came to save ? Florimond. Who came to save ! Nay, to devour! Ruin was in their hearts — ii6 The savage hearts of traitors. To their arms Nothing she owed, for not a sword was flushed When death struck down the foe. Yet some abhorred Even the suspicion of a stain, and pleaded For their admission. Lo ! even while they prayed Swift as a rocket sprang the signal forth, And war was at our doors. All Italy Was roused or cowed by the arch mischief-breeder, And wrought for our despair, or stood agape While the inviolate city he had sworn To cherish and defend he stripped and plundered Of every rag of honor. Valeria. 'T was the king ! Florimond. Ay, 't was the king, who should have died to save His country from a tyrant. He it was Who led a mob of fierce adventurers — The cutthroats of all nations and his own — Straight to his childhood's home, whose loveliness Long peace had garlanded, and turned them loose To wreak their horrid will and his revenge. Oh, horrible ! Florimond. Should I reveal it all — The story of those days so charged with crime — Your soul would sicken, and your heart grow old. 8* 117 Valeria. Am I not guilty too ? 'T is fit I know The sins I have espoused. Florimond. Notall — not all. One deed will be enough to prove the whole — The death of one old man. A gentle mind Was his, brave and compassionate and true. He pleaded for these outlaws, would have risked Receiving them as brothers at the hearth They had so wantonly profaned. The rack was his reward ; and when his soul Seemed to have vanished from its ruthless clutch They flung his body in the street, and mocked Our white-lipped agony. Valeria. And the great God Could watch it from his heaven ! Florimond. Beyond — beyond He saw the end, and planted in that deed The seeds of retribution ; for the life Pent in that form, torn, mangled, piteous, Sprang to cold lips again, breathed fiery words No mortal soul could hear and disobey. And at the last, when death drooped over him, He smiled, for his ancestral legacy — The love of freedom, and the hate of wrong — His son had vowed to vindicate — or die. Valeria. And you are he. Florimond. 'T was I who made that vow, yaleria. And you have lived so long without revenge. Florimond. Revenge which will be sure must needs be slow. The time has come. Valeria. The method and the means- Tell me, I must know all. F/on'iiwtid. Will you be strong ? Valeria. As strong as death. Florimond. Do you love liberty? Valeria. I — liberty? You who have seen me free — You ask me that ? Florimond. Would you for liberty, The freedom of a million souls enslaved, Strike one brave blow, risk one soft luxury Of praise or pleasure, or of peaceful days ? Valeria. I would give all ! What can she ask of me I would not proudly grant ? Florimond. Then her demand Will be your law ? Valeria. I swear it. Would to God That I could free the world ! Florimond. This guilty race Must die. Valeria. And is the other guilty too — My husband ? Florimond. When the streets ran red with blood, Almost a child he stood beside his father Cheering and urging on the murderous work — A frenzied fiend of impious energy. In him the crimes of future years are lodged. And shall he live ? You who have felt the bonds, Can aught but death level his jagged will ? Valeria. My soul is on the rack beneath it, yet There seems in him a kind of innocence — As who should stroke a bird that longs to fly, And dream it loves the touch. Florimond. There lies the peril. Craft we can meet, but such simplicity Is like a gag choking our weary groans Till the world deems our silence happiness. His soul breathes incense as its natural air. The state is on the rack, yet in his mind She rests upon a bed of violets, Dreaming of naught but love and gratitude. Himself is in his eye, and all the world Is but his shadow. He is the enemy. When he is dead freedom will rise again Fearless and strong. She does not dread the king. Valeria. How shall he die ? Florimond. Dear lady, 't is to you The stricken city calls. Insulted justice Arms you for her revenge. I have a weapon, Petty yet potent. [He drops a pellet into a cup on the table, and fills it with wine from a vessel standing near. ] When the prince comes back Give him this golden wine. He will not feel \i. Pain will not touch nor frenzy torture him, And death will give no sign for many hours; Yet when this time to-morrow shall have rung He will exist no more. Valeria . — Exist no more — There is no other way — it must be done? Florimond. For God and liberty. Valeria. And wheti 't is done Will all be over? Florimond. The people are in arms, And we will fight for it. To-morrow night The city shall be free. Valeria. Have they no friends — They who were once so strong? Was he not crowned By suffrage of the people? Florimond. You have heard it — Their treacherous boast ! Perchance there was a day When fear went mad, and bought security With shame. The knife was at the city's throat, But far away the fields were clad in blue — The future smiled redemption, and she looked. And could not die. But she remembers well, And for the past to-morrow will atone. Valeria. And we shall all be free forevermore. Florimond. Sweet is the sacred wrath of Liberty — Lovely her flaming eyes ! But sweeter far Her tenderness for those who serve her well. The noblest sons of time have writ their names In stars about her brow, and with them now Thine own will shine forever. Valeria. I could die To be enshrined in the world's love forever. 1 would fear nothing, suffer everything. Florimond. 1 know it, and I trust thee. [Enter Prince Andrea, a bloody sword in his hand.] 123 The Prince. He is dead — The slanderer ! Valeria. What means this bloody sword? The Prince. He slandered thee, and so 1 struck him dead. Who slandered me ? Valeria. The Prince. Leone. Valeria. And you killed him? The Prince. Listen ! he said you were conspiring here — My wife, my friend ! — conspiring for my death. 'T is false ! and he is dead. He dared to say it — No man can whisper such a calumny And stand against my sword! — he told me there The wine was poisoned — 't is a damned lie ! [He suddenly seizes the cup. Valeria makes a motion to arrest him, but he drains it instantly.] Now is the slander dead, and gone to hell ! [Valeria falls to the ground, and embraces his feet. ] 124 yaleria. My husband ! The Prince. Oh, my wife ! that he should say it ! What could 1 do but kill him ? [Curtain.]^ ACT IV Scene. — Same as Act III. Enter in great excitement Agnolo and Filippo. Agnolo. Who is the assassin? Filippo. Who can name him now? The Count Leone had no enemies. Agnolo. I loved him ! I would give this my right hand To know the dastard who has struck him down. The awful days are come again, when hate Hides in a dirk and dares not wield a sword ; When every friend may be an enemy, And every cup a lurking-place for death. Filippo. Ah, nevermore ! The king will know the truth And punish, as of old. 'T was 1 who told him - 1 know it by the fury in his eyes. 9 129 Agnolo. I told the unhappy lady who should be His bride to-day. 1 roused her from her sleep, And told her they had found her lover dead, Wishing that I were buried with my news. Filippo. Poor lady, did she weep? /igiioJo. Her eyes were dry, Her face white as a shroud. She said no word. But followed to his bier, where now she clings JVloaning and fondling him. It maddens me ! Filippo. Be calm, and trust the king. High in the state Was the dead count, Prince Andrea's cherished friend. His death will be avenged. Agnolo. Look where she comes ! That face of hers will haunt me in my dreams. Come — let us go. [Exeunt Agnolo and Filippo. Enter Tora and Piera, the latter passive in her friend's hands.] Tora. Piera, speak to me ! Is there no comfort in the tears of God That thou shouldst be so still ? Pier a. There 's naught to say. Torj. There 's death to mourn, justice to be invoked. Pier a. Justice ! How can they give nie justice now, When he is dead ? Tor a. Against the coward hand That murdered him wilt thou not cry aloud? [Aside.] My brain is branded with a name; mine eyes Can see naught else — it is Valeri;i ! Somewhere — I know not how — her finger lies Under this mischief; I would stake my soul, So sure am I ! [To Piera.] Shall the assassin live ? Pier a. If they could steep his impious soul in blood Would that restore my husband to my arms ? There is no justice in the courts of heaven Or he would not have died. Tor a. Poor soul of woman ! Wilt thou assail the Omnipotent, and dream The universe has wandered from its course To thwart thy love ? Others have lived and died And suffered, and the long procession moves Inexorably on. When thou art dust God's lips will scarce have sipped the eternal years Of justice. Pier a. If the sword that murdered him Had sought my heart as well, I would have blessed it, And called the stroke my marriage to my love. If but to-day had passed, and I were his, And then the blow had fallen, I could have seen Some mercy in it. But to lose him now Without a word, to dream away the hours While he was lying cold — ah, verily I am an exile from the love of God ; The saints to whom I prayed are impotent ! Tor a. Hast thou forgot that 't is thy wedding-day? Is this a time for blasphemous despair ? Pier a. In all the world what now is left for me ? Tor a. For thee is light or darkness, for the path Of sorrow leads to both. A million saints Have found such glory at the end of it As passes happiness; but for the weak — It lures them to the pit. Thy lord was brave, 132 And wilt thou be a coward ? Duty was His guiding star. Wouldst thou be true to him If thou shouldst fail to do thy part in the world, Listening humbly to the voice of God? Pier a. What shall I do ? I am alone — alone, My sister. Tor a. So — 't is good that thou shouldst weep. Tears are God's dew for sorrow — let them fall ! Richer than pearls are they, more potent far Than minted gold. Weep on, but when thou hast done Let wrath possess thy soul. Piera. In God's name, whom Dost thou suspect ? Tor a. If that pernicious soul Who clamors for suspicion in my brain Know aught of this, the tortures of the damned Would be light punishment. Piera. Ah, pity me ! Who is it ? In this woful labyrinth Give me some clue. 9* 133 Tora. I will not sleep for searching. It is not fit 1 speak without the proof; The thought is but a cobweb in my mind. Let me but find a thread slight as a hair And it is yours. Pier a. To whom shall I appeal If you deny me ? [Enter the King. Piera falls, sobbing, to her knees at his feet.] Sire! The King. Nay, child — I know. This damned news has stabbed me to the soul. Poor bride ! poor lady ! Have I any power To give you comfort ? Piera. Give me death or justice — Both, if you can be merciful! The King. This deed Shall be avenged— I swear it by the cross, And by the sacred blood of all the saints. Piera. He was so kind ! 134 The King. Not ours a reign of fear — Hate armed with murder sheathed in secrecy. The old mad doom of Italy is ours If order be enslaved. Thy murdered lord Was dearest in our love, and shall he now Die like a rat here in our very halls, And his assassin live ? [Enter Florimond, unperceived. ] That wide-mouthed wound Shall not appeal in vain. Trust to the state, Essay no private stroke for his revenge, And we will know the truth, and the red hand That struck him down shall follow to the grave : I promise it. Florimond. [Advancing.] Most righteous is the word. Dear lady, I can long for nothing now Except to serve thee. Pier a. [ToTora.] Take me back to him — My husband ! Tor a. Then the guilty all must die, Whoever they may be ? 135 The King. Have I not sworn it ? Tor a. Amen ! May Christ have mercy on the souls Of all of us ! [Exeunt Tora and Piera.] The King. What enemies had he, Or private quarrels that we knew not of? Florimond. I never knew a creature better loved. He had a thousand friends, but not a foe — Or so 1 thought ; yet I know naught of him These many months. The King. Arouse Prince Andrea, And say we wish to speak with him. [Exit Florimond by a side door; he is heard clamoring without] Florimond. My lord ! Come forth ! the king desires you — wake, my lord! The King. Is it in vain that I have planned and toiled, And struck great blows for punishment, to give 136 Laws to my country, and to make her strong Under the rule of order? Must I now See feuds grow fierce and know not where to strike ? I will not suffer it. The state shall know And punish, that revenge may be disarmed, And the great house whereof he was the head Fail not in loyalty. [Enter Florimond and Prince Andrea, by the side door. As they enter Florimond speaks aside to the Prince. J Florimond. Fear no betrayal From me, my lord, i have not said a word. The Prince. What should 1 fear? [Florimond bows himself out, but returns imobserved to a sheltered nook at the rear, where he remains during the following dialogue. ] The King. Advise me, Andrea. You know this news ? The Prince. Leone's death ? I know it. The King. What shall we do ? A crime so infamous Cannot be fitly punished. Stabbed to death 137 Upon his wedding-morning — one so true, Whose house was always loyal to our rule — Our noblest subject and our dearest friend. The vile assassin who has robbed us of him Shall die a thousand deaths. The Prince. Your tongue 's a fool! 1 killed him — 1! The King. You killed him ! The Prince. It was I ! Will you not hear ? 1 killed him like a dog ! Thank God that he is dead ! The King. Why did you kill him ? The Prince. My reason was sufficient. He deserved The furnace or the rack. The King. What was your reason ? The Prince. Are you not satisfied ? I say 't was good, And more 1 will not say. 138 The King. By heaven, you will ! Or the black question shall extort the truth. The Prince. Am I afraid ? God ! this is dangerous ! My tongue is mine, to wag it as 1 will. The torture will not move it. The King. I have sworn Leone's murderer shall follow him Down to the grave. I swore it by the cross, An.d by the sacred blood of all the saints. His virgin-widow's tears shall be avenged. Give me the cause that I may fix the guilt Where it should be, or by my oath in heaven Your head shall suffer. The Prince. All the guilt is mine. None aided, none conspired. I struck him dead With this my sword. Do as you will with me. The King. Oh, this is death ! Andrea, my son, my son ! Wilt thou not tell me ? Surely it was grave. Thy cause for such a deed. Reveal it all, 139 And I will warrant thee against the world, And crave the Holy Father on my knees To free me of my vow. The Prince. Fulfil it, rather. I do not fear to die. My youth has passed Over a lovely country flecked with flowers. What time more fitting for the swoop of death, Ere yet the skies grow dull, and the bleak wastes Stretch nightward round my soul ? Fulfil thy vow, And I will bless thee that my day of joy Shall have no night of sorrow. The King. Andrea ! Hast thou forgot our love ? Hast thou forgot The day thy mother died ? She bade us live As friends and brothers — knitted soul to soul. Even as in marriage — and we pledged it there. We have been one in thought, and shall this specter Rise like a blight between us ? Tell me all. When have I failed thee ? If this blow was thine Why then 't is mine as well. If thou hast suffered My heart is rived an hundred-fold. My son. Canst thou not trust me ? I have yielded oft My will to thine. When thou wast but a child 140 And the great house of Vancua was doomed, I saved its youngest heir to be thy friend Because thy heart was moved to pity him. When thou didst name the woman of thy love I suffered thee to wed her, though the state And all the world opposed me; and my heart Has claimed her as mine own. The Prince. He slandered her — It was for that I killed him. When I left you . He stood beside that door and whispered me A most abusive tale — of her, my wife. And Florimond, my friend. Conspiracy, Murder, and poison were its elements. I smote him with my sword. You would have done The same, if you had heard. ! struck him down, Walked in upon his fell conspirators. And drank the wine he warned me of — and see — I am not dead ! The King. [Aside.] And thus thy day of joy Shall have no night of sorrow. God in heaven. Thou dost fulfil my vow. The Prince. 1 am the son Of one who held the honor of his wife 141 As sacred as the chalice of our God — Of one who would have scorched the impious hand That dared pollute the whiteness of her robe. If it were she whom slander had assailed, What would my sire have done ? The King. He would have killed. And thou, his son and hers, couldst do no less. The Prince. Thank God ! The King. Leone's doom was in the stars — God willed it. On thine uncorrupted soul His blood shall never rest ! The Prince. May scorn and wrath Part us no more ! Now could I die for thee — For thy rash vow. [The Prince is seized with a spasm, under which he sinks to a couch, writhing in pain and unconscious. The King stands over him.] The King. It is the Persian poison — Do I not know it ? Death has clutched him now With one red hand — perchance to play with him 142 And toss him back to life. Mother of Christ! If I have ever served thee for an hour, Rend him one hour from death ! Oh, give him back Ere the dark v^ings fold blinding over him For all eternity ! The doom has fallen. The structure 1 have builded is aflame. Falling to ashes. I can work no more. I, who destroyed that we might build anew, Am met by the destroyer, and my dream Of union for discordant Italy, Whose soul was once the empire of the world, Lies here in ruins. Deadly Italy! Thou sepulcher of nations, on whose portal Curses are writ for hope, and sneers for love. Whose shrine is strewn with bones and dashed with blood Of heroes numberless, how long, how long Must thy sons die for thee, and die in vain ! Where is thy throne, where is thy regal crown Among the nations? Buried deep in shame. Where thou liest sunken in a sullen sleep. We call thee, and our cries thou wilt not hear — We draw thy sword, yet cannot rouse thy soul. Beware lest thou awake to slavery — Lest the barbarian kings descend on thee And bind thy fatal loveliness in chains ! [The Prince quietly recovers consciousness, and rises.] 143 The Prince. What is there ill with me ? The King. Nay, all is well With thee, my son. The Prince. Such dizziness 1 feel — The King. Lean here a moment — it will pass away. We will go talk together — thou and 1. Strange dreams of death and life came to my sleep Last night. We '11 talk of them, and for an hour Forget that we are kings — insatiate Breeders of nations, conquerors of strife. The Prince. Strange counsel ! Thou wouldst have me for an hour Forget my destiny ! Is this my father ? The King. « Come, we will go and look upon the sea — The sea is blue to-day. The Prince. What was thy dream ? [Exeunt the King and the Prince. Florimond advances unperceived. ] 144 Florimond. He knows the truth, and when the prince is dead, What death too hideous for us? Farewell, My noble patron ! When we meet again I Ml greet thee like a Vancua, and claim A reckoning for the past. Most noble lady, [Calling softly at the side-door.] Open to me, for 1 have news indeed. [Valeria opens the door and appears.] The king knows all, and thou must flee with me From his revenge. Valeria. The night is over now. 1 have a thing or two to say to thee, And then may the God of mercy and of love Grant I may never see thy face again In this world or the next. Florimond. Valeria ! Speak not, but hear me ! He has told him all, And through his wrathful innocence the king Has read the truth. The instant of his death Will be our doom. Valeria. So be it ! lo 145 Florimond. What say'st thou ? Hast thou grown mad ? Valeria. No — no ! Once I was mad, But one fierce moment wrapped my soul in flame And it was purged. Florimond. Dost thou not understand 'T is death to linger here ? If they should spare thee Our retribution could not, for to-night The infuriate mob will slip the tyrant's leash — This hated race will perish, and these halls Will be chastised with fire. To-morrow morn Thou shalt awake to happiness and power If thou but dash these vague misgivings down And go with me. Valeria. There is no happiness This side the grave for me. The arms of power I can but wield awry. Go — let me die — 'T is only in my shroud I shall be safe. Florimond. Sweet lady, there are many million years Beyond this day's despair. Full well I know 146 That from the tense strain of a mighty deed The soul recoils to agonies of doubt. Thy mind has leaped the centuries, and dared A stroke for fate and immortality, And now black clouds envelop thee. Be brave — They cannot linger long ; soon thou shalt see Visions of glory and delight once more. Hast thou forgot our love ? yaJeria. Beware of me ! I have been patient long, but when thou speak'st That word, I long to blast thee with a breath. I never loved thee, and with all my soul 1 do despise thee now. Fhrimond. How dar'st thou tell These lies to me ? A noble patriot — Who prates of fate and immortality And love all in a breath ! For which of these Was murder done? Was it for liberty, God, and the people that we poisoned him ? So said'st thou, and the spell was over me. And 1 believed. Or was it for revenge, The satisfaction of our secret hate. That we destroyed this hero — I, his wife, And thou, his friend ? Florimond. Art thou so mean a thing — A poor, weak woman after all ? Alas ! I was a fool to trust thee, to believe Thy soul roused to great issues. Yesternight I found thee starved, caged, shrunken, in despair. I showed thee all the world, and a great cause To live and die for, and methought I found A man's brain wielded by a woman's zeal, A child of liberty, who laid her head Upon her mother's breast, and wept for joy That she could serve her. Canst thou in a night Forswear thine ancestry, and fill thy veins With tyrant's blood ? Valeria. God ! is it but a night That I have lived since then ? 'T was long enough For the wide world to age in, long enough To learn that naught in all the universe Is half so precious as a stainless soul. Florimond. Unsullied was thy soul until this hour. To free a million by the death of one — 148 'T is to be pure like fire, and brave like steel. The narrow standards of the past will bind Free minds no more. A new philosophy Widens the bounds of virtue, tears away The lean monk's blinding cowl, and dares reveal The beauty and the glory of this world Priests have so long defamed and kings despoiled. The sword of justice must reclaim for man His stolen heritage. That sword was thine. Thy deed might be the halo of a saint, So holy was it. Italy is cursed With many tyrants. When the last has fallen. And she stands free beneath her glowing skies. Such strokes will shine like jewels in the crown Of her redemption. yaleria. Let me prophesy ! The mantle of the seer becomes thee not. Not thus will Italy be saved. Her vice Will never thus redeem her from her shame. Though murder grow as trite as tyranny And treachery as custom-stale as hate, Her doom will speed the faster. It is writ That sin brings punishment, and years of woe Must follow years of wrath. For times like these Long centuries of penance shall unroll Ere Italy be worthy to be free. Florimond. The future is thy kingdom, prophetess. Valeria. Be warned then — flee! Man cannot baffle God. Thy hope is doomed — the blight of greed is in it. Though ruin sweep a road wide as the sea Thou shalt not touch the goal of thy desire. Florimond. By all the saints ! you have communed with fate Since last 1 saw you. yaleria. 'T is most true, indeed. My life has known despair and misery. And blessed hope and moments of high joy, And thirst, and longing, and the love of truth; But in that instant when my husband drained Our cup of death, it knew them all forever. The past rose over me in rolling waves Of mighty memories. I saw the truth, And took her hand again, and all was clear. And through the endless watches of this night 1 sat communing with her face to face, While he whose ill-starred love we had betrayed Slept his last hours away. My soul is armed 150 Against thee now. The spell inscrutable That made my mind thy slave dissolves in light, And I am free. Florimond. This is thy gratitude ! The love of many years, the zealous service In spite of bitter perfidy, the long Devotion to a dream, the dear desire To crown one thwarted life with happiness; A great cause risked, and death defied — all these Are scorn to thee ! Valeria. Speak'st thou of gratitude ? That theme is not at home upon thy lips. I seem to hear my husband say those words. He gave me all — 't is late for gratitude. Now that my thankless hand has stolen all From him ; yet I will give it, and be true From now until the end. Florimond. He has not changed. If all were as before, if he could live And play the king forever, he would be Insufferable still to thy free soul As he was yesterday. Valeria. What boots it now ? Our hands and destiny have brushed away That problem. If I cannot live with him, Then i will die with him. Florimofid. Insensate thing ! Know'st thou what thou invokest? Valeria. Death. Florimond. Ay, death. But not the soft embrace of perfumed peace, A bower of poppies where the soul may sink Into eternal rest, where holy thoughts May fan away all stinging memories, And lull the baffled spirit into dreams Of infinite fulfilment — not to thee Will death come thus, if thou demand it now. Disgrace, a public doom and punishment, The torture, and a lingering agony Men pale to think of, madden to endure, Will lead thee to the grave. Valeria. And through the pain I shall behold innumerable years 152 Thronging the spaces of eternity, And hear the song of rapture from afar. Florimond. Impalpable creation of a dream, What wouldstthou do? Think, if the power of thought Lives in the filmy chambers of thy brain. Behind, disaster; and before thee, shame; And dim oblivion beyond — a world Unpeopled, save in wild imaginings Of maddened zealots, unexplored and dire. Take the bright cup of life, full to the brim. And go with me. Valeria. The voices in my ear Are sweeter far than thine. They offer me A whole eternity of joy within Life's little minute that is left to me. What matters immortality ? My soul Feels the wide winds, lives in the quenchless light For one swift hour. Eternity could do No more. Whether this death be death indeed, Or but the portal to a nobler life, I am content to die. Florimond. These vaporings — Thou baffling demon of perversity — These shall not balk me. 1 will have thee yet — [Tries to seize her. ] 153 Valeria. Thou shalt not touch me ! I have done with thee Forever ! Florimond. Wilt thou make me mad as thou ? I love thee — dost thou hear ? Thou murderous woman, If the red blood upon thy hand were mine Still would I love thee. Valeria. Wilt thou prove my words Already ? Florimond. Thou wast mine — my twin — my queen. Our troth was registered in hell, and sealed In blood. Thou canst not leave me in the lurch, And die with fine words on thy lips. Valeria. And this Is the deliverer ! Speak to me no more ! [The marching of armed men is heard without.] Florimond. Hear'st thou that sound ? Now shalt thou choose in- deed. 'T is the king's guard, coming to lead us hence To his tribunal. Choose — their arms or mine. I shall escape — some of them are my friends. Let me but clasp thee, and thou too art safe. Life, and the world to reign in, and the love Of one who reads the secrets of thy soul, -Of one whose heart is but an instrument Tuned to thy finest measures. Come to me — The old Valeria 1 knew of yore. yaleria. \ know thee not. My soul is winged for God, And has forgotten thee forevermore. [Enter the King's Guards.] Captain, In the king's name I do arrest ye both. yaleria. God bless you for it ! Florimond. Woman, thou hast been Destructive as a pest, false as a lure. yaleria. There is no sin that cannot be redeemed. [Florimond feigns a few desperate sword-thrusts, and escapes. Valeria yields herself, and is borne away.] [Curtain.] IS5 ACT V Scene. — Same as Act II. Enter the Captain of the Guards with nearly half the guardsmen, and a few courtiers, including Filippo. Captain. Great deeds are on the wing. We must prepare. The long night gladdens to the dawn, and now Day's harbingers awake and sing. My friends, The prince is dying. Filippo. Thus the enemies Of liberty must perish ! [Some make signs of joy; some receive the news with awe- stricken silence.] Captain. Not a man Shall fail in duty. Each depends on all. And all on each. Will you be faithful, friends ? And is all ready for the sacred hour? Guardsmen. We swear it ! Others. Put us to the proof ! Captain. [To Filippo, whom he gradually draws away.] My lord, Go to the count. Bid him not wait an hour. The king has sent us here to the hall of justice, And bade us open wide the doors. Bid him Send in his people with the rabble. Say The princess lies in chains since his escape ; The king has heard — I know not what — but 't is Some echo of the truth. It is not safe To wait until to-night — to give him time To arm, and guard, and save himself, and balk Our dear revenge. Now that the prince is dead We need fear nothing. Filippo. Dying, but not dead. 'T was neatly done, but 't is not finished yet. Captain. I saw him lying breathless — Filippo. Yes, I know, But 't is a tricky poison — Vancua i6o Ought to have used a speedier. And his ruse Did not deceive the king, who knows too well The scope of all the poisons. Captain. Yet it kills— Filippo. Oh, surely. But he may survive this spasm ; The first is seldom fatal. Captain. 'T is the second. Filippo. Indeed ! He is well-nigh safe then. Yet 1 know My father had a cousin lived through two And died not till the third. Captain. What difference? He cannot harm us now. Go to the count — Tell him how all things stand, and bid him haste. We will await his bugle. Filippo. 1 am gone. When next we meet — Captain. No throne will shadow us. [Exit Filippo. The Captain goes to the door and blows three short blasts on his bugle.] II i6i Go you, Bernardo, bid them ring the bell That calls the people hither. You, my friends, [Addressing six of the guardsmen.] My six stanch brothers, open with this key The great bronze doors, and guard them. Do not fear. Watch for my signal ; be alert and swift. You that remain, stand by the throne with me. [Enter the rest of the Guard, one by one. They form. ] Take the side passage, men. You, range yourselves Along this wall. Now all is done, I think, And the king's orders are obeyed. To arms ! [Enter, in the people's division of the hall, certain citizens. Gradu- ally others come in until, by the time the King enters, a dense throng has assembled. ] First CiUi(en. What are we summoned for ? Second Citizen. Some war, perhaps. Some new town must be taken, and our trades Must pay the price. First Citizen. Still growling ? If the king Could grasp all Italy, you 'd mumble out That 't was not worth the handling. 162 Second Citi:^en. Well — 1 say Home 's good enough for me. I Ml shake no hands Except my friends', and share no government With smooth-tongued southerners. First Citt:(en. Have you no eyes ? Who reaps the profit of our greatness ? We. Would you have been as rich in little Locca ? Say — tell me that? Second Cit^en. Would 1 have been as rich ? I am the foremost blacksmith in the city. What has the government to do with that ? First Citizen. You are a fool ! Second Citizen. Nay — I am not a fool — Third Citizen. Have you heard the news? The Count Leone 's mur- dered, And this is for the trial. 163 Second Citizen. Leone murdered ? Then we shall have no wedding pageant. Third Citizen. True — But there will be a splendid funeral, And funerals are grander. First Citizen. Who is guilty? Third Citizen. How should I know ? The king will answer that. Second Citizen. See — let us take those places by the pillar. Come — they '11 be taken. We can see all there. [They pass on, and continue talking among themselves and to others as they come in.] Fourth Citizen. Too long have we been governed by a king — We Ml teach him that. Fifth Citizen. Ay — Vancua was right. He has spilled our blood, and drained our treasuries. He shall die for 't. 164 Fourth Citizen. This earth shall soak his blood. That he has trod as king. Sixth Citizen. Ay — king, forsooth ! Here where our sires were free. This upstart king, And the great house of Vancua 'neath his heel ! Fifth Citizen. He shall die for 't — he and his murderous son. Seventh Citi:^en. 'T is strange about Leone's death. I thought That prince too brave to play the assassin. Sixth Citizen. Yet No sooner had his friend offended him In some slight quarrel — so said Vancua — Ho whips me out his sword and runs him through. And lies down to as sweet a night of slumber As if his prey had been an oyster. Fifth Citi:^en. 'T is A tyrant, like his sire; born to it, bred to it. We '11 make an end to all of them. II* 165 Seventh Citizen. Be still. The silken gossips of their court approach. [Enter, gravely and silently, several ladies and gentlemen of the court, all wearing mourning badges. Lastly, Liperata, Tora, and Piera, clad in black. They station themselves near the throne. During the following scene, while these converse to- gether in the front of the stage, people of all classes gradually fill the hall.] Third Citizen. Look at the bride, poor thing — that was to be. Troth ! she is pale. Second Citi:^en. But not a tear in the eye ! Faith — she should wring her hands, and weep, and wail, And cry for vengeance. Zounds ! she is a stone. First Citizen. Lord ! would you measure sorrow by the gallon ? Third Citizen. Look ! the king's sister and his niece, in black. Can this be for the count ? Second Citizen. And why not, pray ? They loved him well. i66 First Citi:^en. 'T is strange. Tor a. O mother, mother Dost thou remember when he came from the war And we stood here, as now ? Liperata. Yes, child. Tor a. This day Is terrible, but not so sad as that. He is but dead — my prayers can speed his spirit. But to be still while he gave up his soul Unto unworthiness — ah ! that was pain ! Liperata. He died untainted, dear. Think not he loved her. He loved a dream and set her face within it. Even as some heathen might enshrine in gold A monstrous image, hallowing it with prayers. God takes the worship that is meant for him, Though ignorantly offered. Tor a. Dost thou think The earthly contact of his soul with hers Must last forever ? 167 Liperata. Is the heathen saint Chained to his idol through eternity? Nay, God is just. Their souls have never touched. Tor a. Ay, all will yet be well. This earth shall feel The hand of God to-day. Look up, Piera ; God will avenge our woe. Piera. Think not of me. I try no more to solve God's problems for him — They are too hard. I do not understand The forces which have wrecked us. They must come From the black voids of space — they are so strange. So strange and terrible. Shall I mock with tears The whirlwind's anger? Shall I cry aloud When all the thunders of a thousand years Are echoing through the caverns of my soul ? Tor a. Ay, all the more ; till God shall hear thy voice. Piera. Nay, nay ; I am a watcher on the shore Of some dead world. There was a shock, a crash ; The elements grew bolder than their wont. The green earth reddened, and the stars shot fire, And all was done. 1 am too slight a thing i68 To move a dog to soothe my loneliness. 1 ask nothing of God, save to go pray. Liperata. What puts thee in this strange mood, child ? Pier a. Alas! When my love died 1 mourned. But now 1 see Whole kingdoms are adrift ; and what am 1 That I should hug a private grief, invoke A special vengeance ! Nay, if God be just, Leave it to him ! Tor a. Yet even on earth, at times. His sword strikes home. Is not Valeria In chains ? This day our woe shall be avenged. Pier a. Blood — ever blood ! 'T is man's revenge, and not God's justice. Tor a. Dost thou hear ? [The strains of a monks' chant are heard in the distance, gradually growing louder, and then fading away to silence.] Holy mother, maid divine, Thus we bear him to thy shrine — Pray for him ! 169 In the earth his clay shall rest ; Lift his spirit to thy breast. Pray for him ! Not through purgatorial tlame Let him supplicate thy name — Pray for him ! Martyr-winged, his sovil doth rise To thy throne in paradise. Pray for him ! Tor a. O God ! O God ! Liperata. The prince goes to the chapel. Be at peace. This journey does not weary him, my child. Pier a. Why dost thou tarry here ? The convent walls Will hush all deadly noise, and Christ thy Lord Has called thee. Wilt thou go ? Tor a. When all is done. Piera. 1 will go with thee. Not the nun's deep veil. The funeral pall, the vows that bury life, Shall hide my love from thine. We will go pray- The poor world needs it. We will think away The wilful years, and pray for all the world Until we die. 170 Tor a. May death come soon, my sister ! Pier a. Not sooner than the light. I would not grope Through all eternity. Nay, give God time To teach us. [Enter the King, in full royal robes, crowned and sceptered. As he advances and scats himself upon the throne, a wave of murmur- ing passes over the people. ] Fourth Citizen. See — the king 's alone ! Voices. [Softly.] The prince ! Third Citi:^en. Where is the prince.'' Second Citizen. The pretty princess, too .? Others. The prince ! First Citizen. Nay — it is strange. Seventh Citizen. What fools are these, To lick the heels that crush them ! Fourth Ctii:(cn. Where is he? But the prince I Fi/tb Citizen. Where he should be. Trust the count. The King. My people! Ye have heard me many times — Now tor the last time hear ! I have grown old In serving you. The crown you gave to me I have enriched with principalities, The scepter 1 have girded round with laws — Now are they yours again. I loved my country. I thought to make her orderly and strong, To gather 'neath her shield all Italy Against the foreign foe. But sinuous fate Has baffled me ; the evil of the times Unwinds its coils, and lo! God's instrument Lies dead. My people, I can work no more. Prince Andrea, whom ye loved, who dipped your flag In shining victory, who would have borne it Far to the heights where glory sits enthroned Above time's siege, who loved you with a love More strong than death, who would have made you free Beyond the hope of those who dare betroth Blasphemous impotence with liberty. Who would have made you great beyond their power — Prince Andrea is murdered. Maiij/ 1^0 ices. [Softly] Murdered ! Others. Listen ! The prince is dead. The King. He gave you cities, gold, A great hope, a great destiny: and you — You give him death ! Many Voices. Not we ! y Others. No, no — not we ! Show us the murderer ! Seventh Citizen. What does this mean ? Is it the count's work ? Fifth Citizen. By Saint Michael's sword! — He should have told us this. Fourth Citiien. He trusts us not. Seventh Citizen. Nay, doubt him not. Wait — wait! 173 First Citizen and Others. Who killed him! i^oices. Oh, Our warrior ! The King. My people, are ye true? And do they slander you who dare assert You were false traitors to his love ? First Citizen. Who dares? Tell us who says it ? Sixth Citi:^en. [Aside to his faction. ] Where is Vancua? Seventh Citizen. 'T is going strangely. Fifth Citizen. Faith, he sleeps! Sixth Citi:(en. Alas! These golden sands of time are slipping fast — What shall we do ? yoices. Give us the villain ! 174 First Citizen and Others. Justice ! The assassin ! The King. Friends, I must believe you true. My soul shall trust you, for the power ye gave me Is yours again, your glory or your shame Through coming years. I love my country still, And now that I can guide her course no more — Voices. No! No! Others. The king ! Manjy Voices. [Shouting.] The king ! Seventh Citizen. [To some of his faction.] Ye cowards ! knaves ! What ! are you cheering him ? Fifth Citizen. What can we do ? The Multitude. [Cheering.] Long live the king ! The King. It cannot be, my people. My scepter now must be the pilgrim's staff, 175 My robe his cowl. In far Jerusalem My prayers shall plead for you. But ere I go, Before I dare resign my stewardship, One duty lies before me, unto you One service I can render. Oh, my people, Will you have justice? Shall this noisome crime, That darkens o'er us like a pestilence. Rise festering to God ? First Ctt^en. The murderer ! Manj> Voices. Give us the murderer ! Others. Tear him limb from limb ! The King. Be patient — ah, you shall have need of patience. [To the Guard.] Bring in the woman, and protect her well. [Exit Captain with six men.] Be still, be patient. Let this cause be tried All orderly, that justice may not frown Upon our offering. Be nearer gods Than men, my people ; for your souls must bear A tale of treachery and ingratitude Unmatched among the devil's miracles. And not go mad. 176 Tora. Ah, mother, she is coming. Liperata. Hush ! she is come. [Re-enter the Guard with Valeria in chains.] Matty Voices. [Murmuring.] The princess ! First Citizen. This is false ! Second Cit^en. How do you know? First Citizen. She kill her husband ? Look ! 'T is false, I say. Pier a. Ah, Tora, sister mine. There 's more in this than we can understand. See — is she not a seraph straight from God, Standing with folded wings ? Tora. It is hell's way — To counterfeit heaven's splendor with its flame. Pier a. Beware ! beware ! Thou know'st not heaven and hell. 12 177 The King. Valeria, widow of Andrea, prince, Co-ruler of this realm, and heir of all Its principalities, stand forth, and hear. [Valeria steps forward a pace or two, free of the Guards.] I summon thee to answer for the death Of Andrea, thy husband ; warranted By his confession, made in ignorance, But clear unto the wise. Base-born wast thou ; His name redeemed that stain. Thy lot was mean ; He raised thee to a throne. Thou wast a beggar ; He gave thee splendor. A wandering outcast, thou ; He made thy home a palace, and thy vassals The noblest in the land. Thou wast despised, The sport of men, fore-doomed to be their slave ; And he whose heart was stainless as the morn Gave thee his love. First Citizen. Her soul weeps tears of blood — What does this mean .? The King. And for these gracious gifts. Thou, three months from the altar where thy vows Were registered for God, thou didst conspire His ruin. Thou didst play upon his trust. Until in thy defense, to vindicate Thy honor, — dear to him though cheap to thee, — He killed the friend whose truth had dared tO assail it, And drank thy poison like ambrosial wine, Sure of its purity as though he had seen The angels brew it for the lips of Christ. Voices. [Softly.] Oh, horrible ! is it true? The King. Thou hear'st the charge. If thou canst meet it, or if thou dost ask Another voice to plead thy cause for thee, Speak, and avoid thy doom. yaleria. I do confess The truth of these thy charges, and I ask The sentence of the law. Voices. Death ! Many Voices. [In great cries.] Death ! [The Guards draw near to protect her.] Tor a. Hear'st thou? Pier a. She is calm still. What do we know — We mortals ! 179 The King. Ye have heard. Unhappy woman, Thou dost avow thy guilt. For crimes like thine The law gives death prolonged with agony, And thou hast heard the people ratify The law's decree. Yea, on thy perjured soul God shall pass sentence ; ere this day is old Thou diest. Yet because thou wast the wife Of Andrea, and a princess, death shall come With deference, as though the blood of kings Flowed in thy veins. Woman,- prepare thy soul. Choose 'thou the means of death. Valeria. The means of death! Captain of the Guard. [Aside to Valeria.] Gain time ! The count — yaleria. Nay, thus then ! [She draws a small dagger from her girdle, and plunges it into her breast.] Oh, my soul — How light it is ! The King. Will such a narrow door Suffice for death to enter ? 1 80 Valeria . [ Dreamily. ] Do not fear. Ah, sire, there is an angel at the point — Death's herald. [To the Guard.] Do not touch me ! 1 can die Untended. Look, dear, it is almost done I The King. Give me the dagger. [The Captain picks it up from the floor, and hands it to the King, who shows it to the people. ] 'T is envenomed black. She dies within the hour. [To theCaptahi.] Bring hither now Your other prisoner. Captain. Sire, he escaped us. The King. Escaped you, say you ? One against you all ? Captain. He fled away. Not all the winds could reach him. The King. It is a lie, and you who utter it — You are a traitor. [For some time faint cries and vague sounds of an approaching crowd have been heard without. Now they grow more distinct, and the gathering uproar is plainly audible.] Captain. Traitor to a tyrant — Lover of liberty ! Friends of Vancua, Rise — to your work ! [He darts toward the King with uplifted sword; but Valeria, swift as thought, throws herself in front of the King, and baffles the attack.] Valeria. Save the king ! [There is great confusion through the hall. The Captain is seized and pinioned by several courtiers. The noise and the cries without grow louder and louder. ] Ah, sire, Your throne is doomed. Ten thousand foes unfurl The flag of liberty. Beware ! beware ! Arm yourself! Save yourself! Oh, I forgot Your danger in my ecstasy. The count — Ah, listen ! he and ruin are without — What will you do ? Voices. [Shouting without.] A Vancua ! Vancua ! Down with the tyrant ! Kill the king ! Seventh Citi^^en. Awake ! For Vancua — liberty ! [Some of Florimond's faction try to force their way to the door, where those without are struggling to enter. The others contend against them.] 182 First CiU:^en. Protect the king ! Many Voices. The king ! The King. Listen, my people ! he is there — Tempter and traitor ! He has fled my justice — To yours I now commend him. Punish him — This Count of Vancua who betrayed his friend ! Kill him who killed his master! Spare him not, Who did not spare this miserable woman, But lured her on to crime. Oh, silence him, Who dares profane the name of liberty And shroud the state in ruin. Be avenged For every lie upon his perjured soul. Do this for justice, and my last farewell Shall be a blessing. Voices. [Shouting without.] Vancua ! Many Voices. [Within.] The king ! [The throng beyond the entrance surges in, driving the others back toward the throne. Florimond, armed, appears at the topmost step in the wide door- way, sword in air, with armed troops behind him, flanked by the mob. The two crowds struggle furiously to- gether, pushing and surging with cries and blows. ] Many Voices. [From the King's crowd.] The traitor ! 183 , others. Kill the traitor ! Shouts. [From the Vancua faction.] Death to the tyrant ! Florimond. On, on, friends ! Liberty ! The day is ours ! [The First Citizen has made his way to the door. He now suddenly wrenches Florimond's sword from his uplifted hand, and plunges it under his arm, above the protecting armor. ] First Citizen. This — for the women you have ruined ! this — For justice and the state ! Florimond. Valeria ! Oh, hear me ! — Is this all ? [Florimond falls dead. Valeria, lying half unconscious on the steps of the throne, neither hears nor sees. The Count's friends tenderly protect his body and bear it out; and his assailant slips back, uninjured, in the melee. Fierce shouts arise from Florimond's followers, as they surge forward into the hall.] Many l^oices. [From the Vancua faction.] Revenge ! Filippo. [From the topmost step, shouting to the throng without.] See — see — He is dead, our hero ! Kill this tyrant — kill ! The King. Thank God ! Now all is over. 184 Many Voices. [Without and within.] Kill the king! Down with the king ! the king ! [The King steps down from his throne, and marches into the midst of the people. At the same time Cardinal Ortus appears at the door. ] The King. Come — kill me, then. Do I love life, now hate has poisoned it? Oh, kill me ! If you have forgot my laws, The cities I have given you, and the glory — Then kill me. I am old, and death shall be Dear as a brother come to call me home. I pray you, kill me ! [Silence and a pause.] Oh, my countrymen. Long have I loved you — ever your desire Has been my goal. Will you have liberty? 'T is yours. The throne is yours. And may your star, Kindled in justice, glorified in power, Pale not, till freedom's morn shall waken earth To universal gladness. I have done. Cardinal, though among mine enemies Thou stand'st, to thee do I confide my people. To thee, the anointed son of holy church, I yield my crown for them. [The Cardinal approaches, and receives the articles from the King's hands.] i8s To thee my scepter, The symbol of the law ; my robe as well. Long may the state be clad in majesty, And throned in strength. [He stands forth in a pilgrim's robe of sackcloth, girded with rope.] And from thy hands I ask The benediction Rome cannot refuse Unto the meanest of the sons of Christ Who seek his sepulcher. [He kneels to the Cardinal] Cardinal. May God forgive Thy crimes, usurping king ! May Christ's dear blood Efface the blood of murdered countrymen From thy stained record ! May thy pilgrimage Gain pardon for this latest trick of all, By which thou cheatest justice of the head Which is her due ! The King. Nay, do not touch him, friends — The foolish, impotent, and blind old man. Cardinal, these are wiser far than thou ; They feel the deeper purpose of my labor. Which wrath has hid from thee. The blood I shed Was consecrated to a deathless hope, That shall survive the ruin thou invokest i86 And meet fulfilment in the deeps of time, Whither I send my fame. Cardinal. . What impudence ! Thy fame is infamy, thy hope dishonor. Down with him ! First Citizen. Many Voices. Silence him ! The King. Nay, spare him, friends. Wilt thou seek Vancua ? Thy life, my lord, Lies at my mercy. One command from me, Thou diest. If I fail to utter it And crush this stinging serpent of revenge, 'T is not in deference to thee, but God, Whose pitiless courier, death, has brought me word The time is not yet ripe for my desire. And bade me pause. And now, since naught requires The sacrifice of blood, let us protect These myriad lives. Go with him hence, my people — Not so — my brothers, fellow-citizens ! Go to the Park of Peace, and there decree Your government, and leave a sad old man Herewith his dead. 187 First Citizen. Ah, sire ! Agnolo. Our hearts are yours — Lead us against them ! Cardinal. Can I trust thee Hving ? The King. Fool ! fool ! Liperata. [Advancing toward the Cardinal.] Come — will you not obey him, friends ! Ye, whom he served so long, will you not grant His last request ? Away ! for ye are free ! [To the Cardinal.] I charge thee, by the past that we have shared, Yield this revenge, and lead these angry hosts To peace. Cardinal. What— thou? FilippO. [Without.] Nay, on! Though he is dead The cause can never die. Will you forsake him ? Impotent race ! incapable alike Of slavery or freedom ! Liperata. [To the Cardinal.] Dost thou hear ? The King. Go, go, friends ! Save the weary state from blood. I thank you all. Matijy Voices. The king ! [The people cling around him, kneeling and kissing his garments. ] Liperata. [To the Cardinal. ] Oh, be a man — A leader ! [The door leading toward the chapel rolls open, and on its threshold stands the Prince, pale as marble, and clad in flowing robes of white. The people nearest him start back in terror, and in a mo- ment fear takes possession of the multitude.] First Citi{en. Look — the dead ! Many Voices. [In stifled cries.] The dead I Away ! Away ! The Prince. [Raising his arms.] Noise ! noise ! Shall I not sleep in peace ? Away ! [The crowd, in panic terror, surges madly over the steps at the en- trance, bearing away with them the Cardinal and Liperata, and driving before them the throng outside. Wild cries and groans are heard. The Prince glides forward a few paces. ] Voices. Good God — he comes ! God save us ! It is death ! Away ! away ! Agnolo. Is he not dead, sire ? The King. Nay, I know not. Go, do what a wise man can For those thy fellow-countrymen — so lost Without a leader ! Leave me, all of you, Oh, leave me with the dying ! [Agnolo kisses the King's hand, and rising, unsheathes his sword. ] Agnolo. Come with me ! The state is ours to save ! Away — away ! The King. So rolls the world; not all man's flaming hope Can light one morn on earth before its time. [The crowd has gone, and the courtiers. None are left but the King, the Prince, Tora, Piera, and Valeria, who still lies along the steps of the throne.] " The Prince. I dreamed I wandered to another world. And found my love there. Father, am 1 dead ? Is this the king? The King. God keep the world, my son ! 'T is ours no more. 190 The Prince. How strange ! My God ! what is it That lies here like a pall ? Tora, what is it That wraps you thus ? Oh, God in heaven ! my wife — Prostrate — in chains ! Valeria, my wife — Look at me! speak to me ! Valeria. My husband — see — I too can die. The Prince. Thou dying, and my soul Still bound to earth ? God will not suffer it ! Tora. Insensate ! wilt thou love this woman still, Who murdered thee ? Wilt thou embrace her still, Who lured thee to the grave ? Piera. Ah, Tora ! The King. Child — Pluck out thy scorpion's tongue ! The Prince. It is a lie ! How dar'st thou utter it ? A stupid lie ! , Unsay it, lest thou send thy soul to hell — Tora, my comrade, play-mate ! 191 Tor a. 'T is the truth — God knows it, and the woman lying there Dares not deny it. The Pri)ice. Silence ! Oh, my love, Think not of her. I know 't is false, my darling. Mistrust me not. Valeria. 'T is true ! Forgive ! forgive ! The Prince. True ? true ? Thou wouldst have killed me ? Valeria. Oh, forgive ! The Prince. It seemed like falsehood. If it be the truth, 1 must have failed thee somewhere, for thy heart Was mine alone. Valeria. Thine ! thine ! The Prince. And we are dying Together.'* I for thee, and thou for me? Valeria. Yes ! yes ! 192 The Prince. Thank God ! naught have I to forgive. God blesses us. What ! is remorse so dread That thou must die ? The children of a king, We '11 greet the king of darkness with a smile, And wreathe his dusky wings with roses. Come ! All — all is gone but love. Come, let us dream That 't is our wedding-day, for so it is — To-day we shall be one in heaven. Rise ! rise ! And give me that embrace which shall endure Through all eternity ! yakria. My lord ! my king ! [She droops in his arms, and he kneels with his burden.] The Prince. Hush — hush, dear ! Thus I held thee first, my darling - That day thy voice went ringing through my soul, That day 1 almost lost thee. Wait for me ! Nay — wilt thou hasten ? [Valeria dies. ] Hush ! I hear thy song. I cannot see thee, darling, for the light. [The Prince rises to his full stature, and then falls dead. The King bows over him.] 13 193 The King. God's heaven will be the purer, Now thou art there. Tor a. See — he has gone with her ; And I am left alone. [The convent bell rings far away. ] Pier a. Hear'st thou thy Lord ? Come, let him teach thee. Thou hast much to learn. The King. Dead ! dead ! both dead ! Great God ! thy world is dead ! [Curtain.] NIAGARA'S SONG Behold, they are thine, my Ontario, thine ! these waters I give to thee. I pour the blue lakes in thy cup like wine — a foaming and sparkling sea. And 1 chant thee a song That shall never change ; Thou shalt hear it as long As the sweet stars range Past the purple throne of the stately night, that in silence doth list to me. 'T is my love, 't is the voice of my wooing, Ontario, sister and friend. Wilt thou give me thy soul for my suing, through years that shall have no end ? I have cloven a way Through the rocks to thee ; 13* 197 And I bid thee stay From the clamoring sea And repose in the lap of the glad green earth, lest thou follow the sad moon's trend. Ill There is murmur of far-away winds in my song, there is babbling of brooks and rills. And the whisper of forests that darkly throng at the crest of the purple hills ; And the lulling of leaves For the day unborn — Ere the swift light weaves The gold mantle of morn. Softly wrapping in glory some deep still pool, till its bosom with rapture thrills. IV Dost thou feel the soft hush o'er the prairie, where rivers so gently flow That the flowers, swayed by winds unwary, peer down at their souls below ? Ah, they whisper of love, And the words they vow Save the heavens above Only I and thou Shall hear through the thronging thunders for aye, while the centuries come and go. 198 V 1 bear thee the white gull's quavering cry from Supe- rior's sculptured isles, And the whirring of wings as the geese mount high to form in their cloud-like files. In my heart is the note Of the glad bird's hymn, Who, in cooling his throat At a deep pool's rim, Gave his soul to remembering waters that bore me his paean a thousand miles. VI When the sea-souled lakes lie sleeping as still as a planet's flight. Lie dreaming of heaven, and keeping a tryst with the stars all night. When their waves roll as blue As the sky they adore. When they mirror the hue Of the spring ashore — They are mine, they are thine, O my queen and my love, with their opaline robes of light. VII They gather in ranks white-crested with foam, and toss me their plumes in mirth. As the numberless legions come marching home with a shout that doth shake the earth ; 199 And the colors unfurl Of their rainbow flag, Till its clear stripes curl O'er my mist-veiled crag — Till it floats its soft web o'er the fathomless pool where the river of storms has birth. VIII They bring me the summer's glory, soft crowned with a mist of gold, And wrap me in raiment hoary when the icy year grows old. And they shudder and roar When the gray winds dash O'er their quivering floor 'Neath the lightning's lash, And the pale clouds flee at the call of the squall to pavilions of gloom and cold. IX But I gather them close in their tumult of fright, and I laugh as the wild winds flee; For what storm is so proud of its perishing might as to measure its strength with me ? It can rave but an hour Ere 1 scourge it home Where the whirlwinds cower In my caves of foam ; And the roar of the thunder is mine for aye, till the hush of eternity. X For I come from unreckoned ages, from millions of years long dead, When unwrit were the world's wide pages by life's unfaltering tread. And 1 sang my song At the dawn of time, As the earth grew strong For her fate sublime. As she bore multitudinous creatures, and lulled them to sleep when their strength was sped. XI When imperial man on her bosom grew to his king- dom of joy and pain, 1 looked in his luminous eyes and knew her long labor was not in vain. For the dumb tribes bowed To the dauntless one, And he sang aloud To the shining sun. By the might of his wisdom he conquered all, but me he can never restrain. XII For ihe past's unrecorded emotion the future must never lose, For the mountains must speak to the ocean, and 1 am the voice they choose. The doom of the old And the hope of the new — The winter's cold And the summer's blue — From time to eternity plunge and roar, while the stars shine on and muse. XIII 1 chant thee a psalm and a threnody, my love with the breast serene. The praises of life and of death shall be a sweet song in thy heart, my queen. And forever and aye — Till the world is still And the light fades away And the sun grows chill — I shall gather the thunders and rush to thee, and in peace on thy bosom lean. ORIGIN OF THE TIDES. The moon, a lady robed in white, Rose o'er the bosom of the sea And whispered : Take me ! by thy might Embrace me, seize me, set me free From endless bondage to the night ! The brave sea rose to do her will, And tossed his pale arms high in air. The deeps responded with a thrill That shook far coasts and islands fair. Yet the pale maid rode higher still. The bold surge, wrestling with defeat, Threw foamy kisses high — in vain. At last he sighed : Ah, lady sweet, Thou art too great ! But thou shalt reign My queen. My heart shall rise to greet The daily dancing of thy feet. SONG OF THE AIR. Hush — hush ! Ah, whisper low ! Dost thou not know Asleep earth lies? Nay — wake her not ! She hears The circling spheres Sing in their skies. 1 love her. All the day I ward away The sun's fierce scorn. All night I sob and sing, And cool winds bring To soothe the morn. 1 wrap her round with blue Her lord looks through With face of fire — With blue so soft and pure She can endure His passion dire. 204 And when her spirit sighs White clouds arise To soothe the glare. When she is sad, soft rains Efface her stains And leave her fair. And though her beauty fall Beneath a pall As gray as death, Though by fierce tempests torn She lies forlorn, Weary of breath — I come with footfall soft And lift aloft Her robes of woe ; And from her lover down I bear a crown — The shining bow. Then doth she ope her eyes in glad surprise. And smile to see The sun's winged troops awake For her sweet sake, Her slaves to be. 205 And I, I lie as still As nights that thrill With dawns unborn ; I waft away her tears And soothe her fears — Sweet wraith forlorn. So hush ! She floats to-night On star streams bright ; Her woes are gone. The sweet moon sings to her. No leaf shall stir Until the dawn. 206 IN THE BEGINNING. When sunshine met the wave Then love was born, Then Venus rose to save A world forlorn. For light a thousand wings Of joy unfurled, And bound with golden rings The icy world. And color flamed the earth With glad desire, Till life sprang to the birth, Fire answering fire. And so the world awoke. And all was done, When first the ocean spoke Unto the sun. 207 A WRECK. Brown and old, brown and old, Thou liest, thy cureless wounds agape. Blue and cold, blue and cold, The waves thy bare bones can not 'scape. They were thy slaves once ; to atone They mocked thee, and thou art their own. A RONDEAU. When roses bloom — ah, wake, sweet May! The still world hears a roundelay Athrill within the throat of spring. Awake ! your brightest trophies bring And speed the winter's frown away. For glory reigns the livelong day, And Lethean perfumes softly stray 'Mid shining bowers where dear hopes ding When roses bloom. Ah, life, not thine deep mists of gray, Not thine black voids without a ray — The wide dawns flash, the young winds sing. My heart's bells clamorously ring. The years throng smiling crowned with bay — When roses bloom. 209 CANTATA. Sung at the dedication of the Chicago Auditorium, December p, i88p. Hail to thee, fair Chicago ! On thy brow America, thy mother, lays a crown. Bravest among her daughters brave art thou. Most strong of all her heirs of high renown. Thine elder sisters from the peopled East, Throned by the surging sea. Lift foaming cups to pledge thy crownal feast, Calling, All hail ! to thee. Down in the mellow regions where time dozes. Rocked by soft winds, warmed by the lazy sun. Sweet southern cities gather wealth of roses To wreathe for thee the garlands thou hast won. And the young West rings out a glad acclaim ; Children new-born to fame, Bold sister cities, generous and free, Call hail to thee ! From misty rivers, from the lofty plains Rimmed round with hoary guardians grim and old, From the rich realm beyond, where summer reigns. And the warm ocean sleeps in robes of gold. From far and near the choral praises ring — The wise world wakes, thy festal song to sing. The ages trailed enwrapt in dreams Along the tideless sea. The marsh-grass waved in sluggish streams, The snipe piped bold and free. The prairies lay beflowered and gay, And time knew naught of thee. And feather-crested chieftains met Upon thy sandy shore, Before their lurid sun had set Afar, to rise no more. They could not hear Fate's liegemen near, Nor see the flag they bore. But the soul of the river lay pondering there Of the wonderful days to be : My bosom the wealth of the world shall bear When the white ships rest with me, When the spirit of steam and the spirit of air Shall waft me a race like the sunlight fair, As strong as hope Fate's doors to ope To realms that are rich for the souls that dare. And the sweet blue lake that doth dream of the sky, Or sing of the sea when the surge rolls high, Came crested with foam to the shell-strewn strand. And murmured : I hear thee, O River ! My waters shall waft to land A race for whom God the Giver Hath opened his opulent hand. And a fabric of purple and gold and blue, From the rays of the morning spun. For the robes of his joy in this kingdom new We have woven — I and the sun. And weary nations heard As they dreamed on the breast of time, Till the yearning world was stirred With the thrill of a birth sublime. And the spirits that wait with God — Freedom and Faith and Power — Looked down in men's eyes and trod The earth, as in earth's first hour. And they wrought for the world and sang Till the morn with music rang : 215 A mighty nation shall arise, Whose power shall perish never ; A valiant people, free and wise, The chains of hate shall sever. A city brave and fair Their flag of hope shall bear. In liberty and love. Like hosts of God above. Glad states shall march forever. A rush of leathern wings From shadowed depths of shame Rose thunderous ; and evil things, Whose brows were wheeled with flame, Came hissing : Nay — beware ! Ye speed on to despair. And one said: I am War! I will cleave your land in twain. And the star-strewn blue of that banner new Shall be wet with a crimson rain. Fierce Fire hissed : Would you rear A city of delight ? Lo I I will wander near And waste it in a night ! And Anarchy upreared A visage haggard, bleared, That screeched : Your flag is a brilliant rag ! Will it shine so fair When its stripes I tear, And its stars in the mire 1 drag? And Greed sneered : Fold on fold I will dim its hues with gold. The light of hope shall shine no more Beyond the night, above the roar That darkens, maddens all the world, When bound with gold that flag lies furled. And all hell's brood shrieked : No ! Love dies, but hate shall grow. But God's bright host said : Peace ! And snows of silence fell. Fear not ! these woes shall cease — He doeth all things well. The morning light shall purge away each stain That flag must bear. Like April, smiling after every rain More pure and fair. The land shall wake to rapture from her pain. Of love aware. 217 And when the banner city wounded falls, When ashes fill her halls, Her heart shall fail not, for the suppliant years Shall bid her dry her tears And come to them. New glory in her eyes. New courage in her soul, she shall arise. City of freedom ! city of our love ! The golden harvests of the world are thine. Green fields around thee, fields of blue above, Glad in exultant youth, in power divine. Thou smilest on the marge of shining seas. Pure as their robes of light. Strange glories trail across with every breeze — Slow pomp of day and night. Enthroned in majesty, thou claimest now Thine heritage of beauty — robes impearled, Mantles of purple, jewels for thy brow, Splendors new-wrought to rouse the aging world. Thine they shall be. Here to thy hall of state — The temple of our sacred liberty, Where young Democracy, proud priest of fate, Shall shout afar full many a brave decree — Hither comes trooping a resplendent train Bedecked with flowers ; The loving arts shall ease thy breast of pain Long golden hours. 218 New thoughts are thine ; new visions rise Before thy clear prophetic eyes. On to the future, where the light Streams over fields of glory, Thy soul doth take its morning flight From slumberous ages hoary. Out of the dark an eagle to the sun Speeds on. Awake ! 'T is day ! The night is done. «ir OUR LADY OF ART. Who art thou, woman wondrous fair, Whose face is wan with woe ? Torn are thy feet, thy brow is bare — Ah, whither wilt thou go? What wailing child thy cloak doth share. Though icy tempests blow ? Said she : A traveler I, who found This child upon the sodden ground. IVbitber God leads us we are hound. Ah, lady, Death awakes to-night — 1 see his eyes of flame. Come in — my hearth-fire shineth bright- Come bless Christ's holy name ! Thy seat shall be a throne of light, A silver flute thy fame. God keep thy house in peace, she said ; And guard thy soul from woful dread ! Far lies the path my feet must tread. 223 'T is love implores thee. Not in vain Love kneels before thy feet. Ah, break those bitter bonds of pain And wear love's garland sweet. Bright gems, rich robes without a stain For such a bride were meet. Ah ! love is dear, hut God hath lit His lamp of truth. Though poor my wit, I cannot choose hut follow it. Nay, thou dost dream — no light is there, But darkness void and lone. Deep chasms yawn thy soul to snare Where death shall claim his own. The babe shrinks trembling. Ah, beware ! Dost thou not hear his moan ? God hade me hear the child afar. Though we he led where tempests are. Deep in the sky shines many a star. Nay, then alas ! — speed on thy way. Hard is thy heart and proud. Haste on ! the child with us shall stay ; Not his thy fated shroud. He shall be strong and blithe and gay, His soul shall sing aloud. He lay all naked by the path. Ye passed him hy. God's pity hath Made strong mine arms. Beware His wrath ! Base-born the child ! and thou art base, Thou strangely stubborn thing ! On to the night, and leave no trace Of this thy wandering. Away ! that we forget thy face — The madness thou wouldst bring. Hush, bush ! they cannot take thee, dear. Thine am I still — thou shall not fear. These know not; now they cannot hear. The starving winds in veils of sleet Wailed like thin ghosts in pain, And eager tempests fierce and fleet Roared madly in their train. But Danger at my lady's feet Spread all his snares in vain. Ah, child, rest close upon my heart ; No power shall rend us twain apart, God's hostage to my soul thou art. And blithe and sweet, and fair and free, Through all the deadly place, 15 225 She bore her burden joyously, And sped her eager pace, And when the morn awoke in glee A rapture filled her face. Seest thou the light, my child? Behold — Truth comes to earth ik robes of gold, Even as our blessed faith foretold. And lo ! a choral song of praise Rose from the meadows green. And all the world was wreathing bays To crown my lady queen ; While seraphs trooped from heaven to gaze In golden throngs serene. Rejoice, my child ! God led us right. Along the path we trod by night The world comes singing in delight. The child that lay upon her breast Shone with a splendor rare. Angels and men his glory blessed, Their song became a prayer. The choiring hosts their Lord confessed, And knelt in worship there. Now God be praised ! awake, mine eyes. Unworthy this divine surprise ! Here in mine arms the Christ-child lies. 226 FROM THE DARK.* God sat enthroned in glory, with saints and seraphim In triple rows around him, as far as heaven's rim. And songs that rule the planets arose in waves to him. He spake : Behold my servant, whom men and angels praise Whose hand so strong to please me, before my throne to raise Temples and towers whose beauty shall gild the golden days ? * " He was one of us, yet he was not. We seem all in a common crowd and all alike, or differing but in measurable degree; then we are tried by adversity, and one remains steadfast; we are tried by war, and one rises to command our commanders ; and in the end we are tried by time, and one who sat with us is immortal. Others were heard in their day, but when their voices are silent his still speaks on, and is forever listened to in the assemblies of the wise. . " John Wellborn Root is dead ; and this city of triumphs and misfor- tunes, which had high triumph in his work, has suffered in his death profoundest misfortune. The city will still be great, powerful, prodi- gious; but the "hands — the two hands which could mold its ambition into beauty, its greatness into grandeur — are done with work. . . . " What time* does not destroy it cherishes, what it does not wear away it makes greater ; and the names of men great in art, cherished and made vast by time, weigh upon the senses of the present. Vet one 227 And God said : Go, mine angels, and to my servant bear The joy wherewith I love him, and all gifts pure and rare. Bid him scale heaven to know me ; even this his soul shall dare. Then like white words of mercy down to the aching world The angels bore God's message. With heaven-bright pinions furled They stood before his servant, and bowed their brows impearled. And one who shone with wisdom more splendid than the sun Said : Lo, I bring thee treasures from truth's high kingdom won ; And touch thy lips with sweetness, that God's will may be done. may look over the earth and say that no architect of immortal name in any age did more for his own fame, or for the world of beauty, than he who twenty years ago was a boy and who now is dead. " ' Till wasteful war shall statues overturn, And broils root out the work of masonry,' he will be remembered. As long as one stone remains above another, those stones will have a tongue to proclaim his genius. For whatever remains will be right, just, and beautiful beyond rules. The ruins will furnish examples for newer days." — Chicago News, January 22, 1891. And one whose face was lovely as dawn in summer skies Sang softly : I am Beauty, the jewel of God's eyes ; 1 bring the arts to serve thee, bright flowers of paradise. And one whose eyes were deeper than silent seas at night Said : Lo, from Christ's own heart's-blood I shaped this ruby bright ; For I am Love ; I bring thee the splendor of love's light. And one wove for his glory a laurel-wreath eterne — Upon her brow prophetic a shining star did burn. She said : The reverent ages shall list to thee and learn. Then rose a gentle angel, whose eyes were veiled in mist, Whose dusky wings were silvered with softest amethyst, And all the seraphs, kneeling, his trailing garments kissed. Nay, hush ! Desires ye give him ; from these I bring release. Hath he not won earth's battles ? And shall the triumph cease ? The war of life is over. I bear God's crown of peace. 229 Ah, Lord ! Upon thy ramparts are crystal towers whose stones Are suns that burn forever. Thy heaven's azure zones Are ringed with radiant mansions, studded with shining thrones. Heaven doth not need the glory earth dearly cherisheth. Why didst thou thrill his spirit with thy celestial breath? Bid all thine angels serve him, and give the crown to Death? 230 SHADOWS. What is most near ? Ah, sweet dead year — Thy fallen leaf And gathered sheaf, The presence that is fled, The vows that once were said These are most near. Swift speeds away Rose-crowned To-day. So far, so far Her light feet are ! I look and see thy face Haunting the upland place, Dear Yesterday. The blooming flowers, The sunny hours — These cannot rest, These are half blest. But thou forevermore Art mine, love, as of yore, And time is ours. 231 THE LAND OF LOVE. I SAW a spirit wandering in a blessed garden land, And, lo ! she plucked seven roses and bore them in her hand. And wove an odorous wreath thereof, washed pure with morning dew, And crowned there her shining hair for God and men to view. One rose was white as maidenhood, folding its heart of gold, And one flushed with the rapture of many a bliss un- told, And one grew shy and paled with dread of heavy- footed woe. Ah me ! the fears, deep-fraught with tears, that ten- der blossoms know. The fourth rose strong and stately was, and, lo ! be- side it stood A tiny bud of promise, as sweet as babyhood. Deep in the crimson wine of truth the sixth soft rose was dyed. The last was bright with golden light — long may its joy abide ! And as I looked 1 knew full well no land more fair could be. And angels stooped from paradise that flower-crowned face to see, And all who wandered there were blest all blessed dreams above, For the land was decked for earth's elect, and the spirit's name was Love. WITH FOLDED WINGS. I LEFT the heaven of heavens this morn, Ere yet this morn begun — A thousand times the earth has borne Her burden round the sun Since to-day broke in heaven and, blest, We sang the hymn God loveth best. The silver wings were like a sea Sparkling beneath the throne, Whose mighty billows dazzled me, Speeding to earth alone. Still in the dark that light shines clear, Still through the silence do I hear. Yet heaven is not for me, my love, While thou on earth dost bide. Through hours of years I wait above Time's onward flowing tide Till God shall free thy soul, till thou Shalt feel the glory round thy brow. Peace ! thou shalt look in vain for me Through all the twilight world. Beyond the moon, for love of thee, I wait with pinions furled. Art lonely on the peopled earth ? Mine was thy soul before time's birth. Nay — seems it strange God wills it so. Bidding us still be twain ? For me the joy, for thee the woe Through creeping years of pain. Ah, love ! thy tears bedim my eyes — When we are one thou shalt arise. 235 A PASTEL. May I wander in your woods, ye warhlers ? May I wander in your woods ? If you will not walk swiftly, nor flaunt your gaudy parasol beneath us, nor lift your spy-glass to count our feathers. May I wander in your woods, ye beetles ? May I wander in your woods ? If you will not tread heavily, nor pluck the brier- rose where we powder our wings, nor start when the bumblebee buzzes. May I wander in your woods, ye breezes ? May I wander in your woods ? If you will not wear stiff robes, nor bare the leafy bough, nor veil your face from our kisses. May I wander in your woods, ye memories ? May I wander in your woods ? If you will not gather the fallen leaves, nor shadow your brow with black, nor burden the air with sighs. 236 DANCING SONG. CHORIAMBICS. Come, love, over the fields, green with the spring's first kiss ! Dance, love ! roses will bloom only to gaze at this. See there — poised in the blue, deep as the truth, and pure, White clouds float into one, cleave, though the winds allure. Come, dance far and away into the summer's noon ; Haste on over the night, strewn with the trailing moon. Ween not love is a sigh, weighted with wings of lead ; Hear me — love is a dance, light as a seraph's tread. Ah, sweet ! far in the light, storming the gates of pearl, Two birds circle and wheel, quiver and float and whirl. Borne on music above soul flies to soaring soul — What bird singing of love e'er could his wings control ? 239 So we, what should we know, e'en though the sun should die, Stars dim into the dark — why should you care, or I? Dance on ! Love is the light, love is immortal bliss. Life fades into the night — death is love's morning kiss. MARRIAGE SONG. Hither, Cupids, come dancing — Wreathe roses along ; And in tune with the wedding bells, Ho, for a song ! Come and crown ye with garlands, And laugh in your pride, For the maiden you wounded To-day is a bride. Steal her blushes to redden Bright clouds at the dawn. Bear her sighs where the souls Of dead blossoms have gone. Let her smiles be the gems In your coronal prize. , Ah ! but what will ye do With the light in her eyes ? You might set it above In the blue ; but a star Can shine only through darkness, And only afar. i6 241 A soft sunbeam it were, But the sun in his might Departs with his legions At touch of the night. Oh, what light is so radiant, So steadfast and pure, That when worlds are but ghosts It will ever endure? It is love. Love alone Shines forever and aye. 'T is the light of God's throne, 'T is the infinite day. Open wide, then, the gates For the bridegroom and bride ! To the land where love waits Open wide ! open wide ! 242 ' SLUMBER SONG. Ah, let me sleep ! The portals of the night close o'er mine eyes; My spirit in the soothing shadow lies, Too tired to weep. 1 see afar The soft parade of unremembered dreams Luring me down smooth lotus-wreathed streams Where perfumes are. Canst thou not hear The lulling winds that fan away the day ? The sun sleeps in some cavern far away — Why should we fear ? If he uproU The curtains of the night and come again, Then shall we wake in rapture. Hush till then- Sleep — sleep, my soul. 243 LOVE SONG. More lovely is my love Than yonder dove Who flies so free. Her voice is sweeter far Than larks* notes are. Ah, dear is she. She sitteth in the sun, And every one Smiles up to God — As when a lily rare Springeth for prayer Out of the sod. Her hair enweaves the light In woof as bright As saints' brows wear. Her soul through morning eyes Explores the skies, For truth is there. Blest with glad thoughts, she waits At life's swung gates The call of love — God's love or man's — ah me ! How white is she — My flower, my dove ! Craven thou art. < Hark thee — be stilled ! The highest ranks of heaven — God's circles seven — Christ's love hath filled. God hath no need of her; She does not stir When wide skies shine. She lives for love. Awhile Her solemn smile Is ours — is mine ! i6* 245 TO A CHILD. Ah, Margaret, my valentine, Earth's richest treasures all are thine. The dawn is in thy glowing hair, And in thine eyes Are darkening skies, A-sparkle with the evening star. Thy voice is like the wakening laugh Of summer, when the robins quaff Love-potions with a flight of song. Thy footsteps all Like daisies fall Life's shadowy, leafy path along. And so in loving thee I love The sweetest thoughts of God above. An angel's message is thy kiss. My valentine, Still half divine, Stoop to me from thy skies of bliss ! 246 LOVE'S POWER. Who has so fair a face? Where blooms so rare a grace ? What song so blithe in all the world is ringing? Meseems my lady spies My world from azure skies, Whence sunny wealth of smiles her soul is flinging. She is so bright, so free, She cannot stoop to me. Whom God hath chained to earth, whose soul is craven. I love her, yet my feet To flee from her are fleet. I love her, yet my spirit shuns its haven. I love her, yet I know She is more pure than snow. And I am stained with life, and scarred with warring. How should I dare to stand Where seraphs hand in hand Kneel all agaze, the gates of heaven unbarring ? 247 Yet if she bade me rise And meet her glowing eyes, Bade me be brave, earth and the darkness spurning. My soul would dare to wield God's sword and bear His shield. And find that heaven for which the world is yearning. 248 AU REVOIR. Forget me not, thou who shalt wander far. Here on thy breast I lay Flowers blue as heaven, enclosing each a star; Now onward be thy way! I do not fear to send thee to the light, Though round God's triple throne Immortal beauty dwells in souls more bright Than joy could make mine own. Though worlds on worlds in marshalled glory shine, All singing as they roll, The seal love set upon thy life is mine. I greet thy wakened soul. Learn on ! and when I dare to follow thee Beyond death's blinding sun. Show me God's truth, where souls may wander free, When love and light are one. HOPE. What wilt thou do when faith is fled And hope is dead And love's wing broken ? Wilt thou lie in the grave of the past and sleep, While the mourners weep And sad rites are spoken ? Nay, nay — fare forth, though the night be black And the storm's red rack In the sky is burning ; For the sun shines somewhere, from gloom released, And the heart of the east For the day is yearning. 250 UNFULFILLED. Lord, I am weak, and through the night Bright stars stream mercilessly strong. Where is my will ? In nebulous flight Its wide wings drift and waft along, And dip their trailing plumes in gloom. And bear me floating far away Where the deep darkness offers room For conquering suns to form and sway. Long trails of shadowy light diffused That wander dimly through the spheres, My errant longings, deep infused With glories of unnumbered years. Watch at the massing of the suns, Feel the round planets rolling by. Lingering while the world-stream runs, While constellations glow and die 251 Ah, Lord ! this nebulous mist of light That shines not though it searches far - Canst thou not crush its tangled flight, Condense its dim glow to a star ? Gather its sweeping subtile wings, So weary with their wide desire, And 'mid thy starry lightenings Count one more shining point of fire. PROH PUDOR! A MYSTIC poet sang of valiant knight And fierce adventure on heroic field, Where smiling victory ever crowned the wight Armed well in holiness, whose shining shield His Lord had tempered. As my spirits yield To the sweet, noble harmony, 1 know The joy of great achievement, seem to wield The hero's conquering lance, and strike the blow At error's heart which shall uncoil her folds of woe. Ah, sad av/akening ! Spenser, if thou wert This cycle's epic bard, thy joyous lay Would be attuned to mourning. In the stir And smoke of life, the singers of to-day Seek not to crown the victor, or to lay The muses' wreath upon a hero's grave, But rearward of the race their stars, astray. Illume with ugly truth some straggling slave, And leave to darkness and forgetfulness the brave. 253 Have we no majesty, no beauty still To make the new tales worthy of the old? Strong have our deeds been ; let our strength but fill Volumes with paeans, that our age, so bold, May, like the sun, set in a blaze of gold. Kindling the world to glory ! Then at last The child of a great morrow shall behold Advance the flaming banners of the past Across the somber dawn of times undreamed and vast. FOR A FRIEND Who sent roses on St. Valentine's day. Stay, sweet roses, stay but a day, Breathe me your souls ere your leaves decay, That over the air to my valentine I may waft him a perfume as rich as wine. That shall charm his desire to some dear repose As safe and as sweet as thy heart, white rose ! 255 TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. In wet wood and miry lane Still we pound and pant in vain. From the lines ' ' To Will H. Loiv ' in " Underwoods." Vain the outstretched hands, the feet Blistered in the noonday heat ; Vain the climbing thought, the brain Dull with longing — all are vain. Eyes of seer may never see Semblance of his ecstasy. Poet's arms shall ne'er embrace Beauty, whose averted face Lures him to a hopeless chase. Yet who seeks her shall behold Trails of glory, fields of gold, Till the splendor of her eyes Leads his soul to paradise. Ah, pursue her still ! for we, Gazing where thou searchest, see Crystal flashes of her wings, Glimpses of celestial things. 256 OUTWARD BOUND. Let time and the waves roll by To their haven over the sea — My bark is my home, say I, My love is my life to me. My love is my life — ah, woe ! Sail on, for the skies are blue. Sail on, while the glad winds blow — My love as my life is true. Worlds lie in yon golden star More young than the burning sun. I follow my love afar ! Nay — death and life are one. 257 TO HESTER. Thou art so still ! My heart's blood freezes 'neath thy frosty will. Thine eyes, as constant as the polar star, Are colder far. Ah, not for thee The ardor of the south, where love is free. The sun allows thee but a polar ray — An arctic day. A star must woo Far through the soundless heaven's serenest blue — Bright Arcturus or dauntless Antares — Thy soul to please. And such as I, Whose love is all my immortality, Dream what were his, what bliss of gods above, Whom thou shouldst love ! 258 EPITAPH ON A DOG. He has fled from life, and we Soon his followers shall be. Even a dog's death may recall Death's sure conquest of us all. Even a dog! — ah, well may we Death's dark hour with calmness see, If our lives as his have been Loving, faithful, pure, serene. 259 A QUESTION. Do 1 love her, say you ? Why Will you give a stately name To a mood that wanders by Like a perfume ? Love her ? Ay ! Do you blame? You have rigid rules. You know All the haunts of duty. There, Where the armored lilies glow None shall see you bending low — Ah, beware ! Yours the loss ! Look — she doth shine Like a chalice crowned with flowers, Brimming with ambrosial wine Brewed in joy for lips divine — Not for ours. Yet my soul is mirrored there Golden as the blessed sun. Shall I quaff the goblet ? Where Were my dream then ? 1 forbear. Who has won ? A SKETCH. Alert and over-wise, The spirit in her eyes Laughs at our weary sighs, Our fierce endeavor. For, scan it as she may, This life is but a play That fools us for a day. Then stops forever. Philosophies she reads, And dabbles with the creeds, And gloats upon the deeds Of saint and sinner. So young ! she dares to know All that the world may show, And never feel a throe The heart within her. Yet rare she is, and sweet. Methinks some seraph fleet Her brave adventurous feet Is softly guiding ; Who o'er her eyehds flings Shadows of folded wings, The abyss of evil things Tenderly hiding. Perchance, for pity's sake. Some golden morn will break And bid the soul awake Now idly sleeping. Some light of love or truth, Some fire of pain or ruth Will flash upon her youth. In lowlands creeping. For her, then, through the blue Worlds will be born anew, And light divine shine true Thick clouds now darken, And out of dull disguise A spirit will arise Fit to explore the skies, At heaven's gate harken. A DAUGHTER OF THE DAKOTAS. Sleep softly, O my mother ! The wind has died away That stirred the silent waves of mist, Where beckoning shadows play. Wrapped in her fleecy blanket, The moon has gone to rest ; The wigwams stand like warrior ghosts To guide me on my quest. My vows ye would not listen, My tears ye would not heed ; Sleep on, and let the stars alone Behold my valiant deed. The night enfolds me softly. My steps are light as dew ; I do not fear the spirits near, My steel is strong and true. 263 They sold me to the sorcerer And bade my love despair — My brave who wears the eagle's plumes Above his shining hair. t I clad me in my splendor, My fringed robes and beads, And met him by the river brink Among the swaying reeds. I told him of my dreaming : When sleep had made me strong The Spirit of the Waters* rose And sang a battle-song ; And bade my soul have courage. And gave me power divine To strike the cruel wizard-chief, His enemy and mine — His foe who dared to wander With Thunder through the air, - Who scourged the Waters and unloosed Fierce lightnings from his lair. * In the mythology of the Dakotas the Spirit of the Winds and the Spirit of the Waters were perpetually at war, and they engaged mortals in their service. 264 My troth once more I plighted, My vows once more I swore. For I will wed my love ; the chief We fear shall live no more. My brave across the prairies 1 sent with spear and bow Lest they should slay him for the blood My knife alone shall know. Deep be its stroke ! To-morrow They will not braid my hair, Nor deck my brow with silver gauds Fit for a bride to wear. And through the days of mourning Glad will I be and free, Till in the moon of ripening rice My love shall come to me. Bravely the night has sped me, The curtain waves me in. How black he lies, this bridegroom wise, All withered with his sin ! 265 Great Spirit of the Waters — Now clothe mine arm with power ! Against thy foe I strike this blow, Whose soul is thine this hour. Even though the flying tempest Should beat his thunder wings, I will not fear, for thou art near — I hear thy murmurings. 266 BY THE DRAGON RIVER. Fair wreaths upon cold altars lie. Ah, lovely vows are said and sung That echoless but rise and die, And give the wandering winds no tongue. Brave vows ! But yesterday, they say, A troop of maidens slender-eyed, Pale as their yellow sun's last ray. Vowed to live pure, and stainless died. Vowed to live pure beneath the moon In that sere land where love is naught, Where maids with flowery hearts of June Like autumn fruits are sold and bought. And when one maiden felt her vow Falter beneath her sire's command, Even with the bride-veil on her brow Swift fled she to the virgin band. And loyally they twined their souls Into a wreath of lilies white, To crown the Dragon where it rolls Its swift flood through the purple night. 267 They sang above the torrent dark A low sweet song of joy. Ah me ! The restive winds lay still to hark, The almond flowers bowed low to see. Seeking a world where truth is blest, Together, arms and hearts entwined, Downward they leaped. God knows the rest. 268 A HYMN. Thy bounty is a crystal well Where all the world may drink. We bring bright cups, and can not tell What waits us at the brink. One quaffs rich draughts of joy; and one, Lifting his strong arm high, Some dear pledge shouting to the sun, Drains sorrow's chalice dry. And one, wreathing his bowl for sleep, Quaffs years of bitter breath ; And one, hope's beaker dipping deep, Tastes the wide seas of death. Yet crystal clear the waters rise From infinite realms of rest ; Each cup mirrors the glowing skies, And every drop is blest. 269 TO MY LEADER. The years have surged o'er life's receding shore — Soft waves from Time's vast ocean — since with thee I walked in joy, since thou revealed to me Glories my soul had never known before. Once I was blind : o'er dull eyes thou didst pour The glowing gift of light, eternal, free. Lo ! I was dumb : thou spak'st of liberty And straight my mind shattered the chains it wore. All that is best in me is thine. Thou art My inspiration, as of old the star Conjured its worshiper to song. The goal Of thy sure hope so lofty is, thy heart So pure, I can but love thee from afar — My friend, my sister, mother of my soul. i8 TO A CLASS-MATE. Dost thou remember days when thou and I Walked thoughtful o'er the violet-studded green — When oaks waved high above us, and between We searched the deep blue beauty of the sky ? Life smiled about us then ; with visions high Gay we invoked the future. Each was queen Of a wide realm of fancies, and the sheen Of youth's gold splendor o'er the world did lie. Alas ! we meet no more. The gathering years Are eloquent with silence, and thy face Is but a memory. But the thought of thee, Of our vague dreams, our faith that banished fears, Is like a benediction^ and the grace Of the old blessed time comes back to me. TIME'S PERVERSITY. O Time, how cunning are thy ways with men! Along the blooming road thou liest prone in ambush, and when youth dreams all his own Thy hoar hand smites, and all the summer then Turns ashen, and life's flushing glories wane, Shrivel to age before thy gaze of stone. Thou art unmerciful, for many a moan Thou smotherest with the dust of years of pain, But dost not comfort. Me thou mockest. Time. Thou wav'st me past the garden-land of song, Where I would weave thee garlands all the day, And bid'st me pave with stones thy stubborn way, Till my sad soul doth oft for blindness long, For freedom from a vision too sublime. 27s ON READING A MODERN ROMANCE, Across the shadow of these morbid years, Whose growth luxuriant, tangled, loads the air With perfume and decay ; whose soil doth bear Rich rottenness, while rooted beauty rears Heaven-seeking boughs through a hot mist of tears Oh, through this breathless region let the blast From happier centuries sweep pure and fast And strong upon our fever and our fears ! Hark ! the clear voice of man's imperial youth Cries warning to his weary middle age — Sings of the days when newly found was truth, Nor blasted yet by doubting Time's bleak rage ; When men bowed low to nature, holiest shrine Of God, and, rising, knew they were divine. 276 ''THE MONARCH.' A portrait of a lion, by Rosa Bonheur, now in the Vanderbilt collection. Nay, wouldst thou rule — thou impotent, fond man? Lo — I am here. What wilt thou do with me, Thou and thy past? — thy vagrant memory ; Thy wisdom that would impudently scan The universe ; thy hope, that longs to span The unborn centuries, that dares decree Laws for the Infinite ! Ah, hush thy plea, For 1 am here. Obliterate thy plan. The tassel dangling from the throne of Truth Is all that thou canst reach — why wilt thou climb? Why wilt thou spend thy soul, and waste thy youth In passionate consciousness ? Ah ! fool sublime ! Wisdom and power are mine, the eternal Now Am I. Thou puny thinker, what art thou ? 277 AN INVOCATION TO HEALTH. For one seeking her in the Adirondacks. Come, spirit of life ! Far in the blue serene, Where spent desire sleepeth in deeps of light, Why dost thou linger still ? The noiseless night, The dying year, the desolate soft sheen Of moonlit snows wrapping the world and e'en The winds in robes of silence, and the might Of sleeping pulses prisoned — all invite The swift thrill of thy breath, for thou art queen. Come to thy votary, that not in vain He climb the trackless reaches of the snow In search of thee. Pour thine ethereal wine Through all his weariness, till mocking pain Flee like a phantom, that his soul may know Freedom to wander far in fields divine ! 278 TO MRS. YALE. Friend, let me wait still longer at thy feet Thanking thee silently for perfect things: For antique doors flung open, for the wings Of orioles in the fruit-trees, for the seat By the broad hearth, sacred with memories sweet ; For portraits of dead youth, whose beauty clings Still to loved walls ; for high imaginings Won from old songs where gods and mortals meet. But most for thee let me thank God and thee, Whom time delights to honor, whose long youth Feels not the snowy fall of wintry years. Blest as yon mighty elm, of gifts as free, Thy soul strives ever nearer to the truth. Ever more tenderly earth's voices hears. Deerfield, July the third, 1891. 279 TO MY SISTER. From over the Sea. I FEEL thy hand upon my heart, I see Thy white brow bending softly over mine. Thy voice is in mine ear, thy deep eyes shine Like stars above me. Thou hast followed me, For spirit and desire alike are free. The invulnerable ocean doth entwine Its strong white arms about my love and thine. Guarding them safely for eternity. Seas can not part us, nor the soundless deep Where Time casts down the treasures of the earth The perishable baubles we adore. Our souls shall wake from this abyss of sleep. To feel the rapture of a strange new birth, Walk hand in hand with Truth forevermore. 280 RED CLOVER. Call me new-born thy worshiper, sweet flower, Soft laughter of the meadows ! 1 have seen Thy pink spheres shake away the dewy screen From night's caress to greet the dawn's glad hour. I feel the rich weight of thy blossoms cower, When wild winds sweep across the wastes of green. Startling the bees, who, restful wings a-sheen, Steal thy sweet riches for their queen's bright dower. Thou seem'st to all pure things allied, and so Thy blossoms touched no stranger when they lay So proudly 'neath that rose-tipped chin of hers. For she, though bred in cities, yet doth know The finer thoughts of nature. Her soul stirs To greet thee as thine own to greet the day. TO A BEAUTIFUL LADY. Whenas my soul lies brimming like a well And sweetest thoughts rise bubbling to the brink ; When floating flowers upon my fancy dwell And the blue sky deep in mine heart doth sink Full-mirrored ; when swift joys alight and drink Supernal draughts, till, burdened like a bell, They cleave the hush with song, and dare not shrink From sunward flights to glory's citadel : Then do I think on thee, and hark to hear A choir of seraphs striking harps divine ; For thou art pure as waters crystal-clear. Lovely as lilies, as soft rains benign. Of God's high purposes and life's deep cheer Thy soul the proof is, and thy face the sign. TO W. S. M. With a copy of Shelley. Behold, I send thee to the heights of song, My brother ! Let thine eyes awake as clear As morning dew, within whose glowing sphere Is mirrored half a world ; and listen long, Till in thine ears, famished to keenness, throng The bugles of the soul — till far and near Silence grows populous, and wind and mere Are phantom-choked with voices. Then be strong- Then halt not till thou seest the beacons flare Souls mad for truth have lit from peak to peak. Haste on to breathe the intoxicating air — Wine to the brave and poison to the weak — Far in the blue where angels' feet have trod. Where earth is one with heaven, and man with God. 283 I BY LAKE MICHIGAN. Blue as eternity, bright as God's smile, Pure as tile folded wings of seraphim, ^ Thy waters flow this morning at the rim Of paradise. Full many a mile on mile Some golden craft might bear me to the isle Where solemn Sappho sings her sacred hymn, Where love is ever young, eyes never dim, And truth a shining splendor all the while. Surely my soul might sail into thy blue. And be so purged of earthly dross and stain That one I loved would take the form. I knew. And speak to me and clasp my hand again, Stooping with winged throngs for retinue From the wide heaven where he hath learned to reign. 284 ENVOI ENVOI. On reading Longfellow's lines "The Arrow and the Song." Although my arrow miss its goal, And all my song be lost in air, Yet I have aimed the shaft ; my soul Has known of song the sweet despair. What though amid the choral throng Who feel the lightning of thy breath, Bright Muse, and, sowing earth with song, Pass on to fame through gates of death - I cannot stand, sun-crowned, on high ! Yet at the mountain's shadowy base At times may glories daze mine eye, Far-away glimpses of thy face. Ah ! then, when all my thought is free From care, that now the vision blurs, Gladness my soul shall know, to be Even least among thy worshipers. 287 Here ends this book, '' Valeria and Other Poems," IVhich was imprinted in the year of our Lord MDCCCXCI, At the printing house of the De Vinne Press, in Lafayette Place, in the City of New -York, by ^^''-'■Ift^M liliiiSir ' 015 973 491 2 4»: