LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, If ,.'^S;^.'^|o,,ri5w |o I ^ ' — -—^ # ! UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. ! ^' LOVE IN SPAIN, AND OTIIEE POEMS. MARTHA PERRY LOWE, AUTHOR OP "THE OLIVE AND THE PINE. BOSTON: WILLIAM V. SPENCER, 203, Washingtox Street. 1867. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18G7, by CHARLES LOWE, In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetta. ^^744 \ CAMBRIDGE : PRESS OF JOHN WILSON AND SON. C O ]^ T E X T S, LOVK IN SPAIN. PAOR Part 1 3 II 33 III 05 IV^ 8U V 126 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Spring HO The Mistukss or tiik " Golden Bei: " 181 Clovis and Clotilda. 18<> Pigeon Cove 1-^^ Work I'Ji Work 1^5 The Walk towards Emmaus l'J6 "Go YE THEREFORE INTO THE HIGHWAYS " .... 107 The Beautiful Lady lOD To E. E. P 201 To Shelley 203 Elizaijeth Barrett Browning 205 Ary Scheffer 207 Poesy 209 CONTENTS. THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. PAGE To THE Sisters of the South 213 To Arms ! 216 Where is Peace? 218 Campaign Song 221 The Picture of Colonel Shaw, in Boston . . . 223 Our President 225 Lay Him to Rest 227 Blind Tom 229 Thanksgiving 231 LOVE IN SPAIN. DRAMATIS PERSONiE. Manuel, Duke of Alancia. Sir Henry Iverton, English Minister to Spain. EvERARD, Secretary of Legation, Don Fermin Morales, yr«enc/ to ^/ancz'a. Eleanor Manton, niece to Sir Henry. Lady Iverton, wife of Sir Henry. Dona Maria, de Alancia, mother to the Duke. Christina, Queen-mother. Anita, Countess of Lozano. JuANA, maid to Eleanor. PART I. SCENE I. — MADRID. In the Pmna del Sol. A knot of common Spaniards talking in the street. FIRST SPANIARD. Ah, buenas dias ! Parco, how fare you ? SECOND SPANIARD. 'Oh, well enough, as goes the joggiug world ! I came through yonder street, and caught a breeze That froze me stiff as ice. I turned in here To thaw myself again. THIRD SPANIARD. Upon ray word, Hermano, you are yellow as a lemon. FOURTH SPANIARD. He will not feel much sun this morning. Whew ! I'd like to run down^south a dozen leagues. [Shrugs his shoulders. LOVE IN SPAIN. THIRD SPANIARD. Caramba ! I should like to see you stir Enough for that ; you never got beyond The Prado, in your very longest walks. FIRST SPANIARD. Well, well, araigos ; let us be content ; The winter's flying merrily away. Who wants to run about and tire his bones ? SECOND SPANIARD. Ay, ay, my son ; you are content, indeed. Your moza's eyes are warming you enough. Ah, ha ; she gave me such a pretty look, One day, when old Josepha's back was turned ! r"IRST SPANIARD (hotll/). How now, my man ? What mean you, picaro ? SECOND SPANIARD. Soft, soft, amigo ! I was joking only. To get your blood in easy circulation. [He sees a girl with chest tints. Hola, there's Mariquita with her nuts ! [He beckons to her. S'st ! Mariquita, let us see thy eyes. GIRL {comes along coquettishly, with her head aside). Gracias, senores, if you take the nuts. LOVE IN SPAIN. 5 SECOND SPANIARD. Ea, ea ! my Niiia ; one look first. [Tiiey examine the nuts, and take up handsfuU. FOURTH SPANIARD. How much ? GIRL. Ah I one peseta ; that is all. FOURTH SPANIARD. Too mucli, Too much, I tell you. Here's enough. {Handing her money. No, no ! -You cheat me now, senores. THIRD SPANIARD. Come, come, come ! Adios, Mariquita, so bonita. [Thnncing her money. She smiles, and moves along. She meets an old icoman icith oranges. OLD WOMAN. Por Dios, child ! You will not earn your garlic While you are chaffering with those polios there. They're making sport, my girl. I warrant ye, I keep me clear of them. 1* 6 LOVE IN SPAIN. GIRL. Bueiio, rnadre ; You're not so young as you were once, I guess. OLD WOMAN {(joing on her u-ay). The saucy puss ! But I remember liow I used to put geraniums in my hair, And step as neat as she. Ay, well-a-day. My hair is grisly now ; but by and by It will be white, and then the scarlet flowers Will show as well as in that little jade's. {She (joes on, crying hr oranges. Na - - - ran ja das Muy fres cas. SECOND SPANIARD. Amigos, see the ladies coming out ! THIRD SPANIARD. There is a troop of brisk Inglesas yonder. I know their stride a half a league from here. FOURTH SPANIARD. See their mantillas, square upon their backs ! They move along like red-faced jointed dolls, Who dare not turn their heads to right nor left. THIRD SPANIARD. There's one behind the rest who's graciosa ; I think she comes from the Ambassador's. LOVE IN SPAIN. FIRST SPANIARD. Yes, she is pasf^able. [.I Spanish woman approaches. THIRD SPANIARD. Hola! hoUi! A pretty girl ! [She passes. They all look. {Aloud.) What beauty ! Senorita, You are too preciosa for these streets ; You'll wet your little feet. FOURTH SPANIARD. I'll take my oath She is no Madridleua. THIRD SPANIARD. That's she not ! I'll wager she's from Cadiz ; know ye, hombrr s ? [lie starts ajler her, sfjigivg. " Ay, for me the Gaditana, She's of all the world sultana." [A beggar runs up, holding out his hand. BEGGAR. Give, senor, and the Virgin, — she will pay you. THIRD SPANIARD. For Dios, brother, pardon me, I pray ! [Beggar retires. 8 LOVE IN SPAIN. The Virgin will not stop her ; there she goes. The rascal thrust his swarthy face between, Just as she tripped it jaunty round the corner. [Hefolloivs round, and disappears. The other Spaniards retire. Two gentlemen appear. DON FERMIN MORALES. How is it, Jose, with the Liberals ? They say there is a league on foot ; is't true ? Tut, tut ; you redden at the question. So ? You hold the stirrups of the party, eh ? DON JOSE DE LEON. Thank you, seiior ; I'm no man's lackey yet. DON FERMIN. Well, well ! 'twill end in smoke, save that a few Good heads will fall. I pray you, keep your own. DON JOSE. And which is best, — to keep your precious head And let a nation grovel in the dust ; Or lose your head, that men may walk upright ? DON FERMIN. You'll lose your head, and leave them in the mire. Some of the bluest blood of Spain, they say, Is compromised. I've heard Alancia's name, — The duke, — they will not draw him in, I think ; LOVE IN SPAIN. He's seen the thing in Italy and France. Moreover, he has far too much to lose. DON JOSE. We are no better off than with Narvaez. He ruled us with a rod of iron, truly ; But we knew where we were when he was leader. DON FERMI N. What can you make out of Murillo's speeches ? DON JOSE. I make out one thing, that he means to tax us. DON FERMIN. He's so long-winded, he forgets the errand He started on, before he ends his speech. DON JOSE. He don't forget one thing, you may be certain : He means to keep up the old despotism. DON FERMIN. He is hard-pressed between the Moderados — You must confess it — and you Progresistas. DON JOSE. We'd like to squeeze him just a little harder, And rid the country of him altogether. 10 LOVE IN SPAIN. SCENE II. Ball in the palace of the Queen-mother, Christina. Sir Henry IvERTON ; EvERARD ; Eleanor ; Ladies and Gentle»ien. EVERARD. I hope I see you well to-night, Sir Ilenrj. There are no further news from England yet? SIR HENRY. No, not a single word. Slow way it has, To travel over these old Pyrenees, That shut us from the habitable world ; I'm wearied out, Heaven knows it, moping here, Away from all they're doing in the North. — You mark I've some old British stuff still left. EVERARD. That would be hard for you to lose, Sir Henry. SIR HENRY. 1 pray you, no example take by me. You see I have not learned, in these two years, A diplomat's first part, — to hold his tongue. EVERARD. One of your most renowned predecessors Would not have got his tongue so badly burned, LOVE IN SPAIN. 11 If he had meddled with the broth so little. I do not fear to follow you, Sir Henry, Who keep yourself so firm on every side. SIR HENRY. What do you think about this Liberal movement ? EVERARD. I think it moonshine ; nothing else, Sir Henry. 'Twill never reach the height of revolution ; Or, if it does, 'twill burst up at the crisis. SIR HENRY. And yet they have some honest men among them. EVERARD. It may be, but they have no force at bottom. 'Tis the same game they're always playing here. The government is up, and they are down ; Then they are up, and falls the Cabinet. Just so it was through all the Carlist days, — Christina and the powers at hide-and-seek. Until they fairly drove out Espartero, And old Narvaez managed things himself. SIR HENRY. Well, well; 'tis good to have the waters moving: 'Tis better for the world than dull stagnation. EVERARD. They keep them pretty muddy, that is certain. 12 LOVE IN SPAIN. SIR HENRY. We have to tread about ns softly here ; We know not what we're coming down upon. But you are just the man to steer with me Through these thick waters; just the man for Spain. Sir Henry, I am sure you do me honor, In placing so much confidence in me. SIR HEXRY. No, not a bit ; but there are some, you know, W^ho're always stepping on their neighbor's toes. And thereby pntting out of joint their own. I wish I could sit down and have a chat On old familiar scenes ; but Eleanor, — [Eleanor opprotiches. Ah ! here she is, — my niece ; you've met before ; She will point out the notorieties. [Sir Henry retires. EVERARD {t lulling towards her and bowing). I think I had the pleasure once to meet you Among the silver lakes of Cumberland ? ELEANOR. Yes, I remember ; quite another scene We witness in these foreign rooms to-night. LOVE IN SPAIN. 13 EVERARD. Yes, art and nature ; but you will confess The former always charms the ladies best. These coronets, these diamonds, — do not they Outshine the little mountain lakes at home ? ELEANOR. That is a weighty question. Pardon me, I have no time nor skill to answer it. Amid this thronging company to-night ; Besides, how mad to talk of diamonds When all these Spanish eyes are flashing round : Where is your English gallantry, I pray ? EVERARD. How ladies will evade an open question ! We will not throw our sentiment a-way. When doubt is creeping o'er the questioner's face. Look yonder ! that gay lady talking there Is Alva's handsome duchess ; mark her well, — She reigns supreme in beauty, rank, and fashion. That is the Duke of Riensares there, Against the wall : do you not think he has A very noble head, a lordly air ? 2 14 LOVE IN SPAIN. EVEEARD. Though not of lords. Yes, true, indeed he has. The Queen Christina certainly is kind To let him talk with all the ladies here. ELEAlSrOE. He is the only one she would not rule. EVERARD. Because she could not, I suppose. ELEANOR. No, no. They say she really married him for love ; Is proud of having such a handsome husband. You look incredulous ; but do not try To challenge me again to argument. EVERARD {smiling). Then, will you walk into the other room ? [He gives her his arm, and they disappear, SCENE III. The same. Another room of the palace. Anita, Countess of Lo- zano. Spanish Ladies. Gentleman. FIRST LADT. Dost know Don Manuel is come back again From all his journeys into foreign lands ? LOVE IN SPAIN. 15 Hear'st thou the news, Anita ? Dost thou hear ? He called thee pretty ; thou rememberest that ? ANITA. What say'st thou ? Who ? FIRST LADY. Who ? why, Alancia. ANITA. Ah ! yes, I know ; but he's not here to-night. SECOND LADY. He's been in France ; he'll not come early now. Nor dance. FIRST LADY. No, he'll like nothing now in Spain. They say that he has grown so handsome, too, That all the ladies here are dying for him. And he is turned a poet ; he writes books ! ANITA. Ah, Concha, how he used to dance with me ! FIRST LADY. » 'Tis grown the fashion to be dull as sheep. Caspita ! did you see them stand around, 16 LOVE IN SPAIN. When we were at the French Ambassador's, And stare each other in the face like owls ? ANITA. Oh, but the Paris dresses were so sweet ! LADY. Yes, 3^es ; and that was all there was of them. A row of dresses spread upon the sofa, Until some gibbering pair of pantaloons Came up and bowed, and talked in broken Spanish, Or foreign jargon never made for Christians. Dios, save me from these elegantes ! And save me from a diplomatic party. But yet these madames, with their languid airs, Keep all the married and the single men. Bless me ! I'm glad I married my Francisco ; 1 never should have got him if I'd waited. ANITA. Ah, how Valencia used to dance with me ! I care not what he does, if he will dance. He said I had the lightest foot in town. FIRST LADY. Dance, girl ! art mad ? What cares he for thy foot ? He writes, he writes. ANITA. And so does Pedro, too. He writes me verses ; he's no worse for it. LOVE IN SPAIN. 17 FIRST LADY. Pedro, indeed ! ANITA (beckoning). Pedro, come hither ; quick [He approaches. PEDRO. Fairest condesa, I am at your feet. ANITA. I kiss my hands to you, my good Don Pedro. Is't true Don Manuel mopes with pen and ink ? FIRST LADY. Say, Pedro, is it true that our Infanta, The Duchess of Montpensier, in Sevilla, Has asked Alancia to her boudoir, 'And heard him read his dramas ? GENTLEMAN. Ay, and more ; Montpensier sends the book to all his friends ; You know he likes to tickle Spanish pride. ANITA [starting). Pedro, Pedro ! dost hear the music sounding ? GENTLEMAN. Mazurka ? Ay, ay, little one ; I come. [They go into the dancing hall. 2* 18 LOVE IN SPAIN. SCENE IV. The same. Another room of the palace. Queen Christina. Don Manuel de Alancia. The Duke enters the room, and approaches the Queen, bowing low. queen CHRISTINA. You have been absent many months from Spain. ALANCIA. A year, your majesty. queen. Welcome to you. ALANCIA {bowing). Your majesty does me the greatest honor. QUEEN. How fares it with you, duke, since your return ? Ilave any foreign countries won your heart. Or are you still of us in our good Spain ? ALANCIA. I never can be other than a Spaniard, — Your majesty knows that. QUEEN. And you have been In our fair Naples, too. How looked it ; gay ? LOVE IX SPAIN. 19 ALANCIA. Most gay, your majesty. And there I thought How favored Spain, so many years, has worn Upon her head their royal native gem. QUEEN. Our thanks, Valencia ; you've learned to use The courtliness of Neapolitans. ALANCIA. A Spaniard need not learn to speak the truth, Need he, senora? QUEEN. Ah, the poet's eye Did prompt the thought, perchance. ALANCIA. That suits me more Please you, seiiora ; for the poet speaks What he believes : his teacher is his heart. QUEEN. Wheu may we have the pleasure, seiior duke, To taste the inspiration from your pen ? ALANCIA {bowing low). Whene'er your majesty will honor me. 20 LOVE IN SPAIN. QUEElSr. We love the Spanish verse : it has a touch Of fire unknown to soft Italian bards ; It harps not sickly over hapless lovers, But speaks of glory, clanger, and of death. ALANCiA {with low, earnest voice). Senora, I am full of graver thoughts. — [il/ore noble guests approach. He is forced to retire, bowing low. SCENE V. The same. In another apartment of the palace. Alancia, and his friend Don Fermin Moeales. DON FERMIN {ivhisperiug) . What, in the name of Heaven, will jou do ? ALANCIA. Do ? we will overturn this Ministry. Will you go with us? Answer yea, or nay. DON FERMIN. I'll go, and keep your head upon your neck. ALANCIA. I'd rather take my chance, by half, without you. LOVE IN SPAIN. 21 DOX FERMIN. Come, come ; you must bestir you, Mauuel ! Yon little countess there is all a flutter ; The mother has been looking sharp for you, This many a clay. Go up, and do your duty. ALAXCIA. The little Anita ! Saint Isidro ! And is that she ? How pretty she is grown ! [Don" Fermix pulls him along. (Alaxcia ivhispers.) Stay, stay a moment ! Who is that ? DOX FERMIX. The tall one ? ALAXCIA. No, no ; she leans upon the window-seat. DOX FERMIX. She ? Oh, that is the Senorita Manton. Her uncle is the British Minister. She has of late come out to him in Spain. They call her handsome ; but she has no dowry. ALAXCIA. No dowry ! Heavens, with such a neck, such eyes. No dowry ! Ha I wait, Fermin, but a moment. Can you not introduce me to the lady? [Pulling away. 22 LOVE IN SPAIN. There is Sir Henry ; I'll pay my resi^ects. [He goes towards him. DON FERMIN. Pla, ha ! I'll bet his liberal game is quashed. [Hegoes off laugldiKj. Sir Hknuy and Alancia leave the room together. SCENE VI. The same. Sir Henry and Alancia return together. Sir Henry presents the Duke to his niece, and retires. ALANCIA (bowing). Fair senorita, I am at your feet. It shames me not to speak your native tongue. ELEANOR. Wherefore, I pray, seiior ? ALANCIA. All men should know it. I fear to prove we Spaniards are as slow At learning foreign speech, as foreign fashion ; Moreover, I would have the lady choose The language we should speak together in, — Her own, or mine. LOVE IN SPAIN. 23 I choose the Spanish, then, Because it is most beautiful, senor ; And also, I would learn to speak it well. [Interrupting him as he begins to speak. Senor, say not, like all the Spanish men, I speak it to perfection. ALANCIA. Senorita, I will not be like all the rest. I'll say I would not have you speak it perfectly ; It would not sound one half so charmingly. Believe me, seiiorita, I do love The Spanish from a foreign lady's tongue ; We clip it now of half its stately grace. 'Tis like an olden garment thrown around A finer form ; 'tis new and fresh again. And hangs in folds of grace we give it not. [He starts, looking at an open window behind them. Is not the night air cold for you ? ELEANOR. O no. ALANCIA. 'Tis true, indeed, they say the northern winds But warm the roses on the Bi-itish cheek ; And yet our breezes from the Guadarramas Are not like those across the misty sea. 24 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR. Your sun can give a richer glow, seiior, Than all the freshness of the wintry Noith ; But yet the ladies in Madrid are pale. ALANCIA. Yes, Madrid is a chilly place at best. You have not been in Andalusia yet ? ELEANOR, Not yet. I dream of it by night and day. ALANCIA. I've journeyed many leagues from home of late, But, when I saw again my native shore. My soul was warm and glowing as a boy. What did you, when you first came back to Spain ? I looked all day upon the azure sea Of Malaga, and up the hoary rocks Where our sad Moors once sat in gay content. Until they felt the touch of Spanish sword. I lingered in the white Alhambi a courts, Until the tumult of the busy world Did fade away amid my pleasant dreams, LOVE IN SPAIN. 25 I waking but to hear beneath my feet The Darro gurgling softly with the notes Of nightingales that answered all around, Within the lonely thicket shading soft The fair Sultana's royal chamber there. And then I sailed alons; the smilinor banks Of Guadalquivir, famed in love and war , — Where are the far-renowned orange groves, All gleaming out in cooling green and gold, Coquetting with the thirsty voyageur. At last I reached Sevilla's charmed gates:, — You, seilorita, know perchance what we Do dare to call our beautiful Sevilla ? ELEANOR. The " Wonder of the world." True : sounds it vain ? Poor Spain must ever boast of what she has, No longer now of what she is and does ; I've been in many a gay metropolis, But none has such a power as sweet Sevilla. I beg your pardon for this rambling talk. No, no ; go on, seiior. 26 LOVE IN SPAIN. 'Tis not alone Her palace, nor her flowery promenades ; Nor the Padilla's roofs of arabesque, With bright mosaic, rainbow-tinted walls ; Nor the gay courts that gleam along the streets ; The old Giralda, mellow in the sun ; Nor yet the great cathedral. No ; 'tis all. ELEANOR. You'll make me very discontent, senor ; Your pictures waken longings in my heart I cannot satisfy for many a day. The word Sevilla long has been a charm To fire the romance of the northern blood. The Spanish ladies care not for such things. How I would like to show these spots to you ! ELEANOR. Thanks. You've not been in England, I beheve ? Yes, senorita, I have travelled there. How lovely and how fresh the country is ; Ah ! we have no such trees in Spain as those. LOVE IN SPAIN. 27 It is a glorious country, true, seiior ; I shall forget Se villa, if you praise My home as well. What will you say of London ? ALANCIA. I was amazed with all its strength and greatness ; But then I was a helpless foreigner. I felt me like a child ; I could not ask Ev'n for my bread and cup of chocolate. ELEANOR. The chocolate, I fear me, looked so thin, Your blood ran chill, and you w^ere sick for Spain. Your pardon, fiiir Inglesa ; I confess The truthfulness of what you say to me. A Spaniard may admire, — and God forbid That he should be so narrow built of soul, As not to feel the glories of your land ; But he has his peculiar way of speech : He thinks and acts after an olden fashion ; He walks and sits as centuries have taught. Take him away, and he is nothing then, — A miserable, grovelling foreigner. 28 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR [smiling). I am most glad, seiior, you haply left The blighting mildew of our northern shores, Before it fell on you. Fair senorita, I pray you pardon my ungallant speech ; It is no fault of England, but ourselves. We Spaniards are a most unpliant race, — Too redolent of all the past, to live Beneath the daylight of your wondrous present. But tell me how you live there, senorita ? What is your home like ? what do you love most ? ELEANOR. I ? Oh, I love the woods, the deep green woods ; The old grey towers, with ivy all o'ergrown; The long, long walks on pleasant July mornings, Sitting upon the hillside with my book. Or, better far, my friend to talk with me. Your friend ? I hope he comprehended well His happiness. Is he not lonely now ? How I do pity him. ELEANOR. Ah ! spare yourself; 'Twas my sweet sister cousin, whom I named. LOVE IN SPAIN. 29 ALANCIA. Your cousin ? Looks she then like you ? She? no. Her eyes are black as night. If she were here, You'd say she was a lovely Spanish lady. Ah ! then 'tis surely better that kind fate Has sent you, senorita, in her stead, To give us now a glimmering of the light Like what we see around the golden heads Of pictured saints, but never in our world. ELEANOR. You have not seen her, so you cannot tell. ALANCIA. I've seen the light, and I am satisfied. But are you not afraid to wander there, Within the forests, with your black-eyed friend ? What if you met some handsome cavalier ? ELEANOR. He'd touch his hat, and pass us by, senor. ALANCIA. What if there were some brigand by the way ? 3* LOVE m SPAIN. We have no gentlemen so rare, seiior. Ah ! I begin to like yonr England now. The cavalier of whom we latelj^ spoke, Can he not say a word as he is passing ? ELEANOR. Maybe he will, if he look young and gay, Is not a creeping, dried-up botanist. Or sportsman, thinking only of his dogs. ALANCIA. And are you not affrighted at his words ? ELEANOR. Not if he seem a courteous gentleman. ALANCIA. And he will show you where the flowers grow, And bring you water from the brook, perhaps. Ah ! surely I have not seen England yet — If I had wandered in the British woods, Should I have met fair ladies hand in hand. With gold and raven curls together mingling? [A servant passes by with ices. Will you not have refreshments, seiiorita, After the charmins; ramble 'mono; the hills? LOVE IN SPAIN. 31 I thank you : no ; I see my aunt approach To say the hour of leaving comes. Good-night. [He bows, and t/uij all retire. SCENE VII. Eleanor and Lady Iverton in their carrimje. LADY IVERTOX {ijaivniug). The ball was rather dull to-night, I think ; What say you of it ? ELEAXOR. 'Twas not dull to me ; It was a charming night. But then, you know, I am a novice here. LADY IVERTOX. Who was the Spaniard That you were talking with when I came up ? I have forgotten. ELEAXOR. Do you not remember? The duke, — Don Manuel de Alancia. LADY IVERTOX. Yes, yes ; he is a handsome man, I think. [She falls asleep. 32 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR {to herself). Yes, he is handsome, that none could deny. I should have known he was a poet, too ; He compliments like all the southern men — And yet he's different ; I'll not believe He says the same to every woman here. O, silly girl ! your head is turned already. I wonder if he stays at home this winter ; They say he's going to marry Anita, The little countess. How absurd, how foolish ! What is she ? She is pretty ; yes, no more. She has high rank, and money too, they say. I wonder how I looked : when I was dressed, Aunt Margaret praised me more than is her w^ont. And good Juana clapped her hands in glee. What glowing pictures were they which he drew ! He was not talking merely to be heard ; I think he had no" other way to speak. How delicate, respectful, chivalrous ! He calls to mind those knights in old romance. I wish I knew an Englishman like him. [The sound of the porter unbarring the heavy iron door, arouses her from her reverie. They alight, and go in. P A R T II. SCENE I. An alJeij of Madrid. Three Spaniards wrapped in their duals. Nijht. FIRST SPANIAKD. Do you, Manuel de xVlancia, swear to go hand in hand with us? I swear ! FIRST SPANIARD. You are young. ALANCIA. I shall be older. FIRST SPANIARD. You are a poet. ALANCIA. I am a man. FIRST SPANIARD. You are noble. ALANCIA. The people shall be noble. 34 LOVE IN SPAIN. FIRST SPANIARD. Your life is sweet to lose. ALANCIA. Not sweeter than honorable death to gain. SECOND SPANIARD. Things look rather dark before us yet. ALANCIA. "Whom have you to count upon in the o^Dposition ? SECOND SPANIARD. Escosura we may rely on. Narvaez was rather un- guarded when he let him come back from banishment. ALANCIA. He did no more harm while the duke was in powder. I have seen him applaud Escosura myself when he was speaking. SECOND SPANIARD. Yes ; but things are changed now. He is a brilliant antagonist. ALANCIA. What do you think of Valdegamas ? SPANIARD. He is too high-flown to have much practical influence one way or the other. LOVE IN SPAIN. 35 ALAXCIA {smilin()). His marquis title, I suppose you think, has spoiled him. SPANIARD. Well, I don't know ; a Moderado doesn't change his colors any quicker at a marqui.-^ate, than a Progresista at a countship. ALANCIA. Human nature is about the same in all ranks. SPANIARD. Justamente ! [Exeunt. SCENE II. Ajler some days. Eleanor alone at home, looUiuj at a basket of flowers. ELEANOR. How beautiful these blushing roses are ! And this white jessamine ; I love it best. [She smells of it. That little bit, that used to climb so high Upon our Northern wall, would stare at these. How we protected it from all the cold, And watched it budding out afresh in spring I 36 LOVE IN SPAIN. Oh ! I remember now ; I said one night How much I loved it, though 'twas not to him. He heard, and brought a sprig to me. 'Tis he, I know, I know. Aunt thinks 'tis Everard. Everard ! how foolish ! I should like to see A sprig of jessamine within his hand ; Would he dare give a flower to a lady ? He might involve himself in gallantries, And lose his air of high indifference. He seems to come here willingly enough ; Uncle does urge him so. [She looks at the flowers. Alancia — How handsome he was looking yesterday, As he rode by us on the Prado walks ! [She discovers a slip of paper, and reads. Lady, thou art very fair ; Gold with blue of heaven vies, Floating in thy lustrous hair, Deep'ning in thy starry eyes. Art thou spirit of the light, Sent from Paradise to men, — To the dusky sons of night 1 Ah ! be kind as angels then. Take these flowers : in them lie Sweet hopes, blended with a sigh. They are full of visions sweet ; Will they speed me to thy feet 1 LOVE IN SPAIN. 37 Tell me, lady, were it well. Left I them my tale to tell ? Better were their charm unbroken, Better were my love unspoken '? [She starts. Hark ! who is that ? It must be Everaixl. [She hides the paper. He enters, salutes her, and seats himself, EVERARD. So you've been walking out to-day, I see, By all tliese flowers. ELEANOR. No ; I have not been out. EVKKARI). Some wretclied youth, whom you've ensnared, has sent them. ELEANOR. Just as you please ; I do riot know myself. EVERARD. Ah ! mystery it is, Miss Eleanor, — A source of greatest pleasure to your sex. They're w' ell arranged ; but I cannot profess To any knowledge of the bouquet art. ELEANOR. Yes : they are very tastefully combined. 4 38 LOVE IN SPAIN. EVERARD. How all these men do revel here in show, Be it the meeting of two colors only ! I'm very sure you will agree with me, — The flower-art is a pretty sphere, that suits The genius of the modern Spaniard well. ELEANOR. He would not send an awkward bunch of flowers To any lady, be she young or old ; Besides, it is a virtue to do well Whate'er we undertake. EVERARD. 'Tis very true ; A good rule, I suppose : so thinks, perchance, The matador who gashes at the bull. ELEANOR. That is a sudden leap from flowers, senor. EVERARD. Precisely so ; just as the Spanish taste Is hovering between the gay and cruel, Effeminacy and barbarity. [Re rises up. Will you not go to see the play to-night ? ELEANOR. Yes : aunt, I think, has so arranged for us. LOVE IN SPAIN. 39 Then I may do myself, perhaps, the pleasure To join your party, if you will allow. ELEANOR. We shall be happy of your company. [lie goes out. ELEANOR. There is some truth in what he says, I fear ; And yet he passes sentence on them all. I think he is unjust, — he is unfair. I She 7-{ses, and goes out. SCENE III. Night. Secret meeting of Spanish Liberals. Groups in close con- versation. FIRST SPANIARD. You have confidence, you say, in Alancia? SECOND SPANIARD, Entire confidence. I don't expect him to do much of .the work: he's not had the training for it; it isn't his style. But it's a great thing to have the name of a high- toned young nobleman on our list. FIRST SPANIARD. Yes : the sound goes a great way with the gaping crowd. 40 LOVE IN SPAIN. SECOND SPANIARD. 'Tis something more than sound : it is a power with a certain set of honest Conservatives, who are very much afraid we are hot-headed fools. FIRST SPANIARD. You don't tliink he'll flinch ? SECOND SPANIARD. Not a bit of it. THIRD SPANIARD. He has drawn in some of the young blood already. FIRST SPANIARD. I am afraid of them all: every one may turn out a mal sujeto. SECOND SPANIARD. Never you fear ; T am more afraid of the rabble be- low us. FIRST SPANIARD. What do you think of Valdegamas' speech ? SECOND SPANIARD. I think we hissed Irim pretty well. FIRST SPANIARD. Still, it will be considered a great success, you may depend upon it : the papers call the speech " very sub- lime." LOVE IN SrAIN. 41 SECOND SPANIARD. Yes, yes : it was sublime where he rose to his climax about the costliness of republics, and standing armies being the cheapest machinery of government. There was a Teutonic fire in his eye, and his head was in the clouds, after the most wrapt German fashion. FIRST SPANIARD. It is a pity he did not stay in Berlin. SECOND SPANIARD. The Government is pretty hard up, when it sends for such a scatter-brained foreign minister to help uphold its policy. FIRST SPANIARD. Don't be too confident. SECOND SPANIARD. I can't think he'll do us a bit of harm. SCENE IV. Li the house of Sir Henry Iverton. Sir Henry ivith Eleanor in his despacho. SIR HENRY {takinrj up a card) . What's this ? The duke has left another card ! Three times he's been here in the last two weeks. What can he w^ant of me ? 4* 42 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR. The duke ! what duke ? SIR HENRY. Why, that young Manuel de Alancia. Can't be that he has sense enough to see That you are prettier than these silly girls, Who use their black eyes so? eh, Eleanor? ELEANOR. Me, uncle I it is you he comes to see, Is't not? Have you forgotten how he looked At your old English hunting-dress one day ; And how he took the rifle down, and spear, And asked about the game, and said, — while he Was smoothing down the fur upon your cap, — Our England must be sure a merry place? SIR HENRY. Yes, yes : I do remember, so he did : He had the wit to like it, say you, then ? 'Tis more than could be often said of them, These little-waisted Spaniards here in town. Where's Everard of late? he's not been in? ELEANOR. Yes : he was here on Sunday night, at tea. SIR HENRY. You did not drive him off with all your fun, Your foolery, among those Spanish girls ? LOVE IN SPAIN. 43 ELEAXOR. Him, uncle ? no : he's not so shy as that. He teased the little seiioritas, too, Far more than they could trouble him. SIR HENRY. And you ? He does not tease you, Eleanor? ELEANOR. Me? no, sir; Because he's learned that I caimot be teased. [She turns to (jo out. SIR HENRY. Eleanor, stay, and listen now to me. I wish to speak to you ; sit down awhile, There's no one here to interrupt us now. Eleanor, I have very often wished That Everard might one day be your husband. This morning, from some words he dropt to me, I understood his feelings plain enough ; Are you surprised, my girl ? Ye — s, uncle ; no : For I have sometimes thought you wished for this, And yet I did not think so in my heart. SIR HENRY. And, pray, why not ? 44 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR. He does not love me, first. SIR HENRY. Not love }oii ? well, I looked to hear you say You loved not him. Ha, ha ! Upon my word, That is a crotchet that I never thought of. ELEANOR. He knows not how to love, — he knows not how. SIR HENRY. Do you not hear, my child ? He seeks your hand ; You are not rich, — what should it be but love ? ELEANOR. He thinks, perhaps, I'll make a prudent wife. SIR HENRY. Ah ! like you not his wooing of you, then ? He looks not ill to me in face nor form. ELEANOR. He does not please me. SIR HENRY. Child, what would you like ? You'd have him " put himself," then, " at your feet," Just like the Spanish dandies ; ha ! is't so ? LOVE IN SPAIN. 45 I warrant ye, I warrant ye, my girl. He wbnld be there in trutli, lono- wliile before Your sentimental dons, who talk so fine. ELEANOR. Good ! uncle ; I should like to see him there. He's far too much in love with his own self, To bend so low as that. SIR IIEXRY. Be serious, child : I'm not in mood for jokes. ELEANOR. 'Twas you begun it. SIR HENRY. Come, come, come, — ELEANOR [inteiTuptimj him). He has no faith in aught that's good or high, Dear uncle ; he's a sneerer at all things ; He has no faith excepting in himself, — In his own self-advancement and career. SIR HENRY. You wrong him, Eleanor: that is his way. His way ! 46 LOVE IN SPAIN. SIR HENRY. Hush ! listen dow to what I say : Do you not tliink I wish your liappiness ? Do you believe that I would have you wed This man, or any other under heaven, Unless I thought it for your good, my child ? I am not young; I cannot always live, And Everard's an honest gentleman ; More, he has talents which will fit him for Some high and honorable career at home. He has a fortune not to be despised, For I have nothing but my salary ; Heaven knows I'd gladly leave my all to you, But it is little. Do you not believe Your mother's favorite brother has at heart The interest of her child? Do you not think I love you, Eleanor, her orphan child ? ELEANOR {bursting into tears). Forgive me, uncle, I have not deserved Your kindness ever; no, forgive me, uncle, I did not doubt your love, — not that, not that. SIR HENRY (aside). Just like her mother now, she is, the girl ; And yet, somehow, I did not use to mind Her tears so much, for they came oftener. [To Eleanor. Well, well, my child ; some other time, perhaps, We'll talk tliis matter over. Never mind. LOVE IN SPAIN. 47 You are my own good girl ; come, brighten up. Come, play a game of chess ; ring for some wood, — The room is cold ; we'll have a blazing fire, — Yes, we'll not shiver like these Spanish folks. And crouch around a pan of smutty coals. [E/iler Servant. SERVANT. A gentleman waits, sir. SIR UENRY. Let him come up. [Eleanor slips out, ami (joes into her aunt's boudoir adjoin- ing. Lady Iverton sits there. SCENE V. Lady Iverton and Eleanor. LADY IVERTON. Why, Eleanor, I've wondered where you were. You're looking pale : in truth, we're all worn out With such late hours as we have had this week. ELEANOR. I ? I am very well. What have you there ? What are you reading, aunt ? LADY IVERTON. Oh ! nothing new. \She lays down her book. 48 LOVE IN SPAIN. Eleanor, now I think of it, — I wish To warn you early, how you do receive Attentions from the Spaniards at this court. ELEANOR. What mean you, aunt ? LADY IVERTON. Why, there can be no harm If they admire yon, for it gives eclat To your position, and one would not wish That you should be without such compliment; Yet you must not forget the gossiping About this idle court : besides, you know You would not ever think to marry here. I heard some gossip from the servants' hall This very afternoon ; I heard your name. ELEANOR [rising \ip pale). What dared they say ? LADY IVERTON. Why, nothing dreadful, child. They said Don Manuel de Alancia Was mad in love with you. I know, myself, The court is talking of the handsome duke ; Some think you favor him, and some do not. [Eleanor draws a long breath; then, flushing deep, she goes and stii-s the Jire. After musing uichile, she turns. LOVE IN SPAIN. 49 ELEAXOR. And uncle, — does he know of all this gossip? LADY IVERTON. No, no : I have not dared to tell him yet. ELEANOR. Dear aunt, you're not afraid that I shall lose My self-respect ? LADY IVERTOX. Oh, no : I only meant To caution you to be upon your guard. ELEANOR {stands loohinri into the fire sometime; then turns, and takes a candle). Aunt, I'm so wearied with these many hours Of dLeet 'twould be, Elena ! ELEANOR. O Manuel I I cannot hear such dreams. ALAXCIA. 'Tliere I could write, Elena; ay, could write, With pen of charmed gold, that should ring out Such changes on my page, tliat men should pause And listen, even as they turn to hear The bell of the cathedral sounding deep. O Manuel, Manuel ! I believe in thee : That thought shall comfort me, if we must part. We will not part, we will not part ; ay, never I 9 • 98 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR. Alanclaj dost thou not know they wish To have me wedded to another man ? ALANCIA. Who is it ? Speak his name, for love of heaven. ELEANOR (trembling). Tlie Seiior Everard, my uncle's friend. Ah ! 'tis the man who called thee from my side, With some express or feigned command, one night, That summoned thee to Lady Iverton. That stiff-necked Englishman, wlio hath not got P^nough of soul to see thy loveliness, — Pardon, — thy countryman, — I do forget ; I know not good or ill of him : perchance Thou canst speak better in his favor, say ? No, no : thou dost not love him, my Elena ? ELEANOR. It will be harder, then, to marry him. Thou shalt not marry him, thou little one. LOVE IN SPAIN. 09 ELEAXOR. Art thou ni}' keeper, then, best Manuel ? Thou art, indeed, the keeper of my heart ; My uncle waits for my obedience. ALAXCIA. • He shall not, — shall not ! Go with me, sweet child. Unto Gibraltar's English priest, and there I'll be thy husband : none shall step between. ELEANOR {startlmj had). No, Manuel, never. If thou speakest so, I must not ever, — ever see thee more. ALAXCIA. Forgive ; I'll never thiid^ the thought again. But must I calmly lose thee now, my heaven, My sweet Elena ? God ! it shall not be. ALANCIA. Be calm, be calm ; I'll see thee yet again. [Here begins the closing scene of "La Favorita." The monks are heard solemnly chanting in the distance. " La Favor- ita " comes in, and falls before the cross. Elena and A LANCIA turn and look. The house is breathless with at- tention. ALANCIA {whispering). Ah ! better see thee so, — given up to heaven, — Than in the arms of some poor lord of earth, Who cannot love thee as I love, Elena. 100 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEAXOR. I am not sluit away from out thy sight. [T/iei/ sit behind the curtain of the box. He holds her hand in his. They look again : the di/ing lover staggers in. And thou, — thou art not dead. Thou art not dead, — Thy Eleanor can hear thy breathing still, And feel thy hand so warm, that holds her own : Thy Eleanor is not all wretched yet. [Alancia sits pale and silent, holding tight! g her hand. The lovers meet in the convent. 'Tis sweet to doubt, and then believe, like this. No, no : too late they meet, — too late they meet ! But ah ! to die, my Manuel, on thy breast ; To die, e'en now, and end at once with thee This weariness, this sinking of my soul, — Thy spirit travelling with me on the way Unto the blessed laud, where I could walk Through all the sacred hours with thee, my friend. And none molest : the angels would but smile, To see us two so happy in their heaven. [The curtain falls. The senora in the box arouses from hei' slumber. ALAXCIA [springs up, seizing her hand). Dost thou believe in me ? Is thy heart mine For ever, whatsoe'er may be our fate ? ELEANOR. Yes, I believe, — yes, I am thine till death. [He darts out. The Opera closes. LOVE IN SPAIN. 101 SCENE II. MidnifjM. A street of Madrid. A hwt r/SrAxiAKDS in close con- versation. THE DUKE OF ALANXIA. Is it all ready ? What is the plan ? FIRST SPAXIARD. Fir.t, to make the queen sign the old constitution, at midnight. ALAXCIA. You cannot force her to do that. SECOXD SPANIARD. We mean to fetch out one of her lovers, and have a bullet ready to put through his head. That will bring her round, as it did Christina half-a-dozen years ago. OTHER SPANIARDS [cheerimj softly) . Bi-avo ! bravissimo ! ALAXCIA. What next? SECOXD SPAXIARD. Set on the populace in the morning, with the cry, " Viva la Constitution ! " Draw up a line of dragoons opposite the Casa de Positas. 9* 102 LOVE IN SPAIN. ALAXCIA. Will the Ministry give in, do you think ? SECOND SPANIARD. Not at first : they will lean on that old bear, Garcia, with his infantry ; but we can get him under. ALANCIA. Are you so sure of that ? THIRD SPANIARD. We've got arms and men enough. THIRD SPANIARD. Combustible old Figueras will go off like a rocket. SECOND SPANIARD. Secretaries of Viav cannot do much at this late hour. THIRD SPANIARD. What a passion the general will be in. ALANCIA, I'm not so sure General Figueras hasn't been doing something more than getting into a passion. FIRST SPANIARD. I suppose he is enlarging the army all he can ; but, it we succeed at this crisis, we shall gain a prestige to LOVE IN SPxVIN. 103 start with, that will soon demoiah'ze the Government tbrces. [ Thctj all separate. ALANCiA [fjoes away, talJcing to himself). I tlo not lil^e tlie way matters are goin'^. S C E X E III. English Embassy. Sin IIknkv in his office. A knock at the door. ^ . SIR IIENItV. Lome in. [Enter Eleaxor, pale and quiet. KLEAXOR. My uncle, I would speak to you, If I do not intrude upon your time. SIR HENRY. No, no : sit down, I'm always glad to see you. [She (joes up to his table, and stands there. ELEANOR {clearing her voice). Some weeks ago, you spoke of Everard: I only said to you, sir, at the time, My heart could never yield to your request ; I had not given it then to any man. But, sir, since then, — I deem it right to tell you,— 104 LOVE IN SPAIN. I deem it right to keep no truth from you, — The duke, Don JManuel de Alancia, Has won my heart unaUerably, sir. I love Don Manuel de Alancia, [Bliis/tiiH/ cheplij. And I have told him so ; but that you, sii-, Will never look with favor on his suit. SIR HENRY. I am indel)ted to you in this matter, For taking into view my wishes. ELEANOR. Uncle ! SIR HENRY. Well, well, you have done A'ery right ; I'm glad That you are not deceiving me, my child. ELEANOR. 'Tis true, indeed, I li.-tened to his love, And have indulged in very dangerous dreams ; But I did never lead him on to think That they could end in a reality. SIR HENRY. Eleanor, I can never sanction it, — Your marriage with this Spanish gentleman. LOVE IN SPAIN. 105 I have no wish to wound jour feelings. — no: But I in conscience cannot give consent ; I have no faith in him, nor in his race, — No faith in this young aristocracy. ELEANOR. You do not know Alancia. my uncle. 8IR UENRY. I know he is a favorite of the queen ; I know he dabbles all the day in verse, And com[)linients the giddy women here. You're mad, beside yourself! Good God ! my child, If you so lightly give your confidence, If you will throw away your happiness, My arm must stay you at the outset, then. ELEAXOR. I hear you, sir, and only ask that I May not be urged to marry Everai'd. Forgive me, uncle, this is all I ask : It may seem much to you, but not to me, AYho am renouncing, at your will, the best, The holiest, thing that life has offered me. SIR HEXRY {cowjhing a little) . I did not think you were undutiful ; But that you should delude yourself, — What's in this young sprig of nobility ? 106 LOYE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR {fiUslnn'j). D« ar uncle, njime him not ; it is cnougli : You do not hold Alaucia in respect : And we — must part, — you say. [Iler voice treiaUe.s. But Everard ? SIR HENRY. And there you spurn a manly heart as e'er Was offered to a girl, for this poor duke. ELEANOR {her eyes flashing). Uncle, insult not, pray, the man I love. SIR HENRY. Be it so, then ; but you must drive away Your passion for this Spaniard, and, meanwhile, I'll speak no more to you of Everard. [Eleanor moves toicard the door. Stay : I will write, and tell him of my wish. ELEANOR. Sir, by your leave, I'll speak to him myself, And tell him that you say we meet no more ; And — bid farewell to him, if you'll permit. SIR HENRY. Whichever way you please : I shall rely Upon your truth. Appoint an hour to meet LOVE IX SPAIN 107 Ilure in my liou.se, and let the time be brief; And, after this, I must reque^t that you Exchange no further words with liim. Good-niglit. [Exit El-li.VNOK. S C E N E IV. In Sir Henry's draicinrj-room a day after. Evenhuj. Eleanor alone. The window is open. She watch fs a dark Jigure ap- proaching, icrapt in a cloak, ivith a sombrero. Alancma enters the house, ascends to the par/or ; enters, seizes her hand, kisses it, and takes ei stool at her feet. ALANCIA. Tremble not so ; 'tis I, my sweet Kleiia, — Thy true Alaneia, Look not so pale : 3Vilt thou no longer blush with joy to meet Thy lover ? he is but too glad, too gay ! ELEANOR. My Manuel, we must part, this veiy niglit ; And we have but a few short minutes now. Next week I go unto tliy " sunny South," Perchance to come here never, never more. ALANCIA {springing up JierccJj). Who dares to say we part? ELEANOR. Hush, Manuel ! 108 LOVE IN SPAIN. ALANCIA. They think to separate us easily ; Ha ! Andahisia is not tlieirs alone. "We'll go to-night, — speak, love ; speak, my Elena, — And they can follow later, when they please. [He sprin(/s t(p. There is no time to lose ; quick, quick, Elena. ALAXCIA. Alancia, waste no vain words on me. But comfort thou my heart before I go ; And only tell me that thou lovest me, — That thou wilt keep me in thy memory A little when I'm gone : wilt thou, my friend ? ALAXCIA [covering her hand ivith kisses). The Virgin leave me in the direst hour. If I do cease to think of thee, my all ! ELEANOR. I shall remember thee, when I am there Alone, among the fair and glorious spots Which thou hast told me of; and I shall say 'Twas here he sat, or there he roved along The river-side, or dreamed among those towers, — And fancy thou art with me, if I can. Ah, no ! thou'lt not be there, thou'lt not be there. [ With broken voice. We will not say farewell for ever ; speak. Thou wilt not give up thy Elena yet ? LOVE IN SPAIN. 109 ALANCIA. Give thee up, angel ? I will breathless stand Through all ray life, and never cease to hope Some far-off hour may bring thee back to me, So long as thou art not another's love. ELEANOR. Thanks, Manuel : he said that he would wait ; My uncle will not ask me yet to wed. A little time, my love, I still shall have, A little time to keep thee in my heart, Ere 'twill be wrong to think thy very name. [She hears her uncle's {inpatient step. Manuel, he comes ! Farewell, farewell. [Re springs towards her. She throivs herself upon his breast. Promise that thou wilt keep thyself for me. Till heaven may be more kind to us again. [He kisses her passionately. Thou Shalt be mine, thou shalt be mine, Elena ! I'll follow thee : no one shall dare forbid. ELEANOR. I cannot speak to thee, Alancia. ALANCIA. But I can see thee, — see thee, little one. 10 110 LOVE IN SPAIN. E LE ANOR ( hearing footsteps ) . Haste, haste ; he thinks that thou hast gone away. He'll summon me. Farewell, Alancia. ALANCIA.' Adios, my Elena : God preserve thee. Remember, we shall meet, — shall meet again. [He tears himself away. Eleanor goes to her apartment. SCENE V. In the house of the Duchess of Alancia. Dona Maria and the duke. The duke is walking up and down his apartment at night. The moon sAi'nes into his room. His mother enters softly. dona biaria. Ah Manuel ! thy poor mother cannot sleep While thou art pacing all the weary night. [She takes his hand. They sit down by the ivindow. Son of my soul, may I not stay with thee ? [Tears come into his eyes, ivhich he brushes quickly away. ALANCIA. All things go wrong with me, I think, my mother. DONA MARIA. Dost thou so love the English girl, my son ? I know she must be beautiful and good, Else would no brave and manly heart like thine Lose all its joy and lightsomeness for her. LOYE IN SPAIN. Ill ALAXCIA {Jcissing her hand). Thanks, thanks, sweet mother : now thou speakest well, Thou givest me a little happiness. DONA MARIA. And can it be she does not love thee, son, — Mj handsome, gallant Manuel, who art The very picture of thy father now ? If thou dost woo as well as he did me. How can she turn a cold cheek to thee, son ? ALAXCIA. Mother, she loves me, — like an angel, too. DONA MARIA. Then wherefore this despondency, my son ? Her uncle has forbidden us to meet : I fear that she must wed another man. DONA JIARIA. Ah ! then I have no heart to chide thee, son. I did reproach thee harshly at the first ; I thought it was the passion of a boy ; But now I'll weep with thee. Thy mother's tears Are all thine own : naught hath she now to do, But to be sad and grieving for thy sake. 112 LOVE IN SPAIN. Dost thou remember, son, how many days We've idly sat, and laughed away the hours, When I was mother, sister, comrade, too, And oft drew smiles at my lost dignity ? Thy father, clouded with the smoke of wars. Would gaze with eyes of pleasure on us both. And rest his wearied looks upon our sport ; And call us to his knee, his tAvo delights, — His Maria and his brave Manuel ; And when Our Lady took him, Manuel, [She sobs. We two grew old together then : but ah ! Thy mother fastest, for a sudden pang Went through her soul, thou could'st not haply know. But now thou art her all, and she will do Whate'er thou'lt ask, to make thee smile again. Cheer up thy soul ; I'll go with thee, my son. To all the lovely lands that thou canst name. We'll sit together 'neath the whispering trees. Or by the ruins thou dost love so much. And thou shalt have thy paper and thy pen ; Nor will I frown, but joy to see thee write. Mother, no more, I pray, of foreign lands ; I'm sick of them, of all their petty sights And flat varieties. Ambition, too, I hate it ; I will go and dig the earth, LOVE IN SPAIN. 113 And eat and sleep, before I'll touch again A mawkish pen ; descanting, in sweet words, Of things which other happy men possess, While I am paling o'er a sheet of paper. DONA MARIA. But is thy mother nothing, then, to thee ? Because that thou hast loved another more, Hast thou no single thought for her, my son ? Dear mother, pardon, pardon : I am hard And evil in my heart ; rebellion cold Is working in my breast, and freezing all The good in me to selfish, dark defiance. If God would give me but the joy I ask, -My heart would never have less room for thee Because Elena lived in it besides. DONA MARIA. Ah ! well, I'll not be jealous, child ; no, no : [She n'ses to go. But go thou to thy bed, and rest awhile. Forget not now the Virgin's love and pity ; Pray, in her name, for peace and consolation. Promise, my son, thou wilt not tear thy soul ; Rest thee on Jesus' breast ; all may be well. [She moves out. He springs up, follows her, and embraces her fondly, neither speaking. She goes out, and he retires. 10* 114 LOVE IN SPAIN. SCENE VI. Two Spaniards in a lonely street, at night. FIRST SPANIARD. The tiling is ripe for bursting. God be with us ! SECOND SPANIARD. Not ripe ; but it may burst at any hour. We cannot hold together long, I think. FIRST SPANIARD. O for an hour of Espartero, Parco I SECOND SPANIARD. "Why does he stay there on that little farm ? FIRST SPANIARD. Was he not bound in honor to be silent ? SECOND SPANIARD. Yes, to Narvaez : but the times have changed. FIRST SPANIARD. He was an honest patriot, and a brave. SECOND SPANIARD. Yes, I believe him incorruptible. LOVE IN SPAIN. 115 FIRST SPANIARD. Some think he was too dainty with the CarHsts. SECOND SPANIARD. It was the only prudent course to take. FIRST SPANIARD. And if Christina had not marred his ph\ns, We should be free enough, this hour, in Spain. SECOND SPANIARD. A little of his prudence now in us Would give me greater liope that we sliould win. What's that ? [He sta7is. FIRST SPANIARD. You are not growing nervous, Parco ? [A watchman is heard. WATCHMAN. Ave Maria ! Pu - - - ris sima A las once han da do y se re no. , SECOND SPANIARD. Yes, I confess, at every sound I hear, I think the populace is rising up : If we were only well prepared for it ! FIRST SPANIARD. Well, we must trust in God, and do our best. Yonder sereno says that all is well ; We'll take his word for it, and go to rest. [Exeunt. 116 LOVE IN SPAIN. SCENE VII. Calle Mayor. Madrid. A body of soJdiers advancing, cavalry be- hind them, the populace crying " Viva la Constitution." Gar- cia, head of the royal forces, in general's uniform, mounted on his horse, dashes at full gallop in among the crowd, with a drawn sword in his hand, folloived by two officers only and a few dragoons. A panic spreads among the crowd; the soldiers waver; bullets are flying in every dii-ection. Garcia spurs his horse in and out of the croicd, crying " Long live the Queen." The rabble retires by the Alcala. A bullet grazes his hat. He rides down the men, and demands of the cavalry officer his surrender. The officer yields up his sword. The revolutionists are defeated. SCENE VIII. In a Cafe. FIRST SPANIARD. So the liberals are done up. SECOND SPANIARD. The thing wa^^n't ripe ; they suspected treason, and had to precipitate matters. FIRST SPANIARD. That old devil, Garcia, did the work handsomely. LOVE IN SPAIN. 117 SECOND SPANIARD. It was mere force of will that accomplished it. He had no power actually, but he made the men think he had. FIRST SPANIARD. There's the thing ; there he proves that he is a great general : it took no little courage to do what he did. SECOND SPANIARD. Tut ! here comes a lot of them. [A party of Government soldiers enter, and seat themselves around a howl of chocolate, singing, — Ta ra ra ra, Pro - gre - sis - ta, There you are, — you are. SCENE IX. The Duke of Alancia pacing up and doicn the room, holding a letter in his hand. Why did I ever mix my hand in this, — This muddy sea of Spanish politics. To be so cursed with such an offer now ? Ah ! I was sick of being a poet : yes, Yes, that was it. She loved me for it, though. 118 LOVE IN SPAIN. And that was sweet. 'Tis sweet indeed ; but yet I only sang into the ears of men, And they were pleased awhile, and turned away. The old man sneered : I longed to act, — to act, And do some deeds which e'en an Enojlishman Could see with eyes of flesh, and comprehend. [He muses awhile. God knows the fate of my compatriots ! But me they think to buy with liberty ; To let me off if I will serve their ends, — These miserable agents of the crown. Why did I ever bow and dance among The ladies of the court, until my queen Looked on and smiled, and called me to her side, But to insult me deeply in the end ? It was not she : those loyal statesmen there, Have told her she can flatter me to do A traitor act, in payment for her smiles ; They think to recommend their policy. And make it decent in the people's eyes, By my dead flither's honorable name. Who never drew his sword for tyranny, And scorns me from the skies, if I do yield Unto the coward thought of stepping so Upon the Spanish people's liberty, — My note will show them I am not so base. I'm lost ! I'm lost ! save in the eyes of heaven. For I lose her. The cause by which I hoped To gain a new respect in my own eyes, LOVE IN SPAIN. 119 And earn her fairly by the strike for freedom, Has ruined me, — it drives me from her flice. Yes, I must go : I could not be their tool, Ev'n though it set me in the chair of gods. I know they will inflame the kindly queen, And drive me on to instant banishment. — Thou art not ruined ; no, Alancia : Dost thou not carry thy soul firm and true ? And in that other land to which we tend. Beyond the feverish turmoil of this earth. She'll smile and say, '' I knew thou wast not base." [A servant enters with a note, and retires. ALANCIA [turning pale). What ! is't so soon ? I had not thought they dared To hunt me from my home so quick. [//e o})cns and reads. To the most excellent Senor Don Manuel, Duke of Alancia. You are hereby commanded to quit Spain in the space of one hour, in obedience to the order of Her August Majesty, the Queen Isabella II. Good God, the fawning hounds are on me, then ! My note was courteous, but ah ! it cut Their sorest spots ; and now they chase me down. But I am right : I have the right, — the right. Farewell, Elena, I must go from thee. ^^^ LOVE IN SPAIN. Dear one, if I believed thou wouldst not grieve, Twould be a little drop of peace to me. God ! I'll not weep. I will be firm, and go. [Exit. SCENE X. The ne^t day. English Embassy. Eleaxor is sitting alone at home, watching intently the passers-by in the streets. She at laigth turns, and sighs heavily. A rustling is heard at the door. A Lady, dressed in black, ^vith a mantilla drawn close almU her face, enters quickly. LADY. A thousand pardons for this liberty. It is, I think, the Senorita Manton. ELEAXOR (rising). It is, senora : seat yourself, I pray. [She throws up her veil. LADY. senorita ! tell me, — tell rae quick. Where is my son? where is the duke, my son? Before you is his mother: yes, you see Dona Maria de Alancia ; If you know where he is, I pray you tell. 1 come not now to sue or to reproach ; A mother only seeks her missing son. LOVE IN SPAIN. 121 ELEANOR {fuming pale). Senora, I know not ; is he not here ? I saw him three nights since, and he was well. DONA MARIA (scanning her). You speak the truth ; I see it in your face. [ Wringing ha- hatidf^. You cannot help a widowed mother, then. They say that he is gone away from Spain : But I will not believe such idle tales, — 'J hat he was seen on horseback, riding through The city gates that lead unto Granada ; And that his passports certify he goes To Malaga, and sails for Italy. Italy! 'tis far, 'tis far away. [Eleanor looks at her bewildered, and th^n falls speechless to the floor. Ah, nifia mia ! did'st thou love him so ? [She stoops to lift her up, and bathes her temples with water from the table. Then 'twas not thou who sent him from his home ? Rash boy, to give himself up to despair, When this sweet creature lives, and loves him so ! How wilful, how perverse he is ! how strange. To throw up madly every chance of hope ! [Eleanor, meanwhile., opens her eyes. 1 was most jealous of thee until now : I kept the passion down, but oh ! how burned 11 122 LOVE IN SPAIN. My hatred unto thee, when first I thought He'd taken leave of thee, and me forgot : But now thou art in grief as well as me, And more, — I know of something else beside A mother's love, for I have been a w^ife. [Eleanor seizes her hand, kisses it, ichile the tears run down. Ah ! wheresoe'er he is, ungrateful son, I've found a daughter now, in losing him. ELEANOR {staiiinfj). You have not lost him ; think not so, senora. DONA MARIA. 'Tis a far country, tliere, beyond the sea: Yes, let him leave his widowed mother, then, [Her efjes flash. We two will sliake him off our injured hearts. \^She strikes her breast. Ele.vnor looks up frightened. No, no : ray Manuel, what evil eye Hath cast its falsest glances over thee ? [She bursts into tears, and crosses herself. He's gone, he's gone : could'st thou not keep him, lady ? Long since his mother gave up all her power, But thou, — could'st thou not hold him by thy side, In grief as well as joy, suspense as hope ? [Eleanor looks at her beseechingly. Pardon me, little daughter, — [She embraces hei'. Ah ! 'tis straflge, — Most strange. LOVE IN SPAIN. 123 But he was never faithless yet : My Manuel was strange, but never false. ELEAXOR, I do believe your son is true, seiiora. DONA MARIA. Yes, thou art right, he's true in heart : but then — Perchance, it is a wayward freak ; perchance He will come back and make us happy yet. ELEANOR [looking fixedly at her). I know not now the end of this, senora ; But, if I was the cause of pain to you. Believe it has not been without the cost To me of all my peace and happiness, — No single heart to share my confidence. DONA MARIA. Thou hast this heart, — Doiia Maria's lieart : Yes, thou hast gained me quite, thou young Inglesa. I do not wonder that he wept for thee. ELEANOR [she falls on Doxa Maria's nerk). I thank you : God reward your heart, senora. DONA MARIA [she I'ises at length, and loalks up and down the room). What offering shall I make unto the Church Of San Francisco, — to his patron saint ? 124 LOVE IN SPAIN. I make a vow, — I'll wear no gown but tliis, Nor visit any earthly place, except The altar of the blessed Virgin there, Until I see my son, alive or dead. ELEANOR. Seiiora, where is Don Fermin iVIorales ? Maybe he'll have some brighter news to tell. DONA MAKIA. I'll go and see what more they say of him. Adios, daughter ; may the saints protect thee ! [She embraces her, iceeping, and hurries out. ELEANOR {alone. She covers her face icith her hands, and the tears trickle through). Can it be possible he gives me up ? 'Tis true we cannot speak; but why, — but why In such a haste to take himself away? lie who was beggiug me to leave my home, — Could he not wait a little while for me ? IMust run into another land, and leave Me here to breast my troubles all alone ? [She sobs convulsively. I am alone, — alone. Ah I she is kind, But she has not a word to say for him : She thinks that he ^-I saw it in her face — Is wearied, vexed, with his unlucky love. She blames him, too; but I, — I should not blame: LOVE IN SPAIN. 1-25 He's wearied with it all, is he? Good God ! There is no more of him, if that is true ; There is no Manuel de Alancia Like him, I knew ; nor ever was there one : He is nowhere on earth, nor in the heavens. [She weeps aloud, then j'ises and huiries towards the door. She stops. Pulls a little cord on her neck. This cross is cold as ice upon my breast: It feels as thoni^h liis Jiand were resting there, — So strange and chill ; but they were warm, I tliiiik, — His fingers, — when he placed it on my neck. Why should I keep it now ? [She td/ccs it o[}\ But no, I cannot : I'll wear it for Christ's sake, if not for his. [She puts it on arjain, and goes to her room. 11* P A E T V SCENE I. Some tceeks have passed. On the road to Seinlla, be/ore daybreak. The driver of the diligence is singing, — Anda ! Anda ! tlie mountains are clear ; Anda ! Anda ! the morning is sweet : The clouds are all bright'ning, the swift sun is near, O mule of my soul, be light with thy feet ! My girl will come out to meet us with the day ; Up, up, Coronel, up, up, and away. A talk we will keep. While the passengers sleep : Thou only canst tell What we say, Coronel. f^l liead appears at the diligence ivindoiv interrujifing him. LADY IVERTOK. IIo, mayoi-nl I when shall we reach Sevilla? MAYORAL. A half-a-dozen leagues or more, seii'.ra. LOVE IN SPAIN. 127 LADY IVERTON. You promised we should be there at the dawn. MAYORAL. Aj, ay, seiiora ; but the roads are bad : The poor beasts cannot go a league a minute. [To the hoy cjoddiug the mules. S - - St ! Jose, boy ; you've broken sticks enough. noY. Ea, ea ! I've used up all the l>rush there is, On Pardo's tenderest side : I'll give it up. Go on, senor, and God be with you. Ha ! \0oy turns Ixukn-drd. MAYORAL (ttlone). These foreign folk are always in a hurry ; San Pedro! but what business have their worships To be awake at cock-crowing? La-lu-la That little senorita speaks as sweet As any P^spaiiola in the world. The old one, — fob ! when she came off her scat So grand, one day, and tumbled in my arms. It took the stiff 'ning out of her a bit. Fa-la-la, fa-la-la-la. JUAN A {inside). Senora, he will rouse the senorita. 128 LOVE IN SPAIN. MAYORAL {he appears at the diligence window rcith his bread and or- am/es. lie offers them to Lady Iverton). Sefiora, will you have some of my breakfast? LADY IVERTON. Excuse me. (Aside.) What impertinence, — the peasant ! ELEANOR [leaning forward). I'll take some with you : thank you, mayoral. MAYORAL. Ah, sefiorita ! you are then awake ; I fear it is not good enough for you. [He hands her the oranges, and a long roll of white bread. She takes some. That Madrilena there will sleep till noon. ['Turning towards Juana. JUANA. Your pardon, hombre, I was not asleep : I marvel who could rest with all your clatter. And I'm no Madrilena either, thank you. MAYORAL. Where may it be you come from, then, my daughter? JUANA. Estreraadura, may it please your woiship. LOVE IN SPAIN. 129 MAYORAI.. All lia I they brought you up on cheese-curds there ? JUAXA. I lived as well as you do, any dav, — Who buy your yard of bi-ead when you are hun«:iry, And poke it down your throat with ends of garlic. MAYOKAL. Soft, soft I I'm sorry that I spoiled her nap. [ffc goes up on hi's l>ox, sin(ji}iij. I Mant no naj>, nap, nap, When tlie sun goes taj), tap, tap, On niv window pane. Away o'er the plain, Away with tlie merry niuleleer. Jinple softly, jingle sweet, Jingle httle bells complete, Down my buskins to my feet. ELEANOR {dropping the oranycs mid bread in her l'ij>). The morninfT that I lonnjcd so for is come, And now the night seems sweeter. I must l^ok, When we come near Sevilla ; for he said She glistened like a jewel 'mong her groves. [She sighs, and looks at her vcairh. How swift the li«?ht is cominfr in the east. \The others fall asleep again. She looks out. Oh, what a lonely Moorish tower that is ! These sights of old were never gloomy to me. [She closes her eyes and sits silent. 180 LOVE IN SPAIN. SCENE II. SeviUa. Eleanor is sitting by a window, overlooking a court, leaning her head upon her hand. Poor senorlta, you are weary still ! The diligence is rumbling in your head, I do believe. Caramba ! How I longed To start the mules off in a lively trot ! The night we found ourselves so fast in mud, You laughed : it was the first time on the way ; The fat Valencian prayed, though, in the corner ; While I, betwixt you, started for the door. My soul! Who wants to be ground up beneath A dozen trunks, and mayoral on top ? ELEANOR. Juana, I've had time enough to rest. [She 7-ouses up as Juana looks at her How soft and fragrant is the air, Juana ! I would not stir, but sit here all the day : 'Tis gentler than Granada, is it not ? JUANA. Ay, senorita : precious little good The air is doing you. No, no : you had More roses once upon your cheek than now ; LOVE IN SPAIN. 131 They used to start and brighten up of old, When you came in so lovely from your walks. But now you never change, — 'tis all the same ; Or, if you smile, it seems to come so hard, I would as lief see tears : ah, madre mia ! [She hums a tune. Yamos! my little senorita ; vamos ! I'll bring your fan to you, and your mantilla ; You will be gayer for a morning walk ; The streets, — they are so gay ! Hark ! now I hear The guitars all a-tinkling round the corners : Hola ! Upon my faith, 'tis the Bolero They're dancing now ! Look, seiiorita, look ! [She runs nearer the icindow. An old ivoman and a jjoung man are dancing. Ha ! ha ! that neat muchacho might have got 'A girl a trifle younger, I do think. [She shakes with laughter. Ha ! ha ! She turns her toes out very well ; They must be old and stiff; if twenty years Were taken off of her, I'd say it was As fair a piece of dancing as I'd wish. [She sings ichile she watches them. Ay, ay ! I confess, good padre, Though I love sweet Cristo's madre, And the rows of saints so blessed, — Padre, thou hast rightly guessed. I do love to trip it, skip it, With a handsome Andaluz ; 132 LOVE IN SPAIN. If he looketh young and well, I forget the chapel bell ; If he looks from out one eye. On to prayers, — let him go by ! Ay, ay, ay. Ah, madre mia ! I'd not grieve me much If I should never see Madrid again. ELEANOR {looJcing up). What's that you said of Madrid, then, Juana ? [JuANA does not hear, but still watches the dancers. ELEANOR {musing). No : I regret not that I told him so. Can I deny the truth of what she says ? "What do I gain in payment for the grief And disappointment I inflict on him, My good old uncle ? He is sad, she says, And weighed with care and trouble. Is it so ? What is there left for me ? What joy have I That I should treasure up my heart, and hold So dear my precious self? AVhat wait I for? [She thinlcs aivhile. I'll marry him ; he's been most kind of late : 'Twill give some pleasure unto those I love. To whom I am indebted much; and I, — I think I shall have no more now to suffer . They're gone together, — both my grief and joy : What matters it whose name I'm called by now ? LOVE IN SPAIN. 133 But ah ! to be a wife, a new-made wife, With nothing of the pride that dignifies The strange unwonted part ; no lovely joy To drive away all anxious perturbation ! [She muses again. Three months it is since first we left Madrid, — Since he, Alancia, passed the city gates. Did he, perchance, remorsefully look back. As through his soul the thought of me might flash ? Or did he drown his vexing memories Amid the clatter of his horse's step, Till, reaching once the shores of Italy, Amid the glowing charmers all around. My image would no more disturb his peace ? [She springs up. No, no : away ! I thought I'd done with this. 'Tis lovely here, Juana; thou art right: I'll go and walk with thee. Be ready, — quick ! [Exeunt Eleanor and Juana. SCENE III. A week later. Sir Henry and Lady Iverton. LADY ITERTON. You say she came to you a week ago, Consenting to it of her own accord. 12 1314 LOVE IN SPAIN. SIR HENRY. Yes, yes. You do not think she takes the thing So hard of late ? LADY IVERTON. Why, no : you see she does not. You said, yourself, you had not urged the matter ; She's given Alancia up ; she seems, in fact. Chagrined about this silly freak of love. SIR HENRY. So, then, you think she's thrown the matter off. And grows more like herself since we came here. LADY IVERTON. • Of course I do. She treats poor Everard With much less brusquerie, I mark, of late ; And she is far more gracious to us all. Believe me, 'twill come out well in tlie end. You fixed on this next Friday, did you not, To have the wedding ? There's no time to lose. Dear me ; I must arrange about the cards. [She turns to go out. SIR HENRY. You say they're gone to the cathedral. LADY IVERTON. Yes. LOVE IN SPAIN. 135 SIR HENRY. I do not like to have her hover rouiul These gloomy places : no, it does not suit me. If she's in spirits, why does she not dress. And go along the pleasant river banks, And see the people moving on the walks. LADY IVERTON. La, Iverton, you talk so like a man ! 'Tis not the fashion to go there so early. SIR HENRY. The devil take the fashion. I suppose The sun's no more in vogue than in Madrid, Where they roll out so lazily at night, And trundle in their sleepy carriages. LADY IVERTON. Never you fear ; she always had a taste For groping round in lonely spots, you know : She went to all the churches in Madrid. SIR HENRY. Well, well ; perhaps you're right : I think 'tis so ; But yet, — I never called her melancholy. LADY IVERTON. No ; 'tis her way : you cannot change her nature. 136 LOVE IN SPAIN. SIR HENRY. Heigh-ho ! 'tis hard to suit these girls at best, Such different stuff you women are from us. LADY IVERTON. Well, well ; her pride is mortified, of course : She will not throw off her chagrin at once. SIR HENRY {7nusi7ig). At all events, I'm doing what is best : In two months she may thank me for my pains. LADY IVERTON. We take the boat to-morrow for Gibraltar? SIR HENRY. Yes, yes ; I gave you all directions once. LADY IVERTON. The consul and the English bishop there, You've not forgotten them ? About the cards — SIR HENRY. Do what you please : consult with Eleanor. [Exeimt. LOVE IN SPAIN. 137 SCENE IV. Eleanor and Juana waJkincj in the streets of Seville. ELEANOR {to herself). There is a song, — 'tis running in my mind : — " Adieu, tliou wert most fond and false. . . . Why should I waste my very soul on thee V Doth fondness ever go with fickleness ? \She turns toward the cathedral. What, senorita ! will you go to church ? You're good enough : you have no need to pray ; A livelier place to-day will suit you better. My poor Juana ! I do wish thou had'st A gayer mistress. But we'll see the shops When we come back; and I will buy for thee A pair of pretty gilded pins, like those The Andaluzas wear within their veils. JUANA. Mil gracias, Senorita Eleanor ! {They enter the cathedral. An old woman holds out hei- hand at the door. Seiiora, pity, for the love of God ! 12* 138 LOVE IN SPAIN. Juan A {pushing her off). Silence thee, woman ; let the lady be ! ELEANOR {hands her money; she goes off blessing he7-). The love of God ! ah, that I would not lose ! The earth is cruel ; heaven may be more kind. [She ivalks up the aisle. The organ is reverberating hud and full. She sits down on a stone step. Ah, how divine it is ! It stills my heart. [She sits listening. I am not thinking of my sins enough, It may be. Yes, perhaps I've loved too well. No, no, my Master, I forgot thee never ; In thy name prayed I, every step I went. To be delivered from temptation. Hark ! How roll the trembling sounds majestical ! What is this grief of mine ? It sinks away Before this great Infinity of love. Around us pressing, calm, intense, and full, But answering ever unto mortals seeking. [She sits silent aivhile, and then ri^es up. I have a longing once again to see The old monk of Ribera hanging there Within that little, solemn, lonely chapel : I'll try to find the spot. [She looks into the side chapels as she passes. Ah, what a world of beautiful retreats ! Within this mighty space I'll lose myself, Nor e'er be found again, perchance. LOVE IN SPAIN- 139 'Tis strauge ; I cast a glance upon the saint one day, Alone there in the dim and mellow light, Nor thought of him again ; till now he comes, So calm, distinct, so loftily before me, I must go further, till I see his face. [She passes here and there a solitari/ kneeler. If I could stay for ever here, nor go Again into the sick'ning, lightsome streets. [She finds the chapel at Icncjth, and goes in. She stands (jazing at the picture. He too has suffered, and maybe with love As well as martyrdom for holy faitli ; And yet there's joy upon his lifted brow : I am not good enough to rise beyond The pains of earth. [The tears run slowly down her cheek. She turns to go out. A dark, muffled Jigure passes bi/ the chapel, ivithout looking up. She trembles, and leans against a pillar inside ; then draivs a long breath. My foolish heart! but 'twas so like his step : [The figure turns, passes again, and casts a haslg glance, and goes on. He wore his cloak just so about his face. [The figure turns again, passes, and scans her intently. She trembles. How can another Spaniard look like him ! [He comes back again, looks fixedly, vacillates, turns, looks again, then throivs down his cloak, and springs forward. Elena, is it thou ? Speak, — speak to me ! 140 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR (gasping out). Alaucia, Alancia! [She holds her hand to her heart, totters, and falls ALANCIA {he stoops to raise her). Elena, look ! it is thy Manuel. ELEANOR [opening her eyes at length confusedly). My Manuel, — he went away long since : Forgive me, uncle ; I was dreaming, then, That he came back ; but 'tis all over now. ALANCIA. Elena, 'tis thy lover : see, 'tis he ! ELEANOR {starts up, and looks at him). Alancia, how dar'st thou meet me now ? ALANCIA {drawing a long breath). Ah ! then 'tis not thy spirit that I see ? ELEANOR {drawing away). What matters it to thee if it be I Or not, Alancia ? ALANCIA. I know, — I know [She disengages herself. Thou dost belong unto another now, — Thou bear'st his name, — no more my own Elena : LOVE IN SPAIN. 141 But I have sworn to see thee once again, Whatever husband dare to step between. ELEANOR. What mean you by these words, Alancia ? ALANCIA. I mean I loved you, lady, ere he claimed You for his wife. If you so soon forget What 'tis I mean, yet have not I, indeed. ELEANOR. Pardon ; I am not wedded to him yet. ALANCIA. Not his ! not his ! Speak, for the love of heaven ! ELEANOR. Why should you care to know, Don Manuel ? ALANCIA {with broken voice). Elena, time has worked most fast with thee ! Elena, art thou free, and yet so changed ? ELEANOR. Answer me by your sacred faith, my friend ! Why did you leave me so, Don Manuel ? You knew my grief: why did you leave me so, Without a parting word, alone, amid The fears with which my heart was almost breaking ? 142 LOVE IN SPAIN. ALANCIA. Did'st thou not see the note I sent to thee ? ELEANOR. No, not a word, — a word, Alancia. ALANCIA. Did'st thou not know that I wiis forced to go ? ELEANOR. No, no : I thought that thou wast tired of me. ALANCIA. Did'st thou not see my answer from thy aunt ? ELEANOR. No, never. Cruel woman ; yes, 'twas she ! And did'st thou write unto thy Eleanor, And go away with her cold, wicked words ? I prayed thee not to wed this Everard ; I told thee I would yet come back to thee. Love, I was fleeing for ray liberty. She said thou wast betrothed to this man ; That 'twas thy wish to hear no more from me. I had no time to lose : I dashed away, — No hope, except in thy heart's constancy. LOVE IN SPAIN. 143 ELEANOR (a tear rolls doion her cheeh). Ah ! how could she be so unkind, unkind ! {She tries to rise, and totters. ALAXCIA. Let us go out into the open air. [He helps her out of the cathedral. Juaxa spies them, and runs after them. lie sends her to the street for a caniage ; it arrives. He turm to Juana, hands her money, which she refuses. Go thou upon thy way, my good Juana ; Say not a word of me — Bien, caballero. [He springs in after Eleanor, and they drive to the Buen Retiro, which is quite deserted. ELEANOR {sinking back exhausted). If I had known that thou wast true, my heart Had been most hght through all the darkest hours. What was the fear of other men to this ? This deadly sinking when I thought thee false ? [He takes her in his arms, strokes her hair, and looks at her without speaking. She lifts up her head suddenly, and looks at him. Art thou the same, the very same, as then ? ALANCIA. I am too happy now, Elena, love, To take thee much to task for words like these, — 144 LOVE IN SPAIN. For all thy doubting. I am so content With seeing thy dear face again to-day, I will not speak of how I loved and suffered. It is enough to be with thee once more : We will forget our griefs, nor throw away This hour, the gift of heaven to us, Elena. [He draws her head to his breast. ELEANOR. Ah, this is rest, — 'tis rest ! I thought my head Would never lie upon thy breast again. Would'st thou have liked another head as well ? ALANCIA. Think'st thou a woman's head should ever rest Where I have felt the touch of thy soft hair ? ELEANOR {starting up suddenly). Manuel, I have accepted Everard's hand ! To-morrow, we are going to Gibraltar ! Gibraltar ? ELEANOR. Yes : thou knowest why. ALANCIA. By heaven. Thou shalt not go ! LOVE IN SPAIN. 145 ELEANOR. And he will start to-day. AL.VNCIA. The villain ! let him wait and see how good Tis to be cheated. Yes : we'll tell him, too, A fairer lie than she did me. We'll send Him word that thou art wedded to another : Maybe 'twill turn to truth before he sees us. ELEANOR {(Irawitifj aic(ty). No, no : he is not bad ; he has a right — \She looks at him fixedly. ISIy friend, I must go home. [Uer looks compel him. lie (jii-os the order to the conchman. They both sit in silence. Ere lomj the carrimje enters the street. ELEANOR {terrified). We're there ! we're there ! [She bursts into a passion of tears, and clings to him. I cannot go to him : no ; never, never. ALANCTA. Stay, then ; stay, then. Go with me to Gibraltar ! ELEANOR. No, no, Alancia. Ask me not that. [She springs up, and looks at him earnestly. 13 146 LOVE IN SPAIN. Alancia, I will not go to him. I'll lose thee for my duty's sake ; but him I will not take into thy place. ALANCIA {eagerly). Art sure ? Art sure, Elena? ELEANOR. Yes, I've said the word — I've said it, and I will not take it back. Be sure the porter seeth not thy face. \^She alights. He discharges the coachman, draws his hat and cloak about his face, a7id disappears. Eleanor goes in breathless, and faints. The heavy door clangs after her. She meets EvERARD coming down the ivide iron staircase. She starts. EVERARD {smiling). You start ; you see I am not off to-day : I am too stingy of your company To go before you, and it is as well. You'll pardon, will you not, my fickleness ? [She tries to speak. Why, Eleanor, how very pale you are ! You've walked too far, beneath this broiling sun. [He offers her his arm to assist her tip stairs. ELEANOR. I thank you : I am very tired, in truth. [Her arm trembles in his. He conducts her in, arid to a sofa. LOVE IN SPAIN. 147 EVERARD. Shall I not ring for wine, or some refreshment ? ELEANOR. No : I'll go to my room, and rest awhile. [lie looks soUcitons. 1 shall be better, thank you, by and by. [She leans back exhausted. lie raises the windorv. EVERARD. The air is fresh that blows in from this side. [He looks at her, then pours a glass of water, and sets it by her, and goes towards the door. He turns again, irresolute, and places a cushion at her feet, and moves towards the door : then again he looks back. Eleanor, you're not ill, — not ill, I hope ? ELEAXOR [rising up irifh great effort). No, no : be not alarmed ; I'll go and rest. [Re opens the door reluctantly, and goes out. Eleanor retires to her oivn room. SCENE V. The next morning. Everard, in his apartment, sitting and looking out of the window. A dismal, rainy day ; so we must wait, Sir Henry says : to-morrow may be fairer. 148 LOVE IN SPAIN. Well, well, I care not if we wait for ever. Why am I grown so thin-of-skin, — so like A love-sick boy, despairing at a frown? Away with this poor sentimentalism ! I sought a wife : I've found one to ray mind. She'd do me honor in whatever state, Nor blind my eyes with women's trickeries : My taste kept pace along with my discretion. But I loved, too, — by heavens, I have loved her ! [//e muses awhile. She is not very gay at sight of me, That's plain ; but I must take what I can get. I swear now I am ready to renounce My fondest schemes, if she would only love me ; I have been true to her ; she knows it not. Yes, I would throw up every thing this hour For one approving smile upon her face. Fie sifj/is. I'm but a sorry bridegroom for to-morrow ; Yet, when I meet her, I shall be a cool, Contented gentleman as e'er was seen. Confound it, — but I cannot help my nature. Why can't I blaze out like these foreigners ? I am a miserable fellow. Yes, With all my brilliant prospects opening now Before the eyes of men, I cannot make A truthful English girl respect or love me. I have not lied to her in word or deed. LOVE IN SPAIN. 149 Where is the lie ? Is't in my lite ? If so, It never shone out plain till I saw her. Heigh-ho ! there's no use moping o'er my case : I'll go and walk this sober fit away. [Exit. SCENE VI. Cu/ff in Sevilia. Two hours later . Everaud and a friend. <;extleman You've heard the news that's flying round tlie town ? EVEiiARD [Icanimj hack abstractedly). ■ No : has the Duchess of Montpensier Got a new Paris gown ? or have the duke And she fall'n out, for a variety ? GEyXLEMAN. Oh ! you are wide beyond the mark, my man : You'd hit it nearer if you'd said the queen Had fallen out just now, and with herself. The duke, Don Manuel de Alancia, Is back from Italy : he has been seen About the town, in many different parts. The story's out, and he's no loser by it ; 'Tis going like wildfire all about the streets. 13* 150 LOVE IN SPAIN. EVERARD. What story ? Umpli ! the very word's enough To make a Spaniard prick his ears up straight. GENTLEMAN. It seems that he was mixt up with the party That made the recent move for liberty. The Ministry resolved to pardon him, — To tender him ^ome office of distinction, And win him thus forever to tlieir side. They knew how much beloved the old duke was, And thought to carry measures through the son, Which else would not be swallowed by the people. They meant to crowd upon their liberties. EVERARD. Well, did not he accept ? GENTLEMAN. No : he declined, Most firmly and respectfully, the offer ; Saying he could not carry out the views The advisers of her majesty required, And answer to his country and his conscience. The Cabinet was in a rage, of course ; The queen was half inclined to overlook it : But they must buzz around her majesty, And represent to her that he had paid An insult to her throne and government. So, then, a royal order came forthwith, LOVE IN SPAIN. 151 Comraandiug him to quit the Spanish soil, — Unless he should retract the words he'd said, — On pain of his imprisonment and death. He would not yield, but fled to Italy. The people will be ready in Madrid To take him on their shoulders now, they say. KVERARD. Have you this all from good authority ? GENTLEMAX. yes ! there is no question of its truth ; To-morrow's papers will be full of it. 1 have a friend who's just from Italy : He saw the duke. He says he has a soul As fine as ever ripened in the south. ' His fame there as a dramatist is wide ; And all the men of literary note In Rome and Florence sought his company, Although he kept himself from gayeties. EVERARD. Your friend is of a turn enthusiastici But how does't happen that he's back again, If he so bravely faced them, as you say, And ran off honorably for conscience' sake ? GENTLEMAN. AYait : I was going to tell the rest to you. The queen learned how he was received abroad; 152 LOVE IN SPAIN. And, prompted by Christina (who, you know, Is fond of patronizing all the arts), Most graciously again has summoned him. EVERARD. This Ministry has seen its fairest days. GENTLEMAN. They say Alancia would not return Till he had gained the pardon of the rest. 'Tis thought the leaders of the late revolt Will be put into office by the queen ; They're men of broad and liberal statesmanship : 'Twill be a glorious time indeed for Spain. [He takes out his watch. How now ? 'tis after twelve o'clock, — good day. [He hurries off. EVERARD {lie sits Silent some minutes, then springs up, and walls up and down the room). She knows it : she had seen him yesterday. Yes : that is why she came in pale and trembling ; I thought 'twas but a silly, girlish passion. Zounds ! how she must have longed to rid herself Of my fair presence ! I hung round her like A buzzing moth, officious, while she flickered. The furies take this fellow ! he is back. And handsomer than ever, I will swear. LOVE IN SPAIN. 153 But ah ! he has done more tlian look well, too, Yes, that's the worst of it, the worst of it ; 'Tis what she would admire, — ah, Eleanor ! [He stands lost ui tlamjld. Why should she marry me instead of him ? " Stuff," would Sir Henry say, — and so would I A day ago. Is he the man they say ? Perhaps 'tis only honorable seeming, Which the next idle wind of politics Will puff away, and show a poor, thin schemer. I'll dangle no more for her chary hand : Sir Henry — he may rave it out as best It suits him, — Stop : I thought you cared for her. Would you not serve a lady, Everard ? A lady whom you do profess to — love ? [He walks up and down i^ehemenf/i/. Will you stand backward, like a sullen churl, And let her brave the old man's disappointment? Nor lift your finger, when you might, — you might Make things run smooth between these sorry lovers ? [He stops walking. I have some influence with Sir Henry ; yes, My words are law and gospel truth to him. She never loved me ; but she taught me still, She taught me to despise my worldly aims. And yet I am not bad as goes the world : 154 LOVE IN SPAIN. My heart was true whene'er it beat for her ; I thought that I could make her care for me. \He walks up and down again. No, no : I'll give her up, I'll give her up, She never dreamed how "much I reverenced her. Can I make happiness ? how would it seem ? An occupation rather new for me. They say it is a very pleasant feeling. [lie ponders. The duke shall have her, if my tongue avails ; And I — shall dry up in diplomacy, And so live on, in gloomy bach'lorhood. No woman did I ever love before : I had no tongue to prove it, like this man ; I had no grace to show it, as this Spaniard. No, no: he's worthy ; I'll have done with this. [He dashes away a tear, and (joes out. LOVE IN SPAIN. 155 SCENE VIII. In the parlor of the Duke of Alancia. Everard is seated there alone, awaiting the entrance of the duke. The duke enters, bow- im/, but vnth great hauteur. THE DUKE (Everard rising). Senor, be seated ; and to wliat am I Indebted for the lionor of tliis visit ? everard. I came to speak to you, sir, of a matter To which, I think, you're not inditJurent. the duke. What has your excellency, then, to say ? everard. I left Sir Henry Iverton to-day, After some lengthy conversation witli liim. THE duke. Why am I privileged to know, senor ? EVEKARD. There is no use, sir, to disguise the truth That brings me on my errand here to-day. I know the sentiments Sir Henry's niece Has entertained for you, and yours for her. 156 LOVE IN SPAIN. I have renounced, this morning, all my right Unto the hand of my affianced bride ! THE DUKE [sprmging up). Senor, I understand not what you mean. EVERARD. My words are plain, sir ; take them as they are I argued with Sir Henry at some length. He is inflexible, you are aware, Concerning notions preconceived at first. I am his friend : he holds me in his favor, And gives me, as you know, the preference. But I succeeded in convincing him Of my unalterable determination. I had the honor, also, to declare (If you will pardon the opinion given), That I believed you worthy of that lady, Whom I do hold in high esteem as you. ALANCIA. Seiior, senor ! I cannot now accept Your overwhelming magnanimity : The lady gave her own consent to you. EVERARD. 'Tis true, I never forced my suit upon her, Nor took advantaofe of her uncle's favor ; LOVE IN SPAIN. 157 But I am well aware she entertains For you a feeling she has not for me. It needed but a short experience [Tils voice wavers a little. To prove to me what I have often feared, But never had acknowledged heretofore. THE DUKE. I stand abashed before you, caballero. I have not had the honor, until now, To know you ; else I had not so mistaken : I have been interfering with your rights ; I've met the lady since you were betrothed. 'Tvvas not her fault — 'twas not her fault, sciior; I threw myself upon her unawares. I only meant to own myself her slave, And look my last upon her loveliness; But, when I saw her, passion led me on To urge her to retract her vows to you. And fly with me. EVERARD. Sir, that was natural. THE DUKE. It is a pleasure to revere, senor, The man who did possess Elena's hand. As for myself, I stand most low before U 158 LOVE IN SPAIN. Your high and noble generosity : It was my fortune, never my deserts, If I had once the lady's preference. I shall not now presume to press my suit ; I will not stand in rivalry beside So true and honorable a gentleman. I pray you to present yourself again. [His voice sojlens. Make known to her your generous resolve : I stand apart. If you do win her yet, I shall be proud, seilor, of her approval ; And I shall ever, ever, entertain A high regard for your exalted friendship. EVERARD. You overrate my deeds, I must assure you : I do but yield unto necessity. THE DUKE. Your excellency's modesty forbids That you should see your conduct in the light I ever shall most gratefully regard it. Should I possess the prize you do renounce, 'Twill be because high Heaven has decreed Such benediction on my favored head ; And not because I have superior right. Or equal, even, with your excellency. LOVE IN SPAIN. 159 EVERARD {risinrj up to go, ami holdituj out his hand hastiJi/). I wish you, seiior duke, all lia[)pincss. THE DUKE (f/ra.yx'iig it). ►Seiior, will you not leave /ler to decide ? [EvEUARD takes his hat, bows, and hurries out. The Di'ke looks ajler him con/uscdh/, stands transfixed awhile, then smiles, i-uns about, hums a tune, and sits down. Certes, I am a miserable knave. To triumi)li o'er this noble gentleman : Yet 'tis not I that take her from his arms ; If she would rather fly unto this breast, 'Tis no offence of mine. Should she not choose ? lie is a gallant man as e'er uprose Amid the breezes of the north, and felt The sea blow fresh upon his honest cheek. Maybe the winds have made his manners cold, And not for thee, my gentle, sweet P^lena. Tiiou wast afraid, who dost ingenuous speak Tiie kindling thoughts that fire thy earnest breast. lie chilled thee: but I see, beneath his look, A heart too strong for little, common joys Of other men. I love him for thy sake, Because he laid himself beneath thy feet, And silent rose again and went his way, And bade me call thy every smile my own. 160 LOVE IN SPAIN. SCENE IX. At Sir Henry Ivertox's hotel Everard and Eleanor. EVERARD. Eleanor, I am come to you to-night On errand strange from gentleman to lady, — A gentleman who in sincerity. Hath laid most loyally his heart and hand Before the kind disposal of his mistress : I wish (if you will pardon my abruptness In entering on the theme that brings me here) No more to hold the hand that honored me, But wholly to release you from the tie, The obligation binding you of late. ELEANOR (turning pale). I know not what to say : explain your words. EVERARD. I never wished to force my suit upon you ; I had but little grace to speed my cause, And less, far less, of real desert, except An admiration most sincere for her Whose hand I rashly dared to call my own ; And, if Sir Henry has ungently urged And forced you on unto the step you took, I was most ignorant of it indeed. LOVE IX SPAIN. 101 I feared you liad but little love for me: But then what lover ever ceased to hope To rouse a feeling in his lady's breast. [S/ir. tries to sj)eak-, but her voice Jails her. But stay, — of this no more: I wish to speak To you of flannel de Alancia. [She starts, and blttshcs deeply. Pardon : I have no suavity, you know ; I s[)eak the thoughts that move me u})i)ermost. For many weeks I knew the duke to be Your passionate admirer, Eleanor ; But now I know far more than this, — I know He is a true and gallant gentleman. [SJie looks II j) astonished. Your uncle did not know his worth, nor I ; But now he cannot stop his ears to all The honorable things they say of him : His noble bearing towards the government, And bravest maintenance of liberty. [She bows her head down. 1 wish to have Sir Henry meet the duke. ELEANOR (looks tij) blushimj). You know Alancia? you — like him too? EVERARD. Yes : and may I present him to your uncle ? 14* 162 LOVE IN SPAIN. ELEANOR. He is not changed, I think, since he came back. [She suddenly blushes deeply. EVERARD. Do not be troubled : he has told me all ; 'Twill do no harm to show him to your uncle. [She looks up suspiciousli/. EVERARD (gravely). You think that I am. jesting, Eleanor. ELEANOR. No, no. [Putting her hand to her head. But all is strange, as if I dreamed. EVERARD. Rough mediator am I, Eleanor ; But I do mean to serve you in my w\ay. ELEANOR. My uncle knows him : they have met before. EVERARD. But I am proud to say lie'll value one 1 call my friend ; he honors me so much. [She looks up amazed. 'Tis true, — as such I claim Alancia. LOVE IX SPAIN. 103 ELEANOR (a new meaninf/ comes over her face ; she sprinr/s up ; grasps his hajid), I shall not prove ungrateful for your kindness, Nor soon forget your dealing with my heart, For now I look on you with clearer eyes. I did you great injustice, greatest wrong: Not that I could not give my love to you. You need not that : a little thing is that [He trembles sUacli- and fnrth. Presently she enters. She starts bark, blushes, trembles. Alancia stands, and boivs (jrarely. SIR IIKNUY. Come here, my chlM : I wisli to speak to you. [She fjoes to his table, and stands by him ; Alancia standing apart. Siu IIknry hiys his hand on her shoulder. The Duke of Alancia has ottered you His heart and liand, and wliat liave you to say? Answer me, do you love thl> i^a-ntlenian ? ELKANOU. Yes, sir: I loved him the first time we met. [She Uushes. Alancia spriwjs fwirard. SIR UENRY. Stay, sir. And are you willing, Eleanor, To leave your home, your country, all for him ? ELEANOR. Yes, sir. 15* 174 LOVE IN SPAIN. SIR HENRY. And you will gladly part from them, Your friends who love you, Eleanor, — your uncle? ELEANOR {the tears falUmj). I am not glad unless I still may be Your daughter, sir. SIR HENRY. The way is long between ; The land is strange and new to you, my child. ELEANOR. But I am not afraid, sir, where he is. [Alancia springs foricard, kisses her hand, and (joes bach to the place where he stood. Dear uncle, 1 am not ungrateful, — no. There are some things we cannot rule ourselves. I did not mean to love a Spaniard, sir. [Smiling through tears. I meant to stay with you ; but all this came, Before I knew : yet, sir, he did no wrong ; I bade him hope through all the darkest hours. [Looking earnestly at SiR Henry. Dear uncle, I can never cease to love you. sir henry {dashing aicay a tear.) Take her, Alancia. Be tender of her ; For I may go away, and leave her here, LOVE IN SPAIN. 175 Amidst a land of foreign siirlits aud sounds. She thinks not of it now ; she is in love ; She dreams of none but you; yet, by and by, When we are far away, she'll talk of home. Promise to be a true and watchful husband. ALAXCIA {he spii)ivave. The ship dashed along. And he w\as not strong ; Though well he could swim. Yet the sea got the better of him. Oh ! had she been manned by the Pigeon-Cove men, The waves had uot swallowed him then. 192 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. The ocean i*epeateth his name, For ever and ever the same. I hear it at pale morning light, It waketh me oft in the night. Tlie surf dashes up on tlie rock, It sweeps on my soul with a shock. That spring morning comes up again, When they told me, — I knew it full plain, - My father's lip trembled, and white grew his cheek. And he laid his hand on me before he could speak. 'Twas tlie Spring when we thousht to be wed ; Three months have passed over my head. Tlie days grow sultry and hot, I move in the very same spot; The bathers go up and go down Through the streets of the town. And snuff the salt sea with delight ; But I hate the sight: The waves of the sea Are pointing their fingers at me. But when winter cometh, oh I will it be sweet To hear the wind driving and look at the sleet? All day in the kitchen to sit And braid on the matting, or knit; And gaze on the ships in the bay. Or dream how the icicles hang on the shrouds, Where the white spray is driving in clouds. And think of him drifting and drifting away? MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 193 No: the morning and eveninfr are one, The winter and fair summer's suu. God! when will this living be done? 17 194 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS WORK. Great Master ! teach us how to hope in man : We lift our eyes upon his looks and ways, And disappointment chills us as we gaze, Our dream of him so far the truth outran, So far his deeds are ever falling short. And then we fold our graceful hands, and say, " The world is vulgar." Didst thou turn away, O sacred spirit, delicately wrought ! Because the humble souls of Galilee Were tuned not to the music of thine own. And chimed not to the pulsing undertone Which swelled thy loving bosom like a sea ? Shame thou our coldness, most Benignant Friend, When we so daintily do condescend. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 195 WORK. Lord, send us forth among thy fields to work ! Shall we for words and names contending be, Or lift our garments from the dust we see, And all the noonday heat and burden sliirk ? The fields are white for harvest : shall we stay To find a bed of roses for the night, And watch the far-off cloud that comes to siLiht, Lest it should burst in showers upon our way ? Fling off, my soul, thy grasping self, and view "With generous ardor all ihy brother's need ; Fling off thy thoughts of golden ease, and weed A corner of thy Master's vineyard too. The harvest of the world is great, indeed, O Jesus ! and the laborers are few. 106 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. THE WALK TOWARDS EMMAUS. Walk with us, Jesus, wlieu the day is spent: The rohin's voice is full of tenderuess, And all the air is silent with excess Of sweet devotion, peace, and calm content. Open our hearts that we may see aright The scripture of the world, — the Ijurning page Tliat shines upon our eyes from every age ; A fire to warn the sinner, but a light That gives the saint a glimpse beyond the veil. Ask us, O Jesus ! if we understand Tlie wondrous voices of the sea and land. As thou didst them who read the prophet's tale, And knew not 'twas their blessed risen Lord, — Read thou with us thy Father's hidden word. MISCELLANEOUS TOEMS. 19; GO YE TIIEREFOKK INTO THE HIGH- WAYS." CiiUKCii of Christ, awake to life, awake ! Go to all the streets and lanes of sin ; Go. invite the liomeless to partake, — Nay, comi)C'l them even to come in. Have you now a blessed table spread. Where the Lord himself will come and eat ? Are your rightful members cold and dead? Let the halt and palsied have a seat. They, in their unworthinoss and fears, In their self-abasement low and deep, Are like Mary seeing through her tears What a love the Shepherd bore the sheep. It may be their presence at the feast Such a full refreshment will impart, That your faith shall be the more increased, Springing deeper from the Master's heart. 17* 198 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Maybe their simplicity so meek Such a wakening will revive in you, That your olden guests shall rise and speak, Saying, We have seen the Lord anew ! Sweetly thus may you in love abide. Till you rise together from the dead ; Poor and rich adoring side by side. One in Jesus Christ the Living Head. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 199 THE BEAUTIFUL LADY. WRITTEN FOR TIIK CHILDREN'S MISSION. Thkre is a gentle lady, very fair ; Her looks are saintly aud her voice is rare ; She walks through all the town, Nor fears to soil her gown. They say this lovely lady's not afraid Of any being that the Lord has made : She sees her Father's look Within the meanest nook. And so she walks serene through every lane Where hunger struggles fierce with sin and pain, And angry curses leap In passion wild and deep. She does not even tremble at the sight : She stands and gazes like a lily white, Till, awed to peace, they see Her spotless purity. 200 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. She stays beside the couch when all have Hed, And lays upon her breast the dying head, And sings away all fear With voice serene and clear. She takes the little children in her arms, And gives them bread to eat, and mildly calms Their throbbing hearts that beat, And wipes their bleeding feet. Dear children, tell me, will you go with her, — This lovely lady, each her messenger. And bid the orphans come. And have with her their home ? Her name, I think, is Charity below ; But, when her bright, immortal wings do gi'ow, The angels there above In heaven will call her Love. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 201 TO E. E. P. WiiKX I was walking in the hazy land, Midway betwixt my youth and wonianliood, That oped iu vistas wide on every hand, With spots of glory faintly understood ; When all the air was faint with sweet perfumes, And golden halos hung 'mid eartli and sky ; When I was steeped in tender liglits and glooms, And heard the far-ott' voice of Poesy, — 'Twas thou, my sister, who didst speak and say, That I must tread the path which I have trod ; And thou didst never waver from the day Thou bad'st me be a singer to ray God. How have I answered to thy prophecies? We travel onward now in spheres apart : New mounts of vision all around thee rise. Lit from thy children and thy husband's heart. 202 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. And I have wakened to a sweeter bliss Than all the ecstasy of poet-dreams ; But sometimes I would turn my eye from this, And see thy image in those morning gleams. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 203 TO SHELLEY. RARE and evanescent spirit bright ! Even as the firefly skims along the night, Men saw thee floating as a silver spark ; Then thou didst vanish sudden in the dark. And yet the breath of evil fell on thee, — The rude and venomous breath of calumny, — Fell on a soul as pure and innocent As God hath ever unto mortals lent. When I behold thee, gentlest born of men, The gracious sweetness dropping from thy pen, 1 weep to think the world hath used thee so : It cries to heaven, this spectacle below. Could not thy gods, who kindly on thee smiled. Have shielded thee, their strange and wayward child?- Thee; with the dew of morning on thy hair. The future mirrored on thy forehead fair ? 204 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. They never lifted up a hand to break The web of tyranny for thy sweet sake ; And yet the loveliness within thee grew Transcendent in the fire men drove thee through. Yea, verily, there is a God in heaven : To know Him — unto thee it was not given ; He yearned to draw thee to his mighty breast, And soothe thy weary, fluttering heart to rest. Could He forget the soul which He had made ? So fair a soul would He have e'er betrayed ? Ah ! He was kind ; He stretched His arm to save. When men were cold and cruel as the grave. He laid thee in thy loving Ocean's arms, Wrapt thee in joy amid the wild alarms, Rocked thee to sleep, then gently bade thee wake, And of another fairer life partake. How softly drooped thy starry eyes away, And closed for ever on the angry day ! How swift thy subtle spirit darted free, And drank immortal love and liberty ! MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 205 KLTZAr.KTII BARRETT BROWNING. Gentle woman, softly as tlic spheres Move along the solemn, mystic years. Thou didst treail alone thy path of tcar>, AVhisperlng yearnincjs from thy spirit deeps, - Like a hidden mountain stream that creeps, Darkly, secretly, before it leaps ; Sobbing lightly with its own unrest. Groping blindly on the cold earth's breast, Sinking downward, weary and oppresseil. Lowly bent the world its waiting ear. For that undertone it loved to hear, Listening with a strange and charmed fear. How at last the fountain leaped in light, — Leaped with sudden joy, impassioned, bi-ight, When its sun of love arose to sight ! 18 206 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Proudly did the souls of men outreach, Driuking in that lyric, burning speech, When two poets melted each in each. Then in wider music they did break, — Music strong and grand enough to make All the powers of wrong and falsehood shake. Sing, immortal woman-poet, sing, Where, with Dante, thou thy harp shalt bring, On the sacred mountains of thy King ! Love, undying heart ! Thou hadst not beat If tliy fragile pulses were not sweet AVith a love thou couldst not all repeat. Rest, elect and Christian lady, rest ! Where the saints and martyrs stand confessed. Thou shalt be for evermore a guest. Peace a halo on thy brow shall drop ; Peace, the i)L'rfect fulness of thy cup ; Peace, tliat ever bears thee higher up. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 207 A K Y S C II E F F K U Dear Artist, thou hast gone unto His breast — The Great Consoler — wliom thou pictured>t lu ic, As all tlie heavy-ladc'ii round him pressed. And dropi)cd their griefs before his answering tear Sweet Raphael painted wondronsly and fair The lovely joy that filled the Virgin's eyes ; Murillo sent her floating on the air, Glowing in dark-eyed, innocent surprise. Perchance with firmer hand than thou they drew. Born in the rapturous age of thioned beauty ; Great ministers, unswerving, ever true, Shaping her sovereign laws in love and duty. Perchance their colors burned with deeper light, Fresh from the olden southern sun, who whiles The long day by the artist's side till night, Retouching oft with mellow, lingering smiles. 208 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. So be it. Of another time tliou art. Framed is thy spirit in another mould; Its high expression telleth every lieart That we have deeper eyes than they of old. And thou hast answered to tlie earnest cry Which from a new and longing age hath broke ; Tliat looketh back with tender, reverent eye, But findeth not enough for her was spoke. For, on thy canvas page, liunianity Becomes divine, 'mid pain and fear and weeping; Or 'mid the fulness of great joy, when high And sacred converse witli the unseen 'tis keeping. Ah ! here thy masters tarry f\ir behind, To catch the lights and shades of earthly day, While thou art looking deeper in, to find The hues which o'er the land of souls do play. Go on ; for now, at length, thou di{)})'st thy brush In the immortal bloom of Paradise ; Their hues shall wane before thy ripening flush, Till thou above them all transcendent rise. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 200 P O E 8 Y PoKSY'! tliou art not mine: 'Tis I, sweet sovereign, who am tliine ; 1 never thought to seize on thee : 'Tis thou, 'tis thou who art possessing me! I, tempted, flung thee from my side To watch a bubble rainbow-dyed; It cliarnied me with a power so sweet, I waked not till it burst beneath my feet. I flung me back upon thy breast, Humiliated and oppnst ; I cried to tliee, " Go not away," And thou didst turn again and with me stay. I walked subdued beneath thine eye, In truth's divinest liberty ; Though oft 1 stumbled, still I went In meekness on the road where I was sent. 18* 210 MISCELLANEOUS TOEMS. Thou gav'st the earth a radiant dress, And touched it with thy tenderness ; When thou wast singing, oft I thought A snatch of hymus immortal thou hadst caught. One day tliere came a spirit bright, AVlio made my being warm and light ; His name was Love : I looked to see If thou Avouldst turn thy injured gaze from me. lie led me by the hand and smiled, And pointed U})ward : i)leased and mild, Thou took'st my otlier hand, and so Between you both tlie way to heaven I go. THE SHADOW OVER THE LANJ). ^pocms tovittcn tiuviua tfjc Rebellion, THE SHADOW OVER THE EANI). TO THE SISTKRS OF THE SOUTH. J.v.v. 1, 18G1. O siSTKKs! where ran be tlie wroni];? No more, you say, shall we be one : Yet we have tried to plea.se you long, And all your bidding we have done. We thought the only weight that lay Upon the pinions of your pride You would outgnjw and thru.^t away, 11" we should eheer you at your side. Our share of work we asked to take, Presuming not to change your way, But hoping, for your children's sake, The dawn of a more perfect day. 214 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. Perhaps we interfered too much, But, ah ! we meant it in good grace ; When, lo ! you rose up at our touch, And flung the gauntlet in our face. O day of darkness, black as death, Wlien children turn in wrath and shame Upon the home that gave them breath. And trani[)le on its sacred name ! Benignant Stars and Stripes, arise. And call the wanderers from their track ! Look on them with indulgent eyes, And say to them, " Come back, come back.' Forget, O noble flag, thy right, Thy dignity and majesty ! Forget thy sovereign power and might, All but the great Eternal JLye ! But if they will not put their trust In thee, unless thou stoop'st so low. That Freedom drabbles in the dust, — For evermore, then, let them go ! Dread flag, let them in peace depart, No drop of blood upon the sod ! Shall sister pierce her sister's heart ? Forbid — forbid it, mighty God! THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. 215 Go, sisters, if it must be so ; We wish you heartily God-speed : If we no common country know, Let us not hate in word or deed. Yon have a land like fair Provence, The goodliest of our fathers' share ; But over your inheritauce Have you a care — have you a caie ! Should servile Fury ever leap In havoc on your beauteous home, We will not sit and see it sweep; Call us, O Soutlj ! anil we will come. 216 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. TO ARMS! April, 1861. Traitors and foes ! We shall arm, we shall arm : Brethren are ye ? but it matters us not : Men of the South ! we are cahn, we are cahii : Ye are like madmen, insulting and hot. Long have we patiently borne with your liate ; Shame has been rising and flushing our brow : Oh ! we've entreated you, early and late ; God only knows what has come o'er us now. We are not angry, — the fire is too deep ; We will not taunt, — that's for boys, and not men Yet we have sworn, and our word we will keep, Never shall you trample on us again. You have dishonored the vStripes and the Stars ; The pale North a moment did hold in her breath: Now thousands of eyes, like the red planet Mars, Do glare on you steady defiance and death. THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. 217 You love not to work, — you are all gentlemen ; Arms are your pastime, and " fight " is your word : We love the plough and the loom and the pen ; Nobler is peace to our hearts than the sword. You have been plotting all over the land ; You have been training to tear down the state : We've not been playing with weapons in hand. But we'll tear down your flag at the capital's gate. Lord of the nations, restrain us, — restrain ! Terrible, mighty, our waking at last : Tears, if they fall, shall come down like the rain, And flood the degenerate soil of the past. But courage, ye men of the North and the West ! A nation is springing again into birth ; In the radiant garments of Liberty dressed, A wonder of beauty all over the earth ! 19 218 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. WHERE IS PEACE? May 26. 1861. The earth is born anew to love and light ; Tlie green is deepening on the wood and plain ; The birds are flitting gayly in our sight, Or chirping in the gentle spring-tide rain : But where, oh ! where is peace ? The homes of men are o^rowino; chaste and fair ; The cherished maiden tends the budding vine ; The former drops the little seed with care. And round his door tlie morning-glories twine : But where, oh ! where is peace ? The sick man, with a slow and measured tread, Goes up and down the pleasant village street ; The neighbors think him risen from the dead ; He thinks that life and spring are very sweet : But where, oh! where is peace? THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. 219 The mountains sit majestical and free, And call tlie traveller to their sacred calms ; The sea is waiting most enchantingly To fold the idler in its glistening arms : But where, oh ! where is peace ? The golden hours are dallying at our feet ; They will not leave us till our joy is full ; And time is ours, — the time we called so fleet, — From early morning till the evening cool: But where, oh ! where is peace ? Peace ! Thou ha^t not departed from us now ; Thou dost but take for us another mould : I see thee sitting on the soldier's brow ; His eye predicts thy reign of joys untold. Shall we, like children, hug thy shadow here. And not a step beyond thee dare to take ? Shall we, like cowards, tremble in our fear, And never lift a sword for thy great sake ? Forbid it, all ye spirits of the dead ! Forbid it, nations whom we came to save ! Forbid it, gentle spring ! for thou dost shed Thy sweetest blossoms on the soldier's grave. 220 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. Benignant Peace ! I see thee from afar, Beyond the tumult and the battle heat ; Amid the tears and bloody drops of war, I hear the music of thy coming feet : Ah ! there, — ah ! there is peace. THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. 221 CAMPAIGN SONG, (Before the Re-electiox of Abrauam Lincoln), Nov., 18G4. Fly upward, fly upward, high into the night, Red rockets and blue, red rockets and bhie ! Like the stars and the stripes, they are gleaming in light. Then throw them anew ; then throw them anew ! See the torches that wave on the gay city street, — Red torches and blue, red torches and blue ! 'Tis the flaming of Liberty's swift-coming feet : Come out with her too ; come out with her too ! See the orator stand at the top of the Square ; Hear, father and son ; hear, father and son ! His sentences turn into fire on the air ; And the combat is w^on ; the combat is won ! American soldiers, we ask you to fight. But choose ye your chief; choose ye your chief; The man who can show you the wrong from the right, Tliough in words he is brief, — though in words he is brief. 19* 222 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. Choose you, O maiden ! the man you will wed ; Not the man who will vote for the tongue that is smooth : Not the man of a party, the man who is led ; But the man for the truth, — the man for the truth. Choose, nation, to win or surrender the day. To gain or to lose, — to gain or to lose. Choose, voice of the people, for ever and aye, The freeman or slave, — choose, countrymen, choose ! THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. 223 THE PICTURE OF COLONEL SHAW, IN BOSTON. November, 1804. BuKiKD with his negroes in the trench, There he lies, a score of them around liini ; Nothing eoiihl his deathless ardor quench : What a monument at last has crowned him ! Sight to make a father's bosom tlirob. There he stands upon the canvas glowing ; Siglit to make a noble mother sob. Tender eyes their glances on her throwing. There he stands, so eloquent and mute, Modest, and yet looking in our faces Undisturbed and calmly, — as doth suit One who did not ask the world's high places. There he gazes, soldier-like and bold. Not a whit ashamed to die with them, — Them, the men of color, bought and sold ; Not a bit ashamed to lie with them. 224 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. Look upon him, nation of the free, Surely thou art cured of all thy meanness ! Look upon him, nation that's to be, Rising purified from thy uncleanness. Sleep serenely with a people's sigh, Noble martyr to thy country giv(.n : With thy little company on high, Thou shalt traverse all the plains of heaven. THE SHADOW* OVER THE LAND. 225 OUR PRESIDENT. April, 1805. The grass is growing groen upon the hills, The spring is loosening nil the little rills, A tender bloom is on the willow-tree : But where, oh ! where is he ? Will he awake to-morrow with the day, And turn his face the way the battle lay ; And thank the Lord that he has lived to sec The triumph of the free ? O God, have pity on us ! he is dead. The foul assassin aimed at his dear head ; He never spoke a word to let us know How hard it was to go, — To leave us at the crowning of our joys. When we were praising gallant men and boys, And shedding hap2:)y tears of sweet relief. And thankinoj him, our chief. 226 THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. Weep, all ye dark-faced children of the sun ! He gave his blessing to you every one ; That blessing was a throe to all the earth, — Emancipation's birth. Weep, O misguided wretches, comfortless ! And wash away your gall of bitterness ; Have you not lost a noble friend and true As ever stood by you ? Weep, mighty nation ! who sliall dare to say That we are cowards for our tears to-day ? But let the drops be mingled with a fire That burns all low desire, — The fire that flashes light upon our patli, And purifies from vengeance and from wratli ; The fire of resolntion, hi2:h and stroni]r, To grapple with the w^roug. Farewell, beloved fiither ! sleep in dust ; But rise thou in the kingdom of the just, — Beyond the traitor's breath, the battle scars, — And shine among the stars ! THE SHADOW OVER THE LAND. 227 LAY IIIM TO REST. A I'll I L, 1805. Lay him to rest, lay liim deep in tlie ground ; Full long enough ye have borne him around, With the tramp of the horse, and the weary drum-beat. Before all the eyes and the glare of the street: Lay him to rest. They were eyes full of love, they were eyes that did weep, And the chillness of death on the cities did creep ; But now, gentle friends, let him go to his re