P s LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©[jail, A^niSpjjngi^l l^a... UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ^^^ RUFINASi"^^^ BY Ed. Langner.^- Allegheny, (Pa., March lO^gi. July 20 -g 4. Cfi RUFINAS." By Edward Lanoner. A Tragedy in 5 Acts, CHAKACTERS REPRESENTED. Rufinas, I B^^jh^^^ | Uncrowned King of Naples Fabius, J J Usurp to the Crown Cornelius, ) (. j^^ f Follower of Rufinas Lentulus, I ' 1 Follower of Fabius Lucullus, Son of Fabius Terrentius Varro, Keeper at the Prison Duke of Prossedi, | Grandees at Fabius' Court Duke of Tollo, j " Salvator, ") Pietro, t Robbers, Folllowers of Rufinas Ludovic, ^ 1st Robber, 2d Robber 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th Villagers Theodric's Ghost An Artist A Scamp, ••• S^yll^' I Rufinas' Children Rosetta, J 1 Cordelia, Wife to Rufinas Villagers, Robbers, Guardsmen and Grandees at Court. SCENE— Naples. TIME— Sixth Century, ^'^ ^^ 6^ THPSO-007C70 ACT 1. Scene I. — A Field near Naples. Enter Lentulus and Cornelius in armour. Lentulus : By the gods, Cornelius, our enemy sways the fortune of this day's fight with stubborn heroism. Thrice have our legions stamped defeat upon his bloody brow, and he as oft' made vict'ries of them, and smote back like despair 'pon ourselves. Cornelius : Oh ! Glorious field. Lentulus : What charm is there, that ruthless war hounds bloody the virtue of a noble cause. Cornelius : How now, cousin, thy uncle's for a cause, though bruised, seems bearded alongside thee, to pluck at iufantlike, that each chance stroke sends thee wailing to tugging it the more. Lentulus : There's task in speaking with a forked tongue. Cornelius: No less than without justice as a guide. Lentulus : The King's right scorns to be lead lame. Cornelius : The King's right is matter open to scrutiny. Lentulus : By treachery. Cornelius : Hearken, Lentulus, take Cornelius' sword ; in the length and breadth of this great kingdom, abides none loyal equal him. Lentulus : Thou ill defendst the country's greatness, now she needs thee armed and wieldy. Cornelius : Thus, my countrymen's defence supplants the gaudy bauble. I would not play at leap-frog with the people's weal. Lentulus . Marry, thou dost not know thy coward mind. Cornelius : Nor thou thine uncle's cause. Lentulus : Nor thou thine argument. Cornelius : Soft, thy peace ; Rufinas in arms against the King, is Fabius' half-brother by the first Queen. In Theodric's reign, he with, others - some pretext being given as to need — was despatched into the Gothic States. A lull, months ripened, six had flown. Already leth- argy bound fast. When lo ! A messenger with tidings shook the realm out of its fetters. The day of peaceful joy, as by the whirlwind's blast swept over was hushed and changed :-—We mourned. From mouth to mouth the whisperings went, now loud, now lost : "Rufinas is slain," "By whom," "Wherefore," "Remorse," "Vengeance," until the mutterings gave way to melancholy that even hope, 4 Rufinas. that curative to dread, that ministers and heals men's woes, was stricken down and sickened J at the great calamity, while forebod- ing sat morose in every mind, brooding the fear we entertained though dared not openly avow. It laid the people in a siege this sud- den stroke whereof the hand that planned took 'vantage on the spur. Terror reigned over us, the rich blood spoilt, perfidy allured free will ; Never was outrage perpetrated in the sight of heaven, moving earth and man for righting, that the heart's flow stopped as affectually against the supplication. Nor was the worst yet ; true, indignation awhile prevailed, unbelievers shook heads murmuring waxed wroth ; but there it ended. The crisis came descending, the ferment quick burst, the people were slaves, conspirators, that should have been free citizens and defenders. Thus, by accursed stroke perished loyalty and venge- ance both. On every hand cringed men their patriotism extinguished, groping in the dark in meek subjection, the sport of "tyranny". Nay, all these years, the very marrow in our bones has withered to awe, our craven selves to shaggy mass of common cur. Lentulus : And the tidings ? — What new else. — Cornelius : To Fabius favorable, but to the people stern, as of them either Rufinas was better liked, his nature counterparting his great father to perfection, and who was well beloved because his greatness was the counterpart of his great goodness. Well, soon after the report was spread, Fabius gave public token of his love, by bribing together an expedition, and himself marching at the head, set out in search. Lentulus : Most worthy. I applaud. Cornelius : Oh ! Had the aim been carried out ; But Fabius de- signed this new stroke for popularity ; he would have that with his villainy, - and by the gods, it eludes his wooing and far remains beyond his fawning reach to the very day. Lentulus : I envy— shall I say thee, or what is thy most — bragging which grows upon thee sooth, so in thy doings all. Cornelius : There is a glass between us, a fine partition, at which the eye grows feeble gazing, and never penetrates beyond, but centers 'pon an indistinct, imperfect something, on which we see not each him- self, but ourselves each in the other's self. Lentulus : I would I were a tale. . Cornelius : Aye. Lentulus : Thou wouldst make much of me. Cornelius : Anon, wail that wisdom e'en makes fools its asses, though wise men's selves — supposing thee for none — oft' make mis- takes as to the which, their wisdom or their makes, are made most of in proof. Lentulus : Thou art a compliment I needs praise, that thou under- standst thyself and dost receipt in full all thou begets t of frenzy. But have at thee, wouldst the fable carry to end, I caution, get thee now done with it. Rufinas. Cornelius : Well then, Fabius being three months alert to espy a scepter from a distance, here at home, returned well-countenanced to lament the brother's fate, and patiently endured to wait the lighting of his crown upon upon a more designing head. Nor was he left so long ; Theodric took his noble son's fate with such heart, that aged as he was, and now bowed down by grief, he was too soon cut off from life, and but nine month after Kufinas perished, Fabius usurped the throne, reigning since throughout the kingdom. Lentulus : Thou sayest he perished. Cornelius : So at the time the saying, and had Fabius searching inquiry set afoot — as he made bold he would - the truth had come to light. But like the heartless knave he showed himself throughout, his soul grew craven while he went, guilt fearing him to shun the scene where precious blood was shed, whose every drop could cry against him, he dared no farther than was meet, and soon tired chasing con- science for the lighter task of pursueing blessing which waited on him, and Theodric's own lips ministered him the people's curse. Lentulus : Troth, Cornelius, thy pertenacity doth prick sore. But dost think, this fiction turneth deaf ears quick ? Cornelius . What magic dreamst. Is't possible the longer grown the transforming quick ? -Marry thou cropst close to understanding. Lentulus : Mock thyself if thou would'st feed on mockery. Thou knowest not me. Cornelius : Sweet cousin, know thyself Thy will's at enmity — thy nature dissemble to better sense. Lentulus : Is not Fabius King ? Cornelius : I grant, but that thou knowest by what contamination, I charge thee with the falsehood. Lentulus : Theodric's death, and Rufinas' mission from which he ne'er returned alive, combine succession firm on Fabius notwithstand- ing. Cornelius : If thou wouldst feast on Kings, behold the true, majestic every stride. The earth trembles at his touch. This is a King. Hark ! the thunder peal split the battle cry. Rufinas : ( Without.) On, victory ! Glorious victory, on ! (Enters with armed folloivers.) Ha ! ruleth this fair land a King ? Cornelius : Hail ! War ; and Rufinas, Theodric's noble son and master of our hearts, sits royal on the throne ! Rufinas: Live heart, thou art of the just. Lentulus : Treason ! Treason ! What, ho there ! Treason ! Cornelius : Back, Goths, and thou, my cousin, silence. What wouldst Rufinas ? Slay thy nephew, thy sister's son ? Rufinas : What ! Lentulus ; and thou, Cornelius ? Hold, friends, put up your swords. Here is peace. Cornelius : Marry, uncle, thy followers make good cause, hadst none erst. Rufinas. Rufinas : Loyal men, most loyal, nor braver never breathed. But, come, fair nephew, kindred Lentulus, let's be reconciled. Lentulus : Never T ! And thou friendship's self ? Let thy vassals pin me to their swords, so much I scorn thee. Rufinas : Command thy bitterness. I have mercy too, and com- mend thee to thy mother's love. Cornelius : Fie, cousin. Lentulus : Methinks Cornelius speaks ? Traitor ! I know thee not. But hold, thou art the King-maker ; lend an ear ; this one rest- ing wearied of strife, may marvel at the romance, mayhap dream thy dream of crown-wearing. Rufinas : Stripling, thy words are bawd that I should spare thee some to bandy with. Cornelius : Warn thee, now forbear. Rufinas : Peace, nephew. Youth is the shield of indiscretion, and heartstrings ally such together which were deemed folly else. It giveth him much joy to be at harmless play, though which were rueful were his mother's shrine not fixed in his defence between us. Cornelius : Cousin, have done. This is thy uncle with the other vouched for. So peace. Lentulus : Away, pretense. I venerate the more, the more beset. Hail, King Fabius ! Rufinas : By the gods ! and he is deep in villainy as night is deep in darkness. His heart fills with it against his brother, a royal father's most royal son. I owe him much. O ! for the reckoning. The wily fox laid ambush for us with such art, we must blunder on doom by his contrivance. Bat our foresight foiled him and of them all who were lent to his base hire one escaped, and being full of their own fates made shift that Rufinas too, perished. Lentulus : Hath it taken thee these years seeking compass to thy native land, if such it be? Rufinas : Thou sayest well. No sooner were we rid of one than new danger thick beset the way. Strangers in a hostile country, sur- rounded by fierce tribes, o'erpowering numbers seized on's, and ten years held us captive their menial slaves. {Shouts.) Hark? the tuneful cantation. Prick me, pleasure, thou givest too sweet music as sprung from battlement of war and melody of arms. {Shouts.) O ! need ye, can ye wonder at my joy after I have been so long a mourner ? {Shouts.) Soft ! Soft ! here, thy clamour drowns me with the strong emotion. {Enter Salvator humedly.) Salvator : Alack ! Alack ! My Lord ! the fight's against us. All's lost. Rufinas : Dog ! art mad? As soon this moving globe pause sudden, as the smiling gods frown. Ho ! to rescue. Rufinas and vengeance ! Now and forever! Forward! Rufinas. All followers : Vengeance ! Vengeance ! {^Exii all.) Lentulus : Vengeance ! Vengeance ! The fortune's turned. On, victory ! On ! (Exit.) Cornelius : O ! fool, the folly of it. What wouldst thou, Goth ? Salvator : Deliver up my sword. Cornelius : I fancy thy vocation. Salvator : Lord, why so hazardous a thing ? Cornelius : That I might pine no longer, venturing boldly in my idol sphere ; which would be charm indeed, as 'tis imaginary live be- fore my vision. Sheathe the blade. Salvator : I grovel in the dust before nobility such. Cornelius : Attend me. Greet thy master with my daring and de- liver me this parchment faithful in the valiant Knight's own hands. Salvator : Ay, my lord. Cornelius : Skirt the fight, rather than hazard thy charge in thick of it. Salvator : My lord, I am commanded. — I obey. (Exit Shouts.) Cornelius : Confusion. — More throes warning the fatal turn. The death rattle is in the nation's throat, dread anticipates her nearing end. Saints now comfort us, we are a pityful beholding. Dissolve ye. Oh ! Stars, your planets into tears, ope' wide the flood. (Enter Fabius and m^med followers.) What sway? Fabius : Good fortune basking our just contention, smiles 'pon laurels nobly rescued our crown. The trait'rous Goth defenceless in our might, must sue quarter ere slanting sun rests rayless on the night ; Swift wings bear tidings of our warfare, far and wide, and with the last beam of his light, drowned in advancing darkness, will in the realm all loyal subjects by the happy issue loyally abide. Cornelius : Soar to the winds, spirit of barbaric strife. Oh ! Em- brace tenderly, rich fatted soil, the lifeless images of frail mortal things slain in thy lap, made scene of carnage ; Up ! Hawk of war, that, with thy royal talon's hack'st at prey, thy peer ! — But thou. Oh ! Virtuous instrument, chaste defender ! Back to thy humble birth to kiss the vestment of thy weeping mother with the pure touch of unpol- luted lips. Fabius : A worthy token of thy worthy love of peace. Take up the sword, Cornelius, arise, thou art in nature as in speech most noble, as in nature and in speech, most eloquent. Cornelius : Great King ! Fabius : It is an exceeding good lad. Cornelius : (Steps in Rufinas print) Hear me, Oh ! King. Here in thy royal domain, I stamp upon thy right, this seal. My life at thy command, I humbly kneel. Allegiance to thy cause, so help me Qod, I swear ! Take up the sword, which now for justice sake and thee. S Riofiiias. I ever wear. (Rises) Uncle, I have an eye-ache scanning distance. — I must away home. Kejoice for me to-night, {Exit.) Fabius : I fear an ill bound mind persuades thee, nephew. Well, be it so. We'll stop thee presently. (Alarm, enter Le^dulus and armed followers, dragging Lueullus prisoner hetiveeyi them.) Kow Lentulus, what news yet ? Lentulus : The good my Lord. Frowned on and desolate in waste lies the field outstretched, praying silent the gathering night's descent. There was fierce stubborn war ; madmen's desperation all around, which we prest shield to shield, and lastly overcome with fortune that those that were not driven bold into the sea, upturn faces on a crimson plain. Fabius : Thy charge 'scaped ? Lentulus : Nay, he was bravest of them, and rash lay bare to strat- egy. Fierce waged our blows around him, bold returned and doubly dealt, and nearer we advanced ; deadly came his daring deep into our midst ; 'twas marvelous ; like dazzling comet shot from out a glittering firmament, took he the bloody trail through columns of our swift de- spatch, and not until by true account twice eight souls yielded in mercy, was stroke of like success to stretch him at our own. Fabius : What mercy held you in return ? Lentulus : None harbored with us. Fabius: Speak out. Lentulus : His most wondrous courage lost our admiration in his death. Fabius : What says the youth ? Was it boast to parry swords points in the manner spoke that thy rebuke fell as with weight of an avenging god ? How, stripling ? Off with him ! Thrust him in the darkest dungeon at Frosino, there to await further parley. {Exit sol- diers driving Lueullus before.) A word more Lentulus. Is the Gothic leader slain ? Lentulus : Aye, drowned. I saw waters surface o-pe' under him, join upon him, ruffle over him. Fabius : I would be satisfied. Art not deceived ? Lentulus : Mine eyes ne'er scoped better than to behold him vanish down and out of sight. Fabius : Then rest warrior in thy heaving tomb. Away, sweet nephew, unto Terrentius Varro, and charge him by the King's com- mand, spare not the silent (3!oth. I'll back to thee, fair Naples, rescued state, to seek again'thy shelter, and — bewail my brother's fate. {Exit with Lentulus in different directions.) Rufinas. Scene IL—A Wild Mountainous Region. Dark Night by INTERVALS OF ThUNDER AND LiGHTNING. FOLLOWERS OF KUFINAS Discovered Clambering up Mountain to Plateau Center Stage, Kufinas bringing up rear, Halts on Ragged Edge, Panting, looking towards the City seen in Distance. Rufiaas : A curse upon thy lies, foul flattery, Plope ! Competition for thy fairer stead is stifled ; justice wrested from thy maimed arms ; Bear unto the heavens, ye angr}^ striding elements, the conster- nation spread this day upon a fettered world ; arouse thy mighty charge, fierce battling marvel, upheave the dull supense ; unloose thy fiery bonds chafing thunderbolt, seat retributive power on towering mountain crests that circle round a throbbing empire, which visit with destruction, leveling unto parching plain. -O! was ever in the memory of ages wrong like unto this : — was ever justice cause so fickle overcome ? Alas : my soul : that art now weary mourning, that thou sparest thyself to look on this, lingering out the melancholy. Dry up, boisterous spring of life ! thy throbbing drives my heavy laden woe o'er troubled sea. — {Salvator labors up mountain and sinks overcome by ivoimds at Rufinas' feet.) — Last of all that glorious array of men, bow into humbleness, shattered power. O ! pride : where is thy lofty carriage, grandeur, where thy haughty altitude ? — • Salvator : Yon within the city stronghold, where victory's King holds festive cabal with his vassals. Rufinas : Thou liest. Knave. Thou : all Naples is the King ! All are fitter than the gorging swine whose stench hath caused contagions spread among healthful subjects. What hast ? Salvator : The parchment from an uncrowned King, who of yon Naples all, were choice of heads to dignify. Rufinas : — [Reads by lightning) Ha! Sprouting sap that ripest from my sisters womb. Magnet star set in vast Erebus ; midnight sun, that with bright ray doth flood on blinded a burst of regal light * "'Abide thy time" ! Take up the cry ye battle-gifted powers; Ye gods, command the heavens to put on festive hue; let there be shining day which with majestic light, shall fire hearts and shower better cheer upon despondent mankind. Hark ye, fellow suflTerers ! Our day will come ; we have friends among the enemy, staunch friends, who caution only to abide the time. Who among ye would withhold sanction to the strong appeal ; who is he that would stay his voice, not uplifting it in glad response ? Whoe'er he be, that would not live, let him say die, and die at once by his own hand, which is traitor's striking the blow at coward. Salvator : There is not a voice but will be raised in stout denial. Say on ! All are as one man, ready to obey. 10 . Rujinas. All: Aye! Rufinas : Let each man render me an oath. Are all prepared and will ye swear allegience to me nowforward ? All : We will. Rufinas : Then listen — Driven from men's sight, the mountain fast- ness is- become our only refuge. We must seek out some hidden caves for shelter, and from this day, ye shall be brethren united in pursuit of vengeance. To Naples we are dead, but Naples shall toil on until by stealthy growth, our power reaeheth to the very center of her ma- lady. Salvator : The royalstye wots cleansing ill. But let her suffer. Rufinas: Yea, she suffereth but doth not live. Breathe on ! Sickly State. Toil on ! Tyrant tremble ! Hath everyone held brief communion, and are ye ready ? All : We are. Rufinas : {Kneels as do others) Follow me, each in his spirit. I — All: —Swear! Rufinas: — By this, my sword, allegiance the virgin justice! Mine eye shall ever guard tby sorrowing repose in hope. My heart shall ever hold thee sacredly above bribery of men. My hand shall ever shield thy virtue with eager watchfulness ; but, thou shallst never wake till thy fairness hath undone the spell, which banished thee to sleep. I — All : —Swear ! Rufinas : — My sword shall be unsheathed, until the cause — which in this day's mishap suffered— is restored to rightful issue ; My arm directed against men, shall strike in deadly earnest, dealing blow for blow, until justice is done, as by man unto man ; and rest my body shall not know, until the State is rescued out of toil, her people freed once more, and their oppression meted out the usurp ; My shield shall firmly stand against affliction dealt by wrong; my hand shall be up- lifted and threaten life, until Naples, shaken ofl numbness and risen in demand for right, hath worsted unlawful seizure of "power; My vigilance shall seek the haunts of evil men, and not until their doing hath been justly punished, shall my engeruess abate nor my warfare cease. To this, with all my heart and by my soul, I — All : —Swear ? Rufinas : {Eises.) Forth ! serpent, crawl before their beastly sight, and may thy veuomn cause the tyrant plight. Unfurl thy coils, glide in bosom of the land, that patriotic heart-blood yet unfanned, take fire at thee and so light the way, which guides men o'er their woes away. ( Curtain.) {End of Act 1.) Rufijias. 11 ACT 2. Scene I. — The Prison Confines at Frosino. Keeper's Lodge AT Rear. (Enter Cornelius and Varro.) Varro : How is it come about, my Liege now wills in this thing, which, but yesterday, he refused absolute ? Cornelius : Even Kings may alter in their minds. Yesterday en- treaty was vain — the royal ear disdaining us — yet to-day, though with as little expectation put, our pleadings met the kindlier condition. Varro : Three poor day's reprieve. Cornelius : E'en an hour had been merciful, when a single day meant begging for ; but three ? verily it is a sovereign's gift ! Varro: I would the pardon was absolute — the favor were not wasted on so fine a youth. Cornelius : Nor would it. Still the same master directed more stern at start. I marvel the prisoner 'scaped perishing, didst carry out the mandate perfect. Varro : Where Kings command, obedience is by the book. Cornelius : Go to. Thou'dst execute poor quarter, by my faith ! were thine the power, which, luckily for the victim, thou hast not. Varro : Is it wonder, Cornelius is called the quarreller ? Ready, and ever ready. Cornelius : To quarrel with such as thou, is to waste from the rich man's table. Go to ! * Varro : Not I. If these walls had ears reaching within the capital, I could not stop the quarrelling, Cornelius : What then ? Varro : Fabius tangled the poor keeper with displeasure round and round. Cornelius: Look on keeper— it follows thus: Rob man of liberty, place him in bounds forcing from him freedom of will ; Shut him out of the world — of everything his wont praised, that he looked on as the grandest prize in being ; deprive him, I say, of all that bent of in- clination God gave him to be free, and manliness needs keepeth sacred as the godhood's holy gift to man, and is there greater degradation to heap upon his dignity than prison confines heap ? Varro : What is the dignity of man to Kings ? Cornelius : And jailors ? Thou fitst the office — Varro : Hear me, Cornelius. Cornelius : Thou art as chosen for thy choice vocation. Varro : Thou hast been the youth, I fear, nature intended should be just, for thou outstripst her, and art grown reckless of her curb upon thy modesty already. 12 Riifinas. Cornelius : Teach her in thy admirable business. Varro : War with wrath — it yields to thee. The hasty warrior never bides opportunity. Cornelius : Charity is merry when men acquit themselves as well as thou. Varro: Ho! Goth! Cornelius : Ho ! dungeon — let him forth. Varro : And it were my power to spirit him in thee, perchance he were as free a boaster. Cornelius : Soothe him in his dark hole. He'll see thee in the black, disguised one. Varro : For answer, learn to be taught. Observe who comes ! Cornelius • Is it the Goth ? Good, Varro, I owe thee much. For- give me. Verily, thou hast spoilt him with kindness. {Enter Lucul- liis.) Goth ! My King hath ruled against the Council's haste. He gives thee three days living before death. LucuUus : Living ! that were pardon without limit. I thank the Council for the quick decision. To-day I am prepared, which, three days hence I am not. Life will be endeared again and death comes violent. The Council was satisfied to take me as I am, but the tyrant, whose pity hounds, is not yet ; his bent is torture and adds these days to suffering - not living. ( Varro retreats.) Cornelius : Many the lives prolonged thus, drew out exceeding the limit, and set its own according to length und natural period. Lucullus : Farewell the hope behind these frowning walls. (yornelius : But beyond them. What lies from yonder gate ? Lucullus : A village. Cornelius : Still beyond ? Lucullus : Mountains a-plenty. Cornelius : What, and thou stoodst on the summit ? Lucullus : Why, that were— but hush ! Cornelius : Take the brief grace into thy counsel. Liberty nears without, waiting thee at thy behest. Lucullus : Wouldst tempt me ? Cornelius : Rufinas bade thee live — Lucullus : Fiction ! Fiction ! Ho, keeper — Cornelius : Soft. He is alive and many followers with him hide at Terracina. Lucullus : A mad-man's tale. Alive, didst say ? Cornelius : Aye, and would rescue thee. Lucullus : Dost hear him, Jove ? Don splendor ! Rejoice ! Thou saidst alive, did'st not ? What more need patriotic spirit glory in ? The Diety strides with the lives of humble men apace, while satyr's slaves, grown nimble in lascivious desires, make merry at Sylvan Riifinas. 13 feast, and by their shouts guide vengeance onward, bound to come upon the bauching rioters with mighty force. Awake ! sleeping god- dess, the tyrant sitteth wanton at thy wedding feast ! Lead forth the unspoilt groom from out the fairy bower, for all the host await to greet him King ! — Cornelius : Lover of the groom's aggrievance thy too pleasing man- ner to the cause, excites a dangerous echo within hearing of these startled walls. The crafty tyrant portions thee the breathing grace. Fall not from it the same moment. Lucullus : O, life ! ne'er didst course with rapture through me all as now. Cornelius : The rescue is to be this very day, The guards without are yet in ignorance the respite is granted. At sunset the arrival of fresh soldiery with the executioner, is expected, taking thee in charge. The executioner is Rufinas himself, who, in the guise of a royal cap- tain, will straight demand thy person at the King's bidding. The guards, thinking he is come to execute the verdict, withdraw to Naples, happy in ignorance of this doing, and unless they meet the ac- tual relief, the trick will not be known until they reach the city. But let them march an army in pursuit, once safe beyond the tyrant's reach, the mountain vastness routs the fruitful issue of their storming, however bold and daring, to get at thee again. Lucullus : Tremble in power, base King, revenge breeds evil for thee. Cornelius : Now if thou wouldst live, prepare to die. Thou must readily concieve to play the martyr well, adds greatly to the keeper's confidence, that the State is earnest for thy speedy death. Lucullus : My steel is proof against emergency, and came it fast, be- setting and disporting all around me. Cornelius : So let us part. Lucullus : Not thus. Cornelius : What further ? Lucullus : A token, friend, remembrancer to look at, holding to my heart forever and ever. Cornelius : My friendship's thine already. Take my name Cor- nelius, the King's own nephew — and my hand on't, I tell thee true. Lucullus, Thou art a noble youth, my heart is full of to overflow- ing. Farewell ! ^ {Exit Cornelius.) Cornelius : Dear friend ! Zealous at my new birth into life. Speech is at an ebb thinking of thee only thee. Rosetta : ( Within keeper's lodge, sings.) "Virgin, at thy holy shrine. Oh ! receive my heart as thine, Lead me ever as one blind. Trust m.e, ever pure in mind, Guide my life forevermore. Safe unto the heavenly shore." 1^ Rufinas. Lucullus : Rosetta at evening devotion. Rosetta : {Sings) "O ! sweet angel hover near, Hold me to thee ever dear, Cleanse me in thy purity. Unto all eternity. Humbly at thy feet I kneel, Let me, ah ! thy mercy feel." LucuUus : Bleed no more, pure heart, thy piety seeks mercy not in vain. Rosetta : (Sings) "O ! mute image, thee, I pray. Lead me, guide me, every day, I am sinful, oh ! and weak. Selfishly of thee I seek. Humbly at thy shrine I bow, O ! protect me, pardon now." Lucullus : Amen ! Arise, chaste maid, plead no more, the virgin weepeth at thy prayer —thou art surely pardoned. Rosetta : ( 0/3ens window.) Calm 'neath gathering night's outspread, sinks day to silent rest ; her chase wraps earth in peace ; gently falls the shroud o'er the world, panting nature longing for her dewy couch, cools at the touch to sleep. Sleep well. Lucullus : Rosetta ! Rosetta : Who speaks ~ thou Lucullus ? Lucullus : AYhy art thou sad ? Rosetta : Lucullus mourn. A dimness o'er-creeps the sunlit sky, the last ray wavers, dies, and with it thou. Lucullus : Move, searching eye of day, film dulls thy scorching blaze, soon the mountain lid will close upon thee, too ; wake not again till nature thrills with joy that thou art risen living. Smile, maiden ! look from yon ruddy disc at me, whisper, yea, the day, not thou, dieth. Why dost weep ? Rosetta : For thee, alas ! poor youth. Lucullus : Is the parting loth to thee ? Rosetta : O ! I weep the more. Lucullus : Not a tear further, for I do love thee well. Rosetta : Yet thou'dst grieve me at thy eagerness to beckon on death. Lucullus : Rosetta, ah ! dost love me ? Rosetta : O ! question not ! were mine councillor thou hadst been championed the noblest heart. Ah, thou hast set aside sweet life to glory in mournful death. Lucullus : Even as thou lovest me, for one hour - a single little hour — have hope. 'Tis a brief request, brief as the span separating life from doom ; brief too, as despairing moment, when lingering by a thread, the change comes for the better. Rujlnas. ^ Rosetta : I pray for thee, ioved one. ! grant the hour for better nigh, I do entreat. Luculhis : O ! were love such tender, tearful, mainspring alway. 'Twere briraiug childhood, dream forever and forever. Farewell! the time warns parting. Farewell! (Commotion ivithout) Rosetta : Forever and forever. Lucullus: Still tears, Rosetta? Be merry! Cupid warming this heart and thine, conquers the bitter end. (Loud hnochng.) Rosetta : Alas ! Alas ! I wish thee well. (Enter Varro.) Rufinas: (Without.) Ho! within! Varro : Who calls there ? Rufinas: Friends to thee. By my sovereign's will, I command thee, open. Varro : 'Tis well. (Unbars.) Enter friends! (Enter Rufinas dis- guised as executioner, Salvator, Pietro and others of the band.) Rufinas : Welcome ! Art thou Terrentius Varro, the keeper ? Varro : Very humble. What would you by the sovoreign's procla- mation? Rufinas: Demand the Goth ~ now under sentence -for execution. Varro : I protest against this levy, which, against his Majesty's late action, forbears the face of truth. Rufinas : His Majesty hath tired of mercy and by these letters re- moves the three days' graced the prisoner. (Gives tvarrant) Varro : It is the King's whim. Yon is the twice condemned ; lead forth. I surrender him. Rufinas : Ho, prisoner ! Lucullus : Say on. Rufinas: His Majesty's reprieve is countermanded, under his own hand, to instant punishment. The hour is come that thou must die. Lucullus : How ! Keeper ? Varro : 'Tis true. The document prescribes the execution. Lucullus: Never was true more damnably seduced. Am I the King's plaything— a thing without sensation -to play on in turns as he directs? An hour since to die was to relieve, now I am helpless^ my every vein thronging life. Then my resignation had. approachea my fate, now my will is stubborn, my heart, soul, filled with ecstacy to live, and dreads tlie grim demands of death. Look on me -the spec- tacle—a soldier— knight— courage undoubted, trembling, ateared to die. Rufinas : Hold ! it is enough. Lucullus : The Council's gravest charge was, I upheld my leader's cause. My warfare was but fair—but just! Would yours was also —cowards ! A soldier's trial is by soldiers, not by such as yourselves jnake up, a dog would scorn to sit by. 16 Rufinas. Eufinas : Give peace, I say ! Lucullus : My tongue durst wag awhile longer, louder than mut- terings. Who is this King, doing as the universe is his belonging ? Upstart ! Guilty wretch ! Kobbed a brother of right and bartered heaven for his crown. The habits menial, vaunting slave of lust and murder, a sickening boil, an evil scurvy, which, weaned of malicious ferment was spat to earth breeding corruption. Kufinas : Lay hand on him ! Abuse, slapped bold in face of crushing power, deserves thee to be now choked now revived, again and again, till death hunts thee, spirit lowly fallen down, through widest portal hell knows. Lucullus : Ha ! do thy master thus, lest later in his lecherous career, infernal regions ablaze outflaming every other yet stirred up for dev- ilish men, glaring of misdeeds and crimes. Ha ! Fiends hold gleeful saturnalia waiting outraged heaven's summons, setting on fury-laden o'er the world, that the blackest soul therein, seized of the devils, sweep damned therefrom to exile in a hell of hells. Kufinas : By the imps, now seize him. Lucullus: Aye, lick your maws, brave curs — grind your hungry gums, if you have not the tyrant's teeth to bite. Fall to, beasts — wolves, sate to bursting on mortal littleness. I have a soul above de- vouring. (^They rush at him.) Eufinas : Away with him. The utmost cruelty your natures com- mand — at him, nor desist from your buffets till the clog writhe yelping, a humbled wretch ; gasping mercy last. Devast him to the soul he prides. Away to work ! {Exit after others who bustle IaicuUus of.) Varro : Hence, minions of a disgraced law, which suffer inoffenders to be punished — plague and violence going free. Verily, youth, the world murders thee. May the next do thee justice. (Bars gates and exit.) Rosetta : ( Within, si7igs.) "God of mercy, hear my prayer, O ! betake him to Thy care ; Let him seek Thee not in vain, Nor his pleadings Thou disdain ; Save him, lead him out of plight. Great is Thy eternal might." Scene H. — Throne Room in the Palace. Fabius, Cornelius, Lentulus, Dukes of Prossedi, Tollo and other Grandees OF THE Court Assembling just entered. Fabius: I thank your wisdom, gentle friends, which so unbent my will and led me to discover in myself a juster man than Naples credits. Your wise discretion is earnest, and admirable about it to Rufinas. 17 consider and define grave concerns with duest judgment, and I am honestly confirmed this abler craft hath muchly strengthened our al- ready firm demand upon the people's love. Lentulus : Then mercy is decided on ? Fabius : Decided and administered both. Lentulus . To what purpose ? —to make a lesser instrument of your Majesty's edict dealing with his death? I can see no justice involved where question — as the present — is one of life or death, a live traitor or a dead o,ne ; in other words, a toleration or obliteration of treason's late design, to best your Majesty of the nation's throne. Cornelius : Our action stands unprejudiced, pledging us the na- tion's good will, which thy device would forfeit. Here are those all who vie with thee toward the general good, but holding adverse views on matters absolving the people's welfare — selfishly. Cruelty and charity -brother and brother, unite. Lentulus : Contemptible philosophy. I would scorn to intercede between traitor and punishment. But thou art dead to shame, treach- ery and deception serving thee well enough at court. Cornelius : My fellow councillors, I appeal against his vile flow, which heaps on you, too. Prossedi : I for one spoke freely in the popular petition. Tollo : And I. Other Grandees : And I. Lentulus : Why was not I consulted also ? Or is my reasoning reckless, my judgment never sound to weigh your measures? Answer me ! Has not my voice been ever lifted in demand of faithful methods, my interest in the crown's weal ever ready as your own ? I question thee, my uncle ; find me out ; never in trickery, which is the countenance of my fawning cousin, — but, if in anything done now or ever, so sure as to the Goth, yon rich tint now upon the western sky proclaimed the wane of light and soul, would I surrender that thou command his exe- cution fulfilled on me. Fabius ; What answer have we for this war of words — questions ? Not I, nor so my Lords. Mark the silence ; thou standst alone in censure. Give me thy hand. I would lean on my staff*. (^Mounts throne ) Now all is peaceful in this tardy State, bear our kingly love such subjects as in our gracious laws— enacted new— find loyalty to return us. Guard : ( Without.) You durst not enter to his Majesty. Varro : ( Without^ Avaunt ! you durst not stop me. Cornelius : List to his brags. Dost hear him uncle —durst not ! Fabius: Ho, without! Advance thou captious obtruder. Varro : (^Rushes in. Kneels.) Pardon ! Sire, pardon ! Fabius : What rashness sends thee hence, keeper ? Speak, 18 Rivfinas. Varro : I am as one defenceless in innocence, who craves belief of doubters staring at him, crying his guilt as with a single voice. Re- ceive my fate. The prisoner is escaped. All: Escaped? Varro : Cornelius brought tidings of the Council's late deliberation and that your Majesty acquiesced in the mercy pledged ; When, at the first appointed hour, soldiery, alleging upon warrant to fulfill the which, arrived, submitting their demand imperative. Spite of my protest I had to yield, as this, my Lords, seemed, high authority, I dared not resist. (Displaying document.) Cornelius : Under his Majesty's own hand. (Passes it.) Prossedi : His Majesty has broken faith with us. Fabius : 'Tis false ! I made no such erratic use of power. (Snatches j)aper.~) My Lords ! this is no valid instrument. In the very face of seeming 'tis void, an execrable forgery. Ha ! knave, the plan's in part with thine to spoil the execution of victim. Varro : Miserable perversion. Hear me out ! Fabius : Why this trembling fear ? An honest man would for- ward innocence with calm, whereas thou, against the truthful incident forbearance wretchedly putst on, to mask the guilt behind. I'll par- don thee ! In wickedness thou shallst have mercy ready waiting, for ere the falling shades displace the feeble gloaming, by the gods ! I'll give thee wider grace than e'en thy wildest moments dared thee to look loving on. Ho, guards ! (Enter guards.) Ofi" with him to exe- cution ! Lentulus : (Intercepts guards.) Stand where you are ! Would you consummate the King a conscience, verily, himself is hopeless and fighteth lost against ? Make room for me to stand at the head. Varro : (Rises proudly.) An honest man ! True, baseness scruples at honor, e'er directs scrutiny with an evil eye on guileless culprit, whose offence is mere suspicion, whose honest self aboves the scrupler's quality over him. What wonder, then, he finds aught else but these imperfect traits in fellow man. An honest man, indeed ! The na- tion thought thee one, when, choosing as its head, thou madest promise which never troubled thee again and sore distressed the people who sufiTered thee as King. A loyal subject knelt here, praying thee to be honest, if not just, but thou, who donned the robe of royalty andsatst a knave upon the throne, hadst neither countenance for such as I, that buy ruin serving thee. In presence of these noblemen, I cry aloud my innocense. Let the nation hear Varro's tale. His path of duty ; his lonely pilgrimage ; his dying deep, dishonored. I have done. Fabius : My guards, your duty is marked out to you. Lentulus : Keep separate. Have I no voice in this assembly ? Fabius : Forsooth ! Speak freely. Lentulus : Follow me. Here's a man we know from early youth as honest, upright, and who, for blunders of the royal court, had never Rufinas. 19 fallen in his character. I stake he spake truth when telling how things have come to pass. The end of justice is defeated, what of that ? Ye wanted it so. Blame not good Varro, but all yourselves, for had my Lords insisted on the law being perfect, who had so much as thought to strike against the poor man. Was the guilty spared that Varro might be punished ? Did Naples spill rich blood that in- nocents might suffer ? For shame that Naples should look on her rescue purchased wholly by this sacrifice of principle. Hunt the enemy, reserving choler for when you come at him, and let the well- wisher —perchance the only — depart in peace, as verily he comes to warn and not disturb us. Prossedi : Well said. He has a good deportment. Lentulus : There may be excuse, my Lord uncle, the keeper's in- formation waxeth thee beyond reason, but canst deny the thing as laid before thee ? 'Tis so, and the readier we are at it thus, the better for us. Need I tell thee the remedy lies open elsewhere, whither bad men flock, congregating great numbers lately ? Curtail displeasure therefore, praying good Varro to be gone, and keep wrath bristling against the mountain pests, for there is broadly mapped the field of burning action. Fabius : His wisdom overtops us. Thine argument is fair, and as thou hast been zealous in defence of right, and art besides an admira- ble soldier, I place thee in command of men as meet that thou mayst set in courageous pursuit of the marauders. Lentulus : And Varro ! — Dost give him free ? Fabius : But for thee, my gallant nephew, in the heated moment he had surely perished. He is free. ( Varro takes Lentulus by the hand, much moved ; quickly off.) Lentulus : I thank thee, thou wouldst say, yet with thy heart, silence is eloquence. O ! justice is not fallen in disgrace altogether. Fabius : Art satisfied ? Lentulus : Much satisfied. Fabius : Dost undertake to lead in the campaign ? Lentulus: Fully. Fabius : We build on thee, nephew. Begin the war. Lentulus : I am ready nSw to do the State service and chafe to rid her of these pests that fill the mind with awe, and keep the public peace terrified. Come, soldiers ! I will lead ye on ! (Exit at head of guards. Curtain. (End of Act 2.) to Uufinas. ACT 3. Scene I. -Frosino. Keeper's Lodge Thereat, Without the Prison Walls. Dusk. Varro and Kosetta Discovered. Varro : Let me understand thee. Thou hast taken fancy to the youth ? Rosetta : O ! it is more than that. When deprived of freedom his melancholy at being such aroused my sympathy and I pitied him. When he stood fearlessly in presence of a thirsting court for blood, I admired him. Once my admiration won, an inspiration I knew aught of before, seized on me to hold him up, and dear to me, ever after 'twas vain to cast him off so rapt and warm in love was I. Varro : So you love him. 'Twere better you did not. Rosetta : His suffering excited keenest interest at first. Then his misfortune appealed me to a depth my woman's nature could not re- sist. Though stranger to touch so sensitive, I felt resistless from very ignorance, I could not combat. Varro : Would you had. My task were lighter. Rosetta : The boaster's hurt is as hurtful that he boasts it, nay every hurt moves some compassionate tear to fall in its deliverance ; in like manner grievance finds its minister, love its level. Varro : Blot his image from thy heart, tear it out. He is a traitor alike to love and manhood. Rosetta : My father ! O ! woe. Varro : Forgive me that I must speak out. Thou art at stake. I must cling thee to my bosom. Ah, child, he is not the prosy youth he was ; thy idol is shattered. A cutthroat band of men who law- lessly infest the country, meddling in affairs concerning honest fellow- men, were the instrument setting him at large, for which he numbers one of them, and is a trader with them in dark deeds. Aye, reproach me with thy tearful gaze for slaying thy hero. Rosetta : O ! father. I am undone . Varro : Sooth. Can I slander his honor who has none ? Rosetta : Lucullus — love — can I save thee ? (Sinks hack, weeping.) Varro : I leave thee uneasy. It is not my will, child, but bear out thoughtfully, thy good sense is the friend to counsel. (Exit.) Lucullus : ( Without, sings.) "O ! sweet angel hover near, Hold me ever to thee dear. Cleanse me in thy purity. Unto all eternity. Humbly at thy feet I kneel, Let me, ah, thy mercy feel." Rufinas. " ^1 (Eaters.) 'Tis she, my angel, the pathos of sorrow drowneth e'en the passion of a lover's voice. (Kneels.) Rosetta ! Kosetta : Is't true he is the monster ? Liicullus : Loved one, have I ventured here in vain ? Rosetta : So fair this countenance of nobleness adorned, the foulness hid 'neath venerable guise. Lucullus : Tell me, Rosetta, dost love me still ? Rosetta : Goth ! what silky love wouldst touch unruly ? Lucullus : Nay, hopeful, longing. I cherish — I adore thee, on my bended knee, I worship thee. Rosetta : False friend, begone thy straggling way. Thou hast de- served loathing. Hence ! Lucullus : Cruel girl, e'en thy heart trembles at this tyranny. To part from thee in this ill-humor, were parting light for darkness, verily madman's parting, coveting madness to linger mad. Speak to me. Rosetta : Depart ! Lucullus : Unkind one. Rosetta : Didst love me when thy will betrayed thee, linking for- tune with dissembling men ? Lucullus : I loved thee better than my life. Yea, very hope of beauty freedom held, implanted love firmer in my troubled breast. Rosetta : I scorn the rankling passion of an evil-doer. Lucullus : Life is dear to me, and who for its deliverance would not be grateful ? Rosetta : Honest men never relinquish honorable to dishonorable aspirations. Lucullus : My gentle maid, have I wronged thee that thou art quarrelsome with me ? Rosetta : Hence ! Hence ! I had solace to foster memory of thee as above deception, and thou deprivest me e'en of that. Lucullus : I know not what design to charge thee with. I joined these men, 'tis true ; but are not they my friends whom I owe faithful amends for my rescue from the clutch of bondage ? Rosetta : I can have naught in common with thee further. Hence ! Lucullus : Alas ! Alas ! the vanity of faith in woman. Rosetta : Hath the law licensed evil-doing ? Lucullus : I stand before thee without blemish on that count, hav- ing avoided mixing in raids against my mind's ease, and contact with the law; and how the law should find cause against me, concerns me. When they went forth to plunder and destroy, I would not join with them for thy sake. They pillaged, made havoc where they went, and I— the scoffed at— sought retirement, wooing happiness and thee. Their proceeding never stirred me to engage with them ; I knew my Rufinas. peace too well to dare it in their troubles. They spurred me to be- come as like themselves, unbridled, gay, licentious. I scorned to slay except in honest warfare. Their mammon, filthy with the gore, could not encourage me to gain it plentiful by such means. And though they would reach out to trap me — striving as I was against them — thy image, in my mind, would come between me and my faltering will, and fight my battles with virtue men succumb to. I never swerved, never ventured bold, but confined myself with thee solely, living for my weal and thine. Kosetta : O ! LucuUus, that thou art one and intimate with these men, testifies against thee. The world takes thee to task for no of- fence ; before its eye men pass parade, and be they all disparaging and thou alone upright, thou art scorned equally. There is no singling out. Thou art levelled with the rest. Lucullus : Not I with them. Rosetta : O ! I pity thee. Lucullus : Yet listen. Let us seek an unpretending hamlet ; some lonely spot along the border, and thither fly, where, safe beyond ven- geance's reach, we'll quietly wed. Rosetta : Never ! Lucullus : Be reasonable, Rosetta ; think of ray lot, my love of thee. Rosetta : I do. But never the other. Lucullus ; Be mine ! Rosetta : Never ! Never ! Never ! Lucullus : (Seizes her.) Maiden, I love thee madly, desperately. I cannot give thee up. Ha ! thou hadst beaming hope that I might live to meet thee here again. 'Twas love alway ? Thou'rt mine. Rosetta: Father. Lucullus : 'Twas thyself put the romance in my brain. Thou hast chosen ! Come, be it so. There we'll roam, — there be happy. Rosetta: Help! Help! Lucullus : There will we love — live ! (Rosetta screams. Eater Rufinas, Salvator, Pietro and other robbers.) In God's name, fly ! fly, Rosetta. Once they seize thee thou art lost. (Hurries her off.) Rufinas : Let her not escape — on your lives ! Salvator : Stop her ! Lucullus : The first to touch her dies. Rufinas : (Seizes Rosetta.) I am the first. Make way, Lucullus. Rosetta : O ! save me ! Lucullus : I will. (Rushes at Rufinas.) Rufinas : (Holds Rosetta before him.) Have at thy boast. Lucullus : {Falls on knees.). Release her, I beseech you. She is my life, my all ! Rufinas. Kufinas : It is too late. She can only be ransomed. Lucullus : Take my life for hers. Rufinas: She is redeemable — but not by lives. {Pais Rosetta among robbers, ivho close around her.) Lucullus: So let it be blood. {Attacks robbers.) Kufinas : One against a host. Ho ! disarm him. {Several robbers obey and pinion Lucullus.) Lucullus : Cowards ! Fiends ! Hell hounds ! ( Covers face, weep- ing convulsively. Enter Varro, distracted.) Varro: Rosetta! Unfortunate child. Alack! Alack! I call upon you men, — if men you are — release my daughter. Ye hurl de- fiance at the gods that war against a woman — a maiden in the flower of youth. Chief and masterman of a following in number as in dar- ing strong, I demand thee, implore thee for my daughter. Art thou a father ; wast ever blessed with dear possession of an only child ? If so be, in memory of the sacred tie and by that law which governs every nature, I appeal thee to release her. Rufinas : I am one of those for whom no law exists, and who are obdurate and selfish to the last degree. In exchange for /heavy fines she's thine, in default of such her life's the forfeit. Varro : If that was all my answer were, so be it. But thy unsteady gaze, thy startled manner, hesitating to arrest suspicion lest it detect thee, betrays worse, far worse awaits her ere she shall have shared that fate. Rufinas : Willst pay her tax ? Varro : I am poor — I cannot. Rufinas : True, beggary is not a taxpayer ! The tyrant's avarice remits but scanty coin among his slaves. Go to ! Marry with a King, a very complex of unnatural vindictive perplexities, a yoker of hu- manity, a usurer whose usury is publicly acclaimed. Seek him ! Beg him ! Touch him ! Perchance he'll suffer thee. Off" with her ! Varro : Must I stand by to see my child destroyed before my eyes ; be idle when her honor pleads from disgrace ? Not without an effort, by my soul ! HoJ citizens — countrymen — friends — I summon you to help ! Ho ! soldiers —Naples - help ! Help ! Rufinas : Old man, thy cries will serve thee harmful. Tempt me not. — * . . Varro : Fathers ! Gods ! Oh Help ! Help ! Help ! Rufinas : Thy age would yet restrain me, e'en though the fool's de- sert is richly thine, {Shouts ivithin.) Varro : Fore heaven, friends, make haste, make haste. Rufinas : So covet thy reward. Hie below where neither shout, nor clamor, nor spirit shall have power to arouse for evermore. (Stabs him.) Scatter to the woods, {Shouts nearer.) The tempest gathers force— away ! {Exit all.) RufiThas. Lucullus : Kosetta ! Virtue ! I have striven vain delivering thee. Alas, farewell ! Varro ; Vilifier ! Wily monster ! decoyer of my virgin child ! how have I been deceived in thee? My curse rest ever on thy subtle head ; the last frail breath quivering on my lips shall choke with hatred of thee. Dog ! I damn thee ! {Dies.) Lucullus : Thou'rt better thus. {Enter many villagers.) I am fore- shadowed. Woe my fault. (Exit.) First Villager : 'Tis he hath slain the keeper. Second Villager : And carried ofi' his daughter ! Third Villager : The village pride ! Fourth Villager : Lay hold of him ! Fifth Villager : Seize him ! Sixth Villager : Ho ! after him ! (Exit all in tumult.) Scene II. — A Mountain Wild. The Outlaws' Haunt. Night. RuFiNAs Seated behind lighted taper. Rufinas : Which shall it be — which shall I do ? Punishment or freedom, or strike or pardon ? Is it not wonderful there are those traits in character, dormant seemingly, some trifling circumstance of unprovoking nature can rouse at once into unpleasant action ? One simple little moment in a life may change tlie destiny of many ; such a lever poises now in my mind. My nephew is a lover, who loves not happily, but well. He loves a maid who is neither happy, fortunate nor well. He loved her yesterday, to-day as Avell, to-morrow better. Yesterday I held him dear, to-day he is my hated brother's son ; To- morrow ? — I would fain forget as my worst enemy. Ah ! there are times when man had rather never been created than thrive iniquitous thereafter, a brute in passion ; verily groping in the slough behind a veil of fair deception. (Distant carousing.) Bah ! The beast in man o'ercomes the godly ; Was it not ever thus ; that passion tears us from a grand height down to crawl along as best we may with lowly being, beasts in fact, of which ourselves perhaps, seem least possessing in the eyes of prejudice, which sees us momentarily as real live men, and then eternally as little short of devils. (Louder Carousing.) Forgiveness is sweet — revenge sweeter ; Though the world denied the right, the fates decree dissension goeth all for naught, and, by my title to a crown, my power rules it shall. (Laughter and shouts.) Robbers : ( Without, sing) "Come, fill the goblet, pass it 'round, For we will happy be, We'll shout and make the woods resound With merriment and glee," Rufinas. ■ ^ Chorus : Heigho ! we'll shout and sing, ( Enter ") Heigho ! the bumper fling, noisily. V We'll pledge ourselves and bravely stand, flushed.) ) Come worse yet o'er this weeping land. Salvator Ho ! here's the Captain ! All: Ho! Salvator : "Heigho ! we'll shout and sing — " Rufinas : Be silent, fools ! Where's the maid ? Salvator : Yonder buckled to a tree. Rufinas : Let her be led to us. Her case shall have such disposi- tion as we best know. {Exit Salvator.) Lucullus : ( Without.) Make way, there, knaves. Rufinas: Who comes? Pietro : Lucullus. Lucullus : ( Without.) Fall back ? (Enters:) Ha ! All assembled ! Wherefore is this ? (Seizes Pietro by the throat.) Wretch ! Where is she? What harm has come to her ? Pietro : Let go— she's here — or I will vote against her. (Enter Bosetta, dishevelled.) Lucullus : Heavens, the change. A few hours since the daintiest flower in the land, now plucked from fulness of youthful bloom, blighted, withering. O ! Pitiless, ungodly men, what have ye done ! Rosetta : Lucullus ! Alas ! Lucullus : (Hides face.) Alas ! Alas ! indeed. Rosetta: I should have trusted thee. Thou art so brave— so noble. Lucullus : Ah, no. Contemptible — cause of all this ill ; I am too justly damned to look up at thy praise. Thy father cursed me. Rosetta . O, father ! The error. Lucullus : Alas ! there is no hope for thee. Thy father's dead. Rosetta : O ! Pitiable. (Falls lueeping on his shoulder.) Lucullus : Woe ! Woe ! Nay, then, what will ye do with her ? Rufinas : What say her friends ? Lucullus : Naught, if ye silence me. Rufinas : Will they ransom her ? Lucullus : Take me for thy slave, press me in servitude to do thy every bidding, faithful all my days, but spare her life, save her honor. Rufinas : The contract is illegal. Define the law, Lucullus, accord- ing to which — as thou well knowest — when such demand in money shall have been refused, no mercy is shown. Lucullus : Go on. (Glides dagger in Rosetta' s hand.) Rufinas : In the first instance, her utt^r abandonment is inevitable. ^6 Rufinas. Lucullus : Quote further. {Kisses Rosetta.) Rufinas : Then all unanimous, it shall be so — She diee. Lucullus : Are all confederate so far ? Robbers : Aye ! Lucullus : That she must die ? Salvator : Not yet ! Lucullus : But after you have satisfied yourselves ? Salvator : Then aye. Lucullus : Ye all know how near my heart is hers. Ye follow me to where my title to possess aboves that of every one of you, and holds good. Therefore I shall claim her as a prize belonging to me alone, and what can you do but join with me? Pietro : Why sure, contest to the last, refusing thee altogether. Rufinas: The proceeding is irregular. The terms remaining unful- filled, we act unchallenged of further bickerings. The law is positive, the law obey — nothing now remain, for us, except enactment of the law. Come hither, maid. (Robbers forward.) Lucullus : Back, all ! She comes. (Rosetta stabs herself.) Rufinas : Withhold her at your peril. Lucullus : She's yours. Aught is more than she stakes e'er again . Have the corpse. Rufinas : What boldness habits thee. Give up the maid. Lucullus : I say the corpse ! The corpse ! Poor clay. Rufinas : So thou dost not this thing now, by the gods ! I'll force her from thee. Lucullus : (Holds Rosetta at arm^s length.) Forbear thy touch here. She's sped thee, demon. There ! Be stricken with thy accursed deed. {Rosetta falls dead.) What thou hast here done, may hell accuse thee. {Sinks bebide body.) Rufinas : {As robbers fall back, ivhispering.) 'Tis o'er with her. She's dead. O, misery ! Retire we. {Exit, folloived by others in groups.) Lucullus : Rosetta. O ! Dost hold my hand, dost love me still ? Alas ! Those lips are sealed, those eyes dimmed before the lusterless ascendency. Thy heart is stopped, thy breath stilled — thou'rt lifeless. Dangers threaten thee no more, the spirit of immortal being lingers on thy brow, the hosts have welcomed thee ; yet are thy fingers clasped in pitious energy against thyself; Thy silence grieves me,- thou'rt dead, yea, dead, dead to me forever. (Takes dagger from Rosetta.) Here is my breast, —within my life ; as thou didst ope' the tender flesh of yon poor mortal, bruise me, thy clotted point piercing in my blood commingling to make passion glow of hatred, bitterly atoning thee. Rufinas — homicide — idolater ! Tremble, thy doom is sealed. Hope held thee a diadem, fate shall snatch from ker and thy reach, and thou de- Rufinas. ^ scend into obscurity. Thee, ray love, my heart keeps sacred. Haunt me night and day to fan repugnance, feed my anger, to be at to destroy thy slayers. O ! Shall e'er my eagerness abate— my aggression cease . So heaven hear me, will I adhere faithful swearing it heart and soul ! ( Curtain.) (End of Acts.) ACT 4. Scene I.— The Robbers' Lair, Same as Scene II., Act III. {Enter Rufinas in deep thought.) Robbers: (Without.) A prize ! A prize ! Rufinas : Ho, there ! Who nears ? Lucullus: (iWithout.) I-LucuUus. (Enters.) Rufinas: Well? Lucullus : One of the enemy, a venturesome fellow, suspicion on his movements, pays penalty with his capture. Rufinas : Ha ! Are they come so near ? Lucullus : Within an hundred furlongs. Rufinas : Who leads them now ? Lucullus : One Lentulus. Rufinas: Still my inconsolable nephew. The outlook premises an early bout. Well, the day begins with first success to our credit. (Enter robbers with Artist as prisoner.) Robbers : A prize ! A prize 1 Rufinas : Who is it ? Artist : A poor student of a great world's wonders. Rufinas : Is it thy vocation ? Artist: Painting, sir, aye, on which my livelihood is in the main dependent. Rufinas : In the main— but spying in the interest of Lentulus and the King, for the present. Artist : Forbid it. I am only the King's tinsel. Rufinas : Methinks his clown. I'll sound thee. Now which among colors is the faster ? Artist : Nature's wealth of tint is perfection perfected, being inimic, but that betwixt unfriendly brothers is the color of cholers verily. Rufinas : Ha, good. About thy craft, daubing my semblance out of wit and proportion, and have thee warned apply an able witchery to thy art. (Artist casts himself down, sketching.) Bestir, lads. The enemy 28 Rufijias. affronts us threat'ning ; lest we are alive with caution the danger copes us unprepared. Who guards the southern pass ? ' Lucullus : Pietro with following a dozen strong. Rufinas : The force is meek against attack of even twofold strength. * Collect some twenty men additional and hie thither. This is the most direct approach, and— in case of such necessity — our safest to escape ; that must" be held to the last at all hazard. Thou, Salvator, make haste to reinforce the lonely posts outlying along the roads leading into Prossedi and Tusculum ; Ludovic is stationed in the thickets over- looking Terracina, taking note of any bustle, warlike or otherwise, un- duly active ; despatch him several runners instructed as to our un- shaken faith in their ability, should such be noticed to bear us fleetest tidings. Frosinone and Fondi, with equal watchfulness observed, the circuit of country 'round about under eager surveillence, let but every- one be at duty in his proper place, nothing can escape us— absolutely nothing. Therefore be every man true his vow, and on his post in right good earnest —laboring to success, which — now the battle pend- ing— is attainable if ye but do all ye can, faithfully. {Exit Lucullus with folloivers to R. Salvator with others to L.) Artist : Rufinas ! Rufinas : Who calls ? Is't thou, my bleeding country ? Artist : Say, hast thou a brother in the Kingdom, memory summon- eth before thee as hateful reminiscence of the past ? Rufinas : AVhich dost single ? There's not a man in Naples now but is my brother. Artist : One Fabius, prithee, crowned and King, whose reign is ter- ror under which a trembling people groan, biding relief from thee, whose deeds — wouldst dare them wisely, alone can vanquish. Rufinas : There's humor in thee, knave, whate'er the purpose. Artist : It wears ill wanting me rid on't. (Hands Rufinas a letter.) Rufinas : Cornelius, by my troth, wherein he setteth forth to place full credence in thy say, and that thou'rt faithful adherent i' the cause. Further doubt is silent — speak. Artist : Cordelia lives. ~ Rufinas : Stop, till my heart hath welcomed this good news. Cordelia — loving wife. O ! Heaven, I thank thee for thy mercy. Who else is spared me ? Artist : Thy daughter, the divine Rosetta. Rufinas : And my son, my pride, my cherished one — Scylla, is he well? Artist : Verily. Alas ! Dead. Rufinas : Has the tyrant dared — Artist : Not Fabius, howe'er he may have harmed thee other ways. Rufinas : No matter. 1 have great tears for everything. But go on, What further of my wife ? Ruflnas. 29 Artist : She is thy firm mate always. At first she would be incon- solable, apprehending thy safety, as that of thy dear ones, fearing lest the tyrant aim at them as well. But Cornelius, concerning himself in earnest, set the task persuading her to energy, so prevailing that, heed- ing him as in all things, lastly she appeals'for thee her brother's and uncle's friendship, who, as thou knowest, use some power, being men of note. The deputies and criers are already issued hence upon their mission, and on the way now stir the country to rise and take up arms against false Fabius. Rufinas : What shall Cornelius attempt ? Artist : Cornelius prefaces every action. With the soldiery he is popular, and is even now at work weaning their support to thee ; Among the city folk he stands high in opinion as one of those rare men whose strength is caution. Besides, the people know his secret effort is employed in their behalf, they can not afford to be in the bal- ance suffering him, whereas their interest demand that he succeed. Rufinas : Is not the enemy must'ring in strong numbers also ? Artist: Aye, and because of reason, that in point of start the ad- vantage is with us, even before we hurry, these proceedings should re- main secret until ourselves are ready to present front bold and sinewy as his own. Rufinas : We are in no risk at present. We need to be watchful, but should he advance in a concerted move, he will find our efforts in the issue. Artist : And now, what will you do with me ? Rufinas : Set price on thee, selling to his Majesty, doting fond of thee, at the bargain. Artist : Verily, if flattery be art, I please him perfect. Rufinas : He that loveth, delivereth. Well, write him thy weight is gold a thousand pound, an under value, purposing the deposit has- tened for thy speedy benefit, as well as his usurp Majesty's pleasure. Hast finished ? Artist : {Holds it up.) A truce the blunder, here would I parley for the King's displeasure, to thy cost and my despair. Rufinas : Ha ! But no. Fabius is ignorant, the outlaw is his brother. Artist : He suspects thee not the least. Rnfinas : Why then send it thus ? Artist : My Lord ! My Lord ! Rufinas : As it is. I pray thee. Artist : The error of it cannot fail to arouse the bitter hatred in the King. Rufinas : Be it so. There's room for both, keen. Artist : Rash manner— evil end. Be careful, Rufinas, the saying has seen much in its day. so Rufiiias. Kufinas : AVords. Words. Superstition. Straightforwardness gains the day— to hesitate is to die. The King upon his throne and he upon his mount are but brothers, whose flesh is flesh, blood, blood, though other mediate none. Why man, the tie's engendered in our very pith, and it inspire love or hatred, or it subdue or furiate, by the gods ! It is my challenge though it were my death. Robbers : ( Without.) A prize ! A prize ! {Enter Pietro and others^ Rufinas : What have ye siezed on now ? Pietro : A wench, a graceful figure possessed of beauty to perfec- tion — a body prideful, carriage overawing, haughty, commanding even. Rufinas : S'death, thy ostentations fit her for a queen. But enough now, than of women I have other business to import thee with. Dis- patch this missive presently to Naples, and charge that it be changed into the King's own hands. But careful whom you warrant, lest with a blunderer everything be vested awry. (^Exit Pietro.) Artist : What mercy will you show this captive ? Rufinas : Her friends ready to exchange good money, payment of such penalty, will suffice to insure against harm. If otherwise, she suffers ruthlessly ; or in these words, becomes the butt of every man's desire. {Enter robbers noisily ivith Scylla in female attire. Lucullus observed to L.) Artist : Ha ! Rufinas : Is she one concerned with thee ? Artist : Nay, thee. She is thy daughter. Rufinas : Hush. I have an enemy, a staunch, relentless harborer ; were he within earshot so the faintest whisper reached him ! — But hush, hush. — (Distant shouting.) Look you, whence proceeds this signal ? Robber : (Stands on knoll.) Most surely in direction of the pass. Rufinas : There's danger in shape of numbers pressing it perhaps, which, fearing to be taken, our men cry .in distress, begging relief. (Shouts.) Hark ! More cries for help. (Bobbers move.) Lucullus: (Comes forward.) My friends. Rufinas : Hence ! Hence ! Lucullus : Not a man move, till I have done ! Rufinas : Are we at war with ourselves, and are you men that have the common cause at heart ? To your post, or by the oath, I trow, the first to disobey me, puts heavy penalty upon him. Lucullus : Is not ours the custody of this maiden, and her disposal belonging ourselves ? Answer ! All : It is. Bufinas. . 31 Rufinas : Begone, I say ! Or the front I make the revolt, will hold cheaply himself who stands upon the order. Luculkis ; Men, are you slaves, and would you habit thorns before a tyrant master ? I say the prize is yours by right of taking, and he would hold her from you. She has no friends, no ransom but herself and to that self he would lay claim against us. Robbers : He shall not. Lucullus : Are we with him, or do we differ ? All : We differ. Rufinas : Hold ! You say she has no friends nor ransom ; state your sum and I will make up both ? Lucullus : Ten thousand pounds gold ! Rufinas : My men, say less, my all, and it is yours. Lucullus: Not a pound less. Pietro : She seems too cheap at that. Rufinas : Dog ! By heaven, if I endure thy insolence, I'll be thy namesake. A vaunt ! Lucullus : Speak ! Is she doomed ? All : Aye. Lucullus: Draw every man his choice. {Theij draw.) Ha! My lot is fortunate, so the prize mine. Rufinas : Hence ! trait'rous blood ! (^Attacks.) Lucullus : Be honest, man. There was but once you would be honest, when I would not. O ! I am honest now. Come, let's be honest everyone. Who says our Captain's not honest — are we not honest with him ? All: Aye! Aye! Lucullus : Well, be we so. Come, here's to honesty and honor as we make it. (Takes up Scylla and exit R. Rufinas uill after but is stayed by swords of followers.) Rufinas : Ho ! Dark abode of tempest, whip out thy fiery tongues and damn the dog laying violent hand upon the daughter of a King ! Avaunt ! Audacious slaves ! Or, by my wrath, who dares me, dares me to the death. (Beats his way out. Re-enter Lucullus with Scylla L.) Scylla : Good sirs — Lucullus: Friends, attend me. Know I would save this lady. You know the fate the other had. Let's be men and interpret our manhood as men should by paying tribute of a right doing for a wrong done. You all know how I suffered then, and how forgiving I have been, and friendly,, winning your loves in many ways. Pietro : We know it. Lucullus : And you would follow any enterprise in that I led you on — would you not ? Rufinas. All : That we would. Lucullus : Well, I see a great good in this maiden going free, where the other had a greater good in death. Pietro : We'll let her live. Lucullus : Good ! A nimble scamp beats in the bush with Rufinas hot after him, the while we parley and so conclude. She shall be free, making away unharmed— is it not so, we take it ? All : It is. Lucullus : Fast and true then be we friends to her. I'll be myself her conduct. (Noise ivitliout) But hark ! Fly lady ! Sprightly along yon hedging thicket bear we speed, the which pursuit is poor behind, (Scylla falls on knees and kisses his hand. Exit.) God with you! I thank you, my most worthy friends. But keep this action secret. Firmly answer. All : We will. Lucullus: Farewell the while. More thanks hereafter. [Exit after Scylla. Enter a scamp driven before Rufinas.) Rufinas : Villain, I'll know thy mind, though I make a sieve of thee to have it. (Disarms him.) Where's Lucullus ? Scamp : To a banquet. Rufinas: Thine? Scamp : I scented the chase, you chased the scent, and Lucullus — well, he bagged the game. Rufinas : Say you ? Ha ! For that, take that. (Stabs him.) De- scend with better cunning, thy place is not here. Scamp : Lucullus and charge being safe, I die content. Valor and bliss here — valor and curse there. — You ! You ! Rufinas : Perish, dissembler ! Take him away, (Shouting in dis tance.) Attend ! Whence is the noise ? Pietro: (On lookout.) From Terracina's verge, whither Ludovic details the maze. Rufinas : His eagerness is 'bated. The post is not upheld. Pietro : 'Tis lively now. Rufinas : Even so. Who is't they quarrel ? Pietro : Jove ! The maid. Rufinas: Ha! Now Lucullus joins them. They parley — Ludovic detains them. Pietro : Not so. They journey onward to the village. Rufinas : Have I friend yet? O ! I could in this pain I bear, be moved to rage unlimited. I am caged in my wrath beyond endur- ance. I'll have revenge — revenge ! (Enter Salvator.) Salvator : My Lord ! Bufinas. 33 Kufinas : Begone ! the devil durst not near me, black and full of growing as I am. Salvator : My Lord ! hear the news. Rufinas : No more of that. I warn you, I turn against myself, if I know not thy safety is beyond the pale of one as I, removed alike from self and kind. So get thee hence ! I grow hostile as I go on. Away for the night, all of you ! That I may pitch my solitude among the enemy. ( Curtain.) (End Act If.. ACT 5. Scene I.— A Wild Mountainous Region sloping down rear Center. Rude Tent R. Rufinas stretched out in troubled Sleep. Moaning is heard. (Enter Theodric's ghost. Rufinas mutters in sleep. Enter Varro''s ghost. Bufinas greatly troubled. Enter Rosetta's ghost) Rosetta's ghost : Alas ! Alas ! Alas ! Rufinas : (Starts up.) Be at rest, weary souls ! Theodric's ghost : Weep, Rufinas ! Rosetta's ghost : (Kneels.) Bleed, Rufinas ! Varro's ghost : Die, Rufinas ! Rufinas: Who calls, and what's amiss? Ha! Do I wake, or are these questionable shapes the breed of reason unseated ? Rosetta's ghost : Alas ! Alas ! Alas ! My fnther ! All ghosts : Oh, alas ! Alas ! Alas ! (Exit.) Rufinas : Father ! Avaunt the thought, making believe I have ears to hear things of another world that sound so strange and most un- natural. Had I been this poor spirit's parent in life, what then can now I expect ? Oh ! If truth be in thy wail as seemeth in thyself, may hell be mine and chastise, heaven thine and bless forever. (Re- enter ghosts.) Rosetta's ghost : Oh ! ! ( Vanish.) Theodric's ghost : Oh!! (Vanish.) Varro's ghost : Oh ! ! ( Vanish.) Rufinas : 'Tis terrible. Ghosts : (Afar off.) Doomed ! Doomed ! Doomed ! Rufinas: Nay, e'en the sighing w^nds converge their whispers ominous, and so make this unearthly noise as 'twere the voice of dead things 'larmiug the hereafter. Cornelius : ( Without.) Rufinas I SJj, Rufinas, Kufinas : Who comes ? Cornelius: Friend! Eufinas : How dost thou, friend ? Cornelius : (Enters.) Well, well ! Art man or who ! Rufinas : Thou spitest me with it all, but say on ! Cornelius : So hear and damn thyself. Thy wife — Rufinas : Ha ! Cordelia ! Cornelius : Listen. When Fabius took the ruling of the land, Cor- delia fearing harm, made bold to seek safety, catching at plan, the very best of cunning. Thy son she publicly declared as dead, the why was, his dying served purpose to be rid on aught tending from peace which was to fear the tyrant would batter at. Fatal foresight, as you shall hear. Scylla was now hid in his sister's guise — whom she gave the trusty Varro's keep, to be his daughter — while himself play- ing the part she kept by her for future greeting, only, to find herself after years of ingenuity, within a few hours apart, bereft of both. Rufinas: Oh ! Woe, alas ! Fatal error. Cornelius : Finding her cherished ones, her treasures, over whom she watched long and patiently gone, and knowing by rumor they were lost to her forever, she came begat of sorriest fancies and went ofi* raving mad. Rufinas : O, horror upon horror, and horror ! W^hat, mad— raving mad, and both my children ruined ? O ! The horror of it all. Come here, Cornelius. Look with me into this yawning chasm. If hell you see not at bottom, it is the gods protest there be place darkling for him whose heaven was these devil-damned