\D-3Z/ UC-NRLF S?/dMX />//#* 7 7 s * n league with smugglers. Monsieur Faeriet. An eccentric citizen of Calais. Couret. Ducal steward— old retainer of the duke. Mirieux J Grepieux !■ Cooks and Bakers in the ducal household. Landieux \ War Messenger. Blanche. Daughter to M. Farriet. Adelaide. Friend to Blanche. Laundress. Courtiers, furors, Constables, Messengers, Valets, Guards, etc. Scene — Sea-coast province of France. Time — Fifteenth Century. i^/U^O DUCAL HAPS. A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS By FRANK De GUERRE ACT I. Scene. A Garden with an Arcade and Palace in the back ground. [Enter Couret and Baker.] Couret. Youjs in all reverence, man, speak on — Yet I will heed no further than my wit Doth bid me give a willing countenance. Baker. So far then heed : That our beloved Duke Came rightly by his state, we are apprised; But that he caters for the public weal, Or seeks to wield the ducal power with That royal — firm — unflinching dignity The populace expect, stands now in doubt. As I sincerely love the youthful duke, I would not have his motives misconstrued, Yet he has acted strangely, given out So poor a show of statesmanship that men Well tuned in governing have marked his flaws. 4 DUCAL HAPS COURET. Be quiet ! friend, harp not so of the past; On, to a bright and peaceful future look. What's past defies all cure; then why dilate On threadbare happenings immured in doubt, When presaged ills so copiously admit Of themes for their prevention. Baker. Ah ! You speak As did the great Goliah when he met The stripling David; likely you may learn That simple faults are sometimes hardest conquered. CoURET. So craven foes are best encountered with A fierce exterior, a blaz'ning tongue And confident superiority. What, if I stand and gape, their tongues The while browbeating all that tends to right ! Should I in muteness keep and list their gab ? Or by an offish independence own Myself a party to their calumny ? ' Look now, how pleasantly the plan conceives ! Baker. I own it sets us in peculiar plights, Yet have we no alternative than that We must our tipping conscience keep within A peaceful quietude. Couret. You do mistake, More rests with us than to assume defense; Has mighty God but given wit to men As fenders for their private woes? Or has He left injunctions on the precious gift, Entailing to our needful like the gist Of its inherent goodness ? Sir, had I A cat — Baker. Aye, if you had a thousand cats, The court must have fresh bread ! A plague on you I took you for a reas'ner, now I find You more affect the moralist, who once So preached unto his fellowmen, that those Who but for him had kept their mean turned bout And delved in freshly learned iniquity. Thus — craving pity, we do often show The which we would not have our neighbors know. Peace to the question ! let this be an end, Though ye be my senior, I tell thee friend — DUCAL HAPS 5 More is there kneaded in our own affairs, That closer on the duke's existence bears. Come on, I'll strike thee in a better vein, Before this subject I essay again. (Exeunt.) Enter Cedo shabbily attired, reading a letter. Cedo. " If you would know a thing or two" — (Faith, I wouldn't mind a thing or three) — " that wanders frofn your routine in life, don your worst clothes" — (I was about to say I had no worse clothes, thinking my court togs were all I owned, but haply by an over- look in well agreeing times this suit was left me,) — "and come secretly to me to-morrow morning. I will be above the arcade at eight o* clock. A rmand Couret. ' ' Now is the ordered time and this the place, That I must hearken to a tale so base, It raises me before my wonted time, And stands me shiv'ring in a wintry clime. Woe unto you and yours, Armand Couret, The cost you'll rue forever and a day, If that you tinge my hearing with a yarn, That boasts no good nor savors aught in harm. {Enter Couret,) Ah ! in the nick of time. Good morning, friend ! Couret. Good morning, and a host of well earn'd thanks. Cedo. True to your note's most strange requirements, By reason of whose ambiquity, I more for curiosity than gain, Attend your will. Couret. Aye, you will soon admit The profit worth the venture; know you this, — There's not a domiciled employee on The duke's payroll, but doth interpret him (To questioning outsiders,) as an ass; When this not surfeits they oft congregate In whisp'ring mobs, and trade their sev'ral points, To be inflated by repeated telling. Cedo. Why, this is treason in its greatest bourne ! The very depth of piracy ! Couret. And so Since his installment hath the order been, No more our ruler makes but hath a rude Discordant echo in their criticisms. Cedo. Is this in progress now ? If so I will Confront the scandal mongers and disperse The rabid meeting as a bombshell would D DUCAL HAPS A ladies' jewel case ! CouRET. That were poor policy, To thus ignore my finesse, and scout on A thoughtless and impromptu mission bred, From out the prejudicial hearing of A long matured plan; these were the means That floored his predecessors and gave him The office he was born to. Sir, I watch'd The former ducal reigning well; saw when The first conspiring seed took root, Beheld The many loose and varied discontents Accounted nothing by the noble sires, Till stood their midst a forward nucleus (A very Gabriel around whom flock'd Weak-kneed dissenters and apostates all), Then did they see their power recognized, And, with entire accord arose and smote Their most impotent ruler to the earth ! Should not this teach the mighty cunning? Ah ! Ye men of higher state, look much too far; While brooding on a distant phantom fear, Your stagnant intervening ground doth form A nest for treasoning conspirators. Mark ! If you be not strong in your stronghold, (Which is the sanctum of domestic weal,) Beware the outer sieging ! You perchance May think I am a vain, presumptuous wretch In overstepping so the hireling's bound, And leading you; (so far above my sphere.) Yet you must know the *pirit of the times Will oft necessitate that kings shall stoop To be advised of men, not worthy of A Christian burial. But that my lot Would not allow me to excite their ire, I would at once unto the duke unfold My knowledge of his set. Cedo. I rather would Believe you were possessed of some ill wind Which venting crooked truth gives out a lie, Then think (in mercy) you some part abscind, That might a matter of more weight descry. CouRET. Abide your time before my say, you flout, For shortly will the mongrels be about, May then your eyes my honest vouchers be, 'Tis hard believing, still, 'tis truth to see. Look ! Now they come, nay, stir not from this spot, The sharp'st observer here would know you not. DUCAL HAPS 7 {Enter Cooks, Valets ', Hirelings of the Duke, etc.) Cook. An I say beef, he will accordance give, Or what I choose, it matters not the kind, No sapient stir opposes my set wish. I verily believe, were I to cook An old tann'd hide, he'd eat without complaint. ist Valet. 'Tis ever so with me, say what I will. He enters straight and sanctions it with gpr. &s*yLS< If he desires his brown mare saddled up, r And I the white suggest, (or say I black Or dapple gray) in truth he'll not protest; Or should he order some light vehicle, And I a clumsy cart fetch out, 'twill suit, Or bring I naught, the end his favor spies. As for my riggings, they are always styled To suit my fancy — hence my outward dress Proverbial makes the common inquiry " Which is the Duke P\ Baker. Most vain effrontery ! Know well thyself, proud egotist ! and leave Assumption of such highborn graces to A better clown; Or if you needs must play At postulation, let thy goal be A mark within thy limit, lest thy name (Which now but smacks of coxcomby,) will swell; Augment itself from that you practice till The word conceit be taken for 't ! No more ! I have an innate loathing of such men, Who when they prate use loose extremities, Or when enjoying harmless parley, will Abuse the list'ners' ear; all doubts of this Were hushed, if you would but consider well The tenor of his argument in which By tacit vileness, open calumny, Yea, broaching his lone tenet he would make Apostates of us all ! Heed him who will, But I am for the duke, and would not rob A better of his need ! And so farewell. {Exit.) 1ST Valet. Good friends ! Indulge me but a moment's time, In that I'll prove (by confirmation of Some present witnesses,) that I for truth Have kept a strict observance, furthermore Where'er the tale laid 'gainst the Duke, I've let The rugged juttings of pernicious truth, In silence seem as virtues; for conceit 8 DUCAL HAPS Ask neighbors hereabout, and with my life I'll stand the bout of your enquiring minds ! 2D Vai,et. Aye, marry, it no easy matter is To slight agreement with our gracious Duke; Why oft (in whims of contrariety,) His orders with impunity I've cross'd, Persuading him from his avowed intent. As he'd no right to be an epicure, But like a peevish, sickly child fresh wean'd, Has appetite to suit some elder sage ! And thou, old pastry ! Give free vent, I say ! How rides the subject of our chat with thee? When thy deft fingers and thy slimy art Doth stock the showing of thy labor with Vile properties; doth make the leaven' d bread To vie in heft the heaviest lead, doth singe The cookies, waffles, and the butter cakes — Leave to the rage of an ill-governed flame; — When these and more of like similitude, Are by your grace committed, How's the wind? Conforms he to thy grave mishaps? or chides he thee, That sober looks sit on thy floury phiz so well? Couret. Nay, lay it on when I'm the butt, and tune Thy wriggling tongue as inclination prompts; But spare thy manhood when the subject is (By gleanings of thine own account,) a man Empowered with a might, the bent of which Could purge thy life of pleasure, yet prefers To give a pleasing acquiescence where Thy happiness requires. 'Tis scurvy sport To lightly treat a matter of such moment, To mock an infant Duke, who bears himself As aged dukes ne'er did before; Who looks So carefully to thy content, he'd give No order past thy will. 2D Valet. Thou speakest aright, I am in all abash'd. When spoke I so I lacked thought, but now I think, and lack A tongue to rear excuses for my gab. ist Valet. And may his tongue lose pow'r of speech, who first Speaks illy of the Duke ! {Enter Laundress.) Couret. Ah ! pretty maid— (Give her good greeting friends.) What's out of tune, DUCAL HAPS 9 That your initial visit falls upon So cold a morn ? Laundress Our loving Duke's astir, And walks about with solemn deathlike tread; And looks — I know not how, so very strange; His laughing merry look, is sternly changed To one of gloomiest perplexity; He eyed me straight, yet saw me not, else would He nod or speak to me; So he pass'd on, So did he gaze on ev'ry common thing. His right arm raising skyward, then his left, Next followed both in wild confusion, or A seeming supplication to his God; Belike he's crazed, or hath some troublous ill Too deeply rooted in his mind. Cedo. Crazy ! COURET. How'er the sequel is, from this henceforth His pleasure be my study. Laundress. Thanks Couret. 1ST Valet. And mine, 2D Valet. And mine, 3D Valet. And mine. Couret. So are we all Bent on his future happiness; and home For him will be, as home should be. Laundress. Well said ! If done, why better; now with right good will We'll to our tasks. {Exeumt all but Cedo.) Cedo. Hum ! what a measly set ! The making of a man not 'mongst the lot Mireux — he spoke the which abounds in flaws And staled it by a repetition; then Grepieux — no brighter wit has he than have The common herd; but as a man in debt Is ever loudest mouthed he must perforce Maintain dull silence or too soon expose The whence of his intelligence. Who's next? Landieux, Ah ! Yes, thy mouth should give thee room What if thy form were well proportioned to Thy roomy mug — I then were but a flea I Alas ! methinks the gods deformed thee so, That flies in lieu of men might fear thee ! Then Jean — within the pale of his bright wit Lies his deceit — the very lowest wretch ! To pose himself an equal of the Duke ! IO DUCAI, HAPS Ungrateful wretches all ! Was it for ye The Duke subserved his regal dignity ? I'll never think it, — but concoct a means Whereby to segregate the malcontents, Or All — the whipping post and banishment. (Exit) {Enter Duke in sombre meditation.) Duke. A dream ! A weird imagination ! All ! Why give it sober thought? Yet am I help'd To this grave state, by truths I cannot pass, Nor doubt with cause, so vivid were they set And played to life in my mind's recreation; With tireless zeal and utmost nicety, It pick'd my closest courtiers, saving few, And cast them in a glowing, bungi'd heap, With placards o'er each one, on which were written Some J earful vice suggestive of the man; Methought I saw a gaunt ungainly frame Arising from a cloud of raging fire ! From out his mouth there leapt a brace of tongues, Like serpents, fork'd, that spat white heat; With arms outstretch' d, and piercing eyes askant, He showed his loathing of the blemished mass; Then on me turned his hideous ghostly glare, Distorted features and his warning hand, Conjuring me (in awe-commanding tone,) Revise my ways and wield my sceptre with More seeming grace; Then paused as 'twere to gain New fledg'd momentum for another sally; And I (transfixed with horror there withstood) His fixed stare, bereft of speech and motion ! Anon, he opes his lips !— Thunder outnois'd ! Pandemonium ! Ye gods forbid My ears shall list another of the kind ! So highly season'd with severe rebukes — My ev'ry good transformed to vilest ill, — My ev'ry studied judgment silly prov'd All trusted friends adjudg'd enemies; Where saw I meanest faults virtues appear'd; Where saw I purest virtue reigned faults; — Contraries mingled — similars undone; — Alternate freezing, boiling dire extremes, , Wag'd to their highest pitch, when nature's laws O'erstrained, deposed his cruel tenancy To yield me freedom of a waking hell ! Lives there a cause within this wretched world So oft beset with grievous ills as mine ? Heir to the realm ! A duke, alas a duke ! Much rather would I be a brainless pimp, DUCAL HAPS II Or some contented knave of equal worth, Than as I am and jealousied the title, In whose drifts I meet my malcontent ! All hallowed peace, sweet mother of content ! — Come share with me thy soothing potent spell, And shield me from my aggravating self! — * The soul-entrancing charm of thy depute Like sweetest perfume on the senses steals; Drowns all woes in soundless seas, Pares all ill to joyous weal, Kneads to love all bitter hate, And crowns thee queen of goodness ! — Yet I am not for thee, nor thee for me; While seeming that I am, I better prove That, I am not. If ev'ry man were put Where bides his proper talent, where would I ? But here alack, by fortune's faulty act I am a duke, and being duke, must duke it. What ho ! I have a melancholic mate ! He comes this way — his passage I'll await. 'Tis said that men in trouble go in grooves Or act as counterparts; — So in his moves Will I as in a truthful mirror see How insignificant a duke may be. (Duke steps aside.) {Enter Barto.) Barto. Full three-score times have I this arbor pass'd ! Full three-score times have I in wonder glared Upon this empty space, that now should hold For my distress a living comforter ! I'll call, perchance he doth so closely watch The doubtful standing of my business, Our rendezvous slips from his mind; Andreas ! Andreas ! Voice to the wind that hither brings Naught but a mocking echo. Patience ! patience ! But 'tis a wearing article: in me Now worn past remedy; for, lacking doubt 'Tis past the 'pointed hour by a half, Yet does he truant play. Would he were here. * * * * * * {Paces the garden.) The worst were preferable this suspense ! {Enter Andreas.) . Most welcome sight ! proclaim thy longed for news ! Andreas. Bluut, honest, friendship my apology For being pert, and starting on the point 12 DUCAL HAPS That bears most heavy on the matter. With less ado I'll to the end, or to The ultimate beginning of the end; — I sped to Mileneux by thy commands, Sought out thy factor there, when in a whiff, Without a question.he thy all did tell, As if 'twere fact substantial, past all doubt, Thy lately blasted ventures, blighted hopes, Bxtol'd he to their furthest boundary, Intending rather to convince of loss, Then buoy thy spirits falsely. All thy ships Unto the dukedom now are confiscate, Aye, all as contraband the state has siez'd; Even now the messengers are arrived, Who voyage here this matter to unfold. BARTO. Straight to the Duke will they, then whither I? For when 'tis known, 'twere better I should die Than be upon so dire a purpose standing, Twixt life and death, meat for fools bandying. Andreas. Yea, when 'tis known, may then you seek your grave ! But they no implicating knowledge have Of you, of yours, or tangible effects, So their report (with you) bounds in defects. Barto. Then all is verity ! My God, that I, Who in the ducal favor ranks most high, And entertain'd no title short of Sir ! — That I whom kings and queens have audienced, Aye, knighted for my comely mien, where Undoubted valor rusted for a glance ! — That I, whose word was deem'd sufficient bond For sums involving princely fortunes, should To penury by one mishap be cast ! — The step's too great ! too great ! Still must I yield To decorate a niche in pauperdom ! Andreas. Sh— Barto, Less of this ! 'Twere follies heighth To brood on that where is no earthly help; Ne'er saw you hills but valleys did abound, Nor aught in purity beyond a flaw, Nor mortal state that mock'd not constancy. And would'st thou grasp unchanging nature's laws To make a mutable defective toy, Whereon the cravings of thy lot may feed ? Would'st pass what was, what is, and will be ? No ! DUCAL HAPS 13 So sure as water seeks the downward grade, You on no bed can lie save that you've made ! Barto. Thou niock'st me with effects; pray quickly turn To present causes, where they touch upon A future circumvention. Andreas, {aside.) (I'll play it harsh, Or seem it so, and wean him from this gloom.) What should I say, that gives thee not offense? Years have you liv'd a lie, made all believe The costly manner of thy keeping, — the style And number of thy banquets, the product of Royal annuities as boundless as The unfound treasures of the earth; whereas To foot thy honest gainings would not show The value of a penny. Barto. Tut! Tut! man, Have done with this, I'm in no mood for lectures, Straight to the point ! Andreas. How now, philosophy ! Creeps on the climax with such toward speed, That here a mind in melancholy breath'd, By followed respiration delves in anger? By my true soul, this is the sort of mood That betters good, diameters the girth, Strips can't of-T — and makes the will the might. I fear me much, were I to stand and wait The winter through I would not stumble on A more befitting moment to divulge The import of the motion I would make. Know then the true effects, ere I recount The queer erratic manner of the cause; — If fortune favors it, earth's heaven's yours; But should it fail, hell's fire holds no heat That singes where thy downfall will consume ! Barto. Out on you for a babbler ! Say no more ! — Andreas. 'Twere better left unsaid than said without effect; I know no course of thy avail, but marriage. Barto. Why surely friend Andreas you are distraught ! I know but half a month and that's my all, So save my prestige, should the limit fail. Escape's my only chance; so please project Some quicker move than now thy lips command. 14 DUCAL HAPS 'Andreas. Know you old Farriet? Barto. I do; so far As gossip's tongue gives knowledge of a neighbor; The people say, (and rightly too I think) He is a man within himself retired; Has few acquaintances and fewer friends; Is misanthropic and possessor of More wealth, than any dweller in the land. Andreas. And is the sire of as sweet a maid, As rare a group of virtue's choicest gifts, As e'er on French soil trod; She may be called A Venus resurrected for her shape Which, when compared with other inborn charms, Flies quickly from the eye of criticism. Barto. Most like, but what imports her many charms That bodes us aught for our advantage ? Andreas. All — Each sep'rate Christian grace reveals a point Which aids us in our purpose; as she lacks So Ho we lack; were she less than is she, Our task were harder, but as she now is, Her pure warm heart bears molding at our will. Barto. Now can I tell the vane on this wild wind, Yet for a starting move I am perplexed. Andreas. I have an idea (if you think no better,) We will adopt and furnish speedy motion. >traightway before the duke I will produce Some score or so of affidavits (made By men within the Holy-See entrenched.) That Farriet has long unloyal been; That he by virtue of — well we'll invent — Doth stand amenable to common law. What can the duke, but cause imprisonment ? Then for your courting; His fond daughter will With pleading tongue the court besiege; urge all To save her father; which entreaty none (Not e'ven the lowest vassal of the court) Would harken to; Then yield your sympathy; Make known to her thy power o'er the duke, Which for her father's cause you'll aptly wield, — Fill in with all the tender ifs and buts DUCAL HAPS 15 So soothing to dejected minds, — Condole In all the many ways that love (if there) would grasp. If played aright this cannot fail But breed for thee success; Her maiden heart will turn to thee And virgin love confess. BarTO. Come then, let's home, and this plan we'll mature Though rife with grave faults, it is slow and sure. {Exeunt. Barto and Andreas.) Duke. Hear I with other's ears, or have I borrowed eyes? Is this the sequel of my wretched dream Or dream I on and think I wake ? But no ! My senses with undaunted pith now play; What e'er I take in hand I know its feel. Or that mine eyes reflect, I know its sight; Still I would fain believe the lie ! Barto, — My yokemate and my dearest friend, a fraud? Impossible ! and yet 'tis true, else would He mouth a firm denial when That scheming villainous poltroon exposed The trick of his apparent welfare. Alas ! when he who shares my bosom thoughts Turns traitor and connives at benefit, On whom can I rely? Enter Cedo. (Properly attired) Cedo. Yours truly my lord What is't that troubles you? Confide in me As do the ladies all, find me but one Who links mistrust with my grave title, I Will give thee leave to go barefoot; Aye more Cite me an adult male who airs me ill His face I warrant you as black as coal Or featured like an owl. {aside) (I'm out of tune, The senseless jabber of a chattering ape, A frequent source of pleasure, now annoys.) My lord, I am not that I seem, I have An other self — a silent partner here, {placing hand on heart) Who will betimes (despite external show,) Assert supremacy; And quick to grief Is he, aye quicker, and you free my boast, Than any of your count; and so, all thine. Duke. Thanks for your proffer, but I have no need; Mine being but a fancied ill, brooks not The same condolence as a living fact. Suffice it; all my reign has been a farce, 1 6 DUCAL HAPS That through the revelations of a dream I come to know myself, my friends, my foes, My acts both good and bad, here lies my woe. Cedo. I've held thee better than this say would warrant And if 'twere back'd not by effusions of More sound portent, I'd reason thee insane; Why dreams, — are but the wanderings of minds Badly stomached; as such they should be treated Not 'power'd with a speck of realism Or ever troubled with an after thought. Were I to tell the thousandth part Of the frivolities I've dream'd, — Of many chasms I have leapt, — Of surging rivers savely swum, — Of the aerial flights I've tak'n, — Of scorching paths painlessly trod, — Of beatings, smoth'rings I've endured Whilest Morpheus possess'd my mind; That stolid look would quit thy face, Thy mouth would fly its firm set phase, To find a quirk fit company For thy light mirth. Duke. Good friend, adjourn ! My trouble hath a better prop than that I've broached to thee : Mark me, seest thou two men Beyond the garden rail? Cedo. * I do, my lord; And if my vision prove not false, they are, Within thy galaxy the brightest stars, Lord Barto and his satellite Andrea. Duke. Go, shadow them, (And if thou wouldst confirm Thy boasted love,) lose not a sight of them. Mark thou their slightest move as 'twere an act Endangering the lives of all thou lovest. Have thy report indited, plainly writ', That I may keep it as a silent witness. Cedo. I've heard of mothers doubting sons, Of sons their fathers killing; Of jesters angling for their puns A brother's lifeblood spilling — But by the A in tar, this breach of trust Doth seem the blackest, having precedence O'er all I know of, — Come now, 'tis a joke? DUCAL HAPS 17 Duke. If jokes be nurtured — fostered thus, then this May be so call'd; And I would have it played According to my diction, so begone ! Do as I bade thee ! Cedo. E're thy echo's spent I'll on thy mission be what e'ver is meant. {Exit.) Duke. This then my fixed course hereafter be, Judge men by what I know, not what I see. Now will I nurse the plot with all amain, Though in the lie I lose, in truth I gain. {Exit. ) Scene Second — Room in Farriet's house. {Enter Blanche followed by x\dei-weet child ! Kind daughter Blanche farewell ! No child was ever more affectionate, Nor did unbidden offer more than thou, Adieu, my sweetest only friend, adieu ! ACT II. Scene I. — Room in P "a lace , furnished with Secretary, etc. (Cedo and Andreas, encircled with Jurors, discovered.) Cedo. Friends, sirs, in all but this; had you pursued A legal trend, as it doth sort you should, We even now were friends, and one poor soul, That through your insane verdict scarce hath time To eye his fate and make his peace with God, Were yet with loyal heart and honored age Sweet liberty enjoying ; Whereas he dwells In ftriT anticipation of his death. Upon a floor of stone, begirt with walls The Cyclops hammer could not phase ; his bed Of boards the soft side none can find, his stool Repentance of an uncommitted crime. O sirs ! how could you so mistake yourselves As one unto the other weld your thoughts, And yield in unison a verdict which No more effects the case in hand, than doth The highway's fork affect the river's mouth ? ist Juror. Being sworn in we were in honor bound, Our verdict to deliver as the batch 24 DUCAI, HAPS Of witnesses deposed. How then could we (If so we will'd) another verdict give? Cedo. Yes ! Yes ! Ye don the form of justice, yet The spirit lags and ye'll not tarry for't ! All evidence educ'd, commanded or Enforced by cross-examination is With equal poise received ; The worth of him Who testifies, the manner of his speech, And manifold auxiliaries that gauge The weight and force of testimony, ye Do pass unseen, and think ye truly act The laws of justice, — She who is indeed Blindfolded and possess'd of scales. O, men ! Where were your better parts when you pronounc'd So harsh a sentence for so cade a show Of criminal intention ? Could it be — That you — But no, I must awhile withhold What I should say. Aw,— Eh ? Cedo — Good sirs, adieu. {Exit Cedo). ist Juror. My fellow jurors, it doth stand us well To hear but few expressions of this tone ; Indeed, methinks the safer course would be, To hie us earshot hence, lest by a slip Some of our number may themselves commit And lay all liable. 2nd Juror. 'Tis well propos'd, And touches near our thrift, to ruminate How best to part and whither ; Another put In such a key as was the former part Of this well earned censure, I had leak'd The dregs of goodness I yet own, and spilt This goodly number all to scaffold drops. Think then how frail uncertain is our course, When we do daily such assailments brave, As our best reason tells us must betime Extort an inadvertent self confession. , ist Juror. To Havre then I do propose we sail, And from there severally go to ports Whence we (if need) may here be quickly summon'd. How is it friends, do we in this agree ? DUCAL HAPS 25 Au,— Yea ! Yea ! Andreas. Then hence with expedition go ! About the court will I remain, and post You speedily on what may yet befall The working of our plan. So, now, away ! Ivo — where the worthy Barto comes, and he (More like a woman than a man) is of Such tender facile ways, he would ill brook A jury late employ'd in such gross kind. ist Juror. Come haste' we to embark ; I would not be Encountered so again, for thrice the fee Our services command. {Exeunt all but Andreas). Andreas. Thus will a word Emboss'd with knotty ifs and counter buts, Seduce the safest upright man who treads The portals of the court ; Forsooth, poor fools, To give the lie is often to withhold the truth, And yield its zemblance, So thy promis'd fee Insured thee stable footing in the court ; This shall ye have, until the hangman come And claim ye for the crossroads; (Enter Barto followed by Cedo, who hides himself.) which i* when Ye strive to clog the axe whereon revolves Our wheel of fortune. Ah ! Most timely met — Barto. So do thy looks foretell; — If by an eye (The bright forerunner of the mind's tumult,) We may be judge of what is there contained, Ye should have merry news; Out, then retail ! What 'tis that furrows so thy youthful face And makes thy very aspect clownish like, With saving of a pent-up tale ! Cedo {aside.) Out pen ! May Heaven guide my hand ! Andreas. Think then ye have The sweetest harmony the fates devise Twixt mankind and an earthly enterprise, The jury which you bid me to beguile With visions of a phantom purse, did smile And wonder I (who had such fearful might,) Should seek to buy, what they through fright Would be too apt in charity to give. Thereon the foreman spoke, as 'twere to sieve The thoughts of all, — thus did he spurt himself — 2 6 DUCAL HAPS 11 We are no friends of Farriet, nor is his pelf More to us than the treasures of the moon, Being so well inurn'd it were as soon By us acquired; On the other line Courtly prefer metit's sibyls shine In augury most truthful; Which you choose Of these two courses, must the other lose: Shall Mammon's golden messenger now flit — Or shall the life of Farriet be quit t u The answer made you did on enl'ring guess; But matter appertaining, which doth press As close as will allow a leader lead, You yet have not surmis'd. If you can feed (Without disgorging on a stomach stock'd,) Some food I have within my larder lock'd, That is most pleasing to your palate; As we go farther on I will relate. {Exeunt.) [Forward Cedo, with paper in hand.) Cedo. Thus far — nor more beyond must I be led. The day's well on, the hour draws nigh, when this The voucher of a fortnight's vigil must; Be clear reflected in my master's eye. Poor sight ! An eyesore sure to scholar'd minds; A schoolboy's essay smoother reads; A howl From deck to topmast choicer language has O, for a poet's pen, to this abridge And set to music of the ducal strain ! As't spells — *• Dock's in, — Dock's out, — Dock came, — Dock went:" A record plain of facts, which I have bulg'd (On strength of lame deducements I had drawn,) To such outlandish size, it seems I've drown'd An unborn being in a dry millpond ! (Enter Duke and attendants, Cedo gathers up papers.) Duke. I would be now alone. (Exeunt attendants.) Stay; Cedo, is The task I late commanded you discharg'd ? Cedo. What little substance legs could track, And my poor wit contain, herein you'll find inscrib'd. What is embellish'd look you is the truth No less for its adornment; There be some Could make a foot of news, where I an inch Can scarce eke out; notwithstanding I (Enter Page.) Have used my best endeavors 'gainst the fault. DUCAL HAPS 2 Duke. How now? ( To Page.) Page. The prisoner's daughter waits, and craves immediate audience. Duke. Bid her to home ! Cedo. One moment, you. {To Page.) My liege (with bended knee And inner-soul so pityingly wrought In this recall, the force of surface seem Howe'er so strongly posed could not o'ermatch,) I do enjoin you by the writ you hold, (Yet stay the reading 5 ) either to rescind Your order on this maid, or here erewhile Endure thy page, whilst you may suffer through 't. Duke. Rise, brother; rather work in bold command Than grovel in supplication, when The mitigation is derived of us. What ! is our friendship held in such repute That life's demotic courtesies are stopp'd, Unless poor suers ye to us extend, The manner of your prayers! Friend, be you Our criered messenger; Impart thy will An' if it run athwart our very life We'll not deny ! {Nods to page, who exits.) Cedo. Then thus I do advise — That you allow this maid a hearing, and If she should chide, to bear the chiding as, You in a joke the victims' grumbling weigh. Duke. ^& Enough! I w& anticipate your charge, And will its wants most zealously attend. Go you, escort the daughter here, and then Put in completion what you have begun, For yet in embryo it is, when see The jailbirds are unhatch'd. {Exit Cedo.) Of all that's crude", This is the crudest! Done; when scarce begun, Yet wearing in the germ ! But to my chore, — How shall I here confront this maid? What talk May she that I with glibness cannot meet? Should she my judgment rail or here discourse In broad virago mouthings, I could find In balking her a childish pleasantry; — But should she come in virgin modesty, Her tongue within her quest, I then must act A fabe beseeming which in forethought is. 28 DUCAL HAPS {Enter Blanche.) Too harsh foi sound reflection. Now she comes. — And as the northern frosts make greatest show On southern sides, in sunny time I'll shady be. {Busies himself with papers, with back to Blanche.) Well, — fair intruder, what may I for you ? Blanche. Most gracious lord, — what need have I for words To break the object of my visit here? — Too well you know the motive or if not Turn here thy gaze, and if you see No answer for my coming, I will say I sue to be denied. Duke [aside.) (Ye gods! how sweet ! Can human larynx pour such dulcet rhythm Into the ear of man uncharm'd ? O, no ! If she be fashion'd as her tongue gives note, I am about face with an angel sure ! Be yea or nay the premises, I am To turn and face her with severity ,) Come you (as do the many,) to pervert The staid impartial working of our law ? Blanche. Nay ! Nay ! So well my father did instill The spirit of our statute, I could plead, No more for him if guilty, than I could Deforce you of him were his crime most patent ! But as intuitively I do know, — (Aye, by all trips that warrant fact,) He is in fealty so staunch, his mind Did never harbor rebel thought, I'd break My wind in urging his behalf! Duke. The law Was open to recourse, and he the means To have the best of legal talent had. Blanche. O ! Sire, it boots me not to know the wake Of haps to me and mine, self-evident, Yet not to be averted. Sir, have you Not heard of men so loose in morals, they Would traffic with their oaths? Oh, I have read In Christian works of such! May it not chance The like of this is here embodied? Think. — How weak the truth, how strong the lie; when 'tis A man not well in public favor tried. DUCAI, HAPS 29 Duke. Silence ! Ill-mannered and ungrateful maid ! Has here the court upon probation sat With you as judge of judges ? Now beshrew Thy mode of playing ! When thou seest I lean To suit thy hurt, thou actst the pampered child; But when thou seest there yet remain a cut (Which I in pity must descant,) you swerve The weight of argument and prate along, As though I ne'er had spok'n. Blanche. Oh, you so great ! So noble ! Wise ! Discreet ! can ye not tell Betwixt a mock and true ? How shall I act If not as now? If other ways there be That swifter move the tender faculties, I know them not; My Way a simple child's, Who craves a father's life and that but half, For he hath scarce the power of a leg. Duke. Enough ! By highest known tribunal was Thy father tried and guilty proven, — more — His late accusers are my safest friends And men whom I well know. Blanche. Well know ! my lord ! Know you what 'tis to know a 7tian in full? Is it to be his better or in state So well intrench'd his fear is of thy love, His pleasure of thy sport, his bread, thy bounty? Nay ! Nay ! To probe the depth of friendship, you Must have a lack of what's his plenty and Your need most sore — and out of favor be Yea minus all that makes men idolized, And rather sets them in the way of scorn; He then who takes thy many blows himself, — Who damps thy parched lips, — Who stays thy ill Or will assauge the pain, though 't pain himself; — Who spills thy cup of grief e'er it o'erflows Though by the spilling he were drown'd in woe; — He then befriends and is the man you know; All others rank acquaintances and wait The trial of a doubt. Have then thy friends Their well acknowledged sorting with thyself Earn'd by the threading of this thorny path ? Oh, sir ! Have they unto thyself shown aught, That you should deem their breath infallible? Duke. Give way ! I have some show of temper, girl, 30 DUCAL HAPS 'Twere best you put not iu the contra way ! BLANCHE. Why then, to me, did you the court forbid? Ah, had you not withheld that privilege, By dint of truth I'd make them own the lie, Before 'twas uttered, confound their tongues And make each tell a sep'rate tale, so free And foreign to a smooth connection, they Would cravenly denounce their mouths as false ! Oh, sire ! Be merciful ! A king in title, Not in heart; — A fearful giant in might, Not in acts; — Oh turn ye not so coldly ! — Give me sweet heed, — forget the while you are A mighty ruler whom the world demands Shall be of cold and haughty temp'rament ! Let nature sway, and respite give to him . Who most unjustly is condemned to death ! Duke. [Aside) Oh perfidy ! to plague so pure a soul ! BLANCHE. Have you no answer, sire ? — or may I hope Thy lack of speech portends a sweet reply ? Duke. You girl ! Dissemble ! What an ear I have To heed your prattle, justice will be done, — Begone ! I will reflect your argument. BLANCHE. Heaven bless you ! my lord, I'll not forget To name you in my prayers. [Exit.) Duke. Oh, linger still ! — Nay, go sweet maid, and yet I'd have thee stay, Though you should chide the while; La ! I would have Thee weeks a chiding e're I'd tell thee go, Could I but mask my visage which did bend A'most to breaking at each searching word, That you most righteously gave utterance ! Methinks thou hast about this spot diffused A holy atmosphere, whose purity Pervading all, hath so transported me, My spirit soars in ecstacy ! — Oh saint Thou wert not wrought for this cold world, — those eyes — Were made to view celestial sights, — those ears — To harken heav'nly strains, — those dainty feet To pace a road this earth doth not afford. Sweetheart ye do remind me of a one That I (save in a fancy,) ne'er beheld, — DUCAL HAPS 31 An angel mother ! Ah ! who so well knows her As he who hath her not, And you do seem Pier very picture, loving, gentle, kind, Thy soul engross'd, thy heart enlisted in A pure and holy cause, a saint-like task — The saving of a harden'd father's life ! A father ! ! What if here a lover were, And I — that he ? Ye gods ! a happy thought ! Why not act on't ? She is incarnate and She may be won ! All hail the theme ! Yet if Her fond affections I do now enchain, I win her not, for she doth woo a man More great than I, yet he excels not me; And I, Alack ! must by intrinsic worth be won, Yes, yes ! She shall be fairly wooed, and I For what I am be won ! {Rings bell.) {Enter Page;.) Send hither he Who stands committed, — let none other come Till I have pass'd a word with good friend Cedo ! {Exit Page.) What may be done, to him will I impart, For there be none so mete as he, to share The burthen of my newborn thoughts. {Enter Cicdo.) Cedo. My lord ! Duke. Come nigher, friend, I have a thing to say I would not trumpet to the world; Step close; — Be not so formal, it doth wear you ill When in our lone companionship. The time (With you,) for cringing, bolts, when state affairs Are pass'd, and vulgar eyes no longer look To such as thee for precedents. Look you, — Within this hour and day most strange I'll act, Things now apparent, yea on the tapis will Right suddenly be chang'd; What seems most like Is not to be; The snake his skin has shed And strangely donn'd another, In short the writ You have of late compiled, was by me known, E're it was penn'd. Looks not this strange, good friend ? Yet this a much too tame precursor is, To signal that's to follow,— but anon, — That now I would apprise thee of, is this — What in the eye of many odd appears, Take you as 'twere no hap unusual, And render it a fact anticipated; Let naught nonplus, nor let your mien change , Though I do set thee proxy to myself And fare thee well forever ! 32 DUCAL HAPS Cedo. Good, my lord, You do command but little, yet you do Assign by far beyond my worth ! Duke. Trust me, I stake no more in chance than fact has prov'd; So is the measure if I choose }^ou stead me, It shall be your best pleasure to comply. Cedo. Be you assur'd I'll strive. Duke. Nay that's the doing !— Haste' you and prod the jailer here. Cedo. My lord, He is without, and comes this way along With Farriet in chains, and mobb'd about With courtiers; Mongst the morbid crowd I do espy Andreas to Barto link'd, Right closely followed by the foreman juror. Duke [aside). (Ah ! 'tis truly said — " Ther're bonds as strong Twixt lowborn knaves, as purest virtue boasts." (Enter Barto, Andreas, Farriet — Courtiers, etc.) Now will I take of devil's text a lease, Wherewith I may a goodly saw express,) Stand here the pris'ner ! What ! Is this the he Who at defiance sets our law, who reeks A breath defensive whiles he gives His purse and pen unto the vile offenders ? Had I no proof 'bove sight I'd say, — he hath No sign of danger on him. Farriet. Spare, my lord ! This with'ring vim ! My scope of life were short E're this sad hap befell, but since, God wot, It hath no length, for thou dost kill it by Harsh words in kindly setting. ist Courtier. What a taste His honor hath for tender usage ! Why — He shies his bolt as he were judge, And we a band of sinners for his clemency ! Farriet. Oh Heav'nly Host ! Will this my suff'rance be ! To be the butt for jester's gall? 2d Courtier. Why old Centrifugal ! How you do fly From off your center ! Look you now, he'll have Us felloes to a lightning-hub And wheel us quickly on to Beelzebub ! DUCAL HAPS 33 FARRIET. Avaunt ! Ye double damn'd scourgers ! Datnn'd ! For holding of a caste unearn'd ! Damn'd ! Misusing thus ! Go spend thy flippancy Upon thy aged parents whom I take Are more deserving ! Duke {aside). Grave unerring conscience, True umpire of the soul, give me in sin A feint, that I distemper may affect And meanly use, what most I do revere ! FarriET. If it be fair in question, give me, sire, Solution of my new arraignment here; Will not thy pass at justice be appeas'd, 'Till that each vulgar minded courtier has, With bitter taunting irony assail'd The pris'ner's sense ? Duke. Out of custom this, So is thy crime, hence is this license bred; Which to subdue, thyself art hither brought. Deliver me opinions of thyself That have not this prescription, then 'twill cease. Farriet. I am no fond declaimer, I, — My art, No art, concealing manlike attributes, Enlarging viciousness, — my error is In rigid truth, which at its best deludes. For what I should pronounce, I can but say, — Ev'ry man hath his way, and mine, my lord, Hath color none, save that I shift not with The common klan, nor do I strive to see With all men's eyes, and therefore am I scorn'd, Aye scoff'd and jeered, when lauled I should be ! Child ! Boy ! Thy father's call to arms Did ever find a ready soldier here ! Not one bell toned that made his deeds his boast ! But of the few who staid their leader by And when the cause was lost, — thy father dead, — This fair land by the vile usurper ruled, — His ideal being would no longer give Assurance to the ducal pow'r, but grew Into the woe engend'ring life I lead ! Good sir! My speech I hope doth not entreat ! If so, 'tis much against my will; Albeit My life is forfeit; You have but to name The moment of my send-off and 'tis done ! 34 DUCAL HAPS Duke. With thee, thy daughter then, hath found no thought? Farriet. Why lift me from the willing throes of hell, To blast me with a heavenly flash and sour My resignation ! Hath my woe no mete? Oh, sire ! If you do ever seek to wear An age as great as mine, let but thy mind Conceive its woes compounded in a one, And this at once upon thee thrown, when thou Against art least insured, then thou wilt feel A pang less keen than now writhes me. My soul ! Have thought on her? Ye Gods, dumb strike me if I unalloyed a thought beget that she Claims not ! Aye all is hers ! So kind ! so pure ! Inapt at sinfulness, such moral pride, — So much a girl, — so near a goddess,— she — A child immortal God-like paradigm — Not of this world in that she passeth sin. My lord — say you no more, — do that you should, Not make me to myself subordinate. If needs thou makest pastime of mine ill Do crack thy bubble from another sud. Duke. Thou art indeed well favored in thy child; — And pity 'tis, some loyal spark of her Were not infus'd in thy rebellious ways ! Right royally she sued disloyally, And hath prevailed, insomuch thou art free To go thy ways 'till that the court shall find An evidence more tenable; — Meanwhile Within thy house (in state's behalf,) I'll lodge Some trusty servant who shall access have To thee and thy belongings; Further thou Shall certify a bond in all thy worth: Wilt thou then think upon the proposition ? Farriet. My lord, I humbly thank thee and accept. Duke. Release the prisoner ! Give him redress, See you he hath a safe conveyance home. Have yet our messengers of war return'd ? (Exit Farriet, Guards, etc.) Page. My lord, they are at hand awaiting ca 1, DUCAL HAPS 35 Duke. Tell us how our advances were received, Do they embrace a peace? ist MESSENGER. My lord, we scoured From line to line the country round, and saw No head, to whom we might impart our charge, That we discovered new is of such form, 'Twere lost in the expressing, implied, it tells Most treasonous. Our simplest questions met Equivocating answers; none who knew Would help us as we'd speed, and so we come To have fresh order. Duke. Aye, and speedily ! Methinks there shall a war be toward that Will make the bravest of them quail ! 'Tis strange What pow'r's in this Lelieviere that he At flashing notice can an army raise, To steep us in abeyance ! Back, you ! Who lately failed your mark ! And if you bring A second answer that will tell as this, Know then thou wert as good as dead ! Begone ! Mouth our intent as you do know it; — Fetch Some show of answer or thy head shall pay The forfeit of thy lack ! Thriving province ours, [Exit Messenger.) Environed on our landed outskirts with Harrassing bandits; On our sea girt ply Unnumbered smugglers who now drug our mart With slavish foreign wares, while native skill Doth beg a living patronage; This must, Aye, shall no longer be ! If leniency Receives a cold 'reception, we shall try A cruel warlike plan. As I did wrest This land from those who wrong' d my father, so Will I, (if needs;) as sanguinary, part for part, Maintain it to our usages ! And now — Wise councilors and else, I do resign Mine office for a time, and relegate All pomp appurtenant and duty to Our trusty servant, Cedo, he it is Will rule, advise you, (pending our return.) Henceforth his word is law ! Know all, by noon I must be found, nonest, a traveler Outside my realm; In search of health that man, The passer-by may say, and you who know May then (as 'twere upon authority) Affirm his lonelyplodding, as a scent Upon a track of health, or better you 36 DUCAL HAPS May say — he is a man whom duty found Off duty; like unto the archer who Did ever fail his mark till that he aimed Directly contrawise. BarTO. Is't well, my lord, In such grave time, with treason, rampant and Grim war at hand, thy office shall be left With head and font, a novice, whose support Thou dost so meagrely define? Duke. Why friend, Hath he not here good councilors? In case Of haps emergent, hath he not you and these ? Good-honest fellows all, upright and leal; Whose only thought, apparent, is our law Upheld most rigidly. Wherefore do you In morals so divinely hedg'd, secure In money'd wealth and friends, seek to forestall Such dire improbabilities ? Andreas {aside to BarTo). Beware ! He strokes thee dow r n too fondly; I do think He means to rub thy fur the contra way ! Duke. Friend, Andreas,— Thou no lesser christian light, Than he thy consort, see thou bear'st him out And with the rest a unit for our weal. ACT III. Scene i. Apartment in Farriet's house. {Enter Blanche meditating.) Blanche Thus have I been lighthearted ever, yet The pleasing buoyancy of careless joy, Of innocence so redolent, hath not The smack exquisite, nor the bitter sweet, That here confronts and arbitrarily Enlists me in this newborn bliss; How short The days that realize this joy, how brief The nights these beauteous visions paint; — Ah me ! All nature hath digress'd, and now presents Her ripe and most engaging side. Methinks My plants, of late, a sweeter odor have| The air more bracing seems; The jibes and knocks To me, and mortals all attendant, now Grate not so harshly on mine ear; Yet with Mine ecstacy comes there a fault along, That savors much of harlotry; So deep An easy conscience doth accuse me, I Do redden at the thought, yet will I on DUCAL HAPS 37 And gloze a present sin, a past to cloak. Ah, yes ! a harlot I, as great as she Who vends her graces on the public mart ! Did I not give the Duke (unsought,) my love? His image keep in sacred enshrinement? And foster, (hoydenlike,) a craving love, To foist it on the next available ? The love, I fain would have, and that I presently may own, cojointly hold In even strain, not bating former love, To help a love existent? Shame ! Oh, shame ! Most cruel shame, that crimsons so my cheek? — Proclaims I may not entertain two loves, Yet will not help me to renounce the one, Nor with the other cloy me. Blest am I, In that I do reciprocate a love; Accurst am I, for it my prayers will not (In purity sincere,) be voic'd to heav'n. A hypocrite they vote me, since I seem In wickedness to thrive most happily; — So continuing, solace will I take From warpt philosophy adapted to My special want; as in extraction of a thorn, Attending pain gives zest to subsequent relief, I will so lose myself, as oft to think With sharpest thorns I'm deeply prick'd; whereas My woes's all joy, yea, all that is, is joy, And I, most joyful fond exponent of this joy, Thrive wickedly to further consummate. Oh why, hath Heaven made me so illform'd, That I for wrong will hunger, and have not (Seek how I will,) a virtue's countercheck ! {Enter Adelaide {hastily') . Adelaide. Oh, Blanche ! Your ear a tale I have to tell, Which, if I longer keep, will kill ! So mark, — The worthy Cedo hath to-day Made manifest for me, a love, which I Too long have sweetly guess'd, but now 'tis set, And look you, — hence ne'er meet me, but expect The dread affliction of society, — Accepted lover! Let this ever be, When that I lack of speech or speak too great, Or seem distraught or tender no reply, Excusing adequate to clear my name, Which ever shall be friend for thee. But list, I'm furnish'd with some other news, at once Both comical and sad; Sad it is, In that 'tis coupled with thy pretty self, 38 DCJCAL HAPS Most laughable it is, to thus presume. My ! how my sides with laughter ached when Lord Andreas did his tale recite, of how His eye at different times had seen Delmot With thee too closely in communion knit; And furthermore, a heed (said he,) thou giv'st Unto this flat Delmot, which none may get Howe'er so well deported; This and more Did he present to make thy father know, What he already knew, that thou wert pair'd With poor Delmot; Oh, I could scarce restrain My eager tongue, nor think how best direct ! Ah, well, in thy defense 'twas warmly us'd, Of that rest well assur'd; Oh I did show The inconsistence of his yarn, the lack Betwixt you pair of close affinity . Then most indignantly did I compare Shortcomings of thy swain ! — Blanche. Soft, Adelaide !— Adelaide. Hath he, (said I,) a virtue fit to mate With thy most faulty act? Blanche. Oh, Adelaide ! Adelaide Nay rate Delmot in form or tone or wealth, Combined threble value in excess An hundred fold, still would he have Not grace enough to be thy lackey ! Blanche. Hold ! I cry you mercy, friend ! Counts it a sin Adonis' mirror's not Delmojft's physique? Loves man his mother less when nature hath Been sparing with her niceties? Or when The lapse of years her kindly face doth set In honorable wrinkles ? Come tell me, — Is poverty enforc'd iniquitous? — Hold'st thou a friendship in such tenure as To vacillate as will its owner's wealth ? No, dearest friend, thou wilt not smirch my love; Thou dost but tease me; even now design, To rouse the ire of love, whereby thou mayest Perceive a sweet reflection of thy mind, Which being freshly burden'd of its love, Hath pressing incitation to observe The literal enactment. Adelaide. Must I then Believe mine eyes that followed thee so well DUCAL HAPS 39 Askance have look'd ! Discerning lost ! That thou . From aspirations of a ducal love Thy love so low could prosiitute ? Ah ! thou Hast grievously deceiv'd; which in return To swell our mutual endearments, I Applaud as thou wilt love, — When 'tis a Duke I'll say 'tis well, being beyond thy reach, — When base or lowly born, — why better then, Since thou woulds't not abase thyself, and best When such another as ni^y love, (a man Of all that man's a man, component), thou May'st (in delusive vagaries of luck) Chance on a next to him in cleverness. Blanche. Be not so cruel, Ada, he I love Hath all that Heav'n may bless a mortal with ! I would none other, give me joy of him; — Not seek by peurile scorn, the hope to pall, That all my amatory tenderings, Shall meet in him a love responsive. Bah ! He did but smile, and I that smile construed Into a love design, and when he spoke, Refined modulations of his speech, So wrought upon my feelings, I did take The commonplace accosting due our sex, To be as Cupid's challenge; So have I Resolved a love reciprocal of naught. Begott'n from sweet conceits a fruitful fact, No ! No ! Ada ! Thus doth it stand,— Delmot Hath not address'd me other than as one Might speak unto a sister, it was I Who unabash'd oft forc'd my blushings and All else betok'ng love. Have pity then For one that hath a clean divided heart, A false and true that alternate as days And men wall pass. Adelaide. Indeed, dear Blanche, thou art Too scathing of thyself! For I do know Thou art too modest, shy and diffident, For common good; Thou woulds't not woo unwooed; The Duke with kindness woo'd, perchance an eye Of yearning bent on thee, which thou (so new,) Receiv'd at par; This should you not; for men Will smile and smirk and nod and wink, and you A passive doll accepting, will evolve A leal ofF'ring from a false intent. Now, by the moral sway of Cupid, I Some dozens have encounter'd such as this, 40 DUCAL HAPS And found it passing sport ! To some, a smile, A willful frown to others, then a look Most tearful or caressing, as the gauge Of him opposing did prefer; — yet here, A Christian, heartwhole, with a virgin love, Gives greeting unto Cedo ! — Come with me, I have a school of lessons few, Wherein is taught what you should do; And profit you or profit not, The issue is a happy lot. {Exeunt.) {Enter Andreas, Barto andQnno.) Andreas. To war were better than dishonor'd peace ! To paint white black, is well, but then to build A lofty structure on that base, — my lords Let me be honest ! Cedo. So acts of the wise The veriest fool may aptly criticize, Till puff'd up with opinionated points, His hearers by contagion are iniected, Imbibing erudition of the fool, Which subsequent reflection proves a nill, Let us then be chary and eschew The vision (universal,) which doth set Each sev'ral living man (whate'er his lot,) To be the leader of a little world, Whose canton scope is as his senses may Find opportunity and fancied wit To cope withal: Remember all may mar But few can make; Respect originals; Be not a wind iconoclast; Bark not The tree that gives thee shade; Best you would shirk The self-imposed duties of your tongues; Transpose alleged wisdom into truth; And loudly praise his eccentricity. Ah, Sirs: to found a clever critic, takes Small quantity of wit; A trade for which Most men assume a special aptitude. Andreas. Come, Cedo, now you do enlarge upon Our little speech; We did comment and times Do countenance the act; Certain it is The Duke (by odd manipulation,) has Invited comments Pro and Con, the which We have most charitably entertain'd. In that he has some score of smugglers seiz'd And that Jean Lelieviere is routed, we DUCAIv HAPS 4 1 Do give him praise, but when, (alack the day !) He stoops the ducal dignity to lose, By persecution of a noble man, (As Monsieur Farriet is proven,) and To further aggravate the case, he hath Within his household plac'd (the like, In ill-proportion, nature ne'er excell'd.) An impress half twixt man and ape, who treads The smallest hours of the twenty-four, In spy-like patrol of the sweetest girl That e'er wore smock ! Cedo. This, then it is Affords thee umbrage at the ducal will ? Do I (in off'ring joy) anticipate May I (without premising,) gratulate ? Nay, stutter not, nor ape a virgin coyness, She that you love is e'en most lovable; — Quite proper in all maiden attributes; — Therefore be bold to claim — Andreas. And so would I, But that my better to that height aspires, And though he speak it not, most meanly do These ducal eccentricities engage And foul his holiest intendment ! Cedo. Yes, friends, while all deplore, none may coerce The line of Delmot's actions here; But as His entertainment lacks instruction, ye May fit a key-blank to an easy lock And use him henceforth as thy wants suggest. In then ! Remember well, as " Man's success Lies in the force of his endeavors J' ye With axes dull, the stone ! Thy selves avail Of these inviting opportunities ! {Exit.) (Barto menacing after Cedo.) BarTo. Accurst be he and all that follow in The ducal wake ! My influence methought Was all sufficient to effectuate The prompt deposing of this Delmot and Instating of thy self ! Yet now it seems 'Tis something short of naught ! Didst note Cedo With all his Joud exclaiming nothing said ? 11 His entertainment lacks instruction/^ So the moon Forsooth ! may lack direction since 'tis prone To many changes; yet no mortal can Avail him aught by striving to control; So with Delmot, in his appointment here 42 DUCAL HAPS Omnipotent, sits even as the Duke And may not then as easily be led. Andreas. Since then, we know our vantage elsewhere lies, Let us within and new suggestings seek, Wherewith to found a new procedure; Come — Upon our laggard heels misfortunes tag, Dire menaces until our game we bag ! Scene 2.— Grounds about Far net's house. (Enter Duke, in disguise-, Blanche discovered laughing and chat- tering in the distance with her 7naid. ) Duke. Where link'd with beauty bodes a finer mind ? Where group'd in nature's masterpiece more grace F10121 Heav'n mirror'd? Angel! Woman! First My pulse to move this happy measure, first My wicked self to re create ! And now (Since thou the gauntlet of a cruel test Too well have sped,) will I withdraw and woo As more befits thy desert to be woo'd. Ah ! how the rasping words in latitude Of common speech, in glowing colors paint Her lily cheeks ! Much like the lash of guilt Upon the spotless back of innocence. A virgin fit the greatest king to mate With beauty, wit and all else integrate. (Duke assumes a pensive attitude. ) (Exit maid] forward Blanche.) Blanche. Art ill, my friend, that dull dejection takes A hold so gruesome ? Duke. 111? Aye, ill indeed As he who hath disease incurable. What fleshly pain as keen, incisive, as Hypocrisy of thought? To clash the mind (Whose umpirage religiously directs,) With thought on thought most sensual, incite The passive body to a mean imposture? Blanche. Sir, rather do I think thy searching sense Doth magnify some mite and merge it in A woeful sin. * Duke. Come, charming censor, tell How thou cans't so diverge in judgment from Thy father, mentor, friends and those who deign My execrable moves to arbitrate ? DUCAL HAPS 43 BLANCHE. My father's hate, (albeit much misprised,) Hath great occasion; Then as moon to sun Will fawning friends their borrowed lustre lend In lesser hates on thee, — Duke (attempting a caress.) And you, fair one, Wilt thou not here resolve me ? Render true Thy wonted estimate ? Blanche. This can I not, — Or may not if I could, — Beseech you ! Let me indoors ! I've naught to say, — Kind sir ! I pray you — hold me not — my tongue is lost ! No speech have I that boots thee to attend ! Duke. Sweet ! Glint thine eyes but so, and sweeter speech Can human lips not frame, nor can be found A list'ner more intense than he who heeds ! Fair siren, may I be so bold, so vain, Sweet, to impart here have we each for each A treasure infinite, enriching both. Be thou the magnet to my steel, and gain By giving of thy power; Wilt thou be As high exalted as adoring man May couch a worthy woman ? Wilt thou wive A man inferior, yet of a heart Immaculate, that throbs for none but thee ? Blanche. I know not how to answer since I think Much more than thou dost crave thou dost bestow; Yet if thou wilt and thinkst not to repent, — Duke. So will I never do, — or doing die ! ( They retire. ) [Enter Cedo and Adelaide.) Adelaide. 'Twere folly thus to woo, — have ye no saws To send a wooing of a cuter text ? Thou lov'st me truly, aye, 'tis stale and raw ! Thou wouldst and couldst most valiantly, but don't; Ah ! If I were a man prerogativ'd No maid who so invitingly presents, Would have her wants unsated ! I would have A clasping arm, a shelt'ring breast, a lip Continuously kissing; see beyond {Looking at Duke in distance) Where goes the humblest, yet withal most wise, Who will inhale his bud when scarce 'tis plucked. 44 DUCAL HAPS Doth not his arm encompass her ? Why, sure ! Else hath he been dismeinber'd? Quick ! Retire ! Lest we be hued with shame; for by his way I think he means to kiss. My ! Sour grapes Did ever make me qualmish ! Cedo. Wouldst thou have A hugging bear, a kissing dove ? Then so — And so, — (kissing) with animal endearments I Herewith begin a never-ending role ! Adelaide. Ah, poor in quality is the response Of love too long solicited ! It hath The mtrit of originality. For never did I hear of love that lack'd The fiery germ of spontaneity! Cedo. If depth of love by blandishments is shown, Henceforth a love most obvious thou'lt own. Spasmodic and paroxysmal I'll be, Loose-jointed ever with a pray'rful knee. No scowling frowns, no venom'd stares, all smiles; The very prince himself of cupid's wiles. With sighs at times, then tears, and all between Diffusing love's quintessence beauteous queen. (Exeunt.) (Forward Blanche and Duke.) Duke. It is my lack doth so embolden me, Were I more richly favor 'd, of a form Less hideous, thus much would I not urge. Blanche. Why should I linger on't when you would know? 'Twas then, — The Duke, I lov'd ! Why laugh you not? Duke. This moves me not to mirth; All subjects should Show loyal love. Blanche. In sooth they should, yet mine; — Kind sir, — shame me no further to confess ! Duke. Sweet ! 'Tis the keen delight of love,. to hear These fond confessings; Tell me of this love, — Was't like to mine ? Blanche. E'en so, a tender bud, A struggling undeveloped flower, though The rip'ning would I fear, had you not stay'd DUCAL HAPS 45 The random growth and grafted sweeter fruit. Duke. 'Tis well to be a second if the first Be dead, and third doth follow not in train. Yet of this duke, thy love (if that he would,) I like him not, and much annoyed am I To know he has bestirred thy virgin heart. BLANCHE. How like the duke thou seem'st when speaking thus ! In feature, voice, expression, so in kind I cannot well distinguish ! Aye in truth Had nature used thee kindly, I could swear Thou wert his very image ! Duke. What ! A duke Of pigmy stature, and a camel's back? Of microscopic brain ? Of dwarfish wit ? Astute discerner ! Well dost thou collate When say'st thou he doth me resemble ! Blanche. I would not have thee so detract; Be true, My love in all, nor abnegate a grace By both in common held, lest I be bowed By shamed humility; For as the duke Did, as the lightning's corruscating stroke Flash heav'nly fire into my sleeping heart, Awaken fond desires, delicious thoughts, Entrancing dreams and pleasing discontents, And as thou art in body, mind and all His other self, his true continuer, I needs must loyal be, whiles you no more He, (which art thyself,) will derogate. Duke. Why truly, thou art of the gentler sex A gem, a true exponent, to outface Avow'd dissembling with such sweet debate. Now come your ways, too long have you annoy' d. Sweet work have I to keep those lips employed. {Attempts kiss.) Blanche. Aye, wilt thou so, without some sharp rebuke ! Forbear ! Nor dare parade me by the duke ! {Exeunt.) {Forward Cedo and Adelaide.) Adelaide. Whoever saw a clucking hen to pick Till that she scratched ? Or farmer seek to reap E're he had sown ? Anticipation's guile 46 DUCAL HAPS Averts reality, Thou wouldst affect The capers of a novice on the lute I do remember of, who would essay Profoundest musical effusions known, B're she the scale had mastered. Breathes the child Who will the dinner courses gorge, When close a savory dessert awaits ? You, but a child, in love, must so be chid'n; Know then, to wear me tritely, woo you must ! And that without incessant urging, too ! Cedo. What if I brazenly will arrogate Fine qualities that ill befit : Cause you To think I am not IjThrive in deceit; Assail thee with a tongue eclectic, true In seeming only; Or with boasts alike — A man I know, who when the snow Lay thickly as a shield; 'Tween suns I vow, criss cross could plough A full ten-acre field. But when the blast of winter past, And summer heat the while, As sure as fate this man could skate A minute to a mile. On desert dry, no water nigh, I'll truly say of him, Be mortal glad, if that he had An hundred miles to swim. But when on ship, his truthful lip ' Twere pity to observe; Miles he could do, as seconds flew, Ah, me ! He had a nerve ! Nay, suffer me to court thee honestly, That when conjugal love enjoying, we May yet have crowning virtues to reveal. Ada. Then be it so, yet, let it not appear My love is held too cheaply ! Be alive To feelingly enact thy prompting thoughts And let me queen it o'er my fond domain ! Cedo. Yea, on my neck, thy foot, a fond caress; So thou anon infracting love no less. {Exeunt) {Enter BarTo and Andreas.) Andreas. This is the very substance of the scheme, — Thou hast in swordsmanship no equal, save DUCAL HAPS , 47 One lone exception, he, the duke; and as This Delmot sports a warlike thigh, thou may'st Find quick occasion to engage the skill His dangling sword implies; Without a fear But he'll be stuck as well as other hogs. BARTO. This sorts not well and ruins me in caste, To cross a knightly sword with such as he. Andreas. Nay, cross it not ! But lunge at him with point Of deadly venom ! Make a deal — defense — As 'twere a quarrel forc'd — invited not ! Trust me to fend the honor of your steel, By goading him till that his acts overt, Thy pass will justify. BarTO. Much cause have I To wish him dead, yet murder suits me not ! Andreas. Come, scan thee not thy mind so daintily, Nor coin so harsh a word He hath unlocked The closest secrets of thy bosom, holds The safest fort in action; charms a love That else were yours, he being vanquished. Say, shall he live ? Iyive yet to tell the Duke Thy fond confidings; by the which the bribes Thou gavs't to him, will serve as vouchers for A gauzy probity; — (Enter Farriet.) Barto. No more, he dies! I'll down all conscience 'tween me and the act ! Andrews. Sh— ! Farriet ! Now closely by repair, And hearken to his railing — here 'tis good. ( They retire to side hidden by trees. ) Farriet. What, solitude ! Shall I luxuriate In pensiveness and for the nonce have time To bless me with an intervening? 'Tis Most singular what hap hath now befall'n, And clouds me much to question; I,o ! 'tis gone ! The miracle quick wrought, illusion is ! For here my nemesis, mine evil star. Impatient eagnerness personifies, And strives to bask him in my seldom smile, Which never yet were his. (Enter Duke.) 48 DUCAL HAPS Duke. Good morning, sir ! Farriet. 'Twere knavish mockery to thus accost With gentle salutation of the day, When yet thine eye in watch perpetual Hath disallow'd the warrant of salute ! Duke. It grieves me much, the service of my hire Doth visit you unkindly; I would be Well savoured to your liking, at this time, If never so before, since now I come In marriage way, to ask of thee thy child. Farriet. Why, 'tis an ass that speaks ! Alike the child That hunger d for the moon ! Hence you to her ! Amazement so confounds me, in reply I needs must be abusive ! Go, to her ! There will you get denial, sweet, refin'd In cloaked repugnance; There refusal take In sugar'd cadence; Pity if you will For she is of such gentle disposition, Grossest word of hers excels my best {Enter Bi^anche.) In pleasuring the ear ! Stay you ! She comes ! {Aside) Why, here is not a child, but woman grown, That rather may be led than driven ! Blanche. Sire, — Why dost thou look so grave, and stare me so ? Thou wilt not think I have outgrown thy love? ( Farriet caressing Blanche. ) Farriet. My child ! So even now, a very babe That cooing in my rocking arms, was wont To while relaxing hours; as like to Eve And Adam, in our paradise; no sin, No thought iniquitous. When, lo, appears A wily serpent, sharp, seductive, which (But little diff'ring from the Devil skinn'd,) Comes in the form of man, prepared to tempt The tenure of our holding. Will you draw A present parallel, or seeming dense Compel me query, by the which I add Abasement to thy high estate; Demean The loftiest findings of my soul ? Blanche. Oh Sire — Be well persuaded I am thine for aye. And further be convinced, thy teachings have DUCAI, HAPS 49 Been carefully attended. How may I speak, When by thy mien 'tis quite evident To anger thou'rt inclined ? Sire, change thy look, Aud bid me pleasantly proceed, lest I, Misjudging, think thou dost divine my speech And predispose to choler ! Farriet. How I look Need prejudice to no perversion; Say (With candor) what you may, but tell me not In shadow of thy love yon suitor comes ! BLANCHE. Good sire ! Say rather I the shadow am To his eclipsing light ! Duke. Sire, give me leave, — Farriet. Of absence, aye, or leave to quit thy life ! — Which doubly valued, poor requital were To compass this foul wrong ! 'Tis monstrous, child ! Rank heresy to nature for a lamb To mate the dread hyena, or the dove To pair the buzzard; Beasts of little wit Thus much innately know; And will my child With less than brute discretion, act a part? What, Daughter ! Wilt thou balk at heaven, when, With such a gracious hand, she hath bestrewn Thy pathway? Thou, divinel}' blest, wilt mock High heaven by debasing of these gifts? Nay, — Teaser mine, — Tell me forthwith remains The tether of paternal love intact; That yet the overawing power of A good example be not so impinged, That here is warrant of futility ! Why, I do tire of my clanging tongue That ceaselessly reiterates; — Yet I In thy behavior, scent some faulty hints That wearily persuade. Come, face about, With haughty chilliness, thy back to that, Wiles cheerfully thine eyes my fears dispel. Blanche. Oh, Father, kill me not with such reproof! Thou chid'st as I were heinously at fault, When I had thought mine act thyself would please. From infancy hast thou precepts set forth, Which (duteously observing, ) shaped my course To order this selection. — Hast not thou 50 DUCAL HAPS Repeatedly maintained, " That man is great When greatness he begets;— That to be good Were better far than great; — and humbleness The sponsor of their truth ? Alas, when I With Delmot's love myself enriched, methought M y joying heart (with love new generate For thee and thy endorsement of my choice,) Bxultingly would burst its strained bounds And send me to elysium ! — Yet now In chaos I abide, not knowing how My filial devotion to thy will Hath so egregiously offended. (Farriet draws sword.) (Farriet to Blanche.) Hence ! Lest in my proper wrath I strike thee down ! — As (heaven pand'ring to my strength and skill) I now intend to smite this cringing wretch ! Duke. Good Sire ! Be rational ! I'll not entreat In aught but honorable vein: which course (If you but lend me hearing) I will show Will meet thj r best approval ! Farriet. Hold thy breath !— Thou home despoiler ! Look ! Defend thyself ! Blanche. Father ! Father ! Do restrain thyself! (Farriet closes in on the Duke who is compelled to draw.) Duke. Sire ! Sire ! Esteem me not so poor a knight As make me give thee battle ! Let me go Until thy present anger be subdued By other than such violence ! Farriet. What, Cur Dost flout me with mine age ? Take that ! — A miss ! — Here then !— {Duke knocks sword out of Farriet's hand— Blanche picks up sword and moves to side — Enter, Barto with drawn sword followed by Andreas.) Barto. For shame, thou crafty coward ! To thus decrepit age assail ! Come pit Thy knavish weapon 'gainst a lusty blade ! DUCAL HAPS 51 Duke. Aye, that will I, and willingly ! Be spry ! For I do strike to kill, not maim ! — And now — Oh thou dost tremble, charlatan ! — Methinks Thy tongue hath stancher courage than thine arm — Upon thy wav'ring sword arm take you this ! — (Andreas draws and confronts the Duke.) And this upon the nether ! (Duke wounds Barto who falls.) Now for you ! — Andreas. Thou miserable dwarf ! Some carving take Of thine own choosing ! Blanche rushes with uplifted sword endeavoring to shield the Duke, who wounds Andreas, then hastily departs. Ah, a vicious cut ! Alarm the household ! See, the wretch escapes ! {Enter servants, etc.) Look to Lord Barto; mine is but a scratch ! BARTO. Nay, mind me not. After Delmot ! A purse Of gold ducats he who apprehends The would-be-murderer ! Farriet. Look to the gates ! Have all safe, barred and our adjacent ground Have well explored ! Come, friends, be led within. Thy wounds a surgeon's skill should quickly have Lest serious they prove. {Exeunt Barto, Andreas and attendants.) Blanche. Oh, leave me not ^ In such austerity ! Turn, father, please, Compel me not to beg my honest due, For, as I hope to live, naught have I done That forfeits me thy love ! Farriet. Thou plead'st in vain ! Think'st thou affection is dispensed in lots Like garden truck ? That heart and pulse at will To suit a passion's whim, are made to beat ? Avaunt ! Thou hast renounced parental love, Aye, issue taken 'gainst thy flesh and blood ! As thou hast built, go thou and house ! Away Resume thy consort with that murd'rous knave, That fugitive, who will ere dawn be jailed; Hie to him swiftly never to return ! (Blanche sinks in despair. Curtain.\ 52 DUCAL HAPS ACT IV. Scene i. Corridor in Farriet's home.) {Enter Blanche and Adelaide.) Blanche. This must you do, and speedily, or I Will say thou dost procrastinate and seek By subterfuge and many petty means, To eke the time so tediously, my plan Shall fail a consummation; Never think it Better to believe the pretty names (Of pure effeninateness typical,) It was thy wont to dress me with, Misnomers were; That what I seemed to be, That am I not; nor ever shall again With thoughts so vain, imbue my self conceit. Oh, friend ! Thou know'st me not, nor I myself ! I would thou wert a mind diviner, could The turbulence my brain and heart contain, Have knowledge of; then with such slothful speed Thou could'st not act; Thou say'st thou art in love; 'Tis false ! Else knowing of my misery, Wouldst thou with lightning speed my favor grant ! Ada. Why, sweetheart ! What a spitfire art thou now To twit me with inaction ! By my love, (Which Heaven be my witness I aver Is treasured next my soul,) I will avouch, With wit and limb, by night and day, have I Incessantly thy interests advanc'd ! Blanche. Ah, I do know it well; — Forgive my spleen, For senseless spleen it is, and spleen 'tis not, — I would the Duke were come ! Forgive me, sweet — Why comes he not ? It hath been well announc'd He would 'ere noon arrive. Ada. Be patient, Blanche, Soon will ensue thy hour of good cheer— DUCAI, HAPS 53 BLANCHE. Ah ! Would he were less valiant, more discreet, Then would I feel secure; yet he will face Manhunters by the score, and by his grit Yield up his precious life. Oh, friend, bestir ! To Cedo go ! A thousand times entreat ! And if he then be lax, why still entreat ! Why stays the Duke so long ? My Delmot dead ? Methinks this long delay hath turn'd my brain ! Why, I do seem to see his bleeding corpse, — His manly front with cruel wounds agaping; Go ! Have Cedo to recall these men Or charge them use no violence ! I'll Upon the high road wait and greet the Duke With such sincere beseechings, ere he comes Within the castle gates, he needs must turn. {Exit Adelaide ) And order give for Delmot's safety — Ah ! {Enter Barto with bandaged arm.} Esteemed friend ! none welcome more than thou, — How is thy wound ? I hope it pains thee not, And yet, alack, thou wouldst have slain Delmot ! Barto. I would I had — Ne'er lived a meaner wretch ! Blanche. O say not that ! As thou art friend to me So must thou be to him or fail us both. Crease not so frowningly thy brow, Oh, Sir, Enlist thy better nature and forgive. Barto. My executioner I might, but he — No ! No ! Bid me to do aught that mortal man may do, (Aye though perdition terminate the act,) and I Will cheerfully comply; But for this knave, No man to man more enmity can hold Than I to him. Blanche. For such abhorrence thou Hast little cause, since in his self defense Not with a venemous aggression was Thy wound inflicted. Barto. True; For that he dies ! Not midst the show of valor he engaged 54 DUCAL HAPS Opposing our true blades ! But ignominy His consort be — about his neck a rope, — O'erhead a low'ring sky, — beneath all space, Within a fallen trap a sometime prop • For his ignoble body, —whiles circling 'bout The jeering populace deride ! Blanche. Sir— Friend ! Thou surely wilt not let this come to pass ! I feel tliou art too warm, too close a friend — BARTO. Oh, Woman ! Girl ! Why sue ye not for me? The gods, my witness, much more need have I To have thy suing, so thou'lt sue thyself In my behalf! Hold not thyself so cheap As thus to waste upon this sordid dwarf Thy wealth of charms: Be mine, — Accept my name, My love, — a life's devotion, — all that man With utmost effort may his love endow. BLANCHE. Oh friend ! Why dost thou tax my feelings so ? I like you well as friend, and friend remain; Not seek attainment of those sacred gifts Which woman may but to one man allot; And thou dost know — (be it for good or ill) Mine's portion'd to Delmot. BarTo. A bride elect Unto a death's-head surely is thy lot, There is no pow'r twixt earth and heav'n can save This villain from the hangman ! Think on this And make a new selection; Tender me This futile love, and by my soul I swear A lifelong serfage to thy will ! Blanche. Accurs't The fatal day that sees him hang'd ! Accurs't The executioner and all concerned, That have the pow'r and will not render him The succor due his innocence ! Accurs't Be thou if that thy conscience makes thee not Unbend thy cruel will, withdraw thy charge And give the valiant Delmot liberty ! Barto. Sweet as the tinkling of a heav'nly bell DUCAL HAPS 55 Thy voice in censure; maledictions seem Like sweetest approbation from thy lips. Speak on, 'twill tire thee the rendering Ere I grow listless; yet I'd have thee sing Me pretty love songs; Sweet, be mine, my wife, And never yet lived man nor ever shall, Whose fiercest love could equal mine for thee ! My life, — thy love, — lose one, — lose both; for I Do rate my life as naught without thy love. BLANCHE. Good Sir ! Why wilt thou urge a fruitless suit! No love have I for any but Delmot; Should Heaven take him from me I could wish, (Unholy wish,) myself enshrouded then. BARTO. His death-knell thou hast spoken ! Let the law Unhampered by my protest, take its course. Think well; within thy hand thou hold'st a life; Be murd'retss if thou wilt. Blanche. Did I believe That in high Heaven there be mercy stored For such inhuman, unforgiving knaves, I'd straightway sin past all atonement; yes If wedding you be my alternative I'll be a murderess and my Delmot, (A willing sacrifice) will me forgive; Whilst you, until the devil claim your soul, Shall unforgiven, with the brand of Cain, Wear out your wicked life ! {Exit.) Barto. So, so, you shrew ! You're not all candy ! no ! some vinegar Is coursing through thy pretty blue-hued veins W r hose acid presence pleases me so well, I'll give thee more occasion soon to show, (In hotter passion yet), those swollen veins ! There's no mistake, she is a beauty, and She pleads most beautifully; Should the Duke Give her an audience ere I his mind Have tempered to my purpose, all may fail ! 'Twere well I see him first, since his soft heart Would surely melt to her persuasion. {Exit.) Scene 2.— Hallway in Duke's palace. Enter valets, etc. ist Valet. If this will constitute no wonder, then 5 6 DUCAI, HAPS I know of none; Of smuggling craft No less than ten this fortnight have Enriched our public coffers. 2ND ValKT. Call you this A marvel matched with that I have to tell ? Jean Lelievere is hanged; his troopers have Surrendered up their lives and booty both Unto the clement rulings of our law; And more amazing ! Delmot, whom, you know, (111 favor'd, sanguinary dwarf, the Duke's Most recent vassal who sweats his hire By playing spy on Farriet,) last night In deadly peril rushed the portals through, With frantic gesture, holding well in sight The ducal signet ring, (as 'twere to show Authority to pass the gates) — then fled With lightning speed to Cedo's chambers, where He begged protection from an angry mob, Then audible without the palace gates. What e'er the talismanic words he spoke, No loud command of pompous officer To soldiers could more promptly be obeyed; Like magic was the crowd dispersed, the while Denouncing loudly murderer Delmot. ist Valet. Delmot a murderer ! It cannot be That he hath killed old Farriet? 2nd Valet. Aye worse ! The facts (as near as I could glean last night,) Assure that Farriet engaged Delmot In deadly combat, taking umbrage at Delmot's uncanny power o'er his child, And being worsted, was assisted by Lord Barto, who in turn was jabbed so hard Lord Andreas interfered and it is said Is wounded mortally. 1ST Valet. But then to think Delmot for succor and protection, should Fly to the hall of justice, when the judge Is bosom friend to those he sought to kill. 2nd Valet. Did I not call my tale a marvel — men ? Which, readily resolved, is marvel none. If any be a prophet bid him tell Whereto these wonders tend; likewise explain The wherefore of these revolutions here, Since that our loving ruler rules us not. DUCAL HAPS 57 ist Valet. Let it content you that Cedo, albeit A mirth-infecting wit, takes to his reign As he were bred to it; no elder sage With overstock of ripe experience could More fitly do the honors; if it be That he hath caused these smugglers seized, Effected Leliviere's late hanging and Directed all these many changes, then He is a man select, of many pick't; But more am I inclined to think he is A loaded die whose cast the Duke controls; A many stringed puppet that doth act As hints the tension of its cords. 2D Valet. Let it suffice you, we are one and all Beyond our just deserts well used and go ! We judge a faultless hap, a thing as rare, And much to be commended, as the few Who when they stumble on a raised stump Or mount a step not on the steps constructed, Stride quickly on and angry words forego. {Exeunt Omnks) Scene 3. — A throne room in the Duke's palace. Duke discovered sitting in state attended by Cedo, Lords, Barto, and Andreas, each with a bandaged arm, Courtiers, Guards, etc. Duke. All being well assembled, time is ripe For any that have grievances that ask Amelioration of our state, to show By word of mouth or sworn petition penned, Wherein our late law — representatives Have in their novel functions been remiss Or by their zeal o'ershot authority. Cedo. My lord, I think there be no discontents Brewed from our exposition of the law, Thy mandates duly executed, have In all particulars, but one, brought forth A perfect satisfaction; — more, my h-rd Than failure to encompass thine intent Hath this exception done; since waxing hot Are now ensuing new disquietudes; The which, I hope, (my most revered lord,) Thou wilt reserve thy judgment on, till I Some facts (unsuited to the public ear,) Have privately conveyed to you. 58 DUCAL HAPS Duke. 'Tis well, Good Cedo; As in thy diplomacy I have implicit faith, I will defer (Until we hold a closet conference,) Mine own determinations. Now it seems A most auspicious time to call this case, Since I have yet to learn the smallest news Concerning the aggressor or aggrieved; Who be the litigants and what the cause? Cedo. My lord, the facts are these, — upon the eve Of thy departure, (if you recollect,) One Farriet, a wealthy merchant here, Convicted of the crime of treason, was By executive clemency paroled, With the express condition, to instal Within the bosom of his family, Thine own appointee, whose sole duty was To keep M. Farriet in espionage. My lord, — as in my short acquaintanceship With this Delmot, I found in him a man Most lovable and loving, I in truth Cannot impartially report him; Here Two willing witnesses and credible, Stand ready to complete the narrative. Duke. What ! Iyord Barto, likewise his friend Andreas, Trapped out so grimly with hospital swaths ! This must be well explained; for woe be to The causers of thy most unsightly plights, (If that they dwell not in the great beyond.) Barto. My lord, (with all due deference,) I will Upon thy rights divine, so far encroach As censure thy selection of Delmot; Believe me, 'twas a most unlucky choice. A villain he of deepest die, — a fiend Whose crafty, subtle machinations have A loving family circle, (unsurpassed) Most cruelly disrupted and embroiled ! The which fell acts, while striving to prevent, Were L,ord Andreas and my unlucky self Made bleeding martyrs. Duke. Barto ! speak ye truth ! DUCAL HAPS 59 BARTO. As God's my witness I attest within The very lines of truthfulness ! My lord, Had I a thousand tongues, each one as glib As now ding-dongs thine ear, yet would I lack Of language to portray the wily moves, Insidious advances, artful tricks, Devised by this cunning knave, to win From sweetest daughter love, from father hate; Nor caring whom he hurt thus to proceed Were we entangled; Thus, to champion An old man's wrongs and set a girl aright. Were we to death's door dangerously near. Duke. Why this recital (lords) amazes me ! The knave Delmot from me no orders had For such unseemly acts. Incredible ! He durst annoint his low plebian sword With royal blood ! Where be this renegade ? Drag him before us, that our stringent laws' Severest penalties be put upon him ! Cedo; My lord, since yesternight have I not seen Nor known his whereabouts; at that fell time, He being then in danger of his life, Inside my lower chamber refuge took, Then as mysteriously disappeared As you arrived; since neither your lordship Entering the gates nor he departing, Our vigilant gate-keepers knoweth of. Duke. Now by my soul this muddle vexes me ! Please you explain wherefrom acquired you The right this roof to hold in readiness As an asylum with free harborage For such law-breaking refugees ? Cedo. My lord, Methinks I acted in authority; Since, by thy latest admonition, I Was unreservedly to tender him All homage, duty and obeisancy, Whose hand was graced by thy signet ring. 60 DUCAL HAPS Duke. Now by my hopes of future life, I swear The ring hath never left my finger ! — Some Hallucination tenanted thy brain Or slick impostor with a counterfeit Hath gulled thee to this false conclusion; Go, And ferret out this cheat ! Bring hither straight The foul rogue, so we may administer Our law's most rig'rous punishment ! Cedo. My lord !— Duke {aside.) {Friend Cedo, mark me not, I do but chaff,) {Exit Cedo.) There being many present well informed Upon this case, it were advisable, The best enlightener diffuse his views To form a guidance for our present acts. Barto. Your grace, it is my bounden duty to Advise you, as a prime expedient, To call M. Farriet; by him may you Be best instructed. Duke. Thy proposal seems Right eminently fit. {to officers) Hence, to his home Bid him attend on us ! Andreas. My lord, no need To seek him at his erstwhile home, for he, Distracted by thy minion Delmot's acts And ills resultant, hath his home renounced, Abjured all rights of pardon and parades The prison corridor with ranting speech, Beseeching for a new commitment, which Same document, being unfurnished with, The jailer stays him out the prison walls. Duke. Go lead him here ! {To officers) ■ Great must his suff'ring be Thus to unman him. Barto. Save your grace, i! would Your eyes had witnessed his degrading, 'twas A most barbaric act; — When Farriet With tott'ring step and palsied limbs, Strove valiantly his honor to defend 'Gainst this bloodthirsty wretch Delmot. DUCAIv HAPS 6 1 Duke. My lords, By present observations, it appears This Delmot is a veritable fiend, Whose fell career if it be not estopped, May presently depopulate our court. Andreas. But for the fear of capture (true, your grace,) He had indeed cut off thy fondest friends, Who humbled now before thee, justice beg. Duke. Why, 'tis an honest plea; All men who plead For simple justice, ask their due, — no more; Methought thy royal standings (prompting) might Induce thy seeking more than equity. Injustice there's no surfeit; Right with right — And wrong with wrong hold equipoise; As ye But ask me use the Godess' steel} ards, I {Enter Farriet, led in by officers.} Will justly act the weigher ! See, who comes ? Defer ! 'Tis Farriet ! in proper time, This discourse we'll renew. Thou craz'd old man ! Sufficed it not we pardoned thee thy life, But thou straightway must use it 'gainst our peace ? Why stay'st thou not within thy proper bound? Farriet. Aye, let the query stand ! Do but reverse The source of answer and give me reply, Why 'yond thy customary legal pale Thou makest in mine own especial case Such strange departures? True, thou gav'st me life, For it (unwittingly) I tendered thanks The which into entreaties I now change That thou absolv'st thyself from lenity And bid the hangman to his duty straight ! Duke. Old man, it seemeth wasted charity To help one so devoid of rectitude ! Thou need'st religion, not a halter. Farriet. Your grace, I bid you well attend my speech, — To moralize (when happy) earns no grace, But when adversity and discontent, 62 DUCAL HAPS With subtle, hellish brunt environ us, 'Tis then upon the gentle, patient brow The heavenly halo sits ! 'Tis gospel truth, In morals, angels rather love one pupil apt, Than twenty teachers hypocritical ! Most cruelly dost thou with wicked acts Afflict me and my poor belongings, then As readily with pious tongue, bid me To patiently maintain a godly guise; This can I not — My lord — I crave the law ! Duke. Beware thy tongue, lest thou get'st law galore ! Dost realize 'gainst whom thou dost inveigh ? Farriet. Full well, your grace, a mighty potentate, Who, having option o'er a culprit's fate, Did grant him life to form a means whereby His worse than death might latterly result ! All this now consummate — My home debauch'd — My child (who might have wedded royalty) By thy confederate Delmot enthralPd, — I beg (who never yet was prone to beg,) A speedy death ! Duke. Hold Farriet ! Thou say'st Thy daughter could (an she be so inclined) Mate one of royal blood; Apprise us now Who may this noble be ? BarTo. A n't please your grace, Most earnestly and urgently did I To her make tender of my heart and name; The which refusing flat for this Delmot, Hath well discovered his unearthly pow'r, Wherefrom are all these sad haps emanant. Duke. Stand ye aside ! This Delmot must be found And mischief of his making be undone ! {Enter Cedo, followed by Blanche and Adelaide.) In proper time ! Bring you the recreant ? Cedo. Your grace, I think he be immortal sure ! Late yesternight (I'll solemnly affirm,) DUCAL HAPS 63 I did ensconce him in my lower room, Wherein mine eyes, in searching, find no trace; He through the floor or ceiling egress made, Or by unnatural evanishment; This overcoat, the only vestige left, Which late he had upon his back, I found in careless pile upon the floor. Blanche. Is this indeed his garment ? Give it me; — A sweet memento, treasured dear ! That I May consecrate it as a prayer mat, Whereon my ceaseless orisons to breathe For his prosperity and safe return. Duke. Who is this fro ward begging hussy here ? It seems we have no courtly ceremonials, Since any may approach us on the run ! Cedo. My lord, I humbly beg your pardon, she (Whose griefs unbearable impelled her speech) Is daughter to M. Farriet. Farriet. No ! No ! I have no progeny ! Time was when I A child quiescent to my lightest wish, I imagined I was father to; (Alack ! For parents' fond delusions,) I mistook,— Her duty was to me, when not athwart Her own set will; — Your grace, I have no child. Duke. Perverse young woman: See thy father's plight, Go bid him joy in thy obedience ! Have sense ! Look where the noble JSarto stands With fortune, heart-and hand awaiting thee. Blanche. (To Duke.) Oh, think me not unfilial, your grace, In all things else am I most dutiful; Believe me, father, I do love thee as I love my angel mother; Turn not so, Still in thy fond affections hold me dear; Please, father, give me blessing ! Farriet. Hence ! Begone ! I'll none of thee. 64 DUCAL HAPS Barto. Sweet Mistress Blanche, give heed To my proposals, be mine honored wife And thus thy father's joy forever be. Blanche. Away ! Attaint me not with thy lewd touch ! Duke. Erratic child ! Take counsel of thy sire, Be you by him directed; well you know His teachings ever were with wisdom fraught. Blanche. Most noble lord, methought on ent'ring here, My tongue let loose in pleading for Delmot, Had by its eloquent persuading won, In his behalf, thy gracious favor; Now, When I, (with thee,) essay to strive for him, Speech fails, my tongue obeys me not; My lord, I beg indulgence 'gainst thy courtly rites, Permit me (sidewise turned) address thine ear, Since I, God help, when suing for Delmot, With manners feat cannot straight face your grace. Duke. Is it so bad, you needs must turn in shame ? Blanche. No, no ! your grace, mine is a sinless shame ! Abashed modesty's unwilling blush, That now commands me from a brazen eye; Believe me, when to thee for him I plead, Methinks, most selfishly, I plead for thee. Duke. If all be not demented, this Delmot Is surely a magician ! Bring his robe ! I'll try the wizard's magic vestment on And do a turn in necromancy; — here {Puts on cloak and wig.) Enfold me Cedo; — 'tis a perfect fit, Why one not wise would think 'twere made for me; Doth it become me, think you worthy lords? (All stand in amazement and with profound courtesies, exclaim, "Delmot, the Duke/''' Blanche holds out her arms beseech- ingly ^ then Jails despairingly into Adelaide's embrace.) Duke. In happy time my loved one, I'll first On these satanic malefactors spend Mine evil parts, so naught but good remains ! DUCAL HAPS 65 BARTO. Most gracious Prince, it ill becomes me to Approach thee with a genuflecting knee, Since in thy grace's estimation I Rank lowest of the low, yet will I beg Thou savest me from a noble Roman's death, And forthwith send me to the hangman. Andreas. Your grace, I humbly beg his plea be mine, To quickly grant me speedy death. Duke. Not I— Thy fate rests in the disposition of Thy victim, Farriet, in him behold Thy jury, judge and executioner ! Come jail the knaves: Guard well, and see to it They find not happiness in suicide ! Now Farriet, I'll ask a boon of thee. {Exeunt Barto, Andreas, Cedo, courtiers, guards, etc.) Farriet. Your grace, I pray you mock me not ! I am Humiliated so I dare not face My fellow men — Duke. No more of that, old friend; A short time since I made request of thee (In matrimonial way) thy daughter's haud, A fond renewal this, my present plea; I pray thy answer now be changed. Farriet. I have Been somewhat too familiar with your grace; — Unwittingly I then denied thee what I held some loving jurisdiction o'er, But now, alas, when I would fain oblige, Mine act unnatural doth thwart my will, Your grace, I have no child to give ! {Enter Cedo, who seems to converse with Ada.) Blanche. O, Sire ! Withdraw those cruel words, and bid me nestle in Thy fatherly embrace ! (Farriet embraces Blanche.) (Duke gently strives to draw her to him. ) Nay hold me close ! ( To Farriet. ) 66 DUCAL HAPS Pray let's begone; This pleasant agony May yet unseat my wits. (Duke draws Blanche under his left arm and with his right - extracts papers from his pocket.) Duke. Oh no, my sweet, Ere you depart, for thine own private ear I have an ancient tale, that's always new, — While in recital, look you well on these: {Passes papers to Farriet.) Therein you'll find a true succinct account Of devilish plots by Barto and Andreas, To wreck the sweet alliance holy of A good contented family; Scan well ! And, by my princely honor I affirm What'er thy findings be, thy verdict will Minutely foretell consumnation. Farriet. Thanks. (Farriet retires and reads papers.) Duke. And now, my sweet, wilt thou now overlook The crucial tests my all absorbing love Hath given thee and seek thy haven here In husband's loving arms ! As I won thee In this uncomely coat — Blanche. That did ye not, As I of late confessed; 'Twas in thy robe Of ducal power that my he-trt was won. Duke. Then thus I doff this sometime useful rag, To clothe me to thy pristine love ! {Divests himself of coat, etc. ) Blanche. My lord, I am beside myself! pray let me go ! Thy greatness overwhelms me ! Duke. Nay, my love. No royal greatness o'ertops purity. A woman true is mate for any king ! ( They retire. Adelaide and Cedo come forward, both gazing after the Duke and Blanche. ) Cedo. My, how those doves now pine for company. DUCAI, HAPS 67 Ada.. As undertakers yearn for healthy friends. Cedo. Mark how his dignity is lost in love — Ada. I would thou hads't some dignity to lose. Cedo. I hope thou art not getting choleric; A bogus ducat for thy feelings love ? Ada. Know then, I feel as illconditioned as A dainty stomach with an empty purse; For I am faint, yet have the wherewithal To buy the market's finest delicates. Cedo. My love, thou woulds't not have the honeymoon Before the ringing of the marriage bells? And neither maid nor wife nor widow be A standing guy for pious charity. Ada. 'Tis coarse, — 'Tis poetry, which at its best Is naught but erudite lunatic thought;— 'Tis ancient, antedating iE^sop's tales; — Antiquity evolves sublimity — Therefore sublime, — 'Tis said, " 'Tis but a step From the sublime to the ridiculous." Cedo. Now by my heart consuming love, I'll take That vital step and folly's wisdom shake ! {Steps up to Ada.) Capitulate ! or by my love , I swear ! No bridal vesture of my choice you'll wear ! Come now, my love, thy lips armistice claim, Thy cute dissembling acts deny in vain; Sweet love, thy lips; no more hostility, We'll wear out life in love's tranquility. (Cedo and Adelaide retire.) {Forward Duke, Farriet and Blanche ) Duke. Good father Farriet, art yet resolved On sentence holding fitting punishment 68 DUCAL HAPS For thy- most heartless persecutors here ? Be you assured, no sentence so severe. No penalty so harsh, but what we will give Immediate order for its execution ! Farribt. Most gracious prince ! I humbly tender thanks; From information writ, it doth appear, Lords Barto and Andreas do well deserve A heavy punishment; Time was, your grace, (Not long since gone,) when I, with spiteful tongue, Had cried them to the whipping post and then Had found a pleasure in their hanging; Now The gilded dross of carnal thought hath been Transmuted to the purest gold ! I have No plaint 'gainst any man; The Lord hath said — "Vengeance is mine !" Let them with Him abide. Duke. As thou quot'st holy scripture, so will I, — "A tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye;" Our duty straight is plainly here set torth, No lesser punishment will fit their case, Than that they now be publicly disgraced, And then forever banished our domain ! Farriet. Your grace, 'tis rather stern, yet suites me well. (Duke, Farriet and Blanche seem to consult about contents of paper. Forward Cedo and Adelaide who converse in low tones. ) Cedo. In love, the seconds into minutes turn, The minutes into hours, hours to days, And days into interminable years, When on the tenter-hooks of lapsing time Between affiance and the marriage rite ! Ada. Why, Cedo, how thy love doth grow apace ! Anon thou'lt have me breaking customs, which Forbid me expedite the nuptial knot ! I prithee, patience now, and bide the time (But six days hence,) when at the altar we Will plight an everlasting troth. DUCAL HAPS 69 Cedo. (very loudly} No! No! 'Twould seem indecent haste to wed to-day ! I pray (as savior for thy modesty) Thou stay'st the time awhile 'tween wedding and Our unannounced bans ! Be patient, girl ! Incessantly henceforth I'll fondle thee And swiftly glide the grudged interim. Ada. Why, thou dissembler ! Friends, he hath but now For his exhausted lungs, recovered breath, Spent in imploring me to lop the time, Whose non-existing brevity he now condemns. Duke. Right well we know, friend Cedo did but jest; Yet lurking in his banter, deftly wrought, Were supplications cutely manifest, That goad us to the blest arcadia sought By all true lovers; Lady loves, are you Content all other maidens to outdo, By waving trite conventionalities And with us to the priest, thus to appease Thy famished swain ? Ada. Well, Blanche, what say you then, Shall we oblige these fond, impatient men ? BLANCHE. Sweet Ada, I'm afraid if we deny (Judged by thy Cedo's sighing,) both would die. Duke. Beseech you, then, revive our waning lives, Becoming presently our loving wives. Farriet. Their silence with consent now blended, Announces clear, our play is ended. All dramas should a moral show, And ours, too palpable, I trow Hath taught, that in combat with sin, Virtue triumphantly will win. As for the actors, let each say The which wit prompts about the play. Cedo. To please you we have striven hard, Ada. Though we've but spoken by the card; Blanche. We trust our efforts, were not vain, -dj^ajnume;. we trust our enorts.weren Duke. And hope to see you all again. YB 14529 .. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY