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 ( C O P Y R I G H T.) 
 
 I PURITAN I. 
 
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 I PUKITANI, 
 
 A GRAND OPERA, 
 WITH AN ENGLISH VERSION, 
 
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 THE PLOT. 
 
 Ix this opera, a lovely story is grafted on the 
 warfare between the Royalists and the Puritans in 
 the time of the Stuarts. The principal incidents 
 are supposed to take place in a Fortress in the 
 neighbourhood of Plymouth, of which Lord Walter 
 Walton is the Governor- General. He has a brother, 
 Sir George, a Colonel on half -pay, and a daughter, 
 Elvira. All these are of the Puritan party; and 
 Lord Walton is desirous of bestowing the hand of 
 Elvira on Sir Richard Forth, also a Puritan, and a 
 Colonel in the army. But Elvira's affections have 
 been won by a partisan of the Stuarts, Lord Arthur 
 Talbot, and, through the intercession of her uncle, 
 Sir George, her father is induced to forego his own 
 preference for Sir Richard, and to consent to her 
 marriage with Lord Arthur. There is another 
 important personage in the drama, a lady, who is a 
 semi-prisoner at the Plymouth fortress, being sus- 
 pected as an adherent of the Stuarts ; and not ^ 
 without very good reason, for she is no less a 
 personage than Henrietta of France, the widow of 
 Charles I., who has thus sought concealment and 
 security, under the name of Madame Yilla Forte. 
 
 At the rise of the curtain, Soldiers are discovered 
 on the ramparts of the fortress, relieving guard, 
 and singing their matins as the day dawns. In 
 subsequent scenes we find Sir Richard Forth be- 
 wailing the loss of Elvira, and vowing vengeance 
 against his apparently more successful rival; and 
 the uncle of the lady announcing to her the success 
 of his intercession with her father in favour of the 
 lord of her affections. Preparations are accordingly 
 made for the nuptials; a procession of Esquires, 
 Pages, and Damsels, arrives, with suitable presents ; 
 amongst which is a magnificent white veil. While 
 this is going on, Lord Walton has received instruc- 
 tions from the Parliament to arrest Henrietta, and 
 Beud her prisoner to London. He charges his 
 soldiers to keep steadfast watch over her, and 
 places the order for her arrest in the hands of Lord 
 Arthur, the pledged adherent of her cause! In the 
 meantime, the wedding arrangements are completed, 
 and Elvira re-enters, attired for the ceremony ; but, 
 bearing the nuptial veil in her hand, she playfully 
 throws it over Henrietta, remarking that, ' With 
 this veil o'er thy beauties flowing, thou'lt seem the 
 chosen bride, to the altar going.' Arthur is struck 
 with the sudden idea; and when, after Elvira has 
 retired. Henrietta attempts to remove the veil, he
 
 Music 
 Library 
 
 conjures her to desist; for, ' tbns attired, the vigi- 
 lant guard thou'lt baffle, who'll take thee for the 
 bride !' He then somewhat forcibly leads her off, 
 and Elvira re-enters with the bridal party, just in 
 time to see them pass the drawbridge. Of course, ] 
 this abrupt departure can bear no other construc- 
 tion than an elopement. Elvira becomes motionless 
 in astonishment and despair; with a fixed stare t 
 she raises her hand to her distracted head, and it 
 is discovered that the sudden shock has driven 
 her mad ! 
 
 Little now remains to be, told. The Second Act 
 is occupied almost wholly with the mad scenes of 
 the heroine; but a hint is given that her reason 
 may be restored by some joyous emotion as sudden 
 as that which had occasioned the malady. The 
 Parliament, on being informed of the escape of 
 Queen Henrietta, confiscated the estates of Lord 
 Walton, but afterwards restored them to him, in 
 the conviction that he had not knowingly been a 
 participator in the escape. Lord Arthur, however, 
 was condemned to death, and large rewards were 
 offered for his capture. Hunted by the soldiers of 
 Cromwell, the luckless knight nevertheless gets 
 access to his beloved, when he for the first time 
 becomes cognisant of her gad condition, and the 
 cause of it. This meeting, and consequent expla- 
 nation, constitute the joyous excitement which 
 restores her to reason ; but it is only to hear of the 
 price set on the head of her betrothed. At this 
 crisis, however, news arrives that the Stuarts are 
 finally discomfited, and that Cromwell, considering 
 the peace of England thus re-established, had 
 granted a free pardon to all captives and political 
 offenders. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 ELYTRA, Daughter of Lord Walton. 
 ENRICHETTA (Henrietta), Widow of Charles I. 
 ARTURO, a partisan of the Stuarts. 
 BRUNO, an Officer, and a Puritan. 
 RICCARDO, a Colonel, and a Puritan. 
 WALTER, Governor General, a Puritan. 
 GIORGIO, his Brother, a Colonel, and Puritan. 
 Soldiers, Heralds, Men at Arms, Puritans, Peasav*' 
 
 Servants, Pages, and Country Girls. 
 
 1560449
 
 I PURITANI. 
 
 ATTO I. 
 
 SCENA I. Spazioso terrapieno della Fortezza. Si 
 veggono alcune cinte, torri ed altre opere difortifi- 
 cazioni con ponti, levatoj, ec. Da lontano si scor- 
 gono assaipittoresche montagne, chef anno bellissima 
 e solenne veduta, mentre il sole, che nasce, va grada- 
 tamente illuminandole, siccome poi rischiara tutta 
 la scena. Sopra li baluardi si vegono scambiare le 
 Sentinelle. 
 
 Sentinelle fuori e dentro la Fortezza. 
 
 l.Sew.All'erta! 
 2. Sen. Sto all' erta. 
 Tutti. Gia 1' alba appari. 
 
 [JZ tamburo e le trombe monano la svealia. 
 
 1. Sen. La tromba 
 
 2. Sen. Bimbomba [II sole rischiara la scena. 
 Tutti. nunzia del dl. 
 
 Entra BRUNO e Coro di Soldati, che a poco a poco 
 escono con attrezzi militaripuUscono ed aeconci- 
 arno le armi. 
 
 Quando la tromba squilla, 
 
 Batto il guerrier si desta, 
 
 L' armi tremende appresta, 
 
 Alia vittoria va ! 
 Pari del f erro al lampo 
 
 Se 1' ira in cor sfavilla, 
 Degli Stuardi il campo 
 
 In cenere cadra. 
 [Odessi un preludio di armonia religiosa entro 
 
 lafortezza. 
 
 Bru. Oh, di Cromvel guerrieri, 
 Peighiam la mente e il cor 
 A' mattutini cantici, 
 Sacri al divin Fattor ! 
 \Il Soldati s' inginocehiano. Coro di Puritani 
 
 dentro la Fortezza. La campana suona la 
 
 Preghiera. 
 
 La luna, il sol, le stelle, 
 Le tenebre e il f ulgor,
 
 THE PURITANS. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE L Wide ramparts of the Fortress. Breast- 
 works, watch towers, fortifications, and drawbridges 
 are seen. In the distance a view of picturesque 
 mountains, which are slowly gilded by the rising 
 sun's rays, till the whole scene is glittering in 
 light. Upon the bulwarks the Sentinels are being 
 changed. 
 
 Sentinels within and without tlie Fortress. 
 
 1 Sen. Arouse thee ! 
 
 2 Sen. I have risen. 
 
 All. The sun is now rising. 
 
 [Drums and trumpets sound the reveille. 
 
 1 Sen. The trumpet 
 
 2 Sen. Is sounding [The sun breaks over the scene. 
 All. It heralds the day. 
 
 Enter BBUNO and Chorus of Soldiers, with military 
 equipments they polish and prepare their arms. 
 
 Whene'er the trumpet soundeth, 
 
 Up swift the warrior springeth, 
 
 His dreaded arms he bringeth, 
 And to the battle goes ! 
 
 Like to his bright sword's flashing, 
 
 His eager spirit bounding, 
 
 O'er fallen Stuarts dashing, 
 In dust he treads his foes. 
 [From the fortress a prelude of sacred music is 
 
 heard. 
 J3ru. Oh, warriors of Cromwell, 
 
 Humble each mind and heart 
 
 To morning's solemn canticles, 
 
 Praising the Holy God ! 
 [The Soldiers sink on their knees. Chorus of 
 
 Puritans in the Citadel. The bell sounds for 
 
 Prayers. 
 
 Moon, sun, and starry regions, 
 
 Night's shadow and day's splendour,
 
 Ban gloria al Creator 
 
 In lor f avelle ! 
 
 La terra e i firmameuti 
 
 Esaltano il Signor! 
 
 A lui dian laudi e onor, 
 
 Tufctilegenti! 
 
 1 Sol Udisti? 
 
 2 Bol Udii. 
 Tutti. Fini. 
 
 Bru. Al re che f ece il dL 
 L' inno dei puri cor 
 Sali sui venti 1 
 
 Entra Coro di Castellane e Castellans, cTie recana 
 cestellim difiori. 
 
 1 Cas. A f esta ! 
 
 2 Cas. A festa ! 
 
 Tutti. A festa! [Inviiando i Soldati a cantare. 
 
 L'ra. Almo gioir s* appresta ; 
 A frutti rida il cor ! 
 Cantate un casto amor. 
 
 [Bruno fa cenno di adesione, e i Soldati si mis* 
 chiano co' Castellani, ec ripetendo i canti di 
 nozze. 
 
 Garzon, che mira Elvira 
 La bella verginella, 
 L' appella la sua stella ! 
 Regina dell' amor. 
 E il riso e il caro visa 
 Belta di Paradiso ; 
 E rosa in su lo stel, 
 E un angelo del ciel t 
 Sincere un Cavaliero 
 
 In pianto a lei d j accanto, 
 Ha il vanto altero e santa 
 D' innamorar quel cor. 
 Elvira allor sospira, 
 Gli chiede eterna f ede ; 
 Ed oggi da mercede 
 A un si ndato, ardor. 
 1 Cas. A festa! 
 L! Cas. A festa ! 
 Tutti. A festa! 
 
 Almo gioir s* appresta ! 
 A tutti ride il cor, 
 Se a nozze invita amor ! 
 
 [Tutti partono il solo Bruno, volgendo il capo 
 vedendo Riccardo, che esce disperatamenfa 
 afflitto, siferma in
 
 In their own language render 
 
 All praise and glory ! 
 
 The earth and heaven above it 
 
 Do magnify the Lord ! 
 
 To him, from ev'ry nation, 
 
 Be praise and homage ! 
 
 1 Sol. Didst hear thou ? 
 
 2 Sol I did hear. 
 All. Tis finished. 
 
 Bru. Unto the day's High God 
 Devotion from the heart 
 On the winds wafting ! 
 
 Enter Chorus of Retainers bringing smcui oi';?ta cf 
 flowers. 
 
 1 Vil. To pleasure! 
 
 2 Vil. To pleasure ! 
 
 All. To pleasure ! [They invite the Soldiers to ling. 
 Bru. A joyful day is near ; 
 
 Let hearts to joy be giv'n ! 
 
 Sing of some honest love. 
 
 [Making a sign of approval, the Soldiers blend 
 with the Villagers, and sing a bridui 
 
 A youth beholds Elvira, 
 All bright in virgin beauty, 
 His star of hope and duty ! 
 His Queen of faith and truth ! 
 There is heaven in her glances ! 
 From its light stalk full bendin ?, 
 Less blush of rose entrances, 
 Or angel's glowing youth ! 
 And the faithful Cavalier, 
 Now in his fond tears kneeling,- 
 He can boast of having found 
 In her heart a mutual feeling. 
 And she, with maiden sighing, 
 Asked and found his true heart' 3 tiai; 
 And on this day she yields him 
 The prize of pure love's claim. 
 
 1 Vil. To pleasure ! 
 
 2 Vil To pleasure! 
 All. To pleasure ! 
 
 A joyful day is near! 
 
 Let hearts be full of cheer, 
 
 Love to the wedding leads ! 
 
 [Exeunt all but Bruno, who sees Richard i.riprc- 
 ing in dejection, and. steps aside.
 
 8 
 
 Entra RICCABIK). 
 
 Ric. Or dove f uggo io mai ? 
 
 Dove mai celo gli orrendi affanni miei? 
 
 Come quei canti rispondono 
 
 Al mio cor funerei pianti ? 
 
 O, Elvira ! O, Elvira 1 o mio sospir soave, 
 
 Per sempre io ti perdei ! Senza speme ed amoi 
 
 In questa vita, or che rimane a me ? 
 Sru. La Patria e il Cielo ! 
 Ric. Qual voce ? che dicesti ? 
 
 E vero e vero ! 
 Bru. Apri il tuo core intero 
 
 All' amista, n' avrai, conf orto. 
 Ric. E vano ! ma pur t' appaghero. Sai che d' Elvira 
 
 II genitor m' acconsentia la rnano, 
 
 Quando al campo volai. 
 
 leri alia tarda sera, 
 
 Qui giunto con mia schiera, 
 
 Pien d' amorosa idea, 
 
 Vo al padre. 
 Bru. Ed ei dicea ? 
 Ric. ' Sospira Elvira a Talbo Cavaliero, 
 
 E sovra il cor non v' ha paterno impero.' 
 Bru. Ti calma, o amico. 
 Ric. II duol, che al cor mi piomba. 
 
 Sol calma avra nel sonno della tomba. 
 
 Ah ! per sempre io ti perdei, 
 
 Fior a amore, o mia speranza ! 
 
 Ah, la vita che m' avanza 
 
 Sara piena di dolor. 
 
 Quando errai per anni ed anni 
 
 Al poter della ventura, 
 
 Io afidai sciagura e afEanni 
 
 Nella speme del tuo amor 
 
 Oh qual sogno ingannator 1 
 [Sentesi una breve Marcia. I Soldatl frapaS' 
 
 sano la scena per andare alle rassegne. 
 Bru. T appellan le schiere a lor condottier. 
 Ric. Di gloria il sentiere m' e chiuso al pcnsier. 
 Bru. A patria e ad onore non arde il tuo cor ? 
 Ric. Io ardo e il mio ardore e amore, e furor! 
 Bru. Deh poni in obblio 
 
 C' eta, che fioriva nei eogni d* amor. 
 Ric. Mi e in mente ognor viva, 
 
 Mi accresce il desio, m' addoppia il dolor. 
 
 Bel sogno beato d' amore e contento 1 
 
 O, cangia il mio fato ! o, cangia il mio cor !
 
 Enter RICHARD. 
 
 Rich. Ah ! where's my refuge now ? 
 
 Where may I hide my terrible affliction P 
 
 Oh, how these revels seem to vibrate 
 
 Like funeral dirges to my bosom ! 
 
 Elvira, Elvira ! sweetest hope, 
 
 For ever have I lost thee ! Love and hope, 
 
 Deprived of these, what now remains to me? 
 Bru. Thy Country and Heaven ! 
 Rich. Who spoke there? what saidst thou? 
 
 'Tis true 'tis true ! 
 Bru. Lay open thy bosom 
 
 To friendship, and thence draw comfort. 
 Rich. 'Tis useless ! but Til yield to thy wish. 
 
 Thou know'st Elvira's sire gave me her hand, 
 
 Consenting she should be mine. 
 
 To the camp I then hastened, 
 
 Which, late at night reaching, 
 
 With my warriors, and with heart o'erflowing, 
 
 I went to him ! 
 
 Bru. And then what said he P 
 Rich. ' Elvira sighs for Talbot, and I, her sire, 
 
 Have no power over her affections.' 
 Bru. My friend, be tranquil. 
 Rich. The grief that's weighing heavy on my heart 
 
 No calm will find save in the sleep of death. 
 
 Ah ! to me for ever lost now, 
 
 Flower of love and hope the dearest ! 
 
 Life ! to me, thou now appearest 
 
 Gloomy and with tempests cross'd. 
 
 Tear by year, as wild I wander'd, 
 
 By the whirl of fateful changes toss'd, 
 
 To no torture did I bow, 
 
 For hope would cheer me, though banish'd now. 
 
 Delusion ! where's the vision fled P 
 [A short March is heard. The Soldiers cross the 
 
 stage /or the muster call. 
 
 Bru. The army requires thee to be its chief. 
 Rich. The path of glory is barr'd to my thoughts. 
 Bru. For country and honour warms not thy heart ? 
 Rich. My soul is on fire but 'tis with love ! 
 Bru. Bury in oblivion that time 
 
 Which enwreathed thee with love and flow'rs. 
 Rich. It is an ever-present memory, 
 
 Spurring desires, and doubling every woe. 
 
 Oh, happy and lovely dream of peace and joy ! 
 
 Oh, change thou my fate, or change my heart ! 
 [I PuritanL]
 
 10 
 
 come e tonnento nei di del dolore 
 La dolce me memoria d' un tenero amor. 
 
 [Partono, 
 
 3C3NA U.Le finestre Goticho sono aperte, si ve- 
 dono le fortificazione, ec. 
 
 ELVIRA e Sir GIORGIO. 
 
 JEIlv. O, amato zio! oh, mio secondo padre! 
 Sir G. Perche mesta cosi ? m' abbraccia, Elvira. 
 Elv. Deb. cbiamami tua figlia ! 
 Sir G. O, figlia ! O, nome, 
 
 Che la vecchiezza mio consola e alletta. 
 
 Pel dolce tempo ch' io ti veglio accanto, 
 
 E pel soave pianto, 
 
 Che in questo giomo d' allegrezza pieno, 
 
 Piove dal ciglio ad inondarmi il seno, 
 
 O, figlia, rnia diletta, oggi, sposa sarai 1 
 Elv. Sposa ! no moi ! 
 
 Sai come arde in petto mio, 
 
 Bella fiamma onnipossente, 
 
 Sai ch' e puro il rnio desio, 
 
 Clie innoceate e questo cor. 
 
 Se tremante all' ara innante 
 
 Strascinata un di saro 
 
 Forsennata in quell' istante 
 
 Di dolor io moriro ! 
 ftir G. Scaccia onnai pensier si nero ! 
 Tlv. Morir si ! sposa no mai - - 
 Sir G. Che dirai, se il Cavaliero 
 
 Qui vedrai, se tuo sera ? 
 Elv. Ciel ! repeti chi verra. 
 Sir G. Egli stesso ! 
 Elo. Egli chi? 
 Sir G. Ai'turo. 
 Elv. E fia vero ? 
 Sir G. Oh, figlia, il giuro! 
 Elv. Desso? Arturo? 
 Sir G. Arturo. 
 Ei,v. Oh, giojal 
 
 \_Elvira s* abbandona tra le braccia dello Zio. 
 Sir G. Piangi, o figlia, sul mio seno, 
 Piangi, ah piangi, di contento, 
 Ti cancelli ogni tormento 
 
 uesta lagrima d' amor. 
 tu mira, o Dio pietoso,
 
 11 
 
 At, what a keen torment, in the day of grief, 
 Becomes the mem'ry of ail vanish'd love ! 
 
 [Exetmt. 
 
 SCENE II. The Apartments of Elvira. Gothic win- 
 dows through which the fortifications are perceived 
 
 ELVIRA and Sir GEOBGE. 
 
 Elv. Oh, loved uncle ! my fond, my second father) 
 
 Sir G. Why art sorrowful? Embrace me, Elvira. 
 
 Elv. Ah, call me thy daughter ! 
 
 Sir G. My daughter ! A name 'tis 
 
 That bringeth consolation to my old age. 
 By the sweet time spent watching o'er thy lif e, 
 By the sweet tears that on this joyous day 
 Pour from my eyes upon my breast this day, 
 This day, dear daughter, thou a bride shalt be. 
 
 Elv. Bride? Alas! never! 
 
 Well thou knowest how, in thy bosom, 
 Love's all powerful flame is lighted, 
 That ne'er purer vows were plighted 
 By more open or fond heart. 
 If, in tremor, to the altar 
 They e'er drag the limbs that falter, 
 Madness seizing me that moment, 
 Grief will conquer, life depart ! 
 
 Sir G. Ah, such gloomy thoughts dispel thoir 
 
 Elv. I shall die ! but never marry - 
 
 Sir G. Should the warrior thou here shalt see 
 
 Prove thine own, what wouldst thou say? 
 
 Elv. Heav'ns ! oh, say that he cometh. 
 
 8irG. It is he! 
 
 Elv, Is this true ? 
 
 Sir G. 'Tis Arthur. 
 
 Elv. Can it be ? . 
 
 Sir G. My child, I swear it ? 
 
 Elv. Himself? dear Arthur? 
 
 Sir G. 'Tis Arthur. 
 
 Elv. Oh, rapture ! 
 
 8 no dream . 
 
 [Elvira throws herself into Sir George's v^ 
 Sir G. On my bosom, daughter, weeping 
 Thus in tears our sorrow steeping, 
 Thus with grief, away for ever 
 With affection's fond endeavour. 
 And, ye Heavens, that behold her,
 
 12 
 
 L' innocenza in uman yelo ; 
 
 Benedici tu dal cielo, 
 
 Questo giglio di candor ! 
 JSlv. Quest' alma al duolo awezza, 
 
 Si vinta o dal gioir, cne ormai non pub capir 
 
 Si gran dolcezza! 
 
 Chi mosse a' miei desir ? il genitor ? 
 Sir G. Ascolta. 
 
 Torgea la notte f olta, 
 
 Tacea la terra e il ciel, 
 
 Parea natura avvolta 
 
 D' un fosco e rnesto vel ! 
 
 L' ora propizia a' miseri, 
 
 II tuo pregar, tue lagrime, 
 
 M' avvalorar si 1' anima, 
 
 Ch' io corsi al genitor. 
 Elv. Oh, mio consolator! 
 Sir G. Incominciai, ' Germano ' 
 
 Ne piu potei parlar, 
 
 Allor bagnai sua mano 
 
 D' un muto lagrimar ; 
 
 Poi ripigliai, tra geuiiti : 
 
 ' L' angelica tua Elvira 
 
 Al prode Artur sospira 
 
 Se ad altre nozze andra, 
 
 La misera ! morra !' 
 Elv. Oh, spirito di pieta, sceso dal ciel per me ! 
 
 [Con ansietaJ] E il padre 
 
 Sir G. Ognor tacea. 
 
 Elv. Poscia 
 
 Sir G. Sclamb. ' Riccardo 
 
 Chiese e ottenea mia fe ; 
 
 Ei la mia figlia avra !' 
 Elv. Ciel ! sol a udirti io palpito 1 
 
 Etu? 
 Sir G. ' La figlia misera,' 
 
 Io ripetea, ' morra ' 
 
 ' Ah, viva,' ei m' dice, 
 
 E stringemi al cor. 
 
 ' Sia Elvira f elice, 
 . Sia lieta d' amor !' 
 [Mentre Elvira nuovamente corre fra le bracelet 
 
 dello zio, e vuol parlare, odesi fuori dellafor- 
 
 tezza un suono di corni da caccia. 
 Elv. Odi ! qual suon si desta ? 
 Sir G. Ascoltiam ti rassicura. 
 Elv. Yien Io suon dalla f oresta.
 
 13 
 
 Let your bcnizon enfold her ; 
 
 Not the lily in its whiteness 
 
 Can excel her souls pure brightness. 
 Elv. Ah ! my soul, to grief accustom'd, 
 
 Is so o'ercome by joy, that it scarcely can 
 
 Sustain this unexpected bliss ! But who 
 
 Has f orestall'd my hopes ? was it my sire ? 
 Sir G. Just listen. 
 
 The night was growing dark, 
 
 And heav*n and earth were silent, 
 
 Enwrapp'd appear'd all nature 
 
 As in a sombre veil ! 
 
 Favourable the sad hour, 
 
 Thy prayers ^ave courage to my soul, 
 
 And to thy sire I went. 
 Elv. Oh, my consoler dear ! 
 Sir G. Thus I began,' My brother' 
 
 Beyond I could not speak, 
 
 Till, having bathed his hands 
 
 In silent tears awhile, I then went on 
 
 Amid my sobs, ' your angel-like Elvira 
 
 For the valiant Arthur pining 
 
 Should she another wed, 
 
 Oh, wretched, wretched one ! she dies ! 
 Elv. Oh, angel of mercy, come to earth for me ! 
 
 [Anxiously.'] And my father 
 
 Sir G. Was mute awhile. 
 
 Elv. And then 
 
 Sir G. And then said, ' Richard ask'd 
 
 And obtained my promise : 
 
 He must have my child !' 
 Elv. Heav'ns! thou mak'st my sad heart palpitate. 
 
 And thou ? 
 Sir G. ' Thy unhappy child,' repeated I, ' will die.' 
 
 ' Oh ! say not so,' he cried, 
 
 And pressed me to his heart. 
 
 ' Ah ! let Elvira live, 
 
 Ah ! may she be happy 
 
 Let her live in love !' 
 [While Elvira again embraces her uncle, and wishes 
 
 to speak to him, from without the fortress is 
 
 heard the horn of chase. 
 Eh. Listen ! what sound can that be ? 
 Sir G. Let us hear what means it ? Assure thyself. 
 Elv. 'Tis from the forest sounding.
 
 14. 
 
 Sir G. E il segnal di gente d' arme, 
 
 Che dal vallo nelle mura cliiede f orse penetrar. 
 Armigeri. [Fuori della Fortezza.'] 
 
 Vieni il prode e nobil Conte, 
 
 Artur Talbo Cavalier ! 
 Sir G. Non tel dissi ? 
 
 Elv. Ah, padre mio ! [Abbracciando Sir Giorgio. 
 Sir G. Pago alfin e il tuo desio. 
 Armigeri. [Dentro la Fortezza.'] 
 
 Lord Arturo varchi il ponte ! 
 
 Fate campo al pro guerrier ! 
 Sir G. A quel suono, al nome amato, 
 
 Al tuo core or presta f ede. 
 
 Questo giorno venturato ! 
 
 D' ogni gioja e bel forier ! 
 iLlv. A quel nome, al mio contento. 
 
 Al mio core io credo appena ? 
 
 Tanta gioja, oh, Dio, pavento, 
 
 Non ho lena, a sostener ! 
 
 Coro. [D' Armigeri, Araldi e Castellans dentro le 
 scene dal lato per one si crede che Arturo 
 il suo ingresso nella fortezza.] 
 
 Ad Arturo, de' Cavalieri, 
 
 Bel campione in giostra e amor, 
 
 Le donzelle ed i guerrieri, 
 
 Fanno festa e fanno onor ! [Partono. 
 
 SCENE in. Sala d' Arme con logge vaste, ove V 
 urcliitettura Goiica mostra la intera sua pompa 
 il fondo della scena e aperto. Fra le colonne si 
 veggono sempre alcune traccie delle fortijicazioni, 
 ec. Dal lato destro esce Lord ARTURO con alcuni 
 scudieri e paggi, li quali recano varii doni nuziali, 
 e tra questi si vedra un magnifico velo bianco. 
 Dal lato sinistro escono ELVIRA, V ALTON, Sir 
 GIORGIO, Damigelle con Castellani e Castellane 
 che portano festoni di fiori e gV intrecciano alle 
 colonne. Dal fondo della scena escono i Soldati 
 guidati da BRUNO che fanno corteggio e danno 
 coinpimento al decoro della festa. 
 
 L'bm. Ad Arturo 
 
 Don. A Elvira 
 
 Elv. Onor! 
 
 Tutti. Coroniam belta e valor J 
 
 Damigelle. Ella e nor di verginelle, 
 
 Bella al par di primavera ! 
 
 Come 1' astro della sara 
 
 Spira all' alnia pace e amor.
 
 15 
 
 Sir 0. 'Tia the sound of men at arms, who 
 
 By that signal to the fortress ask admission. 
 Men at Amis. [From without the Fortress.] 
 
 See the brave and noble warrior, 
 
 Lord Arthur Talbot, comes ! 
 Sir. G. Ah, said I not so ? 
 
 Elv. Oh, my dear father ! [Embracing Sir George 
 Sir G. Now all thy hopes are crowned. 
 Men at Arms. [ Within the Fortress.'] 
 
 Lord Arthur traverses the bridge ! 
 
 Boom for the valorous warrior ! 
 &: G. On that beloved name, that blissful sound, 
 
 Let thy heart's faith be ever fixed solely. 
 
 This day precursor of joy will prove ! 
 
 Fair Fortune has this day crown'd ! 
 lr. In that beloved name is my content. 
 
 Yet, my heart ! how bear a joy thus holy P 
 
 Beneath the weight of unthought blisses bent, 
 
 Strength of soul and frame is spent ! 
 
 'Jhi\ [Of Warriors, Heralds, and Retainers outside, 
 at the entrance by which Arthur is expected.] 
 
 To Lord Arthur, of all brave Knights, 
 
 The most mighty in love and battle, 
 
 Te fair maidens and ye warriors, 
 
 Songs of praise and homage make. [Exeunt. 
 
 30ENE III. An Armoury with immense galleries, 
 the interior displaying tlie superb Gothic architec- 
 ture. The back of the stage is open. Between the 
 pillars can be seen the fortifications. LORD 
 ARTHUR enters from the rigid with Soldiers and 
 Pages, the latter bringing various bridal gifts, 
 among them a magnificent white veil. From the 
 left come ELVIRA, WALTON, Sir GEORGE, Ladies 
 with male and female Retainers, bearing garlands 
 to deck the pillars. BRUNO comes from the back, 
 leading the Soldiers, who are all in a Une, and fill 
 up the stage. 
 
 Men. To Arthur 
 
 Worn. To Elvira 
 
 13lv. Honour ! 
 
 All. Let us crown valour and beauty! 
 
 Ladies. She's the fairest flower of virgins, 
 She's as beautiful as spring-time ; 
 Like the evening star she fills 
 Soul with peace and joy and lovet
 
 16 
 
 Scudieri. Bellp egli e tra' cavalieri, 
 
 Com' e il cedro alia foresta," 
 
 In battaglia egli e tempesta ; 
 
 E campione, in giostra e amor. 
 Art. A te, o cara, amor talora. 
 
 Mi guido fvirtivo e in pianto, 
 
 Or mi guida a te d' accanto 
 
 Tra le feste e 1' esultar. 
 
 Al brillar di si bell' ora, 
 
 Se rammento il duol passato, 
 
 Yo in ebbrezza e son beato, 
 
 M' e celeste il giubilar ! 
 Sir G. I Senza occaso questa aurora ! 
 Vol. J Mai null' oinbra o duol vi dia ! 
 
 Santa in voi la fiamma sia ! 
 
 Pace ognor v' allieti il cor ! 
 Elv. Oh, mio Arturo ! 
 Art. Ah, Elvira mia ! 
 Elv. Or son tua ! 
 Art. Si, mia tu sei ! 
 Tutti. Cielo arridi a' voti miei, 
 
 Benedici a f ede e amor ! 
 Vol. [Dopo avere piano detto un motto a Bruno, die 
 
 s' inchina e parte.~] 
 
 Tu m' intendesti : fia mortal delitto 
 
 A chi s' attenta escir da queste mura 
 
 Se non abbia il mio assenso, oh, cari figli, 
 
 Si compia senza me 1' augusto rito : 
 
 Merce di questo scritto 
 
 Voi, sino al tempio, aperto passo avrete: 
 
 [A Arturo, cui da unfoglio. 
 
 [A Sir Giorgio.~\ Tu gli accompagnerai. 
 
 Entra BRUNO, giunge con ENEICHETTA. 
 
 Vol. Oh ! nobil Dama, 
 
 L' alto Anglican Sovrano Parlamento 
 
 Ti chiama al suo cospetto j io ti son scorta. 
 Enr. (Ahime, che sento !) 
 
 E che da me si chiede ? 
 Vcl. A me solo s' ad dice 
 
 [Esitando, poi colla figlia s' accosta ai doni 
 nuziali guardandoli, ec.~] 
 
 Obbedir e tacer. Altro non lice. 
 Art. \_A Sir Giorgio in disparted] 
 
 E de' Stuardi arnica ? 
 Sir Q. [Ad Arturo in disparte.~] 
 
 E prigioniera 
 
 Da molte lune, e fu da ognun creduta
 
 17 
 
 Esquires. He 'mongst warriors is distinguished 
 
 As the cedar amongst the treoa, 
 
 When in battle's fiercest tempests ; 
 
 When in tourney soft as love. 
 Art. Love, that erewhile led me to thee, 
 
 Oft in secret and in sorrow, 
 
 Now, dearest, places me beside thee, 
 
 In the midst of joy and feasts. 
 
 And if, in this brilliant hour, 
 
 The memory of past woe intrude, 
 
 'Tis but to enhance the bliss 
 
 Celestial bliss, that fills me ! 
 Sir G. \ May this dawn be ne'er o'ercast ! 
 Wai. J May gloom or grief ne'er veil me! 
 
 Holy be the flame you feel ! 
 
 Peace and gladness in your hearts ! 
 Elv. Oh, my dear Arthur ! 
 Art. My own Elvira ! 
 Elv. Now am I thine ! 
 Art. Yes, thou art mine ! 
 All. Heaven smiles upon our vows, 
 
 Blesses constancy and love ! 
 
 Wai. [After speaking in a whisper to Bruno, who 
 bows and retires. 
 
 Thou'st understood me : all attempts to pass 
 
 The walls, with my consent unask'd, 
 
 A mortal penalty shall visit, you, 
 
 Dear children, to the altar go 
 
 Without me : 
 
 This will gain admittance there. 
 [Addressing Arthur, and presenting a paper to him. 
 
 [To Sir George.] Thou, accompany them. 
 
 Enter HENEIETTA, conducted by BRUNO. 
 
 Wai. [To Henrietta,'] Oh ! noble lady, 
 
 The English Parliament cites thee before it ; 
 
 I'm to escort thee. 
 Hen. (Ah, me ! what hear I ?) 
 
 What seek they with me ? 
 Wai. My only duty is 
 [Hesitates, goes to his daughter, and examines tlie 
 
 wedding presents. 
 
 To be silent and obey. I must submit. 
 Art. [Aside, to Sir George.'] 
 
 Is she a friend to the Stuarts ? 
 /?!) G. [Aside, to Arthur.] 
 
 She has been imprisoned 
 
 For many months.
 
 18 
 
 Amica de' Stuardi e messaggiera, 
 Sotto mentite spoglie. 
 
 f Valton glifa cenno colla mano e gliporla all' orecchio. 
 Art. Oh, Dio ! che ascolto ? E deciso il suo f ato : 
 Essa e perduta ? oh sventurata ! 
 [Da se, ma guardando pietosamente Enrichetta. 
 Enr. [Accorgendosi del guardar pietoso di Arturo.] 
 
 Qual pieta in quel volto ! 
 
 Val. O figli: al tempio, e alle pompose feste, 
 Accorra ognun la nuziale veste 
 Va, o diletta, indossar. Ite voi seco 
 
 [Ad Elvira, poi alle Damigelle. 
 Fuori dal vallo i miei destrier sien presti : 
 
 [A Bruno. 
 
 Che in breve io qui saro. La nostra andata 
 
 [Ad Enrichetta. 
 
 Ci e forza d' affrettar ! Com' io v' unisca 
 E a voi sorrida il Cielo, o coppia amata ! 
 [Valton unisce nuovamente le desire di Elvira e di 
 Arturo, li benedice e parte colle Guardie. 
 Giorgio ed Elvira partono colle Damigelle.-^- 
 Arturo fa sembiante di partirsi, ma guarda 
 attentamente all' intorno, quasi per assicurarsi 
 che tutti sono andati. 
 Enr. Pieta e dolore 
 
 Ha in f ronte e f anno sicurta del core. 
 [Guardando attentamente Arturo.] Cavalier ! 
 Art. S' or ti e d' uopo di consiglio, 
 
 [Arturo torna ad Enrichetta. 
 Di soccorso e d' aita, in me t' affida ! 
 
 [Con franchezza leale. 
 P.nr. Se mi stesse sul capo alto periglio ! 
 
 [Con mister o efiducia. 
 Art. Deh, parla Oh, Dio ! che temi ? 
 Enr. Breve ora, e saro spente ! [Arturo fa un segno 
 
 difremito.~] Ah, tu ne fremi! 
 Art. Si, fremo io fremo, 
 
 Per te, per me, pel padre mio, che spento, 
 Cadea fido a' Stuardi. 
 [Con rizoluzione.] E tu, chi sei ? 
 [Con entusiasmo.] O chi tu sii, ti vuo' salvar. 
 Enr. E tardi ! figlia a Enrico, 
 
 E a Carlo sposa pari ed essi avro la sorte ! 
 Art. [S' inginnochia.~\ Oh, B/egina! 
 Enr. Attendo morte ; 
 Art. [Alzandosi.~\ Taci ! ah taci per pieta ! 
 Fuor le mura, a tutti ascosa
 
 19 
 
 And was thought their emissary, 
 
 And with a name assumed. 
 
 [Walter converses aside with Sir George. 
 Art. Oh, Heavens ! what say'st thou ? Ah,yes, I see it ! 
 
 Is she then doom'd ? her lot is cast ! 
 [Aside, looking compassionately at Henrietta. 
 Hen. [Perceiving Arthur's sympathising looks.] 
 
 There's pity in those features ! 
 Wai. And now to the temple after to the feast! 
 
 All hasten with bridal rohes 
 
 Go, dearest, deck thee attend you on her. 
 
 [To Elvira, then to tJte Ladies. 
 
 Without the bastion, quick, my horses : 
 
 [To Bruno. 
 
 Soon shall I return. Our departure 
 
 [To Henrietta. 
 
 There is need to hasten ! As I unite you, 
 
 So on you may Heaven smile, beloved pair ! 
 [Walton unites anew the hands of Elvira and 
 
 Arthur, bestows his benediction, and departs 
 
 with his Guards. Sir George and Elvira go 
 
 out, attended by the Ladies. Arthur is ap- 
 parently retiring, but glances around, to see 
 
 that all have departed. 
 Hen. Pious compassion 
 
 Sits on that forehead, pourtrays the heart. 
 
 [With an intense look at Arthur.] Cavalier! 
 Art. If aid or counsel may avail thee, 
 
 [Turning towards Henrietta. 
 
 In me you may confide. 
 
 [With an air of frankness. 
 
 Hen. Suppose a great danger hung o'er my head ? 
 
 [ With a mysterious and confidential air. 
 
 Art. Speak freely Oh, HeaVns ! what fear you ? 
 
 Hen. A brief hour, and I must die ! [Arthur shudders. 
 
 Ah, you shudder ! 
 Art. For you 
 
 For myself, I tremble for my father's memory, 
 
 Who died for the Stuarts, 
 
 [Resolutely.'] But say, who are you ? 
 
 Be whom you may, 
 
 [Enthusiastically.] You shall be sav*d. 
 Hen. 'Tis too late ! Henry's daughter and 
 
 Charles's wife like their fate will be my own ! 
 Art. [Kneeling.] Oh, my loVd Queen ! 
 Hen. 'Tis death I look for ! 
 Art. [Rising.] Silence! for pity's sake, say not so ! 
 
 Behind these walls awhile concealed,
 
 20 
 
 Ti trarro per vie sicure ; 
 
 Tu n' andrai di qui : 
 Enr. Di qui alia scure ! scampo e speme '. * 
 
 Oh, Arturo, non v' ha ! 
 Art. No, Regina, ancor v' e speme ! 
 
 O te salva, o spenti insieme 
 Enr. Cangia, o Arturo, il pio consiglio : 
 
 Pensa al tuo mortal periglio : 
 
 Pensa a Elvira, il tuo tesoro 
 
 Che ti attende al sacro altar ! 
 Art. Non parlar di lei che adoro, 
 
 Di valor non mi spogliar. 
 Ewr. Sventurata prigioniera, 
 
 II mio fato io seguiro, 
 
 Giunse a me 1' estrema sera., 
 
 Per te 1' alba incomincio. 
 Art. Sarai salva, o sventurata, 
 
 O la morte incontrero, 
 
 E la vergin mia adorata 
 
 Nel morire invochero. 
 
 Entra ELVIEA, ha il capo coronato di rose : Jia Wl 
 bellissimo monile di perle al collo. Avendo nelfs 
 mani il magnifico velo bianco y&jzbtole da Artwo 
 
 Elv. Son vergin vezzosa 
 
 In vesta di sposa, 
 
 Son bianca ed uroile, 
 
 Qual giglio d' April; 
 
 Ho chiome odorose^ 
 
 Cui cinser tue rose 
 
 Ho il seno gentile 
 
 Del bel tuo monil. 
 Enr. ~) Se miro il suo candor, 
 Art. > Mi par la luna, allor 
 Sir G. 3 Che tra le nubi appar, 
 
 La notte a consolar. 
 
 Se ascolto il suo cantar, 
 
 Un angelo mi par, 
 
 Che intuoni al primo albor. 
 
 Inni al superno amor. 
 Elv. Dama, s' e ver che m' ami 
 Enr. Dimmi, o gentil : che brami ? 
 Elv. Qual mattutina stella 1 ; 
 
 Bella vogl' io brillar ! 
 
 Del crin le molli anella, 
 
 Mi giova ad aggrazziar. 
 
 Enr. Elvira, mia diletta, son presta al tuo pregar. 
 [Elvira si accosta ad Enrichetta invitandola <i& 
 
 insegnarle di acconciare il velo.
 
 21 
 
 By sure ways I will lead you ; 
 
 You from here shall go 
 Hen. Ah, yes, to the scaffold ! Oh, Arthur, 
 
 No hope is left me ! 
 Art. Tes, my Queen, there is still hope! 
 
 I'll preserve thee, or with thee perish. 
 Hen. Arthur, renounce this kind intention : 
 
 Think what danger may ensue ; 
 
 Think also of your dear Elvira at the altar 
 
 At the altar awaiting you. 
 Art. Nay, speak not of my ador'd one, 
 
 From my heart thou'lt drive the courage. 
 Hen. A hapless captive, I submit to fate 
 
 To me the evening of life is come, 
 
 Thy day has hardly dawned. 
 Art. Unhappy Queen ! thou shalt be saved, 
 
 E'en should nay life be the price : 
 
 While dying, I will murmur low 
 
 The cherish' d name of her I love. 
 
 Enter ELVIRA, Tier head crowned with roses, on her 
 neck are beautiful pearls. She holds in her hand 
 the white veil presented to her by Arthur. 
 
 Elv. I am a blithesome maiden, 
 
 Bridal pride array'd in, 
 
 Like lily pure and white, 
 
 That looks up in April light ; 
 
 Ah, fragrant is my hair, 
 
 With rose odours scatter'd there, 
 
 And on my heaving breast 
 
 The pearls as spotless rest. 
 Hen. ") Her frankness shines before me, 
 Art. > Like moonbeams which restore me, 
 Sir G. 3 Through clouds that darken o'er me, 
 
 Calm gladness of the night. 
 
 And when her voice steals on me, 
 
 An angel's tongue has won me, 
 
 An angel who above 
 
 Hymns the supernal love, 
 
 When day is dawning bright. 
 Elv. Lady, if you love me truly 
 Hen. Speak, what is't you wish ? 
 Elv. Oh, I would shine as brightly 
 
 As the morning star ! 
 
 Ah ! touch these tresses lightly, 
 
 I wish to grace my hair. 
 Hen. Elvira, my delight, how gladly I obey! 
 
 [Elvira approaches Henrietta, asking her to show 
 
 her how to arrange her veil.
 
 22 
 
 Art. Fanciulla e semplicetta, 
 Sir G. Ognor desia scherzar ! 
 Scusare a te s' aspetta 
 Suo troppo vezzeggiar. 
 \_Ad Enrichctta quasi scusando la infantile prt,- 
 
 ghiera di Elvira. 
 Elv. A illeggiadrir mia prova, 
 Deli, non aver a vil ! 
 11 velo in foggia nova 
 Sul capo tuo gentil ! 
 
 [Elv. -i a vuolporre il velo sul capo d' Enrichetta. 
 Arturo nol vorrebbe ; ma la Regina gli fa 
 cenno d' allontanarsi, e risponde scherzando ad 
 Elvira. 
 
 Enr. 11 vez^o tuo m' alletta 
 Mi e caro a secondar. 
 Elv. O bella, ti celo, 
 
 Le anella del cain, 
 Com' io nel bel velo, 
 Mi voglio celar. 
 Ascosa, o vezzosa, 
 Nel velo divin, 
 Or sembri la sposa, 
 Clie vassi all' altar. 
 
 [Artai'o nel ritornello dell' aria d' Elvira alle parole 
 ' Or sembri la sposa' faun gestorimarchevolt, 
 e quasi d' idea che gli corre per la mente. 
 Enr. Ascosa in bianco vel, 
 
 Or posso, oh, Dio, celar 
 L' affanno, il palpitar, 
 L' angoscia del mio cor. 
 Deb., tu pietoso Ciel, 
 Ilaccogli con favor 
 1 )a prece di dolor 
 < .' osai a te levar! 
 Art. ( 'ii, come da quel vel, 
 
 ' i ; le nasconde il crin, 
 i-^gio un splendor divin 
 1 1 speme a balenar. 
 i tu, pietoso ciel, 
 vviva il tuo favor, 
 ii fa da un reo furor 
 v vittima salvar ! 
 Sir 6 v ira col suo vel, 
 i zeffiretto appar, 
 i iride sul mar, 
 a silfo, in grembo ai fior. 
 
 [Guardandola conpaterna compiacenen.
 
 23 
 
 Art. } A child with spirits innocent, 
 Sir 0. ] How natural her play ! 
 You will look indulgent 
 On her frolic gay. 
 [To Henrietta as if excusing tJie infantile freedom 
 
 of Elvira. 
 Eh. Ah, if my effort fail now, 
 
 Do not the action scorn ! 
 
 With what a grace the veil 
 Might be in this way worn ! 
 [Elvira proceeds to put the veil over Henrietta, 
 
 which Arthur would prevent, but the Queer 
 
 makes a sign to him, to desist, and answers 
 
 Elvira playfully, 
 lien. In your pleasant sporting 
 
 I am pleas' d to share. 
 Llv. In this veil I hide, 
 
 Sweet one ! your fine hair, 
 
 As I would e'en myself, dear, 
 
 Be closely hidden there. 
 
 And with this veil so lovely, 
 
 O'er thy beauties flowing, 
 
 Thou'lt seem the chosen bride, 
 
 To the holy altar going. 
 [Arthur suddenly starts at the refrain of Elvira's 
 
 song, ' Thou'lt seem the chosen bride,' as if some 
 
 idea had just suggested itself. 
 Hen. Now hidden in this veil, 
 
 Unseen by other eyes. 
 
 The cares upon my face are graven still! 
 
 The tortur'd bosom sighs ; 
 
 And, oh, most pitying heaven, 
 
 Receive indulgently 
 
 The prayer which in my grief 
 
 I offer up to thee ! 
 Avt. Yes ! from the veil 
 
 That is her beauty's prison, 
 
 Bays of joyful gladd'ning hopes 
 
 Within my heart have ris'n. 
 
 Be thou propitious, Heav'n ! 
 
 And lend me gracious aid. 
 
 That she, the destined victim, nov? 
 
 Oppression may evade ! 
 Sir G. Elvira with her veil 
 
 Comes shining like a zephyr, 
 
 Like a rainbow o'er the sea, 
 
 Or a sylph amid the flowers. 
 
 [He surveys her with fatherly complacency
 
 24 
 
 T 5 arrida, o cara, il Ciel 
 
 Col roseo suo favor, 
 
 Tal ch' io ti veggio ognor 
 
 Tra' vezzi a giubbilar ! 
 [Valton dentro la scena, e Coro di Damigelle, che 
 
 ccmpariscono sulle soglie degli appartamenti, 
 
 ripetendo le parole di Valton. 
 Vol. 1 Elvira, Elvira! 
 Clio. J II di Tore avanza! 
 Elv. Se il padre s' adira, 
 
 Io volo a mia stanza ! 
 
 Ma poscia, oh, fedel, 
 
 Tu posami il vel ? [Con vezzo semplice. 
 
 Art. ~) Se il padre s' adira 
 Sir G. > Ah riedi a tua stanza ! 
 Enr. } Sara il tuo fedel, 
 
 Clie t' orni del vel ! 
 
 [ Elvira parte colle Damigelle e con Giorgio. 
 [Arturo, guarda con grande sospetto all' intorno 
 
 nuovamente, e trae dalla cintura il foglio 
 
 avuto da Valton. 
 Enr. Sulla verginea testa d' una f elice 
 
 tin bianco vel s' addice, e mi non gia. 
 
 [Da se, stessa in atto di deporre il velo. 
 Art. [Correndo a lei, e trattenendola.~\ T'arresta! 
 
 E chiaro don del ciel ! coai ravvolta, 
 
 Deluderai la vigilante scolta, 
 
 Tu mia sposa parrai. 
 
 [Con risoluzione.~] Vieni! 
 Enr. Che dici mai ? tu corri a tua ruina, 
 
 A orribil sorte ! 
 Art. \Le off err a la mano, in atto diforzarla apartire.~\ 
 
 Vieni per pieta T' in volo a certa morte! 
 
 Entra RICCAEDO con spada ignuda, e con aspetto e 
 accento disperato. 
 
 Ric. Ferma ! invan rapir pretend! 
 
 Ogni ben ch' io aveva in terra. 
 
 Qui ti sfido a mortal guerra 
 
 Trema, ah trema del mio acciar! 
 Art. Sprezzo o audace, il tuo furore, 
 
 La mortal disfida accetto : 
 
 Questo f erro nel tuo petto, 
 
 Sino all' elsa io vuo piantar. 
 [Per battersi : Enrichetta si frapponeil velo si 
 
 scompone, e il suo volto si scuoprc.
 
 25 
 
 May Heaven still look on thee 
 
 With richest, rosiest smiles ! 
 
 And may ever thee behold 
 
 In mirth and harmless wiles. 
 [Walton in the side scene, and Chorus of Ladies 
 
 at the door of the apartment repeating his 
 
 words, 
 
 Wai ) Elvira, Elvira! 
 Cho. / The day is advancing ! 
 Elv. If my father is angry, 
 
 In my room I'll conceal me ; 
 
 But then, thou, oh dearest, 
 
 To veil me will come? [With simplicity. 
 
 Art. "\ If thy father is angry 
 Sir G, > In thy room, then, conceal thee ; 
 Hen. j And thither your lover 
 
 To veil thee will come. 
 [Elvira goes out attended by Bridemaids and < 
 
 George. 
 [Arthur, looking cautiously about him, takes frm 
 
 his belt the paper given to him by Walton. 
 Hen. Upon the head of youthful happy maiden 
 
 Well suits a white veil, but not on mine. 
 
 [Aside, and attempting to remove the veil. 
 Art. [Hastening towards her.] Desist thou ! 
 
 It e'en was Heav'n's will 
 
 To veil thee thus ; for, thus attired 
 
 The vigilant guard thou'lt baffle, 
 
 Who'll take thee for the bride. 
 
 [Resolutely.] Come, then ! 
 Hen. What say'st thou ? thou rushest upon ruin ! 
 
 To fate most dreadful ! 
 Art. [Seizing her hand, to induce her to follow him.] 
 
 Come, come in mercy, come ! 
 
 Enter RICHARD, his sword drawn, and with an 
 aspect of despair. 
 
 Rich. Stay ! nor vainly think to steal 
 
 My sole treasure priz'd on earth. 
 
 To mortal combat I here challenge thee 
 
 Tremble, tremble at my sword ! 
 Art. I despise despise, bold man, thy fury, 
 
 And thy mortal challenge take I : 
 
 To the hilt, within thy bosom, 
 
 I'll bury deep my sword ! 
 [The combat is commencing when Henrietta throws 
 
 herself between the combatants her veil is 
 
 disarranged, and her face discovered. 
 fl Poritani.] B
 
 26 
 
 Enr. Pace ! pace ! 
 
 Ah V arrestate, per me sangue non versate ! 
 
 Ah che f ai ? 
 Ric. [Con. stupore, e appoggiandosi alia spadaJ\ 
 
 La prigioniera P 
 Enr. Dessa io son. 
 Art. \_A Riccardo.] Tua voce altera. Or col ferro 
 
 sosterrai vien. 
 Ric. \FreddamenteJ\ 
 
 No : con lei, tu illero andrai, 
 Art. Con lei? Efiaver? 
 Enr. Qualfavella? 
 
 Ric. Piu non vieto a voi 1' andar. [Freddamente da sb. 
 Art. Se il destino a te m' invola, 
 
 O mia Elvira, o amor mio santo, 
 
 Un sospiro a te sen vola, 
 
 E ti dice in suon di pianto : 
 
 ' Ti consola !' io lungi e in guai 
 
 T' amero com io t' amai ! 
 Ric. Parti, o stolto ! e prova intanto 
 
 Quel dolor che a me serbavi ; 
 
 Tu vivrai deserto e in pianto 
 
 Giorni ascuri, eterni e gravi. 
 
 Patria e amor tu perderai, 
 
 Fia tua vita un mar di guai ! 
 Z7nr. Sogno ? a avro conforto al pianto, 
 
 Avro tregua a di si gravi ? 
 
 Sogno P o andrommi al figlio accanto 
 
 Tra gli amplessi suoi soaviP 
 
 Tanto ben, se, oh Dio, sognai, 
 
 Non mi far destar giammai ! 
 Coro. [Dentro le scena.'] Genti, a f esta ! 
 
 Al tempio andiamo ! 
 
 Art. e Enr. Gente appressa, oh, ciel fuggiamo! 
 Ric. Si f uggite il vuole un Dio ! 
 Art. Pria che siam oltre le mura parlerai P 
 
 Per partire poi si volta. 
 Ric. No : t' assecura. 
 Art. Su Io giura ? 
 Ric. Si : il giuro ! 
 Tutti. Addio! [Partono. 
 
 Entra RICCARDO, SIB GIORGIO, BRUNO, YALTON, 
 ELVIRA, con Damigelle in pompa di nozze, indi 
 Soldati Puritani, Castellani e Castellane. 
 
 Ric. [Con- estrema ansieta guarda dalle loggie, e quasi 
 segue coll' occhio i passi dei due fuggiaschi.] 
 E gia al ponte passa il forte 
 E alle porte gia n' ando !
 
 27 
 
 Hen. Peace ! Sheathe your weapons ! 
 
 Be no blood shed for me ! 
 Art. What hast thou done P 
 Rich. [Amazed, and leaning on his sword.] 
 
 See I the pris'nerP 
 Hen. Yes ; 'tis I. 
 Art. [To Richard.] Come, let thy weapon sustain 
 
 thy words so lofty. 
 Rich. [With apparent indifference.] 
 
 No : thou mayst go in safety with her. 
 Art. What say you ? Is it true ? 
 Hen. What mean these words ? 
 Rich, I shall not stop your going. [Coldly aside. 
 Art, If fate should tear thee from me, 
 
 My Elvira sweet, my own, 
 
 One sigh I send unto thee. 
 
 That will say in plaintive tone: 
 
 ' Console thyself !' afar, in woe, 
 
 I shall love as now I do. 
 Rich. Go, thou madman ! be it thine 
 
 To feel pangs reserved for me ; 
 
 Lonely shalt thou live and pine. 
 
 Long hours wasting drearily. 
 
 From both love and country torn, 
 
 Thou shalt only live to mourn. 
 Hen. Do I dream ? can time have won 
 
 My heart from sorrow's hold P 
 
 Do I dream ? or yet my son 
 
 Will these fond arms enfold ? 
 
 If I dream, may nothing break 
 
 The spell Oh, may I ne'er awake ! 
 Cho. [Behind the scenes.] Friends, to the feast ; 
 
 Haste to the temple ! 
 
 Art. & Hen. People approach us, let us fly quickly! 
 Rich. Fly, then, quickly Heav'n commands it ! 
 Art. Wilt thou speak before we pass these walls ? 
 
 [He turns to depart. 
 Rich. No : rest assur'd. 
 Art. Wilt thou swear it? 
 Rich. Yes : I swear it ! 
 All. Farewell! [Exeunt. 
 
 Enter RICHARD, SIR GEORGE, BRTTNO, WALTON, 
 and EJLVIRA, with Ladies arrayed for the marriage 
 festival ; then Soldiers, Puritans, and Peasantry. 
 Rich. [Appearing at a balcony, whence he observes 
 the fugitives.] 
 
 The bridge they reach they pass the fort 
 Now the gates they are gone !
 
 28 
 
 Coro. [EscendoJ] Al tempio, al tempio ! 
 
 A f esta ! 
 
 Ely. DoVeArtur? 
 Ric. Dianzi f u qu\. 
 Elv. Ove sei, O Artur? 
 Eic. Parti! 
 
 [Suono di tamburo nella fortezza. Tutti guardano 
 fuori delle loggie. 
 
 T> ' \ Gia f uor delle mura, 
 
 '/-Y \ Loggiu alia pianura ! 
 
 1 Coro. \_A Valton."] La tua prigioniera 
 
 La rea messaggiera, 
 Col vil cavaliero ? 
 
 2 Coro. Ciascun su un destriero ! 
 
 Spronando, volando ! 
 
 Tutti. Mirate cola ! 
 
 [Quadra generate Elvira getta uri grido. 
 
 Vol. Soldati accorrette, coi bronzi tuonate, 
 All' arme appellate, correte, volate ! 
 Pel crin trascinate i due traditor ! 
 [Si vede gran movimento di Soldati e di gente. 
 Poi, dopo il grido all' arme die si ripete den- 
 tro la scena, si sente battere la generale. La 
 campana del forte suona a stormo : il cannone 
 spara a lenti intervalli. Elvira fa alcuni 
 passa meccanicamente, poi resta immota dopo 
 qualche doloroso grido. 
 
 Tutti. All' arme! 
 
 Vol. [A Bruno.'] T' affretta. 
 
 Tutti. [Di dentro.] All' arme! 
 
 Vol. e Coro. Vendetta ! 
 
 [Valton gridando vendetta, snuda la spada e alia 
 testa d' un drapello di Soldati parte. 
 
 Hie. Oh, come si pasce, d' affanni e d' ambasce 
 
 L' ardor di vendetta, clie m' ange e m' alletta ! 
 Oh, come nel seno, si mesce il velono 
 Di sdegno e d' amor, di speme e dolor ! 
 
 Elv. La dama d' Arturo e a bianco velata. 
 
 La guarda e sospira, sua sposa la chiama ! 
 Elvira e la dama ? non sono piu Elvira P 
 [Elvira e immobile, con gli occhifissi e spalancaia, 
 si tocca la testa quasi per verijicare se ha il 
 velo tutto in lei indica una subitaneafollia. 
 Grida ' No !' con voce disperata, poi resta, 
 immobile e mesta come prima. 
 
 Sir G. e Coro. Elvira, che dici ?
 
 Clio. [Coming on the stage."] Friends, to the feast ! 
 
 Haste to the temple ! 
 Elv. Where is Arthur ? 
 Rich. Just now, he was here. 
 Elv. Arthur, where art thou? 
 Rich. He's fled! 
 
 [A Drum heard within the fortress. All look out 
 from the terrace. 
 
 Elv ~\ 
 
 T> . V / Beyond the walls e'en now, 
 
 Mien. > A v. 
 
 n \ Away beyond the plain ! 
 
 1 Cho. [To Walton^ E'en with your fair pris'ner, 
 
 The emissary vile, 
 
 And the knight unworthy! 
 
 2 Cho. All quickly to horse ! 
 
 Mount, spur, and fly ! 
 
 All. Behold! look there! 
 
 [The Characters form a tableau Elvira shrieking. 
 
 Wai. Haste, soldiers, no time lose : 
 
 Quick, sound the alarum, and delay not ! 
 To arms ! but bring the traitors quickly ! 
 [There is a general movement among the Soldiers 
 and People, and a cry of ' to arms,' which is 
 repeated behind the scenes. The alarm bell 
 of citadel sounds : the cannon are fired at 
 intervals. Elvira walks a few paces mechani- 
 cally, remains motionless for an instant, then 
 utters a piercing shriek. 
 
 AIL We'll arm us here ! 
 
 Wai [ToBrunoA Hasten! 
 
 All [Within.] We'll arm us! 
 
 Wai & Cho. For vengeance ! 
 
 [Walton draws his swoi-d, -and rushes out at the 
 head of a band of Soldiers. 
 
 Rich. Oh, how the hunger grows fiercer and stronger 
 Of vengeance that grieves o'er what it achieves ! 
 How mixed are the feelings, how strange the 
 
 revealings 
 Of love and disdain, of wild rapture and pain ! 
 
 Elv. The lady of Arthur a white veil has o'er her. 
 He looks and he sighs, his bride her he calleth ! 
 Is Elvira this lady ? and am not I Elvira ? 
 [JElvira becomes motionless, with a fixed stare, and 
 puts her hand to her head, feeling for the veil 
 all indicates approaching madness. She 
 cries ' No /' despairingly, and remains motiort- 
 less and melanclwly. 
 
 Sir G. & Cho. Elvira, what say'st thou ?
 
 30 
 
 Elv. lo Elvira ! ah no no, no I 
 Uom. La misera e pallida ! 
 Don. E immobile e squallidal 
 Uom. Le luci no gira. 
 Don. Sorride e sospira 
 Uom. Demente i fa. 
 Tutti. OhCieli, pieta! 
 
 [Elvira nel suo delirio crede vedere Arturo, e dice 
 
 questi versi con la piu grande mestiza e deli- 
 
 rantepassione -poi torna immobile comeprima. 
 TJlv. Arturo, ah gi& ritorni ? 
 
 Dunque sei ndo ancor! 
 
 Ah, vieni al tempio, fedel Arturo ! 
 
 Eterna f ede, mio ben, ti giuro ; 
 
 Come oggi e puro sempre avro il core 
 
 Vivro d' amore, morro d' amor I 
 Don. Si crede all' ara ! 
 Uom,. Giura ad Arturo ! 
 Don. Ella si tenera. 
 Uom. Ei si spergiuro. 
 Don. Ella si Candida. 
 Uom. Ei traditor. 
 
 Tuiti. Misera vergine, morra d'amor! 
 Rio. 7 Oh, come ho 1' anima trista e dolente, 
 Coro. ) Udendo e gemiti dell' innocente ! 
 
 Oh, come perfido fu il traditore, 
 
 Che in tanti spasimi lascio quel cor! 
 Sir G. Dio di clemenza, t offro mia vita, 
 
 Se all* innocenza giovi d' aita. 
 
 Deh, sii clemente a un puro core? 
 
 Deh, sii possente sul traditor! 
 H'c. Piu la miro, ho piu doglia prof on da, 
 
 E piu 1' alma s' accende in amor ! 
 
 Ma piu innaspra ed avvainpa il furore, 
 
 Contro chi tanto ben m' involo ! 
 Sir G. La mia prece pietosa e profonda, 
 
 Che a te vien sui sospir del dolore ; 
 
 Tu clemente con sola, o Signore, 
 
 Per la vergin cui 1' empio immolo T 
 \JElvi/rafa un moto quasi tornando a vedere Arfuro 
 
 che fugge. 
 Elv. ' Ti yeggo gia fuggi ! O ingrato ! abbandoni 
 
 Chi tanto t' amo I Arturo 
 
 Oh, Dio ! no ! 
 Coro. Ahi, dura sciagnra, ahi lutto e dolor 1 
 
 Si bella, si pura del Ciel creatura 
 
 Nel di del diletto schernita tradita^ 
 
 Andra maladetto il vil traditor 1
 
 31 
 
 Elv. Elvira P Ah, no, no! 
 
 Men. How sadly pale ! Unhappy one ! 
 
 Worn. And motionless as colourless I 
 
 Men. The light has left her eyes. 
 
 Worn. Smiling and sighing 
 
 Men. .Reason deserts her. 
 
 All. Have mercy, oh Heaven! 
 
 [Elvira in her madness sees Arthur, and repeats 
 
 the following words with passionate sorrow 
 
 then again becomes motionless. 
 
 Dear Arthur, then, returned 
 
 Still faithful unto me ! 
 
 Come to the temple, Arthur, my dearest ! 
 
 And there I will pledge to thee endless faith ! 
 
 A heart unchanging pure in the love 
 
 It hut lived for, will cling to in death I 
 Worn. She thinks she's at the altar ! 
 Men. Swearing to Arthur faith ! 
 Worn. She is so loving. 
 Men. And he so perjured. 
 Worn, She is all truth. 
 Men. And he all treachery. 
 All. Poor hapless maiden, she'll die of love. 
 Ilich. } O, 'tis o'erwhelming to see such sadness, 
 Cho. J To hear these sighs of innocence pure ! 
 
 Base is the traitor who wrought the madness, 
 
 And brought affliction thus intense ! 
 Sir G. Oh, God of Mercy ! I'd my life offer, 
 
 If the innocent it might avail. 
 
 Look on this pure heart with grace divine, 
 
 And let thy power against the false prevail. 
 Rich. The more I look on her the more I grieve me, 
 
 And far greater grows my love, 
 
 With hate of him who dared bereave me 
 
 Of treasure the world not elsewhere knows. 
 Sir G. The pious prayer, profound, sincere, 
 
 Ascends to thee, for maiden's woes ; 
 
 Oh, bounteous Lord, wilt thou not hear, 
 
 When. borne on hapless sorrow's sigh? 
 [Elvira imagines that she beholds Arthur again 
 
 flying from, her. 
 Elv. I see thee- thou fliest ! Ingrate ! that deniest 
 
 One who loved thee so much ! 
 
 Dear Arthur ! Oh, Heaven ! oh ! 
 Cho. Oh, dire misfortune ! oh, mourning and gloom ! 
 
 Favour'd of Heav'n, can this be thy doom 
 
 Crushed on the morn that promis'd thee joy ? 
 
 Curses shall follow who thus could destroy '
 
 32 
 
 Elv, Qual febbre vorace m' uccide, mi sface P 
 
 Qual fiamma, qual' ira mi avrampa emartii'a ! 
 Fantasmi perversi fuggite dispersi ! 
 O in tanto furor sbranatemi il cor! 
 
 Tutti. Maledizione ! 
 
 Non caso, non spiaggia raccolga i f uggenti, 
 In odio del cielo, in odio a' viventi! 
 Battuti dai venti, da orrende tempeste, 
 Le odiate lor teste non possan posar 1 
 Erranti, piagenti in orrida g^uerra 
 Col cielo, la terra, il mar, gli elementi, 
 Ognor maledetti in vita ed in morte ; 
 Sia eterna lor sorte, eterno il penar t 
 
 FINO DELL' ATTO PBIMO. 
 
 ATTO II. 
 
 SCENA I. Gran Sala con porte laterali ; vedesi per 
 una di esse il Campo Inglese e setnpre gualche 
 Fortificazione. 
 
 Castellani e Castellane, Puritani, e BBUNO. 
 
 Tutti. Ahi! dolor! piangon le ciglia si spezza il cor; 
 L' inf errna figlia morra d' amor 1 
 
 1. II duol T invase. 
 
 2. La vidi errante tra f olte piante. 
 
 3. Or per sue case 
 Gridando va ' pieta,' ' pieta !' 
 
 4. Piangon le ciglia; si spezza il cor; 
 L'inferma figlia morra d' amor! 
 
 Entra SIB GIOBGIO, dagli Appartamenti d' Elvira; 
 poi RICCABDO, confoglio. 
 
 Don. Qual novella ? 
 
 Sir G. Or prende posa. 
 
 Tutti. Miserellal 
 
 Don. fi ognor dolente P 
 
 Sir G. Mesta e lieta. 
 
 Don. E senza tregua P 
 
 Sir G. Splende il senno, or si dilegua 
 
 Alia misera innocente. 
 Tutti. Come mai ? 
 Sir G. Dir lo poss' io P 
 
 Se nel duol che m' ange il seno, 
 
 Ogni voce trema e muor 1 
 
 Mi lasciate.
 
 83 
 
 Elv. A fever devouring my brain is o'erpowVing ! 
 What passion and rage all my bosom engage ! 
 Phantoms perverse! hurry from me, disperse! 
 Nor sadden the poor heart you madden ! 
 
 All. Malediction ! 
 
 Shore receive not, and no house shelter, 
 Fugitives base whom Heaven gives over! 
 Hate of brave men and storms pursue them ! 
 Shelterless, desolate, winds pierce thro' them ! 
 E'en with themselves, and with all in anger 
 Heaven, earth, sea, and all the clangour 
 Of dark elements, their deadly strife be ; 
 Eternal their fate, and eternal their woes ! 
 
 END OF THE FIRST ACT. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. A vast Chamber with aide doors, one of 
 which opens upon the English Camp and Fortifi- 
 cations. 
 
 Villagers, Pu/ritans, and BBTJNO. 
 
 All. Ah ! what grief ! her eyes are weeping ; 
 Her heart is broken of love Elvira dies ! 
 
 1. Deep grief o'erwhelms her. 
 
 2. And wandering goes she, amid the forest. 
 
 3. And when at home, 
 Her cry js ' pity,' ' pity !' 
 
 4. Her eyes are weeping; her heart is broken 
 Of love Elvira dies ! 
 
 Enter Sir GEORGE, /rom Elvira's Room, followed by 
 RICHARD, with a paper in his hands. 
 
 Worn. Say, what tidings ? 
 
 Sir G. She reposes now. 
 
 All. Ah, poor maiden ! 
 
 Worn. And ever mournful ? 
 
 Sir G. Sad now, then joyous. 
 
 Worn. Has she no rest ? 
 
 Sir G. Sense returns, to leave as quickly : 
 
 The poor maiden appears insane. 
 AIL Ah ! what say you ? 
 Sir G. Can I depict it? 
 
 Grief so sadly now oppresses, 
 
 That all my words die on my lips. 
 
 Ah, pray leave me ! 
 [I Poritani.]
 
 84 
 
 Coro. Deli favella, ten preghiaino I 
 Sir G. Ah no, cessate ! 
 
 [Per pariire, e li Castellani lo iraitenyono* 
 Lru. 1 Deh ti muovo quell' ambascia 
 . ) 
 
 Che ci ag^rava al tuo dolor 1 
 Sir G. Siate poglii. V appresate 1 
 
 \Tuttifanno cerckio intorno a Giorgio. 
 
 Ointa di rose e col bel crin disciolto, 
 
 Talor la cara vergine s' aggira ; 
 
 E chiede all' aura, e di fior con mesto volto, 
 ' Ove ando Elvira?' 
 
 Bianco vestita e qual se all' ara innante, 
 
 Adempie al rifco e va cantando, 
 
 II giuro, poi grida, per amor tutta tremante, 
 
 ' Ah, vieni Arturo.' 
 Coro. Ahi, figlia misera ! delira amor, 
 
 Quanto f u barbaro il seduttor ! 
 Sir G. Geme talor, qual torfcore amorosa, 
 
 Or cade virita da mortal sudore ; 
 
 Or 1' odi al suon dell arpa lamentosa 
 Cantar d' amore ! 
 
 Or scorge Arfcuro nell' alfcrtii sembiante, 
 
 Poi del suo inganno accorto e di sua sorte, 
 
 Geme, piange, s' affanna e ognor piu amante, 
 
 Invoca moite ! 
 Coro. Ahi, figlia misera ! morra d* amor, 
 
 Scenda una f olgore sul traditor ! 
 [Alle ^dti'me pa/role, entra Riccardo, con un 
 
 foglio. 
 Hie. Di sua folgore il Ciel non sara lento : 
 
 A scure inf ame e Ai*tur Talbot dannato 
 
 Dall' Anglican Sovrano Parlamento ! 
 Coro. fi giusto fato ! 
 
 lllc. \ Quaggiu, nel mal che questa valle serra, 
 Coro. J A' buoni e a' bristi e memorando esempio. 
 Coro. Se la destra di Dio tremenda aff erra 
 
 II crin dell' empio! 
 [Riccardo scorre coll' ocehio il foglio che tiene 
 
 aperto. Segue a proclamare li Decreti del 
 
 Parlamento. 
 Hie. Di Valton 1' innocenza a roi proclama 
 
 II Parlamento, e a' primi onor lo chiama. 
 Coro. Qual doglia, Valton, 
 
 Se vedrai tua figlia insana ancor ! 
 
 La tua diletta figlia ! 
 Ric. Ed essa? inf uria ognor P 
 ir G. Sol quando 
 
 Un suon marzial misera sente
 
 35 
 
 Oho. Speak, in mercy, we entreat thee ! 
 SirG. Ah, desist! 
 
 [He is retiring, but is stopped by the Villagers. 
 Bru. ") Ah, be mov'd by the affiction 
 Cho. That we all share now with thee. 
 Sir G. I will grant your wish. Approach. 
 
 [Aliform a circle round Sir George. 
 
 Roses enwreath'd around disordered hair, 
 
 Now roams a wanderer the maiden fair ; 
 
 With looks all sadness, of the flWrs asking, 
 
 ' Where is Elvira ? where is Elvira P' 
 
 Then clad in white, as at the altar standing, 
 
 The rites performing, the vow now uttered, 
 
 She cries aloud, her spirit passion fluttered, 
 
 ' Come to me, Arthur oh, come to me !' 
 Cho. Ah, miserable girl ! by love o'erthrown 
 
 Merciless, indeed, was he who betray" d ! 
 Sir G. At times she sigheth like the amorous dove, 
 
 Or in her sorrow's great oppression sinketh ; 
 
 Or with her harp she sings sad songs 
 Of love she singeth ! 
 
 Sometimes she sees her Arthur in another, 
 
 Then feels at once her error and her fate, 
 
 Sighs, weeps, love growing yet more great ; 
 
 Woe, and yet mightier passion, leave no other 
 
 Desire than death ! 
 Cho. Ah, miserable girl ! love has destroy*d her ! 
 
 May heav'n's lightning strike the traitor ! 
 [At tlie last words, liichard comes forward, with a 
 
 paper in his hand. 
 Eic. Not long will Heav'n withhold its lightning : 
 
 Doom'd is Arthur to a traitor's death ! 
 
 For so the Parliament of England decrees ! 
 Cho. The doom is righteous ! 
 Rich. 1 To earth, abounding in all evil doings, 
 Cho. J It comes, a warning for both good and bad. 
 Cho. When God's right hand on impious man 
 
 In vengeance f alleth. 
 [Richard looks at the parchment that he holds open 
 
 in hand, then reads aloud the decree. 
 Rich. The Parliament pronounces Walton guiltless, 
 
 Gives back his honours and his high rank. 
 Cho. What grief for Walton, 
 
 Thus to find his child a witless maid ! 
 
 His much-lov'd darling child ! 
 Rich. Is she unchanged? still frenzied ? 
 Sir G. Let a sound 
 
 Of martial music reach her, and it brings
 
 36 
 
 Piu ricorda il fuggir del caro amante 
 E allor f ossi furente. 
 
 Ric. E non v' ha speme alcuna? 
 
 8ir G. Medic' arte n' assicura 
 
 Che una subita gioja, o gran sciagnra 
 Potria sanar la inente sua smarrita. 
 
 GOTO. Qual mai t' attende, o Artur, pena infinita ! 
 
 Itic. In me duce premier, parla Cromvello, 
 II vil, ch' e ognor in f uga, 
 E di sangue civil macchio Inghilterra, 
 Cercate or voi. E se sua rea fortuna, 
 O malizia la tragga a questa terra, 
 Non abbia grazia, ne pietade alcuna. 
 
 Ill Coro parts. 
 
 Elv. [Di dentro.'] O, rendetemi la speme, 
 O lasciatemi morir. 
 
 Sir G. Essa qui vien la senti P 
 
 O come e grave, il suon de' suoi lament!. 
 
 Entra ELVIRA, scapigliata e in veste bianca. H 
 volto, il g^^ardo, ed ogni passo ed atto di Elvira t 
 palesano la sua pazzia. 
 
 Elv. Qui la voce sua soave 
 
 Mi chiamava e poi spari ! 
 
 Qui giurava esser fedele, 
 
 Poi crudele ei mi f uggi ! 
 
 Ah, mai piu qui assorte insieme 
 
 Nella gioja dei sospir ! 
 
 Ah, rendetemi la speme, 
 
 O lasciatemi morir ! 
 Sir G. ) Quanto amore e mai raccolto 
 Ric. j In quel volto e in quel dolor ! 
 Elv. Chiseitu? 
 
 \_Dopo una pausa a Sir Giorgio, il quale per con- 
 solaria fa unafisonomia ridente. 
 Sir G. Non mi ravvisi ? 
 Elv. Padre mio ! mi chiami al tempio P 
 
 Non e sogno, oh Arturo, oh amor ! 
 
 Ah, tu sorridi, asciughi il pianfco ! 
 
 A Imen mi guidi al ballo, al canto 
 
 Ognun s' appresta a nozze, a festa, 
 
 E meco in danza esultera. 
 
 Tu pur meco danzerai. 
 [Si volta, e vede Riccardo ; lo prende per la mano. 
 
 Vieni a nozze ! 
 Sir G. e Ric. O, Dio ! 
 
 Elv. Egli piange ! egli piange ; ei f orse amp. 
 [A Sir Giorgio in disparte e sotto voce -poi torna
 
 37 
 
 To memory her lover's absence ; and all 
 Is storm and tempest in her mind. 
 
 Rich. Is hope abandoned ? 
 
 Sir G. The learn'd in healing science testify 
 That a great sudden joy, or equal woe, 
 Might re-establish reason. 
 
 Cho. Arthur, what endless agony awaits thee ? 
 
 Rich. I, by command of Cromwell, make known, 
 That you must seek the fugitive who stain'd 
 The soil of England with her children's blood, 
 And, if his fatal star or evil aims 
 Bring him back hither, let it be to find 
 Nor pardon nor pity ! 
 
 [Extt Chorus. 
 
 Elv. [Within.'] Oh, restore me hope once more, 
 Or let life itself be o'er. 
 
 Sir G. This way she comes thou hearest P 
 
 How sad is the language of her misery. 
 
 Enter ELVIRA, with hair dishevelled, and robed in 
 white. Face, look, and every movement, indicate 
 her insanity, 
 
 Elv. Here his voice his voice so gentle, 
 
 Invok'd my name, then died away ! 
 
 Vows of love and truth he plighted, 
 
 And then, oh cruel, scorn'd to stay. 
 
 JTever more shall we, united, 
 
 Taste the love of that sweet day ! 
 
 Oh, restore me hope once more, 
 
 Or let life itself be o'er ! 
 Sir G. \ How much love is there depicted 
 Rich. ) Through her grief and in her face. 
 Elv. Who art thou P 
 
 [To Sir George, who, to gratify her, looks at her 
 
 smilingly. 
 
 Sir G. Do you not know me ? 
 Elv. My father ! thou call'st me to the temple ? 
 
 'Tis no dream, my Arthur, oh, my love ! 
 
 Ah, thou art smiling thy tears thou driest 
 
 Pond Hymen guiding, I quickly follow! 
 
 Then dancing and singing, 
 
 All nuptial feasts providing. 
 
 And surely you shall dance with me 
 [Approaching Richard, whom she takes by the hand. 
 
 Come to the wedding ! 
 Sir G. & Ric. Oh, Heaven ! 
 
 Elv. He's weeping ! he weeps ! he may have lov'd ! 
 [Apart, in a whisper to Sir George then turns and
 
 38 
 
 a fissare Eiccardo poi gli afferra la mnno 
 
 tornando ad atteggiarsi dolorosamente. 
 Bic. e Sir G. Chi f renar il pianto pu6 ! 
 Elv. M' odi e dimmi, amasti mai ? 
 Rlc. Gb' occhi affisa in sul mio volto, 
 
 Ben mi guarda e lo vedrai. 
 Elv. Ah, se piangi ! 
 
 Ancor tu sai che un cor fido nell' amor, 
 
 Sempre vive di dolor ! 
 [Si abbandona al pianto, e si pone la mano sul 
 
 volto Sir Giorgio V abbraccia essa lo lascia, 
 
 e passeggia. 
 Sir G. Deh ! ti acqueta, o mia diletta, 
 
 Tregua al duol dal tempo aspetta. 
 Elv. Mai! 
 
 [Sempre passeggiando per la scena, ne badando 
 
 mai ai due che parlano. 
 Ric. e Sir G. Clemente il ciel ti fia. 
 Elv. Mai ! 
 
 Ric. e Sir G. L' ingrato ormai obblia. 
 Elv. Ah ! mai piu ti rivedro ! 
 Ric. \ Si fa mia la sua ferita 
 S r G. j Mi dispera e squarcia il cor. 
 Elv. O toglietemi la vita, 
 
 O rendetemi il mio amor ! 
 [Elvira si volge in atto di furia verso Riccardo e 
 
 Giorgio. Poi v' e una pausa generale. Dopo 
 
 un poco Elvira sorride, e atteggia U volto 
 
 allegramente alia maniera dei pazzi. 
 Ric. 7 Torno il riso in sul suo aspetto, 
 Sir G. ) Qual pensiero a lei brillo ! 
 Elv. Non temer del padre mio 
 
 Co' miei pianti il plachero ? 
 
 Ogni afEanno andra in obblio, 
 
 Tanto amor consolero ! 
 Sir G. Essa in pene e abbandonata, 
 
 Sogna il gaudio che perde ! 
 Ric. Qual bell' alma innamorata 
 
 Un rival rapiva a me ! 
 Elv. Vien diletto, e in ciel la luna, 
 
 Tutto tace intorno, intorno, 
 
 Finche spunti in cielo il giorno, 
 
 Yien ti posa sul mio cor ! 
 
 Deh t' affretta, O Arturo mio, 
 
 Riedi o caro alia tua Elvira ; 
 
 Essa piange e ti sospira ; 
 
 Vien, o caro, all' amore ! 
 Ric. \ Possa un di, bella infelice, 
 Sir G. J Merce aver di tanto affetto.
 
 39 
 
 gazes at Richard and grasps his hand, suddenly 
 oecomingdejected. 
 
 Rich. & Sir 0. Who can now refrain from tears P 
 
 Elv. [To Richavd.] Listen to me hast ever lovM? 
 
 Rich. [To Elvira.'] Look thou well upon these features, 
 And thou soon wilt know the truth. 
 
 Llv. Ah, thou weepest ! 
 
 And I perceive thou knowest the loving 
 Faithful heart is with sorrow ever wed ! 
 [Elvira is overcome with sorrow, and covers her 
 face with her hands. Sir George embraces 
 hei she leaves him, and traverses tJie stage. 
 
 Sir G. Calm thyself, my dearest love ! 
 Time will all thy grief dispel. 
 
 Elv. Never ! 
 
 [Always pacing the stage, giving no heed to the dis- 
 course of the others. 
 
 Rich. & Sir G. Kind Heaven will give thee solace. 
 
 Ely. Never ! 
 
 Rich. & Sir G. Forget this traitor false. 
 
 Elv. Ne'er again shall I behold thee ! 
 
 Rich. \ Every pang is made my own, 
 
 Sir G. J And rends in twain my inmost heart. 
 
 Elv. Either let my life depart, 
 Or restore my love to me ! 
 
 [Elvira turns furiously towards Richard and Sir 
 George. A sudden pause ensues. After a 
 while she smiles, and her look (with the quick- 
 ness of insanity] becomes cheerful. 
 
 Rich. 1 Now her aspect is serene, what thought, 
 
 Sir G. J What sweet thought, her mind revives ! 
 
 Elv. Have no fear of my dear father 
 By these tears appeas'd he'll be ; 
 And all our woes will soon be over, 
 And our love claim its reward ! 
 
 Sir G. She's bewilder*d by her sorrows, 
 And lost happiness creates ! 
 
 Rich. What a beautiful fond spirit 
 Did a rival from me take ! 
 
 Elv. Come, dearest, come, the skies serene 
 Are bright, and all is peace and rest ; 
 Until day in heav'n is seen, 
 Come, thy couch shall be my breast ! 
 I conjure thee, oh, Arthur dearest, 
 Return to her who weeps for thee : 
 Whose bosom heaves with love oppress'd ; 
 Come to thy first love, come to me ! 
 
 Sir G. ") May, one day, forsaken beauty, 
 
 Rich, j Thy fond love be yet requited.
 
 40 
 
 Possa tin giorno nel diletto, 
 
 Obbliare il suo dolor ! 
 Sir O. Ah ! ricovrarti ormai t' addice. 
 Ric. Stende notte il cupo orror. 
 
 [Elvira e dbbattuta dal delirio. Sir Giorgio e 
 
 Riccardo V invitano a ritirarsi. Sir Giorgio 
 
 osserva all' intorno ; poi afferra pel braccio 
 
 Riccardo, come uno che parlando mostra sapere 
 
 un suo grave segreto. 
 Sir G.Il rival salvar tu devi 
 
 II rival salvar tu puoi. 
 Ric. II nol posso. 
 Sir G. Tu non vuoi. 
 Ric. No! 
 Sir G. Tu il salva. 
 Rie. Ei perira ! 
 Sir G. Tu quell' ora ben rimembri 
 
 Che f uggi la prigioniera P 
 Ric. S\. 
 
 Sir G. D' Artur f u colpa intera ? 
 Ric. Tua f avella ormai [Quasi sdegnandosi. 
 Sir G. E vera. [Cow dignita paterna. 
 
 Ric. Parla aperto ! [Come sopra. 
 
 Sir G. Ho detto assai ! [Come sopra. 
 
 Ric. Fu voler del Parlamento 
 
 Se ha colui la pena estrema, 
 
 Dei ribelli 1' ardimento 
 
 In Artur si domera. 
 
 10 non P odio, io nol pavento ; 
 Ma P indegno perira. 
 
 Sir G. Un geloso e reo tormento 
 
 Or t' invade e acceca ; ah, trema ! 
 
 11 rimorso e lo spavento 
 La tua vita straziera. 
 
 Se il rival per te fia spento 
 
 Un altr' alma il seguira ! 
 Ric. Ah! 
 Sir G. Due vittime farai, 
 
 E dovunque tu n' andrai, 
 
 L' ombra lor ti seguii-a ! 
 
 Se tra il bujo un fantasnia vedrai 
 
 Bianco lieve, che geine e sospira 
 
 Sara Elvira, che mesta s' aggira, 
 
 E ti grida : io son morta per te. 
 
 Quando il cielo e in tempesta piu scuro 
 
 S' odi un' ombra affannosa che frerne, 
 
 Sara Artur che t' incalza, ti preme, 
 
 Ti minaccia de' morfci il furor !
 
 41 
 
 May, one day, in love abounding, 
 Thy great woe to joy give place. 
 
 Sir G. Ah I now it were well thou shouldst <jo. 
 
 Rich. Night's gloomy shades already fall. 
 
 [Elvira is Ion in delirium, Sir George and Richard 
 persuade her to withdraw. Sir George, having 
 cast around a cautious glance, seizes Richard's 
 arm, with the air of one possessed with an im- 
 portant secret. 
 
 Sir G. It it you that must preserve your rival 
 You've the power, and needs must use it. 
 
 Rich. Nay, I cannot. 
 
 Sir G. Say that you will not. 
 
 Rich. No! 
 
 Sir G. Thou wilt save him ! 
 
 Rich. No he shall f aU ! 
 
 Sir G. Dost thou not the hour remember 
 Of the prisoner's escape ? 
 
 Rich. Ay. 
 
 Sir G. And was it, then, all Arthur's fault ? 
 
 Rich. This bold language now [ Waxing angry. 
 
 Sir G. Is true, sir ! [ With dignity. 
 
 Rich. Speak, then, freely. [Bowing. 
 
 Sir G. I've said enough. [Bowing. 
 
 Rich. 'Tis the will of Parliament 
 
 That the sentence be enacted ; 
 That the daring of the rebels 
 Shall, in Arthur's fate, be avenged. 
 I nor fear him, nor do I hate him ; 
 But the traitor surely dies. 
 
 Sir G. A jealous guilty vengeance 
 
 Invades thine inmost soul but, tremble ! 
 Remorse and apprehension 
 Shall wear thy wretched life out. 
 If he's doom'd, and that by thee, 
 Then he will not fall alone. 
 
 Rich. Ah ! 
 
 Sir G. Thou makest die two victims, 
 And, wherever thou shalt go, 
 Their shades will most surely follow thee ! 
 If a phantom thou see'st in the night, 
 Pale and ghastly, with moans pursue thee, 
 'Tis Elvira ! whose tones shall affright, 
 As she cries, ' Thou causedst my death.' 
 When the storm shall be wildest in heaven, 
 If a shadow disturb thy faint breath, 
 And follow thy course, vengeance- driven, 
 It is Arthur who dooms thee to death !
 
 42 
 
 Ric. Se d' Elvira in fantasma dolente, 
 M' apparisce e m' incalzi e s' adiri, 
 Le mie preci, i singulti, i sospiri, 
 Mi sapranno ottenere merce. 
 Se 1' odiato fantasme d' Arturo, 
 Sanguinoso surgesse d' Averno, 
 Bipiombarlo agli abissi in eterno, 
 Lo f orebbe il mio immense furor ! 
 [Sir Giorgio dopo una pausa lo abbraccia pian- 
 
 gendo, e con affetto paterno. 
 8ir G. II duol che si mi accora 
 Vinca la tua bell' anima. 
 Ric. Han vinto le tue lacrime ! 
 Mira ho bagnato il cigli. 
 A. 2. Chi ben la patria adora 
 
 Onora la pieta ! 
 Ric. Se inerme ed in periglio, 
 
 Salvo ei per te sara. 
 Sir G. Si, il salva. 
 Ric. E dall' esiglio, 
 
 Contro la Patria libera 
 
 Se ajrmato ei qui verra ? 
 
 Sir G. Mia man non e ancor gelida 
 
 Con te il combattera. 
 Ric. [Con mistero.~\ Forse dell' alba al sorgere 
 
 L' oste ci assalira ! S' ei vi sara ! 
 Sir G. Morra ! 
 
 Sia voce di terror Patria ! Vittoria ! Onor ! 
 Ric. Suoni la tromba e intrepido ! 
 lo pugnero da forte, 
 Bello e affrontar morte, 
 Gridando libei*ta ! 
 Amor di patria impavedo, 
 Mieta i sanguigni allori, 
 Poi terga i bei sudori, 
 Ei pianti la pieta, all' alba ! 
 Sir G. Bello e affrontar la morte, 
 
 Gridando liberta ! 
 
 A 2. Alba ! che sorgi a un popolo, 
 Che a liberta s' affidi, 
 Giuliva a lui sorridi 
 Nunzia d' eterno Sol. 
 Alba, che sorgi ai perfidi, 
 Tiranni dalla terra, 
 Sii nuiizia a lor di guerra, 
 Alba d' etemo duol ! 
 
 [Stanno per separisi. Nel fondo delle scena Gior- 
 gio si rivolge a Riccardo, e laprendeper mano.
 
 43 
 
 Rich. If Elvira's sad phantom appear, 
 
 If it come with reproaches and wruth, 
 
 Grief shall move it with penitent pnyer, 
 
 Tears and sighs, till full pardon it uath. 
 
 But if, from Averno's dark shore, 
 
 Arthur's horrible shadow arise, 
 
 The spectre I'd hurl back for ever, 
 
 My fury's abhorred sacrifice. 
 [After a pause, Sir George affectionately embraces 
 
 Richard, and with tears. 
 Sir 0. The grief which now I feel 
 
 May touch thy soul so noble. 
 Rich. Thy tears have surely triumph'd 1 
 
 Look I also weep. 
 Both. True lovers of their country 
 
 Must always mercy feel. 
 Rich. If helpless and in peril, 
 
 For thy sake he is sav'd. 
 Sir G. Yes, save him ! 
 Rich If from exile 
 
 He come in hostile arms 
 
 Against his country's freedom ? 
 Sir G. My blood is not yet frozen 
 
 Against him both will fight. 
 Rich. [wysteriously.~] Perhaps, by the break of day, 
 
 The f oeman will attack, if he be among them ! 
 Sir G. He dies ! The terrible cry, 
 
 Our Country ! Victory ! Honour ! 
 Both. Sound, sound the trumpet loudly, 
 
 Bravely we'll meet the toemen, 
 
 Yes, for the cause of liberty, 
 
 'Tis sweet affronting death ! 
 
 Bold love of country aiding us, 
 
 The victor's wreath unfading, thus, 
 
 "Will unto us be proudly 
 
 Bestow'd by love and faith : at dawn ! 
 Sir G. Yes, for the cause of liberty, 
 
 'Tis sweet affronting death. 
 Both. Morn ! rising on a nation, 
 
 "Whose only trust is freedom, 
 
 Joyously may the radiant sun 
 
 Bring us eternal fame ! 
 
 Earth's tyrants who dissemble, 
 
 At thy war-message tremble, 
 
 Midst the world's execration 
 
 They sink in endless shame. 
 [When separating, Sir George takes Richard "by ths 
 
 hand.
 
 44 
 
 Sir G. II patto e gia f ermato 
 
 Se Artur e inerme o vinto 
 Ric. Avra pieta e conf orto. 
 Sir G. Se vien ascoso e armato 
 Ric. Ei sara awinto e morto ! 
 
 FINE DELL' ATTO SECONDO. 
 
 ATTO III. 
 
 SCENA I. Loggia in un giardino e boschetto vicino 
 alia casa di Elvira, queata casa ha la porta e le 
 finestre con vetri assai trasparenti. Da lontano 
 si vedono, sempre alcunefortificazioni, ec. II giorno 
 com/mincia ad oscurarsi. Si leva un uracono, e 
 mentre piu imperversa, sentonsi dentro le scene e da 
 lontano alcune grida d' allarme ed un colpo di 
 archibugio. Poco dopo ARTTTRO comparisce awolto 
 in un gran mantello. A poco, a poco esce la luna. 
 La casa internamente vedesi da varie lampade 
 illuminata. 
 
 Art. Son salvo, alfin son salvo I miei nemici' 
 Falliro il colpo, e mi smarrir di traccia. 
 Oh, patria ! oh, amore, onnipossente nomi ! 
 Quant' io vi sento e adoro ! ad ogni passo 
 Mi balzo il cor nel sene e benedico 
 Ogni tronco, ogni fronda ed ogni sasso 
 Oh, com' e dolce a un esule infelice 
 Dopo il misero errar di riva in riva, 
 Toccar alfin la terra sua nativa ! 
 Vedere ed abbracciar colei che in core 
 Gli f u scolpita per la man d' amore ! 
 
 S' intrawede fra i vetri del palazzo ELVIRA vestita 
 di bianco. Essa non vista da Arturo trapassa 
 sola e cantando. La sua voce va perpendosi a 
 mano mano, che essa internasine'suoi appartamenti. 
 
 Elv. A una fonte afflitto e solo, 
 
 S' assiedeva un trovador ; 
 
 E a sf ogar 1' immenso duolo 
 
 Sciolse un cantico d' amor. 
 Art. La mia canzon d' amore ? Ah, Elvira P 
 
 Ove t' aggiri tu ? Nessun risponde ! 
 
 A te cos' 10 cantava 
 
 Di queste selve tra la dense fronde, 
 
 E tu allor facevi eco al cantar mio! 
 
 Deh ! se ascoltasti 1' amoroso canto
 
 45 
 
 Sir 0. The compact is fixed, 
 
 If Arthur is defenceless 
 Rich. He'll find support and succour. 
 Sir G. If he in arms return 
 Rich. He comes to shame and vengeance ! 
 
 END OF THE SECOND ACT. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. A Lodge and Garden in a Grove near 
 the dwelling of Elvira. The glass windows and 
 door render the interior visible. In the distance are 
 military fortifications, &c. The day is declining. 
 A violent storm is rising, and during its progress 
 cries of alarm are heard without, and discharge of 
 guns afar off. Shortly after, ARTHUR appears, 
 enveloped in a large mantle. The moon is gradu- 
 ally overclouded. Lights are seen within the house. 
 
 Art. I am saVd, at last I am saved my desp'rate foes 
 Have miss'd their aim, nor close they on my foot- 
 steps. 
 
 My country! my love! oh, sweet and potent names, 
 How leaps my heart to your commingled claims ! 
 At every step my spirit, stranger grown, 
 Blesses each tree, each flower, and every stone. 
 How sweet, to hapless exile, who from shore 
 To shore has fled, to reach his home once more ! 
 To see, and to embrace with joyous start 
 The form whose image love graveth on his heart ! 
 
 Through the windows of the house ELVIRA is seen, 
 attired in white, unperceived by Arthur she passes 
 along singing her voice dies gradually away in 
 the distance as she enters her chamber. 
 
 Elv. Sad and lonely, by a fountain, 
 
 A troubadour was seen ; 
 
 And his harp he swept, but sorrow 
 
 Was all its strings could glean. 
 Art. My own fond song of love ! 
 
 Elvira, oh say, where art thou ? 
 
 No one responds. 'Twas thus to thee I sang 
 
 Under the shady branches of this grove ; 
 
 Thou mad'st then a lovely echo. 
 
 If once my song of love thou heard'st,
 
 46 
 
 Odi un eaule affiitto, odi il mio pianto 
 A una fonte ;iffiitto e solo 
 S' assiedcva un trovador, 
 Tocco P arpa, e suond duolo ! 
 Sciolse un canto e f u dolor ! 
 Corre a valle, corre a monte, 
 L' esiliato pellegrin : 
 Ma il dolor gli e sempre a f route, 
 Gli e compagno nel cammin. 
 Brama il sole, allor ch' e sera ; 
 Brama sera, allor ch' e sol ; 
 Gli par verno primavera, 
 Ogni riso gli par duol. 
 
 [Sentesi un sordo battere di tamburo dentro le scene. 
 Qual suon ? gente s' appressa ! 
 
 1 Coro. [Sommessamente entro le scene.~\ Agli spaldi. 
 
 2 Coro. Alle torri sara. 
 
 Tutti. Si cherchera non sfuggira. 
 
 Art. Ore m' ascondo P Ah ! P orde di Cromvello 
 
 Sono ancor di mi in traccia. 
 [Arturo si ritira e vedesi un drappello d' amnigeri 
 
 traversare, il fondo dalla scena : append che 
 
 sono passati, Arturo esce e guarda lor dietro. 
 
 Vanno i f urenti, perche mai non oso, 
 
 Porre il pie dentro le adorate soglie P 
 
 Dire a Elvira il mio duol, la f ede mia ? 
 
 Ah, no ! perder potrei 
 
 Me stesso e lei. Tentium di nuovo il canto ! 
 
 A me f orse vorra, se al cuor le suona, 
 
 Quasi a richiamo de' bei di felice 
 
 Quando uniti dicemmo : io t' amo, io t' amo ! 
 
 Cerca il sonno a notte scura, 
 
 L' esiliato pellegrin, 
 
 Sogna e il desta la sciagura 
 
 Delia patria e il suo destin. 
 
 Sempre eguali ha i luoghi e P ore 
 
 L' inf elice trovador ; 
 
 L' esiliato allor che muore, 
 
 Ha sol posa al suo dolor. 
 
 Si vede dietro le vetriate Elvira che ritorna, poi essa 
 accostasi alia porta e sentendosi questo piccolo 
 rumore dalla parte del palazzo Arturo si rttiro. 
 ELVIRA esce con un andare smarrito, poi siferma 
 quasi in atto di starre in ascolto. 
 
 Elv. Fini me lassa ! Oh, come dolce all' alina 
 Mi scendea quella voce. 
 Oh, Dio fini ! Mi p irve
 
 47 
 
 Hear now an exile's sorrows, and his plaint. 
 
 Sad and lonely, by a fountain, 
 
 A young troubadour reclin'd, 
 
 And, for solace to his sorrow, 
 
 Freely breath'd a love-song to the wind. 
 
 Through the valley, o'er the mountain, 
 
 The banish'd pilgrim strayeth, 
 
 And grief by his side, for ever 
 
 His sole companion, stayeth. 
 
 When 'tis day, for sable night he longcth ; 
 
 When 'tis night, he wisheth for the day ; 
 
 He mistaketh spring for winter, 
 
 Not e'en mirth to him is gay. 
 
 [Drums heard in the distance. 
 What sounds ? some one approaches ! 
 
 1 Cho. [Within.'] To the rampart. 
 
 2 Cho. He is near the tower. 
 
 All. We'll strictly search he can't escape. 
 
 Art. Where can I hide me ? the troops of Cromwell 
 
 Are e'en now close upon my track ! 
 [He withdraws behind the curtains, when armed 
 soldiers cross the stage : after they have passed, 
 he again comes forward. 
 
 Art. They take that road : 
 
 O, why am I forbidden to set foot 
 Within the palace of my ador'd, and tell 
 My perils and my truth to her? Ah, no ! 
 It might endanger both the song once more, 
 It may reach her heart, and bring her to me. 
 It may remind her of pass'd days of bliss, 
 When all our language was 'Ilove,Ilovethee.' 
 In the night-time's gloomy silence, 
 When the exiled wand'rer sleeps, 
 Dreams present him his misfortunes 
 For his home and fate he weeps. 
 Every spot all times are equal 
 To the hapless troubadour ; 
 Only kind repose he findeth 
 When fate bids him feel no more. 
 
 Through the windows Elvira is seen returning. 
 She advances towards the door. Hearing someone 
 approach from the house, Arthur retires, and 
 ELVIRA enters with an uncertain step, then sud- 
 denly pauses as if in the act of listening. 
 
 Elv. 'Tis o'er unhappy me ! How softly 
 
 And sweetly that voice touched my souL 
 Oh, Heaven, 'tis gone ! it seem'd
 
 48 
 
 AM rimembranze, alii vani sogni : 
 
 Ah mio Arturo; dove sei? 
 Art . A piedi tuoi ! 
 
 Elvira, ah mi perdona ! 
 Elv. Arturo! e desso. [Gettandosi nelle sue bracelet. 
 
 Sei pur tu ? or non m' inganni ? 
 Art. Ingannarti? Ah no, giammai! 
 Elv. lo vacillo ; temo affanni, 
 Art. Non temer, finero i guai, 
 
 Ove alfin unisce amor. 
 
 Nel mirarti un solo istante, 
 
 10 sospiro e mi console 
 
 D' ogni pianto, d' ogni duolo 
 
 Che provai lontan da te. 
 Elv. Ch' ei provo lontan da me ! 
 
 [Dice il primo verso da se stessa, e precisamente, 
 
 coll' accento di persona che ha la mente confusa 
 
 per meste ricordanze. 
 
 Quanto tempo ! lo rammenti P 
 Art. Pur tre mesi. 
 Elv. Ah, no tre secoli, 
 
 {Con entusiamo delirante di passione. 
 
 Fur tre secoli d' orror ! 
 
 Ti chiamava ad ogni istante. 
 
 Biedi, o Arturo, e mi consola, 
 
 E rompava ogni parola 
 
 11 singulti del dolor! 
 
 Art. Deh perdona ! ella era misera, 
 
 Prigioniera, abbandonata, 
 
 In periglio. 
 
 Elv. [Con rapidita.~\ E 1' hai tu amataP 
 Art. lo? Colei! 
 Elv. Non e tua sposa? 
 Art. Chi dir 1' osa ? 
 Elv. lo il chiedp, oh Arturo. 
 Art. Mi credevi si spergiuro ? 
 
 Da quel di che ti mirai 
 
 Palpitai per te d' amore; 
 
 Da quel giorno all' ultim' ore, 
 
 Si questo cor, si per te sol palpiterJk. 
 
 La mia vita io ti sacrai 
 
 E la morte per amore, 
 
 Si fin la morte in questo amore, 
 
 Dolce e cara a me sara. 
 Elv. Oh, parole d' amor! lieta son io ! 
 
 Ei non 1' amava adunque ; oh, Arturo mioJ 
 
 Da quel di che a te giurai, 
 
 Solo appresi aver il core ;
 
 49 
 
 Ah, sweetest mem'ry ! vain delusion ! 
 
 My own Arthur ! alas ! where art thou P 
 Art. [Kneeling.] At thy feet kneeling, 
 
 Elvira, I crave thy pardon. 
 Elv. Dear Arthur, 'tis he ! [ Falling into his arms. 
 
 Is it thyself ? dost thou not deceive me P 
 Art. I deceive thee ! Never ! never ! 
 Elv. Yet I tremble ; other woes seem near. 
 Art. Oh, dread them not, my dearest, 
 
 Now love is smiling again. 
 
 Now once more thy love beholding, 
 
 I breathe freely and resign 
 
 Ev'ry murmur, ev'ry sorrowing 
 
 That I proved afar from thee. 
 Elv. That I proved afar from thee. 
 
 [Elvira sings this line in a pointed manner, and 
 
 like one embarrassed by melancholy recollec- 
 tions. 
 
 What a time ! canst say how long ? 
 Art. Three months. 
 Elv. Ah, no it is ages three ; 
 
 [Enthusiastically and passionately. 
 
 Yes, three ages of agony and horror. 
 
 I exclaimed at each sad moment, 
 
 ' Return, Arthur, to console me !' 
 
 While each word remained unfinished 
 
 Stifled, broken, by my sobs. 
 Art. Ah, forgive me ! she was most wretched, 
 
 A sad prisoner, by all abandoned, 
 
 And in peril. 
 
 Elv. [Eagerly .] And dost thou love her? 
 Art. I love her ! 
 Elv. Hast thou not wed her? 
 Art. Who dare say that ? 
 Elv. I who ask it, Arthur. 
 Art. Didst thou believe me so forsworn ? 
 
 From the day I first beheld thee, 
 
 But one feeling fill'd my heart. 
 
 Where 'twill burn for ever holy, 
 
 And changeless till death's final smart. 
 
 Life to thee I offer'd wholly, 
 
 All its glad or sad emotion, 
 
 And to die with such devotion 
 
 Were a calm and blissful part. 
 Elv. Oh, words of love ! I now am happy 1 
 
 And didst thou ever love her? 
 
 Oh, my own Arthur ! 
 
 T Jl the day of love's fond pledging, 
 [IPuriUiaL] C
 
 50 
 
 E a te fido infin clie muore 
 
 Questo core palpiLera. 
 
 La mia vita 10 ti sacrai 
 
 Nella gioia e nel dolore ; 
 
 E la morte per amore 
 
 Cara e santa a me sara. 
 [Si danno scambievolmenta la destra, e si volgono 
 
 al Cielo. 
 Art. Tua crudel dubbiezza amara, 
 
 Deponesti, e paga or sei? 
 Elv. Dl, se a te non era cara, 
 
 A che mai seguir colei ? 
 Art. Or t' infingi, o ignori ck' ella, 
 
 Presso a morte. 
 Elv. Chi? favella! 
 Art. La? Regina! 
 Elv. La? Regina! 
 Art . Un indugio ? e la meschina, 
 
 Su d' un palco a morte orribilel 
 Elv. E fia ver ! qual lume rapido, 
 
 Or balena al mio pensier ? 
 
 Dunque m' ami ? 
 Art. E puoi temer ? 
 Elv. Dunque vuoi 
 Art. Star teco ognor 
 
 Tra gli amplessi dell' amor. 
 
 Vieni, fra le mie braccia, 
 
 Amor, delizia e vita ! 
 
 Non mi sarai rapita, 
 
 Or che ti stringo al cor ! 
 
 Ansante, ognor tremante, 
 
 Ti chiamo e ognor ti bramo ; 
 
 Vien, mi ripeti 10 t' amo, 
 
 T' amo cl' immense amor. 
 Elv. Caro non bo parola, 
 
 Ch' esprima il mio contento ; 
 
 L' alma elevar mi sento, 
 
 In estasi d' amor. 
 
 Ad ogni istante ansante, 
 
 Ti chiamo e te sol bramo ! 
 
 Ah ! caro ! vien ti ripeto 
 
 T' amo d' immenso amore ! 
 [Elvira si pone sul core la mano d' Arturo. Odesi 
 
 ancora il suono del tamburo. 
 
 Aucor qnel suon funesto, i miei nemici ! 
 
 Si, quel suon funesto. 
 
 [La sua testa cominicia a vaciilare.
 
 51 
 
 I was unconscious of a heart ; 
 
 Since that day 'tis thine, and will be, 
 
 Until stern death tear us apart. 
 
 Life to thee I all devoted 
 
 Its pleasure and its melancholy ; 
 
 Ana to die for such devotion 
 
 Will be a death serene and holy. 
 [Each talcing the hand of the other, tiny look up ( 
 
 heaven. 
 Art. Thy bitter doubts dispelling, 
 
 Is thy bosom now at peace f 
 Elv. If she was not dear to thee, 
 
 Why wast thou her follower? 
 Art. Dost thou feign ? or is't thou know'st not 
 
 Her doom was death? 
 Elv. Who? speak quickly 1 
 Art. Who? the Queen! 
 Elv. What! the Queen? 
 Art. Yes : delay were certain death ; 
 
 She'd have perish'd on the scaffold ! 
 Elv. Can this be so ? what light so sudden 
 
 Breaks in on all my thoughts ? 
 
 Then thou lovest me ? 
 Art. Thou fearest not? 
 Elv. Then thou wishes! 
 Art. Still to abide 
 
 Ever loving, ever faithfuL 
 
 Come, come to my arms, 
 
 Thou my life's sole delight! 
 
 And, thus press'd to my heart, 
 
 We'll no more disunite ! 
 
 Thrill'd with anxious love and fear, 
 
 On thee I call for thee I sigh ; 
 
 Come, and say the love is dear 
 
 That soars a boundless height. 
 Elv. All words, dear love, are wanting 
 
 To this sweet consummation ; 
 
 And yet my soul is mounting 
 
 With inspiration higher. 
 
 Breathless still and trembling, 
 
 For thee I call and sigh ; 
 
 My heart, with fervent yearning, 
 
 Poureth its lone love-cry. 
 \Elvira presses Arthur's hand to her heart. A 
 
 drum is heard. 
 Art. Again that warlike sound so dreadful! 
 
 My enemies are near. 
 Elv. It is that sound so hated. 
 
 [Again becoming delirious.
 
 52 
 
 10 conosco qttel suon ma tu non sai. 
 
 Che piu nol temo ormai nella mia stanza ; 
 
 Squarciai il vel di che s' orno sua testa 
 
 Calpestai le sue pompe ed all" aurora 
 
 Con me tu ancora, 
 
 Verrai a festa e a danza. 
 Art. Oh, Dio! chedici? 
 
 [Arturo si ritira un passo e la guarda con stupors 
 
 e spavento fissamente nel volto. 
 Elv. Cosi come tu guardi 
 
 Mi guardan essi, e intender mai non sanno 
 
 11 mio parlar, il mio risb, il duol, F affanno I 
 
 [Elvira si focca la festa e il cuore. 
 Art. Oh, ti scuoti. Tuvanneggi! 
 
 [Sentesi da parti aposte dentro il boschetto le voci 
 di varii drapelli d' Armigeri, che incontran- 
 dosi si scambiano il motto difazione. 
 
 1. Alto la? 
 
 2. Fedel drapello. 
 
 1. Echiviva! 
 
 2. Anglia e Cromvello I 
 
 1. Viva ! 
 
 2. Viva! 
 Tutti. Vincera ! 
 
 Art. Vien, ci e f orza ormai partir \ 
 Eiv. Ah, tu vuoi f uggirmi ancor ? 
 
 No colei piu non f avra ! 
 [Arturo prende per mano Elvira che lo guarda e 
 
 infuria delirando. Essa gettasi ai piedi di 
 
 Arturo, e gli abbraccia le ginocchia, a gridav 
 
 soccorso. 
 Art. Vien. 
 
 Elv. T" arresti il mio dolor. 
 Art. Taci ! 
 
 Elv. O genti, ei vuol fuggir! 
 Art. Taci! 
 Elv. Aiuto, per pieta 1 
 Art. Ah! 
 
 Entra BiccAKiK), GIORGIO, BETTNO, Armigeri, con 
 facelle, Castellani, e Castetlane. 
 
 Sir G. 6 qui Arturo ! 
 
 [Arturo che s' avvede della demenza di Elvira resta 
 impietrito di dolore guardandola immoto. 
 Elvira e inveee instupidita per futfoquel che 
 vede. Biccardo a eui fanno eco li Puritani, 
 s' avanza ad intimare la sentenza del Parla- 
 mento. Alle parole ' Movie? veetesi che Elvira
 
 53 
 
 I well know that sound. But thou 
 
 Know'st that I no longer dread it. 
 
 In my own chamber did I tear the veil 
 
 That one day grac'd her head. 
 
 I trod upon her finery ; 
 
 And, at the dawning, with me once more 
 
 Thou shalt come to the feast and dance. 
 [Arthur retreats and gazes at her with, terror and 
 
 amazement. 
 
 Art. Oh God, what says she P 
 Elv. Just as thou now look'st at me, 
 
 So e'en do they, and cannot understand 
 
 My words, my laughter, or my sorrows. 
 
 [Putting her hand to her head and heart. 
 Art. Recall thy thoughts. Thou'rt raving ! 
 
 [From the opposide, behind the grove, are heard the 
 
 voices of several troops of Soldiers, who meet 
 
 to exchange the watchword. 
 
 1. Who goes there ? 
 
 2. Band of the faithful. 
 
 1. Give the pass-word. 
 
 2. England and Cromwell ! 
 
 1. Viva! 
 
 2. Viva! 
 
 All. The conqueror ! 
 
 Art. Come, we must awhile retire. 
 Elv. Thou wouldst again desert me, 
 
 But she shall never call thee hers. 
 [Arthur takes Elvira's hand ; she looks at him tA 
 
 the madness of delirium, then throws herself at 
 
 his feet, embracing his knees and skriekingfor 
 
 help. 
 
 Art. Come. 
 
 Elv. Let my grief retain thea 
 Art. Speak not. 
 
 Elv. My friends, he now would fly! 
 Art. Speak not! 
 Elv. Help, for pity ! 
 Art. Ah! 
 
 Enter RICHARD, Sir GEORGE, BBTJNO, Soldiers with 
 torches, and Villagers. 
 
 Sir G. Where is Arthur ? 
 
 [Arthur, perceiving the madness of Elvira, remains 
 powerless with grief, gazing on her. Elvira 
 seems stupified by what takes place. Richard, 
 who is supported by the Puritans, advances to 
 announce the sentence of Parliament. At the
 
 54 
 
 cangia aspetto, ed ogni sue moto ed otto paleea 
 
 che qwsto awenimento tremendo produs.se nnct 
 
 commozione nel cerveUo, ed un totale cunibiu- 
 
 mento inielletuale. 
 Itic. Arturo ! 
 Tutti. Artnrol 
 Ric. Cavalier, ti colse il nume 
 
 Punitor de' tradimenti. 
 Armi. Pera ucciso fra torment! 
 
 Chi tradiva patria e onor. 
 Sir G. \ Oh, inf elioe ! un destin rio 
 Donne. } A tal spiaggia or ti guidb. 
 Hie. \ Talbo Artur, la Patria e Dio 
 Armi. ) Te alia inorte eondanno. 
 Elv. Morte ! 
 Armi. A inorte I 
 Dorme. Ahi, qnal terror ! 
 Armi. Dio raggiunge i traditor! 
 Elv. Che ascoltai ? 
 Donne. Si tramuto ! 
 
 [Le donne guardando Elvira e drcondandola osser- 
 
 vano tutti li mutamenti, che sono sulla fisono* 
 
 m,ia di Elvira. 
 
 Sir G. \ Se avra il senno ? avra piii lacrime, 
 Ric. ) Nel mirar chi per lei muor. 
 Elv. Qual mai f unerea 
 
 Voce funesta, 
 
 Mi senote e desta 
 
 Dal mio martir ? 
 
 lo fui si bareara - 
 
 Lo trassi a morte 
 
 M' avra consorte 
 
 Nel su morir. 
 Ric. Quel suon f unereo, 
 
 Ch' apre tma tomba, 
 
 Cupo rimbomba, 
 
 M' infonde orror. 
 
 Lor sorte orribile 
 
 Spensa gia 1' ira, 
 
 Mi affanna ed inspira 
 
 Pieta e dolor. 
 Armi. Qual suon f unereo, 
 
 Ch' apre una tomba, 
 
 Cupo rimbomba 
 
 Infonde orror. 
 
 Dio terribile, 
 
 In sua vandetta, 
 
 Gli empii ei saetta, 
 
 Sterminator.
 
 55 
 
 word ' Death,' Elvira it seen, to change counte- 
 nance, and her pallid looks and actions show 
 that this dreadful event has caused great emo- 
 tion, and a total overthrow of her mitul. 
 
 R : ch. What! Arthur! 
 
 Ail. Ah! Arthur! 
 
 It'.ch. Cavalier, the sword of justice 
 On the traitor's head shall fall. 
 
 Sold. Yes, in torment he must perish ! 
 
 A traitor to his country and honour! 
 
 Sir G. \ Unhappy Arthur ! a fatal doom 
 
 Worn. ) To this place thy steps hath led. 
 
 Rich. ") Arthur Talbot, thy God and country 
 
 ^< >/,!.. j Have decreed that thou aiialt die. 
 
 Elv. To die! 
 
 Sold. To die! 
 
 Worn. Oh, horrid doom ! 
 
 Sold. God the traitor will o'ertake. 
 
 Elv. Ah! what hear I? 
 
 Worn. What sudden change ! 
 [The Ladies, surrounding and observing Elvira, 
 watch all the variations passing over her fea- 
 tures. 
 
 Sir G. } If she e'er recover reason, 
 
 Rich. / She will shed more tears for him. 
 
 Elv. What sounds funereal 
 Strike on my ear, 
 And drown recollection 
 Of all former care ? 
 Ah ! I was barbarous- 
 To hasten his death ; 
 But with my lov'd one 
 I'll share the grave. 
 
 Rich. That sound so fatal, 
 
 Cold death proclaiming, 
 With awe most dreadful, 
 Harrows my heart. 
 Such cruel fortune, 
 My anger subduing, 
 My soul is inspiring 
 With pity and grief. 
 
 Sold. The sound funereal 
 That opens a grave, 
 Our hearts now filleth 
 With woe most profound. 
 Heaven is terrible 
 In its just vengeance, 
 Striking the impious, 
 Destroying their works.
 
 56 
 
 Art. Oredeasi miseva 
 
 Da me tradita ; 
 
 Traea sua vita 
 
 In tal martir. 
 
 Or sfido i fulmini 
 
 Disprezzo il fato, 
 
 Se a lei d' allato 
 
 Potrb morir ! 
 Sir G. Qual suon funereo 1 
 
 Feral rimbomba, ; 
 
 Nel senmi piomba 
 
 M' agghiacca il corP 
 
 Sol posso, ahi, misero, 
 
 Tremar e fremere, 
 
 Non ha piu lacrime 
 
 H mio dolor! 
 Core. {Di Donne.] Qual suon f anereo, 
 
 Feral rimbomba, 
 
 Al cor ci piomba, 
 
 Gelar ci fa ! 
 
 Pur fra le lagrime, 
 
 Speme ci amda, 
 
 Che Dio ci arrida, 
 
 Di sua pieta. 
 
 Armi. ") Dio comanda a figli suoi, 
 Bru. ) Che giustizia alfin si rendi ! 
 
 s C . 
 
 jy ' I La pietade Iddio v' apprenda. 
 
 Art. \_Ad Elvira.~\ Deh ritorna a sensi tlioi, 
 
 Elv. Qual mi cade orribil benda ! 
 
 Art. Omia Elvira! 
 
 Elv. E viva ancor. 
 
 Art. Teco io sono. 
 
 Elv. Ah il tuo perdono ! 
 
 Per me a morte, o Arturo mio. 
 Art. Di tua sorte il reo son io. 
 Elv. e Art. Un amplesso ! 
 Bru. e Men. Awampo e f remo ! 
 Sir G., Ric. e Donne. Io gelo e tremo! 
 Elv. c Art. Un addio ! 
 Twtti. L' estremo ! 
 Armi. Cada alfin 1' ultrice spada 
 
 Sevra il capo al traditor. 
 Art. Arrestate -Vi scostate 
 
 Paventate il mio furore! 
 
 Ella e tremante, 
 
 Ella e spirante !
 
 57 
 
 Art. Oh! the forlorn one 
 
 Thought I betrayed hor ; 
 
 All her days pass'd she 
 
 Anxious and sad. 
 
 Now fate I challenge, 
 
 Braving its thunder, 
 
 If we together 
 
 Calmly may die ! 
 Sir G. The sound funereal 
 
 That opens a grave, 
 
 Fills my sad heart 
 
 With woe most profound I 
 
 Woe overwhelming, 
 
 Mingled grief and rage ! 
 
 And no more tears, alas ! 
 
 Pain to assuage. 
 Clio. \0f WomenJ] Those sounds funereal, 
 
 That open a grave, 
 
 Fill our sad hearts 
 
 With woe most profound ! 
 
 But, 'midst affliction, 
 
 A hope is still shining, 
 
 That God in his mercy 
 
 Will with pity look down. 
 Sol. "I God commands that all his children 
 Bru. I Should to the traitor render justice. 
 
 <? 'f* \ Thou but speakest in thy fierceness ! 
 TT^ ' V May kind Heaven teach thee pity. 
 
 Art. I To Elvira.'] Ah! recall thy recollection. 
 Elv. How strange a mask has fallen from me. 
 Art. Oh, my Elvira ! 
 Elv. Thou livest yet 
 Art. I am with thee. 
 Elv. Alas, forgive me ! 
 
 Oh, Arthur dearest, I've caused thy death. 
 Art. And I have caused all thy misfortunes. 
 Elv. & Art. One embrace. 
 Bru. & Men. With rage I'm burning. 
 Sir G., Rich. & Worn. I fear and tremble 1 
 ^V & Art. One farewell! 
 . The final ! 
 <J,. Now the fatal sword of justice 
 
 Falls on the vile traitor's head. 
 
 Stand aside there do not move ye, 
 
 Or my vengeance you shall know ! 
 
 Terror shakes her, life forsakes her ! 
 
 Oh, monsters, nurs'd
 
 58 
 
 Anime perfide 
 Sorde a pieta ! 
 Un sole istante, 
 L' ire affrenate 
 Poi vi saziate 
 Di crudelta ! 
 Coro. [Di Puritani.'] 
 
 1 Armi. A vendetta sui ribaldi ! 
 
 2 Armi. A vendetta ! 
 
 [All improvvisi tutti si fermano perche odesi un 
 suono di Corna da caccia. Vari Armigeri 
 Puritani escono ad esplorare, e tornano gui- 
 dando un messaggiero. Questi reca una lettera 
 a Giorgio che in canvpagnia di Riccardo la 
 scorre : entrambi si volgono ai circonstante, 
 confaccia ridente. 
 
 Tutti. Suon d' Araldi! 
 fi un messaggio P 
 
 Donne. Un divin raggio 
 Esploriam ! 
 
 Tutti. One mai sara ? 
 
 Sir G. Esultate, ah s\ esultate ! 
 
 Gia i Stuardi or vinti sono 
 I captivi ban gia perdono 
 L' Anglia terra ha liberta ! 
 
 Ric. \ A Cromvello onore e gloria ! 
 
 Puri. ) La vittoria il guidera ! 
 
 Elv. } Ball' angoscia al gaudio estremo 
 
 Art. ) Par quest' alma al Ciel rapita ! 
 Ben so dir che sia la vita 
 
 Or che . uo T amor mi fa. 
 
 Coro. Siate liete alme amorose, 
 
 Qual d' amor foste dolenti ! 
 
 Lunghi di per voi ridenti 
 
 Quest' istante segnera. 
 Elv. \ Ah ! sento, o mio bell' angelo 
 Art. / Che poca e intera, 
 
 Per esultar nel giubilo 
 
 Che amor ci done a 
 
 Benediro le lacrime ! 
 
 L' ansia, io sospir i geniti, 
 
 Vaneggero nel palpito 
 
 D' un' ebbra vomtta ! 
 Coro. Amor pietoso e tenero, 
 
 Coronera di giubilo 
 
 L' ansia, sospiri, i palpiti 
 
 Di tanta f edelta. 
 
 PINE DELL' OPEEA.
 
 59 
 
 In crimes accurs'd, 
 
 One moment only 
 
 Restrain your vengeful hate , 
 
 Then fully satiate 
 
 Your cruel thirst. 
 Cho. [Of Puritans.'] 
 1st Sold. Now for vengeance ! 
 2nd Sold. Ay, for vengeance on the traitor ! 
 
 [All stop suddenly at the sound of a horn without- 
 
 Several Soldiers go in search, and return 
 
 conducting a Messenger with a letter, which he 
 
 delivers to Sir George, who reads it with Pdch- 
 
 ard, and with happy countenances they both 
 
 then turn to the surrounding bystanders. 
 All. The herald's trumpet ! 
 
 Is't a message P 
 Worn. A ray divine ! 
 
 Let us see ! 
 
 All What can it be P 
 Sir G. Let exultation fill the hearts of all! 
 
 The power of the Stuarts is o'ercome 
 
 Pardon has been to all captives granted 
 
 In England liberty's supreme ! 
 Rich. \ Honour and glory be to Cromwell ! 
 Sold. I Vict'ry now his banner waves ! 
 Elv. } From mis'ry deep to joy celestial, 
 Art. J Seems this soul convey'd to Heaven ! 
 
 Now alone is life of value, 
 
 Now that love hath made thee mine. 
 Cho. May that love now form your joy, 
 
 Which has made your former sorrow ! 
 
 And may this moment be a sign 
 
 Of days in store for you serene. 
 Elv. \ Ah ! I feel, oh charming angel, 
 Art. J How truly pow'rless is my heart, 
 
 To deserve all this great joy, 
 
 Which love bestows upon us . 
 
 I now shall bless e'en tears, 
 
 My fears and fond anxieties, 
 
 And in extatic pleasure 
 
 I shall enraptur'd be ! 
 Cho. Love, most merciful and tender, 
 
 Will crown with blissful feeling 
 
 The throbbings and the sighings 
 
 Of these two loving hearts. 
 
 END OF THE OPERA.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 MAR 25 197 
 
 QUARTER LOAN 
 
 "J/IKI 1 1 ym^ 
 
 APR 5 1982 
 
 Form L9-Series 4939