1BH JBi THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES **S X VELASUU; A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS. BY E P E S SARGENT, NEW- YORK : HARPER & BROTHERS, 1839 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838 liy HARFER & BROTHERS, In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New York'. WILLIAM C. PRESTON OF SOUTH CAROLINA THIS DRAMA IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. .' ADVERTISEMENT. THE basis of this play is historical, though many of its scenes and situations are purely imaginary. All that may seem strange or unnatural in the conduct of the drama is in strict accordance with popular tradition. The general action of the piece is derived from incidents in the career of Rodrigo C ^ Diaz, the Cid, whose achievements constitute so considerable a portion of the historical and romantic SJf literature of Spain. The subject has been vari- w ously treated by French and Spanish dramatists, 3 among others by the celebrated Corneille, but the writer is not aware that it has ever been success- X fully introduced upon the English stage. A few copies of this play were printed for the Theatre in July, 1837. During the following No- ui vember it was represented on the Tremont boards in Boston, Miss Ellen Tree personating the part of Izidora. With the support of her distinguished talents, united to the friendly exertions of Mr. Barry, the Manager, in producing the piece in a liberal and 460070 ADVERTISEMENT. eilective manner, it was received by the public with more indulgence than the Author had ventured to anticipate. E. ,s. .\ew York. November 1, 1833. VELASCO; A TRAGEDY. PERSONS REPRESENTED. AS PRODUCED AT THE TREMONT THEATRE, BOSTON. FERDINAND, King- of Castile, MR. DAVENPORT. FAVILLO, his Chamberlain, . POWELL. DE LEKMA, .... GILBERT. VELASCO, Son O/DE LERMA, . MURDOCH. GONZALEZ, .... MUZZY. JULIO, Son of GONZALEZ, . BARRY. HERNANDO, his Kinsman, . CLINE. MENDOZA, .... CUNNINGHAM. ALFONZO, .... BENSON. NUNO, ..... WHITING. CARLOS, a Page, . . Miss MCBRIDE. KNIGHTS, SOLDIERS, SERVANTS, Home ! home, at last, Alfonzo ! There they shine, / The old ancestral bulwarks, in the rays Of the declining sun ! A year has passed Since last I gazed upon them there they rise, The same, as when a careless child I play'd Beneath their mighty shadows. How each nook Prates of the olden time ! The very air Is fragrant as the breath of infancy ! Old'towers ! I bring you no unworthy inmate, No spotted scutcheon, no inglorious name ! Alfonzo ! By the calendar, what day ? Is it not Santiago's ? ALFONZO. Ay, my lord. VELASCO. This day completes my term of banishment. B 14 VELASCO. [ACT i. ALFONZO. Banishment ? VELASCO. Hast thou never yet divined The motive which has kept my vizor closed Now a long twelvemonth to all human eyes, Save thine alone ? that, after victory, The king himself has sued to me in vain T' unbar the iron mask that hid my features ? Had I complied, and he redeem'd his oath, My instant death had followed the disclosure. ALFONZO. My lord ! The cause did not affect thy honour? VELASCO. Ask'st thou? The cause was trivial ; for the king Was young and hasty. Thus th' occurrence chanced : The Count Gonzalez and his majesty Were altercating in the hall of council ; As I approach'd, the king upraised his arm To strike th' impetuous peer ; I interposed, Perhaps ungently in a monarch's quarrel, And turn'd the royal anger on myself. He banish'd me the kingdom for a year The penalty being death, if, in that time, Castile saw my return. This night completes My banishment unveil? my countenance To king and father. They will start, Alfonzo, In the mask'd cavalier, the sable knight, Or whatsoever name they choose to give me, To find Velasco ! ALFONZO. Whose renown shall be SCENE I.] VELASCO. 15 VELASCO. Spare me thy herald's bombast. I would see My father yet, I dally with the joy, Now it is in my reach. To-night, the king, In honour of the unknown cavalier Who fought beneath his banner ; whose return Is promised on th' occasion, gives a banquet Here is my reverence due, ere I depart. One blast to call the warder! Quick ! Alfonzo. [Alfonzo sounds a bugle. ALFONZO. Dost thou not close thy vizor. VELASCO. (closing- his vizor.) Well bethought. I wonder if old Nuno yet is warder : Far back as memory goes (Enter Nuno.) ALFONZO. My lord, behold ! VELASCO. Nuno ! ALFONZO. Would you betray yourself? VELASCO. Not yet. NUNO. Who calls ? VELASCO. Is Count De Lerma in his hall ? 16 VELASCO. [ACT i. NUNO. Who may it be that asks ? VELASCO, A Christian Knight. No farther title will thy master need. NBNO. Thou'rt right in that. But he is not within Gone with the rest of Burgos to the palace, Where the king banquets the mask'd cavalier. Sir knight ! thou'rt mask'd ! VELASCO. I shall continue so. Know'st thou, old man, aught of the son, Velasco ? NUNO. Ah ! 'tis a sorry subject : don't recall it. VELASCO. Sorry? what mean you? NUNO. He, sir poor Velasco When last we heard of him, had join'd the Moors ; Turn'd infidel, and fought against Castile. VELASCO. Nuno ! 'tis false. Turn infidel ! He'd sooner Die by the torture. Pray you, pardon me. That is the rumour, that he join'd the Moors ? NUNO. Ay, sir : it makes my master wondrous sad.. But why art thou so moved ? SCENE I.] VELASCO. 17 VELASCO. I knew Velasco. Farewell. I'll seek thy master at the palace. [Exit. NUNO. A single word with you, sir who's your master ? ALFONZO. You'll be surprised to learn. NUNO. I am all ears. ALFONZO. Then, by thine own admission, thou'rt an ass. NUNO. Thou'rt keen, sir varlet : from Toledo, eh ? ALFONZO. No ; from the wars. NUNO. Oh ! then your master is ALFONZO. Precisely. NUNO. Yes ; I thought so. ALFONZO. You have hit it. NUNO. Now, to surprise me with his name B 2 18 TELASCO. [ACTI. ALFONZO. His name ! You'll be discreet? NT7NO. Oh ! trust me. Who T s your master T ALFONZO. (hesitating.) I shall not tell you. [Exit. NUNO. What a close-lipp'd rogue ! Just as my ear was ready for the secret, To draw it back ! I've surely heard that voice But where, or when ? to whom may it belong ? Well, well ; I will not puzzle my old brains. [Exit.. SCENE II. An ante-room in the Royal Palace. (Enter Favillo and a Knight.) KNIGHT. Do the guests yet assemble ? FAVILLO. Ay, pass on, sir. They fill the vestibule. KNIGHT. The vizor'd knight Is he arrived ? SCENE II.] VELASCO. 19 FAVILLO. There yet has been no signal Of his approach. KNIGHT. And know you not, Favillo, Whose face that vizor hides? FAVILLO. No more than thou. But that he is the bravest in Castile I can attest. Twice in the last campaign, He saved our sovereign's life twice madly brave, Did he roll back the crimson tide of war Upon our foes, doing such deeds of wonder, Our troops regarded him as more than human, And raised the battle-shout of Santiago. But, look, more guests arrive. KNIGHT. Farewell, Favillo. [Exit. (Enter De Lerma.) FAVILLO. Welcome, De Lerma. I had fear'd thy absence. 'Tis the first time since thy son's Pardon me ; I did not mean rudely to touch that chord. DE LERMA. A transitory pang ! I come to see This knight, whose fame has pierced my solitude. Alas ! Favillo, such a champion I fondly hoped, one day to find Velasco - And now, to think of his apostacy I 20 VELASCO. [ACT I. (Enter Gonzalez, hastily.) FAVILLO. Gonzalez, welcome ! May I speak with you ? GONZALEZ. When you are not attended as at present. [Exit. FAVILLO. The feud between you still is warm, my lord ? DE LERMA. His anger I regard not. But more guests Claim your attention. I will to the king. [Exit, (Enter Hernando, Mendoza, and Carlos.) FAVILLO. On to the presence, gentlemen ! Hernando, Your bride that is to be, fair Izidora, Will grace our fete ? Why comes she not with you ? CARLOS. She better likes her brother's company. MENDOZA. Peace, boy ! Who question'd you ? CARLOS. I like that. Boy ! HERNANDO. In sooth, Favillo, Izidora chose Th' attendance of her brother. FAVILLO. Is't not strange ? SCENE II.] VELASCO. 21 MENDOZA. 'T\vas maiden delicacy that was all. CARLOS. Ay ; that was all. FAVILLO. I thought you were betroth'd. HERNANDO. True ; by our fathers, at an early age. FAVILLO. And she consents 1 HERNANDO. The bridal day is fix'd. CARLOS. Consents, my loid? How could you ask the question? She saw him, sir. Consent was then no virtue. MENDOZA. Chatterling! Hush! CARLOS. Look you ! I wear a sword. [Exit. FAVILLO. A forward boy ! I envy you your lot, sir: The Lady Izidora is most fair. MENDOZA. Shall we attend the king? 22 VELASCO. [ACT i. HERXANDO. Come on, Mendoza. [Exeunt. FAVILLO. Now, were I only younger by a score Or two of years, that laggard should not win So fair and rich a prize as Izidora. And she forsakes the lover for the brother ! Strange wooing this ! (Enter two Ladies.) Ladies, your servant ever. Shall I be your conductor? [Offering his arm. FIRST LADY. Is he come? SECOND LADV. Wears he his vizor yet? FIRST LADY. What is he like? SECOND LADY. Complexion light or dark? Whatcolour'd hair? FIRST LADY. Is he not handsome? SECOND LADY. Tell us, are his eyes The true Castilian brown? FIRST LADY. What sort of features? [Exeunt omncs, talking' incessantly. SCENE II.] VELASCO. 23 (Enter Julio and Izidora.) JULIO. Now, by the faith of knighthood, sister mine, This unknown and redoubted cavalier With the barr'd vizor, seems to have usurp'd The empire of thy fancy and thy heart. IZIDORA. Alas ! a wider empire should be his. He must be youthful, Julio, handsome, noble ? Why does he hide his face behind a vizor? JULIO. Oh ! how a little mystery will pique Thy sex's wonder and let loose surmise. In sterling prose, he hides his face, most like, To hide his ugliness. IZIDORA. That cannot be ! They say, and I believe, that he has made An oath to mask his face from human eyes, Till he shall find the lady of his heart. JULIO. Nay; he has proved himself no carpet knight. IZIDORA. No carpet knight indeed ! It must have been A brave scene -his first entrance to the field ! Our routed troops were flying in dismay Before the turban'd Moors, when from the gloom Of a green thicket rush'd a mounted knight! His charger, white as snow his battle-axe Poised in his right hand, while his left uprear'd The Christian ensign blazoning the cross ! 24 VELASCO. [ACT i. And, as he spurr'd his steed, he cried aloud : " Castile and Freedom !" Then arose the shout From the awed soldiers, check'd in their retreat t *' A miracle ! a messenger from Heaven Fights with us J To the charge ! a Santiago I" One thrill of inspiration heaved their hearts. They folio w'd him through seas of blood and carnage ; And, ere the sun set, the masked cavalier Had fought the battle and redeem'd the field ! Nay, do not laugh at me JULIO. He will not need A herald's clamorous voice to sound his praises, Nor the soft numbers of a troubadour, While thou shall live to be his chronicler! I should be jealous now, were I Hernando* So scornful at the mention of his name ! Thou lov'st thy kinsman ? IZIDOftA. Tell me what love is ; And, in all candour, I will answer thee. JULIO. A cloud steep'd in the sunshine ! An illusion, On which concentrate Passion's fiercest rays ! Your Lover's little better than a Pagan : On the heart's shrine he rears a human idol ; Imagination heightens every charm, Brings down celestial attributes to clothe it, And dupes the willing soul, until, at length, He kneels unto a creature of the brain A bright abstraction ! But the cynic, Time, Who holds the touchstone to immortal TRUTH, Soon laughs him out of the prodigious folly ! Say ; art thou one of these idolaters ? SCENE II.] VELASCO. 25 IZ1DORA. 'Tis very plain to me, I never loved ; And least of all, Hernando. Trust me, Julio, I ne'er shall be the Pagan you describe If I depend on him for my conversion. JULIO. 'Twere best, perhaps ! But didst thou never love ? Is there no flaw, no dent upon thy heart? Did ne'er a random arrow even graze it ? IZIDORA. Dost thou remember in our childhood, Julio, A dark-hair'd boy the foremost in our sports De Lerma's son what was his name ? JULIO. Velasco. IZIDORA. Velasco. When the feud between our fathers Disparted us, we lost a welcome playmate. For years we did not meet. "When last I saw him, 'Twas as he went forth to his banishment ; And mail'd in armour, he was on his steed. He saw me ; smiled, as I shall ne'er forget, And bending to his saddle-bows, rode on : I watch'd him till my eyes were dim with tears ! JULIO. Prithee, what inference wouldst have me draw From this pathetic story ? IZIDORA.. Inference ? Nothing it cross'd my mind I know not why- It is a pity he has join'd the Moors. C 56 VELASCO. [ACT i. JULIO. Oh ! thou capricious ! But a moment since, The vizor'd knight claim'd all thy Fancy's dreams, And now 1ZIDORA. Ah ! 'tis a noble champion ! I have not waver'd in my admiration. Happy the fair dame, at whose feet he kneels f (Carlos enters, and is crossing the stage.) JULIO. Carlos ! Boy ! Page ! IZIDORA. Don Carlos T CARLOS, (turning abruptly.) That's my name. Lady, I shall be honour'd in your service. IZIDORA. Is he arrived the cavalier ? CARLOS, (with dignity.) No, Lady. (Aside.) They think of nothing but the cavalier, And will not waste a single smile on me. The cavalier ! Ha, ha ! a man ashamed To show his face I'm not afraid of him. [Exit. JULIO. Shall we not in, to see the festal show ? IZIDORA. He is not there ! Why should we be in haste ? [A trumpet sounds sharply. He comes ! he comes ! It was his trumpet peal ! SCENE III.] VELASCO. 27 JULIO. How know you it for his ? IZIDORA. It was a note So clear and bold ! JULIO. Why, how thy heart is beating. Come ! we'll not lose the pageant of his entry. [Exeunt. SCENE III. A Hall of State. The King 1 on his throne, surrounded by his Court, among whom are De Lerma, Gonzalez, Hernando, Famllo, Ladies, <$/-c. Julio and Izidora enter and 'mingle with the groups. A flourish as the scene opens. FERDINAND. (Rising.) He has our answer to his welcome signal. How on our army broke that trumpet voice, When he rose up before our flying hosts, And cried " a rescue !" [Trumpet from without sounds twice. FAVILLO. He is here, my liege. {Enter with vizor closed, Velasco. He kneels to the King.) 28 YELASCO. [ACT i. FERDINAND. Rise up, sir knight no vassal, but our friend. VELASCO. (rising.) My gracious sovereign ! FERDINAND. Nobles of Castile! It needs no commendation of our own To gild bis fame, or to confirm bis welcome : We hail him as his country's well-tried soldier, And her just pride. VELASCO. Could I believe, my liege, Your praises were not the unbidden impulse Of a too partial kindness, I should be Elated on the wings of conscious glory ; But the poor bark freighted with my deserts, Too light a ballast has, to carry sail Before the fameward breath of your applause. (Enter Carlos.) CARLOS. My liege, a messenger without, from Rome, Claims instant access. FERDINAND. Let him be admitted. (Enter a Messenger in the livery of the Pope. He delivers papers, which the King peruses. Velasco goes toward De Lerma, but abruptly checks him self, and bows profoundly.) DE LERMA. Sir knight, you leave no vantage-ground for envy, If with so meek a grace you wear you laurels. SCENE III.] VELASCO. 29 PEKDINAND. (rising in great agitation.) No, no ! it shall not be ! the Pope once more Urges upon us his presumptuous mandate, That we shall bow the neck to Germany, And hold our crown as Henry's willing vassal. We'll send our answer back. [Exit Messenger. Affairs of moment Claim the immediate hearing of our council. Pardon us for a while, sir knight. My lords ! On to the hall of council ! [Exit Ferdinand, followed by De Lerma, Gon zalez, Julio, and lords. Izidora goes up the stage followed by Hernando. The groups gradually disperse. VELASCO. (to Favillo.) If I err not, It is the daughter of the Count Gonzalez ? FAVILLO. You're right,sir. One would note her/mong a thousand. VELASCO. She's passing fair. FAVILLO. Look you, she turns away, As conscious of our notice. 'Tis a pity She weds that recreant kinsman by her side. VELASCO. Weds him ? Hernando ? Can she love him, sir ? FAVILLO. Love him ? She's been instructed to regard him As her intended lord, but as for love C 2 30 VELASCO. [ACT ir VELASCO. A cruel fate ! They come this way again. Now could you help me to an audience FAVILLO. If there be any virtue in my wand, Thy wish shall be complied with. Don Hernando, Touching the subject of our late discourse [Exit, leading him. VELASCO. Fair Izidora, might 1 claim from thee A moment's converse, it would be more prized Than all the honours Fate has heap'd upon me. IZIDORA. Sir Knight; we knew of thy transcendent valour: We did not know thy gallantry kept pace, In its excess, with thy superior virtue. VELASCO. Gallantry, lady ? 'Tis too cold a word. Devotion is a better, where thou art. IZIDORA. Nay, tell me of thy battles and thy perils. Dost thou not sigh already for the gleam Of hostile steel the neigh of pawing chargers The cymbal's clash, the trumpet's thrilling shriek ? VELASCO. I have encounter'd perils ere to-day, But never one so imminent as that "Which bids me now surrender. I have seen The Moorish army in their bright array, SCENE III.] VELASCO. 31 Send back the sun-shafts brighter than they fell : But not the sheen of all their scimetars, In one small point concentred, could eclipse A single ray shot from those lustrous eyes. Nay, turn not from me, lady. I have heard The neigh of steeds the trumpet's thrilling note They cannot stir my heart like thy sweet voice ! IZIDORA. Is't not the common rhetoric of the court That thou hast cull'd for me ? Think'st I believe I am the first to whom it has been offered ? VELASCO. Ah, lady ! poorly can the heart disguise, In flippant Fancy's garniture of words, Its true emotion. Love's a sorry masker. IZIDORA. Then Love bears no similitude to thee. 'Twas of the wars we spake. VELASCO. Enough of them. Oh ! ne'er did mariner long toss'd at sea, With no benignant star to point his course, Hail with more rapture the first gleam of land, Than I from War's seam'd visage and wild glance, Turn to the blue eyes of maternal peace ! Oh ! not the joyous shout of victory Was e'er to me so grateful as the sight, Which the declining sun this day revealed. TZIDORA. What sight? VELASCO. My boyhood's fair and happy home I 32 VELASCO. [ACT t. The past again was mine ; and memory Did seem reality. I thought of her, Whose childish beauty so enthrall'd my heart ! IZIDORA. Of her? Of whom? VELASCO. Alas ! I must forget. But thou shall hear my story : we were playmates In the confiding hours of early youth. I was the mimic champion of her wrongs, And with my shield and lance I rescued her From many a fabled giant. Ah ! those days ! At length a feud broke out between our fathers ; And we were parted but I kept the faith, Which in my boyish earnestness I swore : She was my paragon, my dream of joy ! Years past. I went forth to my country's wars, Dreaming of fame, but as a galliard's wreath, To grace me in her eyes. When I return'd She false one ! was betroth'd unto another ! IZIDORA. Velasco ! VELASCO. Hush ! Betray me not. The king ! [ They retire up the stage, conversing. (Re-enter Ferdinand, Julio, Gonzalez, De Lerma^ and Lords ; and in another direction, Favillo, Her* nando, Carlos, Ladies, fyc. FERDINAND. Julio ! with all despatch thou wilt prepare To be our envoy to the court of Rome. [Exit Julio i SCENE III.] VELASCO. 33 Sir knight, we've cut the Gordian knot of counsel To play the host to thee. Hast thou no boon To crave, within our royal power to grant ? Unless thou proudly wouldst refuse to cancel A portion of the countless debt we owe thee, Give us the clew whereby our gratitude May lead unto the dear wish of thy heart. VELASCO. Behold it here, my liege ! [Pointing to Izidora. Could thy decree Make this fair hand mine own, I should be blest Beyond requital in a gift so rich. FERDINAND. A gallant boon ! We'll be thine intercessor. Gonzalez, speak 1 thou wilt not thwart our wish ? GONZALEZ. The Lady Izidora is affianced Already to her kinsman, Don Hernando. FERDINAND. Wouldst thou constrain her choice ? and, Don Her nando, Wouldst thon take to thee a reluctant bride ? Knighthood forbid ! Gonzalez, listen to us : We will not speak of favours shower'd upon thee, Of injuries forgiven : but, in justice, Say, dost thou leave thy daughter free to choose ? GONZALEZ. My liege, I do. FERDINAND. Bear witness to it, all ! Now Izidora, use thy privilege : 34 VELASCO. [ACT i. Choose as thy heart may dictate. [She gives her hand to Velasco. It is well ! VELASCO. My liege, thou hast endear'd me to thee ever ; Now that the occasion for disguise is past, I will repay thy courtesy. [Advances and uncloses his vizor. FERDINAND. Velasco ! DE LERMA. My son ! GONZALEZ. (Aside.) The heir of my detested foe ! It is unnatural ! It must not be ! FERDINAND. Velasco ! thou art welcome this surprise Has pluck'd away the only sharp regret That rankled in our breast. Let music hail The lost one found, the banish'd one return'd ; On ! to the banquet-room ! There will we pledge Joy to this fair alliance ! May the stars Shed their auspicious influence upon it ! [A flourish. Exit Ferdinand, followed by all ex cept Hernando and Mendoza, who retire in an opposite direction. END OF ACT FIRST. SCENE I.] VELASCO. 35 A C T 1 1. SCENE I. Before the Royal Palace. (Enter Favillo and Carlos.) FAVILLO. Cease flouting, boy ; 'tis not for thee to laugh And yet, I know not why thou shouldst be stinted. 'Twas a most rare, unlook'd-for counterplot. Ha, ha ! poor Don Hernando ! CARLOS. Santiago ! Were I so ousted from my lady's favour, Though by the fiercest knight in Christendom, I'd brain him 'Sdeath ! I'd teach him the passado. (Laughing) Look there ! he comes the flower of chivalry ! Hernando, with the man that's not his father. FAVILLO. Be quiet, Carlos. Show some reverence. (Enter Gonzalez and Hernando.) Give you good morrow, gentlemen. Gonzalez ! Commend me to your daughter. Is she well? GONZALEZ. I left her sOj Favillo. CARLOS. May I ask, 36 VELASCO. [ACT n. My lord, without presumption, wh^n her nuptials Are likely to take place ? GONZALEZ. The king has ordered Their celebration the next holyday. CARLOS. So soon ! ah ! happy bridegroom ! beauteous bride ! FAVILLO. My lord, I give you joy of the alliance, Walk you in the direction of the palace ? GONZALEZ. The opposite, Favillo. FAVILLO. Fare you well. (Carlos is about to say something 1 to Hernando. Favillo draws him away and exit with him.) GONZALEZ. Hernando, th.ou hast set me an example Of meek forbearance, I should strive to follow : Like thee, I'll make a virtue of compulsion. HERNANDO. It is the part of wisdom. GONZALEZ. By our lady, You take it coolly, sir. Now, for myself, Had I been so discarded in behalf Of a more favour'd suitor, my resentment Had burst in flames around him my revenge SCENE I.] VELASCO. 37 HERNANDO. Revenge ! Ha, ha ! revenge ! GONZALEZ. It rouses thee ? HERNANDO. Oh no ! you see, I laugh at it, my lord. There's no revenge can find a harbouf here. GONZALEZ. I do believe thee, kinsman ; thou art bless'd In a forgiving and an equal temper : And when I see with what philosophy This loss is borne by thee, I am disarm'd Of half of my objections to the choice My daughter made. Farewell. Go, till the ground ; Get thee a shepherd's crook; and, prithee, pardon The rustic who may rob thee of thy Phyllis. [Exit. HERNANDO Scoff on, my lord, while yet thou hast the breath. Short-sighted fool ! He thinks, because I rave not. Clenching my hands or smiting my hot brow, That the barb does not rankle. True revenge Is patient as the watchful alchymist, Sagacious as the blood-hound on the scent, Secret as death ! (Enter Mendoza.) Mendoza ? From the palace 1 MENDOZA. Ay, from the palace; where dispute runs high Upon De Lerma's counsel to the king, Touching the Pope's new mandate. D 460070 38 VELASCO. [ACT ir. HERNANDO. Am I right ? De Lerma spurn'd the mandate ? MENDOZA. And Gonzalez, 'Tis said, is for submission to the Pope. HERNANDO. Mendoza ! we can trust not to Gonzalez For farther opposition to these nuptials : We're thrown upon ourselves. MENDOZA. What's to be done ? HERNANDO. 'Tis forming in my brain the embryo vengeance ! Mis-shapen yet it lies and indistinct, But fast matures and now the mist scales off From its appalling lineaments ; and there Reveal'd it stands, an invocated fiend ! Folly ! Come on, Mendoza. Thou shaltknow. [Exeunt. SCENE II. An apartment in the mansion of Gonzalez. (Enter Julio, dressed as for a journey ; followed by a Servant.) JULIO. Let the train move on by the eastern road. SCENE IT.] VELASCO. 39 I will o'ertake them before many leagues Are placed between us. [Exit Servant. Why do I delay ? What means this dark presentiment of ill ? (Enter Gonzalez.) GONZALEZ. Not yet upon the road ! I thought thee gone. Why dost thou tarry ? Art not all equipp'd ! Thy steeds caparison'd ? Attendants ready? JULIO. Ay, father ; and the morning shines propitious. But there's a boding raven at my heart. What says Hernando? GONZALEZ. Out upon him, Julio ! He is submissire as a priest-led lamb. JULIO. 'Tis that submissiveness which makes me fear him. GONZALEZ. Fear him ! He is an inoffensive craven ! JULIO. There's mischief in his looks. GONZALEZ. Be sure then, Julio, It will not venture farther than his looks. JULIO. I know not that : disguised beneath a smile, It may be bold enough to play th' assassin. 40 VELASCO. [ACT n. GONZALEZ. Nay ; its own shadow would affright it so, It would recoil and leave the work undone. JULIO. Well ; have a care. And now, before we part, One word of Izidora. You dispute not The choice her own heart and the king have made ? Velasco, sir, is brave ? GONZALEZ. Ay ; he has proved it. His father, too, though war-worn and in years, Has been the pattern of a Christian knight. GONZALEZ. There is no Christian reverence in his heart ! This very moment, Julio, he disputes The sovereignty the German emperor claims Over Castile a claim, the Pope admits ! De Lerma yet withstands the will of Rome, Derides its menace and defies its thunder. JULIO. Impiety ! and yet we must forego All controverted points with him, my father; Since this alliance, be't for good or ill, Between our houses has been ratified, For our own honour's sake and Izidora's, No provocation must revive the feud. GONZALEZ. Whom wouldst thou caution, sir? SCENE II.] VELASCO. JULIO. Nay; be not angei'd. I spake with all humility, my lord. GONZALEZ. Well, Julio ; do not fear but I have reach'd Years of discretion. Duty calls me forth. Farewell! my blessing speed thee on thy journey. [Exit. JULIO. Stay, father ! Gone ! Should we ne'er meet again ! I fear his sudden and remorseless temper ! And Izidora when I parted from her, Why did that sickening premonition start Into my brain, and weigh on me, as if Some inner, finer sense had felt the pang Of a sharp agony which was to come. She seem'd too happy a delighted thing, Just on the margent of life's sunny stream ! She comes. (Enter Izidora.) You see I'm yet a loiterer. IZIDORA. 'Tis well thou art ; for [ would ask thee, Julio, Why, when we parted, thou didst seem so sad? Thy last farewell was utter'd in such tones, As breaking heart-strings might have given forth. 'Twas not the common grief of parting, Julio ; For hitherto, when at the trumpet's call, Thou hast gone forth to battle, in thine eyes, A sunny hope has danced ; but now a tear Breaks from its rayless gloom. What means it, brother ? D2 42 VELASCO. [ACT ir. JULIO. Alas ! I never yet have parted from thee With the sad thought, that ere we met again Thou wouldst be all another's never more The gay, free-hearted, fond, and careless girl, Whose laugh in bower and hall was sweetest music. Is not the thought well worth a casual tear ? IZIDORA. Why should I be less happy or less fond ? The influences of all outward things The sky, the sunshine, and the vernal earth, Beauty and song will they not be the same ? Ah ! there are spirits in this fretful world Which grow not old and change not with the seasons. JULIO. Oh ! let not that assure thee. Time, my sister, Is not content with marring outward charms ; His deepening furrows reach the spirit's core. They spoil the soul of many an airy grace Hope's gilded temples sink beneath his touch ; Joy's buds of promise wither at his frown ! IZIDORA. Now, out upon this sullen humour, brother ! Have done, or I, in sooth, shall wish thee gone Ah no ! not gone ! but I would have thee glad, Even though from me thou goest far away. JULIO. (Regarding her steadfastly.) I see it now now, in that earnest smile Now, in the pallor of that tranquil brow The doom, the curse ! Heaven shield thee, Izidora ! Farewell ! farewell ! [Rushes out. SCENE II.] VELASCO. 43 IZIDORA. Oh! do not leave me thus, Julio ! 'Tis very strange. He made me tremble ; And, as his eyes glared on me, they appear'd Lit with the conscious fire of prophecy. (Enter Velasco.) Didst see my brother ? Is he gone, Velasco ? VELASCO. Impetuous in his haste, he has departed. He sprang into his saddle waved his hand In token of farewell ; then at full speed, Follow'd his train along the winding road. You parted kindly ? IZIDORA. He was strangely moved ; Wherefore I know not. VELASCO. He has left thee sad. IZIDORA. And full of wonder. What could be the cause Of such a sudden frenzy ? He would stay Poor Julio ! he would stay to see our nuptials : That must have been his motive. VELASCO. Thinkst thou so ? Our nuptials, Izidora ! Oh ! speed on, Ye lagging hours that would defer their date ! IZIDORA. Dost thou not recollect, when first we knew The well-kept secret of each other's heart, 44 VELASCO. [ACT n. I shudder'd at the frowning obstacles, Which intervened between our sever'd fates? What doubts and fears and anxious fantasies Clouded our sky, Velasco? Now, a breath Has clear'd Hope's blue horizon ; and we see Nor rock nor quicksand, which can threaten wreck. Ah ! will the prize so lightly won be prized ? VELASCO. Above all earthly treasures ! for to me, Thou'rt the fulfilment of the brightest dreams Of young romance the goal on which my hopes Fall down and rest. But we must part awhile. I go to seek my father. IZIDORA. Dost remember, A favourite haunt with us in former days, A spot, the peasants call, King Roderick's glen ? I shall be there by twilight. VELASCO. Not alone ! There from all sides shall start bright recollections, And Hope shall catch new lustre from the past. IZIDORA. The present ! Oh ! the present ! 'Tis so bright, Mem'ry can lend no ladiance from the Past, Hope can reflect no glory from the Future ! [Exeunt. SCENE III.] VELASCO. 45 SCENE III. A street in Burgos. (Enter Gonzalez and Hernando.) GONZALEZ. Nay ; do not fret me with ambiguous hints. We spake of old De Lerma ; and you said, It was the dotard's privilege to slander. To slander whom? the king? yourself? myself? You signify no negative to that. What is't, Hernando ? Speak with more direction. HERNANDO. My lord, you must forgive me. Press me not To more disclosures for my peace and thine. GONZALEZ. Well, well ; 'twere better that it should not be. De Lerma and myself must soon be fathers To the same children. HERNANDO. That shall curb my speech. Let base Detraction slur thy honour'd name ; Can I regard thee as less brave or loyal, Though others prate of cowardice and treason ! GONZALEZ. Those words were never coupled with my name ? HERNANDO. It happen'd thus : Dispute was running high 46 VELASCO. [ACT n. Upon the German Emperor's new pretensions; Some did admit them ; but De Lerma cried : " If Henry claim dominion o'er Castile, Let him prove good his title by the sword ! And cursed be the cravens and the traitors, Who would submit to such a vassalage !" " There are good men and true," was my reply, " Who favour his pretensions." " No, not one !" "What sayst thou to Gonzalez?" He did not dare GONZALEZ. Ah ! what then ? HERNANDO. Ay, kinsman ; he did dare To stigmatize thee as a craven traitor. GONZALEZ. Heniando ! if thou play'st me false, thy life Shall be an immolation to my fury ! [Seizes him and looks intently in his face. HERNANDO. I can bring proofs, my lord. Nay ; is this courteous ? Well : gives my face the lie to my assertion ? GONZALEZ. How couldst thou .dare, even in repetition, To breathe those words of me? HEUNANDO. My lord, forbear. 'Twas zeal for thine own honour made me bold. GONZALEZ. Zeal for mine honour ! Venom of thy soul ! SCENE III.] VELASCO. 47 HERNANDO. Hold ! if thou dost not shrink from actual proof, Here comes De Lerma ; charge it home on him. If he deny it, spurn me as thou wilt. GONZALEZ. Leave me. HERNANDO. (aside.) The spark has caught ! it kindles fast : The conflagration blood alone can quench ! [Exit. GONZALEZ. Should it prove true ! He comes ! I must keep down These throes of passion. (De Lerma enters, and is crossing.) Sir ! a word with you. DE LERMA. I am a listener an impatient one - 'Twere best that this encounter should be brief. GONZALEZ. This haughtiness ! My lord, the king, 'tis said, Refuses to admit the Emperor's claim. DE LERMA. Thank heaven the king's no recreant, no coward, But a Castilian, heart and hand, my lord : Would I might say the same of all his subjects. GONZALEZ. Throw'st_thou the taunt OH me? DE LEFMA. Wherefore this rage, If thou art innocent? 48 VELASCO. [ACT n. GONZALEZ. De Lerma ! Dotard ! (Half unsheaths his sword, but instantly dashes it into the scabbard.) No, no ! thou'rt old and feeble ; and our children Oh ! do not tamper with my desperation ! (In a sudden burst of passion.) Retract what thou hast said ! DE LERMA. Not, while the proofs Appear even now in all thy looks and actions. GONZALEZ. 'Tis false ! Thou urgest me to frenzy thus ! (Strikes him.) It will find vent! DE LERMA. A blow ! dishonour'd ! struck ! (Draws.) Defend thyself, ere I commit a murder. GONZALEZ. With thee I'll not contend : thy arm is nerveless. The odds are too unequal. DE LERMA. Then I rush Upon thee as thou art. (As De Lerma rushes upon him, Gonzalez wrests away his sword, and throws it upon the ground.) GONZALEZ. I spare thy life. DE LEHMA. Oh ! spare it not, if mercy thou wouldst show. SCENE III.] VELASCO. 49 Thou givest me back only what thou hast made A misery, a burthen, a disgrace ! It is a gift, for which I cannot thank thee. GONZALEZ. Keep it, my lord ; and let this lesson teach, What thy gray hairs have fail'd to bring thee pru dence. [Exit. DE LERMA. (taking up his sword.) Thou treacherous steel ! art thou the same, alas ! Of yore so crimson'd in the Moorish wars ? Methinks there should have been a soul in thee, The soul of victories and great achievements, To form a living instrument of vengeance, And, in the weakness of thy master's arm, To leap spontaneous to his honour's rescue. Go ! 'tis a mockery to wear thee now. [ Throws down his sword. Struck like a menial ! buffeted ! degraded ! And baffled in my impotent attack ! Oh Fate ! Oh Time ! Why, when ye took away From this right arm its cunning and its strength, Its power to shield from wrong, or to redress, Did ye not pluck from out this swelling heart Its torturing sense of insult and of shame ? I am sunk lower than the lowest wretch ! Oh ! that the earth might hide me ! that I might Sink fathoms deep beneath its peaceful breast ! [Retires up the stage and leans against a pillar. (Enter Velasco.) VELASCO. The peerless Izidora! how my thoughts, Swept by the grateful memory of her love, Still bend to her like flowers before the breeze I They paint her image on vacuity E 50 VELASCO. [ACT u. They make the air melodious with her voice ! And she the idol of my boyhood's dreams Is now mine own betroth'd ! Benignant heavens ! The gulf is pass'd, which threaten'd to divide us, And the broad Future uaobscured expands ! DE LERMA. (advancing] Oh ! be thy vauntings hush'd ! VELASCO. My father here ! There is distraction in thy haggard looks. Thou art not well. Let me support thee hence. DE LERMA. It is no corporal ill ! Art thou my son ? VELASCO. My father ! DE LERMA. In thy feeble childhood, who Sustain'd thee, rear'd thee, and protected thee ? VELASCO. It was thyself. DE LERMA. And, in thy forward youth, Who plumed thy soul for glory's arduous flight ? Instructed thee, till in thy martial fame Thou didst eclipse thy master ? VELASCO. Thou alone ! And in thy waning age, this arm shall be Thy shield and thy support? SCENE III.] VELASCO. 51 1>E LERMA. Thou art my son ! Velasco ! from a haughty ancestry We claim descent: whose glory it has been, That never one of their illustrious line Was tainted with dishonour. Yesterday That boast was true it is no longer true ! VELASCO. No longer true ! Who of our race, my lord, Has proved unworthy of the name he bears? DE LERMA. I am that wretch. VELASCO. Thou ! father ! DE LERMA. Ay. I thought Thou wouldst shrink from me as a thing accursed ! *Tis right I taught thee Thou but mind'st my dic tates But do not curse me ; for there was a time, When I had fell'd him lifeless at my feet ! The will was strong, although the nerveless arm Dropp'd palsied to my side. Explain this mystery. VELASCO. My father ! speak ! DE LERMA. I have been struck ; Degraded by a vile and brutal blow ! Oh ! thou art silent. Thou wilt not despise me ? VELASCO. [ACT ir. VELASCO. Who was the rash aggressor? He shall die ! Nay, 'twas some serf there's not the gentleman In all Castile would lay an unkind hand Upon thy feebleness. Then, do not think Thyself disgraced, my I'onnurable father, More than if smitten by a lion's claw, A horse's hool the falling of a rafter ! Know'st thou th' offender's name ? DE LI.KMA. Alas ! no serf, No man of low degree has done this deed The aggressor is our equal. VELASCO. Say'st thou so T Then, by my sacred honour, he shall die ! DE LERMA. Thou wilt hold true to that ? VELASCO. Have I not said ? Were it the king himself, who dared profane A single hair upon thy reverend brow, I would assail him on his guarded throne, And with his life-blood stain the marble floor ! DE LERMA. Thou noble scion of a blighted stock ! I yet am strong in thee. Thou shall avenge This ignominious wrong. VELASCO. Who did it? Speak? SCENE III.] VELASCO. 52 DE LERMA. Gonzalez did it. VELASCO. No, no, no ! the air In fiendish mockery syllabled that name. It was a dreadful fantasy ! My lord DE LERMA. Pedro Gonzalez. VELASCO, Izidora's father ! DE LERMA. Oh ! thou hast other ties. I did forget. Go. Thou'rt released. VELASCO. There must be expiation ! Oh ! lam very wretched ! But fear not. There shall be satisfaction or atonement ! DB LKRMA. Thou say'st it. To thy trust I yield mine honour. [Exit. VELASCO. While the proud bird soar'd to the noonday sun, The shaft was sped that dash'd him to the earth ! 'Twas wing'd by Fate ! "Pis here! I cannot shrink From the appalling sense that it is real ! This throbbing brain, this sick and riven heart, These shudders, that convulse my very soul, Confirm the dreadful truth. But oh ! to think Of all the wretchedness 'twill bring on her, E 2 54 VELASCO. [ACT in. Her, whoe glad tones and joy-bestowing beauty Seem'd doubly glad and beautiful to-day ; Whose little plans of happiness Great Heavens \ It will affright her reason drive her mad ! It must not be ! And yet, my father wrong'd, Insulted by a blow the proud old man, Who fourscore years has kept his fame unblurr'd, Now to be so disgraced, and no redress ! My honour calls ! It drowns all other cries ! Love's shrieking wo, and Mercy's pleading voice ! Thus, thus ! I cast them off poor suppliants ! And now, Gonzalez ! for revenge and thee ! [Exit, END OF ACT SECOND. ACT III. SCENE I. An apartment in the mansion of Gonzalez Fold ing-door opening 1 upon an esplanade a sliding panel concealed by the picture of an armed knight, (Enter Gonzalez.) GONZALEZ. Why should I, with a vain regret, deplore This deed, to which my just resentment forcad me? Did not the provocation justify it? An injury, my nature can forgive ; SCENE I.] VELASCO. 55 An insult wakes the instinct of revenge. Yes ; I was right. He merited the blow. Yet for her sake for Izidora's sake Would that I might avert the threatening issue ! I'l go to old De Lerma; on my knees Solicit his forgiveness. But the world What would be their construction of th' abasement? That it was fear of his redoubted son, Which drove me to it fear of Don Velasco ! 'Twere madness to retract. Velasco comes. (Enter Velasco.} VELASCO. I see thou know'st my errand. GONZALEZ. Thou art quick In thy surmises. What wouldst thou with me ? VELASCO. Oh ! was it, sir, an honourable deed One worthy of a brave and high-born knight, To strike an old man in his helplessness An old Castilian warrior, whose gray hairs O'ershadow scars enough to chronicle His country's battles for these sixty years ! GONZALEZ. Spare thy rebukes I am thy elder, sir ; INot to be tutor'd in the ways of honour By such as thou ! Thy father put on me A grievous insult one, which even dotage Had no immunity to put on manhood. I answer'd the foul slander with a blow ! I arn prepared t' abide the penalty. VELASCO. Obdurate ! must the last resort be ours ? 56 VELASCO. [ACT in. GONZALEZ. If thou wouldst aught with me, I wait thy pleasure. VELASCO. Then here, my lord, here's the arbitrament, [Pointing to his sword. Which now remains for us. GONZALEZ. E'en as thou wilt. Follow me; though I spared thy father's life, N * s - v Think not there waits for thee the same forbearance. Slay ! we subject ourselves to scrutiny, Should we move this way ; look you, Don Velasco, [Springs the panel, which opens a passage. A secret passage ! known to me alone ! It carries us to a secluded spot, Beyond the castle's walls. I would not share This secret with my dearest friend on earth : Thou must not live to whisper it! Come on ! [Exit through the panel. VELASCO. Jt is decreed ! [Izidora's voice is heard in singing. Her voice ! her happy voice ! Ill-fated Izidora ! soon those tones Must be for ever changed. Despair's wild shriek Must rend that fine, harmonious instrument, Made for the utterance of joy and love ! GONZALEZ, (without.) A laggard, sir? VELASCO, Farewell, my love, for ever ! Thus o'er the brink of our despair I rush ! [Exit. The panel closes. SCENE I.] VELASCO. 57 (Enter Izidora.) Ml DOHA. Why is it, all I meet appear so sad ? My brother, ere this morning he departed, Gazed steadfastly awhile into my face, Then started from me, as he had been blasted ! Hernando too, our kinsman, when we meet, Bends such a strange and warning glance upon me My path he crosses like an evil omen. Even old Bianca, not to be outdone, In her contagious sadness, prates of dreams, Which revell'd in her empty brain last night. And when the golden zone, Velasco gave me, Snapp'd in the middle, as it clasp'd my waist, . She wrung her hands, and cried: " Wo's me! Alas ! Ah ! well-a-day !" and made such wild exclaims, As it had been her heart, and not the girdle, Whose breaking made her weep. 'Tis very strange ! I wish the sun were set; for I might see Velasco then ; and we would laugh away These dark misgivings. [ Touches the strings of a lute, Ah ! What sounds are those ? (Re-enter Gonzalez, wounded, supported by two ser vants.) Forfend it, Heaven ! my father wounded ! bleeding For help, for help, will ye not fly for help ? [Supporting Mm. GONZALEZ. Nay, do not move me ; I can go no farther. Stay all. It will avail not. I must die. IZIUORA. Oh ! say not so : thou'rt hurt not unto death. Thou wilt survive such care I'll take oi thce. 58 VELASCO. [ACT in. GONZALEZ. No, Izidora ; there's a monitor Here, which too surely tells me I must die. But shall there be no vengeance, no redress ? Nay, hear me, while I have the power to speak. Swear, Izidora, swear to me that thuu Wilt to the death pursue the man who slew me. JZIDORA. Alas ! who did this deed ? GONZALEZ. I tell thee, swear ! If thou wouldst part with me in peace. Delay' A moment and thou art too late. Thou'lt not Refuse my dying blessing ? IZIDORA. Take mine oath. Ah ! who relentless did this cruelty ? GONZALEZ. (Giving 1 her a dagger.) His name a torrent's pouring on my heart And now, like fire it rushes to my brain ! Where art thou, Izidora ? All is dark. [Dies. Hemovesnot breathes not! Is this death? No, no ! It cannot, should not be ! not death ! not death ! Ah ! father, speak ! it is thy daughter calls ! She, who this morning hung upon thy neck Whom thou didst circle in thy living arms ! Oh ! do not leave me thus ! Cold, motionless, Silent, for evermore ! And I stand here, SCENE I.] YCLASCO. 59 Conscious of this, yet wondrously alive Nerving my sinews to the appointed task. The name ? Know ye the name he would have ut- ter'd ? Ye do not. It is well. Bear in your burthen. [Exeunt servants with Gonzalez. Now to fulfil mine oath ! and were there none, To bind me to pursue the murderer, Should not my filial duty be enough To urge me on ? An oath ? an oath of vengeance ! Oh ! what have I to do with vengeance ? I, Who do so shudder at the sight of blood. Unworthy hesitation ; am I not A warrior's promised bride? Where should I fly, If not t-i him, in this calamity? Alas ! he now awaits me, light of heart, Beside the garden's verge the spot I chose ! Affliction casts no shadow on his dreams ! (Enter Hernando, unperceived.) He looks for a glad meeting. Oh ! Velasco ! What desolation would be round my path, In this bereavement, were it not for thee ! [Exit. HERNANDO. It is accomplished all as I foresaw ! Fly, wretched maid, to thy victorious lover ! Seek consolation in his blood-stain'd arms; That thou mayst shrink with more abhorrence from him, When the dread truth, volcano-like, bursts on thee ! There's but one obstacle remains between My hopes and their attainment : Julio lives ! And but for him, these castellated walls, This broad domain, with its well-dowried mistress, Might be mine own Success emboldens thee, Hernando ! Ay ; ambition shall complete What Vengeance has so prosperously begun. [Exit. VELASCO. [ACT in. SCENE II. A hall in the mansion of De Lerma, with Gothic windows. (Enter De Lerma.} DE LEHMA. Velasco comes not. He is brave and strong ; And yet there is a sinking of my heart At this delay. Should he have fallen in fight Or desperate rush'd on his opponent's sword ! 'Tis time he were return'd. [ Throws open a window. The sun's red orb Is poised in yellow mist above the west: A storm is in those vapours. Hark ! a step ! He comes ! victorious ! he has effaced, From the escutcheon of our noble house The only stain that ever marr'd its whiteness. (Enter Velasco, gazing distractedly on his drawn sword.) Welcome ! thou hast discharged a sacred duty ! VELASCO. Look there ! it is his blood ! Gonzalez' blood ! He was the father of my Izidora ! The parent fount, whence flow'd the ruby stream, That circles in her fine, translucent veins ! "Tis the same blood that warms her innocent heart ; That paints the rose-leaf on her dainty cheek ; That mantles in her blush, when maiden pride SCENE II.] VELASCO. 61 Checks the betrayal of her guileless love ! Her love ! Oh ! Heavens ! what claim have I to that ! I, who have slain her father ! I have done A double murder! may a double curse Fall on my head ! for, when th' infernal steel Was levell'd at his breast, full well I knew, That it would reach through him to Izidora ! [ With vehement emotion. 'Twas thou ! 'twas thou ! who forced me to this deed ! Oh ! is not this satiety of vengeance ? Now, to reward thy son, be merciful, [Gives De Lermahis sword. And turn the point, on which those sanguine drops Plead, like the tears of orphans, for my suit, Turn it against this desolated heart! I kneel to thee ! I ask it of thy mercy. DE LERMA. Up ! up ! Velasco. Be the hero still ; Curb these unruly passions. Thou hast made A worthy offering on the shrine of honour. Much comfort yet remains for thee, my son. VELASCO. Honour ! what frigid bigotry it is ! Comfort ! no more, oh ! never more, shall I Know the soft comfort of a mind at ease ! DE LERMA. Wilt thou afflict me by thy grief's excess ? VELASCO. Her father's death that sure had been enough To prostrate her young joys and bow her soul Tn agony of sorrow then, oh, Heavens ! With what redoubled horror will she learn, That I was the fell agent I, who swore To cherish and to love her all her days I F 62 VELASCO. [ACT in. Bend not thy thoughts on that, or they will end In maniac frenzy even now, my brain, In spiral flames, seems eddying unto madness ! Oh ! give me air, air, air ! or I shall die ! [Rushes out. DE LERMA. These vehement griefs, of their own fierceness, soon Burn out, or are extinguish'd in the tears Which follow their explosion. Passion's reign Is brief as turbulent. In reason's light He will regard the act. as brave men should. It pleases me the colour of this blade ! It shall be treasured that when men shall say, De Lerma was dishonour'd ; the reply May point to the red proofs of his revenge ! [Exit. SCENE III. -4 glen near the castle of Gonzalez. A storm is raging with thunder and lightning. (Enter Velasco from the rocks in the back ground.) VELASCO. I lay my brow against the marble rock, I hold it throbbing to the dewy grass There is no coolness in the summer rain ! The elements have lost their attributes. The oaks are shiver'd round me, in the blaze Of the near lightning, as it bursts the folds Of its black cerements, but no gracious bolt Blasts me or scathes ! A wilder storm is here ! SCENE III.] YELASCO. 63 The fiery quiver of the clouds will be Exhausted soon the hurricane will sink ; And, through the vista of the western clouds, The slant rays of the setting sun will stream And birds, on every glistening bough, will hail The refluent brightness and the freshen'd air ; But when will pass away from this sad heart The cloud of grief, the tempest of remorse ! When will the winged hopes, that glanced and sang In joy's melodious atmosphere, return, To welcome back the gladness of the soul ! This spot ! What fatal instinct led me here ! It is our trysting-place ; and ha ! what form Breaks through the shadowy gloom? 'tis Izidora ! She sees me she advances knows she yet The fearful truth? Oh ! were this trial spared me ! > (Enter Izidora.) IZIDORA. Velasco ! is it thou ? Thank Heaven, we meet ! [Catches at his arm for support he turns away. Alas ! my lord, such fearful news I bring ! Thou wouldst not shun me ? YELASCO. (embracing her.) Shun thee, Izidora ! IZIDORA. Oh ! such a strange calamity has fallen Upon our house, Velasco ! But, I see, Thou art inform'd already. We must straight Pursue the guilty wretch. VELASCO. (starting.) Avoid me ! Fly ! Let me not taint thee with my traitorous touch ! 64 VELASCO. [ACT in. IZIDORA. Hear I, or do my senses play me false ? What dost thou say? Still silent? Wilt not speak ' I did not look for this. Thy sympathy At least were due me in this hour of wo. VELASCO. Do I not share the burthen of thy sorrow ? Oh ! let this writhing heart, this burning brain, Attest my grief, my anguish, my despair ! Ah ; pardon my mistrust. Thou dost partake With me this great affliction. Who, alas ! Could have contrived so impious a act ? Help me to curse him VELASCO. No ; 'tis not for thee To curse him, Izidora not for thee ! 'Tis not for me to curse him ? Thou art right. 'Tis for no Christian soul to breathe a curse. But I have sworn an oath an oath of vengeance !" Where is thy sword, Velasco ? Thou shalt be My champion the avenger of my father ! VELASCO. I, thine avenger ! I, thy champion ! IZIDORA. And whom but thou ? My brother gone, alas \ Where should I fly, forsaken, save to thee ? Oh! thou art powerful to redress my wrongs, Invincible in arms ! Thy honour too I need not tell thee, that thy honour cries, SCENE III.] VELASCO. 65 With loud appeal on thee to vindicate Me made an orphan and my father slain ! VELASCO. And thou dost ask of me IZIDORA. To slay the slayer ! To execute the law of Heaven and earth Of Deity and mortal blood for blood 1 VELASCO. Thou know'st not what thou askest ! IZIDORA. I have check'd The tributary anguish of my heart, And wrought the natural weakness of my sex To the stern task my dying sire imposed. Velasco ! I had thought to find in thee A prompt avenger and why art thou thus ? VELASCO. I cannot Wilt thou Oh ! have pity, Heaven ! IZIDORA. We are betroth'd ; but ere a bridegroom's hand Is clasp'd in mine, th' atonement must be made. Were he among the mightiest of the land, Who must account for this unholy deed, Before thy arm of terror he would quail. Go then ! pursue th' assassin to the death. VELASCO. Assassin ! if the death of him, my love, Who slew thy father, would content thy soul; The boon, it were not difficult to grant. F2 66 VELASCO. [ACT n:. IZIDORA. Know'st thou the man, Velasco ? YELASCO. Yes. IZIDORA. Oh ! haste To find him then. VELASCO. He is already found. IZIDORA. Where is the man ? Who is he ? VELASCO. He is here ! I am the man ! Well mayst thou look aghast. [A peal of thunder. Izidura falls to the ground. The thunder echoes it ! the sable air Tolls with the sound, and sheds lamenting drops : The tocsin of the elements proclaims it, And nature shudders ! It hath stunn'd thy soul ! Oh, flower too early blighted ! Izidora ! Look up ! arise ! Return to thy sad home I Nay, do not gaze so steadfastly upon That fearful conjuration of thy brain. Wake, Izidora ! IZIDORA. Wake ? Then 'tis a dream T Oh ! blessed waking ! such a dream of horror Puped my poor senses, were it palpable, It could not more have check'd my frozen blood, SCENE III.] VELASCO. 67 Nor thrill'd mine eyes within their loosen'd orbs. Methought I gazed upon my slaughtered sire Bound by an oatli of dire solemnity, To ta'