gzz Os2.c /I f**' f CATHARINE RUSSIA: OB, THE CHILD OF THE STORM. An Historical Drama, FOUNDED ON AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF PETER THE GREAT. To Managers. — This Drama is tho sole property of D. W. Osbaldiston, to whom application for its performance may be addressed. — Terms moderate. As Performed at the LONDON THEATRES, First Produced Wednesday, September 11th, 1850 Sontron : PRINTED FOR DAVID WEBSTER OSBALDISTON, By S. G. Fairbrother, Printer, 31, Bow St. Covent Garden. DR1I»ATI§ PER§0% 7E Peter the First, (Czar of Russia — known as Peter the Great, now disguised as the Soldier Lowestoff) Mr. OSBALDI ^TON General Scheremtief, ''commanding the Russian Troops, bombarding Marienburg, in Livonia, a Province in Russia) - - - - - Mr. HENRY FRAZER Sergeant Hetzenoff, (a Cossack Officer, serving under the Czar) Mr. RICHARDS Karl and Maurinski, (Pages to Peter the Great) Miss E. MORDEN and Miss HYAMS Skovronski, (the aged and worthy Pastor of Marienburg — the Protector & adopted Father of Catharine,) Mr. NEVILLE Ryaz Radutzypadutzy, (a simple Livonian Peasant, attached to Carline) Poto, ) Sclavaronski, 3 Klotz, Paul, Metzburg, Mr. FORMAN two Robbers, frequenting the CMr. MORRISON Fieldin search of plunder ( Mr. HUMPHREYS (a Horseman) - Mr. HITCHINSON Peasant Lads of Riga. Mr. BRUNTON Mr. WILLIS Russian Officers, Soldiers , then looks up and ventures to rise. Ryaz. Oh lord, here’s a go ! I wonder if I am really living — I fancy I feel a shot in every limb ! What a fool I was to run to Marienburg, to see the sights as I imagined ! I thought, when I heard the cannon, it was a grand fete, a birth-day, instead of which it’s a death- day ! They are popping ’em off like wild rabbits ! Just as I got near, I met the inhabitants running, and the sol- diers and Cossacks after them, and heard the balls whiz* zing about. I forgot where I was, and never recovered my recollection, ’till I found myself in a hollow tree. How I did tremble and shiver ! and I don’t know what I didn’t do ! They are all past now — if I can but sneak home— here goes ! [Going, p. s. Enter Lowestoff, o. p. Low. Stand ! Ryaz. I can’t — I’m too frightened ! [Staggering. Low . What do you here ? Ryaz. That s just what I’ve been asking myself. Low. What are you ? Ryaz. I don’t exactly know. Low. [Presenting a pistol J VV ill this bring it to your recollection f Ryaz. [Stitl more alarmed] Not a bit of it Low . What will ? 8 Ryaz. Nothing but quiet and repose. Low. I’ll soon give you that. You are a Livonian, I see ; keep quiet now, whilst I blow your brains out. Ryaz. [Ora his knees ] My good fellow* don’t — pray don’t ! I’m as simple a fool as you’d wish to meet I You have nothing to fear from me! I’m like a chip in por- ridge neither good nor harm to anybody ! Low . Then the sooner you are out of the way the better. [ Presents pistl ] Ryaz . Mercy ! mer ;y ! I don’t care for myself — But I’ve got a sweetheart ! Low . Ha ha ha ! have you a sweetheart ? Ryaz . Nature’s nature — I couldn’t help it ! Oh, Car- line, Carline, if I had not quarrelled with you, I should not have been in this scrape ! Low , And her name is Carline, eh ? Now what would you say, if I were to spare your life, for Carline’s sake ? Ryaz. I should say you were a jolly good fellow ! Enter Soldiers . with Two Prisoners , p.s. Low. Take this prisoner with you. I’ll soon give an account of him to the general. Away, [crosses to p.s. Ryaz. I say, don’t let them mistake me for any other brave fellow, and shoot me before you come. Low. Oh, fear not — they’ll soon see there’s nothing brave about you — go, Ryaz . Oh, what a fool I was to come a sight-seeing! This is a sight ! [They Exit with him , o. p. Low. Ha ha ha ! Poor devil ! I must have some amusement with him. What’s this ? [Looks p. s.] A young girl, coming this way towards Marienburg! I must warn her of her danger. We must not let youth and beauty suffer, if we can help it. Enter Catharine, p. s. Cath. The horse’s girth broke, and nearly threw me — I was forced to dismount, and leave him. I must find my dear father. [Lowestofl stops her. Low . Stay girl, whither go you ? Cath. What can that be to you ? Low. Ha ! [Threateningly. Cath. Aye, you may frown, but I fear you not. I am going to Marienburg. Low. Marienburg is in the hands of the Russians. Cath. Well, what then ? Do you think I care for the Russians ? Not I. Low. The inhabitants are prisoners; and if you are mad enough to pursue your route, you will also be taken prisoner. Cath. But there is one whom I look up to as a father in Marienburg, and l am determined to share his fate what- ever it may be. Low. But if he is a prisoner? Cath. I will share his prison with him. Low. If he is dead? 9 Cath . Still would I share his fate, be it imprisonment or death. Low . Brave girl. [Aside] Go, and heaven preserve both you and him. [Catharine crosses o p. Cath. Oh, nature never pleads in vain to hearts that own but feeling. [A loud report of cannon ] Ha ! so near! No matter. What danger should I shrink from when his life is perilled. [About to go , o.p. when an Officer of Cossacks y and Cossacks enter , o.p. intercepting her. Offi . [o.p.] Hold. Cath. [c.] Oh, what an ugly set of rascals to be sure ! Low . I told you what would happen if you pursued your route. [Aside to her] Tell me your name. Cath. Catharine— I am the adopted child of the pastor, Skovronski. Low. Umph! [To Officer] Men, do your duty. [Exit p.s. Offi. Come, girl, you are a Livonian. Livoma belongs this day to our Czar, Peter the First of Russia. You are therefore our prisoner [ Advancing . Cath. Now keep your hands off, if you please. I didn’t come here to be made prisoner. I came to find my adopted father. Offi. Come, fall in. [Touching her shoulder. Cath. I f you don’t keep your hands off me, we shall fall out Offi. Zounds ! will you go? Cath Yes, certainly I’ll go, but it must be in my own way. If I am your prisoner , I’ll be your commander as well. March. [Exit o.p. Cossacks preceding and following. SCENE III Ikarket Place of Marienburg. Report of guns. General Scheremtiep enters o.p.u.e. with Russian Soldiers. Sch . Give the word for no more slaughter — the last opposition quelled, Marienburg is entirely ours. Enter Serjeant Hetzenoff, o p. with Ryaz. Het. A prisoner, general. Sch Let him be well guarded, and await our orders. Ryaz. [r h.] What a savage looking rascal [Aside Het. Come on. Ryaz I am to stop for my friend you know. I say, General Skive-em-off — Sch Ha! silence, fo l. Ryaz. Yes, certainly your honor’s honorable and most magnificent highness [Enter Lowestoff, o.p. who ap- proaches the General] but you see — yes— that young chap there. ScK Gag him — silence him. If he speaks another word despatch him. | Turns to Lowestoff. Ryaz. Well, but I say. [Calling aloud to Lowestoff. 10 Het. Present. [ They do at Ryaz. Ryaz. I’m dumb. [ Aside ] Ob, here’s a sight to show a father. Enter Cossack Officer, u.e.p.s. who approaches General, they converse. Ryaz. Hollo — I wonder if that's about me. I always did hate whisperers. Carline, I shall never see you more, if I do, it will be without a head ; and without my head I don't see how I can see anybody. [Lowestoff points to Ryaz] Oh, its all over, that rascal has betrayed me — coaxed me to surrender on purpose to have me slaughtered. [Aside. Sch . [Smiling to Officer] ’Tis well — since she de- mands to s^e the General, bring her before me. [Officer beckons and conducts Catharine in , accom- panied by Frederica, p.s.u.e. Offi. This is the general. Cath. A grace, a boon, general— for pity’s sake a boon. Ryaz. Why it’s Catharine — I say, first tell em who I am, and that I’m not worth a dump to ’em. Sch. Silence. Ryaz. She’s a particular friend of mine. Sch. And a prisoner like yourself. Ryaz. Oh, lord. [Aside. Sch. Now, girl, speak what would you? Cath . I seek my protector, my only father, the pastor of Marienburg. If he is a prisoner to share his prison with him — or if, as I am told by his old servant here, he is among the dead, oh, sir, let me seek his corpse that it may rest in hallowed ground, and have the prayers of those who have loved him. My old nurse here tells me, she saw him struck by a Russian bullet while binding up the wounds of a poor Livonian. [ kneels ] Oh, sir, if you had known his goodness — my poor father, my benefactor Sch. Have you no fear of a dark battle field ? Cath What fear should I have, in the performance of my duty ? Sch. You are our prisoner, as you know. The camp is without the walls. If I grant your request, what war- rant have I that you attempt not to escape ? [Catharine springing up~\ My word ? [Firmly Sch. Go then, but remember that you have given your word to return. Cath. I shall remember — thanks, sir, thanks. Come, Frederica, come. [Crosses r.s. Fre. Would you go among the dead at this hour ? Cath. At any hour, if service to the suffering may be rendered. Come. Fre. I dare not, cannot, girl. Cath. Then I go alone— he may yet live, and I may still return the good he has dealt to me Fre. It shall not be said, a girl had more humanity than I. 11 Cath Come then to the battle field, and heaven guide us in our search. [Exit, p.s. Sch. Now, convey your prisoner to security. [77; Lowestoft] You asked, for your own service, some fellow — Ryaz. That’s me, your mighty and most magnanimous highness, Low , It is. Sch. He is your's Eyas. [ With dignity to Cossacks] Allow me to pass, will you? [Crossing to e.h. Sch. One cheer, my lads, for the capture of Marien- burg, and the glory of our czar. [Shouts, and scene closes as they march off, u eo.p. SCENE IV OUTSIDE OE THE WALL3 OF MARIENBURG. Parts of the City seen above the Walls . Enter Potzo and Sclavronski, p.s. Pot This storming is capital work. It gives us such a chance of rifling the bodies. Six rubles, three silver watches, and rings and brooches without number. Seta. Some of ’em though fought hard. I was obliged to knock two on the head before they’d let go. One old fellow told me his watch was given him by his father, and he had promised it to his son. He would’ nt let go, so I gave him a knock on the wrist that he won’t soon forget. He soon dropped the watch. Pot. And you got it ? I Scla. Of course I did It was business, and a man must attend to his business. If he don’t, how is he to keep a comfortable honest h 'me ? Hollo, what’s this ? Some one comes, stand aside — something worth while perhaps. Enter Catharine and Frederica, p-s 1e. Cath. ’Tis not far now, and we may fortunately dis- cover him. Hark, do you not hear? Their groans are borne upon the wind. Oh, if we can afford some suc- cour to the famished or the dying ! is it not a holy duty ? and your good master, my father, he may now be suf- fering. Come, quick. [Potzo and Sclavronski intercept them as they are going. Pot Stay. Cath. Back, what would you ? Pot. Your rings, your money. Cath. Ha. [Potzo seizes her. Set The old woman has some bobs in her ears I dare say. Come, old girl. Cath. Monsters. Pot To work and while I get the rings, you tear the bobs from the old fool’s ears [Catharine struggles, Frederica screams, Catharine releases her hands, he approaches , she siezes his throat, Sclavonski has got Frederica on her knees . UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY 12 Pot. Your hand from my throat. Cath . A motion, and I choke you. [Enter Lowestoff o.p. throws Sclavronski from old woman , cuts Potzo down and stands with his foot on him, his stoord presented to the other. Low. What ho! [Enter Soldiers, o. p.] Remove these ruffians to close quarters. The general shall decide their fate. [ They are taken off \ o.p. Cath Do I owe this to you ? and are you like myself seeking some dying friend ? Low. Not so. Catharine this is a task too much for your age or strength. Leave this search to me, and when the dead are seperated from the wounded, I will myself seek the aged pastor. Cath. No, no : that I have begun I must accomplish. Low. Catharine, I am a soldier as you see, and have a soldier’s courage, but your’s astounds me. Mark me. You are now beyond the walls of the city — the General is no more your master — returning, you are his slave — fly from hence. If you need money, it is here [Offers purse. Cath. Have I not given my word to return ? Low. Think of what you must endure. Your youth’s hope changed to misery, yourself a slave. Fly whilst you can. Cath. I will not fly. Though poor, unknown, and without name, nothing shall tempt [me to forfeit my word. Were I a princess I should be expected to keep it ; as a peasant I will not break it. [. A heavy groan icith - out] Do you not hear P again. It may be my bene • factor, and but for this delay he may be saved. out , p.s. Low. Quick, follow. [Frederica exits after her. Brave heroic girl, worthy to be a hero’s bride. Heaven grant her success in her sad and sorrowful search. But see, they return, and with them an aged man. Re-enter Catharine and Frederica, hearing in the Pastor Sko Vronski, very faint. Cath. Did I not tell you we should find him ? Father look up, dear father speak. Sko. Where, where am I ? That face ! do I dream ? Ca* Catherine — 1 cannot beleive. Cath. Your own girl, your Catherine and Frederica. Sko I, faint with loss of blood. Low. Take this flask Catherine a fask] ’Twill perhaps revive him Cath Here, father, here. [Places it to his lips. Low. Bear him slowly on — Come. come. [ Exit , o.p. Sko. Thanks ! thanks ! how came you here .' Cath. I heard of the Siege and your danger — in seek- ing for you I was taken prisoner, and I now belong to the Russian General ; but he permitted me to seek you on my promise that I should return to him. 13 Sko. You have given your word? Cath. Yes. Sko. A promise should never be broken : keep your word and go my child : do your duty and heaven will bless you. Cath. Oh! thanks for those words — there, give me your arm — lean on me — come — you are stronger row dear Father. Sko. Yes, yes. Cath. There, gently, gently. [She leads him off. SCENE Y. Tent of the Czar, Peter the First. Outside of Tent — the Interior of which is seen , and at the hack a large handsome Curtain . Enter Scheremtief and Lowestoff through Tent. Sch. Ha! ha! ha! ’tis a strange romantic story this of yours. But do you think she will have the courage to return ? Low , [op.] I feel assured she will — She is a noble- minded creature and fear seems a stranger to her. Her strong affection for the old Pastor too speaks well for her heart. Sch. [ps.] He is not her father, you say ? Low. No, he found her it seems an infant, during a wild and fearful storm, and has ever since protected her. Sch. Still, I’ll wager, her protector safe, she comes not back again. EnUr Officer, o. p. 1 e. Off. The prisoner, Catharine. [Lowestoff gets l.h. Sch. As you said — Admit her. [Catharine enters , o p.] So, you are come, my little one — I did not expect you. Cath. You had no right to doubt me. Sch. Why not ? Cath. Because I had given my word. Sch. But you are only a poor simple girl. Cath. Why should poverty teach me dishonesty ? By your goodness, my father is now safe, and I care not now to what slavery I am doomed Sch. You are young and intelligent — may I not say handsome ? Cath. You may if you choose ; and I may please my- self if I believe you or not. Sch. Let me see how you can serve a breakfast ; can you do so ? Cath. Yes, or a dinner either. Sch. Within the Tent you will find the things. Cath You shall not wait long. [Exit into Tent. [Scheremtief and Lowestoff laugh. Sch. Ha ! ha ! ha ! we shall have some mirth with her. 14 Enter from Tent Two Pages ivith seats , which they place in front ; Two other Pages with table placing it in centre ; then Catherine with tray , some black bread , tongue, and a bottle of ivine. Lowestief and Scheremticf sit. Cath. Here is all I can find : some black bread, deer’s tongue, and a bottle of wine Sell . [o p.] That’s all we have. Cath [ Tying napkin as for an apron ] Poor fellows ! if you come to our house, I'll give you something better than this. Low . [p.s.] This will do. I About to help himself from Tray . Cath. [ Keeping it away] The General first. [ Presents t-ay to Scheremtief — curtzies Now, General. Sch. Thank yon. Ha ! ha ! ha ! [Catharine goes to Lowestoft. Now your turn comes. Low I am much obliged. ‘VA. Pour us out some wine Cath. Yes, but I don’t encourage drinking, by giving you wine before you have eaten. — You soldiers are very- bad boys to drink I am told. [They laugh as she pours wine. — Lowestoff going to take one.~\ Shall I never teach you manners i the General first I told you. Low. I beg your pardon. Sch. How old are you ? Cath . [c.] Eighteen and a little bit — [ They laugh ] Sch. [o.p.] With a heart of thirty. Loro, (p s.] Ah, General, if you had seen her amongst the dead and wounded l Sch. Had you no fear of the dead, my girl ? Cath. I do not fear the living, much less the dead. I thought but of finding my benefactor. Sch. I see ; the thought of him banished fear ; I should like to see you in the centre of a battle-field. Loro. Yes, General ; with that litt’e resolute face of hers Cath. It would be quite as resolute as yours. Some more bread, General ? or some more wine ( wine, I sup- pose Sch. Eight again. [S/te pours mint Lore. She is a brave and a noble hea ted gir-l ; and I — Cath. There now, don’t say anything more ’till you have -washed that down. [Gives mine to Lowestoff Low. [drinks'] General, will you sell me your prisoner ? Cath . Well, I declare Sch What would you do with her ? Lam. Make her my wife Cath. Oh ! oh, dear me I [Aside] I shall drop the tray. Lorn. I can see she was born to be a soldier’s wife — com?, what say you, Catharine, eh \ Cath Just let me recover my breath, will your why, n j $ ay— I say— Id rather be the wife of a Soldier than the slave of a General . , Low. Brava, Catharine ! from this moment yon belong to me. Sch. AVell, bnt , Low. I know what you’ll urge, General — \ They rise] and you also know’ I never do anything like anybody else. Catharine is good, gay and generous, and I’ll make her my w if e Catharine, are you bold enough to take my hand ? Cath. I am — Soldier ! [Schermtief laughs. Low. And you’ll march with me ? Cath. I will— Soldier. Low. Fight with me ? Cath. Ill not fight with you, but for you— and by your side, Soldier. Low. \_quickly~\ Put down that tray; put it down, X S ay — take off that apron. You shall never serve anybody more, but a husband. Sch. Ha! ha! ha! I wish you much joy. Farewell. [Exit into tent. [Catharine curtsies and sits on o.p. stool. Low. [ sits opposite to her , p.s.] And now Catharine, do you know who I am ? Cath. Ho : but you said you wished to be my husband. Low. But do you know my rank in the army ? Cath . What signifies your rank, sb that you are an honest man, a good husband and a brave soldier. ’Tis not always the highest that are the bravest. The soldier often wins the battle, while the general gets the credit of it. Low, True, Catharine, true. [ They rise. Cath . Besides, you cannot suppose me proud ; a poor girl, without family, without name. Low. You are content then to link your destiny with mine? Cath . Yes, you have the air of a brave man, and I like you because you have been kind to me, and my benefactor. Low. You are not sorry then that I am but a poor soldier? Cath. Do you think I want to marry a general ? Low. Enough. But I must ask the consent of the Czar. [Flourish.] That flourish announces that he is about to receive the despatches of his generals and the petitions of the people of Marieuburg. Remain you without, till I can gain an audience. You’ll be my wife? Cath. I will — soldier— I have given my word. Low. ’Tis well. [ Exit Lowestoff p.s. into tent . Catharine euits o.p.] f Table and seats are removed. The tent is drawn off and the back curtain is raised discovering steps Imding up to a Pavilion , Lowestoff on steps , Officers kneeling around him giving their despatches Images, Soldiers, &c. The Czar comes down , two Pages bring a chair , he sits, motions to Cossack 16 Officer, who goes to side and brings in Catharine Enter Ryaz, p.s. Eyaz . Hollo ! theres my master sitting in that chair — what impudence ! Coss. Offi. Catharine, the Czar, Peter the First, wishes to speak to you. Enter Catharine, o.p. Cath. [looking round] Which is he ? How am I to know which is the Czar unless you tell me ? [sees LowestofF] Well I declare — there's my husband, that is to be, sitting at his ease amongst all these fine generals ! Well, I thought him impudent when he first asked me where l was going, but this beats all . I say, sir, [to Officer] which is the Czar ? where is he ? [Officer points to Peter, c.] There ! there — don’t be a fool : that’s my husband. Eyaz. Yes, and my master. Low. It is your husband — and the Czar likewise, Catharine. [Throwing his cloak back on chair , which he has worn through the former part • rises.] Cath. Eh ! wbat ! nonsense ! You don’t mean to say that I’m the — no, that you are the Emperor , Peter the First, and that Pm to be Mrs. Emperor, Peter the First — that is that I am to be your wife . Peter. Hoes the news grieve you ? do my titles, state, and power prevent you loving me, Catharine ? Cath. Iso — I loved you as a Soldier, I will also love you as an Emperor. Peter. And I, Peter the First, Czar of Russia, with joy accept your love — and you shall share my throne. [She rushes to him. Eyaz . [Aside. ] Huzza! Tm a friend of the Emperor. Enter Skrovonski, o.p. 1 e. I must pass : where, where is my child ? my Catharine ? Peter. Behold her ! Cath. Father ! [Embraces'] Husband ! [To Peter] Sko. Husband! Ca/A Yes, your orphan child, Catharine, whom you rescued from the storm, has lived to bless, to save her benefactor. Peter. And this day becomes my wife, Catharine, Empress of Russia ! Gentlemen, [To Officers, presenting her] your knees. [Officers kneel. Soldiers shout — flourish. Cath. Empress! I! — I, Empress! Pray, rise, gentle- men, rise. [They do so] I fear me this cannot be reality, only some wild dream ; yet here he stands [Taking his hand] My lord ! my husband ! and if you, kind friends [To Audience] do but approve his choice, let your ap- plauding hands and cheering smiles welcome here “Catharine of Russia, the Child the of Storm! ” CURTAIN FALLS.