THE HATED RACE IN ONE ACT. BY OIRUJANO, M.M.C., Author of the Spanish Girl; or, the Spy of Naples, &c. &c. Diprose & Bateman, Printers, 4, Clement’s Court, Carey Street. Lincoln’s Inn. — cc ^q A RICHARDSONIAN BEAM A, lUfoiiM mil) (Hirabimt THE FAITHFUL SPOUSE, OR, THE HATED RACE. WRITTEN EXPRESSLY FOR THE IRmjal Sraraafit Cnlleg t ft\t nf 1862 . BY CIRUJANO, M.M.C'., Author of the u Dying Phantom ; or, the* Victim of Withering Blights.” TO THE PUBLIOK ! ! ! It was at first intended that the prologue to the Play should be spoken by the amiable and accomplished Artiste, Miss Heartbreaker, but the necessarily short space of time alloted for the representation of the Drama precludes the possibility of this. The public, therefore, is respectfully requested to forego the “Apples, oranges, biscuits, ginger beer,” and pur- chase, instead, a “ Book of the Play,” in which they may read the classical, historical, and tragical narrative of facts on which the Drama is founded. %2a c.4^7^ PROEM M A - ¥ <5 Once upon a time, some period between the Deluge and the present Era, there lived (no matter where) a Prince whose wicked deeds drew down upon him the animadversions of a (e Peculiar Race.” Surrounded with all the luxuries which the age and country could produce, he abandoned himself entirely to the most voluptuous pleasures, leaving the defence of his kingdom and the affairs of state to be conducted by one of his generals. This general had a wife, fair and beauteous to behold, who, devotedly and virtuously attached to her husband, resisted all the Prince’s arts and wiles to seduce her from the paths of rectitude. The crafty Prince failing in his attempts to encompass her ruin, resolved to slay her, and with this object, issued a decree that, all who were of the u Hated Race,” that is, those who opposed his will and resisted his amorous wooings, should die. The general, ignorant of the tyrant’s plot as well as of the insults offered to his wife, is called upon to see these laws obeyed. Timid and nervous in his sovereign’s presence, but bold and daring in his absence, he shrinks from executing such a villanous deed, and seeking the society of his charming spouse, his only comfort and solace from the cares and annoyances of state, he learns from her own lips the wicked motive which induced the Prince to issue such an order, and at once re- solves to fly the city, but is foiled in his attempt. Possessed of this knowledge, and supported by the courageous bearing of his spouse, his character is at once changed, and reversed, from being timid in his sovereign’s presence he becomes bold and hectoring, openly defies his Prince and kills him in 66 terrific combat Such are the historical facts upon which the following Drama is founded. The affecting interview between Alfonso and Claudina, enriched as it is by -the charming example of domestic bliss ; the determined resistance of the latter to the unhallowed advances of his sovereign — a picture for all wives; the ,, IV frightful tumult of Alfonso’s mind, when informed of Santiago’s perfidy — a pattern of devotion for all husbands; the threaten’d shameless exposure of Claudina’s beauty in the open square ; the death of Claudina by Alfonso’s hand, and his solemn requiem over her body; the “ terrific combat ” between the Prince and Alfonso, and the death of both— the homicide ! the regicide ! the suicide ! Sudden apparition of Claudina’s Mother, and subsequently of Claudina herself, the music of her well remembered voice, as she chants a mournful dirge o’er Alfonso dying ; the solemn sounding of the gongs ; the startling and novel effects of the blue fire ; and elegant grouping of the tableau as arranged by a learned disciple o£ the immortal Richardson, at whose mystic name hats are raised and tears of regret furtively bedew the cheeks of those who’ve wandered— — “ frank and free, Through the fair of good Saint Bartlemy.” All are of the most thrilling interest, and cannot fail by their intensity to call forth alternate smiles and tears — objects sought by all the lovers and admirers of e< Domestic Drama” That this brief sketch may on this joyous occasion, u The Dramatic College Fete,” draw tears from the tearful, smiles from the light-henrted, a friendly snarl from the cynic, and something more tangible from their pockets, is the fervent wish of the public’s well wisher. “ CIRUJANQ,” Author of “ The Span ish Girl ; or, the Spy of Naples.” ALFONSO AND CLAUDINA €(it /aiftifnl Ipnst, OR, THE HATED RACE. A RICHARDSONIAN DRAMA. IN' ONE ACT. BY CIEUJANO. Author of “ The Dying Phantom or, the Victim of Withering Blights.” DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 4 SANTIAGO — The King. ALFONSO— His General. HUBERTO— Slave of the King. ESCLAYO — Another ditto (Dumb). CLAUDINA — Wife of Alfonso, Attendants, &c., &c. Scene 1st. — GARDEN. Moonlight. Alfonso’s Residence, O. P. in the centre a Pedestal, raised on a rocky eminence. Private door, P. S. Claudina discovered seated on a garden couch in a pensive attitude. Music, as the curtain rises, &c., &c. ALFONSO AND CLAUDINA. ♦ Claudina cantat. Air — ce Garden Gate” The moon shines bright, The stars give light, Ah me ! my wretched state ! He may arrive, alas ! Too late To grapple with my fate. But no, no — I’ll not grow sad, Alfonso dear, my gallant lad ; For Santiago soon shall see My soldier lad’s as brave as he. He may yet return. Away all vain excuses ! I repel his amorous- wooings ; better die, than yield to his embrace. Enter Huberto and Esclavo. So soon returned ? Hubeb. Yes, lady, the private door affords me ready ingress. Claud. What said thy master? Hubeb. (giving her a letter) Bead ! Claud, (after reading) Either by force, or mine own consent, X shall be his. Huber. He commands me to say that from thine own lips alone he will receive thine answer. Think well upon it ; and if thou takest my advice, thou’lt yield. Claud. Slave! who sought thy advice? Begone! — and thank the gods thou dost return with a tongue in thine unclean mouth. Hubeb. Beware ! I bear thine answer to the king. Claud. I fear him not ; his power cannot reach me in the tomb . Huber. Thy resistance ensures thee one. Claud. Into it I will descend as pure and spotless as I’ve lived. Huber. Is such thine answer ? Then may the gods protect thee. Claud. Go ! Exit Huberto and Esclavo, Claud, (alone) Bather at once this frail form of mine his thonged whips shall lash, and drop by drop my ruby blood shall drip. Bereft of life I triumph o’er his will — bereft of honor ! never ? 8 Enter - Alfonso. Ah ! mine Alfonso ! {throws herself on his breast). Alfon. Mine own Claudina, what ails thee ? What means that hectic flush upon thy cheek ? and why thy hand so cold ? — why droop those soft and liquid eyes ? Thou tremblest ! Claud, {with hesitation) Alfonso, thou art deceived. Alfon. Stay, Claudina, stay. Know that I have learnt to probe mine anxious throbbing heart ! A dark suspicion lurks within its once confiding walls ; its vital pulse no longer now in healthful rythm beats, but like an o’er-weighted jaded horse, it falters, trips, and fails. Thou dost from me a secret secrete. By this loved scar, received in happier days, {points to scar on his cheek) whose puckered lips now plead in accents mute, I do beseech thee to unbosom all. Claud. Alfonso dear, a sadness deep, profound, thine own Claudina’s heart assails. Alfon. Ah, ah ! I’ve watched it long, and long have longed to know, and knowing, sweet Claudina, know that I now know it all — which knowing, know my heart is gnawed and cankered deep with care; but say, dear chuck, which, what, and who have caused thee this distress ? Claud. Alfonso dear, restrain thy warmth, that I in language short may tell the cause of all my griefs, and why upon this once fair cheek the hectic flush has spread — why now this form, which once in its harmonious whole thy gladdened eyes rejoiced, in unsymmetrical decay is wasted, shrunk, and wan. Alfon. Some hidden grief has ravaged thus thy form. Claud. Alfonso, I seek for solitude — I sigh for repose. Bear me far from hence. Alfon. What fear’st thou, loved one? say, what doubts — what suspicions — is’t for me thou dost repine P Claud. Alfonso, from childhood have I loved thee, soon as my lisping tongue gave utterance to thought, thy noble bearing — thine air of grandeur, sentiments, and speech inclined my heart to warble forth thy praise. Alfon. All this I know, and knowing feel. Claud. Thine honor I have guarded as mine own. For us this hated city is a dark and dangerous cell, from which we must escape. Alfon. When at its gates a foe implacable approaches ? It can- not be ! Claud. Alfonso dear, we live within a fragile vase. This city now in shameful sleep reposing, may yet awake to find another and a better king. Alfon. Claudina ! Claud. Nought is sacred, not even the virtue of thy virtuous spouse. Behold ! {gives him the letter). Alfon. {reads) Tyrant ! despot ! libertine ! Ah, ah ! I see it now. The beauty of my wife has purchased all. Yes, yes, we will depart. I have the pass which bears us safely hence. 9 Claud. Whatever may be thy wislies, I obey. Remain and I remain — fly, and 1 fly. Alfon. Prepare for instant flight. Gather up all our gold, our treasures — thy jewels — gems— thy trinkets, diamonds, and whate’er can purchase happiness in a happier land. CantaL — Claudina. Air — “ Adieu , adieu 3 my native land” Adieu, adieu, my garden chair, And when ye fail my sight, No joy can check the rising tear, Alfonso dear, good night. Exit . Alfon. The fruits of loyalty, unalloyed, reward of services long served, honor to him, dishonor to me. To filch from me mine own Claudina 5 s love ; corrupt the flower that smelt so sweet ; pollute the stream that dulcet laved my parched enamoured soul ; with venom’d breath defile the shrine which centres all my love, the costly gem that owns my purest thoughts, and this from him ! from him ! ! whose wicked wants Tve wantonly supplied, and wanting none, now strives to wanton her. Vengeance or death ! Ah, ah ! here he comes, like dastard thief, stalking thro 5 the midnight gloom. (Alfonso looks alarmed .) Enter Santiago. Santi. (with surprise) Ah ! my brave General Alfonso, I come to have some converse with thee. Alfon. Command me, sire. Santi. Heavy cares oppress me ; what worth to me is all this regal pomp and grandeur, if to disport myself I am debarred P I wish my people to enjoy themselves, that the tree of pleasure may lend to us its shade. Alfon. Think you, my lord, of this rebellion which — — Santi. Speak not to me of this, I am weary of such tales, and am resolved right soon to do a deed which shall astonish all. Alfon. What mean you, sire Santi. There is a race, a Hated Race, a treacherous, damned race, and with that race, such race Til run as shall out-race them ail. Soon shall the racy hand of death, this wretched race, erase Alfon. Reflect, sire ! Santi. Their hides I’ll tan and carpets make, to carpet our saloons. These are my decrees ( gives him a paper) read ! Alfon. (reads') “ Festival of extermination” “Alfonso” “ General,” sire I cannot, dare not, do such monstrous deeds. Santi. If thou refusest, look to thy life. Begone, and see that I’m obeyed. Alfon. {aside) Tyrant, look thou to thine. Exit. Santi. What ho, Huberto ! (Rubehto and Esclavo appear from concealment) hast attended to mine orders P 10 Huber. He is well looked after; not a word or a look escape the lynx eyes which surround him. Accompanied by his spouse, he hopes to escape this night. Santi. Ah ! then all the fences of my love are rooted up. His hated presence I’ll no longer bear. Away, away ! Huberto, do thy work, leave the rest to me. Exit Huberto and Esclavo. Ah ! she comes. Now then to my task. Enter Claudina. Santi. Claudina, we are now alone — away all ceremony. Claudina, I am thy slave. ( throws himself at her feet) Claud. Thy specious speech on me is lost, to such my lips yield no response nor ears attention. Santi. Celestial creature! beautiful syren! smile a smile of pleasure, sweet, serene enchantress ! Yield to me thy love, and I am at once thy slave. Claud. Never — I love thee not — Thou at my feet thy crown may’st fling. I’d trample on it thus, and spurn thy proffered love. Santi. My heart’s on fire ; and such a flame there burns within, naught but thy love can quench. My gold or dagger — take thy choice. Claud. Take thou my life. Santi. So let it be — thou hast thy choice. He rushes towards her with his dagger . and as he is about to strike , Huberto enters. Tableau. Claudina falls on garden couch. Santi. How darest thou enter here ? Huber. Sire, “ the Hated Race,” on hearing thy decrees, have burst all bounds and trampled on thy guards. Santi. This insult shall be cleansed with their blood. Proud beauty ! Alfonso is in my power, and if to-morrow’s dawn brings not thy free consent, he dies ! Ah, ah ! his head or thy love. Exit Santiago. Music . Claud. ( alone — she rises as in a dreamy state , hair dishevelled) Faith ! love ! his death ! my ignominy ! No, no ! I cannot — my brain’s on fire — my heart — my sight — all, all is darkness. Cantat. Air . — “ Ophelia .” Haste, haste ! Alfonso, mount with speed, Thy palfrey swift and gay. Let nought arrest thee, gallant steed ; But bear my love away. Ah, ah ! he’s saved ! now tyrant do thy worst, (she falls on her knees arms outstretched ), 11 Enter Alfonso. Alfon. Claudina here ? mine own dear chuck ? Alas! she speaks not. Claudina ! Claud. Begone ! — begone, I say ! Shame on ye ! shame on ye ! ( returns to consciousness ) Who calls Claudina P that voice ? Ah ! Alfonso ! I did believe thee lost to me, Alfon. And lost we are. This night he has proscribed the “Hated Bace,” and Claud. Besistance then is vain, for I am of that “ Hated Bace.” Let’s die as they have died I— my mother of that “race ” was born, and nursed me in its creed. Alfon. Ye gods ! what do I hear ? ( treads the stage and looks furious). Claudina cantat . Air — “ If he'll hallo.” Dearest Alfonso, Don’t take on so, Don’t roll your eyes nor look so riled ; Or believe me, Soon you’ll see me, A wandering maniac, fierce and wild. Alfon. Claudina’s race— Claudina’ s love — and loving her, this race I love, and loving, with that race I die. Claudina sweet ! thy mother’s race is mine. • Enter Santiago, Huberto, and Attendants. Alfonso looks alarmed . Santi. How now, Claudina?— I wait thine answer. Claud. Thy tyranny has placed me beyond thy grasp. I am of the “ Hated Bace.” With them I claim to die. Santi. My passion chokes me ! Thou shalt have thy wish ; — but e’er that time arrives, stripped of thy garments, deprived of all thy vesture, in nude and open shame thou within the centre of yon square shalt stand, the scoff and jeer of all the gaping throng. Alfon. Dishonor so infamous ? Never ! Santi. {to Alfonso) Thou thyself bound hand and foot shalt gaze upon the scene. Alfon. {draws his dagger) Trusty friend, my last resource : drink thou her blood, {stabs Claudina, she falls into the arms of the Attendants) Claud, {dying) Thanks, Alfonso, thanks. Farewell! With honor — now I die. Gong — blue fire— Ghost of Claudina’s Mother appears rising from the cross and beckons Claudina. Music. Claud. Ah ! my mother beckons me away— I come. Alfonso, one embrace. Weep not ! dry up those briny tears — we meet to-morrow. Mother dear, thy daughter yearns for thee — I come, I come. Dies at the foot of the pedestal, and is carried off the stage . Alfonso cantat . Down on the ground she fell, she fell a dying, Spreading her arms abroad, and faintly crying ; Cheer up, Alfonso dear, and leave off sorrow, Dry up that briny tear, we meet to-morrow. Santi. Villain what hast done ? Draw and defend thyself. Alfon. My blood now boils, and courses hotl thro* my veins. Audacious tyrant ! perfidious monster 1 were every c'rop of thy blood a sea of molten fire ; each blast of thy breath, a withering scorching flame ; thy damned tongue, black serpent’s venom’d sting, I’d battle all to feed on my revenge. Saha 1 come on, come on 1 Terrific Combat — Alfonso kills the King — Gong — Blue Fire. Sfc.y dec,. — Claud in a’s Ghost appears rising from the Cross and beckons Alfonso. Alfon. I am of that “ Hated Kace,” and by my hand thou disst ! (stabs him again) Ah, Claudina ! faithfnl spouse ! with thine, sweet chuck, my soul will wing its flight. Happy, happy hour ! I come, I come (stabs himself ). Ghost cantat whilst Alfonso is dying . Don’t you see Alfonso coming, My love lies a bleeding on the ground ; Soon these arms shall fold around him, He dies of a deep and ghastly wound. Cnrtfiitt /folk Printed by Diprose & Bateman, 4, Clement’s Court, Carey St. Lincoln’s Inn. ■ '