782.1 
 tf53e 
 l 84-- 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2017 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates 
 
 https://archive.org/details/elenaubertigrand00merc_0 
 
IN THREE ACTS, 
 
 FREELY RENDERED FROM THE ITALIAN. 
 
 THE MUSIC 
 
 ( With the exception of an Air by Pacini) 
 
 COMPOSED BY MERCADANTE. 
 
 ____ 
 
 CONDUCTOR, Mr. BENEDICT. 
 
 The Chorusses under the direction of Mr. J. H. TULLY. 
 
 The Scenery by Mr. GRIEVE, Mr. T. GRIEVE, and Mr. W. GRIEVE. 
 The Decorations and Appointments by Mr. \V. BRADWELL. 
 
 The Dresses^)y Mesdames GLOVER and RAYNER. 
 
 AS PERFORMED 
 
 AT THE 
 
 THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY S. G. FAIRBROTHER, 31 , BOW STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 
 
 PRICE ONE SHILLING. 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 
 
 CUELPHS. 
 
 Sigifredo, Count Uberti, ...... ( Elena's Father ). Mr. LEFFI/ER, 
 
 Gualtiero,... (his Chamberlain) . Mr. WI GAN, 
 
 Elena Uberti,.Miss ADELAIDE KEMBLE. 
 
 CHIBELLINES. 
 
 Boemondo.( Viceroy of Ezzelino V.) _Mr. CLEMENT WHITE, 
 
 Count Ubaldo di Collalto,. Mr. W. HARRISON, 
 
 Count Guido Sanvitale, { ^ZlinZZ } Mr STRETTON. 
 
 Imberga, 
 
 .(Daughter of Boemondo) . Miss GRANT. 
 
 Ladies and Knights of the Court of Boemondo. 
 Friends and Retainers of Count Ubaldo. 
 Men-at-Arms, Servants, Heralds, Soldiers, §c. 
 
 The Action is supposed to take place in the City of Feltre', during the latter 
 half of the Thirteenth Century. 
 
 The Costumes and the Armorial Ensigns of Padua, the March of Trevizo, 
 Belluno, Feltre, &c.., are from Italian MS. and Monuments of that period, and 
 the splendid work of Count Litta, on the celebrated Families of Italy. 
 
 The colours of the Ghibelline party were, according to the latter authority, 
 -Gold or Yellow, and Green. 
 
792*1 
 
 n$3jL 
 
 l%*i- 
 
 ELENA UBERTI. 
 
 ACT FIRST. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 A HALL IN UBALDO’S PALACE. 
 
 Ubaldo is discovered, in an inner apartment, sitting disconso¬ 
 lately at a Table—his Friends and Retainers approaching 
 him gently . 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Nay, turn, Ubaldo, and cease to pine, 
 
 Like pale and tender maiden; 
 
 Dear is a manly sympathy 
 
 To heart with grief o’erladen— 
 
 Deepest are wounds unseen by all, 
 
 Nor healed by Friendship’s tears ! 
 
 [<Softly to themseloes~\ Still is he silent—motionless— 
 
 Our cheering words unheeding ; 
 
 Ah! far too young to waste away, 
 
 Of wound in secret bleeding— 
 
 Woe ! that the winter’s blight should fall 
 On Valour’s early years. 
 
 [Ubaldo dismisses them . 
 Enter Guido. 
 
 Guido. Friend of my bosom! 
 
 [Ubaldo aroused by the voice of Guidq, rises 
 ' and embraces him. 
 
 Uba. Say, what kindly fortune 
 Hath led thee hither ? 
 
6 
 
 Gin. ’Tis known to thee, that ruthless Boemondo 
 Destines for me his fair and haughty daughter— 
 
 Prize, as he deems, for Princes. My soul abhors it! 
 Another saint I worship ;— 
 
 Uba. And thy aspirings, O, Guido, 
 
 To wield the wealth ? to tread again, as owner, 
 
 The threshold of thy fathers ? 
 
 Gui. Are swept away by love! 
 
 Uba. What would’st thou ? 
 
 Gui. I hasten 
 
 To Comino’s lord—in his well guarded fortress, 
 
 To find a shelter—1 return to-morrow. 
 
 Hard by the palace of my beloved one, stands a chapel 
 Screened by Night’s shadow—thither I will lead her, 
 
 And once the nuptial bonds are tied, we fly for ever 
 This melancholy city. Thou know’st that round us, 
 Shrewd and insidious spies are ever lurking. 
 
 They may trace out my purpose—may betray it— 
 
 Wilt, with thy band, my friend, secure the means of flying ? 
 Wilt aid us ] 
 
 Uba. I swear it! Now, prithee tell me 
 
 The name of thy sweet saint, to whom I’m soldier. 
 
 Gui. Elena Uberti. 
 
 DUET. 
 
 Guido and Ubaldo. 
 
 Uba. Elena! Elena ! [aside] ’Tis over! 
 
 Gui. What means the pang that troubled thee ] 
 Dark gleamed thine eye, while hearing, 
 
 Thy lip is pallid. 
 
 Uba. Pallid] If it be, 
 
 For thee alone ’tis fearing:—■ 
 
 Say what malignant destiny, 
 
 Thy future shame hath fated ] 
 
 Wed with the child of misery—• 
 
 Of outlaw, scorned and hated ] 
 
7 
 
 Think, should the wrath of Ezzelin ! 
 
 O’er ye in thunder break!— 
 
 Ah, ponder.— 
 
 Gui. And Elena 
 
 Thou think’st I could forsake ]— 
 
 Like Siren, with her melody, 
 
 My thoughts, my dreams possessing, 
 
 The light—the angel blessing 
 Of my bosom’s holiest shrine, 
 
 I adore; for, but to love her, 
 
 Heaven made this heart of mine ! 
 
 Uba . [Aside.] Could I dream such bitter agony 
 Might a single moment measure ?— 
 
 If I lose her never pleasure, 
 
 Never bliss on earth is mine. 
 
 Is my lot but care and anguish, 
 
 Was I born but to repine? 
 
 Gui, I may trust thy knighly promise, 
 
 Ne’er for friend or foeman broken, 
 
 That thine arms our flight may shelter, 
 
 Thou hast given thy word for token ! 
 
 When to-morrow’s sun declineth, 
 
 When the star of even shineth, 
 
 In the chapel, at our bridal, 
 
 1 shall find thee at my side. 
 
 Uba. \Aside] Cruel fate !—-alas ! I’ve sworn it! 
 [Confused] Lost for ever— she the bride! 
 
 Gui. Let me bless thee, my brother—Adieu!— 
 
 To thee, thou best and bravest, to thee are owing 
 Joys which shall brighten Life’s coming day, 
 
 I feel my heart with rapture o’erflowing. 
 
 Angels to thee the generous deed repay.' 
 
 Uba, [ Aside .] He calls me bravest—to me are owing, 
 Joys that will brighten Life’s coming day; 
 
 Ah! how he smiles, my bitter grief unknowing, 
 
 Scarce I forbear its anguish to betray. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
8 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 HALL AND GARDEN OF THE PALACE OF 
 SIG1FREDO. 
 
 In the Back Ground, a Gallery communicating with Garden . 
 
 Enter Elena. 
 
 The ire of Ezzelin—of Boemondo 
 
 His minister, nor less than him remorseless, 
 
 My father needs must fly; 
 
 Belluno’s walls re-conquered and defended, 
 
 Within strong fortress, from the storm protect him. 
 
 Joyous am I,—more joyous, 
 
 Methinks to-morrow’s evening slar will find me ! 
 
 Vows warm and fond and true, 
 
 Sealed with the favouring smile of parent tender, 
 To-morrow eve, by heart and hand, shall bind us for ever 
 
 AIR. 
 
 The hope of coming blessing 
 That, at last, kind Fortune yields me, 
 
 O ! how far beyond expressing, 
 
 Fills mine every thought with joy. 
 
 Rein in—rein in, thy wild delight, 
 
 Fond heart with rapture beating, 
 
 Speed weary Day !—speed dreamy Night! 
 
 The joyous hour of meeting, 
 
 Mine eager Fancy panting, 
 
 Each moment’s bliss is tracing, 
 
 I hear a voice enchanting, 
 
 I feel an arm embracing. 
 
 Rein in no more thy wild delight, 
 
 Fond heart with rapture beating, 
 
 Come, blessed hour of meeting : — 
 
 Thy lord, thy love is nigh ! 
 
9 
 
 Gualtiero and Elena. 
 
 Gua. [Advancing from the Gallery .] Signora 
 
 Ele. Approach Gualtiero, 
 
 Thy mien is troubled, 
 
 Gua. Nor idly—- 
 
 ’Tis with cause I tremble. 
 
 A way-worn pilgrim 
 
 I marked approaching stealthily 
 
 By the lone path that issues from the forest; 
 
 Nearer he came, and nearer—How little dreamed I 
 What face I should encounter. Hither he followed— 
 Behold him ! 
 
 Sigifredo advances from the Gallery , dis¬ 
 guised as a Pilgrim. He embraces Elena 
 —Gualtiero retires. 
 
 Sig. Dearest! 
 
 Ele. Thou, father f 
 
 Sig. My blessed daughter. 
 
 Ele. And venturest here ] 
 
 Where, if discovered, thy precious life is forfeit 1 
 
 Sig. ’Tis vain to strive with Fate! Fallen is Belluno, 
 Prostrate beneath the yoke 
 Of haughty Ezzelin. A peasant’s dwelling 
 Gave safe and humble shelter to the vanquished, 
 
 Till a troop of spearmen 
 Tracked our retreat. 
 
 Ele. And found ye ] 
 
 Sig. Of all our band, I alone was fated, 
 
 Thanks to my pilgrim’s garb, to escape their vengeance, 
 And here have crept to perish, 
 
 A homeless, weary outcast, 
 
 In thy fond arms, my daughter. 
 
 Ele. O fatal tidings ! 
 
 And I so late secure ! Ah, hide thee, haste !— 
 
 [Sigifredo retires. 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 Gua. Ubaldo’s footstep! 
 
 Ele. Courage, or ruin ! How conceal him ] 
 
 [Gualtiero and Sigifredo conceal themselves . 
 Enter Ubaldo. 
 
 Ele. Sir Ubaldo,.... 
 
 This late, unlooked for honor- 
 
 Uba . 0 ! sweetest, 
 
 ’Tis not too late for lovers. Follow. 
 
 Ele. Thee? Whither] 
 
 Uba. To my palace. 
 
 Ele. What say’st thou ] 
 
 Uba. Thence to shine forth to-morrow. 
 
 My noble consort. 
 
 Ele . Meanest thou insult ] 
 
 Uba. To oppose my ardent passion, 
 
 Thou wilt in vain endeavour. 
 
 Ele. Heavens!—this is frenzy! 
 
 Uba. ’Tis frenzy, 
 
 Born of thy beauty ! I must and will possess thee ! 
 
 Fate hath decreed it! 
 
 Ele. Hence from me ! 
 
 Uba . No delaying. 
 
 Ele. Leave me! unhand me ! 
 
 [Softly'] Too loud this wooing ! 
 
 Uba. Then hear me ! 
 
 Mine armed men, at hand, await my summons. 
 
 Ele. One moment more. 
 
 Uba. An hour were vain to rescue thee ! 
 
 Who bars Ubaldo’s way \ 
 
 [As he isforcing her out they are met by Sigifredo, 
 who throws aside his disguise. 
 
 Sig. 
 
 A father! 
 
11 
 
 Uba. Sigifredo! What enemy 
 Beguiled thee hither 1 
 
 Ele. Ah, me ! 
 
 TRIO AND FINALE. 
 
 Sigifredo, Elena, and Ubaldo. 
 
 Sig. Heav’n, Heav’n the Avenger summoned me ; 
 
 False knight beware thy ruin ! 
 
 Honor demands thy blood of thee, 
 
 To answer thy misdoing! 
 
 Only in blood such guilt as thine, 
 
 Can e’er be washed away! 
 
 Ele. A word, a footstep, seals thy doom. 
 
 Should but thy foemen hear it. 
 
 A ghastly scaffold waits for thee, 
 
 A tomb is yawning near it! 
 
 Fated is Elena to die, 
 
 If aught thy life betray ! 
 
 Uba. Scarcely my passion reins itself. 
 
 My hand its blade unsheathing, 
 
 Ne’er hath such boldness taunted me, 
 
 In form of mortal breathing. 
 
 Go, the stern headsman waits without, 
 
 Thine insult to repay !— 
 
 Sig. Draw thy sword, and follow yonder! 
 
 Shrink’st thou back, like recreant woman 1 
 
 [Approaching the Garden . 
 
 Uba. Recreant! 
 
 Ele. Ubaldo! 
 
 Uba. Recreant!—Wonder 
 
 Yields to fury! 
 
 Sig. Follow! 
 
 Ele . No! 
 
 My life be sacrifice ! [to Ubaldo ] Art human l 
 
 [Falls at the feet of Ubaldo, and holds him hack t 
 Ubaldo endeavours to disengage himself 
 
12 
 
 Chorus . [ivithout.] Aid, to our captain, here is ready ! 
 
 Gua. Has Fate undone ye 1 
 Coming shouts of ruffian soldiers 
 Gather round us! 
 
 Ele. Heaven aid me! 
 
 Gua. and Ele. Hide thee ! 
 
 Sig. Fly !—never ! 
 
 Enter Chorus. 
 
 Cho. Ah !—a stranger! 
 
 Uba. Have I undone him 1 
 
 Sig. Lost past saving! 
 
 Cho. ’Tis the outlawed Sigifredo ! 
 
 Seize and bind him ! [They disarm Sigifredo, 
 
 Ele. Father! 
 
 Cho. Hence, no raving! 
 
 Ele. ’Tis not he! 
 
 Gua. In mercy stay. 
 
 Cho. Bold one, darest thou 1 
 
 Ele. Chain, or dungeon, 
 
 Shall not force his child away !— 
 
 Monsters ! fiends set on by slaughter, 
 
 Strike a breast that scorneth pleading. 
 
 But to sever sire from daughter 
 
 Needs my corse before ye bleeding ! 
 
 Here the rage of Fate defying, 
 
 Blest, together blest in dying, 
 
 We’ll together, dearest Father, 
 
 Leave this weary world for Heaven! 
 
 Sig. Fare thee well!—Awhile I leave thee, 
 
 Doomed in tyrant hands to perish; 
 
 But, unstained by aught to grieve thee, 
 
 While thou livest, my memory cherish. 
 
13 
 
 Here all care and aching endeth, 
 
 Death the outcast well befriendeth; 
 
 Weep not thou for one so weary, 
 
 I shall love thee, e’en in Heaven! 
 
 Uba. Here, like dark familiar spirits, 
 
 Strife and Death my path are strewing— 
 
 Is’t from Heaven, my hand inherits 
 Power o’er nought but shame and ruin % 
 
 Like a poisoned garment clinging, 
 
 Keen remorse my heart is wringing, 
 
 Friend betrayed, the fates avenge thee ! 
 
 Doomed am I, by angry Heaven ! 
 
 Gua. Dismal moment—Sadly fated! 
 
 With your grief my heart is riven. 
 
 Cho. [to Sigifredo.] Make thee ready ! pangs more 
 cruel, 
 
 Stand between thyself and Heaven. 
 
 END OF ACT FIRST. 
 
14 
 
 ACT SECOND. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 A CHAMBER IN THE MUNICIPAL PALACE. 
 
 Boemondo and Ubaldo discovered seated. 
 
 TJba . What further 1 
 
 Boe. All is prepared :— the hour comes on :— * 
 
 The shades of night and silence 
 
 Are kindly circling the prison of Sigifredo ; 
 
 And all my trusty followers, 
 
 Faithful as Death itself, will keep my secret. 
 
 Uba. Nor fear thou lest slave of mine betray it. 
 
 Boe. The toils are ready. Guido must fall. 
 
 Who cometh 1 Hark! ‘ [They rise. 
 
 Enter Elena. 
 
 Ele. Prostrate and broken-hearted, behold me ! 
 Victim I yield me freely, O Boemondo! 
 
 Spare but my father ! 
 
 Boe. Do but what I require thee, 
 
 And he is spared. 
 
 Ele. What would’st thou 1 
 Command me. 
 
 Boe . UbaMo, 
 
 To this fond and frantic lady 
 
 Declare our pleasure. [Going. 
 
 Uba. Ungrateful is the duty ; 
 
 Thy command I obey. [Exit Boemondo. 
 
 Ele. Speak, nor be tardy, 
 
 The words that doom me. 
 
15 
 
 Uba. Hear me! the hope to save 
 Thy father’s forfeit life depends alone 
 On Guido, if he wed Imberga. 
 
 Ele. Imberga! 
 
 Uba. Ungrateful, he scorns her hand. Behoves thee 
 To place between ye ^ 
 
 Some barrier everlasting. 
 
 Ele. And this]... .1 hear thee—• 
 
 Uba. To choose another before the altar. 
 
 Ele. Another ] And thou that other ] 
 
 Uba. ’Tis true, my fairest. Too vainly 
 Long have I struggled; my love must have way ! 
 
 Ele. Thy love ! thy love ] 
 
 Find Love in stubborn iron— 
 
 In rock most flinty—and then talk of loving ! 
 
 DUET. 
 
 Elena and Ubaldo. 
 
 Uba. All I owned while life-blood lasted, 
 Freely on my friend I’d wasted ; 
 
 But, despised, to see another 
 Thee beholding, thee caressing, 
 
 Waken’d pangs no force could smother— 
 Waken’d hatred past repressing. 
 
 Every friendly hope I’ve blighted, 
 
 Scorned memory—token slighted: 
 
 Then in justice—O disdainful! 
 
 By my crime my passion see! 
 
 Ele. With all joys in Heaven’s bestowing, 
 Late my buoyant heart was glowing : 
 
 In an instant—ah! Fortune hated!— 
 They are gone, and I deserted, 
 
 Shall another more ill-fated 
 Deem me changed—unkind—false-hearted ] 
 
16 
 
 Shall a maid, with love before her, 
 
 Cast it by for loathing horror ? 
 
 No; the Power Eternal claims not 
 Such a living death from me ! 
 
 Uba. Thou consentest ] 
 
 Ele. 1 1 Nay; rather 
 
 Worm and shroud my early portion ! 
 
 Uba. Loved ones may share it earlier. 
 
 Think—scornful beauty!—■ 
 
 Thy father! 
 
 Even now in dungeon deep and grim 
 They build a scaffold ! Tremble 
 
 Ele. ^ Oh, Heaven ! my Father 
 
 Uba. When from the convent turret dim 
 Thou hearest chime the deepest 
 Hour of gloomy night—shall fall 
 The head of Sigifredo. 
 
 Ele. Have mercy! 
 
 Uba. Yield thee, ere ’neath the headsman’s stroke 
 He perish! 
 
 Ele. No. Spare me !-- 
 
 I can no more. I yield me. 
 
 Uba. O extacy ! O rapture !- 
 
 Now, in the sight of proud Boemondo, 
 
 Prepare to swear thy promise, 
 
 With rite most solemn. 
 
 Ele. Leave me. ’Tis uttered ! 
 
 I’ve sworn it. I shrink not! 
 
 I will be there ! 
 
 Uba. Thy father’s life is ransomed. 
 
 Ele. Guido another’s now ! 
 
 Uba. Ah', more warm, more wild each day 
 Shall my passion burn before thee ! 
 
 Fair as saint of Poet’s lay. 
 
 How shall lover blest adore thee ? 
 
17 
 
 Now my fortune, late so frowning, 
 
 Grows too bright with thee to share it! 
 
 Mortal tongue may not declare it, 
 
 All the joy I hoard for thee ! 
 
 Ele. 0, destroyed ! in spring-time blighted ! 
 
 Hope of youth, I must subdue thee ; 
 
 Chosen heart, that deem’st thee slighted, 
 
 I was daughter, ere I knew thee. 
 
 Now my fortune dark is closing, 
 
 [7b Ubalclo ] Thou hast won a heart that’s breaking 
 Dreary Death, that knows no waking, 
 
 Strews the bridal bed for me ! [Exeunt 
 
 Enter Guido, through a secret door , ushered by several of 
 Boemondo’s Men-at-Arms. 
 
 Gui. ’Twas fruitless : the snare deceived not: 
 
 His words cut deepest when his mien was kindest! 
 
 O crafty Boemondo ! And think’st thou 
 
 I know not thy devices?- 
 
 Believe her faithless ? 
 
 No ! tho’ ten thousand swore it ’twere falsehood ! 
 
 Bold, ’gainst the world, I dare maintain 
 My Lady ne’er deceiveth. 
 
 Tyrant! thou soon shalt learn in vain 
 How Love thy words believeth, 
 
 When thro’ thy crest on battle plain 
 Its mark my broad-sword cleaveth : 
 
 And yet.... It cannot— shall not be ! 
 
 Elena false ! thou torturing thought—begone ! 
 
 AIR. 
 
 True as the stars to vesper-chime : 
 
 True as the rose to summer-time : 
 
 Her eyes—her lips could not deceive me, 
 
 Or nought on Earth is true ! 
 
 And yet—and yet—his subtle tale, 
 
 Like spectre, will not leave me : 
 
 a 
 
18 
 
 Phantoms of doubt my heart assail. 
 
 Heav’n ! if her faith, by magic, fail, 
 
 Then let me perish too ! [Exit. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A MAGNIFICENT HALL, 
 
 Decorated with Insignia of Victory , on occasion of the conques 
 
 of Belluno . 
 
 Ladies and Knights of the Court of Boemondo. 
 CHORUS. 
 
 In the wind aloft is waving 
 Ezzelino’s flag victorious ; 
 
 Where the Lombard chiefs vain-glorious 
 The Ghibelline hosts were braving. 
 
 Vanquished slaves ! our might hath scattered 
 Far and wide your coward horde. 
 
 Bow to dust your pennon shattered— 
 
 Own the empire of the sword ! 
 
 Enter Boemondo and Imberga, Ubaldo and Guido following 
 them. At the entrance of Boemondo, all make obeisance . 
 
 Boe. To grace your triumph—though reluctant— 
 
 My daughter deigns this day to appear. 
 
 [The Ladies approach Imberga. The Knights 
 surround Boemondo. 
 
 Imb. This day, thy people 
 
 Shall learn to know thee. Father, thou shalt shew them. 
 By generous bounty, that the grace of mercy 
 Is not a stranger to Boemondo. Nay, rathpr, 
 
 Even for a sire’s rebellion, vengeance shall not, 
 
 With blind injustice, reach his gentle daughter. 
 
19 
 
 Boe. The deed bear witness now to be accomplished. 
 Behold what beauteous inmate these walls have welcomed— 
 Fair lady, appear! 
 
 [Enter Elena, attended by Gualtiero. 
 Gui. [Aside. ] Elena ! 
 
 Ele. [Aside.'] Guido ! 
 
 Ladies. 0 marvel! 
 
 Cavaliers. Behold the daughter of his foe ! 0 wonder ! 
 Boe. Yes; of him 
 
 Who dared the feat to grasp with hand audacious 
 My chief’s dominions. Conquered, he fled 
 The contest, branded as a .traitor. 
 
 Ele. [Aside.] False to the heart! 
 
 Boe. She, ’reft of home and father, 
 
 Tender protection needeth. 
 
 ’Tis here! A valiant cavalier 
 Woos her; nor woos her vainly. 
 
 Sweet lady, name him—- 
 Repeat aloud thy promise, 
 
 Before the nuptial rite bind ye for ever ! 
 
 QUINTETT AND FINALE. 
 
 Ele. 0, Earth, have pity ! unclose thy depths and hide 
 me! 
 
 My words, they fail me ! 0 Death, release me ! 
 
 Uba. [Aside.] What doublings seize me. 
 
 Gui. [Aside.] And can she waver 1 
 
 Boemondo, Imberga, and Chorus. [Aside.] 
 
 Ah ! mark her sorrow ! Ah ! mark her terror ! 
 
 Revenge unsated, this joy decrees me ! 
 
 Ele. 0 dearest father ! I hear thee calling ! 
 
 Tis Heaven’s ordaining—I must obey thee ’ 
 
 Return, my senses—speak, angel warning, 
 
 Yet, once again, lest I betray thee. 
 
20 
 
 Hence, melting passion ; lienee, tear and sigh ! 
 
 Yes, for my father gladly I die ! 
 
 Gui. and Uba. Another moment—a word half spoken— 
 My bliss or bane decides for ever! 
 
 O’er depths unfathomed my heart is trembling, 
 
 Lest one slight breath the thread dissever. 
 
 Love bids me linger—Fear bids me fly— 
 
 Heart must be stone such hours to defy ! 
 
 Boe. and Imb. [Softly to Elena.] 
 
 Child, void of pity, can then thine eye 
 Calmly look on while thy father shall die ? 
 
 Chorus. [Aside] There’s dread on valiant Guido’s cheek> 
 And hate in sad Ubaldo’s eye ; 
 
 Defiance to themselves they speak : 
 
 The conquering youth may win to die. 
 
 Boe. Come, no thought—no blush dissembling, 
 
 Choose, ere yet thy lovers chide thee. 
 
 Silent still'? confused and trembling'? 
 
 I, thy guardian, stand beside thee ! 
 
 Ele. ’Tis to.... Ubaldo.... my hand—is given ! 
 
 I have vowed it! 
 
 Gui. Shall I not waken % 
 
 Thou —hast vowed it—to him ? O Heaven ! 
 
 Loved’st me never \ Undone ! forsaken ! 
 
 Traitress ! remorseless ! have the skies no thunder— 
 
 Of such wrong the fleet avenger 1 
 Go ! despised ! a false world’s wonder! 
 
 Ele. Ah ! I die beneath his anger! 
 
 Gui. Go! I reck not. [To Imberga.] Here, humbled 
 lowly, 
 
 Grant me hearing, sweet forgiver. 
 
 Ah, forget the crime—the folly— 
 
 Thine, Imberga ; thine for ever ! 
 
 [To Ubaldo .] Draw! thy trait’rous life-blood flowing, 
 
 For thy guilt shall straight atone ! 
 
 [He advances upon Ubaldo, drawing his sword. 
 
21 
 
 Uba. Ha ! deftest me 1 
 Ele. Ah! 
 
 Gui. What is left me ? Rage alone!— 
 
 Come fiends of evil omen! 
 
 Above the altar hover; 
 
 Come, doom a faithless woman ; 
 
 Come, curse a craven lover! 
 
 Dark Fates and Furies raving, 
 
 Are bridal torches waving ; 
 
 They laugh to weave your fortune 
 A darker one than mine ! 
 
 Ele. 0, misery all-devouring ! 
 
 0, ruin all unbounded ! 
 
 His curses fire are pouring 
 On heart too sadly wounded. 
 
 [.Looking at Boemondo.] While demon gladness dances, 
 In his triumphant glances. 
 
 Just Heaven! hast no compassion 
 On broken heart like mine 7 . 
 
 Uba. [to Elena.] 0 fair ! past mortal telling, 
 
 The love my heart shall bear thee ; 
 
 Nor will it quit its dwelling, 
 
 Tho’ limb from limb they tear me ! 
 
 [To Guido.] Aye, rave, with malice shaken, 
 
 I pity one forsaken. 
 
 Go ! envy such a blessing— 
 
 The prize—the prize is mine! 
 
 Boe. and Imb. Aye; feel the first beginning 
 Of torture and lamenting: 
 
 When heavy is the sinning 
 Is grievous the repenting. 
 
 Anguish and shame await thee, 
 
 And altered hearts that hate thee; 
 
 Ev’n chilling Death were kinder, 
 
 Than lot so curst as thine ! 
 
22 
 
 CHORUS. [Interposing between Guido and Ubaldo. 
 
 Chain back the passion raging, 
 
 Reason and life destroying 
 Be nobler ends engaging, 
 
 A heart not past enjoying— 
 
 For Love’s too light to bind thee ; 
 
 Then cast its bonds behind thee. 
 
 Go ; brighter honours call thee, 
 
 And glorious tasks are thine! 
 
 END OF ACT SECOND. 
 
ACT THIRD. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 ORATORY IN THE PALACE OF SIGIFREDO. 
 
 Elena discovered kneeling. 
 
 Ele. Ah!—a step-—I see not— 
 
 Enter Guido. 
 
 Is’t thou ? 
 
 What lures thee hither, when thy bridal waits thee 
 In yonder temple ? 
 
 Gui. Aye, but ere yet for ever 
 
 The fatal bond be tied, which to the tomb 
 My path leads downward, I yield me 
 To the desire once more to look upon thee. 
 
 All, to upbraid thy falsehood, is conspiring; 
 
 But in the heart most injured, 
 
 Rises a lingering pleader, that would defend thee. 
 
 Ele. O! Guido!— 
 
 Gui. I know that in the presence 
 
 Of that arch-fiend Boemondo, thy lips did utter 
 What thy soul meant not. Say 
 ’Twas not thine heart that spoke them—but rather, 
 Was’t not some strange delusion 
 Or terror of the tyrant, 
 
 That wrung the avowal from thee ^ 
 
24 
 
 Ele. ( aside ) Ah ! how he seareheth. 
 
 With cruel question, my tortured spirit I 
 
 Gui. If ’twere so. 
 
 Here speak more truly—None awes thee here— 
 
 O tell me!—but think that thou decidest 
 Thy lot and mine for ever! 
 
 Ele. (aside) My heart is bleeding! 
 
 Gui. Ponder!—Thou giv’st me to perditio n 
 Or Heaven! 
 
 DUET. 
 
 Elena and Guido. 
 
 Round the shrine are torches burning. 
 
 Maids are bridal garlands flinging, 
 
 They await me- 
 
 Ele. Spare-me! Spare me ! 
 
 (aside) Jealousy like rack is wringing 
 Heart and brain! 
 
 Gui. If ’twas all feigning, 
 
 ’Tis but Hate that drives me onward 
 To this swift and stern embracing 
 Of a bridal so detested; 
 
 And I leave thee to slow repenting— 
 
 Shame, to haunt thee without relief. 
 
 Ele. (aside) Is’t my weird, to drain so slowly, 
 Drop by drop, the cup of Grief? 
 
 Gui. But even now a word reclaims me. 
 
 Love unchanged at last revealing, 
 
 At thy feet I’ll humbly bow me, 
 
 As to holy angel kneeling! 
 
 Ele. (aside) Heaven! assist, or else behold me 
 Yield to Sorrow’s touch destroying. 
 
25 
 
 Gui. Clear thy fame!— Be mine for ever, 
 
 Life hath years of long enjoying, 
 
 Side by side, no raptare wanting, 
 
 Hearts united ever shared. 
 
 Ele. (aside) Father! thou hearest! Such words en¬ 
 chanting 
 
 Never ear refusing heard. 
 
 Gui. Answer, answer ! bid me lead thee, 
 
 All mine own, to yonder altar. 
 
 Ele. (aside) He hath triumphed ! (to Guido) Know’st 
 fcot Guido, 
 
 That ’twas never.... 
 
 [The Clock of the Cathedral strikes . 
 Gui, Thou dost not falter'? 
 
 Ele. (desperately) —’Twas Ubaldo’s heart that won me! 
 Aye in truth, I loved thee ! never — 
 
 Let between us rise a barrier 
 All eternal! 
 
 Gui . Eternal! eternal 4 -! 
 
 For ever! 
 
 Here I leave thee, lost and shameless. 
 
 To the shrine that waits I fly; 
 
 There bestow what thou hast slighted 
 On another, and then die !— 
 
 Ah! while favoured swain thou charmest 
 Go with this remembrance laden. 
 
 Thou hast ruined heart the warmest, 
 
 E’er that wasted love on maiden. 
 
 Ah! past mortal thought’s conceiving 
 Frenzied rage my breast is heaving— 
 
 For the misery thou hast wrought me, 
 
 Heaven hath full reward in store. 
 
 Ele. Go and wed thee! Angels guiding, 
 
 For thy sake, no more protect me ; 
 
 Deem me lost beneath thy chiding. 
 
 Heart despise me—hand reject me !—- 
 D 
 
26 
 
 Give one thought—one tear-drop only. 
 
 In thy gentler musings lonely, 
 
 To the tomb where Grief hath brought me. 
 
 Ne'er to feel its anguish more. 
 
 [ Exeunt . 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 HALL IN UBALDO’S PALACE, (as in Act I.) 
 
 Ubaldo entering rapidly in confusion. 
 
 Ubal. O treason unexampled ! Crime, past believing 
 Of cold and coward vengeance. 
 
 Deep to the secret of that hideous dungeon 
 Where late was ’prisoned Sigifredo, I descended. 
 
 Eager to speed the hour which freed 
 
 The captive from his bondage—What saw I ? 
 
 Alas! dread was the sight that met my vision! 
 
 In the torchlight baleful gleaming 
 
 Rose a scaffold—with red blood streaming. 
 
 Mute, hard by, with cruel smile of malice, 
 
 Stood the headsman—a lifeless corse beside him ! 
 
 E’en this moment, that scene of horror 
 Still mine eye affrighted sees! 
 
 Hear my brow and lip is chilling, 
 
 In my veins their currents freeze. 
 
 How, when she heareth that his life is taken, 
 
 How will her anguish fearfully awaken ! 
 
 Ah, me! my hope at last to gain her, 
 
 Was by that much-loved father saving. 
 
 Now must 1 lose her? Have I all vainly, 
 
 With crime so foul, been Conscience braving ? 
 
 What then remaineth? To avenge her! 
 
 What ho, there! (calling without) 
 
 [Enter his Followers. 
 
27 
 
 AIR AND CHORUS. 
 
 Ubal. My comrades! Come arm ye, to avenge me !— 
 Arm! let the rage you nourish for your foemen, 
 
 Raze from the earth such tyranny abhorred. 
 
 Should she but fly me—-should she deny me, 
 
 O, Boemondo ! for thy crime inhuman, 
 
 Vengeance awaiteth thee with fire and sword ! 
 
 Clio. Our arms are ready—our hearts rejoicing. 
 
 At thy command to bare the sword! 
 
 Ubal. Ah 1 if my golden hopes for e’er are ended, 
 
 How darkly doomed to loneliness am I! 
 
 By eare consumed, a wanderer unbefriended. 
 
 Too vile to live, too unforgiven to die! 
 
 Ubal. Tremble, thou false one, that darest bereave me, 
 Fear my good sword, and my heart fiercer still! 
 
 Spirits of Evil! your bondsman receive me. 
 
 So but my fury the broad earth may fill. 
 
 Cho. Haste, happy moment! haste. Fire and Slaughter! 
 Work on the tyrant your sternest will. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 PORCH OF THE PALACE OF BOEMONDO.— 
 
 A TERRACE LEADING TO THE CATHEDRAL, 
 
 SEEN THROUGH THE ARCHWAY-(NIGHT). 
 
 Elena is discovered lying on a couch — Gualtiero watching 
 
 beside her. 
 
 Ele. They come not. Go quickly, dear Gualtiero, 
 Bring me some tidings. Tell them I die of longing. 
 
 Gua. 0 Heaven ! I cannot, in a straight so cruel. 
 
 Leave thee alone with sorrow. 
 
28 
 
 Ele. I adjure thee! 
 
 I do command thee! Know I must ! 
 
 This fearful waiting, 
 
 Nor Life, nor Reason, may long endure. 
 
 [Exit Gualtiero. 
 
 The Cathedral in the hack-ground is gradually illuminated. 
 
 Ele. What is’t ?—my heart I I hear it beating ! 
 
 [>S7ie approaches the Terrace. 
 
 O, anguish! There, there , there, his gallant bridal, 
 
 And Guido— my Guido ! with her beside him! 
 
 I cannot—no!—I will not bear it! 
 
 O ! bitter misery, 
 
 Ah, see what cometh! 
 
 [A Procession gradually moves along the Terrace, 
 with Guido leading Imberga. — Choristers, 
 Bridesmaids , 8;c. 
 
 No—delay thee! In mercy—a moment! 
 
 Why torture with yonr gladness 
 A heart that’s breaking % 
 
 Guido !—Guido !—stay! 
 
 My agony he hears not! 
 
 Why comest on, 0 Death ! so slowly ? 
 
 HYMN IN THE CATHEDRAL. 
 
 Eternal Bounty! All Sublime! 
 
 Who human care beholdest; 
 
 Thou, who this earth from ancient time. 
 
 In arms of love enfoldest, 
 
 Turn on the altar where we pray. 
 
 Thy mild and favouring eye; 
 
 Let those who plight their faith to-day, 
 blest with peace and joy. 
 
29 
 
 Ele . Harft!—No!—Tis over— ceased the hymn. 
 My very heart-strings rending ; 
 
 Silence than sound more terrible—• 
 
 Guido beside herbending:—■ 
 
 ’Tis said!—The eternal doom is said— 
 
 My heart the echo heard. 
 
 AIR. 
 
 Ele. (kneeling) By these last tears of anguish, 
 Past aught that ye can measure, 
 
 Pour down on him, good Angels, 
 
 Content, and hope and pleasure. 
 
 Guido, thy heart is blameless. 
 
 Deceived by coward word ! (rises) 
 
 Who cometh'?—Ubaldo ! 
 
 Now Fate pronounce my sentence. 
 
 Enter Ubaldo and Followers. 
 
 Ele. Where stays my Father] Reply! Thou darest not! 
 
 Ubal. Be comforted, one moment! Ah, what paleness! 
 Poor injured one, be comforted! Elena! 
 
 [offers to support her. 
 
 I vow to avenge thee ! 
 
 Ele. Plence! I need thee net!—My Father! 
 
 Answer, or kill me! 
 
 [A strain of joyous bridal Music is heard without 
 Hark!—They rejoice!—They set him free! 
 
 Ubal. Sj Clio. Ah! ill and shame betide ye. 
 
 Ele. What mean ye ? 
 
 Ye smile not at my gladness ! 
 
 Father!—why tarriest ]—come ! or meet 
 For welcome, Death or Madness. 
 
30 
 
 Enter Gualtiero. 
 
 Gual. Ill-fated one! Heaven hath thy Father taken: 
 For tidings—the sad witness! 
 
 The Headsman knows the rest! 
 
 The Headsman! (to Ubaldo ) Thou knew’st it! 
 
 Cho. Take comfort. 
 
 AIR AND CHORUS. 
 
 Ele. (raising herself with effort) Father, hast left me, 
 ’Mid the tempest darkly raging 1 
 
 Anguish and Frenzy 
 A fearful strife are waging ; 
 
 Could’st thou thus, unkind, forsake me. 
 
 E’en for glorious angel home! 
 
 To thine arms, beloved one, take me, 
 
 Craz'd with weary earth, I come! 
 
 Cho. Ah! take comfort, mournful hearted ! 
 
 Not forsaken, not deserted; 
 
 Friends, to dry thy tears surround thee, 
 
 Weep not thus, like one alone! 
 
 Ele. (wildly) Alone ! 
 
 Father, hast left me, 
 
 ’Mid the tempest darkly raging ? 
 
 Anguish and Frenzy 
 A fearful strife are waging ; 
 
 Could’st thou thus, unkind, forsake me. 
 
 E’en for glorious angel home 1 
 
 To thine arms, beloved one, take me, 
 
 I can no more!—I come, I come! 
 
 [Snatching a dagger from Ubaldo, slabs her self 
 
31 
 
 Imberga, Ubaldo, and Chorus. 
 
 Ah: she raveth! gather round her— 
 
 Her eye how wild! its sense is gone! 
 
 Life and Reason pass together. 
 
 [Enter Guido with Bridal Procession. 
 Gui. Imb. Uba.Sf Cho. Ah! stay thine hand! Too late! 
 ’tis done! 
 
 [The Chorus gather round Elena, and the 
 Curtain falls. 
 
 S. G. FairRrother, “Garrick Press,” 31, Bow Street, Covent Garden.