King. Wherefore this chilling welcome? are you not happy ? Marit. [aside.] Happy? [Aloud.] How shall I answer you? Can you wonder at my uneasiness? Our strange marriage, the distance which separates us, the noble and the beggar; I still feel how much you are my superior; I dare not raise my eyes to yours; I-I-fear you. King. Fear me! [With hauteur.] We would know-[Pauses.] Oh, Maritana, how you wrong me by such feelings! I love you, and would sacrifice all to know my love returned. [Kisses her hand, which she withdraws. Marit. Oh! King. What? Don Jose told me you waited my coming with impatience. He has deceived me. Marit. Not you alone, my lord; I also have been deceived. King. How? Marit. By this union. The husband that he assigned me was one proscribed and ruined; but still both brave and noble. His sword was ever the defender of the weak; his voice the advocate of the oppressed; where'er he went, mirth followed after. A wanderer like myself, I felt almost his equal. I thought that he would know my heart, and from his memory of the past forgive the errors of the present. King. Nor shall you be deceived. Each luxury shall minister to your desires. My love shall be so prodigal, that in despite of all you shall return my passion. [Embracing her. Marit. [disengaging herself.] Unhand me, Count, unhand me. You love an Don C. After the trouble I've had to get here? Are you— King. The master of this house. Don C. The master of this house-hum! this house, where I have seen the Countess de Bazan! King. You know her then? Don C. Very slightly; I've only seen her for about ten minutes. But if she resides here, may I ask your name? King. [haughtily.] I am-[Pauses, looks at the door of MARITANA'S chamber.] I am Don Cæsar de Bazan. [Sits. Don C. Eh! Don Cæsar de Bazan! [Aside.] Egad, I excel the Phoenix, for two Don Cæsars have arisen from my ashes. Don C. [aside.] The King here; I understand King. My question embarrasses you. I demand an answer. King. [enraged.] I understand. other, Maritana; your heart, I thought, never Don C. Certainly. If you are Don Cæsar de beat with passion or desire. I am deceived! For Bazan, [seats himself L. C. with dignity, and this I've made you what you are! Ingrate! To places his hat on his head] I am the King of your chamber, madame; you must learn the duty you owe your lord and husband. Marit. I obey you; you have reason for your anger; I obey you, my lord and my master. [Exit R. D. King. Doth she relent? why should I hesitate? [Going towards R. D.] She may yet be won. [A shot heard. DON CESAR enters over balcony, L. C. Don C. That's a villainous way to receive a guest. What the devil have I done to be continually made a target? [The KING retires and observes. LAZARILLO enters L. C., with an arquebuss in his hand. Laza. [starts.] Ah, Don Cæsar! [Exit L. D. Don C. Well? [Sees the KING.] Pardon, signor, I had not the honor of seeing you till this moment. King. [bows.] Why did you enter by that window? Don C. Well, signor, simply because the door was shut! King. I am in no humor for jesting; what is your motive? Don C. A pardonable one. By the light of the moon I saw in the next balcony a very pretty woman, and I wished to speak to her. King. What, sir? Don C. I knocked at the door, the porter refused me admittance; how was I to get in? There was but one opening, and that was this Spain! King. What! The King? Don C. [tauntingly and pleasantly.] As surely as you are Don Cæsar de Bazan. Ah! it astonishes you to see majesty unattended at this hour of the night, at the door of a pretty woman who is not the Queen. There's nothing surprising in it, I assure you. I was out of spirits-Kings require relaxation sometimes; but not a word of this royal folly; though with you, Don Cæsar, I may rest satisfied; you will not betray our secret. King. [aside.] Insolent! Who can he be? Don C. Ha! by the by, I remember Don Cæsar-I know all my subjects-a witty, gallant fellow, somewhat of my own humor. He killed the captain of our guard in a duel, in spite of our royal edict. He was shot in the outer court of the barrack. [Rises and advances to the KING.] Be kind enough to answer me one question: If you are Don Cæsar, what right have you to be alive? If I were to denounce you, every loyal Spaniard would be ready to pink you. [Calmly.] But we will not betray you. King. [rises.] Your Majesty forgets Don C. 'Tis possible. The keeper of the King's memory has gone hunting with the keeper of the King's conscience. But what has our Majesty forgotten? King. You forget that Don Cæsar received the pardon of the King. Don C. Indeed! King. At eight o'clock on the night of his condemnation. Don C. Maritana, you are called beautiful[looking at her] very beautiful. You knew that you were so, and grew dissatisfied with your humDon C. His pardon at eight. [Aside.] But I was ble station; you thought so fair a flower ought shot at seven. [Aloud.] I remember; we did par-not to fade in the streets, whilst the salons of don Don Cæsar-an hour too late, [aside] though I don't grumble. Don C. A man who need not fear to meet a legion of Alguazils. I am Laza. [down L.] Sire, a private messenger. [Kneels and gives letter. Madrid might be adorned by its beauty. The thought pleased you, and from that time it became a desire. Was it not so? Marit. You are right, signor; and you areDon C. Your judge, madame; but one that would not judge so harshly of you as of himself; for you but sought an honorable position, he has abandoned one. Marit. Go on. Don C. Though I have belied my rank, I have preserved my honor and my name? Marit. Why ask this of me? Don C. Because I am your husband, Don Cæsar de Bazan. Marit. You! [Regards him passionately. Don C. You doubt me, Maritana. I now know King. [crosses to LAZARILLO quickly.] What all. You thought my death was certain; you is this? [Reads.] Eh! treason! The Queen knows paused not to acquire the title you coveted even of my absence; at the palace of Aranguez. My in a prison. When you left the altar, you lishorse, boy; stay. [Aside to LAZARILLO.] You are tened for the sounds that were to bring death to attached to Don Jose? me, and liberty to you. Laza. Yes, sire. King. Keep close watch on that man. Let him be removed; and above all, learn his name. [Exit L. Laza. Don Cæsar, is it you? Don C. Yes, me that you rescued from a honorable death. It Marit. horror-stricken.] What say you? Don C. Thus did you to acquire title and a name which you have consigned to infamy. was more than criminal-it was cowardly. Marit. 'Tis false! I have never wronged my dis-husband's honor, even in thought. [Tenderly.] But are you indeed my husband? another has claimed the title of Don Cæsar, and— Laza. I had nigh performed the office of executioner myself. Don C. [shows hat.] True. Laza. But I knew not that it was you. IDon C. Pshaw! could I doubt you, Lazarillo? But tell me, am I to leave this house? Laza. Such are my orders. Don C. If I refuse-if I resist? Laza. Resist! Who will oppose you? There is no one here but myself; I am the servant of Don Cæsar. Don C. Good ad! should I ever grow richLaza. You will retain me in your service. Don C. Service! you shall have a dozen lackeys to wait on you; but, Lazarillo, there is a lady in this house? Laza. Yes. Don C. Mockery! The King of Spain needs not the influence of so poor a name. [Crosses R. Marit. The King of Spain! Don C. Aye, the King of Spain! Royal wooers seldom sue in vain. Marit. Stay; prove to me your right to question, and I will answer all. What proof have you to give me that you are not deceiving me—that you are my husband? Don C. What proof? My honor. Marit. Ah! you spoke to me but once. Do you remember the words you then addressed to me? Don C. Perfectly, madame: To you I devote the rest of my existence. Marit. You are my husband; those are the Don C. I wish to see her-you must take me words you uttered! to her. Enter MARITANA, R. Laza. She is here, my lord. Don C. Leave us, Lazarillo. [Exit LAZARILLO, L. S. E.] Well, madame, we have met at last[MARITANA starts at his voice and listens intently; as her recognition of him occurs she evinces pleasure] not without some trouble and some danger on my part. I've been hunted by a full pack of Alguazils, and fired at by a tolerably good marksman, and all for this interview. Marit. That voice! I fear to satisfy myself, lest my new-born hopes should wither. Don C. You seem surprised; you do not know me, Maritana-nevertheless, we are known to each other; so well, that I can tell you your history. Marit. Signor! [Aside.] To what will lead? this [She is advancing; he repels her. Don C. Your pardon, madame; your royal lover brooks no rival. [Crosses L. Marit. Oh, Don Cæsar-husband! let not my sufferings be thus repaid. Hear me, and then condemn me if you can. On the day-I-I saved you from the fury of the mob, fate threw me in the way of one who professed an interest in my welfare, and told me he was commissioned by the Queen to raise me to the station I coveted. The means proposed were— Don C. [sarcastically.] Most honorable. Marit. Yes, most honorable; for in marrying you, I believed I wedded one who had professed a regard for me. [Tremulously.] One for whom I had felt a deeper interest than for any other being. Don C. Are you deceiving? Marit. Are these tears the offspring of deceit ? [Seizes his hand and kneels.] Oh, husband! I have suffered for my pride; but be thou the judge how I have preserved thy honor. If I have been faithless, let me answer with my life. Don C. Fearful conditions, Maritana. Marit. I dare abide the issue. Oh, Don Cæsar! you know not to what a thing of power that love has grown, which had its birth almost at the altar. The hours of fear and self-reproach which I have passed have made your image an idol to my heart. Don C. [embracing her.] I must believe you, Maritana. Don Cæsar, the adventurer, is no more; the Count Garofa will live worthy of his name, since you must share it with him. [Drum heard.] Ah, soldiers approach the house!." Marit. Then fly; save yourself. Don C. Fly, when the King is at your chamber door? Marit. Fear not for me; go seek the Queen. She is at Aranguez; tell her that Maritana is in danger. She will rescue me. Marit. No, sire; but I am wife of one who must find me worthy of him, or find me no more! King. Of whom speak you? Marit. Of my husband, Don Cæsar de Bazan. King. He is dead. DON CESAR enters, L. D. Don C. Not yet, sire, thanks to your Majesty's gracious pardon. Marit. Ha! [Crosses to him, and throws dagger down.] My husband will protect me. King. Your husband? [DON CESAR crosses R., locks both doors, and takes out keys. King. What have you done, sir? Don C. [R. D.] Locked the doors, sire, that no one may enter that no one may hear that to which we alone should listen. [Crosses c. Marit. [aside.] What will be the end of this? Don C. [fiercely.] If the persecutor of my wife had been a gentleman and a soldier like myself, I fear that I should have denied him even the Don C. Not whilst I have a sword to second a chance of an encounter-I think that at once I stout heart. Marit. [clinging to him.] I know how much I ask of you, who would rather trust to your own arm than seek succor of a woman. But for my sake-for her who will prove how deeply she adores you-go to the Queen. Don C. kisses her.] To the Queen! [Exit c. She kneels before a Madonna. Organ heard. At the end of organ, LAZARILLO enters, L. D. Laza. Madame, the King. should have dispatched him; for in such a case one does not look for reparation, but revenge; you, sire, are my King, [presents his sword] and thus do I disarm my vengeance. King. You are speaking, sir, to the King of Spain! Don C. To whom else should I speak? We cannot always subdue the will or restrain the hand. I will render both powerless. [Throws away sword.] But reparation must be made. King. [with effort.] Proceed, sir; your audacity Marit. What is to be done? Do not leave me, pleases me. Lazarillo ! Marit. Remember, Don Cæsar, it is your King! Don C. Yes, it is my King. Sire, this poor weak woman, against whom such power has been combined, has sought the protection of our beloved Queen. King. The Queen? Don C. Yes, sire, I was her messenger to the King. [to LAZARILLO.] Where is the stranger Palace of Aranguez. that I left here? Marit. Leave me, sire, I implore you-leave me. King. Leave you? you the only one I have ever truly loved! Marit. Oh, sire! in pity, go. Be generous-be merciful. King. But one embrace-one. Marit. [draws dagger.] One step nearer, and I strike! King. Then you have seen the Queen? Don C. You shall hear, sire. When I arrived at the palace I was denied admittance; but, regardless of the guns of the sentinels Marit. Ah! you have been in danger. Don C. No; you forget that I am bullet-proof. King. Well, well? Don C. I climbed the garden wall; under the shadow of some trees I crept close to a pavilion, whence proceeded two voices-that of a man and a woman's. The woman, though greatly moved, spoke proudly; the voice of the man trembled with passionate emotion. I heard this: "Madame, you are deceived-your husband meets his mistress to-night. Some officers of the King shall follow him to a secluded chateau in the forest, and bring you proof of his infidelity." King. Who has dared to place a watch upon my actions? Don C. The man was Don Jose de Santarem, your favorite minister; the lady was the Queen! King. 'Tis false! if it were true— [Crosses up L. towards doors. Don C. [coolly.] Your Majesty forgets that I have locked the doors. King. Traitor! [Comes down L. Don C. I told you, sire, that reparation must be made; do you understand me now? The minKing. What, Maritana! am I so loathsome to ister betrays his King-the subject would dishon you? For his Queen! King. Don Cæsar, on your allegiance open that door. Don C. The wrong you would have inflicted on me another now practices towards you; yet you cannot leave this room. [The KING puts his hands to his face and falls in a chair.] Each moment is an age of agony, and yet you cannot quit this place to satisfy your doubt. All that you made me suffer you are now enduring; and yet you cannot stir but at my will. King. [points to door.] Don Cæsar, at your peril hesitate a moment longer. Don C. This retribution is terrible, is it not? King. Take up your sword! [Rises.] I am a King no longer; your treason forces me to become your equal. Defend yourself and save me from becoming an assassin. Marit. [crosses c. and is put back by DON CE- King. [L.] Take up your sword, or I will strike. Don C. When did a Spanish gentleman hesitate to revenge an insult to his King? Think you I have spared the man who would have made my dishonor the stepping-stone to yours? No, sire, I have struck. Sire, your honor is preserved. It is now your turn to deal with mine. [Kneels and points to MARITANA. King. [raises him.] Rise, Don Cæsar! [Drum heard and cries of "The King! The King!" The doors are burst open and NOBLES enter. LAZARILLO takes back chair. Officers. It is the King! King. Yes, gentlemen, we have visited Don Cæsar de Bazan, one of our most faithful servants. [All seem surprised.] Don Cæsar de Bazan, we have appointed you governor of Valencia. Don C. The government of Granada is also vacant, sire. King. Why rather Granada than Valencia? Don C. Granada is twice the distance from Madrid, [points to MARITANA] and that doubles the obligation, and besides, there I've no creditors. King. [smiles.] Be it as you wish. We appoint our faithful subject, Don Cæsar de Bazan, governor of Granada. FINALE. Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King! Let peace be joined to bless his happy reign. COSTUMES. THE KING.-A rich brown Spanish dress, trimmed with gold lace, slashed with black satin, silk stockings with gold clocks, black shoes, large Spanish hat with black feathers, one red ditto, point lace collar and cuffs. DON CESAR.-First dress: Old blue velvet trunks, leather doublet, brown velvet sleeves, old brown sombrero with old feathers, large buff and red striped cloak, torn point lace collar and cuffs, old silk stockings. Second dress: Rich emerald green velvet Spanish dress, slashed with white satin, jacket of white satin, cloak of white satin, turn back, embroidered with broad philacteries of dead and bright gold, white hat, white feathers, white silk stockings, shoes with gold and satin rosettes, and dress trimmed with satin of the same. Third dress: Blue cloth doublet and breeches, blue silk stockings, jacket looped with black velvet, black velvet hat, blue feathers, point lace collar and cuffs, sword, black boots. DON JOSE.-Amber jacket, purple velvet cloak, trunks richly trimmed with gold and bows of crimson satin ribbon, drab hat with one blue feather, russet boots, point lace collar and cuffs. MARQUIS DE ROTONDO.-Scarlet cloth shape, blue velvet cloak richly trimmed with gold lace, bows of blue ribbon, russet boots, white gauntlets, black velvet hat, feather, lace cuffs and collar. LAZARILLO.-First dress: Green cloth doublet, orange cloth sleeves and breeches braided with black, loops, and plated buttons, green stockings, russet shoes, black hat. Second dress: Violet velvet tabbed jacket, full breeches looped with scarlet ribbon, scarlet silk undersleeves, scarlet silk stockings, black shoes, rosettes. LOPEZ.-Brown Spanish suit. MARITANA.-First dress: Amber petticoat trimmed with scar- MARCHION ESS.-Scarlet tunic dress over white satin, trimmed with gold and black lace, black velvet head-dress trimmed with scarlet ribbon and lace. This drama is a transplantation from the Parisian stage it being the joint product of Messrs. Dumanois and Dennery. It was originally produced at the Porte St. Martin, where Frederic Lemaitre, the celebrated personator of chevaliers d'industrie, created a sensation in the character of Don Cæsar. The enterers for the London theatres soon seized upon it, and the present English version was the first produced. It is from the pen of G. A. A'Beckett and Mark Lemon, members of the Dramatic Authors' Society, and was originally performed at the Princess' Theatre, under the management of J. M. Maddox, the 8th of October, 1844. It is the best and most successful of the three versions which were brought out in London. At the Haymarket, Mr. Charles Mathews produced a version to which he gave the title "A Match for a King; but, though it was favorably received, it did not have a great run. James Wallack was the original Don Cæsar at the Princess'. The critic of the Athenæum" remarked of him, that if he was not the most agreeable he was the most effective personator of the hero, and appeared "in the smartest and truest version of the piece." "Don Cæsar de Bazan" was first produced in America at Mitchell's Olympic Theatre, December 9th, 1844. It was played a few nights afterwards at the Park, and has now become a favorite entertainment at all the principal theatres in the United States. Much of the effect of the piece depends upon its melodramatic points and cleverly contrived situations; but the dialogue is glib and witty, and far above the calibre of an ordinary playwright. The character of Don Cosar is sustained with unwavering spirit. Generous, sanguinary, reckless and audacious, he is a strange mixture of the gentleman and the ruffian-not an altogether unnatural picture, we should imagine, of an outcast nobleman of Spain. His traits, though amusing, have little that is admirable in them. His courage is the courage of heedlessness and unreflecting gaiety. He is the very reverse of Joanna Baillie's description of a brave man: "The brave man is not he who feels no fear, For that were stupid and unnatural; And freely dares the danger nature shrinks from!" But Don Cæsar is not presented as a "model for the young men of the age." After we have said the best of him we can say, we must admit he is a desperate bully. He is one of a class of which there have been too many in every age, and even in our own country but the class is growing less and less numerous, and by and by, let us hope, we shall have to look to the stage, that mirror of past times, to find its sole remaining representatives. THE NEW YORK DRAMA TRAGEDIES, A CHOICE COLLECTION OF COMEDIES, WITH FARCES, ETC.. CASTS OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS, COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, &c., ADAPTED TO THE HOME CIRCLE, PRIVATE THEATRICALS, AND THE AMERICAN STAGE. VOL. 2. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by WHEAT & CORNETT, in the Office NO. 17. Cha. Your mother, whom you expect from town to-morrow. HIS LAST LEGS: Jul. But only to remain a few days, as we then set out for France. Cha. For France? Jul. You are aware that, owing to an unfound- Fisher. "Gallot. Mrs. Drott. Jul. We have lately been informed that his health is declining; and, of course, as we are Miss Kate Horn. anxious to be reconciled, my mother is resolved to go in search of him, when, if we should be so fortunate as to accomplish our desire Mrs. Burrows. SCENE I-A Street in a Country Town. An Academy stands R. S. E., with sign near door, "Birch's Classical Academy." A Milliner's Shop stands L. S. E. Enter CHARLES RIVERS, with MRS. MONTAGUE and MISS BANKS, R. Cha. Well, aunt, here is your milliner's; and there, I see her peeping through her window, in hopes of a call. Mrs. M. Well, then, will you join me in my visit? Cha. Why, really, as I am not the slightest judge of bonnets Mrs. M. [aside.] You think that an excuse to get a tête-à-tête with Julia. Very well; you know I'm not ill-natured; so, Julia dear, you can take a turn with Mr. Rivers whilst I step in. I won't be long. [Exit into Milliner's. Cha. And this, Julia, is our last walk together, because my father has set his heart upon my getting a degree. I must return to college this very night. Willy nilly, I must part with you, and go back to Greek and Latin Jul. To make me happy as well as him- Jul. Who, living under his roof, and treated with every kindness, cannot abuse his confidence by Cha. And is there any need you should? Have I not said I'll tell him everything? Jul. Still you must remember there's another to consult. Cha. You'll sit down by his side, and marry, perhaps, some one of his choosing. Jul. Of course he'd claim a voice in my disposal. Cha. Whilst mine would be forgotten-I see it all. If you leave me now, we part forever! My mind's resolved-I'll not leave home to-night. Jul. No! Cha. No. I'll not stir till I have seen your mother, and obtained from her a pledge that my happiness shall be considered. Jul. But how is that possible, when your father is so imperative? Cha. Why, if force won't do, I'll try a little stratagem. Cha. Yes, right off. I used to be troubled with a swimming in the head-I'll have an attack as we go home; then I shall be carried up to bed, a physician will be sent for Jul. And your artifice detected. Cha. Not so; our doctor's a deuced good old fellow-I'll let him into the secret; he'll recommend that I don't stir for a week; and in that time, Julia, I may see your mother, and Jul. I cannot hope it will succeed; and if it should be discovered Cha. Well, then father can't complain. He wants me to become a master of arts, and he'll |