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If I do not hear my own voice, I shall fancy
Voices in all chance sounds! [Starts.
T was some dry branch
Dropt of itself! Oh, he went forth so rashly,
Took no food with him—only his arms and boar-spear! }
What if I leave these cakes, this cruse of wine,
Here by this cave, and seek him with the rest?
RAAF Kluphili (unseen).
Leave them and flee!
glycine (shrieks, then recovering).
Where are you?
naab kiupalli (still unseen).
Leave them!
Glycine.
'Tis Glycine!
Speak to me, Bethlen' speak in your own voice!
All silent!—If this were the war-wolf's den'
"T was not his voice!—
{Glycine leaves the provisions and exit fearfully.
Krupnill comes forward, seizes them and car-
ries them into the cavern. Glycine returns,
having recovered herself.
Gi-Y cine.
Shame! Nothing hurt me!
If some fierce beast have gored him, he must needs
Speak with a strange voice. Wounds cause thirst and
hoarseness!
Speak, Bethlen or but moan. St—St——No–Bethlen
If I turn back and he should be found dead here,
[She creeps nearer and nearer to the cavern.
I should go mad!—Again!—T was my own heart!
Hush, coward heart! better beat loud with fear,
Than break with shame and anguish
[As she approaches to enter the cavern, Krupnill
stops her. Glycine shrieks.
Saints protect me!
in AA a kit prailr.
Swear then by all thy hopes, by all thy fears–
Glycine.
Save me!
take kit pratlı.
Swear secrecy and silence!
GLYci N.E.
I swear !
raan Krupnill.
Tell what thou art, and what thou seekest?
GLY cine.
Only
A harmless orphan youth, to bring him food—
taa. A to kit Pall.i.
Wherefore in this wood?
Glycine.
Alas! it was his purpose—
in Aap kits per tr.
With what intention came he? Wouldst thou save him,
Hide nothing:
Glycine.
Save him 0 forgive his rashness!
He is good, and did not know that thou wert human!
as AB Kiu Paili (repeats the word).
Human 2
[Then sternly.

With what design :

Glycine.

To kill thee, or If that thou wert a spirit, to compel thee

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By prayers, and with the shedding of his blood,
To make disclosure of his parentage.
But most of all—
zApolya (rushing out from the cavern).
Heaven's blessing on thee! Speak
Glycine.
Whether his Mother live, or perish'd here!
z A Po LY.A.
Angel of Mercy, I was perishing
And thou didst bring me food: and now thou bringst
The sweet, sweet food of hope and consolation
To a mother's famish'd heart! His name, sweet maiden!
Glycine.
£en till this morning we were wont to name him

zapotra. Even till this morning This morning” when my weak faith faild me wholly! Pardon. O thou that portion'st out our sufferance, And fill'st again the widow's empty cruse ! Say on given Ne. The false ones charged the valiant youth With treasonous words of Emerick— zApol. Y.A. Ha! my son! GLY cine. And of Lord Casimir— na AB Kit Paili (aside). 0 agony' my son Glycine. But my dear lady– zApolyA and RAAB Kiu PRILt. Who? GLY cine. Lady Sarolta Frown'd and discharged these bad men. have kit phili (turning off and to himself). Righteous heaven Sent me a daughter once, and I repined That it was not a son. A son was given me. My daughter died, and I scarce shed a tear: And lo! that son became my curse and infamy.

z ApolyA (embraces Glycine). Sweet innocent! and you came here to seek him, And bring him food. Alas! thou fear st? GLY clow E. Not much My own dear lady, when I was a child Embraced me oft, but her heart never beat so. For I too am an orphan, motherless! * RAAt Riuphili (to Zapolya). ! O yet beware, lest hope's brief flash but deepen The after gloom, and make the darkness stormy' In that last conflict, following our escape, The usurper's cruelty had clogg'd our flight With many a babe, and many a childing mother. This maid herself is one of number less Planks from the same vast wreck. [Then to Glycine again. Well! Casimir's wife— - GLYct Nr. She is always gracious, and so praised the old man That his heart o'erflowed, and made discovery That in this wood–

za poly A (in agitation). 0 speak! Glycine. o A wounded lady— [ZApolyA faints—they both support her. GLY cine. Is this his mother? . ft. Aab kiup at Li. She would fain believe it, weak though the proofs be, Hope draws towards itself The flame with which it kindles. [Horn heard without. To the cavern Quick! quick! glycine. Perchance some huntsmen of the king's. Raab knupril, i. Emerick 2 Glycting. He came this morning— [They retire to the cavern, bearing Zapolya. Then enter Bethlen armed with a boar-spear. Bethlen. I had a glimpse Of some fierce shape; and but that Fancy often is Nature's intermeddler, and cries halves With the outward sight, I should believe I saw it Bear off some human prey, O my preserver! Bathory ! Father! Yes, thou deservest that name ! Thou didst not mock me! These are blessed findings! The secret cypher of my destiny [Looking at his signet. Stands here inscribed : it is the seal of fate | Ha!—(observing the cave). Had ever monster fitting lair, "t is yonder! Thou yawning Den, I well remember thee! Mine eyes deceived me not. Heaven leads me on 1 Now for a blast, loud as a king's defiance, To rouse the monster couchant o'er his ravine! |Blows the horn—then a pause. Another blast! and with another swell To you, ye charmed watchers of this wood! If haply I have come, the rightful heir Of vengeance: if in me survive the spirits Of those, whose guiltless blood flowed streaming here! [Blows again louder. Still silent? Is the monster gorged Heaven shield me! Thou, faithful spear! be both my torch and guide. [As Berulon is about to enter, Kiu Phill speaks from the cavern unseen. to Aab kit, Pfi Li. Withdraw thy foot" Retract thine idle spear, And wait obedient! perhlen (in amazement). Ha! What art thou’ speak! naap Kiu Paill (still unseen). Avengers! to state N. By a dying mother's pangs, Een such am I. Receive me! RAAn kiuphili (still unseen). Wait Beware! At thy first step, thou treadest upon the light Thenceforth must darkling flow, and sink in darkness! betti Len, Ha! see my boar-spear trembles like a reed –

Oh, fool! mine eyes are duped by my own shuddering.—
Those piled thoughts, built up in solitude,
Year following year, that press'd upon my heart
As on the altar of some unknown God,
Then, as if touch'd by fire from heaven descending,
Blazed up within me at a father's name—
Do they desert me now!—at my last trial?
Voice of command! and thou, O hidden Light!
I have obey'd Declare ye by what name
I dare invoke you! Tell what sacrifice
Will make you gracious.

RAAB Kiu Paili (still unseen).

Patience Truth ! Obedience!

Be thy whole soul transparent so the Light
Thou seekest may enshrine itself within thee!
Thy name?

Betti LEN. Ask rather the poor roaming savage, Whose infancy no holy rite had blest. To him, perchance rude spoil or ghastly trophy, In chase or battle won, have given a name. I have none—but like a dog have answer'd To the chance sound which he that fed me call'd me. RAAB Kiu phili (still unseen). Thy birth-place? BET file N. Deluding spirits, Do ye mock me? Question the Night! Bid Darkness tell its birth-place? Yet hear! Within yon old oak's hollow trunk, Where the bats cling, have I survey'd my cradle! The mother-falcon hath her nest above it, And in it the wolf litters!——I invoke you, Tell me, ye secret ones! if ye beheld me As I stood there, like one who having delved For hidden gold hath found a talisman, O tell! what rights, what offices of duty This signet doth command What rebel spirits Owe homage to its Lord RAAB kiuphili (still unseen). More, guiltier, mightier, Than thou mayest summon! Wait the destined hour: - Beth i.en. O yet again, and with more clamorous prayer, I importune ye! Mock me no more with shadows! This sable mantle–tell, dread voice! did this Enwrap one fatherless? zA polyA (unseen). One fatherless! Bethlen (starting). A sweeter voice!—A voice of love and pity! Was it the soften’d echo of mine own Sad echo! but the hope it kill'd was sickly, And ere it died it had been mourn’d as dead | One other hope yet lives within my soul: Quick let me ask!—while yet this stifling fear, This stop of the heart, leaves utterance —Are—are these The sole remains of her that gave me life? Have I a mother? [ZApolyA rushes out to embrace him. Bethlen starts. Ha zApolyA (embracing him). My son' my son A wretched—Oh no, no! a blest—a happy mother! [They embrace. Kiuphili and Glycine come forward, and the curtain drops.

ACT III. SCENE i.

A stately Room in Lond Casimia's Castle. Enter EMErick and LAskA.

ext E alck. I do perceive thou hast a tender conscience, Laska, in all things that concern thine own Interest or safety. LASKA. In this sovereign presence I can fear nothing, but your dread displeasure. EME Rick. Perchance, thou think'st it strange, that I of all men Should covet thus the love of fair Soralta, Dishonouring Casimir? LASKA. Far be it from me!

Your Majesty's love and choice bring honour with them.

ext traig K. Perchance, thou hast heard, that Casimir is my friend, Fought for me, yea, for my sake, set at nought A parent's blessing; braved a father's curse : laska (a side). Would I but knew now, what his Majesty meant! Oh yes, Sire!'t is our common talk, how Lord Kiuprili, my Lord's father— Exi Erick. T is your talk, Is it, good statesman Laska’ Lask A. No, not mine, Not mine, an please your Majesty! There are Some insolent malcontents indeed that talk thus– Nay worse, mere treason. As Bathory's son, The fool that ran into the monster's jaws. ext to falck. Well, "t is a loyal monster if he rids us Of traitors! But art sure the youth's devoured: LASKA. Not a limb left, an please your Majesty! And that unhappy girl— Exi Etaick. Thou followed'st her |LAskA bows assent. Henceforth then I'll believe That jealousy can make a hare a lion. LASKA. Scarce had I got the first glimpse of her veil When, with a horrid roar that made the leaves Of the wood shake—

Into the wood?

two ent coMade thee shake like a leaf. LASKA. The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her; Forward I rush d! extettick. Most marvellous! LASKA. Hurl’d my javelin; Which from his dragon-scales recoiling— extenick. Enough! And take, friend, this advice. When next thou tonguest it,

Hold constant to thy exploit with this monster,
And leave untouched your common talk aforesaid,
What your Lord did, or should have done.
LASKA.
My talk:
The saints forbid! I always said, for my part,
Was not the king Lord Casimir's dearest friend:
is as not that friend a king : Whate'er he did
'Twas all from pure love to his Majesty.”
EME Rick.
And this then was thy talk? While knave and coward,
Both strong within thee, wrestle for the uppermost,
In slips the fool and takes the place of both,
Babbler' Lord Casimir did, as thou and all men.
He loved himself, loved honours, wealth, dominion.
All these were set upon a father's head:
Good truth ! a most unlucky accident'
For he but wish'd to hit the prize; not graze
The head that bore it: so with steady eye
Off flew the parricidal arrow.—Even
As Casimir loved Emerick, Emerick
Loves Casimir, intends him no dishonour.
He wink'd not then, for love of me forsooth !
For love of me now let him wink! Or if
The dame prove half as wise as she is fair,
He may still pass his hand, and find all smooth.
[ Passing his hand across his brow.
L.A.S.K.A.
Your Majesty's reasoning has convinced me.
Eurrick (with a slight start, as one who had been
talking aloud to himself: then with scorn).
Thee!
'T is well! and more than meant. For by my faith
I had half forgotten thee.—Thou hast the key *
[Laska bows.
And in your lady's chamber there's full space?
LASKA.
Between the wall and arras to conceal you.
Exterick.
Here! This purse is but an earnest of thy fortune,
If thou provest faithful. But if thou betrayest me,
Hark you!—the wolf that shall drag thee to his den
Shall be no fiction.
[Exit Evenick. Laska manet with a key in one
hand, and a purse in the other.
L.Ask A.
Well then Here I stand,
Like Hercules, on either side a goddess.
Call this [Looking at the purse.
Preferment; this (Holding up the key), Fidelity:
And first my golden goddess: what bids she?
Only:- This way your Majesty! hush.
hold
Are all safe lodged.--Then, put Fidelity
Within her proper wards, just turn her round–
So—the door opens—and for all the rest,
T is the king's deed, not Laska's. Do but this
And–o I'm the mere earnest of your future fortunes -
But what says the other-Whisper on I hear you:
[Putting the key to his ear.
All very true —but, good Fidelity:
If I refuse king Emerick, will you promise,
And swear, now, to unlock the dungeon-door,
And save me from the hangman? Aye! you're silent:
What not a word in answer? A clear nonsuit!
Now for one look to see that all are lodged

The houseAt the due distance—then—yonder lies the road For Laska and his royal friend king Emerick! [Exit Laska. Then enter BAThony and Bethlen. bethlen. He look'd as if he were some God disguised In an old warrior's venerable shape, To guard and guide my mother. Is there not Chapel or oratory in this mansion? old Bathony. Even so. Bettil, En. From that place then am I to take A helm and breast-plate, both inlaid with gold, And the good sword that once was Raab Kiuprili's. old bathony. Those very arms this day Sarolta show'd me— With wistful look. I'm lost in wild conjectures! Beth Len. O tempt me not, een with a wandering guess, To break the first command a mother's will Imposed, a mother's voice made known to me! * Ask not, my son,w said she, “our names or thine. The shadow of the eclipse is passing off The full orb of thy destiny! Already The victor Crescent glitters forth, and sheds O'er the yet lingering haze a phantom light. Thou canst not hasten it ! Leave then to Heaven The work of Heaven ; and with a silent spirit Sympathize with the powers that work in silence!” Thus spake she, and she look'd as she were then Fresh from some heavenly vision! [Re-enter Laska, not perceiving them. LASKA. All asleep! [Then observing Bethlen, stands in idiot-affright. I must speak to it first—Put—put the question! I'll confess all! [Stammering with fear. old bathony. Laska' what ails thee, man? laska (pointing to Bethlen). There' olt, path of Y. I see nothing! where? LASKA. He does not see it! Bethlen, torment me not! betti Len. Soft Rouse him gently! He hath outwatch'd his hour, and half asleep, With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams. old Batrio R.Y. Ho! Laska! Don't you know us!'t is Bathory And Bethlen' laska (recovering himself). Good now ! Ha! has An excellent trick. Afraid! Nay no offence! But I must laugh. But are you sure now, that 'tis you, yourself. Bern lex (holding up his hand as if to strike him). Would'st be convinced: LASKANo nearer, pray! consider! If it should prove his ghost, the touch would freeze me To a tomb-stone. No nearer! attrilex. The fool is drunk.'

laska (still more recovering). Well now! I love a brave man to my heart. I myself braved the monster, and would fain Have saved the false one from the fate she tempted. old BATHohy.

Fou, Laska?
Bethlen (to Bathony).
Mark! Heaven grant it may be so!
Glycine? w

laska.Y Shel I traced her by the voice. You'll scarce believe me, when I say I heard The close of a song: the poor wretch had been singing: As if she wish'd to compliment the war-wolf At once with music and a meal! berhlen (to Barhony). Mark that! LASKA. At the next moment I beheld her running, Wringing her hands with, Bethlen '0 poor Bethlen! I almost fear, the sudden noise I made, Rushing impetuous through the brake, alarm'd her. She stopt, then mad with fear, turn'd round and ran Into the monster's gripe. One piteous scream I heard. There was no second—I— Bethlen. Stop there! We'll spare your modesty! Who dares not honour Laska's brave tongue, and high heroic fancy? LAskA. You too, Sir Knight, have come back safe and sound! You play'd the hero at a cautious distance! Or was it that you sent the poor girl forward To stay the monster's stomacht Dainties quickly Pall on the taste and cloy the appetite! old bath of Y. Laska, beware! Forget not what thou arts Shouldst thoubut dream thou'rt valiant, crossthyself! And ache all over at the dangerous fancy! LASKA. What then! you swell upon my lady's favour, High Lords and perilous of one day's growth ! But other judges now sit on the bench : And haply, Laska hath found audience there, Where to defend the treason of a son Might end in lifting up both Son and Father Still higher; to a height from which indeed You both may drop, but, spite of fate and fortune, Will be secured from falling to the ground. 'T is possible too, young man! that royal Emerick, At Laska's rightful suit, may make inquiry By whom seduced, the maid so strangely missing— Beth LEn. Soft' my good Laska' might it not suffice, If to yourself, being Lord Casimir's steward, I should make record of Glycine's fate? LASKA. 'T is well! it shall content me! though your fear Has all the credit of these lower'd tones. [Then very pompously. First we demand the manner of her death? B Ethlen. Nay! that's superfluous! Have you not just told us, That you yourself, led by impetuous valour, Witness'd the whole: My tale's of later date.

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Nay! Dare I accuse wise Laska, whose words find access to a monarch's ear, of a base, braggart lie? It must have been Her spirit that appear'd to me. But haply I come too late? It has itself deliver'd Its own commission to you? old path oat. T is most likely! And the ghost doubtless vanish'd, when we enter'd And found brave Laska staring wide—at nothing' i.A.S.K.A. T is well! You've ready wits! I shall report them, with all due honour, to his Majesty' Treasure them up, I pray! A certain person, whom the king flatters with his con fidence, tells you, his royal friend asks startling questions! 'T is but a hint! And now what says the ghost? beth LEN. Listen! for thus it spake : “Say thou to Laska, Glycine, knowing all thy thoughts engross'd In thy new office of king's fool and knave, Foreseeing thou ‘It forget with thine own hand To make due penance for the wrongs thou'st caused her, For thy soul's safety, doth consent to take it From Bethlen's cudgela—thus. [Beats him off. Off! scoundrel' off [LASKA runs away. old Batu o RY. The sudden swelling of this shallow dastard Tells of a recent storm : the first disruption Of the black cloud that hangs and threatens o'er us. betti Len. Een this reproves my loitering. Say where lies The oratory ! old barrioray. Ascend yon flight of stairs! Midway the corridor a silver lamp Hangs o'er the entrance of Sarolta's chamber, And facing it, the low arch'd oratory! Me thou'lt find watching at the outward gate: For a petard might burst the bars, unheard by the drenched porter, and Sarolta hourly Expects Lord Casimir, spite of Emerick's message! betti Lex. There I will meet you! And till then good night! Dear good old man, good night' old eat a on Y. O yet one moment! what I repell'd, when it did seem my own, I cling to, now "t is parting—call me father! It can not now mislead thee. O my son, Ere yet our tongues have learnt another name, Bethlen —say–Father to me! broth len. Now, and for ever My father' other sire than thou, on earth I never had, a dearer could not have From the base earth you raised me to your arms, And I would leap from off a throne, and kneeling, Ask Heaven's blessing from thy lips. My father!

bathony. Go! Go! [BETalen breaks off and exit. Bathony looks affectionately after him. May every star now shining over us, Be as an angel's eye, to watch and guard him : [Exit Bathony.

Scene changes to a splendid Red-chamber, hung with tapestry. SAnolta in an elegant Night Dress, and an Attendant.

At rex in Axt. We all did love her, madam : sA Rol.ta. She deserved it! Luckless Glycine! rash, unhappy girl! 'T was the first time she e'er deceived me. Attendant. She was in love, and had she not died thus, With grief for Bethlen's loss, and fear of Laska, She would have pined herself to death at home. S.A. Ro LTA. Has the youth's father come back from his search? Art Ex to ANr. He never will, I fear me, O dear lady! That Laska did so triumph o'er the old man— It was quite cruel—a You 'll be sure," said he, • To meet with part at least of your son Bethlen, Or the war-wolf must have a quick digestion Go! Search the wood by all means' Go! I pray you or sarolta. Inhuman wretch! Atten to ANt. And old Bathory answer'd With a sad smile, “ It is a witch's prayer, And may Heaven read it backwards. Though she was rash, 'Twas a small fault for such a punishment! SA Ro Lt.A. Nay!'t was my grief, and not my anger spoke, Small fault indeed! but leave me, my good girl! I feel a weight that only prayer can lighten. [Exit Attendant. 0 they were innocent, and yet have perished In their May of life; and Vice grows old in triumph. Is it Mercy's hand, that for the bad man holds Life's closing gate?—— Still passing thence petitionary Hours To woo the obdurate spirit to repentance? Or would this chillness tell me, that there is Guilt too enormous to be duly punish'd, Save by increase of guilt? The Powers of Evil Are jealous claimants. Guilt too hath its ordeal, And Hell its own probation —Merciful Heaven, Rather than this, pour down upon thy suppliant Disease, and agony, and comfortless want! O send us forth to wander on, unshelter'd : Make our food bitter with despised tears! Let viperous scorn hiss at us as we pass! Yea, let us sink down at our enemy's gate, And beg forgiveness and a morsel of bread! With all the heaviest worldly visitations. Let the dire father's curse that hovers o'er us Work out its dread fulfilment, and the spirit of wrong'd Kiuprili be appeased. But only, Only, O merciful in vengeance! let not

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