More winning far than his, who thanks the gate Empress. Girl, I am loth to speak in terms of blame, But thou hast much offended courtesy ; Not only slighting me, thy sovereign lady, But him to whom thy fate awards thee bride! Coun. I am a wife! Before this goodly presence I proclaim it! As ever led a woman to the altar! Empress. Where is thy husband? where is thy husband? Coun. Here! I am kneeling At his feet? Huon. Thy husband, I? Coun. My husband, thou! Huon. Was I not wed to Catherine ? [Kneels to Huon. Coun. My name is Catherine, as thou should'st know, But, as thou know'st not, till now; the lips Pronounced that name in wedding thee the hand For baffling thee, for now she owns thee lord Huon. Thou kneel'st to me! I marvel of thy words!-I overlooked thee, My dear liege lady ever! I am feeble In words; but, oh! the strife is strong within Of wonder, gratitude, humility, Pride, honour, love, outdoing one another! Enter CATHERINE, disguised, R. Cath. Fair empress, justice! Empress. Who asks for justice? Cath. One that is most wronged In his honour; cheated by a craven knight, But hath broken his word-no doubt, through cowardice. Empress. What is his name? Cath. Sir Rupert. Sir Rup. [Stepping forward.] He speaks false ! I am here to my appointment. Cath. Are you so? Are you not maimed in the arm? Sir Rup. No! Cath. Nor in the leg, that you can't sit your Sir Rup. No! horse ? Cuth. That is still more wonderful! Nor yet In your spirit? Sir Rup. No! Cath. Most wonderful of all! You do not mean to say you have the heart To fight with me? Sir Rup. That you shall see anon. Cath. Anon, sir? now! but where are your good friends? Sir Rup. Here! [Sir Otto and Sir Conrad come forward. Cath. Gentlemen, I am sorry for the fall As you shall see. Down on your knees, and beg Sir Rup. And beg my life! Down on your knees at once! Valour won't come for stamping, sir! entreat To pass for a brave man. Sir Rup. I'll smite thee. Cath. Do! If you dare! [Throwing off cloak. Ha! Have I brought thee to thy knee at last, sir? Said I not I would bring thee to thy knees? Beware I say not I will keep you there. Sir Rup. What! Catherine? Coun. Yes, Catherine, Sir Rupert. Sir Rup. Oh, happiness! Coun. Which thou hast well deserved. Sir Rup. Thou still wast gracious to me. Attested by thy jealous poverty. I saw thy honest love for Catherine, In secret cherished, as thou though'st—as one Thy Catherine, before thou fear'dst to claim, Cath. Oh, more than paid in profitting her friend. The scornful maid, for the devoted wife Had cleaved to thee, though ne'er she owned thee lord? Huon. I nothing see, except thy wondrous love. Coun. Madam, our happiness doth lift to thee Its eyes in penitence and gratitude! Thou, chief in station, first to give desert, Oh, thou hast taught a lesson to all greatness, THE END [Flourish. MODERN STANDARD DRAMA. EDITED BY EPES SARGENT, AUTHOR OF "VELASCO, A TRAGEDY," &C. DON CESAR DE BAZAN. A Drama IN THREE ACTS. AS PRODUCED AT THE PRINCESS'S THEATRE, LONDON, WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS, COS TUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, &c. DOUGLAS, No. 11 SPRUCE ST 1847. PRICE 25 CENTS. |