"Before the footstool of that Heav'n they've in- What thou hast done, and whither thou hast jured." Oh, Belvidera! I'm the wretched'st creature Bel. [L. C.] Alas! I know thy sorrows are most Jaf. My friend, too, Belvidera, that dear friend, Jaf."Oh, my dear angel! in that friend I've "All my soul's peace; for every thought of him "Strikes my sense hard, and deads it in my brain! "Wouldst thou believe it? brought me Bel. Ha! Jaf. Where's my friend? my friend, thou smiling mischief! Nay, shrink not, now 'tis too late; for dire re- Is up, and raging for my friend. He groans! Murder! Oh! Hark thee, traitress, thou hast Thanks to thy tears, and false persuading love. Creep even into my heart, and there lie safe; [Going R Heav'n must have justice, and my broken vows Will sink me else beneath its reaching mercy. I'll wink, and then 'tis done. Bel. [c.] What means the lord Thou 'rt the best judge, and mad'st me, if I am so! Of me, my life and love? What's in thy bosom Damnation! coward! Bel. Oh, forgive him, Jaffier! And, if his sufferings wound thy heart already, What will they do to-morrow? Jaf. Ah! Bel. To-morrow, Thou grasp'st at so? [JAFFIER draws the dagger and offers to stab her. Ah! do not kill me, Jaffier. Jaf. [R. C.] Know, Belvidera: when we parted last I gave this dagger with thee, as in trust, When thou shalt see him stretched in all the ago. To be thy portion if I e'er proved false. Jaf. Nay, no struggling. [Falls on his neck and kisses him. Bel. [c.] The faithless senators, 'tis they've de- While thus I cling about thy cruel neck, creed it; They say, according to our friends' request, Kiss thy revengeful lips, and die in joys Bel. Nay, cruel'st racks and torments are pre- To force confession from their dying pangs. How your lips shake, and all your face What means my love? Jaf. Leave me, I charge thee, leave me! Strong Fall at his feet, cling round his rev'rend knees, Peace to thy heart. Farewell! Bel. Go-and remember And deathless infamy have fall'n upon me. There my best blood runs foul, and a disease Incurable has seized upon my memory. Enter BELVIDERA, in a mourning veil, L. [Exeunt PRIULI, R., BELVIDERA, L. SCENE II.-The Rialto. Bel. [speaking as she enters.] He's there, my Enter CAPTAIN, muffled drums, GUARDS, EXE father, my inhuman father, That, for three years, has left an only child Priuli. What child of sorrow Art thou, that com'st wrapt in weeds of sadness, And mov'st as if thy step were towards the grave? Bel. [L. C.] A wretch who, from the very top of happiness, Am fallen into the lowest depths of misery, Priuli. My daughter! Bel. Yes, your daughter; and you've oft told me, With smiles of love and chaste paternal kisses, I'd much resemblance of my mother. Priuli. Don't talk thus. Bel. Yes, I must; and you must hear it, too. I have a husband. Priuli. D—————n him! Bel. Oh, do not curse him! CUTIONER with axe, RENAULT, SPINOSA, ELLIOT, THEODORE, Durand, MEZZANA, PIERRE, OFFICER, GUARDS. They all pass over the stage, R. to L., and exeunt. Jaf. [c.] No, death's this day too busy; I thank thee for thy labors, though, and him too; He would not speak so hard a word towards you Yet, Belvidera, do not fear my cruelty, On any terms, howe'er he deal with me. Priuli. Ah! what means my child? Bel. Yes, kill me. When he passed his faith I learnt the danger, chose the hour of love T' attempt his heart, and bring it back to honor. Great love prevailed, and blessed me with success! He came, confessed, betrayed his dearest friends For promised mercy. Now they're doomed to suffer! Bel. If I was ever, then, your care, now hear me ! Fly to the Senate, save the promised lives Of his dear friends, ere mine be made the sacrifice. Priul. Oh, my heart's comfort! Bel. Will you not, my father? Weep not, but answer me. Priuli. By heav'n, I will! Not one of them but what shall be immortal! Nor let the thoughts of death perplex thy fancy : But answer me to what I shall demand With a firm temper and unshaken spirit. Bel. [L. C.] I will, when I've done weeping. How long is 't since the miserable day Jaf. "Twas a rash oath. Bel. Then why am I not cursed, too? Jaf. No, Belvidera; by th' eternal truth, I dote with too much fondness. Still, then, do you love me? Jaf. Man ne'er was blessed, Since the first pair first met, as I have been. I came on purpose, Belvidera, to bless thee. [Kneeling. Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head, Where everlasting sweets are always springing, With a continual giving hand: let peace, Honor and safety always hover round her; Feed her with plenty; let her eyes ne'er see A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning; Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest Harmless as her own thoughts; and prop her virtue To bear the loss of one that too much loved, And comfort her with patience in our parting. Bel. How! parting, parting? Jaf. Yes, forever parting! I have sworn, Belvidera, by yon Heav'n— That best can tell how much I lose to leave theeWe part this hour forever! Bel. Oh, call back Your cruel blessing; stay with me, and curse me. Jaf. Now hold, heart, or never! Bel. By all the tender days we've lived together, Pity my sad condition; speak, but speak! Jaf. Murder! unhold me; [Passing bell tolls. Or by th' immortal destiny that doomed me Bel. Leave thy dagger with me; Jaf. [returning-she runs into his arms.] Yet SCENE IV.-St. Mark's Place. A scaffold in the background, and a wheel, prepared for the execution of PIERRE. Enter CAPTAIN, PIERRE, GUARD, EXECUTIONER and RABBLE. Pierre. [L.] My friend not yet come? Jaf. Oh, Pierre ! [Falling on his knees. Pierre. [c.] Dear to my arms, though thou 'st undone my fame I can't forget to love thee. Prithee, Jaffier, Suffered the shameful fate thou'rt going to taste of. Capt. [R.] The time grows short; your friends are dead already. Jaf. [L. C.] Dead! Pierre. Yes, dead, Jaffier! they've all died like men, too, Worthy their character. Jaf. And what must I do? Pierre. Oh, Jaffier! Jaf. Speak aloud thy burdened soul, And tell thy troubles to thy tortured friend. Pierre. Friend! Couldst thou yet be a friend, a generous friend, I might hope comfort from thy noble sorrows. Heaven knows I want a friend! Jaf. And I a kind one, That would not scorn thus my repenting virtue, But it shall be to see thy fall revenged At such a rate as Venice long shall groan for! Jaf. I will, by heaven! Pierre. Then still thou 'rt noble, And I forgive thee. Oh! yet shall I trust thee? Jaf. No; I've been false already. Pierre. Dost thou love me? Jaf. Rip up my heart, and satisfy thy doubtings. Pierre. [weeps.] Curse on this weakness! Jaf. Tears! Amazement! Tears! I never saw thee melted thus before, And know there's something laboring in thy bosom For that poor little one you've ta'en such care of. That must have vent; though I'm a villain, tell me. I'll give 't him truly. Jaf. So-now, farewell! Pierre. Seest thou that engine? Jaf. Why? [Pointing to the wheel. Pierre. [R. C.] Is 't fit a soldier who has lived with honor, Fought nations' quarrels, and been crowned with conquest, Be exposed, a common carcass, on a wheel? Pierre. Speak! is 't fitting? Pierre. [whispers JAFFIER.] This and no more. I say you shall not go, indeed you shall not: Jaf. Ha! is 't then so? Pierre. Most certainly. Jaf. I'll do 't. Pierre. Remember. Capt. Sir Pierre. Come, now I'm ready. Captain, [crossing to him] you should be a gentleman of honor; Keep off the rabble, that I may have room To entertain my fate and die with decency. [To JAFFIER.] You'll think on 't? Jaf. "Twon't grow stale before to-morrow. Pierre. Now, Jaffier! now I'm going! Now! Thou honest heart, then! here! [Stabs him. Pierre. Now, now thou hast indeed been faithful! Pierre. Ha, ha, ha!-oh, oh! [Falls down on the scaffold and dies. And the dear little infant left behind me. SCENE V.-An Apartment in PRIULI'S House. Enter PRIULI, R.; BELVIDERA, distracted, and two of her WOMEN. Whip your ill-nature; get you gone then! Oh! again! Am I to blame to love him? Oh, thou dear one! thus? Stand off! don't hide him from me! He's there Stand off, I say! What, gone? Remember, tyrant, Priuli. News! what news? Jaffier, upon the scaffold, to prevent A shameful death, stabbed Pierre, and next him- Bel. [R.] Ha! look there! My husband bloody, and his friend, too! Murder! [R. c.] Oh, I'll dig, dig I have him! Hoa, Jaffier, Jaffier! They have hold of me, and drag me to the bottom! COSTUMES. THE END. DUKE-Crimson velvet dress, with purple robe, richly em- JAFFIER.-Same as Priuli, except mantı PRIULL-Purple velvet dress, scarlet mantle, black trunks RENAULT.-Black velvet doublet and trunks, buff pantaloons, The story of "Venice Preserved" is partly founded upon St. Real's History of the Conspiracy of the Spaniards against the Republic of Venice, in 1618. Voltaire compares the author of this History to Sallust, and pronounces it superior to the English tragedy-an assertion which, like many others from the same source, was the convenient sentence of an adroit but reckless ignor ance. The merits of St. Real are undoubtedly great; but Otway's indebtedness to him is exceedingly slight; and it is remarkable to see how ingeniously, from a few meagre historical details, the great dramatist has constructed one of the noblest imaginative works of which literature can boast. The names of nearly all the dramatis person, with the exception of Belvidera, are taken from St. Real; but their characters are Otway's, and his plot is almost wholly original. The true Pierre was a Norman corsair, who had accumulated a fortune by plundering ships in the Mediterranean. He was eventually strangled on board his own ship by order of the Venetian Senate. Jafier was of Provence, and appears to have engaged in the plot against the State from his friendship for Pierre and the prospect of gain. History says nothing of his wrongs, or his love for the daughter of Priuli; and he was shaken in his faith to the conspiracy, not by the tears of a woman, but partly by his detestation of the sanguinary speech of Renault (in which Otway follows the history), and partly from being struck with compunction during the spectacle of the Doge's wedding the Adriatic, when his imagination contrasted the public rejoicings with the desolation which was to follow. After disclosing the plot, and experiencing the perfidy of the Senate, who had promised him the lives of his friends, he was made captive while bearing arms against Venice, and drowned the day after his arrival in the city. Renault, according to St. Real, was an old French gentleman, who had fled to Venice for some unknown cause, and there became acquainted with the Marquis de Bedmar. Though poor, he esteemed virtue more than riches, and glory more than virtue. He had abilities, courage, a contempt for life and a passion for distinction. The affront towards Belvidera of which Otway makes him guilty was a pure invention of the author, unsupported by any trait which history ascribes to Renault. This tragedy is believed to have been originally acted about the year 1682. Out of Shakspeare's unapproachable omain, we know of no tragedy in the English language to compare with this in the earnestness of its passion, the depth of its pathos and the aptitude of its language. Although it has not been represented of late years as frequently as formerly, it will be long before it is superseded in its foremost rank in our acting drama. "That which pleases long, and pleases many, must possess some merit."-DR. JOHNSON. 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. 3. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by WHEAT & CORNETT, in the Office LEND ME FIVE SHILLINGS: A Farce, in One Act. BY JOHN MADDISON MORTON, ESQ. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Mr. Golightly.. Mrs. Major Phobbs... Mrs. Captain Phobbs.. Park, N. Y., 1846. Olympic, N. Y., 1846. Mr. Bass. Mrs. Abbott. Miss Kate Horn. Ladies and Gentlemen. Mr. Holland. NO. 30. MRS. CAPTAIN PHOBBS retire a little.] Might I be allowed? [Offers his arm to MRS. MAJOR PHOBBS. Mrs. M. P. No, thank you! Goli. [tenderly.] May I press an ice upon you, or a bottle of ginger beer? Mrs. M. P. [coldly.] I'd rather not! Goli. Shall we stroll through the rooms? Mrs. M. P. I am too fatigued! Goli. Then I'll run and fetch a chair! Mrs. M. P. [annoyed.] I'd rather stand! Goli. Oh! may I claim this fair hand for the next quadrille ? Mrs. M. P. "Tis already engaged! Goli. May I enjoy the felicitous prospect of polking with you?" Mrs. M. P. [sharply.] Mr. Golightly, I wish you to understand, sir, that I am engaged for the whole of the evening. [Turns her back on him, SCENE. A Room adjoining the Ball-room at a PHOBBS. SPRUCE bows, and enters the ball-room, c. and joins CAPTAIN SPRUCE and MRS. CAPTAIN Hotel. The ball-room is seen at back, through three large folding-doors. At the rising of flatter myself, but I wish it to be distinctly underGoli. [after a pause.] Now I don't want to the curtain a quadrille band heard in ballroom, in which two sets are formed. Another stood, that I consider myself very ill-treated. The set is also formed on the stage, composed and lovely woman has humiliated me-and with rearranged as follows: MR. GOLIGHTLY and MRS. MAJOR PHOBBS, with their backs to the audience. Opposite to them another couple. At L. of them CAPTAIN SPRUCE and MRS. CAPTAIN PHOBBS, and opposite to them MORELAND and a LADY. As the curtain rises GOLIGHTLY and MRS. MAJOR PHOBBS and their vis-à-vis are dancing the last figure of a quadrille. Mrs. M. P. [to GOLIGHTLY.] So you are really partial to dancing, Mr. Golightly? Goli. I positively doat upon it, and with such a partner I flatter myself I could dance till I dropped; in short, most fascinating of women, 'tis in your power to make me the happiest of men. Mrs. M. P. You're quite eloquent, I declare! Goli. Nothing to what I should be if I wasn't so dreadfully out of breath. Phew! [Fans himself. Mor. [to MRS. CAPTAIN PHOBBS.] You surely cannot refuse the last request I perhaps shall ever make? Mrs. C. P. Indeed I must, for I cannot grant it without compromising myself! Spect to the lovely woman's assertion that she's engaged for the whole of the evening, I look upon considerable thumper; it's evident she means to the lovely woman as having perpetrated a very cut me, in which case the most manly course for me to adopt is obviously to cut her. I'll do someand plunge headlong into the intoxicating whirlthing desperate! I'll rush to the gaming-table, pool of sixpenny shorts. There she is! She shan't see the agitation of this swelling bosomno, no; I'll hum a tune if I die for it-la, la, la! [Goes out, dancing and singing, R. Mrs. M. P. [watching him out.] Poor Mr. Golightly, his devotion to me really deserves better treatment. Julia, one word. Mrs. C. P. Not now, sister-in-law; my husband is waiting for me. Mrs. M. P. Where is Captain Phobbs? Mrs. M. P. He seems very attentive. Mrs. M. P. [aside and observing them.] Can it be as I suspected? But I'll not lose sight of them! Goli. I assure you, my dear madame, I haven't words in my vocabulary to express my delight in meeting you again. [MORELAND and his partner ha! enter the ball-room through L. C. SPRUCE and you only knew-ha, ha! Mrs. M. P. Then he's the more to be feared. |