ZAPOLYA A CHRISTMAS TALE IN TWO PARTS

Coleridge’s romance verse-drama in blank verse, modelled on Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale: a usurper (Emerick) seizes the throne of Illyria, the rightful queen and infant heir are driven into exile, and after twenty years legitimacy is restored. Central themes are kingship and legitimacy, usurpation, fate and providence, exile, and the restoration of the natural order.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Front of the Palace with a magnificent Colonnade. On one side a military Guard-house. Sentries pacing backward and forward before the Palace. CHEF RAGOZZI, at the door of the Guard-house, as looking forwards at some object in the distance.
CHEF RAGOZZI	My eyes deceive me not, it must be he. Who but our chief, my more than father, who But Raab Kiuprili moves with such a gait? Lo! e’en this eager and unwonted haste But agitates, not quells, its majesty. My patron! my commander! yes, ‘tis he! Call out the guards. The Lord Kiuprili comes.
(didascalia)	[Drums beat, &c., the Guard turns out.
(didascalia)	Enter RAAB KIUPRILI.
RAAB KIUPRILI	(making a signal to stop the drums, &c.). Silence! enough! This is no time, young friend, For ceremonious dues. The summoning drum, Th’ air-shattering trumpet, and the horseman’s clatter, Are insults to a dying sovereign’s ear. Soldiers, ‘tis well! Retire! your General greets you, His loyal fellow-warriors. [Guards retire.
CHEF RAGOZZI	Pardon my surprise. Thus sudden from the camp, and unattended! What may these wonders prophesy?
RAAB KIUPRILI	Tell me first, How fares the king? His majesty still lives?
CHEF RAGOZZI	We know no otherwise; but Emerick’s friends (And none but they approach him) scoff at hope.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Ragozzi! I have reared thee from a child, And as a child I have reared thee. Whence this air Of mystery? That face was wont to open Clear as the morning to me, shewing all things. Hide nothing from me.
CHEF RAGOZZI	O most loved, most honoured, The mystery that struggles in my looks Betrayed my whole tale to thee, if it told thee That I am ignorant; but fear the worst. And mystery is contagious. All things here Are full of motion: and yet all is silent: And bad men’s hopes infect the good with fears.
RAAB KIUPRILI	I have trembling proof within how true thou speakest.
CHEF RAGOZZI	That the prince Emerick feasts the soldiery, Gives splendid arms, pays the commanders’ debts, And (it is whispered) by sworn promises Makes himself debtor — hearing this, thou hast heard All —— But what my lord will learn too soon himself.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Ha! — Well then, let it come! Worse scarce can come. This letter written by the trembling hand Of royal Andreas calls me from the camp To his immediate presence. It appoints me, The Queen, and Emerick, guardians of the realm, And of the royal infant. Day by day, Robbed of Zapolya’s soothing cares, the king Yearns only to behold one precious boon, And with his life breathe forth a father’s blessing.
CHEF RAGOZZI	Remember you, my lord! that Hebrew leech Whose face so much distempered you?
RAAB KIUPRILI	Barzoni? I held him for a spy; but the proof failing (More courteously, I own, than pleased myself), I sent him from the camp.
CHEF RAGOZZI	To him, in chief, Prince Emerick trusts his royal brother’s health.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Hide nothing, I conjure you! What of him?
CHEF RAGOZZI	With pomp of words beyond a soldier’s cunning, And shrugs and wrinkled brow, he smiles and whispers! Talks in dark words of women’s fancies; hints That ‘twere a useless and a cruel zeal To rob a dying man of any hope, However vain, that soothes him: and, in fine, Denies all chance of offspring from the Queen.
RAAB KIUPRILI	The venomous snake! My heel was on its head, And (fool!) I did not crush it!
CHEF RAGOZZI	Nay, he fears Zapolya will not long survive her husband.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Manifest treason! Even this brief delay Half makes me an accomplice —— (If he live,) [Is moving toward the palace. If he but live and know me, all may ——
CHEF RAGOZZI	Halt! [Stops him. On pain of death, my Lord! am I commanded To stop all ingress to the palace.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Thou!
CHEF RAGOZZI	No place, no name, no rank excepted —
RAAB KIUPRILI	Thou!
CHEF RAGOZZI	This life of mine, O take it, Lord Kiuprili! I give it as a weapon to thy hands, Mine own no longer. Guardian of Illyria, Useless to thee, ‘tis worthless to myself. Thou art the framer of my nobler being; Nor does there live one virtue in my soul, One honourable hope, but calls thee father. Yet ere thou dost resolve, know that yon palace Is guarded from within, that each access Is thronged by armed conspirators, watched by ruffians Pampered with gifts, and hot upon the spoil Which that false promiser still trails before them. I ask but this one boon — reserve my life Till I can lose it for the realm and thee!
RAAB KIUPRILI	My heart is rent asunder. O my country, O fallen Illyria, stand I here spell-bound? Did my King love me? Did I earn his love? Have we embraced as brothers would embrace? Was I his arm, his thunder-bolt? And now Must I, hag-ridden, pant as in a dream? Or, like an eagle, whose strong wings press up Against a coiling serpent’s folds, can I Strike but for mockery, and with restless beak Gore my own breast? — Ragozzi, thou art faithful?
CHEF RAGOZZI	Here before Heaven I dedicate my faith To the royal line of Andreas.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Hark, Ragozzi! Guilt is a timorous thing ere perpetration: Despair alone makes wicked men be bold. Come thou with me! They have heard my voice in flight, Have faced round, terror-struck, and feared no longer The whistling javelins of their fell pursuers. Ha! what is this? [Black flag displayed from the Tower of the Palace: a death-bell tolls, &c. Vengeance of Heaven! He is dead.
CHEF RAGOZZI	At length then ‘tis announced. Alas! I fear, That these black death-flags are but treason’s signals.
RAAB KIUPRILI	A prophecy too soon fulfilled! See yonder! O rank and ravenous wolves! the death-bell echoes Still in the doleful air — and see! they come.
CHEF RAGOZZI	Precise and faithful in their villainy Even to the moment, that the master traitor Had pre-ordained them.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Was it over-haste, Or is it scorn, that in this race of treason Their guilt thus drops its mask, and blazons forth Their infamous plot even to an idiot’s sense?
CHEF RAGOZZI	Doubtless they deem Heaven too usurp’d! Heaven’s justice Bought like themselves! Being equal all in crime, Do you press on, ye spotted parricides! For the one sole pre-eminence yet doubtful, The prize of foremost impudence in guilt?
RAAB KIUPRILI	The bad man’s cunning still prepares the way For its own outwitting. I applaud, Ragozzi! Ragozzi! I applaud, In thee, the virtuous hope that dares look onward And keeps the life-spark warm of future action Beneath the cloak of patient sufferance. Act and appear, as time and prudence prompt thee: I shall not misconceive the part thou playest. Mine is an easier part — to brave the usurper.
(didascalia)	[Enter a procession of EMERICK’S Adherents, Nobles, Chieftains, and Soldiers, with Music. They advance toward the front of the stage. KIUPRILI makes the signal for them to stop. — The Music ceases.
LEADER OF THE PROCESSION	The Lord Kiuprili! — Welcome from the camp.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Grave magistrates and chieftains of Illyria, In good time come ye hither, if ye come As loyal men with honourable purpose To mourn what can alone be mourned; but chiefly To enforce the last commands of royal Andreas And shield the Queen, Zapolya: haply making The mother’s joy light up the widow’s tears.
LEADER	Our purpose demands speed. Grace our procession; A warrior best will greet a warlike king.
RAAB KIUPRILI	This patent written by your lawful king, (Lo! his own seal and signature attesting) Appoints as guardians of his realm and offspring, The Queen, and the Prince Emerick, and myself. [Voices of Live KING EMERICK! an EMERICK! an EMERICK! What means this clamour? Are these madmen’s voices? Or is some knot of riotous slanderers leagued To infamize the name of the king’s brother With a lie black as Hell? unmanly cruelty, Ingratitude, and most unnatural treason? [Murmurs. What mean these murmurs? Dare then any here Proclaim Prince Emerick a spotted traitor? One that has taken from you your sworn faith, And given you in return a Judas’ bribe, Infamy now, oppression in reversion, And Heaven’s inevitable curse hereafter? [Loud murmurs, followed by cries — EMERICK! No Baby Prince! No Changelings! Yet bear with me awhile! Have I for this Bled for your safety, conquered for your honour? Was it for this, Illyrians! that I forded Your thaw-swoln torrents, when the shouldering ice Fought with the foe, and stained its jagged points With gore from wounds I felt not? Did the blast Beat on this body, frost-and-famine-numbed, Till my hard flesh distinguished not itself From the insensate mail, its fellow warrior? And have I brought home with me Victory, And with her, hand in hand, firm-footed Peace, Her countenance twice lighted up with glory, As if I had charmed a goddess down from Heaven? But these will flee abhorrent from the throne Of usurpation! [Murmurs increase — and cries of Onward! Onward! Have you then thrown off shame, And shall not a dear friend, a loyal subject, Throw off all fear? I tell ye, the fair trophies Valiantly wrested from a valiant foe, Love’s natural offerings to a rightful king, Will hang as ill on this usurping traitor, This brother-blight, this Emerick, as robes Of gold plucked from the images of gods Upon a sacrilegious robber’s back. [Enter LORD CASIMIR.
CASIMIR	Who is this factious insolent, that dares brand The elected King, our chosen Emerick? My father!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Casimir! He, he a traitor! Too soon indeed, Ragozzi! have I learnt it. [Aside.
CASIMIR	My father and my lord!
RAAB KIUPRILI	I know thee not!
LEADER	Yet the remembrancing did sound right filial.
RAAB KIUPRILI	A holy name and words of natural duty Are blasted by a thankless traitor’s utterance.
CASIMIR	O hear me, Sire! not lightly have I sworn Homage to Emerick. Illyria’s sceptre Demands a manly hand, a warrior’s grasp. The queen Zapolya’s self-expected offspring At least is doubtful: and of all our nobles, The king, inheriting his brother’s heart, Hath honoured us the most. Your rank, my lord! Already eminent, is — all it can be — Confirmed: and me the king’s grace hath appointed Chief of his council and the lord high steward.
RAAB KIUPRILI	(Bought by a bribe!) I know thee now still less.
CASIMIR	So much of Raab Kiuprili’s blood flows here, That no power, save that holy name of father, Could shield the man who so dishonoured me.
RAAB KIUPRILI	The son of Raab Kiuprili a bought bond-slave, Guilt’s pander, treason’s mouth-piece, a gay parrot, School’d to shrill forth his feeder’s usurp’d titles. And scream, Long live King Emerick!
LEADERS	Aye, King Emerick! Stand back, my lord! Lead us, or let us pass.
SOLDIER	Nay, let the general speak!
SOLDIERS	Hear him! hear him!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Hear me, Assembled lords and warriors of Illyria, Hear, and avenge me! Twice ten years have I Stood in your presence, honoured by the king: Beloved and trusted. Is there one among you Accuses Raab Kiuprili of a bribe? Or one false whisper in his sovereign’s ear? Who here dares charge me with an orphan’s rights Outfaced, or widow’s plea left undefended? And shall I now be branded by a traitor, A bought, bribed wretch, who, being called my son, Doth libel a chaste matron’s name, and plant Hensbane and aconite on a mother’s grave? The underling accomplice of a robber, That from a widow and a widow’s offspring Would steal their heritage? To God a rebel, And to the common father of his country A recreant ingrate!
CASIMIR	Sire! your words grow dangerous. High-flown romantic fancies ill-beseem Your age and wisdom. ‘Tis a statesman’s virtue, To guard his country’s safety by what means It best may be protected — come what will Of these monk’s morals!
RAAB KIUPRILI	(aside). Ha! the elder Brutus Made his soul iron, though his sons repented. They boasted not their baseness. [Draws his sword. Infamous changeling! Recant this instant, and swear loyalty, And strict obedience to thy sovereign’s will; Or, by the spirit of departed Andreas, Thou diest —— [Chiefs, &c., rush to interpose; during the tumult enter EMERICK, alarmed.
EMERICK	Call out the guard! Ragozzi! seize the assassin. —— Kiuprili? Ha! —— [Making signs to the guard to retire. Pass on, friends! to the palace. [Music recommences. — The Procession passes into the Palace.
EMERICK	What? Raab Kiuprili? What? a father’s sword Against his own son’s breast?
RAAB KIUPRILI	‘Twould best excuse him, Were he thy son, Prince Emerick. I abjure him.
EMERICK	This is my thanks, then, that I have commenced A reign to which the free voice of the nobles Hath called me, and the people, by regards Of love and grace to Raab Kiuprili’s house?
RAAB KIUPRILI	What right hadst thou, Prince Emerick, to bestow them?
EMERICK	By what right dares Kiuprili question me?
RAAB KIUPRILI	By a right common to all loyal subjects — To me a duty! As the realm’s co-regent, Appointed by our sovereign’s last free act, Writ by himself. — [Grasping the Patent.
EMERICK	Aye! — Writ in a delirium!
RAAB KIUPRILI	I likewise ask, by whose authority The access to the sovereign was refused me?
EMERICK	By whose authority dared the general leave His camp and army, like a fugitive?
RAAB KIUPRILI	A fugitive, who, with victory for his comrade, Ran, open-eyed, upon the face of death! A fugitive, with no other fear, than bodements To be belated in a loyal purpose — At the command, Prince! of my king and thine, Hither I came; and now again require Audience of Queen Zapolya; and (the States Forthwith convened) that thou dost shew at large, On what ground of defect thou’st dared annul This thy King’s last and solemn act — hast dared Ascend the throne, of which the law had named, And conscience should have made thee, a protector.
EMERICK	A sovereign’s ear ill brooks a subject’s questioning! Yet for thy past well-doing — and because ‘Tis hard to erase at once the fond belief Long cherished, that Illyria had in thee No dreaming priest’s slave, but a Roman lover Of her true weal and freedom — and for this, too, That, hoping to call forth to the broad day-light And fostering breeze of glory all deservings, I still had placed thee foremost.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Prince! I listen.
EMERICK	Unwillingly I tell thee, that Zapolya, Maddened with grief, her erring hopes proved idle —
CASIMIR	Sire! speak the whole truth! Say, her fraud detected!
EMERICK	According to the sworn attests in council Of her physician ——
RAAB KIUPRILI	(aside). Yes! the Jew, Barzoni!
EMERICK	Under the imminent risk of death she lies, Or irrecoverable loss of reason, If known friend’s face or voice renew the frenzy.
CASIMIR	(to Kiuprili). Trust me, my lord! a woman’s trick has duped you — Us too — but most of all, the sainted Andreas. Even for his own fair fame, his grace prays hourly For her recovery, that (the States convened) She may take counsel of her friends.
EMERICK	Right, Casimir! Receive my pledge, lord general. It shall stand In her own will to appear and voice her claims; Or (which in truth I hold the wiser course) With all the past passed by, as family quarrels, Let the Queen Dowager, with unblenched honours, Resume her state, our first Illyrian matron.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Prince Emerick! you speak fairly, and your pledge too Is such, as well would suit an honest meaning.
CASIMIR	My lord! you scarce know half his grace’s goodness. The wealthy heiress, high-born fair Sarolta, Bred in the convent of our noble ladies, Her relative, the venerable abbess, Hath, at his grace’s urgence, wooed and won for me.
EMERICK	Long may the race, and long may that name flourish, Which your heroic deeds, brave chief, have rendered Dear and illustrious to all true Illyrians.
RAAB KIUPRILI	The longest line that ever tracing herald Or found or feigned, placed by a beggar’s soul Hath but a mushroom’s date in the comparison: And with the soul, the conscience is coeval, Yea, the soul’s essence.
EMERICK	Conscience, good my lord, Is but the pulse of reason. Is it conscience, That a free nation should be handed down, Like the dull clods beneath our feet, by chance And the blind law of lineage? That whether infant, Or man matured, a wise man or an idiot, Hero or natural coward, shall have guidance Of a free people’s destiny, should fall out In the mere lottery of a reckless nature, Where few the prizes and the blanks are countless? Or haply that a nation’s fate should hang On the bald accident of a midwife’s handling The unclosed sutures of an infant’s skull?
CASIMIR	What better claim can sovereign wish or need Than the free voice of men who love their country? Those chiefly who have fought for’t? Who by right, Claim for their monarch one, who having obeyed, So hath best learnt to govern; who, having suffered, Can feel for each brave sufferer and reward him? Whence sprang the name of Emperor? Was it not By Nature’s fiat? In the storm of triumph, ‘Mid warriors’ shouts, did her oracular voice Make itself heard: Let the commanding spirit Possess the station of command!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Prince Emerick, Your cause will prosper best in your own pleading.
EMERICK	(aside to Casimir). Ragozzi was thy school-mate — a bold spirit! Bind him to us! — Thy father thaws apace! [Then aloud. Leave us awhile, my lord! — Your friend, Ragozzi, Whom you have not yet seen since his return, Commands the guard to-day. [CASIMIR retires to the Guard-house; and after a time appears before it with CHEF RAGOZZI. We are alone. What further pledge or proof desires Kiuprili? Then, with your assent ——
RAAB KIUPRILI	Mistake not for assent The unquiet silence of a stern resolve Throttling the impatient voice. I have heard thee, Prince! And I have watched thee, too; but have small faith in A plausible tale told with a flitting eye. [EMERICK turns as about to call for the Guard. In the next moment I am in thy power, In this thou art in mine. Stir but a step, Or make one sign — I swear by this good sword, Thou diest that instant.
EMERICK	Ha, ha! — Well, Sir! — Conclude your homily.
RAAB KIUPRILI	A tale which, whether true or false, comes guarded Against all means of proof, detects itself. The Queen mew’d up — this too from anxious care And love brought forth of a sudden, a twin birth With thy discovery of her plot to rob thee Of a rightful throne! — Mark how the scorpion, falsehood, Coils round in its own perplexity, and fixes Its sting in its own head!
EMERICK	Aye! to the mark!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Had’st thou believed thine own tale, had’st thou fancied Thyself the rightful successor of Andreas, Would’st thou have pilfered from our school-boys’ themes These shallow sophisms of a popular choice? What people? How convened? or, if convened, Must not the magic power that charms together Millions of men in council, needs have power To win or wield them? Better, O far better Shout forth thy titles to yon circling mountains, And with a thousand-fold reverberation Make the rocks flatter thee, and the volleying air, Unbribed, shout back to thee, King Emerick! By wholesome laws to embank the sovereign power, To deepen by restraint, and by prevention Of lawless will to amass and guide the flood In its majestic channel, is man’s task And the true patriot’s glory! In all else Men safelier trust to Heaven, than to themselves When least themselves in the mad whirl of crowds Where folly is contagious, and too oft Even wise men leave their better sense at home To chide and wonder at them when returned.
EMERICK	(aloud). Is’t thus thou scoff’st the people? most of all, The soldiers, the defenders of the people?
RAAB KIUPRILI	O most of all, most miserable nation, For whom the imperial power, enormous bubble! Is blown and kept aloft, or burst and shattered By the bribed breath of a lewd soldiery! Chiefly of such, as from the frontiers far, (Which is the noblest station of true warriors) In rank licentious idleness beleaguer City and Court, a venomed thorn i’the side Of virtuous kings, the tyrant’s slave and tyrant, Still ravening for fresh largess! But with such What title claim’st thou, save thy birth? What merits Which many a liegeman may not plead as well, Brave though I grant thee? If a life outlaboured Head, heart, and fortunate arm, in watch and war, For the land’s fame and weal; if large acquests, Made honest by the aggression of the foe, And whose best praise is, that they bring us safety; If victory, doubly-wreathed, whose under-garland Of laurel-leaves looks greener and more sparkling Thro’ the grey olive-branch; if these, Prince Emerick! Give the true title to the throne, not thou — No! (let Illyria, let the infidel enemy Be judge and arbiter between us!) I, I were the rightful sovereign!
EMERICK	I have faith That thou both think’st and hop’st it. Fair Zapolya, A provident lady —
RAAB KIUPRILI	Wretch beneath all answer!
EMERICK	Offers at once the royal bed and throne!
RAAB KIUPRILI	To be a kingdom’s bulwark, a king’s glory, Yet loved by both, and trusted, and trust-worthy, Is more than to be king; but see! thy rage Fights with thy fear. I will relieve thee! Ho! [To the Guard.
EMERICK	Not for thy sword, but to entrap thee, ruffian! Thus long I have listened — Guard — ho! from the Palace. [The Guard post from the Guard-house with CHEF RAGOZZI at their head, and then a number from the Palace — CHEF RAGOZZI demands KIUPRILI’S sword, and apprehends him.
CASIMIR	O agony! [To EMERICK. Sire, hear me! [To KIUPRILI, who turns from him. Hear me, father!
EMERICK	Take in arrest that traitor and assassin! Who pleads for his life, strikes at mine, his sovereign’s.
RAAB KIUPRILI	As the Co-regent of the Realm, I stand Amenable to none save to the States Met in due course of law. But ye are bond-slaves, Yet witness ye that before God and man I here impeach Lord Emerick of foul treason, And on strong grounds attaint him with suspicion Of murder —
EMERICK	Hence with the madman!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Your Queen’s murder, The royal orphan’s murder: and to the death Defy him, as a tyrant and usurper. [Hurried off by RAGOZZI and the Guard.
EMERICK	Ere twice the sun hath risen, by my sceptre This insolence shall be avenged.
CASIMIR	O banish him! This infamy will crush me. O for my sake, Banish him, my liege lord!
EMERICK	What? to the army? Be calm, young friend! Nought shall be done in anger. The child o’erpowers the man. In this emergence I must take counsel for us both. Retire. [Exit CASIMIR.
EMERICK	(alone, looks at a Calendar). The changeful planet, now in her decay, Dips down at midnight, to be seen no more. With her shall sink the enemies of Emerick, Cursed by the last look of the waning moon: And my bright destiny, with sharpened horns, Shall greet me fearless in the new-born crescent. [Exit.
(didascalia)	Scene changes to the back of the Palace — a Wooded Park, and Mountains.
(didascalia)	Enter ZAPOLYA, with an infant in arms.
ZAPOLYA	Hush, dear one! hush! My trembling arm disturbs thee! Thou, the protector of the helpless! Thou, The widow’s husband and the orphan’s father, Direct my steps! Ah whither? O send down Thy angel to a houseless babe and mother, Driven forth into the cruel wilderness! Hush, sweet one! Thou art no Hagar’s offspring: thou art The rightful heir of an anointed king! What sounds are those? It is the vesper chaunt Of labouring men returning to their home! Their queen has no home! Hear me, heavenly Father! And let this darkness —— Be as the shadow of thy outspread wings To hide and shield us! Start’st thou in thy slumbers? Thou canst not dream of savage Emerick. Hush! Betray not thy poor mother! For if they seize thee I shall grow mad indeed, and they’ll believe Thy wicked uncle’s lie. Ha! what? A soldier? [Enter CHEF RAGOZZI.
CHEF RAGOZZI	Sure Heaven befriends us. Well! he hath escaped! O rare tune of a tyrant’s promises That can enchant the serpent treachery From forth its lurking hole in the heart. ‘Ragozzi! O brave Ragozzi! Count! Commander! What not?’ And all this too for nothing! a poor nothing! Merely to play the underling in the murder Of my best friend Kiuprili! His own son — monstrous! Tyrant! I owe thee thanks, and in good hour Will I repay thee, for that thou thought’st me too A serviceable villain. Could I now But gain some sure intelligence of the queen: Heaven bless and guard her!
ZAPOLYA	(coming forward). Art thou not Ragozzi?
CHEF RAGOZZI	The Queen! Now then the miracle is full! I see heaven’s wisdom is an over-match For the devil’s cunning. This way, madam, haste!
ZAPOLYA	Stay! Oh, no! Forgive me if I wrong thee! This is thy sovereign’s child: Oh, pity us, And be not treacherous! [Kneeling.
CHEF RAGOZZI	(raising her). Madam! For mercy’s sake!
ZAPOLYA	But tyrants have a hundred eyes and arms!
CHEF RAGOZZI	Take courage, madam! ‘Twere too horrible, (I can not do’t) to swear I’m not a monster! — Scarce had I barr’d the door on Raab Kiuprili —
ZAPOLYA	Kiuprili! How?
CHEF RAGOZZI	There is not time to tell it, — The tyrant called me to him, praised my zeal — (And be assured I overtopt his cunning And seemed right zealous.) But time wastes: In fine, Bids me dispatch my trustiest friends, as couriers With letters to the army. The thought at once Flashed on me. I disguised my prisoner —
ZAPOLYA	What, Raab Kiuprili?
CHEF RAGOZZI	Yes! my noble general! I sent him off, with Emerick’s own pacquet, Haste, and post haste — Prepared to follow him ——
ZAPOLYA	Ah, how? Is it joy or fear? My limbs seem sinking! —
CHEF RAGOZZI	(supporting her). Heaven still befriends us. I have left my charger, A gentle beast and fleet, and my boy’s mule, One that can shoot a precipice like a bird, Just where the wood begins to climb the mountains. The course we’ll thread will mock the tyrant’s guesses, Or scare the followers. Ere we reach the main road The Lord Kiuprili will have sent a troop To escort me. Oh, thrice happy when he finds The treasure which I convoy!
ZAPOLYA	One brief moment, That praying for strength I may have strength. This babe, Heaven’s eye is on it, and its innocence Is, as a prophet’s prayer, strong and prevailing! Through thee, dear babe, the inspiring thought possessed me, When the loud clamor rose, and all the palace Emptied itself — (They sought my life, Ragozzi!) Like a swift shadow gliding, I made way To the deserted chamber of my lord. — [Then to the infant. And thou didst kiss thy father’s lifeless lips, And in thy helpless hand, sweet slumberer! Still clasp’st the signet of thy royalty. As I removed the seal, the heavy arm Dropt from the couch aslant, and the stiff finger Seemed pointing at my feet. Provident Heaven! Lo, I was standing on the secret door, Which, through a long descent where all sound perishes, Led out beyond the palace. Well I knew it —— But Andreas framed it not! He was no tyrant!
CHEF RAGOZZI	Haste, madam! Let me take this precious burden! [He kneels as he takes the child.
ZAPOLYA	Take him! And if we be pursued, I charge thee, Flee thou and leave me! Flee and save thy king! [Then as going off, she looks back on the palace. Thou tyrant’s den, be called no more a palace! The orphan’s angel at the throne of heaven Stands up against thee, and there hover o’er thee A Queen’s, a Mother’s, and a Widow’s curse. Henceforth a dragon’s haunt, fear and suspicion Stand sentry at thy portals! Faith and honour, Driven from the throne, shall leave the attainted nation: And, for the iniquity that houses in thee, False glory, thirst of blood, and lust of rapine, (Fateful conjunction of malignant planets) Shall shoot their blastments on the land. The fathers Henceforth shall have no joy in their young men, And when they cry: Lo! a male child is born! The mother shall make answer with a groan. For bloody usurpation, like a vulture, Shall clog its beak within Illyria’s heart. Remorseless slaves of a remorseless tyrant, They shall be mocked with sounds of liberty, And liberty shall be proclaimed alone To thee, O Fire! O Pestilence! O Sword! Till Vengeance hath her fill. — And thou, snatched hence, Poor friendless fugitive! with mother’s wailing, Offspring of Royal Andreas, shalt return, With trump and timbrel-clang, and popular shout, In triumph to the palace of thy fathers! [Exeunt.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	A Mountainous Country. BATHORY’S Dwelling at the end of the Stage.
(didascalia)	Enter LADY SAROLTA and GLYCINE.
GLYCINE	Well then! our round of charity is finished. Rest, Madam! You breathe quick.
SAROLTA	What, tired, Glycine? No delicate court-dame, but a mountaineer By choice no less than birth, I gladly use The good strength Nature gave me.
GLYCINE	That last cottage Is built as if an eagle or a raven Had chosen it for her nest.
SAROLTA	So many are The sufferings which no human aid can reach, It needs must be a duty doubly sweet To heal the few we can. Well! let us rest.
GLYCINE	There? [Pointing to BATHORY’S dwelling.
SAROLTA	Here! For on this spot Lord Casimir Took his last leave. On yonder mountain-ridge I lost the misty image which so long Lingered, or seemed at least to linger on it.
GLYCINE	And what if even now, on that same ridge, A speck should rise, and still enlarging, lengthening, As it clomb downwards, shape itself at last To a numerous cavalcade, and spurring foremost, Who but Sarolta’s own dear lord returned From his high embassy?
SAROLTA	Thou hast hit my thought! All the long day, from yester-morn to evening, The restless hope fluttered about my heart. Oh we are querulous creatures! Little less Than all things can suffice to make us happy; And little more than nothing is enough To discontent us. — Were he come, then should I Repine he had not arrived just one day earlier To keep his birth-day here, in his own birth-place.
GLYCINE	But our best sports belike, and gay processions Would to my lord have seemed but work-day sights Compared with those the royal court affords.
SAROLTA	I have small wish to see them. A spring morning With its wild gladsome minstrelsy of birds And its bright jewelry of flowers and dew-drops (Each orbéd drop an orb of glory in it) Would put them all in eclipse. This sweet retirement Lord Casimir’s wish alone would have made sacred: But, in good truth, his loving jealousy Did but command, what I had else entreated.
GLYCINE	And yet had I been born Lady Sarolta, Been wedded to the noblest of the realm, So beautiful besides, and yet so stately ——
SAROLTA	Hush! Innocent flatterer!
GLYCINE	Nay! to my poor fancy The royal court would seem an earthly heaven, Made for such stars to shine in, and be gracious.
SAROLTA	So doth the ignorant distance still delude us! Thy fancied heaven, dear girl, like that above thee, In its mere self cold, drear, colourless void, Seen from below and in the large, becomes The bright blue ether, and the seat of gods! Well! but this broil that scared you from the dance? And was not Laska there: he, your betrothed?
GLYCINE	Yes, madam! he was there. So was the maypole, For we danced round it.
SAROLTA	Ah, Glycine! why, Why did you then betroth yourself?
GLYCINE	Because My own dear lady wished it! ‘twas you asked me!
SAROLTA	Yes, at my lord’s request, but never wished, My poor affectionate girl, to see thee wretched. Thou knowest not yet the duties of a wife.
GLYCINE	Oh, yes! It is a wife’s chief duty, madam! To stand in awe of her husband, and obey him, And, I am sure, I never shall see Laska But I shall tremble.
SAROLTA	Not with fear, I think, For you still mock him. Bring a seat from the cottage. [Exit GLYCINE into the cottage, SAROLTA continues her speech looking after her. Something above thy rank there hangs about thee, And in thy countenance, thy voice, and motion, Yea, e’en in thy simplicity, Glycine, A fine and feminine grace, that makes me feel More as a mother than a mistress to thee! Thou art a soldier’s orphan! that — the courage, Which rising in thine eye, seems oft to give A new soul to its gentleness, doth prove thee! Thou art sprung too of no ignoble blood, Or there’s no faith in instinct! [Angry voices and clamour within.
(didascalia)	Re-enter GLYCINE.
GLYCINE	Oh, madam! there’s a party of your servants, And my lord’s steward, Laska, at their head, Have come to search for old Bathory’s son, Bethlen, that brave young man! ‘twas he, my lady, That took our parts, and beat off the intruders, And in mere spite and malice, now they charge him With bad words of Lord Casimir and the king. Pray don’t believe them, madam! This way! This way! Lady Sarolta’s here. — [Calling without.
SAROLTA	Be calm, Glycine.
(didascalia)	Enter LASKA and Servants with OLD BATHORY.
LASKA	(to Bathory). We have no concern with you! What needs your presence?
OLD BATHORY	What! Do you think I’ll suffer my brave boy To be slandered by a set of coward-ruffians, And leave it to their malice, — yes, mere malice! — To tell its own tale? [LASKA and Servants bow to Lady SAROLTA.
SAROLTA	Laska! What may this mean?
LASKA	Madam! and may it please your ladyship! This old man’s son, by name Bethlen Bathory, Stands charged, on weighty evidence, that he, On yester-eve, being his lordship’s birth-day, Did traitorously defame Lord Casimir: The lord high steward of the realm, moreover ——
SAROLTA	Be brief! We know his titles!
LASKA	And moreover Raved like a traitor at our liege King Emerick. And furthermore, said witnesses make oath, Led on the assault upon his lordship’s servants; Yea, insolently tore, from this, your huntsman, His badge of livery of your noble house, And trampled it in scorn.
SAROLTA	(to the Servants who offer to speak). You have had your spokesman! Where is the young man thus accused?
OLD BATHORY	I know not: But if no ill betide him on the mountains, He will not long be absent!
SAROLTA	Thou art his father?
OLD BATHORY	None ever with more reason prized a son; Yet I hate falsehood more than I love him. But more than one, now in my lady’s presence, Witnessed the affray, besides these men of malice; And if I swerve from truth ——
GLYCINE	Yes! good old man! My lady! pray believe him!
SAROLTA	Hush, Glycine Be silent, I command you. [Then to BATHORY. Speak! we hear you!
OLD BATHORY	My tale is brief. During our festive dance, Your servants, the accusers of my son, Offered gross insults, in unmanly sort, To our village maidens. He (could he do less?) Rose in defence of outraged modesty, And so persuasive did his cudgel prove, (Your hectoring sparks so over-brave to women Are always cowards) that they soon took flight, And now in mere revenge, like baffled boasters, Have framed this tale, out of some hasty words Which their own threats provoked.
SAROLTA	Old man! you talk Too bluntly! Did your son owe no respect To the livery of our house?
OLD BATHORY	Even such respect As the sheep’s skin should gain for the hot wolf That hath begun to worry the poor lambs!
LASKA	Old insolent ruffian!
GLYCINE	Pardon! pardon, madam! I saw the whole affray. The good old man Means no offence, sweet lady! — You, yourself, Laska! know well, that these men were the ruffians! Shame on you!
SAROLTA	What! Glycine? Go, retire! [Exit GLYCINE. Be it then that these men faulted. Yet yourself, Or better still belike the maidens’ parents, Might have complained to us. Was ever access Denied you? Or free audience? Or are we Weak and unfit to punish our own servants?
OLD BATHORY	So then! So then! Heaven grant an old man patience! And must the gardener leave his seedling plants, Leave his young roses to the rooting swine While he goes ask their master, if perchance His leisure serve to scourge them from their ravage?
LASKA	Ho! Take the rude clown from your lady’s presence! I will report her further will!
SAROLTA	Wait then, Till thou hast learnt it! Fervent good old man! Forgive me that, to try thee, I put on A face of sternness, alien to my meaning! [Then speaks to the Servants. Hence! leave my presence! and you, Laska! mark me! Those rioters are no longer of my household! If we but shake a dewdrop from a rose In vain would we replace it, and as vainly Restore the tear of wounded modesty To a maiden’s eye familiarized to licence. — But these men, Laska —
LASKA	(aside). Yes, now ‘tis coming.
SAROLTA	Brutal aggressors first, then baffled dastards, That they have sought to piece out their revenge With a tale of words lured from the lips of anger Stamps them most dangerous; and till I want Fit means for wicked ends, we shall not need Their services. Discharge them! You, Bathory! Are henceforth of my household! I shall place you Near my own person. When your son returns, Present him to us!
OLD BATHORY	Ha! what strangers here!Your goodness, lady — and it came so sudden — I can not — must not — let you be deceived. I have yet another tale, but — [Then to SAROLTA aside. not for all ears!
SAROLTA	I oft have passed your cottage, and still praised Its beauty, and that trim orchard-plot, whose blossoms The gusts of April showered aslant its thatch. Come, you shall show it me! And, while you bid it Farewell, be not ashamed that I should witness The oil of gladness glittering on the water Of an ebbing grief. [BATHORY shows her into his cottage.
LASKA	(alone). Vexation! baffled! school’d! Ho! Laska! wake! why? what can all this mean? She sent away that cockatrice in anger! Oh the false witch! It is too plain, she loves him. And now, the old man near my lady’s person, She’ll see this Bethlen hourly! [LASKA flings himself into the seat. GLYCINE peeps in.
GLYCINE	Laska! Laska! Is my lady gone?
LASKA	Gone.
GLYCINE	Have you yet seen him? Is he returned? [LASKA starts up. Has the seat stung you, Laska?
LASKA	No, serpent! no; ‘tis you that sting me; you! What! you would cling to him again?
GLYCINE	Whom?
LASKA	Bethlen! Bethlen! Yes; gaze as if your very eyes embraced him! Ha! you forget the scene of yesterday! Mute ere he came, but then — Out on your screams, And your pretended fears!
GLYCINE	Your fears, at least, Were real, Laska! or your trembling limbs And white cheeks played the hypocrites most vilely!
LASKA	I fear! whom? what?
GLYCINE	I know what I should fear, Were I in Laska’s place.
LASKA	What?
GLYCINE	My own conscience, For having fed my jealousy and envy With a plot, made out of other men’s revenges, Against a brave and innocent young man’s life! Yet, yet, pray tell me!
LASKA	You will know too soon.
GLYCINE	Would I could find my lady! though she chid me — Yet this suspense — [Going.
LASKA	Stop! stop! one question only — I am quite calm —
GLYCINE	Ay, as the old song says, Calm as a tiger, valiant as a dove. Nay now, I have marred the verse: well! this one question —
LASKA	Are you not bound to me by your own promise? And is it not as plain —
GLYCINE	Halt! that’s two questions.
LASKA	Pshaw! Is it not as plain as impudence, That you’re in love with this young swaggering beggar, Bethlen Bathory? When he was accused, Why pressed you forward? Why did you defend him?
GLYCINE	Question meet question: that’s a woman’s privilege, Why, Laska, did you urge Lord Casimir To make my lady force that promise from me?
LASKA	So then, you say, Lady Sarolta, forced you?
GLYCINE	Could I look up to her dear countenance, And say her nay? As far back as I wot of All her commands were gracious, sweet requests. How could it be then, but that her requests Must needs have sounded to me as commands? And as for love, had I a score of loves, I’d keep them all for my dear, kind, good mistress.
LASKA	Not one for Bethlen?
GLYCINE	Oh! that’s a different thing. To be sure he’s brave, and handsome, and so pious To his good old father. But for loving him — Nay, there, indeed you are mistaken, Laska! Poor youth! I rather think I grieve for him; For I sigh so deeply when I think of him! And if I see him, the tears come in my eyes, And my heart beats; and all because I dreamt That the war-wolf had gored him as he hunted In the haunted forest!
LASKA	You dare own all this? Your lady will not warrant promise-breach. Mine, pampered Miss! you shall be; and I’ll make you Grieve for him with a vengeance. Odd’s, my fingers Tingle already! [Makes threatening signs.
GLYCINE	(aside). Ha! Bethlen coming this way! [GLYCINE then cries out. Oh, save me! save me! Pray don’t kill me, Laska!
(didascalia)	Enter BETHLEN in a Hunting Dress.
BETHLEN	What, beat a woman!
LASKA	(to Glycine). O you cockatrice!
BETHLEN	Unmanly dastard, hold!
LASKA	Do you chance to know Who — I — am, Sir? — (‘Sdeath! how black he looks!)
BETHLEN	I have started many strange beasts in my time, But none less like a man, than this before me That lifts his hand against a timid female.
LASKA	Bold youth! she’s mine.
GLYCINE	No, not my master yet, But only is to be; and all, because Two years ago my lady asked me, and I promised her, not him; and if she’ll let me, I’ll hate you, my lord’s steward.
BETHLEN	Hush, Glycine!
GLYCINE	Yes, I do, Bethlen; for he just now brought False witnesses to swear away your life: Your life, and old Bathory’s too.
BETHLEN	Bathory’s! Where is my father? Answer, or —— Ha! gone! [LASKA during this time retires from the Stage.
GLYCINE	Oh, heed not him! I saw you pressing onward, And did but feign alarm. Dear gallant youth, It is your life they seek!
BETHLEN	My life?
GLYCINE	Alas, Lady Sarolta even —
BETHLEN	She does not know me!
GLYCINE	Oh that she did! she could not then have spoken With such stern countenance. But though she spurn me, I will kneel, Bethlen —
BETHLEN	Not for me, Glycine! What have I done? or whom have I offended?
GLYCINE	Rash words, ‘tis said, and treasonous of the king. [BETHLEN mutters to himself.
GLYCINE	(aside). So looks the statue, in our hall, o’ the god, The shaft just flown that killed the serpent!
BETHLEN	King!
GLYCINE	Ah, often have I wished you were a king. You would protect the helpless every where, As you did us. And I, too, should not then Grieve for you, Bethlen, as I do; nor have The tears come in my eyes; nor dream bad dreams That you were killed in the forest; and then Laska Would have no right to rail at me, nor say (Yes, the base man, he says,) that I — I love you.
BETHLEN	Pretty Glycine! wert thou not betrothed — But in good truth I know not what I speak. This luckless morning I have been so haunted With my own fancies, starting up like omens, That I feel like one, who waking from a dream Both asks and answers wildly. — But Bathory?
GLYCINE	Hist! ‘tis my lady’s step! She must not see you! [BETHLEN retires.
(didascalia)	Enter from the Cottage SAROLTA and BATHORY.
SAROLTA	Go, seek your son! I need not add, be speedy — You here, Glycine? [Exit BATHORY.
GLYCINE	Pardon, pardon, Madam! If you but saw the old man’s son, you would not, You could not have him harmed.
SAROLTA	Be calm, Glycine!
GLYCINE	No, I shall break my heart.
SAROLTA	Ha! is it so? O strange and hidden power of sympathy, That of — like fates, though all unknown to each, Dost make blind instincts, orphan’s heart to orphan’s Drawing by dim disquiet!
GLYCINE	Old Bathory —
SAROLTA	Seeks his brave son. Come, wipe away thy tears. Yes, in good truth, Glycine, this same Bethlen Seems a most noble and deserving youth.
GLYCINE	My lady does not mock me?
SAROLTA	Where is Laska? Has he not told thee?
GLYCINE	Nothing. In his fear — Anger, I mean — stole off — I am so fluttered — Left me abruptly —
SAROLTA	His shame excuses him! He is somewhat hardly tasked; and in discharging His own tools, cons a lesson for himself. Bathory and the youth henceforward live Safe in my lord’s protection.
GLYCINE	The saints bless you! Shame on my graceless heart! How dared I fear, Lady Sarolta could be cruel?
SAROLTA	Come, Be yourself, girl!
GLYCINE	O, ‘tis so full here! And now it can not harm him if I tell you, That the old man’s son —
SAROLTA	Is not that old man’s son! A destiny, not unlike thine own, is his. For all I know of thee is, that thou art A soldier’s orphan: left when rage intestine Shook and engulphed the pillars of Illyria. This other fragment, thrown back by that same earthquake, This, so mysteriously inscribed by nature, Perchance may piece out and interpret thine. Command thyself! Be secret! His true father —— Hear’st thou?
GLYCINE	O tell —
BETHLEN	(rushing out). Yes, tell me, Shape from heaven! Who is my father?
SAROLTA	(gazing with surprise). Thine? Thy father? Rise!
GLYCINE	Alas! He hath alarmed you, my dear lady!
SAROLTA	His countenance, not his act!
GLYCINE	Rise, Bethlen! Rise!
BETHLEN	No; kneel thou too! and with thy orphan’s tongue Plead for me! I am rooted to the earth And have no power to rise! Give me a father! There is a prayer in those uplifted eyes That seeks high Heaven! But I will overtake it, And bring it back, and make it plead for me In thine own heart! Speak! Speak! Restore to me A name in the world!
SAROLTA	By that blest Heaven I gazed at, I know not who thou art. And if I knew, Dared I — But rise!
BETHLEN	Blest spirits of my parents, Ye hover o’er me now! Ye shine upon me! And like a flower that coils forth from a ruin, I feel and seek the light I can not see!
SAROLTA	Thou see’st yon dim spot on the mountain’s ridge, But what it is thou know’st not. Even such Is all I know of thee — haply, brave youth, Is all Fate makes it safe for thee to know!
BETHLEN	Safe? Safe? O let me then inherit danger, And it shall be my birth-right!
SAROLTA	(aside). That look again! — The wood which first incloses, and then skirts The highest track that leads across the mountains — Thou know’st it, Bethlen?
BETHLEN	Lady, ‘twas my wont To roam there in my childhood oft alone And mutter to myself the name of father. For still Bathory (why, till now I guessed not) Would never hear it from my lips, but sighing Gazed upward. Yet of late an idle terror ——
GLYCINE	Madam, that wood is haunted by the war-wolves, Vampires, and monstrous ——
SAROLTA	Moon-calves, credulous girl! Haply some o’ergrown savage of the forest Hath his lair there, and fear hath framed the rest. After that last great battle, (O young man! Thou wakest anew my life’s sole anguish) that Which fixed Lord Emerick on his throne, Bathory Led by a cry, far inward from the track, In the hollow of an oak, as in a nest, Did find thee, Bethlen, then a helpless babe. The robe that wrapt thee was a widow’s mantle.
BETHLEN	An infant’s weakness doth relax my frame. O say — I fear to ask ——
SAROLTA	And I to tell thee.
BETHLEN	Strike! O strike quickly! See, I do not shrink. I am stone, cold stone.
SAROLTA	Hid in a brake hard by, Scarce by both palms supported from the earth, A wounded lady lay, whose life fast waning Seemed to survive itself in her fixt eyes, That strained towards the babe. At length one arm Painfully from her own weight disengaging, She pointed first to heaven, then from her bosom Drew forth a golden casket. Thus entreated Thy foster-father took thee in his arms, And kneeling spake: ‘If aught of this world’s comfort Can reach thy heart, receive a poor man’s troth, That at my life’s risk I will save thy child!’ Her countenance worked, as one that seemed preparing A loud voice, but it died upon her lips In a faint whisper, ‘Fly! Save him! Hide — hide all!’
BETHLEN	And did he leave her? What! had I a mother? And left her bleeding, dying? Bought I vile life With the desertion of a dying mother? Oh agony!
GLYCINE	Alas! thou art bewildered, And dost forget thou wert a helpless infant!
BETHLEN	What else can I remember, but a mother Mangled and left to perish?
SAROLTA	Hush, Glycine! It is the ground-swell of a teeming instinct: Let it but lift itself to air and sunshine, And it will find a mirror in the waters It now makes boil above it. Check him not!
BETHLEN	O that I were diffused among the waters That pierce into the secret depths of earth, And find their way in darkness! Would that I Could spread myself upon the homeless winds! And I would seek her! for she is not dead! She can not die! O pardon, gracious lady! You were about to say, that he returned —
SAROLTA	Deep Love, the godlike in us, still believes Its objects as immortal as itself!
BETHLEN	And found her still —
SAROLTA	Alas! he did return, He left no spot unsearched in all the forest, But she (I trust me by some friendly hand) Had been borne off.
BETHLEN	O whither?
GLYCINE	Dearest Bethlen! I would that you could weep like me! O do not Gaze so upon the air!
SAROLTA	While he was absent, A friendly troop, ‘tis certain, scoured the wood, Hotly pursued indeed by Emerick.
BETHLEN	Emerick. Oh hell!
GLYCINE	Bethlen!
BETHLEN	Hist! I’ll curse him in a whisper! This gracious lady must hear blessings only. She hath not yet the glory round her head, Nor those strong eagle wings, which make swift way To that appointed place, which I must seek; Or else she were my mother!
SAROLTA	Noble youth! From me fear nothing! Long time have I owed Offerings of expiation for misdeeds Long past that weigh me down, though innocent! Thy foster-father hid the secret from thee, For he perceived thy thoughts as they expanded, Proud, restless, and ill-sorting with thy state! Vain was his care! Thou’st made thyself suspected E’en where suspicion reigns, and asks no proof But its own fears! Great Nature hath endowed thee With her best gifts! From me thou shalt receive All honourable aidance! But haste hence! Travel will ripen thee, and enterprise Beseems thy years! Be thou henceforth my soldier! And whatsoe’er betide thee, still believe That in each noble deed, achieved or suffered, Thou solvest best the riddle of thy birth! And may the light that streams from thine own honour Guide thee to that thou seekest!
GLYCINE	Must he leave us?
BETHLEN	And for such goodness can I return nothing But some hot tears that sting mine eyes? Some sighs That if not breathed would swell my heart to stifling? May heaven and thine own virtues, high-born lady, Be as a shield of fire, far, far aloof To scare all evil from thee! Yet, if fate Hath destined thee one doubtful hour of danger, From the uttermost region of the earth, methinks, Swift as a spirit invoked, I should be with thee! And then, perchance, I might have power to unbosom These thanks that struggle here. Eyes fair as thine Have gazed on me with tears of love and anguish, Which these eyes saw not, or beheld unconscious; And tones of anxious fondness, passionate prayers, Have been talked to me! But this tongue ne’er soothed A mother’s ear, lisping a mother’s name! O, at how dear a price have I been loved And no love could return! One boon then, lady! Where’er thou bidd’st, I go thy faithful soldier, But first must trace the spot, where she lay bleeding Who gave me life. No more shall beast of ravine Affront with baser spoil that sacred forest! Or if avengers more than human haunt there, Take they what shape they list, savage or heavenly, They shall make answer to me, though my heart’s blood Should be the spell to bind them. Blood calls for blood! [Exit Bethlen.
SAROLTA	Ah! it was this I feared. To ward off this Did I withhold from him that old Bathory Returning hid beneath the self-same oak, Where the babe lay, the mantle, and some jewel Bound on his infant arm.
GLYCINE	Oh, let me fly And stop him! Mangled limbs do there lie scattered Till the lured eagle bears them to her nest. And voices have been heard! And there the plant grows That being eaten gives the inhuman wizard Power to put on the fell hyæna’s shape.
SAROLTA	What idle tongue hath bewitched thee, Glycine? I hoped that thou had’st learnt a nobler faith.
GLYCINE	O chide me not, dear lady; question Laska, Or the old man.
SAROLTA	Forgive me, I spake harshly. It is indeed a mighty sorcery That doth enthral thy young heart, my poor girl, And what hath Laska told thee?
GLYCINE	Three days past A courier from the king did cross that wood; A wilful man, that armed himself on purpose: And never hath been heard of from that time! [Sound of horns without.
SAROLTA	Hark! dost thou hear it!
GLYCINE	‘Tis the sound of horns! Our huntsmen are not out!
SAROLTA	Lord Casimir Would not come thus! [Horns again.
GLYCINE	Still louder!
SAROLTA	Haste we hence! For I believe in part thy tale of terror! But, trust me, ‘tis the inner man transformed: Beasts in the shape of men are worse than war-wolves. [SAROLTA and GLYCINE exeunt. Trumpets, &c. louder. Enter EMERICK, LORD RUDOLPH, LASKA, and Huntsmen and Attendants.
RUDOLPH	A gallant chase, sire.
EMERICK	Aye, but this new quarry That we last started seems worth all the rest. [then to Laska. And you — excuse me — what’s your name?
LASKA	Whatever Your majesty may please.
EMERICK	Nay, that’s too late, man. Say, what thy mother and thy godfather Were pleased to call thee.
LASKA	Laska, my liege sovereign.
EMERICK	Well, my liege subject, Laska! And you are Lord Casimir’s steward?
LASKA	And your majesty’s creature.
EMERICK	Two gentle dames made off at our approach. Which was your lady?
LASKA	My liege lord, the taller. The other, please your grace, is her poor handmaid, Long since betrothed to me. But the maid’s froward — Yet would your grace but speak —
EMERICK	Hum, master steward! I am honoured with this sudden confidence. Lead on. [to Laska, then to Rudolph. Lord Rudolph, you’ll announce our coming. Greet fair Sarolta from me, and entreat her To be our gentle hostess. Mark, you add How much we grieve, that business of the state Hath forced us to delay her lord’s return.
LORD RUDOLPH	(aside). Lewd, ingrate tyrant! Yes, I will announce thee.
EMERICK	Now onward all. [Exeunt attendants. A fair one, by my faith! If her face rival but her gait and stature, My good friend Casimir had his reasons too. ‘Her tender health, her vow of strict retirement, Made early in the convent — His word pledged—’ All fictions, all! fictions of jealousy. Well! If the mountain move not to the prophet, The prophet must to the mountain! In this Laska There’s somewhat of the knave mixed up with dolt. Through the transparence of the fool, methought, I saw (as I could lay my finger on it) The crocodile’s eye, that peered up from the bottom. This knave may do us service. Hot ambition Won me the husband. Now let vanity And the resentment for a forced seclusion Decoy the wife! Let him be deemed the aggressor Whose cunning and distrust began the game! [Exit.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	A savage wood. At one side a cavern, overhung with ivy. ZAPOLYA and RAAB KIUPRILI discovered: both, but especially the latter, in rude and savage garments.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Heard you then aught while I was slumbering?
ZAPOLYA	Nothing. Only your face became convulsed. We miserable! Is heaven’s last mercy fled? Is sleep grown treacherous?
RAAB KIUPRILI	O for a sleep, for sleep itself to rest in! I dream’d I had met with food beneath a tree, And I was seeking you, when all at once My feet became entangled in a net: Still more entangled as in rage I tore it. At length I freed myself, had sight of you, But as I hastened eagerly, again I found my frame encumbered: a huge serpent Twined round my chest, but tightest round my throat.
ZAPOLYA	Alas! ‘twas lack of food: for hunger chokes!
RAAB KIUPRILI	And now I saw you by a shrivelled child Strangely pursued. You did not fly, yet neither Touched you the ground, methought, but close above it Did seem to shoot yourself along the air, And as you passed me, turned your face and shrieked.
ZAPOLYA	I did in truth send forth a feeble shriek, Scarce knowing why. Perhaps the mock’d sense craved To hear the scream, which you but seemed to utter. For your whole face looked like a mask of torture! Yet a child’s image doth indeed pursue me Shrivelled with toil and penury!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Nay! what ails you?
ZAPOLYA	A wondrous faintness there comes stealing o’er me. Is it Death’s lengthening shadow, who comes onward, Life’s setting sun behind him?
RAAB KIUPRILI	Cheerly! The dusk Will quickly shroud us. Ere the moon be up, Trust me I’ll bring thee food!
ZAPOLYA	Hunger’s tooth has Gnawn itself blunt. O, I could queen it well O’er my own sorrows as my rightful subjects. But wherefore, O revered Kiuprili! wherefore Did my importunate prayers, my hopes and fancies, Force thee from thy secure though sad retreat? Would that my tongue had then cloven to my mouth! But Heaven is just! With tears I conquered thee, And not a tear is left me to repent with! Had’st thou not done already — had’st thou not Suffered — oh, more than e’er man feigned of friendship?
RAAB KIUPRILI	Yet be thou comforted! What! had’st thou faith When I turned back incredulous? ‘Twas thy light That kindled mine. And shall it now go out, And leave thy soul in darkness? Yet look up, And think thou see’st thy sainted lord commissioned And on his way to aid us! Whence those late dreams, Which after such long interval of hopeless And silent resignation all at once Night after night commanded thy return Hither? and still presented in clear vision This wood as in a scene? this very cavern? Thou darest not doubt that Heaven’s especial hand Worked in those signs. The hour of thy deliverance Is on the stroke: — for misery can not add Grief to thy griefs, or patience to thy sufferance!
ZAPOLYA	Can not! Oh, what if thou wert taken from me? Nay, thou said’st well: for that and death were one. Life’s grief is at its height indeed; the hard Necessity of this inhuman state Hath made our deeds inhuman as our vestments. Housed in this wild wood, with wild usages, Danger our guest, and famine at our portal — Wolf-like to prowl in the shepherd’s fold by night! At once for food and safety to affrighten The traveller from his road — [GLYCINE is heard singing without.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Hark! heard you not A distant chaunt?
GLYCINE	SONG By GLYCINE A sunny shaft did I behold, From sky to earth it slanted: And poised therein a bird so bold — Sweet bird, thou wert enchanted! He sank, he rose, he twinkled, he trolled Within that shaft of sunny mist; His eyes of fire, his beak of gold, All else of amethyst! And thus he sang: ‘Adieu! adieu! Love’s dreams prove seldom true. The blossoms, they make no delay: The sparkling dew-drops will not stay. Sweet month of May, We must away; Far, far away! To-day! to-day!’
ZAPOLYA	Sure ‘tis some blest spirit! For since thou slew’st the usurper’s emissary That plunged upon us, a more than mortal fear Is as a wall, that wards off the beleaguerer And starves the poor besieged. [Song again.
RAAB KIUPRILI	It is a maiden’s voice! quick to the cave!
ZAPOLYA	Hark! her voice falters! [Exit ZAPOLYA.
RAAB KIUPRILI	She must not enter The cavern, else I will remain unseen! [KIUPRILI retires to one side of the stage. GLYCINE enters singing.
GLYCINE	A savage place! saints shield me! Bethlen! Bethlen! Not here? — There’s no one here! I’ll sing again! [Sings again. If I do not hear my own voice, I shall fancy Voices in all chance sounds! [Starts. ‘Twas 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?
RAAB KIUPRILI	(unseen). Leave them and flee!
GLYCINE	(shrieks, then recovering.) Where are you?
RAAB KIUPRILI	(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! ‘Twas not his voice! — [GLYCINE leaves the provisions, and exit. KIUPRILI comes forward, seizes them and carries them into the cavern. GLYCINE returns.
GLYCINE	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!—’Twas my own heart! Hush, coward heart! better beat loud with fear, Than break with shame and anguish! [As she approaches to enter the cavern, KIUPRILI stops her. GLYCINE shrieks. Saints protect me!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Swear then by all thy hopes, by all thy fears —
GLYCINE	Save me!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Swear secrecy and silence!
GLYCINE	I swear!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Tell what thou art, and what thou seekest?
GLYCINE	Only A harmless orphan youth, to bring him food —
RAAB KIUPRILI	Wherefore in this wood?
GLYCINE	Alas! it was his purpose —
RAAB KIUPRILI	With what intention came he? Would’st thou save him, Hide nothing!
GLYCINE	Save him! O forgive his rashness! He is good, and did not know that thou wert human!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Human? With what design?
GLYCINE	To kill thee, or If that thou wert a spirit, to compel thee 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 perished here!
ZAPOLYA	Angel of mercy, I was perishing And thou did’st bring me food: and now thou bring’st The sweet, sweet food of hope and consolation To a mother’s famished heart! His name, sweet maiden!
GLYCINE	E’en till this morning we were wont to name him Bethlen Bathory!
ZAPOLYA	Even till this morning? This morning? when my weak faith failed me wholly! Pardon, O thou that portion’st out our sufferance, And fill’st again the widow’s empty cruse! Say on!
GLYCINE	The false ones charged the valiant youth With treasonous words of Emerick —
ZAPOLYA	Ha! my son!
GLYCINE	And of Lord Casimir —
RAAB KIUPRILI	(aside). O agony! my son!
GLYCINE	But my dear lady —
ZAPOLYA and RAAB KIUPRILI	Who?
GLYCINE	Lady Sarolta Frowned and discharged these bad men.
RAAB KIUPRILI	(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.
ZAPOLYA	(embraces Glycine). Sweet innocent! and you came here to seek him, And bring him food. Alas! thou fear’st?
GLYCINE	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!
RAAB KIUPRILI	(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 clogged our flight With many a babe and many a childing mother. This maid herself is one of numberless Planks from the same vast wreck. [Then to GLYCINE again. Well! Casimir’s wife —
GLYCINE	She is always gracious, and so praised the old man That his heart o’erflowed, and made discovery That in this wood —
ZAPOLYA	O speak!
GLYCINE	A wounded lady — [ZAPOLYA faints — they both support her.
GLYCINE	Is this his mother?
RAAB KIUPRILI	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 KIUPRILI	Emerick?
GLYCINE	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 deserv’st that name! Thou did’st 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! — Had ever monster fitting lair, ‘tis yonder! Thou yawning den, I well remember thee! Mine eyes deceived me not. Heaven leads me on! 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 charméd 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 BETHLEN is about to enter, KIUPRILI speaks from the cavern unseen.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Withdraw thy foot! Retract thine idle spear, And wait obedient!
BETHLEN	Ha! What art thou? speak!
RAAB KIUPRILI	(still unseen). Avengers!
BETHLEN	By a dying mother’s pangs E’en such am I. Receive me!
RAAB KIUPRILI	(still unseen). Wait! Beware! At thy first step, thou treadest upon the light, Thenceforth must darkling flow, and sink in darkness!
BETHLEN	Ha! see my boar-spear trembles like a reed! — Oh, fool! mine eyes are duped by my own shuddering. — Those piléd thoughts, built up in solitude, Year following year, that pressed upon my heart As on the altar of some unknown God, Then, as if touched 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 obeyed! Declare ye by what name I dare invoke you! Tell what sacrifice Will make you gracious.
RAAB KIUPRILI	(still unseen). Patience! Truth! Obedience! Be thy whole soul transparent! so the Light, Thou seekest, may enshrine itself within thee! Thy name?
BETHLEN	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 answered To the chance sound which he that fed me, called me.
RAAB KIUPRILI	(still unseen). Thy birth-place?
BETHLEN	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 surveyed 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 KIUPRILI	(still unseen). More, guiltier, mightier, Than thou mayest summon! Wait the destined hour!
BETHLEN	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!
ZAPOLYA	(unseen). One fatherless!
BETHLEN	A sweeter voice! — A voice of love and pity! Was it the softened echo of mine own? Sad echo! but the hope it kill’d was sickly, And ere it died it had been mourned 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. Ha!
ZAPOLYA	My son! my son! A wretched — Oh no, no! a blest — a happy mother! [They embrace. KIUPRILI and GLYCINE come forward and the curtain drops.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	A stately room in LORD CASIMIR’S castle. Enter EMERICK and LASKA.
EMERICK	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.
EMERICK	Perchance, thou think’st it strange, that I of all men Should covet thus the love of fair Sarolta, Dishonouring Casimir?
LASKA	Far be it from me! Your Majesty’s love and choice bring honour with them.
EMERICK	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	(aside). Would I but knew now, what his Majesty meant! Oh yes, Sire! ‘tis our common talk, how Lord Kiuprili, my Lord’s father —
EMERICK	‘Tis your talk, Is it, good statesman Laska?
LASKA	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.
EMERICK	Well, ‘tis 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 —
EMERICK	Thou followed’st her Into the wood? [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 —
EMERICK	Made thee shake like a leaf!
LASKA	The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her; Forward I rushed!
EMERICK	Most marvellous!
LASKA	Hurled my javelin; Which from his dragon-scales recoiling —
EMERICK	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? Was not that friend a king? Whate’er he did ‘Twas all from pure love to his Majesty.’
EMERICK	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 wished 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 winked 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.
LASKA	Your Majesty’s reasoning has convinced me.
EMERICK	Thee! ‘Tis 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.
EMERICK	Here! This purse is but an earnest of thy fortune, If thou prov’st faithful. But if thou betrayest me, Hark you! — the wolf that shall drag thee to his den Shall be no fiction. [Exit EMERICK. LASKA manet with a key in one hand, and a purse in the other.
LASKA	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! The household Are all safe lodged.’ — Then, put Fidelity Within her proper wards, just turn her round — So — the door opens — and for all the rest, ‘Tis the king’s deed, not Laska’s. Do but this And—’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 At the due distance — then — yonder lies the road For Laska and his royal friend, King Emerick! [Exit LASKA. Then enter BATHORY and BETHLEN.
BETHLEN	He looked 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 BATHORY	Even so.
BETHLEN	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 BATHORY	Those very arms this day Sarolta show’d me — With wistful look. I’m lost in wild conjectures!
BETHLEN	O tempt me not, e’en 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,’ 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 looked 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 BATHORY	Laska! what ails thee, man?
LASKA	(pointing to Bethlen). There!
OLD BATHORY	I see nothing! where?
LASKA	He does not see it! Bethlen, torment me not!
BETHLEN	Soft! Rouse him gently! He hath outwatched his hour, and half asleep, With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams.
OLD BATHORY	Ho! Laska! Don’t you know us! ‘tis Bathory And Bethlen!
LASKA	Good now! Ha! ha! An excellent trick. Afraid? Nay, no offence! But I must laugh. But are you sure now, that ‘tis you, yourself?
BETHLEN	Would’st be convinced?
LASKA	No nearer, pray! consider! If it should prove his ghost, the touch would freeze me To a tombstone. No nearer!
BETHLEN	The fool is drunk!
LASKA	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 BATHORY	You, Laska?
BETHLEN	(to Bathory). Mark! Heaven grant it may be so! Glycine?
LASKA	She! 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 wished to compliment the war-wolf At once with music and a meal!
BETHLEN	(to Bathory). Mark that!
LASKA	At the next moment I beheld her running, Wringing her hands with, ‘Bethlen! O poor Bethlen!’ I almost fear, the sudden noise I made, Rushing impetuous through the brake, alarmed her. She stopt, then mad with fear, turned 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 played the hero at a cautious distance! Or was it that you sent the poor girl forward To stay the monster’s stomach? Dainties quickly Pall on the taste and cloy the appetite!
OLD BATHORY	Laska, beware! Forget not what thou art! Should’st thou but dream thou’rt valiant, cross thyself! 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. ‘Tis possible too, young man! that royal Emerick, At Laska’s rightful suit, may make inquiry By whom seduced, the maid so strangely missing —
BETHLEN	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	‘Tis well! it shall content me! though your fear Has all the credit of these lowered tones. First we demand the manner of her death?
BETHLEN	Nay! that’s superfluous! Have you not just told us, That you yourself, led by impetuous valour, Witnessed the whole? My tale’s of later date. After the fate, from which your valour strove In vain to rescue the rash maid, I saw her!
LASKA	Glycine?
BETHLEN	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 appeared to me. But haply I come too late? It has itself delivered Its own commission to you?
OLD BATHORY	‘Tis most likely! And the ghost doubtless vanished, when we entered And found brave Laska staring wide — at nothing!
LASKA	‘Tis 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 confidence, Tells you, his royal friend asks startling questions! ‘Tis but a hint! And now what says the ghost!
BETHLEN	Listen! for thus it spake: ‘Say thou to Laska, Glycine, knowing all thy thoughts engrossed In thy new office of king’s fool and knave, Foreseeing thou’lt 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 cudgel’ — thus. [Beats him off. Off! scoundrel! off! [LASKA runs away.
OLD BATHORY	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.
BETHLEN	E’en this reproves my loitering. Say where lies The oratory?
OLD BATHORY	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 arched 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!
BETHLEN	There I will meet you! And till then good-night! Dear good old man, good-night!
OLD BATHORY	O yet one moment! What I repelled, when it did seem my own, I cling to, now ‘tis 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!
BETHLEN	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!
BATHORY	Go! Go! [Exit BETHLEN. May every star now shining over us, Be as an angel’s eye, to watch and guard him! [Exit BATHORY.
(didascalia)	Scene changes to a splendid Bed-chamber, hung with tapestry.
(didascalia)	SAROLTA and an Attendant.
ATTENDANT	We all did love her, madam!
SAROLTA	She deserved it! Luckless Glycine! rash, unhappy girl! ‘Twas 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.
SAROLTA	Has the youth’s father come back from his search?
ATTENDANT	He never will, I fear me. O dear lady! That Laska did so triumph o’er the old man — It was quite cruel—’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!’
SAROLTA	Inhuman wretch!
ATTENDANT	And old Bathory answered 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!
SAROLTA	Nay! ‘twas my grief, and not my anger spoke. Small fault indeed! but leave me, my poor girl! I feel a weight that only prayer can lighten. [Exit Attendant. O 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 dullness tell me, that there is Guilt too enormous to be duly punished, 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, unsheltered! Make our food bitter with despiséd 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 wronged Kiuprili be appeased. But only, Only, O merciful in vengeance! let not That plague turn inward on my Casimir’s soul! Scare thence the fiend Ambition, and restore him To his own heart! O save him! Save my husband! [During the latter part of this speech EMERICK comes forward from his hiding-place. SAROLTA seeing him, without recognising him. In such a shape a father’s curse should come.
EMERICK	(advancing). Fear not.
SAROLTA	Who art thou? Robber? Traitor?
EMERICK	Friend! Who in good hour hath startled these dark fancies, Rapacious traitors, that would fain depose Joy, love, and beauty, from their natural thrones: Those lips, those angel eyes, that regal forehead.
SAROLTA	Strengthen me, Heaven! I must not seem afraid! [Aside. The king to-night then deigns to play the masker. What seeks your Majesty?
EMERICK	Sarolta’s love; And Emerick’s power lies prostrate at her feet.
SAROLTA	Heaven guard the sovereign’s power from such debasement! Far rather, Sire, let it descend in vengeance On the base villain, on the faithless slave Who dared unbar the doors of these retirements! For whom? Has Casimir deserved this insult? O my misgiving heart! If — if — from Heaven Yet not from you, Lord Emerick!
EMERICK	Chiefly from me. Has he not like an ingrate robbed my court Of Beauty’s star, and kept my heart in darkness? First then on him I will administer justice — If not in mercy, yet in love and rapture. [Seizes her.
SAROLTA	Help! Treason! Help!
EMERICK	Call louder! Scream again! Here’s none can hear you!
SAROLTA	Hear me, hear me, Heaven!
EMERICK	Nay, why this rage? Who best deserves you? Casimir, Emerick’s bought implement, the jealous slave That mews you up with bolts and bars? or Emerick Who proffers you a throne? Nay, mine you shall be. Hence with this fond resistance! Yield; then live This month a widow, and the next a queen!
SAROLTA	Yet, yet for one brief moment [Struggling. Unhand me, I conjure you. [She throws him off, and rushes towards a toilet. EMERICK follows, and as she takes a dagger, he grasps it in her hand.
EMERICK	Ha! Ha! a dagger; A seemly ornament for a lady’s casket! ‘Tis held, devotion is akin to love, But yours is tragic! Love in war! It charms me, And makes your beauty worth a king’s embraces! [During this speech BETHLEN enters armed.
BETHLEN	Ruffian, forbear! Turn, turn and front my sword!
EMERICK	Pish! who is this?
SAROLTA	O sleepless eye of Heaven! A blest, a blessed spirit! Whence camest thou? May I still call thee Bethlen?
BETHLEN	Ever, lady, Your faithful soldier!
EMERICK	Insolent slave! Depart Know’st thou not me?
BETHLEN	I know thou art a villain And coward! That thy devilish purpose marks thee! What else, this lady must instruct my sword!
SAROLTA	Monster, retire! O touch him not, thou blest one! This is the hour that fiends and damnéd spirits Do walk the earth, and take what form they list! Yon devil hath assumed a king’s!
BETHLEN	Usurped it!
EMERICK	The king will play the devil with thee indeed! But that I mean to hear thee howl on the rack, I would debase this sword, and lay thee prostrate At this thy paramour’s feet; then drag her forth Stained with adulterous blood, and — — mark you, traitress! Strumpeted first, then turned adrift to beggary! Thou prayed’st for’t too.
SAROLTA	Thou art so fiendish wicked, That in thy blasphemies I scarce hear thy threats!
BETHLEN	Lady, be calm! fear not this king of the buskin! A king? Oh laughter! A king Bajazet! That from some vagrant actor’s tiring-room, Hath stolen at once his speech and crown!
EMERICK	Ah! treason! Thou hast been lessoned and tricked up for this! As surely as the wax on thy death-warrant Shall take the impression of this royal signet, So plain thy face hath ta’en the mask of rebel! [BETHLEN seizes EMERICK’S hand and eagerly observes the signet.
BETHLEN	It must be so! ‘Tis e’en the counterpart! But with a foul usurping cypher on it! The light hath flashed from Heaven, and I must follow it! O curst usurper! O thou brother-murderer! That mad’st a star-bright queen a fugitive widow! Who fill’st the land with curses, being thyself All curses in one tyrant! see and tremble! This is Kiuprili’s sword that now hangs o’er thee! Kiuprili’s blasting curse, that from its point Shoots lightnings at thee. Hark! in Andreas’ name, Heir of his vengeance, hell-hound! I defy thee. [They fight, and just as EMERICK is disarmed, in rush CASIMIR, OLD BATHORY, and Attendants. CASIMIR runs in between the combatants, and parts them; in the struggle BETHLEN’S sword is thrown down.
CASIMIR	The king! disarmed too by a stranger! Speak! What may this mean?
EMERICK	Deceived, dishonored lord! Ask thou yon fair adultress! She will tell thee A tale, which would’st thou be both dupe and traitor, Thou wilt believe against thy friend and sovereign! Thou art present now, and a friend’s duty ceases: To thine own justice leave I thine own wrongs. Of half thy vengeance I perforce must rob thee, For that the sovereign claims. To thy allegiance I now commit this traitor and assassin. [Then to the Attendants. Hence with him to the dungeon! and to-morrow, Ere the sun rises, — Hark! your heads or his!
BETHLEN	Can Hell work miracles to mock Heaven’s justice?
EMERICK	Who speaks to him dies! The traitor that has menaced His king, must not pollute the breathing air, Even with a word!
CASIMIR	(to Bathory). Hence with him to the dungeon! [Exit BETHLEN, hurried off by BATHORY and Attendants.
EMERICK	We hunt to-morrow in your upland forest: Thou (to Casimir) wilt attend us: and wilt then explain This sudden and most fortunate arrival. [Exit EMERICK; Manent CASIMIR and SAROLTA.
SAROLTA	My lord! my husband! look whose sword lies yonder! It is Kiuprili’s, Casimir; ‘tis thy father’s! And wielded by a stripling’s arm, it baffled, Yea, fell like Heaven’s own lightnings on that Tarquin.
CASIMIR	Hush! hush! I had detected ere I left the city The tyrant’s curst intent. Lewd, damnéd ingrate! For him did I bring down a father’s curse! Swift, swift must be our means! To-morrow’s sun Sets on his fate or mine! O blest Sarolta! No other prayer, late penitent, dare I offer, But that thy spotless virtues may prevail O’er Casimir’s crimes, and dread Kiuprili’s curse! [Exeunt.

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(didascalia)	A glade in a wood. Enter CASIMIR looking anxiously around.
CASIMIR	This needs must be the spot! O, here he comes!
(didascalia)	Enter LORD RUDOLPH.
CASIMIR	Well met, Lord Rudolph! —— Your whisper was not lost upon my ear, And I dare trust —
LORD RUDOLPH	Enough! the time is precious! You left Temeswar late on yester-eve? And sojourned there some hours?
CASIMIR	I did so!
LORD RUDOLPH	Heard you Aught of a hunt preparing?
CASIMIR	Yes; and met The assembled huntsmen!
LORD RUDOLPH	Was there no word given?
CASIMIR	The word for me was this: — The royal Leopard Chases thy milk-white dedicated Hind.
LORD RUDOLPH	Your answer?
CASIMIR	As the word proves false or true Will Casimir cross the hunt, or join the huntsmen!
LORD RUDOLPH	The event redeemed their pledge?
CASIMIR	It did, and therefore Have I sent back both pledge and invitation. The spotless Hind hath fled to them for shelter, And bears with her my seal of fellowship! [They take hands.
LORD RUDOLPH	But Emerick! how when you reported to him Sarolta’s disappearance, and the flight Of Bethlen with his guards?
CASIMIR	O he received it As evidence of their mutual guilt. In fine, With cozening warmth condoled with, and dismissed me.
LORD RUDOLPH	I entered as the door was closing on you: His eye was fixed, yet seemed to follow you, — With such a look of hate, and scorn and triumph, As if he had you in the toils already, And were then choosing where to stab you first. But hush! draw back!
CASIMIR	This nook is at the furthest From any beaten track.
LORD RUDOLPH	There! mark them! [Points to where LASKA and PESTALUTZ cross the Stage.
CASIMIR	Laska!
LORD RUDOLPH	One of the two I recognized this morning; His name is Pestalutz: a trusty ruffian Whose face is prologue still to some dark murder. Beware no stratagem, no trick of message, Dispart you from your servants.
CASIMIR	(aside). I deserve it. The comrade of that ruffian is my servant: The one I trusted most and most preferred. But we must part. What makes the king so late? It was his wont to be an early stirrer.
LORD RUDOLPH	And his main policy. To enthral the sluggard nature in ourselves Is, in good truth, the better half of the secret To enthral the world: for the will governs all. See, the sky lowers! the cross-winds waywardly Chase the fantastic masses of the clouds With a wild mockery of the coming hunt!
CASIMIR	Mark yonder mass! I make it wear the shape Of a huge ram that butts with head depressed.
LORD RUDOLPH	(smiling). Belike, some stray sheep of the oozy flock, Which, if bards lie not, the Sea-shepherds tend, Glaucus or Proteus. But my fancy shapes it A monster couchant on a rocky shelf.
CASIMIR	Mark too the edges of the lurid mass — Restless, as if some idly-vexing Sprite, On swift wing coasting by, with tetchy hand Pluck’d at the ringlets of the vaporous Fleece. These are sure signs of conflict nigh at hand, And elemental war! [A single trumpet heard at some distance.
LORD RUDOLPH	That single blast Announces that the tyrant’s pawing courser Neighs at the gate. [Trumpets. Hark! now the king comes forth! For ever ‘midst this crash of horns and clarions He mounts his steed, which proudly rears an-end While he looks round at ease, and scans the crowd, Vain of his stately form and horsemanship! I must away! my absence may be noticed.
CASIMIR	Oft as thou canst, essay to lead the hunt Hard by the forest-skirts; and ere high noon Expect our sworn confederates from Temeswar. I trust, ere yet this clouded sun slopes westward, That Emerick’s death, or Casimir’s, will appease The manes of Zapolya and Kiuprili! [Exit RUDOLPH. The traitor, Laska! —— And yet Sarolta, simple, inexperienced, Could see him as he was, and often warned me. Whence learned she this? — O she was innocent! And to be innocent is Nature’s wisdom! The fledge-dove knows the prowlers of the air, Feared soon as seen, and flutters back to shelter. And the young steed recoils upon his haunches, The never-yet-seen adder’s hiss first heard. O surer than Suspicion’s hundred eyes Is that fine sense, which to the pure in heart, By mere oppugnancy of their own goodness, Reveals the approach of evil. Casimir! O fool! O parricide! through yon wood did’st thou, With fire and sword, pursue a patriot father, A widow and an orphan. Dar’st thou then (Curse-laden wretch) put forth these hands to raise The ark, all sacred, of thy country’s cause? Look down in pity on thy son, Kiuprili! And let this deep abhorrence of his crime, Unstained with selfish fears, be his atonement! O strengthen him to nobler compensation In the deliverance of his bleeding country! [Exit CASIMIR.
(didascalia)	Scene changes to the mouth of a Cavern, as in Act II. ZAPOLYA and GLYCINE discovered.
ZAPOLYA	Our friend is gone to seek some safer cave: Do not then leave me long alone, Glycine! Having enjoyed thy commune, loneliness, That but oppressed me hitherto, now scares.
GLYCINE	I shall know Bethlen at the furthest distance, And the same moment I descry him, lady, I will return to you. [Exit GLYCINE. [Enter OLD BATHORY, speaking as he enters.
OLD BATHORY	Who hears? A friend! A messenger from him who bears the signet!
ZAPOLYA	He hath the watch-word! — Art thou not Bathory?
OLD BATHORY	O noble lady! greetings from your son! [BATHORY kneels.
ZAPOLYA	Rise! rise! Or shall I rather kneel beside thee, And call down blessings from the wealth of Heaven Upon thy honoured head? When thou last saw’st me I would full fain have knelt to thee, and could not, Thou dear old man! How oft since then in dreams Have I done worship to thee, as an angel Bearing my helpless babe upon thy wings!
OLD BATHORY	O he was born to honour! Gallant deeds And perilous hath he wrought since yester-eve. Now from Temeswar (for to him was trusted A life, save thine, the dearest) he hastes hither —
ZAPOLYA	Lady Sarolta mean’st thou?
OLD BATHORY	She is safe. The royal brute hath overleapt his prey, And when he turned, a sworded Virtue faced him. My own brave boy — O pardon, noble lady! Your son ——
ZAPOLYA	Hark! Is it he?
OLD BATHORY	I hear a voice Too hoarse for Bethlen’s! ‘Twas his scheme and hope, Long ere the hunters could approach the forest, To have led you hence. — Retire.
ZAPOLYA	O life of terrors!
OLD BATHORY	In the cave’s mouth we have such ‘vantage ground That even this old arm — [Exeunt ZAPOLYA and BATHORY into the cave. Enter LASKA and PESTALUTZ.
LASKA	Not a step further!
PESTALUTZ	Dastard! was this your promise to the king?
LASKA	I have fulfilled his orders. Have walked with you As with a friend: have pointed out Lord Casimir: And now I leave you to take care of him. For the king’s purposes are doubtless friendly.
PESTALUTZ	Be on your guard, man!
LASKA	Ha! what now?
PESTALUTZ	Behind you! ‘Twas one of Satan’s imps, that grinned and threatened you For your most impudent hope to cheat his master!
LASKA	Pshaw! What! you think ‘tis fear that makes me leave you?
PESTALUTZ	Is’t not enough to play the knave to others, But thou must lie to thine own heart?
LASKA	Friend! Laska will be found at his own post, Watching elsewhere for the king’s interest. There’s a rank plot that Laska must hunt down, ‘Twixt Bethlen and Glycine!
PESTALUTZ	What! the girl Whom Laska saw the war-wolf tear in pieces?
LASKA	Well! Take my arms! Hark! should your javelin fail you, These points are tipt with venom. [Seeing GLYCINE without. By Heaven! Glycine! Now as you love the king, help me to seize her! [They run out after GLYCINE. Enter BATHORY from the cavern.
OLD BATHORY	Rest, lady, rest! I feel in every sinew A young man’s strength returning! Which way went they? The shriek came thence. [Enter GLYCINE.
GLYCINE	Ha! weapons here? Then, Bethlen, thy Glycine Will die with thee or save thee! [She seizes them and rushes out. BATHORY following. Music, and Peasants with hunting spears cross the stage, singing chorally.
(didascalia)	CHORAL SONG Up, up! ye dames, ye lasses gay! To the meadows trip away. ‘Tis you must tend the flocks this morn, And scare the small birds from the corn. Not a soul at home may stay: For the shepherds must go With lance and bow To hunt the wolf in the woods to-day. Leave the hearth and leave the house To the cricket and the mouse: Find grannam out a sunny seat, With babe and lambkin at her feet. Not a soul at home may stay: For the shepherds must go With lance and bow To hunt the wolf in the woods to-day. [Exeunt Huntsmen.
(didascalia)	Re-enter BATHORY, BETHLEN, and GLYCINE.
GLYCINE	And now once more a woman ——
BETHLEN	Was it then That timid eye, was it those maiden hands That sped the shaft, which saved me and avenged me?
OLD BATHORY	‘Twas as a vision blazoned on a cloud By lightning, shaped into a passionate scheme Of life and death! I saw the traitor, Laska, Stoop and snatch up the javelin of his comrade; The point was at your back, when her shaft reached him. The coward turned, and at the self-same instant The braver villain fell beneath your sword. [Enter ZAPOLYA.
ZAPOLYA	Bethlen! my child! and safe too!
BETHLEN	Mother! Queen. Royal Zapolya! name me Andreas! Nor blame thy son, if being a king, he yet Hath made his own arm minister of his justice. So do the gods who launch the thunderbolt!
ZAPOLYA	O Raab Kiuprili! Friend! Protector! Guide! In vain we trenched the altar round with waters, A flash from Heaven hath touched the hidden incense —
BETHLEN	And that majestic form that stood beside thee Was Raab Kiuprili!
ZAPOLYA	It was Raab Kiuprili; As sure as thou art Andreas, and the king.
OLD BATHORY	Hail Andreas! hail my king!
ANDREAS	Stop, thou revered one, Lest we offend the jealous destinies By shouts ere victory. Deem it then thy duty To pay this homage, when ‘tis mine to claim it.
GLYCINE	Accept thine hand-maid’s service! [Kneeling.
ZAPOLYA	Raise her, son! O raise her to thine arms! she saved thy life, And through her love for thee, she saved thy mother’s! Hereafter thou shalt know, that this dear maid Hath other and hereditary claims Upon thy heart, and with Heaven guarded instinct But carried on the work her sire began!
ANDREAS	Dear maid! more dear thou canst not be! the rest Shall make my love religion. Haste we hence: For as I reached the skirts of this high forest, I heard the noise and uproar of the chase, Doubling its echoes from the mountain foot.
GLYCINE	Hark! sure the hunt approaches. [Horn without, and afterwards distant thunder.
ZAPOLYA	O Kiuprili!
OLD BATHORY	The demon-hunters of the middle air Are in full cry, and scare with arrowy fire The guilty! Hark! now here, now there, a horn Swells singly with irregular blast! the tempest Has scattered them! [Horns at a distance.
ZAPOLYA	O Heavens! where stays Kiuprili?
OLD BATHORY	The wood will be surrounded! leave me here.
ANDREAS	My mother! let me see thee once in safety. I too will hasten back, with lightning’s speed, To seek the hero!
OLD BATHORY	Haste! my life upon it I’ll guide him safe.
ANDREAS	(thunder). Ha! what a crash was there! Heaven seems to claim a mightier criminal Than yon vile subaltern.
ZAPOLYA	Your behest, High powers, Lo, I obey! To the appointed spirit, That hath so long kept watch round this drear cavern, In fervent faith, Kiuprili, I entrust thee! [Exeunt ZAPOLYA, ANDREAS, and GLYCINE.
OLD BATHORY	Yon bleeding corse may work us mischief still: Once seen, ‘twill rouse alarm and crowd the hunt From all parts towards this spot. Stript of its armour, I’ll drag it hither. [Exit BATHORY. Several Hunters cross the Stage. Enter KIUPRILI.
RAAB KIUPRILI	(throwing off his disguise). Since Heaven alone can save me, Heaven alone Shall be my trust. Haste! haste! Zapolya, flee! Gone! Seized perhaps? Oh no, let me not perish Despairing of Heaven’s justice! Faint, disarmed, Each sinew powerless; senseless rock, sustain me! Thou art parcel of my native land! A sword! Ha! and my sword! Zapolya hath escaped, The murderers are baffled, and there lives An Andreas to avenge Kiuprili’s fall! — There was a time, when this dear sword did flash As dreadful as the storm-fire from mine arm — I can scarce raise it now — yet come, fell tyrant! And bring with thee my shame and bitter anguish, To end his work and thine! Kiuprili now Can take the death-blow as a soldier should. [Re-enter BATHORY, with the dead body of PESTALUTZ.
OLD BATHORY	Poor tool and victim of another’s guilt! Thou follow’st heavily: a reluctant weight! Good truth, it is an undeservéd honour That in Zapolya and Kiuprili’s cave A wretch like thee should find a burial-place. ‘Tis he! — In Andreas’ and Zapolya’s name Follow me, reverend form! Thou need’st not speak, For thou canst be no other than Kiuprili.
KIUPRILI	And are they safe? [Noise without.
OLD BATHORY	Conceal yourself, my lord! I will mislead them!
KIUPRILI	Is Zapolya safe?
OLD BATHORY	I doubt it not; but haste, haste, I conjure you! [Enter CASIMIR.
CASIMIR	Monster! Thou shalt not now escape me!
OLD BATHORY	Stop, lord Casimir! It is no monster.
CASIMIR	Art thou too a traitor? Is this the place where Emerick’s murderers lurk? Say where is he that, tricked in this disguise, First lured me on, then scared my dastard followers? Thou must have seen him. Say where is th’ assassin?
OLD BATHORY	There lies the assassin! slain by that same sword That was descending on his curst employer, When entering thou beheld’st Sarolta rescued!
CASIMIR	Strange providence! what then was he who fled me? Thy looks speak fearful things! Whither, old man! Would thy hand point me?
OLD BATHORY	Casimir, to thy father.
CASIMIR	The curse! the curse! Open and swallow me, Unsteady earth! Fall, dizzy rocks! and hide me!
OLD BATHORY	Speak, speak, my lord!
KIUPRILI	Bid him fulfil his work!
CASIMIR	Thou art Heaven’s immediate minister, dread spirit! O for sweet mercy, take some other form, And save me from perdition and despair!
OLD BATHORY	He lives!
CASIMIR	Lives! A father’s curse can never die!
KIUPRILI	O Casimir! Casimir!
OLD BATHORY	Look! he doth forgive you! Hark! ‘tis the tyrant’s voice. [EMERICK’S voice without.
CASIMIR	I kneel, I kneel! Retract thy curse! O, by my mother’s ashes, Have pity on thy self-abhorring child! If not for me, yet for my innocent wife, Yet for my country’s sake, give my arm strength, Permitting me again to call thee father!
KIUPRILI	Son, I forgive thee! Take thy father’s sword; When thou shalt lift it in thy country’s cause, In that same instant doth thy father bless thee! [Enter EMERICK.
EMERICK	Fools! Cowards! follow — or by Hell I’ll make you Find reason to fear Emerick, more than all The mummer-fiends that ever masqueraded As gods or wood-nymphs! — Ha! ‘tis done then! Our necessary villain hath proved faithful, And there lies Casimir, and our last fears! Well! — Aye, well! —— And is it not well? For though grafted on us, And filled too with our sap, the deadly power Of the parent poison-tree lurked in its fibres: There was too much of Raab Kiuprili in him: The old enemy looked at me in his face, E’en when his words did flatter me with duty.
(didascalia)	Enter CASIMIR and BATHORY.
OLD BATHORY	(aside). This way they come!
CASIMIR	(aside). Hold them in check awhile, The path is narrow! Rudolph will assist thee.
EMERICK	(aside). And ere I ring the alarum of my sorrow, I’ll scan that face once more, and murmur — Here Lies Casimir, the last of the Kiuprilis! Hell! ‘tis Pestalutz!
CASIMIR	(coming forward). Yes, thou ingrate Emerick! ‘Tis Pestalutz! ‘tis thy trusty murderer! To quell thee more, see Raab Kiuprili’s sword!
EMERICK	Curses on it and thee! Think’st thou that petty omen Dare whisper fear to Emerick’s destiny? Ho! Treason! Treason!
CASIMIR	Then have at thee, tyrant! [They fight. EMERICK falls.
EMERICK	Betrayed and baffled By mine own tool! —— Oh! [Dies.
CASIMIR	Hear, hear, my Father! Thou should’st have witnessed thine own deed. O Father, Wake from that envious swoon! The tyrant’s fallen! Thy sword hath conquered! As I lifted it Thy blessing did indeed descend upon me; Dislodging the dread curse. It flew forth from me And lighted on the tyrant!
(didascalia)	Enter RUDOLPH, BATHORY, and Attendants.
RUDOLPH and BATHORY	Friends! friends to Casimir!
CASIMIR	Rejoice, Illyrians! the usurper’s fallen.
RUDOLPH	So perish tyrants! so end usurpation!
CASIMIR	Bear hence the body, and move slowly on! One moment —— Devoted to a joy, that bears no witness, I follow you, and we will greet our countrymen With the two best and fullest gifts of heaven — A tyrant fallen, a patriot chief restored! [CASIMIR enters the Cavern.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	SCENE. — Chamber in CASIMIR’S Castle. Confederates discovered.
FIRST CONFEDERATE	It cannot but succeed, friends. From this palace E’en to the wood, our messengers are posted With such short interspace, that fast as sound Can travel to us, we shall learn the event!
(didascalia)	Enter another Confederate.
FIRST CONFEDERATE	What tidings from Temeswar?
SECOND CONFEDERATE	With one voice Th’ assembled chieftains have deposed the tyrant: He is proclaimed the public enemy, And the protection of the law withdrawn.
FIRST CONFEDERATE	Just doom for him, who governs without law! Is it known on whom the sov’reignty will fall?
SECOND CONFEDERATE	Nothing is yet decided: but report Points to Lord Casimir. The grateful memory Of his renownéd father ——
(didascalia)	Enter SAROLTA.
(didascalia)	Hail to Sarolta!
SAROLTA	Confederate friends! I bring to you a joy Worthy your noble cause! Kiuprili lives, And from his obscure exile, hath returned To bless our country. More and greater tidings Might I disclose; but that a woman’s voice Would mar the wondrous tale. Wait we for him, The partner of the glory — Raab Kiuprili; For he alone is worthy to announce it. [Shouts of ‘Kiuprili, Kiuprili,’ and ‘The Tyrant’s fallen,’ without. Enter KIUPRILI, CASIMIR, RUDOLPH, BATHORY, and Attendants.
RAAB KIUPRILI	Spare yet your joy, my friends! A higher waits you: Behold, your Queen! [Enter ZAPOLYA and ANDREAS royally attired, with GLYCINE.
CONFEDERATE	Comes she from heaven to bless us?
OTHER CONFEDERATES	It is! it is!
ZAPOLYA	Heaven’s work of grace is full! Kiuprili, thou art safe!
RAAB KIUPRILI	Royal Zapolya! To the heavenly powers, pay we our duty first; Who not alone preserved thee, but for thee And for our country, the one precious branch Of Andreas’ royal house. O countrymen, Behold your King! And thank our country’s genius, That the same means which have preserved our sovereign, Have likewise reared him worthier of the throne By virtue than by birth. The undoubted proofs Pledged by his royal mother, and this old man, (Whose name henceforth be dear to all Illyrians) We haste to lay before the assembled council.
ALL	Hail, Andreas! Hail, Illyria’s rightful king!
ANDREAS	Supported thus, O friends! ‘twere cowardice Unworthy of a royal birth, to shrink From the appointed charge. Yet, while we wait The awful sanction of convened Illyria, In this brief while, O let me feel myself The child, the friend, the debtor! — Heroic mother! — But what can breath add to that sacred name? Kiuprili! gift of Providence, to teach us That loyalty is but the public form Of the sublimest friendship, let my youth Climb round thee, as the vine around its elm: Thou my support and I thy faithful fruitage. My heart is full, and these poor words express not, They are but an art to check its over-swelling. Bathory! shrink not from my filial arms! Now, and from henceforth thou shalt not forbid me To call thee father! And dare I forget The powerful intercession of thy virtue, Lady Sarolta? Still acknowledge me Thy faithful soldier! — But what invocation Shall my full soul address to thee, Glycine? Thou sword that leap’dst forth from a bed of roses: Thou falcon-hearted dove?
ZAPOLYA	Hear that from me, son! For ere she lived, her father saved thy life, Thine, and thy fugitive mother’s!
CASIMIR	Chef Ragozzi! O shame upon my head! I would have given her To a base slave!
ZAPOLYA	Heaven overruled thy purpose, And sent an angel to thy house to guard her! Thou precious bark! freighted with all our treasures! The sports of tempests, and yet ne’er the victim, How many may claim salvage in thee! Take her, son! A queen that brings with her a richer dowry Than orient kings can give!
SAROLTA	A banquet waits! — On this auspicious day, for some few hours I claim to be your hostess. Scenes so awful With flashing light, force wisdom on us all! E’en women at the distaff hence may see, That bad men may rebel, but ne’er be free; May whisper, when the waves of faction foam, None love their country, but who love their home: For freedom can with those alone abide, Who wear the golden chain, with honest pride, Of love and duty, at their own fire-side: While mad ambition ever doth caress Its own sure fate, in its own restlessness!