OSORIO

by Coleridge · Cluster: Blood · Verse Drama · Revenge

Abstract

Coleridge’s tragedy (later ‘Remorse’), set in Inquisition-era Granada: the villainous brother Osorio plots his returned brother Albert’s death to seize his love and lands; a verse tragedy of fratricide, guilt, remorse, revenge and the Inquisition.

Capitoli / Chapters

• Act I, Scene 1
• Act II, Scene 1
• Act II, Scene 2
• Act III, Scene 1
• Act III, Scene 2
• Act IV, Scene 1
• Act IV, Scene 2
• Act IV, Scene 3
• Act V, Scene 1
• Act V, Scene 2

Connections

Archetypes: Villain, Avenger Motifs: Sea Themes & Concepts: Revenge, Guilt, Conscience, Jealousy, Deception, Romantic Love, Terror and Horror Forms & Genres: Tragedy, Verse Drama, Blank Verse Historical References: Spanish Inquisition, Catholic Church

Testo integrale / Full text

OSORIO A TRAGEDY CONTENTS DRAMATIS PERSONAE ACT THE FIRST ACT THE SECOND SCENE II. ACT THE THIRD ACT THE FOURTH SCENE II SCENE III ACT THE FIFTH

DRAMATIS PERSONAE [Not in MSS.] Osorio, 1797. Remorse. VELEZ MARQUIS VALDEZ, Father to the two brothers, and Doña Teresa’s Guardian. ALBERT DON ALVAR, the eldest son. OSORIO DON ORDONIO, the youngest son. FRANCESCO MONVIEDRO, a Dominican and Inquisitor. MAURICE ZULIMEZ, the faithful attendant on Alvar. FERDINAND ISIDORE, a Moresco Chieftain, ostensibly a Christian. NAOMI NAOMI. MARIA DOÑA TERESA, an Orphan Heiress. ALHADRA, wife of FERDINAND ALHADRA, Wife of Isidore. FAMILIARS OF THE INQUISITION. MOORS, SERVANTS, &C. Time. The reign of Philip II., just at the close of the civil wars against the Moors, and during the heat of the persecution which raged against them, shortly after the edict which forbad the wearing of Moresco apparel under pain of death.

ACT THE FIRST SCENE — The sea shore on the coast of Granada. VELEZ, MARIA. Maria.

Act I, Scene 1

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	SCENE — The sea shore on the coast of Granada. VELEZ, [[Maria
Maria	I hold Osorio dear: he is your son, And Albert’s brother.
VELEZ	Love him for himself, Nor make the living wretched for the dead.
Maria	I mourn that you should plead in vain, Lord Velez! But Heaven hath heard my vow, and I remain Faithful to Albert, be he dead or living.
VELEZ	Heaven knows with what delight I saw your loves; And could my heart’s [[Blood
Maria	There are woes Ill-barter’d for the garishness of joy! If it be wretched with an untired eye To watch those skiey tints, and this green ocean; Or in the sultry hour beneath some rock, My hair dishevell’d by the pleasant sea-breeze, To shape sweet visions, and live o’er again All past hours of delight; if it be wretched To watch some bark, and fancy Albert there; To go through each minutest circumstance Of the bless’d meeting, and to frame adventures Most terrible and strange, and hear him tell them: (As once I knew a crazy Moorish maid, Who dress’d her in her buried [[Lover
VELEZ	‘Twere horrible, if but one [[Doubt
Maria	Ah, what a busy joy was ours — to see him After his three years’ travels! tho’ that absence His still-expected, never-failing letters Almost endear’d to me! Even then what tumult!
VELEZ	O power of youth to feed on pleasant thoughts Spite of conviction! I am old and heartless! Yes, I am old — I have no pleasant [[Dreams
Maria	(with great tenderness.) My father!
VELEZ	Aye, ‘twas the morning thou didst try to cheer me With a fond gaiety. My heart was bursting, And yet I could not tell me, how my [[Sleep
Maria	(abruptly.) He did not perish there!
VELEZ	(impatiently.) Nay, nay — how aptly thou forgett’st a tale Thou ne’er didst wish to learn — my brave Osorio Saw them both founder in the [[Storm
Maria	For [[Mercy
VELEZ	You wrong him, maiden. You wrong him, by my [[Soul
Maria	O pardon me, my father! pardon me. It was a foolish and ungrateful speech, A most ungrateful speech! But I am hurried Beyond myself, if I but dream of one Who aims to rival Albert. Were we not Born on one day, like twins of the same parent? Nursed in one cradle? Pardon me, my father! A six years’ absence is an heavy thing; Yet still the [[Hope
VELEZ	(looking forwards.) Hush — hush! Maria.
Maria	It is Francesco, our Inquisitor; That busy man, gross, ignorant, and cruel!
(didascalia)	Enter FRANCESCO and ALHADRA.
FRANCESCO	(to Velez.) Where is your son, my lord? Oh! here he comes.
(didascalia)	Enter OSORIO.
FRANCESCO	My Lord Osorio! this Moresco woman (Alhadra is her name) asks audience of you.
OSORIO	Hail, reverend father! What may be the business?
FRANCESCO	O the old business — a Mohammedan! The officers are in her husband’s house, And would have taken him, but that he mention’d Your name, asserting that you were his friend, Aye, and would warrant him a Catholic. But I know [[Well
OSORIO	You are merciful. (Looking at ALHADRA.) I would that I could serve you; but in [[Truth
(didascalia)	(ALHADRA is about to speak, but is interrupted by Francesco.)
FRANCESCO	Aye, aye — I thought so; And so I said to one of the familiars. A likely story, said I, that Osorio, The gallant nobleman, who fought so bravely Some four years past against these [[Rebel
ALHADRA	My lord, my husband’s name Is Ferdinand: you may remember it. Three years ago — three years this very week — You left him at Almeria.
FRANCESCO	(triumphantly.) Palpably false! This very week, three years ago, my lord! (You needs must recollect it by your wound) You were at sea, and fought the Moorish fiends Who took and murder’d your poor brother Albert.
(didascalia)	*([[Maria
FRANCESCO	(to Velez and pointing to Osorio.) What? is he ill, my lord? How strange he looks!
VELEZ	(angrily.) You started on him too abruptly, father! The fate of one, on whom you know he doted.
OSORIO	(starting as in a sudden agitation.) O heavens! I doted! (Then, as if recovering himself.) Yes! I DOTED on him!
(didascalia)	(OSORIO walks to the end of the stage. VELEZ follows soothing him.)
Maria	(her eye following them.) I do not, cannot [[Love
FRANCESCO	The drops did start and stand upon his forehead! I will return — in very [[Truth
ALHADRA	(to Maria.) O gentle lady, make the father stay Till that my lord recover. I am sure That he will say he is my husband’s friend.
Maria	Stay, father, stay — my lord will soon recover.
(didascalia)	(OSORIO and VELEZ returning.)
OSORIO	(to Velez as they return.) Strange! that this Francesco Should have the power so to distemper me.
VELEZ	Nay, ‘twas an amiable weakness, son!
FRANCESCO	(to Osorio.) My lord, I truly grieve ——
OSORIO	Tut! name it not. A sudden seizure, father! think not of it. As to this woman’s husband, I do know him: I know him [[Well
FRANCESCO	I [[Hope
OSORIO	Nay, nay — you know me better. You hear what I have said. But ‘tis a trifle. I had something here of more importance. (Touching his forehead as if in the act of recollection.) Hah! The Count Mondejar, our great general, Writes, that the bishop we were talking of Has sicken’d dangerously.
FRANCESCO	Even so.
OSORIO	I must return my answer.
FRANCESCO	When, my lord?
OSORIO	To-morrow morning, and shall not forget How bright and strong your zeal for the Catholic [[Faith
FRANCESCO	You are too kind, my lord! You overwhelm me.
OSORIO	Nay, say not so. As for this Ferdinand, ‘Tis certain that he was a Catholic. What changes may have happen’d in three years, I cannot say, but grant me this, good father! I’ll go and sift him: if I find him sound, You’ll grant me your authority and name To liberate his house.
FRANCESCO	My lord you have it.
OSORIO	(to Alhadra.) I will attend you [[Home
ALHADRA	Not till my husband’s free, I may not do it. I will stay here.
Maria	(aside.) Who is this Ferdinand?
VELEZ	Daughter!
Maria	With your permission, my dear lord, I’ll loiter a few minutes, and then join you.
(didascalia)	(Exeunt VELEZ, FRANCESCO, and OSORIO.)
ALHADRA	Hah! there he goes. A bitter curse go with him. A scathing curse! *(ALHADRA had been betrayed by the warmth of her feelings into an imprudence. She checks herself, yet recollecting [[Maria
Maria	Nay, [[Fear
ALHADRA	These fell Inquisitors, these sons of [[Blood
Maria	Be more calm, I pray you.
ALHADRA	And as he stalk’d along the narrow path Close on the mountain’s edge, my [[Soul
Maria	Hush, hush! for shame. Where is your woman’s heart?
ALHADRA	O gentle lady! You have no skill to guess my many wrongs, Many and strange. Besides I am a Christian, And they do never pardon, ‘tis their [[Faith
Maria	Shame fall on those who so have shown it to thee!
ALHADRA	I know that man; ‘tis [[Well
Maria	What might your crime be?
ALHADRA	Solely my complexion. They cast me, then a young and nursing mother, Into a dungeon of their [[Prison
Maria	O God! it is too horrible to hear!
ALHADRA	What was it then to suffer? ‘Tis most right That such as you should hear it. Know you not What Nature makes you mourn, she bids you heal? Great evils ask great passions to redress them, And whirlwinds fitliest scatter pestilence.
Maria	You were at length deliver’d?
ALHADRA	Yes, at length I saw the blessed arch of the whole heaven. ‘Twas the first [[Time
Maria	But your husband?
ALHADRA	A month’s [[Imprisonment
Maria	Alas, poor man!
ALHADRA	He hath a [[Lion
(didascalia)	(Enter ALBERT disguised as a Moresco, and in Moorish garments.)
ALBERT	(not observing Maria and Alhadra.) Three weeks have I been loitering here, nor ever Have summon’d up my heart to ask one question, Or stop one peasant passing on this way.
Maria	Know you that man?
ALHADRA	His person, not his name. I [[Doubt
Maria	Does he know his danger So near this seat?
ALHADRA	He wears the Moorish robes too, As in defiance of the royal edict.
(didascalia)	*(ALHADRA advances to ALBERT, who has walked to the back of the stage near the rocks. [[Maria
ALHADRA	Gallant Moresco! you are near the [[Castle
ALBERT	(retiring.) You have mistaken me — I am a Christian.
ALHADRA	(to Maria.) He deems that we are plotting to ensnare him. Speak to him, lady! none can hear you speak And not believe you [[Innocent
(didascalia)	(ALBERT, on hearing this, pauses and turns round.)
Maria	If aught enforce you to concealment, sir!
ALHADRA	He trembles strangely.
(didascalia)	(ALBERT sinks down and hides his face in his garment [robe Remorse].)
Maria	See — we have disturb’d him. (Approaches nearer to him.) I pray you, think us friends — uncowl your face, For you seem faint, and the [[Night
ALBERT	(raising his head.) Calm — very calm; ‘Tis all too tranquil for reality! And she spoke to me with her [[Innocent
Maria	(haughtily to Alhadra.) Let us retire.
(didascalia)	(They advance to the front of the stage.)
ALHADRA	He is indeed a Christian. Some stray Sir Knight, that falls in [[Love
Maria	What can this mean? How should he know my name? It seems all shadowy.
ALHADRA	Here he comes again.
ALBERT	(aside.) She deems me dead, and yet no mourning garment! Why should my brother’s wife wear mourning garments? God of all [[Mercy
ALHADRA	These renegado Moors — how soon they learn The crimes and follies of their Christian tyrants!
ALBERT	I dreamt I had a friend, on whom I lean’d With blindest trust, and a betrothéd maid Whom I was wont to call not mine, but me, For mine own [[Self
ALHADRA	(to Maria.) You are lost in thought. Hear him no more, sweet lady!
Maria	From morn to [[Night
ALBERT	On a rude rock, A rock, methought, fast by a grove of firs Whose threaddy [[Leaves
Maria	A fearful curse!
ALHADRA	But dreamt you not that you return’d and kill’d him? Dreamt you of no [[Revenge
ALBERT	(his voice trembling, and in tones of deep distress.) She would have died, Died in her sins — perchance, by her own hands! And bending o’er her [[Self
ALHADRA	And you dreamt all this?
Maria	My [[Soul
ALHADRA	There is no room in this heart for puling [[Love
Maria	(lifts up her veil and advances to Albert.) Stranger, farewell! I guess not who you are, Nor why you so address’d your tale to me. Your mien is noble, and, I own, perplex’d me With obscure [[Memory
(didascalia)	*(Exeunt [[Maria
ALBERT	*([[Alone
(didascalia)	END OF ACT THE FIRST.

Act II, Scene 1

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	SCENE THE FIRST. — A wild and mountainous country. OSORIO and [[Ferdinand
Ferdinand	Thrice you have sav’d my life. Once in the battle You gave it me, next rescued me from suicide, When for my follies I was made to wander With mouths to feed, and not a morsel for them. Now, but for you, a dungeon’s slimy stones Had pillow’d my snapt joints.
OSORIO	Good Ferdinand! Why this to me? It is enough you know it.
Ferdinand	A common trick of gratitude, my lord! Seeking to ease her own full heart.
OSORIO	Enough. A debt repay’d ceases to be a debt. You have it in your power to serve me greatly.
Ferdinand	As how, my lord? I pray you name the thing! I would climb up an ice-glaz’d precipice To pluck a weed you fancied.
OSORIO	(with embarrassment and hesitation.) Why — that — lady —
Ferdinand	‘Tis now three years, my lord! since last I saw you. Have you a son, my lord?
OSORIO	O miserable! (Aside.) Ferdinand! you are a man, and know this world. I told you what I wish’d — now for the [[Truth
Ferdinand	(looking as suddenly alarmed.) You jest, my lord?
OSORIO	And till his [[Death
Ferdinand	You sport with me, my lord?
OSORIO	Come, come, this foolery Lives only in thy looks — thy heart disowns it.
Ferdinand	I can bear this, and anything more grievous From you, my lord! — but how can I serve you here?
OSORIO	Why, you can mouth set speeches solemnly, Wear a quaint garment, make mysterious antics.
Ferdinand	I am dull, my lord! I do not comprehend you.
OSORIO	In blunt terms] you can play the sorcerer. She has no [[Faith
Ferdinand	(with hesitation.) Just now I should have cursed the man who told me You could ask aught, my lord! and I refuse. But this I cannot do.
OSORIO	Where lies your scruple?
Ferdinand	That shark Francesco.
OSORIO	O! an o’ersiz’d gudgeon! I baited, sir, my hook with a painted mitre, And now I play with him at the end of the line. Well — and what next?
Ferdinand	(stammering.) Next, next — my lord! You know you told me that the lady loved you, Had loved you with incautious tenderness. That if the young man, her betrothéd husband, Return’d, yourself, and she, and an unborn babe, Must perish. Now, my lord! to be a man!
OSORIO	(aloud, though to express his contempt he speaks in the third person.) This fellow is a man! he kill’d for hire One whom he knew not — yet has tender scruples. *(Then turning to [[Ferdinand
Ferdinand	My lord — my lord! I can bear much, yes, very much from you. But there’s a point where sufferance is meanness! I am no [[Villain
OSORIO	O! aye, your gratitude! ‘Twas a [[Well
Ferdinand	Who proffers his past favours for my virtue Tries to o’erreach me, is a very sharper, And should not speak of gratitude, my lord! I knew not ‘twas your brother!
OSORIO	(evidently alarmed.) And who told you?
Ferdinand	He himself told me.
OSORIO	Ha! you talk’d with him? And those, the two Morescoes, that went with you?
Ferdinand	Both fell in a [[Night
OSORIO	(in a low voice.) My brother!
Ferdinand	Yes, my lord! I could not tell you: I thrust away the thought, it drove me wild. But listen to me now. I pray you, listen!
OSORIO	Villain! no more! I’ll hear no more of it.
Ferdinand	My lord! it much imports your future safety That you should hear it.
OSORIO	(turning off from Ferdinand.) Am I not a man? ‘Tis as it should be! Tut — the deed itself Was idle — and these after-pangs still idler!
Ferdinand	We met him in the very place you mention’d, Hard by a grove of firs.
OSORIO	Enough! enough!
Ferdinand	He fought us valiantly, and wounded all; In fine, compell’d a parley!
OSORIO	(sighing as if lost in thought.) Albert! Brother!
Ferdinand	He offer’d me his purse.
OSORIO	Yes?
Ferdinand	Yes! I spurn’d it. He promis’d us I know not what — in vain! Then with a look and voice which overaw’d me, He said — What mean you, friends? My life is dear. I have a brother and a promised wife Who make life dear to me, and if I fall That brother will roam earth and hell for vengeance. There was a likeness in his face to yours. I ask’d his brother’s name; he said, Osorio, Son of Lord Velez! I had [[Well
OSORIO	And you kill’d him? O [[Blood
Ferdinand	(aside.) Were he alive, he had return’d ere now. The consequence the same, dead thro’ his plotting!
OSORIO	O this unutterable dying away here, This sickness of the heart! (A pause.) What if I went And liv’d in a hollow tomb, and fed on weeds? Ay! that’s the [[Road
Ferdinand	How feel you now, my lord?
(didascalia)	(OSORIO starts, looks at him wildly, then, after a pause, during which his features are forced into a smile.)
OSORIO	A gust of the [[Soul
Ferdinand	(in a low voice.) I’ll perish first! Shame on my coward heart, That I must slink away from wickedness Like a cow’d dog!
OSORIO	What dost thou mutter of?
Ferdinand	Some of your servants know me, I am certain.
OSORIO	There’s some sense in that scruple; but we’ll mask you.
Ferdinand	They’ll know my gait. But stay! of late I have watch’d A stranger that lives nigh, still picking weeds, Now in the swamp, now on the walls of the ruin, Now clamb’ring, like a runaway lunatic, Up to the summit of our highest mount. I have watch’d him at it morning-tide and [[Noon
OSORIO	What may his name be?
Ferdinand	That I cannot tell you. Only Francesco bade an officer Speak in your name, as lord of this domain. So he was question’d, who and what he was. This was his answer: Say to the Lord Osorio, ‘He that can bring the dead to life again.’
OSORIO	A strange reply!
Ferdinand	Aye — all of him is strange. He call’d himself a Christian — yet he wears The Moorish robe, as if he courted [[Death
OSORIO	Where does this wizard live?
Ferdinand	(pointing to a distance.) You see that brooklet? Trace its course backward thro’ a narrow opening It leads you to the place.
OSORIO	How shall I know it?
Ferdinand	You can’t mistake. It is a small green dale Built all around with high off-sloping hills, And from its shape our peasants aptly call it The Giant’s Cradle. There’s a lake in the midst, And round its banks tall wood, that branches over And makes a kind of faery forest grow Down in the [[Water
OSORIO	I shall not fail to find it.
(didascalia)	*(Exit OSORIO. [[Ferdinand

Act II, Scene 2

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	The inside of a cottage, around which [[Flowers
ALBERT	He doth believe himself an iron [[Soul
MAURICE	His weakness! Come, come, speak out! Your brother is a [[Villain
ALBERT	Maurice! dear Maurice! That my return involved Osorio’s [[Death
MAURICE	(much affected.) Nay, now, if I have distress’d you — you [[Well
ALBERT	Well, to the Netherlands We will return, the heroic Prince of Orange Will grant us an asylum, in remembrance Of our past service.
MAURICE	Heard you not some steps?
ALBERT	What if it were my brother coming onward! Not very wisely (but his creature teiz’d me) I sent a most mysterious message to him.
MAURICE	Would he not know you?
ALBERT	I unfearingly Trust this disguise. Besides, he thinks me dead; And what the mind believes impossible, The bodily sense is slow to recognize. Add too my youth, when last we saw each other; Manhood has swell’d my chest, and taught my voice A hoarser note.
MAURICE	Most true! And Alva’s Duke Did not improve it by the unwholesome viands He gave so scantily in that foul dungeon, During our long [[Imprisonment
(didascalia)	Enter OSORIO.
ALBERT	It is he!
MAURICE	Make yourself talk; you’ll feel the less. Come, speak. How do you find yourself? Speak to me, Albert.
ALBERT	(placing his hand on his heart.) A little fluttering here; but more of sorrow!
OSORIO	You know my name, perhaps, better than me. I am Osorio, son of the Lord Velez.
ALBERT	(groaning aloud.) The son of Velez!
(didascalia)	(OSORIO walks leisurely round the room, and looks attentively at the plants.)
MAURICE	Why, what ails you now?
(didascalia)	(ALBERT grasps MAURICE’S hand in agitation.)
MAURICE	How your hand trembles, Albert! Speak! what wish you?
ALBERT	To fall upon his neck and weep in anguish!
OSORIO	(returning.) All very curious! from a ruin’d abbey Pluck’d in the moonlight. There’s a strange power in weeds When a few odd prayers have been mutter’d o’er them. Then they work miracles! I warrant you, There’s not a leaf, but underneath it lurks Some serviceable imp. There’s one of you, Who sent me a strange message.
ALBERT	I am he!
OSORIO	I will speak with you, and by yourself.
(didascalia)	(Exit MAURICE.)
OSORIO	‘He that can bring the dead to life again.’ Such was your message, Sir! You are no dullard, But one that strips the outward rind of things!
ALBERT	‘Tis fabled there are fruits with tempting rinds That are all [[Dust
OSORIO	Thou quibbling [[Fool
ALBERT	No, no! my lord! to sport Best fits the gaiety of innocence!
OSORIO	(draws back as if stung and embarrassed, then folding his arms.) O what a thing is Man! the wisest heart A [[Fool
ALBERT	What follows thence?
OSORIO	That you would fain be richer. Besides, you do not [[Love
ALBERT	(solemnly.) Thou art the son of Velez! Would to Heaven That I could truly and for ever serve thee!
OSORIO	The canting scoundrel softens. (Aside.) You are my friend! ‘He that can bring the dead to life again.’ Nay, no defence to me. The holy brethren Believe these calumnies. I know thee better. (Then with great bitterness.) Thou art a man, and as a man I’ll trust thee!
ALBERT	Alas, this hollow mirth! Declare your business!
OSORIO	I [[Love
(didascalia)	(OSORIO steps to the door.)
ALBERT	What! faithless too? false to his angel wife? To such a wife? Well might’st thou look so wan, Ill-starr’d Maria! Wretch! my softer [[Soul
OSORIO	(returned.) In [[Truth
ALBERT	What? you kill’d him? hey?
OSORIO	I’ll dash thee to the earth, if thou but think’st it, Thou slave! thou galley-slave! thou mountebank! I leave thee to the hangman!
ALBERT	Fare you [[Well
(didascalia)	(ALBERT retires off the stage.)
OSORIO	(recovering himself.) ‘Twas ideotcy! I’ll tie myself to an aspen, And wear a Fool’s Cap. Ho! (Calling after ALBERT.)
ALBERT	(returning.) Be brief, what wish you?
OSORIO	You are deep at bartering — you charge yourself At a round sum. Come, come, I spake unwisely.
ALBERT	I listen to you.
OSORIO	In a sudden tempest Did Albert perish — he, I mean, the [[Lover
ALBERT	Nay, speak out, ‘twill ease your heart To call him [[Villain
OSORIO	(hesitating and half doubting whether he should proceed.) Now till she knows him dead she will not wed me!
ALBERT	(with eager vehemence.) Are you not wedded, then? Merciful God! Not wedded to Maria?
OSORIO	Why, what ails thee? Art mad or drunk? Why look’st thou upward so? Dost pray to Lucifer, prince of the air?
ALBERT	Proceed. I shall be silent.
(didascalia)	(ALBERT sits, and leaning on the table hides his face.)
OSORIO	To Maria! Politic wizard! ere you sent that message, You had conn’d your lesson, made yourself proficient In all my fortunes! Hah! you prophesied A golden crop! — [[Well
ALBERT	(lifting up his head.) Well — and this lady!
OSORIO	If we could make her certain of his [[Death
ALBERT	(sighing.) Yes! he did so!
OSORIO	Why, no! he was afraid of accidents, Of robberies and shipwrecks, and the like. In secrecy he gave it me to keep Till his return.
ALBERT	What, he was your friend then?
OSORIO	(wounded and embarrassed.) I was his friend. (A pause.) Now that he gave it me This lady knows not. You are a mighty wizard — Can call this dead man up — he will not come — He is in heaven then! — there you have no influence — Still there are tokens; and your imps may bring you Something he wore about him when he died. And when the smoke of the incense on the altar Is pass’d, your spirits will have left this picture. What say you now?
ALBERT	(after a long pause.) Osorio, I will do it.
OSORIO	Delays are dangerous. It shall be to-morrow In the early evening. Ask for the Lord Velez. I will prepare him. Music, too, and incense, All shall be ready. Here is this same picture — And here what you will value more, a purse. Before the dusk ——
ALBERT	I will not fail to meet you.
OSORIO	Till next we meet, farewell!
ALBERT	*([[Alone
(didascalia)	Enter MAURICE.
ALBERT	Maurice! that picture, which I painted for thee, Of my assassination.
MAURICE	I’ll go fetch it.
ALBERT	Haste! for I yearn to tell thee what has pass’d.
(didascalia)	(MAURICE goes out.)
ALBERT	(gazing at the portrait.) Dear image! rescued from a traitor’s keeping, I will not now prophane thee, holy image! To a dark trick! That worst bad man shall find A picture which shall wake the hell within him, And rouse a fiery whirlwind in his [[Conscience
(didascalia)	END OF ACT THE SECOND.

Act III, Scene 1

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	SCENE THE FIRST. — A hall of armory, with an altar in the part farthest from the stage. VELEZ, OSORIO, [[Maria
Maria	Lord Velez! you have ask’d my presence here, And I submit; but (Heaven bear witness for me!) My heart approves it not! ‘tis mockery!
(didascalia)	(Here ALBERT enters in a sorcerer’s robe.)
Maria	(to Albert.) Stranger! I mourn and blush to see you here On such employments! With far other thoughts I left you.
OSORIO	(aside.) Ha! he has been tampering with her!
ALBERT	O high-[[Soul
(didascalia)	(Here a strain of music is heard from behind the scenes, from an instrument of glass or steel — the harmonica or Celestina stop, or Clagget’s metallic organ.)
ALBERT	With no irreverent voice or uncouth charm I call up the departed. Soul of Albert! Hear our soft suit, and heed my milder spells: So may the gates of Paradise unbarr’d Cease thy swift toils, since haply thou art one Of that innumerable company, Who in broad circle, lovelier than the rainbow, Girdle this round earth in a dizzy motion, With noise too vast and constant to be heard — Fitliest unheard! For, O ye numberless And rapid travellers! what ear unstun’d, What sense unmadden’d, might bear up against The rushing of your congregated wings? Even now your living [[Wheel
(didascalia)	THE [[Song
(didascalia)	Hear, sweet spirit! hear the spell Lest a blacker charm compel! So shall the midnight breezes swell With thy deep long-lingering knell. And at evening evermore In a chapel on the shore Shall the chanters sad and saintly, Yellow tapers burning faintly, Doleful masses chant for thee, Miserere, Domine! Hark! the cadence dies away On the quiet moonlight sea, The boatmen rest their oars, and say, Miserere, Domine! (A long pause.)
OSORIO	This was too [[Melancholy
VELEZ	Nay! My Albert lov’d sad music from a [[Child
ALBERT	(aside.) My [[Tears
OSORIO	The [[Innocent
ALBERT	(abruptly.) A joy to thee! What if thou heard’st him now? What if his spirit Re-enter’d its cold corse, and came upon thee, With many a stab from many a murderer’s poniard? What if, his steadfast eye still beaming pity And brother’s [[Love
VELEZ	These are unholy fancies!
OSORIO	(struggling with his feelings.) Yes, my father! He is in heaven!
ALBERT	(still to Osorio.) But what if this same brother Had lived even so, that at his dying hour The name of heaven would have convuls’d his face More than the [[Death
Maria	Idly-prating man! He was most virtuous.
ALBERT	(still to Osorio.) What if his very virtues Had pamper’d his swoln heart, and made him proud? And what if [[Pride
ALBERT	The spell is mutter’d — come, thou wandering shape, Who own’st no master in an eye of flesh, Whate’er be this man’s doom, fair be it or foul, If he be dead, come quick, and bring with thee That which he grasp’d in [[Death
(didascalia)	*(The whole orchestra crashes into one [[Chorus
(didascalia)	Wandering demon! hear the spell Lest a blacker charm compel!
(didascalia)	*(A thunder-clap. The incense on the altar takes [[Fire
Maria	This is some trick — I know, it is a trick. Yet my weak fancy, and these bodily creepings, Would fain give substance to the [[Shadow
VELEZ	(advancing to the altar.) Hah! A picture!
Maria	O God! my picture?
ALBERT	(gazing at Maria with wild impatient distressfulness.) Pale — pale — deadly pale!
Maria	He grasp’d it when he died.
(didascalia)	(She swoons. ALBERT rushes to her and supports her.)
ALBERT	My [[Love
(didascalia)	(VELEZ is at the altar. OSORIO remains near him in a state of stupor.)
OSORIO	(rousing himself.) Where am I? ‘Twas a lazy chilliness.
VELEZ	(takes and conceals the picture in his robe.) This way, my son! She must not see this picture. Go, call the attendants! Life will soon ebb back!
(didascalia)	(VELEZ and OSORIO leave the stage.)
ALBERT	Her pulse doth flutter. Maria! my Maria!
Maria	(recovering — looks round.) I heard a voice — but often in my [[Dreams
ALBERT	(eagerly.) Believe it not, sweet maid! believe it not, Beloved woman! ‘Twas a low imposture Framed by a guilty wretch.
Maria	Ha! who art thou?
ALBERT	(exceedingly agitated.) My heart bursts over thee!
Maria	Didst thou murder him? And dost thou now repent? Poor troubled man! I do forgive thee, and may Heaven forgive thee!
ALBERT	(aside.) Let me be gone.
Maria	If thou didst murder him, His spirit ever, at the throne of God, Asks [[Mercy
ALBERT	Albert was not murder’d. Your foster-mother ——
Maria	And doth she know aught?
ALBERT	She knows not aught — but haste thou to her cottage To-morrow early — bring Lord Velez with thee. There ye must meet me — but your servants come.
Maria	(wildly.) Nay — nay — but tell me! (A pause — then presses her forehead.) Ah! ‘tis lost again! This dead confused [[Pain
(didascalia)	*(Exeunt ALBERT and [[Maria
VELEZ	(sportively.) You shall not see the picture, till you own it.
OSORIO	This mirth and raillery, sir! beseem your age. I am content to be more serious.
VELEZ	Do you think I did not scent it from the first? An excellent scheme, and excellently managed. ‘Twill blow away her doubts, and now she’ll wed you, I’[[Faith
OSORIO	Where should I get her portrait?
VELEZ	Get her portrait? Portrait? You mean the picture! At the painter’s — No difficulty then — but that you lit upon A fellow that could play the sorcerer, With such a grace and terrible majesty, It was most rare good fortune. And how deeply He seem’d to suffer when Maria swoon’d, And half made [[Love
OSORIO	(with deep tones of suppressed agitation.) Ay, wherefore did he so?
VELEZ	Because you bade him — and an excellent thought! A mighty man, and gentle as he is mighty. He’ll [[Wind
OSORIO	You pierce through mysteries with a lynx’s eye, In this, your merry mood! you see it all!
VELEZ	Why, no! — not all. I have not yet discover’d, At least, not wholly, what his speeches meant. Pride and hypocrisy, and [[Guilt
OSORIO	(with a stupid stare.) Me? why? what ails me? A pricking of the [[Blood
VELEZ	(clapping him on the shoulder.) ‘Twon’t do—’twon’t do — I have lived too long in the world. His speech about the corse and stabs and murderers, Had reference to the assassins in the picture: That I made out.
OSORIO	(with a frantic eagerness.) Assassins! what assassins!
VELEZ	Well-acted, on my life! Your curiosity Runs open-mouth’d, ravenous as [[Winter
OSORIO	Dup’d — dup’d — dup’d! That [[Villain
VELEZ	Dup’d — dup’d — not I. As he swept by me ——
OSORIO	Ha! what did he say?
VELEZ	He caught his garment up and hid his face. It seem’d as he were struggling to suppress ——
OSORIO	A laugh! a laugh! O hell! he laughs at me!
VELEZ	It heaved his chest more like a violent sob.
OSORIO	A choking laugh! (A pause — then very wildly.) I tell thee, my dear father! I am most glad of this!
VELEZ	Glad! — aye — to be sure.
OSORIO	I was benumb’d, and stagger’d up and down Thro’ darkness without light — dark — dark — dark — And every inch of this my flesh did feel As if a cold toad touch’d it! Now ‘tis sunshine, And the [[Blood
VELEZ	(looking intently at the picture.) Calm, yet commanding! how he bares his breast, Yet still they stand with dim uncertain looks, As penitence had run before their crime. A crime too black for aught to follow it Save blasphemous [[Despair
OSORIO	(in a slow voice with a reasoning laugh.) Love — [[Love
VELEZ	Wild talk, my [[Child
OSORIO	I kill a man and lay him in the sun, And in a month there swarm from his dead [[Body
VELEZ	Wild as [[Madness
OSORIO	Come, father! you have taught me to be merry, And merrily we’ll pore upon this picture.
VELEZ	(holding the picture before Osorio.) That Moor, who points his [[Sword
OSORIO	(abruptly.) A tender-hearted, scrupulous, grateful [[Villain
VELEZ	And these other two ——
OSORIO	Dead — dead already! — what care I for the dead?
VELEZ	The heat of brain and your too strong affection For Albert, fighting with your other passion, Unsettle you, and give reality To these your own contrivings.
OSORIO	Is it so? You see through all things with your penetration. Now I am calm. How fares it with Maria? My heart doth ache to see her.
VELEZ	Nay — defer it! Defer it, dear Osorio! I will go. (Exit VELEZ.)
OSORIO	A rim of the sun lies yet upon the sea — And now ‘tis gone! all may be done this [[Night
(didascalia)	Enter a Servant.
OSORIO	There is a man, once a Moresco chieftain, One Ferdinand.
SERVANT	He lives in the Alpuxarras, Beneath a slate rock.
OSORIO	Slate rock?
SERVANT	Yes, my lord! If you had seen it, you must have remember’d The flight of steps his children had worn up it With often clambering.
OSORIO	Well, it may be so.
SERVANT	Why, now I think on’t, at this [[Time
OSORIO	(in a muttering voice.) The cavern — aye — the cavern. He cannot fail to find it. (To the Servant.) Where art going? You must deliver to this Ferdinand A letter. Stay till I have written it. (Exit the Servant.)
OSORIO	*([[Alone
(didascalia)	Scene changes to the space before the [[Castle

Act III, Scene 2

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	FRANCESCO and a Spy.
FRANCESCO	Yes! yes! I have the key of all their lives. If a man fears me, he is forced to [[Love
(didascalia)	*(ALBERT enters from the [[Castle
SPY	There — there — your Reverence! That is the sorcerer.
(didascalia)	*(FRANCESCO runs up and rudely catches hold of ALBERT. ALBERT dashes him to the earth. FRANCESCO and the Spy make an uproar, and the servants rush from out the [[Castle
FRANCESCO	Seize, seize and gag him! or the Church curses you!
(didascalia)	(The servants seize and gag ALBERT.)
(didascalia)	Enter VELEZ and OSORIO.
OSORIO	(aside.) This is most lucky!
FRANCESCO	(inarticulate with rage.) See you this, Lord Velez? Good evidence have I of most foul sorcery, And in the name of Holy Church command you To give me up the keys — the keys, my lord! Of that same dungeon-hole beneath your [[Castle
OSORIO	(to the Servants.) Why haste you not? Go, fly and dungeon him! Then bring the keys and give them to his Reverence.
(didascalia)	(The Servants hurry off ALBERT. OSORIO goes up to FRANCESCO, and pointing at ALBERT.)
OSORIO	(with a laugh.) ‘He that can bring the dead to life again.’
FRANCESCO	What? did you hear it?
OSORIO	Yes, and plann’d this scheme To bring conviction on him. Ho! a wizard, Thought I — but where’s the proof! I plann’d this scheme. The scheme has answer’d — we have proof enough.
FRANCESCO	My lord, your pious policy astounds me. I trust my honest zeal ——
OSORIO	Nay, reverend father! It has but raised my veneration for you. But ‘twould be [[Well
FRANCESCO	My lord! with [[Speed
OSORIO	*([[Alone
(didascalia)	[END OF ACT THE THIRD.]

Act IV, Scene 1

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	SCENE THE FIRST. — A cavern, dark except where a gleam of moonlight is seen on one side of the further end of it, supposed to be cast on it from a cranny [crevice Remorse] in a part of the cavern out of sight. [[Ferdinand
Ferdinand	Drip! drip! drip! drip! — in such a place as this It has nothing else to do but drip! drip! drip! I wish it had not dripp’d upon my torch. Faith ‘twas a moving letter — very moving! His life in danger — no place safe but this. ‘Twas his turn now to talk of gratitude! And yet — but no! there can’t be such a [[Villain
(didascalia)	*(He goes out of sight, opposite to the patch of moonlight, [and returns. Remorse] returns after a minute’s elapse in an ecstasy of [[Fear
Ferdinand	A hellish pit! O God—’tis like my [[Night
(didascalia)	*([[Ferdinand
Ferdinand	I swear, I saw a something moving there! The moonshine came and went, like a flash of [[Lightning
(didascalia)	(OSORIO goes into the recess, then returns, and with great scorn.)
OSORIO	A jutting clay-stone Drips on the long lank weed that grows beneath; And the weed nods and drips.
Ferdinand	(forcing a faint laugh.) A joke to laugh at! It was not that which frighten’d me, my lord!
OSORIO	What frighten’d you?
Ferdinand	You see that little cranny? But first permit me,
(didascalia)	(Lights his torch at OSORIO’S, and while lighting it.)
Ferdinand	(A lighted torch in the hand Is no unpleasant object here — one’s breath Floats round the flame, and makes as many colours As the thin clouds that travel near the [[Moon
OSORIO	Well, what of that?
Ferdinand	I walk’d up to it, meaning to sit there. When I had reach’d it within twenty paces ——
(didascalia)	*([[Ferdinand
Ferdinand	Merciful Heaven! Do go, my lord! and look.
(didascalia)	(OSORIO goes and returns.)
OSORIO	It must have shot some pleasant feelings thro’ you?
Ferdinand	If every atom of a dead man’s flesh Should move, each one with a particular life, Yet all as cold as ever—’twas just so! Or if it drizzled needle-points of [[Frost
OSORIO	(interrupting him.) Why, Ferdinand! I blush for thy cowardice. It would have startled any man, I grant thee. But such a panic.
Ferdinand	When a boy, my lord! I could have sat whole hours beside that chasm, Push’d in huge stones and heard them thump and rattle Against its horrid sides; and hung my head Low down, and listen’d till the heavy fragments Sunk, with faint crash, in that still groaning [[Well
OSORIO	Art thou more coward now?
Ferdinand	Call him that fears his fellow-men a coward. I [[Fear
OSORIO	Well?
Ferdinand	I was in the act Of falling down that chasm, when Alhadra Waked me. She heard my heart beat!
OSORIO	Strange enough! Had you been here before?
Ferdinand	Never, my lord! But my eyes do not see it now more clearly Than in my dream I saw that very chasm.
(didascalia)	(OSORIO stands in a deep study — then, after a pause.)
OSORIO	There is no reason why it should be so. And yet it is.
Ferdinand	What is, my lord?
OSORIO	Unpleasant To kill a man!
Ferdinand	Except in [[Self
OSORIO	Why that’s my case: and yet ‘tis still unpleasant. At least I find it so! But you, perhaps, Have stronger nerves?
Ferdinand	Something doth trouble you. How can I serve you? By the life you gave me, By all that makes that life of value to me, My wife, my babes, my [[Honour
OSORIO	Thyself be judge.
(didascalia)	(OSORIO walks round the cavern — then looking round it.)
OSORIO	One of our family knew this place [[Well
Ferdinand	Who? when? my lord.
OSORIO	What boots it who or when? Hang up the torch. I’ll tell his tale to thee.
(didascalia)	(They hang [up] their torches in some shelf of [on some ridge in Remorse] the cavern.)
OSORIO	He was a man different from other men, And he despised them, yet revered himself.
Ferdinand	What? he was mad?
OSORIO	All men seem’d mad to him, Their actions noisome folly, and their talk — A goose’s gabble was more musical. Nature had made him for some other planet, And press’d his [[Soul
Ferdinand	Ah, poor wretch! Madmen are mostly proud.
OSORIO	He walk’d [[Alone
Ferdinand	I have a prattler three years old, my lord! In [[Truth
OSORIO	With his human hand He gave a being and reality To that wild fancy of a possible thing. Well it was done. (Then very wildly.) Why babblest thou of [[Guilt
Ferdinand	I would, my lord, you were by my fireside! I’d listen to you with an eager eye, Tho’ you began this cloudy tale at midnight. But I do listen — pray proceed, my lord!
OSORIO	Where was I?
Ferdinand	He of whom you tell the tale —
OSORIO	Surveying all things with a quiet scorn Tamed himself down to living purposes, The occupations and the semblances Of ordinary men — and such he seem’d. But that some over-ready agent — he ——
Ferdinand	Ah! what of him, my lord?
OSORIO	He proved a [[Villain
(didascalia)	*(OSORIO grasps his [[Sword
OSORIO	Our links burn dimly.
Ferdinand	A dark tale darkly finish’d! Nay, my lord! Tell what he did.
OSORIO	(fiercely.) That which his wisdom prompted. He made the traitor meet him in this cavern, And here he kill’d the traitor.
Ferdinand	No! — the [[Fool
OSORIO	Thou would’st not then have come, if ——
Ferdinand	O yes, my lord! I would have met him arm’d, and scared the coward!
(didascalia)	*([[Ferdinand
OSORIO	Now this is excellent, and warms the [[Blood
Ferdinand	And all my little ones fatherless! Die thou first.
(didascalia)	*(They fight. OSORIO disarms [[Ferdinand
Ferdinand	(springing wildly towards Osorio.) Still I can strangle thee!
OSORIO	Nay, [[Fool
(didascalia)	*([[Ferdinand
OSORIO	Now — this was luck! No bloodstains, no dead [[Body
(didascalia)	(Exit.)
(didascalia)	SCENE changes to the [[Court

Act IV, Scene 2

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	[[Maria
Maria	And when I heard that you desired to see me, I thought your business was to tell me of him.
FOSTER-MOTHER	I never saw the Moor, whom you describe.
Maria	‘Tis strange! he spake of you familiarly As mine and Albert’s common foster-mother.
FOSTER-MOTHER	Now blessings on the man, whoe’er he be, That join’d your names with mine! O my sweet lady, As often as I think of those dear times When you two little ones would stand at eve, On each side of my chair, and make me learn All you had learnt in the day; and how to talk In gentle phrase, then bid me sing to you, ‘Tis more like heaven to come, that what has been!
Maria	O my dear mother! this strange man has left me Wilder’d with wilder fancies than yon [[Moon
FOSTER-MOTHER	Can no one hear? It is a perilous tale!
Maria	No one.
FOSTER-MOTHER	My husband’s father told it me, Poor old Leoni. Angels rest his [[Soul
Maria	‘Tis a sweet tale: Such as would lull a list’ning [[Child
FOSTER-MOTHER	He went on shipboard With those bold voyagers, who made discovery Of golden lands; Leoni’s younger brother Went likewise, and when he return’d to Spain, He told Leoni that the poor mad youth, Soon after they arrived in that new world, In spite of his dissuasion seized a boat, And all [[Alone
(didascalia)	Enter VELEZ.
VELEZ	Still sad, Maria? This same wizard haunts you.
Maria	O Christ! the tortures that hang o’er his head, If ye betray him to these holy brethren!
VELEZ	(with a kind of sneer.) A portly man, and eloquent, and tender! In [[Truth
Maria	The horror of their ghastly punishments Doth so o’ertop the height of sympathy, That I should feel too little for mine enemy — Ah! far too little — if ‘twere possible, I could feel more, even tho’ my [[Child
VELEZ	Hush! thoughtless woman!
Maria	Nay — it wakes within me More than a woman’s spirit.
VELEZ	(angrily.) No more of this — I can endure no more.
FOSTER-MOTHER	My [[Honour
Maria	Yes! my mother! These are my Albert’s lessons, and I con them With more delight than, in my fondest hour, I bend me o’er his portrait.
VELEZ	(to the Foster-Mother.) My good woman, You may retire. (Exit the FOSTER-MOTHER.)
VELEZ	We have mourn’d for Albert. Have I no living son?
Maria	Speak not of him! That low imposture — my heart sickens at it, If it be [[Madness
VELEZ	Is this [[Well
Maria	Yes! it is [[Truth
VELEZ	Ungrateful woman! I have tried to stifle An old man’s passion! Was it not enough That thou hast made my son a restless man, Banish’d his health and half-unhinged his reason, But that thou wilt insult him with suspicion, And toil to blast his [[Honour
(didascalia)	(FRANCESCO enters and stands listening.)
VELEZ	Repent and marry him — Or to the convent.
FRANCESCO	(muttering.) Good! good! very good!
Maria	Nay, grant me some small pittance of my fortune, And I will live a solitary woman, Or my poor foster-mother and her grandsons May be my household.
FRANCESCO	(advancing.) I abhor a listener; But you spoke so, I could not choose but hear you. I pray, my lord! will you embolden me To ask you why this lady doth prefer To live in lonely sort, without a friend Or fit companion?
VELEZ	Bid her answer you.
Maria	Nature will be my friend and fit companion. (Turns off from them.) O Albert! Albert! that they could return, Those blessed days, that imitated heaven! When we two wont to walk at evening-tide; When we saw nought but [[Beauty
FRANCESCO	But in the convent, lady, you would have Such aids as might preserve you from perdition. There you might dwell.
Maria	With tame and credulous [[Faith
FRANCESCO	(stifling his rage.) Where is your son, my lord?
VELEZ	I have not seen him, father, since he left you.
FRANCESCO	His lordship’s generous [[Nature
Maria	Thou man, who call’st thyself the minister Of Him whose law was [[Love
VELEZ	(rapidly.) Father! I have long suspected it — her brain — Heed it not, father!
FRANCESCO	Nay — but I must heed it.
Maria	Thou miserable man! I [[Fear
FRANCESCO	My lord! I shall presume to wait on you To-morrow early.
VELEZ	Be it so, good father! (Exit FRANCESCO.)
VELEZ	*([[Alone
(didascalia)	SCENE changes to the [[Mountains

Act IV, Scene 3

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	ALHADRA [[Alone
FIRST MORESCO	The law which forced these Christian dresses on us, ‘Twere pleasant to cleave down the wretch who framed it.
SECOND	Yet ‘tis not [[Well
FIRST	Our country robes are dear.
SECOND	And like dear friends, May chance to prove most perilous informers.
(didascalia)	(A third Moresco, NAOMI, advances from out the circle.)
NAOMI	Woman! may Alla and the [[Prophet
ALHADRA	(lifting up [raising Remorse] her eyes, and looking round on the circle.) Warriors of Mahomet, faithful in the battle, My countrymen! Come ye prepared to work An honourable deed? And would ye work it In the slave’s garb? Curse on those Christian robes! They are spell-blasted; and whoever wears them, His arm shrinks wither’d, his heart melts away, And his bones soften!
NAOMI	Where is Ferdinand?
ALHADRA	(in a deep low voice.) This [[Night
ALL	Perished?
ALHADRA	He had perish’d! Sleep on, poor babes! not one of you doth know That he is fatherless, a desolate [[Orphan
ONE TO ANOTHER	Did she say his murder?
NAOMI	Murder’d? Not murder’d?
ALHADRA	Murder’d by a Christian!
(didascalia)	(They all, at once, draw their sabres.)
ALHADRA	(to Naomi, who on being addressed again advances from the circle.) Brother of Zagri! fling away thy [[Sword
(didascalia)	Enter MAURICE.
ALL	A spy! a spy! (They seize him.)
MAURICE	Off! off! unhand me, slaves!
(didascalia)	*(After much struggling he disengages himself and draws his [[Sword
NAOMI	(to Alhadra.) Speak! shall we kill him?
MAURICE	Yes! ye can kill a man, Some twenty of you! But ye are Spanish slaves! And slaves are always cruel, always cowards.
ALHADRA	That man has spoken [[Truth
MAURICE	I seek a dear friend, whom for aught I know The son of Velez hath hired one of you To murder! Say, do ye know aught of Albert?
ALHADRA	(starting.) Albert? — three years ago I heard that name Murmur’d in [[Sleep
(didascalia)	(MAURICE stands among the Morescoes.)
ALHADRA	Was not Osorio my husband’s friend?
OLD MAN	He kill’d my son in battle; yet our chieftain Forced me to sheathe my dagger. See — the point Is bright, unrusted with the [[Villain
ALHADRA	He is your chieftain’s murderer!
NAOMI	He dies by Alla!
ALL	(dropping on one knee.) By Alla!
ALHADRA	This [[Night
MAURICE	Its purport?
ALHADRA	Yes, I ask’d it. He answer’d me, ‘Alhadra! thou art worthy A nobler secret; but I have been faithful To this bad man, and faithful I will be.’ He said, and arm’d himself, and lit a torch; Then kiss’d his children, each one on its pillow, And hurried from me. But I follow’d him At distance, till I saw him enter there.
NAOMI	The cavern?
ALHADRA	Yes — the mouth of yonder cavern. After a pause I saw the son of Velez Rush by with flaring torch; he likewise enter’d — There was another and a longer pause — And once, methought, I heard the clash of swords, And soon the son of Velez reappear’d. He flung his torch towards the [[Moon
MAURICE	Thou called’st him?
ALHADRA	I crept into the cavern: ‘Twas dark and very silent. (Then wildly.) What said’st thou? No, no! I did not dare call, Ferdinand! Lest I should hear no answer. A brief while, Belike, I lost all thought and [[Memory
MAURICE	Comfort her, comfort her, Almighty Father!
ALHADRA	I stood in unimaginable trance And agony, that cannot be remember’d, Listening with horrid [[Hope
NAOMI	Haste! let us go!
ALHADRA	I look’d far down the pit. My sight was bounded by a jutting [[Fragment
(didascalia)	END OF THE FOURTH ACT

Act V, Scene 1

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	SCENE THE FIRST. — The Sea Shore. NAOMI and a Moresco.
MORESCO	This was no [[Time
NAOMI	True! but Francesco, the Inquisitor, Thou know’st the bloodhound—’twas a strong [[Temptation
MORESCO	Where is Alhadra?
NAOMI	She moved steadily on Unswerving from the path of her resolve. Yet each strange object fix’d her eye: for grief Doth [[Love
(didascalia)	(Exit Moresco.)
NAOMI	(looking wistfully to the distance.) Stretch’d on the rock! It must be she — Alhadra!
(didascalia)	(ALHADRA rises from the rock, and advances slowly, as if musing.)
NAOMI	Once more, [[Well
ALHADRA	I scarce can tell thee! For my many thoughts Troubled me, till with blank and naked mind I only listen’d to the dashing billows. It seems to me, I could have closed my eyes And wak’d without [[A Dream
NAOMI	‘Tis thus by [[Nature
ALHADRA	Would to Heaven That it had brought its last and certain cure! That ruin in the wood.
NAOMI	It is a place Of ominous fame; but ‘twas the shortest [[Road
ALHADRA	On that broad wall I saw a skull; a poppy grew beside it, There was a ghastly solace in the sight!
NAOMI	I mark’d it not, and in good [[Truth
(didascalia)	(Exit NAOMI.)
ALHADRA	*([[Alone
NAOMI	Thy children ——
ALHADRA	Children? Whose children? (A pause — then fiercely.) Son of Velez, This hath new-strung my arm! Thou coward [[Tyrant
(didascalia)	(A noise — enter a part of the Morescoes; and from the opposite side of the stage a Moorish Seaman.)
MOORISH SEAMAN	The boat is on the shore, the vessel waits. Your wives and children are already stow’d; I left them prattling of the Barbary coast, Of Mosks, and minarets, and golden crescents. Each had her separate dream; but all were gay, Dancing, in thought, to finger-beaten timbrels!
(didascalia)	(Enter MAURICE and the rest of the Morescoes dragging in FRANCESCO.)
FRANCESCO	O spare me, spare me! only spare my life!
AN OLD MAN	All hail, Alhadra! O that thou hadst heard him When first we dragg’d him forth! (Then turning to the band.) Here! in her presence ——
(didascalia)	*(He advances with his [[Sword
MAURICE	Nay, but ye shall not!
OLD MAN	Shall not? Hah? Shall not?
MAURICE	What, an unarm’d man? A man that never wore a [[Sword
OLD MAN	(turning to the bands.) He bears himself most like an insolent Spaniard!
MAURICE	And ye like slaves, that have destroy’d their master, But know not yet what [[Freedom
ALL	No, by Mahomet!
FRANCESCO	O [[Mercy
OLD MAN	Mercy to thee! No, no, by Mahomet!
MAURICE	Nay, Mahomet taught [[Mercy
OLD MAN	Ha! Ha! Forgiveness! Mercy!
MAURICE	If he did not, he needs it for himself!
ALHADRA	Blaspheming [[Fool
NAOMI	*(who turns toward Francesco with his [[Sword
ALL	(to Alhadra.) Speak!
ALHADRA	Is the murderer of your chieftain dead? Now as God liveth, who hath suffer’d him To make my children orphans, none shall die Till I have seen his [[Blood
(didascalia)	(A part of the Morescoes hurry him off.)
ALHADRA	The Tyger, that with unquench’d cruelty, Still thirsts for [[Blood
MAURICE	It is not so, remember that, my friends! Cowards are cruel, and the cruel cowards.
ALHADRA	Scatter yourselves, take each a separate way, And move in [[Silence
(didascalia)	SCENE. — A Dungeon.

Act V, Scene 2

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	ALBERT ([[Alone
ALBERT	And this place my forefathers made for men! This is the process of our [[Love
(didascalia)	(A noise at the dungeon-door. It opens, and OSORIO enters with a goblet in his hand.)
OSORIO	Hail, potent wizard! In my gayer mood I pour’d forth a libation to old Pluto; And as I brimm’d the bowl, I thought of thee!
ALBERT	(in a low voice.) I have not summon’d up my heart to give That pang, which I must give thee, son of Velez!
OSORIO	(with affected levity.) Thou hast conspired against my life and [[Honour
ALBERT	I see thy heart! There is a frightful glitter in thine eye, Which doth betray thee. Crazy-conscienc’d man, This is the gaiety of drunken anguish, Which fain would scoff away the pang of [[Guilt
OSORIO	Feeling! feeling! The [[Death
ALBERT	Yon insect on the wall, Which moves this way and that its hundred legs, Were it a toy of mere mechanic craft, It were an infinitely curious thing! But it has life, Osorio! life and thought; And by the power of its miraculous will Wields all the complex movements of its frame Unerringly, to pleasurable ends! Saw I that insect on this goblet’s brink, I would remove it with an eager terror.
OSORIO	What meanest thou?
ALBERT	There’s [[Poison
OSORIO	Thou hast guess’d [[Well
ALBERT	Whom dost thou think me?
OSORIO	The accomplice and sworn friend of Ferdinand.
ALBERT	Ferdinand! Ferdinand! ‘tis a name I know not.
OSORIO	Good! good! that lie! by Heaven! it has restor’d me. Now I am thy master! Villain, thou shalt drink it, Or die a bitterer [[Death
ALBERT	What strange solution Hast thou found out to satisfy thy fears, And drug them to unnatural [[Sleep
(didascalia)	(ALBERT takes the goblet, and with a sigh throws it on the ground.)
ALBERT	My master!
OSORIO	Thou mountebank!
ALBERT	Mountebank and [[Villain
OSORIO	(stupidly reiterating the word.) Saved? saved?
ALBERT	One pang — Could I call up one pang of true remorse!
OSORIO	He told me of the babe, that prattled to him, His fatherless little ones! Remorse! remorse! Where gott’st thou that [[Fool
ALBERT	(almost overcome by his feelings.) But Albert ——
OSORIO	Ha! it chokes thee in the throat, Even thee! and yet, I pray thee, speak it out. Still Albert! Albert! Howl it in mine ear! Heap it, like coals of [[Fire
ALBERT	Alas — That day, when thou didst leap from off the rock Into the waves, and grasp’d thy sinking brother, And bore him to the strand, then, son of Velez! How sweet and musical the name of Albert! Then, then, Osorio! he was dear to thee, And thou wert dear to him. Heaven only knows How very dear thou wert! Why didst thou hate him? O Heaven! how he would fall upon thy neck, And weep [[Forgiveness
OSORIO	Spirit of the dead! Methinks I know thee! Ha! — my brain turns wild At its own [[Dreams
ALBERT	(seizing his hand.) I fain would tell thee what I am, but dare not!
OSORIO	(retiring from him.) Cheat, [[Villain
(didascalia)	(He starts, and stands in the attitude of listening.)
OSORIO	And is this too my [[Madness
ALBERT	It is the step of one that treads in [[Fear
OSORIO	It approaches — This nook shall hide me.
(didascalia)	*([[Maria
Maria	I have put aside The customs and the terrors of a woman, To work out thy escape. Stranger! begone, And only tell me what thou know’st of Albert.
(didascalia)	(ALBERT takes her portrait from his neck, and gives it her with unutterable tenderness.)
ALBERT	Maria! my Maria!
Maria	Do not mock me. This is my face — and thou — ha! who art thou? Nay, I will call thee Albert!
(didascalia)	*(She falls upon his neck. OSORIO leaps out from the nook with frantic wildness, and rushes towards ALBERT with his [[Sword
Maria	Madman, stop!
ALBERT	(with majesty and tenderness.) Does then this thin disguise impenetrably Hide Albert from thee? Toil and painful wounds, And long [[Imprisonment
OSORIO	(drawing back and gazing at Albert with a countenance expressive at once of awe and terror.) Touch me not! Touch not pollution, Albert! — I will die!
(didascalia)	*(He attempts to fall on his [[Sword
ALBERT	We will invent some tale to save your [[Honour
Maria	You may yet be happy.
OSORIO	(looking at Maria.) O horror! Not a thousand years in heaven Could recompose this miserable heart, Or make it capable of one brief joy. Live! live! — why yes! ‘Twere [[Well
(didascalia)	(Throws himself at ALBERT’S feet.)
OSORIO	Forgive me, Albert! — Curse me with [[Forgiveness
ALBERT	Call back thy [[Soul
Maria	O mark his eye! he hears not what you say.
OSORIO	(pointing at vacancy.) Yes, mark his eye! there’s fascination in it. Thou said’st thou didst not know him. That is he! He comes upon me!
ALBERT	(lifting his eye to heaven.) Heal, O heal him, Heaven!
OSORIO	Nearer and nearer! And I cannot stir! Will no one hear these stifled groans, and wake me? He would have died to save me, and I kill’d him — A husband and a father!
Maria	Some secret [[Poison
OSORIO	(fiercely recollecting himself.) Let the eternal Justice Prepare my punishment in the obscure world. I will not bear to live — to live! O agony! And be myself [[Alone
(didascalia)	(The doors of the dungeon are burst open with a crash. ALHADRA, MAURICE, and the band of Morescoes enter.)
ALHADRA	(pointing at Osorio.) Seize first that man!
(didascalia)	(The Moors press round.)
ALBERT	(rushing in among them.) Draw thy [[Sword
(didascalia)	(A scuffle, during which they disarm MAURICE.)
OSORIO	Off, ruffians! I have flung away my [[Sword
ALHADRA	My husband ——
OSORIO	Yes! I murder’d him most foully.
ALBERT	(throws himself on the earth.) O horrible!
ALHADRA	Why didst thou leave his children? Demon! thou shouldst have sent thy dogs of hell To lap their [[Blood
Maria	See — see! he doth repent. I kneel to thee. Be merciful!
(didascalia)	*([[Maria
ALHADRA	Thou art young and [[Innocent
Maria	That aged man, his father!
ALHADRA	(sternly.) Why had he such a son?
(didascalia)	(The Moors press on.)
Maria	(still kneeling, and wild with affright.) Yet spare his life! They must not murder him!
ALHADRA	And is it then An enviable lot to waste away With inward wounds, and like the spirit of chaos To wander on disquietly thro’ the earth, Cursing all lovely things? to let him live — It were a deep [[Revenge
(didascalia)	*(All the band cry out — No [[Mercy
(didascalia)	*(NAOMI advances with the [[Sword
ALHADRA	Nay, bear him forth! Why should this [[Innocent
OSORIO	(with great majesty.) O woman! I have stood silent like a slave before thee, That I might taste the wormwood and the gall, And satiate this [[Self
(didascalia)	(The Moors gather round him in a crowd, and pass off the stage.)
ALHADRA	I thank thee, Heaven! thou hast ordain’d it wisely, That still extremes bring their own cure. That point In misery which makes the oppressed man Regardless of his own life, makes him too Lord of the oppressor’s! Knew I an hundred men Despairing, but not palsied by [[Despair
(didascalia)	THE END