Fran. (Greatly agitated, draws a pair of pistols, lays | quences! To-morrow, before ten o'clock, send your them on the table, and seats himself to consider if he written consent; or dread what shall be done. should write more.) ROMALDI and MALVOGLIO appear. (Music suddenly stops.) that entrance. Rom. (To Malroglo.( Watch (To Franci co.) Wretched fool! here? [Exeunt Romaldi and Malvoglio; appropriate music. Bona. Dangerous and haughty man! But his threats are vain; my doubts are removed; Selina shall not be the victim of mean precaution, and Why are you cowardly fears. I know your wishes, children. Let us retire. (To his servants.) Make preparations for rejoicing: early to-morrow, Stephano and Selina shall be affianced. (Music of sudden joy, while they kneel.) (Music: terror confusion, menace, command.) Fran. (Starts up, seizes his pisio's, points them toward Romaldi and Malvoglio, and commands the former, by signs, to read the papers that lie on the table. (Music ceases.) Rom. (Reads.) "Repent; leave the house. Oblige me not to betray you. Force me not on self-defence." Fool! Do you pretend to command? (Throws him a purse.) We are two. Take that, and fly. (Music.) Fran. (After a look of compassionate appeal, spurns it from him; and commands them to go. After which, sudden pause of music.) Rom. (Aside to Malvoglio.) I know him; he will not fire. (Music. They draw their daggers; he at first avoids them; at length they each seize him by the arm, and are in the attitude of threatening to strike, wh n the shrieks of Selina, joining the music, which likewise shrieks, suddenly brings Bonamo, Stephano, and i. ervants, through the folding-doors. Sel. Uncle! Stephano! Murder! (Romaldi and Malvoglio, at hearing the noise behind, quit Francisco, and feign to be standing on self-defence. Music ceases.) Bona. What mean these cries? What strange proceedings are here? S-1. They are horrible! Sel. By the purity of heaven, yes! Behind that door, I heard the whole; Francisco must quit the house, or be murdered! Rom. (To Bonamo sternly.) I expect, sir, my word will not be doubted. Bona. My lord, there is one thing of which I cannot doubt: the moment you appeared, terror was spread through my house. Men's minds are troubled at the sight of you: they seem all to avoid you. Good seldom accompanies mystery; I, therefore, now decidedly reply to your proposal, that my niece cannot be the wife of your son; and must further add, you oblige me to decline the honour of your present visit. Rom. (With threatening haughtiness.) Speak the truth, old man, and own you are glad to find a pretext to colour refusal, and gratify ambition. Selina and Stephano;-you want her wealth, and mean in that way to make it secure. But, beware! Dare to pursue your project, and tremble at the conse Steph. My kind father! Sel. Dearest, best of guardians! (Music pauses.) Bona. Francisco shall partake the common happiness. Fiam. (As they are all retiring.) Dear, dear, I shan't sleep to-night. [Exeunt: Bonamo expressing friendship to all, which all return; Francisco with joy equal to that of the lovers. Sueet and chee ful music, gradually dying away. ACT II. (Joyful Music.) SCENE I.A beautiful Garden and Pleasure-grounds; with garlands, festoons, love-devices, and e'ery preparation for a marriage festival. First and second Gardeners; PIERO and his Companions; all busy. Pier. Come, come; bestir yourselves! The company will soon be here. 1 Gard. Well; let them come: all is ready. 1 Gard. Seeing you gave the first orders. Pier. But wasn't they given to me, sir? Didn't you say to me, Piero, says you Steph. (Interrupting.) Ay, ay; each man has done his part all is excellent, and I thank you kindly. Are the villagers invited? Pier. Invited! They no sooner heard of the wedding than they were half out of their wits. There will be such dancing and sporting! Then, the music! Little Nanine, with the hurdy-gurdy; her brother, with the tabor and pipe; the blind fiddler, Pier. What say you to that now? Pier. I hope I am not made a major for nothing. Bona. (To Francisco, who enters with Fiametta.) Come, sir, please to take your seat. Pier. (To Steph.) Shall the sports begin? Steph. (Gives an affirmative sign.) Pier. Here! dancers! pipers: strummers! thrummers! to your places! This bench is for the band of music-mount. (Here the dancing, which should be of the gay, comic and grotesque kind; with droll atti tudes, gesticulations, and bounds, in imitation of the mountaineers, the goats they keep, &c.-that is, the humorous dancing of the Italian peasants. In the midst of the rejoicing, the clock strikes; the dancing suddenly ceases; the changing music inspires alarm and dismay.) Enter MALVOGLIO. (He stops in the middle of the stage; the com- Bona. Oh, shame! dishonour! treachery! Sel. My uncle! Fiam. What treachery! Fran. (Attitude of despair.) Bona. No more of love or marriage! no more of sports, rejoicing, and mirth. Steph. Good heavens! Sel. My guardian! my friend! my uncle! Bona. (Repelling her.) I am not your uncle. Sel. Sir! Steph. Not? Bona. She is the child of crime!—of adultery! (A general stupefaction; the despair of Francisco at its height.) Steph. 'Tis malice, my father! Bona. Read. Steph. The calummy of Romaldi! Steph. (Read.) "Selina is not your brother's daughter. To prove I speak nothing but the truth, I send you the certificate of her baptism.' Bona. "Tis here authenticated. Once more read. Steph. (Reads.) May the 11th, 1584, at ten o'clock this evening, was baptized Selina Bianchi, the daughter of Francisco Bianchi." Fran. (Utters a cry, and falls on the seat.) Fran. (Opens his arms, and Selina falls on his neck.) Steph. Amazement! Bona. Sinful man! not satisfied with having dishonoured my brother, after claiming my pity, would you aid in making me contract a most shameful alliance? Begone! you and the offspring of your guilt. Steph. Selina is innocent. Fran. (Confirms it.) Bona. Her father is-a wretch! Once more, begone. Fran. (During this dialogue had held his daughter in his arms; he now rises with a sense of injury, and is leading her away.) Bona. Hold, miserable man! (to himself.) Houseless-penniless-without bread-without asylum; must she perish because her father has been wicked? (To Francisco.) Take this purse, conceal your shame, and, when 'tis empty, let me know your hiding place. Fran. (Expresses gratitude, but rejects the purse.) Fiam. Very well! it's all very right! But you will see how it will end! Bona. (To Steph.) I no longer wonder Count Romaldi should advise me to drive such a wretch from my house. Fiam. Count Romaldi is himself a wretch. may hold him to-day, but he'll be gone to-morrow. He'll overtake and find his dear forlorn Selina; and they will marry, and live in poverty: but they will work, and eat their morsel, with a good conscience; while you will turn from your dainties with an aching heart! Bona. For the last time I warn you Fiam. I know the worst: I have worked for you all the prime of my youth; and now you'll serve me as you have served the innocent, wretched Selina; you'll turn me out of doors. Do it! But I'll not go till I've said out my say: so I tell you again, you are a hard-hearted uncle, an unfeeling father and an unjust master! Every body will shun you! You will dwindle out a life of misery, and nobody will pity you; because you don't deserve pity. So, now I'll go, as soon as you please. Enter SIGNOR MONTANO, hastily. Fiametta and Stephano eagerly attentive. Mon. What is it I have just heard, my friend? Mon. 'Tis true. Fiam. How! Mon. But where did you learn that? Mon. Who sent them? Bona. Count Romaldi. Mon. Count Romaldi is-a villain. Steph. You hear, sir! Fiam. I hope I shall be believed another time. Bona. (Greatly interested.) Silence, woman!-By a man like you, such an accusation cannot be made without sufficient proofs. Mon. You shall have them. Be attentive. Fiam. I won't breathe! A word sha'n't escape my lips. (They press round Montano.) Mon. Eight years ago, before I had the honour to know you, returning one evening after visiting my friends, I was leisurely ascending the rock of Arpennaz. Fiam. So, so! The rock of Arpennaz! You hear! But I'll not say a word. Mon. Two men, wild in their looks, and smeared with blood, passed hastily by me, with every appearance of guilt impressed upon their counte. nances. Fiam. The very same! Eight years ago! The Fiam. (Overcome by her passion.) I say it again! a rock of Arpennaz! Thevile, wicked wretch! and has written Bona. (Imperiously.) The truth. The certificate is incontestible. Fiam. I would not for all the world be guilty of your sins. Bona. Woman! Fiam. I don't care for you; I loved you this morning; I would have lost my life for you, but you are grown wicked. Bona. Will you be silent? Fiam. Is it not wickedness to turn a sweet, innonocent, helpless, young creature, out of doors; one who has behaved with such tenderness; and leave her at last to starve? Oh, it is abominable! Bona. Once more, hold your tongue. Fiam. I won't, I can't! Poor Stephano! And do you think he'll forbear to love her? If he did, I should hate him! But he'll make his escape. You Fiam. I'll not say a word. Tell all, sir; I am dumb. Mon. They had not gone a hundred paces before he, who appeared the master, staggered and fell, I hastened to him; he bled much, and I and his servant supported him to my house: they said they had been attacked by banditti, yet their torn clothes, a deep bite, which the master had on the back of his hand, and other hurts appearing to be given by an unarmed man, made me Their embarrassment increased suspicion; which was confirmed by Michelli, the honest miller of Arpeunaz; who, the evening before, near the spot from which I saw these men ascend, had succoured a poor wretch, dreadfully cut and mangled. doubt. Fiam. It's all true! 'Twas I! I myself! My cries made Michelli come! Eight years Steph. Malvoglio? Mon. Yes; who has confessedSteph. What? Enter ROMALDI from the rocks, disguised like a peasant, with terror; pursued as it were by heaven and earth. Rom. Whither fly? Where shield me from pursuit, and death, and ignominy? My hour is come! The flends that tempted, now tear me. (Dreadful thunder.) The heavens shoot their fires at me! Save! spare! Oh, spare me! (Falls on the bank. Masic, hail, &c. continue; after a pause, he raises his head. More fearful claps of thunder heard, and he again falls on his face. The storm gradually abates. A very distant voice is heard. Pause in the music. He half rises, starts, and (Holla!) Music continues. runs from side to side; looking and listening. Music Voice again, (Holla!) They are after me! Some one points me out! No den, no cave, can hide me! (Looks the way he came.) I cannot return ceases. Mon. That the real name of this pretended Ro- that way. I cannot. It is the place of blood! A maldi is Bianchi. Bona. Just heaven! Francisco's brother! Mon. Whose wife this wicked brother loved. Privately married, and she pregnant, Francisco put her under the protection of his friend here in Savoy. Steph. My uncle! his sudden death occasioned the mystery. Mon. But the false Romaldi decoyed Francisco into the power of the Algerines, seized his estates; and, finding he had escaped, attempted to assassinate him. Fiam. Now are you convinced? He would not 'peach his brother of abomination! (Raising her clasped hands.) I told you Francisco was an angel! but, for all you know me so well, I'm not to be be lieved. Bona. You are not to be silenced. Fiam. No, I'm not. Francisco is an angel, Selina is an angel, Stephano is an angel: They shall be married, and all make one family; of which, if you repent, you shall be received into the bosom. Bona. (Slowly; earnestly.) Pray, good woman, hold your tongue. Fiam. Repent, then! Repent! robbed and wretched brother! 'Tis the blood, by which I am covered! Ay! There! There have Under those very I been driven for shelter! Oh, that they would open! Cover me, rocks! earth! Cover my crimes! Cover my shame! (Falls motionless again. Music of painful remorse; then changes to the cheerful pastorale, &c.) MICHAEL is seen coming toward the bridge, which he crosses, stopping to look round and speak; then speaks as he descends by the rugged narrow path, and then in the front of the stage. Mich. (On the bridge.) 'Tis a fearful storm! One's very heart shrinks! It makes a poor mortal think of his sins, and his danger. Rom. (After listening.) Danger!-What? me? Is it (Listening.) Mich. (Descending) Every thunder clap seems to flash vengeance in his face! Rom. I am known; or must be! Shall I yield? or shall I (Points his pistol at Michelli, then shrinks.) More murder! Mich. (In front of the stage.) At such terrible times, a clear conscience is better than kingdoms (Here the distant thunder is heard, and the of gold mines. Bona. (To Montano and Stephano.) I do repent! Fiam. (Affectionately.) Then I forgive you, (sobs) I won't turn you away. You're my master, again. (Kisses his hand, and wipes her eyes.) Bona. But were shall we find Selina, and-? Steph. (Eagerly). Do you? Fiam. Why could you think that-(her heart full.) Follow me! Only follow me. [Exeunt hastily Thunder heard, while the Scene changes. Music. Scene, the wild mountainous country called the Nant of Arpennaz, with pines and massy rocks. A rude wooden bridge on a small height thrown from rock to rock; a rugged mill stream, a little in the back ground; the miller's house on the right; a steep ascent by a narrow path to the bridge; a stone or bank to sit on, on the right-hand side. The increasing storm of lightning, thunder, hail, and rain, becomes terrible. Suitable music. Rom. (In hesitation whether he shall or shall not murder.) How to act? Mich. (Perceiving Romaldi, who conceals his pistol.) Now, friend! Rom. Now, miller! Mich. (Observing his agitation.) You look Rom. How do I look? (Fearing, and still undetermined.) Mich. I-what have you there? Rom. Where? Mich. Under your coat? Rom. (Leaving the pistol in his inside pocket, and shewing his hands.) Nothing. Mich. Something is the matter with you. Rom. (Sudden emotion to shoot: restrained.) I am tired. Mich. Come in, then, and rest yourself. Rom. From-the neighbourhood of Geneva. Rom. (Alarmed.) Sallancha! Why do you ask? Mich. You have heard of what has happened? Rom. Where? Mich. There! At Sallancha! One Count Bo maldi Rom. What of him? Rom. Death! infamy! is there no escaping? Mich. The day declines, and you lookRom. How? Come Mich. Um!-I wish you looked better. in; pass the evening here; recover your strength and spirits. Rom. (with great emotion, forgetting and holding out his hand.) You are a worthy man. Mich. I wish to be. (Feeling Romaldi's hand, after shaking.) Zounds! What! Eh! Rom. (Concealing his hand.) A scar Mich. On the back of the right hand! Rom. I have served. A hussar with his sabre gave the cut. Mich. (After considering.) Humph! It may be. Mich. At least it may be; and the innocent Mich. I will, my friend, as long as I can; and, run all risks. I am alone; my family is at the when I die, I'll die with an honest heart. Rom. Miserable wretch! Mich. Who? Rom. (Aside, and out of the sight of the Archers.) Thanks, merciful heaven! Exempt. (Reads.) "Five feet eight," &c. (the description must be that of the actor's voice, size and person: to which add) "with a large scar on the back of the right hand." Rom. (Thrusting his hand in his bosom.) "Twill betray me! Exempt. 'Twas a bite. The wretch Malvoglio has deposed, that good Francisco is the brother of the vile Romaldi. Mich. How? Exempt. And that Francisco, though robbed, betrayed and mutilated, has endured every misery, and lived in continual dread of steel or poison, rather than bring this monster to the scaffold. Mich. But he'll come there at last. Exempt. We are told, he is among these mountains. Mich. Oh, could I catch him by the collar. Exempt. Should you meet him, beware; he's not unarmed. Mich. There is no passing for him or you by this valley after the storm; the mountain torrents are faling. You must go back. Exempt. Many thanks. We must lose no time. Mich. Success to you. fair, and cannot be home to-night. But you are stranger; you want protection Rom. (With great emotion.) I do, indeed! Mich. You shall have it. Come, never shall my door be shut against the houseless wretch. [Exeunt to the house. Music expressing dejection. FRANCISCO and SELINA approaching the bridge, he points to the Miller's house. Cheerful music; she testifies joy and admiration of the Miller. They descend; he carefully guiding and aiding her. The Miller supposed to hear a noise, comes to inquire, sees Francisco, they run into each other's arms. Mich. Welcome! A thousand times welcome! Sel. Ten thousand thanks to the saviour of my father! Mich. Your father, sweet lady! Sel. Oh, yes! discovered to me by his mortal enemy. Mich. The monster Romaldi! Sel. (Dejectedly.) Alas! Mich. For your father's sake, for your own sake, welcome both. Rom. (Half from the door.) I heard my name! advances a step.) Come, I have a strangerMich. (Lending them to the door, just as Romaldi Sel. (Seeing Romaldi, shrieks.) Ah! Fran. (Falls back and covers his eyes with agony.) Mich. How now? Sel. 'Tis he. (Romaldi retires.) (Music of hurry, terror, &c. Francisco putting his hand towards her mouth, enjoins her silence with great eagerness. Michelli, by making the sign of biting his right hand, asks Francisco if it be Romaldi. Francisco turns away without answering. Michelli denotes his conviction it is Romaldi, and hastily ascends to cross the bridge in search of the Archers; Francisco entreats him back in vain. Romaldi, in terror, enters from the house presenting his pistol. Francisco opens his breast for him to shoot if he pleases. Selina falls between them. The whole scene passes in a mysterious and rapid manner. Music suddenly stops |