She has any more jewels; no, no, she gave me all. (Aside.) Lal. What didst thou say, Jacinta? Now, I bethink me, Thou hast not spoken lately of thy wedding. Jac. Is there no further aid? That's meant for me. (Aside.) I'm sure, madam, you need not Be always throwing those jewels in my teeth. Lal. Jewels, Jacinta! Now, indeed, Jacinta, I thought not of the jewels. Oh, perhaps not! Jac. it. For he's sure the Count Castiglione never Would have given a real diamond to such as you; And, at the best, I'm certain, madam, you cannot Have use for jewels now. But I might have sworn [Exit. [LALAGE bursts into tears, and leans her head upon the table; after a short pause raises it. Lal. Poor Lalage!—and is it come to this? Thy servant-maid!—but courage!-'tis but a viper Whom thou hast cherished to sting thee to the soul ! (Taking up the mirror.) Ha! here at least's a friend-too much a friend For ruined maid. Fair mirror and true! - thou liest not! Thou hast no end to gain, no heart to break; Castiglione lied who said he loved Thou true, he false false !-false ! [While she speaks, a Monk enters her apart ment, and approaches unobserved. Monk. Refuge thou hast, Sweet daughter, in heaven! Think of eternal things! Give up thy soul to penitence, and pray! Lal. (arising hurriedly). I cannot pray! My soul is at war with God! The frightful sounds of merriment below Thy presence grieves me-go! thy priestly raiment G Fills me with dread, thy ebony crucifix With horror and awe! Monk. Think of thy precious soul! Lal. Think of my early days!-think of my father And mother in heaven !—think of our quiet home, And the rivulet that ran before the door!— Think of my little sisters—think of them! Yet, stay!-yet, stay! What was it thou saidst of prayer And penitence? Didst thou not speak of faith And vows before the throne? Monk. Lal. I did. 'Tis well. There is a vow were fitting should be made— A solemn vow ! Monk. Daughter, this zeal is well! Lal. Father, this zeal is anything but well! Hast thou a crucifix fit for this thing?— A crucifix whereon to register This sacred vow? [He hands her his own. Not that! Oh, no! no! no!— (Shuddering.) Stand back! I have a crucifix myself- [Draws a cross-handled dagger, and raises it on high. Behold the cross wherewith a vow like mine Is written in heaven! Monk. Thy words are madness, daughter, And speak a purpose unholy; thy lips are lividThine eyes are wild; tempt not the wrath divine ! Pause, ere too late! Oh, be not-be not rash! Swear not the oath-oh, swear it not! Lal. "Tis sworn! III. An Apartment in a Palace.-POLITIAN and BALdazzar. Baldazzar. Arouse thee now, Politian ! Thou must not-nay, indeed, indeed, thou shalt not Give way unto these humours. Be thyself! Shake off the idle fancies that beset thee, And live, for now thou diest ! To give thee cause for grief, my honoured friend. Bal. To the field, then-to the field; Alas! alas! To the senate or the field. Pol. There is an imp would follow me even there! There is Bal. what voice was that? I heard it not. I heard not any voice except thine own, And the echo of thine own. Pol. Then I but dreamed. Bal. Give not thy soul to dreams: the camp the court Befit thee Fame awaits thee-Glory calls; And her, the trumpet-tongued, thou wilt not hear In hearkening to imaginary sounds And phantom voices. Pol. It is a phantom voice! I heard it not. Didst thou not hear it then? Bal. Pol. Thou heardst it not! Baldazzar, speak no more |