KING us Fies. (At the window.) Lo, there ! the From hence upon the tumults of mankind, moon already hath declined, And mark how destiny doth lead them on ; And from the sea mounts fierily the morn. To guide unseen that armour'd Titan ing. JUSTICE, Wild fantasies have broke my nightly rest, And if he dares with impotent wrath to And now my soul, my whole existence, knock toils Too loudly at th' imperial gate,—t'inflict Beneath One mighty and o'erpowering Wounds that he dare not seek to compen. thought. sate ! I'must into the cool air ! To check with playful rein, like harness'd (He opens the glass door to the bal. steeds, cony, through which are visible The passions of the multitude, and if the town, fc. in the red light of The ruler's sceptre, with creative power, morning. Fiesko walks vehe. Should in some vassal's heart wake regal mently up and down.) dreams, Am I not Even with one breath to crush into the The first-the greatest man in Gerua ? dust And should not meaner spirits move around His insolent pretensions ! Oh these me, thoughts, As do the lesser planets round the sun, These fairy visions, bear the ravish'd mind Submissively, in meek obedience ? Far o'er each bound and limit.- To be But virtue (Stands still.)-conscience ? How ? for lofty minds, But for a moment,--this alone involves, Are not temptations different far prepa Concentrated, the quintessence of life. red, 'Tis not the sphere wherein we live, but From those that do mislead ignoble souls, that And wherefore should like virtue be from Which we therein possess, which makes us poor Demanded ? Armour that for pigmy Or wealthy.—Lengthen out in tones diffuse frames The thunder's voice, and therewith shalt Is fashioned-will it clothe a giant's limbs ? thou lull (The sun rises over Genua.) Children to sleep. But, be those tones Ha, now! This town, so full of natural collected beauty, Into ONE fearful burst, and at the Its harbours, towers, and princely palaces, sound, To call it MINE! To beam out, over it, Will tremble. I am now resolved ! To this admirable soliloquy, (which vens, All fervid passions, and unsated wishes, must prove a stumbling-block in the To merge at once into this vasty sea ! way of every translator, for it is very To gain such prize even stratagem is vir. difficult to render,) succeeds a scene tue. of expostulation between the CounDishonourable 'twere, to plunder gold, tess and Fiesko. Even though the sum were millions ; but Leon. (Timidly.) My lord, A CROWN, Can you forgive me, if I'thus disturb That theft is NAMELESS GREAT! Aspi. The quiet of your morning hours ? ring crimes Fics. (Confused.) Leonora, Soar above shame. TO OBEY and to com. Doubtless your coming now hath much MAND! surprised me. Oh what a gulf betwixt these adverse Leon. "Twixt lovers, this, methinks, points! should never be. Take all that life affords, most estimable ; Fies. But wherefore trust your beauty, Ye conquerors, come with trophies, laurel dearest Countess, crown'd; To this cold morning air ? Ye artists, bring your never-fading works ; Leon. Ask rather why Ye sensualists, add all your sweetest plea Those poor remains of beauty should be sures, saved, And voyagers, your new-found seas and For grief to feed upon. isles ! Fies. For grief indeed ?TO OBEY and to comMAND ? Being or How's this, Leonora ? On your peace of death! mind Whoe'er shall pass the void that separates No state intrigues, no toilsome duties prey, Inferior spirits from th' eternal God, Like those which break my rest. May measure out this vasty chasm ! Leon. It may be so, (With enthusiastic gestures.) And yet my heart even fails amid this To stand quiet. Exalted on that fearful height,- to smile I came, my lord, to trouble you even now nag die; to me, all : With a poor supplication, If you can Fics. No more of this, Signora. hero. That dream is fled, but yet mine eyes are I threw myself into this warrior's arms, heavy. Confiding to him all mine earthly hopes I must indeed try, if I cannot bring And joys ; now they are sacrificed, and all Somewhat of youth's gay sun-light back Given up for one who again Fies. (Vehemently.) No, my Leonora !. From fairy realms of childhood, to dis Lcon. My Leonora !-Oh! thanks, perse thanks-Kind Heaven ! Those vain illusions ; therefore I entreat That tone again had love's true melody. That I may go from hence to my dear False man !-yet I should hate thee, and mother. I snatch Fies. (Confounded.) How,--Countess ? Eagerly at the broken crumbs that now Leon. 'Tis a spoil'd and wayward thing I, as a beggar, gain from thine affection. This heart of mine, and you must bear What have I said, Fiesko ?-Hatred ? with me. No! Fies. Leonora, Leon. Whate'er thou wilt (Lays jewels on the table.) Of me demand, only not cold indifference. This, too, that like an arrow struck my Fies. This is all-But for two days heart Ask me no questions, and condemn me not. (His love-letters.) (Exit.) And this,-and At length, towards the end of the (Weeping violently, and about to fourth act, Fiesko, though his plans are retire in haste.) yet unknown to the public, has ripenBut I PART NOT WITH THE WOUNDS! ed them all. He has on his side a reFies. (Agitated, and detaining her.) gular band of conspirators, among the Nay, what a scene, Leonora !-For Hea. ven's sake! leading members of whom are Verrina, Leon. If I deserve not now to be your father of the injured Bertha, and Sciwife, pio Bourgognino, her lover. The Still, for your sake, I should have been re. troops that he had expected have sespected ; cretly made their way to Genua, and And yet, how tongues malicious hiss at me, are prepared to execute, at a given sigAnd Genua's maids and matrons look nal, whatever he may command, in oraskance der to complete the work of the revoAnd scornful!_“Mark how the vain beau lution. ., Under these circumstances ty fades Wha niarried Count Fiesko !”-So they under the pretext of having hired a Fiesko gives another great festival, speak, And cruelly my sex revenges now company of comedians for a grand The pride, that once I cherish'd, when dramatic spectacle. This is to take Fiesko place at his own house, where, on Stood with me at the altar. some pretence or another, he contrives Fies. What wild words ! to lead the Princess Julia into a dark I pray you, Countess room, where he has previously directLeon. (Aside.) Ha! he changes colour- ed his Countess, Leonora, to conceal Now pale, now red.-I breathe again! herself behind the arras. She obeys, Fies. Two days— humbly and passively, without knowOnly for two days trust me. ing wherefore. To this succeed the Leon. But to think(Oh virgin light of day ! how dare I speak unrivalled. The first of them depends three following scenes, which we think Of such a crime?) to think that I am thus Renounced and cast off for a lewd co more on the effect of situation than on quette ! language; and his character of Julia No-look on me, Fiesko. What ! those is, perhaps, too coarsely drawn, but eyes the succeeding dialogue between FiWhereat all Genua trembles, cannot meet esko and Leonora has every possible A woman's tears ? beauty. SCENE XII, Too much already I've betray'd to thee, ; JULIA. FIESKO. (Enter together.) Now to conceal aught. To engage thy Julia. (Agitated.) heart, No more, my lord ! I doubted not, that I had charms, but how Your words no longer fall on heedless ears, To hold thee fast I knew not But on a beating, burning heart.-Where (Steps back and covers her face.) am I? Oh, for shame, We are alone, mid the seductive darkness. What have I uttared ? Oh, whither, Count, are you resolved to Fies. Even in one breath two crimes lead Mistrust of thy Fiesko's judgment, then Your careless and confiding friend ? High treason 'gainst thine own surpassing Fics. Where love beauty Grown desperate, feels new courage, and Of these what is the hardest to forgive ? where passion Jul. Falsehood is but the armour of a With passion freelier speaks. fiend, Jul. No more, Fiesko, And can Fiesko need it to ensure For Heaven's sake, let me go. W'ere not His victory over Julia ? Hear one word ! the night We are true heroines while we know that So dark, thou would'st behold how my still cheek burns, Our virtue is in safety ; but are babes And have compassion. If we defend it_furies in revenge, Fies. Rather from that fire, When 'tis ignobly lost. If coldly thou My courage would be kindled into fame. Should'st work my ruin (Kisses her hand.) Fies. (Suddenly, as if in anger.) Cold. Jul. Ha, truly, Count, your lip burns fe ly? Nay, by Heaven ! verishly, What would the unsated vanity of Wo. Like your discourse, and op my features, man ? too, When Man doth kneel before her in the I feel with shame, the reflex of a fire dust, Before unknown—Then let us go from And still she doubts !-Ha ! now my spihence ! rit wakes! Amid this gloom our senses might delude In good time have mine eyes been open'd, lady. And then your party waits. I do conjure (With cold composure.) What then would I obtain by supplication ? Fies. And, wherefore, Princess, this an Can all the favour Woman could bestow xiety? Deserve that Man should e'er be so degraCan then the mistress fear her slave ? ded ? Jul. Oh MEN, (With a distant bow.) And their unlimitable artifice! Take courage, then, Signora ; you are safe. As if when you appeal to our self-love, Jul. (Confounded.) Count, what, in all You were not then the fearfullest conque the world? Fies. (With increasing coldness.) Nay, Fiesko, shall I tell at once the truth, nay, Signora, That vice alone till now preserved my Your words were wise and prudent. We virtue ? have both My pride alone defied your stratagems; Honour at stake. Therefore, allow me, And but so far my principles upheld me: Princess, But when you lay your wonted mask aside, Amid the friendly circle that awaits us, I am by them forsakerı. To manifest once more my full respect Fies. And in sooth, And reverence. What inj'ry by such loss can you sustain ? (Is about to go.) Jul. If I unthoughtful thus confide to Jul. (Brings him back.) Stay! stay! you Art thou mad ? Must then The key of all that woman holds most sa Thy madness forte from me this declara. cred, tion, Wherewith, whene'er thou wilt, thou That all thy sex, prostrate, with groans mak'st me blush, and tears, What have I less to lose than all ? As on the rack, should vainly strive to exFies. That treasure tort Where, Julia, could you place at interest From a proud heart like mine ? Even this higher, dense gloom Than in the exchequer of my boundless Is not enough to hide upon my cheeks love? The fiery blushes that my words enkindle. Jul. Ay, truly, nowhere better, no Henceforth, all womankind, by me diswhere worse. graced But how long will that boundless love en And wounded, will my name abhor.dure? Fiesko, you ! rors. weeps, Fiesko! SCENE XIII. no one I love I worship thee! My thoughtless prey were quickly caught ; (Falks at his feet.) but now Fies. (Recoils three steps, leaving her I thank you, lady, for your courtesy, prostrate, with a laugh of triumph.) And thus resign my stage habiliments, Indeed, Signora ? No longer needful. You do me too much honour ! (Gives her the portrait, with a low (He lifts the arras, and brings out bow.) Leonora.) Leon. (Timidly entreating.) Nay, she Here, my love. My dearest wife ! I pray you, spare her! (They embrace.) Jul. (Violently.) Hated reptile, silence ! Julia. (Starting up.). Fies. (To a servant.) Come hither, Oh villain, villain ! friend, and shew your gallantry. This demoiselle would visit our state pri. CONSPIRATORS, (entering from one son ; side.) LADIES, (from the other.) Give her your arm, and take strict care that Leon. Nay, Fiesko, this was too severe ! Come thither to disturb her privacy. Fies. A heart The night air is too sharp ; were she withLike hers, deserved no less, and to thy out, tears The storm that rends to-night the oak of I owed this compensation. Worthy friends, Doria, Think not that on occasion light, or none, Might scorch her lovely tresses. My temper thus would break out into Jul. All the plagues wrath. Of hell be on thy head, thou hypocrite ! No; mortals by their folly long amuse (To Leonora.) Yet, boast not of thy vicEre they provoke me; but for her who tory !-Ere long stands here, (Pointing to Julia.) He will bring ruin on himself and thee ! She merited mine anger ; for 'twas she (Rushes out, followed by the servant.) Who mix'd this poison for my angel wife. Fies. (To the guests, ladies, &c.) (Shewing the phial.) You have been witnesses ; go, clear mine Jul. (With repressed anger, and about honour to go.) Mid all the citizens of Genua. Good, my lord ; very good! (To the conspirators.) Friends, to your Fiés. (Draws her back.) I beg your pa duty. Here shall I remain tience Till the first cannon-shot: be that the sigYet for a space, Signora ; we've not done. nal. My worthy friends would gladly know the (Exeunt all but Leonora and Fiesko.) Wherefore, so long, I did pretend to have LEONORA. FIESKO. lost Leon. (Comes timidly up to him.) FiesAll rational identity, and play'd ko, I but half can understand, That comedy with Genua's arch-coquette. And yet begin to tremble. Jul. No, 'tis not to be borne ; but trem Fies. Once, Leonora, ble, villain ! 'Twas at a proud and public festival,Still Giannettino rules in Genua ; I saw thee favour'd with a second place I am his sister ! At the left hand of a Genuesan lady ; Fies. Fearful words, Signora ! Saw the knights lead thee second in the But, alas ! I must bring th’ unwelcome news, That sight was painful to mine eyes ;-I That from your puissant brother's stolen It should not be so, and it shall not be ! Fiesko de Levagna hath woven a noose, Go Countess now to rest ! By dawn of Wherewith he thinks even this night to up day, raise I come to wake thee,-Duchess. That prince to an unlook'd-for elevation. Leon. (Clasps her hands, and throws (She turns pale, and he laughs scorn herself into a chair.) fully.) Mercy, Heaven! Ha! that was unexpected.—Mark you, My worst fears then are all confirm'd ! lady, Fies. (with dignity.) Therefore I deem'd it best to furnish out Nay, dearest, Some special objects for the watchful eyes Hear me but calmly, I had ancestors Of your illustrious house to gaze upon. Who wore the triple crown. Fieskan Therefore I wore the foolscap of feign'd blood passion, Flows tranquilly but under purple robes! And left this precious gem neglected here. But shall your husband be with borrow'd (Pointing to Leonora.) fame reason SCENE XIV. dance swore crown tinct ; me Contented ? What ? For all his grandeur Love like a tender flower must pine and still, wither. Be thankful to capricious destiny, Man's heart, even though Fiesko's were That in some kindly mood has kneaded up, that heart, From mouldering trophies of the past, a Has not for two conflicting tyrant powers, man, At one time space enough. Now would'st Like Giovanni Luigi Fiesko ? thou lay No-no-Leonora !—I am far too proud, Thy head upon my bosom, but thou hear'st To take that as a gift, which for myself Rebellious vassals storming at thy gate. I can with powerful arm obtain ;-and Smiling, I'd rest in my true lover's arms, therefore, But with a despot's faltering heart he hears Ere onc day more hath dawn'd, I shall The rustling of a murderer's step behind consign The costly hangings of th' iinperial hall, My borrow'd plumes back to th' ancestral And flies from room to room. Nay, dark grave. mistrust Levagna's Counts from henceforth are ex At length destroys all household unity, And if Leonora to thy parch'd lip holds From that hour shall the princes date their The cool refreshing cup, thou dar’st not rise. drink, Leon. (lost in her own wild thoughts.) But deem'st that with the blandishments I see him overpower'd by deadly wounds ; of love See the dull silent bearers bring towards She brings thee poison ! Fies. (Much agitated.) Hideous dreams! My husband's bloody corse !--that cannon No more! shot, I cannot now recede ; the bridge whereon That first that fell amid his friendly band, I came so far is broken from behind me. Hath struck him to the heart ! Leon. And this were all ? Oh, deeds Fies. Be quiet, child ; alone, Fiesko, 'Twill not be so ! Are here irrevocable. (Tenderly and half Leon. So confidently, then, ironical.) In past days, Fiesko dares to challenge Providence ! Have you not sworn that Leonora's beauty And if among a thousand,—thousand From proud ambition's paths had quite chances, misled you ? 'Twere possible, it might be true, and I Flatterer! these vows were false, or her Might lose my husband ! -Oh, Fiesko, think, Have early faded. Question thine own Heaven is at stake ; and if a billion prizes heart, Were to be drawn, and but one blank for Who is to blame? all, (Ardently, and embracing him.) Yet would you dare this fearful lottery ! Come, come to me once more ! Heaven is at stake,—your soul's eternal Be yet a man! Renounce these fearful weal, schemes, And is not every venture on such gamc, And love shall be thy recompense. If such Rebellion 'gainst your God ? Affection cannot still thy restless mood, Fies. Be unconcerned. Trust me, the crown will prove yet more Fortune and I are friends ;-but OF ALL deceitful. DANGERS, Come, I shall learn by rote each wish of THE DEADLIEST IS FAINT-HEARTED thine, COWARDICE; Will in one kiss blend all the charms of And Grandeur from her yotaries must have love, homage. That in his silken bands I may for ever Leon. Grandeur, Fiesko ? oh that with Hold thee, too venturous runaway! (In tears.) If 'twere Your spirit bears so little sympathy ! But to make one poor being happy, one, Mark, I shall trust to that which you call Who but upon thy bosom lives in heaven, fortune. Say, should not this alone fill every void Say you have conquer'd ; woe's me, then, Within thy restless heart? of all Fies. (Overcome.) Oh, Leonora, On earth, the poorest, most unhappy wife ! What have you done? How shall I meet You fail—then I am lost !_Worse, if you the looks triumph. Of those who now will claim my promises ? Here is no choice, Fiesko must be duke, Leon. (joyfully.) Oh, dearest, let us fly Or perish ; but when I embrace the duke, from hence, cast off I lose for evermore my dearest husband. At once all pomp and idle pageantry, Fies. Leonora, now you speak in mys. In tranquil woods and fields live but for teries. love! Leon. No, no. Mid the cold sphere Clear as the Heaven's unchanging azure around a throne, vault, VOL. XVI. 2 C poor charms my heart |