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Comic Tragedies

<h2>NORNA; OR, THE WITCH'S CURSE.</h2> <hr class="hr2"/> <h2>CHARACTERS.</h2> Count Rodolpho A Haughty Noble. Count Louis Lover of Leonore. Adrian The Black Mask. Hugo A Bandit. Gaspard Captain of the Guard. Angelo A Page. Theresa Wife to Rodolpho. Leonore In love with Louis. Norna A Witch. <hr class="hr2"/> <h3>SCENE FIRST.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[A room in the castle of Rodolpho. Theresa discovered alone, and in tears.]</div> Theresa. I cannot pray; my aching heart finds rest alone in tears. Ah, what a wretched fate is mine! Forced by a father's will to wed a stranger ere I learned to love, one short year hath taught me what a bitter thing it is to wear a chain that binds me unto one who hath proved himself both jealous and unkind. The fair hopes I once cherished are now gone, and here a captive in my splendid home I dwell forsaken, sorrowing and alone [weeps]. [Three taps upon the wall are heard.] Ha, my brother's signal! What [Pg 18] can bring him hither at this hour? Louis, is it thou? Enter; "all's well." <div class="blockquot2">[Enter Count Louis through a secret panel in the wall, hidden by a curtain. He embraces Theresa.</div> Theresa. Ah, Louis, what hath chanced? Why art thou here? Some danger must have brought thee; tell me, dear brother. Let me serve thee. Louis. Sister dearest, thy kindly offered aid is useless now. Thou canst not help me; and I must add another sorrow to the many that are thine. I came to say farewell, Theresa. Theresa. Farewell! Oh, brother, do not leave me! Thy love is all now left to cheer my lonely life. Wherefore must thou go? Tell me, I beseech thee! Louis. Forgive me if I grieve thee. I will tell thee all. Thy husband hates me, for I charged him with neglect and cruelty to thee; and he hath vowed revenge for my bold words. He hath whispered [Pg 19] false tales to the king, he hath blighted all my hopes of rank and honor. I am banished from the land, and must leave thee and Leonore, and wander forth an outcast and alone. But—let him beware!—I shall return to take a deep revenge for thy wrongs and my own. Nay, sister, grieve not thus. I have sworn to free thee from his power, and I will keep my vow. Hope on and bear a little longer, dear Theresa, and ere long I will bear thee to a happy home [noise is heard without]. Ha! what is that? Who comes? Theresa. 'Tis my lord returning from the court. Fly, Louis, fly! Thou art lost if he discover thee. Heaven bless and watch above thee. Remember poor Theresa, and farewell. Louis. One last word of Leonore. I have never told my love, yet she hath smiled on me, and I should have won her hand. Ah, tell her this, and bid her to be true to him who in his exile will hope on, and yet return to claim the heart he hath [Pg 20] loved so faithfully. Farewell, my sister. Despair not,—I shall return. [Exit Louis through the secret panel; drops his dagger. Theresa. Thank Heaven, he is safe!—but oh, my husband, this last deed of thine is hard to bear. Poor Louis, parted from Leonore, his fair hopes blighted, all by thy cruel hand. Ah, he comes! I must be calm. [Enter Rodolpho. Rod. What, weeping still? Hast thou no welcome for thy lord save tears and sighs? I'll send thee to a convent if thou art not more gay! Theresa. I'll gladly go, my lord. I am weary of the world. Its gayeties but make my heart more sad. Rod. Nay, then I will take thee to the court, and there thou must be gay. But I am weary; bring me wine, and smile upon me as thou used to do. Dost hear me? Weep no more. [Seats himself. [Pg 21] Theresa brings wine and stands beside him. Suddenly he sees the dagger dropped by Louis.] Ha! what is that? 'Tis none of mine. How came it hither? Answer, I command thee! Theresa. I cannot. I must not, dare not tell thee. Rod. Darest thou refuse to answer? Speak! Who hath dared to venture hither? Is it thy brother? As thou lovest life, I bid thee speak. Theresa. I am innocent, and will not betray the only one now left me on the earth to love. Oh, pardon me, my lord; I will obey in all but this. Rod. Thou shalt obey. I'll take thy life but I will know. Thy brother must be near,—this dagger was not here an hour ago. Thy terror hath betrayed him. I leave thee now to bid them search the castle. But if I find him not, I shall return; and if thou wilt not then confess, I'll find a way to make thee. Remember, I have vowed,—thy secret or thy life! [Exit Rodolpho. [Pg 22] Theresa. My life I freely yield thee, but my secret—never. Oh, Louis, I will gladly die to save thee. Life hath no joy for me; and in the grave this poor heart may forget the bitter sorrows it is burdened with [sinks down weeping]. [Enter Rodolpho. Rod. The search is vain. He hath escaped. Theresa, rise, and answer me. To whom belonged the dagger I have found? Thy tears avail not; I will be obeyed. Kneel not to me, I will not pardon. Answer, or I swear I'll make thee dumb forever. Theresa. No, no! I will not betray. Oh, husband, spare me! Let not the hand that led me to the altar be stained with blood I would so gladly shed for thee. I cannot answer thee. Rod. [striking her]. Then die: thy constancy is useless. I will find thy brother and take a fearful vengeance yet. Theresa. I am faithful to the last. Husband, I forgive thee. [Theresa dies. [Pg 23] Rod. 'Tis done, and I am rid of her forever; but 'tis an ugly deed. Poor fool, there was a time when I could pity thee, but thou hast stood 'twixt me and Lady Leonore, and now I am free. I must conceal the form, and none shall ever know the crime. [Exit Rodolpho. [The panel opens and Norna enters.] Norna. Heaven shield us! What is this? His cruel hand hath done the deed, and I am powerless to save. Poor, murdered lady, I had hoped to spare thee this, and lead thee to a happier home. Perchance, 'tis better so. The dead find rest, and thy sad heart can ache no more. Rest to thy soul, sweet lady. But for thee, thou cruel villain, I have in store a deep revenge for all thy sinful deeds. If there be power in spell or charm, I'll conjure fearful dreams upon thy head. I'll follow thee wherever thou mayst go, and haunt thy sleep with evil visions. I'll whisper strange words [Pg 24] that shall appall thee; dark phantoms shall rise up before thee, and wild voices ringing in thine ear shall tell thee of thy sins. By all these will I make life like a hideous dream, and death more fearful still. Like a vengeful ghost I will haunt thee to thy grave, and so revenge thy wrongs, poor, murdered lady. Beware, Rodolpho! Old Norna's curse is on thee. <div class="blockquot">[She bears away Theresa's body through the secret door, and vanishes. </div> CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 25] <h3>NOTE TO SCENE SECOND.</h3> The mysterious cave was formed of old furniture, covered with dark draperies, an opening being left at the back wherein the spirits called up by Norna might appear. A kitchen kettle filled with steaming water made an effective caldron over which the sorceress should murmur her incantations; flaming pine-knots cast a lurid glare over the scene; and large boughs, artfully arranged about the stage, gave it the appearance of a "gloomy wood." When Louis "retires within," he at once arrays himself in the white robes of the vision, and awaits the witch's call to rise behind the aperture in true dramatic style. He vanishes, quickly resumes his own attire, while Norna continues to weave her spells, till she sees he is ready to appear once more as the disguised Count Louis. <hr /> [Pg 26] <h3>SCENE SECOND.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[A wood. Norna's cave among the rocks. Enter Louis masked.]</div> Louis. Yes; 'tis the spot. How dark and still! She is not here. Ho, Norna, mighty sorceress! I seek thy aid. Norna [rising from the cave]. I am here. Louis. I seek thee, Norna, to learn tidings of one most dear to me. Dost thou know aught of Count Rodolpho's wife? A strange tale hath reached me that not many nights ago she disappeared, and none know whither she hath gone. Oh, tell me, is this true? Norna. It is most true. Louis. And canst thou tell me whither she hath gone? I will reward thee well. Norna. I can. She lies within her tomb, in the chapel of the castle. Louis. Dead!—it cannot be! They told me she had fled away with some [Pg 27] young lord who had won her love. Was it not true? Norna. It is false as the villain's heart who framed the tale. I bore the murdered lady to her tomb, and laid her there. Louis. Murdered? How? When? By whom? Oh, tell me I beseech thee! Norna. Her husband's cruel hand took the life he had made a burden. I heard him swear it ere he dealt the blow. Louis. Wherefore did he kill her? Oh, answer quickly or I shall go mad with grief and hate. Norna. I can tell thee little. From my hiding-place I heard her vow never to confess whose dagger had been found in her apartment, and her jealous lord, in his wild anger, murdered her. Louis. 'Twas mine. Would it had been sheathed in mine own breast ere it had caused so dark a deed! Ah, Theresa, why did I leave thee to a fate like this? Norna. Young man, grieve not; it is [Pg 28] too late to save, but there is left to thee a better thing than grief. Louis. Oh, what? Norna. Revenge! Louis. Thou art right. I'll weep no more. Give me thine aid, O mighty wizard, and I will serve thee well. Norna. Who art thou? The poor lady's lover? Louis. Ah, no; far nearer and far deeper was the love I bore her, for I am her brother. Norna. Ha, that's well! Thou wilt join me, for I have made a vow to rest not till that proud, sinful lord hath well atoned for this deep crime. Spirits shall haunt him, and the darkest phantoms that my art can raise shall scare his soul. Wilt thou join me in my work? Louis. I will,—but stay! thou hast spoken of spirits. Dread sorceress, is it in thy power to call them up? Norna. It is. Wilt see my skill. Stand back while I call up a phantom which thou canst not doubt. <div class="blockquot"> [Pg 29] [Louis retires within the cave. Norna weaves a spell above her caldron. </div> Norna. O spirit, from thy quiet tomb, I bid thee hither through the gloom, In winding-sheet, with bloody brow, Rise up and hear our solemn vow. I bid thee, with my magic power, Tell the dark secret of that hour When cruel hands, with blood and strife, Closed the sad dream of thy young life. Hither—appear before our eyes. Pale spirit, I command thee rise. [Spirit of Theresa rises. Shadowy spirit, I charge thee well, By my mystic art's most potent spell, To haunt throughout his sinful life, The mortal who once called thee wife. At midnight hour glide round his bed, And lay thy pale hand on his head. Whisper wild words in his sleeping ear, And chill his heart with a deadly fear. Rise at his side in his gayest hour, And his guilty soul shall feel thy power. Stand thou before him in day and night, And cast o'er his life a darksome blight; For with all his power and sin and pride, [Pg 30] He shall ne'er forget his murdered bride. Pale, shadowy form, wilt thou obey? [The spirit bows its head. To thy ghostly work away—away! [The spirit vanishes. The spell is o'er, the vow is won, And, sinful heart, thy curse begun. [Re-enter Louis. Louis. 'Tis enough! I own thy power, and by the spirit of my murdered sister I have looked upon, I swear to aid thee in thy dark work. Norna. 'Tis well; and I will use my power to guard thee from the danger that surrounds thee. And now, farewell. Remember,—thou hast sworn. [Exit Louis. CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 31] <h3>SCENE THIRD.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[Another part of the wood. Enter Rodolpho.]</div> Rod. They told me that old Norna's cave was 'mong these rocks, and yet I find it not. By her I hope to learn where young Count Louis is concealed. Once in my power, he shall not escape to whisper tales of evil deeds against me. Stay! some one comes. I'll ask my way. [Enter Louis masked. Ho, stand, good sir. Canst guide me to the cell of Norna, the old sorceress? Louis. It were little use to tell thee; thou wouldst only win a deeper curse than that she hath already laid upon thee. Rod. Hold! who art thou that dare to speak thus to Count Rodolpho? Louis. That thou canst never know; but this I tell thee: I am thy deadliest foe, and, aided by the wizard Norna, seek [Pg 32] to work thee evil, and bring down upon thy head the fearful doom thy sin deserves. Wouldst thou know more,—then seek the witch, and learn the hate she bears thee. Rod. Fool! thinkst thou I fear thee or thy enchantments? Draw, and defend thyself! Thou shalt pay dearly for thine insolence to me! insolence to me! [Draws his sword. Louis. I will not stain my weapon with a murderer's blood. I leave thee to the fate that gathers round thee. [Exit Louis. Rod. "Murderer," said he. I am betrayed,—yet no one saw the deed. Yet, stay! perchance 'twas he who bore <ins title="Original had Therese">Theresa</ins> away. He has escaped me, and will spread the tale. Nay, why should I fear? Courage! One blow, and I am safe! [Rushes forward. Spirit of Theresa rises.] What's that?—her deathlike face,—the wound my hand hath made! Help! help! help! [Rushes out. The spirit vanishes. CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 33] <h3>SCENE FOURTH.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[Room in the castle of Rodolpho. Rodolpho alone.]</div> Rod. I see no way save that. Were young Count Louis dead she would forget the love that had just begun, and by sweet words and gifts I may yet win her. The young lord must die [a groan behind the curtain]. Ha! what is that? 'Tis nothing; fie upon my fear! I'll banish all remembrance of the fearful shape my fancy conjured up within the forest. I'll not do the deed myself,—I have had enough of blood. Hugo the bandit: he is just the man,—bold, sure of hand, and secret. I will bribe him well, and when the deed is done, find means to rid me of him lest he should play me false. I saw him in the courtyard as I entered. Perchance he is not yet gone. Ho, without there! Bid Hugo here if he be within [Pg 34] the castle.—He is a rough knave, but gold will make all sure. [Enter Hugo. Hugo. What would my lord with me? Rod. I ask a favor of thee. Nay, never fear, I'll pay thee well. Wouldst earn a few gold pieces? Hugo. Ay, my lord, most gladly would I. Rod. Nay, sit, good Hugo. Here is wine; drink, and refresh thyself. Hugo. Thanks, my lord. How can I serve you? [Rodolpho gives wine, Hugo sits and drinks.] Rod. Dost thou know Count Louis, whom the king lately banished? Hugo. Nay, my lord; I never saw him. Rod. [aside]. Ha! that is well. It matters not; 'tis not of him I speak. Take more wine, good Hugo. Listen, there is a certain lord,—one whom I hate. I seek his life. Here is gold—thou hast a dagger, and can use it well. Dost understand me? [Pg 35] Hugo. Ay, my lord, most clearly. Name the place and hour; count out the gold,—I and my dagger then are thine. Rod. 'Tis well. Now harken. In the forest, near old Norna's cave, there is a quiet spot. Do thou go there to-night at sunset. Watch well, and when thou seest a tall figure wrapped in a dark cloak, and masked, spring forth, and do the deed. Then fling the body down the rocks, or hide it in some secret place. Here is one half the gold; more shall be thine when thou shalt show some token that the deed is done. Hugo. Thanks, Count; I'll do thy bidding. At sunset in the forest,—I'll be there, and see he leaves it not alive. Good-even, then, my lord. Rod. Hugo, use well thy dagger, and gold awaits thee. Yet, stay! I'll meet thee in the wood, and pay thee there. They might suspect if they should see thee here again so soon. I'll meet thee there, and so farewell. [Pg 36] Hugo. Adieu, my lord. [Exit Hugo]. Rod. Yes; all goes well. My rival dead, and Leonore is mine. With her I may forget the pale face that now seems ever looking into mine. I can almost think the deep wound shows in her picture yonder. But this is folly! Shame on thee, Rodolpho. I'll think of it no more. [Turns to drink. Theresa's face appears within the picture, the wound upon her brow.] Ha! what is that? Am I going mad? See the eyes move,—it is Theresa's face! Nay, I will not look again. Yes, yes; 'tis there! Will this sad face haunt me forever? Theresa. Forever! Forever! Rod. Fiends take me,—'tis her voice! It is no dream. Ah, let me go away—away! [Rodolpho rushes wildly out.] CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 37] <h3>NOTE TO SCENE FIFTH.</h3> The apparently impossible transformations of this scene (when played by two actors only) may be thus explained:— The costumes of Louis and Norna, being merely loose garments, afford opportunities for rapid change; and the indulgent audience overlooking such minor matters as boots and wigs, it became an easy matter for Jo to transform herself into either of the four characters which she assumed on this occasion. Beneath the flowing robes of the sorceress Jo was fully dressed as Count Rodolpho. Laid conveniently near were the black cloak, hat, and mask of Louis,—also the white draperies required for the ghostly Theresa. Thus, Norna appears in long, gray robe, to which are attached the hood and elf-locks of the witch. Seeing Hugo approach she conceals herself among the trees, thus gaining time to don the costume of Louis, and appear to Hugo who awaits him. Hugo stabs and drags him from the stage. Louis then throws off his disguise and becomes [Pg 38] Rodolpho, fully dressed for his entrance a moment later. As Hugo does not again appear, it is an easy matter to assume the character of the spectre and produce the sights and sounds which terrify the guilty Count; then slipping on the witch's robe, be ready to glide forth and close the scene with dramatic effect. <hr /> [Pg 39] <h3>SCENE FIFTH.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[The wood near Norna's cave. Enter Norna.]</div> Norna. It is the hour I bid him come with the letter for Lady Leonore. Poor youth, his sister slain, his life in danger, and the lady of his love far from him, 'tis a bitter fate. But, if old Norna loses not her power, he shall yet win his liberty, his love, and his revenge. Ah, he comes,—nay, 'tis the ruffian Hugo. I will conceal myself,—some evil is afoot [hides among the trees]. [Enter Hugo. Hugo. This is the spot. Here will I hide, and bide my time [conceals himself among the rocks]. [Enter Louis. Louis. She is not here. I'll wait awhile and think of Leonore. How will [Pg 40] she receive this letter? Ah, could she know how, 'mid all my grief and danger, her dear face shines in my heart, and cheers me on. [Hugo steals out, and as he turns, stabs him.] Ha, villain, thou hast killed me! I am dying! God bless thee, Leonore! Norna, remember, vengeance on Rodolpho! [Falls] Hugo. Nay, nay, thou wilt take no revenge; thy days are ended, thanks to this good steel. Now, for the token [takes letter from Louis's hand]. Ah, this he cannot doubt. I will take this ring too; 'tis a costly one. I'll hide the body in the thicket yonder, ere my lord arrives [drags out the body]. [Enter Rodolpho. Rod. Not here? Can he have failed? Here is blood—it may be his. I'll call. Hugo, good Hugo, art thou here? Hugo [stealing from the trees]. Ay, my lord, I am here. All is safely done: the love-sick boy lies yonder in the thicket, dead as steel can make him. And here is [Pg 41] the token if you doubt me, and the ring I just took from his hand [gives letter]. Rod. Nay, nay, I do not doubt thee; keep thou the ring. I am content with this. Tell me, did he struggle with thee when thou dealt the blow? Hugo. Nay, my lord; he fell without a groan, and murmuring something of revenge on thee, he died. Hast thou the gold? Rod. Yes, yes, I have it. Take it, and remember I can take thy life as easily as thou hast his, if thou shouldst whisper what hath been this day done. Now go; I've done with thee. Hugo. And I with thee. Adieu, my lord. [Exit Hugo. Rod. Now am I safe,—no mortal knows of Theresa's death by my hand, and Leonore is mine. Voice [within the wood]. Never—never! Rod. Curses on me! Am I bewitched? Surely, I heard a voice; perchance 'twas [Pg 42] but an echo [a wild laugh rings through the trees]. Fiends take the wood! I'll stay no longer! [Turns to fly. Theresa's spirit rises.] 'Tis there,—help, help—[Rushes wildly out.] [Enter Norna. Norna. Ha, ha! fiends shall haunt thee, thou murderer! Another sin upon thy soul,—another life to be avenged! Poor, murdered youth, now gone to join thy sister. I will lay thee by her side and then to my work. He hath raised another ghost to haunt him. Let him beware! [Exit Norna. CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 43] <h3>SCENE SIXTH.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[Chamber in the castle of Lady Leonore. Enter Leonore.]</div> Leonore. Ah, how wearily the days go by. No tidings of Count Louis, and Count Rodolpho urges on his suit so earnestly. I must accept his hand to-day, or refuse his love, and think no more of Louis. I know not how to choose. Rodolpho loves me: I am an orphan and alone, and in his lovely home I may be happy. I have heard it whispered that he is both stern and cruel, yet methinks it cannot be,—he is so tender when with me. Ah, would I could forget Count Louis! He hath never told his love, and doubtless thinks no more of her who treasures up his gentle words, and cannot banish them, even when another offers a heart and home few would refuse. How shall I answer Count Rodolpho [Pg 44] when he comes? I do not love him as I should, and yet it were no hard task to learn with so fond a teacher. Shall I accept his love, or shall I reject? [Norna suddenly appears. Norna. Reject. Leonore. Who art thou? Leave me, or I call for aid. Norna. Nay, lady, fear not. I come not here to harm thee, but to save thee from a fate far worse than death. I am old Norna of the forest, and though they call me witch and sorceress, I am a woman yet, and with a heart to pity and to love. I would save thy youth and beauty from the blight I fear will fall upon thee. Leonore. Save me! from what? How knowest thou I am in danger; and from what wouldst thou save me, Norna? Norna. From Lord Rodolpho, lady. Leonore. Ah! and why from him? Tell on, I'll listen to thee now. He hath offered me his heart and hand. Why should I not accept them, Norna? [Pg 45] Norna. That heart is filled with dark and evil passions, and that hand is stained with blood. Ay, lady, well mayst thou start. I will tell thee more. The splendid home he would lead thee to is darkened by a fearful crime, and his fair palace haunted by the spirit of a murdered wife. [Leonore starts up. Leonore. Wife, sayest thou? He told me he was never wed. Mysterious woman, tell me more! How dost thou know 'tis true, and wherefore was it done? I have a right to know. Oh, speak, and tell me all! Norna. For that have I come hither. He hath been wed to a lady, young and lovely as thyself. He kept her prisoner in his splendid home, and by neglect and cruelty he broke as warm and true a heart as ever beat in woman's breast. Her brother stole unseen to cheer and comfort her, and this aroused her lord's suspicions, and he bid her to confess who was her unknown friend. She would not [Pg 46] yield her brother to his hate, and he in his wild anger murdered her. I heard his cruel words, her prayers for mercy, and I stood beside the lifeless form and marked the blow his evil hand had given her. And there I vowed I would avenge the deed, and for this have I come hither to warn thee of thy danger. He loves thee only for thy wealth, and when thou art his, will wrong thee as he hath the meek Theresa. Leonore. How shall I ever thank thee for this escape from sorrow and despair? I did not love him, but I am alone, and his kind words were sweet and tender. I thought with him I might be happy yet, but—Ah, how little did I dream of sin like this! Thank Heaven, 'tis not too late! Norna. How wilt thou answer Lord Rodolpho now? Leonore. I will answer him with all the scorn and loathing that I feel. I fear him not, and he shall learn how his false vows are despised, and his sins made known. Norna. 'Tis well; but stay,—be thou [Pg 47] not too proud. Speak fairly, and reject him courteously; for he will stop at nought in his revenge if thou but rouse his hatred. And now, farewell. I'll watch above thee, and in thy hour of danger old Norna will be nigh. Stay, give me some token, by which thou wilt know the messenger I may find cause to send thee. The fierce Count will seek to win thee, and repay thy scorn by all the evil his cruel heart can bring. Leonore. Take this ring, and I will trust whoever thou mayst send with it. I owe thee much, and, believe me, I am grateful for thy care, and will repay thee by my confidence and truth. Farewell, old Norna; watch thou above the helpless, and thine old age shall be made happy by my care. Norna. Heaven bless thee, gentle lady. Good angels guard thee. Norna will not forget. [Exit Norna. Leonore. 'Tis like a dream, so strange, so terrible,—he whom I thought so gentle, [Pg 48] and so true is stained with fearful crimes! Poor, murdered lady! Have I escaped a fate like thine? Ah, I hear his step! Now, heart, be firm and he shall enter here no more. [Enter Rodolpho. Rod. Sweet lady, I am here to learn my fate. I have told my love, and thou hast listened; I have asked thy hand, and thou hast not refused it. I have offered all that I possess,—my home, my heart. Again I lay them at thy feet, beloved Leonore. Oh, wilt thou but accept them, poor tho' they be, and in return let me but claim this fair hand as mine own? [Takes her hand and kneels before her. Leonore [withdrawing her hand]. My lord, forgive me, but I cannot grant it. When last we met thou didst bid me ask my heart if it could love thee. It hath answered, "Nay." I grieve I cannot make a fit return for all you offer, but I have no love to give, and without it this poor hand [Pg 49] were worthless. There are others far more fit to grace thy home than I. Go, win thyself a loving bride, and so forget Leonore. Rod. What hath changed thee thus since last we met. Then wert thou kind, and listened gladly to my love. Now there is a scornful smile upon thy lips, and a proud light in thine eye. What means this? Why dost thou look so coldly on me, Leonore? Who has whispered false tales in thine ear? Believe them not. I am as true as Heaven to thee; then do not cast away the heart so truly thine. Smile on me, dearest; thou art my first, last, only love. Leonore. 'Tis false, my lord! Hast thou so soon forgot Theresa? Rod. What! Who told thee that accursed tale? What dost thou mean, Leonore? Leonore. I mean thy sinful deeds are known. Thou hast asked me why I will not wed thee, and I answer, I will not give my hand unto a murderer. [Pg 50] Rod. Murderer! No more of this! Thy tale is false; forget it, and I will forgive the idle words. Now listen; I came hither to receive thy answer to my suit. Think ere thou decide. Thou art an orphan, unprotected and alone. I am powerful and great. Wilt thou take my love, and with it honor, wealth, happiness, and ease, or my hate, which will surely follow thee and bring down desolation on thee and all thou lovest? Now choose, my hatred, or my love. Leonore. My lord, I scorn thy love, and I defy thy hate. Work thy will, I fear thee not. I am not so unprotected as thou thinkest. There are unseen friends around me who will save in every peril, and who are sworn to take revenge on thee for thy great sins. This is my answer; henceforth we are strangers; now leave me. I would be alone. Rod. Not yet, proud lady. If thou wilt not love, I'll make thee learn to fear the heart thou hast so scornfully cast [Pg 51] away. Let thy friends guard thee well; thou wilt need their care when I begin my work of vengeance. Thou mayst smile, but thou shalt rue the day when Count Rodolpho asked and was refused. But I will yet win thee, and then beware! And when thou dost pray for mercy on thy knees, remember the haughty words thou hast this day spoken. Leonore. Do thy worst, murderer; spirits will watch above me, and thou canst not harm. Adieu, my lord. [Exit Leonore. Rod. Foiled again! Some demon works against me. Who could have told her of Theresa? A little longer, and I should have won a rich young bride, and now this tale of murder mars it all. But I will win her yet, and wring her proud heart till she shall bend her haughty head and sue for mercy. How shall it be done? Stay! Ha, I see a way!—the letter Louis would have sent her ere he died. She knows not of his [Pg 52] death, and I will send this paper bidding her to meet her lover in the forest. She cannot doubt the lines his own hand traced. She will obey,—and I'll be there to lead her to my castle. I'll wed her, and she may scorn, weep, and pray in vain. Ha, ha! proud Leonore, spite of thy guardian spirits thou shalt be mine, and then for my revenge! [Exit Rodolpho. CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 53] <h3>SCENE SEVENTH.</h3> <div class="blockquot">[Leonore's room. Enter Leonore with a letter.]</div> Leonore. 'Tis strange; an unknown page thrust this into my hand while kneeling in the chapel. Ah, surely, I should know this hand! 'Tis Louis's, and at last he hath returned, and still remembers Leonore [opens letter and reads]. <div class="blockquot">Dearest Lady,—I am banished from the land by Count Rodolpho's false tales to the king; and thus I dare not venture near thee. But by the love my lips have never told, I do conjure thee to bestow one last look, last word, on him whose cruel fate it is to leave all that he most fondly loves. If thou wilt grant this prayer, meet me at twilight in the glen beside old Norna's cave. She will be there to guard thee. Dearest Leonore, before we part, perchance forever, grant this last boon to one who in banishment, in grief and peril, is forever thy devoted</div> <div class="blockquot">Louis. </div> [Pg 54] He loves me, and mid danger still remembers. Ah, Louis, there is nothing thou canst ask I will not gladly grant. I'll go; the sun is well-nigh set, and I can steal away unseen to whisper hope and comfort ere we part forever. Now, Count Rodolpho, thou hast given me another cause for hate. Louis, I can love thee tho' thou art banished and afar. Hark! 'tis the vesper-bell. Now, courage, heart, and thou shalt mourn no longer. [Exit Leonore. CURTAIN. <hr /> [Pg 55] <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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