Chapter 148

_Front of the Palace with a magnificent Colonnade. On one side a military Guard-house. Sentries pacing backward and forward before the Palace. CHEF RAGOZZI, at the door of the Guard-house, as looking forwards at some object in the distance._

_Chef Ragozzi._ My eyes deceive me not, it must be he. Who but our chief, my more than father, who But Raab Kiuprili moves with such a gait? Lo! e'en this eager and unwonted haste But agitates, not quells, its majesty. 5 My patron! my commander! yes, 'tis he! Call out the guards. The Lord Kiuprili comes.

[_Drums beat, &c., the_ Guard _turns out._

_Enter RAAB KIUPRILI._

_Raab Kiuprili (making a signal to stop the drums, &c.)._ Silence! enough! This is no time, young friend, For ceremonious dues. The summoning drum, Th' air-shattering trumpet, and the horseman's clatter, 10 Are insults to a dying sovereign's ear. Soldiers, 'tis well! Retire! your General greets you, His loyal fellow-warriors. [_Guards retire._

_Chef Ragozzi._ Pardon my surprise. Thus sudden from the camp, and unattended! What may these wonders prophesy?

_Raab Kiuprili._ Tell me first, 15 How fares the king? His majesty still lives?

_Chef Ragozzi._ We know no otherwise; but Emerick's friends (And none but they approach him) scoff at hope.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Ragozzi! I have reared thee from a child, And as a child I have reared thee. Whence this air 20 Of mystery? That face was wont to open Clear as the morning to me, shewing all things. Hide nothing from me.

_Chef Ragozzi._ O most loved, most honoured, The mystery that struggles in my looks Betrayed my whole tale to thee, if it told thee 25 That I am ignorant; but fear the worst. And mystery is contagious. All things here Are full of motion: and yet all is silent: And bad men's hopes infect the good with fears.

_Raab Kiuprili._ I have trembling proof within how true thou speakest. 30

_Chef Ragozzi._ That the prince Emerick feasts the soldiery, Gives splendid arms, pays the commanders' debts, And (it is whispered) by sworn promises Makes himself debtor--hearing this, thou hast heard All---- 35 But what my lord will learn too soon himself.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Ha!--Well then, let it come! Worse scarce can come. This letter written by the trembling hand Of royal Andreas calls me from the camp To his immediate presence. It appoints me, 40 The Queen, and Emerick, guardians of the realm, And of the royal infant. Day by day, Robbed of Zapolya's soothing cares, the king Yearns only to behold one precious boon, And with his life breathe forth a father's blessing. 45

_Chef Ragozzi._ Remember you, my lord! that Hebrew leech Whose face so much distempered you?

_Raab Kiuprili._ Barzoni? I held him for a spy; but the proof failing (More courteously, I own, than pleased myself), I sent him from the camp.

_Chef Ragozzi._ To him, in chief, 50 Prince Emerick trusts his royal brother's health.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Hide nothing, I conjure you! What of him?

_Chef Ragozzi._ With pomp of words beyond a soldier's cunning, And shrugs and wrinkled brow, he smiles and whispers! Talks in dark words of women's fancies; hints 55 That 'twere a useless and a cruel zeal To rob a dying man of any hope, However vain, that soothes him: and, in fine, Denies all chance of offspring from the Queen.

_Raab Kiuprili._ The venomous snake! My heel was on its head, 60 And (fool!) I did not crush it!

_Chef Ragozzi._ Nay, he fears Zapolya will not long survive her husband.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Manifest treason! Even this brief delay Half makes me an accomplice----(If he live,)

[_Is moving toward the palace._

If he but live and know me, all may----

_Chef Ragozzi._ Halt! [_Stops him._ 65 On pain of death, my Lord! am I commanded To stop all ingress to the palace.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Thou!

_Chef Ragozzi._ No place, no name, no rank excepted--

_Raab Kiuprili._ Thou!

_Chef Ragozzi._ This life of mine, O take it, Lord Kiuprili! I give it as a weapon to thy hands, 70 Mine own no longer. Guardian of Illyria, Useless to thee, 'tis worthless to myself. Thou art the framer of my nobler being; Nor does there live one virtue in my soul, One honourable hope, but calls thee father. 75 Yet ere thou dost resolve, know that yon palace Is guarded from within, that each access Is thronged by armed conspirators, watched by ruffians Pampered with gifts, and hot upon the spoil Which that false promiser still trails before them. 80 I ask but this one boon--reserve my life Till I can lose it for the realm and thee!

_Raab Kiuprili._ My heart is rent asunder. O my country, O fallen Illyria, stand I here spell-bound? Did my King love me? Did I earn his love? 85 Have we embraced as brothers would embrace? Was I his arm, his thunder-bolt? And now Must I, hag-ridden, pant as in a dream? Or, like an eagle, whose strong wings press up Against a coiling serpent's folds, can I 90 Strike but for mockery, and with restless beak Gore my own breast?--Ragozzi, thou art faithful?

_Chef Ragozzi._ Here before Heaven I dedicate my faith To the royal line of Andreas.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Hark, Ragozzi! Guilt is a timorous thing ere perpetration: 95 Despair alone makes wicked men be bold. Come thou with me! They have heard my voice in flight, Have faced round, terror-struck, and feared no longer The whistling javelins of their fell pursuers. Ha! what is this?

[_Black flag displayed from the Tower of the Palace: a death-bell tolls, &c._

Vengeance of Heaven! He is dead. 100

_Chef Ragozzi._ At length then 'tis announced. Alas! I fear, That these black death-flags are but treason's signals.

_Raab Kiuprili._ A prophecy too soon fulfilled! See yonder! O rank and ravenous wolves! the death-bell echoes Still in the doleful air--and see! they come. 105

_Chef Ragozzi._ Precise and faithful in their villainy Even to the moment, that the master traitor Had pre-ordained them.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Was it over-haste, Or is it scorn, that in this race of treason Their guilt thus drops its mask, and blazons forth 110 Their infamous plot even to an idiot's sense?

_Chef Ragozzi._ Doubtless they deem Heaven too usurp'd! Heaven's justice Bought like themselves! Being equal all in crime, Do you press on, ye spotted parricides! For the one sole pre-eminence yet doubtful, 115 The prize of foremost impudence in guilt?

_Raab Kiuprili._ The bad man's cunning still prepares the way For its own outwitting. I applaud, Ragozzi! Ragozzi! I applaud, In thee, the virtuous hope that dares look onward And keeps the life-spark warm of future action 120 Beneath the cloak of patient sufferance. Act and appear, as time and prudence prompt thee: I shall not misconceive the part thou playest. Mine is an easier part--to brave the usurper.

[_Enter a procession of EMERICK'S Adherents_, Nobles, Chieftains, _and_ Soldiers, _with Music. They advance toward the front of the stage. KIUPRILI makes the signal for them to stop.--The Music ceases._

_Leader of the Procession._ The Lord Kiuprili!--Welcome from the camp. 125

_Raab Kiuprili._ Grave magistrates and chieftains of Illyria, In good time come ye hither, if ye come As loyal men with honourable purpose To mourn what can alone be mourned; but chiefly To enforce the last commands of royal Andreas 130 And shield the Queen, Zapolya: haply making The mother's joy light up the widow's tears.

_Leader._ Our purpose demands speed. Grace our procession; A warrior best will greet a warlike king.

_Raab Kiuprili._ This patent written by your lawful king, 135 (Lo! his own seal and signature attesting) Appoints as guardians of his realm and offspring, The Queen, and the Prince Emerick, and myself.

[_Voices of_ Live KING EMERICK! an EMERICK! an EMERICK!

What means this clamour? Are these madmen's voices? Or is some knot of riotous slanderers leagued 140 To infamize the name of the king's brother With a lie black as Hell? unmanly cruelty, Ingratitude, and most unnatural treason? [_Murmurs._ What mean these murmurs? Dare then any here Proclaim Prince Emerick a spotted traitor? 145 One that has taken from you your sworn faith, And given you in return a Judas' bribe, Infamy now, oppression in reversion, And Heaven's inevitable curse hereafter?

[_Loud murmurs, followed by cries_--EMERICK! No Baby Prince! No Changelings!

Yet bear with me awhile! Have I for this 150 Bled for your safety, conquered for your honour? Was it for this, Illyrians! that I forded Your thaw-swoln torrents, when the shouldering ice Fought with the foe, and stained its jagged points With gore from wounds I felt not? Did the blast 155 Beat on this body, frost-and-famine-numbed, Till my hard flesh distinguished not itself From the insensate mail, its fellow warrior? And have I brought home with me Victory, And with her, hand in hand, firm-footed Peace, 160 Her countenance twice lighted up with glory, As if I had charmed a goddess down from Heaven? But these will flee abhorrent from the throne Of usurpation!

[_Murmurs increase--and cries of_ Onward! Onward!

Have you then thrown off shame, And shall not a dear friend, a loyal subject, 165 Throw off all fear? I tell ye, the fair trophies Valiantly wrested from a valiant foe, Love's natural offerings to a rightful king, Will hang as ill on this usurping traitor, This brother-blight, this Emerick, as robes 170 Of gold plucked from the images of gods Upon a sacrilegious robber's back. [_Enter LORD CASIMIR._

_Casimir._ Who is this factious insolent, that dares brand The elected King, our chosen Emerick? My father!

_Raab Kiuprili._ Casimir! He, he a traitor! 175 Too soon indeed, Ragozzi! have I learnt it. [_Aside._

_Casimir._ My father and my lord!

_Raab Kiuprili._ I know thee not!

_Leader._ Yet the remembrancing did sound right filial.

_Raab Kiuprili._ A holy name and words of natural duty Are blasted by a thankless traitor's utterance. 180

_Casimir._ O hear me, Sire! not lightly have I sworn Homage to Emerick. Illyria's sceptre Demands a manly hand, a warrior's grasp. The queen Zapolya's self-expected offspring At least is doubtful: and of all our nobles, 185 The king, inheriting his brother's heart, Hath honoured us the most. Your rank, my lord! Already eminent, is--all it can be-- Confirmed: and me the king's grace hath appointed Chief of his council and the lord high steward. 190

_Raab Kiuprili._ (Bought by a bribe!) I know thee now still less.

_Casimir._ So much of Raab Kiuprili's blood flows here, That no power, save that holy name of father, Could shield the man who so dishonoured me.

_Raab Kiuprili._ The son of Raab Kiuprili a bought bond-slave, 195 Guilt's pander, treason's mouth-piece, a gay parrot, School'd to shrill forth his feeder's usurp'd titles. And scream, Long live King Emerick!

_Leaders._ Aye, King Emerick! Stand back, my lord! Lead us, or let us pass.

_Soldier._ Nay, let the general speak!

_Soldiers._ Hear him! hear him!

_Raab Kiuprili._ Hear me, 200 Assembled lords and warriors of Illyria, Hear, and avenge me! Twice ten years have I Stood in your presence, honoured by the king: Beloved and trusted. Is there one among you Accuses Raab Kiuprili of a bribe? 205 Or one false whisper in his sovereign's ear? Who here dares charge me with an orphan's rights Outfaced, or widow's plea left undefended? And shall I now be branded by a traitor, A bought, bribed wretch, who, being called my son, 210 Doth libel a chaste matron's name, and plant Hensbane and aconite on a mother's grave? The underling accomplice of a robber, That from a widow and a widow's offspring Would steal their heritage? To God a rebel, 215 And to the common father of his country A recreant ingrate!

_Casimir._ Sire! your words grow dangerous. High-flown romantic fancies ill-beseem Your age and wisdom. 'Tis a statesman's virtue, To guard his country's safety by what means 220 It best may be protected--come what will Of these monk's morals!

_Raab Kiuprili (aside)._ Ha! the elder Brutus Made his soul iron, though his sons repented. They boasted not their baseness. [_Draws his sword._ Infamous changeling! Recant this instant, and swear loyalty, 225 And strict obedience to thy sovereign's will; Or, by the spirit of departed Andreas, Thou diest----

[Chiefs, _&c., rush to interpose; during the tumult enter EMERICK, alarmed._

_Emerick._ Call out the guard! Ragozzi! seize the assassin.---- Kiuprili? Ha!---- [_Making signs to the guard to retire._ Pass on, friends! to the palace. 230

[_Music recommences.--The Procession passes into the Palace._

_Emerick._ What? Raab Kiuprili? What? a father's sword Against his own son's breast?

_Raab Kiuprili._ 'Twould best excuse him, Were he thy son, Prince Emerick. I abjure him.

_Emerick._ This is my thanks, then, that I have commenced A reign to which the free voice of the nobles 235 Hath called me, and the people, by regards Of love and grace to Raab Kiuprili's house?

_Raab Kiuprili._ What right hadst thou, Prince Emerick, to bestow them?

_Emerick._ By what right dares Kiuprili question me?

_Raab Kiuprili._ By a right common to all loyal subjects-- 240 To me a duty! As the realm's co-regent, Appointed by our sovereign's last free act, Writ by himself.-- [_Grasping the Patent._

_Emerick._ Aye!--Writ in a delirium!

_Raab Kiuprili._ I likewise ask, by whose authority The access to the sovereign was refused me? 245

_Emerick._ By whose authority dared the general leave His camp and army, like a fugitive?

_Raab Kiuprili._ A fugitive, who, with victory for his comrade, Ran, open-eyed, upon the face of death! A fugitive, with no other fear, than bodements 250 To be belated in a loyal purpose-- At the command, Prince! of my king and thine, Hither I came; and now again require Audience of Queen Zapolya; and (the States Forthwith convened) that thou dost shew at large, 255 On what ground of defect thou'st dared annul This thy King's last and solemn act--hast dared Ascend the throne, of which the law had named, And conscience should have made thee, a protector.

_Emerick._ A sovereign's ear ill brooks a subject's questioning! 260 Yet for thy past well-doing--and because 'Tis hard to erase at once the fond belief Long cherished, that Illyria had in thee No dreaming priest's slave, but a Roman lover Of her true weal and freedom--and for this, too, 265 That, hoping to call forth to the broad day-light And fostering breeze of glory all deservings, I still had placed thee foremost.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Prince! I listen.

_Emerick._ Unwillingly I tell thee, that Zapolya, Maddened with grief, her erring hopes proved idle-- 270

_Casimir._ Sire! speak the whole truth! Say, her fraud detected!

_Emerick._ According to the sworn attests in council Of her physician----

_Raab Kiuprili (aside)._ Yes! the Jew, Barzoni!

_Emerick._ Under the imminent risk of death she lies, Or irrecoverable loss of reason, 275 If known friend's face or voice renew the frenzy.

_Casimir (to Kiuprili)._ Trust me, my lord! a woman's trick has duped you-- Us too--but most of all, the sainted Andreas. Even for his own fair fame, his grace prays hourly For her recovery, that (the States convened) 280 She may take counsel of her friends.

_Emerick._ Right, Casimir! Receive my pledge, lord general. It shall stand In her own will to appear and voice her claims; Or (which in truth I hold the wiser course) With all the past passed by, as family quarrels, 285 Let the Queen Dowager, with unblenched honours, Resume her state, our first Illyrian matron.

_Raab Kiuprili._ Prince Emerick! you speak fairly, and your pledge too Is such, as well would suit an honest meaning.

_Casimir._ My lord! you scarce know half his grace's goodness. 290 The wealthy heiress, high-born fair Sarolta, Bred in the convent of our noble ladies, Her relative, the venerable abbess, Hath, at his grace's urgence, wooed and won for me.

_Emerick._ Long may the race, and long may that name flourish, 295 Which your heroic deeds, brave chief, have rendered Dear and illustrious to all true Illyrians.

_Raab Kiuprili._ The longest line that ever tracing herald Or found or feigned, placed by a beggar's soul Hath but a mushroom's date in the comparison: 300 And with the soul, the conscience is coeval, Yea, the soul's essence.

_Emerick._ Conscience, good my lord, Is but the pulse of reason. Is it conscience, That a free nation should be handed down, Like the dull clods beneath our feet, by chance 305 And the blind law of lineage? That whether infant, Or man matured, a wise man or an idiot, Hero or natural coward, shall have guidance Of a free people's destiny, should fall out In the mere lottery of a reckless nature, 310 Where few the prizes and the blanks are countless? Or haply that a nation's fate should hang On the bald accident of a midwife's handling The unclosed sutures of an infant's skull?

_Casimir._ What better claim can sovereign wish or need 315 Than the free voice of men who love their country? Those chiefly who have fought for't? Who by right, Claim for their monarch one, who having obeyed, So hath best learnt to govern; who, having suffered, Can feel for each brave sufferer and reward him? 320 Whence sprang the name of Emperor? Was it not By Nature's fiat? In the storm of triumph, 'Mid warriors' shouts, did her oracular voice Make itself heard: Let the commanding spirit Possess the station of command!

_Raab Kiuprili._ Prince Emerick, 325 Your cause will prosper best in your own pleading.

_Emerick (aside to Casimir)._ Ragozzi was thy school-mate--a bold spirit! Bind him to us!--Thy father thaws apace! [_Then aloud._ Leave us awhile, my lord!--Your friend, Ragozzi, Whom you have not yet seen since his return, 330 Commands the guard to-day.

[_CASIMIR retires to the Guard-house; and after a time appears before it with CHEF RAGOZZI._

We are alone. What further pledge or proof desires Kiuprili? Then, with your assent----

_Raab Kiuprili._ Mistake not for assent The unquiet silence of a stern resolve Throttling the impatient voice. I have heard thee, Prince! 335 And I have watched thee, too; but have small faith in A plausible tale told with a flitting eye.

[_EMERICK turns as about to call for the Guard._

In the next moment I am in thy power, In this thou art in mine. Stir but a step, Or make one sign--I swear by this good sword, 340 Thou diest that instant.

_Emerick._ Ha, ha!--Well, Sir!--Conclude your homily.

_Raab Kiuprili._ A tale which, whether true or false, comes guarded Against all means of proof, detects itself. The Queen mew'd up--this too from anxious care 345 And love brought forth of a sudden, a twin birth With thy discovery of her plot to rob thee Of a rightful throne!--Mark how the scorpion, falsehood, Coils round in its own perplexity, and fixes Its sting in its own head!

_Emerick._ Aye! to the mark! 350

_Raab Kiuprili._ Had'st thou believed thine own tale, had'st thou fancied Thyself the rightful successor of Andreas, Would'st thou have pilfered from our school-boys' themes These shallow sophisms of a popular choice? What people? How convened? or, if convened, 355 Must not the magic power that charms together Millions of men in council, needs have power To win or wield them? Better, O far better Shout forth thy titles to yon circling mountains, And with a thousand-fold reverberation 360 Make the rocks flatter thee, and the volleying air, Unbribed, shout back to thee, King Emerick! By wholesome laws to embank the sovereign power, To deepen by restraint, and by prevention Of lawless will to amass and guide the flood 365 In its majestic channel, is man's task And the true patriot's glory! In all else Men safelier trust to Heaven, than to themselves When least themselves in the mad whirl of crowds Where folly is contagious, and too oft 370 Even wise men leave their better sense at home To chide and wonder at them when returned.

_Emerick (aloud)._ Is't thus thou scoff'st the people? most of all, The soldiers, the defenders of the people?

_Raab Kiuprili._ O most of all, most miserable nation, 375 For whom the imperial power, enormous bubble! Is blown and kept aloft, or burst and shattered By the bribed breath of a lewd soldiery! Chiefly of such, as from the frontiers far, (Which is the noblest station of true warriors) 380 In rank licentious idleness beleaguer City and Court, a venomed thorn i'the side Of virtuous kings, the tyrant's slave and tyrant, Still ravening for fresh largess! But with such What title claim'st thou, save thy birth? What merits 385 Which many a liegeman may not plead as well, Brave though I grant thee? If a life outlaboured Head, heart, and fortunate arm, in watch and war, For the land's fame and weal; if large acquests, Made honest by the aggression of the foe, 390 And whose best praise is, that they bring us safety; If victory, doubly-wreathed, whose under-garland Of laurel-leaves looks greener and more sparkling Thro' the grey olive-branch; if these, Prince Emerick! Give the true title to the throne, not thou-- 395 No! (let Illyria, let the infidel enemy Be judge and arbiter between us!) I, I were the rightful sovereign!

_Emerick._ I have faith That thou both think'st and hop'st it. Fair Zapolya, A provident lady--

_Raab Kiuprili._ Wretch beneath all answer! 400

_Emerick._ Offers at once the royal bed and throne!

_Raab Kiuprili._ To be a kingdom's bulwark, a king's glory, Yet loved by both, and trusted, and trust-worthy, Is more than to be king; but see! thy rage Fights with thy fear. I will relieve thee! Ho! [_To the_ Guard. 405

_Emerick._ Not for thy sword, but to entrap thee, ruffian! Thus long I have listened--Guard--ho! from the Palace.

[_The_ Guard _post from the Guard-house with CHEF RAGOZZI at their head, and then a number from the Palace--CHEF RAGOZZI demands KIUPRILI'S sword, and apprehends him._

_Casimir._ O agony! [_To EMERICK._ Sire, hear me!

[_To KIUPRILI, who turns from him._

Hear me, father!

_Emerick._ Take in arrest that traitor and assassin! Who pleads for his life, strikes at mine, his sovereign's. 410

_Raab Kiuprili._ As the Co-regent of the Realm, I stand Amenable to none save to the States Met in due course of law. But ye are bond-slaves, Yet witness ye that before God and man I here impeach Lord Emerick of foul treason, 415 And on strong grounds attaint him with suspicion Of murder--

_Emerick._ Hence with the madman!

_Raab Kiuprili._ Your Queen's murder, The royal orphan's murder: and to the death Defy him, as a tyrant and usurper.

[_Hurried off by RAGOZZI and the_ Guard.

_Emerick._ Ere twice the sun hath risen, by my sceptre 420 This insolence shall be avenged.

_Casimir._ O banish him! This infamy will crush me. O for my sake, Banish him, my liege lord!

_Emerick._ What? to the army? Be calm, young friend! Nought shall be done in anger. The child o'erpowers the man. In this emergence 425 I must take counsel for us both. Retire. [_Exit CASIMIR._

_Emerick (alone, looks at a Calendar)._ The changeful planet, now in her decay, Dips down at midnight, to be seen no more. With her shall sink the enemies of Emerick, Cursed by the last look of the waning moon: 430 And my bright destiny, with sharpened horns, Shall greet me fearless in the new-born crescent. [_Exit._

_Scene changes to the back of the Palace--a Wooded Park, and Mountains. Enter ZAPOLYA, with an infant in arms._

_Zapolya._ Hush, dear one! hush! My trembling arm disturbs thee! Thou, the protector of the helpless! Thou, The widow's husband and the orphan's father, 435 Direct my steps! Ah whither? O send down Thy angel to a houseless babe and mother, Driven forth into the cruel wilderness! Hush, sweet one! Thou art no Hagar's offspring: thou art The rightful heir of an anointed king! 440 What sounds are those? It is the vesper chaunt Of labouring men returning to their home! Their queen has no home! Hear me, heavenly Father! And let this darkness---- Be as the shadow of thy outspread wings 445 To hide and shield us! Start'st thou in thy slumbers? Thou canst not dream of savage Emerick. Hush! Betray not thy poor mother! For if they seize thee I shall grow mad indeed, and they'll believe Thy wicked uncle's lie. Ha! what? A soldier? 450

[_Enter CHEF RAGOZZI._

_Chef Ragozzi._ Sure Heaven befriends us. Well! he hath escaped! O rare tune of a tyrant's promises That can enchant the serpent treachery From forth its lurking hole in the heart. 'Ragozzi! O brave Ragozzi! Count! Commander! What not?' 455 And all this too for nothing! a poor nothing! Merely to play the underling in the murder Of my best friend Kiuprili! His own son--monstrous! Tyrant! I owe thee thanks, and in good hour Will I repay thee, for that thou thought'st me too 460 A serviceable villain. Could I now But gain some sure intelligence of the queen: Heaven bless and guard her!

_Zapolya (coming forward)._ Art thou not Ragozzi?

_Chef Ragozzi._ The Queen! Now then the miracle is full! 465 I see heaven's wisdom is an over-match For the devil's cunning. This way, madam, haste!

_Zapolya._ Stay! Oh, no! Forgive me if I wrong thee! This is thy sovereign's child: Oh, pity us, And be not treacherous! [_Kneeling._

_Chef Ragozzi (raising her)._ Madam! For mercy's sake! 470

_Zapolya._ But tyrants have a hundred eyes and arms!

_Chef Ragozzi._ Take courage, madam! 'Twere too horrible, (I can not do't) to swear I'm not a monster!-- Scarce had I barr'd the door on Raab Kiuprili--

_Zapolya._ Kiuprili! How?

_Chef Ragozzi._ There is not time to tell it,-- 475 The tyrant called me to him, praised my zeal-- (And be assured I overtopt his cunning And seemed right zealous.) But time wastes: In fine, Bids me dispatch my trustiest friends, as couriers With letters to the army. The thought at once 480 Flashed on me. I disguised my prisoner--

_Zapolya._ What, Raab Kiuprili?

_Chef Ragozzi._ Yes! my noble general! I sent him off, with Emerick's own pacquet, Haste, and post haste--Prepared to follow him----

_Zapolya._ Ah, how? Is it joy or fear? My limbs seem sinking!-- 485

_Chef Ragozzi (supporting her)._ Heaven still befriends us. I have left my charger, A gentle beast and fleet, and my boy's mule, One that can shoot a precipice like a bird, Just where the wood begins to climb the mountains. The course we'll thread will mock the tyrant's guesses, 490 Or scare the followers. Ere we reach the main road The Lord Kiuprili will have sent a troop To escort me. Oh, thrice happy when he finds The treasure which I convoy!

_Zapolya._ One brief moment, That praying for strength I may have strength. This babe, 495 Heaven's eye is on it, and its innocence Is, as a prophet's prayer, strong and prevailing! Through thee, dear babe, the inspiring thought possessed me, When the loud clamor rose, and all the palace Emptied itself--(They sought my life, Ragozzi!) 500 Like a swift shadow gliding, I made way To the deserted chamber of my lord.-- [_Then to the infant._ And thou didst kiss thy father's lifeless lips, And in thy helpless hand, sweet slumberer! Still clasp'st the signet of thy royalty. 505 As I removed the seal, the heavy arm Dropt from the couch aslant, and the stiff finger Seemed pointing at my feet. Provident Heaven! Lo, I was standing on the secret door, Which, through a long descent where all sound perishes, 510 Led out beyond the palace. Well I knew it---- But Andreas framed it not! He was no tyrant!

_Chef Ragozzi._ Haste, madam! Let me take this precious burden!

[_He kneels as he takes the child._

_Zapolya._ Take him! And if we be pursued, I charge thee, Flee thou and leave me! Flee and save thy king! 515

[_Then as going off, she looks back on the palace._

Thou tyrant's den, be called no more a palace! The orphan's angel at the throne of heaven Stands up against thee, and there hover o'er thee A Queen's, a Mother's, and a Widow's curse. Henceforth a dragon's haunt, fear and suspicion 520 Stand sentry at thy portals! Faith and honour, Driven from the throne, shall leave the attainted nation: And, for the iniquity that houses in thee, False glory, thirst of blood, and lust of rapine, (Fateful conjunction of malignant planets) 525 Shall shoot their blastments on the land. The fathers Henceforth shall have no joy in their young men, And when they cry: Lo! a male child is born! The mother shall make answer with a groan. For bloody usurpation, like a vulture, 530 Shall clog its beak within Illyria's heart. Remorseless slaves of a remorseless tyrant, They shall be mocked with sounds of liberty, And liberty shall be proclaimed alone To thee, O Fire! O Pestilence! O Sword! 535 Till Vengeance hath her fill.--And thou, snatched hence, Poor friendless fugitive! with mother's wailing, Offspring of Royal Andreas, shalt return, With trump and timbrel-clang, and popular shout, In triumph to the palace of thy fathers! [_Exeunt._

LINENOTES:

[3] _such_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[20] And _as_ a child have reared thee _1817_. And _as_ a child I, &c. 1828, 1829.

[22] to] on 1817.

[Before 30] _Raab Kiuprili (his hand to his heart)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[32] commanders'] commander's 1817, 1828, 1829.

[35]

All---- [_Then, in a subdued and saddened voice._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[39] ANDREAS 1817, 1828, 1829.

[43] ZAPOLYA 1817, 1828, 1829.

[70] _thy_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 103] _Raab Kiuprili (looking forwards anxiously)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[113]

Bought like themselves! [_During this conversation music is heard, first solemn and funereal, and then changing to spirited and triumphal._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[118]

. . . I applaud, Ragozzi! [_Musing to himself--then--_

1817, 1828, 1829.

[135] _lawful_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[159] VICTORY 1817, 1828, 1829.

[160] PEACE 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 172] [_During the last four lines, enter LORD CASIMIR, with expressions of anger and alarm._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 174] [_Starts--then approaching with timid respect._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[175] My father! _Raab Kiuprili (turning away)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 177] _Casimir (with reverence)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[187] _Your_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 192] _Casimir (struggling with his passion)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[210] _my_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[223] _his_ 1817.

[224]

_They BOASTED_ not _their baseness._ [_Starts, and draws his sword._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[230.]

Kiuprili? Ha!---- [_With lowered voice, at the same time with one hand making, &c._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 230] [_Music . . . Palace.--During which time EMERICK and KIUPRILI regard each other stedfastly._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[233] _thy--I_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[234] thanks] thank 1817.

[240] _me_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[243] _Emerick (with a contemptuous sneer)._ Aye!--Writ, &c. 1817, 1828, 1829.

[252] _my_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[268] _thee_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[271] fraud] _frauds_ 1817: fraud's 1828, 1829.

[288] _speak_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 298] _Raab Kiuprili (sternly)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 343] _Raab Kiuprili (in a somewhat suppressed voice)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[349] Coils round its perplexity 1817.

[Before 351] _Raab Kiuprili (aloud: he and Emerick standing at equi-distance from the Palace and the Guard-house)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[351] _fancied_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[354] _popular choice_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 375] _Raab Kiuprili (aloud)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[395] _thou_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[410] _his_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[423] _Emerick (scornfully)._ What? &c. 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 426] [_Exit CASIMIR in agitation._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 433] _Scene changes to another view, namely the back, &c._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[447] _Thou_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 451] [_She starts back--and enter, &c._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[454-5] 'Ragozzi . . . What not?'] _Ragozzi . . . What not?_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[460] _me_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 464] _Zapolya (coming fearfully forward)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[483] _him_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[495] _have_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[512] _Andreas_: _He_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[524] rapine] ravine 1817.

[528] _Lo! . . . borne!_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[533] _sounds_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 536] [_Again to the infant._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 540] END OF THE PRELUDE. 1817.