Chapter 152

_A stately room in LORD CASIMIR'S castle. Enter EMERICK and LASKA._

_Emerick._ I do perceive thou hast a tender conscience, Laska, in all things that concern thine own Interest or safety.

_Laska._ In this sovereign presence I can fear nothing, but your dread displeasure.

_Emerick._ Perchance, thou think'st it strange, that I of all men 5 Should covet thus the love of fair Sarolta, Dishonouring Casimir?

_Laska._ Far be it from me! Your Majesty's love and choice bring honour with them.

_Emerick._ Perchance, thou hast heard that Casimir is my friend, Fought for me, yea, for my sake, set at nought 10 A parent's blessing; braved a father's curse?

_Laska (aside)._ Would I but knew now, what his Majesty meant! Oh yes, Sire! 'tis our common talk, how Lord Kiuprili, my Lord's father--

_Emerick._ 'Tis your talk, Is it, good statesman Laska?

_Laska._ No, not mine, 15 Not mine, an please your Majesty! There are Some insolent malcontents indeed that talk thus-- Nay worse, mere treason. As Bathory's son, The fool that ran into the monster's jaws.

_Emerick._ Well, 'tis a loyal monster if he rids us 20 Of traitors! But art sure the youth's devoured?

_Laska._ Not a limb left, an please your Majesty! And that unhappy girl--

_Emerick._ Thou followed'st her Into the wood? [_LASKA bows assent._ Henceforth then I'll believe That jealousy can make a hare a lion. 25

_Laska._ Scarce had I got the first glimpse of her veil, When, with a horrid roar that made the leaves Of the wood shake--

_Emerick._ Made thee shake like a leaf!

_Laska._ The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her; Forward I rushed!

_Emerick._ Most marvellous!

_Laska._ Hurled my javelin; 30 Which from his dragon-scales recoiling--

_Emerick._ Enough! And take, friend, this advice. When next thou tonguest it, Hold constant to thy exploit with this monster, And leave untouched your common talk aforesaid, What your Lord did, or should have done.

_Laska._ My talk? 35 The saints forbid! I always said, for my part, 'Was not the king Lord Casimir's dearest friend? Was not that friend a king? Whate'er he did 'Twas all from pure love to his Majesty.'

_Emerick._ And this then was thy talk? While knave and coward, 40 Both strong within thee, wrestle for the uppermost, In slips the fool and takes the place of both. Babbler! Lord Casimir did, as thou and all men. He loved himself, loved honours, wealth, dominion. All these were set upon a father's head: 45 Good truth! a most unlucky accident! For he but wished to hit the prize; not graze The head that bore it: so with steady eye Off flew the parricidal arrow.--Even As Casimir loved Emerick, Emerick 50 Loves Casimir, intends him no dishonour. He winked not then, for love of me forsooth! For love of me now let him wink! Or if The dame prove half as wise as she is fair, He may still pass his hand, and find all smooth. 55

[_Passing his hand across his brow._

_Laska._ Your Majesty's reasoning has convinced me.

_Emerick._ Thee! 'Tis well! and more than meant. For by my faith I had half forgotten thee.--Thou hast the key? [_LASKA bows._ And in your lady's chamber there's full space?

_Laska._ Between the wall and arras to conceal you. 60

_Emerick._ Here! This purse is but an earnest of thy fortune, If thou prov'st faithful. But if thou betrayest me, Hark you!--the wolf that shall drag thee to his den Shall be no fiction.

[_Exit EMERICK. LASKA manet with a key in one hand, and a purse in the other._

_Laska._ Well then! here I stand, Like Hercules, on either side a goddess. 65 Call this (_looking at the purse_) Preferment; this (_holding up the key_) Fidelity! And first my golden goddess: what bids she? Only:--'This way, your Majesty! hush! The household Are all safe lodged.'--Then, put Fidelity Within her proper wards, just turn her round-- 70 So--the door opens--and for all the rest, 'Tis the king's deed, not Laska's. Do but this And--'I'm the mere earnest of your future fortunes.' But what says the other?--Whisper on! I hear you!

[_Putting the key to his ear._

All very true!--but, good Fidelity! 75 If I refuse King Emerick, will you promise, And swear now, to unlock the dungeon door, And save me from the hangman? Aye! you're silent! What, not a word in answer? A clear nonsuit! Now for one look to see that all are lodged 80 At the due distance--then--yonder lies the road For Laska and his royal friend, King Emerick!

[_Exit LASKA. Then enter BATHORY and BETHLEN._

_Bethlen._ He looked as if he were some God disguised In an old warrior's venerable shape To guard and guide my mother. Is there not 85 Chapel or oratory in this mansion?

_Old Bathory._ Even so.

_Bethlen._ From that place then am I to take A helm and breast-plate, both inlaid with gold, And the good sword that once was Raab Kiuprili's.

_Old Bathory._ Those very arms this day Sarolta show'd me-- 90 With wistful look. I'm lost in wild conjectures!

_Bethlen._ O tempt me not, e'en with a wandering guess, To break the first command a mother's will Imposed, a mother's voice made known to me! 'Ask not, my son,' said she, 'our names or thine. 95 The shadow of the eclipse is passing off The full orb of thy destiny! Already The victor Crescent glitters forth and sheds O'er the yet lingering haze a phantom light. Thou canst not hasten it! Leave then to Heaven 100 The work of Heaven: and with a silent spirit Sympathize with the powers that work in silence!' Thus spake she, and she looked as she were then Fresh from some heavenly vision!

[_Re-enter LASKA, not perceiving them._

_Laska._ All asleep!

[_Then observing BETHLEN, stands in idiot-affright._

I must speak to it first--Put--put the question! 105 I'll confess all! [_Stammering with fear._

_Old Bathory._ Laska! what ails thee, man?

_Laska (pointing to Bethlen)._ There!

_Old Bathory._ I see nothing! where?

_Laska._ He does not see it! Bethlen, torment me not!

_Bethlen._ Soft! Rouse him gently! He hath outwatched his hour, and half asleep, With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams. 110

_Old Bathory._ Ho! Laska! Don't you know us! 'tis Bathory And Bethlen!

_Laska._ Good now! Ha! ha! An excellent trick. Afraid? Nay, no offence! But I must laugh. But are you sure now, that 'tis you, yourself?

_Bethlen._ Would'st be convinced?

_Laska._ No nearer, pray! consider! 115 If it should prove his ghost, the touch would freeze me To a tombstone. No nearer!

_Bethlen._ The fool is drunk!

_Laska._ Well now! I love a brave man to my heart. I myself braved the monster, and would fain Have saved the false one from the fate she tempted. 120

_Old Bathory._ You, Laska?

_Bethlen (to Bathory)._ Mark! Heaven grant it may be so! Glycine?

_Laska._ She! I traced her by the voice. You'll scarce believe me, when I say I heard The close of a song: the poor wretch had been singing: As if she wished to compliment the war-wolf 125 At once with music and a meal!

_Bethlen (to Bathory)._ Mark that!

_Laska._ At the next moment I beheld her running, Wringing her hands with, 'Bethlen! O poor Bethlen!' I almost fear, the sudden noise I made, Rushing impetuous through the brake, alarmed her. 130 She stopt, then mad with fear, turned round and ran Into the monster's gripe. One piteous scream I heard. There was no second--I--

_Bethlen._ Stop there! We'll spare your modesty! Who dares not honour Laska's brave tongue, and high heroic fancy? 135

_Laska._ You too, Sir Knight, have come back safe and sound! You played the hero at a cautious distance! Or was it that you sent the poor girl forward To stay the monster's stomach? Dainties quickly Pall on the taste and cloy the appetite! 140

_Old Bathory._ Laska, beware! Forget not what thou art! Should'st thou but dream thou'rt valiant, cross thyself! And ache all over at the dangerous fancy!

_Laska._ What then! you swell upon my lady's favour, High Lords and perilous of one day's growth! 145 But other judges now sit on the bench! And haply, Laska hath found audience there, Where to defend the treason of a son Might end in lifting up both son and father Still higher; to a height from which indeed 150 You both may drop, but, spite of fate and fortune, Will be secured from falling to the ground. 'Tis possible too, young man! that royal Emerick, At Laska's rightful suit, may make inquiry By whom seduced, the maid so strangely missing-- 155

_Bethlen._ Soft! my good Laska! might it not suffice, If to yourself, being Lord Casimir's steward, I should make record of Glycine's fate?

_Laska._ 'Tis well! it shall content me! though your fear Has all the credit of these lowered tones. 160 First we demand the manner of her death?

_Bethlen._ Nay! that's superfluous! Have you not just told us, That you yourself, led by impetuous valour, Witnessed the whole? My tale's of later date. After the fate, from which your valour strove 165 In vain to rescue the rash maid, I saw her!

_Laska._ Glycine?

_Bethlen._ Nay! Dare I accuse wise Laska, Whose words find access to a monarch's ear, Of a base, braggart lie? It must have been Her spirit that appeared to me. But haply 170 I come too late? It has itself delivered Its own commission to you?

_Old Bathory._ 'Tis most likely! And the ghost doubtless vanished, when we entered And found brave Laska staring wide--at nothing!

_Laska._ 'Tis well! You've ready wits! I shall report them, 175 With all due honour, to his Majesty! Treasure them up, I pray! A certain person, Whom the king flatters with his confidence, Tells you, his royal friend asks startling questions! 'Tis but a hint! And now what says the ghost! 180

_Bethlen._ Listen! for thus it spake: 'Say thou to Laska, Glycine, knowing all thy thoughts engrossed In thy new office of king's fool and knave, Foreseeing thou'lt forget with thine own hand To make due penance for the wrongs thou'st caused her, 185 For thy soul's safety, doth consent to take it From Bethlen's cudgel'--thus. [_Beats him off._ Off! scoundrel! off!

[_LASKA runs away._

_Old Bathory._ The sudden swelling of this shallow dastard Tells of a recent storm: the first disruption Of the black cloud that hangs and threatens o'er us. 190

_Bethlen._ E'en this reproves my loitering. Say where lies The oratory?

_Old Bathory._ Ascend yon flight of stairs! Midway the corridor a silver lamp Hangs o'er the entrance of Sarolta's chamber, And facing it, the low arched oratory! 195 Me thou'lt find watching at the outward gate: For a petard might burst the bars, unheard By the drenched porter, and Sarolta hourly Expects Lord Casimir, spite of Emerick's message!

_Bethlen._ There I will meet you! And till then good-night! 200 Dear good old man, good-night!

_Old Bathory._ O yet one moment! What I repelled, when it did seem my own, I cling to, now 'tis parting--call me father! It can not now mislead thee. O my son, Ere yet our tongues have learnt another name, 205 Bethlen!--say 'Father' to me!

_Bethlen._ Now, and for ever My father! other sire than thou, on earth I never had, a dearer could not have! From the base earth you raised me to your arms, And I would leap from off a throne, and kneeling, 210 Ask Heaven's blessing from thy lips. My father!

_Bathory._ Go! Go! [_Exit BETHLEN._ May every star now shining over us, Be as an angel's eye, to watch and guard him! [_Exit BATHORY._

_Scene changes to a splendid Bed-chamber, hung with tapestry._

_SAROLTA and an_ Attendant.

_Attendant._ We all did love her, madam!

_Sarolta._ She deserved it! Luckless Glycine! rash, unhappy girl! 215 'Twas the first time she e'er deceived me.

_Attendant._ She was in love, and had she not died thus, With grief for Bethlen's loss, and fear of Laska, She would have pined herself to death at home.

_Sarolta._ Has the youth's father come back from his search? 220

_Attendant._ He never will, I fear me. O dear lady! That Laska did so triumph o'er the old man-- It was quite cruel--'You'll be sure,' said he, 'To meet with part at least of your son Bethlen, Or the war-wolf must have a quick digestion! 225 Go! Search the wood by all means! Go! I pray you!'

_Sarolta._ Inhuman wretch!

_Attendant._ And old Bathory answered With a sad smile, 'It is a witch's prayer, And may Heaven read it backwards.' Though she was rash, 'Twas a small fault for such a punishment! 230

_Sarolta._ Nay! 'twas my grief, and not my anger spoke. Small fault indeed! but leave me, my poor girl! I feel a weight that only prayer can lighten.

[_Exit_ Attendant.

O they were innocent, and yet have perished In their May of life; and Vice grows old in triumph. 235 Is it Mercy's hand, that for the bad man holds Life's closing gate?---- Still passing thence petitionary Hours To woo the obdurate spirit to repentance? Or would this dullness tell me, that there is 240 Guilt too enormous to be duly punished, Save by increase of guilt? The Powers of Evil Are jealous claimants. Guilt too hath its ordeal, And Hell its own probation!--Merciful Heaven, Rather than this, pour down upon thy suppliant 245 Disease, and agony, and comfortless want! O send us forth to wander on, unsheltered! Make our food bitter with despiséd tears! Let viperous scorn hiss at us as we pass! Yea, let us sink down at our enemy's gate, 250 And beg forgiveness and a morsel of bread! With all the heaviest worldly visitations Let the dire father's curse that hovers o'er us Work out its dread fulfilment, and the spirit Of wronged Kiuprili be appeased. But only, 255 Only, O merciful in vengeance! let not That plague turn inward on my Casimir's soul! Scare thence the fiend Ambition, and restore him To his own heart! O save him! Save my husband!

[_During the latter part of this speech EMERICK comes forward from his hiding-place. SAROLTA seeing him, without recognising him._

In such a shape a father's curse should come. 260

_Emerick (advancing)._ Fear not.

_Sarolta._ Who art thou? Robber? Traitor?

_Emerick._ Friend! Who in good hour hath startled these dark fancies, Rapacious traitors, that would fain depose Joy, love, and beauty, from their natural thrones: Those lips, those angel eyes, that regal forehead. 265

_Sarolta_. Strengthen me, Heaven! I must not seem afraid!

[_Aside._

The king to-night then deigns to play the masker. What seeks your Majesty?

_Emerick._ Sarolta's love; And Emerick's power lies prostrate at her feet.

_Sarolta._ Heaven guard the sovereign's power from such debasement! 270 Far rather, Sire, let it descend in vengeance On the base villain, on the faithless slave Who dared unbar the doors of these retirements! For whom? Has Casimir deserved this insult? O my misgiving heart! If--if--from Heaven 275 Yet not from you, Lord Emerick!

_Emerick._ Chiefly from me. Has he not like an ingrate robbed my court Of Beauty's star, and kept my heart in darkness? First then on him I will administer justice-- If not in mercy, yet in love and rapture. 280

[_Seizes her._

_Sarolta._ Help! Treason! Help!

_Emerick._ Call louder! Scream again! Here's none can hear you!

_Sarolta._ Hear me, hear me, Heaven!

_Emerick._ Nay, why this rage? Who best deserves you? Casimir, Emerick's bought implement, the jealous slave That mews you up with bolts and bars? or Emerick 285 Who proffers you a throne? Nay, mine you shall be. Hence with this fond resistance! Yield; then live This month a widow, and the next a queen!

_Sarolta._ Yet, yet for one brief moment [_Struggling._ Unhand me, I conjure you.

[_She throws him off, and rushes towards a toilet. EMERICK follows, and as she takes a dagger, he grasps it in her hand._

_Emerick._ Ha! Ha! a dagger; 290 A seemly ornament for a lady's casket! 'Tis held, devotion is akin to love, But yours is tragic! Love in war! It charms me, And makes your beauty worth a king's embraces!

[_During this speech BETHLEN enters armed._

_Bethlen._ Ruffian, forbear! Turn, turn and front my sword! 295

_Emerick._ Pish! who is this?

_Sarolta._ O sleepless eye of Heaven! A blest, a blessed spirit! Whence camest thou? May I still call thee Bethlen?

_Bethlen._ Ever, lady, Your faithful soldier!

_Emerick._ Insolent slave! Depart Know'st thou not me?

_Bethlen._ I know thou art a villain 300 And coward! That thy devilish purpose marks thee! What else, this lady must instruct my sword!

_Sarolta._ Monster, retire! O touch him not, thou blest one! This is the hour that fiends and damnéd spirits Do walk the earth, and take what form they list! 305 Yon devil hath assumed a king's!

_Bethlen._ Usurped it!

_Emerick._ The king will play the devil with thee indeed! But that I mean to hear thee howl on the rack, I would debase this sword, and lay thee prostrate At this thy paramour's feet; then drag her forth 310 Stained with adulterous blood, and-- --mark you, traitress! Strumpeted first, then turned adrift to beggary! Thou prayed'st for't too.

_Sarolta._ Thou art so fiendish wicked, That in thy blasphemies I scarce hear thy threats!

_Bethlen._ Lady, be calm! fear not this king of the buskin! 315 A king? Oh laughter! A king Bajazet! That from some vagrant actor's tiring-room, Hath stolen at once his speech and crown!

_Emerick._ Ah! treason! Thou hast been lessoned and tricked up for this! As surely as the wax on thy death-warrant 320 Shall take the impression of this royal signet, So plain thy face hath ta'en the mask of rebel!

[_BETHLEN seizes EMERICK'S hand and eagerly observes the signet._

_Bethlen._ It must be so! 'Tis e'en the counterpart! But with a foul usurping cypher on it! The light hath flashed from Heaven, and I must follow it! 325 O curst usurper! O thou brother-murderer! That mad'st a star-bright queen a fugitive widow! Who fill'st the land with curses, being thyself All curses in one tyrant! see and tremble! This is Kiuprili's sword that now hangs o'er thee! 330 Kiuprili's blasting curse, that from its point Shoots lightnings at thee. Hark! in Andreas' name, Heir of his vengeance, hell-hound! I defy thee.

[_They fight, and just as EMERICK is disarmed, in rush CASIMIR, OLD BATHORY, and_ Attendants. _CASIMIR runs in between the combatants, and parts them; in the struggle BETHLEN'S sword is thrown down._

_Casimir._ The king! disarmed too by a stranger! Speak! What may this mean?

_Emerick._ Deceived, dishonored lord! 335 Ask thou yon fair adultress! She will tell thee A tale, which would'st thou be both dupe and traitor, Thou wilt believe against thy friend and sovereign! Thou art present now, and a friend's duty ceases: To thine own justice leave I thine own wrongs. 340 Of half thy vengeance I perforce must rob thee, For that the sovereign claims. To thy allegiance I now commit this traitor and assassin.

[_Then to the_ Attendants.

Hence with him to the dungeon! and to-morrow, Ere the sun rises,--Hark! your heads or his! 345

_Bethlen._ Can Hell work miracles to mock Heaven's justice?

_Emerick._ Who speaks to him dies! The traitor that has menaced His king, must not pollute the breathing air, Even with a word!

_Casimir (to Bathory)._ Hence with him to the dungeon!

[_Exit BETHLEN, hurried off by BATHORY and_ Attendants.

_Emerick._ We hunt to-morrow in your upland forest: 350 Thou (_to Casimir_) wilt attend us: and wilt then explain This sudden and most fortunate arrival.

[_Exit EMERICK; Manent CASIMIR and SAROLTA._

_Sarolta._ My lord! my husband! look whose sword lies yonder! It is Kiuprili's, Casimir; 'tis thy father's! And wielded by a stripling's arm, it baffled, 355 Yea, fell like Heaven's own lightnings on that Tarquin.

_Casimir._ Hush! hush! I had detected ere I left the city The tyrant's curst intent. Lewd, damnéd ingrate! For him did I bring down a father's curse! 360 Swift, swift must be our means! To-morrow's sun Sets on his fate or mine! O blest Sarolta! No other prayer, late penitent, dare I offer, But that thy spotless virtues may prevail O'er Casimir's crimes, and dread Kiuprili's curse! 365

[_Exeunt._

LINENOTES:

[5] _I_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[34] _common-talk_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[35] _My_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[37-9] '_Was not the . . . Majesty._' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[40] _thy_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[51] _him_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[52] _me_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[56] _Emerick (with a slight start, as one who had been talking aloud to himself: then with scorn)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[63] _thee_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[68-9] '_This way . . . safe lodged._' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[73] '_I'm . . . fortunes._' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[95-102] '_Ask not my son_,' said she, '_our . . . in silence!_' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[112] _Laska (recovering himself)._ Good now. 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 115] _Bethlen (holding up his hand as if to strike him)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[116] _should_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 118] _Laska (still more recovering)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[121] _You_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[128] '_Bethlen! O poor Bethlen!_' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[151] _may_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[Before 161] [_Then very pompously._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[174] _brave_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[181-7] '_Say thou . . . cudgel_' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[212]

_Bathory._ Go! Go! [_BETHLEN breaks off and exit. BATHORY looks affectionately after him._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 213]

_Scene changes . . . tapestry._

_SAROLTA in an elegant Night Dress, and an_ Attendant.

1817, 1828, 1829.

[223-6] '_You'll be sure_,' said he, '_To meet with PART . . . pray you!_' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[228-9] '_It is . . . backwards._' 1817, 1828, 1829.

[234] _they_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[257] _soul_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[272] villain] ingrate 1817, 1828, 1829.

[300] _me_ 1817.

[311] Stained with adulterous blood, and-- [_Then to Sarolta._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 322] [_EMERICK points his hand haughtily towards BETHLEN, who catching a sight of the signet, seizes his hand and eagerly observes the signet, then flings the hand back with indignant joy._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[339] _now_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[341] _half_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[342] _that_ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 353] [_Pointing to the sword which BETHLEN had been disarmed of by the_ Attendants. 1817, 1828, 1829.

[357]

_Casimir._ Hush! Hush! [_In an under voice._

1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 362] [_Embracing her._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 365] [_Exeunt consulting._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

END OF ACT III. 1817.