profile of one," who still lives, nobilitate felix, arte clarior, vità colendissinus.

zrt rurz (speaking of Afear in the third person). such was the noble Spaniard's own relation. He told me, too, how in his early youth. And his first travels, "t was his choice or chance To make long sojourn in sea-wedded Venice; There won the love of that divine old man. Courted by mightiest kings, the famous Titian: who, like a second and more lovely Nature, By the sweet mystery of lines and colours, Changed the blank canvas to a magic mirror, That made the Absent present; and to Shadows Gave light, Jepth, substance, bloom, yea, thought and inotion. Ile lovel the old man, and revered his art : And bough of noblest birth and ample fortune, The youn; enthusiast thought it no scorn But this in alienable ornament, to le his pupil, and with filial real By practice to appro e the sage les ons, which the gay, smasing old man gladly gave. The Art, he honour d thus, requited him : And in the following and calamitous years Reguiled the hours of his captivity.

triots A. T is said, he spake of you familiarly, ** taine and Alvar's coumon foster-mother. ------Now blessings on the man, whoe'er he he, That is in a your name, with mine! 0 ny sweet Lady, As often as I think of those deur times, When you two little ones would stand, at eve, on rach side of my chair, and make me learn All you had learnt in the day, and how to talk In genile librase; then did me sing to you— T is more take heaven to coine, than what has been: tin-a-. But it at entrance, Selma? at-law A. Gan no one hear? It is a perilous tale! i-no-a-. No one.

* Sir George Beaumont. (written 1814.)

Till his brain turn'd : and ere his twentieth year
He had unlawful thoughts of many things:
And though he pras'd, he never ioved to pray
With holy men, nor in a holy place.
But yet his speech, it was so soft and sweet.

The late Lord Waldez ne'er was wearied with him.

And once, as by the north side of the chapel
They stood together, chain'd in deep discourse,
The earth heaved under them with such a groan,
That the wall lotterd, and had well nigh fallen
ti,ht on thei

A sever se re-i him, and be inade confession
of all the heretical and law less talk
which brought this judgment: so the youth was
And cast into that hole. My husband's father
Sobb'd like a child – it almost broke his heart:
And once as he was working near this dungeon,
He heard a voice distinctly : "t was the youth's,
who sun; a doleful song about green fields,
Ilow sweet it were on lake or wide savanual,
To hunt for food, and be a naked man,
And wander up and down at liberty.
He always doted on the youth, and now
His love grew desperate; and defying death, -
He made that cunning entrance I described,
And the young man escaped.

transa,

'T is a sweet tale:

Such as would lull a ining child to sleep,
II is rosy face besoil'd with unwiped tears.
And what became of him t

heads. My Lori was sorely frighten’d,

Ile went on shipboard

with those bold voyagers who made discovery of golden lands. Se-ina's younger brother went likewise, and when he return'd to Spain, He told Sesina, that the poor mad youth, Soon after they arrived in that new world, In spite of his dissuasion, seized a boat, And all alone set sail by silent moonlight Up a great river, great as any sea, And ne'er was heard of more: but "t is supposed, Ile lived and died among the savage men.

The form of the following dramatic poem is in humble imitation of the Winter's Tale of Shakspeare, except that I have called the first part a Prelude instead of a first Act, as a somewhat nearer resemblance to the plan of the ancients, of which one specimen is left us in the AEschylian Trilogy of the Agamemnon, the Orestes, and the Eumenides. Though a matter of form merely, yet two plays, on different periods of the same tale, might seem less bold, than an interval of twenty years between a first and second act. This is, however, in mere obedience to custom. The effect does not, in reality, at all depend on the Time of the interval; but on a very different principle. There are cases in which an interval of twenty hours between the acts would have a worse effect (i.e. render the imagination less disposed to take the position required) than twenty years in other cases. For the rest, I shall be well content if my readers will take it up, read and judge it, as a Christmas tale.

CHARACTERS.

M. E.N. Emerick, usurping King of Illyria. It AAt Kiuphili, an Illyrian Chieftain. Casimis, son of Aiuprili. Chef RAGozzi, a Military Commander. W 0.M.A.N. ZApolya, Queen of Illyria.

ZAPOLYA.

PART I.

THE PRELUDE, ENTITLED - THE USURPER'S
FORTUNE."
SCENE i.

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

cu Ef 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! elen this eager and unwonted haste
But agitates, not quells, its majesty.
My patron: my commander: yes, ’t is he
Call out the guards. The Lord Kiuprili comes.

Drums beat. etc. the Guard turns out. Enter RAAB Kiupril1.

RAAB Ricenili (making a signal to stop the drums, etc.).
Silence! enough! This is no time, young friend
For ceremonious dues. The summoning drum,
Th' air-shattering trumpet, and the horseman's clatter,
Are insults to a dying sovereign's ear.
Soldiers, "t is well! Retire' your general greets you,
Ilis loyal fellow-warriors. [Guards retire.
chef na Gozzi.
Pardon my surprise.
Thus sudden from the camp, and unattended!
What may these wonders prophecy:
RAAB Ki UPRI Lt.
Tell me first,
How fares the king? His majesty still lives?
chief r A Gozzi.
We know no otherwise; but Emerick's friends
(And none but they approach him) scoff at hope.
RAAB Kit' pri Li.
Ragozzi! I have rear'd thee from a child,
And as a child I have rear'd thee. Whence this air
Of mystery? That face was wont to open
Clear as the morning to me, showing all things.
Ilide nothing from me.
chef RAGozzi.
O most loved, most honour’d,
The mystery, that struggles in my looks,
Betray'd my whole tale to thee, if it told thee
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 Kit pri li (his hand to his heart).
I have trembling proof within, how true thou speakest.
chief R.A. Gozzi.
That the prince Emerick feasts the soldiery,
Gives splendid arms, pays the commanders debts,
And (it is whisper'd) by sworn promises
Makes himself debtor—hearing this, thou hast heard
All——— (Then in a subdued and saddened voice.)
But what my lord will learn too soon himself.
RAAB Kiu Phill.
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, The Queen, and Emerick, guardians of the realm, | And of the royal infant. Day by day,

Robb'd of Zapolya's soothing cares, the king | Yearns only to behold one precious boon,

| And with his life breathe forth a father's blessing. chief aa Gozzi. Remember you, my lord! that Hebrew leech, Whose face so much distemper'd you? R.A.A.B. Kiu Phili. Barzoni? I held him for a spy; but the proof failing (More courteously, I own, than pleased myself), I sent him from the camp. | crief f A Gozzi. To him in chief Prince Emerick trusts his royal brother's health. | R.A.A. p. Kiu piti Li. tide nothing, I conjure you! What of him? | chef R.A. Gozzi. 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 That "t were a useless and cruel zeal | To rob a dying man of any hope, w However vain, that soothes him : and, in fine, Denies all chance of offspring from the Queen. rt A.A. B. Kiu Palli. The venomous snake! My heel was on its head, And (fool!) I did not crush it! chef it. A GOZZI. Nay, he fears, Zapolya will not long survive her husband. R.A.A. is ki Uphili. Manifest treason! Even this brief delay Half makes me an accomplice——(If he live), [1s moving toward the palace. If he but live and know me, all may–– cher ha Gozzi. Halt! [Stops him. On pain of death, my Lord! am I commanded To stop all ingress to the palace. naap Ki Upf ill. Thou! citer n A GoZZI. No place, no name, no rank excepted– BAA a ki upf, iii. Thou ! cu er na Gozzi. This life of mine, O take it, Lord Kiuprilis I give it as a weapon to thy hands, Mine own no longer. Guardian of Illyria, Useless to thee "t is 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. Yet ere thou dost resolve, know that yon palace is guarded from within, that each access is throng'd by arm'd conspirators, watch'd by ruffians Pamper'd with gifts, and hot upon the spoil which that false promiser still trails before them. I ask but this one boon—reserve my life Till I can lose it for the realm and thee! nM.A.B ki UPR ill. My heart is rent asunder. O my country, 0 fallen Illyria stand I here spell-bound?

Did my King love me? Did I earn his love?
Have we embraced as brothers would embrace?
Was I his arm, his thunder-holt? 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
Strike but for mockery, and with restless beak
Gore my own breast —llagozzi, thou art faithful?
chef R.A. Gozzi.
Here before Heaven I dedicate my faith
To the royal line of Andreas.
R.A.A. H. Riu phili.
Hark, Ragozzi!
Guilt is a timorous thing ere perpetration :
Despair alone makes wicked men be bold.
Come thou with me! They have heard my voice in flight,
Ilave faced round, terror-struck, and fear'd no longer
The whistling javelins of their fell pursuers.
Ha! what is this?
[Black Flag displayed from the Tower of the Pa-
lace : a death-bell tolls, etc.
Wengeance of Ileaven He is dead.
chef R.A.G Ozzi.
At length then 't is announced. Alas! I fear,
That these black death-flags are but treason's signals.
RAAF Kiuphili (looking forwards anxiously).
A prophecy too soon fulfill'd See yonder!
O rank and ravenous wolves' the death-bell echoes
Still in the doleful air—and see! they come.
cher R A Gozzi.
Precise and faithful in their villany,
Even to the moment, that the master traitor
Had pre-ordain'd them.
na Ab Ki U PR ill.
Was it over-haste,
Or is it scorn, that in this race of treason
Their guilt thus drops its mask, and blazons forth
Their infamous plot even to an idiot's sense.
chef RAGozzi.
Doubtless they deem Heaven too usurp'd Ileaven's jus-
tice
Bought like themselves!
[During this conversation music is heard, first so-
lemn and funereal, and then changing to
spirited and triumphal.
Being equal all in crime,
Do you press on, ye spotted parricides!
For the one sole pre-eminence yet doubtful,
The prize of foremost impudence in guilt?
RAAb Ki U PRILI.

The bad man's cunning still prepares the way
For its own outwitting. I applaud, Ragozzi'
[Musing to himself—then—
Ragozzi! I applaud,
In thee, the virtuous hope that dares look onward
And keeps the life-spark warm of future action
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, Kiu-
phili makes the signal for them to stop.- The
Music ceases.
13

ETICAL WORKS

98

i.e. A dra of the Paocession.

The Lord Kiuprili –Welcome from the camp.
na Ab kit pri Li.

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 mourn'd; but chiefly
To enforce the last commands of royal Andreas,
And shield the Queen, Zapolya: haply making

LeADF ta. Our purpose demands speed. Grace our procession; A warrior best will greet a warlike king. RAAB Ki U PRILI. This patent, written by your lawful king (Lo! his own seal and signature attesting) Appoints as guardians of his realm and offspring, The Queen, and the Prince Emerick, and myself. [Poices of Live King Emericks an Emerick an Emerick ' What means this clamour? Are these madmen's voices? Or is some knot of riotous slanderers leagued 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? One that has taken from you your sworn faith, And given you in return a Judas' bribe, Infamy now, oppression in reversion, And Ileaven's inevitable curse hereafter? [Loud murmurs, followed by cries—Emerick No - Baby Prince' No changelings! Yet bear with me awhile! Ilave I for this Bled for your safety, conquer'd for your honour! was it for this, Illyrians' that I forded Your thaw-swoln torrents, when the shouldering ice Fought with the foe, and stain'd its jagged points With gore from wounds, I felt not? Did the blast Beat on this body, frost-and-famine-numb'd, Till my hard flesh distinguish’d 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, Her countenance twice lighted up with glory. As if I had charm'd a goddess down from Heaven? But these will flee abluorrent 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, 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 Of gold pluck'd from the images of gods Upon a sacrilegious robber's back. [During the last four lines, enter Lond CAsim in, with expressions of anger and alarm. cast Mia. Who is this factious insolent, that dares brand The elected King, our chosen Emerick? [Starts—then approaching with timid respect. My father!

RAAb Kruptilo (turning away). Casimir! He, he a traitor! Too soon indeed, Ragozzi! have I learnt it. castwin (with reverence). My father and my lord! to Aab kill prai Li. I know thee not LeA torta. Yet the remembrancing did sound right filial. * A A B Kit prtli. A holy name and words of natural duty Are blasted by a thankless traitor's utterance. cast Mia. 0 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, The king inheriting his brother's heart, Hath honour'd 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. RAA to Kiu Palli. (Bought by a bribe!) I know thee now still less. casimir (struggling with his passion). So much of Raab Kiuprisi's blood flows here, That no power, save that holy name of father, Could shield the man who so dishonour'd me. na Ab Kiu Pailt. The son of Raab Kiuprilis a bought bond-slave, 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' LEA to Ers. Aye, King Emerick : Stand back, my lord! Lead us, or let us pass.

soldi Era. Nay, let the general speak : soldiers.

Hear him ' Hear him." RAAB kit parli. Hear me, Assembled lords and warriors of Illyria, Hear, and avenge me! Twice ten years have 1 Stood in your presence, honourd by the king, Beloved and trusted. Is there one among you, Accuses Raab Riuprili of a bribe: 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 now be branded by a traitor, A bought bribed wretch, who, being called my son, 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, And to the common father of his country A recreant ingrate' c Asian in. Sire' your words grow dangerous. High-flown romantic fancies ill-beseem Your age and wisdom. T is a statesman's virtue, To guard his country's safety by what means