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Jane. (shaking her head.)—Ah, Monfort, Mon- Open and cheerful. What of Rezenvelt? fort!

Freb. I left him at his home, prepared to follow: De Mon. I can forgive th' envenomed reptile's He'll soon appear. (To De Monfort.) And now,

sting,

But hate his loathsome self.

Jane. And canst thou do no more for love of heaven?

De Mon. Alas! I cannot now so school my mind
As holy men have taught, nor search it truly:
But this, my Jane, I'll do for love of thee:
And more it is than crowns could win me to,
Or any power but thine. I'll see the man.
Th' indignant risings of abhorrent nature;
The stern contraction of my scowling brows,
That, like the plant whose closing leaves do shrink
At hostile touch, still knit at his approach;
The crooked curving lip, by instinct taught,
In imitation of disgustful things,

To pout and swell, I strictly will repress;
And meet him with a tamed countenance,
E'en as a townsman, who would live at peace,
And pay him the respect his station claims.
I'll crave his pardon too for all offence
My dark and wayward temper may have done.
Nay more,
I will confess myself his debtor
For the forbearance I have cursed so oft:
Life spared by him, more horrid than the grave
With all its dark corruption! This I'll do.
Will it suffice thee? More than this I cannot.

Jane. No more than this do I require of thee
In outward act, though in thy heart, my friend,
I hoped a better change, and still will hope.
I told thee Freberg had proposed a meeting.
De Mon. I know it well.
Jane.

And Rezenvelt consents.

He meets you here; so far he shows respect.

my worthy friend,

Give me your hand; this happy change delights

me.

(De Monfort gives him his hand coldly, and they walk to the bottom of the stage together, in earnest discourse, whilst Jane and the Countess remain in the front.)

Lady. My dearest madam, will you pardon me? I know Count Freberg's business with De Monfort, And had a strong desire to visit you,

So much I wish the honour of your friendship;
For he retains no secret from mine ear.
Jane. (archly.) Knowing your prudence-You
are welcome, madam ;

So shall Count Freberg's lady ever be.
(De Monfort and Freberg, returning toward the

front of the stage, still engaged in discourse.)
Freb. He is indeed a man, within whose breast
Firm rectitude and honour hold their seat,
Though unadorned with that dignity
Which were their fittest garb. Now, on my life!
I know no truer heart than Rezen velt.
De Mon. Well, Freberg, well, there needs not
all this pains

To garnish out his worth: let it suffice;
I am resolved I will respect the man,
As his fair station and repute demand.
Methinks I see not at your jolly feasts
The youthful knight, who sung so pleasantly.
Freb. A pleasant circumstance detains him

hence;

Pleasant to those who love high generous deeds
Above the middle pitch of common minds;

De Mon. Well, let it be; the sooner past the And, though I have been sworn to secrecy,

better.

Jane. I'm glad to hear you say so, for, in truth, He has proposed for it an early hour. 'Tis almost near his time; I came to tell you. De Mon. What, comes he here so soon? shame on his speed!

It is not decent thus to rush upon me.
He loves the secret pleasure he will feel
To see me thus subdued.

Jane. O say not so! he comes with heart sincere.
De Mon. Could we not meet elsewhere? from

home-i' the fields,

Where other men-must I alone receive him?
Where is your agent, Freberg, and his friends,
That I must meet him here?

(Walks up and down very much disturbed.) Now didst thou say?-how goes the hour?-e'en

now!

Yet must I tell it thee.

This knight is near akin to Rezenvelt,

To whom an old relation, short while dead,
A good estate bequeathed, some leagues distant.
But Rezenvelt, now rich in fortune's store,
Disdain'd the sordid love of further gain,
And generously the rich bequest resign'd
To this young man, blood of the same degree
To the deceased, and low in fortune's gifts,
Who is from hence to take possession of it:
Was it not nobly done?

De Mon.
'Twas right and honourable.
This morning is oppressive, warm, and heavy:
There hangs a foggy closeness in the air;
Dost thou not feel it?

Freb. O no! to think upon a generous deed Expands my soul, and makes me lightly breathe. De Mon. Who gives the feast to-night? His name escapes me.

I would some other friend were first arrived.
Jane. See, to thy wish come Freberg and his You say I am invited.

dame.

Freb.

Old Count Waterlan.

In honour of your townsman's generous gift He spreads the board.

De Mon. He is too old to revel with the gay.
Freb. But not too old is he to honour virtue.
I shall partake of it with open soul;
For, on my honest faith, of living men

I know not one, for talents, honour, worth,

That I should rank superior to Rezervelt.

De Mon. How virtuous he hath been in three short days!

And every wish of yours commands my will. (To Countess.) Lady, good morning. (To Freb.) Well, my gentle friend,

You see I have not linger'd long behind.

Freb. No, thou art sooner than I look'd for thee. Rez. A willing heart adds feather to the heel,

And makes the clown a winged Mercury.

De Mon. Then let me say, that with a grateful mind,

I do receive these tokens of good will;

Freb. Nay, longer, marquis; but my friendship And must regret, that, in my wayward moods,
I have too oft forgot the due regard
Your rank and talents claim.

rests

Upon the good report of other men,
And that has told me much.

(De Monfort aside, going some steps hastily from Freberg, and rending his cloak with agitation as he goes.)

Would he were come! by heaven I would he were!

This fool besets me so.

(Suddenly correcting himself, and joining the Ladies, who have retired to the bottom of the stage, he speaks to Countess Freberg with affected cheerfulness.)

The sprightly dames of Amberg rise by times,
Untarnish'd with the vigils of the night.

Lady. Praise us not rashly, 'tis not always so. De Mon. He does not rashly praise who praises you;

For he were dull indeed

Stopping short, as if he heard something.) Lady. How dull indeed? De Mon. I should have said-It has escaped me

now

Listening again, as if he heard something.) Jane. (to De Mon.) What, hear you aught? De Mon. (hastily.) "Tis nothing. Lady. (to De Mon.) Nay, do not let me lose it so, my lord.

Some fair one has bewitch'd your memory,
And robs me of the half-form'd compliment.

Jane. Half-utter'd praise is to the curious mind As to the eye half-veiled beauty is,

More precious than the whole. Pray pardon him. Some one approaches.

(Listening.)

Freb. No, no, it is a servant who ascends; He will not come so soon.

De Mon. (off his guard.) "Tis Rezenvelt: heard his well-known foot,

From the first staircase, mounting step by step. Freb. How quick an ear thou hast for distant sound!

I heard him not.

|

Rez.

No, no, De Monfort, You have but rightly curb'd a wanton spirit, Which makes me too neglectful of respect. Let us be friends, and think of this no more.

Freb. Ay, let it rest with the departed shades Of things which are no more; whilst lovely concord,

Follow'd by friendship sweet, and firm esteem,
Your future days enrich. O heavenly friendship!
Thou dost exalt the sluggish souls of men,
By thee conjoin'd, to great and glorious deeds;
As two dark clouds, when mix'd in middle air,
The vivid lightning's flash, and roar sublime.
Talk not of what is past, but future love.
De Mon. (with dignity.) No, Freberg, no, it
must not. (To Rezenvelt.) No, my lord,

I will not offer you a hand of concord,
And poorly hide the motives which constrain me.
I would that, not alone, these present friends,
But every soul in Amberg were assembled,
That I, before them all, might here declare
I owe my spared life to your forbearance.
(Holding out his hand.) Take this from one who
boasts no feeling warmth,

But never will deceive.

(Jane smiles upon De Monfort with great approbation, and Rezen velt runs up to him with open arms.)

Rez. Away with hands! I'll have thee to my
breast.

Thou art, upon my faith, a noble spirit!
De Mon. (shrinking back from him.) Nay, if you
please, I am not so prepared-
My nature is of temperature too cold-
II pray you pardon me.

changes.)

(Jane's countenance

But take this hand, the token of respect;
The teken of a will inclined to concord;
The token of a mind, that bears within
A sense impressive of the debt it owes you:

(De Monfort looks embarrassed, and is silent.) | And cursed be its power, unnerved its strength,

Enter REZENVELT

(De Monfort, recovering himself, goes up to receive Rezenvelt, who meets him with a cheerful countenance.)

If e'er again it shall be lifted up

To do you any harm.

Rez. Well, be it so, De Monfort, I'm contented;

I'll take thy hand, since I can have no more.

De Mon. (to Rez.) I am, my lord, beholden to (Carelessly.) I take of worthy men whate'er they

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Their heart I gladly take, if not, their hand!
If that too is withheld, a courteous word,

Or the civility of placid looks:

And, if e'en these are too great favours deem'd,

(To Jane.) Madam, I am devoted to your service, 'Faith, I can set me down contentedly

With plain and homely greeting, or "God save ye!"

De Mon. (aside, starting away from him some paces.)

By the good light, he makes a jest of it!

Rez. 'Faith! so he did, and so did I receive it; When, with spread arms, and heart e'en moved to tears,

I frankly proffer'd him a friend's embrace: And, I declare, had he as such received it, (Jane seems greatly distressed, and Freberg I from that very moment had forborne endeavours to cheer her.) All opposition, pride-provoking jest,

Freb. (to Jane.) Cheer up, my noble friend; all Contemning carelessness, and all offence; will go well;

For friendship is no plant of hasty growth.
Though rooted in esteem's deep soil, the slow
And gradual culture of kind intercourse
Must bring it to perfection.

And had caress'd him as a worthy heart,
From native weakness such indulgence claiming.
But since he proudly thinks that cold respect,
The formal tokens of his lordly favour,
So precious are, that I would sue for them

(To the Countess.) My love, the morning, now, is As fair distinction in the public eye,

far advanced;

Our friends elsewhere expect us; take your leave. Lady. (to Jane.) Farewell, dear madam, till the evening hour.

Freb. (to De Mon.) Good day, De Monfort. (To Jane.) Most devoutly yours.

Rez. (to Freb.) Go not too fast, for I will follow you. [EXEUNT Freberg and his Lady. | (To Jane.) The Lady Jane is yet a stranger here: She might, perhaps, in this your ancient city Find somewhat worth her notice.

Jane. I thank you, marquis, I am much engaged; I go not out to-day.

Rez. Then fare ye well! I see I cannot now Be the proud man who shall escort you forth, And show to all the world my proudest boast, The notice and respect of Jane De Moufort. De Mon. (aside impatiently.) He says farewell, and goes not!

Jane. (to Rez.) You do me honour.

Rez. Madam, adieu! (To Jane.) Good morning, noble marquis. [EXIT. (Jane and De Monfort look expressively to one another without speaking, and then EXEUNT severally.)

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Forgetting former wrongs, I spurn it all.
And but that I do bear that noble woman,
His worthy, his incomparable sister,
Such fix'd profound regard, I would expose him;
And as a mighty bull, in senseless rage,
Roused at the baiter's will, with wretched rags
Of ire-provoking scarlet, chafes and bellows,
I'd make him at small cost of paltry wit,
With all his deep and manly faculties,
The scorn and laugh of fools.

Freb. For heaven's sake, my friend, restrain your wrath!

For what has Monfort done of wrong to you,
Or you to him, bating one foolish quarrel,
Which you confess from slight occasion rose,
That in your breasts such dark resentment dwells,
So fix'd, so hopeless?

Rez. O from our youth he has distinguished me
With every mark of hatred and disgust.
For e'en in boyish sports I still opposed
His proud pretensions to pre-eminence ;
Nor would I to his ripen❜d greatness give
That fulsome adulation of applause

A senseless crowd bestow'd. Though poor in fortune,

I still would smile at vain assuming wealth:
But when unlook'd-for fate on me bestow'd
Riches and splendour equal to his own,
Though I, in truth, despise such poor distinction,
Feeling inclined to be at peace with him,
And with all men besides, I curb'd my spirit,
And sought to soothe him. Then, with spiteful

rage,

They enter and pass over the stage and EXEUNT; and From small offence he rear'd a quarrel with me, after them enter REZENVELT and FREBERG.

Freb. Alas, my Rezenvelt!

I vainly hoped the hand of gentle peace,
From this day's reconciliation sprung,
These rude unseemly jarrings had subdued;
But I have mark'd, e'en at the social board,
Such looks, such words, such tones, such untold
things,

Too plainly told, 'twixt you and Monfort pass,
That I must now despair.

Yet who could think, two minds so much refined,
So near in excellence, should be removed,
So far removed, in generous sympathy?

Rez. Ay, far removed indeed!

Freb. And yet, methought, he made a noble effort,

And with a manly plainness bravely told

The galling debt he owes to your forbearance.

And dared me to the field. The rest you know
In short, I still have been th' opposing rock,
O'er which the stream of his o'erflowing pride
Hath foam'd and fretted. See'st thou how it is?
Freb. Too well I see, and warn thee to beware.
Such streams have oft, by swelling floods sur-

charged,

Borne down, with sudden and impetuous force,
The yet unshaken stone of opposition,

Which had for ages stopp'd their flowing course.
I pray thee, friend, beware.

Rez. Thou canst not mean-he will not murder me?

Freb. What a proud heart, with such dark pas

sion toss'd,

May, in the anguish of its thoughts, conceive, I will not dare to say.

Rez. Ha, ha thou know'st him not.

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Enter CONRAD.

[EXIT.

behind him, with a timid step. DE MONFORT, hearing him, turns suddenly about.

De Mon. (angrily.) Who follows me to this sequester'd room?

Jer. I have presumed, my lord. 'Tis somewhat late:

I am inform'd you eat at home to-night;
Here is a list of all the dainty fare

My busy search has found; please to peruse it.
De Mon. Leave me: begone! Put hemlock in
thy soup,

Or deadly night-shade, or rank hellebore,
And I will mess upon it.

Jer.

Heaven forbid!

Con. Forgive, I pray, my lord, a stranger's bold- Your honour's life is all too precious, sure—

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Freb. My name is not De Monfort, courteous stranger;

But if you have a favour to request,
I may, with him, perhaps, befriend your suit.

Con. I thank your honour, but I have a friend
Who will commend me to De Monfort's favour;
The Marquis Rezenvelt has known me long,
Who, says report, will soon become his brother.
Freb. If thou wouldst seek thy ruin from De
Monfort,

The name of Rezen velt employ, and prosper;

But, if aught good, use any name but his.

Con. How may this be?
Freb.

I cannot now explain. Early to-morrow call upon Count Freberg; So am I call'd, each burgher knows my house, And there instruct me how to do you service. Good-night.

[EXIT.

Con. (alone.) Well, this mistake may be of service to me:

And yet my business I will not unfold

To this mild, ready, promise-making courtier ;
I've been by such too oft deceived already.
But such violent enmity exists
Between De Monfort and this Rezenvelt,
He'll prove my advocate by opposition.
For if De Monfort would reject my suit,
Being the man whom Rezenvelt esteems,
Being the man he hates, a cord as strong,
Will he not favour me? I'll think of this. [EXIT.

SCENE II-A LOWER APARTMENT IN JEROME'S

HOUSE, WITH A WIDE, FOLDING GLASS DOOR, LOOKING INTO A GARDEN, WHERE THE TREES AND SHRUBS ARE BROWN AND LEAFLESS.

Enter DE MONFORT with a thoughtful, frowning aspect, and paces slowly across the stage, JEROME following

De Mon. (sternly.) Did I not say begone? Jer. Pardon, my lord, I'm old, and oft forget. [EXIT. De Mon. (looking after him, as if his heart smote him.) Why will they thus mistime their foolish zeal,

That I must be so stern?

O, that I were upon some desert coast!
Where howling tempests and the lashing tide
Would stun me into deep and senseless quiet;
As the storm-beaten traveller droops his head,
In heavy, dull, lethargick weariness,

And, midst the roar of jarring elements,
Sleeps to awake no more.

What am I grown? all things are hateful to me.

Enter MANUEL.

(Stamping with his foot.) Who bids thee break upon my privacy?

Man. Nay, good my lord! I heard you speak

aloud,

And dreamt not, surely, that you were alone.

De Mon. What, dost thou watch, and pin thine ears to holes,

To catch those exclamations of the soul, Which heaven alone should hear? Who hired thee, pray?

Who basely hired thee for a task like this?

Man. My lord, I cannot hold. For fifteen years,
Long troubled years, I have your servant been,
Nor hath the proudest lord in all the realm,
With firmer, with more honourable faith
His sovereign served, than I have served you;
But if my honesty is doubted now,

Let him who is more faithful take my place,
And serve you better.

De Mon. Well, be it as thou wilt. Away with thee!

Thy loud-mouth'd boasting is no rule for me
To judge thy merit by.

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You shall not be disturb'd.

A tale so damn'd?—It chokes my breath—' (Stooping to lift the handkerchief.)|(Stamping with his foot.) What wretch did tell it You have dropp'd somewhat.

De Mon. (preventing him.) Nay, do not stoop, my friend! I pray thee not!

Thou art too old to stoop.

I'm much indebted to thee.-Take this ring-
I love thee better than I seem to do.

I pray thee do it-thank me not-What stranger?
Jer. A man who does most earnestly entreat
To see your honour; but I know him not.
De Mon. Then let him enter.

[EXIT Jerome.

A pause. Enter CONRAD.

thee?

Con. Nay, every one with whom I have con-
versed

Has held the same discourse. I judge it not.
But you, my lord, who with the lady dwell,
You best can tell what her deportment speaks;
Whether her conduct and unguarded words
Belie such rumour.

(De Monfort pauses, staggers backward, and
sinks into a chair; then starting up hastily.)
De Mon. Where am I now? midst all the
cursed thoughts,

De Mon. You are the stranger who would speak That on my soul like stinging scorpions prey'd,

with me?

Con. I am so far unfortunate, my lord,

That, though my fortune on your favour hangs,
I am to you a stranger.

De Mon. How may this be? What can I do for
you?

Con. Since thus your lordship does so frankly

ask,

The tiresome preface of apology

I will forbear, and tell my tale at once.-
In plodding drudgery I've spent my youth,
A careful penman in another's office;
And now, my master and employer dead,
They seek to set a stripling o'er my head,
And leave me on to drudge, e'en to old age,
Because I have no friend to take my part.
It is an office in your native town,
For I am come from thence, and I am told
You can procure it for me. Thus, my lord,
From the repute of goodness which you bear,
I have presumed to beg.

De Mon. They have befool'd thee with a false

report.

Con. Alas! I see it is in vain to plead. Your mind is prepossess'd against a wretch, Who has, unfortunately for his weal, Offended the revengeful Rezervelt.

De Mon. What dost thou say?

Con. What I, perhaps, had better leave unsaid.
Who will believe my wrongs if I complain?
I am a stranger, Rezenvelt my foe,
Who will believe my wrongs?

De Mon. (eagerly catching him by the coat.)
I will believe them!
Though they were base as basest, vilest deeds,
In ancient record told, I would believe them!
Let not the smallest atom of unworthiness
That he has put upon thee be conceal'd.
Speak boldly, tell it all; for, by the light!
I'll be thy friend, I'll be thy warmest friend,

If he has done thee wrong.

This never came before-O, if it be !

The thought will drive me mad.-Was it for this
She urged her warm request on bended knee?
Alas! I wept, and thought of sister's love,
No damned love like this.

Fell devil! 'tis hell itself has lent thee aid

To work such sorcery! (Pauses.) I'll not believe it,

I must have proof clear as the noonday sun
For such foul charge as this! Who waits without?
(Paces up and down, furiously agitated.)
Con. (aside.) What have I done? I've carried
this too far.

I've roused a fierce, ungovernable madman.

Enter JEROME.

De Mon. (in a loud, angry voice.) Where did she go, at such an early hour,

And with such slight attendance ?

Jer. Of whom inquires your honour.

De Mon. Why, of your lady. Said I not my sister?

Jer. The Lady Jane, your sister?

De Mon. (in a faltering voice.) Yes, I did call

her so.

Jer. In truth, I cannot tell you where she

went.

E'en now, from the short beechen walk hard by,
I saw her through the garden gate return.
The Marquis Rezenvelt, and Freberg's Countess,
Are in her company. This way they come,
As being nearer to the back apartments;
But I shall stop them if it be your will,
And bid them enter here.

De Mon. No, stop them not. I will remain
unseen,

And mark them as they pass. Draw back a little. (Conrad seems alarmed, and steals off unnoticed.

De Monfort grasps Jerome tightly by the hand, and drawing back with him two or three steps, not to be seen from the garden, waits in silence, with his eyes fixed on the glass door.) I hear their footsteps on the grating sand:

Con. Nay, pardon me, it were not well advised, How like the croaking of a carrion bird,

If I should speak so freely of the man

Who would so soon your nearest kinsman be.
De Mon. What canst thou mean by this?
Con.
That Marquis Rezenvelt
Has pledged his faith unto your noble sister,
And soon will be the husband of her choice.
So I am told, and so the world believes.

De Mon. "Tis false! 'tis basely false !

What wretch could drop from his envenom'd tongue

That hateful voice sounds to the distant ear!
And now she speaks-her voice sounds cheerly
too

Cursed be their mirth!

Now, now, they come; keep closer still! keep

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