Part 5
IV:1:73 THE UNKNOWN. Dead or alive, I care not; but land or water, river or turf, I will know where the body is stowed. See
[shaking a purse]
here is eno’ to point all the poniards of the city. You shall have it to drink his health.
IV:1:74 A BRAVO. How call you him?
IV:1:75 THE UNKNOWN. Oran, the Moor.
IV:1:76 1ST BRAVO.
[Jumping from his seat and approaching the Stranger.]
My name is Guzman Jaca; my hand was in that business.
IV:1:77 THE UNKNOWN. With the Moor and three of your comrades?
IV:1:78 1ST BRAVO. The same.
IV:1:79 THE UNKNOWN. And how came your quarry to fly next day?
IV:1:80 1ST BRAVO. Very true; ‘twas a bad business for all of us. I fought like a lion; see, my arm is still bound up; but he had advice of our visit; and no sooner had we saluted him, than there suddenly appeared a goodly company of twelve serving-men, or say twelve to fifteen--
IV:1:81 THE UNKNOWN. You lie; he walked alone.
IV:1:82 1ST BRAVO. Very true; and if I am forced to speak the whole truth, it was thus. I fought like a lion; see, my arm is still bound up; but I was not quite his match alone, for I had let blood the day before, and my comrades were taken with a panic, and so left me in the lurch. And now you have it all.
IV:1:83 THE UNKNOWN. And Oran?
IV:1:84 1ST BRAVO. He fled at once.
IV:1:85 THE UNKNOWN. Come, come, Oran did not fly.
IV:1:86 1ST BRAVO. Very true. We left him alone with the Count. And now you have it all.
IV:1:87 THE UNKNOWN. Had he slain him, the body would have been found.
IV:1:88 1ST BRAVO. Very true. That’s the difference between us professional performers, and you mere amateurs; we never leave the bodies.
IV:1:89 THE UNKNOWN. And you can tell me nothing of him?
IV:1:90 1ST BRAVO. No, but I engage to finish the Count, any night you like now, for I have found out his lure.
IV:1:91 THE UNKNOWN. How’s that?
IV:1:92 1ST BRAVO. Every evening, about an hour after sunset, he enters by a private way the citadel.
IV:1:93 THE UNKNOWN. Hah! what more?
IV:1:94 1ST BRAVO. He is stagged; there is a game playing, but what I know not.
IV:1:95 THE UNKNOWN. Your name is Guzman Jaca?
IV:1:96 1ST BRAVO. The same.
IV:1:97 THE UNKNOWN. Honest fellow! there’s gold for you. You know nothing of Oran?
IV:1:98 1ST BRAVO. Maybe he has crawled to some place wounded.
IV:1:99 THE UNKNOWN. To die like a bird. Look after him. If I wish more, I know where to find you. What ho, Master Host! I cannot wait to try your mistress’s art to-night; but here’s my scot for our next supper.
[Exit THE UNKNOWN.]
## SCENE 2
A Chamber in the Palace of Alarcos.
The COUNTESS and SIDONIA.
IV:2:1 SIDO. Lady, you’re moved: nay, ‘twas an idle word.
IV:2:2 COUN. But was it true?
IV:2:3 SIDO. And yet might little mean.
IV:2:4 COUN. That I should live to doubt!
IV:2:5 SIDO. But do not doubt; Forget it, lady. You should know him well; Nay, do not credit it.
IV:2:6 COUN. He’s very changed. I would not own, no, not believe that change, I’ve given it every gloss that might confirm My sinking heart. Time and your tale agree; Alas! ‘tis true.
IV:2:7 SIDO. I hope not; still believe It is not true. Would that I had not spoken! It was unguarded prate.
IV:2:8 COUN. You have done me service: Condemned, the headsman is no enemy, Bat closes suffering.
IV:2:9 SIDO. Yet a bitter doom To torture those you’d bless. I have a thought. What if this eve you visit this same spot, That shrouds these meetings? If he’s wanting then, The rest might prove as false.
IV:2:10 COUN. He will be there, I feel he will be there.
IV:2:11 SIDO. We should not think so, Until our eyes defeat our hopes.
IV:2:12 COUN. O Burgos, My heart misgave me when I saw thy walls! To doubt is madness, yet ‘tis not despair, And that may be my lot.
IV:2:13 SIDO. The palace gardens Are closed, except to master-keys. Here’s one, My office gives it me, and it can count Few brethren. You will be alone.
IV:2:14 COUN. Alas! I dare not hope so.
IV:2:15 SIDO. Well, well, think of this; Yet take the key.
IV:2:16 COUN. O that it would unlock The heart now closed to me! To watch his ways Was once my being. Shall I prove the spy Of joys I may not share? I will not take That fatal key.
IV:2:17 SIDO. ‘Tis well; I pray you, pardon My ill-timed zeal.
IV:2:18 COUN. Indeed, I should be grateful That one should wish to serve me. Can it be? ‘Tis not two months, two little, little months, You crossed this threshold first; Ah! gentle air, And we were all so gay! What have I done? What is all this? so sudden and so strange? It is not true, I feel it is not true; ‘Tis factious care that clouds his brow, and calls For all this timed absence. His brain’s busy With the State. Is’t not so? I prithee speak, And say you think it.
IV:2:19 SIDO. You should know him well; And if you deem it so, why I should deem The inference just.
IV:2:20 COUN. Yet if he were not there, How happy I should sleep! there is no peril; The garden’s near; and is there shame? ‘Tis love Makes me a lawful spy. He’ll not be there, And then there is no prying.
IV:2:21 SIDO. Near at hand, Crossing the way that bounds your palace court, There is a private portal.
IV:2:22 COUN. If I go, He will not miss me. Ah, I would he might! So very near; no, no; I cannot go; And yet I’ll take the key.
[Takes the key.]
Would thou could’st speak, Thou little instrument, and tell me all The secrets of thy office! My heart beats; ‘Tis my first enterprise; I would it were To do him service. No, I cannot go; Farewell, kind sir; indeed I am so troubled, I must retire.
[Exit COUNTESS.]
IV:2:23 SIDO. Thy virtue makes me vile; And what should move my heart inflames my soul. O marvellous world, wherein I play the villain From very love of excellence! But for him, I’d be the rival of her stainless thoughts And mate her purity. Hah!
[Enter ORAN.]
IV:2:24 ORAN. My noble lord!
IV:2:25 SIDO. The Moor!
IV:2:26 ORAN. Your servant.
IV:2:27 SIDO. Here! ‘tis passing strange. How’s this?
IV:2:28 ORAN. The accident of war, my lord. I am a prisoner.
IV:2:29 SIDO. But at large, it seems. You have betrayed me
IV:2:30 ORAN. Had I chosen that, I had been free and you not here. I fought, And fell in single fight. Why spared I know not, But that the lion’s generous.
IV:2:31 SIDO. Will you prove Your faith
IV:2:32 ORAN. Nay, doubt it not.
IV:2:33 SIDO. You still can aid me.
IV:2:34 ORAN. I am no traitor, and my friends shall find I am not wanting.
IV:2:35 SIDO. Quit these liberal walls Where you’re not watched. In brief, I’ve coined a tale Has touched the Countess to the quick. She seeks, Alone or scantly tended, even now, The palace gardens; eager to discover A faithless husband, where she’ll chance to find One more devout. My steeds and servants wait At the right post; my distant castle soon Shall hold this peerless wife. Your resolute spirit May aid me much. How say you, is it well That we have met?
IV:2:36 ORAN. Right well. I will embark Most heartily in this.
IV:2:37 SIDO. With me at once.
IV:2:38 ORAN. At once?
IV:2:39 SIDO. No faltering. You have learned and know Too much to spare you from my sight, good Oran. With me at once.
IV:2:40 ORAN. ‘Tis urgent; well at once, And I will do good service, or I’ll die. For what is life unless to aid the life Has aided thine?
IV:2:41 SIDO. On then; with me no eye Will look with jealousy upon thy step.
[Exeunt both.]
## SCENE 3
A retired spot in the Gardens of the Palace.
[Enter the COUNTESS.]
IV:3:1 COUN. Is’t guilt, that I thus tremble? Why should I Feel like a sinner? I’ll not dare to meet His flashing eye. O, with what scorn, what hate His lightning glance will wither me. Away, I will away. I care not whom he meets. What if he love me not, he shall not loathe The form he once embraced. I’ll be content To live upon the past, and dream again It may return. Alas! were I the false one, I could not feel more humbled. Ah, he comes! I’ll lie, I’ll vow I’m vile, that I came here To meet another, anything but that I dared to doubt him. What, my Lord Sidonia!
[Enter SIDONIA.]
IV:3:2 SIDO. Thy servant and thy friend. Ah! gentle lady, I deemed this unused scene and ill-timed hour might render solace welcome. He’ll not come; Ho crossed the mountains, ere the set of sun, Towards Briviesca.
IV:3:3 COUN. Holy Virgin, thanks! Home, home!
IV:3:4 SIDO. And can a hearth neglected cause Such raptures?
IV:3:5 COUN. I, and only I, neglect it; My cheek is fire, that I should ever dare To do this stealthy deed.
IV:3:6 SIDO. And yet I feel I could do one as secret and more bold. A moment, lady; do not turn away With that cold look.
IV:3:7 COUN. My children wait me, sir; Yet I would thank you, for you meant me kindness.
IV:3:8 SIDO. And mean it yet. Ah! beauteous Florimonde, It is the twilight hour, when hearts are soft, And mine is like the quivering light of eve; I love thee!
IV:3:9 COUN. And for this I’m here, and he, He is not false! O happiness!
IV:3:10 SIDO. Sweet lady--
IV:3:11 COUN. My Lord Sidonia, I can pardon thee, I am so joyful.
IV:3:12 SIDO. Nay, then.
IV:3:13 COUN. Unhand me, Sir!
IV:3:14 SIDO. But to embrace this delicate waist. Thou art mine: I’ve sighed and thou hast spurned. What is not yielded In war we capture. Ere a flying hour, Thy hated Burgos vanishes. That voice; What, must I stifle it, who fain would listen For ever to its song? In vain thy cry, For none are here but mine.
[Enter ORAN.]
IV:3:15 ORAN. Turn, robber, turn--
IV:3:16 SIDO. Ah! treason in the camp! Thus to thy heart.
[They fight. ORAN beats off SIDONIA, they leave the scene fighting; the COUNTESS swoons.]
[Enter a procession with lighted torches, attending the Infanta SOLISA from Mass.]
IV:3:17 1ST USH. A woman!
IV:3:18 2ND USH. Does she live
IV:3:19 SOL. What stops our course?
[The Train ranging themselves on each side, the Infanta approaches the COUNTESS.]
IV:3:20 SOL. Most strange and lovely vision! Does she breathe? I’ll not believe ‘tis death. Her hand is cold, And her brow damp; Griselda, Julia, maidens Hither, and yet stand off; give her free air. How shall we bear her home? Now, good Lorenzo, You, and Sir Miguel, raise her; gently, gently. Still gently, sirs. By heavens, the fairest face I yet did gaze on! Some one here should know her. ‘Tis one that must be known. That’s well; relieve That kerchief from her neck; mind not our state; I’ll by her side; a swoon, methinks; no more, Let’s hope and pray!
[They raise the body of the COUNTESS, and bear her away.]
[Enter Count of LEON.]
IV:3:21 LEON. I’ll fathom this same mystery, If there be wit in Burgos. I have heard, Before I knew the Court, old Nunez Leon Whisper strange things--and what if they prove true? It is not exile twice would cure that scar. I’ll reach him yet. ‘Tis likely he may pass This way; ‘tis lonely, and well suits a step Would not be noticed. Ha! a man approaches; I’ll stand awhile aside.
[Re-enter ORAN.]
IV:3:22 ORAN. Gone, is she gone! Yet safe I feel. O Allah! thou art great! The arm she bound, and tended with that glance Of sweet solicitude, has saved her life, And more than life. The dark and reckless villains! O! I could curse them, but my heart is soft With holy triumph. I’m no more an outcast. And when she calls me, I’d not change my lot To be an Emir. In their hall to-night There will be joy, and Oran will have smiles. This house has knit me to their fate by ties Stronger than gyves of iron.
IV:3:23 LEON. Do I see The man I seek? Oran!
[ORAN turns, and recognising Leon, rushes and seizes him.]
IV:3:24 ORAN. Incarnate fiend, Give her me, give her me!
IV:3:25 LEON. Off, ruffian, off!
IV:3:26 ORAN. I have thee and I’ll hold thee. If I spare Thy damned life, and do not dash thee down, And trample on thee, fiend, it is because Thou art the gaoler of a pearl of price I cannot gain without thee. Now, where is she? Now by thy life!
IV:3:27 LEON. Why, thou outrageous Moor, Hast broken thy false prophet’s rule, and so Fell into unused drink, that thus thou darest To flout me with thy cloudy menaces? What mean’st thou, sir? And what have I withheld From thy vile touch? By heavens, I pass my days In seeking thy dusk corpse, I deemed well drilled Ere this, but it awaits my vengeance.
IV:3:28 ORAN. Boy! Licentious boy! Where is she? Now, by Allah! This poniard to thy heart, unless thou tell’st me.
IV:3:29 LEON. Whom dost thou mean?
IV:3:30 ORAN. Thy comrade and thy crew They all have fled. I left the Countess here. She’s gone. Thou fill’st her place.
IV:3:31 LEON. What Countess? Speak.
IV:3:32 ORAN. The Count Alarcos’ wife.
IV:3:33 LEON. The Count Alarcos! I’d be right glad to see him; but his wife Concerns the Lord Sidonia. If he have played Some Pranks here ‘tis a fool, and he has marred More than he’ll ever make. My time’s worth gems; My knightly word, dusk Moor, I tell thee truth. I will forget these jest, but we must meet This night at my palace.
IV:3:34 ORAN. I’ll see her first.
[Exit ORAN.]
IV:3:35 LEON. Is it the Carnival? What mummery’s this? What have I heard? One thing alone is clear. We must be rid of Oran.
## SCENE 4
A Chamber in the Palace. The Countess ALARCOS lying on a Couch, the Infanta kneeling at her side; MAIDENS grouped around. A PHYSICIAN and the PAGE.
IV:4:1 SOL. Didst ever see so fair a skin? Her bodice Should still be loosened. Bring the Moorish water, Griselda, you. They are the longest lashes! They hang upon her cheek. Doctor, there’s warmth; The blood returns?
IV:4:2 PHY. But slowly.
IV:4:3 SOL. Beauteous creature! She seems an angel fallen from some star. ‘Twas well we passed. Untie that kerchief, Julia; Teresa, wave the fan. There seems a glow Upon her cheek, what but a moment since Was like a sculptured saint’s. IV:4:4 PHY. She breathes.
IV:4:5 SOL. Hush, hush!
IV:4:6 COUN. And what is this? where am I?
IV:4:7 SOL. With thy friends.
IV:4:8 COUN. It is not home.
IV:4:9 SOL. If kindness make a home, Believe it such.
[The PHYSICIAN signifies silence.]
Nay lady, not a word, Those lips must now be closed. I’ve seen such eyes In pictures, girls.
IV:4:10 PHY. Methinks she’ll sleep.
IV:4:11 SOL. ‘Tis well. Maidens, away. I’ll be her nurse; and, doctor, Remain within.
[Exeunt PHYSICIAN and MAIDENS.]
Know you this beauteous dame?
IV:4:12 PAGE. I have heard minstrels tell that fays are found In lonely places.
IV:4:13 SOL. Well, she’s magical. She draws me charm-like to her. Vanish, imp, And see our chamber still.
[Exit PAGE.]
It is the hour Alarcos should be here. Ah! happy hour, That custom only makes more strangely sweet! His brow has lost its cloud. The bar’s removed To our felicity; time makes amends To patient sufferers.
[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]
Hush, my own love, hush!
[SOLISA takes his hand and leads him aside.]
So strange an incident! the fairest lady! Found in our gardens; it would seem a swoon; Myself then passing; hither we have brought her; She is so beautiful, you’ll almost deem She bears some charmed life. You know that fays Are found in lonely places.
IV:4:14 ALAR. In thy garden! Indeed ‘tis strange! The Virgin guard thee, love. I am right glad I’m here. Alone to tend her, ‘Tis scarcely wise.
IV:4:15 SOL. I think when she recovers, She’ll wave her wings and fly.
IV:4:16 ALAR. Nay, for one glance! In truth you paint her bright.
IV:4:17 SOL. E’en now she sleeps. Tread lightly, love; I’ll lead you.
[SOLISA cautiously leads ALARCOS to the couch; as they approach it, the COUNTESS opens her eyes and shrieks.]
IV:4:18 COUN. Ah! ‘tis true, Alarcos [relapses into a swoon.]
IV:4:19 ALAR. Florimonde!
IV:4:20 SOL. Who is this lady?
IV:4:21 ALAR. It is my wife.
IV:4:22 SOL.
[flings away his arms and rushes forward.]
--Not mad! Virgin and Saints be merciful; not mad! O spare my brain one moment; ‘tis his wife. I’m lost: she is too fair. The secret’s out Of sick delays. He’s feigned; he has but feigned.
[Rushing to Alarcos.]
Is that thy wife? and I? and what am I? A trifled toy, a humoured instrument? To guide with glozing words, vilely cajole With petty perjuries? Is that thy wife? Thou said’st she was not fair, thou did’st not love her: Thou lied’st. O, anguish, anguish!
IV:4:23 ALAR. By the cross, My soul is pure to thee. I’m wildered quite. How came she here
IV:4:24 SOL. As she shall ne’er return. Now, Count Alarcos, by the cross thou swearest Thy faith is true to me.
IV:4:25 ALAR. Ay, by the cross,
IV:4:26 SOL. Give me thy dagger.
IV:4:27 ALAR. Not that hand or mine.
IV:4:28 SOL. Is this thy passion!
[Takes his dagger.]
Thus I gain the heart I should despise.
[Rushes to the couch.]
IV:4:29 COUN. What’s this I see?
IV:4:30 ALAR.
[seizing the Infanta’s upraised arm]
A dream A horrid dream, yet but a dream.
THE END OF THE FOURTH ACT.
## ACT V
## SCENE 1
Exterior of the Castle of Alarcos in the valley of Arlanzon.
[Enter the COUNTESS.]
V:1:1 COUN. I would recall the days gone by, and live A moment in the past; if but to fly The dreary present pressing on my brain, Woe’s omened harbinger. In exiled love The scene he drew so fair! Ye castled crags, The sunbeam plays on your embattled cliffs, And softens your stern visage, as his love Softened our early sorrows. But my sun Has set for ever! Once we talked of cares And deemed that we were sad. Men fancy sorrows Until time brings the substance of despair, And then their griefs are shadows. Give me exile! It brought me love. Ah! days of gentle joy, When pastime only parted us, and he Returned with tales to make our children stare; Or called my lute, while, round my waist entwined, His hand kept chorus to my lay. No more! O, we were happier than the happy birds; And sweeter were our lives than the sweet flowers; The stars were not more tranquil in their course, Yet not more bright! The fountains in their play Did most resemble us, that as they flow Still sparkle!
[Enter ORAN.]
Oran, I am very sad.
V:1:2 ORAN. Cheer up, sweet lady, for the God of all Will guard the innocent.
V:1:3 COUN. Think you he’ll come To visit us? Methinks he’ll never come.
V:1:4 ORAN. He’s but four leagues away. This vicinage Argues a frequent presence.
V:1:5 COUN. But three nights-- Have only three nights past? It is an epoch Distant and dim with passion. There are seasons Feelings crowd on so, time not flies but staggers; And memory poises on her burthened plumes To gloat upon her prey. Spoke he of coming?
V:1:6 ORAN. His words were scant and wild, and yet he murmured That I should see him.
V:1:7 COUN. I’ve not seen him since That fatal night, yet even that glance of terror-- I’d hail it now. O, Oran, Oran, think you He ever more will love me? Can I do Aught to regain his love? They say your people Are learned in these questions. Once I thought There was no spell like duty--that devotion Would bulwark love for ever. Now, I’d distil Philtres, converse with moonlit hags, defile My soul with talismans, bow down to spirits, And frequent accursed places, all, yea all-- I’d forfeit all--but to regain his love.
V:1:8 ORAN. There is a cloud now rising in the west, In shape a hand, and scarcely would its grasp Exceed mine own, it is so small; a spot, A speck; see now again its colour flits! A lurid tint; they call it on our coast ‘The hand of God;’ I for when its finger rises From out the horizon, there are storms abroad And awful judgments.
V:1:9 COUN. Ah! it beckons me.
V:1:10 ORAN. Lady!
V:1:11 COUN. Yes, yes, see now the finger moves And points to me. I feel it on my spirit.
V:1:12 ORAN. Methinks it points to me--
V:1:13 COUN. To both of us. It may be so. And what would it portend? My heart’s grown strangely calm. If there be chance Of storms, my children should be safe. Let’s home.
## SCENE 2
An illuminated Hall in the Royal Palace at Burgos; in the background Dancers.
Groups of GUESTS passing.
V:2:1 1ST GUEST. Radiant!
V:2:2 2ND GUEST. Recalls old days.
V:2:3 3RD GUEST. The Queen herself Ne’er revelled it so high!
V:2:4 4TH GUEST. The Infanta beams Like some bright star!
V:2:5 5TH GUEST. And brighter for the cloud A moment screened her.
V:2:6 6TH GUEST. Is it true ‘tis over Between the Count Sidonia and the Lara?
V:2:7 1ST GUEST. A musty tale. The fair Alarcos wins him. Where’s she to-night?
V:2:8 2ND GUEST. All on the watch to view Her entrance to our world.
V:2:9 3RD GUEST. The Count is here.
V:2:10 4TH GUEST. Where?
V:2:11 3RD GUEST. With the King; at least a moment since.
V:2:12 2ND GUEST. They say she’s ravishing.
V:2:13 4TH GUEST. Beyond belief!
V:2:14 3RD GUEST. The King affects him much.
V:2:15 5TH GUEST. He’s all in all.
V:2:16 6TH GUEST. Yon Knight of Calatrava, who is he?
V:2:17 1ST GUEST. Young Mendola.
V:2:18 2ND GUEST. What he so rich?
V:2:19 1ST GUEST. The same.
V:2:20 2ND GUEST. The Lara smiles on him.
V:2:21 1ST GUEST. No worthier quarry
V:2:22 3RD GUEST. Who has the vacant Mastership?
V:2:23 4TH GUEST. I’ll back The Count of Leon.
V:2:24 3RD GUEST. Likely; he stands well With the Lord Admiral.
[They move away.]
[The Counts of SIDONIA and LEON come forward.]
V:2:25 LEON. Doubt as you like, Credulity will come, and in good season.
V:2:26 SIDO. She is not here that would confirm your tale.
V:2:27 LEON. ‘Tis history, my Sidonia. Strange events Have happened, stranger come.
V:2:28 SIDO. I’ll not believe it. And favoured by the King! What can it mean?
V:2:29 LEON. What no one dares to say.
V:2:30 SIDO. A clear divorce. O that accursed garden! But for that--
V:2:31 LEON. ‘Twas not my counsel. Now I’d give a purse To wash good Oran in Arlanzon’s wave; The dusk dog needs a cleansing.
V:2:32 SIDO. Hush! here comes Alarcos and the King.
[They retire: the KING and COUNT ALARCOS advance.]
V:2:33 KING. Solisa looks A Queen.
V:2:34 ALAR. The mirror of her earliest youth Ne’er shadowed her so fair!