Chapter VI: Act III (2)

Oh! Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord;
Chosen of God, immaculate, Divine;
Thou, who hast promised aye to intercede
With thy dear Son, the living God of Heaven
For us poor mortals when oppressed with woe,
From that high heaven where thou sittest enthroned
'Midst glorious angels, mercifully look down
Upon thy humble votaries, who groan
'Neath the oppression of a tyrant world.
Oh! thou who never turnest a deaf ear
Unto a suppliant's prayer, send down thy grace,
And succour her from evil men's designs
Who puts her trust in thee. Thwart thou their schemes,
And, for the glory of thy holy name,
Avenge thy handmaid's wrongs, and punish those
Who, strong in the abuse of worldly power,
Would fain defile the virgin chastity
Of her who seeks thy aid; rain down thy grace.
Oh! Holy Mother, who canst never see
The wrong to triumph and the right to fall,
Soften my father's heart, and let him kneel
To thee, and join with me in heartfelt prayer
And supplication, that the evils which
Do threaten us alike may be withdrawn.

[_Don Silvio drops crucifix, and exit slowly and moodily._

Oh, Holy Saints! Oh, Holy Virgin Mother!
Look down in pity on this suppliant pair,
Who all unworthy are to raise our eyes
To that high Heaven, whence thou art, and seek
Thy aid and guidance, strengthen us, O Lord!
Strengthen our faith, and let our trust in Thee
Never abate, e'en in temptation's hour.

[_Draws forth a rosary, and remains for some time counting her
beads. Then rises._

I thank thee, Holy Virgin. Thou hast heard
The prayer of faith, and----(_looking round her_) What! my father
gone!
Too proud to pray, alas! Oh, Heaven grant
My doting father more humility,
More faith, more hope; and aye within this breast
Keep thou _my_ faith alive, lest Satan send
Some emissary forth to thwart thy will.

_Enter_ RODRIGUEZ, _smiling towards_ INEZ, _who starts, looks
suspiciously at her, and shudders_.

ROD. What! my young mistress taken by surprise,
And scared at poor Rodriguez! I've no doubt
Some transient fever, brought on by the shock
You late have suffered, made you shiver so.
Come to old Rodriguez, my pretty bird,
Pour forth into old nurse's willing ear
All its past troubles. Did the gipsy gang
Run off with pretty darling, and insult
Her and old Pedro! Sweetest, grieve no more
Now all is over, but take courage from
Old nurse Rodriguez, who was ever wont
To smooth its pillow, and to share its griefs.

INEZ. Good nurse, Rodriguez, 'tis not, as you think,
The gipsy tribe that causes me this dread.
I have another and a secret grief
I daren't divulge to thee. Nay, leave me, pray.

ROD. What! my young mistress has a secret grief;
And I, poor old Rodriguez, am debarred
From sharing it. Leave you alone, forsooth!
Leave my young mistress Inez all alone,
To brood and mope over her secret grief!
Never! You ill know nurse Rodriguez, child.

INEZ. (_Aside._) This is intolerable.

ROD. As you say,
It cannot be about the gipsy tribe
My darling frets. The danger's gone and past,
Thanks to the noble conduct of my lord,
The brave and gallant Don Diego, who
At risk of his own life, with sword in hand,
Did rescue you from the dark gipsy gang.
'Twas bravely done. And how he wears his years!
Just like a stripling--and how fine a man;
How courteous, too, and what a merry eye
He has for all his favourites. I'm sure
That you yourself are one, judging from how
[_Inez draws back scornfully._
He looks at you askance, then turns away
And sighs so deeply, little thinking that
Rodriguez guesses what he bears within.

INEZ. Rodriguez, silence! Of this trash no more.

ROD. Nay, Mistress Inez; pray not angered be
With poor old nurse. She loves a jest at times.

INEZ. I'm in no jesting mood, I promise you.
I pray you, leave me.

ROD. There you are again,
Wishing me to leave you alone to mope;
But, dear, Rodriguez better knows than leave
Her little mistress all uncomforted.
Away with nasty grief, and courage take
From kind old nurse, and, like her, merry be.

INEZ. Your consolation, nurse, is, perhaps, well meant.
Albeit, at present, 'tis superfluous.

ROD. What! Hoity, toity! child; would'st have me see
My little Inez pining and downcast,
E'en though it be for nought at all; and ne'er
Say word to cheer her? Nay, 'tis my duty
To my mistress. So here I mean to stick
Until I've made you laugh. Come now, madam.

INEZ. (_Aside._) She's insupportable.

ROD. Were I a maid once more, I'd show you how
I'd laugh and enjoy the world. Not as you,
Pent up these years within a convent cell,
Till you've grown musty. A pest on convents all!
Keep them for cripples and incurables.
For those who from birth so ill-favoured are,
They find not husbands. These may chant and sing,
And moan and fast, an't please them; but, for you,
A maid of Lady Inez's beauty, jammed
Within these walls--'tis sacrilege, I ween.

INEZ. Rodriguez, now you must not lightly talk
Against those holy women, who have fled
All worldly joys to win the peace of Heaven.

ROD. Each to their taste. For me, I love the world.

INEZ. I know it, nurse; but at your age 'twere fit
You'd higher thoughts.

ROD. At _my_ age! Pooh! tut, tut!
Those with a merry heart are never old.
Look at Don Diego, how he bears himself,
And all because he has a merry heart.
Had he been priest or monk, he had been old
At thirty. But just look how proud his step,
How clear his eye, how red his manly cheek.
Were I a maid once more, just of your age,
I straight should lose my heart, and that's a fact.
Heigh ho!

INEZ. A truce to this unseemly banter.
Nor dare to name that man to me again.

ROD. That man! What, poor Don Diego? In what way
Hath he offended, that you treat him thus?
I'm sure he is not conscious of his fault,
Or he would die with grief; the dear, good man,
Fond of you as he is, as all can see.

INEZ. Rodriguez, cease! I'll hear no more, I've said.
And let me tell you, nurse, now once for all,
It ill becomes thy years and sex, t'enact
A part, of all parts most contemptible.

ROD. What part, my pretty child? Don't so misjudge
Poor nurse Rodriguez as to think that she
Could counsel you for aught but for your good
Remember, you are young, my mistress dear,
And have yet to unlearn your convent life,
That so ill fits you for our merry world.
Your father, poor mistaken man----

INEZ. Hold there,
And reverence my father as thy lord.

ROD. Ne'er doubt me, mistress mine, but e'en my lord
Would counsel you as I would counsel you.

INEZ. Thou speak'st of counsel. How would'st counsel me?

ROD. Nay, then, nought 'gainst your interests; that's clear.
Had I your youth and beauty, and your chance,
I'd have a care, nor throw such chance away.
Lend not the ear to ev'ry stripling, child,
Because he's smooth of mien, but look behind
The outer gloss, and seek for solid gold.

INEZ. Your counsel, nurse, is mercenary.

ROD. Tut, tut.
We've got to live; to live we've got to eat;
Then comes our dress, our servants, and what else
May appertain unto a lady born,
As was your mother, Lady Dorothea,--
Of blessed mem'ry,--when this ancient hall
Looked livelier than at the present day.
Now hark! my dear young mistress, and attend
To these my words, as were they from the lips
Of your own sainted mother, who looks down
From her high post, and sees all that we do.
What, think you, would your fondest mother say,
To see this castle go to rack and ruin,
Her darling child descend in social scale,
Because she would espouse some popinjay.
Whose wealth was all he carried on his back?
When she could get a chance to marry one
(A goodly man, if more mature in years)
A great hidalgo, and of wealth untold,
By means of which she could redeem this hall,
And make it worthy of its better days;
Pay off her father's debts, and thus content
Him and his household, and all else beside.
Why, marry, 'twere rank madness to let slip
Such glorious chance, and such a chance have you.

INEZ. Enough.

ROD. Nay, I _will_ speak in duty bound,
And tell you, willy-nilly, that the man
Who thus would lay his riches at the feet
Of my poor master's daughter is none else
Than noble Lord Don Diego.

INEZ. I have said
I will not have thee mention that man's name;
I did divine thy mission from the first,
And doubt me not that thou wert amply paid
To play the go-between; but learn for once,
Base woman, that my heart must not be bought;
The purest gift of Heaven was not made
To be an article of merchandise.
My heart's in mine own keeping, and must ne'er
Be given up save to the man I love.
Though this pile fall to ruins o'er our heads;
Though hunger threaten; though my father's life
And other lives at stake be; nay, e'en though
This robe be turned to rags and I be sent
Abroad to beg my bread, and from the cold
Night storm or tempest ne'er a shelter find;
Nay, come what will, nought 'gainst the will of Heaven
Must e'er be done to suit the present hour.

ROD. Nay, speak not thus, young mistress, but be calm;
Rodriguez, too, was once a girl and thought,
E'en as you do now.

INEZ. More's the pity then
That years, instead of bringing purer thoughts,
Should cancel all the purity of youth.

ROD. Nay, mistress mine, what I would say is this:
That being in youth, even as yourself,
More swayed by my heart than my interests,
I gave my heart unto the man I loved,
Disdaining higher offer, but soon found
Cause to repent for having thrown away
A better chance; for Carlos, when he saw
That I had nought, and he had nought, he 'gan
To lose the love he had for me, and then
He beat me, and we quarrelled. Soon he died.
And being left destitute, was fain t'accept
The place of servant in your father's house.

INEZ. And by this tale of sorrows thou would'st prove
That we in this life are in duty bound
To sell our souls unto the highest bidder.
Away with such foul subtleties, with which
The arch-fiend baits his hook to tempt God's own.
Give me the quiet of a convent cell,
Rather than rank and splendour with disgrace.

ROD. Disgrace! Nay, honour. When the knot is tied
You will be held in honour by the world.
It is not mere protection that is offered,
But legal marriage. There's the difference.

INEZ. The marriage that 'fore Heaven legal is,
Is that in which two souls are joined in one,
And not the forced and bitter mockery
Born of man's interest, by him approved.
Such match as thou would'st counsel were no match,
But lust and policy combined in one;
Most foul adultery in Heaven's eyes,
Ay, e'en despite the blessing of the church.
But, to cut short this most distasteful theme,
Perhaps thou'lt tell me, as an after-clause
Included in the pact, should I accept
This offer that Don Diego deigns to make,
'Twere necessary that this match take place
This night at midnight, without more delay.

ROD. Why, some such clause there is, I must confess,
A mere caprice. What matters it? But then
The offer is so splendid. Only think!

INEZ. In case of my refusing him. What then?

ROD. You surely would not think of such a thing,
If you knew how he loved you.

INEZ. Still I ask,
What's the alternative should I refuse?

ROD. I would not counsel you to brave his ire.
He loves you most devotedly, I know,
And 'tis for that he'd hasten on the match,
'Tis over-eagerness and fear to lose
His prize. A groundless fear, I do admit.
But he was ever an eccentric man:
A good man though.

INEZ. So all I have to fear
Is but his ire?

ROD. I know not though what form
His ire might take. He's powerful and great,
Accustomed to obedience, to command,
Like all great military leaders who
Hold up their heads above their fellow-men.
He _might_ use force. I would not you advise
To thwart his will, but quietly to yield.

INEZ. And art thou woman, who would'st counsel me,
Through fear of violence of mortal man,
To so offend against all chastity
As yield obedience to this man's lust?
A veteran full four times mine own age,
And that, in all hot haste this very night,
When I have scarce had time to see his face!
Is't this that thou call'st love? Now fie! Now fie!
I did think better of thee, nurse Rodriguez,
Than that thy tongue could have been bought for gold
In such base cause. But since 'tis come to this--
Away from me! and tell the fiend who sent thee,
Inez would rather die a thousand deaths
Than barter her virtue for all his gold.

ROD. I dare not tell him so, my pretty bird.

INEZ. Then send him here, I'll tell him so myself.
I fear no man when God is on my side.

ROD. Nay, mistress, dear, forbear. You know him not.

INEZ. Yet thou would'st have me marry him. For shame!

ROD. I know not what to say. 'Twas urgency,
Most dire necessity, that made me speak;
Fear for your father's life, mine own, and Pedro's,
And last, not least, yourself, my darling child.
I am bewildered and half gone mad.
What shall we do? Oh, Heaven grant us help.

INEZ. I trust as ever in the help of Heaven.
Sustain us, Lord, in our adversity,
And let us lack not faith. [_A knock at the door._
Oh, holy saints!

PEDRO. (_Without._) Rodriguez! What ho! Donna Rodriguez!
My lord Don Diego awaiteth thee below.

ROD. I come, I come. (_Aside._) Ah me! what shall I say? [_Exit._

INEZ. Now, saints protect us! Holy Virgin, thou
Be still my guide, nor let me pray in vain.

[_Inez throws herself half fainting on the prie-dieu, and the
scene closes._

SCENE IV.--_A Wood of chestnuts. Moonlight. Gipsies in ambush. Don Diego's castle seen towering above the trees._

_Enter_ GIPSY QUEEN _and_ PASCUAL.

GIP. Q. Behold the spot I told thee of, from whence
We must begin th' ascent. (_To Gipsies._) Is all prepared?

GIPSIES TOGETHER. Ay, Queen.

GIP. Q. And Father Miguel?

A GIPSY. He comes anon.

D. PAS. What, even Father Miguel! Will he join?

GIP. Q. He is, as ever, our most staunch ally,
And doth possess a keen and ready wit
In time of need. A soft and oily tongue
And gentle manner, that may well disarm
All base suspicion. Such sound policy
As may enable him to win the day,
When all such brainless braggadocio
As thine might fail.

D. PAS. Bravo, Father Miguel!
An he be practised in the use of 's tongue,
As I am in the use of my good blade
We shall do well together.

GIP. Q. See, he comes.

_Enter_ FATHER MIGUEL. _He walks straight up to_ GIPSY QUEEN.

F'TH. M. Pepa, well met. Is this young man your son?

D. PAS. (_Stepping forward._) Ay, holy father. Dost remember me?

F'TH. M. But little, son. It is so many years
We have not met, and thou art altered much.
Thou wert then but a lad--a naughty lad,
A very naughty lad.

D. PAS. Ha, ha! Ha, ha!
The accusation, I admit, is just,
But hope, after to-night, that we may learn
To know each other better.

F'TH. M. So say I.
And now, for what doth most concern us all.

TO GIPSY QUEEN. I doubt not this youth's courage. Nay, his fault,
An I remember right in days gone by.
Was being too precipitous and rash.
Now listen, both of ye, to what I say;
We must not mar our plot with useless show
Of ill-timed valour, but hoard well our strength
Till needed, and if possible dispense
With blood and slaughter, which God grant we may.

D. PAS. How, holy father? I don't understand.
Are we not here assembled to attack
The tyrant's stronghold. Are the men-at-arms
That guard the castle made of such poor stuff,
As let a powerful and armed band
Approach without resistance. Think you, _he_
The man that I blush to call my father,
Is so utterly without resources
As let us tamely rob him of his prize,
Under his very nose, and not resent?
Too old a fox, I ween, our veteran foe,
For to be caught asleep.

F'TH. M. Nay, hear me, son.

GIP. Q. Ay, true my, son. Have patience and attend
To the good father's counsel.

D. PAS. Father, speak.

F'TH. M. I have bethought me of a scheme, which, if
Well carried out, will bring us through the guard
Without the loss of blood. Once entered in,
And passed the threshold, let me lead the way.
Your mother will present herself anon,
Assert her rights in presence of them all;
_You_ then will follow, ready to protect
Yourself and us, should an assault be made
Upon our persons. (_To Gipsies._) You bold gipsies all,
Keep close at hand a little in the rear
Ready for action, but beware to lift
A finger until called upon to fight
Through grim necessity. D'ye hear me all?

GIPSIES (_Together._) Ay, ay, Sir Priest.

D. PAS. You have not told us yet
The means you will adopt to pass the guards
Without resistance.

F'TH M. Listen, then, awhile.
I have to aid me in this daring plot
A tried and trusty friend, a mountaineer;
This peasant hath across his shoulders slung
A keg of choicest wine, by me well drugged
With such a potent powder, that one drop
But taken on the tongue were full enough
In a few minutes to induce a sleep
So dull, lethargic, heavy, and profound,
That earth might quake, winds blow, and thunder growl,
And yet the victims of this potent drug
Would still sleep on, their long and death-like sleep,
And much I doubt me if the archangel's trump
Would fully wake them.

D. PAS. 'Tis not poison, father?

F'TH. M. Nay, 'tis harmless. How could you think that I,
As priest, could do aught to take human life?
I come to hinder carnage, not to slay.

D. PAS. This may be difficult, though, nevertheless,
The men are many. There are always dogs
That bark and bellow at the foe's approach.

F'TH. M. Leave all to me, my son. As for the dogs,
I've poison brought, most instantaneous,
With which I've baited meat, that I have now
About my person, whilst this peasant here.
What ho! Felipe!

_Enter a_ PEASANT _with a keg of wine slung round him_.

This same honest man
Will go ahead with me, but as we near
The castle we will separate, and choose
Two divers paths, so that in case we meet
With any man we seem not to belong
One to the other. He will chant an air
Such as our mountaineers are wont to sing,
And go his way, as one who's light of heart;
Myself, will pass on by another route,
To meet the peasant at a given point
Close to the castle and within the hearing
Of all the soldiers; and if accosted,
I have my answer ready. Do not fear.
When within hearing of the men-at-arms,
I shall call out to this same mountaineer,
As to a stranger: "Hold, friend. Where bound?"
"To the next village, father," shall he say?
"Trav'lling with wine. A buyer wants to try
A sample, and I bring him of the best."
"Ha!" shall I say, "then, prithee, let me taste.
I, too, would buy a barrel, but for _me_
It must be good indeed, else, keep your wine."
Then shall I feign to drink and smack my lips,
Swearing 'tis nectar worthy of a king,
And straight make offer to buy all he has,
While trudging on together by the way.
Presently we will come upon the guards,
Some of whom know me well. Suspecting nought,
These men will easily be lured to try
The vaunted liquor. Having gone the round
Of seneschal and warder and the rest,
I shall find access to the castle hall
Without much trouble, offr'ing as excuse,
I come to let Don Diego taste the wine.
Once entered fairly in the castle hall,
Ere long all hands will sound as dead men sleep,
Then shall I blow this whistle. At the sound,
March on, and fear not, for the game is ours.

D. PAS. Hail! Father Miguel! once again I say.

F'TH. M. Now to our task. 'Tis just about the hour,
And better be too early than too late.

D. PAS. True, holy father.

F'TH. M. Well, go softly on
Ahead, whilst you all keep well in the rear,
Advance ye not until ye hear this call.
[_Exeunt_ FATHER MIGUEL _and_ FELIPE.

D. PAS. Why, what an acquisition to our cause
Is this same priest! I vow I know not how
We should have done without him.

GIP. Q. You say well.
Besides our cause, that he has much at heart,
He revels in all plotting and intrigue.

D. PAS. It suits his peculiar genius. Why,
He might have been prime minister of Spain,
This same poor unknown priest.
[_A distant mountaineer's chant is heard._

GIP. Q. Hark! Do you hear?

D. PAS. Ay. The mountaineer's chant. The game's begun.

GIP. Q. List patiently, and we shall hear anon
Don Miguel's whistle. Silence, all of ye.

[_A long pause. All place themselves in listening attitude.
Gipsy Queen advances slowly. Pascual in the background,
still listening._

GIP. Q. The hour fast draws near when my intent,
That purpose that the heav'ns have writ in blood,
Must be accomplished. Be still, my heart.
Shade of my father Djabel, stand thou near;
Nerve thou this arm so that it shall not fail,
For work is to be done, and that right soon.
That man is doomed, and by this hand he dies;
Heav'n hear my oath! Respond, ye elements.

[_Sky grows dark. Thunder and lightning. Owls and bats flit
about. Commotion in the camp._

The oath is writ in Heav'n. Recording sprites
Have taken down the gipsy's oath of blood;
And now shall all men see, all nations tell,
How, from the ashes of this trampled heart
Did all triumphant rise the gipsy queen.
[_A distant whistle heard._

D. PAS. The signal, mother! Didst hear the signal?

GIP. Q. Ay, son. Onward, then;
I'll lead the way myself. Be firm and true.

[_The ascent begins, led by the Gipsy Queen, and the scene
closes._

SCENE V.--_A hall in Don Diego's castle communicating with the chapel. The chapel is in the centre of the background. Through curtains is disclosed the altar lighted up, and a priest ready to officiate. In the hall, which is illuminated, a long table is spread with fruit and other delicacies. Music. Enter guests, discoursing animatedly and laughing._

FIRST GUEST. (_To his Partner._) Have you yet seen the bride? They
say she's fair.

PARTNER. They say so, but I have not seen her yet.
Howbeit, a friend of mine who knew her well
When at the Convent of Saint Ursula,
Says she is over young. Just turned sixteen;
And how a man of Lord Don Diego's years
Could fall in love with such a chit, beats me.
[_They pass on. Two other guests advance._

LADY OF SECOND GUEST. (_To her Partner._) Ay, true, I think it
would more seemly be
Were he to marry one of years more ripe.

SECOND GUEST. (_To his Lady._) The older that men grow the more
they're pleased
With youth. I'm sure I should be so myself.
[_They pass on. Third couple advance._

THIRD GUEST. (_To his Lady._) Nay, who'd have thought that poor Don
Silvio
Could thus so easily pay off his debts?
He's in luck's way. As for the blushing bride,
Not every day doth heaven rain such fortune.

LADY. (_To Third Guest._) Yet they say that she is most unwilling.

THIRD GUEST. Then, she's a fool.
[_They pass on. Fourth couple advance._

LADY. (_To Fourth Guest._) Nay; I have heard it said
She weeps and frets, and hath so desp'rate grown,
That nought save violence could aught avail
To lead her to the altar.

FOURTH GUEST. What a girl!
To throw away so glorious a chance!
[_They pass on. Two gentlemen meeting._

FIRST GENT. What, comrade, you invited! Ha, ha, ha!
The old boy's got some life in him as yet.

SECOND GENT. And good taste, too. I just now caught a glimpse
Of the fair bride; and, zounds! I do begrudge
Her to the veteran. I myself would choose
Just such an one, and were it not her face
Were marred by excess of weeping.

FIRST GENT. Indeed!
Ha! ha! I never could make out why girls
Cry at their wedding. Just the very thing
They've looked for, prayed for, schemed for all their lives;
Yet, when it comes to don the bridal veil
And figure at the altar, then comes straight
A bucketful of tears. Hypocrisy!

_Enter_ DON DIEGO, _followed by_ DON SILVIO _pleading_.

SECOND GENT. Here comes the bridegroom; and, as it would seem,
Not in the best of humours. Let's withdraw. [_They pass on._

D. DIE. (_To Don Silvio._) Silvio, no more! I'll not be flouted thus
Before my guests, in mine own castle, too.
I've said that it shall be, and it _shall_ be.
I ne'er take back my word. So bid her haste,
And put a better face upon the matter.
The time is up, and all my guests attend.
Go, bring her, then. (_To Guests._) Friends! welcome to this hall.

GUESTS ALL. Long live Lord Don Diego, with much happiness!

D. DIE. Thank ye, my friends. I do regret to say,
'Fore this august and gracious company,
That we are likely to experience,
This night, some difficulty on the part
Of our fair bride. Some singular caprice;
Transient, no doubt, but not the less unfit
For gay festivity. The fact is that
My youthful bride is of a temperament
Too highly wrought and o'er hysterical.
She only late hath left her convent cell;
Her education, therefore, until now
Hath rendered her unfit to face the world.
Impressionable natures, as we know,
Recoil before aught that can cause a strong
And powerful emotion. 'Tis the shock
They dread. 'Tis nothing. Nay, I do condole
With her; ay, from the bottom of my heart.
But yet I think it not well to indulge
Young folk in such caprice. Therefore, should I,
My honoured guests, be forced to assume
An air of stern severity unmeet
This gay assembly, deem it but as naught;
'Tis firmness that is needed in this case.
We men must not be conquered by caprice.
As for the girl herself, she loves me well;
Nay, passionately.

INEZ. (_Within, distractedly._) No! 'tis false, 'tis false.
[_Titter and commotion among the guests._

D. DIE. (_To Don Silvio._) Silvio! Why stand you there, with folded
hands?
Did I not tell you to lead forth the bride?

D. SIL. She says she _will_ not come.

D. DIE. _Will_ not? Ha! ha!
This to my face! _Will_ not, indeed. We'll see.
My worthy guests, bear with me if I lose
My wonted patience, and in haste let slip
Some casual word that may seem unfit
The presence of guests so illustrious.
My temper's somewhat choleric, and if
My will is thwarted I may lose restraint.
Silvio, bring forth the maiden straight, I say,
Or I will have her dragged to me by force.

INEZ. (_Within._) Oh, mercy! Mercy! Heaven hear my prayer.

A GENTLEMAN. Poor little jade! How I do pity her.

A LADY. And so do I. It makes my heart quite bleed.

D. DIE. A truce to this. Ho! pages, drag her forth.

[_Exeunt two pages, who re-enter, dragging Inez in, who utters
a piercing scream. She is dressed in a white dressing gown,
her hair dishevelled, and grasping a crucifix. Father Miguel
and Gipsy Queen appear at the open door cautiously. Behind
lurk Don Pascual and Gipsies._

INEZ. "Oh, Holy Virgin! Save me; save me yet.
Thou wilt not thus abandon me."

D. DIE. (_Seizing her by the hair, and dragging her towards the
Chapel._) So jade,
Since thou hast deemed fit to flout me thus
Before my guests, and spurn'st my tenderness,
Learn how obedience can be enforced.
Come priest. Be ready.

A GUEST. Nay, but this is rape!
I cannot stay and see injustice done.
I repent me that I was invited.

ANOTHER GUEST. True, and so do I. This is no marriage,
But filthy lust and mere abuse of power.

D. DIE. (_To Guards._) Help! Hell and Furies! or I'll have her
drugged.

GUESTS ALL. Shame! Shame! Down with Don Diego.
Seize the tyrant.

D. DIE. What! Flouted by my very guests. What next?

GUESTS ALL. Virtue to the rescue! Save the maiden!

_Enter_ GIPSY QUEEN _hurriedly, and stands fixing_ DON DIEGO
_with her eye, who recoils_.

GIP. Q. Hold! I forbid the banns.

INEZ. Thanks, Holy Virgin,
That hast heard my prayer, and sent an angel
Down from your high Heaven in hour of need.
What glorious halo do I see around
That sainted vision!
[_Inez falls fainting into the arms of Don Silvio._

D. DIE. Nay, this is madness.

GIP. Q. Hear me, swarthy hag. This castle is mine,
And not for such as thee. Begone, I say,
Or I will have thee hanged, ere breaks the dawn,
From the loftiest turret of this pile.

GIP. Q. Villain, I fear no threats.
Look on this bond.

D. DIE. What folly's this? Say, who let these men in?

F'TH. M. (_Advancing._) I, Don Miguel, whom you basely thought
To use as instrument in your foul plot,
Twenty-two years ago, when you did plan
The mockery of a marriage to induce
This trusting gipsy to accede to what
Your own dark soul did lust for; thinking that
'Twere easy work to dupe the innocent.
So, writing to a worthless boon companion,
Already in your debt, you promised him
To cancel all his debt, and further add
Another sum in recompense, were he
To condescend to sink himself so low
As to enact the part of priest in this
False marriage. But that letter never reached
Its destination. Djabel, gipsy king,
This woman's father, once suspecting guile,
As well he might, did send his spies abroad,
And so this letter, fell into my hands.
I quick conceived the plan to pen reply,
As coming from the tool you sought to use,
In which 'twas stated that he lay in bed,
Ill of a fever, and so could not come,
And therefore he would send a substitute
To act for him. That substitute was I.
I, Father Miguel, with dissembling mien,
By you too fully trusted, had access
Unto your presence, as you fondly thought,
To help you in your plot of the feigned match.
But know, base villain, you alone were duped,
Your marriage was a real one, and holds good.

D. DIE. This is some false concocted tale, got up
For some hellish purpose.

PRIEST. (_At the altar, advances._) Lord Don Diego,
I tell you this is no invented tale,
This Father Miguel is well known to me,
A worthy priest of our most holy Church.
The bond is valid.

D. DIE. Flouted on all sides!
How now! Do I dream? Am I master here,
Or am I not?

F'TH. M. Another Master there's
Above us all, more powerful than thou,
Dispensing justice and avenging wrong.

D. DIE. What cant is this? Ho! guards, cut down the rabble.

[_Some halberdiers advance. D. Pascual and gipsies put
themselves on the defensive._

F'TH. M. Raise but a finger, or cause to be raised
An arm in thy defence, and dread the worst.

D. DIE. This from a shaven crown! A pretty plight
For feudal lord to be in! What ho! guards.
[_A skirmish ensues, and guards are beaten back by gipsies._
On, cowards, on! Where are my men-at-arms?

F'TH. M. All drugged, and powerless by my device.
They sleep like dead men. Seek no help from them.

D. DIE. Damnation! Am I worsted by a priest
And gang of squalid gipsies? Ho! my men,
Go, rouse the sluggards! Bring my armour, quick.

F'TH. M. (_To Guards._) Budge but an inch, and not a man of ye shall
see to-morrow's sun.

D. DIE. How now! Who's he
That threatens and gives orders in my hall?
Have I no friends among these honoured guests
To save me from these insults? Who am I?

F'TH. M. A sinner, made amenable to law.

D. DIE. (_Laughs diabolically._) Ha, ha! This craven's insolence
is such
It well nigh moves my laughter. How now! guests,
Not one sword drawn! No single arm upraised.

A GUEST. My Lord Don Diego, in a cause that's just
My sword is at your service. So say all
The others. But we will not fight for wrong.
Let us be first persuaded if this priest
Have right upon his side. Show us the bond.

D. DIE. The bond is but a forgery.

D. PAS. 'Tis false,
Thou lying knave. I'll make thee eat thy words.

D. DIE. Who is this mongrel gipsy, bold of tongue,
Who beards us with drawn sword.

F'TH. M. Your lawful son,
Of this poor gipsy born in holy marriage.

D. DIE. The tale is too preposterous.

OFFICIATING PRIEST. Nay, look
Well on the bond, Don Diego.

GUESTS ALL. Ay, the bond.

D. DIE (_To Officiating Priest._) And thou, Sir Shaveling, didst thou
not come here
To-night to draw up deed of legal marriage?
And dost thou now come forward and take part
With this base priest, who for some plan of his----

OFF. PRIEST. My compliance was but in appearance.
I came, well knowing of your former marriage,
Twenty-two years ago, as saith the bond,
With her they call the Gipsy Queen. All this
I had from Father Miguel; and besides,
Have well perused the bond, which, being valid,
I could not undertake to tie the knot
In conscience, and have no intent to do 't.

D. DIE. I was but mocked, then?

GUESTS ALL. Come, the bond! the bond!

D. DIE. Give me the bond. I'll soon cut short this work.

[_Snatches the bond from the hands of Gipsy Queen. Glances
hastily over it, and proceeds to tear it._

'Tis false. This is no signature of mine.

GIP. Q. Darest to deny thy bond? Die, villain, then,
In this thy perjury! [_Stabs Don Diego._

D. DIE. Help! help! I bleed. [_Falls._

GUARDS. Don Diego to the rescue! Seize the hag.
[_Guards and a few guests lay hands on Gipsy Queen._

D. PAS. (_Furiously._) Leave go, my mother. He that lays a hand
Upon her person, I'll send straight to hell.

A GUEST. (_Advancing with drawn sword._) Secure this furious and
audacious youth.

D. PAS. Have at thee, then. [_Kills guest._

GUEST I die. [_Dies._

TWO GUESTS. (_Advancing._) Hold him! hold him!

[_Both guests attack Pascual at once, but are driven back.
Guards come up and attempt to seize him. Gipsies attack
guards, and a general skirmish ensues. Two guards are
killed by gipsies. One gipsy falls. Don Silvio bears off
Inez in the confusion._

F'TH. M. Peace, brethren, for a while, and no more blood.

A GUEST. Look to Don Diego, friends, and seize the hag.

[_All surround Gipsy Queen, who stabs herself and falls. All
draw back._

GIP. Q. This life is forfeit. I for vengeance lived;
My mission is accomplished upon earth.
I vowed to heaven. Heaven has heard my prayer.
And I depart.

D. PAS. (_Rushes up, and throws himself beside the Gipsy Queen._) Oh,
mother! dear mother.

D. DIE. Help! help! Who has put out the lights and left
Me all in darkness?

A GUEST. No one, noble lord.

F'TH. M. 'Tis but the darkness of thine own dark soul,
Now upon the brink of eternity;
I counsel thee, confess, and then receive
The consolation that the Church affords.

D. DIE. Water! I thirst. Alas! how grim is death!
I am afraid to die. I burn! I burn!
How hideous all the forms that flit around;

OFFICIATING PRIEST. My lord Don Diego, prithee die not thus;
But ask forgiveness first, of all you've wronged.

D. DIE. Good father, willingly; but who would grant
Forgiveness unto such a wretch as I?

GIP. Q. I, Pepa, thy true wife, forgiveness grants,
And craves the like from thee.

D. DIE. What! Pepa, _thou_;
Thou canst forgive me? Thou, my poor wronged wife.
Let us exchange forgiveness then, for I
Have well deserved this blow. Come round me, friends,
Whilst breath yet lasts, and witness bear to this.
I leave my castle, all my lands and goods,
Unto my lawful son. How is he called?

F'TH. M. Pascual.

D. DIE. Son Pascual, thy hand. Forgive the wrongs
I've done thee, e'en as thou thyself wouldst hope
In thy last hour to be forgiven. Hold,
There's still another I have deeply wronged,
From whom I'd crave forgiveness. Bring her here.

F'TH. M. (_To Attendant._) Don Diego means the Lady Inez. Haste
And bring her hither, with Don Silvio. [_Exit Attendants._

_Enter_ DON SILVIO, _supporting_ INEZ.

D. DIE. Behold me, Inez, penitent, subdued.
Art thou content that heaven hath heard thy prayer?
I've wronged thee much. I frankly do confess.
Forgive me, Inez child, ere I depart
An thou canst.

INEZ. I do. [_Giving her hand and sobbing._

D. DIE. And friend Silvio,
The like I'd have from thee, and all I've wronged.

D. SIL. Friend Diego, take his hand. I would not add
One pang to that which thine own heart must feel,
By holding back my pardon at the last.
Therefore, with all my heart I pardon thee.

D. DIE. Thanks, old friend, Silvio; I already feel
Better prepared to die. Farewell, my friends.
[_Inez for the first time perceiving Pascual._

INEZ. Pascual!

D. PAS. Inez!

D. DIE. Come now, my children both,
I know your minds. Come let me join your hands.

[_Pascual and Inez kneel beside Don Diego, who joins their
hands._

Receive my blessing, children, and forgive
A poor old sinner when he is no more.
Pray for my soul, and ere this clay be cold,
Let this hand clasp thy mother's, son Pascual.
Pepa, thy hand.

GIP. Q. Diego, with all my heart.
[_Pascual joins their hands._
Let us die thus, and hand in hand to heaven
Let our souls soar. Kiss me, my children, both.
Look how my father Djabel smiles on us,
And beckons us away from earth. Adios.
[_Don Diego and Gipsy Queen expire._

[_Guests kneel and pray. Curtain._

END OF THE GIPSY QUEEN.

* * * * *

At the conclusion of the play our tragedian rolled up his MS. and returned it to his pocket, while various were the expressions of approval from the members of the club.

All now seemed to look towards Mr. Oldstone for his criticism of the play before pronouncing any decided opinion of their own. This was a deference they paid him as chairman, and because he was the oldest member present. It was evident that this worthy was accustomed to be appealed to in matters of importance, and expected it in the present instance in particular, for he had already stretched out his legs, thrown himself back in his arm-chair, closed his eyes, and clasped his hands together over his comely paunch, while his thumbs performed a rotary motion, one round the other, a sure sign with him that whatever his lips might utter would be the result of deep thought and mature deliberation. Our members awaited in silence the words of wisdom about to issue from the lips of the oracle.

To fill up the time in the interim, Professor Cyanite filled up a pipe of tobacco, and was about to light it. Mr. Crucible drew out his snuff box, and was preparing to take a copious pinch. Dr. Bleedem looked at his watch, when suddenly a knock at the door caused the members to raise their heads.

"Come in!" cried several voices at once. The door opened, and Helen stood in the doorway.

"If you please, gentlemen," said the girl, blushing, and with charming modesty, "Mr. McGuilp says that he has finished my portrait, and would the gentlemen of the club like to look at it before it gets too dark."

"Of course we will, my dear, of course we will," answered Mr. Oldstone, his fingers immediately unclasping themselves and grasping the arms of the chair, preparatory to rising to his feet.

"Come along, gentlemen." No further invitation was needed. Professor Cyanite laid down his pipe unlighted. Mr. Crucible replaced the grains of snuff, he had intended conveying to his nose, back into his snuff box, which he closed with a snap and returned to his pocket. There was a general stir among the members, who rose and followed Helen to the room upstairs, that our artist had _pro tem._ transformed into a studio.

Jack Hearty and his spouse were already in the room when the members of the club appeared at the door.

"Yes, that's our Helen, to a T, and no mistake," he was saying. "Well, its just wonderful, and as like her mother, when she was her age, as one egg is to another. Eh? Molly," said he, addressing his spouse.

"Beg pardon, sir. I hope no offence," continued the landlord, turning deferentially towards our artist.

"But what might such a picture be worth, if I might ask?"

"The wealth of the universe wouldn't purchase it, my good host," replied McGuilp. "It is the best thing I ever did, and that perhaps I ever shall do. No, this one is not for sale. I do not say but that at some future time I might do another from it, and then----"

At this juncture, the members of the club, headed by Mr. Oldstone, entered the studio. Our host and hostess respectfully withdrew, in order to give the gentlemen a better chance of examining the picture, but even then the room was as crowded as an exhibition on a private view day. Mr. Oldstone had placed himself in front of the easel, and was soon loud in his expressions of enthusiasm.

"Excellent! most excellent! Beautiful! beautiful! beautiful! What flesh tints! What colouring! What refinement of drawing and expression! As a likeness it is perfect, there is no gainsaying. Then, the pose--simple, graceful, and natural. My dear young friend," he said, shaking our artist by the hand, and seeming overcome by emotion, "Do you know _what_ you have realised? Why, it is the hand of a master!" etc., etc.

Then each of the members in turn made their own remarks upon the portrait.

"What a picture of life and health!" cried Dr. Bleedem.

"What a face for the stage!" remarked the tragedian.

"Ah! why was not I born a painter?" sighed Mr. Parnassus.

The analytical chemist made a few scientific remarks upon the properties of pigments, in which Professor Cyanite joined, whilst our artist silently removed the colours from his palette.

"And what do you propose doing with the portrait, Mr.--er--Mr. McGuilp?" inquired Mr. Hardcase. "Keep it," replied our artist, laconically.

"What! _keep_ it all to yourself!" exclaimed Mr. Oldstone. "For your own selfish gratification, thereby depriving others of the pleasure to be derived therefrom! Mr. McGuilp, I am surprised at you. Gentlemen," proceeded the antiquary, addressing his fellow members, "I protest against this decision of our young friend. That picture does not leave this inn if _I_ can help it. Mr. McGuilp, your price. What is it? We will all club together and buy it, won't we gentlemen?"

"Ay, ay! so say we all," cried several voices at once.

"Impossible, my dear sir--impossible," remonstrated our artist.

"_Impossible!_ Why?"

"I feel I shall never surpass this," answered McGuilp. "It is a sample work. I can make use of it in many ways as a study. But this I will do. I will protract my stay yet a few days, though I have already remained longer than I intended, and I will make a copy of the picture, which it shall be my pleasure to present to the honoured members of this club." Murmurs of applause and thanks followed this speech, after which the company dispersed until dinner-time.