Chapter IX: Act III

SCENE I.--_The Steward's Room, _Gaspard_ and _L'Eclair_ discovered
drinking, the latter half-intoxicated._

_Gas._ Adod! a very masterpiece of the military art? Why this Turenne must be a famous captain. I'll drink his health, (_drinks_) Odso! where did we leave the enemy? Oh! the Bavarians were just driven across the Neckar, and had destroyed the bridge. Well, and then what did our troops?

_L'Ecl._ They clashed after them thro' the river like a pack of otters.

_Gasp._ Hold; you said just now the river wasn't fordable.

_L'Ecl._ Did I? Pshaw, I only meant, it wasn't fordable to the enemy: no, poor devils! they couldn't ford it certainly; but as to our hussars: whew! such fellows as they would _get_ thro' any thing, were it ever so deep to the bottom. (_takes the flask from Gaspard and drinks_).

_Gasp._ O! the rare hussars! Now this is a conversation just to my heart's content. I dearly love to hear of battles and sieges. The household are all retired to rest, and my room is private; so here we may sit peaceably, and talk about war for the remainder of the night.

_L'Ec._ Bravo! agreed: we'll make a night of it; but harkye, is not this room of yours built in a queer sort of a circular shape?

_Gasp._ No; a most perfect square.

_L'Ec._ Well, I never studied mathematics; but, for a perfect square, methinks it has the oddest trick of turning round with its company I ever witnessed.

Enter _Rosabelle_.

_Ros._ Here's a display of profligacy! So, gentlemen, are these your morals? Methinks you place a special example before the household; drinking and carousing thus after midnight, when all decent persons ought to be at rest within their beds.

_Gasp._ Marry now, my malapert lady! How comes it you are found abroad at these wild hours?

_Ros._ I have always important motives for my conduct. A strange female waits at the castle-gate, who clamors for admittance; she seems in deep distress, refuses to accept denial or excuse, and demands to speak with the person of first consequence in the family. Now, Mr. Gaspard, as you happen to be steward--

_Gasp._ (_rises pompously_) I am of course the personage required. You say a female?

_Ros._ Yes; she waits for you in heavy trouble at the gate.

_Gasp._ I fly. Gallantry invites, and I obey the call. Good Mr. L'Eclair, I cast myself upon your courtesy for this abrupt departure:

'Tis woman tempts from friendship, war, and wine--
My fault is human--my excuse divine! [_Exit._

_Ros._ In sooth, the old gentleman has not forgotten his manners in his cups; but as to you, sir, (_to L'Eclair_) how stupidly you sit--have you nothing to say for yourself?

_L'Ec._ (_rising and reeling towards her_). Much, very much-- love--midnight--all snug and private.

_Ros._ Mercy O me! the wretch is certainly intoxicated; how wickedly his eyes begin to twinkle. Why, Scapegrace, I'm sure you're not sober.

_L'Ec._ Don't say so, pray don't, you wound my delicacy. O! Rosabelle! beautiful but misjudging Rosabelle! I am unfortunate, but not criminal. This morning I beheld only one Rosabelle, and yet I was undone; now I seem to behold two Rosabelles; ergo, I either see double, or am doubly undone. There's logic for you. Now, could a man who wasn't sober, talk logic? only answer me that.

_Ros._ What shall I do with him? If I leave him here, he'll drink himself into a fever. I must e'en coax him. L'Eclair, come, come, my dear L'Eclair, let me prevail upon you to go to bed; I'm going to bed myself.

_L'Ec._ O! fy, that's too broad; I blush for you; would you delude my innocence?

_Ros._ The profligate monster! I delude!

_L'Ec._ Well, I yield to fate: stars! veil your chaste heads, and thou. O! little candle, hide thy wick! behold the lamb submitting to the sacrifice. (_Reels to embrace her._)

_Ros._ Why, you heathen monster! how dare you talk to me about lambs and sacrifices? ah! if you stir another step, I'll alarm the family! I can scream, sir!

_L'Ec._ I know you can; but pray, don't, somebody might hear you, and that would be very disappointing, recollect I have a character to lose.

_Ros._ And have not I a character too, Sir?

_L'Ec._ Hush! hush! Let's drops the subject.

_Ros._ How now, sirrah! have you any thing to say against my character?

_L'Ec._ Oh! no, I never speak ill of the dead.

_Ros._ Why, you vile insinuating, but I shall preserve my temper though you have lost your manners: well, assuredly of all objects in creation, the most pitiable is a man in liquor.

_L'Ec._ There's an exception--a man in love.

DUETT.--_Rosabelle and L'Eclair._

_Ros._ The precept of Bacchus to man proves a curse,
The head it confounds, and the heart it bewitches.

_L'Ec._ I'm sure, the example of Cupid is worse,
For he walks abroad without shirt, drawers, or breeches.

_Ros._ Pshaw! Cupid, you dolt, has rich garments enough.

_L'Ec._ Nay, his wardrobe's confin'd to a plain suit of buff.

_Ros._ 'Twas Bacchus taught men to drown reason in cans.

_L'Ec._ 'Twas Cupid taught ladies the first use of fans.

_Ros._ How diff'rent the garland, their votaries twine,--
How genteel is the myrtle--how vulgar the vine!

_L'Ec._ Of myrtle or vine I pretend not to know,
But a fig-leaf I think would be most apropos: [_Exeunt._

SCENE II.--_The Count's Chamber--De Valmont is discovered gazing in
profound meditation upon a miniature picture._

_De Val._ Eugenia!
Now of the angel race, and hous'd in Heaven!
Forgive, dear saint! these blameful eyes that flow
With human love, and mourn thy blessedness.
O! ye strange powers! with what excelling truth
Has Art's small hand here mimic'd mightiest Nature!
What cheeks are these! could Death e'er crop such roses?
Eyes! star-bright twins! fair glasses to fair thoughts,
Where, as by truest oracles confest,
The godlike soul reveals itself in glory.
Your glances thrill me! amber-twinkling threads!
Half bound by grace, half loos'd by winds, how strays
This shining ringlet o'er this clear white breast!
Like the pale sunshine streaking wintry snows!
These lips have life--yea! very breath; a sweet
Warm spirit stirs thru' the cleft ruby now!
They move--they smile--they speak. Soft! soft! sweet heavens!
I'll gaze no more; there's witchcraft in this skill,
And my abus'd weak brain may madden soon!

(conceals the picture in his bosom)

The spell is hidden, still th' illusion works:
O! in my heart Eugenia art thou trac'd--
There--there--thou livest--speakest--yet art mortal.
Strong memory triumphs over death and time,
In all my circling blood--each vein--each pulse
Wherever life is, ever there art thou.

(Gaspard speaks without.)

_Gasp._ Go, go; his lordship may not be disturb'd.

_Mon._ (_without_) Away! I have a cause that must be heard.

_De Val._ How now! voices in the anti-room! Ho!

Enter _Gaspard_.

_Gasp._ Alack! that folk will be so troublesome: my good lord! here's a strange woman; truly a most obstinate spirit, who craves vehemently to be heard, on matters (so she reports) of much importance to your lordship.

_De Val._ Nay, in the morning be it; not at this hour.

_Gasp._ I told her so; my very words; but truly, her grief seems to have craz'd her reason.

_De Val._ How! is she unhappy then? her sorrows be her passport here; admit her instantly: where should the afflicted heart prefer a prayer, if kindred wretchedness deny its sympathy?

(_Gaspard_ introduces _Monica_.)

_Mon._ So! you are seen at last, my lord! men say your heart is good; grant Heaven! I find it so; but ah! perhaps it is too late. Yes, yes; I fear it: the dove is in the vulture's grip already.

_De Val._ Woman! what strange distraction's this? Give me a knowledge of your griefs with method.

_Mon._ I will, I will, but anguish stifles me; O! my lord, my lord, this is your castle, and here she fled for shelter, yet cruel hearts refused her prayer. I have been told by your people that the baron's pavilion on the river-bank is made her prison; she will be murdered there: oh! my lord, gracious lord, save her, save her!

(She throws herself passionately at his feet.)

_De Val._ Rise; attempt composure, your words are riddles to me.

_Gasp._ My lord! 'tis of the poor lunatic she speaks; she whom the baron has confined: this woman claims her as her charge.

_De Val._I saw the person not, but heard in brief her story from the baron; rest, good woman, rest; my kinsman is her friend.

_Mon._ No, no, he is a monster thirsting for her blood: here, here, I have read his character.

(Producing Eugenia's MSS.)

_De Val._ Beware! you offend me; grief yields no privilege to slander.

_Mon._ I am not a slanderer, indeed, _indeed_, I am not; here are proofs: your lordship, I find, is called the Count De Valmont; had you not once a relation of the same title, who fell in battle with the Huguenots eighteen years ago!

_De Val._ Never.

_Mon._ Yet 'twas the same title: ay, here 'tis written: "in forcing the passage of the Durance."

_De Val._ How! 'tis of myself assuredly you read; I was reported falsely in that very action to have fallen; and for a time my death was credited through France.

_Mon._ Ah! my lord! my lord! O! it rushes on my heart--nay, give but a moment; speak; were you once wedded to a lady named Eugenia?

_De Val._ Woman! ah, name beloved!--wherefore that torturing question?

_Mon._ Yes, yes; it is--it must be so--I cannot, here--read--this!-- (_giving the scroll_).

_De Val._ Eternal Powers! Eugenia's well-known character! when and whence did you procure this writing?

_Mon._ This very morning, from her own hand, my lord, Eugenia lives to bless and to be blessed again.

(_De Valmont_ starts as if stricken to the center, for a moment
his features express amazement, then incredulity, and lastly
indignation.)

_De Val._ Begone! thou wretched woman, lest I forget thy sex, and kill thee for thy cruelty.

_Mon._ Nay, let me die, but not be doubted: read, read, and let your eyes assure your soul of joy!

(The _Count_ faintly staggers back into a seat, and then fastens
his eyes upon the scroll with a frenzied earnestness.)

_Gasp._ Woman! if you have spoken falsely, my noble master's heart will break at once.

_Mon._ By the great issue, let my words be judged!

_De Val._ (_reading_) "The chamber burst in flames, I snatched my infant from its slumber, I heard the voice of Longueville direct our murder, ruffians rushed towards us to perform his bidding." (_starting forward with uncontrolable fury_) Oh! God of wrath and vengeance! hear thou a husband's and a father's prayer! strike the pale villain! oh! with thy hottest lightning blast him dead! a curse, a tenfold curse o'erwhelm his death-bed! Traitor! thou shalt not 'scape, this hand shall rend thy heart-strings, I'll smite thee home.

(In the delirium of his passion he draws his sword, and strikes
with it as at an ideal combatant, his bodily powers forsake him in
the effort, he reels, and falls convulsed into Gaspard's arms.)

_Gasp._ Help! help! death is on him, help there swiftly!

(_Geraldine_ rushes in, followed by domestics.)

_Ger._ Whence these cries? ah Heavens! what killing sight is this? uncle, uncle, speak to me, 'tis Geraldine that calls.

Enter _Florian_ from the opposite side.

_Flor._ My patron! ha! convulsed! dying. Eternal Mercy spare his sacred life!

_Ger._ Nay, bend him forward, his eyes unclose again--he sees--he knows us.

(The _Count_ in silence draws a hand from _Geraldine_ and _Florian_
within his own, and presses them together to his heart.)

_Flor._ How fares it, sir? bless us with your voice.

_De Val._ Ah! Ah! (_he grasps the scroll and points to it emphatically, but cannot articulate._)

_Flor._ O! for a knowledge of your gracious pleasure, speak sir, pronounce one word.

_De Val._ (_very faintly and with effort._) Longueville: ah fly, preserve-- (_again his accents fail him, he seems to collect all his remaining strength for one short effort, and a second time just articulates_) --Longueville! (_he relapses into insensibility._)

_Flor._ Enough! I comprehend your will; nay, bear him gently in, I'll to the river-bank and seek the Baron!

(_Geraldine, &c. bear the count off on one side, Florian rushes
away by the opposite._)

SCENE III.--_A rugged Cliff that overhangs the River._

Enter _Longueville_ and _Sanguine_.

_Long._ Tardy, neglectful slave! still does he loiter?

_Sang._ Nay, return to the pavilion; the signal soon must greet us: you bade Lenoire to sound his bugle when he reached the bank.

_Long._ Ay, thrice the blast should be repeated; still must I listen for those notes of destiny in vain? hark! here you nothing now?

_Sang._ Only the rising tide that murmurs hoarsly as it frets and chafes against the bank below us.

_Long._ Is midnight passed?

_Sang._ Long since: just as we crossed the glen the monastery chime swang heavy with the knell of yesterday.

_Long._ A guiltless end that flighted yesterday hath reached. O! that the morrow found as clear a tomb! When the next midnight tolls, Eugenia, thou wilt rest in blessedness, whilst thy murderer-- Ah! what charmed couch shall bring the sweet forgetful slumber at that hour to me? Midnight, the welcome sabbath of unstained souls, O, to the murderer thou art terrible--silence and darkness that with the innocent make blessed time, to him bring curses, for then through sealed ears and close-veiled eyes, strange sounds and sights will steal their way, that in the hum and glare of day-light dare not stir: then o'er the wretch's forehead ooze cold beads of dew--in feverish, brain-sick dreams, with starts and groans: on beds of seeming down he feels the griding rack, and finds himself a hell more fierce, than fiends can show hereafter.

_Sang._ How now, my lord? unmanned by conscience? Nay, then, let Eugenia live.

_Long._ Not for an angel's birthright! think'st thou I would deign to breathe on wretched sufferance? No, no; her death is necessary to my honor and my peace. Come on! my hand may falter, but my heart's resolved; 'tis sworn, inexorably sworn: Eugenia dies. [_Exeunt._

SCENE IV.--_The river-bank--the Rhine flows across the stage at
distance--on one side a pavilion extends obliquely, through the
lower windows of which lights appear--nearly opposite is a small
bower of lattice-work.--The moon at full, has just risen above the
German bank, and pours its radiance upon the water. _Bertrand_ is
discovered watching the pavilion._

_Bert._ I watch in vain; all means of access to the prisoner are debarred: her chamber now is dark and silent: still tapers glare and voices murmur from the hall beneath: the baron and Sanguine are there: 'tis against life these midnight plotters stir. Oh! that this heart might bleed to its last guilty drop in ransom for Eugenia! Soft! does not the dashing of a distant oar disturb the silence of the tide? Yes; just where the moonlight gleams a boat now crosses rapidly; it rows towards this bank; it pauses now in stillness--what may this mean? the hour so late, the spot so unfrequented and remote. (_A bugle is sounded three times_) Ha! a bugle sounded thrice! too sure the omen of some fatal deed. I will not quit this spot--no, Eugenia, I will preserve or perish with thee! Soft, the pavilion opens. Bower, receive me to thy friendly shades! watch with me blessed spirits.

(He retires into the bower fronting the pavilion. _Longueville_
advances cautiously from the pavilion.)

_Long._ 'Twas the signal! the boat has reached the bank, Ho! Lenoire! advance: no eye observes thy step.

Enter _Lenoire_ along the bank by an entrance between the bower
and the river.

_Len._ All is prepared: your orders are fulfiled.

_Long._ Laggard! too many precious moments have been wasted in their execution: the moon has risen high, and casts a brightness round scarce feebler than the day: your course may be observed.

_Len._ Dismiss that fear: nothing that lives hath voice or motion: now, not e'en the solitary fisher spreads his nets upon the stream.

_Long._ Where have you left the boat?

_Len._ Under the bank in shade, fastened to the roots of yon tall willow.

_Long._ Sanguine shall accompany you; then when you reach the middle of the current--

_Len._ Ay, where it flows deep and strong; Eugenia's funeral rites are few and brief.

_Long._ To-morrow, I shall report she has been conveyed in safety to her friends upon the German bank--thus all inquiry stands forever barred.

[_Bertrand_, who watches from the bower, clasps his hands in
despair and groans aloud.]

_Long._ Ha! what sound was that?

_Len._ (_looking cautiously round._) Some tree moaning to the blast--no more.

_Long._ Now then! yet hold! wherefore come you not masked? some of the peasantry may chance to stir ere you return, and I should wish your persons were unmarked by any.

_Len._ I left a mask within the boat; this flowing mantle will conceal my dress--trust me both form and feature shall effectually be hid.

(_Bertrand_ makes a gesticulation of hope towards the pavilion,
then glides silently round the angle of the bower, and starts
along the bank.)

_Long._ 'Tis well! (_to the pavilion._) Ho! Sanguine! lead forth your charge: despatch, Lenoire! return to the boat, and row it swiftly hither! Away!

[Exit _Lenoire_.

She comes! Ill-starred Eugenia! fate chides the lingering echo of thy step, yet but a moment and 'tis hushed forever.

_Sanguine_ leads _Eugenia_ from the pavilion._

_Eug._ Ah! whither do you lead me? Speak, in pity--nay, nay, I prithee force me not; this is a savage hour, and I must fear your purpose, speak, whither would you hurry me? Ah! Longueville! now then I read my answer--'tis to death--to murder!

_Long._ Lady, you misjudge my purpose--true, that once I proved myself your foe, perhaps a kindless one; time and pity have extinguished hate. Across the Rhine, upon the German bank, a safe asylum is provided, where peace shall gild the evening of your life, and cure the memory of its early woes; 'tis necessary you should cross the river before dawn; a boat is now in readiness to bear you over.

_Eug._ No, no, I find a language in your eye more certain than your lip--murder--midnight murder is its direful theme. Thou wretched man! rather for thee than for myself I kneel. Pause, Longueville! raise but thine eye to yon clear world, thick-sown with shining wonders--think, that throughout the boundless beauteous space, an omnipresent, and all-conscious spirit is; think, that within his awful eye-beam, now thy actions pass, and presently before his throne must wait for judgment; think, that whene'er he touched the veriest worm, that crawls on this base sphere, with life, mighty his will encompassed it with safety! then, tremble, creature as thou art, to spurn his law by whom thou wert created, nor quench with impious hand, that gifted spark Omnipotence hath once ordained to glow.

_Long._ Lady, already I have said, your auguries wrong me (_the noise of a combat sounds from the bank._) Ha! the crash of swords! Sanguine! fly to the spot. Lenoire, I fear me, is in danger.

[Exit _Sanguine_.

Confusion to my hopes! what ill-beamed planet rules the hour? Eugenia, return to the pavilion.

_Eug._ Not, while succour seems so nigh, help! help!

_Long._ Dare but repeat that cry, by heavens! this very moment is your last. (_draws a dagger._) Nay, nay, you strive in vain,--away!

[_Longueville_ forces _Eugenia_ into the pavilion, then drags a bar
across the door.

What cursed step has wandered on these banks to thwart my ripe design? Perdition to the meddling slave! his life shall pay the forfeit of his rashness.

Re-enter _Sanguine_.

_Sang._ My lord, the combatants, whoe'er they were, had vanished ere I reached the spot; close to the water's edge the turf was stained with blood, and already to a distance from the bank, Lenoire had rowed away the boat; I called aloud, but he increased his speed, and gave no answer.

_Lon._ 'Sdeath! some prying hind has stolen on our plans; doubtless Lenoire has been assailed and for a while avoids the bank, fearful of further ambush; follow me to search yon winding path; if the villian have received a wound, traces of blood will guide us to his haunt,--vengeance direct our steps! [_Exit, with Sanguine._

[_Eugenia_ appears at the lower windows through a grating.]

_Eug._ Fond, trusting heart! art thou again deceived? does the great thunder sleep, and are the heavens still patient of a murderer's crimes; yes, yes, the sounds have ceased, and now a dreadful stillness sits upon the night; the tomb seems imaged in the hour. Hope in the breathless pause forsakes my breast forever.

Enter _Florian_.

_Flor._ Ha! lights still burning--fortunately then he has not retired to rest,--baron! baron! [_Runs to the door._

_Eug._ (_Shrieks._) Ah! the voice of succour--turn, turn in pity--snatch me from despair--preserve me from the grave.

_Flor._ Heavens!

[Involuntarily he withdraws the bar, and _Eugenia_ darting forth,
clings wildly round him.]

_Flor._ Unhappy woman! whence these transports?

_Eug._ Swear to preserve me, swear not to yield me to the murderer's dagger; no, no, you have a human heart; am I not safe with you?

_Flor._ My honor and my manhood both are pledges for your safety: but who is the enemy you dread!

_Eug._ Longueville; he seeks my life: nay, nay, I am not mad, indeed I am not; turn not from me: look with compassion on a desolate, devoted creature, whom man conspires to wrong, and Heaven forgets to aid.

_Flor._ Appease these agonies; by my eternal hope, I swear, whatever the danger, or the foe that threatens, I will defend you with my life from injury.

_Eug._ A wretch's blessing crown thee for the generous vow! oh! let my soul dissolve and gush in tears upon this gracious hand!

[_Eugenia_ enthusiastically clasps Florian's hand, and covers it
with tears and caresses; suddenly a new impulse appears to direct
her actions: she rubs the back of the hand she has seized with
strange earnestness, and a tremor pervades her entire frame.]

_Flor._ Why do you fasten thus your looks upon my hand: what moves your wonder?

_Eug._ (_tremblingly._) This scar, this deep, _deep_ scar, that with a crimson cross o'erseams your hand; speak, how gained you first this dreadful mark?

_Flor._ From infancy I recollect the stamp, its cause remains unknown.

_Eug._ Who were your parents?

_Flor._ Alas! that knowledge never blessed my heart. I am a foundling: eighteen years since, in a forest at the foot of the Cevennes--

_Eug._ Ah! did watchful angels then--yes, yes, twice the dagger struck! 'tis nature's holy proof!

_Flor._ Merciful heavens! you then possess the secret of my birth: woman! woman! pronounce my parents' name, and I will worship you.

_Eug._ Your parents! ah! they were, ah! ah!

[She attempts to enfold him with her arms, but faints as he
receives the embrace.]

_Flor._ Speak! I conjure you, speak! breathe but their sacred name! she hears me not, and nature struggles at my heart in vain!

Enter _Longueville_ and _Sanguine_ at distance.

_Long._ The lurking knave, whate'er his aim, has fled beyond our search, and all is now secure. Has Lenoire return'd your signal to approach the bank?

_Sang._ He rows towards us now--nay, look--the boat draws close.

_Long._ Then to our last decisive deed!

[Passing to the pavilion he beholds the characters in front, and
starts.]

Ha! confusion and despair! Eugenia rescued, and in Florian's arms!

_Flor._ Help, baron!--swiftly help!--aid me to preserve a dying woman!

_Long._ Florian! by what wild chance at such unwonted hour I find you on this spot, admits not of inquiry now--but for this fair impostor, resign her to my care--with me her safety is at once assured.

_Flor._ Pardon me, Longueville; whate'er the laws of courtesy demand, I yield--but to this female's fate my soul is newly bound by ties so strange and strong, that even your displeasure must not part us.

[The alarum-bell tolls from the castle.]

_Long._ Ha! the castle is alarmed--look out, Sanguine:--what means this tumult?

_Sang._ My lord! the glare of numerous torches wavers through the grove--this way the crowd directs its course.

_Long._ Distraction! --Florian, beware my just resentment, and instantly resign this woman! (_Attempting to force her from him._)

_Flor._ Never!--my word stands pledged for her protection, and only with my life will I desert my honor.

_Long._ Hell!--ho! Lenoire! --Lenoire!

[He rushes furiously to the bank, and motions to the boat.]

_Eug._ (_just recovering._) Stay, blessed vision!-- (_recognizing Florian_) ah! 'twas real--I fold him to my heart, and am blessed at last.

[The boat, rowed by a man enveloped in a mantle and a masque, at
that instant gains the bank.]

_Long._ (_triumphantly_) Ha! the boat arrives!--now then presumptuous boy! receive the chastisement you dare provoke.

[He draws and rushes upon _Florian_, who disengages himself from
_Eugenia_ and stands upon the defence.]

_Flor._ In the just cause I would not shrink before a giant's arm! (_they engage._)

_Eug._ (_frantic_) Inhuman Longueville!--forbear! forbear!

[While _Florian_ encounters _Longueville_, _Sanguine_ suddenly
darts upon _Eugenia_, who is too enfeebled to resist; by the
action of a moment he transports her from her protector's side to
the Baron's. Florian's position is next to the audience, so that
Longueville's sword now equally intercepts him from _Eugenia_ and
from the river.]

_Long._ (_Perceiving his advantage_) Away!--drag--her to the boat--be mine the task to curb her champion's valor.

_Flor._ Hold! dastard--unless thou art dead to every sense of manhood--hold!

_Long._ Boy! I triumph, and deride thy baffled spleen.

[_Sanguine_ lifts _Eugenia_ into the boat, and the masque receives
her.]

_Eug._ (_from the boat_) Great nature! speed my dying words! --Thou dear-lov'd youth! thy mother blesses thee--long-lost--late-found-- behold! she struggles _now_ to bless her child--and _now_ she dies content!

_Flor._ Eternal Providence! what words were those? --Longueville! --Barbarian! --Fiend!

[He rushes madly upon the _Baron_, who parries the assault; then
in an agony casts himself before his feet.]

Oh! if thou art human, hold! --I kneel--I fall thy slave--spurn me--trample on my neck--take my life--but O! respect and spare my parent!

_Sang._ (_from the boat_) Decide, my lord; the crowd approach, already they o'erlook the bank.

_Long._ 'Twere vain to pause--I founder upon either course--nay then, revenge shall brighten ruin; swift! plunge your poniards in Eugenia's bosom! let me behold my victim perish, and then commit me to my fate!

_Flor._ (_starting up in desperation_) Monster!

_Long._ They come--obey me, slaves!

[_Sanguine_ draws _Eugenia_ back, and the _Masque_ lifts a dagger
over her.]

_Sang._ We are prepared.

_Long._ Now.

_Sang._ Comrade! strike!

_Masque._ Ay! to the heart!

[The _Masque_ rapidly darts his arm across Eugenia's figure and
plunges the dagger into _Sanguine_, who reels beneath the blow and
falls into the stream.

(_triumphantly_) Eugenia is preserved!

[With one arm he supports the lady, and with the other snatches
away the masque and discovers the features of _Bertrand_.

_Long._ Bertrand--perfidious slave! eternal palsies strike thy arm!

[_Gaspard_, _Monica_, _Domestics_, &c. with torches, enter at the
moment and surround the baron, whose surprise bereaves him of
power to resist.]

_Flor._ Secure the villain, yet forbear his life--Mother! Mysterious blessing--ah! yield her to my arms--my heart!

[_Bertrand_ resigns _Eugenia_ to Florian's embrace.]

_Eug._ My boy, my only one--Bertrand! life is thy gift, and now indeed I bless thee for the boon.

_Bert._ I swore to save you, I have kept my oath, unseen I watched, unknown I ventured in your cause--your forgiveness half relieves my soul, and now I dare to pray for heaven's!

Enter _De Valmont_, supported by _Geraldine_ and _Domestics_.

_De Val._ Ah! 'tis she, dear worshipp'd form; she lives--she lives.

_Eug._ Ah! shield me--Florian, yon phantom shape--death surely hovers near--

_De Val._ Nay, fly me not, Eugenia! tis thy lord, thy living lord, thy once beloved De Valmont calls: thou dear divorced-one bless these outstretch'd arms--I kneel and woo thee for my bride again!

[_Florian_ leads _Eugenia_ trembling and uncertain to the _Count_,
he catches her irresolute hand.]

_Eug._ Indeed, my wedded lord! --I wept for a dear warrior once; and did the sword forbear so just a heart?--ah! chide not love, joy kills as well as grief--

[She sinks gradually into his embrace, and he supports her on his
breast in speechless tenderness.]

_Long._ Detested sight! well, well, curses are weak revenge, and I'll disdain their use.

_Flor._ Remove the monster to some sure confinement. The Count hereafter shall pronounce his punishment.

_Long._ Already I endure my heaviest curse. I view the objects of my hatred crown'd with joy. Come! to a dungeon!--darkness is welcome, since it hides me from exulting foes! [_Exit._

_Ger._ (_advancing with tenderness._) Florian!--friend--ah! yet a dearer name--you rob me of a birth-right, still I must greet my new-found kinsman.

_Flor._ Geraldine! what means my love?

_De Val._ Florian! Heaven mysteriously o'er-watch'd thy hour of peril, and led a father through the desert, unconsciously to succour and redeem his child.

_Flor._ Ha! De Valmont's glorious blood then circles in these veins! --My parent, my preserver! Ha! twice has existence been my father's gift.

_De Val._ My pride thus long in humbleness!--my forest-prize! my foundling boy!--thou had'st my blessing ere I knew thy claim. Eugenia, greet our mutual image. Ah! wilt thou weep, sweet love. Thou bendest o'er his forehead e'en as a lily, brimming with clear dews, that stoops in beauteous sorrow to embathe its neighbouring bud. Thro' many a storm of perilous and marring cares o'erborne, our long-benighted loves at last encounter on a sun-bright course, and reach the haven of domestic peace.

Thus Judah's pilgrim--one whose steps in vain
Climb sky-crown'd rocks--o'erpace the burning plain,
Just when his soul despairs--his spirits faint,
Achieves the threshold of his long-sought Saint:
The desert's danger--storms and ruffian-bands--
All sink forgotten as the shrine expands--
Feet cure their toil that touch the hallow'd floors--
He rests his staff--kneels, trembles, and adores!

[Exeunt Omnes.

* * * * *
* * * *

Errors and Inconsistencies: The Foundling

Spellings were changed only when there was an unambiguous error,
or the word occurred elsewhere with the expected spelling.
Variation between "Flo." and "Flor." is as in the original.
Names in stage directions were inconsistently italicized; they have
been silently regularized. Missing or invisible periods have been
silently supplied.

_Unchanged:_
anti-room [both occurrences use this spelling]
did'nt [both occurrences are in this form]
I could as soon compose an almanac as and a clue
[error for "find a clue"?]
For falsehood ne'er cross'd between me and my dear.
[inconsistent indendation in original]
I led the unfortune to my dwelling
[error for "unfortunate"?]

_Corrections:_
to be disconcerted by a hail-stone [to de disconcerted]
_Bert._ (_pursuing her with his eye deliriously_) [Bart.]
_Mon._ She has not quitted it this morning [Lon.]
and solemnly pronounce a vow [solemny]
SCENE III.--_A Gallery in the Chateau._ [Scene III.]
presses her crucifix to her lips [pressess]
she clings to Geraldine in anguish. [he clings]
catches De Valmont's arm as he descends [decends]
a most obstinate spirit [obsinate]
the dove is in the vulture's grip already [gripe]
_Len._ All is prepared: your orders are fulfilled. [fulfiled]
[Exit _Lenoire_. [Lenoir]

_Punctuation:_
I don't want a husband [dont]
wouldst thou find happiness [woulds't]
_1st Br._ Sanguine! [printed "1st. _Br._"]
vibrate on the memory forever. [, for .]
SCENE II.--_The Cottage._ [invisible dash]
How she tore her lovely locks that look'd so sandy, oh! [? for !]
you said just now the river wasn't fordable [was'nt]
amazement, then incredulity, and lastly indignation._)
[period after close parenthesis]
instantly resign this woman! [? for !]