Part 17 (1/2)
CARLOS.
The night broods heavily, as though Gaunt mischief were abroad, and its dun cloak Would hide some horror, the yet timid eye Shrinks to behold. An hour--a minuted age, Ere the appointed moment can break in Upon its tedious march. Hark! footsteps.
I must conceal----this friendly----Ah, Hermione!
Thus anxious for the meeting?
[_Steps behind a pillar._
_Enter HERMIONE, with a light; she sets it down at the entrance, and walks across the Terrace._
HERMIONE.
Roll on, thou terrible storm,-- On thy dark brow, the lightnings, as they play, Reveal thy rapid march!-- Spirit of air, that on the untamed winds Dost walk, or, on the rus.h.i.+ng elements Upborne, thy chariot cleaves the groaning sky,-- Whether to me thou speakest with rude voice Of unstill'd tempest, or in whispering breath From morn's flower-fragrant breeze,--I hail thy presence.
Bear in thine hand hot thunder-bolts, The whirlwind on thy wing, the cloud-swoln cataract Burst on the reeking earth,--dauntless I'll make Terror my pastime, sport in their turmoil, And with the storm-careering demon's shriek My bitter laugh shall mingle. These are but The harmless play of innocent childhood,-- So fierce the storm that desolates my soul!
[_CARLOS comes from behind the pillar, and hesitatingly approaches._ Soft--Who approaches?--How!--Don Carlos!
Whence this intrusion?--Speak not, but begone!
I hear thee not. Touch but my garment, Shuddering, I'll shake thee off, as some vile reptile My senses loathe. Hence, ere I spurn thee!
_Enter the DUKE hastily, his sword drawn._
DUKE.
Draw, villain!--guard thine hated carca.s.s!
Unsheath, bewildered fool, lest I should spike thee On this good weapon! [_They engage._
HERMIONE.
Help!--How fierce they fight!--Lights!
Ho!--within!-- [_CARLOS falls._
CARLOS.
Oh, I'm wounded!-- There, may thy paramour complete thy work, Unblus.h.i.+ng traitress!--Home to my heart-- Strike deep! thou canst not give so keen a thrust As her rude tongue!--Haste, ere thy weapon cool;-- Yet, ere I die, Hermione--I loved thee once, Now--from my heart I proudly tear thine image, Blotting it out for ever, as the memory Of some loathed wanton!--Hence!--haunt not my sight, Fell murderess!--Now unbar my prison, death!--
DUKE.
Nay,--I'll not haste thee to thy last acquittance, Ill-fated wretch!--I do repent mine haste.
_Enter BERTRAND._
BERTRAND.
Foul deeds betray ye, sirs!--Carlos!
Wounded!--Unhand him, villain!--'tis to thee He owes this bitter thrust. If thou art aught But what I deem thee, by the earliest dawn Again we meet. The outskirts of yon wood, Nigh to the city, with thy weapon, there Uphold thee for this most unjust a.s.sault.
An innocent man, if yet protection be Upon the stranger in proud Mantua, I bear to his abode; but on thy head His blood doth rest, a dastard's recreant crow Down drawing Heaven's hot vengeance!
_Enter RIDOLFI, LAURA, and Attendants, with lights._
LAURA.
Oh! they have slain him! Help! Who dealt this blow?
Sweetheart, for love thou diest, and for love, Malicious fate! thy maiden too must die.
[_BERTRAND bears off CARLOS._ Yet stay, Carlos! I follow thee.
RIDOLFI.
Nay, maid, content thee; Thou followest not this stranger.
LAURA.