Part 2 (1/2)

OMNES. Is there hope?

CHA. Reason and hope are yet at variance; But instantly to Fierbois we will send, And prove the truth of words declared to us.

Valancour, the emba.s.sy is thine. Haste thee, Thy failure or success decides our movements.

Louvel protect the maid.--On his return We will again a.s.semble.

SCENE III.--_Church of St. Catherine de Fierbois._--_Midnight._

ABBOT _and_ FATHER AUSTIN.

AUS. Nay, rest awhile, my lord.

ABB. It may not be, A secret presses here, which ere my soul Can quit in peace its tenement of clay, Must be discharged; and on no other spot May I divulge that secret.

AUS. Aid me then.

Here divers tombs of knights attract my eyes, But none with such device as thou hast said.

ABB. Look where the eastern window proudly throws A stream of crimson light, when ev'ning's gloom Enshrouds all else--in token of respect To him who sleeps below. Did not the chill Of age, perhaps of death, benumb my limbs, My watchful feet, accustomed to the path, Had led me to the spot.

AUS. 'Tis here.

ABB. Alas!

There then at rest lies he, the brave, the young, And oh! for kingly shame, for kingly woe, The murdered, the betrayed.

AUS. Compose thyself.

Here on this mutilated effigy, (Stern lesson of rebuke for haughty pride,) By warrior felt, rest thee.

ABB. What sound was that?

AUS. Nought save the wind, which tired of being pent Within these cloistered aisles, and heavy made By penitential sighs, doth sullen moan For liberty, and free access to heaven.

ABB. 'Tis hushed, whate'er it was. Now listen, Austin:-- When 'gainst the legions of the Saracen The hearts of knights with holy ardour burned, And kings and n.o.bles left their native land, The young Montalbert, fav'rite of his prince, Joined those heroic ranks.

AUS. Montalbert! he Of whom tradition speaks a royal damsel Viewed with eyes of love?

ABB. Alas! here secretly Their marriage vows were pledged.

AUS. He fell in fight.

ABB. Oh! would that it were so. Come nigher, Austin.

That marriage was discovered to the monarch, And pride, primeval sin of men and angels, Betrayed the kingly mind, and he--

AUS. Why pause?

ABB. It is a dreadful thing, my son, to drag Forgotten crime to light, and turn aside The veil which time hath drawn o'er guilt in pity.

Montalbert secretly was sent to France On private emba.s.sy.--He sought his bride!

His steps were tracked--beneath these walls he fell, Here breathed his parting groan.

AUS. Hark! midnight strikes!