ZORINSKI: A PLAY, IN THREE ACTS, AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, HAY-MARKET.
BY THOMAS MORTON, AUTHOR OF COLUMBUS—THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD—&c.—&c.
LONDON: PRINTED BY G. WOODFALL, FOR T. N. LONGMAN, PATERNOSTER-ROW.
1795.
[PRICE TWO SHILLINGS.]
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.
- CASIMIR, (King of Poland) Mr. Aickin.
- ZORINSKI, Mr. Barrymore.
- RODOMSKO, Mr. Bensley.
- RADZANO, Mr. C. Kemble.
- ZARNO, Mr. Bannister, Jun.
- O'CURRAGH, Mr. Johnstone.
- AMALEKITE, Mr. Suett.
- WITSKI, Mr. Fawcett.
- NACLO, Mr. Caulfield.
- ROSOLIA, Mrs. Kemble.
- RACHEL, Miss Leak.
- WINIFRED, Mrs. Bland.
PEASANTS, SOLDIERS, ASSASSINS, &c.
ZORINSKI: A PLAY IN THREE ACTS.
ACT 1.
SCENE 1.
CRACOW—a View of the DIET—Bells ringing—a number of People discovered, among them RADZANO disguised.
MAKE way there for the King—here he comes—here comes the great Casimir.
That slave I do remember—save thee, fellow!—whose vassal art thou?
Marry, courteous stranger, I tend the mill of the Lord Rodomsko, Castellan of Wounitz, here in Cracovia.
Rememberest thou the Lord Radzano?
Remember him—alack! the day—the last time I beheld his gallant form, was on the battlements [Page 2] of his castle—then a very stripling—when my present Lord besieged it.
So then, Radzano was by force expelled—pry'thee the story.
If this addle pate of mine play me no trick, marry, thus it was—during the troubles of the late reign—peaceful right was elbow'd out by warlike might—then Rodomsko our present Lord, taking 'vantage of the time, when our troops were on the frontier, tugging with the common enemy, made inroad on us: On this, Radzano hied him back to his castle; but, alack! might cuffed down right, and, in the encounter, our good and brave lord was slain—Ah! stranger, that was a grievous day.
So—I still am lord then of my vassals hearts.—Fellow, I thank thee for thy story; a day may come when I'll requite thy love for thy lost lord—but soft, the King.
Aye, here he comes—so majestic, and yet so humble; so just; and yet so merciful—the benizon of heaven light on him! he's the poor man's friend.
If thy report be true, the wrongs here written, may meet atonement—stand back; he approaches.
By my faith! well, urged—Lord Cardinal your words befit as well the objects of true policy, as they attune with the holy mandate of your calling. Yes! our country shall have peace! true; these Teutonic Knights have disgraced their order, turning from christian service and true chivalry, to deeds of usurpation and dominion! yet nerved, tho' we are to check these ravagers; it befits us rather with firm expostulation to meet our enemy than risk our subjects blood in keen encounter—let conquerors astound the ear with the din of war, the trumpets clangor, and the groans of captives—be mine the clamours of my people's love.
Radzano?
He.
Amazement!—my good Lords proceed you to the Diet.
My gracious King!
Rise to my heart—say, what fair fortune has preserved thee to me—
A woman good, my liege, and fair as fortune e'er was pictured, yet, in sooth, without her fickleness; and only blind in her fond love of me. My King may well remember when I left the embattled frontier.
Remember it! by my sword, I had reason; for with thee went this body's buckler—oh my best soldier—'twas this arm first taught thee the rudiments of war, when scarcely truncheon high; but my love breaks in upon thy story—on—
I reached my castle time enough to see its ruin—Rodomsko triumphed. In a remote apartment, constructed for concealment, I lay hid, hoping for life and better days; that apartment was selected for Rodomsko's daughter, the beauteous Rosolia, to her pitying ear I told my story; and her soft bosom, rich in nature's best [Page 5] endowments, soon matured compassion into love. At a fit time I fled.
Whither, good Radzano?
To England, my loved Lord; there I sojourned till fame proudly proclaimed, that justice was again enthroned in Poland, for there reigned great Casimir; for that justice thus I bend my knee! and my boon is, that my tongue may denounce Rodomsko, villain! and my good sword avenge my wrongs.
Then, I refuse thy boon.
Dread liege! heaven will make the good cause prosperous!
Radzano, link not heaven with murder!—if heaven recognized the sword's arbitrament, Rodomsko ne'er had triumphed—droop not my friend—by my crown thou shalt have justice!—even now in angry parle I meet Rodomsko! these hot lords, who live but in a storm, urge me to renew the war—but of that hereafter—uncloud thee—be thyself—attend me at the Diet—once more Radzano, welcome!
SCENE II.
Draws and discovers the Country near CRACOW—RACHEL and Slaves at work.
Again, again, dat ish goot—now vork you damned Polish dogs! or bastinodo's the vord. Rachel; come here you slut—you audacious—delicious little tit—
Come here, I say.
Must speak cross befores dem—but my pretty plump cherry, I be's not angry.
Dear Sir! then what makes you look so terrible?
It's the mild tender passion of love—
You know, Rachel, 'twas for your sake, I did not turn your fader Witski, out of his mill to starve, tho' he dare laugh at me—me, Amalekite Grabowski, chief agent to Lord Rodomsko—Castellan of Wounitz in Cracovia; so you sees how I loves you.
Oh! I'm sure you dont; for lovers sigh, and kneel, and—
Kneel; oh, dear! I cannot do's dat—what a pity's love is such a foe to dignity! I say, Rachel;
I say—how do you contrive to have so soft a hand?
I should suppose, labours would [Page 7] make it hard;
but I declare its as smooth and as soft—bless my soul—
Oh Lud! vat ish dat—stand off.
You know, Sir, you always told me to shew you homage.
Yes▪ but at an awful distance.
True; but seeing your honour so close to my daughter, I thought I might be treated in the family way.
Now he's grinning again! I Rachel had behaved ill, so I was punishing her—vas not I punishing you young vomans?
Yes, indeed you were, Sir.
Go to work, Hussey! So Witzki, you've been at Cracow.
Yes, your honour; and here is the produce of the flour for our Lord—
and here you know Sir, is the—for the steward.
Yes! Yes! dat ish vary goot—vare you going?
Home to my wife.
!Ah! how does she do? she's a very pretty little vomans!
My wife too! was there ever such an old—
Hollo!
Pray is there ever a Jew faced creature?
pray Mr. Jew, is your christian name Amalekite?
Amalekite ish my name.
Then how are you? how are you?
Well, I'll indulge you—there—
but you might have the civility to return it.
I'm in office!—
And I suppose like other great men, you have stooped so low to get there, that your back has been cramped ever since; but come to business—look there—
and be secret, snug—dumb as a potatoe.
"Your Lord Radzano greets you"—holy Abraham! is he alive?
Hush!
‘Your Lord Radzano greets you, e'en now he is arrived in Cracow, to claim his rights, and crush that usurper Rodomsko’—bless my soul!—‘do you win the vassals to his interest—he who brings this will instruct you further; be faithful, and you will be rewarded. RADZANO.’
Bless my soul, what shall I do? Radzano has the right; but then Rodomsko has the possession— [Page 9] bless my conscience, what shall I do? then Radzano is in great favour with the King—bless my conscience, what shall I do? but then Rodomsko is in great favour with the nobility—bless my conscience, what shall I do?
Who comes here?
Stand aside—it is the Lord Rodomsko, who passes here in his way to the Diet—stand aside.
Heaven save our gracious Lord!
Hast thou ought to impart?
Nothing, dread Lord.
Are the slaves obedient?
Yes, dread Lord.
On to Cracow.
I say, this Lord Rodomsko is a stiff crabbed kind of a—
Oh! he keeps the slaves in proper subjections.
Proper subjection! I'll tell you what, he appears to me like the great tall thistle in the potatoe garden, which bothers every one who touches it, and prevents the humble fruit from arriving at the wholesome maturity nature intended. Oh! I wish I had the docking of him—now my Lord [Page 10] Radzano is so humane, so polished, so—gallant—so—
Hah! hah! I suppose he has brought over with him what will please the ladies.
Faith! you may say that, for he has brought me over with him.
And I hope he is hospitable and charitable, and all—that damned stuff!
Oh! he has been sucking in the breath of it in little England, Mr. Amalekite. Oh! confound your name; could not they have called you Nebuchadnezzar, or Mac Laughlin, or O'Shaughnessy, or any easy agreeable name of that sort—Oh! we shall have such jolly doings; every heart will wear the face of joy, and all countenances, men, women, cows, Jews, and sheep, must all be on the broad grin.
I must consider—which of my Lords shall I betray?—bless my conscience—slaves treat this stranger with all respect, and give him the song of welcome—you will follow me. It's a very, puzzling case; Radzano has the right—Rodomsko has—bless my conscience!
Thank you, thank you! oh! low enough in conscience—what are you at? what are you at jewels?—keep your fore paws off the ground, and dont make bulls of yourselves—stand [Page 11] up I say—Heaven never meant its own image should be so degraded!
SONG—
SCENE III.
The DIET.
In pursuance of our purpose, we have appointed my Lord Cardinal our ambassador, to conclude a peace with the Teutonick Knights.
Peace! Is then a soldier, the world's right arm, to wither and decay, that hordes of priests, with their beads and crosiers, may preach us into cowards? but I wonder not! for since the great Zorinski was disgraced—
What of him?
He was honest.
He was proud and inflexible! but forbear to name him.
Since, Sire, you have banished from your councils those hardy spirits, who alone were fit to aid the public weal, naught now will down but peace—‘the general good—these are the entrapping blandishments held out, for emancipating slaves, privileging towns, and using every circumventive art to crush the power of the nobility!—peace! let my Lord Cardinal preach its blessings—I hate it!’ What gentlemen of Poland shall your goodly cimeters canker in their sheaths, while those usurping Knights despoil your borders?
Fiery Lord! hear me. If it be my duty to root out usurpation and foul conspiracy, why need I wage the war on Pomorania's borders, when my eye's scope comprehends an object that would give vengeance full employment?
Sire! Rodomsko scorns base fear! nor will he shun enquiry—thou would'st demand, how [Page 13] came I by my power; my answer is, by valourous achievement—by conquest—the soldier's tenure! but why waste we words? Radzano being dead—who is there?—
Indeed!
Lightnings blast him!—
Behold the wronged Radzano! what can'st thou urge?
I cannot battle it with words—'twas this good arm that gave me power; 'tis this good arm that will maintain it!—follow me—thou wilt not find it palsied, boy.
On your allegiance, hold!—still the friend to gentle peace; still anxious to preserve the most rebellious drop of subjects blood—let me propose between you terms, where love may grow, and honour ratify them. Rodomsko, Radzano loves thy daughter.
Indeed!
Let her be mediatrix between you; let holy marriage with their hands unite your hearts; so live in equal power and love—what says Radzano?
My King has spoken my soul's fondest hope!
Hold—hold—this marriage has some promise in't—it gives Radzano to my [Page 14] power—and should the confederate Lords—it shall be so.
That scowling brow looks not consent.
Then, my liege, it wrongs my heart! Tis true, I have not that April face that clouds and shines at every gust of grief or joy; but 'tis my rugged nature;—I pray you bear with it. Radzano! here's my hand.
Thus let it stamp upon my heart a son's obedience; and to oblivion give each hostile thought!
Rodomsko, hie you to your castle; for e'en this night in person we will progress thither, and consummate this happy union.
So—then a Lord of Poland, great in birth and arms, preserves his dignities, by the arch dimples of a puling, girl—Oh Cupid! how I honour thee!
Oh, Radzano! let me pour into thy breast my griefs—the wrongs I bear from these injurious lords press hard upon me! but I am rich in poor men's prayers, and that's a kingly solace. Oh, I would rise unto my people, like the god of day to Lapland's icy sons, after his wintry absence! What, not a word Radzano? I see the lover dulls the patriot—but I forgive it—away to thy Rosolia—yet mark her father—watch well Rodomsko—e'en now conspiracy's at work against my throne and—person: yet spite of impending [Page 15] death I'll on!—farewel! my friend.
My good Lords attend me! Oh my country! let me but save thee—
SCENE IV.
—RODOMSKO'S Castle.
‘The Confederates greet thee, brave Rodomsko; if they have appeared inactive, 'twas as nature stilly pausing, before the coming storm; for 'tis resolved that Casimir shall fall.’ Vengeance, I thank thee! ‘Forty chosen men are ready for the achievement, waiting but a leader—know, Rodomsko, in thy mines dwells a man fashioned to conduct the daring enterprize—seek him instantly—the brave fellow who brings this, by whose dejected brow thou'lt see he's ripe for murder, will conduct thee to the man we seek—farewel! and triumph.’—Now tremble, Casimir—But soft, the—messenger from the Lords approaches—what says my letter?
dejected brow! if the mind's construction be indexed in the face, this man bears sweet content about him—Health to thee, friend!
Mighty civil however.
Instruct me in your fortunes.
What, my history?—Oh! I'll tell yotur Lordship; and a sweet piece of geography it is—The first thing I know is, that I don't know where I was born, for nobody could tell me; and being young myself at the time, it has slipped my memory.
Shallow babler!—thy name?
O'Curragh, the faithful servant of Lord Radzano.
Com'st thou from him? well—well—what of him?—dispatch—
He sent me his humble servant to express his sorrow, that he can't, where he is, throw himself at the feet of the fair Rosolia. I make his excuses clumsily; but were he here himself, he'd make a much better apology for his absence.
Begone, fellow!
I have the pleasure to take my leave. Oh! how my master sighs—and then he closes his eyes, and looks so tenderly—
Away! I say—that gallery leads to my daughter's apartment—prattle these gewgaws there—each mawkish nothing will, on her love-sick taste, drop sweet as Hybla's honey.—Away!—
for here comes one who embodies well the picture given.
The confederated Lords greet thee.
Thou art welcome!—approach—nearer—nearer—know'st thou the drift of this?
Aye, dread Lord!
Then bring me to him we seek—yet hold, tell me the manner of the man, that I may better wind about his heart, and trap him to my purpose; is he—
By turns, my Lord, every thing—sometimes, mocking the horror of his fate, he out toils the slave, anon he starts from his labour, and with indignation grasps his spade, as 'twere the sceptre that swayed the world. The foolish knaves in the mine say, that love hath crazed him; but, to my thinking, he resembles more the hungry vulture than the sorrowing dove.
The picture's big with promise; conduct me to him—how shall I best approach him? nay, prythee lead;—'tis strange!
SCENE V.—The Country.
Upon my honour, this Lady Rosolia is a bewitching creature! and now that she has passed the ordeal of constancy, which is, by looking me over without so much as an ogle at me—why my [Page 18] master may call himself a happy man. I don't know how it is, but I think this snug agreeable person of mine is a sort of a female test; just like a bit of rough glass that they try money on—and have you found any—bad ones O'Curragh? oh! sweet Mrs. Flannigan for that—never shall I forget!—
SONG—
Thinking of old times has given me such a comical feel, that if any pretty creature was to come across me, I fancy I should be rather [Page 19] agreeable company. In faith, you are in luck O'Curragh, for here comes that delicious morsel, that sung her Polish planxty so sweetly.
Heigh! ho! where can my dear Zarno tarry so long! he knows I have but an hour from work, and yet he is not come.
Bend not to me sweet one; rather let me kneel to you—you ladies are the Lords of the creation.
Rachel!
how dare you insult my Rachel! she's mine, alone mine—I love her.
Then she's alone mine too, for I love her!—and if I've insulted her, I flatter myself I can give her satisfaction—Insult! I don't like that; pray, Sir, would you just step aside, and condescend to explain that word insult?—here's the prettiest chopper of logic—
I understand you, but I dare not.
Dare not, you paltry—
Hear me—not for myself I fear, but for her: should a freeman be killed in a slave's quarrel, she would suffer, she would be punished.
In love with the girl, and yet for her sake dares not defend her—that's hard! that's hard! but can't we manage it any how?
Yes! if you're a man; conceal our cause of quarrel, and I'll shew you what I dare—I can find a sword.
Poor, fellow! oh! what a pleasure it will be to fight him—Upon my honour, our cause of dispute shall be a secret.
Thank you, thank you; come along—
Oh! pray don't quarrel, Sir.
Quarrel! not at all; not the least animosity—If I should kill him, I'll give you leave to ax him whether I did it in passion.
But why fight at all?
Upon my conscience, I can't immediately tell why we fight—Oh! it's for your sake—
I shall hate you!
Hate me! upon my honour, I'm so unused to hear a woman say that, that it confuses—oh, this head! this head! what am I at?—going to kill a man about a woman that don't care for me?—come here, come here: there, my dear boy, there's satisfaction!
You're a generous fellow!
But why dont you marry?
Because I am a slave; and Zarno can't afford to buy me.
Buy you!—upon my conscience, I should like to buy a flock of such pet lambs—‘but as you both seem tolerably built for running, why don't you trot off in a canter?’
Because, if Rachel were taken, her lord would kill her.
Then he'd be hanged for it.
Ah! no. I have heard there was a good law once, that made a Lord pay a fine for killing a man, but it's never put in force now.
‘A fine for killing a man!—a good old law do you call that?’—What a devil of a spot have I got into here!—oh! what a picked place is little Ireland to this—we're poor enough to be sure; but what of that? we can fight when we please, can work when we please, aye, and starve when we please; and we can flourish our shelalahs, and strut about our potatoe garden like a collection of Emperors.
Adieu, dear Rachel! I must go back to the salt-mine.
Ah! Zarno, why do you remain in that mine? nay, don't be angry—you who lived in Cracow with the great Zorinski, were dressed in furs and silk; and now, you wear the basest garments.
My dear Rachel! I have reasons, I cannot explain.
What not to me, Zarno?
Should Zorinski know I have divulged—
Zorinski!
Ugh!
Eh! —why should not I—bless her! does not she deserve to be trusted?—Rachel! I'll tell thee a secret, which, if known, would cost Zarno his life.
Would Zorinski kill thee?
No; but I would kill myself for having betrayed him! Know then, in that dreary mine dwells, the great Zorinski—mark—when Casimir was crowned, Zorinski, who was all in all with the late King, could not bear the thwarts Casimir put on him; a quarrel ensued, and my master, tho' I love him, was much to blame; disgrace followed. His house, which had been the hive of courtiers, became deserted—away they flew—his great soul could not brook it! with despairing brow and knotted arms I saw him leave the city; and sadly he walked along till he reached the opening of the mine.
What to throw himself down head-long, and end his life?
I dreaded it! so fell at his feet: He took me by the hand; a big tear fell on it; he blushed, called me his faithful Zarno—bade me farewel! [Page 23] and gave me liberty—from that moment I became his slave—we descended. into the mine, and I have attended him, and carried him his food—aye, and ever will. Ah, my dear master, never will Zarno leave thee! I shared his prosperity, and shall I desert him now? no! no! Now Rachel thou hast the secret, and thus I seal it up—farewel!
But may not we hope for happier days, Zarno?
DUET—ZARNO and RACHEL.
ACT II.
SCENE I.
A SALT MINE.
Begin your search.
The place is awful—sighs and groans, mixed with the maddening laugh of drunkards, pour along these aisles a discord, that chills the very heart—how heavily must woe have weighed him down, that makes this den his dwelling.
Look there my lord; behold him wiping from his brow, the painful drop of toil.
He comes this way—what gloomy dignity—back—back.
Well toiled to day;—I often hope, that when these over-laboured limbs do press their straw, sweet sleep will give a short oblivion to my cares—but oh! then this big heart, forgetful of its fall beats high, and wakes my brain to recollections, that go nigh to mad me—oh Zorinski—how, how long will this, thy body's hardihood shake off the gripe of death—shut from the sun, without a hope, without a friend,—nay that's not so neither; Zarno, let me not wrong thee varlet—Zarno.
Come hither fellow—hast been on earth to day?
Yes, my lord, and there's great news above.
Indeed!
Going my lord to Cracow, to buy provision, I passed the Diet, just as the King—
my lord?
Go on.
Just as the King came forth; and he looked so kindly of us all—aye as if he'd been our father.
Father of all—and I alone rejected.
And with him came the lord Radzano, whom every body supposed dead—he's to be the [Page 27] favourite now—and the palace your honour possessed, is to be —
Be dumb, have I not often told thee, villain, not to name—begone,
What, proud heart must thou still play the tyrant—will not this dungeon humble thee—oh shame—Come near me knave—I was to blame, Zarno.
To blame, my lord, that you were not; you had a right to be angry, and if you had trod on me, you would have treated me as I deserved: but will you, dear lord, forgive poor Zarno.
Forgive thee!
fond fool, 'tis ever thus he makes a woman of me—on with thy tale Zarno.
Oh! that, that, that was all.
What was all?
That was all—about—about the—
that is my lord—it's dinner time—I've had such an adventure.
As how?
Why, trotting past a kitchen hard by—I had just been to see the King go—
trotting past a kitchen hard by, as hungry as a hunter, a curious stew presented itself—my nose stumbled at it, and I made as dead a set as a dog at a partridge, and was just going to seize; when the chesnut faced cook, threw it all over me, and made that an outside covering, that I intended for an inside lining.
Ha! ha! come we'll in and laugh.
It smelt so savoury—egad it was fit for a King,
however, I have a most delicious platter of pease and garlick.
I cannot feed.
Not feed, my lord?
No; in thou and eat.
Yes, my lord—but you have taken away my appetite.
Ha! strangers—go in good fellow.
I will, my lord—but could not you just pick a bit?
If my eye err not—the lord Rodomsko—should he know me! that's an idle fear; prosperity hath but a shallow memory, clothe its dearest friend in rags, and on my life it puts him clean beyond his knowledge.
Stand aloof.
Your pardon, but when I behold shut out from man, man's paragon—when in this loathsome mine, I find a gem fit to illumine Poland, wonder not that I should wish to take it to my bosom's interest; nor deem me, sir, impelled by womanish inquisitiveness, when I seek to know the fortunes of a man, by fortune hardly dealt with.
My story is but a dull monotony of sorrow—to repeat it, were but to strike again the chord [Page 29] of dire calamity, and give a lengthened tone to melancholy.
Are you of Poland?
Aye, of the equestrian order.
Gentleman of Poland—that envied dignity's a blessing—
It has been my curse—born to command—my stubborn nature will not bow to my condition—
Sure no crime has stained—
Oh, the most monstrous—poverty—that fiend accursed—the slave whom he encounters prostrates in the dust, and by humility escapes his fangs—but meeting with a rough, imperious spirit, pride, and he around him, twine their venomed knots, and hold the victim sure—for know, lord, though penury and sorrow be the sad inmates of this bosom, my soul disdains the curse of benefits—rather than so—I dungeon here, litter with devils, and out-toil the hind.
—Brother, are our rights dear to thee?
By the sacred plain of Vola—dearer than sight, for that shews me but a hated world—dear as to the damned the joys of heaven—for I, like them, languish for blessings which I ne'er must taste—
Not so—for I will put thee on a purpose, that shall mount thy fortunes till they [Page 30] reach the noble elevation of thy soul—make thee—
Pray be careful—so long I've banished hope from this sad breast, that its incursion now is aching to the sense—drag not, at once, the dungeon'd wretch before the orb of day, and blind him with his blessings. Oh, Sir, so long misfortune's blasts have riven this rugged trunk—so long has misery sapped my roots, and torn away each fibre that sustained me, that the fun of hope (that greatest good) warms but to wither—shines but to destroy me—
Come cheerly, cheerly—in the chequered play of fortune, the best regarded must expect mischance—sees't thou the sleeky knaves of the court—be wise—mask thy heart, and learn to flatter—
Flatter!—I tell thee, lord, as easy were it for our stern Carpathian mountains, to shake from their rugged brows, their everlasting snows, as for this tongue to bring forth what this heart doth not beget—flatter!—'sdeath—join gripe with what I hate!—strain to my heart its fixed antipathy!—by Almighty truth, I swear, the poisoned twine of adders round this breast were grateful to't—thou know'st me not—
Nor can scarce believe—
Yet, Rodomsko—
Ha! my name!
Aye, lord!—yet, I say, thou wilt believe, when I tell thee that this abject, rugged, heartbroken wretch was once Zorinski—
Zorinski here!
What could I do?—live with men to blast me with their pity?—no; when disgrace pursued, I earthed me here, lest, Acteon like, I should be hunted by that yelping pack of courtly knaves, my bounty had given breath to.
Oh, Zorinski, again to fold thee, and at an hour of such dread moment.—Oft have I, in the senate, mourned thy loss—but instant leave this den—
To the world again?—What should I there—but cast a mournful look around, and, on the wide surface of nature, see nothing I could claim, except a grave.
Away with this—by manhood, 'tis baby weakness.—Oh, Zorinski, there are purposes—
—Casimir hawks to day.
Aye—Again he treads upon me.
He does—thy fall Zorinski—nay, droop not, man, at what should fire thee—thy fall shall be revenged—
Ha!
Yes; rouze thee, for vengeance is at hand. The confederated lords, allied in wrongs, [Page 32] are ripe for action; and, let but thy aspiring soul resume its energy—
Oh, thou hast poured again into this breast ambition's godlike impulse. Tell me, Rodomsko, can the devotion of this life, this soul, forward the illustrious cause?
Most mightily, for the fate of Poland hangs upon thy breath.
Shall I to the senate—there—
'Twere useless all. Did reason use Jove's thunder, 'twould be outroared by the clamorous people, who pay this Casimir a worship, e'en to the wronging of high heaven. Oh, my friend, action is vengeance's language—thy arm Zorinski—
Ah!
I have for thy ear words of deep persuasion and mightiest import—but the time's unfitting—instant leave this hated place.
Foul den I quit thee, and with thee impotent despondency—lead—yet hold—I've here a faithful slave that must not be forgotten—Zarno—
Prepare to leave this place.
My lord—eh—what—leave this place—Oh dear—ha, hah—I'm so glad of it—an't you, Sir?
Peace, familiar fool.
There.
There;
curse his money—a churlish—
Thoul't follow, Zarno.
Oh to be sure I will. I'll only take leave of my fellow devils, and mount in a twinkling. Oh, I'm so happy—hollo, hollo!
Ah! you miserable, jolly dogs, how are you? In sooth this digging in a salt-mine is very productive, for, while many an honest gentleman above can't get salt to his porridge, you may swallow it by shovels full—farewel to you all.
Are you going to leave us, Zarno?
Yes; for though this is certainly a very delectable situation, yet I find, by consulting my glass, it rather annoys the complexion; and, my physicians say, that this air induces spleen and melancholy.
He's mad!
Mad, am I? Then there,
there's what will make you all drunk, and then you will be as mad as I am. There goes the old carle's money—drink, devils, drink.
SONG—
SCENE II.—A View on RADZANO'S Estate.
But, my dear wife, my dear Winifred, now do stop that tongue of thine—
I won't hold my tongue, and, what's more, I'll tell Mr. Amalekite how you use me.
Aye, there it is—Oh, what a hard lot is mine—if I don't submit to her in every thing, then she threatens to encourage that old, amorous Jew—now pray be quiet.
I won't be quiet—I will have my own way—and I won't be snubbed—and I will be heard—
What's all this chatter about?
Winny, Winny, Winny, don't provoke me; you ought to know by this time I am a man.
And you ought to know by this time I am a woman.
But, zounds! why so loud? Do you want all the world to know you are a woman?
No quarreling to day. Come, you cooing turtle—did ever magpie keep up so damned a chatter!
I won't hold my tongue. Oh, here comes Mr. Amalekite—obey me, or you know what—
Yes, I do know what—
and yet I won't submit—if heaven has willed it—why—
Heaven's will be done, I say.
An't you surprised, friend?
Faith, not much at the thing, but a good deal at her choice—for if horns be the [Page 36] word, its allowed, I believe, that no one makes a bull more neatly than an Irishman.
DUET—WINIFRED and WITSKI.
Fall back there—fall back—ah, gossip Winifred.
Oh dear, oh lord—what shall I do—I can't bear it—I say Winny, Winny—I yield—submit—any thing,
Was there ever such a hen-pecked fool? But, I say,
have you told the peasants that they are now become the slaves of my lord Radzano?
I have. But pray, why be they assembled now?
Because my master is coming hither with his sweet bride, that is to be, to receive their homage.
Oh, dear father, Zarno has left the salt-mine, [Page 38] and, he says, he'll soon be rich, and then he'll buy me of that old rogue Amalekite.
Vill he so, slut—de old rogue will prevent him though.—Old rogue—you and your fader shall smart for dat.
Stand back; here comes my lord and his sweet, sweet bride; now mind your hits all of you. I say, have you the roll with the slaves names?
Yes; here it is.
Surely sweet, those whose loves run in unruffled smoothness, and never feel calamity's chill blast, cannot taste my joy. Oh lovely, constant maiden, ne'er was Radzano proud till now.
Constant! bestow not praise on that which not to be, were to be nought. If constancy be worthy praise, be it thine Radzano, for thou hast sojourned e'en in beauty's court, and yet—forgot not thy Rosolia. Look, dear lord, your vassals are assembled; ah! they little know the blessings that await them.
Amalekite, give me the roll, and bid the slaves approach.
I am much afraid he mean to favour dem; I no like his looks—oh, he has a damned benevolent countenance.
Poor wretches! how they tremble.
Approach, and fear not; in this you and your children are registered my slaves, and live but in my will; acknowledge ye your vassalage?
Rise, then, and mark: By this you are recorded slaves, but by this
you are no longer slaves, but men.
The world's before you—who will remain with me?
All, all.
The brightest page of nature's bounteous charter is freedom to her children; that I possess you of; but, oh, contemn not just restraint, else 'twill prove a curse more galling than the most abject slavery tyranny e'er compassed; see, therefore, you abuse it not.
Oh, impossible; while e'en the spade they toiled with was their lord's, vice and sloth possessed them, for what incitement had they to industry? but when they find their labour will cheer their children, and throw content around their humble cots—ah, dear lord, these blessings strike too sweetly on the heart to fear abuse.
Fair advocate, see their hearts thank thee. Come hither, fellow;
fear not, man; give me thy hand; for the love I know thou bear'st me, remember this—the mill thou long hast toiled in, is thine own.
Oh dear! oh dear! I shall run mad with joy—I know I shall—my mill!
Oh, de devil—it is all over vid me.
From the King.
The royal mandate calls me to council; the King doth here entreat thy pardon, for thus anticipating widowhood, and bids thee, sweet, prepare thy lute, that jocundly this night may pass in mirth and minstrelsy; till night, then, farewel dear mistress.
Heaven speed your councils; my lowly duty to the King.
Guards, attend.
O'Curragh, my faithful fellow, observe Rodomsko, if you should suspect him.
Oh, I don't suspect him at all—I know he's a rogue.
Should his conduct threaten danger, on the instant hie thee to Cracow—remember—freemen farewel.
Yonder he goes—now he's at the top of the hill—see, he waves his hand to us—heaven bless him!—heaven bless him!—freemen, farewel—Oh my head, my head—I'm sure I shall go mad—I feel I shall—I'll run home and tell [Page 41] the cow and the mill—my mill—only think of that—
—damme, I am a man, a freeman, and a gentleman!
Sir, I shall be proud to see you at my mansion!—my mansion.—That's right, is not it?
To be sure; you are lord of it, and may knock any man's brains out that comes in without your leave.
May I though—ecod, that's jolly—he! he! he! Then I'll tell you what,
if ever I catch that black muzzle within the portico of my mill, I'll grind you into sausages, I will, you ugly dog. Wise! now we'll see who's man of the house—wife!
Oh my dear Witski.
Silence, silence! there.
that's right is not it? he! he! he!
I'm dumb, but don't be angry.
Angry; I could not be angry if I would—he! he! come buss me.
Gossip Winifred?
Keep off man, I only encouraged you as a scarecrow to frighten my husband—but now—faugh!
Well said Winny! ah Rachel my girl, kiss thy honoured parent.
Oh father, won't you let me marry Zarno?
Aye, to-morrow morning, with all my heart and soul.
And here he comes.
Joy, joy, joy to you all—I've heard the news—ah dear Rachel,
I'm so happy.
And so fine!
Ecod, that he is.
Am I think you? yes pretty well—sword and cap, and altogether! eh, yes it's not shewy but neat, it's becoming—now my jolly dad, that is to be.
How do yo do Mr. Amalekite, you don't seem to comprehend what's going forward here—will you try your hand at that,
there's your quietus for you.
My discharge! bless my conscience!
You move rather slow—come, for old acquaintance sake, I'll give you a lift,
just set him agoing.
Oh! it was time to put a stop to such a rogue! now I'm to be steward—which is an office—an office—oh! first I am to take particular care, to receive the rents of such tenants as won't pay—and secondly, to see that no one behaves improperly, [Page 43] without my over-looking him—yes that's it—now I must away to the castle.
Oh there are to be great doings there—the King is to be there—and Rachel you shall be there—I'll meet thee to night in the wood, the old place—and then to-morrow when the friar comes—oh you blushing tempting rogue.
Now, brother freemen, to our homes—drink prosperity to our deliverer, and be merry and happy all the rest of our lives.
SONG AND CHORUS.
SCENE III.—An Apartment in RODOMSKO'S Castle.
I tell thee, fellow, Zorinski will be won—where are thy comrades?
Shrouded in the neighbouring forest.
Bring them hither—but see they hold no converse with my people—be firm good Naclo, for my confidence rests weightily upon thee.
Within there!
Bid anon my daughter touch her lute—
for now the bloody purpose being unfolded, all traps must be set for him—Ha! he approaches, and in heavy rumination.
Tho' Casimir has sorely urged me to revenge, by the most galling wrongs, yet to murder—
Was Brutus then a murderer—genius of Poland where sleepest thou, when thy patricians shrink from achieving, what those of Rome contended for.
Grant he ought to die—yet—soft,
what heavenly sounds? much I thank thee unknown minstrel; for thy enchantment has prisohed down the hell-born passions that possessed me, and soothed my soul to tranquil melancholy.
'Twas my daughter's lute: within there—Rosolia! see, she approaches.
What magic sweetness—do not wonder at me, for so long these eyes have been unused to look on beauty, that its inroad now riots my pulse, e'en perhaps to boyish folly—let me avoid its witchery,
Hold!
What wills my father?
Where hast been my girl?
Enjoying the richest luxury of greatness— seeing the poor made happy.
Aye, by whom?
E'en my intended lord—
this day he hath given freedom to his vassals, and much I joyed to behold wretched man rescued from abject slavery.
Loveliest maiden, thy tender nature ne'er can impose chains, save those of love's soft thraldrom.
By heaven he's caught—Rosolia, I here present thy father's dearest friend.
Deign, Sir, to receive my hearty greeting.
The fascinating poison thrills my every nerve—all powerful love—love—ar't mad Zorinski—thou who scorn'st to flatter others—be to thyself consistent—‘is this rugged frame shaped for love's soft dalliance—do amorous [Page 47] whispers soft as the zephyr, come from a voice chill and surly as the northern blast’—is this scowling eye, now rife with murder, a place for Cupids to ambush in—mockery all—yet, on my soul, I dare not trust my eyes to look upon her.
He seems much moved.
Thou hast done well my girl—bid him farewell, and get thee in.
Tho' ignorant in what; I am right glad I've pleased you father—courteous Sir!—sweet peace be with you.
That will never be again—
talked she not of marriage?
Aye with the young lord Radzano—'tis a match of the King's making.
Casimir, do'st thou again thwart me?
E'en now the King is journeying hither with his young friend, to consummate the union.
Happy Radzano—wedded, and to-morrow?
Aye, but, should a real friend to Poland think her worthy—never.
Ha!
Oh Zorinski! act but to night as doth become thee—vindicate thy owa wrongs, avenge the Lords of Poland, and—receive my daughter to thy arms; for by her blushing beauties I swear she's thine.
Oh Rodomsko! tempt me not beyond man's bearing.
Dull man, I tempt thee to a throne—Casimir being disposed of—his place must be supplied; and whom will thy peers deem so fit to guard their rights, as he who crushed their fell destroyer.
If thou wilt place before me temptations more than mortal, he must be more than mortal that resists—by hell I'm thine—Casimir or Zorinski falls—so may my soul find life or death eternal.
But this night.
The better.
And mark; should chance so order it; bring Casimir alive—the confederate lords demand him for their vengeance—a band, whose steely hearts are rivetted with oaths, will aid thee.
I need them not—let daws cling together—the eagle flies alone.
Away with this romantic folly—within there is prepared a solemn sacrament, think on't.
If thou would'st have me act this deed; oh let me not think, Rodomsko—but on the instant give me the deadly oath—aye, 'tis well conceived—'twill save revolt and cowardly compunction—for oh the dread interval will be a hellish purgatory, but it leads to a heaven of [Page 49] bliss—so love and proud ambition receive your votary.
My soul is satisfied.
Now bustle all—Rosolia—my daughter—stir wench.
Prepare to leave the castle instantly.
My father!
Question not why nor where.
Oh Sir!
Be dumb—within there.
Arm fifty chosen vassals—and to the southern inlett of the forest speed with my horses—away.
Oh my father! if humanity dwell in you, ease this heart—kill not your daughter's happiness.
Thy happiness, weak girl; Zorinski will take good care of that.
Zorinski!
I tell thee, the fate of Poland is in suspense—along I say.
Rather take my life.
It will not serve my turn—No struggling—your chamber, your chamber.
Oh, oh! there bids fair to be foul play here. Oh, the confusion of all Ireland upon that Rodomsko, I say. What the devil shall I do? If I go to my lord at Cracow, I can't very conveniently stay here to see what will become of his lady—Oh, if this head would but prevent a mistake by blundering on what's right—I have it—I'll follow her, and if losing my life will enable me to take her away with me, I'll do it with all the pleasure in nature. Oh, to die for such a lady, and such a master, is what no faithful servant would ever repent of.
Now, good Naclo, spirit up thy comrades. Are they at hand?
Ye spirits of noble daring, this night acquit yourselves, and you are made for ever; there's to cheer you.
Naclo, your [Page 51] leader will anon meet you—be firm, good Naclo.
Now, gentlemen, set hands and hearts to the business—night is coming on apace, and then—
Fear us not, comrade.
ACT III.
SCENE I.
A WOOD.—NIGHT.
OH! I'm sure mischief is going forward, every thing is so peaceable, and torches keep flashing about like a battalion of jack-lanterns—one good thing is, that the old rogue, Rodomsko, has lost his way and his attendants; there was such a train of them, that I found the best mode of pursuing was getting before them. Oh! he hauls my sweet lady along there, as if she were his wife instead of his daughter—now's your time O'Curragh! Oh, Saint Patrick! I'll just beg leave to trouble you for five minutes,
Indeed, I can no further.
Nay, good Rosolia! come—wayward [Page 53] and stubborn; on, I say—those vile erring slaves, not to return, my curses on them! entangled in this labyrinth, each step bewilders more—ha! their torches gleam thro' yonder valley—
who's there?
'Tis your faithful slave, Kalish.
Right glad am I of that—
—death and hell they take their course athwart! good Kalish tarry with Rosolia—stir not be sure—but I know thy honesty.
For once, old gentleman, you have spoken truth by mistake.
Oh! save me, good fellow.
This way, sweetest lady!
Oh! Radzano, where art thou? perhaps e'en now the victim of foul conspiracy; where will my sorrows end!
Oh, put your trust in St. Patrick, out and out the genteelest saint in the calendar.
SCENE II.—Another part of the Forest.
Scene draws and discovers ZORINSKI with his Sabre in his hand, leaning despondingly against the Arm of a Tree.
What can make Rachel tarry so? it's an infernal night! it rains, blows, thunders, and whew!—this is weather to try a lover in—Where can Rachel be—(sees Zorinski) What—eh! my master here and his sabre in his hand—my mind misgives me! Oh! some villainy of that rogue, Rodomsko.
Oh! Zorinski, how art thou fallen?—confederate with hired assassins—fettered by deadly oaths—how changed the face of all things?—the heavens seem grimed with pitch as back as Acheron, and the rustling wind strikes on my ear e'en as the hissing of hell's serpents.
Oh, all the devils! do I tremble?
My Lord!
Zarno, thou did'st not say I trembled.
Dear Lord! your are pale, and your voice faulters—I fear you are very ill.
Yes, that's it, that's it, good Zarno—my pulse is fevered, and that effects the brain—
a little blood spilt, and all will be well—Leave me, Zarno.
What, Zarno, leave you when you are ill? oh! no. Ah, master! don't you remember in the mine when an ague shook you, how Zarno watched you, and when I blubbered over you—you wept too.
Yes, there was a time when I could weep. Zarno, I charge thee leave this place!
Oh! dear Lord—
Hush! not a breath.
Some horrid purpose possesses him—now he stops.
Who's there?
Oh, stranger! aid an unhappy maiden, who, torn from her soul's only hope, and well nigh dead with weariness, humbly implores thy succour, to unwind the mazes of this wood, and lead her on her way to Cracow.
Radzano will reward thee.
Good heavens! the lady Rosolia, and here—dear lady, I'll go with you to the world's end—only I've a little business here, that—
Come then, good fellow!
Yes; I'm coming.
Hark you; that may be coming; but it looks so like going, that you will please to move this way.
Unhand me, or—lady, pardon me—but you—I—my master—I wont leave him—I have it—hard by there's a mill, mention the name of Zarno, and you'll find protection
Oh! guide us to it.
Well, I'll walk a little way with you: there
there now, that's the road, right along there
good fortune attend you, lady! Oh, my unhappy master!
Is it kept by one Witski?
It is.
How lucky! an old friend of mine, that I made acquaintance with this morning.
Oh Zorinski! oh my master!
Zorinski! away—away—
Don't droop, dear mistress; for tho' you have but one man to protect you, yet consider, that one is an Irishman.
What can this mean? she afraid of him—Eh! here he comes again.
Will the hour never come? I'm glad my faithful Zarno left me—his fondness tore my heart strings!—not gone—avaunt! I say—
Don't look so terrible—oh, don't—you frighten me so I can't go—oh, master, there is murder in your eye! if it were day light, I would not mind it—I should like to see you fight in day light: but none but assassins stab in the dark.
Horrid truth!
Oh, master, quit this place; let us return to the dear dreary mine again! did not I hear the tread of horses?
Look out!
Yes, I will—but pray don't leave me.
Look out, I say!
Yes; oh Lord!
My senses are benumbed—I'm very faint—but thy oath, thy oath, Zorinski! there I'm firm again.
Oh! dear master, all my fears are over.
Who is it?
Pardon, dear Lord, what a rogue was I to think the great Zorinski could swerve from honour—I feared it was some rival, or—
Who is't? I say.
Thank heaven, none that you can harm—it's the King.
Ha!
Oh God! oh master!—what—impossible—
Discord is at large—oh, for a tyger's fury—
Oh! think a moment.
Cling not to me thus—away! I say.
villain!
Yes, I am—any thing, reproach me, spurn me, kill me—Zorinski an assassin! my Lord a traitor! I can't bear it. Oh! think of dishonour—think of your soul—think of Zarno!
In vain—in vain—were he guarded by the furies, I would seize him! (as he is rushing forward, Zarno jumps back, draws his sword, and opposes him) ha! raise thy arm against thy master's life!
Do not you raise your arm against your master's life.
Oh, hell! he's right—Zarno, thou art sadly changed—I've seen thee draw to save my life.
And now I draw to save what's dearer, your honour, your soul—you pass not—no! I [Page 59] would rather see you dead at my feet, and I the man that laid you there; than suffer you to pass.
Baffled by a slave
ha! the work of death's begun; see how their sabres—gleam—brave not my fury—give way—
No, by heaven!
Hark! 'tis vengeance calls—then take thy death, vile slave.—
Heaven forgive him! let me but live to see—
how dim my eyes are—ah! see he rushes among them; he bears down all before him—ah! now he seizes the King, and now he—oh! (falls)
What clashing of swords! oh! I shall sink with fear. Zarno! Zarno!
Here.
Oh Zarno! bleeding!
Oh, cruel master! cruel master!
Was it he that did it? monster! is this a return for a fond servant's love?
Did I say it was my master? did I? no Rachel, no.
Come try to reach the mill, for poor Rachel's sake try.
Well, I'll try,
only this—you know Rachel, the words of a dying man are awful—then hear mine; it was not my master that did this—remember, Rachel, it was not my master.
SCENE III—Another part of the Wood—Thunder and Lightning.
On! I charge thee.
This wounded frame can go no farther.
Now ye fiends, ye who first instilled into my soul your damning purpose, nerve but my arm to strike the blow—(thunder) oh, God of justice! why hurl thy bolts of fate to scare the peaceful grove, when I stand here a wretch and court the vengeful shaft? Hark! a noise again—delay were fatal—on, on, or here thou diest!
Here be it then—I tell thee base assassin—
Thou wrong'st me, King—I am no common stabber—view me well—have the wrongs thou hast inflicted on me, so furrowed o'er my visage, has despair so grimly marked me for her own, that thou rememb'rest not? know then 'tis Zorinski strikes.
Zorinski—but oh, is't possible—can thy soul be reconciled to treason?
How that shot thro' me.
Art thou content, that future ages shall use thy great name to curse with.
My hair bristles, and my teeth chatter—peace I charge thee.
Those convulsive throbs, speak virtue in thee—oh, obey it's sacred impulse—behold thyself thy King's deliverer—see hands and hearts hail thee thy country's saviour—think how the good will pray for thee, and ages bless thy name.
Oh let me with repentant—ha! is not the deadly oath sworn—hell I'm faithful to thee—who is't that holds my arm?—
Ha! again—now—
A moment's pause—Oh God, shield with thy arm omnipotent my dear, ill-fated Poland; receive my parting spirit, and, oh! forgive this man. Now, traitor, strike.
Oh, impossible!
Oh, Casimir—Oh my King—how shall I look upon that injured face.
Zorinski, the fiery trial past gives thee to my heart more pure—
Hark, thy comrades:
Let them come on; this weight of guilt taken from this arm, I will protect thee, King—Virtue's electric fire so springs each nerve, that did nature loose her ravenous kind—did hell oppose its ministers of blood, I seem as with one blow I could sweep them to destruction.
I'm faint—my wound begins to torture—
Horror! 'Twas not my sword—'twas not my sword, my King, that wounded thee; for, e'en in that guilty moment, I struck the villain dead that did inflict it.
Give me thy arm.
See, the moon dares shine again—Can'st thou forgive me—thou may'st, but can heaven?
No more; thou hast unclogged thy soul of treason; treason, that most hideous murder, which, with one blow, severs a nation's peace, tramples down law, that barrier of existence, and gives to him most triumph, who most shall murder and destroy.
SCENE IV.—A Mill.
Oh dear, oh dear, I do so overflow with joy, that I'm quite miserable. I can't eat, and I [Page 63] can't sleep—thank heaven, I can just contrive to drink a little, else—what a rate my mill went all day—clack, clack, clack—Winny's tongue had no chance with it—and then to think of the sweet lady Rosolia seeking protection in my mansion—there's an honour—
Hollo!
What! an enemy may be! Then, I'll retire into my castle, and parley from the battlements.
Within there.
Stand off, or I've a cross-bow here mil send a choice collection of bullets into your pate; break one of my windows, you robbers!
Give instant entrance, or I'll force my way.
Know all men, I am lord of my castle—have been so—aye, thirteen hours, and will knock any man's brains out, that enters without my leave.
Are you lord of it? prove then you deserve the title, by giving succour to the unfortunate.
Oh, there's no standing that.
You must know I am lord of this—
Leave prating, and instant lend thy aid.
Your King demands it—
give me your assistance.
Oh, no—Heaven forbid that I should dare to think of such a thing—Oh, no.
I want not thy obedience, but thy service; I faint for very weariness.
Sure that voice—heavenly powers! the King!
With equal wonder I behold thee, fair maiden.
Oh, Sire, forgive me, if thus untimely I press my private griefs—where is my lord? Oh, does Radzano live?
E'en now we parted near your father's castle.
O'Curragh, fly.
But whether he live or no—
Oh horror! he here!
Fear not, wronged lady, the basilisk has lost its power to harm.
Lead me in.
Fairest innocent! and has this withering arm blasted thy joys—Oh, was not my agony enough before. How came she here?
Zarno sent her; would you choose to walk in
Zarno! Zarno!
Soft—good brain collect thyself—sure I saw him in the forest—and he went—no—ah, now hellish recollection darts upon me—he wept—he begged me—he clung to me, and I—
Oh, I am deeply damned for that—the only soul on earth that loved me—never servant so loved a master—
and I to stab, oh!—Eh—perhaps he yet lives perhaps—here slave—
I beg your pardon, Sir, but I am not a a slave.
I care not what thou art.
I am—
Be dumb—mark—take this sword—guard well the door—I'll return anon—oh, Zarno, Zarno!
He's mad—the poor devil's mad.
Now, my dear Witski—I'll tell you what—
What, you are beginning your chatter.
Nay, now, only hear me, that's a dear man. You know, husband, his Majesty has favoured us with his company at our house; very [Page 66] well; then, you know, it will be but civil to return the visit.
Certainly; he'll naturally expect it.
Well; and so I was a thinking that some new fur put upon my Sunday's cap, with rose-coloured ribbons, and my new russet gown will do to—
What, miller, ho!
You will keep gabble, gabble—confound you, is not his Majesty within hearing, and an't I his sword-bearer—hush—I must guard the door—and, do you hear, keep the cats and the dogs quiet—hush, softly.
SCENE V.—Wood.
Come, dear Zarno, see, yonder's the mill; you look better.
Do I, Rachel?
Far better, since with my hair I stopt the bleeding of your wound.
'Tis not my wound, Rachel; its here, its here; my heart's broken, Rachel—Oh, my [Page 67] master—Let me rest here awhile, it will give me strength.
Zarno—alive—
Ah, Rachel, hide me—don't touch me—don't touch me—
How art thou, Zarno? Shrink not from me—I come to comfort thee.
Comfort—say, then,
lives the King?
What is that to thee?
he does! he does!
What lives—lives—ha! ha! ha!
Soft, he recovers—how art thou Zarno?
Better—well—very well—but are you not deceiving me?
No, on my soul—Zarno, I am not so damned a villain as thou think'st me.
I think you a villain! dear honoured master, where is your hand?
Let me convey thee to a place of safety.
I can walk—can walk very well.
Art thou—art thou—much wounded Zarno?
Oh yes—
A scratch—a scratch—it's joy makes me so weak—I'm very troublesome—I can walk alone.
Pshaw! rest on me good fellow.
I'm afraid I lean very heavily.
Prythee be quiet—see'st thou that mill—the King is there—we shall easily reach it.
O yes, dear master, unless I die with joy by the way—I'm quite asham'd.
Come rest firmly on me—there—there.
SCENE VI.—Inside of the Mill.
SONG—
What refreshing sleep—heaven accept my thanks—Rosolia! droop'st thou for thy love—fear not his safety—have I not seen him in the field—believe me he must be champion indeed, who spoils Radzano—hostess I thirst.
Here, your Majesty's, a cup of wine, all our poor house affords.
Open good fellow—and fear nothing.
Poor wretch—he faints—lead me to him
here [Page 70] poor knave, drink this—thy wants far exceed mine—drink, 'twill refresh thee.
Oh no!
Do as I bid thee!
has't done thee good, knave?
Oh yes!
And me abundant—come thou look'st more cheerly—thou art better.
Better! I never was so well in my life.
It grieves me in such base sort to see your highness.
Not so fair one—am I not with my people, with those who love me—come mine host—thy fire,
wilt thou to court and grow great?
Please your Majesty—I can't leave my trade.
Why, knave?
Because I have a wife—and to confess the truth to your Majesty—Winny, has certainly a happy knack at sprightly conversation.
Hear'st thou the slanderer?
So when she lets her tongue go—I let my mill go, clack for clack—I could not manage without my mill.
Ha! ha! I'll build thee one upon the Vistula—thou shalt be the greatest miller in Poland.
My gracious King!
Radzano thrice welcome—said I not Rosolia, this arm would prove victorious.
My dearest lord!
Pardon dear mistress, what stern duty compells—Rodomsko was found wandering in the forest, deserted by his people.
Oh merciful Casimir!
Fear nothing—let him live—but not in Poland.
See, how your loving subjects, bearing their rustic arms, press on to guard you.
What a proud moment—heaven give me strength to bear this rushing joy—trust me, my people, the dangers I have passed will but give energy to fresh exertion—yes, like the fertilizing Vistula, mild yet irresistible, I'll open wide the current of my justice, until the humblest peasant of my state shall taste it's blessings.