The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 113

The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 113

The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten! 5

_Gordon (rushes out)._ O, G.o.d of Mercy!

_Butler (calling after him)._ Governor, to your post!

_Groom of the Chamber (hurries in)._ Who dares make larum here? Hush!

The Duke sleeps.

_Devereux (with loud harsh voice)._ Friend, it is time now to make larum.

_Groom of the Chamber._ Help!

Murder!

_Butler._ Down with him!

_Groom of the Chamber (run through the body by Devereux, falls at the entrance of the gallery)._ Jesus Maria!

_Butler._ Burst the doors open! 10

[_They rush over the body into the gallery--two doors are heard to crash one after the other--Voices deadened by the distance--Clash of arms--then all at once a profound silence._

SCENE VI

_Countess Tertsky (with a light)._ Her bed-chamber is empty; she herself Is no where to be found! The Neubrunn too, Who watched by her, is missing. If she should Be flown--But whither flown? We must call up Every soul in the house. How will the Duke 5 Bear up against these worst bad tidings? O If that my husband now were but returned Home from the banquet: Hark! I wonder whether The Duke is still awake! I thought I heard Voices and tread of feet here! I will go 10 And listen at the door. Hark! What is that?

'Tis hastening up the steps!

SCENE VII

_COUNTESS, GORDON._

_Gordon (rushes in out of breath)._ 'Tis a mistake, 'Tis not the Swedes--Ye must proceed no further-- Butler! O G.o.d! Where is he? [_Then observing the COUNTESS._ Countess! Say----

_Countess._ You are come then from the castle? Where's my husband?

_Gordon._ Your husband!--Ask not!--To the Duke---- 5

_Countess._ Not till You have discovered to me----

_Gordon._ On this moment Does the world hang. For G.o.d's sake! to the Duke.

While we are speaking---- [_Calling loudly._ Butler! Butler! G.o.d!

_Countess._ Why, he is at the castle with my husband.

[_BUTLER comes from the gallery._

_Gordon._ 'Twas a mistake--'Tis not the Swedes--it is 10 The Imperialist's Lieutenant-General Has sent me hither, will be here himself Instantly.--You must not proceed.

_Butler._ He comes Too late. [_GORDON dashes himself against the wall._

_Gordon._ O G.o.d of mercy!

_Countess._ What too late?

Who will be here himself? Octavio 15 In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the Duke?

[_She rushes to the gallery._

LINENOTES:

[Before 5] _Gordon (in an agony of affright)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE VIII

Servants _run across the stage full of terror. The whole Scene must be spoken entirely without pauses._

_Seni (from the gallery)._ O b.l.o.o.d.y frightful deed!

_Countess._ What is it, Seni?

_Page (from the gallery)._ O piteous sight!

[_Other_ Servants _hasten in with torches._

_Countess._ What is it? For G.o.d's sake!

_Seni._ And do you ask?

Within the Duke lies murder'd--and your husband a.s.sa.s.sinated at the Castle.

[_The COUNTESS stands motionless._

_Female Servant (rushing across the stage)._ Help! Help! the d.u.c.h.ess! 5

_Burgomaster (enters)._ What mean these confused Loud cries, that wake the sleepers of this house?

_Gordon._ Your house is cursed to all eternity.

In your house doth the Duke lie murdered!

_Burgomaster (rushing out)._ Heaven forbid!

_First Servant._ Fly! fly! they murder us all!

_Second Servant (carrying silver plate)._ That way! The lower 10 Pa.s.sages are blocked up.

_Voice (from behind the Scene)._ Make room for the Lieutenant-General!

[_At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects herself, and retires suddenly._