The Count of Narbonne Part 12

_Enter COUNT._

_Count._ Am I turn'd coward, that my tottering knees Knock as I tread the pavement?--'Tis the place; The sombrous horror of these long-drawn aisles.

My footsteps are beat back by naught but echo, Struck from the caverns of the vaulted dead; Yet now it seem'd as if a host pursued me.

The breath, that makes my words, sounds thunder-like.

Sure 'twas a deep-fetch'd groan.--No;--hark, again!

Then 'tis the language of the tombs; and see!--

[_Pointing to the Statue of ALPHONSO._

Like their great monarch, he stands rais'd above them.

Who's there?

_Enter Two OFFICERS._

_1 Offi._ My lord, where are you?

_Count._ Here--speak man!

Why do you shake thus? Death! your bloodless cheeks Send fear into me. You, sir, what's the matter?

_2 Offi._ We have found the lady.

_Count._ My good fellows, where?

_1 Offi._ Here, from this spot, you may yourself behold her; Her face is towards the altar.

_Count._ [_Looking out._] Blasts upon me!

Wither my eyes for ever!--Ay, 'tis she; Austin with Theodore; he joins their hands:-- Destruction seize them! O dull, tardy fool!

My love, and my ambition, both defeated!

A marriage in my sight! Come forth! come forth!

[_Draws a Dagger._

Arise, grim Vengeance, and wash out my shame!

Ill-fated girl! A b.l.o.o.d.y Hymen waits thee!

[_Rushes out._

_1 Offi._ His face is black with rage--his eyes flash fire; I do not like this service.

_2 Offi._ No, nor I.

_1 Offi._ Heard you that shriek?--It thunders. By my soul, I feel as if my blood were froze within me.

Speak to me. See he comes.

[_OFFICERS retire._

_Enter COUNT, with a b.l.o.o.d.y Dagger._

_Count._ The deed is done.

Hark, the deep thunder rolls. I hail the sign; It tells me, in loud greetings, I'm reveng'd.

_Enter THEODORE, with his Sword drawn._

_Theod._ Where, where's the a.s.sa.s.sin?

_Count._ Boy, the avenger's here.

Behold, this dagger smokes with her heart's blood!

That thou stand'st there to brave me, thank that mail, Or, traitor, thou hadst felt me.--But 'tis done.

_Theod._ Oh, monstrous! monstrous!

_Count._ Triumph now o'er Narbonne; Boast, how a stripling and a monk deceiv'd The easy Count; but, if thou lov'st thy bride, Take that, and use it n.o.bly.

[_Throws down the Dagger._

_Theod._ 'Gainst thy heart, Barbarian, would I use it: but look there; There are ten thousand daggers.

_Aust._ [_Without._] Ring out the alarm; Fly all; bring aid, if possible, to save her.

_Enter ADELAIDE, wounded, and supported by AUSTIN. THEODORE advances to her, and a.s.sists in supporting and bringing her forward. Some of the COUNT's ATTENDANTS enter from the Castle, with lighted Torches._

_Count._ Ha! lightning s.h.i.+ver me!

_Adel._ My lord! my father!

Oh, bear me to his feet.

_Aust._ Thou man of blood, Past utterance lost; see what thy rage has done!

_Count._ Ruin! despair! my child, my Adelaide!

Art thou the innocent victim of my fury?

_Adel._ I am, indeed. I know not my offence; Yet sure 'twas great, when my life answers it.

Will you forgive me now?

_Count._ Oh, misery!

Had I unnumber'd lives, I'd give them all, To lengthen thine an hour. What phrensy seiz'd me!

That veil, the glimmering light, my rage, deceiv'd me.

Unnatural wound! detested parricide!-- Good youth, in pity strike this monster dead!

_Adel._ Listen not to his ravings. [_To THEODORE._ Alas, my Theodore!

I struggle for a little gasp of breath; Draw it with pain; and sure, in this last moment, You will observe me.-- Live, I charge you: Forget me not, but love my memory.

If I was ever dear to thee, my father, (Those tears declare I was,) will you not hear me, And grant one wish to your expiring child?

_Count._ Speak, tell me quickly, thou dear, suffering angel!

_Adel._ Be gentle to my mother; her kind nature Has suffer'd much; she will need all your care: Forsake her not; and may the All-merciful Look down with pity on this fatal error; Bless you--and--oh--

[_Dies._