The Bride of Messina, and On the Use of the Chorus in Tragedy Part 2

DON MANUEL.

Say not so!

Who doubts thy n.o.ble heart, knows thee not well; The words were prouder, if thy soul were mean.

DON CAESAR.

It burns indignant at the thought of wrong-- But thou--methinks--in pa.s.sion's fiercest mood, 'Twas aught but scorn that harbored in thy breast.

DON MANUEL.

Oh! had I known thy spirit thus to peace Inclined, what thousand griefs had never torn A mother's heart!

DON CAESAR.

I find thee just and true: Men spoke thee proud of soul.

DON MANUEL.

The curse of greatness!

Ears ever open to the babbler's tale.

DON CAESAR.

Thou art too proud to meanness--I to falsehood!

DON MANUEL.

We are deceived, betrayed!

DON CAESAR.

The sport of frenzy!

DON MANUEL.

And said my mother true, false is the world?

DON CAESAR.

Believe her, false as air.

DON MANUEL.

Give me thy hand!

DON CAESAR.

And thine be ever next my heart!

[They stand clasping each other's hands, and regard each other in silence.

DON MANUEL.

I gaze Upon thy brow, and still behold my mother In some dear lineament.

DON CAESAR.

Her image looks From thine, and wondrous in my bosom wakes Affection's springs.

DON MANUEL.

And is it thou?--that smile Benignant on thy face?--thy lips that charm With gracious sounds of love and dear forgiveness?

DON CAESAR.

Is this my brother, this the hated foe?

His mien all gentleness and truth, his voice, Whose soft prevailing accents breathe of friends.h.i.+p!

[After a pause.

DON MANUEL.

Shall aught divide us?

DON CAESAR.

We are one forever!

[They rush into each other's arms.

First CHORUS (to the Second).

Why stand we thus, and coldly gaze, While Nature's holy transports burn?

No dear embrace of happier days The pledge--that discord never shall return!

Brothers are they by kindred band; We own the ties of home and native land.

[Both CHORUSES embrace.

A MESSENGER enters.

Second CHORUS to DON CAESAR (BOHEMUND).

Rejoice, my prince, thy messenger returns And mark that beaming smile! the harbinger Of happy tidings.

MESSENGER.

Health to me, and health To this delivered state! Oh sight of bliss, That lights mine eyes with rapture! I behold Their hands in sweet accord entwined; the sons Of my departed lord, the princely pair Dissevered late by conflict's hottest rage.

DON CAESAR.

Yes, from the flames of hate, a new-born Phoenix, Our love aspires!

MESSENGER.

I bring another joy; My staff is green with flouris.h.i.+ng shoots.

DON CAESAR (taking him aside).

Oh, tell me Thy gladsome message.

MESSENGER.

All is happiness On this auspicious day; long sought, the lost one Is found.

DON CAESAR.

Discovered! Oh, where is she? Speak!

MESSENGER.

Within Messina's walls she lies concealed.

DON MANUEL (turning to the First SEMI-CHORUS).

A ruddy glow mounts in my brother's cheek, And pleasure dances in his sparkling eye; Whate'er the spring, with sympathy of love My inmost heart partakes his joy.