Tales of the Wonder Club Volume III Part 20

OFF. PRIEST. My compliance was but in appearance.

I came, well knowing of your former marriage, Twenty-two years ago, as saith the bond, With her they call the Gipsy Queen. All this I had from Father Miguel; and besides, Have well perused the bond, which, being valid, I could not undertake to tie the knot In conscience, and have no intent to do 't.

D. DIE. I was but mocked, then?

GUESTS ALL. Come, the bond! the bond!

D. DIE. Give me the bond. I'll soon cut short this work.

[_s.n.a.t.c.hes the bond from the hands of Gipsy Queen. Glances hastily over it, and proceeds to tear it._

'Tis false. This is no signature of mine.

GIP. Q. Darest to deny thy bond? Die, villain, then, In this thy perjury! [_Stabs Don Diego._

D. DIE. Help! help! I bleed. [_Falls._

GUARDS. Don Diego to the rescue! Seize the hag.

[_Guards and a few guests lay hands on Gipsy Queen._

D. PAS. (_Furiously._) Leave go, my mother. He that lays a hand Upon her person, I'll send straight to h.e.l.l.

A GUEST. (_Advancing with drawn sword._) Secure this furious and audacious youth.

D. PAS. Have at thee, then. [_Kills guest._

GUEST I die. [_Dies._

TWO GUESTS. (_Advancing._) Hold him! hold him!

[_Both guests attack Pascual at once, but are driven back.

Guards come up and attempt to seize him. Gipsies attack guards, and a general skirmish ensues. Two guards are killed by gipsies. One gipsy falls. Don Silvio bears off Inez in the confusion._

F'TH. M. Peace, brethren, for a while, and no more blood.

A GUEST. Look to Don Diego, friends, and seize the hag.

[_All surround Gipsy Queen, who stabs herself and falls. All draw back._

GIP. Q. This life is forfeit. I for vengeance lived; My mission is accomplished upon earth.

I vowed to heaven. Heaven has heard my prayer.

And I depart.

D. PAS. (_Rushes up, and throws himself beside the Gipsy Queen._) Oh, mother! dear mother.

D. DIE. Help! help! Who has put out the lights and left Me all in darkness?

A GUEST. No one, n.o.ble lord.

F'TH. M. 'Tis but the darkness of thine own dark soul, Now upon the brink of eternity; I counsel thee, confess, and then receive The consolation that the Church affords.

D. DIE. Water! I thirst. Alas! how grim is death!

I am afraid to die. I burn! I burn!

How hideous all the forms that flit around;

OFFICIATING PRIEST. My lord Don Diego, prithee die not thus; But ask forgiveness first, of all you've wronged.

D. DIE. Good father, willingly; but who would grant Forgiveness unto such a wretch as I?

GIP. Q. I, Pepa, thy true wife, forgiveness grants, And craves the like from thee.

D. DIE. What! Pepa, _thou_; Thou canst forgive me? Thou, my poor wronged wife.

Let us exchange forgiveness then, for I Have well deserved this blow. Come round me, friends, Whilst breath yet lasts, and witness bear to this.

I leave my castle, all my lands and goods, Unto my lawful son. How is he called?

F'TH. M. Pascual.

D. DIE. Son Pascual, thy hand. Forgive the wrongs I've done thee, e'en as thou thyself wouldst hope In thy last hour to be forgiven. Hold, There's still another I have deeply wronged, From whom I'd crave forgiveness. Bring her here.

F'TH. M. (_To Attendant._) Don Diego means the Lady Inez. Haste And bring her hither, with Don Silvio. [_Exit Attendants._

_Enter_ DON SILVIO, _supporting_ INEZ.

D. DIE. Behold me, Inez, penitent, subdued.

Art thou content that heaven hath heard thy prayer?

I've wronged thee much. I frankly do confess.

Forgive me, Inez child, ere I depart An thou canst.

INEZ. I do. [_Giving her hand and sobbing._

D. DIE. And friend Silvio, The like I'd have from thee, and all I've wronged.

D. SIL. Friend Diego, take his hand. I would not add One pang to that which thine own heart must feel, By holding back my pardon at the last.

Therefore, with all my heart I pardon thee.

D. DIE. Thanks, old friend, Silvio; I already feel Better prepared to die. Farewell, my friends.

[_Inez for the first time perceiving Pascual._

INEZ. Pascual!

D. PAS. Inez!

D. DIE. Come now, my children both, I know your minds. Come let me join your hands.

[_Pascual and Inez kneel beside Don Diego, who joins their hands._

Receive my blessing, children, and forgive A poor old sinner when he is no more.

Pray for my soul, and ere this clay be cold, Let this hand clasp thy mother's, son Pascual.

Pepa, thy hand.