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? Hus.h.!.+

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 (rus.h.i.+ng 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 (rus.h.i.+ng 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._