W. J. Linton: 'Claribel and Other Poems' (1)

FIRST HUNTSMAN	IT was the prince who kill'd him.
SECOND HUNTSMAN	You are wrong: Lord Albert gave him his death-wound— I heard Prince Casimir himself tell how it was.
FIRST HUNTSMAN	Perhaps so: but he ever crowns his friend With the first garland. They were close enough For such an error.
SECOND HUNTSMAN	You are wrong again. Not half so readily the prince resigns His honours, even to him.
THIRD HUNTSMAN	There's truth in that: Or else the page does with him as he will.
FOURTH HUNTSMAN	How long has he been favourite?
SECOND HUNTSMAN	They were friends Even in their boyhood,—since your Casimir First visited our court,—sworn friends: the prince Would have none else for his companion. They rode together, hunted, swam, and fought, And studied; none e'er saw them separate. When Albert was advanced to be the page Of our young princess, your prince Casimir Was jealous, as a girl, that he must lose Some hours of him. And in her turn the girl— The lady Claribel—grew just as fond; And pined when he must leave her for the wars. There he'd the hap to save the prince's life; And so was knighted, and strode on apace To closer friendship,—'faith, 'tis well deserved: For there's none braver or more mannerly, More true or kind in speech, nor one who bears Himself more nobly, though not nobly born. But all the same he is our lady's page: She will not part with him. When your young lord Left us, some months since—See, where come the friends, Holding themselves aloof from all the rest.
Enter Casimir and Albert. ALBERT	You have not told me yet what lucky chance Gladdens Bohemia with your step again.
CASIMIR	No chance, my friend! you have expected me.
ALBERT	Yes! but so long, that expectation fell Into disfavour, for a lying slave That brought false messages of your return. Why left you us?
CASIMIR	Well, you shall know the cause Both of my leaving and of my return. I was impatient of the company Of these same wooing princes who have throng'd So many months past your Bohemian court With idle supplications. I was vex'd To see them buzzing round the princess' ears. I had grown up beside her till it seem'd That she belong'd to me. And when they came To interfere, 'twas an impertinence That gall'd me till I could not, even to you, Own my annoyance. So I left them here, Trusting my deeds might well outvoice their words In her dear estimation.—You are hurt That I kept this so secret?
ALBERT	Hurt at that!
CASIMIR	Why then this clange of countenance? Your face Is mapp'd with hostile lines. What moves you so?
ALBERT	I fear this love may sunder us.
CASIMIR	My friend!— Should it not draw us closer, thee and me?
ALBERT	It shall. Forgive me for a moment's doubt.
Enter an Attendant. ATTENDANT (to Albert)	The princess has been asking for you, sir!
CASIMIR	Put off your fears; nothing can harm our loves.
ALBERT	I will be sure of it.
CASIMIR	Be here again Quickly.
ALBERT	Ay! presently.
CASIMIR	I'll stay for you.
ACT I - SCENE II. The Princess' Chamber. Claribel reading; a Lady waiting. Enter Albert.
ALBERT	Your highness sent for me.
CLARIBEL	In truth I did; But have forgot My purpose
ALBERT	May I wait Till you recall it?
CLARIBEL	That would be for ever. How have you pass'd the morning?
ALBERT	With the prince.
CLARIBEL	You have been hunting with him: is 't not so?
ALBERT	I will forswear it, if it be your will.
CLARIBEL	Nay: I'd be wrong, to either step between You and your friend or stay your arm from deeds Of manly daring. I must blush to own A woman's may-be foolish timorousness; And you are over-rash. You love the chase (Confess the truth!) more than all joys on earth Save Casimir's friendship.
ALBERT	Madam! one thing more.
CLARIBEL	And that, best-loved?
ALBERT	My duty next your grace.
CLARIBEL	Is 't that weighs down your brows so heavily?
ALBERT	Nay, madam, 'tis the light that dazzles me.
CLARIBEL To her Attendant...	Your love is light, then. Go, fetch me my lute!— I will sing some low song shall charm away Your sorrow with its plaintive melody. I did not deem that love should make men sad. My father's court is throng'd with lovers, fair As summer butterflies,—as careless too. Methinks a gayer, goodlier company Is rarely met with. But perchance your love Is of another hue?
ALBERT	The self-same hue, Yet somewhat differing.
CLARIBEL	Differing:—ha! I see,— You and your mistress. Trust me, if 'tis so, You love unworthily: for I know none So high may bar your suit. Some arrogant girl Who think-; a peerless knight not noble enough.
ALBERT	No! no! there is no arrogance but mine: If hopeless reverence call be arrogant.
CLARIBEL	You are too diffident. Dare you confide Your love to me, that I may plead with her? I'll guess who it may be. How high is she?
ALBERT	Madam! about your height.
CLARIBEL	About:—And fair?
ALBERT	Fair as Bohemia's Fairest, as the dawn Of the first, brightest spring; as fair as Hope, Could Hope be the Belovéd. Fair as thou.
CLARIBEL	If it be not some page's courtly tone, Or cunningest gloss, to me you would address Your nameless praise. I am not vain enough To answer—I deserve it. What heart-words May echo——
ALBERT	Lady! if transparent speech Display'd my soul's depth, giving back yourself To your own gaze:—in the name of loyalty, My most aspiring thought hath ne'er displaced, Yet credit this—I have not earn'd your scorn.
CLARIBEL	My scorn!
ALBERT	O Beautiful! thy very pride Looks angel-like: yet, wrongs, me——Let me speak! True heart devotion, ne'er so meanly born, Is homage worthy of a queen's regard; The lowliest truth would kiss her raiment-hem Too noble for her trampling. I am paid With your most distant smile for my best worth; But even my humblest love is, no fit slave For your disdain.
CLARIBEL (looking in his face)	Albert!
ALBERT	My eyes are dim.
CLARIBEL (kissing his eyelids)	Canst thou see clearly now? Nay, do not kneel! Rise to the full height of thy worthiness, That my glad soul may look up into thine, My royalest knight! How couldst thou ever doubt? What! scorn of thee?
ALBERT	My life stands giddily Upon the sunniest peak of happiness. Let me hold fast thy hand.
CLARIBEL	For ever, love!
ALBERT	My Princess!
ATTENDANT (returning)	Madam! you desired me fetch Your highness' lute. There is a broken string.
CLARIBEL	No matter! Leave us now!—My song is sung.
ALBERT	Yet sing again!
CLARIBEL	If thou wilt sing with me.
ACT I—SCENE III. A Room of State in the Palace. Boleslaus on his throne; Claribel seated at his feet; the Princess standing in front; Knights, Ladies, and Attendants around.
BOLESLAUS	We wait your slow decision, Claribel! These princes now have sojourn'd in our court Full time enough for the most fickle eyes To make election: difficult at first, Where all are worthy; but a woman's wit, And ready apprehension can not fail To note ere long some difference of port, Or manner, or behaviour, which may help Her certain choice. Which of these lords shall be Your husband, heir unto Bohemia's, crown?
CLARIBEL	May I be free to speak?
BOLESLAUS	Speak as thou wilt!
CLARIBEL	Then, good my lord! my choice doth light on none.
BOLESLAUS	Thou hast no choice 'mong all these gentlemen? What then?
CLARIBEL	I would not wed with either, sir! I speak it not of mere maid bashfulness, Nor frowardly contemning princely worth,— Albeit not for my purchase while my heart Hath no response. My answer is but this— I can not choose to wed unless I love.
BOLESLAUS	Then we must choose for thee. Shall it be said King Boleslaus has play'd with welcomed guests? Yet, Princes! speak to her. Your smoother tones May charm this waywardness. We little like To have our purposes so set at nought.
PRINCE RUDOLPH	Princess! I pray you to allow my suit. A jewel should be worn and well display'd, Not hidden away: and thou a priceless one With thy rich dower of beauty. For the love Hath so long knit our houses, let me bind Our realms in one dear hope, thy hand in mine.
CLARIBEL	Prince Rudolph loves the jewel set in gold. It is Bohemia's daughter he would wed: And as Bohemia's daughter I reply— I am too proud to be his hand-maiden. Even to place the jewel in his cap.
ANOTHER OF THE PRINCES	Lady! beseech thee let my passion move Thy virgin coldness. Not Bohemia's round Of golden glory, but the sunny light Of all perfections circling thy bright self, Hath warm'd my heart. My life will worship thee With utmost, patience, let thy sweet spring smile Shine on me through this winterly contempt.
CL ARIBEL	Let that same patience ask another spring! I do not warm to thee. Thy sunniest speech Thaws not the ice between us. I am fix'd In my first resolution.
ANOTHER OF THE PRINCES	Yet relent. Set me, dear princess! to some arduous task Whose prize may be thy favour. Let me wear Thy glove, even as a promise, on my helm.
CLARIBEL	Is then thy courage all so dull to need The spur of a poor guerdon? Dost hold back From nobleness until thou hear'st the price? My father's daughter is not yet for sale, Though honour bid.
CASIMIR	Beloved Claribel! Refuse me not, for this: While these have sought Thy favour with word-wooing, I have cared Rather to let the echo of brave deeds Reach thee from far and whisper my desert Than strive to please thine eyes, reflecting back From my unstained armour the glad Sheen Of thy most radiant presence, or to mix My words in this midsummer melody. If Fame has spoken for me, may thy voice, Sweeter than Fame's, approve her plea and mine.
CLARIBEL	Prince Casimir! I should dispraise your worth By scornful words. I fear my speech has err'd From courtesy toward these gentlemen: Yet I would not contemn their dear regards. Truly I thank them that they so affect Bohemia's daughter. My acknowledgment Will heal, I hope, such wounds as I have made. You too I thank, sir! for your kindly thoughts; Which I am all too poor to render back With the sole rendering you could well accept. Too poor, for that my heart has been and is Unsway'd by love toward you. I beseech, Of you and all these lords, construction clear Of my most simple words: I do esteem Your several worths, but none of you I love As she should love who would be royal wife. By your own truths, I pray, believe me now, I do not falter.
BOLESLAUS	Stay! this shall not be. We may not have our policy so cross'd By girlish whimsies. Thou shalt wed perforce. But not to make election blindfolded, To-morrow we will hold a tournament; And there thou shalt adjudge thyself as prize To him who best deserves.——Nay, answer not. Princes! we wish that we had girls enough To wive you all; so none might leave our court Unsatisfied. But since that may not be, We pray you hold our loves of equal weight; Nor blame our care that only one can gain. To-morrow shall proclaim Bohemia's heir. We leave you to the tending of your hopes.
Exit with Claribel and Train, the Princes following. As they go out
PRINCE RUDOLPH (to Casimir)	You look not in discarded mood, my lord!
CASIMIR	Why should I, when to-morrow will amend To-day's deferral? [Casimir and Albert remain.] Albert! look at him. 'Faith, he's as sad as if king Boleslaus Himself had stamp'd refusal. Let him fear: For hope girds on my sword. Her hand is mine.
ALBERT	Whether she will or no?
CASIMIR	A woman's No. But thou hast heard. She has not made a choice: Save that her words to me were gentler-toned. I quarrel not with that. My way is clear. She bids me write the Yes with my own hand. Shall I not snatch her from this summer swarm ?
ALBERT	But if she yet should choose; and if her choice Should be another?
CASIMIR	Think'st thou I would yield? Yield her whose love is more than life to me: For I'd not live without her.
ALBERT	Would'st thou wrong The gentle love which never may be forced? Would'st savagely o'ermaster the Adored? Or claim her heart even if it gave not back One pulse to thine?
CASIMIR	If! if!—My doubtful friend! Thou hast never loved, or thou would'st know that ifs Are meaningless. My mortal enemy I'd grasp with ungloved peace ere I would back One step out of the path toward my love, Even for my brother and most dearest friend. Let them beware!—for I or the other side, Though ne'er so many, in to-morrow's lists Shall look our last on her. Her hand is mine,
ACT I—SCENE IV. A Hall in the Palace. Retainers lounging about: some cleaning amour, some drinking.
FIRST RETAINER	I'll wager you prince Rudolph is the man.
SECOND RETAINER	Not he, but our prince Casimir.
THIRD RETAINER	I'll hold My master wins.
FOURTH RETAINER	Or mine.
FIFTH RETAINER (from, table where some are drinking)	But which is he The princess most affects?
FIRST RETAINER	Why, none, she says.
FOURTH RETAINER	Ay, says: a woman always says her No. That's good Bohemian for 'I thank you, sir!' [To one o f the Princess' Attendants passing] Is it not? girl!—Where runnest thou? We'll have A match at last. Shall it he a double one?
GIRL	No fear of that: no king will father me. Was, I my lady, I would take the veil Rather than marry any against my will.
FOURTH RETAINER	You'll never have the chance.
GIRL	Why not? sir Squire!
FOURTH RETAINER	Became you'd not be able to say No.
GIRL	Try me!
FOURTH RETAINER	That's Yes,—and Yes beforehand too.
GIRL	Keep off!
FOURTH RETAINER	But truly, if a woman can, Say, do you think the princess mean'd her No?
GIRL	What's that to you?
FOURTH RETAINER	Nay, what a mood you're in. I did not go to offend you.
SECOND RETAINER	Let her be! But tell us, do you think your mistress cares For none of our young princes?
GIRL	'Troth, not I, Unless prince Casimir.
SECOND RETAINER	He's worthy her. Yet I know one more princely to my mind Even than he.
GIRL	Who then?
SECOND RETAINER	Your lady's page. He's kinder has a gentler way with him; Nor any upstart pride.
FIFTH RETAINER	He's proud enough With the king's knights.
SECOND RETAINER	That's true. But not with us.
FIFTH RETAINER	Then he's one of us.
GIRL (passing on)	Well, I can't stay here Idling with you. A set of gossiping knaves!
SIXTH RETAINER (at the table)	Here's to the winner!
FIFTH RETAINER	You pledge warily.
SIXTH RETAINER	I am a courtier.
FIFTH RETAINER	Where may you have learn 'd State policy?
SIXTH RETAINER	The school is not far off; Nor hard to find: under the palace -eaves.
SEVENTH RETAINER	I like not this rough wooing. What say you?
EIGHTH RETAINER	It bodes no good.
FIFTH RETAINER	Tush, man! what would you do? Girls must be married. Who should choose for them If not their fathers?
A PAGE	Or if not themselves?
FIFTH RETAINER	Ha! so you boys may fancy,—always wise In your own mad conceits. A likely judge Your inexperience.
PAGE	Well, I would not have My father choose for me; nor take a wife Whose only Yes came from her father's mouth. Does it follow that my father's suit fits me?
SEVENTH RETAINER	The boy's not wide o' the mark; though it is well To have a father's sanction. I ne'er knew That a forced marriage came to any speed. I heard, the king, after he left the lords, Had harsh words with his daughter. He's quick- tongued.
EIGHTH RETAINER	And hasty in his will too. What he says Is done on the spur o' the moment. Well, I hope, Prince Casimir may win her.
PAGE	So do I.
NINTH RETAINER (entering)	Prince Rudolph even now is taking leave.
PAGE	He will not risk the fight.
SIXTH RETAINER	I'm of his mind. A broken pate's a sorry wedding gift. I'd rather keep mine whole, though I was sure To have a crown for plaster.
FIFTH RETAINER	Will you pledge The winner now?
SIXTH RETAINER	I'll pledge you any way.
FIFTH RETAINER	Here's a safe journey to you.
SIXTH RETAINER	And to you, Fair weather for your wedding.
NINTH RETAINER	Come! the prince Has call'd for us.
SIXTH RETAINER	I'm with you.
SEVENTH RETAINER	It looks black: There'll be a storm by the morrow,
PAGE	Do you hear How the wind moans? Was not that lightning too, Over the royal chamber? There, again!
END OF ACT I. Between the Acts a Tournament. ACT II-SCENE I. A Garden of the Palace. Albert pacing to and fro. The Clash of swords outside; there's a flourish of trumpets. Enter a Courtier.
COURTIER	PRINCE Casimir is victor.
ALBERT	My brave friend!— My more than friend!—
COURTIER	Ah, sir! but you have miss'd The crown o' the tourney. 'Twas a sight, i' faith, Worth staying for. He'll be a worthy lord To our else peerless lady. He will wear Bohemia's glories proudly as he wore The eagle on his helm, that seem'd to say— 'I clutch the world from all.'—But you are dull: I thought your joy would kindle at his triumph,— Knowing how much the prince affects—
ALBERT	I wait Your story, sir!
COURTIER	(Forefend his pageship's spleen! 'Tis something to be friended by a prince, ' And heir-presumptive. He has hid himself In dudgeon that he might not cross the lists And win a hole in his head, to loose his pride.)— Aside. I shall have pleasure tracing, sir! for you The course o' the strife: for 'twas, upon my soul, More like a battle vow'd unto the death Than a mere jousting,—even for such a prize— A princess and a crown. You should have seen Prince Casimir approach, with eyes downcast, To kiss the princess' hand; you would have thought Some pilgrim met a Cross in the wilderness,— He bow'd such adoration, and so held Her white hand in his touch. But when be rose, 'Twas plain to read the victory in his face. I would not have encounter'd such a lip,— Like Fate exultant. I'd have sworn each step Was over an enemy. So, one by one, He met and slew the combatants: not one Had power to make him halt. 'Twas summer play,— A thunder-storm,— they had no chance with him: Though they fought gallantly. And our good king Sate smiling; and the lady Claribel——
ALBERT	Sate smiling too!
COURTIER	No, sir! she sate as scared. You see she is not like some dames of ours Who love to look upon our manly sports. She is almost too gentle for a queen. Give me a lady whose regard can track A brave man's deeds, nor flinch to see him win. For my part—
ALBERT	Sir! I thank you; I have heard. I pray you leave me.
COURTIER	Sir! at your command. (He seeks some prompt preferment from the. Prince: Perhaps to be the new king's chamberlain. I'll travel in his shadow.)—Aside and Exit. Enter Claribel.
CLARIBEL	My dear lord!
ALBERT	My wife!—O, dearest! what a chance is ours. How shall I slay my friend? how crush the bloom Of that most noble nature? Yet I find No other remedy.
CLARIBEL	O, dearest love! Do not ally with wrong to heap more woe. Rather shake hands with Fate to our own loss, Paying her forfeit with atonement calm, Unless it be through breach of our true faith. All me! I have no guess of what to urge. The king my father chafes at the least delay: And even now the hand of Casimir Twines in my hair, and his lips seize on mine,— As sealing his possession. My quick sire Chides me that I sit sad and silently; Rating me as unduteous, that I make No cheer to meet my bridegroom.
ALBERT	He must die. By heaven, what is this man that he should dare O'erstride the threshold of my love? A prince! What's that? A chance. Mine eyes, that front his brow, See there no natural mark of mastership; My blood bounds to the full as free a tide; My soul is robed as royally as his. A chance! a chance succession! he hath won A tourney,—slain some swordsmen. I would fast Three days, not seeing thee, and take his life Despite his strength of birth. That chance, which brought His lips so near to thine, shall bring his head Beneath our feet.
CLARIBEL (taking his hands, and looking in his face)	Temper this passion, love! Is friendship then so slight that its green boughs, That harbour'd thee so many pleasant days, Can all be stripp'd before one wintry gust,— Its fragrant blossoms all so soon forgot? It makes Love shudder, friend! You will not bring That dull ape, Jealousy, into our home, Among your noble thoughts. Prince Casimir Treats me with delicacy, tenderly, In his respect. And even if friendship's nought, His nice behaviour may enforce some claim To gratitude.
ALBERT	O, pure-soul'd! thou art right: My fierceness owns thy gentler potency. I will not, come what may, dishonour him. But how to meet this pass?
CLARIBEL	Your thought be swift! This day he is to wed me,—as some Russ Marries his captive, in his conqueror's garb, Scarce having cleansed his armour.
ALBERT	(Light breaks there.)—Aside.
CL ARIBEL	What say'st thou? love!
ALBERT	Believe, nought shall be done To hurt our dignity. But I'll be there,— Even at the altar. Only trust in me.
CLARIBEL	Belovéd!
ACT II— SCENE II. A tangled Forest. Albert waiting. Enter Casimir.
CASIMIR	Joy, joy, my brother! Albert! help thy friend To bear his triumph. It is all too much.
ALBERT	It is. Thou canst not bear it.
CASIMIR	What mean you? You are moved. What sorrow has invaded you? Forgive me that I did not mark your grief, so full of mine own bliss. What may it mean?
ALBERT	That I would bear thy triumph. Yes, my friend! Since love and friendship are too great a load Even for thy Atlas shoulders——Let me speak!— Therefore renounce thy love! thou canst not wed Bohemia's daughter.
CASIMIR	Who would cross me there?
ALBERT	Thy friend.
CASIMIR	What friend? Thyself perhaps?
ALBERT	Even so.
CASIMIR	This is more trifling. But for that clench'd lip I should esteem you gamesome, scarce in tune With a friend's earnestness: but your harsh words Unfriendlily apparel'd——
ALBERT	Do I wear Your livery? sir!
CASIMIR	You overstep your place.
ALBERT	Yet I have been the brother of a prince.
CASIMIR	Brother and friend! you venture on my love.
ALBERT	No! you on mine.
CASIMIR	Again, what meaneth this? You talk enigmas; let your meaning out: For that sweet angel at the altar kneels, Waiting to be my wife.
ALBERT.	Then I am plain. That never can he thine. Two claim Precedence of thy title—I and Death. The first may stumble, but the last is sure. Alas! the shades of death have sweeter haunts Than solitary life, or fulsome change That leads but to a grave. Love's wings have flown The circuit of the world, and find therein Nought but the loving. So forswear thy hope! Bridle thy lion-heart until it break! Her marriage-bed is rather in the tomb Than in thy arms. Do anything but hope!
CASIMIR	As yet I tamely answer thy appeal, So overwhelming in its circumstance: Not understanding how thy birth and rank Should soar so giddily the eagle's height, To thwart thy friend and rush between the troth Of prince and princess, past a king's decree.
ALBERT	Open thy princely ears, then, to lily cause! I have been praised, lord Casimir; my form And port been judged not servile; and mine eyes Have overlook'd the haughtiest. I could stride And grapple with a prince,—ay! with the best. Though but a page, my fortune placed me near A princess, and my soul was prince enough To worship her perfection. As I watch'd (The page's duty, sir! ) her every mood, I found her sad when I look'd seriously,— Gay when my thoughts made merry,—when I sought The lists she paled; and once her glance met mine, And lit me to the chamber of her heart, Wherein I saw my image dearly throned; And ere conceit could lend ambition words Her love stoop'd like a tame bird to my breast, Where I must cherish it. And, to be brief, Know we are married—close as nature's law Of holiest sympathy can bind two lives. Therefore I bid thee to respect my wife, As a true gentleman; or else affront My honour with thy sword.
CASIMIR	I meet thy sword, Less deadly sharp than thy injurious words That flame-like bar my Eden. Out, alas! O Claribel! O Queen! what cursed blot Hath fallen upon my' scutcheon? I, a prince, On the top step of a throne, to be hurl'd down By common hands; and my imperial globe— Thy perfect love—torn rudely from my grasp! O shame! O shame!—Unsay thy traitorous speech: Some fiend possesses thee.
ALBERT	No fiend but Love. Thy cross-hilt can not exorcize my life.
CASIMIR	My sword-point shall; or thou step o'er my corse. I will compel her image from thy heart.— By our old friendship, tell me thou hast lied!
ALBERT	No lie, but truth.
CASIMIR	Then one of us must die.
ALBERT	Therefore I sent for thee. For I, my prince! Would have thy armour, wherein I must wed The lady Claribel. Beware thyself! For I will hunt thee for thy beauteous hide. Be brief! She waits my presence with the spoil.
ACT II -SCENE III. A Room of State in the Palace. King Boleslaus on his throne; Knights, Ladies, and Attendants standing around; Claribel kneeling at an altar in the midst.
Song of Girls outside.	Blessed Hours! approach her gently; Peace! smile on her excellently; Midnight Stars! attend her pleasure. Veil thy splendour, Night! Not even Love's own eyes should measure Love's delight. Touch life's chords with lightest finger; Echoes sweet! around her linger By the love makes marriage holy, Tame thy carriage, Fate! Like a bridesmaid murmuring lowly— Yet we wait.
BOLESLAUS	Where is the prince our son?
A KNIGHT	He comes, my lord!
ONE IN CASIMIR'S ARMOUR.	Enter One in Casimir's armour and followed by his train of Knights. He bows to the King, and advances to the Princess, who has risen and is looking anxiously around. He takes her hand. My Beautiful!
BOLESLAUS	We look'd for Albert here: He is not with thy knights. [To an Attendant] Go, seek for him! He seems of late less mirthful than his wont. But his tried faith nor yet his double love Holds him excused from this our festival.
ONE IN CASIMIR'S ARMOUR.	My lord! I left him some few minutes since,— The cause of my delay. He pray'd your grace, Through me, that he might have some days of leave On his most urgent business. I was bold To answer for your majesty. [To Claribel] My wife!
BOLESLAUS	Well, well! but we are loath to miss his face, That shone so close to us.
AN ATTENDANT (entering hurriedly)	My lord! your page—
BOLESLAUS	What means that sorrowful visage?
ATTENDANT	Good my lord! Forget my sad look in its sorrowful cause. Your page is murder'd.
ONE IN CASIMIR'S ARMOUR (to Claribel)	'Tis some error, love! Trust me, it is.
ATTENDANT	In the royal forest, sire! Not half a league from here:—It was his dog That led us there, who made us follow him Until we came where underneath a tree, Hid in the brake, we found the murder'd man; Reclining as asleep, with a green bough Drawn tenderly to shield him from the sun. We thought he slept: but a great pool of blood Was at his side,—the point of his broken sword Lay near, in blood,—and some ten paces off The red, moss'd earth was trampled hard and wet, As he had fought a long and desperate fight.
BOLESLAUS	He was not dead?
ATTENDANT	He had his vizor close; They loosed it as I turn'd away, in haste To bring the heavy tidings.
SOME LADIES	Help there! help! The Princess faints.
ONE IN CASIMIR'S ARMOUR	She needeth air. Myself will bear her out. He carries her out.
BOLESLAUS (to a Second Attendant entering)	He is not dead?
SECOND ATTENDANT	Alas! quite dead, my lord!
BOLESLAUS	Poor Albert! some one envied thee our love. Search out the villains! he shall be revenged.
SECOND ATTENDANT	It is the prince, my liege! prince Casimir Is murder'd,— not the page: we were deceived.
BOLESLAUS (pointing to the altar)	Who was it, then, stood there? [A long pause.] Will no one speak?
COURTIER	My liege! if I may venture to be heard——
BOLESLAUS	Speak, speak!
COURTIER	Sire! I have lately taken note Of sundry passages of favour given By your most gracious daughter ——
BOLESLAUS	Unto whom? Say quickly!
COURTIER	To lord Albert.
BOLESLAUS (striking him)	Lying slave!— Who was, it that stood there?
A THIRD ATTENDANT (entering hurriedly)	My lord! your page—
BOLESLAUS (turning fiercely on him)	'Tis false.
THIRD ATTENDANT	Your pardon, sire!
BOLESLAUS	What wouldst thou say?
THIRD ATTENDANT	I crave your patience, sire! Scarce ere I came Into your presence, on his favourite horse— The one the princess gave him, his drawn sword Beating down all opposal, he flow through The palace gates.
BOLESLAUS	Say who!
THIRD ATTENDANT	Lord Albert, sire! The princess borne before him.
BOLESLAUS	Get thee hence!— Who follows him?- His own reward to him Who drags them to our feet, alive or dead! The Song, repeated outside, is heard faintly. 'By the love makes marriage holy——' The Song dies away; the wind brings back only the last words— 'Yet we wait!' All pause, then exeunt in confusion.
ACT II—SCENE IV. An Antechamber in the Palace. Enter two Attendants, meeting.
FIRST ATTENDANT	Where is the king?
SECOND ATTENDANT	You bring him news of them?
FIRST ATTENDANT	Yes, yes! but let me pass.
SECOND ATTENDANT	They're taken, then? Nay, tell me all, and then I'll lead you straight Into the presence.
FIRST ATTENDANT	Well, I am the first By far: so it does not matter. They are safe.
SECOND ATTENDANT	Where did you find them?
FIRST ATTENDANT	Some few miles away. We miss'd them once,—but found their track again By blood upon the ground.
SECOND ATTENDANT	He had spurr'd hard.
FIRST ATTENDANT	It was his own. No doubt the friends had fought Like desperate fiends,—they were most nearly match'd. It seems his wounds had burst again, and bled Till lie grew faint, so that at last he fell From off his horse; and when our troop came up The princess was endeavouring to raise His body—for he seem'd to be near dead— Into the saddle; and the good horse knelt, As he would help her. 'Twas a piteous sight. There was not even a tear on her white face. But for the king's reward not one of us Had dared to bring them back. She made us weep Though she spoke not a word, even when we took Her lover from her arms. We laid him down Gently upon some boughs: 'twas a kind youth; We all of us had loved him. He ne'er winced The while we bore him; but still smiled on her, Just as a mother smiles on a sick child; And she walk'd by him with his hand in hers, Keeping her eyes on his; and the good horse Follow'd them almost like a funeral friend, As if he knew their sorrow.
SECOND ATTENDANT	'Faith, 'tis sad.
FIRST ATTENDANT	Ah! 'twas a bad deed, friend! to kill the prince. But let me go!
SECOND ATTENDANT	This way! the king is here.
ACT II -SCENE V. A Room of State as before. Boleslaus on his throne, surrounded by his court; Claribel standing before him.
BOLESLAUS	Who would have children? Look, my lords! to yours; Use whips, not kisses; bring them up with fear, Not love: or they'll grow wanton, and play tricks In the public gaze, shaming your whitest hairs. Keep them more strict, my lords!—Thou shameless girl! To slide, so reptile-like, from kingly arms Unto this slave, this groom, this serving-man. Answer me,— how did he beguile thy heart. To make thee lose thy honour?—But, not yet: Say he has spared that. Tell me he has done Some glorious deed, some service of great price In secret peril which we dream'd not of. Say yes! and yet we'll give him half our realm.
CLARIBEL	I know no service—nothing but our love. For that I am his wife.
BOLESLAUS	O wretched slave! Base, groveling, meanly-choosing,—when thine eyes Were train'd to the highest. Tell me, haggard! how He lured thee from thy dignity.
CLARIBEL	My lord! It is your words alone that taint our state.— I pray you hear me. Though my doom was fix'd Before you spoke.—My father! it was you Who chose this gentleman you now revile, From your whole court. That he was worthy, sir! Be witness his advancement by yourself— I plead not to extenuate a fault, But justifying truth—I saw him brave, Noble, and lovely; my own sight confirm'd Your praise and fame's reporting. But I look'd ' With woman's eyes, and saw beneath all this A soul that beat in unison with mine,— In brief, sir! that fine sympathy which weds The loving, be their different states most wide,— Which ever draws the one to the other's side Past all convention or world hinderance. True love is nature without baulk of fear: Hast thou a law to bind our natures? sir! I loved him for he was a gentleman,— A king can be no more; and that I found His soul as royal as my own.—O, more: For I Iook'd reverently to thee, Belovéd! Up to thy royalty—You would have given My hand unto prince Casimir, a true. And kingly man,— my husband's friend—not more. Witness how dearly Albert prized my love,— To slay his friend whom he loved more than self. Alas, my lord! love will not brook defeat; Nor is there true election but the heart's.— I pray thee, let the past be strown with peace, And that thou recollect I am thy child, Thy only child, the heir unto thy love. Let not blind wrath usurp my heritage!— For us, our life is one,— our life or death.
BOLESLAUS	My ears are stopp'd— Bring in this gentleman! [The dead body of Albert is brought in on a. litter of green boughs.] Lo, thy Dishonour goeth to its grave. Hide thou close in thy chamber till thou hast sense To weed thy heart. Till then,—till thou art clear,— I have no daughter—none!—O Claribel! Claribel looks sadly on her father,- then quietly approaches the couch of Albert.
CLARIBEL	My gentlest! thou art gone: I haste to thee. She embraces him.
BOLESLAUS	Raise her [None move. He comes down from his throne and endeavours to lift her from the body.] Look up!—My daughter!
ONE OF THE COURT	She is dead.
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