t

R. KIUP. The bad man's cunning still prepares the

way

For its own outwitting. I applaud, Ragozzi!

[musing to himself—then

Ragozzi! I applaud,

In thee, the virtuous hope that dares look onward

And keeps the life-spark warm of future action
Beneath the cloak of patient sufferance.

Act and appear, as time and prudence prompt thee:
I shall not misconceive the part, thou play'st.
Mine is an easier part-to brave th' Usurper.

Enter a procession of EMERICK's Adherents, Nobles, Chieftains, and Soldiers, with Music. They advance toward the front of the Stage. KIUprili

makes the signal for them to stop.-The Music

ceases.

LEADER OF THE PROCESSION. The Lord Kiuprili!— Welcome from the camp.

R. KIUP, Grave magistrates and chieftains of Illyria, In good time come ye hither, if ye come As loyal men with honourable purpose To mourn what can alone be mourn'd; T'inforce the last commands of royal Andreas

but chiefly

And shield the Queen, Zapolya: haply making
The mother's joy light up the widow's tears.
LEAD. Our purpose demands speed.

procession:

A warrior best will greet a warlike king.

Grace our

R. KIUP. This patent written by your lawful king, (Lo! his own seal and signature attesting)

Appoints as guardians of his realm and offspring The Queen, and the Prince Emerick, and myself. [Voices of Live King Emerick! an Emerick!

an Emerick!

What means this clamour? Are these madmen's voices?

Or is some knot of riotous slanderers leagued

[murmurs.

To infamize the name of the king's brother
With a lie black as Hell? unmanly cruelty,
Ingratitude, and most unnatural treason?
What mean these murmurs? Dare then any here
Proclaim Prince Emerick a spotted traitor?
One that has taken from you your sworn faith,
And given you in return a Judas' bribe,
Infamy now, oppression in reversion,

And Heaven's inevitable curse hereafter?

[Loud murmurs, followed by cries-Emerick!

No Baby Prince! No changelings!

Yet bear with me awhile! Have I for this

Bled for your safety, conquer'd for your honour?
Was it for this, Illyrians! that I forded

Your thaw-swoln torrents, when the shouldering ice
Fought with the foe, and stain'd its jagged points
With gore from wounds, I felt not? Did the blast
Beat on this body, frost-and-famine-numb'd,
Till my hard flesh distinguish'd not itself
From the insensate mail, its fellow warrior?
And have I brought home with me VICTORY,
And with her, hand in hand, firm-footed PBACE,
Her countenance twice lighted up with glory,

As if I had charm'd a goddess down from Heaven?
But these will flee abhorrent from the throne

Of usurpation!

[Murmurs increase-and cries of onward! onward!

Have you then thrown off shame,

And shall not a dear friend, a loyal subject,
Throw off all fear? I tell ye, the fair trophies

Valiantly wrested from a valiant foe,

Love's natural offerings to a rightful king,
Will hang as ill on this usurping traitor,
This brother-blight, this Emerick, as robes
Of gold pluck'd from the images of gods
Upon a sacrilegious robber's back.

During the last four lines, enter LORD CASIMIR, with expressions of anger and alarm.

CASIM.

Who is this factious insolent, that dares

brand

The elected King, our chosen Emerick?

My father!

[Starts then approaching with timid respect.

R. KIUP. (turning away) Casimir! He, he a

Too soon indeed, Ragozzi! have I learnt it. [aside.

CASIM. (with reverence.)

My father and my lord!

KIUP.

I know thee not!

LEAD. Yet the remembrancing did sound right filial.
KIUP. A holy name and words of natural duty

Are blasted by a thankless traitor's utterance.
CASIM. O hear me, Sire! not lightly have I sworn
Homage to Emerick. Illyria's sceptre
Demands a manly hand, a warrior's grasp.
The queen Zapolya's self-expected offspring
At least is doubtful: and of all our nobles,
The king, inheriting his brother's heart,
Hath honor'd us the most. Your rank, my lord!
Already eminent, is-all it can be-

Confirm'd and me the king's grace hath appointed
Chief of his council and the lord high steward.

KIUP. (Bought by a bribe!) I know thee now still
less.

CASIM. (struggling with his passion.)

So much of Raab Kiuprili's blood flows here,
That no power, save that holy name of father,
Could shield the man who so dishonor'd me.

KIUP. The son of Raab Kiuprili a bought bond

slave,

Guilt's pander, treason's mouth-piece, a gay parrot,

School'd to shrill forth his feeder's usurp'd titles,

And scream, long live king Emerick!

LEADERS.

Aye, king Emerick!

Stand back, my lord! Lead us, or let us pass.

SOLDIER. Nay, let the general speak!

SOLDIERS.

Hear him! Hear him!

Hear me,

KIUP.

Assembled lords and warriors of Illyria,

Hear, and avenge me!

Stood in your presence,

Twice ten years have I

honor'd by the king:

Beloy'd and trusted. Is there one among you,

Accuses Raab Kiuprili of a bribe?

Or one false whisper in his sov'reign's ear?