THE

REVENGE.

BY

YOUNG.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

MEN.

Zanga, a captive Moor.
Don Alonzo, the Spanish General.
Don Carlos, his friend.

WOMEN.
Don ALVAREZ, a courtier.

LEONORA, Alvarez's daughter. Don MANUEL, attendant of Don Carlos. ISABELLA, the Moor's mistress.

Scene-Spain.

ACT I.

escape

SCENE I.— Battlements, with a Sea Prospect. Is this a night for walks of contemplation?

Something unusual hangs upon your heart,
Enter ZANGA.

And I will know it; by our loves I will. Zan. Whether first nature, or long want of To you I sacrificed my virgin fame; peace,

Ask' I too much to share in your distress? Has wrought my mind to this, I cannot tell : Zan. In tears? Thou fool! then hear me, and But horrors now are not displeasing to me:

be plunged

(Thunder. In hell's abyss, if ever it thee. I like this rocking of the battlements.

To strike thee with astonishment at once,
Rage on, ye winds! burst, clouds, and waters roar! I hate Alonzo. First recover that,
You bear a just resemblance of my fortune, And then thou shalt hear farther.
And suit the gloomy habit of my soul.

Isa. Hate Alonzo!

I own, I thought Alonzo most your friend,
Enter ISABELLA.

And that he lost the master in that name.
Who's there? My love!

Zan. Hear then. 'Tis twice three years since Isa. Why have you

left
my
bed?

that great man Your absence more affrights me than the storm. (Great let me call him, for he conquered me)

Zan. The dead alone, in such a night, can rest, Made me the captive of his arm in fight. And I indulge my meditation here.

He slew my father, and threw chains

o'er me, Woman, away. I chuse to be alone.

While I, with pious rage, pursued revenge. Isa. Í know you do, and therefore will not I then was young; he placed me near his person,

And thought me not dishonoured by his service. Excuse me, Zanga, therefore dare not leave you. One day, (may that returning day be night,

leave you;

The stain, the curse, of each succeeding year!) | And while I groaned in bondage, I deputed
For something, or for nothing, in his pride This great Alonzo, whom her father honours,
He struck me-While I tell it, do I live? To be my gentle advocate in love,
He smote me on the cheek-I did not stab him, To stir her heart, and fan its fires for me.
For that were poor revenge-E’er since, his Man. And what success?
folly

Car. Alas, the cruel maid-
Has strove to bury it beneath a heap

Indeed her father, who, though high at court, Of kindnesses, and thinks it is forgot.

And powerful with the king, has wealth at heart, Insolent thought! and like a second blow! To heal his devastation from the Moors, Affronts are innocent, where men are worthless; Knowing I am richly freighted from the east, And such alone can wisely drop revenge. My fleet now sailing in the sight of Spain, Isa. But with more temper, Zanga, tell your (Heaven guard it safe through such a dreadful story;

storm!) To see your strong emotions startles me. Caresses me, and urges her to wed. Zan. Yes, woman, with the temper that befits Man. Her aged father, sce, it.

Leads her this way. Has the dark adder venom? So have I,

Car. She looks like radiant Truth, When trod upon. Proud Spaniard, thou shalt Brought forward by the hand of hoary Timefeel me!

You to the port with speed, 'tis possible For from that day, that day of my dishonour, Some vessel is arrived." Heaven grant it bring I from that day have cursed the rising sun, Tidings, which Carlos may receive with joy! Which never failed to tell me of my shame. I from that day have blessed the coming night,

Enter Don Alvarez and LEONORA.
Which promised to conceal it; but in vain; Alo. Don Carlos, I am labouring in your fa-
The blow returned for ever in my dream.

vour,
Yet on I toiled, and groaned for an occasion With all a parent's soft authority,
Of ample vengeance ; none is yet arrived. And earnest counsel.
Howe'er, at present I conceive warm hopes Car. Angels second you !
Of what may wound him sore in his ambition, For all my bliss or miscry hangs on it.
Life of his life, and dearer than his soul.

Alu. Daughter, the happiness of life depends
By nightly march he purposed to surprise On our discretion, and a prudent choice;
The Moorish camp; but I have taken care Look into those they call unfortunate,
They shall be ready to receive his favour. And, closer viewed, you will find they are unwise :
Failing in this, a cast of utmost moment, Some flaw in their own conduct lies beneath,
Would darken all the conquests he has won. And 'tis the trick of fools, to save their credit,

Isa. Just as I entered, an express arrived. Which brought another language into use.
Zan. To whom?

Don Carlos is of ancient, noble blood,
Isa. His friend, Don Carlos.

And then his wealth might mend a prince's forZan. Be propitious,

tune. Oh ! Mahomet, on this important hour,

For him the sun is labouring in the mines, And give, at length, my famished soul revenge ! A faithful slave, and turning earth to gold. What is revenge, but courage to call in

His keels are freighted with that sacred power, Our honour's debts, and wisdom to convert By which even kings and emperors are made. Others' self-love into our own protection? sír, you have my good wishes, and I hope But see, the morning dawns;

[To Carlos. I'll seek Don Carlos, and enquire my fate. My daughter is not indisposed to hear you. (Erit.

(Exeunt. Car. Oh, Leonora ! why art thou in tears?

Because I am less wretched than I was? $CENE II.--The Palace.

Before your father gave me leave to woo you,

Hushed was your bosom, and your eyes serene. Enter Don MANUEL and Don CARLOS.

Will you for ever help me to new pains, Man. My lord don Carlos, what brings your And keep reserves of torment in your hand, express?

To let them loose on every dawn of joy?
Car. Alonzo's glory, and the Moors' defeat. Leon. Think you my father too indulgent to
The field is strewed with twice ten thousand me,
slain,

That he claims no dominion o'er my tears?
Though he suspects his measures were betrayed. A daughter sure may be right dutiful,
Jle'll soon arrive. Oh, how I long to embrace Whose tears alone are free from a restraint.
The first of heroes, and the best of friends! Car. Ah, my torn heart !
I loved fair Leonora long before

Leon. Regard not me, my lord;
The chance of battle gave me to the Moors, I shall obey my father.
From whom so late Alonzo set me free;

Car. Disobey him,

Rather than come thus coldly, than come thus Leon. The victor comes. My lord, I must With absent eyes, and alienated mien,

withdraw. Suffering address, the victim of my love.

Car. And must you go? Oh, let me be undone the common way,

Leon. Why should you wish me stay? And have the common comfort to be pitied, Your friend's arrival will bring confort to you, And not be ruined in the mask of bliss,

My presence none; it pains you and myselt; And so be envied, and be wretched too! For both our sakes, permit ine to withdraw. Love calls for love. Not all the pride of beauty,

[Erit.
Those eyes that tell us what the sun is made ot, Car. Sure, there is no peril but in love. Oh,
Those lips, whose touch is to be bought with life, how
Those hills of driven snow, which seen are felt; My foes would boast to see me look so pale !
All these, possessed, are nought, but as they are

Enter Don ALONZO.
The proof, the substance of an inward passion,
And the rich plunder of a taken heart.

Car. Alonzo!
Leon. Alas, my lord, we are too delicate : Alon. Carlos! I am whole again;
And when we grasp the happiness we wished, Clasped in thy arms, it makes my heart entire.
We call on wit to argue it away:

Car. Whom dare I thus embrace? The conA plainer man would not feel half your pains:

queror But some have too much wisdom to be happy. Of Afric? Car. Had I known this before, it had been Alon. Yes, much more--Don Carlos' friend. well:

The conquest of the world would cost me dear, I had not then solicited your father

Should it beget one thought of distance in thee. To add to my distress; as you behave,

I rise in virtues to come nearer to thee, Your father's kindness stabs me to the heart. Id conquer with Don Carlos in my eye, Give me your hand-nay, give it, Leonora : And thus I claim my victory's reward. You give it not-nay, yet you give it not

[Embracing him. I ravish it.

Car. A victory indeed! your godlike arm Leon. I pray, my lord, no more.

Has made one spot the grave of Africa; Car. Ah, why so sad? You know each sigh Such numbers tell! and the survivors fled, does shake me :

As frighted passengers from off the strand, Sighs there, are tempests here.

When the tempestuous sea comes roaring on I have heard, bad men would be unblest in Hea- them.

Alon. ?Twas Carlos conquered, 'twas his cruel What is my guilt, that makes me so with you?

chains Have I not languished prostrate at thy feet? Inflamed me to a rage unknown before, Have I not lived whole days upon thy sight? And threw my former actions far behind. Hare I not seen thee where thou hast not been? Car. I love fair Leonora. How I love her! And, mad with the idea, clasped the wind, Yet still I find (I know not how it is) And doated upon nothing?

Another heart, another soul for thee. Leon. Court me not,

Thy friendship warms, it raises, it transports Good Carlos, by recounting of my faults, Like music, pure the joy, without allay, And telling how ungrateful I have been.

Whose very rapture is tranquillity : Alas, my lord, if talking would prevail,

But love, like wine, gives a tumultuous bliss, I could suggest much better arguments

Heightened, indeed, beyond ail mortal pleasures, Than those regards you threw away on me; But mingles pangs and madness in the bowl. Your valour, honour, wisdom, praised by all.

Enter ZANGA.
But bid physicians talk our veins to temper,
And with an argument new-set a pulse;

Zan. Manuel, my lord, returning from the Then think, my lord, of reasoning into love.

port, Car. Must I despair then? Do not shake me On business both of moment and of haste, thus :

Humbly begs leave to speak in private with you. My tempest-beaten heart is cold to death; Car. In private ! Ha! Alonzo, I will return; Ah, turn, and let me warm me in thy beauties! No business can detain me long from thee. (Exit. Heavens! what a proof I gave, but two nights Zan. My lord Alonzo, I obeyed your orders. past,

Alon. Will the fair Leonora pass this way? Of matchless love! To tling me at thy feet, Zun. She will, my lord, and soon. I slighted friendship, and I flew from fame, Alon. Come near me, Zanga; Nor heard the summons of the next day's battle: For I dare open all my heart to thee. But darting headlong to thy arins, I left Never was such a day of triuinph known! The promised fight, I left Alonzo too,

There's not a wounded captive in my train, To stand the war, and quell a world alone. That slowly followed my proud chariot wheels,

[Trumpets. With half a life, and beggary, and chains,

ven:

and now,

too !

But is a god to me: I am most wretched. Alonzo, stay; you must not thus escape me;
In his captivity thou know'st, Don Carlos, But hear your guilt at large.
My friend, (and never was a friend more dear) Alon. Oh, Leonora !
Deputed me his advocate in love,

What could I do! In duty to my friend,
To talk to Leonora's heart, and make

I saw you ; and to see is to admire. A tender party in her thoughts for him.

For Carlos did I plead, and most sincerely. What did I do? I loved myself. Indeed, Witness the thousand agonies it cost me! One thing there is might lessen my offence,

You know I did. I sought but your esteem; (If such offence admits of being lessened), If that is guilt, an angel had been guilty. I thought him dead; for (by what fate I know I often sighed, nay, wept, but could not help it: not)

And sure it is no crime to be in pain. His letters never reached me.

But grant my crime was great; I am greatly Zan. Thanks to Zanga,

cursed; Who thence contrived that evil which has hap- What would you more? Am I not most undone? pened.

(Aside. This usage is like stamping on the murdered, Alor: Yes, cursed of Heaven! I loved myself, When life is fled; most barbarous and unjust.

Leon. If from your guilt none suffered but In a late action, rescued from the Moors,

yourself, I have brought home my rival in my friend. It might be so- -Farewell.

[Going Zun. We hear, my lord, that in that action too, Alon. Who suffers with me? Your interposing arm preserved his life.

Leon. Enjoy your ignorance, and let me go. Alon. It did with more than the expence of Alon. Alas! what is there I can fear to know, mine;

Since I already know your hate? Your actions For, Oh, this day is mentioned for their nuptials. Have long since told me that. But see, she comes—I will take my leave, and Leon. They flattered you. die.

Alon. How ! flattered me! Zan. Hadst thou a thousand lives, thy death Leon. Oh, search in fate no farther! would please me.

I hate thee-Oh, Alonzo, how I hate thee! Unhappy fate! My country overcome !

Alon. Indeed! and do you weep for hatred My six years hope of vengeance quite expired ! Would nature were I will not fall alone : Oh, what a doubtful torment heaves my heart! But others' groans shall tell the world my death. I hope it most, and yet I dread it more.

[Aside, and exit. Should it be so—should her tears flow from

thence, Enter LEONORA.

How would my soul blaze up in ecstacy! Alon. Wheu nature ends with anguish like to Ah no! how sink into the depth of horrors ! this,

Leon. Why would you force my stay?
Sinners shall take their last leave of the sun, Alon. What mean these tears?
And bid his light adieu.

Leon. I weep by chance; nor have my tears Leon. The mighty conqueror

a meaning. Disınaved! I thought you gave the for your sor

But Oh! when tirst I saw Alonzo's tears,

I knew their meaning well ! Alon. Oh, cruel insult! Are those tears your [Alon. fulls passionately on his knees, and sport,

takes her hand. Which nothing but a love for you could draw? Alon. Heavens! what is this? That excel Afric I quelled, in hope by that to purchase

lence, for which Your leave to sigh unscorned; but I complain Desire was planted in the heart of man ; not;

Virtue's supreme reward on this side Ileaven; 'Twas but a world, and you are-Leonora. The cordial of my soul-and this destroys meLeon. That passion, which you boast of, is your Indeed, I flattered me that thou didst hate. guilt,

Leon. Alonzo, pardon me the injury A treason to your friend. You think mcan of me, Of loving you. I struggled with my passion, To plead your crimes as motives of my love. And struggled long: let that be some excuse. Alon. You, madam, ought to thank those Alon. Unkind, you know I think your love a crimes you blame;

blessing 'Tis they permit you to be thus inhuman, Beyond all human blessings ! 'tis the price Without the censure both of earth and heaven-|Of sigh and groans, and a whole year of dying. I fondly thought a last look might be kind. But Oh! the curse of curses ?

-Oh, my Farewell for ever. This severe behaviour

friend !Has, to my comfort, made it sweet to die.

Leon. Alas! Leon. Farewell for ever! Sweet to die! Oh, Alon. What says my love? Speak, Leonora. Heaven !

[ Aside Leon. Was it for you, my lord, to be so quick

that way;

In finding out objections to our love?

Alas, I see him pale! I hear him groan! Think you so strong my love, or weak my virtue, He foams, he tears his hair, he raves, he bleeds, It was unsafe to leave that part to me?

(I know himn by myself) he dies distracted ! Alon. Is not the day, then, fixed for your es- Leon. How dreadful to be cut from what we pousals?

love! Leon. Indeed, my father once had thoughts Alon. Ah, speak no more !

Leon. And tied to what we hate !
But, marking how the marriage pained my Alon. Oh!
heart,

Leon. Is it possible?
Long he stood doubtful; but at last resolved, Alon. Death!
Your counsel, which determines him in all, Leon. Can you ?
Should finish the debate.

Alon. Oh-
Alon. Oh, agony !

Yes, take a limb; but let my virtue 'scape. Must I not only lose her, but be made

Alas, my soul, this moinent İ die for thee! Myself the instrument ? Not only die,

[Breaks away. But plunge the dagger in my heart myself? Leon. And are you perjured then for virtue's This is retining on calamity.

sake? Leon. What! do you tremble lest you should Ilow often have you sworn but go, for ever. be mine?

(Swoons. For what else can you tremble? Not for that Alon. Heart of my heart, and essence of my Bly father places in your power to alter.

joy! Alon. What's in my power? Oh, yes; to Where art thou !-Oh, I'm thine, and thine for stab my friend!

ever! Leon. To stab your friend were barbarous in- The groans of friendship shall be heard no more. deed!

For whatsoever crime I can commit, Spare him—and murder me. I own, Alonzo, I've felt the pains already. You well may wonder at such words as these. Leon. Hold, Alonzo, I start at them myself; they fright my nature. And hear a maid whom doubly thou hast conGreat is my fault; but blame me not alone :

quered. Give him a little blame who took such pains I love thy virtue as I love thy person, To make me guilty.

And I adore thee for the pains it gave me; Alon. Torment! (After a pause, Leon. speaks. But as I felt the pains, I'll reap the fruit; Leon. Oh, my shame!

I'll shine out in my turn, and shew the world I sue, and sue in vain : it is most just,

Thy great example was not lost upon me.
When women sue, they sue to be denied. Be it enough that I have once been guilty;
You hate me, you despise me! you do well; In sight of such a pattern, to persist,
For what I've done I hate and scorn myself. Ill suits a person honoured with your love.
Oh, night, fall on me! I shall blush to death. My other titles to that bliss are weak;
Alon. First perish all!

I must deserve it by refusing it.
Leon. Say, what have you resolved?

Thus then I tear me from thy hopes for ever. My father comes; what answer will you give Shall I contribute to Alonzo's crimes ? him?

No, though the life-blood gushes from my heart. Alon. What answer ! let me look upon that you shall not be ashamed of Leonora ; face,

Or that late time may put our names together. And read it there.- Devote thee to another ! Nay, never shrink; take back the bright example Not to be borne ! a second look undoes me. You lately lent; Oh, take it while you may,

Leon. And why undo you? Is it then, my lord, While I can give it you, and be iminortal! So terrible to yield to your own wishes,

Erit. Because they happen to concur with mine? Alon. She's gone, and I shall see that face no Cruel! to take such pains to win a heart,

more; Which you was conscious you must break with But pine in absence, and till death adore. parting.

When with cold dew my fainting brow is hung, Alon. No, Leonora, I am thine for ever, And iny eyes darken, from my faultering tongue

[Runs and embraces her. Her name will tremble with a feeble moan, In spite of Carlos--IIa! who's that? My friend? And love with fate divide my dying groan. Starts wide from her.

[Erit. Vol. I.

SE