Velasco/Act II

by Epes Sargent

ACT II

SCENE I

Before the Royal Palace

( Enter Favillo and Carlos. )

Favillo

Cease flouting, boy; 'tis not for thee to laugh---and yet, I know not why thou shouldst be stinted. 'Twas a most rare, unlook'd for counterplot. Ha, ha! poor Don Hernando!

Carlos

Santiago! Were I so ousted from my lady's favour, though by the fiercest knight in Christendom, I'd brain him---'sdeath! I'd teach him the passado. (Laughing)

Look there! he comes---the flower of chivalry! Hernando, with the man that's not his father.

Favillo

Be quiet, Carlos. Show some reverence.

( Enter Gonzalez and Hernando )

Give you good morrow, gentlemen. Gonzalez! Commend me to your daughter. Is she well?

Gonzalez

I left her so, Favillo.

Carlos

May I ask, my lord, without presumption, when her nuptials are likely to take place?

Gonzalez

The king has ordered their celebration the next holyday.

Carlos

So soon! ah! happy bridegroom! beauteous bride!

Favillo

My lord, I give you joy of the alliance, walk you in the direction of the palace?

Gonzalez

The opposite, Favillo.

Favillo

Fare you well.

( Carlos is about to say something to Hernando. Favillo draws him away and exit with him. )

Gonzalez

Hernando, thou hast set me an example of meek forbearance, I should strive to follow: Like thee, I'll make a virtue of compulsion.

Hernando

It is the part of wisdom.

Gonzalez

By our lady, you take it coolly, sir. Now, for myself, had I been so discarded in behalf of a more favour'd suitor, my resentment had burst in flames around him---my revenge---

Hernando

Revenge! Ha, ha! revenge!

Gonzalez

It rouses thee?

Hernando

Oh no! you see, I laugh at it, my lord. There's no revenge can find a harbour here.

Gonzalez

I do believe thee, kinsman; thou art bless'd in a forgiving and an equal temper: And when I see with what philosophy this loss is borne by thee, I am disarm'd of half of my objections to the choice my daughter made. Farewell. Go, till the ground; get thee a shepherd's crook; and, prithee, pardon the rustic who may rob thee of thy Phyllis.

[ Exit.

Hernando

Scoff on, my lord, while yet thou hast the breath. Short-sighted fool! He thinks, because I rave not, clenching my hands or smiting my hot brow, that the barb does not rankle. True revenge is patient as the watchful alchymist, sagacious as the blood-hound on the scent, secret as death!

( Enter Mendoza. )

Mendoza? From the palace?

Mendoza

Ay, from the palace; where dispute runs high upon De Lerma's counsel to the king, touching the Pope's new mandate.

Hernando

Am I right? De Lerma spurn'd the mandate?

Mendoza

And Gonzalez, 'Tis said, is for submission to the Pope.

Hernando

Mendoza! we can trust not to Gonzalez for farther opposition to these nuptials: We're thrown upon ourselves.

Mendoza

What's to be done?

Hernando

'Tis forming in my brain---the embryo vengeance! Mis-shapen yet it lies and indistinct, but fast matures---and now the mist scales off from its appalling lineaments; and there reveal'd it stands, an invocated fiend! Folly! Come on, Mendoza. Thou shalt know.

[ Exeunt.

SCENE II

An apartment in the mansion of Gonzalez

( Enter Julio, dressed as for a journey; followed by a Servant. )

Julio

Let the train move on by the eastern road. I will o'ertake them before many leagues are placed between us.

[ Exit Servant.

Why do I delay? What means this dark presentiment of ill?

( Enter Gonzalez. )

Gonzalez

Not yet upon the road! I thought thee gone. Why dost thou tarry? Art not all equipp'd! Thy steeds caparison'd? Attendants ready?

Julio

Ay, father; and the morning shines propitious. But there's a boding raven at my heart. What says Hernando?

Gonzalez

Out upon him, Julio! He is submissive as a priest-led lamb.

Julio

'Tis that submissiveness which makes me fear him.

Gonzalez

Fear him! He is an inoffensive craven!

Julio

There's mischief in his looks.

Gonzalez

Be sure then, Julio, it will not venture farther than his looks.

Julio

I know not that: disguised beneath a smile, it may be bold enough to play th' assassin.

Gonzalez

Nay; its own shadow would affright it so, it would recoil and leave the work undone.

Julio

Well; have a care. And now, before we part, one word of Izidora. You dispute not the choice her own heart and the king have made? Velasco, sir, is brave?

Gonzalez

Ay; he has proved it.

Julio

His father, too, though war-worn and in years, has been the pattern of a Christian knight.

Gonzalez

There is no Christian reverence in his heart! This very moment, Julio, he disputes the sovereignty the German emperor claims over Castile---a claim, the Pope admits! De Lerma yet withstands the will of Rome, derides its menace and defies its thunder.

Julio

Impiety! and yet we must forego all controverted points with him, my father; since this alliance, be't for good or ill, between our houses has been ratified, for our own honour's sake and Izidora's, no provocation must revive the feud.

Gonzalez

Whom wouldst thou caution, sir?

Julio

Nay; be not anger'd. I spake with all humility, my lord.

Gonzalez

Well, Julio; do not fear but I have reach'd years of discretion. Duty calls me forth. Farewell! my blessing speed thee on thy journey.

[ Exit.

Julio

Stay, father! Gone! Should we ne'er meet again! I fear his sudden and remorseless temper! And Izidora---when I parted from her, why did that sickening premonition start into my brain, and weigh on me, as if some inner, finer sense had felt the pang of a sharp agony which was to come. She seem'd too happy---a delighted thing, just on the margent of life's sunny stream! She comes.

( Enter Izidora. )

You see I'm yet a loiterer.

Izidora

'Tis well thou art; for I would ask thee, Julio, why, when we parted, thou didst seem so sad? Thy last farewell was utter'd in such tones, as breaking heart-strings might have given forth. 'Twas not the common grief of parting, Julio; for hitherto, when at the trumpet's call, thou hast gone forth to battle, in thine eyes, a sunny hope has danced; but now a tear breaks from its rayless gloom. What means it, brother?

Julio

Alas! I never yet have parted from thee with the sad thought, that ere we met again thou wouldst be all another's---never more the gay, free-hearted, fond, and careless girl, whose laugh in bower and hall was sweetest music. Is not the thought well worth a casual tear?

Izidora

Why should I be less happy or less fond? The influences of all outward things---the sky, the sunshine, and the vernal earth, beauty and song---will they not be the same? Ah! there are spirits in this fretful world which grow not old and change not with the seasons.

Julio

Oh! let not that assure thee. Time, my sister, is not content with marring outward charms; his deepening furrows reach the spirit's core. They spoil the soul of many an airy grace---hope's gilded temples sink beneath his touch; joy's buds of promise wither at his frown!

Izidora

Now, out upon this sullen humour, brother! Have done, or I, in sooth, shall wish thee gone---ah no! not gone! but I would have thee glad, even though from me thou goest far away.

Julio(Regarding her steadfastly)

I see it now---now, in that earnest smile---now, in the pallor of that tranquil brow---the doom, the curse! Heaven shield thee, Izidora! Farewell! farewell!

[ Rushes out.

Izidora

Oh! do not leave me thus, Julio! 'Tis very strange. He made me tremble; and, as his eyes glared on me, they appear'd lit with the conscious fire of prophecy.

( Enter Velasco. )

Didst see my brother? Is he gone, Velasco?

Velasco

Impetuous in his haste, he has departed. He sprang into his saddle---waved his hand in token of farewell; then at full speed, follow'd his train along the winding road. You parted kindly?

Izidora

He was strangely moved; wherefore I know not.

Velasco

He has left thee sad.

Izidora

And full of wonder. What could be the cause of such a sudden frenzy? He would stay---poor Julio! he would stay to see our nuptials: That must have been his motive.

Velasco

Thinkst thou so? Our nuptials, Izidora! Oh! speed on. Ye lagging hours that would defer their date!

Izidora

Dost thou not recollect, when first we knew the well-kept secret of each other's heart, I shudder'd at the frowning obstacles, which intervened between our sever'd fates? What doubts and fears and anxious fantasies clouded our sky, Velasco? Now, a breath has clear'd Hope's blue horizon; and we see nor rock nor quicksand, which can threaten wreck. Ah! will the prize so lightly won be prized?

Velasco

Above all earthly treasures! for to me, thou'rt the fulfilment of the brightest dreams of young romance---the goal on which my hopes fall down and rest. But we must part awhile. I go to seek my father.

Izidora

Dost remember,---a favourite haunt with us in former days,---a spot, the peasants call, King Roderick's glen? I shall be there by twilight.

Velasco

Not alone! There from all sides shall start bright recollections, and Hope shall catch new lustre from the past.

Izidora

The present! Oh! the present! 'Tis so bright, mem'ry can lend no radiance from the Past, hope can reflect no glory from the Future!

[ Exeunt.

SCENE III

A street in Burgos

( Enter Gonzalez and Hernando. )

Gonzalez

Nay; do not fret me with ambiguous hints, we spake of old De Lerma; and you said, it was the dotard's privilege to slander.---to slander whom? the king? yourself? myself? You signify no negative to that. What is't, Hernando? Speak with more direction.

Hernando

My lord, you must forgive me. Press me not to more disclosures---for my peace and thine.

Gonzalez

Well, well; 'twere better that it should not be. De Lerma and myself must soon be fathers to the same children.

Hernando

That shall curb my speech. Let base Detraction slur thy honour'd name; can I regard thee as less brave or loyal, though others prate of cowardice and treason!

Gonzalez

Those words were never coupled with my name?

Hernando

It happen'd thus: Dispute was running high upon the German Emperor's new pretensions; some did admit them; but De Lerma cried: "If Henry claim dominion o'er Castile, let him prove good his title by the sword! And cursed be the cravens and the traitors, who would submit to such a vassalage!" "There are good men and true," was my reply, "Who favour his pretensions."---"No, not one!"--- "What sayst thou to Gonzalez?"

Gonzalez

Ah! what then? He did not dare---

Hernando

Ay, kinsman; he did dare to stigmatize thee as a craven traitor.

Gonzalez

Hernando! if thou play'st me false, thy life shall be an immolation to my fury!

[ Seizes him and looks intently in his face.

Hernando

I can bring proofs, my lord. Nay; is this courteous? Well: gives my face the lie to my assertion?

Gonzalez

How couldst thou dare, even in repetition, to breathe those words of me?

Hernando

My lord, forbear. 'Twas zeal for thine own honour made me bold.

Gonzalez

Zeal for mine honour! Venom of thy soul!

Hernando

Hold! if thou dost not shrink from actual proof, here comes De Lerma; charge it home on him. If he deny it, spurn me as thou wilt.

Gonzalez

Leave me.

Hernando (aside)

The spark has caught! it kindles fast: The conflagration blood alone can quench!

[ Exit.

Gonzalez

Should it prove true! He comes! I must keep down these throes of passion.

(De Lerma enters, and is crossing)

Sir! a word with you.

De Lerma

I am a listener---an impatient one---'twere best that this encounter should be brief.

Gonzalez

This haughtiness! My lord, the king, 'tis said, refuses to admit the Emperor's claim.

De Lerma

Thank heaven the king's no recreant, no coward, but a Castilian, heart and hand, my lord: Would I might say the same of all his subjects.

Gonzalez

Throw'st thou the taunt on me?

De Lerma

Wherefore this rage, if thou art innocent?

Gonzalez

De Lerma! Dotard!

( Half unsheaths his sword, but instantly dashes it into the scabbard. )

No, no! thou'rt old and feeble; and our children---Oh! do not tamper with my desperation!

( In a sudden burst of passion. )

Retract what thou hast said!

De Lerma

Not, while the proofs appear even now in all thy looks and actions.

Gonzalez

'Tis false! Thou urgest me to frenzy---thus!

( Strikes him. )

It will find vent!

De Lerma

A blow! dishonour'd! struck!

( Draws. )

Defend thyself, ere I commit a murder.

Gonzalez

With thee I'll not contend: thy arm is nerveless. The odds are too unequal.

De Lerma

Then I rush upon thee as thou art.

( As De Lerma rushes upon him, Gonzalez wrests away his sword, and throws it upon the ground. )

Gonzalez

I spare thy life.

De Lerma

Oh! spare it not, if mercy thou wouldst show. Thou givest me back only what thou hast made a misery, a burthen, a disgrace! It is a gift, for which I cannot thank thee.

Gonzalez

Keep it, my lord: and let this lesson teach, what thy gray hairs have fail'd to bring thee---prudence.

[ Exit.

De Lerma (taking up his sword)

Thou treacherous steel! art thou the same, alas! Of yore so crimson'd in the Moorish wars? Methinks there should have been a soul in thee, the soul of victories and great achievements, to form a living instrument of vengeance, and, in the weakness of thy master's arm, to leap spontaneous to his honour's rescue. Go! 'tis a mockery to wear thee now.

[ Throws down his sword.

Struck like a menial! buffeted! degraded! And baffled in my impotent attack! Oh Fate! Oh Time! Why, when ye took away from this right arm its cunning and its strength. Its power to shield from wrong, or to redress, did ye not pluck from out this swelling heart its torturing sense of insult and of shame? I am sunk lower than the lowest wretch! Oh! that the earth might hide me! that I might sink fathoms deep beneath its peaceful breast!

[ Retires up the stage and leans against a pillar.

( Enter Velasco. )

Velasco

The peerless Izidora! how my thoughts, swept by the grateful memory of her love, still bend to her like flowers before the breeze! They paint her image on vacuity---they make the air melodious with her voice! And she---the idol of my boyhood's dreams---is now mine own betroth'd! Benignant heavens! The gulf is pass'd, which threaten'd to divide us, and the broad Future unobscured expands!

De Lerma (advancing)

Oh! be thy vauntings hush'd!

Velasco

My father here! There is distraction in thy haggard looks. Thou art not well. Let me support thee hence.

De Lerma

It is no corporal ill! Art thou my son?

Velasco

My father!

De Lerma

In thy feeble childhood, who sustain'd thee, rear'd thee, and protected thee?

Velasco

It was thyself.

De Lerma

And, in thy forward youth, who plumed thy soul for glory's arduous flight? Instructed thee, till in thy martial fame thou didst eclipse thy master?

Velasco Thou alone! And in thy waning age, this arm shall be thy shield and thy support?

De Lerma

Thou art my son! Velasco! from a haughty ancestry we claim descent: whose glory it has been that never one of their illustrious line was tainted with dishonour. Yesterday that boast was true---it is no longer true!

Velasco

No longer true! Who of our race, my lord, has proved unworthy of the name he bears?

De Lerma

I am that wretch.

Velasco

Thou! father!

De Lerma

Ay. I thought thou wouldst shrink from me as a thing accursed! 'Tis right---I taught thee---Thou but mind'st my dictates---but do not curse me; for there was a time, when I had fell'd him lifeless at my feet! The will was strong, although the nerveless arm dropp'd palsied to my side.

Velasco

My father! speak! Explain this mystery.

De Lerma

I have been struck; degraded by a vile and brutal blow! Oh! thou art silent. Thou wilt not despise me?

Velasco

Who was the rash aggressor? He shall die! Nay, 'twas some serf---there's not the gentleman in all Castile would lay an unkind hand upon thy feebleness. Then, do not think thyself disgraced, my honourable father, more than if smitten by a lion's claw, a horse's hoof---the falling of a rafter! Know'st thou th' offender's name?

De Lerma

Alas! no serf, no man of low degree has done this deed---the aggressor is our equal.

Velasco

Say'st thou so? Then, by my sacred honour, he shall die!

De Lerma

Thou wilt hold true to that?

Velasco

Have I not said? Were it the king himself, who dared profane a single hair upon thy reverend brow, I would assail him on his guarded throne, and with his life-blood stain the marble floor!

De Lerma

Thou noble scion of a blighted stock! I yet am strong in thee. Thou shalt avenge this ignominious wrong.

Velasco

Who did it? Speak?

De Lerma

Gonzalez did it.

Velasco

No, no, no! the air in fiendish mockery syllabled that name. It was a dreadful fantasy! My lord---

De Lerma

Pedro Gonzalez.

Velasco

Izidora's father!

De Lerma

Oh! thou hast other ties. I did forget. Go. Thou'rt released.

Velasco

There must be expiation! Oh! I am very wretched! But fear not. There shall be satisfaction or atonement!

De Lerma

Thou say'st it. To thy trust I yield mine honour.

[ Exit.

Velasco

While the proud bird soar'd to the noonday sun, the shaft was sped that dash'd him to the earth! 'Twas wing'd by Fate! 'Tis here! I cannot shrink from the appalling sense that it is real! This throbbing brain, this sick and riven heart, these shudders, that convulse my very soul, confirm the dreadful truth. But oh! to think of all the wretchedness 'twill bring on her, her, whose glad tones and joy-bestowing beauty seem'd doubly glad and beautiful to-day; whose little plans of happiness---Great Heavens! It will affright her reason---drive her mad! It must not be! And yet, my father wrong'd, insulted by a blow---the proud old man, who fourscore years has kept his fame unblurr'd, now to be so disgraced, and no redress! My honour calls! It drowns all other cries! Love's shrieking wo, and Mercy's pleading voice! Thus, thus! I cast them off---poor suppliants! And now, Gonzalez! for revenge and thee!

[ Exit.