I promised her, not him; and if she'll That you were killed in the forest; and let me, then Laska Would have no right to rail at me, nor say Glycine. Yes, I do, Bethlen; for he (Yes, the base man, he says,) that I-I the Stage, using threatening With my own fancies, starting up like gestures to GLYCINE. Glycine. Oh, heed not him! I saw you pressing onward, And did but feign alarm. youth, It is your life they seek! Glycine. Lady Sarolta even— omens, That I feel like one, who waking from a dream Dear gallant Both asks and answers wildly. - But My life? Alas, She does not know me! Glycine. Oh that she did! she could not then have spoken With such stern countenance. though she spurn me, I will kneel, Bethlen But pent! That of like fates, though all unknown to each, Glycine. Ah, often have I wished you Dost make blind instincts, orphan's hear You would protect the helpless every Drawing by dim disquiet! And now it can not harm him if I tell And like a flower that coils forth from a ruin, I feel and seek the light I can not see! Sarolta. Thou see'st yon dim spot on the mountain's ridge, But what it is thou know'st not. Even such Is all I know of thee-haply, brave youth, Is all Fate makes it safe for thee to know! 330 Bethlen. Safe? Safe? O let me then inherit danger, And it shall be my birth-right! Sarolta (aside). That look again!The wood which first incloses, and then skirts The highest track that leads across the mountains Thou know'st it, Bethlen? Bethlen. Lady, 'twas my wont To roam there in my childhood oft alone And mutter to myself the name of father. For still Bathory (why, till now I guessed not) Would never hear it from my lips, but sighing Gazed upward. Yet of late an idle Can reach thy heart, receive a poor man's terror 340 troth, Glycine. Madam, that wood is haunted That at my life's risk I will save thy Bethlen. An infant's weakness doth And it will find a mirror in the waters, relax my frame. I would that you could weep like me! Gaze so upon the air! Sarolta (continuing the story). While he was absent, A friendly troop, 'tis certain, scoured the wood, Hotly pursued indeed by Emerick. Bethlen. Oh Hell! Emerick. Glycine (to silence him). Bethlen! But some hot tears that sting mine eyes? That if not breathed would swell my Bethlen. Hist! I'll curse him in a May heaven and thine own virtues, high This gracious lady must hear blessings Be as a shield of fire, far, far aloof Nor those strong eagle wings, which made swift way To that appointed place, which I must seek: Or else she were my mother! Sarolta. Offerings of expiation for misdeeds Thy foster-father hid the secret from For he perceived thy thoughts as they expanded, Proud, restless, and ill-sorting with thy state! To scare all evil from thee! Yet, if fate Hath destined thee one doubtful hour of danger, From the uttermost region of the earth, methinks, A mother's ear, lisping a mother's name! Vain was his care! Thou'st made thy- O, at how dear a price have I been self suspected no proof 410 E'en where Suspicion reigns, and asks loved And no love could return! One boon then, lady! But its own fears! Great Nature hath Where'er thou bid'st, I go thy faithful endowed thee With her best gifts! shalt receive soldier, 440 From me thou But first must trace the spot, where she lay bleeding Who gave me life. No more shall beast of ravine Affront with baser spoil that sacred forest! Or if avengers more than human haunt there, Glycine. Still louder! Take they what shape they list, savage or heavenly, my heart's blood Haste we hence! They shall make answer to me, though For I believe in part thy tale of terror ! But, trust me, 'tis the inner man transformed : Should be the spell to bind them. 472 And stop him! Mangled limbs do there| And you excuse lie scattered Till the lured eagle bears them to her nest. And voices have been heard! And there the plant grows That being eaten gives the inhuman wizard Power to put on the fell Hyæna's shape. Sarolta. What idle tongue hath bewitched thee, Glycine? name? Laska. [Then to LASKA. me-what's your Whatever Your majesty may please. Emerick. Nay, that's too late, man. Say, what thy mother and thy godfather Were pleased to call thee. Laska. Laska, my liege sovereign. I hoped that thou had'st learnt a nobler Lord Casimir's steward? faith. Three days past A courier from the king did cross that wood; A wilful man, that armed himself on purpose: And never hath been heard of from that time! [Sound of horns without. Sarolta. Hark! dost thou hear it? Glycine. 'Tis the sound of horns! Our huntsmen are not out! Sarolta. Would not come thus! Greet fair Sarolta from me, and entreat her Lord Casimir To be our gentle hostess. Mark, you [Horns again. | |
