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King Arthur: or, The British worthy

KING ARTHUR: OR, THE BRITISH WORTHY

A dramatic opera.

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Libretto by John DRYDEN.
Music by Henry PURCELL.

First performance: May 1691, London.


Dramatis Personae:

Men

King ARTHUR

other

OSWALD king of Kent, a Saxon and a heathen

other

CONON duke of Cornwall, tributary to king Arthur

other

MERLIN a famous inchanter

other

OSMOND a Saxon magician and a heathen

other

AURELIUS friend to Arthur

other

ALBANACT captain of Arthur's guards

other

GUILLAMAR friend of Oswald

other

Women

EMMELINE daughter of Conon

other

MATILDA her attendant

other

Deities, Spirits, etc. etc.

AEOLUS

bass

HONOUR

soprano

VENUS

soprano

PHILIDEL an aery spirit

soprano

GRIMBALD an earthy spirit

bass

CUPID

soprano

COLD GENIUS

bass

COMUS

bass

PAN

bass

NEREID

soprano


Officers and Soldiers, Singers and Dancers, Airy spirits, Priests, Two syrens, Shepherds, Nymphs, Peasants, He (bass), She (soprano).

In Kent.

To the marquis of Hallifax

My lord,

this poem was the last piece of service which I had the honour to do for my gracious master king Charles the second; and though he lived not to see the performance of it on the stage, yet the Prologue to it, which was the opera of Albion and Albanius, was often practised before him at Whitehall, and encouraged by his royal approbation. It was, indeed, a time which was proper for triumph, when he had overcome all those difficulties which for some years had perplexed his peaceful reign: but when he had just restored his people to their senses, and made the latter end of his government of a piece with the happy beginning of it, he was on the sudden snatched away from the blessings and acclamations of his subjects, who arrived so late to the knowledge of him that they had but just time enough to desire himlonger before they were to part with himfor ever. Peace be with the ashes of so good a king! Let his human frailties be forgotten, and his clemency and moderation (the inherent virtues of his family) be remembered with a grateful veneration by three kingdoms, through which he spread the blessings of them: and as your lordship held a principal place in his esteem, and perhaps the first in his affection, during his latter troubles, the success which accompanied those prudent counsels cannot but reflect an honour on those few who managed them, and wrought out by their faithfulness and diligence the public safety. I might dilate on the difficulties which attended that undertaking, - the temper of the people, the power, arts and interest of the contrary party; but those are all of them invidious topics; they are too green in our remembrance; and he who touches on them, incedit per ignes suppositos cineri doloso. But without reproaching one side to praise another, I may justly recommend to both those wholesome counsels, which, wisely administered and as well executed, were themeans of preventing a civil war and of extinguishing a growing fire which was just ready to have broken forth among us. So many wives who have yet their husbands in their arms, so many parents who have not the number of their children lessened, so many villages, towns and cities whose inhabitants are not decreased, their property violated, or their wealth diminished, are yet owing to the sober conduct and happy results of your advice. If a true account may be expected by future ages from the present, your lordship will be delivered over to posterity in a fairer character than I have given, and be read, not in the preface of a play (whose author is not vain enough to promise immortality to others or to hope it for himself), but in many pages of a chronicle filled with praises of your administration. For if writers be just to the memory of king Charles the second, they cannot deny him to have been an exact knower of mankind, and a perfect distinguisher of their talents. It is true his necessities often forced him to vary his counsellors and counsels, and sometimes to employ such persons in themanagement of his affairs who were rather fit for his present purpose than satisfactory to his judgement; but where it was choice in him, not compulsion, he was master of too much good sense to delight in heavy conversation, and whatever his favourites of state might be, yet those of his affection were men of wit. He was easy with these, and complied only with the former. But in the latter part of his life, which certainly required to be most cautiously managed, his secret thoughts were communicated but to few; and those selected of that sort who were amici omnium horarum, able to advise him in a serious consult where his honour and safety were concerned, and afterwards capable of entertaining him with pleasant discourse as well as profitable. In this maturest part of his age, when he had been long seasoned with difficulties and dangers and was grown to a niceness in his choice, as being satisfied how few could be trusted, and of those who could be trusted how few could serve him, he confined himself to a small number of bosom friends, amongst whom the world is much mistaken if your lordship was not first.

If the rewards which you received for those services were only honours, it rather showed the necessities of the times than any want of kindness in your royal master; and as the splendour of your fortune stood not in need of being supported by the crown, so likewise in being satisfied without other recompense you showed yourself to be above amercenary interest, and strengthened that power which bestowed those titles on you, which, truly speaking, were marks of acknowledgement more than favour.

But as a skilful pilot will not be tempted out to sea in suspected weather, so have you wisely chosen to withdraw yourself from public business when the face of heaven grew troubled and the frequent shifting of the winds fore-showed a storm. There are times and seasons when the best patriots are willing to withdraw their hands from the Commonwealth, as Phocion in his latter days was observed to decline the management of affairs; or as Cicero (to draw the similitude more home) left the pulpit for Tusculum, and the praise of oratory for the sweet enjoyments of a private life, and, in the happiness of those retirements, has more obliged posterity by his moral precepts than he did the republic in quelling the conspiracy of Catiline. What prudent man would not rather follow the example of his retreat, than stay, like Cato, with a stubborn unseasonable virtue to oppose the torrent of the people, and at last be driven from the market-place by a riot of a multitude incapable of counsel and deaf to eloquence? There is, likewise, a portion of our lives which every wise man may justly reserve to his own peculiar use, and that without defrauding his native country. A Roman soldier was allowed to plead the merit of his services for his dismission at such an age; and there was but one exception to that rule, which was an invasion from the Gauls. How far that may work with your lordship I am not certain, but I hope it is not coming to the trial.

In the mean time, while the nation is secured from foreign attempts by so powerful a fleet, and we enjoy not only the happiness but even the ornaments of peace in the divertisement of the town, I humbly offer you this trifle, which, if it succeed upon the stage, is like to be the chiefest entertainment of our ladies and gentlemen this summer. When I wrote it, seven years ago, I employed some reading about it, to inform myself out of Beda, Bochartus and other authors, concerning the rites and customs of the heathen Saxons, as I also used the little skill I have in poetry to adorn it. But not to offend the present times nor a government which has hitherto protected me, I have been obliged so much to alter the first design, and take away so many beauties from the writing, that it is now no more what it was formerly, than the present ship of the royal sovereign, after so often taking down and altering, is the vessel it was at the first building. There is nothing better than what I intended but the musick, which has since arrived to a greater perfection in England than ever formerly, especially passing through the artful hands of mr. Purcel, who has composed it with so great a genius that he has nothing to fear but an ignorant, ill-judging audience. But the numbers of poetry and vocal musick are sometimes so contrary, that in many places I have been obliged to cramp my verses, and make them rugged to the reader that they may be harmonious to the hearer, of which I have no reason to repent me, because these sorts of entertainments are principally designed for the ear and eye, and therefore, in reason, my art on this occasion ought to be subservient to his; and besides, I flatter myself with an imagination, that a judicious audience will easily distinguish betwixt the songs wherein I have complied with him, and those in which I have followed the rules of poetry in the sound and cadence of the words. Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, there is somewhat still remaining of the first spirit with which I wrote it; and though I can only speak by guess of what pleased my first and best patroness, the duchess of Monmouth, in the reading, yet I will venture my opinion, by the knowledge I have long had of her grace's excellent judgement and true taste of poetry, that the parts of the airy and earthy spirits, and that fairy kind of writing which depends only upon the force of imagination, where the grounds of her liking the poem and afterwards of her recommending it to the queen. I have likewise had the satisfaction to hear that her majesty has graciously been pleased to peruse the manuscript of this opera, and given it her royal approbation. Poets, who subsist not but on the favour of sovereign princes and of great persons, may have leave to be a little vain, and boast of their patronage who encourage the genius that animates them. And therefore I will again presume to guess, that her majesty was not displeased to find in this poem the praises of her native country, and the heroic actions of so famous a predecessor in the government of Great Britain as King Arthur.

All this, my lord, I must confess, looks with a kind of insinuation that I present you with somewhat not unworthy your protection; but I may easily mistake the favour of her majesty for her judgement: I think I cannot be deceived in thus addressing to your lordship, whom I have had the honour to know, at that distance which becomes me, for so many years. It is true that formerly I have shadowed some part of your virtues under another name; but the character, though short and imperfect, was so true, that it broke through the fable and was discovered by its native light. What I pretend by this dedication is, an honour which I do myself to posterity, by acquainting them that I have been conversant with the first persons of the age in which I lived, and thereby perpetuatemy prose whenmy verses may possibly be forgotten or obscured by the fame of future poets; which ambition, amongst my other faults and imperfections, be pleased to pardon in,

my lord,

your lordship's most obedient servant,

John Dryden

Prologue to the opera spoken by mr. Betterton

Sure there’s a dearth of wit in this dull town,

when silly plays so savourily go down;

as, when clipp’d money passes, ’tis a sign

a nation is not over-stock’d with coin.

Happy is he, who in his own defence,

can write just level to your humble sence;

who higher than your pitch can never go;

and doubtless, he must creep, who writes below.

So have I seen in hall of knight or lord

a weak arm throw on a long shovel-board;

he barely lays his piece, bar rubs and knocks,

secur’d by weakness not to reach the box.

A feeble poet will his bus’ness do,

who, straining all he can, comes up to you:

for, if you like your Selves, you like him too.

An ape his own dear image will embrace;

an ugly beau adores a hatchet face:

so, some of you, on pure instinct of nature,

are led, by kind, t’ admire your fellow creature.

In fear of which, our house has sent this day,

t’ insure our new-built-Vessel, call’d a play;

no sooner nam’d, than one crys out, these stagers

come in good time, to make more work for wagers.

the town divides, if it will take or no;

the courtiers bet, the cits, the merchants too;

a sign they have but little else to do.

Betts at the first were fool-traps; where the wise

like spiders, lay in ambush for the flies;

but now they’re grown a common trade for all,

and actions by the news-book rise and fall;

wits, cheats, and fops are free of wager-hall.

One policy as far as Lyons carries;

another, nearer home sets up for Paris.

Our betts, at last, wou’d ev’n to Rome extend,

but that the pope has proved our trusty friend.

Indeed, it were a bargain, worth our money,

cou’d we insure another Ottobuoni.

Among the rest there are a sharping sett,

that pray for us, and yet against us bett:

sure heav’n it self is at a loss to know

if these wou’d have their pray’rs be heard, or no:

for, in great stakes, we piously suppose,

men pray but very faintly they may lose.

Leave off these wagers; for, in conscience speaking,

the city needs not your new tricks for breaking:

and if you gallants lose, to all appearing

you’ll want an equipage for volunteering;

while thus, no spark of honour left within ye,

when you shou’d draw the sword, you draw the Guinea.

Act the first

[N. 1 - Overture]

[N. 2 - Air]

[N. 3 - Overture]

Scene the first

Represents a gothic temple, being a place of heathen worship; the three Saxon gods, Woden, Thor, and Freya, placed on pedestals.
Enter Oswald and Osmond.

OSMOND

'Tis time to hasten our mysterious rites;

because your army waits you.

OSWALD

(making three bows before the three images)

Thor, Freya, Woden, all ye Saxon powers,

hear, and revenge my father Hengist's death.

OSMOND

Father of gods and men, great Woden, hear:

mount thy hot courser, drive amidst thy foes;

lift high thy thund'ring arm, let every blow hear:

dash out a misbelieving Briton's brains.

OSWALD

Father of gods and men, great Woden,

give conquest to the Saxon race, and me.

OSMOND

Thor, Freya, Woden, hear, and spell your Saxons,

with sacred runic rhymes, from death in battle;

edge their bright swords, and blunt the Britons darts.

No more, great prince, for see my trusty friend,

who all the night has wing'd the dusky air.

Grimbald, a fierce earthy spirit, erises.

OSMOND

What news, my Grimbald?

GRIMBALD

I have play'd my part;

for I have steel'd the fools that are to die;

six fools, so prodigal of life and fool,

that for their country, they devote their lives

a sacrifice to mother Earth, and Woden.

OSMOND

'Tis well; but are we sure of victory?

GRIMBALD

Why ask'st thou me?

Inspect their intrails, draw from thence thy guess:

blood we must have, without it we are dumb.

OSMOND

Say, where's thy fellow-servant, Philidel?

Why comes not he?

GRIMBALD

For he's a puleing sprite:

why didst thou chuse a tender airy form,

unequal to the mighty work of mischief?

His make is flitting, soft, and yielding atoms;

he trembles at the yawning golph of hell,

nor dares approach the flame, lest he should singe

his gaudy silken wings.

He sighs when he should plunge a soul in sulphur,

as with compassion touch'd of foolish man.

OSMOND

What a half devil's he?

His errand was, to draw the low-land damps,

and noisom vapours from the foggy fens:

then, breathe the baleful stench, with all his force,

full on the faces of our christen'd foes.

GRIMBALD

Accordingly he drain'd those marshy grounds;

and bagg'd 'em in a blue pestiferous cloud;

which when he shou'd have blown, the frighted elf

espy'd the red-cross banners of their host;

and said he durst not add to his damnation.

OSMOND

I'll punish him at leisure.

Call in the victims to propitiate hell.

GRIMBALD

That's my kind master, I shall breakfast on 'em.

(exit Grimbald)

OSWALD

Ambitious fools we are,

and yet ambition is a godlike fault:

or rather, 'tis no fault in souls born great,

who dare extend their glory by their deeds.

Now Brittany prepare to change thy state,

and from this day begin thy Saxon date.

Grimbald goes to the door, and re-enters with six Saxons in white, with swords in their hands, priests and singers.

Sacrifice song.

[N. 4 - Woden, first to thee]

Recitative the first.

AEOLUS

Woden, first to thee,

a milk-white steed, in battle won,

we have sacrific'd.

CHORUS

We have sacrific'd.

Recitative the second.

HONOUR

Let our next oblation be

to Thor, thy thundering son,

of such another.

CHORUS

We have sacrific'd.

Recitative the third.

AEOLUS

A third (of Friezeland breed was he)

to Woden's wife, and to Thor's mother:

and now we have aton'd all three.

We have sacrific'd.

CHORUS

We have sacrific'd.

[N. 5 - The white horse neigh'd aloud]

Recitative the fourth.

HONOUR

The white horse neigh'd aloud.

CHORUS

To Woden thanks we render;

to Woden we have vow'd;

to Woden our defender.

[N. 6 - The lot is cast, and Tanfan pleas'd]

Recitative the fifth.

VENUS

The lot is cast, and Tanfan pleas'd:

of mortal cares you shall be eas'd.

[N. 7 - Brave soul to be renown'd in storry]

CHORUS

Brave souls to be renown'd in story,

honour prizing,

death despising,

fame acquiring,

by expiring,

die and reap the fruit of glory.

[N. 8 - I call ye all to Woden's hall]

Air the second.

HONOUR

I call ye all

to Woden's hall;

your temples round,

with ivy bound,

in goblets crown'd,

and plenteous bowls of burnish'd gold.

Where you shall laugh,

and dance, and quaff

the juice, that makes the Britons bold.

CHORUS

Brave souls etc.

All retire, and the scene closes upon them.

Scene the second

A landskip.
Enter Aurelius, Albanact, and Conon.

CONON

Then this is the deciding day, to fix

Great-Britain's scepter in great Arthur's hand.

AURELIUS

Or put it in the bold invader's gripe.

Arthur and Oswald, and their different fates,

are weighing now within the scales of heaven.

CONON

In ten set battles have we driven back

these heathen Saxons, and regain'd our earth.

As earth recovers from an ebbing tide

her half-drown'd face, and lifts it o'er the waves,

from Severn's bank, e'en to this barren down

our foremost men have press'd their fainty rear,

and not one Saxon face has been beheld;

but all their backs and shoulders have been stuck

with foul dishonest wounds; now here, indeed,

because they have no farther ground, they stand.

AURELIUS

Well have we chose a happy day for fight;

for every man, in course of time, has found

some days are lucky, some unfortunate.

ALBANACT

But why this day more lucky than the rest?

CONON

Because this day

is sacred to the patron of our isle;

a christian, and a soldier's annual feast.

ALBANACT

Oh, now I understand you. This is saint George of Cappadocia's day. Well, it may be so, but faith I was ignorant; we soldiers seldom examine the rubrick; and now and then a saint may happen to slip by us: but if he be a gentleman saint, he will forgive us.

CONON

Oswald undoubtedly will fight it bravely.

AURELIUS

And it behoves him well, 'tis his last stake. But what manner of man is this Oswald? Have ye ever seen him?

(to Albanact)

Ne'er but once; and that was to my cost too; I follow'd him too close, and, to say truth, somewhat uncivilly, upon a rout: but he turned upon me, as quick and as round, as a chaff'd boar; and gave me two licks a-cross the face, to put me in mind of my christianity.

CONON

I know him well; he's free and open-hearted.

AURELIUS

His countries character: that speaks a German.

CONON

Revengeful, rugged, violently brave;

and once resolv'd, is never to be mov'd.

ALBANACT

Yes, he's a valiant dog; pox on him.

CONON

This was the character he then maintain'd,

when in my court he sought my daughter's love;

my fair, blind Emmeline.

ALBANACT

I cannot blame him for courting the heiress of Cornwall: all heiresses are beautiful; and as blind as she is, he would have had no blind bargain of her.

AURELIUS

For that defeat in love he rais'd this war.

For royal Arthur reign'd within her heart,

ere Oswald mov'd the suit.

CONON

Ay, now Aurelius, you have nam'd a man;

one, whom besides the homage that I owe,

as Cornwall's duke, to his imperial crown,

I wou'd have chosen out from all mankind,

to be my sovereign lord.

AURELIUS

His worth divides him from the croud of kings.

CONON

Arthur is all that's excellent in Oswald;

and void of all his faults: in battle brave,

but still serene in all the stormy war,

like heaven above the clouds; and after fight,

as merciful and kind to vanquish'd foes,

as a forgiving god. But see, he's here,

and praise is dumb before him.

Enter king Arthur, reading a letter, with attendants.

ARTHUR

(reading)

"Go on, auspicious prince, the stars are kind.

Unfold thy banners to the willing wind;

while I, with airy legions, help thy arms;

confronting art with art, and charms with charms."

(to Conon)

So Merlin writes; nor can we doubt th' event,

with heaven and you, our friends. Oh noble Conon,

you taught my tender hands the trade of war:

and now again you helm your hoary head,

and under double weight of age and arms,

assert your country's freedom and my crown.

CONON

No more, my son.

ARTHUR

Most happy in that name!

Your Emmeline, to Oswald's vows refus'd,

you made my plighted bride:

your charming daughter, who like love, born blind,

un-aiming hits, with surest archery,

and innocently kills.

CONON

Remember, son,

you are a general; other wars require you,

for see the Saxon gross begins to move.

ARTHUR

Their infantry embattel'd, square and close,

march firmly on, to fill the middle space:

cover'd by their advancing cavalry.

By heav'n 'tis beauteous horror!

The noble Oswald has provok'd my envy.

Enter Emmeline, led by Matilda.

ARTHUR

Ha! now my beauteous Emmeline appears,

a new, but oh, a softer flame inspires me:

even rage and vengeance slumber at her sight.

CONON

Haste your farewell; I'll chear my troops, and wait ye.

(exit Conon)

EMMELINE

O father, father, I am sure you're here;

because I see your voice.

ARTHUR

No, thou mistak'st thy hearing for thy sight:

he's gone, my Emmeline;

and I but stay to gaze on those fair eyes,

which cannot view the conquest they have made.

Oh star-like night, dark only to thyself,

but full of glory, as those lamps of heaven

that see not, when they shine.

EMMELINE

What is this heav'n, and stars, and night, and day,

to which you thus compare my eyes and me?

I understand you, when you say you love:

for, when my father clasps my hand in his,

that's cold, and I can feel it hard and wrinkled;

but when you grasp it, then I sigh, and pant,

and something presses to my heart.

ARTHUR

Oh artless love! where the soul moves the tongue.

And only nature speaks what nature thinks!

Had she but eyes!

EMMELINE

Just now you said I had.

I see 'hem, I have two.

ARTHUR

But neither see.

EMMELINE

I'm sure they hear you then:

what can your eyes do more?

ARTHUR

They view your beauties.

EMMELINE

Do not I see? you have a face, like mine.

ARTHUR

It is not sight, but touching with your hands.

EMMELINE

Then 'tis my hand that sees, and that's all one:

for is not seeing, touching with your eyes?

ARTHUR

No, for I see at distance, where I touch not.

EMMELINE

If you can see so far, and yet not touch,

I fear you see my naked legs and feet

quite through my clothes; pray do not see so well.

ARTHUR

Fear not, sweet innocence;

I view the lovely features of your face;

your lips carnation, your dark-shaded eye-brows,

black eyes, and snow-white forehead; all the colours

that make your beauty, and produce my love.

EMMELINE

Nay, then, you do not love on equal terms:

I love you dearly, without all these helps:

I cannot see your lip's carnation,

your shaded eye-brows, nor your milk-white eyes.

ARTHUR

Alas 'tis vain t' instruct your innocence.

You have no notion of light or colours

Trumpet sounds within.

EMMELINE

Why, is not that a trumpet?

ARTHUR

Yes.

EMMELINE

I know it.

And I can-tell you how the sound on't looks;

it looks as if it had an angry fighting face.

ARTHUR

'Tis now indeed a sharp unpleasant sound,

because it calls me hence, from her I love,

to meet ten thousand foes.

EMMELINE

How does so many men e'er come to meet?

This devil trumpet vexes 'em, and then

they feel about for one another's faces;

and so they meet, and kill.

ARTHUR

I'll tell ye all, when we have gain'd the field;

one kiss of your fair hand, the pledge of conquest.

And so short a farewel.

(kisses her hand, and exit with Aurelius, Albanact and attendants)

EMMELINE

My heart and vows go with him to the fight;

may every foe be that, which they call blind,

and none of all their swords have eyes to find him.

But lead me nearer to the trumpet's face;

for that brave sound upholds my fainting heart;

and while I hear, methinks I fight my part.

(exit led by Matilda)

Scene the third

A camp, drums, trumpets, and military shouts.

[N. 9 - Military symphony]

[N. 10 - Come if you dare, our trumpets sound]

Martial song.

HONOUR

Come if you dare, our trumpets sound;

come if you dare, the foes rebound:

we come, we come, we come, we come,

says the double, double, double beat of

the thund'ring drum.

CHORUS

Come if you dare, our trumpets sound

etc.

HONOUR

Now they charge on amain,

now they rally again:

the gods from above the mad labour behold,

and pity mankind that will perish for gold.

CHORUS

Now they charge on amain

etc.

HONOUR

The fainting Saxons quit their ground,

their trumpet languish in their sound,

they fly, they fly, they fly, they fly,

"Victoria", the bold Britons cry.

CHORUS

The fainting Saxons quit their ground

etc.

HONOUR

Now the victory's won,

to the plunder we run,

we return to our lasses like fortunate traders,

triumphant with spoils of the vainquishe'd invaders.

CHORUS

Now the victory's won

etc.

(exeunt drums and trumpets, a march)

End of the first act.

Act the second

[N. 11 - Introduction]

[N. 12 - Symphony]

Scene the first

A general engagement between the Britons and Saxons, in which the Britons are conquerors.

Scene the second

Scene, a rural prospect.
Enter Philidel.

PHILIDEL

Alas, for pity, of this bloody field!

Piteous it needs must be, when I, a spirit,

can have so soft a sense of human woes!

Ah! for so many souls, as but this morn

were cloath'd with flesh, and warm'd with vital blood,

but naked now, or shirted but with air.

Merlin, with spirits, descends to Philidel on a chariot drawn by dragons.

MERLIN

What art thou, spirit? of what name or order?

(For I have view'd thee in my magic glass.)

Making thy moan among the midnight wolves,

that bay the silent moon: speak, I conjure thee.

'Tis Merlin bids thee, at whose awful wand,

the pale ghost quivers, and the grim fiend gasps.

PHILIDEL

An airy shape, the tend'rest of my kind,

the last seduc'd, and least deform'd of hell;

half white, and shuffl'd in the crowd, I fell,

desirous to repent, and loth to sin;

aukward in mischief, piteous of mankind.

My name is Philidel, my lot in air,

where next beneath the moon and nearest heav'n,

I soar and have a glimpse to be receiv'd,

for which the swarthy daemons envy me.

MERLIN

Thy business here?

PHILIDEL

To shun the Saxon wizard's dire commands.

Osmond, the awfull'st name next thine below.

'Cause I refuse to hurl a noisom fog

on christen'd heads, the hue-and-cry of hell

is rais'd against me for a fugitive sprite.

MERLIN

Osmond shall know, a greater power pro|tects thee;

but follow then the whispers of thy soul,

that draw thee nearer heav'n.

And as thy place is nearest to the sky,

the rays will reach thee first, and bleach thy soot.

PHILIDEL

In hope of that, I spread my azure wings,

and wishing still, for yet I dare not pray,

I bask in day-light, and behold with joy

my scum work outward, and my rust wear off.

MERLIN

Why, that's my hopeful spirit, now mark me, Philidel,

I will employ thee for thy future good:

thou know'st, in spite of valiant Oswald's arms,

or Osmond's powerful spells, the field is ours. ~

PHILIDEL

Oh master! hasten

thy dread commands; for Grimbald is at hand,

Osmond's fierce fiend; I snuff his earthy scent:

the conquering Britons he misleads to rivers,

or dreadful downfalls of unheeded rocks;

where many fall, that ne'er shall rise again.

MERLIN

Be that thy care, to stand by falls of brooks,

and trembling bogs, that bear a green-sward show.

Warn off the bold pursuers from the chace:

no more, they come, and we divide the task.

But lest fierce Grimbald's pond'rous bulk oppress

thy tender flitting air, I'll leave my band

of spirits with united strength to aid thee,

and force with force repel.

(exit Merlin on his chariot. Merlin's spirits stay with Philidel)

Scene the third

A wood.
Enter Grimbald in the habit of a shepherd, followed by king Arthur, Conon, Aurelius, Albanact, and Soldiers, who wonder at a distance in the scenes.

GRIMBALD

Here, this way, Britons, follow Oswald's flight.

This evening as I whistled out my dog,

to drive my straggling flock, and pitch'd my fold,

I saw him dropping sweat, o'erlabour'd, stiff,

make faintly as he could, to yonder dell.

Tread in my steps: long neighbourhood by day

has made these fields familiar in the night.

ARTHUR

I thank thee, shepherd;

expect reward, lead on, we follow thee.

As Arthur is going off, enter Philidel and his followers.

[N. 13 - Hiter this way, this way bend]

PHILIDEL

Hither this way, this way bend,

trust not that malicicus fiend:

those are false deluding lights,

wasted far and near by sprites,

trust'em not, for they'll deceive ye;

and in bogs and marshes leave you.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Hither this way, this way bend.

GRIMBALD'S SPIRITS

This way, this way bend.

PHILIDEL

If you step, no danger thinking,

down you fall, a furlong sinking:

'tis a fiend who has annoy'd ye;

name but heav'n, and he'll avoid ye.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Hither this way, this way bend.

GRIMBALD'S SPIRITS

This way, this way bend.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Trust not that malicious fiend.

GRIMBALD'S SPIRITS

Trust me, I am no malicious fiend.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Hither this way

etc.

CONON

Some wicked phantom, foe to human kind,

misguides our steps.

ALBANACT

I'll follow him no farther.

GRIMBALD

By hell she sings them back, in my despite.

I had a voice in heav'n, ere sulph'rous steams

had damp'd it to a hoarseness: try it now.

[N. 14 - Let not a moon-born elf mislead ye]

I

Let not a moon-born elf mislead ye

from your prey, and from your glory.

Too far, alas, he has betray'd ye:

follow the flames, that wave before ye:

sometimes sev'n, and sometimes one;

hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry on.

II

See, see, the footsteps plain appearing,

that way Oswald chose for flying:

firm is the turf, and fit for bearing,

where yonder pearly dews are lying,

far be cannot bence be gone;

hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry on.

AURELIUS

'Tis true, he says; the footsteps yet are fresh

upon the sod, no falling dew-drops have

disturb'd the print.

(All are going to follow Grimbald.)

[N. 15 - Hither this way]

PHILIDEL

Hither this way.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Hither this way, this way bend.

GRIMBALD'S SPIRITS

This way, this way bend.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Trust not that malicious fiend.

GRIMBALD'S SPIRITS

Trust me, I am no malicious fiend.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS

Hither this way

etc.

(They all incline to Philidel.)

GRIMBALD

Curse on her voice, I must my prey forego;

thou, Philidel, shalt answer this below.

Grimbald sinks with a flash.

ARTHUR

At last the cheat is plain;

the cloven-footed fiend is vanish'd from us;

good angels be our guides, and bring us back.

[N. 16 - Come follow, follow, follow me]

PHILIDEL

Come follow, follow, follow me.

CHORUS

Come follow

etc.

And me. And me. And me.

2 VOICES

And green-sward all your way shall be.

CHORUS

Come follow

etc.

No goblin or elf shall dare to offend ye.

No, no, no

etc.

No goblin or elf shall dare to offend ye.

3 VOICES

We brethren of air,

you heroes will bear

to the kind and the fair that attend ye.

CHORUS

We brethren of air

etc.

Philidel, and the spirits go off singing, with king Arthur, and the rest in the middle of them.

Scene the fourth

Scene, a camp and Emmeline's pavilion, with a bank.
Enter Emmeline led by Matilda.

EMMELINE

No news of my dear love, or of my father?

MATILDA

None, madam, since the gaining of the battle:

great Arthur is a royal conqueror now;

and well deserves your love.

EMMELINE

But now I fear

he'll be too great to love poor silly me.

If he be dead, or never come again,

I mean to die: but there's a greater doubt;

since I ne'er saw him here,

how shall I meet him in another world?

MATILDA

Indeed I know not.

EMMELINE

I should find him,

for surely I have seen him in my sleep;

and then methought he put his mouth to mine,

and eat a thousand kisses on my lips,

sure by his kissing I could find him out,

among a thousand angels in the sky.

MATILDA

But what a kind of man do you suppose him?

EMMELINE

He must be made of the most precious things,

and I believe his mouth, and eyes, and cheeks,

and nose, and all his face, are made of gold.

MATILDA

Heav'n bless us, madam, what a face you make him!

If it be yellow he must have the jaundice,

and that's a bad disease.

EMMELINE

Why then do lovers give a thing so bad

as gold, to women, whom so well they love?

MATILDA

Because that bad thing, gold, buys all good things.

EMMELINE

Yet I must know him better: of all colours,

tell me which is the purest, and the softest.

MATILDA

They say 'tis black.

EMMELINE

Why then, since gold is hard, and yet is precious,

his face must all be made of soft black gold.

MATILDA

But, madam... ~

EMMELINE

No more; I have learn'd enough for once.

MATILDA

Here are a crew of Kentish lads and lasses,

wou'd entertain you, till your lord's return,

with songs and dances, to divert your cares.

EMMELINE

O bring 'em in.

For tho' I cannot see the songs, I love 'em;

and love, they tell me, is a dance of hearts.

Enter shepherds and shepherdesses.

[N. 17 - How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses]

1ST SHEPHERD

I

How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses,

while drums and trumpets are sounding alarms!

Over our lowly sheds all the storm passes;

and when we die, 'tis in each others arms.

All the day on our herds, and flocks employing:

all the night on our flutes, and in enjoying.

CHORUS

All the day

etc.

1ST SHEPHERD

II

Bright nymphs of Britain, with graces attended,

let not your days without pleasure expire;

honour's but empty, and when youth is ended,

all men will praise you, but none will desire.

Let not youth fly away without contenting;

age will come time enough for your repenting.

CHORUS

Let not youth

etc.

Here the men offer their flutes to the women, which they refuse.

[N. 18 - Shepherds, shepherds, leave decoying]

2 SHEPHERDESSES

III

Shepherds, shepherds, leave decoying,

pipes are sweet a summer's day;

but a little after toying,

women have the shot to pay.

Here are marriage vows for signing,

set their marks that cannot write:

after that, without repining,

play, and welcome, day and night.

Here the women give the men contracts, which they accept.

[N. 19 - Horpipe]

[N. 20 - Come, shepherds, lead up a lively measure]

CHORUS

Come, shepherds, lead up a lively measure;

the cares of wedlock are cares of pleasure;

but whether marriage bring joy or sorrow,

make sure of this day, and hang to-morrow

They dance after the song; and exeunt shepherds and shepherdesses.

Enter, on the other side of the stage, Oswald and Guillamar.

OSWALD

The night has wilder'd us; and we are fall'n

among their formost tents.

GUILLAMAR

Ha! what are these!

They seem of more than vulgar quality.

EMMELINE

What sounds are those? They cannot far be distant;

where are we now, Matilda?

MATILDA

Just before your tent.

Fear not, they must be friends, and they approach.

EMMELINE

My Arthur, speak, my love, are you return'd

to bless your Emmelice?

OSWALD

(to Guillamar)

I know that face:

'tis the ungrateful fair, who, scorning mine,

accepts my rival's love: heaven, thou'rt bounteous,

thou ow'st me nothing now.

MATILDA

Fear grows upon me:

speak what you are; speak, or I call for help.

OSWALD

We are your guards.

MATILDA

Ah me! we are betray'd; 'tis Oswald's voice.

EMMELINE

Let them not see our voices, and then they cannot find us.

OSWALD

Passions in men oppress'd are doubly strong,

I take her from king Arthur; there's revenge;

if she can love, she buoys my sinking fortunes:

good reasons both: I'll on. ~ Fear nothing ladies,

you shall be safe.

Oswald and Guillamar seize Emmeline and Matilda.

EMMELINE AND MATILDA

Help, help! a rape, a rape!

OSWALD

By heav'n ye injure me; tho' force is us'd,

your honour shall be sacred.

EMMELINE

Help, help, oh, Britons, help.

OSWALD

Your Britons cannot help you;

this arm, thro' all their troops, shall force my way:

yet neither quit my honour nor my prey.

(exeunt, the women still crying)

Scene the fifth

An alarm within; some soldiers running over the stage: Follow, follow, follow.
Enter Albanact, Captain of the Guards, with soldiers.

ALBANACT

Which way went th' alarm?

1ST SOLDIER

Here, towards the castle.

ALBANACT

Plague o' this victory, and stop your shouting;

the princess in the clutches of your foes

blasts all our laurels ~ a hundred victories

will not half pay the loss of Emmeline:

we are outwitted by the Saxons;

but 'tis no wonder, the whole camp's debauch'd,

all drunk or whoring: this way, follow, follow.

The alarm renew; clashing of swords within for a while.

Re-enter Albanact, Officer, Soldiers.

OFFICER

How sits the conquest on great Arthur's brow?

ALBANACT

As when the lover with the king is mixt,

he puts the gain of Britain in a scale,

which weighing with the loss of Emmeline,

he thinks he's scarce a saver.

Trumpet within.

OFFICER

Hark! a trumpet!

It sounds a parley.

ALBANACT

'Tis from Oswald then,

an echo to king Arthur's friendly summons,

sent since he heard the rape of Emmeline,

to ask an interview.

Trumpet answering the other side.

OFFICER

But hark! already

our trumpet makes reply; and see both present.

(exit)

Scene the sixth

Scene, a camp at a distance.
Enter Arthur on one side attended, Oswald on the other with attendants, and Guillamar. They meet and salute.

ARTHUR

Brave Oswald! We have met on friendlier terms,

companions of a war, with common interest

against the bordering Picts: but times are chang'd.

OSWALD

And I am sorry that those times are chang'd:

for else we now might meet on terms as friendly.

ARTHUR

If so we meet not now, the fault's your own;

for you have wrong'd me much.

OSWALD

Oh! you wou'd tell me,

I call'd more Saxons in, t'enlarge my bounds:

if those be wrongs, the war has well redress'd ye.

ARTHUR

Mistake me not, I count not war a wrong:

war is the trade of kings that fight for empire:

and better be a lion than a sheep.

OSWALD

In what then have I wrong'd ye?

ARTHUR

In my love.

OSWALD

Even love's an empire too: the noble soul,

like kings, is covetous of single sway.

ARTHUR

I blame ye not for loving Emmeline:

but since the soul is free, and love is choice,

you should have made a conquest of her mind,

and not have forc'd her person by a rape.

OSWALD

Whether by force, or stratagem, we gain,

still gaining is our end, in war or love.

Her mind's the jewel in her body lock'd;

if I would gain the gem, and want the key,

it follows I must seize the cabinet:

but to secure your fear, her honour is untouch'd.

ARTHUR

Was honour ever safe in brutal hands?

So safe are lambs within the lion's paw;

ungripp'd and play'd with till fierce hunger calls,

then nature shews itself; the close-hid nails

are stretch'd, and open, to the panting prey.

But if, indeed, you are so cold a lover. ~

OSWALD

Not cold, but honourable.

ARTHUR

Then restore her:

that done, I shall believe you honourable.

OSWALD

Think'st thou I will forgo a victor's right?

ARTHUR

Say rather, of an impious ravisher.

That castle, were it wall'd with adamant,

can hide thy head but till to-morrow's dawn.

OSWALD

And ere to-morrow I may be a god,

if Emmeline be kind: but kind or cruel,

I tell thee, Arthur, but to see this day,

that heavenly face, tho' not to have her mine,

I would give up a hundred years of life,

and bid fate cut to-morrow.

ARTHUR

It soon will come, and thou repent too late,

which to prevent, I'll bribe thee to be honest.

Thy noble head, accustom'd to a crown,

shall wear it still, nor shall thy hand forget

the scepter's use: from Medway's pleasing stream,

to Severn's roar, be thine;

in short, restore my love, and share my kingdom.

OSWALD

Not, tho' you spread my sway from Thames to Tiber:

such gifts might bribe a king, but not a lover.

ARTHUR

Then pr'ythee give me back my kingly word

pass'd for thy safe return; and let this hour,

in single combat, hand in hand, decide

the fate of empire and of Emmeline.

OSWALD

Not that I fear do I decline this combat,

and not decline it neither, but defer:

when Emmeline has been my prize as long

as she was thine, I dare thee to the duel.

ARTHUR

I nam'd your utmost term of life; tomorrow.

OSWALD

You are not fate.

ARTHUR

But fate is in this arm.

You might have made a merit of your theft.

OSWALD

Ha! theft! your guards can tell I stole her not.

ARTHUR

Had I been present. ~

OSWALD

Had you been present, she had been mine more nobly.

ARTHUR

There lies your way.

OSWALD

My way lies where I please.

Expect (for Osmond's magic cannot fail)

a long to-morrow, ere your arms prevail:

or if I fall make room ye blest above,

for one who was undone, and dy'd for love.

(exeunt Oswald and his party)

ARTHUR

There may be one black minute e'er tomorrow:

for who can tell, what power, and lust, and charms,

may do this night? To arms, with speed, to arms.

(exeunt)

[N. 21 - Second act tune: Air]

End of the second act.

Act the third
Scene the first

Scene, rocks and water.
Enter Arthur, Conon, Aurelius, etc.

CONON

Furl up our colours, and unbrace our drums;

dislodge betimes, and quit this fatal coast,

ARTHUR

Have we forgot to conquer?

AURELIUS

Cast off hope:

th' imbattl'd legions of fire, air, and earth,

are banded for our foes.

For going to discover, with the dawn,

yon southern hill, which promis'd to the sight

a rise more easy to attack the fort,

scarce had we stept on the forbidden ground,

when the woods shook, the trees stood bristling up;

a living trembling nodded thro' the leaves.

ARTHUR

Poplars, and aspen-boughs, a panic fright!

CONON

We thought so too, and doubled still our pace,

but strait a rumbling sound, like bellowing winds,

rose and grew loud; confus'd with howls of wolves,

and grunts of bears, and dreadful hiss of snakes;

shrieks more than human; globes of hail pour'd down

an armed winter, and inverted day.

ARTHUR

Dreadful indeed!

AURELIUS

Count then our labours lost:

for other way lies none, to mount the cliff,

unless we borrow wings, and sail thro' air.

ARTHUR

Now I perceive a danger worthy me.

'Tis Osmond's work, a band of hell-hir'd slaves:

be mine the hazard, mine shall be the fame.

Arthur is going out, but is met by Merlin, who takes him by the hand and brings him back.

Enter Merlin.

MERLIN

Hold, sir, and wait heav'n's time, th' attempt's too dangerous:

there's not a tree in that enchanted grove,

but number'd out, and giv'n by tale to fiends:

and under every leaf a spirit couch'd.

But by what method to dissolve these charms,

is yet unknown to me.

ARTHUR

Hadst thou been here, (for what can thwart thy skill?)

nor Emmeline had been the boast of Oswald;

nor I, forewarn'd, been wanting to her guard.

CONON

Her darken'd eyes had seen the light of Heav'n;

that was thy promise too, and this the time.

MERLIN

Nor has my aid been absent, tho' unseen,

with friendly guides in your benighted maze:

nor Emmeline shall longer want the sun.

ARTHUR

Is there an end of woes?

MERLIN

There is, and sudden.

I have employ'd a subtle airy sprite

t' explore the passage, and prepare thy way.

Myself, mean time, will view the magic wood,

to learn whereon depends its force.

CONON

But Emmeline... ~

MERLIN

Fear not: this vial shall restore her sight.

ARTHUR

Oh might I hope (and what's impossible

to Merlin's art?) to be myself the bearer,

that with the light of Heav'n she may discern

her lover first.

MERLIN

'Tis wond'rous hazardous;

yet I foresee th' event, 'tis fortunate.

I'll bear ye safe, and bring ye back unharm'd:

then lose not precious time, but follow me.

(exeunt omnes, Merlin leading Arthur)

Scene the second

Scene, a deep wood.
Enter Philidel.

PHILIDEL

I left all safe behind;

for in the hindmost quarter of the wood,

my former lord, grim Osmond, walks the round:

calls o'er the names, and schools the tardy sprites.

His absence gives me more security.

At every walk I pass'd, I drew a spell:

so that if any fiend, abhorring heav'n,

there sets his foot, it roots him to the ground.

Now cou'd I but discover Emmeline,

my task was fairly done.

(walkin about and prying betwixt the trees)

Grimbald rushes out: he seizes Philidel, and binds him in a chain.

GRIMBALD

O rebel, have I caught thee!

PHILIDEL

Ah me! what hard mishap!

GRIMBALD

What just revenge!

Thou miscreant elf, thou renegado scout,

so clean, so furbish'd, so renew'd in white.

The livery of our foes; I see thee thro':

what mak'st thou here? Thou trim apostate, speak.

Thou shak'st for fear, I feel thy false heart pant.

PHILIDEL

Ah mighty Grimbald,

who would not fear, when seiz'd in thy strong gripe!

But hear me, oh renown'd, oh worthy fiend,

the favourite of our chief.

GRIMBALD

Away with fulsome flattery,

the fool of fools; thou know'st where last we met;

when, but for thee, the christians had been swallow'd

in quaking bogs, and living sent to hell.

PHILIDEL

Ay, then I was seduc'd by Merlin's art,

and half persuaded by his soothing tales,

to hope for heav'n; as if eternal doom

cou'd be revers'd, and undecreed for me;

but I am now set right.

GRIMBALD

Oh still thou think'st to fly a fool to mark.

PHILIDEL

I fled from Merlin, free as air that bore me,

t'unfold to Osmond all his deep designs.

GRIMBALD

I believe nothing: oh, thou fond impostor,

when wert thou last in hell? Is not thy name

forgot, and blotted from th' infernal roll?

But since thou say'st thy errand was to Osmond,

to Osmond shalt thou go: march, know thy driver.

PHILIDEL

(kneeling)

Oh spare me, Grimbald, and I'll be thy slave:

tempt hermits for thee in their holy cells,

and virgins in their dreams.

GRIMBALD

Canst thou, a devil, hope to cheat a devil?

A spy! why that's a name abhorr'd in hell.

Haste, forward, forward, or I'll goad thee on

with iron spurs.

PHILIDEL

But use me kindly then:

pull not so hard, to hurt my airy limbs;

I'll follow thee unforc'd: look, there's thy way.

GRIMBALD

Ay, there's thy way indeed; but for more surety

I'll keep an eye behind: Not one word more,

but follow decently.

Grimbald goes out, dragging Philidel.

PHILIDEL

(aside)

So catch him, spell.

GRIMBALD

(within)

O help me, help me, Philidel.

PHILIDEL

Why, what's the matter?

GRIMBALD

Oh, I am ensnar'd;

heav'n's birdlime wraps me round, and glues my wings.

Loose me, and I will free thee:

do, and I'll be thy slave.

PHILIDEL

What, to a spy, a name abhorr'd in hell?

GRIMBALD

Do not insult. Oh! oh! I grow to ground;

the fiery net draws closer on my limbs. Oh! oh! oh!

PHILIDEL

Thou shalt not have the ease to curse in torments:

be dumb for one half hour: so long my charm

can keep thee silent, and there lie

till Osmond breaks thy chain.

(unbinds his own fetters)

Enter to him Merlin, with a vial in his hand; and Arthur.

MERLIN

Well hast thou wrought thy safety with thy wit,

my Philidel; go meritorious on:

me other work requires, to view the wood,

and learn to make the dire inchantments void;

mean time attend king Arthur in my room;

shew him his love, and with these sovereign drops

restore her sight.

(exit Merlin, giving a vial to Philidel)

[N. 22 - We must work, wee must haste]

Recitative.

PHILIDEL

We must work, we must haste;

noontide hour is almost past:

sprites that glimmer in the sun,

into shades already run.

Osmond will be here, anon.

Song.

To virtue with rapture I bear,

the balsam to heal, the cordial to cheer.

When vice is oppressing,

pursuing, distressing,

just heav'n with virtue takes part;

for sorrow, and sadness,

brings comfort and gladness,

to close ev'ry wound of the heart.

Enter Emmeline and Matilda at the far end of the wood.

ARTHUR

O yonder, yonder she's already found:

my soul directs my sight, and flies before it.

See where she sits beneath the poplar shade;

now, gentle spirit, use thy utmost art,

unseal her eyes, and this way lead her steps,

while I conceal myself, and feast my eyes

by viewing hers, new opening to the day.

Arthur withdraws behind the scene. Emmeline and Matilda come forward to the front. Philidel approaches Emmeline, sprinkling some of the water over her eyes, out of the vial.

[N. 23 - Thus, thus I infuse]

Song.

PHILIDEL

Thus, thus I infuse

these sovereign dews.

Fly back, ye films, that cloud her sight:

and you, ye crystal humours bright,

your noxious vapours purg'd away,

recover and admit the day.

New cast your eyes abroad, and see All but me.

EMMELINE

Ha! what was that? Who spoke?

MATILDA

I heard the voice; 'tis one of Osmond's fiends.

EMMELINE

Some blessed angel sure; I feel my eyes

unseal'd, they walk abroad, and a new world

comes rushing on, and stands all gay before me.

MATILDA

Oh heav'ns! oh joy of joys! she has her sight.

EMMELINE

I am new-born; I shall run mad for pleasure.

(staring on Matilda)

Are women such as thou? Such glorious creatures?

ARTHUR

(aside)

Oh how I envy her, to be first seen!

EMMELINE

Stand farther; let me take my fill of sight.

(looking up)

What's that above that weakens my new eyes,

makes me not see, by seeing?

MATILDA

'Tis the sun.

EMMELINE

The sun! 'tis sure a god, if that be heav'n:

oh! if thou art a creature, best and fairest,

how well art thou, from mortals so remote,

to shine and not to burn, by near approach!

How hast thou lighten'd even my very soul,

and let in knowledge by another sense!

I gaze about, new-born to day and thee;

a stranger yet, an infant to the world!

Art thou not pleas'd, Matilda? Why, like me,

dost thou not look and wonder?

MATILDA

For these sights

are to my eyes familiar.

EMMELINE

That's my joy,

not to have seen before: for nature now

comes all at once, confounding my delight.

But ah! what thing am I? Fain would I know;

or am I blind, or do I see but half?

With all my care, and looking round about,

I cannot view my face.

MATILDA

None see themselves

but by reflection; in this glass you may.

(gives her a glass)

EMMELINE

(taking the glass, and looking)

What's this?

It holds a face within it: o sweet face!

It draws the mouth, and smiles, and looks upon me;

and talks, but yet I cannot hear it speak;

the pretty thing is dumb.

MATILDA

The pretty thing

you see within the glass, is you.

EMMELINE

What, am I two? Is this another me?

Indeed it wears my clothes, has hands like mine;

and mocks whate'er I do; but that I'm sure

it cannot be, I'd swear it were my child.

Matilda looks.

Look, my Matilda; we both are in the glass.

Oh, now I know it plain; they are our names,

that peep upon us there.

MATILDA

Our shadows, madam.

EMMELINE

Mine is the prettier shadow far, than thine.

I love it; let me kiss my t'other self.

(kissing the glass)

Alas, I've kiss'd it dead; the fine thing's gone;

indeed it kiss'd so cold as if 'twere dying.

Arthur comes forward softly; shewing himself behind her.

EMMELINE

'Tis here again.

Oh, no, this face is neither mine nor thine:

I think the glass hath borne another child.

(she turns and sees Arthur)

Ha! what art thou, with a new kind of face,

and other clothes, a noble creature too;

but taller, bigger, fiercer in thy look;

of a controuling eye, majestic make?

MATILDA

Do you not know him, madam?

EMMELINE

Is't a man?

ARTHUR

Yes, and the most unhappy of my kind,

if you have chang'd your love.

EMMELINE

My dearest lord!

Was my soul blind; and cou'd not that look out,

to know you, ere you spoke? Oh counterpart

of our soft sex; well are you made our lords:

so bold, so great, so godlike are you form'd.

How can you love such silly things as women?

ARTHUR

Beauty like your's commands; and man was made

but a more boisterous, and a stronger slave,

to you, the best delights of human kind.

EMMELINE

But are ye mine? Is there an end of war?

Are all those trumpets dead themselves, at last,

that us'd to kill men with their thund'ring sounds?

ARTHUR

The sum of war is undecided yet;

and many a breathing body must be cold,

ere you are free.

EMMELINE

How came ye hither then?

ARTHUR

By Merlin's art, to snatch a short liv'd bliss;

to feed my famish'd love upon your eyes,

one moment, and depart.

EMMELINE

O moment! worth

whole ages past, and all that are to come!

Let love sick Oswald, now unpitied mourn;

let Osmond mutter charms to sprites in vain,

to make me love him; all shall not change my sool.

ARTHUR

Ha! does th'inchanter practise hell upon you?

Is he my rival too?

EMMELINE

Yes, but I hate him;

for when he spoke, thro' my shut eyes I saw him;

his voice look'd ugly, and breath'd brimstone on me:

and then I first was glad that I was blind,

not to behold perdition.

PHILIDEL

This time is left me to congratulate

your new-born eyes; and tell you what you gain

by sight restor'd, and viewing him you love.

Appear you airy forms.

Airy spirits appear in the shape of men and women.

[N. 24 - Oh sight, the mother of desires]

MAN

Oh sight, the mother of desires,

what charming objects dost thou yield!

'Tis sweet when tedious night expires,

to see the rosy morning gild

the mountain tops, and paint the field!

But when sweet Clorinda comes in sight,

she make's the summer's day more bright,

and when she goes away 'tis night.

CHORUS

When fair Clorinda comes in sight

etc.

WOMAN

'Tis sweet the blushing morn to view;

and plains adorn'd with pearly dew:

but such cheap delights to see,

heaven and nature

give each creature;

they have eyes as well as we;

this is the joy, all joys above,

to see, to see,

that only she,

that only she we love!

CHORUS

This is the joy, all joys above

etc.

MAN

And, if we may discover

what charms both nymph and lover,

'tis when the fair at mercy lies,

with kind and amorous anguish,

to sigh, to look, to languish,

on each other's eyes!

CHORUS

And, if we may discover

etc.

PHILIDEL

Break off your musick, for our foes are near.

Spirits vanish.

Enter Merlin.

MERLIN

My sovereign, we have hazarded too far;

but love excuses you, and prescience me.

Make haste; for Osmond is even now alarm'd,

and greedy of revenge is hasting home.

ARTHUR

Oh take my love with us, or leave me here.

MERLIN

I cannot, for she's held by charms too strong;

which, with th' enchanted grove, must be destroy'd:

till when, my art is vain: but fear not, Emmeline;

th' inchanter has no power on innocence.

EMMELINE

(to Arthur)

Farewell, since we must part:

when you are gone,

I'll look into my glass, just where you look'd,

to find your face again;

if 'tis not there, I'll think on you so long,

my heart shall make your picture for my eyes.

ARTHUR

Where'er I go, my soul shall stay with thee:

'tis but my shadow that I take away:

true love is never happy but by halves;

an April sunshine, that by fits appears,

it smiles by moments, but it mourns by years.

EMMELINE

May all good angels spread their wings,

and shield my love from harm.

(exeunt Arthur and Merlin)

EMMELINE

This way, this way, Matilda;

now my Arthur's gone, the loveliest object

to my new-born sight, I'll look round and round

upon the lesser beauties of creation.

Enter Osmond at the other door, who gazes on Emmeline, and she on him.

EMMELINE

Matilda, save me from this ugly thing,

this foe to sight; speak, dost thou know him?

MATILDA

Too well; 'tis Oswald's fiend, the great magician.

EMMELINE

It cannot be a man, he's so unlike the man I love.

OSMOND

(aside)

Death to my eyes, she sees!

EMMELINE

I wish I could not; but I'll close my sight,

and shut out all I can ~ It wo'not be;

winking, I see thee still, thy odious image

stares full into my soul; and there infects the room

my Arthur shou'd possess.

OSMOND

(aside)

I find too late,

that Merlin and her lover have been here.

If I was fir'd before when she was blind,

her eyes dart lightning now; she must be mine.

EMMELINE

I pr'ythee, dreadful thing, tell me thy business here;

and, if thou canst, reform that odious face;

look not so grim upon me.

OSMOND

My name is Osmond; and my business, love.

EMMELINE

Thou hast a grizly look forbidding what thou ask'st,

if I durst tell thee so.

OSMOND

My pent-house eye-brows, and my shaggy beard,

offend your sight, but these are manly signs:

faint white and red abuse your expectations;

be woman; know your sex, and love full pleasures.

EMMELINE

Love from a monster, fiend?

OSMOND

Come, you must love; or you must suffer love;

no coyness, none, for I am master here.

EMMELINE

And when did Oswald give away his power,

that thou presum'st to rule? Be sure I'll tell him:

for as I am his prisoner, he is mine.

OSMOND

Why then thou art a captive to a captive.

O'er-labour'd with the fight, opprest with thirst,

that Oswald, whom you mention'd, call'd for drink,

I mix'd a sleepy potion in his bowl,

which he and his fool friend quaff'd greedily.

The happy dose wrought the desir'd effect;

then to a dungeon's depth I sent both bound;

where, stow'd with snakes and adders, now they lodge;

two planks their beds, slippery with oose and slime,

the rats, that brush o'er their faces with their tails,

and croaking paddocks, crawl upon their limbs;

since when the garrison depends on me;

now know you are my slave.

MATILDA

He strikes a horror thro' my blood.

EMMELINE

I freeze, as if his impious art had fix'd

my feet to earth.

OSMOND

But love shall thaw ye.

I'll show his force in countries cak'd with ice,

where the pale pole star, in the north of heav'n,

sits high, and on the frosty winter broods;

yet there love reigns: for proof, this magic wand

shall change the mildness of sweet Britain's clime

to Iceland, and the farthest Thule's frost,

where the proud god, disdaining winter's bounds,

oe'rleaps the fences of eternal snow,

and with his warmth supplies the distant sun.

Osmond waves his wand. The Scene changes to a stormy wintry country.

Enter Cupid.

[N. 25 - Prelude]

[N. 26 - What ho, thou Genius of the clime, what ho!]

Recitative.

CUPID

What ho, thou Genius of the clime, what ho!

Ly'st thou asleep beneath those hills of snow?

Stretch out thy lazy limbs; awake, awake,

and winter from thy furry mantle shake.

Genius arises.

[N. 27 - What power art thou, who from below]

Air.

COLD GENIUS

What power art thou, who from below

hast made me rise, unwillingly, and slow,

from beds of everlasting snow?

See'st thou not how stiff and wond'rous old,

far unfit to bear the bitter cold,

I can scarcely move or draw my breath?

Let me, let me, freeze again to death.

[N. 28 - Thou doating fool, forbear, forbear]

Air.

CUPID

Thou doating fool, forbear, forbear;

what, dost thou dream of freezing here?

At Love's appearing all the sky clearing,

the stormy winds their fury spare:

winter subduing, and spring renewing.

My beams create a more glorious year.

Thou doating fool, forbear, forbear;

what, dost thou dream of freezing here?

[N. 29 - Great Love, I know thee now]

Air.

COLD GENIUS

Great Love, I know thee now;

eldest of the gods art thou:

heav'n and earth by thee were made,

human nature

is thy creature;

every where thou art obey'd.

[N. 30 - No part of my dominion shall be waste]

Recitative.

CUPID

No part of my dominion shall be waste;

to spread my sway, and sing my praise,

ev'n here I will a people raise,

of kind embracing lovers, and embrac'd.

Cupid waves his wand, upon which the scene opens, and discovers an extensive prospect of ice and snow. Singers and dancers, men and women, appear.

[N. 31 - Prelude]

[N. 32 - See, see, we assemble]

CHORUS OF COLD PEOPLE

See, see, we assemble,

thy revels to hold;

tho' quiv'ring with cold,

we chatter and tremble.

[N. 33 - 'Tis I, 'tis I, 'tis I that have warm'd ye]

Air.

CUPID

'Tis I, 'tis I, 'tis I that have warm'd ye;

in spite of cold weather,

I've brought you together;

'tis I, 'tis I, 'tis I, that have arm'd ye.

CHORUS

'Tis Love, 'tis Love, 'tis Love that has warm'd us;

in spite of cold weather,

he brought us together:

'tis Love, 'tis Love, 'tis Love that has arm'd us.

[N. 34 - Sound a parley, ye fair, and surrender]

CUPID, COLD GENIUS

Sound a parley, ye fair, and surrender.

Set yourselves and your lovers at ease.

He's a grateful offender

who pleasure dare seize:

but the whining pretender

is sure to displease.

Sound a parley?

Since the fruit of desire is possessing,

'tis unmanly to sigh and complain.

When we kneel for redressing,

we move your disdain.

Love was made for a blessing

and not for a pain.

Cupid waves his wand, the frost scene vanishes, and a summer prospect appears.

A grand dance. The singers and dancers depart.

EMMELINE

I cou'd be pleas'd with any one but thee,

who entertain'd my sight with such gay shows,

as men and women moving here and there;

that coursing one another in their steps,

have made their feet a tune.

OSMOND

What, coying it again!

No more, but make me happy to my gust,

that is, without your struggling.

EMMELINE

From my sight,

thou, all thy devils in one, thou dar'st not force me.

OSMOND

You teach me well; I find you would he ravish'd;

I'll give you that excuse your sex desire.

He begins to lay hold on her, and they struggle.

GRIMBALD

(within)

O help me, master, help me!

OSMOND

Who's that, my Grimbald! Come and help thou me;

for 'tis thy work t'assist a ravisher.

GRIMBALD

(within)

I cannot stir; I am spell-caught by Philidel,

and purs'd within a net,

with a huge heavy weight of holy words

laid on my head, that keeps me down from rising.

OSMOND

I'll read'em backwards, and release thy bonds.

Mean time go in. ~

(to Emmeline)

Prepare yourself, ease my drudgery.

But if you will not fairly be enjoy'd,

a little honest force is well employ'd.

(exit Osmond)

EMMELINE

Heav'n be my guard, I have no other friend!

Heav'n, ever present to thy suppliant's aid,

protect and pity innocence betray'd.

(exeunt Emmeline and Matilda)

[N. 35 - Third Act Tune: Hornpipe]

End of the third act.

Act the fourth
Scene the first

Scene, a grove.
Enter Osmond solus.

OSMOND

Now I am settled in my forceful sway,

why then, I'll be luxurious in my love;

take my full gust, and, setting forms aside,

I'll bid the slave, that fires my blood, obey.

Enter Grimbald, who meets him.

GRIMBALD

Not so fast, master, danger threatens thee:

there's a black cloud ascending from above,

full of heav'n's venom, bursting o'er thy head.

OSMOND

Malicious fiend, thou ly'st: for I am fenc'd

by millions of thy fellows, in my grove:

I bad thee, when I freed thee from the charm,

run scouting thro' the wood, from tree to tree,

and look if all my devils were on duty:

hadst thou perform'd thy charge, thou tardy sprite,

thou wouldst have known no danger threaten'd me.

GRIMBALD

When did a devil fail in diligence?

Poor mortal, thou thyself art overseen;

I have been there, and hence I bring this news.

Thy fatal foe, great Arthur, is at hand:

Merlin has ta'en his time, while thou wert absent,

t' observe thy characters, their force, and nature,

and counterwork thy spells.

OSMOND

The devil take Merlin!

I'll cast 'em all a-new, and instantly,

all of another mould; be thou at hand.

Their composition was, before, of horror;

now they shall be of blandishment, and love;

seducing hopes, soft pity, tender moans:

art shall meet art: and, when they think to win,

the fools shall find their labours to begin.

(exeunt Osmond and Grimbald)

Scene the second

Scene, a wood, with a large oak in the front.
Enter Arthur, and Merlin at another door.

MERLIN

Thus far it is permitted me to go;

but all beyond this spot is fenc'd with charms;

I may no more, but only with advice.

ARTHUR

My sword shall do the rest.

MERLIN

Remember well, that all is but illusion;

go on; good stars attend thee.

ARTHUR

Doubt me not.

MERLIN

Yet in prevention

of what may come, I'll leave my Philidel

to watch thy steps, and with him leave my wand;

the touch of which no earthy fiend can bear,

in whate'er shape transform'd, but must lay down

his borrow'd figure; and confess the devil.

Once more farewell, and prosper.

(exit Merlin)

ARTHUR

(walking)

No danger yet, I see no walls of fire,

no city of the fiends, with forms obscene,

to grin from far on flaming battlements.

This is indeed the grove I should destroy;

but where's the horror? sure the prophet err'd.

Hark! musick, and the warbling notes of birds;

(soft musick)

more wonders yet; yet all delightful too.

A silver current to forbid my passage,

and yet t'invite me, stands a golden bridge:

perhaps a trap for my unwary feet,

to sink and whelm me underneath the waves;

with fire or water. Let him wage his war,

or all the elements at once, I'll on.

As he is going to the bridge, two syrens arise from the water, and sing.

[N. 36 - O pass not on, but stay]

1ST SYREN

O pass not on, but stay

and waste the joyous day

with us in gentle play;

unbend to love, unbend thee,

o lay thy sword aside,

and other arms provide;

for other wars attend thee,

and sweeter to be tried.

CHORUS

For other wars etc.

[N. 37 - Two daughters of this aged stream are we]

Duetto.

TWO SYRENS

Two daughters of this aged stream are we,

and both our sea-green locks have comb'd for thee;

come bathe with us an hour or two,

come naked in, for we are so:

what danger from a naked foe?

Come bathe with us, come bathe, and share

what pleasures in the floods appear:

we'll beat the waters till they bound,

and circle, round, around, around,

and circle round, around.

ARTHUR

A lazie pleasure trickles thro' my veins;

here could I stay, and well be cozen'd here.

But Honour calls; is Honour in such haste?

Can it not bait at such a pleasing inn?

No; for the more I look, the more I long:

farewel, ye fair illusions, I must leave ye,

while I have pow'r to say, that I must leave ye.

Farewel, with half my soul I stagger off;

how dear this flying victory has cost,

when if I stay to struggle, I am lost.

As he is going forward, nymphs and sylvans come out from behind the trees. A bass and two trebles sing the following song to a minuet. Dance with the song, all with branches in their hands.

[N. 38 - Passacaglia]

[N. 39 - How happy the lover]

ONE SYLVAN, TWO NYMPHS

How happy the lover

how easy his chain,

how pleasing his pain,

how sweet to discover

he sighs not in vain.

[N. 40 - For love every creature]

ONE SYLVAN, TWO NYMPHS

For love every creature

is form'd by his nature;

no joys are above

the pleasures of love.

The dance continues with the same measure played alone.

ONE SYLVAN, TWO NYMPHS

In vain are our graces,

in vain are your eyes,

if love you despise;

when age furrows faces,

t is time to be wise.

Then use the short blessing,

that flies in possessing:

no joys are above

the pleasures of love.

ARTHUR

And what are these fantastick fairy joys,

to love like mine? False joys, false welcomes all.

Be gone, ye sylvan trippers of the green;

fly after night, and overtake the moon.

Here the dancers, singers and syrens vanish.

ARTHUR

This goodly tree seems queen of all the grove.

The ringlets round her trunk declare her guilty

of many midnight sabbaths revell'd here.

Her will I first attempt.

Arthur strikes at the tree, and cuts it; blood spouts out of it, a groan follows, then a shriek.

ARTHUR

Good heav'n, what monstrous prodigies are these!

Blood follows from my blow; the wounded rind

spouts on my sword, and sanguine dyes the plain.

He strikes again: a voice of Emmeline from behind.

EMMELINE

(from behind)

Forbear, if thou hast pity, ah, forbear!

These groans proceed not from a senseless plant,

no spouts of blood run welling from a tree.

ARTHUR

Speak what thou art; I charge thee speak thy being:

thou hast made my curdled blood run back,

my heart heave up, my hair to rise in bristles,

and scarcely left a voice to ask thy name.

Emmeline breaks out of the tree, shewing her arm bloody.

EMMELINE

Whom thou hast hurt, unkind and cruel, see;

look on this blood, 'tis fatal, still, to me,

to bear thy wounds, my heart has felt 'em first.

ARTHUR

'Tis she: amazement roots me to the ground!

EMMELINE

By cruel charms, dragg'd from my peaceful bower,

fierce Osmond clos'd me in this bleeding bark;

and bid me stand expos'd to the bleak winds,

and winter storms, and heav'ns inclemency,

bound to the fate of this hell-haunted grove;

so that whatever sword, or sounding axe,

shall violate this plant, must pierce my flesh,

and, when that falls I die. ~

ARTHUR

If this be true,

o never, never to be ended charm,

at least by me! Yet all may be illusion.

Break up, ye thick'ning fogs, and filmy mists,

all that bely my sight, and cheat my sense;

for reason still pronounces, 'tis not she,

and thus resolv'd. ~

Lifts up his sword, as going to strike.

EMMELINE

Do, strike, barbarian, strike;

and strew my mangled limbs, with every stroke.

Wound me, and doubly kill me, with unkindness,

that, by thy hand I fell.

ARTHUR

What shall I do, ye powers?

EMMELINE

Lay down thy vengeful sword; 'tis fatal here:

what need of arms, where no defence is made?

A love-sick virgin, panting with desire,

no conscious eye t'intrude on our delights;

for this thou hast the Syren's songs despis'd;

for this, thy faithful passion I reward;

haste then, to take me longing to thy arms.

ARTHUR

O love! o Merlin! whom should I believe?

EMMELINE

Believe thy self, thy youth, thy love, and me;

they only, they, who please themselves, are wise:

disarm thy hand, that mine may meet it bare.

ARTHUR

By thy leave, reason, here I throw thee off,

thou load of life: if thou wert made for souls,

then souls should have been made without their bodies.

If, falling for the first created fair

was Adam's fault, great grandsire, I forgive thee;

Eden was lost, as all thy sons would loose it.

(going toward Emmeline, and pulling off his gantlet)

Enter Philidel running.

PHILIDEL

Hold, poor deluded mortal, hold thy hand;

which, if thou giv'st, is plighted to a fiend.

For proof, behold the virtue of this wand;

th' infernal paint shall vanish from her face,

and hell shall stand reveal'd.

Strikes Emmeline with a wand, who straight descends: Philidel runs to the descent and pulls up Grimbald, and binds him.

PHILIDEL

Now see to whose embraces thou wert falling.

Behold the maiden modesty of Grimbald!

The grossest, earthiest, ugliest fiend in hell.

ARTHUR

Horror seizes me,

to think what headlong ruin I have tempted.

PHILIDEL

Haste to thy work; a noble stroke or two

ends all the charms, and disenchants the grove.

I'll hold thy mistress bound.

ARTHUR

Then here's for earnest;

Strikes twice or trice, and the tree falls, a peal of thunder immediately follows, with dreadful howlings.

ARTHUR

'tis finish'd, and the dusk, that yet remains,

is but the native horror of the wood.

But I must lose no time; the pass is free;

th' unroosted fiends have quitted this abode;

on yon proud towers, before this day be done,

my glittering banners shall be wav'd against the setting sun.

(exit Arthur)

PHILIDEL

Come on, my surly slave; come stalk along,

and stamp a mad-man's pace, and drag thy chain.

GRIMBALD

I'll champ and foam upon't, till the blue venom

work upwards to thy hands, and loose their hold.

PHILIDEL

Know'st thou this pow'erful wand? 'tis lifted up;

a second stroke wou'd send thee to the centre,

benumb'd and dead, as far as souls can die.

GRIMBALD

I wou'd thou woud'st, to rid me of my sense:

I shall be whoop'd thro' hell, at my return

inglorious from the mischief I design'd.

PHILIDEL

And therefore, since thou loath'st etherial light,

the morning sun shall beat on thy black brows;

the breath thou draw'st shall be of upper air,

hostile to thee, and to thy earthy make;

so light, so thin, that thou shall starve for want

of thy gross food, till gasping thou shalt lie,

and blow it back, all sooty, to the sky.

(exit Philidel, dragging Grimbald after him)

[N. 41 - Fourth Act Tune: Air]

End of the fourth act.

Act the fifth
Scene the first

Scene, a camp.
Enter Osmond, as asfrighted.

OSMOND

Grimbald made prisoner, and my grove destroy'd!

Now what can save me ~ Hark, the drums and trumpets!

Drums and trumpets within.

Arthur is marching onward to the fort.

I have but one recourse, and that's to Oswald;

but will he fight for me, whom I have injur'd?

No, not for me, but for himself he must;

I'll urge him with the last necessity:

better give up my mistress than my life.

His force is much unequal to his rival;

true; ~ but I'll help him with my utmost art,

and try t'unravel fate.

(exit Osmond)

Scene the second

Enter Arthur, Conon, Aurelius, Albanact, and soldiers.

CONON

Now there remains but this one labour more;

and if we have the hearts of true-born Britons,

the forcing of that castle crowns the day.

AURELIUS

The works are weak, the garrison but thin,

dispirited with frequent overthrows,

already wavering on their ill-mann'd walls.

ALBANACT

They shift their places oft, and skulk from war,

sure signs of pale despair and easy rout;

it shews they place their confidence in magick,

and when their devils fail, their hearts are dead.

ARTHUR

Then, where you see 'em clust'ring most, in motion,

and staggering in their ranks, there press 'em home;

for that's a coward's heap—How's this, a sally?

Enter Oswald, Guillamar, and soldiers on the other side.

OSWALD

(advancing)

Brave Britons, hold; and thou their famous chief,

attend what Saxon Oswald will propose.

He owns your victory; but whether owing

to valour, or to fortune, that he doubts.

If Arthur dares ascribe it to the first,

and singled from a croud, will tempt a conquest,

this Oswald offers; let our troops retire,

and hand to hand let us decide our strife:

this if refus'd, bear witness earth and heav'n,

thou steal'st a crown and mistress undeserv'd.

ARTHUR

I'll not usurp thy title of a robber,

nor will upbraid thee, that before I proffer'd

this single combat, which thou did'st avoid;

so glad I am, on any terms to meet thee,

and not discourage thy repenting shame.

As once Aeneas, my fam'd ancestor,

betwixt the Trojan and Rutilian bands,

fought for a crown, and bright Lavinia's bed;

so will I meet thee, hand to hand oppos'd:

my auguring mind assures the same success.

(to his men)

Hence out of view; if I am slain or yield,

renounce me, Britons, for a recreant knight;

and let the Saxon peacefully enjoy

his former footing in our famous isle.

To ratify these terms, I swear. ~

OSWALD

You need not;

your honour is of force, without your oath.

I only add, that if I fall, or yield,

your's be the crown, and Emmeline.

ARTHUR

That's two crowns.

No more; we keep the looking heav'n and sun

too long in expectation of our arms.

Both armies go off the stage.

They fight with sponges in their hands dipt in blood; after some equal passes and closing, they appear both wounded: Arthur stumbles among the trees, Oswald falls over him, they both rise; Arthur wounds him again, then Oswald retreats. Enter Osmond from among the trees, and with his wand strikes Arthur's sword out of his hand, and exit. Oswald pursues Arthur. Merlin enters, and gives Arthur his sword, and exit: they close, and Arthur in the fall disarms Oswald.

ARTHUR

Confess thyself o'ercome, and ask thy life.

OSWALD

'Tis not worth asking, when 'tis in thy power.

ARTHUR

Then take it as my gift.

OSWALD

A wretched gift,

with loss of empire, liberty, and love.

[N. 42 - Trumpet tune]

A concert of trumpets within, proclaiming Arthur's victory; while they sound, Arthur and Oswald seem to confer.

OSWALD

'Tis too much bounty to a vanquish'd foe;

yet not enough to make me fortunate.

ARTHUR

Thy life, thy liberty, thy honour safe,

lead back thy Saxons to their ancient Elbe

I wou'd restore thee fruitful Kent, the gift

of Vortigern for Hengist's ill-bought aid,

but that my Britons brook no foreign power,

to lord it in a land, sacred to freedom,

and of its rights tenacious to the last.

OSWALD

Nor more than thou hast offer'd wou'd I take;

I would refuse all Britain held in homage;

and own no other masters but the gods.

Enter on one side, Merlin, Emmeline, and Matilda; Conon, Aurelius, Albanact, with British soldiers, bearing King Arthur's standard displayed. On the other side, Guillamar, and Osmond, with Saxon soldiers, dragging their colours on the ground.

Arthur going to Emmeline and embracing her.

ARTHUR

At length, at length, I have thee in my arms;

tho' our malevolent stars have struggled hard,

and held us long asunder.

EMMELINE

We are so fitted for each other's hearts,

that heav'n had erred, in making of a third,

to get betwixt, and intercept our loves.

OSWALD

Were there but this, this only sight to see,

the price of Britain should not buy my stay.

MERLIN

Take hence that monster of ingratitude,

him who betray'd his master, bear him hence;

and in that loathsome dungeon plunge him deep,

where he plung'd noble Oswald.

OSMOND

That indeed is fittest for me,

for there I shall be near my kindred fiends,

and spare my Grimbald's pains to bear me to them.

Is carried off.

MERLIN

(to Arthur)

For this day's palm, and for thy former acts,

thy Britain freed, and foreign force expell'd,

thou, Arthur, hast acquir'd a future fame,

and of three christian worthies, art the first:

and now at once to treat thy sight and soul.

Behold what rolling ages shall produce:

the wealth, the loves, the glories, of our isle,

which yet, like golden ore, unripe in beds,

expect the warm indulgency of heav'n

to call 'em forth to light. ~

(to Oswald)

Nor thou, brave Saxon prince, disdain our triumph:

Britons and Saxons shall be once one people;

one common tongue, one common faith, shall bind

our jarring bands, in a perpetual peace.

Merlin waves his wand; the scene changes, and discovers the British ocean in a storm. Aelous in a cloud above, four Winds hanging, etc.

[N. 43 - Ye blust'ring brethren of the skies]

AEOLUS

Ye blust'ring brethren of the skies,

whose breath has ruffl'd all the watr'y plain,

retire and let Britannia rise,

in triumph o'er the main.

Serene and calm, and void of fear,

the queen of islands must appear;

serene and calm, as when the spring

the new-created world began,

and birds on boughs did softly sing

their peaceful homage paid to man,

while Eurus did his blasts forbear

in favour of the tender year.

Retreat, rude winds, retreat

to hollow rocks, your stormy seat;

there swell your lungs, and vainly, vainly threat.

Aeolus ascends and the four Winds fly off: the scene opens and discovers a calm sea to the end of the house. An island arises to a soft tune, Britannia seated in the island, with fishermen at her feet, etc.; the tune changes, the fishermen come ashore and dance awhile, after which Pan and a nereid come on the stage and sing.

[N. 44 - Symphony (The fishermen dance)]

[N. 45 - Round thy coast, fair nymph of Britain]

Duet.

PAN AND NEREID

(sing)

Round thy coast, fair nymph of Britain,

for thy guard our waters flow:

proteus all his herd admitting,

on thy greens to graze below.

Foreign lands thy fishes tasting,

learn from thee luxurious fasting.

CHORUS

Round thy coast, fair nymph of Britain

etc.

[N. 46 - For folded flocks on fruitful plains]

Song of three parts.

CHORUS

(Alto, Tenor, Bass)

For folded flocks on fruitful plains,

the shepherds and the farmers gains,

fair Britain all the world outvies;

and Pan as in Arcadia reigns,

where pleasure mix'd with profit lies.

Thou Jason's fleece was famed of old,

the British wool is growing gold;

no mines can more of wealth supply:

it keeps the peasant from the cold,

and takes for kings the Tyrian dye.

The last stanza sung over again betwixt Pan and the Nereid, after which the former dance is varied and goes on.

PAN, NEREID

For folded flocks on fruitful plains

etc.

Enter Comus with three Peasants, who sing the following song in parts.

[N. 47 - Your hay it is mow'd, and your corn is reap'd]

COMUS

Your hay it is mow'd, and your corn is reap'd;

your barns will be full, and your hovels heap'd:

come, my boys, come;

come, my boys, come;

and merrily roar out harvest home,

harvest home,

harvest home;

and merrily roar out harvest home.

CHORUS

Come, my boys, come

etc.

1ST MAN

We have cheated the parson, we'll cheat him again.

For why should a blockhead have one in ten,

one in ten,

one in ten,

for why should a blockhead have one in ten?

CHORUS

One in ten

etc.

2ND MAN

For prating so long like a book-learn'd sot,

till pudding and dumpling burn to pot;

burn to pot,

burn to pot,

till pudding and dumpling burn to pot.

CHORUS

Burn to pot

etc.

3RD MAN

We'll toss off our ale till we cannot stand,

and hoigh for the honour of old England,

old England,

old England,

and hoigh for the honour of old England.

CHORUS

Old England

etc.

The dance varied into a round country dance.

Enter Venus.

[N. 48 - Fairest isle, all isles excelling]

Recitative.

VENUS

Fairest isle, all isles excelling,

seat of pleasures and of loves;

Venus here will chuse her dwelling,

and forsake her Cyprian groves.

Air.

VENUS

Cupid, from his fav'rite nation,

care and envy will remove;

jealousy, that poisons passion,

and despair that dies for love.

Gentle murmurs, sweet complaining,

sighs that blow the fire of love;

soft repulses, kind disdaining,

shall be all the pains you prove.

Every swain shall pay his duty,

grateful every nymph shall prove;

and as these excel in beauty,

those shall be renown'd for love.

[N. 49 - You say, 't is love creates the pain]

SHE

You say, 't is love creates the pain,

of which so sadly you complain;

and yet would fain engage my heart

in that uneasy cruel part.

But how, alas! think you, that I

can bear the wound of which you die?

HE

'T is not my passion makes my care,

but your indifference gives despair:

the lusty sun begets no spring,

till gentle showers assistance bring:

so love that scorches and destroys,

till kindness aids, can cause no joys.

SHE

Love has a thousand ways to please,

but more to rob us of our ease:

for wakeful nights and careful days

some hours of pleasure he repays;

but absence soon, or jealous fears,

o'erflow the joys with floods of tears.

HE

By vain and senseless forms betray'd,

harmless love's the offender made;

while we no other pains endure,

than those that we ourselves procure:

but one soft moment makes amends

for all the torment that attends.

BOTH

Let us love, let us love, and to happiness haste;

age and wisdom come too fast;

youth for loving was design'd.

HE

(alone)

I'll be constant, you be kind.

SHE

(alone)

You be constant, I'll be kind.

BOTH

Heaven can give no greater blessing

than faithful love, and kind possessing.

After the dialogue, a warlike concert; the scene opens above, and discovers the Order of the Garter. Enter Honour, attended by heroes.

MERLIN

These who last enter'd are our valiant Britons,

who shall by sea and land repel our foes...

A march, while the British sailors and grenadiers come to the front of the stage.

[N. 50 - Trumpet tune Warlike Consort]

MERLIN

Now look above, and in heav'n's high abyfs,

behold what fame attends those future heroes.

Honour who leads them to that steepy height,

in her immortal song, shall tell the rest.

The order of the Garter descends.

[N. 51 - Saint George, the patron of our isle]

Song.

HONOUR

I

Saint George, the patron of our isle,

a soldier, and a saint,

on that auspicious order smile,

which love and arms will plant.

II

Our natives not alone appear

to court this martial prize;

but foreign kings adopted here,

their crowns at home despise.

III

Our sovereign high, in awful state,

his honours shall bestow;

and see his scepter'd subjects wait

on his commands below.

CHORUS

Saint George, the patron of our isle

etc.

ARTHUR

(to Merlin)

Wisely you have, whate'er will please, reveal'd;

what would displease, as wisely have conceal'd:

triumphs of war and peace, at full ye show,

but swiftly turn the pages of our woe.

Rest we contented with our present state;

'tis anxious to enquire of future fate.

That race of heroes is enough alone

for all unseen disasters to atone.

Let us make haste betimes to reap our share,

and not resign them all the praise of war.

But set th' example; and their souls inflame,

to copy out their great forefathers fame.

[N. 52 - Chaconne]

A dance of British sailors.

Finis.

End of the libretto.

Generazione pagina: 18/12/2017
Pagina: ridotto, rid
Versione H: 3.00.40 (D)

Locandina Act the first Scene the first Scene the second Scene the third Act the second Scene the first Scene the second Scene the third Scene the fourth Scene the fifth Scene the sixth Act the third Scene the first Scene the second Act the fourth Scene the first Scene the second Act the fifth Scene the first Scene the second