Velasco/Act III

by Epes Sargent

ACT III

SCENE I

An apartment in the mansion of Gonzalez---Folding-door opening upon an esplanade---a sliding panel concealed by the picture of an armed knight

( Enter Gonzalez. )

Gonzalez

Why should I, with a vain regret, deplore this deed, to which my just resentment forced me? Did not the provocation justify it? An injury, my nature can forgive; an insult wakes the instinct of revenge. Yes; I was right. He merited the blow. Yet for her sake---for Izidora's sake---would that I might avert the threatening issue! I'll go to old De Lerma; on my knees solicit his forgiveness. But the world---what would be their construction of th' abasement? That it was fear of his redoubted son, which drove me to it---fear of Don Velasco! 'Twere madness to retract. Velasco comes.

( Enter Velasco. )

Velasco

I see thou know'st my errand.

Gonzalez

Thou art quick thy surmises. What wouldst thou with me?

Velasco

Oh! was it, sir, an honourable deed---one worthy of a brave and high-born knight,---to strike an old man in his helplessness---an old Castilian warrior, whose gray hairs o'ershadow scars enough to chronicle his country's battles for these sixty years!

Gonzalez

Spare thy rebukes---I am thy elder, sir; not to be tutor'd in the ways of honour by such as thou! Thy father put on me a grievous insult---one, which even dotage had no immunity to put on manhood. I answer'd the foul slander with a blow! I am prepared t' abide the penalty.

Velasco

Obdurate! must the last resort be ours?

Gonzalez

If thou wouldst aught with me, I wait thy pleasure.

Velasco

Then here, my lord, here's the arbitrament,

[ Pointing to his sword.

Which now remains for us.

Gonzalez

E'en as thou wilt follow me; though I spared thy father's life, think not there waits for thee the same forbearance. Stay! we subject ourselves to scrutiny, should we move this way;---look you, Don Velasco,

[ Springs the panel, which opens a passage.

secret passage! known to me alone! It carries us to a secluded spot, beyond the castle's walls. I would not share this secret with my dearest friend on earth: Thou must not live to whisper it! Come on!

[ Exit through the panel.

Velasco

It is decreed!

[ Izidora's voice is heard in singing.

Her voice! her happy voice! Ill-fated Izidora! soon those tones must be for ever changed. Despair's wild shriek must rend that fine, harmonious instrument, made for the utterance of joy and love!

Gonzalez (without)

A laggard, sir?

Velasco

Farewell, my love, for ever! Thus o'er the brink of our despair I rush!

[ Exit. The panel closes.

( Enter Izidora. )

Izidora

Why is it, all I meet appear so sad? My brother, ere this morning he departed, gazed steadfastly a while into my face, then started from me, as he had been blasted! Hernando too, our kinsman, when we meet, bends such a strange and warning glance upon me---my path he crosses like an evil omen. Even old Bianca, not to be outdone, in her contagious sadness, prates of dreams, which revell'd in her empty brain last night. And when the golden zone, Velasco gave me, snapp'd in the middle, as it clasp'd my waist, she wrung her hands, and cried: "Wo's me! Alas! Ah! well-a-day!" and made such wild exclaims, as it had been her heart, and not the girdle, whose breaking made her weep. 'Tis very strange! I wish the sun were set; for I might see Velasco then; and we would laugh away these dark misgivings.

[ Touches the strings of a lute.

Ah! What sounds are those?

( Re-enter Gonzalez, wounded, supported by two servants. )

Forfend it, Heaven! my father wounded! bleeding for help, for help, will ye not fly for help?

[ Supporting him.

Gonzalez

Nay, do not move me; I can go no farther. stay all. It will avail not. I must die.

Izidora

Oh! say not so: thou'rt hurt not unto death. Thou wilt survive---such care I'll take of thee.

Gonzalez

No, Izidora; there's a monitor here, which too surely tells me I must die. But shall there be no vengeance, no redress? Nay, hear me, while I have the power to speak. Swear, Izidora, swear to me that thou wilt to the death pursue the man who slew me.

Izidora

Alas! who did this deed?

Gonzalez

I tell thee, swear! If thou wouldst part with me in peace. Delay a moment and thou art too late. Thou'lt not refuse my dying blessing?

Izidora

Take mine oath. Ah! who relentless did this cruelty?

Gonzalez (Giving her a dagger)

His name---a torrent's pouring on my heart---and now, like fire it rushes to my brain! Where art thou, Izidora? All is dark.

[ Dies.

Izidora

He moves not---breathes not! Is this death? No, no! It cannot, should not be! not death! not death! Ah! father, speak! it is thy daughter calls! She, who this morning hung upon thy neck---whom thou didst circle in thy living arms! Oh! do not leave me thus!---cold, motionless, silent, for evermore! And I stand here, conscious of this, yet wondrously alive---nerving my sinews to the appointed task. The name? Know ye the name he would have utter'd? Ye do not. It is well. Bear in your burthen.

[ Exeunt servants with Gonzalez.

Now to fulfil mine oath! and were there none, to bind me to pursue the murderer, should not my filial duty be enough to urge me on? An oath? an oath of vengeance! Oh! what have I to do with vengeance? I, who do so shudder at the sight of blood. Unworthy hesitation; am I not a warrior's promised bride? Where should I fly, if not to him, in this calamity? Alas! he now awaits me, light of heart, beside the garden's verge---the spot I chose! Affliction casts no shadow on his dreams!

( Enter Hernando, unperceived. )

He looks for a glad meeting. Oh! Velasco! What desolation would be round my path, In this bereavement, were it not for thee!

[ Exit.

Hernando

It is accomplish'd---all as I foresaw! Fly, wretched maid, to thy victorious lover! Seek consolation in his blood-stain'd arms; that thou mayst shrink with more abhorrence from him, when the dread truth, volcano-like, bursts on thee! There's but one obstacle remains between my hopes and their attainment:---Julio lives! And but for him, these castellated walls, this broad domain, with its well-dowried mistress, might be mine own. Success emboldens thee, Hernando! Ay; ambition shall complete what Vengeance has so prosperously begun.

[ Exit.

SCENE II

A hall in the mansion of De Lerma, with Gothic windows.

( Enter De Lerma. )

De Lerma

Velasco comes not. He is brave and strong; and yet there is a sinking of my heart at this delay. Should he have fallen in fight---or desperate rush'd on his opponent's sword! 'Tis time he were return'd.

[ Throws open a window.

The sun's red orb is poised in yellow mist above the west: A storm is in those vapours. Hark! a step! He comes! victorious! he has effaced, from the escutcheon of our noble house the only stain that ever marr'd its whiteness.

( Enter Velasco, gazing distractedly on his drawn sword. )

Welcome! thou hast discharged a sacred duty!

Velasco

Look there! it is his blood! Gonzalez' blood! He was the father of my Izidora! The parent fount, whence flow'd the ruby stream, that circles in her fine, translucent veins! 'Tis the same blood that warms her innocent heart; that paints the rose-leaf on her dainty cheek; that mantles in her blush, when maiden pride checks the betrayal of her guileless love! Her love! Oh! Heavens! what claim have I to that? I, who have slain her father! I have done a double murder! may a double curse fall on my head! for, when th' infernal steel was levell'd at his breast, full well I knew, that it would reach through his to Izidora!

[ With vehement emotion.

'Twas thou! 'twas thou! who forced me to this deed! Oh! is not this satiety of vengeance? Now, to reward thy son, be merciful,

[ Gives De Lerma his sword.

And turn the point, on which those sanguine drops plead, like the tears of orphans, for my suit. Turn it against this desolated heart! I kneel to thee! I ask it of thy mercy.

De Lerma

Up! up! Velasco. Be the hero still; curb these unruly passions. Thou hast made a worthy offering on the shrine of honour. Much comfort yet remains for thee, my son.

Velasco

Honour! what frigid bigotry it is! Comfort! no more, oh! never more, shall I know the soft comfort of a mind at ease!

De Lerma

Wilt thou afflict me by thy grief's excess?

Velasco

Her father's death---that sure had been enough to prostrate her young joys and bow her soul in agony of sorrow---then, oh, Heavens! With what redoubled horror will she learn, that I was the fell agent---I, who swore to cherish and to lover her all her days! Bend not thy thoughts on that, or they will end in maniac frenzy---even new, my brain, in spiral flames, seems eddying unto madness! Oh! give me air, air, air! or I shall die!

[ Rushes out.

De Lerma

These vehement griefs, of their own fierceness, soon burn out, or are extinguish'd in the tears which follow their explosion. Passion's reign is brief as turbulent. In reason's light he will regard the act as brave men should. It pleases me---the colour of this blade! It shall be treasured---that when men shall say, De Lerma was dishonour'd; the reply may point to the red proofs of his revenge!

[ Exit.

SCENE III

A glen near the castle of Gonzalez. A storm is raging with thunder and lightning.

( Enter Velasco from the rocks in the back ground. )

Velasco

I lay my brow against the marble rock, I hold it throbbing to the dewy grass---there is no coolness in the summer rain! The elements have lost their attributes. The oaks are shiver'd round me, in the blaze of the near lightning, as it bursts the folds of its black cerements, but no gracious bolt blasts me or scathes! A wilder storm is here! The fiery quiver of the clouds will be exhausted soon---the hurricane will sink; and, through the vista of the western clouds, the slant rays of the setting sun will stream---and birds, on every glistening bough, will hail the refluent brightness and the freshen'd air; but when will pass away from this sad heart the cloud of grief, the tempest of remorse! When will the winged hopes, that glanced and sang in joy's melodious atmosphere, return, to welcome back the gladness of the soul! This spot! What fatal instinct led me here! It is our trysting-place; and---ha! what form breaks through the shadowy gloom? 'tis Izidora! She sees me---she advances---knows she yet the fearful truth? Oh! were this trial spared me!

( Enter Izidora. )

Izidora

Velasco! is it thou? Thank Heaven, we meet!

[ Catches at his arm for support---he turns away.

Alas! my lord, such fearful news I bring! Thou wouldst not shun me?

Velasco (embracing her)

Shun thee, Izidora!

Izidora

Oh! such a strange calamity has fallen upon our house, Velasco! But, I see, thou art inform'd already. We must straight pursue the guilty wretch.

Velasco (starting)

Avoid me! Fly! Let me not taint thee with my traitorous touch!

Izidora

Hear I, or do my senses play me false? What dost thou say? Still silent? Wilt not speak? I did not look for this. Thy sympathy at least were due me in this hour of wo.

Velasco

Do I not share the burthen of they sorrow? Oh! let this writhing heart, this burning brain, attest my grief, my anguish, my despair!

Izidora

Ah; pardon my mistrust. Thou dost partake with me this great affliction. Who, alas! Could have contrived so impious an act? Help me to curse him---

Velasco

No; 'tis not for thee to curse him, Izidora---not for thee!

Izidora

'Tis not for me to curse him? Thou art right. 'Tis for no Christian soul to breathe a curse. But I have sworn an oath---an oath of vengeance! Where is thy sword, Velasco? Thou shalt be my champion---the avenger of my father!

Velasco

I, thine avenger! I, thy champion!

Izidora

And whom but thou? My brother gone, alas! Where should I fly, forsaken, save to thee? Oh! thou art powerful to redress my wrongs, invincible in arms! Thy honour too---I need not tell thee, that thy honour cries, with loud appeal on thee to vindicate me made an orphan and my father slain!

Velasco

And thou dost ask of me---

Izidora

To slay the slayer! To execute the law of Heaven and earth---of Deity and mortal---blood for blood!

Velasco

Thou know'st not what thou askest!

Izidora

I have check'd the tributary anguish of my heart, and wrought the natural weakness of my sex to the stern task my dying sire imposed. Velasco! I had thought to find in thee a prompt avenger---and why art thou thus?

Velasco

I cannot---Wilt thou---Oh! have pity, Heaven!

Izidora

We are betroth'd; but ere a bridegroom's hand is clasp'd in mine, th' atonement must be made. Were he among the mightiest of the land, who must account for this unholy deed, before thy arm of terror he would quail. Go then! pursue th' assassin to the death.

Velasco

Assassin! if the death of him, my love, who slew thy father, would content thy soul;---the boon, it were not difficult to grant.

Izidora

Know'st thou the man, Velasco?

Velasco

Yes.

Izidora

Oh! haste to find him then.

Velasco

He is already found.

Izidora

Where is the man? Who is he?

Velasco

He is here! I am the man! Well mayst thou look aghast.

[ A peal of thunder. Izidora falls to the ground.

The thunder echoes it! the sable air tolls with the sound, and sheds lamenting drops: The tocsin of the elements proclaims it, and nature shudders! It hath stunn'd thy soul! Oh, flower too early blighted! Izidora! Look up! arise! Return to thy sad home! Nay, do not gaze so steadfastly upon that fearful conjuration of thy brain. Wake, Izidora!

Izidora

Wake? Then 'tis a dream! Oh! blessed waking! such a dream of horror duped my poor senses,---were it palpable, it could not more have check'd my frozen blood, nor thrill'd mine eyes within their loosen'd orbs. Methought I gazed upon my slaughter'd sire---bound by an oath of dire solemnity, to take swift vengeance on his murderer! Distraught with grief, I hasten'd to Velasco---whom should I make, but him, my champion? The lightning's flash---the muftled thunder's peal---the arrowy rain!---I heeded not the storm! But forward urged my steps, until, at length, I met my lover near our favourite haunt! Averted were his eyes---but when he turn'd to fold me in his arms, pale horror glared from every tortured feature! then---oh! then---

[ Slowly recovering her consciousness.

Thou art Velasco! This is not my home! My happy chamber, where the morning sun sheds such a tender radiance! No; the air is black with vapours, and the moaning gale bends the high trees and sweeps the murky clouds! What do I here at such an hour as this? It was no dream! It is reality!

Velasco

Oh! let me palliate the dreadful act. Thou dost not know---but thou art faint, my love.

Izidora

Stand back! sir knight! thy arm no more shall clasp me. Think of my oath! it yet must be fulfill'd. Before the king himself I will arraign thee, to answer for this deed.---I am devoted to the fulfilment of a sacred duty; but did not think to find in thee the man---

Velasco

Oh! may I not support thee to thy home? Thou'rt weak, distracted mourner!

Izidora

No. Away! A power---not mine---sustains my weary---limbs.

( Enter Hernando, who receives her insensible in his arms. )

Hernando

Here, in her kinsman's arms, is her protection. Wouldst thou, yet sprinkled with her parent's blood, proffer thy aid?

[ Bears her out.

Velasco (looking after them)

Lost! lost! For ever lost!

[ Throws himself on the ground.