Plays and Poems : electronic version.

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Davis British Women Romantic Poets Series 86 Managing Editor Charlotte Payne Founding Editor Nancy Kushigian Plays and poems. Brand, Hannah, d. 1821. by Miss Hannah Brand. Beatniffe and Payne Norwich F. and C. Rivington London Elmsley and Bremner London 1798

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[Title Page]

PLAYS,AND POEMS; BY MISS HANNAH BRAND. Here then I rest; sooth'd with the hope to prove The approbation of "the few I love," Join'd (for ambitious thoughts will sometimes rise) Join'd to th' endurance of the good and wise. GIFFORD. Norwich: PRINTED BY BEATNIFFE AND PAYNE; And sold by Messrs. F. and C. Rivington, St. Paul's Church-yard; andMessrs. Elmsley and Bremner, in the Strand, London. 1798. Entered at Stationer's Hall. TO MISS BRAND, THE FOLLOWING PAGESARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,As a Small, But sincere Memorial, OF THEESTEEM AND REGARDOF HER FAITHFUL FRIEND, ANDMOST AFFECTIONATE SISTER,

Hannah Brand. SUBSCRIBERS. MISS Ablitt, Butley, Suffolk John Addey, Esq. Norwich, deceased Mr. Ager, London Miss Ann Aggas Samuel Alchorne, Esq. King's Assay Master, Tower, London Dr. Alderson, Norwich Mr. Aldhouse, Norwich Miss Aldis, Woodbridge Rev. Loder Allen, Easton, Suffolk Hammond Alpe, Esq. Hardingham B Lady Burnaby, Berkeley Square, London Mr. Wm. Back, Norwich Miss Back Miss Jane Back Mr. L. Bacon, Norwich Mr. Rich. Bacon, Norwich T. Bagge, Esq. Lynn Regis Miss Bagge Mr. Wm. Baker, Norwich Mr. John Baker, Belchamp, St. Paul's, Essex Mrs. Bale, Palgrave, Norfolk Mr. John Baly, Hillington Mrs. Baldry, Ramsholt Mrs. Barbauld, Hampstead Mrs. Wm. Barnard, Norwich Miss Mary Barnard, Norwich Mrs. Barnwell, Beeston Mr. C. F. Barnwell, Lawshall Mrs. Barrett, Bansfield Hall, Wickhambrook, Suffolk Miss Basely, Norwich Philip Bayles, Esq. Messrs. Beatniffe and Payne, Norwich, 2 copies Mrs. Beckwith, St. Martin's Palace, Norwich Mr. Beckwith, Close, Norwich Mrs. Becroft, Norwich, 7 Copies T. Beever, Esq. St. Andrew's Hall, Old Buckenham, 10 Copies Mrs. Beevor, 10 Copies Dr. Beevor, Norwich Mrs. Dr. Beevor Miss Beevor Mr. Horace Beevor Mrs. Bell, Queen Ann Street, Westminster Captain Benjafield, West Kent Militia Mrs. Robert Berney, Scarning Rev. George Betts Miss Anne Betts Mrs. Bidwell, Dereham Mr. M. Bishop, Cambridge Mr. W. Blake, Swanton, 2 Copies Miss Blake, Scottow Mr. Richard Blanchard, Merchant, London Miss M. A. Bohun, Beccles Mr. Edward Booth, Norwich Peter Botham Esq. Cumberland Street, London Mrs. Botham Rev. I. Bowen, Pulham, Norfolk Mrs. Anne Bowen, Norwich Mrs. Boycatt, Wheatacre, St. Peter's Mr. John Brackenbury, Lynn, Norfolk Mrs. Brand, Woodbridge John Brand, Esq. Hemingston Hall, Suffolk, 20 Copies Mrs. Brooke, Woodbridge Mr. Anthony Brown, Lynn, Norfolk J. Browne, Esq. Norwich Rev. I. Browne, Dunsby, Lincolnshire Mrs. R. I. Browne, Close, Norwich Rev. Mr. Bruckner, Norwich Mr. Brunton, Norwich Miss Brunton Mrs. Buckle, Cringleford Mrs. Bunting, Kimbolton Mrs. Burcham, Norwich Miss Burks, Upwell Mrs. Ellis Burroughes Mrs. Butler, Easton Mrs. Butter, London C Her Grace the Dutchess of Chandois Mrs. Candler Miss Canham, Fordham, Norfolk Mrs. Carter, Ipswich Mrs. Carter, Thorpe Miss Carter Mrs. Carver, Norwich Mrs. Christian, Norwich, 2 Copies Miss Christian Miss Church, Yarmouth Miss Mary Chapman, Norwich Mrs. Chevalier, Aspall Hall Rev. Jacob Chilton, Ufford Mr. John Clark, Merchant, London Rev. John Clarke, Woodbridge, Suffolk Rev. Isaac Clarke, Woodbridge Miss Clarke, Norwich Mrs. John Cobbold, Ipswich Mrs. Cockell, Attleborough Miss Cockell Miss Mary Cockell Mrs. Cockle, Trimley Mrs. Cole, Norwich Mrs. Collett, Eyke, Suffolk Mrs. C. Collett, Woodbridge Mr. P. Colombine, Norwich Mrs. Colombine, Thorpe Mrs. Dr. Cooper, Yarmouth Miss Amelia Cooper, North Walsham Mrs. Cooper, Norwich Mrs. Cooper, Dereham Miss Cooper Mrs. Cooper, Woodbridge Mrs. Cooke, Knapton, Norfolk Mrs. Corbould, Weston Miss Corbould, Norwich Mrs. Couperthwaite, Woodbridge Rev. G. Crabbe, Glemham Cremer Cremer, Esq. Beeston, Norfolk Mrs. Cremer Rev. Benjamin Crofts, Gressinhall Mrs. Gilbert Crompton Mrs. Crown, Swaffham Mrs. Crowe, Lakenham, Norwich D Right Hon. Countess of Dysert Hon. Mrs. Damer, London Miss Mary Anne Dashwood Miss L. Davy, Dereham Miss Day, St. John's, Suffolk Miss Denton, Lynn, Norfolk E. Dereham Book Society J. C. Dod, Esq. Carlton, Norfolk Miss Doughty, Woodbridge Wm. Drake, Esq. Grosvenor Square, London Rev. Dr. Drake, Amersham Bucks Miss Drake, Wymondham, Norfolk Mrs. Drake W. Draper, Ensign in the Cambridgeshire Militia Mrs. Drosier E Miss Everard, Harleston Rev. Dr. Enfield, Norwich, deceased Mr. Edgar, Swaffham Mrs. Etheridge, Stoke Ferry F Lady Fenn, Dereham Mr. Rob. S. Fayerman, Swaffham Mr. Fergusson, London, 6 Copies Mrs. Fergusson Master James Fergusson, Jamaica Rob. E. Ferrier, Esq. London Rev. Dr. Forster, Master of the Grammar School, Norwich Mrs. Wm. Foster, Norwich Mrs. Foster, St. James', 2 Copies Mrs. Foster, St. Peter's Mancroft, 2 Copies Miss Fountain, Norwich Mrs. Fowell, Snetterton Mrs. Francis, Edgefield Mrs. Francis, Surrey Street, Norwich The Rev. R. Francis Miss Francis Miss Louisa Francis Miss Mary Anne Francis Rev. F. Francklin, Watton Miss Francklin, Attleborough, 3 Copies Rev. Dr. Frank, Alderton, 2 Copies Mrs. Frank, Alderton G Sir John Gallini, London Mrs. Ganning, Norwich, 3 Copies Miss Garnham, Bury C. D. Garrard, Esq. M. P. Lamer, Herts John Gay, Esq. Rainthorpe Hall Mrs. Gay, Alborough Miss Gay Miss Garrett, Kettleburgh Mrs. Gilman, London Lane, Norwich Major Girling, Dereham Rev. Edward Glover, Norwich Mr. Godfrey, Norwich Miss Godfrey, Mrs. Goodricke Mr. George Goodwin, Lynn, Norfolk Mrs. Gordon, Coltishall Miss Grafton, Romford Mr. Walter Grant, Bush Lane, London Rev. Wm. Grigson, Reymerstone Mr. E. Grigson, Watton Miss Gunton, Wickmere Rev. Joseph Gunning, Sutton, Suffolk Mrs. Gunning Miss Gunning H Mrs. R. Hamond, Lynn Mrs. Hammond, Brandeston Mrs. Hammont, Norwich Miss Hammont Miss Mary Anne Hammont Miss Rachael Hammont Miss Harriet Cooper Hammont Mrs. Hancock, Norwich Mrs. Hare, Hargham-Hall, Norfolk Mrs. Anne Hare Miss Harrington, Clare, Suffolk Mrs. Harvey, St. Clement's, Norwich Miss Harvey Robert Harvey, Esq. jun. Norwich Mrs. Robert Harvey C. Harvey, Esq. Norwich Mrs. Charles Harvey John Harvey, Esq. Thorpe, Norwich Mrs. John Harvey Miss Fanny Harvey Miss Marianne Harvey Mrs. T. Harvey, Catton Miss Harvey Mr. Harwood, Burnham Overy, Norfolk Miss Hawes, Cavendish Mrs. Henley, Randlesham Mrs. Hicks, Watton Mrs. Houghton, Norwich Mrs. Hope, London Rev. I. Howes, Morningthorpe Mrs. Howse, Wroxham, Norfolk Michael Hoy, Esq. London, 3 Copies Mrs. Hudson, Norwich Mr. Robert Huish, Nottingham Miss Hutchinson, Colchester J Hon. Lady Jerningham, Costesey Hall, Norfolk, 4 Copies Miss Jarold, Norwich Mrs. Jecks Miss Jenny, Hasketon Rev. Wm. Jewell, Aylsham Miss Mary Ingram Miss Jones, North Walsham John Ives, Esq. Norwich Mrs. T. Ives Mrs. J. Ives, Catton K Mrs. Kerrison, Norwich T. A. Kerrison, Esq. Miss Kittle Mr. Kitmer, Walsingham Mrs. Eleanor King, North Elmham Mr. S. King, Litcham Mrs. Kilderbee, Campsey Ash L Major Lambard, West Kent Militia Mrs. Landy, 2 Copies Miss Charlotte Lathbury, Woodbridge J. Lathom, Esq. Rodney Street, Norwich Miss Lee, Upwell General Leland Mrs. Lewis, 2 Copies Mr. John Livie, London Mrs. Livie Miss Mary Livie Mr. Loder, Printer, Woodbridge, Mrs. Long, South Audley, St. Grosvenor Square, London Mrs. London, Woodbridge Dr. Lubbock, Norwich Mrs. Lubbock, 4 Copies Wm. Lubbock, Esq. Lammas Rev. Gibson Lucas, Yarmouth Miss Lucas Mr. Lund Mrs. Lynn, Woodbridge M Mrs. Mack, St Giles', Norwich Miss Mack, Smalburgh Mrs. Mansell, Upper Berkley Street, London Mr. Austin Palgrave Manclarke, Rockland Mrs. A. P. Manclarke Mrs. Manclarke, Yarmouth Captain Marton, Inniskilling Dragoons Miss S. Martin, Birmingham Mrs. Marsh, St, George's Square, Norwich Mr. I. L. Marsh, Thorpe Miss Marsh Mrs. J. Marsh, St. Michael's Plea, Norwich John Martindale, Esq. Park-Lane, London Mr. Mattingham, Norwich Miss Mathew, Bury Mrs. Matthias, Mundham Mrs. Mayo, Hanover-Square, London William Midford, Esq. Crescent Minories, London Richard Milles, Esq. Elmham Mrs. Milles Miss Molineux, Bury Miss Moor, Wickham Miss Money, Raynham Mrs. Montgomery, Garbouldisham Hall, Norfolk John South Morse, Esq. Barton Miss Morse, London Miss Mortlock, Woodbridge Mr. Mugridge, Lynn N George Nassau, Esq. Trimley, 2 Copies Miss Naunton, Woodbridge Mrs. Nelson, Hilborough Miss Nelson Mr. Cæsar Newton, Sporle Miss Norton, Hale Miss Nothercoat, Swaffham O Miss Olier Foster, Devonshire Rev. Mr. Orgill, Beccles P Lady Prescott, 2 Copies Mrs. Page, Woodbridge, 2 Copies Wm. Woods Page, Esq. Bawdsey, 2 Copies Miss Parish, Ipswich Miss Palmer, Yarmouth Rev. Mr. Partridge, Norwich Mrs. E. Parr, Norwich, deceased Miss Payne, Hardingham, 2 Copies Miss E. Payne, 2 Copies Mrs. Pemberton, Belchamp, St. Paul's, Essex Mr. Piggon, Aylsham Miss Pierson, Clopton Miss Anne Plumptree Mrs. Pond, Dereham Miss Pond Mrs. Postle, Colney Rev. R. Potter, Prebendary, Norwich Mrs. Pratt, Dereham Rev. St. John Priest, Scarning Mr. Wm. Purse, Strand, London Mrs. Purvis, Beccles R Right Hon. Earl of Rochford Isaac Railton, Esq. London Mr. John Railton Mr. George Ranking, London Mr. Joseph Ranking Mewit Rand, Esq. Norwich Mrs. Raven, Bramerton Mrs. Reynolds, Norwich Miss Eliza Reynolds, Wood-street, London Robert Rissowe, Esq. Woodbridge Miss Riches, Woodbridge Mrs. Rigby, Norwich Mrs. Richards, Fritton, Norfolk Captain B. Roberts Mrs. C. Rodwell, Swaffham, Norfolk Mr. J. Roach, Norwich, 2 Copies Mrs. Anna Rogers, St. Saviour's, Norwich Mr. Rudge, Norwich Mrs. Russel, Woodbridge S Mr. T. Seabrook, Caius Coll. Camb. Mr. T. Seabrook, Master of the Gram. School, Cavendish Mrs. Seagrave, Chapel-Street, Bedford-Row, London Mrs. Sheming, Brandeston Mrs. Shreeve, Norwich Miss Shreeve Mrs. Sheppard, Campsey Ash Mrs. Sherston Miss Simpson, Nowton, Suffolk Miss Slater, Swainsthorpe Rev. Rowland Smith, Cavendish Mrs. Smyth, Dereham Rev. H. Y. Smythies, Fellow Eman. Coll. Camb. B. D. Mrs. Spilsbury, London Mr. Sparrow Gent, Houghton-Hall, Suffolk Mrs. Stearn, Burgh Mr. Stoughton, Whymondam Miss Stevenson Mr. T. Suffield, Norwich Miss Sutliffe, Norwich T Miss Tapp, Yarmouth Mr. Wm. Taylor, jun. Surrey-Street, Norwich Rev. T. Taylor, Bethel-Street, Norwich Mrs. Taylor Mrs. John Taylor, St. George's Colegate Mr. Richard Temple, Barmer Mr. Thomas, Norwich Mrs. Thomas, Kesgrave, Suffolk Miss Tompson, Woodbridge Mr. Thurgar, Norwich Mrs. Toundrow, Pentlow, Essex Rev. George Turner, Kettleburgh Miss E. Turner, Stansfield, Suffolk Mrs. John Tuthill Miss Tuthill Miss Tye, Woodbridge Tho. D. Tyrrwhitt, Esq. M.P. Shardeloes, Bucks V Miss Vandriel, London Mrs. Utting, St. George's Square, Norwich W Mrs. Waddington, Cavendish Mrs. Ward, London Miss Walker, 2 Copies Mr. T. R. Walker Rev. I. S. Watts, Rector of Ashill Miss Elizabeth Langley Watts, Norwich Miss Watts, Wymondham Mrs. Walkin, Chelmsford Mrs. Whyte, Swaffham Miss White, Norwich Mr. Wilcocks Miss Wilcocks Mrs. Wilcocks Miss Wingfield, Dereham Mr. S. Witton, Stourbridge Captain Wodehouse, Kimberly-Hall, Norfolk Miss Woods, Loddon, Ingloss Miss Woodrow, Norwich Mrs. Worth Miss Worth Miss S. Worth Mrs. Wright, Dereham Mr. Rich. Wright, Norwich Y Major York, Cambridgeshire Militia, M.P. Mrs. Young, Necton, Norfolk Miss. Catherine Young Miss Young, Clare, Suffolk Contents. Introduction. 1 Huniades; or, The Siege of Belgrade. 11 The Conflict ; or Love, Honour, and Pride. * 147 Adelinda. † 251 Valentine. 379 Introduction. 381 The Monk of La Trappe. 386 Ode to Youth. 416 Imitation of the French Hymn of Monsieur Des Barreaux. 418 Ode to Adversity. 419 Prayer to the Parcæ. 422

Altered from D. Sanche d'Aragon, by P. Corneille.

Altered from La Force du Naturel, by Destouches.

ERRATA. Page 4, line 22, for Uladislous, read Ladislaus. Page 200, [line] 15, for D. Elvira, read D. Isabella Page 385, [line] 10, for Almorer, read Almoner. HUNIADES; OR, THE SIEGE OF BELGRADE: A Tragedy. INTRODUCTION.

SIGISMOND, the son of the Emperor Charles IV. was elected King of Hungary 1386, and Emperor of Germany 1410. His first wife, Mary, being dead, he espoused, about the year 1414, Barbara, the daughter of Hernan, Count of Cilley. Sigismond made the Counts of Cilley independent Princes of the Empire; and called them to the Diets, without the consent of the House of Austria, their supreme Lords, who, unwilling to emancipate the County from its dependance upon them, declared war against the Count in possession. By Barbara, Sigismond had only one child, a daughter, named Elizabeth. Sigismond died 1437.

Albert V. Duke of Austria, who had married Elizabeth, Sigismond's daughter, succeeded him in the Empire, and the Kingdom of Hungary. Albert died 1440, leaving two daughters; his Queen Elizabeth was big with child at the time of his death; the child proved a son, and was named Ladislaus.

Upon the death of Albert II. as Emperor, and V. as Duke of Austria, his cousin, Frederick, great grandson of Albert II. Duke of Austria, was immediately elected Emperor.

The Hungarians, almost constantly engaged in war against the Turks, either for the defence of their own country, or of the neighbouring states, deemed an infant Prince and a Queen Regent unequal to the safe government of a kingdom which, by frequent wars, was kept in continual alarm. The crown of Hungary, by the constitution of the kingdom, being elective, (though sometimes possessed in hereditary succession) Uladislaus, the young King of Poland, was chosen King, by the advice of John Corvin Huniades, Earl of Bistrie, whom Uladislaus made Vaywode of Transylvania. Huniades was as celebrated for his virtues as for his valour. He was pious towards God, faithful to his country and his prince, and kind and benevolent to his friends; as a warrior he was politic, of invincible courage, and mostly fortunate: he was the first Christian commander who showed that the Turks might be overcome; and he obtained more victories against them than any one of the Christian Princes before him*.

Elizabeth, unable to prevent this choice, put her son, Uladislaus, under the protection of the Emperor Frederick III. Thus, of Albert's possessions, only Austria, and the kingdom of Bohemia, remained unalienated from his posthumous son, Ladislaus.

Sir William Temple says that, "Huniades was one of the three worthies who deserved a Crown without wearing one." The reward, merited by the virtues and great talents of the father, was paid to the son; for in 1458, the Hungarians, from their love to Huniades, and grateful remembrance of his long services, chose his son, Matthias Corvinus, for their King.

In the battle of Varna, 1444, fought between the Turks, commanded by their King, Amurath II. and the Hungarians, led by Huniades, Uladislaus the King of Hungary was slain; Huniades, by whose side he fought, having left him to go and rally the left wing of the Christian army.

The Hungarians now elected Albert's son Ladislaus King; and they chose Huniades, their General, Governor of Hungary during his minority. The Emperor Frederick detaining the infant King in Germany, Huniades, as Governor of Hungary, declared war against him. After a long contest, which the Hungarians were obliged to intermit, on account of their wars against the Turks, the Emperor, not strong enough to defend his dominions from being ravaged by the incursions of the Hungarians, at last in 1452 delivered up their king; then eleven years of age. An assembly was appointed at Vienna, to which the nobles of Hungary and Bohemia were invited. At this assembly it was decreed that, during the minority of Ladislaus, Huniades should govern Hungary; that George Podiebrad should govern Bohemia; and that Ulrick, Count of Cilley, great uncle to the King, should govern Austria, and be guardian of his person.

Count Cilley, envious of the glory of Huniades, excited some parties of Bohemians and Moravians to attack Upper Austria: but they proved unsuccessful when opposed by Huniades. Ambitious of the government of Hungary, Count Cilley accused Huniades, the Governor, to the King; but he justified himself from the accusation. Count Cilley's ambition increasing with the power which he derived from being the King's guardian; he attempted to make himself absolute master of Austria. To effect which, he secured the principal fortresses, by giving them to the command of unprincipled people whom he had attached to his interest; gradually removing Elsinger, and the Austrian nobility, from all offices of importance. This conduct gave great umbrage to the people. Elsinger took advantage of their discontent; and, aided by Huniades, obliged Ulrick to retire to his own territory of Cilley. Thus, by the bravery and conduct of these two warriors, Austria was wrested from Count Cilley's usurpation.

Mahomet II. the seventh King, and the first Emperor of the Turks, who took Constantinople May 29, 1453, which his great grandfather, Bajazet I. and his father Amurath II. had unsuccessfully besieged, marched 1456* with an army of 150,000 men to besiege Belgrade, then thought the key to Hungary.

As soon as the report of Mahomet's intention to besiege Belgrade, reached the young King Ladislaus, then fifteen years of age, he fled to the court of the Emperor Frederick; which much displeased his Hungarian subjects, as it had before cost them a long and tedious contest to get him out of the Emperor's power.

New Universal History, vol. XXVI. p. 296, there is a mistake in the date of this Siege of Belgrade, which is there put down A.D. 1459; and in vol. XXXII. p. 149, the date is 1456, which last agrees with other Historians.

Besides his numerous army, of 150,000 men, Mahomet provided a fleet, of 200 ships and gallies, which he sent up the Danube from Viden to Belgrade; to the intent that no relief, or aid, should be brought into the city out of Hungary by the great rivers of the Danube and the Save; upon the confluence of which, the city of Belgrade stands. Not contented with thus closely blockading the city on all sides, Mahomet sent part of his fleet further up the Danube, and landing troops spoiled the country in many places on the banks of the river. On his first coming before Belgrade, he made a fierce assault but was repulsed: he found the Hungarians ready to receive him, and prepared to skirmish with his troops, without the walls, as well as to defend the city. Mahomet, finding his arms so resolutely opposed, began to proceed more warily; and intrenched his army. He provided for its safety, against the sudden sallies of the besieged, by casting up deep trenches and strong rampires. After planting his battery, he began to shake the wall of the city most furiously with his great artillery: insomuch that he battered down a part of it level with the ground. But the defendants with great labour and industry speedily repaired it, by casting up new fortifications and rampires, so that it was stronger than before.

Campestran, a Franciscan monk, having at this time preached, in Germany, a crusade against the Turks, had collected an army of 40,000 men. With these, his followers, he entered Belgrade to assist in its defence against Mahomet, who was become the terror of all Christendom by his conquests, his enterprising genius, his capacious mind improved by all the learning of the age, his indefatigable industry in the pursuit of whatever he undertook, his irresistible courage, his insatiable cruelty, his avowed impiety, his blood-thirstiness, his immeasurable ambition, his impious treachery, and his unrelenting flinty-hearted severity; so that against his ambition there was no mound, on his faith or friendship no dependance, and in his least displeasure death.

Huniades, who was gone to Upper Hungary, to raise supplies, was expected to sail from Buda, with a fleet of ships and gallies stored with warlike provisions; when Mahomet, having been a month before Belgrade, prepared to give a general assault, although his superstitious troops were much dispirited from the appearance of two comets*; and the death of Carazius the Lieutenant-General, who was killed by a canon-shot from the city; which circumstances they considered as prognosticks of ill success. At this time, A.D. 1456, August 5, the fleet of Huniades came in sight, and was met by Mahomet's fleet four miles up the Danube beyond Belgrade.

D'Ohsson's Hist. Gen. of the Othoman Empire, vol. I. p. 539.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. Christians. JOHN CORVIN HUNIADES; Regent of Hungary, Vaywode of Transilvania, Guardian to the Princess Agmunda, and General of the King's Forces. NICHOLAS VILACH; the Friend of Huniades. LADISLAUS CORVINUS; The eldest Son of the Regent Huniades, his Lieutenant General, and Deputy Governor of Transylvania. ULRICK, COUNT OF CILLEY; (Great Uncle to Ladislaus, King of Hungary and Bohemia, and Duke of Austria,) appointed by the States Regent of Austria, and Guardian to the King during his minority. RODOLPHO; the Confident of Count Cilley. CAMPESTRAN; a Franciscan Monk. MICHAEL ZILUGO; Governor of Belgrade, and President of the Council. First Lord. Old Officer. Herald. Lords of the Council, Officers, Soldiers, People, Guards. AGMUNDA; Daughter to the late Emperor Albert, and Sister to the young King Ladislaus. ELLA; an Attendant on the Princess Agmunda. Turks. MAHOMET II. Emperor of the Turks. MUSTAPHA; his Minister and Favourite. CHUSANES; the General of the Turkish Forces. ZOGANUS; a Bashaw, Ambassador to the Hungarians. Bashaws, Agas, Janizaries, Guards, Mutes, &c. Scene THE CITY OF BELGRADE, AND THE SULTAN'S TENT BEFORE IT. EraA.D. 1456: Time—from the Noon of the 5th of August to Sun-rising, August 6th. ADVERTISEMENT.

In the representation, many passages were left out: they are not however distinguished; as they will easily be perceived by persons acquainted with the nature of stage effect.

HUNIADES; OR,THE SIEGE OF BELGRADE. Act First. SCENE FIRST—A HALL OF STATE. Several doors, from inner apartments, opening into the hall. In the front folding doors, Count Cilley coming forward through them; a couch seen in the inner apartment, from which he rises as the curtain draws up. Rodolpho following him. COUNT CILLEY, RODOLPHO. COUNT CILLEY. IT mocks belief. Huniades arriv'd? His fleet in sight, engaging with the Turk's? Demons of air, in whirlwinds scatter both! Thou roaring Danube whelm them in thy flood! Destroy Huniades, though, he destroy'd, Plumed victory should forsake the Christian banner, And give to Mahomet unbounded empire. RODOLPHO. This passionate deportment tends to ruin; Your bounty has allur'd the people's hearts, Because they see no motive, but their interest, Which stimulates your ardour to relieve them; The mine you dig, should they suspect your purpose, Would be blown up with danger to yourself. Let circumspection guard what art has won; Opposeless is a foe new-crown'd by victory; Huniades now reigns in every heart. These succours, swiftly rais'd, and timely come To their relief, have chang'd the people's murmurings To joy and gratitude. Should you exclaim Against their idol, you excite suspicion. Still in the people's interest seem absorb'd, Seem joyful that Huniades is come With fresh supplies to feed their wives and children. This if he bring them not sows discontent. COUNT CILLEY. Curse on his coming! for it gives the lie To all I prophesy'd of his delay, And drooping courage. Long has he been seen? RODOLPHO. Three hours. COUNT CILLEY. Why instantly was I not told, When the fleet came in sight? Art thou too leagu'd With fortune, and my foes, against my wishes? My favours merit better service from thee; Thy too late warning leaves me now no power To form such plans, as should have foil'd his speed. RODOLPHO. Vain, fruitless thought! thy passion warps thy judgment. Thou might'st as well hope to arrest yon Sun In mid career, as stop this gallant chief, When ardent in his country's cause he comes. Yet had I known, my Lord, you would have thank'd The man who told you that your foe was near, I could have summon'd you from needed sleep To see a grateful people mad with joy; To hear one voice of praise ascend the skies, That great Huniades, their guardian genius, Their tutelary God, was come to save them. COUNT CILLEY. Peace! for my ill-placed anger taunt me not. Huniades, the man I fear and envy, Whom I with deadly hate detest—he comes. Unfated vengeance fires my soul to phrenzy. Gods, he triumphant comes! Give me some hope, Contrive some means, that he may fall my victim! RODOLPHO. Be calm! and opportune event may aid you; Without supplies the city must surrender. If now Huniades relieve Belgrade, The frighted King will strait return to celebrate His sister's marriage with the Servian prince. The Princess gone, the Regent's power is sapp'd; The guardianship of such a peerless gem, As your fair niece, gives power to rise still higher. 'Tis rumour'd, that his son Corvinus dar'd To ask her hand—— COUNT CILLEY. How! my niece wed Corvinus? By heaven she never shall, whilst I have life; I first would give Belgrade, although the key Of the Hungarian realm, to Mahomet; And he would rid me both of son and father. Huniades! his blood commix with mine? Corvinus and Agmunda then would mount My coward nephew's throne, supplanting me. Accursed scheme! rise every fiend to blast it. RODOLPHO. The Regent has himself that danger warded; Glory, and not ambition, is his God: He made the Princess, at the altar, swear Never to wed his son. But other cares Demand your present thoughts. A hasty council Has been conven'd; which soon broke up, commanding Such troops to muster in Saint Julian's Square, As can be spar'd from duty on the walls. These, from the western gate, led by Corvinus, In one vast column, through the Turkish camp, Must fight their way against redoubling foes; Whilst with his troops, and hoped supplies, Huniades Shall disembark. In this their purpos'd sally, A thousand of your Austrian troops they ask To march with the rear-guard, and flank the river, The ground maintaining which the van shall gain, And their retreat back to Belgrade secure. COUNT CILLEY. Ask me to aid the triumph of Huniades? Bid the wreck'd seaman quit the plank he clings to! Bid the parch'd wretch, when fever fires his blood, Part with the cooling beverage from his lip! 'Tis a gross insult to demand my troops; Not one shall march beneath Corvinus' standard. RODOLPHO. Think of the consequence of this refusal. 'Twould sound unpopular, and most suspicious, That Austria's Regent, the King's guardian, And his great Uncle too, refus'd his aid Stores to convey into a town besieged, Where every citizen eats scanty bread. Without these succours famine will ensue, Belgrade must yield, and with it falls a kingdom. Your aid is not of service to your foe, But to yourself; worded the people's friend, You lose their confidence, if in this misery Your deeds desert them. Let not fury blind you, Weigh, with your wonted policy, your interest. Revenge and hate must wait a riper hour. COUNT CILLEY. I know not that; their hour perhaps is now, My spirits feel a prescience which prolaims The balance of my fate aloft is pois'd; And shall I make the adverse scale preponderate? (pauses.) Gods! give me empire, let me reign or die! I would command my fate, nor owe to chance My envy'd height. Huniades destroy'd, The Regency of Hungary is mine; Then, this Boy King, the people will depose: Huniades, whilst Regent, more defends him Than could embattled legions arm'd to save him. RODOLPHO. My Lord! the exigence demands despatch, Zilugo urged me for a speedy answer; Resolve, lest your delay excite suspicion, And make him penetrate your secret motive. I know he views your conduct with distrust, And lynx-eyed jealousy may view it right; Unless you warily avoid its ken. COUNT CILLEY. Be thine the craft t'elude his penetration, Smoothing my answer to a courteous form. This Governour I fain would win: so tell him, My troops should in this enterprise take part, To the last man; but, that I fear the Sultan, When we shall sally to convoy the succours, Will try to force the eastern gate by storm. This and the wall adjacent I must guard. To draught my troops, should an assault be given, Would be most certain danger to Belgrade. I but withhold them for important service, More perilous far than that which I decline. Grace this with all the artifice of speech, And speak me such as he would wish to find me. To my Lieutenant then the order give, That Cosmo shall the eastern gate command; And Hernan's regiment surround the palace. Report my fears that the Turks mean to storm. And instantly to arms my Austrians call. RODOLPHO. Is this parade meant but to blind the council? Or have these preparations other motives? Instruct me, lest I fail to aid your purpose. COUNT CILLEY. This palace I will seize. My niece the Princess, Leagu'd with my foes or not, shall be my prisoner Till I succeed; and, if I fail, my victim. I must harangue the crowd, distribute money, Accuse Huniades of breach of faith, That he has plann'd his son should wed the Princess, Dethrone my nephew, and usurp his crown. If this inflame the people, as I wish, Corvinus and Huniades return'd (spoken with insidious meaning.) Shall be for treason seiz'd, and thou their guard, As thou wast Elsinger's. The Monk Campestran, Fanatic priest, shall writhe beneath my vengeance. I'll seize the Sword his insolence refus'd me: Bless'd by the Pope, the people hold it sacred, Thinking miraculous power attends the wearer. Campestran shall repent his proud defiance: Without his aid, sole Regent of this realm Belgrade shall hail me, and ere long its King. With thy accustom'd zeal my orders execute. Exit Rodolpho. SCENE SECOND. COUNT CILLEY, THE GOVERNOR MICHAEL ZILUGO. (Zilugo enters hastily as Rodolpho goes out.) COUNT CILLEY. What trouble read I in your looks, Zilugo? ZILUGO. Grief at the loud laments of starving thousands, And at the silent tears of hardy veterans, Drooping dismay'd.—The fleet is now in flames—— COUNT CILLEY. The Regent's fleet, which came this morn in sight? ZILUGO. Is now destroying. Nought can be seen of it, For bursting flames, and volumes of thick smoke, Which the west wind towards the city blows. We fear our godlike champion now expires, Or, chain'd, is led in triumph by the victor. I have just call'd the council to advise What, in this exigence, we ought to do. Fain would Corvinus sally forth, with all Our force, at the west gate, and through the invaders, On that side now redoubling, force a passage; And save, from Mahomet, his gallant Father, With those brave troops who may escape the flames. COUNT CILLEY. The attempt is madness. What, risk our whole force To save one man? Hazard Belgrade for him? ZILUGO. Huniades that One,—hazard an Empire. Though gratitude were dumb, yet interest pleads; For seven score thousand Turks, inur'd to war, Round our beleaguer'd walls have trenches open'd, And our own safety now demands his aid. Who but himself had fought against their fleet This morn? Yet he, undaunted Chief, engag'd Their ships at fearful odds. Had victory smil'd, Boldly must he his landing have made good I' the teeth of all the Sultan's chosen soldiers. And after that, although you think it madness For us to pass athwart the Turkish lines, Yet he, with not the tenth of half our force, Would, through their camp, have hewn himself a path; Then with tir'd troops, from a third battle panting, Belgrade had been again by him reliev'd. This godlike man shall we, with coward caution, Desert, now, when for us, he stands the mark Of hostile rage? COUNT CILLEY. Defeat, in mid career, His boldness stops; and, with less daring, prudence Warns us to act, nor, by our ruin, grace His fall. Huniades, or dead, or captive, The tottering state must chuse another Regent: A Nation's praise will that brave man deserve, Who, in this peril, dares to take the helm. ZILUGO. Now, at this stormy crisis, to be Regent Is to encounter toil and certain danger: A thankless office, where all may be lost, And nothing can be won. Much the King's flight To Frederick's court, the people has displeas'd. This beardless King, deserting his own cause, Is grown unpopular. The soldiers fight Dead-hearted. Yet where great Corvinus leads, Adoring him, with ready swords they follow. Another Regent strew'd with thorns will find His road, unless our well-plac'd choice select That hero whom the soldiers love and fear. COUNT CILLEY. A Regent must be chosen, or this Corvinus, This boy, will arrogate his Father's power, Defy the council's orders, waste our strength, And lose the city of the most importance In the Hungarian realm. If you should aid This rash exploit, I shall suspect your loyalty. Traitors I deem Corvinus, and Huniades, Who would usurp my infant Nephew's throne. To guard his rights, I claim the General's truncheon. Enter a Messenger. MESSENGER (addressing the Governor). My Lord! approaching tow'rds the eastern gate A train of Turks appears, so very numerous, That it resembles more a hostile army Than a state embassy. They found a parley. ZILUGO. Let trumpets from the eastern tower accept it, And send forth Heralds to demand their purpose, Which here report. Exit Messenger. COUNT CILLEY. Now shew your zeal to serve The state; and in the council name me Regent. ZILUGO. Forego that thought, nor hazard a repulse. My Lord! at present, if the council chuse A man for that high office, much I doubt, Nay I foretell, they never will name you. COUNT CILLEY. And yet this realm demands my care, Zilugo! This new alliance with the Prince of Servia, Will keep the sword for ever in our hands Against the Turk, who, when he quits Belgrade, With fire and sword, will ravage Servia, Which, by the treaty, we are bound to succour. Huniades has some base views in this; Some secret tribute, or some promis'd service. My Niece is sold. ZILUGO. Unjust are your suspicions. The Regent knows no interest, but his Country's; And Servia, aided by our arms, will prove Hungaria's bulwark 'gainst the Turk's invasion. Therefore he gives the Princess to Matthias. Although her heart in secret loves another; Yet has his counsel o'er that love prevail'd, For the state's welfare, and his sovereign's safety. COUNT CILLEY. And can you, Governor! approve this marriage? The Servian Prince will like his treacherous father, Deceitful prove; that father who, before you, Murder'd your Brother, basely, in cold blood. ZILUGO. My sword the traitor slew; and, justice satisfy'd, Resentment sleeps within its victim's tomb. COUNT CILLEY. Had I a Regent's power, I would oppose This purpos'd marriage: highly I dislike it. Form'd by Huniades, it hides some treason. Let my Niece wed with some Hungarian Lord, Whose service such a high reward may merit. Amongst the gallant nobles of this realm, I know not who has from the state, Zilugo! Such claims to honour as yourself. Your son—— ZILUGO (haughtily). I understand you, Count! I know, my interest Is, with the Council, of sufficient weight For such a bribe: and, when inclin'd to sell Honour and faith, I know a purchaser, Who, wanting both, would give a prodigal price, Glut my revenge, and my ambition feed. COUNT CILLEY. I prize your zeal, and therefore court your friendship. 'Tis my esteem for you, which makes me chuse Your Son to wed my Niece. Whilst to your merit I am thus just, you through mistake oppose me. ZILUGO. It now behoves me bluntly to inform you, You lose your dignity in these attempts. Your sanguine temper grasps at unjust power, Which vested in you would prove dangerous. The man who asks more than he ought to have, Must meet repulse. When honest minds are rous'd To oppose audacity, respect is lost In that contempt, which, all unfair designs, Whether in public or in private life, Sooner or later ever must incur. COUNT CILLEY (half drawing his sword). I'll teach your bluntness to contemn my power, ZILUGO (drawing his sword and retreating). Ulrick! this sword is practis'd 'gainst assassins— COUNT CILLEY (drawing his sword advances). As man to man, in equal fight advance. ZILUGO. No! whilst my sword can serve my Country's cause, I will not use it but for her; except To guard my life. If I escape the peril, Which now awaits us, call me forth—the friend Of Elsinger will meet you; brave, fallen Elsinger! His, and our noble Regent's, threatening sword Kept from your grasp all Austria's rich domains; For had not they in your career oppos'd you, Instead of Guardian to your infant Nephew, You first had rebel been, and then usurper. The power you have our nobles think unsafe; Therefore the Council will not chuse you Regent. COUNT CILLEY. They shall by force elect me, if not peaceably; The army shall control them in my favour. ZILUGO. Only that army, which you hither brought. Ulrick! you now confess, what all suspected, That here your troops were station'd with design Most hostile to this State; we knew, your purpose Was not to grace the nuptials of your Niece, Though that was your pretence to gain them entrance: Yet, as 'twas rumour'd, that the unnumber'd host, Which Mahomet led, was marching to Belgrade, Its gates were open'd to receive your forces, Unquestion'd your designs. COUNT CILLEY. And who should question them? Am I, a German Prince, and Austria's Regent, To move without due state, lest you should frown? ZILUGO. Conceal'd ambition lures you to a plan, In which success will prove most fatal to you. I know your valour; but in Europe's wars However skill'd, in Asiatic modes Of wily fight, or fierce terrific onset, Your courage and your conduct are untry'd. Your first essay, in this extreme of danger, Cannot be made. We must give battle soon, Or else by famine perish. I am your friend—— COUNT CILLEY. Let me but find you so. Such vast returns—— ZILUGO. Mistake me not: I am your friend who warns you To shun dishonour's gulph, which yawns beneath The mouldering precipice, whose brink you tread With such temerity. Mark, that I speak not, Solely, to save your honour; but to avoid Intestine war, to you, to us, unsafe; To avoid disgrace and ruin, chains and slavery, Which, if you lead our troops, must be our fate. Then be advis'd—— Enter Heralds. FIRST HERALD. Impatient to gain entrance, The Turks declare they come with terms of honour, Though, our fleet burnt, they might as victors come; And that, provided the Hungarians Aid not the Servian Prince, and instant give Agmunda for a bride to Mahomet, With thirty thousand ducats yearly tribute, The Sultan will consent to raise the siege; But if refus'd, Belgrade he means to storm. ZILUGO. I fear some craft. The Council now is met: These terms, unlook'd for, shall be laid before them. May Heaven direct their choice! Admit the embassy! Exit Heralds. Your Austrian troops, my Lord! in serried files, So guard this palace, and the eastern gate, We need not fear their numbers should surprise us. COUNT CILLEY. It will be well, if their best services Can make me less suspected by Zilugo. ZILUGO. My Lord! will you with me the Council join? There your advice, as Uncle to the Princess, With due respect and deference will meet. SCENE THIRD. CORVINUS, COUNT CILLEY, THE GOVERNOR MICHAEL ZILUGO. CORVINUS. (In complete armour: his casque gold, the crest a raven, a large plume of black feathers waving over it. Speaking to an Officer as he enters.) Campestran is not here. In his own chapel, Or in the council-hall, Ernesto! seek him. Zilugo! will the Council grant my prayer, Empower me to avenge, or save my Father? COUNT CILLEY. We mourn his fate, but must avoid to share it. CORVINUS. Matchless ingratitude! Desert Huniades! So oft his Country's tutelary God? Is this the last, brave battle he shall fight? ZILUGO. My Lord! the Council is but just assembled; Hope in their justice for your Father's rescue. Corvinus, have you heard the Turkish embassy? CORVINUS. With grief, with indignation, I have heard it; Peace on such terms makes us the slaves of Mahomet. The giddy people think it of advantage, And joyful shout "Our Princess will redeem us." A Turkish marriage is most vile disgrace. We will not tamely wear the chains of Mahomet; This shameful union never shall take place. COUNT CILLEY. Speech so peremptory becomes you not, Young Lord! I think compliance will be prudent. CORVINUS. Heavens! to this spoiler would you give the Princess? His sword yet reeks with his Sultana's blood*, Wantonly slain, by his own hand, to shew His whole, astonish'd court, he could in cruelty Exceed whatever monster yet debas'd The nature, or disgrac'd the name of man. Hence let us drive this fierce, imperial ruffian, Or nobly perish in the just attempt. Let him the city storm; it shall be sav'd,

This alludes to the fate of the Sultaness Irene. Mahomet, being told that the Janizaries, and the great officers murmured, that he spent so much time in her company, and were ready to revolt, assembled the Divan, and brought Irene before them; and after severely reproaching them for daring to murmer at his attachment to her, he, to shew them that he was master over his affections, twisted his hand in her hair which hung flowing over her shoulders, and with one blow of his scymitar struck off her head, to the horror and surprise of all present. KNOLLES, p. 353.

Or I will perish in its last intrenchment; Leave him of my defeat a sad memorial, A trophy, which shall make my victor mourn. COUNT CILLEY (very sarcastically). For tilts and tournaments, vain-glorious stripling! Save idle gallantry. CORVINUS. Injurious Prince! That stripling's sword has gain'd a coat of mail, Which malice cannot pierce. My past success Warrants my present hopes. COUNT CILLEY (going out). Think not to risk Belgrade, and slaughter thousands at thy will. Exit Count Cilley. SCENE FOURTH. CORVINUS, THE GOVERNOR MICHAEL ZILUGO. ZILUGO. Ulrick's ambition plans to seize the crown; But thou wilt guard it for its trembling master. CORVINUS. May Heaven forsake me, when I him forsake. Bred up my foe, yet still he is my King: And could ambition warp my sworn allegiance, A panoply invulnerable guards him, Which courage, or which honour ne'er assails; Namely—his helpless state,——sacred to me As sainted shrines, nor dare I to invade it. ZILUGO. O more than monarch, princely-minded youth! Worthy to mount that throne thy temperance shuns. More glorious thus to guard a crown than wear it. The spirit of Huniades lives in thee, O Son, most worthy of thy godlike Father! Thou know'st my heart; say how I best may serve thee. CORVINUS. Haste, join the assembled Council, and oppose With all your influence this hated marriage. Speak my great Father's claim to ev'ry aid, E'en to the last, brave man the State can raise: Speak for a friend, a patriot, and a Son, With all a friend's, a Son's, a patriot's, zeal. But should'st thou fail in these, protract the council; A moment now is worth an age hereafter. ZILUGO. I to the Council will prefer your suit. (To Campestran as he enters.) Campestran comes. Hail, saintly warrior! Advise, assist us, in this hour of fate, To save a Throne, a Kingdom, and a Friend. (Zilugo goes out.) SCENE FIFTH. CAMPESTRAN, CORVINUS. CORVINUS. Good father! hast thou heard the Sultan's embassy, His arrogant demands? CAMPESTRAN. I have, my son! Ernesto found me in the council-hall, Where Ulrick now harangues in praise of peace. CONVINUS (with great eagerness). Our warriors surely execrate the terms; Nor will ignobly sacrifice Agmunda To this barbarian. CAMPESTRAN. A general panic Has, like some sudden pestilence, unstrung Each heart: the icy poison of dismay Freezes the life-blood of their vaunted courage. Though murmuring, all consent to purchase peace, To yield the Princess, and to pay the tribute. CORVINUS. Curse on the unmanly spirits which desert her! We shall be chronicled to future times For traitors, cowards, to devote a Princess To slavery, nay to death, to ransom Us Only from sharing in the chance of war. Our fortune ebbs, but is not desperate yet; Even then, our lives with loss of honour bought, Were purchas'd at a price beyond their worth. Then let us save her, and prevent our shame. O father!——(pauses much agitated). CAMPESTRAN. Why dejected dost thou pant, Like timorous fawn caught in the snarer's toils? I know thee not; thou art so fallen and spiritless. What trouble thus unnerves thee? Rouse, Corvinus! Collect thy thoughts. Support thy present woes With the same equal mind, and dauntless courage, Thou at an army's head repell'st thy enemy. Thy grief, though just, should not disarm thy mind. Recall thy godlike energy of soul; Reflect on thy own fame; respect thyself. Can courage aid us, or can wisdom save? In every exigence they still were thine. Oft has thy valour sav'd the doubtful field, And oft thy counsel has inform'd the wise. If aught can now be done, thou canst achieve it; Thy arm our bulwark, and thy mind our helm. CORVINUS. Faint hope gleams on my soul; but so o'ercast With fears, which, like to cowardice, unman me; Thus sunk, through very weakness, I could weep. There is one step which might avert these ills; A venturous act befits a losing cause. (Recovering his spirit.) These coward nobles will our honour stain; Ingrates, who leave my Father to his fate, A slave, or fallen, unrescu'd, unreveng'd. CAMPESTRAN. Where glory leads, my troops, thou may'st command: They are not veterans; but zeal supplies Experience. Wait not the Council's orders; Lead forth my troops. I by thy side will fight, Conquer, or die. CORVINUS. Dost thou dislike this marriage? CAMPESTRAN. Yes; as a man, and Christian. Canst thou think, I left my blest retreat, my holy brethren, Hither to come to place a helpless lamb Upon the altar, for the cruel Turk To immolate, beneath the olive branch Of peace, held forth in treachery to blind us? Does the Crusade I preach admit such peace; Or our religion hold such nuptials holy? What is thy aim? If in thy self-desertion, Thou canst a purpose form, give me to know it. CORVINUS. Oh! canst thou not divine from looks my wishes, Learn, from the throbbings of my heart, my hopes, And from these tears of anguish, that despair Which blasts them all? Wert thou but skill'd to read My inmost soul—— Let me not give it speech, Unless thou, father! kindly wilt recall Thy youthful ardour, ere the cloyster's gloom Chasten'd thy thoughts to dwell on Heaven alone. Love once—— CAMPESTRAN. Befits this time a lover's tale? When Ulrick plots against thy fame and life, When peace, alike impolitic and shameful, Thy country threats with everlasting chains? CORVINUS. To avert that peace one way alone remains, If you consent. CAMPESTRAN. Speak but the means. CORVINUS. Ah! wilt thou? (falters.) CAMPESTRAN. Why falter thus? Declare; what can I do To avert this shameful peace? CORVINUS. Persuade the Princess To accept my vows—unite us instantly, And supersede this most unchristian sacrifice. CAMPESTRAN. 'Tis the sure means to avoid this fatal peace. Hast thou a hope she will consent to this? Betroth'd to Servia's Prince, who would be here To claim her hand, but for the Sultan's army; A part of which invades the Servian frontiers, Whilst he, in person, storms Belgrade. CORVINUS. Once, highly Was I esteem'd. The fair Agmunda gave Consent, that to my Father I should tell My love. State-policy, usurping tyrant Over domestic bliss, destroy'd my hopes; The Regent heard my suit, but not the Parent. Parental love Agmunda's rigid Guardian Now first forgot: he sent me from Belgrade. The Princess, by my Father's firmness aw'd, (Her ductile mind won by delusive reasons) Promis'd——— Oh horrour! by a solemn Oath, Never to wed but with his full consent; And should he die, ere yet the nuptial torch For her was lighted, ne'er to wed his Son. CAMPESTRAN. Oh most unjust! an oath like this to exact Her tyrant Uncle better had become Than our brave Chief; nor ought she to have sworn it. Surely thy rank, thy fame, merits her hand. CORVINUS. Then, good Campestran! thou wilt plead my cause? CAMPESTRAN. Plead for thyself; and with a lover's haste. CORVINUS. How shall I gain admission to her presence? She will not see me since her fatal oath. Though you consent, I have a thousand fears, Perhap she'll scorn me, will not let me save her; Her hand is to another lover promis'd. CAMPESTRAN. This marriage with the Turk she must abhor. From his detested nuptials you redeem her, When all desert her, Uncle, Nobles, People. Plead this, and speak the hazard, which your love For her encounters. CORVINUS. Should my generosity Appear beyond my love, I meet repulse. Great souls from obligations nobly fly. She must be won, ere she has time to think Herself oblig'd. CAMPESTRAN. Take courage, son! her love You merit. In my chapel dormitory, Behind the altar of the palace church, I'll wait your coming, and there join your hands. Then will I gird you with that blessed Sword, There plac'd in trust upon that sacred altar: That Sword which Ulrick has in vain demanded. Farewell. An old man's half prophetic zeal Foretells a cause so just will meet success. CORVINUS. Transporting thought, Agmunda for my bride! Grant me to save my Father and my Country, And make the measure of my bliss complete. Exeunt separately. End of the First Act. Act Second. SCENE FIRST—A CHURCH.

The platform of the high altar raised a step above the floor of the church, and of sufficient breadth for any body to walk upon it, without coming to the edge of the step, which is covered with crimson cloth. A large altar table, covered with crimson velvet, fringed with gold. At the back of the altar, over the table, a luminous Cross; under which hangs a magnificent Sword, suspended from a rich belt. On each side of the altar, upon the raised platform, footstools covered like the altar table. The Princess Agmunda, kneeling upon the footstool on the south side, or left hand, of the altar.

PRINCESS (alone). IF for its sins, THOU visitest this land, Destroy it not in wrath! O! let the wings Of mercy shield us from thy dread displeasure; If we must suffer, be it from thy hand. Give us not up to our blood-thirsty foes; But grant us strength, and courage, to withstand them: Defeat their stratagems, confound their counsels; And aid thy servant who now fights our cause. SCENE SECOND. THE PRINCESS; ELLA. PRINCESS. (Descending from the altar, and coming forward soon as Ella enters). Is the fight over; Is our fleet victorious? Why this long interval, without intelligence? ELLA. The anxious multitude have so beset The watch-tower, that your messengers can scarce Pass through the throng. PRINCESS. But what account bring'st thou? ELLA. I must conceal the news (aside). Corvinus wishes—— PRINCESS. I will not hear.—Have I not oft conjured thee, For my mind's peace, to speak that name no more? Duty commands, that I forget our loves: All thoughts of him, whenever they obtrude, Must unapprov'd, undwelt on, be dismiss'd. O ceaseless anguish! Ere I chase one thought, Another and another, torturing comes, Mocking my best resolves. ELLA. Corvinus begs, That you would see him now. PRINCESS. To bring this message Was wrong; and, although check'd, again to speak it, Argues unfriendliness, tempting to crime. Ella! thou knew'st I dar'd not see Corvinus. ELLA. Forgive me. Yet his wretchedness so struck me, That, ere my judgment weigh'd, my heart was won To pity his distress, and tell his suit. PRINCESS. Rash, thoughtless, that thou art! to be thus won To tempt my soul. If thou could'st not resist His sorrows, how shall I be proof against them? Injur'd Corvinus! I destroy thy peace; I dare not see thee more; for should'st thou sue, And plead, despair might urge my tortur'd soul To violate the unjust, the guilty Oath, Which I, in bitterness of heart, repent. Ye soft ideas! Ye illusive hopes Of love and bliss, begone! Assail me not. Whatever joys fate had reserv'd for me, Thristless I mortgag'd, ere possession came: The ruinous payment beggars future hours. Oh, to forget! for thoughts of happier prospects Embitter misery. ELLA. Yet see Corvinus; Somewhat of moment has he to impart, Which it imports you instantly to learn. PRINCESS. Forbear! 'Tis virtue bids me shun the conflict. Tell him, I cannot see him; I'm at the altar, Imploring Heaven's protection for my Country. I am its victim.—Say not that to him. (Exit Ella.) A voluntary wretch, I made myself, Alas! ere my heart knew how much it lov'd. Why did I swear for ever to renounce him? Aid me, kind heaven! against this rooted passion; Assist me to forget this dear Corvinus! SCENE THIRD. THE PRINCESS, CORVINUS. CORVINUS (entering his Casque in his hand). Heaven, hear her not! but now two faithful hearts Reward. PRINCESS (turning from Corvinus). Why is this trying moment come? CORVINUS (kneeling). Agmunda! bless the lover who adores you, And pitying end his woes! When last we parted—— PRINCESS. We parted then for ever. Rise, my Lord! (He rises.)