The haunted tower: a comic opera in three acts. As performed at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane. Written by Mr. Cobb.

Table of contents

- [titlepage]

- DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

- ACT I.

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- ACT II.

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- ACT III.

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

- [scene]

THE HAUNTED TOWER,

FINIS.

THE HAUNTED TOWER, A COMIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS. AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.

Written by Mr. COBB.

DUBLIN: Printed for P. BURNE, Grafton-Street; and J. JONES, College Green.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

MEN.

Lord William,

Mr. Kelly.

Baron of Oakland,

Mr. Baddely.

Hugo,

Mr. Moody.

Lewis,

Mr. Suett.

De Courcy,

Mr. Whitfield.

Robert,

Mr. Dignum:

Martin,

Mr. Williames.

Charles,

Mr. Sedgwick.

Hubert,

Mr. Webb.

Servant,

Mr. Lyons.

And Edward,

Mr. Bannister, jun.

WOMEN.

Lady Elinor,

Mrs. Crouch.

Cicely,

Miss Romanzini.

Maud,

Mrs. Booth.

And Adela,

Signora Storace.

- Chorus of Peasants, Huntsmen, Soldiers, &c.

ACT I.

SCENE I.—The Sea, Dover Clifts and Castle—Thunder and Light'ning.

Lewis and several Attendants of Lady Elinor appear in a boat, they land—then Enter Fishermen and Peasants, male and female different sides, who sing the following

CHORUS.

TO Albion's Genius raise the strain,

Whose power has aw'd the angry main,

And gives us shelter on the coast

Of this blest isle; old Ocean's boast.

See, retiring o'er the deep

Distant lightnings harmless sweep;

The storm condemn'd to lose its prey,

In hollow murmurs dies away.

[Exit Lewis.

Fishermen and Peasants Exit on each side, Lady Elinor and Cicely appear in a boat and land. Lady Elinor plainly dress'd.

Cicely

Now madam, give me leave to congratulate you on your safe arrival on the English coast.

Lady Elinor

Ah Cicely, if the storm that opposed our landing had fulfilled its threats, it wou'd have reliev'd me from a world of misery.

Cice

Are you then resolv'd to obey your father and become the victim of his ambition, by marrying the young Baron of Oakland, whom you have never seen?

L. Eli

I am, at least I think I am.

Cice

O, Madam! how can you determine to forget Sir Palamede, he who loves you so.

L. Eli

Poor Palamede, yet, why was he absent when I left my father's court? why did he not bid me adieu?—

Enter Lewis and Maud.

Lew

Madam, most of your attendants are come ashore, but it's a great way to Oakland Castle, and its very cold.

L. Eli

Where are they?

Lew

Why, Madam, at this good old lady's cottage, where there is a charming fire, and I wou'd advise you madam, to go there and warm yourself, for I am sure you must be very cold.

[Exit Lady Elinor and Maud.

Cice

[To Lewis who offers to follow.] Where are you going sot? Stay here and wait for the rest of Lady Elinor's attendants; and do you hear, the next voyage you take, I wou'd advise you to keep yourself sober.

[Exit.

Lew

Why, that's very pretty indeed, so, I am to stay here freezing by way of a direction post, I got tipsey and lost my money in France, and began to come to myself, when I was about half seas over; and now when I thought, I shou'd be comfortable by a good fire, I must remain freezing here, in all the horrors of sobriety. It is the fate of genius to make discoveries by which other people profit—why, who have we here? sure it can't be! yes it is—what my dear Master, Sir Palamede!

Enter Lord William.

L. Wil

Is that Lewis?

Lew

Yes sir, I was Lewis, till I was froze into an isicle, how did you come over from Normandy?

L, Wil

In the same ship with you, though concealed from the knowledge of Lady Elinor.

Lew

I guess the rest, ah! you are a happy man, you are in love; I wish I was in love or in liquor, then I shou'd have warmth enough in me to brave the weather.

L. Wil

I saw your Lady land, whither is she gone?

Lew

Why, Sir, to a cottage hard by, where is such a delighful fire-side:—Oh, I wish, I dar'd, follow her.

L. Wil

Go, thither instantly—and say, I intreat permission to fulfil my duty in attending her.

Lew

I'll be there immediately, but may I say I came by your orders.

L. Wil

Yes, begone!— [Exit Lewis.] To what a wayward fate, am I subjected to love!—without hope and to pursue disappointment.

AIR— Lord William.

From Hope's fond dream tho' Reason wake,

In vain she points with warning hand;

I dread advice I cannot take,

Love's powerful spells my steps command,

The bird, thus fascination binds,

When darting from the serpent's eyes,

The fatal charm too late he finds,

He struggles, and admiring dies.

SCENE—The inside of Maud's cottage.

Enter Lady Elinor, Cicely and Lewis.

L. Eli

How Lewis, Sir Palamede in the same ship with us, and coming here immediately!

Lew

Yes Madam, if he is not froze by the way.

L. Eli

[Aside to Cicely] Oh, Cicely! assist me to conceal my joy.—What can Sir Palamede mean by surprizing me thus?—agreeably—oh! heavens he is here.

[Exit Lewis.

Enter Lord William.

L. Wil

Pardon my intrusion Madam! an humble dependant on the Lord de Courcy, may well dread his presumption.

L. Eli

Sir, the clandestine manner, in which you quitted my father's court, renders it impossible for me to consider you as his friend.

L. Wil

Oh, forgive me!—long I ador'd you in secret, and shou'd have fallen a silent sacrifice to my presumptuous love.

L. Eli

Was it well done to take advantage of my father's friendship for you, and watch an opportunity to triumph over the weakness of his daughter—not that you ever will triumph over her weakness;—but—but why did you follow me?

Cice

Ah Sir, why did you follow my Lady?

L. Wil

Destiny compelled me hither, compelled me to a land where my footsteps are forbidden, where my presence is a treason, where my life is proscrib'd!

L. Eli

Good heaven, what have you to fear!

L. Wil

Nothing: for I have lost you.

L. Eli

I must not trust myself to pity him—Yet how can I avoid it, in seeing him unhappy.

AIR— Lady Elinor.

Tho' pity I can not deny,

Ah! what will that avail you?

Alas! I dare not hope supply,

For hope too sure wou'd fail you.

Think when the flatterer shall deceive,

In vain you will repent you;

Yet should you hope without my leave,

•…is true I can't prevent you,

My hand directed to bestow,

In England here I'm landed;

And daughters always act, you know,

Just as they are commanded.

Then let not flattering hope deceive,

Or else you will repent you;

Yet shou'd you hope without my leave,

'Tis true I can't prevent you.

[Exit Lady Elinor and Cicely

Enter Maud and Martin.

Maud

Sir; I beg your honour's pardon for my boldness, but do you accompany the Lady, because my Grandson, Martin here, will be your guide to the Baron of Oakland's Castle.

L. Wil

Why, do you know the Baron of Oakland?

Maud

Aye Sir: I knew him before he was a great man!

Mar

Yes Sir, so did I, for all he holds his head so high now, and quite forgets when he was plain Edmund, the Ploughman.

L. Wil

What, d'ye say—why then who is this lord?

Maud

Ah, Sir, it does not become poor folks to speak ill of people behind their backs, for that it might get to their ears again.

Mar

No Sir; as my grandmother says, it don't become poor folks to say.—

L, Wil

Psha, it becomes every one to speak the truth—torment my curiosity no longer.

Maud

Why, then Sir, you must know that about ten years ago, the old Baron, Lord William, was accused of being in a plot, and conspiring against the life of our good King William, the Conqueror, and was banished.

L. Wil

I remember it.

Maud

He took with him his only son, a fine youth, about twelve years of age; but, alas! Sir, he has not been heard of since.

L. Wil

I am all impatience?

Maud

Now Sir, about a year ago, Lord William's wicked accuser died, and declared the good baron innocent.

L. Wil

Alas!

Maud

The King willing to make reperation, for the wrongs he had done him, endeavoured to find him, but all in vain, therefore his lands and estates have been in possession of a distant relation of the family;—then sir, there is a young baron the present heir to.—

Enter Cicely.

Cice

Aye and a pretty fellow he is too,—you may go in good woman, we have no further occasion for you I believe.

Maud

Good woman—Marry, come up I say, have I lived all these years to be call'd good woman, by a lady's waiting maid! come along Martin—a good woman indeed!

[Exit.

Mar

Good woman indeed!

[Exit.

Cice

I have heard the whole story Palemede.

L. Wil

Oh, Cicely!—

Cice

Oh Cicely!—ah, you may spare your long speeches, poor Palamede!—you are in a sad delima truly, and have'nt wit enough to extricate yourself; but want me to help you, I pity you to be sure, but I can't help laughing at you.

L. Wil

I have now still stranger motives for wishing to accompany Lady Elinor to the Castle, motives you cannot guess at.

Cice

Well, Well! so you shall, leave the management of the affair to me, and don't you appear till we are setting off.

L. Wil

I want words to thank you.

Cice

I am very glad of it, for words would take up too much of our time at present, but away and wait till I send for you, [Exit Lord William] well wou'd we were at our journey to Oakland Castle, I wish to see this baron's son,—Dear Curiosity how I long to—gratify you!

AIR— Cicely.

Nature to woman still so kind,

Among her best boons bestowing;

What every female sure must find,

A wond'rous desire to be knowing.

Man, the proud and envious elf,

So jealous of our discerning;

Decries in us, what he prides in himself,

The wish, for whatever's worth learning.

[Exit.

SCENE—A Rural prospect—A Cottage.

Enter Robert, and Huntsmen,—in the course of the song, several Huntsmen enter.

AIR— Robert and Chorus.

Hark! the sweet horn proclaims afar,

Against the stag the mimic war;

While future heroes' hearts rebound,

And pant to hear the trumpet sound.

The warlike genius of our isle,

Who on the hunter deigns to smile,

In echoes gives the chace applause,

Which strings the nerve for Glory's cause:

Where e'er the devious chace may bend,

Still freedom shall our steps attend;

And bid us, as her pleasures rise,

Defend the blessings which we prize.

[Exit Huntsmen.

Ed

[Without] How are ye my lads?—How are ye?

Rob

O, here comes our young Master, Lord Edward

Enter Edward.

Rob

Does your Lordship hunt to day?

Edw

[Sees Adela at the cottage window, and makes signs to her.] No, Robert not this morning.

Rob

What Sir! do you give up the chace when the game's in view: [Points to Adela's window.]

Edw

Hush, that's my dear Adela, whom I told you of; she arrived here yesterday evening unknown to any body—if you betray the secret.

Rob

I, Sir! no, no, I am your father's butler, the post of all others which I love, and while I have the management of the wine cellar, it is quite indifferent to me how the world wags;—so I shall follow the Huntsmen.

Edw

But hark'ye Robert, not a word about the Haunted Tower, or you will frighten her out of her wits.

Rob

No, no, Sir—

[Exit.

Edw

Here comes father, strutting along; ecod he did not strut so when he followed the plough.

Enter Baron and Three Servants.

Bar

Heyday, how dare you appear abroad without your servants with you, why are you walking alone?

Edw

Why father, if one must always move in a crowd, one might as well be bell-weather, to a flock of sheep.

Bar

Sirrah, Sirrah; don't put me in a passion, you have been civil to those rascals, I know you have, why don't you frown at 'em as I do? how often have I told you, there's nothing supports dignity like ill-humour: but you have no ambition.

Edw

Not much indeed.

Bar

Why, have'nt you more pride? hey, if you are not proud you dog, I'll break your bones.

Edw

Why, I can't help nature, father.

Bar

Nature; why, look at me, do you see any thing like nature about me? No, no, yet I, myself, am as vulgarly and naturally pleased as any body; but I'll not show it, I'll defy the best friend I have to say, I have given him a civil word since I have been Baron of Oakland—an't I the terror of the neighbourhood.

Edw

Yes, that you are; especially since you imprisoned the poor fellow for catching a hare—and it is proved since that he is innocent.

Bar

Innocent, I am very sorry for it—that is—I shou'd be sorry, if I was not a Baron—give him this money; [Gives Edward money] but don't let him know it comes from me, but tell him I have the power to hang him; for I will have no man dare to think I am in the wrong; justice holds her seat in my breast, and is to all parties equal and indifferent.

Edw

Very indifferent indeed.

Bar

What's that you say? if I desired you to behave ill to other people, I did'nt mean you should to me—do you know who I am? that I am the Baron of Oakland, and that all dignity flows me.

Edw

Yes, it flows from you pretty fast, I think none seems to stay with you.

Bar

Don't you grumble Sirrah, but do you hear? prepare to receive the Lord de Courcy's daughter, whom I intend for your wife, I expect her arrival every day.

Edw

But perhaps I may not like her, father.

Bar

That may be, but you shall marry her for all that, I insist on it, aye; and love her too—no,—I don't know that I may insist upon that.

Ser

Ha! ha! ha!

Bar

Why, you impudent scoundrels, how dare you laugh so! I'll have no persons to attend upon me that have'nt a proper respect for my dignity—follow me you rascals—

[Exit with servants.

Edw

I hope I shall be too sharp for you, tho' father, for I am determined to marry nobody but Adela, [knocks at the cottage door and retires, after calling, Adela! Adela!]

Enter Adela from the cottage looks surprized at not seeing Edward!

AIR— Adela.

Whither my love! ah! whither art thou gone!

Let not thy absence cloud this happy dawn.

Say—by thy heart, can falsehood e'er be known?

Ah! no, no, I judge it by my own.

The heart he gave with so much care,

Which treasur'd in my breast I wear;

Still for its master beats alone,

I'm sure the selfish thing's his own.

[Edward appears after the song.]

Adela

Oh, my dear Edward! I am glad you are here, I have got a thousand questions to ask you—is the Lady Elinor de Courcy arrived yet?

Edw

She is not, so all you have to do is, to dress yourself in the cloaths I gave you, and to pass upon father for her.

Adela

Egad, and so I will—I always long'd to be a fine lady, but how shall I manage to behave like one?

Edw

Faith, I can't tell you—however, it don't signify, any thing will pass upon father.

Adela

But are you sure now Edward, he has not much dignity, if he has, I shall only be confounded and look foolish; but is he much like a great gentleman?

Edw

Ha, ha, ha! heav'n bless you, father is no more like a gentleman than I am—

Adela

I am glad of it, for the presence of our great quality folks always takes my breath away, and tho' I cough and hem, for an hour, the deuce a word can I get out.

Edw

'Tis just the same with me—tho' I am a Baron's son, for my part, I never feel myself so much like a great man, as when I am with the servants—I hate talking to my betters.

Adela

I am pleased to hear you say so, I was afraid you would have forgot poor Adela, for the rich lady, de Courcy.

Edw

What marry a woman of quality—oh! I shall be a lost man; I shou'd never be able to make free with her—shou'd she use me ever so ill, I cou'd never venture to scold her.

Adela

But when you marry me—

Edw

Oh! I love you so much, that I cou'd scold you with the greatest satisfaction.

Adela

But won't marriage—

Edw

Never fear Adela, love has hitherto been our constant attendants—I'll warrant you he'll follow us to church.

Adela

Ay, but they say, he has a sad knack of leaving married couples at the church door.

Edw

Psha, love and marriage are better friends then you think for.

Adela

Yes, perhaps they are best friends at a distance.

Edw

No, no, like true friends, love and marriage must meet together, to perfect the happiness of both—Oh! Adela, when I come to the title and estate, and you are my lady.

Adela

Oh, we shall be as happy as the day is long.

Edw

Aye, and the night into the bargain.

Adela

Then such dancing—

Edw

And such tilting and cudgel playing.

Adela

And such fine talking and singing—

Edw

And then such eating and drinking.

Adela

And such fine company, and then.—

DUET— Adela.

Will great lords and ladies,

Drest up on gay days,

Come to visit you and I?

Edward.

All smiling, bowing,

Great friendship vowing,

While we hold our heads so high.

Adela.

But shou'd the fine gentry smoke us,

Lud! how they'll joke us;

How they'll laugh at silly me.

Edward.

Pshaw, we shall be ever

Reckon'd vastly clever,

While our pocket's full, d'ye see.

Adela.

Then every day

Edward.

New joy shall bring,

Adela.

And ever gay

Edward.

We'll dance and sing.

Both.

Fall lall de rall,

How merry shall we be.

Adela.

Of great fortune vaunting,

Low people taunting,

Dignity we must support.

Edward.

'Mong high barons bouncing,

Fine ladies flouncing,

We may chance to go to court,

Adela.

Well, fegs, I care not,

Court, tho' we share not,

If at home we happy be.

Edward,

Soon I may be bold

To hope that I shall hold

A little baron on my knee.

Adela.

Then every day

Edward.

New joy shall bring,

Adela.

And ever gay

Edward.

We'll dance and sing.

Both,

Fall lall de rall,

How merry shall we be.

[Exit Edward and Adela.

SCENE—A Field.

Enter De Courcy and Attendants.

De Cour

Here let us remain, till I gain some intelligence of the object of our search, I am sure my sister and her attendants must have been on board that very ship, which we saw at a distance in the late storm.

Enter Charles.

De Cour

Well Charles! what news of my sister?

Charles

My lord, I learn that the lady de Courcy is on her road to the Baron of Oakland's Castle, which is at no great distance.

De Cour

And Sir Palamede—

Charles

My lord, I am sorry to say he is with her.

De Cour

Infamy, and dishonour! but I will pursue her, and avenge the wrongs of my family; go forward Charles, and procure every intelligence you can gain—I shall wait for you within a mile of the Baron's Castle.

[Exit De Courcy and Attendants.

Charles

I will, because it is my duty; but wou'd I were in Normandy again, nothing shou'd induce me to quit it, except my regard for so good a master.

AIR— Charles.

My native land I bade adieu,

And calmly Friendship's joys resign'd;

But ah! how keen my sorrows grew,

When my love I left behind.

Yet should her truth feel no decay,

Should absence prove my charmer kind,

Then shall I not lament the day,

When my love I left behind.

[Exit.

SCENE—The inside of Maud's Cottage.

Enter Lord William, Lady Elinor, and Cicely.

L. Eli

Well! Palamede, I will frankly own to you, that the account, I hear of the Baron of Oakland's son, is far from pleasing me; and though I dare not disobey my father, yet I will do every thing in my power to delay the marriage—

Cice

In short, Si,r my lady agrees to my scheme of visiting the castle as Lady Elinor's Attendant till she h•ars further from the Baron, her father.

L. Wil

Transporting tidings!

TRIO— Lord William, Cicely and Lady Elinor.

Against the shaft of cruel fate,

Why cannot virtue prove a charm,

And of her blind misguided hate,

Capricious Destiny disarm?

Yet who engag'd in Virtue's cause,

To tread her paths wou'd fear confess,

And on the road reluctant pause,

Because it leads not to success.

[Exit.

END OF ACT FIRST.

ACT II.

SCENE—An Apartment in the Castle.

Enter Hugo and Robert.

Hugo

Well Robert!

Rob

Make yourself perfectly easy, friend Hugo, every thing shall be in perfect order to receive Lady Elinor.

Hugo

Aye, I hope so, for the honour of the family; It is near three score years since I was first a servant in Oakland Castle, and have seen three possessions of it; I have come down from father to son, with the rest of the old furniture.

Rob

And a fine tough piece of English Oak you are.

Hugo

I remember the death of Edmund Ironside and the restoration of Canute; I remember the Harolds and Hardy Canute, and the good King Edward the Confessor; and I remember the good Baron, who now haunts the old Tower.

Rob

Hush! no more of that.

Hugo

Ah Robert, if you were old enough to remember what I can.

Rob

I am just as well pleased as it is.

Hugo

We shall have musick and dancing enough at the wedding, I hope Robert—for the honor of Lord Edward.

Rob

Yes, yes, when a man is desperate to attack matrimony, the more noise and bustle the better; like trumpets in a battle, it drowns reflection and prevents cowardice.

Hugo

Are all the pikes and javelins burnished up, and the armoury put in order, and the large stag's horns in the hall dusted?

Rob

Horns are most ominous wedding decorations—No, no, friend Hugo, I have ordered the horns to be taken down.

Hugo

Bless my soul! why, I remember 'em in the family these fifty years.

Rob

For which reason, the young lady ought not to see them.

Hugo

Then is the Lady Elinor very beauteous Robert?

Rob

Why do you ask Hugo, do you admire beauty yet?

Hugo

Oh yes, Robert! I never could yet behold a beauteous woman without admiration; the setting sun may surely cheer my sight tho' it cannot warm my heart.

[Exit.

Rob

I hope Adela has got her fine cloaths on, to pass for Lady Elinor—O! here she comes!

Enter Adela, elegantly dress'd from a door in the back scene.

Adela

Well, here I am at last ready dress'd, to pass for a fine lady; but how long shall I remain so?

Rob

Why, you are now in the high road to success.

Adela

Aye: but there is so many turnings and windings that one is never sure of being right,

Rob

What! Madam with such a guide as Merit.

Adela

Yes, Merit is often apt to lead one a stray;—Oh dear! I do think the old Baron is coming—hey, O no! he is'nt—O! I wish the meeting was over.

Rob

You have no idea, how much you look like a woman of quality!—

Adela

Indeed?

Rob

Nature certainly intended you for a fine Lady.

Adela

Then indeed shew as very much mistaken; for I never in all my life cou'd tell a lie, without blushing; so I am sure I shall never do for a fine lady.

Rob

But I hope you have your lesson by heart.

Adela

O ay, let me see, I am come over from Normandy, from my friends, and arrived here to day, did'nt I, Sir?

Rob

You did ma'am.

Adela

And anxious to pay my respects to the Baron of Oakland, left my servants on the road?

Rob

Yes ma'am.

Adela

O! but there's one material circumstance I have forgot, I don't know who my father is.

Rob

That may happen in the best regulated families; however, I'll tell you—your father is the Baron de Courcy of Normandy, a great favorite of our good King William, and you will remember, that the King wrote to your father, recommending this marriage.

Adela

Well, I'll endeavour to recollect if I can, but you know it is not very strange, I shou'd forget what never happened.

Rob

Well madam! I will go and acquaint my lady of your arrival—and pray be careful in what you say.

Adela

You may depend on it Sir, I'll not speak truth if I can possibly help it. [Exit Robert.] These gay trappings hang very much in my way, I shall make a sad fine lady I fear; I wish I cou'd fancy myself in my every day cloaths again, when I think where I am and on what occasion, I wonder at my own confidence! Nothing but love cou'd have inspired it, and to gain my dear Edward, I wou'd attempt a thousand times as much!

AIR— Adela.

Be mine, tender passion, soother of care,

Life's choicest blessing, shield from despair;

Do not deceive me, ah! never leave me,

Still may my bosom thy power declare.

In vain thy influence fools may revile,

Constancy ever gains thy smile.

And of their destiny can those complain;

Whose falsehood dares thy laws profane?

Resolv'd I brave all danger, to every fear a stranger;

Thy sweet rewards, oh, Love to gain.

Then let me combat not in vain;

But in my triumph share,

Thy smiles, for which I bravely dare.

O! here he comes, ah! its all over—I shall never be able to get thro':

Enter Baron and Robert.

Bar

Ah! there she is sure enough—she seems very pretty, what a fine eye she has. [Aside to Robert.]

Adela

My courage fails me—'twill never do I find!— Aside,]

Bar

Her coming so suddenly is so cursed unlucky, I don't know what to say to her, I have not got my speech in my pocket; she turns her back upon me. I believe she is very proud— [Aside to Robert.]

Adela

Ay, now he is laughing at my aukwardness—I wish he•d speak first, [Aside.]

Bar

Well, come if I must speak, here goes—My lady, the joy!—I say my lady the joy!—that is joy my lady creates happiness—and is—is—joy my lady—which joy I say my lady is—I hope your Ladyship is pretty well.

Adela

Yes, pure well, I humbly thank your lordship—O lord! I am glad it's over, the first word is a great matter, [Aside.]

Bar

She's wonderous, condescending, Robert, considering her high blood, [Aside to Robert,]—Well my lady, as you have been in such a hurry as to leave your servants on the road, and only to come here on a hop, as a body may say; I hope your ladyship will have the goodness, to excuse all faults.

Adela

O yes, my lord, I'll excuse all your faults with a good deal of pleasure.

Bar

All my faults, aye, she has found me out already, [Aside.]—Why to be sure my lady, we all have faults; but if one is of a good family, you know my lady, it does'nt so much signify.

Adela

O! to be sure not, for though some people are a little aukward and bashful before company, yet I don't think they are a bit the worse for that.

Bar

No, no—that's a hit at me— [Aside.]

Adela

For you know my lord, if one is not used to strange company, one's very apt to look like a fool—

Bar

Ye—e—s so one is my lady—yes she means me, [Aside,] but come my lady, let's talk of something else; how does the lord, your father, I respect a man of his great family.

Adela

Ay my lord, a great family indeed?

Bar

Oh, she's proud enough of her high blood, tho', [Aside] well my lady! no offence, but I fancy I may venture to say, my family is equal to his!

Adela

Why, I thought Edward told me, he was his only child, [Aside] indeed my lord!

Bar

Aye, indeed my lady;—now my blood is up, I can talk to her, [Aside] and give me leave to assure your ladyship, whatever notions you have form'd of a great family, you'll not be disappointed.

Adela

Ha! ha! ha!

Bar

Ha! ha! ha! [mimicks her aside,] What the devil does she mean?

Adela

I declare your lordship makes me laugh, ha! ha! ha!

Bar

Yes I see I do, but I think your ladyship need not be so polite as to tell me so.

Adela

Nay, now your lordship looks angry.

Bar

Have'nt I reason! what did your ladyship mean by affronting me, in telling me of your fathers great family!

Adela

Why so he has, there are eleven of us, boys and girls.

Bar

[Surprized] Hey, what?

Adela

[Aside] O what have I said!

Bar

[Aside] O! I suppose this is some quality joke, and that's the reason I don't understand it.

Enter Edward.

Bar

Come here sirrah, there's the Lady Elinor de Courcy! go and talk to her, bid her welcome; and do you hear, don't be bashful, and dishonour your family; but attack her with your whole stock of impudence.

Edw

• bashful! no I thank you, we people of fashion know what's what. [Dancing up to Adela.] Tol. de roll. •…am prodigiously happy to see your ladyship;—hope you left all friends in Normandy well, all right and tight, had good weather, and a good ship, no sea sickness; even we people of fashion are subject to it sometimes, as well, as well as other people—an't we father—hey!

Bar

Why, the boy's assurance astonishes me—oh! he has touch'd her hand and caught it of her.

Adela

[Whispers to Edward.]

Edw

[Aside to Adela,] Never mind I'll bring you off with the old fellow—ha! ha! ha! a monstrous good joke indeed, very well faith, very well, ha! ha! ha!

Adela

Ha! ha! ha!

Bar

[Looks surprized and then laughs heartily.] Ha! ha! ha!

Edw

My dear father: Lady Elinor tells me she has joked a little with you, as we people o fashion do without meaning any thing—ha! ha! ha!

Bar

Aye we people of fashion do, ha! ha! ha! I beg your ladyship woud'nt think of it.

Edw

Zounds, father don't be bashful— [To Adela.] why don't you bounce a little as I do.

Bar

Well my lady, I am now going to my great hall, where I'll receive you in form, and I believe I shall trouble your ladyship with a bit of a speech on the occasion, come my lady—no, no, you must not go before me—I am a baron you know, consider my dignity!

[Exit.

Edw

I say Robert, I think we shall be too cunning for old dignity, though:

[Exit.

SCENE—A view near the Castle.

Enter Lord William and Lady Elinor.

L. Wil

We are at length arrived at Oakland Castle, continue your disguise madam, but a little longer.

L. Eli

And do you Palamede, recommend disguise, you who pretend to be a lover?

AIR— Lady Elinor.

Hush, hush; such counsels do not give,

A lover's name profaning;

And can her heart deceit advise,

Where mighty love is reigning?

Dissimulation's path you've trod

Too oft to go astray,

And whilst to me, you point the road,

Your footsteps mark the way.

Enter Cicely.

Cice

Oh! madam here comes the old Baron, but pray think of something melancholy, or you will certainly laugh; nature and art have made him such a strange animal, that he seems only to be laugh'd at; but here he is!

L. Wil

And is this the representation of our family, degrading thought! but I must dissemble [Aside.]

Enter the Baron.

Bar

[To Cicely] So you are an attendant on lady Elinor de Courcy, hey! but who's that [pointing to Lady Elinor.]

Cice

Oh! that's my lady's own waiting woman, and a very great favourite of my lady's Sir,—I assure you.

Bar

She must be a great favorite of every body's for she's a monstrous pretty girl; and pray who is that gentleman, is he a favorite of your ladyship's? [pointing to Lord William.]

Cice

O no! that is—that is Sir Palamede the Baron's Jester.

L. Wil

A curious character she has assigned me, but I must carry it on, [Aside]

Bar

Why, jesting is a very pleasant employment to be sure, though not a very profitable one.—I shou'd think—hark'ye friend, don't you sometimes get a bone crack'd?

L. Wil

You are mistaken, my lord, we jesters are privileged people; we anatomize vice and folly.

Bar

Ay, that is you cut up people by way of amusement.

L. Wil

Improvement my lord—satire well applied, is the medicine of the mind—

Bar

That may be, but I don't take physic, so you may spare your trouble; and so the baron pays you for jesting, hey? that's one way of enjoying a jest, at his own expence; but I shou•d think now, so good-natured as the world is, that he might contrive to get laugh'd at, Gratis.

L. Wil

Your lordship finds it so, I have no doubt, now as a specimen.

AIR— Lord William.

Tho' time has from your lordship's face

Made free to steal each youthful grace,

Yet why should you despair?

Old busts oft please the connoisseurs,

So folks of taste, perhaps like yours,

And that removes your care.

'Tis true that silly girls believe

In joys that youth alone can give,

But why shou'd you despair?

'Tis folly governs youth, you know,

And so far young you soon may grow,

So that removes your care.

Whate'er your faults, in person, mind,

(However gross) you chance to find,

Yet why should you despair?

Of flattery you must buy advice,

You're rich enough to pay the price,

So that removes your care.

Bar

Ah! that's another hit at me, but, I dare not resent it, [Aside] well, but if you are attendants on the lady Elinor de Courcy, where have you been all this while?

Cice

Oh! Sir, we have left my lady behind on the road.

Bar

Your lady has left you behind you mean—why she's here in the castle.—

L. Wil

Indeed!

Bar

Yes, indeed, Mr. Jest-hunter, and, I am going to give her ladyship audience in my Great Hall—and if we want any body to laugh at—we'll send for you—there, I hit him I think.

[Exit.

L. Eli

What can he mean—give me your advice, Palamede.

Cice

Ah, madam! you forgot that Sir Palamede is a lover, and consequently advice is a commodity he does'nt deal in; but if you will take my opinion, ma'am?

L. Wil

Well?

Cice

It is plain some imposter has assumed your ladyship's name, for what purpose we must endeavour to find out; therefore suppose we continue our disguise, wait on the mock lady Elinor, overturn her with respect and confound her with courtesy—

L. Wil

Admirable!—

Enter Lewis with letters, which he delivers to Lord William.

Lew

Sir, the messenger is return'd and brought these letters—Aye, madam, your shadow is here before you, find—

L. Eli

Hush! not a word, I charge you; from whom are those letters? [Aside to Lewis.]

Lew

That's what I want to know, I wish you wou'd ask Sir Palamede, the question?

L. Wil

Lady Elinor, every moment furnishes additiona• reasons for requesting you will be guided by Cicely's advice.

[Exit with Lady Elinor.

Lew

Ah! Cicely, there they go, a pair of as true turtles as ever bill'd—Oh! what a fine thing mutual love is if you wou'd but let us follow their example, and fall in love with me in a strange place, now!—

Cice

Oh! you may spare your rhetoric—I promise you. I prize my liberty too much to be talk'd out of it.

AIR— Cicely.

What blest hours, untainted by sorrow,

Does the maiden prove,

Who knows not love,

So merri'y she sings thro' the day;

"Dull sorrow shall threaten in vain,

"The delight of heart to restrain,

While from Cupid free,

Blest in Liberty,

"Not a sigh she blends with the strain."

As she gaily carols along,

Let me join sweet Freedom's song,

O! may my heart

Ever bear a part,

In the envied jocund lay,

While merry the happy maid,

So blithely sings thro' the day.

[Exit.

SCENE—An Apartment in the Castle.

Enter Edward.

Edw

Where the duece is Adela? if we can but get married before she is discovered—but, why is she absent? she for whose sake Oakland Castle resounds with jollity, till the old walls crack to their foundations.

AIR— Edward.

Now all in preparation,

For the nuptial celebration,

Each maiden on th' occasion,

Feels her heart in palpitation;

Now a blush, and now a sigh,

Trembling too, she knows not why,

While every lad with expectation,

Finds his heart beats high.

Enter Adela hastily.

Adela

Ah! it's all over, there's an end of our scheme.

Edw

How!

Adela

I knew how it wou'd happen.

Edw

Did you, I wish then you had told me so before!

Adela

Well, it's all a scheme of your own.

Edw

Mine! why you know it was your scheme.

Adela

Why did'nt you first propose it?

Edw

Yes, because I was sure you first thought of it.

Adela

Why, did I ever leave my spinning wheel for fine cloaths? why did I quit my father's cottage.!

Edw

Because I got you a better situation to be sure—you won't deny that I sent you to a relation's house in Suffex, six months ago, where you liv'd like a lady, and had nothing to learn, to read all the day along.

Adela

So much the worse, improving the mind as they call it, only serves to make one lazy; in my father's cottage, industry took up all our time, Wealth never came near our door.

Edw

If he had, you wou'd have been glad to have ask'd him in.

Adela

No Sir! there Innocence, and Happiness were our guests.

Edw

'Twas lucky they did'nt take up much room, or the house woud'nt have been big enough to hold 'em—I fancy all the spare corners were occupied by birds and beasts.

Adela

Well, I own it! we did all sleep under one roof; the family, the pigs, and poultry all in harmony, peace and friendship.

Edw

Except now and then, when you ate some of your company for dinner.

Adela

[Sobbing] Oh! oh!

Edw

Why look'ee there, now that's always your way, if one says any thing to you—you fall a crying!—

Adela

You want to break my heart!—I see that.

Edw

No, I dont—

Adela

Yes, you do—

Enter Robert.

Rob

Why, what signifies quarrelling now my lord.

Edw

Why, I don't know Robert, she will quarrel I think.

Adela

No, it is you—

Rob

Come be friends I say, we are all in a pretty hoble to be sure.

Adela

Yes, and I believe you brought us into it.

Edw

'Tis my opinion he did—

Rob

Me!

Adela

Yes, I am sure, Edward woud'nt have thought of such a thing, if you had'nt put it into his head.

Edw

No, that I shoud'nt—

Rob

You are both very entertaining and so I shall leave you to yourselves.

Edw

Nay, but Robert, don't desert us.

Rob

Faith I shall make my peace with your father, by falling on my knees, and asking pardon immediately.

Adela

Had'nt we better do the same, Edward? for consider we are all in the same boat, and if we pull different ways, we shall certainly go to the bottom.

Edw

That is very true,—so Robert you shall be our pilot.

Rob

Well! then we must 'een meet the old baron in the hall of audience, at any rate; [how wonderfully does common interest beget friendship!]

[Exit.

Edw

Adela—

Adela

Well—

Edw

You forget we have been quarrelling, kiss and friends, you know— [kiss and exeunt.]

AIR— Edward.

While swords and shields are clashing,

Archers aiming, cudgels thrashing,

The ale to none denying,

Flaggons far and wide supplying,

With tilters fencing, wrestlers boasting.

Bonfires blazing, oxen roasting;

And all the vassals flock around,

What pleasures now abound!

Now all in preparation,

For the nuptial celebration.

SCENE—An Antique Hall, a State Chair on several People discover'd, Tenants, Servants, &c.

Enter Lord William, Lady Elinor, Cicely, Lewis, Martin and Charles.

Cice

Well Charles, how did you come over from Normandy?

Charles

Why, Cupid lent me his wings and I hovered over your ship—come, come, Cicely you know as well as I, there were more lovers aboard than the Captain knew of—

Cice

I believe I had better ask no more questions.

L. Wil

Lewis, come hither, you are sure that not a whisper has escaped you; likely to discover Lady Elinor.

Lew

Lord, Sir! I have done nothing but ate and drink since I have been here, so that I have no time for talking.

L. Wil

And our honest guide here: [pointin got Martin.]

Lew

Oh! no, Sir, he has been so taken up between hunger and wonder—that he has not thought of secrets.

L. Eli

You are certain the servants know what to do Cicely?

Cice

O yes, madam, I have given them all their lessons, and you'll see them receive the mock Lady Elinor, as you cou'd wish, but see, she comes!—

Enter Adela, Edward, and Robert.

Cice

Now, ma'am, to compleat their astonishment!

SESTETTO.
Lord William, Cicely, and Lady Elinor.

By mutual love delighted,

Here Fortune's fav'rites see,

In Hymen's bonds united,

How happy must they be.

Adela.

Whom can they mean?—not me.

Edward.

Nor me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for me.

Charles.

What grace!—what an air!

Lord William.

A face so fair.

Cicely and Charles.

Born to command the happy pair.

Lord William, Cicely, and Lady Elinor.

By mutual love delighted,

Here Fortune's fav'rites see, &c.

In Hymen's bonds united,

How happy must they be.

Edward.

Egad the joke we'll humour;

Adela.

With all my heart, say I.

Edward.

Who for success can do more,

Than every chance to try,

Charles.

Her courage faulters—mark her eyes;

See from her cheek the colour flies.

Cicely.

Poor girl—I pity her distress,

Yet Mischief says we can't do less.

Robert to Adela.

You tremble—courage—come, go on,

Adela.

Ah me! my boasted spirit's gone;

Alas! why didst thou, hapless maid,

By silly vanity betray'd,

Expose thy peace of mind to gain

A prize, thou never canst obtain?

Enter Baron,—Struts to the Chair, sits down with great ceremony, then rises, and speaks; his hat in his hand with the speech in it—which he occasionally looks at.

Bar

Hem! my Lady Elinor de Courcy—now some men in my situation, wou'd make you a set speech on the occasion; but I shall give your ladyship a touch off hand; as to your great family, my lady, all the world knows that—and as to your beauty—why that speaks for itself, as a body may say;—but I say, when I consider, my lady—I say—when I consider how vain it wou'd be to number your numberless qualifications, and when I think of your goodness, in—confering this visit—I want words— [Edward takes the speech slily out of his father's hat:] I say, my Lady Elinor, I want words to— [misses the speech.] Hey! egad, I do want words!—I say—madam—my ladyship I,—I,—I, want words!—

Edw

If my father had not wanted words madam, he would have attempted to express, his inexpressible satisfaction—but 'tis just as well as it is—the less that's said, the more there is to guess at.

Enter Servant.

Ser

My Lord! a gentleman wishes to speak with you immediately.

Bar

I come to him. [Exit servant.] I declare my lady! I am quite asham'd that I—.

Adela

O, pray my lord make no apologies!—you know you want words, and it is quite time to have done, when one has'nt any more to say—

Bar

Aye, my lady, but I had a great deal more to say—if I had'nt lost my speech— [aside and exit.]

Adela

[To Edward] I can't make out the meaning of all this, I don't understand the jest!—

Edw

Nor I, upon my soul—but I'll try to find it out, for my part I think we are in a dream.

Adela

I am sure it is a very pleasant one, I have'nt the least desire to be wak'd from it.

[They Sing part of the last Air again, and exeunt, Lord William, Lady Elinor, Cicely, Lewis, Charles, Edward, Adel., and Robert.]

Lord William, Cicely, Lady Elinor, Charles, and Robert.

Alas! behold the silly maid,

By pride by vanity betray'd:

Expose her peace of mind to gain

A prize she never can obtain.

SCENE—A Room in the Castle.

Enter Baron and De Courcy.

Bar

This way my lord, this way, I am glad to see your lordship—

De Cour

Hush, my lord! remember that I am here in disguise; I must depend on your friendship, to conceal me from my sister's attendants, till I am revenged on Sir Palamede—

Bar

And so this Palamede—

De Cour

He has long privately lov'd my sister, but the mean advantage he has now taken of our confidence in him—

Bar

O! hang him, an abusive sneering knave, to pass on me for your lordship's jester; I wish I had known this—

De Cour

But we must be cautious— [Laughing within.] dark! what noise is that?

Bar

Only my vassals carousing, in consequence of this marriage of your sister's in our family.

De Cour

The sounds of festivity, but ill accord with my feelings; a more retired apartment might suit our purpose better.

Bar

Certainly, my lord, private concerns, must give way to public justice.

[Exit.

SCENE—The Kitchen, Tenants and Servants, discovered at different tables—at the upper end an Ox, roasting, Cooks, &c. basting it.

Robert comes forward and sings.

AIR— Robert.

Now mighty roast beef is the Englishman's food,

It ennobies our veins, and 〈◊〉 our blood,

Our soldiers are brave, and our •…ons are good.

Oh! the roast beef of Old England, and Old English roast beef.

Our barons, my boys, are robust, stout and strong,

And keep open house with good cheer all day long,

Which makes their plump tenants rejoice in this song,

Oh! the roast beef, &c.

Enter Lord William, Lady Elinor, and Cicely.

Rob

Come, my lads and lasses, at this feast every one must contribute to the common stock of merriment, that is the only reckoning we have to pay.

FINALE.
Lady Elinor, and Cicely.

Love's sweet voice to Hymen speaking

Breathing thro' the dulcet flute;

List•ning joy the accents seeking,

Bids complaining Care be mute.

CHORUS.

High above dull Sorrow's level,

Now the tide of joy display;

Love and Hymen bid us revel,

Bid us hail this happy day.

Lord William.

Let the vine's enlivening treasure

Rising kiss the goblet's brim,

Till we see exulting pleasure,

On the smiling surface swim.

CHORUS.

High above dull Sorrow's level,

Now the generous tide display;

'Tis gay Bacchus bid us revel,

Bids us hail this happy day.

Cicely.

While the merry bells resounding,

Shall in pleasure's chorus chime,

From the trembling floor rebounding,

Let the varied dance beat time.

CHORUS.

High above dull Sorrow's level,

Now the tide of joy display,

Love and Hymen bid us revel,

Bid us hail this happy day.

END OF ACT SECOND.

ACT III.

SCENE—A Room in the Castle.

Enter De Courcy and Charles.

De Courcy,

YOU are sure that the soldiers are plac'd at every avenue to the Castle?

Char

My lord, it is impossible Sir Palamede shou'd escape!

De Cour

And you say, you observ'd him this evening?

Char

I did, my lord, and notwistanding he appear'd to join the general festivity; yet at times he sigh'd so piteously, that I cou'd not help saying to myself, your honour cou'd never find in your heart to kill so brave a gentleman.

De Cour

Leave me and be ready at the time appointed—and shall this slave boast a virtue to which I am a stranger—shall his rugged heart feel compassion for wretched, whilst I unmoved doom to destruction, him! who has been my Companion!—my Friend!—my Brother!— [Aside,] Poor Palamede, I will see him and converse with him—perhaps he is not so guilty as he appears—at least let me remember that he is unfortunate!

[Exit.

Char

There spoke the generous feelings of de Courcy.

AIR— Charles.

Where'er true valour can its power display,

There meek-ey'd Pity, anxious still to bless,

With jealous honour holds divided sway,

And from avenging anger shields distress.

Ne'er shall the sword of Honour dare invade

The spell bound spot, where Pity drops a tear;

For where Misfortune casts her sacred shade,

There deepest injury must disappear,

Enter De Courcy and Baron.

Bar

O, my lord de Courcy, I am glad I have found you, I have strange news to tell you: only think my lord, when I thought my vassals had retired fatigued, and gone dutifully drunk to bed, the whole village is up and scouring their old helmets and armour; I am sure there's mischief in the wind when these rascals are so industrious.

De Cour

Compose yourself my lord, you seem quite alarm'd!—

Bar

Alarm'd my lord! why, tho' I am naturally as brave as a lion; yet I do not like to be taken thus by surprize; it is that which alarms me—and Sir Palamede I am sure is at the bottom of this.

De Cour

Perhaps then he has heard of my arrival, and finding himself discovered, means to oppose force by force.

Bar

You are right my lord, he has been sending and receiving letters and messages all night in a continual ebb and flow of mischief.

De Cour

S'death, can he descend so low as to mislead the rabble into revolt—the traitor shall perish—but where is my sister?

Bar

I don't know my lord, but here comes my son, I dare say he'll tell you.

De Cour

Do not discover me yet, even to him.

Bar

Why my lord, as he is shortly to be related to your lordship, I can't see that it signifies—but it shall be as you please; harkee sirrah! come here, where is lady Elinor?

Enter Edward half drunk.

Edw

In her own room, I took her a cup of wine just now—but the dear creature prefer'd ale: she seems prodigiously fond of ale.

De Cour

Who! Lady Elinor, Sir?

Edw

Yes Sir, Lady Elinor, my wife that is to be; what have you to say to that? Sir!

De Cour

Pardon me Sir,—but are you assured of the lady's affections?

Bar

Aye sirrah, are you sure that she is fond of you.

Edw

Fond of me, ha! ha! ha! dammee look at me!

De Cour

I believe she was once attached to another, one Sir Palamede.

Edw

I believe not friend, and my reason for thinking so, is that the dear little wench never saw Sir Palamede in all her life.

De Cour

Sir, when you name that lady, you shou'd remember the respect due to her family.

Edw

[Snaps his finger] That for her family—she is a bud of beauty, which I have gather'd to wear next my heart, and the devil may take the rest of the family-tree for me, here she comes i'faith—

Enter Adela.

Edw

Ah! my dear lady Elinor—

De Cour

Astonishment!—this must be some plot of Palamede's, [Aside.]

Bar

Why, my lord, your sister does not seem to know you.—ah, this is another quality joke, now I'll be sworn.

De Cour

He is deceived too! [Aside.]

Bar

Why, my lord, I think there's a very strong family likeness between you.

De Cour

I perceive my lord, you are imposed on, but you shall soon be avenged.

[Exit.

Bar

How imposed on! O, he means they have been joking on me,—ay but he was serious;—egad, I believe I shou'd be angry,—but then if I shou'd be in the wrong;—I'll e'en go after him and ask whether I ought to be in a passion or not.

[Exit.

Adela

Why, I say Edward, the Lady Elinor's attendants did call me their lady for the jok's sake; yet it must soon be out that I am myself.

Edw

That's not unlikely.

Adela

And if Lady Elinor shou'd be as handsome, as we heard, and your father shou'd be very pressing—

Edw

Then you think I shou'd desert you!—hah.

Adela

Your deserting me wou'd then be called by another name, for fine folks have fine names for bad actions, to make them seem like good ones.

Edw

Why, look'ye. my dear Adela,—I was always a blundering fellow at a fine speech; [ecod I am like my father for that,] but if I thought my being a nobleman wou'd make me love you a jot the less, deuce take me if I had not rather remain a ploughman all my life,—now do you believe me?

Adela

I do.

AIR— Adela.

Love from the heart, all its danger concealing,

Reason they say, the fond spell can remove;

But bliss kindly stealing,

Still the delusion so sweet may I prove.

For should you betray me, your falsehood perceiving,

Too well do I love you, the peril to shun:

So if you must cheat me, still further deceiving;

Oh! blinded by hope, to the last leads me on.

SCENE—The Sea at the back of the stage and a light house,—a part of the Tower is seen, the cellar door by the second wing;—a little further, a flight of stairs leading to a door,—stage lights down.

Enter Lady Elinor solus.

Why, did I not insist on Sir Palamed eexplaining this mystery?— [She retires up the stage.]

Enter Lord William,

Welcome, thrice welcome, ye scenes which remind me of happier days;—every step I take—every object of remembrance, warms me with new incitements to assert my birthright,— [Lady Elinor comes forward,] How Lady Elinor!

L. Eli

O Palamede! for heaven's sake, why this mystery?

L. Wil

Spare me the explanation of what is yet improper for you to know;—shew me esteem by confiding in my honour,—he who is beloved by you, cannot act unworthily.

L. Eli

I am uneasy only on your account,—therefore do not flatter me, or keep me longer in suspence!

L. Wil

To night is the Crisis of my fate, and to-morrow's sun shall dispel the cloud of mystery in which it is involved.

DUET— Lord William and Lady Elinor.
Lady Elinor.

Dangers unknown impending,

Doubt multiplies my fears,

Lord William.

Laurels my steps attending,

Shall spring from beauty's tears.

Lady Elinor,

Thus in suspence to leave thee,

Lord William.

Think'st thou, I can deceive thee?

Lady Elinor.

—To leave thee.

Lord William.

—To leave thee!

Both.

Say, wilt thou still prove true?

Yes, I will still prove true.

And must we bid adieu?

[Exit Lady Elinor,

L. Wil

Cruel concealment, yet it must be so, one only have I trusted in this castle and he is here.

Enter Hugo, sword on.

Hugo

Ah! my dear young master, what pleasure does your old servant feel, in seeing you once more in your native land! Heaven help us, what strange events have happened, since the good baron your father quitted England.—I long to hear your adventures in France.

L. Wil

It is a long story my friend.

Hugo

So much the better,—I like long stories,—I often tell long stories myself,—remembrance forms the old man's banquet, and let the viands be ever so ordinary, memory cooks them to his liking.

L. Wil

Hugo this is not time for words, I must support my claim to the honors of my ancestors and this hour,—

Hugo

What my lord?

L. Wil

Hear me! I have written to an old and allied friend of my father's, a powerful nobleman, and near the king's person, he has assured me of my sovereign's favour,—and I expect hourly letters from the king, acknowledging me Baron of Oakland.

Hugo

Well my lord!

L. Wil

In the mean time my zealous friend. has advised me to surprize the castle without delay, to man all resistance to the king's commands.

Hugo

Surprize the Castle! why my lord, I'll fight as long as I can, [draws his sword.] but here are only two of us.

L. Wil

Good old man! I shall not need your assistance, a guard of an hundred chosen troops sent by the good Lord Hubert, enter'd the village in the dusk of the evening;—the news of my return is receiv'd by the vassels with transport, and they are this momemt arming in my cause.

Hugo

Then, why do we stay here, I'll go and get on my armour?

L. Wil

It is not yet time;—the tolling of the Curfew will give me notice when all is ready: but tell me Hugo, was not my father's armour kept in an apartment in that Tower?

Hugo

Yes, my lord in that very apartment over the wine cellar.

L. Wil

And has the armour ever been removed from thence?

Hugo

Never! I'll answer for that,—the room has been shut up these ten years past to my knowledge; I have still preserv•d my key to the door which leads to it thro' the long gallery,

L. Wil

Give time, [Hugo gives a key,] now let us be gone.

Hugo

Excuse me my lord, I'll follow you to battle; but not into that apartment.

L. Wil

Why not?

Hugo

Ah, my lord I tremble at the thoughts of it, no living soul has enter'd that room for these ten years,—voices have been heard and lights seen,—in short it is haunted, and tho' I lov'd your worthy father when he was alive—I,—I,—I, [light is seen at a window in the Tower.]

L. Wil

By heav'n's a light appears thro' the casement at this moment.

Hugo

And so there does, my dear master don't be rash.

L. Wil

Hark! I hear a noise from the Tower, wait for me here, [draws] and beware your fears do not betray you, [goes up the steps and unlocks the door and exit.]

Hugo

My lord,—my dear lord William don't leave me alone!—he's gone!—oh that cursed Haunted Chamber! I can't stay near it—I,—I, find the only means of perserving my courage is to carry it along with me.

[Exit.

Enter Baron.

Why, sure that was old Hugo, yes and with his sword drawn, oh, he's in the plot!—O lord! O lord! there's the spirit playing his illumination tricks in the Haunted Chamber;—Oh, how I long to attack this old rogue Hugo, because I am sure I cou'd beat him;—aye, but then I dare not venture alone, valour with me is of a companiable nature and don't like solitude;—My courage is something like the vine, to produce good fruit it must be well supported;—hey, sure I hear somebody coming out of my wine-cellar!—egad, I'll step aside, I may make some discoveries here.

[Retires,

Enter Robert and Martin from the Cellar door.

Rob

Well my boy, now I have made you free of our cellar.

Mar

[Half drunk] Give me your hand, give me your hand, Master Robert, I'll live and die with you, of all inventions that ever were thought of, there's none to my mind like good eating and drinking.

Rob

And for that, Martin, I'll match all Kent, I know the privilege of a diligent butler too well to suffer my master to taste wine till I have approv'd of it.

Bar

[Aside] Oh! the villian

Mar

That's right, that's right, give me your hand again; O Master Robert! what a happy dog you are to have the command of such a wine cellar.

Rob

Ay, Martin, there I sit, absolute monarch of all the prostrate bottles.

Bar

[Aside] Mighty well!—but I'll be even with you rascalls. [Exit into the Cellar,]

Enter Servant.

Rob

Well, can you find friend Lewis, in the garden?

Ser

No master Robert.

Rob

He has certainly lost his way, let us go in search of him, Martin?

Mar

Aye, Master Robert, do you go one way and I'll go the other.

Rob

And to prevent accidents I'll lock the cellar door for the present, we'll soon return and finish the evening. [Locks the door and Exit with Servant.]

[Exit Martin.

SCENE—A Room in the Castle.

Enter Lady Elinor and Cicely.

L. Eli

And so the mock Lady Elinor is coming, Cicely?—Yet how can I trifle thus? While Palamede's fate is in suspence.

AIR— Lady Elinor.

Dread parent of despair,

Thou tyrant of my mind,

Who ling'ring seem'st to spair,

To point the worst behind.

At once compleat my woe,

Display thy ills in store,

Ah! quickly strike the blow!

'Tis all that I implore.

Cice

Ah madam! it must be a sad thing to be of a good family, thank heaven! I who have no noble blood in my veins have the dearest of all privileges, that of chusing a husband for myself.

AIR— Cicely.

From high birth and all its fetters,

My kind stars my lot remove;

I shall envy not my betters,

Give me but the youth I love.

Love's the riches of the poor,

A prize that wealth can ne'er procure;

My rich mistress fain wou'd be

Just as poor as Cicely.

From high birth, &c.

Enter Adela and Robert.

Adela

These waiting maids pester me to death with questions, here they are again,—

Cice

[Aside to Lady Elinor,] Now madam, to throw her off her gaurd, endeavour to provoke her and gratify your curiosity.

L. Eli

Why, I shou'd like it, but she looks as if she could beat me;—pray madam wou'd your ladyship please to go to bed?

Adela

No, my ladyship does not please to go to bed.

Rob

No, her ladyship does not please to go to bed.

L. Eli

It is my duty to wait on your ladyship.

Adela

Well. wait in another room then.

Rob

Aye, wait in another room.

L. Eli

Pray my lady forgive me.

Adela

No, I will not forgive you!—I can't hear it [Aside] begone! I discharge you my service.

DUET— Elinor and Adela.
Adela.

Begone! I discharge you! away from my sight!

In my presence appear never after this night.

Lady Elinor.

Your ladyship's orders with grief I obey;

Yet, e're I depart, a few words may I say?

Adela.

I'll try to keep my passion under,

And treat the flirt with silent scorn.

Lady Elinor.

You're too poor to move my rage.

Adela.

Prithee now this wrath assuage.

Lady Elinor.

How the saucy creature stares.

Adela.

Tell me, madam, why these airs.

Both.

Tho' pride and folly should intrude,

They can't good breeding pain;

Their silly jests, so bold and rude,

Raise laughter and disdain.

Of rank and education,

What wretched imitation;

Contempt must sure befal you,

You vain—what shall I call you?

Tho' at scolding so alert,

I fancy now she's really hurt.

[Exit Adela, Robert, Lady Elinor and Cicely.

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SCENE—A Chamber in the Tower, folding Doors in the back Scene, and arch leading to another Apartment thro' which enter Lord William.

L. Wil

Now to the object of my search, [opens the doors and discovers his fathers armour brings forward the sword and shield] kind fortune I thank thee!—sacred to the defence of a just cause, the shield of the father shall protect his son, fighting for the rights of an illustrious family.

AIR— Lord William.

Spirit of my sainted sire,

With success my soul inspire,

Deeds of glory done by thee

In mem'ry's mirror now I see.

Let the great examples raise

Valour's purest, brightest blaze,

Till the prowess of my arm

The eye of fickle Conquest charm,

And same shall, when the battle's won,

Declare that I am all thy son.

Spirit of my sainted sire,

With success my soul inspire.

The inspiration now I feel,

The ardent glow of patriot zeal,

Brighter prospects now arise,

The voice of Conquest rends the skies.

[Exit and shuts the folding doors after him.

Rob

Well Lewis! since we have met with you at last, I'll give you a specimen of English Hospitallity, we have plenty of liquor in the cellar underneath, and egad we'll make a night of it.

Lew

That's right master Robert, and I love good eating and drinking, so I'll drink with you if it is only to shew you I like your company.

Mar

But you have'nt told me yet about this Haunted Tower.

Lew

Well, I declare I'm glad of it for your sake, for I am sure you must be dry after telling such a long story.

Rob

Come my boys, lend me a hand, [They bring in a table with wine and ale, and three three-legg'd floos. Robert sits at the head of the table, Martin and Lewis on each side.]

Lew

What have we got here?

Rob

Some of the best wine in Christendom, my lad; aye, and some of the best ale too, which to me, is the best of all liquors;—the scurvy old knave, my master, who I dare say is a-bed and a sleep, little thinks the honour we are doing to his cellar.

Lewis and Martin

Ha! ha! ha!

Rob

Now for't my boys, here's to ye!

CATCH— Robert, &c. &c.

As now we're met, a jolly set,

A fig for sack or sherry;

Our ale we'll drink,

And our cans we'll clink,

And we'll be wondrous merry

Merry, my hearts—merry, my boys,

We'll sing with a hey down derry,

The baron himself knows no such joys,

We are so wondrous merry.

Rob

Come, drink about, [sings] "And we'll be wondrous merry."

L. Wil

[Behind, imitates Robert.] "And we'll be wondrous merry."

Rob

Hey day! what's that?

Lew

That, oh! that's an echo, I suppose.

Rob

An echo! I never observ'd one here, I—

Mar

O Master Robert! is'nt this the chamber you said was haunted?

Lew

Egad then, its haunted by a jolly spirit—so here's to the ghost!— [sings] "And we'll be wondrous merry."

L. Wil

[Behind, in Lewis's voice] "And we'll be wondrous merry," [a noise underneath the stage.]

Rob

What think ye now?

Lew

Why, I think there's a damn'd noise in the cellar, [The trap door that Robert had pointed to is thrown open and knocks down the table, which they had placed on it, and the Baron appears coming thro' it.

Bar

Gentlemen, your most obedient, pray don't let me disturb you, pray go on, my butler here, sets you a good example; so pray make free with my property,—upon my life this is a very pretty Chamber to be haunted; the ghost has an excellent choice, but I never knew that your troubled spirits were, such consummers of ale and wine before. [a knocking at door,] pray who is that? is it any friend or your's gentlemen.

Mar

Yes, please your worshipful honour, it is only Hubert with the supper.

Bar

O! Hubert with the supper, is it? desire him to walk in [the Baron opens the door. Enter Hubert with some beef and bread.] Come in Hubert, here are none but friends, O never mind me, come put the supper on the table. [Hubert puts it on the table] And now gentlemen sit down and eat heartily.

Lew

I am much oblig'd to your honour, but I am not hungry now.

Rob

If but your honour wou'd but hear me.

Bar

O! with a great deal of pleasure, honest Robert, I was but ill situated in the cellar to hear that catch you sung just now;—rogues! rascals! robbers! whose only sign of fear is, you can't bear your own consciences, so you are afraid of spirits; where's the echo, you conjur'd up just now?

Rob

Indeed! me lord, we heard an echo.

Bar

Did you? well, sing again then, and let me hear it, I'll shew you a pattern of resolution you rapscallions.

Rob

Now mark my lord, [sings] "And we'll be wondrous merry."

L. Wil

[Behind in Robert's voice] "And we'll be wondrous merry."

Bar

[Alarm'd] Egad, but its an odd sort of an echo.

Lew

Suppose your honour was to speak to it, perhaps it wou'd answer you civilly.

Bar

O! I dare say 'twill have a proper respect for my dignity,—what are you ghost or spirit?

L. Wil

[In Baron's voice.] "Ghost or spirit."

Bar

[Very much frighten'd] O lord! O lord!—why!—why! don't some of you speak to me?—what—what,—are you afraid of?—Robert, what makes you look so pale?—for my part—I!—I!—I don't believe in apparitions, do you friend? [to Lewis.]

Hugo

[Behind] Lord William, my dear master Lord William!

Rob

Hark my lord! there's a voice.

Bar

Oh! I am a lost man,—but—why,—do you all tre-m-b-le so! [a bell tolls] O lord! there's the Curfew going at this hour.

A Trumpet is heard at a distance, Lord William throws open the doors and walks with great solemnity in his father's armour, and exit. The trumpet is heard till he is quite off. The Baron &c. retire very much frighten'd.

Bar

O, dear me it is the old Baron's ghost! I have seen him wear that shield and helmet a thousand times.

Lew

[During this speech of the Baron's, creeps round, as looking after Lord William.] O! my lord here's more miracles! the spirit has met some armed men and they are all fighting,—that's right,—that's right;—well done my boys—dammee they have kill'd the ghost, huzza.

All

Huzza,—huzza!—

Bar

Egad, that's rare news, come lets go and see what its all about, I'll lead the way, do you follow me,—hey—no Robert, you shall go first;—no,—no,—stop, come back—we'll all go together, and then we can take care of one another— [drums and trumpets heard.]

[They exeunt very much alarm'd.

SCENE—An Apartment in the Castle, drums and trumpets without.

Enter Edward and Adela [Edward with a sword and shield.]

Adela

O Edward! I am frighten'd to death! it was an unlucky day for us when I turn'd fine lady and nothing but unlucky days have we had ever since.

Edw

Lucky or unlucky,—I fancy there's an end of 'em now, bad as the days were, I wish they were to come over again.

Enter Baron, [with his sword drawn, and some old armour aukwardly put on.

Bar

O dear! O dear, they are all at it.

Edw

What! what are they at?

Bar

Why, fighting, O my Lady Elinor! why don't you order your soldiers to fall on?—O how I hate a man that won't fight.

Adela

What, is any body kill'd my lord!

Bar

Kill'd, why we shall all be kill'd, men, women and children.

Enter Lady Elinor finely dress'd.

L. Eli

For shame my lord! why do you stand idle here? your soldiers call on you to head 'em,—where's my brother?

Bar

Your brother, why what signifies your brother, why they are thirty thousand strong.

L. Eli

I mean the Lord de Courcy.

[Exit.

Bar

The Lord de Courcy,—why an't you—

Adela

O, no indeed my lord, I am not,—I am quite sick of passing for a fine lady.

Enter Servant.

Ser

My lord, you must come immediately, they are forcing the castle gates.

[Exit.

Bar

Forcing the castle gates, O lord I shall die of a fright! and never live to be kill'd.

[Exit Baron, Edward and Adela.

SCENE—Changes to the Hall, after alarms of drums and trumpets.

Enter Edward and Adela.

Edw

They have gain'd the Citadel, and we shall be put to the sword.

Enter De Courcy, Lord William and Knights.

De Cour

Once more my noble friend, I congratulate you on your success.

Enter Lady Elinor, Cicely and Charles.

L. Eli

My brother!

De Cour

My father contracted you in marriage with the young Baron of Oakland;—I present him to you, I deem'd him my enemy till I knew him, it is now my pride to call him my friend.

L. Wil

This is a more valuable present my lord, than the life you gave me, when overpower'd by your soldiers in the garden you, still thought me your enemy.

Enter the Baron between two armed Men.

Bar

O dear! spare my life, and I'll agree to any terms.

Adela

[To Lord William.] then Sir, begging your pardon for my boldness, I suppose you are the ghost we heard of?

Bar

Yes, and you I suppose are the sham Lady Elinor, we have heard of; egad, now I find how things are, I have reason to be in a passion.

L. Wil

You Sir, [to Baron] have a right to an explanation, I scorn to owe my title to force; I am confirmed by my sovereign in the dignity and estates of my father:—be assured however, that I shall be ambitious to prove myself your friend.

Bar

And that's an ambition I shall be very glad to gratify you in.

L. Wil

[to Edward and Adela] As for this young couple, I hope I shall have the satisfaction of adding to their store of Hymen's comforts.

Ewd.

I—Thank you my lord,—I begin to be much less inclined to Nobility after the bustle I have seen to-night, and I'm fain to comforts myself with the old remark,—"that a title cannot bestow happiness."

Adela

Yes, but I can though there is a title for which I'd give up to all others, it is the wife of my Edward.

L. Eli

My fluttering heart cannot express the joy it feels at your triumph. [to Lord William.]

L. Wil

A truimph crowned by the possession of that heart which now approves it.

FINALE.

The banish'd ills of heretofore

At happy distance viewing;

Of the past we'll think no more,

While future bliss pursuing.

When engaged in Pleasure's chace,

Never look behind you;

Back if you shou'd turn your face,

Misfortune's dust may blind you.

Lord William, and Lady Elinor.

Here let the titled wedded pair,

A lesson take from humble life;

Nor in the lady and the lord,

Forget the husband and the wife.

Ne'er shall th' example us reprove,

Whose proudest boast shall be our love.

SESTETTO.

The present hour is ever ready,

To assume a smiling face;

If to wisdom's councels steady,

Pleasure's precepts you embrace.

Edward.

Tho' no more I am a lord,

Give my love but this reward,

Rank and title I forego.

Adela.

No, my Edward, say not so.

CHORUS.

The banish'd ills, &c.

Information about this book

Title statement

The haunted tower: a comic opera in three acts. As performed at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane. Written by Mr. Cobb.

Cobb, James, 1756-1818.

Publication

Distributor

University of Oxford Text Archive
Oxford University Computing Services
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ota@oucs.ox.ac.uk

ID [ota]

http://ota.ox.ac.uk/id/4286

ID [isbn10]

1106012852

ID [isbn13]

9781106012852

ID [TCP]

K049027.000

ID [BIBNO]

CW3311060644

ID [ECLL]

0054800100

Availability

Distributed by the University of Oxford under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License

Source

— The haunted tower: a comic opera in three acts. As performed at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane. Written by Mr. Cobb., Cobb, James, 1756-1818.. 56p. ; 12⁰. Dublin :: printed for P. Burne; and J. Jones,. [1790?]. [Turned chain lines.] [Reproduction of original from the British Library.] [English Short Title Catalog, ESTCT54947.] [Electronic data. Farmington Hills, Mich. : Thomson Gale, 2003. Page image (PNG). Digitized image of the microfilm version produced in Woodbridge, CT by Research Publications, 1982-2002 (later known as Primary Source Microfilm, an imprint of the Gale Group).]

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