And this then was thy talk? While knave and coward, 40Both strong within thee, wrestle for the uppermost,
In slips the fool and takes the place of both.
Babbler! Lord Casimir did, as thou and all men.
He loved himself, loved honours, wealth, dominion.
All these were set upon a father’s head: 45
Good truth! a most unlucky accident!
For he but wished to hit the prize; not graze
The head that bore it: so with steady eye
Off flew the parricidal arrow. — Even
As Casimir loved Emerick, Emerick 50
Loves Casimir, intends him no dishonour.
He winked not then, for love of me forsooth!
For love of me now let him wink! Or if
The dame prove half as wise as she is fair,
He may still pass his hand, and find all smooth. 55
[Passing his hand across his brow.
Laska. Your Majesty’s reasoning has convinced me.
Emerick. Thee!
‘Tis well! and more than meant. For by my faith
I had half forgotten thee. — Thou hast the key? [LASKA bows.
And in your lady’s chamber there’s full space?
Laska. Between the wall and arras to conceal you. 60
Emerick. Here! This purse is but an earnest of thy fortune,
If thou prov’st faithful. But if thou betrayest me,
Hark you! — the wolf that shall drag thee to his den
Shall be no fiction.
[Exit EMERICK. LASKA manet with a key in one hand, and a
purse in the other.
Laska. Well then! here I stand,
Like Hercules, on either side a goddess. 65
Call this (looking at the purse)
Preferment; this (holding up the key) Fidelity!
And first my golden goddess: what bids she?
Only:—’This way, your Majesty! hush! The household
Are all safe lodged.’ — Then, put Fidelity
Within her proper wards, just turn her round — 70
So — the door opens — and for all the rest,
‘Tis the king’s deed, not Laska’s. Do but this
And—’I’m the mere earnest of your future fortunes.’
But what says the other? — Whisper on! I hear you!
[Putting the key to his ear.
All very true! — but, good Fidelity! 75
If I refuse King Emerick, will you promise,
And swear now, to unlock the dungeon door,
And save me from the hangman? Aye! you’re silent!
What, not a word in answer? A clear nonsuit!
Now for one look to see that all are lodged 80
At the due distance — then — yonder lies the road
For Laska and his royal friend, King Emerick!
[Exit LASKA. Then enter BATHORY and BETHLEN.
Bethlen. He looked as if he were some God disguised
In an old warrior’s venerable shape
To guard and guide my mother. Is there not 85
Chapel or oratory in this mansion?
Old Bathory. Even so.
Bethlen. From that place then am I to take
A helm and breastplate, both inlaid with gold,
And the good sword that once was Raab Kiuprili’s.
Old Bathory. Those very arms this day Sarolta show’d me — 90
With wistful look. I’m lost in wild conjectures!
Bethlen. O tempt me not, e’en with a wandering guess,
To break the first command a mother’s will
Imposed, a mother’s voice made known to me!
‘Ask not, my son,’ said she, ‘our names or thine. 95
The shadow of the eclipse is passing off
The full orb of thy destiny! Already
The victor Crescent glitters forth and sheds
O’er the yet lingering haze a phantom light.
Thou canst not hasten it! Leave then to Heaven 100
The work of Heaven: and with a silent spirit
Sympathize with the powers that work in silence!’
Thus spake she, and she looked as she were then
Fresh from some heavenly vision!
[Re-enter LASKA, not perceiving them.
Laska. All asleep!
[Then observing BETHLEN, stands in idiot-affright.
I must speak to it first — Put — put the question! 105
I’ll confess all! [Stammering with fear.
Old Bathory. Laska! what ails thee, man?
Laska (pointing to Bethlen). There!
Old Bathory. I see nothing! where?
Laska. He does
not see it!
Bethlen, torment me not!
Bethlen. Soft! Rouse him gently!
He hath outwatched his hour, and half asleep,
With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams. 110
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