If this goes on, he will aspire to gain the princess. (apart to the king) Men of birth, great sir —
Will be most proud of him, whose zeal, at once, supports my crown, their honours, and the people's cause.
Dread sir, your daughter, beauteous Eglantine, impatient waits you at the royal palace.
Tell her, we long to clasp her to a father's bosom. Captives, your lives were spared on the condition that you receive our faith (the Saracens bow). Be preparation made, and let Religion's triumph grace our feast. Auvergne, my daughter's lips, again, shall speak her father's thanks – Our citizens of Orleans ope' their gates with loyal welcome to receive their sovereign. Thus ever may the king and people of this happy land, endeared by firm affection to each other, own the dear ties of father and of children! and, woe to those, who, with a traitor's hand, would tear the bond asunder! – Lead on.
Exeunt in procession. The King and Attendants go off thro' the city gates – The Captives, accompanied by the Friars and Nuns, enter the Monastery.
SCENE II. —Interior of the Convent
Have all retired? Are we observed, my friend?
The fathers seek their cells to offer prayers for the new converts.
Alas! 'tis now the twentieth year since I have sought the mournful consolation of recounting how much a wretched woman owes thy friendship.
Away with sorrow, and in this moment of rejoicing, demand an audience of the king, your brother.
He thinks his sister guilty. Was I not banished by my husband the Emperor of Greece, fatally wrought on by traiterous slander, when, you, alone, accompanied a weak, defenceless woman?
Never shall I forget when, wearied with anguish and fatigue, you sat beneath a blasted oak; the wind with mournful sound scattered the falling leaves – meanwhile your groans were echoed by the distant murmur of nightly prowling wolves.
When, at my request you left me, in the hope of finding human aid, two babes, the offspring of my unkind husband, first saw the light. Starting with agony, these eyes beheld one of my children in the savage gripe of a most hideous bear. One desperate effort, short as furious, impelled me to attempt pursuit. I fell, and knew no more of sense, till from a peasant's wife I learned that she had found and borne me to her humble dwelling.
I wandered far, till the sound of horns led me to where I met the king, who with a frown at hearing of your name, on pain of death, warned me to leave his presence.
Vainly I sought my infant left behind – reason a second time forsook her seat. – The sisters of this convent poured balm into my bosom, and religion, cloathed in the garb of patience, brought me peace.
Have you ne'er yet disclosed your name and rank?
Accounted dead, and masses for my soul's health yearly ordered, I vowed that as my children were for ever lost to me, my husband and my brother unconvinced of the cruel treacheries employed against me, ne'er to be known but as a sister of this order.
Yet may you hope that providence will watch o'er piety and innocence, and but to-day, I learned that Valentine, a favourite of the king's was found —
The duties of our order require your presence to join the Pagan captives in preparation for the sacred change they are about to make.
We attend you, father. – (To Blandiman) The ceremony past, I wait your leisure – and for your friendly deeds, they'll meet reward from where I hope my prayers have long since registered them.
SCENE III.—The Palace
The King discovered on his Throne, attended by Valentine, Henry, Haufray, and the Peers of France – the Princess is announced by her Ladies, and enters – the King presents Valentine to her as the Preserver of his Life, she receives him with a warmth of Gratitude approaching to Love – the King leads her to a Seat, resumes his Throne, and speaks:
Be it proclaimed that any of my subjects who have petitions to our throne, may now approach. The best acknowledgement we offer heaven for good received, is when we use the ample power it gives to bless our people. – The greatest monarch he, whose subjects are the happiest. – Let all enter.
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