MO OF6KAif)

!!

I MASKED BALLVerdi

GKAND OP6KA

Verdi

ASSOCIATION

V E RD I'S

THE MASKED BALL,

RICHARD, Cojint of Warwick, and Governor of Boetor

REINHART, Secretary to the Governor.

AMELIA, Wife of Reinhart

ULRICA, a blaok Astrologer

OSCAR, a Page.

SYLVAN, a Sailor.

SAMUEL,> Enemies of the Ootin'-

TOM,

A Judge.

A Servant.

PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. HUBER PUBLISHING Co.

Additional copies may be obtained from the Publisher at

1149 NO. McCADDEN PL. HOLLYWOOD 38, CALIF.

ARGUMENT.

The srene of Verdi's Ballo in Maschera was, by the author

of the Libretto, originally laid in one of the European cities.

Bat the government censors objected to this, probably, be-

cause the plot contained tho record of a successful conspiracy

against an established Prince or governor. By a change of

scene to the distant, and to the author, little known city of

Boston, in America, this difficulty seems to have been obvi-

ated. This fact should be borne in mind by Bostonians and

others, who may be somewhat astonished at the events which

are supposed to have taken place in the old Puritan city.

According to the Opera, Richard, Count of Warwick, and

Colonial Governor of Boston and of the surrounding territo-

ry, falls in love with Amelia, the wife of Uoinhart, his secre-

tary. Richard seem* to be, with the exception of this great

failing, an upright, honorable man, and struggles with tho

passion which bids fair to overpower him. Amelia, on her

part, in in equal danger, endeavoring to be faithful to hor

husband, while her heart impels her to return the affection

of the Count. In this extremity, she seeks counsel from

Ulrica, a black fortune-teller, or astrologer, who assures her

of relief, on one difficult condition. It seems that a certain

plant has the power to cure in such cases, but it grows only

under the gibbet on the place of execution near the city. It

must be gathered at night, and will only be potent when

plucked by the one who has need of it healing virtues.

Amelia, in her distress, overcomes her dread of the fearful

excursion, and concludes to go.

Now it happens that Count Richard comes at that very

nme, to connuli the sorceress. He does it for amusement,

nd in disguise, and being near Amelia, he overhears the con-

Tiration, anil learn> of the intended visit.

It \f also i<> be noted, that two of the Count's enemies

nth their followers, have followed him, with the intention of

taking his life in the hut of the Astrologer, but are deterred

h? HII unexpected number of visitor* present, amoni: whom

re many of the Count's friends, too many for the assassins

to overcome

Count Richard, in upon, asks the witch to tell his fortune.

She predicts that he will fall by the hand of a friend.

In the next scene appears Amelia, approaching at mid

tight, the dreaded place of execution. She descries * form

among the gibbets, which she believes to be a phantom, buwhich i* really tho Count, who, knowing of her intended viU,

ha* come to meet her. In the touching colloquy which fol-

lows, she confesses her love for him, bnt pleads her duty to

her husband, who is the Count's devoted friend.

They are interrupted by the approach of Reinhart, who

istens thither to warn Count Richard of the approach of

lis enemies, who have tracked and followed him. Richard

consents to flee, on condition that Reinhart will conduct the

,ady present safely within the city. To this the secretary

consents, and conducts Amelia, who is sileut, and closely

rciled, a little distance, when they are surrounded by the

assassins, who mistake Reinhart for his employer. In the

'right of the moment, Amelia drop* her veil, and is recog-

nised by her husband. Reinhart^n his astonishment and fury,

will listen to no explanations, but conducts her home, ha* an

nterview with the Count's enemies, and offers to assist them

in their next design, which is, to assassinate him during the

progress of a Masked Ball, to which all are invited, and

where their disguises will serve to conceal their purpose and

sapons.

Count Richard, with returning reason, and remorse for the

injury he has inflicted on Reinhart and his wife, determine*

to send them both to England, where they may live happily

together, while both Amelia and himself will be free from

temptation. He writes an order for the secretary's return,

hich is designated the ship that is to carry the pair

across the ocean. This done, he dons a disguise, and enters

the ball room, where he is soon afterward recognised by Rein-

hart, who has questioned Oscar, the page, as to the disguise

his master will wear. Soon after, Amelia, in disguise, ap-

proaches, and entreats the Count to retire, wanting him of

the assassins then present. Richard with his natural fear

lessness, makes lipht of the danger. The secretary approach

es, and beholding his wife again in close conference with th

Count, mad with jealousy and rage, plunges a dagger in h

master'* side, thus fulfilling the sibyl's prediction.

In the denouement which follows, Reinhart learn* of thr

unbroken fidelity of his wife, and of tho intention of the Conn

to send them to England, thus clearing the honor of the nobte

man, who die*, regretted by friend* and inbjecu.

THE MASKED BALL.

ATTO I.

BCKNA I E it mattino. Una tola nrlla earn <U Govrrna-

ton. In fondo r inyretm deUe we ttanze. Dtpvtati, Gen-

tihumini, Popolani, Uffixiali ; tul dinanzi Samuel, Tom

far* Adrrtnti tutti in atteta di Riccardo.

UFFIIIALI GBMTILDOMIKI.

Poea in pace, a' bei sogni ristora,

O Riccardo, il tno nobile cor

A te tcndo su questa dimoraSta d'un vergine mondo 1' amor.

SAM, TOM e loro Aderenti.

E sta 1' odio, cho prepare il flo,

Ripensando ai caduti per te

Come iperi, disceso 1' oblio

Sullt torn lie infelici non e.

8CENA II. OtXJAR dalle itanzt del Conte, indi RlOOAKDO.

OK. 8* avanra il Conte.

Hie. (talutando gli attanli.) Amici miei Soldati.

E roi del par diletti a me !

[ai Deputati nel riceoen delle ttijipliche.

Porgete :

A me '

aspetta io deggioSo' miei fidi vegliar, perche sia ptfgo

Ogni roto, se ginsto.

Bella il poter non e, che de' soggetti

Le lacrime non terge, e ad incorrotta

Gloria non mira.

OK. (a Im) Leggere vi piacciaDelle danze 1' invito.

Hie. A vresti alcana

Bella dimenticato 1

OK. (offrendoyli vnfoglio.) Eocovi i nomi.

toe. Amelia ah dessa ancor ! 1'aniraa mia

[leggendo, tra it.

In lei rapita ogni grandezza oblia !

ACT I.

SCENE I. // it mornintj. The Scfne rrnrt*?nlt a hall mtkt AOUM of the Governor, connecting w! n othrr aimrtmenltin the baclc-ffround. Deputies, (I'mtlemen, Offlcert, PeopU;apat Ifrom them, Samuel, Tom, ami their adherenti ; all wait-

ing JOT Richard.

OFFICERS and GKNTI.KMEX

Peacefnlly reet, and bright visions surround thee,O Richard, thy noble heart ever shall find

Protection from harm in the strong arms around the*In this new world, a shield with devotion combined.

SAM, TOM, and theirfoUmeen.

Here too, stand thy foe*, with hatred undying,Recounting the victims thy passions have slain :

What hop'st thou ? tho' they in the dark tomb are lying,Their sorrows and wrongs unfurgotten remain.

SCENE II. OSCAR enter* /rom thf Couiit't chamber, RIOB-A Hi) following.

Ote. The Count approaches.

Kc. (Saiittin<i the asstmbly. ) My friends, Soldiers, andYou beloved companions, so dcmr to me-^

[To the defHttitx, while receiving their petition*.]

Present them to my attention my duty bids meWatch o'er my faithful subject*, and protect thenJustice requires it-The only charm in power,Is to dry their tears, and crownGood deeds with glory.

OK. (Addretiiny him.) Please will you read

The list of gnesu invited to the ball '

Ktc. Hast thon forgottenThe name of any fair one ?

OK. (Offering a paper.) This is the list completed.Rie. Amelia ! ah, still of her ! my soul enraptured

By her charms, forget* all power and grandeur

LA RIVEDRA NELL' ESTASIl SHALL AGAIN BEHOLD. ROMAJIZA. RICHARD.

La ri - ve - dra nell' e - sta si Raggian - te di pal- lo - - re E qa\ so - nar d'a-

/ thall again her face be-hold, With ra diant beau-ty glotf ing. And here love'i ac cent*

re La sna pa- ro - - la ndra, so - nar d'a - mo - re.

glam ing, From her ncttt Kp nail fall, love'* ac cent* Jlow iny.

O dot - M not Mftfc, fair tH nigtt, tho*

THE MASKED BALL

Sic.

Oft.

RenKe.Ren.

A*.AM.

fiie.

Am.Rie.

Ren.

Ric.

Ren.Ric.

Rat.

Ric.

Am.

Ric

RatRic.

KenHit.

^Btf

pear

ToIn

pnoi gemraaU a fea - U : ah I .

tor ry gemt re iplatd-aat ; ok! .

sta, che il ciel con hk I

and ant, More bright than all t

UFFIZIALI e GKNTILDOMINI.

Entro ge gtesso assoi-to

Con gcneroso affctto

II nostro bene oggettoDe' suoi pensier fara.

SAM., TOM e loro Aderenti. (nommestamente.)

L' ora non e-che tutto

Qui d' operar ne toy;lie.

Dalle nemiche goalie

Meglio 1' usoir sara

II cenno mio di Ik con cssi attemli. [ml Otcar.

[tutti $' allontanano.

Libero e il varco a voi.

[IVTSU Renato che *' avanza.

SCENA III. RICCARDO e RBNATO.

3SaQE=^3SEr

Deh corao triste nppar ! [a parte.

(tra te.) Amelia !

Conte ! [chinandori.

ciel ! lo sposo sno 1 [c.*.

Turbato il mio [accottanaoti.

Signor, mentre dovunque il nomo suo

Inclito suona ?

For la gloria e molto,Nulla pel cor Sccreta, acerba cnra

M' opprime.E donde 1

Ah no 1 non piuDirolla

lo la cngion.

(do te.) Gran Dio I

So tutto.

Che!So tutto.

Gia qncsta soglia stegga

Non t' e securo asilo.

Prosegui.Un rco discgno

Nell' ombre si matura,1 giornt tuoi minaccia.

All ! gli e di oio che parli (con gioia.Altro 'ion sai ?

Se udir t' e grato i oomiChe monta? io li disprezzo.Svelarli fe mio dover.

Taci : net gangneContaminarmi allor dovrei. Non fla,

Nol vo'. De' miei lo zelo

Ognor mi guardi, e mi protegga il cielo.

ALLA VITA CHE T'ARRIDETO THY LIFEAndante.

quest' i mi* >tl

my star at - - tend

OFFICERS ami GENTLBMEH

All selfish thoughts discarding.With generous affection

Our welfare and protectionAre still his sole desire.

SAM, TOM and their folloiver*. (In a mbdued ton*. )

The hoar is not propitious,To carry out our mission.

From this unsafe position'

Tis better to retire. '

Rich. (To Oxar.) Await with them my further orderi

{Thereto*OK. The passage now is free for you to enter.

[To Reinhart, who approackt*

SCENE III. RICHARD and RKIPHAKT

Rein.

Rich.

Rein.

Rich.

Rein.

(Aside.) How sad he seems I

(To himself.) Amelia !

(Bowing.) Count!Heaven ! her husband !

Sad is my lord, while everywhereHit name with praise is sounding.

Rich. Of glory I've enough, but nothing for the heart

Secret aud bitter cares oppress me.

Rein. Whence come they t

Rich. Speak not of that.

Rein. I then, the cause will tell thee.

Rich.(To himself.) Great Heaven I

Rfin. I know all !

Rich. What !

Rein. I know all.

This place is no longer a safe abode for rhee.

Rick. Continue

Rfin. A vile conspiracy is fast maturing in seorct,

Which threatens to destroy thee.

Rich. Ah ! 'tis of that alone thou speakost t

Dost know aught else t

1 will name them if thou wighest.

'Tis usclesg. I despise them.

But, 'tis my duty to denounce them.

Rein.

Rich.

Rein.

RicJi. Silence. I must not dip my hands in blood

I must not will not. My zealous soldiers

I Ever guard me, and Heaven will protect me.

WITH SMILES ABOUNDING. Am. RIINHART.

-4Al - la vi - to che t

Tar-ri de

To tkf life, with tmile* * bound inq.

Di spe- ran - ze

with fond hoiK

e gau - dio pie- na D'al - tre

by plea* art light ed : Thtnttniul

THE MASKED BALL.

mil - le e mil le ri te

ath m live* lurrounding,

II de

Are by

sti

das'in-ca-te - nal

njr u - ni - tedl

Te per-du-to, te per - do to, or*t UWeri that lo*t,then,wert AM lott, where it At

pa -trim, Te per

- da -to, ov*fe

M -tion, Wart thorn lott, whert it

pa- tria col tuo gplendido *r

With it$ gloria** fu

do -Tun-que, sem -

pre chinso il Tar - co alle fe ri te, Per - che sen - do del UKi will bt for - ev er doted the path to high am -bi tion, For the tkiM of thy pr*

lo 1'af -fet - tot Dell' a - mor piii

warm af -fee-turn, Hate more watchful

de-stoe I'o - dio

it, than lov -ing,

le sue

Quick t

-P^J

Tit -ti - me a col -

pir Te per-da-to, te per-du -to, Ov'e la pa -tria, t* per-da-to, OT'C U

strife it* vie tint* to earth 1 Wert thou lost, then,wert than lott,ah, Where'* the na-tion, wert thoa lott, ah, where"* At

2- _pa - tria col suo splondido av - v - nir t Dell* a - mor pin do - sto e I'o - dio Le sue

no -tion, with it* gloriota fa - lure birth t Hate more watch -

fid it, than loo -ing, Quick m

/T\

ti - me, sue Tit - ti - me a col -pir.

it* vic-timt, ttrike them to the earth.

Preito..

Te per- da - to OT 'e la pa -

tria, ah I te per-

Wert thou Ux, ah, where'* the na tion, ah t tkouU wt

OK.

Ke.

Qiu

do -to,

lote thee.

e

where i

la pathe na

tria col BUO splendido aT- Te - nir t

tion with iU iplendid ftt tun birth 1

8CENA IV. OSCAR, poi MM Oim - <Mt

II primo Qiudice. itf iu><~

8* avanii.

Contel

\pffrendogli d -u ujtntiu.

Ric. Che leggo ! il dando ad una donna trdoade'

Qual e il suo norae - J! -' *

Giu

Ote.

Gtu

i cbe rea *

V abbietto

Sangne de' negri.Intorno a rui s' affo

Tune le stirpi. Del futnro 1* alia

Dmnatrice

Che nell" antro inamondoChiama i peggiori, d' ogni reo consiglii

Sog|>etta gia. Dovuto e a lei 1' esiglio.Ne inuta il voto mio.

Che ne di' tu *

Difenderla yogi' io.

SCENE IV. OSCAR, then a JDDOB, and the othen.

OK. (At the entrance.) The principal Judtje.HtfJi. Bid him approach.W. Count !

[Offering him dispatcher to '(/

u. What's this ! a woman banished ! whence came she 1

What is her name, what her offences 1

A. -He calls herself Ulrica, of the Tile race of negroea.

1 e people crowd around her dwelling.

Mhci's an astrologer of high renown

AM Wat in her carern foul and dark, calls round her

All tiij Tilest of the land, whose guilty councils

Fall ilnady "neath suspicion

Sb^ nh.-. \d be banished. My mind is

iged.

Htrn t v OWMT') What sayest thoa to this f

OK. I will defend her.

THE MASKED BALL.

VOLTA LA TERREALIFT DP THINE EARTHLY GAZE. Bointo.

!! ----.II-- --- JI 0-*-4--1-'

|-- I 111 ^ ,

I - jVol - - t la tor n a . . front* al - le stel - le

Lift . . . up MM tarth-ty gate, Wture itan are MmtytCo - - me sfa - rffl* -

!

Hum Wet them MOM

La sua pa -pil la,

Xr frrryA* fya beam-ing,

Qnan-do al - le bel h . . .

When tldll rfi - n - MM,II

Prt

fin pro

did, thmr

di -

-sto fe li . co,

joy or tor - row,

Dei lo - ro a-raor, Me - sto

Lovf'i crown thall be, If joy

ah I E con Ln - ci - fe - ro D'ac - cor - do o -gnor 1 ah t '. E con Lo-

ahl And what tayt IM d -ftr, They all a -

gree! ahl Towhattayt

_. _.*

.*

_P1L ,. . . pi 1

_ \ffj_m

~^ffigfEj^j^?^^ |

fe -ro, D'ac - cor - - do o-gnor, d'ac -cor-do o-gnor, d'ac - cor-do o-gnor, i\, \ t\ si ah I

-fer, They all a yrtt, they all a- yree, they all a-yree, yet, yet, yet, yet, akl

con La ci-fisro, d'accor-do o -gnor, ah 1 o gnor !

to what toy* Lucifer, tkey all a yree, ok I a - yrm t

Ke.

Ke.G'in.

Ote.

Ke.

Che Taga coppia Che protettor I

Chi la tatidica Sna eonna afferra,

passi '1 mare, Voli alia gnerra,Le sue vicende Soavi, amareDa questa apprende Nel dnbbio cor.

Ed e con 1' Erebo D' accordo ognorlChe vaga coppia Che protettor !

Sia condannata.

(verto il Conte.) Ah 1 voi

Assolverla dcgnate.Ebben, tutti chiatnate :

Or T" apro an mio pensier.

[Itenato e Otcar invitano a neutron gli tueM.

8CENA V. SAMUEL, TOM e Seyuaei, Gentiluomini,

Uffiziali e detti.

Hie. Signori : oggi d' UlricaAlia magion T' invito

Ma aotto altro vestito ;

lo Ik arb.

Rm. Darrer t

Ke. 81 TO* gutar la scena.

Re*. L' idea non fe prudente.Ke. La trovo ami eccelento,

Feconda di placer.Ren. Te rarrigar talnno

Iri potrta.

Rie. Qnal tema!

SMI. Tom. (Sogyhignando.) Ye', re', di tntto tremaCodesto consiglier.

Kich. A precious couple ! thou'rt a brare defender !

[2VOte. Some, from prophetic skill would fain be knowing

If sea ho crosses To battle going ;

What are his chances If gains or losses,

Thus from these glances Each heart we see.

To what says Lucifer They all agree I

Rich. A precious couple ! thon'rt a brave defender \\To OtemJud. She must be sentenced.

Ote. (To the Count.) Ah 1 deign to free her.

Rich Well > bid those without to enter.

I will unfold my thoughts,

[/femtart and Otcar invite thote vMout to COM w

SCENE V. SAM, TOM and theirJbUo*tn, Gentlmtm

Officer*, and the tame

Rick. My friends, I now invite yonTo dark Ulrica's dwellingHer power of fortune-telling,

In close disguise I'll learn.

Rein. Speak'st truly 1

Rick. Tes, I shall enjoy the scene.

Ran. I think it scarcely prudentRich. I find it more than prudent,

And full of pleasure too.

Ran. Some one may chaice to know tbea,

Although disguised.

Rich. What matter I

Sam., Tom. (Smiling.) See with what timid

This counsellor doth flow.

THE MASKED BALL.

Me. (Ad Otrar.) E in m" appronta an shite

I):l pegcator.

Sam., Tom e loro Adrrtnti. (Sotto mxr.) ChiChe Hllu vcndi-itA I' ndito

Non s" upra iilfiii cold ?

Rie. Ogni cma xi iloni al dilctio,

E '

iicroi r iii-l imtgiro tetto :

Tru In folia dc* rrudiili D.MIIIIIO

S* abhandoni c follrggi con me.AgN. E s" accorra, ma vogli 'I gospctto

Sui pcrigli die fremono ititorno,

Ma piotr^L';; il rnitgnanimo pottoDi clii nulla pavema per go.

OK. L' indovina nc dice di belle,

E gta IH-II rln- 1* intoiTo^'lii aneh' io ;

Scntirn gc m' arridon le stelle,

Di che MII ti bonelica m' c.

Ctro. Scclga dunque ciascun la -na via

E risponilii nl fe>levule invito,

Pun-lie lirilli d' un po d' allegria

Quest* vita cho il ciclo nc die.

SAM., TOM e Seguaci.

Senia posn vegliamo all' intento,

Ne si pcrda ovc scocchi '1 momcnto ;

Forso I'astro rln- reggo il 110 fato

Nell* abisso la spe^nersi do*.

Aie. Dunque, signori, aspcuovi,Incognito, allc tro

Null" nntro dell' oracolo,Delia i,

r raii maga al pie.

Tutti TITO sarein di guliito

Incogniti allo tro

Ni 1

!!' antro dell' orncolo,

Delia gran maga al pic.

8CEN A VI. L' aliiinio dtU' indovina. A tinittra un en

mino ; il fnoco i accrto, e In caltlnja mityica fuma tovra un

trrpjiie ; dallo stato Into 1'iiscio ti'un os<-uro recetio, Sul

Jianco a deairn itna $caln elm yirn e si perile sotto la vdlta, e

alT eslremila delta tteua sul ilauanti nun piccolo /aria ter/retn.

Nil fondo I' fnlrala di-Jla /lOit't mii'/'iiore con nmpia Jinettra

d' allato. In mi'zzo nun roz:n lavoln, r. /lendenti dal lei to e

dalle fxiretitlroim-nti eil arreili nnnlojlti al Ittoyo.

\elfondo UOMINI e DUNNR del Po/xtlo. ULRICA prttto la

tavoln ; fioco discotti un KAXCIOLI.O >'/ itna QlOViXBTTAchf le domaiidnno la liiiona i<entura.

TOPOLAVI.

Zitto 1' incanto non dfeggi tiirbare

1'ar chr Satana L,'uii/.i al fucolaro !

Llr Ilo dell' abisso. affrcttati, [Itpirata

Preoipitii per I" etni

Senza libur la folgoreII tetto iiiio penetra.Omai tre volte I' upupaDall' alto sospirb ;

La salamamlrii i^nivoraTre volte sibilo

E dullc totnbe il ccmitoTre volte a me parlb !

8CENA VII. RICCARDO da pieatore, ao**ta*doi Ira la

follu, tie srorgtndo alamo dV CUM.

Hick, n'o Otrar.) A Milor'g dregg get readyFor me at onoe ,

Stim., Tom and h'olloioert. (Aiide.) Who know*If our rc'vcn^o inny not be

CompktC ore day shall close f

Rich. I'loasuro calls^-cvery care digpellin^;Hngtc we then to the magic dwelling,'Mong the credulous world we'll mingleOurselves to folly we'll yield to-day.

Rein. Let us go with guspicion.s excited

'Gainst the dangers that hover around ofAnd guard, with arms firm and united,The liravc heart that fc*arg nought in the way.

Oge. The nstrolnger ever is graciousAnd 1 too will ask her a favor;I will learn, if my star is propitious,What good fortune will full in my way.

Cho Then let each choose his own way of pleature,And reply to the kind invitation,For *li* oft gtintcd in measure,And tho' short, we will make our life g*j

SAM., TOM and follower*.

Let ui watch well the chance* attendant,That wo lose not the moment propitiotu ;

For perchance, his fate's star, now ascendant.

May in (loom be extinguished to-day.Rich. So, good friends, I shall expect you

Well disguised at hour of three,In the witch's magic cavern.This famed sorceress to see.

All. We will surely l>c there with yoi^IB disguise, at hour of three

In the witch's magic cavern,This famed sorceress to gee.

SCENE VI. The home of the aitnloger. Alike left it

Jire-fdact ; the fire illiyhti'd,

and the magic caldron it tteam-

imj over a tri/tod ; on the inme side it the door of a dart pat-sage. At the right tide it ttaircate leading to the roof, near it

a tecrct door. / the ttaek-ground it the door ofthe main m-trimcf, with tariff side-lightt. In the centre it a rough toMg

and, luinijinyfrom the mills mid roof, are inttrumentl and im-

plements suitable to the fttaee.

In the hick-ground are men and women of the poptdaet. Ulrtt

ttand* near the tubl, . A boy and girl are near her, adanytheir fortunes.

POPULACE.

Silence I disturb not the dark incantation.

For the Fiend o'er the cauldron hag taken hi* gtaboa

Ulr. Great king of darkness haste thee hither,

Through airy regions Ay without thy

Flames attendant, and enter my abode.

Thrice hath the lapwing uttered hii complaint.Thrice hath tho fiery salamander digged aloud--

And from their graves the dead

Have thrice addressed me.

SCENE VII. RICHARD ditptited at afitkermanamid the crowd, tea none ofhitfriendt o&oirf mm.

Aie. Arrivo il prirao!

Pop. Villano, dk indietro.

[a I'allontarui ridtndo.

TVft. Deh ! oerche tutto riluce di tetro

Rich. I am the first arrived.

Worn. Stand back, low fellow I

AU. What is thii light now piercing through

mjHm,

8 THE MASKED BALL.

Utr. E lui, e lui ! ne' palpiti

Come risento addesso

La volutta riardere

Del suo tremendo amplesso I

La face del future

Nella sir istra c^li ha.

Arriso al mio scongiuro,

Rifolgorar la fa :

Nulla, piii nulla ascoudersi

Al guardo mio potra 1

[Batte il laolo e tparitce.

Tvtti. Evviva la maga !

Ulr. (Di tottera.) Silenzio, silenzio 1

8CENA VIII. SILVANO rompetido la calca, e detti.

9U. Su, fatemi largo, saper vo' il mio fato.

Son servo del Conte : son suo marinaro :

La morte per esso piii volte ho sfidato ;

Tre lustri son corsi del vivere amaro,

Tre lustri che nulla'

e fatto per me.

Ulr. (Ricomparendo.) E chiedi ?

&&. Qual sortc pel sangue versato

M' attende.

Bie. (A parte.( Favella da franco soldato.

Ulr. La mano.SU, Prendete.

Utr. Rallcgrati : omai

I poveri giorni mutarsi vedrai.

[Riccardo trae un rotolo e vi tcrive tu.

SU. Scherzate ?

Ulr. Va page.Ric. [Pontndolo in tasca a Silvano che rum

' awede.Mentire non de'.

83. A fausto presagio ben vuolsi merce.

[Frugando troi-a il rotolo su cui legye ettatico.

" Riccardo al suo caro Silvano Uffiziale."

Per bacco ! non sogno ! dell'oro ed un grado I

Can. Evviva la nostra Sihilla immortnle,Che spande su tutti ricchezze e piacor.

[I'icchiati alia piccolo porta.

T*tt\ Si batte !

Ulr. (Va ad aprire ed entra un servo.)

Ric. (Tra $e.) Che veggo, sul!' uscio legreto,Un servo d' Amelia !

8tr. (Sommessamente ad Ulrica, ma inteto da Ric.)Sentite : la mia

Signora, che aspetta la fuore, vorria

Pregarvi, a quattr' occhi, d' arcano parer.

Ric. Me no

Ulr. Perohe possa rispondere a voi

E d' uopo che innanzi m' ahbocchi a Satano.

Uscite, e lasciate die io scruti nel ver.

Tutti. Usciamo. e si lasci che scruti nel ver.

[Mentre tutti $' allontanano, Riccardo t' atconde.

Sf'KNA IX. AMKLIA, ULRICA, e RICCARDO in ditparte.

Ulr

Am*.

R*.Ulr. E voi

Che Y* agita cosi ?

Funesta, ascosa

Cura che amor destb

(Itaii.) Quai detti 1

Cercate t

Pace svellermi dal pettoChi si fatale e desiato i in pera I

Lui che su tutti il cicl arbitro pose.

( Tra li, ma con viva emozione di yioja.)An ii mia !

Ulr. 'Tis he, 'tis h ! in erery pnlI feel big presence nearing,Each passion burns, inflamed anonBy his embrace, appearingThe secrets of the future

In his left hand he holds

He smiles on my petition,And destiny unfolds.

Nothing from me he now conceals,Nor from my sight withholds !

[She unite* the earth mil titapptmAll. Long live the sorceress !

Ulr. (From below.) Silence, silence !

SCENE VIII. SILVAN, breaking through the crowd, andthe same.

Sil. Come, move and make room,While I hear what's my fortune.

I'm Silvan the sailor : the Count is my master;

And death for him, I many times have confronted,Thrice five years of labor I've spent in his service,In all of which, nought is accomplished for me

Ulr. ( Reappearing) What ask'st thou ?

Sil. For service devoted, what fortune

Awaits me t

Rich. (Aiidt.) 'Tis asked in a frank soldier fashion.

Ulr. Tour hand then

Sil. Then take it.

Ulr. Be cheerful, for quicklyTour day* of misfortune all ended shall be.

[Richard take* a paper and write* upon il

Sil. Art jesting?Ulr. Go happy.Rich. [Placet the paper in Silvan's pocket unpercnotn

The witch must not lie.

Sil. Such promise of fortune well paid for mast be.

(Searching his pocket, he finds the paper which h* reodt

with dtliyht.)" Count Kichard to Silvan, his officer dear."

By Bacchus ! I dream not ! 'tis gold and promotionOho. Long live our great Sihyl, our sorceress immortal.

Who crowns all arouna her with riches and joy.

[A knock i* heard at the wick*All. There's knocking !

Ulr. (Goes to open, and a servant enteri.)Rich. (Aside.) What see I, withir 'hat passage dark,

A servant of Amelia !

Ser. (In an undertone, to Ulrica but overheard by Ate/tun.

Be cautious : my lady,Who just without is waiting requests the favor

Of a most private meeting on secret mission.

Rich. At least

Ulr. Before I answer youI must address myself to SatanRetire now, and leave me to seek for the truth.

All. We'll go now, and leave her to seek for the truth.

[While the rest are departing, Richard conceal* himtel/

SCENE IX. AMELIA, ULRICA and RICHARD, (apart.)

Ulr. What doth so disturb thee ?

Amr. Unhappy and secret

Trials that spring from love.

Rich. (Aiide.) Those accents I

Ulr. And jouAre seeking

*

Amf. Calmness to pluckFrom out my bosom, a fatal and imperious wrongHim that Heaven has sent to govern here.

Rich \Aiide, but with lively joy and emttvm

My soul beloved !

THE MASKED BALL.

t-Tr. L' oblio v' > dato. Arcanefltille conosco d'uim mn<ric' erba,Che rinnoYitno il cor. Ma clii u' ha d' uopoSpiccarla debbc >li sua man nel fitto

Dellc notti funeroE il loro.

Am* Ov'i?Ulr. L' osate

VoiAIM. Si qual esso sia.

! 'lr. Dunque ascoltate.

Delia citta all' occaso,La dove at tetro Into

Batte la lunapallida

Sal campo abbominatoAbbarbica gli stumiA quelle pietrc infami,Ove la colpa soontasi

Coll' ultimo sospir !

Ame. Cieli ! qual loco I

Ulr. AttoniuE gift treraante siete I

Rie. Povero cor !

Ulr. V esanima ?

Ame. AgghiaccioUlr. E I' oserete

Ame. Se tale e il dover mioTrovero possa aoch' io.

Ulr. Stanotto ?

Ame. Si.

Hie. (c. t.) Non sola:

Clie te degg 'io seguir.Ame. Couaentimi, o Signore,

Virtu ch' io lavi '1 core,E 1' infiaramato palpitoNel petto mio Bopir !

Ulr. Va, non tremar, 1' incanto

Inaridisce il pianto.Osa e berrai uul farmacoL' oblio de' tuoi inartir.

Hie. Ic. i.) Ardo, e seguirti ho fisso

Se fosse nell' abisso,Pur ch' io respiri, Amelia,L' aura de' tuoi sospir.

(Foci dalfondo.)

Figlia d'averno schiudi Io chiostra,:nte alia polar.

E pigra mono ver noi ti mosti u'

Ulr. (Ad Amelia.) Presto partiteAme. Stantoti.-

Ulr. Addio

8CENA X. ULRICA apre I'entrata ma^yare : entrano 8*M-

CEL, Ton e SEOUACI, USCAR, GNTILOOKINI e Urri-ZIALI travtstiti bizzarrameiite, ai i/uali s'unitce HICOARDO.

Core. Su, profetcssa, monta il treppie ;

Cauta il prcsagto.OK. Ma il Conte ov' e t

Hie. (Fattasi /trtsto a lui.)

Taci, nascondile chc qui son io.

(Pot fit/to ni/iiJttineHle ad Ulrica

E tu, sibilla, clie tutto sai,

Delia mia stclla mi parlurai.

'r- Yon may forget him.I know a magir plant, from which may be

Expressed a philter that renews the heart.

But who hath need of it, must with hif

Own hand cull it in midnight darkneM.The place is dreary

Am,. Where is it

Ulr. And wouldVThou dare f

Ame. Yes wherever be it.

Ulr. Then pause and listto.

Go from the city eastward,To where by gloom cngirtedFall the pale moonbeams on the field,

Accurs'd, ahhor'd, deserted,And rull the flowers lowlyFrom those black rocks unholy,Where crimes have dark atonement madeWith life's departing sigh I

Ame. Oh Heaven ! how fearful !

Ulr- Art thon astounded.Trembling too, already

*

Hie. Poor tender heart !

Ulr. Dost faint with fear i

Ame. I shudder !

Ulr. Dar'st thou attempt it 1

Ame. If duty thus compels me,Strength will perhaps be sent me

Ulr. To night then f

Ame. Yes.Rie. (Aside.) Not lonely,

For I must follow thee.

AIM. Oh, grant me, Heav'n indulgentStrength to restrain my passions,The flames within my beating heart,Assist me to control.

Ulr. Fear not, but go, the charmShall dry thy tears of sorrow.

Courage, and from the potent spellAll griefs shall be forgot.

Kie. (Aside.) Burning, her stops I'll follow,Tho' turn to sure destruction,Let me inhale, Amelia,From thee thy heart's warm sighs.

( Voices from without.)

Daughter of darkness give us admission,

[Knocking at tt* tutShow thyself quickly, we'll brook no delay

Ulr. (To Amelia.) Depart hence quickly.Ame. To night thenUlr Farewell

SCENE X. ULRICA opens the main entrance. Enter SAMCBL, TOM andfollowers, OSCAR, GENTLEMEN and OwnCKUK fantastically costumed, RICHARD minyles with them.

Cho. Come thou dark prophet mount now the tripod-Tell of the future

OK. But the Count, where is hotA'j'rA. (Moving to hit side.)

Silence, conceal from them all that I'm here.

IThen turning quickly to Ulna*who knowest alt things.

Tell me I pray thee, what saith ray star.

DV TU HE J7D/: DECLARE IF THE WAVES. BAcAmoLL. RICHARD.Con brio. PPP

Di

De - dare

fe - de le il flat to m'a -spet

waver mil faith -fill-

ly bear

Se

//

mol

weep

le di

10 THE MASKED BALL.

pian-to la don - na di - let ---- ta Di cen - domi ad - di -o, di - cen-domi ad-

loe'd one from whom I now tear me. Fare well, to me lay-

ing, fare-well to me

Tra - di

My love

I'a - mor mi o, tra - di 1'a - raor mi -

it bt -tray ing, my loot it br -

tray-

Con la - ce - re ve - le e I'alma in tern -peg

- ta

With sail* rent a - tun-der, mth soul in com - mo-lion,

I sol - chi go fran -ger dell* on - da fa -

/ know how to steer thro' the dark wave* ofz^ f*^*

sta, L'a - rer - no ed il cie-lo i- ra - ti ifl - dar, L'a - er no ed il cie - lo i - ra - ti sfl

eean, The an -ger ofHeav'n and hett to de -

fy, The an -ger of Heav-en and heU to de-

dar. Sol - le ci-ta, e -splo-ra, dl - vt - na gll e - Ten -

tl, Non

fy. Then hatte with thy mag -ie, the fit ture ex

POH gono I ful - min, la

flaring. No power have the thunder, the

rah-bia de'

an-yry windt

yen -ti,

roar-ing.

La mor -te,

Or death, or

1'a - moof- fee - lion

gri - ar - ml dal mar,

my path to at -ny.

no, no,

no,

..1-

Ac.Sam.

no, La mor - te, L'a - mor svi - ar - mi dal mar, La mor-te, 1'a mor svi - ar - mi dal mar.

no, Not death, nor af fee -lion can me de ny, Not death, no, nor love my path can de -ny.

Sull' agile proraChe m a^ita in grembo.Se scosso mi sveglioAi fischi del nembo,Ripelo fni i tuoni

Le dole! canzoni.

Le dolci canzoni

Del tetto natlo,Che 1' ora lamentanoDell' ultimo addio,E tutte riditnno

Le forze del cor.

Su danqne, risnoni

La tua pnife^ia,Di cio che pub sorgerDal fato qual sia

Nell' anime nostre

Non entra terror.

Chi roi siate, 1' insana parola

Pub nel pianto prorompere nn giorno,

Se chi gforza 1' arcano soggiorno

Va la colpa nel diiolo a purgar,

Se chi srida il sue fato insoiente

Deve 1' onta nel fato scontar.

Zirto, amici.

Ma il primo chi fia I

Ulr.

Kc.Sam.

Upon the light vessel

That rocks me to sleeping,If tempests arouse me,To watchfulness keeping,While thunders are rolling,Sweet songs I am trolling.Sweet songs I am trolling.The lays of my childhood'*

Lov'd home of affection

That brings our last partingTo fond recollection,

Restoring the heart's

Youthful forces again ;

Then haste to reveal

What appears to thy vision ;

O'er fate I shall triumphWhate'er its decision

;

No fear in my spiritCan entrance obtain.

Whoever you may he, your ravings of madne*n

May bring forth some day, tears of penitent sadtiew

He who laughs at fate's mystical warning,Shall by grief purjre the'fault from his soul

;

He who destiny dares, but with scorning,

Disgrace shall his actions control.

Silence, companions !

But who shall the first be

THE MASKED BALL. 11

fV. lo.

Ric. L'or.orc a me .-edi.

[ Offrrndo In /xilmu nd Ulrica.

OK. E lo tia.

Ulr. E la destra d' un grundo, visotoSotto I' astro di Miirto.

OK. Nel vero

Ella colse.

Ke. Tacete.

Ulr. (Staccandosi da lui.) Infelice

Va mi lo-scia non chieder di pii I

Ate. Sn, prosegui.Ulr. No lasciami.

Ric. Parla.

Ulr. Te no prego.Coro. (A lei.) Eli finisrila oinai.

Ke. To lo impongo.Ulr. Eblion, presto morral

Air. So sul rumpo d' onor, li so grado.Ulr. No per man d' un amieo

OK. Gran Dio !

Qoalo orror I

Ulr Cosl scritto e lansii.

Ric. E scherzo od e follia [Guardando intone ^uuwChe da qucl labbro uscia

Mu come fa da ridcre

I a lor creduli a !

Ulr. Eh voi, signori, a queate

IPattando fra Tom Sam.,

Parole mie funcsic,

Voi non osatc ridcre,

Ben altro in cor vi sta.

OK. e Coro.

E sara dunquo spentoIn breve a iradiiuento 1

Al sol pcns:uri 1' aniraa

Abbrividendo va.

5am. e Tom (fisando Ulr.)

La sua ]>urola e d:irdo,

E fulmine lo sguurdo,Dal conlidentc demonoTutto costei risa.

Hte. Finisci 'I vaticinio.

Di', chi fia dunque 1' uccisor t

Ulr. Chi primoTua man ques'.' oggi stringer*.

'

Me. Benissimo.

[Pot offrendo la dettra a' circoitanti che non oteuto toccare.

Qual {> di voi, che proviL' oracolo hugiardo ?

Nessuno !

SCENA XI. KF.HATO, all' entrata, tdttH.

Ric. (Aecorrendo a lui.) Eccolo.

[E unitce la ma atta dettra dtff arnica.

Tutti. Dcsso t

Sam. Respiro il caso ne wlvo. (Ai not

Tvtti. (Centre Ulrica. )

L' oracolo

Mentiva.

We. SI : perche la man ch' io stringo

E del pi it fido amico mioRen. Riccardo !

Ulr. II Conte ! \RawiiandotiyoventatoreRic. (AM.) Ne, chi fossi, il genio tuo

Ti rivclJ) ni cho volcano al bando

Oggi dannarti.

Ulr. Mo? \UwnaboriaHie. T' at-queta e prendi |

(rtttn<*lo

Ulr. Magnanimo tu to', ma v' tin fra loro

II tnditor . piU d' uno

Otr I will.

Itich. Allow me che honor.

| Offering kit palm te UlrirmOtc. Well so be it.

Ulr. "Tin the palm ofono both great and noble,And born beneath tho planut Mars.

OK. She near the

Truth approaches.Rich. Be silent.

Ulr. (Retreating from him.) Ah unhappy I go and leave m*And do not ask me more.

Rich. No, continue.

Ulr. No, pray leave me.Rich. Tell me.Ulr. No, I pray theo.

Cho. Come haste and finish.

Htrh. I insist.

Ulr. Well then, thou soon wilt die.

Ri<-li. If on tho field of honor, I would thank thee

Ulr. No, but liy a hand that now in friendlyOK. Great Heaven t

What horror !

Ulr. 'Tis written thus on high I

Rich. Tis all an idle folly,This tcllini; forth tho morrow,But how refrain from laughing hereAt their credulity.

Ulr. Ah, sure ^ood sirs, these tidingsOf mine, so fraught with sorrow,You would not dare to ridicule

;

What may your pleaguret be ?

Oscar and Choral.

Ah, so sadly is he fated

To fall assassinated !

The thought alone brings o'er the tool

A chill of agony.

Sam. and Tom.

Her words arc sharp as arrows,Her looks the lightnings borrow,Her demoniac advocateBeside her seems to be.

Rteh. Como finish now your prophecy,

Say who will be the assassin ?

Ulr. Ho who flnt

Shall press your hand to-day.Rich. That is well Mid.

(fie offer* hi* hand to each one in turn, but no mdart* to** *.)

Which one of you will proveTho oracle il false ?

Nobody!

SCENE XI. -REINHART entering, and At oAert.

Rich. (Running to him.) Here he is !

[Shakinq hand* withWAll. He !

Sam. I breathe now the chance it well secured.

All. (To Ulrica.) The oracle

Spoke falsely.

Rich. Tea : because the hand I press if that

Of my most faithful friend.

Kfin. Ah, Richard !

Ulr. The Count here ! [Recognizing the

Rich.(To Ulrica.) Thy spells could not reveal

To thee my presence,nor that to exile

Thou'rt condemned today.Ulr.

Rick.

Ulr.

Be pacified and take that. [Throwing <

Thou art magnanimous bat still

The traitor is among the D, perhaps there'*

12 THE MASKED BALL.

ForseSam

,Tom. Gran Dio ! \A parte.

flic. Non pih.Corn.

(Da lontano.

)Viva Riccardo !

Tutti. Quai vori *

8CENA XII. SILVAXO dot fondo, ove rista, volto alT apcr-

to, e Jetti.

F lui, ratti tnovete, e Ini :

II vostro amieo e padre. [.Ifitrinai, Uomini e Donnedel fiojxJo i' ujfollano ail' entrata.

Si prostri ognuno ; amor, dovere il chiede,E I' inno suono della nostra fedo.

O figlio d' Inghilterra,Amor di qucsta terra :

Rrggi felice, arridano

Gloria e salute a te.

Invidiato alloro,

Che vincc ogni tesoro,Alia tun chioma intrecciano

Riconoseenza c fe.

Non crede al proprio fato,

Ma par morr& piagato ;

Surri.se al mio presagio,Ma nella fossa ha il pie.

E posso alcim sospettoAlimcntar nel petto,Se mille cuori battono

Per immolarsi a me?Ma la sventura e cosa

Pur no" tricmfi ascosa,Dove il dcstino ipocritaVeli una rea mcrce.

Sam., Tom e Seguaci (Fra lore.)

Vleta ogni moto ostile

Qni la ciurmaulia vile,

Che sta lambendo 1' idolo

E che non sa il perche.

rixit DBLL' ATTO PBIMO.

SO.

Oaro.

OK.

Ulr.

Ke.

ATTO II.

9 'JENA I. C'ampo solitario nei dintorni di Botton, appiefun coltf Koceo. A sinistra nel batto biancheogiano due

pilattri ; e la Inna leggrrmtnte velata Uiumina akuni puntiJtOa trena.

AMRLIA dalle rmintnzt.

Eroo I" orrido cnrnpo ove B' aocoppiaAl dclitto la morte !

Ecco 14 le colonne\A pianta e la, vcrdeggia al pie. 8* innoltri.

Ah mi si aggcla il core !

Sino il romor de' paasi miei, qni tntto

M'empie di raccappriccio e di terrore I

K se pcrir dovessi ?

I'frirc ! ebben quando la sorte mia,II min dovor tal e, s' adempia, e sia.

\FaMa dull' arido Btelo divulsa

Come avro di mia mano quell' erba,E rhe dentro la mente convulsa

Quell' cterea gembianza morraCbe ti rents, oerduto '' a nor

More than one.

Sam., Tom. Great Heaven ! (AtimtRich. No more.Cho. (At a distance.) Long live Count Richard I

All. Whose voices ?

SCENE XII. SILVAX from the background whrrt he ttaatd

faring the, entrance and the othfr*.

'Tis he, como forward qtiiokly 'tis he !

Your friend and father [.S'//or, men and ipomen ofthe pojnuart croivd in at the entrant*

Kneel down before him;he claims your love and duty

And sound the hymn of faith and our dcvution

O son of mighty Entrland,Beloved of all around thco:

May happiness surround thee,

And glory crown thoo here.

An envied crown of laurels

Above all price bequeathing,Around thy brow they're wreathing,Of grateful trust so dear.

Trust not what faith hath told thee,

But violence will slay thee.

Thou'lt smile on what I say the*.But death to thee is near.

Can I permit suspicionsWithin my bosom dwelling,While thousand hearts are swellingDevoted round me here 1

But often dire misfortunes

'Neath triumph's garb are hidingWhile fate, with smiles misguiding,A hollow mask doth wear.

Sam., Tom and their follower* (Atide.)

Avoid all hostile movementWhile here, the mob surroundingTheir idol's praise are sounding,

They know not why, 'tis clear.

BND OF THE FIBUT ACT.

Sii.

Cho

Ulr.

Rich

Ran

ACT II.

SCENE I. A lonelyJteld in the neighborhood of Bottom, ml On

foot of a tteep hill, at the left, itand two blanched timber*

The moon lightly veiled with cloud* light* up the talimt potittt

oftheicene.

AMELIA (from the eminence.)

Tender's the horrid field where crime with death is coupled !

There stands the gallows and there the plant I seek,

Grows verdant at its foot I must proceed.

Ah me ! my heart is freezing ! all the dread scene,

Even the echo of my footsteps fills me with terror,

And shonld I perish perish 1 were such ray -fate

In duty's path it still shall be accomplished.

[Comet farward

From the stem dry and withered dissevered

When my hand grasps this green herb all-potent,

From my spirit distracted and fevered,

His image celestial will fade.

What remains then, when love doth depart

THE MASKED BALL. 13

Che ti rcsiH, niio povero eor !

Oh I chi piange, qua] fora* m' arretra,

M'attravcrsa la gqaallida via?Su comipgio e tu fatti di pietra,Non ir i.lii mi, dal pianto rist.\ ;

Jnisci ill hattere e muor,T' aonienta, mio povero cor I

|.S" ode un tooco art, Umtano.

Mezzanotte ! e che veggio 1 nno spettroDi sotterra si leva e sospira !

Ha negli occhi il lutlcno dell' ira

E m' affisa e terribile su !

|Cadendo rulie yinaedua.

Deh ! mi rejrpi, m> aita, o Signor,Risollera il inio povero cor !

SCENA II. RICOAKDO t AMELIA.

8*-. Teoo io uto.

Am* Gran Dio !

Ate. Ti calma :

Di che temi

Ami. Ah mi lasciate

Son la vittima che gemeII mio nome almen salvate

O lo strazio ed il rossore

La mm vita abbattera.

Ac. Io lasctarti 1 no, giatnmai :

Nol poss' io ;die m' arde in petto

oovrnman di te I' affetto.

A"- Coiite, abbiatemi pieta.

Hie. COB\ parli t a chi t' adora

Pieta chiedi, e tremi ancora

Qaesto core innamoratoL' onor tuo sempre sara.

Am*. Ma, Riccardo, io son d'altrni-

Dell amico pin fidato

foe. Taci, Amelia

Am*. Io son di lui,

Che daria la vita a te

Aic. Ah crudele, e mel rammemori,Lo ripeti innanzi a me 1

MOD sai tu che so 1' anima miaII rimoreo dilacera e rode,

Quel SQO grido non cara, non ode,

Sin che 1'cropie di fremiti amor *

Non sai tu che di te reateria,

Se cessasse di battere il cor I

Quant* notti ho vegliato anelante I

Come a lungo infelice lottai 1

Quantc volte dal cielo iraplorai

La pieta che tu chiedi da me I-Ma per questo ho potato an istant*,

Infelice, non viver di te !

Ame. Deh soccorri tu, ciolo all* ambasciaDi chi sta fra 1' infamia e la morte ;

Ta pietoso rischiara le porteDi salvezza all* errante mio pie.E m va ch' io non t' oda mi lascia .

Son di lui, che il ao sangne ti die.

Hte. La mia vita 1* universe,

Per an detto

Am* O ciel pietoso 1

Ate. Di' che m' ami

Am* Ah va, Riecardo '

Ate. Un sol detto

Am*. Bbben, si, t' i

What is left thee, in v poor breaking heartOb what weeping, what force can restrain m>From now crossing this dark gloomy pathwaBe courageoDs, and firm to sustain me,Not betray me, through weeping lo stay.Let thy pulse cease to heat my poor heart,Ceaee thy struggle, my poor weary heart I

[A dittant dock stn'WIt is midnight I what see I * a phantomFrom the ground slowly rising and sighing !

From his eyeballs the lightnings are flying,

He confronts me with terrible gaxe.

Heaven support me, assistance impart,

Aid and comfort my poor breaking heart.

SCENE II. RICHARD and AMELIA.

Rick. Here, with thee t

Am*. Great heaven I

Ac*. Ocalmthea,Of what fear'Ht thon t

Am*. Ah, limn most tear* ma,In despair I groan, a victim

My good name at least thou'lt spare ma,Or remorse with shame and blushesWill o'erwhelm me till life shall end.

Rie. I must leave thee ! no, never I

No I cannot, my heart is glowing,Endless love on thee bestowing.

Ame. Count, have pity on me !

Rich. Speak'st thon thus to him who loves thee t

Pity claims't while terror moves thee t

Thy good name shall stand unsulliedAs thine honor e'er shall be.

Ame. But another doth possess me,

He thy friend, the most confiding.

Rich. Hush Amelia I

Am*. Yes, I am his,Who would give up his being for tbee.

Rick. Ah, how cruel, thus recalling him,Thus to speak before my face I

Know'st tnou not if the spirit within meBy remorse is now torn and corroded,That iu cry finds no answer, while goadedBy the anguish and moaning of love !

Know'st thon not that it still would be near thwTho" this beating heart hence cease to move !

Many nights have I breathlessly waited !

'Gainst misfortune how long have I striven I

Times nnnumher'd imploring kind heaven,For the pity thon claimest from me !

Bnt for this one brief moment, unhatedCan I claim, in thy presence to be !

Am*. Then, oh Heaven, send down aid and relieve IMWhile between death and infamy standing I

Thou wilt show me a portal expandingWhere my erring feet safely may tread,

Thon most go, In not hear thee I oh leave me I

I am his who for thee his life-blood wonld that.

Kick. Life I'd give thee, all creation

For one accent

Ame. Pitying Heaven I

Hick. Say, thou lov'st me I

Ame. Go, Richard

AM*. Speak one word

Am* Then jo*, I love On. '

14 THE MASKKD BALL.

OH QUAL SOAVE BRIV7DOOH, WHAT DELIGHTFUL ECSTACIES. Dor. KMHARD AND AMBLI.RICHARD.

_

Oh qnal so - a - Te bri - ri - do L'ac - ce -so pet- to Ir - ro rm! Ah cb'io t'a -sco'.-tlan

Oh, what de- light -ful ec - tta - ciet ; With-in my breast are teat- edt Ah, let me hear re

- !\,

^7i * *"^

*f

^S -1 ffl* ?-'< r-'jf ~^'*TT~

i; I

onder - mi co - si! A - stro dl qne - ste te - ne-bre a -

re those words to dear I Oh star of my dark det ti - ny, I

cui con - sa - cro 11 co - re r - - ra - dla - mi d'a - mo re e oiu non.M - era H

/ond d - lion

ir

Light medla - mi d'a - mo - re e piil non

with love'l - motion^_Lett bright

tor - ga non sor - ga II d\ ir - ra - - diarai....

will day, will morn-ing ap fear, il - lamed by love't

AMBLIA.

d'a -roor,

e- moe pli

(ion, ah

non sor - ga U

let$ bright will

dl, e pin non sor - ga, non sor-ga il dl! Ahi sol fu - ne-roo let - to or* io so-.cnu ra gpegnor-Io, 01-

dmy, wiU day ap -pear, will the day appear I Ah,onthecouchfu-neTeal,Idrtam'dthitlovwoulddiewithme,B*i

PPP

o L'a - mor rhe mi fe - rl! Che non m'e da - to in se -no, A

p, I'.t wounds all fresh ap -peart Why it the boon de - nied me, Ininui

-t tor-na in pet

yi- ant like re-turn

lul Ter - sar quest* a- nl-ma? Ohit warm heart to pour my toul t Or

nel - la mort al ma - no al menelte to death con-fide me, ah,

AdIn

dor

end

men - tar mileu tlum - for

nel - la mor - M o nel - la mor-te al-rae no ad-dor - men tar -ml qui?

JUrwf to death confide . . m . . . . to death'i em - bra - ett confide in end-leu ilum-ber htrtt

Ate.

M' ami, Amelia !

Ma tn, nobile,

Me difendi dal raio cor 1

(Fuoridite.)M' ami m' ami ! oh si distmtto

II rimorso, 1' amicixia

Nel mio seno : estinto tntto :

Tatto lia fuorehe 1' amor t

Rick. Ah thon lor'gt me !

Amt. Bnt thon, noble fneod'Gainst mj own heart wilt me defend I

Eick.(With trantport.)

Lov'st me t lov'et me I forerer baniih'd,Be remorae and ties of friendship,From my bosom they all hare ranUh'd

With place alone for lore.

Ah sul fa - ne - - re* let - to or' Io so gna-ra spe-ffner io, Tor-na (i

Up-vn the couch of death I drtam'd Ait lot* would dit with m*, Sat yi m*

IT _ M- 1 I- 1 J

TB brl ri - do L'M - ee so petto Ir ro ra Ah eh'io t'a - tltl Mto - eim With - in my breatt are not - td ; Oh let me hoar M -

THE MASKED BALI* 16

L*if

gan te In pet- to L'a-mor cbe - ml fe - ril

re- turn ing, Itt woundt allfreth appear t Why

^ij^f'j=*H-lfc-^T

- r i^**- '

Cbe nun m'e da - to in e

u the boon de - m40 ft

M, /

rl -

One*

_-

ipon-dor ml co - si I A 8tro

more thoie word* to dear! Bright ttar

dl

of

que

myite te - ne-bre

dark det - ti ny

Ini rer - Mr quoit a - nl-raa? Ohit warm htart to pour my tool t Or

ucit a - nl-raa? O nel - la morte al-me no al - me - no ad - dor - men - tar n

to pour my tout t Or elte, in death'i em-bra eet lie In end - lett ilam - b.

non sin -v

i bright will d

i^Ir - ra - dl-am d'a-mo - re e pin non tor - ga non sor ga II

iyht me with love'* e-mo turn Lett bright witt day, will day ap

r. *=*st-ais. ^_<_, y.

qai? O nel - la - morherit In death'* em - bra

o nel-la mor - te al-me-no ad-dor men-tar - ml

in death'i tm - bra ee* lie down in end let* tlum-ber

non nor - ga il dll

mil day appear t

qnl?

kreto nel-la mor-te 1 men,or tiie in death'i em-bract,

o nel-la

in death't em

dll ir-ra- dia-mi d'a-mor,

pear I illume me with thy love.

tr ra - dia-mi d'a-mor, e pin non sorga ll-di I

Liuht np my tool with loot, and day will not appear I

mor -

6ro

ad - dor - mentor - ml qml, e nel-la mor-te nel-la morte almeno ad-dormeniar-mi <\u\ ?

ilum-ber for ev - er here, in death'i em-bra-ee* or in death'i embrace*jleepfor-e- er here t

pli non sor-ga U d<, Ir - ra - dia - ml d'a-mor, e pin non torgn II di, non orgn II dll

tiU day witt not appear, H-lume my tout with lootpnl day mil not appear, will not appear I

[La hma Hhimina tempre pin.

Altai I

Kc TadAm* &' appreaia

Alcoa

Me. Chi ginnge in qaefto

Al\*r?> lUa morte 1 [Fatti poclu patm.Reaao!

Ana. C otio eonaorte I \Abbattando U vtlo atterrita. Ame

[The moonlight artwt ttrongmOhheareul

Rich. Pnj be qniet !

Ame. SomebodyApproaches

Rich. Who can it be, that teeki

This dread Abode of death I[ Stepeforwm*

Beinhart t

Mj hatband I [Covert Ktnelf witka**,

16 THE MASKED BALL.

SCENj* III. RICOAHDO, AMBUA r. RBNATO.

Ric. To qni [Inoontrandolo.Rai. Per salvarti da lor, che, celati

Lassa, I* hanno in mintfiic. Chi son ?

Ren Conginrati.Am* Ociel! [YVaii.Rat Trasrolai nel manto serrato,

Cosi che m' han preso per an dell' a^guato,E intcsi talono proromper : L' ho visto :

E il Conte : on' ignota beltade e con esso

Poi altri qui volto fuggevole acquisto !

S* ei rade la fossa, se il tcnero amplessoTroncar, di raia raano, repente saprb.

Ame. lo muoio (Tra te

Rie. (A lei.) Fa core.

R*n. (Coprendolo col suo mantel! .) Ma questo ti do.

[Pot additandogli un viottolo a dettra.

E bada, lo scampo, t' e libero la.

Ke. Salvarti degg' io [Presa per mano Amelia.

Ame. (Sottouoce a lui.) Me misera ! VaRen. (f'astando ad Amelia.)

Ne voi gia vorrete segnarlo, o signora,Al ferro spietato 1

[Di/egua nelfondo a veder te t' avantcuto.

Ame. Den solo t'invola !

flic. Che qui t' abbandoni ?

Ame. T' e libero ancora

II passo, va, fuggiRic Lasciarti qui sola

Con esso ? no mai piuttosto raorro.

Ame. O fuggi : o che il velo dal capo torro.

Ric. Che did?Ame. Hirtolvi.

Hie. Desisti.

Ame. Lo TO'.

Per esso quest' alma sol trepida e game, [TVa M.

Salrarlo, non altro dcsiro la promt,E paga di Unto, se dato le fia,

Se stessa del fato ne' frcmiti oblia.

Ric (A Renato, folennemente.)

Amico, gelosa t' aflBdo ana car* :

L' amor che mi porti, garante mi tx

Ren. Affidati, imponi.Rie. (Coll' indice verso Amelia.)

Promettimi, giaraChe to 1* addarrai, velata, in citt,

Ne an detto n un gaardo sor essa tnurrai.

Ren. Lo giaro.Sic. E che tocche le porte, n' andrai

Da solo all' opposto.Ren. Lo gluro, e sart>

Ame. (Sommettamente a Riccardr \

Odi tu come sonano cupiPer quest' aure gli accent! di morte ?

Di lassu, da quei negri dirupi,

II segnal de' nemici part\.

Ne' lor petti scintillano d' ira

E gia piomban, t' accherchiano fitti

Al tuo capo gia volser la mira

Per pieta, va, t' invola di qui.

Kir. Traditor, soiagurati son essi, |Tra w.

Che minacciano il vivere mio *

Ma 1' amico ho tradito ancor io

Son colui cho nel cor lo fert !

Innocente, sfidati gli avrei;

Or d' amore rolpevole fnggoLa pieta de! Signore sa lei

Posi 1" ale, proteegai saoi d\ !

Hen tStaccandott dalfondo me ttava etptorando. )

faggi. figgi : per 1' orrida ria

SCENE III. RICHAID, AmuA avf RKINBAKT

Rich. Why art thon here [Meeting RtinhartRein. To save thee from the knave*

Who yonder lie concealed in wait for thee.

Rick. Who are theyRein. Conspirator*.Ame. O heaven ! [AtidiRein. Hither I came with speed,

Wrapped in this cloak. Thus they mistook meFor one of their own spies, and I o'erheardOne say,

"I saw him, 'tis the Count, an unknown

Fair is with him. He must be seized at once.I know the way to stay his fond embracesWith my right hand, and suddenly."

Ame. (Atride.) I'm fainting !

Rich. (To her.) Have courage.Rein. (Covering him with the cloak.) This clonk I give the*

[Pointing to a path at the rightBe careful' go quickly, then thon'It be safe.

tiich. But first I must save*thee. (Taking Amelia'* handAme. (Softly to Richard.) Ah wretched me ! go I

Rein. ( On passing A melia.)

You would not thus expose him gentle JadyTo the assassin's poignard

*

[Retire* to tee ifany one appnttekmAm> Ah ! fly and leave me.Rich. Leave thee alone here t

Ame. The pathway is safe for thee only,Go, fly thee !

Rich. And leave thee with Reinhart ?

No, never, I rather would die.

Am*. O fly thee, or from ray face this veil I'll rend.

Rich. What say'st thou ?

Ame. My meaning.Rich. Thou'lt do it

Amr.. I will.

'Tis only for him that my soul faints and tremble*,To save him is now the solo wish of my being.Whatever the trial, no harm must come near himMy own fate so wretched will soon be forgotten.

Rich. (Solemnly to Reiiihart.)A great trost, my friend, I confide to thy keepingThe love thou dost bear me, thy sole pledge shall b

Rein. You may trust me command me.Rich. (Pointing to Amelia.)

Here promise me, swear it

That thou wilt convey her, close veil'd, to the townNor one look, or one word shalt thou on her beio

Rein. I swear it.

Rich. At the gates, when arriving, thou'lt leave her

Alone on her pathway to goRein. I promise so to do

Ame. (Softly to Richard. )

Dost thon hear through shadows surroundingOn the breezes .be death-wail is falling 1

And above, from the<dark cliffs rebounding,How the tramp of the traitors comes near !

In their hearts rage and anger are burning ;

Now, descending, they seek to destroy thee,

On thy head all their fury is turning,

Ah, for pity's sake, fly thee from here !

Rich. They're but knaves, vile and wretched, these trmiton

Who, plans to destroy me are laying;While I, my loved friend first betrayingNow plunge the cold steel in his heart.

Were I blameless, I'd meet these assassin*,But so guiltv, I fly from before him :

May kind lleaven in compassion watch o'er him.E'er protect him. and blessings impart.

Ran. Fly thee quickly ! for on the dark pathway

THE MASKED BALL. 17

flento 1' orma deipass! spietati.

Allo scombio dei detti esecrati

Ogni destra la daga br.unli.

Va, ti salva, o che il varco all' uscita

Qui fra poco serrarsi vedraj ;

V, ti salva, dol popolo fe vita

Quota vita clic LTi-tti cosi. {Rircardo ttee.

SCENA IV. KKNXTO e AMELIA.

Ren. Seguitcmi.Ame (Da ti.) Mio Dio !

Rt*. Perchfe tremate 1

Fida scoria vj son, 1' amico arcentoVi risollevi il cor I

SCENA V. SAMUEL, TOM con teyuito, dalle allure e detti.

Ame. Eccoli.

Re. Presto,

Appoggiatevi a me.Amr. Morir mi sento t

Coro. (Doll' alto.)

Si discenda, si trafipga,Gia scoccata e. I' ultim' ora.

II saluto dell* auroraSull' esanime cadra.

Sam. (.1 Tom.) Scerni tu quel bianco velo

Omlu spicca la sua dea?Tom. Si procipiti dal ciclo

All' averno.

Ren. (Forte.) Chi va Ik

Sam. Non e desso !

Tom. O furor mio I

Coro. Non e il conte !

Ren. No, son io

Che dinanzi a voi qui sta.

Sam. (Beffardo.) Ilsuoti.lo!

Tom. Men di voi

Fortunati fUmmo no! :

Che it sorriso d' una bella

Stemmo indnrno ad aspettarSam. Io

peraltro il volto alineno

Vo a quest" Isido mirar.

[Alruni de' snoi rientrano confiaccoU aece**.

Ren. (Colin mono still' elsa.)

Non anpasso

: se 1' osate

Trapgo il ferro

Tom. E v* intiammate 1

Sam. Non vi temo.

Am*. O cieli, aita 1

Coro. ( Verso Renato.) Gin 1' acciaro

Ren. Traditori t

Tom. (Mentrr va f>er istrappare il velo ad Amelia.)Vo' finirla

Rtn. (Ajaalendolo.) E la tua vita

Queto insulto pagherk.

[Nell' otto che tntti i'avventano contra Renato. Amelia,

faori di st in/ramnuttendosi,latcia cadert il veto.

Ame. No: fermatevi

Ren. (Colpito.) Che 1 Amelia '

Sam Lei I

Tom Sua moglie !

Amr Ah I per pi eta I

Sum. Ve' se di notte qni col la sposaL' innamorato campion si posa,E come al raggio lunar del miele

Bulie rugiado corcar si sa !

Sam e Tom. Ve' la t raged ia mutb in oommediaPiacevolissimo h ! ah ! ah t ah I

E che baccano sal caso strano

Andrk dimane per la cittk I

Now I hear tneir tramp steadily falling,And with curses and

yellingg appalling.Each hand lift* a poignard on high.

Quirk, escape thco ! or goon thou'lt discoverThe way closed before thee forever :

Go escape thee, use every endeavorTo live, for thy people's sake, fly ! [liichard departi

SCENE IV. REIHHABT and AMELIA.

Rein. Now follow me.Ame. (Aside.) Oh Heaven !

Rein. Why dost thou tremble 1

I'll be your faithful escort, and friendly wordsWill soon cheer up your heart I

SCENE V. SAM., TOM and their followert coming forwardand the tame.

Ame. Here they are.

Rein. Hasten,And lean for support on me.

Ame. Life seems departingChorut. (From the diffi.)

Quick descending, vengeance seekingHis last hour with speed is flying;

Morning's dawn will find him lyingCold, inanimate and dead.

Sam. (To Tom.) Dost thou see the white veil flowing,That enfolds his goddess fair f

Tom. She from Heaven, herself is throwingDown to darkness.

Rnn. Who goes there t

Sam. That not Richard !

Tom. Fire and rory I

Cno. The count not there !

Rein. No, Reinhart

I, who stand before yon here,Sam. (Jettingly.) His true follower.

Tom. We were much leti

Fortunate than yon in comingOft the fair one's smile expectedComes not, and we wait in vain.

Sam. I, however nnobjectedWill a sight of her obtain

[Some of the followers dote around trUA ligkttd toixAa

Rein. I With hit hand upon his dagger.Come no nearer, if thou darest

I will slay thee.

Tom. An in passion<

Sam. I am fearless

Amr. Oh heaven, befriend me !

Cno. (To Reinhart.) Sheathe yonr weapon.Rnn. Coward traitors I

Tom. [faring the altercate, gott to match the ceilfrom AmtliaI will end this.

Rein. (Auailina him.) And for this insult.

Ton shall pay me with yonr life.

[While all are attacking Reinhart, Amelia bende kendi

with terror, let* the veUfallfrom herfactAm*. No restrain yourselfRan. (TnunderitrucJe.) What I Amelia.Sam. She !

Tom His own wife )

Amr. Ah 1 some pity lend I

Sam. Here meets at midnight his own wife tender.

This burning lover, now her defender,And 'neath the mild ntys of moonlight beaming,On dewy meadows he makes his bod.

Sam. and Tom. Ah I Mow the drama to farce Is turningAll ends most peacefully, ah ! ah ! ah 1 ah I

What fun there'll be this odd case concerning,

Through the town will the story spread.

18 THE MASKED BALL.

Amt. A chi nel mondo crudel pin mai,Muera A.nelia, ti volgerai

*

La tua spregiata lacrima, qualo,

Qaal man pietosa rasciughera !

Mm. (/-'into alia via ondejvijiji Riccardo.)Cosi mi paga, se 1' lio salvuto !

Ei in' hu la donna contaminate !

Tal marchio fitto mi voile in fronte,

Macero il core per sempro m' ha !

[Poi riscuotendosi, e come chi ha preto tin grave

partita,'accoita a Samuel e Tom.

Converreste al tctto mioSal raattino di domani ?

8am., Tom. Per subir dell' onta il fio ?

Ken. No ben altro in cor mi sta,

Sam., Tom. Che ti punge*

Km. Lo sapreto,Se verrete.

SMI., Tom. E ci vedrai.

\Nett' utcire styuiti dai lira,

Dunque amliam per vie diverse

L* an dull' altro g' allontuni.

II mattino di dumaniGrandi cose apprendcrfc.

Hat. (Rimatto solo con Amelia.)Ho giurato che alle portoV addurrei della citta.

Am*. (Tra li.) Come sonito di rnort*

La sua Toce al cor mi va !

FLUE DKLL' ATTO SOOWDO.

ATTO III.

BCENA I.- Una stanza da studio nell' abitatione di Rrnato.

Sovra un caminetto di fianco due vati di bronco, rimpetto a

CM la biblioteca. Nelfondo v' ha un mdoniftro ritratto del

eonte Ricoardo in piedi, e nel mezzo della tcena una tavola.

Entrano RENATO AMBLIA.

AM. A tal colpa e nulla il pianto,

[Deposta la tpada eUtua la porla.

Non la terge e Don la scusa

Altro sol non rivedrai,

Rea ti festi : e qui morrai.

Ame. Ma se Teo, se reo soltanto

E 1' mdixio che m' accusa f

AM. Taci, o perfida.

JJM Gran Dio I

Rat. Chiedi a lui misericordia.

Am. E ti basta an sol sospetto*

E vaoi dunqae il sangae mio ?

E m' infami, e piu non senti

Ne giustizia, ne pieta*

AM. Hai finito !

Amt. Se 1* amai

Un istan.e, infelicissima,

II too nome io non macchiai.

Sallo Iddio, che nel mio pettoMai non arse indegno affetto.

AM. (Ripiyliaitdola ipaaa.) Hai finitn ! e tardi omai

Rea ti festi e qni morrai

Amt. Ah I mi sreni ! ebbene sia

M* ana grasift

SM. Non a meL to* preoe al ciel ri

Ame.

Rein

SamReinSamliein

Sam

Rein

Amt.

To whom in this world of sin ana sorrow

Hapless Amelia, wilt thou now cling ?

Whence shall thy scorn'd tears compassion borrowWhat hand in pity shall comfort bring t

Pointing to the paA which Richardfled.)Thus he repays me, for mv protectionBetrays mv loved wife to fond defection.

My forehead brandeth with shame and sorrow,With endless grief my heart he rends.

1Then recovering himself, and as ifcoming to an tm

portant decision, he addresses Sam. and TomWill yon meet me at my dwellingAt an early hour to-morrow 1

and Tom. To arrange your shame's concealment f

No, I've other thoughts in mindand Tom. What excites thee?

In the morningYou shall know it.

and Tom. We shall diseern.

[Goinij out with theirj

Now farewell, by paths diverging,Each his own way must be goingWhen the morrow's dawn is glowing,Weighty matters we shall learn.

(Alone with Amelia.)I have sworn that to the portalOf the town I'll guard you well.

(Aside.) Like a condemnation mortalIn my heart his voice doth toll.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

SCENE I. A st'idi, in l!,inh,irt's duelling Aon one tide, iifton which ure. tico Imntze vatei, over il a iw4case. In the iKU-lc-t/rwnul thi-re is r full length portrait iyRichard in the miildle of tlie scene is a table.

Enter REINIIART and AMBLIA.

Am. For such offences, thy tears powerlessTo excuse them, or e'en to purge them.Crush the hope that now elates thee,Then an guilty, here, death awaits thee.

4m But if guilty appearance condemns me,That alone is my accuser.'

Am. Silence, thou faithless one

Am*. Great Heaven !

Rein. Call upon it for compassionAme. Doth suspicion then suffice thee *

Will my blood alone content thee !

Thus defame me, no longer feeling

Pity, justice, or the right.Ran. Hast thou e,nded ?

Ame. If thon loved'st meBut one moment, though most unhappy.Thy fair name I have not blemishedHeaven's my witness, that in my bosomBurns no flame of thee unworthy

Rein. (Taking up the sword.)Hast thou finished ? 'tis late alreadyThou art guilty, and here thou dicst.

Ame. Ah, thou wilt slay me Well then so be bBut grant one faror.

Awn. Ask not inc.

jLet thy prayer to Heaven be lifted.

THE MASKED BALL. 19

Amt (Grnujtftta.) Solo on detto ancora a to,

M' odi, I' ultimo sara;

Morro, ma priinn in gratia,Deh ! mi content! almcno ;

L' onico figHo mio,Avvinccre al mio seno.

E se itll:i mobile nieghi,

Quest' ultimo favor;Non rifiutArlo ai nrieghiDel mio mutcrno cor.

Morro ma qucstc viscere,

Consolino i suoi bnci,Poi cho 1' estrema c giuntaDell' ore mie fugaci ;

Spentit per man del padre,La mano ei stcndcra,Su gli ocelli d'una miulre,Cho inai piii non vcdra !

aW. Aliati, la tuo ti^lio a te conredo riveder.

Nell' omlini e ncl silonzio, la,

II tuo rossorc e I' onta mia nascondi.

[Amelia etc*.

Non e su lei, ncl suo

Fragile petto che colpir degg' io.

Altro, ben altro sun^uc a terser dessi

L' offesn ( Fitxando it ritratto.) II sangoe too I

Ne tardcra il mio fcrro

Tntto a versarlo dal tuo falso core :

Delle lacrimc mio vcndicatore !

E sei tu chc macchinvi quell' anima,La delizia dell' anima miaChe in' affidi e d' un tratto esecrabile

L' universo avvelcni per me !

Traditor ! chc in Ml guisa riinuneri

Dell' amico tuo primo la fe !

O dolcezze pcrdiitc ! O memorieD' un amplesso die mai non s' oblia !

Quando Amelia si bella, si CandidaSul mio seno brillava d' amor !

E finita non siede che I" odio,E la mortc sul vcdovb cor !

BCENA II. RDNATO, SAMUEL e TOM entrano mlntamlola

frfftdamente.

Km. Siam soli. Uditc Ogni disegno rotroM' 4 noto. Voi di Riccardo la morteVolcte.

TMI. Sogni.Ren. (tfoitrando alcune carte rhe ha nil tavolo.)

Ho qui lo prove 1

.tarn. (Frtmendo.) All' ora

La trama al Conte svclerai

Hat. No TOgllODividerla.

Tarn. Tu scherzi.

Re*. E non co' detti :

Ma qui col fat to stiuggcro i sospetti.Io ion vostro, compagno m' avrete

Senza posa ai medesimo intento :

Arra il figlio vi do. L' uccidete

Se vi manco.Tom. Ma tal mutamcnto

E credibile appena.Un Qua) fa

La cagion non rercate. Son vostro

Per la vita dell' unico figlio !

Sam., Tom. (Fraloro.) Ei non mente.Ken Esitate 1

S.iw., 7W. Non pi a.

Km.. Sam., Tom. Dunquu 1' onta di tutti sol ana,Uno il cor, la nostra ira sank,

Che tremcnda, repcnte, digiuna

Ame. I Kneeling.) One word only aldrets \ to to**Hear me, it the last shall be ;

I die, but first in mercy,Grunt me one favor, one only ;

Let me enfold my darling boy,To this sad heart so lonely.If the wife's prayers unheeding,This favor to impart ;

Thou'lt not refuse the pleadingOf my maternal heart.

I die, but on my yearning bread.His kiss will fall consoling.Now in these last sad moments,Fast to eternity rolling ;

To thee, my death approving,His hand held forth may be,A mother's glance so loving,He never more will see I

Rein. Rise again ! there, your child is yon may beholdHis face once more. In silence and seclusion

There, thy blush and my disgrace conceal fororer.

[Amelia got* out

'Tis not on her, in her weakness, ana frailtyShould descend my anger. Other, far otherLife-blood mast wipe out her offences.

And thine it shall be (Looking toward* the antedtam

her.) She shall withdraw the daggerOut from thy heart disloyal, and thusBe the avenger of all my wrongs.It was thou whodid'st sully that spirit pure,Once the joy and delight of my being ;

Whom I trusted, yet with falsehood detestable,Thou hast

poisonedthe whole world for me I

Traitor foul ! thus so basely repayingThy best friend who confided in thee !

delights lost forever ! remembranceOf embraces, that made life celestial I

When Amelia, so lovely and innocentOn my bosom with rapture reclined !

Now 'tis ended, and only aversion remainingA place in my lone heart can find.

SCENE II. RBINHABT, SAMUEL and TOM enter, ealat)

minting him.

We're alone here. Now hear me. All your AtmigatUnlawful I've sounded Richard's destruction you v

Sworn to accomplishVisions

(Sfunmng name, paper* lying on the table.)

The proofs are present !

(Shuddering.) And quicklyThe plot you to the Count will tell

No I would rather

Join it

You're jesting.With words not only,

But here with deeds will I confront suspicion1 am with yon, to share in your perils,Your intentions, the same end seeking :

As a pledge, accept my child. Slay himIf I fail you.

Bnt such alteration

Is yet scarcely to be trusted.

Seek not

The occasion to discover. I'm with youOn my truth, my boy's life hangsTom. (Atide.) He is truthful.

Are you doubting'

Tom. No morSam., Tom. Thus the chance of each, all shanagOne in heart, we'll in vengeance unite,

Which, tremendous and sudden, unspaiing,

Ron

Tom.Rein.

Sam.

Rein.

Tom.Rein.

Tom.

Rein.

Sam.,Rein.

Sam.,Rein..

20 THE MASKED BALL.

Sen. D' ana grazia vi supplico.Sa quel capo esccrato cadrfc !

Sam., Tom. E qualeRen. Che sia dato <T ucciderlo a me.Tom. No, Rcnato : 1' avito castello

A me tolse, e tal dritto a me spetu.Sam. Ed a me, cui spegneva il fratello,

Cui decenne agonia di vendetta

Senza requie divora, qual parte

Assegnaste'

Ran. Chcttatevi, solo

Qui la sorte or decidere de'.

[Prende an vaso dal camino e la collota ndla tavola,

Samuel scrive tre nomi e vi getta entro i viglititti.

Tom. Ma chi vien ?

SCENA III. AMELIA e detti.

Rat. (Inoontrandola.) Tu 1

Ame. V fe Oscarre che port*Un invito del Conte.

Ren. (ImpaUidmdo.) Di lui !

Che m'aspetti. E tu resta, lo dei :

Poi che parmi che il cielo t' ha scorta.

Ame. (Fra se.) Qual tristezr.a m' assale, qual pena I

Quiil terribile lampo balena !

Rat. (Additando sua mm/lie agli altri due. )

Nnlla sa non temete. Costei

Esser dobbe anzi 1' auspice caro.

[Ti aendola verto la tavota.

V* ha tre nomi in quell' urna un ne traggaL' innocente tna mano.

Am*. (Tremante.) E percheKen. Ubbidisci non chieder di piu.

Ame.[Traendo dal vaso un viglietto che suo marito paMia a Sam.

(Fra te.) Non e dubbio : quest' ordine amaroMi vuol parte ad un' opra di sangue.

Ren. Qual e dunque 1' eletto 1

Sam. Renato

Ren. (Fremente di gioia. )

11 mio nome ! O giustizia dl fato :

La vendetta mi deleghi tu !

Ame. (Da tola.) Ah del Conte la morte si mole!Not celar le crudeli parole !

Su quel capo snudati dull' ira

I lor ferri scintillano gia.

Rat., Sam. e Tom. Scontera dell* America il pianto

Lo sleal che ne feoe suo vanto.

Se trafisse, soccomba trafitto,

Tal mercede pagata gli va !

Ren. (Alia porta.) II messaggio entri.

SCENA IV. OSCAR e detti

OK. (Verto Amelia.) Alle danxe

Questa notte, se graditeCollo spoo, il mio signoreVi desidera

Ame. (Turbata.) Nol posso.

Ren. (Ad Oscar.) Anche il Conte vi sari.

OK. Certo.

Sam. e Tom. (Fra Ian.) Oh Borte !

Ren. Al paggio, ma collo tguardo a Tom.)Tunto invito

So che valga.0, E un ballo in maschera

SplendidissimoKen. (c. i.) Benissimo!

Ella mcco interverra. [Accennando Amelia.

Sam. e Tom. (A parte.) E noi pur, se da quell' abito

Piii spetlito il colpo va.

.

Ran. I would ask one single favorOn his doomed head shall quickly alight.

Sam. and Tom. What is it t

Rein. That I the avenger may beTom. No, Reinhart. My dwelling paternal

He hath stolen, and to me must he answer.Sam. And to me, for a brother basely slain

Me, whose longing and thirsting for vengeance,Knew no rest day or night Then what dulyWould'st thou assign me ?

Rein. Well then be quiet,And fortune shall for us decide

[He takes a vase from the chimney, and placet it uponthe table. Sam. writes the three names on scraps oj

jMiper, and drops them in the vase.]Tom. But who comes ?

SCENE III. AMELIA and the tame.

Rein. (Meeting her.) Thou!Ame. Oscar is here, anfl brings an

Invitation from the Count.Ran. (Turning pale.) From him !

Bid him expect me Hero remain thou, I wish it

Perchance 'tis Heaven that sends thee hither.

Ame. (Aside.) What misfortunes assail me, what sorrowWhat lightning flash waits me to-morrow !

Rein. (I'ointing out his wife to the others.)

Nought she knows do not fear her,She shall here decide between us

[Drawt her totke tablt

In this vase, three names are lying let thy pureHand draw one of them.

( Trembling.) But wherefore *

DoAme.Rein. as I bid thee and ask not why.Ame. (Draws from the vase a paper, which her hutbandpattm

to 5am.)(Afide.) Beyond a question, this bitter order make* DM

Accomplice to some deed dreadful.

Rein. Who is then elected ?

Sam. Reinhart I

Rein. (Trembling with joy.)It is my name ! oh justice of fortune,Thus to grant me the vengeance I seek.

Ame. (Aside. ) Ah, the death ofthe Count they are planningUnconcealed are their plottings suspicious.O'er his head, in their anger seditious,All their daggers now fearfully gleam.

Rein. Sam. and Tom. From the earth let us banish the traitor

Who boasts of the wrongs he's committed.Self-condemned he shall die all unpitiedIn such fashion his deeds we'll repay.

Rein. (Going to the door.) Bid the page come in.

OK.

SCENE IV. OSCAR and the tame.

My Lord

Ame.

(To Amelia.)Desires your presenceWith your husband, at the ball

This eveningI Agitated.) I cannot go.

Rein. (To Oscar.) The Count will there be prOsc. Surely.Sum. and Tom. (Aside.) Oh fortune !

Ilfin. (To Otcar, but glancing at Tom.}I appreciate

This invitation.

OK. Tis a masked ball ofMuch splendor.

Ran. Wo will surelyBoth be there.

Sam. and Tom. (Aside.) And also we for

The blow may be more safely struck

THF MASKED BALL. 21

Om. Di ehe Ailgor, che ronsiche Esultcran le soplie,

Ore di tante giorani Rellezze il flor s' acroglie,

Di quanta altrice palpita La genial citti I

Awn. Ed io medesma, io misera (Fro it.) Lo scritto ine-

sorato.

Trassi dall' urna complice, Pel mio consorte Irato :

So cui del cor piu nobile Forma la morte sta.

Km La delle danze al son i to (Da tola)

Ecco il codardo

afferro

Ferma la punta vindice E la dor' io I' atterro

Spira dator d' infamie Senza trora pSeta.

Sam. Tom. (Fra loro.) Una vendetta in domino E cio

che torna all' uopo.

Nell' nrto delle maschere Non fallira Io gcopo :

E gara, nn ballo funebre Fra pallide belta.

A~* (Datt.) Prevenirlo potessi non tradire.

Lo sp*so mio !

Ote. Rei.ia

Delle danze sarete.

Ame. Foree potrallo Ulrica.

Sam. e Tom. E qnal costume indosserem *

Rm Azznrra

La veste, e da vermiglio

Nastro, le ciarpo al manco lato attorto.

Sam. t Tom. E qual accento a ravvisarci *

Rm. Morte !

SCENA V. Sontuoto gMnrtto del Conte. Tavolo eon f

occarrente per itcrivere ; net fondo un gran mrtinaggio eke

Koprira lafe*ta da ballo.

RICCARDO tola.

Forse la soglia at tinse,

E posa Alfin. L' onore

Ed il dover fra i nostri petti ban rotto

L' abigso. Ah ! s\, Renato

Rivedrk 1' Inghilterra e la sna sposa

Lo giguira. Senza un addio, I' immense

Ocean ne separi e taccia il core.

Egito ancor ! ma, oh ciel, non Io deeg' io ?

[SottoKrivr, e chiude ilfoglio in tern

Ah 1' ho segnato il sacrifizio mio !

Ma se m' fe forza perderti Per sempre o luce mia,

A te verra il mio palpito Sotto qual ciel tn sia,

Chiusa la tua memoria Nell* intimo del cor.

Ed or qual reo presagio Lo spirito m' assale,

Che il rivederti annunzia Quasi un desio fatale

Come se fosse 1' ultima Ora del nostra amor.

SCENA VI. OscAm eon una letttra, e detto.

OK Itrnota donna questo fotrlio dilemmi.

E pel Conte, diss' ella;a lui Io reca

E di celato.

Rkc (Dopo letto.) Che nel ballo alcuno

Alia mia vita attentera, sta detto

OK. What brilliant lights, what magic gay, Will flll tht

joyong dwelling !

What crowds ofyouths and maidens fair Theii hoarti

with rapture swelling !

How much of pleasure and delight This charmingcity doth unite.

Ame. And I, myself, ah hapless me 'The fatal scroll to

blindlyDrew from the vase at his command By anger turned

unkindlyOn whom the dark decree doth lie That by his hat 1

the Count must die.

Rrin There 'raid the sounds of music light The cowardtraitor meeting,

I'll strike the vengeful dagger home And stay hii

vile heart's beating.DtMtli to the miscreant infamous, No pity shall he

find.

"".. and Tom. Revenge in mask and domino ! 'Twill thai

be more availing,Amid the crush of dancers gay There'll be no chance

of failing.A mournful ball 'twill gurely be And pallid beautie*

we shall see.

Ame. (Atide.) Can I not yet prevent it without

Betraying my husband 1

OK. (To Ame.) You will

Be queen of the dance.

Ame. (To herself.) Ulrica can perchance assist me.Sam.and Tom. (To Ann.)What shall be our style ofcostume 1

Rfin. A doublet blue,

With crimson scarf

Upon the left side fastened.

Sam. ana Tom. By what word of recognition ?

Rein. Death !

SCENE V. A tumptuout cabinet of the Count. A tabU wiOt

writing materials. In the background it a heavy curtain

hung over the entrance to the ball-room.

RICHARD solo.

Haply I reach decision

And rest at last. Our sentiments

Of honor and of duty have sav'd us

From ruin. Ah, yes, ReinhartWill return to hig country his wife submissive

Will follow him. Farewells unspoken, the broadOcean will divide us, our hearts subduing.Still do I doubt 1 O Heaven is it not duty

*

[ Write*, and puts the manuacript in hit bottm

Ah, I have sign'd it, the sacrifice completing !

But if compelled to lose thee nowTo part from thee forever :

My burning thoughts will fly to thee,

Though fate our lot may sever.

Thy memory still enshrined shall be

Within my inmost heart.

And now, what dark forebodingsAround my soul are thronging

*

When, once more to behold thee.

Seems like a fatal longing I

As if it were the final hour,Time to our love would grant.

SCENE VI OSCAR, u-ith a letter, and ate <

OK. An unknown lady gave me this letter.

"Tis for the count, she told me; mke it to him

With secrecy and haste.

Rich. (After reading the letter.) It says tnat some one at

The ball will atteupt my lift Should I abient m

22 THE MASKED BALL.

Ma KO m' arersto : allora,

Ch* io pavento diran. Nol vo' : nessunoFor sospettkrlo de' Tu va : t' appresta,E ratio per gioir meco la festa.

I Oscar ttce, Riccardo rimaato solo, vivamente prorompe.Vo', riverderti, Amelia, E nella tua bclta,

Anche una volta I* anima I)' amor mi brillera!

BCENA VII. Vatta e ricca sala da ballo splendidamenteilluminata e parata ajesta.

CORO generate.

Ferrono amori e danze Nolle felici stanze,

Onde la vita e solo Un sogiio lusinghier.

Notte de' cnri istanti, De palpiti e' de canti,

Perche non fermi '1 volo Sull* onda del piacer !

SCENA VIII. SAMUEL, TOM, e i loro Aderenti in domino

azzurro col cinto vermiylio. RBNATO neJlo stesso costume *'

avanza lentamente.

SAM. (Additando Renato a Tom.)

Altro de' nostri e questo.

\Efattosi presso a Renato tottovoce.

La mono !

AM. (Amaramente. ; SI, la morte.

Ma non verra.

Sam. e Tom. Che parli ?

Ren. Qui 1' aspettarlo e vano.

Sam. e Tom. Come *perche ?

Ren. Vi hasti saperlo altrore.

Sam. O Horto

Ingannatrice !

Tom. (Fremente.) E scmpre ne sfuggira di mano !

Ren. Pirlatc basso, alcuno log guardo a noi fermb.

Sam. E chi ?

Ren. Quello a sinistra,

Dal breve domino.

\Ei si dis/m-dono, ma Renato viene inseguito da Ot-

car in maschera.

OK. Pill non ti laseio, o maschera ;

Mai ti noscondi.

Ren. Eh via.[Cansandolo.

OK. Tn se' Renato. [Con viwidth.

Ren. E Oscarre tu se'.

[Spiccandogli la maschera.

OK. Qual villania I

Ren. Ma bravo, e ti par dunque convenienza qucsta.Che mentre il Conte dorme, to scivoli alia festa ?

OK. II Conte e quiRen. (Trasalendo.) Che ! dove ?

OK. ( Vialtandogli le spalle. ) Ceroatelo da voi.

Ren. ( Con accento amichevole.) Orsu che

Dirmi almeno, del suo costume puoi ?

'Twill be said that fear withheld me. I will not,Nor will I be suspicious of any one.

Go them : Prepare thyself, and quicklyTo enjov with me the gay assembly.[Oscar de/>arts, Richard remains alone, much depres.id

I must behold thee, Amelia, and in thy charms divine

Oucc more my soul shall feast, thy love shall on me sh _ie

SCENE VII. A vast and elegant ball-room, splendidly iim-

minated and decoratedfor a festival.

CHORDS.

Onward with love and dancing In this abode o)

pleasure.When life in fullest measure Is but a vision bright

Night, of sweet momentg fleeting Of music, and lighthearts beating, [light ?

Why wilt not fold thy pinions On waves of such de-

SCENE VIII. SAMUEL, TOM and their followers in blvu

dominos with scarfs ofcrimson. RKIN HART in the same cos-

tume comes slowly forward.

SAM. (Pointing out Reinhart to Tom.)

Yonder comes one of our comrades.

[Passing near Reinhnrt says in a low totDeath !

Rein. (Bitterly.) Yes, death.

But he will not come.Sam. and Tom. What say'st thou 1

Rein. Vainly we shall hero await himSam. and Tom. How so ? and why *

Rein. Suffice it to know ho is elsewhereSam. O fickle,

Deceitful fortune !

Tom. (Fretfully.) And will he forever thus escape me!Rein. Speak yet more softly, some one observes us.

Sam. Which one ?

Rein. That one in the left there, in the short domino

[They disperse. Reinhart comes forward foUmtvu

by Oscar in disguise.Ose. I will not leave thee my friendly mask

;

Thou'rt poorly disguised.Rein. Well go on.

OK. Thou art Reinhartlifin. And thou'rt Oscar the page

[Lifting up his mask.

OK. You are insulting fure,Rein. Well done now.this is for thee a quite convenient rnea*

That while the Count is sleeping, you here

Can take your pleasure.OK. The Count is here.

Rein. (Starting.) What where then '

Osc. (Turning his shoulder to him.) Nay seen nun out yourselfRein. ( \VithfriendIy accent.) Well come

At least inform me what costume he is wearing ?

SAPER VORRESTEVOU'D FAIN BE HEARING. OSCAR.

Allegretto.

Sa - per vor - re - ate di che si re -ste, Qnan-do 1'e" co - sa Ch'ei vuol na sco - sa Ben

You'd fain bt hearing What mask he's wear ing, When his in ten - tion Far-bids all m<n-tion; I

to 16, Ma nol dl

if well, But viU not

TO, Tra la

tell. Tra la

la tra

la tra

THE MASKED BALL.

/is

23

Tra la la la la la la la la la la la la la. Ben to to so Ma nol dl rb, Trm

Tra la la la la la la la la la la L* In Li / know it well, But will not teil. Tra

la 1m la tra la la la tra

la la, &c.

la la la tra la U l trm la U la la 1m U U la la la tra la.

Am.

OK.

Ren.

OK.Ren.

OK.

Km..

OcKan

OK.

Rat.

Amt.

AK.

Ame.

Ric

Hie.

Ric.

r*c.

Rit

Am*.

Pwno d' amoraMi bnlza il core,Mu pur discrete Serba il secreto.

Nol rapira Grado o belli,

Tra la, la Ik La la, lik la.

(Raggiunyendolo di nuovo.) Via, che tn Mi

Distinguere gli amici suoi.

V allctta

Interrogarlo, e forse cellar con esso un |x>'?

Appunto.E compromettere di pot clii vc I' ha dctto ?

M' offendi, e confiilcnza chc quanto importi so.

Vi prerae asgai

I^'t-'k'" io di gravi cose ad esso,

Pria cho la notte inoltri, qui favcllar. Su te

Faro cader la colpa, se non mi tia conresso.

DunqucFai grazia a lui, se parli, e non a me.

(Pi* da/>presso e rapidaiitente.)

Vesta una cappa nera, con roieo iiHdtro al petto.

[Efa per andariene.

Una parola ancora.

Ah porche qui ! fu^^itc

Sei quella dello gcntto '

La morto qui r' accerchia

Non penetra uel raio

Petto il terror.

Fuggitc, fuggite, o che trafitto

Cadreto qui !

RiTelami il nomo tuo.

Grnn Dio t

Nol posso.

E perche piangi mi gupplichi atterrita '

Onde, cottnta lenti pieta delta mia vita '

(Tra sinyulti eke tedamo la tua vooe natural'. )

Tutto, per eesa, il mio sangae tutto darci 1

Ah invan ti celi, Amelia : quell' angelo tu ei !

T* amo, s'l t" amo, e in lacrime^A* piedi tuoi in' at-

wrro,

Ore t' anela incognito Delia vendetta il ferro.

Caiarere domani Sarai se qui rimani :

Salvati, ra, mi laacia, Fnggi dall' oi'.io lor.

Sin cho tn m* ami, Amelia, Non euro il fato raio,

Non ho <*he te nell' anima, E 1* universo oblio.

Ne so temer la mono, Perche di lei piu forte

E I' aura che m' ioebria Del tno scleste amor.

. Dnnqae rerdermi rnoi

D' affanno morta e di rergogna'

Unbounded lore

My heart doth mure,But cool discretion Withholds confession ;

I'll nought ilrrl.in> To high or fair,

Tra la, la la La la, la la.

Rein. (Av/irmcking iuut ayain.) Come, thon can*t

Point him out to M, hi* mends.OK. You'd coax and question

Him, and haply jest a little?

Rein. 'Tis likely.OK. Thou'rt compromised with him.had'st word* of anger

1

AVi'/i. I have his most important confidence in keeping.OK. Enough you press meRein. I must speak to him of matten

Most important ere the morning comes. U the

Blow should fall, on you the blame will rest.

OK. Well then

Rein. You favor him in speaking, and not meOK. (Coming nearer, and speaking rapidly.)

He wears a domino of black with crimson rost* oa

the breast. [He trie* to etatpt

Rein. One single word more only \f-'oltovring Urn

Ame. (Coming forward with the Count.) Ah, why art here '

Oh, fly theRich. Art thon this letter's author t

Ame. Here certain death awaits thee !

Rich. No idle fear

Can hare place in my breast.

Ame. O leave me, or thon wilt

Surely find thy doom !

Rich. Reveal to me thy name.

Ame. Great Heaven '

I cannot I

Rich. Why dost thon weep then, and kneeling, thus entreat

Me ? whence comes this anxious feeling for my poollife and safety f

Ame.

All, to preserve thee, e'en life itself I'd freely give I

Rich In vain dost thon dissemble ; thou art my lov'd

Amelia !

Ame. Fondlv I love thee, tearfully Here at thy feet ex-

tended,While panting, waits, unknown to thee Vengeance

with blade suspended ;

BetrayM thou'lt he,ere morning If here thoa stay'st,take warning !

Save thyself, go and leave me Fly thee, from their

hatred remove !

Rich. Since thon dost love me dearest 1 care not what btiofe me ;

Nought but thyself now fills my soul All else is lost

beside thee.

I've fears of death no longer For there's a poweithat's stronger,

The air that thrills my being With thv unboundedlove!

Ame Then wonld'st thon see me fall

A prey to death, through aha"ie and rngvish t

24 THE MASKED BALL.

JUt Sill Til.

Ti vo' domani e con Renato andrai

A*e. Dove?Hie,. Al natio tuo cielo.

Ame. In Inghilterra !

fttc. Mi schianto il cor ma partirai ma addio.

Ame. Riocardo !

Ktc. Amelia : anolie una volta addio,

L' ultima volta !

Sen ( Laitciaton inosseruatofra loro, 10 trafyjge di pugnaU. )

E tu ricevi il mio I

Hie. Ahnni>!

Ame. Soccorso !

OK. (Accvrrendo a lui.\ Oh ciel !

Tutti. (Affollandoti intorno.) Ei trucidato

Alcunt. Da chi ?

Altri. Dov' e 1' iqfame t

OK. (Accennando a Renato.) Eccol

[Mentre lo circondano e gli ttrappano la nuachera.

Tuiti Ronato I

Morte abominioSal traditor I

{tie. No, no lasciatelo.

Tu ra' odi ancor. [A Renato.

[E tratto il disfxiccio, efatto cenno a lui dt acctatarti.

Ella i pura, in braccio a morte,Te lo giuor, il ciel in' ascolta :

lo die amai la iuu consort*

Rispettato ho il suo candor,

[Oit <& UJbglio.A novello incarco asceso

Ta con lei partir dovevi

10 1' amai, ma volli illcso

11 tuo Home ed il suo cor I

Km. Ciel, die foci ! e che in' aspettaEsecrato sulla terra !

Di qual sangue e qual vendettea

M' asseto 1' infausto error I

AM. O rimonii dell' amoreChe divorano il mio core,

Fra an colpevole che sanguinaE la vittima che muorl

Otc. O dolor senza misura !

O terrihile sventura !

La sua fronte e tutta rorida

Gia dell' ultimo sudor !

Ric. Grazia a ognun : signor qui sonoTutti assolve il mio perdono

Con. Cor s\ grande e generosoTu ci serba, o Dio pietoso :

Raggio in terra a noi miserrimi

E del tuo celeste amor !

Hie. Addio per sempre, o figlt miei per sempreAddio diletta America

[Cade < tptra.

Ame. EMO muore I

OK. Qua) anima passd I

Tutti Nott d' orrore I

Rich. I would tbe aT.To-morrow thou and Reinhart shall go

Ame. Whither?Rich. To the land of thy birth.

Ame. To England!Rich. 'Twill rend my heart bat thoa'lt go Farewell, lo" I

Amt. Richard I

/iieA. Amelia ! once more I bid theo farewell,

My last farewell !

lifitt.[ 'f'/iriiirini/ himteif unexpectedly between them, Habt

Richard with hilt diujger.And thus receive thou mine I

Rich. Ah meAme. Help quickly !

Osc. (llitxtminy to him.) Oh Heaven !

Alt.( Croirdinif around him.) Alas, he's murdered '.

Some /WTSOIIS. By whom ?

Otlieri. Where is the assassin ?

Osr.

All.

(I'einling to Re.inhurt.)

| They surround hi

Behold !

ind tear off hit maskReinhart I

Death to the hated wretchThis traitor rile.

Rick. No, no, leave him alone

Hear mo meanwhile.

[To lieinkart

Thy wife is guiltless ! in death's arms falling,I now swear it, as Heaven doth hear meThough I adored her with love enthralling,I respected her spirit pure.A new trial I had acceptedThou with her for homo hhould'tit leave meI adored her, but e'er respected

Thy good name, and lior pure heart

Rein. Heaven ! what did I ! what doom awaits meOn this earth, accursed forever !

To what bloodshed, what deed revengeful,I through error have been led !

Ame. 0, of love the pangs remorseful

That devour my heart within me !

Through my fault, all pale and bleeding,Lies the dying victim here.

OK. O unmeasured grief and sorrow !

O misfortune deep, appalling !

On his brow, the end forestalling,Gather now the dews of death

RwJi. Pardon to all : 1 here am ruler :

To each is granted my full forgivenesa.Cho. Such a heart, so generous, noble,

Spare us, Heaven, in thy compassion ;

"Pis a ray to earth descendedOf thine own celestial love

Jtich. Farewell forever, beloved children

Forever, adieu now, oh land beloved

[FaOtmddimDeath has called him-Aine.

OK. A noble soul hath gone I

AllB

nr:All. Night of dark horror '

THE END