Untitled

Scene changes to the space before the castle.

FRANCESCO and a Spy.

Francesco. Yes! yes! I have the key of all their lives. If a man fears me, he is forced to love me. And if I can, and do not ruin him, He is fast bound to serve and honour me!

[ALBERT enters from the castle, and is crossing the stage.

Spy. There--there--your Reverence! That is the sorcerer.

[FRANCESCO runs up and rudely catches hold of ALBERT. ALBERT dashes him to the earth. FRANCESCO and the Spy make an uproar, and the servants rush from out the castle.

Francesco. Seize, seize and gag him! or the Church curses you!

[The servants seize and gag ALBERT.

Enter VELEZ and OSORIO.

Osorio (aside). This is most lucky!

Francesco (inarticulate with rage). See you this, Lord Velez? Good evidence have I of most foul sorcery, And in the name of Holy Church command you To give me up the keys--the keys, my lord! Of that same dungeon-hole beneath your castle. This imp of hell--but we delay enquiry Till to Granada we have convoy'd him.

Osorio (to the Servants). Why haste you not? Go, fly and dungeon him! Then bring the keys and give them to his Reverence.

[The Servants hurry off ALBERT. OSORIO goes up to FRANCESCO, and pointing at ALBERT.

Osorio (with a laugh). 'He that can bring the dead to life again.'

Francesco. What? did you hear it?

Osorio. Yes, and plann'd this scheme To bring conviction on him. Ho! a wizard, Thought I--but where's the proof! I plann'd this scheme. The scheme has answer'd--we have proof enough.

Francesco. My lord, your pious policy astounds me. I trust my honest zeal----

Osorio. Nay, reverend father! It has but raised my veneration for you. But 'twould be well to stop all intertalk Between my servants and this child of darkness.

Francesco. My lord! with speed I'll go, make swift return, And humbly redeliver you the keys. [Exit FRANCESCO.

Osorio (alone). 'The stranger, that lives nigh, still picking weeds.' And this was his friend, his crony, his twin-brother! O! I am green, a very simple stripling-- The wise men of this world make nothing of me. By Heaven, 'twas well contrived! And I, forsooth, I was to cut my throat in honour of conscience. And this tall wizard--ho!--he was to pass For Albert's friend! He hath a trick of his manner. He was to tune his voice to honey'd sadness, And win her to a transfer of her love By lamentable tales of her dear Albert, And his dear Albert! Yea, she would have lov'd him. He, that can sigh out in a woman's ear Sad recollections of her perish'd lover, And sob and smile with veering sympathy, And, now and then, as if by accident, Pass his mouth close enough to touch her cheek With timid lip, he takes the lover's place, He takes his place, for certain! Dusky rogue, Were it not sport to whimper with thy mistress, Then steal away and roll upon my grave, Till thy sides shook with laughter? Blood! blood! blood! They want thy blood! thy blood, Osorio!

[END OF ACT THE THIRD.]