t R. KIUP. The bad man's cunning still prepares the way For its own outwitting. I applaud, Ragozzi! [musing to himself—then Ragozzi! I applaud, In thee, the virtuous hope that dares look onward And keeps the life-spark warm of future action Act and appear, as time and prudence prompt thee: Enter a procession of EMERICK's Adherents, Nobles, Chieftains, and Soldiers, with Music. They advance toward the front of the Stage. KIUprili makes the signal for them to stop.-The Music ceases. LEADER OF THE PROCESSION. The Lord Kiuprili!— Welcome from the camp. R. KIUP, Grave magistrates and chieftains of Illyria, In good time come ye hither, if ye come As loyal men with honourable purpose To mourn what can alone be mourn'd; T'inforce the last commands of royal Andreas but chiefly And shield the Queen, Zapolya: haply making procession: A warrior best will greet a warlike king. Grace our R. KIUP. This patent written by your lawful king, (Lo! his own seal and signature attesting) Appoints as guardians of his realm and offspring The Queen, and the Prince Emerick, and myself. [Voices of Live King Emerick! an Emerick! an Emerick! What means this clamour? Are these madmen's voices? Or is some knot of riotous slanderers leagued [murmurs. To infamize the name of the king's brother And Heaven's inevitable curse hereafter? [Loud murmurs, followed by cries-Emerick! No Baby Prince! No changelings! Yet bear with me awhile! Have I for this Bled for your safety, conquer'd for your honour? Your thaw-swoln torrents, when the shouldering ice As if I had charm'd a goddess down from Heaven? Of usurpation! [Murmurs increase-and cries of onward! onward! Have you then thrown off shame, And shall not a dear friend, a loyal subject, Valiantly wrested from a valiant foe, Love's natural offerings to a rightful king, During the last four lines, enter LORD CASIMIR, with expressions of anger and alarm. CASIM. Who is this factious insolent, that dares brand The elected King, our chosen Emerick? My father! [Starts then approaching with timid respect. R. KIUP. (turning away) Casimir! He, he a Too soon indeed, Ragozzi! have I learnt it. [aside. CASIM. (with reverence.) My father and my lord! KIUP. I know thee not! LEAD. Yet the remembrancing did sound right filial. Are blasted by a thankless traitor's utterance. Confirm'd and me the king's grace hath appointed KIUP. (Bought by a bribe!) I know thee now still CASIM. (struggling with his passion.) So much of Raab Kiuprili's blood flows here, KIUP. The son of Raab Kiuprili a bought bond slave, Guilt's pander, treason's mouth-piece, a gay parrot, School'd to shrill forth his feeder's usurp'd titles, And scream, long live king Emerick! LEADERS. Aye, king Emerick! Stand back, my lord! Lead us, or let us pass. SOLDIER. Nay, let the general speak! SOLDIERS. Hear him! Hear him! Hear me, KIUP. Assembled lords and warriors of Illyria, Hear, and avenge me! Stood in your presence, Twice ten years have I honor'd by the king: Beloy'd and trusted. Is there one among you, Accuses Raab Kiuprili of a bribe? Or one false whisper in his sov'reign's ear? |