ADVERTISEMENT. THE form of the following dramatic poem is in humble imitation of the Winter's Tale of Shakspeare, except that I have called the first part a Prelude instead of a first Act, as a somewhat nearer resemblance to the plan of the ancients, of which one specimen is left us in the Eschylean Trilogy of the Agamemnon, the Orestes, and the Eumenides. Though a matter of form merely, yet two plays, on different periods of the same tale, might seem less bold, than an interval of twenty years between a first and second act. This is, however, in mere obedience to custom. The effect does not, in reality, at all depend on the time of the interval; but on a very different principle. There are cases in which an interval of twenty hours between the acts would have a worse effect (i. e. render the imagination less disposed to take the position required) than twenty years in other cases. For the rest, I shall be well content if my readers will take it up, read and judge it as a Christmas tale. CHARACTERS. EMERICK, Usurping King of Illyria. CHEF RAGOZZI, a Military Commander. ZAPOLYA. SCENE I-Front of the Palace, with a magnificent Colon. nade. On one side a Military Guard-house. Sentries pacing backward and forward before the Palace. CHEF RAGOZZI at the door of the Guard-house, as looking for. wards at some object in the distance. C. Rag. My eyes deceive me not, it must be he, Who but our chief, my more than father, who But Raab Kiuprili moves with such a gait? Lo! e'en this eager and unwonted haste But agitates, not quells, its majesty. My patron! my commander! yes, 'tis he! Call out the guards. The Lord Kiuprili comes. [Drums beat, &c., the Guard turns out Enter RAAB KIUPRILI. R. Kiu. [making a signal to stop the drums, &c.] Silence! enough! This is no time, young friend! For ceremonious dues. The summoning drum, Th' air shattering trumpet, and the horseman's clatter, Are insults to a dying sovereign's ear. Soldiers, 'tis well! Retire! your General greets you, His loyal fellow-warriors. C. Rag. [Guards retire Pardon my surprise. Thus sudden from the camp, and unattended! What may these wonders prophesy? R. Kiu. How fares the king? Tell me first, His Majesty still lives? friends And none but they approach him) scoff at hope. R. Kiu. Ragozzi! I have reared thee from a child, And as a child I have reared thee. Whence this air Of mystery? That face was wont to open Clear as the morning to me, showing all things. Hide nothing from me. C. Rag. O most loved, most honoured, The mystery, that struggles in my looks, Betrayed my whole tale to thee, if it told thee That I am ignorant; but fear the worst. And mystery is contagious. All things here Are full of motion: and yet all is silent: And bad men's hopes infect the good with fears. R. Kiu. [his hand to his heart.] I have trembling proof within, how true thou speakest. C. Rag. That the Prince Emerick feasts the soldiery, Gives splendid arms, pays the commanders' debts, All [Then in a subdued and saddened voice. But what my lord will learn too soon himself. R. Kiu. Ha! well then, let it come! scarce can come. Worse This letter, written by the trembling hand Robbed of Zapolya's soothing cares, the King And with his life breathe forth a father's bless ing. C. Rag. Remember you, my lord! that Hebrew leech, Whose face so much distempered you? R. Kiu. Barzoni? I held him for a spy; but the proof failing, (More courteously, I own, than pleased myself,) I sent him from the camp. To him, in chief, C. Rag. Prince Emerick trusts his royal brother's health. R. Kiu. Hide nothing, I conjure you! What of im? |