The Bride of Messina, and On the Use of the Chorus in Tragedy | Page 4

the demon in your hearts! Fulfil your
dread intent, and stain with blood The holy altars of your household
gods;-- These halls that gave you birth, the stage where murder Shall
hold his festival of mutual carnage Beneath a mother's eye!--then, foot
to foot, Close, like the Theban pair, with maddening gripe, And fold
each other in a last embrace! Each press with vengeful thrust the dagger
home, And "Victory!" be your shriek of death:--nor then Shall discord
rest appeased; the very flame That lights your funeral pyre shall tower
dissevered In ruddy columns to the skies, and tell With horrid
image--"thus they lived and died!"
[She goes away; the BROTHERS stand as before.
Chorus (CAJETAN).
How have her words with soft control Resistless calmed the tempest of

my soul! No guilt of kindred blood be mine! Thus with uplifted hands I
prey; Think, brothers, on the awful day, And tremble at the wrath
divine!
DON CAESAR (without taking his eyes from the ground). Thou art my
elder--speak--without dishonor I yield to thee.
DON MANUEL. One gracious word, an instant, My tongue is rival in
the strife of love!
DON CAESAR. I am the guiltier--weaker----
DON MANUEL. Say not so! Who doubts thy noble heart, knows thee
not well; The words were prouder, if thy soul were mean.
DON CAESAR. It burns indignant at the thought of wrong-- But
thou--methinks--in passion's fiercest mood, 'Twas aught but scorn that
harbored in thy breast.
DON MANUEL. Oh! had I known thy spirit thus to peace Inclined,
what thousand griefs had never torn A mother's heart!
DON CAESAR. I find thee just and true: Men spoke thee proud of
soul.
DON MANUEL. The curse of greatness! Ears ever open to the
babbler's tale.
DON CAESAR. Thou art too proud to meanness--I to falsehood!
DON MANUEL. We are deceived, betrayed!
DON CAESAR. The sport of frenzy! DON MANUEL. And said my
mother true, false is the world?
DON CAESAR. Believe her, false as air.
DON MANUEL. Give me thy hand!

DON CAESAR. And thine be ever next my heart!
[They stand clasping each other's hands, and regard each other in
silence.
DON MANUEL. I gaze Upon thy brow, and still behold my mother In
some dear lineament.
DON CAESAR. Her image looks From thine, and wondrous in my
bosom wakes Affection's springs.
DON MANUEL. And is it thou?--that smile Benignant on thy
face?--thy lips that charm With gracious sounds of love and dear
forgiveness?
DON CAESAR. Is this my brother, this the hated foe? His mien all
gentleness and truth, his voice, Whose soft prevailing accents breathe
of friendship!
[After a pause.
DON MANUEL. Shall aught divide us?
DON CAESAR. We are one forever!
[They rush into each other's arms.
First CHORUS (to the Second).
Why stand we thus, and coldly gaze, While Nature's holy transports
burn? No dear embrace of happier days The pledge--that discord never
shall return! Brothers are they by kindred band; We own the ties of
home and native land.
[Both CHORUSES embrace.
A MESSENGER enters.
Second CHORUS to DON CAESAR (BOHEMUND). Rejoice, my

prince, thy messenger returns And mark that beaming smile! the
harbinger Of happy tidings.
MESSENGER. Health to me, and health To this delivered state! Oh
sight of bliss, That lights mine eyes with rapture! I behold Their hands
in sweet accord entwined; the sons Of my departed lord, the princely
pair Dissevered late by conflict's hottest rage.
DON CAESAR. Yes, from the flames of hate, a new-born Phoenix,
Our love aspires!
MESSENGER. I bring another joy; My staff is green with flourishing
shoots.
DON CAESAR (taking him aside). Oh, tell me Thy gladsome message.
MESSENGER. All is happiness On this auspicious day; long sought,
the lost one Is found.
DON CAESAR. Discovered! Oh, where is she? Speak!
MESSENGER. Within Messina's walls she lies concealed.
DON MANUEL (turning to the First SEMI-CHORUS). A ruddy glow
mounts in my brother's cheek, And pleasure dances in his sparkling eye;
Whate'er the spring, with sympathy of love My inmost heart partakes
his joy.
DON CAESAR (to the MESSENGER). Come, lead me; Farewell, Don
Manuel; to meet again Enfolded in a mother's arms! I fly To cares of
utmost need.
[He is about to depart.
DON MANUEL. Make no delay; And happiness attend thee!
DON CAESAR (after a pause of reflection, he returns). How thy looks
Awake my soul to transport! Yes, my brother, We shall be friends
indeed! This hour is bright With glad presage of ever-springing love,

That in the enlivening beam shall flourish fair, Sweet recompense of
wasted years!
DON MANUEL. The blossom Betokens goodly fruit.
DON CAESAR. I tear myself Reluctant from thy arms, but think not
less If thus I break this festal hour--my heart Thrills with a holy joy.
DON MANUEL (with manifest absence of mind). Obey the moment!