Share:
  Guess poet | Poets | Poets timeline | Isles | Contacts

George MacDonald - Within and Without: Part II: A Dramatic PoemGeorge MacDonald - Within and Without: Part II: A Dramatic Poem
Work rating: Low


1 2

Hark, hark, a voice amid the quiet intense! It is thy Duty waiting thee without. Rise from thy knees in hope, the half of doubt; A hand doth pull thee—it is Providence; Open thy door straightway, and get thee hence; Go forth into the tumult and the shout; Work, love, with workers, lovers, all about: Of noise alone is born the inward sense Of silence; and from action springs alone The inward knowledge of true love and faith. Then, weary, go thou back with failing breath, And in thy chamber make thy prayer and moan: One day upon His bosom, all thine own, Thou shall lie still, embraced in holy death. SCENE I.—A room in Julian`s castle. JULIAN and the old Nurse. Julian. Nembroni? Count Nembroni?—I remember: A man about my height, but stronger built? I have seen him at her father`s. There was something I did not like about him:—ah! I know: He had a way of darting looks at you, As if he wished to know you, but by stealth. Nurse. The same, my lord. He is the creditor. The common story is, he sought the daughter, But sought in vain: the lady would not wed. `Twas rumoured soon they were in grievous trouble, Which caused much wonder, for the family Was always reckoned wealthy. Count Nembroni Contrived to be the only creditor, And so imprisoned him. Julian. Where is the lady? Nurse. Down in the town. Julian. But where? Nurse. If you turn left, When you go through the gate, `tis the last house Upon this side the way. An honest couple, Who once were almost pensioners of hers, Have given her shelter: still she hopes a home With distant friends. Alas, poor lady! `tis A wretched change for her. Julian. Hm! ah! I see. What kind of man is this Nembroni, nurse? Nurse. Here he is little known. His title comes From an estate, they say, beyond the hills. He looks ungracious: I have seen the children Run to the doors when he came up the street. Julian. Thank you, nurse; you may go. Stay—one thing more: Have any of my people seen me? Nurse. None But me, my lord. Julian. And can you keep it secret?— know you will for my sake. I will trust you. Bring me some supper; I am tired and faint. [Nurse goes.] Poor and alone! Such a man has not laid His plans for nothing further! I will watch him. Heaven may have brought me hither for her sake. Poor child! I would protect thee as thy father, Who cannot help thee. Thou wast not to blame; My love had no claim on like love from thee.—How the old tide comes rushing to my heart! I know not what I can do yet but watch. I have no hold on him. I cannot go, Say, I suspect; and, Is it so or not? I should but injure them by doing so. True, I might pay her father`s debts; and will, If Joseph, my old friend, has managed well During my absence. I have not spent much. But still she`d be in danger from this man, If not permitted to betray himself; And I, discovered, could no more protect. Or if, unseen by her, I yet could haunt Her footsteps like an angel, not for long Should I remain unseen of other eyes, That peer from under cowls—not angel-eyes— Hunting me out, over the stormy earth. No; I must watch. I can do nothing better. SCENE II.—A poor cottage. An old Man and Woman sitting together. Man. How`s the poor lady now? Woman. She`s poorly still. I fancy every day she`s growing thinner. I am sure she`s wasting steadily. Man. Has the count Been here again to-day? Woman. No. And I think He will not come again. She was so proud The last time he was here, you would have thought She was a queen at least. Man. Remember, wife, What she has been. Trouble like that throws down The common folk like us all of a heap: With folks like her, that are high bred and blood, It sets the mettle up. Woman. All very right; But take her as she was, she might do worse Than wed the Count Nembroni. Man. Possible. But are you sure there is no other man Stands in his way? Woman. How can I tell? So be, He should be here to help her. What she`ll do I am sure I do not know. We cannot keep her. And for her work, she does it far too well To earn a living by it. Her times are changed— She should not give herself such prideful airs. Man. Come, come, old wife! you women are so hard On one another! You speak fair for men, And make allowances; but when a woman Crosses your way, you speak the worst of her. But where is this you`re going then to-night? Do they want me to go as well as you? Woman. Yes, you must go, or else it is no use. They cannot give the money to me, except My husband go with me. He told me so. Man. Well, wife, it`s worth the going—but to see: I don`t expect a groat to come of it. SCENE III.—Kitchen of a small inn. Host and Hostess. Host. That`s a queer customer you`ve got upstairs! What the deuce is he? Hostess. What is that to us? He always pays his way, and handsomely. I wish there were more like him. Host. Has he been At home all day? Hostess. He has not stirred a foot Across the threshold. That`s his only fault— He`s always in the way. Host. What does he do? Hostess. Paces about the room, or sits at the window. I sometimes make an errand to the cupboard, To see what he`s about: he looks annoyed, But does not speak a word. Host. He must be crazed, Or else in hiding for some scrape or other. Hostess. He has a wild look in his eye sometimes; But sure he would not sit so much in the dark, If he were mad, or anything on his conscience; And though he does not say much, when he speaks A civiller man ne`er came in woman`s way. Host. Oh! he`s all right, I warrant. Is the wine come? SCENE IV.—The inn; a room upstairs. JULIAN at the window, half hidden by the curtain. Julian. With what profusion her white fingers spend Delicate motions on the insensate cloth! It was so late this morning ere she came! I fear she has been ill. She looks so pale! Her beauty is much less, but she more lovely. Do I not love he? more than when that beauty Beamed out like starlight, radiating beyond The confines of her wondrous face and form, And animated with a present power Her garment`s folds, even to the very hem! Ha! there is something now: the old woman drest In her Sunday clothes, and waiting at the door, As for her husband. Something will follow this. And here he comes, all in his best like her. They will be gone a while. Slowly they walk, With short steps down the street. Now I must wake The sleeping hunter-eagle in my eyes! SCENE V.—A back street. Two Servants with a carriage and pair. 1st Serv. Heavens, what a cloud! as big as Aetna! There! That gust blew stormy. Take Juno by the head, I`ll stand by Neptune. Take her head, I say; We`ll have enough to do, if it should lighten. 2nd Serv. Such drops! That`s the first of it. I declare She spreads her nostrils and looks wild already, As if she smelt it coming. I wish we were Under some roof or other. I fear this business Is not of the right sort. 1st Serv. He looked as black As if he too had lightning in his bosom. There! Down, you brute! Mind the pole, Beppo! SCENE VI.—Julian`s room. JULIAN standing at the window, his face pressed against a pane. Storm and gathering darkness without. Julian. Plague on the lamp! `tis gone—no, there it flares! I wish the wind would leave or blow it out. Heavens! how it thunders! This terrific storm Will either cow or harden him. I`m blind! That lightning! Oh, let me see again, lest he Should enter in the dark! I cannot bear This glimmering longer. Now that gush of rain Has blotted all my view with crossing lights. `Tis no use waiting here. I must cross over, And take my stand in the corner by the door. But if he comes while I go down the stairs, And I not see? To make sure, I`ll go gently Up the stair to the landing by her door. [He goes quickly toward the door.] Hostess (opening the door and looking in). If you please, sir— [He hurries past] The devil`s in the man! SCENE VII.—The landing. Voice within. If you scream, I must muffle you. Julian (rushing up the stair). He is there! His hand is on her mouth! She tries to scream! [Flinging the door open, as NEMBRONI springs forward on the other side.] Back! Nembroni. What the devil!—Beggar! [Drawing his sword, and making a thrust at JULIAN, which he parries with his left arm, as, drawing his dagger, he springs within NEMBRONI`S guard.] Julian (taking him by the throat). I have faced worse storms than you. [They struggle.] Heart point and hilt strung on the line of force, [He stabs him.] Your ribs will not mail your heart! [NEMBRONI falls dead. JULIAN wipes his dagger on the dead man`s coat.] If men will be devils, They are better in hell than here. [Lightning flashes on the blade.] What a night For a soul to go out of doors! God in heaven! [Approaches the lady within.] Ah! she has fainted. That is well. I hope It will not pass too soon. It is not far To the half-hidden door in my own fence, And that is well. If I step carefully, Such rain will soon wash out the tell-tale footprints. What! blood? He does not bleed much, I should think! Oh, I see! it is mine—he has wounded me. That`s awkward now. [Takes a handkerchief from the floor by the window.] Pardon me, dear lady; [Ties the handkerchief with hand and teeth round his arm.] `Tis not to save my blood I would defile Even your handkerchief. [Coming towards the door, carrying her.] I am pleased to think Ten monkish months have not ta`en all my strength. [Looking out of the window on the landing.] For once, thank darkness! `Twas sent for us, not him. [He goes down the stair] SCENE VIII.—A room in the castle. JULIAN and the Nurse. Julian. Ask me no questions now, my dear old nurse. You have put your charge to bed? Nurse. Yes, my dear lord. Julian. And has she spoken yet? Nurse. After you left, Her eyelids half unclosed; she murmured once: Where am I, mother?—then she looked at me, And her eyes wandered over all my face, Till half in comfort, half in weariness, They closed again. Bless her, dear soul! she is As feeble as a child. Julian. Under your care She`ll soon be well again. Let no one know She is in the house:—blood has been shed for her. Nurse. Alas! I feared it; blood is on her dress. Julian. That`s mine, not his. But put it in the fire. Get her another. I`ll leave a purse with you. Nurse. Leave? Julian. Yes. I am off to-night, wandering again Over the earth and sea. She must not know I have been here. You must contrive to keep My share a secret. Once she moved and spoke When a branch caught me, but she could not see me. She thought, no doubt, it was Nembroni had her; Nor would she have known me. You must hide her, nurse. Let her on no pretense guess where she is, Nor utter word that might suggest the fact. When she is well and wishes to be gone, Then write to this address—but under cover [Writing.] To the Prince Calboli at Florence. I Will see to all the rest. But let her know Her father is set free; assuredly, Ere you can say it is, it will be so. Nurse. How shall I best conceal her, my good lord? Julian. I have thought of that. There`s a deserted room In the old west wing, at the further end Of the oak gallery. Nurse. Not deserted quite. I ventured, when you left, to make it mine, Because you loved it when a boy, my lord. Julian. You do not know, nurse, why I loved it though: I found a sliding panel, and a door Into a room behind. I`ll show it you. You`ll find some musty traces of me yet, When you go in. Now take her to your room, But get the other ready. Light a fire, And keep it burning well for several days. Then, one by one, out of the other rooms, Take everything to make it comfortable; Quietly, you know. If you must have your daughter, Bind her to be as secret as yourself. Then put her there. I`ll let her father know She is in safety.—I must change attire, And be far off or ever morning break. [Nurse goes.] My treasure-room! how little then I thought, Glad in my secret, one day it would hold A treasure unto which I dared not come. Perhaps she`d love me now—a very little!— But not with even a heavenly gift would I Go begging love; that should be free as light, Cleaving unto myself even for myself. I have enough to brood on, joy to turn Over and over in my secret heart:— She lives, and is the better that I live! Re-enter Nurse. Nurse. My lord, her mind is wandering; she is raving; She`s in a dreadful fever. We must send To Arli for the doctor, else her life Will be in danger. Julian (rising disturbed). Go and fetch your daughter. Between you, take her to my room, yours now. I`ll see her there. I think you can together! Nurse. O yes, my lord; she is so thin, poor child! [Nurse goes.] Julian. I ought to know the way to treat a fever, If it be one of twenty. Hers has come Of low food, wasting, and anxiety. I`ve seen enough of that in Prague and Smyrna! SCENE IX.—The Abbot`s room in the monastery. The Abbot. Abbot. `Tis useless all. No trace of him found yet. One hope remains: that fellow has a head! Enter STEPHEN. Stephen, I have sent for you, because I am told You said to-day, if I commissioned you, You`d scent him out, if skulking in his grave. Stephen. I did, my lord. Abbot. How would you do it, Stephen? Stephen. Try one plan till it failed; then try another; Try half-a-dozen plans at once; keep eyes And ears wide open, and mouth shut, my lord: Your bull-dog sometimes makes the best retriever. I have no plan; but, give me time and money, I`ll find him out. Abbot. Stephen, you`re just the man I have been longing for. Get yourself ready. SCENE X.—Towards morning. The Nurse`s room. LILIA in bed. JULIAN watching. Julian. I think she sleeps. Would God it be so; then She will do well. What strange things she has spoken! My heart is beating as if it would spend Its life in this one night, and beat it out. And well it may, for there is more of life In one such moment than in many years! Pure life is measured by intensity, Not by the how much of the crawling clock. Is that a bar of moonlight stretched across The window-blind? or is it but a band Of whiter cloth my thrifty dame has sewed Upon the other?—`Tis the moon herself, Low in the west. `Twas such a moon as this— Lilia (half-asleep, wildly). If Julian had been here, you dared not do it!— Julian! Julian! [Half-rising.] Julian (forgetting his caution, and going up to her). I am here, my Lilia. Put your head down, my love. `Twas all a dream, A terrible dream. Gone now—is it not? [She looks at him with wide restless eyes; then sinks back on the pillow. He leaves her.] How her dear eyes bewildered looked at me! But her soul`s eyes are closed. If this last long She`ll die before my sight, and Joy will lead In by the hand her sister, Grief, pale-faced, And leave her to console my solitude. Ah, what a joy! I dare not think of it! And what a grief! I will not think of that! Love? and from her? my beautiful, my own! O God, I did not know thou wast so rich In making and in giving; did not know The gathered glory of this earth of thine. What! wilt thou crush me with an infinite joy? Make me a god by giving? Wilt thou take Thy centre-thought of living beauty, born In thee, and send it home to dwell with me? [He leans on the wall.] Lilia (softly). Am I in heaven? There`s something makes me glad, As if I were in heaven! Yes, yes, I am. I see the flashing of ten thousand glories; I hear the trembling of a thousand wings, That vibrate music on the murmuring air! Each tiny feather-blade crushes its pool Of circling air to sound, and quivers music!— What is it, though, that makes me glad like this? I knew, but cannot find it—I forget. It must be here—what was it?—Hark! the fall, The endless going of the stream of life!— Ah me! I thirst, I thirst,—I am so thirsty! [Querulously.] [JULIAN gives her drink, supporting her. She looks at him again, with large wondering eyes.] Ah! now I know—I was so very thirsty! [He lays her down. She is comforted, and falls asleep. He extinguishes the light, and looks out of the window.] Julian. The gray earth dawning up, cold, comfortless; With its obtrusive I am written large Upon its face! [Approaches the bed, and gazes on LILIA silently with clasped hands; then returns to the window.] She sleeps so peacefully! O God, I thank thee: thou hast sent her sleep. Lord, let it sink into her heart and brain. Enter Nurse. Oh, nurse, I`m glad you`re come! She is asleep. You must be near her when she wakes again. I think she`ll be herself. But do be careful— Right cautious how you tell her I am here. Sweet woman-child, may God be in your sleep! [JULIAN goes.] Nurse. Bless her white face, she looks just like my daughter, That`s now a saint in heaven! Just those thin cheeks, And eyelids hardly closed over her eyes!— Dream on, poor darling! you are drinking life From the breast of sleep. And yet I fain would see Your shutters open, for I then should know Whether the soul had drawn her curtains back, To peep at morning from her own bright windows. Ah! what a joy is ready, waiting her, To break her fast upon, if her wild dreams Have but betrayed her secrets honestly! Will he not give thee love as dear as thine! SCENE XI.—A hilly road. STEPHEN, trudging alone, pauses to look around him. Stephen. Not a footprint! not a trace that a blood-hound would nose at! But Stephen shall be acknowledged good dog and true. If I had him within stick-length—mind thy head, brother Julian! Thou hast not hair enough to protect it, and thy tonsure shall not. Neither shalt thou tarry at Jericho.—It is a poor man that leaves no trail; and if thou wert poor, I would not follow thee. [Sings] Oh, many a hound is stretching out His two legs or his four, And the saddled horses stand about The court and the castle door, Till out come the baron, jolly and stout, To hunt the bristly boar! The emperor, he doth keep a pack In his antechambers standing, And up and down the stairs, good lack! And eke upon the landing: A straining leash, and a quivering back, And nostrils and chest expanding! The devil a hunter long hath been, Though Doctor Luther said it: Of his canon-pack he was the dean, And merrily he led it: The old one kept them swift and lean On faith—that`s devil`s credit! Each man is a hunter to his trade, And they follow one another; But such a hunter never was made As the monk that hunted his brother! And the runaway pig, ere its game be played, Shall be eaten by its mother! Better hunt a flea in a woolly blanket, than a leg-bail monk in this wilderness of mountains, forests, and precipices! But the flea may be caught, and so shall the monk. I have said it. He is well spotted, with his silver crown and his uncropped ears. The rascally heretic! But his vows shall keep him, though he won`t keep his vows. The whining, blubbering idiot! Gave his plaything, and wants it back!—I wonder whereabouts I am. SCENE XII.—The Nurse`s room. LILIA sitting up in bed. JULIAN seated by her; an open note in his hand. Lilia. Tear it up, Julian. Julian. No; I`ll treasure it As the remembrance of a by-gone grief: I love it well, because it is not yours. Lilia. Where have you been these long, long years away? You look much older. You have suffered, Julian! Julian. Since that day, Lilia, I have seen much, thought much, Suffered a little. When you are quite yourself, I`ll tell you all you want to know about me. Lilia. Do tell me something now. I feel quite strong; It will not hurt me. Julian. Wait a day or two. Indeed `twould weary you to tell you all. Lilia. And I have much to tell you, Julian. I Have suffered too—not all for my own sake. [Recalling something.] Oh, what a dream I had! Oh, Julian!— I don`t know when it was. It must have been Before you brought me here! I am sure it was. Julian. Don`t speak about it. Tell me afterwards. You must keep quiet now. Indeed you must. Lilia. I will obey you, will not speak a word. Enter Nurse. Nurse. Blessings upon her! she`s near well already. Who would have thought, three days ago, to see You look so bright! My lord, you have done wonders. Julian. My art has helped a little, I thank God.— To please me, Lilia, go to sleep a while. [JULIAN goes.] Lilia. Why does he always wear that curious cap? Nurse. I don`t know. You must sleep. Lilia. Yes. I forgot. SCENE XIII.—The Steward`s room. JULIAN and the Steward. Papers on the table, which JULIAN has just finished examining. Julian. Thank you much, Joseph; you have done well for me. You sent that note privately to my friend? Steward. I did, my lord; and have conveyed the money, Putting all things in train for his release, Without appearing in it personally, Or giving any clue to other hands. He sent this message by my messenger: His hearty thanks, and God will bless you for it. He will be secret. For his daughter, she Is safe with you as with himself; and so God bless you both! He will expect to hear From both of you from England. Julian. Well, again. What money is remaining in your hands? Steward. Two bags, three hundred each; that`s all. I fear To wake suspicion, if I call in more. Julian. One thing, and I have done: lest a mischance Befall us, though I do not fear it much— have been very secret—is that boat I had before I left, in sailing trim? Steward. I knew it was a favorite with my lord; I`ve taken care of it. A month ago, With my own hands I painted it all fresh, Fitting new oars and rowlocks. The old sail I`ll have replaced immediately; and then `Twill be as good as new. Julian. That`s excellent. Well, launch it in the evening. Make it fast To the stone steps behind my garden study. Stow in the lockers some sea-stores, and put The money in the old desk in the study. Steward. I will, my lord. It will be safe enough. SCENE XIV.—A road near the town. A Waggoner. STEPHEN, in lay dress, coming up to him. Stephen. Whose castle`s that upon the hill, good fellow? Waggoner. Its present owner`s of the Uglii; They call him Lorenzino. Stephen. Whose is that Down in the valley? Waggoner. That is Count Lamballa`s. Stephen. What is his Christian name? Waggoner. Omfredo. No, That was his father`s; his is Julian. Stephen. Is he at home? Waggoner. No, not for many a day. His steward, honest man, I know is doubtful Whether he be alive; and yet his land Is better farmed than any in the country. Stephen. He is not married, then? Waggoner. No. There`s a gossip Amongst the women—but who would heed their talk!— That love half-crazed, then drove him out of doors, To wander here and there, like a bad ghost, Because a silly wench refused him:—fudge! Stephen. Most probably. I quite agree with you. Where do you stop? Waggoner. At the first inn we come to; You`ll see it from the bottom of the hill. There is a better at the other end, But here the stabling is by far the best. Stephen. I must push on. Four legs can never go Down-hill so fast as two. Good morning, friend. Waggoner. Good morning, sir. Stephen (aside) I take the further house. SCENE XV.—The Nurse`s room. JULIAN and LILIA standing near the window. Julian. But do you really love me, Lilia? Lilia. Why do you make me say it so often, Julian? You make me say I love you, oftener far Than you say you love me. Julian. To love you seems So much a thing of mere necessity! I can refrain from loving you no more Than keep from waking when the sun shines full Upon my face. Lilia. And yet I love to say How, how I love you, Julian! [Leans her head on his arm. JULIAN winces a little. She raises her head and looks at him.] Did I hurt you? Would you not have me lean my head on you? Julian. Come on this side, my love; `tis a slight hurt Not yet quite healed. Lilia. Ah, my poor Julian! How— I am so sorry!—Oh, I do remember! I saw it all quite plain! It was no dream! I saw you fighting!—Surely you did not kill him? Julian (calmly, but drawing himself up). I killed him as I would a dog that bit you. Lilia (turning pale, and covering her face with her hands.) Oh, that was dreadful! there is blood on you! Julian. Shall I go, Lilia? Lilia. Oh no, no, no, do not.— I shall be better presently. Julian. You shrink As from a murderer! Lilia. Oh no, I love you— Will never leave you. Pardon me, my Julian; But blood is terrible. Julian (drawing her close to him). My own sweet Lilia, `Twas justly shed, for your defense and mine, As it had been a tiger that I killed. He had no right to live. Be at peace, darling; His blood lies not on me, but on himself; I do not feel its stain upon my conscience. [A tap at the door.] Enter Nurse. Nurse. My lord, the steward waits on you below. [JULIAN goes.] You have been standing till you`re faint, my lady! Lie down a little. There!—I`ll fetch you something. SCENE XVI.—The Steward`s room. JULIAN. The Steward. Julian. Well, Joseph, that will do. I shall expect To hear from you soon after my arrival. Is the boat ready? Steward. Yes, my lord; afloat Where you directed. Julian. A strange feeling haunts me, As of some danger near. Unlock it, and cast The chain around the post. Muffle the oars. Steward. I will, directly. [Goes.] Julian. How shall I manage it? I have her father`s leave, but have not dared To tell her all; and she must know it first! She fears me half, even now: what will she think To see my shaven head? My heart is free— I know that God absolves mistaken vows. I looked for help in the high search from those Who knew the secret place of the Most High. If I had known, would I have bound myself Brother to men from whose low, marshy minds Never a lark springs to salute the day? The loftiest of them dreamers, and the best Content with goodness growing like moss on stones! It cannot be God`s will I should be such. But there was more: they virtually condemned Me in my quest; would have had me content To kneel with them around a wayside post, Nor heed the pointing finger at its top? It was the dull abode of foolishness: Not such the house where God would train his children! My very birth into a world of men Shows me the school where he would have me learn; Shows me the place of penance; shows the field Where I must fight and die victorious, Or yield and perish. True, I know not how This will fall out: he must direct my way!
Source

The script ran 0.006 seconds.