Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“ In the close of last year I was advised to present the Tragedy once more to the Theatre. Accordingly having altered the names, I ventured to address a letter to Mr. Whitbread, requesting information as to whom I was to present my Tragedy. My Letter was instantly and most kindly answered, and I have now nothing to tell but a Tale of Thanks. I should scarce know where to begin, if the goodness of the Manager, Mr. Arnold, had not called for my first acknowledgements. Not merely as an acting Play, but as a dramatic Poem, the Remorse has been importantly and manifoldly benefited by his suggestions. ”

“ Rae, to whose zeal, and unwearied study of his part, I am not less indebted as a Man, than to his impassioned realization of Ordonio, as an Author;——to these, and to all concerned with the bringing out of the Play, I can address but one word—Thanks!—but that word is uttered sincerely! and to persons constantly before the eye of the Public, a public acknowledgement becomes appropriate, and a duty. ”

“ He roam'd the coast of Afric for your Alvar.
It was not well—You have moved me even to tears.
Ter.Oh pardon me, Lord Valdez! pardon me!
It was a foolish and ungrateful speech,
A most ungrateful speech! But I am hurried
Beyond myself, if I but hear of one
Who aims to rival Alvar. Were we not
Born in one day, like twins of the same parent?
Nursed in one cradle? Pardon me, my father!
A six years' absence is a heavy thing,
Yet still the hope survives———
Vald. ”

“ There are, I am told, who sharply criticise
Our modern theatres' unwieldy size.
We players shall scarce plead guilty to that charge,
Who think a house can never be too large:
Griev'd when a rant, that's worth a nation's ear,
Shakes some prescrib'd Lyceum's petty sphere ”

“ Not knowing what he loves, but loves it all—
Enter Alvar disguised as a Moresco, and in Moorish garments.
Ter. Know you that stately Moor?
Alhad.I know him not:
But doubt not he is some Moresco chieftain,
Who hides himself among the Alpuxarras.
Ter.The Alpuxarras? Does he know his danger,
So near this seat?
Alhad.He wears the Moorish robes too,
As in defiance of the royal edict.
[Alhadra advances to Alvar, who has
walked to the back of the stage near the
rocks. Teresa drops her veil.]
Alhad. Gallant Moresco! An inquisitor,
Monviedro, of known hatred to our race———
Alv. ”

“ I pray'd for the punishment that cleanses hearts:
For still I lov'd her!
Alhad.And you dreamt all this?
Ter.My soul is full of visions all as wild!
Ahad.There is no room in this heart for puling love tales.
Ter. (Lifts up her veil, and advances to Alvar.) ”

“ Alhad (with scorn.) . He is indeed a Christian.
Alv. (aside) . She deems me dead, yet wears no mourning garment!
Why should my brother's wife wear mourning garments?
(To Teresa) Your pardon, noble dame! that I disturbed you:
I had just started from a frightful dream.
Ter.Dreams tell but of the past, and yet, 'tis said,
They prophesy—
Alv.The Past lives o'er again
In its effects, and to the guilty spirit,
The ever frowning Present is it's image.
Ter.Traitress! (then aside)
What sudden spell o'er masters me?
Why seeks he me, shunning the Moorish woman? ”

“ I roused the virtues that are dead in no man,
Even in the assassins' hearts! they made their terms,
And thanked me for redeeming them from murder.
Alhad.You are lost in thought: hear him no more, sweet Lady!
Ter.From morn to night I am myself a dreamer,
And slight things bring on me the idle mood! ”

“ And as to my obstinate tenacity, not only my old acquaintance, but (I dare boldly aver) both the Managers of Drury Lane Theatre, and every Actor and Actress, whom I have recently met in the Green Room, will repel the accusation: perhaps not without surprise. ”

“ Ter.If aught enforce you to concealment, Sir—
Alhad.He trembles strangely.
[Alvar sinks down and hides his face in his robe.]
Ter.See, we have disturbed him.
[approaches nearer to him,]
I pray you, think us friends—uncowl your face,
For you seem faint, and the night breeze blows healing.
I pray you, think us friends!
Alv. (raising his head.) Calm, very calm!
'Tis all too tranquil for reality!
And she spoke to me with her innocent voice,
That voice, that innocent voice! She is no traitress!
(haughtily to Alhadra) .Ter.Let us retire
(They advance to the front of the Stage.) ”

“ Ter.Hush! hush for shame!
Where is your woman's heart?
Alhad.O gentle lady!
You have no skill to guess my many wrongs,
Many and strange! Besides, (ironically) I am a christian,
And Christians never pardon—'tis their faith!
Ter.Shame fall on those who so have shown it thee!
Alhad.I know that man; 'tis well he knows not me.
Five years ago (and he was the prime agent)
Five years ago the holy brethren seized me.
Ter.What might your crime be?
Alhad.I was a Moresco! ”

“ Time. The reign of Philip II., just at the close of the civil wars against the Moors, and during the heat of the persecution which raged against them, shortly after the edict which forbad the wearing of Moresco apparel under pain of Death. ”

“ Ter.I hold Ordonio dear; he is your son
And Alvar's brother.
Val.Love him for himself,
Nor make the living wretched for the dead.
Ter.I mourn that you should plead in vain, Lord Valdez,
But heaven hath heard my vow, and I remain
Faithful to Alvar, be he dead or living. ”

“ I should scarce dare to tell you, that it's noises
And peevish cries so fretted on my brain
That I have struck the innocent babe in anger.
Ter.O Heaven! it is too horrible to hear.
Alhad.What was it then to suffer? ”