CASTIGLIONE. My lord, some strange, Some singular mistake — misunderstanding Hath without doubt arisen: thou hast been urged Thereby, in heat of anger, to address Some words most unaccountable, in writing, To me, Castiglione; the bearer being Baldazzar, Duke of Surrey. I am aware Of nothing which might warrant thee in this thing, POLITIAN. we all Draw, villain, and prate no more! 50 55 CASTIGLIONE. Ha! - draw? and villain? have at thee then at once, Proud Earl ! POLITIAN. [Drawing] Thus to the expiatory tomb, Untimely sepulchre, I do devote thee In the name of Lalage! [Draws] 60 CASTIGLIONE. [Letting fall his sword and recoiling to the POLITIAN. Thou wilt not fight with me didst say, Sir Count? Shall I be baffled thus? now this is well. Didst say thou darest not? Ha! CASTIGLIONE. Hold off thy hand with that beloved name I cannot - dare not. 58 then at once: have at thee then (S. L. M.). 61 Stage Directions Letting fall: dropping (S. L.M.). 62 Hold off-hold off thy hand!— Avaunt I say! (S. L.M.). 63 indeed I dare not: I dare not 65 After this line S. L. M. inserts: 65 POLITIAN. I do believe thee! Now by my halidom coward, I do believe thee! CASTIGLIONE. Ha! coward! - this may not be ! 70 [Clutches his sword and staggers towards POLITIAN, but his purpose is changed before reaching him, and he falls upon his knee at the feet of the Earl] Alas! my lord, It is it is most true. In such a cause I am the veriest coward. O pity me! POLITIAN. [Greatly softened] Alas! —I do—indeed I pity Thus on my bended knee. It were most fitting For in the fight I will not raise a hand thus-O let me Against thee, Earl of Leicester. Strike thou home Here is no let or hindrance to thy weapon POLITIAN. 80 [Baring his bosom] Now's Death and Hell ! Am I not am I not sorely — grievously tempted 85 Even unto death. Before those whom thou lovest - Dost hear? with cowardice. thou wilt not fight me? 90 [Exit] CASTIGLIONE. Now this indeed is just! Most righteous, and most just, avenging Heaven! Title Ballad (S. L. M., S. E. P.), Song of the Newly-Wedded (S. M.). 3 After this line, S. L. M. inserts the following: And many a rood of land. 6 He has loved me long and well (S. L. M., S. E. P.). 7 But, when first: And, when (S. L. M.), But, when (S. E. P.). 9 rang as a knell: were his who fell (S. L.M.); as: like (S. E. P., B.J.). 10 Omitted in S. L. M. 13 But: And (S. L.M.). While a reverie came o'er me, And thus the words were spoken, And this the plighted vow; And, though my faith be broken, That I am happy now! That proves me happy now! Would God I could awaken! For I dream I know not how, 15 While: But (S. L.M.). 18 Omitted in S. L. M. 19 After this line, S. L. M. inserts the following: And thus they said I plighted An irrevocable vow And my friends are all delighted And Lo! the ring is on my hand, And the wreath is on my brow – Satins and jewels grand, 15 20 25 And many a rood of land, Are all at my command, 20 I have spoken. spoken (S. E. P.). And I must be happy now! I have spoken (S. L. M.), It was spoken it was 21 They have registered the vow (S. L.M.), Quick they registered the vow (S. E. P.). 24, 25 First inserted in the text in the Lorimer Graham copy of 1845. Fair isle, that from the fairest of all flowers At sight of thee and thine at once awake! No more no more upon thy verdant slopes ! No more! alas, that magical sad sound 5 Transforming all! Thy charms shall please no more, 10 Thy memory no more! Accursed ground Henceforth I hold thy flower-enamelled shore, O hyacinthine isle! O purple Zante! "Isola d'oro ! Fior di Levante ! " (1837) THE HAUNTED PALACE In the greenest of our valleys By good angels tenanted, Radiant palace-reared its head. 32 Lest: And (S. L. M., S. E. P.). Title [of The Haunted Palace] Omitted in B. G. M., Tales [1840], Tales [1845], and Griswold [1847], the poem in each instance being printed as a part of The Fall of the House of Usher. 4 Radiant: snow-white (B. M., B. G.M., Tales [1840], P. P.A.). |