But then her face So lovely-yet so arch-so full of mirth, Alone it hangs Over a mouldering heirloom, its companion, But don't forget the picture; and you will not, Her playmate from her youth, and her first love. Her pranks the favorite theme of every tongue. Weary of his life, Donato lived-and long might you have seen Full fifty years were past, and all forgotten, Mid the old lumber in the gallery, That mouldering chest was noticed; and 'twas said 66 Why not remove it from its lurking-place ?" With here and there a pearl, an emerald-stone, There had she found a grave; VISION OF BELSSHAZZAR. BYRON. [The stately march of the opening description sould be delivered in a full round tone; changing at the appearance of the dread miraculous hand into a solemn subdued utterance.] THE King was on his throne, The Satraps throng'd the hall; The godless Heathen's wine! In that same hour and hall, The fingers of a man ;-- Along the letters ran, And traced them like a wand. A captive in the land, A stranger and a youth, "Belshazzar's grave is made, The Persian on his throne !” THE GRAVES OF A HOUSEHOLD. BYRON. [This sweetly mournful refrain, should be delivered with sad earnestness; as though the speaker was describing the fate of his own family.] THEY grew in beauty side by side, They filled one home with glee; Their graves are severed, far and wide, By mount, and stream, and sea. The same fond mother bent at night She had each folded flower in sight,- One, 'midst the forests of the West, The Indian knows his place of rest, The sea, the blue lone sea, hath one, One sleeps where southern vines are drest He wrapt his colors round his breast, And one-o'er her the myrtle showers And parted thus they rest, who played They that with smiles lit up the hall, Alas! for love, if thou wert all, LOVE OF COUNTRY. From "THE WIFE," a Play, by JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES. CHARACTERS: MARIANA, Wife of Leonardo, JULIAN ST. PIERRE, an Adventurer, FERRARDO, the Duke's Kinsman. [The story of this play is briefly told. Leonardo Gonzago, Duke of Mantua, has wedded a maiden of great beauty and many accomplishments. Being suddenly called from his capital, he leaves his wife as regent in his absence. His Kinsman, Ferrardo, takes advantage of this circumstance to plot against his honor and happiness through the Duke's excessive love for his wife. He manages to get St. Pierre into a debauch; and, while he is senseless, has him placed upon Mariana's bed. Ferrardo so contrives it, that Antonio and others observe St. Pierre leaving the room. Meanwhile Mariana and St. Pierre, totally ignor. ant of these facts, become interested in each other from accidentally discovering that they are both from Switzerland. Our extract commences where Mariana, answers to a remark of her countryman. SCENE-A room in a palace. COSTUMES.-St. Pierre.-Very handsome cavalier dress. Ferrardo.Handsomely trimmed red tunic and vest, dark blue velvet cloak trimmed with silver. Antonio.-Black silk shirt trimmed with velvet. black velvet surplice trimmed with black silk ribbon, black velvet skull-cap. Mariana.—(Rich attire, according to taste of Actress.) MARIANA and ST. PIERRE, L. Enter in the back ground ANTONIO and FERRARDO. MAR. Switzerland Is a dear country! Switzerland! ST. PIER. It is The land of beauty and of grandeur, lady, And then our valleys! ah, they are the homes I do not stand in Mantua !-dear country! Except in one thing, I'm not richer, Signor, And mistress only of this little cross. (pressing the cross to her breast.) ST. PIER (anxiously). Your pardon, lady! Pray you let me see That cross again! MAR. Right willingly. ANT. (coming forward). Hence, Signor! |