  Scene.—Garden of Sir Marmaduke’s Elizabethan mansion. The end of a large marquee, open, and showing portion of table covered with white cloth, on which are joints of meat, teapots, cups, bread and butter, jam, etc. To the back a raised terrace with steps. A park in the background, with spire of church seen above the trees. Chorus of Peasantry. Ring forth, ye bells, With clarion sound— Forget your knells, For joys abound. Forget your notes Of mournful lay, And from your throats Pour joy to-day. For to-day young Alexis—young Alexis Pointdextre Is betrothed to Aline—to Aline Sangazure, And that pride of his sex is—of his sex is to be next her, At the feast on the green—on the green, oh, be sure! Ring forth, ye bells, etc. [At the end of chorus, exeunt the Men into house. Enter Mrs. Partlet, meeting Constance, her daughter. Recitative. Mrs. P. Constance, my daughter, why this strange depression? The village rings with seasonable joy, Because the young and amiable Alexis, Heir to the great Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, Is plighted to Aline, the only daughter Of Annabella, Lady Sangazure. You, you alone are sad and out of spirits; What is the reason? Speak, my daughter, speak! Con. Oh, mother, do not ask! If my complexion From red to white should change in quick succession— And then from white to red, oh, take no notice! If my poor limbs shall tremble with emotion, Pay no attention, mother—it is nothing! If long and deep-drawn sighs I chance to utter, Oh, heed them not, their cause must ne’er be known! Mrs. P. My child, be candid; think not to deceive The eagle-eyed pew-opener—you love! Con. (aside). How guessed she that, my heart’s most cherished secret? (Aloud.) I do love, fondly—madly—hopelessly! Aria.—Constance. When he is here, I sigh with pleasure; When he is gone, I sigh with grief. My hopeless fear No soul can measure; His love alone Can give my aching heart relief! When he is cold, I weep for sorrow; When he is kind, I weep for joy. My grief untold Knows no to-morrow. My woe can find No hope, no solace, no alloy! [At the end of the song, Mrs. Partlet silently motions to Women to leave them together. Exeunt Chorus. Mrs. P. Come, tell me all about it! Do not fear— I, too, have loved; but that was long ago! Who is the object of your young affections? Con. Hush, mother! He is here! Enter Dr. Daly. He is pensive, and does not see them. He sits on stool. Mrs. P. (amazed).Our reverend vicar! Con. Oh, pity me, my heart is almost broken! Mrs. P. My child, be comforted. To such an union I shall not offer any opposition. Take him—he’s yours! May you and he be happy! Con. But, mother dear, he is not yours to give! Mrs. P. That’s true, indeed! Con.He might object! Mrs. P.He might. But come; take heart. I’ll probe him on the subject. Be comforted; leave this affair to me. Recitative—Dr. Daly. The air is charged with amatory numbers— Soft madrigals, and dreamy lovers’ lays. Peace, peace, old heart! Why waken from its slumbers The aching memory of the old, old days? Ballad. Time was when Love and I were well acquainted. Time was when we walked ever hand in hand, A saintly youth, with worldly thought untainted— None better loved than I in all the land! Time was when maidens of the noblest station, Forsaking even military men, Would gaze upon me, rapt in adoration. Ah me! I was a fair young curate then! Had I a headache? sighed the maids assembled; Had I a cold? welled forth the silent tear; Did I look pale? then half a parish trembled; And when I coughed all thought the end was near. I had no care—no jealous doubts hung o’er me; For I was loved beyond all other men. Fled gilded dukes and belted earls before me. Ah me! I was a pale young curate then! [At the conclusion of the ballad, Mrs. Partlet comes forward with Constance. Mrs. P. Good day, reverend sir. Dr. D. Ah, good Mrs. Partlet, I am glad to see you. And your little daughter, Constance! Why, she is quite a little woman, I declare! Con. (aside). Oh, mother, I cannot speak to him! Mrs. P. Yes, reverend sir, she is nearly eighteen, and as good a girl as ever stepped. (Aside to Dr. D.) Ah, sir, I’m afraid I shall soon lose her! Dr. D. (aside to Mrs. P.). Dear me! you pain me very much. Is she delicate? Mrs. P. Oh no, sir; I don’t mean that; but young girls look to get married. Dr. D. Oh, I take you. To be sure. But there’s plenty of time for that. Four or five years hence, Mrs. Partlet, four or five years hence. But when the time does come, I shall have much pleasure in marrying her myself—— Con. (aside). Oh, mother! Dr. D. To some strapping young fellow in her own rank of life. Con. (in tears). He does not love me! Mrs. P. I have often wondered, reverend sir (if you’ll excuse the liberty), that you have never married. Dr. D. (aside). Be still, my fluttering heart! Mrs. P. A clergyman’s wife does so much good in a village. Besides that, you are not so young as you were, and before very long you will want somebody to nurse you, and look after your little comforts. Dr. D. Mrs. Partlet, there is much truth in what you say. I am indeed getting on in years, and a helpmate would cheer my declining days. Time was when it might have been; but I have left it too long. I am an old fogey now, am I not, my dear? (to Constance)—a very old fogey, indeed. Ha! ha! No, Mrs. Partlet, my mind is quite made up. I shall live and die a solitary old bachelor. Con. Oh, mother, mother! (Sobs on Mrs. Partlet’s bosom.) Mrs. P. Come, come, dear one, don’t fret. At a more fitting time we will try again—we will try again. [Exeunt Mrs. Partlet and Constance. Dr. D. (looking after them). Poor little girl! I’m afraid she has something on her mind. She is rather comely. Time was when this old heart would have throbbed in double time at the sight of such a fairy form! But tush! I am puling! Here come the young Alexis, with his proud and happy father. Let me dry this tell-tale tear! Enter Sir Marmaduke and Alexis from house. Recitative. Dr. D. Sir Marmaduke—my dear young friend, Alexis— On this most happy, most auspicious plighting, Permit me, as a true old friend, to tender My best, my very best congratulations! Sir M. Sir, you are most obleeging! Alex.Dr. Daly, My dear old tutor and my valued pastor, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! (Spoken through music.) Dr. D. May fortune bless you! may the middle distance Of your young life be pleasant as the foreground— The joyous foreground! and, when you have reached it, May that which now is the far-off horizon, But which will then become the middle distance, In fruitful promise be exceeded only By that which will have opened, in the mean time, Into a new and glorious horizon! Sir M. Dear sir, that is an excellent example Of an old school of stately compliment, To which I have, through life, been much addicted. Will you obleege me with a copy of it, In clerkly manuscript, that I myself May use it on appropriate occasions? Dr. D. Sir, you shall have a fairly written copy Ere Sol has sunk into his western slumbers! [Exit Dr. Daly. Sir M. (to Alexis, who is in a reverie). Come, come, my son—your fiancÉe will be here in five minutes. Rouse yourself to receive her. Alex. (rising). Oh, rapture! Sir M. Yes, you are a fortunate young fellow, and I will not disguise from you that this union with the house of Sangazure realizes my fondest wishes. Aline is rich, and she comes of a sufficiently old family, for she is the seven thousand and thirty-seventh in direct descent from Helen of Troy. True, there was a blot on the escutcheon of that lady—that affair with Paris—but where is the family, other than my own, in which there is no flaw? You are a lucky fellow, sir—a very lucky fellow! Alex. Father, I am welling over with limpid joy! No sicklying taint of sorrow overlies the lucid lake of liquid love, upon which, hand in hand, Aline and I are to float into eternity! Sir M. Alexis, I desire that of your love for this young lady you do not speak so openly. You are always singing ballads in praise of her beauty, and you expect the very menials who wait behind your chair to chorus your ecstasies. It is not delicate. Alex. Father, a man who loves as I love—— Sir M. Pooh, pooh, sir! fifty years ago I madly loved your future mother-in-law, the Lady Sangazure, and I have reason to believe that she returned my love. But were we guilty of the indelicacy of publicly rushing into each other’s arms, exclaiming— Recitative. “Oh, my adored one!” “Beloved boy!” “Ecstatic rapture!” “Unmingled joy!” which seems to be the modern fashion of love-making? No, it was, “Madam, I trust you are in the enjoyment of good health.”—“Sir, you are vastly polite, I protest I am mighty well”—and so forth. Much more delicate—much more respectful. But see—Aline approaches; let us retire, that she [Exeunt Sir Marmaduke into house. Enter Aline, preceded by Chorus of Girls. Chorus of Girls. With heart and with voice Let us welcome this mating: To the youth of her choice, With a heart palpitating, Comes the lovely Aline! May their love never cloy! May their bliss be unbounded! With a halo of joy May their lives be surrounded! Heaven bless our Aline! Recitative.—Aline. My kindly friends, I thank you for this greeting, And as you wish me every earthly joy, I trust your wishes may have quick fulfilment! Aria.—Aline. Oh, happy young heart! Comes thy young lord a-wooing, With joy in his eyes, And pride in his breast. Make much of thy prize, For he is the best That ever came a-suing. Yet—yet we must part, Young heart! Yet—yet we must part. Oh, merry young heart, Bright are the days of thy wooing! But happier far The days untried. No sorrow can mar When Love has tied The knot there’s no undoing. Then, never to part, Young heart! Then, never to part! Enter Lady Sangazure. Recitative.—Lady S. My child, I join in these congratulations. Heed not the tear that dims this aged eye! Old memories crowd upon me. Though I sorrow, ’Tis for myself, Aline, and not for thee! Enter Alexis from house, preceded by Chorus of Men. Chorus of Men and Women. With heart and with voice Let us welcome this mating: To the maid of his choice, With a heart palpitating, Comes Alexis the brave! Sir Marmaduke enters from house. Lady Sangazure and he exhibit signs of strong emotion at the sight of each other, which they endeavour to repress; Alexis and Aline rush into each other’s arms. Recitative. Alex. Oh, my adored one! Ali.Beloved boy! Alex. Ecstatic rapture! Ali.Unmingled joy! Duet.—Sir Marmaduke and Lady Sangazure. Sir M. (with stately courtesy). Welcome joy, adieu to sadness! As Aurora gilds the day, So those eyes, twin orbs of gladness, Chase the clouds of care away. Irresistible incentive Bids me humbly kiss your hand; I’m your servant most attentive, Most attentive to command. (Aside, with frantic vehemence.) Wild with adoration! Mad with fascination! To indulge my lamentation No occasion do I miss! Goaded to distraction By maddening inaction, I find some satisfaction In apostrophe like this: “Sangazure immortal, Sangazure divine, Welcome to my portal, Angel, oh, be mine!” (Aloud with much ceremony.) Irresistible incentive Bids me humbly kiss your hand; I’m your servant most attentive, Most attentive to command! Lady S. Sir, I thank you most politely For your graceful courtesee: Compliment more true knightly Never yet was paid to me! Chivalry is an ingredient Sadly lacking in our land. Sir, I am your most obedient, Most obedient to command! (Aside, with great vehemence.) Wild with adoration! Mad with fascination! To indulge my lamentation No occasion do I miss! Goaded to distraction By maddening inaction, I find some satisfaction In apostrophe like this: “Marmaduke immortal, Marmaduke divine, Take me to thy portal, Loved one, oh, be mine!” (Aloud, with much ceremony.) Chivalry is an ingredient Sadly lacking in our land. Sir, I am your most obedient, Most obedient to command! [During this duet a small table has been placed upon stage, by Mrs. Partlet. The Counsel has entered, and prepares marriage contract behind table. Recitative—Counsel. All is prepared for sealing and for signing, The contract has been drafted as agreed; Approach the table, oh ye lovers pining, With hand and seal come execute the deed! [Alexis and Aline advance and sign, Alexis supported by Sir Marmaduke, Aline by her mother. Chorus. See they sign, without a quiver, it— Then to seal proceed. They deliver it—they deliver it As their act and deed! Alex.I deliver it—I deliver it As my act and deed! Ali.I deliver it—I deliver it As my act and deed! Chorus. With heart and with voice Let us welcome this mating: Leave them here to rejoice, With true love palpitating— Alexis the brave, And the lovely Aline! [Exeunt all but Alexis and Aline. Alex. At last we are alone! My darling, you are now irrevocably betrothed to me. Are you not very, very happy? Ali. Oh, Alexis, can you doubt it? Do I not love you beyond all on earth, and am I not beloved in return? Is not true love, faithfully given and faithfully returned, the source of every earthly joy? Alex. Of that there can be no doubt. Oh that the world could be persuaded of the truth of that maxim! Oh that the world would break down the artificial barriers of rank, wealth, education, age, beauty, habits, taste, and temper, and recognize the glorious principle, that in marriage alone is to be found the panacea for every ill! Ali. Continue to preach that sweet doctrine, and you will succeed, oh, evangel of true happiness! Alex. I hope so, but as yet the cause progresses but slowly. Still I have made some converts to the principle, that men and women should be coupled in matrimony without distinction of rank. I have lectured on the subject at Mechanics’ Institutes, and the mechanics were unanimous in favour of my views. I have preached in workhouses, beershops, and lunatic asylums, and I have been received with enthusiasm. I have addressed navvies on the advantages that would accrue to them if they married wealthy ladies of rank, and not a navvy dissented. Ali. Noble fellows! And yet there are those who hold that the uneducated classes are not open to argument! And what do the countesses say? Alex. Why, at present, it can’t be denied, the aristocracy hold aloof. Ali. The working man is the true Intelligence, after all! Alex. He is a noble creature when he is quite sober. Yes, Aline, true happiness comes of true love, and true love should be independent of external influences. It should live upon itself and by itself—in itself love should live for love alone! Ballad. Alex. Love feeds on many kinds of food, I know. Some love for rank, and some for duty; Some give their hearts away for empty show, And others love for youth and beauty. To love for money all the world is prone; Some love themselves, and live all lonely. Give me the love that loves for love alone; I love that love—I love it only! What man for any other joy can thirst, Whose loving wife adores him duly? Want, misery, and care may do their worst, If loving woman loves you truly. A lover’s thoughts are ever with his own; None truly loved is ever lonely. Give me the love that loves for love alone; I love that love—I love it only! Ali. Oh, Alexis, those are noble principles! Alex. Yes, Aline, and I am going to take a desperate step in support of them. Have you ever heard of the firm of J. W. Wells and Co., the old-established family sorcerers, in St. Mary Axe? Ali. I have seen their advertisement. Alex. They have invented a philtre, which, if report may be believed, is simply infallible. I intend to distribute it through the village, and within half an hour of my doing so, there will not be an adult in the place who will not have learnt the secret of pure and lasting happiness. What do you say to that? Ali. Well, dear, of course a filter is a very useful thing in a house; quite indispensable in the present state of Thames water; but still I don’t quite see that it is the sort of thing that places its possessor on the very pinnacle of earthly joy. Alex. Aline, you misunderstand me. I didn’t say a filter—I said philtre. Ali. So did I, dear. I said a filter. Alex. No, dear, you said a filter. I don’t mean a filter—I mean a philtre,—ph, you know. Ali. (alarmed). You don’t mean a love-potion? Alex. On the contrary—I do mean a love-potion. Ali. Oh, Alexis, I don’t think it would be right. I don’t indeed. And then—a real magician! Oh, it would be downright wicked. Alex. Aline, is it, or is it not, a laudable object to steep the whole village up to its lips in love, and to couple them in matrimony, without distinction of age, rank, or fortune? Ali. Unquestionably, but—— Alex. Then, unpleasant as it must be to have recourse to supernatural aid, I must nevertheless pocket my aversion, in deference to the great and good end I have in view. (Calling.) Hercules! Enter a Page from tent. Page. Yes, sir. Alex. Is Mr. Wells there? Page. He’s in the tent, sir—refreshing. Alex. Ask him to be so good as to step this way. Page. Yes, sir. [Exit Page. Ali. Oh, but, Alexis! A real sorcerer! Oh, I shall be frightened to death! Alex. I trust my Aline will not yield to fear while the strong right arm of her Alexis is here to protect her. Ali. It’s nonsense, dear, to talk of your protecting me with your strong right arm, in face of the fact that this Family Sorcerer could change me into a guinea-pig before you could turn round. Alex. He could change you into a guinea-pig, no doubt, but it is most unlikely that he would take such liberty. It’s a most respectable firm, and I am sure he would never be guilty of so untradesmanlike an act. Enter Mr. Wells from tent. Mr. W. Good day, sir. [Aline much terrified. Alex. Good day. I believe you are a sorcerer. Mr. W. Yes, sir, we practise necromancy in all its branches. We’ve a choice assortment of wishing-caps, divining-rods, amulets, charms, and counter-charms. We can cast you a nativity at a low figure, and we have a horoscope at three and six that we can guarantee. Our Abudah chests, each containing a patent hag who comes out and prophesies disasters, with spring complete, are strongly recommended. Our Aladdin lamps are very chaste, and our prophetic tablets, foretelling Song.—Mr. Wells. Oh! my name is John Wellington Wells. I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells. If you want a proud foe to “make tracks”— If you’d melt a rich uncle in wax— You’ve but to look in On our resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe. We’ve a first-class assortment of magic; And for raising a posthumous shade With effects that are comic or tragic, There’s no cheaper house in the trade. Love-philtre—we’ve quantities of it! And for knowledge if any one burns, We keep an extremely small prophet Who brings us unbounded returns: Oh! he can prophesy With a wink of his eye, Peep with security Into futurity, Sum up your history, Clear up a mystery, Humour proclivity For a nativity—for a nativity; Mirrors so magical, Tetrapods tragical, Bogies spectacular, Answers oracular, Facts astronomical, Solemn or comical, And, if you want it, he Makes a reduction on taking a quantity! Oh! If any one anything lacks, He’ll find it all ready in stacks, If he’ll only look in On the resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe! He can raise you hosts Of ghosts, And that without reflectors; And creepy things With wings, And gaunt and grisly spectres. He can fill you crowds Of shrouds, And horrify you vastly; He can rack your brains With chains, And gibberings grim and ghastly! Then, if you plan it, he Changes organity, With an urbanity Full of Satanity, Vexes humanity With an inanity Fatal to vanity— Driving your foes to the verge of insanity! Barring tautology, In demonology, ’Lectro-biology, Mystic nosology, Spirit philology, High-class astrology, Such is his knowledge, he Isn’t the man to require an apology! Oh! My name is John Wellington Wells. I’m a dealer in magic and spells, In blessings and curses, And ever-filled purses, In prophecies, witches, and knells. If any one anything lacks, He’ll find it all ready in stacks, If he’ll only look in On the resident Djinn, Number seventy, Simmery Axe! Alex. I have sent for you to consult you on a very important matter. I believe you advertise a Patent Oxy-Hydrogen Love-at-first-sight Philtre? Mr. W. Sir, it is our leading article. (Producing a phial.) Alex. Now, I want to know if you can confidently guarantee it as possessing all the qualities you claim for it in your advertisement? Mr. W. Sir, we are not in the habit of puffing our goods. Ours is an old-established house with a large family connection, and every assurance held out in the advertisement is fully realized. (Hurt.) Ali. (aside). Oh, Alexis, don’t offend him! He’ll change us into something dreadful—I know he will! Alex. I am anxious from purely philanthropical motives to distribute this philtre, secretly, among the inhabitants of this village. I shall of course require a quantity. How do you sell it? Mr. W. In buying a quantity, sir, we should strongly advise your taking it in the wood, and drawing it off as you happen to want it. We have it in four and a half and nine gallon casks—also in pipes and hogsheads for laying down, and we deduct 10 per cent. for prompt cash. Ali. Oh, Alexis, surely you don’t want to lay any down! Alex. Aline, the villagers will assemble to carouse in a few minutes. Go and fetch the teapot. Ali. But, Alexis—— Alex. My dear, you must obey me, if you please. Go and fetch the teapot. Ali. (going). I’m sure Dr. Daly would disapprove it. [Exit Aline into tent. Alex. And how soon does it take effect? Mr. W. In half an hour. Whoever drinks of it falls in love, as a matter of course, with the first lady he meets who has also tasted it, and his affection is at once returned. One trial will prove the fact. Enter Aline from tent with large teapot. Alex. Good: then, Mr. Wells, I shall feel obliged if you will at once pour as much philtre into this teapot as will suffice to affect the whole village. Ali. But bless me, Alexis, many of the villagers are married people. Mr. W. Madam, this philtre is compounded on the strictest principles. On married people it has no effect whatever. But are you quite sure that you have nerve enough to carry you through the fearful ordeal? Alex. In the good cause I fear nothing. Mr. W. Very good; then we will proceed at once to the Incantation. (The stage grows dark.) Incantation. Mr. W.Sprites of earth and air— Fiends of flame and fire— Demon souls, Come here in shoals, This dreadful deed inspire! Appear, appear, appear! Male Voices.Good master, we are here! Mr. W.Noisome hags of night— Imps of deadly shade— Pallid ghosts, Arise in hosts, And lend me all your aid! Appear, appear, appear! Female Voices.Good master, we are here! Alex. (aside).Hark, they assemble, These fiends of the night! Ali. (aside).Oh, Alexis, I tremble. Seek safety in flight! Aria.—Aline. Let us fly to a far-off land, Where peace and plenty dwell— Where the sigh of the silver strand Is echoed in every shell. To the joy that land will give, On the wings of Love we’ll fly; In innocence there to live— In innocence there to die! Chorus of Spirits. Too late—too late, It may not be! That happy fate Is not for thee! Alexis, Aline, and Mr. Wells. Too late—too late, That may not be! That happy fate Is not for {me! } {thee!} Mr. W.Now, shrivelled hags, with poison bags, Discharge your loathsome loads! Spit flame and fire, unholy choir! Belch forth your venom, toads! Ye demons fell, with yelp and yell, Shed curses far afield— Ye fiends of night, your filthy blight In noisome plenty yield! Mr. W. (pouring phial into teapot—flash). Number One! Chorus.It is done! Mr. W. (pouring phial into teapot—flash). Number Two! Chorus.One too few! Mr. W. (pouring phial into teapot—flash). Number Three! Chorus.Set us free! Set us free—our work is done. Ha! ha! ha! Set us free—our course is run! Ha! ha! ha! Aline and Alexis (aside). Let us fly to a far-off land, Where peace and plenty dwell— Where the sigh of the silver strand Is echoed in every shell. Chorus of Fiends. Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! [Stage grows light. Mr. Wells beckons villagers. Enter villagers and all the dramatis personÆ, dancing joyously. Sir Marmaduke enters with Lady Sangazure from house. Vicar enters, absorbed in thought. He is followed by Constance. Counsel enters, followed by Mrs. Partlet. Mrs. Partlet and Mr. Wells distribute teacups. Chorus. Now to the banquet we press; Now for the eggs, the ham, Now for the mustard and cress, Now for the strawberry jam! Now for the tea of our host, Now for the rollicking bun, Now for the muffin and toast, Now for the gay Sally Lunn! Women.The eggs, and the ham, and the strawberry jam! Men.The rollicking bun, and the gay Sally Lunn! The rollicking, rollicking bun! Recitative.—Sir Marmaduke. Be happy all—the feast is spread before ye, Fear nothing, but enjoy yourselves, I pray! Eat, ay, and drink—be merry, I implore ye, For once let thoughtless Folly rule the day. Teacup Brindisi. Eat, drink, and be gay, Banish all worry and sorrow; Laugh gaily to-day, Weep, if you’re sorry, to-morrow! Come, pass the cup round— I will go bail for the liquor; It’s strong, I’ll be bound, For it was brewed by the vicar! Chorus. None so knowing as he At brewing a jorum of tea, Ha! ha! A pretty stiff jorum of tea! Trio.—Mr. Wells, Aline, and Alexis (aside). See—see—they drink— All thought unheeding; The teacups clink— They are exceeding! Their hearts will melt In half an hour— Then will be felt The potion’s power! [During this verse Constance has brought a small teapot, kettle, caddy, and cosy to Dr. Daly. He makes tea scientifically. Brindisi, 2nd Verse.—Dr. Daly (with the teapot). Pain, trouble, and care, Misery, heart-ache, and worry, Quick, out of your lair! Get you all gone in a hurry! Toil, sorrow, and plot, Fly away quicker and quicker— Three spoons to the pot— That is the brew of your vicar! Chorus. None so cunning as he At brewing a jorum of tea, Ha! ha! A pretty stiff jorum of tea! [Dr. Daly places teapot on tray held by Constance. He covers it with the cosy. She takes tray into the house. Ensemble.—Alexis and Aline (aside). Oh, love, true love—unworldly, abiding! Source of all pleasure—true fountain of joy— Oh, love, true love—divinely confiding, Exquisite treasure that knows no alloy! Oh, love, true love, rich harvest of gladness, Peace-bearing tillage—great garner of bliss— Oh, love, true love, look down on our sadness— Dwell in this village—oh, hear us in this! [It becomes evident by the strange conduct of the characters that the charm is working. All rub their eyes.
[Those who have partaken of the philtre struggle against its effects, and resume the Brindisi with a violent effort. Tutti. Eat, drink, and be gay, Banish all worry and sorrow, Laugh gaily to-day, Weep, if you’re sorry, to-morrow; Come, pass the cup round— We will go bail for the liquor; It’s strong, I’ll be bound, For it was brewed by the vicar! None so cunning as he At brewing a jorum of tea. Ha! ha! At brewing a jorum of tea!
|
| Aline and Alexis. | Constance. | Notary. |
| Oh, joy! oh, joy! | Oh, bitter joy! | Oh, joy! oh, joy! |
| The charm works well, | No words can tell | No words can tell |
| And all are now | How my poor heart | My state of mind |
| united. | is blighted! | delighted. |
| The blind young boy | They’ll soon employ | They’ll soon employ |
| Obeys the spell, | A marriage bell, | A marriage bell, |
| Their troth they all | To say that we’re | To say that we’re |
| have plighted. | united. | united. |
| True happiness | I do confess | True happiness |
| Reigns everywhere, | A sorrow rare | Reigns everywhere, |
| And dwells with | My humbled spirit | And dwells with |
| both the sexes, | vexes, | both the sexes, |
| And all will bless | And none will bless | And all will bless |
| The thoughtful care | Example rare | Example rare |
| Of their beloved | Of their beloved | Of their beloved |
| Alexis! | Alexis! | Alexis! |
[All, except Alexis and Aline, dance off to symphony.
Ali. How joyful they all seem in their new-found happiness! The whole village has paired off in the happiest manner. And yet not a match has been made that the hollow world would not consider ill-advised!
Alex. But we are wiser—far wiser—than the world. Observe the good that will become of these ill-assorted unions. The miserly wife will check the reckless expenditure of her too frivolous consort, the wealthy husband will shower innumerable bonnets on his penniless bride, and the young and lively spouse
Ali. What a delightful prospect for him!
Alex. But one thing remains to be done, that my happiness may be complete. We must drink the philtre ourselves, that I may be assured of your love for ever and ever.
Ali. Oh, Alexis, do you doubt me? Is it necessary that such love as ours should be secured by artificial means? Oh no, no, no!
Alex. My dear Aline, time works terrible changes, and I want to place our love beyond the chance of change.
Ali. Alexis, it is already far beyond that chance. Have faith in me, for my love can never, never change!
Alex. Then you absolutely refuse?
Ali. I do. If you cannot trust me, you have no right to love me—no right to be loved by me.
Alex. Enough, Aline; I shall know how to interpret this refusal.
Ballad.—Alexis.
Enter Dr. Daly.
Dr. D. (musing). It is singular—it is very singular. It has overthrown all my calculations. It is distinctly opposed to the doctrine of averages. I cannot understand it.
Ali. Dear Dr. Daly, what has puzzled you?
Dr. D. My dear, this village has not hitherto been addicted to marrying and giving in marriage. Hitherto the youths of this village have not been enterprising, and the maidens have been distinctly coy. Judge then of my surprise when I tell you that the whole village came to me in a body just now, and implored me to join them in matrimony with as little delay as possible. Even your excellent father has hinted to me that before very long it is not unlikely that he, also, may change his condition.
Ali. Oh, Alexis—do you hear that? Are you not delighted?
Alex. Yes. I confess that a union between your mother and my father would be a happy circumstance indeed. (Crossing to Dr. Daly.) My dear sir, the news that you bring us is very gratifying.
Dr. D. Yes—still, in my eyes, it has its melancholy side. This universal marrying recalls the happy days—now, alas! gone for ever—when I myself might have—but tush! I am puling. I am too old to marry—and yet, within the last half-hour, I have greatly yearned for companionship. I never remarked it before, but the young maidens of this village are very comely. So likewise are the middle-aged. Also the elderly. All are comely—and (with a deep sigh) all are engaged!
Ali. Here comes your father.
Enter Sir Marmaduke with Mrs. Partlet, arm-in-arm.
Ali. and Alex. (aside). Mrs. Partlet!
Sir M. Dr. Daly, give me joy. Alexis, my dear boy, you will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that my declining days are not unlikely to be solaced by the companionship of this good, virtuous, and amiable woman.
Alex. (rather taken aback). My dear father, this is not altogether what I expected. I am certainly taken somewhat by surprise. Still it can hardly be necessary to assure you that any wife of yours is a mother of mine. (Aside to Aline.) It is not quite what I could have wished.
Mrs. P. (crossing to Alexis). Oh, sir, I entreat your forgive
Alex. (coldly). I do not question it. After all, a faithful love is the true source of every earthly joy.
Sir M. I knew that my boy would not blame his poor father for acting on the impulse of a heart that has never yet misled him. Zorah is not, perhaps, what the world call beautiful——
Dr. D. Still she is comely—distinctly comely! (Sighs.)
Ali. Zorah is very good, and very clean and honest, and quite sober in her habits; and that is worth far more than beauty, dear Sir Marmaduke.
Dr. D. Yes; beauty will fade and perish, but personal cleanliness is practically undying, for it can be renewed whenever it discovers symptoms of decay. My dear Sir Marmaduke, I heartily congratulate you. (Sighs.)
Quintette.
Alexis, Aline, Sir Marmaduke, Zorah, and Dr. Daly.
[Exeunt Sir Marmaduke and Mrs. Partlet, Aline and Alexis. Dr. Daly looks after them sentimentally, then exit with a sigh. Mr. Wells, who has overheard part of this Quintette, and who has remained concealed behind the market cross, comes down as they go off.
Recitative.—Mr. Wells.
(Sits at foot of market cross.)
Lady Sangazure enters. She is very melancholy.
(Sees Mr. Wells, and becomes fascinated by him.)
Recitative.
Duet.—Lady Sangazure and Mr. Wells.
Recitative.—Mr. Wells.
Ensemble.
| Lady Sangazure. | Mr. Wells. |
| Oh, agony, rage, despair! | Oh, agony, rage, despair! |
| The maiden has bright brown hair, | Oh, where will this end—oh, where? |
| And mine is as white as snow! | I should like very much to know! |
| False man, it will be your fault | It will certainly be my fault |
| If I go to my family vault, | If she goes to her family vault, |
| And bury my life-long woe! | To bury her life-long woe! |
[Exit Lady Sangazure, in great anguish.
Recitative.—Mr. Wells.
[Exit Mr. Wells.
Enter Aline.
Ali. This was to have been the happiest day of my life—but I am very far from happy! Alexis insists that I shall taste the philtre—and when I try to persuade him that to do so would be an insult to my pure and lasting love, he tells me that I object because I do not desire that my love for him shall be eternal. Well (sighing and producing a phial), I can at least prove to him that in that he is unjust!
Recitative.
[As Aline is going off, she meets Dr. Daly, entering pensively. He is playing on a flageolet. Under the influence of the spell she at once becomes strangely fascinated by him, and exhibits every symptom of being hopelessly in love with him.
Song.—Dr. Daly.
[At the end of the song Dr. Daly sees Aline, and, under the influence of the potion, falls in love with her.
Ensemble.—Aline and Dr. Daly.
Enter Alexis.
Recitative.
Duet.—Aline and Dr. Daly.
Ensemble.
Enter all the characters except Lady Sangazure and Mr. Wells.
Chorus.
Recitative.—Alexis.
Dr. D. (coming forward). Hold! Be just. This poor child drank the philtre at your instance. She hurried off to meet you—but, most unhappily, she met me instead. As you had administered the potion to both of us, the result was inevitable. But fear nothing from me—I will be no man’s rival. I shall quit the country at once—and bury my sorrow in the congenial gloom of a colonial bishopric.
Alex. My excellent old friend! (Taking his hand—then turning to Mr. Wells, who has entered with Lady Sangazure.) Oh, Mr. Wells, what, what is to be done?
Mr. W. I do not know—and yet—there is one means by which this spell may be removed.
Alex. Name it—oh, name it!
Mr. W. Or you or I must yield up his life to Ahrimanes. I would rather it were you. I should have no hesitation in sacrificing my own life to spare yours, but we take stock next week, and it would not be fair on the Co.
Alex. True. Well, I am ready!
Ali. No, no—Alexis—it must not be! Mr. Wells, if he must die that all may be restored to their old loves, what is to become of me? I should be left out in the cold, with no love to be restored to!
Mr. W. True—I did not think of that. (To the others.) My friends, I appeal to you, and I will leave the decision in your hands.
Finale.
[All quit their present partners, and rejoin their old lovers. Sir Marmaduke leaves Mrs. Partlet, and goes to Lady Sangazure. Aline leaves Dr. Daly, and goes to Alexis. Dr. Daly leaves Aline, and goes to Constance. Notary leaves Constance, and goes to Mrs. Partlet. All the Chorus make a corresponding change.
All.
Ensemble.
Sir Marmaduke, Lady Sangazure, Alexis, and Aline.
Dr. Daly, Constance, Notary, and Mrs. Partlet.
(General Dance.)
