# Dramas (Baillie)/Henriquez/Act 5

ACT V.
SCENE I.
The Court at Zamora, a Grand Hall of Audience. Nobles, Prelates, Officers, &c. discovered in waiting; a Flourish of Trumpets; enter the King and his Train, who walks slowly, as he receives their Homage, to a Chair of State near the front of the Stage.
FIRST NOBLEMAN (presenting a petition).
Humbly presented to your royal notice
By one of noble blood.
KING.
What is its plea?
(After reading the paper slightly.)
That he beneath a lady's window hath
A most audacious suitor slain, who there
Did charm her ear with love-sick ditties.—Slew him!
A harsh device to win the lady's favour;
Had she not ears to be again enthrall'd?
Another song had been a fitter weapon
SECOND NOBLEMAN (giving a paper).
KING.
It needs must be an honourable suit. (Reading the paper.)
Don Julian, of the noble house of Guzman,
Hath, by the cadet of a meaner house,
Been elbow'd from his place, who most nefariously
We are too learned in this ancient kingdom.
Nay, reverend Prelate, no offence to you;
The Clergy stand acquitted of this charge.
PRELATE.
KING.
Did we not know our right hand from our left.
We are in this, good sooth! too nicely learn'd,
Which doth but scantily, in my opinion,
Supply the want of every other lore.
SECOND NOBLEMAN (aside to first).
Wear hat and plume, if this is not derision.
FIRST NOBLEMAN (aside).
He spoke not to us thus when the arm'd Moor
Was nearer to his doors.
KING (to Prelate).
PRELATE.
From pious men, whose prayers are offer'd up
For your prosperity. (Gives the paper.)
KING (reading it slightly).
Refuse their wonted offerings to the convent,
And therefore humbly—the adjoining lands—
A royal compensation."—So it runs.
And it must cost me many a fruitful field,
Because those villagers love fatted pullets,
As well as sober, self-denying monks!
This also at our leisure we'll consider.
(Gives the paper to the Secretary, and sitting down, receives other petitions, when a confused noise is heard.)
Enter an Officer.
OFFICER.
KING.
OFFICER.
Guarding a prisoner, and humbly begs
To be admitted to the royal presence,
Before your court shall sit.
KING.
To give him audience.[Exit Officer.
I marvel much
How it should be. In this unwonted form
To bring his prisoner!—But here he comes.
Enter Henriquez, followed by Carlos and Antonio, going up to the King, who rises to meet him.
KING.
HENRIQUEZ.
KING.
Say freely what thou would'st, and it is granted.
HENRIQUEZ.
Confirm'd to me with all solemnity,
Before I utter it.
KING.
But that thy services have been to me
Beyond all recompense, and that I know
Thy country's welfare and thy sovereign's honour
Are dear to thee, as thou full well hast proved,
I should with some precaution give my word.
But be it so; I say thy suit is granted.
HENRIQUEZ.
KING.
HENRIQUEZ.
You gave to me this ring with words of favour;
And said if I should e'er, by fortune press'd,
Return the same to you, whatever grace
I then might ask, should be conceded to me.
(Giving the ring.)
Receive your royal token: my request
Is that you swear upon my sword to grant
KING.
Which thou in battle from the princely Moor
So valiantly did'st win: why should I shrink
From any oath that shall be sworn on this?
I swear, by the firm honour of a soldier,
To grant thy boon, whatever it may be.
Declare it then, Henriquez. (A pause.)
Thou art pale
And silent too: I wait upon thy words.
HENRIQUEZ.
I have power now.—There is a criminal,
Whose guilt before your Highness in due form
Shall shortly be attested; and my boon
Is, that your Highness will not pardon him,
However strongly you may be inclined
To royal clemency,—however strongly
Entreated so to do.
KING.
Thou 'st been inclined to mercy, not to blood.
HENRIQUEZ.
With black ingratitude, with base disloyalty
To all that sacred is in virtuous ties,
Knitting man's heart to man——What shall I say?
Ingenuous, faithful, generous, and noble:
Ev'n but to look on him had been full warrant
Against th' accusing tongue of man or angel
To all the world beside,—and yet he slew him.
A friend whose fost'ring love had been the stay,
The guide, the solace of his wayward youth,—
Love steady, tried, unwearied,—yet he slew him.
A friend, who in his best devoted thoughts,
His happiness on earth, his bliss in heaven,
Intwined his image, and could nought devise
Of separate good,—and yet he basely slew him;
Rush'd on him like a ruffian in the dark,
And thrust him forth from life, from light, from nature,
Unwitting, unprepared for th' awful change
Death brings to all. This act so foul, so damned,
This he hath done: therefore upon his head
Let fall the law's unmitigated justice.
KING.
I will withhold all grace? Were he my brother
I would not pardon him. Produce your criminal.
(Those who have Antonio in custody lead him forward.)
HENRIQUEZ (motioning with his hand to forbid them).
KING.
HENRIQUEZ (kneeling).
(A cry of astonishment is heard through the hall; the King, staggering back from the spot is supported by an Attendant, while Carlos and Antonio, now free from his fetters, run to Henriquez, who continues kneeling, and bend over him in deep concern.)
KING (recovering).
Raise him: O do not let me see him thus!
(Motions the crowd to withdraw, who go off, leaving the King, Henriquez, Carlos, and Antonio only on the stage.)
KING (fiercely).
Stood'st by and suffer'd me to be deceived.
CARLOS.
Convinced this youth had done the deed, deceived.
This on a soldier's honour I aver.
KING.
With cruel guile. I would right gladly forfeit
The fairest town thy sword e'er won for me,
And be again at liberty to pardon
Whatever thou hast done. A deed, most surely,
By thy high nature all too rudely charged.
Thou in the frenzy of some headlong passion
Hast acted as a madman, who still wreaks
His direst wrath on those he loves the most.
HENRIQUEZ.
Of slow intent, of dark consideration.
Our early love, with all his fair endowments
And noble qualities, before my mind
Did clearly pass; pass and return again,
And strongly plead for him, and were rejected.
KING.
Which has o'erreach'd thy judgment.—Set me free.
The public weal requires thy service: oaths
Adverse to this do not, and should not, bind.
HENRIQUEZ.
Who may do better service to the state,
Though not with better will than I have done;
(Laying his sword at the King's feet.)
Here do I part with ensigns, arms, and war;
Nor soldier's brand, nor baton of command,
This hand accursed shall ever grasp again.
Your Highness by the honour of a prince
Stands bound to me in this, and you are bound.
KING.
Yet, think again; be it a while deferr'd,
This dismal trial, for a month—a year,
HENRIQUEZ.
KING.
By what authority dost thou oppose it,
If 't is my pleasure it should be deferr'd?
HENRIQUEZ.
I am Don Juen's heir, and do by right
Demand the speedy trial of his murderer.
Nor think the law's delay would aught avail.
How many secret ways there may be found
To rid a wretch of life, who loathes to live.
My soul demands this sacrifice—pants for it,
As that which can alone restore to it
The grace of Heaven, and the respect of men.
CARLOS.
HENRIQUEZ.
He were my greatest enemy who should
Impede this consummation. When 'tis past,
Then let the favour of my princely master,
Of loving camp-mates, and all virtuous men,
Return to me again. A noble treasure
That will redeem my memory from shame.
KING (embracing him).
I will no more contend with thy desires.
Some preparation for this solemn ceremony
Thou wilt require; Don Carlos will conduct thee
Where thou may'st rest and find all needful aid.
[Exit.
HENRIQUEZ.
My heart is lighten'd of its heavy load,
And I can take a good man by the hand,
And feel we are akin.
CARLOS.
Thou art akin. I have no words to speak
The thoughts I have of thee, thou noble man!
HENRIQUEZ (to Antonio).
Thy noble confidence did point to me
The true and honour'd path. For, hadst thou fled,
I might have shrunk aside, and been on earth
A sullen secret thing of wretchedness,
Cursing the light of heaven. Gentle youth,
I've felt the kindly pressure of thy hand,
And all thy gen'rous sympathy: forgive me.
That I did hold thy mind so long in doubt.
ANTONIO.
My innocence, and would protect it; yet,
This noble, terrible act I ne'er divined.
Would I had fled my prison at thy bidding,
And lived a vagabond upon the earth,
Ere this had been! What was my name or worth?
But thou——
HENRIQUEZ.
For all the friends on earth would not have done me
Such true and worthy service. [Exeunt.
SCENE II.
A royal Apartment. Enter Leonora and Friar.
FRIAR.
Then wait, I pray, and take a little respite
From this impatient fever of your mind.
LEONORA.
Thou canst not know this agony, and speak'st
Like one secured from human misery.
Heaven grant me patience! I have need of it;
But it must come from heaven.
FRIAR.
Enter King attended; and Leonora, running to him, casts herself at his feet, embracing his knees.
KING.
LEONORA.
Till from your royal pity I obtain
The mercy I implore.—My Lord Henriquez—
Your valiant general—my dear, dear husband—
Say that he shall not die. This execution!
This malefactor's end! O save him! save him!
KING (raising her).
LEONORA.
KING.
All royal mercy. I have sworn to him
Never to pardon Juen's murderer.
If thou canst move his stubborn spirit, kneel,
And at his feet implore him to release me
From this most fatal oath.
LEONORA.
I know him well: in what he deems the right,
He is inflexible. But solemn oaths,
Ev'n oaths upon the holy reliques sworn,
The holy church annuls: it will release you.
Then say not you are bound.
KING.
The church can loose, as thou, no doubt, hast learnt
From sacred books and this good Father's lore;
But, solemnly, upon Henriquez's sword
I've pledged a prince's word—a soldier's honour,
From which nought can release me, but the will
And free consent of him to whom 't is pledged.
Hie, therefore, to thy Lord: kneel at his feet,
And may Heaven give thee power to touch his heart.
LEONORA.
By Heaven and man abandon'd!—Dismal doom!
And canst command what I would beg in vain;
Command him, as his royal Liege and Master,
That he release thee from this fatal pledge.
A king, and not obey'd! deceitful shadow!
Doth not thy power o'er all things reign supreme?
KING.
This is a power Heaven to itself retains,
And ne'er did delegate to mortal being.
LEONORA (pacing about as before).
Shame, infamy, a malefactor's end?
KING.
His life, indeed, we must despair to save;
But infamy is from his name removed,
As heaven from hell. Yea, his proud house shall boast
Of this its noble malefactor, more
Than all its trophied chiefs.
When at the bar he stood arraign'd, and pled, Proving his secret guilt, against himself,
Ne'er rose his form so nobly on the mind,
Even in his days of triumph.—
But when the fatal sentence was pronounced,
He raised his head, and sent a look to Heaven
Of pleased appeal and solemn thankfulness;
A look of pious hope, so dignified,
He seem'd like some fall'n seraph that again
Had won his way to bliss.—A general murmur
Of admiration from deep silence rose.
Old men did clasp their hands, and young men wept;
And those who on his victories bestow'd
A cold and niggard praise, now, with full hearts,
Gave boundless tribute to his lofty virtue.
LEONORA.
Heaven's will be done!
I've been too stern and violent in my grief:
God grant me more submission to his will,
And I will learn to bear it.—My Henriquez!
The brave with tears of admiration grace
Thy hapless end, and rescue thee from shame.
KING.
The very implements of execution
Will henceforth in their banners proudly weave.
LEONORA.
And I shall be resign'd.
Enter Carlos and Antonio.
KING (to them).
CARLOS.
I left him shaking hands most cordially
With his worst enemy, and he intends,
Ere close the night's first watch, to spend an hour
In social converse with some early friends,
Who shared his first campaigns, and have desired
To see his face once more.—
His soul seems open'd now, and raised above
That close reserve, which was his greatest blemish.
KING.
Yea, ev'n from guilt, more noble than before;
As by the hardest blow the smitten ball
Bounds highest from the earth.——
Retire, fair Leonora: this good man (pointing to Friar)
Will heavenly comfort to thy soul impart,
And strengthen it to bear the coming trial.
(Friar supports her on one side, while Antonio offers his aid also, as she goes off.)
LEONORA (to Antonio).
FRIAR.
The will of Heaven must be; the means appointed
Must also be: he is most innocent.
Since ignorant of ill.
LEONORA.
(Takes hold of Antonio, and exit with him and Friar, while King, Carlos, and attendants go out by another door.)
SCENE III.
Before the Gate of the Prison; the Stage dark, excepting a Lamp hung over the Gate: Centinels discovered on watch.
Enter Balthazer with a dark lantern.
FIRST CENTINEL.
BALTHAZER.
CENTINEL.
Enter Friar by the opposite side.
FIRST CENTINEL.
FRIAR.
SECOND CENTINEL.
FRIAR.
FIRST CENTINEL.
FRIAR.
Thou art Balthazer?
BALTHAZER.
FRIAR.
BALTHAZER.
Bounding the sable darkness of the earth
From the sky's fainter gloom: it is the dawn.
FRIAR.
BALTHAZER.
Of preparation for the awful morn.
As I now pass'd along, in every street
I heard the eager citizens astir,
While light from many a lattice gleam'd. And onward,
As I approach'd th' appointed place, I saw
Round the fenced spot, already gather'd, groups
Of men and women, young and old, whose faces
Did seem, from darkness, as from nothing sprung,
Touch'd with the torches' glaring light, which downward
Stream'd from the lofty scaffold, whereon forms
Of busy artists at their fatal work,
And ghastly headsmen moving to and fro,
Appear'd like blacken'd fiends. Dost thou not hear
The stroke of hammers, and that sounding plank?
There comes a strange and thrilling coldness o'er me.(A pause, and noise without.)
I little thought to feel such ruth for him,
The man who slew my good and noble master.
FRIAR.
And he doth for that rash and rueful deed
Make dear and great amends. The gate is open'd. [Exeunt into the Prison.
SCENE IV.
A Passage Way in the Prison. Enter Friar and Gaoler, speaking as they enter.
GAOLER.
FRIAR.
GAOLER.
FRIAR.
GAOLER.
From time to time, and nought have heard within
But a deep silence, once or twice broke faintly
By slow-heaved breathings, as of heavy sleep.
FRIAR.
GAOLER.
Sleep often thus,—a deathlike, dreamless sleep.
(Speaking as he goes off.)
I well remember one, who, on the morn——
[Exeunt.
SCENE V.
The Prison Chamber. Henriquez discovered asleep on a Couch, near the Front of the Stage.
Enter Friar and Gaoler.
FRIAR.
No trace of trouble on his face! He lies
Like a tired hunter after toilsome chace.
Call to him, friend, I cannot.
GAOLER.
Awake, my Lord!—He is in heavy sleep,
Like the dull rest of death, which hath no ear.
FRIAR.
It is a woful service to awake him.
How goes the time? Might he still sleep awhile?
GAOLER.
To call him up.
FRIAR.
GAOLER (touching him gently).
He moves him now: the sound is in his ears;
The light annoys his eyes. Awake, my Lord.
(Touching him again.)
HENRIQUEZ (raising his head).
GAOLER.
HENRIQUEZ (starting from his couch).
Bid every soldier dight him for the field:
I've slept too long.
GAOLER.
At which you did give orders to be waked.
HENRIQUEZ.
The fated morn that brings to me no noon.
Sleep from the tablet of my brain had razed
All present things, and in my waking fancy
Had led me back to what I was so lately.
I thank you. Dawns the light?
FRIAR and GAOLER (both at once).
HENRIQUEZ.
Welcome, good Father; thou art come, in truth,
To wake me for the fight, and brace my strength,
Not with corporeal arms.
FRIAR.
A nobler armour, for a nobler warfare:
And the Almighty King, whose valiant soldier
Thou wilt this day approve thyself to be,
Will gird thee for the field. Receive from him
His high commission, worthy of a man.
HENRIQUEZ (looking upward, and then kneeling with his arms on his breast, and his head bowed to the ground).
I would retire, and give my thoughts to heaven
Ere earthly things shall press to mingle with them.
Come, then, and join thy fervent prayers with mine,
And teach my dying voice to sue for mercy.
[Exit with Friar.
GAOLER (looking after Henriquez).
Ah! who would once have thought that from my custody
He should pass forth to such a death? Heaven doomed it. (Noise and bustle without.)
What noise is that without?—Ho! who would enter?
VOICE (without).
KING (to Gaoler).
GAOLER.
KING.
Had any rest?
GAOLER.
He hath slept soundly.
KING.
He has been used to look death i' the face.
CARLOS.
Who on a scaffold feel their manhood quail.
KING.
GAOLER.
For an offence of state; the one a soldier,
Stout, brave, and bold in war; the other bred
To a quiet life at home; but on the scaffold
The man of peace did bear the loftier brow,
And beat the hardy vet'ran shamefully.
KING.
Until his trial comes?—I think, good Carlos,
Thou told'st me he conversed with cheerfulness
Till a late hour last night.
CARLOS.
Having first settled all his worldly cares,
Like one, who, from a heavy load released,
Unclasps his vest to recreate himself,
He with two ancient campmates and your liege-man
Conversed with kindlier, more enlivened freedom
Than he was wont: spoke of their old adventures,
Praised many a valiant heart, fall'n in the field,
And of the fate of others did inquire
With kindly interest, as though his soul
Upon the very parting verge of nature
Felt nature's sympathies more warmly. Truly
His spirit seem'd already to have doff'd
Its earthly coat, and gain'd a purer being.
KING.
So teach our holy men, and I believe them.
Doth aught approaching to a final end
Of dark extinction rise to meet it thus?
It doth not:—no, it cannot.
But first he settled all his worldly cares.
And what are his bequests?
CARLOS.
BALTHAZER.
To Juen's mem'ry near his native town,
Desiring he himself may be interr'd
In the same vault with him, and by his side.
For many friends, and all his ancient servants,
Forgetting none, he hath made kind provision.
His Lady's dowry is enlarg'd, and Mencia
Receives a noble portion to bestow
Upon her early lover, this good youth,
Whom he hath named with words of special love.
KING (to Antonio, who turns aside to weep).
Shall ever in his Prince's favour hold
An honourable place.—Pray thee, proceed.
BALTHAZER.
A large benevolence———
CARLOS.
Re-enter Henriquez and Friar.
KING (advancing to meet him).
Once more—a short intrusion.
HENRIQUEZ.
Your Grace is come to wish me a good morrow,
And cheer me on this outset of my way.
KING.
HENRIQUEZ.
Through such a gloom of hopeless misery,
That this, comparatively, seems indeed
A morn of cheer. Then so consider it.
And now, in parting, I would beg of you
To pardon whatsoe'er, in my long service,
I've done, in ignorance or stubborn will,
To prejudice the service of the state,
Or to offend your Grace. Once at Cuenca
I rashly hazarded some brave men's lives;
And, for th' unmeaning triumph of a day,
Those brave men's lives were lost. My heart for this
Has suffer'd many a pang; but pride till now
Restrain'd confession. Pardon me for this.
KING.
And with it, too, my thanks,—my solemn thanks.
For all the noble service thou hast done me.
And is there no request thou hast to make?
HENRIQUEZ.
Deserve promotion: let them, for my sake.
Find favour with your Grace. This is my suit.
KING.
Could, in return, move thine obdurate bosom!
HENRIQUEZ.
KING.
Be thou a gracious Liegeman, and restore—
Restore to me that honour of my reign,
That pride, and fence, and bulwark of my land,—
Restore to me again my gallant General,
Henriquez d'Altavera.
HENRIQUEZ.
Yea, though I say it, I have served thee bravely.
Have I from fire, or flood, or havoc shrunk?
What battle have I lost? what town abandon'd,
That now I may not, like a noble Spaniard,
My earthly station quit, from insult spared?
I've owed you service as my rightful King;
I've owed you service as my gracious Master:
But not for man on earth, nor saint in heaven,
Would I submit a loathed life to live,
After the horrid deed that I have done.
FRIAR (laying his hand gently on Henriquez).
Which, at the Throne of Grace, some moments since,
Thou didst devoutly pray for?
HENRIQUEZ.
Was smother'd, not extinct. (Turning to the King.)
I will not, standing on this awful verge,
To mortal greatness bend, else on my knees
HENRIQUEZ.
But thou'lt forgive me now the many wrongs
I've done thine honest worth, fastidiously
Thou part'st with me in charity.
ANTONIO (catching his hands, and kissing them fervently).
In deepest admiration, in devotion
That for thy sake would make me welcome death,
Yea, suffer shame, or be an outlawed wretch,
Cast off from all my kind.
HENRIQUEZ.
And be my fate thy warning. For I see
Keen passions and affections in thy nature,
Akin to those I felt in early youth.
And when thou think'st of me, consider this:
The law condemneth not a man unheard,
Be he the veriest wretch upon the earth:
But I unheard condemn'd my dearest friend.
Balthazer, thou dost know how very dear—
No, no! thou could'st not know how well I loved him.
Farewell, good Secretary, and be sure
Thou mind thy charge. See that it be erected
With strength and skill; a noble monument,
That will resist the silent strokes of time.
BALTHAZER.
He took his bed; and whether violent grief
Or other means did speed his end, I know not:
He died last night.
HENRIQUEZ.
Freed from his master, fears his wrath no more.
My poor Diego! he did live with me
In too much awe: and yet he loved me well.
I was to blame in this.
Enter Leonora and Mencia.
CARLOS.
HENRIQUEZ.
CARLOS.
HENRIQUEZ.
Yet thou art welcome to my heart once more.
Farewell in love,—in true, in most dear love, My dearest wife.
LEONORA.
The cause of all thy misery,—thy bane.
HENRIQUEZ (embracing her).
But O! far more my bliss! So be content.
I have had many days of prosperous life
Before this storm of misery broke upon me,
Thy love the flower and crown of all. Be comforted.
And Mencia, too, sweet maid, I understand
Thy mute farewell, which I accept. God bless thee!
LEONORA.
HENRIQUEZ.
KING.
HENRIQUEZ.
My dying blessing rest![Exit King.
Here comes the Marshal.
Enter Marshal and other Officers.
(To the Marshal.) Are all things ready, then?
(The Marshal bows.)
(To Carlos and Friar.) My faithful friends,
Who still cling to my latest throb of life,
I claim of you a kind but painful service.
(He begins to move, the Friar walking by his Side, and Carlos following, while the Bell tolls, and a large Door in the Centre of the back Scene being thrown open, discovers a grand arched Passage, lined with Guards and other public Officers, who, as he passes along, join the Procession. The Curtain drops.)