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The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 2 (of 2) — John Shaqi

The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 2 (of 2)Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

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The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 2 (of 2)

Name: The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 2 (of 2)
Author: Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

English poetry -- 19th century

_Albert (not observing Maria and Alhadra)._ Three weeks have I been
      loitering here, nor ever
  Have summon'd up my heart to ask one question,
  Or stop one peasant passing on this way.

  _Maria._ Know you that man?

  _Alhadra._                  His person, not his name.              250
  I doubt not, he is some Moresco chieftain
  Who hides himself among the Alpuxarras.
  A week has scarcely pass'd since first I saw him;
  He has new-roof'd the desolate old cottage
  Where Zagri lived--who dared avow the prophet                      255
  And died like one of the faithful! There he lives,
  And a friend with him.

  _Maria._               Does he know his danger
  So near this seat?

  _Alhadra._         He wears the Moorish robes too,
  As in defiance of the royal edict.

              [_ALHADRA advances to ALBERT, who has walked to the
                   back of the stage near the rocks. MARIA drops
                   her veil._

  _Alhadra._ Gallant Moresco! you are near the castle                260
  Of the Lord Velez, and hard by does dwell
  A priest, the creature of the Inquisition.

  _Albert (retiring)._ You have mistaken me--I am a Christian.

  _Alhadra (to Maria)._ He deems that we are plotting to ensnare him.
  Speak to him, lady! none can hear you speak                        265
  And not believe you innocent of guile.

              [_ALBERT, on hearing this, pauses and turns round._

  _Maria._ If aught enforce you to concealment, sir!

  _Alhadra._ He trembles strangely.

           [_ALBERT sinks down and hides his face in his garment_
                [_robe_ Remorse].

  _Maria._                          See--we have disturb'd him.

                                     [_Approaches nearer to him._

  I pray you, think us friends--uncowl your face,
  For you seem faint, and the night-breeze blows healing.            270
  I pray you, think us friends!

  _Albert (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!
  It was a dream, a phantom of my sleep,                             275
  A lying dream.     [_He starts up, and abruptly addresses her._
                 Maria! you are not wedded?

  _Maria (haughtily to Alhadra)._ Let us retire.

                       [_They advance to the front of the stage._

  _Alhadra._                                     He is indeed a
      Christian.
  Some stray Sir Knight, that falls in love of a sudden.

  _Maria._ What can this mean? How should he know my name?
  It seems all shadowy.

  _Alhadra._            Here he comes again.                         280

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The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 2 (of 2)

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