He saw but two methods of extricating11 himself from his difficulties. The one was to resign his dominions12 to the Marquis—pride, ambition, and his reliance on ancient prophecies, which had pointed13 out a possibility of his preserving them to his posterity14, combated that thought. The other was to press his marriage with Isabella. After long ruminating15 on these anxious thoughts, as he marched silently with Hippolita to the castle, he at last discoursed16 with that Princess on the subject of his disquiet18, and used every insinuating19 and plausible20 argument to extract her consent to, even her promise of promoting the divorce. Hippolita needed little persuasions21 to bend her to his pleasure. She endeavoured to win him over to the measure of resigning his dominions; but finding her exhortations22 fruitless, she assured him, that as far as her conscience would allow, she would raise no opposition23 to a separation, though without better founded scruples24 than what he yet alleged25, she would not engage to be active in demanding it.
This compliance26, though inadequate27, was sufficient to raise Manfred’s hopes. He trusted that his power and wealth would easily advance his suit at the court of Rome, whither he resolved to engage Frederic to take a journey on purpose. That Prince had discovered so much passion for Matilda, that Manfred hoped to obtain all he wished by holding out or withdrawing his daughter’s charms, according as the Marquis should appear more or less disposed to co-operate in his views. Even the absence of Frederic would be a material point gained, until he could take further measures for his security.
Dismissing Hippolita to her apartment, he repaired to that of the Marquis; but crossing the great hall through which he was to pass he met Bianca. The damsel he knew was in the confidence of both the young ladies. It immediately occurred to him to sift28 her on the subject of Isabella and Theodore. Calling her aside into the recess29 of the oriel window of the hall, and soothing30 her with many fair words and promises, he demanded of her whether she knew aught of the state of Isabella’s affections.
“I! my Lord! no my Lord—yes my Lord—poor Lady! she is wonderfully alarmed about her father’s wounds; but I tell her he will do well; don’t your Highness think so?”
“I do not ask you,” replied Manfred, “what she thinks about her father; but you are in her secrets. Come, be a good girl and tell me; is there any young man—ha!—you understand me.”
“Lord bless me! understand your Highness? no, not I. I told her a few vulnerary herbs and repose31—”
“I am not talking,” replied the Prince, impatiently, “about her father; I know he will do well.”
“Bless me, I rejoice to hear your Highness say so; for though I thought it not right to let my young Lady despond, methought his greatness had a wan32 look, and a something—I remember when young Ferdinand was wounded by the Venetian—”
“Thou answerest from the point,” interrupted Manfred; “but here, take this jewel, perhaps that may fix thy attention—nay, no reverences33; my favour shall not stop here—come, tell me truly; how stands Isabella’s heart?”
“Well! your Highness has such a way!” said Bianca, “to be sure—but can your Highness keep a secret? if it should ever come out of your lips—”
“It shall not, it shall not,” cried Manfred.
“Nay, but swear, your Highness.”
“By my halidame, if it should ever be known that I said it—”
“Why, truth is truth, I do not think my Lady Isabella ever much affectioned my young Lord your son; yet he was a sweet youth as one should see; I am sure, if I had been a Princess—but bless me! I must attend my Lady Matilda; she will marvel34 what is become of me.”
“Stay,” cried Manfred; “thou hast not satisfied my question. Hast thou ever carried any message, any letter?”
“I! good gracious!” cried Bianca; “I carry a letter? I would not to be a Queen. I hope your Highness thinks, though I am poor, I am honest. Did your Highness never hear what Count Marsigli offered me, when he came a wooing to my Lady Matilda?”
“I have not leisure,” said Manfred, “to listen to thy tale. I do not question thy honesty. But it is thy duty to conceal35 nothing from me. How long has Isabella been acquainted with Theodore?”
“Nay, there is nothing can escape your Highness!” said Bianca; “not that I know any thing of the matter. Theodore, to be sure, is a proper young man, and, as my Lady Matilda says, the very image of good Alfonso. Has not your Highness remarked it?”
“Yes, yes,—No—thou torturest me,” said Manfred. “Where did they meet? when?”
“Who! my Lady Matilda?” said Bianca.
“No, no, not Matilda: Isabella; when did Isabella first become acquainted with this Theodore!”
“Thou dost know,” said Manfred; “and I must know; I will—”
“Lord! your Highness is not jealous of young Theodore!” said Bianca.
“Jealous! no, no. Why should I be jealous? perhaps I mean to unite them—If I were sure Isabella would have no repugnance37.”
“Repugnance! no, I’ll warrant her,” said Bianca; “he is as comely38 a youth as ever trod on Christian39 ground. We are all in love with him; there is not a soul in the castle but would be rejoiced to have him for our Prince—I mean, when it shall please heaven to call your Highness to itself.”
“Indeed!” said Manfred, “has it gone so far! oh! this cursed Friar!—but I must not lose time—go, Bianca, attend Isabella; but I charge thee, not a word of what has passed. Find out how she is affected40 towards Theodore; bring me good news, and that ring has a companion. Wait at the foot of the winding41 staircase: I am going to visit the Marquis, and will talk further with thee at my return.”
Manfred, after some general conversation, desired Frederic to dismiss the two Knights42, his companions, having to talk with him on urgent affairs.
As soon as they were alone, he began in artful guise43 to sound the Marquis on the subject of Matilda; and finding him disposed to his wish, he let drop hints on the difficulties that would attend the celebration of their marriage, unless—At that instant Bianca burst into the room with a wildness in her look and gestures that spoke44 the utmost terror.
“What is come again?” cried Manfred amazed.
“Oh! the hand! the Giant! the hand!—support me! I am terrified out of my senses,” cried Bianca. “I will not sleep in the castle to-night. Where shall I go? my things may come after me to-morrow—would I had been content to wed46 Francesco! this comes of ambition!”
“What has terrified thee thus, young woman?” said the Marquis. “Thou art safe here; be not alarmed.”
“Oh! your Greatness is wonderfully good,” said Bianca, “but I dare not—no, pray let me go—I had rather leave everything behind me, than stay another hour under this roof.”
“Go to, thou hast lost thy senses,” said Manfred. “Interrupt us not; we were communing on important matters—My Lord, this wench is subject to fits—Come with me, Bianca.”
“Oh! the Saints! No,” said Bianca, “for certain it comes to warn your Highness; why should it appear to me else? I say my prayers morning and evening—oh! if your Highness had believed Diego! ’Tis the same hand that he saw the foot to in the gallery-chamber47—Father Jerome has often told us the prophecy would be out one of these days—‘Bianca,’ said he, ‘mark my words—’”
“Thou ravest,” said Manfred, in a rage; “be gone, and keep these fooleries to frighten thy companions.”
“What! my Lord,” cried Bianca, “do you think I have seen nothing? go to the foot of the great stairs yourself—as I live I saw it.”
“Saw what? tell us, fair maid, what thou hast seen,” said Frederic.
“Can your Highness listen,” said Manfred, “to the delirium48 of a silly wench, who has heard stories of apparitions50 until she believes them?”
“This is more than fancy,” said the Marquis; “her terror is too natural and too strongly impressed to be the work of imagination. Tell us, fair maiden51, what it is has moved thee thus?”
“Yes, my Lord, thank your Greatness,” said Bianca; “I believe I look very pale; I shall be better when I have recovered myself—I was going to my Lady Isabella’s chamber, by his Highness’s order—”
“We do not want the circumstances,” interrupted Manfred. “Since his Highness will have it so, proceed; but be brief.”
“Lord! your Highness thwarts52 one so!” replied Bianca; “I fear my hair—I am sure I never in my life—well! as I was telling your Greatness, I was going by his Highness’s order to my Lady Isabella’s chamber; she lies in the watchet-coloured chamber, on the right hand, one pair of stairs: so when I came to the great stairs—I was looking on his Highness’s present here—”
“Grant me patience!” said Manfred, “will this wench never come to the point? what imports it to the Marquis, that I gave thee a bauble53 for thy faithful attendance on my daughter? we want to know what thou sawest.”
“I was going to tell your Highness,” said Bianca, “if you would permit me. So as I was rubbing the ring—I am sure I had not gone up three steps, but I heard the rattling54 of armour55; for all the world such a clatter56 as Diego says he heard when the Giant turned him about in the gallery-chamber.”
“What Giant is this, my Lord?” said the Marquis; “is your castle haunted by giants and goblins?”
“Lord! what, has not your Greatness heard the story of the Giant in the gallery-chamber?” cried Bianca. “I marvel his Highness has not told you; mayhap you do not know there is a prophecy—”
“This trifling57 is intolerable,” interrupted Manfred. “Let us dismiss this silly wench, my Lord! we have more important affairs to discuss.”
“By your favour,” said Frederic, “these are no trifles. The enormous sabre I was directed to in the wood, yon casque, its fellow—are these visions of this poor maiden’s brain?”
“So Jaquez thinks, may it please your Greatness,” said Bianca. “He says this moon will not be out without our seeing some strange revolution. For my part, I should not be surprised if it was to happen to-morrow; for, as I was saying, when I heard the clattering58 of armour, I was all in a cold sweat. I looked up, and, if your Greatness will believe me, I saw upon the uppermost banister of the great stairs a hand in armour as big as big. I thought I should have swooned. I never stopped until I came hither—would I were well out of this castle. My Lady Matilda told me but yester-morning that her Highness Hippolita knows something.”
“Thou art an insolent59!” cried Manfred. “Lord Marquis, it much misgives60 me that this scene is concerted to affront61 me. Are my own domestics suborned to spread tales injurious to my honour? Pursue your claim by manly62 daring; or let us bury our feuds63, as was proposed, by the intermarriage of our children. But trust me, it ill becomes a Prince of your bearing to practise on mercenary wenches.”
“I scorn your imputation,” said Frederic. “Until this hour I never set eyes on this damsel: I have given her no jewel. My Lord, my Lord, your conscience, your guilt64 accuses you, and would throw the suspicion on me; but keep your daughter, and think no more of Isabella. The judgments65 already fallen on your house forbid me matching into it.”
Manfred, alarmed at the resolute66 tone in which Frederic delivered these words, endeavoured to pacify67 him. Dismissing Bianca, he made such submissions68 to the Marquis, and threw in such artful encomiums on Matilda, that Frederic was once more staggered. However, as his passion was of so recent a date, it could not at once surmount69 the scruples he had conceived. He had gathered enough from Bianca’s discourse17 to persuade him that heaven declared itself against Manfred. The proposed marriages too removed his claim to a distance; and the principality of Otranto was a stronger temptation than the contingent71 reversion of it with Matilda. Still he would not absolutely recede72 from his engagements; but purposing to gain time, he demanded of Manfred if it was true in fact that Hippolita consented to the divorce. The Prince, transported to find no other obstacle, and depending on his influence over his wife, assured the Marquis it was so, and that he might satisfy himself of the truth from her own mouth.
As they were thus discoursing73, word was brought that the banquet was prepared. Manfred conducted Frederic to the great hall, where they were received by Hippolita and the young Princesses. Manfred placed the Marquis next to Matilda, and seated himself between his wife and Isabella. Hippolita comported74 herself with an easy gravity; but the young ladies were silent and melancholy75. Manfred, who was determined76 to pursue his point with the Marquis in the remainder of the evening, pushed on the feast until it waxed late; affecting unrestrained gaiety, and plying77 Frederic with repeated goblets78 of wine. The latter, more upon his guard than Manfred wished, declined his frequent challenges, on pretence79 of his late loss of blood; while the Prince, to raise his own disordered spirits, and to counterfeit81 unconcern, indulged himself in plentiful82 draughts83, though not to the intoxication84 of his senses.
The evening being far advanced, the banquet concluded. Manfred would have withdrawn85 with Frederic; but the latter pleading weakness and want of repose, retired87 to his chamber, gallantly88 telling the Prince that his daughter should amuse his Highness until himself could attend him. Manfred accepted the party, and to the no small grief of Isabella, accompanied her to her apartment. Matilda waited on her mother to enjoy the freshness of the evening on the ramparts of the castle.
Soon as the company were dispersed89 their several ways, Frederic, quitting his chamber, inquired if Hippolita was alone, and was told by one of her attendants, who had not noticed her going forth90, that at that hour she generally withdrew to her oratory91, where he probably would find her. The Marquis, during the repast, had beheld92 Matilda with increase of passion. He now wished to find Hippolita in the disposition93 her Lord had promised. The portents94 that had alarmed him were forgotten in his desires. Stealing softly and unobserved to the apartment of Hippolita, he entered it with a resolution to encourage her acquiescence95 to the divorce, having perceived that Manfred was resolved to make the possession of Isabella an unalterable condition, before he would grant Matilda to his wishes.
The Marquis was not surprised at the silence that reigned96 in the Princess’s apartment. Concluding her, as he had been advertised, in her oratory, he passed on. The door was ajar; the evening gloomy and overcast98. Pushing open the door gently, he saw a person kneeling before the altar. As he approached nearer, it seemed not a woman, but one in a long woollen weed, whose back was towards him. The person seemed absorbed in prayer. The Marquis was about to return, when the figure, rising, stood some moments fixed99 in meditation100, without regarding him. The Marquis, expecting the holy person to come forth, and meaning to excuse his uncivil interruption, said,
“Reverend Father, I sought the Lady Hippolita.”
“Hippolita!” replied a hollow voice; “camest thou to this castle to seek Hippolita?” and then the figure, turning slowly round, discovered to Frederic the fleshless jaws101 and empty sockets102 of a skeleton, wrapt in a hermit103’s cowl.
“Deserve their protection!” said the Spectre. Frederic, falling on his knees, adjured106 the phantom107 to take pity on him.
“Dost thou not remember me?” said the apparition49. “Remember the wood of Joppa!”
“Art thou that holy hermit?” cried Frederic, trembling. “Can I do aught for thy eternal peace?”
“Wast thou delivered from bondage,” said the spectre, “to pursue carnal delights? Hast thou forgotten the buried sabre, and the behest of Heaven engraven on it?”
“I have not, I have not,” said Frederic; “but say, blest spirit, what is thy errand to me? What remains108 to be done?”
“To forget Matilda!” said the apparition; and vanished.
Frederic’s blood froze in his veins109. For some minutes he remained motionless. Then falling prostrate110 on his face before the altar, he besought111 the intercession of every saint for pardon. A flood of tears succeeded to this transport; and the image of the beauteous Matilda rushing in spite of him on his thoughts, he lay on the ground in a conflict of penitence112 and passion. Ere he could recover from this agony of his spirits, the Princess Hippolita with a taper113 in her hand entered the oratory alone. Seeing a man without motion on the floor, she gave a shriek114, concluding him dead. Her fright brought Frederic to himself. Rising suddenly, his face bedewed with tears, he would have rushed from her presence; but Hippolita stopping him, conjured115 him in the most plaintive116 accents to explain the cause of his disorder80, and by what strange chance she had found him there in that posture117.
“For the love of Heaven, my Lord,” said Hippolita, “disclose the cause of this transport! What mean these doleful sounds, this alarming exclamation120 on my name? What woes121 has heaven still in store for the wretched Hippolita? Yet silent! By every pitying angel, I adjure105 thee, noble Prince,” continued she, falling at his feet, “to disclose the purport123 of what lies at thy heart. I see thou feelest for me; thou feelest the sharp pangs that thou inflictest—speak, for pity! Does aught thou knowest concern my child?”
“I cannot speak,” cried Frederic, bursting from her. “Oh, Matilda!”
Quitting the Princess thus abruptly124, he hastened to his own apartment. At the door of it he was accosted125 by Manfred, who flushed by wine and love had come to seek him, and to propose to waste some hours of the night in music and revelling126. Frederic, offended at an invitation so dissonant from the mood of his soul, pushed him rudely aside, and entering his chamber, flung the door intemperately127 against Manfred, and bolted it inwards. The haughty128 Prince, enraged129 at this unaccountable behaviour, withdrew in a frame of mind capable of the most fatal excesses. As he crossed the court, he was met by the domestic whom he had planted at the convent as a spy on Jerome and Theodore. This man, almost breathless with the haste he had made, informed his Lord that Theodore, and some lady from the castle were, at that instant, in private conference at the tomb of Alfonso in St. Nicholas’s church. He had dogged Theodore thither130, but the gloominess of the night had prevented his discovering who the woman was.
Manfred, whose spirits were inflamed131, and whom Isabella had driven from her on his urging his passion with too little reserve, did not doubt but the inquietude she had expressed had been occasioned by her impatience132 to meet Theodore. Provoked by this conjecture133, and enraged at her father, he hastened secretly to the great church. Gliding softly between the aisles134, and guided by an imperfect gleam of moonshine that shone faintly through the illuminated135 windows, he stole towards the tomb of Alfonso, to which he was directed by indistinct whispers of the persons he sought. The first sounds he could distinguish were—
“No, this shall prevent it!” cried the tyrant137, drawing his dagger138, and plunging139 it over her shoulder into the bosom140 of the person that spoke.
“Savage, inhuman142 monster, what hast thou done!” cried Theodore, rushing on him, and wrenching143 his dagger from him.
“Stop, stop thy impious hand!” cried Matilda; “it is my father!”
Manfred, waking as from a trance, beat his breast, twisted his hands in his locks, and endeavoured to recover his dagger from Theodore to despatch145 himself. Theodore, scarce less distracted, and only mastering the transports of his grief to assist Matilda, had now by his cries drawn86 some of the monks146 to his aid. While part of them endeavoured, in concert with the afflicted147 Theodore, to stop the blood of the dying Princess, the rest prevented Manfred from laying violent hands on himself.
Matilda, resigning herself patiently to her fate, acknowledged with looks of grateful love the zeal148 of Theodore. Yet oft as her faintness would permit her speech its way, she begged the assistants to comfort her father. Jerome, by this time, had learnt the fatal news, and reached the church. His looks seemed to reproach Theodore, but turning to Manfred, he said,
“Now, tyrant! behold149 the completion of woe122 fulfilled on thy impious and devoted150 head! The blood of Alfonso cried to heaven for vengeance151; and heaven has permitted its altar to be polluted by assassination152, that thou mightest shed thy own blood at the foot of that Prince’s sepulchre!”
“Cruel man!” cried Matilda, “to aggravate153 the woes of a parent; may heaven bless my father, and forgive him as I do! My Lord, my gracious Sire, dost thou forgive thy child? Indeed, I came not hither to meet Theodore. I found him praying at this tomb, whither my mother sent me to intercede154 for thee, for her—dearest father, bless your child, and say you forgive her.”
“Forgive thee! Murderous monster!” cried Manfred, “can assassins forgive? I took thee for Isabella; but heaven directed my bloody155 hand to the heart of my child. Oh, Matilda!—I cannot utter it—canst thou forgive the blindness of my rage?”
“I can, I do; and may heaven confirm it!” said Matilda; “but while I have life to ask it—oh! my mother! what will she feel? Will you comfort her, my Lord? Will you not put her away? Indeed she loves you! Oh, I am faint! bear me to the castle. Can I live to have her close my eyes?”
Theodore and the monks besought her earnestly to suffer herself to be borne into the convent; but her instances were so pressing to be carried to the castle, that placing her on a litter, they conveyed her thither as she requested. Theodore, supporting her head with his arm, and hanging over her in an agony of despairing love, still endeavoured to inspire her with hopes of life. Jerome, on the other side, comforted her with discourses156 of heaven, and holding a crucifix before her, which she bathed with innocent tears, prepared her for her passage to immortality157. Manfred, plunged158 in the deepest affliction, followed the litter in despair.
Ere they reached the castle, Hippolita, informed of the dreadful catastrophe159, had flown to meet her murdered child; but when she saw the afflicted procession, the mightiness160 of her grief deprived her of her senses, and she fell lifeless to the earth in a swoon. Isabella and Frederic, who attended her, were overwhelmed in almost equal sorrow. Matilda alone seemed insensible to her own situation: every thought was lost in tenderness for her mother.
Ordering the litter to stop, as soon as Hippolita was brought to herself, she asked for her father. He approached, unable to speak. Matilda, seizing his hand and her mother’s, locked them in her own, and then clasped them to her heart. Manfred could not support this act of pathetic piety161. He dashed himself on the ground, and cursed the day he was born. Isabella, apprehensive162 that these struggles of passion were more than Matilda could support, took upon herself to order Manfred to be borne to his apartment, while she caused Matilda to be conveyed to the nearest chamber. Hippolita, scarce more alive than her daughter, was regardless of everything but her; but when the tender Isabella’s care would have likewise removed her, while the surgeons examined Matilda’s wound, she cried,
“Remove me! never, never! I lived but in her, and will expire with her.”
Matilda raised her eyes at her mother’s voice, but closed them again without speaking. Her sinking pulse and the damp coldness of her hand soon dispelled163 all hopes of recovery. Theodore followed the surgeons into the outer chamber, and heard them pronounce the fatal sentence with a transport equal to frenzy164.
“Since she cannot live mine,” cried he, “at least she shall be mine in death! Father! Jerome! will you not join our hands?” cried he to the Friar, who, with the Marquis, had accompanied the surgeons.
“What means thy distracted rashness?” said Jerome. “Is this an hour for marriage?”
“It is, it is,” cried Theodore. “Alas! there is no other!”
“Young man, thou art too unadvised,” said Frederic. “Dost thou think we are to listen to thy fond transports in this hour of fate? What pretensions165 hast thou to the Princess?”
“Those of a Prince,” said Theodore; “of the sovereign of Otranto. This reverend man, my father, has informed me who I am.”
“Thou ravest,” said the Marquis. “There is no Prince of Otranto but myself, now Manfred, by murder, by sacrilegious murder, has forfeited166 all pretensions.”
“My Lord,” said Jerome, assuming an air of command, “he tells you true. It was not my purpose the secret should have been divulged167 so soon, but fate presses onward168 to its work. What his hot-headed passion has revealed, my tongue confirms. Know, Prince, that when Alfonso set sail for the Holy Land—”
“Is this a season for explanations?” cried Theodore. “Father, come and unite me to the Princess; she shall be mine! In every other thing I will dutifully obey you. My life! my adored Matilda!” continued Theodore, rushing back into the inner chamber, “will you not be mine? Will you not bless your—”
Isabella made signs to him to be silent, apprehending169 the Princess was near her end.
“What, is she dead?” cried Theodore; “is it possible!”
The violence of his exclamations170 brought Matilda to herself. Lifting up her eyes, she looked round for her mother.
“Life of my soul, I am here!” cried Hippolita; “think not I will quit thee!”
“Oh! you are too good,” said Matilda. “But weep not for me, my mother! I am going where sorrow never dwells—Isabella, thou hast loved me; wouldst thou not supply my fondness to this dear, dear woman? Indeed I am faint!”
“Oh! my child! my child!” said Hippolita in a flood of tears, “can I not withhold171 thee a moment?”
“It will not be,” said Matilda; “commend me to heaven—Where is my father? forgive him, dearest mother—forgive him my death; it was an error. Oh! I had forgotten—dearest mother, I vowed173 never to see Theodore more—perhaps that has drawn down this calamity—but it was not intentional—can you pardon me?”
“Oh! wound not my agonising soul!” said Hippolita; “thou never couldst offend me—Alas! she faints! help! help!”
“I would say something more,” said Matilda, struggling, “but it cannot be—Isabella—Theodore—for my sake—Oh!—” she expired.
Isabella and her women tore Hippolita from the corse; but Theodore threatened destruction to all who attempted to remove him from it. He printed a thousand kisses on her clay-cold hands, and uttered every expression that despairing love could dictate174.
Isabella, in the meantime, was accompanying the afflicted Hippolita to her apartment; but, in the middle of the court, they were met by Manfred, who, distracted with his own thoughts, and anxious once more to behold his daughter, was advancing to the chamber where she lay. As the moon was now at its height, he read in the countenances175 of this unhappy company the event he dreaded176.
“What! is she dead?” cried he in wild confusion. A clap of thunder at that instant shook the castle to its foundations; the earth rocked, and the clank of more than mortal armour was heard behind. Frederic and Jerome thought the last day was at hand. The latter, forcing Theodore along with them, rushed into the court. The moment Theodore appeared, the walls of the castle behind Manfred were thrown down with a mighty177 force, and the form of Alfonso, dilated178 to an immense magnitude, appeared in the centre of the ruins.
“Behold in Theodore the true heir of Alfonso!” said the vision: And having pronounced those words, accompanied by a clap of thunder, it ascended179 solemnly towards heaven, where the clouds parting asunder180, the form of St. Nicholas was seen, and receiving Alfonso’s shade, they were soon wrapt from mortal eyes in a blaze of glory.
The beholders fell prostrate on their faces, acknowledging the divine will. The first that broke silence was Hippolita.
“My Lord,” said she to the desponding Manfred, “behold the vanity of human greatness! Conrad is gone! Matilda is no more! In Theodore we view the true Prince of Otranto. By what miracle he is so I know not—suffice it to us, our doom181 is pronounced! shall we not, can we but dedicate the few deplorable hours we have to live, in deprecating the further wrath182 of heaven? heaven ejects us—whither can we fly, but to yon holy cells that yet offer us a retreat.”
“Thou guiltless but unhappy woman! unhappy by my crimes!” replied Manfred, “my heart at last is open to thy devout183 admonitions. Oh! could—but it cannot be—ye are lost in wonder—let me at last do justice on myself! To heap shame on my own head is all the satisfaction I have left to offer to offended heaven. My story has drawn down these judgments: Let my confession184 atone185—but, ah! what can atone for usurpation186 and a murdered child? a child murdered in a consecrated187 place? List, sirs, and may this bloody record be a warning to future tyrants188!”
“Alfonso, ye all know, died in the Holy Land—ye would interrupt me; ye would say he came not fairly to his end—it is most true—why else this bitter cup which Manfred must drink to the dregs. Ricardo, my grandfather, was his chamberlain—I would draw a veil over my ancestor’s crimes—but it is in vain! Alfonso died by poison. A fictitious189 will declared Ricardo his heir. His crimes pursued him—yet he lost no Conrad, no Matilda! I pay the price of usurpation for all! A storm overtook him. Haunted by his guilt he vowed to St. Nicholas to found a church and two convents, if he lived to reach Otranto. The sacrifice was accepted: the saint appeared to him in a dream, and promised that Ricardo’s posterity should reign97 in Otranto until the rightful owner should be grown too large to inhabit the castle, and as long as issue male from Ricardo’s loins should remain to enjoy it—alas! alas! nor male nor female, except myself, remains of all his wretched race! I have done—the woes of these three days speak the rest. How this young man can be Alfonso’s heir I know not—yet I do not doubt it. His are these dominions; I resign them—yet I knew not Alfonso had an heir—I question not the will of heaven—poverty and prayer must fill up the woeful space, until Manfred shall be summoned to Ricardo.”
“What remains is my part to declare,” said Jerome. “When Alfonso set sail for the Holy Land he was driven by a storm to the coast of Sicily. The other vessel190, which bore Ricardo and his train, as your Lordship must have heard, was separated from him.”
“It is most true,” said Manfred; “and the title you give me is more than an outcast can claim—well! be it so—proceed.”
Jerome blushed, and continued. “For three months Lord Alfonso was wind-bound in Sicily. There he became enamoured of a fair virgin named Victoria. He was too pious144 to tempt70 her to forbidden pleasures. They were married. Yet deeming this amour incongruous with the holy vow172 of arms by which he was bound, he determined to conceal their nuptials191 until his return from the Crusade, when he purposed to seek and acknowledge her for his lawful192 wife. He left her pregnant. During his absence she was delivered of a daughter. But scarce had she felt a mother’s pangs ere she heard the fatal rumour193 of her Lord’s death, and the succession of Ricardo. What could a friendless, helpless woman do? Would her testimony194 avail?—yet, my lord, I have an authentic195 writing—”
“It needs not,” said Manfred; “the horrors of these days, the vision we have but now seen, all corroborate196 thy evidence beyond a thousand parchments. Matilda’s death and my expulsion—”
“Be composed, my Lord,” said Hippolita; “this holy man did not mean to recall your griefs.” Jerome proceeded.
“I shall not dwell on what is needless. The daughter of which Victoria was delivered, was at her maturity197 bestowed198 in marriage on me. Victoria died; and the secret remained locked in my breast. Theodore’s narrative199 has told the rest.”
The Friar ceased. The disconsolate200 company retired to the remaining part of the castle. In the morning Manfred signed his abdication201 of the principality, with the approbation202 of Hippolita, and each took on them the habit of religion in the neighbouring convents. Frederic offered his daughter to the new Prince, which Hippolita’s tenderness for Isabella concurred203 to promote. But Theodore’s grief was too fresh to admit the thought of another love; and it was not until after frequent discourses with Isabella of his dear Matilda, that he was persuaded he could know no happiness but in the society of one with whom he could for ever indulge the melancholy that had taken possession of his soul.
The End
The End
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1
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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2
privy
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| adj.私用的；隐密的 | |
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3
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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4
dissonant
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| adj.不和谐的；不悦耳的 | |
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meekness
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| n.温顺，柔和 | |
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apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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bespeak
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| v.预定；预先请求 | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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extricating
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| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的现在分词 ) | |
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dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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15
ruminating
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| v.沉思( ruminate的现在分词 )；反复考虑；反刍；倒嚼 | |
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discoursed
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| 演说（discourse的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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disquiet
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| n.担心，焦虑 | |
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19
insinuating
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| adj.曲意巴结的，暗示的v.暗示( insinuate的现在分词 )；巧妙或迂回地潜入；（使）缓慢进入；慢慢伸入 | |
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20
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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21
persuasions
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| n.劝说，说服（力）( persuasion的名词复数 )；信仰 | |
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exhortations
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| n.敦促( exhortation的名词复数 )；极力推荐；（正式的）演讲；（宗教仪式中的）劝诫 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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28
sift
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| v.筛撒，纷落，详察 | |
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29
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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32
wan
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| (wide area network)广域网 | |
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reverences
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| n.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的名词复数 )；敬礼 | |
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marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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35
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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36
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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37
repugnance
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| n.嫌恶 | |
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38
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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40
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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41
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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42
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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43
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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44
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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45
undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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46
wed
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| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
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47
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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48
delirium
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| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
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49
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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50
apparitions
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| n.特异景象( apparition的名词复数 )；幽灵；鬼；（特异景象等的）出现 | |
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51
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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52
thwarts
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| 阻挠( thwart的第三人称单数 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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53
bauble
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| n.美观而无价值的饰物 | |
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54
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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55
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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56
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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57
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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58
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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59
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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60
misgives
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| v.使（某人的情绪、精神等）疑虑，担忧，害怕( misgive的第三人称单数 ) | |
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61
affront
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| n./v.侮辱，触怒 | |
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62
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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63
feuds
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| n.长期不和，世仇( feud的名词复数 ) | |
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64
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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65
judgments
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| 判断( judgment的名词复数 )； 鉴定； 评价； 审判 | |
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66
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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67
pacify
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| vt.使(某人)平静(或息怒)；抚慰 | |
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68
submissions
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| n.提交( submission的名词复数 )；屈从；归顺；向法官或陪审团提出的意见或论据 | |
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69
surmount
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| vt.克服；置于…顶上 | |
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70
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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71
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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72
recede
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| vi.退(去)，渐渐远去；向后倾斜，缩进 | |
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73
discoursing
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| 演说（discourse的现在分词形式） | |
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74
comported
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| v.表现( comport的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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75
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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77
plying
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的现在分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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78
goblets
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| n.高脚酒杯( goblet的名词复数 ) | |
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79
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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80
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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81
counterfeit
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| vt.伪造，仿造；adj.伪造的，假冒的 | |
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82
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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83
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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84
intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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85
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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86
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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87
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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88
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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89
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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90
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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91
oratory
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| n.演讲术；词藻华丽的言辞 | |
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92
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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93
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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94
portents
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| n.预兆( portent的名词复数 )；征兆；怪事；奇物 | |
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95
acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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96
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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97
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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98
overcast
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| adj.阴天的，阴暗的，愁闷的；v.遮盖，（使）变暗，包边缝；n.覆盖，阴天 | |
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99
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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100
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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101
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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102
sockets
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| n.套接字，使应用程序能够读写与收发通讯协定(protocol)与资料的程序( Socket的名词复数 )；孔( socket的名词复数 )；（电器上的）插口；托座；凹穴 | |
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103
hermit
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| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
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104
recoiling
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| v.畏缩( recoil的现在分词 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
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105
adjure
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| v.郑重敦促(恳请) | |
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106
adjured
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| v.（以起誓或诅咒等形式）命令要求( adjure的过去式和过去分词 )；祈求；恳求 | |
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107
phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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108
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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109
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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110
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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111
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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112
penitence
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| n.忏悔，赎罪；悔过 | |
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113
taper
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| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
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114
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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115
conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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116
plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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117
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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118
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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119
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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120
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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121
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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122
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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123
purport
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| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
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124
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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125
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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126
revelling
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| v.作乐( revel的现在分词 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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127
intemperately
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| adv.过度地，无节制地，放纵地 | |
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128
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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129
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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130
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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131
inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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132
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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133
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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134
aisles
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| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
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135
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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136
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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137
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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138
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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139
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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140
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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141
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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142
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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143
wrenching
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| n.修截苗根，苗木铲根（铲根时苗木不起土或部分起土）v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的现在分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
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144
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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145
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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146
monks
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| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
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147
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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149
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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150
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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151
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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152
assassination
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| n.暗杀；暗杀事件 | |
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153
aggravate
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| vt.加重(剧)，使恶化；激怒，使恼火 | |
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154
intercede
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| vi.仲裁，说情 | |
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155
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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156
discourses
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| 论文( discourse的名词复数 )； 演说； 讲道； 话语 | |
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157
immortality
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| n.不死，不朽 | |
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158
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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159
catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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160
mightiness
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| n.强大 | |
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161
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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162
apprehensive
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| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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163
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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164
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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165
pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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166
forfeited
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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167
divulged
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| v.吐露，泄露( divulge的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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168
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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169
apprehending
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的现在分词 )； 理解 | |
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170
exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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171
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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172
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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173
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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174
dictate
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| v.口授；(使)听写；指令，指示，命令 | |
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175
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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176
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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177
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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178
dilated
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| adj.加宽的，扩大的v.（使某物）扩大，膨胀，张大( dilate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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179
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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181
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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182
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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183
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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184
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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185
atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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186
usurpation
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| n.篡位；霸占 | |
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187
consecrated
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| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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188
tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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189
fictitious
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| adj.虚构的，假设的；空头的 | |
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190
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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191
nuptials
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| n.婚礼；婚礼( nuptial的名词复数 ) | |
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192
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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193
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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194
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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195
authentic
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| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
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196
corroborate
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| v.支持，证实，确定 | |
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197
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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198
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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199
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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200
disconsolate
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| adj.忧郁的，不快的 | |
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201
abdication
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| n.辞职；退位 | |
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202
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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203
concurred
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| 同意（concur的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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