Adelgitha or The Fruits of a Single Error - Matthew Lewis

Summary

Science Fiction Books – Daily: “Adelgitha or The Fruits of a Single Error” by Matthew Lewis

Episode Date: July 28, 2026
Host: solgoodmedia.com
Featured Work: Adelgitha or The Fruits of a Single Error (Full Dramatic Reading)
Note: This episode presents the complete audiobook of Matthew Lewis’s tragic drama "Adelgitha". The summary below captures all essential plot points, character arcs, and notable moments from the performance. Skip ads and meta-content for a focused recap of the play.

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Overview:

Main Theme:
"Adelgitha or The Fruits of a Single Error" is a romantic tragedy set in medieval Byzantium and Apulia. The play explores the devastating, far-reaching consequences of a single moral lapse. Matthew Lewis’s work, often mistaken for a story with a heroine at its center, is intended as a cautionary tale about human weakness, forgiveness, guilt, and the complex interplay of love, honour, and revenge.

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Key Characters:

• Adelgitha (sometimes referred to as Imma): Princess of Apulia, wife of Ghiscard, whose early mistake spirals into ruin.
• Michael Ducas: Former emperor of Byzantium, exiled and embittered.
• Ghiscard: Prince of Apulia, noble conqueror and Adelgitha’s husband.
• Lothaire: Norman knight, secretly Adelgitha's son.
• Claudia: Confidante to Adelgitha.
• Dersatus, Julian, Raynolf, etc.: Supporting figures, knights, and officers.

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Detailed Breakdown & Notable Moments

Act I – Looming War and Hidden Fears

[03:37–11:15] Setting the Scene

• The play opens in a grove with the shrine of St. Hilda. Claudia, an Italian lady, laments the fates of the women left behind by war, especially Adelgitha, who prays for her husband Ghiscard’s safety.
• The convent bell and procession of nuns underscore the religious and moral framework which will soon be challenged.

Key Insight:
Claudia suggests that the world is unfair to virtuous women and that anxiety for loved ones in war is part of female suffering (04:25).

[12:30–13:20] Michael Ducas’ Bitterness

• Michael, the exiled emperor, broods over his reliance on Ghiscard’s mercy, feeling humiliated and resentful.
  • Quote:
    “Now be that hour forever curst, which saw the Emperor of Byzantium suppliant, implore a Norman pirate’s aid? I was not born to ask, but to command.” (11:15–12:30, Michael Ducas)

[19:04–20:57] Revelations & Motivations

• A letter exposes Michael’s murderous intentions toward Ghiscard, creating palpable tension. Michael bluntly confesses his jealousy, driven by love for Adelgitha, and wishes Ghiscard dead.
  • Quote:
    “Yes, Princess, yes. T’was my hand which traced that plan of death, and from my soul I wish the murder done. I hate thy Ghiscard… wouldst thou know what most excites my hate? He’s Adelgitha's husband.” (19:43–20:09, Michael Ducas)

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Act II – Triumph and Moral Conflict

[26:29–32:18] News of Victory and Compassion

• Imma (Adelgitha) awaits news from Durazzo and is overjoyed by Lothaire’s safe return.

  • Quote:
    "He's safe, he's well. O happy, happy Emma. He's safe, he's well." (26:29, Adelgitha)

• Lothaire recounts Ghiscard’s heroism and unexpected tenderness, saving a babe in the chaos of war.

  • Quote:
    "By heaven, I never thought strength so glorious as I thought his weakness, or man worth envying, till I saw those tears." (31:29, Lothaire)

[36:36–39:27] Temptations and Knighthood

• Michael attempts to bribe Lothaire to kill his rival in exchange for Adelgitha’s hand and a crown. Lothaire refuses:
  • Quote:
    "True wisdom, whose prescient eye, overleaping time and space, descries new worlds, pure joys and life eternal, this makes me feel man's heaven or hell is conscience." (37:54, Lothaire)
  • Michael scorns this, dismissing the value of conscience and nobility in a “base born orphan”.

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Act III – Despair and Blackmail

[55:24–58:57] Blackmail Unleashed

• Adelgitha is agitated after Michael threatens to expose her past. She considers suicide as a way out if Ghiscard learns the truth.
  • Quote:
    "I cannot, will not live—unloved by Ghiscard. Could he forgive? Who knows? Twelve years of truth, of lasting love and deep remorse. I'll dare it." (58:25, Imma/Adelgitha)

[59:03–61:31]
Appeal to Ghiscard’s Mercy

• Adelgitha, disguised as a tale about a damseled lady, pleads for forgiveness for a woman who was seduced and abandoned in youth. Ghiscard is unbending:
  • Quote:
    "Honour, like life, once lost, is lost forever." (61:06, Ghiscard)

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Act IV – Intrigue and Death

[94:07–104:02] The Cavern Scene – Climax

• Michael attempts to abduct Adelgitha and shames her with threats and blackmail. Driven to desperation, Adelgitha stabs him with a dagger, killing him.

  • Quote:
    “Then perish, tyrant.” (104:25, Imma/Adelgitha stabs Michael Ducas)

• The act closes with Adelgitha horrified at her own action, believing she has sealed her own damnation:
  "Rejoice. Rejoice. The murderous is our own." (105:20, Imma/Adelgitha in madness)

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Act V – Truth Revealed, Catastrophe Unfolds

[123:33–131:12] The Double Revelation

• Lothaire is accused of murdering Michael. Facing execution, he refuses to expose Adelgitha’s guilt, demonstrating self-sacrifice.

  • Quote:
    “The hand which slew thy father was not mine.” (120:06, Lothaire)

• Adelgitha, in a dramatic outburst, confesses to being both Lothaire’s mother (her secret child) and Michael’s murderer.

  • Quote:
    “He’s guiltless. He’s—my son!” (123:47, Imma/Adelgitha)
  • Ghiscard is devastated but vows to stand by her despite her guilt.

[129:05–131:12] Forgiveness and Final Tragedy

• Ghiscard, overwhelmed, forgives Adelgitha and pledges to share exile and shame with her:

  • Quote:
    “Resolute—thy hand and mine, partners in weal and woe through life I’ll never leave thee.” (130:03, Ghiscard)

• Adelgitha, overcome by shame and love, commits suicide in Ghiscard’s arms.

  • Quote:
    “Thus only could I repay thy wondrous truth and spare thee the shame of loving where esteem was lost.” (131:40, Imma/Adelgitha)

• With her death, the tragedy is complete; she asks for prayers and hopes for reunion in a better world:

  • "I am guilty, guilty. Pray for my soul’s repose. Pray—to hereafter. Our spirits in a better, happier world…” (132:24, Adelgitha)

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Playwright’s Closing Remarks [133:12–end]

• The playwright, Matthew Lewis, concludes by clarifying his intention: Adelgitha is not a heroine but a woman led “from crime to crime” by weakness, not vice—a cautionary depiction of how a single error can lead to irrecoverable ruin.

  • Quote:
    "My object in writing this tragedy was to illustrate a particular fact, namely, the difficulty of avoiding the evil consequences of a first false step… Adelgitha should be the constant victim of her single transgression in this life, and only receive the reward of her many virtues in the life to come." (final remarks)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening/Set Up & Cast Introduction: [01:59–03:37]
• Act I: Prayers and Imperial Intrigue: [03:37–19:04]
• Michael Ducas’ Confession and Motives: [19:04–20:57]
• Act II: Victory Announced, Ghiscard’s Mercy: [26:29–32:18]
• Lothaire’s Refusal, the Value of Honour: [36:36–39:27]
• Blackmail and Despair: [55:24–58:57]
• Forgiveness Denied to the Fallen Woman: [61:06–61:24]
• The Cavern and Michael’s Murder: [94:07–104:02]
• The Banquet, Revelation & Catastrophe: [111:54–131:12]
• Adelgitha's Confession & Final Tragedy: [123:33–132:56]
• Author’s Commentary: [133:12–end]

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Notable Quotes & Speaker Attributions

• Michael Ducas:
  “Now be that hour forever curst, which saw the Emperor of Byzantium suppliant, implore a Norman pirate’s aid?” [12:30]
• Ghiscard:
  “I’ve neither power nor will. Be mine to rule, not kingdoms widely stretch’d, but justly govern’d… if their heart be mine, I’ve realms enough here.” [45:26]
• Lothaire:
  “True wisdom... makes me feel man's heaven or hell is conscience." [37:54]
• Adelgitha:
  “Then perish, tyrant!” [104:25]
• Adelgitha (to her son):
  “He’s guiltless. He’s—my son!” [123:47]
• Ghiscard (Forgiveness):
  “Resolute—thy hand and mine, partners in weal and woe through life I’ll never leave thee.” [130:03]

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Summary & Takeaways

Adelgitha is a pitilessly tragic study of one woman’s fall from grace. Her early error is kept secret until a chain of events—blackmail, violence, and the self-righteousness of those around her—forces tragic revelations. Matthew Lewis makes clear: virtue alone cannot nullify a single fatal error without the strength to withstand relentless social, personal, and external pressures. The ending is bleak, with only the promise of redemption beyond the grave.

For listeners, this work—though not science fiction—offers a gothic, moralistic tale of love, shame, and the intricacies of human judgment, fitting for fans of high-stakes, character-driven narrative.

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End of summary.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Today on Monday.com Act 1 of Adelgitta or the Fruits of a Single Error by Matthew Lewis this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.orgcast of characters Michael Dukas, Emperor

[Michael Ducas]

of Byzantium, read by Thomas Peter Robert

[Ghiscard]

Giscard, Prince of Apulia, read by Larry

[Lothaire]

Wilson Lothair, a Norman Knight, read by

[Narrator]

Todd Alciphron, a Grecian nobleman, read by

[Claudia]

Sam Munson Dersatus, a Grecian Nobleman, read by T.J. burns Raynolf, officer of Giskar

[Michael Ducas]

read by Son of the Exiles Julian,

[Uncle Lazer]

An Officer of Ghiscar, read by Alan Mapstone.

[Adelgita]

Adelgitha, Princess of Apulia, read by Lian Yao. Imma, Princess of Byzantium, read by Dvorah Allen.

[Claudia]

The Abbess of Sinthilda, read by Sandra Schmidt. Claudia, an Italian lady, read by Sonia

[Narrator]

Female peasant, read by Eva Davis Other female peasant, read by April 6090 the

[Uncle Lazer]

chorus, read by Roger Moline.

[Narrator]

Stage directions read by phone. Act one, scene one. A grove with the Chapel and Shrine of St. Hilda. In the latter lamps are burning and the doors are closed. The sun is rising. Claudia is discovered leaning against the pillar of the shrine left.

[Claudia]

Hail, welcome morn. At length thy rising glories gleam on the convent spires, and lo, yon lamps with fainter rays illume the shrine's arched windows, where Adelgita watches Sure, if virtue ever found peculiar favor, from high heaven her prayers are heard, and Guiscal lives and triumphs.

[Narrator]

A bell tolls, and nuns are seen descending.

[Claudia]

Hark. Twas the convent bell, and see the abbess to chant their matins in yon chapel leads her white robed train. Ah, heaven, devoted sisters, how I's that choice which from her pangs exempts you, who weeps away the night and dreads at morning to hear a son or husband lives no more?

[Narrator]

The Abbess of St. Hilda enters with a train of nuns.

[Claudia]

Claudia, kneeling, most honour'd lady, at thy feet in duty suppliant I bend. May the saint's blessing, daughter, aid thee to struggle gainst a sinful world, and guide thy pilgrim steps to grace and goodness.

[Narrator]

Claudia rises.

[Adelgita]

Huh?

[Claudia]

Wherefore burn those lamps in yonder shrine with prayer and penance Hese Apulia's princess passed a long night, imploring heaven, that morn might bring glad tidings of her lord in safety. Well may she rue the day when. When Michael Ducas, Byzantium's exiled emperor, sought these shores and sued at Giscar's feet for aid and shelter, his suit was granted. And perhaps ere this, that life on which depends Apulia's welfare has perish'd by some Grecian rebel's sword. And can such fears alarm St Hilda's Abbess? Doubts she of heavenly love or heavenly justice has virtue Guardian angels? If she has, then guardian angels, watch o' er Giscar's safety. Against that virtue weigh the cause he fights for. The cause he fights for is an exiled king's Weigh too that exile's guilt which lost him empire. He who that empire seized was guiltier far erred. Michael still Alexius Was his subject wrong' Twere the Greeks. Still Michael was their king. What then? Are subjects bound and sovereigns free? Free to be proud, vindictive, cruel, false in fine to be what Michael was. No, mother, but that which Michael was. He is not now his power is crushed, led by his weeping daughter suppliant. I saw him kneel at Giscar's throne, and none to Guiscard ever knelt in vain. I feel like Guiscard. Feel that heart is marble, which heaves no sigh at sight of ruined greatness and hate, that light which only glares to show faults, which affliction's iron hand has chastened. Claudia, thy blame is just. I own my error, and when reproof swells on my lips again, I'll think he suffers and reserve my censure for those who sin and prosper. Means your princess to join our matin rites? She waits your coming. Tis well going, yet comes not, Claudia straight. I'll follow. But lo, Byzantium's princess, beauteous Imma, bends to this shrine, her steps. O, chide not, mother, if from your pious rites I steal some moments to whisper comfort to yon royal mourner, chide thee nay, Claudia, Take my heart's best wishes to aid thy gracious office. Now, sisters, to the chapel.

[Narrator]

Farewell, daughter, Exeunt, Abbess and nuns, into chapel.

[Claudia]

So sad, I fear, I fear, our unown'd youth. Ah, why is virtuous love so rarely happy?

[Narrator]

Enter Imma. And ladies. Imma speaking to herself.

[Adelgita]

Still does he live, son? Does he see thee still? Or that pure blaze which fires the Orient sky so bright to others is it dark to him? O, Father, Father, couldst thou but think like me? A straw thatched cottage, Lothaire, and you would fill my heart's whole circle. And then who would might wear Byzantium's

[Claudia]

crown so early from thy couch, my princess.

[Adelgita]

O, such a night, my Claudia. Such sights, such bloody glaves, Such burning towns, fill'd all my broken dreams. No news yet from Durazzo, lady?

[Claudia]

None, but soon.

[Adelgita]

O, dread suspense. My father's throne. Perhaps his life hangs on this battle's issue. Perhaps ere this our good, our glorious champion has sign'd in blood our ruin and his own. And Adelgita? Soon o' er Guiscard's corse will curse the day she pitied, exiled Imma Claudia artfully.

[Narrator]

Perhaps Lothaire too, Imma catching the name with eagerness.

[Adelgita]

Ay, that good Lothaire, he, he the gentlest, loveliest, bravest, best he Whose kind arms on the Adriatic waves from pirates saved my life and dearer honor. Oh, ere I hear those words, Lothaire has perished. Come, friendly death, and join me to Lothaire.

[Claudia]

Lothaire, a foundling youth, a nameless warrior. And thou Byzantium's princess.

[Adelgita]

Oh, I know it. Know that my passion's folly ruin madness. But still I love, and loving still, must think thy deeds, Lothaire, more noble than my birth. Thy heart, Lothaire, more precious than my treasures. And one fond glance shot from thine eyes, thou more brilliant than all the jewels in my father's crown.

[Claudia]

See where that father comes.

[Adelgita]

He frowns. Away, then. I dare not meet him.

[Narrator]

Now crosses to left.

[Claudia]

What fear you, Princess? Those frowns are not for you.

[Adelgita]

Alas, alas, when thus he frowns, he's ever fearful. Claudia. He had a page no fairer, sweeter child, e' er blest a mother dear. My father loved him. Yet stung with sudden rage. Oh, can I tell it? He stabbed him, Stabbed the innocent boy. O heaven, how painful. Tis to mark a parent's errors, and not esteem where duty bids us love. He comes. Fly, Claudia, fly.

[Narrator]

Exeunt into the chapel. Enter Michael, Duca and Dorsitus.

[Michael Ducas]

I'll hear no more. Must I not sleep, nor wake, but sung to rest? Or from my slumbers roused with Guiscard's praises? The screech owl's boding cry, the approaching howl of famished wolves, the chant of midnight witches, nay, in my only child's expiring groan, were music to the praise of him I hate, and wherefore hate him.

[Lothaire]

Serves he not your cause?

[Claudia]

Is it not for you that now, before Durazzo, his troops are leaguered and his life exposed? Is it not for you?

[Michael Ducas]

Now be that hour forever curst, which saw the Emperor of Byzantium suppliant, implore a Norman pirate's aid? I was not born to ask, but to command. My task was to confer, not sue for favours. Yet now, by Giscard's aid, through Giscard's bounty, tis given me t exist. Ah, curses, curses. I sink, oppress'd by a weight of obligations, and each fresh service seems an added crime.

[Claudia]

Yet in his eyes, whose interest they advance, even crimes might well look fair.

[Michael Ducas]

No, no. Were life and empire at my choice, I'd rather plunge a neighbouring Etna than own life and empire to this new Cato's grace, this Norman Brutus. But last night Dercetus, a ruffian hot with wine, cried, lo, where goes the Pensioned Emperor, had he ruled like Iscar, he need not here exist on Guiscard's arms. Gods, what strange patience must that man possess, who calmly listens to a rival's praises, nor loathes that glory which obscures

[Narrator]

his own crosses to right. Dersitus aside.

[Claudia]

The ungrateful tyrant chills my blood with horror.

[Michael Ducas]

What sayest thou, slave, if thus his sight afflicts you? Soon come the hour when you shall meet no more. That hour is past, if Phocian's sword be sharp. Phocion, that Persian slave who left Otranto three days since then are over. Conveyed to Phocion my mandate, midst the battle's heat and tumult, to plunge his sword in Giskar's heart. O Emperor, then will I seize my rival's falling sceptre, Use it to strike Alexius from my throne, and, placing a Delgater there, salute a queen of Byzantium and of Michael's heart.

[Claudia]

Will she accept that heart?

[Michael Ducas]

She will. She must.

[Claudia]

What she? The model of all wives, all women, whose passion for her lord on man never doted woman as dotes on Giscar. Adelgata. Her love, her virtue.

[Ghiscard]

There's the charm.

[Michael Ducas]

Deercitus. But, oh, to a bliss to bend this stubborn beauty, crush the proud fabric of her idol honour. And while she weeps to view its ruins. Teach her she is fond and frail and false. In short, a woman crosses by Claudia's lips. She charg'd me here. Attend her.

[Narrator]

The organ is heard.

[Michael Ducas]

And hark. The organ speaks. The matins o' er the doors unclose. She comes retired. Ersidus.

[Narrator]

Exit Dersitus. The doors of the shrine open center. Adelgita is discovered in mourning, kneeling at an altar. Emma, Claudia, the abbess and nuns surround her. During the following speech, Emma kneels to Michael Ducas and seems to receive his blessing.

[Imma]

Chaste sisters, take my thanks.

[Adelgita]

Your holy comfort was balm'd.

[Imma]

My torn heart, though sad, untranquilated, though cheerful, I'm resign'd. And now, submissive, I will meet Heaven's will. Let heaven o' er smile or frown.

[Claudia]

Just is thy thought, and for the world twere well thought. All like thee. Now pardon, gracious princess, for convent duties call me hence.

[Adelgita]

Dear mother, use your free will. Your will is my best pleasure.

[Narrator]

Alice and nun return'd to the convent. Adelguta to Claudia.

[Imma]

Friend, join the train.

[Adelgita]

Yon height o' erlooks the bay.

[Imma]

Thence may' st thou first discern the bark which brings me those tidings. Which I long yet dread to hear.

[Adelgita]

O be that office mine with restless eye I'll watch the waves no, not a speck shall scape me. And when at length I spy the wish'd for assail, so swift I'll speed, I'll make the Zephyrs jealous To find their wings outstripped My kind, sweet Emma.

[Narrator]

Emma kissing her hand.

[Adelgita]

My friend, my brother. Claudia.

[Narrator]

Come, exit with Claudia.

[Michael Ducas]

Now, Princess, obedient to your summons, we're alone.

[Adelgita]

And what I've now to say requires

[Imma]

no witness when driven by desperate rebels from Byzantium. Twas here you sought protection.

[Michael Ducas]

Say, Twas here I found it.

[Adelgita]

Our means were small, Our court can boast no splendour. But what was ours we gave and

[Michael Ducas]

gave it nobly Gave it with freedom which endeared the gift Ionet at this

[Imma]

hour, my lord beneath Durazzo sustains your cause.

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[Imma]

office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them.

[Michael Ducas]

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For the ones who get it done, he does.

[Adelgita]

His wealth is lavished, his blood is risked for you.

[Michael Ducas]

I own his favours. Sure. If to man ere man owed gratitude to him I owe it crosses to left your gratitude Tis his and his of right. None doubts it sure.

[Narrator]

None should, none dares, none does know you. That scroll showing a letter Michael starting ha.

[Michael Ducas]

Faithless Slave, aside the letter I send to Phocion.

[Imma]

Robbers slew the bearer, and midst his plunder was this writing found straight to my hands. Twas given.

[Adelgita]

For e' en those robbers, whose blood,

[Imma]

if seized, had streamed by Guiscard's justice,

[Adelgita]

rejoiced to save that precious life which

[Imma]

he, for whom that life as wrist would fain have taken.

[Narrator]

Michael aside.

[Michael Ducas]

Confusion.

[Imma]

Here it stands.

[Adelgita]

The ungrateful name is not thy hand thy seal? And were these wanting, does not the

[Imma]

inhuman business turned joined, declare that none but Michael was the writer?

[Adelgita]

Canst thou deny?

[Narrator]

Michael, aside.

[Michael Ducas]

My heart can bear no more, and I must vent its rage or die. Yes, Princess, yes. Twas my hand which traced that plan of death, and from my soul I wish the murder done. I hate thy Guiscard. Hate him fiercely deadly. And wouldst thou know what most excites my hate? He's Adelguta's husband.

[Narrator]

Adelguta. Surprised?

[Imma]

How?

[Michael Ducas]

What cause, Princess?

[Narrator]

I love thee, Adelguta. Starting then, after a moment's pause, with

[Michael Ducas]

contempt thou to frenzy. Love thee? And with what strange, what fierce, what desperate passion trouble, judged by this rash avowal, those bright eyes, if I am guilty, lighted me to guilt. They bade me murder Guiscard, they seduce me, suppliant to clasp the Norman pirates knees, they make me feel those stars of Michael's fortune, Michael were wretched on Byzantium's throne, unless he shared that throne with Adelgida.

[Adelgita]

If I so long have listened to

[Imma]

these insults, tis that surprise and anger struck me dumb. Thou rival Guescard, couldst thou hope her love, who shares that heroes can e'

[Adelgita]

er stoop to thee?

[Imma]

Thou only couldst by thinking my taste erroneous, as thy heart is base.

[Narrator]

Michael, choking with rage.

[Adelgita]

How.

[Michael Ducas]

How you wrong me, Princess? As my wife and empress placed on

[Narrator]

Byzantium's throne, Adelguta, ironically, Byzantium's throne.

[Imma]

O fair and tempting gift. O generous proffer.

[Adelgita]

Yet while you make it, twere as well methinks did you reflect, unless by

[Imma]

Giscard's valour, Byzantium's throne will not be yours to give. Then pardon, mighty prince, if I decline these gracious offers, if I dare prefer glory with Giscar to contempt with thee. And think that he who succours banish'd kings is nobler than a king whose

[Narrator]

crimes have banish'd crosses to right, proud woman. Darest thou, Adelguta, with the commanding air,

[Imma]

hold for inner sake two days I give thee to provide some refuge, so Long I'll hide thy fault from Kiscard's vengeance. But on the third, this scroll.

[Michael Ducas]

I thank you, Princess, and for two days shall count my life secure, depending on a woman's silence. Oh, I could dash my front on earth for trusting to woman's gratitude or woman's sense.

[Narrator]

Crosses to right. Adelgita, calmly thus Ever rail their tongues

[Imma]

at female judgment, who want that worth which merits female love. But thou ne' er seeking love, content with pleasure, curst with indulgence of each

[Adelgita]

vain caprice, suspecting treason, e' en on

[Imma]

beauty's bosom, and tasting poison each honeyed kiss. Mayst thou still think all women false

[Adelgita]

and light, incapable of faith, unfit for

[Imma]

trust, and born to be man's slave, not man's companion. Such may they think us still who act like thee. I cannot wish them worse than such to think us.

[Narrator]

Imma.

[Adelgita]

Speed, Princess, speed. Hark.

[Imma]

Imma comes.

[Narrator]

Enter. Imma. Right.

[Adelgita]

O speed. Swift cuts a bark, the billows and the shores groan with the throng of anxious citizens.

[Narrator]

Crosses to left.

[Adelgita]

Shall we not hasten on before, sweet maid? I'll follow straight.

[Narrator]

Exit, Imma. Left. Adelguta, in a decided forget not what

[Imma]

I've said, nor brave the lightnings of my hero's eye. Two roars are Giscards.

[Adelgita]

Ne' er to sin himself, and ne' er to pardon others when they sin, Then dread to meet his wrath.

[Imma]

Be timely, prudent. Fly with thy shameful secret. Fly and live. Farewell.

[Narrator]

Crosses left.

[Michael Ducas]

And thou speak' st so stern and high. Dost thou not fear that I fear thee?

[Imma]

Oh, no. Salerno's daughter was not born to fear.

[Michael Ducas]

Salerno's daughter.

[Imma]

Ay, that name, it seems, has reach'd your hearing. Then I need not add dishonour. And that name have still been stranger's. And she whose veins can boast that

[Adelgita]

Hero's blood, and she whose heart retains that Hero's lessons, rest thou assured, thinks

[Imma]

nothing bright but virtue, and nothing dreadful but disgrace.

[Narrator]

Exit.

[Michael Ducas]

Left Seleno's daughter. Should it be Dersitus.

[Narrator]

Enter Dersitus.

[Michael Ducas]

Write, my Prince, those letters which the dying Norman gave to thy Karen Astra's wood. Thou hast them.

[Lothaire]

The portrait too.

[Michael Ducas]

A portrait. Find it straight and bring it to my chamber. Speed, Dersitus.

[Narrator]

Exit, Dersitus. Right, Michael.

[Michael Ducas]

Alone each fresh reflection gives my hopes fresh vigour. And if those hopes prove just, the game's my own, Compell'd to silence, suppliant for my mercy. My rival dead. But how that young Lothaire Tis Plain as heart is Imma's. Could I win him? Why doubt it? May not all be one and has not each man his price for those who choose to pay it when offers fail, Virtue's not strong but dear and that stern honour which disdains a dukedom A sceptre shown Will bow and take the bribe.

[Narrator]

Exit Right. End of Act 1. Act 2 of Adelgita or the Fruits of a Single Error by Matthew Lewis. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act II, Scene 1, Gothic Chamber. A sofa on right. Enter Imma.

[Adelgita]

He's safe, he's well. O happy, happy Emma. He's safe, he's well. Flow dews of rapture, flow yet. Is it real? Is it not a dream, a charm, a fairy fiction? O Heaven, I fear it still. Then breathe my lips to hush my doubts. Those words, those heavenly words. He's safe, he's well. Hark, hark. I hear his footsteps.

[Narrator]

Lothaire without Emma.

[Adelgita]

I hear his voice.

[Narrator]

Enter Lothaire. Lothaire throwing himself at her feet.

[Lothaire]

My princess, my Lothaire.

[Narrator]

A moment's pause.

[Adelgita]

Art safe, quite safe.

[Narrator]

Lothaire weeping eloquent tears.

[Lothaire]

What words could speak your meaning? Safe, sweet safe. And Immas still and ever ever Ima's rises. You ask naught of Durazzo's fight.

[Adelgita]

I see thee, and having thee have all yet say, Brave Guiscard is safe.

[Lothaire]

My love is conqueror of Durazzo. And ere the sun ascends his midday chariot, the hero's keel will bite on Tronto's shore.

[Adelgita]

Blest be those words for Adelgita's sake.

[Lothaire]

Even now I left her. Hadst thou seen her rapture? Such tears, such sobs. While ever and anon she thanked heaven's grace, too bounteous to its handmaid. Then bade her damsels bring her nuptial robes, throw wide her castle gates to mirth and feasting, and still exclaimed, rejoice, rejoice. Apulia, your hero lives, has conquered and returns.

[Adelgita]

Sure none e' er felt more love.

[Lothaire]

Sure not none e' er gave it to one more worthy babe.

[Imma]

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[Lothaire]

oh, that great, proud day when, scarred by Grecian fire and hostile myriads, our troops resolved to raise Durazzo's siege and thronged to gain their vessels. Swift as lightning flew his guide to the crowded port, and dashing the foremost rebel back. Turn, turn, he cried. Shame to the vanquished, to the victor's glory. No flight, no refuge, no resource, but triumph. Normans, you conquer here or die, he said, then hurled a firebrand midst the fleet and swiftly spread the devouring flames from ship to ship. Each trembled, each turned pale, till each and all fired by the hero's fire with one accord, brandished their swords, struck their broad shields and shouted, right, Guiscard, right. We'll conquer here or die.

[Adelgita]

Twas bravely dared. But to my ears, Lothaire, the tale of war still bears a painful sound. I see in captured towns, but mangled courses I hear in victory shouts, but dying groans, and think one flower from pity's wreath more precious than laurel groves, water'd with tears of blood. Your prince is great, is good. I own his virtues. But still those virtues wear so stern an aspect.

[Lothaire]

Stern to the wicked, lenient to the weak.

[Adelgita]

Ah, friend, thy partial eyes.

[Lothaire]

No, Princess, no judge by this fact. That day we forced Durazzo, while war still raged, the streets all ran with blood and blazing, towers crushed in their fall, alike the victors and the vanquished. Mid the tumult, a fierce Varangian from his mother's arms had torn a newborn babe. Wild shrieked the matron to heaven for aid.

[Claudia]

Alas.

[Lothaire]

Nor shrieked in vain for his guard heard her. To the tower he flew, and while his left hand caught the child, his right seized by his yellow locks the wild barbarian and hurled him from the walls. Next, with his scarf did Guiscard bind the babe's slight wounded throat, and gently on its mother's breast replaced it wildly she caught it, sank upon her knee, traced in its blood a cross upon its brow, and called it Giscard. Then his great heart melted, his stout frame trembled. And I saw tears forcing through his closed helm their way. By heaven, I never thought strength so glorious as I thought his weakness, or man worth envying, till I saw those tears.

[Adelgita]

O lovely act. Hear it, ye saints, and shower celestial blessings on that hero's head.

[Narrator]

Michael without where stays the night?

[Adelgita]

Hark. Tis my father's voice. Dear friend, be wary, fear not.

[Narrator]

Enter Michael. Duca.

[Lothaire]

Ha.

[Michael Ducas]

Lothair. Your mission warrior.

[Lothaire]

Mighty lord, from Giscard I bring glad news. Byzantium's free. The usurper fled, none knows whither. And the flag of Ducas flows from Durazio's towers, My prince, more fully details in these his victory presenting letters.

[Michael Ducas]

How proud youth. Methinks Byzantium's lord might claim thy knee.

[Narrator]

Lothair, calm and firm.

[Lothaire]

Your pardon, Emperor. Tis not pride restrains me, but knightly honour. Ne' er may Normans kneel, save to their own liege lord. Nor e' er from me shall foreign king receive that suppliant homage sacred to heaven. My mistress and my prince.

[Michael Ducas]

How darest thou, hottest stripling?

[Adelgita]

O best father, unbend that frowning brow. He meant no insult. And though his knee withholds its show of duty. Lothaire would die to serve you. Sooth he would.

[Narrator]

Michael sternly.

[Michael Ducas]

Emma, retire.

[Adelgita]

Alas, have I offended. Nay, pray you, frown not. Father, I obey.

[Narrator]

Exit Lothaire aside while the Emperor opens his letters.

[Lothaire]

In grief she goes, looking out. Gods, of what marble must that man be fram'd who feels not on his heart like molten lead? Each tear his brutal harshness costs a woman.

[Narrator]

How's this, Michael? Furious.

[Michael Ducas]

Thou strumped fortune. Wilt thou ne' er blush to follow Giscar's car, chain'd like his slave still? Wilt thou shower thy laurels on him? And none but him. He won the battle, he seized the town. He gives me back my kingdom ere I accept his gift. May the earth open and swallow up that kingdom.

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[Michael Ducas]

he crowns me Fall on him and me and one vast ruin crush us.

[Narrator]

Lothaire aside.

[Lothaire]

What can mean this strange and sudden passion?

[Michael Ducas]

Hear me, youth. Dar' st thou be great, be happy. Darest thou merit my daughter's hand, Great prince? I know thou lov' st her. Darest thou deserve her?

[Lothaire]

Say, can man deserve so bright a gem? Oh, if he can say how thou canst not say what I'd not dare. For through Arab hosts command me hew my passage and plant the cross e' en on their prophet's tomb. Drop where Charybdis foams your crown and bid me retrieve it from the whirlpool's ravenous jaws. Name aught that's strange and dire. Some wondrous deed so hard it joins in one the herculean labours so dread its mention makes the hearer faint. Nor doubt for enis sake that deed I'll do, or perish in the attempt.

[Michael Ducas]

Indeed I'll try thee. I have a foe.

[Lothaire]

He from this hour is mine.

[Michael Ducas]

He must not live.

[Lothaire]

He must not. Or Lothair. Declare your wrongs his name, and straight I'll seek him, and hurl defiance in his face.

[Michael Ducas]

Rash stripling. Thou know' st not what thou say'.

[Imma]

St.

[Michael Ducas]

So great is power, is rank, so lofty. Never may thine arm be raised gainst his in combat.

[Lothaire]

What then wouldst thou? What mean' st thou I should do?

[Michael Ducas]

Surprise him. Sleeping plant in his heart thy sword,

[Narrator]

and him as thine Lothaire, starting in horror, sleeping straight.

[Michael Ducas]

Thy crimson hand shall clasp my daughters and present him sceptre. Speak but the words. He is dead. Let me but see thy limbs, dyed ghastly beauteous in the blood of that loathd basilisk.

[Lothaire]

Hold. Name him not. What I have heard thee say would now compel me to espouse his cause.

[Narrator]

Farewell, Crosses left say Youth reflect a

[Michael Ducas]

crown invites thee a crown. And be wise. Be wise.

[Lothaire]

Wise sayest thou, Prince? I will be, since he shows wisdom most, who loves virtue, that narrow cunning, whose short sight ne' er looks beyond this orb and present bliss, perhaps might count these offers tempting but true wisdom, whose prescient I, overleaping time and space, descries new worlds, pure joys and life eternal this makes me feel man's heaven or hell is conscience. This makes me feel that, robbed of truth and honour, life's charms are lost, and that if guilt's the price, even Ima's heart would be too dearly purchased.

[Michael Ducas]

Think what thou wert, a nameless, base born orphan. Think what thou art now, a wandering knight, whose sword must carve his fortune or a fast's foot. Gods must thou prate of guilt and bliss, and conscience must thou be delicate, thou fondling thou. Tis ludicrous.

[Lothaire]

Away, I hear and pity the man whose pride it soothes to wound a worm. Heaven pardon you, as I do to the point. Proudly you ask me what I was I born to be that which thou wert born to be a man. Again you ask me what I'm Now I answer that which all admire a soldier. Nor can I think it blasts a soldier's courage to own he dares not do an act of shame.

[Michael Ducas]

Vile thing. Such notions leave the stock from which you sprang no longer doubtful. Base were your parents, as your feelings

[Lothaire]

base, twould sooner strike a generous mind. Methinks not what my parents were, but what I am. You boast a race by ancestors ennobled. I boast a name ennobled by myself, pure from all flaws and and sacred from corruption. Read honour's patent, written in this scar, received while fighting by my sovereign's side. Who dates this line from Egypt's earliest kings may boast more ancient titles, none more glorious. Nor can a monarch's veins hold nobler blood than flowed from mine in the service of my country.

[Michael Ducas]

Hence, slave, nor tease me with this Cant.

[Lothaire]

Ay, hate thee, if for such thoughts you hate me. Prince, I know not if most you merit pity or contempt.

[Narrator]

HORN SOUNDS but hark.

[Lothaire]

The water from the beacon tower speaks Guiscard's fleet in sight. I go to join him. Yet, ere I leave thee learn this truth from to love is happiness, to hate is woe. And while such actions as deserve to win thy heart's affections make it swell with venom, thou canst not find worse foes than thine own passions, Nor torture others as spite tortures thee.

[Narrator]

Exit.

[Michael Ducas]

Left brav'd by this froward boy. Shame and confusion, yet twas ill judg'd to urge.

[Adelgita]

Now,

[Michael Ducas]

now. Dersatus.

[Narrator]

Enter. Dersitus.

[Michael Ducas]

Right that portrait, quick.

[Narrator]

Tis here, giving it.

[Michael Ducas]

By heavens, the same. Tis well. Retire.

[Narrator]

Exit, Dersatus, Write now.

[Michael Ducas]

Scape me if thou canst. Imperious dame, this proof secures thee mine. Yes, since I hold her secret she'll be silent for interest's chains, though fine, are formed, so binding their strength can fetter e' en a woman's tongue.

[Narrator]

Exit right. Scene 2. The Port of Otranto, an extensive view over the Adriatic gulf. Citizens and peasants of both sexes are grouped in attitudes of expectation. SHOUTS A scene opens.

[Adelgita]

Smile, Opulia, smile once more. All thy grief and fears are o' er good stars.

[Narrator]

Galleys seeks thy shore. Smile, Apulia, smile once more. The fleet traverses the background. Val thou now his strength reposes War at length has smoothed his frown.

[Adelgita]

Duteous love, with freshest roses raise the victor's laurel crown.

[Narrator]

The bugle sounds grateful prayers to heaven ascend.

[Adelgita]

SHOUTS of joy.

[Narrator]

Welcome, rend1.

[Michael Ducas]

In Giscar's name we blend.

[Narrator]

Hero, patriot, sovereign, friend. Enter Lothaire. Left. As the chorus ends, a galley arrives from left. Ghiscar stands on the deck, attended by Tancred, Raynolf and knights all land. Adelguta enters richly drest with ladies and attendants.

[Ghiscard]

Guess God, my Adelgitha.

[Imma]

Welcome, conqueror. Welcome to this fond heart.

[Adelgita]

O heaven, how bravely the warrior looks

[Imma]

from foreign wars returned. When propped upon his sword, with blood encrusted, he tells his country.

[Adelgita]

Rest, loved parent, rest.

[Imma]

Thy son has toil'd, and thou mayst sleep securely. O my prince, my hero.

[Ghiscard]

Nor at Braari's siege, look'd she less glorious, who descried the javelin, aim'd at her husband's breast, and, rushing forwards, receiv'd it in her own.

[Imma]

Then silence.

[Adelgita]

Silence.

[Ghiscard]

Then, tearing from her wound the dart she kiss'd it fainted, yet fainting, smiled and smiling, cried happy she dies. Who dies to save her husband.

[Adelgita]

Blest am I that I did so.

[Imma]

Oh, that moment was worth my whole past life. Nor would I barter the scar that wound hath left for all the gems which ocean's waves have buried.

[Ghiscard]

Noble creature. How. How have I deserved so rich a treasure?

[Narrator]

Embracing her, Enter Michael. Ducat and four guards. Left Michael aside.

[Michael Ducas]

Ay, seize the present hour. Ere long I'll dash your cup of joy with bitter hau. Apulia, I come to thank thee. With so vast thy claims no words can pay my debt. Favours less great I own, would please me better, and my soul shrinks to counter my obligations.

[Ghiscard]

The man who boasts a generous heart ne' er grudges that bliss to others, which himself esteems purest and best the bliss of doing good. Think thus, Byzantium. Nor is't much I give thee. Tis but thine own no more Durazzo's. Thine, and soon the Grecian crown.

[Michael Ducas]

O generous spirit, which gives a crown as twere an orange shame its fire should only warm Apulia's rocks. Unsheathe thy sword, drag from his diamond throne Arabia's lord, and make his neck thy footstool. Thou needst but will it, and tis done.

[Ghiscard]

No emperor. I've neither power nor will be mine to rule, not kingdoms widely stretch'd, but justly govern'd. Few be my subjects, so those few be happy, and if their heart be mine, I've realms enough here.

[Narrator]

Break we off to Adelgita, who during these speeches seems to welcome the knights best love.

[Ghiscard]

I marvel much you ask not of that danger.

[Narrator]

Adelgita alarm'd.

[Imma]

How? What danger?

[Ghiscard]

Thou hast not heard then?

[Imma]

Nothing.

[Ghiscard]

Mark, then mark and admire. Hot was the fight. Death ranged insatiate o' er the field, and his white courser dyed its mane red in blood. Darts hid the sun, and one transfix'd my steed. He fell.

[Imma]

O heavens.

[Ghiscard]

Fell. And the usurper mark'd his fall. He reach'd me. I saw his falchion gleam. Twas raised one moment, and all was lost. When lo, a youth, a youth sprang from his horse, bestrode me, fierce as guards her young the tigress dealt he blows around now here, now there on this side, and on that. Till his true sword cut through the usurper's casque, who on his courser's neck sank senseless gods then fled the Greeks full fast the stripling raised me, gave me his steed, regained Durazzo scaled its walls, unbarred the ponderous gates, and bade the imperial flag stream from its towers. LOUD SHOUTING Reign. Long reign. Michael Ducas.

[Adelgita]

O blest youth. O gallant bearing. Tell me, my dear lord, what, happy mother boasts so brave a son? How may I thank him best? O, name him.

[Imma]

Name him.

[Narrator]

Guiscar.

[Ghiscard]

Smiling that youth. Behold him in Lothaire was he.

[Imma]

O heart.

[Adelgita]

Was he indeed he?

[Ghiscard]

None but he whom Adelgitha placed about my person, and whom she now must thank for Giskard's life. Advance, brave youth.

[Narrator]

Adelguta. While Lothaire kneels to her, I fostered,

[Imma]

rear'd and loved thee. If thou hast cost me care or

[Adelgita]

ow' st me duty, thou Thou hast discharged thy debt.

[Narrator]

She takes a chain with a cross from her neck and throws it round.

[Adelgita]

Still wear this jewel, and while tis yours, remember when I gave it, I

[Imma]

blessed the hour that you received existence.

[Adelgita]

Since you have lived to rescue Giscard's life.

[Narrator]

Michael, aside now.

[Michael Ducas]

Should she weep right? What exhaustless rivers must female eyes contain?

[Lothaire]

I fain would thank thee. But my full heart rising, O honour'd, happy I'll call from heav' n. No blessings on thy head. Thou hast them all possessing he on whom Heaven bestows a wife like her, Whate' er his merits must be still o'. Erpaid.

[Michael Ducas]

This pray so fervent can I praise

[Lothaire]

her coldly, when that I live and that I merit life are both her gifts. Left at his father's gate, a speechless

[Narrator]

orphan Adelgita to Lothaire, cease nor blame

[Adelgita]

that virtue so nice did he even

[Narrator]

praise too warm offends it ironically too. Michael.

[Adelgita]

O sir, twere excellent did all like

[Imma]

you inculcate morals which, like you they practised?

[Michael Ducas]

Such praise outstrips my merit. By yon son I'll be reveng'd. Insulter.

[Narrator]

Enter Julian Wright. Julian to Ghiscar, who has been Talking with Tancred, etc.

[Uncle Lazer]

Prince, the council.

[Ghiscard]

Hi. Come, Lothar, attend me for a while. Farewell, best love warriors, farewell. Entrust me. The memory of your faith shall live unfading in Giscart's grateful heart. Well have ye served me. And while Apulia boasts such sons her genius, Though hostile myriad storm her sea beat coasts shall hear them threaten with a smile of scorn, Then with her trident plunge them in the billows. Those swords which struck so hard in foreign lands, shall strike with tenfold strength to guard their own. And here I swear, while Giskard rules Apulia, still shall each soldier say who draws his sword. My country's free, my sovereigns kind and grateful. His cause is just and yonder's one loves justice.

[Narrator]

Exit with Lothaire and knights Peasants. C. Adelgita going, my gallant guest card lady.

[Michael Ducas]

Stay and deign some moments. Audience but alone.

[Narrator]

Adelgita to her attendants who go off.

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[Adelgita]

Speak and be brief.

[Narrator]

Michael Hypocritically.

[Michael Ducas]

O princely dame, unbend that gloomy brow. Thou seest, thy virtues convert. Grateful you've spared him that remorse which tortures those who pollute the shrine of female honour. I've witnessed that remorse. That dying night.

[Adelgita]

What night?

[Michael Ducas]

Some years are past, since at the chase in Astras Wood I lost my way. Dersitus alone pursued my steps. Night's shades were rising, when, lo, a groan. We hastened to the place a night lay stabbed by robbers. Come, he cried, strangers approach. And while I've breath to tell it, hear the confession of a guilty man and vouch for his remorse. Then he told a tale so sad, made of noble birth by solemn vows, seduced, abandoned, left to shame and anguish heavy. At that hour sat on his soul. Her wrongs he charged us. Find her, restore her letters, paint his grief, and bid her pray for the sinful soul of George of Clermont.

[Narrator]

The tale affects you, Princess Adelgita, Endeavouring to hide her emotion.

[Imma]

Well it may.

[Adelgita]

I cannot choose but pity that sad lady.

[Michael Ducas]

What pity her? Whose guilty heart has revell'd in wants and love and pleasure's wild excess. Perhaps her slips of youth forgotten on others, those fetters now she binds. She broke herself. Perhaps she rules some fond, believing husband who thinks her now a saint, but when he knows her, he'll throw her from his bosom like a scorpion, and

[Narrator]

I'll unmask the warrior named her, not name her.

[Michael Ducas]

Twas needless for the damsel's letters, so fond, so sad, so full of passion, speaking in every line, her love and shame so plainly. This picture too, though 17 years since then have winged their flight, this swan like neck must still be arched and fair, still must these lips of coral swell, ripe and full. Nor can these eyes have lost all their dark brilliance. Please you, look there, Princess. Nay, look, I pray.

[Narrator]

Forcing her to look at the picture, she casts a hasty glance on it, and starts away in terror. He proceeds in a tone of ironical softness.

[Michael Ducas]

It seems you know these features.

[Narrator]

In a terrible voice, while he grasps her by her arm.

[Michael Ducas]

Now scorn me if thou darest.

[Narrator]

Exit Left Adelgitha, after a pause during which she seems petrified with horror, looks round her with a confused air, then strikes her forehead and exclaims like one in despair.

[Adelgita]

I'm lost. I'm lost.

[Narrator]

End of Act 2. Act 3 of Adelgita or the Fruits of a Single Error by Matthew Lewis. This is the Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act 3, Scene 1. The Palace Gardens. On right a bank. The castle towers are seen through the trees in the background. Adelgita, much agitated, enters with a letter follow'd by Claudia and Dorsatus. Right. Adelceta to herself.

[Imma]

This. This to me.

[Narrator]

To Dersitas.

[Imma]

Tis well. Inform thy lord. Claudia shall bear my answer. Aside, fiend barbarian.

[Claudia]

Humbly I take my leave.

[Narrator]

Exit right. Adelgita giving way to her emotion.

[Imma]

O Claudia, Claudia, I'm lost. Betray'd.

[Claudia]

Most cruel chance, which threw you defenceless in his pow'.

[Imma]

R. Read there and learn his insults.

[Narrator]

And my danger, Claudia, looking on the letter.

[Claudia]

How? An audience alone within 12 hours. Else threats that Guiscard shall know.

[Imma]

Oh, there. There shall know, shall scorn shall hate me?

[Claudia]

I trust not so. Your heartfelt deep contrition, your charms, your worth, his passion, all will plead.

[Imma]

Thou think so. Thou who know' st him, know' st the value he sets on female honour. Oh, no. I'm lost.

[Claudia]

What must be done? This scroll. Thou darest not disobey it?

[Imma]

True, I dare not. Hence with these doubts. I'll meet him.

[Claudia]

How?

[Imma]

I'll meet him, sink at his feet, bade them with tears, implore him to spare a frantic wretch. And if he spurns me and my

[Claudia]

griefs, what wilt thou then do?

[Imma]

Die. Die, Claudia. Die. Yes, let the worst befall me. That last resource is left me still. A dagger. Better cease to feel than feel to suffer, and death less painful than a life of shame. Ye powers who read the human soul, and long have read remorse in mine, melt ye his marble heart.

[Claudia]

Heaven grant it. Yet this conference, such close parley, such frequent meetings, well may raise suspicion.

[Imma]

True, true.

[Claudia]

Should any curious ear surprise your converse, I were lost. A private passage leads to St. Hilda's Cave.

[Imma]

Right there, securely unseen, unheard. O shame. And shall I steal from Giscard's sight to meet the wretch who dead, insult my hearing? Though the skies rain fire, I would not lo where Giscard comes, and surely in search of me. In that hour I see those eyes which seek me now contempt. You may shun me. If I've a dagger and a heart, I swear, swear. That hour's my Last.

[Claudia]

O heaven.

[Imma]

Tis said. Tis sworn I cannot, will not live. Unloved by Giscot. Could he forgive? Who knows? 12 years of truth, of lasting love and deep remorse. I'll dare it.

[Claudia]

What mean' st thou art?

[Imma]

Tis the crisis of my fate. I'm desperate, Claudia, desperate. Leave me. Leave me.

[Narrator]

Exit, Claudia. Right. Enter Guiscard.

[Ghiscard]

At length I'm free. How tedious seem the duties which kept me from thy sight. But now once more I live for love and thee. Why dart' st thou thine eye, that piercing glance, as it would search my soul? Speak my best love.

[Imma]

Thou hast a heart, my Giscot, firm, generous, just.

[Ghiscard]

That heart is Adelgitha's, not virtues more? No, more as much. For surely virtue and Adelgitha form but one.

[Imma]

O, would that now thy heart were mine, mine wholly. Then pity's sigh should drown the voice of justice, and angry honour's flame be quench'd with tears.

[Ghiscard]

What means that wish? Thou surely wouldst not plead the cause of vice.

[Imma]

I'd plead the cause of weakness.

[Ghiscard]

Whose cause?

[Imma]

A woman's and a wretch.

[Ghiscard]

What asks she?

[Imma]

Peace, honour, life, and hopes them all from thee.

[Ghiscard]

From me? More plainly speak.

[Imma]

Among my damsels is one whose faults of youth I blush to name. When on her cheek 16 had scarcely shed the bright reflection of its roseate wings, While yet she knew not guile, but thought mankind pure as her heart. For then her heart was pure. A wounded youth beneath her father's roof found kind protection. Long she nursed him, watched him, pitied and soothed and when she saw him suffer, the fond thing wept herself. He was a villain, Prayest, sighs, tears, oaths Nothing was spared to win her. She listened and believed her heart was weak she fell his heart was false, he fled.

[Ghiscard]

Best love thy story, both affects and pains. O, spare me the tale of sorrows which admit no cure. Her doom is fix'd, no power can now recall it. Honour, like life, once lost, is lost forever.

[Imma]

Oh, doom too harsh, which bars out hope and seals the lips of mercy.

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[Imma]

us, what then avails repentance? Why waste brief life in tears?

[Ghiscard]

Were this life the only life? Perhaps were wisely argued. But there's another world, more good, more happy, and hours of pain are paid with heavenly bliss and life eternal. And to thy damsel's tale.

[Imma]

Her lover fled, Remorse ne' er left her more. And, oh, such anguish, such floods of tears.

[Ghiscard]

I fear they flowed not long. Who once has fallen will fall again, and soon. No doubt the tears which her first lover caused her Some second kissed away.

[Imma]

No, Giscon, no. Those suitors, young and fair and rich and noble, sighed at her feet and vowed themselves her subjects, as Dian's statue called. She heard their suit, and for that false one's sake rejected all. But then came one so past all praise, so perfect whom to see and love was equal. This wondrous man born to be loved and love, this man o' er whom you hold much power.

[Ghiscard]

Ah, no, thou canst not mean it. Thou canst not wish I should exert that power to place Pelusian in his arms, and bind with Hymen's sacred bands a wanton's temples? She loves, Thou sayest, darest love a man of honour?

[Narrator]

Were she his wife Adelgitha, Hastily and with great emotion.

[Ghiscard]

She is what holds my court. One man so dead to shame, so blind with passion, he with e wanton shares his name.

[Imma]

He knew not, knew not, knows not now.

[Ghiscard]

What say' st thou?

[Imma]

Her passion for her, lord, her pure strict morals. 12 years in virtue past conceal'd.

[Ghiscard]

O monstrous. 12 years. Conceal'd 12 years. What, did she feign so well then? Was she so arch a mistress in dissembling? Fie, fie.

[Narrator]

Disorder crosses to right. Adelceta extremely agitated, yet one word, one question.

[Imma]

Sate were thy should some most dear relation, thy friend of youth, thy much loved sister

[Narrator]

violently mine.

[Ghiscard]

Proceed not mine. My sister, mine. O gods, were I so cursed? I own such a shame? And were my heart so basest still to love her? Ah, Tear that heart out.

[Imma]

Kiss God.

[Ghiscard]

Far let her fly from all the world, but most of all from me.

[Narrator]

Adeljuta. With a cry of pain my heart will burst.

[Ghiscard]

Just heavens, my love, my life.

[Imma]

Fear not a sudden faintness.

[Ghiscard]

Nay, but thou' RT wondrous pale and no one's near. Rest on this bank. Tis well, I'll fly for help.

[Narrator]

Going. Adelguta seated on bank right.

[Imma]

No, no, I'll straight return.

[Ghiscard]

Ho. Claudia. Claudia.

[Narrator]

Exit right. Adelguta after a pause, clasps her hand and raises them to heaven.

[Imma]

No aid, no mercy, no resource.

[Narrator]

She remains as if stupefied. Lothaire advances through the trees left.

[Lothaire]

But soft, the princess. Here alone and weeping.

[Narrator]

Olathe Lothair throws himself at her feet.

[Lothaire]

Oh, pardon this presumption. Can I witness those tears, Nor ask their cause and seek to dry them? Can I assist console, relieve relief?

[Imma]

My words admit of none.

[Lothaire]

O say not so. My arm, my soul are thine. I'll search, I'll find. Some means may sure be found. O, deign to trust me. Thou canst not doubt the creature of thy bounty, the orphaned youth whose life's thy gift.

[Narrator]

Michael Duca appears at back right.

[Imma]

Thou generous youth.

[Michael Ducas]

How? Kneeling at her feet.

[Imma]

Yes, yes, I'll trust thee. Thou shalt know my danger. Then counsel, aid and save me if thou canst.

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[Imma]

There is a secret here.

[Narrator]

Michael Dukas comes down center.

[Imma]

Oh, Byzantium.

[Michael Ducas]

So my thoughts then wronged you not. Your heart, it seems, is not such ice, but youthful fires can melt it. You counted me your dupe? No, no. I guessed some happier rival Steeled your heart, not virtue. And when this morn I marked your fond emotion, your blush, While round his neck you hung yon jewel that rival stood confessed. Tis plain confirmed merry. The scene's well chosen. Murmuring streams, soft beds of fragrant flowers Convenient shades And amorous ringdoves cooing o' er your heads, while your love kneels before you.

[Imma]

Base aspersion. Gods, do I live to hear it.

[Lothaire]

Mark me, Prince. Had living man, but Emma's father spoken those words. My sword had struck him dead already. What means thy charge? Thou canst not give it credit thyself her spotless virtue.

[Michael Ducas]

Hers. Her virtue? Tell others that strange tale.

[Imma]

O heavens.

[Michael Ducas]

For me I found her art. The spell is broken. I know her, frail and false.

[Lothaire]

Now blisters sees his tongue. Who calls her so?

[Imma]

Lotha. Lothair. This warmth destroys me.

[Lothaire]

Should I bear with patience to hear thee wronged, thou best and purest. No, he's no man who listens calmly. Whilst a woman slander'd, she frail O insult past, enduring she unheard of falsehood. How, yes, Emperor, yes. Whate' er thy rank? I'm for this hour thy equal. I say it tis false. And though an angel spoke it, I'd still repeat the charge is false as hell.

[Michael Ducas]

What this to me? Thou contradict me. Thou saw thy presumption then a pitch so high, minion, because thy silken locks have snar'd that fond one's heart.

[Lothaire]

O gods. Yet, yet be wise. The rage which boils my blood dost

[Michael Ducas]

think I fear it? Let thy rage blaze forth. Twill move my laughter. And if thou need' st more insults to provoke thee, this makes the measure full.

[Narrator]

Striking him, Lothaire drawing his sword.

[Lothaire]

Draw. Draw.

[Narrator]

This moment, frantic with passion.

[Lothaire]

Draw and defend thyself.

[Michael Ducas]

This to thy heart, boy.

[Narrator]

They fight.

[Imma]

Help.

[Lothaire]

Help.

[Narrator]

Michael. Raising his sword to stab him.

[Michael Ducas]

Thou diest.

[Narrator]

Adelguta, throwing herself before Lothaire.

[Imma]

Hold, tyrant, hold. Or stab him through my bosom.

[Narrator]

Ghiscar.

[Ghiscard]

Without speed, Claudia, speed.

[Imma]

My husband's voice.

[Michael Ducas]

He comes now tremble.

[Narrator]

Enter. Ghiscard. Hastily followed by Claudia, Julian, Tancred and eight guards.

[Ghiscard]

Clash of arms. How's this, Lothaire? Byzantium too, their swords unsheath'd. Explain. Speak, Princess.

[Imma]

Kiss God. Terror chokes my voice. I cannot.

[Narrator]

She leans on Claudia.

[Imma]

Yet.

[Michael Ducas]

What fear' st thou now, dear lady? The danger's past. Thou' RT safe. Dost mark Quite safe. Tis I who tells thee so. Thy friend, thy servant, whose proudest boast will be.

[Narrator]

He saved thy honour, Adelguta comprehending him.

[Imma]

Then there's hope again.

[Ghiscard]

Her honour saved from whom I wandered

[Michael Ducas]

near this spot, when shrieks alarm'd my hearing. Hither, swift I sped, and lo, thy wife, my ruffian grasp detain'd. That ruffian was Lothair.

[Ghiscard]

Lothair.

[Narrator]

Adelguta struck with horror and surprise. O monster Lothair. Confoundin.

[Lothaire]

How.

[Michael Ducas]

How he drew his falchion. Mine already was bad in virtue's cause, and fierce we fought till by thy

[Lothaire]

footsteps scar'd, O monstrous princely. If e' er I harbour'd in my breast one wish, one thought injurious to thy consort's virtue may heaven's red arm. But why assert my innocence? The princess knows it to her lips.

[Michael Ducas]

I'll trust me, and by that test I'll stand. Speak, Adelgata. Thy suffrage none can doubt, Declare the truth, unmask the traitor and confirm my tale.

[Imma]

No, I can bear no more. Unmask the traitor I will, and show his guilt. So black, so hideous the sight thickening sun shall veil his orb in clouds, and think mankind no longer worth his care. Hear me, my lord, if there is faith in women. I now assert, though there is Michael

[Narrator]

interrupting her and showing the picture unseen by all but Adelgita, on whom the attention of the rest is entirely fixed.

[Michael Ducas]

Lady, lady, beware.

[Imma]

Speak, speak.

[Narrator]

Michael pointing to the picture and threatening. Beware, Adelgita hesitating Lutha is guilty soles on Claudia's bosom.

[Lothaire]

Gods, did I hear aright.

[Narrator]

Michael assigned.

[Michael Ducas]

I triumph, miscreant.

[Ghiscard]

O Julian, bear yon villain hence and chain him deep in the western tower.

[Narrator]

Adelgita, entreating he saved your life, to

[Ghiscard]

load it with disgrace. 10,000 lives could not repay the outrage. Bear him away.

[Lothaire]

One word. By what strange spell yon dark magician in his chains has bound me? I know not. But I know myself most guiltless, and thee, Prince, most deceived. I'll say no more. Do with me what thou whate' er thou dost. The memory of thy bounties past shall ne' er die in thy servant's heart. The axe that kills my life shall spare that grateful love I bear thee. E' en at the block. Pray that thou neverest may know I perish guiltless, and plead in yonder world of truth, truth and peace. My sovereign's cause with him, to whom

[Narrator]

he sent me to Adelgata sternly for thee, who he stops, crosses over to her, takes off the jewel which she gave him, restores it with a look of mingled grief and anger, and goes off in silence. Julian and Garth follow him. Adelgita aside, death is sure, less painful.

[Imma]

I kiss God, my bosom bleeds, my brain turns around. Loath there his youth, his worth. I know not what I say, but spare him.

[Ghiscard]

Think, my love, how Base the crime of him. Thou bidst me spare his outrage. Wrong'd not thee alone, but all thy sex in thee. That sex which should have claim'd his best protection. Who strikes his dagger in a female's heart Acts kinder than those who stain that female's honour. Death being happier than a shameful wife, since she who lives to shame but lives to suffer.

[Michael Ducas]

O true, most true.

[Narrator]

Aside to Adalgeta.

[Michael Ducas]

Thou hear' st him, Princess.

[Narrator]

Fiend to Giskar.

[Imma]

And can then Aldelgitha sue in vain to Giscard. Can my tears.

[Michael Ducas]

Those tears are fruitless. Thy Lord is firm. And while you sue, fair Princess, forget not that I hold your suit an insult to me. The accuser me in a low voice. Speak one more word and all's revealed. I hate that boy. He dies.

[Imma]

Why, then my fate is fixed. Hope fare thee well. I'll cease to weary heaven with prayers for blessings Beset with foes caught in their toils distracted I'll pray no more, or only pray to die. Death heals all wounds with life all sorrows cease and heav' n will show that mercy man denies.

[Narrator]

Exit wildly Claudia. Follow, exit Claudia.

[Michael Ducas]

Ha. This strong emotion, these tears, this frantic anguish.

[Ghiscard]

In some eyes which seem suspicious, not in mine, Byzantium. I judge the hearts of others by my own.

[Michael Ducas]

Methinks Lothaire, might make you justly doubt the prudence of this system well might raise that boy's ingratitude Seem slight regret for lavish'd care and bounty misapplied.

[Ghiscard]

No, Emperor, I regret not what I've done, But that his vice prevents my doing more. 12 years I cherish'd that delightful thought. Virtue was his, and that to me he ow'd it. The dream is flown. But shall I count as nothing A dream, so long as flattering while it lasted? Can his foul action stain my fair intent? Or does his falsehood make my act less generous?

[Michael Ducas]

I must perforce admire such lofty thoughts, yet more admire the theory than the practice. Farewell, Apulia. Still pursue thy system. Still think all men are just, all women faithful still fly, Conviction's light, Still love, still trust, still find thyself deceived, but ne' er grow wiser.

[Narrator]

Exit.

[Ghiscard]

Left ungrateful false Lothair. But no, I'll not lament the good I've done him, but that his vice prevents my doing More of man's ingratitude. Let those complain whose bounty flows to serve themselves, not others. But he ne' er thinks his kindness ill rewarded. Who acts as virtue bids for virtue's sake Exit right.

[Narrator]

End of Act III. Act IV of Adelguta or the Fruits of a Single Error by Matthew Lewis. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act 4, Scene 1, a Gothic chamber. Enter Ghiscard, followed by Imma.

[Adelgita]

Stay, princely Ghiscard, and soothe the wretch's anguish. A fearful tale has reached me. He's false. His life is forfeit. O, that thought struck like a dagger to my heart. I shrieked, and wild with anguish hither flew to plead for one, the falsest dearest for Lothaire.

[Ghiscard]

What plead for one whose crime?

[Adelgita]

I know it all, his crime, its penalty and my despair. O judge from this how vast my love's excess. I know him faithless, and adore him still.

[Ghiscard]

And did Lothaire possess so rich a gem as Imma's heart? And throw that gem away.

[Adelgita]

What have I done? O thoughtless girl? Forget my words, forget my wrongs, my love, and only heed my tears and my despair. Spare him. Oh, spare him.

[Ghiscard]

Cease, unhappy fair one, to urge a suit I cannot, must not grant.

[Adelgita]

O heavens.

[Narrator]

Enter Julian.

[Uncle Lazer]

A Grecian vessel rides in the port, my prince, and brings, tis said, terms of submission from the rebel Emperor vanquish'd Alexius.

[Ghiscard]

Straight I come.

[Narrator]

Julian retires. Up left.

[Adelgita]

O Ghiscar. Leave me not thus. Lothaire. One look of mercy, one word of hope.

[Ghiscard]

Could you peruse my heart, Princess? You'd know a king's most painful moments. And when he sees such tears, I must not try them too. Blest were monarchs, if, when grief implores, they dared indulge that pity which they feel. But he who wisely thinks and justly governs, if prudence and compassion strive, forgets not mercy, though sweet, can but relieve a few. But justice is that good which blesses all exege.

[Adelgita]

He leaves me to despair. Lost, wretched maid, where shall I turn me? Ah, how changed my prospects from those so beauteous which were mine. This morn Lothaire returned, was faithful, and was Imma's. He's false. His life is lost, and mine's a blank.

[Uncle Lazer]

He's gone, and none observe us.

[Narrator]

Down left.

[Uncle Lazer]

Hear me, Princess.

[Adelgita]

Oh, leave me to my grief.

[Uncle Lazer]

I come to soothe it.

[Narrator]

How speak I guard low there?

[Adelgita]

And wilt thou save him? Say yes, and I'll adore thee.

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Born in Spain, I languish from my native land. And wilt thou provide such sums as may from once secure Me this night I'll fly from Guiscar and Otranto and make low there the partner of my fate.

[Adelgita]

O words of rapture, speed thy flight. Good fellow. My wealth, my gems, rich diamonds, blushing rubies and chains of pearl. Which deck to Persian queen? All, all are thine.

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[Uncle Lazer]

Thine own hand shall break thy lover's chains. Hark. Some one comes. Farewell till night. Be cautious.

[Adelgita]

He shall live. Then Lothaire shall live. But O, he's false. No matter, he lives and lives through me. The rest I'll heed not. Oh, could my heart, laid bleeding on the scaffold, Redeem thy life, Lothaire. I'd gladly rend the trembler from my breast and tell thee dying. See, false one, see how fond a heart you stabbed.

[Narrator]

Exit. Enter Michael, Duca and Claudia. Michael, holding a letter she hath judged wisely.

[Michael Ducas]

Had my threats been scorned this night, though twere my last, and made her story public as ere she breathes. St Hilda's Cavern, while Guiscard is at the banquet. Tis enough.

[Claudia]

Oh, send some words of comfort to my friend Lothaire.

[Michael Ducas]

She loves him.

[Claudia]

By my hopes of heaven.

[Michael Ducas]

Well, well, I know not. My heart is certain. She holds strange power. Perhaps her prayers may move me to spell Lotaire, Repress my fatal passion and yield those letters which.

[Claudia]

But should she fail me, she will not be assured. O Prince, show mercy. And when thou need' st it, Heaven will show it thee.

[Narrator]

Exit.

[Michael Ducas]

Go, thou dull thing, and from experience learn that Michael ne' er forgave, where once he hated St Hilda's Cave. Twill suit my purpose well close to the sea. But lo Apulia comes.

[Narrator]

Ha Now, Ciphron, enter Ghiscar with the parchment.

[Ghiscard]

And Alciphron offers so fair deserve acceptance, and I'll urge it strongly. Doubt not, wait thou apart.

[Narrator]

Humbly I thank your highness.

[Ghiscard]

Exit health to Byzantium's emperor, for that title at length is thine, not more in right than fact.

[Michael Ducas]

Indeed brought.

[Ghiscard]

Alciphron Alexius proffers to throw wide open his portals. So thou' LT engaged to spare his life. And those whose names this scroll contains

[Michael Ducas]

Michael reading, Constantius, Phocus, Grecian, men potent with Byzantium's rabble, who bear towards me such deadly hate as tigers bear towards a crocodile. And shall they live to prate of slaughtered sons and wives dishonoured, and with such piteous tales excite the crowd again to hurl me from my throne? No, no. Such men I dare not pardon.

[Ghiscard]

Dare not say' st thou, old phrase ill suited to imperial lips. Kings should fear nothing but deserving censure, and he who dares not pardon should not reign.

[Michael Ducas]

God's given me patience. Is't not then enough to know yon cave contains a sleeping lion? But must I wait his rousing to dispatch him, and feel the monster's teeth before I stab? By heaven, twere better ne' er to see Byzantium than see it in such fear, and spread my couch nightly on snakes.

[Ghiscard]

And art thou yet learn e' en snakes, if gently used, are render'd harmless, and dance obedient to their tasker's flute. Be the world's friend, and none will be thy foes.

[Narrator]

Michael, looking on the parchment.

[Michael Ducas]

What's this? The patriarch Priscillian, that false priest, who rudely tore the diadem from my brow and bound it round my rivals. Rhetias too, Eudoxus Cleon, furious. Now, by heaven, not one, not one of them shall live. The slaves, the traitors, Byzantium mine, one hour. Thus, thus I'll use them, and strew their limbs thus round me, tearing the

[Narrator]

parchment for throws it down on left and crosses to right.

[Ghiscard]

Tis enough. Ho, Alciphron.

[Narrator]

Enter Alciphron. Guiscard, pointing to the parchment, read there your answer. Starting.

[Claudia]

Prince.

[Ghiscard]

When first your exiled sovereign sought my aid, I saw his sufferings and forgot his faults, pitied the monarch and excused the man. I thought, too, in adversity's rough school he sure had learnt some lessons which might teach him to govern well, if e' er again he governed. I was deceived. Michael rejects your terms, yet tell Alexius this from me, if e' er on Michael's side again I draw my falchion. May my right arm sink, Withered Michael, stamping in rage.

[Michael Ducas]

How confusion.

[Narrator]

Then, tyrant, do thy worst. We fear thee not to Giskard but

[Claudia]

since from him estranged.

[Narrator]

O, let Alexius hope that Apulia's aid Giskard with dignity, presumptuous Greek, urge that

[Ghiscard]

bold suit no further, Giscard's sword shall ne' er be drawn in a usurper's cause. Whate' er his faults, there stands your rightful monarch. And though my arms no more oppose Alexius, still shall he find ere long celestial vengeance pursue the rebel who dethroned his king. Quit thou my realm no more Exit Alciphron Prince, thou hast heard me, and here our ill assorted union end no further aid.

[Michael Ducas]

Nay, show thy spite at once, and send me to the usurper's throne in chains. Durazzo shall reward thee, Emperor.

[Ghiscard]

No. What Giskard once has given, he ne' er resumes. Durazzo's yours. Twas conquer'd in your name, and thither safely shall my barks conduct you. That done, my service ends to gain Byzantium. What further course you choose?

[Michael Ducas]

Should that course prosper, I'll first employ my power to wreak on thee my vengeance for the scorn there lies my gage in token of defiance, and that hatred which here I swear shall to the grave pursue thee deep, deadly and

[Ghiscard]

unchang'd, stretch'd to the utmost thy power to vex obligations, Apulia and its lord, with barks like locust clouds o' erspread the ocean, rob all thy realms of men, and at one effort pour thy whole population on our coasts. Still shalt thou see thy squadrons like ripe corn beneath the reaper's scythe laid low. Encountering the patriot subjects of a patriot prince, who loves his people, whom his people love. Skulk as thou mayest, behind thy brazen bulwarks of hired Varangians and degenerate Greeks, I'll find thee. Doubt not hew my desperate passage through swords and shields, nor shall my arm no rest till on thy casque my trusty sword has cleft Byzantium's crown.

[Michael Ducas]

Entwined, I'll hear no more.

[Narrator]

Drawing a dagger, vain boaster die attempts to stab Ghiscar, who wrest the dagger from him.

[Michael Ducas]

Ha.

[Narrator]

A pause, after which he returns the dagger.

[Ghiscard]

Take thy steel again, and use it to a nobler end.

[Narrator]

Michael stamps in rage how now? Enter, Rhinos.

[Ghiscard]

Lautaire has fled, my prince. The traitor Julian has loosed his chains

[Michael Ducas]

and shares his flight.

[Ghiscard]

Pursue them and straight inform me should Lothir be found.

[Narrator]

Exit Reynolds.

[Ghiscard]

Prince, farewell. We meet no more, except we meet in battle, where one of us must fall.

[Michael Ducas]

Ay, triumph now, but soon thy haughty front shall strike the earth in anguish. Now, Dersitus.

[Narrator]

Enter Dersatus.

[Michael Ducas]

Say, is the bark prepared among the rocks?

[Claudia]

Tis anchored.

[Michael Ducas]

Call my slaves, collect my treasure, and straight conduct my daughter to the vessel. This night we quit Otranto. How this night Derosso's mine, and thither points our course. Speed, speed, my friend.

[Narrator]

Exit Dersitus.

[Michael Ducas]

And thou, good doting husband, dream on securely, while far hence I bear thy soul's most precious treasure. Thus the pilgrim, while near his couch the snake creeps slow and silent, slumbers unconscious on some flowery bank. Sweet is his rest, his dreams are bright, when, lo, Deep strikes the sting and the wretch wakes to anguish.

[Narrator]

Exit. Scene 2. A cavern through a natural arch. In the centre of the back scene, the sea is visible with the moon shining on it. On the right is a rough hewn staircase conducting to an upper gallery. On the left is the mouth of an inner cave, partly overgrown with ivy and other tangling weeds. It is ornamental, with a cross, an image, a skull and cross bones C. On the centre flat is the great entrance to the caverns. Julian enters with a torch, conducting Lothaire and Imma by the great entrance, central flat arch. Julian to Lothaire.

[Uncle Lazer]

Here thou mayst rest in safety, while I seek the bark to bear us hence. But, gentle princess, first let me guide thee back.

[Narrator]

Lothaire to Imma.

[Lothaire]

And must you go? O, first repeat the assurance that no longer you doubt his faith, who only lives for you. Say that no more. You'll wrong your charms by thinking the heart can ever change that once is yours. And swear by yon faith, fair moon, Whose mournful radiance silvers the billows which must waft me hence. No power of absence and no rival's arts shall e' er to face Lothaire.

[Adelgita]

From Emma's bosom, alas, before your lips affirm'd your truth so much I hoped you true. I half believed it. Yet still such proofs My father's heavy charge and she pure honour's mirror, Adelgita, she too attested, hence distracting doubts, For I will credit what I wish were true. Still, dear enchanter, breathe those magic vows which charm to rest the tempest of my bosom. E' en though you're false, persuade me that you're faithful, Even though you hate me, Swear I'm fondly loved close to my heart. I'll press the sweet delusion and kiss the veil that hides such cruel truths.

[Lothaire]

And will these sounds which on his parting ear vibrate so sweetly greet Lothair's return? Soon at thy beauty's shrine adoring monarch shall boast they bear thy chains and swear rapture if crowns are brilliant. Tis when Emma wears them.

[Imma]

Please.

[Lothaire]

While you listen to the flattering tale, all thoughts of passion past will fade away and in some rival's eyes arms thou' lt never remember a wretch like me exists.

[Adelgita]

Unjust suspicions. O would twere in my power at once to crush them and share thy flight, Thy dangers and thy woes. But, oh, that fearful thought, My father's curse. A father who whate' er his faults to others has none to me. No, no, I dare not grieve him. And we must part. Lothaire weeping.

[Uncle Lazer]

Your pardon, Princess. Time flies. Your absence may create suspicions Whose danger straight I come.

[Adelgita]

And whither wilt thou, dear friend, direct thy wandering course?

[Lothaire]

Thou knowest the Christian kings Prepare a potent force to free the Holy Land from hands of heathens. I'll aid the attempt. Who knows but heaven may grant me to her hurl some fierce barbarian from that throne his foul idolatry and crimes pollute. O, then how swift my keel shall cut the billows. Love's purple wings shall agitate the air to swell my sails and waft me back to Europe in Emma's eyes to read my purest praises and lay at Emma's feet. My heart and sceptre come thus and

[Adelgita]

imma's but shouldst thou fall, Rest thou assured, my love, no rival e' er shall clasp this hand on which thy lips have rested A cloistered mourner wrapped in sable weeds. I'll weep thy loss till life be wept away. Farewell, O heaven, farewell.

[Narrator]

Exit central arch.

[Lothaire]

I'll straight return.

[Uncle Lazer]

Wait thou in yonder cave.

[Narrator]

Exit central arch. Exit Lothaire into the cave. Adelgita with the torch descends the flight of steps.

[Imma]

Not come yet.

[Narrator]

She fixes the torch in a crevice of the rock.

[Imma]

Then I've still some moments left to think, to pray.

[Narrator]

She sinks on her knees and raises her hands to heaven.

[Imma]

Save me.

[Narrator]

A pause after which she raises.

[Imma]

How dread this silence. The night wind chills my blood. The pale cold moon, these echoing rocks, the murmuring waves.

[Narrator]

Michael without Sher Yuntotch thou.

[Imma]

He comes. His voice seems thunder to my ear. Now then, for life or death.

[Narrator]

Enter Michael Duca. Center arch.

[Michael Ducas]

Lo where she stands Destined to crown at once my love and vengeance. Now, Princess, I miss that high demeanor inspiring such respect when last we parlayed John Daly here.

[Uncle Lazer]

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[Monday.com Team]

Casino this Monday.com ad was created by a team of people and AI agents. The agents wrote the copy and managed the timelines, while our human creative director made sure it all made sense. Easy. Create your own AI agent. Today on Monday.com no scornful smile, no

[Michael Ducas]

virtuous lightnings flashing Quick from thy eye to strike presumption dead. Nay, speak, and let me hear thy lips once more. School with condign reproof, licentious passion and teach how great Salerno's virtuous daughter sees nothing fearful but deserved disgrace.

[Imma]

I am humbled, weak, a sufferer and a woman. Now, if thou hast the heart, insult me still.

[Michael Ducas]

Insult thee? No, ungrateful. Those bright eyes still o' er my heart hold an unbounded empire. Fain would I hush thy grief?

[Imma]

Oh, if thou wouldst, how easy were the task. Look on me, Prince. Grief tears my heart. My eyes are swollen with weeping. And thou mayst calm that heart and dry those eyes. Those fatal letters, yield them to my prayers. Save me from shame, and I'll through life implore Help heaven on thy head to shower its choicest blessings.

[Michael Ducas]

Nay, will not trouble heaven, Fair dame, In thee I see that blessing which my soul most covets. And mine it must be. I hate thy ghiscar. I find his dearest gems are thee, and honour and both. This night are lost.

[Narrator]

Adelguta starting, mean' st thou this night

[Michael Ducas]

I'll bear thee hence, and brand the man I hate with shame immortal.

[Imma]

Thou' rt in my power no tyrant thou art deceiv'd. I've still one refuge left, and here I swear, ere Giscard's cheek shall know one tear of grief or blush of shame, Occasion'd by my fault in death's embrace I'll shelter me from thine and stab my heart rather than the Gascard's honour.

[Narrator]

Michael, thou die.

[Michael Ducas]

Alas, I'm skilled in woman's courage. I know what vows she swears and how she keeps them. Swords, precipices, poison racks and flames. Viewed in perspective, she esteems me a trifles. But when the moment comes, she thinks to her pity to stain her skin so very white with blood, so wipes her eyes and lays aside her dagger.

[Imma]

Unmanly slanderer Michael, fiercely yet, though fate

[Michael Ducas]

had sworn the hour which made thee mine, should hear thy knell. Mine would I make thee still.

[Imma]

O barbarian fiend. Thou lov' st as others hate.

[Michael Ducas]

Though pleasure fly me, I'll quaffle draughts from sweet revenger's bowl. Living, thou' RT mine. Undead thou art not Giscards.

[Narrator]

And that some comfort still crosses to right. Adelguta drawing a dagger.

[Imma]

Then take that comfort and triumph o' er my course.

[Narrator]

Offering to stab herself, rash woman hold wrests the dagger from her and throws it on the ground. And now her treacherous arm crosses to right.

[Michael Ducas]

No power can save thee. No mid yon rocks ere now the vessel waits, destin'd to waft thee hence.

[Imma]

O heaven, away.

[Michael Ducas]

Then I'll bear thee to the bark.

[Narrator]

Adelgieta throws herself at his feet.

[Imma]

I sink before thee. She kneels to thee, who ne' er yet knelt to man. Have thou compassion?

[Michael Ducas]

None. None.

[Narrator]

Adelgita in a terrible voice, while she seizes a dagger which lies near her and starts from the ground.

[Imma]

Then perish, tyrant.

[Narrator]

Stabs him.

[Michael Ducas]

O murderess.

[Narrator]

He staggers back some paces and falls senseless on the earth. Adeljuta, who has remained in a menacing attitude, starts with horror at the last murder us.

[Imma]

Right, Right that. Tis now my father fittest name. Rise, demons, rise. Tis Adogeath that calls you. Her hand has signed in blood the infernal bond which makes her yours forever. Rise then. Rise and shake the rocks with horrid mirth. LOUD SHRIEKING Rejoice. Rejoice. The murderous is our own John Daly here.

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[Monday.com Team]

This Monday.com ad was created by a team of people and AI agents. Reese, our content agent, wrote the copy based on our best practices, like mentioning Monday.com three times. That was the second. Johnny, our coordination agent, built the timeline and kept everyone aligned. Olivia, our human creative director, stayed in the loop because agents are great, but they don't always know when a joke lands. She had one note tell listeners it only takes minutes to build an agent. So minutes. Create your own AI agent. Today on Monday.com enter Lothair from the

[Narrator]

cave with his sword drawn, Murderer shrieked.

[Lothaire]

Ha. Speak thy business here and what thou art.

[Imma]

Ah, fiends, who comes to banquet on blood among the these rocks, who much as drank and thirst for more. Observe these flaming eyes. Mark the black drops that trickle from the steel. And if thy life is dear, avoid my presence. Advance not, or thou diest.

[Lothaire]

That voice. Amazement. Tis she, the Princess sure.

[Narrator]

Dropping his sword.

[Lothaire]

Luther.

[Narrator]

Aurora, this still was wanting, supports herself against the rock.

[Lothaire]

Love and bruise her dagger. And lo, of course, whose gaping wound? O Princess, what hast thou done?

[Imma]

A deed of guilt, of madness, and of what guilt thine eyes express too well. Nay, give thy hatred words. I fain would die and speak. But thou with truth and force. I hate thee, and lightning would not strike me dead too soon.

[Lothaire]

Hate thee, O powers of bliss. My brain whirls round. I know not what to think, think or say or do. I can but feel all guilty as thou art. The world holds nothing which my soul loves dearer.

[Imma]

Say' st thou thanks heaven, for this last drop of comfort thrown in my bitter cup? Lothair, Lother. This heart thou dost not know. Hark. This rock echoes with hurried steps. If here I'm found, my fame, my life are lost. Save me, Lotha, save me, for I am so guilty that I dare not die. Save me, save me.

[Lothaire]

They're at hand. Fly, fly. Yon steps conduct.

[Narrator]

Adelgita, attempting to reach them, but sinking back, ready to faint and catching at a broken piece of the rock.

[Imma]

I cannot. My strength fails me. My doom is fixed.

[Narrator]

Lothaire raising her.

[Lothaire]

Take courage. Rest on me the torch, taking it

[Narrator]

in one hand while the other clasps. Adelgita.

[Lothaire]

Come, come. Fear not. I'll die or save you. Nay, come away, away.

[Narrator]

Exeunt. By the steps. Enter Imma hastily. Central arch.

[Adelgita]

Fly, fly. Lothaire. Julian is seized and reinulph. This way hastens Lothaire. He answers not. O heaven, they come.

[Narrator]

Enter. Reinulf. Julian and eight guards with torches. Central arch.

[Michael Ducas]

Reinulf to if thou deceiv' st me rich, thy life shall pay for it.

[Uncle Lazer]

Not here in yonder cave.

[Narrator]

Imma standing before the entrance of the cave.

[Adelgita]

Stay, Ranulph, stay. Pursue your search no further. On my life. The babe, who ne' er yet lists the name of mother, is not more guiltless than Lothaire.

[Michael Ducas]

His flight argues not innocence. Your pardon, Princess.

[Narrator]

I needs must on to the guards.

[Michael Ducas]

This way.

[Narrator]

Exeoned with four guards into the cave.

[Michael Ducas]

My father, my child.

[Imma]

Farewell.

[Narrator]

Dies. O, horror faints on the body. Lothair rushing down the steps.

[Lothaire]

It was Emma.

[Narrator]

Shrieked Reinulf, entering left, followed by the guards.

[Michael Ducas]

Lothair. Guards, seize him.

[Narrator]

Lothair held by the guards. Emma, part of the guards detain Lothair in the background, while the rest form a group around Imma and her father. Rhynulf. A tall, martial figure in armor stands in the middle, extending one arm towards Lothair. Tableau end of Act 4. Act 5 of Adelgita or the Fruits of a Single Error by Matthew Lewis this is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act V, Scene 1. A Gothic hall, splendidly illuminated, Banquet tables on right and left, around which are Tancred and the knights. Pages attending throne and chairs. Giscard on throne flourish.

[Ghiscard]

Why, this looks well. Fill every goblet high.

[Narrator]

All fill goblets.

[Ghiscard]

O heavens. Tis sweet o' er. Friendship's bold, to talk of perils past, and share our joys with these who shared our dangers.

[Narrator]

Prizing.

[Ghiscard]

But speak of war no more, for lo, she comes, whose presence sheds around her peace and joy.

[Narrator]

All rise. Enter Adelgita with Claudia. And ladies.

[Ghiscard]

O, welcome, welcome. As the wished for port to some long absent seaman. Why, my soul, hast thou so long depriv'd me of thy sight?

[Imma]

Giscard, so ill I merit. I'm so conscious, my heart, that couldst

[Narrator]

thou read Guiscard with anxiety?

[Ghiscard]

Methinks thou' RT strangely pale yet tis no wonder, that place where thou hast

[Narrator]

been to night, Adelgata alarm'd to night that place.

[Ghiscard]

Thou knewest then, that religious duties have long detain'd thee in St. Hilda's Chapel. And much I fear the damp from vaults exhaling the marble walls. The night wind's chilling blasts Adelgata with

[Narrator]

a mixture of irony.

[Imma]

True, true, the night wind. O, tis nothing more.

[Narrator]

Twill soon be past Giscar taking a goblet from A page, I trust so

[Ghiscard]

look round thee, sweet Apuleius. Champions stand, expecting from thy lips their best reward. Greet them, my love.

[Narrator]

Adelgata takes a bowl, then suddenly dashes it on the ground.

[Imma]

Away. Tis filled with blood.

[Claudia]

She raves.

[Narrator]

Giscard surprised.

[Imma]

What means have I deserved this, Giscard? I ever loved thee with such truth, such fondness. I know how monstrous was my fault, but this. Oh, this was cruel, cruel.

[Narrator]

Weeping on Claudia's bosom.

[Ghiscard]

Why weep and hide thy face? Turn to thy.

[Narrator]

Turn to him who loves thee, Adelgata, eagerly.

[Imma]

Thou lovest me. O, repeat those blest. Swear still thou lovest me.

[Ghiscard]

Canst thou doubt my love?

[Narrator]

Adelgitta insisting on the word still lovest me still.

[Imma]

Pronounce that word. Still. Still.

[Narrator]

Ghiscard, surprised at her wild energy.

[Ghiscard]

Still love thee more than life.

[Narrator]

Adelguta exulting why then, ye heavens in

[Imma]

thunder, speak your wrath. O here and smile, smile, conscience. Thy sting is lost. He loves me still, and all things else are trifles. Hail, warriors, hail. Resume your seats, all sit. Fill high your bowls with wine. Swell round me choral music and peals of bursting joy. Rise, rise and drown that voice. I will not hear this change, so

[Ghiscard]

sudden, this frantic rapture.

[Imma]

Ask not what it means. Thou lovest me and I'm blest. Let that suffice. Come, chieftains, guess God, come, Immaculate.

[Claudia]

Where.

[Adelgita]

Where's the prince?

[Narrator]

Adelguta shuddering Tis Emma.

[Imma]

Tis his daughter.

[Narrator]

Imma rushes in wildly and rainulf.

[Adelgita]

Justice, justice. O princely Guiscard. At thy feet I fall. And clasp thy knees and call on thee for vengeance. See these torn ringlets, pallid cheeks, eyes swollen and pity me. My heart is stabbed, is breaking. He's dead. O heaven, he's dead.

[Ghiscard]

Rise, Imma, rise. Whom mourn ye?

[Adelgita]

Can I speak the name and live? The Assassin's dagger Near the rocks he lies pale, breathless, cold I threw me by his side and strove to warm him gainst my heart in vain. He's dead, he's dead. My father's dead.

[Imma]

Thy father savagely murder'd.

[Adelgita]

O wretched Imma, you ain't heard about Moto Casino?

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Casino America Social Casino this Monday.com ad was created by a team of people and AI agents. Reese, our content agent, wrote the copy based on our best practices. Like mentioning Monday.com three times. That was the second. Johnny, our coordination agent, built the timeline and kept everyone aligned. Olivia, our human creative director, stayed in the loop because agents are great, but they don't always know when a joke lands. She had one note. Tell listeners it only takes minutes to build an agent. So minutes. Create your own AI agent. Today on Monday.com how I suffer Emma

[Narrator]

to Adelgita Ah, you weep.

[Adelgita]

But had you seen as I did, his pale cheeks, his gaping wound, the cold dews stealing down his brows, his limbs convulsed by dying pain.

[Imma]

Imma, thou drive me mad.

[Ghiscard]

Confused by rage and horror I know not to console, but doubt not, lady, if still Otranto holds the wretch, I'll find him and take such dread revenge. Forgive my boldness.

[Michael Ducas]

Fainting through anguish on her father's corpse, the Princess knows not. Ere we left the rocks, the assassin was surpris'd.

[Narrator]

Produce the wretch, exit Rhynulf and returns with Lothaire in chains.

[Ghiscard]

Behold him, Lothaire the assassin.

[Adelgita]

No, Prince, no. On my soul, no. If aught that's ill had menaced the life of Imma's father, he had found no surer safeguard than Lothaire.

[Narrator]

Ghiscar to Rhynulf.

[Ghiscard]

What proofs his lurking mid the rocks,

[Michael Ducas]

his sword unsheath'd, Found near the corpse their well known enmity.

[Ghiscard]

This day's events all, all confirm him guilty To Lothaire. What hast thou done? Base wretched youth? Thy crime at once robs thee of life and in me of honour. A sovereign slain, a sovereign at my court, who sought protection and who found a grave.

[Lothaire]

What can I say? So deep and dark a gloom involves my fate, that I despair to pierce it. The snow that falls is not from taint so pure as are my hands from blood, my lips from falsehood.

[Adelgita]

Then clear thy conduct and relieve my heart, which trembles for thy love, thy life, thy virtue. Who placed thy falchion by my father's course so near him? Didst thou not hear his shriek for succour? Know' st thou whose hand he turns away in silence?

[Narrator]

Adulejuta aside, reward him heav'.

[Adelgita]

N. Wilt thou not speak?

[Lothaire]

I'll Answer this. But no more, as I've a soul to save. The hand which slew thy father was not mine.

[Adelgita]

Then whose barbarian go. Thou ne' er hast loved me, liv'd in thy breast. One feeling spark. Thou couldst not suffer such doubts. To rack her soul. Who would not grieve thine for the

[Lothaire]

world's wealth inhuman Emma. To die were better than to cause those tears. Oh, spare me. Spare me. Leave me to my fate.

[Ghiscard]

I know not what to think. His oaths, his anguish, should he indeed be guiltless.

[Michael Ducas]

Gracious Prince, know that on Michael's corpse the note was found which lur'd him to these secret rocks.

[Ghiscard]

Was it not sign'd?

[Michael Ducas]

It was not. But the writing perhaps may lend some Cue you counsel.

[Ghiscard]

Well, produce the note.

[Narrator]

Exit. Rhynulf, aside.

[Imma]

I'm lost.

[Narrator]

Lothaire, aside.

[Lothaire]

She started. Then it was hers.

[Narrator]

Adelgita, in a low voice to Claudia.

[Imma]

Now, Claudia, now. And our resource.

[Narrator]

Lothair aside.

[Lothaire]

I hear his steps.

[Narrator]

Adelgita breathless with anxiety.

[Imma]

Now, now.

[Narrator]

Lothaire, aside.

[Lothaire]

What must be done? O wretched woman.

[Narrator]

Re enter. Reinulph. Rainulf kneeling.

[Michael Ducas]

This letter, Prince Lothaire slave.

[Narrator]

Snatching it and tearing it shall ne'

[Lothaire]

er betray its rider. This makes the secret safe.

[Ghiscard]

Rash youth, forbear.

[Narrator]

Imma in despair.

[Adelgita]

Then there's no hope. He's guilty.

[Ghiscard]

What means thy daring act?

[Lothaire]

It means I know the hand which traced these lines and murdered Michael. The cry of murder drew me to the spot where Michael breathed his last. I seized the assassin whose life was in my power. I swore to save it.

[Narrator]

Adelguta, aside.

[Imma]

O generous youth.

[Narrator]

Giscard. Peremptorily.

[Ghiscard]

One word decides thy fate. One choice is left thee. Reveal the culprit, or thou diest this instant.

[Lothaire]

Lead to the scaffold.

[Narrator]

Ghiscar. Furious.

[Ghiscard]

Tis enough. Guards, seize him.

[Michael Ducas]

Yet be advis'd, Lotaire. Nor hope to bury this strange, mysterious

[Imma]

secret in the grave.

[Michael Ducas]

The rack will force it from thee.

[Lothaire]

Try its strength. Then thou' lt find that virtue has more power to blunt the shafts of pain than man has often to forge them. Nor can thy torture so afflict my body, as violated vows would rack my mind.

[Ghiscard]

I'll hear no more. Bear him to instant death.

[Imma]

Distracting sound.

[Lothaire]

Emma. Not one last look.

[Uncle Lazer]

Force him away.

[Lothaire]

Emma. Farewell. Farewell.

[Narrator]

Dragg'd away by the guards.

[Ghiscard]

Obey me. To the block.

[Narrator]

Adelgita. With a dreadful shriek.

[Imma]

O, spare him. Spathe him. He's guiltless.

[Narrator]

Ghiscar starting. How, Adelgita desperate.

[Imma]

He's guiltless. He's My son.

[Narrator]

All start. While she rushes to Lothaire and clasps him in her arms.

[Ghiscard]

Thy son.

[Lothaire]

Thy son.

[Ghiscard]

O gods, what is it I hear?

[Imma]

My shame, my guilt, my fondness, my despair. Twas I who murdered Michael. I who now repeat Lotha is guiltless. Is my son please to lay down my life to save my child and die for him who would have died

[Narrator]

for me, embracing him? Lothaire kneeling.

[Ghiscard]

O Mother Adelgitha, whose virtues art thou a murderess? Thou.

[Imma]

Nay, never doubt it. I own my crime and I desire no pardon. The tale thou heard' st from me to day was mine. The father of Rosa long ere thou sawest me, robbed me of peace and honour. Fatal chance betrayed to Michael's heir this dangerous secret. His heart was hard, my brain was wrought to frenzy. He knew and threatened me. I feared and slew him.

[Ghiscard]

Unhappy woman, what hast thou done? My brain twill bear no more.

[Narrator]

Reinulf supports him. Julian brings down cheer. My son to Lothaire.

[Imma]

My son. Curse me not.

[Lothaire]

Curse thee. Kneeling thus, I bless thee and swear. Good drops wrung from my inmost heart, repay the blood thy hand has shed.

[Narrator]

Ghiscard, recovering himself this instant.

[Ghiscard]

Let all retire except.

[Narrator]

Except the Princess Adelgita detaining Lothair.

[Imma]

Oh, no, no, no, I dare not.

[Narrator]

Ghiscard, solemn and commanding Adelgitha. Adelgata. In a faltering voice.

[Imma]

Prince, I obey.

[Narrator]

Exeunt, Imma, Guards C. Manent, Giscar and Adelgita. Giscar. After a pause.

[Ghiscard]

I'll not reproach thee. Fear not, I will but say. And say it in mild words too. I will but tell thee. Grief impedes my utterance, that we must part forever. Oh, thou knowest me, know' st well my dread of shame, my sense of honour, know' st well my love for thee, but what I suffer to find thee false and guilty. This. O, this thou could' st not know. Are sure thou hast not erred.

[Narrator]

Adeltuta in agony.

[Imma]

Heart, heart.

[Narrator]

His emotions gradually get the better of him.

[Ghiscard]

Is it true? Can it indeed be real? Thou. Thou on whom I doted, Thou whose lips I thought ne' er knew a falsehood, whose eyes spoke each wish of the heart so plainly, in whose arms I hoped to have met death, which in thine arms had been so free from pain. And now.

[Narrator]

And now Adelgita, her grief changes into gloomy fierceness. And now you hate me, Ghiscar, wild and desperate.

[Imma]

Ten hours on my feet.

[Adelgita]

Traffic noise, Everybody needing something from me.

[Ghiscard]

My head is spinning.

[Imma]

I just need the world to stop for one second. But then I get home, shoes off,

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[Ghiscard]

Would I did but mark ungrateful Mark these groans of anguish drawn from my soul, my faltering voice, my locks, which thus I tear in frenzy. And these tears. Mark these, mark these, then ask me if I hate thee.

[Narrator]

Sinks on a seat, overcome by the violence of his feelings.

[Imma]

Flow those tears for me. Speak, Giscard, speak.

[Narrator]

Falling at his feet.

[Imma]

Flow they for me.

[Narrator]

He motions her to leave him. She rises with frantic gesture.

[Imma]

For that I was to hope it. He shuns me. He abhors me. Why delay then? Where are your guards? Come, come, prepare the scaffold. And while I seek it, bid the indignant rabble load me with scoffs and base revilings.

[Narrator]

Ghiscar starting up with looks of horror at the idea.

[Ghiscard]

The tis fix'd and farewell, honour, farewell.

[Narrator]

Join to Adelgita.

[Ghiscard]

Resolute thy hand and mine partners in weal and woe through life I'll never leave thee. And in death one grave shall hold us both, imploring pardon. I'll wander by thy side from shrine to shrine, A barefoot pilgrim still in toils and perils. My arm shall guard thee and my voice shall soothe. And when thou weepest to hear insulting crowds pursue thy bleeding steps with taunts and curses. With my torn hair I'll wipe thy tears away and hide thee in my breast from scorn and sorrow.

[Imma]

Prince kiss God heard I right. Canst thou forgive me?

[Ghiscard]

I can, I do.

[Imma]

And love me still?

[Ghiscard]

Still love thee? And more than light, than life, than fame, than virtue, I'm happy.

[Imma]

Guiscard. Guiscard.

[Narrator]

Thus I thank thee, embracing him and

[Imma]

next reward thee thus.

[Narrator]

Stabs herself. Ghiscar petrified with horror.

[Lothaire]

Help.

[Ghiscard]

Help.

[Narrator]

Within there enter IMMA, Lothaire, etc.

[Lothaire]

What mean those cries? O cruel sight.

[Narrator]

He receives Adelgita in his arms. Adelgita to Ghiscar.

[Imma]

Thus only could I repay thy wondrous truth and spare thee the shame of loving where esteem was lost.

[Lothaire]

Fly, fly for aid.

[Imma]

No, no, the steel was faithful. Tis my heart's blood which.

[Narrator]

O that pang falling ghiskard hastening to her and raising her in his arms.

[Ghiscard]

She dies. Look up, my love, my soul. Look up once more. One parting word, One long adieu. One blessing.

[Imma]

Bless thee. Farewell. I am guilty, Guilty. Pray for my soul's repose. Pray to hereafter our spirits in a better, happier world. Heaven. Heaven. Tis past.

[Narrator]

She dies. Ghiskar throws himself in despair on the dead body near which Lothaire is kneeling, while Imma is fainting, supported by Claudia and ladies. Slow music End of Act V I make no doubt that Adelgita's fate will be reckoned too severe in my justification. I must observe that my object in writing this tragedy was to illustrate a particular fact, namely the difficulty of avoiding the evil consequences. Consequences of a first false step. It appeared to me that the more venial the offence and the more amiable the character of the offender, the more strongly would the above position be proved. And the very nature of my object made it necessary that Adelguta should be the constant victim of her single transgression in this life, and only receive the reward of her many virtues in the life to come. But above all, I must request that no one will mistake Adelgita for a heroine. I meant to represent in her a woman with all her sex weakness, whose natural inclinations were virtuous and benevolent, but who was totally unprovided with that firmness of mind which might have enabled her to resist the force of imperious circumstances. Accordingly, she gives way to them one after another, and is led on gradually and involuntarily from crime to crime, till she finds herself involved in guilt beyond the possibility of escaping. Such was my plan, though perhaps the defects of its execution may have prevented the reader from discovering it till now. End of Adelgita or the Fruits of a Single Error by Matthew Lewis.

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