Gipsy Prince

Act First

Scene First The Suburbs of Murcia Peasant Men and Women dancing before a Cottage, while others sitting at the Door are playing on Mandolins and Singing Chorus Happy the hearts that love has blest With such a tie, so sweet as this: For all their Nights, are Nights of rest, And all their days are days of bliss. And Time shall ne'er their Love eclipse, Tho' it may steal their fire away; But, like their roses on their lips, Their joys shall soften not decay. Compare all witnesses

Rincon

That's right—frisk it away—there's not a Man in Murcia loves merriment more than Rincon—go on—I'll caper it with the best of you.

(dances) Diego

Poh! Here's this troublesome Rincon. What my good Cavallero—still at your old trick of meddling in other people's business?

Rincon

Ha! How do you do? Why I own I do like to have a hand and a foot in everything going forward – but what are you about? merry-making, eh?

Diego

If we must give you a full Account of ourselves—I am Diego.

Rincon

Go on—I knew that before —how naturally the fellow puts himself foremost!

Diego (sulkily)

Well—this is Blanch—and we've just been married—are you satisfied now?

Rincon

Perfectly at my ease—and this is Blanch, eh?

(Going up to her) Blanch (curtsying awkwarly)

Yes, Sir, at your service.

Rincon (With his back to the Husband—sometimes looking round at him and from him to Blanch)

Well, Child—to be sure there is a variety of tastes, but in the choosing of a man (looking down at himself)

Diego

What is the fellow at?

Rincon (to Blanch)

By our lady of the Rock, thou has got a most delicate lip, Child.

Blanch

A pair of them, Sir, at your service.

Rincon

At my service—egad, I think I should like to be meddling there too

(going to kiss her) Diego (interposing)

To that I have a trifling objection—and so, good bye to you, Master Go-Between. come along, Girls let the thing dance by itself.

Exeunt Peasants. Rincon

Odso—the fellow is as nice about his Wife, as if she was his own property, but we've learn't better things now-a-days. No—No—a man's wife us'd to belong to him

but the Husband now is put away among the moveables.

Rincon ~~My Heart I confess has had amorous fidgets,~~ ~~For Mollies, and Dollies, and Sukies and Bridgets,~~ ~~But thanks to my Stars! by some lucky miscarriage,~~ ~~I've kept my Neck safe from the Halter of Marriage.~~ ~~My first love was Dame Plumpton, so ample & fat,~~ ~~Like a map of the World, round-about, & all that,~~ ~~I tried to persuade her—she said that she wouldn't—~~ ~~I could never come round her, no curse me, I couldn't.~~ ~~The next was a nice little ABCdarian,~~ ~~The Daughter of Lingo, our Parish Grammarian,~~ ~~But we ne'er could agree in our Love Education,~~ ~~For she still declin'd, when I wish'd Conjugation.~~ ~~Then I said to another, if you'll be my Wife,~~ ~~Like a couple of Bells, we'll ring nicely thro' life,~~ ~~But, by Jove, if I'd had the ill luck to entrap her,~~ ~~I'd have found the sweet Bell the dev'l of a Clapper!~~ ~~&a &a &a~~ Song 3 ("I remember") appears in witnesses a, b, and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses.

Scene 2nd Discovers Gipsies seated round a Fire in the background. They begin a low, melancholy Dirge Bleak rains may fall or Winds whistle over us, Nothing but Heaven and darkness to cover us! Then starting up burst into a lively Chorus. Merry we still fly Where our fates lead us, Winter or chill Sky Cannot impede us. &.c &.c Compare all witnesses Enter to them the Gipsy Prince in a fanciful half Eastern Dress. Gipsy Prince

Well, fellows, we are now in Murcia, and near the City. I know not how we strollers are receiv'd in Spain, but I'll on to enquire and be back with you at Night fall.

1st Gipsy.

Where shall we pitch our Tents?

Gipsy Prince

Some distance hence among those Willows. This Dress will at all events secure me from suspicion. Away.

Exeunt Gipsies.

Gipsy Prince

Where shall my wanderings and adventures cease? after travelling thro' the World, unknowing and unknown, I now am made a Chief of Vagabonds. Well, well, it matters not where I go. I know no Parent but Nature, and she gives me the World for my home!

I've roam'd thro' many a weary round, I've wander'd East and West; Pleasure in every Clime I've found, But sought in vain for rest. While Glory sighs for other spheres I feel that one's too wide And think a home which love endears, Were worth the World beside. The Needle thus, too rudely mov'd, Wanders, unconscious where; 'Till having found the place it lov'd It trembling settles there. Compare all witnesses Going out starts back upon seeing an old Man dragg'd in by two Alguazils.

Ha! what's here!

Old Jew

In mercy's name, allow me to escape,—I am old and not worth persecuting.

Alguazils

Old Sinners are the worst of all—come along

(they drag him) Gipsy Prince

May I ask, Gentlemen, what functions do you bear?

Alguazils

Have you dropped from the Moon? We are Officers of the Inquisition.

Gipsy Prince

Whither do you drag that poor old Man?

Alguazils

To a Dungeon to be sure.

Gipsy Prince

What is his Crime?

Alguazils

He is a Jew.

Old Jew

Oh! Sir—some secret Enemy has ruin'd me. I go to suffer Death ever without knowing my accusers.

Gipsy Prince

Is he charg'd with no other Crime than this?

Alguazils

I tell you he is a Jew.

Gipsy Prince

Is this the Country of Religion? [six or seven words inked out] shame on you, persecuting Hypocrites, release your Prisoner this instant.

Alguazils (eying him with derision and turning to his Companion)

Here's a fine fellow for you. Why, where have you come from, young Hector? [two lines inked out]

Gipsy Prince

What, do you back your cruelty with insolence? Villains—I'll shew you that one arm in the cause of Humanity is worth a hundred hirelings of oppression.

(Draws) Alguazils

Here's rebellion against the Holy Office—down with him—down with him.

(While they are fighting Rincon pops his head in) Rincon

[four words inked out]—Ho, ho— Alguazils, and Swords drawn. I'll not meddle here. Bravo, Alguazils—knock him down—knock him down—I'll not meddle—I'm off.

(Exit). 1st Alguazil

Oh! I'm hurt—take to your heels—the dog has wounded me.

(they run off) Old Jew (falling on his knees before the Gipsy Prince)

Generous Stanger! you have preserved my life, but your

own I fear will be the forfeit. You know not the powers of the Tribunal—to oppose it's Ministers is Death, and I fear you have wounded one of them—for Heaven's sake fly and preserve yourself. You carry with you the prayers of one who owes you his liberty and his life.

(Exit, Old Man) Gipsy Prince

Thus runs my fate from one difficulty to another. Must I conceal myself? No—let them come—and yet—to be the sport of such ruffians—the thought is worse than death—this way seems to lead to the City. Let what will happen there is no one to weep for me!

(Exit)

Scene 3rd. One one side a Bower, and on the other a Turret. Enter Don Roderick and Don Dominick. Don Roderic

As you say, my friend, I wish your boy Sebastian was here—he would just be a match for the Girl—but he's dead, isn't he?

Don Dominic

Alas! I fear so,

Don Roderic

Then he'll not do for my Neice.

Don Dominic

When my Brother went with the Missionaries to

the East, I unfortunately sent the Child along with him, an—

Don Roderic (aside)

Now have I heard this Story a hundred times—Ay, Well?

Don Dominic

I sent my boy Sebastian with the Missionaries

Don Roderic

And then lost him and he's dead or gone to the deuce; and you don't know what's become of him. Don't tell your old Stories so often, Brother Dominick, and you'll be a much more agreeable Companion.

Don Dominic

Well, well, you are hasty, old Roderick—but, how is your Neice?

Don Roderic

My Neice! very well—fine girl—but don't know what to do with her.

Don Dominic

I say, marry her off your hands as fast as you can.

Don Roderic

That's what I wish, but the jade doesn't seem to know what Matrimony means—she has got an old broken winded guittar that I believe she'll be married to for the rest of her life (the guittar heard without). Ay,

here she is with that plaguy instrument of hers, the very curse of my life.

Enter Antonia singing to the accompaniment of her Guittar. Trio. Antonia Sweet oh! sweet the Spring is coming, Natures heavenly blush appears, Don Roderic Stop oh! stop your cursed strumming, Or you'll kill me thro' my Ears, Don Dominic Bravo! delightful— Don Roderic Bah! tis frightful— Antonia Uncle, fye—'tis charming musick. Don Roderic Neice, 'tis enough to make a Jew sick. Don Dominic Repeat that air, Miss. Don Roderic Do if you dare, Miss. Antonia Sweet oh! sweet the Spring is coming &ca Compare all witnesses Enter a Messenger Don Roderic

What now?

Messenger

A Prisoner has just been rescued from the Officers.

Don Dominic

[two words inked out] Recued?—by whom?

Messenger

By a Stranger who has wounded one of them and escaped.

Don Roderic

What!—Rebellion against the Sante Officio? Oh! we'll tickle him, the dog! Catch him, and with our accustomed Civily, we'll give him his choice whether he'll be roasted or—boiled.

(Ext Messenger) Don Dominic

Come, Roderick. This offence is civil as well as religious We'll to the Alcaide, and order out a guard after him.

Don Roderic

Do you hear, Niece? Throw away your guittar and look for a Husband; a much better play thing, I assure you. Don't you remember what Gomez, the old ballad-monger says

Marry for money, for love or for mirth, Take a Husband for use or for show' 'Tis better by far to lead one Ape on earth Than perhaps lead a hundred below. (Ext. Don Dom. & Don Rod.) Antonia

How Uncle does abuse thee, thou dear companion of many a solitary hour (looking at her Guittar) he says

a husband would be a better play-thing—it may be so, but has a husband much musick in him?—Here are two, three, six frets—Ah! there are more frets in Matrimony than that, and then, one couldn't play upon a husband so easily

(Archly, and striking the Chords of the Instrument) The Gipsy Prince appears on the Walls of the Garden, looking back as if pursued. Gipsy Prince

I am mistaken, I think—they were not Officers—yet they eyed me suspiciously—no matter—over I go. (jumps down) I cannot be worse than in the hands of those—(starts on seeing Antonia, who screams) A Woman! (advancing to her) Lady—if you can pardon such an intrusion—

Antonia

Pray, Sir, who are you, that thus—

(hesitating) Gipsy Prince

I am a Stranger, Madam, but a few hours in Murcia. Passing thro' the Suburbs, I saw an unfortunate old Man, whom the Officers were dragging without mercy to a dungeon. I pitied, I rescued him. This offence, they tell me, is death—pursued, and flying, I know not whither—Heavens! how beautiful

(aside)

Antonia

But Sir, can you imagine—

(hesitating) Gipsy Prince

I see that I offend. Yes, tho' looking thus is life, and death be without those walls, I go—

Antonia

Stay, Sir, what would you have me do?

Gipsy Prince

Nothing for worlds that could a moment disturb you—if I might conceal myself in these gardens till night, the darkness then might suffer me to escape, but—

Antonia (aside)

I have often wished for an opportunity to do good, now I have it, I will not lose it. (to him) Yes—Stranger, you shall have concealment here.

Gipsy Prince (falling on his knees before her)

Oh! thus let me thank you, not for the life you preserve which is nothing; but for the feeling that warms you, which is every thing.

Antonia (aside)

Heaven grant I feel no more than compassion—Will you be my prisoner?

Gipsy Prince

Yes, for ever.

Antonia

Here is a little Turret—come you shall see it—(The go over to the Turret) There you may rest secure, & and as soon as it is dark—

Don Roderic (within)

Search the whole city for him. The

Corregidore will sit in the morning. [one line inked out]

Antonia

My Uncle!—in—in, or we are [word inked out] ruined.

Shuts him in the Tower and runs in trepidation to the Guittar. (Enter Don Roderick) Don Roderic

Hey day! still at it? house, house, girl—it's growing late—Arn't you afraid of hobgoblins? They'll be dancing the blue devils' jig about you presently.

Antonia

True Sir (looking towards the Turret) when one is alone, strange figures will appear to one, as you say.

Don Roderic

What the Plague! you don't see anything appearing now, do you?

Antonia

Oh! no, Sir—go in—and I shall follow you—

Don Roderic

Pho! come along, Girl. I must be early in the morning.

Antonia

Pray, Uncle—I have but to—but to look after my little bird in the Turret.

Don Roderic

A Bird in the Turret?—come, let's see—I like birds.

Antonia

Dearest Uncle—no. You'll disturb it.

Don Roderic

Not at all—no matter

(going towards the Turret)

Antonia (preventing him)

Besides, Sir, 'tis a Singing bird, & you're not fond of Musick.

Don Roderic

Singing Bird, is it?—Oh! curse your singing—well, well—follow me immediately.

(Ext Don Rod) Antonia (running to the Turret)

Hist! hist! but one word more. —(leads out the Gipsy Prince) there is a little bolt inside, by which you may command the door, and as soon as you think it dark enough to escape—but—but—is this the last time I shall ever see you?

Gipsy Prince

First time and last!—Oh! that would indeed be too little.

Antonia

Say you so?—and will you stay till morning here?

Gipsy Prince

Till morning?—Oh! 'twill be a blessed morning that brings you back to bless my eyes again.

Antonia (aside)

I am so happy!—as soon as it is dawn, I will come to you and the sound of the Guittar shall be the Signal for you to appear. Farewell, go to your lodging—I must after my Uncle.

Duett. Antonia Good night, good night, I must away, Altho' my heart would bid me stay. Gipsy Prince Oh Lady, Say good night once more. And I'll repeat it o'er and o'er.

Both Till the first glance of dawning light Shall find us saying still "Good night"— Good night—Good night! Compare all witnesses

Scene 4. The Gipsies Tents among the Willows almost dark. Duett & Chorus. Poppee (Stealing from one of the Tents) Where Gipsey gone? night stealing on Come, come, come To the Willows fly See now they creep from yonder steep No fearee now de watchful eye. Lachimee Here we have spread in the Willows our bed Fly, fly, fly—to the Willows fly— Hush, hush, hum—Soft dey come No fearee now de watchful eye— (A Murmur of Gipsey-men, heard at some distance) Poppee Oh! Gipsey man, no care for wind, In summer glow, or winter Snow,

Gipsey man no changes find His Sunshine all is in de mind . Chorus of Gipsies at a Distance. Hush, hush, hum—we Gipsies come— Fly, fly, fly—to the Willows fly— Soft we creep to our tents of Sleep Sealed is now the watchful eye. Gipsies entering in full burst of Chorus. Here, here, here—we Gipsies come &c. Compare all witnesses 1st Gipsy

Where can this Prince of ours be? Something has happened him in the City, I am afraid.

2d Gipsy.

Soft!—who comes yonder? Stand by—we'll sport him.

(Enter Rincon) Rincon

Dear me!—how busy I've been! helping the Alguazils all over the city to find that damn'd sacrilegious dog. Lord, lord—how anyone can meddle with the Inquisition! Women and the Holy Office—women and the Holy office are never to be meddled with.

(Poppee & Lachimee come at each side of him) Poppee

How do you do, Sir?

Lachimee

How do you do, Sir?

Rincon

Hey-day! talk of a devil, and two of them appear (looking alternately at them). Black—yellow—his livery at all events.

Poppee & Lachimee

Dear, dear, what fine dressy man! —see—see—nice fine

(turning him about) Rincon

Do you really admire this dress—'pon my Soul these Gipsies have no bad taste I find.

Poppee & Lachimee (pointing to different parts of his dress)

give um dis, give um dat.

Rincon

What my hat?—what my Sword, eh! no, excuse me—

Lachimee (Snatching off his Hat)

She got herself here, buddy Quonimo, here fine hat for you—

(putting it on one of the Gipsey men) Rincon

Oh! ho!—this is their taste for my dress—very flattering indeed—

Poppee (coming up roguishly)

Me very fond of you—love you plenty—you glad?

Rincon

Oh! certainly—very glad. Your love is extremely dear to me—and these are all keep-

sakes, you're taking, I suppose?

Poppee

Iss—me wish fine bit of your hair, put in gold ring, eh?

Rincon

'Twould be rather difficult, I believe

(putting his hand to his head) Poppee

Oh! me find plenty look (pulls off his Wig and shews it round) See—here fine wig to put in a ring.

(They all gather round him and seem emulous in tearing at his dress) Rincon

By my chastity, Ladies, you'll leave me not fit to be seen.

The Alguazils rush in with the Opening of a Finale. Song 9 ("In the name and glory of the Inquisitory") appears in witnesses a, b, and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses. End of Act 1.

Act 2

Scene 1. The Gardens & the Turret. Enter Antonia with a Basket on her arm and a Guittar. Antonia

How my heart beats! I hope they have not observed me. Oh! if my bird has not flown I shall be happy.

(Strikes the Chords of her Guittar) (Enter Gipsey Prince from the Turret) (Strikes the Chords of her Guittar) (Enter Gipsey Prince from the Turret) Duett. Antonia Come from thy Cage, silly bird, dost thou hear, Thy mistress is singing to thee. Say, while she grants thee a Prison so dear, Oh! cans't thou e'er wish to be free? Gipsy Prince I knew by the Magic which stole on my ear, That my mistress was singing to me And while she grants me a Prison so dear, I never can wish to be free. Both Captive to thee, thus, and love Where is the heart that could rove? Compare all witnesses Antonia

Tell me, dear Stranger—

Gipsy Prince

Oh! say not stranger, call me—

(hesitates) Antonia

What?

Gipsy Prince

What you will—(Sighs) I've never had a name. I never lived till now—(takes her hand affectionately) her lips should give the name, whose eyes have given the life.

Antonia

See, I have stolen this little basket of refreshments for you. I'm so afraid that Uncle will come this way—feel how my heart beats!

Gipsy Prince (aside)

This is too much. I must not expose this innocent Girl to such dangers. —No, 'tis cowardly.

Antonia

Come, we may venture to walk round yonder path, and then, my dear, dear Nameless, you shall tell me all your story.

(Exeunt.) (Enter Don Roderick & the Alcaide) Don Roderic

Well?

Alcaide

They have hunted him, your Excellency, all round the Suburbs.

Don Roderic

Hunted him! ay, ay—they are fine beagles—after a Heretic—"Stole away—stole away!" is enough for them, but can they find no traces of the offender?

Alcaide

The found a party of Strolling Gipsies who arrived in Murcia but yesterday. Some of them they apprehended and others escaped—from their information we guess it must be their Captain, or Prince, as they call him, who committed this Murder

Don Roderic

Very likely these fellows think no more of poking a man's Guts than of stirring their fire—but Murder, did you say?

Alcaide

Yes, if the report be true which I heard this morning, that the Alguazil he wounded is dead.

Don Roderic

Ferret him out, ferret him out—we must make a shining example—by the mass, we'll make an illumination of him. (During the latter part of this conversation, Antonia & Gipsey Prince Enter, but seeing Don Roderick, She steals to the Turret door, opens it cautiously while the Gipsey Prince gets in—just as she closes the door, Don Roderic turns about)—

Don Roderic

Hey day!—abroad so early, Antonia? What, with your pet in the Turret, eh?

Antonia

Yes, Uncle. I've been feeding it.

Don Roderic

What out of this (examining the Basket). Egad , your Pet has a prodigious good stomach.

Antonia

Oh, Sir!—that—that basket belongs to the Gardener.

Don Roderic

Ay, ay, so I thought—a fine swallow is the only bird that can manage that breakfast. Goodbye, Girl—I've death upon my hands to-day. This fellow that rescued the Jew must be Pickled. We Inquisitors shall go to the devil, if we don't send others in our places.

(Exit) Antonia

And all this against thee, thou dear, unhappy wanderer! Oh! Heaven avert it, for I fear I cannot.

Song 11 ("Yes now I shall think of that heartbroken maid") appears in witnesses a, b, and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses. Exit Enter Rincon (beckoning as to someone without) Rincon

Come, you little Gipsey—come into this Garden & I'll give you a kiss. What!—you won't eh? (Pulls in Poppee)

Poppee

No—dis is not kissy day wid me.

Rincon

So, so—you've set days for kissing, have you? I suppose you're like the Thieves in Salamanca, whose piety will not let let them steal on Sunday.

Poppee

Iss—but me steal every day.

Rincon

The devil you do!

Poppee (looking round)

How fine Garden here—dis your garden all?

Rincon

Yes—all mine—all (aside) Never laid eyes on it before.

Poppee (Sees the Basket)

Ha! what you got here?

Rincon

She's at it. She's at it.

Poppee

Here good eaty man. Com me stop you mout dis way.

Rincon

Ay, at, while my appetite is for her—Her appetite is for the breakfast. Let me see (goes to her) By my sobriety, Here's Wine—not a bad thing, Gipsey (drinks) What! eating meat on a Fast day—Oh fye!—see how I abstain from flesh and—if you don't come kiss me, I'll say you're a downright Heathen—Were you ever christen'd, you rogue?

Poppee

No, Nebber—what dat?

Rincon

Oh! Lord, Oh! Lord

(He leads her forward & fills a Glass) Duett Rincon Before then I fall to kissing you, Here is a drop to baptise you; Wine is the thing to Christen you, Water I'd never advise you. May I ne'er have the luck to be tipsey If I an't in love with you dearly -- Compare all witnesses

Rincon Love you, my sweet little Gipsey, As well as my bottle—or nearly. Chorus Rincon Oh! by the toe of St Nicolly Poppee At Chee chee—you swear man. Rincon I've such an itching to tickle you— Poppee Tickle me! Ha!—you dare man! Poppee What you come lie, you tinkee I know not your love to a tittle, Bottle trown by, when you drinkee, And me, when you kiss um a little— After you kissee and smackee once, Woman still live to torment 'ee— But de Ghost of bottle you crackee once, No fear will rise up to haunt 'ee. (Chorus repeated & She Runs off.) Compare all witnesses Song 14 ("Oh me was born to wander") appears in witnesses a, b, and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses. Song 15 ("Fye, fye, you're quite a sinner, girl") appears in witnesses b and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses. Rincon

There she goes—off with her—the feet of these Jades are generally as nimble as their Tongues, and old Nick himself can't keep pace with either. What's here? a Guittar?—Lord, if I had seen this while that little guinea-pig was here, I'd have soften'd her heart with a sequidilla in an instant. Nothing like musick for putting

crotchets in a woman's head—So—

(He brushes over the Strings) Gipsy Prince (rushing from the Turret.)

At length you're come. Oh! welcome dearest—'Sdeath! we're betray'd! & ruined!

(turns aside) Rincon (aside)

Now shall I be kicked into the streets for my impertinence, and my Musick all end with a B. flat in the Gutter. Sir—(advancing) if I may be excused for this intrusion—

Gipsy Prince

So, so, so—he is not of the family

(turns round to Rincon, who stares at and recollects him). Rincon (aside)

Ho—ho—are you found at last, my Gentleman. Here's business for me—here's meddling to my heart's delight. I'll run to the Court this instant. Good morning to you, Sir.

Gipsy Prince

This fellow seems to know —I must detain him or I am lost—Stop, Sir

(Seizes him) Rincon

Dear Sir—You're so pressing. I'll call again (aside) with a Guard.

Gipsy Prince

Come, come, no trifling—do you see that Turret?—in there this instant: I must ~~lock~~lock you up.

Rincon

Lock me up? Lord, Sir! (aside) Oh! The damn'd dog—he might as well take the bread out of my Mouth. Sure, Sir, you're not in earnest.

Gipsy Prince

Peace fool—and do as I command —

Rincon

Oh! dear—well, if I must be lock'd up, just allow me, Sir, to take a companion with me

(takes the Bottle & Glass, and the Gipsy Prince locks him in) Gipsy Prince

Where is Antonia!—but yesterday life was a burden to me, and now, love gives a value to every moment of existence—Ah! Antonia!

(Exit) (Enter Antonia in terror & agitation) Antonia

What shall I do? The guards are searching every where (looking towards the Turret) Oh! must I see thee torn from my Arms to a Dungeon? Never, never!—Hush!—I hear footsteps—something must be done instantly—(takes up the Guittar & hurries over the Strings). Come, come—(Rincon makes a noise within &ca) What can be the meaning of this? He cannot get out.

(She unlocks the door. Rincon rushes out half drunk and catches her in his arms. She shrieks.) Rincon

That's right my little angel of deliverance—You let me out just in time, for I had nearly finished the last drop of my bottle.

Antonia (loudly)

Oh! Heaven—where is he?

Rincon

Hush, my dear—there's a damned sulky thief lurking here abouts—but don't be frighten'd—don't be

frighten'd, my love; for I'll bring a guard on him in five minutes

(going towards the door—She follows him, seizes his Skirts and kneels) Trio Antonia Oh! in pity hear me suing By compassion's dearest sigh. Rincon Ah! I see what she'd be doing, Well, we'll talk on't by and by. Antonia (holding)

Dearest Sir—

Rincon

The deuce is in it.

Antonia

But a minute—

(Enter Gipsy Prince just as Rincon is escaping) Gipsy Prince

Stop, knave, at your peril stir.

Rincon

Curse him, here he is again.

Gipsy Prince

Back thou meddler, to thy den.

Rincon

Oh! dear —

(NB.—during the Trio they lock Rincon up again and then Exuent.) Compare all witnesses (NB.—during the Trio they lock Rincon up again and then Exuent.) (Enter Alguazil's.) 1st Alguazil

From what the Peasant told us he must be hiding somewhere in this Garden (They search the bower) You may swear he has chosen the finest corner he

could find—(They look round the Stage).

2d Alguazil

Let us try this Turret—(they unlock the door) What's here? a fellow fast asleep!—this must be he, seize him and carry him off.

Rincon (who wakes and comes out somewhat intoxicated)

Lord bless me, what a dream I've had—stand off an I'll tell you—I thought a damn'd ill-looking fellow—very like you—(to one of the Alguazils) came and seized me by the throttle (the Alguazil seizes him) something that way but not quite so hard, and told me I should be hanged—

1st Alguazil

So you shall be hang'd, you reprobate.

Rincon

My dream's out—isn't that comical?

2nd Alguazil

Come along. You might well dream of hanging, after the murder you've committed.

Rincon

Murder?—Let me recollect—No—I don't think I ever committed murder.

1st Alguazil

Yes, but you have—no later than yesterday evening, and we've come to take you before the Corigidore.

Rincon (in afright)

Do you mean me?—pon my Soul

gentlemen, I never was guilty of murder in all my life—its one of the things I never meddle with. I'm the most harmless man in Murcia—never committed Manslaughter or Suicide, except once upon a Pig—and I'll tell ~~you~~ you how that happened

1st Alguazil

Hold your Tongue, you Heretic, and come along.

(they drag him off) (Enter the Gipsey Prince & Antonia) Gipsy Prince

By the noise, they must have been here—and, see! the Turret is opened. Now, on my knees I intreat you, determine something, or we are ruined.

Antonia

Oh! that I could determine.

Song 17 ("Yes! for thee too charming Stranger") appears in witnesses a, b, and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses. Gipsy Prince

'Tis death for me to stay, 'tis more than death to fly, while you remain behind—but will you, can you be the partner of a wanderer?

Antonia

I shudder at the thought. Oh! do not urge me—go save yourself, and sometimes think of me.

Gipsy Prince

No, let them come—'tis sweeter thus to—

(going to embrace her—some of the Officers rush in) Antonia

Oh! Heavens—here they are!—

Officer

That is the Gipsey Prince.

2nd Officer

And this is his protectress—force her from him.

Gipsy Prince

Stand off—as long as there is a Pulse in this heart not one of you shall dare to seperate us—look up, Antonia.

Antonia

Yes—tho' I could not in life, at least I will follow you in death

Officer

And do you mean to resist going along with us?

Gipsy Prince

No she revives. I am now at your disposal.

(Officers put Chains on his hands) 2nd Officer

The lady must with us too

(offering to put Chains on her) Gipsy Prince

What!—are you chaining her hands? Cowards! Put all your fetters here (Shewing his own) You need not dread resistance from her—Come, Antonia—Lead on.

(Exeunt)

Scene 2. The Tribunal Don Dominick, Don Roderick, a Secretary. Guards attending with Rincon Prisoner—and Gipsies in fetters behind—Discover'd. Don Roderic (to an Alguazil)

In the Rue Larga did you say?

Alguazil

Yes, your excellency.

Don Roderic

By our Lady, the description agrees with my garden, perfectly—but that's impossible!

Don Dominic (to Rincon)

Well, Sir, you know the Offence for which you are brought here.

Rincon

Not I, 'pon my Soul. —I say it in pure sobriety—I was to be sure a little bewilder'd with the bottle—but there is nothing like Alguazils for bringing a man to his senses, or indeed, frightening him out of them

Don Dominic

Wasn't one of your gipsies seen to go into that Garden with you?

Rincon

No, my lord, as I hope to be—yet stay—there did some little black thing creep in after me—but I assure you, the devil, black as it was, did not tempt me to any thing.

Poppee (running to him from among the Gipsies)

Ha!—you call 'um devil, and you not member you want to kiss devil plenty, eh?—take dat, man

(Slaps his face) Rincon

Hey day!—my little Proserpine, between gown and Petticoat, I am in a pretty pucker.

Don Dominic

To the point, Sir—Your rescue of the Jew from our Officer—

Rincon

[word inked out] Phew!—(whistles and dances about) I have it now—I have it—my friend in the Turret—my friend in the Turret! damme, the wine washed it all out of my head. I'll tell your lordship—Here's meddling for me—

(Enter a Messenger) Messenger

My Lord, the Gipsey is caught at last—the other party of Officers has found him, and the Lady who

concealed him. They are Prisoners without.

Don Dominic

Bring in the Gipsey—let the Lady wait.

(Exit Messenger) Rincon

There now—business taken out of my hands again. Oh! if my head did not swim so often, what a man I'd be!—I'll tell you all, my Lord—

(Re Enter Messenger with the Gipsey Prince fettered and Guarded) Don Dominic (Starts up on seeing him, and continues to look at him with earnestness.) Gipsy Prince

Whatever punishment this Court prepares for me, I pray you only that it may be speedy, and for the Lady, whose humanity gave me an asylum, you cannot be so cruel as to injure her. —If she has erred in protecting a Criminal, humanity even in it's errors, is amiable; and—

Rincon (interrupting him)

Humanity! Oh, Lord! my Lord, [five or six words inked out] the fellow was so humane as to be near cutting my throat about half an hour ago.

Don Dominic (Still gazing with earnestness)

His features!—Voice!—that Eastern dress, every thing confirms me—Young Stranger, be not surprised at my questions -

Where is your birthplace?

Gipsy Prince

I know not.

Don Dominic

Where have you passed your life?

Gipsy Prince

It's younger days in 'Ava.

Don Dominick (aside)

I cannot contain myself. Who were your Parents?

Gipsy Prince

I never yet could learn—the earliest guardian I can remember, and [word inked out] him I too soon lost, was a Spanish Monk, who called himself my Uncle. His name—

Don Dominic

Alvarez—Yes—(Embracing him) You are—you are my Sebastian—my long-lost darling Son.

Gipsy Prince

My Father!—And I, a criminal before him!

Don Dominic

No, no—knock off his Chain. You are innocent of murder—the Man whom you wounded but slightly is recovered—and now—congratulate me Roderick, congratulate me, all. This is my boy—my Sebastian—is he not a fine fellow, Roderick?

Don Roderic

Oh! very well, indeed! (aside) for a Vagabond.

Gipsy Prince

Father! I cannot shew half my happiness, while there is one dear wish of my heart left ungratified—this day gives me a Parent—but—there is another tie—The Lady—

(Antonia is brought in)

Don Roderic (Staring and rubbing his eyes)

By all that's miraculous—it's my Niece.

Don Dominic

Antonia! why this is as it should be.

Don Roderic

So—this is your bird in the Turret, Miss?—a fine Cock-canary indeed!—You Jade to [word inked out] go shelter a Heretic, a—

Don Dominic (clapping his hand on his mouth)

Stop, Roderick, he is now my Son, and your Niece may assist us to convert him.

Song 18 ("The Gipsey Prince no more shall roam") appears in witnesses a, b, and c, but not the ms. Click here to compare these witnesses. The End