The Bride of Messina (play)

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ISABELLA, Princess of Messina.

DON MANUEL | her Sons.

DON CAESAR |

BEATRICE.

DIEGO, an ancient Servant.

MESSENGERS.

THE ELDERS OF MESSINA, mute.

THE CHORUS, consisting of the Followers of the two Princes.

A spacious hall, supported on columns, with entrances on both sides;

at the back of the stage a large folding-door leading to a chapel.

DONNA ISABELLA in mourning; the ELDERS OF MESSINA.

ISABELLA.

Forth from my silent chamber's deep recesses,

Gray Fathers of the State, unwillingly

I come; and, shrinking from your gaze, uplift

The veil that shades my widowed brows: the light

And glory of my days is fled forever!

And best in solitude and kindred gloom

To hide these sable weeds, this grief-worn frame,

Beseems the mourner's heart. A mighty voice

Inexorable-duty's stern command,

Calls me to light again.

Not twice the moon

Has filled her orb since to the tomb ye bore

My princely spouse, your city's lord, whose arm

Against a world of envious foes around