Act I, Scene VIII
SCENE EIGHT.
-- Splendid banqueting hall in the Palace, open in the back
upon the garden, and giving a view of the lake, tables, &c.
The PRINCE and ROSAURA discovered, on a throne under the centre
arch. Company of both sexes, ATTENDANTS, &c. A Ballet is
performed, after which the PRINCE and ROSAURA advance.
Prince.
I know not why it is, that he, in whose honour this entertainment
was expressly given, should so long absent himself. Surely, for
one night he might have relaxed from his deep studies.
Rosa.
I think he scarce will tarry longer, for I have sent Julio in
search of him. Ah! he is here.
Enter FRANKENSTEIN in great agitation, L. U.
E.
Prince.
At length you are arrived. Be assured, my friend, your absence
has been both felt and regretted.
Frank.
Accept my sincere apology. I was engaged, most intently engaged,
in the solution of a problem, on the result of which I had much
at stake. (aside) My every hope depended on it, and the
solution has stamped me a wretch for ever!
Prince.
A truce to study now, and moody thoughts -- partake the joy that
smiles around you: -- anon, I have a proposal to make to you,
that will not damp your mirth, I trust.
Frank.
Aye, let me seek joy even at the bottom of the maddening bowl; I
cannot find it in my own heart. Give me wine; -- quick, let me
drain a flowing goblet, perchance it may chace -- oh! no, no, it
can never drive from my remembrance that form of horror.
Rosa.
From my hand will the cup bring less of joy? -- Dear Frankenstein
-- I would say, learned sir, what means the dreadful wildness
that gleams on your countenance?
Frank.
Dear lady, 'tis the intoxication of mirth, of gratitude. Fair
lady, permit the humblest of your slaves to pledge you.
(he is raising the cup to his lips, when QUADRO
hastily rushes in L. U. E.
Quad.
{15} Oh, my lord, my lord; -- such intelligence of horror; -- the
young prince, Julio, has been murdered.
Frank. (dashing the cup from him)
Eternal Heaven! -- that fiend has perpetrated it.
Rosa.
Julio murdered.
Prince.
My boy! my pretty, innocent, affectionate boy -- say where, how,
by whom?
Quad.
He was found in the pavilion where Mr. Frankenstein pursues his
studies, the door had been thrown from its hinges: from the mark
on his neck, he appears to have been strangled.
Frank. (aside)
Then my worst fears have proved too true!
Prince.
Who could have the heart to harm that unoffending, darling child.
Quad.
Can your highness doubt?
Prince.
Speak, what mean you? On whom do your suspicions fall?
Quad.
Who should it be, but this foreign adventurer, this Frankenstein?
Prince.
Frankenstein!
Rosa.
Oh, Heavens!
Quad.
Has any one else access to the pavilion, or ever presumes to
enter it, or would have done now, except in eager search for the
young prince?
Prince.
I scarcely can believe it possible; but yet his lengthened
absence from the festival at the very hour, his palpable
agitation when he entered. Frankenstein, what say you to this
dreadful accusation?
Frank.
(R.)
I say that I am guilty, guilty a thousand times!
All.
Ha!
Frank.
Not of the crime of murder. I could not lay a finger in the way
of violence on that innocent child. Mine is a guilt a thousand
times more black, more horrible. I am the father of a thousand
murders. Oh! presumption, and is this thy punishment? has my
promised triumph brought me but to this?
Prince.
Frankenstein, for mercy's sake explain. What horrid mystery lurks
beneath thy words? (Shots and noise of pursuit heard without
-- the MONSTER rushes in through the archway in the background,
pursued by PEASANTS variously armed -- all shriek with horror --
he rushes up to FRANKENSTEIN, and casts himself at his feet,
imploring protection.)
Frank.
Hated, detested fiend, now reeking with the blood of innocence --
fiend of malice and destruction -- here {16} on thy hated head I
now invoke a father's and a prince's vengeance. Die, monster,
die; and quit the life thou hast disgraced by blood and
slaughter. (He seizes on the MONSTER -- the GUARDS close round
-- the MONSTER dashes FRANKENSTEIN to the earth, and by an
exertion of his immense strength breaks through the opposing line
-- the PRINCE gives the word to fire -- the MONSTER, snatching up
the OFFICER holds him as a target before him -- he receives the
shots and falls dead -- the MONSTER rushes up the steps at the
back, and laughs exultingly -- a general picture is formed,
and)
END OF ACT THE FIRST.
Act
Scene
