Eugénie; or, the Spanish bride

Preface

. A literart friend of mine, to whose perusal I submitted this tragedy as it was passing through the press, remarked : — " One thing he could not comprehend was, the geography" — no doubt slyly intending a severe hit. I replied it was not likely, as the geography and the names were quite imaginary, with a single exception. After this explanation it is not pro bable that any of my readers or reviewers will favour me with a similar criticism. The tragedy upon which this poem is sounded, though a fearful and strange one in its details, is nevertheless substantially true, and has occurred within these few years. With regard to the satirical comedy of the " Lady and the Lawyers," it was written without any reference whatever to individuals, and merely with the intention of exposing the schemes and manœuvres by which the members of that "honourable" profession contrive to bring so much ruin on their clients, and so much odium on themselves.

Few persons acquainted with what passes behind the scenes will doubt the truthfulness of the picture, and no one who has ever rejoiced in being a party to a Chancery suit will con sider the exposure undeserved. FLORENCE DE VERE. Dec. 15, 1856. EUGENIE ; OK, THE SPANISH BRIDE % SDracfttm IN FIVE ACTS THE TALE UPON WHICH THE TRAGEDY IS FOUNDED. Don Miguel, King of Spain, had two children, an only son and daughter, Don Alcandar and Eugenie. When the former was but fifteen, he was banished by his father ; and after various trials and vicissitudes, ultimately became the renowned Corsair Chief of Pirates, in South America — the scourge and terror of the neighbouring seas and continent. The daughter Eugenie, at the age of seventeen, was married to Alphonzo, the popular and brave King of the island of Valasquez and other islands, in Spanish America.

One year after their marriage, King Alphonzo, enraged beyond patience by the constant ravages and depredations of the Corsair Chief and his brigands, determines on personally taking the com mand of a large expedition, fitted out by him, with the view of crushing and totally annihilating them. The Play begins with the preparation for the Expedition, and the departure of the King. Zeeka, General Gonzalvo's wife, and lady-in-waiting to the Queen, and supposed to have been the mistress of King Alphonzo before his marriage, con ceives a diabolical hatred against the Queen, arising from jealousy, intensified by some imaginary insults and irritating language which she fancies the Queen used towards her, and is resolved to be revenged ! Alcandar, the Corsair Chief, having been informed by his spies of the King's intention to annihilate the pirates, dis persed his band in different directions ; and with his con- VU1 t.ale orus which the tkagepv tf ftitix&BD, fi'iuutiul companion, Don Antonio, grts on lionrd a nii'Hnmt slup with tli* intention lit' Sailing in the vicinity of the Island Of Vi Usque/, uuil W&tfcljmg tin' iiiownifnts of tin- Expedition ; i. in havjng hoguoauglit in o hutttasoft, I" 1 ia wreaked upon the island ttv" il.ivs .'it'tiT (In 1 Kiny M'tssuil, — lit' iinij liis oinnpariioii, 1>'>ii Ant'inlu, I'eing tile only [recsntw savo'l. To securu BBin iiii^-i'.itiun ;niil f 1 1 : 1 1 • 1 1 ■ them to escape, they S|iTGtfd abrOnu a. repapt ili.it Don Altiiinlur, the Corsair, is a Princ (which \w nt:i\[\ is), thr son oi' ft Kiii'^ tjt 3'imr Easti'in country.

The report soon reaclies the e;ir$ ot' Don Fcnumh •/.. tin: Regent, ami |H'utL'ctuinl' tlnf (^ueen, witli tlio f.u't <>( the wreck, and tin 1 luxs nf tliy ni'w, w i 1 1 1 tlie excoptiuu ill' tlit' Princu ami his attendant, uiiJ In i* M BW& llfe|»utet| by liis Rnyul Mi»trow HO sl'i? tlicm. and offor wliatever lioi>|>itality and suoeoiir tliuy hiay nucd. At tin' iriL'.TVKMY bi'tw^oii Dim FLTiiandw. aud Dun AJmttiinr, tin. 1 former lUscAVteA, [■> hia surprise, thut (he laittT U (lie son of Don Migunl, and lirotlmito the Qnn n ; :ui,l on cOmiiuuiicating 10 tin; [allot his iliscuwry, is oru&ed to see tli.ir ovonlliiirj; is at once pruvidud 1'of flifiu, anil llnil DOB AliMiicl.ir !"■ p inrt.-ii. to tiu> |>al.i«-f, tibete In/- i> n ivi-'i !•)' liii sisti'i' f'*hii supposed him to htive lieon long .sitidi dead) with opi'ti aniifj, aiul witli w\i>nu lie CODti&Ufta f < • reside in all i In' iiiiii'straiut'd interoourse tli.it sui.li ri'liitiolialiiji hmoLI iwtiirally vmotiou. .Sunn/ p'TSuiis on tin: island Inn imj rcoo^tiisicJ Alcandar as '• tin?

(ir«Jad Corsair," at dH0B cniuliHu tln.-it <napii-icnis, ntul Zt-fku, to u'i'iiti<\ Iilt ri.'vungy, {rives point 10 the niiiinnr, I'v liiiiinisr iiii'l ciiciil.ititig, on all sides, Unit he is living i" rtilnltery with tliL- (^ui'i'ii, mi' 1 tli.it. the r..l.jti..ii~lii| . oi l.iudirr uud sifter tras only a.vMiuwl for tliv (lUTJtOSO "I fiOUCttalbls I • • - r- .: r-in nn.i li r \-, n.nd lulling suspicion. I'.v rlii* assistance <>f CtfliellUd, unil Di/n An-u'liun, kJio i» TALE UPON WHICH THE TRAGEDY IS FOUNDED. IX setting out with a reinforcement to join the King, Zeeka sends the latter information of the imputed misconduct of the Queen in his absence. At this time, Don Fernandez, the Regent, who alone is cognisant of the relationship as it really exists, having received a letter stating that his only son, Don Alonzo, was on the point of death, with the permission of the Queen leaves the island to see him.

After his departure, the King, who, in the meantime, has learned from Don Anselmo the infidelity of his Queen, returns home directly, secretly, and in disguise, and, mix'ng amongst his people, unknown, hears a confirmation of the strange rumours afloat. He arranges with Gazellus, to surprise the Queen and her brother in one of her walks in the palace gardens, and secretes himself in such a position with Gazellus as to be able to witness whatever may take place between them. Seeing some harm less familiarity, he at once accepts it as an unerring testimony of their guilt, and, burning with rage and jealousy, throws off his disguise, rushes on them, denounces his Queen as an adulteress and Don Alcandar as the Corsair Chief, and orders his guards to take the Queen and confine her in the fortress of St. Elmo, and to imprison the Corsair in a dungeon under the palace, for greater security.

Next morning they are brought to trial, and, being found guilty, the Queen is sentenced to imprisonment for life, and the Corsair to be shot, which is carried into execution, by the unrelenting anger of the King, at twelve o'clock that same day. The day after the Corsair is shot, the King, having had a fearful dream, and, moreover, being overcome by the re action of his violent temper, is struck with remorse, which ends in a melancholy madness. Don Fernandez, who by this time has returned, and heard of the terrible tragedy, hastens at once to the palace, taking with him a box of papers and documents, placed in his custody by Don Alcandar on his X TALE UPON WHICH THE TRAGEDY IS FOUNDED. first interview with him, unequivocally establishing his identity as Don Miguel's son, and brother to the Queen Eugenie.

The King, wrung with remorse and madness, implores Don Fernandez to see the Queen, and bring her to him. In the meantime his derangement becomes very much aggravated, and on Fernandez' return with the Queen, the King does not cognise her for a long time, until a miniature of her, which he had always worn round his neck, falls to the ground ; in picking it up, and looking at it, he seems suddenly struck with a recollection of the likeness, and after gazing at it and then at the Queen alternately, for some minutes, consciousness flashes across his mind. He re cognises her — bursts into tears — calls her " his loved and cherished wife ! " clasps her in his arms, &c, &c. Zeeka, who witnesses this scene, is so mortified by the failure of her schemes, that she takes poison, and dies. ERRATA Page 28, Scene 3, Act I. Eugenie : I don't feel well, though, when this morning broke, So full of happiness and joy I woke, I thought no cloud, would come to mar away The anniversary of my bridal day.

It should be: — Eugenie: I don't feel well, though, when this morning broke, So full of happiness and bliss I woke, I thought no cloud would come to chase away The joyous hopes that should exist to-day. Page 191, Line 17. For uhook," read "book." Jramatis |jcrson;i\ ( King of the Island of Velasquez, Alphonzo -I and other Islands in South [_ America. flit's young and beautiful Queen, only Daughter of Don Miguel, h-ing oj bpatn — married one year. (The Queen's only Brother, ban- Don Alcandar J "*ed at fifteen by his Father; afterwards the renowned Corsair Chief — supposed dead. Bon Fernandez i Frime *»**«■■ and the King's ( Confidential Friend. Don Gonzalvo The King's Principal General. Don Ranzarhs The King's Lord High Admiral. s The Kings Favourite, and Don Gazellus J Master of the Horse, and the [_ Cavaliere Servante of Zeeka.

Don Antonio J"^ Corsair — Friend and Com- ' \ panion of Don Alcandar. Don Anselmo / Captain in the Navy, and much • \ beloved by Alphonzo. Don Alonzo (Son of Don Fernandez, and ' X Governor of the Isle of Rico. (The only Daughter of Don Fer- Zoe . . J nandtz— Maid of Honour and ' j Confidential Friend to the Queen. s Wife of Don Gonzalvo — believed Zeeka .... . J a Favourite of the King's before his marriage — Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen. Civilians, Soldiers, Sailors, Guards, Judges, Council, and Attendants. EUGENIE ; OB, THE SPANISH BRIDE. Jirt % lint. SCENE I. The Queen's Drawing-Room in the Palace of Toledo, in the City of Montkeseer, Island of Velasquez. King and Queen sitting alone. The Anniversary of their Wedding-day, having been married one year. Alphonzo, the King, and Eugenie, his Queen.

Eugenie : Alphonzo, one short year has tra veil' d round, Since you and I in wedlock's bonds were bound ; Yet you look sad ! Do you regret your vow ? Or why that cloud of care upon your brow ? Axphonzo : Give me thy hand, my own fond Eugenie ! And when upon this brow a cloud you see, Attribute it to weighty cares of state, Which I, with good Fernandez, must debate. B EUGENIE; steer I've felt no sorrow since our wedding day, And if I had you'd smile it all away ; So cheerful and so happy is my wife (kissing her forehe :id) I love thee better than I love my life. Eugenie : Well, then, my own Alphonzo ! you must Your course through life, whilst I am nigh to cheer ; Give up that scheme you plann'd but th' other day, (1) Of flying far from Eugenie away, In quest of glory ! and to crush that nest Of pirates, whom you say our coasts infest.

Remain with me, in your own happy home, And ne'er again upon the wild waves roam ! Leave to our good old Admiral to sweep Your enemies, the pirates, from the deep ! Your General, Gonzalvo, can command, When nothing can resist your veteran band. 'Tis love that binds you to this heart, not fear, I'm only happy when Alphonzo's near ! Alphonzo : Bless'd be thy soul, you remember well, Since we were married you have not heard farewell Fall from these lips ! I never left thy side, Since first I claimed thee as my darling bride. And now if, for a moment, I must go, It is, to conquer no unworthy foe ! You would not have your lov'd Alphonzo yield To other generals his sword and shield ; Rest, like a craven-caitiff, in his home, While brave Ranzares ploughs the sparkling foam the ap -. To fight the foe that ravages our coast, And dares us daily with his armed host.

A king ! who could submit to such disgrace, Would be a living libel on his race ! A blot on manhood ! abandon'd from above ! And more than all, unworthy of your love ! Eugenie : Much as I love thee ! precious as thou art ! My brave Alphonzo ! to Eugenie's heart, Though every second, whilst you were away, Would be to me much longer than a day, I'd not repine if duty call'd thee forth To brave the tropics or the stormy north : I'd rather see thee every peril brave, Than hear thee call'd a " craven " by a slave ! I could not live, were thy proud spirit bent By anything beneath yon firmament ! And if you believe, that duty doth command You to assume the guidance of your band, I'll never interpose a word, or ask To change your purpose, for bootless were the task. All — all I seek is, that you will abide By what our good Fernandez may decide.

Fernandez, the aged and long-tried friend, as well as principal minuter of King Alphonzo, is seen here proaching through a long corridor. Alphonzo : What has been asked by my own Eugenie. I grant with pleasure ; for lo ! Fernandez, see ! b EUGENIE ; He comes so opportunely to decide, And by his wise advice I shall abide. \_Cheerfully playing ivith her hand. Now, my own wife, surely you can't but say, That I am vanquished, and you've won the day ? Eugenie : I feel I've conquer'd as I ought to do, When yon bark weighs her anchor without you. But dark misgivings flutter round my heart ; I almost feel 'tis fated you depart. How, else, should wise Fernandez now appear, Ere I had time to whisper in his ear (playfully) One soft remonstrance, in my zeal to keep My husband from the dangers of the deep !

He'll counsel to depart — I know it well ! Then I must hear that fearful word, Farewell ! Here Fernandez enters, and is most affectionately received by the King and Queen. Fernandez (bowing with all the grace of an old courtier) : To my liege lord, with reverence I speak, And deep obeisance to our Queen I make. Your aged minister, sire, may well revere This day above all others in the year ; For 'twas it gave our King, for wisdom prov'd, A Queen, by all her subjects well belov'd. Your loyal people, of every degree, Wish happiness to our King and Eugenie ! [gratulate Alphonzo (graciously) : My good Fernandez ! you con- Your King and Queen, in truly royal state. Welcome you'd be, even had you come to chide : Towards you I never could feel aught like pride. Friend of my youth — the prop, now, of my throne, Your long, long services I freely own.

Next to myself, throughout this land you are ; Of all our policy, the guiding star ! Wise in counsel — cautious in debate ; True to our people — faithful to the state. We hope to hear your unreserv'd opinion, (Valued beyond all else in our dominion,) Whether 'tis fit that I myself should go, And fight, in person, against the pirate foe, Who, now, for years, on every ocean brag They've foil'd our arms, and defy'd our flag ; Plunder'd our merchantmen— oppressed their crews Exacting payment of unlawful dues ; Insulting our very towns : — yet I don't dare To seek that brigand Corsair in his lair, But in ignoble indolence endeavour To dream away existence ! Shall it ever Be said, Alphonzo, Don Ricardo's son, Dozed in his palace when glory should be won ; Heard of his subjects despoiled upon the seas Whilst he enjoyed at home ingdorious ease ?

No, never! the sword this arm wielded well On Achman's plains, another tale shall tell ; The sword, that swept in triumph Inkermen, This hand can grasp victoriously again ! EUGENIE ; But I must check my blood ; 'tis boiling up, As if 'twere madden'd by the sparkling cup. I feel it deeply — my people feel it more — That pirates cruise almost in sight of shore With all impunity ; and their monarch yet His glory and his duty can forget. Upon your judgment, and your wisdom, I For counsel and for guidance now rely. Though I'm your King, I once was but your friend ; And as such still to your advice I'll bend ; For I am sure no counsel you would own False to your Sovereign, his people, or his throne ! Eugenie (looking deprecatingly at Alphonzo) : Ere wise Fernandez does his silence break, Alphonzo, pardon ; one word allow me speak !

A woman's anger you will not defy, Though a woman's wisdom you may well deny ; Nor need you even for a moment fear That my solicitude to keep you here Will make me urge what honour would disdain; My Lord's escutcheon should be free from stain. Alphonzo : Speak, Eugenie, though I cannot but fear Your sweet tongue's influence on Fernandez' ear. Speak on ; you know I never have denied Aught you have asked since you became my bride. Feknandez : Why should my Sovereign and my Queen betray So much anxiety on this happy day ? I hope ere long the lawless pirate horde We shall extirpate with their Corsair lord ; For with Gonzalvo I have form'd a plan Which will destroy them even to a man. In a short time your ministers will know If all is ready for the final blow. Oa sea, Ranzares — Gonsalvo on the land — (Unless my Sovereign wishes to command) I feel with all our forces could destroy That nest of pirates to the youngest boy.

Eugenie (assured of carrying her point) : True, Fergood nandez, it is all I ask, That both may undertake the easy task. You counsel rightly ; for what is more meet Than that an Admiral should command the fleet ? There are no fortresses, or granite walls ; Our seas are free from hurricanes, nay, squalls ; The Pirate's ships will never come in sight ; (2) What can be easier, then, than them to fight ? Our General, Gonzalvo, on the land, Will also help to crush the pirate band. Our troops are brave, accustomed not to know 'What is defeat — ne'er quail'd they to a foe. (3) When the time comes, what more can be requir'd, To effect the object by us all desired ? It is unworthy of my lion-lord In such a contest to unsheath his sword ; If aught did happen where duty would demand His eye, his head, his heart, his sword, his hand, EUGENIE ; An empire peril'd — a kingdom to be won !

His honour aveng'd, or something mighty done — Then to brave death, our king might well afford, And I myself would buckle on his sword. But that you'd leave your home, and people here, And to that isle of desperadoes steer, To fight a wild, a ruthless, outlaw'd crew, Is what, Alphonzo, you must never do ! Expose two lives — for yours and mine are one — Yourself and people — all might be undone ! And wise Fernandez surely must oppose Your periling your hfe amongst such foes ? A King should never wantonly seek strife, But value, for his subjects' sake, his life. Fernandez : My aged heart rejoices when I find Youth, love, and wisdom, in our Queen combin'd ; A happy omen, if the future be But what's deserved by our Queen Eugenie. At present I have plann'd what I thought best To rid my sovereign of this hated pest.

The pirate's rendezvous will soon be known, Then we can counsel what is best be done. Forgive my caution : we must hesitate Before deciding for our King and State What course to take. It will be time when I Receive a letter from my faithful spy. Here a Page enters, bearing on a gold salver a letter addressed to Fernandez. He opens it by permission of the King and Queen, and reads. The King, observing his countenance exhibit deep emotion, asks him for it. He hands it to the King, who, on perusing it — horror anil rage in his countenance — exclaims : — Alphonzo: Don Pedro is returned ! Fearful news! (reads) " Our ships are taken — murdered are their crews — " Our rich galleons, Don Rodrigo slain — " The pirates sail in triumph on the main ! " Nought amongst the outlaws now is heard, " But how they will our King Alphonzo beard !

" They swarm in thousands all along the coast, " With well-rigged vessels and well-armed host ; " Threatening that ere long, they will appear " Within the harbour of our Montreseer ! " The vessels taken were at once all sunk ; " And then the pirates in carouse got drunk, " Slaughter'd their wretched prisoners, and gave " Their mangled corpses forthwith to the wave. " The gallant Don Rodrigo, sword in hand, " Fell fighting bravely — the last man of his band. " Not one was left ! And now the outlaws hope " There is no general with them can cope, " And henceforth they will sail upon the seas " The rightful owners of the Caribbees. (4) " Our flag must strike — the blood-red wave on high ! " Such are the facts discover'd by your spy." Having finished reading the letter, exclaims aloud EUGENIE ; How long must all this last !

" They hope " There is no general with them can cope !" I'll teach them there is one they can't subdue ; A heavy vengeance for each murdered crew I will exact. Rodrigo's blood shall give An edge to vengeance, that not one may live ; I will let loose upon them sword and flame, And leave them nothing but the past — a name. Away, for Don Gonzalvo quickly send ; Let him come presently. I'll not attend To aught that Minister or Queen may say ; I'll reap rich vengeance, and without delay ! Fernandez ! no remonstrance ! I have made My last decision, and must be now obey'd. A King that's wise and brave should always share The perils which his humblest subjects bear. For every drop of blood my people shed I'll have atonement with a pirate's head. In one hour hence, Fernandez, you must be, With Gonzalvo and Ranzares, here with me.

See that our ships are everywhere prepar'd, And all the veteran troops that can be spar'd Are ready to embark ; and then we can Decide our purpose and arrange our plan. Fernandez and the Queen occasionally look at each other, without attempting to interrupt the King, knowing his determined temper when roused. Tlie Queen is pale with fright and despair. Fernandez, preparing to depart, Fernandez : My Lord, these preparations I'll at once commence. You may expect us in one hour from hence ! Eugenie (aside to Fernandez) : Oh, dear Fernandez, will you but delay ? Fernandez: I dare not, madam; my King I must obey. Here the Curtain drops on the First Scene. SCENE II. Council Chamber in the Palace. King Alphonzo in his Chair of State. Gonzalvo, his principal General, with Ranzares, his Lord High Admiral, and Fernandez, his Prime Minister.

Alphonzo : My friends ! You've heard the sad news of to-day, How brave Rodrigo's fleet has fallen a prey To those dark Corsairs ! who in swarms muster Through all those islands that around us cluster ! Too long we've borne with their deeds of blood, And now they're bolder grown from hardihood ; Nor can I longer my just wrath appease, Unless by chasing them from off the seas. My conscience almost smites me for delay ; I have vow'd vengeance, so we sail to-day ! EUGENIE ; And I myself will take the chief command, And see if I cannot, with this right hand, Haul down that blood-red flag, that lately gave My only brother to an early grave ! 'Tis meet that I full vengeance now should seek. What are your feelings ? I desire you, speak ! Gonzalvo: My sovereign Lord ! the dreadful news wo know, And all is now prepared to strike the blow Which will for ever banish from the wave The pirates who so long have dar'd to brave Your power.

The only thing I would advise, Is that you'd not engage in this emprise. Ranzares and myself will ne'er return, Unless the Corsair's nest and fleet we burn ; Give all their followers to fire and sword, And make their names for ever be abhorr'd. They're strong and daring, and well fortified, And many a gallant Admiral have defied ; So you should not your precious life expose, In combat with such cruel, desperate foes. We shall the peril undertake, and bring Tidings of victory shortly to our king. Your General and Admiral will fall, Unless they crush the brigands one and all ; Leave no memorial to attest their guilt, Save their own blood by our good sabres spilt. With deep humility this advice I give, And may our King Alphonzo ever live. Alphonzo (cheerfully) : Well, brave Ranzares, what have you to say ?

Will you object your Sovereign to obey On your own element, the stormy sea ? Ranzares : No ! no ! my Lord ! If you decide to take The chief command, and on these brigands make A fierce onslaught, I'll follow where you lead ; Though now in years, I still can wield my blade. Of late I've heard with horror and dismay How all our merchantmen must now give way ; Some strike at once the red flag when they see, For they have little hope of victory ! Others undaunted stand by the last plank, Preferring to perish when the ship has sank Than live the brigand's triumph to proclaim, And shed dishonour on Alphonzo's name. In friendly harbours many seek relief, To avoid the pirates and their Corsair chief ; Who now, embolden'd by prolong'd success, Our colonies and neighbouring seas oppress. 'Tis time at last to think what must be done, Ere they our shores and all our coasts o'errun.

I am no orator, my gracious Lord ! My practice always has been with the sword. It is my pride upon my deck to walk ; I leave to ministers and landsmen talk. (5) There are admirals, who, 'tis said, can write ; My glory is to lead the way in fight, EUGENIE ; Or follow if a better head can guide, — To beat the foemen being my only pride. As first or second, I'll command the fleet, My King's and country's enemies to meet ; My only object being to conquer there, And in our triumph have a sailor's share. Where'er a plank can float or man can stand, There we shall fight the Corsair hand to hand ; And if my sovereign chooses to assume The chief command, I would not dare presume To controvert his will; but with my band I'll lead or follow, as he may command. All is ready when you wish to sail, And may our King above his foes prevail !

Alphonzo : Thanks, brave Ranzares ! a veteran in years, For your good king you have no childish fears. My heart was gratified when I heard you say, You'd lead or follow — command, or even obey ; Do aught your King's or country's foes to meet ; Fight like a sailor, or command the fleet. My old and valiant Admiral, how brave ! You always shall be chief upon the wave, First of us all ! so grateful do I feel, For all your courage and for all your zeal. Gonzalvo and Ranzares I have heard ; From wise Fernandez I expect one word ; With three such counsellors I can't be wrong, In genius fertile — in experience strong ; me His wisdom and his judgment I would move, For I'd do nothing he could disapprove. Fernandez : My gracious Sovereign doth but judge fair, When his full confidence with me he'd share : Grown old in years, with little time to live, Small is the help Fernandez now can give.

The feebleness of age comes on apace, As I move onward in this life's long race ; There was a time when I might aid you well, As Don Ricardo's conquered foes can tell. Strong was my arm — swift my sword could fly, When I the bold Rinaldo did defy To mortal combat in your father's cause ; We fought — I conquered, gained the world's applause. But years have come, and all my vigour flies, And I am only worthy to advise : 'Tis younger men who always should command A fleet at sea, an army on the land. Age may counsel — experience too may save, But youth and vigour should the battle brave ! As we grow old, we should resign, 'tis true, (6) The harder task for younger men to do. Age in the Cabinet — youth upon the field, If you would have your stern foemen yield ; Vigour and talent everywhere secure.

Employ but such, and then success is sure ; Triumphs a country cannot hope to gain, If nature's laws she outrages amain, EUGENIE; . The greatest talents everywhere neglected, And incapacity instead selected. Whoever would persist in that mad course, (7) Knows not the laws which nature puts in force. These disregard, and he must fail at last, No matter how his destiny be cast. Dominion, wealth and power, prestige and strength, To such dark influences yield at length. I therefore feel, since my long years unfit My hand for action, my duty is to sit Beside my monarch, when with care oppress'd, And give that counsel I conceive the best. I know those brigands are a fearful race, Whose fierce career it were not hard to trace Amidst the ruins that have mark'd the path Through which they've pass'd, like ministers of wrath Our vessels plunder'd, and our unarm 'd men Now slaughter'd in cold blood, proclaim again The cruelty with which these Corsairs sweep Everything they meet from off the deep.