Pizarro in Peru; or, The death of Rolla. A play, in five acts. / From the German of Augustus von Kotzebue. ; With notes marking the variations from the original.

NOTES TO PIZARRO IN PERU.

THIS play is called in the original "The Spaniards in Peru; or, Rolla's Death. A Romantic Tragedy; in Five Acts."— The copy here presented to the public is partly translated for the New-York Theatre, and partly adapted from Mr. Sheridan's tragedy of Pizarro.

Page 9. Elvira is discovered.] In the original Elvira is attir|ed as a man. The alteration is Mr. Sheridan's.

Same page. Power of your charms.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"El.

Why do you disturb my delightful dreams?

Val.

What were you dreaming?

El.

That I saw you hanged.

Val.

How long will Elvira mock my love?

El.

Your love? Who gave the bastard this honest name? Between ourselves, Valverde, when I hear you speak of love, you appear to me like a pick-pocket; who, while he bears the blessing of God in his mouth, is devising the best means of pur|loining your purse.

Val.

What may not a handsome woman say?

El.

What may not a vain coxcomb do?"

Page 10. In thee I see not man.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"El.

Valor captivates maiden hearts more than erudition. Pizarro fights with the sword, and you with the pen. He sheds blood, and you only ink.

Val.

And both to very little purpose.

El.

But with all your scribbling Nugnez Balboa had never discovered the South sea; with all the axioms of your Aristotle, Pizarro and Almagro would never have fitted out a ship. You might have remained buried in your scholastic dust; and I, per|haps, been still a nun.

Val.

Have we gained or lost, is the question?

El.

The uniformity of the cloister; the sleep of a dormouse.

Val.

True woman. Splendid misery is dearer to you than obscure happiness.

El.

Do you know what we most hate? An unbidden prater, a vulgar-themed preacher."

Same page. Might have been my lot.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"Val.

A holy enthusiast for what is called humanity. No|thing excites enthusiasm so quickly as words which no one un|derstands. The imagination conceives, and brings forth a mar|tyr.

El.

Valverde a philosopher too?

Val.

Does it displease thee? Well, then, let us step from the clouds of philosophy to the flowering plains of love.

El.

They will become barren under thy footsteps. In short, my crafty friend, you must throw away the pen, seize the sword, and do something great before you pretend to the love of El|vira."

Page 11. A hero!] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"Val.

Great while he succeeds; but should his projects fail, the world will call him fool.

El.

The fate of every hero. With open mouths children be|hold the mounting rocket, and when it falls, laugh.

Val.

Suppose it even rose to the sky, what hopes have you from it?

El.

To become a viceroy's wife. Pizarro will govern this rude nation; I will instruct and fashion it.

Val.

Indeed! Then you little know Pizarro's subtle thirst for honor. If fortune lead him to her highest step, he will be|stow his hand on one whose high birth may hide his own mean origin; whose connexions at court may be his protection. While the poor Elvira is forgotten; forgotten all that she has done and suffered.

El.

Ha! Then—but hiss on, poisonous serpent!

Val.

On the other side—Valverde may then be high in dig|nity, and Elvira—his friend.

El.

Shameless wretch!

Val.

You trample upon the flower which you might pluck, for the sake of fruit which hangs too high for you."

Four lines are substituted.

Same page. Shouts of victory.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"El.

And as long as this Pizarro deserves my affection, no art shall separate me from him. When fortune turns her back upon him, Elvira will reach him her hand.

Val.

Slow is repentance, but she ever overtakes the thought|less."

Page 13. Reek with human blood.] Here the following lines are omitted;—

"El.

Surprize? Battle? Do you take me with you, Pi|zarro?

Piz.

We were not speaking of a ball.

El.

(With feeling.)

Nor did I question a dancer.

Piz.

If in my armoury you can find a sword light enough for a woman's hand, come and stand by my side in the battle.

El.

Would you rather have me there than not?

Piz.

Yes; and do you know why? The tumult of the fight will be my surety for your fidelity.

El.

You are wrong. The woman who is desirous of being untrue, will not be hindered by storms or earthquakes.

Piz.

I thank you for the lesson, and will write it in my me|mory.

El.

You cannot write.

Piz.

(With a ferocious look.)

Elvira!

El.

Is it my fault?

Piz.

You know that I will not hear of this.

El.

If your nurse had broken your leg, would you be asham|ed of limping?

Piz.

Enough. And never again mention the subject.

El.

(Aside.)

Achilles was only vulnerable in the heel."

Here follows the buffoon scene of the armour-bearer, which, as it has been generally condemned, and was printed contrary to the author's intention, I omit.

Page 15. Half of what I know.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"L. C.

You have vied with each other, who could best mur|der men, who could most dextrously split a skull. You have torn children from the arms of their mothers, and dashed them against the rocks. You have roasted their leaders at slow fires, and when their shrieks have disturbed the sleep of their execu|tioners, you have thrust gags in their mouths. On thirteen gibbets have you hung as many Indians—God—dare I speak it! —to the honor of Christ and the twelve apostles! My eyes have seen this abomination, and still I exist."

Page 16. The sword of your hero, &c.] The original is, "First, let these heroes fight, and prepare the way for our in|struction."

Page 22. Scene first.] In the original the scene is thus de|scribed, and continues through the act. "The Peruvian camp near a village, of which only a few houses are visible. In the

middle of the stage an altar is erected. In the back-ground a hill on which stands a tree."—The changes are Mr. Sheridan's.

Page 23. When first, &c.] In this speech Mr. Sheridan has improved upon the idea of his original.

Page 34. Enter DAVILLA, &c.] The capture of the king, and the circumstances attending upon it, are Mr. Sheridan's, who has omitted the incident of a retreating soldier who returns to the fight upon the king's lending him his sword, and comes back to recount Rolla's success; and also that of another sol|dier, who dies at the king's and gives cause to this exclamation, "Blood of a subject, costly pledge entrusted to my care, I have not shed thee wantonly."

Page 38. Act third.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"

(Cora stoops hovering over the child.)

Still dost thou sleep, sweet boy? Wilt thou not yet open thy blue eyes, that the mother may rejoice in the blue eyes of the father?

(Rising sorrowfully.)

Alas! where are thy father's eyes? Sparkle they still? Does he still live?"

One of the Women.

(Looking towards a hill at a distance.)

Xuliqua! do you see nothing?

A Female voice.

(Behind the scenes.)

I saw great clouds of dust a short time since, but they are blown away.

A Woman.

The battle must soon be decided.

Another.

As I was standing on the hill, I heard the clash of arms.

A Third.

We all heard the thundering tubes of the Spaniards.

Second.

The gods protect our husbands!

Co.

(Aside, raising her hands.)

God be with thee, my Alonzo!

The First Woman.

Xuliqua! do you see nothing?

Xul.

(At a distance.)

The sun dazzles me.

First Woman.

Our father looks down upon us. The children of the sun will conquer.

Co.

(Looking at her Child.)

See! A gnat has stung him. —

(Fans him with a branch.)

—Oh, Alonzo! thy poor wife is lamenting the sting of an insect, when, perhaps, an arrow is rankling in thy heart.

First Woman.

Xuliqua! do you see nothing?

Xul.

(At a distance.)

I see a man hastening hither; and another at a greater distance.

The Women.

Thank heaven! Thank heaven! Messengers from our husbands!

Xul.

(Appearing.)

The first disappeared among the trees, and must soon be here.

Co.

(Trembling.)

My heart will spring from my bosom.

A Woman.

There he is!"

Page 39. I saw him not.] Here the following lines are omit|ted:—

"Women.

Away, away to our brothers and husbands!

Per.

Stay! they will soon be here.

Women.

Here! Are they coming hither?

Per.

They are close upon me.

Women.

Let us break branches from the trees, and make garlands for the heroes.

All.

Garlands! Garlands for the conquerors!

They break off branches.

Co.

(Mournfully.)

No one has seen him! Oh, my son! hast thou still a father?

(A march is heard at a distance.)

A Woman.

Ha! they come. Look, sisters, how triumphantly the warriors approach. Raise the children high in the air, that they may lisp the conquerors' praises.

(As the march draws nearer, the women unite in a shout of triumph.)

All.

Hail! Hail to the children of the sun!—Joy to Rolla, the conqueror!—Blessings on Ataliba, our father and our king!"

Page 50. "He is a hero!"] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"Piz.

(Smiling.)

And then, no doubt, my mouldering bones will rattle with delight in the grave.

El.

Fame is a bubble, and the hero a child; yet does this gew-gaw unite the demi-god to human nature."

Page 50. No more! Leave me!] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"El.

You are right. Who would plant cedars in a marsh? Let us converse rationally on this subject. Fame is an irra|tional thing. It is mere smoke, and does not warm us. But advantage—What think you, Pizarro? How if by generosity, which costs us nothing, we could purchase a dear victory?

Piz.

Speak more intelligibly.

El.

Alonzo must seal the doctrine of Las Casas:—whether by an heroic death, which is of little advantage to us, or by a folly, which may aid us much, depends on you.

Piz.

How so?

El.

Let us catch the enthusiast with his own phantoms. That nothing, called by mortals virtue, is his idol. Go to him,

and say, "Alonzo, thou hast injured me. I forgive thee. Thou art at liberty." The boy will sink into your arms, and gratefully betray to you the throne of Quito.

Piz.

Think you so? I doubt it.

El.

If the artifice be too difficult for you alone, I will assist you. Whom does the power of love more easily persuade to good or evil than the enthusiast? I am possessed of beauty, and of sense; and well can I accommodate myself to all the humours of your sex. You know, Pizarro, thousands obey you, the hero—You me, the woman.

Piz.

I obey you!

El.

Not another word, for time is precious. I go to Alonzo. Have I not already won his heart as a young man? How then will he feel when I appear before him as a woman, when I press his hand in mine, and rest my supplicating looks upon him; when virtue's airy precepts flow from my lips with soft persua|sion?—Think you he can resist all this?

Piz.

Your vanity amuses me.

El.

Thank me for my good intentions, ere I repent them."

Page 34. Enter ELVIRA.] This scene is longer in the ori|ginal. I have omitted Elvira's proposal of love. Mr. Sheri|dan omits the whole scene.

Page 60. Imperfect and embittered.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"Rol.

I am an interested man; for do I not die, that, when Cora ascends to her father, her first question may be, "Where is Rolla?"

Page 69. The faith of heroes ever was the same.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"SCENE.

An open place not far from the Peruvian Camp.

ATALIBA is discovered, reposing under a Tree.

Ata.

How silent and dreary is every thing around me! The sensations which succeed a victory resemble those which suc|ceed a fever. We rejoice at the danger which is past, and have scarcely strength enough to rejoice. The smile swims in tears —the triumph is expressed in sighs. Conquest is dearly bought. History tells how many fell, but never tells how many are made

wretched. The arrow, which hits one heart, sometimes inflicts a hundred wounds. Oh! I would sell all my conquests for one harvest-festival.

Enter a COURTIER.

Cou.

The herald is returned without consolation.

Ata.

Is Alonzo dead?

Cou.

No, but the Spaniards have refused the ransom. "Your treasures," said the haughty spoilers, "belong to us, and in a few days we shall be your masters. Justice dwells in our strength."

Ata.

What! not yet humbled! Does this adder, then, which hisses round my throne, for ever grow again? Where is Cora?

Cou.

She fled with her child, but none knows whither. The army is alarmed and sad, for Rolla too has disappeared.

Ata.

Rolla! Impossible! He forsake me, when surrounded by distress and danger! Oh, heavens! Is there no one who wishes to obtain my dignity! I will exchange my situation for that of the meanest in my realm.

Enter ALONZO, in the Monk's habit.

Alon.

Do I behold my king again?

Ata.

Alonzo, is it you?

Alon.

Where is my wife?

Ata.

Welcome appearance!

Alon.

Where is my wife?

Ata.

How did you escape?

Alon.

By half a miracle.

Ata.

Speak!—Tell me all.

Alon.

Whom but Rolla could friendship urge to make so great a sacrifice? Who but Rolla could muffle himself in this mantle, and force his way even to my prison? He it was, who broke my chains to hang them on himself.

Ata.

Rolla in the power of the enemy! Alas! you wound me again.

Alon.

(Throwing off the Monk's habit.)

Give me a sword, and five hundred of your boldest warriors, that I may hasten to release him.

Ata.

Shall I risk in you my last support?

Alon.

The enemy is dejected; the camp on the right side but ill defended. Pizarro, by his cruelties, has made himself de|tested. The soldiers murmur; let them not have time to re|flect. If we obtain another victory, we may drive them into the ocean.

Ata.

Come with me. I will myself examine where it will be most proper to attack them.

Alon.

Do not thus expose yourself to danger. You are our king.

Ata.

When the children are in danger, the father should ex|ert himself.

Alon.

Let me, then, first embrace my dearest Cora.

Ata.

(Confused.)

Cora!

Alon.

Doubtless her sufferings have been great.

Ata.

They have indeed.

Alon.

In a moment I will return to you.

Ata.

Where will you seek her?

Alon.

(Alarmed.)

Is she not here?

Ata.

Her terrors drove her from us.

Alon.

Whither?

Ata.

I know not. Perhaps to the mountains, where her fa|ther dwells.

Alon.

Heavens! What a chilness courses through my veins!

Cou.

She was seen running through the field of battle, and calling for Alonzo till it was dark.

Alon.

And then?

Cou.

Then she disappeared in the woods.

Alon.

The woods! where Spanish soldiers are continually— Cora! Cora!

(Going.)

Ata.

Alonzo! whither go you?

Alon.

Wherever anguish and despair may lead me. Good Inca, thou art in safety. The conquered foe dare not attempt to attack you. Oh thou, who dost protect the rights of all thy subjects, revere the rights of nature. My wife, my child, my all is lost. Release me from my duty as a leader, that I may fulfil the duties of a husband, and go in search of Cora.

Ata.

I feel thy agony. Go, but forget not Rolla.

Alon.

Cora!—Rolla!—What guardian angel will direct my steps.

Exit.

Ata.

(To the Courtier.)

Lend me your sword.

(The Cour|tier presents it. Ataliba tries to raise it, but his arm sinks.)

I cannot. Poor monarch! What avail reason and courage, if the limbs refuse their office.

Exit."

Page 70. O nature, &c.] This speech is Mr. Sheridan's va|riation from the author. The song which he introduced (for Cora to sing in this situation) I have discarded.

Page 74. But I will find him.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"Co.

I left my infant, and the vengeance of the gods pur|sues me.

L. C.

Oh that I could console you!

Alon.

Help me to bear this load of grief.

Co.

(Raving.)

Look at that speckled snake!—see how it twines round the child's body!—Now it hisses!—now it darts its sting into his heart!

Alon.

Dearest Cora, recollect yourself.

Co.

There the cruel Condor hovers in the air. Now it shoots down—darts its talons into the defenceless infant. There a blood-thirsty tiger lies in wait for its prey!—now it springs from the thicket!—See how it tears him piecemeal!

(Falls)

Help! help!

Alon.

(Kneeling at her side.)

My wife! My son!

L. C.

Even to this solitude I am pursued by images of misery!

Alon.

Give us consolation. Oh, Las Casas, my instructor, my benefactor, do not forsake us at this dreadful hour.

L. C.

I will remain with you, but we are close upon the Spanish camp. Fly to your friends. I will accompany you.

Alon.

How shall we convey this wretched being?

L. C.

Try to raise her.

Alon.

Come, dear Cora—let us go.

Co.

Go! Whither?

Alon.

Back to our friends.

Co.

I forsake this place—this place, where my Fernando died?

Alon.

The enemy is so near us—

Co.

Cruel that thou art! Shall I not even collect my infant's bones?

Alon.

Your father and brother are arrived.

Co.

I have no father and brother. I only had a child.

Alon.

We will seek it.

Co.

(Suddenly springing up.)

Seek it? Where? Where?

Alon.

This old man will assist us.

Co.

Yes, assist us, good old man! Help us to seek our child.

L. C.

Willingly, dear Cora, if you will compose yourself.

Co.

Have you any children?

L. C.

No.

Co.

Then I forgive the expression. Give me back my child —then learn to know the composure of a mother."

Page 75. Sculking! &c.] These two speeches of Rolla's, contain the substance of the address which Mr. Sheridan made him deliver in the temple of the sun, Act II. Scene II.

Page 76. As 〈…〉〈…〉 lies between us.] Here the following lines are omitted:

"Piz.

How if we were to be united by a mutual interest? Thou wert before not pleased when I made mention of my claim to Quito's throne. I renounce it. Submit to the Spanish sceptre, acknowledge the Christian faith, and I am satisfied.

Rol.

Very generous!

Piz.

On Pizarro's friendship depends the protection of a mighty monarch, and this Pizarro makes thee a voluntary offer of his hand.

Rol.

Rolla is not a traitor.

Piz.

Thou wilt at once avert all misery from thy native land.

Rol.

To my native land I owe my life, but not my honor.

Piz.

Thou wilt only remove a weak king from a station for which he was not formed.

Rol.

Ataliba weak!—But were he so, a king who makes his people happy, is strong through their affection.

Piz.

Follow thy own counsel.

Rol.

My conscience has long since decided.

Piz.

Consider that rejected friendship rages as fiercely as rejected love.

Rol.

Ha! that is the point at which I long have seen thee aim. Cast away the mask.

Piz.

(Checking his fury.)

Rolla, do not mistake me.

Rol.

May I go?

Piz.

(After a struggle.)

Go.

Rol.

Will nothing intercept my way?

Piz.

Nothing, unless repentance bring thee back.

Rol.

Thanks to the Gods, I never yet repented any thing."

Page 77. Smiling in thy face.] Here the following lines are omitted:—

"Piz.

Fancy this little head stuck on a lance's point—then fancy Alonzo rushing against us with uplifted sword, and bear|ing all before him like a furious stream, which nothing can re|strain but a—child's head. Ha! there stands he petrified.— Down sinks his sword, and with a look of horror he surveys the bloody banner, from which the drops still trickle down the lance.—Ha! ha! ha!

Rol.

Art thou a human being?

Piz.

Then, when he arrives at home, when his anxious wife throws her white arms around his neck, and with her silken hair wipes off the drops of blood—"Not so hasty," he will say. "You fancy this to be the blood of the enemy."—Ha! ha! ha! —"It is our infant's blood."

Rol.

Look how the boy smiles. Couldst thou murder this innocent?

Piz.

Couldst thou kill a pigeon?

Rol.

If a ransom will content thee, I will send this infant's weight in silver.

Piz.

Make a monument of it, and erect it on his grave.

Rol.

Pizarro, thou art obliged to me for thy life. Grant me in return this infant's life.

Piz.

Wilt thou humble me by such a poor request?"

Page 78. Rolla crosses, &c.] Here Mr. Sheridan has, with great effect, introduced in action what the author had given in narrative.

Page 79. Scene Third.] This scene in the original stands thus:—

"An open place near the Peruvian Camp.

Enter ATALIBA with folded arms, and in deep meditation.

Ata.

The enemy is quiet. My troops are buried in sleep. The storm is over. Not a breath of air murmurs through the trees. Around me all is silence and repose—but not here—

(Points to his heart.)

And why not here? Am I to be pur|sued by the spectres of the slain? Am I to be tormented by the groans of the dying? Did I not draw the sword for God and my native land?

Enter CORA, raving.

Co.

Whither do you lead me? Where is my infant's grave?

(Espying the King.)

Ha! Thou—Son of the Sun, give me my child again.

Ata.

Cora, whence come you?

Co.

From my son's grave—deep under the earth—there it is cold and damp.

(Shuddering.)

I shiver!

Ata.

Horrible!

Enter ALONZO and LAS CASAS, in pursuit of CORA.

Alon.

Unhappy Cora! whither does thy frenzy lead thee?

Co.

Be silent, Alonzo. Here stands the sun of the gods. The sun is his father. If he will but say a word, the grave will open, and disgorge its prey.

(Embracing Ataliba's knees.)

Oh, my king, speak this one powerful word! Have compassion on a mother's anguish,

Ata.

Ye gods! what means this?

Alon.

She has lost her child.

Ata.

Poor mother, I cannot help you. Alas! I am but a king.

Co.

You cannot! Who, then, can? To whom have the gods entrusted our existence? Was it not you who led the Pe|ruvians to battle? Did not my Alonzo fight for you? Do you refuse me the only recompence for all his valor—the life of a child, who will hereafter fight for you?

Ata.

Destroy me, ye gods! I cannot bear this.

Co.

(Springing up.)

Tyrant, whom my prayers and anguish cannot move, has not blood enough yet flowed to satisfy thy rank ambition? Look! on each of thy diamonds hangs a drop of blood. Art thou not satisfied without tearing infants from their mother's breast, and casting them to beasts of prey?— What is thy diadem to me? What cares a mother for the throne of Quito? Hasten hither, all ye, whom this victory has robbed of children! Help me to curse this foul barbarian, and let our misery rise with his shouts of joy to heaven. Oh, if he may but feel forever the distresses of one hapless mother, his punishment will be sufficient.

Sinks exhausted to the earth.

Alon.

(Clasping her in his arms—to Ataliba.)

Forgive the frenzy of a mother.

Ata.

(Wiping away a tear.)

Alas! the throne supplies no compensation for this tear.

Co.

(Smiling.)

Alonzo, my breast is painful. Reach me the child.

(Exhausted.)

Alonzo, you are cruel; you see that I am dying, and will not let me once more feel the rapture of beholding my child.

Alon.

Alas! This is more dreadful than her fury. Rage on, poor wretched mother! Thou no longer hast a child.

Co.

(Falling back.)

Poor wretched mother! Thou no lon|ger hast a child.

Fnter a PERUVIAN.

Per.

Rolla comes.

Ata. and Alon.

Rolla!"

FINIS.