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THE BIRTH-DAY; OR THE PRINCE OF ARRAGON.

A DRAMATICK PIECE, WITH SONGS.

IN TWO ACTS.

AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, HAY-MARKET.

WRITTEN BY J.O'KEEFFE.

LONDON: Printed for T.CADELL, in the Strand.

M. DCC. LXXXIII.

TO THE PRINCE OF WALES.

[i]
SIR,

WHEN I conſider the inſignificancy of this trifle, I am ſurpriſed at my own temerity: my reaſon would have recoiled, and left nothing but my preſumption to attend it to your Royal feet, had not your gracious condeſcenſion, in permitting it to approach You, encouraged me in the laudable attempt to celebrate (though by humble means) an aera, auſpicious, great, and glorious. The Guardian Genius of Britain having placed a Brunſwick on the Throne, [ii] ſaw, and ſelf-approving, ſmiled upon her work; and Victory, when determined to beſtow her richeſt wreaths of laurel upon Britiſh valour, to perpetuate her bounty, wiſely choſe that point of time which ſhe foreſaw muſt be the darling theme of future ages, the period that gave birth to the PRINCE of WALES. Then it was that ſhe crowned Monckton and Rodney with ſucceſs; and, by the capture of Martinico, ſecured the conqueſt of Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and a ſupreme power over the trade and navigation of the ſeas, and that immeaſurable chain of iſlands which extend from the Eaſtern point of Hiſpaniola, almoſt to the Continent of South America, With this view did ſhe command Albemarle, the Pupil of her favourite Cumberland, and Pocock, who had before triumphed in the Eaſt, now to extend our conqueſts over the Weſtern world. The Havannah, from its ſituation, a place of the firſt importance to our enemies, the grand rendezvous of the galleons, thought [iii] impregnable from nature, yet fortified by every poſſible contrivance of military art, moſt unpromiſing to a foe, from the danger of its acceſs, and defended by a Roman ſpirit, in the perſon of Velaſco, at this great criſis, from the intrepidity, perſeverance, and unanimity of our land and ſea forces, yielded to the Britiſh flag.

Amongſt the brilliant tranſactions of a year which makes a golden page in the Engliſh annals, we ſee Granby Victorious on the banks of the Weſer; and our gracious Monarch, on the auſpicious morning, when his beloved and amiable Conſort gives an Heir to Britain, beholds the treaſures of Spain paſs before his Palace walls. So many illuſtrious, circumſtances attending your Royal Highneſs's dawn of life, promiſed a zenith of glory; and the ſhining qualities of your youth juſtify our hopes, and give an ample ſatisfaction to our expectations. As You were the early bleſſing, ſo will You prove the latter comfort of your [iv] Royal Parents, the Patron of Science, the Promoter of Virtue, the delight and joy of a happy, loyal people, whoſe affection, reſpect, and admiration, may You ever poſſeſs, as you do thoſe of your Royal Highneſs's

Moſt humble, Moſt obſequious, And truly devoted Servant, JOHN O'KEEFFE.

PROLOGUE.

[]
WHEN fate on ſome tremendous [...] ſeems bent,
And nature labours with the dread event,
Portents and prodigies convulſe the earth,
That heaves and ſtruggles with the fatal birth.
To happier hours are laviſh bleſſings given,
And pour'd in floods, to mark the hand of Heaven.
In a long ſeries of bright glories dreſt,
Britons muſt hail this day ſupremely bleſt.
Firſt on this day, in Liberty's great cauſe,
A BRUNSWICK came to guard our rights and laws
On this great day, our glorious annals tell,
By Britiſh arms the pride of Cuba fell;
For then, the Moro's gallant Chief o'erthrown,
Th' Havannah ſaw his fate, and felt her own:
The ſelf-fame day, the ſame auſpicious morn,
Our elder hope, our Prince, our GEORGE, was born.
Upon his natal hour what triumphs wait!
What captive treaſures croud the Palace-gate!
What doubled joys the Royal parent claim,
Of homefelt happineſs, and publick fame!
Long, very long, Great George, protect the land!
Thy race, like arrows in a giant's hand!
For ſtill, though blights may nip ſome infant roſe.
And kill the budding beauty, ere it blows,
Indulgent Heaven prolongs th' illuſtrious line,
Branching like th' olive, cluſtring like the vine.
Long, very long, thy courſe of glory run,
A bright example to thy Royal Son!
Forming that Son to grace, like Thee, the throne,
And make his Father's virtues all His Own!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

[]
  • Prince of Arragon, Mr. PALMER,
  • Don Leopold, Mr. WILSON,
  • Don Frederick, Mr. WILLIAMSON.
  • Seraphina, Mrs. BANNISTER.
  • Florina, Miſs GEORGE.

Courtiers, Maſquers, &c.

SCENE, Don Leopold's Caſtle, within three Leagues of Saragoſſa

The BIRTH-DAY.

ACT I.

[]
An Apartment in Don Leopold's Caſtle.
Enter Prince and Frederick.
Prince.

SO! at laſt we are arriv'd in Don Leopold's caſtle.

Fred.

Thank Heaven! for ſince we turn'd our horſes heads from the palace of Saragoſa, my Prince has not till this moment honour'd his faithful Frederick with a ſingle word.

Prince.

I did imagine, my dear Frederick, that you wiſh'd to ſee me in love.

Fred.

Without doubt—the darling of your Royal patents, the idol of the people; the blooming hope of every friend to his country, and the impending terror of her ſoes, adorn'd with every grace of nature, ſhining in each accompliſhment with all the glowing ſpirit of a hero, ready to burſt into action, I ſaw my Prince, my maſter, in the midſt of a brilliant court, ſurrounded with pleaſures, but a ſtranger to happineſs.

Prince.
[2]

'Tis true, Frederick: I was amus'd, but never pleas'd.

Fred.

I ſaw it. I dar'd, impell'd by duty, to pry into my Prince's thoughts, and from the ſtate of your heart, this languor, this apathy, this reſtleſs, joyleſs inquietude, I plainly ſaw that in the midſt of ſplendor, Love was wanting to make you happy.

Prince.

Ay, Frederick; but if this love, which you imagine ſo eſſential to my happineſs, ſhould plunge me into unutterable woe, and render me for ever miſerable!

Fred.

Love make a Prince miſerable! Impoſſible.

Prince.

Why not a Prince as well as another man?

Fred.

Heir to the Crown of Arragon, who has only to aſk and obtain, to wiſh and be happy!

Prince.

Ay, Fred'rick; but I wou'd have the fair one love me, not as the Heir of Arragon: I would owe nothing to the dignity of my ſtation.

Fred.

Well, Sir, Fortune has arrang'd each circumſtance of your adventure here to the full extent of your wiſhes. Chance throws into your hands a Lady's picture; the features are, juſt what your fancy imagines to be the moſt beautiful [3] in the world; and for ſeven or eight days, by your orders, I ſearch'd the Court, the city, the country, for the charming original: my endeavours proved fruitleſs, and you begin to deſpair of ever finding this lovely incognita; when one day, in hunting, led by the ardour of the chace, having ſtray'd from your ſuite, you find yourſelf near the park walls of this caſtle— hear the cry of diſtreſs, ſee women purſued by a huge and fierce boar. Fired with a generous alarm at their danger, you fly to their aſſiſtance; to kill this monſter, was but the work of a minute; but what a minute of delight, of tranſport! A young Lady from wearineſs and fright having fallen at the foot of a tree, preſents to your eyes the very identical lovely original of the picture. Thus, in ſaving her life, your firſt interview was the moſt auſpicious moment of your's.

Prince.

I own, my dear Frederick, hitherto I have reaſon to be content; as yet, 'tis certain, my quality is a ſecret to Don Leopold and his.daughter; and as I was firſt introduced to them. by your name, they ſtill imagine me to be Don Frederick. The amiable Seraphina liſtens to my vows with the moſt flattering complacency, approves my paſſion, anſwer's each gentle ſigh, each tender look, with the ſweet ſympathy of [4] dear affection; and, by her permiſſion, I made a formal demand to her father of her hand in marriage.

Fred.

Which he readily granted, not knowing you to be the Prince of Arragon.

Prince.

The old Gentleman did not heſitate a moment; and this very day, the anniverſary of my Birth Day, Don Leopold has fixed for the celebration of our marriage.

Fred.

Then nothing but the joy of the night can exceed the happineſs of the day.

Prince.

Ah! Frederick, this day may be moſt unhappy! Seraphina loves me, but before I wed her I am reſolved to put her affection to the proof; if it cannot bear the trial, oh, Frederick! what a ſevere ſtroke to a heart ſo tender, ſo ſenſible, ſo paſſionate as mine!

Fred.

Well, my Lord, I hope all for the beſt—Ha! ha! ha! I'm diverted even at the idea of Don Leopold's ſurprize and embarraſſment when he finds that you're the Prince; I aſſure you he'll entertain you with ſuch things as never yet reached a royal ear.

Prince.

Ay, that I ſuppoſe: for the character of my old Don, tho'rough, is noble, free and independent. Huſh, here he comes; remember I am Don Frederick, and you are my attendant.

Exit Fred.
Don Leop.
[5]
(without)

Be quiets—hold your tongues—ſay no more, it's all in vain—ridiculous to propoſe it! No, no, no courts for me,

(enters.)

Ah! they did not tell me you were here.

Prince.

But juſt arriv'd, Sir; you ſeem angry.

Leop.

So I am, very angry.

Prince.

What's the matter, Don Leopold?

Leop.

My daughter wants to carry me to Court.

Prince.

Why not, Sir? A nobleman of your birth and diſtinction ſhould not thus bury himſelf hi the country.

Leop.

In the country! I live upon my own eſtate.

Prince.

Yes, but from the character I have given of you, the Prince I'm ſure would wiſh to be known to you.

Leop.

I tell you what, boy; I've as much reſpect for my Prince as you; I obey, I eſteem, I love him; and were there a cauſe, the laſt drop of my blood ſhould write my loyalty; I'd die to ſerve him. But I don't like new acquaintance: I am too old.

Prince.

And yet I will aſſure you, Don Leopold, the Prince wiſhes for nothing more than to have you nearly attached to him.

Leop.
[6]

Me! On what account?

Prince.

To have in your rare and valuable character a man of candour and probity, incapable of falſehood, on whoſe honor, whoſe friendſhip he might rely, and place an intire confidence in his fidelity—you laugh!

Leop.

Yes: Ha! ha! very good! the Prince wiſhes to have me near him, me, whom he never ſaw; becauſe, forſooth, you have told him that I am a perſon of probity and candour!

Prince.

Juſt ſo. I'll anſwer for your welcome, go when you pleaſe.

Leop.

Will you? firſt anſwer for my going for go I will not; no, no, he ſees bad company enough already.

Prince.

But—

Leop.

None of your buts! you are going to be my Son-in-law; take it once for all, I was never made for a courtier; I am a fantaſtical, ridiculous old fellow, that thinks noble birth wants no decoration of title; that a ſtar upon a breaſt cannot give honor to a heart that's baſe, nor a ribbon dignity to a neck that perhaps deſerves a halter. Tho' I live at a great expence, I keep within my income; I have not uſe for more than half the ſervants I maintain, but then the other half I conſider have uſe [7] for me; and tho' I am a Lord, I am as free from debt as the pooreſt commoner.

Prince.

You would indeed be an extraordinary character at court.

Leop.

Ay, ay, Don Frederick, but I prefer being lodged in this old caſtle of mine here, to the honor of being inconveniently ſituated near a Prince; in one word, I'd rather walk about my park, gardens, and my own improvements, than to ſlide and amble through an antichamber, like a cypher of great importance, in a groupe of idle buſy-bodies, female profligates, reverend atheiſts, mock patriots, and right honourable ſharpers, the whole forming a villainous picture, a curious court calendar.

Prince.

Then 'tis impoſſible to perſuade you to accompany us.

Leop.

Then don't attempt; aſk a lover to reſign his miſtreſs, a lady to praiſe her rival, a lawyer to tell truth, and a Doctor to return his fee; but never aſk me to go to court; you ſhall not change my mode of thinking, nor ſhall I try to alter your's.

[8]

AIR.

The Court is a fountain of honour and fame,
And ſweet are the waters that flow;
Yet ſay if our throats, or this water's to blames,
As we drink, the more thirſty we grow?
yet the Court to be ſure is a fine place,
A gay, a polite, a divine place;
I am the man can tell you bow.
If there you'd wiſh to riſe,
With your every ſtep a bow!
On your tongue a thouſand lies;
Submiſſive be your ſtile!
A great man's frown's a rod,
A penſion in his ſmile,
A ribbon in his nod:
Strict care and cloſe oeconomy,
Firſt make a mighty brag on;
But ſet to guard the golden tree,
Then gobble like a dragon!
Enter. Frederick (ſpeaks apart to the Prince)
Fred.

Your attendants wait their orders.

Prince.

Very well.

Enter. Florina.
Leop.

Florina, where's my daughter?

Flori.

I left her in the garden, Sir; I fancy ſhe's reading in the jeſſamine alcove.

Leop.
[9]

Hey, Don Frederick, don't you wiſh to ſee her? ay, ay, well, well, go—you hear ſhe is in the jeſſamine alcove.

Flori.

Oh pray go, Sir, 'tis the ſweeteſt place to make love in! ſing her an amorous ditty, and the pretty little birds ſhall play up the ſymphonies.

Leop.

Hark ye! I'll play up a ſymphony with you, huſſey, if you ſtrike up your amorous ditties in my daughter's hearing—But go to her, Frederick, while I go and prepare for your wedding and ſome little fancies of my own to honour the Birth Day of my Prince. This night Seraphina ſhall be your wife; and to-morrow morning, if you will go, there lies your way to court, and here lies mine to my groves and gardens.

Exeunt Leopold and Prince ſeverally.
Flori.

Then at laſt the delicious moment is at hand, when we ſhall bid adieu to this crazy caſtle, theſe, inſenſible trees, theſe diſmal groves, and melancholy gardens.

Fred.

You are weary of this place, hey!

Flori.

Weary of it?—that I am.

Fred.

Variety pleaſes you.

Flori.

Infinitely; I deteſt ſameneſs, order and odious method; I delight in noiſe, hurry, [10] ſhew, and rattling confuſion.—Oh heavens, I've conceiv'd the moſt charming ideas of a Court!

Fred.

And you are a charming girl: you are form'd for a court—that graceful mien, this fine ſhape

[puts his hand gently round her waiſt]

that expreſſive ſenſibility of countenance, thoſe ſpeaking eyes, thoſe ruby lips

[going to kiſs her.]
Flori.

My lips are well enough: ſo let them alone, if you pleaſe,

[puſhes him back]
Fred.

With all your gaiety, ſprightlineſs and vivacity, ſuch ſhining qualifications for good company, you cannot fail of ſucceſs.

Flori.

Yes, I flatter myſelf there is a little ſomething, a certain—inexpreſſive—that—ay, ay, my Je ne ſcai quoi will do the buſineſs.

AIR II.

Year wiſe men all declare
Of the thing ſo ſtrange and rare,
The beautiful ſublime in great nature's law,
A women bears the belle;
And why they cannot tell;
'Tis the myſtical charms of the Je ne ſçai quoi.
II.
The lovely town-bred dame,
Dear cauſe of many a flame,
Each ſmart ſwears he ne'er ſuch a beauty ſaw.
[11]Say what the lovers prize,
Coral lips or brilliant eyes?
No; the myſtical charms of the Je ne ſçai quoi.
III.
Behold the village maid,
By nature's hand array'd,
With her ſtockings green, and her hat of ſtraw!
Is love in dimple ſleek,
Or the roſes of her cheek?
No; the myſtical charms of the Je ne ſçai quoi.

You and I are going to live in the ſame houſe: come, let us be open and candid! do you reſolve to govern your maſter?

Fred.

Moſt certainly I will.

Flori.

Well, mind, take care that you do; for I am poſitively determined to govern my miſtreſs: 'en't I right?

Fred.

Certainly; ay, and ſhe'll be Well governed!

Flori.

Why yes, it isn't that I want to make a great fortune, that is, all at once; I'm not covetous or ambitious, but you know one muſt be a little vain, when one is plac'd with a lady [12] who is wife to the Prince's favourite; my education may have been limited, but for all that, I hope to play my cards with ſuch addreſs, that I ſhall ſoon have a little court of my own.

Fred.

What a baggage!

(aſide)

I dare ſay you will, and from this moment I put myſelf under your patronage and protection.

Flori.

Well, I ſhall take care of you; indeed, at firſt you may be of ſome uſe to me.

Fred.

As how pray?

Flori.

Why, you muſt help me in collecting little intrigues, adventures, and anecdotes.

Fred.

Then I find you have no averſion to ſcandal.

Flori.

Why you know ſcandal is a waiting woman's moſt neceſſary qualification.

Fred.

You are an ingenious pretty little ſoul, that's the truth on't—oh! here comes my maſter.

Flori.

And my miſtreſs; hey! they ſeem to have had a wrangle.

Fred.

Something's the matter indeed!

Flori.

Well come along, it's none of our buſineſs; let's leave them to themſelves, for [13] when two lovers fall out, they can always decide the quarrel without ſeconds.

Fred.

I was order'd by my maſter to attend him here.

Flori.

What, two to one againſt my miſtreſs? Oh, then I'll ſtand by to ſee fair play.

Both retire to the back of the ſtage.
Enter Prince, affecting diſorder and embarraſſment, followed by Seraphina.
Sera.

Cruel Frederick! why did your valour ſave my life; your merit win my heart; when now you make your Seraphina wretched, by ſeeming ſo unhappy on the very day of our union?

Prince.

Oh heavens!

Sera.

You ſeem alarm'd: I aſk the reaſon, you anſwer me with ſighs, and look to heaven: Explain the cauſe of theſe emotions, or I'll inſtantly acquaint my father.

Prince.

Stay, Madam.

Sera.

Speak then: why am I treated thus?

Prince.

Juſt heaven, your indignation I deſerve, and with patience I ſubmit: Oh Seraphina!

(With great emotion.)
Sera.

Speak, my Frederick.

(Weeps.)
Prince.
[14]

Dry your tears, they fall for a wretch unworthy of your pity.

Sera.

Unworthy! You are worthy of my tendereſt regard, my affection, my love.

AIR.

Sweeteſt paſſion of the mind,
Generous, noble, unconfin'd,
Sov'reign love that ſways the ſoul,
Love is fate above controul.
Pureſt ſource of honour, truth,
Kind director of our youth;
This her precept—virtue prize;
Emulate the bleſs'd above,
To be worthy what you love!
Prince.

No more! this kindneſs but aggravates my guilt.

Sera.

Guilt!

Prince.

My perfidy.

Sera.

How?

Prince.

To you, Seraphina, I am a traitor; and when I diſcloſe my treachery, your tenderneſs of affection will turn to contempt and abhorrence.

Sera.
[15]

Betray'd by my Frederick?

Prince.

Liſten to the ſtory of my falſhood, and then abandon me to the keen remorſe which muſt for ever puniſh and torment me. Yeſterday, having obtain'd the conſent of my Prince for our marriage, Frederick, ſays he, from the fidelity by which I know you are attached to me, I make no doubt of your concern at my late inquietude of mind, and of your anxiety to know, and if in your power to remove the cauſe; cou'd you imagine it poſſible that the portrait of a young lady, whom I never ſaw nor know, has made ſuch a deep impreſſion on my heart, that till I find her, till ſhe's mine, your Prince muſt be unhappy! Here, behold, examine; ſee if nature ever form'd any thing ſo lovely, altogether ſuch a combination of beauties! Here, take it, Frederick, I truſt this precious picture to your care. Reply not: fly, my dear friend; ſearch every where, and, if poſſible, find this adorable woman, this charming unknown! Judge, Seraphina, judge of my aſtoniſhment, my grief, when I beheld—theſe, theſe are the features that have caught the Prince's heart; there is the picture that he truſted to my care.

(Gives the picture.)
Flori.
[16]
(Looks over Seraphina's ſhoulder at the picture)

Lord, Madam, this is your own picture!

[While Seraphina and Florina are looking at the picture, the Prince watches Seraphina's countenance, and speaks apart to Frederick.]
Prince.

Frederick, I doubt her conſtancy: but deſire my attendants to be in readineſs.

Exit Frederick.
Sera.

'Tis indeed mine; the very picture that my father had drawn about a month after my return from the convent, and that he loſt a few days after.

Prince.

And which fortune has thrown into the hands of the Prince; but inſtead of repaying his confidence with fidelity, inſtead of throwing myſelf at his feet and confeſſing that I was his rival, I endeavour'd to conceal my embarraſſment, and turn his paſſion aſide; with a forc'd laugh I affected to rally his love for a perſon unknown; and, to cool his tranſport, urg'd that the picture might have flatter'd, that the original might not be living, that thoſe fine features perhaps never exiſted but in the painter's fancy. In ſhort, my perfidious jealouſy left nothing unſaid that might prevent his curioſity [17] from any further attempt to diſcover you.

Flori.
(Aſide.)

You had little to do I think.

Prince.

Mad with the fear of having my treaſure ſnatch'd from me, I flew to your father and urg'd him to haſten our marriage; I ſummon'd all my diſſimulation to maſter my anxiety before him; but when I approach'd your preſence, that unſuſpecting innocence, that air of frankneſs and ſincerity, even triumph'd over your charms; the tender and ingenuous joy you expreſs'd at ſeeing me, when heaven itſelf had deſign'd you for a throne, confounded my intentions; I had no longer power to diſguiſe the cruel conflict that agitated my ſoul. You, lovely Seraphina, perceived my emotions; your kind ſolicitude has produced this explanation; there now remains no more for me but to quit your preſence, and for ever baniſh from your ſight my ſhame, my guilt, and my confuſion.

Flori.

Ay do, go along, and ſend the Prince to us.

Aſide.
[18] Enter Frederick.
Fred.

Sir, there's a courier arrived from court: he ſays he was ordered to make extraordinary haſte, as he comes to you with news of very great conſequence.

Prince.
(Affects much embarraſſment)

News! heaven! the Prince has not diſcover'd—

Sera.

Go, Frederick, ſee what his buſineſs is.

Prince.
(Aſide)

Aye, I ſee her love is extinguiſh'd. Oh Seraphina, I have nothing to hope, and fear the worſt.

Exeunt Prince and Fred.
Flori.

Well, men are all foxes, ſo cunning and ſo falſe. Now wou'dn't any body in the world have ſworn that this Don Frederick's love was real?

Sera.

And after ſuch a proof can I doubt the reality of his love?

Flori.

A pretty way of fhewing it, to deprive you of a crown! O fie! He ought to be aſham'd of himſelf. Dear Madam, at the firſt ſight of the picture, a real lover would have cried out in a tranſport of joy, " My Prince, I know it; that's the picture of Donna Seraphina de Quintana; ay, and not half ſo handſome as that beautiful young lady. Oh Sir, if you were but to ſee her! Such an air, ſuch a charming [19] face! you'd declare, Sir, that not a woman in the world would ſo well become a throne." There, Madam; that would be the language of a true lover.

Sera.

Ceaſe, Florina; my mind is tortured with cruel reflections.

AIR.

My dawn of life, how bright, how gay!
Blythe zephyrs play'd around:
Sweet Flora, Goddeſs of the May,
Came ſmiling on to cheer the day,
With roſeate chaplets crown'd.
Tho' morn and noon new joys beſtow,
While peace and love attend;
The ſmiling landſcape changes now,
And fate alone can tell me how
The doubtful night muſt end.
Flori.

What an eſcape! what would have become of you if he had concealed his treachery till you were married? Dear Madam, I tremble to think of it.

Sera.

Prythee, peace; no more of this.

Flori.

You are right, Madam; I'm wrong; 'tis with the glory that awaits you I ought to entertain you. You'll ſoon be a Princeſs; after [20] that be a Queen. Charming, delightful, tranſporting! the very thought gives extacy!

Sera.

Ah, Florina, you and I differ much in our opinion of the road to happineſs.

DUETT III.

SERAPHINA.
Sweet content can banish ſtrife,
Smooth the rugged paths of life,
Bleſs with joys the Sylvan ſcene,
Tranquil, happy, and ſerene!
FLORINA.
Youthful, ſprightly, blooming Hope,
Cries—Florina, ceaſe to mope!
Quit the lifeleſs grove and field,
Courts alone can pleaſures yield!
SERAPHINA.
Peaceful joys!
FLORINA.
Rattling noiſe!
SERAPHINA.
Morning bright!
FLORINA.
Up all night!
SERAPHINA.
[21]
Waterfalls!
FLORINA:
Routs and balls!
SERAPHINA:
Shepherds lutes!
FLORINA:
Fiddles and flutes!
SERAPHINA.
Give me love, end nothing's wanting!
FLORINA.
Give me love, and ſome gallanting!
BOTH.
Sera.
Thoſe are the joys of the Sylvan ſcene.
Flor.
Thoſe are the joys of the courtly ſcene.
END OF ACT FIRST.

ACT II.

[22]
The Outſide of Don Leopold's Caſtle.
Enter Prince and Frederick.
Prince.

NOW, Frederick, now for the trial! and if I prove my Seraphina's mind, as pure as her perſon is charming, this day gives her my hand; and to-morrow, when preſented to the King, my father, her beauty and her virtue muſt juſtify my choice, and give an added ſplendor to the court of Saragoſſa.

Fred.

Behold, my Lord, ſhe comes, and her little Governeſs too—Ah, her councils do no great ſervice to her miſtreſs's cauſe.

Enter Seraphina and Florina.
Prince.

Madam, I am loſt, undone; you've, now ample revenge: a particular friend at Saragoſſa [23] has given me notice that the Prince himſelf will be here in an hour.

Seraph.

The Prince!

Prince.

Yes, my good, my royal maſter, having heard of my approaching marriage, ever ſolicitous for my welfare and happineſs, and little ſuſpecting how much I've abus'd his confidence, has ſignified his royal pleaſure that he'll honour the ceremony with his preſence.

Seraph.

What a ſtroke of fortune!

Florina,

Ay, Madam, who can ſay that fortune's blind, when ſhe has now hit the nail on the head ſo nicely?

Seraph.

To-day, do you ſay, Frederick?

Prince.,

This day, this hour; every moment. I expect him; drawn hither by his friendſhip for me, he forſakes the court, even at the time when a happy people rejoices at the auſpicious day that gave birth to their Prince, the darling of their hopes; and, as he imagines, to give me a more joyful ſurpriſe, I'm inform'd that he comes maſk'd, with a few ſelect friends, who Attend him from the palace.

Flori.

Maſk'd! what a pity!—Oh, the dear, dear Prince, how I do long to ſee him!

Aſide.
Seraph.

In the diſtreſs this accident has thrown me, what can I ſay to alleviate your [24] grief? You know, Frederick, my will depends upon a father.

Prince.

I underſtand you, Madam.

Seraph.

To him my duty obliges me to ſubmit.

Prince.

Certainly, Madam, and no doubt but he has already order'd you to think of me no more.

Seraph.

My father loves me tenderly; we have no reaſon to imagine but that he'll order every thing for the beſt; I'll go ſeek him, and immediately acquaint you with his determination.

Exit.
Prince.

Confuſion!

Walks up the stage in diſorder.
Fred.
(to Florina)

Well, what's you opinion of this affair?

Flori.

Preſently we'll acquaint you with Our determination.

Walks off very ſtately.
Prince.

There, Frederick! what think you now?

Fred.

As yet I cannot—

Prince.

Oh, I ſee plainly what I'm to expect! Yes, yes, ſhe's reſolv'd to reject me; and you ſee with what art ſhe endeavoured to prepare me for my diſmiſſion!—her father's determination!—a mere excuſe for her caprice, and ſordid inconſtancy.

Fred.
[25]

Nay, my Prince, my deareſt maſter, wait but a little, before your opinion totally condemns her.

Prince.

No more, Frederick! in vain you attempt her juſtification; but I ſhall have the pleaſure of enjoying her confuſion, when ſhe comes to know me. Is my maſk and domino ready?

(Frederick bows)

Ay, ay, to puniſh her infidelity, even if ſhe did love me ſpite of the violence I do myſelf by ſuch a'reſolution; by Heavens ſhe loſes me for ever.

Exit.
Fred.

Yes; I begin myſelf to think her conſtancy's a little ſhaken—oh, now we ſhall know more.

Enter Fiorina.
Flor.

This is an unlucky accident for you maſter, young man!

Fred.

Unlucky! not a happier Gentleman in all Spain, if he can but ſecure the Prince's favour, and keep your miſtreſs's heart.

Flor.

How do you mean to keep her heart?

Flori.

Why, if ſhe prefers him to the Prince.

Flori.

And how can you think any woman capable of ſuch a folly

Fred.
[26]

Folly! hasn't ſhe confeſt to Don Frederick that ſhe lov'd him?

(Florina ſnaps her fingers)

Nay, didn't you yourſelf tell me how much the lov'd him?

Flori.

Love! ha, ha, ha! I like you for that! What a boy is your maſter to catch at ſuch a bubble; and what a fool are you to talk of it! A young girl has fine notions of marriage, becauſe it releaſes her from the convent; therefore, the firſt good match that offers, receives her approbation: but if a better than that good match shou'd after preſent itſelf, ſure that firſt approbation ſhou'd not be conſtrued into love. No ſuch thing, I tell you; and yet, you men exclaim, the perfidious woman! the falſe fair one! the cruel creature! Now that's ſo unreaſonable, abſurd, and ridiculous! ha, ha, ha!

Fred.

So, women firſt love only to be married, and afterwards hate for the very ſame reaſon! Ah! you are pretty toys indeed! and yet it is in the power of that alabaſter face of your's to turn the head of the wiſeſt ſtateſman in Europe.

Flori.

Oh heavens! from that lamentable tone, one would imagine that your head was in ſome danger from my alabaſter face; oh! do ſay ſo, and you'l divert me; do, make me laugh, you creature!

[27]

AIR.

Quick for a ſmile implore me:
Your Goddeſs ſue!
How odd to view,
Such charms, and not adore me!
Tho' girls may boaſt more merit,
You'll ne'er hit on
A pretty one
Of more vivacity and ſpirit.
I'II rattle, I'll prattle,
I'll prattle, I'll rattle,
Ye creatures!
The toy for your money,
My word ſweet as honey,
So roguiſh and funny
My features!
Gay bloom of opening roſes,
And thouſand fragrant poſies,
Sly winking and blinking,
AS leering, and jeering,
So arch all!
For truſt me, when love's drum
Beats come, come, come!
Hearts thumping,
Briſk, jumping,
Age pacing,
Youth racing,
[28]Some hopping,
None ſtopping,
Ye march all!

Ha! ha! ha! oh lud! here comes Don Leopold.

Enter Don Leopold.
Flori.
[running to him]

Oh Sir! Sir! Sir!

Leop.

Well, Sir! Sir! Sir! what the deuce is the matter with the girl?

Flor.

Have you ſeen my miſtreſs, Sir? did ſhe tell you, Sir?

Leop.

Very odd!

Flori.

There, Sir! you find if you will not go to court, the court will come to you.

Leop.

Yes, I have heard of the retinue I am to expect under my roof.

Flori.

Yes, Sir, the Prince! the charming Prince!

Leop.
(to Frederick)

Oh, where's your maſter?

Fred.

Heaven knows, Sir; in his diſtracted ſtate of mind a man cannot ſtay long in any one place.

Leop.

Yes, his mind can't be very eaſy, I ſuppoſe.

Fred.

Why, Sir, do you think my maſter ſo very blameable?

Leop.,
[29]

Blameable! you'll ſee my friend, when the King's anger burſts upon him, that's all—you'll ſee—mark my words: now you will ſee the extent of court gratitude Go find him, friend.

Fred.

I will, Sir: I don't know what to think of the old Gentleman.

Exit Frederick.
Flori.

But ſeriouſly now, Sir, don't be angry with me—now would you not be very much diſpleaſed if Don Frederick had married my miſtreſs?—yes, yes, I ſee your heart beat, your cheeks glow, your eyes twinkle at the thoughts of having your daughter a queen; oh, dear Sir! all your grandſons will be little Princes.

Leop.

Princes! their Grandfather's maxim is this; the greateſt monarch that ever lived, will find ſufficient glory in ſupporting properly the character of a Gentleman.

Flor.

Oh dear Sir! I have no patience! you that are as high in your notions as the beſt of them, ay, and as proud too as any Grandee in all Spain! Now Sir, confeſs: was not your ſole motive for retiring from the court, becauſe you would not ſtoop and cringe to thoſe that thought themſelves above you? but now, Sir, your pride will be gratified; inſtead of your making court to any body, now every body make court to you.

Leop.
[30]

Girl, you are full of prate—go you to court: you are fit for no other place, juſt the thing, full of chat, with a vivacity that means nothing; you have articulations, tones, words, but not a ſcruple of common ſenſe; made for a little ſelf-important court gadder, to dangle, friſk, and hop about like an impertinent wag-tail as you are.

AIR.

When firſt an Arragonian maid
Is brought to Saragoſſa,
Of all ſhe ſees and hears afraid,
Her air is coarſe and groſs—a;
Stiff, formal, ſtarch, reſerv'd and coy,
She ſeems a very prude—a;
And while the courtier tempts to joy,
Cries, "fie! you ſhan't be rude—a!"
II.
But ſoon as caſt in faſhion's mould,
She's made a dame of honor;
Politely frank, genteelly bold,
No ſhyneſs reſts upon her:
[31]She paints, coquettes, and flirts her fan;
For now (the caſe revers'd, Sir,)
She's grown a match for ev'ry man,
And cries, "pray do your worſt, Sir!"
Enter Prince (in Maſk and Domino)with Frederick.
Prince.
(unmaſks)

Now, Frederick, I hope and dread the fatal moment; it is with reluctance I put my Seraphina to this proof, which if I now decline, I feel that I ſhall ſtill imagine there is ſomething left undone, that might have enſured my lading felicity.

Fred.

Sir, as you have begun, finiſh your part with your wonted reſolution.

Prince.

Now I aſſume my own perſon here; a maſk I truſt will alter my voice ſufficiently, as they ſuſpect no deception—ſhe comes! we muſt not be ſeen together.

Enter Seraphina.
Prince.
(puts on his maſk)

Where is Frederick?—but I preſume this is his charming bride.

(Approaching to ſalute Seraphina, ſtops ſuddenly, effecting great ſurpriſe)

What do I ſee! is it [32] poſſible! Are you, Madam, the Lady that Don Frederick is about to marry?

(Seraphina curtſeys)

the dear original of the picture I truſted to his care? Perſidious traitor! 'Twas but yeſterday he undertook to find out the charming object, whoſe portrait captivated every ſenſe, and made an impreſſion on my heart never to be eraſed.

Sera

Sir! Can I believe—

Prince.

Oh, Madam, do not doubt a paſſion the moſt tender and ſincere.

Sera.

Sir, I ſhou'd have thought that the purſuit of a great Prince, the heir of Arragon, would have taken a nobler courſe, than to ſeek an humble recluſe like me, and receive honour by conferring it, with his addreſſes, on ſome Princeſs, whoſe birth might dignify the throne that waits him; and whoſe alliance might extend his fame, and add ſtrength to the intereſt of his kingdom.

Prince.

'Tis for you that throne's reſerv'd, which muſt receive luſtre from your beauty. Doubtleſs 'twas providence that threw your picture in my way, that now ſent me hither in the very moment you were going to be loſt to me for ever! Heaven ordain'd you mine, and let your conſent confirm its diſpenſation.

Sera.
[33]

Sir, it wou'd be an idle affectation in me, to plead inſenſibility to the merits of a Prince, exalted by his virtues, even above the ſplendor of his birth.

Prince.

Amiable Lady! A thouſand, thouſand thanks for this generous frankneſs! But ſtop not there; oh, make me happy—declare that Frederick has not touch'd your heart, that you conſented to marry him without love as without repugnance, free from inclination, but as he was the choice of your father.

Sera.

The choice of my heart.

Prince.

Madam!

Sera.

There my Frederick is enthron'd, never to be diſpoſſeſſed.

Prince.

Oh rapture!

(Aſide.)

What, a ſubject preferr'd to me?

Sera.

To worlds! I love him—let that excuſe a diſobedience to my Prince, ſo foreign, to my wiſh.

AIR.

Ah, fond lover, ſooth thy anguiſh,
Ceaſe to grieve, ah ceaſe to languiſh!
Since with your's I'll never part,
Keep and treaſure up my heart;
[34]Royal youth, ah ceaſe to woo me!
Why with hopeleſs love purſue me?
Succeſs thy wiſhes crowning,
Each tender vow diſowning,
Tyrant faſhion love dethroning,
True to Frederick I'll prove,
And reward his faithful love.

Suffer me, Sir, to retire, and acquaint my father, that you honour his caſtle with your preſence.

Prince.

One moment, Madam.

Sera.

In pity, Sir, do not force me to violate the reſpect that your rank demands; what can I ſay more? The inſtant I heard of your arrival, at my father's feet I implor'd his protection; declar'd if he receded from his promiſe of my hand to Don Frederick, I'd ſhut myſelf from the world for ever.

Prince.

What, rather than renounce your lover, when a Prince—

Sera.

Frederick's dearer to my ſoul than every earthly bleſſing; his preſence imparts more joy to me than the poſſeſſion of crowns and ſceptres could beſtow.

Prince.
(Diſcovers himself.)

And all too little to repay a love, ſo pure, ſo generous.

Sera.
[35]

What do I ſee!

Prince.

Behold your Prince! who under the borrow'd name of Frederick, beguil'd you of your heart.

Enter ſeverally, Don Leopold, Florina, Frederick, and Courtiers.

There comes the real. Don Frederick.

Leop.

What's this!

Prince.

On my knees I ſolicit your hand, with all the extatic raptures of a lover. Don Leopold, I claim your promiſe.

Leop.

My Lord, I came hither to repreſent to you my prior engagement to Don Frederick, but little imagin'd 'twas to my Prince I had promis'd my daughter.

Prince.

I hope my being a Prince is no objection?

Flori.

No, Sir; not the leaſt objection.

(Curtſeys.)
Leop.

Ha, ha, ha! the wench has ſpoke my thoughts, my Lord.

Flori.

Well, Madam, an't I right? for you know I ſaid all along that you ought to have a Prince for your huſband?

Sera.
[36]

Yes, Florina; but if by your counſel I had rejected Don Frederick, I had probably loſt my Prince for ever.

Leop.

My Lord, I muſt entreat your pardon for ſome things I have ſaid, which, on recollection. I think I might as well have left alone.

Prince.

No pardon without a penance, my good father-in-law; and that is, to accompany us to the Court.

Flori.

To Court! Oh, I'll anſwer for my master, my Lord, and we'll all go to Court.

Curtſeys.
Leop.

Will you? Ah, my dear Lord, the Court now wou'd be a mortal reſtraint upon one of my age and humour. Peace, health, and an elbow chair, is all that an old man ought to wiſh for. I muſt only beg your Lordſhip's indulgence to partake of the little amuſements that I had prepar'd to celebrate your Birth-day, and the wedding of my daughter.

Prince.

I am honour'd by the affection of ſuch a father; and every Monarch muſt eſteem the loyalty of ſuch a ſubject.

Leop.

Frank and free as I am, I am a true and loyal ſubject, Sir. I honour you, and love my Seraphina; and ſuch is your virtue, ſuch your filial affection, that I am ſure you will join [37] in the wiſh, with which I commence our feſtival.

Prince.,

Expreſs your wiſh, and be aſſur'd of our concurrence.

Leop.

May the preſent great and good poſſeſſor of the throne, and his amiable conſort, reign for many, many years, the delight of his family, and a bleſſing to his People!

FINALE.

Don Leopold, Seraphina, and Florina.
GRAND CHORUS.
Hail, happy people, now rejoice!
Sweet viols tune, exalt your voice!
And ſwell the choral lay:
Fame cries, behold, a Prince is born!
Then hail the fair auſpicious morn!
And bleſs his natal day!
CHORUS of WOMEN.
Our blooming hope, our infant roſe,
In all its promis'd glory blows,
Our joy, our pride confeſs'd!
GRAND CHORUS.
[38]
Fame cries, &c. &c. &c.
Hail! gracicus, Royal, happy pair,
Hail, happy kingdom, Royal heir,
Be ever, ever bleſs'd!
GRAND CHORUS.
Hail, happy people, &c. &c. &c.
THE END.
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Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 4270 The birth day or the Prince of Arragon A dramatick piece with songs In two acts As performed at the Theatre Royal Hay Market Written by J O Keeffe. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-6002-5