slept in her room, and it was evident she had eloped, as she had taken articles of dress with her. It was yet to be discovered who her companion was. Don Felix raved and stamped, but all to no purpose; no one had seen his daughter from the time she had retired to rest. A strict search ensued, but in vain; she seemed to have left the country altogether.

At this time the dreaded Alvarez once more made his appearance near Abos: he had been traced to the mountains three leagues distant, where, however, all clue had been lost. Part of these huge mountains are steep and rocky, and in places next to inaccessible. Ünder a hanging rock, which served to keep off the rays of a scorching sun, reclined a human form; a rare occurrence in those uninhabited parts; it was that of a man. One hand was raised to support his face, by which it was partly hid; but as much as was exposed to view was of the most noble cast of feature. By constant exposure to the weather, his face was much bronzed. His hair was of dark brown, as likewise his eyes, which beamed full of tenderness on a female, who kneeling on the ground was partly thrown across her companion. They were both dressed in a very peculiar style. The female wore a gown of grey serge, with a dark red velvet body richly embroidered in silver: her hair, contrary to the costume of the country, hung down her back, and reached nearly to her knees. Her countenance, as she gazed upon her associate, had an expression of the most fervent love and admiration; but in her dark hazel eye, there was blended a bolder and more decided look, evincing great strength of mind. The person on whom she leaned appeared to be about forty years old. His dress was of dark green cloth, with a leathern belt around his waist. His brown cloak was thrown aside, along with a hat of the same colour, which partly hid a brace of pistols: hard by was a small sword, unsheathed. After looking earnestly for some time on the female at his side, he thus addressed her :—

"Is it true, Mária, that you do not regret your father's castle? Can you prefer these barren rocks, with an outlaw for your companion, to the crowded festivals of Guadix?" Maria's only reply was a smile, as stooping she imprinted a kiss on his forehead. "This, then, is love, indeed!" exclaimed the brigand; "henceforth danger

is nothing to me." A pause ensued; a tear stole down his companion's cheek, which wiping off, she said "Alvarez, promise that you will never shed blood, unless your life is in danger; then my hand would be the first to strike the ruffian who dared assault thee."

"Mária, have I not often declared to thee, I never will? but here I swear, by my patron saint, never to shed the blood of any traveller!" Saying this, he raised the cross from around her neck, and kissed it. "But now, dearest, we must speak of more serious things: this morning I observed a man, well armed, reconnoitering the neighbourhood, in company with two soldiers, who were busily employed searching amongst the rocks. I now perceive my retreat is discovered; but this evening six of my comrades are to be here with steeds for our use, and ere to-morrow's setting sun, I hope to be far from the province of Andalusia."

"Oh, Alvarez, what words are these? 'tis I who have endangered your life: but, hark what noise is that?" Her husband replied, it was the echo from a waterfall, but to assure her, he would and see.

go

Mária followed, trembling with fear, when a band of soldiers rushed from behind the rock towards them: their chief had raised his gun to fire on them, when Mária, seizing hold of one of the pistols, threw herself before her husband, and exclaimed, "The first person who dares advance one step shall be my victim !" Scarcely had the last word passed her lips, when a shot was fired, and Maria was stretched lifeless at her husband's feet. A young man hastily advanced, and with a shriek exclaimed, "It is my sister!" Don Felix, with a rage heightened by the discovery of his daughter's lover being the bandit, rushed upon him, which example was speedily followed by the soldiers; and in a few minutes, the man who had so long eluded the hands of justice, overpowered by numbers, fell a prey to his merciless enemies. Mária was interred at the spot where she had so nobly sacrificed her life. Oh, woman! the first cause of all evil, how devoted is thy love! Like the youthful ivy that encircles the stately oak, it clings for support to the nobler part of the creation-man.

The body of Alvarez was taken to the village of Abos, and suspended by chains from a gallows hastily erected. A crowd

of villagers soon assembled, who had feared him whilst living, but now exulted over him in death. Large bonfires celebrated this important event, amidst the greatest joy of the whole commune. How great, however, the next morning was the surprise of the inhabitants, on

perceiving that the body of Alvarez had been removed in the night; and no information has ever been gained of the parties concerned. A broken cross may now be seen on a plain near the new town of Abos, which is supposed to be that on which Alvarez was hung.

A PAGE,

A SECRETARY,

}

to the Countess Sture.

AXEL BYNING,

ACT I-SCENE I.

Stage representing a Garden and Gates. Enter FRIGELIUS, LUCIE, ELLIN, BER

THA BANER, and Servants.

-

Frigelius (sitting under an oak, reckoning). Ten, eleven-twelve and twenty makes thirty-two; thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five and fifteen makes fifty-5,150 dollars, and 2,350 the year before, makes the income of the Torpa estate amount to 7,500; 200 the mills, makes it 7,700; and 2,300 the rent of Livonia Castle, makes it in all 10,000 silver dollars.

Ellin. Ten thousand silver dollars! Oh! my aunt, what a sum.

Frigel. The family was a great deal

richer when Count Erik Steinbock carried away the lady countess-but that was not yesterday. It is now forty-seven years ago.

Lucie. Forty-seven years!-Impossible! it cannot be so much as that.

Frigel. Yes I have a good memory. Is not to-day the twenty-third of June, 1620 ? Well, it was on Palm-Sunday, 1573, when Count Erik carried away the countess. The old Countess Martha opposed it; but love, my children, love surmounts all obstacles,

Bertha Baner. Three yards and a half; do you think that will be sufficient for a scarf?

Ellin. That entirely depends upon who it is for.

Bertha. It is for Erik Johanson.

Ellin. Oh! how glad I am-will he then soon be here?

Frigel. He is expected to-day. I think it is him who is to bring the king's consent for the marriage. The countess has written to the chancellor.

Ellin. How!-can't a body marry without the interference of the king? Frigel. Undoubtedly not. I well remember the time when the law inter

fered in the marriage of my first cousins; and I also very well remember when Count Erik carried away the lady countess. Bertha. There we have Count Erik again! But how is it possible, with your good memory, that you forget having repeated all this over and over again a thousand times?

Frigel. Yes! yes! I understand. Your ladyship likes better to hear me speak of the preparations for your marriage with Laurent Sparre-He! he he! But Heaven recompense our noble lady for the good she does. Laurent Sparre has found in her a true and real friend, and a good mother. I do not think that Erik Stenbock's widow, for goodness, constancy, and friendship, has her equal in Sweden. What, without the countess's care, would have become of the poor orphan ?

Ellin. That's all very true; but God knows how far he merits the care which has been taken of him.

Bertha. This evening, then, the wedding takes place. This evening I am to be made the wife of Laurent Sparre. Oh! misery!

Ellin. What fun it will be to see a wedding: our lady is so handsome-the countess loves her so dearly; and then they are going to dance-all the neighbours are invited.

Frigel. Yes, it will be a day of pleasure; particularly so for the two families: what joy for them to unite the son of Erik Sparre with Bertha Baner! It is true, he is not rich, for all the wealth of his parents was confiscated to the crown; but the young lady's fortune will enable him to maintain his rank.

Ellin. But I think I have heard that the fortune of Lady Bertha's father experienced the same fate.

Frigel. Ah! but the fortune on her mother's side was not confiscated. The countess, who is aunt to the young lady-understand me well-received it from Duke Charles, who is her first cousin; and she gives the better part of it as dowry to her niece and you must besides know, that the grand chancellor is the countess's best friend.

Lucie (crying). Oh Heaven have mercy upon me, poor sinner-I know not what to do.

Ellin. What again is the matter with you, Dame Lucie, you are always crying; and I am sure you have no reason for so doing. Every thing seems satisfactory to your wishes-you have been the nurse of the young baron, and you love him with all your heart.

Lucie. Yes, as my own child.

Ellin. Well, then, he is happy-don't cry so, my good aunt, it is the wish of the countess that every one should taste of joy and pleasure to-day.

Bertha. In truth, I do not understand your sorrow every thing favours youyour son Erik displays the most brilliant qualities; he is in the king's favour, and with his virtues he cannot fail to make a splendid fortune, and he will surely be the consolation and happiness of your old age.

Ellin. And he well deserves to make a fortune, and to be loved by every one, for he is young, handsome, and brave.

Frigel. Well educated, talented, and clever.

Ellin. In a word, he is quite a contrast to our young lord; he does not in any thing resemble him.

Bertha. That is but too true.

Lucie. This is what grieves me.-Is it then really to-night you are to be married? Bertha. Yes, such is the will of my aunt; and if the king gives his consent, she must be obeyed.

Ellin. How I pity you, to be obliged to marry such a brute of a man, so ill-natured, and so unfeeling-so badly brought up, without the least education : why, he hardly knows how to write his own name.

Lucie. These are, then, the results of the trouble I have taken with him. Little thought I, when I returned him to the countess as the son of Erik Sparre, that I should have been so much deceived in my expectations, so ill repaid for all the care and attention I had bestowed on him. Oh! better would it have been, as well for him as me, if I had kept him myself, and never given him to the countess.

Frigel. Dame Lucie, you are wrongwrong, indeed; and that for four reasons. Primo, He was put into your trust by his mother, Lady Ebba Brahe, to be returned to the lady countess. Secondo, You had no right to keep that which did not belong to you. Terzio, He may improve if he studies Latin. Quarto, You are the only one for whom he retains the least respect; besides yourself and Lady Martha, there is not one in the wide world for whom he cares an atom.

Lucie. You are right: but is there no remedy?-something must be done, the wedding is to-night!

SCENE II.

Enter a Messenger.

Messenger (to FRIGELIUS). Here is the answer from the chamberlain.

Frigel. (reads). "Sir! I send hereyou with the answer of the grand chancellor to the lady countess's application. Mr. Erik Johanson, page to the king, is dispatched with the king's consent for the marriage. He is immediately to set out for the residence of the countess. The money that ought to be delivered to the bearer"-(as if reading the remainder to himself he looks at the seal of the enclosed letter, and reads the direction, then reads aloud again)" To the Lady Countess Stenbock, born Swante Sture, Countess of Vestervik, &c. &c. Hormingsholm!!" Yes! it is from the grand chancellor.

Ellin (takes up a paper which had dropped). Here is a piece of paper that you have dropped.

Frigel. (reads). "P. S. I have just now received information, that the king himself intends to depart for Hormingsholm, to be present there at the ensuing nuptials."

Ellin. Ah! then we shall see the kingthat hero-that excellent prince.

Bertha. I have long since wished you to know how deeply I am attached to Gustavus Adolphus, and yet I never have seen him; nor can I imagine why I so dearly love the son of Charles IX., son of the executioner of my father.

Frigel. Now, Lady Bertha, as it is your wedding-day, permit an old and devoted servant of your house to wish you joy-yes, it will be splendid; this day will be grand, joyous, and brilliant, like your beauty; it will resemble the sun breaking through foggy clouds, it will be grand as

Bertha. Many thanks, my dear Frigelius, here comes my aunt.

SCENE III.

Enter the COUNTESS. Countess. I saw my messenger return whom I sent to Stockholm, he ought to have brought some letters.

Frigel. Here is one, which I have the honour, most humbly, to present to your ladyship.

Countess. It is from the grand chancellor: this affair has then at last come to a termination. The king, my dear niece, consents to your marriage. Invite the gentry of the neighbourhood-prepare every thing for their reception: this evening the wedding is to be solemnized.

Frigel. The orders of your ladyship shall be attended to. [Exit.

Bertha. So near, then, to be separated from you-from you, whom I so dearly love-from you, who have always been a mother to me. Oh! how can my heart

feel joy, at the moment when I am to part from you.

Countess. Ah! my dear child; and I have for you every feeling of a mother-no, we shall not be separated: the ties formed to-day will unite us more firmly than ever: the wife of the son of Erik Sparre will be dearer to me than my niece. In restoring and perpetuating the family of my unfortunate relatives, I find myself amply recompensed for the care I have taken with you both.-(The COUNTESS speaks with some of the servants.)

Bertha. Oh! let me try to conceal my grief and my despair. I will:-I must not trouble her mind (aside).

Ellin. Does your ladyship know that the king is coming here this evening? Countess. Impossible!

Lucie. It is reported all over the town that the king is coming to honour the wedding with his presence.

Countess. It is a false rumour. The king has never seen me-what motive can he have to come here; my family have been the victims of his father's cruelty. Ah! my dear friends, I have known little of happiness, much of misery and sorrow. Not enough to have in one day witnessed the horrible butchery of my father, my brother, and my sister's husband; but to increase my misery, my mother cast her resentment upon me for loving the noblest of men. Insensible to the great merits of Erik Stenbock, she obstinately refused to give her consent to a union, which prejudice alone made her believe to be criminal, and I was for a long time excluded from her heart. She yielded at last to the pressing entreaties of my friends; but hardly was I restored to the bosom of my family, there to enjoy the fruits of my constancy, ere my native soil became the prey of discord and strife. The superstitious Sigismund, and the ambitious Charles, plunged Sweden in blood. My husband and my children were torn from my arms, and dragged far, far away, and I never saw them more. At the same time, I beheld my nephew perish under the axe of the executioner; from that momentpenetrated with terror, mingled with disgust, as well for the base and cowardly Sigismund, who forsook his truest friends, as for the blood-thirsty tyrant who sacrificed the whole of my family, and for twenty long years, in the depths of retirement, I have sought to assuage my pangs and chase away my tears: more prosperous times I hope are coming. To-day I secure happiness for the children of my unfortunate friends; unite them, to aid each other through the world. Time has softened my sorrows; and I hope that you, my daughter, united with Sparre, will prove the consolation of my old days.

I

Bertha. Oh, my dear mother! I will do

every thing to make you happy: you know well that wedlock has few attractions for me, but I will welcome it, if it tend to increase your happiness.

Countess. Thank you, my daughter, you were always near my heart, and you shall never cease to be so; but after what I have told you, judge, my friends, if I can be eager to see the son of Charles IX., even allowing that he is innocent of the crimes which stained his father's hands; Heaven has destined him to be our king, and I adore its decrees. Yes, I even acknowledge that the great qualities of this young prince have made impressions upon a soul which, like mine, is accustomed to honour the heroic. Under his sceptre, Sweden is triumphant; to him, she owes the peace and the security she now enjoys. Admiration is owing to great talents, to brilliant exploits; yes, it is due to them; but our affections are gained by the qualities of the heart.

Bertha. Erik Johanson has often told me, and I believe him, that Gustavus Adolphus is as good as he is magnanimous: he always speaks of him with such enthusiasm, particularly when he recounts the favours the young king heaps upon the children of his father's victims. And I know not, if it be from Erik's relations, or from the favours he has bestowed on Erik himself, that I never hear the name of Gustavus without the deepest interest.

Countess. You know that Erik's father perished by the hand of the executioner in the market-place of Linkôping and I then took under my protection his helpless son-he afterwards, through the favour of the grand chancellor, obtained a place near the king. Was it gratitude that inspired him in this? But I am far from blaming you for your sentiments in behalf of the young monarch, 'tis not in human nature to hate without a cause. I was attached to Charles IX. till thirst of power made him my enemy. I owe to his interference my marriage, and the reconciliation with my mother. If his son resembles the picture Erik draws of him, I shall be glad to acknowledge to him my favourable sentiments, which those who govern us can so easily obtain, if they render themselves worthy of meriting them; but, Sparre, is he not yet returned from the chase? Somebody approaches; it may be heno-it is Erik, who arrives from Stockholm.

SCENE IV.

Enter ERIK JOHANSON. Erik. I have the king's command to deliver this letter to your ladyship.

Countess. Welcome, my Erik; (reads)— "My dear cousin, I send you my consent to your request, made known through the

grand 'chancellor, for the marriage of Laurent Sparre with my relative, the Lady Bertha Baner: permit me to divide with you, and witness, the joy and happiness this day promises. Through Erik, T learn that the nuptials are to be celebrated tomorrow, I shall therefore arrive at your house in the afternoon; particularly wishing to make your personal acquaintance, and to assure you of the sentiments that are entertained towards you, by your relative and sincere friend, Gustavus Adolphus."

Countess. This letter breathes affection and goodness.

Erik. Oh! my lady, if you but knew with what kindness the king always speaks of you." My friend," said he to me the other day, "I cannot, without pain, think of the events which preceded my reign: too young then to be able to prevent them, I will now, at least, convince those whom our civil wars have precipitated into misfortune, that my heart is open to them all; you have known me long enough to be assured of the truth of what I say. The Countess Stenbock loves you; try, in my behalf, to erase past events from her memory. ." Oh! my mother-you have permitted me to use this name from my infancy. Oh! if I could be so happy as to reconcile you with my king, what more could I desire? I have to thank you for what I am an orphan, unprotected; what would have become of me except for your generosity and brought up under your inspection with the Baron Sparre, it was through your influence with the grand chancellor that I was placed near the king. If I have distinguished myself in the wars-if I have been happy enough to serve my country-ah! madam-ah! my mother-it is all through you, and I shall love you to my latest breath.

Countess. My son, I will consider of what you have said. Your gratitude delights me, and richly repays me for my cares with such a heart as you are possessed of, you justly merit happiness. From the first moment your mother brought you to me I felt an affection for you, which your good qualities have fully justified, and which I ever shall preserve towards you. Respecting the king, satisfy yourself; for this letter, combined with what you have told me of him, touches my heart; and I feel my resentment against him no longer, so harsh as it was. But where can Sparre be, has he not yet returned from the chase?

Ellin. The noise of the dogs announces his arrival, there is no one else here who is preceded in that manner. I see him -yes-'tis he!