by Mary Shelley
Enter Elizabeth, they embrace.
ELIZ. My dear Victor! my dear brother!
FRANK. Elizabeth! [My love, how sweet is this embrace – ]
ELIZ. You [are] come to stay, I hope, until our wedding is over. Clerval will be here presently. Alas! Frankenstein! your cheek is pallid – your eye has lost its wonted lustre. Oh, Victor, what are the secrets that prey upon your mind and form? – The pernicious air of your laboratory will be fatal to you.
FRANK. (Apart.) Fatal indeed!
ELIZ. I pray you, for my sake, cease – I understand upon one subject you have laboured incessantly.
FRANK. One subject! (Aside.) Am I discovered?
ELIZ. You change colour, my dear brother. I will not mention it – I – there is a wildness in your eyes for which I cannot account.
FRANK. (Starts.) See – see – he is there!
ELIZ. Dearest Frankenstein – what is the cause of this?
FRANK. Do not ask me. I – I thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room.
ELIZ. Calm your mind, Victor.
FRANK. Pardon me, Elizabeth. I know not what you will think of me.
ELIZ. I have intelligence of one dear to you and for whom, prior to your close attention to study, you had the tenderest regard. – Say, Victor, will you not be glad to hear that I have a clue to lead you to your lost love, Agatha DeLacey!
FRANK. Agatha! dearest Agatha! her name recalls my sinking spirits – where – where is she to be found? Oh, would that I ne’er had been robbed of her! ‘Twas her loss that drove me to deep and fatal experiments!
ELIZ. A traveller! a beautiful Arabian girl, was here but last night; she was seeking Felix DeLacey, the brother of Agatha, to whom she had been betrothed – she gave me the information that the family are but a short distance from hence – the Valley of the Lake.
FRANK. And Agatha there? – Agatha! there is yet life and hope for me – Ah no. (Aside.) The dreadful monster I have formed! – away with thought! Elizabeth, I will instantly seek her. Agatha’s smiles shall move this heavy pressure – to the Valley of the Lake. – Farewell, sister, farewell!
(Embraces Elizabeth, and Exit hastily)
[ELIZ. Unfortunate Frankenstein! – what can thus agitate him? – he will not hint the mysterious calamity to his affectionate sister – but he flies now to seek her who possessed his first love, and Agatha will sooth his mind to its former peaceful state – Ah love! All potent love! – If care or misfortune prey on my heart, I have only to think of Clerval, and be happy. –
SONG – ELIZABETH
When evening breezes mildly blow,
And all day’s tumults cease;
Where streams in gentle murmurs flow;
And all around breathes peace –
What shall my pensive mind employ,
From ev’rything free?
I’ll turn to life’s best dearest joy,
And think of love and Thee!
When pleasure’s smile no longer gleams,
And sorrow weighs my breast
When hope withdraws its placid beams
I sink with care opprest –
Ah whither shall my heart then turn,
To what sweet refuge flee?
With passion’s fire then shall burn
And throb with love and thee. (Exit)
SCENE II:A wood in the neighbourhood of Geneva. A Bush – A Gypsy’s fire flaming, over which hangs a cauldron. A group of Gypsies discovered surrounding the fire in various positions. All laugh as the scene discovers them. When Tanskin, Hammerpan, with others (male and female) advance to sing the following
CHORUS
Urge the slow rising smoke,
Give the faggot a poke,
For unroof’d rovers are we;
Whilst our rags flutt’ring fly,
We the brown skin espy,
Our vellum of pedigree.
Behold each tawney face
Of our hard-faring race,
Which the cold blast ne’er can feel;
See our glossy hair wave,
Hear us, loud, as we crave
But dumb only when we steal!
TANS. I tell you it was even so, friend Hammerpan – a giant creature with something of a human shape; but ugly and terrible to behold as you would paint the Devil.
HAM. And does this monster any mischief, or is he a pacific monster?
TANS. I never heard of any being harmed by him!
HAM. Then why are you so frightened, Master Tanskin? For my part, should he come across my path, let who will fly, I’ll stand my ground like an anvil!
TANS. And get well beat like one for your pains.
(Flute heard.)
What sounds are those?
HAM. (Returning to the fire.) Why, ‘tis Felix, the son of old DeLacey. The young fellow is much famed for his excellence upon the flute, as the father for his piety, charities, and twanging on the harp, which, together with the beauty of his daughter, seems to have turned the heads and won the hearts of all the surrounding country. Now my merry wanderers, our meal is smoking. I’faith, I’m in a rare relishing humour for it, so, prithee, Dame, ladle us our porridge, with a whole dead sheep in it. Fegs, it scents rarely! (Sniffs.)
Music. – The gipsies crowd round the fire with their bowls. The Demon rapidly crosses the platform at the back – Disappears.
1ST GYP. Hilliho! – what tall bully’s that? the steeple of Ingoldstadt taking a walk. See yonder, comrades!
HAM. See what?
TANS. (Trembling.) As I’m a living rogue, ‘tis he!
HAM. One of the Devil’s grenadier’s, mayhap! Pooh, pooh! Old Tanskin, we all know you are a living rogue, but you won’t frighten us with your ten feet. Come, give me a drink, I say.
One of the gipsies gives him a wooden bowl.
Gentlemen Gipsies, here’s all your good – ha! ha! ha! –
Music. – The Demon appears on an eminence of the bush, or a projecting rock.
Help! murder! wouns! ‘tis the Devil himself! away with the porridge!
Music. Throws bowl away. Hammerpan and all the Gipsies shriek and run off The Demon descends, portrays by action his sensitiveness of light and air, perceives the gipsies’s fire, which excites his admiration – thrusts his hand into the flame, withdraws it hastily in pain. Takes out a lighted piece of stick, compares it with another faggot which has not been ignited. Takes the food expressive of surprise and pleasure. A flute is heard, without. The Demon, breathless with delight, eagerly listens. It ceases – he expresses disappointment. Footsteps heard and the Demon retreats behind the rock.
Enter Agatha, followed by Felix, his flute slung at his back.
AGA. Those sweet sounds recall happier days to my memory. – In the midst of [our] poverty, how consoling it is to possess such a brother as you are. Dear, thoughtful Felix, the first little white flower that peeped out from beneath the snowy ground you brought, because you thought it would give pleasure to your poor Agatha.
FELIX. We are the children of misfortune; [Agatha – ] poverty’s chilling grasp nearly annihilates us. Our poor blind father, now the inmate of yon cottage – he who has been blessed with prosperity to be thus reduced – the noble-minded old DeLacey. Wretched man that I am, to have been the cause of ruin to both father and sister.
AGA. Why, Felix, we suffered in a virtuous cause! Poor Safie, thy beloved –
FELIX. Is, I fear, lost to me for ever. The treacherous Mahometan, her father, whose escape I aided from a dungeon in Paris (where he was confined as a State prisoner), that false father has doubtless arrived at Constantinople, and is triumphing at the fate of his wretched dupes.
AGA. Nay, Felix –
FELIX. Alas, Agatha! for aiding that escape, my family – my beloved family – are suffering exile and total confiscation of fortune.
AGA. But Safie still loves you?
FELIX. That thought is the more maddening! Safie! fairest Safie! – and she was my promised reward for liberating her faithless father �
� dragged away with him and forced to comply with his obdurate wishes. Oh, she is lost – lost to me for ever!
AGA. Let not hope forsake you, Felix –
FELIX. [Agatha! It requires resignation to bear our heavy woes.] The early passion of each of us has been blighted, our rigorous imprisonment and sudden banishment have driven all trace of thee from thy admirer, young Frankenstein.
AGA. Dear Felix, press not more wretched recollections on my mind. I consider Frankenstein lost to me for ever. In abject poverty, dare I hope that the brilliant and animated student could e’er think of the unfortunate Agatha. (Weeps.) Let me dry these unworthy tears and exert a woman’s firmest fortitude. My soul is henceforth devoted exclusively to the service of my poor dark father.
FELIX, you shall behold me no longer unhappy.
DUET – FELIX AND AGATHA
Of all the knots which Nature ties,
The secret, sacred sympathies,
That, as with viewless chains of gold,
The heart a happy prisoner hold,
None is more chaste – more bright – more pure,
Stronger, stern trials to endure;
None is more pure of earthly leaven,
More like the love of highest heaven,
Than that which binds, in bonds how blest
A daughter to a father’s breast.
(Exeunt)
Music. – The Demon cautiously ventures out – his mantle having been caught by the bush, he disrobes himself leaving the mantle attached to the rock; he watches Felix and Agatha with wonder and rapture, appears irresolute whether he dares to follow them; he hears the flute of Felix, stands amazed and pleased, looks around him, snatches at the empty air, and with clenched hands puts them to each ear – appears vexed at his disappointment in not possessing the sound; rushes forward afterwards, again listens, and, delighted with the sound, steals off catching at it with his hands.
SCENE III: Exterior of the Cottage of Old DeLacey. On right, a hovel, with a low door, near which are two or three large logs of wood and a hatchet; a small basket with violets on a stool at the right side of the cottage door, and a stool also on the left side of the cottage, whereon DeLacey is discovered seated, leaning on his cane, a common harp at his side. – Music.
DEL. Another day is added to the life of banished DeLacey! (Rises and comes forward.) But how will it be passed – like the preceding days – in wretched poverty, hopeless grief, and miserable darkness! (Calls.) Agatha! Felix! Alas! I am alone! Hark – no – I thought I heard footsteps – my children come. They must not suppose me cheerless – my lute is here – ‘tis a fair deceit on them – this lute which has so oft been damped with the tears from my sightless eyes – the sound of it is the only indication I can give that I am contented with my lot!
Music. – DeLacey returns to his seat and plays several chords. The Demon enters, attracted by the lute, suddenly perceives DeLacey, and approaches towards him – expresses surprise by action that DeLacey does not avoid him – discovers his loss of sight, which the Demon appears to understand by placing his hand over his own eyes, and feeling his way. At the conclusion of the music on the lute – occasioned, as it were, by the Demon having placed his hand on the instrument – a short pause, and during which the Demon, having lost the sound, appears to he looking for it, when the lute music is again resumed. In the midst of the music (without ceasing) a voice is heard.
FELIX. (Within.) This way, Agatha.
The Demon, alarmed, observes the little door of hovel, which he pushes open, signifies that he wishes for shelter, and retreats into this hovel or wood-house by the ending of the lute music by DeLacey, when Enter Felix and Agatha.
FELIX. (Apart to Agatha.) Observe his countenance, beaming with benevolence and love – behold those silver hairs – and, Agatha, I – I have reduced him to this pitiable state of poverty!
AGA. Cease, Felix – this self reproach? (Goes to DeLacey.) We have returned, dear father. Have you wanted us?
Agatha leads her father forward.
DEL. No, no, Agatha! You anticipate all my wants, and perform every little office of affection with gentleness.
AGA. Is it not my duty, and am I not rewarded by your kind smiles?
DEL. Amiable girl, let thy poor father kiss thee. (They embrace.) Felix, my son, where are you? (Felix comes forward, and takes his hand.) Now I am cheerful – I am happy! – indeed I am, my children. Let me encourage you to cast off your gloom. What – a tear, Agatha!
AGA. Nay, dear sir!
DEL. ‘Tis on my hand. (Pressing her hand to his lips, which he had held in his while speaking to Felix.)
The Demon appears watching them with attention and interest.
FELIX. (Apart.) At first my father’s countenance was illuminated with pleasure – but thoughtfulness and sadness have again succeeded – (Assuming gaiety.) Now must I to labour again. Our [stock of] fuel is nearly exhausted. My time has been lately so occupied I have omitted my task in the forest.
Music. – Felix takes up a hatchet and chops a log of wood.
AGA. And I, too, have been neglectful – these flowers of which you are so fond, my dear father, have wither’d – they must be replaced –
[Music – she takes them from the basket – Felix is busied cutting the wood – ]
SAFIE. (At a distance.) Felix!
AGA. What voice was that?
FELIX. It cannot be – no – it was but fancy!
Music resumed. – Felix chops the log in continuance – at a similar break in the tune the same voice heard again, nearer.
SAFIE. (Without.) Felix!
No music.
FELIX. That magic sound! Alas! no – there is no such happiness in store for me!
SAFIE. (Without, louder.) Felix! Felix!
Music. – Felix drops the hatchet, rushes forward. – At the same instant Safie enters, and falls into the arms of Felix – pronouncing “Felix.”
FELIX. ‘Tis she! – Safie! Beloved of my soul! – Ah! revive!
DEL. Safie, the traitor’s daughter? Impossible!
AGA. ‘Tis, indeed, our sweet Safie!
FELIX. We never will part more! Father! father! would that you could behold her! It is my dear, lost Safie.
Music. – Safie revives, and crosses to old DeLacey, kneels, and kisses his hand, during which the Demon appears at the little hovel, watching them, and then retires within again.
DEL. Bless you, my child! where is your father – where the treacherous friend who devoted us to ignominy?
SAFIE. (Rises.) I have fled from him; he would have sacrificed his daughter, loathing the idea that I should be united to one of Christian faith. Sickening at the prospect of again returning to Asia and being immured in a harem – ill suited to the temper of my soul now accustomed to a nobler emulation – I – I have sought the love and protection of my Felix!
FELIX. Faithful girl! Your constancy shall be crowned by eternal love and gratitude.
AGA. But Safie, you are fatigued. Come, dear girl, and on my lowly couch, seek repose.
Music. – Safie affectionately kisses and presses DeLacey’s hand, embraces Felix, crosses back to Agatha, and is led into the cottage by Agatha and Felix.
FELIX. (Who returns with a gun from the cottage-door.) Father, I am wild with joy! – no longer the sad, pining Felix. The sun of prosperity again gleams on us – Safie is returned! I am rich! – happy! But hold! I must procure refreshment for our guest. Our larder is not too much encumbered with provision. I’ll to the village – I’ll cross the forest – I’ll hunt, shoot – and all in ecstasy! Farewell, father! I’ll soon be back. Farewell!
[Music. – Exit Felix. – The Demon ventures out, and looks with a kind expression on DeLacey.
DEL. Good Felix! Now, by the return of Safie will his hopes be rewarded – yet must he remain in perpetual poverty and unceasing labour. But this instant, did he complain that our store of fuel was consumed – unless he possessed superhuman strength his day’s employment must be doubled
– where are my favorite violets?
Music. – DeLacey feels for the Basket which contained them – the Demon apppears to comprehend his wish, and rushes off.
DEL. My flower basket not yet replenished. – My dear children amply repay my former anxious care – they have toiled for my support thoughout our misfortunes –
Music. – The Demon re-enters cautiously and tremblingly with a handful of flowers, which he gently places in the basket.
DEL. Thanks dear Agatha! – ever watchful of your poor father’s comfort –
Music. – DeLacey turns up the stage, and again seats himself on the cottage stool. – The Demon examines log of wood, takes up hatchet, points to the wood, intimating he understands the use of it – Agatha appearing at the window – The Demon rushes off with the hatchet. – Music ceases.