by Mary Shelley
DEL. Agatha!
Enter Agatha from cottage.
AGA. Did you call, father?
DEL. Sleeps your sweet guest?
AGA. Fatigue will soon lull her to repose. I should not have left her had I not thought I heard you call me. Ah, father, some one has punished my negligence by replenishing your basket of violets.
DEL. Did you not fill it, Agatha?
AGA. No, dear sir. – Ah, Felix has forestalled me.
Exit Agatha into cottage again.
DEL. [No person has been here since the departure of Felix.] (DeLacey rises and takes up the basket of flowers from the stool. Smelling the violets.) How delightful is the perfume! – more exquisite because I am debarred the pleasure of beholding these sweet emblems of spring! The touch and scent elevate my spirits! How ungrateful am I to complain! In the contemplation of thee, oh, Nature, the past will be blotted from my memory! – the present is tranquil, and the future gilded by bright rays of hope and anticipated joy.
Music. – DeLacey replaces the basket of flowers, and returns to his seat, leaning pensively on his cane. – The Demon enters with a pile of green faggots with foliage on his shoulders and throws them loosely on the stage. – Smiles with gratulation at that which he has accomplished. – Approaches DeLacey, falls flat at his feet, then kneels to him, and is about to press his hand. – DeLacey feels around him with his cane and hand, without the knowledge of anyone being near him, and seated all the time – then calls.
DEL. Agatha! Agatha!
Music. – The Demon instantly retreats into hovel, and Agatha enters from cottoge door.
Agatha, child, I pray you lead me in. (Rises from his seat and comes forward.)
AGA. Yes, father. Good Heavens! why, Felix could not have returned from the forest so quickly? What a quantity of wood!
DEL. How?
AGA. Here is fuel to last us for a long time. [ – Surely some kind spirit [watches over us – or] how could we have been so bountifully supplied? Come, father, to the cottage – come!
Music. – Agatha leads De Lacy into cottage, afterwards comes forward.
– Frankenstein! vain is the endeavour to drive you from my recollection. Each bird that sings, each note of music that I hear, reminds me of the sweet moments of my former love!
SONG – AGATHA
(Flute accompaniment, behind the scenes.)
In vain I view the landscapes round,
Or climb the highest hill;
In vain, in vain, I listen to the sound
Of ev’ry murmuring rill.
For vain is all I hear or see,
When Victor dear is far from me. (Thrice)
But hark, hark, hark,
My love, my love is near,
His well-known dulcet notes I hear. (Thrice)
Oh, yes, my love is near,
I hear him in the grove;
Soon will he be here,
And breathe soft vows of love.
Oh, fly not yet, ye blissful hours,
Oh, fly not yet away;
While love its soft enchanting pours,
Prolong, prolong your stay! (Thrice)
Oh, yes, my love is near,
I hear him in the grove,
Soon will he be here,
And breathe soft vows of love!
(Exit Agatha into cottage)
SCENE IV: A Wild Forest.
Enter Felix, with his gun.
FELIX. Not a shot yet – and, egad, joy has made my hand so unsteady, that were a fine pheasant to get up, I could not bring it down again. Thy return, sweet Safie, has restored me to existence. When I thought I had lost thee for ever, I was occupied by gloomy thoughts, and neither heeded the descent of the evening star nor the golden sunrise reflected on the lake; but now my love fills my imagination, and all is enjoyment!
SONG – FELIX
Thy youthful charms, bright maid, inspire
And grace my fav’rite theme,
Whose person kindles soft desire,
Whose mind secures esteem.
Oh, hear me then my flame avow,
And fill my heart with joy –
A flame which taught by time to grow,
No time can e’er destroy.
My tender suit with smiles approve,
And share the sweets of mutual love.
When autumn yields her ripen’d corn,
Or winter, darkening, lowers,
With tenderest care I’ll soothe thy morn,
And cheer thy evening hours.
Again, when smiling spring returns,
We’ll breathe the vernal air;
And still when summer sultry burns,
To woodland walks repair –
There seek retirement’s sheltered grove,
And share the sweets of mutual love.
Felix retires up stage. Enter Frankenstein.
FRANK. In vain do I seek a respite from these dreadful thoughts – where’er I turn my eyes, I expect to behold the supernatural Being! – to see him spring from each woody recess – but on, on to Agatha, and repose.
FELIX. A traveller! and surely I know his air and manner. (Comes forward.)
FRANK. Good stranger, can you direct me to the habitation of old DeLacey?
FELIX. Better than most persons, I trust.
FRANK. How! Felix DeLacey!
FELIX. The same! the same! Frankenstein! You know, my friend – ‘tis long since we have met.
FRANK. Your strange and sudden disappearance from Paris –
FELIX. Makes as strange a story, with which I shall not now detain you. Come to our humble cottage. [ – Ah, Frankenstein, we have been as poor as mice, and our dwelling is not much larger than a trap – ] Egad! I’m overjoyed to see you!
FRANK. And Agatha?
FELIX. Is queen of the Castle! – and between ourselves Frankenstein has still a warm corner of her heart for you. Come, we have only to cross the wood. [ – I’m in high spirits, my friend – I’ve this day recover’d my mistress – but that will make another strange story. – This is indeed a lucky day – Safie is restored – and I ramble out to kill a Pheasant, and pop upon a philosopher who is likely to become a brother-in-law – ]
HAM. (Without.) Any good Christians in the neighbourhood?
FELIX. What have we here?
Enter Hammerpan, with a long pole, tinker’s utensils, fire kettle, &c.
HAM. Real Christians! human beings! Oh, good Gentlemen, have you seen it?
FELIX. It! – what?
HAM. Ah! that’s it! As I live, I saw it an hour ago in the forest!
FELIX. What do you mean by it?
HAM. My hair stood on end like mustard and cress, and so will yours when you see it!
FELIX. Get you gone! you are tipsy!
HAM. I wish I was. As I take it, you are Master Felix, of the Valley of the Lake; we’ve done business together before now.
FELIX. I know you not!
HAM. I mended your kettle t’other day. You did me a good turn – one good turn deserves another – I’ll put you on your guard – the very devil is abroad.
FRANK. (Aside.) How!
FELIX. (Laughs.) Ha! ha! ha! You romancing tinker! [ – and pray how was his worship dressed?
HAM. [Dress’d – why it was stark undressed all but a cloak.] You may laugh, but the other gentleman don’t laugh. You may perceive he believes it . (To Frankenstein.) I saw it – I saw with this one eye.
FELIX. One eye!
HAM. Yes, I’m blind of the other – a little boy threw a pebble at it, so I’ve been stone blind ever since, gentlemen. He was ten foot six long, (Holds his pole high up.) with a head of black lanky locks down to his very elbows.
FRANK. ‘Tis the Demon! (Apart to himself)
HAM. I lifted up my hammer to strike it but I was so tremulous that I knock’d my own head instead.
FRANK. What did this strange object? (To Hammerpan.)
HAM. It didn’t speak to me, nor I to it. I saw it at first in the forest picking acorn
s and berries – and then, after it had dispersed our tribe, like a ferret among the rats – it took a drink at our broth, and burnt its fingers in our fire.
FRANK. And what became of this creature?
HAM. I wasn’t curious enough to inquire. My wife was in fits at the sight of the devil – so I was obliged to keep my one eye upon her.
FELIX. Your one eye has been pretty well employed. Come, come, gipsy, we’ll cross the wood and see if this man mountain is to be met.
HAM. The good genius of wandering tinkers forbid!
FELIX. (To Frankenstein.) And now, my friend, we’ll on to the cottage.
FRANK. So, so! (Apart.) I will follow ye!
(Exeunt Felix and Hammerpan)
So! the peasants have already been terrified by the ungainly form! Ambitious experimentalist! The consciousness of the crime I have committed eternally haunts me! I have indeed drawn a horrible curse on my head! He may be malignant, and delight [for its own sake] in murder and wretchedness! a whole country may execrate me as their pest! Every thought that bears towards my baneful project causes my lips to quiver and [my] heart to palpitate. [But, away with these wretched reflections – ] I must now to the cottage of Felix. Agatha, fairest Agatha, [fairest Agatha,] instead of smiles, your lover will meet you with dark and hopeless despondency! (Exit Frankenstein)
SCENE V: Evening. – Interior of the cottage of DeLacey. – The thatched roof in sight. A woodfire. – Through an open rustic porch are visible a rivulet, and small wooden bridge – a wooden couch – Music. – DeLacey discovered seated thereon, with Agatha next him in attendance. The Demon appears through the portico, watching them, and regards Agatha with rapture. – Agatha kisses her father’s hand, takes a small pail or hand bucket, and trips through the portico on to the bridge to procure water. The Demon having retreated on Agatha’s approach, pursues her on the bridge. Agatha, turning suddenly perceives the Demon, screams loudly, and swoons, falling into the rivulet.
DEL. Gracious Heaven – that cry of horror! Agatha!
The Demon leaps from the bridge and rescues her.
DEL. Gracious Heaven – that cry of Horror! – Agatha! My sweet child, where art thou? – Agatha, Agatha!
Music – The Demon places Agatha, insensible, on a bench near DeLacey.
DEL. This silence – this suspense is dreadful!
The Demon tenderly guides the hand of DeLacey and places it on Agatha.
DEL. My child – cold, cold, and insensible! – this mystery – cruel fate – Dead? – no, no, no, her heart still beats. – Kind Heaven has saved me that pang! – Felix, Felix, where art thou? My dear daughter, for your poor father’s sake revive!
Music. – Agatha recovers. – The Demon hangs over them, with fondness. Felix and Frankenstein suddenly enter.
FRANK. Misery! The Demon!
FELIX. What horrid monster is this? – Agatha, my father is in danger? The Demon retreats.
Music. – Felix discharges his gun and wounds the Demon, who writhes under the wound. – In desperation pulls a burning branch from the fire – rushes at them – beholds Frankenstein – in agony of feeling dashes through the portico. Safie Enters to Agatha. – Hurried Music.
FINALE
Tell us – tell us – what form was there?
(With anxious fear enquiring)
Saw you its Eye – the hideous glare
Terrific dread inspiring!
The Demon is seen climbing the outside of the Portico. He bursts through the thatch with burning brand.
The fiend of Sin
With ghastly grin!
Behold the Cottage firing!
The Demon hangs to the Rafters, setting light to the thatch and Rafters, with malignant joy – as parts of the building fall – groups of gypsies appear on the bridge, and through the burning apertures – who join in the Chorus.
FULL CHORUS OF GYPSIES
Beware! Beware!
The hideous glare,
The fiend of Sin
With ghastly grin –
Behold the cottage firing.
Felix forces his way through the flames with his father and Safie – Frankenstein rushes out with Agatha.
ACT III
SCENE I: The Garden of Elizabeth, at Belrive. – Morning. (Same as Act I, Scene II.)
Enter Clerval from terrace entrance.
CLER. What a delightful morning! It is an auspicious commencement of the day which is to make me happy in the possession of my love! Elizabeth yet sleeps, peaceful be her slumbers! [Love has awakened me – the freshness of the air, and the beauty of the scenery animate me to the height of cheerfulness – ] Soft, she approaches.
Enter Elizabeth from the house.
Elizabeth, my love, why that look of anxiety?
ELIZ. Oh, Clerval! We have had strange occurrences since you quitted me yesternight, our house is full of guests, my brother has brought here the family of DeLacey of whom you have heard me so often speak –
CLER. The family of DeLacey, the relatives of Agatha.
ELIZ. By some extraordinary mystery, which is yet unexplained to me, the Cottage in which Frankenstein discovered his mistress and her family was destroyed by fire; they arrived late last night and all appear overcome with fatigue and terror; some dreadful calamity hangs about my dear brother.
CLER. How astonishing is his conduct. Alas! my sweet Elizabeth, in the midst of all this misery I am selfish – I trust these singular occurrences will not postpone our marriage. Consider, our friends are invited, the church is prepared.
ELIZ.. A few hours may explain all. See now (Looks towards house.) Frankenstein approaches – observe his agitated countenance and restless step; he has not slept since his return – he has armed himself with pistols and appears continually watching.
CLER. We will retire and avoid him for the present. This way, love.(Exeunt)
Music – Enter Frankenstein from house.
FRANK. How am I to avoid the powerful vengeance of the monster formed by my cursed ambition. I gave him energy and strength, to crush my own guilty head! My hours pass in dread, and soon the bolt may fall which will deprive me of existence! [The diabolical act I have committed in raising a being, recurs each moment and conscience stricken – I shudder to think — Agatha! Agatha! gladly would I sacrifice my own life to preserve yours – ] Yet the Demon preserved the life of Agatha – he had some feeling of affection – [and] how were those feelings requited! – by detestation, scorn, and wounds! – his look of everlasting malice! He will watch with the wiliness of a serpent, that he may sting with its venom! There is no hope but in the destruction of the Demon. (Takes out his pistol.) I must not cease to guard and protect my friends. (Going to the door.) Agatha has arisen. (Conceals pistol.)
Enter Agatha, a locket round her neck, from the house.
AGA. Frankenstein, I behold you unhappy – fleeing to solitude – and I cannot help supposing that you might regret the renewal of our connexion. [Do you love another?
FRANK. Agatha! Can you forgive my cold neglect? At the sight of you, my long smothered passion bursts out anew – but I thought you lost – receive me once again with smiles and bring me back to life and hope.
AGA. These transports ill accord with the heavy gloom which pervades you – ] Dear Frankenstein, I still love you, and confess that in my airy dreams of futurity you have been my constant friend and companion.
FRANK. [Blessed sounds – ] Agatha, you shall be mine! I will then divulge to you the secret which disturbs – nay, distracts me.
Music, the Harmonica. – Distant church bells.
Those cheerful chimes announce the wedding day of Elizabeth and Clerval! [This way – Agatha – ] My care-worn looks will but damp their merriment.
(Music. – Exeunt Frankenstein and Agatha)
Enter Felix and Safie from house.
FELIX. Listen, Safie, to those merry village bells; they ring a rare contrast to our last night’s misery. Soon, my eastern Rose, will they chime for us; and then away with care. This
kiss – (Embracing her.)
SAFIE. Fie, Felix! In open daylight. You will deepen the blush of your Eastern rose.
DUET – SAFIE AND FELIX
Come with me, dear, to my mountain home,
And Hymen shall hallow the peaceful dome.
Leave all the world for love and for me,
And I will be all the world to thee.
Our life shall be all holiday –
Shall be all holiday.
Come o’er the dew-bespangled vale,
Where the violet blue and primrose pale