Beyond the world they brighten, with a sigh- Which makes me lonely. Nay, I could have borne Of shape; my dam beheld my shape was hopeless. The demon then utters an incantation, at the same time that he moulds some red earth into the shape of Achilles: when it is concluded Arnold falls senseless on the ground;-the figure of earth rises slowly,. and the phantom which the demon has conjured disappears, part by part, as the figure is animated. Arnold exults in his new form, while his former body, now an object of his contempt and loathing, lies before him. This the demon assumes; and Arnold starts with horror at seeing the shape which he once wore inhabited by the fiend. The nanner in which this is effected is very curious: the demon invokes the elements; and, when he has concluded his charm, an ignis fatuus flits through the wood, and rests on the brow of the body lately Arnold's. The stranger then disappears, and the body rises. Arnold exclaims: Oh! horrible Stran. (in Arnold's late shape.) What! tremblest thou ? I merely shudder. Where is fled the shape At the instigation of the demon, who assumes the name of Cæsar, Arnold sets off for Italy, where the war was then raging, and Rome itself was invested by the troops under the command of the Constable Bourbon. Four black horses are brought in by two demoniacal grooms, and the travellers begin their journey. A scene takes place before the walls of Rome between the Constable Bourbon and his followers, among whom are Arnold and the hunchbacked demon, who here plays the Thersites of the camp. His reflections on the folly of mankind, and the wickedness of that portion of it who are soldiers, conclude the first part of the drama : And these are Men, forsooth! Heroes and chiefs, the flower of Adam's bastards! This is the consequence of giving Matter The power of Thought. It is a stubborn substance, And thinks chaotically, as it acts, Ever relapsing into its first elements. Well! I must play with these poor puppets: 'tis When I grow weary of it, I have business Amongst the stars, which these poor creatures deem From tearing down each other's nests, pipe forth [Exit Cæsar. The second part of the drama begins with a scene before the walls of Rome. A chorus of spirits is heard in the air, describing, by anticipation, the horrors of the approaching conflict. The assailants then enter. Arnold is about to mount the wall, but is prevented by Bourbon, who insists on being the first in this perilous attempt. As he is mounting a shot strikes him, and he falls mortally wounded. The death of Bourbon is effectively described by the introduction of the demon's remark, respecting the Chevalier Bayard, who, it will be remembered, with his last breath reproached Bourbon for his desertion of his country. The following extract will show with what force this part of the drama is conceived: Bour. Arnold! I am sped. The Bourbon's spirit shall command them still. Cas. Would not your highness choose to kiss the cross ? Bour. Thou bitter slave! to name him at this time! Arn. (to Cæsar.) Villain, hold your peace! Caes. What, when a Christian dies? Shall I not offer A Christian Vade in pace?" Arn. Silence! Oh. Those eyes are glazing, which o'erlooked the world, France-But hark! hark! the assault grows warmer -Oh! For but an hour, a minute more of life To die within the wall! Hence, Arnold, hence! You lose time-they will conquer Rome without thee. Arn. And without thee! Bour. Not so; I'll lead them still In spirit. Cover up my dust, and breathe not Bour. You must-farewell-Up! up! the world is win ning. [Bourbon dies. The rest of the drama is very dull, being filled with mere 'last dying speeches' of the people who are killed on both sides. One incident is an exception to this remark, and from this probably the author intended the chief interest of the drama to proceed. A lady, flying from the pursuit of two soldiers, reaches the church of St. Peter, and for refuge ascends the altar, where, clasping the massy gold crucifix, she exclaims to the warriors Respect your God!' This, however, is insufficient to check them, and in her despair she throws down the immense cross, which kills one of the soldiers. The |