PREFACE TO THE DOOM OF DEVORGOIL. THE first of these dramatic pieces was long since written, for the purpose of obliging the late Mr. Terry, then Manager of the Adelphi Theatre, for whom the Author had a particular regard. The manner in which the mimic goblins of Devorgoil are intermixed with the supernatural machinary, was found to be objectable, and the production had other faults, which rendered it unfit for representation. I have called the piece a Melo-Drama, for want of a better name; but, as I learn from the unquestionable authority of Mr. Coleman's Random Records, that one species of the drama is termed an extravaganza, I am sorry I was not sooner aware of a more appropriate name than that which I had selected for Devorgoil. The Author's Publishers thought it desirable, that the scenes, long condemned to oblivion, should be united to similar attempts of the same kind; and as he felt indifferent on the subject, they are printed in the same volume with Halidon Hill and MacDuff's Cross, and thrown off in a separate form, for the convenience of those who possess former editions of the Author's Poetical works. [ Mr. Daniel Terry, the comedian, distinguished for a very peculiar style of humour on the stage, and, moreover, by personal accomplishments of varieas sorta not generally shared by members of his profession, was, during many years, on terms of intimacy with Sir Walter Scott. He died 2d June, 18221 old Scottish tradition, the scene of which lies in Galloway. The crime supposed to have occasioned the misfortunes of this The general story of the Doom of Devorgoil is founded on an devoted house, is similar to that of Lord Herries of Haddom Castle, who is the principal personage of Mr. Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe's interesting ballad, in the Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, page 224. In remorse for this crime, he built the singular monument called the Tower of Repentance. In many cases the Scottish superstitions allude to the fairies, or those who, for sins of milder description, are permitted to wander with the rout that never rest," as they were termed by Dr. Leyden. They useless, and without any advantageous result: and their gaiety is unsubstantial and hollow. The phantom of Lord Erick is supimitate human labour and human amusements, but their toil is posed to be a spectre of this character. the best narrative founded on the passage, is the tale called The story of the Ghostly Barber is told in many countries; but which was one objection to bringing it upon the scene a secon Stumme Liebe, among the legends of Museus. I think it has been introduced upon the English stage in some pantomime, time. ABBOTSFORD April, 1830. THE DOOM OF DEVORGOIL. DRAMATIS PERSONE. OSWALD OF DEVORGOIL, a decayed Scottish Baron. LEONARD, a Ranger. DURWARD, a Palmer. SPIRIT OF LORD ERICK OF DEVORGOIL. LANCELOT BLACKTHORN, a Companion of Leonard, ELEANOR, Wife of Oswald, descended of obscure in love with Katleen. GULLCRAMMER, a conceited Student. Parentage. COCKLEDEMOY, thorn and Flora. ACT I. SCENE I. The Scene represents a wild and hilly, but not a mountainous Country, in a frontier District of Scotland. The flat Seene exhibits the Castle of Devorgoil, decayed, and partly ruinous, situated upon a Lake and connected with the Land by a Drawbridge, which is lowered. Time-Sunset. FLORA enters from the Castle, looks timidly around, then comes forward and speaks. He is not here those pleasures are not ours SONG.⭑ The sun upon the lake is low, The wild birds hush their song, The hills have evening's deepest glow, Now all whom varied toil and care From home and love divide, In the calm sunset may repair The noble dame, on turret high, Who waits her gallant knight, Looks to the western beam to spy The village maid, with hand on brow, Upon the footpath watches now For Colin's darkening plaid. Now to their mates the wild swans row, And to the thicket wanders slow The hind beside the hart. 'The woodlark at his partner's side, All meet whom day and care divide, [KATLEEN has come out of the Castle while FLORA was singing, and speaks when the song is ended. She is a careful kinswoman, and prudent, FLORA. Do not name him, Katleen! KATLEEN. Ay, but I must, and with some gratitude. I said but now, I saw our last of fagots Guy. It seemed, however, necessary to the sense that the original [MS.-"Beyond the circle of our wretchedness.") KATLEEN. FIRST VASSAL. Godden, good yeoman.-Come you from the weapon- Those that frequent such spirit-haunted ruins shaw? Must needs know more than simple Christians do.See, Lance this blessed iroment leaves the castle, And comes to triumph o'er us. [BLACKTHORN enters from the Castle, and comes forward while they speak. |