When Louis "retires within," he at once arrays himself in the white robes of the vision, and awaits the witch's call to rise behind the aperture in true dramatic style. He vanishes, quickly resumes his own attire, while Norna continues to weave her spells, till she sees he is ready to appear once more as the disguised Count Louis.
SCENE SECOND
Louis. Yes; 'tis the spot. How dark and still! She is not here. Ho, Norna, mighty sorceress! I seek thy aid.
Norna [rising from the cave]. I am here.
Louis. I seek thee, Norna, to learn tidings of one most dear to me. Dost thou know aught of Count Rodolpho's wife? A strange tale hath reached me that not many nights ago she disappeared, and none know whither she hath gone. Oh, tell me, is this true?
Norna. It is most true.
Louis. And canst thou tell me whither she hath gone? I will reward thee well.
Norna. I can. She lies within her tomb, in the chapel of the castle.
Louis. Dead! – it cannot be! They told me she had fled away with some young lord who had won her love. Was it not true?
Norna. It is false as the villain's heart who framed the tale. I bore the murdered lady to her tomb, and laid her there.
Louis. Murdered? How? When? By whom? Oh, tell me I beseech thee!
Norna. Her husband's cruel hand took the life he had made a burden. I heard him swear it ere he dealt the blow.
Louis. Wherefore did he kill her? Oh, answer quickly or I shall go mad with grief and hate.
Norna. I can tell thee little. From my hiding-place I heard her vow never to confess whose dagger had been found in her apartment, and her jealous lord, in his wild anger, murdered her.
Louis. 'Twas mine. Would it had been sheathed in mine own breast ere it had caused so dark a deed! Ah, Theresa, why did I leave thee to a fate like this?
Norna. Young man, grieve not; it is too late to save, but there is left to thee a better thing than grief.
Louis. Oh, what?
Norna. Revenge!
Louis. Thou art right. I'll weep no more. Give me thine aid, O mighty wizard, and I will serve thee well.
Norna. Who art thou? The poor lady's lover?
Louis. Ah, no; far nearer and far deeper was the love I bore her, for I am her brother.
Norna. Ha, that's well! Thou wilt join me, for I have made a vow to rest not till that proud, sinful lord hath well atoned for this deep crime. Spirits shall haunt him, and the darkest phantoms that my art can raise shall scare his soul. Wilt thou join me in my work?
Louis. I will, – but stay! thou hast spoken of spirits. Dread sorceress, is it in thy power to call them up?
Norna. It is. Wilt see my skill. Stand back while I call up a phantom which thou canst not doubt.
[Louis retires within the cave. Norna weaves a spell above her caldron.
Louis. 'Tis enough! I own thy power, and by the spirit of my murdered sister I have looked upon, I swear to aid thee in thy dark work.
Norna. 'Tis well; and I will use my power to guard thee from the danger that surrounds thee. And now, farewell. Remember, – thou hast sworn.
SCENE THIRD
Rod. They told me that old Norna's cave was 'mong these rocks, and yet I find it not. By her I hope to learn where young Count Louis is concealed. Once in my power, he shall not escape to whisper tales of evil deeds against me. Stay! some one comes. I'll ask my way.
Ho, stand, good sir. Canst guide me to the cell of Norna, the old sorceress?
Louis. It were little use to tell thee; thou wouldst only win a deeper curse than that she hath already laid upon thee.
Rod. Hold! who art thou that dare to speak thus to Count Rodolpho?
Louis. That thou canst never know; but this I tell thee: I am thy deadliest foe, and, aided by the wizard Norna, seek to work thee evil, and bring down upon thy head the fearful doom thy sin deserves. Wouldst thou know more, – then seek the witch, and learn the hate she bears thee.
Rod. Fool! thinkst thou I fear thee or thy enchantments? Draw, and defend thyself! Thou shalt pay dearly for thine insolence to me! insolence to me!
Louis. I will not stain my weapon with a murderer's blood. I leave thee to the fate that gathers round thee.
Rod. "Murderer," said he. I am betrayed, – yet no one saw the deed. Yet, stay! perchance 'twas he who bore Theresa away. He has escaped me, and will spread the tale. Nay, why should I fear? Courage! One blow, and I am safe! [Rushes forward. Spirit of Theresa rises.] What's that? – her deathlike face, – the wound my hand hath made! Help! help! help!
SCENE FOURTH
Rod. I see no way save that. Were young Count Louis dead she would forget the love that had just begun, and by sweet words and gifts I may yet win her. The young lord must die [a groan behind the curtain]. Ha! what is that? 'Tis nothing; fie upon my fear! I'll banish all remembrance of the fearful shape my fancy conjured up within the forest. I'll not do the deed myself, – I have had enough of blood. Hugo the bandit: he is just the man, – bold, sure of hand, and secret. I will bribe him well, and when the deed is done, find means to rid me of him lest he should play me false. I saw him in the courtyard as I entered. Perchance he is not yet gone. Ho, without there! Bid Hugo here if he be within the castle. – He is a rough knave, but gold will make all sure.
Hugo. What would my lord with me?
Rod. I ask a favor of thee. Nay, never fear, I'll pay thee well. Wouldst earn a few gold pieces?
Hugo. Ay, my lord, most gladly would I.
Rod. Nay, sit, good Hugo. Here is wine; drink, and refresh thyself.
Hugo. Thanks, my lord. How can I serve you?