The Tempter, a Tragedy in Verse (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ... ACT II Scene--The Guest-house Of Saint Werburg's Abbey, Near Canterbury Night. The chief guest-table is raised, and a rich red damask canopy overhangs it. Supper is laid on the tables. Before the curtain is raised the Pilgrims are heard singing their vesper hymn without; the curtain is raised. Enter from abbey Father Urban, the Prior, a kindly, gentle old priest; he comes down stage and opens outer door to Pilgrims, who enter, headed by the Earl Of Rougemont, Lady Avis, Lady Isobel, and Sir Gilbert following. Sarah and Drogo are amongst the Pilgrims. Lettice and the Devil bring up the rear. The Devil is whispering in Lettice's ear. The hymn ceases when all have entered. One of the abbey attendants speaks to Lettice, and takes her up the stairs at back. Attendant comes doivn. Father U. Benedicite, my children. Your lodgings are prepared, and see, your supper waits for you as soon as evensong is sung. The chapel is yonder. (Pointing to chapel-door. The Pilgrims move through to chapel.) Earl Of R. (to Father Urban). Is there with you some ghostly father of more than common piety and zeal that can shrive me? Father U. We have here in the abbey one Father Cyprian, who has lately come from Rome and Jerusalem. He is reputed to have great skill with afflicted souls. (isobel is eagerly listening.) Earl Of R. Bring me to him after evensong. Father U. He hath kept his cell fasting these two days, and hath commanded that none disturb him. But I will ask him to give you an audience. (Exit Earl Of Rougemont into chapel. All the other Pilgrims have gone in except Isobel.) Iso. (to Father Urban). My father (urban turns round as he is going into chapel.) Would this same Father Cyprian give me an audience? (The Devil is listening and watching.) Father U. Surely there is no ...