The Count of Narbonne E-Book

Horace Walpole

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

The Count of Narbonne, a captivating anthology that brings together the seminal works of Horace Walpole and Robert Jephson, serves as a fascinating exploration of the Gothic tradition in literature. The collection superbly showcases the diversity within this genre, from its origins in the 18th century, entwined with the medieval revival that swept through Europe's cultural landscape, to the dramatic adaptations that found their way to the stage. This anthology is significant not only for its inclusion of Gothic literature's foundational texts but also for highlighting the stylistic variations and thematic depth explored by these writers, offering readers a comprehensive view of the genre's evolution and its impact on later literary movements. The contributing authors, Horace Walpole, known for his pioneering work in Gothic literature, and Robert Jephson, a celebrated playwright of the 18th century, bring to the collection a rich confluence of historical and cultural narratives. Their collective works delve into the complexities of human psychology, the nuanced exploration of fear and superstition, and the representation of the sublime, thereby aligning with key elements of the Gothic genre. This anthology not only represents a historical period but becomes a dialogue across centuries, reflecting the cultural anxieties and imaginative fantasies of the time. For enthusiasts of Gothic literature, The Count of Narbonne offers an unrivaled opportunity to traverse the eerie corridors of this genre alongside its most esteemed architects. The collection invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Gothic fiction, its enduring themes, and its myriad manifestations across literature and drama. It is an essential read for those seeking to understand the underpinnings of the Gothic tradition and its lasting influence on the literary world, promising an enlightening journey through the shadows of the human psyche and the landscapes that have haunted our collective imagination.

Leseprobe

Horace Walpole, Robert Jephson

The Count of Narbonne

A Tragedy, in Five Acts

 

EAN 8596547353737

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

THE COUNT OF NARBONNE; A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS;

REMARKS.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

ACT THE FIRST.

SCENE I.

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

ACT THE THIRD.

SCENE I.

SCENE II.

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

ACT THE FIFTH.

SCENE I.

SCENE II.

SCENE III.

THE END.

THECOUNT OF NARBONNE; A TRAGEDY,IN FIVE ACTS;

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By ROBERT JEPHSON, Esq.

AS PERFORMED AT THETHEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN.

PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGERS FROM THE PROMPT BOOK.

WITH REMARKSBY Mrs. INCHBALD.

LONDON:PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTER ROW.

WILLIAM SAVAGE, PRINTER LONDON.

REMARKS.

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This tragedy was brought upon the stage in 1780; it was extremely admired, and exceedingly attractive.

Neither "The Winter's Tale", nor "Henry VIII" by Shakspeare, were at that time performed at either of the theatres; and the town had no immediate comparison to draw between the conjugal incidents in "The Count of Narbonne," and those which occur in these two very superior dramas.

The Cardinal Wolsey of Shakspeare, is, by Jephson, changed into a holy and virtuous priest; but his importance is, perhaps, somewhat diminished by a discovery, which was intended to heighten the interest of his character; but which is introduced in too sudden, and romantic a manner, to produce the desired consequence upon a well-judging auditor.

One of the greatest faults, by which a dramatist can disappoint and fret his auditor, is also to be met with in this play.—Infinite discourse is exchanged, numberless plans formed, and variety of passions agitated, concerning a person, who is never brought upon the stage—Such is the personal nonentity of Isabel, in this tragedy, and yet the fable could not proceed without her.—Alphonso, so much talked of, yet never seen, is an allowable absentee, having departed to another world; and yet, whether such invisible personages be described as alive, or dead, that play is the most interesting, which makes mention of no one character, but those which are introduced to the sight of the audience.

The lover of romances, whose happy memory, unclouded by more weighty recollections, has retained a wonderful story, by the late Lord Orford, called, "The Castle of Otranto," will here, it is said, find a resemblance of plot and incidents, the acknowledged effect of close imitation.

Lord Orford, (at that time Mr. Horace Walpole,) attended some rehearsals of this tragedy, upon the very account, that himself was the founder of the fabric.

The author was of no mean reputation in the literary world, for he had already produced several successful dramas. "The Count of Narbonne" proved to be his last, and his best composition.——Terror is here ably excited by descriptions of the preternatural—Horror, by the portraiture of guilt; and compassion, by the view of suffering innocence.—These are three passions, which, divided, might each constitute a tragedy; and all these powerful engines of the mind and heart, are here, most happily combined to produce that end,—and each forms a lesson of morality.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

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Austin

Mr. Harley.

Theodore

Mr. Bloomfield.

Fabian

Mr. Thompson.

Officers

Mr. Powell.

Mr. Evatt.

The Count

Mr. Farren.

Adelaide

Mrs. Merry.

Jaqueline

Mrs. Platt.

Countess

Mrs. Pope.

Officers, Attendants, &c.

SCENE.—Narbonne Castle, and the Monastery of St. Nicholas, adjoining to the Castle.

THE COUNT OF NARBONNE.

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ACT THE FIRST.

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SCENE I.

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A Hall.

Enter the Count, speaking to an Officer; Fabian following.

Count. Not to be found! is this your faithful service?

How could she pass unseen? By hell, 'tis false!

Thou hast betray'd me.

Offi. Noble sir! my duty——

Count. Your fraud, your negligence—away, reply not.

Find her within this hour; else, by my life,

The gates of Narbonne shall be clos'd against thee;

Then make the world thy country.

[Exit Officer.

Fabian, stay!

Misfortunes fall so thick upon my head,

They will not give me time to think—to breathe.

Fab. Heaven knows, I wish your peace; but am to learn,

What grief more fresh than my young lord's decease,

A sorrow but of three days past, can move you.

Count. O bitter memory! gone, gone for ever!

The pillar of my house, my only son!

Fab. 'Twas terrible indeed.