ACT III
Scene I.—On a Mountain by Salvatierra.
Enter Gil Perez, Manuel, Isabel, and Juana.
Gil. This mountain then, upon whose wrinkled edge
The weary moon reclines, must be our fort;
Where, in some green and shady spot of it,
(Hung round with savage, inaccessible rocks,)
While Isabel and your Juana rest,
You and I, Manuel, will steal into
The little village nestled there below,
And of such travellers as come this way,
Demand (our own all gone) a scanty living,
By fair entreaty, not by violence;
Until, pursuit giv’n up, we may retreat
Elsewhere, to live upon what little means
Injustice leaves us.
Man. Gil, ’tis nothing new
For criminals to hide
Ev’n where they did the crime, where vengeance least
Expects to find them, and hunts round in vain.
And even should they light upon the place,
Surely we two, back’d by these friendly rocks,
Can keep at bay the rabble that we foil’d
On level ground.
Isab. I have listen’d to you both,
And take it ill you reckon on yourselves
Alone; when I, who though a woman, having yet
Your blood, Gil Perez, running in my veins,
And something of your spirit in my heart,
Am at your side.
Jua. And I, who, like a coward,
Chime in at last; yet, if with little power,
With right good will indeed.
Gil. Well spoken both!
But I maintain it as a golden law,
Women be women ever; keep you quiet,
And comforting yourselves as best you may,
While Manuel and I, as becomes men,
Provide for you in all.
Isab. Well, we at least,
If fit for nothing else, can pray for you.
[Exeunt Isabel and Juana.
Gil. Now they are gone, I want to talk with you
On a grave matter, Manuel, ’Tis this.
Among those depositions at the Judge’s,
One rascal, and a rascal too whose gold
Makes weigh his witness against honesty,
Declared on oath he saw me, me, Gil Perez,
Abetting Don Alonso treacherously
To slay Don Diego.
Man. Who was this?
Gil. Why one
Who has not this alone to answer for,
As you will know when I name—Juan Baptista.
Man. A coward, who, as all such villains do,
Flies to the tongue for vengeance, not the sword;
Behind one’s back too—
Why, let us go at once, and in broad day
Before all eyes, before the very Judge’s
He lied to, drag the rascal from his house,
And make him eat his words in the very place
He spit them forth in.
Gil. All this we will do,
But at some better opportunity,
And fitter place. I’ve heard my grandsire say,
‘If you begin the fray, why then
You must abide the how and when;
But who’s drawn into it, I trow,
May suit himself with when and how.’
But footsteps! Hark!—
Now to commence our calling, as new members
Of the most courteous cut-purse company.
Enter Leonardo, travelling.
Leon. (speaking as he enters). Lead on the horses, Mendo, ’tis so pleasant
Under the shadow of these wooded rocks,
I’ll walk some way alone.
Gil. Your servant, sir.
Leon. Sir, God be with you!
Gil. Travelling all alone?
And whither, may I ask?
Leon. To Lisbon, sir.
Gil. And whence?
Leon. I started at the break of day
From Salvatierra.
Gil. Ay? Then you can tell
What news is stirring there.
Leon. Oh nothing, sir.
Unless perhaps the exploits of a fellow
The terror of that country; one Gil Perez,
I think; who, when justice was at his heels
After some crime or other I forget,
Wounded the Sheriff, kill’d his officer,
And then was impudent enough to walk
Into the very Judge’s house, and there,
Before his very eyes, snatch up and read
The depositions drawn up against him.
Gil. A very curious story, that!
Leon. And then,
Though half the place was up in arms on him,
He, and another who is, as I hear,
Much such another rascal as himself,
Broke through them all and got away scot free!
But they are after him.
Gil. This is the news?
Leon. All that I know of.
Gil. Well—before you go,
I’ll ask you, sir, who by your speech and bearing
Seem a good fellow, if a friend of yours
Came flying for his life, the Philistines
Close on his heels, and fell before your feet,
At your own door, exhausted, and beseeching
Help and protection of you—let me ask
What would you do?
Leon. What do? why, give it him.
Gil. You would? and would you, in so doing,
Deserve the name of rascal for your pains?
Leon. No, certainly.
Gil. And when a writ was out
Against you for so doing, charging you
With murder, threatening death and confiscation,
Would you be more a rascal for demanding
Such needful information of the Judge
As he alone could give of evidence
Which you suspected, and found false?
Leon. No, truly.
Gil. One question more. If, damn’d by such false witness,
You were found guilty, all your property
Confiscated, yourself condemn’d to die,
Might not you fly the misdirected sword
Of justice, and of those who well could spare
Beg a poor tithe of what she robb’d you wholly,
And be no rascal still?
Leon. Oh clearly, clearly.
Gil. This granted then, look to the inference.
I am Gil Perez; I who struck the Sheriff,
And kill’d his man, and read the Judge’s papers,
And flying hither, shorn of house and home,
Ask you for that of which the law robs me;
Which, having plenty, if you will not give,
By your own free admission I may take,
And be no rascal still.
Leon. You need not use
My argument against me; I respect
And pity you, Gil Perez; take this chain;
If it be not enough, I pledge my word
I’ll bring you more hereafter.
Gil. All you say
Tells of a generous heart. But ere I take
Your present, tell me—do you give it me
For fear, alone, and in my power, may be,
Or of good will?
Leon. Good will! I swear to you,
Gil Perez, I would even do the same
Had I a squadron at my side.
Gil. As such
I take it, then. For when my life must pay,
As soon or late it must, the penalty
Of hungry vengeance, I shall lay it down
Contented in my conscience, and report
That I but took from those who had to give,
And freely gave; the only retribution
My evil star allow’d me.
Leon. True enough.
Is there aught else that I can do for you?
Gil. Nothing.
Leon. Farewell—and may a better fate
Await you.
Gil. Farewell—shall I see you safe
Over the mountain?
Leon. Not a step—adieu.
[Exit.
Man. Sure never robbery was known to wear
So fair a face.
Gil. Tut, tut, you’re not to call it
Robbery, but preferment, Manuel.
But who are these?
Enter two Farmers.
1st Farm. I tell you I have bought the stock of vines
Upon his farm.
2nd Farm. What, Gil’s?
1st Farm. Yes; sold, you know,
To pay the costs of prosecution,
Judges and Alguazils and such; and I
Am carrying them the money.
Man. Fair game this.
Gil. I know him, a near neighbour. Well, friend Antony,
How goes it with you?
1st Farm. What! Gil Perez! you!
When the whole country’s after you?
Gil. And if they catch me nobody’s the worse
Except myself. But till they catch and kill me,
(When I shall want, you know, no more to live on,)
I’ve not a stiver; clipt of the estate
Whose price you carry in your pocket there.
Now, I’d not starve; but, on the other hand,
Would not wrong any one to keep me from ’t:
How shall we settle that?
1st Farm. Oh easily—
Take this—and this (offers money)—I had better give it up
At once, for fear. (Aside.)
Gil. But do you give me this
Of free good will?
1st Farm. Why as to that, Gil Perez,
My will is good to serve you; but, you see,
I am not very rich.
Gil. You mean by that
You would not give this money could you help it?
1st Farm. Why certainly.
Gil. Then keep it and begone
In peace.
1st Farm. Gil Perez!
Gil. I’ll not have it said
I robb’d—not shamed to beg in my distress.
2nd Farm. And I pray, Gil, and he who likes may hear me,
God keep you from your enemies. I have here
Six pieces that my wife knows nothing of;
You’re welcome.
Gil. Not a penny; go your ways,
Or night will reach you ere you reach your homes.
[Exeunt Farmers.
Man. Gil, while you talk’d with them, I’ve heard a sound
As of pursuit—listen!—and many too.
Gil. Let us up higher then!
Man. Beware, the trees
Will whisper of our whereabout.
Gil. Then here
Behind the rocks that tell no tales.
Man. Quick, quick! (They hide.)
Enter Donna Leonor, Juan Baptista, Judge, Alguazils, etc.
Bapt. Here, madam, till the scorching sun be sunk,
Tarry awhile.
Leonor. My cousin’s grievous sickness
Calls me with all speed homeward.
Judge. And as yet
No vestige of these ruffians, whom to find
And bring to justice, madam, in your cause,
I’ll peril my own life.
Gil. Hist, Manuel!
Man. Ay, but speak lower.
Gil. When better than now
Can I avenge Alonso and myself,
When judge, accus’d, accuser, and false witness,
Are all together?
Man. Wait awhile.
Gil. But—
Man. See,
Fresh comers.
Gil. I shall lose the golden moment.
Enter some, dragging along Pedro.
Judge. A prisoner?
1st Man. One of Gil Perez’s knaves, my lord, whom we have just now caught creeping over to Portugal. The very day Perez swam over there this fellow was missed from Salvatierra, and returned on the very evening of his return.
Judge. Very suspicious indeed.
Pedro. Very, my lord, I grant it. Yes, wherever I go, to Portugal, Flanders, Germany, China, Japan, ’tis all the same. I am sure to find him there.
Judge. You know then where he is now?
Ped. Oh, doubtless close at hand: he must be, I being here; he is such a constant master, that if you put me in prison he’ll soon surrender only to follow me there.
Judge. Point out the place, then.
Ped. Would to Heav’n I could, for were he clapt up safe I’d not follow him, I promise you. Indeed, my lord, I live in terror of my life from him.
Flying from him it was I fled from home
To Portugal; where the first man I saw
Was he I thought I’d left at Salvatierra:
Flying to Andalusia, the first face
I saw was his I left in Portugal:
Till, rushing homeward in despair, the man
I thought I’d left behind in Andalusia,
Met me at once, and having knockt me down,
Left me for dead. Well, I got up at last,
And fled again: but, scarcely got a mile,
Your people seize me on suspicion
Of knowing where he hides, and so far justly,
That carrying me by way of a decoy,
I’ll lay my life he soon were in the trap.
Judge. Your folly, or your cunning, sir, shall not mislead us; tell me where your master is at once, or the wooden horse—
Ped. Alas, I’m a bad rider.
Judge. Take him to the village and keep him close. By his looks I doubt not, spite of this affected simplicity, he’s a desperate ruffian.
Ped. I seem such a desperate fellow to him. Dear me, of the four men here let one depart, and leave three, and one of the three leave two, and one of the two one; and that one leave half himself; and that half his half; and that quarter his half, till it comes to nil: it would still be nilly willy with me.
[Exit, guarded by Alguazils.
Gil. Manuel,
The Alguazils are gone.
Man. Now for it then.
Gil (appearing). God save this noble company!
All. Gil Perez!
Gil. Be not alarm’d; I have but a few words
To say to one of you, this Juan Baptista.
Judge. Holloa! my guards!
Man. Judge, never strain your throat,
Unless you would be answer’d by such guards
As waited on you yesterday.
Judge. Is this the way that I, and, in my person,
That justice is insulted?
Gil. Nay, my lord,
You least of all should tax a criminal
Who so punctiliously respects yourself,
And the realm’s Justice in your belly lodged,
That not to waste you in a vain pursuit,
He waits on you himself.
Judge. Impudent man!
And this before that most illustrious lady
Your treachery has render’d brotherless;
And who with daily prayers—
Gil. And ’tis for this—
That she may hear my vindication
Ev’n from the very lips that made the charge,
And cease an unjust persecution,
Unworthy of her noble name and blood,
That I am here. For, madam, if I prove
That Don Alonso in fair duel slew
Your brother, and without my treacherous help,
Or any man’s, would you pursue us still?
Leonor. No, sir; for though the laws of duel are
For men alone, I know enough of them
To pardon all that was in honour done,
Ev’n to my cost. Prove what you say you will,
And Don Alonso may take sanctuary
In my own house against myself and all.
Gil. ’Tis nobly said. On this I take my stand:
And since ’tis general and accepted law
That what a witness first shall swear, and then
Forswear, stand for no evidence at all,
Stand forth, Juan Baptista;
Here is your deposition; I will read it
Before the very Judge you swore it to,
And before this great lady, and do you
Substantiate or deny it point by point.
Judge. Audacity!
Gil (reading). In the first place you swear,
That, ‘As luck fell, you were behind a tree
When the two gentlemen came out to fight.’
Say, is this true?
Bapt. It is.
Gil. ‘And that they fought
Hand to hand fairly, until suddenly
Gil Perez, rushing from a thicket, sided
With Don Alonso.’ Now, bethink you well;
Is this the truth, Baptista?
Bapt. Yes. I swear it.
Gil. Infamous liar! (Shoots him with a pistol.)
Bapt (falling). Heav’n have mercy on me!
Gil. My lord, you must another murder add
To my black catalogue. Come, Manuel,
We must away while we have time. Farewell.
[Exeunt Gil and Manuel.
Judge. By the most sacred person of my king,
I swear to punish this audacity,
If it should cost my life.
Bapt. Oh, listen, lady;
While I have breath to speak. I’m justly slain.
I tried to swear Gil Perez’s life away
To gain his sister; he has told you true:
In fair and open duel, hand to hand,
Was Don Diego slain. Oh let my death
Atone for this, and my last dying words
Attest it.
(Dies.)
Enter the Alguazils with Pedro.
Alg. We heard a pistol, and returned, my lord, to see.
Judge. It was Gil Perez; that is his work. (Pointing to Baptista.)
Ped. There, said I not the truth?
Judge. He must not escape; after him! As to this fellow here, who is plainly in his secrets, let two Alguazils keep guard upon him here, lest he do further mischief; the rest come with me.
Ped. What crime have I committed? Did I not tell you, my lord, he would come, and did he not come?
Judge. Peace, traitor! Come, madam.
[Exeunt.
Scene II.—Another Pass in the same Mountain.
Firing and shouting heard; after which, enter Isabel and Juana on a platform of rock above the stage.
Isab. That arquebuss! of which only the thunder
Has reach’d us of perhaps some deadly bolt
On one of those we love!
Why tarry they so long? What think you, Juana?
Jua. Oh what, but share your fears!
Isab. Let us descend,
And learn the truth at once; better at once
To die, than by this torture.
(As they are about to descend, enter to them suddenly Gil Perez and Manuel.)
Gil. Wait!
Isab. My brother!
Jua. Manuel!
Gil. They are coming; hide we here;
There is no time—
Enter Judge, Leonor, Alguazils, etc.
Judge. After them! after them!
By Heav’n, this mountain-top shall be the scaffold
On which the wretch shall expiate his crimes.
Two thousand scudi for the man who brings,
Dead or alive, Gil Perez!
Gil (appearing above). By the Lord,
You rate me cheap, my lord; I’ll set you higher—
I say four thousand scudi for the Judge,
Alive or stuff’d!
Judge. There he is! Fire!
(Alguazil fires and wounds Gil.)
Gil (falling). God help me!
Judge. Yield.
Gil (struggling). I’ve an arm left yet.
Alg. He’ll fight when dead.
Judge. Away with him!
(Judge and Alguazils carry off Gil.)
Man. (struggling with Juana). Leave hold of me,
I say.
Jua. Oh! Manuel!
Isab. Oh! my brother!
Man. Let me go,
Or I will dash you headlong with myself.
(He rushes down, Isabel and Juana after him.)
Scene III.—Same as Scene I.
Pedro discovered guarded by two Alguazils.
Ped. Shots and shouting! They must be at work. Perhaps you gentlemen will wait, while I go and see.
Alg. Be quiet, or two bullets—
Ped. Oh, one would be enough, thank you. Well, if I mustn’t go, will you two gentlemen? and leave me to wait for you? I’m quite indifferent.
Alg. We leave you not an instant or an inch.
Ped. Were ever guards half so polite! Sure, I must be a holiday to be so strictly kept.
Alg. Hark! They are coming.
Enter Judge and Alguazils with Gil, a cloak thrown over him.
Judge. Where is the other prisoner?
Alg. Here, my lord.
Judge. March on with us.
Alg. 2. My lord, this man will faint with loss of blood and weariness.
Judge. Halt then, and let him breathe awhile.
(They uncover Gil, and Pedro sees him.)
Ped. I might have guessed it! Let me be in the bilboes, on the very scaffold, he must be with me: he will die on purpose to lie in the same grave with me, I think!
Gil. Whose voice is that?
Ped. Nobody’s.
Gil. Pedro? Courage, my poor boy. My day is over. Oh, vanity of mortal strength!
Judge. But who are these?
Enter Donna Leonor, with Isabel, Juana, and Servants.
Leonor. I, Donna Leonor, who, falling in
With these sad ladies, do repent me much,
That, misdirected by a lying tongue,
I have pursued this gentleman—I doubt
To death—if not, I charge you from this moment
Leave him at liberty.
Isab. Or else—
Enter suddenly Manuel and Don Alonso, and Followers.
Alon. Or else,
Look to it.
Gil. Don Alonso! whom I thought
Far off upon the seas?
Alon. And should have been,
But when my foot was on the very plank
That rock’d upon the foam along the beach,
I, who could never get you from my heart,
And knew that you had come to peril hither,
Could but return once more to him who saved
My life, though he had waved me from his side.
Enough; I am in time. I tell you, sir,
Give up this man at once. (To the Judge.)
Judge. Not for you all!
Alon. Then at him and his people!
(Alonzo, Manuel, and their people rush on the Judge, Alguazils, etc., disarm them, and beat them out.)
Alon. (embracing Gil). My friend is free.
Gil. And what first use shall make
Of freedom?
Ped. Why, turn Friar; you can then
Be free and easy too, and leave me so.
Oh, sir, have I not had enough of terror,
Exile, and hunger, to deserve your pardon?
Plead for me, Don Alonso.
Alon. Gil—
Gil. Nay, nay,
What could you seem about to ask of me
But granted ere ’twas said? Go. I forgive you.
With which magnanimous forbearance now
Gil Perez, the Gallician, makes his bow.
[Exeunt.
‘Thus ends,’ says Calderon, ‘the first part of the hozanas notables of Luis Perez,’ whose name I have, for sundry reasons, (and without offence to the hero, I hope,) changed to Gil. He was ‘a notorious robber,’ says Mr. Ticknor, a kind of Spanish Rob Roy perhaps; at all events, one whose historical reality is intimated by greater distinctness of character than is usual in these plays. Of such gentry examples are never wanting in Spain, where so little alters to this day; witness the career of the famous José Maria, quite lately ended; who, I read in a book of Travels, was, like Gil, a farmer, for his first calling; a most merciful robber when he took to his second; and who performed Gil’s feat of confronting, if not a Judge, a Prime Minister in his own den.
Gil perhaps had better have ‘played his pranks’ (as Fuller says of Robin Hood) in prose; but he was a lawless fellow, and blank verse lay in his way. Those who think his style altogether too heroic for a country robber, will at least find my version more than excused by the original.