Possible! There-that letter! Read-read it. [Gives him a letter. Albert (reading). "To the Duke Conrad.-Forget the threat you made at parting, and I will forget to send the Emperor letters and papers of your's I have become possessed of. His life is no trifle to me; his death you shall find none to yourself." (Speaks to himself:) "Tis me-my life that's pleaded for! (Reads.) "He, for his own sake, will be dumb as the grave. Erminia has my shame fix'd upon her, sure as a wen. We are safe. AURANTHE." A she-devil! A dragon! I her imp! Erminia. I found it in the tent, among some spoils Which, being noble, fell to Gersa's lot. Come in, and see. Albert. [They go in and return. Villainy! Villainy! Conrad's sword, his corslet, and his helm, And his letter. Caitiff, he shall feel 70 Erminia. I see you are thunderstruck. Haste, haste away! Albert. O I am tortured by this villainy. Erminia. You needs must be. Carry it swift to Otho; Tell him, moreover, I am prisoner Here in this camp, where all the sisterhood, Erminia. Swift be your steed! Within this hour The Emperor will see it. Albert. That I can swear. Ere I sleep: 80 [Hurries out. Gersa (without). Brave captains! thanks. Enough Of loyal homage now! Erminia. Enter GERSA. Hail, royal Hun! Gersa. What means this, fair one? Why in such alarm? Who was it hurried by me so distract? It seem'd you were in deep discourse together; Your doctrine has not been so harsh to him As to my poor deserts. Come, come, be plain. Of such a beauteous vestal. Erminia. I grieve, my Lord, 90 ribald phrase. Hearken, my lady pure! To hear you condescend to Gersa. Erminia! Indeed! I've heard of her. And you dare own your name. For loveliness you may-and for the rest My vein is not censorious. The swan, soft leaning on her fledgy breast, When to the stream she launches, looks not back So white as your soul is, if that but be Erminia. Trust me one day more, Generously, without more certain guarantee, Than this poor face you deign to praise so much; After that, say and do whate'er you please. If I have any knowledge of you, sir, I think, nay I am sure, you will grieve much To hear my story. O be gentle to me, 110 96-100 Then you dare do no more than women dare Tir'd out, and weary-worn with contumelies. Gersa. Poor lady! Enter ETHELBERT. Erminia. Gentle Prince, 'tis false indeed. Good morrow, holy father! I have had Your prayers, though I look'd for you in vain. 120 Ethelbert. Blessings upon you, daughter! Sure you look Too cheerful for these foul pernicious days. Young man, you heard this virgin say 'twas false,- 130 Gersa. Peace! peace, old man! I cannot think she is. Ethelbert. Whom I have known from her first infancy, Baptiz'd her in the bosom of the Church, Watch'd her, as anxious husbandmen the grain, 140 Daughter, do you so? How's this? I marvel! Yet you look not mad. Erminia. I have good news to tell you, Ethelbert. Gersa. Ho! ho, there! Guards! Your blessing, father! Sweet Erminia, Believe me, I am well nigh sure— Erminia. Short time will show. Farewell! [Enter Chiefs. Yes, father Ethelbert, I have news precious as we pass along. 149 To no ill. Gersa. Command an escort to the Friedburg lines. [Exeunt Chiefs. Pray let me lead. Fair lady, forget not Gersa, how he believ'd you innocent. I follow you to Friedburg with all speed. [Exeunt. ACT III. SCENE I.-The Country. Enter ALBERT. Albert. O that the earth were empty, as when Cain Had no perplexity to hide his head! Or that the sword of some brave enemy In feud with wolves and bears, when no eye saw Of honour 'mid the growling wilderness. My sturdier youth, maturing to the sword, Of shields upon the pavement, when bright-mail'd Was 't to this end I louted and became Sway'd by command, as corn is by the wind? By Europe's throned Emperor, to see My honour be my executioner,- Put to the torture for confessional ? Then the damn'd crime of blurting to the world 11 20 20 I must confess,-and cut my throat,-to-day? Sigifred. Enter SIGIFRED. A fine humour Albert. Who goes there? Count Sigifred? Ha! Ha! Sigifred. What, man, do you mistake the hollow sky For a throng'd tavern,-and these stubbed trees For old serge hangings,-me, your humble friend, For a poor waiter? Why, man, how you stare! What gipsies have you been carousing with? No, no more win; methinks you've had enough. Albert. You wel may laugh and banter. What a fool An injury may make of a staid man! You shall know all anon. Sigifred. 41 Some tavern brawl? Albert. Twas with some people out of common reach; Revenge is difficult. Sigifred. I am your friend; We meet again to-day, and can confer Albert. Whither? Sigifred. To fetch King Gersa to the feast. The Emperor on this marriage is so hot, The very porters, as I pass'd the doors, Heard his loud laugh, and answer'd in full choir. I marvel, Albert, you delay so long Albert. Aye, very like: Pray, what day has his Highness fix'd upon ? Albert. 50 The marriage. What else can I mean? Sigifred. To-day! O, I forgot, you could not know; The news is scarce a minute old with me. Albert. Married to-day! To-day! You did not say so? Sigifred. Now, while I speak to you, their comely heads Are bow'd before the mitre. Albert. Sigifred. What is this? O! monstrous ! 60 |