In such a mood as now you listen to me: Auranthe. Conrad. I saw my moment. The Hungarians, Collected silently in holes and corners, Appear'd, a sudden host, in the open day. I should have perish'd in our empire's wreck, But, calling interest loyalty, swore faith To most believing Otho; and so help'd His blood-stain'd ensigns to the victory In yesterday's hard fight, that it has turn'd The edge of his sharp wrath to eager kindness. Auranthe. So far yourself. But what is this to me More than that I am glad? I gratulate you. Conrad. Yes, sister, but it does regard you greatly, Nearly, momentously,-aye, painfully! Make me this vow Auranthe. Conrad. Albert! Concerning whom or what? Auranthe. I would inquire somewhat of him. You had a letter from me touching him? No treason 'gainst his head in deed or word! Surely you spared him at my earnest prayer? Give me the letter-it should not exist! Conrad. At one pernicious charge of the enemy, I, for a moment-whiles, was prisoner ta'en And rifled, stuff! the horses' hoofs have minced it! Conrad. He is! but here make oath Conrad. No, nor great, nor mighty; You would not wear a crown, or rule a kingdom. To you it is indifferent? Auranthe. What means this? Conrad. You'll not be perjured! Go to Albert then, Yet stay,-perhaps a charm may call you back, And from the teeming marrow of thy brain Conrad. I know not When, lackeying my counsel at a beck, Auranthe. That I heard Among the midnight rumours from the camp. Conrad. You give up Albert to me? Harm him not! E'en for his highness Ludolph's sceptry hand, I would not Albert suffer any wrong. See you spare him: Nor be pathetic, my kind benefactor! On all the many bounties of your hand, Of my poor secrets, and so hold a rod Conrad. Let not this slave-this villainBe cause of feud between us. See! he comes! Look, woman, look, your Albert is quite safe! In haste it seems. Now shall I be in the way, And wish'd with silent curses in my grave, Or side by side with 'whelmed mariners. Enter ALBERT. Albert. Fair on your graces fall this early morrow! So it is like to do, without my prayers, For your right noble names, like favourite tunes, Have fallen full frequent from our Emperor's lips, High commented with smiles. Auranthe. Conrad (aside). Noble! Noble Albert! Auranthe. Such salutation argues a glad heart In our prosperity. We thank you, sir. Albert. Lady O, would to Heaven your poor servant Conrad. To me! What of me, ha? Albert. What pleased your grace to say? Conrad. Albert. You mean not this to me? Conrad. Your message, sir! Sister, this way; For there shall be no "gentle Alberts" now, [Aside. No "sweet Auranthes!" [Exeunt CONRAD and AURANThe. Albert (solus). The duke is out of temper; if he knows More than a brother of a sister ought I should not quarrel with his peevishness. Auranthe-Heaven preserve her always fair! Is in the heady, proud, ambitious vein; I bicker not with her,-bid her farewell; She has taken flight from me, then let her soar,— But for poor, Ludolph, he is food for sorrow: Can smother from myself the wrong I've done him,— [Exit. SCENE II.-The Court-yard of the Castle. Martial Music. Enter, from the outer gate, OTHO, Nobles, Knights, and Attendants. The Soldiers halt at the gate, with Banners in sight. Otho. Where is my noble herald? Enter CONRAD, from the Castle, attended by two Knights and Servants. ALBERT following. Auranthe our intent imperial? Well, hast told Lest our rent banners, too o' the sudden shown, Conrad. God save illustrious Otho! Otho. Aye, Conrad, it will pluck out all grey hairs; It is the best physician for the spleen; |