SCENE II. The entrance of GERSA'S Tent in the Hungarian Camp. Enter ERMINIA. Erminia. Where! where! where shall I find a messen ger? A trusty soul? A good man in the camp? [Shouts in the camp. Enter an HUNGARIAN CAPTAIN. Captain. Fair prisoner, you hear those joyous shouts ? Has just return'd. He bids me say, bright dame, Such beauty once again. What ails you, lady? Erminia. Say, is not that a German, yonder? There! Captain. Methinks by his stout bearing he should be— Yes it is Albert; a brave German knight, And much in the Emperor's favor. Erminia. I would fain Inquire of friends and kinsfolk; how they fared In these rough times. Brave soldier, as you pass Will you send yonder knight to me? Erminia. Yes, he was ever known to be a man O proof! proof! proof! Not Ethelbert the monk, if he were here, [Exit. Albert. Enter ALBERT. Lady Erminia! are you prisoner Good Gods! In this beleaguer'd camp? Or are you here Of your own will? You pleased to send for me. Your plight before, and, by her Son, I swear To do you every service you can ask. What would the fairest-? Erminia. Albert. I have. Well! Erminia. Albert, will you swear? Albert, you have fame to lose. If men, in court and camp, lie not outright, Erminia. Without proof could you think me innocent? Albert. How? Make it clear; if it be possible, I by the banner of Saint Maurice swear Erminia. Possible!-Easy. O my heart! [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 yours 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 plead 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. A she-devil! A dragon! I her imp! "AURANTHE." Erminia. I found it in the tent, among some spoils Come in, and see. Albert. [They go in and return. Villany! Villany! Conrad's sword, his corslet, and his helm, And his letter. Caitiff, he shall feel Erminia. I see you are thunderstruck. Haste, haste away! Erminia. You needs must be. Carry it swift to Otho ; Tell him, moreover, I am prisoner Here in this camp, where all the sisterhood, Forced from their quiet cells, are parcel'd out For slaves among these Huns. Away! Away! Erminia. Swift be your steed! Within this hour Albert. That I can swear. Ere I sleep: Gersa (without). Brave captains! thanks. Of loyal homage now! [Hurries out. Enough Enter GERSA. Erminia. 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; Or, for such trifles, rob th' adorned world Erminia. I grieve, my Lord, To hear you condescend to ribald-phrase. Gersa. This is too much! Hearken, my lady pure! Erminia. Silence! and hear the magic of a name— Erminia! I am she,-the Emperor's niece! Praised be the Heavens, I now dare own myself! Gersa. Erminia! Indeed! I've heard of her. Pr'ythee, fair lady, what chance brought you here? Erminia. Ask your own soldiers. Gersa. And you dare own your name. For loveliness you may-and for the rest My vein is not censorious. Erminia. 'Tis false indeed. Gersa. Alas! poor me! Indeed you are too fair: The swan, soft leaning on her fledgy breast, When to the stream she launches, looks not back Yet would I give my unworn crown away Erminia. Trust me one day more, Generously, without more certain guarantee, Than this poor face you deign to praise so much; If I have any knowledge of you, sir, I think, nay I am sure you will grieve much For I am sick and faint with many wrongs, Erminia. Enter ETHELBERT. Gentle Prince, 'tis false indeed. Good morrow, holy father! I have had Your prayers, though I look'd for you in vain. Ethelbert. Blessings upon you, daughter! Sure you look Too cheerful for these foul pernicious days. Young man, you heard this virgin say 'twas false,- Fie! Fie! But I will be her guard myself; Gersa. Peace! peace, old man! I cannot think she is. Baptized her in the bosom of the Church, Watch'd her, as anxious husbandmen the grain, From the first shoot till the unripe mid-May, I follow you to Friedburg,-is 't not so? Erminia. Ay, so we purpose. Ethelbert. Daughter, do you so? How's this? I marvel! Yet you look not mad. Erminia. I have good news to tell you, Ethelbert. Your blessing, father! Sweet Erminia, Believe me, I am well nigh sure— Erminia. Short time will show. Farewell! [Enter Chiefs. |