When we reach'd the Muldau's bridge, The joyous crowd above, the numberless Barks mann'd with revellers in their best garbs, Which shot along the glancing tide below, The decorated street, the long array, The clashing music, and the thundering A long and loud farewell to its great doings, Ah! GABOR. "Tis, then, Werner! SIEGENDORF (haughtily). The same you knew, sir, by that name; and you? GABOR (looking round). I recognise you both; father and son, It seems. Count, I have heard that you, or yours, Have lately been in search of me: I am here. SIEGENDORF. I have sought you, and have found you; you are charged (Your own heart may inform you why) with such A crime as[He pauses. GABOR. Give it utterance, and then I'll meet the consequences. SIEGENDORF. You shall do so Much, for I Unless GABOR. First, who accuses me? SIEGENDORF. All things, When just as the artillery ceased, and paused The music, and the crowd embraced in lieu Of shouting, I heard in a deep, low voice, Distinct and keener far upon my ear Than the late cannon's volume, this word-" Werner !" If not all men: the universal rumour SIEGENDORF. These hints, as vague as vain, attach no less To me than to my son. GABOR. I can't help that. [SIEGENDORF first looks at the Hungarian, and ULRIC (looks at his father, and says) GABOR. I am unarm'd, count-bid your son lay down ULRIC (offers it to him contemptuously). GABOR. No, sir; 't is enough That we are both unarm'd-I would not choose To wear a steel which may be stain'd with more Blood than came there in battle. ULRIC (casts the sabre from him in contempt). It-or some Such other weapon, in my hands-spared yours Once, when disarm'd and at my mercy. GABOR. TrueI have not forgotten it: you spared me for Your own especial purpose-to sustain An ignominy not mine own. ULRIC. Proceed. The tale is doubtless worthy the relater. But is it of my father to hear further? [To SIEGENDOnt. SIEGENDORF (takes his son by the hand). My son! I know mine own innocence-and doubt not Of yours-but I have promised this man patience; As on that dread night Let him continue. ULRIC (composes himself ). GABOR. Count, you are bound to hear me. I came hither Of senators and princes; but you have call'd me, SIEGENDORF. Go on, sir. GABOR. Ere I do so, Allow me to inquire who profited GABOR. I will not detain you By speaking of myself much; I began Life early-and am what the world has made me. My chance at several places of resort Sent by the state, had, after strong resistance, Whom either accident or enterprise By Stralenheim's death? Was 't I-as poor as ever; Had carried from their usual haunt-the forests And poorer by suspicion on my name. Which skirt Bohemia-even into Lusatia. Of the free town of Frankfort. Of their fate, SIEGENDORF. And what is this to Ulric? GABOR. Amongst them there was said to be one man His judges, was attributed to witchcraft. Such was his influence:-I have no great faith I therefore deem'd him wealthy.-But my soul And did you so? SIEGENDORF. GABOR. You'll hear. Chance favour'd me: You! base calumniator! A popular affray in the public square Drew crowds together-it was one of those I had not err'd, and watch'd him long and nearly: ULRIC (smiling). The tale sounds well. You merciful! GABOR. I. 'T will rest With me at last to be so. When I first charged him with the crime :-so lately. I pledge my life for This is so SIEGENDORF. GABOR (interrupting him). The victim of your guilt; and my first thought I turn'd, and fled-i' the dark: chance, rather than This tower. SIEGEN DORF. yours. Withdraw into [Opens a turret door. SIEGENDORF (points to ULRIC's sabre, still upon the ground). Take also that I saw you eye it eagerly, and him Distrustfully. GABOR (takes up the sabre). To sell my life-not cheaply. [GABOR goes into the turret, which SIEGENDORF closes. SIEGENDORF (advances to ULRIC). Now, Count Ulric! For son I dare not call thee-What say'st thou? ULRIC. His tale is true. SIEGENDORF. True, monster! ULRIC. Most true, father; And you did well to listen to it: what SIEGENDORF. Ay, with half of my domains; And with the other half, could he and thou Unsay this villany. ULRIC. It is no time |