Freb. [Shaking his head.] Ah! no, De Monfort! Tells me another tale. Then wrong me not; Here am I all devoted to thy love; Open thy heart to me. What troubles thee? De Mon. I have no grief; distress me not, my friend. Freb. Nay, do not call me so. friend, Wert thou my Wouldst thou not open all thine inmost soul, De Mon. Freberg, thou know'st not man; not na- But only him, who, in smooth studied works In all the splendid foppery of virtue. That man was never born, whose secret soul, Away, away! it is delusion all. Freb. Well, be reserved then, perhaps I'm wrong. Freb. 'Tis early; a long day is still before us, I'll introduce you to my pleasant friend! [Taking his hand. There is no good I would not share with thee, [DE MONFORT pulls his hand hastily from Ha! What is this? Art thou pain-stricken, Monfort? Nay, on my life, thou rather seem'st offended; Freb, No, say not all men. But thou art offended. De Mon. What dost thou mean to say? What is't to me Whether I meet with such a thing as Rezenvelt Freb. In truth, I thought you had been well with him. He praised you much. De Mon. I thank him for his praise-Come, let us move: This chamber is confined and airless grown. I hear a stranger's voice? Freb. 'Tis Rezervelt. Let him be told that we are gone abroad. [Starting. De Mon. [Proudly.] No! let him enter. Who waits there? Ho! Manuel! Enter MANUEL. What stranger speaks below? Man. The Marquis Rezenvelt. De Mon. [Angrily.] And wherefore didst thou not? Let him ascend. [A long pause. DE MONFORT walking up Enter REZENVELT, and runs freely up to DE Rez. [To DE MONFORT.] My noble marquis, wel come! De Mon. Sir, I thank you. Rez. [To FREBERG.] My gentle friend, well met. Abroad so early? Freb. It is indeed an early hour for me. How sits thy last night's revel on thy spirits? Rez. O, light as ever. On my way to you, E'en now, I learnt De Monfort was arrived, And turned my steps aside; so here I am. [Bowing gaily to DE MONFORT. De Mon. I thank you, sir; you do me too much [Proudly. Rez. Nay, say not so; not too much honour, honour. surely, Unless, indeed, 'tis more than pleases you. De Mon. [Confused.] Having no previous notice of your coming, I look'd not for it. Rez. Ay, true, indeed; when I approach you next, I'll send a herald to proclaim my coming; And bow to you by sound of trumpet, marquis. De Mon. [To FREBERG, turning haughtily from REZENVELT with affected indifference.] How does your cheerful friend, that good old man? Freb. My cheerful friend? I know not whom you mean. De Mon. Count Waterlan. Freb. I know not one so named. De Mon. [Very confused]. O pardon me--it was at Bâle I knew him. Freb. You have not yet enquired for honest Reisdale. I met him as I came, and mention'd you. He seem'd amazed; and fain he would have learnt What cause procured us so much happiness. He question'd hard, and hardly would believe; I could not satisfy his strong desire. Rez. And know you not what brings De Monfort here? Freb. Truly, I do not. Rez. O! 'tis love of me. I have but two short days in Amberg been, Your town so changed? De Mon. Not altogether so : Some witlings and jest-mongers still remain Rez. But he laughs not, and therefore he is wise, Freb. Fie, Rezenvelt! You are too early gay; Such spirits rise but with the evening's glass: They suit not placid morn. [TO DE MONFORT, who, after walking impatiently up and down, comes close to his ear, and lays hold of his arm. What would you, Monfort? De Mon. Nothing-Yet, what is't o'clock ? No, no-I had forgot-'tis early still. [Turns away again. Freb. [To REZEN VELT.] Waltser informs me that you have agreed To read his verses o'er, and tell the truth: It is a dangerous task. Rez. Yet I'll be honest: I can but lose his favour and a feast. [Whilst they speak, DE MONFORT walks up and down impatiently and irresolute; at last, pulls the bell violently. Enter a SERVANT. De Mon. [TO SERVANT.] What dost thou want? Serv. I thought your honour rung. De Mon. I have forgot-Stay; are my horses saddled? Serv. I thought, my lord, you would not ride today, After so long a journey. De Mon. [Impatiently.] Well-'tis good. Begone! I want thee not. [Exit SERVANT. Rez. Smiling significantly.] I humbly crave your pardon, gentle marquis. It grieves me that I cannot stay with you, TO FREBERG.] Will you not go with me? [Exeunt REZENVELT and FREBERG, De Mon. [Alone, tossing his arms distractedly.] Hell hath no greater torment for th' accursed Than this man's presence gives- Thy hateful visage ever spoke thy worth: That should be besotted with him thus ! [Ex. |