The subtlest excuser of small faults; 10 Enter, from the Castle, AURANTHE, followed by Pages holding up her robes, and a train of Women. She kneels. Hail my sweet hostess! I do thank the stars, I strove against thee and my hot-blood son, But now my sight is clear; forgive me, lady. 20 Auranthe. My lord, I was a vassal to your frown, Unto thine anger I might well have spoken, But this so sudden kindness makes me dumb. 30 Otho. What need of this? Enough, if you will be A potent tutoress to my wayward boy, And teach him, what it seems his nurse could not, To say, for once, I thank you. Sigifred! Albert. He has not yet return'd, my gracious liege. Otho. What then! No tidings of my friendly Arab? Conrad. None, mighty Otho. [To one of his Knights, who goes out. An hundred horsemen from my honoured gates, A full-heap'd helmet of the purest gold. 40 Otho. More thanks, good Conrad; for, except my son's, 10 subtlest] subtelest MS. There is no face I rather would behold Than that same quick-eyed pagan's. By the saints, Albert. So hang upon your spirit. Twice in the fight Otho. When in the glorious scuffle they met mine, Conrad. Pity he's not here. Otho. And my son too, pity he is not here. Lady Auranthe, I would not make you blush, But can you give a guess where Ludolph is? Know you not of him? Auranthe. 50 60 Indeed, my liege, no secretOtho. Nay, nay, without more words, dost know of him? Auranthe. I would I were so over-fortunate, Both for his sake and mine, and to make glad Otho. I see 'tis like to be a tedious day. 70 Albert. strange He thus avoids us. Lady, is 't not strange? 80 Leaving your cares to one whose diligence Say, what noise is that? [ALBERT advancing from the back of the Stage, whither he had hastened on hearing the cheers of the soldiery. Albert. It is young Gersa, the Hungarian prince, Pick'd like a red stag from the fallow herd Of prisoners. Poor prince, forlorn he steps, Slow, and demure, and proud in his despair. If I may judge by his so tragic bearing, His eye not downcast, and his folded arm, He doth this moment wish himself asleep Among his fallen captains on yon plains. Enter GERSA, in chains, and guarded. Otho. Well said, Sir Albert. 90 Not a word of greeting, No welcome to a princely visitor, Most mighty Otho? Will not my great host His gentlemen conduct me with all care To some securest lodging?-cold perhaps ! Otho. What mood is this? Hath fortune touch'd thy brain? Gersa. O kings and princes of this fev'rous world, What abject things, what mockeries must ye be, 101 What nerveless minions of safe palaces! When here, a monarch, whose proud foot is used To fallen princes' necks, as to his stirrup, Must needs exclaim that I am mad forsooth, Because I cannot flatter with bent knees My conqueror ! Otho. Gersa, I think you wrong me: I think I have a better fame abroad. Gersa. I prythee mock me not with gentle speech, But, as a favour, bid me from thy presence; 110 Let me no longer be the wondering food Of all these eyes; prythee command me hence! Otho. Do not mistake me, Gersa. That you may not, Come, fair Auranthe, try if your soft hands Can manage those hard rivets to set free So brave a prince and soldier. Auranthe (sets him free). 'Welcome task! Gersa. I am wound up in deep astonishment! Thank you, fair lady. Otho! emperor! You rob me of myself; my dignity Is now your infant; I am a weak child. 120 Otho. Give me your hand, and let this kindly grasp Live in our memories. Gersa. In mine it will. I blush to think of my unchasten'd tongue; Who eas'd the crownet from your infant brows, Gersa. Then I retire, so generous Otho please, Too heavy to be borne. Otho. Though I did hold you high in my esteem. 131 140 Gersa. If ever, sire, You are mine enemy, I dare here swear 150 Otho. Will you return, Prince, to our banqueting? Gersa. As to my father's board I will return. Otho. Conrad, with all due ceremony, give The prince a regal escort to his camp; Albert, go thou and bear him company. Gersa, farewell! Gersa. All happiness attend you ! Otho. Return with what good speed you may; for soon We must consult upon our terms of peace. [Exeunt GERSA and ALBERT with others. And thus a marble column do I build 160 To prop my empire's dome. Conrad, in thee I know how the great basement of all power Of fear and weakness, and a hollow state. Conrad. To kiss that hand, 180 Thou art wrong; My emperor, is ample recompense, Otho. For what can any man on earth do more? Conrad. How is Friedburg honoured! |