_Iden._ Like enough!
But hark! a noise of wheels and voices, and
A blaze of torches from without. As sure
As destiny, his Excellency's come. 430
I must be at my post; will you not join me,
To help him from his carriage, and present
Your humble duty at the door?

_Gab._ I dragged him
From out that carriage when he would have given
His barony or county to repel
The rushing river from his gurgling throat.
He has valets now enough: they stood aloof then,
Shaking their dripping ears upon the shore,
All roaring "Help!" but offering none; and as
For _duty_ (as you call it)--I did mine _then_, 440
Now do _yours_. Hence, and bow and cringe him here!

_Iden._ _I_ cringe!--but I shall lose the opportunity--
Plague take it! he'll be _here_, and I _not there!_
[_Exit_ IDENSTEIN _hastily_.

_Re-enter_ WERNER.

_Wer._ (_to himself_). I heard a noise of wheels and voices. How
All sounds now jar me! [_Perceiving_ GABOR.
Still here! Is he not
A spy of my pursuer's? His frank offer
So suddenly, and to a stranger, wore
The aspect of a secret enemy;
For friends are slow at such.

_Gab._ Sir, you seem rapt;
And yet the time is not akin to thought. 450
These old walls will be noisy soon. The baron,
Or count (or whatsoe'er this half drowned noble
May be), for whom this desolate village and
Its lone inhabitants show more respect
Than did the elements, is come.

_Iden._ (_without_). This way--
This way, your Excellency:--have a care,
The staircase is a little gloomy, and
Somewhat decayed; but if we had expected
So high a guest--Pray take my arm, my Lord!

_Enter_ STRALENHEIM, IDENSTEIN, _and Attendants--partly
his own, and partly Retainers of the Domain of which_
IDENSTEIN _is Intendant_.

_Stral._ I'll rest here a moment.

_Iden._ (_to the servants_). Ho! a chair! 460
Instantly, knaves. [STRALENHEIM _sits down_.

_Wer._ (_aside_). Tis he!

_Stral._ I'm better now.
Who are these