d, you had been detained by sickness--
If I could aid you--journeying the same way?

_Wer._ (_quickly_). I am not journeying the same way!

_Stral._ How know ye
That, ere you know my route?

_Wer._ Because there is
But one way that the rich and poor must tread
Together. You diverged from that dread path
Some hours ago, and I some days: henceforth 540
Our roads must lie asunder, though they tend
All to one home.

_Stral._ Your language is above
Your station.

_Wer._ (_bitterly_). Is it?

_Stral._ Or, at least, beyond
Your garb.

_Wer._ 'Tis well that it is not beneath it,
As sometimes happens to the better clad.
But, in a word, what would you with me?

_Stral._ (_startled_). I?

_Wer._ Yes--you! You know me not, and question me,
And wonder that I answer not--not knowing
My inquisitor. Explain what you would have,
And then I'll satisfy yourself, or me. 550

_Stral._ I knew not that you had reasons for reserve.

_Wer._ Many have such:--Have you none?

_Stral._ None which can
Interest a mere stranger.

_Wer._ Then forgive
The same unknown and humble stranger, if
He wishes to remain so to the man
Who can have nought in common with him.

_Stral._ Sir,
I will not balk your humour, though untoward:
I only meant you service--but good night!
Intendant, show the way! (_To_ GABOR.) Sir, you will with me?
[_Exeunt_ STRALENHEIM _and Attendants_; IDENSTEIN _and_ GABOR.

_Wer._ (_solus_). 'Tis he! I am taken in the toils. Before 560
I quitted Hamburg, Giulio, his late steward,
Informed me, that he had obtained an order
From Brandenburg's elector, for the arrest
Of Kruitzner (such the name I then bore) when
I came upon the frontier; the free city
Alone preserved my freedom--till I left
Its walls--fool that I was to quit them! But
I deemed this humble garb, and route obscure,
Had baffled the slow hounds in their pursuit.
What's to be done? He knows me not by person; 570
Nor could aught, save the eye of apprehension,
Have recognised _him_, after tw