life you saved?

_Gab._ I helped to save him, as in peril; but
I did not pledge myself to serve him in
Oppression. I know well these nobles, and
Their thousand modes of trampling on the poor.
I have proved them; and my spirit boils up when
I find them practising against the weak:--
This is my only motive.

_Jos._ It would be
Not easy to persuade my consort of 660
Your good intentions.

_Gab._ Is he so suspicious?

_Jos._ He was not once; but time and troubles have
Made him what you beheld.

_Gab._ I'm sorry for it.
Suspicion is a heavy armour, and
With its own weight impedes more than protects.
Good night! I trust to meet with him at day-break.
[_Exit_ GABOR.

_Re-enter_ IDENSTEIN _and some Peasants_.
JOSEPHINE _retires up the Hall_.

_First Peasant_. But if I'm drowned?

_Iden._ Why, you will be well paid for 't,
And have risked more than drowning for as much,
I doubt not.

_Second Peasant_. But our wives and families?

_Iden._ Cannot be worse off than they are, and may 670
Be better.

_Third Peasant_. I have neither, and will venture.

_Iden._ That's right. A gallant carle, and fit to be
A soldier. I'll promote you to the ranks
In the Prince's body-guard--if you succeed:
And you shall have besides, in sparkling coin,
Two thalers.

_Third Peasant_. No more!

_Iden._ Out upon your avarice!
Can that low vice alloy so much ambition?
I tell thee, fellow, that two thalers in
Small change will subdivide into a treasure.
Do not five hundred thousand heroes daily 680
Risk lives and souls for the tithe of one thaler?
When had you half the sum?

_Third Peasant_. Never--but ne'er
The less I must have three.

_Iden._ Have you forgot
Whose vassal you were born, knave?

_Third Peasant_. No--the Prince's,
And not the stranger's.

_Iden._ Sirrah! in the Prince's
Absence, I am sovereign; and the Baron is
My intimate connection;--"Cousin Idenstein!
(Quoth he) you'll order out a dozen villains."