I know not that.
Are you aware my father is no more?

_Ulr._ Oh, Heavens! I left him in a green old age,
And looking like the oak, worn, but still steady
Amidst the elements, whilst younger trees
Fell fast around him. 'Twas scarce three months since.

_Wer._ Why did you leave him?

_Jos._ (_embracing_ ULRIC). Can you ask that question?
Is he not _here_?

_Wer._ True; he hath sought his parents,
And found them; but, oh! _how_, and in what state! 50

_Ulr._ All shall be bettered. What we have to do
Is to proceed, and to assert our rights,
Or rather yours; for I waive all, unless
Your father has disposed in such a sort
Of his broad lands as to make mine the foremost,
So that I must prefer my claim for form:
But I trust better, and that all is yours.

_Wer._ Have you not heard of Stralenheim?

_Ulr._ I saved
His life but yesterday: he's here.

_Wer._ You saved
The serpent who will sting us all!

_Ulr._ You speak 60
Riddles: what is this Stralenheim to us?

_Wer._ Every thing. One who claims our father's lands:
Our distant kinsman, and our nearest foe.

_Ulr._ I never heard his name till now. The Count,
Indeed, spoke sometimes of a kinsman, who,
If his own line should fail, might be remotely
Involved in the succession; but his titles
Were never named before me--and what then?
His right must yield to ours.

_Wer._ Aye, if at Prague:
But here he is all-powerful; and has spread 70
Snares for thy father, which, if hitherto
He hath escaped them, is by fortune, not
By favour.

_Ulr._ Doth he personally know you?

_Wer._ No; but he guesses shrewdly at my person,
As he betrayed last night; and I, perhaps,
But owe my temporary liberty
To his uncertainty.

_Ulr._ I think you wrong him
(Excuse me for the phrase); but Stralenheim
Is not what you prejudge him, or, if so,
He owes me something both for past and present. 80
I saved his life, he therefore trusts in me.
He hath been plundered too, since he came hither:
Is sick, a stranger, and as such not now
Able to trace the villain who hath robbed