!

_Josepha_. Was it for this our Ulric left us so?
Thou dids't deceive me then--he went not forth
To join the legions of Count Tilly's war?

_Werner_. I know not--he had left my father's castle, 130
Some months before his death--but why?--but why?
Left it as I did ere his birth, perchance,
Like me an outcast. Old age had not made
My father meeker--and my son, Alas!
Too much his Sire resembled----

_Josepha_. Yet there's comfort.
Restrain thy wandering Spirit--Ulric cannot
Have left his native land--thou dost not know,
Though it looks strangely, thy Sire and he
In anger parted--Hope is left us still.

_Werner_. The best hope that I ever held in youth, 140
When every pulse was life, each thought a joy,
(Yet not irrationally sanguine, since
My birth bespoke high thoughts,) hath lured and left me.
I will not be a dreamer in mine age--
The hunter of a shadow--let _boys hope_:
Of Hope I now know nothing but the name--
And that's a sound which jars upon my heart.
I've wearied thee--Good night--my patient Love!

_Josepha_. I must not leave thee thus--my husband--friend--
My heart is rent in twain for thee--I scarce 150
Dare greet thee as I would, lest that my love
Should seem officious and ill timed:--'tis early--
Yet rest were as a healing balm to thee--
Then once again--Good night!

_Voice Without_. What Ho--lights ho!

SCENE II.

_Josepha_. What noise is that? 'tis nearer--hush! they knock.
[_A knocking heard at the gate_--WERNER _starts_.

_Werner_ (_aside_). It may be that the bloodhounds of the villain,
Who long has tracked me, have approached at last:
I'll not be taken tamely.

_Josepha_. 'Twas the voice,
The single voice of some lone traveller.
I'll to the door.

_Werner_. No--stay thou here--again!
[_Knocking repeated. Opens the door_.
Well--Sir--your pleasure?

_Enter_ CARL _the Bavarian_.

_Carl_. Thanks most worthy Sir!
My pleasure, for to-night, depends on yours--
I'm weary, wet, and wayworn--without shelter,
Unless you please to grant it.

_Josepha_. You shal