l Sir--but--to Mansfeldt!--
[ULRIC _stops his father and says aside to him_,
_Silence--father--_
Whate'er it be that shakes you thus--_tread down_--
(_To Stralenheim_) My father, Sir, was born not far from Prague,
And knows it's environs--and, when he hears,
The name endeared to him by native thoughts,
He would ask of it, and it's habitants-- 170
You will excuse his plain blunt mode of question.

_Stralenheim_. Indeed, perchance, then, he may aid my search.
Pray, know you aught of one named Werner? who
(But he no doubt has passed through many names),
Lived long in Hamburgh--and has thence been traced
Into Silesia--and not far from hence--
But there we lost him; he who can disclose
Aught of him, or his hiding-place, will find
Advantage in revealing it.

_Ulric_. Why so--Sir?

_Stralenheim_. There are strong reasons to suspect this man 180
Of crimes against the State--league with Swedes--
And other evil acts of moment:--he
Who shall deliver him, bound hand and foot,
Will benefit his country and himself:
I will reward him doubly too.

_Ulric_. You know him?

_Stralenheim_. He never met my eyes--but Circumstance
Has led me to near knowledge of the man.
He is a villain--and an enemy
To all men--most to me! If earth contain him,
He shall be found and fettered: I have hopes, 190
By traces which tomorrow will unravel,
A fresh clue to his lurking spot is nigh.

_Carl_. And, if I find it, I will break the thread.
What, all the world against one luckless wight!
And he a fugitive--I would I knew him!

_Ulric_. You'd help him to escape--is it not so?

_Carl_. I would, indeed!

_Ulric_. The greater greenhorn you!
I would secure him--nay--I will do so.

_Stralenheim_. If it be so--my gratitude for aid,
And rescue of my life from the wild waters, 200
Will double in it's strength and it's requital.
Your father, too, perhaps can help our search?

_Werner_. _I_ turn a spy--no--not for _Mansfeldt Castle_,
And all the broad domain it frowns upon.

_Stralenheim_. Mansfeldt again!--you know it then? perchance,
You also know the story of it's lords