ing, his vizor half up: the other knights remaining
behind the trees._

_Zast._ Behold! the traitress!

_Ab._ (_coming between Zastrow and Agnes._) On one false charge
condemn'd, I trust, I'm confident of all she's innocent. (_Zastrow still
advancing._) Nay, ye, who boast yourselves avenging knights, recall
these chivalrous heroic times, when knighthood's lance aveng'd a better
cause, and flew to guard, and not destroy, such helplessness! Reflect,
beside, that love for what's divine (_pointing to heaven_) inspires the
soul with love for what is human! and whilst religion, with the
brightening sun, shines forth to gladden and improve, dark superstition,
like the cankering blight, infects and withers every social hope! You
pass not further; on my life you pass not!

_Zast._ Advance! (_free knights rush forward and seize Agnes_) and as ye
are commanded (_pointing to the banner_) strike!

_Abbot._ And as ye are commanded (_pointing to the inscription on the
statute of Charlemagne_) spare!--you know my power!--(_to the
monks_)--you know the edict of our mighty founder, victorious
Charlemagne! who, in return for laurels won upon this spot, first raised
our abbey, to commemorate conquest; and soon endowing it with right of
sanctuary, next gave the abbot the more blest prerogative of granting
pardon, where he saw just cause! I see it now! I claim my abbey's
privilege! I stand upon my founder's edict! and kings! laws! armies!
must support the man, who, struggling for a sacred right, asserts
mankind's and heaven's inspiring cause! (_the free knights unloose their
hold of Agnes, who crosses to the abbot; and the monks, by their manner
evince conviction._) No more I sue for your support--(_to the
monks_)--now I command it!--And ye, fam'd foes to sacreligious
outrage!--(_to the free knights_)--proclaim that this, my post assigned
to me by providence, I will maintain or perish in the conflict! Lead to
the sanctuary--away!

[_Music._--Agnes _thanks the_ Abbot, _who cheers and encourages her._
Free knights _ascend the avenue, and disappear._ Monks _exeunt into the
abbey._ Abbot _following with_ Agnes.

_End of Act II._

ACT III

SCENE I.--_View of corbey abbey, open country and chateau._

_Enter countess_ Roland _and attendants._

_Count._ How fortunate! how very fortunate! Whilst I was in pursuit of
that low wretch, call'd Christopher, I call'd in at the marquis
Alberti's, and heard the welcome news, that my nephe