the
glaring outrage of those, who call'd themselves a sacred band, disputing
sacred rights, had gain'd some proselytes, when the prince Palatine
appear'd, and, like the torrent from the mountain's brow, assailed each
obstacle, and swept down all before him!

_Ab._ (_after a struggle._) Well! the result?

_Rav._ Most savage, most inevitable! for while in force they come to
claim their victim, you, and the brotherhood, are all proscribed for
treason and for sacrilege!

_Ag._ And this! this havoc is my causing! mine! a poor orphan! whose
death no kindred will deplore, whilst the whole world will mourn my kind
defender's loss! My lord, 'tis past! lov'd friend, farewell! and if one
victim will appease their rage, I'll hail the sacrifice, and die
contented. [_Going._

_Ab._ (_stopping her._) Die first this hated despot! who, ever,
fiend-like, strikes his envious fangs, where Heaven most loves, and
man's most bound to guard! I pardon! I give sanctuary! and whilst one
spark of ebbing life glows here, whilst one small fragment of these
walls remain, that fragment may be stained with dire assassin's blood!
but a poor orphan, who, I know is innocent, shall live to soar and
triumph o'er her foes! Let them advance! ourselves, our abbey, can
support some contest, and youn pright power! that watches o'er the
virtuous, will combat in our cause!--(_drums and trumpets heard at a
short distance._) Hark! they come!

_Ag._ They do! they do! and see! the prince, in person, leads the
furious band! Look! there! behold!

[Ravensburg _looks out._ Abbot _turns away._

_Ab._ Not, not for worlds, lest, maddening at the sight, I lose all
memory of holy function, and rush to strike the murderer of my peace
dead in his army's presence! Villain! barbarian!----(_weeps._) Oh! the
day has been, when these, fair nature's brightest gems, hung on my cheek
as emblems of pure sympathy! But now, like drops of fire, they serve to
light the brand of discord and revenge!--come--to the sanctuary!

_Rav._ Unequall'd man! fit guardian of such rights--speak! can my arm--

_Ab._ (_taking him aside._) Your father--mark--your father may have
heard why she is called Manfredi's daughter. I would know this, and all
that you can learn. Now, whilst there's hope, away--and this (_giving
him a key_) secures your private entrance through the western gate upon
the river's edge.

_Rav._ I'll seek my father, ascertain each fact, and, fear not, Agnes!
the pan