laisance--

_Gern._ I have been complaisant, as far as laid in my power. I cannot
be so at the expence of my duty.

_Fred._ I do not insist on that either. But,--but--

_Gern._ What would you wish that your own sentiments of equity forbids
you to utter?

_Fred._ I only wish--I demand nothing--I only wish you to soften your
rigid idea of duty, if you can.

_Gern._ I know nothing but justice, that will not admit of any by-road.
And if I were capable of such a sacrifice, whither would it lead me? It
would lead me to see you, Selling's wife, and to laugh at me.

_Fred._ Must I break with all the world, because our hearts beat in
unison? Am I criminal to listen to Selling's nonsense, because he is
the only man through whom I can act upon my brother?

_Gern._ Then I may rely upon you?

_Fred._ Undoubtedly.

_Gern._ Pledge me your hand!

_Fred._ With all my heart!

_Gern._ Thus love will not forsake me, when I shall fall a victim to my
duty.

_Fred._ I know no deceit, and follow the dictates of my heart.

_Gern._ In the name of heaven then I go to discharge my duty; it
rewards and strengthens. Good bye, Frederica!--One more word, you are
good; but are you resolute?

_Fred._ I am indeed!

_Gern._ Your brother has plans about you, in which I am most certainly
set down for nought.--Frederica, Frederica, let him drive me hence, but
not from you!

_Fred._ He shall not, he cannot. And no man can render me inconstant to
you, but yourself.

_Gern._ Then you are mine, and I am easy.

_Fred._ And owe no grudge to my brother?

_Gern._ Frederica, I am an honest man.

_Fred._ Whom the purest love shall reward, as far as love can reward!

_Gern._ Adieu, dear Frederica!

_Fred._ Adieu, Gernau! [Exeunt by opposite doors.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

A room in the Privy Counsellor's, furnished in the
modern stile.

REISSMAN, LEWIS.

_Lew._ I shall have the honour to let the Privy Counsellor know, that
the Aulic Counsellor Reissman waits. (Steps into a closet, out of which
the Privy Counsellor immediately comes, and Lewis sometime after.)

_Reiss._ I fly to congratulate you on your well-merited elevation.

_P. Coun._ I thank you with all my heart. I shall never forget that I
am indebted to you for it.

_Reiss._ I beg,--nay, I entreat--

_P. Coun._ Your advice.