 | The Secret Tribunal |  |
SCENE I.
A Wood.Enter DUKE WIRTEMBERG, and Train, assaulted.
[Exeunt.
Re-enter RUDOLPH, With his sword drawn and bloody.
Curse on this failing hand—the Duke escaped!
The country soon will rise, and vengeance reach me.
I dare not trust to Ratibor's protection.
Let me then fly!
Enter HERMAN.
Who talks of flight, the noise,
That echoes through the wood, speaks some attack,
And this man the assassin—yield thee, slave.
[They fight, in the scuffle both are disarmed, and Herman takes up Rudolph's sword, who rushes off with Herman's.]
His sword still stain'd with blood is in my hand!
Has treason dar'd attack our gracious Prince?
Here lay his path, and I had hope to meet him,
And so prepare him for the mournful visit.
16
Upon the blade I read a legend plainly—
“Regiment of Ratibor.” Ungrateful villain,
Thus to conspire against a brother's life—
But hark, what noise!
SOLDIERS, PEASANTS.
SOLDIER.
This way th'assassin fled.
Ha! this is he! assail him friends, the wretch,
Whose sword is recent from the bloody strife.
2d SOLDIER.
Yield, or thou dy'st—
HERMAN.
How, Soldiers! know ye not
Your Prince, 'tis Herman you assault thus rudely.
SOLDIER.
Herman! forgive me, Sir, we find you here,
With most suspicious circumstance attending;
You must submit, and go hence to the castle.
HERMAN.
I mean not to dispute your order, Soldiers,
Nor here explain myself—Before the Duke
I may disclose a mystery of horror.
17
Your sword, my Lord.
HERMAN.
Aye friend, be sure you keep it!
Unwip'd too—'tis your only testimony!
And may confound a traitor. To the Castle!
[Exeunt.
| The Secret Tribunal | |