University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Outside of the Banditti's Cavern.
Enter Arnold, hastily.
ARNOLD.
At length I've reach'd the cavern— (sounds his bugle)

Haste! ascend!— (The trap-door opens).

Enter Banditti.
Is there among you one, who at the call
Of honour will hold back when danger presses?

FINCK.
Try us.

ARNOLD.
When a brave comrade is in danger,
Will you desert him?

SWARTZ.
Put us to the proof.

ARNOLD.
You answer heartily. Now hear me, friends.
My brother, Herman, yonder is beset
By a whole host of foes—There is no mercy
For him t'expect, unless we succour him.

FINCK.
Where is he?

ARNOLD.
In the grove of pines that skirts
The road to Stolberg Castle. He has with him
A treasure—

SWARTZ.
Marry, then we go for something.

ARNOLD.
Aye, such a treasure, Swartz, as kings might envy—
The Baron's lovely heiress.

SWARTZ.
How the plague
Shall we gain ought by that?

ARNOLD.
Why thus, good Swartz—
If we can rescue them from their pursuers,
We shall obtain a pledge, which, at what price
We please to fix, the Baron must redeem.

FINCK.
What think ye, lads?—Our captain speaks most sagely:
A prize like that makes us all gentlemen.
I'll on for one—

BANDITTI.
Aye, one and all—

FINCK.
Lead on.

ARNOLD.
Thanks, my good friends—now forward to his succour!

[Exeunt.