University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

An Apartment in Stolberg Castle.
Enter Baron Stolberg and Count Rodolph.
BARON.
My lord, my lord, I pray no more of this.
Still bick'ring and complaining!

RODOLPH.
What, my lord!
On th' eve of marriage, to submit to treatment
So disrespectful and so indecorous!
The lady Ida is a handsome lady,
And, as your lordship's niece and only heir,
Entitled to respect; yet, I must own,
Some little cultivation of her talents,
Some small initiation in the world,
Might have enchanc'd her nat'ral excellence.

BARON.
I beg your lordship's leave to differ from you.
From my small observation of the world,
I entertain some doubts how its example
Could make her wiser, modester, or better.

RODOLPH.
Your lordship misconceives me. Those are points
Quite unconnected with my observation.

BARON.
I'm sorry for't. I should have thought they were
The qualities a wise man would most seek for.

RODOLPH.
For a plebeian maxim that may do;
But is your lordship yet to learn that we,
Who fill a more exalted sphere, require,
In those whom we select to share our rank,
Something more dignified, more graceful, more—

BARON.
Well, well, my lord, if that's your sentiment,
You've made in coming here a small mistake.
We are old-fashion'd people, and can't hope
To grow familiar with new-fangled notions.

RODOLPH.
My notions, give me leave to tell your lordship,
Are quite correct. There is a certain manner,
A kind of grace—

BARON.
Well, say no more about it—
There's no harm done—there may be families
More suited to your lordship's way of thinking
Than mine. The heiress of these rich domains
Need not despair of suitors. There are many,
As dignified as you, who'd gladly take her,
With all the imperfections you object to.

RODOLPH.
(Aside)
—Plague on my petulance! I've gone too far:
Th' old gentleman must be appeas'd, or else
I lose all chance of his estate.— (To the Baron)
—My lord,
I ask your lordship's pardon. On my honour,
You quite and clear mistake me. Lady Ida
Is a most dignified, accomplish'd lady,
The paragon of female excellence.

BARON.
Heyday! Why just this moment Ida was
A rude, uncultivated girl, and now
She is a paragon of excellence.
Your lordship's humble servant—you can veer,
I find, with ev'ry wind.

RODOLPH.
Who, I, my lord?
I crave permission to assure your lordship
You must undoubtedly have misconceiv'd me.
I entertain the most profound respect
For the young lady.

BARON.
Well, well—in that case,
What if your lordship should adopt a manner
A little better suited to her notions?
As you are like to pass your lives together,
'Twould be as well to set out on good terms.

RODOLPH.
My lord, I'm ready to do any thing
You may require.

BARON.
Then, in the first place,
Make up your silly quarrel, set things right,
And let me see you both with cheerful faces.
I'll go with you. I warrant me, you'll find her
As gentle as a lamb. These girls, my lord,
Think they've a privilege, while courtship lasts,
To have their way; and it is fair they should,
For, poor things! matrimony makes strange changes.

[Exeunt.