Faith's Fraud A Tragedy in Five Acts |
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| 5. | SCENE V. |
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 | Faith's Fraud |  |
SCENE V.
Night.—Castle Hall.Count Albert, Ellen, Ursula, and Barbara.
COUNT.
This goodness brings me health again: I see
That all are not unjust.
ELLEN.
Your highness sought me?
COUNT.
Ay, so I did—but not these witnesses.
URSULA.
We have our cares elsewhere, and must go hence.
COUNT.
Ay, do so, mistress Ursula—fare thee well!
ELLEN.
She stays as long as I do.
136
Hear me, Ellen!
ELLEN.
Then speak—we may not tarry here.
COUNT.
Nor I.
Has Barbara told you that I must be gone?
Because I would not yield my throat to murder,
But lightly took a drunkard's sword away,
Must part at dawn from Rolandseck?
ELLEN.
The need
Hardly foreruns another stronger still.
My father's wishes are mine too.
COUNT.
Then needs it
That you and he should think alike in this?
ELLEN.
It is becoming that we should.
COUNT.
That both
Refuse to hear me—prove alike unjust?
ELLEN.
He is not so.
COUNT.
Nay, if in all things else,
Why not in this?
ELLEN.
Who tells me that he is?
COUNT.
This change to frowns is needless, at the least.
He drives me hence, and asks me why I tarried—
But justly you cannot.
URSULA.
We shall be missed!
COUNT.
Promise me justice—all may ask for that.
ELLEN.
I will not doubt the honor of your highness—
If I shall pledge me farther than is asked,
Promise in turn to leave without offence.
COUNT.
I do.
137
To part from Rolandseck?
COUNT.
Twice promised.
ELLEN.
I will think justly, if I may—I must
Think kindly of your grace. That which was earned
In happier hours, shall be my care to cherish.
My peace requires so much: is this enough?
COUNT.
Enough to make me happier! You shall guide me.
I will be patient, grateful,—what you please.
ELLEN.
Then point not misery sharper than it is.
Do I lack patience less?
COUNT.
You have my pledge.
We shall be happier when we meet hereafter.
Let these two stand as witnesses.
ELLEN.
Of what?
COUNT.
My vows and yours—of faith and love between us.
Give me that hand.
ELLEN.
I never will, Count Albert.
It is not said in anger, nor in haste.
There is a mightier witness hears me too.
I never will! We part without reproach;
But, by his truth, one roof—with my consent—
Shall never shelter both of us again.
[Exeunt Ellen, Ursula, and Barbara.
COUNT.
Only a moment! Bless this little fool!
She has made me a great one. Fade, ye willows!
Now for a brook and garland!
[Exit.
| Faith's Fraud | |