University of Virginia Library

Scene II:

—An underground room in the Royal Palace. Gottlieb is seated at a table with a breviary open before him, reading by the light of a shaded lamp.
Oswald
[entering].
Most reverend father, you must leave this room.

Gottlieb.
I know the voice. Who is it?—Mammon's Duke—
Come to release me by some secret means.

Oswald.
To do my master's bidding. Follow me.

Gottlieb.
But whither, Oswald? To the light of day?

Oswald.
Ask nothing. Quickly come; what we intend,
And you must undergo, shrieks for dispatch.

Gottlieb.
I am an old man, Oswald; imprisonment
Afflicts me:—old and anxious; active; keen
To be about again. But you are sullen;—
[Rises and holds the lamp to Oswald's face.]
No freedom in your looks, nor in your mind.

Oswald.
Of all men at this hour whom terror daunts
You have the worst in prospect. Be afraid—
Most miserably concerned; then gather up
Your soul in God as in a carapace.

Gottlieb replaces the lamp and sinks into the chair.
Oswald.
'Tis well for you that you believe in God:
I tell you this in kindness.

Gottlieb.
Am I to die?

Oswald.
Not yet.

Gottlieb.
For two events my soul's prepared,
My freedom or my death; but for no third.

Oswald.
Have I not told you to put on the whole
Armour of God? O father, steep your sense
In that celestial anodyne and famed
Specific of the martyrs, perfect trust!

Gottlieb.
You are earnest, you are moved; and yet a faint
Ironic light gleams in your adjuration.
How must I take you, Oswald?

Oswald.
At my word.
Be lost in prayer; and do as I command—
And am commanded. Follow me at once.

Gottlieb.
My mind is set on death or liberty;
And thence I will not stir on any vague
Assurance, nor for any artful threat.

Oswald.
Then you'll be stirred.

[Opens the door and admits six warders.
Gottlieb.
What are these ruffians for?

Oswald.
Come after me and learn.—Assist the Abbot.

The warders seize Gottlieb and are about to carry him out.
Gottlieb.
Release me. I submit.—God keep my soul!

[Goes out followed by the warders.