Chapter 10

Another cell in the Castle of Spandau.--Enter COUNT LANISKA and JAILOR.

JAILOR. Count Laniska, you bear the king's commission, although a prisoner; therefore, while I leave you to examine these papers (hands papers,) received from Mr. Worrendorf, I rely upon your honor not to attempt to escape.

COUNT. Your confidence is not misplaced, believe me. [Exit JAILOR.]--(Looks at papers.) My friend is unwearied in my cause. But I am a soldier, and have ever held my life at the disposal of the king. If Sophia were free and happy, I could look upon death with an undaunted spirit. (Puts up papers.) How like an angel she appeared when last I gazed upon her heavenly face--now glistening with the tear, now radiant with the smile of beauty!

SONG--LANISKA. The gentle bird on yonder spray, That sings its little life away; The rose-bud bursting into flower, And glittering in the sun and shower; The cherry-blossom on the tree-- Are emblematic all of thee.

Yon moon that sways the vassal streams, Like thee in modest beauty beams; So shines the diamond of the mine, And the rock-crystal of the brine; The gems of heaven, the earth and sea, Are blended, all, dear maid, in thee!

[Exit