Chapter 28

_Enter_ JOSEPHINE _and_ ULRIC.

_Jos._ Stand back, and let me look on thee again! My Ulric!--my belovéd!--can it be-- After twelve years?

_Ulr._ My dearest mother!

_Jos._ Yes! My dream is realised--how beautiful!-- How more than all I sighed for! Heaven receive A mother's thanks! a mother's tears of joy! This is indeed thy work!--At such an hour, too, He comes not only as a son, but saviour.

_Ulr._ If such a joy await me, it must double What I now feel, and lighten from my heart 10 A part of the long debt of duty, not Of love (for that was ne'er withheld)--forgive me! This long delay was not my fault.

_Jos._ I know it, But cannot think of sorrow now, and doubt If I e'er felt it, 'tis so dazzled from My memory by this oblivious transport!-- My son!

_Enter_ WERNER.

_Wer._ What have we here,--more strangers?--

_Jos._ No! Look upon him! What do you see?

_Wer._ A stripling, For the first time--

_Ulr._ (_kneeling_). For twelve long years, my father!

_Wer._ Oh, God!

_Jos._ He faints!

_Wer._ No--I am better now-- 20 Ulric! (_Embraces him_.)

_Ulr._ My father, Siegendorf!

_Wer._ (_starting_). Hush! boy-- The walls may hear that name!

_Ulr._ What then?

_Wer._ Why, then-- But we will talk of that anon. Remember, I must be known here but as Werner. Come! Come to my arms again! Why, thou look'st all I should have been, and was not. Josephine! Sure 'tis no father's fondness dazzles me; But, had I seen that form amid ten thousand Youth of the choicest, my heart would have chosen This for my son!

_Ulr._ And yet you knew me not! 30

_Wer._ Alas! I have had that upon my soul Which makes me look on all men with an eye That only knows the evil at first glance.

_Ulr._ My memory served me far more fondly: I Have not forgotten aught; and oft-times in The proud and princely halls of--(I'll not name them, As you say that 'tis perilous)--but i' the pomp Of your sire's feudal mansion, I looked back To the Bohemian mountains many a sunset, And wept to see another day go down 40 O'er thee and me, with those huge hills between us. They shall not part us more.

_Wer._ I know not that. Are you aware my father is no more?

_Ulr._ Oh, Heavens! I left him in a green old age, And looking like the oak, worn, but still steady Amidst the elements, whilst younger trees Fell fast around him. 'Twas scarce three months since.

_Wer._ Why did you leave him?

_Jos._ (_embracing_ ULRIC). Can you ask that question? Is he not _here_?

_Wer._ True; he hath sought his parents, And found them; but, oh! _how_, and in what state! 50

_Ulr._ All shall be bettered. What we have to do Is to proceed, and to assert our rights, Or rather yours; for I waive all, unless Your father has disposed in such a sort Of his broad lands as to make mine the foremost, So that I must prefer my claim for form: But I trust better, and that all is yours.

_Wer._ Have you not heard of Stralenheim?

_Ulr._ I saved His life but yesterday: he's here.

_Wer._ You saved The serpent who will sting us all!

_Ulr._ You speak 60 Riddles: what is this Stralenheim to us?

_Wer._ Every thing. One who claims our father's lands: Our distant kinsman, and our nearest foe.

_Ulr._ I never heard his name till now. The Count, Indeed, spoke sometimes of a kinsman, who, If his own line should fail, might be remotely Involved in the succession; but his titles Were never named before me--and what then? His right must yield to ours.

_Wer._ Aye, if at Prague: But here he is all-powerful; and has spread 70 Snares for thy father, which, if hitherto He hath escaped them, is by fortune, not By favour.

_Ulr._ Doth he personally know you?

_Wer._ No; but he guesses shrewdly at my person, As he betrayed last night; and I, perhaps, But owe my temporary liberty To his uncertainty.

_Ulr._ I think you wrong him (Excuse me for the phrase); but Stralenheim Is not what you prejudge him, or, if so, He owes me something both for past and present. 80 I saved his life, he therefore trusts in me. He hath been plundered too, since he came hither: Is sick, a stranger, and as such not now Able to trace the villain who hath robbed him: I have pledged myself to do so; and the business Which brought me here was chiefly that:[176] but I Have found, in searching for another's dross, My own whole treasure--you, my parents!

_Wer._ (_agitatedly_). Who Taught you to mouth that name of "villain?"

_Ulr._ What More noble name belongs to common thieves? 90

_Wer._ Who taught you thus to brand an unknown being With an infernal stigma?

_Ulr._ My own feelings Taught me to name a ruffian from his deeds.

_Wer._ Who taught you, long-sought and ill-found boy! that It would be safe for my own son to insult me?

_Ulr._ I named a villain. What is there in common With such a being and my father?

_Wer._ Every thing! That ruffian is thy father![177]

_Jos._ Oh, my son! Believe him not--and yet!--(_her voice falters_.)

_Ulr._ (_starts, looks earnestly at_ WERNER _and then says slowly_) And you avow it?

_Wer._ Ulric, before you dare despise your father, 100 Learn to divine and judge his actions. Young, Rash, new to life, and reared in Luxury's lap, Is it for you to measure Passion's force, Or Misery's temptation? Wait--(not long, It cometh like the night, and quickly)--Wait!-- Wait till, like me, your hopes are blighted[178] till Sorrow and Shame are handmaids of your cabin-- Famine and Poverty your guests at table; Despair your bed-fellow--then rise, but not From sleep, and judge! Should that day e'er arrive-- 110 Should you see then the Serpent, who hath coiled Himself around all that is dear and noble Of you and yours, lie slumbering in your path, With but _his_ folds between your steps and happiness, When _he_, who lives but to tear from you name, Lands, life itself, lies at your mercy, with Chance your conductor--midnight for your mantle-- The bare knife in your hand, and earth asleep, Even to your deadliest foe; and he as 'twere Inviting death, by looking like it, while 120 His death alone can save you:--Thank your God! If then, like me, content with petty plunder, You turn aside----I did so.

_Ulr._ But----

_Wer._ (_abruptly_). Hear me! I will not brook a human voice--scarce dare Listen to my own (if that be human still)-- Hear me! you do not know this man--I do.[179] He's mean, deceitful, avaricious. You Deem yourself safe, as young and brave; but learn None are secure from desperation, few From subtilty. My worst foe, Stralenheim, 130 Housed in a Prince's palace, couched within A Prince's chamber, lay below my knife! An instant--a mere motion--the least impulse-- Had swept him and all fears of mine from earth. He was within my power--my knife was raised-- Withdrawn--and I'm in his:--are you not so? Who tells you that he knows you _not?_ Who says He hath not lured you here to end you? or To plunge you, with your parents, in a dungeon? [_He pauses_.

_Ulr._ Proceed--proceed!

_Wer._ _Me_ he hath ever known, 140 And hunted through each change of time--name--fortune-- And why not _you?_ Are you more versed in men? He wound snares round me; flung along my path Reptiles, whom, in my youth, I would have spurned Even from my presence; but, in spurning now, Fill only with fresh venom. Will you be More patient? Ulric!--Ulric!--there are crimes Made venial by the occasion, and temptations Which nature cannot master or forbear.[180]

_Ulr._ (_who looks first at him and then at_ JOSEPHINE). My mother!

_Wer._ Ah! I thought so: you have now 150 Only one parent. I have lost alike Father and son, and stand alone.

_Ulr._ But stay! [WERNER _rushes out of the chamber_.

_Jos._ (_to_ ULRIC). Follow him not, until this storm of passion Abates. Think'st thou, that were it well for him, I had not followed?

_Ulr._ I obey you, mother, Although reluctantly. My first act shall not Be one of disobedience.

_Jos._ Oh! he is good! Condemn him not from his own mouth, but trust To me, who have borne so much with him, and for him, That this is but the surface of his soul, 160 And that the depth is rich in better things.

_Ulr._ These then are but my father's principles[181]? My mother thinks not with him?

_Jos._ Nor doth he Think as he speaks. Alas! long years of grief Have made him sometimes thus.

_Ulr._ Explain to me More clearly, then, these claims of Stralenheim, That, when I see the subject in its bearings, I may prepare to face him, or at least To extricate you from your present perils. I pledge myself to accomplish this--but would 170 I had arrived a few hours sooner!

_Jos._ Aye! Hadst thou but done so!

_Enter_ GABOR _and_ IDENSTEIN, _with Attendants_.

_Gab._ (_to_ ULRIC). I have sought you, comrade. So this is my reward!

_Ulr._ What do you mean?

_Gab._ 'Sdeath! have I lived to these years, and for this! (_To_ IDENSTEIN.) But for your age and folly, I would----

_Iden._ Help! Hands off! Touch an Intendant!

_Gab._ Do not think I'll honour you so much as save your throat From the Ravenstone[182] by choking you myself.

_Iden._ I thank you for the respite: but there are Those who have greater need of it than me. 180

_Ulr._ Unriddle this vile wrangling, or----

_Gab._ At once, then, The Baron has been robbed, and upon me This worthy personage has deigned to fix His kind suspicions--me! whom he ne'er saw Till yester evening.

_Iden._ Wouldst have me suspect My own acquaintances? You have to learn That I keep better company.

_Gab._ You shall Keep the best shortly, and the last for all men, The worms! You hound of malice! [GABOR _seizes on him_.

_Ulr._ (_interfering_). Nay, no violence: He's old, unarmed--be temperate, Gabor!

_Gab._ (_letting go_ IDENSTEIN). True: 190 I am a fool to lose myself because Fools deem me knave: it is their homage.

_Ulr._ (_to_ IDENSTEIN). How Fare you?

_Iden._ Help!

_Ulr._ I _have_ helped you.

_Iden._ Kill him! then I'll say so.

_Gab._ I am calm--live on!

_Iden._ That's more Than you shall do, if there be judge or judgment In Germany. The Baron shall decide!

_Gab._ Does _he_ abet you in your accusation?

_Iden._ Does he not?

_Gab._ Then next time let him go sink Ere I go hang for snatching him from drowning. But here he comes!

_Enter_ STRALENHEIM.

_Gab._ (_goes up to him_). My noble Lord, I'm here! 200

_Stral._ Well, sir!

_Gab._ Have you aught with me?

_Stral._ What should I Have with you?

_Gab._ You know best, if yesterday's Flood has not washed away your memory; But that's a trifle. I stand here accused, In phrases not equivocal, by yon Intendant, of the pillage of your person Or chamber:--is the charge your own or his?

_Stral._ I accuse no man.

_Gab._ Then you acquit me, Baron?

_Stral._ I know not whom to accuse, or to acquit, Or scarcely to suspect.

_Gab._ But you at least 210 Should know whom _not_ to suspect. I am insulted-- Oppressed here by these menials, and I look To you for remedy--teach them their duty! To look for thieves at home were part of it, If duly taught; but, in one word, if I Have an accuser, let it be a man Worthy to be so of a man like me. I am your equal.

_Stral._ You!

_Gab._ Aye, sir; and, for Aught that you know, superior; but proceed-- I do not ask for hints, and surmises, 220 And circumstance, and proof: I know enough Of what I have done for you, and what you owe me, To have at least waited your payment rather Than paid myself, had I been eager of Your gold. I also know, that were I even The villain I am deemed, the service rendered So recently would not permit you to Pursue me to the death, except through shame, Such as would leave your scutcheon but a blank. But this is nothing: I demand of you 230 Justice upon your unjust servants, and From your own lips a disavowal of All sanction of their insolence: thus much You owe to the unknown, who asks no more, And never thought to have asked so much.

_Stral._ This tone May be of innocence.

_Gab._ 'Sdeath! who dare doubt it, Except such villains as ne'er had it?

_Stral._ You Are hot, sir.

_Gab._ Must I turn an icicle Before the breath of menials, and their master[cr]?

_Stral._ Ulric! you know this man; I found him in 240 _Your_ company.

_Gab._ We found _you_ in the Oder; Would we had left you there!

_Stral._ I give you thanks, sir.

_Gab._ I've earned them; but might have earned more from others, Perchance, if I had left you to your fate.

_Stral._ Ulric! you know this man?

_Gab._ No more than you do If he avouches not my honour.

_Ulr._ I Can vouch your courage, and, as far as my Own brief connection led me, honour.

_Stral._ Then I'm satisfied.

_Gab._ (_ironically_). Right easily, methinks. What is the spell in his asseveration 250 More than in mine?

_Stral._ I merely said that _I_ Was satisfied--not that you are absolved.

_Gab._ Again! Am I accused or no?

_Stral._ Go to! You wax too insolent. If circumstance And general suspicion be against you, Is the fault mine? Is't not enough that I Decline all question of your guilt or innocence?

_Gab._ My Lord, my Lord, this is mere cozenage[183], A vile equivocation; you well know Your doubts are certainties to all around you-- 260 Your looks a voice--your frowns a sentence; you Are practising your power on me--because You have it; but beware! you know not whom You strive to tread on.

_Stral._ Threat'st thou?

_Gab._ Not so much As you accuse. You hint the basest injury, And I retort it with an open warning.

_Stral._ As you have said, 'tis true I owe you something, For which you seem disposed to pay yourself.

_Gab._ Not with your gold.

_Stral._ With bootless insolence. [_To his Attendants and_ IDENSTEIN. You need not further to molest this man, 270 But let him go his way. Ulric, good morrow! [_Exit_ STRALENHEIM, IDENSTEIN, _and Attendants_.

_Gab._ (_following_). I'll after him and----

_Ulr._ (_stopping him_). Not a step.

_Gab._ Who shall Oppose me?

_Ulr._ Your own reason, with a moment's Thought.

_Gab._ Must I bear this?

_Ulr._ Pshaw! we all must bear The arrogance of something higher than Ourselves--the highest cannot temper Satan, Nor the lowest his vicegerents upon earth. I've seen you brave the elements, and bear Things which had made this silkworm[184] cast his skin-- And shrink you from a few sharp sneers and words? 280

_Gab._ Must I bear to be deemed a thief? If 'twere A bandit of the woods, I could have borne it-- There's something daring in it:--but to steal The moneys of a slumbering man!--

_Ulr._ It seems, then, You are _not_ guilty.

_Gab._ Do I hear aright? _You_ too!

_Ulr._ I merely asked a simple question.

_Gab._ If the judge asked me, I would answer "No"-- To you I answer _thus_. [_He draws_.

_Ulr._ (_drawing_). With all my heart!

_Jos._ Without there! Ho! help! help!--Oh, God! here's murder! [_Exit_ JOSEPHINE, _shrieking_.

GABOR _and_ ULRIC _fight_. GABOR _is disarmed just as_ STRALENHEIM, JOSEPHINE, IDENSTEIN, _etc., re-enter_.

_Jos._ Oh! glorious Heaven! He's safe!

_Stral._ (_to_ JOSEPHINE). _Who's_ safe!

_Jos._ My----

_Ulr._ (_interrupting her with a stern look, and turning afterwards to_ STRALENHEIM). Both! 290 Here's no great harm done.

_Stral._ What hath caused all this?

_Ulr._ _You_, Baron, I believe; but as the effect Is harmless, let it not disturb you.--Gabor! There is your sword; and when you bare it next, Let it not be against your _friends_.

[ULRIC _pronounces the last words slowly and emphatically in a low voice to_ GABOR.

_Gab._ I thank you Less for my life than for your counsel.

_Stral._ These Brawls must end here.

_Gab._ (_taking his sword_). They _shall_. You've wronged me, Ulric, More with your unkind thoughts than sword: I would The last were in my bosom rather than The first in yours. I could have borne yon noble's 300 Absurd insinuations--ignorance And dull suspicion are a part of his Entail will last him longer than his lands-- But I may fit _him_ yet:--you have vanquished me. I was the fool of passion to conceive That I could cope with you, whom I had seen Already proved by greater perils than Rest in this arm. We may meet by and by, However--but in friendship. [_Exit_ GABOR.

_Stral._ I will brook No more! This outrage following upon his insults, 310 Perhaps his guilt, has cancelled all the little I owed him heretofore for the so-vaunted Aid which he added to your abler succour. Ulric, you are not hurt?--

_Ulr._ Not even by a scratch.

_Stral._ (_to_ IDENSTEIN). Intendant! take your measures to secure Yon fellow: I revoke my former lenity. He shall be sent to Frankfort with an escort, The instant that the waters have abated.

_Iden._ Secure him! He hath got his sword again---- And seems to know the use on't; 'tis his trade, 320 Belike;--_I'm_ a civilian.

_Stral._ Fool! are not Yon score of vassals dogging at your heels Enough to seize a dozen such? Hence! after him!

_Ulr._ Baron, I do beseech you!

_Stral._ I must be Obeyed. No words!

_Iden._ Well, if it must be so-- March, vassals! I'm your leader, and will bring The rear up: a wise general never should Expose his precious life--on which all rests. I like that article of war. [_Exit_ IDENSTEIN _and Attendants_.

_Stral._ Come hither, Ulric; what does that woman here? Oh! now 330 I recognise her, 'tis the stranger's wife Whom they _name_ "Werner."

_Ulr._ 'Tis his name.

_Stral._ Indeed! Is not your husband visible, fair dame?--

_Jos._ Who seeks him?

_Stral._ No one--for the present: but I fain would parley, Ulric, with yourself Alone.

_Ulr._ I will retire with you.

_Jos._ Not so: You are the latest stranger, and command All places here. (_Aside to_ ULRIC, _as she goes out_.) O Ulric! have a care-- Remember what depends on a rash word!

_Ulr._ (_to_ JOSEPHINE). Fear not!-- [_Exit_ JOSEPHINE.

_Stral._ Ulric, I think that I may trust you; 340 You saved my life--and acts like these beget Unbounded confidence.

_Ulr._ Say on.

_Stral._ Mysterious And long-engendered circumstances (not To be now fully entered on) have made This man obnoxious--perhaps fatal to me.

_Ulr._ Who? Gabor, the Hungarian?

_Stral._ No--this "Werner"-- With the false name and habit.

_Ulr._ How can this be? He is the poorest of the poor--and yellow Sickness sits caverned in his hollow eye[cs]: The man is helpless.

_Stral._ He is--'tis no matter;-- 350 But if he be the man I deem (and that He is so, all around us here--and much That is not here--confirm my apprehension) He must be made secure ere twelve hours further.

_Ulr._ And what have I to do with this?

_Stral._ I have sent To Frankfort, to the Governor, my friend, (I have the authority to do so by An order of the house of Brandenburgh), For a fit escort--but this curséd flood Bars all access, and may do for some hours. 360

_Ulr._ It is abating.

_Stral._ That is well.

_Ulr._ But how Am I concerned?

_Stral._ As one who did so much For me, you cannot be indifferent to That which is of more import to me than The life you rescued.--Keep your eye on _him_! The man avoids me, knows that I now know him.-- Watch him!--as you would watch the wild boar when He makes against you in the hunter's gap-- Like him he must be speared.

_Ulr._ Why so?

_Stral._ He stands Between me and a brave inheritance! 370 Oh! could you see it! But you shall.

_Ulr._ I hope so.

_Stral._ It is the richest of the rich Bohemia, Unscathed by scorching war. It lies so near The strongest city, Prague, that fire and sword Have skimmed it lightly: so that now, besides Its own exuberance, it bears double value Confronted with whole realms far and near Made deserts.

_Ulr._ You describe it faithfully.

_Stral._ Aye--could you see it, you would say so--but, As I have said, you shall.

_Ulr._ I accept the omen. 380

_Stral._ Then claim a recompense from it and me, Such as _both_ may make worthy your acceptance And services to me and mine for ever.

_Ulr._ And this sole, sick, and miserable wretch-- This way-worn stranger--stands between you and This Paradise?--(As Adam did between The devil and his)--[_Aside_].

_Stral._ He doth.

_Ulr._ Hath he no right?

_Stral._ Right! none. A disinherited prodigal, Who for these twenty years disgraced his lineage In all his acts--but chiefly by his marriage, 390 And living amidst commerce-fetching burghers, And dabbling merchants, in a mart of Jews.

_Ulr._ He has a wife, then?

_Stral._ You'd be sorry to Call such your mother. You have seen the woman He _calls_ his wife.

_Ulr._ Is she not so?

_Stral._ No more Than he's your father:--an Italian girl, The daughter of a banished man, who lives On love and poverty with this same Werner.

_Ulr._ They are childless, then?

_Stral._ There is or was a bastard, Whom the old man--the grandsire (as old age 400 Is ever doting) took to warm his bosom, As it went chilly downward to the grave: But the imp stands not in my path--he has fled, No one knows whither; and if he had not, His claims alone were too contemptible To stand.--Why do you smile?

_Ulr._ At your vain fears: A poor man almost in his grasp--a child Of doubtful birth--can startle a grandee!

_Stral._ All's to be feared, where all is to be gained.

_Ulr._ True; and aught done to save or to obtain it. 410

_Stral._ You have harped the very string next to my heart[185]. I may depend upon you?

_Ulr._ 'Twere too late To doubt it.

_Stral._ Let no foolish pity shake Your bosom (for the appearance of the man Is pitiful)--he is a wretch, as likely To have robbed me as the fellow more suspected, Except that circumstance is less against him; He being lodged far off, and in a chamber Without approach to mine; and, to say truth, I think too well of blood allied to mine, 420 To deem he would descend to such an act: Besides, he was a soldier, and a brave one Once--though too rash.

_Ulr._ And they, my Lord, we know By our experience, never plunder till They knock the brains out first--which makes them heirs, Not thieves. The dead, who feel nought, can lose nothing, Nor e'er be robbed: their spoils are a bequest-- No more.

_Stral._ Go to! you are a wag. But say I may be sure you'll keep an eye on this man, And let me know his slightest movement towards 430 Concealment or escape.

_Ulr._ You may be sure You yourself could not watch him more than I Will be his sentinel.

_Stral._ By this you make me Yours, and for ever.

_Ulr._ Such is my intention. [_Exeunt_.