Chapter 34

Castle of Siegendorf, decorated with Trophies, Banners, and Arms of that Family_.

_Enter_ ARNHEIM _and_ MEISTER, _attendants of_ COUNT SIEGENDORF.

_Arn._ Be quick! the Count will soon return: the ladies Already are at the portal. Have you sent The messengers in search of him he seeks for?

_Meis._ I have, in all directions, over Prague, As far as the man's dress and figure could By your description track him. The devil take These revels and processions! All the pleasure (If such there be) must fall to the spectators,-- I'm sure none doth to us who make the show.

_Arn._ Go to! my Lady Countess comes.

_Meis._ I'd rather 10 Ride a day's hunting on an outworn jade, Than follow in the train of a great man, In these dull pageantries.

_Arn._ Begone! and rail Within. [_Exeunt_.

_Enter the_ COUNTESS JOSEPHINE SIEGENDORF _and_ IDA STRALENHEIM.

_Jos._ Well, Heaven be praised! the show is over.

_Ida._ How can you say so? Never have I dreamt Of aught so beautiful. The flowers, the boughs, The banners, and the nobles, and the knights, The gems, the robes, the plumes, the happy faces, The coursers, and the incense, and the sun Streaming through the stained windows, even the _tombs_, 20 Which looked so calm, and the celestial hymns, Which seemed as if they rather came from Heaven Than mounted there--the bursting organ's peal Rolling on high like an harmonious thunder; The white robes and the lifted eyes; the world At peace! and all at peace with one another! Oh, my sweet mother! [_Embracing_ JOSEPHINE.

_Jos._ My belovéd child! For such, I trust, thou shalt be shortly.

_Ida._ Oh! I am so already. Feel how my heart beats!

_Jos._ It does, my love; and never may it throb 30 With aught more bitter.

_Ida._ Never shall it do so! How should it? What should make us grieve? I hate To hear of sorrow: how can we be sad, Who love each other so entirely? You, The Count, and Ulric, and your daughter Ida.

_Jos._ Poor child!

_Ida._ Do you pity me?

_Jos._ No: I but envy, And that in sorrow, not in the world's sense Of the universal vice, if one vice be More general than another.

_Ida._ I'll not hear A word against a world which still contains 40 You and my Ulric. Did you ever see Aught like him? How he towered amongst them all! How all eyes followed him! The flowers fell faster-- Rained from each lattice at his feet, methought, Than before all the rest; and where he trod I dare be sworn that they grow still, nor e'er Will wither.

_Jos._ You will spoil him, little flatterer, If he should hear you.

_Ida._ But he never will. I dare not say so much to him--I fear him.

_Jos._ Why so? he loves you well.

_Ida._ But I can never 50 Shape my thoughts _of_ him into words _to_ him: Besides, he sometimes frightens me.

_Jos._ How so? _Ida._ A cloud comes o'er his blue eyes suddenly, Yet he says nothing.

_Jos._ It is nothing: all men, Especially in these dark troublous times, Have much to think of.

_Ida._ But I cannot think Of aught save him.

_Jos._ Yet there are other men, In the world's eye, as goodly. There's, for instance, The young Count Waldorf, who scarce once withdrew His eyes from yours to-day.

_Ida._ I did not see him, 60 But Ulric. Did you not see at the moment When all knelt, and I wept? and yet, methought, Through my fast tears, though they were thick and warm, I saw him smiling on me.

_Jos._ I could not See aught save Heaven, to which my eyes were raised, Together with the people's.

_Ida._ I thought too Of Heaven, although I looked on Ulric.

_Jos._ Come, Let us retire! they will be here anon, Expectant of the banquet. We will lay Aside these nodding plumes and dragging trains. 70

_Ida._ And, above all, these stiff and heavy jewels, Which make my head and heart ache, as both throb Beneath their glitter o'er my brow and zone. Dear mother, I am with you.

_Enter_ COUNT SIEGENDORF, _in full dress, from the solemnity_, and LUDWIG.

_Sieg._ Is he not found?

_Lud._ Strict search is making every where; and if The man be in Prague, be sure he will be found.

_Sieg._ Where's Ulric?

_Lud._ He rode round the other way With some young nobles; but he left them soon; And, if I err not, not a minute since I heard his Excellency, with his train, 80 Gallop o'er the west drawbridge.

_Enter ULRIC, splendidly dressed_.

_Sieg._ (_to_ LUDWIG). See they cease not Their quest of him I have described. [_Exit_ LUDWIG. Oh, Ulric! How have I longed for thee!

_Ulr._ Your wish is granted-- Behold me!

_Sieg._ I have seen the murderer.

_Ulr._ Whom? Where?

_Sieg._ The Hungarian, who slew Stralenheim.

_Ulr._ You dream.

_Sieg._ I live! and as I live, I saw him-- Heard him! he dared to utter even my name.

_Ulr._ What name?

_Sieg._ Werner! _'twas_ mine.

_Ulr._ It must be so No more: forget it.

_Sieg._ Never! never! all My destinies were woven in that name: 90 It will not be engraved upon my tomb, But it may lead me there.

_Ulr._ To the point----the Hungarian?

_Sieg._ Listen!--The church was thronged: the hymn was raised; "_Te Deum_" pealed from nations rather than From choirs, in one great cry of "God be praised" For one day's peace, after thrice ten dread years, Each bloodier than the former: I arose, With all the nobles, and as I looked down Along the lines of lifted faces,--from Our bannered and escutcheoned gallery, I 100 Saw, like a flash of lightning (for I saw A moment and no more), what struck me sightless To all else--the Hungarian's face! I grew Sick; and when I recovered from the mist Which curled about my senses, and again Looked down, I saw him not. The thanksgiving Was over, and we marched back in procession.

_Ulr._ Continue.

_Sieg._ When we reached the Muldau's bridge, The joyous crowd above, the numberless Barks manned with revellers in their best garbs, 110 Which shot along the glancing tide below, The decorated street, the long array, The clashing music, and the thundering Of far artillery, which seemed to bid A long and loud farewell to its great doings, The standards o'er me, and the tramplings round, The roar of rushing thousands,--all--all could not Chase this man from my mind, although my senses No longer held him palpable.

_Ulr._ You saw him No more, then?

_Sieg._ I looked, as a dying soldier 120 Looks at a draught of water, for this man; But still I saw him not; but in his stead----

_Ulr._ What in his stead?

_Sieg._ My eye for ever fell Upon your dancing crest; the loftiest. As on the loftiest and the loveliest head, It rose the highest of the stream of plumes, Which overflowed the glittering streets of Prague.

_Ulr._ What's this to the Hungarian?

_Sieg._ Much! for I Had almost then forgot him in my son; When just as the artillery ceased, and paused 130 The music, and the crowd embraced in lieu Of shouting, I heard in a deep, low voice, Distinct and keener far upon my ear Than the late cannon's volume, this word--"_Werner!_"

_Ulr._ Uttered by----

_Sieg._ HIM! I turned--and saw--and fell.

_Ulr._ And wherefore? Were you seen?

_Sieg._ The officious care Of those around me dragged me from the spot, Seeing my faintness, ignorant of the cause: You, too, were too remote in the procession (The old nobles being divided from their children) 140 To aid me.

_Ulr._ But I'll aid you now.

_Sieg._ In what?

_Ulr._ In searching for this man, or----When he's found, What shall we do with him?

_Sieg._ I know not that.

_Ulr._ Then wherefore seek?

_Sieg._ Because I cannot rest Till he is found. His fate, and Stralenheim's, And ours, seem intertwisted! nor can be Unravelled, till----

_Enter an_ ATTENDANT.

_Atten._ A stranger to wait on Your Excellency.

_Sieg._ Who?

_Atten._ He gave no name.

_Sieg._ Admit him, ne'ertheless. [_The_ ATTENDANT _introduces_ GABOR, _and afterwards exit_. Ah!

_Gab._ 'Tis then Werner!

_Sieg._ (_haughtily_). The same you knew, sir, by that name; and _you!_ 150

_Gab._ (_looking round_). I recognise you both: father and son, It seems. Count, I have heard that you, or yours, Have lately been in search of me: I am here.

_Sieg._ I have sought you, and have found you: you are charged (Your own heart may inform you why) with such A crime as---- [_He pauses_.

_Gab._ Give it utterance, and then I'll meet the consequences.

_Sieg._ You shall do so-- Unless----

_Gab._ First, who accuses me?

_Sieg._ All things, If not all men: the universal rumour-- My own presence on the spot--the place--the time-- 160 And every speck of circumstance unite To fix the blot on you.

_Gab._ And on _me only?_ Pause ere you answer: is no other name, Save mine, stained in this business?

_Sieg._ Trifling villain! Who play'st with thine own guilt! Of all that breathe Thou best dost know the innocence of him 'Gainst whom thy breath would blow thy bloody slander. But I will talk no further with a wretch, Further than justice asks. Answer at once, And without quibbling, to my charge.

_Gab._ 'Tis false! 170

_Sieg._ Who says so?

_Gab._ I.

_Sieg._ And how disprove it?

_Gab._ By The presence of the murderer.

_Sieg._ Name him.

_Gab._ He May have more names than one. Your Lordship had so Once on a time.

_Sieg._ If you mean me, I dare Your utmost.

_Gab._ You may do so, and in safety; I know the assassin.

_Sieg._ Where is he?

_Gab._ (_pointing to_ ULRIC). Beside you! [ULRIC _rushes forward to attack_ GABOR; SIEGENDORF _interposes_.

_Sieg._ Liar and fiend! but you shall not be slain; These walls are mine, and you are safe within them. Ulric, repel this calumny, as I [_He turns to_ ULRIC. Will do. I avow it is a growth so monstrous, 180 I could not deem it earth-born: but be calm; It will refute itself. But touch him not. [ULRIC _endeavours to compose himself_.

_Gab._ Look at _him_, Count, and then _hear me_.

_Sieg._ (_first to_ GABOR, _and then looking at_ ULRIC). I hear thee. My God! you look----

_Ulr._ How?

_Sieg._ As on that dread night, When we met in the garden.

_Ulr._ (_composing himself_). It is nothing.

_Gab._ Count, you are bound to hear me. I came hither Not seeking you, but sought. When I knelt down Amidst the people in the church, I dreamed not To find the beggared Werner in the seat Of Senators and Princes; but you have called me, 190 And we have met.

_Sieg._ Go on, sir.

_Gab._ Ere I do so, Allow me to inquire, who profited By Stralenheim's death? Was't I--as poor as ever; And poorer by suspicion on my name! The Baron lost in that last outrage neither Jewels nor gold; his life alone was sought.-- A life which stood between the claims of others To honours and estates scarce less than princely.

_Sieg._ These hints, as vague as vain, attach no less To me than to my son.

_Gab._ I can't help that. 200 But let the consequence alight on him Who feels himself the guilty one amongst us. I speak to you, Count Siegendorf, because I know you innocent, and deem you just. But ere I can proceed--_dare_ you protect me? _Dare_ you command me?

[SIEGENDORF _first looks at the Hungarian, and then at_ ULRIC, _who has unbuckled his sabre, and is drawing lines with it on the floor--still in its sheath_.

_Ulr._ (_looks at his father, and says_,) Let the man go on!

_Gab._ I am unarmed, Count, bid your son lay down His sabre.

_Ulr._ (_offers it to him contemptuously_). Take it.

_Gab._ No, sir, 'tis enough That we are both unarmed--I would not choose To wear a steel which may be stained with more 210 Blood than came there in battle.

_Ulr._ (_casts the sabre from him in contempt_). It--or some Such other weapon in my hand--spared yours Once, when disarmed and at my mercy.

_Gab._ True-- I have not forgotten it: you spared me for Your own especial purpose--to sustain An ignominy not my own.

_Ulr._ Proceed. The tale is doubtless worthy the relater. But is it of my father to hear further? [_To_ SIEGENDORF.

_Sieg._ (_takes his son by the hand_). My son, I know my own innocence, and doubt not Of yours--but I have promised this man patience; 220 Let him continue.

_Gab._ I will not detain you, By speaking of myself much: I began Life early--and am what the world has made me. At Frankfort on the Oder, where I passed A winter in obscurity, it was My chance at several places of resort (Which I frequented sometimes, but not often) To hear related a strange circumstance In February last. A martial force, Sent by the state, had, after strong resistance, 230 Secured a band of desperate men, supposed Marauders from the hostile camp.--They proved, However, not to be so--but banditti, Whom either accident or enterprise Had carried from their usual haunt--the forests Which skirt Bohemia--even into Lusatia. Many amongst them were reported of High rank--and martial law slept for a time. At last they were escorted o'er the frontiers, And placed beneath the civil jurisdiction 240 Of the free town of Frankfort. Of _their_ fate I know no more.

_Sieg._ And what is this to Ulric?

_Gab._ Amongst them there was said to be one man Of wonderful endowments:--birth and fortune, Youth, strength, and beauty, almost superhuman, And courage as unrivalled, were proclaimed His by the public rumour; and his sway, Not only over his associates, but His judges, was attributed to witchcraft, Such was his influence:--I have no great faith 250 In any magic save that of the mine-- I therefore deemed him wealthy.--But my soul Was roused with various feelings to seek out This prodigy, if only to behold him.

_Sieg._ And did you so?

_Gab._ You'll hear. Chance favoured me: A popular affray in the public square Drew crowds together--it was one of those Occasions where men's souls look out of them, And show them as they are--even in their faces: The moment my eye met his, I exclaimed, 260 "This is the man!" though he was then, as since, With the nobles of the city. I felt sure I had not erred, and watched him long and nearly; I noted down his form--his gesture--features, Stature, and bearing--and amidst them all, 'Midst every natural and acquired distinction, I could discern, methought, the assassin's eye And gladiator's heart.

_Ulr._ (_smiling_). The tale sounds well.

_Gab._ And may sound better.--He appeared to me One of those beings to whom Fortune bends, 270 As she doth to the daring--and on whom The fates of others oft depend; besides, An indescribable sensation drew me Near to this man, as if my point of fortune Was to be fixed by him.--There I was wrong.

_Sieg._ And may not be right now.

_Gab._ I followed him, Solicited his notice--and obtained it-- Though not his friendship:--it was his intention To leave the city privately--we left it Together--and together we arrived 280 In the poor town where Werner was concealed, And Stralenheim was succoured----Now we are on The verge--_dare_ you hear further?

_Sieg._ I must do so-- Or I have heard too much.

_Gab._ I saw in you A man above his station--and if not So high, as now I find you, in my then Conceptions, 'twas that I had rarely seen Men such as you appeared in height of mind, In the most high of worldly rank; you were Poor, even to all save rags: I would have shared 290 My purse, though slender, with you--you refused it.

_Sieg._ Doth my refusal make a debt to you, That thus you urge it?

_Gab._ Still you owe me something, Though not for that; and I owed you my safety, At least my seeming safety, when the slaves Of Stralenheim pursued me on the grounds That _I_ had robbed him.

_Sieg._ _I_ concealed you--I, Whom and whose house you arraign, reviving viper!

_Gab._ I accuse no man--save in my defence. You, Count, have made yourself accuser--judge: 300 Your hall's my court, your heart is my tribunal. Be just, and _I'll_ be merciful!

_Sieg._ You merciful?-- You! Base calumniator!

_Gab._ I. 'Twill rest With me at last to be so. You concealed me-- In secret passages known to yourself, You said, and to none else. At dead of night, Weary with watching in the dark, and dubious Of tracing back my way, I saw a glimmer, Through distant crannies, of a twinkling light: I followed it, and reached a door--a secret 310 Portal--which opened to the chamber, where, With cautious hand and slow, having first undone As much as made a crevice of the fastening, I looked through and beheld a purple bed, And on it Stralenheim!--

_Sieg._ Asleep! And yet You slew him!--Wretch!

_Gab._ He was already slain, And bleeding like a sacrifice. My own Blood became ice.

_Sieg._ But he was all alone! You saw none else? You did not see the---- [_He pauses from agitation_.

_Gab._ No, _He_, whom you dare not name, nor even I 320 Scarce dare to recollect, was not then in The chamber.

_Sieg._ (_to_ ULRIC). Then, my boy! thou art guiltless still-- Thou bad'st me say _I_ was so once.--Oh! now Do thou as much.

_Gab._ Be patient! I can _not_ Recede now, though it shake the very walls Which frown above us. You remember,--or If not, your son does,--that the locks were changed Beneath _his_ chief inspection on the morn Which led to this same night: how he had entered He best knows--but within an antechamber, 330 The door of which was half ajar, I saw A man who washed his bloody hands, and oft With stern and anxious glance gazed back upon-- The bleeding body--but it moved no more.

_Sieg._ Oh! God of fathers!

_Gab._ I beheld his features As I see yours--but yours they were not, though Resembling them--behold them in Count Ulric's! Distinct as I beheld them, though the expression Is not now what it then was!--but it was so When I first charged him with the crime--so lately. 340

_Sieg._ This is so--

_Gab._ (_interrupting him_). Nay--but hear me to the end! _Now_ you must do so.--I conceived myself Betrayed by you and _him_ (for now I saw There was some tie between you) into this Pretended den of refuge, to become The victim of your guilt; and my first thought Was vengeance: but though armed with a short poniard (Having left my sword without), I was no match For him at any time, as had been proved That morning--either in address or force. 350 I turned and fled--i' the dark: chance rather than Skill made me gain the secret door of the hall, And thence the chamber where you slept: if I Had found you _waking_, Heaven alone can tell What vengeance and suspicion might have prompted; But ne'er slept guilt as Werner slept that night.

_Sieg._ And yet I had horrid dreams! and such brief sleep, The stars had not gone down when I awoke. Why didst thou spare me? I dreamt of my father-- And now my dream is out!

_Gab._ 'Tis not my fault, 360 If I have read it.--Well! I fled and hid me-- Chance led me here after so many moons-- And showed me Werner in Count Siegendorf! Werner, whom I had sought in huts in vain, Inhabited the palace of a sovereign! You sought me and have found me--now you know My secret, and may weigh its worth.

_Sieg._ (_after a pause_). Indeed!

_Gab._ Is it revenge or justice which inspires Your meditation?

_Sieg._ Neither--I was weighing The value of your secret.

_Gab._ You shall know it 370 At once:--When you were poor, and I, though poor, Rich enough to relieve such poverty As might have envied mine, I offered you My purse--you would not share it:--I'll be franker With you: you are wealthy, noble, trusted by The imperial powers--you understand me?

_Sieg._ Yes.

_Gab._ Not quite. You think me venal, and scarce true: 'Tis no less true, however, that my fortunes Have made me both at present. You shall aid me: I would have aided you--and also have 380 Been somewhat damaged in my name to save Yours and your son's. Weigh well what I have said.

_Sieg._ Dare you await the event of a few minutes' Deliberation?

_Gab._ (_casts his eyes on_ ULRIC, _who is leaning against a pillar_). If I should do so?

_Sieg._ I pledge my life for yours. Withdraw into This tower. [_Opens a turret-door_.

_Gab._ (_hesitatingly_). This is the second _safe_ asylum You have offered me.

_Sieg._ And was not the first so?

_Gab._ I know not that even now--but will approve The second. I have still a further shield.-- I did not enter Prague alone; and should I 390 Be put to rest with Stralenheim, there are Some tongues without will wag in my behalf. Be brief in your decision![200]

_Sieg._ I will be so.-- My word is sacred and irrevocable Within _these_ walls, but it extends no further.

_Gab._ I'll take it for so much.

_Sieg._ (_points to_ ULRIC'S _sabre, still upon the ground_). Take also _that_-- I saw you eye it eagerly, and him Distrustfully.

_Gab._ (_takes up the sabre_). I will; and so provide To sell my life--not cheaply. [GABOR _goes into the turret, which_ SIEGENDORF _closes_.

_Sieg._ (_advances to_ ULRIC). Now, Count Ulric! For son I dare not call thee--What say'st thou? 400

_Ulr._ His tale is true.

_Sieg._ True, monster!

_Ulr._ Most true, father! And you did well to listen to it: what We know, we can provide against. He must Be silenced.

_Sieg._ Aye, with half of my domains; And with the other half, could he and thou Unsay this villany.

_Ulr._ It is no time For trifling or dissembling. I have said His story's true; and he too must be silenced.

_Sieg._ How so?

_Ulr._ As Stralenheim is. Are you so dull As never to have hit on this before? 410 When we met in the garden, what except Discovery in the act could make me know His death? Or had the Prince's household been Then summoned, would the cry for the police Been left to such a stranger? Or should I Have loitered on the way? Or could _you, Werner_, The object of the Baron's hate and fears, Have fled, unless by many an hour before Suspicion woke? I sought and fathomed you, Doubting if you were false or feeble: I 420 Perceived you were the latter: and yet so Confiding have I found you, that I doubted At times your weakness.

_Sieg._ Parricide! no less Than common stabber! What deed of my life, Or thought of mine, could make you deem me fit For your accomplice?

_Ulr._ Father, do not raise The devil you cannot lay between us. This Is time for union and for action, not For family disputes. While _you_ were tortured, Could _I_ be calm? Think you that I have heard 430 This fellow's tale without some feeling?--You Have taught me feeling for _you_ and myself; For whom or what else did you ever teach it?

_Sieg._ Oh! my dead father's curse! 'tis working now.

_Ulr._ Let it work on! the grave will keep it down! Ashes are feeble foes: it is more easy To baffle such, than countermine a mole, Which winds its blind but living path beneath you. Yet hear me still!--If _you_ condemn me, yet, Remember _who_ hath taught me once too often 440 To listen to him! _Who_ proclaimed to me That _there were crimes_ made venial by the occasion? That passion was our nature? that the goods Of Heaven waited on the goods of fortune? _Who_ showed me his humanity secured By his _nerves_ only? _Who_ deprived me of All power to vindicate myself and race In open day? By his disgrace which stamped (It might be) bastardy on me, and on Himself--a _felon's_ brand! The man who is 450 At once both warm and weak invites to deeds He longs to do, but dare not. Is it strange That I should _act_ what you could _think?_ We have done With right and wrong; and now must only ponder Upon effects, not causes. Stralenheim, Whose life I saved from impulse, as _unknown_, I would have saved a peasant's or a dog's, I slew _Known_ as our foe--but not from vengeance. He Was a rock in our way which I cut through, As doth the bolt, because it stood between us 460 And our true destination--but not idly. As stranger I preserved him, and he _owed me_ His _life_: when due, I but resumed the debt. He, you, and I stood o'er a gulf wherein I have plunged our enemy. _You_ kindled first The torch--_you_ showed the path; now trace me that Of safety--or let me!

_Sieg._ I have done with life!

_Ulr._ Let us have done with that which cankers life-- Familiar feuds and vain recriminations Of things which cannot be undone. We have 470 No more to learn or hide: I know no fear, And have within these very walls men who (Although you know them not) dare venture all things. You stand high with the state; what passes here Will not excite her too great curiosity: Keep your own secret, keep a steady eye, Stir not, and speak not;--leave the rest to me: We must have no _third_ babblers thrust between us. [_Exit_ ULRIC.

_Sieg._ (_solus_). Am I awake? are these my father's halls? And _you_--my son? _My_ son! _mine!_ I who have ever 480 Abhorred both mystery and blood, and yet Am plunged into the deepest hell of both! I must be speedy, or more will be shed-- The Hungarian's!--Ulric--he hath partisans, It seems: I might have guessed as much. Oh fool! Wolves prowl in company. He hath the key (As I too) of the opposite door which leads Into the turret. Now then! or once more To be the father of fresh crimes, no less Than of the criminal! Ho! Gabor! Gabor! 490 [_Exit into the turret, closing the door after him_.