But one way that the rich and poor must tread
Together. You diverged from that dread path
Some hours ago, and I some days: henceforth
Our roads must lie asunder, though they tend
All to one home.

WER. 'Tis well that it is not beneath it,

As sometimes happens to the better clad.

But, in a word, what would you with me?

STRAL. (startled).

I?

WER. Yes-you! You know me not, and question

me,

And wonder that I answer not-not knowing

My Inquisitor. Explain what
Explain what you would have,

And then I'll satisfy yourself, or me?

STRAL. I knew not that you had reasons for reserve.

WER. Many have such :-Have you none?

STRAL.

Interest a mere stranger.

WER.

None which can

Then forgive

The same unknown and humble stranger, if

He wishes to remain so to the man

Who can have nought in common with him.

STRAL.

Sir,

I will not balk your humour, though untoward :

I only meant you service-but good night!

Intendant, show the way! (to GABOR). Sir, you will with me?

[Exeunt STRALENHEIM and attendants; IDENSTEIN

and GABOR.

WER. (solus). 'Tis he! I am taken in the toils. Before I quitted Hamburgh, Giulio, his late steward,

Informed me that he had obtained an order
From Brandenburgh's elector, for the arrest
Of Kruitzner (such the name I then bore) when
I came upon the frontier; the free city
Alone preserved my freedom-till I left
Its walls-fool that I was to quit them! But
I deem'd this humble garb, and route obscure,
Had baffled the slow hounds in their pursuit.
What's to be done? He knows me not by person;
Nor could aught, save the eye of apprehension,
Have recognised him, after twenty years,

We met so rarely and so coldly in

Our youth. But those about him! Now I can
Divine the frankness of the Hungarian, who
No doubt is a mere tool and spy of Stralenheim's,
To sound and to secure me. Without means!
Sick, poor-begirt too with the flooding rivers,
Impassable even to the wealthy, with
All the appliances which purchase modes
Of overpowering peril with men's lives,-
How can I hope! An hour ago methought
My state beyond despair; and now, 'tis such,
The past seems paradise. Another day,
And I'm detected, on the very eve

Of honours, rights, and my inheritance,

When a few drops of gold might save me still

Be tried, however; and if one express

Fail, you must send on others, till the answer Arrives from Frankfort, from the commandant.

IDEN. I will do what I can.

FRITZ.

And recollect

To spare no trouble; you will be repaid

Tenfold.

IDEN. The baron is retired to rest?

FRITZ. He hath thrown himself into an easy chair Beside the fire, and slumbers; and has order'd

He may not be disturb'd until eleven,

When he will take himself to bed.

IDEN.

Before

An hour is past I'll do my best to serve him.

FRITZ. Remember!

IDEN.

[Exit FRITZ.

The devil take these great men! they Think all things made for them. Now here must I

Rouse up some half a dozen shivering vassals
From their scant pallets, and, at peril of

Their lives, despatch them o'er the river towards
Frankfort. Methinks the baron's own experience
Some hours ago might teach him fellow-feeling :
But no," it must," and there's an end. How now?
Are you there, Mynheer Werner?

WER.

Your noble guest right quickly.

IDEN.

You have left

Yes-he's dozing,

And seems to like that none should sleep besides.

Here is a packet for the commandant

Of Frankfort, at all risks and all expenses;

But I must not lose time: Good night! [Exit IDEN.

WER.

"To Frankfort!"

So, so, it thickens! Ay," the commandant."

This tallies well with all the prior steps

Of this cool calculating fiend, who walks
Between me and my father's house. No doubt

He writes for a detachment to convey me

Into some secret fortress.-Sooner than

This

[WERNER looks around, and snatches up a knife lying on a table in a recess.

Now I am master of myself at least.

Hark,-footsteps! How do I know that Stralenheim

Will wait for even the show of that authority

Which is to overshadow usurpation?

That he suspects me's certain. I'm alone;
He with a numerous train. I weak; he strong
In gold, in numbers, rank, authority.

I nameless, or involving in my name
Destruction, till I reach my own domain;
He full-blown with his titles, which impose