erjuries now meet their just reward.
Tremble at impending death.

_Bert._ No; I have not feared to live in vice, and will not shrink at
least to die for virtue.

_Long._ (_throwing him off._) No; I will not take the wretched forfeit:
thou'rt spared from hate, not pity; I gave thee back thy life, but I
will study punishments, to make the boon a curse unutterable.

_Bert._ Tyrant, I defy thy vengeance to increase my torments; the
innocent, I pledged myself to save, already stands devoted to
destruction, and the measure of my anguish and despair is full.

_Long._ (_to Sanguine_) Sanguine, ascend the stair, and force that
wretched woman to my presence.

_Bert._ Hold, hold, my lord! recal those threatning words. O God! what
damning crime is in your thoughts? pause--yet for a moment, pause, ere
you barter to the fiend your soul for ages. Omnipotence hath interposed
with miracles and still preserved you from the guilt you sought, your
conscience yet is undefiled with blood.

_Long._ Away! my purpose is resolved.

_Bert._ Will you then reject the mercy Heaven extends? (_kneels and
catching his cloak._) Hear me, my lord; nay, for your own eternal being,
hear me; as you now deal with this afflicted innocent, even so,
hereafter, shall the God of judgment deal with you.

_Long._ I brave the peril, (_call aloud_) hasten, Sanguine, produce my
victim.

_Bert._ (_Desperately._) Cover me mountains! hide me from the sun! (_He
casts himself upon the ground._)

(_Sanguine_ returns precipitately from above.)

_Sang._ My lord, one fatal moment has undone your scheme, the female has
escaped.

_Long._ Villain! escaped.

_Bert._ (_raising himself in frantic joy._) Ha!

_Sang._ I found the casement of the upper chamber open, some twisted
linen fastened to the bar, nearly reached to the ground without, and
proved the method of her flight; a beldame who must have aided her
escape, remains alone above, (_turning towards the window_,) ha! I catch
a female figure darting through the trees at a distance; she runs with
lightning speed,--now--she turns towards the castle.

_Long._ Distraction! if she gains the castle, I am lost forever; pursue!
pursue!

[_Longueville_ and _Sanguine_ rush out.

_Bert._ (_Vehemently._) Guardians of innocence, direct her steps!
[_He follows them._

SCENE III.--_A Gallery in the Chateau._

Enter _Rosabelle_ followed by _Gaspard_.

_Gasp._ Ha! young mistress Rosabelle, whither so