tell
him, and every body, you're become a fine lady: if I don't, they'll
never find it out, aunt.

_Countess._ Talks of your cousin, Christopher! whom I hav'n't seen for
years, and never mean to see again! Peace, I insist! And for
Ravensburg--your betroth'd's--loving Agnes, the Baron's dread of that
marriage will hasten yours; or if it don't, and this string snaps, in
young count Roland we've perhaps a better. But see--our host--hush! for
your life not one word of Franconia.

_Baron_ (_speaks without._) Now, prepare yourselves to receive our
illustrious visiter with the honour due to his rank.

_Enters._

Why countess, I've been looking for you every where. What do you think?
The prince Palatine means to copy your example; like you, he means to be
a visiter at my chateau, and be present at the celebration of my son's
nuptials. His train has already pass'd the aqueduct. (_A strain of
music._) Hark! he approaches. (_Calls on the servants._) Come along all
of you, and make your best bows and curtsies.

_The procession enters._

(_After procession._) Now, Ulrica, as I am not one of your silver-toned
orators, do you give to the warriors from the holy land a most
harmonious greeting.

RECITATIVE--_Ulrica._

With well-earn'd laurels in the Christian cause,
Receive, great chief, your native land's applause.

AIR.

Fam'd crusaders! just as brave,
Form'd a nation's right to save!
Now repose on tranquil plains,
Listen to our dulcet strains.
Peace inviting,
Joy exciting,
'Till the foe again assail,
Then the glorious contest hail.

_Prince._ Delightful! exquisite! (_To Ravensburg who looks dejected._)
Nay, Ravensburg, the die is cast, the solemn oath is sworn, and should
your altered looks create the least suspicion of what's past, beware!
beware! for 'tis a secret that was ne'er divulged--not e'en your chosen
partner must suspect that you're invested with a free knight's rank.

_Rav._ 'Tis sworn--'tis secret.

_Baron_ (_advancing with all respect towards the prince_). My liege,
this honour to a poor old simple baron----

_Prince._ Sir, you've a title that surpasses pedigree. You are the
father of the gallant Ravensburg; and since he comes to claim the
soldier's brightest, best reward, fair woman's love, I trust to find you
have selected one who richly merits such an envied prize.

_Baron_ (_introducing Ulrica._) This is the lady, yo