ece, the fair, the happy--Sir, I forget--I
came by her desire--the countess having heard of her intention, will not
allow of any private interviews, and therefore 'tis Ulrica's wish, that,
as tomorrow is the nuptial day, the day which blesses her, but
which--(_bursts into tears_)--I can no more--Spare! spare! and pity me!

_Rav._ Proceed! for, if I know Ulrica's heart, you are not messenger of
any tidings ungracious to yourself.

_Ag._ Indeed, I know not--She was, as she has ever been, most kind and
most compassionate; but to her wish--she begs you will comply with what
is here requested--Take it--(_giving him a letter_)--and the hard office
o'er, farewell until tomorrow! And then, no sister's prayers did e'er
more pure and fervent flow than mine shall then for yours and your
Ulrica's happiness.

_Rav._ (_having opened the letter._) Stay! (_reading._) "Shall I accept
his hand, whose heart I perceive to be another's? And can I wish him to
accept mine, who, from early education, am better suited to a far more
humble sphere! No, generous Ravensburg! Remonstrate with your father,
and increase the esteem of Ulrica, by wiping away tears, which flow from
silent, genuine passion! Hearts such as yours and Agnes's can best
reward each other," Exalted woman! I _will_ remonstrate with my
father--now, instantly, and come what will, no nuptials shall be
solemnized, but those which love shall crown--(_taking her hand_)--if
you refute not what Ulrica writes.

_Ag._ My lord, 'twere affectation to deny what this our mutual and
unequall'd friend has now revealed; but for the rest! if I am worthy of
the son's affection, remember, that I owe it to the father; and great,
however great the sacrifice, still would I rather meet that son's
displeasure, than plant a sting in the protecting breast that warm'd and
nourished a forsaken orphan.

_Rav._ My father will relent! Hark! he comes! the banquet o'er, new
revelry succeeds, and now I can partake its joys. Come, the hope that
dawns shall lead to lasting sunshine.

_Enter the_ baron's _train, and the_ prince's _train._

_The_ prince _and_ baron _last, and together._

_Prin._ (_aside to the baron._) That is her history? You have imparted
all?

_Bar._ That--that is Agnes Lindorf's story.

_Prin._ And none--none know it!

_Bar._ None--I've kept it secret, even from herself; because, at first
the circumstance exciting interest, I fear'd to lose what might supply a
daughter's loss; and,