since not wishing to increase an orphan's
suffering--

_Prin._ (_starting, on seeing Agnes._) Behold again! again it flashes on
my mind full confirmation. Take, take her from my sight! Yet, no--that
may create suspicion, and Walbourg! Walbourg will, ere long, return. Oh!
were he come! for every moment is an age, till I'm secure! [_half
aside._

_Bar._ Walbourg! gone! where my liege?

_Prin._ (_angrily._) No matter, Sir--let the dread interval be filled
with these your care-destroying sports. Come, strike!

[Prince _and_ baron _seat themselves, and the other characters are
ranged on each side the stage._

_Dance._

_In the midst of which a loud knocking is heard, accompanied by trumpets
without. All show alarm, except the_ prince, _who expresses secret
satisfaction._ [_Music changes._

_Folding doors are thrown open by_ Walbourg, _who enters, and points to
a black banner, fixed into the ground, on which is written, in golden
letters,_

"AGNES LINDORF! APPEAR BEFORE THE FREE KNIGHTS!"

[Agnes _stands motionless with terror, then runs wildly about, appealing
to the different characters. The_ prince _menaces--all point to the
banner, turn away, and exeunt, except_ Ravensburg, _who is following,
when_ Agnes _clings to him, and detains him._]

_Ag._ You! you will not forsake me! Grant, grant me but a look!

_Rav._ Avoid me! shun me!

_Ag._ I swear by Him, to whom all crimes are known. I know no more of
what I am accused, than does the new born babe! But think, oh think! I
am accused by those, whose names strike terror through the world, and
who, by solemn and terrific oaths, are bound to execute such dreadful
deeds, (_Ravensburg trembles violently_) that you, whose nature must
revolt at such barbarity! you, my kind, only friend! [_falling
on his shoulder._

_Rav._ Fly! swift--escape? (_passing her across him._) Where? (_stopping
her._) Whither! who can elude the penetrating eye of their
deep-searching vengeance? And if you answer not that awful mandate? All
gracious powers! (_turning from her_)--I am forbidden to advise, nay,
even converse with the accus'd! And yet, Agnes! (_turning towards her_)
though my whole heart be with thee--Farewell! farewell! [_embracing
her._

_Enter, immediately_, prince Palatine.

_Prin._ False, perjur'd Ravensburg! (_parting them._) Away! and, but
that consciousness of guilt prevails, why, traitress? why this coward
fear? Tried and aquitted