o
the altar, that we may become securities to each other for our future
happiness. In virtue of your solemn promise, and as your bride, I lay
down two conditions previous to our union; if you assent, I will be
your wife, not otherwise.

_P. Coun._ Speak, that I may have an opportunity to thank you; to
promise and perform.

_Soph._ The first is, that my father, convinced by you, shall
instantly? resign the legacy into the hands that ought to receive
it.--O Clarenbach! here the daughter must remain silent, and your
conviction must finish what would rend my heart! (Privy Counsellor
claps his hand together.--Sophia continues after a pause.) The second
condition is, that, as I feel I demand much, though convinced I could
demand no less,--you shall shorten that state of uncertainty, and by
three o'clock this afternoon bring me an answer on that subject. You
are not to bring it here; but to the place which this paper (taking out
of her pocket a sealed paper) points out. You must not open it till
five minutes before three. Pledge me your hand.

_P. Coun._ (pressing her hand.) My word of honour!

_Soph._ (after a pause, during which she has been gazing on him with
tenderness, utters in a steady tone,) Adieu, (going,) my friend!

_P. Coun._ (without parting with her hand.) O Sophia, Sophia! what have
you demanded!

_Soph._ (having gently disengaged her hand.) The Chief Judge of my
country cannot wish to give me the hand which signed the deed that robs
orphans of their right! And, if he thinks he has performed his duty as
a judge, let him blush as a man, if he means to conduct me and the
spoil at one and the same time to his house. If the man, whom I and the
people honour, cannot feel so, the sentiment of my own worth will teach
me how to forget him. [Exit.

_P. Coun._ Sophia,--girl,--soul, to which I know no equal! thou hast
raised and again precipitated me to the deepest abyss. You shewed me a
glimpse of heaven, and then veiled the bright view from my enraptured
sight. Noble, kind, cruel girl! Oh, I could weep as I did in the first
impression of love! (throws himself in a chair.) I could weep virtuous
tears! Oh! what now am I, what do I now feel! O the power of pure
love!--without thee I cannot exist. (Starts up.) Sophia! better being!
forget the past, build thy requests upon the future; they commit murder
on thy father and me! (Going, meets Counsellor Wellenberg at the door.)