saw me, "there has
been a report through the ranks that the general fell an hour ago--"
"He is fallen," I replied, "and thou?" "Well, then," he cried,
withdrawing his left hand from the wound, "let every brave soldier
follow his general!" Soon after he breathed out his noble soul, to join
his heroic leader.

FRANCIS (feigning to rush wildly on HERMANN). May death seal thy
accursed lips! Art thou come here to give the death-blow to our father?
Father! Amelia! father!

HERMANN. It was the last wish of my expiring comrade. "Take this
sword," faltered he, with his dying breath, "deliver it to my aged
father; his son's blood is upon it--he is avenged--let him rejoice.
Tell him that his curse drove me into battle and into death; that I fell
in despair." His last sigh was "Amelia."

AMELIA (like one aroused from lethargy). His last sigh--Amelia!

OLD M. (screaming horribly, and tearing his hair). My curse drove him
into death! He fell in despair!

FRANCIS (pacing up and down the room). Oh! what have you done, father?
My Charles! my brother!

HERMANN. Here is the sword; and here, too, is a picture which he drew
from his breast at the same time. It is the very image of this young
lady. "This for my brother Francis," he said; I know not what he meant
by it.

FRANCIS (feigning astonishment). For me? Amelia's picture? For me--
Charles--Amelia? For me?

AMELIA (rushing violently upon HERMANN). Thou venal, bribed impostor!
(Lays hold of him.)

HERMANN. I am no impostor, noble lady. See yourself if it is not your
picture. It may be that you yourself gave it to him.

FRANCIS. By heaven, Amelia! your picture! It is, indeed.

AMELIA (returns him the picture) My picture, mine! Oh! heavens and
earth!

OLD M. (screaming and tearing his face.) Woe, woe! my curse drove him
into death! He fell in despair!

FRANCIS. And he thought of me in the last and parting hour--of me.
Angelic soul! When the black banner of death already waved over him he
thought of me!

OLD M. (stammering like an idiot.) My curse drove him into death. In
despair my son perished.

HERMANN. This is more than I can bear! Farewell, old gentleman!
(Aside to FRANCIS.) How could you have the heart to do this?
[Exit in haste.]

AMELIA (rises and rushes after him). Stay! stay! What were nis last
words?

HERMANN (calling back). His last sigh was "Amelia."
[Exit.]

AMELIA. His last sigh was Amelia! No, thou