_Fra._ I hoped it might amuse you, sir.

_Stra._ Amuse _me_--fool!

_Fra._ Well then, I wished to amuse myself a little. I don't think my
recreations are so very numerous.

_Stra._ That's true, my poor fellow; indeed they are not. Let them go
on.--I'll listen.

_Fra._ But to please you, poor master, I fear it must be a sadder
strain. Annette, have you none but these cheerful songs?

_Ann._ O, plenty. If you are dolefully given we can be as sad as night.
I'll sing you an air Mrs. Haller taught me the first year she came to
the Castle.

_Fra._ Mrs. Haller! I should like to hear that.

Ann. _I have a silent sorrow here,_
_A grief I'll ne'er impart;_
_It breathes no sigh, it sheds no tear,_
_But it consumes my heart;_
_This cherish'd woe, this lov'd despair,_
_My lot for ever be,_
_So, my soul's lord, the pangs I bear_
_Be never known by thee!_

_And when pale characters of death_
_Shall mark this alter'd cheek,_
_When my poor wasted trembling breath_
_My life's last hope would speak;_
_I shall not raise my eyes to Heav'n,_
_Nor mercy ask for me,_
_My soul despairs to be forgiv'n,_
_Unpardon'd, love, by thee._

_Stra._ [_Surprised and moved._] Oh! I have heard that air before, but
'twas with other words. Francis, share our supper with your friends--I
need none. [_Enters the Lodge._

_Fra._ So I feared. Well, my pretty favourites, here are refreshments.
So, disturbed again. Now will this gentleman call for more music, and
make my master mad. Return when you observe this man is gone.--[_Exeunt
ANNETTE and CLAUDINE.--FRANCIS sits and eats._]--I was in hopes, that I
might at least eat my supper peaceably in the open air; but they follow
at our heels like blood-hounds.

_Enter BARON._

_Bar._ My good friend, I must speak to your master.

_Fra._ Can't serve you.

_Bar._ Why not?

_Fra._ It's forbidden.

_Bar._ [_Offers money._] There! announce me.

_Fra._ Want no money.

_Bar._ Well, only announce me then.

_Fra._ I will announce you, sir; but it won't avail! I shall be abused,
and you rejected. However, we can but try. [_Going._

_Bar._ I only ask half a minute. [_FRANCIS goes into the Lodge._] But
when he comes, how am I to treat him? I never encountered a misanthrope
before. I have heard of instructions as to conduct in society; but how I