SCENE III. A Chamber in the Castle. SOPHIA, Elizabeth, Agnes, ISENTRUDE, &c., re-entering. Soph. What! you will not? You hear, dame Isen trude, She will not wear her coronet in the church, Because, forsooth, the crucifix within Is crowned with thorns. You hear her. Eliz. How could I flaunt this bauble in His face Noble mother, Who hung there, naked, bleeding, all for me I felt it shamelessness to go so gay. Soph. Felt? What then? Every foolish wench has feelings In these religious days, and thinks it carnal Ah! I have watched you throw your playmates down If you but know how. You Landgravine? You mated With gentle Lewis? Why, belike you'll cowl him, We'll have no saints. Thank heaven, my saintliness Soph. I had forgotten, truly— And you, Dame Isentrudis, are her servant, And mine come, Agnes, leave the gipsy ladies Το say their prayers, and set the Saints the fashion. [SOPHIA and AGNES go out. Isen. Proud hussy! Thou shalt set thy foot on her neck yet, darling, When thou art Landgravine. Eliz. And when will that be? No, she speaks truth! I should have been a nun. my cowardice, Too weak to face the world, too weak to leave it! Guta. I'll take the veil with you. "Twere but a moment's work,— To slip into the convent there below, And be at peace forever. And you, my nurse? Eliz. Ah! my brother! No, I dare not I dare not turn forever from this hope, Though it be dwindled to a thread of mist. Oh! that we two could flee and leave this Babel! And I his serving-maid, to work his vestments, To take the blessed wafer from his hand, [A Page enters. Page. The Count of Varila, madam, begs permission to speak with you. Eliz. With me? What's this new terror? Tell him I wait him. Isen. (Aside.) Ah! my old heart sinks God send us rescue! Here the champion comes. COUNT WALTER enters. Wal. Most learned, fair, and sanctimonious princess— Plague, what comes next! I had something orthodox ready; 'Tis dropped out by the way.-Mass! here's the pith on't. Madam, I come a wooing; and for one As you of his; he bids me claim the spousals [Gives a letter and jewel. Isen. Nunc Domine dimittis servam tuam ! [ELIZABETH looks over the letter and casket, claps her hands, and bursts into childish laughter.] Why here's my Christmas tree come after Lent- Pretty words for folks to think of at the wars,— Wal. My fairest princess, as ambassador, What shall I answer? Eliz. Tell him-tell him-God! Have I grown mad, or a child within the moment? Is thus to cast my virgin pride away, And find my strength in weakness.-Busy brain! Thou keep'st pace with my heart; old lore, old fancies, Buried for years, leap from their tombs, and proffer. Their magic service to my new-born spirit. I'll go I am not mistress of myself— Send for him-bring him to me—he is mine! [Exit. Isen. Ah! blessed Saints! how changed upon the moment! She is grown taller, trust me, and her eye Flames like a fresh caught hind's. She that was christened A brown mouse for her stillness! Good my Lord! SCENE IV. The Bridal Feast. ELIZABETH, LEWIS, SOPHIA, and Company seated at the Dais table. Court Minstrel and Court Fool sitting on the Dais step. Min. How gayly smile the heavens, The light winds whisper gay; |