The Works of Lord Byron Volume V Part 97

_Ulr._ I merely asked a simple question.

_Gab._ If the judge asked me, I would answer "No"-- To you I answer _thus_. [_He draws_.

_Ulr._ (_drawing_). With all my heart!

_Jos._ Without there! Ho! help! help!--Oh, G.o.d!

here's murder! [_Exit_ JOSEPHINE, _shrieking_.

GABOR _and_ ULRIC _fight_. GABOR _is disarmed just as_ STRALENHEIM, JOSEPHINE, IDENSTEIN, _etc., re-enter_.

_Jos._ Oh! glorious Heaven! He's safe!

_Stral._ (_to_ JOSEPHINE). _Who's_ safe!

_Jos._ My----

_Ulr._ (_interrupting her with a stern look, and turning afterwards to_ STRALENHEIM). Both! 290 Here's no great harm done.

_Stral._ What hath caused all this?

_Ulr._ _You_, Baron, I believe; but as the effect Is harmless, let it not disturb you.--Gabor!

There is your sword; and when you bare it next, Let it not be against your _friends_.

[ULRIC _p.r.o.nounces the last words slowly and emphatically in a low voice to_ GABOR.

_Gab._ I thank you Less for my life than for your counsel.

_Stral._ These Brawls must end here.

_Gab._ (_taking his sword_). They _shall_. You've wronged me, Ulric, More with your unkind thoughts than sword: I would The last were in my bosom rather than The first in yours. I could have borne yon n.o.ble's 300 Absurd insinuations--ignorance And dull suspicion are a part of his Entail will last him longer than his lands-- But I may fit _him_ yet:--you have vanquished me.

I was the fool of pa.s.sion to conceive That I could cope with you, whom I had seen Already proved by greater perils than Rest in this arm. We may meet by and by, However--but in friendship. [_Exit_ GABOR.

_Stral._ I will brook No more! This outrage following upon his insults, 310 Perhaps his guilt, has cancelled all the little I owed him heretofore for the so-vaunted Aid which he added to your abler succour.

Ulric, you are not hurt?--

_Ulr._ Not even by a scratch.

_Stral._ (_to_ IDENSTEIN). Intendant! take your measures to secure Yon fellow: I revoke my former lenity.

He shall be sent to Frankfort with an escort, The instant that the waters have abated.

_Iden._ Secure him! He hath got his sword again---- And seems to know the use on't; 'tis his trade, 320 Belike;--_I'm_ a civilian.

_Stral._ Fool! are not Yon score of va.s.sals d.o.g.g.i.ng at your heels Enough to seize a dozen such? Hence! after him!

_Ulr._ Baron, I do beseech you!

_Stral._ I must be Obeyed. No words!

_Iden._ Well, if it must be so-- March, va.s.sals! I'm your leader, and will bring The rear up: a wise general never should Expose his precious life--on which all rests.

I like that article of war.

[_Exit_ IDENSTEIN _and Attendants_.

_Stral._ Come hither, Ulric; what does that woman here? Oh! now 330 I recognise her, 'tis the stranger's wife Whom they _name_ "Werner."

_Ulr._ 'Tis his name.

_Stral._ Indeed!

Is not your husband visible, fair dame?--

_Jos._ Who seeks him?

_Stral._ No one--for the present: but I fain would parley, Ulric, with yourself Alone.

_Ulr._ I will retire with you.

_Jos._ Not so: You are the latest stranger, and command All places here.

(_Aside to_ ULRIC, _as she goes out_.) O Ulric! have a care-- Remember what depends on a rash word!

_Ulr._ (_to_ JOSEPHINE). Fear not!-- [_Exit_ JOSEPHINE.

_Stral._ Ulric, I think that I may trust you; 340 You saved my life--and acts like these beget Unbounded confidence.

_Ulr._ Say on.

_Stral._ Mysterious And long-engendered circ.u.mstances (not To be now fully entered on) have made This man obnoxious--perhaps fatal to me.

_Ulr._ Who? Gabor, the Hungarian?

_Stral._ No--this "Werner"-- With the false name and habit.

_Ulr._ How can this be?

He is the poorest of the poor--and yellow Sickness sits caverned in his hollow eye[cs]: The man is helpless.

_Stral._ He is--'tis no matter;-- 350 But if he be the man I deem (and that He is so, all around us here--and much That is not here--confirm my apprehension) He must be made secure ere twelve hours further.

_Ulr._ And what have I to do with this?

_Stral._ I have sent To Frankfort, to the Governor, my friend, (I have the authority to do so by An order of the house of Brandenburgh), For a fit escort--but this cursed flood Bars all access, and may do for some hours. 360

_Ulr._ It is abating.

_Stral._ That is well.

_Ulr._ But how Am I concerned?

_Stral._ As one who did so much For me, you cannot be indifferent to That which is of more import to me than The life you rescued.--Keep your eye on _him_!

The man avoids me, knows that I now know him.-- Watch him!--as you would watch the wild boar when He makes against you in the hunter's gap-- Like him he must be speared.

_Ulr._ Why so?