MANUEL. That was a night indeed; I do remember And watchings-her, whom of all earthly things The lady Astarte, his,-Hush! who comes here? (Enter the ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE.) ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE. Where is your master? HERMAN. Yonder, in the tower. ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE. I must speak with him. MANUEL. 'Tis impossible; He is most private, and must not be thus Intruded on. ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE Upon myself I take The forfeit of my fault, if fault there be But I must see him. This eve already. HERMAN. Thou hast seen him once ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE. Herman! I command thee, Knock, and apprize the Count of my approach. The stars are forth, the moon above the tops Hath been to me a more familiar face Than that of man; and in her starry shade I learn'd the language of another world. Midst the chief relics of almighty Rome; While Cæsar's chambers, and the Augustan halls, And thou didst shine, thou rolling moon, upon Became religion, and the heart ran o'er But I have found our thoughts take wildest flight (Enter the ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE.) ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE. My good Lord! I crave a second grace for this approach; Recoils on me; its good in the effect May light upon your head-could I say heart- MANFRED. Thou know'st me not; My days are numbered, and my deeds recorded: ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE. Thou dost not mean to menace me? MANFRED. I simply tell thee peril is at hand, Not I; And steadfastly; now tell me what thou seest? ABBOT OF SAINT MAURICE. That which should shake me,-but I fear it not- Like an infernal god from out the earth; His face wrapt in a mantle, and his form Robed as with angry clouds; he stands between MANFRED. Thou hast no cause he shall not harm thee-but Why-ay-what doth he here? I did not send for him, he is unbidden. |