Gasp. 'Tis I, leader of the king's brave guards, sent hither to arrest thee, my lord; for thou art charged with murder. Rod. Who dares to cast so foul a stain on Count Rodolpho's name. Gasp. My lord, yield thyself. The king may show thee mercy yet-- Rod. I will yield, and prove my innocence, and clear mine honor to the king. Reach me my cloak yonder, and I am ready. [Gaspard _turns to seek the cloak._ Rodolpho _leaps from the window and disappears._ Gasp. Ha! he hath escaped,--curses on my carelessness! [_Rushes to the window._] Ho, there! surround the castle, the prisoner hath fled! We'll have him yet, the blood-stained villain! [_Exit_ Gaspard. _Shouts and clashing of swords heard._ CURTAIN. SCENE ELEVENTH. [Norna's _cave._ Leonore _and_ _Adrian_.] Adrian. Dear lady, can I do nought to while away the lonely hours? Shall I go forth and bring thee flowers, or seek thy home and bear away thy bird, thy lute, or aught that may beguile thy solitude? It grieves me that I can do so little for thee. Leonore. Nay, 'tis I should grieve that I can find no way to show my gratitude to thee, my brave deliverer. But wilt thou not tell me who thou art? I would fain know to whom I owe my life and liberty. Adrian. Nay, that I may not tell thee. I have sworn a solemn vow, and till that is fulfilled I may not cast aside this sorrowful disguise. Meanwhile, thou mayst call me Adrian. Wilt thou pardon and trust me still? Leonore. Canst thou doubt my faith in thee? Thou and old Norna are the only friends now left to poor Leonore. I put my whole heart's trust in thee. But if thou canst not tell me of thyself, wilt tell me why thou hast done so much for me, a friendless maiden? Adrian. I fear it will cause thee sorrow, lady; and thou hast grief enough to bear. Leonore. Do not fear. I would so gladly know-- Adrian. Forgive me if I make thee weep: I had a friend,--most dear to me. He loved a gentle lady, but ere he could tell her this, he died, and bid me vow to watch above her whom he loved, and guard her with my life. I took the vow: that lady was thyself, that friend Count Louis. Leonore. Ah, Louis! Louis! that heart thou feared to ask is buried with thee. Adrian. Thou didst love him, lady? Leonore. Love him? Most gladly would I lie down within my grave tonight, could I but call him back to life again. Adrian. Grieve not; thou hast one friend who cannot change,--one who through joy and sorrow will find his truest happiness in serving thee. Hist! I hear a step: I will see who comes. [_Exit_ Adrian. Leonore. Kind, watchful friend, how truly do I trust thee! [_Re-enter_ Adrian.