Louis. It were little use to tell thee; thou wouldst only win a deeper curse than that she hath already laid upon thee. Rod. Hold! who art thou that dare to speak thus to Count Rodolpho? Louis. That thou canst never know; but this I tell thee: I am thy deadliest foe, and, aided by the wizard Norna, seek to work thee evil, and bring down upon thy head the fearful doom thy sin deserves. Wouldst thou know more,--then seek the witch, and learn the hate she bears thee. Rod. Fool! thinkst thou I fear thee or thy enchantments? Draw, and defend thyself! Thou shalt pay dearly for thine insolence to me! [_Draws his sword._ Louis. I will not stain my weapon with a murderer's blood. I leave thee to the fate that gathers round thee. [_Exit_ Louis. Rod. "Murderer," said he. I am betrayed,--yet no one saw the deed. Yet, stay! perchance 'twas he who bore Theresa away. He has escaped me, and will spread the tale. Nay, why should I fear? Courage! One blow, and I am safe! [_Rushes forward. Spirit of_ Theresa _rises._] What's that?--her deathlike face,--the wound my hand hath made! Help! help! help! [_Rushes out. The spirit vanishes._ CURTAIN. SCENE FOURTH. [_Room in the castle of_ Rodolpho. Rodolpho _alone._] Rod. I see no way save that. Were young Count Louis dead she would forget the love that had just begun, and by sweet words and gifts I may yet win her. The young lord must die [_a groan behind the curtain_]. Ha! what is that? 'Tis nothing; fie upon my fear! I'll banish all remembrance of the fearful shape my fancy conjured up within the forest. I'll not do the deed myself,--I have had enough of blood. Hugo the bandit: he is just the man,--bold, sure of hand, and secret. I will bribe him well, and when the deed is done, find means to rid me of him lest he should play me false. I saw him in the courtyard as I entered. Perchance he is not yet gone. Ho, without there! Bid Hugo here if he be within the castle.--He is a rough knave, but gold will make all sure. [_Enter_ Hugo. Hugo. What would my lord with me? Rod. I ask a favor of thee. Nay, never fear, I'll pay thee well. Wouldst earn a few gold pieces? Hugo. Ay, my lord, most gladly would I. Rod. Nay, sit, good Hugo. Here is wine; drink, and refresh thyself. Hugo. Thanks, my lord. How can I serve you? [Rodolpho _gives wine,_ Hugo _sits and drinks._] Rod. Dost thou know Count Louis, whom the king lately banished? Hugo. Nay, my lord; I never saw him.