FERDINAND. Ministers and panders have no concern with hearts. LADY MILFORD (almost speechless with emotion). And you yourself--have you nothing to add? FERDINAND (looking at SOPHY). Much! my lady, much! LADY MILFORD (motions to SOPHY to withdraw). May I beg you to take a seat by my side? FERDINAND. I will be brief, lady. LADY MILFORD. Well! FERDINAND. I am a man of honor! LADY MILFORD. Whose worth I know how to appreciate. FERDINAND. I am of noble birth! LADY MILFORD. Noble as any in the land! FERDINAND. A soldier! LADY MILFORD (in a soft, affectionate manner). Thus far you have only enumerated advantages which you share in common with many others. Why are you so silent regarding those noble qualities which are peculiarly your own? FERDINAND (coldly). Here they would be out of place. LADY MILFORD (with increasing agitation). In what light am I to understand this prelude? FERDINAND (slowly, and with emphasis). As the protest of the voice of honor--should you think proper to enforce the possession of my hand! LADY MILFORD (starting with indignation). Major von Walter! What language is this? FERDINAND (calmly). The language of my heart--of my unspotted name--and of this true sword. LADY MILFORD. Your sword was given to you by the prince. FERDINAND. 'Twas the state which gave it, by the hands of the prince. God bestowed on me an honest heart. My nobility is derived from a line of ancestry extending through centuries. LADY MILFORD. But the authority of the prince---- FERDINAND (with warmth). Can he subvert the laws of humanity, or stamp glory on our actions as easily as he stamps value on the coin of his realm? He himself is not raised above the laws of honor, although he may stifle its whispers with gold--and shroud his infamy in robes of ermine! But enough of this, lady!--it is too late now to talk of blasted prospects--or of the desecration of ancestry--or of that nice sense of honor--girded on with my sword--or of the world's opinion. All these I am ready to trample under foot as soon as you have proved to me that the reward is not inferior to the sacrifice. LADY MILFORD (in extreme distress turning away). Major! I have not deserved this! FERDINAND (taking her hand). Pardon me, lady--we are without witnesses. The circumstance which brings us together to-day--and only to-day-- justifies me, nay, compels me, to reveal to you my most secret feelings. I cannot comprehend, lady, how a being gifted with so much beauty and spirit--qualities which a man cannot fail to admire--could throw herself away on a prince incapable of valuing aught beyond her mere person--and yet not feel some visitings of shame, when she steps forth to offer her heart to a man of honor! LADY MILFORD (looking at him with an air of pride). Say on, sir, without reserve.