BARON. He is; but I verily believe for the first and last time. A most extraordinary event, Mr. Anhalt This young man begged; then drew his sword upon me; but he trembled so, when he seized me by the breast, a child might have overpowered him. I almost wish he had made his escape—this adventure may cost him his life, and I might have preserved it with one dollar: but, now, to save him would set a bad example. AMELIA. Oh no! my lord, have pity on him! Plead for him, Mr. Anhalt! BARON. Amelia, have you had any conversation with Mr. Anhalt? AMELIA. Yes, my Lord. BARON. Respecting matrimony? AMELIA. Yes; and I have told him —— MR. ANHALT. [_very hastily_]. According to your commands, Baron —— AMELIA. But he has conjured me —— MR. ANHALT. I have endeavoured, my Lord, to find out —— AMELIA. Yet, I am sure, dear papa, your affection for me —— MR. ANHALT. You wish to say something to me in your closet, my Lord? BARON. What the devil is all this conversation? You will not let one another speak—I don’t understand either of you. AMELIA. Dear father, have you not promised you will not thwart my affections when I marry, but suffer me to follow their dictates. BARON. Certainly. AMELIA. Do you hear, Mr. Anhalt? MR. ANHALT. I beg pardon—I have a person who is waiting for me—I am obliged to retire. [_Exit in confusion._ BARON. [_calls after him_]. I shall expect you in my closet. I am going there immediately. [_Retiring towards the opposite door._] AMELIA. Pray, my Lord, stop a few minutes longer; I have something of great importance to say to you. BARON. Something of importance! to plead for the young man, I suppose! But that’s a subject I must not listen to. [_Exit._ AMELIA. I wish to plead for two young men—For one, that he may be let out of prison: for the other, that he may be made a prisoner for life. [_Looks out._] The tower is still locked. How dismal it must be to be shut up in such a place; and perhaps—[_Calls_] Butler! Butler! Come this way. I wish to speak to you. This young soldier has risked his life for his mother, and that accounts for the interest I take in his misfortunes. _Enter the_ BUTLER. Pray, have you carried anything to the prisoner to eat? BUTLER. Yes. AMELIA. What was it? BUTLER. Some fine black bread; and water as clear as crystal. AMELIA. Are you not ashamed! Even my father pities him. Go directly down to the kitchen, and desire the cook to give you something good and comfortable; and then go into the cellar for a bottle of wine. BUTLER. Good and comfortable indeed! AMELIA. And carry both to the tower. BUTLER. I am willing at any time, dear Lady, to obey your orders; but, on this occasion, the prisoner’s food must remain bread and water—It is the Baron’s particular command. AMELIA. Ah! My father was in the height of passion when he gave it.