AGATHA. Oh Providence! thou hast till this hour protected me, and hast given me fortitude not to despair. Receive my humble thanks, and restore me to health, for the sake of my poor son, the innocent cause of my sufferings, and yet my only comfort. [_kneeling_] Oh, grant that I may see him once more! See him improved in strength of mind and body; and that by thy gracious mercy he may never be visited with afflictions great as mine. [_After a pause_] Protect his father too, merciful Providence, and pardon his crime of perjury to me! Here, in the face of heaven (supposing my end approaching, and that I can but a few days longer struggle with want and sorrow), here, I solemnly forgive my seducer for all the ills, the accumulated evils which his allurements, his deceit, and cruelty, have for twenty years past drawn upon me. _Enter a_ COUNTRY GIRL _with a basket._ AGATHA. [_near fainting_]. My dear child, if you could spare me a trifle— GIRL. I have not a farthing in the world—But I am going to market to sell my eggs, and as I come back I’ll give you three-pence—And I’ll be back as soon as ever I can. [_Exit._ AGATHA. There was a time when I was as happy as this country girl, and as willing to assist the poor in distress. [_Retires to the tree and sits down._] _Enter_ FREDERICK—_He is dressed in a German soldier’s uniform, has a knapsack on his shoulders, appears in high spirits, and stops at the door of the inn._ FREDERICK. Halt! Stand at ease! It is a very hot day—A draught of good wine will not be amiss. But first let me consult my purse. [_Takes out a couple of pieces of money, which he turns about in his hand._] This will do for a breakfast—the other remains for my dinner; and in the evening I shall be home. [_Calls out_] Ha! Halloo! Landlord! [_Takes notice of_ Agatha, _who is leaning against the tree._] Who is that? A poor sick woman! She don’t beg; but her appearance makes me think she is in want. Must one always wait to give till one is asked? Shall I go without my breakfast now, or lose my dinner? The first I think is best. Ay, I don’t want a breakfast, for dinner time will soon be here. To do good satisfies both hunger and thirst. [_Going towards her with the money in his hand._] Take this, good woman. [_She stretches her hand for the gift, looks steadfastly at him, and cries out with astonishment and joy._] AGATHA. Frederick! FREDERICK. Mother! [_With astonishment and grief._] Mother! For God’s sake what is this! How is this! And why do I find my mother thus? Speak! AGATHA. I cannot speak, dear son! [_Rising and embracing him._] My dear Frederick! The joy is too great—I was not prepared— FREDERICK. Dear mother, compose yourself: [_leans her head against his breast_] now, then, be comforted. How she trembles! She is fainting. AGATHA. I am so weak, and my head so giddy—I had nothing to eat all yesterday.