The man’s a dolt: he’ll never be in time, And I that call him fool, why what am I? 2700 With my grey hairs—and such an idiot, Not to have seen! And if I had only known That Frederick loved my Laura, and she him.... Why did they never tell me? My dearest Laura, ... To marry without my knowledge, ... run away Without my blessing ... it shall not be ... as if Against my will ... not to ask my consent ... And count on my approval. O Laura, Laura! If I had known—and now no doubt ’Tis past all hindrance.... Am I not a fool 2710 To wish to stop them? Perhaps they have not started, I may be in time. I will tell Frederick all,— I do not disapprove ... nay, I approve. ’Tis better far ... and yet how can I?— My word is plighted to St. Nicholas. ’Tis better they should get clear off. Heaven speed them! Why did I send that idiot after them? I wish they may escape. O Laura, Laura! Without my blessing. Yet thou hast my blessing. God bless thee! I try and hinder thee? O no. 2720 I will go stop St. Nicholas. [_Hurries out._ SCENE · 4 _Frederick’s room as before._ _Enter FREDERICK and RICARDO._ _FREDERICK_ (_hastily_). Good-bye: I’m off. Speed you as well as I. Laura is to meet me in the park: an hour Will put us out of reach. _RICARDO._ Farewell. God speed you! All is prepared at Milan; and ere you are married, I shall be accepted. _F._ Write me word. _R._ I will. _F._ I’ll not believe it till I see your hand. _R._ Not if Diana write herself? _F._ To me? That might persuade me. Good luck to you, Richard! And thanks for all your favours. _R._ Favours! eh! 2730 To an old friend! Well. Good-bye! _F._ Good-bye. [_Taking up coat, Exit._ _R._ (_leisurely_). He’s gone. Bravo! give him two minutes more And he will be clean gone: and when he is gone I shall not fear to tell Diana all.— He is lost to her; and that I have won her liking Ends her caprice. Now, ’tis my pleasant duty To send my letter to Sir Gregory (_takes out letter and peruses it_). And open his eyes: he must not be left groping. (_looking it over._) First who I am; and what I have done, and do To assist his daughter in her happy match. 2740 When he knows that, he’ll bless me: and he must tell Diana of Frederick’s marriage; but of me Keep counsel awhile—better to put that plainer (_goes to inkstand and writes_). Yet a slight hint of something to Diana, If I could manage it, would serve me well. _Enter Tristram._ (_still writing._) Ah, Tristram: come in, Tristram: (_aside._) This leaky fool is just the man to do it.— Lend me your company for half an hour. _TRISTRAM._