_F._ Then waste no more the precious moments, Laura, To question the great blessing we enjoy. Our hours will all be as this hour to-night; Either to step with in eternity Towards our perfection with unwavering will, Or with a questioning purpose let it slide, And leave us far behind. A man’s desires Are his companions and by them he is known; But he himself is what he grows to be Using his time. _L._ How best to use it now? 1060 _F._ First to assure thee, dearest, that all the joys I have had or hoped are nothing to thy love. And next, that we may make it sure, I ask thee To say thou’lt fly with me. _L._ When, Frederick, when? I fear ’twill never be; we have but two days. _F._ Therefore be ready at any moment, Laura. All’s fixed except the time: that must depend Upon occasion. If I cannot see thee, Ricardo, whom I have made my confidant, Will bring thee word. He cannot be suspected, 1070 And thou mayst trust him. _L._ Dare I tell my father? _F._ That’s my chief scruple; and yet we dare not tell him. If only Providence would give him back His hearing for one day! After one day Spent with St. Nicholas, I should not fear To broach our matter. _L._ He has the marriage contract Ready to sign. _F._ Not as he thinks. By luck They entrusted it to me; and as I have drawn it He cannot sign it. He must give it me back, And that will make delay. _L._ Of all these chances, 1080 If any one go wrong.... _F._ All will go well. See, here’s my portrait, Laura, which I promised: ’Tis framed like yours; that is its only merit. _L._ O, let me have it. _F._ Take it. That you should care To look upon it, makes me ashamed. _L._ O, Frederick! If you knew all my foolishness, I think You would despise me. By this little light I can see nothing. Is’t well done? _F._ So, so. It flatters me: but that’s the artist’s trick. _L._ Flatters you! 1090 _F._ Well, it taints me with the fashion, Which is the vulgar dress of imitations, And a less blunder than mere naked skill. The individual ideals are given To genius only. _L._ I would have had you painted Just as you are. _F._ Nay.—Hark! I hear a step.... _L._ What can we do? _F._ Some one is coming hither. _L._ Where can we hide? _F._ I cannot think; unless You creep along the hedge. I’ll wait and see Who ’tis. I think it must be Tristram. [_Exit Laura._ _Enter Ricardo._ _RICARDO._ Frederick! _F._ Richard! what is the matter? 1100