(_Sanguine_ returns precipitately from above.) _Sang._ My lord, one fatal moment has undone your scheme, the female has escaped. _Long._ Villain! escaped. _Bert._ (_raising himself in frantic joy._) Ha! _Sang._ I found the casement of the upper chamber open, some twisted linen fastened to the bar, nearly reached to the ground without, and proved the method of her flight; a beldame who must have aided her escape, remains alone above, (_turning towards the window_,) ha! I catch a female figure darting through the trees at a distance; she runs with lightning speed,--now--she turns towards the castle. _Long._ Distraction! if she gains the castle, I am lost forever; pursue! pursue! [_Longueville_ and _Sanguine_ rush out. _Bert._ (_Vehemently._) Guardians of innocence, direct her steps! [_He follows them._ SCENE III.--_A Gallery in the Chateau._ Enter _Rosabelle_ followed by _Gaspard_. _Gasp._ Ha! young mistress Rosabelle, whither so fast I pray? 'faith, damsel, you are fleet of foot. _Ros._ Yet my steps are heavier than my heart, for that's all feather, ready for any flight in fancy's hemisphere; give thought but breath, and 'twere blown in a second to the moon or the antipodes, wilt along with me, Gaspard? _Gasp._ What, to the moon or the antipodes? Alack! damsel, I should prove but a sorry travelling companion upon either road; no, no, youth is for night; but age for falls. _Ros._ Wilt turn a waltz anon, and be my partner in the dance? _Gasp._ Hey! madcap, have we dances toward? _Ros._ Ay! upon the terrace presently, all the world will assemble there; the lady Geraldine and myself for beauty; and then for rank, we shall have the count himself, and the baron, and the chevalier, and-- _Gasp._ Out upon you, magpie; would you delude the old man with fables? his lordship, the count, among revellers! truly a pleasant jest; I have been his watchful servant these twenty years, and never knew him to abide the sight or sound of pleasures. _Ros._ Then I can acquaint you, he proposes on this day to regale both his eyes and his ears with a novelty; I heard him promise lady Geraldine to join the pastimes on the terrace. _Gasp._ Oh! the blest tidings: damsel, thy tongue has made a boy of me again. _Ros._ Now charity forefend, for so should I bring thee to thy second childhood. _Gasp._ Ah! would you fleer me! his lordship among revellers! oh! the blest prodigy! well, well, I give no promise, mark; but should a certain damsel lack a partner, adod. I know not--sixty-live shows with an ill-grace in a rigadoon, but for a minuet: well, well, St. Vitus strengthen me, and I accept thy challenge. [_Exit._ _Ros._ Go thy ways, thou antique gallantry; thy pledge shall never be endangered by my claim; I'm for a brisker partner in every dance through life, I promise thee. AIR.--_Rosabelle._