_Prin._ Hear me. Some fourteen tedious years are past since on my loved, lamented brother's death, this infant, only child, became the victim of that curst Italian fiend, the count Manfredi's treachery, and I, against my will, was hailed prince palatine. Manfredi perished not as he merited. He died a natural death, and with him treason seemingly extinct, I, like the rest of Europe's zealous champions, joined the crusaders in the Holy Land. You followed, and you fought so nobly, I confess I little thought that Ravensburg would join with new Manfredis to overthrow his prince. _Rav._ That I! lives there the slanderous and calumnious wretch who dare---- [_Drawing his sabre._ _Prin._ (_holding his arm_) The man who will not court the certain means by which foul treason may be traced and crushed, so far encourages and aids the crime, that he is himself a traitor. And now, when journeying from my capital, I hither come for counsel and redress--Shame! Oh, shame! if feeling for your prince have no effect, think of an absent father's claims, who, to the loss of a son's valued life, may add his own and others of his race. (_Ravensburg shows alarm: takes him aside._) Ay, the tribunal once offended, will mark and watch with such suspicious eyes, e'en your most distant kindred, that danger, great as your offence, hangs o'er them. _Rav._ They cannot--will not---- _Prin._ They will. And picture the reverse: by linking with this formidable chain, which, though invisible encircles all, you may watch o'er your house's safety. (_Noise without of unbarring gates._) They come--from every quarter come--to execute your sentence! You've no alternative--escape you cannot. In church, in palace shall the free knight strike; therefore instantly complete the forms, and aid your country's and your prince's cause; or, like a base detested parricide, involve an aged parent's life-- _Rav._ Hold! hold! A parent's claims are ever paramount; and Heaven, that witnesses my motive, will pardon my consenting. _Two free knights appear at each door, and are advancing with uplifted daggers._ _Prin._ Forbear! He is a convert. He will unite with us in tracing and o'erthrowing new conspiracy. Come, you're my friend again (_taking Rosenburg's hand_.) And whilst Westphalia's my abode, I will sojourn me in your father's house, and witness, as I'm told, another ceremony; the happy celebration of your nuptials. _Rav._ My nuptials happy! Well! well! lead on. Be this my first, my lesser sacrifice. _Music._--_A party of free knights enter at one door, carrying a banner, on which is painted the cross, an olive branch, and a poniard. A party likewise enter at the other door, carrying a banner on which is painted an eye, surrounded by clouds, and radiated like the sun._ Prince, Ravensburg, _and train exeunt, free knights following._