_Agnes._ I cannot comprehend! the prince to gaze on me with such emotion! wildly exclaim, "the sight of her is hateful!" and, with the baron, leave the banquet, to be told the whole of my sad history--'Tis well! I shall not suffer by the truth; for, as I guess, mine, is a story to excite more of compassion than resentment. _Ravens._ Agnes! speak--what of the Prince? _Agnes._ Nothing, my lord; he would know my story, would be told that I, an infant, friendless, fatherless, was nursed and cherished by the baron Ravensburg, who, like the rest, of late has met me with such altered looks!--but 'tis of late!--for years he called me his adopted child; and you, my benefactor's son, bear witness, I banish from my mind the present change, and dwell with gratitude on past affection. _Rav._ 'Tis his new friend, this artful, envious countess! 'Till she became your foe-- _Ag._ I know: and how have I offended? Still I've endeavour'd to obey and please her, and her niece, the fair, the happy--Sir, I forget--I came by her desire--the countess having heard of her intention, will not allow of any private interviews, and therefore 'tis Ulrica's wish, that, as tomorrow is the nuptial day, the day which blesses her, but which--(_bursts into tears_)--I can no more--Spare! spare! and pity me! _Rav._ Proceed! for, if I know Ulrica's heart, you are not messenger of any tidings ungracious to yourself. _Ag._ Indeed, I know not--She was, as she has ever been, most kind and most compassionate; but to her wish--she begs you will comply with what is here requested--Take it--(_giving him a letter_)--and the hard office o'er, farewell until tomorrow! And then, no sister's prayers did e'er more pure and fervent flow than mine shall then for yours and your Ulrica's happiness. _Rav._ (_having opened the letter._) Stay! (_reading._) "Shall I accept his hand, whose heart I perceive to be another's? And can I wish him to accept mine, who, from early education, am better suited to a far more humble sphere! No, generous Ravensburg! Remonstrate with your father, and increase the esteem of Ulrica, by wiping away tears, which flow from silent, genuine passion! Hearts such as yours and Agnes's can best reward each other," Exalted woman! I _will_ remonstrate with my father--now, instantly, and come what will, no nuptials shall be solemnized, but those which love shall crown--(_taking her hand_)--if you refute not what Ulrica writes. _Ag._ My lord, 'twere affectation to deny what this our mutual and unequall'd friend has now revealed; but for the rest! if I am worthy of the son's affection, remember, that I owe it to the father; and great, however great the sacrifice, still would I rather meet that son's displeasure, than plant a sting in the protecting breast that warm'd and nourished a forsaken orphan. _Rav._ My father will relent! Hark! he comes! the banquet o'er, new revelry succeeds, and now I can partake its joys. Come, the hope that dawns shall lead to lasting sunshine.