_Enter the_ baron's _train, and the_ prince's _train._ _The_ prince _and_ baron _last, and together._ _Prin._ (_aside to the baron._) That is her history? You have imparted all? _Bar._ That--that is Agnes Lindorf's story. _Prin._ And none--none know it! _Bar._ None--I've kept it secret, even from herself; because, at first the circumstance exciting interest, I fear'd to lose what might supply a daughter's loss; and, since not wishing to increase an orphan's suffering-- _Prin._ (_starting, on seeing Agnes._) Behold again! again it flashes on my mind full confirmation. Take, take her from my sight! Yet, no--that may create suspicion, and Walbourg! Walbourg will, ere long, return. Oh! were he come! for every moment is an age, till I'm secure! [_half aside._ _Bar._ Walbourg! gone! where my liege? _Prin._ (_angrily._) No matter, Sir--let the dread interval be filled with these your care-destroying sports. Come, strike! [Prince _and_ baron _seat themselves, and the other characters are ranged on each side the stage._ _Dance._ _In the midst of which a loud knocking is heard, accompanied by trumpets without. All show alarm, except the_ prince, _who expresses secret satisfaction._ [_Music changes._ _Folding doors are thrown open by_ Walbourg, _who enters, and points to a black banner, fixed into the ground, on which is written, in golden letters,_ "AGNES LINDORF! APPEAR BEFORE THE FREE KNIGHTS!" [Agnes _stands motionless with terror, then runs wildly about, appealing to the different characters. The_ prince _menaces--all point to the banner, turn away, and exeunt, except_ Ravensburg, _who is following, when_ Agnes _clings to him, and detains him._] _Ag._ You! you will not forsake me! Grant, grant me but a look! _Rav._ Avoid me! shun me! _Ag._ I swear by Him, to whom all crimes are known. I know no more of what I am accused, than does the new born babe! But think, oh think! I am accused by those, whose names strike terror through the world, and who, by solemn and terrific oaths, are bound to execute such dreadful deeds, (_Ravensburg trembles violently_) that you, whose nature must revolt at such barbarity! you, my kind, only friend! [_falling on his shoulder._ _Rav._ Fly! swift--escape? (_passing her across him._) Where? (_stopping her._) Whither! who can elude the penetrating eye of their deep-searching vengeance? And if you answer not that awful mandate? All gracious powers! (_turning from her_)--I am forbidden to advise, nay, even converse with the accus'd! And yet, Agnes! (_turning towards her_) though my whole heart be with thee--Farewell! farewell! [_embracing her._ _Enter, immediately_, prince Palatine.