I never could discover Why list'ning to a lover Throughout the live-long day, Should be miscall'd offence. It is not common sense-- That's all I say. III. But though the old and haughty Pretend 'tis very naughty, They think a different way; For this, I know, is true, They do as others do-- That's all I say. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II.--_A vaulted cavern belonging to the_ free knights--_nearly in the centre a large brazen door, in the archway a practicable parapet, and occasional apertures in the broken fragments of the rock._ _Enter_ Everard, _hastily through the doorway._ _Ever._ This, this the far-fam'd court so long extolled for fair investigation? Poor Agnes Lindorf! unheard thou art condemned, prejudged, thy judges will decree thee guilty, and this, thy trial, is no more than the mere mockery of justice! But I've held converse with the young lord Ravensburg, and if he follow an old soldier's counsel, there may be still some hope, that the accused shall vanquish the accuser. _Enter_ Zastrow _from the door, bearing Agnes, who is senseless, in his arms--he places her on a piece of broken rock near the wing._ Speak, Zastrow--is she condemn'd? _Zast._ No. Charge following charge, her boasted firmness forsook her; and fainting, as supposed, from conscious guilt, she was dismissed; but soon her sentence will be known, and all foresee the vengeance that awaits the count Manfredi's daughter. _Ever._ Manfredi's daughter! _Zast._ Ay, that Italian traitor, who, on the Danube's banks destroyed the treasure he was bound to guard, and she (_turning towards Agnes_) imbibing the same kindred hate for those whom loyalty should make her love, late at the banquet of the baron Ravensburg, infus'd a poisonous mixture in the draught of our lov'd prince: but he detecting her intent, the death, thank heaven, she design'd for him, will soon recoil upon herself. _Ever._ And he, the prince, is her accuser? Mark you that? _Zast._ I do. _Ever._ Then mark, (_pointing to Agnes_) is that the countenance of guilt? _Zast._ How, Everard! when even Ravensburg, her benefactor's son, now loudly in the open court took part against her. (_Everard shows emotion._) He did; and thereby so increased the prince's admiration----Look! he's here! _Enter_ Ravensburg, _hastily, in the dress of a free knight, with a paper in his hand, followed by two free_ knights. _Rav._ Where is the traitress? Where the daughter of Manfredi? _Ag._ (_starting up._) That voice! still, still does it pursue me? My lord! (_looking at him with a hope that he'll befriend her_) _Rav._ Stand off! _Ag._ This! this from Ravensburg! (_bursts into tears_) _Rav._ 'Tis past--it is pronounced! Read--read that awful warrant.