_Ab._ (_rushing through the crowd, and approaching the prince._) Here, in these hallowed aisles; here, in the face of Heaven, and of man, by all your hopes of future preservation, avow your treason, and your sovereign's wrongs, detested, treacherous, murderous villain!--(_prince much agitated._) See, guilt is on him! Now, ye who had no faith (_to the monks_) and ye who trample upon sacred rights (_to the free knights_) behold how sacred justice is displayed! There's the usurper, sinking with remorse, and here Manfredi, shedding tears of joy at his regain'd, belov'd Theresa's feet! [_The_ prince _lets his sword fall, and reclines on the arm of_ Walbourg. Ravensburg _flies to_ Agnes, _and takes her from the_ free knights. Abbot _kneels on one side of_ Agnes, Ravensburg _on the other._ _Rav._ Manfredi! Sovereign! _Ab._ He knows it--knows, on her suppos'd decease, this hand inform'd him of Manfredi's motives--and that, disgusted with a sickening world, in calm retirement, he should seek for peace. He sought it here--and in Bellarmin's name, was here most safely sheltered! When, soon, the daring calumny spread wide, of "traitor"--of "assassin"--and the sad narrative perverted, confirm'd the perjur'd statement. You'll say I should have answered this? No--aware such influence, and such arts, would, with such judges, beat down humble truth, I kept immur'd! and my reported death checking inquiry, whilst the loud world sung forth the slanderer's praise, I could look inward, and exclaim, better forever undeserved disgrace, than hear applause the heart can never sanction! _Ag._ My lord, (_to Ravensburg_) though lost in wonder and in joy, and now most certain he proclaim'd me as Manfredi's daughter, to give a colour to each cruel charge! yet can I see a fellow creature, torn with such convulsive agony!--Go--speak--console him. _Ab._ (_to prince._) You hear! _Prin._ I do! and if Manfredi had, like me, beheld her angel mother's form, the strong resemblance had betray'd the secret, and mad ambition had been sooner crush'd! I sue, I supplicate for death--life, life's the dreaded punishment for guilt like mine! Come--I implore ye! _Ab._ 'Tis gone! 'tis vanished! and I, who hated and opposed, now feel my edict surpasses even royal rights! Monarchs may spare, yet also they must punish! By my prerogative, I can but pardon--be safe within these walls, till higher power determines on your fate. (_the prince is led up the stage._) Now hope we to fulfill a far more welcome office, the union of two hearts, that beat in unison, and that, and our forth-coming installation, past--(_music without_)--Hark! they come--the warfare o'er, the sons of peace approach. _Rav._ (_looking out._) Oh! glorious, welcome sight! and let none say the days of darkness are returned, when such desert is crown'd with such reward. My lord, they enter--they expect you.