_Iden._ _Sir!_ Lord--oh Lord! Why don't you say His Lordship, or his Excellency? Pray, My Lord, excuse this poor man's want of breeding: He hath not been accustomed to admission To such a presence. _Stral._ (_to_ IDENSTEIN). Peace, intendant! _Iden._ Oh! I am dumb. _Stral._ (_to_ WERNER). Have you been long here? _Wer._ Long? _Stral._ I sought An answer, not an echo. _Wer._ You may seek Both from the walls. I am not used to answer Those whom I know not. _Stral._ Indeed! Ne'er the less, 530 You might reply with courtesy to what Is asked in kindness. _Wer._ When I know it such I will requite--that is, _reply_--in unison. _Stral._ The intendant said, you had been detained by sickness-- If I could aid you--journeying the same way? _Wer._ (_quickly_). I am not journeying the same way! _Stral._ How know ye That, ere you know my route? _Wer._ Because there is But one way that the rich and poor must tread Together. You diverged from that dread path Some hours ago, and I some days: henceforth 540 Our roads must lie asunder, though they tend All to one home. _Stral._ Your language is above Your station. _Wer._ (_bitterly_). Is it? _Stral._ Or, at least, beyond Your garb. _Wer._ 'Tis well that it is not beneath it, As sometimes happens to the better clad. But, in a word, what would you with me? _Stral._ (_startled_). I? _Wer._ Yes--you! You know me not, and question me, And wonder that I answer not--not knowing My inquisitor. Explain what you would have, And then I'll satisfy yourself, or me. 550 _Stral._ I knew not that you had reasons for reserve. _Wer._ Many have such:--Have you none? _Stral._ None which can Interest a mere stranger. _Wer._ Then forgive The same unknown and humble stranger, if He wishes to remain so to the man Who can have nought in common with him. _Stral._ Sir, I will not balk your humour, though untoward: I only meant you service--but good night! Intendant, show the way! (_To_ GABOR.) Sir, you will with me? [_Exeunt_ STRALENHEIM _and Attendants_; IDENSTEIN _and_ GABOR.