_Wer._ (_solus_). 'Tis he! I am taken in the toils. Before 560 I quitted Hamburg, Giulio, his late steward, Informed me, that he had obtained an order From Brandenburg's elector, for the arrest Of Kruitzner (such the name I then bore) when I came upon the frontier; the free city Alone preserved my freedom--till I left Its walls--fool that I was to quit them! But I deemed this humble garb, and route obscure, Had baffled the slow hounds in their pursuit. What's to be done? He knows me not by person; 570 Nor could aught, save the eye of apprehension, Have recognised _him_, after twenty years-- We met so rarely and so coldly in Our youth. But those about him! Now I can Divine the frankness of the Hungarian, who No doubt is a mere tool and spy of Stralenheim's, To sound and to secure me. Without means! Sick, poor--begirt too with the flooding rivers, Impassable even to the wealthy, with All the appliances which purchase modes 580 Of overpowering peril, with men's lives,-- How can I hope! An hour ago methought My state beyond despair; and now, 'tis such, The past seems paradise. Another day, And I'm detected,--on the very eve Of honours, rights, and my inheritance, When a few drops of gold might save me still In favouring an escape. _Enter_ IDENSTEIN _and_ FRITZ _in conversation_. _Fritz_. Immediately. _Iden._ I tell you, 'tis impossible. _Fritz_. It must Be tried, however; and if one express 590 Fail, you must send on others, till the answer Arrives from Frankfort, from the commandant. _Iden._ I will do what I can. _Fritz_. And recollect To spare no trouble; you will be repaid Tenfold. _Iden._ The Baron is retired to rest? _Fritz_. He hath thrown himself into an easy chair Beside the fire, and slumbers; and has ordered He may not be disturbed until eleven, When he will take himself to bed. _Iden._ Before An hour is past I'll do my best to serve him. 600 _Fritz_. Remember! [_Exit_ FRITZ. _Iden._ The devil take these great men! they Think all things made for them. Now here must I Rouse up some half a dozen shivering vassals From their scant pallets, and, at peril of Their lives, despatch them o'er the river towards Frankfort. Methinks the Baron's own experience Some hours ago might teach him fellow-feeling: But no, "it _must_" and there's an end. How now? Are you there, Mynheer Werner? _Wer._ You have left Your noble guest right quickly.