Lover's Vows Part 17

FREDERICK. My fate, whatever it may be, shall never part me from her.

This is my firm resolution, upon which I call Heaven to witness! My Lord, it must be Frederick of Wildenhaim, and Agatha of Wildenhaim--or Agatha Friburg, and Frederick Friburg. [Exit.

BARON. Young man! Frederick!--[calling after him.] Hasty indeed!

would make conditions with his father. No, no, that must not be. I just now thought how well I had arranged my plans--had relieved my heart of every burden, when, a second time, he throws a mountain upon it. Stop, friend conscience, why do you take his part?--For twenty years thus you have used me, and been my torture.

Enter Mr. ANHALT.

Ah! Anhalt, I am glad you are come. My conscience and myself are at variance.

ANHALT. Your conscience is in the right.

BARON. You don't know yet what the quarrel is.

ANHALT. Conscience is always right--because it never speaks unless it _is_ so.

BARON. Ay, a man of your order can more easily attend to its whispers, than an old warrior. The sound of cannon has made him hard of hearing.--I have found my son again, Mr. Anhalt, a fine, brave young man--I mean to make him my heir--Am I in the right?

ANHALT. Perfectly.

BARON. And his mother shall live in happiness--My estate, Weldendorf, shall be hers--I'll give it to her, and she shall make it her residence. Don't I do right?

ANHALT. No.

BARON [surprized]. No? And what else should I do?

ANHALT [forcibly]. Marry her.

BARON [starting]. I marry her!

ANHALT. Baron Wildenhaim is a man who will not act inconsistently.--As this is my opinion, I expect your reasons, if you do not.

BARON. Would you have me marry a beggar?

ANHALT [after a pause]. Is that your only objection?

BARON [confused]. I have more--many more.

ANHALT. May I beg to know them likewise?

BARON. My birth!

ANHALT. Go on.

BARON. My relations would despise me.

ANHALT. Go on.

BARON [in anger]. 'Sdeath! are not these reasons enough?--I know no other.

ANHALT. Now, then, it is my turn to state mine for the advice I have given you. But first, I must presume to ask a few questions.--Did Agatha, through artful insinuation, gain your affection? or did she give you cause to suppose her inconstant?

BARON. Neither--but for me, she was always virtuous and good.

ANHALT. Did it cost you trouble and earnest entreaty to make her otherwise?

BARON [angrily]. Yes.

ANHALT. You pledged your honour?

BARON [confused]. Yes.

ANHALT. Called G.o.d to witness?

BARON [more confused]. Yes.

ANHALT. The witness you called at that time was the Being who sees you now. What you gave in pledge was your honour, which you must redeem.

Therefore thank Heaven that it is in your _power_ to redeem it. By marrying Agatha the ransom's made: and she brings a dower greater than any princess can bestow--peace to your conscience. If you then esteem the value of this portion, you will not hesitate a moment to exclaim,--Friends, wish me joy, I will marry Agatha.

[Baron, in great agitation, walks backwards and forwards, then takes Anhalt by the hand.]

BARON. "Friend, wish me joy--I will _marry_ Agatha."

ANHALT. I do wish you joy.

BARON. Where is she?

ANHALT. In the castle--in my apartments here--I conducted her through the garden, to avoid curiosity.

BARON. Well, then, this is the wedding-day. This very evening you shall give us your blessing.

ANHALT. Not so soon, not so private. The whole village was witness of Agatha's shame--the whole village must be witness of Agatha's re-established honour. Do you consent to this?

BARON. I do.

ANHALT. Now the quarrel is decided. Now is your conscience quiet?

BARON. As quiet as an infant's. I only wish the first interview was over.

ANHALT. Compose yourself. Agatha's heart is to be your judge.

Enter AMELIA.

BARON. Amelia, you have a brother.

AMELIA. I have just heard so, my Lord; and rejoice to find the news confirmed by you.

BARON. I know, my dear Amelia, I can repay you for the loss of Count Ca.s.sel; but what return can I make to you for the loss of half your fortune?