Act III
Scene I An Open Field
FREDERICK alone, with a few pieces of money which he turns about in his hands.
FREDERICK.
To return with this trifle for which I have stooped to beg! return to see my mother dying! I would rather fly to the world’s end. [Looking at the money.] What can I buy with this? It is hardly enough to pay for the nails that will be wanted for her coffin. My great anxiety will drive me to distraction. However, let the consequence of our affliction be what it may, all will fall upon my father’s head; and may he pant for Heaven’s forgiveness, as my poor mother —— [At a distance is heard the firing of a gun, then the cry of Hallo, Hallo—Gamekeepers and Sportsmen run across the stage—he looks about.] Here they come—a nobleman, I suppose, or a man of fortune. Yes, yes—and I will once more beg for my mother.—May Heaven send relief!
Enter the BARON followed slowly by the COUNT. The BARON stops.
BARON.
Quick, quick, Count! Aye, aye, that was a blunder indeed. Don’t you see the dogs? There they run—they have lost the scent. [Exit Baron looking after the dogs.
COUNT.
So much the better, Colonel, for I must take a little breath. [He leans on his gun—Frederick goes up to him with great modesty.]
FREDERICK.
Gentleman, I beg you will bestow from your superfluous wants something to relieve the pain, and nourish the weak frame, of an expiring woman.
The BARON re-enters.
COUNT.
What police is here! that a nobleman’s amusements should be interrupted by the attack of vagrants.
FREDERICK.
[to the Baron]. Have pity, noble Sir, and relieve the distress of an unfortunate son, who supplicates for his dying mother.
BARON.
[taking out his purse]. I think, young soldier, it would be better if you were with your regiment on duty, instead of begging.
FREDERICK.
I would with all my heart: but at this present moment my sorrows are too great.—[Baron gives something.] I entreat your pardon. What you have been so good as to give me is not enough.
BARON.
[surprised]. Not enough!
FREDERICK.
No, it is not enough.
COUNT.
The most singular beggar I ever met in all my travels.
FREDERICK.
If you have a charitable heart, give me one dollar.
BARON.
This is the first time I was ever dictated by a beggar what to give him.
FREDERICK.
With one dollar you will save a distracted man.
BARON.
I don’t choose to give any more. Count, go on.
[Exit Count—as the Baron follows, Frederick seizes him by the breast and draws his sword.]
FREDERICK.
Your purse, or your life.
BARON.
[calling]. Here! here! seize and secure him.
[Some of the Gamekeepers run on, lay hold of Frederick, and disarm him.]
FREDERICK.
What have I done!
BARON.
Take him to the castle, and confine him in one of the towers. I shall follow you immediately.
FREDERICK.
One favour I have to beg, one favour only.—I know that I am guilty, and am ready to receive the punishment my crime deserves. But I have a mother, who is expiring for want—pity her, if you cannot pity me—bestow on her relief. If you will send to yonder hut, you will find that I do not impose on you a falsehood. For her it was I drew my sword—for her I am ready to die.
BARON.
Take him away, and imprison him where I told you.
FREDERICK.
[as he is forced off by the keepers]. Woe to that man to whom I owe my birth! [Exit.
BARON.
[calls another Keeper]. Here, Frank, run directly to yonder hamlet, inquire in the first, second, and third cottage for a poor sick woman—and if you really find such a person, give her this purse. [Exit Gamekeeper.]
BARON.
A most extraordinary event!—and what a well-looking youth! something in his countenance and address which struck me inconceivably!—If it is true that he begged for his mother—But if he did——for the attempt upon my life, he must die. Vice is never half so dangerous, as when it assumes the garb of morality. [Exit.]