Part 6 (2/2)

Leonore. Love him? Most gladly would I lie down within my grave tonight, could I but call him back to life again.

Adrian. Grieve not; thou hast one friend who cannot change,--one who through joy and sorrow will find his truest happiness in serving thee.

Hist! I hear a step: I will see who comes.

[_Exit_ Adrian.

Leonore. Kind, watchful friend, how truly do I trust thee!

[_Re-enter_ Adrian.

Adrian. Conceal thyself, dear lady, with all speed. 'Tis Count Rodolpho.

Let me lead thee to the inner cave,--there thou wilt be safe.

[_They retire within; noise heard without. Enter_ Rodolpho.

Rod. At last I am safe. Old Norna will conceal me till I can find means to leave the land. Ha!--voices within there. Ho, there! old wizard, hither! I have need of thee!

[_Enter_ Adrian.

Adrian. What wouldst thou?

Rod. Nought. Get thee hence! I seek old Norna.

Adrian. Thou canst not see her; she is not here.

Rod. Not here? 'Tis false,--I heard a woman's voice within there. Let me pa.s.s!

Adrian. 'Tis not old Norna, and thou canst not pa.s.s.

Rod. Ah, then, who might it be, my most mysterious sir?

Adrian. The Lady Leonore.

Rod. Ha!--how came she hither? By my soul, thou liest! Stand back and let me go. She is mine!

Adrian. Thou canst only enter here above my lifeless body. Leonore is here, and I am her protector and thy deadliest foe. 'Tis for thee to yield and leave this cell.

Rod. No more of this,--thou hast escaped me once. Draw and defend thyself, if thou hast courage to meet a brave man's sword!

Adrian. But for Leonore I would not stoop so low, or stain my sword; but for her sake I'll dare all, and fight thee to the last.

[_They fight their way out. Enter_ Rodolpho.

Rod. At length fate smiles upon me. I am the victor,--and now for Leonore! All danger is forgotten in the joy of winning my revenge on this proud girl! Thou art mine at last, Leonore, and mine forever!

[_Rushes towards the inner cave. Spirit of_ Theresa _rises._] There 'tis again! I will not fly,--I do defy it! [_Attempts to pa.s.s. Spirit touches him; he drops his sword and rushes wildly away._] 'Tis vain: I cannot--dare not pa.s.s. It comes, it follows me. Whither shall I fly?

[_Exit. Enter_ Adrian _wounded._

<script>