longer ſtruggle with want and ſorrow), here, I ſolemnly forgive my ſeducer for all the ills, the accumulated evils which his allurements, his deceit, and cruelty, have for twenty years paſt drawn upon me.
Enter a Country Girl with a baſket.
AGATHA [near fainting.]
My dear child, if you could ſpare me a trifle—
Girl.
I have not a farthing in the world—But I am going to market to ſell my eggs, and as I come back I’ll give you three-pence—And I’ll be back as ſoon as ever I can.[Exit.
Agatha.
There was a time when I was as happy as this country girl, and as willing to aſſiſt the poor in diſtreſs. [Retires to the tree and ſits down.]
Enter Frederick—He is dreſſed in a German ſoldier’s uniform, has a knapſack on his ſhoulders, appears in high ſpirits, and ſtops at the door of the inn.
Frederick.
Halt! Stand at eaſe! It is a very hot day—A draught of good wine will not be amiſs. But firſt let me conſult my purſe. [Takes out a couple of pieces of money, which he turns about in his hand.] This will do for a breakfaſt the other remains for my dinner; and in the evening I ſhall be at home. [Calls out] Ha! Halloo! Landlord! [Takes notice of Agatha, who is leaning againſt the tree.] Who is that? A poor ſick woman! She don’t beg; but her appearance makes me think ſhe is in want. Muſt one always wait to give till one is aſked? Shall I go without my breakfaſt now, or loſe my
