dinner? The firſt I think is the beſt. Ay, I don’t want a breakfaſt, for dinner time will ſoon be here. To do good ſatisfies both hunger and thiſt. [Going towards her with the money in his hand.] Take this, good woman.
[She ſtretches her hand for the gift, looks ſtedfaſtly at him, and cries out witb aſoniſhment and joy.]
Agatha.
Frederick!
Frederick.
Mother! [Wifth amazement and grief.] Mother! For God’s ſake what is this! How is this! And why do I find my mother thus? Speak!
Agatha.
I cannot ſpeak, dear ſon! [Riſing and embracing him.] My dear Frederick! The joy is too great—I was not prepared—
Frederick.
Dear mother, compoſe yourſelf: [leans her head againſt his breaſt] now, then, be comforted. How ſhe trembles! She is fainting.
Agatha.
I am ſo weak, and my head ſo giddy—I had nothing to eat all yeſterday.
Frederick.
Good heavens! Here is my little money, take it all! Oh mother! mother! [Runs to the inn] Landlord! Landlord! [knocking violently at the door.]
Landlord.
What is the matter?
Frederick.
A bottle of wine—quick, quick!
Landlord [ſurprized.]
A bottle of wine ! For who ?
