ACT IV.
SCENE I. A Priſon in one of the Towers of the Caſtle.
Frederick [alone].
HOW a few moments deſtroy the happineſs of man! When I, this morning, ſet out from my inn, and ſaw the ſun riſe, I ſung with joy.—Flattered with the hope of ſeeing my mother, I formed a ſcheme how I would with joy ſurprize her. But, farewell all pleaſant proſpects—I return to my native country, and the firſt object I behold, is my dying parent; my firſt lodging, a priſon; and my next walk will perhaps be—oh, merciful providence! have I deſerved all this?
Enter Amelia with a ſmall baſket covered with a napkin.—She ſpeaks to ſome one without.
Amelia.
Wait there, Francis, I ſhall ſoon be back.
Frederick [hearing the door open, and turning round].
Who’s there?
Amelia.
You muſt be both hungry and thirſty, I fear.
Frederick
Oh, no! neither.
Amelia.
Here is a bottle of wine, and ſomething to eat, [Places the baſket on the table]. I have often
