Baron [ſuddering].
Who is he?
Frederic.
Baron Wildenhaim.
[The Baron’s emotion expreſſes the ſenſe of amazement, guilt, ſhame, and horror.]
Frederic.
In this houſe did you rob my mother of her honour; and in this houſe I am a ſacrifice for the crime. I am your priſoner—I will not be free—I am a robber—I give myſelf up.—You ſhall deliver me into the hands of juſtice—You ſhall accompany me to the ſpot of public execution. You ſhall hear in vain the chaplain’s conſolation and injunctions. You ſhall find how I, in deſpair, will, to the laſt moment, call for retribution on my father.
Baron.
Stop! Be pacified—
Frederic.
—And when you turn your head from my extended corſe, you will behold my weeping mother—Need I paint how her eyes will greet you?
Baron.
Deſiſt—barbarian, ſavage, ſtop!
Enter Anhalt alarmed.
Anhalt.
What do I hear? What is this? Young man, I hope you have not made a ſecond attempt.
Frederic.
Yes; I have done what it was your place to do. I have made a ſinner tremble. [points to the Baron, and exit.]
