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OTHO THE GREAT.
359
In these rough times. Brave soldier as you pass
To royal Gersa with my humble thanks,
Will you send yonder knight to me?
To royal Gersa with my humble thanks,
Will you send yonder knight to me?
[Exit Captain.I will.
Erminia. Yes, he was ever known to be a man
Frank, open, generous; Albert I may trust.
O proof! proof! proof! Albert's an honest man;
Not Ethelbert the monk, if he were here,
Would I hold more trustworthy. Now!
Frank, open, generous; Albert I may trust.
O proof! proof! proof! Albert's an honest man;
Not Ethelbert the monk, if he were here,
Would I hold more trustworthy. Now!
Enter Albert.
Albert.Good Gods!
Lady Erminia! are you prisoner
In this beleaguer'd camp? Or are you here
Of your own will? You pleased to send for me.
By Venus, 'tis a pity I knew not
Your plight before, and, by her Son, I swear
To do you every service you can ask.
What would the fairest—?
Albert.Good Gods!
Lady Erminia! are you prisoner
In this beleaguer'd camp? Or are you here
Of your own will? You pleased to send for me.
By Venus, 'tis a pity I knew not
Your plight before, and, by her Son, I swear
To do you every service you can ask.
What would the fairest—?
Erminia.Albert, will you swear?
Albert. I have. Well!
Erminia.Albert, you have fame to lose
If men, in court and camp, lie not outright,
You should be, from a thousand, chosen forth
To do an honest deed. Shall confide—?
If men, in court and camp, lie not outright,
You should be, from a thousand, chosen forth
To do an honest deed. Shall confide—?
Albert. Aye, anything to me, fair creature. Do,
Dictate my task. Sweet woman,—
Dictate my task. Sweet woman,—
Erminia.Truce with that.
You understand me not; and, in your speech,
I see how far the slander is abroad.
Without proof could you think me innocent?
You understand me not; and, in your speech,
I see how far the slander is abroad.
Without proof could you think me innocent?
Albert. Lady, I should rejoice to know you so.
