Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/190

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158
THE DREAM: A TRAGEDY.


Ost. Give it me.

(Snatches the key from her, and runs to the door; then turns the key in the lock, and finding it too small, stamps with his feet, throws it from him, and holds up his clenched hands in despair.)

Leo. Oh, cross fate! But I'll return again for the right one. Baldwin cannot be so wicked as to deceive me, and Benedict is still on the watch, near the door of the prison-chamber. Stay here till I return.

(She ascends the stairs, whilst Osterloo leans his back to the wall, frequently moving his body up and down with impatient agitation: a bell tolls; Osterloo starts from his place, and Leonora descends again, re-entering in great alarm.)

Leo. Oh! I cannot go now: that bell tolls to warn them to the great hall: I shall meet them on their way. What is to be done? The strength of three men could not force that heavy door, and thou art feeble and spent.

Ost. (running furiously to the door.)
Despair has strength for any thing.

(Seizes hold of the door, and, making two or three terrible efforts, bursts it open with a loud jar.)

Leo. Supernatural strength has assisted thee: now thou art free.

(As Osterloo and Leonora are about to pass on through the door, Wovelreid and three