Page:Inchbald - Lovers vows.djvu/83

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LOVERS’ VOWS
71

unhappy boy; but you know I cannot, muſt not forgive him.

Anhalt.

I beſeech you then, my Lord, to tell him ſo yourſelf. From your lips he may receive his doom with reſignation.

Amelia.

Oh father! See him and take pity on him; his ſorrows have made him frantic.

Baron.

Leave the room, Amelia. [on her attempting to ſpeak, he raiſes his voice.] Inſtantly.—[Exit Amelia.

Anhalt.

He aſked a private audience: perhaps he has ſome confeſſion to make that may relieve his mind, and may be requiſite for you to hear.

Baron.

Well, bring him in, and do you wait in the adjoining room, till our conference is over. I muſt then, Sir, have a conference with you.

Anhalt.

I ſhall obey your commands. [He goes to the door, and re-enters with Frederick. Anhalt then, retires at the ſame door.]

Baron. [haughtily to Frederick].

I know, young man, you plead your mother’s wants in excuſe for an act of deſperation; but powerful as this plea might be in palliation of a fault, it cannot extenuate a crime like yours.

Frederick.

I have a plea for my conduct even more powerful than a mother’s wants.

Baron.

What’s that?

Fre-