Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/376

---

 Erminia. If you have any pity for a maid,
Suffering a daily death from evil tongues;
Any compassion for that Emperor's niece,
Who, for your bright sword and clear honesty,
Lifted you from the crowd of common men
Into the lap of honor;—save me, knight!

 Albert. How? Make it clear; if it be possible,
I by the banner of Saint Maurice swear
To right you.

 Erminia. Possible!—Easy. O my heart!
This letter's not so soil'd but you may read it;
Possible! There—that letter. Read—read it.
[Gives him a letter. 

Albert (Reading).
 "To the Duke Conrad.—Forget the threat you
made at parting, and I will forget to send the Emperor
letters and papers of yours I have become possessed
of. His life is no trifle to me; his death you
shall find none to yourself." (Speaks to himself.) 'Tis
me—my life that's pleaded for! (Reads.) "He, for
his own sake, will be dumb as the grave. Erminia
has my shame fix'd upon her, sure as a wen. We are
Auranthe."safe.

A she-devil! A dragon! I her imp!
Fire of Hell! Auranthe—lewd demon!
Where got you this? Where? When?

 Erminia. I found it in the tent, among some spoils
Which, being noble, fell to Gersa's lot.
[They go in and return.Come in, and see.

 Albert.⁠ Villany! Villany!