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 honour,—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 soiled but you may read it;—
Possible! There—that letter! 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 fixed upon her, sure as a wen. We are safe.

Auranthe.”

Erminia. I found it in the tent, among some spoils
Which, being noble, fell to Gersa’s lot.
Come in, and see.

[They go in and return.

Albert. Villainy! Villainy!
Conrad’s sword, his corslet and his helm,
And his letter. Caitiff, he shall feel—

Erminia. I see you are thunderstruck. Haste, haste,
away!

Albert. O I am tortured by this villainy.

Erminia. You needs must be. Carry it swift to Otho;
Tell him, moreover, I am prisoner
Here in this camp, where all the sisterhood,
Forced from their quiet cells, are parcelled out
For slaves among these Huns. Away! Away!

Albert. I am gone.

Erminia. Swift be your steed! Within this hour
The Emperor will see it.

Albert. Ere I sleep:
That I can swear.

[Hurries vist.