Scene II.
Another cell in the Castle of Spandau.—Enter COUNT LANISKA and JAILOR.
JAILOR.
Count Laniska, you bear the king's commission, although a prisoner; therefore, while
I leave you to examine these papers (hands papers,) received from Mr. Worrendorf,
I rely upon your honor not to attempt to escape.
COUNT. Your confidence is not misplaced, believe me. [Exit JAILOR.]—(Looks at papers.) My friend is unwearied in my cause. But I am a soldier, and have ever held my life at the disposal of the king. If Sophia were free and happy, I could look upon death with an undaunted spirit. (Puts up papers.) How like an angel she appeared when last I gazed upon her heavenly face—now glistening with the tear, now radiant with the smile of beauty!
SONG—LANISKA.
The gentle bird on yonder spray,
That sings its little life away;
The rose-bud bursting into flower,
And glittering in the sun and shower;
The cherry-blossom on the tree—
Are emblematic all of thee.
Yon moon that sways the vassal streams,
Like thee in modest beauty beams;
So shines the diamond of the mine,
And the rock-crystal of the brine;
The gems of heaven, the earth and sea,
Are blended, all, dear maid, in thee!
[Exit