[The Baron’s emotion expresses the sense of amazement, guilt, shame, and horror.]
FREDERICK.
In this house did you rob my mother of her honour; and in this house I am a sacrifice for the crime. I am your prisoner—I will not be free—I am a robber—I give myself up.—You shall deliver me into the hands of justice—You shall accompany me to the spot of public execution. You shall hear in vain the chaplain’s consolation and injunctions. You shall find how I, in despair, will, to the last moment, call for retribution on my father.
BARON.
Stop! Be pacified—
FREDERICK.
—And when you turn your head from my extended corse, you will behold my weeping mother—Need I paint how her eyes will greet you?
BARON.
Desist—barbarian, savage, stop!
Enter Anhalt alarmed.
MR. ANHALT.
What do I hear? What is this? Young man, I hope you have not made a second attempt.
FREDERICK.
Yes; I have done what it was your place to do. I have made a sinner tremble [points to the Baron and exit.]
MR. ANHALT.
What can this mean?—I do not comprehend—
BARON.
He is my son!—He is my son!—Go, Anhalt,—advise me—help me—Go to the poor woman, his mother—He can show you the way—make haste—speed to protect her—