Stra. [With asperity.] My look penetrate into every heart!—Ha! ha! ha!
Bar. Oh, Heavens! Rather may I never hear you laugh than in such a tone!—For Heaven's sake tell me, Charles! tell me, I conjure you, what has happened to you?
Stra. Things that happen every day; occurrences heard of in every street. Steinfort, if I am not to hate you, ask me not another question. If I am to love you, leave me.
Bar. Oh, Charles! awake the faded ideas of past joys. Feel, that a friend is near. Recollect the days we passed in Hungary, when we wandered arm in arm upon the banks of the Danube, while nature opened our hearts, and made us enamoured of benevolence and friendship. In those blessed moments you gave me this seal as a pledge of your regard. Do you remember it?
Stra. Yes.
Bar. Am I since that time become less worthy of your confidence?
Stra. No!
Bar. Charles! it grieves me that I am thus compelled to enforce my rights upon you. Do you know this scar?
Stra. Comrade! Friend! It received and resisted the stroke aimed at my life. I have not forgotten it. Alas! you knew not what a present you then made me.
Bar. Speak then, I beseech you.