MONK (glancing round in terror, with unquiet looks).
Where am I? In what country? Tell me.
WALT.
How! Are you bewildered, that you know not where?
You are at Burglen, in the land of Uri,
Just at the entrance of the Shechenthal.
MONK (to Hedwig).
Are you alone? Your husband, is he here?
HEDW.
I am expecting him. But what ails you, man?
There's something in your looks, that omens ill!
Whoe'er you be, you are in want—take that.
[Offers him the cup.]
MONK.
Howe'er my sinking heart may yearn for food,
Nought will I taste till you have promised first—
HEDW.
Touch not my garments, come not near me, monk!
You must stand farther back, if I'm to hear you.
MONK.
Oh, by this hearth's bright, hospitable blaze,
By your dear children's heads, which I embrace—
[Grasps the boys.]
HEDW.
Stand back, I say! What is your purpose, man?
Back from my boys! You are no monk,—no, no,
Beneath the robe you wear peace should abide,
But peace abides not in such looks as yours.