[The bell in the tower strikes twelve
BRAVURA—SOPHIA
Hark! 'tis the deep-toned midnight bell,
That bids a sad and long farewell
To the departed hour;
How like a dirge its music falls
Within these cold and dreary walls,
Where stern misfortunes lower!
Ah! vainly through these prison-bars
Glide the pale beams of moon and stars,
To cheer this lonely tower;
From evening's close to dawn of day,
Hope's star sheds not a single ray
To light the solemn hour!
Alas! what pangs must guilt conceal,
When innocence like mine can feel
So crushed in such an hour!
I know not whether love be crime—
But if it is, in every clime
'Tis woman's fatal dower!
I can find no clew to this most cruel treachery.
What fiend in human shape has plotted my destruction? (Sound of chains—prison-door is unlocked.) Ah! Karl here!
(Enter KARL, who secures the door through which he came in. He takes a position on the opposite side of the stage, and regards SOPHIA attentively.)
KARL. Well, Sophia, we meet at last where we can confer without the possibility of interruption. I came to save you.
SOPHIA.
My life would not be worth preserving, owing anything to you.
KARL.
Subdue this unavailing anger, and listen to your friend.
SOPHIA. Not to you. The enmity of such a man is a tribute paid to honesty. Friend! (scornfully.)