KARL.
With scorn you did!—I have not forgotten it.
SOPHIA.
And does so now again.
KARL.
You love another!
SOPHIA.
I'll not deny it.
KARL.
Torture! (Draws his dagger.)
SOPHIA (greatly terrified.)
Karl, you would not stain this prison-floor with blood!
KARL. I would, to strike my rival's heart through yours!—But words make the blow unnecessary. (Puts up his dagger.) Hear me, Sophia. Till I saw you, I never felt the pangs of love!—I never shed a tear! From manhood's early dawn, my savage nature could not brook reproof; nor friend nor foe had power over me. Your smile alone subdued this callous heart. Sophia, save me!—Save a repentant, wretched man!
SONG—KARL.
(German air.)
Once, mild and gentle was my heart!
My youth from guile was free!
But when love's bonds were torn apart,
What joy had life for me?
No words, no threats could daunt my soul,
My reckless spirit spurned control
Till swayed by smiles from thee!
A wanderer o'er the desert sand,
And outcast on the sea,
An exile from my native land—
What's all the world to me?
Each friend misfortune proved a foe:
I scorned the high—despised the low—
Till swayed by smiles from thee!
(At he conclusion of the song, enter, by the secret door, HAROLD, with a carbine, conducting in ALBERT and WEDGEWOOD stealthily.)