"Then dost thou confess thy guilt?" he persisted, but her only answer was:
"Oh, my poor brother!" All those present looked sorrowfully at her. The King was much touched by her hopeless bearing.
"Come, Lady, confide freely in thy sovereign."
Then she stood alone and told what she knew had happened, as if she were speaking in a dream.
[[Listen]]
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Oft when hours were lonely, I unto Heav'n have prayed, One boon I asked for, only, to send the orphans aid; I prayed in tears and sorrow, with heavy heart and sore, Hoping a brighter morrow yet was for us in store. Afar my words were wafted, I dreamt not help was nigh, But one on high vouchsafed it, while I in sleep did lie. I saw in splendour shining, a knight of glorious mien, On me his eyes inclining with tranquil gaze serene. A horn of gold beside him, he leant upon his sword, Thus when I erst espied him 'mid clouds of light he soar'd; His words so low and tender brought life renewed to me. My guardian, my defender, thou shalt my champion be! |
Thus she sang, while all present looked at her in amazement.
"She dreams!" they cried.
"Frederick of Telramund," the King cried, "it is hard to believe wrong of this maiden. Think, while yet there is time, of what ye say! Do not let any hate in thy heart make thee wrong a defenceless girl," he cautioned, while all the nobles protested that it seemed impossible she could have done so foul a thing as that of which she was accused.