Ard. They're here, my lord.
Ber. Welcome the world. It has no eye can make
Our own seek earth.
[Doors open. Enter Frederick, Oswald, Charilus, Berenice, with lords and ladies attending. Servants follow bearing trays, and lay the table. Ardia hastens to her father and they talk apart. Oswald advances to Bertrand, right, the others lingering left]
Osw. I am forgiven?
Ber. Forgiven!
Ask God and Love! I'll thank you all my life
That you did force me take my only way
To Heaven.
Osw. Hmm! And I spent a bitter night
Fearing your morning face.
Ber. It was my soul's
Birth-night.
Osw. God bless me, you are grateful, sir.
But you've good reason. [Looks at Ardia] I had no such mate
To make the dark hours fly.
Ber. Pray speak to her.
Osw. In my good time.