Osorio (retiring from him). Cheat, villain, traitor! whatsoe'er thou be
I fear thee, man! [He starts, and stands in the attitude of listening.
And is this too my madness? [225]

Albert. It is the step of one that treads in fear
Seeking to cheat the echo.

Osorio. It approaches—
This nook shall hide me.

[Maria enters from a plank which slips to and fro.

Maria. I have put aside
The customs and the terrors of a woman,
To work out thy escape. Stranger! begone, 230
And only tell me what thou know'st of Albert.

[Albert takes her portrait from his neck, and gives it her with unutterable tenderness.

[[593]]Albert. Maria! my Maria!

Maria. Do not mock me.
This is my face—and thou—ha! who art thou?
Nay, I will call thee Albert!

[She falls upon his neck. Osorio leaps out from the nook with frantic wildness, and rushes towards Albert with his sword. Maria gapes at him, as one helpless with terror, then leaves Albert, and flings herself upon Osorio, arresting his arm.

Maria. Madman, stop!