Sarolta. Ah, Glycine! why,
[[903]]Why did you then betroth yourself?

Glycine. Because [55]
My own dear lady wished it! 'twas you asked me!

Sarolta. Yes, at my lord's request, but never wished,
My poor affectionate girl, to see thee wretched.
Thou knowest not yet the duties of a wife.

Glycine. Oh, yes! It is a wife's chief duty, madam! 60
To stand in awe of her husband, and obey him,
And, I am sure, I never shall see Laska
But I shall tremble.

Sarolta. Not with fear, I think,
For you still mock him. Bring a seat from the cottage.
[Exit Glycine into the cottage, Sarolta continues her speech looking after her.
Something above thy rank there hangs about thee, 65
And in thy countenance, thy voice, and motion,
Yea, e'en in thy simplicity, Glycine,
A fine and feminine grace, that makes me feel
More as a mother than a mistress to thee!
Thou art a soldier's orphan! that—the courage, [70]
Which rising in thine eye, seems oft to give
A new soul to its gentleness, doth prove thee!
Thou art sprung too of no ignoble blood,
Or there's no faith in instinct! [Angry voices and clamour within.

Re-enter Glycine.

Glycine. Oh, madam! there's a party of your servants, 75
And my lord's steward, Laska, at their head,
Have come to search for old Bathory's son,
Bethlen, that brave young man! 'twas he, my lady,
That took our parts, and beat off the intruders,
And in mere spite and malice, now they charge him 80
With bad words of Lord Casimir and the king.
Pray don't believe them, madam! This way! This way!
Lady Sarolta's here.— [Calling without.

Sarolta. Be calm, Glycine.

Enter Laska and Servants with Old Bathory.

Laska (to Bathory). We have no concern with you! What needs your presence?