Laska (aside). Yes, now 'tis coming.

Sarolta. Brutal aggressors first, then baffled dastards, 155
That they have sought to piece out their revenge
With a tale of words lured from the lips of anger
Stamps them most dangerous; and till I want
Fit means for wicked ends, we shall not need
Their services. Discharge them! You, Bathory! 160
Are henceforth of my household! I shall place you
Near my own person. When your son returns,
Present him to us!

Old Bathory. Ha! what strangers here!
[906:1]What business have they in an old man's eye?
Your goodness, lady—and it came so sudden— 165
I can not—must not—let you be deceived.
I have yet another tale, but— [Then to Sarolta aside.
not for all ears!

Sarolta. I oft have passed your cottage, and still praised
Its beauty, and that trim orchard-plot, whose blossoms
The gusts of April showered aslant its thatch. [170]
Come, you shall show it me! And, while you bid it
Farewell, be not ashamed that I should witness
The oil of gladness glittering on the water
Of an ebbing grief. [Bathory shows her into his cottage.

Laska (alone). Vexation! baffled! school'd!
Ho! Laska! wake! why? what can all this mean? [175]
She sent away that cockatrice in anger!
Oh the false witch! It is too plain, she loves him.
And now, the old man near my lady's person,
She'll see this Bethlen hourly!
[Laska flings himself into the seat. Glycine peeps in.

Glycine. Laska! Laska!
Is my lady gone?

Laska. Gone.

[[907]]Glycine. Have you yet seen him? [180]
Is he returned? [Laska starts up.
Has the seat stung you, Laska?

Laska. No, serpent! no; 'tis you that sting me; you!
What! you would cling to him again?

Glycine. Whom?