Bethlen. He looked as if he were some God disguised
In an old warrior's venerable shape
To guard and guide my mother. Is there not 85
Chapel or oratory in this mansion?

Old Bathory. Even so.

Bethlen. From that place then am I to take
A helm and breast-plate, both inlaid with gold,
And the good sword that once was Raab Kiuprili's.

Old Bathory. Those very arms this day Sarolta show'd me— 90
With wistful look. I'm lost in wild conjectures!

Bethlen. O tempt me not, e'en with a wandering guess,
To break the first command a mother's will
Imposed, a mother's voice made known to me!
'Ask not, my son,' said she, 'our names or thine. [95]
The shadow of the eclipse is passing off
The full orb of thy destiny! Already
The victor Crescent glitters forth and sheds
O'er the yet lingering haze a phantom light.
Thou canst not hasten it! Leave then to Heaven 100
The work of Heaven: and with a silent spirit
Sympathize with the powers that work in silence!'
Thus spake she, and she looked as she were then
[[929]] Fresh from some heavenly vision!

[Re-enter Laska, not perceiving them.

Laska. All asleep!
[Then observing Bethlen, stands in idiot-affright.
I must speak to it first—Put—put the question! 105
I'll confess all! [Stammering with fear.

Old Bathory. Laska! what ails thee, man?

Laska (pointing to Bethlen). There!

Old Bathory. I see nothing! where?