Laska. He does not see it!
Bethlen, torment me not!

Bethlen. Soft! Rouse him gently!
He hath outwatched his hour, and half asleep,
With eyes half open, mingles sight with dreams. [110]

Old Bathory. Ho! Laska! Don't you know us! 'tis Bathory
And Bethlen!

Laska. Good now! Ha! ha! An excellent trick.
Afraid? Nay, no offence! But I must laugh.
But are you sure now, that 'tis you, yourself?

Bethlen. Would'st be convinced?

Laska. No nearer, pray! consider! [115]
If it should prove his ghost, the touch would freeze me
To a tombstone. No nearer!

Bethlen. The fool is drunk!

Laska. Well now! I love a brave man to my heart.
I myself braved the monster, and would fain
Have saved the false one from the fate she tempted. [120]

Old Bathory. You, Laska?

Bethlen (to Bathory). Mark! Heaven grant it may be so!
Glycine?