[Laska runs away.

Old Bathory. The sudden swelling of this shallow dastard
Tells of a recent storm: the first disruption
Of the black cloud that hangs and threatens o'er us. 190

Bethlen. E'en this reproves my loitering. Say where lies
The oratory?

Old Bathory. Ascend yon flight of stairs!
Midway the corridor a silver lamp
Hangs o'er the entrance of Sarolta's chamber,
And facing it, the low arched oratory! 195
Me thou'lt find watching at the outward gate:
For a petard might burst the bars, unheard
By the drenched porter, and Sarolta hourly
Expects Lord Casimir, spite of Emerick's message!

Bethlen. There I will meet you! And till then good-night! 200
Dear good old man, good-night!

Old Bathory. O yet one moment!
What I repelled, when it did seem my own,
I cling to, now 'tis parting—call me father!
It can not now mislead thee. O my son,
Ere yet our tongues have learnt another name, 205
[[932]] Bethlen!—say 'Father' to me!

Bethlen. Now, and for ever
My father! other sire than thou, on earth
I never had, a dearer could not have!
From the base earth you raised me to your arms,
And I would leap from off a throne, and kneeling, [210]
Ask Heaven's blessing from thy lips. My father!

Bathory. Go! Go! [Exit Bethlen.
May every star now shining over us,
Be as an angel's eye, to watch and guard him! [Exit Bathory.

Scene changes to a splendid Bed-chamber, hung with tapestry.

Sarolta and an Attendant.