Emerick (advancing). Fear not.
Sarolta. Who art thou? Robber? Traitor?
Emerick. Friend!
Who in good hour hath startled these dark fancies,
Rapacious traitors, that would fain depose
Joy, love, and beauty, from their natural thrones:
Those lips, those angel eyes, that regal forehead. 265
Sarolta. Strengthen me, Heaven! I must not seem afraid! [Aside.
The king to-night then deigns to play the masker.
What seeks your Majesty?
Emerick. Sarolta's love;
And Emerick's power lies prostrate at her feet.
Sarolta. Heaven guard the sovereign's power from such debasement! [270]
Far rather, Sire, let it descend in vengeance
On the base villain, on the faithless slave
Who dared unbar the doors of these retirements!
For whom? Has Casimir deserved this insult?
O my misgiving heart! If—if—from Heaven 275
Yet not from you, Lord Emerick!
Emerick. Chiefly from me.
Has he not like an ingrate robbed my court
Of Beauty's star, and kept my heart in darkness?
First then on him I will administer justice—
If not in mercy, yet in love and rapture. 280
[Seizes her.
Sarolta. Help! Treason! Help!
Emerick. Call louder! Scream again!
Here's none can hear you!