Countess. Talks of your cousin, Christopher! whom I hav'n't seen for years, and never mean to see again! Peace, I insist! And for Ravensburg—your betroth'd's—loving Agnes, the Baron's dread of that marriage will hasten yours; or if it don't, and this string snaps, in young count Roland we've perhaps a better. But see—our host—hush! for your life not one word of Franconia.
Baron (speaks without.) Now, prepare yourselves to receive our illustrious visiter with the honour due to his rank.
Enters.
Why countess, I've been looking for you every where. What do you think? The prince Palatine means to copy your example; like you, he means to be a visiter at my chateau, and be present at the celebration of my son's nuptials. His train has already pass'd the aqueduct. (A strain of music.) Hark! he approaches. (Calls on the servants.) Come along all of you, and make your best bows and curtsies.
The procession enters.
(After procession.) Now, Ulrica, as I am not one of your silver-toned orators, do you give to the warriors from the holy land a most harmonious greeting.
RECITATIVE—Ulrica.
With well-earn'd laurels in the Christian cause,
Receive, great chief, your native land's applause.
AIR.
Fam'd crusaders! just as brave,
Form'd a nation's right to save!
Now repose on tranquil plains,
Listen to our dulcet strains.
Peace inviting,
Joy exciting,
'Till the foe again assail,
Then the glorious contest hail.