Ag. (starting up.) That voice! still, still does it pursue me? My lord! (looking at him with a hope that he'll befriend her)
Rav. Stand off!
Ag. This! this from Ravensburg! (bursts into tears)
Rav. 'Tis past—it is pronounced! Read—read that awful warrant.
Ag. (taking it, but not looking at it.) 'Tis past indeed! but e'er I meet my death, I swear by Him who shall for ever live, that I would rather be the culprit thus condemn'd, than those who have condemn'd me: for they, not I, must answer for a life unjustly sacrificed? and when deprived of utterance and of sense, think not 'twas consciousness of guilt o'ercame me! No, 'twas to hear myself accused by him, who, still persisting in his cruelty——why—wherefore should I live! since he, since he is lost: I am most thankful for this final—(casting her eyes on the warrant.) Heavens! how! (reading it apart.) "Perceiving you were prejudged, I opposed, to save you. The free knight who conducts you to the solitary cell, from which 'tis meant that you should ne'er return, knows of a secret passage. Confide in him, and your devoted Ravensburg."
Rav. (fiercely.) Well! have you read?
Ag. (with stiffled feeling.) I have, and I repeat, I am most thankful, Sir.
Rav. (to Everard.) Conduct her to her cell—you know the rest—away, and quick return; for as his highness passes from the court, he must be told the traitress is secured.
Ever. He shall, my Lord.
Rav. Away! (Agnes is about to thank Ravensburg, by kneeling to him, when by action he recalls her recollection.) Away! (Everard and Agnes exeunt—Zastrow and other knights are following—Ravensburg stops them.) Let none follow; he is alone sufficient to secure a willing victim.