Ab. (raising her.) Rise; and, till your friend arrive, confide in one, who train'd in dire misfortune's school, can keenly feel for others.
Bern. My lord, reflect. She own'd she was pursued, and in these perilous, these disastrous times, shall strangers be thus welcom'd? I would hear further.
Ab. What further would you hear? Sorrow in any shape, should meet with pity; but when it supplicates in female form, we dry its tears, nor wait to ask what caus'd them! Unknown! unquestion'd, I found welcome here, and none yet know the story of my wrongs; why, therefore pry into her hidden grief? 'tis harsh, it is unmanly! come. [Trumpet, sounds without.
Bern. Now, who was harsh in forewarning? Know ye that awful sound? Know ye the free knight's summons? (goes to the abbey gate.) Come forth, and vindicate the cause of those who justify the Christian faith. (Monks enter from the abbey.) Lo! the accused! [Pointing to Agnes.
Ag. (to the abbot.) Do not desert me! On my soul I'm innocent.
Ab. (who has turn'd from her.) Away! you have profaned our hallow'd ground! And thus, pursued by those, whose mandates all submissive sanction, I am no more your friend. Begone!
Ag. (clinging to him.) Is mine the age for plotting death by subtle poison? Is mine the sex for treason and conspiracy? And if I am the daughter of the count Manfredi, am I to answer for my wretched father's crimes.
Ab. Manfredi's daughter.
[Turning towards her with emotion.
Bern. (opening the garden gate.) Behold! read there! (pointing to the banner, and reading.) "Condemn'd traitress! Agnes Manfredi appear!"