[Ravensburg looks out. Abbot turns away.
Ab. Not, not for worlds, lest, maddening at the sight, I lose all memory of holy function, and rush to strike the murderer of my peace dead in his army's presence! Villain! barbarian!—--(weeps.) Oh! the day has been, when these, fair nature's brightest gems, hung on my cheek as emblems of pure sympathy! But now, like drops of fire, they serve to light the brand of discord and revenge!—come—to the sanctuary!
Rav. Unequall'd man! fit guardian of such rights—speak! can my arm—
Ab. (taking him aside.) Your father—mark—your father may have heard why she is called Manfredi's daughter. I would know this, and all that you can learn. Now, whilst there's hope, away—and this (giving him a key) secures your private entrance through the western gate upon the river's edge.
Rav. I'll seek my father, ascertain each fact, and, fear not, Agnes! the pangs of parting will be paid at meeting!
Ab. 'Twill do! 'twill prosper! And my great founder's edict thus revived—should they persist in prostituting justice's name, I will throw wide my abbey-gates, and pardoning all they dare proscribe, make it a bulwark 'gainst the common foe! Come—away! [Exeunt.
SCENE III.—a road near Corbey.
Enter Christopher.
Chris. So, this is the place of meeting—from hence we were to start for Franconia—and not here! Ulrica not yet come! Mighty well! our marriage but an hour old, and keep her husband waiting!
Enter Ulrica.