Godmother. I conjure you, my dear Mary!
Wife. Become a poet! that thus thou mayst serve thy father, mayst please him, and then he will forgive thy mother, and return—
Father Benjamin. For the love of God, countess!
Wife. I curse thee, George, if thou becomest not a poet!
She falls to the ground in a fainting fit—the servants bear her out.
Guests (whispering among themselves). All this is very extraordinary. What can have happened here? We had better leave the house immediately.
Meanwhile the solemn ceremony is completed—the crying infant is again placed in his cradle.
Godfather (standing by the cradle). George Stanislaus! you have just been made a Christian, and entered into the pale of human society; in after years you will also be a citizen, and, through the grace of God and the wise training of your parents, you may become a great statesman: remember that you must love your native land; that it is noble and beautiful to die for your country!
Exit all.