George. Before thy men took up their arms to-day, I heard mamma's voice; her words came floating to me as soft and sweet as perfumed air; she said to me: 'George, thou wilt come to me this very evening, and sit down beside me.'
The Man. Did she name me to thee?
George. She said: 'This very evening I expect my son.'
The Man (aside). Is my strength to fail me, when I have almost reached the end of the weary way? No, God will not permit it! For one moment's fiery madness, I will be thy prisoner to all eternity!—(Aloud). Oh, my son! forgive—forgive the fatal gift of life! We part; and knowest thou for how long a time?
George. Take me with thee, father, and leave me not! I love thee; oh, leave me not, my father—and I will draw thee on with me!
The Man. Our paths are widely sundered. Amid the choirs of happy angels thou wilt forget thy father—thou wilt bring me down no drop of cooling dew. O George! George! my son! my son!
George. What dreadful cries! I tremble, father. Louder and louder, nearer and nearer comes the thunder of the cannon; the last hour—the prophesied—draws near!
The Man. Jacob! quick—quick—here!
A band of counts and princes cross the courtyard. Jacob follows with the soldiers.
A Voice. You give us broken arms, and force us to the combat!