| Ruth. | Frederic. |
| Don’t, beloved master, | Yes, your former master |
| Crush me with disaster. | Saves you from disaster. |
| What is such a dower to the dower I have here, etc. | Your love would be uncomfortably fervid, it is clear, |
| If, as you are stating, | |
| It’s been accumulating | |
| Forty-seven year—forty-seven year. |
[At the end he renounces her, and she goes off in despair.
Recitative—Frederic.
What shall I do? Before these gentle maidens,
I dare not show in this detested costume.
No, better far remain in close concealment
Until I can appear in decent clothing.
[Hides in cave as they enter, climbing over the rocks and through arched rock.
Girls. Climbing over rocky mountain,
Skipping rivulet and fountain;