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COUNTESS ZATERLOO (feigning composure).

Thou art a fool to think I am alarm'd:

Or man or woman, whosoe'er it be,
I am unwell, and must not be disturb'd.

SERVANT.

It is a lady of distinguish'd mein,

Tho' much in grief, and she so earnestly
Pleads for admittance that I am compell'd—
Pardon me, madam; but to look upon her
Would move your heart to pity.

COUNTESS ZATERLOO.

Let her enter.(Exit Servant.)

Who may this be? why do I tremble thus?
In grief!—the wretched surely will not come
In guileful seeming to betray the wretched.
(To Attendant.) Know'st thou who this may be?

ATTENDANT.

Indeed I do not.

COUNTESS ZATERLOO.

Retire then to a distance: here she comes:

But do not leave the chamber.

(Attendant retires to the bottom of the stage, and enter Elizabeth with her hair and dress disordered, like one distracted with grief.)

ELIZABETH.

Madam, I come a stranger to your presence,