Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/154

And I will thank you—I will—Bear with me:

I cannot speak. (Recovering himself, and seeing the Crowd gather round him with joyful and sympathizing looks.)

Surely 'tis a kind world I have return'd to;

There's sympathy and love in ev'ry heart.

MARDONIO (to Messenger).

Where is the pardon? let me have it friend,

That I may read it. (Messenger gives him a paper, which he reads.)

We charge thee upon our authority to set the

(Reading the rest low to himself.)
What! call ye this a pardon which acquits
The prisoner as guiltless of the crime?
May God be praised! how has all this been?

MESSENGER.

Count Zaterloo, who on his death-bed lies,

In deep remorse, a paper of confession,
Attested by a priest and his own mother,
Caus'd to be drawn, which to the governor
I've brought, I wot, as quickly as I might,
Tho' (pointing to Hardibrand) this good gentleman—

HARDIBRAND (embracing the Messenger).

O no! O no! thou'rt a brave fellow now,

And as I've said I'll make a rich man of thee.
But I'm bewilder'd still: how hath it been
That he is sav'd, seeing no pardon reach'd him?