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A TRAGEDY.
75

I am. A friend in disguise will give into thy hands this letter, and conduct thee to thy miserable Zaterloo." (returning the letter.) And what say'st thou to this?

MIRA.

I have in truth, upon my hands already

Troubles enough; this is, thou know'st, no time
To take upon me ruin'd men's distresses.

ALICE.

But 'tis thyself hast brought this ruin on him:

'Twas thy extravagance.

MIRA.

Thou art a fool!

His life's a forfeit to the law: 'tis time,
Good time, in faith! I should have done with him.
Why dost thou bend these frowning looks on me?
How many in my place would for the recompence
Betray him to the officers of justice?
But I, thou know'st right well, detest all baseness,
Therefore I will not.

ALICE.

Hush, hush! thou speak'st too loud:

Some one approaches.

Enter Countess Zaterloo.


COUNTESS ZATERLOO (to Mira).

I pray you, Madam, pardon this intrusion;

Tracing your steps, I have made bold to follow you.