Page. (speaking loud in his ear.) The enemy are coming to attack the castle.
Vald. Thou liest.
Page. I wish I did; but he will confirm my words.
(Pointing to a Servant, who now enters in alarm.)
Ser. (to Vald.) He speaks truth, my Lord! they are approaching in great strength.
Vald. Approaching! are they near us then?
Page. Aye, marry! too near. They beat no drum, as you may guess; but the heavy sound of their march strikes from the hollow ground most fearfully.
(Valdemere becoming perfectly sober, stands confounded.)
Liv. (and the Ladies, much alarmed.) What shall we do? What will become of us?
Dart. Have courage, Madam; have courage, Ladies; the valiant Valdemere is your defender; you have nothing to fear.
Liv. (and Ladies, crowding close to Vald.) Aye, dear Count; our safety depends on you. Save us! Save us! We have no refuge but you. (All clamouring at once.)
Vald. Hush, hush, hush! They'll hear you. (In a low choked voice.)
Dart. Nay, don't whisper, Valdemere; they are not so near us yet.
Bar. Rouse ye, Count, and give your orders for the defence of the castle immediately.
Dart. We are ready to execute them, be they ever so daring.
