Ferdinand was informed of his father's situation, and was nearly distracted. He entreated Rhodophil to intercede for him, 'that he might once more throw himself at the feet of his justly offended parent, and receive a last blessing." His entreaties were rejected—his presence forbidden. He then wrote a few lines, imploring his beloved father to revoke the heavy curse he had laid upon him and his wife.—His brother returned the letter, his father had refused it, and commanded him to mention his name no more. The truly wretched Ferdinand used to walk before the Castle gates for days together, imploring admittance, but all was fruitless; no servant dared to disobey orders, so positively given to the contrary.
One morning, whilst leaning his arms on the outside gate, Ernest came to him: "I will run the risque, follow me to my chamber, Sir, no time is to be lost." More dead than alive, he attended Ernest without speaking, when, at the very entrance of the house, they met his brother. He started back with
