With perils is thy daughter compass'd round;
ALFONSO'S blood alone can save the maid,
And quiet a long restless Prince's shade."


"What is there in these lines," said Theodore impatiently, "that
affects these Princesses? Why were they to be shocked by a
mysterious delicacy, that has so little foundation?"

"Your words are rude, young man," said the Marquis; "and though
fortune has favoured you once--"

"My honoured Lord," said Isabella, who resented Theodore's warmth,
which she perceived was dictated by his sentiments for Matilda,
"discompose not yourself for the glosing of a peasant's son: he
forgets the reverence he owes you; but he is not accustomed--"

Hippolita, concerned at the heat that had arisen, checked Theodore
for his boldness, but with an air acknowledging his zeal; and
changing the conversation, demanded of Frederic where he had left
her Lord? As the Marquis was going to reply, they heard a noise
without, and rising to inquire the cause, Manfred, Jerome, and part
of the troop, who had met an imperfect rumour of what had happened,
entered the chamber. Manfred advanced hastily towards Frederic's
bed to condole with him on his misfortune, and to learn the
circumstances of the combat, when starting in an agony of terror
and amazement, he cried -

"Ha! what art thou? thou dreadful spectre! is my hour come?"