promised me marriage. He was the first man who ever spoken to me on
such a subject.--His flattery made me vain, and his repeated
vows--Don't look at me, dear Frederick!--I can say no more. [Frederick
with his eyes cast down, takes her hand, and puts it to his heart.]
Oh! oh! my son! I was intoxicated by the fervent caresses of a young,
inexperienced, capricious man, and did not recover from the delirium
till it was too late.

FREDERICK [after a pause]. Go on.--Let me know more of my father.

AGATHA. When the time drew near that I could no longer conceal my
guilt and shame, my seducer prevailed upon me not to expose him to the
resentment of his mother. He renewed his former promises of marriage
at her death;--on which relying, I gave him my word to be secret--and I
have to this hour buried his name deep in my heart.

FREDERICK. Proceed, proceed! give me full information--I will have
courage to hear it all. [Greatly agitated.]

AGATHA. His leave of absence expired, he returned to his regiment,
depending on my promise, and well assured of my esteem. As soon as my
situation became known, I was questioned, and received many severe
reproaches: But I refused to confess who was my undoer; and for that
obstinacy was turned from the castle.--I went to my parents; but their
door was shut against me. My mother, indeed, wept as she bade me quit
her sight for ever; but my father wished increased affliction might
befall me.

FREDERICK [weeping]. Be quick with your narrative, or you'll break my
heart.