ANHALT. I wish to bring comfort and avoid upbraidings: for your own
conscience will reproach you more than the voice of a preacher. From
the sensibility of your countenance, together with a language, and
address superior to the vulgar, it appears, young man, you have had an
education, which should have preserved you from a state like this.

FREDERICK. My education I owe to my mother. Filial love, in return,
has plunged me into the state you see. A civil magistrate will condemn
according to the law--A priest, in judgment, is not to consider the act
itself, but the impulse which led to the act.

ANHALT. I shall judge with all the lenity my religion dictates: and
you are the prisoner of a nobleman, who compassionates you for the
affection which you bear towards your mother; for he has sent to the
village where you directed him, and has found the account you gave
relating to her true.--With this impression in your favour, it is my
advice, that you endeavour to see and supplicate the Baron for your
release from prison, and all the peril of his justice.

FREDERICK [starting]. I--I see the Baron! I!--I supplicate for my
deliverance.--Will you favour me with his name?--Is it not Baron----

ANHALT. Baron Wildenhaim.

FREDERICK. Baron Wildenhaim! He lived formerly in Alsace.

ANHALT. The same.--About a year after the death of his wife, he left
Alsace; and arrived here a few weeks ago to take possession of his
paternal estate.