AGATHA. Oh Providence! thou hast till this hour protected me, and
hast given me fortitude not to despair. Receive my humble thanks, and
restore me to health, for the sake of my poor son, the innocent cause
of my sufferings, and yet my only comfort. [kneeling] Oh, grant that
I may see him once more! See him improved in strength of mind and
body; and that by thy gracious mercy he may never be visited with
afflictions great as mine. [After a pause] Protect his father too,
merciful Providence, and pardon his crime of perjury to me! Here, in
the face of heaven (supposing my end approaching, and that I can but a
few days longer struggle with want and sorrow), here, I solemnly
forgive my seducer for all the ills, the accumulated evils which his
allurements, his deceit, and cruelty, have for twenty years past drawn
upon me.

Enter a COUNTRY GIRL with a basket.

AGATHA [near fainting]. My dear child, if you could spare me a trifle--

GIRL. I have not a farthing in the world--But I am going to market to
sell my eggs, and as I come back I'll give you three-pence--And I'll be
back as soon as ever I can. [Exit.

AGATHA. There was a time when I was as happy as this country girl, and
as willing to assist the poor in distress. [Retires to the tree and
sits down.]

Enter FREDERICK--He is dressed in a German
soldier's uniform, has a knapsack on
his shoulders, appears in high spirits,