The Princess, who had been transported at hearing
the voice of Theodore, as he called to her to come
forth, was astonished at what she heard. Suffering
herself to be conducted by Theodore, the new proof
of whose valour recalled her dispersed spirits, she
came where the bleeding Knight lay speechless on the
ground. But her fears returned when she beheld
the domestics of Manfred. She would again have
fled if Theodore had not made her observe that they
were unarmed, and had not threatened them with instant
death if they should dare to seize the Princess.
The stranger, opening his eyes, and beholding a woman,
said, “Art thou—pray tell me truly—art
thou Isabella of Vicenza?”
“I am,” said she: “good heaven
restore thee!”
“Then thou—then thou”—said
the Knight, struggling for utterance--"seest—thy
father. Give me one—”
“Oh! amazement! horror! what do I hear! what
do I see!” cried Isabella. “My father!
You my father! How came you here, Sir?
For heaven’s sake, speak! Oh! run for help,
or he will expire!”
“’Tis most true,” said the wounded
Knight, exerting all his force; “I am Frederic
thy father. Yes, I came to deliver thee.
It will not be. Give me a parting kiss, and
take—”
“Sir,” said Theodore, “do not exhaust
yourself; suffer us to convey you to the castle.”
“To the castle!” said Isabella.
“Is there no help nearer than the castle?
Would you expose my father to the tyrant? If
he goes thither, I dare not accompany him; and yet,
can I leave him!”
“My child,” said Frederic, “it matters
not for me whither I am carried. A few minutes
will place me beyond danger; but while I have eyes
to dote on thee, forsake me not, dear Isabella!
This brave Knight—I know not who he is—will
protect thy innocence. Sir, you will not abandon
my child, will you?”
Theodore, shedding tears over his victim, and vowing
to guard the Princess at the expense of his life,
persuaded Frederic to suffer himself to be conducted
to the castle. They placed him on a horse belonging
to one of the domestics, after binding up his wounds
as well as they were able. Theodore marched
by his side; and the afflicted Isabella, who could
not bear to quit him, followed mournfully behind.
The sorrowful troop no sooner arrived at the castle,
than they were met by Hippolita and Matilda, whom
Isabella had sent one of the domestics before to advertise
of their approach. The ladies causing Frederic
to be conveyed into the nearest chamber, retired,
while the surgeons examined his wounds. Matilda
blushed at seeing Theodore and Isabella together;
but endeavoured to conceal it by embracing the latter,
and condoling with her on her father’s mischance.
The surgeons soon came to acquaint Hippolita that
none of the Marquis’s wounds were dangerous;
and that he was desirous of seeing his daughter and
the Princesses.
