Come, beloved,
I must turn robber.--I have begged of late
So soft, I fear to ask.--Give me thy purse.
Lewis. No, not my purse:--stay--Where is all that gold
I gave you, when the Jews came here from Koln?
Eliz. Oh, those few coins? I spent them all next day
On a new chapel on the Eisenthal;
There were no choristers but nightingales--
No teachers there save bees: how long is this?
Have you turned niggard?
Lewis. Nay; go ask my steward--
Take what you will--this purse I want myself.
Eliz. Ah! now I guess. You have some trinket for me--
You promised late to buy no more such baubles--
And now you are ashamed.--Nay, I must see--
[Snatches his purse. Lewis hides his face.]
Ah, God! what's here? A new crusader's cross?
Whose? Nay, nay--turn not from me; I guess all--
You need not tell me; it is very well--
According to the meed of my deserts:
Yes--very well.
Lewis. Ah, love!--look not so calm--
Eliz. Fear not--I shall weep soon.
How long is it since you vowed?
Lewis. A week or more.
Eliz. Brave heart! And all that time your tenderness
Kept silence, knowing my weak foolish soul.
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