No More Learning

_Wer. _ 'Tis well that it is not beneath it,
As sometimes happens to the better clad.
But, in a word, what would you with me?

_Stral. _ (_startled_). I?

_Wer. _ Yes--you! You know me not, and question me,
And wonder that I answer not--not knowing
My inquisitor. Explain what you would have,
And then I'll satisfy yourself, or me. 550

_Stral. _ I knew not that you had reasons for reserve.

_Wer. _ Many have such:--Have you none?

_Stral.
_ None which can
Interest a mere stranger.

_Wer. _ Then forgive
The same unknown and humble stranger, if
He wishes to remain so to the man
Who can have nought in common with him.

_Stral. _ Sir,
I will not balk your humour, though untoward:
I only meant you service--but good night!
Intendant, show the way! (_To_ GABOR. ) Sir, you will with me?
[_Exeunt_ STRALENHEIM _and Attendants_; IDENSTEIN _and_ GABOR.

_Wer. _ (_solus_). 'Tis he! I am taken in the toils. Before 560
I quitted Hamburg, Giulio, his late steward,
Informed me, that he had obtained an order
From Brandenburg's elector, for the arrest
Of Kruitzner (such the name I then bore) when
I came upon the frontier; the free city
Alone preserved my freedom--till I left
Its walls--fool that I was to quit them! But
I deemed this humble garb, and route obscure,
Had baffled the slow hounds in their pursuit.
What's to be done?