No More Learning

You sought me and have found me--now you know
My secret, and may weigh its worth.

_Sieg. _ (_after a pause_). Indeed!

_Gab. _ Is it revenge or justice which inspires
Your meditation?

_Sieg. _ Neither--I was weighing
The value of your secret.

_Gab. _ You shall know it 370
At once:--When you were poor, and I, though poor,
Rich enough to relieve such poverty
As might have envied mine, I offered you
My purse--you would not share it:--I'll be franker
With you: you are wealthy, noble, trusted by
The imperial powers--you understand me?

_Sieg. _ Yes.

_Gab. _ Not quite. You think me venal, and scarce true:
'Tis no less true, however, that my fortunes
Have made me both at present.
You shall aid me:
I would have aided you--and also have 380
Been somewhat damaged in my name to save
Yours and your son's. Weigh well what I have said.

_Sieg. _ Dare you await the event of a few minutes'
Deliberation?

_Gab. _ (_casts his eyes on_ ULRIC, _who is
leaning against a pillar_). If I should do so?

_Sieg. _ I pledge my life for yours. Withdraw into
This tower. [_Opens a turret-door_.

_Gab. _ (_hesitatingly_). This is the second _safe_ asylum
You have offered me.

_Sieg. _ And was not the first so?