_ Nothing: but we are
strangers
to each other.
Byron
I don't much like this fellow--close and dry
He seems,--two things which suit me not; however,
Wine he shall have; if that unlocks him not,
I shall not sleep to-night for curiosity. [_Exit_ IDENSTEIN.
_Gab. _ (_to_ WERNER). This master of the ceremonies is
The intendant of the palace, I presume:
'Tis a fine building, but decayed.
_Wer. _ The apartment 310
Designed for him you rescued will be found
In fitter order for a sickly guest.
_Gab. _ I wonder then you occupied it not,
For you seem delicate in health.
_Wer. _ (_quickly_). Sir!
_Gab. _ Pray
Excuse me: have I said aught to offend you?
_Wer.
_ Nothing: but we are strangers to each other.
_Gab. _ And that's the reason I would have us less so:
I thought our bustling guest without had said
You were a chance and passing guest, the counterpart
Of me and my companions.
_Wer. _ Very true. 320
_Gab. _ Then, as we never met before, and never,
It may be, may again encounter, why,
I thought to cheer up this old dungeon here
(At least to me) by asking you to share
The fare of my companions and myself.
_Wer. _ Pray, pardon me; my health----
_Gab. _ Even as you please.
I have been a soldier, and perhaps am blunt
In bearing.
_Wer. _ I have also served, and can
Requite a soldier's greeting.
_Gab. _ In what service?
The Imperial?
He seems,--two things which suit me not; however,
Wine he shall have; if that unlocks him not,
I shall not sleep to-night for curiosity. [_Exit_ IDENSTEIN.
_Gab. _ (_to_ WERNER). This master of the ceremonies is
The intendant of the palace, I presume:
'Tis a fine building, but decayed.
_Wer. _ The apartment 310
Designed for him you rescued will be found
In fitter order for a sickly guest.
_Gab. _ I wonder then you occupied it not,
For you seem delicate in health.
_Wer. _ (_quickly_). Sir!
_Gab. _ Pray
Excuse me: have I said aught to offend you?
_Wer.
_ Nothing: but we are strangers to each other.
_Gab. _ And that's the reason I would have us less so:
I thought our bustling guest without had said
You were a chance and passing guest, the counterpart
Of me and my companions.
_Wer. _ Very true. 320
_Gab. _ Then, as we never met before, and never,
It may be, may again encounter, why,
I thought to cheer up this old dungeon here
(At least to me) by asking you to share
The fare of my companions and myself.
_Wer. _ Pray, pardon me; my health----
_Gab. _ Even as you please.
I have been a soldier, and perhaps am blunt
In bearing.
_Wer. _ I have also served, and can
Requite a soldier's greeting.
_Gab. _ In what service?
The Imperial?
