Nor ever less was I prepar'd to meet them.

 Count. Never till now was I so urg'd, beset,

   Hemm'd round with perils.

 Countess. Ay, but not by me.

 Count. By thee, and all the world. But yesterday,

   With uncontrollable and absolute sway

   I rul'd this province, was the unquestion'd lord

   Of this strong castle, and its wide domains,

   Stretch'd beyond sight around me; and but now,

   The axe, perhaps, is sharp'ning, may hew down

   My perish'd trunk, and give the soil I sprung from,

   To cherish my proud kinsman Godfrey's roots.

 Countess. Heaven guard thy life! His dreadful summons reach'd me.

   This urg'd me hither. On my knees I beg,

   (And I have mighty reasons for my prayer)

   O do not meet him on this argument:

   By gentler means strive to divert his claim;

   Fly this detested place, this house of horror,

   And leave its gloomy grandeur to your kinsman.

 Count. Rise, fearful woman! What! renounce my birthright?

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