Fred. No cunning traitor did my faith attempt,
For then I had withstood him: but of late,
I know not how—a bad and restless spirit
Has work'd within my breast, and made me wretched.
I've lent mine ear to foolish idle tales,
Of very zealous, tho' but new-made friends.
Bas. Softly, our friends approach—of this again,
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.
An apartment in Basil's lodgings. Enter Basil and Rosinberg.
Ros. Thank heaven I am now alone with thee.
Last night I sought thee with an anxious mind,
And curs'd thine ill-tim'd absence—
There's treason in this most deceitful court,
Against thee plotting, and this morning's tumult
Hath been its damn'd effect.
Bas.Poo, poo, my friend;
The nature of man's mind too well thou know'st,
To judge as vulgar hood-wink'd statesmen do;
Who ever with their own poor wiles misled,
Believe each popular tumult or commotion,
Must be the work of deep-laid policy.
Poor, mean, mechanick souls, who little know
A few short words of energetick force,
Some pow'rful passion on the sudden rous'd,
The animating sight of something noble,
Some fond trait of the mem'ry finely wak'd,
