“The moon has ever been thought to be the friend of lovers,” said Trenck, pressing the hand of the princess to his heart; “but I hate her with a perfect hatred, she robs me of my happiness.”

“And now, let us return to Baron Pollnitz, who is, without doubt, impatient.”

“Why must he always accompany me, Amelia? why will you not allow me to come alone?”

“Why?  I scarcely know myself.  It seems to me we are safer when watched over by the eye of a friend; perhaps I am unduly anxious; a warning voice whispers me that it is better so.  Pollnitz has become the confidant of our love, let us trust him fully; let him know that, though traitors and meriting punishment in the sight of men, we are not guilty in the sight of God, and have no cause to blush or look down.  Pollnitz must always accompany you.”

“Ah, Amelia!” sighed Trenck; “you have not forgotten that you are a princess.  Love has not wholly conquered you.  You command.  It is not so with me.  I submit, I obey, and I am silent.  Be it as you will:  Pollnitz shall always accompany me—­only promise me to come ever upon the balcony.”

“I promise! and now, beloved, let us say farewell to God, to the heavens, to the soft stars, and the dark night, which has spread her mantle over us and allowed us to be happy.”

“Farewell, farewell, my happiness, my love, my pride, my hope, my future!  Oh, Amelia, why cannot I go this moment into battle, and pluck high honors which will make me more worthy of you?”

They embraced for the last time, and then stepped into the room.  Pollnitz still sat on the divan before the table.  Only a poor remnant of the feast remained; his tongue had been forced to silence in this lonely room, but he had been agreeably occupied with the game, fruits, jellies, and wine which were placed before him; he had stretched himself comfortably upon the sofa, and was quietly enjoying the blessed feeling of a healthy and undisturbed digestion.  At last he had fallen asleep, or seemed so; it was some moments before Trenck succeeded in forcing him to open his eyes.

“You are very cruel, young friend,” said he, rising up; “you have disturbed me in the midst of a wondrous and rapturous dream.”

“Might I inquire into this dream?” said the princess.

“Ah, your royal highness, I dreamed of the only thing which would ever surprise or enrapture me in this comical and good-for-nothing world.  I dreamed I had no creditors, and heaps of gold.”

“And your dream differs widely from the reality?”

“Yes, my gracious princess, just the opposite is true.  I have unnumbered creditors, and no gold.”

“Poor Pollnitz! how do you propose to free yourself from this painful embarrassment?”

“Ah, your royal highness, I shall never attempt it!  I am more than content when I can find some soothing palliatives for this chronic disease, and, at least, find as many louis d’ors in my pocket as I have creditors to threaten me.”