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Liv. Dear Valdemere! What is the matter? Rouse yourself, rouse yourself! (A great alarm without.) Hear that sound: they are at hand; what shall we do? There is a vault by the side of this grotto, where we poor miserable women may be concealed, but

Vald. (eagerly.) Where is it? My duty is to take care of you, dear Livia: come, come with me, and I'll place you in security. (Catches hold of the Page in his hurry, and runs off with him.)

Countess. Stop, stop! That is the Page you have got. Will you leave me behind you? Vald. Off, Wretch! Where is Livia; come, come, my Life! where are you? (Stretching out one hand to her, while his body bends eagerly the other way.)

Liv. No, Count; I will not go. Alarm overcame me for the moment; but now I will enter the castle; and if the enemy should take it, they shall find me there in a situation becoming its mistress.

Omnes. Bravely said, Lady! Let us all to the castle.

Dart. With or without a commander, we'll defend it to the last extremity.

Countess. (going to Vald. and speaking in his ear, while she pulls him along with her.) Come