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a broken pate or two excepted; and our feigned attack upon the castle has been providentially the means of defending it from a real one. Had not Antonio, however, who was not in our plot, come so opportunely to our aid, we had been beaten.—But now that I have time to enquire, how did'st thou come so opportunely?

Ant. I have been in the habit, of wandering after dark round the walls. Livia knows not how many nights I have watched the light gleaming from the window of her chamber. Wandering then, as usual, I discovered a corps of the enemy on their march to the castle, and went immediately for succour, which I fortunately found. We have both fought stoutly, my friend, with our little force; but the blows have fallen to your share, and the blessing to mine.

Dart. Not so; friends keep not their shades so distinctly.

Liv. True, Chevalier; and you claim, besides; whatever satisfaction you may have from the gratitude of this good company, for contriving a plot that has ended so fortunately.

Dart. Nay, there is, I fear, one person in this good company, from whom my claims, of this kind, are but small.—Count Valdemere, can you forgive me?

Vald. Ask me not at present, Dartz. I know that my conduct to Antonio did deserve correction; but you have taken a revenge for him with merciless severity, which he would