[Advances to the middle of the stage, and looks around him with uneasiness. She's not here! Where is she? Coun. Look but somewhat narrowly Max. There lie her gloves! In yonder corner, lest perhaps she lie [Snatches at them, but the Countess takes them herself. You unkind Lady! You refuse me this You make it an amusement to torment me. Coun. And this the thank you give me for my trouble? Max. O, if you felt the oppression at my heart! Since we've been here, so to constrain myself With such poor stealth to hazard words and glances— Coun. Max. Where is she? Coun. But wherefore comes she not? Into my hands you must place it Whole and entire, Whom could you find, indeed, No soul on earth must know it-not your father. Max. Or is it only I? I find myself, As among strangers! Not a trace is left Of all my former wishes, former joys. Where has it vanish'd to? There was a time When ev'n, methought, with such a world as this, I was not discontented. Now, how flat! How stale! No life, no bloom, no flavour in it! My father-Even to him I can say nothing. My arms, my military duties-0! They are such wearying toys! Coun. But, gentle friend! I must intreat it of your condescension, You would be pleas'd to sink your eye, and favour Max. Something, I can't but know, is going forward round me. In wild uncustomary movements. Well, I am doubtful whether this be the dedication of the cloister, or Thither I went, there found myself alone. A wretched painting 'twas, yet 'twas the friend Coun. Enjoy your fortune and felicity! Forget the world around you. Meantime, friendship How long may it be since you declared your passion? And gazing out upon the dreary field: And trembling ventur'd I at length these words: the name of one of the city gates, near which it stood. I have translated it in the former sense; but fearful of having made some ólunder, I add the original:— Es ist ein Kloster hier zur Himmelsyforte. With hurrying voice she interrupted me. Possess her beautiful cheeks, and from the ground (The Princess Thekla appears at the door, and With instant boldness I caught her in my arms, my mouth touch'd her's; It parted us—'Twas you. What since has happened, Coun. (after a pause, with a stolen glance at Thekla). And is it your excess of modesty ; Or are you so incurious, that you do not Ask me too of my secret? Coun. Why, yes! When in the instant after you I stepp'd into the room, and found my niece there, What she in this first moment of the heart, Ta'en with surprise Max. (with eagerness). Well? SCENE IV. THEKLA (hurries forward), COUNTESS, MAX. PICCOLOMINI. Thek. (to the Countess). Spare yourself the trouble. That hears he better from myself. Max. (stepping backward). My Princess! What have you let her hear me say, aunt Tertsky? Thek. Alas! my mother Wept so again! and I-I see her suffer, Yet cannot keep myself from being happy. Max. Now once again I have courage to look on you. To-day at noon I could not. The dazzle of the jewels that play'd round you Thek. Then you saw me With your eye only—and not with your heart? Beheld myself an alien in this circle, And cast upon the light and joyous heart Thek. Hush! not a word more of this mummery. You see how soon the burthen is thrown off. (to the Countess). He is not in spirits. Wherefore is he not? 'Tis you, aunt, that have made him all so gloomy! He had quite another 1 ature on the journey— So calm, so bright, so joyous eloquent. (to Max). It was my wish to see you always so, |