To a bridegroom,* when no one knows-No! no! At such a game. Not yet!-It all remains Well-thou shalt not have been deceiv'd, Duke In her who is thy sister. Ser. (enters). The commanders! Ter. (to the Countess). Take care you heat his fancy and affections Possess him with a reverie, and send him, Coun. Take you care of your guests!-Go, send him hither. Ter. All rests upon his undersigning. Coun. (interrupting him). Go to your guests! Go Illo. (comes back). Where art staying, Tertsky? The house is full, and all expecting you. Ter. Instantly! instantly! [To the Countess. And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion In the old man—~ Coun. A truce with your precautions ! [Exeunt Tertsky and Illo. SCENE III. COUNTESS, MAX. PICCOLOMINI. Max. (peeping in on the stage shily). Aunt Tertsky! may I venture? In Germany, after honourable addresses have been paid and formally accepted, the lovers are called Bride and Bridegroom, even though the marriage should not take place till years afterwards. [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! 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 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. 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! 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: To-day I must take leave of my good fortune. 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 ólander, I add the original: Es ist ein Kloster hier zur Himmelspforte. 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, You know. 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? Max. Of your 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? Yes; and soon must go. ? |