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Act V
Act V
Scene I
Major von Tellheim (from one side), Werner (from the other)
Maj. T. Ah! Werner! I have been looking for you everywhere. Where have
you been?
Wer. And I have been looking for you, Major; that is always the way. - I
bring you good news.
Maj. T. I do not want your news now; I want your money. Quick, Werner,
give me all you have; and then raise as much more as you can.
Wer. Major! Now, upon my life, that is just what I said - "He will borrow
money from me, when he has got it himself to lend."
Maj. T. You surely are not seeking excuses!
Wer. That I may have nothing to upbraid you with, take it with your right
hand, and give it me again with your left.
Maj. T. Do not detain me, Werner. It is my intention to repay you; but
when and how, God knows!
Wer. Then you do not know yet that the treasury has received an order to
pay you your money? I just heard it at -
Maj. T. What are you talking about? What nonsense have you let them palm
off on you? Do you not see that if it were true I should be the first person
to know it? In short, Werner, money! money!
Wer. Very well, with pleasure. Here is some! A hundred louis d`ors there,
and a hundred ducats there.
(Gives him both.)
Maj. T. Werner, go and give Just the hundred louis d`ors. Let him redeem
the ring again, on which he raised the money this morning. But whence will you
get some more, Werner? I want a good deal more.
Wer. Leave that to me. The man who bought my farm lives in the town. The
date for payment is a fortnight hence, certainly; but the money is ready, and
by a reduction of one half per cent -
Maj. T. Very well, my dear Werner! You see that I have had recourse to
you alone - I must also confide all to you. The young lady you have seen is in
distress -
Wer. That is bad!
Maj. T. But to - morrow she shall be my wife.
Wer. That is good!
Maj. T. And the day after, I leave this place with her. I can go; I will
go. I would sooner throw over everything here! Who knows where some good luck
may be in store for me? If you will, Werner, come with us. We will serve
again.
Wer. Really? But where there is war, Major!
Major. T. To be sure. Go, Werner, we will speak of this again.
Wer. Oh! my dear Major! The day after to - morrow! Why not to - morrow? I
will get everything ready. In Persia, Major, there is a famous war; what do
you say?
Maj. T. We will think of it. Only go, Werner!
Wer. Hurrah! Long live Prince Heraclius!
(Exit.)
Scene II
Major von Tellheim
Major. T. How do I feel! . . . My whole soul has acquired a new impulse.
My own unhappiness bowed me to the ground; made me fretful, short - sighted,
shy, careless: her unhappiness raises me. I see clearly again, and feel myself
ready and capable of undertaking anything for her sake. Why do I tarry?
(Is going towards Minna`s room, when Franziska comes out of it.)
Scene III
Franziska, Major von Tellheim
Fran. Is it you? I thought I heard your voice. What do you want, Major?
Maj. T. What do I want? What is she doing? Come!
Fran. She is just going out for a drive.
Maj. T. And alone? Without me? Where to?
Fran. Have you forgotten, Major?
Maj. T. How silly you are, Franziska! I irritated her, and she was angry.
I will beg her pardon, and she will forgive me.
Fran. What! After you have taken the ring back, Major!
Maj. T. Ah! I did that in my confusion. I had forgotten about the ring.
Where did I put it? (Searches for it.) Here it is.
Fran. Is that it? (Aside, as he puts it again in his pocket.) If he would
only look at it closer!
Maj. T. She pressed it upon me so bitterly. But I have forgotten that. A
full heart cannot weigh words. She will not for one moment refuse to take it
again. And have I not hers?
Fran. She is now waiting for it in return. Where is it, Major? Show it to
me, do!
Maj. T. (embarrassed). I have . . . forgotten to put it on. Just - Just
will bring it directly.
Fran. They are something alike, I suppose; let me look at that one. I am
very fond of such things.
Maj. T. Another time, Franziska. Come now.
Fran. (aside). He is determined not to be drawn out of his mistake.
Maj. T. What do you say? Mistake!
Fran. It is a mistake, I say, if you think my mistress is still a good
match. Her own fortune is far from considerable; by a few calculations in
their own favour her guardians may reduce it to nothing. She expected
everything from her uncle; but this cruel uncle -
Maj. T. Let him go! Am I not man enough to make it all good to her again!
Fran. Do you hear? She is ringing; I must go in again.
Maj. T. I will accompany you.
Fran. For heaven`s sake, no! She forbade me expressly to speak with you.
Come in at any rate a little time after me.
(Goes in.)
Scene IV
Major von Tellheim
Maj. T. (calling after her). Announce me! Speak for me, Franziska! I
shall follow you directly. What shall I say to her? Yet where the heart can
speak, no preparation is necessary. There is one thing only which may need a
studied turn . . . this reserve, this scrupulousness of throwing herself,
unfortunate as she is, into my arms; this anxiety to make a false show of
still possessing that happiness which she has lost through me. How she is to
exculpate herself to herself - for by me it is already forgiven - for this
distrust in my honour, in her own worth . . . Ah! here she comes.
Scene V
Minna, Franziska, Major von Tellheim
Min. (speaking as she comes out, as if not aware of the Major`s
presence). The carriage is at the door, Franziska, is it not? My fan!
Maj. T. (advancing to her). Where are you going, Madam?
Min. (with forced coldness). I am going out, Major. I guess why you have
given yourself the trouble of coming back: to return me my ring. - Very well,
Major von Tellheim, have the goodness to give it to Franziska. - Franziska,
take the ring from major von Tellheim! - I have no time to lose.
(Is going.)
Maj. T. (stepping before her). Madam! Ah! what have I heard? I was
unworthy of such love.
Min. So, Franziska, you have -
Fran. Told him all.
Maj. T. Do not be angry with me, Madam. I am no deceiver. You have, on my
account, lost much in the eyes of the world, but not in mine. In my eyes you
have gained beyond measure by this loss. It was too sudden. You feared it
might make an unfavourable impression on me; at first you wished to hide it
from me. I do not complain of this mistrust. It arose from the desire to
retain my affection. That desire is my pride. You found me in distress; and
you did not wish to add distress to distress. You could not divine how far
your distress would raise me above any thoughts of my own.
Min. That is all very well, Major, but it is now over. I have released
you from your engagement; you have, by taking back the ring -
Maj. T. Consented to nothing! On the contrary, I now consider myself
bound more firmly than ever. You are mine, Minna, mine for ever. (Takes off
the ring.) Here, take it for the second time - the pledge of my fidelity.
Min. I take that ring again! That ring?
Maj. T. Yes, dearest Minna, yes.
Min. What are you asking me? that ring?
Maj. T. You received it for the first time from my hand, when our
positions were similar and the circumstances propitious. They are no longer
propitious, but are again similar. Equality is always the strongest tie of
love. Permit me, dearest Minna! (seizes her hand to put on the ring.)
Min. What! by force, Major! No, there is no power in the world which
shall compel me to take back that ring! Do you think that I am in want of a
ring? Oh! you may see (pointing to her ring) that I have another here which is
in no way inferior to yours.
Fran. (aside). Well, if he does not see it now!
Maj. T. (letting fall her hand). What is this? I see Fraulein von
Barnhelm, but I do not hear her. - You are pretending. - Pardon me, that I use
your own words.
Min. (in her natural tone). Did those words offend you, Major?
Maj. T. They grieved me much.
Min. (affected). They were not meant to do that, Tellheim. Forgive me,
Tellheim.
Maj. T. Ah! that friendly tone tells me you are yourself again, Minna:
that you still love me.
Fran. (exclaims). The joke would soon have gone a little too far.
Min. (in a commanding tone). Franziska, you will not interfere in our
affairs, I beg.
Fran. (aside, in a surprised tone). Not enough yet!
Min. Yes, sir, it would only be womanish vanity in me to pretend to be
cold and scornful. No! Never! You deserve to find me as sincere as yourself. I
do love you still, Tellheim, I love you still; but notwithstanding -
Maj. T. No more, dearest Minna, no more! (Seizes her hand again, to put
on the ring.)
Min. (drawing back her hand). Notwithstanding, so much the more am I
determined that that shall never be, - never! - Of what are you thinking,
Major? - I thought your own distress was sufficient. You must remain here; you
must obtain by obstinacy - no better phrase occurs to me at the moment - the
most perfect satisfaction, obtain it by obstinacy. . . . And that even though
the utmost distress should waste you away before the eyes of your calumniators
-
Maj. T. So I thought, so I said, when I knew not what I thought or said.
Chagrin and stifling rage had enveloped my whole soul; love itself, in the
full blaze of happiness, could not illumine it. But it has sent its daughter,
Pity, more familiar with gloomy misfortune, and she has dispelled the cloud,
and opened again all the avenues of my soul to sensations of tenderness. The
impulse of self - preservation awakes, when I have something more precious
than myself to support, and to support through my own exertions. Do not let
the word "pity" offend you. From the innocent cause of our distress we may
hear the term without humiliation. I am this cause; through me, Minna, have
you lost friends and relations, fortune and country. Through me, in me, must
you find them all again, or I shall have the destruction of the most lovely of
her sex upon my soul. Let me not think of a future in which I must detest
myself. - No, nothing shall detain me here longer. From this moment I will
oppose nothing but contempt to the injustice which I suffer. Is this country
the world? Does the sun rise here alone? Where can I not go? In what service
shall I be refused? And should I be obliged to seek it in the most distant
clime, only follow me with confidence, dearest Minna - we shall want for
nothing. I have a friend who will assist me with pleasure.
Scene VI
An Orderly, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
Fran. (seeing the Orderly). Hist, Major!
Maj. T. (to the Orderly). Who do you want?
Ord. I am looking for Major von Tellheim. Ah! you are the Major, I see. I
have to give this letter from his Majesty the King (taking one out of his
bag).
Maj. T. To me?
Ord. According to the direction.
Min. Franziska, do you hear? The Chevalier spoke the truth after all.
Ord. (whilst Tellheim takes the letter). I beg your pardon, Major; you
should properly have had it yesterday, but I could not find you out. I learnt
your address this morning only from Lieutenant Riccaut, on parade.
Fran. Do you hear, my lady? - That is the Chevalier`s minister. "What is
the name of de ministre - bout dere, on de broad place?"
Maj. T. I am extremely obliged to you for your trouble.
Ord. It is my duty, Major.
(Exit.)
Scene VII
Major Von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
Maj. T. Ah! Minna, what is this? What does this contain?
Min. I am not entitled to extend my curiosity so far.
Maj. T. What! You would still separate my fate from yours? - But why do I
hesitate to open it? It cannot make me more unhappy than I am: no, dearest
Minna, it cannot make us more unhappy - but perhaps more happy! Permit me.
(While he opens and reads the letter, the Landlord comes stealthily on
the stage.)
Scene VIII
Landlord, the rest as before
Land. (to Franziska). Hist! my pretty maid! A word!
Fran. (to the Landlord). Mr. Landlord, we do not yet know ourselves what
is in the letter.
Land. Who wants to know about the letter! I come about the ring. The lady
must give it to me again, directly. Just is there, and wants to redeem it.
Min. (who in the meantime has approached the Landlord). Tell Just that it
is already redeemed; and tell him by whom - by me.
Land. But -
Min. I take it upon myself. Go!
(Exit Landlord.)
Scene IX
Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
Fran. And now, my lady, make it up with the poor Major.
Min. Oh! kind intercessor! As if the difficulties must not soon explain
themselves.
Maj. T. (after reading the letter, with much emotion.) Ah! nor has he
herein belied himself! Oh! Minna, what justice! what clemency! This is more
than I expected; more than I deserved! - My fortune, my honour, all is
reestablished! - Do I dream? (Looking at the letter, as if to convince
himself.) No, no delusion born of my own desires! Read it yourself, Minna;
read it yourself!
Min. I would not presume, Major.
Maj. T. Presume! The letter is to me; to your Tellheim, Minna. It
contains - what your uncle cannot take from you. You must read it! Do read it.
Min. If it affords you pleasure, Major. (Takes the letter and reads.) "My
dear Major von Tellheim,
"I hereby inform you, that the business which caused me some anxiety on
account of your honour, has been cleared up in your favour. My brother had a
more detailed knowledge of it, and his testimony has more than proved your
innocence. The Treasury has received orders to deliver again to you the bill
in question, and to reimburse the sum advanced. I have also ordered that all
claims which the Paymaster`s Office brings forward against your accounts be
nullified. Please to inform me whether your health will allow of your taking
active service again. I can ill spare a man of your courage and sentiments. I
am your gracious King," &c.
Maj. T. Now, what do you say to that, Minna?
Min. (folding up and returning the letter). I? Nothing.
Maj. T. Nothing?
Min. Stay - yes. That your king, who is a great man, can also be a good
man. - But what is that to me! He is not my king.
Maj. T. And do you say nothing more? Nothing about ourselves?
Min. You are going to serve again. From Major, you will become Lieutenant
- Colonel, perhaps Colonel. I congratulate you with all my heart.
Maj. T. And you do not know me better? No, since fortune restores me
sufficient to satisfy the wishes of a reasonable man, it shall depend upon my
Minna alone, whether for the future I shall belong to any one else but her. To
her service alone my whole life shall be devoted! The service of the great is
dangerous, and does not repay the trouble, the restraint, the humiliation
which it costs. Minna is not amongst those vain people who love nothing in
their husbands beyond their titles and positions. She will love me for myself;
and for her sake I will forget the whole world. I became a soldier from party
feeling - I do not myself know on what political principles - and from the
whim that it is good for every honourable man to try the profession of arms
for a time, to make himself familiar with danger, and to learn coolness and
determination. Extreme necessity alone could have compelled me to make this
trial a fixed mode of life, this temporary occupation a profession. But now
that nothing compels me, my whole and sole ambition is to be a peaceful and a
contented man. This with you, dearest Minna, I shall infallibly become; this
in your society I shall unchangeably remain. Let the holy bond unite us to -
morrow; and then we will look round us, and in the whole wide habitable world
seek out the most peaceful, the brightest, most smiling nook which wants but a
happy couple to be a Paradise. There we will dwell; there shall each
day. . . . What is the matter, Minna? (Minna turns away uneasily, and
endeavours to hide her emotion.)
Min. (regaining her composure). It is cruel of you, Tellheim, to paint
such happiness to me, when I am forced to renounce it. My loss -
Maj. T. Your loss! Why name your loss? All that Minna could lose is not
Minna. You are still the sweetest, dearest, loveliest, best creature under the
sun; all goodness and generosity, innocence and bliss! Now and then a little
petulant; at times somewhat wilful - so much the better! So much the better!
Minna would otherwise be an angel, whom I should honour with trepidation, but
not dare to love. (Takes her hand to kiss it.)
Min. (drawing away her hand). Not so, sir. Why this sudden change? Is
this flattering impetuous lover, the cold Tellheim! - Could his returning good
fortune alone create this ardour in him? He will permit me during his
passionate excitement to retain the power of reflection for us both. When he
could himself reflect, I heard him say - "it is a worthless love which does
not scruple to expose its object to scorn." - True; and I aspire to as pure
and noble a love as he himself. Now, when honour calls him, when a great
monarch solicits his services, shall I consent that he shall give himself up
to love - sick dreams with me? that the illustrious warrior shall degenerate
into a toying swain? No, Major, follow the call of your higher destiny.
Maj. T. Well! if the busy world has greater charms for you, Minna, let us
remain in the busy world! How mean, how poor is this busy world; you now only
know its gilded surface. Yet certainly, Minna, you will. . . . But let it be
so! until then! Your charms shall not want admirers, nor will my happiness
lack enviers.
Min. No, Tellheim, I do not mean that! I send you back into the busy
world, on the road of honour, without wishing to accompany you. Tellheim will
there require an irreproachable wife! A fugitive Saxon girl who has thrown
herself upon him -
Maj. T. (starting up, and looking fiercely about him). Who dare say that!
Ah! Minna, I feel afraid of myself, when I imagine that any one but yourself
could have spoken so. My anger against him would know no bounds.
Min. Exactly! That is just what I fear. You would not endure one word of
calumny against me, and yet you would have to put up with the very bitterest
every day. In short, Tellheim, hear what I have firmly determined, and from
which nothing in the world shall turn me -
Maj. T. Before you proceed, I implore you, Minna, reflect for one moment,
that you are about to pronounce a sentence of life or death upon me!
Min. Without a moment`s reflection! . . . As certainly as I have given
you back the ring with which you formerly pledged your troth to me, as
certainly as you have taken back that same ring, so certainly shall the
unfortunate Minna never be the wife of the fortunate Tellheim!
Maj. T. And herewith you pronounce my sentence.
Min. Equality is the only sure bond of love. The happy Minna only wished
to live for the happy Tellheim. Even Minna in misfortune would have allowed
herself to be persuaded either to increase or to assuage the misfortune of her
friend through herself. . . . He must have seen, before the arrival of that
letter, which has again destroyed all equality between us, that in appearance
only I refused.
Maj. T. Is that true? I thank you, Minna, that you have not yet
pronounced the sentence. You will only marry Tellheim when unfortunate? You
may have him. (Coolly.) I perceive now that it would be indecorous in me to
accept this tardy justice; that it will be better if I do not seek again that
of which I have been deprived by such shameful suspicion. Yes; I will suppose
that I have not received the letter. Behold my only answer to it! (About to
tear it up.)
Min. (stopping him). What are you going to do, Tellheim?
Maj. T. Obtain your hand.
Min. Stop!
Maj. T. Madam, it is torn without fail if you do not quickly recall your
words. - Then we will see what else you may have to object to in me.
Min. What! In such a tone? Shall I, must I, thus become contemptible in
my own eyes? Never! She is a worthless creature, who is not ashamed to owe her
whole happiness to the blind tenderness of a man!
Maj. T. False! utterly false!
Min. Can you venture to find fault with your own words when coming from
my lips?
Maj. T. Sophistry! Does the weaker sex dishonour itself by every action
which does not become the stronger? Or can a man do everything which is proper
in a woman? Which is appointed by nature to be the support of the other?
Min. Be not alarmed, Tellheim! . . . I shall not be quite unprotected, if
I must decline the honour of your protection. I shall still have as much as is
absolutely necessary. I have announced my arrival to our ambassador. I am to
see him to - day. I hope he will assist me. Time is flying. Permit me, Major -
Maj. T. I will accompany you, Madam.
Min. No, Major; leave me.
Maj. T. Sooner shall your shadow desert you! Come Madam, where you will,
to whom you will everywhere, to friends and strangers, will I repeat in your
presence - repeat a hundred times each day - what a bond binds you to me, and
with what cruel caprice you wish to break it -
Scene X
Just, the rest as before
Just. (impetuously). Major! Major!
Maj. T. Well!
Just. Here quick! quick!
Maj. T. Why! Come to me. Speak, what is the matter?
Just. What do you think? (Whispers to him.)
Min. (aside to Franziska). Do you notice anything, Franziska?
Fran. Oh! you merciless creature! I have stood here on thorns!
Maj. T. (to Just). What do you say? . . . That is not possible! . . .
You? (Looking fiercely at Minna.) Speak it out; tell it to her face. Listen,
Madam.
Just. The Landlord says, that Fraulein von Barnhelm has taken the ring
which I pledged to him; she recognised it as her own, and would not return it.
Maj. T. Is that true, Madam? No, that cannot be true!
Min. (smiling). And why not, Tellheim? Why can it not be true?
Maj. T. (vehemently). Then it is true! . . . What terrible light suddenly
breaks in upon me! . . . Now I know you - false, faithless one!
Min. (alarmed). Who, who is faithless?
Maj. T. You, whom I will never more name!
Min. Tellheim!
Maj. T. Forget my name . . . You came here with the intention of breaking
with me . . . It is evident! . . . Oh, that chance should thus delight to
assist the faithless! It brought your ring into your possession. Your
craftiness contrived to get my own back into mine!
Min. Tellheim, what visions are you conjuring up! Be calm, and listen to
me.
Fran. (aside). Now she will catch it!
Scene XI
Werner (with a purse full of gold), the rest as before
Wer. Here I am already, Major!
Maj. T. (without looking at him). Who wants you?
Wer. I have brought more money! A thousand pistoles!
Maj. T. I do not want them!
Wer. And to - morrow, Major, you can have as many more.
Maj. T. Keep your money!
Wer. It is your money, Major . . . I do not think you see whom you are
speaking to!
Maj. T. Take it away! I say.
Wer. What is the matter with you? - I am Werner.
Maj. T. All goodness is dissimulation; all kindness deceit.
Wer. Is that meant for me?
Maj. T. As you please!
Wer. Why I have only obeyed your commands.
Maj. T. Obey once more, and be off!
Wer. Major (vexed). I am a man -
Maj. T. So much the better!
Wer. Who can also be angry.
Maj. T. Anger is the best thing we possess.
Wer. I beg you, Major.
Maj. T. How often must I tell you? I do not want your money!
Wer. (in a rage). Then take it, who will! (Throws the purse on the
ground, and goes to the side).
Min. (to Franziska). Ah! Franziska, I ought to have followed your advice.
I have carried the jest too far. - Still, when he hears me . . . (going to
him).
Fran. (without answering Minna, goes up to Werner). Mr. Sergeant -
Wer. (pettishly). Go along!
Fran. Ah! what men these are.
Min. Tellheim! Tellheim! (Tellheim, biting his fingers with rage, turns
away his face, without listening.) No, this is too bad . . . Only listen!
. . . You are mistaken! . . . A mere misunderstanding. Tellheim, will you not
hear your Minna? Can you have such a suspicion? . . . I break my engagement
with you? I came here for that purpose? . . . Tellheim!
Scene XII
Two Servants (running into the room from different sides), the rest as before
First Ser. Your ladyship, his excellency the Count!
Second Ser. He is coming, your ladyship!
Fran. (running to the window). It is! it is he!
Min. Is it? Now, Tellheim, quick!
Maj. T. (suddenly recovering himself). Who, who comes? Your uncle, Madam!
this cruel uncle! . . . Let him come; just let him come! . . . Fear not! . . .
He shall not hurt you even by a look. He shall have to deal with me . . . You
do not indeed deserve it of me.
Min. Quick, Tellheim! one embrace and forget all.
Maj. T. Ah! did I but know that you could regret -
Min. No, I can never regret having obtained a sight of your whole heart!
. . . Ah! what a man you are! . . . Embrace your Minna, your happy Minna: and
in nothing more happy than in the possession of you. (Embracing.) And now to
meet him!
Maj. T. To meet whom?
Min. The best of your unknown friends.
Maj. T. What!
Min. The Count, my uncle, my father, your father . . . My flight, his
displeasure, my loss of property - do you not see that all is a fiction,
credulous knight?
Maj. T. Fiction! But the ring? the ring?
Min. Where is the ring that I gave back to you?
Maj. T. You will take it again? Ah! now I am happy . . . Here, Minna
(taking it from his pocket).
Min. Look at it first! Oh! how blind are those who will not see! . . .
What ring is that? the one you gave me? or the one I gave to you? Is it not
the one which I did not like to leave in the landlord`s possession?
Maj. T. Heaven! what do I see! What do I hear!
Min. Shall I take it again now? Shall I? Give it to me! give it! (Takes
it from him, and then puts it on his finger herself.) There, now all is right!
Maj. T. Where am I? (Kissing her hand.) Oh! malicious angel, to torture
me so!
Min. As a proof, my dear husband, that you shall never play me a trick
without my playing you one in return. . . . Do you suppose that you did not
torture me also?
Maj. T. Oh you actresses! But I ought to have known you.
Fran. Not I, indeed; I am spoilt for acting. I trembled and shook, and
was obliged to hold my lips together with my hand.
Min. Nor was mine an easy part. - But come now -
Maj. T. I have not recovered myself yet. How happy, yet how anxious, I
feel. It is like awaking suddenly from a frightful dream.
Min. We are losing time . . . I hear him coming now.
Scene XIII
Count von Bruchsal (accompanied by several servants and the Landlord). The
rest as before
Count. (entering). She arrived in safety, I hope?
Min. (running to meet him). Ah! my father!
Count. Here I am, dear Minna (embracing her). But what, girl (seeing
Tellheim), only four - and - twenty hours here, and friends - company already!
Min. Guess who it is?
Count. Not your Tellheim, surely!
Min. Who else! - Come, Tellheim (introducing him).
Count. Sir, we have never met; but at the first glance I fancied I
recognised you. I wished it might be Major von Tellheim. - Your hand, sir; you
have my highest esteem; I ask for your friendship. My niece, my daughter loves
you.
Min. You know that, my father! - And was my love blind?
Count. No, Minna, your love was not blind; but your lover - is dumb.
Maj. T. (throwing himself in the Count`s arms). Let me recover myself, my
father!
Count. Right, my son. I see your heart can speak, though your lips
cannot. I do not usually care for those who wear this uniform. But you are an
honourable man, Tellheim; and one must love an honourable man, in whatever
garb he may be.
Min. Ah! did you but know all!
Count. Why should I not hear all? - Which are my apartments, landlord?
Land. Will your Excellency have the goodness to walk this way?
Count. Come, Minna! Pray come, Major! (Exit with the Landlord and
servants.)
Min. Come, Tellheim!
Maj. T. I will follow you in an instant, Minna. One word first with this
man (turning to Werner).
Min. And a good word, methinks, it should be. Should it not, Franziska?
(Exit.)
Scene XIV
Major von Tellheim, Werner, Just, Franziska
Maj. T. (pointing to the purse which Werner had thrown down). Here, Just,
pick up the purse and carry it home. Go! (Just takes it up and goes.)
Wer. (still standing, out of humour, in a corner, and absent till he
hears the last words). Well, what now?
Maj. T. (in a friendly tone while going up to him). Werner, when can I
have the other two thousand pistoles?
Wer. (in a good humour again instantly). To - morrow, Major, to - morrow.
Maj. T. I do not need to become your debtor; but I will be your banker.
All you good - natured people ought to have guardians. You are in a manner
spendthrifts. - I irritated you just now, Werner.
Wer. Upon my life you did! But I ought not to have been such a dolt. Now
I see it all clearly. I deserve a hundred lashes. You may give them to me, if
you will, Major. Only no more ill will, dear Major!
Maj. T. Ill will! (shaking him by the hand). Read in my eyes all that I
cannot say to you - Ah! let me see the man with a better wife and a more
trusty friend than I shall have. - Eh! Franziska? (Exit.)
Scene XV
Werner, Franziska
Fran. (aside). Yes, indeed, he is more than good! - Such a man will never
fall in my way again. - It must come out. (Approaching Werner bashfully.) Mr.
Sergeant!
Wer. (wiping his eyes). Well!
Fran. Mr. Sergeant -
Wer. What do you want, little woman?
Fran. Look at me, Mr. Sergeant.
Wer. I can`t yet; there is something, I don`t know what, in my eyes.
Fran. Now do look at me!
Wer. I am afraid I have looked at you too much already, little woman! -
There, now I can see you. What then?
Fran. Mr. Sergeant - don`t you want a Mrs. Sergeant?
Wer. Do you really mean it, little woman?
Fran. Really I do.
Wer. And would you go with me to Persia even?
Fran. Wherever you please.
Wer. You will! Hullo, Major, no boasting! At any rate I have got as good
a wife, and as trusty a friend, as you. - Give me your hand, my little woman!
It`s a match! - In ten years` time you shall be a general`s wife, or a widow!
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