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diff --git a/2663.txt b/2663.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..57a8534 --- /dev/null +++ b/2663.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5644 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Minna von Barnhelm, by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Minna von Barnhelm + +Author: Gotthold Ephraim Lessing + +Translator: Ernest Bell + +Posting Date: December 25, 2008 [EBook #2663] +Release Date: June, 2001 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MINNA VON BARNHELM *** + + + + +Produced by Dagny, Emma Dudding, and John Bickers + + + + + +MINNA VON BARNHELM + +or, THE SOLDIER'S FORTUNE + + +By Gotthold Ephraim Lessing + + +Translated By Ernest Bell + + + + +INTRODUCTORY NOTE + + +Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was born at Kamenz, Germany, January 22, +1729, the son of a Lutheran minister. He was educated at Meissen +and Leipzic, and began writing for the stage before he was twenty. +In 1748 he went to Berlin, where he met Voltaire and for a time +was powerfully influenced by him. The most important product of +this period was his tragedy of "Miss Sara Samson," a modern +version of the story of Medea, which began the vogue of the +sentimental middle-class play in Germany. After a second sojourn +in Leipzic (1755-1758), during which he wrote criticism, lyrics, +and fables, Lessing returned to Berlin and began to publish his +"Literary Letters," making himself by the vigor and candor of his +criticism a real force in contemporary literature. From Berlin he +went to Breslau, where he made the first sketches of two of his +greatest works, "Laocoon" and "Minna von Barnhelm," both of which +were issued after his return to the Prussian capital. Failing in +his effort to be appointed Director of the Royal Library by +Frederick the Great, Lessing went to Hamburg in 1767 as critic of +a new national theatre, and in connection with this enterprise he +issued twice a week the "Hamburgische Dramaturgie," the two +volumes of which are a rich mine of dramatic criticism and theory. + +His next residence was at Wolfenbuttel, where he had charge of the +ducal library from 1770 till his death in 1781. Here he wrote his +tragedy of "Emilia Galotti," founded on the story of Virginia, and +engaged for a time in violent religious controversies, one +important outcome of which was his "Education of the Human Race." +On being ordered by the Brunswick authorities to give up +controversial writing, he found expression for his views in his +play "Nathan the Wise," his last great production. + +The importance of Lessing's masterpiece in comedy, "Minna von +Barnhelm," is difficult to exaggerate. It was the beginning of +German national drama; and by the patriotic interest of its +historical background, by its sympathetic treatment of the German +soldier and the German woman, and by its happy blending of the +amusing and the pathetic, it won a place in the national heart +from which no succeeding comedy has been able to dislodge it. + + + + + +MINNA VON BARNHELM + +or, THE SOLDIER'S FORTUNE + + + + +DRAMATIS PERSONAE + + MAJOR VON TELLHEIM, a discharged officer. + MINNA VON BARNHELM. + COUNT VON BRUCHSAL, her uncle. + FRANZISKA, her lady's maid. + JUST, servant to the Major. + PAUL WERNER, an old Sergeant of the Major's. + The LANDLORD of an Inn. + A LADY. + An ORDERLY. + RICCAUT DE LA MARLINIERE. + + The scene alternates between the Parlour of an Inn, and a Room + adjoining it. + + + + +ACT I. + + + SCENE I. + Just + + JUST (sitting in a corner, and talking while asleep). + Rogue of a landlord! You treat us so? On, comrade! hit hard! + (He strikes with his fist, and wakes through the exertion). + Ha! there he is again! I cannot shut an eye without fighting with him. + I wish he got but half the blows. Why, it is morning! I must just look + for my poor master at once; if I can help it, he shall not set foot in + the cursed house again. I wonder where he has passed the night? + + + + SCENE II. + Landlord, Just + + LAND. + Good-morning, Herr Just; good-morning! What, up so early! Or shall I + say--up so late? + + JUST. + Say which you please. + + LAND. + I say only--good-morning! and that deserves, I suppose, that Herr Just + should answer, "Many thanks." + + JUST. + Many thanks. + + LAND. + One is peevish, if one can't have one's proper rest. What will you bet + the Major has not returned home, and you have been keeping watch for + him? + + JUST. + How the man can guess everything! + + LAND. + I surmise, I surmise. + + JUST. (turns round to go). + Your servant! + + LAND. (stops him). + Not so, Herr Just! + + JUST. + Very well, then, not your servant! + + LAND. + What, Herr Just, I do hope you are not still angry about yesterday's + affair! Who would keep his anger over night? + + JUST. + I; and over a good many nights. + + LAND. + Is that like a Christian? + + JUST. + As much so as to turn an honourable man who cannot pay to a day, out + of doors, into the street. + + LAND. + Fie! who would be so wicked? + + JUST. + A Christian innkeeper.--My master! such a man! such an officer! + + LAND. + I thrust him from the house into the streets? I have far too much + respect for an officer to do that, and far too much pity for a + discharged one! I was obliged to have another room prepared for him. + Think no more about it, Herr Just. + (Calls) + --Hullo! I will make it good in another way. + (A lad comes.) + Bring a glass; Herr Just will have a drop; something good. + + JUST. + Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Landlord. May the drop turn to poison, + which... But I will not swear; I have not yet breakfasted. + + LAND. (to the lad, who brings a bottle of spirits and a glass). + Give it here; go! Now, Herr Just; something quite excellent; strong, + delicious, and wholesome. + (Fills, and holds it out to him.) + That can set an over-taxed stomach to rights again! + + JUST. + I hardly ought!--And yet why should I let my health suffer on account + of his incivility? + (Takes it, and drinks.) + + LAND. + May it do you good, Herr Just! + + JUST. (giving the glass back). + Not bad! But, Landlord, you are nevertheless an ill-mannered brute! + + LAND. + Not so, not so!... Come, another glass; one cannot stand upon one + leg. + + JUST. (after drinking). + I must say so much--it is good, very good! Made at home, Landlord? + + LAND. + At home, indeed! True Dantzig, real double distilled! + + JUST. + Look ye, Landlord; if I could play the hypocrite, I would do so for + such stuff as that; but I cannot, so it must out.--You are an ill- + mannered brute all the same. + + LAND. + Nobody in my life ever told me that before... But another glass, + Herr Just; three is the lucky number! + + JUST. + With all my heart!-- + (Drinks). + Good stuff indeed, capital! But truth is good also, and indeed, + Landlord, you are an ill-mannered brute all the same! + + LAND. + If I was, do you think I should let you say so? + + JUST. + Oh! yes; a brute seldom has spirit. + + LAND. + One more, Herr Just: a four-stranded rope is the strongest. + + JUST. + No, enough is as good as a feast! And what good will it do you, + Landlord? I shall stick to my text till the last drop in the bottle. + Shame, Landlord, to have such good Dantzig, and such bad manners! To + turn out of his room, in his absence--a man like my master, who has + lodged at your house above a year; from whom you have had already so + many shining thalers; who never owed a heller in his life--because he + let payment run for a couple of months, and because he does not spend + quite so much as he used. + + LAND. + But suppose I really wanted the room and saw beforehand that the Major + would willingly have given it up if we could only have waited some + time for his return! Should I let strange gentlefolk like them drive + away again from my door! Should I wilfully send such a prize into the + clutches of another innkeeper? Besides, I don't believe they could + have got a lodging elsewhere. The inns are all now quite full. Could + such a young, beautiful, amiable lady remain in the street? Your + master is much too gallant for that. And what does he lose by the + change? Have not I given him another room? + + JUST. + By the pigeon-house at the back, with a view between a neighbour's + chimneys. + + LAND. + The view was uncommonly fine, before the confounded neighbour + obstructed it. The room is otherwise very nice, and is papered!!!!! + + JUST. + Has been! + + LAND. + No, one side is so still. And the little room adjoining, what is the + matter with that? It has a chimney which, perhaps, smokes somewhat in + the winter!!!!! + + JUST. + But does very nicely in the summer. I believe, Landlord, you are + mocking us into the bargain! + + LAND. + Come, come; Herr Just, Herr Just!!!!! + + JUST. + Don't make Herr Just's head hot!!!!! + + LAND. + I make his head hot? It is the Dantzig does that. + + JUST. + An officer, like my master! Or do you think that a discharged officer, + is not an officer who may break your neck for you? Why were you all, + you Landlords, so civil during the war? Why was every officer an + honourable man then and every soldier a worthy, brave fellow? Does + this bit of a peace make you so bumptious? + + LAND. + What makes you fly out so, Herr Just! + + JUST. + I will fly out. + + + + SCENE III. + Major von Tellheim, Landlord, Just + + MAJ. T. (entering). + Just! + + JUST. (supposing the Landlord is still speaking). + Just? Are we so intimate? + + MAJ. T. + Just! + + JUST. + I thought I was "Herr Just" with you. + + LAND. (seeing the Major). + Hist! hist! Herr Just, Herr Just, look round; your master!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Just, I think you are quarreling! What did I tell you? + + LAND. + Quarrel, your honour? God forbid! Would your most humble servant dare + to quarrel with one who has the honour of being in your service? + + JUST. + If I could but give him a good whack on that cringing cat's back of + his! + + LAND. + It is true Herr Just speaks up for his master, and rather warmly; but + in that he is right. I esteem him so much the more: I like him for it. + + JUST. + I should like to knock his teeth out for him! + + LAND. + It is only a pity that he puts himself in a passion for nothing. For I + feel quite sure that your honour is not displeased with me in this + matter, since--necessity--made it necessary!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + More than enough, sir! I am in your debt; you turn out my room in my + absence. You must be paid, I must seek a lodging elsewhere. Very + natural. + + LAND. + Elsewhere? You are going to quit, honoured sir? Oh, unfortunate + stricken man that I am. No, never! Sooner shall the lady give up the + apartments again. The Major cannot and will not let her have his room. + It is his; she must go; I cannot help it. I will go, honoured sir!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + My friend, do not make two foolish strokes instead of one. The lady + must retain possession of the room!!!!! + + LAND. + And your honour could suppose that from distrust, from fear of not + being paid, I... As if I did not know that your honour could pay me + as soon as you pleased. The sealed purse... five hundred thalers in + louis d'ors marked on it--which your honour had in your writing-desk + ... is in good keeping. + + MAJ. T. + I trust so; as the rest of my property. Just shall take them into his + keeping, when he has paid your bill!!!!! + + LAND. + Really, I was quite alarmed when I found the purse. I always + considered your honour a methodical and prudent man, who never got + quite out of money... but still, had I supposed there was ready + money in the desk!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + You would have treated me rather more civilly. I understand you. Go, + sir; leave me. I wish to speak with my servant. + + LAND. + But, honoured sir!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Come, Just; he does not wish to permit me to give my orders to you in + his house. + + LAND. + I am going, honoured sir! My whole house is at your service. + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE IV. + Major Von Tellheim, Just + + JUST. (stamping with his foot and spitting after the Landlord). + Ugh! + + MAJ. T. + What is the matter? + + JUST. + I am choking with rage. + + MAJ. T. + That is as bad as from plethora. + + JUST. + And for you sir, I hardly know you any longer. May I die before your + eyes, if you do not encourage this malicious, unfeeling wretch. In + spite of gallows, axe, and torture I could... yes, I could have + throttled him with these hands, and torn him to pieces with these + teeth! + + MAJ. T. + You wild beast! + + JUST. + Better a wild beast than such a man! + + MAJ. T. + But what is it that you want? + + JUST. + I want you to perceive how much he insults you. + + MAJ. T. + And then!!!!! + + JUST. + To take your revenge... No, the fellow is beneath your notice! + + MAJ. T. + But to commission you to avenge me? That was my intention from the + first. He should not have seen me again, but have received the amount + of his bill from your hands. I know that you can throw down a handful + of money with a tolerably contemptuous mien. + + JUST. + Oh! a pretty sort of revenge! + + MAJ. T. + Which, however, we must defer. I have not one heller of ready money, + and I know not where to raise any. + + JUST. + No money! What is that purse then with five hundred thalers' worth of + louis d'ors, which the Landlord found in your desk? + + MAJ. T. + That is money given into my charge. + + JUST. + Not the hundred pistoles which your old sergeant brought you four or + five weeks back? + + MAJ. T. + The same. Paul Werner's; right. + + JUST. + And you have not used them yet? Yet, sir, you may do what you please + with them. I will answer for it that!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Indeed! + + JUST. + Werner heard from me, how they had treated your claims upon the War + Office. He heard!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + That I should certainly be a beggar soon, if I was not one already. I + am much obliged to you, Just. And the news induced Werner to offer to + share his little all with me. I am very glad that I guessed this. + Listen, Just; let me have your account, directly, too; we must part. + + JUST. + How! what! + + MAJ. T. + Not a word. There is someone coming. + + + + SCENE V. + Lady _in mourning_, Major von Tellheim, Just + + LADY. + I ask your pardon, sir. + + MAJ. T. + Whom do you seek, Madam? + + LADY. + The worthy gentleman with whom I have the honour of speaking. You do + not know me again. I am the widow of your late captain. + + MAJ. T. + Good heavens, Madam, how you are changed! + + LADY. + I have just risen from a sick bed, to which grief on the loss of my + husband brought me. I am troubling you at a very early hour, Major von + Tellheim, but I am going into the country, where a kind, but also + unfortunate friend, has for the present offered me an asylum. + + MAJ. T. (to Just). + Leave us. + + + + SCENE VI. + Lady, Major von Tellheim + + MAJ. T. + Speak freely, Madam! You must not be ashamed of your bad fortune + before me. Can I serve you in any way? + + LADY. + Major!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + I pity you, Madam! How can I serve you? You know your husband was my + friend; my friend, I say, and I have always been sparing of this + title. + + LADY. + Who knows better than I do how worthy you were of his friendship how + worthy he was of yours? You would have been in his last thoughts, your + name would have been the last sound on his dying lips, had not natural + affection, stronger than friendship, demanded this sad prerogative for + his unfortunate son, and his unhappy wife. + + MAJ. T. + Cease, Madam! I could willingly weep with you; but I have no tears + to-day. Spare me! You come to me at a time when I might easily be + misled to murmur against Providence. Oh! honest Marloff! Quick, Madam, + what have you to request? If it is in my power to assist you, if it is + in my power!!!!! + + LADY. + I cannot depart without fulfilling his last wishes. He recollected, + shortly before his death, that he was dying a debtor to you, and he + conjured me to discharge his debt with the first ready money I should + have. I have sold his carriage, and come to redeem his note. + + MAJ. T. + What, Madam! Is that your object in coming? + + LADY. + It is. Permit me to count out the money to you. + + MAJ. T. + No, Madam. Marloff a debtor to me! that can hardly be. Let us look, + however. + (Takes out a pocketbook, and searches.) + I find nothing of the kind. + + LADY. + You have doubtless mislaid his note; besides, it is nothing to the + purpose. Permit me!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + No, Madam; I am careful not to mislay such documents. If I have not + got it, it is a proof that I never had it, or that it has been + honoured and already returned by me. + + LADY. + Major! + + MAJ. T. + Without doubt, Madam; Marloff does not owe me anything--nor can I + remember that he ever did owe me anything. This is so, Madam. He has + much rather left me in his debt. I have never been able to do anything + to repay a man who shared with me good and ill luck, honour and + danger, for six years. I shall not forget that he has left a son. He + shall be my son, as soon as I can be a father to him. The + embarrassment in which I am at present!!!!! + + LADY. + Generous man! But do not think so meanly of me. Take the money, Major, + and then at least I shall be at ease. + + MAJ. T. + What more do you require to tranquillize you, than my assurance that + the money does not belong to me? Or do you wish that I should rob the + young orphan of my friend? Rob, Madam; for that it would be in the + true meaning of the word. The money belongs to him; invest it for him. + + LADY. + I understand you; pardon me if I do not yet rightly know how to accept + a kindness. Where have you learnt that a mother will do more for her + child than for the preservation of her own life? I am going!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Go, Madam, and may you have a prosperous journey! I do not ask you to + let me hear from you. Your news might come to me when it might be of + little use to me. There is yet one thing, Madam; I had nearly + forgotten that which is of most consequence. Marloff also had claims + upon the chest of our old regiment. His claims are as good as mine. If + my demands are paid, his must be paid also. I will be answerable for + them. + + LADY. + Oh! Sir... but what can I say? Thus to purpose future good deeds + is, in the eyes of heaven, to have performed them already. May you + receive its reward, as well as my tears. + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE VII. + Major von Tellheim + + MAJ. T. + Poor, good woman! I must not forget to destroy the bill. + (Takes some papers from his pocketbook and destroys them.) + Who would guarantee that my own wants might not some day tempt me to + make use of it? + + + + SCENE VIII. + Just, Major von Tellheim + + MAJ. T. + Is that you, Just? + + JUST. (wiping his eyes). + Yes. + + MAJ. T. + You have been crying? + + JUST. + I have been writing out my account in the kitchen, and the place is + full of smoke. Here it is, sir. + + MAJ. T. + Give it to me. + + JUST. + Be merciful with me, sir. I know well that they have not been so with + you; still!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + What do you want? + + JUST. + I should sooner have expected my death, than my discharge. + + MAJ. T. + I cannot keep you any longer: I must learn to manage without servants. + (Opens the paper, and reads.) + "What my master, the Major, owes me:--Three months and a half wages, + six thalers per month, is 21 thalers. During the first part of this + month, laid out in sundries--1 thaler 7 groschen 9 pfennigs. Total, 22 + thalers 7gr. 9pf." Right; and it is just that I also pay your wages, + for the whole of the current month. + + JUST. + Turn over, sir. + + MAJ. T. + Oh! more? + (Reads.) + "What I owe my master, the Major:--Paid for me to the army-surgeon + twenty-five thalers. Attendance and nurse during my cure, paid for me, + thirty-nine thalers. Advanced, at my request, to my father--who was + burnt out of his house and robbed--without reckoning the two horses of + which he made him a present, fifty thalers. Total 114 thalers. Deduct + the above 22 thalers, 7gr. 9pf.; I remain in debt to my master, the + Major, 91 thalers, 16gr. 3pf." You are mad, my good fellow! + + JUST. + I willingly grant that I owe you much more; but it would be wasting + ink to write it down. I cannot pay you that: and if you take my livery + from me too, which, by the way, I have not yet earned,--I would rather + you had let me die in the workhouse. + + MAJ. T. + For what do you take me? You owe me nothing; and I will recommend you + to one of my friends, with whom you will fare better than with me. + + JUST. + I do not owe you anything, and yet you turn me away! + + MAJ. T. + Because I do not wish to owe you anything. + + JUST. + On that account? Only on that account? As certain as I am in your + debt, as certain as you can never be in mine, so certainly shall you + not turn me away now. Do what you will, Major, I remain in your + service; I must remain. + + MAJ. T. + With your obstinacy, your insolence, your savage boisterous temper + towards all who you think have no business to speak to you, your + malicious pranks, your love of revenge,!!!!! + + JUST. + Make me as bad as you will, I shall not think worse of myself than of + my dog. Last winter I was walking one evening at dusk along the river, + when I heard something whine. I stooped down, and reached in the + direction whence the sound came, and when I thought I was saving a + child, I pulled a dog out of the water. That is well, thought I. The + dog followed me; but I am not fond of dogs, so I drove him away--in + vain. I whipped him away--in vain. I shut him out of my room at night; + he lay down before the door. If he came too near me, I kicked him; he + yelped, looked up at me, and wagged his tail. I have never yet given + him a bit of bread with my own hand; and yet I am the only person whom + he will obey, or who dare touch him. He jumps about me, and shows off + his tricks to me, without my asking for them. He is an ugly dog, but + he is a good animal. If he carries it on much longer, I shall at last + give over hating him. + + MAJ. T. (aside). + As I do him. No, there is no one perfectly inhuman. Just, we will not + part. + + JUST. + Certainly not! And you wanted to manage without servants! You forget + your wounds, and that you only have the use of one arm. Why, you are + not able to dress alone. I am indispensable to you; and I am--without + boasting, Major,--I am a servant who, if the worst comes to the worst, + can beg and steal for his master. + + MAJ. T. + Just, we will part. + + JUST. + All right, Sir! + + + + SCENE IX. + Servant, Major von Tellheim, Just + + SER. + I say, comrade! + + JUST. + What is the matter? + + SER. + Can you direct me to the officer who lodged yesterday in that room? + (Pointing to the one out of which he is coming). + + JUST. + That I could easily do. What have you got for him? + + SER. + What we always have, when we have nothing--compliments. My mistress + hears that he has been turned out on her account. My mistress knows + good manners, and I am therefore to beg his pardon. + + JUST. + Well then, beg his pardon; there he stands. + + SER. + What is he? What is his name? + + MAJ. T. + I have already heard your message, my friend. It is unnecessary + politeness on the part of your mistress, which I beg to acknowledge + duly. Present my compliments to her. What is the name of your + mistress? + + SER. + Her name! We call her my Lady. + + MAJ. T. + The name of her family? + + SER. + I have not heard that yet, and it is not my business to ask. I manage + so that I generally get a new master every six weeks. Hang all their + names! + + JUST. + Bravo, comrade! + + SER. + I was engaged by my present mistress a few days ago, in Dresden. I + believe she has come here to look for her lover. + + MAJ. T. + Enough, friend. I wished to know the name of your mistress, not her + secrets. Go! + + SER. + Comrade, he would not do for my master. + + + + SCENE X. + Major von Tellheim, Just + + MAJ. T. + Just! see that we get out of this house directly! The politeness of + this strange lady affects me more than the churlishness of the host. + Here, take this ring--the only thing of value which I have left--of + which I never thought such a use. Pawn it! get eighty louis d'ors for + it: our host's bill can scarcely amount to thirty. Pay him, and remove + my things.... Ah, where? Where you will. The cheaper the inn, the + better. You will find me in the neighbouring coffee-house. I am going; + you will see to it all properly? + + JUST. + Have no fear, Major! + + MAJ. T. (comes back). + Above all things, do not let my pistols be forgotten, which hang + beside the bed. + + JUST. + I will forget nothing. + + MAJ. T. (comes back again). + Another thing: bring your dog with you too. Do you hear, Just? + + + + SCENE XI. + Just + + JUST. + The dog will not stay behind, he will take care of that. Hem! My + master still had this valuable ring and carried it in his pocket + instead of on his finger! My good landlord, we are not yet so poor as + we look. To him himself, I will pawn you, you beautiful little ring! I + know he will be annoyed that you will not all be consumed in his + house. Ah! + + + + SCENE XII. + Paul Werner, Just + + JUST. + Hullo, Werner! good-day to you, Werner. Welcome to the town. + + WER. + The accursed village! I can't manage to get at home in it again. + Merry, my boys, merry; I have got some more money! Where is the Major? + + JUST. + He must have met you; he just went down stairs. + + WER. + I came up the back stairs. How is he? I should have been with you last + week, but!!!!! + + JUST. + Well, what prevented you? + + WER. + Just, did you ever hear of Prince Heraclius? + + JUST. + Heraclius? Not that I know of. + + WER. + Don't you know the great hero of the East? + + JUST. + I know the wise men of the East well enough, who go about with the + stars on New Year's Eve. + + WER. + + Brother, I believe you read the newspapers as little as the Bible. You + do not know Prince Heraclius. Not know the brave man who seized + Persia, and will break into the Ottoman Porte in a few days? Thank + God, there is still war somewhere in the world! I have long enough + hoped it would break out here again. But there they sit and take care + of their skins. No, a soldier I was, and a soldier I must be again! In + short, (looking round carefully, to see if anyone is listening) + between ourselves, Just, I am going to Persia, to have a few campaigns + against the Turks, under his Royal Highness Prince Heraclius. + + JUST. + You? + + WER. + I myself. Our ancestors fought bravely against the Turks; and so ought + we too, if we would be honest men and good Christians. I allow that a + campaign against the Turks cannot be half so pleasant as one against + the French; but then it must be so much the more beneficial in this + world and the next. The swords of the Turks are all set with diamonds. + + JUST. + I would not walk a mile to have my head split with one of their + sabres. You will not be so mad as to leave your comfortable little + farm! + + WER. + Oh! I take that with me. Do you see? The property is sold. + + JUST. + Sold? + + WER. + Hist! Here are a hundred ducats, which I received yesterday towards + the payment: I am bringing them for the Major. + + JUST. + What is he to do with them? + + WER. + What is he to do with them? Spend them; play them, or drink them away, + or whatever he pleases. He must have money, and it is bad enough that + they have made his own so troublesome to him. But I know what I would + do, were I in his place. I would say--"The deuce take you all here; I + will go with Paul Werner to Persia!" Hang it! Prince Heraclius must + have heard of Major von Tellheim, if he has not heard of Paul Werner, + his late sergeant. Our affair at Katzenhauser!!!!! + + JUST. + Shall I give you an account of that? + + WER. + You give me! I know well that a fine battle array is beyond your + comprehension. I am not going to throw my pearls before swine. Here, + take the hundred ducats; give them to the Major: tell him, he may keep + these for me too. I am going to the market now. I have sent in a + couple of loads of rye; what I get for them he can also have. + + JUST. + Werner, you mean it well; but we don't want your money. Keep your + ducats; and your hundred pistoles you can also have back safe, as soon + as you please. + + WER. + What, has the Major money still? + + JUST. + No. + + WER. + Has he borrowed any? + + JUST. + No. + + WER. + On what does he live, then? + + JUST. + We have everything put down in the bill; and when they won't put + anything more down, and turn us out of the house, we pledge anything + we may happen to have, and go somewhere else. I say, Paul, we must + play this landlord here a trick. + + WER. + If he has annoyed the Major, I am ready. + + JUST. + What if we watch for him in the evening, when he comes from his club, + and give him a good thrashing? + + WER. + In the dark! Watch for him! Two to one! No, that won't do. + + JUST. + Or if we burn his house over his head? + + WER. + Fire and burn! Why, Just, one hears that you have been baggage-boy and + not soldier. Shame! + + JUST. + Or if we ruin his daughter? But she is cursedly ugly. + + WER. + She has probably been ruined long ago. At any rate you don't want any + help there. But what is the matter with you? What has happened? + + JUST. + Just come with me, and you shall hear something to make you stare. + + WER. + The devil must be loose here, then? + + JUST. + Just so; come along. + + WER. + So much the better! To Persia, then; to Persia. + + + + +ACT II. + + + SCENE I. + Minna's Room. Minna, Franziska + + MIN. (in morning dress, looking at her watch). + Franziska, we have risen very early. The time will hang heavy on our + hands. + + FRAN. + Who can sleep in these abominable large towns? The carriages, the + watchmen, the drums, the cats, the soldiers, never cease to rattle, to + call, to roll, to mew, and to swear; just as if the last thing the + night is intended for was for sleep. Have a cup of tea, my lady! + + MIN. + I don't care for tea. + + FRAN. + I will have some chocolate made. + + MIN. + For yourself, if you like. + + FRAN. + For myself! I would as soon talk to myself as drink by myself. Then + the time will indeed hang heavy. For very weariness we shall have to + make our toilets, and try on the dress in which we intend to make the + first attack! + + MIN. + Why do you talk of attacks, when I have only come to require that the + capitulation be ratified? + + FRAN. + But the officer whom we have dislodged, and to whom we have + apologized, cannot be the best bred man in the world, or he might at + least have begged the honour of being allowed to wait upon you. + + MIN. + All officers are not Tellheims. To tell you the truth, I only sent him + the message in order to have an opportunity of inquiring from him + about Tellheim. Franziska, my heart tells me my journey will be a + successful one and that I shall find him. + + FRAN. + The heart, my lady! One must not trust to that too much. The heart + echoes to us the words of our tongues. If the tongue was as much + inclined to speak the thoughts of the heart, the fashion of keeping + mouths under lock and key would have come in long ago. + + MIN. + Ha! ha! mouths under lock and key. That fashion would just suit me. + + FRAN. + Rather not show the most beautiful set of teeth, than let the heart be + seen through them every moment. + + MIN. + What, are you so reserved? + + FRAN. + No, my lady; but I would willingly be more so. People seldom talk of + the virtue they possess, and all the more often of that which they do + not possess. + + MIN. + Franziska, you made a very just remark there. + + FRAN. + Made! Does one make it, if it occurs to one? + + MIN. + And do you know why I consider it so good? It applies to my Tellheim. + + FRAN. + What would not, in your opinion, apply to him? + + MIN. + Friend and foe say he is the bravest man in the world. But who ever + heard him talk of bravery? He has the most upright mind; but + uprightness and nobleness of mind are words never on his tongue. + + FRAN. + Of what virtues does he talk then? + + MIN. + He talks of none, for he is wanting in none. + + FRAN. + That is just what I wished to hear. + + MIN. + Wait, Franziska; I am wrong. He often talks of economy. Between + ourselves, I believe he is extravagant. + + FRAN. + One thing more, my lady. I have often heard him mention truth and + constancy toward you. What, if he be inconstant? + + MIN. + Miserable girl! But do you mean that seriously? + + FRAN. + How long is it since he wrote to you? + + MIN. + Alas! he has only written to me once since the peace. + + FRAN. + What!--A sigh on account of the peace? Surprising? Peace ought only to + make good the ill which war causes; but it seems to disturb the good + which the latter, its opposite, may have occasioned. Peace should not + be so capricious!... How long have we had peace? The time seems + wonderfully long, when there is so little news. It is no use the post + going regularly again; nobody writes, for nobody has anything to write + about. + + MIN. + "Peace has been made," he wrote to me, "and I am approaching the + fulfillment of my wishes." But since he only wrote that to me once, + only once!!!!! + + FRAN. + And since he compels us to run after this fulfillment of his wishes + ourselves... If we can but find him, he shall pay for this! Suppose, + in the meantime, he may have accomplished his wishes, and we should + learn here that!!!!! + + MIN. (anxiously). + That he is dead? + + FRAN. + To you, my lady; and married to another. + + MIN. + You tease, you! Wait, Franziska, I will pay you out for this! But talk + to me, or I shall fall asleep. His regiment was disbanded after the + peace. Who knows into what a confusion of bills and papers he may + thereby have been brought? Who knows into what other regiment, or to + what distant station, he may have been sent? Who knows what + circumstances--There's a knock at the door. + + FRAN. + Come in! + + + + SCENE II. + Landlord, Minna, Franziska + + LAND. (putting his head in at the door). + Am I permitted, your ladyship? + + FRAN. + Our landlord?--Come in! + + LAND. (A pen behind his ear, a sheet of paper and an inkstand in his + hand). + I am come, your ladyship, to wish you a most humble good-morning; + (to Franziska) + and the same to you, my pretty maid. + + FRAN. + A polite man! + + MIN. + We are obliged to you. + + FRAN. + And wish you also a good-morning. + + LAND. + May I venture to ask how your ladyship has passed the first night + under my poor roof? + + FRAN. + The roof is not so bad, sir; but the beds might have been better. + + LAND. + What do I hear! Not slept well! Perhaps the over-fatigue of the + journey!!!!! + + MIN. + Perhaps. + + LAND. + Certainly, certainly, for otherwise.... Yet, should there be + anything not perfectly comfortable, my lady, I hope you will not fail + to command me. + + FRAN. + Very well, Mr. Landlord, very well! We are not bashful; and least of + all should one be bashful at an inn. We shall not fail to say what we + may wish. + + LAND. + I next come to... + (taking the pen from behind his ear). + + FRAN. + Well? + + LAND. + Without doubt, my lady, you are already acquainted with the wise + regulations of our police. + + MIN. + Not in the least, sir. + + LAND. + We landlords are instructed not to take in any stranger, of whatever + rank or sex he may be, for four-and-twenty hours, without delivering, + in writing, his name, place of abode, occupation, object of his + journey, probable stay, and so on, to the proper authorities. + + MIN. + Very well. + + LAND. + Will your ladyship then be so good... + (going to the table, and making ready to write). + + MIN. + Willingly. My name is!!!!! + + LAND. + One minute! + (He writes.) + "Date, 22nd August, A. D., &C.; arrived at the King of Spain hotel." + Now your name, my lady. + + MIN. + Fraulein von Barnhelm. + + LAND. (writes). + "Von Barnhelm." Coming from.... where, your ladyship? + + MIN. + From my estate in Saxony. + + LAND. (writes). + "Estate in Saxony." Saxony! Indeed, indeed! In Saxony, your ladyship? + Saxony? + + FRAN. + Well, why not? I hope it is no sin in this country to come from Saxony! + + LAND. + A sin? Heaven forbid! That would be quite a new sin! From Saxony then? + Yes, yes, from Saxony, a delightful country, Saxony! But if I am + right, your ladyship, Saxony is not small, and has several--how shall + I call them? districts, provinces. Our police are very particular, + your ladyship. + + MIN. + I understand. From my estate in Thuringia, then. + + LAND. + From Thuringia! Yes, that is better, your ladyship; that is more + exact. + (Writes and reads.) + "Fraulein von Barnhelm, coming from her estate in Thuringia, together + with her lady in waiting and two men servants." + + FRAN. + Lady in waiting! That means me, I suppose! + + LAND. + Yes, my pretty maid. + + FRAN. + Well, Mr. Landlord, instead of "lady in waiting," write "maid in + waiting." You say, the police are very exact; it might cause a + misunderstanding, which might give me trouble some day when my banns + are read out. For I really am still unmarried, and my name is + Franziska, with the family name of Willig: Franziska Willig. I also + come from Thuringia. My father was a miller, on one of my lady's + estates. It is called Little Rammsdorf. My brother has the mill now. I + was taken very early to the manor, and educated with my lady. We are + of the same age--one-and-twenty next Candlemas. I learnt everything my + lady learnt. I should like the police to have a full account of me. + + LAND. + Quite right, my pretty maid; I will bear that in mind, in case of + future inquiries. But now, your ladyship, your business here? + + MIN. + My business here? + + LAND. + Have you any business with His Majesty the King? + + MIN. + Oh! no. + + LAND. + Or at our courts of justice? + + MIN. + No. + + LAND. + Or!!!!! + + MIN. + No, no. I have come here solely on account of my own private affairs. + + LAND. + Quite right, your ladyship; but what are those private affairs? + + MIN. + They are... Franziska, I think we are undergoing an examination. + + FRAN. + Mr. Landlord, the police surely do not ask to know a young lady's + secrets! + + LAND. + Certainly, my pretty maid; the police wish to know everything, and + especially secrets. + + FRAN. + What is to be done, my lady?... Well, listen, Mr. Landlord--but + take care that it does not go beyond ourselves and the police. + + MIN. + What is the simpleton going to tell him? + + FRAN. + We come to carry off an officer from the king. + + LAND. + How? What? My dear girl! + + FRAN. + Or to let ourselves be carried off by the officer. It is all one. + + MIN. + Franziska, are you mad? The saucy girl is laughing at you. + + LAND. + I hope not! With your humble servant indeed she may jest as much as + she pleases; but with the police!!!!! + + MIN. + I tell you what; I do not understand how to act in this matter. + Suppose you postpone the whole affair till my uncle's arrival. I told + you yesterday why he did not come with me. He had an accident with his + carriage ten miles from here, and did not wish that I should remain a + night longer on the road, so I had to come on. I am sure he will not + be more than four-and-twenty hours after us. + + LAND. + Very well, madam, we will wait for him. + + MIN. + He will be able to answer your questions better. He will know to whom, + and to what extent, he must give an account of himself--what he must + relate respecting his affairs, and what he may withhold. + + LAND. + So much the better! Indeed one cannot expect a young girl + (looking at Franziska in a marked manner) + to treat a serious matter with serious people in a serious manner. + + MIN. + And his rooms are in readiness, I hope? + + LAND. + Quite, your ladyship, quite; except the one!!!!! + + FRAN. + Out of which, I suppose, you will have to turn some other honourable + gentleman! + + LAND. + The waiting maids of Saxony, your ladyship, seem to be very + compassionate. + + MIN. + In truth, sir, that was not well done. You ought rather to have + refused us. + + LAND. + Why so, your ladyship, why so? + + MIN. + I understand that the officer who was driven out on our account!!!!! + + LAND. + Is only a discharged officer, your ladyship. + + MIN. + Well, what then? + + LAND. + Who is almost done for. + + MIN. + So much the worse! He is said to be a very deserving man. + + LAND. + But I tell you he is discharged. + + MIN. + The king cannot be acquainted with every deserving man. + + LAND. + Oh! doubtless he knows them; he knows them all. + + MIN. + But he cannot reward them all. + + LAND. + They would have been rewarded if they had lived so as to deserve it. + But they lived during the war as if it would last for ever; as if the + words "yours" and "mine" were done away with altogether. Now all the + hotels and inns are full of them, and a landlord has to be on his + guard with them. I have come off pretty well with this one. If he had + no more money, he had at any rate money's worth; and I might indeed + have let him remain quiet two or three months longer. However, it is + better as it is. By-the-by, your ladyship, you understand about + jewels, I suppose? + + MIN. + Not particularly. + + LAND. + Of course your ladyship must. I must show you a ring, a valuable ring. + I see you have a very beautiful one on your finger; and the more I + look at it, the more I am astonished at the resemblance it bears to + mine. There! just look, just look! + (Taking the ring from its case, and handing it to her.) + What brilliancy! The diamond in the middle alone weighs more than five + carats. + + MIN. (looking at it). + Good heavens! What do I see? This ring!!!!! + + LAND. + Is honestly worth fifteen hundred thalers. + + MIN. + Franziska! look! + + LAND. + I did not hesitate for a moment to advance eighty pistoles on it. + + MIN. + Do not you recognize it, Franziska? + + FRAN. + The same! Where did you get that ring, Mr. Landlord? + + LAND. + Come, my girl! you surely have no claim to it? + + FRAN. + We have no claim to this ring! My mistress' monogram must be on it, on + the inner side of the setting. Look at it, my lady. + + MIN. + It is! it is! How did you get this ring? + + LAND. + I! In the most honourable way in the world. You do not wish to bring + me into disgrace and trouble, your ladyship! How do I know where the + ring properly belongs? During the war many a thing often changed + masters, both with and without the knowledge of its owner. War was + war. Other rings will have crossed the borders of Saxony. Give it me + again, your ladyship; give it me again! + + FRAN. + When you have said from whom you got it. + + LAND. + From a man whom I cannot think capable of such things; in other + respects a good man. + + MIN. + From the best man under the sun, if you have it from its owner. Bring + him here directly! It is himself, or at any rate he must know him. + + LAND. + Who? who, your ladyship? + + FRAN. + Are you deaf? Our Major! + + LAND. + Major! Right! he is a Major, who had this room before you, and from + whom I received it. + + MIN. + Major von Tellheim! + + LAND. + Yes, Tellheim. Do you know him? + + MIN. + Do I know him! He is here! Tellheim here! He had this room! He! he + pledged this ring with you! What has brought him into this + embarrassment? Where is he? Does he owe you anything? Franziska, my + desk here! Open it! + (Franziska puts it on the table and opens it.) + What does he owe you? To whom else does he owe anything? Bring me all + his creditors! Here is gold: here are notes. It is all his! + + LAND. + What is this? + + MIN. + Where is he? Where is he? + + LAND. + An hour ago he was here. + + MIN. + Detested man! how could you act so rudely, so hardly, so cruelly + towards him? + + LAND. + Your ladyship must pardon!!!!! + + MIN. + Quick! Bring him to me. + + LAND. + His servant is perhaps still here. Does your ladyship wish that he + should look for him? + + MIN. + Do I wish it? Begone, run. For this service alone I will forget how + badly you have behaved to him. + + FRAN. + Now then, quick, Mr. Landlord! Be off! fly! fly! + (Pushes him out.) + + + + SCENE III. + Minna, Franziska + + MIN. + Now I have found him again, Franziska! Do you hear? Now I have found + him again! I scarcely know where I am for joy! Rejoice with me, + Franziska. But why should you? And yet you shall; you must rejoice + with me. Come, I will make you a present, that you may be able to + rejoice with me. Say, Franziska, what shall I give you? Which of my + things would please you? What would you like? Take what you will; only + rejoice with me. I see you will take nothing. Stop! + (Thrusts her hand into the desk.) + There, Franziska, + (gives her money) + buy yourself what you like. Ask for more, if it be not sufficient; but + rejoice with me you must. It is so melancholy to be happy alone. + There, take it, then. + + FRAN. + It is stealing it from you, my lady. You are intoxicated, quite + intoxicated with joy. + + MIN. + Girl, my intoxication is of a quarrelsome kind. Take it, or + (forcing money into her hand) + ... and if you thank me... Stay, it is well that I think of it. + (Takes more money from the desk.) + Put that aside, Franziska, for the first poor wounded soldier who + accosts us. + + + + SCENE IV. + Landlord, Minna, and Franziska + + MIN. + Well, is he coming? + + LAND. + The cross, unmannered fellow! + + MIN. + Who? + + LAND. + His servant. He refuses to go for him. + + FRAN. + Bring the rascal here, then. I know all the Major's servants. Which + one of them was it? + + MIN. + Bring him here directly. When he sees us he will go fast enough. + (Exit Landlord.) + + + + SCENE V. + Minna, Franziska + + MIN. + I cannot bear this delay. But, Franziska, how cold you are still! Why + will you not share my joy with me? + + FRAN. + I would from my heart, if only!!!!! + + MIN. + If only what? + + FRAN. + We have found him again. But how have we found him? From all we hear, + it must go badly with him. He must be unfortunate. That distresses me. + + MIN. + Distresses you! Let me embrace you for that, my dear playmate! I shall + never forget this of you. I am only in love, you are good. + + + + SCENE VI. + Landlord, Just, Minna, Franziska + + LAND. + With great difficulty I have brought him. + + FRAN. + A strange face! I do not know him. + + MIN. + Friend, do you live with Major von Tellheim? + + JUST. + Yes. + + MIN. + Where is your master? + + JUST. + Not here. + + MIN. + But you could find him? + + JUST. + Yes. + + MIN. + Will you fetch him quickly? + + JUST. + No. + + MIN. + You will be doing me a favour. + + JUST. + Indeed! + + MIN. + And your master a service. + + JUST. + Perhaps not. + + MIN. + Why do you suppose that? + + JUST. + You are the strange lady who sent your compliments to him this + morning, I think? + + MIN. + Yes. + + JUST. + Then I am right. + + MIN. + Does your master know my name? + + JUST. + No; but he likes over-civil ladies as little as over-uncivil + landlords. + + LAND. + That is meant for me, I suppose? + + JUST. + Yes. + + LAND. + Well, do not let the lady suffer for it then; but bring him here + directly. + + MIN. (to Franziska). + Franziska, give him something + + FRAN. (trying to put some money into Just's hand). + We do not require your services for nothing. + + JUST. + Nor I your money without services. + + FRAN. + One in return for the other. + + JUST. + I cannot. My master has ordered me to pack up. That I am now about, + and I beg you not to hinder me further. When I have finished, I will + take care to tell him that he may come here. He is close by, at the + coffee-house; and if he finds nothing better to do there, I suppose he + will come. + (Going.) + + FRAN. + Wait a moment! My lady is the Major's... sister. + + MIN. + Yes, yes, his sister. + + JUST. + I know better; the Major has not a sister. He has sent me twice in six + months to his family in Courland. It is true there are different sorts + of sisters!!!!! + + FRAN. + Insolent! + + JUST. + One must be so to get the people to let one alone. + (Exit.) + + FRAN. + That is a rascal. + + LAND. + So I said. But let him go! I know now where his master is. I will + fetch him instantly myself. I only beg your ladyship, most humbly, + that you will make an excuse for me to the Major, that I have been so + unfortunate as to offend a man of his merit against my will. + + MIN. + Pray go quickly. I will set all that right again. + (Exit the Landlord.) + Franziska, run after him, and tell him not to mention my name! + (Exit Franziska.) + + + SCENE VII. + Minna, _and afterwards_ Franziska + + MIN. + I have found him again!--Am I alone?--I will not be alone to no + purpose.-- + (Clasping her hands.) + Yet I am not alone! + (Looking upwards.) + One single grateful thought towards heaven, is the most perfect + prayer! I have found him! I have found him! + (With outstretched arms.) + I am joyful and happy! What can please the Creator more than a joyful + creature! + (Franziska returns.) + Have you returned, Franziska? You pity him! I do not pity him. + Misfortune too is useful. Perhaps heaven deprived him of everything-- + to give him all again, through me! + + FRAN. + He may be here at any moment.--You are still in your morning dress, my + lady. Ought you not to dress yourself quickly? + + MIN. + Not at all. He will now see me more frequently so, than dressed out. + + FRAN. + Oh! you know, my lady, how you look best. + + MIN. (after a pause). + Truly, girl, you have hit it again. + + FRAN. + I think women who are beautiful, are most so when unadorned. + + MIN. + Must we then be beautiful? Perhaps it was necessary that we should + think ourselves so. Enough for me, if only I am beautiful in his eyes. + Franziska, if all women feel as I now feel, we are--strange things. + Tender hearted, yet proud; virtuous, yet vain; passionate, yet + innocent. I dare say you do not understand me. I do not rightly + understand myself. Joy turns my head. + + FRAN. + Compose yourself, my lady, I hear footsteps. + + MIN. + Compose myself! What! receive him composedly? + + + + SCENE VIII. + Major von Tellheim, Landlord, Minna, and Franziska + + MAJ. T. (walks in, and the moment he sees Minna rushes towards her). + Ah! my Minna! + + MIN. (springing towards him). + Ah! my Tellheim! + + MAJ. T. (starts suddenly, and draws back). + I beg your pardon, Fraulein von Barnhelm; but to meet you here!!!!! + + MIN. + Cannot surely be so unexpected! + (Approaching him, whilst he draws back still more.) + Am I to pardon you because I am still your Minna? Heaven pardon you, + that I am still Fraulein von Barnhelm! + + MAJ. T. + Fraulein... + (Looks fixedly at the Landlord, and shrugs his shoulders.) + + MIN. (sees the Landlord, and makes a sign to Franziska). + Sir!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + If we are not both mistaken!!!!! + + FRAN. + Why, Landlord, whom have you brought us here? Come, quick! let us go + and look for the right man. + + LAND. + Is he not the right one? Surely! + + FRAN. + Surely not! Come, quick! I have not yet wished your daughter good + morning. + + LAND. + Oh! you are very good + (still does not stir). + + FRAN. (takes hold of him). + Come, and we will make the bill of fare. Let us see what we shall + have. + + LAND. + You shall have first of all!!!!! + + FRAN. + Stop, I say, stop! If my mistress knows now what she is to have for + dinner, it will be all over with her appetite. Come, we must talk that + over in private. + (Drags him off.) + + + + SCENE IX. + Minna, Major von Tellheim + + MIN. + Well, are we still both mistaken? + + MAJ. T. + Would to heaven it were so--But there is only one Minna, and you are + that one. + + MIN. + What ceremony! The world might hear what we have to say to one + another. + + MAJ. T. + You here? What do you want here, Madam? + + MIN. + Nothing now + (going to him with open arms). + I have found all that I wanted. + + MAJ. T. (drawing back). + You seek a prosperous man, and one worthy of your love; and you find-- + a wretched one. + + MIN. + Then do you love me no longer? Do you love another? + + MAJ. T. + Ah! he never loved you, who could love another afterwards. + + MIN. + You draw but one dagger from my breast; for if I have lost your heart, + what matters whether indifference or more powerful charms than mine + have robbed me of it? You love me no longer; neither do you love + another? Wretched man indeed, if you love nothing! + + MAJ. T. + Right; the wretched must love nothing. He merits his misfortunes, if + he cannot achieve this victory over himself--if he can allow the woman + he loves to take part in his misfortune... Oh! how difficult is + this victory!... Since reason and necessity have commanded me to + forget Minna von Barnhelm, what pains have I taken! I was just + beginning to hope that my trouble would not for ever be in vain--and + you appear. + + MIN. + Do I understand you right? Stop, sir; let us see what we mean before + we make further mistakes. Will you answer me one question? + + MAJ. T. + Any one. + + MIN. + But will you answer me without shift or subterfuge? With nothing but a + plain "Yes," or "No?" + + MAJ. T. + I will--if I can. + + MIN. + You can. Well, notwithstanding the pains which you have taken to + forget me, do you love me still, Tellheim? + + MAJ. T. + Madam, that question!!!!! + + MIN. + You have promised to answer Yes, or No. + + MAJ. T. + And added, If I can. + + MIN. + You can. You must know what passes in your heart. Do you love me + still, Tellheim? Yes, or No? + + MAJ. T. + If my heart!!!!! + + MIN. + Yes, or No? + + MAJ. T. + Well, Yes! + + MIN. + Yes? + + MAJ. T. + Yes, yes! Yet!!!!! + + MIN. + Patience! You love me still; that is enough for me. Into what a mood + have we fallen! an unpleasant, melancholy, infectious mood! I assume + my own again. Now, my dear unfortunate, you love me still, and have + your Minna still, and are unhappy? Hear what a conceited, foolish + thing your Minna was--is. She allowed--allows herself, to imagine that + she makes your whole happiness. Declare all your misery at once. She + would like to try how far she can outweigh it.--Well? + + MAJ. T. + Madam, I am not accustomed to complain. + + MIN. + Very well. I know nothing in a soldier, after boasting, that pleases + me less than complaining. But there is a certain cold, careless way of + speaking of bravery and misfortune!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Which at the bottom is still boasting and complaining. + + MIN. + You disputant! You should not have called yourself unhappy at all + then. You should have told the whole, or kept quiet. Reason and + necessity commanded you to forget me? I am a great stickler for + reason; I have a great respect for necessity. But let me hear how + reasonable this reason, and how necessary this necessity may be. + + MAJ. T. + Listen then, Madam. You call me Tellheim; the name is correct. But + suppose I am not that Tellheim whom you knew at home; the prosperous + man, full of just pretensions, with a thirst for glory; the master of + all his faculties, both of body and mind; before whom the lists of + honour and prosperity stood open; who, if he was not then worthy of + your heart and your hand, dared to hope that he might daily become + more nearly so. This Tellheim I am now, as little as I am my own + father. They both have been. Now I am Tellheim the discharged, the + suspected, the cripple, the beggar. To the former, Madam, you promised + your hand; do you wish to keep your word? + + MIN. + That sounds very tragic... Yet, Major Tellheim, until I find the + former one again--I am quite foolish about the Tellheims--the latter + will have to help me in my dilemma. Your hand, dear beggar! + (Taking his hand). + + MAJ. T. (holding his hat before his face with the other hand, and + turning away from her). + This is too much!... What am I?... Let me go, Madam. Your + kindness tortures me! Let me go. + + MIN. + What is the matter? Where would you go? + + MAJ. T. + From you! + + MIN. + From me + (drawing his hand to her heart)? + Dreamer! + + MAJ. T. + Despair will lay me dead at your feet. + + MIN. + From me? + + MAJ. T. + From you. Never, never to see you again. Or at least determined, fully + determined, never to be guilty of a mean action; never to cause you to + commit an imprudent one. Let me go, Minna! + (Tears himself away, and Exit.) + + MIN. (calling after him). + Let you go, Minna? Minna, let you go? Tellheim! Tellheim! + + + + +ACT III. + + + + SCENE I. + The Parlour. Just (with a letter in his hand) + + JUST. + Must I come again into this cursed house! A note from my master to her + ladyship that would be his sister. I hope nothing will come of this, + or else there will be no end to letter carrying. I should like to be + rid of it; but yet I don't wish to go into the room. The women ask so + many questions, and I hate answering--Ah! the door opens. Just what I + wanted, the waiting puss! + + + + Scene II + Franziska and Just + + FRAN. (calling through the door by which she has just entered). + Fear not; I will watch. See! + (observing Just) + I have met with something immediately. But nothing is to be done with + that brute. + + JUST. + Your servant. + + FRAN. + I should not like such a servant. + + JUST. + Well, well, pardon the expression! There is a note from my master to + your mistress--her ladyship--his sister, wasn't it?--sister. + + FRAN. + Give it me! + (Snatches it from his hand.) + + JUST. + You will be so good, my master begs, as to deliver it. Afterwards you + will be so good, my master begs, as not to think I ask for anything! + + FRAN. + Well? + + JUST. + My master understands how to manage the affair. He knows that the way + to the young lady is through her maid, methinks. The maid will + therefore be so good, my master begs, as to let him know whether he + may not have the pleasure of speaking with the maid for a quarter of + an hour. + + FRAN. + With me? + + JUST. + Pardon me, if I do not give you your right title. Yes, with you. + Only for one quarter of an hour; but alone, quite alone, in private + tete-a-tete. He has something very particular to say to you. + + FRAN. + Very well! I have also much to say to him. He may come; I shall be at + his service. + + JUST. + But when can he come? When is it most convenient for you, young woman? + In the evening? + + FRAN. + What do you mean? Your master can come when he pleases; and now be off. + + JUST. + Most willingly! + (Going.) + + FRAN. + I say! one word more! Where are the rest of the Major's servants? + + JUST. + The rest? Here, there, and everywhere. + + FRAN. + Where is William? + + JUST. + The valet? He has let him go for a trip. + + FRAN. + Oh! and Philip, where is he? + + JUST. + The huntsman? Master has found him a good place. + + FRAN. + Because he does not hunt now, of course. But Martin? + + JUST. + The coachman? He is off on a ride. + + FRAN. + And Fritz? + + JUST. + The footman? He is promoted. + + FRAN. + Where were you then, when the Major was quartered in Thuringia with us + that winter? You were not with him, I suppose! + + JUST. + Oh! yes, I was groom; but I was in the hospital. + + FRAN. + Groom! and now you are!!!!! + + JUST. + All in all; valet and huntsman, footman and groom. + + FRAN. + Well, I never! To turn away so many good, excellent servants, and to + keep the very worst of all! I should like to know what your master + finds in you! + + JUST. + Perhaps he finds that I am an honest fellow. + + FRAN. + Oh! one is precious little if one is nothing more than honest. William + was another sort of a man! So your master has let him go for a trip! + + JUST. + Yes, he... let him--because he could not prevent him. + + FRAN. + How so? + + JUST. + Oh! William will do well on his travels. He took master's wardrobe + with him. + + FRAN. + What! he did not run away with it? + + JUST. + I cannot say that exactly; but when we left Nurnberg, he did not + follow us with it. + + FRAN. + Oh! the rascal! + + JUST. + He was the right sort! he could curl hair and shave--and chatter and + flirt--couldn't he? + + FRAN. + At any rate, I would not have turned away the huntsman, had I been in + the Major's place. If he did not want him any longer as huntsman, he + was still a useful fellow. Where has he found him a place? + + JUST. + With the Commandant of Spandau. + + FRAN. + The fortress! There cannot be much hunting within the walls either. + + JUST. + Oh! Philip does not hunt there. + + FRAN. + What does he do, then? + + JUST. + He rides--on the treadmill. + + FRAN. + The treadmill! + + JUST. + But only for three years. He made a bit of a plot amongst master's + company, to get six men through the outposts. + + FRAN. + I am astonished; the knave! + + JUST. + Ah! he was a useful fellow; a huntsman who knew all the foot paths and + by-ways for fifty miles round, through forests and bogs. And he could + shoot! + + FRAN. + It is lucky the Major has still got the honest coachman. + + JUST. + Has he got him still? + + FRAN. + I thought you said Martin was off on a ride: of course he will come + back! + + JUST. + Do you think so? + + FRAN. + Well, where has he ridden to? + + JUST. + It is now going on for ten weeks since he rode master's last and only + horse--to water. + + FRAN. + And has not he come back yet? Oh! the rascal! + + JUST. + The water may have washed the honest coachman away. Oh! he was a + famous coachman! He had driven ten years in Vienna. My master will + never get such another again. When the horses were in full gallop, he + only had to say "Wo!" and there they stood, like a wall. Moreover, he + was a finished horse-doctor! + + FRAN. + I begin now to be anxious about the footman's promotion. + + JUST. + No, no; there is no occasion for that. He has become a drummer in a + garrison regiment. + + FRAN. + I thought as much! + + JUST. + Fritz chummed up with a scamp, never came home at night, made debts + everywhere in master's name, and a thousand rascally tricks. In short, + the Major saw that he was determined to rise in the world + (pantomimically imitating the act of hanging), + so he put him in the right road. + + FRAN. + Oh! the stupid! + + JUST. + Yet a perfect footman, there is no doubt of that. In running, my + master could not catch him on his best horse if he gave him fifty + paces; but on the other hand, Fritz could give the gallows a thousand + paces, and, I bet my life, he would overhaul it. They were all great + friends of yours, eh, young woman?... William and Philip, Martin + and Fritz! Now, Just wishes you good day. + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE III. + Franziska, _and afterwards the_ Landlord + + FRAN. (looking after him seriously). + I deserve the hit! Thank you, Just. I undervalued honesty. I will not + forget the lesson. Ah! our unfortunate Major! + (Turns round to enter her mistress' room, when the Landlord comes.) + + LAND. + Wait a bit, my pretty maid. + + FRAN. + I have not time now, Mr. Landlord. + + LAND. + Only half a moment! No further tidings of the Major? That surely could + not possibly be his leave-taking! + + FRAN. + What could not? + + LAND. + Has not our ladyship told you? When I left you, my pretty maid, below + in the kitchen, I returned accidentally into this room!!!!! + + FRAN. + Accidentally--with a view to listen a little. + + LAND. + What, girl! how can you suspect me of that? There is nothing so bad in + a landlord as curiosity. I had not been here long, when suddenly her + ladyship's door burst open: the Major dashed out; the lady after him; + both in such a state of excitement; with looks--in attitudes--that + must be seen to be understood. She seized hold of him; he tore himself + away; she seized him again--"Tellheim." "Let me go, Madam." "Where?" + Thus he drew her as far as the staircase. I was really afraid he would + drag her down; but he got away. The lady remained on the top step; + looked after him; called after him; wrung her hands. Suddenly she + turned round; ran to the window; from the window to the staircase + again; from the staircase into the room, backwards and forwards. There + I stood; she passed me three times without seeing me. At length it + seemed as if she saw me; but heaven defend us! I believe the lady took + me for you. "Franziska," she cried, with her eyes fixed upon me, "am I + happy now?" Then she looked straight up to the ceiling, and said again + --"Am I happy now?" Then she wiped the tears from her eyes, and + smiled, and asked me again--"Franziska, am I happy now?" I really + felt, I know not how. Then she ran to the door of her room, and turned + round again towards me, saying--"Come, Franziska, whom do you pity + now?" and with that she went in. + + FRAN. + Oh! Mr. Landlord, you dreamt that. + + LAND. + Dreamt! No, my pretty maid; one does not dream so minutely. Yes, what + would not I give--I am not curious: but what would not I give--to have + the key to it! + + FRAN. + The key? Of our door? Mr. Landlord, that is inside; we took it in at + night; we are timid. + + LAND. + Not that sort of key; I mean, my dear girl, the key--the explanation, + as it were; the precise connexion of all that I have seen. + + FRAN. + Indeed! Well, good-bye, Mr. Landlord. Shall we have dinner soon? + + LAND. + My dear girl, not to forget what I came to say!!!!! + + FRAN. + Well? In as few words as possible. + + LAND. + Her ladyship has my ring still. I call it mine!!!!! + + FRAN. + You shall not lose it. + + LAND. + I have no fear on that account: I merely put you in mind. Do you see, + I do not wish to have it again at all. I can guess pretty well how she + knew the ring, and why it was so like her own. It is best in her + hands. I do not want it any more; and I can put them down--the hundred + pistoles which I advanced for it, to the lady's bill. Will not that + do, my pretty maid? + + + + SCENE IV. + Paul Werner, Landlord, Franziska + + WER. + There he is! + + FRAN. + A hundred pistoles? I thought it was only eighty. + + LAND. + True, only ninety, only ninety. I will do so, my pretty maid, I will + do so. + + FRAN. + All that will come right, Mr. Landlord. + + WER. (coming from behind, and tapping Franziska on the shoulder). + Little woman--Little woman. + + FRAN. (frightened). + Oh! dear! + + WER. + Don't be alarmed! I see you are pretty, and a stranger, too. And + strangers who are pretty must be warned. Little woman! little woman! I + advise you to beware of that fellow! + (Pointing to the Landlord). + + LAND. + Ah! What an unexpected pleasure! Herr Werner! Welcome, welcome! Yes, + you are just the same jovial, joking, honest Werner! So you are to + beware of me, my pretty maid. Ha! ha! ha! + + WER. + Keep out of his way everywhere! + + LAND. + My way? Am I such a dangerous man? Ha! ha! ha! Hear him, my pretty + maid! A good joke, isn't it? + + WER. + People like him always call it a joke, if one tells them the truth. + + LAND. + The truth. Ha! ha! ha! Better and better, my pretty maid, isn't it? He + knows how to joke! I dangerous? I? Twenty years ago there might have + been something in it. Yes, yes, my pretty maid, then I was a dangerous + man: many a one knew it; but now!!!!! + + WER. + Oh! the old fool! + + LAND. + There it is! When we get old, danger is at an end! It will be so with + you too, Herr Werner! + + WER. + You utter old fool!--Little woman, you will give me credit for enough + common sense not to speak of danger from him. That one devil has left + him, but seven others have entered into him. + + LAND. + Oh! hear him! How cleverly he can turn things about. Joke upon joke, + and always something new! Ah! he is an excellent man, Paul Werner is. + (To Franziska, as if whispering.) + A well-to-do man, and a bachelor still. He has a nice little freehold + three miles from here. He made prize-money in the war, and was a + sergeant to the Major. Yes, he is a real friend of the Major's; he is + a friend who would give his life for him. + + WER. + Yes; and that is a friend of the Major's--that is a friend... whose + life the Major ought to take + (Pointing to the Landlord). + + LAND. + How! What! No, Herr Werner, that is not a good joke. I no friend to + the Major! I don't understand that joke. + + WER. + Just has told me pretty things. + + LAND. + Just! Ah! I thought Just was speaking through you. Just is a nasty, + ill-natured man. But here on the spot stands a pretty maid--she can + speak, she can say if I am no friend of the Major's--if I have not + done him good service. And why should not I be his friend? Is not he a + deserving man? It is true, he has had the misfortune to be discharged; + but what of that? The king cannot be acquainted with all deserving + officers; and if he knew them, he could not reward them all. + + WER. + Heaven put those words into your mouth. But Just... certainly there + is nothing remarkable about Just, but still Just is no liar; and if + that what he has told me be true!!!!! + + LAND. + I don't want to hear anything about Just. As I said, this pretty maid + here can speak. + (Whispering to her.) + You know, my dear; the ring! Tell Herr Werner about it. Then he will + learn better what I am. And that it may not appear as if she only said + what I wish, I will not even be present. I will go; but you shall tell + me after, Herr Werner, you shall tell me, whether Just is not a foul + slanderer. + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE V. + Werner, Franziska + + WER. + Little woman, do you know my Major? + + FRAN. + Major von Tellheim? Yes, indeed, I do know that good man. + + WER. + Is he not a good man? Do you like him? + + FRAN. + From the bottom of my heart. + + WER. + Indeed! I tell you what, little woman, you are twice as pretty now as + you were before. But what are the services, which the landlord says he + has rendered our Major? + + FRAN. + That is what I don't know; unless he wished to take credit to himself + for the good result which fortunately has arisen from his knavish + conduct. + + WER. + Then what Just told me is true? + (Towards the side where the Landlord went off.) + A lucky thing for you that you are gone! He did really turn him out of + his room?--To treat such a man so, because the donkey fancied that he + had no more money! The Major no money! + + FRAN. + What! Has the Major any money? + + WER. + By the load. He doesn't know how much he has. He doesn't know who is + in his debt. I am his debtor, and have brought him some old arrears. + Look, little woman, in this purse + (drawing it out of one pocket) + are a hundred louis d'ors; and in this packet + (drawing it out of another pocket) + a hundred ducats. All his money! + + FRAN. + Really! Why then does the Major pawn his things? He pledged a ring, + you know!!!!! + + WER. + Pledged! Don't you believe it. Perhaps he wanted to get rid of the + rubbish. + + FRAN. + It is no rubbish; it is a very valuable ring; which, moreover, I + suspect, he received from a loving hand. + + WER. + That will be the reason. From a loving hand! Yes, yes; such a thing + often puts one in mind of what one does not wish to remember, and + therefore one gets rid of it. + + FRAN. + What! + + WER. + Odd things happen to the soldier in winter quarters. He has nothing to + do then, so he amuses himself, and to pass the time he makes + acquaintances, which he only intends for the winter, but which the + good soul with whom he makes them, looks upon for life. Then, presto! + a ring is suddenly conjured on to his finger; he hardly knows himself + how it gets there; and very often he would willingly give the finger + with it, if he could only get free from it again. + + FRAN. + Oh! and do you think this has happened to the Major? + + WER. + Undoubtedly. Especially in Saxony. If he had had ten fingers on each + hand, he might have had all twenty full of rings. + + FRAN. (aside). + That sounds important, and deserves to be inquired into. + Mr. Freeholder, or Mr. Sergeant!!!!! + + WER. + Little woman, if it makes no difference to you, I like "Mr. Sergeant" + best. + + FRAN. + Well, Mr. Sergeant, I have a note from the Major to my mistress. I + will just carry it in, and be here again in a moment. Will you be so + good as to wait? I should like very much to have a little talk with + you. + + WER. + Are you fond of talking, little woman? Well, with all my heart. Go + quickly. I am fond of talking too: I will wait. + + FRAN. + Yes, please wait. + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE VI. + Paul Werner + + WER. + That is not at all a bad little woman. But I ought not to have + promised her that I would wait, for it would be most to the purpose, I + suppose, to find the Major. He will not have my money, but rather + pawns his property. That is just his way. A little trick occurs to me. + When I was in the town, a fortnight back, I paid a visit to Captain + Marloff's widow. The poor woman was ill, and was lamenting that her + husband had died in debt to the Major for four hundred thalers, which + she did not know how to pay. I went to see her again to-day; I + intended to tell her that I could lend her five hundred thalers, when + I had received the money for my property; for I must put some of it + by, if I do not go to Persia. But she was gone; and no doubt she has + not been able to pay the Major. Yes, I'll do that; and the sooner the + better. The little woman must not take it ill of me; I cannot wait. + (Is going in thought, and almost runs against the Major, who meets + him.) + + + + SCENE VII. + Major Von Tellheim, Paul Werner + + MAJ. T. + Why so thoughtful, Werner? + + WER. + Oh! that is you. I was just going to pay you a visit in your new + quarters, Major. + + MAJ. T. + To fill my ears with curses against the Landlord of my old one. Do not + remind me of it. + + WER. + I should have done that by the way: yes. But more particularly, I wish + to thank you for having been so good as to take care of my hundred + louis d'ors. Just has given them to me again. I should have been very + glad if you would have kept them longer for me. But you have got into + new quarters, which neither you nor I know much about. Who knows what + sort of place it is? They might be stolen, and you would have to make + them good to me; there would be no help for it. So I cannot ask you to + take them again. + + MAJ. T. (smiling). + When did you begin to be so careful, Werner? + + WER. + One learns to be so. One cannot now be careful enough of one's money. + I have also a commission for you, Major, from Frau Marloff; I have + just come from her. Her husband died four hundred thalers in your + debt; she sends you a hundred ducats here, in part payment. She will + forward you the rest next week. I believe I am the cause that she has + not sent you the whole sum. For she also owed me about eighty thalers, + and she thought I was come to dun her for them--which, perhaps, was + the fact--so she gave them me out of the roll which she had put aside + for you. You can spare your hundred thalers for a week longer, better + than I can spare my few groschens. There, take it! + (Hands him the ducats.) + + MAJ. T. + Werner! + + WER. + Well! Why do you stare at me so? Take it, Major! + + MAJ. T. + Werner! + + WER. + What is the matter with you? What annoys you? + + MAJ. T. (angrily striking his forehead, and stamping with his foot.) + That... the four hundred thalers are not all there. + + WER. + Come! Major, did not you understand me? + + MAJ. T. + It is just because I did understand you! Alas, that the best men + should to-day distress me most! + + WER. + What do you say? + + MAJ. T. + This only applies partly to you. Go, Werner! + (Pushing back Werner's hand with the money in it.) + + WER. + As soon as I have got rid of this. + + MAJ. T. + Werner, suppose I tell you that Frau Marloff was here herself early + this morning!!!!! + + WER. + Indeed? + + MAJ. T. + That she owes me nothing now!!!!! + + WER. + Really? + + MAJ. T. + That she has paid me every penny--What will you say then? + + WER. (thinks for a minute). + I shall say that I have told a lie, and that lying is a low thing, + because one may be caught at it. + + MAJ. T. + And you will be ashamed of yourself? + + WER. + And what of him who compels me to lie? Should not he be ashamed too? + Look ye, Major; if I was to say that your conduct has not vexed me, I + should tell another lie, and I won't lie any more. + + MAJ. T. + Do not be annoyed, Werner. I know your heart, and your affection for + me. But I do not require your money. + + WER. + Not require it! Rather sell, rather pawn, and get talked about! + + MAJ. T. + Oh! people may know that I have nothing more. One must not wish to + appear richer than one is. + + WER. + But why poorer? A man has something as long as his friend has. + + MAJ. T. + It is not proper that I should be your debtor. + + WER. + Not proper! On that summer day which the sun and the enemy made hot + for us, when your groom, who had your canteen, was not to be found, + and you came to me and said--"Werner, have you nothing to drink?" and + I gave you my flask, you took it and drank, did you not? Was that + proper? Upon my life, a mouthful of dirty water at that time was often + worth more than such filth + (taking the purse also out of his pocket, and holding out both to + him). + Take them, dear Major! Fancy it is water. God has made this, too, for + all. + + MAJ. T. + You torment me: don't you hear, I will not be your debtor. + + WER. + At first, it was not proper; now, you will not. Ah! that is a + different thing. + (Rather angrily.) + You will not be my debtor? But suppose you are already, Major? Or, are + you not a debtor to the man who once warded off the blow that was + meant to split your head; and, at another time, knocked off the arm + which was just going to pull and send a ball through your breast? How + can you become a greater debtor to that man? Or, is my neck of less + consequence than my money? If that is a noble way of thinking, by my + soul it is a very silly one too. + + MAJ. T. + To whom do you say that, Werner? We are alone, and therefore I may + speak; if a third person heard us, it might sound like boasting. I + acknowledge with pleasure, that I have to thank you for twice saving + my life. Do you not think, friend, that if an opportunity occurred I + would have done as much for you, eh? + + WER. + If an opportunity occurred! Who doubts it, Major? Have I not seen you + risk your life a hundred times for the lowest soldier, when he was in + danger? + + MAJ. T. + Well! + + WER. + But!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Why cannot you understand me? I say, it is not proper that I should be + your debtor; I will not be your debtor. That is, not in the + circumstances in which I now am. + + WER. + Oh! so you would wait till better times. You will borrow money from me + another time, when you do not want any: when you have some yourself, + and I perhaps none. + + MAJ. T. + A man ought not to borrow, when he has not the means of repaying. + + WER. + A man like yourself cannot always be in want. + + MAJ. T. + You know the world... Least of all should a man borrow from one who + wants his money himself. + + WER. + Oh! yes; I am such a one! Pray, what do I want it for? When they want + a sergeant, they give him enough to live on. + + MAJ. T. + You want it, to become something more than a sergeant--to be able to + get forward in that path in which even the most deserving, without + money, may remain behind. + + WER. + To become something more than a sergeant! I do not think of that. I am + a good sergeant; I might easily make a bad captain, and certainly a + worse general. + + MAJ. T. + Do not force me to think ill of you, Werner! I was very sorry to hear + what Just has told me. You have sold your farm, and wish to rove about + again. Do not let me suppose that you do not love the profession of + arms so much as the wild dissolute way of living which is + unfortunately connected with it. A man should be a soldier for his own + country, or from love of the cause for which he fights. To serve + without any purpose--to-day here, to-morrow there--is only travelling + about like a butcher's apprentice, nothing more. + + WER. + Well, then, Major, I will do as you say. You know better what is + right. I will remain with you. But, dear Major, do take my money in + the meantime. Sooner or later your affairs must be settled. You will + get money in plenty then; and then you shall repay me with interest. I + only do it for the sake of the interest. + + MAJ. T. + Do not talk of it. + + WER. + Upon my life, I only do it for the sake of the interest. Many a time I + have thought to myself--"Werner, what will become of you in your old + age? when you are crippled? when you will have nothing in the world? + when you will be obliged to go and beg!" And then I thought again-- + "No, you will not be obliged to beg: you will go to Major Tellheim; he + will share his last penny with you; he will feed you till you die; and + with him you can die like an honest fellow." + + MAJ. T. (taking Werner's hand). + And, comrade, you do not think so still? + + WER. + No, I do not think so any longer. He who will not take anything from + me, when he is in want, and I have to give, will not give me anything + when he has to give, and I am in want. So be it. + (Is going.) + + MAJ. T. + Man, do not drive me mad! Where are you going? + (Detains him.) + If I assure you now, upon my honour, that I still have money--If I + assure you, upon my honour, that I will tell you when I have no more-- + that you shall be the first and only person from whom I will borrow + anything--will that content you? + + WER. + I suppose it must. Give me your hand on it, Major. + + MAJ. T. + There, Paul! And now enough of that, I came here to speak with a + certain young woman. + + + + SCENE VIII. + Franziska (coming out of Minna's room), Major von Tellheim, Paul Werner + + FRAN. (entering). + Are you there still, Mr. Sergeant? + (Seeing Tellheim.) + And you there too, Major? I will be at your service instantly. + (Goes back quickly into the room.) + + + + SCENE IX. + Major von Tellheim, Paul Werner + + MAJ. T. + That was she! But it seems you know her, Werner. + + WER. + Yes, I know her. + + MAJ. T. + Yet, if I remember rightly, when I was in Thuringia you were not with + me. + + WER. + No; I was seeing after the uniforms in Leipsic. + + MAJ. T. + Where did you make her acquaintance, then? + + WER. + Our acquaintance is very young. Not a day old. But young friendship is + warm. + + MAJ. T. + Have you seen her mistress, too? + + WER. + Is her mistress a young lady? She told me you are acquainted with her + mistress. + + MAJ. T. + Did not you hear? She comes from Thuringia. + + WER. + Is the lady young? + + MAJ. T. + Yes. + + WER. + Pretty? + + MAJ. T. + Very pretty. + + WER. + Rich? + + MAJ. T. + Very rich. + + WER. + Is the mistress as fond of you as the maid is? That would be capital! + + MAJ. T. + What do you mean? + + + + SCENE X. + Franziska (with a letter in her hand), Major von Tellheim, Paul Werner + + FRAN. + Major!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Franziska, I have not yet been able to give you a "Welcome" here. + + FRAN. + In thought, I am sure that you have done it. I know you are friendly + to me; so am I to you. But it is not at all kind to vex those who are + friendly to you so much. + + WER. (aside). + Ah! now I see it. It is so! + + MAJ. T. + My destiny, Franziska! Did you give her the letter? + + FRAN. + Yes; and here I bring you... + (holding out a letter). + + MAJ. T. + An answer! + + FRAN. + No, your own letter again. + + MAJ. T. + What! She will not read it! + + FRAN. + She would have liked, but--we can't read writing well. + + MAJ. T. + You are joking! + + FRAN. + And we think that writing was not invented for those who can converse + with their lips whenever they please. + + MAJ. T. + What an excuse! She must read it. It contains my justification--all + the grounds and reasons!!!!! + + FRAN. + My mistress wishes to hear them all from you yourself, not to read + them. + + MAJ. T. + Hear them from me myself! That every look, every word of hers, may + embarrass me; that I may feel in every glance the greatness of my + loss. + + FRAN. + Without any pity! Take it. + (Giving him his letter.) + She expects you at three o'clock. She wishes to drive out and see the + town; you must accompany her. + + MAJ. T. + Accompany her! + + FRAN. + And what will you give me to let you drive out by yourselves? I shall + remain at home. + + MAJ. T. + By ourselves! + + FRAN. + In a nice close carriage. + + MAJ. T. + Impossible! + + FRAN. + Yes, yes, in the carriage, Major. You will have to submit quietly; you + cannot escape there! And that is the reason. In short, you will come, + Major, and punctually at three.... Well, you wanted to speak to me + too alone. What have you to say to me? Oh! we are not alone. + (Looking at Werner.) + + MAJ. T. + Yes, Franziska; as good as alone. But as your mistress has not read my + letter, I have nothing now to say to you. + + FRAN. + As good as alone! Then you have no secrets from the Sergeant? + + MAJ. T. + No, none. + + FRAN. + And yet I think you should have some from him. + + MAJ. T. + Why so? + + WER. + How so, little woman? + + FRAN. + Particularly secrets of a certain kind.... All twenty, Mr. + Sergeant! + (Holding up both her hands, with open fingers.) + + WER. + Hist! hist! girl. + + MAJ. T. + What is the meaning of that? + + FRAN. + Presto! conjured on to his finger, Mr. Sergeant + (as if she was putting a ring on her fingers). + + MAJ. T. + What are you talking about? + + WER. + Little woman, little woman, don't you understand a joke? + + MAJ. T. + Werner, you have not forgotten, I hope, what I have often told you; + that one should not jest beyond a certain point with a young woman! + + WER. + Upon my life I may have forgotten it! Little woman, I beg!!!!! + + FRAN. + Well, if it was a joke, I will forgive you this once. + + MAJ. T. + Well, if I must come, Franziska, just see that your mistress reads my + letter beforehand? That will spare me the pain of thinking again--of + talking again, of things which I would willingly forget. There, give + it to her! + (He turns the letter in giving it to her, and sees that it has been + opened.) + But do I see aright? Why it has been opened. + + FRAN. + That may be. + (Looks at it.) + True, it is open. Who can have opened it? But really we have not read + it, Major; really not. And we do not wish to read it, because the + writer is coming himself. Come; and I tell you what, Major! don't come + as you are now--in boots, and with such a head. You are excusable, you + do not expect us. Come in shoes, and have your hair fresh dressed. You + look too soldierlike, too Prussian for me as you are. + + MAJ. T. + Thank you, Franziska. + + FRAN. + You look as if you had been bivouacking last night. + + MAJ. T. + You may have guessed right. + + FRAN. + We are going to dress, directly too, and then have dinner. We would + willingly ask you to dinner, but your presence might hinder our + eating; and observe, we are not so much in love that we have lost our + appetites. + + MAJ. T. + I will go. Prepare her somewhat, Franziska, beforehand, that I may not + become contemptible in her eyes, and in my own. Come, Werner, you + shall dine with me. + + WER. + At the table d'hote here in the house? I could not eat a bit there. + + MAJ. T. + With me, in my room. + + WER. + I will follow you directly. One word first with the little woman. + + MAJ. T. + I have no objection to that. + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE XI. + Paul Werner, Franziska + + FRAN. + Well, Mr. Sergeant! + + WER. + Little woman, if I come again, shall I too come smartened up a bit? + + FRAN. + Come as you please: my eyes will find no fault with you. But my ears + will have to be so much the more on their guard. Twenty fingers, all + full of rings. Ah! ah! Mr. Sergeant! + + WER. + No, little woman; that is just what I wished to say to you. I only + rattled on a little. There is nothing in it. One ring is quite enough + for a man. Hundreds and hundreds of times I have heard the Major say-- + "He must be a rascally soldier, who can mislead a young girl." So + think I too, little woman. You may trust to that! I must be quick and + follow him. A good appetite to you. + (Exit.) + + FRAN. + The same to you! I really believe, I like that man! + (Going in, she meets Minna coming out.) + + + + SCENE XII. + Minna, Franziska + + MIN. + Has the Major gone already, Franziska? I believe I should have been + sufficiently composed again now to have detained him here. + + FRAN. + And I will make you still more composed. + + MIN. + So much the better! His letter! oh! his letter! Each line spoke the + honourable noble man. Each refusal to accept my hand declared his love + for me. I suppose he noticed that we had read his letter. I don't mind + that, if he does but come. But are you sure he will come? There only + seems to me to be a little too much pride in his conduct. For not to + be willing to be indebted for his good fortune, even to the woman he + loves, is pride, unpardonable pride! If he shows me too much of this, + Franziska!!!!! + + FRAN. + You will discard him! + + MIN. + See there! Do you begin to pity him again already! No, silly girl, a + man is never discarded for a single fault. No; but I have thought of a + trick to pay him off a little for this pride, with pride of the same + kind. + + FRAN. + Indeed, you must be very composed, my lady, if you are thinking of + tricks again. + + MIN. + I am so; come. You will have a part to play in my plot. + (Exeunt.) + + + + +ACT IV. + + + + SCENE I. + Minna's Room. + + Minna (dressed handsomely and richly, but in good taste), Franziska + (They have just risen from a table, which a servant is clearing.) + + FRAN. + You cannot possibly have eaten enough, my lady. + + MIN. + Don't you think so, Franziska? Perhaps I had no appetite when I sat + down. + + FRAN. + We had agreed not to mention him during dinner. We should have + resolved likewise, not to think of him. + + MIN. + Indeed, I have thought of nothing but him. + + FRAN. + So I perceived. I began to speak of a hundred different things, and + you made wrong answers to each. + (Another servant brings coffee.) + Here comes a beverage more suited to fancies--sweet, melancholy + coffee. + + MIN. + Fancies! I have none. I am only thinking of the lesson I will give + him. Did you understand my plan, Franziska? + + FRAN. + Oh! yes; but it would be better if he spared us the putting it in + execution. + + MIN. + You will see that I know him thoroughly. He who refuses me now with + all my wealth, will contend for me against the whole world, as soon as + he hears that I am unfortunate and friendless. + + FRAN. (seriously). + That must tickle the most refined self-love. + + MIN. + You moralist! First you convict me of vanity--now of self-love. Let me + do as I please, Franziska. You, too, shall do as you please with your + Sergeant. + + FRAN. + With my Sergeant? + + MIN. + Yes. If you deny it altogether, then it is true. I have not seen him + yet; but from all you have said respecting him, I foretell your + husband for you. + + + + SCENE II. + Riccaut De La Marliniere, Minna, Franziska + + RIC. (before he enters). + Est-il permis, Monsieur le Major? + + FRAN. + Who is that? Any one for us? + (going to the door). + + RIC. + Parbleu! I am wrong. Mais non--I am not wrong. C'est la chambre!!!!! + + FRAN. + Without doubt, my lady, this gentleman expects to find Major von + Tellheim here still. + + RIC. + Oui, dat is it! Le Major de Tellheim; juste, ma belle enfant, c'est + lui que je cherche. Ou est-il? + + FRAN. + He does not lodge here any longer. + + RIC. + Comment? Dere is four-and-twenty hour ago he did lodge here, and not + lodge here any more? Where lodge he den? + + MIN. (going up to him). + Sir!!!!! + + RIC. + Ah! Madame, Mademoiselle, pardon, lady. + + MIN. + Sir, your mistake is quite excusable, and your astonishment very + natural. Major von Tellheim has had the kindness to give up his + apartments to me, as a stranger, who was not able to get them + elsewhere. + + RIC. + Ah! voila de ses politesses! C'est un tres-galant homme que ce Major! + + MIN. + Where has he gone now?--truly I am ashamed that I do not know. + + RIC. + Madame not know? C'est dommage; j'en suis fache. + + MIN. + I certainly ought to have inquired. Of course his friends will seek + him here. + + RIC. + I am vary great his friend, Madame. + + MIN. + Franziska, do you not know? + + FRAN. + No, my lady. + + RIC. + It is vary necessaire dat I speak him. I come and bring him a + nouvelle, of which he will be vary much at ease. + + MIN. + I regret it so much the more. But I hope to see him perhaps shortly. + If it is a matter of indifference from whom he hears this good news, I + would offer, sir!!!!! + + RIC. + I comprehend. Mademoiselle parle francais? Mais sans doute; telle que + je la vois! La demande etait bien impolie; vous me pardonnerez, + Mademoiselle. + + MIN. + Sir!!!!! + + RIC. + No! You not speak French, Madame? + + MIN. + Sir, in France I would endeavour to do so; but why here? I perceive + that you understand me, sir; and I, sir, shall doubtless understand + you; speak as you please. + + RIC. + Good, good! I can also explain me in your langue. Sachez donc, + Mademoiselle, you must know, Madame, dat I come from de table of de + ministre, ministre de, ministre de... What is le ministre out dere, + in de long street, on de broad place? + + MIN. + I am a perfect stranger here. + + RIC. + Si, le ministre of de war departement. Dere I have eat my dinner; I + ordinary dine dere, and de conversation did fall on Major Tellheim; et + le ministre m'a dit en confidence, car Son Excellence est de mes amis, + et il n'y a point de mysteres entre nous; Son Excellence, I say, has + trust to me, dat l'affaire from our Major is on de point to end, and + to end good. He has made a rapport to de king, and de king has + resolved et tout a fait en faveur du Major. "Monsieur," m'a dit Son + Excellence, "vous comprenez bien, que tout depend de la maniere, dont + on fait envisager les choses au roi, et vous me connaissez. Cela fait + un tres-joli garcon que ce Tellheim, et ne sais-je pas que vous + l'aimez? Les amis de mes amis sont aussi les miens. Il coute un peu + cher au Roi ce Tellheim, mais est-ce que l'on sert les rois pour rien? + Il faut s'entr'aider en ce monde; et quand il s'agit de pertes, que ce + soit le Roi qui en fasse, et non pas un honnete homme de nous autres. + Voila le principe, dont je ne me depars jamais." But what say Madame + to it? N'est pas, dat is a fine fellow! Ah! que Son Excellence a le + coeur bien place! He assure me au reste, if de Major has not recu + already une lettre de la main--a royal letter, dat to-day + infailliblement must he receive one. + + MIN. + Certainly, sir, this news will be most welcome to Major von Tellheim. + I should like to be able to name the friend to him, who takes such an + interest in his welfare. + + RIC. + Madame, you wish my name? Vous voyez en moi--you see, lady, in me, le + Chevalier Riccaut de la Marliniere, Seigneur de Pret-au-val, de la + branche de Prens d'or. You remain astonished to hear me from so great, + great a family, qui est veritablement du sang royal. Il faut le dire; + je suis sans doute le cadet le plus aventureux que la maison n'a + jamais eu. I serve from my eleven year. Une affaire d'honneur make me + flee. Den I serve de holy Papa of Rome, den de Republic St. Marino, + den de Poles, den de States General, till enfin I am brought her. Ah! + Mademoiselle, que je voudrais n'avoir jamais vu ce pays-ci! Had one + left me in de service of de States General, should I be now at least + colonel. But here always to remain capitaine, and now also a + discharged capitaine. + + MIN. + That is ill luck. + + RIC. + Oui, Mademoiselle, me voila reforme, et par la mis sur le pave! + + MIN. + I am very sorry for you. + + RIC. + Vous etes bien bonne, Mademoiselle.... No, merit have no reward + here. Reformer a man, like me! A man who also have ruin himself in dis + service! I have lost in it so much as twenty thousand livres. What + have I now? Tranchons le mot; je n'ai pas le sou, et me voila + exactement vis-a-vis de rien. + + MIN. + I am exceedingly sorry. + + RIC. + Vous etes bien bonne, Mademoiselle, But as one say--misfortune never + come alone! qu'un malheur ne vient jamais seul: so it arrive with me. + What ressource rests for an honnete homme of my extraction, but play? + Now, I always played with luck, so long I not need her. Now I very + much need her, je joue avec un guignon, Mademoiselle, que surpasse + toute croyance. For fifteen days, not one is passed, dat I always am + broke. Yesterday, I was broke dree times. Je sais bien, qu'il y avait + quelque chose de plus que le jeu. Car parmi mes pontes se trouvaient + certaines dames. I will not speak more. One must be very galant to les + dames. Dey have invite me again to-day, to give me revanche; mais-- + vous m'entendez, Mademoiselle,--one must first have to live, before + one can have to play. + + MIN. + I hope, sir!!!!! + + RIC. + Vous etes bien bonne, Mademoiselle. + + MIN. (Takes Franziska aside.) + Franziska, I really feel for the man. Would he take it ill, if I offer + him something? + + FRAN. + He does not look to me like a man who would. + + MIN. + Very well! Sir, I perceive that--you play, that you keep the bank; + doubtless in places where something is to be won. I must also confess + that I... am very fond of play. + + RIC. + Tant mieux, Mademoiselle, tant mieux! Tous les gens d'esprit aiment le + jeu a la fureur. + + MIN. + That I am very fond of winning; that I like to trust my money to a + man, who--knows how to play. Are you inclined, sir, to let me join + you? To let me have a share in your bank? + + RIC. + Comment, Mademoiselle, vous voulez etre de moitie avec moi? De tout + mon coeur. + + MIN. + At first, only with a trifle. + (Opens her desk and takes out some money.) + + RIC. + Ah! Mademoiselle, que vous etes charmante! + + MIN. + Here is what I won a short time back; only ten pistoles. I am ashamed, + so little!!!!! + + RIC. + Donnez toujours, Mademoiselle, donnez. + (Takes it.) + + MIN. + Without doubt, your bank, sir, is very considerable. + + RIC. + Oh! yes, vary considerable. Ten pistoles! You shall have, Madame, an + interest in my bank for one third, pour le tiers. Yes, one third part + it shall be--something more. With a beautiful lady one must not be too + exac. I rejoice myself, to make by that a liaison with Madame, et de + ce moment je recommence a bien augurer de ma fortune. + + MIN. + But I cannot be present, sir, when you play. + + RIC. + For why it necessaire dat you be present? We other players are + honourable people between us. + + MIN. + If we are fortunate, sir, you will of course bring me my share. If we + are unfortunate!!!!! + + RIC. + I come to bring recruits, n'est pas, Madame? + + MIN. + In time recruits might fail. Manage our money well, sir. + + RIC. + What does Madame think me? A simpleton, a stupid devil? + + MIN. + I beg your pardon. + + RIC. + Je suis des bons, Mademoiselle. Savez vous ce que cela veut dire? I am + of the quite practised!!!!! + + MIN. + But still, sir,!!!!! + + RIC. + Je sais monter un coup!!!!! + + MIN. (amazed). + Could you? + + RIC. + Je file la carte avec une adresse. + + MIN. + Never! + + RIC. + Je fais sauter la coupe avec une dexterite. + + MIN. + You surely would not, sir!!!!!! + + RIC. + What not, Madame; what not? Donnes moi un pigeonneau a plumer, et!!!!! + + MIN. + Play false! Cheat! + + RIC. + Comment, Mademoiselle? Vous appelez cela cheat? Corriger la fortune, + l'enchainer sous ses doigts, etre sur de son fait, dat you call cheat? + Cheat! Oh! what a poor tongue is your tongue! what an awkward tongue! + + MIN. + No, sir, if you think so!!!!! + + RIC. + Laissez-moi faire, Mademoiselle, and be tranquille! What matter to you + how I play! Enough! to-morrow, Madame, you see me again or with + hundred pistol, or you see no more. Votre tres-humble, Mademoiselle, + votre tres humble. + (Exit quickly.) + + MIN. (looking after him with astonishment and displeasure). + I hope the latter, sir. + + + + SCENE III. + Minna and Franziska + + FRAN. (angrily). + What can I say? Oh! how grand! how grand! + + MIN. + Laugh at me; I deserve it. + (After reflecting, more calmly.) + No, do not laugh; I do not deserve it. + + FRAN. + Excellent! You have done a charming act--set a knave upon his legs + again. + + MIN. + It was intended for an unfortunate man. + + FRAN. + And what is the best part of it, the fellow considers you like + himself. Oh! I must follow him, and take the money from him. + (Going.) + + MIN. + Franziska, do not let the coffee get quite cold; pour it out. + + FRAN. + He must return it to you; you have thought better of it; you will not + play in partnership with him. Ten pistoles! You heard, my lady, that + he was a beggar! + (Minna pours out the coffee herself.) + Who would give such a sum to a beggar? And to endeavour, into the + bargain, to save him the humiliation of having begged for it! The + charitable woman who, out of generosity, mistakes the beggar, is in + return mistaken by the beggar. It serves you right, my lady, if he + considers your gift as--I know not what. + (Minna hands a cup of coffee to Franziska.) + Do you wish to make my blood boil still more? I do not want any. + (Minna puts it down again.) + "Parbleu, Madame, merit have no reward here" + (imitating the Frenchman). + I think not, when such rogues are allowed to walk about unhanged. + + MIN. (coldly and slowly, while sipping her coffee). + Girl, you understand good men very well; but when will you learn to + bear with the bad? And yet they are also men; and frequently not so + bad as they seem. One should look for their good side. I fancy this + Frenchman is nothing worse than vain. Through mere vanity he gives + himself out as a false player; he does not wish to appear under an + obligation to one; he wishes to save himself the thanks. Perhaps he + may now go, pay his small debts, live quietly and frugally on the rest + as far as it will go, and think no more of play. If that be so, + Franziska, let him come for recruits whenever he pleases. + (Gives her cup to Franziska.) + There, put it down! But, tell me, should not Tellheim be here by this + time? + + FRAN. + No, my lady, I can neither find out the bad side in a good man, nor + the good side in a bad man. + + MIN. + Surely he will come! + + FRAN. + He ought to remain away! You remark in him--in him, the best of me--a + little pride; and therefore you intend to tease him so cruelly! + + MIN. + Are you at it again? Be silent! I will have it so. Woe to you if you + spoil this fun of mine... if you do not say and do all, as we have + agreed. I will leave you with him alone; and then--but here he comes. + + + + SCENE IV. + + Paul Werner (comes in, carrying himself very erect as if on duty), + Minna, Franziska + + + FRAN. + No, it is only his dear Sergeant. + + MIN. + Dear Sergeant! Whom does the "dear" refer to? + + FRAN. + Pray, my lady, do not make the man embarrassed. Your servant, Mr. + Sergeant; what news do you bring us? + + WER. (goes up to Minna, without noticing Franziska). + Major von Tellheim begs to present, through me, Sergeant Werner, his + most respectful compliments to Fraulein von Barnhelm, and to inform + her that he will be here directly. + + MIN. + Where is he then? + + WER. + Your ladyship will pardon him; we left our quarters before it began to + strike three; but the paymaster met us on the way; and because + conversation with those gentlemen has no end, the Major made me a sign + to report the case to your ladyship. + + MIN. + Very well, Mr. Sergeant. I only hope the paymaster may have good news + for him. + + WER. + Such gentlemen seldom have good news for officers.--Has your ladyship + any orders? + (Going.) + + FRAN. + Why, where are you going again, Mr. Sergeant? Had not we something to + say to each other? + + WER. (In a whisper to Franziska, and seriously). + Not here, little woman; it is against respect, against discipline. + ... Your ladyship!!!!! + + MIN. + Thank you for your trouble. I am glad to have made your acquaintance. + Franziska has spoken in high praise of you to me. + (Werner makes a stiff bow, and goes.) + + + + SCENE V. + Minna, Franziska + + MIN. + So that is your Sergeant, Franziska? + + FRAN. (aside). + I have not time to reproach her for that jeering _your_. + (Aloud.) + Yes, my lady, that is my Sergeant. You think him, no doubt, somewhat + stiff and wooden. He also appeared so to me just now; but I observed, + he thought he must march past you as if on parade. And when soldiers + are on parade, they certainly look more like wooden dolls than men. + You should see and hear him when he is himself. + + MIN. + So I should, indeed! + + FRAN. + He must still be in the next room; may I go and talk with him a + little? + + MIN. + I refuse you this pleasure unwillingly: but you must remain here, + Franziska. You must be present at our conversation. Another thing + occurs to me. + (Takes her ring from her finger.) + There, take my ring; keep it for me, and give me the Major's in the + place of it. + + FRAN. + Why so? + + MIN. (whilst Franziska is fetching the ring). + I scarcely know, myself; but I fancy I see, beforehand, how I may make + use of it. Some one is knocking. Give it to me, quickly. + (Puts the ring on.) + It is he. + + + + SCENE VI. + + Major von Tellheim (in the same coat, but otherwise as Franziska + advised), Minna, Franziska + + + MAJ. T. + Madam, you will excuse the delay. + + MIN. + Oh! Major, we will not treat each other in quite such a military + fashion. You are here now; and to await a pleasure, is itself a + pleasure. Well + (looking at him and smiling) + dear Tellheim, have we not been like children? + + MAJ. T. + Yes, Madam; like children, who resist when they ought to obey quietly. + + MIN. + We will drive out, dear Major, to see a little of the town, and + afterwards to meet my uncle. + + MAJ. T. + What! + + MIN. + You see, we have not yet had an opportunity of mentioning the most + important matters even. He is coming here to-day. It was accident that + brought me here without him, a day sooner. + + MAJ. T. + Count von Bruchsal! Has he returned? + + MIN. + The troubles of the war drove him into Italy: peace has brought him + back again. Do not be uneasy, Tellheim; if we formerly feared on his + part the greatest obstacle to our union!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + To our union! + + MIN. + He is now your friend. He has heard too much good of you from too many + people, not to become so. He longs to become personally acquainted + with the man whom his heiress has chosen. He comes as uncle, as + guardian, as father, to give me to you. + + MAJ. T. + Ah! dear lady, why did you not read my letter? Why would you not read + it? + + MIN. + Your letter! Oh! yes, I remember you sent me one. What did you do with + that letter, Franziska? Did we, or did we not read it? What was it you + wrote to me, dear Tellheim? + + MAJ. T. + Nothing but what honour commands me. + + MIN. + That is, not to desert an honourable woman who loves you. Certainly + that is what honour commands. Indeed, I ought to have read your + letter. But what I have not read, I shall hear, shall not I? + + MAJ. T. + Yes, you shall hear it. + + MIN. + No, I need not even hear it. It speaks for itself. As if you could be + guilty of such an unworthy act, as not to take me! Do you know that I + should be pointed at for the rest of my life? My countrywomen would + talk about me, and say. "That is she, that is the Fraulein von + Barnhelm, who fancied that because she was rich could marry the noble + Tellheim; as if such men were to be caught with money." That is what + they would say, for they are all envious of me. That I am rich, they + cannot deny; but they do not wish to acknowledge that I am also a + tolerably good girl, who would prove herself worthy of her husband. Is + that not so, Tellheim? + + MAJ. T. + Yes, yes, Madam, that is like your countrywomen. They will envy you + exceedingly a discharged officer, with sullied honour, a cripple, and + a beggar. + + MIN. + And are you all that? If I mistake not, you told me something of the + kind this forenoon. Therein is good and evil mixed. Let us examine + each charge more closely. You are discharged? So you say. I thought + your regiment was only drafted into another. How did it happen that a + man of your merit was not retained? + + MAJ. T. + It has happened, as it must happen. The great ones are convinced that + a soldier does very little through regard for them, not much more from + a sense of duty, but everything for his own advantage. What then can + they think they owe him? Peace has made a great many, like myself + superfluous to them; and at last we shall all be superfluous. + + MIN. + You talk as a man must talk, to whom in return the great are quite + superfluous. And never were they more so than now. I return my best + thanks to the great ones that they have given up their claims to a man + whom I would very unwillingly have shared with them. I am your + sovereign, Tellheim; you want no other master. To find you discharged, + is a piece of good fortune I dared scarcely dream of! But you are not + only discharged; you are more. And what are you more? A cripple, you + say! Well! + (looking at him from head to foot), + the cripple is tolerably whole and upright--appears still to be pretty + well, and strong. Dear Tellheim, if you expect to go begging on the + strength of your limbs, I prophesy that you will be relieved at very + few doors; except at the door of a good-natured girl like myself. + + MAJ. T. + I only hear the joking girl now, dear Minna. + + MIN. + And I only hear the "dear Minna" in your chiding. I will not joke any + longer; for I recollect that after all you are something of a cripple. + You are wounded by a shot in the right arm; but all things considered, + I do not find much fault with that. I am so much the more secure from + your blows. + + MAJ. T. + Madam! + + MIN. + You would say, "You are so much the less secure from mine." Well, + well, dear Tellheim, I hope you will not drive me to that. + + MAJ. T. + You laugh, Madam. I only lament that I cannot laugh with you. + + MIN. + Why not? What have you to say against laughing? Cannot one be very + serious even whilst laughing? Dear Major, laughter keeps us more + rational than vexation. The proof is before us. Your laughing friend + judges of your circumstances more correctly than you do yourself. + Because you are discharged, you say your honour is sullied; because + you are wounded in the arm, you call yourself a cripple. Is that + right? Is that no exaggeration? And is it my doing that all + exaggerations are so open to ridicule? I dare say, if I examine your + beggary that it will also be as little able to stand the test. You may + have lost your equipage once, twice, or thrice; your deposits in the + hands of this or that banker may have disappeared together with those + of other people; you may have no hope of seeing this or that money + again which you may have advanced in the service; but are you a beggar + on that account? If nothing else remained to you but what my uncle is + bringing for you!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Your uncle, Madam, will bring nothing for me. + + MIN. + Nothing but the two thousand pistoles which you so generously advanced + to our government. + + MAJ. T. + If you had but read my letter, Madam! + + MIN. + Well, I did read it. But what I read in it, on this point, is a + perfect riddle. It is impossible that any one should wish to turn a + noble action into a crime. But explain to me, dear Major. + + MAJ. T. + You remember, Madam, that I had orders to collect the contribution for + the war most strictly in cash in all the districts in your + neighbourhood. I wished to forego this severity, and advanced the + money that was deficient myself. + + MIN. + I remember it well. I loved you for that deed before I had seen you. + + MAJ. T. + The government gave me their bill, and I wished, at the signing of the + peace, to have the sum entered amongst the debts to be repaid by them. + The bill was acknowledged as good, but my ownership of the same was + disputed. People looked incredulous, when I declared that I had myself + advanced the amount in cash. It was considered as bribery, as a + douceur from the government, because I at once agreed to take the + smallest sum with which I could have been satisfied in a case of the + greatest exigency. Thus the bill went from my possession, and if it be + paid, will certainly not be paid to me. Hence, Madam, I consider my + honour to be suspected! not on account of my discharge, which, if I + had not received, I should have applied for. You look serious, Madam! + Why do you not laugh? Ha! ha! ha! I am laughing. + + MIN. + Oh! stifle that laugh, Tellheim, I implore you! It is the terrible + laugh of misanthropy. No, you are not the man to repent of a good + deed, because it may have had a bad result for yourself. Nor can these + consequences possibly be of long duration. The truth must come to + light. The testimony of my uncle, of our government!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Of your uncle! Of your government! Ha! ha! ha! + + MIN. + That laugh will kill me, Tellheim. If you believe in virtue and + Providence, Tellheim, do not laugh so! I never heard a curse more + terrible than that laugh! But, viewing the matter in the worst light, + if they are determined to mistake your character here, with us you + will not be misunderstood. No, we cannot, we will not, misunderstand + you, Tellheim. And if our government has the least sentiment of + honour, I know what it must do. But I am foolish; what would that + matter? Imagine, Tellheim, that you have lost the two thousand + pistoles on some gay evening. The king was an unfortunate card for + you: the queen + (pointing to herself) + will be so much the more favourable. Providence, believe me, always + indemnifies a man of honour--often even beforehand. The action which + was to cost you two thousand pistoles, gained you me. Without that + action, I never should have been desirous of making your acquaintance. + You know I went uninvited to the first party where I thought I should + meet you. I went entirely on your account. I went with a fixed + determination to love you--I loved you already! with the fixed + determination to make you mine, if I should find you as dark and ugly + as the Moor of Venice. So dark and ugly you are not; nor will you be + so jealous. But, Tellheim, Tellheim, you are yet very like him! Oh! + the unmanageable, stubborn man, who always keeps his eye fixed upon + the phantom of honour, and becomes hardened against every other + sentiment! Your eyes this way! Upon me,--me, Tellheim! + (He remains thoughtful and immovable, with his eyes fixed on one + spot.) + Of what are you thinking? Do you not hear me? + + MAJ. T. (absent). + Oh, yes; but tell me, how came the Moor into the service of Venice? + Had the Moor no country of his own? Why did he hire his arm and his + blood to a foreign land? + + MIN. (alarmed). + Of what are you thinking, Tellheim? It is time to break off. Come! + (taking him by the hand). + Franziska, let the carriage be brought round. + + MAJ. T. (disengaging his hand, and following Franziska). + No, Franziska; I cannot have the honour of accompanying your mistress. + Madam, let me still retain my senses unimpaired for to-day, and give + me leave to go. You are on the right way to deprive me of them. I + resist it as much as I can. But hear, whilst I am still myself, what I + have firmly determined, and from which nothing in the world shall turn + me. If I have not better luck in the game of life; if a complete + change in my fortune does not take place; if!!!!! + + MIN. + I must interrupt you, Major. We ought to have told him that at first, + Franziska.--You remind me of nothing.--Our conversation would have + taken quite a different turn, Tellheim, if I had commenced with the + good news which the Chevalier de la Marliniere brought just now. + + MAJ. T. + The Chevalier de la Marliniere! Who is he? + + FRAN. + He may be a very honest man, Major von Tellheim, except that!!!!! + + MIN. + Silence, Franziska! Also a discharged officer from the Dutch service, + who!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Ah! Lieutenant Riccaut! + + MIN. + He assured us he was a friend of yours. + + MAJ. T. + I assure you that I am not his. + + MIN. + And that some minister or other had told him, in confidence, that your + business was likely to have the very best termination. A letter from + the king must now be on its way to you. + + MAJ. T. + How came Riccaut and a minister in company? Something certainly must + have happened concerning my affair; for just now the paymaster of the + forces told me that the king had set aside all the evidence offered + against me, and that I might take back my promise, which I had given + in writing, not to depart from here until acquitted. But that will be + all. They wish to give me an opportunity of getting away. But they are + wrong, I shall not go. Sooner shall the utmost distress waste me away + before the eyes of my calumniators, than!!!!! + + MIN. + Obstinate man! + + MAJ. T. + I require no favour; I want justice. My honour!!!!! + + MIN. + The honour of such a man!!!!! + + MAJ. T. (warmly). + No, Madam, you may be able to judge of any other subject, but not of + this. Honour is not the voice of conscience, not the evidence of a few + honourable men!!!!! + + MIN. + No, no, I know it well. Honour is... honour. + + MAJ. T. + In short, Madam... You did not let me finish.--I was going to say, + if they keep from me so shamefully what is my own; if my honour be not + perfectly righted--I cannot, Madam, ever be yours, for I am not + worthy, in the eyes of the world, of being yours. Minna von Barnhelm + deserves an irreproachable husband. It is a worthless love which does + not scruple to expose its object to scorn. He is a worthless man, who + is not ashamed to owe a woman all his good fortune; whose blind + tenderness!!!!! + + MIN. + And is that really your feeling, Major? + (turning her back suddenly). + Franziska! + + MAJ. T. + Do not be angry. + + MIN. (aside to Franziska). + Now is the time! What do you advise me, Franziska? + + FRAN. + I advise nothing. But certainly he goes rather too far. + + MAJ. T. (approaching to interrupt them). + You are angry, Madam. + + MIN. (ironically). + I? Not in the least. + + MAJ. T. + If I loved you less!!!!! + + MIN. (still in the same tone). + Oh! certainly, it would be a misfortune for me. And hear, Major, I + also will not be the cause of your unhappiness. One should love with + perfect disinterestedness. It is as well that I have not been more + open! Perhaps your pity might have granted to me what your love + refuses. + (Drawing the ring slowly from her finger.) + + MAJ. T. + What does this mean, Madam? + + MIN. + No, neither of us must make the other either more or less happy. True + love demands it. I believe you, Major; and you have too much honour to + mistake love. + + MAJ. T. + Are you jesting, Madam? + + MIN. + Here! take back the ring with which you plighted your troth to me. + (Gives him the ring.) + Let it be so! We will suppose we have never met. + + MAJ. T. + What do I hear? + + MIN. + Does it surprise you? Take it, sir. You surely have not been + pretending only! + + MAJ. T. (takes the ring from her). + Heavens! can Minna speak thus? + + MIN. + In one case you cannot be mine; in no case can I be yours. Your + misfortune is probable; mine is certain. Farewell! + (Is going.) + + MAJ. T. + Where are you going, dearest Minna? + + MIN. + Sir, you insult me now by that term of endearment. + + MAJ. T. + What is the matter, Madam? Where are you going? + + MIN. + Leave me. I go to hide my tears from you, deceiver! + (Exit.) + + + + SCENE VII. + Major von Tellheim, Franziska + + MAJ. T. + Her tears? And I am to leave her. + (Is about to follow her.) + + FRAN. (holding him back). + Surely not, Major. You would not follow her into her own room! + + MAJ. T. + Her misfortune? Did she not speak of misfortune? + + FRAN. + Yes, truly; the misfortune of losing you, after!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + After? After what? There is more in this. What is it, Franziska? Tell + me! Speak! + + FRAN. + After, I mean, she has made such sacrifices on your account. + + MAJ. T. + Sacrifices for me! + + FRAN. + Well, listen. It is a good thing for you, Major, that you are freed + from your engagement with her in this manner.--Why should I not tell + you? It cannot remain a secret long. We have fled from home. Count von + Bruchsal has disinherited my mistress, because she would not accept a + husband of his choice. On that every one deserted and slighted her. + What could we do? We determined to seek him, whom!!!!! + + MAJ. T. + Enough! Come, and let me throw myself at her feet. + + FRAN. + What are you thinking about! Rather go, and thank your good fortune. + + MAJ. T. + Pitiful creature! For what do you take me? Yet no, my dear Franziska, + the advice did not come from your heart. Forgive my anger! + + FRAN. + Do not detain me any longer. I must see what she is about. How easily + something might happen to her. Go now, and come again, if you like. + (Follows Minna.) + + + + SCENE VIII. + Major von Tellheim + + MAJ. T. + But, Franziska! Oh! I will wait your return here.--No, that is more + torturing!--If she is in earnest, she will not refuse to forgive me. + Now I want your aid, honest Werner!--No, Minna, I am no deceiver! + (Rushes off.) + + + + +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! + + MAJ. 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 + + MAJ. 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 out 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, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska + + 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, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska + + 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), Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, + Franziska + + + 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), Werner, + Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska + + + 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), + Two Servants, Werner, Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska + + + 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! + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Minna von Barnhelm, by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MINNA VON BARNHELM *** + +***** This file should be named 2663.txt or 2663.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/6/2663/ + +Produced by Dagny, Emma Dudding, and John Bickers + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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