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diff --git a/old/files/images/2pb024.jpg b/old/files/images/2pb024.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..72a569a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/images/2pb024.jpg diff --git a/old/files/images/2pb102.jpg b/old/files/images/2pb102.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8795c48 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/images/2pb102.jpg diff --git a/old/files/relative.htm b/old/files/relative.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a3243a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/relative.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6254 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Love and Intrigue., by Friedrich Schiller + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Love and Intrigue, by Friedrich Schiller + +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.net + + +Title: Love and Intrigue + A Play + +Author: Friedrich Schiller + +Release Date: October 25, 2006 [EBook #6784] +Last Updated: November 6, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOVE AND INTRIGUE *** + + + + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + LOVE AND INTRIGUE. + </h1> + <h2> + A TRAGEDY. <br /> By Friedrich Schiller + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + + PRESIDENT VON WALTER, Prime Minister in the Court of a German Prince. + FERDINAND, his son; a Major in the Army; in love with Louisa Miller. + BARON VON KALB, Court Marshal (or Chamberlain). + WORM, Private Secretary to the President. + MILLER, the Town Musician, and Teacher of Music. + MRS. MILLER, his wife. + LOUISA, the daughter of Miller, in love with Ferdinand. + LADY MILFORD, the Prince's Mistress. + SOPHY, attendant on Lady Milford. + An old Valet in the service of the Prince. + Officers, Attendants, etc. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>ACT I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <b>ACT II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> <b>ACT III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> <b>ACT IV.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> SCENE IX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> <b>ACT V.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" + id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MILLER—MRS. MILLER. +</pre> + <p> + MILLER (walking quickly up and down the room). Once for all! The affair is + becoming serious. My daughter and the baron will soon be the town-talk—my + house lose its character—the president will get wind of it, and—the + short and long of the matter is, I'll show the younker the door. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. You did not entice him to your house—did not thrust your + daughter upon him! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Didn't entice him to my house—didn't thrust the girl upon + him! Who'll believe me? I was master of my own house. I ought to have + taken more care of my daughter. I should have bundled the major out at + once, or have gone straight to his excellency, his papa, and disclosed + all. The young baron will get off merely with a snubbing, I know that well + enough, and all the blame will fall upon the fiddler. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER (sipping her coffee). Pooh! nonsense! How can it fall upon you? + What have people to do with you? You follow your profession, and pick up + pupils wherever you can find them. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. All very fine, but please to tell me what will be the upshot of + the whole affair? He can't marry the girl—marriage is out of the + question, and to make her his—God help us! "Good-by t'ye!" No, no—when + such a sprig of nobility has been nibbling here and there and everywhere, + and has glutted himself with the devil knows what all, of course it will + be a relish to my young gentleman to get a mouthful of sweet water. Take + heed! Take heed! If you were dotted with eyes, and could place a sentinel + for every hair of your head, he'll bamboozle her under your very nose; add + one to her reckoning, take himself off, and the girl's ruined for life, + left in the lurch, or, having once tasted the trade, will carry it on. + (Striking his forehead.) Oh, horrible thought! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. God in his mercy protect us! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. We shall want his protection. You may well say that. What other + object can such a scapegrace have? The girl is handsome—well made—can + show a pretty foot. How the upper story is furnished matters little. + That's blinked in you women if nature has not played the niggard in other + respects. Let this harum-scarum but turn over this chapter—ho! ho! + his eyes will glisten like Rodney's when he got scent of a French frigate; + then up with all sail and at her, and I don't blame him for it— + flesh is flesh. I know that very well. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. You should only read the beautiful billy-doux which the baron + writes to your daughter. Gracious me! Why it's as clear as the sun at + noonday that he loves her purely for her virtuous soul. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. That's the right strain! We beat the sack, but mean the ass's + back. He who wishes to pay his respects to the flesh needs only a kind + heart for a go-between. What did I myself? When we've once so far cleared + the ground that the affections cry ready! slap! the bodies follow their + example, the appetites are obedient, and the silver moon kindly plays the + pimp. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. And then only think of the beautiful books that the major has + sent us. Your daughter always prays out of them. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (whistles). Prays! You've hit the mark. The plain, simple food of + nature is much too raw and indigestible for this maccaroni gentleman's + stomach. It must be cooked for him artificially in the infernal + pestilential pitcher of your novel-writers. Into the fire with the + rubbish! I shall have the girl taking up with—God knows what all—about + heavenly fooleries that will get into her blood, like Spanish flies, and + scatter to the winds the handful of Christianity that cost her father so + much trouble to keep together. Into the fire with them I say! The girl + will take the devil's own nonsense into her head; amidst the dreams of her + fool's paradise she'll not know her own home, but forget and feel ashamed + of her father, the music-master; and, lastly, I shall lose a worthy, + honest son-in-law who might have nestled himself so snugly into my + connections. No! damn it! (Jumps up in a passion.) I'll break the neck of + it at once, and the major—yes, yes, the major! shall be shown where + the carpenter made the door. (Going.) + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Be civil, Miller! How many a bright shilling have his presents—— + </p> + <p> + MILLER (comes back, and goes up to her). The blood money of my daughter? + To Beelzebub with thee, thou infamous bawd! Sooner will I vagabondize with + my violin and fiddle for a bit of bread—sooner will I break to + pieces my instrument and carry dung on the sounding-board than taste a + mouthful earned by my only child at the price of her soul and future + happiness. Give up your cursed coffee and snuff-taking, and there will be + no need to carry your daughter's face to market. I have always had my + bellyful and a good shirt to my back before this confounded scamp put his + nose into my crib. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Now don't be so ready to pitch the house out of window. How + you flare up all of a sudden. I only meant to say that we shouldn't offend + the major, because he is the son of the president. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. There lies the root of the mischief. For that reason—for + that very reason the thing must be put a stop to this very day! The + president, if he is a just and upright father, will give me his thanks. + You must brush up my red plush, and I will go straight to his excellency. + I shall say to him,—"Your excellency's son has an eye to my + daughter; my daughter is not good enough to be your excellency's son's + wife, but too good to be your excellency's son's strumpet, and there's an + end of the matter. My name is Miller." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Enter SECRETARY WORM. +</pre> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Ah! Good morning, Mr. Seckertary! Have we indeed the pleasure + of seeing you again? + </p> + <p> + WORM. All on my side—on my side, cousin Miller! Where a high-born + cavalier's visits are received mine can be of no account whatever. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. How can you think so, Mr. Seckertary? His lordship the baron, + Major Ferdinand, certainly does us the honor to look in now and then; but, + for all that, we don't undervalue others. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (vexed). A chair, wife, for the gentleman! Be seated, kinsman. + </p> + <p> + WORM (lays aside hat and stick, and seats himself). Well, well—and + how then is my future—or past—bride? I hope she'll not be—may + I not have the honor of seeing—Miss Louisa? + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Thanks for inquiries, Mr. Seckertary, but my daughter is not + at all proud. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (angry, jogs her with his elbow). Woman! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Sorry she can't have that honor, Mr. Seckertary. My daughter + is now at mass. + </p> + <p> + WORM. I am glad to hear it,—glad to hear it. I shall have in her a + pious, Christian wife! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER (smiling in a stupidly affected manner). Yes—but, Mr. + Seckertary—— + </p> + <p> + MILLER (greatly incensed, pulls her ears). Woman! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. If our family can serve you in any other way—with the + greatest pleasure, Mr. Seckertary—— + </p> + <p> + WORM (frowning angrily). In any other way? Much obliged! much obliged!—hm! + hm! hm! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. But, as you yourself must see, Mr. Seckertary—— + </p> + <p> + MILLER (in a rage, shaking his fist at her). Woman! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Good is good, and better is better, and one does not like to + stand between fortune and one's only child (with vulgar pride). You + understand me, Mr. Seckertary? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Understand. Not exac—-. Oh, yes. But what do you really mean? + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Why—why—I only think—I mean—(coughs). + Since then Providence has determined to make a great lady of my daughter—— + </p> + <p> + WORM (jumping from his chair). What's that you say? what? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Keep your seat, keep your seat, Mr. Secretary! The woman's an + out-and-out fool! Where's the great lady to come from? How you show your + donkey's ears by talking such stuff. + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Scold as long as you will. I know what I know, and what the + major said he said. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (snatches up his fiddle in anger). Will you hold your tongue? Shall + I throw my fiddle at your head? What can you know? What can he have said? + Take no notice of her clack, kinsman! Away with you to your kitchen! + You'll not think me first cousin of a fool, and that I'm looking out so + high for the girl? You'll not think that of me, Mr. Secretary? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Nor have I deserved it of you, Mr. Miller! You have always shown + yourself a man of your word, and my contract to your daughter was as good + as signed. I hold an office that will maintain a thrifty manager; the + president befriends me; the door to advancement is open to me whenever I + may choose to take advantage of it. You see that my intentions towards + Miss Louisa are serious; if you have been won over by a fop of rank—— + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Mr. Seckertary! more respect, I beg—— + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Hold your tongue, I say. Never mind her, kinsman. Things remain as + they were. The answer I gave you last harvest, I repeat to-day. I'll not + force my daughter. If you suit her, well and good; then it's for her to + see that she can be happy with you. If she shakes her head—still + better—be it so, I should say—then you must be content to + pocket the refusal, and part in good fellowship over a bottle with her + father. 'Tis the girl who is to live with you—not I. Why should I, + out of sheer caprice, fasten a husband upon the girl for whom she has no + inclination? That the evil one may haunt me down like a wild beast in my + old age—that in every drop I drink—in every bit of bread I + bite, I might swallow the bitter reproach: Thou art the villain who + destroyed his child's happiness! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. The short and the long of it is—I refuse my consent + downright; my daughter's intended for a lofty station, and I'll go to law + if my husband is going to be talked over. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Shall I break every bone in your body, you millclack? + </p> + <p> + WORM (to MILLER). Paternal advice goes a great way with the daughter, and + I hope you know me, Mr. Miller? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Plague take you! 'Tis the girl must know you. What an old + crabstick like me can see in you is just the very last thing that a dainty + young girl wants. I'll tell you to a hair if you're the man for an + orchestra—but a woman's heart is far too deep for a music-master. + And then, to be frank with you—you know that I'm a blunt, + straightforward fellow—you'll not give thank'ye for my advice. I'll + persuade my daughter to no one—but from you Mr. Sec—I would + dissuade her! A lover who calls upon the father for help—with + permission—is not worth a pinch of snuff. If he has anything in him, + he'll be ashamed to take that old-fashioned way of making his deserts + known to his sweetheart. If he hasn't the courage, why he's a milksop, and + no Louisas were born for the like of him. No! he must carry on his + commerce with the daughter behind the father's back. He must manage so to + win her heart, that she would rather wish both father and mother at Old + Harry than give him up—or that she come herself, fall at her + father's feet, and implore either for death on the rack, or the only one + of her heart. That's the fellow for me! that I call love! and he who can't + bring matters to that pitch with a petticoat may—stick the goose + feather in his cap. + </p> + <p> + WORM (seizes hat and stick and hurries out of the room). Much obliged, Mr. + Miller! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (going after him slowly). For what? for what? You haven't taken + anything, Mr. Secretary! (Comes back.) He won't hear, and off he's gone. + The very sight of that quill-driver is like poison and brimstone to me. An + ugly, contraband knave, smuggled into the world by some lewd prank of the + devil—with his malicious little pig's eyes, foxy hair, and + nut-cracker chin, just as if Nature, enraged at such a bungled piece of + goods, had seized the ugly monster by it, and flung him aside. No! rather + than throw away my daughter on a vagabond like him, she may—God + forgive me! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. The wretch!—but you'll be made to keep a clean tongue in + your head! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Ay, and you too, with your pestilential baron—you, too, must + put my bristles up. You're never more stupid than when you have the most + occasion to show a little sense. What's the meaning of all that trash + about your daughter being a great lady? If it's to be cried out about the + town to-morrow, you need only let that fellow get scent of it. He is one + of your worthies who go sniffing about into people's houses, dispute upon + everything, and, if a slip of the tongue happen to you, skurry with it + straight to the prince, mistress, and minister, and then there's the devil + to pay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Enter LOUISA with a book in her hand. +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA. Good morning, dear father! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (affectionately). Bless thee, my Louisa! I rejoice to see thy + thoughts are turned so diligently to thy Creator. Continue so, and his arm + will support thee. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! I am a great sinner, father! Was he not here, mother? + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Who, my child? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Ah! I forgot that there are others in the world besides him—my + head wanders so. Was he not here? Ferdinand? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (with melancholy, serious voice). I thought my Louisa had forgotten + that name in her devotions? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (after looking at him steadfastly for some time). I understand you, + father. I feel the knife which stabs my conscience; but it comes too late. + I can no longer pray, father. Heaven and Ferdinand divide my bleeding + soul, and I fear—I fear—(after a pause). Yet no, no, good + father. The painter is best praised when we forget him in the + contemplation of his picture. When in the contemplation of his + masterpiece, my delight makes me forget the Creator,—is not that, + father, the true praise of God? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (throws himself in displeasure on a chair). There we have it! Those + are the fruits of your ungodly reading. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (uneasy, goes to the window). Where can he be now? Ah! the + high-born ladies who see him—listen to him——I am a poor + forgotten maiden. (Startles at that word, and rushes to her father.) But + no, no! forgive me. I do not repine at my lot. I ask but little—to + think on him—that can harm no one. Ah! that I might breathe out this + little spark of life in one soft fondling zephyr to cool his check! That + this fragile floweret, youth, were a violet, on which he might tread, and + I die modestly beneath his feet! I ask no more, father! Can the proud, + majestic day-star punish the gnat for basking in its rays? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (deeply affected, leans on the arm of his chair, and covers his + face). My child, my child, with joy would I sacrifice the remnant of my + days hadst thou never seen the major. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (terrified.) How; how? What did you say? No, no! that could not be + your meaning, good father. You know not that Ferdinand is mine! You know + not that God created him for me, and for my delight alone! (After a pause + of recollection.) The first moment that I beheld him—and the blood + rushed into my glowing cheeks—every pulse beat with joy; every throb + told me, every breath whispered, "'Tis he!" And my heart, recognizing the + long-desired one, repeated "'Tis he!" And the whole world was as one + melodious echo of my delight! Then—oh! then was the first dawning of + my soul! A thousand new sentiments arose in my bosom, as flowers arise + from the earth when spring approaches. I forgot there was a world, yet + never had I felt that world so dear to me! I forgot there was a God, yet + never had I so loved him! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (runs to her and clasps her to his bosom). Louisa! my beloved, my + admirable child! Do what thou wilt. Take all—all—my life—the + baron— God is my witness—him I can never give thee! [Exit. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Nor would I have him now, father! Time on earth is but a stinted + dewdrop in the ocean of eternity. 'Twill swiftly glide in one delicious + dream of Ferdinand. I renounce him for this life! But then, mother—then + when the bounds of separation are removed—when the hated + distinctions of rank no longer part us—when men will be only men—I + shall bring nothing with me save my innocence! Yet often has my father + told me that at the Almighty's coming riches and titles will be worthless; + and that hearts alone will be beyond all price. Oh! then shall I be rich! + There, tears will be reckoned for triumphs, and purity of soul be + preferred to an illustrious ancestry. Then, then, mother, shall I be + noble! In what will he then be superior to the girl of his heart? + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER (starts from her seat). Louisa! the baron! He is jumping over + the fence! Where shall I hide myself? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (begins to tremble). Oh! do not leave me, mother! + </p> + <p> + MRS MILLER. Mercy! What a figure I am. I am quite ashamed! I cannot let + his lordship see me in this state! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LOUISA—FERDINAND. (He flies towards her—she falls back into her + chair, pale and trembling. He remains standing before her—they + look at each other for some moments in silence. A pause.) +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND. So pale, Louisa? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (rising, and embracing him). It is nothing—nothing now that + you are here—it is over. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (takes her hand and raises it to his lips). And does my Louisa + still love me? My heart is yesterday's; is thine the same? I flew hither + to see if thou wert happy, that I might return and be so too. But I find + thee whelmed in sorrow! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Not so, my beloved, not so! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Confess, Louisa! you are not happy. I see through your soul as + clearly as through the transparent lustre of this brilliant. No spot can + harbor here unmarked by me—no thought can cloud your brow that does + not reach your lover's heart. Whence comes this grief? Tell me, I beseech + you! Ah! could I feel assured this mirror still remained unsullied, + there'd seem to me no cloud in all the universe! Tell me, dear Louisa, + what afflicts you? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (looking at him with anxiety for a few moments). Ferdinand! couldst + thou but know how such discourse exalts the tradesman's daughter—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (surprised). What say'st thou? Tell me, girl! how camest thou by + that thought? Thou art my Louisa! who told thee thou couldst be aught + else? See, false one, see, for what coldness I must chide thee! Were + indeed thy whole soul absorbed by love for me, never hadst thou found time + to draw comparisons! When I am with thee, my prudence is lost in one look + from thine eyes: when I am absent in a dream of thee! But thou —thou + canst harbor prudence in the sane breast with love! Fie on thee! Every + moment bestowed on this sorrow was a robbery from affection and from me! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (pressing his hand and shaking her head with a melancholy air). + Ferdinand, you would lull my apprehensions to sleep; you would divert my + eyes from the precipice into which I am falling. I can see the future! The + voice of honor—your prospects, your father's anger—my + nothingness. (Shuddering and suddenly drops his hands.) Ferdinand! a sword + hangs over us! They would separate us! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (jumps up). Separate us! Whence these apprehensions, Louisa? Who + can rend the bonds that bind two hearts, or separate the tones of one + accord? True, I am a nobleman—but show me that my patent of nobility + is older than the eternal laws of the universe—or my escutcheon more + valid than the handwriting of heaven in my Louisa's eyes? "This woman is + for this man?" I am son of the prime minister. For that very reason, what + but love can soften the curses which my father's extortions from the + country will entail upon me? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! how I fear that father! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I fear nothing—nothing but that your affection should + know bounds. Let obstacles rise between us, huge as mountains, I will look + upon them as a ladder by which to fly into the arms of my Louisa! The + tempest of opposing fate shall but fan the flame of my affection dangers + will only serve to make Louisa yet more charming. Then speak no more of + terrors, my love! I myself—I will watch over thee carefully as the + enchanter's dragon watches over buried gold. Trust thyself to me! thou + shalt need no other angel. I will throw myself between thee and fate— + for thee receive each wound. For thee will I catch each drop distilled + from the cup of joy, and bring thee in the bowl of love. (Embracing + affectionately.) This arm shall support my Louisa through life. Fairer + than it dismissed thee, shall heaven receive thee back, and confess with + delight that love alone can give perfection to the soul. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (disengaging herself from him, greatly agitated). No more! I + beseech thee, Ferdinand! no more! Couldst thou know. Oh! leave me, leave + me! Little dost thou feel how these hopes rend my heart in pieces like + fiends! (Going.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (detaining her). Stay, Louisa! stay! Why this agitation? Why + those anxious looks? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I had forgotten these dreams, and was happy. Now—now—from + this day is the tranquillity of my heart no more. Wild impetuous wishes + will torment my bosom! Go! God forgive thee! Thou hast hurled a firebrand + into my young peaceful heart which nothing can extinguish! (She breaks + from him, and rushes from the apartment, followed by FERDINAND.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V.—A Chamber in the PRESIDENT.'S House. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The PRESIDENT, with the grand order of the cross about his neck, + and a star at his breast—SECRETARY WORM. +</pre> + <p> + PRESIDENT. A serious attachment, say you? No, no, Worm; that I never can + believe. + </p> + <p> + WORM. If your excellency pleases, I will bring proofs of my assertions. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. That he has a fancy for the wench—flatters her—and, + if you will, pretends to love her—all this is very possible—nay—excusable + —but—and the daughter of a musician, you say? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Of Miller, the music-master. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Handsome? But that, of course. + </p> + <p> + WORM (with warmth). A most captivating and lovely blondine, who, without + saying too much, might figure advantageously beside the greatest beauties + of the court. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (laughs). It's very plain, Worm, that you have an eye upon the + jade yourself—I see that. But listen, Worm. That my son has a + passion for the fair sex gives me hope that he will find favor with the + ladies. He may make his way at court. The girl is handsome, you say; I am + glad to think my son has taste. Can he deceive the silly wench by holding + out honorable intentions—still better; it will show that he is + shrewd enough to play the hypocrite when it serves his purpose. He may + become prime minister—if he accomplishes his purpose! Admirable! + that will prove to me that fortune favors him. Should the farce end with a + chubby grandchild—incomparable! I will drink an extra bottle of + Malaga to the prospects of my pedigree, and cheerfully pay the wench's + lying-in expenses. + </p> + <p> + WORM. All I wish is that your excellency may not have to drink that bottle + to drown your sorrow. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (sternly). Worm! remember that what I once believe, I believe + obstinately—that I am furious when angered. I am willing to pass + over as a joke this attempt to stir my blood. That you are desirous of + getting rid of your rival, I can very well comprehend, and that, because + you might have some difficulty in supplanting the son, you endeavor to + make a cat's-paw of the father, I can also understand—I am even + delighted to find that you are master of such excellent qualifications in + the way of roguery. Only, friend Worm, pray don't make me, too, the butt + of your knavery. Understand me, have a care that your cunning trench not + upon my plans! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Pardon me, your excellency! If even—as you suspect—jealousy + is concerned, it is only with the eye, and not with the tongue. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. It would be better to dispense with it altogether. What can it + matter to you, simpleton, whether you get your coin fresh from the mint, + or it comes through a banker? Console yourself with the example of our + nobility. Whether known to the bridegroom or not, I can assure you that, + amongst us of rank, scarcely a marriage takes place but what at least half + a dozen of the guests—or the footmen—can state the geometrical + area of the bridegroom's paradise. + </p> + <p> + WORM (bowing). My lord! Upon this head I confess myself a plebeian. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. And, besides, you may soon have the satisfaction of turning the + laugh most handsomely against your rival. At this very moment it is under + consideration in the cabinet, that, upon the arrival of the new duchess, + Lady Milford shall apparently be discarded, and, to complete the + deception, form an alliance. You know, Worm, how greatly my influence + depends upon this lady—how my mightiest prospects hang upon the + passions of the prince. The duke is now seeking a partner for Lady + Milford. Some one else may step in—conclude the bargain for her + ladyship, win the confidence of the prince, and make himself + indispensable, to my cost. Now, to retain the prince in the meshes of my + family, I have resolved that my Ferdinand shall marry Lady Milford. Is + that clear to you? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Quite dazzling! Your excellency has at least convinced me that, + compared with the president, the father is but a novice. Should the major + prove as obedient a son as you show yourself a tender father, your demand + may chance to be returned with a protest. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Fortunately I have never yet had to fear opposition to my will + when once I have pronounced, "It shall be so!" But now, Worm, that brings + us back to our former subject! I will propose Lady Milford to my son this + very day. The face which he puts upon it shall either confirm your + suspicions or entirely confute them. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Pardon me, my lord! The sullen face which he most assuredly will put + upon it may be placed equally to the account of the bride you offer to him + as of her from whom you wish to separate him. I would beg of you a more + positive test! Propose to him some perfectly unexceptionable woman. Then, + if he consents, let Secretary Worm break stones on the highway for the + next three years. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (biting his lips). The devil! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Such is the case, you may rest assured! The mother—stupidity + itself—has, in her simplicity, betrayed all to me. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (pacing the room, and trying to repress his rage). Good! this + very morning, then! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Yet, let me entreat your excellency not to forget that the major— + is my master's son—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. No harm shall come to him, Worm. + </p> + <p> + WORM. And that my service in ridding you of an unwelcome daughter-in-law—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Should be rewarded by me helping you to a wife? That too, Worm! + </p> + <p> + WORM (bowing with delight). Eternally your lordship's slave. (Going.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (threatening him). As to what I have confided to you, Worm! If + you dare but to whisper a syllable—— + </p> + <p> + WORM (laughs). Then your excellency will no doubt expose my forgeries! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Yes, yes, you are safe enough! I hold you in the fetters of + your own knavery, like a trout on the hook! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Enter SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + SERVANT. Marshal Kalb—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. The very man I wished to see. Introduce him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MARSHAL KALB, in a rich but tasteless court-dress, with + Chamberlain's keys, two watches, sword, three-cornered + hat, and hair dressed a la Herisson. He bustles up to + the PRESIDENT, and diffuses a strong scent of musk through + the whole theatre—PRESIDENT. +</pre> + <p> + MARSHAL. Ah! good morning, my dear baron! Quite delighted to see you again—pray + forgive my not having paid my respects to you at an earlier hour—the + most pressing business—the duke's bill of fare—invitation + cards—arrangements for the sledge party to-day—ah!—besides + it was necessary for me to be at the levee, to inform his highness of the + state of the weather. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. True, marshal! Such weighty concerns were not to be neglected! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Then a rascally tailor, too, kept me waiting for him! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. And yet ready to the moment? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Nor is that all! One misfortune follows at the heels of the other + to-day! Only hear me! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (absent). Can it be possible? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Just listen! Scarce had I quitted my carriage, when the horses + became restive, and began to plunge and rear—only imagine!—splashed + my breeches all over with mud! What was to be done? Fancy, my dear baron, + just fancy yourself for a moment in my predicament! There I stood! the + hour was late! a day's journey to return—yet to appear before his + highness in this—good heavens! What did I bethink me of? I pretended + to faint! They bundle me into my carriage! I drive home like mad— + change my dress—hasten back—and only think!—in spite of + all this I was the first person in the antechamber! What say you to that? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. A most admirable impromptu of mortal wit—but tell me, + Kalb, did you speak to the duke? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (importantly). Full twenty minutes and a half. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Indeed? Then doubtless you have important news to impart to me? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (seriously, after a pause of reflection). His highness wears a + Merde d'Oye beaver to-day. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. God bless me!—and yet, marshal, I have even greater news + to tell you. Lady Milford will soon become my daughter-in-law. That, I + think will be new to you? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Is it possible! And is it already agreed upon? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. It is settled, marshal—and you would oblige me by + forthwith waiting upon her ladyship, and preparing her to receive + Ferdinand's visit. You have full liberty, also, to circulate the news of + my son's approaching nuptials. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. My dear friend! With consummate pleasure! What can I desire more? + I fly to the baroness this moment. Adieu! (Embracing him.) In less than + three-quarters of an hour it shall be known throughout the town. [Skips + off. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (smiling contemptuously). How can people say that such creatures + are of no use in the world? Now, then, Master Ferdinand must either + consent or give the whole town the lie. (Rings—WORM enters.) Send my + son hither. (WORM retires; the PRESIDENT walks up and down, full of + thought.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + PRESIDENT—FERDINAND. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND. In obedience to your commands, sir—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Ay, if I desire the presence of my son, I must command it— + Ferdinand, I have observed you for some time past, and find no longer that + open vivacity of youth which once so delighted me. An unusual sorrow + broods upon your features; you shun your father; you shun society. For + shame, Ferdinand! At your age a thousand irregularities are easier + forgiven than one instant of idle melancholy. Leave this to me, my son! + Leave the care of your future happiness to my direction, and study only to + co-operate with my designs—come, Ferdinand, embrace me! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. You are most gracious to-day, father! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. "To-day," you rogue? and your "to-day" with such a vinegar + look? (Seriously.) Ferdinand! For whose sake have I trod that dangerous + path which leads to the affections of the prince? For whose sake have I + forever destroyed my peace with Heaven and my conscience? Hear me, + Ferdinand—I am speaking to my son. For whom have I paved the way by + the removal of my predecessor? a deed which the more deeply gores my + inward feelings the more carefully I conceal the dagger from the world! + Tell me, Ferdinand, for whose sake have I done all this? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (recoiling with horror). Surely not for mine, father, not for + mine? Surely not on me can fall the bloody reflection of this murder? By + my Almighty Maker, it were better never to have been born than to be the + pretext for such a crime! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. What sayest thou? How? But I will attribute these strange + notions to thy romantic brain, Ferdinand; let me not lose my temper— + ungrateful boy! Thus dost thou repay me for my sleepless nights? Thus for + my restless anxiety to promote thy good? Thus for the never-dying scorpion + of my conscience? Upon me must fall the burden of responsibility; upon me + the curse, the thunderbolt of the Judge. Thou receivest thy fortune from + another's hand—the crime is not attached to the inheritance. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (extending his right hand towards heaven). Here I solemnly + abjure an inheritance which must ever remind me of a parent's guilt! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Hear me, sirrah! and do not incense me! Were you left to your + own direction you would crawl through life in the dust. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Oh! better, father, far, far better, than to crawl about a + throne! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (repressing his anger). So! Then compulsion must make you + sensible of your good fortune! To that point, which, with the utmost + striving a thousand others fail to reach, you have been exalted in your + very sleep. At twelve you received a commission; at twenty a command. I + have succeeded in obtaining for you the duke's patronage. He bids you lay + aside your uniform, and share with me his favor and his confidence. He + spoke of titles—embassies—of honors bestowed but upon few. A + glorious prospect spreads itself before you! The direct path to the place + next the throne lies open to you! Nay, to the throne itself, if the actual + power of ruling is equivalent to the mere symbol. Does not that idea + awaken your ambition? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. No! My ideas of greatness and happiness differ widely from + yours. Your happiness is but seldom known, except by the misery of others. + Envy, terror, hatred are the melancholy mirrors in which the smiles of + princes are reflected. Tears, curses, and the wailings of despair, the + horrid banquet that feasts your supposed elect of fortune; intoxicated + with these they rush headlong into eternity, staggering to the throne of + judgment. My ideas of happiness teach me to look for its fountain in + myself! All my wishes lie centered in my heart! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Masterly! Inimitable! Admirable! The first schooling I have + received these thirty years! Pity that the brain at fifty should be so + dull at learning! But—that such talent may not rust, I will place + one by your side on whom you can practise your harlequinade follies at + pleasure. You will resolve—resolve this very day—to take a + wife. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (starting back amazed). Father! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Answer me not. I have made proposals, in your name, to Lady + Milford. You will instantly determine upon going to her, and declaring + yourself her bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Lady Milford! father? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. I presume she is not unknown to you! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (passionately). To what brothel is she unknown through the + dukedom? But pardon me, dearest father! It is ridiculous to imagine that + your proposal can be serious. Would you call yourself father of that + infamous son who married a licensed prostitute? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Nay, more. I would ask her hand myself, if she would take a man + of fifty. Would not you call yourself that infamous father's son? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. No! as God lives! that would I not! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. An audacity, by my honor! which I pardon for its excessive + singularity. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I entreat you, father, release me from a demand which would + render it insupportable to call myself your son. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Are you distracted, boy? What reasonable man would not thirst + after a distinction which makes him, as one of a trio, the equal and + co-partner of his sovereign? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. You are quite an enigma to me, father! "A distinction," do you + call it? A distinction to share that with a prince, wherein he places + himself on a level with the meanest of his subjects? (The PRESIDENT bursts + into a loud laugh.) You may scoff—I must submit to it in a father. + With what countenance should I support the gaze of the meanest laborer, + who at least receives an undivided person as the portion of his bride? + With what countenance should I present myself before the world? before the + prince? nay, before the harlot herself, who seeks to wash out in my shame + the brandmarks of her honor? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Where in the world couldst thou collect such notions, boy? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I implore you, father, by heaven and earth! By thus sacrificing + your only son you can never become so happy as you will make him + miserable! If my life can be a step to your advancement, dispose of it. My + life you gave me; and I will never hesitate a moment to sacrifice it + wholly to your welfare. But my honor, father! If you deprive me of this, + the giving me life was a mere trick of wanton cruelty, and I must equally + curse the parent and the pander. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (tapping him on the shoulder in a friendly manner). That's as it + should be, my dear boy! Now I see that you are a brave and noble fellow, + and worthy of the first woman in the dukedom. You shall have her. This + very day you shall be affianced to the Countess of Ostheim. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (in new disorder). Is this, then, destined to be the hour of my + destruction? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (regarding him with an eye of suspicion). In this union, I + imagine, you can have no objection on the score of honor? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. None, father, none whatever. Frederica of Ostheim would make + any other the happiest of men. (Aside, in the greatest agitation.) His + kindness rends in pieces that remnant of my heart which his cruelty left + unwounded. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (his eye still fixed upon him). I expect your gratitude, + Ferdinand! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (rushes towards him and kisses his hands). Father, your goodness + awakens every spark of sentiment in my bosom. Father! receive my warmest + thanks for your kind intentions. Your choice is unexceptionable! But I + cannot—I dare not—pity me, father, I never can love the + countess. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (draws back). Ha! ha! now I've caught you, young gentleman! The + cunning fox has tumbled into the trap. Oh, you artful hypocrite! It was + not then honor which made you refuse Lady Milford? It was not the woman, + but the nuptials which alarmed you! (FERDINAND stands petrified for a + moment; then recovers himself and prepares to quit the chamber hastily.) + Whither now? Stay, sir. Is this the respect due to your father? (FERDINAND + returns slowly.) Her ladyship expects you. The duke has my promise! Both + court and city believe all is settled. If thou makest me appear a liar, + boy! If, before the duke—the lady—the court and city—thou + shouldst make me appear a liar!—tremble, boy!—or when I have + gained information of certain circumstances—how now? Why does the + color so suddenly forsake your cheeks? + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="2pb024 (110K)" src="images/2pb024.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (pale and trembling). How? What? Nothing—it is nothing, my + father! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (casting upon him a dreadful look). Should there be cause. If I + should discover the source whence this obstinacy proceeds! Boy! boy! the + very suspicion drives me distracted! Leave me this moment. 'Tis now the + hour of parade. As soon as the word is given, go thou to her ladyship. At + my nod a dukedom trembles; we shall see whether a disobedient son dare + dispute my will! (Going, returns.) Remember, sir! fail not to wait on Lady + Milford, or dread my anger! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND (awakens, as if from a dream). Is he gone? Was that a father's + voice? Yes, I will go—I will see her—I will say such things to + her—hold such a mirror before her eyes. Then, base woman, shouldst + thou still demand my hand—in the presence of the assembled nobles, + the military, and the people—gird thyself with all the pride of thy + native Britain—I, a German youth, will spurn thee! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I.—A room in LADY MILFORD'S house. On the right of the stage + </h2> + <p> + stands a sofa, on the left a pianoforte. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LADY MILFORD, in a loose but elegant negligee, is running her hand + over the keys of the pianoforte as SOPHY advances from the window. +</pre> + <p> + SOPHY. The parade is over, and the officers are separating, but I see no + signs of the major. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (rises and walks up and down the room in visible agitation). + I know not what ails me to-day, Sophy! I never felt so before—you + say you do not see him! It is evident enough that he is by no means + impatient for this meeting—my heart feels oppressed as if by some + heavy crime. Go! Sophy, order the most spirited horse in the stable to be + saddled for me—I must away into the open air where I may look on the + blue sky and hear the busy hum of man. I must dispel this gloominess by + change and motion. + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. If you feel out of spirits, my lady, why not invite company! Let + the prince give an entertainment here, or have the ombre table brought to + you. If the prince and all his court were at my beck and call I would let + no whim or fancy trouble me! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (throwing herself on the couch). Pray, spare me. I would + gladly give a jewel in exchange for every hour's respite from the + infliction of such company! I always have my rooms tapestried with these + creatures! Narrow-minded, miserable beings, who are quite shocked if by + chance a candid and heartfelt word should escape one's lips! and stand + aghast as though they saw an apparition; slaves, moved by a single + puppet-wire, which I can govern as easily as the threads of my embroidery! + What can I have in common with such insipid wretches, whose souls, like + their watches, are regulated by machinery? What pleasure can I have in the + society of people whose answers to my questions I know beforehand? How can + I hold communion with men who dare not venture on an opinion of their own + lest it should differ from mine! Away with them—I care not to ride a + horse that has not spirit enough to champ the bit! (Goes to the window.) + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. But surely, my lady, you except the prince, the handsomest, the + wittiest, and the most gallant man in all his duchy. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (returning). Yes, in his duchy, that was well said—and + it is only a royal duchy, Sophy, that could in the least excuse my + weakness. You say the world envies me! Poor thing! It should rather pity + me! Believe me, of all who drink of the streams of royal bounty there is + none more miserable than the sovereign's favorite, for he who is great and + mighty in the eyes of others comes to her but as the humble suppliant! It + is true that by the talisman of his greatness he can realize every wish of + my heart as readily as the magician calls forth the fairy palace from the + depths of the earth! He can place the luxuries of both Indies upon my + table, turn the barren wilderness to a paradise, can bid the broad rivers + of his land play in triumphal arches over my path, or expend all the + hard-earned gains of his subjects in a single feu-de-joie to my honor. But + can he school his heart to respond to one great or ardent emotion? Can he + extort one noble thought from his weak and indigent brain? Alas! my heart + is thirsting amid all this ocean of splendor; what avail, then, a thousand + virtuous sentiments when I am only permitted to indulge in the pleasures + of the senses. + </p> + <p> + SOFHY (regarding her with surprise). Dear lady, you amaze me! how long is + it since I entered your service? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Do you ask because this is the first day on which you have + learnt to know me? I have sold my honor to the prince, it is true, but my + heart is still my own—a heart, dear Sophy, which even yet may be + worth the acceptance of an honorable man—a heart over which the + pestilential blast of courtly corruption has passed as the breath which + for a moment dims the mirror's lustre. Believe me my spirit would long + since have revolted against this miserable thraldom could my ambition have + submitted to see another advanced to my place. + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. And could a heart like yours so readily surrender itself to mere + ambition? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (with energy). Has it not already been avenged? nay, is it + not even at this very moment making me pay a heavy atonement (with + emphasis laying her hand on SOPHY'S shoulder)? Believe me, Sophy, woman + has but to choose between ruling and serving, but the utmost joy of power + is a worthless possession if the mightier joy of being slave to the man we + love be denied us. + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. A truth, dear lady, which I could least of all have expected to + hear from your lips! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. And wherefore, Sophy? Does not woman show, by her childish + mode of swaying the sceptre of power, that she is only fit to go in + leading-strings! Have not my fickle humors—my eager pursuit of wild + dissipation—betrayed to you that I sought in these to stifle the + still wilder throbbings of my heart? + </p> + <p> + SOPHY (starting back with surprise). This from you, my lady? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (continuing with increasing energy). Appease these + throbbings. Give me the man in whom my thoughts are centered—the man + I adore, without whom life were worse than death. Let me but hear from his + lips that the tears of love with which my eyes are bedewed outvie the gems + that sparkle in my hair, and I will throw at the feet of the prince his + heart and his dukedom, and flee to the uttermost parts of the earth with + the man of my love! + </p> + <p> + SOPHY (looking at her in alarm). Heavens! my lady! control your emotion—— + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (in surprise). You change color! To what have I given + utterance? Yet, since I have said thus much, let me say still more—let + my confidence be a pledge of your fidelity,—I will tell you all. + </p> + <p> + SOPHY (looking anxiously around). I fear my lady—I dread it—I + have heard enough! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. This alliance with the major—you, like the rest of the + world, believe to be the result of a court intrigue—Sophy, blush not—be + not ashamed of me—it is the work of—my love! + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. Heavens! As I suspected! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Yes, Sophy, they are all deceived. The weak prince—the + diplomatic baron—the silly marshal—each and all of these are + firmly convinced that this marriage is a most infallible means of + preserving me to the prince, and of uniting us still more firmly! But this + will prove the very means of separating us forever, and bursting asunder + these execrable bonds. The cheater cheated—outwitted by a weak + woman. Ye yourselves are leading me to the man of my heart—this was + all I sought. Let him but once be mine—be but mine—then, oh, + then, a long farewell to all this despicable pomp! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II.—An old valet of the DUKE'S, with a casket of jewels. The + </h2> + <p> + former. + </p> + <p> + VALET. His serene highness begs your ladyship's acceptance of these jewels + as a nuptial present. They have just arrived from Venice. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (opens the casket and starts back in astonishment). What did + these jewels cost the duke? + </p> + <p> + VALET. Nothing! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Nothing! Are you beside yourself? (retreating a step or + two.) Old man! you fix on me a look as though you would pierce me through. + Did you say these precious jewels cost nothing? + </p> + <p> + VALET. Yesterday seven thousand children of the land left their homes to + go to America—they pay for all. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (sets the casket suddenly down, and paces up and down the + room; after a pause, to the VALET). What distresses you, old man? you are + weeping! + </p> + <p> + VALET (wiping his eyes, and trembling violently). Yes, for these jewels. + My two sons are among the number. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. But they went not by compulsion? + </p> + <p> + VALET (laughing bitterly). Oh! dear no! they were all volunteers! There + were certainly some few forward lads who pushed to the front of the ranks + and inquired of the colonel at what price the prince sold his subjects per + yoke, upon which our gracious ruler ordered the regiments to be marched to + the parade, and the malcontents to be shot. We heard the report of the + muskets, and saw brains and blood spurting about us, while the whole band + shouted—"Hurrah for America!" + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. And I heard nothing of all this! saw nothing! + </p> + <p> + VALET. No, most gracious lady, because you rode off to the bear-hunt with + his highness just at the moment the drum was beating for the march. 'Tis a + pity your ladyship missed the pleasure of the sight—here, crying + children might be seen following their wretched father—there, a + mother distracted with grief was rushing forward to throw her tender + infant among the bristling bayonets—here, a bride and bridegroom + were separated with the sabre's stroke—and there, graybeards were + seen to stand in despair, and fling their very crutches after their sons + in the New World —and, in the midst of all this, the drums were + beating loudly, that the prayers and lamentations might not reach the + Almighty ear. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (rising in violent emotion). Away with these jewels—their + rays pierce my bosom like the flames of hell. Moderate your grief, old + man. Your children shall be restored to you. You shall again clasp them to + your bosom. + </p> + <p> + VALET (with warmth). Yes, heaven knows! We shall meet again! As they + passed the city gates they turned round and cried aloud: "God bless our + wives and children—long life to our gracious sovereign. At the day + of judgment we shall all meet again!" + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (walks up and down the room in great agitation). Horrible! + most horrible!—and they would persuade me that I had dried up all + the tears in the land. Now, indeed, my eyes are fearfully opened! Go—tell + the prince that I will thank him in person! (As the valet is going she + drops the purse into his hat.) And take this as a recompense for the truth + you have revealed to me. + </p> + <p> + VALET (throws the purse with contempt on the table). Keep it, with your + other treasures. [Exit. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (looking after him in astonishment). Sophy, follow him, and + inquire his name. His sons shall be restored to him. (SOPHY goes. LADY + MILFORD becomes absorbed in thought. Pause. Then to SOPHY as she returns.) + Was there not a report that some town on the frontier had been destroyed + by fire, and four hundred families reduced to beggary? (She rings.) + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. What has made your ladyship just think of that? Yes—such was + certainly the fact, and most of these poor creatures are either compelled + to serve their creditors as bondsmen, or are dragging out their miserable + days in the depths of the royal silver mines. + </p> + <p> + Enter a SERVANT. What are your ladyship's commands? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (giving him the case of jewels). Carry this to my treasurer + without delay. Let the jewels be sold and the money distributed among the + four hundred families who were ruined by the fire. + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. Consider, my lady, the risk you run of displeasing his highness. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (with dignity). Should I encircle my brows with the curses of + his subjects? (Makes a sign to the servant, who goes away with the jewel + case.) Wouldst thou have me dragged to the earth by the dreadful weight of + the tears of misery? Nay! Sophy, it is better far to wear false jewels on + the brow, and to have the consciousness of a good deed within the breast! + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. But diamonds of such value! Why not rather give some that are less + precious? Truly, my lady, it is an unpardonable act. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Foolish girl! For this deed more brilliants and pearls will + flow for me in one moment than kings ever wore in their richest diadems! + Ay, and infinitely more beautiful! + </p> + <p> + SERVANT enters. Major von Walter! + </p> + <p> + SOPHY (running hastily to the help of LADY MILFORD, who seems fainting). + Heavens, my lady, you change color! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. The first man who ever made me tremble. (To the SERVANT.) I + am not well—but stay—what said the major?—how? O Sophy! + I look sadly ill, do I not? + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. I entreat you, my lady, compose yourself. + </p> + <p> + SERVANT. Is it your ladyship's wish that I should deny you to the major? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (hesitating). Tell him—I shall be happy to see him. + (Exit SERVANT.) What shall I say to him, Sophy? how shall I receive him? I + will be silent—alas! I fear he will despise my weakness. He will—ah, + me! what sad forebodings oppress my heart! You are going Sophy! stay, yet—no, + no—he comes—yes, stay, stay with me—— + </p> + <p> + SOPHY. Collect yourself, my lady, the major—— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III.—FERDINAND VON WALTER. The former. + </h2> + <h3> + FERDINAND (with a slight bow). I hope I do not interrupt your ladyship? + </h3> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (with visible emotion). Not at all, baron—not in the + least. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I wait on your ladyship, at the command of my father. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Therein I am his debtor. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. And I am charged to announce to you that our marriage is + determined on. Thus far I fulfil the commission of my father. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (changing color and trembling). And not of your own heart? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Ministers and panders have no concern with hearts. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (almost speechless with emotion). And you yourself—have + you nothing to add? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (looking at SOPHY). Much! my lady, much! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (motions to SOPHY to withdraw). May I beg you to take a seat + by my side? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I will be brief, lady. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Well! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I am a man of honor! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Whose worth I know how to appreciate. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I am of noble birth! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Noble as any in the land! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. A soldier! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (in a soft, affectionate manner). Thus far you have only + enumerated advantages which you share in common with many others. Why are + you so silent regarding those noble qualities which are peculiarly your + own? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (coldly). Here they would be out of place. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (with increasing agitation). In what light am I to understand + this prelude? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (slowly, and with emphasis). As the protest of the voice of + honor—should you think proper to enforce the possession of my hand! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (starting with indignation). Major von Walter! What language + is this? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (calmly). The language of my heart—of my unspotted name—and + of this true sword. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Your sword was given to you by the prince. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. 'Twas the state which gave it, by the hands of the prince. God + bestowed on me an honest heart. My nobility is derived from a line of + ancestry extending through centuries. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. But the authority of the prince—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (with warmth). Can he subvert the laws of humanity, or stamp + glory on our actions as easily as he stamps value on the coin of his + realm? He himself is not raised above the laws of honor, although he may + stifle its whispers with gold—and shroud his infamy in robes of + ermine! But enough of this, lady!—it is too late now to talk of + blasted prospects—or of the desecration of ancestry—or of that + nice sense of honor—girded on with my sword—or of the world's + opinion. All these I am ready to trample under foot as soon as you have + proved to me that the reward is not inferior to the sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (in extreme distress turning away). Major! I have not + deserved this! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (taking her hand). Pardon me, lady—we are without + witnesses. The circumstance which brings us together to-day—and only + to-day— justifies me, nay, compels me, to reveal to you my most + secret feelings. I cannot comprehend, lady, how a being gifted with so + much beauty and spirit—qualities which a man cannot fail to admire—could + throw herself away on a prince incapable of valuing aught beyond her mere + person—and yet not feel some visitings of shame, when she steps + forth to offer her heart to a man of honor! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (looking at him with an air of pride). Say on, sir, without + reserve. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. You call yourself an Englishwoman—pardon me, lady, I can + hardly believe you. The free-born daughter of the freest people under + heaven—a people too proud to imitate even foreign virtues—would + surely never have sold herself to foreign vices! It is not possible, lady, + that you should be a native of Britain, unless indeed your heart be as + much below as the sons of Britannia vaunt theirs to be above all others! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Have you done, sir? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Womanly vanity—passions—temperament—a natural + appetite for pleasure—all these might, perhaps, be pleaded in + extenuation—for virtue often survives honor—and many who once + trod the paths of infamy have subsequently reconciled themselves to + society by the performance of noble deeds, and have thus thrown a halo of + glory round their evil doings—but if this were so, whence comes the + monstrous extortion that now oppresses the people with a weight never + before known? This I would ask in the name of my fatherland—and now, + lady, I have done! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (with gentleness and dignity). This is the first time, Baron + von Walter, that words such as these have been addressed to me—and + you are the only man to whom I would in return have vouchsafed an answer. + Your rejection of my hand commands my esteem. Your invectives against my + heart have my full forgiveness, for I will not believe you sincere, since + he who dares hold such language to a woman, that could ruin him in an + instant—must either believe that she possesses a great and noble + heart— or must be the most desperate of madmen. That you ascribe the + misery of this land to me may He forgive, before whose throne you, and I, + and the prince shall one day meet! But, as in my person you have insulted + the daughter of Britain, so in vindication of my country's honor you must + hear my exculpation. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (leaning on his sword). Lady, I listen with interest. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Hear, then, that which I have never yet breathed to mortal, + and which none but yourself will ever learn from my lips. I am not the low + adventurer you suppose me, sir! Nay! did I listen to the voice of pride, I + might even boast myself to be of royal birth; I am descended from the + unhappy Thomas Norfolk, who paid the penalty of his adherence to the cause + of Mary, Queen of Scots, by a bloody death on the scaffold. My father, + who, as royal chamberlain, had once enjoyed his sovereign's confidence, + was accused of maintaining treasonable relations with France, and was + condemned and executed by a decree of the Parliament of Great Britain. Our + estates were confiscated, and our family banished from their native soil. + My mother died on the day of my father's execution, and I—then a + girl of fourteen—fled to Germany with one faithful attendant. A + casket of jewels, and this crucifix, placed in my bosom by my dying + mother, were all my fortune! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [FERDINAND, absorbed in thought, surveys LADY MILFORD with looks of + compassion and sympathy. +</pre> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (continuing with increased emotion). Without a name— + without protection or property—a foreigner and an orphan, I reached + Hamburg. I had learnt nothing but a little French, and to run my fingers + over the embroidery frame, or the keys of my harpsichord. But, though I + was ignorant of all useful arts, I had learnt full well to feast off gold + and silver, to sleep beneath silken hangings, to bid attendant pages obey + my voice, and to listen to the honeyed words of flattery and adulation. + Six years passed away in sorrow and in sadness—the remnant of my + scanty means was fast melting away—my old and faithful nurse was no + more—and— and then it was that fate brought your sovereign to + Hamburg. I was walking beside the shores of the Elbe, wondering, as I + gazed on its waters, whether they or my sorrows were the deeper, when the + duke crossed my path. He followed me, traced me to my humble abode, and, + casting himself at my feet, vowed that he loved me. (She pauses, and, + after struggling with her emotion, continues in a voice choked by tears.) + All the images of my happy childhood were revived in hues of delusive + brightness—while the future lowered before me black as the grave. My + heart panted for communion with another—and I sank into the arms + opened to receive me! (Turning away.) And now you condemn me! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (greatly agitated, follows her and leads her back). Lady! + heavens! what do I hear! What have I done? The guilt of my conduct is + unveiled in all its deformity! It is impossible you should forgive me. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (endeavoring to overcome her emotion). Hear me on! The + prince, it is true, overcame my unprotected youth, but the blood of the + Howards still glowed within my veins, and never ceased to reproach me; + that I, the descendant of royal ancestors, should stoop to be a prince's + paramour! Pride and destiny still contended in my bosom, when the duke + brought me hither, where SCENEs the most revolting burst upon my sight! + The voluptuousness of the great is an insatiable hyena—the craving + of whose appetite demands perpetual victims. Fearfully had it laid this + country waste separating bridegroom and bride—and tearing asunder + even the holy bonds of marriage. Here it had destroyed the tranquil + happiness of a whole family—there the blighting pest had seized on a + young and inexperienced heart, and expiring victims called down bitter + imprecations on the heads of the undoers. It was then that I stepped forth + between the lamb and the tiger, and, in a moment of dalliance, extorted + from the duke his royal promise that this revolting licentiousness should + cease. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (pacing the room in violent agitation). No more, lady! No more! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. This gloomy period was succeeded by one still more gloomy. + The court swarmed with French and Italian adventurers—the royal + sceptre became the plaything of Parisian harlots, and the people writhed + and bled beneath their capricious rule. Each had her day. I saw them sink + before me, one by one, for I was the most skilful coquette of all! It was + then that I seized and wielded the tyrant's sceptre whilst he slumbered + voluptuously in my embrace—then, Walter, thy country, for the first + time, felt the hand of humanity, and reposed in confidence on my bosom. (A + pause, during which she gazes upon him with tenderness.) Oh! 'that the + man, by whom, of all others, I least wish to be misunderstood, should + compel me to turn braggart and parade my unobtrusive virtues to the glare + of admiration! Walter, I have burst open the doors of prisons—I have + cancelled death-warrants and shortened many a frightful eternity upon the + galleys. Into wounds beyond my power to heal I have at least poured + soothing balsam. I have hurled mighty villains to the earth, and oft with + the tears of a harlot saved the cause of innocence from impending ruin. + Ah! young man, how sweet were then my feelings! How proudly did these + actions teach my heart to support the reproaches of my noble blood! And + now comes the man who alone can repay me for all that I have suffered—the + man, whom perhaps my relenting destiny created as a compensation for + former sorrows—the man, whom with ardent affection, I already + clasped in my dreams. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (interrupting her). Hold, lady, hold! You exceed the bounds of + our conference! You undertook to clear yourself from reproach, and you + make me a criminal! Spare me, I beseech you! Spare a heart already + overwhelmed by confusion and remorse! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (grasping his hand). You must hear me, Walter! hear me now or + never. Long enough has the heroine sustained me; now you must feel the + whole weight of these tears! Mark me, Walter! Should an unfortunate—impetuously, + irresistibly attracted towards you—clasp you to her bosom full of + unutterable, inextinguishable love—should this unfortunate—bowed + down with the consciousness of shame—disgusted with vicious + pleasures—heroically exalted by the inspiration of virtue—throw + herself—thus into your arms (embracing him in an eager and + supplicating manner); should she do this, and you still pronounce the + freezing word "Honor!" Should she pray that through you she might be saved—that + through you she might be restored to her hopes of heaven! (Turning away + her head, and speaking in a hollow, faltering voice.) Or should she, her + prayer refused, listen to the voice of despair, and to escape from your + image plunge herself into yet more fearful depths of infamy and vice—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (breaking from her in great emotion). No, by heaven! This is + more than I can endure! Lady, I am compelled—Heaven and earth + compels me—to make the honest avowal of my sentiments and situation. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (hastening from him). Oh! not now! By all that is holy I + entreat you—spare me in this dreadful moment when my lacerated heart + bleeds from a thousand wounds. Be your decision life or death—I dare + not—I will not hear it! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I entreat you, lady! I insist! What I have to say will mitigate + my offence, and warmly plead your forgiveness for the past. I have been + deceived in you, lady. I expected—nay, I wished to find you + deserving my contempt. I came determined to insult you, and to make myself + the object of your hate. Happy would it have been for us both had my + purpose succeeded! (He pauses; then proceeds in a gentle and faltering + voice.) Lady, I love!—I love a maid of humble birth—Louisa + Miller is her name, the daughter of a music-master. (LADY MILFORD turns + away pale and greatly agitated.) I know into what an abyss I plunge + myself; but, though prudence bids me conceal my passion, honor overpowers + its precepts. I am the criminal—I first destroyed the golden calm of + Louisa's innocence—I lulled her heart with aspiring hopes, and + surrendered it, like a betrayer, a prey to the wildest of passions. You + will bid me remember my rank—my birth—my father—schemes + of aggrandisement. But in vain—I love! My hopes become more fervent + as the breach widens between nature and the mere conventions of society— + between my resolution and worldly prejudices! We shall see whether love or + interest is victorious. (LADY MILFORD during this has retired to the + extreme end of the apartment, and covers her face with both hands. + FERDINAND approaches her.) Have you aught to answer, lady? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (in a tone of intense suffering). Nothing! Nothing! but that + you destroy yourself and me—and, with us yet a third. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. A third? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Never can you marry Louisa; never can you be happy with me. + We shall all be the victims of your father's rashness. I can never hope to + possess the heart of a husband who has been forced to give me his hand. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Forced, lady? Forced? And yet given? Will you enforce a hand + without a heart? Will you tear from a maiden a man who is the whole world + to her? Will you tear a maiden from a man who has centered all his hopes + of happiness on her alone? Will you do this, lady? you who but a moment + before were the lofty, noble-minded daughter of Britain? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. I will because I must! (earnestly and firmly). My passions, + Walter, overcome my tenderness for you. My honor has no alternative. Our + union is the talk of the whole city. Every eye, every shaft of ridicule is + bent against me. 'Twere a stain which time could never efface should a + subject of the prince reject my hand! Appease your father if you have the + power! Defend yourself as you best may! my resolution is taken. The mine + is fired and I abide the issue. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. FERDINAND remains in speechless astonishment for some + moments; then rushes wildly out. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV.—Miller's House. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MILLER meeting LOUISA and MRS. MILLER. +</pre> + <p> + MILLER. Ay! ay! I told you how it would be! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (hastening to him with anxiety). What, father? What? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (running up and down the room). My cloak, there. Quick, quick! I + must be beforehand with him. My cloak, I say! Yes, yes! this was just what + I expected! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. For God's sake, father! tell me? + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. What is the matter, Miller? What alarms you? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (throwing down his wig). Let that go to the friezer. What is the + matter, indeed? And my beard, too, is nearly half an inch long. What's the + matter? What do you think, you old carrion. The devil has broke loose, and + you may look out for squalls. + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. There, now, that's just the way! When anything goes wrong it + is always my fault. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Your fault? Yes, you brimstone fagot! and whose else should it be? + This very morning when you were holding forth about that confounded major, + did I not say then what would be the consequence? That knave, Worm, has + blabbed. + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. Gracious heavens! But how do you know? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. How do I know? Look yonder! a messenger of the minister is already + at the door inquiring for the fiddler. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (turning pale, and sitting down). Oh! God! I am in agony! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. And you, too, with that languishing air? (laughs bitterly). But, + right! Right! There is an old saying that where the devil keeps a + breeding-cage he is sure to hatch a handsome daughter. + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. But how do you know that Louisa is in question? You may have + been recommended to the duke; he may want you in his orchestra. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (jumping up, and seizing his fiddlestick). May the sulphurous rain + of hell consume thee! Orchestra, indeed! Ay, where you, you old procuress, + shall howl the treble whilst my smarting back groans the base (Throwing + himself upon a chair.) Oh! God in heaven! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (sinks on the sofa, pale as death). Father! Mother! Oh! my heart + sinks within me. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (starting up with anger). But let me only lay hands on that + infernal quill-driver! I'll make him skip—be it in this world or the + next; if I don't pound him to a jelly, body and soul; if I don't write all + the Ten Commandments, the seven Penitential Psalms, the five books of + Moses, and the whole of the Prophets upon his rascally hide so distinctly + that the blue hieroglyphics shall be legible at the day of judgment—if + I don't, may I—— + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. Yes, yes, curse and swear your hardest! That's the way to + frighten the devil! Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Oh, gracious heavens! What shall + we do? Who can advise us? Speak, Miller, speak; this silence distracts me! + (She runs screaming up and down the room.) + </p> + <p> + MILLER. I will instantly to the minister! I will open my mouth boldly, and + tell him all from beginning to end. You knew it before me, and ought to + have given me a hint of what was going on! The girl might yet have been + advised. It might still have been time to save her! But, no! There was + something for your meddling and making, and you must needs add fuel to the + fire. Now you have made your bed you may lie on it. As you have brewed so + you may drink; I shall take my daughter under my arm and be off with her + over the borders. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MILLER, MRS. MILLER, LOUISA, FERDINND. +</pre> + <p> + (All speaking together). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND (rushes in, terrified, and out of breath). Has my father + been here? + + LOUISA (starts back in horror). His father? Gracious heaven! + + MRS. MILLER (wringing her hands). The minister here? Then it's all + over with us! + + MILLER (laughs bitterly). Thank God! Thank God! Now comes our + benefit! +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND (rushing towards LOUISA, and clasping her in his arms). Mine + thou art, though heaven and hell were placed between us! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I am doomed! Speak, Ferdinand! Did you not utter that dreaded + name? Your father? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Be not alarmed! the danger has passed! I have thee again! again + thou hast me! Let me regain my breath on thy dear bosom. It was a dreadful + hour! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. What was a dreadful hour? Answer me, Ferdinand! I die with + apprehension! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (drawing back, gazing upon her earnestly, then in a solemn + tone). An hour, Louisa, when another's form stepped between my heart and + thee—an hour in which my love grew pale before my conscience—when + Louisa ceased to be all in all to Ferdinand! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [LOUISA sinks back upon her chair, and conceals her face. +</pre> + <p> + (FERDINAND stands before her in speechless agitation, then turns away from + her suddenly and exclaims). Never, never! Baroness, 'tis impossible! you + ask too much! Never can I sacrifice this innocence at your shrine. No, by + the eternal God! I cannot recall my oath, which speaks to me from thy soul—thrilling + eyes louder than the thunders of heaven! Behold, lady! Inhuman father, + look on this! Would you have me destroy this angel? Shall my perfidy + kindle a hell in this heavenly bosom? (turning towards her with firmness). + No! I will bear her to thy throne, Almighty Judge! Thy voice shall declare + if my affection be a crime. (He grasps her hand, and raises her from the + sofa.) Courage, my beloved!—thou hast conquered—and I come + forth a victor from the terrible conflict! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. No, no, Ferdinand, conceal nothing from me! Declare boldly the + dreadful decree! You named your father! You spoke of the baroness! The + shivering of death seizes my heart! 'Tis said she is about to be married! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (quite overcome, throws himself at her feet). Yes, and to me, + dear unfortunate. Such is my father's will! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (after a deep pause, in a tremulous voice, but with assumed + resignation). Well! Why am I thus affrighted? Has not my dear father often + told me that you never could be mine? But I was obstinate, and believed + him not. (A second pause; she falls weeping into her father's arms.) + Father, thy daughter is thine own again! Father, forgive me! 'Twas not + your child's fault that the dream was so heavenly—the waking so + terrible! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Louisa! Louisa! O merciful heaven! she has lost her senses! My + daughter! My poor child! Curses upon thy seducer! Curses upon the + pandering mother who threw thee in his way! + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER (weeping on LOUISA'S neck). Daughter, do I deserve this curse? + God forgive you, major! What has this poor lamb done that you bring this + misery upon her? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (with resolution). I will unravel the meshes of these intrigues. + I will burst asunder these iron chains of prejudice. As a free-born man + will I make my choice, and crush these insect souls with the colossal + force of my love! [Going. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (rises trembling from the sofa, and attempts to follow him). Stay, + oh, stay! Whither are you going? Father! Mother! He deserts us in this + fearful hour! + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER (hastens towards him, and detains him). The president is + coming hither? He will ill-use my child! He will ill-use us all,—and + yet, major, you are going to leave us. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (laughs hysterically). Leave us. Of course he is! What should + hinder him? The girl has given him all she had. (Grasping FERDINAND with + one hand, and LOUISA with the other.) Listen to me, young gentleman. The + only way out of my house is over my daughter's body. If you possess one + single spark of honor await your father's coming; tell him, deceiver, how + you stole her young and inexperienced heart; or, by the God who made me! + (thrusting LOUISA towards him with violence and passion) you shall crush + before my eyes this trembling worm whom love for you has brought to shame + and infamy! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (returns, and walks to and fro in deep thought). 'Tis true, the + President's power is great—parental authority is a mighty word—even + crimes claim respect when concealed within its folds. He may push that + authority far—very far! But love goes beyond it. Hear me, Louisa; + give me thy hand! (clasping it firmly). As surely as I hope for Heaven's + mercy in my dying hour, I swear that the moment which separates these + hands shall also rend asunder the thread that binds me to existence! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. You terrify me! Turn from me! Your lips tremble! Your eyes roll + fearfully! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Nay, Louisa! fear nothing! It is not madness which prompts my + oath! 'tis the choicest gift of Heaven, decision, sent to my aid at that + critical moment, when an oppressed bosom can only find relief in some + desperate remedy. I love thee, Louisa! Thou shalt be mine! 'Tis resolved! + And now for my father! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [He rushes out, and is met by the PRESIDENT. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MILLER, MRS. MILLER, LOUISA, FERDINAND, PRESIDENT, with SERVANTS. +</pre> + <p> + PRESIDENT (as he enters). So! here he is! (All start in terror.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (retiring a few paces). In the house of innocence! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Where a son learns obedience to his father! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Permit me to—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (interrupting him, turns to MILLER). The father, I presume? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. I am Miller, the musician. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to MRS. MILLER). And you, the mother? + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. Yes, alas! her unfortunate mother! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (to MILLER.) Father, take Louisa to her chamber—she is + fainting. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. An unnecessary precaution! I will soon arouse her. (To LOUISA.) + How long have you been acquainted with the President's son? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with timidity). Of the President's son I have never thought. + Ferdinand von Walter has paid his addresses to me since November last. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. And he adores her! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to LOUISA). Has he given you any assurance of his love? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. But a few minutes since, the most solemn, and God was my + witness. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to his son angrily). Silence! You shall have opportunity enough + of confessing your folly. (To LOUISA.) I await your answer. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. He swore eternal love to me. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. And I will keep my oath. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to FERDINAND). Must I command your silence? (To LOUISA). Did + you accept his rash vows? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with tenderness). I did, and gave him mine in exchange. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (resolutely). The bond is irrevocable—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to FERDINAND). If you dare to interrupt me again I'll teach you + better manners. (To LOUISA, sneeringly.) And he paid handsomely every + time, no doubt? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I do not understand your question. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (with an insulting laugh). Oh, indeed! Well, I only meant to + hint that—as everything has its price—I hope you have been + more provident than to bestow your favors gratis—or perhaps you were + satisfied with merely participating in the pleasure? Eh? how was it? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (infuriated). Hell and confusion! What does this mean? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (to FERDINAND, with dignity and emotion). Baron von Walter, now you + are free! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Father! virtue though clothed in a beggar's garb commands + respect! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (laughing aloud). A most excellent joke! The father is commanded + to honor his son's strumpet! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! Heaven and earth! (Sinks down in a swoon.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (drawing his sword). Father, you gave me life, and, till now, I + acknowledged your claim on it. That debt is cancelled. (Replaces his sword + in the scabbard, and points to LOUISA.) There lies the bond of filial duty + torn to atoms! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (who has stood apart trembling, now comes forward, by turns + gnashing his teeth in rage, and shrinking back in terror). Your + excellency, the child is the father's second self. No offence, I hope! Who + strikes the child hits the father—blow for blow—that's our + rule here. No offence, I hope! + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. God have mercy on us! Now the old man has begun—we + shall all catch it with a vengeance! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (who has not understood what MILLER said). What? is the old + pander stirred up? We shall have something to settle together presently, + Mr. Pander! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. You mistake me, my lord. My name is Miller, at your service for an + adagio—but, as to ladybirds, I cannot serve you. As long as there is + such an assortment at court, we poor citizens can't afford to lay in + stock! No offence, I hope! + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. For Heaven's sake, man, hold your tongue! would you ruin both + wife and child? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (to his father). You play but a sorry part here, my lord, and + might well have dispensed with these witnesses. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (coming nearer, with increasing confidence). To be plain and above + board—No offence, I hope—your excellency may have it all your + own way in the Cabinet—but this is my house. I'm your most obedient, + very humble servant when I wait upon you with a petition, but the rude, + unmannerly intruder I have the right to bundle out—no offence, I + hope! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (pale with anger, and approaching MILLER). What? What's that you + dare to utter? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (retreating a few steps). Only a little bit of my mind sir—no + offence, I hope! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (furiously). Insolent villain! Your impertinence shall procure + you a lodging in prison. (To his servants). Call in the officers of + justice! Away! (Some of the attendants go out. The PRESIDENT paces the + stage with a furious air.) The father shall to prison; the mother and her + strumpet daughter to the pillory! Justice shall lend her sword to my rage! + For this insult will I have ample amends. Shall such contemptible + creatures thwart my plans, and set father and son against each other with + impunity? Tremble, miscreants! I will glut my hate in your destruction—the + whole brood of you—father, mother, and daughter shall be sacrificed + to my vengeance! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (to MILLER, in a collected and firm manner). Oh! not so! Fear + not, friends! I am your protector. (Turning to the PRESIDENT, with + deference). Be not so rash, father! For your own sake let me beg of you no + violence. There is a corner of my heart where the name of father has never + yet been heard. Oh! press not into that! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Silence, unworthy boy! Rouse not my anger to greater fury! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (recovering from a stupor). Wife, look you to your daughter! I fly + to the duke. His highness' tailor—God be praised for reminding me of + it at this moment—learns the flute of me—I cannot fail of + success. (Is hastening off.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. To the duke, will you? Have you forgotten that I am the + threshold over which you must pass, or failing, perish? To the duke, you + fool? Try to reach him with your lamentations, when, reduced to a living + skeleton, you lie buried in a dungeon five fathoms deep, where light and + sound never enter; where darkness goggles at hell with gloating eyes! + There gnash thy teeth in anguish; there rattle thy chains in despair, and + groan, "Woe is me! This is beyond human endurance!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Officers of Justice—the former. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND (flies to LOUISA, who, overcome with fear, faints in his arms.) + Louisa!—Help, for God's sake! Terror overpowers her! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [MILLER, catching up his cane and putting on his hat, + prepares for defense. MRS. MILLER throws herself on her + knees before the PRESIDENT. +</pre> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to the officers, showing his star). Arrest these offenders in + the duke's name. Boy, let go that strumpet! Fainting or not—when + once her neck is fitted with the iron collar the mob will pelt her till + she revives. + </p> + <p> + MRS. MILLER. Mercy, your excellency! Mercy! mercy! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (snatching her from the ground with violence). Kneel to God, you + howling fool, and not to villains—since I must to prison any way! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (biting his lips.) You may be out in your reckoning, scoundrel! + There are still gallows to spare! (To the officers.) Must I repeat my + orders? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [They approach LOUISA—FERDINAND places himself before her. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND (fiercely). Touch her who dare! (He draws his sword and + flourishes it.) Let no one presume to lay a finger on her, whose life is + not well insured. (To the PRESIDENT.) As you value your own safety, + father, urge me no further! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to the officers in a threatening voice). At your peril, + cowards! (They again attempt to seize LOUISA.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Hell and furies! Back, I say! (Driving them away.) Once more, + father, I warn you—have some thought for your own safety! Drive me + not to extremity! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (enraged to the officers). Scoundrels! Is this your obedience? + (The officers renew their efforts.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Well, if it must be so (attacking and wounding several of + them), Justice forgive me! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (exasperated to the utmost). Let me see whether I, too, must + feel your weapon! (He seizes LOUISA and delivers her to an officer.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (laughing bitterly). Father! father! Your conduct is a galling + satire upon Providence, who has so ill understood her people as to make + bad statesmen of excellent executioners! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (to the officers). Away with her! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Father, if I cannot prevent it, she must stand in the pillory—but + by her side will also stand the son of the president. Do you still insist? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. The more entertaining will be the exhibition. Away with her! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I will pledge the honor of an officer's sword for her. Do you + still insist? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Your sword is already familiar with disgrace. Away! away! You + know my will. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (wrests LOUISA from the officer and holds her with one arm, with + the other points his sword at her bosom.) Father, rather than tamely see + my wife branded with infamy I will plunge this sword into her bosom. Do + you still insist? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Do it, if the point be sharp enough! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (releases LOUISA, and looks wildly towards heaven). Be thou + witness, Almighty God, that I have left no human means untried to save + her! Forgive me now if I have recourse to hellish means. While you are + leading her to the pillory (speaking loudly in the PRESIDENT'S ear), I + will publish throughout the town a pleasant history of how a president's + chair may be gained! [Exit. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (as if thunder-struck). How? What said he? Ferdinand! Release + her instantly! (Rushes after his son.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Room at the President's. Enter PRESIDENT and WORM. +</pre> + <p> + PRESIDENT. That was an infernal piece of business! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Just what I feared, your excellency. Opposition may inflame the + enthusiast, but never converts him. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. I had placed my whole reliance upon the success of this + attempt. I made no doubt but if the girl were once publicly disgraced, he + would be obliged as an officer and a gentleman to resign her. + </p> + <p> + WORM. An admirable idea!—had you but succeeded in disgracing her. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. And yet—when I reflect on the matter coolly—I ought + not to have suffered myself to be overawed. It was a threat which he never + could have meant seriously. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Be not too certain of that! There is no folly too gross for excited + passion! You say that the baron has always looked upon government with an + eye of disapprobation. I can readily believe it. The principles which he + brought with him from college are ill-suited to our atmosphere. What have + the fantastic visions of personal nobility and greatness of soul to do in + court, where 'tis the perfection of wisdom to be great and little by + turns, as occasion demands? The baron is too young and too fiery to take + pleasure in the slow and crooked paths of intrigue. That alone can give + impulse to his ambition which seems glorious and romantic! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (impatiently). But how will these sagacious remarks advance our + affairs? + </p> + <p> + WORM. They will point out to your excellency where the wound lies, and so, + perhaps, help you to find a remedy. Such a character—pardon the + observation—ought never to have been made a confidant, or should + never have been roused to enmity. He detests the means by which you have + risen to power! Perhaps it is only the son that has hitherto sealed the + lips of the betrayer! Give him but a fair opportunity for throwing off the + bonds imposed upon him by nature! only convince him, by unrelenting + opposition to his passion, that you are no longer an affectionate father, + and that moment the duties of a patriot will rush upon him with + irresistible force! Nay, the high-wrought idea of offering so unparalleled + a sacrifice at the shrine of justice might of itself alone have charms + sufficient to reconcile him to the ruin of a parent! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Worm! Worm! To what a horrible abyss do you lead me! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Never fear, my lord, I will lead you back in safety! May I speak + without restraint? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (throwing himself into a seat). Freely, as felon with felon. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Forgive me, then. It seems to me that you have to ascribe all your + influence as president to the courtly art of intrigue; why not resort to + the same means for attaining your ends as a father? I well remember with + what seeming frankness you invited your predecessor to a game at piquet, + and caroused half the night with him over bumpers of Burgundy; and yet it + was the same night on which the great mine you had planned to annihilate + him was to explode. Why did you make a public exhibition of enmity to the + major? You should by no means have let it appear that you knew anything of + his love affair. You should have made the girl the object of your attacks + and have preserved the affection of your son; like the prudent general who + does not engage the prime of the enemy's force but creates disaffection + among the ranks? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. How could this have been effected? + </p> + <p> + WORM. In the simplest manner—even now the game is not entirely lost! + Forget for a time that you are a father. Do not contend against a passion + which opposition only renders more formidable. Leave me to hatch, from the + heat of their own passions, the basilisk which shall destroy them. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. I am all attention. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Either my knowledge of human character is very small, or the major + is as impetuous in jealousy as in love. Make him suspect the girl's + constancy,—whether probable or not does not signify. One grain of + leaven will be enough to ferment the whole mass. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. But where shall we find that grain? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Now, then, I come to the point. But first explain to me how much + depends upon the major's compliance. How far is it of consequence that the + romance with the music-master's daughter should be brought to a conclusion + and the marriage with Lady Milford effected? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. How can you ask me, Worm? If the match with Lady Milford is + broken off I stand a fair chance of losing my whole influence; on the + other hand, if I force the major's consent, of losing my head. + </p> + <p> + WORM (with animation). Now have the kindness to listen to me. The major + must be entangled in a web. Your whole power must be employed against his + mistress. We must make her write a love-letter, address it to a third + party, and contrive to drop it cleverly in the way of the major. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Absurd proposal! As if she would consent to sign her own + death-warrant. + </p> + <p> + WORM. She must do so if you will but let me follow my own plan. I know her + gentle heart thoroughly; she has but two vulnerable sides by which her + conscience can be attacked; they are her father and the major. The latter + is entirely out of the question; we must, therefore, make the most of the + musician. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. In what way? + </p> + <p> + WORM. From the description your excellency gave me of what passed in his + house nothing can be easier than to terrify the father with the threat of + a criminal process. The person of his favorite, and of the keeper of the + seals, is in some degree the representative of the duke himself, and he + who offends the former is guilty of treason towards the latter. At any + rate I will engage with these pretences to conjure up such a phantom as + shall scare the poor devil out of his seven senses. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. But recollect, Worm, the affair must not be carried so far as + to become serious. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Nor shall it. It shall be carried no further than is necessary to + frighten the family into our toils. The musician, therefore, must be + quietly arrested. To make the necessity yet more urgent, we may also take + possession of the mother;—and then we begin to talk of criminal + process, of the scaffold, and of imprisonment for life, and make the + daughter's letter the sole condition of the parent's release. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Excellent! Excellent! Now I begin to understand you! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Louisa loves her father—I might say even to adoration! The + danger which threatens his life, or at least his freedom—the + reproaches of her conscience for being the cause of his misfortunes—the + impossibility of ever becoming the major's wife—the confusion of her + brain, which I take upon myself to produce—all these considerations + make our plan certain of success. She must be caught in the snare. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. But my son—will he not instantly get scent of it? Will it + not make him yet more desperate? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Leave that to me, your excellency! The old folks shall not be set at + liberty till they and their daughter have taken the most solemn oath to + keep the whole transaction secret, and never to confess the deception. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. An oath! Ridiculous! What restraint can an oath be? + </p> + <p> + WORM. None upon us, my lord, but the most binding upon people of their + stamp. Observe, how dexterously by this measure we shall both reach the + goal of our desires. The girl loses at once the affection of her lover, + and her good name; the parents will lower their tone, and, thoroughly + humbled by misfortune, will esteem it an act of mercy, if, by giving her + my hand, I re-establish their daughter's reputation. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (shaking his head and smiling). Artful villain! I confess myself + outdone—no devil could spin a finer snare! The scholar excels his + master. The next question is, to whom must the letter be addressed— + with whom to accuse her of having an intrigue? + </p> + <p> + WORM. It must necessarily be some one who has all to gain or all to lose + by your son's decision in this affair. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (after a moment's reflection). I can think of no one but the + marshal. + </p> + <p> + WORM (shrugs his shoulders). The marshal! He would certainly not be my + choice were I Louisa Miller. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. And why not? What a strange notion! A man who dresses in the + height of fashion—who carries with him an atmosphere of eau de mille + fleurs and musk—who can garnish every silly speech with a handful of + ducats—could all this possibly fail to overcome the delicacy of a + tradesman's daughter? No, no, my good friend, jealousy is not quite so + hard of belief. I shall send for the marshal immediately. (Rings.) + </p> + <p> + WORM. While your excellency takes care of him, and of the fiddler's + arrest, I will go and indite the aforesaid letter. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (seats himself at his writing-table). Do so; and, as soon as it + is ready, bring it hither for my perusal. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit WORM. + + [The PRESIDENT, having written, rises and hands the paper + to a servant who enters. +</pre> + <p> + See this arrest executed without a moment's delay, and let Marshal von + Kalb be informed that I wish to see him immediately. + </p> + <p> + SERVANT. The marshal's carriage has just stopped at your lordship's door. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. So much the better—as for the arrest, let it be managed + with such precaution that no disturbance arise. + </p> + <p> + SERVANT. I will take care, my lord. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. You understand me? The business must be kept quite secret. + </p> + <p> + SERVANT. Your excellency shall be obeyed. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The PRESIDENT—MARSHALL KALB. +</pre> + <p> + MARSHAL (hastily). I have just looked in, en passant, my dear friend! How + are you? How do you get on? We are to have the grand opera Dido to-night! + Such a conflagration!—a whole town will be in flames!—you will + come to the blaze of course—eh? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. I have conflagration enough in my own house, one that threatens + the destruction of all I possess. Be seated, my dear marshal. You arrive + very opportunely to give me your advice and assistance in a certain + business which will either advance our fortunes or utterly ruin us both! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Don't alarm me so, my dear friend! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. As I said before, it must exalt or ruin us entirely! You know + my project respecting the major and Lady Milford—you are not + ignorant how necessary this union is to secure both our fortunes! Marshal, + our plans threaten to come to naught. My son refuses to marry her! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Refuses! Refuses to marry her? But, my goodness! I have published + the news through the whole town. The union is the general topic of + conversation. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Then you will be talked of by all the town as a spreader of + false reports,—in short, Ferdinand loves another. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Pooh! you are joking! As if that were an obstacle? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. With such an enthusiast a most insurmountable one! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Can he be mad enough to spurn his good-fortune? Eh? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Ask him yourself and you'll hear what he will answer. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. But, mon Dieu! what can he answer? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. That he will publish to the world the crime by which we rose to + power—that he will denounce our forged letters and receipts—that + he will send us both to the scaffold. That is what he can answer. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Are you out of your mind? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Nay, that is what he has already answered? He was actually on + the point of putting these threats into execution; and it was only by the + most abject submission that I could persuade him to abandon his design. + What say you to this, marshal? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (with a look of bewildered stupidity). I am at my wits' end! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. That might have blown over. But my spies have just brought me + notice that the grand cupbearer, von Bock, is on the point of offering + himself as a suitor to her ladyship. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. You drive me distracted! Whom did you say? Von Bock? Don't you + know that we are mortal enemies? And don't you know why? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. The first word that I ever heard of it! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. My dear count! You shall hear—your hair will stand on end! + You must remember the famous court ball—it is now just twenty years + ago. It was the first time that English country-dances were introduced—you + remember how the hot wax trickled from the great chandelier on Count + Meerschaum's blue and silver domino. Surely, you cannot have forgotten + that affair! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Who could forget so remarkable a circumstance! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Well, then, in the heat of the dance Princess Amelia lost her + garter. The whole ball, as you may imagine, was instantly thrown into + confusion. Von Bock and myself—we were then fellow-pages—crept + through the whole saloon in search of the garter. At length I discovered + it. Von Bock perceives my good-fortune—rushes forward—tears it + from my hands, and, just fancy—presents it to the princess, and so + cheated me of the honor I had so fortunately earned. What do you think of + that? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. 'Twas most insolent! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. I thought I should have fainted upon the spot. A trick so + malicious was beyond the powers of mortal endurance. At length I recovered + myself; and, approaching the princess, said,—"Von Bock, 'tis true, + was fortunate enough to present the garter to your highness; but he who + first discovered that treasure finds his reward in silence, and is dumb!" + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Bravo, marshal! Admirably said! Most admirable! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. And is dumb! But till the day of judgment will I remember his + conduct—the mean, sneaking sycophant! And as if that were not + aggravation enough, he actually, as we were struggling on the ground for + the garter, rubbed all the powder from one side of my peruke with his + sleeve, and ruined me for the rest of the evening. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. This is the man who will marry Lady Milford, and consequently + soon take the lead at court. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. You plunge a dagger in my heart! But why must he? Why should he + marry her? Why he? Where is the necessity? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Because Ferdinand refuses her, and there is no other candidate. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. But is there no possible method of obtaining your son's consent? + Let the measure be ever so extravagant or desperate—there is nothing + to which I should not willingly consent in order to supplant the hated von + Bock. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. I know but one means of accomplishing this, and that rests + entirely with you. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. With me? Name it, my dear count, name it! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. You must set Ferdinand and his mistress against each other. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Against each other? How do you mean?—and how would that be + possible. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Everything is ours could we make him suspect the girl. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Ah, of theft, you mean? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Pshaw!—he would never believe that! No, no—I mean + that she is carrying on an intrigue with another. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. And this other, who is he to be? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Yourself! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. How? Must I be her lover? Is she of noble birth? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. What signifies that? What an idea!—she is the daughter of + a musician. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. A plebeian?—that will never do! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. What will never do? Nonsense, man! Who in the name of wonder + would think of asking a pair of rosy cheeks for their owner's pedigree? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. But consider, my dear count, a married man! And my reputation at + court! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Oh! that's quite another thing! I beg a thousand pardons, + marshal; I was not aware that a man of unblemished morals held a higher + place in your estimation than a man of power! Let us break up our + conference. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Be not so hasty, count. I did not mean to say that. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (coldly.) No—no! You are perfectly right. I, too, am weary + of office. I shall throw up the game, tender my resignation to the duke, + and congratulate von Bock on his accession to the premiership. This duchy + is not all the world. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. And what am I to do? It is very fine for you to talk thus! You + are a man of learning! But I—mon Dieu! What shall I be if his + highness dismisses me? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. A stale jest!—a thing out of fashion! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. I implore you, my dearest, my most valued friend. Abandon those + thoughts. I will consent to everything! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Will you lend your name to an assignation to which this Louisa + Miller shall invite you in writing? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Well, in God's name let it be so! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. And drop the letter where the major cannot fail to find it. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. For instance, on the parade, where I can let it fall as if + accidentally in drawing out my handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. And when the baron questions you will you assume the character + of a favored rival? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Mort de ma vie! I'll teach him manners! I'll cure him of + interfering in my amours! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Good! Now you speak in the right key. The letter shall be + written immediately! Come in the evening to receive it, and we will talk + over the part you are to play. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. I will be with you the instant I have paid sixteen visits of the + very highest importance. Permit me, therefore, to take my leave without + delay. (Going.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (rings). I reckon upon your discretion, marshal. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (calls back). Ah, mon Dieu! you know me! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit MARSHAL. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The PRESIDENT and WORM. +</pre> + <p> + WORM. The music-master and his wife have been arrested without the least + disturbance. Will your excellency read this letter? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (having read it). Excellent! Excellent, my dear secretary! + poison like this would convert health itself into jaundiced leprosy. The + marshal, too, has taken the bait. Now then away with my proposals to the + father, and then lose no time—with the daughter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exeunt on different sides. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV.—Room in MILLER'S House. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LOUISA and FERDINAND. +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA. Cease, I implore you! I expect no more days of happiness. All my + hopes are levelled with the dust. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. All mine are exalted to heaven! My father's passions are + roused! He will direct his whole artillery against us! He will force me to + become an unnatural son. I will not answer for my filial duty. Rage and + despair will wring from me the dark secret that my father is an assassin! + The son will deliver the parent into the hands of the executioner. This is + a moment of extreme danger, and extreme danger alone could prompt my love + to take so daring a leap! Hear me, Louisa! A thought, vast and + immeasurable as my love, has arisen in my soul—Thou, Louisa, and I, + and Love! Lies not a whole heaven within this circle? Or dost thou feel + that there is still something wanting? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! cease! No more! I tremble to think what you would say. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. If we have no longer a claim upon the world, why should we seek + its approbation? Why venture where nothing can be gained and all may be + lost? Will thine eyes sparkle less brightly reflected by the Baltic waves + than by the waters of the Rhine or the Elbe? Where Louise loves me there + is my native land! Thy footsteps will make the wild and sandy desert far + more attractive than the marble halls of my ancestors. Shall we miss the + pomp of cities? Be we where we may, Louisa, a sun will rise and a sun will + set— SCENEs before which the most glorious achievements of art grow + pale and dim! Though we serve God no more in his consecrated churches, yet + the night shall spread her solemn shadows round us; the changing moon + shall hear our confession, and a glorious congregation of stars join in + our prayers! Think you our talk of love can ever be exhausted! Oh, no! One + smile from Louisa were a theme for centuries—the dream of life will + be over ere I can exhaust the charms of a single tear. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. And hast thou no duty save that of love? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (embracing her). None so sacred as thy peace of mind! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (very seriously). Cease, then, and leave me. I have a father who + possesses no treasure save one only daughter. To-morrow he will be sixty + years old—that he will fall a victim to the vengeance of the + President is most certain! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (interrupting her). He shall accompany us. Therefore no more + objections, my beloved. I will go and convert my valuables into gold, and + raise money on my father's credit! It is lawful to plunder a robber, and + are not his treasures the price for which he has sold his country? This + night, when the clock strikes one, a carriage will stop at your door—throw + yourself into it, and we fly! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Pursued by your father's curse! a curse, unthinking one, which is + never pronounced in vain even by murderers—which the avenging angel + hears when uttered by a malefactor in his last agony—which, like a + fury, will fearfully pursue the fugitives from shore to shore! No, my + beloved! If naught but a crime can preserve you to me, I still have + courage to resign you! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (mutters gloomily). Indeed! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Resign you? Oh! horrible beyond all measure is the thought. + Horrible enough to pierce the immortal spirit and pale the glowing cheeks + of joy! Ferdinand! To resign you! Yet how can one resign what one never + possessed? Your heart is the property of your station. My claim was + sacrilege, and, shuddering, I withdraw it! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (with convulsed features, and biting his underlip). You withdraw + it! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Nay! look upon me, dearest Ferdinand. Gnash not your teeth so + bitterly! Come, let my example rouse your slumbering courage. Let me be + the heroine of this moment. Let me restore to a father his lost son. I + will renounce a union which would sever the bonds by which society is held + together, and overthrow the landmarks of social order. I am the criminal. + My bosom has nourished proud and foolish wishes, and my present misery is + a just punishment. Oh! leave me then the sweet, the consoling idea that + mine is the sacrifice. Canst thou deny me this last satisfaction? + (FERDINAND, stupefied with agitation and anger, seizes a violin and + strikes a few notes upon it; and then tears away the strings, dashes the + instrument upon the ground, and, stamping it to pieces, bursts into a loud + laugh.) Walter! God in Heaven! What mean you? Be not thus unmanned! This + hour requires fortitude; it is the hour of separation! You have a heart, + dear Walter; I know that heart—warm as life is your love—boundless + and immeasurable—bestow it on one more noble, more worthy—she + need not envy the most fortunate of her sex! (Striving to repress her + tears.) You shall see me no more! Leave the vain disappointed girl to + bewail her sorrow in sad and lonely seclusion; where her tears will flow + unheeded. Dead and gone are all my hopes of happiness in this world; yet + still shall I inhale ever and anon the perfumes of the faded wreath! + (Giving him her trembling hand, while her face is turned away.) Baron + Walter, farewell! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (recovering from the stupor in which he was plunged). Louisa, I + fly! Do you indeed refuse to follow me? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (who has retreated to the further end of the apartment, conceals + her countenance with her hands). My duty bids me stay, and suffer. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Serpent! thou liest—some other motive chains thee here! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (in a tone of the most heartfelt sorrow). Encourage that belief. + Haply it may make our parting more supportable. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. What? Oppose freezing duty to fiery love! And dost thou think + to cheat me with that delusion? Some rival detains thee here, and woe be + to thee and him should my suspicions be confirmed! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> + <p> + LOUISA (she remains for some time motionless in the seat upon which she + has thrown herself. At length she rises, comes forward, and looks timidly + around). Where can my parents be? My father promised to return in a few + minutes; yet full five dreadful hours have passed since his departure. + Should any accident——good Heavens! What is come over me? Why + does my heart palpitate so violently? (Here WORM enters, and remains + standing unobserved in the background.) It can be nothing real. 'Tis but + the terrible delusion of my over-heated blood. When once the soul is + wrapped in terror the eye behold spectres in every shadow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LOUISA and WORM. +</pre> + <p> + WORM (approaches her). Good evening, miss. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Heavens! who speaks! (Perceives him, and starts back in terror.) + Ha! Dreadful! dreadful! I fear some dire misfortune is even now realizing + the forebodings of my soul! (To WORM, with a look of disdain.) Do you seek + the president? he is no longer here. + </p> + <p> + WORM. 'Tis you I seek, miss! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I wonder, then, that you did not direct your steps towards the + market-place. + </p> + <p> + WORM. What should I do there? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Release your betrothed from the pillory. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Louisa, you cherish some false suspicion—— + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (sharply interrupting him). What is your business with me? + </p> + <p> + WORM. I come with a message from your father. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (agitated). From my father? Oh! Where is my father? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Where he would fain not be! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Quick, quick, for God's sake! Oh! my foreboding heart! Where is my + father! + </p> + <p> + WORM. In prison, if you needs must know! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with a look towards heaven). This, too! This, too! In prison, said + you? And why in prison? + </p> + <p> + WORM. It is the duke's order. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. The duke's? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Who thinking his own dignity offended by the insults offered to the + person of his representative—— + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. How? How? Oh ye Almighty Powers! + </p> + <p> + WORM.——Has resolved to inflict the most exemplary punishment. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. This was still wanting! This! Yes, in truth. I now feel that my + heart does love another besides Ferdinand! That could not be allowed to + escape! The prince's dignity offended? Heavenly Providence! Save, oh! save + my sinking faith! (After a moment's pause, she turns to WORM.) And + Ferdinand? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Must choose between Lady Milford's hand and his father's curse and + disinheritance. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Terrible choice!—and yet—yet is he the happier of the + two. He has no father to lose—and yet to have none is misery enough! + My father imprisoned for treason—my Ferdinand compelled to choose + between Lady Milford's hand or a parent's curse and disinheritance! Truly + admirable! for even villany so perfect is perfection! Perfection? No! + something is still wanting to complete that. Where is my mother? + </p> + <p> + WORM. In the house of correction. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with a smile of despair). Now the measure is full! It is full, and + I am free—released from all duties—all sorrows—all joys! + Released even from Providence! I have nothing more to do with it! (A + dreadful pause.) Have you aught else to communicate? Speak freely—now + I can hear anything with indifference. + </p> + <p> + WORM. All that has happened you already know. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. But not that which is yet to happen! (Another pause, during which + she surveys WORM from head to foot.) Unfortunate man! you have entered on + a melancholy employment, which can never lead you to happiness. To cause + misery to others is sad enough—but to be the messenger of evil is + horrible indeed—to be the first to shriek the screech-owl's song, to + stand by when the bleeding heart trembles upon the iron shaft of + necessity, and the Christian doubts the existence of a God—Heaven + protect me! Wert thou paid a ton of gold for every tear of anguish which + thou must witness, I would not be a wretch like thee! What is there yet to + happen? + </p> + <p> + WORM. I know not. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. You pretend not to know? This light-shunning embassy trembles at + the sound of words, but the spectre betrays itself in your ghastly visage. + What is there yet to happen? You said the duke will inflict upon him a + most exemplary punishment. What call you exemplary? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Ask me no more. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Terrible man! Some hangman must have schooled thee! Else thou hast + not so well learned to prolong the torture of thy victim before giving the + finishing stroke to the agonized heart! Speak! What fate awaits my father? + Death thou canst announce with a laughing sneer—what then must that + be which thou dost hesitate to disclose? Speak out! Let me at once receive + the overwhelming weight of thy tidings! What fate awaits my father? + </p> + <p> + WORM. A criminal process. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. But what is that? I am an ignorant, innocent girl, and understand + but little of your fearful terms of law. What mean you by a criminal + process? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Judgment upon life or death. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (firmly). Ah! I thank you. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit hastily by a side door. +</pre> + <p> + WORM (alarmed). What means this? Should the simpleton perchance— + confusion! Surely she will not—I must follow her. I am answerable + for her life. (As he is going towards the door, LOUISA returns, wrapped in + a cloak.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Your pardon, Mr. Secretary, I must lock the door. + </p> + <p> + WORM. Whither in such haste? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (passing him). To the duke. + </p> + <p> + WORM (alarmed, detains her). How? Whither? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. To the duke. Do you not hear? Even to that very duke whose will is + to decide upon my father's life or death. Yet no?—'tis not his will + that decides, but the will of wicked men who surround his throne. He lends + naught to this process, save the shadow of his majesty, and his royal + signature. + </p> + <p> + WORM (with a burst of laughter). To the duke! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I know the meaning of that sneering laugh—you would tell me + that I shall find no compassion there. But though I may meet (God preserve + me!) with nothing but scorn—scorn at my sorrows—yet will I to + the duke. I have been told that the great never know what misery is; that + they fly from the knowledge of it. But I will teach the duke what misery + is; I will paint to him, in all the writhing agonies of death, what misery + is; I will cry aloud in wailings that shall creep through the very marrow + of his bones, what misery is; and, while at my picture his hairs shall + stand on end like quills upon the porcupine, will I shriek into his + affrighted ear, that in the hour of death the sinews of these mighty gods + of earth shall shrivel and shrink, and that at the day of judgment beggars + and kings shall be weighed together in the same balance (Going.) + </p> + <p> + WORM (ironically). By all means go to the duke! You can really do nothing + more prudent; I advise you heartily to the step. Only go, and I give you + my word that the duke will grant your suit. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (stopping suddenly). What said you? Do you yourself advise the + step? (Returns hastily). What am I about to do? Something wicked surely, + since this man approves it—how know you that the prince will grant + my suit? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Because he will not have to grant it unrewarded. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Not unrewarded? And what price does he set on his humanity? + </p> + <p> + WORM. The person of the fair suppliant will be payment enough! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (stopping for a moment in mute dismay—in a feeble voice). + Almighty God! + </p> + <p> + WORM. And I trust that you will not think your father's life over-valued + when 'tis purchased at so gracious a price. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with great indignation). True, oh! true! The great are entrenched + from truth behind their own vices, safely as behind the swords of + cherubim. The Almighty protect thee, father! Your child can die— but + not sin for thee. + </p> + <p> + WORM. This will be agreeable news for the poor disconsolate old man. "My + Louisa," says he, "has bowed me down to the earth; but my Louisa will + raise me up again." I hasten to him with your answer. (Affects to be about + to depart.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (flies after him and holds him back). Stay! stay! one moment's + patience! How nimble this Satan is, when his business is to drive humanity + distracted! I have bowed him to the earth! I must raise him up again! + Speak to me! Counsel me! What can I, what must I do? + </p> + <p> + WORM. There is but one means of saving him! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. What is that means? + </p> + <p> + WORM. And your father approves of it—— + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. My father? Oh! name that means. + </p> + <p> + WORM. It is easy for you to execute. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I know of nothing harder than infamy! + </p> + <p> + WORM. Suppose you were to release the major from his engagement? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Release him! Do you mock me? Do you call that a choice to which + force compelled me? + </p> + <p> + WORM. You mistake me, dear girl! The major must resign you willingly, and + be the first to retract his engagement. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. That he will never do. + </p> + <p> + WORM. So it appears. Should we, do you think, have had recourse to you + were it not that you alone are able to help us? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I cannot compel him to hate me. + </p> + <p> + WORM. We will try! Be seated. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (drawing back). Man! What is brooding in thy artful brain? + </p> + <p> + WORM. Be seated. Here are paper, pens, and ink. Write what I dictate. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (sitting down in the greatest uneasiness). What must I write? To + whom must I write? + </p> + <p> + WORM. To your father's executioner. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Ah! How well thou knowest to torture souls to thy purpose. (Takes + a pen.) + </p> + <p> + WORM (dictating to her). "My dear Sir (LOUISA writes with a trembling + hand,) three days, three insupportable days, have already passed—already + passed—since last we met." + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (starts, and lays down her pen). To whom is the letter? + </p> + <p> + WORM. To your father's executioner. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! my God! + </p> + <p> + WORM. "But for this you must blame the major—the major—who + watches me all day with the vigilance of an Argus." + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (starting up). Villany! Villany beyond all precedent! To whom is + the letter? + </p> + <p> + WORM. To your father's executioner. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (paces to and fro, wringing her hands). No, no, no! This is + tyrannical! Oh Heaven! If mortals provoke thee, punish them like mortals; + but wherefore must I be placed between two precipices? Wherefore am I + hurled by turns from death to infamy, from infamy to death? Wherefore is + my neck made the footstool of this blood-sucking fiend? No; do what thou + wilt, I will never write that! + </p> + <p> + WORM (seizing his hat). As you please, miss! It rests entirely on your own + pleasure! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Pleasure, say'st thou? On my own pleasure? Go, barbarian! Suspend + some unfortunate over the pit of hell; then make your demands, and ask + your victim if it be his pleasure to grant your request! Oh! Thou knowest + but too well that the bonds of nature bind our hearts as firmly as chains! + But all is now alike indifferent. Dictate! I cease to think! Artifices of + hell, I yield to ye! (She resumes her seat at the table.) + </p> + <p> + WORM. "With the vigilance of an Argus." Have you written it? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Proceed, proceed! + </p> + <p> + WORM. "The president was here yesterday. It was amusing to see how warm + the poor major was in defence of my honor." + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Excellent! Excellent! Oh! Admirable! Quick! quick, go on! + </p> + <p> + WORM. "I had recourse to a swoon—a swoon—that I might not + laugh aloud"—— + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh, Heavens! + </p> + <p> + WORM. "But the mask which I have worn so long is becoming insupportable + —insupportable. Oh! if I could but rid myself of him." + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (rises, and walks a few turns with her head bent down, as if she + sought something upon the floor: then returns to her place, and continues + to write). "Rid myself of him." + </p> + <p> + WORM. "He will be on duty to-morrow—observe when he leaves me, and + hasten to the usual place." Have you written "the usual place?" + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Everything, everything! + </p> + <p> + WORM. "To the usual place, to meet your devotedly attached Louisa." + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Now then, the address? + </p> + <p> + WORM. "To Marshal von Kalb." + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Eternal Providence! A name as foreign to my ear as these + scandalous lines are to my heart! (She rises, and for some moments surveys + the writing with a vacant gaze. At length she hands it to WORM, speaking + in a voice trembling and exhausted.) Take it, Sir! What I now put into + your hands is my good name. It is Ferdinand—it is the whole joy of + my life! You have it, and now I am a beggar—— + </p> + <p> + WORM. Oh! Not so! Despair not, dear girl! You inspire me with the most + heartfelt pity! Perhaps—who knows? I might even now overlook certain + parts of your conduct—yes! Heaven is my witness, how deeply I + compassionate your sorrows! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (giving him a piercing look). Do not explain yourself! You are on + the point of asking something more terrible than all. + </p> + <p> + WORM (attempting to kiss her hand). What if I asked this little hand? + Would that be terrible, Louisa? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with great indignation). Yes! for I should strangle you on the + bridal night: and for such a deed I would joyfully yield my body to be + torn on the rack! (She is going, but comes hurriedly back.) Is all settled + between us, sir? May the dove be released? + </p> + <p> + WORM. A trifle yet remains, maiden! You must swear, by the holy sacrament, + to acknowledge this letter for your free and voluntary act. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh God! Oh God! And wilt thou grant thine own seal to confirm the + works of hell? (WORM leads her away.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT IV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. Saloon in the PRESIDENT'S House. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND VON WALTER enters in great excitement with an open letter + in his hand, and is met by a SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND. Is the marshal here? + </p> + <p> + SERVANT. My lord, his highness the president is inquiring for you. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Fire and fury! I ask is the marshal here? + </p> + <p> + SERVANT. His honor is engaged at the faro-table, above stairs. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Tell his honor, in the name of all the devils in hell, to make + his appearance this instant! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> + <p> + FERDINAND (hastily reading the letter, at one moment seeming petrified + with astonishment, at the next pacing the room with fury). Impossible! + quite impossible! A form so heavenly cannot hide so devilish a heart. And + yet!—and yet! Though all the angels of heaven should descend on + earth and proclaim her innocence—though heaven and earth, the + Creator and the created, should, with one accord, vouch for her innocence—it + is her hand, her own hand! Treachery, monstrous, infernal treachery, such + as humanity never before witnessed! This, then, was the reason she so + resolutely opposed our flight! This it was—Oh, God! Now I awake from + my dream! Now the veil is lifted! This, then, is why she surrendered with + so much seeming heroism her claims on my affection, and all but cheated me + with her saint-like demeanor! (He traverses the chamber rapidly, and then + remains for some moments in deep thought.) To fathom my heart to its very + core! To reciprocate every lofty sentiment, every gentle emotion, every + fiery ebullition! To sympathize with every secret breathing of my soul! To + study me even in her tears! To mount with me to the sublimest heights of + passion—to brave with me, undaunted, each fearful precipice! God of + heaven! And was all this deceit? mere grimace? Oh, if falsehood can assume + so lovely an appearance of truth why has no devil yet lied himself back + into heaven? + </p> + <p> + When I unfolded to her the dangers which threatened our affection, with + what convincing artifice did the false one turn pale! With what + overpowering dignity did she repulse my father's licentious scoffs! yet at + that very moment the deceiver was conscious of her guilt! Nay, did she not + even undergo the fiery ordeal of truth? Forsooth, the hypocrite fainted! + What must now be thy language, sensibility, since coquettes faint? How + wilt thou vindicate thyself, innocence?—for even strumpets faint? + </p> + <p> + She knows her power over me—she has seen through my very heart! My + soul shone conspicuous in my eyes at the blush of her first kiss. And that + she should have felt nothing! or perhaps felt only the triumph of her art; + whilst my happy delirium fancied that in her I embraced a whole heaven, my + wildest wishes were hushed! No thought but of her and eternity was present + to my mind. Oh, God! and yet she felt nothing? Nothing? but that her + artifice had triumphed! That her charms were flattered! Death and + vengeance! Nothing, but that I was betrayed! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND, the MARSHAL. +</pre> + <p> + MARSHAL (tripping into the room). I am told, my dear baron, that you have + expressed a wish—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (muttering to himself). To break your rascally neck. (Aloud.) + Marshal, this letter must have dropped out of your pocket on parade. (With + a malicious smile.) And I have been the fortunate finder. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. You? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. By a singular coincidence! Now, balance thy account with + heaven! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. You quite alarm me, baron! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Read it, sir, read it! (Turning from him.) If I am not good + enough for a lover perhaps I may do for a pimp. (While the MARSHAL reads, + FERDINAND goes to the wall and takes down the pistols.) + </p> + <p> + KALB (throws the letter upon the table, and rushes off). Confusion! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (leads him back by the arm). Wait a little, my dear marshal! The + intelligence contained in that letter appears to be agreeable! The finder + must have his reward. (Showing him the pistols.) + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (starts back in alarm). Have you lost your senses, baron? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (in a terrible voice). I have more than enough left to rid the + world of such a scoundrel as you! Choose one of these instantly! (He + forces a pistol into the MARSHAL'S hand, and then draws out his + handkerchief.) And now take the other end of this handkerchief! It was + given me by the strumpet herself! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. What, shoot over the handkerchief? Baron, are you mad? What can + you be thinking of? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Lay hold of it, I say! or you will be sure to miss your aim, + coward! How the coward trembles! You should thank God, you pitiful coward, + that you have a chance for once of getting something in your empty + brain-box. (The MARSHAL takes to his heels.) Gently, gently! I'll take + care of that. (Overtakes him and bolts the door.) + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Surely you will not fight in the chamber? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. As if you were worth the trouble of a walk beyond the + boundaries! The report, my dear fellow, will be louder, and, for the first + time, you will make some noise in the world. Now, then, take hold! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (wiping his forehead). Yet consider, I entreat. Would you risk + your precious life, young and promising as you are, in this desperate + manner? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Take hold, I say! I have nothing more to do in this world! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. But I have much, my dearest, most excellent friend! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Thou, wretch—thou? What hast thou to do, but to play the + stop-gap, where honest men keep aloof! To stretch or shrink seven times in + an instant, like the butterfly on a pin? To be privy registrar in chief + and clerk of the jordan? To be the cap-and-bell buffoon on which your + master sharpens his wit? Well, well, let it be so. I will carry you about + with me, as I would a marmot of rare training. You shall skip and dance, + like a tamed monkey, to the howling of the damned; fetch, carry, and + serve; and with your courtly arts enliven the wailings of everlasting + despair! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Anything you please, dear major! Whatever you please! Only take + away the pistols! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. How he stands there, poor trembling wretch! There he stands, a + blot on the sixth day of creation. He looks as if he were a piratical + counterfeit of the Almighty original. Pity, eternal pity! that an atom of + brains should lie wasting in so barren a skull! That single atom bestowed + upon a baboon might have made him a perfect man, whereas it is now a mere + useless fragment. And that she should share her heart with a thing like + this! Monstrous! Incredible! A wretch more formed to wean from sin than to + excite it! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Praised be Heaven! he is getting witty. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I will let him live! That toleration which spares the + caterpillar shall be extended to him! Men shall look on him in wonder, + and, shrugging their shoulders, admire the wise dispensation of + Providence, which can feed its creatures with husks and scourings; which + spreads the table for the raven on the gallows, and for the courtier in + the slime of majesty. We wonder at the wisdom of Providence, which even in + the world of spirits maintains its staff of venomous reptiles for the + dissemination of poison. (Relapsing into rage.) But such vermin shall not + pollute my rose; sooner will I crush it to atoms (seizing the MARSHAL and + shaking him roughly), thus—and thus—and thus—— + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Oh! God, that I were away from here! hundreds of miles away in + the asylum for maniacs at Paris! Anywhere but near this man! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Villain! If she be no longer pure! Villain! If thou hast + profaned where I worshipped! (with increased fury). If thou hast polluted, + where I believed myself the god! (Pausing suddenly; then in a solemn + terrible voice.) It were better for thee, villain, to flee to hell, than + to encounter my wrath in heaven! Confess! To what extent has your + unhallowed love proceeded? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Let me go! I will confess everything. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Oh! it must be more rapturous even to be her licentious + paramour than to burn with the purest flame for any other! Would she + surrender her charms to unlicensed pleasure she might dissolve the soul + itself to sin, and make voluptuousness pass for virtue (pressing his + pistol against the MARSHAL'S breast). To what extremities have you + proceeded? Confess this instant or I fire! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. There is nothing at all in it, I assure you! There is not a + syllable of truth in the whole business! Have but a moment's patience! You + are deceived, indeed you are! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (furiously). And dare you remind me of that, villain? To what + extremities have you proceeded? Confess, or you are a dead man! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. Mon Dieu! My God! You mistake my words! Only listen for a moment. + When a father—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (still more enraged). No doubt! He threw his daughter into your + arms? And how far have you proceeded? Confess, or I will murder you! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. You rave! You will not listen! I never saw her! I don't know her! + I know nothing at all about her! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (drawing back). You never saw her? You don't know her? Know + nothing at all about her? Louisa is lost to me forever on thy account, and + yet in one breath hast thou denied her thrice. Go, wretch, go (he gives + him a blow with the pistol, and thrusts him out of the chamber); powder + were thrown away on such a miscreant. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit MARSHAL. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> + <p> + FERDINAND (after a long silence, during which his countenance declares him + to be agitated by some dreadful idea). Forever lost? Yes, false + unfortunate, both are lost! Ay, by the Almighty God! if I am lost, thou + art so too. Judge of the world, ask her not from me! She is mine. For her + sake I renounced the whole world—abandoned all thy glorious + creation. Leave me the maid, great Judge of the world! Millions of souls + pour out their plaints to thee—turn on them thine eye of compassion, + but leave me, Almighty Judge—leave me to myself. (Clasping his hands + in agony.) Can the bountiful, the munificent Creator be covetous of one + miserable soul, and that soul the worst of his creation? The maiden is + mine! Once I was her god, but now I am her devil! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (Fixes his eyes with terrible expression.) +</pre> + <p> + An eternity passed with her upon the rack of everlasting perdition! Her + melting eye-balls riveted on mine! Our blazing locks entwined together! + Our shrieks of agony dissolving into one! And then to renew to her my vows + of love, and chant unceasingly her broken oaths! God! God! The union is + dreadful—and eternal! (As he is about to rush off, the PRESIDENT + meets him.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND, the PRESIDENT. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND (starting back). Ha! my father. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. I am glad to meet with you, Ferdinand! I come to bring you some + pleasant news—something that will certainly surprise you, my dear + son. Shall we be seated? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (after gazing upon him for some time with a vacant stare). My + father! (Going to him with emotion, and grasping his hand.) My father! + (Kissing it, and falling at his feet.) Oh, father! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. What is the matter? Rise, my son. Your hand burns and trembles! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (wildly). Forgive my ingratitude, father! I am a lost man! I + have misinterpreted your kindness! Your meaning was so truly—truly + paternal! Oh! you had a prophetic soul! Now it is too late! Pardon! + pardon! Your blessing, my dear father! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (feigning astonishment). Arise, my son! Recollect that your + words to me are riddles! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. This Louisa, dear father! Oh! You understand mankind! Your + anger was so just, so noble, so truly the zeal of a father! had not its + very earnestness led you to mistake the way. This Louisa! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Spare me, dear boy! Curses on my severity! come to entreat your + forgiveness—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Forgiveness from me! Curse me rather. Your disapproval was + wisdom! Your severity was heavenly mercy! This Louisa, father—— + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Is a noble, a lovely girl! I recall my too rash suspicions! She + has won my entire esteem! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (starting up). What? You, too? Father, even you? And is she not, + father, the very personification of innocence? And is it not so natural to + love this maiden? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Say, rather, 'twere a crime not to love her. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Incredible! wonderful! And you, too, who can so thoroughly see + through the heart! And you, who saw her faults with the eyes of hatred! + Oh, unexampled hypocrisy! This Louisa, father! + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Is worthy to be my daughter! Her virtues supply the want of + ancestry, her beauty the want of fortune. My prudential maxims yield to + the force of your attachment. Louisa shall be yours! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Naught but this wanting! Father, farewell! (Rushes out of the + apartment.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (following him). Stay, my son, stay! Whither do you fly? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI.—A magnificent Saloon in LADY MILFORD'S House. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Enter LADY MILFORD and SOPHIA. +</pre> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. You have seen her then? Will she come? + </p> + <p> + SOPHIA. Yes, in a moment! She was in dishabille, and only requested time + to change her dress. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Speak not of her. Silence! I tremble like a criminal at the + prospect of beholding that fortunate woman whose heart sympathizes thus + cruelly with my own. And how did she receive my invitation? + </p> + <p> + SOPHIA. She seemed surprised, became thoughtful, fixed her eyes on me + steadfastly, and for a while remained silent. I was already prepared for + her excuses, when she returned me this answer with a look that quite + astonished me; "Tell your mistress that she commands what I myself + intended to request to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Leave me, Sophia! Pity me! I must blush if she is but an + ordinary woman—despair if she is more! + </p> + <p> + SOPHIA. But, my lady! it is not in this spirit that a rival should be + received! Remember who you are! Summon to your aid your birth, your rank, + your power! A prouder soul should heighten the gorgeous splendor of your + appearance. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (in a fit of absence). What is the simpleton babbling about? + </p> + <p> + SOPHIA (maliciously). Or, is it, perhaps, by chance that to-day, in + particular, you are adorned with your most costly brilliants? by chance + that you are to-day arrayed in your most sumptuous robes? that your + antechamber is crowded with guards and pages; and that the tradesman's + daughter is to be received in the most stately apartment of the palace? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (angry and nettled). This is outrageous! Insupportable! Oh + that woman should have such argus-eyes for woman's weakness! How low, how + irretrievably low must I have fallen when such a creature has power to + fathom me! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LADY MILFORD, SOPHIA, a SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + SERVANT (entering). Ma'mselle Miller waits. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (to SOPHIA). Hence with you! Leave the room instantly! + (Imperiously, as the latter hesitates.) Must I repeat my orders? (SOPHIA + retires—LADY MILFORD takes a few turns hastily.) So; 'tis well that + I have been excited! I am in the fitter mood for this meeting. (To the + SERVANT.) Let her approach. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit SERVANT. LADY MILFORD throws herself upon the sofa, + and assumes a negligent but studied attitude. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LADY MILFORD, LOUISA. + + LOUISA enters timidly, and remains standing at a great distance + from LADY MILFORD, who has turned her back towards her, and for + some time watches her attentively in the opposite looking-glass. + After a pause——- +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA. Noble lady, I await your commands. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (turning towards LOUISA, and making a slight and distant + motion with her head.) Oh! Are you there? I presume the young lady—a + certain——. Pray what is your name? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (somewhat sensitively). My father's name is Miller. Your ladyship + expressed a wish to see his daughter. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. True, true! I remember. The poor musician's daughter, of + whom we were speaking the other day. (Aside, after a pause.) Very + interesting, but no beauty! (To LOUISA.) Come nearer, my child. (Again + aside.) Eyes well practised in weeping. Oh! How I love those eyes! + (Aloud.) Nearer—come nearer! Quite close! I really think, my good + child, that you are afraid of me! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with firmness and dignity). No, my lady—I despise the + opinion of the multitude! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (aside). Well, to be sure! She has learnt this boldness from + him. (To LOUISA.) You have been recommended to me, miss! I am told that + you have been decently educated, and are well disposed. I can readily + believe it; besides, I would not, for the world, doubt the word of so warm + an advocate. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. And yet I remember no one, my lady, who would be at the trouble to + seek your ladyship's patronage for me! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (significantly). Does that imply my unworthiness, or your + humility? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Your words are beyond my comprehension, lady. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. More cunning than I should have expected from that open + countenance. (To LOUISA.) Your name is Louisa, I believe? May I inquire + your age? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Sixteen, just turned. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (starting up). Ha! There it is! Sixteen! The first pulsation + of love! The first sweet vibration upon the yet unsounded harp! Nothing is + more fascinating. (To LOUISA.) Be seated, lovely girl—I am anxious + about you. (To herself.) And he, too, loves for the first time! What + wonder, if the ruddy morning beams should meet and blend? (To LOUISA, + taking her hand affectionately.) 'Tis settled: I will make your fortune. + (To herself.) Oh! there is nothing in it: nothing, but the sweet transient + vision of youth! (To LOUISA, patting her on the cheek.) My Sophy is on the + point of leaving me to be married: you shall have her place. But just + sixteen? Oh! it can never last. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (kissing her hand respectfully). Receive my thanks, lady, for your + intended favors, and believe me not the less grateful though I may decline + to accept them. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (relapsing into disdain and anger). Only hear the great lady! + Girls of your station generally think themselves fortunate to obtain such + promotion. What is your dependence, my dainty one? Are these fingers too + delicate for work?—or is it your pretty baby-face that makes you + give yourself these airs? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. My face, lady, is as little of my own choice as my station! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Perhaps you believe that your beauty will last forever? Poor + creature! Whoever put that into your head—be he who he may—has + deceived both you and himself! The colors of those cheeks are not burnt in + with fire: what your mirror passes off upon you as solid and enduring is + but a slight tinselling, which, sooner or later, will rub off in the hands + of the purchaser. What then, will you do? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Pity the purchaser, lady, who bought a diamond because it appeared + to be set in gold. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (affecting not to hear her). A damsel of your age has ever + two mirrors, the real one, and her admirer. The flattering complaisance of + the latter counterbalances the rough honesty of the former. What the one + proclaims frightful pock-marks, the other declares to be dimples that + would adorn the Graces. The credulous maid believes only so much of the + former as is confirmed by the latter, and hies from one to the other till + she confounds their testimonies, and concludes by fancying them to be both + of one opinion. Why do you stare at me so? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Pardon me, lady! I was just then pitying those gorgeous sparkling + brilliants, which are unconscious that their possessor is so strenuous a + foe to vanity. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (reddening). No evasion, miss. Were it not that you depend + upon personal attractions, what in the world could induce you to reject a + situation, the only one where you can acquire polish of manners and divest + yourself of your plebeian prejudices? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. And with them, I presume, my plebeian innocence! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Preposterous objection! The most dissolute libertine dares + not to disrespect our sex, unless we ourselves encourage him by advances. + Prove what you are; make manifest your virtue and honor, and I will + guarantee your innocence from danger. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Of that, lady, permit me to entertain a doubt! The palaces of + certain ladies are but too often made a theatre for the most unbridled + licentiousness. Who will believe that a poor musician's daughter could + have the heroism to plunge into the midst of contagion and yet preserve + herself untainted? Who will believe that Lady Milford would perpetually + hold a scorpion to her breast, and lavish her wealth to purchase the + advantage of every moment feeling her cheeks dyed with the crimson blush + of shame? I will be frank, lady!—while I adorned you for some + assignation, could you meet my eye unabashed? Could you endure my glance + when you returned? Oh! better, far better, would it be that oceans should + roll between us—that we should inhabit different climes! Beware, my + lady!—hours of temperance, moments of satiety might intrude; the + gnawing worm of remorse might plant its sting in your bosom, and then what + a torment would it be for you to read in the countenance of your handmaid + that calm serenity with which virtue ever rewards an uncorrupted heart! + (Retiring a few steps.) Once more, gracious lady, I entreat your pardon! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (extremely agitated). Insupportable, that she should tell me + this! Still more insupportable, that what she tells is true! (Turning to + LOUISA, and looking at her steadfastly.) Girl! girl! this artifice does + not blind me. Mere opinions do not speak out so warmly. Beneath the cloak + of these sentiments lurks some far dearer interest. 'Tis that which makes + my service particularly distasteful—which gives such energy to your + language. (In a threatening voice.) What it is I am determined to + discover. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (with calm dignity). And what if you do discover it? Suppose the + contemptuous trampling of your foot should rouse the injured worm, which + its Creator has furnished with a sting to protect it against misusage. I + fear not your vengeance, lady! The poor criminal extended on the rack can + look unappalled even on the dissolution of the world. My misery is so + exquisite that even sincerity cannot draw down upon me any further + infliction! (After a pause.) You say that you would raise me from the + obscurity of my station. I will not examine the motives of this suspicious + favor. I will only ask, what could induce you to think me so foolish as to + blush at my station? What could induce you to become the architect of my + happiness, before you knew whether I was willing to receive that happiness + at your hands? I had forever renounced all claims upon the pleasures of + the world. I had forgiven fortune that she had dealt with me so niggardly. + Ah! why do you remind me of all this. If the Almighty himself hides his + glory from the eyes of his creatures, lest the highest seraph should be + overwhelmed by a sense of his own insignificance, why should mortals be so + cruelly compassionate? Lady, lady! why is your vaunted happiness so + anxious to excite the envy and wonder of the wretched? Does your bliss + stand in need of the exhibition of despair for entertainment? Oh! rather + grant me that blindness which alone can reconcile me to my barbarous lot! + The insect feels itself as happy in a drop of water as though that drop + was a paradise: so happy, and so contented! till some one tells it of a + world of water, where navies ride and whales disport themselves! But you + wish to make me happy, say you? (After a pause, she advances towards LADY + MILFORD, and asks her suddenly.) Are you happy, lady? (LADY MILFORD turns + from her hastily, and overpowered. LOUISA follows her, and lays her hand + upon her bosom.) Does this heart wear the smile of its station? Could we + now exchange breast for breast, and fate for fate—were I, in + childlike innocence, to ask you on your conscience—were I to ask you + as a mother— would you really counsel me to make the exchange? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (greatly excited, throwing herself on the sofa). Intolerable! + Incomprehensible! No, Louisa, no! This greatness of thought is not your + own, and your conceptions are too fiery, too full of youth, to be inspired + by your father. Deceive me not! I detect another teacher—— + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (looking piercingly at her). I cannot but wonder, my lady, that you + should have only just discovered that other teacher, and yet have + previously shown so much anxiety to patronize me! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (starting up). 'Tis not to be borne! Well, then, since I + cannot escape you, I know him—know everything—know more than I + wish to know! (Suddenly restraining herself, then continuing with a + violence which by degrees increases to frenzy.) But dare, unhappy one!—dare + but still to love, or be beloved by him! What did I say? Dare but to think + of him, or to be one of his thoughts! I am powerful, unhappy one!— + dreadful in my vengeance! As sure as there is a God in heaven thou art + lost forever! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (undaunted). Past all redemption, my lady, the moment you succeed + in compelling him to love you! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. I understand you—but I care not for his love! I will + conquer this disgraceful passion. I will torture my own heart; but thine + will I crush to atoms! Rocks and chasms will I hurl between you. I will + rush, like a fury, into the heaven of your joys. My name shall affright + your loves as a spectre scares an assassin. That young and blooming form + in his embrace shall wither to a skeleton. I cannot be blest with him— + neither shalt thou. Know, wretched girl; that to blast the happiness of + others is in itself a happiness! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. A happiness, my lady, which is already beyond your reach! Seek not + to deceive your own heart! You are incapable of executing what you + threaten! You are incapable of torturing a being who has done you no wrong—but + whose misfortune it is that her feelings have been sensible to impressions + like your own. But I love you for these transports, my lady! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (recovering herself). Where am I? What have I done? What + sentiments have I betrayed? To whom have I betrayed them? Oh, Louisa, + noble, great, divine soul, forgive the ravings of a maniac! Fear not, my + child! I will not injure a hair of thy head! Name thy wishes! Ask what + thou wilt! I will serve thee with all my power; I will be thy friend— + thy sister! Thou art poor; look (taking off her brilliants), I will sell + these jewels—sell my wardrobe—my carriages and horses—all + shall be thine—grant me but Ferdinand! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (draws back indignantly). Does she mock my despair?—or is she + really innocent of participation in that cruel deed? Ha! then I may yet + assume the heroine, and make my surrender of him pass for a sacrifice! + (Remains for a while absorbed in thought, then approaches LADY MILFORD, + seizes her hand, and gazes on her with a fixed and significant look.) Take + him, lady! I here voluntarily resign the man whom hellish arts have torn + from my bleeding bosom! Perchance you know it not, my lady! but you have + destroyed the paradise of two lovers; you have torn asunder two hearts + which God had linked together; you have crushed a creature not less dear + to him than yourself, and no less created for happiness; one by whom he + was worshipped as sincerely as by you; but who, henceforth, will worship + him no more. But the Almighty is ever open to receive the last groan of + the trampled worm. He will not look on with indifference when creatures in + his keeping are murdered. Now Ferdinand is yours. Take him, lady, take + him! Rush into his arms! Drag him with you to the altar! But forget not + that the spectre of a suicide will rush between you and the bridal kiss. + God be merciful! No choice is left me! (Rushes out of the chamber.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LADY MILFORD alone, in extreme agitation, gazing on the door by + which LOUISA left. At length she recovers from her stupor. +</pre> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. What was that? What preys so on my heart? What said the + unhappy one? Still, O heaven, the dreadful, damning words ring in my ears! + "Take him! Take him!" What should I take, unfortunate? the bequest of your + dying groan—the fearful legacy of your despair? Gracious heaven! am + I then fallen so low? Am I so suddenly hurled from the towering throne of + my pride that I greedily await what a beggar's generosity may throw me in + the last struggle of death? "Take him! Take him!" And with what a tone was + it uttered!—with what a look! What! Amelia! is it for this thou hast + overleaped the bounds of thy sex? For this didst thou vaunt the glorious + title of a free-born Briton, that thy boasted edifice of honor might sink + before the nobler soul of a despised and lowly maiden? No, proud + unfortunate! No! Amelia Milford may blush for shame,—but shall never + be despised. I, too, have courage to resign. (She walks a few paces with a + majestic gait.) Hide thyself, weak, suffering woman! Hence, ye sweet and + golden dreams of love! Magnanimity alone be now my guide. These lovers are + lost, or Amelia must withdraw her claim, and renounce the prince's heart. + (After a pause, with animation.) It is determined! The dreadful obstacle + is removed—broken are the bonds which bound me to the duke—torn + from my bosom this raging passion. Virtue, into thy arms I throw myself. + Receive thy repentant daughter. Ha! how happy do I feel! How suddenly + relieved my heart, and how exalted! Glorious as the setting sun, will I + this day descend from the pinnacle of my greatness; my grandeur shall + expire with my love, and my own heart be the only sharer of my proud + exile! (Going to her writing-table with a determined air.) It must be done + at once—now, on the spot—before the recollection of Ferdinand + renews the cruel conflict in my bosom! (She seats herself, and begins to + write). + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LADY MILFORD, an ATTENDANT, SOPHIA, afterwards the MARSHAL, + and then SERVANTS. +</pre> + <p> + SERVANT. Marshal von Kalb is in the ante-chamber, and brings a message + from his highness. + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (not hearing him in the eagerness of writing). How the + illustrious puppet will stare! The idea is singular enough, I own, the + presuming to astonish his serene numskull. In what confusion will his + court be thrown! The whole country will be in a ferment. + </p> + <p> + SERVANT and SOPHIA. Marshal von Kalb, my lady! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (turning round). Who? the marshal? So much the better! Such + creatures were designed by nature to carry the ass' panniers. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit SERVANT. +</pre> + <p> + SOPHIA (approaching anxiously). If I were not fearful, my lady, that you + would think it presumption. (LADY MILFORD continuing to write eagerly.) + Louisa Miller rushed madly to the hall—you are agitated—you + speak to yourself. (LADY MILFORD continues writing.) I am quite alarmed. + What can have happened? (The MARSHAL enters, making repeated bows at LADY + MILFORD'S back; as she takes no notice of him, he comes nearer, stands + behind her chair, touches the hem of her dress, and imprints a kiss on it, + saying in a tremulous voice.) His serene highness—— + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (while she peruses hastily what she has written). He will tax + me with black ingratitude! "I was poor and forsaken! He raised me from + misery! From misery." Detestable exchange! Annul my bond, seducer! The + blush of my eternal shame repays my debt with interest. + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (after endeavoring in vain to catch her eye). Your ladyship seems + somewhat absent. I take the liberty of permitting myself the boldness + (very loud)—his serene highness, my lady, has sent me to inquire + whether you mean to honor this evening's gala with your presence, or the + theatre? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (rising, with a laugh). One or the other, sweet sir. In the + meantime take this paper to your duke for his dessert. (To SOPHIA.) Do + you, Sophia, give directions to have my carriage brought to the door + without delay, and call my whole household together in this saloon. + </p> + <p> + SOPHIA (goes out in great astonishment). Heavens! What do I forebode? What + will this end in? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. You seem excited, my lady! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. The greater the chance of my letting you into a little + truth. Rejoice, my Lord Marshal! There is a place vacant at court. A fine + time for panders. (As the MARSHAL throws a look of suspicion upon the + paper.) Read it, read it! 'Tis my desire that the contents should be made + public. (While he reads it, the domestics enter, and range themselves in + the background.) + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (reading). "Your highness—an engagement, broken by you so + lightly, can no longer be binding on me. The happiness of your subjects + was the condition of my love. For three years the deception has lasted. + The veil at length falls from my eyes! I look with disgust on favors which + are stained with the tears of your subjects. Bestow the love which I can + no longer accept upon your weeping country, and learn from a British + princess compassion to your German people. Within an hour I shall have + quitted your dominions. JOANNA NORFOLK" + </p> + <p> + SERVANTS (exclaiming to each other in astonishment). Quitted the + dominions! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (replaces the letter upon the table in terror). God forbid, my + dear and most excellent lady! The bearer of such a letter would be as mad + as the writer! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. That is your concern, you pink of a courtier! Alas! I am + sorry to know that you, and such as you, would choke even in the utterance + of what others dare to do. My advice is that you bake the letter in a + venison pasty, so that his most serene highness may find it on his plate! + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL. God preserve me! What presumption! Ponder well, I entreat you. + Reflect on the disgrace which you will bring down upon yourself, my lady! + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD (turning to the assembled domestics, and addressing them in + the deepest emotion). You seem amazed, good people; and anxiously awaiting + the solution of this riddle? Draw nearer, my friends! You have served me + truly and affectionately; have looked into my eyes rather than my purse. + My pleasure was your study, my approbation your pride! Woe is me, that the + remembrance of your fidelity must be the record of my unworthiness! + Unhappy fate, that the darkest season of my life should have been the + brightest of yours! (Her eyes suffused with tears.) We must part, my + children. Lady Milford has ceased to exist, and Joanna of Norfolk is too + poor to repay your love. What little wealth I have my treasurer will share + among you. This palace belongs to the duke. The poorest of you will quit + it far richer than his mistress! Farewell, my children! (She extends her + hand, which they all in turn kiss, with marks of sorrow and affection.) I + understand you, my good people! Farewell! forever farewell! (Struggling + with her feelings.) I hear the carriage at the door. (She tears herself + away, and is hurrying out when the MARSHAL arrests her progress.) How, + now? Pitiful creature, art thou still there? + </p> + <p> + MARSHAL (who all this while has been gazing in vacant astonishment at the + letter). And must I be the person to put this letter into the most august + hands of his most serene highness? + </p> + <p> + LADY MILFORD. Pitiful creature, even thou! Thou must deliver into his most + august hands, and convey to his most august ears, that, as I cannot go + barefoot to Loretto, I will support myself by the labor of my hands, that + I may be purified from the disgrace of having condescended to rule him. + (She hurries off—the rest silently disperse.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT V. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I.—Twilight; a room in MILLER'S house. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LOUISA sits silent and motionless in a dark corner of the room, + her head reclining upon her hand. After a long pause, MILLER + enters with a lantern, the light of which he casts anxiously + round the chamber, without observing LOUISA, he then puts his + hat on the table, and sets down the lantern. + + LOUISA, MILLER. +</pre> + <p> + MILLER. She is not here either. No, she is not here! I have wandered + through every street; I have sought her with every acquaintance; I have + inquired at every door! No one has seen my child! (A silence of some + moments.) Patience, poor unhappy father! Patience till morning; then + perhaps the corpse of your only one may come floating to shore. Oh, God in + heaven! What though my heart has hung too idolatrously upon this daughter, + yet surely the punishment is severe! Heavenly Father! Surely it is severe! + I will not murmur, Heavenly Father; but the punishment is indeed severe! + (Throws himself sorrowfully into a chair.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (without moving from her seat). Thou dost well, wretched old man! + Learn betimes to lose. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (starts up eagerly). Ah! art thou there, my child? Art thou there? + But wherefore thus alone, and without a light? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Yet am I not alone. When all things around me are dark and gloomy + then have I the companionship which most I love. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. God defend thee, my child! The worm of conscience alone wakes and + watches with the owl; none shun the light but criminals and evil spirits. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. And eternity, father, which speaks to the soul in solitude! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Louisa, my child! What words are these? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (rises, and comes forward). I have fought a hard fight—you + know it, father! but God gave me the strength! The fight is over! Father, + our sex is called timid and weak; believe it no more! We tremble at a + spider, but the black monster, corruption, we hug to our arms in sport! + This for your edification, father. Your Louisa is merry. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. I had rather you wept. It would, please me better. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. How I will outwit him, father! How I shall cheat the tyrant! Love + is more crafty than malice, and bolder—he knew not that, the man of + the unlucky star! Oh! they are cunning so long as they have but to do with + the head; but when they have to grapple with the heart the villains are at + fault. He thought to seal his treachery with an oath! Oaths, father, may + bind the living, but death dissolves even the iron bonds of the sacrament! + Ferdinand will learn to know his Louisa. Father, will you deliver this + letter for me? Will you do me the kindness? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. To whom, my child? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Strange question! Infinitude and my heart together had not space + enough for a single thought but of him. To whom else should I write? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (anxiously). Hear me, Louisa! I must read this letter! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. As you please, father! but you will not understand it. The + characters lie there like inanimate corpses, and live but for the eye of + love. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (reading). "You are betrayed, Ferdinand! An unparalleled piece of + villany has dissolved the union of our hearts; but a dreadful vow binds my + tongue, and your father has spies stationed upon every side. But, if thou + hast courage, my beloved, I know a place where oaths no longer bind, and + where spies cannot enter." (MILLER stops short, and gazes upon her + steadfastly.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Why that earnest look, father? Read what follows. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. "But thou must be fearless enough to wander through a gloomy path + with no other guides than God and thy Louisa. Thou must have no companion + but love; leave behind all thy hopes, all thy tumultuous wishes—thou + wilt need nothing on this journey but thy heart. Darest thou come; then + set out as the bell tolls twelve from the Carmelite Tower. Dost thou fear; + then erase from the vocabulary of thy sex's virtues the word courage, for + a maiden will have put thee to shame." (MILLER lays down the letter and + fixes his eyes upon the ground in deep sorrow. At length he turns to + LOUISA, and says, in a low, broken voice) Daughter, where is that place? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Don't you know it, father? Do you really not know it? 'Tis + strange! I have described it unmistakably! Ferdinand will not fail to find + it. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Pray speak plainer! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I can think of no pleasing name for it just now! You must not be + alarmed, father, if the name I give it has a terrible sound. That place,——Oh! + why has no lover invented a name for it! He would have chosen the softest, + the sweetest—that place, my dear father—but you must not + interrupt me—that place is—the grave! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (staggering to a seat). Oh, God! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (hastens to him, and supports him). Nay, father, be not alarmed! + These are but terrors which hover round an empty word! Take away the name + and the grave will seem to be a bridal-bed over which Aurora spreads her + golden canopy and spring strews her fairest flowers. None but a groaning + sinner pictures death as a skeleton; to others he is a gentle, smiling + boy, blooming as the god of love, but not so false—a silent, + ministering spirit who guides the exhausted pilgrim through the desert of + eternity, unlocks for him the fairy palace of everlasting joy, invites him + in with friendly smiles, and vanishes forever! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. What meanest thou, my child? Surely, thou wilt not lay guilty + hands on thine own life? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Speak not thus, father! To quit a community from which I am + already rejected, to fly voluntarily to a place from which I cannot much + longer be absent, is that a sin? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Suicide is the most horrible of sins, my child. 'Tis the only one + that can never he repented, since death arrives at the moment the crime is + committed. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (stands motionless with horror). That is dreadful! But my death + will not be so sudden, father. I will spring into the river, and while the + waters are closing over me, cry to the Almighty for mercy and forgiveness! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. That is to say, you will repent the theft as soon as the treasure + is secure! Daughter! Daughter! beware how you mock your God when you most + need his help! Oh! you have gone far, far astray! You have forgotten the + worship of your Creator, and he has withdrawn his protecting hand from + you! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Is it, then, a crime to love, father? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. So long as thou lovest God thou wilt never love man to idolatry. + Thou hast bowed me down low, my only one! low! very low! perhaps to the + grave! Yet will I not increase the sadness of thy heart. Daughter! I gave + vent to my feelings as I entered. I thought myself alone! Thou hast + overheard me! and why should I longer conceal the truth. Thou wert my + idol! Hear me, Louisa, if there is yet room in thy heart for a father's + feelings. Thou wert my all! Of thine own thou hast nothing more to lose, + but I have my all at stake! My life depends on thee! My hairs are turning + gray, Louisa; they show that the time is drawing nigh with me when fathers + look for a return of the capital invested in the hearts of their children. + Wilt thou defraud me of this, Louisa? Wilt thou away and bear with thee + all the wealth of thy father? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (kissing his hand in the deepest emotion). No, father, no! I go + from this world deeply in your debt, and will repay you with usury in the + world to come. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Beware, my child, lest thy reckoning should be false! (very + earnestly and solemnly). Art thou certain that we shall meet in that world + to come? Lo! how the color fades from thy cheek! My child must feel that I + can scarcely overtake her in that other world if she hurries there before + me. (LOUISA throws herself shuddering into his arms, he clasps her warmly + to his bosom, and continues in a tone of fervent adjuration.) Oh! Louisa! + Louisa! Fallen, perhaps already lost, daughter! Treasure in thy heart the + solemn counsels of a father! I cannot eternally watch over thee! I may + snatch the dagger from thy hands; but thou canst let out life with a + bodkin. I may remove poison from thy reach; but thou canst strangle + thyself with a necklace. Louisa! Louisa! I can only warn thee. Wilt thou + rush boldly forward till the perfidious phantom which lured thee on + vanishes at the awful brink of eternity? Wilt thou dare approach the + throne of the Omniscient with the lie on thy lips? "At thy call am I here, + Creator!" while thy guilty eyes are in search only of their mortal idol! + And when thou shalt see this perishable god of thine own creation, a worm + like thee, writhing at the Almighty's feet; when thou shalt hear him in + the awful moment give the lie to thy guilty daring, and blast thy delusive + hopes of eternal mercy, which the wretch implores in vain for himself; + what then! (Louder and more fervently), What, then, unhappy one? (He + clasps her still closer to his bosom, and gazes upon her with wild and + piercing looks; then suddenly disengages himself.) I can do no more! + (Raising his right hand towards heaven.) Immortal Judge, I can do no more + to save this soul from ruin! Louisa, do what thou wilt. Offer up a + sacrifice at the altar of this idolized youth that shall make thy evil + genius howl for transport and thy good angels forsake thee in despair. Go + on! Heap sin upon sin,—add to them this, the last, the heaviest,—and, + if the scale be still too light throw in my curse to complete the measure. + Here is a knife; pierce thy own heart, and (weeping aloud and rushing + away), and with it, thy father's! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (following and detaining him). Stay! stay! Oh! father, father!— + to think that affection should wound more cruelly than a tyrant's rage! + What shall I?—I cannot!—what must I do? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. If thy lover's kisses burn hotter than thy father's tears—then + die! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (after a violent internal struggle, firmly). Father! Here is my + hand! I will—God! God! what am I doing! What would I?—father, + I swear. Woe is me! Criminal that I am where'er I turn! Father, be it so! + Ferdinand. God, look down upon the act! Thus I destroy the last memorial + of him. (Tearing the letter.) + </p> + <p> + MILLER (throwing himself in ecstasy upon her neck). There spoke my + daughter! Look up, my child! Thou hast lost a lover, but thou hast made a + father happy. (Embracing her, and alternately laughing and crying.) My + child! my child! I was not worthy to live so blest a moment! God knows how + I, poor miserable sinner, became possessed of such an angel! My Louisa! My + paradise! Oh! I know but little of love; but that to rend its bonds must + be a bitter grief I can well believe! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. But let us hasten from this place, my father! Let us fly from the + city, where my companions scoff at me, and my good name is lost forever—let + us away, far away, from a spot where every object tells of my ruined + happiness,—let us fly if it be possible! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Whither thou wilt, my daughter! The bread of the Lord grows + everywhere, and He will grant ears to listen to my music. Yes! we will fly + and leave all behind. I will set the story of your sorrows to the lute, + and sing of the daughter who rent her own heart to preserve her father's. + We will beg with the ballad from door to door, and sweet will be the alms + bestowed by the hand of weeping sympathy! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The former; FERDINAND. +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA (who perceives him first, throws herself shrieking into MILLER'S + arms). God! There he is! I am lost! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Who? Where? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (points, with averted face, to the MAJOR, and presses closer to her + father). 'Tis he! 'Tis he! himself! Look round, father, look round!—he + comes to murder me! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (perceives him and starts back). How, baron? You here? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (approaches slowly, stands opposite to LOUISA, and fixes a stern + and piercing look upon her. After a pause, he says). Stricken conscience, + I thank thee! Thy confession is dreadful, but swift and true, and spares + me the torment of an explanation! Good evening, Miller! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. For God's sake! baron, what seek you? What brings you hither? What + means this surprise? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I knew a time when the day was divided into seconds, when + eagerness for my presence hung upon the weights of the tardy clock, and + when every pulse-throb was counted until the moment of my coming. How is + it that I now surprise? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Oh, leave us, leave us, baron! If but one spark of humanity still + linger in your bosom;—if you seek not utterly to destroy her whom + you profess to love, fly from this house, stay not one moment longer. The + blessing of God deserted us when your foot first crossed its threshold. + You have brought misery under a roof where all before was joy and + happiness. Are you not yet content? Do you seek to deepen the wound which + your fatal passion has planted in the heart of my only child? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Strange father, I have come to bring joyful tidings to your + daughter. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Perchance fresh hopes, to add to her despair. Away, away, thou + messenger of ill! Thy looks belie thy words. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. At length the goal of my hopes appears in view! Lady Milford, + the most fearful obstacle to our love, has this moment fled the land. My + father sanctions my choice. Fate grows weary of persecuting us, and our + propitious stars now blaze in the ascendant—I am come to fulfil my + plighted troth, and to lead my bride to the altar. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Dost thou hear him, my child? Dost thou hear him mock at thy + cheated hopes? Oh, truly, baron! It is so worthy of the deceiver to make a + jest of his own crime! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. You think I am jesting? By my honor I am not! My protestations + are as true as the love of my Louisa, and I will keep them as sacred as + she has kept her oaths. Nothing to me is more sacred. Can you still doubt? + Still no joyful blush upon the cheek of my fair bride? 'Tis strange! + Falsehood must needs be here the current coin, since truth finds so little + credit. You mistrust my words, it seems? Then read this written testimony. + (He throws LOUISA her letter to the MARSHAL. She opens it, and sinks upon + the floor pale as death.) + </p> + <p> + MILLER (not observing this). What can this mean, baron? I do not + understand you. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. (leads him to LOUISA). But your daughter has understood me + well. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (throws himself on his knees beside her). Oh, God! my child! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Pale as a corpse! 'Tis thus your daughter pleases me the best. + Your demure and virtuous daughter was never half so lovely as with that + deathlike paleness. The blast of the day of judgment, which strips the + varnish from every lie, has wafted the painted colors from her cheek, or + the juggler might have cheated even the angels of light. This is her + fairest countenance. Now for the first time do I see it in its truth. Let + me kiss it. (He approaches her.) + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Back! Away, boy! Trifle not with a father's feelings. I could not + defend her from your caresses, but I can from your insults. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. What wouldst thou, old man? With thee I have naught to do. + Engage not in a game so irrevocably lost. Or hast thou, too, been wiser + than I thought? Hast thou employed the wisdom of thy sixty years in + pandering to thy daughter's amours, and disgraced those hoary locks with + the office of a pimp? Oh! if it be not so, wretched old man, then lay + thyself down and die. There is still time. Thou mayest breathe by last in + the sweet delusion, "I was a happy father!" Wait but a moment longer and + thine own hand will dash to her infernal home this poisonous viper; thou + wilt curse the gift, and him who gave it, and sink to the grave in + blasphemy and despair. (To LOUISA.) Speak, wretched one, speak! Didst thou + write this letter? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (to LOUISA, impressively). For God's sake, daughter, forget not! + forget not! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh, father—that letter! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Oh! that it should have fallen into the wrong hands. Now + blessed be the accident! It has effected more than the most consummate + prudence, and will at the day of judgment avail more than the united + wisdom of sages. Accident, did I say? Oh! Providence directs, when a + sparrow falls, why not when a devil is unmasked? But I will be answered! + Didst thou write that letter? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (to LOUISA, in a tone of entreaty). Be firm, my child, be firm! But + a single "Yes," and all will be over. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Excellent! excellent! The father, too, is deceived! All, all + are deceived by her! Look, how the perfidious one stands there; even her + tongue refuses participation in her last lie. I adjure thee by that God so + terrible and true—didst thou write that letter? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (after a painful struggle, with firmness and decision). I did! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (stands aghast). No! As my soul liveth, thou hast lied. Even + innocence itself, when extended on the rack, confesses crime which it + never committed—I ask too passionately. Is it not so, Louisa? Thou + didst but confess, because I asked passionately? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I confessed the truth! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. No, I tell thee! No! no! Thou didst not write that letter! It + is not like thy hand! And, even though it were, why should it be more + difficult to counterfeit a writing than to undo a heart? Tell me truly, + Louisa! Yet no, no, do not! Thou mightest say yes again, and then I were + lost forever. A lie, Louisa! A lie! Oh! if thou didst but know one now—if + thou wouldst utter it with that open angelic mien—if thou wouldst + but persuade mine ear and eye, though it should deceive my heart ever so + monstrously! Oh, Louisa! Then might truth depart in the same breath—depart + from our creation, and the sacred cause itself henceforth bow her stiff + neck to the courtly arts of deception. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. By the Almighty God! by Him who is so terrible and true! I did! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (after a pause, with the expression of the most heartfelt + sorrow). Woman! Woman! With what a face thou standest now before me! Offer + Paradise with that look, and even in the regions of the damned thou wilt + find no purchaser. Didst thou know what thou wert to me, Louisa? + Impossible! No! thou knewest not that thou wert my all—all! 'Tis a + poor insignificant word! but eternity itself can scarcely circumscribe it. + Within it systems of worlds can roll their mighty orbs. All! and to sport + with it so wickedly. Oh, 'tis horrible. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Baron von Walter, you have heard my confession! I have pronounced + my own condemnation! Now go! Fly from a house where you have been so + unhappy. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. 'Tis well! 'tis well! You see I am calm; calm, too, they say, + is the shuddering land through which the plague has swept. I am calm. Yet + ere I go, Louisa, one more request! It shall be my last. My brain burns + with fever! I need refreshment! Will you make me some lemonade? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit LOUISA. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND and MILLER. + + They both pace up and down without speaking, on opposite sides + of the room, for some minutes. +</pre> + <p> + MILLER (standing still at length, and regarding the MAJOR with a sorrowful + air). Dear baron, perhaps it may alleviate your distress to say that I + feel for you most deeply. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Enough of this, Miller. (Silence again for some moments.) + Miller, I forget what first brought me to your house. What was the + occasion of it? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. How, baron? Don't you remember? You came to take lessons on the + flute. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (suddenly). And I beheld his daughter! (Another pause.) You have + not kept your faith with me, friend! You were to provide me with repose + for my leisure hours; but you betrayed me and sold me scorpions. + (Observing MILLER'S agitation.) Tremble not, good old man! (falling deeply + affected on his neck)—the fault was none of thine! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (wiping his eyes). Heaven knows, it was not! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (traversing the room, plunged in the most gloomy meditation). + Strange! Oh! beyond conception strange, are the Almighty's dealings with + us! How often do terrific weights hang upon slender, almost invisible + threads! Did man but know that he should eat death in a particular apple! + Hem! Could he but know that! (He walks a few more turns; then stops + suddenly, and grasps MILLER'S hand with strong emotion.) Friend, I have + paid dearly for thy lessons—and thou, too, hast been no gainer— + perhaps mayst even lose thy all. (Quitting him dejectedly.) Unhappy + flute-playing, would that it never entered my brain! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (striving to repress his feelings). The lemonade is long in coming. + I will inquire after it, if you will excuse me. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. No hurry, dear Miller! (Muttering to himself.) At least to her + father there is none. Stay here a moment. What was I about to ask you? Ay, + I remember! Is Louisa your only daughter? Have you no other child? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (warmly). I have no other, baron, and I wish for no other. That + child is my only solace in this world, and on her have I embarked my whole + stock of affection. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (much agitated). Ha! Pray see for the drink, good Miller! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit MILLER. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND alone. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND. His only child! Dost thou feel that, murderer? His only one! + Murderer, didst thou hear, his only one? The man has nothing in God's wide + world but his instrument and that only daughter! And wilt thou rob him of + her? + </p> + <p> + Rob him? Rob a beggar of his last pittance? Break the lame man's crutch, + and cast the fragments at his feet? How? Have I the heart to do this? And + when he hastens home, impatient to reckon in his daughter's smiles the + whole sum of his happiness; and when he enters the chamber, and there lies + the rose—withered—dead—crushed—his last, his only, + his sustaining hope. Ha! And when he stands before her, and all nature + looks on in breathless horror, while his vacant eye wanders hopelessly + through the gloom of futurity, and seeks God, but finds him nowhere, and + then returns disappointed and despairing! Great God! and has not my + father, too, an only son? an only child, but not his only treasure. (After + a pause.) Yet stay! What will the old man lose? She who could wantonly + jest with the most sacred feelings of love, will she make a father happy? + She cannot! She will not! And I deserve thanks for crushing this viper ere + the parent feels its sting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MILLER returning, and FERDINAND. +</pre> + <p> + MILLER. You shall be served instantly, baron! The poor thing is sitting + without, weeping as though her heart would break! Your drink will be + mingled with her tears. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. 'Twere well for her were it only with tears! We were speaking + of my lessons, Miller. (Taking out a purse.) I remember that I am still in + your debt. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. How? What? Go along with you, baron! What do you take me for? + There is time enough for payment. Do not put such an affront on me; we are + not together for the last time, please God. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Who can tell? Take your money. It is for life or death. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (laughing). Oh! for the matter of that, baron! As regards that I + don't think I should run much risk with you! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. You would run the greatest. Have you never heard that youths + have died. That damsels and youths have died, the children of hope, the + airy castles of their disappointed parents? What is safe from age and + worms has often perished by a thunderbolt. Even your Louisa is not + immortal. + </p> + <p> + MILLER. God gave her to me. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Hear me! I say to you your Louisa is not immortal. That + daughter is the apple of your eye; you hang upon her with your whole heart + and soul. Be prudent, Miller! None but a desperate gamester stakes his all + upon a single cast. The merchant would be called a madman who embarked his + whole fortune in one ship. Think upon this, and remember that I warned + you. But why do you not take your money? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. How, baron, how? All that enormous purse? What can you be thinking + of? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Upon my debt! There! (Throws a heavy purse on the table; some + gold drops out.) I cannot hold the dross to eternity. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (astonished). Mercy on us! what is this? The sound was not of + silver! (Goes to the table and cries out in astonishment.) In heaven's + name, baron, what means this? What are you about? You must be out of your + mind! (Clasping his hands.) There it lies! or I am bewitched. 'Tis + damnable! I feel it now; the beauteous, shining, glorious heap of gold! + No, Satan, thou shalt not catch my soul with this! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Have you drunk old wine, or new, Miller? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (violently). Death and furies! Look yourself, then. It is gold! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. And what of that? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Let me implore you, baron! In the name of all the saints in + heaven, I entreat you! It is gold! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. An extraordinary thing, it must be admitted. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (after a pause; addressing him with emotion). Noble sir, I am a + plain, straightforward man—do you wish to tempt me to some piece of + knavery?—for, heaven knows, that so much gold cannot be got + honestly! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (moved). Make yourself quite easy, dear Miller! You have well + earned the money. God forbid that I should use it to the corruption of + your conscience! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (jumping about like a madman). It is mine, then! Mine indeed! Mine + with the knowledge and consent of God! (Hastening to the door.) Daughter, + wife, hurrah, come hither! (Returning.) But, for heaven's sake, how have I + all at once deserved this awful treasure? How am I to earn it? How repay + it, eh? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Not by your music lessons, Miller! With this gold do I pay you + for (stops suddenly, and shudders)—I pay you—(after a pause, + with emotion)—for my three months' unhappy dream of your daughter! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (taking his hand and pressing it affectionately). Most gracious + sir! were you some poor and low-born citizen, and my daughter refused your + love, I would pierce her heart with my own hands. (Returning to the gold + in a sorrowful tone.) But then I shall have all, and you nothing— + and I should have to give up all this glorious heap again, eh? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Let not that thought distress you, friend. I am about to quit + this country, and in that to which I am journeying such coin is not + current. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (still fixing his eyes in transport on the money). Mine, then, it + remains? Mine? Yet it grieves me that you are going to leave us. Only just + wait a little and you shall see how I'll come out! I'll hold up my head + with the best of them. (Puts on his hat with an air, and struts up and + down the room.) I'll give my lessons in the great concert-room, and won't + I smoke away at the best puyke varinas—and, when you catch me again + fiddling at the penny-hop, may the devil take me! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Stay, Miller! Be silent, and gather up your gold. + (Mysteriously.) Keep silence only for this one evening, and do me the + favor henceforward to give no more music lessons. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (still more vehemently grasping his hand, full of inward joy). And + my daughter, baron! my daughter! (Letting go.) No, no! Money does not make + the man—whether I feed on vegetables or on partridges, enough is + enough, and this coat will do very well as long as the sunbeams don't peep + in at the elbows. To me money is mere dross. But my girl shall benefit by + the blessing; whatever wish I can read in her eyes shall be gratified. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (suddenly interrupting him). Oh! silence! silence! + </p> + <p> + MILLER (still more warmly). And she shall learn to speak French like a + born native, and to dance minuets, and to sing, so that people shall read + of her in the newspapers; and she shall wear a cap like the judge's + daughter, and a kidebarri [meaning, no doubt, Cul de Paris, a bustle], as + they call it; and the fiddler's daughter shall be talked of for twenty + miles round. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. (seizing his hand in extreme agitation). No more! no more! For + God's sake be silent! Be silent but for this one night; 'tis the only + favor I ask of you. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LOUISA with a glass of lemonade; the former. +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA (her eyes swelled with weeping, and trembling voice, while she + presents the glass to FERDINAND). Tell me, if it be not to your taste. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (takes the glass, places it on the table, and turns to MILLER). + Oh! I had almost forgotten! Good Miller, I have a request to make. Will + you do me a little favor? + </p> + <p> + MILLER. A thousand with pleasure! What are your commands? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. My father will expect me at table. Unfortunately I am in very + ill humor. 'Twould be insupportable to me just now to mix in society. Will + you go to my father and excuse my absence? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (terrified, interrupts him hastily). Oh, let me go! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. Am I to see the president himself? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Not himself. Give your message to one of the servants in the + ante-chamber. Here is my watch as a credential that I sent you. I shall be + here when you return. You will wait for an answer. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (very anxiously). Cannot I be the bearer of your message? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (to MILLER, who is going). Stay—one thing more! Here is a + letter to my father, which I received this evening enclosed in one to + myself. Perhaps on business of importance. You may as well deliver it at + the same time. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (going). Very well, baron! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (stopping him, and speaking in a tone of the most exquisite + terror). But, dear father, I could do all this very well! Pray let me go! + </p> + <p> + MILLER. It is night, my child! and you must not venture out alone! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + FERDINAND. Light your father down, Louisa. (LOUISA takes a candle and + follows MILLER. FERDINAND in the meantime approaches the table and throws + poison into the lemonade). Yes! she must die! The higher powers look down, + and nod their terrible assent. The vengeance of heaven subscribes to my + decree. Her good angels forsake her, and leave her to her fate! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND and LOUISA. + + LOUISA re-enters slowly with the light, places it on the table, + and stops on the opposite side of the room, her eyes fixed on + the ground, except when she raises them to him with timid, stolen + glances. He stands opposite, looking steadfastly on the earth—a + long and deep silence. +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA. If you will accompany me, Baron von Walter, I will try a piece on + the harpsichord! (She opens the instrument. FERDINAND makes no answer. A + pause.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. You owe me a revenge at chess. Will you play a game with me, Baron + von Walter? (Another pause.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I have begun the pocketbook, baron, which I promised to embroider + for you. Will you look at the design? (Still a pause.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! I am very wretched! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (without changing his attitude). That may well be! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. It is not my fault, Baron von Walter, that you are so badly + entertained! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (with an insulting laugh). You are not to blame for my bashful + modesty—— + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I am quite aware that we are no longer fit companions. I confess + that I was terrified when you sent away my father. I believe, Baron von + Walter, that this moment is equally insupportable to us both. Permit me to + ask some of my acquaintances to join us. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Yes, pray do so! And I too will go and invite some of mine. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (looking at him with surprise). Baron von Walter! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (very spitefully). By my honor, the most fortunate idea that in + our situation could ever enter mortal brain? Let us change this wearisome + duet into sport and merriment, and by the aid of certain gallantries, + revenge ourselves on the caprices of love. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. You are merry, Baron von Walter! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Oh! wonderfully so! The very street-boys would hunt me through + the market-place for a merry-andrew! In fact, Louisa, your example has + inspired me—you shall be my teacher. They are fools who prate of + endless affection—never-ending sameness grows flat and insipid + —variety alone gives zest to pleasure. Have with you, Louisa, we are + now of one mind. We will skip from amour to amour, whirl from vice to + vice; you in one direction, I in another. Perhaps I may recover my lost + tranquillity in some brothel. Perhaps, when our merry race is run, and we + become two mouldering skeletons, chance again may bring us together with + the most pleasing surprise, and we may, as in a melodrama, recognize each + other by a common feature of disease—that mother whom her children + can never disavow. Then, perhaps, disgust and shame may create that union + between us which could not be effected by the most tender love. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="2pb102 (120K)" src="images/2pb102.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh, Walter! Walter! Thou art already unhappy—wilt thou + deserve to be so? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (muttering passionately through his teeth). Unhappy? Who told + thee so? Woman, thou art too vile to have any feelings of thine own; how, + then, canst thou judge of the feelings of others? Unhappy, did she say?—ha! + that word would call my anger from the grave! She knew that I must become + unhappy. Death and damnation! she knew it, and yet betrayed me! Look to + it, serpent! That was thy only chance of forgiveness. This confession has + condemned thee. Till now I thought to palliate thy crime with thy + simplicity, and in my contempt thou hadst well nigh escaped my vengeance + (seizing the glass hastily). Thou wert not thoughtless, then— thou + wert not simple—thou wert nor more nor less than a devil! (He + drinks.) The drink is bad, like thy soul! Taste it! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh, heavens! 'Twas not without reason that I dreaded this meeting. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (imperiously). Drink! I say. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [LOUISA, offended, takes the glass and drinks. The moment she + raises the cup to her lips, FERDINAND turns away with a sudden + paleness, and recedes to the further corner of the chamber.] +</pre> + <p> + LOUISA. The lemonade is good. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (his face averted and shuddering.) Much good may it do thee! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (sets down the glass). Oh! could you but know, Walter, how cruelly + you wrong me! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Indeed! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. A time will come, Walter—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (advancing). Oh! we have done with time. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. When the remembrance of this evening will lie heavy on your heart! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (begins to walk to and fro more vehemently, and to become more + agitated; he throws away his sash and sword.) Farewell the prince's + service! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. My God! what mean you! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I am hot, and oppressed. I would be more at ease. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Drink! drink! it will cool you. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. That it will, most effectually. The strumpet, though, is + kind-hearted! Ay, ay, so are they all! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (rushing into his arms with the deepest expression of love). That + to thy Louisa, Ferdinand? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (thrusting her from him). Away! away! Hence with those soft and + melting eyes! they subdue me. Come to me, snake, in all thy monstrous + terrors! Spring upon me, scorpion! Display thy hideous folds, and rear thy + proud coils to heaven! Stand before my eyes, hateful as the abyss of hell + e'er saw thee! but not in that angel form! Take any shape but that! 'Tis + too late. I must crush thee like a viper, or despair! Mercy on thy soul! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Oh! that it should come to this! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (gazing on her). So fair a work of the heavenly artist! Who + would believe it? Who can believe it? (Taking her hand and elevating it.) + I will not arraign thy ordinations, oh! incomprehensible Creator! Yet + wherefore didst thou pour thy poison into such beauteous vessels? Can + crime inhabit so fair a region? Oh! 'tis strange! 'tis passing strange! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. To hear this, and yet be compelled to silence! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. And that soft, melodious voice! How can broken chords discourse + such harmony? (Gazing rapturously upon her figure.) All so lovely! so full + of symmetry! so divinely perfect! Throughout the whole such signs that + 'twas the favorite work of God! By heaven, as though all mankind had been + created but to practise the Creator, ere he modelled this his masterpiece! + And that the Almighty should have failed in the soul alone? Is it possible + that this monstrous abortion of nature should have escaped as perfect? + (Quitting her hastily.) Or did God see an angel's form rising beneath his + chisel, and balance the error by giving her a heart wicked in proportion? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Alas for this criminal wilfulness! Rather than confess his own + rashness, he accuses the wisdom of heaven! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (falls upon her neck, weeping bitterly). Yet once more, my + Louisa! Yet once again, as on the day of our first kiss, when you faltered + forth the name of Ferdinand, and the first endearing "Thou!" trembled on + thy burning lips. Oh! a harvest of endless and unutterable joys seemed to + me at that moment to be budding forth. There lay eternity like a bright + May-day before our eyes; thousands of golden years, fair as brides, danced + around our souls. Then was I so happy! Oh! Louisa! Louisa! Louisa! Why + hast thou used me thus? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Weep, Walter, weep! Your compassion will be more just towards me + than your wrath. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. You deceive yourself. These are not nature's tears! not that + warm delicious dew which flows like balsam on the wounded soul, and drives + the chilled current of feeling swiftly along its course. They are solitary + ice-cold drops! the awful, eternal farewell of my love! (With fearful + solemnity, laying his hand on her head.) They are tears for thy soul, + Louisa! tears for the Deity, whose inexhaustible beneficence has here + missed its aim, and whose noblest work is cast away thus wantonly. Oh + methinks the whole universe should clothe itself in black, and weep at the + fearful example now passing in its centre. 'Tis but a common sorrow when + mortals fall and Paradise is lost; but, when the plague extends its + ravages to angels, then should there be wailing throughout the whole + creation! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Drive me not to extremities, Walter. I have fortitude equal to + most, but it must not be tried by a more than human test. Walter! one + word, and then—we part forever. A dreadful fatality has deranged the + language of our hearts. Dared I unclose these lips, Walter, I could tell + thee things! I could——But cruel fate has alike fettered my + tongue and my heart, and I must endure in silence, even though you revile + me as a common strumpet. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Dost thou feel well, Louisa? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Why that question? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. It would grieve me shouldst thou be called hence with a lie + upon thy lips. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I implore you, Walter—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (in violent agitation). No! no! That revenge were too satanic! + No! God forbid! I will not extend my anger beyond the grave! Louisa, didst + thou love the marshal? Thou wilt leave this room no more! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (sitting down). Ask what you will. I shall give no answer. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (in a solemn voice). Take heed for thy immortal soul! Louisa! + Didst thou love the marshal? Thou wilt leave this room no more! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I shall give no answer. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (throwing himself on his knees before her in the deepest + emotion). Louisa! Didst thou love the marshal? Before this light burns out—thou + wilt stand—before the throne of God! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (starting from her seat in terror). Merciful Jesus! what was that? + And I feel so ill! (She falls back into her chair.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Already? Oh, woman, thou eternal paradox! thy delicate nerves + can sport with crimes at which manhood trembles; yet one poor grain of + arsenic destroys them utterly! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Poison! poison! Oh! Almighty God! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. I fear it is so! Thy lemonade was seasoned in hell! Thou hast + pledged death in the draught! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. To die! To die! All-merciful God! Poison in my drink! And to die! + Oh! have mercy on my soul, thou Father in heaven! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Ay, be that thy chief concern: I will join thee in that prayer. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. And my mother! My father, too! Saviour of the world! My poor + forlorn father! Is there then no hope? And I so young, and yet no hope? + And must I die so soon? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. There is no hope! None!—you are already doomed! But be + calm. We shall journey together. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Thou too, Ferdinand? Poison, Ferdinand! From thee! Oh! God forgive + him! God of mercy, lay not this crime on him! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Look to your own account. I fear it stands but ill. + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. Ferdinand! Ferdinand! Oh! I can be no longer silent. Death— + death absolves all oaths. Ferdinand! Heaven and earth contain nothing more + unfortunate than thou! I die innocent, Ferdinand! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (terrified). Ah! What do I hear? Would she rush into the + presence of her Maker with a lie on her lips? + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. I lie not! I do not lie! In my whole life I never lied but once! + Ugh! what an icy shivering creeps through my veins! When I wrote that + letter to the marshal. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. Ha! That letter! Blessed be to God! Now I am myself again! + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (her voice every moment becomes more indistinct. Her fingers + tremble with a convulsive motion). That letter. Prepare yourself for a + terrible disclosure! My hand wrote what my heart abhorred. It was dictated + by your father! (Ferdinand stands like a statue petrified with horror. + After a long silence, he falls upon the floor as if struck by lightning.) + Oh! that sorrowful act!——Ferdinand—I was compelled— + forgive me—thy Louisa would have preferred death—but my father—his + life in danger! They were so crafty in their villany. + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (starting furiously from the ground). God be thanked! The poison + spares me yet! (He seizes his sword.) + </p> + <p> + LOUISA (growing weaker by degrees). Alas! what would you? He is thy + father! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (in the most ungovernable fury). A murderer—the murderer + of his son; he must along with us that the Judge of the world may pour his + wrath on the guilty alone. (Hastening away). + </p> + <p> + LOUISA. My dying Redeemer pardoned his murderers,—may God pardon + thee and thy father! (She dies.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (turns quickly round, and perceives her in the convulsions of + death, throws himself distractedly on the body). Stay! stay! Fly not from + me, angel of light! (Takes her hand, but lets it fall again instantly.) + Cold! cold and damp! her soul has flown! (Starting up suddenly.) God of my + Louisa! Mercy! Mercy for the most accursed of murderers! Such was her + dying prayer! How fair, how lovely even in death! The pitying destroyer + has touched gently on those heavenly features. That sweetness was no mask—the + hand of death even has not removed it! (After a pause.) But how is this? + why do I feel nothing. Will the vigor of my youth save me? Thankless care! + That shall it not. (He seizes the glass.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FERDINAND, the PRESIDENT, WORM, and SERVANTS, who all rush in alarm + into the room. Afterwards MILLER, with a crowd, and OFFICERS of + justice, who assemble in the background. +</pre> + <p> + PRESIDENT (an open letter in his hand). My son! what means this? I never + can believe—— + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (throwing the glass at his feet). Convince thyself, murderer! + (The PRESIDENT staggers back. All stand speechless. A dreadful pause.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. My son! Why hast thou done this? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (without looking at him). Why, to be sure I ought first to have + asked the statesman whether the trick suited his cards. Admirably fine and + skilful, I confess, was the scheme of jealousy to break the bond of our + hearts! The calculation shows a master-mind; 'twas pity only that + indignant love would not move on wires like thy wooden puppets. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (looking round the circle with rolling eyes). Is there no one + here who weeps for a despairing father? + </p> + <p> + MILLER (calling behind the SCENEs). Let me in! For God's sake, let me in! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. She is now a saint in heaven! Her cause is in the hands of + another! (He opens the door for MILLER, who rushes in, followed by + officers of justice and a crowd of people.) + </p> + <p> + MILLER (in the most dreadful alarm). My child! My child! Poison, they cry—poison + has been here! My daughter! Where art thou? + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (leading him between the PRESIDENT and LOUISA'S corpse). I am + innocent. Thank this man for the deed. + </p> + <p> + MILLER (throwing himself on the body). Oh, Jesus! + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. In few words, father!—they begin to be precious to me. I + have been robbed of my life by villanous artifice—robbed of it by + you! How I may stand with God I tremble to think, but a deliberate villain + I have never been! Be my final judgment what it will, may it not fall on + thee! But I have committed murder! (In a loud and fearful voice.) A murder + whose weight thou canst not hope that I should drag alone before the + judgment-seat of God. Here I solemnly bequeath to thee the heaviest, the + bloodiest part; how thou mayst answer it be that thy care! (Leading him to + LOUISA.) Here, barbarian! Feast thine eyes on the terrible fruits of thy + intrigues! Upon this face thy name is inscribed in the convulsions of + death, and will be registered by the destroying angel! May a form like + this draw thy curtain when thou sleepest, and grasp thee with its + clay-cold hand! May a form like this flit before thy soul when thou diest, + and drive away thy expiring prayer for mercy! May a form like this stand + by thy grave at the resurrection, and before the throne of God when he + pronounces thy doom! (He faints, the servants receive him in their arms.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (extending his arms convulsively towards heaven). Not from me, + Judge of the world. Ask not these souls from me, but from him! (Pointing + to WORM.) + </p> + <p> + WORM (starting). From me? + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT. Accursed villain, from thee! From thee, Satan! Thou gavest the + serpent's counsel! thine be the responsibility; their blood be not on my + head, but on thine! + </p> + <p> + WORM. On mine! on mine! (laughing hysterically.) Oh! Excellent! Now I + understand the gratitude of devils. On mine, thou senseless villain! Was + he my son? Was I thy master? Mine the responsibility? Ha! by this sight + which freezes the very marrow in my bones! Mine it shall be! I will brave + destruction, but thou shalt perish with me. Away! away! Cry murder in the + streets! Awaken justice! Bind me, officers! Lead me hence! I will discover + secrets which shall make the hearer's blood run cold. (Going.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (detaining him). Surely, madman, thou wilt not dare? + </p> + <p> + WORM (tapping him on the shoulder). I will, though,—comrade, I will! + I am mad, 'tis true; but my madness is thy work, and now I will act like a + madman! Arm in arm with thee will I to the scaffold! Arm in arm with thee + to hell! Oh! how it tickles my fancy, villain, to be damned with thee! + (The officers carry him off.) + </p> + <p> + MILLER (who has lain upon LOUISA'S corpse in silent anguish, starts + suddenly up, and throws the purse before the MAJOR'S feet.) Poisoner, take + back thy accursed gold! Didst thou think to purchase my child with it? + (Rushes distractedly out of the chamber.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND (in a voice scarcely audible). Follow him! He is desperate. The + gold must be taken care of for his use; 'tis the dreadful acknowlegment of + my debt to him. Louisa! I come! Farewell! On this altar let me breathe my + last. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (recovering from his stupor). Ferdinand! my son! Not one last + look for a despairing father? (FERDINAND is laid by the side of LOUISA.) + </p> + <p> + FERDINAND. My last must sue to God for mercy on myself. + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (falling down before him in the most dreadful agony). The + Creator and the created abandon me! Not one last look to cheer me in the + hour of death! (FERDINAND stretches out his trembling hand to him, and + expires.) + </p> + <p> + PRESIDENT (springing up). He forgave me! (To the OFFICERS.) Now, lead on, + sirs! I am your prisoner. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Exit, followed by the OFFICERS; the curtain falls. + [Exit, followed by the OFFICERS; the curtain falls. +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Love and Intrigue, by Friedrich Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOVE AND INTRIGUE *** + +***** This file should be named 6784-h.htm or 6784-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/6/7/8/6784/ + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + +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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