Part 29 (2/2)

The Chevalier de la Marliniere! Who is he?

FRAN.

He may be a very honest man, Major von Tellheim, except that!!!!!

MIN.

Silence, Franziska! Also a discharged officer from the Dutch service, who!!!!!

MAJ. T.

Ah! Lieutenant Riccaut!

MIN.

He a.s.sured us he was a friend of yours.

MAJ. T.

I a.s.sure you that I am not his.

MIN.

And that some minister or other had told him, in confidence, that your business was likely to have the very best termination. A letter from the king must now be on its way to you.

MAJ. T.

How came Riccaut and a minister in company? Something certainly must have happened concerning my affair; for just now the paymaster of the forces told me that the king had set aside all the evidence offered against me, and that I might take back my promise, which I had given in writing, not to depart from here until acquitted. But that will be all. They wish to give me an opportunity of getting away. But they are wrong, I shall not go. Sooner shall the utmost distress waste me away before the eyes of my calumniators, than!!!!!

MIN.

Obstinate man!

MAJ. T.

I require no favour; I want justice. My honour!!!!!

MIN.

The honour of such a man!!!!!

MAJ. T. (warmly).

No, Madam, you may be able to judge of any other subject, but not of this. Honour is not the voice of conscience, not the evidence of a few honourable men!!!!!

MIN.

No, no, I know it well. Honour is... honour.

MAJ. T.

In short, Madam... You did not let me finish.--I was going to say, if they keep from me so shamefully what is my own; if my honour be not perfectly righted--I cannot, Madam, ever be yours, for I am not worthy, in the eyes of the world, of being yours. Minna von Barnhelm deserves an irreproachable husband. It is a worthless love which does not scruple to expose its object to scorn. He is a worthless man, who is not ashamed to owe a woman all his good fortune; whose blind tenderness!!!!!

MIN.

And is that really your feeling, Major?

(turning her back suddenly).

Franziska!

MAJ. T.

Do not be angry.

MIN. (aside to Franziska).

Now is the time! What do you advise me, Franziska?

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