Part 165 (1/2)

MAX.

O! shall we e'er be happy?

THEKLA.

Are we not happy now? Art thou not mine?

Am I not thine? There lives within my soul A lofty courage--'tis love gives it me!

I ought to be less open--ought to hide My heart more from thee--so decorum dictates: But where in this place couldst thou seek for truth, If in my mouth thou didst not find it?

We now have met, then let us hold each other Clasped in a lasting and a firm embrace.

Believe me this was more than their intent.

Then be our loves like some blest relic kept Within the deep recesses of the heart.

From heaven alone the love has been bestowed, To heaven alone our grat.i.tude is due; It can work wonders for us still.

SCENE VI.

To them enters the COUNTESS TERZKY.

COUNTESS (in a pressing manner).

Come, come!

My husband sends me for you. It is now The latest moment.

[They not appearing to attend to what she says, she steps between them.

Part you!

THEKLA.

Oh, not yet!

It has been scarce a moment.

COUNTESS.

Ay! Then time Flies swiftly with your highness, princess niece!

MAX.

There is no hurry, aunt.

COUNTESS.

Away! Away!

The folks begin to miss you. Twice already His father has asked for him.

THEKLA.

Ha! His father!

COUNTESS.

You understand that, niece!

THEKLA.

Why needs he To go at all to that society?

'Tis not his proper company. They may Be worthy men, but he's too young for them; In brief, he suits not such society.