Part 193 (1/2)

Rely on this, I either leave my life In the struggle, or conduct them out of Pilsen.

OCTAVIO.

Farewell, my son!

MAX.

Farewell!

OCTAVIO.

How! not one look Of filial love? No grasp of the hand at parting?

It is a b.l.o.o.d.y war to which we are going, And the event uncertain and in darkness.

So used we not to part--it was not so!

Is it then true? I have a son no longer?

[MAX. falls into his arms, they hold each other for a long time in a speechless embrace, then go away at different sides.

(The curtain drops.)

ACT III.

SCENE I.

A chamber in the house of the d.u.c.h.ess of Friedland.

COUNTESS TERZKY, THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN (the two latter sit at the same table at work).

COUNTESS (watching them from the opposite side).

So you have nothing to ask me--nothing?

I have been waiting for a word from you.

And could you then endure in all this time Not once to speak his name?

[THEKLA remaining silent, the COUNTESS rises and advances to her.

Why, how comes this?

Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, And other ways exist, besides through me Confess it to me, Thekla: have you seen him?

THEKLA.

To-day and yesterday I have not seen him.

COUNTESS.

And not heard from him, either? Come, be open.

THEKLA.

No Syllable.

COUNTESS.

And still you are so calm?

THEKLA.