Part 194 (1/2)

THEKLA.

I?

What need of me for that? And is he not Already linked to him?

COUNTESS.

He was.

THEKLA.

And wherefore Should he not be so now--not be so always?

COUNTESS.

He cleaves to the emperor too.

THEKLA.

Not more than duty And honor may demand of him.

COUNTESS.

We ask Proofs of his love, and not proofs of his honor.

Duty and honor!

Those are ambiguous words with many meanings.

You should interpret them for him: his love Should be the sole definer of his honor.

THEKLA.

How?

COUNTESS.

The emperor or you must he renounce.

THEKLA.

He will accompany my father gladly In his retirement. From himself you heard, How much he wished to lay aside the sword.

COUNTESS.

He must not lay the sword aside, we mean; He must unsheath it in your father's cause.

THEKLA.

He'll spend with gladness and alacrity His life, his heart's blood in my father's cause, If shame or injury be intended him.

COUNTESS.

You will not understand me. Well, hear then: Your father has fallen off from the emperor, And is about to join the enemy With the whole soldiery----

THEKLA.

Alas, my mother!

COUNTESS.

There needs a great example to draw on The army after him. The Piccolomini Possess the love and reverence of the troops; They govern all opinions, and wherever They lead the way, none hesitate to follow.

The son secures the father to our interests-- You've much in your hands at this moment.

THEKLA.

Ah, My miserable mother! what a death-stroke Awaits thee! No! she never will survive it.