Part 216 (1/2)

COUNTESS.

'Tis not advisable--a.s.sent not to it.

WALLENSTEIN.

Hus.h.!.+ Wherefore wouldst thou speak with him, my daughter?

THEKLA.

Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected; I will not be deceived. My mother wishes Only to spare me. I will not be spared-- The worst is said already: I can hear Nothing of deeper anguis.h.!.+

COUNTESS and d.u.c.h.eSS.

Do it not.

THEKLA.

The horror overpowered me by surprise, My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence: He was a witness of my weakness, yea, I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me.

I must replace myself in his esteem, And I must speak with him, perforce, that he, The stranger, may not think ungently of me.

WALLENSTEIN.

I see she is in the right, and am inclined To grant her this request of hers. Go, call him.

[LADY NEUBRUNN goes to call him.

d.u.c.h.eSS.

But I, thy mother, will be present----

THEKLA.

'Twere More pleasing to me if alone I saw him; Trust me, I shall behave myself the more Collectedly.

WALLENSTEIN.

Permit her her own will.

Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows, Where of necessity the soul must be Its own support. A strong heart will rely On its own strength alone. In her own bosom, Not in her mother's arms, must she collect The strength to rise superior to this blow.

It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated Not as the woman, but the heroine.

[Going.

COUNTESS (detaining him).

Where art thou going? I heard Terzky say That 'tis thy purpose to depart from hence To-morrow early, but to leave us here.

WALLENSTEIN.

Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protection Of gallant men.

COUNTESS.

Oh, take us with you, brother.

Leave us not in this gloomy solitude.

To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mists of doubt Magnify evils to a shape of horror.

WALLENSTEIN.

Who speaks of evil? I entreat you, sister, Use words of better omen.

COUNTESS.

Then take us with you.