Part 251 (1/2)

So I pa.s.sed on, and sent his train to seek him.

HEDWIG.

He trembled then before you? Woe the while You saw his weakness; that he'll not forgive.

TELL.

I shun him, therefore, and he'll not seek me.

HEDWIG.

But stay away to day. Go hunting rather!

TELL.

What do you fear?

HEDWIG.

I am uneasy. Stay.

TELL.

Why thus distress yourself without a cause?

HEDWIG.

Because there is no cause. Tell, Tell! stay here!

TELL.

Dear wife, I gave my promise I would go.

HEDWIG.

Must you,--then go. But leave the boys with me.

WALTER.

No, mother dear, I'm going with my father.

HEDWIG.

How, Walter! Will you leave your mother then?

WALTER.

I'll bring you pretty things from grandpapa.

[Exit with his father.

WILHELM.

Mother, I'll stay with you!

HEDWIG (embracing him).

Yes, yes! thou art My own dear child. Thou'rt all that's left to me.

[She goes to the gate of the court, and looks anxiously after TELL and her son for a considerable time.

SCENE II.

A retired part of the Forest. Brooks das.h.i.+ng in spray over the rocks.

Enter BERTHA in a hunting dress. Immediately afterwards RUDENZ.

BERTHA.