Part 50 (2/2)

Admiration? And all this you relate to me in a tone of rapture. Oh, Claudia! vain, foolish mother!

CLAUDIA.

Why so?

ODOARDO.

Well, well. This, too, has ended happily.--Ha! when I think----That were exactly the point where a wound would be to me most deadly.--A libertine, who admires, and seduces----Claudia! Claudia! The very thought rouses my fury. You ought to have mentioned this to me immediately.--But to-day I would not willingly say anything to vex you.

And I should (_as she takes him by the hand_), were I to stay longer.

Therefore, let me begone. G.o.d be with you, Claudia; follow me in safety. (_Exit_.)

Scene V.

Claudia, Galotti.

CLAUDIA.

What a man! What rigid virtue--if virtue that should be called, to which everything seems suspicious and culpable. If this be a knowledge of mankind, who would not wish to remain in ignorance? Why does Emilia stay so long?----He dislikes the father--consequently, if he admire the daughter, he must mean to bring disgrace upon him!

Scene VI.

Emilia _and_ Claudia Galotti.

EMILIA (_rus.h.i.+ng in, much alarmed_.)

Heaven be praised! I am now in safety. Or has he even followed me hither? (_Throwing back her veil and espying her mother_). Has he, my mother, has he?--No, thank Heaven.

CLAUDIA.

What has happened to you, my daughter?

EMILIA.

Nothing--nothing.

CLAUDIA.

And yet you look wildly round, and tremble in every limb!

EMILIA.

What have I had to hear?--And where have I been forced to hear it?

CLAUDIA.

I thought you were at church.

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