Madam, let me still retain my senses unimpaired for to-day, and give me leave to go. You are on the right way to deprive me of them. Iresist it as much as I can. But hear, whilst I am still myself, what Ihave firmly determined, and from which nothing in the world shall turn me. If I have not better luck in the game of life; if a complete change in my fortune does not take place; if--MIN.
I must interrupt you, Major. We ought to have told him that at first, Franziska.--You remind me of nothing.--Our conversation would have taken quite a different turn, Tellheim, if I had commenced with the good news which the Chevalier de la Marliniere brought just now.
MAJ. T.
The Chevalier de la Marliniere! Who is he?
FRAN.
He may be a very honest man, Major von Tellheim, except that--MIN.
Silence, Franziska! Also a discharged officer from the Dutch service, who--MAJ. T.
Ah! Lieutenant Riccaut!
MIN.
He assured us he was a friend of yours.
MAJ. T.
I assure you that I am not his.
MIN.
And that some minister or other had told him, in confidence, that your business was likely to have the very best termination. A letter from the king must now be on its way to you.
MAJ. T.
How came Riccaut and a minister in company? Something certainly must have happened concerning my affair; for just now the paymaster of the forces told me that the king had set aside all the evidence offered against me, and that I might take back my promise, which I had given in writing, not to depart from here until acquitted. But that will be all. They wish to give me an opportunity of getting away. But they are wrong, I shall not go. Sooner shall the utmost distress waste me away before the eyes of my calumniators, than--MIN.
Obstinate man!
MAJ. T.
I require no favour; I want justice. My honour--MIN.
The honour of such a man
MAJ. T. (warmly).
No, Madam, you may be able to judge of any other subject, but not of this. Honour is not the voice of conscience, not the evidence of a few honourable men--MIN.
No, no, I know it well. Honour is . . . honour.
MAJ. T.
In short, Madam . . . You did not let me finish.--I was going to say, if they keep from me so shamefully what is my own; if my honour be not perfectly righted--I cannot, Madam, ever be yours, for I am not worthy, in the eyes of the world, of being yours. Minna von Barnhelm deserves an irreproachable husband. It is a worthless love which does not scruple to expose its object to scorn. He is a worthless man, who is not ashamed to owe a woman all his good fortune; whose blind tenderness--MIN.
And is that really your feeling, Major?
(turning her back suddenly).
Franziska!
MAJ. T.
Do not be angry.
MIN. (aside to Franziska).
Now is the time! What do you advise me, Franziska?
FRAN.
I advise nothing. But certainly he goes rather too far.
MAJ. T. (approaching to interrupt them).
You are angry, Madam.
MIN. (ironically).
I? Not in the least.
MAJ. T.
If I loved you less
MIN. (still in the same tone).
Oh! certainly, it would be a misfortune for me. And hear, Major, Ialso will not be the cause of your unhappiness. One should love with perfect disinterestedness. It is as well that I have not been more open! Perhaps your pity might have granted to me what your love refuses.
(Drawing the ring slowly from her finger.)MAJ. T.
What does this mean, Madam?
MIN.
No, neither of us must make the other either more or less happy. True love demands it. I believe you, Major; and you have too much honour to mistake love.
MAJ. T.
Are you jesting, Madam?
MIN.
Here! take back the ring with which you plighted your troth to me.
(Gives him the ring.)
Let it be so! We will suppose we have never met.
MAJ. T.
What do I hear?
MIN.
Does it surprise you? Take it, sir. You surely have not been pretending only!
MAJ. T. (takes the ring from her).
Heavens! can Minna speak thus?
MIN.
In one case you cannot be mine; in no case can I be yours. Your misfortune is probable; mine is certain. Farewell!
(Is going.)
MAJ. T.
Where are you going, dearest Minna?
MIN.
Sir, you insult me now by that term of endearment.
MAJ. T.
What is the matter, Madam? Where are you going?
MIN.
Leave me. I go to hide my tears from you, deceiver!
(Exit.)
