Minna Von Barnhelm

Автор

Готхольд Эфраим Лессинг

Год написания книги

2019

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MAJ. T.

And herewith you pronounce my sentence.

MIN.

Equality is the only sure bond of love. The happy Minna only wished to live for the happy Tellheim. Even Minna in misfortune would have allowed herself to be persuaded either to increase or to assuage the misfortune of her friend through herself.... He must have seen, before the arrival of that letter, which has again destroyed all equality between us, that in appearance only I refused.

MAJ. T.

Is that true? I thank you, Minna, that you have not yet pronounced the sentence. You will only marry Tellheim when unfortunate? You may have him.

(Coolly.)

I perceive now that it would be indecorous in me to accept this tardy justice; that it will be better if I do not seek again that of which I have been deprived by such shameful suspicion. Yes; I will suppose that I have not received the letter. Behold my only answer to it!

(About to tear it up.)

MIN. (stopping him).

What are you going to do, Tellheim?

MAJ. T.

Obtain your hand.

MIN.

Stop!

MAJ. T.

Madam, it is torn without fail if you do not quickly recall your words.—Then we will see what else you may have to object to in me.

MIN.

What! In such a tone? Shall I, must I, thus become contemptible in my own eyes? Never! She is a worthless creature, who is not ashamed to owe her whole happiness to the blind tenderness of a man!

MAJ. T.

False! utterly false!

MIN.

Can you venture to find fault with your own words when coming from my lips?

MAJ. T.

Sophistry! Does the weaker sex dishonour itself by every action which does not become the stronger? Or can a man do everything which is proper in a woman? Which is appointed by nature to be the support of the other?

MIN.

Be not alarmed, Tellheim!… I shall not be quite unprotected, if I must decline the honour of your protection. I shall still have as much as is absolutely necessary. I have announced my arrival to our ambassador. I am to see him to-day. I hope he will assist me. Time is flying. Permit me, Major!!!!!

MAJ. T.

I will accompany you, Madam.

MIN.

No, Major; leave me.

MAJ. T.

Sooner shall your shadow desert you! Come Madam, where you will, to whom you will everywhere, to friends and strangers, will I repeat in your presence—repeat a hundred times each day—what a bond binds you to me, and with what cruel caprice you wish to break it!!!!!

SCENE X

Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska

JUST. (impetuously).

Major! Major!

MAJ. T.

Well!

JUST.

Here quick! quick!

MAJ. T.

Why! Come to me. Speak, what is the matter?

JUST.

What do you think?

(Whispers to him.)

MIN. (aside to Franziska).

Do you notice anything, Franziska?

FRAN.

Oh! you merciless creature! I have stood here on thorns!