Minna Von Barnhelm Part 31

SCENE VIII.

Major von Tellheim

MAJ. T.

But, Franziska! Oh! I will wait your return here.--No, that is more torturing!--If she is in earnest, she will not refuse to forgive me.

Now I want your aid, honest Werner!--No, Minna, I am no deceiver!

(Rushes off.)

ACT V.

SCENE I.

Major von Tellheim (from one side), Werner (from the other)

MAJ. T.

Ah! Werner! I have been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?

WER.

And I have been looking for you, Major; that is always the way.--I bring you good news.

MAJ. T.

I do not want your news now; I want your money. Quick, Werner, give me all you have; and then raise as much more as you can.

WER.

Major! Now, upon my life, that is just what I said--"He will borrow money from me, when he has got it himself to lend."

MAJ. T.

You surely are not seeking excuses!

WER.

That I may have nothing to upbraid you with, take it with your right hand, and give it me again with your left.

MAJ. T.

Do not detain me, Werner. It is my intention to repay you; but when and how, G.o.d knows!

WER.

Then you do not know yet that the treasury has received an order to pay you your money? I just heard it at!!!!!

MAJ. T.

What are you talking about? What nonsense have you let them palm off on you? Do you not see that if it were true I should be the first person to know it? In short, Werner, money! money!

WER.

Very well, with pleasure. Here is some! A hundred louis d'ors there, and a hundred ducats there.

(Gives him both.)

MAJ. T.

Werner, go and give Just the hundred louis d'ors. Let him redeem the ring again, on which he raised the money this morning. But whence will you get some more, Werner? I want a good deal more.

WER.

Leave that to me. The man who bought my farm lives in the town. The date for payment is a fortnight hence, certainly; but the money is ready, and by a reduction of one half per cent!!!!!

MAJ. T.

Very well, my dear Werner! You see that I have had recourse to you alone--I must also confide all to you. The young lady you have seen is in distress!!!!!

WER.

That is bad!

MAJ. T.

But to-morrow she shall be my wife.

WER.

That is good!

MAJ. T.

And the day after, I leave this place with her. I can go; I will go. I would sooner throw over everything here! Who knows where some good luck may be in store for me? If you will, Werner, come with us. We will serve again.

WER.

Really? But where there is war, Major!

MAJ. T.

To be sure. Go, Werner, we will speak of this again.

WER.

Oh! my dear Major! The day after to-morrow! Why not to-morrow? I will get everything ready. In Persia, Major, there is a famous war; what do you say?

MAJ. T.

We will think of it. Only go, Werner!

WER.

Hurrah! Long live Prince Heraclius!

(Exit.)

SCENE II.

Major von Tellheim

MAJ. T.

How do I feel!... My whole soul has acquired a new impulse. My own unhappiness bowed me to the ground; made me fretful, short-sighted, shy, careless: her unhappiness raises me. I see clearly again, and feel myself ready and capable of undertaking anything for her sake.

Why do I tarry?

(Is going towards Minna's room, when Franziska comes out of it.)