The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 58

Yes, as carefully as possible. The execution of my plan is entrusted to people on whom I can rely. The road, as you know, runs close by your park fence. There the carriage will be attacked by a party, apparently to rob the travellers. Another band (one of whom is my trusty servant) will rush from the park as if to a.s.sist those who are attacked. During the sham battle between the two parties, my servant will seize Emilia, as if to rescue her, and bring her through the park into the palace.

This is the plan. What says your Highness now?

PRINCE.

You surprise me beyond measure. A fearful anxiety comes o'er me.

(Marinelli _walks to the window_.) What are you looking at?

MARINELLI.

That must be the scene of action--yes, and see, some one in a mask has just leapt over the fence--doubtless to acquaint me with the result.

Withdraw awhile, your Highness.

PRINCE.

Ah, Marinelli----

MARINELLI.

Well--now, doubtless, I have done too much--as I before had done too little.

PRINCE.

Not so--not so--yet I cannot perceive----

MARINELLI.

Perceive?--It is best done at one blow. Withdraw quickly. You must not be seen here.

(_Exit_ Prince.)

Scene II.

Marinelli _and presently_ Angelo.

MARINELLI (_goes again to the window_).

The carriage is returning slowly to town. So slowly? and at each door a servant? These appearances do not please me; they show the plot has only half succeeded. They are driving some wounded person carefully, and he is not dead. The fellow in the mask comes nearer. 'Tis Angelo himself--foolhardy! But he knows the windings of this place. He beckons to me--he must know that he has succeeded.--Ha! ha! Count Appiani. You, who refused an emba.s.sy to Ma.s.sa, have been obliged to go a longer journey. Who taught you to recognize apes so well? 'Tis true, they are malicious (_walks towards the door_). Well, Angelo?

_Enter_ Angelo, _with his mash in his hand_.

ANGELO.

Be ready, my lord. She will be here directly.

MARINELLI.

How did you succeed in other respects?

ANGELO.

As you wished, I have no doubt.

MARINELLI.

How is it with the Count?

ANGELO.

So, so. But he must have had some suspicions, for he was not quite unprepared.

MARINELLI.

Quick, tell me--is he dead?

ANGELO.

I am sorry for him, poor man.

MARINELLI.

There! Take that for thy compa.s.sion (_gives him a purse_).

ANGELO.

And our poor Nicolo too, he has shared the same luck.

MARINELLI.

What! Loss on both sides?

ANGELO.

Yes. I could cry for the honest lad's fate; though I come in for another quarter of this purse by it; for I am his heir, since I avenged him. This is a law among us, and as good a law, methinks, as ever was made for the support of friendship and fidelity. This Nicolo, my lord----

MARINELLI.

No more of your Nicolo! The Count----

ANGELO.

Zounds! The Count finished him, and I finished the Count. He fell, and though he might be alive when they put him into the coach, I'll answer for it that he will never come alive out of it.

MARINELLI.

Were you but sure of this, Angelo----

ANGELO.