The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 66

And yet is here, in consequence of my letter.

MARINELLI.

Not in consequence of your letter.

ORSINA.

He received it, you say.

MARINELLI.

Yes, but he did not read it.

ORSINA (_violently_).

Not read it! (_Less violently_.) Not read it! (_Sorrowfully, and wiping away a tear_.) Not even read it!

MARINELLI.

From preoccupation, I am certain, not contempt.

ORSINA (_with pride_).

Contempt! Who thought of such a thing? To whom do you use the term?

Marinelli, your comfort is impertinent. Contempt! Contempt! To me! (_In a milder tone_.) It is true that he no longer loves me. That is certain. And in place of love something else has filled his soul. It is natural. But why should this be contempt? Indifference would be enough.

Would it not, Marinelli?

MARINELLI.

Certainly, certainly.

ORSINA (_with a scornful look_).

Certainly! What an oracle, who can be made to say what one pleases!

Indifference in the place of love!--That means nothing in the place of something. For learn, thou mimicking court-parrot, learn from a woman, that indifference is but an empty word, a mere sound which means nothing. The mind can only be indifferent to objects of which it does not think; to things which for itself have no existence. Only indifferent for a thing that is nothing--that is as much as saying not indifferent. Is that meaning beyond thee, man?

MARINELLI (_aside_).

Alas! how prophetic were my fears?

ORSINA.

What do you mutter?

MARINELLI.

Mere admiration! Who does not know, Countess, that you are a philosopher?

ORSINA.

Am I not? True; I am a philosopher. But have I now shown it; ah, shame!

If I have shown it, and have often done so, it were no wonder if the Prince despised me. How can man love a creature which, in spite of him, will _think_? A woman who thinks is as silly as a man who uses paint.

She ought to laugh--do nothing but laugh, that the mighty lords of the creation may be kept in good humour--What makes me laugh now, Marinelli? Why, the accidental circ.u.mstance that I should have written to the Prince to come hither--that he should not have read my letter and nevertheless have come. Ha! ha! ha! 'Tis an odd accident, very pleasant and amusing. Why don't you laugh, Marinelli? The mighty lords of the creation may laugh, though we poor creatures dare not think.

(_In a serious and commanding tone_.) Then laugh, you!

MARINELLI.

Presently, Countess, presently.

ORSINA.

Blockhead! while you speak the proper moment is for ever past. No. Do not laugh--for mark me, Marinelli, (_with emotion_) that which makes me laugh, has, like every thing in the world, its serious side. Accident!

Could it be accidental that the Prince, who little thought that he would see me here, must see me?--Accident! Believe me, Marinelli, the word accident is blasphemy. Nothing under the sun is accidental, and least of all this, of which the purpose is so evident.--Almighty and all--bounteous Providence, pardon me that I joined this poor weak sinner in giving the name of accident to what so plainly is Thy work--yes, Thy immediate work. (_In a hasty tone to_ Marinelli.) Dare not again to lead me thus astray from truth.

MARINELLI.

This is going too far (_aside_)--But, Countess----

ORSINA.

Peace with your _but_--that word demands reflection, and--my head, my head!--(_Puts her hand to her forehead_)--Contrive that I may speak to the Prince immediately, or I shall soon want strength to do so. You see, Marinelli, that I must speak to him--that I am resolved to speak to him.

Scene IV.

The Prince, Orsina, Marinelli.

PRINCE (_aside, as he advances_).

I must come to his a.s.sistance.

ORSINA (_espies him, but remains irresolute whether to approach him or not_).

Ha! There he is.

PRINCE (_walks straight across the room towards the other apartments_).

Ha! The fair Countess, as I live. How sorry I am, Madam, that I can to-day so ill avail myself of the honour of your visit. I am engaged. I am not alone. Another time, dear Countess, another time. At present stay no longer--no longer, I beg. And you, Marinelli--I want you.

(_Exit_.)

Scene V.

Orsina, Marinelli.

MARINELLI.

Your ladyship has now heard, from himself, what you would not believe from my lips, have you not?