The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 61

On my knees I entreat you----

PRINCE (_raising her_).

I am quite ashamed.--Yes, Emilia, I deserve this mute reproach. My conduct this morning cannot be justified, or even excused. Pardon my weakness: I ought not to have made you uneasy by an avowal, from which I could expect no advantage. I was amply punished by the speechless agitation with which you listened to it, or rather did not listen to it. And if I might be allowed to think this accident the signal of more favourable fortune--the most wondrous respite of my final sentence--this accident, which allows me to behold and speak to you again before my hopes for ever vanish--this accident, which gives me an opportunity of imploring your forgiveness--yet will I--do not tremble--yet will I rely only and entirely on your looks. Not a sigh, not a syllable shall offend you. Only wound me not with suspicions--do not for a moment doubt the unbounded influence which you possess over me--only imagine not that you need any protection against me. And now come--come where delights more in harmony with your feelings, await you. (_Leads her away, not without opposition_.) Follow us, Marinelli.

(_Exeunt_ Prince _and_ Emilia.)

MARINELLI.

Follow us! That means of course--Follow us not. And why should I follow them? He will now find how far he can proceed with her, without witnesses. All that I have to do is to prevent intrusion. From the Count I no longer expect it--but from her mother. Wonderful, indeed, would it be, were she to have departed quietly, leaving her daughter unprotected. Well, Battista, what now?

Scene VI.

Battista _and_ Marinelli.

BATTISTA (_in haste_).

The mother, my lord chamberlain----

MARINELLI.

As I suspected. Where is she?

BATTISTA.

She will be here immediately, unless you prevent it. When you ordered me to pretend to look for her, I felt little inclination to do so. But in the distance I heard her shrieks. She is in search of her daughter, and will discover the whole plot. All the people who inhabit this retired spot have gathered round her, and each vies with his neighbour to show her the way. Whether she has been told that you are here, or that the Prince is here, I know not. What is to be done?

MARINELLI.

Let us see (_considering_). Refuse her admittance when she knows that her daughter is here? That will not do. She will certainly open her eyes when she finds her lambkin in the clutches of the wolf. Eyes! They would be of little consequence; but Heaven have mercy on our ears!

Well, well. A woman's lungs are not inexhaustible. She will be silent, when she can shriek no longer. Besides, the mother it is whom we should gain over to our side--and if I be a judge of mothers--to be a sort of prince's step--mother would flatter most of them. Let her come, Battista, let her come.

BATTISTA.

Hark, my lord!

CLAUDIA (_within_).

Emilia! Emilia! My child! Where are you?

MARINELLI.

Go, Battista, and use your endeavours to dismiss her inquisitive companions.

Scene VII.

Claudia, Battista, Marinelli.

_As_ Battista _is going_, Claudia _meets him_.

CLAUDIA.

Ha! You took her out of the carriage. You led her away. I know you again. Where is she? Speak, wretch.

BATTISTA.

Are these your thanks?

CLAUDIA.

Oh, if you merit thanks (_in a mild tone_), forgive me, worthy man.

Where is she? Let me no longer be deprived of her. Where is she?

BATTISTA.

She could not be more safe, were she in heaven.--My master, here, will conduct you to her. (_Observes that some people are beginning to follow_ Claudia.) Back there! Begone! (_Exit, driving them away_.)

Scene VIII.

Claudia, Marinelli.

CLAUDIA.

Your master? (_espies_ Marinelli, _and starts_). Ha! Is this your _master_? You here, Sir--and my daughter here--and you--you will conduct me to her?

MARINELLI.

With great pleasure, madam.

CLAUDIA.

Hold! It just occurs to me. It was you, I think, who visited Count Appiani this morning at my house,--whom I left alone with him,--and with whom he afterwards had a quarrel?

MARINELLI.

A quarrel? That I did not know. We had a trifling dispute respecting affairs of state.

CLAUDIA.

And your name is Marinelli?

MARINELLI.

The Marquis Marinelli.