Comedy plays; German drama -- Translations into English
MIN. (to Franziska).
Franziska, give him something
FRAN. (trying to put some money into Just's hand).
We do not require your services for nothing.
JUST.
Nor I your money without services.
FRAN.
One in return for the other.
JUST.
I cannot. My master has ordered me to pack up. That I am now about,
and I beg you not to hinder me further. When I have finished, I will
take care to tell him that he may come here. He is close by, at the
coffee-house; and if he finds nothing better to do there, I suppose he
will come.
(Going.)
FRAN.
Wait a moment! My lady is the Major's... sister.
MIN.
Yes, yes, his sister.
JUST.
I know better; the Major has not a sister. He has sent me twice in six
months to his family in Courland. It is true there are different sorts
of sisters!!!!!
FRAN.
Insolent!
JUST.
One must be so to get the people to let one alone.
(Exit.)
FRAN.
That is a rascal.
LAND.
So I said. But let him go! I know now where his master is. I will
fetch him instantly myself. I only beg your ladyship, most humbly,
that you will make an excuse for me to the Major, that I have been so
unfortunate as to offend a man of his merit against my will.
MIN.
Pray go quickly. I will set all that right again.
(Exit the Landlord.)
Franziska, run after him, and tell him not to mention my name!
(Exit Franziska.)
SCENE VII.
Minna, _and afterwards_ Franziska
MIN.
I have found him again!--Am I alone?--I will not be alone to no
purpose.--
(Clasping her hands.)
Yet I am not alone!
(Looking upwards.)
One single grateful thought towards heaven, is the most perfect
prayer! I have found him! I have found him!
(With outstretched arms.)
I am joyful and happy! What can please the Creator more than a joyful
creature!
(Franziska returns.)
Have you returned, Franziska? You pity him! I do not pity him.
Misfortune too is useful. Perhaps heaven deprived him of everything--
to give him all again, through me!
FRAN.
He may be here at any moment.--You are still in your morning dress, my
lady. Ought you not to dress yourself quickly?
MIN.
Not at all. He will now see me more frequently so, than dressed out.
FRAN.
Oh! you know, my lady, how you look best.
MIN. (after a pause).
Truly, girl, you have hit it again.
FRAN.
I think women who are beautiful, are most so when unadorned.
MIN.
Must we then be beautiful? Perhaps it was necessary that we should
think ourselves so. Enough for me, if only I am beautiful in his eyes.
Franziska, if all women feel as I now feel, we are--strange things.
Tender hearted, yet proud; virtuous, yet vain; passionate, yet
innocent. I dare say you do not understand me. I do not rightly
understand myself. Joy turns my head.
FRAN.
Compose yourself, my lady, I hear footsteps.
MIN.
Compose myself! What! receive him composedly?
SCENE VIII.
Major von Tellheim, Landlord, Minna, and Franziska
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account