MIN. (drawing back her hand). Notwithstanding, so much the more am I determined that that shall never be,--never!--Of what are you thinking, Major?--I thought your own distress was sufficient. You must remain here; you must obtain by obstinacy--no better phrase occurs to me at the moment--the most perfect satisfaction, obtain it by obstinacy.... And that even though the utmost distress should waste you away before the eyes of your calumniators!!!!! MAJ. T. So I thought, so I said, when I knew not what I thought or said. Chagrin and stifling rage had enveloped my whole soul; love itself, in the full blaze of happiness, could not illumine it. But it has sent its daughter, Pity, more familiar with gloomy misfortune, and she has dispelled the cloud, and opened again all the avenues of my soul to sensations of tenderness. The impulse of self-preservation awakes, when I have something more precious than myself to support, and to support through my own exertions. Do not let the word "pity" offend you. From the innocent cause of our distress we may hear the term without humiliation. I am this cause; through me, Minna, have you lost friends and relations, fortune and country. Through me, in me, must you find them all again, or I shall have the destruction of the most lovely of her sex upon my soul. Let me not think of a future in which I must detest myself.--No, nothing shall detain me here longer. From this moment I will oppose nothing but contempt to the injustice which I suffer. Is this country the world? Does the sun rise here alone? Where can I not go? In what service shall I be refused? And should I be obliged to seek it in the most distant clime, only follow me with confidence, dearest Minna--we shall want for nothing. I have a friend who will assist me with pleasure. SCENE VI. An Orderly, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska FRAN. (seeing the Orderly). Hist, Major! MAJ. T. (to the Orderly). Who do you want? ORD. I am looking for Major von Tellheim. Ah! you are the Major, I see. I have to give this letter from his Majesty the King (taking one out of his bag). MAJ. T. To me? ORD. According to the direction. MIN. Franziska, do you hear? The Chevalier spoke the truth after all. ORD. (whilst Tellheim takes the letter). I beg your pardon, Major; you should properly have had it yesterday, but I could not find you out. I learnt your address this morning only from Lieutenant Riccaut, on parade. FRAN. Do you hear, my lady?--That is the Chevalier's minister. "What is the name of de ministre out dere, on de broad place?" MAJ. T. I am extremely obliged to you for your trouble. ORD. It is my duty, Major. (Exit.) SCENE VII. Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska MAJ. T. Ah! Minna, what is this? What does this contain? MIN. I am not entitled to extend my curiosity so far.