_Thekla._ Yes; I confess to you 40 That many things delight me here: this camp, This motley stage of warriors, which renews So manifold the image of my fancy, And binds to life, binds to reality, What hitherto had but been present to me 45 As a sweet dream! _Max._ Alas! not so to me. It makes a dream of my reality. Upon some island in the ethereal heights I've lived for these last days. This mass of men Forces me down to earth. It is a bridge 50 That, reconducting to my former life, Divides me and my heaven. _Thekla._ The game of life Looks cheerful, when one carries in one's heart The inalienable treasure. 'Tis a game, Which having once reviewed, I turn more joyous 55 Back to my deeper and appropriate bliss. In this short time that I've been present here, What new unheard-of things have I not seen! And yet they all must give place to the wonder Which this mysterious castle guards. _Countess._ And what 60 Can this be then? Methought I was acquainted With all the dusky corners of this house. _Thekla._ Ay, but the road thereto is watched by spirits, Two griffins still stand sentry at the door. _Countess (laughs)._ The astrological tower!--How happens it 65 That this same sanctuary, whose access Is to all others so impracticable, Opens before you even at your approach? _Thekla._ A dwarfish old man with a friendly face And snow-white hairs, whose gracious services 70 Were mine at first sight, opened me the doors. _Max._ That is the Duke's astrologer, old Seni. _Thekla._ He questioned me on many points; for instance, When I was born, what month, and on what day, Whether by day or in the night. _Countess._ He wished 75 To erect a figure for your horoscope. _Thekla._ My hand too he examined, shook his head With much sad meaning, and the lines methought, Did not square over truly with his wishes. _Countess._ Well, Princess, and what found you in this tower? 80 My highest privilege has been to snatch A side-glance, and away!