_Thekla._ I am not ill. See, I have power to stand. Why does my mother weep? Have I alarmed her? 25 It is gone by--I recollect myself-- [_She casts her eyes round the room, as seeking some one._ Where is he? Please you, do not hide him from me. You see I have strength enough: now I will hear him. _Duchess._ No, never shall this messenger of evil Enter again into thy presence, Thekla! 30 _Thekla._ My father-- _Wallenstein._ Dearest daughter! _Thekla._ I'm not weak-- Shortly I shall be quite myself again. You'll grant me one request? _Wallenstein._ Name it, my daughter. _Thekla._ Permit the stranger to be called to me, And grant me leave, that by myself I may 35 Hear his report and question him. _Duchess._ No, never! _Countess._ 'Tis not advisable--assent not to it. _Wallenstein._ Hush! Wherefore would'st thou speak with him, my daughter? _Thekla._ Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected; I will not be deceived. My mother wishes 40 Only to spare me. I will not be spared. The worst is said already: I can hear Nothing of deeper anguish! _Countess and Duchess._ Do it not. _Thekla._ The horror overpowered me by surprise. My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence; 45 He was a witness of my weakness, yea, I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me. I must replace myself in his esteem, And I must speak with him, perforce, that he, The stranger, may not think ungently of me. 50 _Wallenstein._ I see she is in the right, and am inclined To grant her this request of hers. Go, call him. [_LADY NEUBRUNN goes to call him._ _Duchess._ But I, thy mother, will be present-- _Thekla._ 'Twere More pleasing to me, if alone I saw him: Trust me, I shall behave myself the more 55 Collectedly. _Wallenstein._ Permit her her own will. Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows, Where of necessity the soul must be Its own support. A strong heart will rely On its own strength alone. In her own bosom, 60 Not in her mother's arms, must she collect The strength to rise superior to this blow. It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated Not as the woman, but the heroine. [_Going._ _Countess (detaining him)._ Where art thou going? I heard Tertsky say 65 That 'tis thy purpose to depart from hence To-morrow early, but to leave us here. _Wallenstein._ Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protection Of gallant men.