The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing: Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the WiseLessing, Gotthold Ephraim
General
The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing: Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the Wise
Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim
German drama -- Translations into English
Not so, Sir! This angel enjoined more than human nature is capable of!
You cannot be my father. Behold, Sir (_drawing the dagger from his
bosom_), this is the dagger which Marwood drew upon me to-day. To my
misfortune, I disarmed her. Had I fallen a guilty victim of her
jealousy, Sara would still be living. You would have your daughter
still, and have her without Mellefont. It is not for me to undo what is
done--but to punish myself for it is still in my power! (_he stabs
himself and sinks down at_ Sara's _side_.)
SIR WILLIAM.
Hold him, Waitwell! What new blow upon my stricken head! Oh, would that
my own might make the third dying heart here.
MELLEFONT (_dying_).
I feel it. I have not struck false. If now you will call me your son
and press my hand as such, I shall die in peace. (Sir William _embraces
him_.) You have heard of an Arabella, for whom Sara pleaded; I should
also plead for her; but she is Marwood's child as well as mine. What
strange feeling seizes me? Mercy--O Creator, mercy!
SIR WILLIAM.
If the prayers of others are now of any avail, Waitwell, let us help
him to pray for this mercy! He dies! Alas! He was more to pity than to
blame.
Scene XI.
Norton, The Others.
NORTON.
Doctors, Sir!----
SIR WILLIAM.
If they can work miracles, they may come in! Let me no longer remain at
this deadly spectacle! One grave shall enclose both. Come and make
immediate preparations, and then let us think of Arabella. Be she who
she may, she is a legacy of my daughter! (_Exeunt_.)
PHILOTAS.
A TRAGEDY IN ONE ACT.
Philotos was written at Berlin in the year 1759. It was never
represented, and was probably not intended for the stage. It is here
translated for the first time into English.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ
Aridäus, _the King_.
Strato, _a General of_ Aridäus.
Philotas, _a prisoner_.
Parmenio, _a soldier_.
PHILOTAS.
Scene I.
_The scene is laid in a tent in the camp of_ Aridäus.
PHILOTAS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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