The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 09: Friedrich Hebbel and Otto Ludwig
General
The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 09: Friedrich Hebbel and Otto Ludwig
German literature -- 19th century -- Translations into English; German literature -- 20th century -- Translations into English
And because you will not be a scoundrel, I am to be one? Shall people
say: "Ulrich caused a quarrel between father and son?" Sir, my girl is
too good to have it said of her that she stole into your family. Mr.
Stein, this is my home. You know what I mean.
SOPHY.
At least let the children--
FORESTER.
Do something foolish? And you look on; and afterward you can do nothing
better than weep.
ROBERT.
Mary, whatever befall--
FORESTER.
I do not know whether I know Mary. If I am mistaken in her then it is
better you go with him at once.
MARY.
Father, he is so true.
FORESTER.
Very well. Go with him.
SOPHY.
So inflexible--
ROBERT. In the name of heaven, Mary, which has
destined us for one another--
FORESTER (_as before, to his wife_).
And let me advise you not to--Do you hear, if it should come to pass--
[_Turns with her toward the background_.]
ANDREW (_bursting out_).
Now it's enough! Mary, either you go or he goes.
SOPHY.
Now you are beginning too, Andrew! [_Goes to him on the left side of the
stage_.]
ANDREW.
I have been silent long enough. Let me alone, mother. His father has
insulted my father; I will not allow this fellow to insult my sister
also.
ROBERT.
You belong to me, Mary. I should like to see him who--keep your hands
off!
MARY.
Robert, it is my brother!
ANDREW (_threatening_).
Only one step further, or--
ROBERT.
Away, I say; for God's sake--
ANDREW.
You are no match for me--
ROBERT.
Not with the point of your finger shall you touch what belongs to me. I
defy you all--
ANDREW.
Do you hear that, father?
FORESTER (_stepping between the two_).
Back there, fellow! Who is master in this house?
ANDREW.
If you are master, father, then show that you are. Otherwise let me show
it to that fellow there.
FORESTER.
Andrew, go over there, and say not another word!
ANDREW.
Father--
FORESTER.
Will you mind what I say?
[ANDREW _pulls a rifle from the wall_.]
FORESTER.
What are you doing there?
ANDREW (_with suppressed rage_).
Nothing. Here in the house you are master. Outside no one is master;
outside we all are.
FORESTER.
In my forest I am master.
ANDREW.
But not a step beyond.
FORESTER.
What do you mean? Answer!
ANDREW.
Nothing particular, father. Only that fellow there need know.--If you
are not concerned about your own honor--I shall protect Mary's honor.
That is for him who dares to come near Mary.
SOPHY.
What words are those?
ROBERT.
Idle words. It is children that are afraid of words.
ANDREW.
There will be something more than words, as surely as I am a man.
ROBERT.
If you were a man you would not threaten, you--
ANDREW.
If we were somewhere else, you would not taunt--
FORESTER.
Andrew!
ROBERT.
Make room--
ANDREW.
Get out, I say--
[FORESTER _almost at the same time puts his finger in his mouth and
gives a shrill whistle_.]
ANDREW.
If you no longer--
FORESTER (_stepping between the two_).
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account