CAPT. [_after a pause_] This morning we interr'd him. He was borne By twelve youths of the noblest families, And all our host accompanied the bier. A laurel deck'd his coffin; and upon it The Rheingraf laid his own victorious sword. Nor were tears wanting to his fate: for many Of us had known his noble-mindedness, And gentleness of manners; and all hearts Were mov'd at his sad end. Fain would the Rheingraf Have sav'd him; but himself prevented it; 'Tis said he wish'd to die. NEU. [_with emotion, to Thekla, who hides her face_] O! dearest mistress, Look up! O, why would you insist on this? THEKLA. Where is his grave? CAPT. I' th' chapel of a cloister At Neustadt is he laid, till we receive Directions from his father. THEKLA. What is its name? CAPT. St. Catharine's. THEKLA. Is't far from this? CAPT. Seven leagues. THEKLA. How goes the way? CAPT. You come by Tirschenreit And Falkenberg, and through our farthest outposts. THEKLA. Who commands them? CAPT. Colonel Seckendorf. THEKLA [_steps to a table, and takes a ring from her jewel-box_]. You have seen me in my grief, and shown me A sympathising heart: accept a small Memorial of this hour [_giving him the ring_]. Now leave me. CAPT. [_overpowered_] Princess! [_Thekla silently makes him a sign to go, and turns from him. He lingers, and attempts to speak; Neubrunn repeats the sign; he goes._ SCENE XI. NEUBRUNN; THEKLA. THEKLA [_falls on Neubrunn's neck_]. Now, good Neubrunn, is the time to show the love Which thou hast always vow'd me. Prove thyself A true friend and attendant! We must go, This very night. NEU. Go! This very night! And whither? THEKLA. Whither? There is but one place in the world, The place where he lies buried: to his grave. NEU. Alas, what would you there, my dearest mistress? THEKLA. What there? Unhappy girl! Thou wouldst not ask If thou hadst ever lov'd. There, there, is all That yet remains of him; that one small spot Is all the earth to me. Do not detain me! O, come! Prepare, think how we may escape. NEU. Have you reflected on your father's anger? THEKLA. I dread no mortal's anger now. NEU. The mockery Of the world, the wicked tongue of slander! THEKLA. I go to seek one that is cold and low: Am I, then, hast'ning to my lover's arms? O God! I am but hast'ning to his grave! NEU. And we alone? Two feeble, helpless women? THEKLA. We will arm ourselves; my hand shall guard thee. NEU. In the gloomy night-time? THEKLA. Night will hide us. NEU. In this rude storm? THEKLA. Was _his_ bed made of down, When the horses' hoofs went o'er him? NEU. O Heaven! And then the many Swedish posts! They will not Let us pass.