The Lonely Way—Intermezzo—Countess Mizzie: Three PlaysSchnitzler, Arthur
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The Lonely Way—Intermezzo—Countess Mizzie: Three Plays
Schnitzler, Arthur
German drama -- Translations into English
That was all over--(_rising_) before you left. And you know it. I
really don't think it's necessary to discuss bygone matters.
CECILIA
Will she be able to stay in the company, by the way--after this scandal
in connection with your--pardon me!--predecessor?
AMADEUS
Everything has been arranged, I hear. And she has even made up with her
husband again.
CECILIA
Is that so?--That's rather unpleasant, don't you think? At bottom, it
matters very little then to have the story all over. In the case of a
man who has the disconcerting habit of not finding out certain things
until months afterward....
AMADEUS
It is better not to think of such things.
CECILIA
Has she any letters of yours?
AMADEUS (_having thought for a moment_)
Only the one in which I bade her farewell.
CECILIA
That might be enough. Why haven't you demanded it back?
AMADEUS
How could I?
CECILIA
How frivolous you are! Yes, frivolous is just the word. (_Putting her
hand on his shoulder_) Now it's possible to talk of a thing like this,
Amadeus. Formerly you might have misunderstood such a remark--taking
it for jealousy, or something like that.... But, really, I do hope you
don't get mixed up in any more affairs of that kind. I don't like to
be scared to death all the time on behalf of my best friend. There is
nothing in the world I begrudge you--of that you may be sure. But
getting killed for the sake of somebody else--that's carrying the joke
a little too far!
AMADEUS
I promise you, that you'll no longer have to be scared to death on my
behalf.
CECILIA
I hope so. Otherwise I must leave you to take care of yourself.--And
seriously speaking, Amadeus, I hope you don't forget that your life has
been preserved for more sensible and more important things--that you
have a lot more to do in this world.
AMADEUS
Yes, that's what I feel. I don't think I have ever felt it so strongly
in all my life. (_Radiantly_) My symphony ...
CECILIA (_eagerly_)
... is done?
AMADEUS
It is, Cecilia. And ... I didn't mean to tell you about it to-day, but
it leaves me no peace....
CECILIA
Well, what is it?
AMADEUS
The chorus in the final passage--you know the principal theme of it
already--it is led and dominated by a soprano solo. And that solo has
been written for you.
CECILIA
My revered Master! How proud your trust in me makes me!
AMADEUS
Don't make fun of it, Cecilia, I beg you. There is nobody in the world
who can sing that solo like you.... That solo is yours--and only yours.
While writing it, the ring of your voice was in my mind. Next February,
as soon as I get back, I shall have the symphony put on, and then you
must sing that solo.
CECILIA
Next Feb...? With pleasure, my dear Amadeus--provided I am still here.
AMADEUS
Why?
CECILIA
Oh, you haven't heard everything yet. After the performance last night
the Director had a talk with me.
AMADEUS (_disturbed_)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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