The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 220

THEKLA.

I am so, mother; let me only now Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me.

I want repose.

d.u.c.h.eSS.

My Thekla, thou shalt have it.

I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm Thy father's heart.

THEKLA.

Good night, beloved mother!

(Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion).

d.u.c.h.eSS.

Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter.

Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart Beat audibly on mine.

THEKLA.

Sleep will appease Its beating: now good-night, good-night, dear mother.

(As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls).

ACT V.

SCENE I.

Butler's Chamber.

BUTLER, and MAJOR GERALDIN.

BUTLER.

Find me twelve strong dragoons, arm them with pikes For there must be no firing-- Conceal them somewhere near the banquet-room, And soon as the dessert is served up, rush all in And cry--"Who is loyal to the emperor?"

I will overturn the table--while you attack Illo and Terzky, and despatch them both.

The castle-palace is well barred and guarded, That no intelligence of this proceeding May make its way to the duke. Go instantly; Have you yet sent for Captain Devereux And the Macdonald?

GERALDIN.

They'll be here anon.

[Exit GERALDIN.

BUTLER.

Here's no room for delay. The citizens Declare for him--a dizzy drunken spirit Possesses the whole town. They see in the duke A prince of peace, a founder of new ages And golden times. Arms, too, have been given out By the town-council, and a hundred citizens Have volunteered themselves to stand on guard.

Despatch! then, be the word; for enemies Threaten us from without and from within.

SCENE II.

BUTLER, CAPTAIN DEVEREUX, and MACDONALD.

MACDONALD.

Here we are, general.

DEVEREUX.

What's to be the watchword?

BUTLER.

Long live the emperor!

BOTH (recoiling).

How?

BUTLER.

Live the house of Austria.

DEVEREUX.

Have we not sworn fidelity to Friedland?

MACDONALD.

Have we not marched to this place to protect him?

BUTLER.

Protect a traitor and his country's enemy?

DEVEREUX.

Why, yes! in his name you administered Our oath.

MACDONALD.

And followed him yourself to Egra.

BUTLER.

I did it the more surely to destroy him.

DEVEREUX.

So then!

MACDONALD.

An altered case!

BUTLER (to DEVEREU%).

Thou wretched man So easily leavest thou thy oath and colors?

DEVEREUX.

The devil! I but followed your example; If you could prove a villain, why not we?

MACDONALD.

We've naught to do with thinking--that's your business.