The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 62

CAPTAIN _(after a pause_).

This morning We buried him. Twelve youths of n.o.blest birth Did bear him to interment; the whole army Follow'd the bier. A laurel deck'd his coffin; The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, In mark of honor, by the Rhinegrave's self.

Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us Many, who had themselves experienced The greatness of his mind and gentle manners; All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave Would willingly have saved him; but himself Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wish'd to die.

NEUBRUNN _(to_ THEKLA, _who has hidden her countenance_).

Look up, my dearest lady--

THEKLA.

Where is his grave?

CAPTAIN.

At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church Are his remains deposited, until We can receive directions from his father.

THEKLA.

What is the cloister's name?

CAPTAIN.

Saint Catherine's.

THEKLA.

And how far is it thither?

CAPTAIN.

Near twelve leagues.

THEKLA.

And which the way?

CAPTAIN.

You go by Tirschenreut And Falkenberg through our advanced posts.

THEKLA.

Who Is their commander?

CAPTAIN.

Colonel Seckendorf.

[THEKLA _steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket.]_

THEKLA.

You have beheld me in my agony, And shown a feeling heart. Please you, accept _[Giving him the ring_.]

A small memorial of this hour. Now go!

CAPTAIN _(confusedly)._

Princess--

[THEKLA _silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. The_ CAPTAIN _lingers, and is about to speak_. LADY NEUBRUNN _repeats the signal, and he retires.]_

SCENE XI

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN

THEKLA _(falls on_ LADY NEUBRUNN's _neck_).

Now, gentle Neubrunn, show me the affection Which thou hast ever promised--prove thyself My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim.

This night we must away!

NEUBRUNN.

Away! and whither?

THEKLA.

Whither! There is but one place in the world.

Thither, where he lies buried! To his coffin!

NEUBR.

What would you do there?

THEKLA.

What do there?

That wouldst thou not have ask'd, hadst thou e'er loved.

There, there is all that still remains of him!

That single spot is the whole earth to me.

NEUBR.

That place of death--

THEKLA.

Is now the only place Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not!

Come and make preparations; let us think Of means to fly from hence.