The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 47

With all my heart!--Where is it? Quick!

CAMILLO (_starts and gazes at the_ Prince).

I said a death--warrant.

PRINCE.

I understood you plain enough. It might have been done by this. I am in haste.

 

CAMILLO (_looking at his papers_).

I really believe I have not brought it. I beg your Highness's forgiveness. It can be deferred till to-morrow.

PRINCE.

Be it so. Just collect these papers together. I must away. The rest to-morrow, Rota.

CAMILLO (_shaking his head, as he collects the papers_).

"With all my heart!"--A death-warrant, with all my heart! I would not have let him sign at such a moment, had the criminal murdered my own son.--"With all my heart!" "With all my heart"--The cruel words pierce my very soul. (_Exit_.)

ACT II.

Scene I.--_A room in_ Galotti's _house_.

Claudia Galotti, Pirro.

CLAUDIA.

Who dismounted just now in the court-yard? Pirro.

PIRRO.

My master, madam.

CLAUDIA.

My husband? Is it possible?

PIRRO.

Here he comes.

CLAUDIA.

So unexpectedly? (_hastens towards him_). My dearest lord!

Scene II.

Odoardo, _and the foregoing_.

ODOARDO.

Good morning, my love. Does not my arrival surprise you?

CLAUDIA.

Most agreeably. But is it intended as no more than a surprise?

ODOARDO.

No more. Be not alarmed. The happiness of to-day awakened me early. The morning was so fine, and the ride so short, I fancied you would be so busy here to-day, and thought you might perhaps forget something: in a word, I am come to see you, and shall return immediately. Where is Emilia? Occupied with her dress, I have no doubt?

CLAUDIA.

With her soul. She is gone to hear ma.s.s. "I have need," she said, "to-day more than at any other time to implore a blessing from above;"

then leaving all else she took her veil, and disappeared.

ODOARDO.

Alone!

CLAUDIA.

It is but a few steps----

ODOARDO.

One incautious step often leads to mischief.

CLAUDIA.

Be not angry; but come in and rest a moment, and, if you please, take some refreshment.

ODOARDO.

Well, well, as you like. But she ought not to have gone alone.

CLAUDIA.

Stay here, Pirro, in the antechamber, and excuse me to all visitors.

(_Exeunt_ Odoardo _and_ Claudia.)