The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 57

MARINELLI.

For having risked my life on the venture. Finding that neither raillery nor reason could induce the Count to sacrifice his love to honour, I tried to rouse his anger. I said things to him which made him forget himself. He used insulting expressions, and I demanded satisfaction--yes, satisfaction on the spot. One of us must fall, thought I. Should it be his fate, the field is ours--should it be mine--why, he must fly, and the Prince will at least gain time.

PRINCE.

Did you act thus, Marinelli?

MARINELLI.

Yes; he, who is ready to sacrifice his life for princes, ought to learn beforehand how grateful they are likely to be.

PRINCE.

And the Count? Report says that he is not the man to wait till satisfaction is a second time demanded.

MARINELLI.

No doubt, in ordinary cases. Who can blame him? He said that he had then something of greater consequence than a duel to occupy his thoughts, and put me off till a week after his marriage.

PRINCE.

With Emilia Galotti. The idea drives me to distraction----Thus, then, the affair ended, and now you come hither to boast that you risked your life in my behalf--sacrificed yourself for me.

MARINELLI.

What more, my lord, would you have had me do?

PRINCE.

More? As if you had done anything!

MARINELLI.

May I be allowed to ask what your Highness has done for yourself? You were so fortunate as to see her at church. What is the result of your conference?

PRINCE (_with a sneer_).

You have curiosity enough--but I will satisfy it. All happened as I wished. You need take no further trouble, my most serviceable friend.

She met my proposal more than half way. I ought to have taken her with me instantly. (_In a cold and commanding tone_.) Now you have heard what you wished to know, and may depart.

MARINELLI.

And may depart! Yes, yes. Thus the song ends, and so 'twould be were I to attempt the impossible. The impossible, did I say? No. Impossible it is not--only a daring attempt. Had we the girl in our power, I would answer for it that no marriage should take place.

PRINCE.

Ay--you would answer for anything. I suppose, for instance, you would like to take a troop of my guards, lie in ambush by the highway, fall to the number of fifty upon one carriage, and bear the girl in triumph to me.

MARINELLI.

A girl has been carried off before now by force, though there has been no appearance of force in the transaction.----

PRINCE.

If you were able to do this, you would not talk so much about it.

MARINELLI.

----But I cannot be answerable for the consequences. Unforeseen accidents may happen.

PRINCE.

Is it my custom to make people answerable for what they cannot help?

MARINELLI.

Therefore your Highness will--(_a pistol is fired at a distance_). Ha!

What was that? Did not my ears deceive me? Did not your Highness also hear a shot. And hark! Another!

PRINCE.

What means this? What is the matter?

MARINELLI.

How if I were more active than you deemed me?

PRINCE.

More active! Explain, then----

MARINELLI.

In short, what I mentioned is now taking place.

PRINCE.

Is it possible?

MARINELLI.

But forget not, Prince, what you just now promised. You pledge your word that----

PRINCE.

The necessary precautions I hope have been taken.

MARINELLI.