Act II. Scene VII. Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim. 1909-14. Minna von Barnhelm. The Harvard Classics

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Act II

Scene VII


MINNA, and afterwards FRANZISKA Min. I have found him again!—Am I alone?—I will not be alone to no purpose.—(Clasping her hands.) Yet I am not alone! (Looking upwards.) One single grateful thought towards heaven, is the most perfect prayer! I have found him! I have found him! (With outstretched arms.) I am joyful and happy! What can please the Creator more than a joyful creature! (FRANZISKA returns.) Have you returned, Franziska? You pity him! I do not pity him. Misfortune too is useful. Perhaps heaven deprived him of everything—to give him all again, through me!	1
Fran. He may be here at any moment.—You are still in your morning dress, my lady. Ought you not to dress yourself quickly?	2
Min. Not at all. He will now see me more frequently so, than dressed out.	3
Fran. Oh! you know, my lady, how you look best.	4
Min. (after a pause). Truly, girl, you have hit it again.	5
Fran. I think women who are beautiful, are most so when unadorned.	6
Min. Must we then be beautiful? Perhaps it was necessary that we should think ourselves so. Enough for me, if only I am beautiful in his eyes. Franziska, if all women feel as I now feel, we are—strange things. Tender-hearted, yet proud; virtuous, yet vain; passionate, yet innocent. I dare say you do not understand me. I do not rightly understand myself. Joy turns my head.	7
Fran. Compose yourself, my lady, I hear footsteps.	8
Min. Compose myself! What! receive him composedly?	9