Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD   Dramatis Personæ

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

Act V

Scene X

Just.(impetuously). Major! Major!

Maj. T.Well!

Just.Here quick! quick!

Maj. T.Why! Come to me. Speak, what is the matter?

Just.What do you think?(Whispers to him.)

Min.(aside to FRANZISKA). Do you notice anything, Franziska?

Fran.Oh! you merciless creature! I have stood here on thorns!

Maj. T.(to JUST). What do you say?… That is not possible!… You? (Looking fiercely at MINNA.) Speak it out; tell it to her face. Listen, Madam.

Just.The Landlord says, that Fräulein von Barnhelm has taken the ring which I pledged to him; she recognised it as her own, and would not return it.

Maj. T.Is that true, Madam? No, that cannot be true!

Min.(smiling). And why not, Tellheim? Why can it not be true?

Maj. T.(vehemently). Then it is true!… What terrible light suddenly breaks in upon me!… Now I know you—false, faithless one!

Min.(alarmed). Who, who is faithless?

Maj. T.You, whom I will never more name!

Min.Tellheim!

Maj. T.Forget my name… You came here with the intention of breaking with me… It is evident!… Oh, that chance should thus delight to assist the faithless! It brought your ring into your possession. Your craftiness contrived to get my own back into mine!

Min.Tellheim, what visions are you conjuring up! Be calm, and listen to me.

Fran.(aside). Now she will catch it!