The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing - LightNovelsOnl.com
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I a.s.suredly, dear mother--a.s.suredly----
APPIANI (_thoughtful and melancholy_).
Signify tears!
EMILIA.
How! Does that affect you? You?
APPIANI.
It does, though I ought to be ashamed that such is the case; yet when the fancy is once disposed to sad impressions----
EMILIA.
But why should yours be so? Guess the subject of my thoughts. What did I wear, and how did I look when I first attracted your attention? Do you remember?
APPIANI.
Remember! I never see you in idea but in that dress, and I see you so, even when you are not thus attired.
EMILIA.
I mean to wear one of the same colour and form--flowing and loose.
APPIANI.
Excellent!
EMILIA.
And my hair----
APPIANI.
In its own dark beauty, in curls formed by the hand of nature.
EMILIA.
Not forgetting the rose. Right! Have a little patience, and you shall see me thus. (_Exit_.)
Scene VIII.
Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti.
APPIANI (_looks after her with a downcast mien_).
"Pearls signify tears!"--a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us!
CLAUDIA.
Emilia's remark was no less just than quick, Count. You are to-day more grave than usual. And yet you are but a step from the object of your wishes. Do you repent that you have attained the wished-for goal?
APPIANI.
How could you, dear mother, suspect this of your son? But it is true. I am to-day unusually dejected and gloomy. All that I have seen, heard or dreamt, has preached since yesterday, and before yesterday this doctrine to me--to be but one step from the goal, and not to have attained it, is in reality the same. This one idea engrosses all my thoughts. What can it mean? I understand it not.
CLAUDIA.
You make me uneasy, Count.
APPIANI.
One thought succeeds another. I am vexed--angry with my friends and with myself.
CLAUDIA.
Why so?
APPIANI.
My friends absolutely require, that, before I solemnize my marriage, I should acquaint the Prince with my intentions. They allow I am not bound to do this, but maintain that respect towards him demands it; and I have been weak enough to consent. I have already ordered my carriage for the purpose.
CLAUDIA (_starts_).
To wait upon the Prince!
Scene IX.
Pirro, _afterwards_ Marinelli, Count Appiani, Claudia.
_Enter_ Pirro.
PIRRO.
My lady, the Marquis Marinelli is at the door, and inquires for the Count.
APPIANI.
For me!
PIRRO.
Here his lords.h.i.+p comes. (_Opens the door and exit_.)
_Enter_ Marinelli.
