The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing - LightNovelsOnl.com
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ODOARDO.
Is it true that the Prince spoke this morning to Emilia, at the church?
CLAUDIA.
It is; but if you knew how much she was alarmed--with what terror she rushed home.
ORSINA.
Now, was my information false?
ODOARDO (_with a bitter laugh_).
I would not that it were! For worlds I would not that it were!
ORSINA.
Am I a lunatic?
ODOARDO (_wildly pacing the apartment_).
Oh!--nor as yet am I.
CLAUDIA.
You commanded me to be calm, and I obeyed--My dear husband, may I--may I entreat----
ODOARDO.
What do you mean? Am I not calm? Who can be calmer than I? (_Putting restraint upon himself_.) Does Emilia know that Appiani is dead?
CLAUDIA.
She cannot know it, but I fear that she suspects it, because he does not appear.
ODOARDO.
And she weeps and sobs.
CLAUDIA.
No more. That is over, like her nature, which you know. She is the most timid, yet the most resolute of her s.e.x; incapable of governing her first emotions, but upon the least reflection calm and prepared for all. She keeps the Prince at a distance--she speaks to him in a tone----Let us, dear Odoardo, depart immediately.
ODOARDO.
I came on horseback hither. What is to be done? You, Madam, will probably return to town?
ORSINA.
Immediately.
ODOARDO.
May I request you to take my wife with you.
ORSINA.
With pleasure.
ODOARDO.
Claudia, this is the Countess Orsina, a lady of sound sense, my friend and benefactress. Accompany her to town, and send our carriage hither instantly. Emilia must not return to Guastalla. She shall go with me.
CLAUDIA.
But--if only--I am unwilling to part from the child.
ODOARDO.
Is not her father here? I shall be admitted at last. Do not delay!
Come, my lady. (_Apart to her_.) You shall hear from me.--Come, Claudia. (_Exeunt_.)
ACT V.
Scene I.--_As before_.
The Prince, Marinelli.
MARINELLI.
From this window your Highness may observe him. He is walking to and fro under the arcade. Now he turns this way. He comes; no, he turns again. He has not yet altogether made up his mind; but is much calmer, or at least appears so. To us this is unimportant. He will scarcely dare utter the suspicions which these women have expressed! Battista says that he desired his wife to send the carriage hither as soon as she should reach the town, for he came hither on horseback. Mark my words. When he appears before your Highness, he will humbly return thanks for the gracious protection which you were pleased to afford to his family, will recommend himself and his daughter to your further favour, quietly take her to town, and with perfect submission await the further interest which your Highness may think proper to take in the welfare of his child.
PRINCE.
But should he not be so resigned--and I scarcely think he will, I know him too well to expect it--he may, perhaps, conceal his suspicions, and suppress his indignation; but instead of conducting Emilia to town, he may take her away and keep her with himself, or place her in some cloister beyond my dominions. What then?
MARINELLI.
Love's fears are farsighted. But he will not.
PRINCE.
But, if he were to do it, what would the death of the unfortunate Count avail us?
