Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| Act IV |
| | | Scene I |
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MINNA’S Room. MINNA (dressed handsomely and richly, but in good taste), FRANZISKA
(They have just risen from a table, which a servant is clearing.)
Fran. You cannot possibly have eaten enough, my lady. | 1 |
| Min. Don’t you think so, Franziska? Perhaps I had no appetite when I sat down. | 2 |
| Fran. We had agreed not to mention him during dinner. We should have resolved likewise, not to think of him. | 3 |
| Min. Indeed, I have thought of nothing but him. | 4 |
| Fran. So I perceived. I began to speak of a hundred different things, and you made wrong answers to each. (Another servant brings coffee.) Here comes a beverage more suited to fancies—sweet, melancholy coffee. | 5 |
| Min. Fancies! I have none. I am only thinking of the lesson I will give him. Did you understand my plan, Franziska? | 6 |
| Fran. Oh! yes; but it would be better if he spared us the putting it in execution. | 7 |
| Min. You will see that I know him thoroughly. He who refuses me now with all my wealth, will contend for me against the whole world, as soon as he hears that I am unfortunate and friendless. | 8 |
| Fran. (seriously). That must tickle the most refined self-love. | 9 |
| Min. You moralist! First you convict me of vanity—now of self-love. Let me do as I please, Franziska. You, too, shall do as you please with your Sergeant. | 10 |
| Fran. With my Sergeant? | 11 |
| Min. Yes. If you deny it altogether, then it is true. I have not seen him yet; but from all you have said respecting him, I foretell your husband for you. | 12 |
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