Act IV. Scene I. 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 IV

Scene I


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