Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| Act V |
| | | Scene XI |
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WERNER (with a purse full of gold), the rest as before
Wer. Here I am already, Major! | 1 |
| Maj. T. (without looking at him). Who wants you? | 2 |
| Wer. I have brought more money! A thousand pistoles! | 3 |
| Maj. T. I do not want them! | 4 |
| Wer. And to-morrow, Major, you can have as many more. | 5 |
| Maj. T. Keep your money! | 6 |
| Wer. It is your money, Major… I do not think you see whom you are speaking to! | 7 |
| Maj. T. Take it away! I say. | 8 |
| Wer. What is the matter with you?—I am Werner. | 9 |
| Maj. T. All goodness is dissimulation; all kindness deceit. | 10 |
| Wer. Is that meant for me? | 11 |
| Maj. T. As you please! | 12 |
| Wer. Why I have only obeyed your commands. | 13 |
| Maj. T. Obey once more, and be off! | 14 |
| Wer. Major (vexed). I am a man— | 15 |
| Maj. T. So much the better! | 16 |
| Wer. Who can also be angry. | 17 |
| Maj. T. Anger is the best thing we possess. | 18 |
| Wer. I beg you, Major. | 19 |
| Maj. T. How often must I tell you? I do not want your money! | 20 |
| Wer. (in a rage). Then take it, who will! (Throws the purse on the ground, and goes to the side). | 21 |
| Min. (to FRANZISKA). Ah! Franziska, I ought to have followed your advice. I have carried the jest too far.—Still, when he hears me… (going to him). | 22 |
| Fran. (without answering MINNA, goes up to WERNER). Mr. Sergeant— | 23 |
| Wer. (pettishly). Go along! | 24 |
| Fran. Ah! what men these are. | 25 |
| Min. Tellheim! Tellheim! (TELLHEIM, biting his fingers with rage, turns away his face, without listening.) No, this is too bad… Only listen! … You are mistaken!… A mere misunderstanding. Tellheim, will you not hear your Minna? Can you have such a suspicion?… I break my engagement with you? I came here for that purpose?… Tellheim! | 26 |
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