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Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Act V

Scene XIII

Count.(entering). She arrived in safety, I hope?

Min.(running to meet him). Ah! my father!

Count.Here I am, dear Minna (embracing her). But what, girl (seeing TELLHEIM), only four-and-twenty hours here, and friends—company already!

Min.Guess who it is?

Count.Not your Tellheim, surely!

Min.Who else!—Come, Tellheim(introducing him).

Count.Sir, we have never met; but at the first glance I fancied I recognised you. I wished it might be Major von Tellheim.—Your hand, sir; you have my highest esteem; I ask for your friendship. My niece, my daughter loves you.

Min.You know that, my father!—And was my love blind?

Count.No, Minna, your love was not blind; but your lover—is dumb.

Maj. T.(throwing himself in the COUNT’S arms). Let me recover myself, my father!

Count.Right, my son. I see your heart can speak, though your lips cannot. I do not usually care for those who wear this uniform. But you are an honourable man, Tellheim; and one must love an honourable man, in whatever garb he may be.

Min.Ah! did you but know all!

Count.Why should I not hear all?—Which are my apartments, landlord?

Land.Will your Excellency have the goodness to walk this way?

Count.Come, Minna! Pray come, Major!(Exit with the LANDLORD and servants.)

Min.Come, Tellheim!

Maj. T.I will follow you in an instant, Minna. One word first with this man(turning to WERNER).

Min.And a good word, methinks, it should be. Should it not, Franziska?(Exit.)