NEUBRUNN.
That place of death----
THEKLA.
Is now the only place Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not!
Come and make preparations; let us think Of means to fly from hence.
NEUBRUNN.
Your father"s rage
THEKLA.
That time is past-- And now I fear no human being"s rage.
NEUBRUNN.
The sentence of the world! The tongue of calumny!
THEKLA.
Whom am I seeking? Him who is no more.
Am I then hastening to the arms--O G.o.d!
I haste--but to the grave of the beloved.
NEUBRUNN.
And we alone, two helpless, feeble women?
THEKLA.
We will take weapons: my arm shall protect thee.
NEUBRUNN.
In the dark night-time?
THEKLA.
Darkness will conceal us.
NEUBRUNN.
This rough tempestuous night----
THEKLA.
Had he a soft bed Under the hoofs of his war-horses?
NEUBRUNN.
Heaven!
And then the many posts of the enemy!
THEKLA.
They are human beings. Misery travels free Through the whole earth.
NEUBRUNN.
The journey"s weary length----
THEKLA.
The pilgrim, travelling to a distant shrine Of hope and healing doth not count the leagues.
NEUBRUNN.
How can we pa.s.s the gates?
THEKLA.
Gold opens them.
Go, do but go.
NEUBRUNN.
Should we be recognized----
THEKLA.
In a despairing woman, a poor fugitive, Will no one seek the daughter of Duke Friedland.
NEUBRUNN.
And where procure we horses for our flight?
THEKLA.
My equerry procures them. Go and fetch him.
NEUBRUNN.
Dares he, without the knowledge of his lord?
THEKLA.
He will. Go, only go. Delay no longer.
NEUBRUNN.
Dear lady! and your mother?
THEKLA.
Oh! my mother!
NEUBRUNN.
So much as she has suffered too already; Your tender mother. Ah! how ill prepared For this last anguish!
THEKLA.
Woe is me! My mother!
[Pauses.
Go instantly.
NEUBRUNN.
But think what you are doing!
THEKLA.
What can be thought, already has been thought.
NEUBRUNN.
And being there, what purpose you to do?