SCENE XI.
Enter Aulic Counsellor Reissman.
Reiss. Well, we are waiting.
Clar. (pulling his son towards him.) You would take him away from me,--tear him out of my arms,--drag him away!--he is my son, and no father will tamely suffer his son to precipitate himself into perdition. Jack, I will not leave thee, I will not yield thee up!--Thou art mine, nature and thy heart have closely interwoven us together; wilt thou, of thy own accord, leave me?
P. Coun. (throws his arms round him.) No, I cannot;--I will follow you hence!
Clar. God be praised, my son is saved!
[Exeunt arm in arm.--Reissman follows them a few steps, sets his arms a-kembow, and looks after them.
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Aulic Counsellor Reissman's, the same room as in the preceding act.
Aulic Counsellor Reissman enters in a passion; Sophia follows.
Reiss. Not a word, not a word more, not a single syllable of that silly fool! What, to leave me and you, as if we were infected with the plague and breathed contagion? I cannot bear the affront, it shall not go unavenged. I had rather die a thousand deaths.
Soph. Was it not his father that desired him to go with him? and you know he ought to obey him.
Reiss. Who am I, and what is his father? Do not name him any more in my hearing; you must not see him any more, nor even think of him. That petty Privy Counsellor is now dead and buried to me.
Soph. By your advice I listened to his addresses.
Reiss. Forget him then by my command.