SCENE XIII.

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, and ROSENBERG.

NEUBRUNN.
He is here, lady, and he will procure them.

THEKLA.
Wilt thou provide us horses, Rosenberg?

ROSENBERG.
I will, my lady.

THEKLA.
And go with us as well?

ROSENBERG.
To the world's end, my lady.

THEKLA.
But consider,
Thou never canst return unto the duke.

ROSENBERG.
I will remain with thee.

THEKLA.
I will reward thee.
And will commend thee to another master.
Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle?

ROSENBERG.
I can.

THEKLA.
When can I go?

ROSENBERG.
This very hour.
But whither would you, lady?

THEKLA.
To—Tell him, Neubrunn.

NEUBRUNN.
To Neustadt.

ROSENBERG.
So; I leave you to get ready.

[Exit.

NEUBRUNN.
Oh, see, your mother comes.

THEKLA.
Indeed! O Heaven!

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, the DUCHESS.

DUCHESS.
He's gone! I find thee more composed, my child.

THEKLA.
I am so, mother; let me only now
Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me.
I want repose.

DUCHESS.
My Thekla, thou shalt have it.
I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm
Thy father's heart.

THEKLA.
Good night, beloved mother!

(Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion).

DUCHESS.
Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter.
Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart
Beat audibly on mine.

THEKLA.
Sleep will appease
Its beating: now good-night, good-night, dear mother.

(As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls).