ACT I.
Scene I.--The Prince's Cabinet.
The Prince, seated at a desk, which is covered with papers.
PRINCE.
Complaints; nothing but complaints! Petitions; nothing but petitions! Wretched employment! And yet we are envied! To be sure, if we could relieve every one, we might indeed be envied. Emilia? (opening a petition, and looking at the signature.) An Emilia? Yes--but an Emilia Bruneschi--not Galotti. Not Emilia Galotti. What does she want, this Emilia Bruneschi? (Reads) She asks much--too much. But her name is Emilia. It is granted (signs the paper, and rings).
Enter a Servant.
PRINCE.
Are any of the Councillors in the antechamber?
SERVANT.
No, your Highness.
PRINCE.
I have begun the day too early. The morning is so beautiful, I will take a drive. The Marquis Marinelli shall accompany me. Let him be called. (Exit Servant.) I can attend to nothing more. I was so happy--delightful thought! so happy--when all at once this wretched Bruneschi must be named Emilia. Now all my peace is fled.
Re-enter the Servant, bringing a note.
SERVANT.
The Marquis has been sent for; and here is a letter from the Countess Orsina.
PRINCE.
The Countess Orsina? Put it down.
SERVANT.
Her courier waits.
PRINCE.
I will send an answer if necessary. Where is she, in town, or at her villa?
SERVANT.
She arrived in town yesterday.
PRINCE.
So much the worse--the better, I mean. There is less reason for the messenger to wait. (Exit Servant.) My dear Countess! (with sarcasm, as he takes up the letter) as good as read (throwing it down again). Well, well, I fancied I loved her--one may fancy anything. It may be that I really did love her. But--I did.
Re-enter Servant.
SERVANT.
The painter Conti requests the honour----
PRINCE.
Conti? Good! admit him. That will change the current of my thoughts (rising).