Scene VIII.
Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti.
APPIANI (looks after her with a downcast mien).
"Pearls signify tears!"--a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us!
CLAUDIA.
Emilia's remark was no less just than quick, Count. You are to-day more grave than usual. And yet you are but a step from the object of your wishes. Do you repent that you have attained the wished-for goal?
APPIANI.
How could you, dear mother, suspect this of your son? But it is true. I am to-day unusually dejected and gloomy. All that I have seen, heard or dreamt, has preached since yesterday, and before yesterday this doctrine to me--to be but one step from the goal, and not to have attained it, is in reality the same. This one idea engrosses all my thoughts. What can it mean? I understand it not.
CLAUDIA.
You make me uneasy, Count.
APPIANI.
One thought succeeds another. I am vexed--angry with my friends and with myself.
CLAUDIA.
Why so?
APPIANI.
My friends absolutely require, that, before I solemnize my marriage, I should acquaint the Prince with my intentions. They allow I am not bound to do this, but maintain that respect towards him demands it; and I have been weak enough to consent. I have already ordered my carriage for the purpose.
CLAUDIA (starts).
To wait upon the Prince!
Scene IX.
Pirro, afterwards Marinelli, Count Appiani, Claudia.
Enter Pirro.
PIRRO.
My lady, the Marquis Marinelli is at the door, and inquires for the Count.
APPIANI.
For me!
PIRRO.
Here his lordship comes. (Opens the door and exit.)
Enter Marinelli.
MARINELLI.
I ask pardon, madam. My lord Count, I called at your house, and was informed that I should find you here. I have important business with you. Once more pardon, madam. It will occupy but a few minutes.
CLAUDIA.
I will not impede it. (Curtseys and exit.)
Scene X.
Marinelli, Appiani.
APPIANI.
Now, my lord?
MARINELLI.
I come from his Highness.
APPIANI.
What are his commands?
MARINELLI.
I am proud to be the bearer of this distinguished favour; and if Count Appiani will not wilfully misunderstand one of his most devoted friends----
APPIANI.
Proceed, I pray, without more ceremony.
MARINELLI.
I will. The Prince is obliged to send an ambassador immediately to the Duke of Massa respecting his marriage with the Princess his daughter. He was long undetermined whom to appoint, till his choice at last has fallen upon you, my lord.
APPIANI.
Upon me?
MARINELLI.
Yes--and if friendship may be allowed to boast, I was instrumental----
APPIANI.
Truly I am at a loss for thanks. I had long renounced the hope of being noticed by the Prince.
MARINELLI.
I am sure he only waited for a proper opportunity, and if the present mission be not sufficiently worthy of Count Appiani, I own my friendship has been too precipitate.
APPIANI.
Friendship, friendship! every third word. With whom am I speaking? The Marquis Marinelli's friendship I never dreamt of gaining.
MARINELLI.
I acknowledge my fault, Count Appiani, my unpardonable fault in wishing to be your friend without your permission. But what of that? The favour of his Highness, and the dignity he offers, remain the same. I do not doubt you will accept them with pleasure.
APPIANI (after some consideration).
Undoubtedly.
MARINELLI.
Come, then, with me.
APPIANI.
Whither?
MARINELLI.
To the Prince's palace at Dosalo. All is ready. You must depart to-day.
APPIANI.
What say you? To-day?
MARINELLI.
Yes. Rather now than an hour hence. The business presses.
APPIANI.
Indeed! Then I am sorry I must decline the honour which the Prince intended to confer upon me.
MARINELLI.
How?
APPIANI.
I cannot depart to-day,--nor to-morrow--nor the next day.
MARINELLI.
You are jesting, Count.
APPIANI.
With you?
MARINELLI.
Incomparable! If with the Prince, the joke is so much the merrier.--You cannot?
APPIANI.
No, my lord, no--and I trust that the Prince himself will think my excuse sufficient.
MARINELLI.
I am eager to hear it.
APPIANI.
Oh, it is a mere trifle. I mean to be married to-day.
MARINELLI.
Indeed!--and what then?
APPIANI.
And what then?--Your question shows a cursed simplicity!
MARINELLI.
There are examples, Count, of marriages having been deferred. I do not mean to infer that the delay was pleasant to the bride and bridegroom. To them it was, no doubt, a trial, yet the sovereign's command----
APPIANI.
Sovereign's command? A sovereign of my own option, I am not so strictly bound to obey. I admit that you owe the Prince absolute obedience, but not I. I came to his court a volunteer. I wished to enjoy the honour of serving him, but not of being his slave. I am the vassal of a greater sovereign.
MARINELLI.
Greater or smaller, a monarch is a monarch.
APPIANI.
Idle controversy! Enough! Tell the Prince what you have heard. Tell him I am sorry I cannot accept the honour, as I to-day intend to solemnize an union which will consummate my happiness.
MARINELLI.
Will you not at the same time inform him with whom?
APPIANI.
With Emilia Galotti.
MARINELLI.
The daughter of this family?
APPIANI.
Yes.
MARINELLI.
Humph!
APPIANI.
What do you mean?
MARINELLI.
I mean that there would be the less difficulty in deferring the ceremony till your return.
APPIANI.
The ceremony?
MARINELLI.
Yes. The worthy parents will not think much about it.
APPIANI.
The worthy parents?
MARINELLI.
And Emilia will remain faithful to you, of course.
APPIANI.
Of course?----You are an impertinent ape, with your "of course."
MARINELLI.
This to me, Count?
APPIANI.
Why not?
MARINELLI.
Heaven and hell! You shall hear from me.
APPIANI.
Pshaw! The ape is malicious, but----
MARINELLI.
Death and damnation!--Count, I demand satisfaction.
APPIANI.
You shall have it.
MARINELLI.
----And would insist upon it instantly--but that I should not like to spoil the day for the loving bridegroom.
APPIANI.
Good--natured creature!--(seizes his arm). I own an embassy to Massa does not suit me, but still I have time enough to take a walk with you. Come.
MARINELLI (extricates himself from the Count's grasp).
Patience, my lord, patience! (Exit.)
Scene XI.
Appiani, Claudia.
APPIANI.
Go, worthless wretch----Ha! that does me good. My blood circulates----I feel different and all the better.
CLAUDIA (hastily and alarmed).
Heavens! My lord--I overheard an angry altercation. Your cheek is flushed. What has happened?
APPIANI.
Nothing, Madam, nothing. The chamberlain Marinelli has conferred a favour on me. He has saved me a visit to the Prince.
CLAUDIA.
Indeed!
APPIANI.
We can therefore leave town earlier. I go to give orders to my people, and shall return immediately. Emilia will, in the meantime, get ready.
CLAUDIA.
May I feel quite at ease, my lord?
APPIANI.
Perfectly so, dear Madam. (Exeunt severally.)