Minna Von Barnhelm

by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

SCENE IV.
Major von Tellheim
MAJ. T. (calling after her).
Announce me! Speak for me, Franziska! I shall follow you directly.
What shall I say to her? Yet where the heart can speak, no preparation
is necessary. There is one thing only which may need a studied turn
... this reserve, this scrupulousness of throwing herself,
unfortunate as she is, into my arms; this anxiety to make a false show
of still possessing that happiness which she has lost through me. How
she is to exculpate herself to herself—for by me it is already
forgiven—for this distrust in my honour, in her own worth... Ah!
here she comes.

SCENE V.
Minna, Franziska, Major von Tellheim
MIN. (speaking as she comes out, as if not aware of the Major's
presence).
The carriage is at the door, Franziska, is it not? My fan!
MAJ. T. (advancing to her).
Where are you going, Madam?
MIN. (with forced coldness).
I am going out, Major. I guess why you have given yourself the trouble
of coming back: to return me my ring.—Very well, Major von Tellheim,
have the goodness to give it to Franziska.—Franziska, take the ring
from Major von Tellheim!—I have no time to lose.
(Is going.)
MAJ. T. (stepping before her).
Madam! Ah! what have I heard? I was unworthy of such love.
MIN.
So, Franziska, you have!!!!!
FRAN.
Told him all.
MAJ. T.
Do not be angry with me, Madam. I am no deceiver. You have, on my
account, lost much in the eyes of the world, but not in mine. In my
eyes you have gained beyond measure by this loss. It was too sudden.
You feared it might make an unfavourable impression on me; at first
you wished to hide it from me. I do not complain of this mistrust. It
arose from the desire to retain my affection. That desire is my pride.
You found me in distress; and you did not wish to add distress to
distress. You could not divine how far your distress would raise me
above any thoughts of my own.
MIN.
That is all very well, Major, but it is now over. I have released you
from your engagement; you have, by taking back the ring!!!!!
MAJ. T.
Consented to nothing! On the contrary, I now consider myself bound
more firmly than ever. You are mine, Minna, mine for ever.
(Takes off the ring.)
Here, take it for the second time—the pledge of my fidelity.
MIN.
I take that ring again! That ring?
MAJ. T.
Yes, dearest Minna, yes.
MIN.
What are you asking me? that ring?
MAJ. T.
You received it for the first time from my hand, when our positions
were similar and the circumstances propitious. They are no longer
propitious, but are again similar. Equality is always the strongest
tie of love. Permit me, dearest Minna!
(Seizes her hand to put on the ring.)
MIN.
What! by force, Major! No, there is no power in the world which shall
compel me to take back that ring! Do you think that I am in want of a
ring? Oh! you may see
(pointing to her ring)
that I have another here which is in no way inferior to yours.
FRAN. (aside).
Well, if he does not see it now!
MAJ. T. (letting fall her hand).
What is this? I see Fraulein von Barnhelm, but I do not hear her.—You
are pretending.—Pardon me, that I use your own words.
MIN. (in her natural tone).
Did those words offend you, Major?
MAJ. T.
They grieved me much.
MIN. (affected).
They were not meant to do that, Tellheim. Forgive me, Tellheim.
MAJ. T.
Ah! that friendly tone tells me you are yourself again, Minna: that
you still love me.
FRAN. (exclaims).
The joke would soon have gone a little too far.
MIN. (in a commanding tone).
Franziska, you will not interfere in our affairs, I beg.
FRAN. (aside, in a surprised tone).
Not enough yet!
MIN.
Yes, sir, it would only be womanish vanity in me to pretend to be cold
and scornful. No! Never! You deserve to find me as sincere as
yourself. I do love you still, Tellheim, I love you still; but
notwithstanding!!!!!
MAJ. T.
No more, dearest Minna, no more!
(Seizes her hand again, to put on the ring.)
MIN. (drawing back her hand).
Notwithstanding, so much the more am I determined that that shall
never be,—never!—Of what are you thinking, Major?—I thought your
own distress was sufficient. You must remain here; you must obtain by
obstinacy—no better phrase occurs to me at the moment—the most
perfect satisfaction, obtain it by obstinacy.... And that even
though the utmost distress should waste you away before the eyes of
your calumniators!!!!!
MAJ. T.
So I thought, so I said, when I knew not what I thought or said.
Chagrin and stifling rage had enveloped my whole soul; love itself, in
the full blaze of happiness, could not illumine it. But it has sent
its daughter, Pity, more familiar with gloomy misfortune, and she has
dispelled the cloud, and opened again all the avenues of my soul to
sensations of tenderness. The impulse of self-preservation awakes,
when I have something more precious than myself to support, and to
support through my own exertions. Do not let the word "pity" offend
you. From the innocent cause of our distress we may hear the term
without humiliation. I am this cause; through me, Minna, have you lost
friends and relations, fortune and country. Through me, in me, must
you find them all again, or I shall have the destruction of the most
lovely of her sex upon my soul. Let me not think of a future in which
I must detest myself.—No, nothing shall detain me here longer. From
this moment I will oppose nothing but contempt to the injustice which
I suffer. Is this country the world? Does the sun rise here alone?
Where can I not go? In what service shall I be refused? And should I
be obliged to seek it in the most distant clime, only follow me with
confidence, dearest Minna—we shall want for nothing. I have a friend
who will assist me with pleasure.

SCENE VI.
An Orderly, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
FRAN. (seeing the Orderly).
Hist, Major!
MAJ. T. (to the Orderly).
Who do you want?
ORD.
I am looking for Major von Tellheim. Ah! you are the Major, I see. I
have to give this letter from his Majesty the King
(taking one out of his bag).
MAJ. T.
To me?
ORD.
According to the direction.
MIN.
Franziska, do you hear? The Chevalier spoke the truth after all.
ORD. (whilst Tellheim takes the letter).
I beg your pardon, Major; you should properly have had it yesterday,
but I could not find you out. I learnt your address this morning only
from Lieutenant Riccaut, on parade.
FRAN.
Do you hear, my lady?—That is the Chevalier's minister. "What is the
name of de ministre out dere, on de broad place?"
MAJ. T.
I am extremely obliged to you for your trouble.
ORD.
It is my duty, Major.
(Exit.)

SCENE VII.
Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
MAJ. T.
Ah! Minna, what is this? What does this contain?
MIN.
I am not entitled to extend my curiosity so far.
MAJ. T.
What! You would still separate my fate from yours?—But, why do I
hesitate to open it? It cannot make me more unhappy than I am: no,
dearest Minna, it cannot make us more unhappy—but perhaps more happy!
Permit me.
(While he opens and reads the letter, the Landlord comes stealthily on
the stage.)

SCENE VIII.
Landlord, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
LAND. (to Franziska.)
Hist! my pretty maid! A word!
FRAN. (to the Landlord).
Mr. Landlord, we do not yet know ourselves what is in the letter.
LAND.
Who wants to know about the letter! I come about the ring. The lady
must give it to me again, directly. Just is there, and wants to redeem
it.
MIN. (who in the meantime has approached the Landlord).
Tell Just that it is already redeemed; and tell him by whom—by me.
LAND.
But!!!!!
MIN.
I take it upon myself. Go!
(Exit Landlord.)

SCENE IX.
Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
FRAN.
And now, my lady, make it up with the poor Major.
MIN.
Oh! kind intercessor! As if the difficulties must not soon explain
themselves.
MAJ. T. (after reading the letter, with much emotion.)
Ah! nor has he herein belied himself! Oh! Minna, what justice! what
clemency! This is more than I expected; more than I deserved!—My
fortune, my honour, all is reestablished!—Do I dream?
(Looking at the letter, as if to convince himself.)
No, no delusion born of my own desires! Read it yourself, Minna; read
it yourself!
MIN.
I would not presume, Major.
MAJ. T.
Presume! The letter is to me; to your Tellheim, Minna. It contains—
what your uncle cannot take from you. You must read it! Do read it.
MIN.
If it affords you pleasure, Major.
(Takes the letter and reads.)
"My dear Major von Tellheim,
"I hereby inform you, that the business which caused me some
anxiety on account of your honour, has been cleared up in your
favour. My brother had a more detailed knowledge of it, and his
testimony has more than proved your innocence. The Treasury has
received orders to deliver again to you the bill in question, and
to reimburse the sum advanced. I have also ordered that all claims
which the Paymaster's Office brings forward against your accounts
be nullified. Please to inform me whether your health will allow
of your taking active service again. I can ill spare a man of your
courage and sentiments. I am your gracious King," &c.
MAJ. T.
Now, what do you say to that, Minna?
MIN. (folding up and returning the letter).
I? Nothing.
MAJ. T.
Nothing?
MIN.
Stay—yes. That your king, who is a great man, can also be a good man.
—But what is that to me! He is not my king.
MAJ. T.
And do you say nothing more? Nothing about ourselves?
MIN.
You are going to serve again. From Major, you will become Lieutenant-
Colonel, perhaps Colonel. I congratulate you with all my heart.
MAJ. T.
And you do not know me better? No, since fortune restores me
sufficient to satisfy the wishes of a reasonable man, it shall depend
upon my Minna alone, whether for the future I shall belong to any one
else but her. To her service alone my whole life shall be devoted! The
service of the great is dangerous, and does not repay the trouble, the
restraint, the humiliation which it costs. Minna is not amongst those
vain people who love nothing in their husbands beyond their titles and
positions. She will love me for myself; and for her sake I will forget
the whole world. I became a soldier from party feeling—I do not
myself know on what political principles—and from the whim that it is
good for every honourable man to try the profession of arms for a
time, to make himself familiar with danger, and to learn coolness and
determination. Extreme necessity alone could have compelled me to make
this trial a fixed mode of life, this temporary occupation a
profession. But now that nothing compels me, my whole and sole
ambition is to be a peaceful and a contented man. This with you,
dearest Minna, I shall infallibly become; this in your society I shall
unchangeably remain. Let the holy bond unite us to-morrow; and then we
will look round us, and in the whole wide habitable world seek out the
most peaceful, the brightest, most smiling nook which wants but a
happy couple to be a Paradise. There we will dwell; there shall each
day.... What is the matter, Minna?
(Minna turns away uneasily, and endeavours to hide her emotion.)
MIN. (regaining her composure).
It is cruel of you, Tellheim, to paint such happiness to me, when I am
forced to renounce it. My loss!!!!!
MAJ. T.
Your loss! Why name your loss? All that Minna could lose is not Minna.
You are still the sweetest, dearest, loveliest, best creature under
the sun; all goodness and generosity, innocence and bliss! Now and
then a little petulant; at times somewhat wilful—so much the better!
So much the better! Minna would otherwise be an angel, whom I should
honour with trepidation, but not dare to love.
(Takes her hand to kiss it.)
MIN. (drawing away her hand).
Not so, sir. Why this sudden change? Is this flattering impetuous
lover, the cold Tellheim!—Could his returning good fortune alone
create this ardour in him? He will permit me during his passionate
excitement to retain the power of reflection for us both. When he
could himself reflect, I heard him say—"it is a worthless love which
does not scruple to expose its object to scorn."—True; and I aspire
to as pure and noble a love as he himself. Now, when honour calls him,
when a great monarch solicits his services, shall I consent that he
shall give himself up to love-sick dreams with me? that the
illustrious warrior shall degenerate into a toying swain? No, Major,
follow the call of your higher destiny.
MAJ. T.
Well! if the busy world has greater charms for you, Minna, let us
remain in the busy world! How mean, how poor is this busy world; you
now only know its gilded surface. Yet certainly, Minna, you will.
... But let it be so! until then! Your charms shall not want
admirers, nor will my happiness lack enviers.
MIN.
No, Tellheim, I do not mean that! I send you back into the busy world,
on the road of honour, without wishing to accompany you. Tellheim will
there require an irreproachable wife! A fugitive Saxon girl who has
thrown herself upon him!!!!!
MAJ. T. (starting up, and looking fiercely about him).
Who dare say that! Ah! Minna, I feel afraid of myself, when I imagine
that any one but yourself could have spoken so. My anger against him
would know no bounds.
MIN.
Exactly! That is just what I fear. You would not endure one word of
calumny against me, and yet you would have to put up with the very
bitterest every day. In short, Tellheim, hear what I have firmly
determined, and from which nothing in the world shall turn me!!!!!
MAJ. T.
Before you proceed, I implore you, Minna, reflect for one moment, that
you are about to pronounce a sentence of life or death upon me!
MIN.
Without a moment's reflection!... As certainly as I have given you
back the ring with which you formerly pledged your troth to me, as
certainly as you have taken back that same ring, so certainly shall
the unfortunate Minna never be the wife of the fortunate Tellheim!
MAJ. T.
And herewith you pronounce my sentence.
MIN.
Equality is the only sure bond of love. The happy Minna only wished to
live for the happy Tellheim. Even Minna in misfortune would have
allowed herself to be persuaded either to increase or to assuage the
misfortune of her friend through herself.... He must have seen,
before the arrival of that letter, which has again destroyed all
equality between us, that in appearance only I refused.
MAJ. T.
Is that true? I thank you, Minna, that you have not yet pronounced the
sentence. You will only marry Tellheim when unfortunate? You may have
him.
(Coolly.)
I perceive now that it would be indecorous in me to accept this tardy
justice; that it will be better if I do not seek again that of which I
have been deprived by such shameful suspicion. Yes; I will suppose
that I have not received the letter. Behold my only answer to it!
(About to tear it up.)
MIN. (stopping him).
What are you going to do, Tellheim?
MAJ. T.
Obtain your hand.
MIN.
Stop!
MAJ. T.
Madam, it is torn without fail if you do not quickly recall your
words.—Then we will see what else you may have to object to in me.
MIN.
What! In such a tone? Shall I, must I, thus become contemptible in my
own eyes? Never! She is a worthless creature, who is not ashamed to
owe her whole happiness to the blind tenderness of a man!
MAJ. T.
False! utterly false!
MIN.
Can you venture to find fault with your own words when coming from my
lips?
MAJ. T.
Sophistry! Does the weaker sex dishonour itself by every action which
does not become the stronger? Or can a man do everything which is
proper in a woman? Which is appointed by nature to be the support of
the other?
MIN.
Be not alarmed, Tellheim!... I shall not be quite unprotected, if I
must decline the honour of your protection. I shall still have as much
as is absolutely necessary. I have announced my arrival to our
ambassador. I am to see him to-day. I hope he will assist me. Time is
flying. Permit me, Major!!!!!
MAJ. T.
I will accompany you, Madam.
MIN.
No, Major; leave me.
MAJ. T.
Sooner shall your shadow desert you! Come Madam, where you will, to
whom you will everywhere, to friends and strangers, will I repeat in
your presence—repeat a hundred times each day—what a bond binds you
to me, and with what cruel caprice you wish to break it!!!!!

SCENE X.
Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska
JUST. (impetuously).
Major! Major!
MAJ. T.
Well!
JUST.
Here quick! quick!
MAJ. T.
Why! Come to me. Speak, what is the matter?
JUST.
What do you think?
(Whispers to him.)
MIN. (aside to Franziska).
Do you notice anything, Franziska?
FRAN.
Oh! you merciless creature! I have stood here on thorns!
MAJ. T. (to Just).
What do you say?... That is not possible!... You?
(Looking fiercely at Minna.)
Speak it out; tell it to her face. Listen, Madam.
JUST.
The Landlord says, that Fraulein von Barnhelm has taken the ring which
I pledged to him; she recognised it as her own, and would not return
it.
MAJ. T.
Is that true, Madam? No, that cannot be true!
MIN. (smiling).
And why not, Tellheim? Why can it not be true?
MAJ. T. (vehemently).
Then it is true!... What terrible light suddenly breaks in upon me!
... Now I know you—false, faithless one!
MIN. (alarmed).
Who, who is faithless?
MAJ. T.
You, whom I will never more name!
MIN.
Tellheim!
MAJ. T.
Forget my name... You came here with the intention of breaking with
me... It is evident!... Oh, that chance should thus delight to
assist the faithless! It brought your ring into your possession. Your
craftiness contrived to get my own back into mine!
MIN.
Tellheim, what visions are you conjuring up! Be calm, and listen to
me.
FRAN. (aside).
Now she will catch it!

SCENE XI.
Werner (with a purse full of gold), Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna,
Franziska

WER.
Here I am already, Major!
MAJ. T. (without looking at him).
Who wants you?
WER.
I have brought more money! A thousand pistoles!
MAJ. T.
I do not want them!
WER.
And to-morrow, Major, you can have as many more.
MAJ. T.
Keep your money!
WER.
It is your money, Major... I do not think you see whom you are
speaking to!
MAJ. T.
Take it away! I say.
WER.
What is the matter with you?—I am Werner.
MAJ. T.
All goodness is dissimulation; all kindness deceit.
WER.
Is that meant for me?
MAJ. T.
As you please!
WER.
Why I have only obeyed your commands.
MAJ. T.
Obey once more, and be off!
WER.
Major
(vexed).
I am a man!!!!!
MAJ. T.
So much the better!
WER.
Who can also be angry.
MAJ. T.
Anger is the best thing we possess.
WER.
I beg you, Major.
MAJ. T.
How often must I tell you? I do not want your money!
WER. (in a rage).
Then take it, who will!
(Throws the purse on the ground, and goes to the side).
MIN. (to Franziska).
Ah! Franziska, I ought to have followed your advice. I have carried
the jest too far.—Still, when he hears me...
(going to him).
FRAN. (without answering Minna, goes up to Werner).
Mr. Sergeant!!!!!
WER. (pettishly).
Go along!
FRAN.
Ah! what men these are.
MIN.
Tellheim! Tellheim!
(Tellheim, biting his fingers with rage, turns away his face, without
listening.)
No, this is too bad... Only listen!... You are mistaken!... A
mere misunderstanding. Tellheim, will you not hear your Minna? Can you
have such a suspicion?... I break my engagement with you? I came
here for that purpose?... Tellheim!

SCENE XII.
Two Servants (running into the room from different sides), Werner,
Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska