To marry without my knowledge, ... run away

Without my blessing ... it shall not be ... as if

Against my will ... not to ask my consent ...

And count on my approval. O Laura, Laura!

If I had known—and now no doubt

’Tis past all hindrance.... Am I not a fool

To wish to stop them? Perhaps they have not started,

I may be in time. I will tell Frederick all,—

I do not disapprove ... nay, I approve.

’Tis better far ... and yet how can I?—