is 1800, 1828, 1829.
Scene XI
Countess Tertsky (enters from a side room). I can endure no
longer. No! [Looks around her.
Where are they?
No one is here. They leave me all alone,
Alone in this sore anguish of suspense.
And I must wear the outward shew of calmness
Before my sister, and shut in within me 5
The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom.
It is not to be borne.—If all should fail;
If—if he must go over to the Swedes,
An empty-handed fugitive, and not
As an ally, a covenanted equal, 10
A proud commander with his army following;
If we must wander on from land to land,
Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness
An ignominious monument—But no!
That day I will not see! And could himself 15
Endure to sink so low, I would not bear
To see him so low sunken.
Scene XII
Countess, Duchess, Thekla.
Thekla (endeavouring to hold back the Duchess). Dear mother,
do stay here!
Duchess. No! Here is yet
Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me.
Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her
Full of suspense and anguish roam about
From room to room?—Art thou not full of terror? 5
And what import these silent nods and gestures
Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her?