Thekla. Is it possible, that that can be the right,
The which thy tender heart did not at first 75
Detect and seize with instant impulse? Go,
Fulfil thy duty! I should ever love thee.
Whate'er thou had'st chosen, thou would'st still have acted
Nobly and worthy of thee—but repentance
Shall ne'er disturb thy soul's fair peace.

Max. Then I 80
Must leave thee, must part from thee!

Thekla. Being faithful
To thine own self, thou art faithful too to me:
If our fates part, our hearts remain united.
A bloody hatred will divide for ever
The houses Piccolomini and Friedland; 85
But we belong not to our houses—Go!
Quick! quick! and separate thy righteous cause
From our unholy and unblessed one!
The curse of heaven lies upon our head:
'Tis dedicate to ruin. Even me [90]
My father's guilt drags with it to perdition.
Mourn not for me:
[[762]] My destiny will quickly be decided.

[Max clasps her in his arms. There is heard from behind the Scene a loud, wild, long continued cry, 'Vivat Ferdinandus,' accompanied by warlike instruments.

LINENOTES:

Before [3] Max (who . . . distance in a visible struggle of feelings, advances). 1800, 1828, 1829.

[[22]]

amends 1800, 1828, 1829.

[[23]]