Duchess. No, never shall this messenger of evil
Enter again into thy presence, Thekla! 30

Thekla. My father—

Wallenstein. Dearest daughter!

Thekla. I'm not weak—
Shortly I shall be quite myself again.
You'll grant me one request?

Wallenstein. Name it, my daughter.

Thekla. Permit the stranger to be called to me,
And grant me leave, that by myself I may 35
Hear his report and question him.

Duchess. No, never!

Countess. 'Tis not advisable—assent not to it.

[[787]]Wallenstein. Hush! Wherefore would'st thou speak with him, my daughter?

Thekla. Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected;
I will not be deceived. My mother wishes 40
Only to spare me. I will not be spared.
The worst is said already: I can hear
Nothing of deeper anguish!