Scene V

Thekla and Max Piccolomini.

Thekla (as soon us the Countess is out of sight, in a quick low voice to Piccolomini).
Don't trust them! They are false!

Max. Impossible!

Thekla. Trust no one here but me. I saw at once,
They had a purpose.

Max. Purpose! but what purpose?
And how can we be instrumental to it?

Thekla. I know no more than you; but yet believe me: 5
There's some design in this! to make us happy,
To realize our union—trust me, love!
They but pretend to wish it.

Max. But these Tertskys——
Why use we them at all? Why not your mother?
Excellent creature! she deserves from us 10
A full and filial confidence.

Thekla. She doth love you,
Doth rate you high before all others—but—
But such a secret—she would never have
The courage to conceal it from my father.
For her own peace of mind we must preserve it [15]
A secret from her too.

Max. Why any secret?
I love not secrets. Mark, what I will do.
[[651]] I'll throw me at your father's feet—let him
Decide upon my fortunes!—He is true,
He wears no mask—he hates all crooked ways— 20
He is so good, so noble!