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!
Countess and Duchess. Do it not.
Thekla. The horror overpowered me by surprise.
My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence; 45
He was a witness of my weakness, yea,
I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me.
I must replace myself in his esteem,
And I must speak with him, perforce, that he,
The stranger, may not think ungently of me. 50
Wallenstein. I see she is in the right, and am inclined
To grant her this request of hers. Go, call him. [Lady Neubrunn goes to call him.
Duchess. But I, thy mother, will be present—
Thekla. 'Twere
More pleasing to me, if alone I saw him:
Trust me, I shall behave myself the more 55
Collectedly.
Wallenstein. Permit her her own will.
Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows,
Where of necessity the soul must be
Its own support. A strong heart will rely
On its own strength alone. In her own bosom, 60
Not in her mother's arms, must she collect
The strength to rise superior to this blow.
It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated
Not as the woman, but the heroine. [Going.
Countess (detaining him). Where art thou going? I heard Tertsky say [65]
That 'tis thy purpose to depart from hence
To-morrow early, but to leave us here.
Wallenstein. Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protection
Of gallant men.