What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner
Or later she must learn to hear and bear it.
'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity;
Courage beseems us now, a heart collect,
And exercise and previous discipline
Of fortitude. One word, and over with it!
Sister, you are deluded. You believe
The Duke has been deposed—the Duke is not
Deposed—he is—
THEKLA (going to the COUNTESS).
What? do you wish to kill her?
COUNTESS.
The Duke is—
THEKLA (throwing her arms round her mother).
O stand firm; stand firm, my mother!
COUNTESS.
Revolted is the Duke; he is preparing
To join the enemy; the army leave him,
And all has fail'd.