84
THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE
SCENE V.
Thekla and Max. Piccolomini.
THEKLA
(As soon as the Countess is out of sight, in a
quick slow voice to Piccolomini)
MAX.
THEKLA.
They had a purpose.
MAX.
And how can we be instrumental to it?
THEKLA.
There's some design in this! To make us happy,
To realize our union—trust me, love!
They but pretend to wish it.
MAX.
Why use we them at all? Why not your mother?
Excellent creature! She deserves from us
A full and filial confidence.
THEKLA.
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