Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/113

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN.
91

COUNTESS.

Are you dreaming?

Talking in sleep? An excellent jest, forsooth!
We shall no doubt right courteously entreat him
To honor with his hand the richest heiress
In Europe.

THEKLA.

That will not be necessary.


COUNTESS.

Methinks 'twere well, though, not to run the hazard.


THEKLA.

His father loves him; Count Octavio

Will interpose no difficulty——

COUNTESS.

His!

His father! His! But your's, niece, what of your's?

THEKLA.

Why, I begin to think you fear his father,

So anxiously you hide it from the man;
His father, his, I mean.

COUNTESS. (looks at her as scrutinizing)

Niece, you are false.


THEKLA.

Are you then wounded? O, be friends with me!


COUNTESS.

You hold your game for won already. Do not

Triumph too soon!—

THEKLA (interrupting her, and attempting to
soothe her.)

Nay now, be friends with me.


COUNTESS.