MAX.

Rely on this, I either leave my life In the struggle, or conduct them out of Pilsen.

OCTAVIO.

Farewell, my son!

MAX.

Farewell!

OCTAVIO.

How! not one look Of filial love? No grasp of the hand at parting?

It is a b.l.o.o.d.y war to which we are going, And the event uncertain and in darkness.

So used we not to part--it was not so!

Is it then true? I have a son no longer?

[MAX. falls into his arms, they hold each other for a long time in a speechless embrace, then go away at different sides.

(The curtain drops.)

ACT III.

SCENE I.

A chamber in the house of the d.u.c.h.ess of Friedland.

COUNTESS TERZKY, THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN (the two latter sit at the same table at work).

COUNTESS (watching them from the opposite side).

So you have nothing to ask me--nothing?

I have been waiting for a word from you.

And could you then endure in all this time Not once to speak his name?

[THEKLA remaining silent, the COUNTESS rises and advances to her.

Why, how comes this?

Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, And other ways exist, besides through me Confess it to me, Thekla: have you seen him?

THEKLA.

To-day and yesterday I have not seen him.

COUNTESS.

And not heard from him, either? Come, be open.

THEKLA.

No Syllable.

COUNTESS.

And still you are so calm?

THEKLA.

I am.

COUNTESS.

May it please you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn.

[Exit LADY NEUBRUNN.

SCENE II.

The COUNTESS, THEKLA.

COUNTESS.

It does not please me, princess, that he holds Himself so still, exactly at this time.

THEKLA.

Exactly at this time?

COUNTESS.

He now knows all 'Twere now the moment to declare himself.

THEKLA.

If I'm to understand you, speak less darkly.

COUNTESS.

'Twas for that purpose that I bade her leave us.

Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart Is no more in nonage: for you love, And boldness dwells with love--that you have proved Your nature moulds itself upon your father's More than your mother's spirit. Therefore may you Hear what were too much for her fort.i.tude.

THEKLA.

Enough: no further preface, I entreat you.

At once, out with it! Be it what it may, It is not possible that it should torture me More than this introduction. What have you To say to me? Tell me the whole, and briefly!

COUNTESS.

You'll not be frightened----

THEKLA.

Name it, I entreat you.

COUNTESS.

Lies within my power to do your father A weighty service----

THEKLA.

Lies within my power.

COUNTESS.