Chapter 23

_The COUNTESS steps out from a Closet._

_COUNT and COUNTESS TERTSKY._

_Tertsky._ Well--is she coming?--I can keep him back No longer.

_Countess._ She will be there instantly. You only send him.

_Tertsky._ I am not quite certain, I must confess it, Countess, whether or not We are earning the Duke's thanks hereby. You know, 5 No ray has broken from him on this point. You have o'er-ruled me, and yourself know best How far you dare proceed.

_Countess._ I take it on me.

[_Talking to herself, while she is advancing._

Here's no need of full powers and commissions-- My cloudy Duke! we understand each other-- 10 And without words. What, could I not unriddle, Wherefore the daughter should be sent for hither, Why first he, and no other, should be chosen To fetch her hither! This sham of betrothing her To a bridegroom,[641:1] whom no one knows--No! no!---- 15 This may blind others! I see through thee, Brother! But it beseems thee not, to draw a card At such a game. Not yet!--It all remains Mutely delivered up to my finessing---- Well--thou shalt not have been deceived, Duke Friedland! In her who is thy sister.---- 20

_Servant (enters)._ The commanders!

_Tertsky (to the Countess)._ Take care you heat his fancy and affections-- Possess him with a reverie, and send him, Absent and dreaming, to the banquet; that He may not boggle at the signature. 25

_Countess._ Take you care of your guests!--Go, send him hither.

_Tertsky._ All rests upon his undersigning.

_Countess._ Go to your guests! Go----

_Illo (comes back)._ Where art staying, Tertsky? The house is full, and all expecting you. 30

_Tertsky._ Instantly! Instantly! [_To the COUNTESS._ And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion In the old man----

_Countess._ A truce with your precautions!

[_Exeunt TERTSKY and ILLO._

FOOTNOTES:

[641:1] In Germany, after honourable addresses have been paid and formally accepted, the lovers are called Bride and Bridegroom, even though the marriage should not take place till years afterwards.

LINENOTES:

[6] broken] broke out 1800, 1828, 1829.

[13] _he_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[15] whom] when 1800, 1828, 1829.

[28] _Countess (interrupting him)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.