Scene I.--_The Prince's Cabinet_.

_The_ Prince, _seated at a desk, which is covered with papers_.

PRINCE.

Complaints; nothing but complaints! Petitions; nothing but petitions! Wretched employment! And yet we are envied! To be sure, if we could relieve every one, we might indeed be envied. Emilia? (_opening a petition, and looking at the signature_.) An Emilia? Yes--but an Emilia Bruneschi--not Galotti. Not Emilia Galotti. What does she want, this Emilia Bruneschi? (_Reads_) She asks much--too much. But her name is Emilia. It is granted (_signs the paper, and rings_).

_Enter a_ Servant.

PRINCE.

Are any of the Councillors in the antechamber?

SERVANT.

No, your Highness.

PRINCE.

I have begun the day too early. The morning is so beautiful, I will take a drive. The Marquis Marinelli shall accompany me. Let him be called. (_Exit_ Servant.) I can attend to nothing more. I was so happy--delightful thought! so happy--when all at once this wretched Bruneschi must be named Emilia. Now all my peace is fled.

_Re-enter the_ Servant, _bringing a note_.

SERVANT.

The Marquis has been sent for; and here is a letter from the Countess Orsina.

PRINCE.

The Countess Orsina? Put it down.

SERVANT.

Her courier waits.

PRINCE.

I will send an answer if necessary. Where is she, in town, or at her villa?

SERVANT.

She arrived in town yesterday.

PRINCE.

So much the worse--the better, I mean. There is less reason for the messenger to wait. (_Exit_ Servant.) My dear Countess! (_with sarcasm, as he takes up the letter_) as good as read (_throwing it down again_). Well, well, I fancied I loved her--one may fancy anything. It may be that I really did love her. But--I did.

_Re-enter_ Servant.

SERVANT.

The painter Conti requests the honour----

PRINCE.

Conti? Good! admit him. That will change the current of my thoughts (_rising_).