The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the Wise
Scene VI.
Odoardo.
ODOARDO (_after a pause, during which his eyes follow the_ Prince).
Why not? Most willingly. Ha! ha! ha! (_Looks wildly around_.) Who laughed? By Heaven I believe it was myself. 'Tis well. I will be merry. The game is near an end. Thus must it be, or thus. But--(_pauses_)--how if she were in league with him? How if this were the usual deception? How if she were not worthy of what I am about to do for her? (_Pauses again_.) And what am I about to do for her? Have I a heart to name it even to myself? A thought comes to me--a thought which can be but a thought. Horrible!--I will go. I will not wait until she comes. (_Raises his eyes towards Heaven_.) If she be innocent, let Him who plunged her into this abyss, extricate her from it. He needs not my hand. I will away. (_As he is going he espies_ Emilia.) Ha! 'Tis too late. My hand is required--He requires it.