Chapter 32

Aulic Counsellor Reissman's, the same room as in the preceding act.

Aulic Counsellor REISSMAN enters in a passion; SOPHIA follows.

_Reiss._ Not a word, not a word more, not a single syllable of that silly fool! What, to leave me and you, as if we were infected with the plague and breathed contagion? I cannot bear the affront, it shall not go unavenged. I had rather die a thousand deaths.

_Soph._ Was it not his father that desired him to go with him? and you know he ought to obey him.

_Reiss._ Who am I, and what is his father? Do not name him any more in my hearing; you must not see him any more, nor even think of him. That petty Privy Counsellor is now dead and buried to me.

_Soph._ By your advice I listened to his addresses.

_Reiss._ Forget him then by my command.