Chapter 9

NEUBRUNN; THEKLA.

THEKLA [_falls on Neubrunn's neck_]. Now, good Neubrunn, is the time to show the love Which thou hast always vow'd me. Prove thyself A true friend and attendant! We must go, This very night.

NEU. Go! This very night! And whither?

THEKLA. Whither? There is but one place in the world, The place where he lies buried: to his grave.

NEU. Alas, what would you there, my dearest mistress?

THEKLA. What there? Unhappy girl! Thou wouldst not ask If thou hadst ever lov'd. There, there, is all That yet remains of him; that one small spot Is all the earth to me. Do not detain me! O, come! Prepare, think how we may escape.

NEU. Have you reflected on your father's anger?

THEKLA. I dread no mortal's anger now.

NEU. The mockery Of the world, the wicked tongue of slander!

THEKLA. I go to seek one that is cold and low: Am I, then, hast'ning to my lover's arms? O God! I am but hast'ning to his grave!

NEU. And we alone? Two feeble, helpless women?

THEKLA. We will arm ourselves; my hand shall guard thee.

NEU. In the gloomy night-time?

THEKLA. Night will hide us.

NEU. In this rude storm?

THEKLA. Was _his_ bed made of down, When the horses' hoofs went o'er him?

NEU. O Heaven! And then the many Swedish posts! They will not Let us pass.

THEKLA. Are they not men? Misfortune Passes free through all the earth.

NEU. So far! So--

THEKLA. Does the pilgrim count the miles, when journeying To the distant shrine of grace?

NEU. How shall we Even get out of Eger?

THEKLA. Gold opens gates. Go! Do go!

NEU. If they should recognise us?

THEKLA. In a fugitive despairing woman No one will look to meet with Friedland's daughter.

NEU. And where shall we get horses for our flight?

THEKLA. My Equerry will find them. Go and call him.

NEU. Will he venture without his master's knowledge?

THEKLA. He will, I tell thee. Go! O, linger not!

NEU. Ah! And what will your mother do when you Are vanish'd?

THEKLA [_recollecting this, and gazing with a look of anguish_]. O my mother!

NEU. Your good mother! She has already had so much to suffer. Must this last heaviest stroke too fall on her?

THEKLA. I cannot help it. Go, I prithee, go!

NEU. Think well what you are doing.

THEKLA. All is thought That can be thought, already.

NEU. _Were_ we there, What would you do?

THEKLA. God will direct me, there.

NEU. Your heart is full of trouble: O my lady! This way leads _not_ to peace.

THEKLA. To that deep peace Which he has found. O, hasten! Go! No words! There is some force, I know not what to call it, Pulls me irresistibly, and drags me On to his grave: there I shall find some solace Instantly; the strangling band of sorrow Will be loosen'd; tears will flow. O, hasten! Long time ago we might have been o' th' road. No rest for me till I have fled these walls: They fall upon me, some dark power repels me From them--Ha! What's this? The chamber's filling With pale gaunt shapes! No room is left for me! More! more! The crowding spectres press on me, And push me forth from this accursed house.

NEU. You frighten me, my lady: I dare stay No longer; quickly I'll call Rosenberg.