Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Act II
Scene VILand.With great difficulty I have brought him.
Fran.A strange face! I do not know him.
Min.Friend, do you live with Major von Tellheim?
Just.Yes.
Min.Where is your master?
Just.Not here.
Min.But you could find him?
Just.Yes.
Min.Will you fetch him quickly?
Just.No.
Min.You will be doing me a favour.
Just.Indeed!
Min.And your master a service.
Just.Perhaps not.
Min.Why do you suppose that?
Just.You are the strange lady who sent your compliments to him this morning, I think?
Min.Yes.
Just.Then I am right.
Min.Does your master know my name?
Just.No; but he likes over-civil ladies as little as over-uncivil landlords.
Land.That is meant for me, I suppose?
Just.Yes.
Land.Well, do not let the lady suffer for it then; but bring him here directly.
Min.(to F
Fran.(trying to put some money into J
Just.Nor I your money without services.
Fran.One in return for the other.
Just.I cannot. My master has ordered me to pack up. That I am now about, and I beg you not to hinder me further. When I have finished, I will take care to tell him that he may come here. He is close by, at the coffee-house; and if he finds nothing better to do there, I suppose he will come.(Going.)
Fran.Wait a moment! My lady is the Major’s … sister.
Min.Yes, yes, his sister.
Just.I know better; the Major has not a sister. He has sent me twice in six months to his family to Courland. It is true there are different sorts of sisters—
Fran.Insolent!
Just.One must be so to get the people to let one alone. (Exit.)
Fran.That is a rascal.
Land.So I said. But let him go! I know now where his master is. I will fetch him instantly myself. I only beg your ladyship, most humbly, that you will make an excuse for me to the Major, that I have been so unfortunate as to offend a man of his merit against my will.
Min.Pray go quickly. I will set all that right again. (Exit the L