Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Act III
Scene XIIMin.Has the Major gone already, Franziska? I believe I should have been sufficiently composed again now to have detained him here.
Fran.And I will make you still more composed.
Min.So much the better! His letter! oh! his letter! Each line spoke the honourable noble man. Each refusal to accept my hand declared his love for me. I suppose he noticed that we had read his letter. I don’t mind that, if he does but come. But are you sure he will come? There only seems to me to be a little too much pride in his conduct. For not to be willing to be indebted for his good fortune, even to the woman he loves, is pride, unpardonable pride! If he shows me too much of this, Franziska—
Fran.You will discard him!
Min.See there! Do you begin to pity him again already! No, silly girl, a man is never discarded for a single fault. No; but I have thought of a trick—to pay him off a little for this pride, with pride of the same kind.
Fran.Indeed, you must be very composed, my lady, if you are thinking of tricks again.
Min.I am so; come. You will have a part to play in my plot.(Exeunt.)