Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD   Dramatis Personæ

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). Minna von Barnhelm.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Act V

Scene XI

Wer.Here I am already, Major!

Maj. T.(without looking at him). Who wants you?

Wer.I have brought more money! A thousand pistoles!

Maj. T.I do not want them!

Wer.And to-morrow, Major, you can have as many more.

Maj. T.Keep your money!

Wer.It is your money, Major… I do not think you see whom you are speaking to!

Maj. T.Take it away! I say.

Wer.What is the matter with you?—I am Werner.

Maj. T.All goodness is dissimulation; all kindness deceit.

Wer.Is that meant for me?

Maj. T.As you please!

Wer.Why I have only obeyed your commands.

Maj. T.Obey once more, and be off!

Wer.Major (vexed). I am a man—

Maj. T.So much the better!

Wer.Who can also be angry.

Maj. T.Anger is the best thing we possess.

Wer.I beg you, Major.

Maj. T.How often must I tell you? I do not want your money!

Wer.(in a rage). Then take it, who will!(Throws the purse on the ground, and goes to the side).

Min.(to FRANZISKA). Ah! Franziska, I ought to have followed your advice. I have carried the jest too far.—Still, when he hears me…(going to him).

Fran.(without answering MINNA, goes up to WERNER). Mr. Sergeant—

Wer.(pettishly). Go along!

Fran.Ah! what men these are.

Min.Tellheim! Tellheim! (TELLHEIM, biting his fingers with rage, turns away his face, without listening.) No, this is too bad… Only listen! … You are mistaken!… A mere misunderstanding. Tellheim, will you not hear your Minna? Can you have such a suspicion?… I break my engagement with you? I came here for that purpose?… Tellheim!