With instant boldness I caught her in my arms, my mouth touched hers; It parted us-'T was you. What since has happened, Countess. (after a pause, with a stolen glance at Thekla.) And is it your excess of modesty; Or are you so incurious, that you do not Ask me too of my secret? Max. Of your secret! Countess. Why, yes! When in the instant after you I stepped into the room, and found my niece there, What she in this first moment of the heart Ta'en with surprise Max. (with eagerness.) Well? SCENE 4.-Thekla, (hurries forward,) Countess, Max. Picco lomini. Thekla. (to the Countess.) Spare yourself the trouble: That hears he better from myself. Max. (stepping backward.) My Princess! What have you let her hear me say, aunt Tertsky? Countess. Yes; and soon must go. Where have you stayed so long? Thekla. Alas! my mother Wept so again! and I-I see her suffer, Yet cannot keep myself from being happy. Max. Now once again I have courage to look on you. To-day at noon I could not. The dazzle of the jewels that played round you Hid the beloved from me. Thekla. Then you saw me With your eye only-and not with your heart? Max. This morning, when I found you in the circle Of all your kindred, in your father's arms, Beheld myself an alien in this circle, O! what an impulse felt I in that moment But his stern eye o'erpowered the swelling passion- Of excommunication round you, -wherefore Dress up the angel as for sacrifice, And cast upon the light and joyous heart May love dare woo for love; but such a splendor Thekla. Hush! not a word more of this mummery; You see how soon the burthen is thrown off. (To the Countess.) He is not in spirits. Wherefore is he not? "Tis you, aunt, that have made him all so gloomy! He had quite another nature on the journey So calm, so bright, so joyous eloquent. (To Max.) Max. You find yourself In your great father's arms, beloved lady! Delights your eye. Thekla. Yes; I confess to you That many things delight me here: this camp, What hitherto had but been present to me Max. Alas! not so to me. It makes a dream of my reality. Upon some island in the ethereal heights I've lived for these last days. This mass of men That, reconducting to my former life, Divides me and my heaven. Thekla. The game of life Looks cheerful, when one carries in one's heart (Breaking off, and in a sportive tone.) Countess. (recollecting.) And what Can this be then? Methought I was acquainted Thekla. (smiling.) Ay, but the road thereto is watched by spirits: Two griffins still stand sentry at the door. Countess. (laughs.) The astrological tower! How happens it That this same sanctuary, whose access Is to all others so impracticable, Opens before you even at your approach? Thekla. A dwarfish old man with a friendly face, And snow-white hairs, whose gracious services Were mine at first sight, opened me the doors. Max. This is the Duke's astrologer, old Seni. Thekla. He questioned me on many points; for instance, When I was born, what month, and on what day, Whether by day or in the night. Countess. He wished To erect a figure for your horoscope. Thekla. My hand too he examined, shook his head With much sad meaning, and the lines, methought, Did not square over-truly with his wishes. Countess. Well, Princess, and what found you in this tower? My highest privilege has been to snatch A side-glance, and away! Thekla. It was a strange Sensation that came o'er me, when at first From the broad sunshine I stepped in; and now Colossal statucs, and all kings, stood round me But from these stars: all seemed to come from them. "These are the planets," said that low old man, 66 They govern worldly fates, and for that cause Are imaged here as kings. He farthest from you, An armed man for the battle, that is Mars: The star upon her head was soft and bright, Max. O never rudely will I blame his faith The intelligible forms of ancient poets, Or chasms and wat'ry depths; all these have vanished. I too, with glad and zealous industry, That in immeasurable heights above us, At our first birth, the wreath of love was woven, But thorns too hath the heaven; and well for you Max. Soon will his gloomy empire reach its close. To his domains And to all worth a sovereign's protection. Can build, can plant, can watch the starry courses- A gentle bride, as she is, is well worth it, That you should woo and win her with the sword. Did you hear nothing? Seemed, as if I heard THE GAMESTER.-E. MOORE. [Present, Mrs. Beverley, Charlotte.] Mrs. B. Be comforted, my dear, all may be well yet. And now, methinks, the lodging begins to look with another face. Oh, sister! sister! if these were all my hardships; if all I had to complain of were no more than quitting my house, servants, equipage, and show, your pity would be weakness. |