The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 53

/

The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge



The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 53


LINENOTES:

[6] _His_ 1800.

[7] _him_ 1800.

[8] nor] or 1800, 1828, 1829.

[31] _done_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[38] _will_ 1800.

[70] _wait_ 1800.

SCENE II

_The COUNTESS steps out from a Closet._

_COUNT and COUNTESS TERTSKY._

_Tertsky._ Well--is she coming?--I can keep him back No longer.

_Countess._ She will be there instantly.

You only send him.

_Tertsky._ I am not quite certain, I must confess it, Countess, whether or not We are earning the Duke's thanks hereby. You know, 5 No ray has broken from him on this point.

You have o'er-ruled me, and yourself know best How far you dare proceed.

_Countess._ I take it on me.

[_Talking to herself, while she is advancing._

Here's no need of full powers and commissions-- My cloudy Duke! we understand each other-- 10 And without words. What, could I not unriddle, Wherefore the daughter should be sent for hither, Why first he, and no other, should be chosen To fetch her hither! This sham of betrothing her To a bridegroom,[641:1] whom no one knows--No! no!---- 15 This may blind others! I see through thee, Brother!

But it beseems thee not, to draw a card At such a game. Not yet!--It all remains Mutely delivered up to my finessing---- Well--thou shalt not have been deceived, Duke Friedland!

In her who is thy sister.---- 20

_Servant (enters)._ The commanders!

_Tertsky (to the Countess)._ Take care you heat his fancy and affections-- Possess him with a reverie, and send him, Absent and dreaming, to the banquet; that He may not boggle at the signature. 25

_Countess._ Take you care of your guests!--Go, send him hither.

_Tertsky._ All rests upon his undersigning.

_Countess._ Go to your guests! Go----

_Illo (comes back)._ Where art staying, Tertsky?

The house is full, and all expecting you. 30

_Tertsky._ Instantly! Instantly! [_To the COUNTESS._ And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion In the old man----

_Countess._ A truce with your precautions!

[_Exeunt TERTSKY and ILLO._

FOOTNOTES:

[641:1] In Germany, after honourable addresses have been paid and formally accepted, the lovers are called Bride and Bridegroom, even though the marriage should not take place till years afterwards.

LINENOTES:

[6] broken] broke out 1800, 1828, 1829.

[13] _he_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[15] whom] when 1800, 1828, 1829.

[28] _Countess (interrupting him)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE III

_COUNTESS, MAX PICCOLOMINI._

_Max._ Aunt Tertsky? may I venture?

[_Advances to the middle of the stage, and looks around him with uneasiness._

She's not here!

Where is she?

_Countess._ Look but somewhat narrowly In yonder corner, lest perhaps she lie Conceal'd behind that screen.

_Max._ There lie her gloves![642:1]

[_s.n.a.t.c.hes at them, but the COUNTESS takes them herself._

You unkind Lady! You refuse me this-- 5 You make it an amus.e.m.e.nt to torment me.

_Countess._ And this the thanks you give me for my trouble?

_Max._ O, if you felt the oppression at my heart!

Since we've been here, so to constrain myself-- With such poor stealth to hazard words and glances-- 10 These, these are not my habits!

_Countess._ You have still Many new habits to acquire, young friend!

But on this proof of your obedient temper I must continue to insist; and only On this condition can I play the agent 15 For your concerns.






Tips: You're reading The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 53, please read The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 53 online from left to right.You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only).

The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 53 - Read The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 53 Online

It's great if you read and follow any Novel on our website. We promise you that we'll bring you the latest, hottest Novel everyday and FREE.


Top