Act II Scene I — A Room in Galotti’s House
Claudia Galotti, Pirro.
Claudia
Who dismounted just now in the court-yard? Pirro.
Pirro
My master, madam.
Claudia
My husband? Is it possible?
Pirro
Here he comes.
Claudia
So unexpectedly? (hastens towards him). My dearest lord!
Scene II
Odoardo, and the foregoing.
Odoardo
Good morning, my love. Does not my arrival surprise you?
Claudia
Most agreeably. But is it intended as no more than a surprise?
Odoardo
No more. Be not alarmed. The happiness of to-day awakened me early. The morning was so fine, and the ride so short, I fancied you would be so busy here to-day, and thought you might perhaps forget something: in a word, I am come to see you, and shall return immediately. Where is Emilia? Occupied with her dress, I have no doubt?
Claudia
With her soul. She is gone to hear mass. “I have need,” she said, “to-day more than at any other time to implore a blessing from above;” then leaving all else she took her veil, and disappeared.
Odoardo
Alone!
Claudia
It is but a few steps——
Odoardo
One incautious step often leads to mischief.
Claudia
Be not angry; but come in and rest a moment, and, if you please, take some refreshment.
Odoardo
Well, well, as you like. But she ought not to have gone alone.
Claudia
Stay here, Pirro, in the antechamber, and excuse me to all visitors. (Exeunt Odoardo and Claudia.)
Scene III
Pirro, and afterwards Angelo.
Pirro
All inquisitive visitors. How I have been questioned! Who comes here? (Enter Angelo, in a short mantle, with which he conceals his face.)
Angelo
Pirro! Pirro!
Pirro
An acquaintance, it seems. (Angelo throws back the mantle). Heavens! Angelo. You!
Angelo
Yes, Angelo, as you perceive. I have been wandering long enough round the house, in order to speak to you. One word with you——
Pirro
And dare you again appear in public? Don’t you know that, in consequence of your last murder, you are declared an outlaw, a price has been put upon your head?
Angelo
You don’t intend to claim it, I presume?
Pirro
What do you want? I implore you not to involve me in misfortune.
Angelo
In this way, you mean? (Showing a purse). Take it; it belongs to you.
Pirro
To me?
Angelo
Have you forgotten? The German gentleman, your last master——
Pirro
Hush!
Angelo——Whom you led into our clutches on the road to Pisa——
Pirro
If any one should overhear us!
Angelo——Had the kindness, you know, to bequeath us a valuable ring. Do you not remember? It was so valuable that we could not immediately convert it into money without suspicion. At length, however, I succeeded. I received a hundred pistoles for it, and this is your share. Take it.
Pirro
No, no! You may keep it.
Angelo
Well, with all my heart! If you don’t care at what price you put your head in the market.
Pirro
Give it me, then (takes it). And now, what do you want? for I suppose you did not come in search of me merely for that purpose.
Angelo
It seems to you not very credible. Rascal! what do you think of us? That we are capable of withholding any man’s earnings? That may be the way with honest people; but we don’t follow their fashions. Farewell! (Affects to be going, but turns at the door). One question I must ask. Old Galotti has just come hurriedly into town quite alone. What does he want?
Pirro
Nothing, merely a ride. His daughter is to be married this evening, at his country house, whence he has come to Count Appiani. He awaits the moment with impatience.
Angelo
Then he will return soon?
Pirro
So soon, that if you remain any longer he will discover you. But you surely have no thoughts of attacking him. Take care. He is a man——
Angelo
Don’t I know him? Have I not served under him in the army; but nevertheless if one could only get much from him! At what time do the young people follow him?
Pirro
Towards noon.
Angelo
With many attendants?
Pirro
A single carriage will contain the party—the mother, the daughter, and the count. A few friends from Sabionetta attend as witnesses.
Angelo
And the servants?
Pirro
Only two besides myself. I shall ride before.
Angelo
Good. Another question. Is the carriage Galotti’s or the Count’s?
Pirro
The Count’s.
Angelo
That is unlucky. There is another outrider, besides a courageous driver. However——
Pirro
I am amazed. What do you intend? The few ornaments which the bride has will scarcely reward your trouble.
Angelo
Then the bride herself shall be the reward.
Pirro
And you mean that I should be your accomplice in this crime?
Angelo
You ride before! Then ride, ride, and take no trouble about the matter.
Pirro
Never!
Angelo
What?—I believe the fellow means to play the conscientious—you rascal! I think you know me. If you utter a syllable—if every circumstance be not as you have described it——
Pirro
But, Angelo, for Heaven’s sake——
Angelo
Do what you cannot avoid. (Exit.)
Pirro
Ha! let the devil hold thee by a single hair, and thou art his for ever! Wretch that I am!
Scene IV
Odoardo and Claudia Galotti, Pirro.
Odoardo
She stays too long.
Claudia
One moment more, Odoardo. It would distress her to miss seeing you.
Odoardo
I must wait upon the Count, too. How eager am I to call this worthy man my son! His conduct enchants me, and, above everything, his resolution to pass his days in his native valleys.
Claudia
My heart almost breaks when I think of it. Must we so entirely lose our dear and only child!
Odoardo
Can you think you have lost her, when you know she is in the arms of an affectionate husband? Does not her happiness make your delight? You almost make me again suspect that your motive for remaining with her in town, far from an affectionate husband and father, was the bustle and the dissipation of the world, and proximity of the court, rather than the necessity of giving our daughter a proper education.
Claudia
How unjust, Odoardo! But to-day, I may be allowed to speak somewhat in favour of town and court, though both are so hateful to your strict virtue; for here alone could love have united a couple formed for each other; here alone could the Count have found our Emilia, and he has found her.
Odoardo
That I allow. But were you right, good Claudia, because the result has been fortunate? It is well that this court education has ended so happily. Let us not affect to be wise, when we have only been fortunate. It is well that it has ended so happily. They who were destined for each other have found each other. Now let them go where peace and innocence invite them. Why should the Count remain here? To cringe—to fawn—to flatter—to supplant the Marinellis—to make a fortune which he does not want—to obtain a dignity, which he does not value?—Pirro!
Pirro
Sir!
Odoardo
Lead my horse to the Count’s door. I’ll follow you anon, and mount it there. (Exit Pirro).—Why should the Count serve here, when he may command elsewhere? Besides, you do not consider, Claudia, that, by his union with my daughter, he is utterly ruined with the Prince? The Prince hates me——
Claudia
Less, perhaps, than you fear.
Odoardo
Fear! Should I fear anything so contemptible?
Claudia
Why, have I not already told you that the Prince has seen our daughter?
Odoardo
The Prince! Where?
Claudia
At the last assembly of the Chancellor Grimaldi, which he honoured with his presence. He conducted himself so graciously towards her——
Odoardo
Graciously?
Claudia
Yes. He conversed with her for some time.
Odoardo
Conversed with her?
Claudia
Appeared to be so delighted with her cheerfulness and good sense——
Odoardo
Delighted?
Claudia
Spoke of her elegance and beauty, in terms of such admiration——
Odoardo
Admiration? And all this you relate to me in a tone of rapture. Oh, Claudia! vain, foolish mother!
Claudia
Why so?
Odoardo
Well, well. This, too, has ended happily.—Ha! when I think——That were exactly the point where a wound would be to me most deadly.—A libertine, who admires, and seduces——Claudia! Claudia! The very thought rouses my fury. You ought to have mentioned this to me immediately.—But to-day I would not willingly say anything to vex you. And I should (as she takes him by the hand), were I to stay longer. Therefore, let me begone. God be with you, Claudia; follow me in safety. (Exit.)
Scene V
Claudia, Galotti.
Claudia
What a man! What rigid virtue—if virtue that should be called, to which everything seems suspicious and culpable. If this be a knowledge of mankind, who would not wish to remain in ignorance? Why does Emilia stay so long?——He dislikes the father—consequently, if he admire the daughter, he must mean to bring disgrace upon him!
Scene VI
Emilia and Claudia Galotti.
Emilia (Rushing in, Much Alarmed.)
Heaven be praised! I am now in safety. Or has he even followed me hither? (Throwing back her veil and espying her mother). Has he, my mother, has he?—No, thank Heaven.
Claudia
What has happened to you, my daughter?
Emilia
Nothing—nothing.
Claudia
And yet you look wildly round, and tremble in every limb!
Emilia
What have I had to hear?—And where have I been forced to hear it?
Claudia
I thought you were at church.
Emilia
I was. But what are churches and altars to the vicious?—Oh, my mother! (Throws herself into Claudia’s arms.)
Claudia
Speak, my daughter, and remove my fears. What evil can have happened to you in so holy a place?
Emilia
Never should my devotion have been more fervent and sincere than on this day. Never was it less what it ought to have been.
Claudia
Emilia we are all human. The faculty of praying fervently is not always in our power; but, in the eye of Heaven, the wish to pray is accepted as prayer.
Emilia
And our wish to sin as sin.
Claudia
That my Emilia never wished.
Emilia
No, my mother. The grace of Heaven has preserved me from falling so low. But, alas! that the vice of others should render us accomplices in vice against our will!
Claudia
Compose yourself.—Collect your thoughts as well as you can. Tell me at once what has happened to you.
Emilia
I had just sunk upon my knees, further from the altar than usual—for I arrived too late. I had just begun to raise my thoughts towards Heaven—when some person placed himself behind me—so close behind me! I could neither move forwards nor aside, however much I desired it, in my fear lest the devotion of my neighbour might interrupt my prayers. Devotion was the worst thing which I suspected. But it was not long before I heard a deep sigh close to my ear, and not the name of a saint;—no—the name—do not be angry, dear mother—the name of your daughter.—My own name! Oh, that a peal of thunder had at that moment made me deaf to the rest. The voice spoke of beauty and of love—complained that this day, which crowned my happiness (if such should prove the case) sealed his misery for ever. He conjured me—all this I was obliged to hear, but I did not look round. I wished to seem as if I was not listening. What more could I do? Nothing but pray that my guardian angel would strike me with deafness—even with eternal deafness. This was my prayer—the only prayer which I could utter. At length it was time to rise; the service came to an end. I trembled at the idea of being obliged to turn round—trembled at the idea of beholding him whose impiety had so much shocked me—and when I turned—when I beheld him——
Claudia
Whom, my daughter?
Emilia
Guess, dear mother, guess: I thought I should have sunk into the earth. Himself!
Claudia
Whom do you mean?
Emilia
The Prince!
Claudia
The Prince! Blest be your father’s impatience! He was here just now, and would not stay till you returned.
Emilia
My father here—and not stay till I returned!
Claudia
If, in the midst of your confusion, you had told him too.
Emilia
Well, dear mother—could he have found anything in my conduct deserving of censure?
Claudia
No—as little as in mine. And yet, yet—you do not know your father. When enraged, he would have mistaken the innocent for the guilty—in his anger he would have fancied me the cause of what I could neither prevent nor foresee. But proceed, my daughter, proceed. When you recognised the Prince, I trust that you were sufficiently composed to convince him by your looks, of the contempt which he deserved.
Emilia
That I was not. After the glance by which I recognised him, I had not courage to cast a second. I fled.
Claudia
And the Prince followed you?
Emilia
I did not know it till I had reached the porch, where I felt my hand seized—by him. Shame compelled me to stop; as an effort to extricate myself would have attracted the attention of every one who was passing. This was the only reflection of which I was capable, or which I at present remember. He spoke, and I replied—but what he said, or what I replied, I know not.—Should I recollect it, my dear mother, you shall hear it. At present I remember nothing further. My senses had forsaken me.—In vain do I endeavour to recollect how I got away from him, and escaped from the porch. I found myself in the street—I heard his steps behind me—I heard him follow me into the house, and pursue me up the stairs——
Claudia
Fear has its peculiar faculty, my daughter. Never shall I forget the look with which you rushed into this room!—No. He dared not follow you so far.—Heavens! had your father known this!—How angry was he when I merely told him that the Prince had lately beheld you with admiration! Be at ease, however, my dear girl. Fancy what has happened to be a mere dream. The result will be less, even, than a dream. You will be assured to-day from all similar designs.
Emilia
No, mother! The Count must know it—to him I must relate it.
Claudia
Not for the world. Wherefore? Why? Do you wish to make him uneasy without a cause? And granting that he may not become so at present—know, my child, the poison which does not operate immediately, is not on that account less dangerous. That which has no effect upon the lover, may produce a serious one upon the husband. The lover might even be flattered at winning the prize from so great a rival; but when he has won it—alas, my dear Emilia, the lover often becomes quite another being. Heaven preserve you from such experience!
Emilia
You know, dear mother, how willingly I ever submit to your superior judgment. But should he learn from another that the Prince spoke to me to-day, would not my silence sooner or later increase his uneasiness?—I think it would be better not to conceal anything from him.
Claudia
Weakness—a fond weakness. No, on no account, my daughter! Tell him nothing. Let him observe nothing.
Emilia
I submit. I have no will, dear mother, opposed to yours. Ah! (sighing deeply), I shall soon be well again. What a silly, timid thing I am! am I not, mother? I might have conducted myself otherwise, and should, perhaps, have compromised myself just a little.
Claudia
I would not say this, my daughter, till your own good sense had spoken, which I was sure would be as soon as your alarm was at an end. The Prince is a gallant. You are too little used to the unmeaning language of gallantry. In your mind a civility becomes an emotion—a compliment, a declaration—an idea, a wish—a wish, a design. A mere nothing, in this language, sounds like everything, while everything is in reality nothing.
Emilia
Dear mother, my terror cannot but appear ridiculous to myself now. But my kind Appiani shall know nothing of it. He might, perhaps, think me more vain than virtuous——Ah! there he comes himself. That is his step.
Scene VII
Enter Appiani, in deep meditation. His eyes are cast down, and he approaches without observing Claudia and Emilia, till the latter runs towards him.
Appiani
Ha! My dearest! I did not expect to find you in the ante-room.
Emilia
I wish you to be cheerful, even where you do not expect to see me. Why so grave and solemn? Should not this day inspire joyful emotions?
Appiani
It is of greater value to me than my whole life; but it teems with so much bliss for me—perhaps it is this very bliss which makes me so grave—so solemn, as you express it (espies Claudia). Ha! You too here, dear madam. This day I hope to address you by a more familiar name.
Claudia
Which will be my greatest pride.—How happy you are, Emilia! Why would not your father share our delight?
Appiani
But a few minutes have elapsed since I tore myself from his arms—or rather he from mine.—What a man your father is, my Emilia! A pattern of every manly virtue! With what sentiments does his presence inspire my soul! Never is my resolution to continue just and good, so firm as when I see or think of him. And by what, but by fulfilling this resolution, can I make myself worthy of the honour to be called his son—to become your husband, dear Emilia?
Emilia
And he would not wait for me!
Appiani
Because, in my opinion, this brief interview with his Emilia would have distressed him too much, too deeply affected his soul.
Claudia
He expected to find you busy with your bridal ornaments, and heard——
Appiani
What I have learnt from him with the tenderest admiration. Right, my Emilia. I shall be blessed with a pious wife—and one who is not proud of her piety.
Claudia
But let us not, whilst we attend to one subject, forget another. It is high time, Emilia. Go!
Appiani
Go! Why?
Claudia
Surely, my lord, you would not lead her to the altar in her present attire.
Appiani
In truth, I was not, till you spoke, aware of that. Who can behold Emilia, and take heed of her dress? Yet why should I not lead her to the altar thus?
Emilia
No, dear Count, not exactly thus; yet in a dress not much more gay. In a moment I shall be ready. I do not mean to wear those costly jewels, which were the last present of your prodigal generosity, no, nor anything suited to such jewels. Oh, I could quarrel with those jewels were they not your present—for thrice I’ve dreamt——
Claudia
Indeed! I know nothing of that.
Emilia
That while I wore them, every diamond changed suddenly to a pearl—and pearls, you know, dear mother, signify tears.
Claudia
Child, the interpretation is more visionary than the dream. Were you not always more fond of pearls than diamonds?
Emilia
I assuredly, dear mother—assuredly——
Appiani (Thoughtful and Melancholy)
Signify tears!
Emilia
How! Does that affect you? You?
Appiani
It does, though I ought to be ashamed that such is the case; yet when the fancy is once disposed to sad impressions——
Emilia
But why should yours be so? Guess the subject of my thoughts. What did I wear, and how did I look when I first attracted your attention? Do you remember?
Appiani
Remember! I never see you in idea but in that dress, and I see you so, even when you are not thus attired.
Emilia
I mean to wear one of the same colour and form—flowing and loose.
Appiani
Excellent!
Emilia
And my hair——
Appiani
In its own dark beauty, in curls formed by the hand of nature.
Emilia
Not forgetting the rose. Right! Have a little patience, and you shall see me thus. (Exit.)
Scene VIII
Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti.
Appiani (Looks After Her With a Downcast Mien)
“Pearls signify tears!”—a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us!
Claudia
Emilia’s remark was no less just than quick, Count. You are to-day more grave than usual. And yet you are but a step from the object of your wishes. Do you repent that you have attained the wished-for goal?
Appiani
How could you, dear mother, suspect this of your son? But it is true. I am to-day unusually dejected and gloomy. All that I have seen, heard or dreamt, has preached since yesterday, and before yesterday this doctrine to me—to be but one step from the goal, and not to have attained it, is in reality the same. This one idea engrosses all my thoughts. What can it mean? I understand it not.
Claudia
You make me uneasy, Count.
Appiani
One thought succeeds another. I am vexed—angry with my friends and with myself.
Claudia
Why so?
Appiani
My friends absolutely require, that, before I solemnize my marriage, I should acquaint the Prince with my intentions. They allow I am not bound to do this, but maintain that respect towards him demands it; and I have been weak enough to consent. I have already ordered my carriage for the purpose.
Claudia (Starts)
To wait upon the Prince!
Scene IX
Pirro, afterwards Marinelli, Count Appiani, Claudia.
Enter Pirro.
Pirro
My lady, the Marquis Marinelli is at the door, and inquires for the Count.
Appiani
For me!
Pirro
Here his lordship comes. (Opens the door and exit.)
Enter Marinelli.
Marinelli
I ask pardon, madam. My lord Count, I called at your house, and was informed that I should find you here. I have important business with you. Once more pardon, madam. It will occupy but a few minutes.
Claudia
I will not impede it. (Curtseys and exit.)
Scene X
Marinelli, Appiani.
Appiani
Now, my lord?
Marinelli
I come from his Highness.
Appiani
What are his commands?
Marinelli
I am proud to be the bearer of this distinguished favour; and if Count Appiani will not wilfully misunderstand one of his most devoted friends——
Appiani
Proceed, I pray, without more ceremony.
Marinelli
I will. The Prince is obliged to send an ambassador immediately to the Duke of Massa respecting his marriage with the Princess his daughter. He was long undetermined whom to appoint, till his choice at last has fallen upon you, my lord.
Appiani
Upon me?
Marinelli
Yes—and if friendship may be allowed to boast, I was instrumental——
Appiani
Truly I am at a loss for thanks. I had long renounced the hope of being noticed by the Prince.
Marinelli
I am sure he only waited for a proper opportunity, and if the present mission be not sufficiently worthy of Count Appiani, I own my friendship has been too precipitate.
Appiani
Friendship, friendship! every third word. With whom am I speaking? The Marquis Marinelli’s friendship I never dreamt of gaining.
Marinelli
I acknowledge my fault, Count Appiani, my unpardonable fault in wishing to be your friend without your permission. But what of that? The favour of his Highness, and the dignity he offers, remain the same. I do not doubt you will accept them with pleasure.
Appiani (After Some Consideration)
Undoubtedly.
Marinelli
Come, then, with me.
Appiani
Whither?
Marinelli
To the Prince’s palace at Dosalo. All is ready. You must depart to-day.
Appiani
What say you? To-day?
Marinelli
Yes. Rather now than an hour hence. The business presses.
Appiani
Indeed! Then I am sorry I must decline the honour which the Prince intended to confer upon me.
Marinelli
How?
Appiani
I cannot depart to-day,—nor to-morrow—nor the next day.
Marinelli
You are jesting, Count.
Appiani
With you?
Marinelli
Incomparable! If with the Prince, the joke is so much the merrier.—You cannot?
Appiani
No, my lord, no—and I trust that the Prince himself will think my excuse sufficient.
Marinelli
I am eager to hear it.
Appiani
Oh, it is a mere trifle. I mean to be married to-day.
Marinelli
Indeed!—and what then?
Appiani
And what then?—Your question shows a cursed simplicity!
Marinelli
There are examples, Count, of marriages having been deferred. I do not mean to infer that the delay was pleasant to the bride and bridegroom. To them it was, no doubt, a trial, yet the sovereign’s command——
Appiani
Sovereign’s command? A sovereign of my own option, I am not so strictly bound to obey. I admit that you owe the Prince absolute obedience, but not I. I came to his court a volunteer. I wished to enjoy the honour of serving him, but not of being his slave. I am the vassal of a greater sovereign.
Marinelli
Greater or smaller, a monarch is a monarch.
Appiani
Idle controversy! Enough! Tell the Prince what you have heard. Tell him I am sorry I cannot accept the honour, as I to-day intend to solemnize an union which will consummate my happiness.
Marinelli
Will you not at the same time inform him with whom?
Appiani
With Emilia Galotti.
Marinelli
The daughter of this family?
Appiani
Yes.
Marinelli
Humph!
Appiani
What do you mean?
Marinelli
I mean that there would be the less difficulty in deferring the ceremony till your return.
Appiani
The ceremony?
Marinelli
Yes. The worthy parents will not think much about it.
Appiani
The worthy parents?
Marinelli
And Emilia will remain faithful to you, of course.
Appiani
Of course?——You are an impertinent ape, with your “of course.”
Marinelli
This to me, Count?
Appiani
Why not?
Marinelli
Heaven and hell! You shall hear from me.
Appiani
Pshaw! The ape is malicious, but——
Marinelli
Death and damnation!—Count, I demand satisfaction.
Appiani
You shall have it.
Marinelli——And would insist upon it instantly—but that I should not like to spoil the day for the loving bridegroom.
Appiani
Good—natured creature!—(seizes his arm). I own an embassy to Massa does not suit me, but still I have time enough to take a walk with you. Come.
Marinelli (Extricates Himself From the Count’s Grasp)
Patience, my lord, patience! (Exit.)
Scene XI
Appiani, Claudia.
Appiani
Go, worthless wretch——Ha! that does me good. My blood circulates——I feel different and all the better.
Claudia (Hastily and Alarmed)
Heavens! My lord—I overheard an angry altercation. Your cheek is flushed. What has happened?
Appiani
Nothing, Madam, nothing. The chamberlain Marinelli has conferred a favour on me. He has saved me a visit to the Prince.
Claudia
Indeed!
Appiani
We can therefore leave town earlier. I go to give orders to my people, and shall return immediately. Emilia will, in the meantime, get ready.
Claudia
May I feel quite at ease, my lord?
Appiani
Perfectly so, dear Madam. (Exeunt severally.)