NEUBR.

You frighten me so, lady, that no longer
I dare stay here myself.  I go and call
Rosenberg instantly. [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN.]

SCENE XII

THEKLA.

His spirit ’tis that calls me:  ’tis the troop
Of his true followers, who offer’d up
Themselves to avenge his death:  and they accuse me
Of an ignoble loitering—­they would not
Forsake their leader even in his death—­they died for him,
And shall I live?—­
For me too was that laurel-garland twined
That decks his bier.  Life is an empty casket. 
I throw it from me.  O! my only hope
To die beneath the hoofs of trampling steeds—­
That is the lot of heroes upon earth!

[Exit THEKLA.[33]]

[The Curtain drops.]

SCENE XIII

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, and ROSENBERG

NEUBR.

He is here lady, and he will procure them.

THEKLA.

Wilt thou provide us horses, Rosenberg?

ROSENB.

I will, my lady.

THEKLA.

And go with us as well?

ROSENB.

To the world’s end, my lady.

THEKLA.

But consider,
Thou never canst return unto the Duke.

ROSENB.

I will remain with thee.

THEKLA.

I will reward thee,
And will commend thee to another master,
Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle?

ROSENB.

I can.

THEKLA.

         When can I go?

ROSENBERG.

This very hour. 
But wither would you, Lady?

THEKLA.

To—­Tell him, Neubrunn.

NEUBR.

To Neustadt.

ROSENBERG.

So;—­I leave you to get ready.

[Exit.]

NEUBR.

O see, your mother comes.

THEKLA.

Indeed!  O Heav’n!

SCENE XIV

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, the DUCHESS

DUCHESS.

He’s gone!  I find thee more composed, my child.

THEKLA.

I am so, mother; let me only now
Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me. 
I want repose.

DUCHESS.

My Thekla, thou shalt have it. 
I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm
Thy father’s heart.

THEKLA.

Good night, beloved mother!
(Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion).

DUCHESS.

Thou scarcely art composed e’en now, my daughter. 
Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart
Beat audibly on mine.

THEKLA.  Sleep will appease
Its beating:  now good night, good night, dear mother.

(As she withdraws from her mother’s arms the curtain falls).