Exactly at _this_ time?

COUNTESS.

He now knows all: 'Twere now the moment to declare himself.

THEKLA.

If I'm to understand you, speak less darkly.

COUNTESS.

'Twas for that purpose that I bade her leave us.

Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart Is now no more in nonage: for you love, And boldness dwells with love--that _you_ have proved Your nature molds itself upon your father's More than your mother's spirit. Therefore may you Hear, what were too much for her fort.i.tude.

THEKLA.

Enough: no further preface, I entreat you.

At once, out with it! Be it what it may, It is not possible that it should torture me More than this introduction. What have you To say to me? Tell me the whole, and briefly!

COUNTESS.

You'll not be frighten'd--

THEKLA.

Name it, I entreat you.

COUNTESS.

It lies within your power to do your father A weighty service--

THEKLA.

Lies within _my_ power?

COUNTESS.

Max Piccolomini loves you. You can link him Indissolubly to your father.

THEKLA.

I?

What need of me for that? And is he not Already link'd to him?

COUNTESS.

He was.

THEKLA.

And wherefore Should he not be so now--not be so always?

COUNTESS.

He cleaves to the Emperor too.

THEKLA.

Not more than duty And honor may demand of him.

COUNTESS.

We ask Proofs of his love, and not proofs of his honor.

Duty and honor!

Those are ambiguous words with many meanings.

_You_ should interpret them for him: his love Should be the sole definer of his honor.

THEKLA.

How?

COUNTESS.

The Emperor or you must he renounce.

THEKLA.

He will accompany my father gladly In his retirement. From himself you heard, How much he wish'd to lay aside the sword.

COUNTESS.

He must _not_ lay the sword aside, we mean; He must unsheath it in your father's cause.

THEKLA.

He'll spend with gladness and alacrity His life, his heart's blood in my father's cause, If shame or injury be intended him.

COUNTESS.

You will not understand me. Well, hear then:-- Your father has fallen off from the Emperor, And is about to join the enemy With the whole soldiery--

THEKLA.

Alas, my mother!

COUNTESS.

There needs a great example to draw on The army after him. The Piccolomini Possess the love and reverence of the troops; They govern all opinions, and wherever They lead the way none hesitate to follow.