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• Götz Von Berlichingen With the Iron Hand. a Drama.
• Dramatis PersonÆ
• Act I.
• Scene I.—: An Inn At Schwarzenberg In Franconia.
• Scene II.—: A Cottage In a Thick Forest.
• Scene III.—: An Apartment In Jaxthausen, the Castle of Goetz Von Berlichingen.
• Scene IV.—: The Bishop of Bamberg’s Palace.
• Scene V.—: Jaxthausen.
• Act II.
• Scene I.—: Bamberg. a Hall.
• Scene II.—: Jaxthausen. a Hall In Goetz’s Castle.
• Scene III.—: The Bishop’s Palace At Bamberg.
• Scene IV.—: The Spessart.
• Scene V.—: The Bishop’s Palace. His Cabinet.
• Scene VI.—: Adelaide’s Apartment.
• Scene VII.—: An Ante-room.
• Scene VIII.—: The Spessart.
• Scene IX.—: Hall In the Bishop’s Palace At Bamberg.
• Scene X—: an Inn.
• Act III.
• Scene I.—: A Garden At Augsburg.
• Scene II.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene III.—: The Camp of the Party Sent to Execute the Imperial Mandate.
• Scene IV.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene V.—: Bamberg. Adelaide’s Chamber.
• Scene VI.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene VII.—: A Wood On the Borders of a Morass.
• Scene VIII.—: Camp of the Imperialists.
• Scene IX.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene X.—: The Imperial Camp.
• Scene XI.—: Mountains and a Wood.
• Scene XII.—: A Heath—on One Side an Eminence, With a Ruined Tower, On the Other the Forest.
• Scene XIII.—: The Camp.
• Scene XIV.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene XV.—: Camp.
• Scene XVI.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene XVII.—: The Kitchen.
• Scene XVIII.—: A Hall.
• Scene XIX.—: The Court of the Castle.
• Scene XX.: The Armory.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.—: An Inn In the City of Heilbronn
• Scene II.—: The Council-house At Heilbronn.
• Scene III.—: A Large Hall In the Council-house, Beset By Sickingen’s Troops.
• Scene IV.—: The Castle of Adelaide. Augsburg.
• Scene V.—: Jaxthausen.
• Act V.
• Scene I.—: A Village Plundered By the Insurgent Peasantry. Shrieks and Tumult.
• Scene II.—: Open Country. In the Distance Two Villages and an Abbey Are Burning.
• Scene III.—: A Hill and Prospect of the Country. In the Flat Scene a Mill. a Body of Horsemen.
• Scene IV.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene V.—: A Village.
• Scene VI.—: The Front of a Gypsy-hut In a Wild Forest.—night.—a Fire Before the Hut, At Which Are Seated the Mother of the Gypsies and a Girl.
• Scene VII.—: Inside the Hut.
• Scene VIII.—: Adelaide’s Bedchamber.
• Scene IX.—: Street Before the Prison At Heilbronn.
• Scene X.—: An Apartment In Weislingen’s Castle.
• Scene XI.—: A Narrow Vault Dimly Illuminated. the Judges of the Secret Tribunal Discovered Seated, All Muffled In Black Cloaks.
• Scene XII.—: The Court of an Inn.
• Scene XIII.—: The Prison At Heilbronn.
• Scene the Last. —: the Prison Garden.
• Iphigenia In Tauris a Drama
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Scene I.—: A Grove Before the Temple of Diana.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Act II.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Act III.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act V.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Scene VI.
• Torquato Tasso
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Scene I.: A Garden Adorned With Busts of the Epic Poets. to the Right a Bust of Virgil: to the Left, One of Ariosto.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Act II.
• Scene I.—: A Room.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act III.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.—: A Chamber.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act V.
• Scene I.—: A Garden.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Clavigo
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Scene I.—: Clavigo’s Dwelling.
• Scene II.—: Guilbert’s Dwelling.
• Act II.
• Scene I.—: Clavigo’s House.
• Act III.
• Scene I.—: Guilbert’s Abode.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.—: Clavigo’s Abode. Carlos, Alone.
• Scene II.—: Guilbert’s Abode.
• Act V.
• Scene I.—: The Street Before the House of Guilbert. Night.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Scene VI.
• Stella. a Tragedy.
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Act II.
• Act III.
• Act IV.
• Act V.
• The Brother and Sister
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• A Tale.
• The Good Women.
• Reynard the Fox.
• Chapter I.: The Accusation.
• Chapter II.: The First Summons.
• Chapter III.: The Second Summons.
• Chapter IV.: The Trial.
• Chapter V.: The Pardon.
• Chapter VI.: The Relapse.
• Chapter VII.: The Outlawry.
• Chapter VIII.: The Journey.
• Chapter IX.: The Advocacy.
• Chapter X.: The Second Pardon.
• Chapter XI.: The Defiance.
• Chapter XII.: The Battle.

SCENE II.—

Guilbert’sabode.

Sophie Guilbert, Marie Beaumarchaisat work.

Marie.

With such violence did Buenco depart?

Sophie.

It was natural. He loves you, and how could he endure the sight of the man whom he must doubly hate?

Marie.

He is the best, most upright citizen whom I have ever known. (Showing her work to her sister.) It seems to me I must do it thus. I shall take in that and turn the end up. That will do nicely.

Sophie.

Very well. And I am going to put a straw-colored ribbon on my bonnet; it becomes me best. Do you smile?

Marie.

I am laughing at myself. We girls are wonderful people, I must say: hardly are our spirits but a little raised than straightway we are busy with finery and ribbons.

Sophie.

You cannot find fault with yourself at all; from the moment Clavigo forsook you, nothing could give you the least pleasure. (Mariestarts up and looks towards the door.) What is the matter?

Marie.

(Anxious.) I thought some one was coming! My poor heart! Oh, it will destroy me yet! Feel how it beats with groundless terrors!

Sophie.

You look pale. Be calm, I beseech you, my love!

Marie.

(Pointing to her breast.) I feel here an oppression—a sudden pain. It will kill me.

Sophie.

Be careful.

Marie.

I am a foolish, hapless girl. Pain and joy with all their force have undermined my poor life. I tell you, ’tis but half a joy that I have him again. Little shall I enjoy the happiness that awaits me in his arms; perhaps not at all.

Sophie.

My sister, my only love! You are wearing yourself out with these visions.

Marie.

Why shall I deceive myself?

Sophie.

You are young and happy, and can hope for all.

Marie.

Hope! Oh, the only sweet balm of life! How often it charms my soul! Happy youthful dreams hover before me and accompany the beloved form of the peerless one, who now is mine again. O Sophie, he is so winsome! Whilst I saw him not, he has—I know not how I shall express it;—all the qualities, which in former days lay hid in him through his diffidence, have unfolded themselves. He has become a man, and must with this pure feeling of his, with which he advances, that is so entirely devoid of pride and vanity—he must captivate all hearts.—And he shall be mine? No, my sister, I was not worthy of him—and now I am much less so!

Sophie.

Take him, however, and be happy. I hear your brother!

Beaumarchaisenters.

Beaumarchais.

Where is Guilbert?

Sophie.

He has been gone some time; he cannot be much longer.

Marie.

What is the matter, brother? (Springing up and falling on his neck.) Dear brother, what is the matter?

Beaumarchais.

Nothing! nothing at all, my Marie!

Marie.

If I am thy Marie, do tell me what is on thy mind!

Sophie.

Let him be. Men often look vexed without having aught particular on their mind.

Marie.

No, no. I see thy face only a little while; but already I read all thy thoughts, all the feelings of thy pure and sincere soul are stamped on thy brow. There is somewhat which makes thee anxious. Speak, what is it?

Beaumarchais.

It is nothing, my love. I hope that at bottom it is nothing. Clavigo—

Marie.

How?

Beaumarchais.

I was at Clavigo’s house. He is not at home.

Sophie.

And does that perplex you?

Beaumarchais.

His hall-servant says he has gone he knows not where; no one knows how long. If he should be hiding himself! If he be really gone! Whither? for what reason?

Marie.

We will wait.

Beaumarchais.

Thy tongue lies. Ah! the paleness of thy cheeks, the trembling of thy limbs, all speak and testify that thou canst not wait. Dear sister! (Clasps her in his arms.) On this beating, painfully trembling heart I vow.—hear me, O God, who art righteous! hear me, all His saints!—thou shalt be avenged, if he—my senses abandon me at the thought—if he fail, if he make himself guilty of a frightful, double perjury; if he mock at our misery— No, it is, it is not possible, not possible—thou shalt be avenged.

Sophie.

All too soon, too precipitate. Be careful of her health. I beseech you, my brother. (Mariesits down.) What ails thee? You are fainting.

Marie.

No, no. You are so anxious.

Sophie.

(Gives her water.) Take this glass.

Marie.

No, no! what avails that? Well, for my own sake, give it me.

Beaumarchais.

Where is Guilbert? Where is Buenco? Send after them, I entreat you. (Sophieexit.) How dost thou feel, Marie?

Marie.

Well, quite well! Think’st thou then, brother—

Beaumarchais.

What, my love?

Marie.

Ah!

Beaumarchais.

Is your breathing painful?

Marie.

The disordered beating of my heart oppresses me.

Beaumarchais.

Have you then no remedy? Do you use no anodyne?

Marie.

I know of only one remedy, and for that I have prayed to God many a time and oft.

Beaumarchais.

Thou shalt have it, and I hope from my hand.

Marie.

That will do well.

Sophieenters.

Sophie.

A courier has just brought this letter; he comes from Aranjuez.

Beaumarchais.

That is the seal and the hand of our ambassador.

Sophie.

I bade him dismount and take some refreshment; he would not, because he had yet more despatches.

Marie.

Will you, my love, send the servant for the physician?

Sophie.

Are you ill? Holy God! what ails thee?

Marie.

You will make me so anxious that at last I shall scarcely dare ask for a glass of water. Sophie! Brother!—What is in the letter? See, how he trembles! how all courage leaves him!

Sophie.

Brother, my brother! (Beaumarchaisthrows himself speechless into a chair and lets the letter fall.) My brother! (Lifts up the letter and reads it.)

Marie.

Let me see it! I must—(tries to rise.) Alas! I feel it. It is the last. O sister, spare not for mercy’s sake the last quick death-stroke!—He betrays us!

Beaumarchais.

(Springing up.) He betrays us! (Beating on his brow and breast.) Here! here! All is as dumb, as dead before my soul, as if a thunder-clap had disordered my senses. Marie! Marie! thou art betrayed!—and I stand here! Whither?—What?—I see nothing, nothing! no way, no safety! (Throws himself into a seat.)

Guilbertenters.

Sophie.

Guilbert! Counsel! Help! We are lost!

Guilbert.

My wife!

Sophie.

Read! read! The ambassador makes known to our brother: that Clavigo has made a criminal complaint against him, under the pretext that he introduced himself into his house under a false name; and that taking him by surprise in bed and presenting a pistol, he compelled him to sign a disgraceful vindication; and if he do not quickly withdraw from the kingdom, they will get him thrown into prison, from which the ambassador himself perhaps will not be able to deliver him.

Beaumarchais.

(Springing up.) Indeed, they shall do so! they shall do so! shall get me imprisoned; but from his corpse, from the place where I shall have glutted my vengeance with his blood. Ah! the stern, frightful thirst after his blood fills my whole soul. Thanks to Thee, God in heaven, that Thou vouchsafest to man, amid burning, insupportable wrongs, a solace, a refreshment! What a thirst for vengeance I feel in my breast! how the glorious feeling, the lust for his blood, raises me out of my utter dejection, out of my sluggish indecision; raises me above myself! Vengeance! How I rejoice in it! how all within me strives after him, to seize him, to destroy him!

Sophie.

Thou art terrible, brother!

Beaumarchais.

So much the better.—Ah! No sword, no weapon! with these hands will I strangle him, that the triumph may be mine! all my own the feeling: I have destroyed him!

Marie.

My heart! my heart!

Beaumarchais.

I have not been able to save thee, so thou shalt be avenged. I pant after his footsteps, my teeth lust after his flesh, my gums after his blood. Have I become a frantic wild beast! There burns in every vein, there glows in every nerve, the desire after him, after him!—I could hate him forever, who should make away with him by poison, who should rid me of him by assassination. Oh, help me, Guilbert, to seek him out. Where is Buenco? Help me to find him!

Guilbert.

Save yourself! save yourself! you have lost your reason.

Marie.

Flee, my brother!

Sophie.

Take him away; he will cause his sister’s death.

Buencoappears.

Buenco.

Up, sir! away! I saw it before. I gave heed to all. And now they are in hot pursuit; you are lost if you do not leave the town this moment.

Beaumarchais.

Never more! Where is Clavigo?

Buenco.

I do not know.

Beaumarchais.

Thou knowest. I entreat you on my knees, tell me.

Sophie.

For God’s sake, Buenco!

Marie.

Ah! air! air! (Falls back.) Clavigo!—

Buenco.

Help, she is dying!

Sophie.

Forsake us not, God in heaven! Hence! my brother, away!

Beaumarchais.

(Falls down before Marie, who despite every aid does not recover.) To forsake thee! to forsake thee!

Sophie.

Stay, then, and ruin us all, as you have killed Marie. You are gone, then, O my sister, through the heedlessness of your own brother!

Beaumarchais.

Stop, sister!

Sophie.

(Mocking.) Saviour!—Avenger!—help yourself!

Beaumarchais.

Do I deserve this?

Sophie.

Give her to me again! And then go to the prison, to the stake; go, pour forth thy blood and give me her again.

Beaumarchais.

Sophie!

Sophie.

Ha! and she is gone, she is dead—save yourself for us! (Falling on his neck.) My brother, for us! for our father! Haste, haste! That was her fate! she has met it! And there is a God in heaven, to Him leave vengeance.

Buenco.

Hence! away! Come with me; I will hide you till we find means to get you out of the kingdom.

Beaumarchais.

(Falls onMarieand kisses her.) Sister dear! (They tear him away, he claspsSophie,she disengages herself. They removeMarie,andBuencoandBeaumarchaisretire.)

Guilbert,aPhysician.

Sophie.

(Returning from the room to which they had takenMarie.) Too late! She is gone! she is dead!

Guilbert.

Come in, sir! See for yourself! It is not possible!

[Exit.

ACT V.