SCENE IV. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Goethe’s Works, vol. 3 (Goetz von Berlichingen, Iphigenia in Tauris, Tarquato Tasso, etc) [1885]
Edition used:
Goethe’s Works, illustrated by the best German artists, 5 vols. (Philadelphia: G. Barrie, 1885). Vol. 3.
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SCENE IV.
EnterBeaumarchais.The preceding.
Beaumarchais.
Buenco has left me. They say she is not dead. I must see, spite of hell, I must see her. Ha! torches! a funeral!
[He runs hastily up to it, gazes on the coffin, and falls down speechless. They raise him up; he is as if deprived of sense;Guilbertholds him.
Clavigo.
(Who is standing on the other side of the coffin.) Marie! Marie!
Beaumarchais.
(Springing up.) That is his voice. Who calls Marie? At the sound of that voice what burning rage starts into my veins!
Clavigo.
It is I. (Beaumarchaisstaring wildly around and grasping his sword.Guilbertholds him.) I fear not thy blazing eyes, nor the point of thy sword. Oh! look here, here, on these closed eyes—these clasped hands!
Beaumarchais.
Dost thou show me that sight?
[He tears himself loose, runs uponClavigo.who instantly draws; they fight;Beaumarchaispierces him through the breast.
Clavigo.
(Falling.) I thank thee, brother; thou marriest us.
[He falls upon the coffin.
Beaumarchais.
(Tearing him away.) Hence from this saint, thou fiend!
Clavigo.
Alas!
[The bearers raise up his body and support him.
Beaumarchais.
His blood! Look up, Marie, look upon thy bridal ornaments, and then close thine eyes forever. See how I have consecrated thy place of rest with the blood of thy murderer! Charming! Glorious!