[A room in the Cottage. Agatha, Cottager, his Wife, and Frederick discovered—Agatha reclined upon a wooden bench, Frederick leaning over her.]
Frederick
Good people have you nothing to give her? Nothing that's
nourishing.
Wife
Run, husband, run, and fetch a bottle of wine from the landlord
of the inn.
Frederick
No, no—his wine is as bad as his heart: she has drank some
of it, which I am afraid has turned to poison.
Cottager
Suppose, wife, you look for a new-laid egg?
Wife
Or a drop of brandy, husband—that mostly cures me.
Frederick
Do you hear, mother will you, mother?—[Agatha makes a
sign with her hand as if she could not take any thing.] She
will not. Is there no doctor in this neighbourhood?
Wife
At the end of the village there lives a horse-doctor. I have
never heard of any other.
Frederick
What shall I do? She is dying. My mother is dying.—Pray for
her, good people!
Agatha
Make yourself easy, dear Frederick, I am well, only
weak—Some wholesome nourishment—
Frederick
Yes, mother, directly—directly. [Aside] Oh where
shall I—no money—not a farthing left.
Wife
Oh, dear me! Had you not paid the rent yesterday, husband—
Cottager
I then, should know what to do. But as I hope for mercy, I have
not a penny in my house.
Frederick
Then I must—[Apart, coming forward]—Yes, I will
go, and beg.—But should I be refused—I will then—I
leave my mother in your care, good people—Do all you can for
her, I beseech you! I shall soon be with you again. [Goes off
in haste and confusion.]
Cottager
If he should go to our parson, I am sure he would give him
something.
[Agatha having revived by degrees during the scene, rises.]
Agatha
Is that good old man still living, who was minister here some
time ago?
Wife
No—It pleased Providence to take that worthy man to heaven
two years ago.—We have lost in him both a friend and a
father. We shall never get such another.
Cottager
Wife, wife, our present rector is likewise a very good man.
Wife
Yes! But he is so very young.
Cottager
Our late parson was once young too.
Wife [to Agatha.]
This young man being tutor in our Baron's family, he was very
much beloved by them all; and so the Baron gave him this living
in consequence.
Cottager
And well he deserved it, for his pious instructions to our young
lady: who is, in consequence, good, and friendly to every body.
Agatha
What young lady do you mean?
Cottager
Our Baron's daughter.
Agatha
Is she here?
Wife
Dear me! Don't you know that? I thought every body had known
that. It is almost five weeks since the Baron and all his family
arrived at the castle.
Agatha
Baron Wildenhaim?
Wife
Yes, Baron Wildenhaim.
Agatha
And his lady?
Cottager
His lady died in France many miles from hence, and her death, I
suppose, was the cause of his coming to this estate—For the
Baron has not been here till within these five weeks ever since
he was married. We regretted his absence much, and his arrival
has caused great joy.
Wife [addressing her discourse
to Agatha.]
By all accounts the Baroness was very haughty; and very
whimsical.
Cottager
Wife, wife, never speak ill of the dead. Say what you please
against the living, but not a word against the dead.
Wife
And yet, husband, I believe the dead care the least what is said
against them—And so, if you please, I'll tell my story. The
late Baroness was, they say, haughty and proud; and they do say,
the Baron was not so happy as he might have been; but he, bless
him, our good Baron is still the same as when a boy. Soon after
Madam had closed her eyes, he left France, and came to
Wildenhaim, his native country.
Cottager
Many times has he joined in our village dances. Afterwards, when
he became an officer, he was rather wild, as most young men are.
Wife
Yes, I remember when he fell in love with poor Agatha, Friburg's
daughter: what a piece of work that was—It did not do him
much credit. That was a wicked thing.
Cottager
Have done—no more of this—It is not well to stir up old
grievances.
Wife
Why, you said I might speak ill of the living. 'Tis very hard
indeed, if one must not speak ill of one's neighbours, dead, nor
alive.
Cottager
Who knows whether he was the father of Agatha's child? She never
said he was.
Wife
Nobody but him—that I am sure—I would lay a wager—no, no, husband—you
must not take his part—it was very wicked! Who knows what is now become
of that poor creature? She has not been heard of this many a year. Maybe she
is starving for hunger. Her father might have lived longer too, if that misfortune
had not happened. [Agatha faints.]
Cottager
See here! Help! She is fainting—take hold!
Wife
Oh, poor woman!
Cottager
Let us take her into the next room.
Wife
Oh poor woman!—I am afraid she will not live. Come, cheer up, cheer up.
You are with those who feel for you. [They lead her off.]
Scene 2
[An apartment in the Castle. A table spread for breakfast—Several servants in livery disposing the equipage—Baron Wildenhaim enters, attended by a Gentleman in waiting.]
Baron
Has not Count Cassel left his chamber yet?
Gentleman
No, my lord, he has but now rung for his valet.
Baron
The whole castle smells of his perfumery. Go, call my daughter
hither. [Exit Gentleman.] And am I after all to have an
ape for a son-in-law? No, I shall not be in a hurry—I love
my daughter too well. We must be better acquainted before I give
her to him. I shall not sacrifice my Amelia to the will of
others, as I myself was sacrificed. The poor girl might, in
thoughtlessness, say yes, and afterwards be miserable. What a
pity she is not a boy! The name of Wildenhaim will die with me.
My fine estates, my good peasants, all will fall into the hands
of strangers. Oh! why was not my Amelia a boy?
[Enter Amelia. She kisses the Baron's hand.]
Amelia
Good morning, dear my lord.
Baron
Good morning, Amelia. Have you slept well?
Amelia
Oh! yes, papa. I always sleep well.
Baron
Not a little restless last night?
Amelia
No.
Baron
Amelia, you know you have a father who loves you, and I believe
you know you have a suitor who is come to ask permission to love
you. Tell me candidly how you like Count Cassel?
Amelia
Very well.
Baron
Do not you blush when I talk of him?
Amelia
No.
Baron
No—I am sorry for that. [aside] Have you dreamt of
him?
Amelia
No.
Baron
Have you not dreamt at all to-night?
Amelia
Oh yes—I have dreamt of our chaplain, Mr. Anhalt.
Baron
Ah ha! As if he stood before you and the Count to ask for the
ring.
Amelia
No: not that—I dreamt we were all still in France, and he,
my tutor, just going to take his leave of us for ever—I
'woke with the fright, and found my eyes full of tears.
Baron
Psha! I want to know if you can love the Count. You saw him at
the last ball we were at in France: when he capered round you;
when he danced minuets; when he—But I cannot say what his
conversation was.
Amelia
Nor I either—I do not remember a syllable of it.
Baron
No? Then I do not think you like him.
Amelia
I believe not.
Baron
But I think proper to acquaint you he is rich, and of great
consequence: rich, and of consequence; do you hear?
Amelia
Yes, dear papa. But my tutor has always told me that birth and
fortune are inconsiderable things, and cannot give happiness.
Baron
There he is right—But if it happens that birth and fortune are joined
with sense and virtue—
Amelia
But is it so with Count Cassel?
Baron
Hem! Hem! [Aside.] I will ask you a few questions on this
subject; but be sure to answer me honestly—Speak truth.
Amelia
I never told an untruth in my life.
Baron
Nor ever conceal the truth from me, I command you.
Amelia [Earnestly.]
Indeed, my lord, I never will.
Baron
I take you at your word—And now reply to me truly—Do
you like to hear the Count spoken of?
Amelia
Good, or bad?
Baron
Good. Good.
Amelia
Oh yes; I like to hear good of everybody.
Baron
But do not you feel a little fluttered when he is talked of?
Amelia
No. [shaking her head.]
Baron
Are not you a little embarrassed?
Amelia
No.
Baron
Don't you wish sometimes to speak to him, and have not the
courage to begin?
Amelia
No.
Baron
Do not you wish to take his part when his companions laugh at
him?
Amelia
No—I love to laugh at him myself.
Baron
Provoking! [Aside.] Are not you afraid of him when he
comes near you?
Amelia
No, not at all.—Oh yes—once. [recollecting herself.]
Baron
Ah! Now it comes!
Amelia
Once at a ball he trod on my foot; and I was so afraid he should
tread on me again.
Baron.
You put me out of patience. Hear, Amelia! [stops short, and speaks softer.]
To see you happy is my wish. But matrimony, without concord, is like a duetto
badly performed; for that reason, nature, the great composer of all harmony,
has ordained, that, when bodies are allied, hearts should be in perfect unison.
However, I will send Mr. Anhalt to you—
Amelia [much pleased.]
Do, papa.
Baron
He shall explain to you my sentiments. [Rings.] A clergyman can do
this better than—[Enter servant.] Go directly to Mr. Anhalt, tell
him that I shall be glad to see him for a quarter of an hour if he is not
engaged. [Exit servant.]
Amelia [calls after him.]
Wish him a good morning from me.
Baron [looking at his watch.]
The Count is a tedious time dressing.—Have you breakfasted,
Amelia?
Amelia
No, papa. [they sit down to breakfast.]
Baron
How is the weather? Have you walked this morning?
Amelia
Oh, yes—I was in the garden at five o'clock; it is very
fine.
Baron
Then I'll go out shooting. I do not know in what other way to
amuse my guest.
[Enter Count Cassel.]
Count
Ah, my dear Colonel! Miss Wildenhaim, I kiss your hand.
Baron
Good morning! Good morning! though it is late in the day, Count.
In the country we should rise earlier.
[Amelia offers the Count a Cup of tea.]
Count
Is it Hebe herself, or Venus, or—
Amelia
Ha, ha, ha! Who can help laughing at his nonsense?
Baron [rather angry.]
Neither Venus, nor Hebe; but Amelia Wildenhaim, if you please.
Count [Sitting down to breakfast.]
You are beautiful, Miss Wildenhaim.—Upon my honour, I think
so. I have travelled, and seen much of the world, and yet I can
positively admire you.
Amelia
I am sorry I have not seen the world.
Count
Wherefore?
Amelia
Because I might then, perhaps, admire you.
Count
True;—for I am an epitome of the world. In my travels I
learnt delicacy in Italy—hauteur, in Spain—in France,
enterprize—in Russia, prudence—in England,
sincerity—in Scotland, frugality—and in the wilds of
America, I learnt love.
Amelia
Is there any country where love is taught?
Count
In all barbarous countries. But the whole system is exploded in
places that are civilized.
Amelia
And what is substituted in its stead?
Count
Intrigue.
Amelia
What a poor, uncomfortable substitute!
Count
There are other things—Song, dance, the opera, and war. [Since
the entrance of the Count the Baron has removed to
a table at a little distance.]
Baron
What are you talking of there?
Count
Of war, Colonel.
Baron [rising.]
Ay, we like to talk on what we don't understand.
Count [rising.]
Therefore, to a lady, I always speak of politics; and to her
father, on love.
Baron
I believe, Count, notwithstanding your sneer, I am still as much
of a proficient in that art as yourself.
Count
I do not doubt it, my dear Colonel, for you are a soldier: and
since the days of Alexander, whoever conquers men is certain to
overcome women.
Baron
An achievement to animate a poltroon.
Count
And, I verily believe, gains more recruits than the king's pay.
Baron
Now we are on the subject of arms, should you like to go out a
shooting with me for an hour before dinner?
Count
Bravo, Colonel! A charming thought! This will give me an
opportunity to use my elegant gun: the but is inlaid with
mother-of-pearl. You cannot find better work, or better
taste.—Even my coat of arms is engraved.
Baron
But can you shoot?
Count
That I have never tried—except, with my eyes, at a fine
woman.
Baron
I am not particular what game I pursue.—I have an old gun;
it does not look fine; but I can always bring down my bird.
[Enter Servant.]
Servant
Mr. Anhalt begs leave—
Baron
Tell him to come in.—I shall be ready in a moment. [Exit
Servant.]
Count
Who is Mr. Anhalt?
Amelia
Oh, a very good man. [With warmth.]
Count
"A good man." In Italy, that means a religious man; in
France, it means a cheerful man; in Spain, it means a wise man;
and in England, it means a rich man.—Which good man of all
these is Mr. Anhalt?
Amelia
A good man in every country, except England.
Count
And give me the English good man, before that of any other
nation.
Baron
And of what nation would you prefer your good woman to be, Count?
Count
Of Germany. [bowing to Amelia.]
Amelia
In compliment to me?
Count
In justice to my own judgment.
Baron
Certainly. For have we not an instance of one German woman, who
possesses every virtue that ornaments the whole sex; whether as a
woman of illustrious rank, or in the more exalted character of a
wife, and a mother?
[Enter Mr. Anhalt.]
Anhalt
I come by your command, Baron—
Baron
Quick, Count.—Get your elegant gun.—I pass your
apartments, and will soon call for you.
Count
I fly.—Beautiful Amelia, it is a sacrifice I make to your
father, that I leave for a few hours his amiable daughter. [Exit.]
Baron
My dear Amelia, I think it scarcely necessary to speak to Mr.
Anhalt, or that he should speak to you, on the subject of the
Count; but as he is here, leave us alone.
Amelia [as she retires.]
Good morning, Mr. Anhalt.—I hope you are very well. [Exit.]
Baron
I'll tell you in a few words why I sent for you. Count Cassel is
here, and wishes to marry my daughter.
Anhalt [much concerned.]
Really!
Baron
He is—he—in a word I don't like him.
Anhalt [with emotion.]
And Miss Wildenhaim—
Baron
I shall not command, neither persuade her to the marriage—I
know too well the fatal influence of parents on such a subject.
Objections to be sure, if they could be removed—But when you
find a man's head without brains, and his bosom without a heart,
these are important articles to supply. Young as you are, Anhalt,
I know no one so able to restore, or to bestow those blessings on
his fellow-creatures, as you. [Anhalt bows.] The Count
wants a little of my daughter's simplicity and
sensibility.—Take him under your care while he is here, and
make him something like yourself.—You have succeeded to my
wish in the education of my daughter.—Form the Count after
your own manner. I shall then have what I have sighed for all my
life—a son.
Anhalt
With your permission, Baron, I will ask one question. What
remains to interest you in favour of a man, whose head and heart
are good for nothing?
Baron
Birth and fortune. Yet, if I thought my daughter absolutely
disliked him, or that she loved another, I would not thwart a
first affection;—no, for the world, I would not. [sighing.]
But that her affections are already bestowed, is not probable.
Anhalt
Are you of opinion that she will never fall in love?
Baron
Oh! no. I am of opinion that no woman ever arrived at the age of
twenty without that misfortune.—But this is another
subject.—Go to Amelia—explain to her the duties of a
wife and of a mother. If she comprehends them, as she ought, then
ask her if she thinks she could fulfil those duties, as the wife
of Count Cassel.
Anhalt
I will.—But—I—Miss Wildenhaim—[confused.]
I—I shall—I—I shall obey your commands.
Baron
Do so. [gives a deep sigh.] Ah! so far this weight
is removed; but there lies still a heavier next my
heart.—You understand me.—How is it, Mr. Anhalt? Have
you not yet been able to make any discoveries on that unfortunate
subject?
Anhalt
I have taken infinite pains; but in vain. No such person is to be
found.
Baron
Believe me, this burthen presses on my thoughts so much, that
many nights I go without sleep. A man is sometimes tempted to
commit such depravity when young.—Oh, Anhalt! had I, in my
youth, had you for a tutor;—but I had no instructor but my
passions; no governor but my own will. [Exit.]
Anhalt
This commission of the Baron's in respect to his daughter, I
am—[looks about]—If I shou'd meet her now, I
cannot—I must recover myself first, and then prepare.—A
walk in the fields, and a fervent prayer—After these, I
trust, I shall return, as a man whose views are solely placed on
a future world; all hopes in this, with fortitude resigned. [Exit]
END OF ACT II
