Название: Minna Von Barnhelm
Автор: Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Издательство: Public Domain
Жанр: Драматургия
isbn:
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FRAN.
Very well, Mr. Landlord, very well! We are not bashful; and least of all should one be bashful at an inn. We shall not fail to say what we may wish.
LAND.
I next come to…
(taking the pen from behind his ear).
FRAN.
Well?
LAND.
Without doubt, my lady, you are already acquainted with the wise regulations of our police.
MIN.
Not in the least, sir.
LAND.
We landlords are instructed not to take in any stranger, of whatever rank or sex he may be, for four-and-twenty hours, without delivering, in writing, his name, place of abode, occupation, object of his journey, probable stay, and so on, to the proper authorities.
MIN.
Very well.
LAND.
Will your ladyship then be so good…
(going to the table, and making ready to write).
MIN.
Willingly. My name is!!!!!
LAND.
One minute!
(He writes.)
"Date, 22nd August, A. D., &C.; arrived at the King of Spain hotel."
Now your name, my lady.
MIN.
Fraulein von Barnhelm.
LAND. (writes).
"Von Barnhelm." Coming from.... where, your ladyship?
MIN.
From my estate in Saxony.
LAND. (writes).
"Estate in Saxony." Saxony! Indeed, indeed! In Saxony, your ladyship?
Saxony?
FRAN.
Well, why not? I hope it is no sin in this country to come from Saxony!
LAND.
A sin? Heaven forbid! That would be quite a new sin! From Saxony then?
Yes, yes, from Saxony, a delightful country, Saxony! But if I am right, your ladyship, Saxony is not small, and has several—how shall I call them? districts, provinces. Our police are very particular, your ladyship.
MIN.
I understand. From my estate in Thuringia, then.
LAND.
From Thuringia! Yes, that is better, your ladyship; that is more exact.
(Writes and reads.)
"Fraulein von Barnhelm, coming from her estate in Thuringia, together with her lady in waiting and two men servants."
FRAN.
Lady in waiting! That means me, I suppose!
LAND.
Yes, my pretty maid.
FRAN.
Well, Mr. Landlord, instead of "lady in waiting," write "maid in waiting." You say, the police are very exact; it might cause a misunderstanding, which might give me trouble some day when my banns are read out. For I really am still unmarried, and my name is Franziska, with the family name of Willig: Franziska Willig. I also come from Thuringia. My father was a miller, on one of my lady's estates. It is called Little Rammsdorf. My brother has the mill now. I was taken very early to the manor, and educated with my lady. We are of the same age—one-and-twenty next Candlemas. I learnt everything my lady learnt. I should like the police to have a full account of me.
LAND.
Quite right, my pretty maid; I will bear that in mind, in case of future inquiries. But now, your ladyship, your business here?
MIN.
My business here?
LAND.
Have you any business with His Majesty the King?
MIN.
Oh! no.
LAND.
Or at our courts of justice?
MIN.
No.
LAND.
Or!!!!!
MIN.
No, no. I have come here solely on account of my own private affairs.
LAND.
Quite right, your ladyship; but what are those private affairs?
MIN.
They are… Franziska, I think we are undergoing an examination.
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