nce it. My loss!!!!!

MAJ. T.
Your loss! Why name your loss? All that Minna could lose is not Minna.
You are still the sweetest, dearest, loveliest, best creature under
the sun; all goodness and generosity, innocence and bliss! Now and
then a little petulant; at times somewhat wilful--so much the better!
So much the better! Minna would otherwise be an angel, whom I should
honour with trepidation, but not dare to love.
(Takes her hand to kiss it.)

MIN. (drawing away her hand).
Not so, sir. Why this sudden change? Is this flattering impetuous
lover, the cold Tellheim!--Could his returning good fortune alone
create this ardour in him? He will permit me during his passionate
excitement to retain the power of reflection for us both. When he
could himself reflect, I heard him say--"it is a worthless love which
does not scruple to expose its object to scorn."--True; and I aspire
to as pure and noble a love as he himself. Now, when honour calls him,
when a great monarch solicits his services, shall I consent that he
shall give himself up to love-sick dreams with me? that the
illustrious warrior shall degenerate into a toying swain? No, Major,
follow the call of your higher destiny.

MAJ. T.
Well! if the busy world has greater charms for you, Minna, let us
remain in the busy world! How mean, how poor is this busy world; you
now only know its gilded surface. Yet certainly, Minna, you will.
... But let it be so! until then! Your charms shall not want
admirers, nor will my happiness lack enviers.

MIN.
No, Tellheim, I do not mean that! I send you back into the busy world,
on the road of honour, without wishing to accompany you. Tellheim will
there require an irreproachable wife! A fugitive Saxon girl who has
thrown herself upon him!!!!!

MAJ. T. (starting up, and looking fiercely about him).
Who dare say that! Ah! Minna, I feel afraid of myself, when I imagine
that any one but yourself could have spoken so. My anger against him
would know no bounds.

MIN.
Exactly! That is just what I fear. You would not endure one word of
calumny against me, and yet you would have to put up with the very
bitterest every day. In short, Tellheim, hear what I have firmly
determined, and from which nothing in the world shall turn me!!!!!

MAJ. T.
Before you proceed, I implore you, Minna, reflect for one moment, that
you are about to pronounce a sentence