authorities to give up
controversial writing, he found expression for his views in his
play "Nathan the Wise," his last great production.

The importance of Lessing's masterpiece in comedy, "Minna von
Barnhelm," is difficult to exaggerate. It was the beginning of
German national drama; and by the patriotic interest of its
historical background, by its sympathetic treatment of the German
soldier and the German woman, and by its happy blending of the
amusing and the pathetic, it won a place in the national heart
from which no succeeding comedy has been able to dislodge it.

MINNA VON BARNHELM

or, THE SOLDIER'S FORTUNE

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

MAJOR VON TELLHEIM, a discharged officer.
MINNA VON BARNHELM.
COUNT VON BRUCHSAL, her uncle.
FRANZISKA, her lady's maid.
JUST, servant to the Major.
PAUL WERNER, an old Sergeant of the Major's.
The LANDLORD of an Inn.
A LADY.
An ORDERLY.
RICCAUT DE LA MARLINIERE.

The scene alternates between the Parlour of an Inn, and a Room
adjoining it.

ACT I.

SCENE I.
Just

JUST (sitting in a corner, and talking while asleep).
Rogue of a landlord! You treat us so? On, comrade! hit hard!
(He strikes with his fist, and wakes through the exertion).
Ha! there he is again! I cannot shut an eye without fighting with him.
I wish he got but half the blows. Why, it is morning! I must just look
for my poor master at once; if I can help it, he shall not set foot in
the cursed house again. I wonder where he has passed the night?

SCENE II.
Landlord, Just

LAND.
Good-morning, Herr Just; good-morning! What, up so early! Or shall I
say--up so late?

JUST.
Say which you please.

LAND.
I say only--good-morning! and that deserves, I suppose, that Herr Just
should answer, "Many thanks."

JUST.
Many thanks.

LAND.
One is peevish, if one can't have one's proper rest. What will you bet
the Major has not returned home, and you have been keeping watch for
him?

JUST.
How the man can guess everything!

LAND.
I surmise, I surmise.

JUST. (turns round to go).
Your servant!

LAND. (stops him).
Not so, Herr Just!

JUST.
Very well, then, not your servant!

LAND.
What, Herr Just, I do hope you are not still angry about yesterday's
affair! Who would keep his anger over night?

JUST.
I; and over a good many nights.

LAND.
Is that like a Christian?