followers, who offered up
Themselves to avenge his death: and they accuse me
Of an ignoble loitering--they would not
Forsake their leader even in his death; they died for him,
And shall I live?
For me too was that laurel garland twined
That decks his bier. Life is an empty casket:
I throw it from me. Oh, my only hope;
To die beneath the hoofs of trampling steeds--
That is a lot of heroes upon earth!

[Exit THEKLA. [10]

(The Curtain drops.)

SCENE XIII.

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, and ROSENBERG.

NEUBRUNN.
He is here, lady, and he will procure them.

THEKLA.
Wilt thou provide us horses, Rosenberg?

ROSENBERG.
I will, my lady.

THEKLA.
And go with us as well?

ROSENBERG.
To the world's end, my lady.

THEKLA.
But consider,
Thou never canst return unto the duke.

ROSENBERG.
I will remain with thee.

THEKLA.
I will reward thee.
And will commend thee to another master.
Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle?

ROSENBERG.
I can.

THEKLA.
When can I go?

ROSENBERG.
This very hour.
But whither would you, lady?

THEKLA.
To--Tell him, Neubrunn.

NEUBRUNN.
To Neustadt.

ROSENBERG.
So; I leave you to get ready.

[Exit.

NEUBRUNN.
Oh, see, your mother comes.

THEKLA.
Indeed! O Heaven!

SCENE XIV.

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, the DUCHESS.

DUCHESS.
He's gone! I find thee more composed, my child.

THEKLA.
I am so, mother; let me only now
Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me.
I want repose.

DUCHESS.
My Thekla, thou shalt have it.
I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm
Thy father's heart.

THEKLA.
Good night, beloved mother!

(Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion).

DUCHESS.
Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter.
Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart
Beat audibly on mine.

THEKLA.
Sleep will appease
Its beating: now good-night, good-night, dear mother.

(As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls).

ACT V.

SCENE I.

Butler's Chamber.

BUTLER, and MAJOR GERALDIN.

BUTLER.
Find me twelve strong dragoons, arm them with pikes
For there must be no firing--
Conceal them somewhere near the banquet-room,
And soon as the dessert is served up, rush all in
And cry--"Who is loyal to the emperor?"
I will overturn