his.

MIN.
And that some minister or other had told him, in confidence, that your
business was likely to have the very best termination. A letter from
the king must now be on its way to you.

MAJ. T.
How came Riccaut and a minister in company? Something certainly must
have happened concerning my affair; for just now the paymaster of the
forces told me that the king had set aside all the evidence offered
against me, and that I might take back my promise, which I had given
in writing, not to depart from here until acquitted. But that will be
all. They wish to give me an opportunity of getting away. But they are
wrong, I shall not go. Sooner shall the utmost distress waste me away
before the eyes of my calumniators, than!!!!!

MIN.
Obstinate man!

MAJ. T.
I require no favour; I want justice. My honour!!!!!

MIN.
The honour of such a man!!!!!

MAJ. T. (warmly).
No, Madam, you may be able to judge of any other subject, but not of
this. Honour is not the voice of conscience, not the evidence of a few
honourable men!!!!!

MIN.
No, no, I know it well. Honour is... honour.

MAJ. T.
In short, Madam... You did not let me finish.--I was going to say,
if they keep from me so shamefully what is my own; if my honour be not
perfectly righted--I cannot, Madam, ever be yours, for I am not
worthy, in the eyes of the world, of being yours. Minna von Barnhelm
deserves an irreproachable husband. It is a worthless love which does
not scruple to expose its object to scorn. He is a worthless man, who
is not ashamed to owe a woman all his good fortune; whose blind
tenderness!!!!!

MIN.
And is that really your feeling, Major?
(turning her back suddenly).
Franziska!

MAJ. T.
Do not be angry.

MIN. (aside to Franziska).
Now is the time! What do you advise me, Franziska?

FRAN.
I advise nothing. But certainly he goes rather too far.

MAJ. T. (approaching to interrupt them).
You are angry, Madam.

MIN. (ironically).
I? Not in the least.

MAJ. T.
If I loved you less!!!!!

MIN. (still in the same tone).
Oh! certainly, it would be a misfortune for me. And hear, Major, I
also will not be the cause of your unhappiness. One should love with
perfect disinterestedness. It is as well that I have not been more
open! Perhaps your pity might have granted to me what your love
refuses.
(Drawing the ring slowly from