of life or death upon me!

MIN.
Without a moment's reflection!... As certainly as I have given you
back the ring with which you formerly pledged your troth to me, as
certainly as you have taken back that same ring, so certainly shall
the unfortunate Minna never be the wife of the fortunate Tellheim!

MAJ. T.
And herewith you pronounce my sentence.

MIN.
Equality is the only sure bond of love. The happy Minna only wished to
live for the happy Tellheim. Even Minna in misfortune would have
allowed herself to be persuaded either to increase or to assuage the
misfortune of her friend through herself.... He must have seen,
before the arrival of that letter, which has again destroyed all
equality between us, that in appearance only I refused.

MAJ. T.
Is that true? I thank you, Minna, that you have not yet pronounced the
sentence. You will only marry Tellheim when unfortunate? You may have
him.
(Coolly.)
I perceive now that it would be indecorous in me to accept this tardy
justice; that it will be better if I do not seek again that of which I
have been deprived by such shameful suspicion. Yes; I will suppose
that I have not received the letter. Behold my only answer to it!
(About to tear it up.)

MIN. (stopping him).
What are you going to do, Tellheim?

MAJ. T.
Obtain your hand.

MIN.
Stop!

MAJ. T.
Madam, it is torn without fail if you do not quickly recall your
words.--Then we will see what else you may have to object to in me.

MIN.
What! In such a tone? Shall I, must I, thus become contemptible in my
own eyes? Never! She is a worthless creature, who is not ashamed to
owe her whole happiness to the blind tenderness of a man!

MAJ. T.
False! utterly false!

MIN.
Can you venture to find fault with your own words when coming from my
lips?

MAJ. T.
Sophistry! Does the weaker sex dishonour itself by every action which
does not become the stronger? Or can a man do everything which is
proper in a woman? Which is appointed by nature to be the support of
the other?

MIN.
Be not alarmed, Tellheim!... I shall not be quite unprotected, if I
must decline the honour of your protection. I shall still have as much
as is absolutely necessary. I have announced my arrival to our
ambassador. I am to see him to-day. I hope he will assist me. Time is
flying. Permit me, Major!!!!!

MAJ. T.
I will accompany