MAJ. T. (drawing back).
You seek a prosperous man, and one worthy of your love; and you find--
a wretched one.

MIN.
Then do you love me no longer? Do you love another?

MAJ. T.
Ah! he never loved you, who could love another afterwards.

MIN.
You draw but one dagger from my breast; for if I have lost your heart,
what matters whether indifference or more powerful charms than mine
have robbed me of it? You love me no longer; neither do you love
another? Wretched man indeed, if you love nothing!

MAJ. T.
Right; the wretched must love nothing. He merits his misfortunes, if
he cannot achieve this victory over himself--if he can allow the woman
he loves to take part in his misfortune . . . Oh! how difficult is
this victory! . . . Since reason and necessity have commanded me to
forget Minna von Barnhelm, what pains have I taken! I was just
beginning to hope that my trouble would not for ever be in vain--and
you appear.

MIN.
Do I understand you right? Stop, sir; let us see what we mean before
we make further mistakes. Will you answer me one question?

MAJ. T.