English poem
The Neighbor’S House
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)
MARTHA (solus)
God forgive my husband, yet he Hasn’t done his duty by me! Off in the world he went straightway,— Left me lie in the straw where I lay. And, truly, I did naught to fret him: God knows I loved, and can’t forget him!
(She weeps.)
Perhaps he’s even dead! Ah, woe!— Had I a certificate to show!
MARGARET (comes)
Dame Martha!