The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iv Part 62

GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING.

At once, my sovereign. They are hitching now.

ELECTOR (_seating himself on a chair behind the_ ELECTRESS _and the_ PRINCESS).

Ramin shall escort my beloved wife, Convoyed by thirty st.u.r.dy cavalrymen.

To Kalkhuhn's, to the chancellor's manor-house.

At Havelberg beyond the Havel, go.

There's not a Swede dare show his face there now.

ELECTRESS. The ferry is restored?

ELECTOR. At Havelberg?

I have arranged for it. The day will break In all events before you come to it.

[_Pause_.]

You are so quiet, Natalie, my girl?

What ails the child?

NATALIE. Uncle, I am afraid.

ELECTOR. And yet my little girl was not more safe In her own mother's lap than she is now.

[_Pause_.]

ELECTRESS. When do you think that we shall meet again?

ELECTOR. If G.o.d grants me the victory, as I Doubt not He will, in a few days, perhaps.

[_Pages enter and serve the ladies refreshments_. FIELD-MARSHAL DoRFLING _dictates. The_ PRINCE OF HOMBURG, _pen and tablet in hand, stares at the ladies_.]

MARSHAL. The battle-plan his Highness has devised Intends, my lords, in order that the Swedes'

Fugitive host be utterly dispersed, The severing of their army from the bridges That guard their rear along the river Rhyn.

Thus Colonel Hennings--

HENNINGS. Here!

[_He writes_.]

MARSHAL. Who by the will Of his liege lord commands the army's right, Shall seek by stealthy pa.s.sage through the bush To circ.u.mscribe the enemy's left wing, Fearlessly hurl his force between the foe And the three bridges; then, joined with Count Truchsz-- Count Truchsz!

TRUCHSZ (_writing_). Here!

MARSHAL. Thereupon, joined with Count Truchsz--

[_He pauses_.]

Who, meanwhile, facing Wrangel on the heights Has gained firm footing with his cannonry--

TRUCHSZ (_writing_). Firm footing with his cannonry--

MARSHAL. You hear it?--

[_Proceeding_.]

Attempt to drive the Swedes into the swamp Which lies behind their right.

[_A lackey enters_.]

LACKEY. Madam, the coach is at the door.

[_The ladies rise_.]

MARSHAL. The Prince of Homburg--

ELECTOR (_also rising_). Is Ramin at hand?

LACKEY. He's in the saddle, waiting at the gates.

[_The royalties take leave of one another_.]

TRUCHSZ (_writing_). Which lies behind their right.

MARSHAL. The Prince of Homburg-- Where is the Prince of Homburg?

HOHENZOLLERN (_in a whisper_). Arthur!

THE PRINCE (_with a start_). Here!

HOHENZOLL. Have you gone mad?

THE PRINCE. My Marshal, to command!

[_He flushes, and, taking out pen and parchment, writes._]

MARSHAL. To whom His Highness, trusting that he lead His force to glory as at Rathenow, Confides the mounted squadrons of the Mark

[_He hesitates._]

Though in no way disprizing Colonel Kottwitz Who shall be aid in counsel and right hand--

[_To_ CAPTAIN GOLZ _in a low voice._]

Is Kottwitz here?

GOLZ. No, General. He has, You note, dispatched me hither in his place To take the battle order from your lips.

[_The_ PRINCE _gazes over toward the ladies again._]