The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iv Part 77

Have you no inkling of a sanctuary That in the camp men call the fatherland?

NATALIE. My liege! Why fret your soul? Because of such Upstirring of your grace, this fatherland Will not this moment crash to rack and ruin!

The camp has been your school. And, look, what there You term unlawfulness, this act, this free Suppression of the verdict of the court, Appears to me the very soul of law.

The laws of war, I am aware, must rule; The heart, however, has its charter, too.

The fatherland your hands upbuilt for us, My n.o.ble uncle, is a fortress strong, And other greater storms indeed will bear Than this unnecessary victory.

Majestically through the years to be It shall uprise, beneath your line expand, Grow beautiful with towers, luxuriant, A fairy country, the felicity Of those who love it, and the dread of foes.

It does not need the cold cementing seal Of a friend's life-blood to outlast the calm And glorious autumn of my uncle's days!

ELECTOR. And cousin Homburg thinks this?

NATALIE. Cousin Homburg?

ELECTOR. Does he believe it matters not at all If license rule the fatherland, or law?

NATALIE. This poor dear boy!

ELECTOR. Well, now?

NATALIE. Oh, uncle dear, To that I have no answer save my tears!

ELECTOR (_in surprise_).

Why that, my little girl? What has befallen?

NATALIE (_falteringly_).

He thinks of nothing now but one thing: rescue!

The barrels at the marksmen's shoulders peer So ghastly, that, giddy and amazed, Desire is mute, save one desire: To live.

The whole great nation of the Mark might sink To wrack mid flare and thunderbolt; and he Stand by nor even ask: What comes to pa.s.s?-- Oh, what a hero's heart have you brought low?

[_She turns away, sobbing._]

ELECTOR (_utterly amazed_).

No, dearest Natalie! No, no, indeed!

Impossible!--He pleads for clemency?

NATALIE. If you had only, only not condemned him!

ELECTOR. Come, tell me, come! He pleads for clemency?

What has befallen, child? Why do you sob?

You met? Come, tell me all. You spoke with him?

NATALIE (_pressed against his breast_).

In my aunt's chambers but a moment since, Whither in mantle, lo, and plumed hat Stealthily through the screening dusk he came-- Furtive, perturbed, abashed, unworthy all, A miserable, pitiable sight.

I never guessed a man could sink so low Whom history applauded as her hero.

For look--I am a woman and I shrink From the mere worm that draws too near my foot; But so undone, so void of all control, So unheroic quite, though lion-like Death fiercely came, he should not find me thus!

Oh, what is human greatness, human fame!

ELECTOR (_confused_).

Well, then, by G.o.d of heaven and of earth!

Take courage, then, my girl, for he is free!

NATALIE. What, my liege lord?

ELECTOR. I pardon him, I say!

I'll send the necessary word at once.

NATALIE. Oh, dearest, is it really true?

ELECTOR. You heard.

NATALIE. You will forgive him? And he need not die?

ELECTOR. Upon my word! I swear it! How shall I Oppose myself to such a warrior's judgment?

Within my heart of hearts, as you know well, I deeply do esteem his inner sense; If he can say the verdict is unjust, I cancel the indictment; he is free!

[_He brings her a chair._]

Will you sit here and wait a little while?

[_He goes to the table, seats himself and writes. Pause._]

NATALIE (_softly_).

Why dost thou knock so at thy house, my heart?

ELECTOR (_writing_).

The Prince is over in the Castle?

NATALIE. Pardon!

He has returned to his captivity.

ELECTOR (_finishes his letter and seals it; thereupon he returns with the letter to the_ PRINCESS).

Well, well, my little niece, my daughter, wept!

And I, whose place it is to make her glad Was forced to cloud the heaven of her fair eyes!

[_He puts his arm about her_.]

Will you go bring the note to him yourself?

NATALIE. How? To the City Hall?

ELECTOR (_presses the letter into her hand_).

Why not? Ho, lackeys!

[_Enter lackeys_.]

Go, have the carriage up! Her ladys.h.i.+p Has urgent business with Colonel Homburg.

[_The lackeys go out_.]

Now he can thank you for his life forthwith.