The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iv Part 81

Oh, terrible! You are not writing there?

THE PRINCE (_concluding_).

"Homburg!" And dated, "Fehrbellin, the twelfth."

So, it's all ready. Frank!

[_He closes and seals the letter_.]

NATALIE. Dear G.o.d in heaven!

THE PRINCE (_rising_).

Here, take this to the Castle to my liege!

[_The lackey goes out_.]

I will not face man who faces me So n.o.bly, with a knave's ign.o.ble front!

Guilt, heavy guilt, upon my conscience weighs, I fully do confess. Can he but grant Forgiveness, when I contest for it, I do not care a straw for any pardon.

NATALIE (_kissing him_).

This kiss, for me! And though twelve bullets made You dust this instant, I could not resist Caroling, sobbing, crying: Thus you please me!

However, since you follow your heart's lead, I may be pardoned if I follow mine.

Count Reuss!

[_The footman opens the door. The_ COUNT _enters_.]

REUSS. Here!

NATALIE. Go, and bear the note I gave Post-haste to Arnstein and to Colonel Kottwitz!

The regiment shall march, our liege directs.

Ere midnight I shall look to see it here!

[_Exeunt omnes_.]

ACT V

_Scene: a hall in the Castle._

SCENE I

_The_ ELECTOR, _scantily clad, enters from the adjoining chamber, followed by_ COUNT TRUCHSZ, COUNT HOHENZOLLERN, _and_ CAPTAIN VON DER GOLZ. _Pages with lights_.

ELECTOR. Kottwitz? And with the Princess's dragoons?

Here in the town?

TRUCHSZ (_opening the window_). Indeed, my sovereign!

Drawn up before the Castle, here he is!

ELECTOR. Well? Will you read the riddle, gentlemen?

Who called him hither?

HOHENZOLLERN. I know not, my liege.

ELECTOR. The place I set him at is known as Arnstein!

Make haste, some one, and go and bring him in.

GOLZ. He will appear forthwith, my sovereign.

ELECTOR. Where is he?

GOLZ. At the City Hall, I hear, Where the entire generality, That bears obedience to your house, is met.

ELECTOR. But why? What is the object?

HOHENZOLLERN. I know not.

TRUCHSZ. My prince and lord, will you vouchsafe that we Likewise betake ourselves a moment thither?

ELECTOR. Whither? The City Hall?

HOHENZOLLERN. The lords' a.s.semblage.

We gave our word of honor to appear.

ELECTOR (_after a short pause_).

You are dismissed!

GOLZ. Come, follow, gentlemen!

[_The officers go out_.]

SCENE II

_The_ ELECTOR. _Later, two footmen._

ELECTOR. Most curious! Were I the Dey of Tunis I'd sound alarm at such a dubious move, Lay on my desk despair's thin silken cord, And at my palisaded castle-gate Set up my heavy guns and howitzers.

But since it's just Hans Kottwitz from the Priegnitz Who marches on me of his own sweet will I'll treat the matter in the Mark's own way; Of the three curls that gleam so silvery On his old skull, I'll take firm hold of one And lead him calmly with his squadrons twelve To Arnstein, his headquarters, back again.

Why wake the city from its slumber thus?

[_He goes to the window a moment, then returns to the table and rings a bell. Two lackeys enter_.]

Do run below and ask, as for yourself, What's doing in the City Hall.

1st LACKEY. At once!

[_He goes out._]

ELECTOR (_to the other_).