The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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ELECTRESS (as several officers, bowing and sc.r.a.ping, bid her farewell).
Pray, let me not disturb you, gentlemen.-- Until we meet again!
[The MARSHAL also bids her good-by.]
ELECTOR (suddenly standing still). Why, here we are!
The lady's glove. Come, quick now! There it is.
GENTLEMAN-IN-WAITING. Where?
ELECTOR. At our cousin's, at Prince Homburg's feet.
THE PRINCE. What! At my feet! The glove? It is your own?
[He picks it up and brings it to the PRINCESS.]
NATALIE. I thank you, n.o.ble Prince.
THE PRINCE (confused). Then it is yours?
NATALIE. Yes, it is mine; it is the one I lost.
[She takes it and draws it on.]
ELECTRESS (turning to the PRINCESS, she goes out).
Farewell! Farewell! Good luck! G.o.d keep you safe!
See that erelong we joyously may meet!
[The ELECTOR goes out with the ladies. Attendants, courtiers and pages follow.]
THE PRINCE (stands an instant as though struck by a bolt from heaven; then with triumphant step he returns to the group of officers).
Then he shall let the trumpets sound the charge!
[He, pretends to write.]
MARSHAL (looking down at his paper).
Then he shall let the trumpets sound the charge.-- However, the Elector's Highness, lest Through some mistake the blow should fall too soon--
[He pauses.]
GOLZ (writes). Through some mistake the blow should fall too soon--
THE PRINCE (aside to COUNT HOHENZOLLERN in great perturbation).
Oh, Harry!
HOHENZOLLERN (impatiently).
What's up now? What's in your head?
THE PRINCE. Did you not see?
HOHENZOLLERN. In Satan's name, shut up!
MARSHAL (continuing).
Shall send an officer of his staff to him; Who, mark this well, shall finally transmit The order for the charge against the foe.
Ere this the trumpets shall not sound the charge.
[The PRINCE gazes dreamily into s.p.a.ce.]
Well, have you got it?
GOLZ (_writes_). Ere this the trumpets shall not sound the charge.
MARSHAL (_in raised tone_).
Your Highness has it down?
THE PRINCE. Marshal?
MARSHAL. I asked If you had writ it down?
THE PRINCE. About the trumpets?
HOHENZOLLERN (_aside, with emphatic indignation_).
Trumpets be d.a.m.ned! Not till the order--
GOLZ (_in the same tone_). Not Till he himself--
THE PRINCE (_interrupting_). Naturally not, before-- But then he'll let the trumpets sound the charge.
[_He writes. Pause._]
MARSHAL. And I desire--pray note it, Baron Golz-- Before the action opens, to confer With Colonel Kottwitz, if it can be done.
GOLZ (_significantly_). He shall receive your message. Rest a.s.sured.
[_Pause._]
ELECTOR (_returning_).
What now, my colonels and my generals!
The morning breaks. Have you the orders down?
MARSHAL. The thing is done, my liege. Your battle-plan Is in all points made clear to your commanders.
ELECTOR (_picking up his hat and gloves_).
And you, I charge, Prince Homburg, learn control!
Recall, you forfeited two victories Of late, upon the Rhine, so keep your head!
Make me not do without the third today.
My land and throne depend on it, no less.
