The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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He was not a wigmaker.
KING. He was.
WILHELMINE.
Well, if he was, then you dislike him simply because you are so fond of your horrid pigtail.
KING.
The pigtail is a man's best adornment. In that braided hair lies concentrated power. A pigtail is not a wild fluttering ma.s.s of disorder about one's head--the seat of the human soul--such as our Hottentot dandies of today show in their long untidy hair. It expresses, instead, a simple, pious and well-brushed order, entwined obedience, falling gently down over the shoulders, fit symbol for a Christian gentleman.
But I am tired of this eternal quarreling with you. This present arrest shall be the last proof of my fatherly affection. You will soon be free and mistress of your own actions. I announce herewith that you will shortly be able to come and go at your own discretion.
WILHELMINE.
Father!
KING.
Is that tone sincere?
WILHELMINE.
It comes from a heart that will never cease to revere the best of men.
KING.
Then you realize that I desire only your happiness? Yes, Wilhelmine, you will soon be able to do whatever you like, you may read French books, dance the minuet, keep an entire orchestra of musicians. I have arranged all things for your happiness and for your freedom.
[Ill.u.s.tration: KING FREDERICK WILLIAM I OF PRUSSIA R. SIEMERING]
WILHELMINE. How may I understand this, father?
KING.
You will have horses and carriages, and footmen, as becomes a future Queen.
WILHELMINE.
Queen?
KING.
You will see that I do in very truth deserve the name you gave me, the name of the best of fathers. But still--I hear your mother.
WILHELMINE.
What--what is going to happen--
KING.
Prepare yourself for a weighty moment--the moment of your betrothal.
SCENE III
_The_ QUEEN _comes in, leaning on the arm of the_ PRINCE OF BAIREUTH.
HOTHAM _and several lackeys follow_.
WILHELMINE (_aside, surprised_).
The Prince!
[_The_ QUEEN _bows coldly to the_ KING.]
KING (_equally coldly_).
Good morning.
QUEEN (_to the_ PRINCESS).
My dear child, I here present to you the Envoy of the King of England, Baronet Hotham.
WILHELMINE (_bows, speaks aside_).
The Prince's friend? How am I to understand all this?
KING.
Pardon me, wife, the Prince of Baireuth should take precedence. My dear child, I present to you here the Prince Hereditary of Baireuth.
PRINCE (_bows, speaks aside to_ WILHELMINE).
Do not lose courage. It will all work out for the best.
QUEEN.
Have you good news from Ansbach, dear Prince?
PRINCE. (_aside_).
This eternal mistake of hers. [_Aloud_.] Your Majesty, I hear there is a plan on foot to transplant Ansbach to Baireuth.
KING. (_has been only half listening_).
Hush! Let us cast aside all these earthly thoughts and plans and prepare ourselves for a work of sacred import. Sit down by your mother, Wilhelmine.
WILHELMINE.
