The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Xii Part 11

OLDENDORF.

Don't play the clown just now. You can imagine how unpleasant my position in the Colonel's house has become. The worthy old gentleman either frigid or violent; the conversation spiced with bitter allusions; Ida suffering--I can often see that she has been crying. If our party wins and I become member for the town, I fear I shall lose all hope of marrying Ida.

BOLZ (_vehemently_).

And if you withdraw it will be a serious blow to our party. (_Rapidly and emphatically._) The coming session of Parliament will determine the fate of the country. The parties are almost equal. Every loss is a blow of a vote to our cause. In this town we have no other candidate but you, who is sufficiently popular to make his election probable. If you withdraw from the contest, no matter what the reason, our opponents win.

OLDENDORF.

Unfortunately what you say is true.

BOLZ (_with continued vehemence_).

I won't dwell on my confidence in your talents. I am convinced that, in the House, and, possibly, as one of the ministers, you will be of service to your country. I merely ask you, now, to remember your duty to our political friends, who have pinned their faith on you, and to this paper and ourselves, who for three years have worked for the credit of the name of Oldendorf which heads our front page. Your honor is at stake, and every moment of wavering is wrong.

OLDENDORF (_dignified_).

You are exciting yourself without reason. I too deem it wrong to retire now when I am told that our cause needs me. But in confessing to you, my friend, that my decision means a great personal sacrifice, I am not compromising either our cause or ourselves as individuals.

BOLZ (_soothingly_).

Right you are! You are a loyal comrade. And so peace, friendship, courage! Your old Colonel won't be inexorable.

OLDENDORF.

He has grown intimate with Senden, who flatters him in every way, and has plans, I fear, which affect me also. I should feel still more worried but for knowing that I have now a good advocate in the Colonel's house. Adelaide Runeck has just arrived.

BOLZ.

Adelaide Runeck? She into the bargain! (_Quickly calling through the door on the right._) Kampe, the article against the knight of the arrow is not to be written. Understand?

_Enter_ KaMPE.

KaMPE (_at the door, pen in hand_).

But what is to be written, then?

BOLZ.

The devil only knows! See here! Perhaps I can induce Oldendorf to write the leading article for tomorrow himself. But at all events you must have something on hand.

KaMPE.

But what?

BOLZ (_excitedly_).

For all I care write about emigration to Australia; that, at any rate, will give no offense.

KaMPE.

Good! Am I to encourage it or advise against it?

BOLZ (_quickly_).

Advise against it, of course; we need every one who is willing to work here at home. Depict Australia as a contemptible hole. Be perfectly truthful but make it as black as possible--how the Kangaroo, balled into a heap, springs with invincible malice at the settler's head, while the duckbill nips at the back of his legs; how the gold-seeker has, in winter, to stand up to his neck in salt water while for three months in summer he has not a drop to drink; how he may live through all that only to be eaten up at last by thievish natives. Make it very vivid and end up with the latest market prices for Australian wool from the _Times_. You'll find what books you need in the library.

[_Slams the door to._]

OLDENDORF (_at the table_).

Do you know Miss Runeck? She often inquires about you in her letters to Ida.

BOLZ.

Indeed? Yes, to be sure, I know her. We are from the same village--she from the manor-house, I from the parsonage. My father taught us together. Oh, yes, I know her!

OLDENDORF.

How comes it that you have drifted so far apart? You never speak of her.

BOLZ.

H'm! It is an old story--family quarrels, Montagues and Capulets. I have not seen her for a long time.

OLDENDORF (_smiling_).

I hope that you too were not estranged by politics.

BOLZ.

Politics did, indeed, have something to do with our separation; you see it is the common misfortune that party life destroys friendship.

OLDENDORF.

Sad to relate! In religion any educated man will tolerate the convictions of another; but in politics we treat each other like reprobates if there be the slightest shade of difference of opinion between us.

BOLZ (_aside_).

Matter for our next article! (_Aloud._) "The slightest shade of difference of opinion between us." Just what I think! We must have that in our paper! (_Entreating)_. Look! A nice little virtuous article: "An admonition to our voters--Respect our opponents, for they are, after all, our brothers!" (_Urging him more and more._) Oldendorf, that would be something for you--there is virtue and humanity in the theme; writing will divert you, and you owe the paper an article because you forbade the feud. Please do me the favor! Go into the back room there and write. No one shall disturb you.

OLDENDORF (_smiling_).

You are just a vulgar intriguer!

BOLZ (_forcing him from his chair_).

Please, you'll find ink and paper there. Come, deary, come! [_He accompanies him to the door on the left. Exit_ OLDENDORF. BOLZ _calling after him._] Will you have a cigar? An old Henry Clay?

[_Draws a cigar-case from his pocket._] No? Don't make it too short; it is to be the princ.i.p.al article! [_He shuts the door, calls through the door on the right._] The professor is writing the article himself.