The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Xii Part 17

[SENDEN, _from the door, motions the gentlemen in the garden to come in_.]

BLUMENBERG.

We venture to urge you, knowing that so good a soldier as you, Colonel, makes up his mind quickly.

COLONEL (_after struggling inwardly_).

Well, so be it, gentlemen, I accept! Tell the committee I appreciate their confidence. This evening we will talk over details.

BLUMENBERG.

We thank you, Colonel. The whole town will be rejoiced to hear of your decision.

COLONEL.

Good-by until this evening.

[_Exeunt the visitors_;

COLONEL _alone, thoughtfully_.]

I fear I ought not to have accepted so quickly; but I had to do the minister of war that favor. What will the girls say to it? And Oldendorf?

[_Enter_ OLDENDORF.]

There he is himself.

[_Clears his throat_.]

He will be astonished. I can't help it, he must withdraw. Good morning, Professor, you come just at the right moment.

OLDENDORF (_hastily_).

Colonel, there is a report in town that Mr. von Senden's party have put you up as their candidate. I ask for your own a.s.surance that you would not accept such a nomination.

COLONEL.

And, supposing the proposition had been made to me, why should I not accept as well as you? Yes, rather than you; for the motives that would determine me are sounder than your reasons.

OLDENDORF.

So there is some foundation then to the rumor?

COLONEL.

To be frank, it is the truth. I have accepted. You see in me your opponent.

OLDENDORF.

Nothing so bad has yet occurred to trouble our relations. Colonel, could not the memory of a friendship, hearty and undisturbed for years, induce you to avoid this odious conflict?

COLONEL.

Oldendorf, I could not act otherwise, believe me. It is your place now to remember our old friendship. You are a younger man, let alone other relationships; you are the one now to withdraw.

OLDENDORF (_more excitedly_).

Colonel, I have known you for years. I know how keenly and how deeply you feel things and how little your ardent disposition fits you to bear the petty vexations of current politics, the wearing struggle of debates. Oh, my worthy friend, do listen to my exhortations and take back your consent.

COLONEL.

Let that be my concern. I am an old block of hard timber. Think of yourself, dear Oldendorf. You are young, you have fame as a scholar; your learning a.s.sures you every success. Why, in another sphere of activity, do you seek to exchange honor and recognition for naught but hatred, mockery, and humiliation? For with such views as yours you cannot fail to harvest them. Think it over. Be sensible, and withdraw.

OLDENDORF.

Colonel, could I follow my own inclinations I should do so on the spot. But in this contest I am under obligations to my friends. I cannot withdraw now.

COLONEL (_excitedly_).

Nor can I withdraw, lest I harm the good cause. We are no further now than in the beginning. (_Aside_.) Obstinate fellow!

[_Both walk up and down on opposite sides of the stage._]

You have not the least chance whatever of being elected, Oldendorf; my friends are sure of having the majority of the votes. You are exposing yourself to a public defeat. (_Kindly_.) I should dislike having you of all people beaten by me; it will cause gossip and scandal. Just think of it! It is perfectly useless for you to conjure up the conflict.

OLDENDORF.

Even if it were such a foregone conclusion as you a.s.sume, Colonel, I should still have to hold out to the end. But as far as I can judge the general sentiment, the result is by no means so certain. And think, Colonel, if you should happen to be defeated--

COLONEL (_irritated_).

I tell you, that will not be the case.

OLDENDORF.

But if it should be? How odious that would be for both of us! How would you feel toward me then! I might possibly welcome a defeat in my heart; for you it would be a terrible mortification, and, Colonel, I dread this possibility.

COLONEL.

For that very reason you should withdraw.

OLDENDORF.

I can no longer do so; but there is still time for you.

COLONEL (_vehemently_).

Thunder and lightning, sir, I have said yes; I am not the man to cap it with a no!