half-knitted stocking._] And, finally, His Majesty the King pleases to
command Your Highness to knit, every two days, a pair of woolen
stockings for the worthy Foundling Asylum of Berlin. May it please Your
Royal Highness--this ends my orders.
SONNSFELD (_in a tone of despair_).
Princess, are these the King's plans for your future?
WILHELMINE (_trembling in excitement_).
Calm yourself, dear friend. Yes, this is the beginning of a new life
for me. The battle is on! Go to my father and tell him--
SONNSFELD.
Go to the King and tell him--[_To the_ PRINCESS.] What are they to tell
him?
WILHELMINE (_with tragic decision_).
Tell him that I--
SONNSFELD.
Tell him that we--
WILHELMINE.
That I--[_Her courage begins to fail._] That although we _will_ learn
the chapters--
SONNSFELD.
And although we _will_ eat the beans--
WILHELMINE.
It will not be our fault if [_with renewed courage_] if in the despair
of our hearts--
SONNSFELD (_tragically_).
We let fall the stitches in the orphan's stockings--
WILHELMINE.
And wish that we were merely the Princess of Reuss--
SONNSFELD.
Schleiz--
WILHELMINE.
Greiz and Lobenstein!
[_They go out angrily._]
ACT III
_The_ PRINCESS' _room. Attractive, cozy apartment. An open window to the
right. Doors centre, right and left. A cupboard, a table._
SCENE I
PRINCESS WILHELMINE _leans against the window-casing, deep in thought._
SONNSFELD _sits on the left side of the room, knitting a child's
stocking._
WILHELMINE (_aside_).
Hour after hour passes! What will the Prince think of me? Or can he have
learned my fate already?
SONNSFELD.
Did Your Highness speak?
WILHELMINE.
No, I--I merely sighed.
SONNSFELD.
It seemed as if you were talking to yourself. Don't be too melancholy.
You'll soon learn the Bible verses and I'll relieve you of most of the
knitting.
WILHELMINE.
You are too good--you are kinder to me than I have deserved of you
today. That work is tiring you--give it to me.
SONNSFELD.
No, let me have it. You take the other one that is started. In this way
we will gain time to rest later.
WILHELMINE (_listening toward the door_).
And we aren't even allowed a word with each other in freedom.
SONNSFELD (_rises and looks toward the door_).
It is cruel to let soldiers see a Princess humiliated to the extent of
knitting stockings.
WILHELMINE.
Why complain? It is--of itself, quite nicely domestic. [_She knits._]
SONNSFELD.
What would the Prince of Baireuth say if he could see you now?
WILHELMINE.
The Prince? What made you think of the Prince?
SONNSFELD.
You cannot deny that his attentions to you might be called
almost--tender--
WILHELMINE.
Almost--
SONNSFELD.
Such eyes! Such burning glances! I am very much mistaken or it was Your
Royal brother's intention, in sending this young Prince to you, to send
you at the same time the most ardent lover under the sun.
WILHELMINE.
Lovers hold more with the moon.
SONNSFELD.
And he shows so great an admiration for you that I am again mistaken if
our sentry outside the door there has not already in his pocket a
billet-doux addressed to Your Highness--a billet-doux written by the
Prince.
WILHELMINE.
Sonnsfeld! What power of combination!
SONNSFELD.
Almost worthy of a Seckendorf, isn't it? I'll question the man, in any
case.
WILHELMINE.
Are you crazy?
SONNSFELD (_at the door_).
Hey, there, grenadier!
ECKHOF (_comes in_).
At your service, madam. SONNSFELD. Have you a letter for us?
ECKHOF.
Please Your Honor, yes.
SONNSFELD (_to the_ PRINCESS).
There you are! [_To_ ECKHOF.] From the Prince of Baireuth?
ECKHOF.
Please Your Honor, yes.
WILHELMINE.
Where is it? Did you take it?
ECKHOF.
Please Your Honor, no. [_Wheels and goes out_.]
SONNSFELD.
What a dreadful country! The general heartlessness penetrates even to
the uneducated classes.
WILHELMINE.
But how dare the Prince imagine that our sentry could forget all--all
sense of propriety in this way?
SONNSFELD.
Would you not have accepted it?
WILHELMINE.
Never!
[_A letter, attached to a little stone, is thrown in at the window_.]
SONNSFELD.
A letter? Through the window! Oh, how it frightened me!
WILHELMINE.
Pick it up.
SONNSFELD (_doing so_).
But you won't accept it, you say. It can only be from the Prince--and it
is addressed to Your Highness.
[_Gives her the letter_.]
WILHELMINE.
To me? Why, then--why shouldn't I accept it? [_She opens the letter_.]
It is--it is from the Prince. [_She reads, aside_.] "Adored one! Is
there to be no end to these cruelties? Have they begun to torture you
with England yet? They will come to you and will try to force you into
this marriage. But Baronet Hotham, the English Envoy, is my friend and
your friend, and will work for you while he seems to be working against
you. It is a dangerous game, but it means your freedom and my life. Love
comprehends--Love."
SONNSFELD.
May I hear?
WILHELMINE.
It is a little message of sympathy--from--from one of our faithful
servants.
SONNSFELD.
The good people are all so fond of you. You must answer it, I suppose?
WILHELMINE. Just a word or two-it is really of no importance whatever.
SONNSFELD. But we need not offend any one. [_Aside_.] What clever
pretending! [_Aloud_.] Let me try if our grenadier is still as stubborn
as before.
WILHELMINE.
What are you thinking of?
SONNSFELD.
We'll make the trial. [_She goes to the door_.] Here you--stern
warrior--
ECKHOF (_in the door_).
At your service.
SONNSFELD.
Why didn't you take the letter?
ECKHOF.
It would mean running the gauntlet for me.
SONNSFELD.
We would compensate you for any such punishment.
ECKHOF.
You could not.
SONNSFELD.
Would money be no compensation?
ECKHOF.
Even if shame could be healed by money, that would be the one remedy you
couldn't apply.
WILHELMINE.
And why?
ECKHOF.
Because Your Highness hasn't any money.
SONNSFELD.
Dreadful creature!
WILHELMINE (_aside_).
He knows our situation only too well. We must give up all thought of
sending an answer.
ECKHOF.
May I go now?
SONNSFELD.
Impertinent creature! What is your name?
ECKHOF.
Eckhof.
SONNSFELD.
Where were you born?
ECKHOF. Hamburg.
SONNSFELD.
What have you learned?
ECKHOF. Nothing.
WILHELMINE.
Nothing? That is little enough.
SONNSFELD.
What did you want to make of yourself?
ECKHOF.
Everything.
WILHELMINE (_aside_).
A strange man! Let us cross-examine him. It will afford us a little
amusement at least.
SONNSFELD (_to_ ECKHOF).
We are not clever enough to understand such witty answers. How do you
reconcile nothing with everything.
ECKHOF.
I grew up in a theatre, but all I ever learned there was to clean the
lamps. Our manager discharged his company and I was compelled to take
service with a secretary in the post office. But when my new master's
wife demanded that I should climb up behind her carriage, as her
footman, I took to wandering again. I begged my way to Schwerin and a
learned man of the law made me his clerk. The post office and the
courtroom were just two new sorts of theatre for me. The addresses on
the letters excited my imagination, the lawsuits gave my brain exercise.
The desire to create, upon the stage, true pictures of human greatness
and human degradation, to depict vice and virtue in reality's own
colors, still inspired me, but I saw no opportunity to satisfy it. Then,
in a reckless moment, when I had sought to drown my melancholy in drink,
fate threw me into the hands of the Prussian recruiting officers. I was
dazzled by the handful of silver they offered me; for its sake I
bartered away my golden freedom. Since that day I carry the musket. The
noisy drums drown the longing that awakens a thousand times a day, the
longing for an Art that still calls me as to a sacred mission; the
uniform smothers the impulse to create human nobility; and in these
drilled, unnatural motions of my limbs, my free will and my sense
of personal dignity will perish at last. From such a fate there is no
release for the poor bought soldier--no release but death.
WILHELMINE (_aside, sadly_).
It is a picture of my own sorrow.
SONNSFELD.
That is all very well, but you really should be glad that now you are
_something_--as you were nothing before and had not learned any trade.
ECKHOF.
I learned little from books but much from life. I understand something
of music.
SONNSFELD.
Of music? Ah, then you can entertain this poor imprisoned Princess. Your
Highness, where is the Crown Prince's flute?
ECKHOF.
I play the violin.
SONNSFELD.
We have a violin, too. We have the Crown Prince's entire orchestra
hidden here. [_She goes to the cupboard and brings out a violin._] Here,
now play something for us and we will dance.
WILHELMINE.
What are you thinking of? With the Queen's room over there? And the King
may surprise us at any moment from the other side.
SONNSFELD.
Just a little _Française_ shall be a rehearsal for the torchlight dance
at your wedding.
WILHELMINE.
You know the King's aversion toward music and dancing.
SONNSFELD.
Here, Eckhof, take the violin-and now begin.
ECKHOF (_looks about timidly_).
But if I--[_much moved_] Heavens--it is three years since I have touched
that noble, that magical instrument.
SONNSFELD.
Come now! I'm the cavalier, Princess, and you are the lady.
[ECKHOF _plays one of the simple naïve dance tunes of the day. The two
ladies dance._]
SONNSFELD.
Bravo, Eckhof! This is going nicely--ah, what joy to dance once more!
This way now la--la--la! [_She hums the melody._]
SCENE II
_During the dance the_ KING _comes in softly through the door to the
right. He starts when he sees the dancers and the grenadier playing the
violin. They do not notice him. He comes-nearer and attempts to join the
dance unobserved._
WILHELMINE.
Sonnsfeld, that's not right! Now it's the gentleman's turn. [_Holds her
hand out behind her back_]--Like this.
[_The_ KING _takes her hand gently with one finger and dances a few
steps._]
WILHELMINE.
How clumsy, dear friend. [_Dancing._] And your hand is strangely rough
today.
[_She turns and sees the_ KING, _who had begun to hum the tune in a
gruff voice. The three start in alarm_. ECKHOF _salutes with the
violin._]
KING (_angry_).
Very nice--very pretty indeed! Are these the sayings of Solomon? Music
and dancing in my castle by broad daylight? And a Prussian grenadier
playing the violin to the prisoner he is set to watch?
SONNSFELD.
Pardon, Your Majesty--it was we who forced him.
KING.
Forced him? Forced a soldier? Forced him to violate his duty in this
devilish manner? I'll have to invent a punishment for him such as the
Prussian army has never yet seen.
WILHELMINE.
Have mercy, Your Majesty--have mercy!
KING.
I'll talk to you later. As for you, Conrad Eckhof, I know that is your
name--I will tell you what your punishment shall be. You are discharged
from the army that serves under my glorious flag, discharged in disgrace.
But you are not to be honored by being sent to a convict company or into
the worthy station of a subject. Listen to the fate I have decreed for
you. A troop of German comedians has taken quarters in the Warehouse in
the Cloister street. These mountebanks--_histriones_--are in straits
because their clown--for whom they sent to Leipzig, has not arrived. You
are to take off the honorable Prussian uniform and to join this group of
mountebanks, sent there by me, as a warning to every one. You are to
become an actor, a clown of clowns-and henceforth amuse the German nation
with your foolish and criminal jokes and quips. Shame upon you!
ECKHOF (_with a grateful glance to heaven, trying to conceal his joyful
excitement_).
An actor! Oh, I thank Your Majesty for this most gracious sentence.
Conrad Eckhof will endeavor to do honor to himself and his despised new
profession.
[_Goes out_.]
KING.
And as for you, my Lady Sonnsfeld, you may, the sooner the better, pack
up your belongings and be off to Dresden where my cousin, the Elector of
Saxony, has need of just such nymphs and graces for his court fireworks
and his ballets.
SONNSFELD (_going out, speaks aside_).
In his anger he chooses punishments that can only delight any person of
refinement. [_She goes out_.]
KING.
Wilhelmine!
WILHELMINE.
Your Majesty, what have I done that I am so unhappy as always to arouse
your displeasure?
KING.
You call me "Majesty" because you lack a daughter's heart for your
father. I have brought up my children in the good old German fashion; I
have tried to keep all French vanities and French follies far from their
childish hearts; on my throne I have tried to prove that Kings may set
an example to their subjects, an example of how the simplest honest
household may be ruled. Have I succeeded in this?
WILHELMINE.
You have punished us severely enough for our faults.
KING.
This wigmaker--who was to instruct you in all the ambiguities of the
French language--
WILHELMINE.
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 mass 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.
[Illustration: 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.
What is going to happen?
KING.
You, Prince, as my natural aide--here! Baronet Hotham, you are in the
centre.
[_The lackeys place the table in the centre of the room and then go
off._]
PRINCE (_aside_).
Hotham--the commercial treaties--
[HOTHAM _sits down at the centre of the table, opens the portfolio which
he has brought with him, lays out sheets of paper, and examines his
pen._]
KING (_folding his hands_).
In God's name--[_After a pause_] If I should ask you, my faithful
spouse, companion of my life, what a happy marriage is--
QUEEN.
Has that anything to do with our daughter's wedding-contract?
KING.
Do not interrupt me. _You_ may not be conscious of it--but I am fully
aware of how much this solemn moment imports.
HOTHAM.
Please Your Majesty--I have already written "In God's name."
KING (_looks surprised and pleased_).
Did you really write that?
HOTHAM.
It is customary to print it at the head of these and similar contracts.
KING.
Printing is not as good--the letter killeth, saith the Scriptures; but
you may begin now.
HOTHAM.
We are concerned here with an affiliation between two nations which,
although differing in language, manners, and customs, still have so many
points of contact that they should seize every opportunity to come
closer to each other.
KING.
Couldn't you weave in something there about the English being really
descended from the Germans?
HOTHAM.
That would lead us too far afield.
KING.
Oh, very well, as you say. It was a good beginning.
HOTHAM.
Such an opportunity now offers in the mutually expressed wish of the
dynasties of England and Prussia, to unite in the bonds of holy
matrimony two of their illustrious scions. The Prince of Wales sues for
the hand of Princess Wilhelmine.
WILHELMINE.
The Prince of Wales?
HOTHAM.
His suit is accepted attendant upon the conditions here following.
WILHELMINE. _Accepted?_
KING.
Hush! Do not disturb this solemn procedure by idle chatter.
WILHELMINE.
But--but how is this possible--
PRINCE (_to the_ PRINCESS).
Your Highness, the conditions are but just being drawn up.
QUEEN (_aside to the_ PRINCESS).
Do not interrupt. What must the envoy of the elegant court of St. James
think of the manners of our Prussian Princesses!
KING.
These chattering women! Very good, Baronet Hotham; the beginning was
excellent. Don't you think so, Prince?
PRINCE.
Certainly, Your Majesty. [_Aside_] It was odious.
QUEEN.
And the conditions? [_Aside_] I am eager to hear about the dowry.
HOTHAM.
First paragraph--
KING.
Pardon me, I can tell you that in fewer words. I give my daughter as
dowry, forty thousand thalers, and a yearly pin-money of two thousand
thalers. I will bear the expense of the wedding. But that is all.
QUEEN (_rising_).
I trust that this is not Your Majesty's real intention. Baronet Hotham,
I beg you will not include such a declaration in the protocol.
KING (_seated_).
Not include it in the protocol? H'm--h'm--forty thousand thalers in
cash--too little?
HOTHAM.
The question of dowry will offer but little difficulty to a country as
rich as England. Far more important are the political matters which, in
the case of so intimate an alliance, must come up for especial
consideration.
KING.
Political matters?
HOTHAM.
I mean--certain questions and points of discussion which, with your
gracious permission, I would now like to present to you.
KING.
Questions? Points of discussion? Do you see anything to object to in my
daughter? [_He rises._]
HOTHAM.
Your Majesty, there are certain--advantages for both nations--
KING.
Advantages for Prussia? [_He sits down again._] You may speak then.
HOTHAM.
To take up one point. For this marriage England will confirm without
hindrance Your Majesty's investiture of the Duchies Jülich and Berg.
KING.
Very decent; thanks.
PRINCE (_aside_).
Hotham, you fox!
HOTHAM.
And furthermore Parliament declares itself willing--
KING.
Declares itself willing--
WILHELMINE.
What has Parliament to do with it? Am I marrying the two houses of
Parliament?
QUEEN (_half aloud_).
Be quiet. You don't understand. In England, all political parties have
something to say in such matters.
KING (_half aside_). Yes, child, that would be the country for your
mother, wouldn't it? Well?
HOTHAM.
Parliament declares itself willing, in case Your Majesty wishes to
complete the conquest of Swedish Pommerania, to let the matter pass
without an interpellation.
QUEEN (_pleased and excited_).
Very polite indeed. I should not have believed Parliament would be so
amiable. Just think, Wilhelmine, Parliament promises not to
interpellate.
WILHELMINE.
What sort of a new political torture is that?
KING (_to the_ PRINCESS).
To interpellate means to harass and embarrass the government by
continual contradictions, interruptions, and objections. That's why your
mother understood it at once. Much obliged, my gear Hotham. My kindest
greetings to Parliament. But continue--continue!
PRINCE (_aside_).
I am on tenter-hooks.
HOTHAM.
For these many tokens of unselfish cordiality, for further manifold
proofs of political complaisance, to be reviewed by me in detail later,
proofs of a sincere desire to be enduringly united with a brother
nation--
KING.
Well?
HOTHAM.
For all this we ask but one little concession, which would make this
marriage a true blessing for both countries.
KING.
Out with it!
HOTHAM.
Prussian industry has now reached a standard which renders England
desirous of testing its products under certain conditions of
importation. For this--
KING.
For this?
HOTHAM.
England would feel grateful if the former friendly understanding,
interrupted somewhat since Your Majesty's illustrious accession to the
throne, if the former friendly commercial understanding--
KING.
Understanding?
HOTHAM. Could be restored; and if Your Majesty would graciously decide,
on the occasion of this auspicious union, welcomed in England with such
rejoicing, to repeal, in part, the present--prohibitive regulations--
KING.
What?
HOTHAM.
In a word, England asks for a new commercial treaty.
KING.
New commercial treaty? Commercial--[_He rises, there is a slight
pause._] The meeting is adjourned.
QUEEN.
What's that?
KING.
Is it for this then, that I have sought to raise and ennoble the
civilization of my country, that I have furthered commerce and industry,
promoted shipping, given an asylum within the state to thousands of
religious refugees from France--for this, that now, as the price for the
honor of an alliance with England, I should open the door and let in the
forbidden English merchandise--to the ruin of my own subjects?
[_He goes to the table and rings. A lackey appears._]
KING.
My ministers!
QUEEN.
What? You would sacrifice your daughter's happiness?
SCENE IV
GRUMBKOW, SECKENDORF _and three generals come in._
KING.
Step nearer, gentlemen. I have allowed you to remain in uncertainty
concerning a dispatch which arrived this morning from Hanover. You shall
now hear my formal answer to it. Prince, poet, do not be alarmed. Our
festivities will take place for all that, our cannon will thunder, our
lanterns will blaze through the night. Prince, do you want to put me
under eternal obligation to you?
PRINCE (_misunderstanding_).
Your Majesty! Can it be possible?
KING.
Do you want to make me your debtor forever?
PRINCE (_joyfully_).
I? Wilhel--!
KING.
Take to horse, Prince, and ride off within the hour, as my special envoy
to Vienna.
PRINCE, GRUMBKOW AND SECKENDORF (_together_).
To Vienna?
KING.
My daughter's hand is promised to Vienna. Within a fortnight a scion of
the illustrious Imperial House will enter the walls of our capital.
HOTHAM.
Your Majesty compels me, in the eventuality of an Arch-Duke's arrival,
to make a certain declaration herewith--
KING.
And that is?
HOTHAM.
The Prince of Wales--is already here.
ALL.
The Prince of Wales--in Berlin?
HOTHAM.
The Prince of Wales arrived three hours ago.
GRUMBKOW AND SECKENDORF.
Impossible!
QUEEN (_triumphant_).
I breathe again.
KING (_in real consternation, but controling himself_).
Baronet Hotham, I confess that this news surprises, nay, moves me
greatly. But you can lay it to the account of your own egotistical
politics if I declare to you that no stranger in Berlin exists for me,
until he has been properly registered at the gates of the capital. If
you _will_ drive me to the last stand, if you would make the ground of
my own country too hot for me--then tell the Prince of Wales that
although I am deeply touched by his affection for my family, still,
under conditions threatening the peace of my country, the welfare of my
subjects--I must beg of him to return whence he came. Prince, you ride
to Vienna as envoy of this monarchy. Wilhelmine, the Imperial Crown
will console you. And as for you, Madame [_aside to the Queen_], has not
your pride found its limits at last?
QUEEN.
I have pledged my word to England.
KING (_good-naturedly_).
But if it isn't possible--
[_Comes nearer cordially, holds out his hand._]
QUEEN (_touched, hesitating_).
An hour ago, possibly--[_firm and decided again_], but now--the
personal presence of the Prince of Wales has taken the decision out of
our hands.
KING.
Very well--he who _will_ have war--[_To_ HOTHAM] Have you any other
instructions than those we have already heard?
HOTHAM.
None, Your Majesty.
KING.
Then come to me, Prince, for the contract with Vienna. A German state in
England's stead! 'Tis better so, gentlemen, better so. I will cleave to
Germany with all my soul. Foreign egotism shall teach German peoples and
Princes how to be truly united. [_He goes out into his study._ GRUMBKOW,
SECKENDORF _and the generals follow._]
QUEEN (_to_ HOTHAM).
Sir, you have been witness to a scene which confirms for you the truth
as to my position here, the truth that is not yet credited in England.
Wilhelmine, the news of the arrival of the Prince of Wales gives me
fresh hope. Ride to Vienna, Prince--become, if you must, a traitor to a
cause which will conquer, despite the intrigues of my enemies. Give me
your arm, Lord Hotham. The Prince of Wales in Berlin! I can hardly
realize it. Bring him to me and prepare him for everything--but no--do
not mention to him--those revolting forty thousand thalers.
[_She goes out with_ OTHAM.]
SCENE V
WILHELMINE.
What do you say to your friend now? The Prince of Wales in Berlin!
PRINCE.
I do not know where I am in all this tangle. Hotham is a traitor, an
ingrate who has betrayed me, betrayed us all.
WILHELMINE.
Be more cautious in the future when you talk of friendship--and love.
Farewell.
[_She turns to follow the_ QUEEN.]
PRINCE.
Princess, is this your farewell--while I prepare to meet death or
despair?
WILHELMINE.
It's not so easy to die in Vienna.
PRINCE.
And you believe that I will leave you now, when the glamour of the
personal presence of a Prince of Wales may dazzle your eye--perhaps even
your heart?
WILHELMINE.
I must, I realize it now, begin to consider my heart only from the
political point of view.
PRINCE.
You doubt my sincerity, Princess? You distrust a heart which has truly
loved but once--once and for all time--loved you, Wilhelmine!
WILHELMINE (_aside_).
Can such language be deception?
PRINCE.
I realize what I owe to you, Princess. Frankness before the world, an
honest suit for your hand--even in face of the danger of losing you
forever. I will go to the King. I will tell him, yes, I will tell him
now that I cannot do as he wishes. I will throw myself at his feet and
confess with honest sincerity that I love you. Do you wish it?
WILHELMINE (_hesitating_).
No--never, no.
PRINCE.
You are trembling, Princess. Oh, I know your dutiful heart shudders at
the thought of defying your parents, of following the call of your own
inclination. But--tell me, do you trust your father's heart?
WILHELMINE.
It is full of kindness and love.
PRINCE.
Very well, then. He has honored me, he has shown confidence in me; the
arrival of the Prince of Wales provokes him to rebuke such hardiness. I
will show him what is in my heart, and then, Wilhelmine--then? If he
refuse the hand I ask--
WILHELMINE (_turning from him_).
You will--find consolation?
PRINCE.
And if he grant it?
WILHELMINE (_overcome by her emotion, allows her heart full sway, but is
still roguish and maidenly_).
Then--I fear that you will not keep your word--to punish me for
torturing you so cruelly.
[_She goes out quickly._]
SCENE VI
PRINCE (_alone_).
She loves me. Then _one_ thing is sure! I will now take the straight
road into the very jaws of the lion. What else remains? Betrayed by
Hotham, there is naught but Wilhelmine's love--and my own courage.
[_He goes toward the_ KING'S _door._]
SCENE VII
EVERSMANN _comes from the_ KING'S _room._
EVERSMANN.
Whither, Your Highness?
PRINCE.
To the King.
EVERSMANN.
You will find him very angry.
PRINCE.
Angry at whom?
EVERSMANN.
Angry at you, Prince.
PRINCE.
You are joking!
EVERSMANN.
The Duke of Weissenfels is to undertake the mission to Vienna.
PRINCE.
What does that mean?
EVERSMANN.
Investigation by the Attorney-General--just come to the King's ears.
The man _was_ a wigmaker.
PRINCE.
You are quite mad. I must speak to the King. It concerns the most
important affair of my whole life. [_Starts for the door again._]
EVERSMANN.
Pardon me, Prince, His Majesty sends you this letter.
PRINCE (_takes the letter_).
"To my son, the Crown Prince of Prussia, to be delivered personally in
Rheinsberg within twenty-four hours; kindness of the Prince of
Baireuth." Why this--this is a formal decree of banishment from Berlin!
How could it happen just now?
EVERSMANN.
It's merely a polite hint. Everything is discovered--and not only the
matter of _Rapinière._ His Majesty knows you now as the emissary of the
Crown Prince, sent to stir up a revolution here in Berlin and in the
palace. The wigmaker confessed it all. I suspected Your Highness from
the first. Wish you a pleasant journey to Rheinsberg.
[_He goes out._]
PRINCE.
Betrayed--forsaken by all--
HOTHAM (_coming hastily from the_ QUEEN'S _room_).
Good news, Prince. The Princess is under arrest again.
PRINCE.
And you call that good news, traitor!
HOTHAM.
There is more, Prince. The traitor is pleased to hear that you also have
fallen under the ban of the royal displeasure.
PRINCE.
You are pleased to hear that?
HOTHAM.
The traitor assures you on his honor that there could be no better means
of fulfilling your heart's desire.
PRINCE.
Would you drive me mad?
HOTHAM.
To throw a preliminary cold shower on your doubt [_looks about
cautiously_] kindly read this portion of a letter I have but just
received.
PRINCE.
A billet-doux from your Prince of Wales?
HOTHAM.
Read it, please.
PRINCE (_reads_).
"London, June the fifth--"
HOTHAM (_indicating a line lower down_).
There--read there.
PRINCE (_reads_).
"You ask for news from court. We are very poor in such news just now.
The Prince of Wales is still hunting wild boars in the Welsh mountains."
The Prince is--not in Berlin?
HOTHAM (_still cautious, but smiling_).
Just as little as you are in the Palace of St. James at this moment.
PRINCE.
But what am I to think? What am I to believe?
HOTHAM.
You are to believe that you could well afford to place more confidence
in Hotham's friendship, devotion--and cleverness.
PRINCE.
The Prince of Wales is not in Berlin?
HOTHAM.
H'st! _We_ know he is not here--but he _is_ here for all the others. The
Prince of Wales is here, there, behind the screen, up the chimney, in
the air, under the earth, nowhere where he would be in our way, but
anywhere where we might need him for the merriest comedy in all the
world.
PRINCE.
Hotham! Then I am not deceived in your friendship?
HOTHAM.
Just as little, since our commercial treaty is doomed, as I am mistaken
in your chances, despite arrest and displeasure. But come now, come to
that friendly goblin who will work for us--to the mysterious spirit on
whose account we will keep this corner of the world in anxiety and
terror--your doughty rival but your still doughtier ally.
PRINCE (_in laughing surprise_).
You mean?
HOTHAM.
The Prince of Wales. [_They both go out._]
ACT IV
_Anteroom in the_ KING'S _apartments. The same as in_ SCENE I _of_ ACT
II. _Writing materials on the table._
SCENE I
EVERSMANN _comes from the_ KING'S _room._
SECKENDORF (_puts his head in at another door_).
Pst! Eversmann! Have you seen him yet?
EVERSMANN.
Seen whom, Count?
SECKENDORF. The Prince of Wales. He is indeed in Berlin--he has been
seen everywhere. _Unter den Linden_--by the river--even beyond
Treptow--a frail figure of a man, stooping slightly--his left shoulder
higher than the right. When he speaks you see that one eye-tooth is
missing--
EVERSMANN.
The King will not recognize the presence of the Prince of Wales.
SECKENDORF.
We are being deceived, Eversmann. The King has recognized it. [_Low._]
Or can it be that you have not heard of that most strange--most
remarkable command that has gone out to the Castle Guards--a command
which upsets all our deductions and plans? All sentries have orders to
let a white domino, if such a one should appear at night about the
castle, pass unhindered and even unchallenged. Do you not see the
thoughtfulness for the Prince of Wales in that? It is he who is to visit
His Majesty secretly in disguise. Eversmann, all our pro-Austrian plans
are in danger. [_There is a knock at the door._] Every noise startles me
these days.
EVERSMANN.
It is the court tailor most likely, pardon me. [_He goes to the door._]
Ha, ha! the white domino!
SECKENDORF.
The court tailor? What can the court tailor be doing here? And a white
domino? Vienna's interests are in danger. The King does favor England. I
must have certainty. This is the moment when I must show my whole power.
SCENE II
HOTHAM (_comes in, bows_).
His Majesty graciously consented to give me a farewell audience.
[EVERSMANN _returns with a little package which he opens, drawing
out a white domino._]
EVERSMANN (_to_ HOTHAM).
I will announce you at once, sir. [_To_ SECKENDORF, _smiling._] Now,
Count Seckendorf, if you wish to _see_ the Prince of Wales [_Pointing to
the domino_] here he is.
[_He goes out into the_ KING'S _room._]
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
That the Prince of Wales?
HOTHAM (_aside_).
A white domino the Prince of Wales?
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
What's the key to this new riddle?
HOTHAM (_aside_).
Can there be some secret doings here?
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
I will question Baronet Hotham cautiously.
HOTHAM (_aside_).
Mayhap this much-decorated gentleman can give me some information.
SECKENDORF (_clearing his throat_).
May I ask--how His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, is enjoying
himself in Berlin? I am Count Seckendorf.
HOTHAM. Most happy to meet you. As Your Excellency perceives, he is at
this moment in the very best hands. [_Points after_ EVERSMANN.]
SECKENDORF (_startled, aside_).
In the best hands? Is he mocking me or is he deceived himself? It looks
as though he too were in the conspiracy.
HOTHAM (_aside_).
This misunderstanding whets my curiosity.
SECKENDORF.
You are in error, Baronet, if you believe that we have opposed the suit
of the Prince of Wales. Procure me an opportunity to speak to the
Prince, and I will consider it an honor to be allowed to repeat this
assurance in his own presence.
HOTHAM (_pointing to the_ KING's _door_).
The door of His Majesty's Cabinet is, I am told, always open to the
Imperial Envoy.
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
The King's Cabinet! Where the Court tailor has just taken the white
domino [_Aloud_.] H'm! Baronet Hotham, do you happen to be acquainted
with the legend of the White Lady, connected for centuries with the
history of the House of Brandenberg?
HOTHAM.
I am, Your Excellency. And I hear that the White Lady has been seen
again recently.
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
Recently? It _is_ a conspiracy. They are deceiving us under cloak of the
mystery of the White Lady. The Prince of Wales and the King have a
thorough understanding with each other. [_Aloud_.] Baronet Hotham, this
is double-dealing. Be honest! Confess that the Prince is not only here,
but that he is received by the King at any hour.
HOTHAM.
What grounds have you for your belief?
SECKENDORF.
It was neatly done, to bring up the talk about the White Lady just at
this time.
HOTHAM.
The King may have his own reasons for that.
SECKENDORF.
The King? The King has his--ha, ha! And you believe that no one sees
through this fine game? You do not realize that there are eyes which
even at night can see certain persons stealing across the courtyards of
the Royal Palace? That there are ears which can hear plainly how such
persons are let pass unchallenged because--ha, ha, ha!--because these
persons wear white dominos? My dear sir, you must lay your plans more
carefully if you would not have them patent to the simplest deductions.
But do not trust too much to the King's indulgence toward the Prince of
Wales. He is his nephew; he may not wish him compromised. Therefore he
allows him to pass in and out in disguise. But, believe me, that is all
the Prince has to hope for here. And I at least should be very sorry for
a young diplomat, just beginning his career as you are, who cannot
profit by a direct hint from a statesman of twenty years' experience,
whose power of diplomatic manipulation has not yet been excelled. [_He
goes out_.]
SCENE III
HOTHAM (_alone_).
Then the sentries let the white domino pass unchallenged, out of
consideration for a Prince of Wales who does not exist? And the white
domino is taken into the King's study? Here are two definite facts. The
King himself plans some midnight adventure, and does not wish
interference on the part of his sentries. His favorites, prying into
everything, but winning only imperfect knowledge, connect the sentry
order with the ghost of the Prince of Wales, and presuppose a tender
thoughtfulness for the young adventurer on family or political grounds.
Delicious! [_He sits down to write on a paper he has taken from his
portfolio_.] Why, then--with the excuse of introducing the Prince of
Wales, I might bring the poor Prince of Baireuth, banished from the
palace and from the city, back again quite unhindered to his captive
princess--and even to the Queen. The sun shines once more--but there is
another storm to conquer first. The King approaches. [_The KING comes
an, dressed for the street. GRUMBKOW and EVERSMANN follow_.]
KING (_still outside_).
Who is it, you say?
GRUMBKOW.
Baronet Hotham.
KING (_coming in_).
Tell him that I send my regards to him and his English price-lists. We
in Berlin are not cottonwards inclined just at present.
GRUMBKOW (_designating the bowing HOTHAM_).
Baronet Hotham desires to pay his respects to Your Majesty personally.
KING.
Tell him Prussia is putting her best foot forward. German manufacturers
need a chance to catch up with what the English already know about
spinning and weaving.
GRUMBKOW.
Baronet Hotham is about to ask Your Majesty in person for his dismissal.
KING (_paying no attention_).
The incident is closed. My ministers can attend to it now. I prefer the
customary procedure. [_He sits down_.]
GRUMBKOW (_in the centre_).
You see, Baronet Hotham--
HOTHAM (_to GRUMBKOW_).
General, will you say to His Majesty that I deeply regret having failed
in my mission? Tell him--
GRUMBKOW.
His Majesty is present.
HOTHAM.
Tell him that a country's industries need centuries of preparation to be
able to sell at the low prices quoted by English merchants. Tell him--
GRUMBKOW.
Will you not address His Majesty in person?
HOTHAM.
I prefer the customary procedure.
KING (_sitting, absorbed in his note-book_).
Very good. And now, Grumbkow, tell him, for the account of the Prince of
Wales--that I'm planning to build a couple of new gates in Berlin, but
for the present he'll have to put up with the old ones through which to
leave the city.
GRUMBKOW. Very good.
HOTHAM.
And kindly add, General von Grumbkow, that as one may suppose the
Princess Wilhelmine to cherish the same feeling for her cousin, the
Prince of Wales, as--
KING.
Pay no attention to that, Grumbkow. But announce to the gentleman that
my children are accustomed to obey my wishes, and that the affair with
Vienna is as good as settled. Understand?
GRUMBKOW.
Very well, Your Majesty.
HOTHAM.
And you might add, General von Grumbkow, that I have a favor to beg of
His Majesty before departing.
KING.
Grumbkow, you might casually inquire what sort of a favor it is he
wants.
HOTHAM.
General--
GRUMBKOW.
Baronet Hotham.
HOTHAM.
If His Majesty should seem inclined, out of the nobility of his heart,
to make amends for the cruel manner in which he has just dismissed an
ardent admirer of his military greatness, then tell him that I know of a
finely-built, strong young man, a close friend of mine, of good family,
who would deem it an honor to serve up from the ranks under His
Majesty's glorious flag.
KING.
Grumbkow, you may tell Baronet Hotham that his personality and manner
have pleased me greatly, and that I most heartily wish all Englishmen
were of his sort. In the matter of the young man, you may ask him if the
recruit will furnish his own equipment.
HOTHAM.
Kindly state, General, that the young man will take service in His
Majesty's army, fully equipped according to regulations, his hair and
his heart in the right place, and that he furthermore brings with him a
neat little inheritance of his own.
KING (_more and more pleased_).
Quite what one might expect from a born Englishman. Grumbkow, ask the
Baronet whether the young man, who is doubtless destined to introduce
Prussian tactics into England, would serve better on foot or to horse.
HOTHAM.
He begs for a place with the Dragoons of the Guard in Potsdam.
KING.
Potsdam? That won't do. They all want to serve in the Guard. No--no....
But he can--for a while, at least--join the Glasenapp Musketiers in
Pasewalk. That's a fine regiment, too.
HOTHAM.
Please express my sincere thanks to His Majesty. The young recruit will
have the honor to present himself personally to His Majesty in a few
days.
KING.
Grumbkow, suppose we offered Baronet Hotham, as a sign of our
friendship, a position as recruiting officer?
HOTHAM.
He would decline this honor, but he would beg another favor.
KING.
And that is--?
HOTHAM.
In all journals, in all records of travel, we read of a certain
gathering in Berlin which goes beyond anything an Englishman can imagine
in the way of clubs or private affairs.
KING.
Dear me--our police permit that sort of thing in Berlin? Really, I am
most curious.
HOTHAM.
A certain genial personage gathers around him several times weekly, in a
small, low-ceilinged room in the palace, a small but select circle of
men on whom be bestows his confidence. Sitting on wooden stools, often
in their shirt-sleeves, beer tankards before them on the great open
table, Dutch clay pipes in their mouths, they entertain each other in
the most unrestrained manner in spite of the exalted position held by
most of these men. Some who do not smoke hold cold pipes between their
teeth, that they may not mar the harmony of the picture. One member of
the circle is singled out nightly as an object for mirth, and the choice
is made by lot. Each and every one can in turn become the butt of merry
satire. To have been present at a meeting of this oddest of all court
gatherings would furnish me with the most notable memory I could carry
away from Berlin.
KING.
Egad, Grumbkow! I believe he means our Smoker.
HOTHAM.
The world-renowned Prussian "tobacco-conference."
KING.
And you have--the gentleman has--no. [_He rises_.] I shan't use the
customary procedure any more. Baronet Hotham, you have heard of my
Smokers? You have said nice things about them. That reconciles me--can
you smoke?
HOTHAM.
Yes, Your Majesty, the light Dutch Varinas, at least.
KING.
I have that--and the Porto-Rican and Hungarian tobaccos as well. In
fact, I'm having quite a good sort grown here in the Mark Brandenberg
now.
HOTHAM.
I fear I should have to decline trying that.
KING.
Give me your hand, Baronet. Come to our conference tonight. We will wash
down our diplomatic disagreement with a good drink of beer, and blue
clouds of smoke from our pipes shall waft away all the intrigues, plots
and counter-plots.
GRUMBKOW.
But--Your Majesty, who is to furnish the source of amusement tonight?
HOTHAM.
Will Your Majesty take me as the scapegoat?
KING.
Oho, Baronet! it will be a hot skirmish. He who has been under fire from
a dozen such old soldiers needs a week or two to recover from the
experience.
HOTHAM (_aside_).
A pleasing fate indeed, to play the fox to such hounds!
KING.
We'll find some one to be the central figure this evening. You must be
among the laughers, and then you can tell us something of the
cock-fights and the boxing-bouts in England. That sort of amusement
pleases me mightily, and I would permit it to come into this country
without excise or other duty. Very well, then, the Smoker is at eight
o'clock. Your pardon for this queer audience of dismissal. Bring a brave
thirst with you. For in the matter of drinking we pay no attention to
the customary procedure.
[_He goes out, followed by all except HOTHAM_.]
SCENE IV
HOTHAM (_alone_).
Excellent! We adapt ourselves to circumstances and circumstances adapt
themselves to us. Now for my letter to the Queen. [_He sits down, takes
a partly written letter from his portfolio and reads it_.] "Exalted
Lady: Your wish to see the Prince of Wales is a command for your devoted
servant. Unless all plans should go awry I will have the honor to lead
the Prince of Wales this very night into the presence of his Royal Aunt.
He hopes not only for the happiness of pressing a kiss on Your Majesty's
hand, but desires, with all the longing of an ardent heart, finally to
look upon his dear affianced, the Princess Wilhelmine. Use all your
power to free the Princess from her imprisonment for this evening." [_He
begins to write_.] "I would suggest that you advise the Princess to wrap
herself in a white domino. This disguise will carry her safely past the
palace sentries." There--the young people can see each other again, can
storm the fortress of the mother's heart, and can win for themselves the
support of public opinion, as represented by the invited guests. [_He
seals the letter_.] Now if I could find the Prince--Ah, there he is!
PRINCE (_looking in cautiously_).
Hotham, I've been looking for you everywhere. What do you think has just
happened to me?
HOTHAM.
Another Royal mission?
PRINCE.
I can scarce believe it myself. Disconsolate, I was preparing for the
journey, and stopped to cast one last look up to the windows behind
which my beloved sits captive--a lackey of the King's suite approached
me. I anticipated some new humiliation. But imagine my astonishment at
the surprise in store for me. You know the value the King sets on his
nightly smoking-bouts. He invites to these gatherings only persons for
whom he has especial plans. Now picture my amazement when I learned that
His Majesty begs me, before my departure tonight, to do him the pleasure
to attend his Smoker!
HOTHAM.
You have an invitation?
PRINCE.
You're--you're laughing. [_HOTHAM laughs heartily_.] What are you
laughing at?
HOTHAM.
It's unspeakably comical.
PRINCE.
Comical? I should consider it rather tragical, when a sovereign first
humiliates us and then suddenly heaps amiabilities upon us. What is the
matter with you.
HOTHAM.
Stand up straight-breast thrown out--head up--hands at your side--no,
more to the back--
PRINCE.
What do you mean?
HOTHAM (_pulling his hair_).
Fine growth--fine strong growth.
PRINCE.
What are you doing to my hair? And you're still laughing!
HOTHAM.
As a consequence of a most droll diplomatic transaction, I also have
been honored with an invitation to the Smoker. And that I may enjoy the
true savor of the customary and, methinks, sometimes strongly realistic
entertainment of such occasions, those in charge have bestirred
themselves to find royal game for the baiting.
PRINCE.
And I am to be--the game? This is too much! I will be there, Hotham; I
will take my place humbly at the foot of the great table, but I warn you
that my patience is exhausted. I will show them that I have weapons to
parry the jibes of rough soldiers, weapons I have not yet brought into
play. I will be there, I will listen with apparent calm to what they are
planning to do to me--but then--then I will draw from _my_ quiver! I
will send arrow after arrow at this brutal despotism--and should the
shafts be too weak to penetrate their leathern harness, then, Hotham,
then out with my sword and at them!
HOTHAM.
Bravo, Prince! Excellent! That's the right mood! That is the language
one must use in this court. The hour draws near. It would take us too
far a-field were I to detail my plans to you now. I will first dispatch
this letter to the Queen. Then, as we set out for the Smoker--but I see
you are in no mood for explanations. Cherish this noble anger, Prince!
Rage as much as you will--snort like an angry tiger. [_Takes him by the
arm and leads him out_.] More--more--heap it up--there, now you are
ready to aid my plan, which is none other than to have you win the King
by forcing him to respect you. [_They go out_.]
SCENE V
_A plain low-ceilinged room in the palace. The walls are gray. The main
entrance is in the centre. One door at the left, a small window at the
right.
Lackeys carry in an oaken table and place a number of wooden stools
around it. Then they bring tankards on wooden platters and set them in a
circle on the table. A brazier with live coals is also brought in. The
lackeys go out.
The_ KING _comes from the door on the left in easy, undress house
uniform. He has a short Dutch pipe in his mouth, he shuts the door
carefully behind him._
KING.
Are they gathering already
EVERSMANN.
There's noise enough outside there.
KING.
My only recreation! While I may keep this little diversion, I am willing
to bear the burdens and cares of government. Are the clay cannons
loaded?
EVERSMANN.
Aye--and some are fuming already outside there.
KING.
Is the beer right fresh? And a little bitter, eh?
EVERSMANN.
It might be better.
KING.
Those Bernau brewers had best have a care--I may pay an unexpected visit
to their brewery. How about the white smock I ordered?
EVERSMANN.
Ready, at hand.
KING.
When the meeting is over--you know what I have planned
EVERSMANN.
Everything is ready for Your Majesty.
KING.
You may go now. The door is to be opened at the stroke of ten.
EVERSMANN.
Yes, Your Majesty. [_He goes out_.]
[_The_ KING _walks to the window, remaining there for a few moments.
There is a pause_.]
KING.
Light in my wife's apartments again! Three rooms illuminated where one
would have been enough--and tallow so expensive now. A dozen women have
been invited there tonight, and a great conspiracy is going forward,
with the Prince of Wales received incognito--all to defy me. But wait a
bit--I'll be with you. This day has begun weightily and shall end
weightily.
SCENE VI
_A small clock strikes ten. The door to the right is thrown open and the
members of the Tobacco-Conference come in, led by_ GRUMBKOW _and_
SECKENDORF. _There are about ten of them besides the principal actors.
They come in solemnly, wearing their hats, carrying pipes in their
mouths. Passing the_ KING _they touch their hats and remove their pipes
for a moment._ HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE of BAIREUTH _come last of all.
The_ KING _stands to the left and lets the procession move past him
toward the right of the room._
GRUMBKOW (_with the prescribed greeting_).
Good evening, Your Majesty.
KING.
Good evening, Grumbkow.
SECKENDORF.
Good evening, Your Majesty.
KING.
Good evening, Seckendorf.
COUNT SCHWERIN.
Good evening, Your Majesty.
KING.
Good evening, Schwerin. Does it taste good?
SCHWERIN.
Fine! Thanks, Your Majesty.
COUNT WARTENSLEBEN.
Good evening, Your Majesty.
KING.
Good evening, Wartensleben. Pipe draw well?
WARTENSLEBEN.
Yes. Thanks, Your Majesty. [_He moves past the_ KING _. The others pass
one after the other, or sometimes several at once, with similar
greetings_.]
KING.
Take your seats, gentlemen--no formalities--free choice--the smoke of
war levels all rank.
GRUMBKOW.
But the subject, Your Majesty, the subject promised for this evening?
KING.
Ha, ha! The target? There it comes.
[HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE OF BAIREUTH _come in_.]
ALL.
The Prince of Baireuth?
PRINCE.
Good evening.
KING.
Right, oh! Prince, that you are come. Now, at least, you will have
something good about my family to tell them in Rheinsberg. [_Aside_.]
Spy! [_Aloud_.] But your pipe is cold.
PRINCE (_with suppressed anger_).
I am hoping that I may find fire enough here.
[_The company sit down, the_ KING _and_ GRUMBKOW _at one end of the
table,_ HOTHAM _and the_ PRINCE _at the other_.]
KING.
Lay on, gentlemen--there stand the care-chasers.
SECKENDORF.
To His Majesty's health!
KING.
No, let us rather drink, after such a day of annoyance and sorrow--let
us rather drink to cheer, jollity, and a happy turn of wit!
[_They touch glasses with one another._ EVERMANN _moves about, serving
the guests, passing coal for the pipes, and so forth_.]
KING (_aside_).
Grumbkow, I wager it will be right jolly tonight.
GRUMBKOW (_aside_).
We'll soon begin to tap the Prince.
KING (_aside_).
Be merciful. His brow is already bedewed with the sweat of anxiety.
[_Aloud_.] Tell me. Prince, since you have windbagged yourself about so
much of the world--do they smoke tobacco in Versailles also?
[Illustration: KING FREDERICK WILLIAM I AND HIS "TOBACCO COLLEGIUM"
ADOLPH VON MENZEL]
PRINCE.
No. Your Majesty, but I've seen sailors in London who chew it.
KING.
Brr! Grumbkow, we'll not introduce that fashion here. It's not because
of the taste, but such meals would be right costly.
HOTHAM.
Our sailors use tobacco as a remedy for scurvy.
SECKENDORF.
What is scurvy?
PRINCE.
The scurvy, Count, is a disease which begins with an evil tongue.
KING (_aside_).
Take notice, Grumbkow, he's pricked. On with the attack.
GRUMBKOW.
Eversmann, have the newest Dutch journals arrived?
EVERSMANN.
Yes, Your Excellency; full of lies, as usual.
KING.
Lies? Then, according to the proverb, that explains why our beer is so
sour.
GRUMBKOW.
Tell me, Eversmann, is there no news from Ansbach in the journals?
HOTHAM (_aside to_ PRINCE).
Arm yourself.
EVERSMANN (_impertinently_).
Why should there be news from such a little country?
KING.
Be quiet! Prussia also was once a little country. Tell me rather, what
do the Dutch write about Prussia?
EVERSMANN.
Outrageous things. They say that many deserters have again fled from
Potsdam.
KING.
That's not a lie, unfortunately.
PRINCE.
But they express themselves with more politeness in Holland.
KING.
How then, Prince?
PRINCE.
They say that Your Majesty's Guards consist mostly of men who suffer
from an abnormal growth. These giants, so they say, have periods where
they shoot up to such an extent that they grow and grow beyond the
tree-tops and disappear altogether from human ken.
KING.
Ha, ha! Wittily expressed. But drink, Prince, drink.
GRUMBKOW.
I imagined that Your Highness read only French journals.
PRINCE.
I would rather read Prussian newspapers. But, thanks to General von
Grumbkow's policies, no newspaper dare appear in Prussia.
KING.
Ha, ha! There you have it! [_Aside_.] See, see, he's not afraid to speak
his mind. 'Twill be a merry night.
HOTHAM (_aside to_ PRINCE).
Not too sharp--be milder at first.
GRUMBKOW (_aside_).
Seckendorf, it's time to exercise your wit.
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
Hush--I'm getting something ready. I will choose my own time.
KING.
But you're not drinking, Prince. You're expected to drink here.
[_Aside_.] Eversmann, keep his glass well filled--
HOTHAM (_aside_).
They want to make you drunk. Push your tankard nearer my place.
KING.
You know the old Dessauer, Prince?
PRINCE (surprised).
Why, Your Majesty--
KING.
But do you know for what great invention mankind is indebted to the old
Dessauer?
PRINCE (_aside_).
Do you know that, Hotham?
HOTHAM.
Damn their cross questioning--say it was gaiters.
PRINCE.
Your Majesty wishes to know what--what the old Dessauer invented?
KING.
Yes, what did the old Dessauer invent?
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
Aha, you see, now we have caught him.
PRINCE.
It can't be gunpowder, because Count Seckendorf has already discovered
that. [_All laugh_.]
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
Never mind, Grumbkow, I'll wait the fitting moment.
KING.
He invented _iron ramrods_. Now, you see, my son in Rheinsberg, for all
his Homers and Voltaires, and whatever their heathen names may be, that
he gathers round him, couldn't think of anything like that. [_Aside_.]
Is he drinking, Eversmann?
HOTHAM (_to_ PRINCE).
Don't let slip your advantage.
PRINCE.
Who the devil could think of iron ramrods!
GRUMBKOW (_rising_).
We'll drink a pleasant journey to His Highness, the Prince Hereditary of
Baireuth. [_They all rise except the_ KING.]
ALL.
A pleasant journey.
HOTHAM (_aside_).
You're done for--you've lost everything.
PRINCE (_aside_).
It was shameful perfidy!
HOTHAM (_aside_).
Make him respect you--be as brutal as he is--pretend to be drunk. [_They
all sit down after having touched glasses amid laughter_.]
PRINCE (_rises, his tankard in his hand. Speaks as if slightly
intoxicated_).
Gentlemen--
KING (_aside_).
I believe he's hipped.
PRINCE.
And--and--and--I thank you. [_He sits down. They all laugh_.]
KING.
Bravo, Prince, you are a most excellent speaker.
GRUMBKOW.
He's done for, Your Majesty: we must have him make a speech now.
KING.
Yes. Give us a speech, Prince.
ALL.
A speech--speech!
[The PRINCE _rests his head in his hands and does not rise_.]
HOTHAM.
The question is--what shall he talk about?
KING.
About anything--whatever he chooses.
HOTHAM.
I could suggest an interesting subject.
KING.
Out with it.
HOTHAM.
What if he were to discuss some member of this merry company?
KING.
'Tis done! And that we need waste no time in choice--let him
discuss--me.
ALL (_startled_).
Your Majesty?
KING.
It's very warm here. [_Opens his coat_.] Let's make ourselves
comfortable, Eversmann. Well, Prince--begin. Give us a speech about me.
HOTHAM.
Please--
KING.
No hesitation--let it be as if I had just died--
HOTHAM.
Your Majesty--
KING.
Quiet! Silence all. The Prince of Baireuth will give us a speech about
me. [_Aside_.] _In vino veritas_. I am curious to know whether such a
French windbag is composed entirely of falsehoods.
HOTHAM (_aside_).
This is the decisive moment.
PRINCE (_steps forward, he staggers slightly then controls himself_).
Merry company!
KING.
Merry? I'm dead.
PRINCE.
No matter, they're merry just the same.
KING.
Gad! is that true?
PRINCE.
Merry company--cheerful mourners--permit me to interrupt your enjoyment
by a few painful remarks on the qualities of the deceased.
KING.
Painful remarks? That's a good beginning.
PRINCE.
Friedrich Wilhelm I., King of Prussia, was a great man, in whose
character were united the strangest contradictions.
KING.
Contradictions!
PRINCE.
As with all those who owe their education to their own efforts, so his
mind, noble in itself, fell under the influence of disturbing emotions,
the saddest of which was distrust.
KING.
These are nice things I hear.
PRINCE.
He brought his country to a high degree of prosperity, he simplified
administration, he improved judicial procedure. But the enjoyment of all
these blessings was spoiled for him by his own fault.
KING.
Well--well--by his own fault!
SECKENDORF (_aside_).
The young man must indeed have been drinking heavily.
PRINCE.
His vivacity of spirit kept him in a continual unrest which was as
painful to others as to himself. When fatigued he could not conceal his
desire for pleasant recreation, but his tastes were sufficiently simple
to let him prefer satisfying this desire in the bosom of his own family.
EVERSMANN.
There'll be a misfortune, surely!
PRINCE.
But even here, where he might have reposed on a couch of roses, this
unfortunate sovereign made for himself a bed of thorns. His son's
unhappy history is so well known that I can pass over it in silence....
KING.
In silence--?
PRINCE.
Friedrich Wilhelm could not understand the freedom of the human will. He
would have grafted stem to stem, son on father, youth on age. In
planning to bestow the hand of his charming daughter, now here, now
there, it never came to his mind that her heart might have a right to
choose--it never occurred to him to ask: "Does my choice make you happy,
child?"
KING.
Eversmann, take this pipe.
PRINCE.
Now he is departed. Those minions who during his lifetime came between
the heart of the mother and the heart of the husband and father, those
minions tremble now. It remains to be seen how the misunderstood son
will dispose of them. The father's deeds will remain the foundation of
this state. But a milder spirit will reign in the land; the arts and
sciences will outdistance the fame of cannon and bullet. And the soaring
eagle of Prussia will now truly fulfil his device, _Nec Soli
Cedis_--or, to put it in German, "Even the sun's glance shall not
dazzle thee! Even the sun shall stand aside from out thy path!" [_He
recollects himself, and after a pause returns to the table, again
pretending drunkenness_.] Hotham, give me something to drink.
KING (_after a pause_).
What hour is it?
EVERSMANN.
Eleven past, Your Majesty. (_Aside_.) If we should meet the Prince of
Wales now, woe unto him.
KING (_taking a tankard from the table_).
Prince, when you have come to your senses tomorrow, let them tell you
that the King touched glasses with you.
PRINCE.
At Your Majesty's service.
KING.
He doesn't understand, Hotham. Translate it into sober language for him.
Good night, gentlemen. [_He turns again and looks at the_ PRINCE
_thoughtfully, repeating the words_.] "Does my choice make you happy,
child?" [_Looking at the_ PRINCE.] Pity he's only a bookish man.
[EVERSMANN _takes up a candlestick with officious haste, brushes angrily
past the triumphant_ HOTHAM _and throws a glance of suppressed rage at
the_ PRINCE.]
EVERSMANN.
May I light Your Majesty--on your visit to--
KING (_interrupts him with the_ PRINCE'S _words_).
"These minions tremble--" [_After a pause, during which he glances over
them all_] I would be alone. [_He goes out_.]
ACT V
_A drawing-room in the_ QUEEN's _apartments. A window to the right.
Three doors, centre, right, and left. Tables and chairs. Candles on the
tables, playing-cards, and tea service_.
SCENE I
KAMKE _stands on a step-ladder fastening a large curtain over the
window. Two lackeys are assisting him_.
KAMKE (_on the ladder_).
There! And now be ready to receive the ladies at the little side
stairway. They will arrive in sedan chairs. No noise, do you
hear--softly--softly. [_The lackeys go out_.]
SONNSFELD (_comes in from the left_).
Ah, at last a festival of which the Prussian Court need not be ashamed.
Kamke, why are you draping that window?
KAMKE.
So that our festival may not be observed. [_Coming down off the
ladder_.] Then you too are concerned in this conspiracy?
SONNSFELD.
The Queen has taken all responsibility. She risks her own freedom for
that of her daughter, and will receive the Prince of Wales tonight in
strictest incognito. Is everything in readiness?
KAMKE.
You're planning to free the Princess from her imprisonment? That is high
treason, remember.
SONNSFELD.
It must succeed, at whatever cost. The Queen wishes to see the Princess
amid the circle of friends whom she has invited this evening for a
secret purpose. The Princess has been instructed. She knows that I will
come to her room and remain there in her place to deceive the sentry.
She will meet you in the Blue Room.
KAMKE.
The Blue Room--where--for the last few nights the White Lady has been
seen?
SONNSFELD.
She will meet you there--
KAMKE (_horrified_).
Me?
SONNSFELD.
She will speak to you--
KAMKE.
Me?
SONNSFELD (_pulling him to the door at the right_).
Yes, me--I mean you--and you will lead her from the Blue Room--you will
take her hand and bring her safely hither by the surest and quickest
route.
KAMKE.
My lady--whom--whom? The Princess Wilhelmine?
SONNSFELD (_going out_).
No, no, Kamke, the White Lady--but come quickly now, quickly.
[_They both go out_.]
SCENE II
FRAU VON VIERECK, FRAU VON HOLZENDORF, _and about six more ladies enter
cautiously, one by one, through the centre door_.
VIERECK.
Hush! Step cautiously!
HOLZENDORF (_whispering_).
It's all quiet here--if only these wretched shoes of mine didn't creak
so.
VIERECK (_whispering_).
What can Her Majesty the Queen be planning for tonight?
HOLZENDORF.
Has His Majesty the King gone from home?
VIERECK.
I heard it said, at the French Embassy, that His Highness, the Crown
Prince, had come from Rheinsberg--
HOLZENDORF.
Doubtless at the same time with His Highness, the Prince of Wales
VIERECK (_low_).
At the moment both are at the King's Smoker.--They say the Crown Prince
has again disagreed with his father on questions concerning the future
administration of the state.
HOLZENDORF.
Is it possible?
VIERECK.
And they say that the Prince of Baireuth tried to bring about a
reconciliation, but that the Prince of Wales took the part of the Crown
Prince.
HOLZENDORF.
The Prince of Wales? Then he has been received?
VIERECK.
And the King, so they say, in the heat of the argument, commanded that
Princess Wilhelmine, the cause of the quarrel, be sent to Küstrin at
once.
HOLZENDORF.
Good Heavens, ladies! There are cards on the table. Hush! I hear a
noise.
VIERECK.
It is the Queen.
[_The_ QUEEN _comes in in full toilet. She is excited and yet timorous.
The ladies bow_.]
QUEEN.
Welcome, ladies. I am happy to have about me once again the circle of
those who, I know, are devoted to me. Pray sit down. I have decided to
be more sociable in future and to have you with me oftener than I have
done of late. Will you have a game of cards, Frau von Viereck?
VIERECK.
Cards, Your Majesty? For eighteen years now I cannot recall having seen
a card in the palace.
QUEEN.
We will change all that. Ladies, you have not yet heard my plans, you do
not yet know what surprises this evening has in store for you--
HOLZENDORF.
Surprises, Your Majesty?
QUEEN (_indicating a card-table near the window_).
Sit down there, my dear Holzendorf. Try your luck with Frau von Viereck.
VIERECK (_aside_).
Heavens--play cards there? When every outline of my shadow can plainly
be seen through that curtain?
QUEEN (_sitting_).
Why do you hesitate?
VIERECK.
Have we Your Majesty's permission to draw the tables nearer together?
There--there is so much air at this window.
[_The lackeys place the table farther from the window_.]
QUEEN.
Yes, ladies, this evening a new era begins for our monarchy. I will
break at last with the established etiquette. [_Lackeys come in with
trays_.] Order what pleases you. The beverages of China and the Levant
shall from now on no longer be strangers to our court.
HOLZENDORF.
What is this? Tea?
VIERECK.
And coffee? These forbidden beverages?
HOLZENDORF.
If His Majesty the King--
QUEEN.
Have no fear. Give your feelings full sway--express yourself without
fear, in assurance of perfect safety--[_There is a knock at the door,
right_.] Was not that a knock?
VIERECK (_aside, trembling_).
What does this mean?
[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.]
QUEEN.
Be calm, ladies. There is no danger. The evening will offer one surprise
after another. Who, do you imagine, is at that door now?
[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.]
HOLZENDORF.
The hand seems none of the most delicate.
QUEEN.
And yet it is. That knock expresses the impetuous longing of a being
whom my courage has freed from a humiliating situation. You may resume
your seats, ladies. Do not allow yourselves to be disturbed by anything
that may occur, not even by any surprise. This is but the beginning of
many things that will come to pass this evening. And so I cry--in
overflowing emotion--[_There is another knock_.] "Moderate your
impatience, beloved being; you shall find here what you seek--your
mother!" [_She opens the door_.]
SCENE III
_The_ KING _steps in. He is wrapped in a white cloak, his hat pulled
down over his face_.
KING.
Yes, your mother.
[_The ladies all rise with exclamations of horror. The_ KING _removes
his hat_.]
QUEEN (_aside, crushed_).
The King!
KING (_angry, but forcing himself to be affable_).
On my word, how fine we are here, very fine indeed! And how nice it does
look with so many lights burning. [_He blows out several_.] Why are you
hiding yourselves, ladies? Did you expect such a visitor?
QUEEN.
Your Majesty
[_The ladies place themselves so that they screen the table. They hide
the cards quickly_.]
KING.
Do not let me disturb you, ladies. What is your particular entertainment
this evening? Enjoying a cup of soup, Frau von Holzendorf? [_Comes
nearer_.] Oho--the silver service? [_He looks into cups_.] What's that?
Tea? Chocolate? Coffee?
QUEEN.
Your Majesty will surely--permit us--to keep pace with our age.
KING.
Frau von Viereck, you, I imagine, have been keeping pace with your age
long enough. About thirty years ago you'd give an old boy like myself a
handshake occasionally.
[_Slyly he holds out his hand to her_.]
VIERECK (_tries to hide the cards behind her back_).
Your Majesty--such graciousness--
[_She holds out one hand_.]
KING.
Both, Fran von Viereck--let me have both.
[VIERECK _lets the cards fall behind her back_.]
KING.
What's that? Did you not drop something? My God! Cards! [_He stands as
if speechless_.] Playing-cards! [_To the_ QUEEN.] Cards, madam--a
Christian court--and cards! I am sure, Frau von Viereck, you were merely
prophesying from those cards. I know, ladies, that you were only telling
your fortunes from the cards. I am quite sure, Frau von Viereck, that
you were merely endeavoring to ascertain whether you would bury your
fifth husband also. Surely--or--is it possible? Money on the tables!
[_He clasps his hands in horror_.] You--have-been-playing?--at my
court?--playing-cards? [_There is a knock at the door to the left_.] Who
knocks there?
QUEEN (_aside_).
It is Wilhelmine or the Prince of Wales! I am lost!
[_Another gentle knock is heard_.]
KING.
You are awaiting more visitors? Come in!
[_He goes to the door himself and opens it_.]
SCENE IV
WILHELMINE, _wearing a white veil and domino, comes in cautiously_.
KING.
A veiled lady! And such mysterious visitors are received here? [_He
lifts the veil_.] What do I see! Wilhelmine!
WILHELMINE (_throwing herself at his feet_).
Father! Forgive me!
KING.
Forgive you! This invasion of the State Prison--this attack on my
sovereign will?
WILHELMINE (_rising, aside_).
This is a nice reception.
[_There is a knock from the left_.]
KING.
Was that not another knock? [_A stronger knock_.] This castle is
haunted, I do believe. And I have indeed been fortunate enough to
prevent the outbreak of a conspiracy! [_A louder knock_.] Who is there
at that door? You will not answer? Then I must open it myself.
QUEEN (_steps before him_).
No, you will not.
KING.
You would hinder me from discovering who are enemies of the Crown? I
will open that door.
QUEEN.
Never!
KING.
You defy me? You set yourself in opposition to the King?
QUEEN.
Yes. I feel within me the power to do it. Ladies, hear now why I invited
you to these rooms tonight--why I asked you to appear before your queen.
Yes, Sire, the purpose of this hour was that the threads of your
political scheming might be torn apart by two hands destined to be
united for life.
WILHELMINE.
_Two_ hands!
QUEEN.
Wilhelmine, I freed you from a captivity unworthy the daughter of a
King. Open that door, Sire; you will find there my nephew, my future
son-in-law, the Prince of Wales.
ALL.
The Prince of Wales!
KING (_when he has gained control of himself_).
Madame, you have achieved your purpose. You have torn asunder the ties
that bound me to my family, that bound me to life. You know that my
honor, that my good name, are more to me than all political
calculations. You know that this scene here at night, this secret
understanding with one who in my eyes is merely an adventurous stranger,
has ruined Wilhelmine's reputation forever. You may enjoy your triumph
at your future widow's-seat, Oranienbaum, to which place I now banish
you, according to our House's laws, for the few remaining years of my
life.
WILHELMINE (_hurrying to the_ KING's _side_).
No--no, not that.
KING.
Madame, admit the Prince of Wales.
SCENE V
_The_ QUEEN, _breathing heavily, staggers to the door. After a moment's
upward glance she opens it. The_ PRINCE OF BAIREUTH _comes in, wrapped
in a white cloak_. HOTHAM _follows, carrying a pointed metal helmet,
such as belonged to the Prussian uniform of that day. The helmet must
not be seen at first_.
WILHELMINE.
What? Whom do I see?
ALL.
The Prince of Baireuth?
QUEEN.
Baronet, what does this mean? Where is the Prince of Wales?
HOTHAM.
Your Majesty, I am all astonishment. I have but just learned that the
prince is now on a journey to Scotland.
ALL.
What's that?
QUEEN.
The Prince is not in Berlin?
HOTHAM.
While some trustworthy witnesses insist that the Prince was actually
here, others again assert that he returned to England the very moment in
which he realized that his patriotic interests--the interests of the
cotton industry--could not be reconciled with the inclinations of his
heart.
KING.
And what is the Prince of Baireuth doing here?
HOTHAM.
He seeks, as we do, the Prince of Wales, with whom he desires a duel to
the death.
[_All exclaim_.]
KING.
A duel? And why?
HOTHAM.
Because this poor Prince of a tiny country does not begrudge the heir to
a World-Power his fleet, his army, nor his treasures; but he refuses to
yield _one_ treasure to him except at the price of his heart's
blood--and that treasure is the hand of Princess Wilhelmine, whom
he loves. [_General emotion_.]
KING.
Whom he loves? My daughter's hand? But does the Prince of Baireuth
understand sword-craft?
[HOTHAM _takes off the_ PRINCE'S _cloak and places the helmet on his
head. The_ PRINCE _stands there in the uniform of a grenadier of the
period. His hair is braided into a long pigtail. He stands motionless in
a military attitude_.]
KING.
What's this I see? The Prince of Baireuth a grenadier?
With--_pigtail--and--sword_--?
HOTHAM.
The equipment of the young recruit of the Glasenapp Regiment. I have the
honor to present him to Your Majesty before his departure for Pasewalk.
KING.
A German Prince, who deems it an honor to serve up from the ranks in my
army? [_Commands_.] Battalion--left wheel! Battalion--forward march!
[PRINCE _executes manoeuvers and marches to_ WILHELMINE.]
KING.
Halt! [_To_ WILHELMINE] Is the enemy yonder disposed to accept the
capitulation on this side?
WILHELMINE.
Until death!
KING.
Entire regiment--right wheel! Forward march--right, left, twenty-one,
twenty-two--
[_All three march over to the_ QUEEN _who stands to the left of the
room_.]
KING.
Halt!
WILHELMINE AND THE PRINCE (_kneeling at the_ QUEEN'S _feet_).
Mother!
KING.
There was no such order given.
PRINCE.
But it was the hearts' impulse.
HOTHAM (_good-naturedly, whispering to the_ QUEEN).
Your Majesty, won't you correct the mistakes of these two young
recruits?
QUEEN.
Out of my sight, you traitor to your Royal House! Arise, Wilhelmine.
[_To the_ KING, _hesitating_.] But we still have Austria....
KING.
But Austria hasn't us. The minions--eh, prince! Tomorrow there'll be
dismissals--dismissals and pensionings! Well, mother, shall we take him
for a son-in-law?
QUEEN.
On the condition that I--that I fix the amount of the dowry.
KING.
And also that you [_embracing the_ QUEEN] remain close to my heart. Now
only Friedrich is lacking. And all this is the result of your--your
cotton industries! Baronet Hotham? Thanks for this splendid recruit.
[_In_ HOTHAM'S _ear, audibly_] How did he sober up so soon?
PRINCE.
I crave your forgiveness Your Majesty--I am still drunk with joy.
KING.
Forgiveness? For your speech, my son? If that which you have said shall
one day be written into the book of history, then my old heart is quite
content, and has but the wish that they might add: "With his Sword he
would be King, but with his Pigtail--merely the first citizen of his
State."
* * * * *
GERMAN LYRIC POETRY FROM 1830 to 1848
BY JOHN S. NOLLEN, PH.D.
President of Lake Forest College