Последний отзыв
По всем вопросам обращайтесь на: info@litportal.ru
(©) 2003-2024.
✖
The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07
Настройки чтения
Размер шрифта
Высота строк
Поля
WILHELMINE
Prince, what are you doing—please arise—some one is coming!
PRINCE
Not until you promise me you will meet me there.
WILHELMINE
Oh—if we should be surprised like this! Please get up!
PRINCE
You will promise? You will meet me?
WILHELMINE
Where? [He points to the window.] There? But I am not alone even there.
PRINCE
Those simple people are overjoyed when their Princess consents to linger an hour with them in their poverty. I have much to say to you, Princess, very much. I will tell you of the plans concerning England or Austria of which you are the central figure. And you must tell me again—in the very best style of Versailles, which I know thoroughly—that you hate me—that you detest me—
WILHELMINE
Prince, you torture me—I hear voices. Some one is approaching—Please get up.
PRINCE
Will you promise?
WILHELMINE
Cruel one! You won't get up—
PRINCE
Not until you promise—
WILHELMINE
If you promise to talk only about the plans that concern me—and about
French grammar—
PRINCE (springing up).
You promise? You will come? By every star in the firmament I swear I will begin with the verb J'aime—I love—and you shall see how, in comparison with the language of a devoted heart, in comparison with the art which unadorned nature can practise, even Voltaire is only—a wigmaker. [He goes out.]
SCENE IX
The noise of drums in the distance is no longer heard. WILHELMINE left alone, starts as if to follow the PRINCE. Then she turns back hesitating, and walks with uncertain steps to the table. She rings the bell. SONNSFELD comes in, looks at the Princess as if surprised, speaks after a pause.
SONNSFELD
Your Highness commands?
WILHELMINE (as if awakening from a dream).
I? Nothing.
SONNSFELD
Your Highness rang?
WILHELMINE
Yes, I did. My mantilla—my fan—the veil.
SONNSFELD
Your Highness is going out?
WILHELMINE
I am going out.
SONNSFELD
Has Your Highness permission?
WILHELMINE
Permission? Are you beginning to take that tone, too? Fetch the things I want.
[SONNSFELD looks at her, astounded, then goes out.]
WILHELMINE (alone).
I am tired of all this. I am beginning to be conscious of myself, now that I know there is some one who recognizes my meagre worth. The situation here is unbearable. I am weary of this unworthy subordination, this barrack-room service.
[SONNSFELD comes back with mantilla, fan and veil.]
WILHELMINE
You might have chosen the mantilla with the Brussels lace.
SONNSFELD
