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The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07
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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.
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.
