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