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