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