ELECTOR. What man soever led the cavalry Upon the day of battle, and, before The force of Colonel Hennings could destroy The bridges of the foe, of his own will Broke loose, and forced the enemy to flight Ere I gave order for it, I assert That man deserves that he be put to death; I summon him therefore to be court-martialed.— Prince Homburg, then, you say, was not the man?

TRUCHSZ. No, my liege lord!

ELECTOR. What proof have you of that?

TRUCHSZ. Men of the cavalry can testify, Who told me of 't before the fight began: The Prince fell headlong from his horse, and, hurt At head and thigh, men found him in a church Where some one bound his deep and dangerous wounds.

ELECTOR. Enough! Our victory this day is great, And in the church tomorrow will I bear My gratitude to God. Yet though it were Mightier tenfold, still would it not absolve Him through whom chance has granted it to me. More battles still than this have I to fight, And I demand subjection to the law. Whoever led the cavalry to battle, I reaffirm has forfeited his head, And to court-martial herewith order him.— Come, follow me, my friends, into the church.



SCENE X

The PRINCE of HOMBURG enters bearing three Swedish flags, followed by COLONEL KOTTWITZ, bearing two, COUNT HOHENZOLLERN, CAPTAIN GOLZ, COUNT REUSS, each with a flag; and several other officers, corporals, and troopers carrying flags, kettle-drums and standards.

DOeRFLING (spying the PRINCE OF HOMBURG). The Prince of Homburg!—Truchsz! What did you mean?

ELECTOR (amazed). Whence came you, Prince?

THE PRINCE (stepping forward a few paces). From Fehrbellin, my liege, And bring you thence these trophies of success!

[He lays the three flags before him; the officers, corporals and troopers do likewise, each with his own.]

ELECTOR (frigidly). I hear that you are wounded, dangerously? Count Truchsz!

THE PRINCE (gaily). Forgive!

COUNT TRUCHSZ. By heaven, I'm amazed!

THE PRINCE. My sorrel fell before the fight began. This hand a field-leech bandaged up for me Scarce merits that you call it wounded.

ELECTOR. So? In spite of it you led the cavalry?

THE PRINCE (regarding him). I? Indeed, I! Must you learn that from me? Here at your feet I laid the proof of that.

ELECTOR. Relieve him of his sword. He is a prisoner.

DOeRFLING (taken aback). Whom? ELECTOR (stepping among the flags). Ah, God greet you, Kottwitz!

TRUCHSZ (aside). Curses on it!

KOTTWITZ. By God, I'm utterly—

ELECTOR (looking at him). What did you say? Look, what a crop mown for our glory here!— That flag is of the Swedish Guards, is't not?

[He takes up a flag, unwinds it and studies it.]

KOTTWITZ. My liege?

DOeRFLING. My lord and master?

ELECTOR. Ah, indeed! And from the time of Gustaf Adolf too. How runs the inscription?

KOTTWITZ. I believe—

DOeRFLING. "Per aspera ad astra!"

ELECTOR. That was not verified at Fehrbellin.

[Pause.]

KOTTWITZ (hesitantly). My liege, grant me a word.

ELECTOR. What is 't you wish? Take all the things-flags, kettle-drums and standards, And hang them in the church. I plan tomorrow To use them when we celebrate our triumph!

[The ELECTOR turns to the couriers, takes their dispatches, opens and reads them.]

KOTTWITZ (aside). That, by the living God, that is too much!

[After some hesitation, the Colonel takes up his two flags; the other officers and troopers follow suit. Finally, as the three flags of the PRINCE remain untouched, he takes up these also, so that he is now bearing five.]

AN OFFICER (stepping up to the PRINCE). Prince, I must beg your sword.

HOHENZOLLERN (carrying his flag). Quiet now, friend.

THE PRINCE. Speak! Am I dreaming? Waking? Living? Sane?

GOLZ. Prince, give your sword, I counsel, and say nothing.

THE PRINCE. A prisoner? I?

HOHENZOLLERN. Indeed!

GOLZ. You heard him say it.

THE PRINCE. And may one know the reason why?

HOHENZOLLERN (emphatically). Not now! We told you, at the time, you pressed too soon Into the battle, when the order was You should not quit your place till you were called.

THE PRINCE. Help, help, friends, help! I'm going mad!

GOLZ (interrupting). Calm! calm!

THE PRINCE. Were the Mark's armies beaten then?

HOHENZOLLERN (with a stamp of his foot). No matter! The ordinance demands obedience.

THE PRINCE (bitterly). So—so, so, so!

HOHENZOLLERN (turning away from him). It will not cost your head.

GOLZ (similarly). Tomorrow morning, maybe, you'll be free.

[The ELECTOR folds his letters and returns to the circle of officers.]

THE PRINCE (after he has unbuckled his sword). My cousin Frederick hopes to play the Brutus And sees himself, on linen drawn with chalk, Already seated in the curule chair. The foreground filled with Swedish battle-flags, And on his desk the ordinance of the Mark. By God, in me he shall not find a son Who shall revere him 'neath the hangman's axe! A German heart of honest cut and grain, I look for kindness and nobility; And when he stands before me, frigidly, This moment, like some ancient man of stone, I'm sorry for him and I pity him.

[He gives his sword to the officer and goes out.]

ELECTOR. Bring him to camp at Fehrbellin, and there Assemble the court-martial for his trial.

[He enters the church. The flags follow him, and, while he and his retinue kneel in prayer at FROBEN's coffin, are fastened to the pilasters. Funeral music.]



ACT III

Scene: Fehrbellin. A prison.

SCENE I

The PRINCE OF HOMBURG. Two troopers as guards in the rear. COUNT HOHENZOLLERN enters.

THE PRINCE. Faith, now, friend Harry! Welcome, man, you are! Well, then, I'm free of my imprisonment?

HOHENZOLLERN (amazed). Lord in the heavens be praised!

THE PRINCE. What was that?

HOHENZOLLERN. Free? So then he's sent you back your sword again?

THE PRINCE. Me? No.

HOHENZOLLERN. No?

THE PRINCE. No.

HOHENZOLLERN. Then how can you be free?

THE PRINCE (after a pause). I thought that you were bringing it.—What of it?

HOHENZOLL. I know of nothing.

THE PRINCE. Well, you heard: What of it? He'll send some other one to let me know.

[He turns and brings chairs.]

Sit down. Now come and tell me all the news. Has he returned, the Elector, from Berlin?

HOHENZOLL. Yes. Yester eve.

THE PRINCE. And did they celebrate The victory as planned?—Assuredly! And he was at the church himself, the Elector?

HOHENZOLL. With the Electress and with Natalie. The church was wonderfully bright with lights; Upon the palace-square artillery Through the Te Deum spoke with solemn splendor. The Swedish flags and standards over us Swung from the church's columns, trophy-wise, And, on the sovereign's express command, Your name was spoken from the chancel high, Your name was spoken, as the victor's name.

THE PRINCE. I heard that.—Well, what other news? What's yours? Your face, my friend, is scarcely frolicsome.

HOHENZOLL. Have you seen anybody?

THE PRINCE. Golz, just now, I' the Castle where, you know, I had my trial.

[Pause.]

HOHENZOLLERN (regarding him doubtfully). What do you think of your position, Arthur, Since it has suffered such a curious change?

THE PRINCE. What you and Golz and even the judges think— The Elector has fulfilled what duty asked, And now he'll do as well the heart's behest. Thus he'll address me, gravely: You have erred (Put in a word perhaps of "death" and "fortress"), But I grant you your liberty again— And round the sword that won his victory Perhaps there'll even twine some mark of grace; If not that, good; I did not merit that.

HOHENZOLL. Oh, Arthur! [He pauses.]

THE PRINCE. Well?

HOHENZOLLERN. Are you so very sure?

THE PRINCE. So I have laid it out. I know he loves me, He loves me like a son; since early childhood A thousand signs have amply proven that. What doubt is in your heart that stirs you so? Has he not ever seemed to take more joy Than I myself to see my young fame grow? All that I am, am I not all through him? And he should now unkindly tread in dust The plant himself has nurtured, just because Too swiftly opulent it flowered forth? I'll not believe his worst foe could think that— And far less you who know and cherish him.

HOHENZOLLERN (significantly). Arthur, you've stood your trial in court-martial, And you believe that still?

THE PRINCE. Because of it! No one, by heaven alive, would go so far Who did not have a pardon up his sleeve! Even there, before the judgment bar, it was— Even there it was, my confidence returned. Come, was it such a capital offense Two little seconds ere the order said To have laid low the stoutness of the Swede? What other felony is on my conscience? And could he summon me, unfeelingly, Before this board of owl-like judges, chanting Their litanies of bullets and the grave, Did he not purpose with a sovereign word To step into their circle like a god? No, he is gathering this night of cloud About my head, my friend, that he may dawn Athwart the gloomy twilight like the sun! And, faith, this pleasure I begrudge him not!

HOHENZOLL. And yet, they say, the court has spoken judgment.

THE PRINCE. I heard so: death.

HOHENZOLLERN (amazed). You know it then—so soon?

THE PRINCE. Golz, who was present when they brought the verdict Gave me report of how the judgment fell.

HOHENZOLL. My God, man! And it stirred you not at all?

THE PRINCE. Me? Why, not in the least!

HOHENZOLLERN. You maniac! On what then do you prop your confidence?

THE PRINCE. On what I feel of him! [He rises.] No more, I beg. Why should I fret with insubstantial doubts?

[He bethinks himself and sits down again. Pause.]

The court was forced to make its verdict death; For thus the statute reads by which they judge. But ere he let that sentence be fulfilled— Ere, at a kerchief's fall, he yields this heart That loves him truly, to the muskets' fire, Ere that, I say, he'll lay his own breast bare And spill his own blood, drop by drop, in dust.

HOHENZOLL. But, Arthur, I assure you—

THE PRINCE (petulantly). Oh, my dear!

HOHENZOLL. The Marshal—

THE PRINCE (still petulantly). Come, enough!

HOHENZOLLERN. Hear two words more! If those make no impression, I'll be mute.

THE PRINCE (turning to him again). I told you, I know all. Well, now, what is it?

HOHENZOLL. Most strange it is, a moment since, the Marshal Delivered him the warrant for your death. It leaves him liberty to pardon you, But he, instead, has given the command That it be brought him for his signature.

THE PRINCE. No matter, I repeat!

HOHENZOLLERN. No matter?

THE PRINCE. For— His signature?

HOHENZOLLERN. By faith, I do assure you!

THE PRINCE. The warrant?—No! The verdict—

HOHENZOLLERN. The death warrant.

THE PRINCE. Who was it told you that?

HOHENZOLLERN. The Marshal.

THE PRINCE. When?

HOHENZOLL. Just now.

THE PRINCE. Returning from the sovereign?

HOHENZOLL. The stairs descending from the sovereign. And added, when he saw my startled face, That nothing yet was lost, and that the dawn Would bring another day for pardoning. But the dead pallor of his lips disproved Their spoken utterance, with, I fear it—no!

THE PRINCE (rising). He could—I'll not believe it!—bring to birth Such monstrous resolutions in his heart? For a defect, scarce visible to the lens, In the bright diamond he but just received, Tread in the dust the giver? 'Twere a deed To burn the Dey of Algiers white: with wings Like those that silver-gleam on cherubim To dizen Sardanapalus, and cast The assembled tyrannies of ancient Rome, Guiltless as babes that die on mother-breast, Over upon the favor-hand of God!

HOHENZOLLERN (who has likewise risen). My friend, you must convince yourself of that!

THE PRINCE. The Marshal then was silent, said nought else?

HOHENZOLL. What should he say?

THE PRINCE. Oh, heaven, my hope, my hope!

HOHENZOLL. Come, have you ever done a thing, perchance, Be it unconsciously or consciously, That might have given his lofty heart offense?

THE PRINCE. Never!

HOHENZOLLERN. Consider!

THE PRINCE. Never, by high heaven! The very shadow of his head was sacred.

HOHENZOLL. Do not be angry, Arthur, if I doubt. Count Horn has come, the Ambassador of Sweden, And I am told with all authority His business concerns the Princess Orange. A word her aunt, the Electress, spoke, they say, Has cut the sovereign to the very quick; They say, the lady has already chosen. Are you in no way tangled up in this?

THE PRINCE. Dear God, what are you saying?

HOHENZOLLERN. Are you? Are you?

THE PRINCE. Oh, friend, I am! And now all things are clear! It is that wooing that destroys me quite. I am accountable if she refuse, Because the Princess is betrothed to me.

HOHENZOLL. You feather-headed fool, what have you done? How often have I warned you, loyally!

THE PRINCE. Oh, friend! Then help me! Save me! I am lost!

HOHENZOLL. Ay, what expedient saves us in this gloom? Come, would you like to see her aunt, the Electress?

THE PRINCE (turning). Ho, watch!

TROOPER (in the background). Here!

THE PRINCE. Go, and call your officer!

[He hastily takes a cloak from the wall and puts on a plumed hat lying on the table.]

HOHENZOLLERN (as he assists him) Adroitly used, this step may spell salvation. For if the Elector can but make the peace, By the determined forfeit, with King Charles, His heart, you soon shall see, will turn to you, And in brief time you will be free once more.



SCENE II

The officer enters. The others as before.

THE PRINCE (to the officer). Stranz, they have put me in your custody; Grant me my freedom for an hour's time. I have some urgent business on my mind.

OFFICER. Not in my custody are you, my lord. The order given me declares that I Shall leave you free to go where you desire.

THE PRINCE. Most odd! Then I am not a prisoner?

OFFICER. Your word of honor is a fetter, too.

HOHENZOLLERN (preparing to go). 'Twill do! No matter.

THE PRINCE. So. Then fare you well.

HOHENZOLL. The fetter follows hard upon the Prince.

THE PRINCE. I go but to the Castle, to my aunt, And in two minutes I am back again.

[Exeunt omnes.]



SCENE III

Room of the ELECTRESS. The ELECTRESS and NATALIE enter.

ELECTRESS. Come, daughter mine, come now! This is your hour. Count Gustaf Horn, the Swedes' ambassador, And all the company have left the Castle; There is a light in Uncle's study still. Come, put your kerchief on and steal on him, And see if you can rescue yet your friend.

[They are about to go.]



SCENE IV

A lady-in-waiting enters. Others as before.

LADY-IN-WAITING. Madam, the Prince of Homburg's at the door. But I am hardly sure that I saw right.

ELECTRESS. Dear God!

NATALIE. Himself?

ELECTRESS. Is he not prisoner?

LADY-IN-WAITING. He stands without, in plumed hat and cloak, And begs in urgent terror to be heard.

ELECTRESS (distressed). Impulsive boy! To go and break his word!

NATALIE. Who knows what may torment him?

ELECTRESS (after a moment in thought). Let him come!

[She seats herself.]



SCENE V

The PRINCE OF HOMBURG enters. The others as before.

THE PRINCE (throwing himself at the feet of the ELECTRESS). Oh, mother!

ELECTRESS. Prince! What are you doing here?

THE PRINCE. Oh, let me clasp your knees, oh, mother mine!

ELECTRESS (with suppressed emotion). You are a prisoner, Prince, and you come hither? Why will you heap new guilt upon the old?

THE PRINCE (urgently). Oh, do you know what they have done?

ELECTRESS. Yes, all. But what can I do, helpless I, for you?

THE PRINCE. You would not speak thus, mother mine, if death Had ever terribly encompassed you As it doth me. With potencies of heaven, You and my lady, these who serve you, all The world that rings me round, seem blest to save. The very stable-boy, the meanest, least, That tends your horses, pleading I could hang About his neck, crying: Oh, save me, thou! I, only I, alone on God's wide earth Am helpless, desolate, and impotent.

ELECTRESS. You are beside yourself! What has occurred?

THE PRINCE. Oh, on the way that led me to your side, I saw in torchlight where they dug the grave That on the morrow shall receive my bones! Look, Aunt, these eyes that gaze upon you now, These eyes they would eclipse with night, this breast Pierce and transpierce with murderous musketry. The windows on the Market that shall close Upon the weary show are all reserved; And one who, standing on life's pinnacle, Today beholds the future like a realm Of faery spread afar, tomorrow lies Stinking within the compass of two boards, And over him a stone recounts: He was.

[The PRINCESS, who until now has stood in the background supporting herself on the shoulder of one of the ladies-in-waiting, sinks into a chair, deeply moved at his words, and begins to weep.]

ELECTRESS. My son, if such should be the will of heaven, You will go forth with courage and calm soul.

THE PRINCE. God's world, O mother, is so beautiful! Oh, let me not, before my hour strike, Descend, I plead, to those black shadow-forms! Why, why can it be nothing but the bullet? Let him depose me from my offices, With rank cashierment, if the law demands, Dismiss me from the army. God of heaven! Since I beheld my grave, life, life, I want, And do not ask if it be kept with honor.

ELECTRESS. Arise, my son, arise! What were those words? You are too deeply moved. Control yourself!

THE PRINCE. Oh, Aunt, not ere you promise on your soul, With a prostration that shall save my life Pleading to go before the sovereign presence. Hedwig, your childhood friend, gave me to you, Dying at Homburg, saying as she died: Be you his mother when I am no more. Moved to the depths, kneeling beside her bed, Over her spent hand bending, you replied: Yea, he shall be to me as mine own child. Now, I remind you of the vow you made! Go to him, go, as though I were your child, Crying, I plead for mercy! Set him free! Oh, and return to me, and say: 'Tis so!

ELECTRESS (weeping). Beloved son! All has been done, erewhile. But all my supplications were in vain.

THE PRINCE. I give up every claim to happiness. And tell him this, forget it not, that I Desire Natalie no more, for her All tenderness within my heart is quenched. Free as the doe upon the meads is she, Her hand and lips, as though I'd never been, Freely let her bestow, and if it be The Swede Karl Gustaf, I commend her choice. I will go seek my lands upon the Rhine. There will I build and raze again to earth With sweating brow, and sow and gather in, As though for wife and babe, enjoy alone; And when the harvest's gathered, sow again, And round and round the treadmill chase my days Until at evening they sink down, and die.

ELECTRESS. Enough! Now take your way home to your prison— That is the first demand my favor makes.

THE PRINCE (rises and turns toward the PRINCESS). Poor little girl, you weep! The sun today Lights all your expectations to their grave! Your heart decided from the first on me; Indeed, your look declares, that, true as gold, You ne'er shall dedicate your heart anew. Oh, what can I, poor devil, say to comfort? Go to the Maiden's Chapter on the Main, I counsel you, go to your cousin Thurn. Seek in the hills a boy, light-curled as I, Buy him with gold and silver, to your breast Press him, and teach his lips to falter: Mother. And when he grows to manhood, show him well How men draw shut the eyelids of the dead. That is the only joy that lies your way!

NATALIE (bravely and impressively, as she rises and lays her hand in his). Return, young hero, to your prison walls, And, on your passage, imperturbably Regard once more the grave they dug for you. It is not gloomier, nor more wide at all Than those the battle showed a thousand times. Meanwhile, since I am true to you till death, A saving word I'll chance, unto my kin. It may avail, perhaps, to move his heart And disenthrall you from all misery.

[Pause.]

THE PRINCE (folding his hands, as he stands lost in contemplation of her). An you had pinions on your shoulders, maid, Truly I should be sure you were an angel! Dear God, did I hear right? You speak for me? Where has the quiver of your speech till now Lain hid, dear child, that you should dare approach The sovereign in matters such as this? Oh, light of hope, reviving me once more!

NATALIE. The darts that find the marrow God will hand me! But if the Elector cannot move the law's Outspoken word, cannot—so be it! Then Bravely to him the brave man will submit. And he, the conqueror a thousand times, Living, will know to conquer too in death!

ELECTRESS. Make haste! The favorable hour flies by!

THE PRINCE. Now may all holy spirits guard your way! Farewell, farewell! Whate'er the outcome be, Grant me a word to tell me how you fared.

[Exeunt omnes.]



ACT IV

Scene: Room of the ELECTOR.

SCENE I

The ELECTOR is standing with documents in his hand near a table set with lights. NATALIE enters through the centre door and, still some distance away, falls on her knees to him.

NATALIE. My noble uncle Frederick of the Mark!

ELECTOR (laying the papers aside). My Natalie!

[He seeks to raise her.]

NATALIE. No, no!

ELECTOR. What is your wish?

NATALIE. As it behooves me, at your feet in dust To plead your pardon for my cousin Homburg. Not for myself I wish to know him safe— My heart desires him and confesses it— Not for myself I wish to know him safe; Let him go wed whatever wife he will. I only ask, dear uncle, that he live, Free, independent, unallied, unbound, Even as a flower in which I find delight; For this I plead, my sovereign lord and friend, And such entreaty you will heed, I know.

ELECTOR (raising her to her feet). My little girl! What words escaped your lips? Are you aware of how your cousin Homburg Lately offended?

NATALIE. But, dear uncle!

ELECTOR. Well? Was it so slight?

NATALIE. Oh, this blond fault, blue-eyed, Which even ere it faltered: Lo, I pray! Forgiveness should raise up from the earth— Surely you will not spurn it with your foot? Why, for its mother's sake, for her who bore it, You'll press it to your breast and cry: "Weep not! For you are dear as loyalty herself." Was it not ardor for your name's renown That lured him in the fight's tumultuous midst To burst apart the confines of the law? And oh, once he had burst the bonds asunder, Trod he not bravely on the serpent's head? To crown him first because he triumphs, then Put him to death—that, surely, history Will not demand of you. Dear uncle mine, That were so stoical and so sublime That men might almost deem it was inhuman! And God made nothing more humane than you.

ELECTOR. Sweet child, consider! If I were a tyrant, I am indeed aware your words ere now Had thawed the heart beneath the iron breast. But this I put to you: Have I the right To quash the verdict which the court has passed? What would the issue be of such an act?

NATALIE. For whom? For you?

ELECTOR. For me? No! Bah! For me! My girl, know you no higher law than me! Have you no inkling of a sanctuary That in the camp men call the fatherland?

NATALIE. My liege! Why fret your soul? Because of such Upstirring of your grace, this fatherland Will not this moment crash to rack and ruin! The camp has been your school. And, look, what there You term unlawfulness, this act, this free Suppression of the verdict of the court, Appears to me the very soul of law. The laws of war, I am aware, must rule; The heart, however, has its charter, too. The fatherland your hands upbuilt for us, My noble uncle, is a fortress strong, And other greater storms indeed will bear Than this unnecessary victory. Majestically through the years to be It shall uprise, beneath your line expand, Grow beautiful with towers, luxuriant, A fairy country, the felicity Of those who love it, and the dread of foes. It does not need the cold cementing seal Of a friend's life-blood to outlast the calm And glorious autumn of my uncle's days!

ELECTOR. And cousin Homburg thinks this?

NATALIE. Cousin Homburg?

ELECTOR. Does he believe it matters not at all If license rule the fatherland, or law?

NATALIE. This poor dear boy!

ELECTOR. Well, now?

NATALIE. Oh, uncle dear, To that I have no answer save my tears!

ELECTOR (in surprise). Why that, my little girl? What has befallen?

NATALIE (falteringly). He thinks of nothing now but one thing: rescue! The barrels at the marksmen's shoulders peer So ghastly, that, giddy and amazed, Desire is mute, save one desire: To live. The whole great nation of the Mark might sink To wrack mid flare and thunderbolt; and he Stand by nor even ask: What comes to pass?— Oh, what a hero's heart have you brought low?

[She turns away, sobbing.]

ELECTOR (utterly amazed). No, dearest Natalie! No, no, indeed! Impossible!—He pleads for clemency?

NATALIE. If you had only, only not condemned him!

ELECTOR. Come, tell me, come! He pleads for clemency? What has befallen, child? Why do you sob? You met? Come, tell me all. You spoke with him?

NATALIE (pressed against his breast). In my aunt's chambers but a moment since, Whither in mantle, lo, and plumed hat Stealthily through the screening dusk he came— Furtive, perturbed, abashed, unworthy all, A miserable, pitiable sight. I never guessed a man could sink so low Whom history applauded as her hero. For look—I am a woman and I shrink From the mere worm that draws too near my foot; But so undone, so void of all control, So unheroic quite, though lion-like Death fiercely came, he should not find me thus! Oh, what is human greatness, human fame!

ELECTOR (confused). Well, then, by God of heaven and of earth! Take courage, then, my girl, for he is free!

NATALIE. What, my liege lord?

ELECTOR. I pardon him, I say! I'll send the necessary word at once.

NATALIE. Oh, dearest, is it really true?

ELECTOR. You heard.

NATALIE. You will forgive him? And he need not die?

ELECTOR. Upon my word! I swear it! How shall I Oppose myself to such a warrior's judgment? Within my heart of hearts, as you know well, I deeply do esteem his inner sense; If he can say the verdict is unjust, I cancel the indictment; he is free!

[He brings her a chair.]

Will you sit here and wait a little while?

[He goes to the table, seats himself and writes. Pause.]

NATALIE (softly). Why dost thou knock so at thy house, my heart?

ELECTOR (writing). The Prince is over in the Castle?

NATALIE. Pardon! He has returned to his captivity.

ELECTOR (finishes his letter and seals it; thereupon he returns with the letter to the PRINCESS). Well, well, my little niece, my daughter, wept! And I, whose place it is to make her glad Was forced to cloud the heaven of her fair eyes!

[He puts his arm about her.]

Will you go bring the note to him yourself?

NATALIE. How? To the City Hall?

ELECTOR (presses the letter into her hand). Why not? Ho, lackeys!

[Enter lackeys.]

Go, have the carriage up! Her ladyship Has urgent business with Colonel Homburg.

[The lackeys go out.]

Now he can thank you for his life forthwith.

[He embraces her.]

Dear child, and do you like me now once more?

NATALIE (after a pause). I do not know and do not seek to know What woke your favor, liege, so suddenly. But truly this, I feel this in my heart, You would not make ignoble sport of me. The letter hold whate'er it may—I trust That it hold pardon—and I thank you for it.

[She kisses his hand.]

ELECTOR. Indeed, my little girl, indeed. As sure As pardon lies in Cousin Homburg's wish.



SCENE II

Room of the PRINCESS. Enter PRINCESS NATALIE, followed by two ladies-in-waiting and Captain of Cavalry, COUNT REUSS.

NATALIE (precipitantly). What is it, Count? About my regiment? Is it of moment? Can it wait a day?

REUSS (handing her a letter). Madam, a note for you from Colonel Kottwitz.

NATALIE (opening it). Quick, give it me! What's in it?

REUSS. A petition, Frankly addressed, though deferentially, As you will note, to our liege lord, his Highness, In furtherance of our chief, the Prince of Homburg.

NATALIE (reading). "Petition, loyally presented by The regiment of Princess Orange"—so.

[Pause.]

This document—whose hand composed it, pray?

REUSS. As the formations of the dizzy script May let you guess, by none but Colonel Kottwitz. His noble name stands foremost on the list.

NATALIE. The thirty signatures which follow it?

REUSS. The names of officers, most noble lady, Each following each according to his rank.

NATALIE. And they sent me the supplication—me?

REUSS. My lady, most submissively to beg If you, our colonel, likewise, at their head Will fill the space left vacant, with your name?

[Pause.]

NATALIE. Indeed, I hear, the Prince, my noble kinsman, By our lord's own volition shall be freed, Wherefore there scarce is need for such a step.

REUSS (delighted). What? Truly?

NATALIE. Yet I'll not deny my hand Upon a document, which, wisely used, May prove a weight upon the scales to turn Our sovereign's decision—even prove Welcome, mayhap, to introduce the issue. According to your wish, therefore, I set Myself here at your head and write my name.

[She goes to a desk and is about to write.]

REUSS. Indeed, you have our lively gratitude!

[Pause.]

NATALIE (turning to him again). My regiment alone I find, Count Reuss! Why do I miss the Bomsdorf Cuirassiers And the dragoons of Goetz and Anhalt-Pless?

REUSS. Not, as perchance you fear, because their hearts Are cooler in their throbbing than our own. It proves unfortunate for our petition That Kottwitz is in garrison apart At Arnstein, while the other regiments Are quartered in the city here. Wherefore The document lacks freedom easily In all directions to expand its force.

NATALIE. Yet, as it stands, the plea seems all too thin.— Are you sure, Count, if you were on the spot To interview the gentlemen now here, That they as well would sign the document?

REUSS. Here in the city, madam? Head for head! The entire cavalry would pledge itself With signatures. By God, I do believe That a petition might be safely launched Amid the entire army of the Mark!

NATALIE (after a pause). Why does not some one send out officers To carry on the matter in the camp?

REUSS. Pardon! The Colonel put his foot on that. He said that he desired to do no act That men might christen with an ugly name.

NATALIE. Queer gentleman! Now bold, now timorous! But it occurs to me that happily The Elector, pressed by other business, Charged me to issue word that Kottwitz, cribbed Too close in his position, march back hither. I will sit down at once and do it!

[She sits down and writes.]

REUSS. By Heaven, Most excellent, my lady! An event That could not timelier prove for our petition!

NATALIE (as she writes). Use it, Count Reuss, as well as you know how.

[She finishes her note, seals it and rises to her feet again.]

Meanwhile this note, you understand, remains In your portfolio; you will not go To Arnstein with it, nor convey 't to Kottwitz Until I give more definite command.

[She gives him the letter.]

A LACKEY (entering). According to the sovereign's order, madam, The coach is ready in the yard, and waiting.

NATALIE. Go, call it to the door. I'll come at once.

[Pause, during which she steps thoughtfully to the table and draws on her gloves.]

Count, I desire to interview Prince Homburg. Will you escort me thither? In my coach There is a place I put at your disposal.

REUSS. Madam, a great distinction, I assure you—

[He offers her his arm.]

NATALIE (to the ladies-in-waiting). Follow, my friends!—It well may be that there I shall decide about the note erelong.

[Exeunt omnes.]



SCENE III

The PRINCE'S cell. The PRINCE Of HOMBURG hangs his hat on the wall and sinks, carelessly reclining, on a mattress spread out on the floor.

THE PRINCE. The dervish calls all life a pilgrimage, And that, a brief one. True!—Of two short spans This side of earth to two short spans below. I will recline upon the middle path. The man who bears his head erect today No later than tomorrow on his breast Bows it, all tremulous. Another dawn, And, lo, it lies a skull beside his heel! Indeed, there is a sun, they say, that shines On fields beyond e'en brighter than these fields. I do believe it; only pity 'tis The eye, that shall perceive the splendor, rots.



SCENE IV

Enter PRINCESS NATALIE on the arm of COUNT REUSS, and followed by ladies-in-waiting. A footman with a torch precedes them. The PRINCE OF HOMBURG.

FOOTMAN. Her Highness Princess Natalie of Orange!

THE PRINCE (rising). Natalie!

FOOTMAN. Here she comes herself!

NATALIE (with a bow to the COUNT). I beg Leave us a little moment to ourselves.

[COUNT REUSS and the footman go.]

THE PRINCE. Beloved lady!

NATALIE. Dear good cousin mine!

THE PRINCE (leading her up stage). What is your news? Speak! How stand things with me?

NATALIE. Well. All is well, just as I prophesied. Pardoned are you, and free; here is a letter Writ by his hand to verify my words.

THE PRINCE. It cannot be! No, no! It is a dream!

NATALIE. Read! Read the letter! See it for yourself!

THE PRINCE (reading). "My Prince of Homburg, when I made you prisoner Because of your too premature attack, I thought that I was doing what was right— No more; and reckoned on your acquiescence. If you believe that I have been unjust, Tell me, I beg you in a word or two, And forthwith I will send you back your sword."

[NATALIE turns pale. Pause. The PRINCE regards her questioningly.]

NATALIE (feigning sudden joy). Well, there it stands! It only needs two words, My dear, sweet friend!

[She presses his hand.]

THE PRINCE. Ah, precious lady mine!

NATALIE. Oh, blessed hour that dawns across my world! Here, take it, take the pen, take it and write.

THE PRINCE. And here the signature?

NATALIE. The F—his mark! Oh, Bork! Be glad with me. His clemency Is limitless, I knew it, as the sea! Do bring a chair, for he must write at once.

THE PRINCE. He says, if I believed—

NATALIE (interrupting). Why, yes, of course! Quick now! Sit down. I'll tell you what to say.

[She sets a chair in place for him.]

THE PRINCE. I wish to read the letter once again.

NATALIE (tearing the letter from his hand). Why so? Did you not see the pit already Yawning beneath you in the graveyard yonder? The time is urgent. Come, sit down and write.

THE PRINCE (smiling). Truly, you act as though it had the power To plump down, panther-fashion, on my back.

[He sits down and seizes a pen.]

NATALIE (turning away with a sob). Write, if you do not want to make me cross.

[The PRINCE rings for a lackey, who enters.]

THE PRINCE. Bring pen and paper, seal and sealing-wax.

[The lackey, having collected these and given them to the PRINCE, goes out. The PRINCE writes. Pause, during which he tears the letter he has begun in two and throws the pieces under the table.]

A silly opening!

[He takes another sheet.]

NATALIE (picking up the letter). What did you say? Good heavens! Why, it's right, it's excellent.

THE PRINCE (under his breath). Bah! That's a blackguard's wording, not a Prince's. I'll try to put it in some other way.

[Pause. He clutches at the ELECTOR'S letter which the PRINCESS holds in her hand.]

What is it, anyway, his letter says?

NATALIE (keeping it from him). Nothing at all!

THE PRINCE. Give it to me!

NATALIE. You read it!

THE PRINCE (snatches it from her). What if I did? I only want to see How I'm to phrase my answer.

NATALIE (to herself). God of earth! Now all is done with him!

THE PRINCE (surprised). Why, look at this! As I'm alive, most curious! You must Have overlooked the passage.

NATALIE. Why! Which one?

THE PRINCE. He calls on me to judge the case myself!

NATALIE. Well, what of that?

THE PRINCE. Gallant, i' faith, and fine! Exactly what a noble soul would say!

NATALIE. His magnanimity is limitless! But you, too, friend, do your part now, and write, As he desires. All that is needed now Is but the pretext, but the outer form. As soon as those two words are in his hands, Presto, the quarrel's at an end.

THE PRINCE (putting the letter away). No, dear! I want to think it over till tomorrow.

NATALIE. Incomprehensible! Oh, what a change! But why, but why?

THE PRINCE (rising in passionate excitement). I beg you, ask me not! You did not ponder what the letter said. That he did me a wrong—and that's the crux— I cannot tell him that. And if you force me To give him answer in my present mood, By God, it's this I'll tell him—"You did right!"

[He sinks down beside the table, again with folded arms, and stares at the letter.]

NATALIE (pale). You imbecile, you! What a thing to say!

[She bends over him, deeply stirred.]

THE PRINCE (pressing her hand). Come, just a second now! I think—

[He ponders.]

NATALIE. What is it?

THE PRINCE. I'll know soon now what I shall write to him.

NATALIE (painfully). Homburg!

THE PRINCE (taking up his pen) Yes, dear. What is it?

NATALIE. Sweetest friend! I prize the impulse that upstirred your heart; But this I swear to you: the regiment Has been detailed, whose muskets are to sound At dawn the reconciling burial rite Above the grave where your dead body lies. If you cannot resist the law's decree, Nor, noble as you are, do what he asks Here in this letter to repeal it, then I do assure you he will loftily Accept the situation, and fulfil The sentence on the morrow ruthlessly.

THE PRINCE (writing). No matter!

NATALIE. What? No matter?

THE PRINCE. Let him do What his soul bids. I must do what I must.

NATALIE (approaching him frightened). Oh, terrible! You are not writing there?

THE PRINCE (concluding). "Homburg!" And dated, "Fehrbellin, the twelfth." So, it's all ready. Frank!

[He closes and seals the letter.]

NATALIE. Dear God in heaven!

THE PRINCE (rising). Here, take this to the Castle to my liege!

[The lackey goes out.]

I will not face man who faces me So nobly, with a knave's ignoble front! Guilt, heavy guilt, upon my conscience weighs, I fully do confess. Can he but grant Forgiveness, when I contest for it, I do not care a straw for any pardon.

NATALIE (kissing him). This kiss, for me! And though twelve bullets made You dust this instant, I could not resist Caroling, sobbing, crying: Thus you please me! However, since you follow your heart's lead, I may be pardoned if I follow mine. Count Reuss!

[The footman opens the door. The COUNT enters.]

REUSS. Here!

NATALIE. Go, and bear the note I gave Post-haste to Arnstein and to Colonel Kottwitz! The regiment shall march, our liege directs. Ere midnight I shall look to see it here!

[Exeunt omnes.]



ACT V

Scene: a hall in the Castle.

SCENE I

The ELECTOR, scantily clad, enters from the adjoining chamber, followed by COUNT TRUCHSZ, COUNT HOHENZOLLERN, and CAPTAIN VON DER GOLZ. Pages with lights.

ELECTOR. Kottwitz? And with the Princess's dragoons? Here in the town?

TRUCHSZ (opening the window). Indeed, my sovereign! Drawn up before the Castle, here he is!

ELECTOR. Well? Will you read the riddle, gentlemen? Who called him hither?

HOHENZOLLERN. I know not, my liege.

ELECTOR. The place I set him at is known as Arnstein! Make haste, some one, and go and bring him in.

GOLZ. He will appear forthwith, my sovereign.

ELECTOR. Where is he?

GOLZ. At the City Hall, I hear, Where the entire generality, That bears obedience to your house, is met.

ELECTOR. But why? What is the object?

HOHENZOLLERN. I know not.

TRUCHSZ. My prince and lord, will you vouchsafe that we Likewise betake ourselves a moment thither?

ELECTOR. Whither? The City Hall?

HOHENZOLLERN. The lords' assemblage. We gave our word of honor to appear.

ELECTOR (after a short pause). You are dismissed!

GOLZ. Come, follow, gentlemen!

[The officers go out.]



SCENE II

The ELECTOR. Later, two footmen.

ELECTOR. Most curious! Were I the Dey of Tunis I'd sound alarm at such a dubious move, Lay on my desk despair's thin silken cord, And at my palisaded castle-gate Set up my heavy guns and howitzers. But since it's just Hans Kottwitz from the Priegnitz Who marches on me of his own sweet will I'll treat the matter in the Mark's own way; Of the three curls that gleam so silvery On his old skull, I'll take firm hold of one And lead him calmly with his squadrons twelve To Arnstein, his headquarters, back again. Why wake the city from its slumber thus?

[He goes to the window a moment, then returns to the table and rings a bell. Two lackeys enter.]

Do run below and ask, as for yourself, What's doing in the City Hall.

1st LACKEY. At once!

[He goes out.]

ELECTOR (to the other). But you go now and fetch me my apparel.

[The lackey goes and brings it. The ELECTOR attires himself and dons his princely insignia.]



SCENE III

FIELD-MARSHAL DOeRFLING enters. The others as before.

DOeRFLING. Rebellion, my Elector!

ELECTOR (still occupied with his clothes). Calm yourself! You know that I detest to have my room Without a warning word, invaded thus. What do you want?

MARSHAL. Forgive me! An affair Of special consequence has brought me hither. Unordered, Colonel Kottwitz moved his force Into the city; hundred officers Are gathered round him in the armor-hall. From hand to hand a paper passes round That purposes encroachment on your rights.

ELECTOR. I am informed of it. What can it be Except a ferment friendly to the Prince On whom the law has laid the sentence, death?

MARSHAL. 'Tis so, by God on high! You struck it right!

ELECTOR. Well, then, and good. My heart is in their midst.

MARSHAL. The rumor goes the maniacs intend This very night to hand you their petition Here in the Castle; and should you persist In carrying out, irreconcilably, The sentence—scarce I dare to bring you this!— To liberate him from his bonds by force!

ELECTOR (sombrely). Come now, who told you that?

MARSHAL. Who told me that? The lady Retzow, cousin of my wife, Whom you may trust. She spent this evening In Bailiff Retzow's, in her uncle's house, And heard some officers who came from camp Brazenly utter this audacious plan.

ELECTOR. A man must tell me that ere I'll believe it. I'll set this boot of mine before his house To keep him safe from these young heroes' hands!

MARSHAL. My lord, I beg you, if it be your will, To grant the Prince his pardon after all: Fulfil it ere an odious deed be done. You know that every army loves its hero. Let not this spark which kindles in it now Spread out and wax a wild consuming fire. Nor Kottwitz nor the crowd he has convened Are yet aware my faithful word has warned you. Ere he appears, send back the Prince's sword, Send it, as, after all, he has deserved. One piece of chivalry the more you give To history, and one misdeed the less.

ELECTOR. Concerning that I'd have to ask the Prince, Who was not idly made a prisoner, As you may know, nor idly may be freed.— I'll see the gentlemen when they arrive.

MARSHAL (to himself). Curse it! His armor's proof to every dart.



SCENE IV

Two lackeys enter, one with a letter in his hand. The others as before.

1st LACKEY. Sir, Colonels Kottwitz, Hennings, Truchsz and others Beg audience!

ELECTOR (to the second lackey, as he takes the letter). This from the Prince of Homburg?

2D LACKEY. Indeed, your Highness.

ELECTOR. Who delivered it?

2D LACKEY. The Swiss on guard before the castle gate, Who had it from the Prince's bodyguard.

[The ELECTOR stands by the table, and reads; whereupon he turns and calls to a page.]

Prittwitz! Bring me the warrant, bring it here. And let me have the passport for the Swede's Ambassador, Gustaf, the Count of Horn.

[Exit the page.]

[To the first lackey.] Now Kottwitz and his retinue may come.



SCENE V

COLONEL KOTTWITZ and COLONEL HENNINGS, COUNT TRUCHSZ, COUNTS HOHENZOLLERN and SPARREN, COUNT REUSS, CAPTAIN VON DER GOLZ, STRANZ and other officers enter. The others as before.

KOTTWITZ (bearing the petition). Permit me, my exalted sovereign, Here in the name of all your soldiery Most humbly to submit this document.

ELECTOR. Kottwitz, before I take it, tell me now Who was it called you to this city here?

KOTTWITZ (regarding him). With the dragoons?

ELECTOR. Ay, with your regiment! I nominated Arnstein as your station.

KOTTWITZ. Sir! It was your behest that brought me hither.

ELECTOR. Eh? Let me see the order!

KOTTWITZ. Here, my liege.

ELECTOR (reading). Signed: "Natalie." And dated: "Fehrbellin, By order of my liege, my uncle Frederick."

KOTTWITZ. By God, my prince and lord, I will not hope The order's news to you?

ELECTOR. No—understand—Who was it who conveyed the order thither?

KOTTWITZ. Count Reuss!

ELECTOR (after a momentary pause). What's more, you're welcome, very welcome! You have been chosen with your squadrons twelve To pay Prince Homburg, sentenced by the law, The final honors of the morrow.

KOTTWITZ (taken aback). What, My sovereign?

ELECTOR (handing back the order). The regiment stands yet, Benighted and befogged, outside the Castle?

KOTTWITZ. Pardon, the night—

ELECTOR. Why don't they go to quarters?

KOTTWITZ. My sovereign, they have gone. As you directed They have found quarters in the city here.

ELECTOR (with a turn toward the window). What? But a moment since—Well, by the gods! You've found them stables speedily enough. So much the better! Welcome, then, once more! Come, say, what brings you here? What is your news?

KOTTWITZ. Sir, this petition from your loyal men.

ELECTOR. Come.

KOTTWITZ. But the words your lips have spoken strike All my anticipations down to earth.

ELECTOR. Well, then, a word can lift them up again! [He reads.] "Petition, begging royal clemency For our commandant, vitally accused, The General, Prince Frederick Hessen-Homburg."

[To the officers.]

A noble name, my lords! And not unworthy Your coming in such numbers to its aid.

[He looks into the document again.]

By whom is the petition?

KOTTWITZ. By myself.

ELECTOR. The Prince has been apprized of what it holds?

KOTTWITZ. Not in the very faintest. In our midst The matter was conceived and given birth.

ELECTOR. Grant me a moment's patience, if you please.

[He steps to the table and glances over the paper. Long pause.]

Hm! Curious! You ancient war-horse, you, You plead the Prince's cause? You justify His charging Wrangel ere I gave command?

KOTTWITZ. My sovereign, yes. That's what old Kottwitz does.

ELECTOR. You did not hold that notion on the field!

KOTTWITZ. I'd weighed the thing but ill, my sovereign. I should have calmly yielded to the Prince Who is most wonderfully versed in war. The Swedes' left wing was wavering; on their right Came reinforcements; had he been content To bide your order, they'd have made a stand With new intrenchments in the gullies there, And never had you gained your victory.

ELECTOR. That's what it pleases you to presuppose! I sent out Colonel Hennings, as you know, To pounce upon and seize the knot of bridges Held by the Swedes to cover Wrangel's rear. If you'd not disobeyed my order, look, Hennings had carried out the stroke as planned— In two hours' time had set afire the bridges, Planted his forces firmly on the Rhyn, And Wrangel had been crushed with stump and stem In ditches and morasses, utterly.

KOTTWITZ. It is the tyro's business, not yours, To hunger after fate's supremest crown. Until this hour you took what gift she gave. The dragon that made desolate the Mark Beneath your very nose has been repelled With gory head! What could one day bring more? What matters it if, for a fortnight yet, Spent in the sand, he lies and salves his wounds? We've learnt the art of conquering him, and now Are full of zeal to make the most of it. Give us a chance at Wrangel, like strong men, Breast against breast once more; we'll make an end And, down into the Baltic, down he goes! They did not build Rome in a single day.

ELECTOR. What right have you, you fool, to hope for that, When every mother's son is privileged To jerk the battle-chariot's reins I hold? Think you that fortune will eternally Award a crown to disobedience? I do not like a bastard victory, The gutter-waif of chance; the law, look you, My crown's progenitor, I will uphold, For she shall bear a race of victories.

KOTTWITZ. My liege, the law, the highest and the best, That shall be honored in your leaders' hearts— Look, that is not the letter of your will! It is the fatherland, it is the crown, It is yourself, upon whose head it sits. I beg you now, what matters it to you What rule the foe fights by, as long as he With all his pennons bites the dust once more? The law that drubs him is the highest law! Would you transform your fervid soldiery Into a tool, as lifeless as the blade That in your golden baldrick hangs inert? Oh, empty spirit, stranger to the stars, Who first gave forth such doctrine! Oh, the base, The purblind statecraft, which because of one Instance wherein the heart rode on to wrack, Forgets ten others, in the whirl of life, Wherein the heart alone has power to save! Come, in the battle do I spill in dust My blood for wages, money, say, or fame? Faith, not a bit! It's all too good for that! Why! I've my satisfaction and my joy, Free and apart, in quiet solitude, Seeing your splendor and your excellence, The fame and crescence of your mighty name! That is the wage for which I sold my heart! Grant that, because of this unplanned success; You broke the staff across the Prince's head, And I somewhere twixt hill and dale at dawn Should, shepherd-wise, steal on a victory Unplanned as this, with my good squadrons, eh?— By God, I were a very knave, did I Not merrily repeat the Prince's act! And if you spake, the law book in your hand: "Kottwitz, you've forfeited your head!" I'd say: I knew it, Sir; there, take it, there it is; When with an oath I bound me, hide and hair, Unto your crown, I left not out my head, And I should give you nought but what was yours!

ELECTOR. You whimsical old gentleman, with you I get nowhere! You bribe me with your tongue— Me, with your craftily framed sophistries— Me—and you know I hold you dear! Wherefore I call an advocate to bear my side And end our controversy.

[He rings a bell. A footman enters.]

Go! I wish The Prince of Homburg hither brought from prison.

[Exit footman.]

He will instruct you, be assured of that, What discipline and what obedience be! He sent me words, at least, of other pitch Than this astute idea of liberty You have rehearsed here like a boy to me.

[He stands by the table again reading.]

KOTTWITZ (amazed). Fetch whom? Call whom?

HENNINGS. Himself?

TRUCHSZ. Impossible!

[The officers group themselves, disquieted, and speak with one another.]

ELECTOR. Who has brought forth this other document?

HOHENZOLL. I, my liege lord!

ELECTOR (reading). "Proof that Elector Frederick The Prince's act himself—"—Well, now, by heaven, I call that nerve! What! You dare say the cause of the misdeed The Prince committed in the fight, am I!

HOHENZOLL. Yourself, my liege; I say it, Hohenzollern.

ELECTOR. Now then, by God, that beats the fairy-tales! One man asserts that he is innocent, The other that the guilty man am I!— How will you demonstrate that thesis now?

HOHENZOLL. My lord, you will recall to mind that night We found the Prince in slumber deeply sunk Down in the garden 'neath the plantain trees. He dreamed, it seemed, of victories on the morrow, And in his hand he held a laurel-twig, As if to test his heart's sincerity. You took the wreath away, and smilingly Twined round the leaves the necklace that you wore, And to the lady, to your noble niece, Both wreath and necklace, intertwining, gave. At such a wondrous sight, the Prince, aflush, Leaps to his feet; such precious things held forth By such a precious hand he needs must clasp. But you withdraw from him in haste, withdrawing The Princess as you pass; the door receives you. Lady and chain and laurel disappear, And, solitary, holding in his hand A glove he ravished from he knows not whom— Lapped in the midnight he remains behind.

ELECTOR. What glove was that?

HOHENZOLLERN. My sovereign, hear me through! The matter was a jest; and yet, of what Deep consequence to him I learned erelong. For when I slip the garden's postern through, Coming upon him as it were by chance, And wake him, and he calls his senses home, The memory flooded him with keen delight. A sight more touching scarce the mind could paint. The whole occurrence, to the least detail, He recapitulated, like a dream; So vividly, he thought, he ne'er had dreamed, And in his heart the firm assurance grew That heaven had granted him a sign; that when Once more came battle, God would grant him all His inward eye had seen, the laurel-wreath, The lady fair, and honor's linked badge.

ELECTOR. Hm! Curious! And then the glove?

HOHENZOLLERN. Indeed! This fragment of his dream, made manifest, At once dispels and makes more firm his faith. At first, with large, round eye he looks at it: The color's white, in mode and shape it seems A lady's glove, but, as he spoke with none By night within the garden whom, by chance, He might have robbed of it—confused thereto In his reflections by myself, who calls him Up to the council in the palace, he Forgets the thing he cannot comprehend, And off-hand in his collar thrusts the glove.

ELECTOR. Thereupon?

HOHENZOLLERN. Thereupon with pen and tablet He seeks the Castle, with devout attention To take the orders from the Marshal's lips. The Electress and the Princess, journey-bound, By chance are likewise in the hall; but who Shall gauge the uttermost bewilderment That takes him, when the Princess turns to find The very glove he thrust into his collar! The Marshal calls again and yet again 'The Prince of Homburg!' 'Marshal, to command!' He cries, endeavoring to collect his thoughts; But he, ringed round by marvels—why, the thunders Of heaven might have fallen in our midst—

[He pauses.]

ELECTOR. It was the Princess' glove?

HOHENZOLLERN. It was, indeed!

[The ELECTOR sinks into a brown study.]

A stone is he; the pencil's in his hand, And he stands there, and seems a living man; But consciousness, as by a magic wand, Is quenched within him; not until the morrow, As down the lines the loud artillery Already roars, does he return to life, Asking me: Say, what was it Doerfling said Last night in council, that applied to me?

MARSHAL. Truly, my liege, that tale I can indorse. The Prince, I call to mind, took in no word Of what I said; distraught I've seen him oft, But never yet in such degree removed From blood and bone, never, as on that night.

ELECTOR. Now then, if I make out your reasoning, You pile your climax on my shoulders thus: Had I not dangerously made a jest Of this young dreamer's state, he had remained Guiltless, in council had not roamed the clouds, Nor disobedient proved upon the field. Eh? Eh? Is that the logic?

HOHENZOLLERN. My liege lord, I trust the filling of the gaps to you.

ELECTOR. Fool that you are, you addlepate! Had you Not called me to the garden, I had not, Following a whim of curiosity, Made harmless fun of this somnambulist. Wherefore, and quite with equal right, I hold The cause of his delinquency were you!— The delphic wisdom of my officers!

HOHENZOLL. Enough, my sovereign! I am assured, My words fell weightily upon your heart.



SCENE VI

An officer enters. The others as before.

OFFICER. My lord, the Prince will instantly appear.

ELECTOR. Good, then! Let him come in.

OFFICER. Two minutes, sir! He but delayed a moment on the way To beg a porter ope the graveyard gate.

ELECTOR. The graveyard?

OFFICER. Ay, my sovereign.

ELECTOR. But why?

OFFICER. To tell the truth, my lord, I do not know. It seemed he wished to see the burial-vault That your behest uncovered for him there.

[The commanders group themselves and talk together.]

ELECTOR. No matter! When he comes, let him come in!

[He steps to the table again and glances at the papers.]

TRUCHSZ. The watch is bringing in Prince Homburg now.



SCENE VII

Enter the PRINCE OF HOMBURG. An officer and the watch. The others as before.

ELECTOR. Young Prince of mine, I call you to my aid! Here's Colonel Kottwitz brings this document In your behalf, look, in long column signed By hundred honorable gentlemen. The army asks your liberty, it runs, And will not tolerate the court's decree. Come, read it and inform yourself, I beg.

[He hands him the paper.]

THE PRINCE (casts a glance at the document, turns and looks about the circle of officers). Kottwitz, old friend, come, let me clasp your hand! You give me more than on the day of battle I merited of you. But now, post-haste, Go, back again to Arnstein whence you came, Nor budge at all. I have considered it; The death decreed to me I will accept!

[He hands over the paper to him.]

KOTTWITZ (distressed). No, nevermore, my Prince! What are you saying?

HOHENZOLL. He wants to die—

TRUCHSZ. He shall not, must not die!

VARIOUS OFFICERS (pressing forward). My lord Elector! Oh, my sovereign! Hear us!

THE PRINCE. Hush! It is my inflexible desire! Before the eyes of all the soldiery I wronged the holy code of war; and now By my free death I wish to glorify it. My brothers, what's the one poor victory I yet may snatch from Wrangel worth to you Against the triumph o'er the balefullest Of foes within, that I achieve at dawn— The insolent and disobedient heart. Now shall the alien, seeking to bow down Our shoulders 'neath his yoke, be crushed; and, free, The man of Brandenburg shall take his stand Upon the mother soil, for it is his— The splendor of her meads alone for him!

KOTTWITZ (moved). My son! My dearest friend! What shall I name you?

TRUCHSZ. God of the world!

KOTTWITZ. Oh, let me kiss your hand!

[They press round him.]

THE PRINCE (turning toward the ELECTOR). But you, my liege, who bore in other days A tenderer name I may no longer speak, Before your feet, stirred to my soul, I kneel. Forgive, that with a zeal too swift of foot I served your cause on that decisive day; Death now shall wash me clean of all my guilt. But give my heart, that bows to your decree, Serene and reconciled, this comfort yet: To know your breast resigns all bitterness— And, in the hour of parting, as a proof, One favor more, compassionately grant.

ELECTOR. Young hero, speak! What is it you desire? I pledge my word to you, my knightly honor, It shall be granted you, whate'er it be!

THE PRINCE. Not with your niece's hand, my sovereign, Purchase the peace of Gustaf Karl! Expel, Out of the camp, expel the bargainer Who made this ignominious overture. Write your response to him in cannon-shots!

ELECTOR (kissing his brow). As you desire then. With this kiss, my son, That last appeal I grant. Indeed, wherein Now have we need of such a sacrifice That war's ill-fortune only could compel? Why, in each word that you have spoken, buds A victory that strikes the foeman low! I'll write to him, the plighted bride is she Of Homburg, dead because of Fehrbellin; With his pale ghost, before our flags a-charge, Let him do battle for her, on the field!

[He kisses him again and draws him to his feet.]

THE PRINCE. Behold, now have you given me life indeed! Now every blessing on you I implore That from their cloudy thrones the seraphim Pour forth exultant over hero-heads. Go, and make war, and conquer, oh, my liege, The world that fronts you—for you merit it!

ELECTOR. Guards! Lead the prisoner back to his cell!



SCENE VIII

NATALIE and the ELECTRESS appear in the doorway, followed by ladies-in-waiting. The others as before.

NATALIE. Mother! Decorum! Can you speak that word? In such an hour there's none but just to love him— My dear, unhappy love!

THE PRINCE (turning). Now I shall go!

TRUCHSZ (holding him). No, nevermore, my Prince!

[Several officers step in his way.]

THE PRINCE. Take me away!

HOHENZOLL. Liege, can your heart—

THE PRINCE (tearing himself free). You tyrants, would you drag me In fetters to my execution-place? Go! I have closed my reckoning with this world.

[He goes out under guard.]

NATALIE (on the ELECTRESS' breast). Open, O earth, receive me in your deeps. Why should I look upon the sunlight more?



SCENE IX

The persons, as in the preceding scene, with the exception of the PRINCE OF HOMBURG.

MARSHAL. God of earth! Did it have to come to that?

[The ELECTOR speaks in a low voice to an officer.]

KOTTWITZ (frigidly). My sovereign, after all that has occurred Are we dismissed?

ELECTOR. Not for the present, no! I'll give you notice when you are dismissed!

[He regards him a moment straightly and steadily; then takes the papers which the page has brought him from the table and turns to the FIELD-MARSHAL.]

This passport, take it, for Count Horn the Swede. Tell him it is my cousin's wish, the Prince's, Which I have pledged myself to carry out. The war begins again in three days' time!

[Pause. He casts a glance at the death warrant.]

Judge for yourselves, my lords. The Prince of Homburg Through disobedience and recklessness Of two of my best victories this year Deprived me, and indeed impaired the third. Now that he's had his schooling these last days Come, will you risk it with him for a fourth?

KOTTWITZ and TRUCHSZ (helter-skelter). What, my adored—my worshipped—What, my liege?—

ELECTOR. Will you? Will you?

KOTTWITZ. Now, by the living God, He'd watch you standing on destruction's brink And never twitch his sword in your behalf, Or rescue you unless you gave command.

ELECTOR (tearing up the death warrant). So, to the garden! Follow me, my friends!



SCENE X

The Castle with the terrace leading down into the garden, as in ACT I. It is night, as then.—The PRINCE OF HOMBURG, with bandaged eyes, is led in through the lower garden-wicket, by CAPTAIN STRANZ. Officers with the guard. In the distance one can hear the drumming of the death-march.



THE PRINCE. All art thou mine now, immortality! Thou glistenest through the veil that blinds mine eyes With that sun's glow that is a thousand suns. I feel bright pinions from my shoulders start; Through mute, ethereal spaces wings my soul; And as the ship, borne outward by the wind, Sees the bright harbor sink below the marge, Thus all my being fades and is submerged. Now I distinguish colors yet and forms, And now—all life is fog beneath my feet.

[The PRINCE seats himself on the bench which stands about the oak in the middle of the open space. The CAPTAIN draws away from him and looks up toward the terrace.]

How sweet the flowers fill the air with odor! D'you smell them?

STRANZ (returning to him). They are gillyflowers and pinks.

THE PRINCE. How come the gillyflowers here?

STRANZ. I know not. It must have been some girl that planted them. Come, will you have a bachelor's button?

THE PRINCE. Thanks! When I get home I'll have it put in water.



SCENE XI

The ELECTOR with the laurel-wreath, about which the golden chain is twined, the ELECTRESS, PRINCESS NATALIE, FIELD-MARSHAL DOeRFLING, COLONEL KOTTWITZ, HOHENZOLLERN, GOLZ, and others. Ladies-in-waiting, officers and boys bearing torches appear on the castle terrace. HOHENZOLLERN steps to the balustrade and with a handkerchief signals to CAPTAIN STRANZ, whereupon the latter leaves the PRINCE OF HOMBURG and speaks a few words with the guards in the background.

THE PRINCE. What is the brightness breaking round me, say!

STRANZ (returning to him). My Prince, will you be good enough to rise?

THE PRINCE. What's coming?

STRANZ. Nothing that need wake your fear. I only wish to free your eyes again.

THE PRINCE. Has my ordeal's final hour struck?

STRANZ (as he draws the bandage from the PRINCE's eyes). Indeed! Be blest, for well you merit it!

[The ELECTOR gives the wreath, from which the chain is hanging, to the PRINCESS, takes her hand and leads her down from the terrace. Ladies and gentlemen follow. Surrounded by torches, the PRINCESS approaches the PRINCE, who looks up in amazement; sets the wreath on his head, the chain about his neck and presses his hand to her breast. The PRINCE tumbles in a faint.]

NATALIE. Heaven! The joy has killed him!

HOHENZOLLERN (raising him). Help, bring help!

ELECTOR. Let him be wakened by the cannons' thunder!

[Artillery fire. A march. The Castle is illuminated.]

KOTTWITZ. Hail, hail, the Prince of Homburg!

OFFICERS. Hail, hail, hail!

ALL. The victor of the field of Fehrbellin!

[Momentary silence.]

THE PRINCE. No! Say! Is it a dream?

KOTTWITZ. A dream, what else?

SEVERAL OFFICERS. To arms! to arms!

TRUCHSZ. To war!

DOeRFLING. To victory!

ALL. In dust with all the foes of Brandenburg!



FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Permission Porter & Coates, Philadelphia.]

[Footnote 2: Permission Porter & Coates, Philadelphia.]

[Footnote 3: Ten o'clock.]

[Footnote 4: Of Jupiter Tonans.]

[Footnote 5: The body in the Pantheon, the head in Saint Luke's church.]

[Footnote 6: Strassburg.]

[Footnote 7: The hall of the Pantheon seems too low, because a part of its steps is hidden by the rubbish.]

[Footnote 8: This opening in the roof is twenty-seven feet in diameter.]

[Footnote 9: The Pole-star, as well as other northern constellations, stands lower in the south.]

[Footnote 10: The German texts read: Reben, vines. But the conjecture Raben as the correct reading may be permitted.—ED.]

[Footnote 11: Permission The Macmillan Co., New York, and G. Bell & Sons, Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 12: This appropriate expression was, if we mistake not, first used by M. Adam Mueller in his Lectures on German Science and Literature. If, however, he gives himself out as the inventor of the thing itself, he is, to use the softest word, in error. Long before him other Germans had endeavored to reconcile the contrarieties of taste of different ages and nations, and to pay due homage to all genuine poetry and art. Between good and bad, it is true, no reconciliation is possible.]

[Footnote 13: This difficulty extends also to France; for it must not be supposed that a literal translation can ever be a faithful one. Mrs. Montague has done enough to prove how wretchedly even Voltaire, in his rhymeless Alexandrines, has translated a few passages from Hamlet and the first act of Julius Caesar.]

[Footnote 14: It begins with the words: A mind reflecting ages past, and is subscribed I.M.S.]

[Footnote 15: Lessing was the first to speak of Shakespeare in a becoming tone; but he said, unfortunately, a great deal too little of him, as in the time when he wrote the Dramaturgie this poet had not yet appeared on our stage. Since that time he has been more particularly noticed by Herder in the Blaetter von deutscher Art und Kunst; Goethe, in Wilhelm Meister; and Tieck, in "Letters on Shakespeare" (Poetisches Journal, 1800), which break off, however, almost at the commencement.]

[Footnote 16: The English work with which foreigners of every country are perhaps best acquainted is Hume's History; and there we have a most unjustifiable account both of Shakespeare and his age. "Born in a rude age, and educated in the lowest manner, without any instruction either from the world or from books." How could a man of Hume's acuteness suppose for a moment that a poet, whose characters display such an intimate acquaintance with life, who, as an actor and manager of a theatre, must have come in contact with all descriptions of individuals, had no instruction from the world? But this is not the worst; he goes even so far as to say, "a reasonable propriety of thought he cannot for any time uphold." This is nearly as offensive as Voltaire's "drunken savage."—TRANS.]

[Footnote 17: In my lectures on The Spirit of the Age.]

[Footnote 18: In one of his sonnets he says:

O, for my sake do you with fortune chide The guilty goddess of my harmless deeds, That did not better for my life provide Than public means which public manners breeds.

And in the following:

Your love and pity doth the impression fill, which vulgar scandal stamp'd upon my brow.]

[Footnote 19:

And make those flights upon the banks of Thames, That so did take Eliza and our James!]

[Footnote 20: This is perhaps not uncommon still in some countries. The Venetian Director Medebach, for whose company many of Goldoni's Comedies were composed, claimed an exclusive right to them.—TRANS.]

[Footnote 21: Twelfth Night, or What You Will—Act iii., scene 2.]

[Footnote 22: As You Like It.]

[Footnote 23: In one of the commendatory poems in the first folio edition:

And on the stage at half sword parley were Brutus and Cassius.]

[Footnote 24: In the first volume of Charakteristiken und Kritiken, published by my brother and myself.]

[Footnote 25: A contemporary of the poet, the author of the already-noticed poem, (subscribed I.M.S.), tenderly felt this when he said:

Yet so to temper passion that our ears Take pleasure in their pain, and eyes in tears Both smile and weep.]

[Footnote 26: In Hamlet's directions to the players. Act iii., scene 2.]

[Footnote 27: See Hamlet's praise of Yorick. In Twelfth Night, Viola says:

This fellow is wise enough to play the fool, And to do that well craves a kind of wit; He must observe their mood on whom he jests, The quality of the persons, and the time; And like the haggard, check at every feather That comes before his eye. This is a practice As full of labor as a wise man's art: For folly that he wisely shows is fit, But wise men's folly fall'n quite taints their wit.—AUTHOR.

The passages from Shakespeare, in the original work, are given from the author's masterly translation. We may be allowed, however, to observe that the last line—

"Doch wozu ist des Weisen Thorheit nutz?"

literally, Of what use is the folly of the wise?—does not convey the exact meaning of Shakespeare.—TRANS.]

[Footnote 28: "Since the little wit that fools have was silenced, the little foolery that wise men have makes a greater show."—As You Like It, Act I, scene 2.]

[Footnote 29: Charles the Bold, of Burgundy, is known to have frequently boasted that he wished to rival Hannibal as the greatest general of all ages. After his defeat at Granson, his fool accompanied him in his hurried flight, and exclaimed, "Ah, your Grace, they have for once Hanniballed us!" If the Duke had given an ear to this warning raillery, he would not so soon afterward have come to a disgraceful end.]

[Footnote 30: I shall take the opportunity of saying a few words respecting this species of drama when I come to speak of Ben Jonson.]

[Footnote 31: Here follows, in the original, a so-called "Allegory of Impudence."—TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.]

[Footnote 32: Here follows in the original a biographic sketch called "Apprenticeship of Manhood."—TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.]

[Footnote 33: Permission Porter & Coates, Philadelphia.]

[Footnote 34: Translator: Charles Wharton Stork. From Spiritual Songs (1799).]

[Footnote 35: Translator: Charles Wharton Stork. From Spiritual Songs (1799).]

[Footnote 36: Translator: Charles Wharton Stork.]

[Footnote 37: Permission Porter & Coates, Philadelphia.]

THE END