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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 doc.u.ment 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 doc.u.ment, 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. Hus.h.!.+ 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 s.n.a.t.c.h 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. G.o.d 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, compa.s.sionately 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--
