ACT I.
SCENE I.
Inside of a German Inn, on the road to Berlin. Fire and candles nearly extinguished. Clock in the corner, marking the hour of ten . H ANS seated in an arm-chair, asleep. Music. The curtain rises to the opening symphony . H ANS yawns in his sleep .
GERTRUDE .
Ho! Hans! — Why, Hans! — You Hans, I say!
Awake! — Here'll be the deuce to pay!
For coming guests get fire and lights,
And help me put the room to rights!
Hans! — I've no patience with the lout!
What, Hans, on earth are you about?
Did ever room look so forlorn?
Hans! — Hark! I hear the postman's horn!
HANS .
What der tuyvel is der matter,
Dus you chitter — chatter — clatter?
GERTRUDE ( aside .)
His impudence can not be borne!
HANS .
What's dat I hear?
GERTRUDE .
The postman's horn!
Whose notes o'er moor and mountain flung —
HANS .
Are not so noisy as your tongue!
CHORUS .
Rejoice! rejoice! we're safe and sound,
And shelter for the night have found,
Within this snug abode!
The dust may rise, the rain may fall —
Beneath this roof we'll smile at all
The dangers of the road!
SOLO .
Then let the cheerful board be spread;
To supper first, and then to bed,
Till birds their songs begin:
Thus, whether sleeping or awake,
The weary traveller will take
His comfort at his inn.
CHORUS .
Rejoice! rejoice! we're safe, etc.
GERTRUDE .
Where in the world are all these people going to, Hans?
HANS .
To Berlin, to shee der troops. Frederick musters dem to-morrow at der capital. But why don't you attend to der guest?
GERTRUDE .
Why don't you ? You are not fit to keep an inn, Hans.
HANS .
I was not prought up to it; mine pishiness was to keep a paint-shop, and shell der colors to der artists.
GERTRUDE .
Don't stand here chattering about your fine colors — but look to the guests —
HANS .
Yaw, yaw, mein fraulein.
ALBERT ( without )
Ho! landlord! — Waiters, look to our luggage!
WEDGEWOOD ( speaking as he enters .)
If it is convenient.
GERTRUDE .
This way, gentlemen, this way.
ALBERT .
Two bed-chambers, landlord, as soon as possible.
HANS .
Yaw, mynheer.
WEDGEWOOD .
Landlady, take care of my coat and stick, and here's something for your pains.
GERTRUDE .
Yes, sir.
WEDGEWOOD ( looking at her .)
What a pretty girl.
GERTRUDE .
Is that all , sir?
WEDGEWOOD ( aside to GERTRUDE .) No, that's not all (Kisses her.) Take this into the bargain, you jade!
GERTRUDE ( courtesies .)
Thank you, sir. (Aside.) What a nice, queer old gentleman!
HANS ( taking her away passionately )
What's dat to you? Give me der tings ( takes them ) You do noding but ogle mit der young folks, and flirt mit der old ones!
GERTRUDE
Oh, you jealous brute!
WEDGEWOOD ( noticing her .)
Nice girl that — odd , too, that she should have married a man old enough to be her grandfather!
HANS ( aside .)
Dat queer chap in der brown vig I'm sure is a gay deceiver, or he would not admire mine vife so much. I must have mine eyes about me.
WEDGEWOOD ( noticing HANS and GERTRUDE )
Odd, very odd, very odd indeed! But, now that we are alone, pray continue the narrative you commenced in the coach — if it is convenient.
ALBERT .
Right willingly. Frederick, after his conquest of Saxony, transported by force several manufacturers from Dresden to Berlin, where he has established a Porcelain Factory —
WEDGEWOOD .
Separated from their friends, home, and country, these unfortunate people are compelled to continue their labors for the profit and glory of their conqueror — I know it — go on —
ALBERT .
Among those in bondage is Sophia Mansfield —
WEDGEWOOD .
I have heard of her: — a young, beautiful, and singularly-gifted girl —
ALBERT .
Several pieces of her design and modelling were shown to the king, when he was at Meissen, in Saxony; and he was so struck with their beauty, that he determined to convey the artist with other prisoners, to his capital —
WEDGEWOOD .
Where he issued his royal edict, compelling the girls of the factory to marry Prussian soldiers. Unfeelingly odd!
ALBERT .
Sophia has yet escaped this tyranny. The overseer , however, has demanded her hand; but I shall be in time to thwart his purposes.
WEDGEWOOD .
But, to effect that, you must also thwart the purposes of Frederick himself, who, I understand, is as stubborn as he is bold.
ALBERT .
Count Laniska has won Sophia's affections, and love is a power that can not be controlled.
WEDGEWOOD .
Veritably odd!
ALBERT .
You are on your way to the factory — have you free admission for yourself and friends?
WEDGEWOOD .
Indubitably
ALBERT .
Then we will, with your permission, visit it together ( Aside .) In this disguise, and under the name of Worrendorf, I may pass unnoticed.
WEDGEWOOD .
It is growing late. After the fatigues of the journey, I need repose.
ALBERT .
And so do I. Good-night!
WEDGEWOOD .
Good-night! [ Exit Albert ; G ERTRUDE takes a lighted candle from the table and shows the way; W EDGEWOOD take a light .] Do you rise early, friend?
HANS .
No, mynheer; but mine vife does —
WEDGEWOOD .
Then tell your wife to knock at my door early in the morning.
HANS ( eyeing him and looking suspiciously .)
So ho! I smoke you!
WEDGEWOOD .
Then keep farther off with your confounded pipe, you Dutch abomination.
HANS ( lays his finger on his nose .)
And I schmells a rat!
WEDGEWOOD ( looking around .)
The devil you do! Where? —
HANS .
Se I vill knock at yourn door myself —
WEDGEWOOD .
If it is convenient. ( Exit H ANS .) A pretty house I have got into! — Smokes me! — smells a rat! — The filthy Dutchman!
SCENE II.
An open cut wood near Berlin. Tents in the distance. A military outpost. Enter H AROLD , Corporal, and a party of Soldiers, in military undress .
SONG .
The life for me is a soldier's life!
With that what glories come!
The notes of the spirit-stirring fife,
The roll of the battle-drum;
The brilliant array, the bearing high,
The plumed warriors' tramp;
The streaming banners that flout the sky,
The gleaming pomp of the camp.
CHORUS .
A soldier's life is the life for me!
With that what glories come!
The notes of the spirit-stirring fife,
The roll of the battle-drum!
HAROLD .
So, corporal, at last we are to have a muster of the combined forces of the kingdom.
CORPORAL .
Yes, the king is never so happy as when he has all his children, as he calls us , about him.
HAROLD .
And plaguy good care he takes of his children! He looks after our domestic as well as our public interests! It was a strange whim in old Fritz to offer each of his soldiers one of the factory girls for a wife!
CORPORAL .
I wonder the old hero does not marry some of them himself.
HAROLD .
He would rather look after his soldiers than meddle with the fancies of the women — and at his age too!
CORPORAL .
Nonsense! The king is a boy — a mere boy — of seventy! But he does meddle with the women sometimes.
HAROLD .
Say you so?
CORPORAL .
Ay, and old ones too. It was but the other day that he pensioned a poor widow, whose only son fell in a skirmish at his side. Heaven bless his old cocked hat!
HAROLD .
Yet is it not singular that one so mindful of the rights of old women should compel the young ones to toil as they do in the factory?
CORPORAL .
Tush, tush, man! — that's none of your concern, nor mine. What have we to do with state affairs?
HAROLD .
Right, corporal; and it's not worth while for us to trouble our heads about other people's business.
CORPORAL .
You're a sensible fellow —
HAROLD .
Right again; and I would return the compliment if you did not wear such a flashy watch riband (looks at it)
CORPORAL .
That's personal!
HAROLD .
I mean it to be so. What the devil do you wear it for?
CORPORAL .
To gratify a whim. I like this riband. It was a present from an old sweetheart of mine. Look what a jaunty air it gives one! — and where's the harm of keeping up appearances? —
HAROLD .
What silly vanity! But let me give you a piece of advice: beware of the scrutiny of the king — he has an eye like a hawk, old as he is; and if he should happen to spy your watch riband —
CORPORAL .
Pooh, pooh! — he would not notice such a trifle — But who comes yonder? That Hungarian Karl. Let's make way for him. — He's a fellow I don't fancy. What a man to woo and win Sophia Mansfield!
HAROLD .
He'll never win her, woo her as he may. Count Laniska will look to that.
SONG — KARL .
Confusion! — Again rejected
By the maid I fondly love!
Illusion! — In soul dejected!
Jealous fears my bosom move
Dear Sophia! — Hope's deceiver!
Whom I love; but love in vain!
Can I to my rival leave her?
No — the thought distracts my brain!
Love — revenge! — Oh, how I falter!
Passion's throes unman me quite:
Now he leads her to the altar —
How I tremble at the sight!
Hold, tormentors! cease to tear me!
All in vain I gasp for breath!
Hated rival — scorn I bear thee
Which can only end in death!
(H AROLD advances)
HAROLD .
Karl, what ails you?
KARL ( aside .)
Observed! ( To H AROLD .) An infirmity I've had from my youth upward. I shall be better presently.
HAROLD .
You tremble like one with the ague.
KARL .
We Hungarians have not your tough constitution, comrade: besides, the weather is chilly — it freezes me to the bone.
HAROLD .
It's the weather within, Karl. Repair to the factory, and sun yourself in the bright eyes of Sophia Mansfield! That will warm you, especially if Count Laniska happens to be by to stir up the fire of your jealousy — eh?
KARL .
You have a sharp wit, which I lack, comrade.
HAROLD ( sarcastically .)
And I've another thing which you lack — comrade.
KARL .
What may that be?
HAROLD .
A clear conscience, my old boy!
KARL .
Does he suspect? No — sleeping and waking I have concealed this ( his arm ) damning evidence of my guilt. The mark of Cain I bear about me is known to none, and the secret dies with me. — For that young Pole, Sophia scorns me; but let him beware! — My revenge, though slow, is sure!
SONG — LANISKA .
When I behold that lowering brow,
Which indicates the mind within,
I marvel much that woman's vow
A man like that could ever win!
Yet it is said, in rustic bower,
(The fable I have often heard)
A serpent has mysterious power
To captivate a timid bird.
This precept then I sadly trace —
That love's a fluttering thing of air;
And yonder lurks the viper base,
Who would my gentle bird ensnare!
'T was in the shades of Eden's bower
This fascination had its birth,
And even there possessed the power
To lure the paragon of earth!
COUNT .
Come hither, Karl.
KARL .
I await upon your leisure, count.
COUNT .
I would have some words with you.
KARL .
You may not relish the frankness of my manner.
COUNT .
Indeed!
KARL .
Look you, Count Laniska; I am a plain, blunt, straight-forward, rough-spoken fellow, and a soldier like yourself. I know my rights; and, knowing, will maintain them. It was by the king's permission and authority that I chose Sophia Mansfield for my bride —
COUNT .
She has rejected you.
KARL .
What has that to do with the matter? Women are often perverse, and not always the best judges of their own welfare; and you know she must be mine —
COUNT .
Must? —
KARL .
Yes, must . I have the king's promise, and Frederick was never known to break his word.
COUNT .
You surely would not marry her against her will?
KARL .
Why not? Sophia is the only woman I ever loved: and now that I have her sure, think you I will resign her?
COUNT .
And think you the king will force an angel into the arms of a monster? He can not be so great a tyrant —
KARL .
Tyrant!
COUNT .
Yes. Man was created to cherish woman, not to oppress her; and he is the worst of tyrants who would injure that sex whom heaven ordains it his duty to protect.
KARL .
Apply you this to the king?
COUNT .
To the king, or to any he in Christendom, who would use his power to oppress the unfortunate! But come, sir, we will not dispute about a hasty word — we have higher duties to perform.
KARL .
True, count; we oppose our weapons to the enemies of our country, not the bosoms of our friends. I say our country; for, although you were born in Poland, and I in Hungary, Frederick has made Prussia almost as dear to us as our native land, tyrant though he may be. — But we will not quarrel about a single captive, when the king has placed so many at the disposal of those who fight his battles.
( Enter H AROLD with despatches )
HAROLD ( to COUNT )
Despatches from the king. ( Aside ) And a letter from Sophia Mansfield.
DUET — COUNT AND KARL .
'Tis a soldier's rigid duty
Orders strictly to obey;
Let not, then, the smile of beauty
Lure us from the camp away.
In our country's cause united,
Gallantly we'll take the field;
But, the victory won, delighted
Singly to the fair we yield!
Soldiers who have ne'er retreated,
Beauty's tear will sure beguile;
Hearts that armies ne'er defeated,
Love can conquer with a smile
Who would strive to live in story,
Did not woman's hand prepare
Amaranthine wreaths of glory
Which the valiant proudly wear?
SCENE III.
An apartment in the Chateau of the Countess Enter the Countess and F REDERICA .
COUNTESS .
Your morning ride, Frederica, was full of romance — the horse of your groom, you say, took fright —
FREDERICA .
Yes, dear mother, and darted off at a racing pace; my own also became unmanageable, and I lost my presence of mind. I should have been thrown, if not killed, had not a gentleman rushed to my assistance.
COUNTESS .
Who was he?
FREDERICA .
I do not know.
COUNTESS .
Was he alone?
FREDERICA .
There was an elderly person with him, who seemed to be a foreigner.
COUNTESS .
But he was young, of course?
FREDERICA .
Yes, mother, and handsome as an Adonis.
COUNTESS .
You have not fallen in love with this stranger, surely? You are not old enough, and this is only your first season, Frederica.
FREDERICA .
Love has all seasons for his own, dear mother. Listen!
SONG — FREDERICA .
The spring-time of love is both happy and gay,
For Joy sprinkles blossoms and balm in our way;
The sky, earth, and ocean, in beauty repose,
And all the bright future is couleur de rose!
The summer of love is the bloom of the heart,
When hill, grove, and valley their music impart;
And the pure glow of heaven is seen in fond eyes,
As lakes show the rainbow that's hung in the skies!
The autumn of love is the season of cheer —
Life's mild Indian summer, the smile of the year —
Which comes when the golden-ripe harvest is stored,
And yields its own blessings, repose, and reward.
The winter of love is the beam that we win,
While the storm howls without, from the sunshine within.
Love's reign is eternal — the heart is his throne,
And he has all seasons of life for his own.
COUNTESS .
Silly, thoughtless girl! — What strangers are these coming up the avenue?
FREDERICA
As I live, the elderly person I told you of, and the young gentleman who risked his life to save mine!
WEDGEWOOD .
Have I the honor of addressing the Countess Laniska? ( Aside .) Flounces, frills, fillagrees, and furbelows, but she's superlatively odd!
COUNTESS .
I am the countess, sir.
WEDGEWOOD
Will your ladyship be pleased to receive these letters of introduction — if quite convenient?
COUNTESS
Mr. Wedgewood, from Esturia and London; and —
WEDGEWOOD
Mr. Albert Worrendorf.
COUNTESS
My daughter Frederica.
ALBERT
The angel we met by accident this morning!
WEDGEWOOD
Seraphically odd!
FREDERICA
We have seen each other before, Mr. Worrendorf.
ALBERT
To my great happiness, madam.
COUNTESS
It was very kind in my correspondent, Mr. Wedgewood, to introduce a gentleman of your celebrity to my chateau.
WEDGEWOOD .
You do me honor, madam. We Englishmen are plain-spoken people. We are not unlike our earthenware — delf and common clay mixed together. If our outsides are sometimes rough, all within is smooth and polished as the best of work. It is the purest spirit, which, like the finest china, lets the light shine through it. (Aside) Not a a bad compliment to myself, and metaphorically odd!
COUNTESS .
Your reply reminds me of the object of your visit. The Prussians are very proud of the manufactory which has claimed the attention of the king.
WEDGEWOOD .
Oh, how I long to see the great Frederick!
COUNTESS .
You will like him, I am confident.
WEDGEWOOD .
I don't know that. I don't at all fancy his edict. — What! marry a parcel of handsome, innocent, industrious girls to his great whiskered horse-guards, whether they will or no? It's a piece of moral turpitude — an insult to common sense — and infamously odd —
FREDERICA
Have a care, Mr. Wedgewood — have a care how you talk about the king. He possesses a sort of magical ubiquity — and is here, there, and every where at the same moment.
WEDGEWOOD .
How does he manage that?
FREDERICA .
He wanders about in secrecy and disguise — enters all kinds of mansions — and often overhears conversations that were never intended for the court. By this means, it is said, he gathers information from every nook and corner of his kingdom.
WEDGEWOOD .
Strange kind of hocus-pocus work for a monarch! — Peripatetically odd!
ALBERT .
I have been told that he knows more of the character and condition of his subjects and soldiers than they do themselves.
COUNTESS .
And he never knows of a wrong done among his people that he does not instantly redress — though it often puzzles them to learn how he arrives at his knowledge of the facts. Many think him a wizard.
WEDGEWOOD .
And not without reason, madam. Never before have I heard of such a compound of sagacity, courage, and eccentricity. Oh, I am all in a glow to see and converse with the jolly old boy!
( Enter Count L ANISKA .)
COUNTESS
My son, the Count Laniska, will present you to his majesty.
WEDGEWOOD
If it is convenient. (Aside.) Most martially and uniformly odd! ( To L ANISKA .) But, first, I should like to have a glimpse at the factory.
COUNT .
I shall be happy to show it to you. There is one extraordinary subject connected with it, that will surprise you both — a young girl of singular talent and beauty —
FREDERICA .
Ah, brother! upon your favorite theme again. That young girl occupies more of your thoughts than all the porcelain in these dominions.
ALBERT
Poor Sophia!
FREDERICA
Why, what's the matter with you, brother?
WEDGEWOOD .
He is no doubt studying the mixture of different kinds of clay, and contriving a furnace that will not destroy it by too much heat. Ingeniously odd!
COUNT .
You are mistaken, sir. I was thinking at what time I should have the pleasure of waiting upon you
WEDGEWOOD .
I will be at your service as soon as I have had time to adjust my outward and refresh my inward man. — Necessarily odd! ( Seeing the Countess about to retire .) Madam, allow me ( takes her hand ) — If it is convenient.
FREDERICA
Now, brother, that the countess has retired, pray favor us with your confidence. You need not mind Mr. Worrendorf — I have told him all about Sophia Mansfield — I love that poor girl myself, not less for her misfortunes than her genius.
ALBERT .
I love her too —
FREDERICA
Oh, dear! what's the matter with me? My head turns round — I am ready to drop!
COUNT
You love her! Wherefore?
ALBERT .
She is my countrywoman, and for that I love her.
FREDERICA
Well, gentlemen, I must say this is very ungallant in you both, to be praising one lady so highly when there is another in the room. ( Aside .) Oh, dear me, how near I came betraying myself!
ALBERT .
Your pardon, my dear madam. When I look at you, I almost forget there is another woman in the world. ( Kisses F REDERICA'S hand, who turns away in evident confusion .) — But for the present I must leave you, to join Mr. Wedgewood.
COUNT
( Aside .) So, so, Frederica — fairly caught, I perceive! ( To F REDERICA .) Ah, sister, sister! as in all things else, there is a destiny in love.
DUET — LANISKA AND FREDERICA .
From my fate there's no retreating —
Love commands, and I obey;
How with joy my heart is beating
At the fortunes of to-day!
Life is filled with strange romances —
Love is blind, the poets say;
When he comes unsought, the chance is
Of his own accord he 'll stay.
Love can ne'er be forced to tarry;
Chain him — he 'll the bonds remove:
Paired, not matched, too many marry —
All should wed alone for love.
Let him on the bridal-even
Trim his lamp with constant ray;
And the flame will light to heaven,
When the world shall fade away!
SCENE IV.
The whole depth of the stage is made use of in this scene, which represents an open country. A Camp and Soldiers at a distance. Music. Enter H ANS , G ERTRUDE , and Peasantly: Lads and Lasses dancing .
CHORUS OF PEASANTS .
Lads and lasses, trip away
To the cheerful roundelay!
At the sound of tambourine,
Care is banished from the scene,
And a happy train we bound,
To the pipe and tabour's sound
Merrily, merrily trip away,
'T is a nation's holiday!
Merrily, merrily, merrilie,
Bound with spirits light and free!
Let's be jocund while we may;
And dance — dance — dance —
And dance the happy hours away!
When the gleaming line shall come,
To the sound of trump and drum;
Headed by advancing steeds,
Whom the king in person leads —
Let us hail him in his state,
For the king's both good and great!
Merrily, merrily trip away,
'T is a nation's holiday!
Merrily, merrily, merrilie,
Bound with spirits light and free!
Let's be jocund, now we may,
And dance — dance — dance —
And dance the happy hours away!
HANS .
Here we are, Gertrude, many miles from our own village — and all for vat? To please you ( aside ) and to shell a few color to der artishes, vich I pring along mit me for der purpose; but I need not tell her dat. — Here, stand aside, and don't be looking after de sholders!
KING .
General!
FIRST GENERAL .
Your majesty.
KING .
How comes it there is such a lack of discipline in your division? Disband that regiment at once, and draft a few of the men from the right wing into other regiments ordered for immediate service! The sooner they are shot the better!
FIRST GENERAL .
Yes, sire.
KING .
Generals — most of you have served the greater part of your lives with me. We have grown gray-headed in the service of our country, and we therefore know best ourselves the dangers, difficulties, and glory in which we have shared. While we maintain the discipline of the army, we may defy any power that Europe can march against us — relax that, and we become an easy prey to the spoiler.
SECOND GENERAL .
Your majesty shall have no cause of complaint in future.
KING .
Make sure of that! — Soldiers, I rely in my operations entirely upon your well-known zeal in my service, and I shall acknowledge it with gratitude as long as I live; but at the same time I require of you that you look upon it as your most sacred duty to show kindness and mercy to all prisoners that the fortunes of war may throw in your power.
SECOND GENERAL .
That duty, sire, you have taught us all our lives.
KING
Good! — Have any of my grenadiers anything to say to me before the parade is dismissed?
HAROLD
Your Majesty!
KING .
Speak out, Harold!
HAROLD .
The grenadiers have noticed with deep regret that you fatigue yourself of late too much with the cares of the army. We protest against it —
KING .
Zounds and fury! — Here's rebellion! You protest against it?
HAROLD
We do. You are getting to be an old man — a very old man — and are too much afoot.
KING .
I can do as I like about it, I suppose?
HAROLD .
Certainly not; and you will, therefore, in future, be good enough to use your carriage more and your legs less.
KING .
What do the grenadiers fear?
HAROLD .
We fear nothing but the loss of your health, the loss of your life, or the loss of your favor, sire.
KING .
Don't you fear the loss of my temper at your bluntness — eh, old comrade?
HAROLD .
No, sire; we know you like it.
KING .
I do indeed. You are in the right, my brave compatriots — for my advanced age and increasing infirmities admonish me that I shall be under the necessity of following your advice. But on the day of battle, you shall see me on horseback — on horseback — and in the thickest of the fight! ( Crosses the stage, as a Burgomaster enters, kneels, and presents a petition .) What have we here?
BURGOMASTER .
Sire — the common council has imprisoned a citizen, upon an accusation that he has sinned against heaven, the king, and the right worshipful the common council. We humbly beg to know what Your Majesty's pleasure is with regard to the punishment of so unparalleled and atrocious an offender?
KING .
If the prisoner has sinned against heaven, and is not a fool or a madman, he will make his peace with it without delay. That is a Power ( taking off his hat — all the characters make their obeisance ) that kings themselves must bow to in reverential awe.
BURGOMASTER .
But he has also sinned against your high and mighty majesty —
KING .
Tush, tush, man!
BURGOMASTER
On my official veracity, sire.
KING .
Well, well, for that I pardon him —
BURGOMASTER .
And he has likewise sinned against the right worshipful the common council.
KING .
The reprobate! —
BURGOMASTER .
It is most veritable, Your Majesty!
KING .
Well, for that terrible and enormous offence, it becomes my solemn duty to make an example of so abominable a culprit and to punish him in a most exemplary manner. Therefore —
BURGOMASTER .
Yes, Your Majesty —
KING .
Send him to the Castle of Spandau, to be imprisoned —
BURGOMASTER .
Your Majesty —
KING .
For at least —
BURGOMASTER .
Sire —
KING .
Half an hour (Peasantry laugh; ) — and afterward he is at liberty to go the devil his own way; and the right worshipful the common council may go with him, if they like!
KING .
Corporal!
CORPORAL .
Your Majesty!
KING .
I have often noticed you in the field. You are a brave soldier — and a prudent one, too, to have saved enough from your pay to buy yourself a watch.
HAROLD
You remember what I told you about a hawk's eye.
CORPORAL .
Brave I flatter myself I am; but as to my watch, it is of little signification.
KING
Why, this is not a watch! — It's a bullet!
CORPORAL .
It's the only watch I have, Your Majesty; but I have not worn it entirely out of vanity —
KING .
What have you worn it for, then? It does not show you the time of day!
CORPORAL .
No; but it clearly shows me the death I am to die in your Majesty's service.
KING .
Well said, my brave fellow! And, that you may likewise see the hour among the twelve in which you are to die, I will give you my watch. Take it, and wear it for my sake, corporal.
CORPORAL
It will also teach me that at any moment Your Majesty may command my life.
HAROLD
And the lives of us all. Long live the king!
KING
You, my brave fellows, are my own guards. I can rely upon you . There is no want of discipline here — eh, General? Notwithstanding all my an noyances, I am the happiest king in Christendom!
CHORUS .
(Grenadiers and all the Characters.)
All hail the king! — Long live the king!
Our hope in peace and war!
With his renown let Prussia ring —
Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!
He is the pillar of the state!
Our sword and buckler he!
Heaven give to Frederick the Great
Eternal victory!
SCENE I.
Inside of a German Inn, on the road to Berlin. Fire and candles nearly extinguished. Clock in the corner, marking the hour of ten . H ANS seated in an arm-chair, asleep. Music. The curtain rises to the opening symphony . H ANS yawns in his sleep .
GERTRUDE .
Ho! Hans! — Why, Hans! — You Hans, I say!
Awake! — Here'll be the deuce to pay!
For coming guests get fire and lights,
And help me put the room to rights!
Hans! — I've no patience with the lout!
What, Hans, on earth are you about?
Did ever room look so forlorn?
Hans! — Hark! I hear the postman's horn!
HANS .
What der tuyvel is der matter,
Dus you chitter — chatter — clatter?
GERTRUDE ( aside .)
His impudence can not be borne!
HANS .
What's dat I hear?
GERTRUDE .
The postman's horn!
Whose notes o'er moor and mountain flung —
HANS .
Are not so noisy as your tongue!
CHORUS .
Rejoice! rejoice! we're safe and sound,
And shelter for the night have found,
Within this snug abode!
The dust may rise, the rain may fall —
Beneath this roof we'll smile at all
The dangers of the road!
SOLO .
Then let the cheerful board be spread;
To supper first, and then to bed,
Till birds their songs begin:
Thus, whether sleeping or awake,
The weary traveller will take
His comfort at his inn.
CHORUS .
Rejoice! rejoice! we're safe, etc.
GERTRUDE .
Where in the world are all these people going to, Hans?
HANS .
To Berlin, to shee der troops. Frederick musters dem to-morrow at der capital. But why don't you attend to der guest?
GERTRUDE .
Why don't you ? You are not fit to keep an inn, Hans.
HANS .
I was not prought up to it; mine pishiness was to keep a paint-shop, and shell der colors to der artists.
GERTRUDE .
Don't stand here chattering about your fine colors — but look to the guests —
HANS .
Yaw, yaw, mein fraulein.
ALBERT ( without )
Ho! landlord! — Waiters, look to our luggage!
WEDGEWOOD ( speaking as he enters .)
If it is convenient.
GERTRUDE .
This way, gentlemen, this way.
ALBERT .
Two bed-chambers, landlord, as soon as possible.
HANS .
Yaw, mynheer.
WEDGEWOOD .
Landlady, take care of my coat and stick, and here's something for your pains.
GERTRUDE .
Yes, sir.
WEDGEWOOD ( looking at her .)
What a pretty girl.
GERTRUDE .
Is that all , sir?
WEDGEWOOD ( aside to GERTRUDE .) No, that's not all (Kisses her.) Take this into the bargain, you jade!
GERTRUDE ( courtesies .)
Thank you, sir. (Aside.) What a nice, queer old gentleman!
HANS ( taking her away passionately )
What's dat to you? Give me der tings ( takes them ) You do noding but ogle mit der young folks, and flirt mit der old ones!
GERTRUDE
Oh, you jealous brute!
WEDGEWOOD ( noticing her .)
Nice girl that — odd , too, that she should have married a man old enough to be her grandfather!
HANS ( aside .)
Dat queer chap in der brown vig I'm sure is a gay deceiver, or he would not admire mine vife so much. I must have mine eyes about me.
WEDGEWOOD ( noticing HANS and GERTRUDE )
Odd, very odd, very odd indeed! But, now that we are alone, pray continue the narrative you commenced in the coach — if it is convenient.
ALBERT .
Right willingly. Frederick, after his conquest of Saxony, transported by force several manufacturers from Dresden to Berlin, where he has established a Porcelain Factory —
WEDGEWOOD .
Separated from their friends, home, and country, these unfortunate people are compelled to continue their labors for the profit and glory of their conqueror — I know it — go on —
ALBERT .
Among those in bondage is Sophia Mansfield —
WEDGEWOOD .
I have heard of her: — a young, beautiful, and singularly-gifted girl —
ALBERT .
Several pieces of her design and modelling were shown to the king, when he was at Meissen, in Saxony; and he was so struck with their beauty, that he determined to convey the artist with other prisoners, to his capital —
WEDGEWOOD .
Where he issued his royal edict, compelling the girls of the factory to marry Prussian soldiers. Unfeelingly odd!
ALBERT .
Sophia has yet escaped this tyranny. The overseer , however, has demanded her hand; but I shall be in time to thwart his purposes.
WEDGEWOOD .
But, to effect that, you must also thwart the purposes of Frederick himself, who, I understand, is as stubborn as he is bold.
ALBERT .
Count Laniska has won Sophia's affections, and love is a power that can not be controlled.
WEDGEWOOD .
Veritably odd!
ALBERT .
You are on your way to the factory — have you free admission for yourself and friends?
WEDGEWOOD .
Indubitably
ALBERT .
Then we will, with your permission, visit it together ( Aside .) In this disguise, and under the name of Worrendorf, I may pass unnoticed.
WEDGEWOOD .
It is growing late. After the fatigues of the journey, I need repose.
ALBERT .
And so do I. Good-night!
WEDGEWOOD .
Good-night! [ Exit Albert ; G ERTRUDE takes a lighted candle from the table and shows the way; W EDGEWOOD take a light .] Do you rise early, friend?
HANS .
No, mynheer; but mine vife does —
WEDGEWOOD .
Then tell your wife to knock at my door early in the morning.
HANS ( eyeing him and looking suspiciously .)
So ho! I smoke you!
WEDGEWOOD .
Then keep farther off with your confounded pipe, you Dutch abomination.
HANS ( lays his finger on his nose .)
And I schmells a rat!
WEDGEWOOD ( looking around .)
The devil you do! Where? —
HANS .
Se I vill knock at yourn door myself —
WEDGEWOOD .
If it is convenient. ( Exit H ANS .) A pretty house I have got into! — Smokes me! — smells a rat! — The filthy Dutchman!
SCENE II.
An open cut wood near Berlin. Tents in the distance. A military outpost. Enter H AROLD , Corporal, and a party of Soldiers, in military undress .
SONG .
The life for me is a soldier's life!
With that what glories come!
The notes of the spirit-stirring fife,
The roll of the battle-drum;
The brilliant array, the bearing high,
The plumed warriors' tramp;
The streaming banners that flout the sky,
The gleaming pomp of the camp.
CHORUS .
A soldier's life is the life for me!
With that what glories come!
The notes of the spirit-stirring fife,
The roll of the battle-drum!
HAROLD .
So, corporal, at last we are to have a muster of the combined forces of the kingdom.
CORPORAL .
Yes, the king is never so happy as when he has all his children, as he calls us , about him.
HAROLD .
And plaguy good care he takes of his children! He looks after our domestic as well as our public interests! It was a strange whim in old Fritz to offer each of his soldiers one of the factory girls for a wife!
CORPORAL .
I wonder the old hero does not marry some of them himself.
HAROLD .
He would rather look after his soldiers than meddle with the fancies of the women — and at his age too!
CORPORAL .
Nonsense! The king is a boy — a mere boy — of seventy! But he does meddle with the women sometimes.
HAROLD .
Say you so?
CORPORAL .
Ay, and old ones too. It was but the other day that he pensioned a poor widow, whose only son fell in a skirmish at his side. Heaven bless his old cocked hat!
HAROLD .
Yet is it not singular that one so mindful of the rights of old women should compel the young ones to toil as they do in the factory?
CORPORAL .
Tush, tush, man! — that's none of your concern, nor mine. What have we to do with state affairs?
HAROLD .
Right, corporal; and it's not worth while for us to trouble our heads about other people's business.
CORPORAL .
You're a sensible fellow —
HAROLD .
Right again; and I would return the compliment if you did not wear such a flashy watch riband (looks at it)
CORPORAL .
That's personal!
HAROLD .
I mean it to be so. What the devil do you wear it for?
CORPORAL .
To gratify a whim. I like this riband. It was a present from an old sweetheart of mine. Look what a jaunty air it gives one! — and where's the harm of keeping up appearances? —
HAROLD .
What silly vanity! But let me give you a piece of advice: beware of the scrutiny of the king — he has an eye like a hawk, old as he is; and if he should happen to spy your watch riband —
CORPORAL .
Pooh, pooh! — he would not notice such a trifle — But who comes yonder? That Hungarian Karl. Let's make way for him. — He's a fellow I don't fancy. What a man to woo and win Sophia Mansfield!
HAROLD .
He'll never win her, woo her as he may. Count Laniska will look to that.
SONG — KARL .
Confusion! — Again rejected
By the maid I fondly love!
Illusion! — In soul dejected!
Jealous fears my bosom move
Dear Sophia! — Hope's deceiver!
Whom I love; but love in vain!
Can I to my rival leave her?
No — the thought distracts my brain!
Love — revenge! — Oh, how I falter!
Passion's throes unman me quite:
Now he leads her to the altar —
How I tremble at the sight!
Hold, tormentors! cease to tear me!
All in vain I gasp for breath!
Hated rival — scorn I bear thee
Which can only end in death!
(H AROLD advances)
HAROLD .
Karl, what ails you?
KARL ( aside .)
Observed! ( To H AROLD .) An infirmity I've had from my youth upward. I shall be better presently.
HAROLD .
You tremble like one with the ague.
KARL .
We Hungarians have not your tough constitution, comrade: besides, the weather is chilly — it freezes me to the bone.
HAROLD .
It's the weather within, Karl. Repair to the factory, and sun yourself in the bright eyes of Sophia Mansfield! That will warm you, especially if Count Laniska happens to be by to stir up the fire of your jealousy — eh?
KARL .
You have a sharp wit, which I lack, comrade.
HAROLD ( sarcastically .)
And I've another thing which you lack — comrade.
KARL .
What may that be?
HAROLD .
A clear conscience, my old boy!
KARL .
Does he suspect? No — sleeping and waking I have concealed this ( his arm ) damning evidence of my guilt. The mark of Cain I bear about me is known to none, and the secret dies with me. — For that young Pole, Sophia scorns me; but let him beware! — My revenge, though slow, is sure!
SONG — LANISKA .
When I behold that lowering brow,
Which indicates the mind within,
I marvel much that woman's vow
A man like that could ever win!
Yet it is said, in rustic bower,
(The fable I have often heard)
A serpent has mysterious power
To captivate a timid bird.
This precept then I sadly trace —
That love's a fluttering thing of air;
And yonder lurks the viper base,
Who would my gentle bird ensnare!
'T was in the shades of Eden's bower
This fascination had its birth,
And even there possessed the power
To lure the paragon of earth!
COUNT .
Come hither, Karl.
KARL .
I await upon your leisure, count.
COUNT .
I would have some words with you.
KARL .
You may not relish the frankness of my manner.
COUNT .
Indeed!
KARL .
Look you, Count Laniska; I am a plain, blunt, straight-forward, rough-spoken fellow, and a soldier like yourself. I know my rights; and, knowing, will maintain them. It was by the king's permission and authority that I chose Sophia Mansfield for my bride —
COUNT .
She has rejected you.
KARL .
What has that to do with the matter? Women are often perverse, and not always the best judges of their own welfare; and you know she must be mine —
COUNT .
Must? —
KARL .
Yes, must . I have the king's promise, and Frederick was never known to break his word.
COUNT .
You surely would not marry her against her will?
KARL .
Why not? Sophia is the only woman I ever loved: and now that I have her sure, think you I will resign her?
COUNT .
And think you the king will force an angel into the arms of a monster? He can not be so great a tyrant —
KARL .
Tyrant!
COUNT .
Yes. Man was created to cherish woman, not to oppress her; and he is the worst of tyrants who would injure that sex whom heaven ordains it his duty to protect.
KARL .
Apply you this to the king?
COUNT .
To the king, or to any he in Christendom, who would use his power to oppress the unfortunate! But come, sir, we will not dispute about a hasty word — we have higher duties to perform.
KARL .
True, count; we oppose our weapons to the enemies of our country, not the bosoms of our friends. I say our country; for, although you were born in Poland, and I in Hungary, Frederick has made Prussia almost as dear to us as our native land, tyrant though he may be. — But we will not quarrel about a single captive, when the king has placed so many at the disposal of those who fight his battles.
( Enter H AROLD with despatches )
HAROLD ( to COUNT )
Despatches from the king. ( Aside ) And a letter from Sophia Mansfield.
DUET — COUNT AND KARL .
'Tis a soldier's rigid duty
Orders strictly to obey;
Let not, then, the smile of beauty
Lure us from the camp away.
In our country's cause united,
Gallantly we'll take the field;
But, the victory won, delighted
Singly to the fair we yield!
Soldiers who have ne'er retreated,
Beauty's tear will sure beguile;
Hearts that armies ne'er defeated,
Love can conquer with a smile
Who would strive to live in story,
Did not woman's hand prepare
Amaranthine wreaths of glory
Which the valiant proudly wear?
SCENE III.
An apartment in the Chateau of the Countess Enter the Countess and F REDERICA .
COUNTESS .
Your morning ride, Frederica, was full of romance — the horse of your groom, you say, took fright —
FREDERICA .
Yes, dear mother, and darted off at a racing pace; my own also became unmanageable, and I lost my presence of mind. I should have been thrown, if not killed, had not a gentleman rushed to my assistance.
COUNTESS .
Who was he?
FREDERICA .
I do not know.
COUNTESS .
Was he alone?
FREDERICA .
There was an elderly person with him, who seemed to be a foreigner.
COUNTESS .
But he was young, of course?
FREDERICA .
Yes, mother, and handsome as an Adonis.
COUNTESS .
You have not fallen in love with this stranger, surely? You are not old enough, and this is only your first season, Frederica.
FREDERICA .
Love has all seasons for his own, dear mother. Listen!
SONG — FREDERICA .
The spring-time of love is both happy and gay,
For Joy sprinkles blossoms and balm in our way;
The sky, earth, and ocean, in beauty repose,
And all the bright future is couleur de rose!
The summer of love is the bloom of the heart,
When hill, grove, and valley their music impart;
And the pure glow of heaven is seen in fond eyes,
As lakes show the rainbow that's hung in the skies!
The autumn of love is the season of cheer —
Life's mild Indian summer, the smile of the year —
Which comes when the golden-ripe harvest is stored,
And yields its own blessings, repose, and reward.
The winter of love is the beam that we win,
While the storm howls without, from the sunshine within.
Love's reign is eternal — the heart is his throne,
And he has all seasons of life for his own.
COUNTESS .
Silly, thoughtless girl! — What strangers are these coming up the avenue?
FREDERICA
As I live, the elderly person I told you of, and the young gentleman who risked his life to save mine!
WEDGEWOOD .
Have I the honor of addressing the Countess Laniska? ( Aside .) Flounces, frills, fillagrees, and furbelows, but she's superlatively odd!
COUNTESS .
I am the countess, sir.
WEDGEWOOD
Will your ladyship be pleased to receive these letters of introduction — if quite convenient?
COUNTESS
Mr. Wedgewood, from Esturia and London; and —
WEDGEWOOD
Mr. Albert Worrendorf.
COUNTESS
My daughter Frederica.
ALBERT
The angel we met by accident this morning!
WEDGEWOOD
Seraphically odd!
FREDERICA
We have seen each other before, Mr. Worrendorf.
ALBERT
To my great happiness, madam.
COUNTESS
It was very kind in my correspondent, Mr. Wedgewood, to introduce a gentleman of your celebrity to my chateau.
WEDGEWOOD .
You do me honor, madam. We Englishmen are plain-spoken people. We are not unlike our earthenware — delf and common clay mixed together. If our outsides are sometimes rough, all within is smooth and polished as the best of work. It is the purest spirit, which, like the finest china, lets the light shine through it. (Aside) Not a a bad compliment to myself, and metaphorically odd!
COUNTESS .
Your reply reminds me of the object of your visit. The Prussians are very proud of the manufactory which has claimed the attention of the king.
WEDGEWOOD .
Oh, how I long to see the great Frederick!
COUNTESS .
You will like him, I am confident.
WEDGEWOOD .
I don't know that. I don't at all fancy his edict. — What! marry a parcel of handsome, innocent, industrious girls to his great whiskered horse-guards, whether they will or no? It's a piece of moral turpitude — an insult to common sense — and infamously odd —
FREDERICA
Have a care, Mr. Wedgewood — have a care how you talk about the king. He possesses a sort of magical ubiquity — and is here, there, and every where at the same moment.
WEDGEWOOD .
How does he manage that?
FREDERICA .
He wanders about in secrecy and disguise — enters all kinds of mansions — and often overhears conversations that were never intended for the court. By this means, it is said, he gathers information from every nook and corner of his kingdom.
WEDGEWOOD .
Strange kind of hocus-pocus work for a monarch! — Peripatetically odd!
ALBERT .
I have been told that he knows more of the character and condition of his subjects and soldiers than they do themselves.
COUNTESS .
And he never knows of a wrong done among his people that he does not instantly redress — though it often puzzles them to learn how he arrives at his knowledge of the facts. Many think him a wizard.
WEDGEWOOD .
And not without reason, madam. Never before have I heard of such a compound of sagacity, courage, and eccentricity. Oh, I am all in a glow to see and converse with the jolly old boy!
( Enter Count L ANISKA .)
COUNTESS
My son, the Count Laniska, will present you to his majesty.
WEDGEWOOD
If it is convenient. (Aside.) Most martially and uniformly odd! ( To L ANISKA .) But, first, I should like to have a glimpse at the factory.
COUNT .
I shall be happy to show it to you. There is one extraordinary subject connected with it, that will surprise you both — a young girl of singular talent and beauty —
FREDERICA .
Ah, brother! upon your favorite theme again. That young girl occupies more of your thoughts than all the porcelain in these dominions.
ALBERT
Poor Sophia!
FREDERICA
Why, what's the matter with you, brother?
WEDGEWOOD .
He is no doubt studying the mixture of different kinds of clay, and contriving a furnace that will not destroy it by too much heat. Ingeniously odd!
COUNT .
You are mistaken, sir. I was thinking at what time I should have the pleasure of waiting upon you
WEDGEWOOD .
I will be at your service as soon as I have had time to adjust my outward and refresh my inward man. — Necessarily odd! ( Seeing the Countess about to retire .) Madam, allow me ( takes her hand ) — If it is convenient.
FREDERICA
Now, brother, that the countess has retired, pray favor us with your confidence. You need not mind Mr. Worrendorf — I have told him all about Sophia Mansfield — I love that poor girl myself, not less for her misfortunes than her genius.
ALBERT .
I love her too —
FREDERICA
Oh, dear! what's the matter with me? My head turns round — I am ready to drop!
COUNT
You love her! Wherefore?
ALBERT .
She is my countrywoman, and for that I love her.
FREDERICA
Well, gentlemen, I must say this is very ungallant in you both, to be praising one lady so highly when there is another in the room. ( Aside .) Oh, dear me, how near I came betraying myself!
ALBERT .
Your pardon, my dear madam. When I look at you, I almost forget there is another woman in the world. ( Kisses F REDERICA'S hand, who turns away in evident confusion .) — But for the present I must leave you, to join Mr. Wedgewood.
COUNT
( Aside .) So, so, Frederica — fairly caught, I perceive! ( To F REDERICA .) Ah, sister, sister! as in all things else, there is a destiny in love.
DUET — LANISKA AND FREDERICA .
From my fate there's no retreating —
Love commands, and I obey;
How with joy my heart is beating
At the fortunes of to-day!
Life is filled with strange romances —
Love is blind, the poets say;
When he comes unsought, the chance is
Of his own accord he 'll stay.
Love can ne'er be forced to tarry;
Chain him — he 'll the bonds remove:
Paired, not matched, too many marry —
All should wed alone for love.
Let him on the bridal-even
Trim his lamp with constant ray;
And the flame will light to heaven,
When the world shall fade away!
SCENE IV.
The whole depth of the stage is made use of in this scene, which represents an open country. A Camp and Soldiers at a distance. Music. Enter H ANS , G ERTRUDE , and Peasantly: Lads and Lasses dancing .
CHORUS OF PEASANTS .
Lads and lasses, trip away
To the cheerful roundelay!
At the sound of tambourine,
Care is banished from the scene,
And a happy train we bound,
To the pipe and tabour's sound
Merrily, merrily trip away,
'T is a nation's holiday!
Merrily, merrily, merrilie,
Bound with spirits light and free!
Let's be jocund while we may;
And dance — dance — dance —
And dance the happy hours away!
When the gleaming line shall come,
To the sound of trump and drum;
Headed by advancing steeds,
Whom the king in person leads —
Let us hail him in his state,
For the king's both good and great!
Merrily, merrily trip away,
'T is a nation's holiday!
Merrily, merrily, merrilie,
Bound with spirits light and free!
Let's be jocund, now we may,
And dance — dance — dance —
And dance the happy hours away!
HANS .
Here we are, Gertrude, many miles from our own village — and all for vat? To please you ( aside ) and to shell a few color to der artishes, vich I pring along mit me for der purpose; but I need not tell her dat. — Here, stand aside, and don't be looking after de sholders!
KING .
General!
FIRST GENERAL .
Your majesty.
KING .
How comes it there is such a lack of discipline in your division? Disband that regiment at once, and draft a few of the men from the right wing into other regiments ordered for immediate service! The sooner they are shot the better!
FIRST GENERAL .
Yes, sire.
KING .
Generals — most of you have served the greater part of your lives with me. We have grown gray-headed in the service of our country, and we therefore know best ourselves the dangers, difficulties, and glory in which we have shared. While we maintain the discipline of the army, we may defy any power that Europe can march against us — relax that, and we become an easy prey to the spoiler.
SECOND GENERAL .
Your majesty shall have no cause of complaint in future.
KING .
Make sure of that! — Soldiers, I rely in my operations entirely upon your well-known zeal in my service, and I shall acknowledge it with gratitude as long as I live; but at the same time I require of you that you look upon it as your most sacred duty to show kindness and mercy to all prisoners that the fortunes of war may throw in your power.
SECOND GENERAL .
That duty, sire, you have taught us all our lives.
KING
Good! — Have any of my grenadiers anything to say to me before the parade is dismissed?
HAROLD
Your Majesty!
KING .
Speak out, Harold!
HAROLD .
The grenadiers have noticed with deep regret that you fatigue yourself of late too much with the cares of the army. We protest against it —
KING .
Zounds and fury! — Here's rebellion! You protest against it?
HAROLD
We do. You are getting to be an old man — a very old man — and are too much afoot.
KING .
I can do as I like about it, I suppose?
HAROLD .
Certainly not; and you will, therefore, in future, be good enough to use your carriage more and your legs less.
KING .
What do the grenadiers fear?
HAROLD .
We fear nothing but the loss of your health, the loss of your life, or the loss of your favor, sire.
KING .
Don't you fear the loss of my temper at your bluntness — eh, old comrade?
HAROLD .
No, sire; we know you like it.
KING .
I do indeed. You are in the right, my brave compatriots — for my advanced age and increasing infirmities admonish me that I shall be under the necessity of following your advice. But on the day of battle, you shall see me on horseback — on horseback — and in the thickest of the fight! ( Crosses the stage, as a Burgomaster enters, kneels, and presents a petition .) What have we here?
BURGOMASTER .
Sire — the common council has imprisoned a citizen, upon an accusation that he has sinned against heaven, the king, and the right worshipful the common council. We humbly beg to know what Your Majesty's pleasure is with regard to the punishment of so unparalleled and atrocious an offender?
KING .
If the prisoner has sinned against heaven, and is not a fool or a madman, he will make his peace with it without delay. That is a Power ( taking off his hat — all the characters make their obeisance ) that kings themselves must bow to in reverential awe.
BURGOMASTER .
But he has also sinned against your high and mighty majesty —
KING .
Tush, tush, man!
BURGOMASTER
On my official veracity, sire.
KING .
Well, well, for that I pardon him —
BURGOMASTER .
And he has likewise sinned against the right worshipful the common council.
KING .
The reprobate! —
BURGOMASTER .
It is most veritable, Your Majesty!
KING .
Well, for that terrible and enormous offence, it becomes my solemn duty to make an example of so abominable a culprit and to punish him in a most exemplary manner. Therefore —
BURGOMASTER .
Yes, Your Majesty —
KING .
Send him to the Castle of Spandau, to be imprisoned —
BURGOMASTER .
Your Majesty —
KING .
For at least —
BURGOMASTER .
Sire —
KING .
Half an hour (Peasantry laugh; ) — and afterward he is at liberty to go the devil his own way; and the right worshipful the common council may go with him, if they like!
KING .
Corporal!
CORPORAL .
Your Majesty!
KING .
I have often noticed you in the field. You are a brave soldier — and a prudent one, too, to have saved enough from your pay to buy yourself a watch.
HAROLD
You remember what I told you about a hawk's eye.
CORPORAL .
Brave I flatter myself I am; but as to my watch, it is of little signification.
KING
Why, this is not a watch! — It's a bullet!
CORPORAL .
It's the only watch I have, Your Majesty; but I have not worn it entirely out of vanity —
KING .
What have you worn it for, then? It does not show you the time of day!
CORPORAL .
No; but it clearly shows me the death I am to die in your Majesty's service.
KING .
Well said, my brave fellow! And, that you may likewise see the hour among the twelve in which you are to die, I will give you my watch. Take it, and wear it for my sake, corporal.
CORPORAL
It will also teach me that at any moment Your Majesty may command my life.
HAROLD
And the lives of us all. Long live the king!
KING
You, my brave fellows, are my own guards. I can rely upon you . There is no want of discipline here — eh, General? Notwithstanding all my an noyances, I am the happiest king in Christendom!
CHORUS .
(Grenadiers and all the Characters.)
All hail the king! — Long live the king!
Our hope in peace and war!
With his renown let Prussia ring —
Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!
He is the pillar of the state!
Our sword and buckler he!
Heaven give to Frederick the Great
Eternal victory!
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