THE PRINCE. No matter, I repeat!

HOHENZOLLERN. No matter?

THE PRINCE. For-- His signature?

HOHENZOLLERN. By faith, I do a.s.sure 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 a.s.sembled tyrannies of ancient Rome, Guiltless as babes that die on mother-breast, Over upon the favor-hand of G.o.d!

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 Amba.s.sador 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 G.o.d, 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 a.s.sists 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_).