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

KING

For this?

HOTHAM

England would feel grateful if the former friendly understanding, interrupted somewhat since Your Majesty's illustrious accession to the throne, if the former friendly commercial understanding—

KING

Understanding?

HOTHAM. Could be restored; and if Your Majesty would graciously decide, on the occasion of this auspicious union, welcomed in England with such rejoicing, to repeal, in part, the present—prohibitive regulations—

KING

What?

HOTHAM

In a word, England asks for a new commercial treaty.

KING

New commercial treaty? Commercial—[He rises, there is a slight pause.] The meeting is adjourned.

QUEEN

What's that?

KING

Is it for this then, that I have sought to raise and ennoble the civilization of my country, that I have furthered commerce and industry, promoted shipping, given an asylum within the state to thousands of religious refugees from France—for this, that now, as the price for the honor of an alliance with England, I should open the door and let in the forbidden English merchandise—to the ruin of my own subjects?

[He goes to the table and rings. A lackey appears.]

KING

My ministers!

QUEEN

What? You would sacrifice your daughter's happiness?

SCENE IV

GRUMBKOW, SECKENDORF and three generals come in.

KING

Step nearer, gentlemen. I have allowed you to remain in uncertainty concerning a dispatch which arrived this morning from Hanover. You shall now hear my formal answer to it. Prince, poet, do not be alarmed. Our festivities will take place for all that, our cannon will thunder, our lanterns will blaze through the night. Prince, do you want to put me under eternal obligation to you?

PRINCE (misunderstanding).

Your Majesty! Can it be possible?

KING

Do you want to make me your debtor forever?

PRINCE (joyfully).

I? Wilhel—!

KING

Take to horse, Prince, and ride off within the hour, as my special envoy to Vienna.

PRINCE, GRUMBKOW AND SECKENDORF (together).

To Vienna?

KING

My daughter's hand is promised to Vienna. Within a fortnight a scion of the illustrious Imperial House will enter the walls of our capital.

HOTHAM

Your Majesty compels me, in the eventuality of an Arch-Duke's arrival, to make a certain declaration herewith—

KING

And that is?

HOTHAM

The Prince of Wales—is already here.

ALL

The Prince of Wales—in Berlin?

HOTHAM

The Prince of Wales arrived three hours ago.

GRUMBKOW AND SECKENDORF

Impossible!

QUEEN (triumphant).

I breathe again.

KING (in real consternation, but controling himself).

Baronet Hotham, I confess that this news surprises, nay, moves me greatly. But you can lay it to the account of your own egotistical politics if I declare to you that no stranger in Berlin exists for me, until he has been properly registered at the gates of the capital. If you will drive me to the last stand, if you would make the ground of my own country too hot for me—then tell the Prince of Wales that although I am deeply touched by his affection for my family, still, under conditions threatening the peace of my country, the welfare of my subjects—I must beg of him to return whence he came. Prince, you ride to Vienna as envoy of this monarchy. Wilhelmine, the Imperial Crown will console you. And as for you, Madame [aside to the Queen], has not your pride found its limits at last?

QUEEN

I have pledged my word to England.

KING (good-naturedly).

But if it isn't possible—

[Comes nearer cordially, holds out his hand.]

QUEEN (touched, hesitating).

An hour ago, possibly—[firm and decided again], but now—the personal presence of the Prince of Wales has taken the decision out of our hands.

KING

Very well—he who will have war—[To HOTHAM] Have you any other instructions than those we have already heard?

HOTHAM

None, Your Majesty.

KING

Then come to me, Prince, for the contract with Vienna. A German state in

England's stead! 'Tis better so, gentlemen, better so. I will cleave to

Germany with all my soul. Foreign egotism shall teach German peoples and

Princes how to be truly united. [He goes out into his study. GRUMBKOW,

SECKENDORF and the generals follow.]

QUEEN (to HOTHAM).

Sir, you have been witness to a scene which confirms for you the truth as to my position here, the truth that is not yet credited in England. Wilhelmine, the news of the arrival of the Prince of Wales gives me fresh hope. Ride to Vienna, Prince—become, if you must, a traitor to a cause which will conquer, despite the intrigues of my enemies. Give me your arm, Lord Hotham. The Prince of Wales in Berlin! I can hardly realize it. Bring him to me and prepare him for everything—but no—do not mention to him—those revolting forty thousand thalers.

[She goes out with OTHAM.]

SCENE V

WILHELMINE

What do you say to your friend now? The Prince of Wales in Berlin!

PRINCE

I do not know where I am in all this tangle. Hotham is a traitor, an ingrate who has betrayed me, betrayed us all.

WILHELMINE

Be more cautious in the future when you talk of friendship—and love.

Farewell.

[She turns to follow the QUEEN.]

PRINCE

Princess, is this your farewell—while I prepare to meet death or despair?

WILHELMINE

It's not so easy to die in Vienna.

PRINCE

And you believe that I will leave you now, when the glamour of the personal presence of a Prince of Wales may dazzle your eye—perhaps even your heart?

WILHELMINE

I must, I realize it now, begin to consider my heart only from the political point of view.

PRINCE

You doubt my sincerity, Princess? You distrust a heart which has truly loved but once—once and for all time—loved you, Wilhelmine!

WILHELMINE (aside).

Can such language be deception?

PRINCE

I realize what I owe to you, Princess. Frankness before the world, an honest suit for your hand—even in face of the danger of losing you forever. I will go to the King. I will tell him, yes, I will tell him now that I cannot do as he wishes. I will throw myself at his feet and confess with honest sincerity that I love you. Do you wish it?

WILHELMINE (hesitating).

No—never, no.

PRINCE

You are trembling, Princess. Oh, I know your dutiful heart shudders at the thought of defying your parents, of following the call of your own inclination. But—tell me, do you trust your father's heart?

WILHELMINE

It is full of kindness and love.

PRINCE

Very well, then. He has honored me, he has shown confidence in me; the arrival of the Prince of Wales provokes him to rebuke such hardiness. I will show him what is in my heart, and then, Wilhelmine—then? If he refuse the hand I ask—

WILHELMINE (turning from him).

You will—find consolation?

PRINCE

And if he grant it?

WILHELMINE (overcome by her emotion, allows her heart full sway, but is still roguish and maidenly).

Then—I fear that you will not keep your word—to punish me for torturing you so cruelly.

[She goes out quickly.]

SCENE VI

PRINCE (alone).

She loves me. Then one thing is sure! I will now take the straight road into the very jaws of the lion. What else remains? Betrayed by Hotham, there is naught but Wilhelmine's love—and my own courage.

[He goes toward the KING'S door.]

SCENE VII

EVERSMANN comes from the KING'S room.

EVERSMANN

Whither, Your Highness?

PRINCE

To the King.

EVERSMANN

You will find him very angry.

PRINCE

Angry at whom?

EVERSMANN

Angry at you, Prince.

PRINCE

You are joking!

EVERSMANN

The Duke of Weissenfels is to undertake the mission to Vienna.

PRINCE

What does that mean?

EVERSMANN

Investigation by the Attorney-General—just come to the King's ears.

The man was a wigmaker.

PRINCE

You are quite mad. I must speak to the King. It concerns the most important affair of my whole life. [Starts for the door again.]

EVERSMANN

Pardon me, Prince, His Majesty sends you this letter.

PRINCE (takes the letter).

"To my son, the Crown Prince of Prussia, to be delivered personally in

Rheinsberg within twenty-four hours; kindness of the Prince of

Baireuth." Why this—this is a formal decree of banishment from Berlin!

How could it happen just now?

EVERSMANN

It's merely a polite hint. Everything is discovered—and not only the matter of Rapinière. His Majesty knows you now as the emissary of the Crown Prince, sent to stir up a revolution here in Berlin and in the palace. The wigmaker confessed it all. I suspected Your Highness from the first. Wish you a pleasant journey to Rheinsberg.

[He goes out.]

PRINCE

Betrayed—forsaken by all—

HOTHAM (coming hastily from the QUEEN'S room).

Good news, Prince. The Princess is under arrest again.

PRINCE

And you call that good news, traitor!

HOTHAM

There is more, Prince. The traitor is pleased to hear that you also have fallen under the ban of the royal displeasure.

PRINCE

You are pleased to hear that?

HOTHAM

The traitor assures you on his honor that there could be no better means of fulfilling your heart's desire.

PRINCE

Would you drive me mad?

HOTHAM

To throw a preliminary cold shower on your doubt [looks about cautiously] kindly read this portion of a letter I have but just received.

PRINCE

A billet-doux from your Prince of Wales?

HOTHAM

Read it, please.

PRINCE (reads).

"London, June the fifth—"

HOTHAM (indicating a line lower down).

There—read there.

PRINCE (reads).

"You ask for news from court. We are very poor in such news just now.

The Prince of Wales is still hunting wild boars in the Welsh mountains."

The Prince is—not in Berlin?

HOTHAM (still cautious, but smiling).

Just as little as you are in the Palace of St. James at this moment.

PRINCE

But what am I to think? What am I to believe?

HOTHAM

You are to believe that you could well afford to place more confidence in Hotham's friendship, devotion—and cleverness.

PRINCE

The Prince of Wales is not in Berlin?

HOTHAM

H'st! We know he is not here—but he is here for all the others. The Prince of Wales is here, there, behind the screen, up the chimney, in the air, under the earth, nowhere where he would be in our way, but anywhere where we might need him for the merriest comedy in all the world.

PRINCE

Hotham! Then I am not deceived in your friendship?

HOTHAM

Just as little, since our commercial treaty is doomed, as I am mistaken in your chances, despite arrest and displeasure. But come now, come to that friendly goblin who will work for us—to the mysterious spirit on whose account we will keep this corner of the world in anxiety and terror—your doughty rival but your still doughtier ally.

PRINCE (in laughing surprise).

You mean?

HOTHAM

The Prince of Wales. [They both go out.]

ACT IV

Anteroom in the KING'S apartments. The same as in SCENE I of ACT II. Writing materials on the table.

SCENE I

EVERSMANN comes from the KING'S room.

SECKENDORF (puts his head in at another door).

Pst! Eversmann! Have you seen him yet?

EVERSMANN

Seen whom, Count?

SECKENDORF. The Prince of Wales. He is indeed in Berlin—he has been seen everywhere. Unter den Linden—by the river—even beyond Treptow—a frail figure of a man, stooping slightly—his left shoulder higher than the right. When he speaks you see that one eye-tooth is missing—

EVERSMANN

The King will not recognize the presence of the Prince of Wales.

SECKENDORF

We are being deceived, Eversmann. The King has recognized it. [Low.] Or can it be that you have not heard of that most strange—most remarkable command that has gone out to the Castle Guards—a command which upsets all our deductions and plans? All sentries have orders to let a white domino, if such a one should appear at night about the castle, pass unhindered and even unchallenged. Do you not see the thoughtfulness for the Prince of Wales in that? It is he who is to visit His Majesty secretly in disguise. Eversmann, all our pro-Austrian plans are in danger. [There is a knock at the door.] Every noise startles me these days.

EVERSMANN

It is the court tailor most likely, pardon me. [He goes to the door.]

Ha, ha! the white domino!

SECKENDORF

The court tailor? What can the court tailor be doing here? And a white domino? Vienna's interests are in danger. The King does favor England. I must have certainty. This is the moment when I must show my whole power.

SCENE II

HOTHAM (comes in, bows).

His Majesty graciously consented to give me a farewell audience.

[EVERSMANN returns with a little package which he opens, drawing out a white domino.]

EVERSMANN (to HOTHAM).

I will announce you at once, sir. [To SECKENDORF, smiling.] Now, Count Seckendorf, if you wish to see the Prince of Wales [Pointing to the domino] here he is.

[He goes out into the KING'S room.]

SECKENDORF (aside).

That the Prince of Wales?

HOTHAM (aside).

A white domino the Prince of Wales?

SECKENDORF (aside).

What's the key to this new riddle?

HOTHAM (aside).

Can there be some secret doings here?

SECKENDORF (aside).

I will question Baronet Hotham cautiously.

HOTHAM (aside).

Mayhap this much-decorated gentleman can give me some information.

SECKENDORF (clearing his throat).

May I ask—how His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, is enjoying himself in Berlin? I am Count Seckendorf.

HOTHAM. Most happy to meet you. As Your Excellency perceives, he is at this moment in the very best hands. [Points after EVERSMANN.]

SECKENDORF (startled, aside).

In the best hands? Is he mocking me or is he deceived himself? It looks as though he too were in the conspiracy.

HOTHAM (aside).

This misunderstanding whets my curiosity.

SECKENDORF

You are in error, Baronet, if you believe that we have opposed the suit of the Prince of Wales. Procure me an opportunity to speak to the Prince, and I will consider it an honor to be allowed to repeat this assurance in his own presence.

HOTHAM (pointing to the KING's door).

The door of His Majesty's Cabinet is, I am told, always open to the

Imperial Envoy.

SECKENDORF (aside).

The King's Cabinet! Where the Court tailor has just taken the white domino [Aloud.] H'm! Baronet Hotham, do you happen to be acquainted with the legend of the White Lady, connected for centuries with the history of the House of Brandenberg?

HOTHAM

I am, Your Excellency. And I hear that the White Lady has been seen again recently.

SECKENDORF (aside).

Recently? It is a conspiracy. They are deceiving us under cloak of the mystery of the White Lady. The Prince of Wales and the King have a thorough understanding with each other. [Aloud.] Baronet Hotham, this is double-dealing. Be honest! Confess that the Prince is not only here, but that he is received by the King at any hour.

HOTHAM

What grounds have you for your belief?

SECKENDORF

It was neatly done, to bring up the talk about the White Lady just at this time.

HOTHAM

The King may have his own reasons for that.

SECKENDORF

The King? The King has his—ha, ha! And you believe that no one sees through this fine game? You do not realize that there are eyes which even at night can see certain persons stealing across the courtyards of the Royal Palace? That there are ears which can hear plainly how such persons are let pass unchallenged because—ha, ha, ha!—because these persons wear white dominos? My dear sir, you must lay your plans more carefully if you would not have them patent to the simplest deductions. But do not trust too much to the King's indulgence toward the Prince of Wales. He is his nephew; he may not wish him compromised. Therefore he allows him to pass in and out in disguise. But, believe me, that is all the Prince has to hope for here. And I at least should be very sorry for a young diplomat, just beginning his career as you are, who cannot profit by a direct hint from a statesman of twenty years' experience, whose power of diplomatic manipulation has not yet been excelled. [He goes out.]

SCENE III

HOTHAM (alone).

Then the sentries let the white domino pass unchallenged, out of consideration for a Prince of Wales who does not exist? And the white domino is taken into the King's study? Here are two definite facts. The King himself plans some midnight adventure, and does not wish interference on the part of his sentries. His favorites, prying into everything, but winning only imperfect knowledge, connect the sentry order with the ghost of the Prince of Wales, and presuppose a tender thoughtfulness for the young adventurer on family or political grounds. Delicious! [He sits down to write on a paper he has taken from his portfolio.] Why, then—with the excuse of introducing the Prince of Wales, I might bring the poor Prince of Baireuth, banished from the palace and from the city, back again quite unhindered to his captive princess—and even to the Queen. The sun shines once more—but there is another storm to conquer first. The King approaches. [The KING comes an, dressed for the street. GRUMBKOW and EVERSMANN follow.]

KING (still outside).

Who is it, you say?

GRUMBKOW

Baronet Hotham.

KING (coming in).

Tell him that I send my regards to him and his English price-lists. We in Berlin are not cottonwards inclined just at present.

GRUMBKOW (designating the bowing HOTHAM).

Baronet Hotham desires to pay his respects to Your Majesty personally.

KING

Tell him Prussia is putting her best foot forward. German manufacturers need a chance to catch up with what the English already know about spinning and weaving.

GRUMBKOW

Baronet Hotham is about to ask Your Majesty in person for his dismissal.

KING (paying no attention).

The incident is closed. My ministers can attend to it now. I prefer the customary procedure. [He sits down.]

GRUMBKOW (in the centre).

You see, Baronet Hotham—

HOTHAM (to GRUMBKOW).

General, will you say to His Majesty that I deeply regret having failed in my mission? Tell him—

GRUMBKOW

His Majesty is present.

HOTHAM

Tell him that a country's industries need centuries of preparation to be able to sell at the low prices quoted by English merchants. Tell him—

GRUMBKOW

Will you not address His Majesty in person?

HOTHAM

I prefer the customary procedure.

KING (sitting, absorbed in his note-book).

Very good. And now, Grumbkow, tell him, for the account of the Prince of Wales—that I'm planning to build a couple of new gates in Berlin, but for the present he'll have to put up with the old ones through which to leave the city.

GRUMBKOW. Very good.

HOTHAM

And kindly add, General von Grumbkow, that as one may suppose the

Princess Wilhelmine to cherish the same feeling for her cousin, the

Prince of Wales, as—

KING

Pay no attention to that, Grumbkow. But announce to the gentleman that my children are accustomed to obey my wishes, and that the affair with Vienna is as good as settled. Understand?

GRUMBKOW

Very well, Your Majesty.

HOTHAM

And you might add, General von Grumbkow, that I have a favor to beg of

His Majesty before departing.

KING

Grumbkow, you might casually inquire what sort of a favor it is he wants.

HOTHAM

General—

GRUMBKOW

Baronet Hotham.

HOTHAM

If His Majesty should seem inclined, out of the nobility of his heart, to make amends for the cruel manner in which he has just dismissed an ardent admirer of his military greatness, then tell him that I know of a finely-built, strong young man, a close friend of mine, of good family, who would deem it an honor to serve up from the ranks under His Majesty's glorious flag.

KING

Grumbkow, you may tell Baronet Hotham that his personality and manner have pleased me greatly, and that I most heartily wish all Englishmen were of his sort. In the matter of the young man, you may ask him if the recruit will furnish his own equipment.

HOTHAM

Kindly state, General, that the young man will take service in His Majesty's army, fully equipped according to regulations, his hair and his heart in the right place, and that he furthermore brings with him a neat little inheritance of his own.

KING (more and more pleased).

Quite what one might expect from a born Englishman. Grumbkow, ask the

Baronet whether the young man, who is doubtless destined to introduce

Prussian tactics into England, would serve better on foot or to horse.

HOTHAM

He begs for a place with the Dragoons of the Guard in Potsdam.

KING

Potsdam? That won't do. They all want to serve in the Guard. No—no….

But he can—for a while, at least—join the Glasenapp Musketiers in

Pasewalk. That's a fine regiment, too.

HOTHAM

Please express my sincere thanks to His Majesty. The young recruit will have the honor to present himself personally to His Majesty in a few days.

KING

Grumbkow, suppose we offered Baronet Hotham, as a sign of our friendship, a position as recruiting officer?

HOTHAM

He would decline this honor, but he would beg another favor.

KING

And that is—?

HOTHAM

In all journals, in all records of travel, we read of a certain gathering in Berlin which goes beyond anything an Englishman can imagine in the way of clubs or private affairs.

KING

Dear me—our police permit that sort of thing in Berlin? Really, I am most curious.

HOTHAM

A certain genial personage gathers around him several times weekly, in a small, low-ceilinged room in the palace, a small but select circle of men on whom be bestows his confidence. Sitting on wooden stools, often in their shirt-sleeves, beer tankards before them on the great open table, Dutch clay pipes in their mouths, they entertain each other in the most unrestrained manner in spite of the exalted position held by most of these men. Some who do not smoke hold cold pipes between their teeth, that they may not mar the harmony of the picture. One member of the circle is singled out nightly as an object for mirth, and the choice is made by lot. Each and every one can in turn become the butt of merry satire. To have been present at a meeting of this oddest of all court gatherings would furnish me with the most notable memory I could carry away from Berlin.

KING

Egad, Grumbkow! I believe he means our Smoker.

HOTHAM

The world-renowned Prussian "tobacco-conference."

KING

And you have—the gentleman has—no. [He rises.] I shan't use the customary procedure any more. Baronet Hotham, you have heard of my Smokers? You have said nice things about them. That reconciles me—can you smoke?

HOTHAM

Yes, Your Majesty, the light Dutch Varinas, at least.

KING

I have that—and the Porto-Rican and Hungarian tobaccos as well. In fact, I'm having quite a good sort grown here in the Mark Brandenberg now.

HOTHAM

I fear I should have to decline trying that.

KING

Give me your hand, Baronet. Come to our conference tonight. We will wash down our diplomatic disagreement with a good drink of beer, and blue clouds of smoke from our pipes shall waft away all the intrigues, plots and counter-plots.

GRUMBKOW

But—Your Majesty, who is to furnish the source of amusement tonight?

HOTHAM

Will Your Majesty take me as the scapegoat?

KING

Oho, Baronet! it will be a hot skirmish. He who has been under fire from a dozen such old soldiers needs a week or two to recover from the experience.

HOTHAM (aside).

A pleasing fate indeed, to play the fox to such hounds!

KING

We'll find some one to be the central figure this evening. You must be among the laughers, and then you can tell us something of the cock-fights and the boxing-bouts in England. That sort of amusement pleases me mightily, and I would permit it to come into this country without excise or other duty. Very well, then, the Smoker is at eight o'clock. Your pardon for this queer audience of dismissal. Bring a brave thirst with you. For in the matter of drinking we pay no attention to the customary procedure.